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  “Susan, what’s the rundown on maintenance?”

  “Sir, our Maintenance Section is doing a wonderful job. We currently have no birds down for maintenance, and spare parts are far from critical, however, this sand will continue to get into everything, especially when we hit the heart of the Sonoran.”

  “No birds down for maintenance?” asked Levi. “What about this rotor thing?”

  Susan responded, saying, “Sir, I have directed all of our active helos to have their rotors inspected. However, at this point I am not sure that the crashed birds were not overtaken by the sudden arising of a Haboob. Until we have the consensus of our Crew Chiefs, I do not intend to ground our biggest fist. I should have the final answer in a couple of Hours, but down or not, those rotors will be replaced at Fort Bliss, or possibly Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, whichever has new blades.”

  “All right,” said Levi, “I bow to your judgement, and I especially like the plan to change out the rotors.”

  “Thank you, sir,” said Susan.

  Levi turned back to Susan and asked, “What’s your preference, Colonel, do we get fueled up at the El Paso or Fort Bliss, Airport?”

  “Sir, that depends upon whether either of them is occupied. If Bliss is clear, then we should fuel up there while we do a quick investigation to see if Steiner was, or in the best of all possible worlds, is still there. It will also provide an opportunity for us to resupply any needed spare parts.”

  Levi gave Susan the mission to find the answers to those questions.

  “Roger, sir, as soon as Bliss and the civilian Airports are in the range of our patrols, we’ll have the answers.”

  Gus said, “Sir, I believe we will gain significant ground on Steiner when they hit Tucson, and then Phoenix. If we are really lucky, we’ll catch him either between Tucson and Phoenix or in the total traffic mess that must be choking both cities.

  Now, if you will please excuse me, I will be returning to Chalmers to check on our two survivors.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  16 May

  Chalmers Hospital

  Chalmers, Louisiana

  Levi planned to be flown to Chalmers as soon as the report came through that Ben and Sergeant Witherspoon would be all right, in time. He first met with Doctor Tom Monroe, who gave Levi the medical update of Colonel Smith.

  “General, Colonel Smith has been badly injured, but he will pull through, in time. Unfortunately, Sergeant Witherspoon was DOA. By the time he arrived here, his injuries were such that he bled out internally. I’m sorry, sir, but there was simply nothing we could do for him.”

  “Thank you, Tom,” said a sad General Levins, “I know that both the Dust Off Medical team and our Doctor did everything possible for him.”

  “I completely agree, General. Ben would not have survived another hour without the level of treatment he received on site. What really made the difference was that Ben had no internal bleeding.”

  “Again, Tom, thank you. Is it possible for me to see him now?”

  “Hold one, Levi while I check.

  Doctor Murtaugh, is Colonel Smith awake?”

  Doctor Murtaugh answered, “Yes, Tom, he is having a jello dinner.”

  “Good, good, is he awake enough for General Levins to speak with him?”

  “Yes, sir, he’s still a bit woozy, but I think the General’s visit will do him a world of good.”

  After Tom broke the connection, Levi asked, “Tom, did I hear you correctly? Did you say Doctor Murtaugh?”

  Tom smiled broadly and said, “Yes, Levi, I am thrilled to tell you that after a bit over two and one-half years of internship, I have elevated young Murtaugh to the status of Doctor. He is also currently undergoing training as a Surgeon, well, under my tutelage, of course. Levi, I have to tell you that that young man was born to be a Doctor. I have never, ever, known anyone who has progressed so competently, or quickly. I am so lucky to have him.”

  “Tom,” smiled Levi, “that is the best news I have had in a long time. Does Gus know, yet?”

  “I don’t believe so. I know that Murtaugh is concerned about your mission and my guess is he decided not to distract the Colonel from the job at hand.”

  Doctor Tom stood and said, “Come on Levi, let’s go see how Ben is doing.”

  Upon entering Ben’s room, Levi noticed that his Nurse was also his wife. “Hello,” smiled Levi, “well, you lazy bum, I didn’t expect you to go to such extremes to see this lovely young lady again.

