by Nathan Jones
His friend swore. “What do you think about it, man? You know me. I'm a good shot, I don't freeze up in a fight, and I'd walk through fire to help a squad mate. If Matt's too squeamish to let me stay in his squad that's on him, but I can do more good out there fighting blockheads.”
“The war's not going to be over tomorrow,” Trev replied. “You're not going to miss all the fighting if you take a break for a few weeks. Come on. Stay in camp, sort out whatever issues Matt's so worried about, and once you've got your head on straight talk to me again. I promise you'll have a place in my squad if Matt doesn't want you back.”
Pete turned away sullenly. “So after everything I've done for the town, for all of you, one word from Matt and nobody trusts me anymore. I suppose if I tried to go back and join Lewis he'd probably refuse, too.” The young man kicked at a nearby scrub oak and swore again. “I don't deserve this, Trev.”
Trev felt a surge of sympathy for his friend that he had to push down. “You know, if you stopped looking at this like a punishment it would go a long way towards sorting out your issues.”
“Screw you.” Pete turned and stomped away.
Trev sighed and made his way back to slip into his sleeping bag. He wished Matt would've told him more about what was up with Pete, so he'd have some idea of what this was all about. He trusted his friend's word, but it would've been nice to make his own judgment on the issue. Unless it was something to seriously worry about it felt like making mountains out of molehills.
As the squad settled down, he couldn't help but notice that Alice moved a short distance away from everyone and made her own little camp with Pete. Trev supposed that made a sort of sense, since the young man had been kicked out of Matt's squad and wasn't welcome in his, so with the camp moving he didn't really have a place to stay.
He tried not to ponder too deeply about why the couple elected to set up a privacy tarp, or notice how a stone's throw away Rick had stopped setting up his sleeping bag and was glowering at the rising screen.
Pete joining Trev's squad wasn't any of Alice's business, and whatever the two decided to do on their own time wasn't Trev's business or anyone else's. He put it out of his head and focused on what he remembered of the terrain north of Cedar Creek, doing his best to prepare for their new assignment.
It was a lot more broken and rough than the wooded slope Matt's squad was in charge of. Less cover, and fewer approaches, which would make it harder for the enemy to get anywhere. That was nice. But at the same time it meant picking over the terrain to patrol it would be more taxing for them.
Maybe he should risk patrolling the foothills below instead. They'd be covering the same area, and should still be able to easily ambush any approaching blockheads. With some preparation they could also plan escape routes to safety if they had to bolt, and ways to punish the enemy if they were pursued.
It was something to think of. Tomorrow. Trev was crashing hard, the adrenaline-fueled night leaving him drained and a bit shaky. He was more than glad to let sleep claim him.
Chapter Six
Uneasy Routine
Trev ended up getting up far earlier than usual, in spite of the interrupted sleep from last night's chaos.
Or maybe because of it. His sleep was uneasy, full of nightmares of explosions and people screaming. He kept finding himself starting awake, heart pounding and ears straining for the sounds he'd heard in his sleep. They felt so real he was certain at any moment his dreams would become reality. That the radio he'd made sure to keep on the standby channel, his earbuds in place despite the discomfort, would blare with Davis calling for him to get his squad together.
That never happened, and he was always able to calm himself by remembering that two hundred soldiers were out there guarding them while they slept. Even so, he still woke up when it was barely bright enough to see his hand in front of his face. He was exhausted, but that didn't stop him from dragging himself out of his sleeping bag and packing up his things.
It didn't help that the hastily cleared ground had been full of bumps, several large enough to be uncomfortable even through his sleeping pad. Tonight he was going to make it a priority to get his squad situated in a comfortable campsite. He wanted them to get some real sleep, assuming it didn't interfere with their duties.
Trev wasn't too surprised to find that he wasn't the only one up and about. Nobody else had gotten much sleep either, which wasn't terrific; today was going to be difficult for all of them, and he didn't doubt they'd regret the sleepless night well before it was time to sleep again.
Although it was a temptation to put them to work, as much to get their minds off things as to be useful, Trev made it a point to have his squad have as relaxing a morning as they could, even if they couldn't sleep. It gave his people a chance to properly wash up, shave, care for their equipment, and even do some laundry before breakfast, followed immediately afterwards by the funeral service.
The death total had gone up to nineteen in the night, and several more were still in critical condition. As everyone in camp gathered together for the service Trev overheard a few nearby Marines grimly pointing out that twenty of them for two hundred blockheads, although it was doubtful they'd killed close to that many, was at best an even trade considering how outnumbered they were. And the Army scouts sent out to scavenge the night's battlefield hadn't found much, since the enemy had time to retrieve most of their dead.
Trev could've done without that sort of talk when they were about to put friends and fellow fighters in the ground. Or maybe he just didn't like the reality of their situation laid out so starkly in front of him.
He went over to the lines of bodies, who'd been zipped inside sleeping bags with only their faces showing. So the living could identify friends to pay final respects. He sought out Tony Russo and found him halfway down a row, fully covered by his bag. Because he'd been hit in the head, Trev guessed. He was able to recognize the body because John stood vigil over his brother.
