| Subject: ...For Meritorious Service, Chapter 3 |
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TxJAG_b
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Date Posted: 12:23:28 04/27/11 Wed
In reply to:
TxJAG_b
's message, "...For Meritorious Service, Chapter 1" on 10:48:20 04/12/11 Tue
Chapter 3 …For Meritorious Service
A/N: *~*~*~ flashback ( ) thoughts of a person
****************
The bump of the C-5 wheels snapped Harm to consciousness. He looked around and saw Mac stretching and yawning, shaking off her sleepiness. She looked over and matched his stare. Harm smiled sheepishly. “Can we talk later?” He mouthed.
Her stare remained stony.
Harm looked down, then back at her, his eyes pleading forgiveness. He hoped she would be willing to listen to him. He really wanted to fix this. They had been friends for too long to let a disagreement like this one to send them back to square one.
Mac looked at Harm and sighed, “Okay…later.” She mouthed. Damn him, he could infuriate her and yet she still found him attractive. But she wasn’t going to just let him think that all was forgiven. Not yet.
Harm breathed a sigh, but it was not one of relief. The Marine Colonel was not smiling. This was far from over.
*~*
As the engines on the jet transport powered down, Sturgis, Bud, Mac and Harm got up out of their cramped seats and after stretching out the kinks, began to walk down the length of the aircraft toward the cargo ramp which was opening up.
“Uh, Mac wait….”
Mac stopped and bit her lower lip, waiting for Harm to catch up to her. But wait a minute; he did insult her, so why should she wait for him? Just as he caught up to her, she moved away from.
“Mac….” Harm let the irritation show in his voice. He thought they were going to resolve this.
She stopped and turned. Her eyes locked with his -- they were not going to do this here. “Harm, I said later, now is not the time to talk about this.”
“I disagree, Mac. We need to talk now.” The aviator/lawyer had that look of determination on his face. It was the same one he used with stubborn clients.
He stood looking at her, not saying anything. Her face spoke volumes as she returned his piercing stare. A line had been clearly drawn. (What Harm? Come on,) she thought angrily, (Spit it out! Dammit, I won’t let you intimidate me into admitting you were right.) “Okay, Commander, you have one minute.”
His blue eyes bored into her dark brown ones. The silence between them was deafening. (Just great, a staring contest.) She had enough of this. “Well?!”
This seemed to shock him into action. “Sturgis had a point Mac,” He said simply, “You didn’t let him finish.”
She could not believe what she was hearing. “Excuse me?!”
“You heard me.” He folded his arms across his chest defensively, convinced he was right.
“I don’t believe *this*,” She looked away for a moment then back at him again as if he had grown a second head. Your only concern is that I stepped on Sturgis’ point?! I don’t believe *you*! What about my point that you so cavalierly dismissed?!” She stalked away from him.
“Ma’am, Sir.” The Airman deftly stepped aside as Mac plowed past, followed by Harm.
“Mac….”
This time Mac stopped so abruptly that Harm almost ran into her. She turned and faced the Commander with venomous stare. Her voice was almost a growl. “What Harm, you haven’t finished insulting me yet? How about we drag out the fact you *think* all Marines are fallible. Well Harmon, what do you think? Am I fallible?” She could hear the blood thundering in her ears. She dared him to make another stupid comment.
Harm swallowed hard, looking at her. He realized that his stupid comments from the flight had dug deeper than he had first thought. He hoped he was giving the right answer. Unfortunately, he chose to be honest with her.
He breathed out quietly. “Under certain circumstances…yes.”
She started to turn away again. Damn him! She was sick of this. Damn him and his self-righteous honesty! Mac just wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible. She turned and started to walk away.
(Great; there she goes, Rabb. Okay, maybe honesty wasn’t the best policy at this point. So maybe I’ll say what I should have said in the first place….)
“But you are right--” He offered somewhat sheepishly to her back, hoping his voice was loud enough for her to hear.
She stopped, still halfway facing away from him. He couldn’t see the tears in the corners of her eyes that she fought hard to push back, so that he wouldn’t see them. Lack of sleep from troubling thoughts combined with this emotional roller coaster that they had both rode way too often lately was making it difficult for her to keep her emotions in control. But she was not going to let Flyboy see that--no matter what he said.
“No one just forgets their flak jacket,” He said quietly, getting closer to her, “Not in a situation like that one.”
“So you’re admitting I had a valid point….” Mac’s laugh was hollow and her expression was anything but friendly. She looked at him through a mask of stone. Harm involuntarily took a step backward when he saw her face.
