by Dave Hazel
“Those back stabbin’ snakes,” Larry hissed. “As far as I’m concerned, they’re done. They’re dead to me. With that threat, they sealed their own fate. We can’t let them get back home.”
“Whoa Larry, be careful saying that stuff,” Jake whispered.
“They can’t hear us,” Larry said.
“I agree with Larry,” Mykal said and high-fived Larry’s hand. “If we gotta be careful, then they gotta be careful too. I’m not gonna fight to get home only to have them try to get me locked up.”
“Right on,” Kurt said and high-fived both of them. “So we’re gonna have a war inside a war, huh?”
“They declared the war first,” Sam said.
“Those cowards ain’t got the stomach for it anyway,” Larry laughed. “But I won’t hesitate to drop them like a bad habit.”
“We’ll just have to see who gets them first,” Sam laughed.
Jake shook his head and pretended to put his fingers in his ears. “I don’t wanna hear you say something that shouldn’t be said. I’ll talk to you guys later.” Jake left.
“Are those men planning to harm you, my friend?”
“Not physically.” Mykal smiled. He knew the giant, his new close friend, would protect and defend him. “But they will try to hurt me back in my world. They will try to take me away from my family and make me a prisoner. But, I’m not gonna let that happen.” He said. His threat caused his friends to laugh and hoot. They held out their hands to hive five each other again.
“You know Boris and Rich are with us,” Kurt said.
“I will not allow them to harm you. Give me the word, my friend, and I will have my men strike them down.”
4.
“Jake, what the hell is the hold up now?” Mykal asked.
“You didn’t hear this from me, but Edwards and Mansfield are the hold up. They don’t like it that so many people think of you and Towbar as being in charge. This passive aggressiveness shows they’re in control, not you. That’s what they think.”
“Those friggin dipshits,” Larry said and spat.
“I’m not trying to run anything. But we should have left over an hour ago.”
“Mykal, my friend, we must leave soon,” Towbar advised for the third time. “The Sosos are drawing near and I fear they are just beyond the flats to the north.” Towbar pointed to the incline in the plains approximately three miles away.
“I know, damn it.” Mykal sighed. “I feel my hands are tied. I gotta be careful not to push. I’d leave them in a heartbeat Towbar, but we’re gonna need their weapons and ammo. Trust me, the other weapons here are even better than what you’ve seen.”
“The Sosos draw closer with every moment we delay, my friend.”
“I know. Hey Jake, what the hell is it gonna take for these people to pull their heads outta their asses?” Mykal asked with a scowl. “Do we gotta get attacked and lose some more people?”
“Believe me Myk, I’m trying,” Jake huffed. “But I’m walking a fine line myself.”
Sam raised his hand. “I have an idea. Why don’t you see if they’ll send a vehicle to that crest over there? At least we’ll know if they’re right around the corner like Towbar thinks.”
“Yeah, I’ll do that,” Jake replied. “As a matter of fact, Sam, come with me. I’m gonna go check it out myself.”
“Are you sure you guys don’t have some booze stashed away?” Larry joked. Jake and Sam were notorious drinking buddies off duty and out of uniform.
Jake laughed. “Believe me, I wish.”
“I’ll be back shortly,” Mykal said. He looked around the camp. “I’m gonna go get a list of names of everyone who’s lost. Plus I wanna get a feel for where some of these people stand. I’m gonna start with the civilians.”
Towbar walked with him. They approached a Ford F150 pickup. The owners of the red F150, a younger couple, sat inside the cab despite the rising temperature. The couple stepped out of the pickup truck to greet them and stood close to each other.
“Hi folks. I’m Mykal and this is Towbar and while we’re waiting to leave I’m making a list of all the people who are here and to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves.”
“I’m Harvey Nordwall,” the man said, eyeing the two of them suspiciously. He looked to be in his twenties and his belly seemed too large for his size and age. Mykal assumed him to be a heavy beer-drinking farm boy. “And this is my lovely wife Lil. Lillian is her name, but she goes by Lil,” he smiled proudly.