  Seriously, Ben, I am so relieved that Doc Tom tells me you will be fine. I guess I don’t need to ask how you like the care you’re getting,” causing everyone in the room to laugh.

  Ben looked at Levi and said, “General, I am so sorry that I failed in my mission.” Ben’s eyes began to glaze over as he said, “Sir, they’re all dead and I’m here. Why?”

  Levi knew that Ben was suffering from survivor’s guilt. He said, “My friend, only God knows why some live and some die. It is not for us to know, but I will tell you that you are, in no damned way, responsible for the crash. I hope you soon will be as happy that you survived as am I.

  Now, Colonel, can you tell me what happened just before the crash?”

  “Yes, sir, the pilot told us to look behind us. We saw this huge dust storm swarming at us. I mean, it seemed to just rise up with a life of its own. Sir, the damned thing was upon us before we even knew it was there. The pilot told us we were going down when the bird started shaking violently. That was just before the engine coughed and died. Honestly, sir, I don’t remember anything after that, well, until I woke up here.”

  “I see. Now you listen to me, Ben. You were blessed to be alive, and I, for one, along with everyone else who has ever met you is thrilled to know you are going to make it.

  Son, I wish I could just tell you to shake it off, or rub some dirt on it, but I know that would be foolish of me. I understand how you feel, but you must remember that you have not yet fulfilled the mission God has in store for you.”

  Smiling now, Levi added, “Well, that was my Psychotherapy side, now comes my sergeant side. Okay, enough of that! Now, you listen up! Knock off this goldbricking and get your butt back to work.” Then in a much softer tone, Levi said, “Whoa, no, I didn’t like how that came out. Ben, here’s the bottom line, we need you. You are the best Supply and Maintenance Officer with who I have ever served. My friend, you have never let the Troops down and I don’t expect that you will now. We good, Colonel?”

  Through glassy eyes, Ben managed to smile as he said, “Thank you, sir, and yeah, we’re good. I’ll be back to work in a couple of days.”

  Doc Murtaugh interrupted and said to Levi, “General, what he meant to say was a couple of months, maybe six weeks, but not before.”

  “When you’re well, Ben, when you are well. Hell, without you the Brigade would cease to exist. We can struggle along until you are all healed up, well, barely.”

  “One last thing, Ben, what did you find at Stanley?”

  Ben said, landmines and Stingers, sir. Tell the pilots to be careful.”

  “Will do, Ben, and thanks. Now you need to get some rest, well, after you slip in a little kiss from a certain Nurse. I have to get back, Ben, rest up and get well.”

  “I will, sir, I’ll see you soon, goodnight.”

  Outside, in the hallway, Levi met with Doc Murtaugh. “Holy crap, Doc Murtaugh, oh man, I can’t begin to tell you how proud I am of you. There is no question that you are meant for great things. Oh! Can I tell Gus? Come on, don’t make me squeal like Katie used to do to get her way.”

  “Sir, you know how much I respect the relationship you have with my father, and of the respect I have for you, but General I hope you will respect my wish that I be the one to tell my dad. Sir, that time will be upon his return to Chalmers. I do not want him celebrating my promotion, only to possibly cause a problem with the current mission. I hope you understand, sir?”

  “Yes, you are right, of course and yes, I promise, Doctor M
urtaugh. My friend, you and Ben have made my year,” and shaking hands before a hug, the two men departed for their appointed tasks.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  Fort Sill Apache Reservation

  16May 03

  Tribal Council

  Fort Sill Apaches

  Luna County, New Mexico

  Chief Red Hawk stood before Tribal Council dressed in the traditional style of the Chiricahua Apache Tribe. He wore a bandana around his head, a light cotton shirt, vest, leggings, a loin cloth, and moccasins that came nearly to the knee. He addressed the other Apache Chiefs living on the Fort Sill Apache Rez, saying, “Chiefs, our friends, of the Tigua Tribe, have warned us of the evil ones who will pass through our lands, tomorrow.