That look of hatred humbled him more quickly than any nasty retort that she could have hurled. After all they had been through; he had to break this new wall down. “Of course you did,” He said gently, “I never said that you didn’t--”
“That’s not what you said in the air.” There. It was out on the table. She dared Harm to talk his way out of this one.
He paused for a beat. “Then I was wrong.”
She sucked in her breath sharply. Her mind reeled. Harmon Rabb, Jr. rarely admitted he was wrong. “What did you just say?”
“Mac, He began tentatively, obviously unsure if he was saying the right words. “One of the things I promised you back in that jungle…was to listen to you, even if I didn’t agree with you…even if you pushed all my buttons. I’m sorry I let you down.”
She stared at him trying to figure out what he was saying. What did he mean by that? Then it hit her. (Oh my God, what he said in the Paraguayan jungle…he-he’s referring to….)
Her mind tumbled back to the jungle, where the two of them, not sure what their fate would be, had stumbled across how they really felt about each other which lead to where they are now….
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Mac….
What is it Harm?
When we get out of this--
If we get out this, Flyboy--
No Mac; when we get out of this, I’ll make sure there is no more miscommunication between us.
Can I have that in writing?
You have my word Mac,
As an officer and a gentleman?
My word Mac. As your partner and friend and…and someone who loves you….
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
He finally said it. They had both glossed over it during the ordeal; there just wasn’t time then to explore what had been said. Then Harm took that temporary assignment with the CIA and Mac had time to think about what he had said. When Harm finally came back to JAG, their relationship was different. The whole staff watched as the two stubborn lawyers took their first tentative steps toward something more than friendship.
She looked back at him staring down at his shoes. In his own way, Harmon Rabb Jr., was trying to make things right. He didn’t want to lose what they had built up to this point and truth be known, neither did she. She was still hurt by his comments, but in every relationship you have to give a little in order to make it work. Even if it hurt.
“Hey.”
He looked up at her, noting the change in her voice.
“I could have been more patient.” She smiled at him.
The beginnings of a smile started to form on his face. “I could have been less judgmental.”
She took his hand and squeezed it.
“Ahem!”
Both Mac and Harm started as the C-5 pilot made his way past them. The guilty looks on their faces amused the pilot. (Like two kids caught at the candy store with their hands in the jars,) he thought as he brushed past them.
The incident reminded the Major that he and wife still had some patching up to do from their last disagreement. He silently wished them well.
When he had made his way past, Harm looked at Mac again.
She smiled again. Her voice was soft and gentle. “Come on Sailor, we’ve got a ride to catch.”
1542 Zulu
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
A very pregnant Lieutenant Harriet Sims carried a stack of reports through the bullpen. Her thoughts were a million miles away -- actually more like thousands of miles away. She really wished Bud was here.
Had it not been for Petty Officer 2nd Class Jennifer Coates quickly shifting from her path, Harriet’s stacks would have littered the floor.
“Sorry Coates,” Harriet said as she continued forward with her burden.
“No problem Ma’am,” She saw the Lieutenant was struggling with her increasingly unstable stack, “Do you need a hand?”
“I sure could use one,” Harriet acknowledged gratefully. Coates quickly stepped over and grabbed half of the files, which were threatening to spill onto the floor.
“Pardon my asking, ma’am,” She cut a quick glance at the name on the topmost folder, “But who are these for?”
Harriet continued moving forward. “The replacements that the SECNAV sent to the Admiral--”
“Harriet?”
Harriet and Jennifer turned to see Alan Mattoni standing at Harm’s doorway.
“Lieutenant Commander Mattoni!” Harriet almost dropped her stack of reports.
“The Admiral didn’t tell us you were one of the replacements.”
The naval officer smiled broadly, “It’s Commander Mattoni now,” He examined her shoulder boards. “...And It’s Lieutenant, isn’t it?”
Harriet blushed while smiling, “Yes Sir….”
“Well, congratulations on both counts, He motioned to her swollen stomach and smiled with genuine affection for her. “It’s good to see you again.”
Harriet beamed. “Thank you, Sir! And, it’s good to see you too.”
Jen was startled as Mac’s door suddenly opened. A red headed woman wearing a naval Commander’s uniform looked out at the group. “Harriet?”
“Ma’am!” Harriet almost squealed as she turned toward the woman who was now stepping out into the bullpen. “This is really a pleasant surprise!”