Lillian didn’t have the beauty of glamour girls in fashion magazines. Being a farm girl, she captivated most with her wholesome prettiness. “We’re newlyweds.” She beamed, pushing back brown locks with her left hand to show off her ring.
“We’ve been married almost a month now,” he said and kissed his wife on the cheek.
“Three weeks and two days to be exact,” she said. Lillian smiled and took her husband’s hand inside both her hands and squeezed warmly.
“We were going to take our honeymoon two days ago, but as you can see, we got lost before that happened, so this changes everything,” he said while hooking his free thumb into a belt loop. “We’re together though. That’s all that matters.”
“Well, congratulations.” Mykal gave a fake smile. On one hand he tasted envy that this man had the love of his life with him. On the other hand Mykal felt bad for the man because he wouldn’t want his wife here. “I want you guys to know that we’re doing everything we can to get us back home.”
“D’ya really hit that bossy feller?” Harvey asked.
“You mean Edwards?” He chuckled and tried to read the man. “I guess you could say that. Why, how do you feel about him?”
“I don’t like him at all,” Lillian answered first. “He’s far too bossy if you ask me. He acts as if he is up on a high horse and we’re all below just to catch the droppings. Every time we tried to talk to him about our situation, he says he’s too busy to talk. I don’t know what’s got him so busy. All I ever see him doing is sitting in the truck with the other one.”
“Yeah, I don’t care for Edwards either,” Harvey said. “He doesn’t really know what’s going on. That boy doesn’t know his ass from a hole in the ground,” Harvey chuckled. “But he wants everyone to think he has all the answers. That could be dangerous.”
“Well don’t worry about him. If we’re ever gonna get outta here, it’s Towbar who’s gonna help us, not Lt Edwards. I’m not sure what’s gonna happen, but if it ever comes time for a split, you folks may wanna come along with me and Towbar.”
“Oh, you can count on that.” Harvey said. “I don’t trust him. We’ve only been waiting to see what everyone else is gonna do.”
“Do you have any weapons?”
Harvey shook his head. “At home I got a number of rifles and huntin’ guns, but nuttin’ here with me.”
“If I get you a rifle would you use it when I tell you to and would you promise not to waste ammo?”
“Oh, you betcha.” Harvey’s face lit up. “I feel so naked and helpless not being armed, ‘specially with all this here talk of fighting and war killin’. You get me a rifle and I’ll follow you anywhere, with no questions asked.”
“Great, I’ll get you one before we leave,” he said. Mykal knew they had the weapons of the dead men. “We’ll talk after.”
Mykal and Towbar walked to where more of the civilians were grouped together. One man looked to be in his sixties. The couple talking with him looked to be in their late thirties to early forties. They had four teenage children. The eldest and the youngest were boys. The two in the middle were young, but quickly developing, pretty girls.
“Excuse me folks,” Mykal interrupted the conversation between the old man and the father of the family. The father looked to be a business man and also appeared to be in great physical shape. His large biceps showed a commitment to pumping iron. “My name is Mykal and this is Towbar. I would like to know your names if you don’t mind. I’m making a list of all of us who
are lost.”
“I’m William Kraft,” the father said and didn’t try to mask his annoyance. He stood close to his daughters as if guarding them. “This is my wife Karen. My children are Teddy, he’s eighteen,” he pointed to the tallest of his children. “Annette is fifteen, Lisa is fourteen and Brian is twelve.”
“And you Sir?”
“My name is Carl Olsen,” he replied with a hushed whispery gasp. His face flushed red and he appeared to be suffering in the increasing heat. Though perspiring, he kept his suit jacket on. “Do you know when help will arrive? I’m in bad health and I’m not feeling too well. I may need a doctor soon. My heart feels to be acting up. I don’t think I can take much more of this.”
“Okay, Mister Olsen,” Mykal stopped him and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “I’m doing my best, but I’m not the one who is in charge here. Hopefully we’ll be in a better situation by the end of the day. About help coming, honestly, I can’t say. But we’ll do everything we can to get home as soon as possible, and to get you some medical help. Just hang in there for now and take it easy. Do you have any medication?”
