World War III

by Heath Jannusch

  “We’ve received reports that Muslim officers are ordering the beheadings of hundreds of prisoners, both soldiers and civilians,” added Lt. Sawyer. “The only people they’ve spared are those who are willing to denounce their faith and accept Islam as the one true religion.”

  “I see,” said Ian, now realizing why the two Russian prisoners had been sentenced to death. “So which countries are we currently at war with?”

  “The Communist Muslim Coalition is comprised of China, Russia, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Turkey, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Libya, North Korea, and the list goes on,” answered Lt. Sawyer.

  “And our allies?” asked Ian.

  “Precious few I’m afraid,” admitted the Major. “The United Kingdom, Canada, France, Japan and South Korea have all claimed to be on our side, yet none of them have come to our aid. Although to be fair, Japan and South Korea are struggling to defend their own territory. The United Kingdom and France haven’t been invaded, at least not yet. Their leaders want peace and refuse to join the fight unless attacked directly. So far Israel is the only ally we have whose actively fighting our enemies, and doing a damn good job of it too! Not only are they successfully holding their line of defense, but they’ve also launched counterattacks against the invading armies that surround them.”

  “Why are you being re-deployed to the south when the enemy is just over those mountains?” asked Ian.

  “Without reinforcements Las Vegas won’t last very long,” replied the Major.

  “But if you guys are heading south who’s going to defend the border here? If the enemy is advancing as fast as you say, it won’t be long until their crossing over the mountains.”

  “True,” agreed Major Conrad. “That’s why I’m leaving fifty men under the command of Lt. Sawyer. Their sole task will be to defend the various mountain passes. I was hoping that you and your militiamen could also help in the defense. We must hold the enemy here and prevent them from pushing further east. If they get passed you, there’ll be no one left to stop their advance.”

  “I understand,” said Ian. “I’ll inform the townspeople and ready my men.”

  “Good,” replied Major Conrad. “Lt. Sawyer will be in charge, but I’d like you to be his second in command.”

  “Of course,” agreed Ian.

  “We also have some civilian refugees that we picked up in California. I’d like to leave them here in Clearview. Do you think you could find room for them?”

  “Absolutely,” said Ian. “When are you and your men pulling out?”

  “At first light,” said Major Conrad. He then turned and waved to the two soldiers guarding the prisoners. The Marines immediately escorted Lt. Razin and Captain Petrov over to where the Major stood waiting. “Would you please escort my men and the prisoners to the jail?”

  “No problem,” said Ian.

  “See to it that the prisoners are under guard at all times and never out of your sight.” Major Conrad said to the two Marines. “Lieutenant Sawyer will be along shortly to interrogate them.”

  When Ian and the Marines arrived at the jailhouse with the two prisoners, they found it completely empty. As usual, Sheriff Garrett was over at the Shady Lady getting drunk. Ian ushered Yuri and Sasha into separate cells and locked them inside. He was putting the cell keys back in Sheriff Garrett’s desk drawer, when Shiloh and Mason entered the jailhouse.

  “What’s going on?” asked Shiloh, noticing the two Marines standing guard. “And who are these guys?” he asked, pointing at the two men behind bars.

  “Russian POW’s,” answered Ian. “They were captured by Major Conrad and his convoy of Marines. Apparently, his orders are to execute the prisoners after they’ve been thoroughly interrogated.” Ian lowered his voice when mentioning the interrogation and execution so that the prisoners couldn’t hear him.

  “I need to talk with Major Conrad,” said Mason. “Do you know where I can find him?”

  “The last time I saw him was on Main Street just a few minutes ago,” answered Ian. “I’m not sure where he is now. Why what’s up?”

  “The enemy has set up a large camp down by the lake,” replied Mason. “It looks like the entire town of South Lake Tahoe has been occupied. From what I saw they appear to be re-supplying and waiting for reinforcements to arrive before crossing the mountains. There are already thousands of troops down there and God only knows how many more are on their way. I need to warn the Major immediately.”

  “The Major and most of his men are leaving for Las Vegas at first light,” said Ian. “Apparently the city is under siege and he’s been ordered to reinforce their dwindling defenses. Although, he did say that he’s leaving fifty men here in Clearview under the command of Lieutenant Sawyer.”