Commander Carolyn Imes made her way over to Harriet. “The SECNAV pulled in a lot of favors to get me back here. I hate being away from Naples, but it’s good to see you again too, and--”
Jen answered her question. “Petty Officer 2nd Class Jennifer Coates, Ma’am, Sir.” Jen introduced herself to these people who were obviously Harriet’s friends. “I’m staff support for both you and Commander Mattoni.”
“Weren’t you the one that the Commander kept over Christmas a couple of years back when the jail was closed?” Alan asked looking her closely. “Didn’t you go UA from Gainesville?”
“Um, Yes Sir.” Jen colored a little at that comment. “How did you know--?”
“We’ve kept touch with the Colonel and the Commander since our transfers,” Carolyn smiled at the younger woman’s obvious self-consciousness about her less than stellar past. “They told us about you joining the staff and how well you’re doing.”
“And they told us about Bud, Harriet.” Carolyn added. “This is great news.”
Harriet beamed and Jen relaxed a little at her comments.
Alan smiled, “We’re glad to have your help, Petty Officer.”
He exchanged a glance with Carolyn and then looked back at Harriet. “We need to get up to speed on Harm’s and Mac’s cases. We did a little review on the way over, but if you have--”
“Jen has served as support staff to the Colonel and the Commander, Sir,” said Harriet quickly. “She really does a good job and she has everything you need.” Jen felt herself coloring again.
“Well then,” said Carolyn trying to move the conversation along and spare the Petty Officer any further embarrassment, “I guess we’re ready then. Shall we get started?”
“Yes Ma’am,” said Jen picking up on her cue, “I have summaries for all of Colonel MacKenzie’s and Commander Rabb’s cases and I can give you a status report….”
1120 Local
Baghdad International Airport
Baghdad, Iraq
Harm, Mac, Sturgis and Bud walked down the jetport toward the front gate. As they reached the ticket area, they saw two Marine officers waiting for them. Both saluted as the JAG lawyers reached them. “Sirs, Ma’am.” The four returned their salutes.
The Major looked them over. It was evident he was not happy with the situation. But like any good officer, he was following orders. “I take it you’re the JAG Corps investigative team from Washington.”
He cut them off before they could respond. “Major Vince Barnett, Regimental SJA and Legal liaison to Colonel Briggs of Battalion Landing Team three-two.” The younger officer stepped forward. “This is my assistant, Battalion SJA Captain Floyd Johnson.”
“Major, Captain,” returned Harm shaking their hands.
Major Barnett looked at Mac briefly before pulling his eyes away. “Colonel, we have a pair of Humvees waiting for us outside. Do you need--”
Mac smiled politely, but firmly cut him off. “We’re fine Captain, if you could just get us to the Humvees….”
“Aye Ma’am!” He responded as if a whip had struck him. Harm noted that disciplinary problems were definitely not a concern around here. At least not out in a public area.
Both officers lead them past a steady stream of Iraqi citizens, Marines, Sailors, Air Force and Army personnel as well as civilian and military airport security moving through the jetport.
As they walked out the front entrance’s sliding glass doors, two light sand-colored HMMWV Squad carriers pulled up. The Major got in the front passenger seat of the first one and Captain got in the front passenger seat of the other. Mac and Harm got in the back of the Major’s and Bud and Sturgis got in the back of the other.
“Giving us the red carpet treatment,” observed Sturgis.
Bud nodded but kept his eyes trained on the two Marines in the front seat of their vehicle.
1545 Zulu
JAG Headquarters
Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Tiner had just left his morning class and was now getting into the office. With Jen and Harriet covering for him in the mornings, he actually did not have to report in until 1100. That gave him enough time to take the metro from Georgetown to his apartment and then drive his car to JAG Headquarters. As he walked through the glass double doors of the JAG bullpen he saw Admiral Chegwidden standing with arms crossed, staring straight at him.
Automatically, Jason’s eyes darted to the clock. It was not even 1045 yet. At least he wasn’t late….
The Admiral seemed to be looking him over. Nodding to himself as if satisfied with some private evaluation he pinned the Petty Officer with a stare. “Mr. Tiner,” he called out, “I’d like a word with you….” Without waiting for a reply, Admiral Chegwidden turned and started toward his office.
Jason audibly swallowed as he heard the gentle calmness of his Commanding Officer’s voice. That usually meant trouble. He scrambled to put down his book bag at his desk and hurried over to catch up to the Admiral.