“Yes, but I’ll need more pretty soon.”
“Let me ask you something,” William said. “Is it true what we’ve heard about these Sosos or whatever they’re called?”
“Yes Sir. We’re in danger.”
“Then why the hell isn’t this Edwards person getting on the ball and doing something to get us out of here?”
“Sir, I wish I could answer that, but we should be leaving here shortly and we’ll be moving to a better location.”
Two younger airmen walked by and eyed the two Kraft daughters playfully which caused William’s face to tighten with anger. “Girls, get inside the car,” he snarled his ire at the giggling response of Annette and Lisa.
Though Mr. Kraft’s anger launched at his daughters, Mykal knew he was enraged by what he perceived the two young men were thinking about his ‘little girls’. The two ‘little girls’ were large breasted, and shapely like their mother. Mykal feared Mr. Kraft’s over-protective distrust could become an issue later.
“But dad, it’s hot in there,” Annette whined.
“Don’t you talk back to me young lady,” he fired back and puffed up his chest. “Get inside the damn car. Now!” He pointed to the burgundy station wagon.
“Why don’t the boys have to get in the car?” Lisa voiced her complaint while following her sister. “It’s not fair.”
“Girls, I don’t want you to argue with your father,” Karen said and joined her daughters inside the car as a show of support.
Mykal felt he could win him over. “Sir, I see your concern for your girls and I agree with you. I’ll talk with both lieutenants and make sure they keep their men away from your daughters.”
“Don’t waste your breath,” William grunted. “I already spoke to Edwards, the one in charge,” he said in a mocking tone. “He pretty much told me he couldn’t do anything to keep the men away from my daughters. I want this understood. I’m not going to put up with anyone trying to mess around with my girls. You got that?” He jabbed his finger toward Mykal’s chest. “They’re underage!”
“Sir, I understand. I’m sorry that was the piss poor response you got. I give you my word, you’re not gonna have any problems with any of these young airmen harassing your girls.”
“How can you promise that when you’re not in charge, and your commanding officer said he couldn’t do anything?”
“The way I see it Sir, we gotta stick together and so we have to get along,” he said despite his thoughts of seceding. “We’re all gonna need each other, so I’m not gonna allow some horny young goofballs to ruin this relationship we need. Not to mention, we just don’t need that kind of nonsense going on. I’ll fix this problem for you. You won’t have to keep them locked up.”
“How can you stop them?”
Mykal smiled. “I have a couple of things in mind. All I ask, if someone harasses your family, don’t take matters into your own hands. Let me know immediately. I give you my word it won’t happen a second time.”
“I’ll give you a chance. If that doesn’t work, I’ll handle the problem my way.” He balled his fists and flexed his arms.
“Fair enough,” Mykal agreed. “If I was to get you and your son a weapon, would you used them if you had to?”
William hesitated. He stared at Teddy’s pleading facial expression. “Ah… I don’t know.” He shook his head.
“Sir, I’m not one to use scare tactics, but these Sosos are murdering savages. They wouldn’t care less if their victims are armed or unarmed. I don’t even want to imagine what they would do if they got their hands on your family. And it’s possible, if we get attacked, we may not be able to defend you and your family. I would suggest having a weapon so you can defend your family. It may save your lives.”
“Alright, alright,” William gave in to the pressure of his two sons. “But I wouldn’t know how to work one of those things,” he humbly admitted and bowed his head.
“No problem. I’ll show you. It’s easier than you think.”
“Dad, what about me?” Brian asked. “Don’t leave me out like the girls.” He turned to Mykal. “What about me? I’m not afraid.”
“Hey, I believe you,” Mykal replied and tried not to laugh at the pre-teen’s enthusiasm. “That’s something you gotta talk to your parents about.”
“I’m a dead eye shot with my pellet gun,” Brian boasted.
“Whoa.” Mykal threw his hands up and turned to William. “It’s gonna be dangerous, but we will need everyone who can handle a rifle.” Mykal stole a glance at the “non-essential” goods the family had set aside per Edwards’ last request. “Is this the discarded stuff that’s not needed for survival?” He couldn’t help but roll his eyes repeating Edwards’ call to all.