Although he didn't know the brothers well, Trev interrupted long enough to pay his respects. He received a stoic nod from John in response, gave Tony a moment of silence, then excused himself to rejoin his squad.
Davis showed up not too long after that, flanked by Williams and Graham and with several officers and noncoms from the Army reinforcements following behind. They came to stand behind the lines of bodies, so they could face both them and the crowd on the other side.
By the looks of it most of the Army guys were a higher rank than sergeant, but they deferred to Davis as he stepped forward and cleared his throat, looking down at the eighteen men and one woman laid out in front of him. His eyes lingered on a few friends, genuine grief twisting his usually impassive features. Then he looked up at the gathered crowd and cleared his throat again.
“Some of these people were fighters,” he said in a solemn tone loud enough to carry to every ear. “Some were civilians. Some died to the helicopter's weapons, others while pushing back the blockheads. But however they died, each and every one of them was doing their part to help in the fight. Against an enemy who wouldn't hesitate to kill them no matter the situation.”
The sergeant took a deep breath. “We honor their sacrifice and we mourn their loss. And we fight on, to make sure as few innocents as possible join them in death. Let's observe a moment of silence.”
The crowd had already been quiet, but once Davis stopped speaking there was barely even a shuffle or cough. Even nature seemed to hold still for almost a minute as all stood with their heads bowed.
Then Davis quietly began issuing orders to his men, who solemnly got to work lowering bodies into the shallow graves, which had been dug in the rocky soil beside the road. As the Marines began shoveling dirt back into the holes, which would also be covered with low stone cairns, the sergeant dismissed the gathered crowd to begin the day's duties.
Trev and his squad made their way back to where they'd left their packs, near where Matt's squad had left theirs. The Aspen Hill volunteers took a mom
ent to shake hands all around, since it would probably be a while since they saw each other again.
For a second watching Pete and Alice whisper to each other, Trev was worried the young man would try to pull something. Like just bringing his gear and following along, refusing to leave and forcing Trev to do something about him. But then the couple hugged for an uncomfortably long time, and Pete broke away and headed over to where the civilians were cleaning up after breakfast. It had been cooked under the open sky and eaten wherever people could find a handy rock or patch of grass, so the mess was similarly haphazard.
After trading backslaps with Matt, Trev called his squad into line and his friend did the same. The two walked in opposite directions towards the areas they'd been assigned to guard, and Trev didn't look back. He hoped his friends to the south would be okay, but worrying about them wouldn't help much.
Instead, he raised his voice to speak to the people following him. “One quick thing, guys. We're going to be patrolling near Fred Vernon and his men. I don't know if you've heard, but things aren't exactly friendly between us.” That drew a few chuckles; they'd heard everything about the situation, either through rumors or from Trev himself. “But friendly or not, none of us are going to be the cause of trouble. And if anyone on their side tries to start anything I hope you'll avoid rising to the bait. Understood?”
There were a few murmurs of assent, and Trev glanced back to see his squad mates nodding. They started up the path to Cedar Creek Canyon, and on the subject of the former sheriff Trev radioed ahead to let Vernon know they were coming. “We'll be taking the cut just north of your canyon to get down to the foothills and start our patrol,” he finished.
There was a brief pause before Vernon replied. His warm, almost fatherly tone set Trev's teeth on edge. “There's a much faster and easier way to get to where you're going through the canyon itself.” His tone became a wry drawl. “That is, if you'll accept our hospitality.”
Against his better judgment Trev responded. “Thanks, but I learned my lesson from last time.”
The former sheriff chuckled. If he was offended it didn't come over on the radio. “Fair enough. I've got a man watching the cut. I'll let him know you're on your way.”
Vernon's voice cut off, and Trev sped up a little on the upward slope, stomping a bit more than necessary.
After only a few steps Rick caught up to him and walked to one side of the path, speaking in a low voice. “Listen, Trev, can we talk?”
At hearing his friend's serious tone Trev nodded and motioned for the rest of the squad to slow down a bit for some privacy. “What's up?”
“Vernon. You told us to avoid trouble, but I'm wondering how well you'll be able to keep your own advice.”
Trev gave the younger man an annoyed look. “Why wouldn't I?”
Rick shrugged. “Well you did get in that scuffle with some of his men a week ago. I think you have a bit of a blind spot with him . . . you're striking sparks whenever the two of you come in contact.”
Trev stiffened. “Are you saying any of the trouble he and his men have caused is my fault?”
Rick hastily raised his hands. “Hey, I get that the three guys who jumped you and Matt were in the wrong. And it was a BS thing to do and doesn't say much about him as a leader.” His friend shifted uncomfortably. “At the same time, he and his guys really know what they're doing. Everyone who's worked with him has nothing but good things to say.”
“Is this a “You should get along for the good of the unit” speech?” Trev asked sarcastically. “Because you know I just got done making one of those.”
“Which is why you snapped at him over the radio?” his friend replied, Trev stayed stubbornly silent, and Rick sighed. “I'm not saying you need to invite him to the next family barbeque. Just, you know, don't make trouble if there is none, and if they try to start something be the bigger man. Our focus should be on patrolling our route, and that's going to be hard if you keep tossing barbs every time you talk to the nearest group of volunteers.”