Chegwidden’s face was a perfect neutral façade as he led the junior officer toward his office. Jason broke out in a cold sweat. The Admiral stepped into his office and Jason, bracing himself for the worst, followed him inside. “Yes Sir?”
The Admiral now was standing with his back to the young Petty Officer. “Close the hatch, will you, please?”
It was not a request; it was an order, even if it wasn’t yelled out. Jason quickly turned and pulled the door shut. He turned back toward the Admiral. His palms were sweaty and his heart thundered in his chest.
“Mr. Tiner, I hear you’ll be finishing up at Georgetown in a few weeks.” It was a neutral comment.
“Aye Sir.” He responded, not sure where this was going.
The Admiral turned around. It was the first time in long while that Tiner had seen anything resembling a smile on the Admiral’s face. Maybe his screw-up with Ms. Cavanaugh’s engagement ring had been forgotten.
“We need to get our replacements up to speed as soon as possible, Tiner. I think it would be good experience for you to work with Commander Mattoni and Commander Imes on their cases. They could use someone to help them with their research.”
For the longest moment Tiner stared thunderstruck at the Admiral. As he saw the Admiral’s smile start to fade, he snapped out his shock, his face breaking into a huge grin, “Yes Sir! Thank you, Admiral…Chegwidden…Sir!”
The Admiral’s temporary annoyance with Jason’s vocal fumbling quickly faded, replaced once again by that faint smile. “Tiner, while I’m having you help them, you will still need to keep up with your present duties,” He watched as the Petty Officer’s grin began to subside as the reality of the situation began to hit him. “Are we clear on this, Petty Officer?”
Jason did not hesitate this time. “Oh Yes Sir, Aye Sir, Crystal Clear…. You can count on me Sir. I won’t let you or Commander Mattoni or Commander Imes down, Sir.”
Chegwidden nodded thoughtfully as he sat down at his desk. He picked up his reading glasses and put them on. He looked up and noticed that Jason was still standing there.
“That will be all, Petty Officer,” replied Chegwidden dryly with that slight smile on his face, “You’re dismissed.”
“Aye Sir! Thank You Admiral!” Jason snapped to attention so hard that he clicked his heels. He quickly spun around, marched to the door and opened it. Stealing a quick glance at the Admiral, he beamed as he left the room, closing the door behind him.
Chegwidden looked over his reading glasses at Tiner’s exit. He chuckled to himself, shaking his head.
*~*
Out in the bullpen Harriet, Jen, Mattoni, and Imes watched as Jason strode purposefully over to his desk.
“What do you think that was all about?” whispered Jen to Harriet and company as they watched Jason pull out one of his law books and begin to scan through it.
“I have no idea, Harriet confessed, “But whatever happened, it must’ve involved his classes.”
“I hope the Admiral didn’t tell him to drop the morning class. We've already said you and I can cover for him in the mornings.”
Harriet turned to face Jennifer. “I don’t think so, Jen, the Admiral might do a lot of things, but he wouldn’t ask him to do that.”
“Excuse me, Lieutenant?”
All four turned to see a Naval Lieutenant Commander standing in the middle of the bullpen staring at the group.
“My apologies, Commander…” Harriet could not see his name badge, which was obscured by the stack of folders he was carrying. “Let me get some of those file folders for you, Sir….”
The Lieutenant Commander was obviously relieved someone was going to finally help him. He handed Harriet a small portion of his files. “Thanks and it’s Lieutenant Commander John Burford and you’re--”
“Lieutenant Harriet Sims, Sir.” She finished for him, introducing herself.
“And these are--”
“---Commander Alan Mattoni,” He extended his hand to the new man.
Carolyn offered her hand as well. “Commander Carolyn Imes, TAD Falls Church,”
John shook both their hands in turn. “I’m on TAD here as well, looks like we’re all in the same boat.” He was standing near Lieutenant Bud Robert’s doorway. He was a little shorter than Harm, but was also somewhat thinner. His pencil thin black mustache drooped on both ends, looking like a dying caterpillar.
“Well, well, well. If it isn’t old Hang’em High Burford.”
Everyone turned to see a female Marine Major standing just inside the entrance to the bullpen. She had her eyes fixed on the Lieutenant Commander. The man’s easy going stance disappeared and his features hardened.
“This doesn’t look good--” whispered Jen to Harriet. Harriet nodded slightly.
Alan and Carolyn watched the strange scene unfold as the Major ignored them and walked up to the Lieutenant Commander until she was inches away from his face.
“Well Burford,” She continued to focus her eyes on him. “Haven’t you got anything to say?”