  “Fifty men won’t be enough,” said Mason. “We’re already outnumbered by over a hundred to one.”

  “Can’t you call upon some of your old connections for help?” asked Shiloh, referring to Mason’s tenure with the C.I.A.

  “I’m afraid not,” said Mason, “I’ve been disavowed. The only friends I have left are located in Europe and won’t be of any use to us here and now. What we really need are more men and more guns. We must convince the Major to stay and help us defend the mountain passes.”

  “Good luck with that,” replied Ian. “I doubt he’ll be willing to disobey his orders.”

  “Well we’ve got to try,” said Mason. “I’m gonna go find the Major and inform him of the enemy’s proximity. I’ll talk to you guys later.”

  “What do you think we should do Shiloh?” asked Ian, once Mason was gone.

  “I’m not sure,” answered Shiloh, shaking his head. “Did Lex and Cleo return with the convoy?”

  “I don’t think so,” replied Ian. “I didn’t see them.”

  “I’m gonna go and find out. Will you be alright here by yourself with these two?” Shiloh nodded towards the two Russian prisoners, who sat quietly in their cells.

  “Oh yeah,” grinned Ian, “no problem. Besides, I’m not alone,” he added, glancing at the two Marines who were sitting at the Sheriff’s desk playing cards.

  Shiloh turned and left the jailhouse, hurrying to catch up to Mason. When he’d finally caught up he asked, “Have you heard from Lex or Cleo?”

  “Nope,” answered Mason. “But I gave Cleo a satellite phone before they left.”

  A few minutes later they found Major Conrad at the south end of town, briefing his officers and giving them their orders. When the Major had finished, he turned to face Shiloh and Mason. “Yes gentlemen, what can I do for you?”

  “What happened to Lex and Cleo?” asked Shiloh.

  “They separated from us in Ridgecrest, California,” answered Major Conrad. “The last time I spoke to them they were headed southwest towards the coast. One of the prisoners that we captured informed us of FEMA camps just outside of San Diego. I believe that’s where they were headed.”

  “So you’ve already interrogated the prisoners?” asked Mason.

  “Just a little bit, but not near enough. My orders are to use more stringent methods, followed by an execution. So far only one of them seems willing to talk.”

  “Which one?” Asked Mason.

  “The Lieutenant,” answered Major Conrad. “The Captain is far less scared and much more composed, and he refuses to talk. Of course he’s also the one who would have the most information.”

  “I found one of the enemy’s forward base camps on the south side of Lake Tahoe,” said Mason. “They have thousands of troops with more arriving every day. My understanding is that you and your men are leaving for Las Vegas in the morning, is that correct?”

  “Yes,” answered the Major. “But I’m leaving fifty men under the command of Lieutenant Sawyer to help defend the town and secure the mountain passes.”

  “Fifty men won’t be near enough,” argued Mason. “Unless your superiors want to lose Nevada, just as they lost California, I suggest that you and your men stay here.”

  “I’m afraid that�
��s not my call,” replied the Major. “Besides, my understanding is that you and your friends were able to withstand an assault by the notorious gang of Enlightened Ones only a few weeks ago. If your militiamen could defeat them, then they should have no problem against the Chinese and Russians.”

  “First of all,” said Mason, trying to control his temper, “the Enlightened Ones had a lot less men. Second, they were mostly a bunch of thugs and criminals. They weren’t highly trained and well-armed soldiers like the army on the other side of the mountain, less than twenty miles away. By the time you reach Las Vegas, Northern Nevada may have already been lost, and then you’ll find yourself stuck between two armies.”

  “The only reason we won that battle,” added Shiloh, “was because God helped.”

  “Well then, maybe He’ll help you this time too,” sneered the Major. “Now if you’ll excuse me gentlemen, I have preparations to see to.” The Major turned in disgust and walked away, with Lt. Sawyer at his side.

  “That pig headed fool,” hissed Mason. “Why did you have to bring God into it?” he asked, glaring at Shiloh.

  “Hey don’t blame me,” replied Shiloh. “I was just telling it as it is. Have faith Mason. God will protect and guide us.”

