Into the Darkness (Book 1): Vigilante
Page 17
Sir, this gang must be destroyed to the last breathing soul.
The burning question is; should you agree with my analysis, what do we do with the slaves who are now cannibals.
These slaves each carry the C brand on their foreheads.
I await your orders via my rider, Sergeant Tolan.
*
Leon Pickett
1LT, Troop B,
Commanding
Everyone let out a breath as the seriousness of this message sank in. Levi broke the silence by saying, “Sergeant Tolan, please wait in the outer office for our reply.”
Sergeant Tolan stood, saluted and said, “Yes sir, I will await your orders.” He then did an about face and left the office.
“Whew,” said Levi, “this is a pickle. We have this Latino Gang thirty or so miles away in Robersonville, and the White Supermen in Roper.
Ok, here is my operational guidance on this conundrum; we destroy the White Supermen first then begin to march toward Robersonville.
Lt. Pickett is to increase his hit and run attacks to slow the Double R down and reduce their combat effectiveness.
Assuming we can satisfactorily eliminate the White Supermen, we must still leave, say twenty-five troopers here as a Defensive Force.
Tolan can stop by Fort Pickett, pick up all but twenty-five, and then rush back to Pickett.
That will give us a force totaling no more than sixty-five effectives to take on the Double R.
Discussion?”
Ralph said, “No, I can’t say that I like the plan, but it does seem the logical thing to do. I must say that I am glad we were able to get razor wire around the settlement area.
I vote to go.”
First Sergeant Cobb said, “Sir, I feel comfortable that the 60mm M-224 mortars from Lejeune will be a major force multiplier for the defense of Defiance, and the more mobile 40 mm automatic grenade launchers will do the same on the Roper and Raleigh bunch. I would also recommend that we use the 60 mm on those Robersonville devils.”
“Good thinkin’ Top. Those 40s, being shoulder fired with five rounds per cylinder should really help with the odds.
Ben, your thoughts?” asked Levi.
Major Smith sat up straight in his chair and said, “I agree absolutely. I will get the auto grenade launchers online and with your approval, we can be prepared to attack tonight at 0400 hrs.
We will then return here and exchange our troopers for fresh faces before we take off for Robersonville after a few hours rest.”
“Thank you Ben, but I intend to lead these attacks.”
Ralph, Ben, and the 1st Sgt all shook their heads, and in near unison said, “The hell you will!”
Levi looked at each of them and replied, “Funny, but I thought I was the ramrod of this outfit. I say I go, and that is that.”
Ralph said, “No, that is not that. This is a big operation for us, and Scott must be the one to lead it.”
Before Levi could object, the 1st Sgt. added, “The Mayor’s right Colonel. You once told me that every young officer has to earn his collar points by leading a force across a creek against a hostile force. Well, this is that creek the young Sergeant must cross.”
“Oh, all right, Scott you’re the man, let’s do it.
Ben?”
“Don’t worry sir; I’ll have everything he needs together by 1800. Colonel, Scott can do this, and I will make sure he has the men and equipment he needs.
You have given us your concept of the campaign, and as always, I know you will let us do our jobs. Roger, sir?”
“Yeah, yeah, Roger that. Since I’m needed around her ‘bout as much as a boar hog needs tits I might just as well go take a nap.”
Ralph piped in with, “Yes, you do that; I’ll have my clerk bring you some warm milk and a couple of Fig Newtons.”
“Funny man, Ralph, real funny…smartass.
Ben, Scott, I want to see your Roper plan of attack in two hours, Roger?”
“Yes sir, shall we have lunch delivered here?”
“Oh, good grief, make it 1300, okay?”
Ben said, “Absolutely sir, will there be anything else?”
“Heaven help me I’m in the hands of maniacs. Don’t you think that’s enough for now?” said Levi as he tried to hide a smile.
Ralph hung back after everyone had gone and asked, “Levi, you’re not mad, are you?”
“Yeah, a little bit, but not at anyone in particular. Truth is, I just don’t like being the one who sends these fine men out to do battle while I sit here all warm and toasty with my warm milk and Fig Newtons.”
“I know my friend, I know.”
***
Chapter 27
Battle of Roper
April 25th, 1300
Defiance War Room
Defiance
Ben and Scott entered the War Room; Ben said, “Colonel, we are prepared to brief you on our concept of the battle as per your guidance.”
“Fine, let’s hear it.”
“Yes sir,” said Ben, approaching the map hanging from the wall opposite Levi’s desk, “first I will provide you with our recommended equipment requirements. We believe the enemy force can be eliminated utilizing the following:
Night vision helmet-mounted monocle
Standard issue M-4A1 Assault Rifle w/suppressor and Rifle Combat Optic (RCO)
Standard basic load of ammunition with reserve of second basic load totaling fourteen twenty round magazines for each M-4A1
Four each M-32A2 Automatic Grenade Launchers (40 mm) w / 20 rounds each
Eight each M-27 IAR Squad Machine Guns w / 500 rounds each
This completes my portion of this briefing. SSgt Eldridge will present the concept of attack.”