“Good morning Major Clemons, Ma’am.” He replied in a clipped tone. It was obvious that John had dealt with her before, and the experience hadn’t been a pleasant one.
“Major Clemons!” She jumped. Carolyn Imes looked sternly at the stunned junior officer, who had snapped to attention when the Commander barked. “We exercise a measure of respect and decorum around here that is obviously alien to you. I do not want you to repeat that nickname or any other. And I want you to treat Commander Burford with the respect that is accorded his rank. Am I clear on this?”
“Yes Ma’am! Aye Ma’am!” Harriet saw that she cut a quick look of pure hatred toward John when Carolyn looked away for a moment. For his part, John looked stoically at her.
Alan observed the interaction between the two junior officers. It might be best to keep them apart for a while until they figured out what was going on between them. Alan nodded toward his partner. She acknowledged his silent request.
“Major, could I have a word with you? In private?”
“Actually Ma’am, I’d like to find out which office is mine--”
“This won’t take but a minute Major.” She looked at Alan and the rest of the group. “We can use my office. Please excuse us.”
Carolyn and the Major stepped into Mac’s office. Carolyn shut the door and pulled down the blinds.
The three junior officers relaxed. Alan looked incredulously at John. “’Hang’em High Burford’? What the hell was that all about, Commander Burford?”
John let out a frustrated sigh and shook his head. “The Major didn’t like the way I tried a case.” He said simply as if that answered the question.
“Would you care to elaborate?” probed Alan.
“I convicted one of the officers under her command. He’s serving life at hard labor in Leavenworth.”
Both Jen and Harriet exchanged shocked looks.
“I see.” was Alan’s only response.
John knew what was coming next. “In case you’re wondering Sir, she is not harassing me. At least, not in a sense that could be construed as harassment.”
“But she does ride your six hard every chance she gets….”
He shifted his stance; it was obvious he was uncomfortable talking about this. “You could say so, Sir.”
“You won’t press charges.”
John knew the senior officer’s comment was not a question; it was actually more of a confirmation.
“No Sir.”
Alan decided to tackle this problem from a different angle. “Did you have a bias against this person you convicted?”
Genuine astonishment crossed John’s face. “Oh no Sir! My prosecution was judged to be fair and unbiased.”
Now it was Alan’s turn. “She brought you up on Article 32 charges?”
“Yes Sir, but the court found in my favor.”
*~*
Inside Mac’s office, Major Clemons stood at attention. Carolyn walked around to her front. “At ease, Major.”
She shifted to a parade rest position. “Thank you Ma’am.”
“Major, help me understand something,” The Marine turned toward Carolyn “What is your beef with Commander Burford?”
The Major eyed the Naval Commander for a moment, as if appraising her. “Permission to speak freely Ma’am?”
Carolyn sensed this might turn ugly. “Permission granted Major, just don’t get too carried away.”
“Aye Ma’am. Commander Burford prosecuted one of the officers from my old unit. I felt his handling of the case was high-handed and biased.”
Carolyn moved over and sat on the edge of Mac’s desk with her arms folded, facing the Major. “What was the charge?”
“Charges Ma’am.” Major Clemons carefully corrected her superior. “Violations of Articles 89, 92, 107, and 128--”
“--Disrespect toward a superior commissioned officer, Failure to obey orders, Making a false official statement, Assault--those are pretty serious charges, Major.”
“Yes Ma’am,” She looked down for a moment, but then raised her head and fixed the Naval Commander with a pained and tortured look. “But I had known Captain Seibert since The Basic School and Officer Candidate’s School. This wasn’t his style. I tried to tell Burford that, but he told me I was too close to the accused and couldn’t see the evidence objectively.”
Carolyn felt that her initial impression had been misleading. (Was it possible that Lieutenant Commander Burford was lying?) “And the evidence was pretty damning?”
“A lot of it was circumstantial, but it was enough to get him hard labor at Leavenworth,” She saw Carolyn’s face harden at that comment. “But it wasn’t deserved, Ma’am,” she countered, “He took the fall for someone else, for some reason, he was covering for somebody.”
Was she in love and couldn’t see that he was guilty, or was she right? “Who was he covering for? Could you prove that he’s not guilty?”
“He wouldn’t tell,” Carolyn heard a tremor in her voice. Then just as quickly she regained her composure, but her face filled with another emotion. “As for proving anything, no, Mr. Burford had done his hatchet work too well.” The words, filled with anger, had tumbled out of her mouth before she knew she had spoken them.
