The Long Walk Raid -Chapter One
By: AliasCWN
Gil Hanley answered the summons to headquarters with mixed emotions. His company, King Company, was scheduled for some R&R and that might be the reason he had been told to report to Major Warren. On the other hand, their R&R might be on its way out the window.
A half hour later he had his answer. King Company would get their R&R, all but First Squad and one Lieutenant Gil Hanley. They had a new assignment, one that required them to take another team deep into German territory.
Now he was on his way to tell Sargent Chip Saunders and his squad to resupply and get ready to move out. As soon as the other team arrived they would be on their way. Apparently the assignment was time sensitive and highly classified. Gil sighed, so much for a break.
As expected, Chip and his squad were less than pleased. Their attitude being more resigned.
"Cage, Kirby, get our supplies. Check with everyone to see what they need." Saunders started planning for the mission. "Who are these guys we need to take in?" Saunders checked his gear to see what he needed to resupply. As his fingers went through the familiar motions his mind was running scenarios.
"A four man team out of North Africa. They're on their way. We leave as soon as they get here. The head guy is a sargent named Sam Troy." Gil filled Saunders in on what he knew. "There's a truck on the way. Should be here about the same time as the other team. We ride as far as the German line and walk the rest of the way. Our orders are to avoid contact if at all possible."
Chip nodded thoughtfully. "Good. We're going to be outnumbered and there won't be anyone to call for help. Going to be tricky pulling it off."
"Headquarters knows that. That's why we got the assignment."
"Who's in charge?"
"We are going in. Sargent Troy calls the shots during their part of the mission. Then we take charge and it's up to us to get them out."
"Alright. I'll let the men know."
"Only what they need to know." Hanley cautioned. "Each of us is only told what we need to know to complete our part of the plan."
Chip looked at Gil as he explained the protocol. Just like the army to send them in blind and dumb.
Chip and Gil sat down around the map to plan their route. Even with the ride to the border of enemy territory, they still had a daunting walk ahead of them.
Cage and Kirby came back with the supplies and distributed them among the men. Saunders and Hanley loaded their pockets and packs in preparation.
The squad gathered around the center of camp and began discussing the assignment in general terms. Speculation was running wild among the rank and file. Some were optimistic while others were more pessimistic. A hush settled over the camp at the arrival of a covered ten wheeler.
Lt. Hanley and Sgt. Saunders stepped forward to meet the new arrivals. A short, dark and intense looking soldier in a uniform still creased from the package climbed out of the passengers' seat.
"Sargent Sam Troy." He announced as he saluted Lt. Hanley.
Gil introduced himself and Saunders before inviting the sargent into their camp. Chip looked behind him with a question in his eyes.
Sargent Troy noticed the look and smiled. "They're sleeping in the back. We had a long flight with a lot of briefings. They're getting some rest while they can."
"You don't want them here while we go over our plans?" Chip ask casually.
"Do they have any say in making those plans?" The other sargent challenged.
"No." Saunders told him flatly.
"Then let them sleep. They need it." Troy made the decision for all of them. He didn't leave any room for argument.
"Then I guess we can go because you don't have any say either." Saunders faced Troy expecting an argument. To his surprise, the other sargent nodded agreeably and turned to Hanley.
"My men and I have all our gear in back. Anytime you're ready, we're ready."
Hanley looked from Troy to Saunders and back to Troy.
"We're ready now." Gil turned to Saunders. "Get the men and gear loaded. We leave right away. That should get us to the edge of German territory about dark. We'll find a place to camp and start in the morning. Any questions?"
"Yeah." Troy studied Hanley as he ask. "Any idea how long it will take us to get to our target?"
Hanley nodded slowly. "A day, maybe more. Depends on how many patrols we have to avoid. With luck we'll be there by dark the second night. If we have to hide too often it could run into the next day. Problem?"
"No Lieutenant. We just need the cover of darkness for our mission. So plan to stick around for a day if we get there too early." Troy turned away and climbed into the truck.
Hanley nodded at Saunders who called to First Squad.
"Alright, let's move out. Everyone in the truck."