  “You can rely on God if you wish,” spat Mason, “but I for one don’t believe in Him! I’ll rely on my skills and training, thank you very much.”

  “Whether you believe in God or not Mason, He believes in you,” smiled Shiloh, undaunted by Mason’s disbelief.

  “Whatever,” mumbled Mason, as he turned and stomped off, headed down Main Street.

  *******

  The Marine convoy, led by Major Conrad, left bright and early the following morning. A soft flurry of snow had been falling throughout the night, leaving six inches of powder on the ground. The rising sun was just beginning to peek over the Pine Nut Mountains to the east, casting a ray of warmth and sunshine on the sleepy town of Clearview. Most of the town’s inhabitants still lay sleeping, as the tanks and trucks rolled down Main Street and headed south for Las Vegas.

  Shiloh watched from the steps of the library, as the armored vehicles drove by. “Man, I hope what’s happening in Vegas stays in Vegas,” he mumbled, shading his eyes from the sunlight. When the last vehicle was gone and out of sight he turned and headed for the jailhouse, where Lt. Sawyer had spent the night interrogating the prisoners. He wanted to speak with the Lieutenant regarding the town’s defense.

  Shiloh opened the door to the jailhouse and felt a wave of warm air wash over him from within. Stepping inside, he shook off some of the snow that had landed on his coat. The smell of coffee and the sound of crackling wood glowing in the fireplace, made the room feel safe and cozy. That is until he noticed Lt. Sawyer and three of his Marines interrogating one of the Russian prisoners.

  The soldiers were standing in a circle inside the cell of Captain Petrov and had the prisoner tied to his bed spread eagle, with a white cloth over his face. One of the soldiers was pouring a bucket of water over the cloth, a technique known as water boarding. Shiloh found the scene appalling and turned his head away in disgust. The other prisoner, Lieutenant Razin, sat silently on his bunk watching as his comrade choked on the water, his body convulsing in torment.

  “Oh hello,” said Lt. Sawyer, when he saw Shiloh standing in the doorway of the jailhouse, “you’re up early.”

  “I couldn’t sleep,” replied Shiloh.

  “Alright fellas let’s take a break,” said the Lieutenant. “Why don’t you guys step outside for a smoke,” he added, noticing the look of dismay on Shiloh’s face. When the soldiers were gone he turned and said, “Sorry you had to see that Shiloh.”

  “So am I,” replied Shiloh, glancing at Yuri who was still tied spread eagle with the cloth covering his face. “Can he breathe with that cloth over his face?”

  “Not very well,” answered Lt. Sawyer, “but enough to survive.”

  “Is it even working? Has he told you anything?”

  “Not so far,” admitted the Lieutenant, “but we haven’t started pulling his finger nails off yet either.” He made a point of saying the last part loud enough so that both prisoners could hear. “So what brings you by?”

  “I’d like to know what your plans are for defending Clearview.”

  “I’ll leave that up to you and Ian,” answered Lt. Sawyer. “My orders are strictly to guard the mountain passes, nothing more.”

  “So this,” Shiloh nodded towards Yuri, “isn’t part of your orders?”

  “Well, yes, this too,” said the Lieutenant, looking down at the prisoner. “Believe me, I don’t enjoy doing this but it has to be done.”

  “Why?” asked Shiloh. “It’s not even working, you just said so yourself. I’ve never understood how a person can say they don’t like doing something yet they continue to do it. It doesn’t make any sense to me.”

  “Well maybe that’s because you’ve never served in the military and you’ve always had the luxury of making your own decisions.”

  “Every man has that God given right,” answered Shiloh. “Just because someone has told you to do something doesn’t mean that you have to obey, especially when your conscience tells you it’s wrong.”

  “I hear what you’re saying,” said Lieutenant Sawyer, “but I’m a soldier, and a soldier follows orders. If you know of a better way to extract information I’d love to hear about it, but until then mind your own business. Now, if that’s all you have to say I’d like to get back to work. Please send my men back in on your way out.”