“Yeah,” William looked at the small pile of belongings. “We were taking a family vacation to the Badlands and then we were going down to the Badlands of South Dakota. Then from there to go see Mount Rushmore, because Karen’s sister works there. But, like everyone else, our vacation took a strange turn.”
“Can I buy that camera and all the film you have?”
“Just take it. All I ask in return is that you keep your word to make sure these men stay away from my daughters.”
“Consider it done.” He smiled and scooped up the Polaroid camera and eight packs of film. Mykal opened the black plastic machine revealing the lens.
“This is the brand new Polaroid OneStep 600,” William explained. “Self-contained plastic cover,” he said and pointed to the trademark rainbow stripe in the middle of the black device and stopped. “I’m sorry. I’m a salesman. Six exposures should be left in the camera and there are ten in each packet of film.”
“Thanks again.” Mykal acted giddy when they walked away.
Towbar watched Mykal inspect the little box. “What is this thing you have? You seem very happy.”
“I’ll show you after we talk to Edwards,” he said as he caught sight of the Lieutenant. “Excuse me, Sir?” Mykal called, getting Edwards’ attention. “Sir, I need to ask you something.”
Edwards looked like he wanted to turn away. “What is it?”
“Sir, one of the civilians, William Kraft, says that he would like to have the airmen stay away from his younger, under age, daughters. He said he asked for help but--”
“Sgt Graves! I’m a very busy man with a great deal of responsibilities. Not to sound flippant, but I don’t have the time to deal with such trivial matters,” he said just as Light and Mansfield hurried to their conversation. “Mr. Kraft will have to babysit his own daughters while I will concern myself with more pressing matters.”
Mykal guessed Light and Mansfield were afraid that he might assault Edwards again. “Yes Sir, I understand that, but since you are the ranking officer here and responsible for everyone’s safety, I thought it would only take a minute to put an off limits sign on the underage girls.
”
Edwards’s jaws tightened and his face twisted with rage. Mykal presumed he made Edwards feel like a fool again.
“Call the men together!” He said between clenched teeth.
“Sir, I didn’t mean to disturb you. If you’re in the middle of something right now, I’ll let everyone know for you. It won’t be a problem. The teenage girls are off limits, am I right?”
“Yes,” Edwards answered but wouldn’t look Mykal in the eye.
“Another thing, Sir,” Mykal said politely and respectfully, doing his best to make it look good in front of others who might be watching and taking notes, particularly Lt Light. “Everyone wants to know when we’re going to be leaving? There is an older man, a Mr. Olsen, he’s gonna need a doctor as soon as possible.”
Before Edwards responded, one of Lt Light’s men, A1C Currie, rushed to Light’s side. “Sir, we have a couple of vehicles approaching and a number of horses with them. They called on the radio and said they were Sgt Felps and Towbar’s people. They are about ten minutes out.”
“Thank you, Currie.” Lt Light waived him away.
Lt Edwards eyed A1C Currie who stood before them bare chested. His casual stance made it appear his holstered .38 caliber revolver hung low on his waist.
“Airman Currie!” Edwards’ flare-up surprised those present. “Where is the rest of your uniform, Airman? Why is your side arm hanging so low? Does this look like a set for a Hollywood western movie to you?”
Currie snapped to attention. “No Sir. My shirt is inside the vehicle where I was monitoring the radio, Sir.”
“Not wearing your blouse puts you out of uniform, airman! You are in violation of AFR 35 dash 10. Despite our strange milieus you will comply with all regulations. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes Sir!” He said and flashed a pleading glance to Lt Light.
Light intervened. “Lt Edwards, I authorized Airman Currie permission to remove his blouse. He is my radio man and the inside of the vehicle is like an oven.”
Edwards hesitated and it became clear he felt slighted. Light wasn’t about to roll over. The two lieutenants stared at each other until it became uncomfortable. Edwards gave in. “Carry on, Airman Currie.”