Levi asked about the 60 mm M-224 mortars and was told that in their considered opinions they would not be needed and should remain for the defense of Defiance.
“Thank you, Major Smith. Colonel Levins, my concept of attack is as follows:
Enemy force is currently under observation
Attacking force will cross LOD nlt 2400, and be transported to three miles of the target to be in position by 0345
Attack to commence at 0400
Scouts have been monitoring the sleeping patterns and arrangements of the enemy force and have found they have taken up residence in the immediate area surrounding the Dew Drop Inn
Manpower requirements include sixty-one personnel, fifty combat effectives, two medical doctors, four 5 Ton drivers, four assistant drivers, and commander One man per SAW, total eight
One man per Grenade Launcher total four
Thirty-three Infantrymen encircling the enemy encampment
All M-4A1 rifles to be set on semi-automatic
Five men reserved to eliminate any enemy opting for separate sleeping quarters as required
The Dew Drop Inn along with surrounding buildings will be encircled prior to the attack
Force makeup to include: Eight SAW squad machine gun emplacements in an equilateral position formation around the kill zone
Four 40 mm Automatic Grenade Launchers will be placed equilaterally around the kill zone
The initial assault will consist of 40 mm grenade launcher bombardment into the sleeping quarters forcing those inside to exit the buildings. Once out in the open overwhelming fire will be placed upon the enemy to eliminate them all.
Once all visible personnel are down, a second grenade launcher bombardment on the same buildings, or any others with hostiles will commence followed by a ground assault, using overwatch, to secure the area.
The estimated time of engagement is anticipated to be no more than ten minutes.
There shall be no prisoners taken.
Upon mission completion, sufficient bodies will be hung at strategic locations around our twenty-mile perimeter to deter future hostile forces.
Mr. Tiny N. Dick will be hanged with the other bodies ringing our perimeter.
Sir, this concludes my portion of this briefing. Questions?
”
“Have you made allowances to minimize collateral damage?”
“No sir, we have not. We do not have sufficient forces to trade Trooper lives for civilian casualties. Such a mission would greatly increase the potential for Troop A casualties. We are at war with a numerically superior hostile forces that have invaded our established borders.”
“Gentlemen, I can find no fault with your battle plan. You are a go. Dismissed.”
When Levi and Ralph were alone, Ralph asked, “Levi, are you sure that we can’t find a way to save the civilians?”
“Ralph, we don’t even know if any civilians are still alive. I am sorry but, as the man said, we are at war and as sad as it is, there is always collateral damage.”
*
April 25th, 2330
Main Gate (LOD)
Defiance
Levi walked amongst the troopers offering encouragement to these men about to go into battle.
Morale was high, each man was well trained and knew the stakes involved in their mission.
He was most impressed with the way the NCOs interacted with their charges. Equipment was given a final check just prior to climbing aboard the trucks.
At 2355 hours, SSgt Eldridge reported to Levi that the convoy would cross the Line of Departure on time at 2400 hours.
Levi wished him luck, shook his hand and returned his salute before SSgt Eldridge mounted the second transport and signaled for the convoy to move out. The first truck crossed the LOD at exactly 2400 hours.
*
April 26th 0030
Three miles from Roper, NC
The Defiance troopers dismounted; formed in their squads and began the trek through the pine forest to within visual range of the mission objective.
At 0350 the assault force was in position and ready to begin the 0400 assault.
At precisely 0400, the first whumpf of the automatic grenade launchers was heard followed immediately by the other three launchers. The rounds struck, in and around, the target area and quickly adjusted onto the targets.
Windows blew out and 40 mm grenades detonated inside the selected buildings. The barrage kept up until each launcher had fired all five rounds in the weapon’s cylinder.
Within seconds, a few hostiles in other surrounding buildings began firing wildly from the windows.
SSgt Eldridge, using his megaphone, called for the enemy to cease fire and surrender. There was no response, so he ordered one more 40 mm grenade to be launched through the window of one of the occupied buildings. This action immediately brought a shout to stop shooting, “We surrender.”
SSgt Eldridge ordered the hostiles to come out unarmed and place their hand over their heads. There were seven uninjured “Supermen” out of seventy-four, twenty-two wounded to various degrees, and forty-four dead.
Upon entering the targeted buildings, troopers found that the predominance of the hostiles were passed out in the Dew Drop Inn and were killed or wounded in the grenade assault.
Of the ten civilians in the targeted buildings, none were killed as they were chained and locked in the supply room. In fact, one Trey Hornsby, the missing master motorcycle mechanic was among the chained.
The mission succeeded without firing a single rifle shot…well, except for dispatching those who were wounded. The uninjured were hanged along with Tiny.
The battle for Roper was over.
*
April 26th 0835
War Room
Defiance
The senior staff and the Mayor were seated around the conference table to hear the after-action report from SSgt Eldridge.
He reported on the mission events, complimented his men and said, “Sir, it was too easy. It was like fishing with dynamite. I am concerned that the troopers all think they are The A-Team. When we actually see real combat, I fear they are in for a very rude awakening.