  Shiloh turned and stormed out of the jailhouse. If Lieutenant Sawyer would not listen to him, perhaps he would listen to Ian. After all, they were good friends and had spent several years serving together. Shiloh found Ian eating breakfast with Jessie and Rupert at Dr. July’s home. They were almost finished with their meal when he arrived.

  “I agree with you,” said Ian, after Shiloh relayed the conversation he’d had with Lieutenant Sawyer. “I’ve already tried to talk them out of it but they wouldn’t listen to me either.”

  “Perhaps I’d have more luck,” offered Rupert.

  “Why would they listen to you?” asked Ian.

  “Well it can’t hurt,” suggested Jessie. “Why don’t we all go over there and talk with them after breakfast. Have you eaten yet?” she asked Shiloh, who shook his head in response. “Then please have a seat and I’ll make you a plate.”

  “Thanks,” smiled Shiloh, pulling a chair out from the table and sitting down. “I don’t mind if I do.”

  When they had all finished eating, the small group set out for the jailhouse. But when they arrived they were surprised to find it completely deserted.

  “Where is everyone?” asked Jessie.

  “I don’t know,” replied Shiloh. “They were here just here a little while ago. Where would they have taken the prisoners?”

  “I think I might know,” said Ian, a grim look upon his face. “My guess would be that they took them out of town to execute them.”

  “We’ve got to find them!” said Rupert, wishing that he hadn’t wasted time finishing his breakfast.

  The door suddenly opened revealing Mason and his wife Savannah. “Good morning,” greeted Savannah, as the married couple entered the small confines of the jailhouse and closed the door behind them.

  “What are you all doing here?” asked Mason. “And more importantly, where are the prisoners?”

  “We believe they’ve been taken out of town to be executed,” answered Ian. “We’re going to try and stop them, if we can find them in time.”

  “They’d better not kill them,” said Savannah, her eyes heavy with dread. “What kind of animal would torture and slaughter an unarmed person?”

  “There’s a war going on,” replied Mason, “and war is hell.”

  “That may be true,” agreed Rupert, “but killing them in cold blood is wrong. There’s no excuse for it.”

  “Oh to hell with them,” grumbled Mason, “let them die! They�
��re the enemy. I guarantee you that those two Russians killed plenty of American’s on their way here, and if given the opportunity they’d kill us too!”

  “Michael Jefferson Mason!” gasped Savannah, gently slapping Mason in the back of his head. “What’s the matter with you? I insist that you help them find the prisoners and stop this execution immediately!”

  “Oh brother,” mumbled Mason. “They aren’t going to listen to me. And besides, who am I to tell the United States military who they can and cannot kill?”

  “I thought you were the man I married,” retorted Savannah, displeased with her husband’s attitude and lack of compassion.

  “Of course I am,” replied Mason. “But this is war, and in war you kill your enemy or they kill you. The only interest I have in those prisoners is the information they can provide.”

  “Well then shouldn’t we at least keep them alive until we have that information,” suggested Shiloh.

  “Well of course,” agreed Mason. “I’m sure Lieutenant Sawyer isn’t executing them before learning everything that he can.”

  “Actually,” continued Shiloh, “I was just in here a little while ago and Lt. Sawyer admitted that he’d been unable to get them to talk. At least not Captain Petrov, whom he believes is concealing important information.”

  “Fine,” agreed Mason, knowing the information that the prisoners possessed could be vital to the survival of Clearview and all of its inhabitants. “Let’s go find them!”

  “Yes but go where?” asked Ian. “We don’t know where they’ve taken them.”

  “I do,” said Mason. “I saw the Lieutenant and several of his men leaving town a few minutes ago. They were headed west towards the mountains. If we hurry we can catch them.”

  “Were the prisoners with them?” asked Rupert.

  “I couldn’t tell,” admitted Mason. “They were in a large armored truck and the back was completely sealed.”

  The group quickly left the jailhouse, piled into Mason’s black Hummer and sped out of town. It didn’t take them long to find the large armored truck, parked on the side of the road only a few miles west of town. With hands secured behind their backs and blindfolds over their eyes, the two prisoners stood side-by-side in front of a firing squad of six Marines. Lieutenant Sawyer was standing off to the side and about to order his men to fire, when the Hummer skidded to a stop beside him.