Trev nodded grudgingly. “I know, I shouldn't have said that to him. I'll try to be more civil. Thanks for the advice.” He clapped Rick on the shoulder and sped up again to get ahead with his thoughts.
The younger man hurried to catch up. “I know you've got good reason to be pissed at him. I just thought I should say something.”
“I get it.”
To his relief he recognized the man Vernon had guarding the cut. It was Trent Lincoln, who he'd met with the rest of the Lincoln family on the road to Michigan, heading the other way. The man waved as they approached.
“Looks like you're going to get some exercise with your new job,” he said. He sounded slightly jealous, and Trev wasn't sure he blamed him; even considering the risk of enemy attacks, sitting around guarding a treacherous path up a steep, rocky slope wasn't exactly exciting.
“Wouldn't be the first time I've gone long distances day after day,” Trev replied, offering his hand.
Trent chuckled as he shook it. “I hear you. It's kind of crazy, but when my family was trekking across the Great Plains I just wanted it to be over. Now that it is I kind of miss putting ground under my feet.”
“I guess enjoy sitting around while you can. No telling what we'll be doing in the future.”
“True.” The man hesitated, then leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice. “Why didn't you tell me you and Fred had a problem?”
Trev bit back a sigh. He should've expected his new friend would hear about that, all things considered. “I didn't want to drag you into the middle of it.”
“Okay. Only . . .” Trent frowned uncomfortably. “The guys are saying you accused him of stealing your truck. That you arrested him at gunpoint and made a huge deal about it when they first came into camp. They're saying a lot of other stuff about you, too. I just wanted to get your side of it.”
“What sort of other stuff?” Trev asked sharply. So not only had Vernon robbed him, but now he was bad mouthing him behind his back?
His friend shrugged. “Just stuff. I, um, I'd rather not say.” He squared his shoulders. “So what's your side of things?”
Trev shook his head. He should've warned Trent about Vernon that first morning after all. Only he hadn't expected something like this. No time like the present to correct a mistake, but unfortunately he didn't have time at the moment. “I'll be happy to tell you everything, but we've got ground to cover. How about I visit you next time I'm off duty and we can talk it though?”
“Sure.” Trent grimaced. “I'm on mornings watching this deer trail for now, so you know where to find me.”
They met two squads of Army reinforcements heading back the other way not far from the cut. Their superiors had radioed ahead that Trev's squad was relieving them, and aside from a couple lookouts they were heading back to 31. Although the soldiers were clearly eager to get some rest, Trev managed to convince them to stop for a second and fill him in on what they'd observed from the area.
Most of the details about the terrain he already knew, but he was interested to hear the routes the blockheads had taken to break through during last night's attack. That would be a good place to start with establishing a good patrol route and preparing better defenses for the area.
He was also relieved to hear that when the enemy pulled out after their attack, they'd abandoned the foothills entirely. And in spite of their moderate success breaking through here, they didn't seem to have left many soldiers in the immediate area in the valley below. Maybe they didn't expect to get lucky a second time, and this stretch wasn't important enough to devote more than a token force to.
Definitely not an excuse to let his guard down, but Trev had to admit the thought had him breathing easier. From the looks of it the rest of his squad was thinking the same.
After thanking the soldiers and wishing them the best he led his squad on. First things first he had Rick and Tom go on ahead, to take over for the remaining lookouts so they could rejoin their squads. Then he
sent the rest of his squad to about the midway point of their assigned area, to begin scoping out the area and setting up their new camp. It was a fairly secure spot the Army squads had recommended, up on the lower slope just above the foothills, and would make a good starting point for their patrols.
Once that was done Trev called for Mason to join him, and together they began scoping out the foothills to plan the ideal patrol route.
It wasn't easy going, whatever his previous estimation of the terrain compared to the slope Matt's squad guarded. But there were plenty of choices for easy paths, which was more a potential problem than a convenience; with their superior numbers the blockheads would get better use of alternative routes than Trev's people would, and he'd have to find a way to defend them all.
They were going to have their work cut out for them over the next little while.
Near the north end of the area Mason pointed him towards a few opportunistic turkey vultures circling a copse at the eastern edge of the foothills, just before where they gave way to the valley below. “Early birds.”
Trev nodded. If they'd spotted a kill from last night's battle they'd been quick about it. But then again, a lot of people had died and that was bound to draw carrion birds. Or maybe the birds were still circling because whoever it was still had some life in him. “Go find a good spot to watch the valley. I'll check it out.”
The man nodded and split off to begin making his careful way up a slope dotted with sagebrush and evergreen shrubs. Trev continued on alone, taking it slow and moving carefully. As he went Rick contacted him over the radio to ask what he was doing. His friend was in a position to watch, so Trev quickly explained the situation. It was a bit of a relief to know he had friendly eyes on him.
Finally he reached a spot where he could see inside the copse at what had drawn the vultures' attention, and he pulled out his binoculars.