  It has come to pass, as was foretold to us by our brothers in Arizona of the arrival of these Black Knights. Though we can do little to engage them in battle, I intend to lead my people in the guerilla war tactics of an ancient Chinese General named Sun Tzu. We must do something, even if it is only to be that of a flea that torments a dog. Now, I must ask, who among you is with me?”

  The other Chiefs asked Red Hawk when he planned to begin this fight.

  Red Hawk looked at his brothers and said, “We begin laying traps and ambushes along the path of the evil ones, beginning this very night. Now, I must again ask if you ride with my clan, or do you sit and dither like the children the Bay-chen-daysen, (Long Noses) have caused our people to become?”

  The other Chiefs jumped to their feet in anger at the words of Chief Red Hawk, but the old man stood his ground, as steady as stone.

  “We are, of course, in this with you, as are all of The People. Our question was only to discover how much time we have to prepare for our own ‘flea bite.’”

  Red Hawk instantly knew he had unnecessarily crossed a line that caused insult to these wise men. In response he said, “My friends, I was rash in my words, and I seek your forgiveness. My tongue became far too loose in my desire to assist in the destruction of these evil men.”

  The other Chiefs immediately calmed down and asked Red Hawk to lay out his plan.

  “I thank you, my brothers. I intend that we shall lay nail-boards across their path, then take one shot from each rifle before retreating back into the desert. From the overpass we shall hang a brick at the height of a semi-truck's window. If we begin tonight, we may be able to change a few signs along the I-10. Anything that will delay and confuse these men in their Iron Beasts is a small victory for all The People.

  My friends, I realize that this course of action will not seriously damage or long delay these wicked men, but even a small cut is an irritant that can become infected.”

  The Tribal Council unanimously agreed to join the fight alongside Chief Red Hawk’s clan.

  We must also quickly pass this word along to our brothers to the west that they may take similar actions. We also know that another group of White Men, also riding in beasts of iron will follow the evil ones. We must make contact with them and tell them what we know, and our small contribution to their cause,” said an excited Chief Red Hawk.

  The motion was readily agreed upon, and the Apaches set to work constructing their own ‘flea bites.’ They also sent word to the west to spread the word that Taza Geronimo’s visions were coming to pass.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  The Sole Overpass

  17 May 03, 0045 Hours

  Fort Sill Apaches

  Luna County, New Mexico

  Without highway lights, the moonless night made the darkness nearly total. Only the incredible display of the “Starry, Starry Night” sky, the likes of which no civilized human had seen for a hundred years provided any easement of the darkness. Only the headlights of the Merc Convoy provided sufficient light to reign over that of the stars.

  The I-10 held only one overpass along the I-10 in Luna County, New Mexico, and this vehicle overpass now held two Apaches waiting in ambush. They were dressed in traditional Apache dress and they were wearing war paint. They watched as the Black Knight column approached. Their mission was to wait until the first semi in the convoy was the next vehicle to travel under the overpass before dropping an adobe brick, attached to a rope. The plan was for the truck to strike the brick on the driver’s side of the windshield.

  Darkness hid the attackers from those in the convoy…

  Colonel Steiner had decided to continue moving until around 2200 Hours to help make up for, at least, a few Hours from the time lost at Fort Bliss. He also felt some relief as he imagined his pursuers engaged in a long and drawn out battle with the expected Zeta Battalion.

  Steiner looked up at the overpass as his vehicle approached but saw nothing to cause any alarm. If this had been in Africa, he would have stopped the convoy and checked the overpass for a hidden enemy surprise, but not seeing a single living soul for hundreds of miles gave the mercs, what would prove to be, a false sense of security that all was well. The Black Knight Commander had also become bored from the hypnotic desert sameness. This situation was caused from the long, tiring, seemingly never ending desert monotony that brought on complacency.

  There were two semis in the Merc Convoy; one held munitions and the others held food and fuel. The ammo truck was in front of the fuel trucks…

  The Apache Braves waited until the first of the Convoy’s semis was the next approaching vehicle. At just the right second, the brick was dropped over the railing. The two guerilla fighters then ran for the safety of the night and the desert they knew so well.