She looked at the Commander apologetically. “Sorry Ma’am.”
Carolyn nodded her acceptance. She thought she was beginning to understand where Major Clemons was coming from.
“So you couldn’t get any supporting evidence?”
The Major sighed. “None; and even worse, it was like Frank had become an outcast. All of his senior and junior officers turned against him.”
Carolyn stared at her not sure of how she felt about Clemons anymore. If she was lying, she was damn good. If she wasn’t, then Carolyn would try to help her. “Except you.”
“Except me.” The Major, somewhere in the conversation, she had dropped from the parade rest to a comfortable if formal stance. Carolyn could see the determination in this young woman’s face. There was more here than meets the eye.
“Look Major--”
“It’s Carly,” offered the Major with an honest smile. “My friends call me CC.”
“Carly,” Carolyn wasn’t sure she wanted to go that far yet. “You can’t come in here and proceed to rip Commnader Burford a new one, despite the fact you feel he’s at fault for what happened to Captain Seibert.”
“Yes Ma’am, I understand that now, and I apologize to you for what happened.”
Now it was Carolyn’s turn to sigh. They were making progress, but Carly had a long way to go. “But it’s not just me you have to apologize to….”
“Yes Ma’am…I understand.”
“Good.” I hope you do, Carly. “Let’s go back out and see about mending fences.”
*~*
The door to Mac’s office opened.
Alan leaned in towards John’s ear. “We’ll talk more about this later, Commander Burford.”
“Aye Sir.”
A chastened Major came out of the office and looked at John. “Commander Burford, I want to apologize for my behavior earlier.”
John looked at her with apprehension. After a long silence that caused activity in the bullpen to slacken, John softened his features.
“Apology accepted Major, we all have bad mornings.”
She then looked at Jen and Harriet. “I also want to apologize to you, Lieutenant and to you, Petty Officer. My actions were unwarranted and inexcusable.”
Harriet and Jen were silent for a moment, studying the Major. “Apology accepted, Ma’am.” Harriet said quietly.
“Uh, Jen, why don’t you show me what case files I need to review?” Carolyn steered Jen toward her office.
Alan took the hint. “Harriet; come in and we’ll get started.”
“Yes Sir.” she walked over his doorway as he ushered her in.
The entire bullpen had stopped and was now looking at Burford and Clemons.
“As you were.” She replied to the group. The office resumed its hum of activity. She started to walk away from him but as she did, she leaned over and whispered in his ear as she passed, “You’ll pay for this one, John-boy.”
Burford watched as Clemons went into Singer’s office and shut the door. He sighed heavily and walked over to his doorway and then inside. When his door was shut, activity in the bullpen slowed for a few minutes as everyone looked at the two closed doors. Then everything returned to normal, or at least as normal was it was going to be for a while.
1140 Local
Baghdad International Airport
The Humvees pulled away from their parking spots and into traffic passing a wizened beggar holding a battered canteen cup and squatting between the bustling mixed civilian and military crowds.
As the HMMWV drivers began to maneuver through the airport traffic, an explosion ripped into the right side of the roadway. Several vehicles, both civilian and military, swerved violently, blue smoke blossoming from their tortured tires. The squad carriers veered sharply to the left to avoid the smoking hole left by the blast.
“Ambush!” barked the Major’s driver as he cut the wheel hard left, barely avoiding a skidding HEMTT 8x8 cargo truck that barreled across their front. “Keep your heads down, Sirs!
Mac quickly un-holstered her sidearm as did the Major. They both undid their windscreens, searching for the ambushers. It was difficult to see anything given the chaos caused by the skidding vehicles. Unavoidably, several collisions occurred. A battered taxi slammed into the rear of another Humvee. A 4x4 FMTV cargo truck banged into the side of an M984 eight wheeled wrecker. Two late model sedans smashed into each other as a late model Ford SUV barely avoided that wreck, only to wind up getting hit on its left side by a Humvee and on the right by a skidding airport security car. The drivers of the Squad carriers did their best to slalom through the stalled traffic and around the wrecked vehicles and the debris from their accidents.
Another RPG round whizzed past the front windscreen of Harm and Mac’s Humvee, smacking into the concrete roadway to their left. The quarter ton trucks, miraculously untouched, continued zig-zagging.
“Driver!” yelled Harm, “Does this thing carry any armament?!”
“Just me Sir!” Returned the driver as he swung the wheel hard right to avoid a burning Isuzu station wagon.
---TBC…
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