On the other hand, the operation went off without a hitch. All in all, I am extremely proud of them.”
Levi thanked Scott for his briefing and said, “SSgt, we train hard every day. I am a firm believer in ‘train hard, win easy’. I just hope we never have to face a competent hostile force.”
I have just two more things, “SSgt Eldridge please come to me.”
Eldridge stood and walked to his commander and said, “Sir, how may I be of assistance?”
Levi smiled and said, “Well, first we must remove these SSgt collar pins and replace them with Captain’s Bars. In the Army, we call this a frocking. You wear the rank and have all of the responsibility, but you don’t get the pay.”
Those around the table chuckled, and Captain Eldridge said, “Well dang sir that would have been a pretty good pay raise. Seriously, sir, are you sure? Am I really ready?”
“You know Scott that is the second time you have questioned my senility. Yes, I am sure, and you are as ready as anyone of us…me included. Now it is my turn to be serious. If you do not know that I have tremendous faith in your ability, then maybe I was wrong, but then we all know that I am never wrong.
We will be having a promotion party in early to mid-May, and your promotion will become official then. I have advanced your promotion because of the upcoming Robersonville attack. This will be a valuable experience for you.
I will also be frocking 1Lt Pickett to Captain. He will be in overall command of the attack, and you will work both for and with him.
Following our success, you will take your place as my Aide. In that capacity, I task you to learn from Major Smith. You will profit greatly by what he has to teach.
Any questions young Captain?”
“Sir, right now I’m not sure I know enough to ask any questions. Sir, from my heart, thank you for this trust. I will not let Defiance or you down.”
“I know you won’t.
All right, the last thing is simply commander’s guidance. Give me an attack plan for the Army of the Double R.
Captain Eldridge, you will leave immediately following this meeting for Robersonville to see what Leon can teach you.”
“Yes, sir.”
Levi then adjourned the meeting.
***
Chapter 28
Dealing With the Double R
April 25th, 1000
Robersonville Encampment
Pablo went to Romeo Cruz, the Jefe of the former Rican Rogues and now the Generalissimo of The Army of the Double R. Pablo was not happy out in such open country. His complaint was that all of the Double R members had spent their lives in the canyons of a city. They were very uncomfortable and felt very vulnerable out in this open country with only pine trees along the road.
“Romeo, I got to tell ju that many of our army are unhappy being out of the city, and I muss agree. Do ju really plan to stay out in thees wide open country. Jefe, it geeve me the creeps.”
Romeo felt the same but wasn’t sure what to do. The larger cities were mostly burned down, and by his own kind…gangs. Now, what had been home were mostly burned out shells, more like deserts than home.
“Jayss, Pablo, I unnerstan, but what can we do? The cities have nothing to support us now. At least here we have food and slaves to do the work; still, I unnerstan what ju are saying. Perhaps after we reach the ocean, we can go north to find a city by the ocean where we can live and fish. Perhaps there we can finally live in the style we deserve. It will be Bueno.”
“Si, Romeo, I tell the others…”A shot rang out, and another of the army’s men fell dead from a 7.62 NATO round in his chest.
Pablo threw himself over Romeo to shield him, and when no other shots were fired he stood up and said, “Mi Amigo, thees ees happening four or five times a day now. We muss do sonthing about these cowards who will not fight, but only shoot and run away.”
“Si, Pablo, form a group of four men from the crypts; they peess me off anyway, and have them ready to run toward the next shot as the shooter runs away. They will not be seen and then we can perhaps catch one of thees murderers. ¿entender?”
Pablo did u
nderstand and left to organize the reaction force.
*
A seething ember
April 25th, 1200
Robersonville Encampment
A shot rang out, and another Double R soldier died. The Crypt reaction force immediately ran to the sound of the shot hoping to enter the forest without being seen.
As they entered the tree line, the four men spread out about five feet apart and began crashing through the forest. After moving approximately three hundred yards into the pines, they found themselves surrounded by men in gray uniforms telling them to drop their weapons and to lie down face first on the pine-needled forest floor.
The Crypts were shackled and tied to a tree.
The irony of the men dressed in gray was lost on them…
The sergeant in charge of the ambush approached and picked up the weapons. “Corporal Wilkes, will you look at these weapons, why they carryin’ two Glock 17s and…holy shit this is an old ass Mac 10. This goes in my saddlebag. I cannot believe that there is not an AR or an AK here. Hell, they might’s well be comin’ at us with dildos and bongs.
Boys, Y'all picked a bad day ta’go walkin’ in the woods.
“The Crypt leader said, “Who you callin’ boy you cracker honkey white bread muthafucka.”
The sergeant smiled and said, “Oh, hell, we call everbody boy, hit don’t mean nuthin. So we cracker honkey whitebread muthuhfuchas huh? Well, I personally don’t mind any of that except that last word, so…here’s your sign.” The patrol had come with signs saying:
We murdered, raped, stole,
and turned good folks into slaves and cannibals.