  As the approaching ammo truck driver’s windshield exploded into the vehicle’s cab of the ammo truck, it burst into thousands of tiny diamond-like crystals. The driver and his passenger were struck in the face and torso just a Nano-second before the brick struck the driver squarely on the nose, killing him instantly. The truck swerved erratically to its left and crashed onto the median before rolling over and ending up lying on the driver’s side.

  The merc radio operator in the vehicle following the remaining semi-trucks shouted for the convoy to stop. Steiner ordered his driver to turn around and go to the wrecked truck.

  Upon finally rolling onto its side, the semi’s top and left side burst open and dumped much of the heavy, palleted ammo onto the ground, before breaking open and scattering precious small arms munitions over a wide area. Both the driver and passenger were found dead in the truck’s cab.

  The Sergeant Major immediately began ordering teams to secure the area.

  Steiner was furious, but remained outwardly calm as he said, “Sergeant Major, we will bivouac here for the night. At first light, we will begin salvaging what we can before proceeding on to Tucson.”

  “Of course, Herr Oberst, zum befel,” replied the Sergeant Major, in German, who quickly left to carry out Steiner’s orders.

  Steiner stood looking over the disaster which had befallen his convoy and wondered how his fate had come to this. Was this wreck an accident, or an attack. He began to consider the currently available evidence centered around, who would do this, and why? We have done nothing to any of the natives, then why did this happen? After careful consideration he finally concluded that the driver must have either fallen asleep or there had been some malfunction of the truck.

  The following morning, Steiner and his Sergeant Major did a thorough inspection of the area to search for evidence of anything that might indicate an attack. Fate, however, had caused the brick to crumble. Yes, karma was at work, for as the truck careened off the road and onto the deep center portion of the median, the largest remaining piece, about the size of an infant’s fist was thrown out of the open driver’s side window and cast into the desert scrub. The rope had broken at both the impact point and at the edge of the bridge railing. It too fluttered down into the scrub where it remained hidden on the desert floor.

  Perhaps if Steiner had been privy to the visions presented by the Great Spirit to Taza Geronimo…

  During the nights to come, and farther along The Road, lay more surprises and ob
stacles as the Tribes of The People were busy placing tire shredding mats that were found in the abandoned Police Stations. To rub salt into the open wounds given to Steiner’s column, the Apaches began removing road signs and when possible, placing them at earlier exits. This ploy was meant to misdirect the column onto narrow, congested streets, slowing their advance, and making progress ever more frustratingly difficult.

  Where good cover and concealment existed, so did the sniping irritant. Few mercs were injured, but the exposed members of the convoy had to ‘button up’ inside their vehicles whenever the convoy began to receive incoming rifle fire. This became more and more uncomfortable for the invaders as the desert daytime temperatures were now hovering just over one-hundred degrees Fahrenheit. During the winter and spring, the black uniforms of the mercs had been an asset, now the sun tried to bake anyone foolish enough to wear black. Steiner ordered the removal of the uniform blouse during daylight, but their undershirts, also black, only added misery and discontent to the ever-waning morale of the Black Knights.

  Chief Red Hawk was absolutely correct when he said, “Even the tiny bite from a flea can become infected.”

  The Knights responded to these attacks by sending out recon patrols to clear The Road of those damnable tire flattening mats. The secondary mission was to identify the locations of those signs which had either been changed or removed.

  While the tactical idea of these patrols was proper military doctrine for conventional warfare, it proved disastrous in Sun Tzu’s guerilla war. These small patrols were inevitably ambushed and destroyed. The vehicles were commandeered by the Apache Braves, and the bodies were laid out along the roadside where the convoy could readily spot them for burial. The dead were placed at varying points along the road. They were also not mutilated in any way, but the mercs failed to note this honorable detail. The detail that Steiner did notice, however, was the time lost while the convoy was halted to bury their dead.