RAT PATROL: THE CHARTING FOR WATER ASSIGNMENT

BY

Wandering Amber

CHAPTER ONE

The two jeeps sat side by side behind a sand dune, engines idling while Moffitt wrapped a bandage around Hitch's left shoulder, apologizing when his first aide attempt caused the other pain.

"I can't get to the bullet…it's too deep…we have to wrap it tight to try and lessen the bleeding until we can get you to the nearest Field Hospital."

"It's alright Moffitt, I've had worse." Glancing over at the other two men, he winked. Right, Serge?

"Yeah…I swear Hitch, you must have a target on your back…seems when one of us gets injured eighty percent of the time it's you." Pointing to the man standing beside him, continued. Why can't you be like Tully? He rarely gets hurt."

"That's unfair Serge," Hitch protested in good humor. Tully's got like…this sixth sense that tells him to get out of the way before the enemy starts shooting."

After that comment…Moffitt, Troy and Hitch turned to stare at Tully thoughtfully…the man in question continued to chew on a toothpick as he calmly stared back.

"You know Troy…Moffitt began…Hitch might be on to something…our young friend there does seem to be able to avoid enemy bullets more oft than not." How do you suppose he manages?

"I'm not sure but maybe it has more to do with his ability to lip read not a sixth sense." Troy responded. "With his eyesight…can probably tell what the enemy is saying and has a few extra seconds to prepare."

With a wide grin Hitch nodded. "Yeah, that makes since…is that it Tully? You read the enemy's lips and know when to get out of the way."

Tully glanced at each man before answering. "Something like that…nearest Field Hospital is about eighty miles South of here according to the map…I could run him in."

"No…Moffitt can take Hitch in…you and I will continue with our current assignment then meet them at the Hospital in a few days."

Are you sure Troy? With only one jeep it will take twice as long to cover the distance needed and we aren't even sure there is anything to find." Moffitt commented as he assisted Hitch into the passenger side of their vehicle.

"We'll cover as much ground as we can before night fall then start fresh in the morning…if things go well should be able to meet you tomorrow afternoon. We'll check in when we make camp tonight, so keep your radio handy. Troy stepped up beside Hitch. You going to be alright? The ride isn't going to be smooth."

"Sure Serge…Moffitt gave me a little something to ease the pain…I should be good." Hitch glanced at Tully. "You take care of him out there."

Smiling around the toothpick he still held between his teeth, Tully gripped his friends uninjured shoulder. "I'll do what I can, but you know how the Serge can be."

"Reckless, fool hardy, stubborn…" Moffitt stated in mock seriousness. "I think you expect too much from Tully."

"Very funny, Troy responded with a smile, you two better head out…some of us still have work to do."

Moffitt settled behind the wheel, casting a last glance at Troy. "See you tomorrow."

Hitch gave them a grin and a small wave as Moffitt started the jeep…returning the wave Tully winked, letting his friend know that he'd keep watch over the Serge. A few minutes later Moffitt put the jeep in gear and took off toward the Hospital.

"Alright Tully, let's shake it."

As he watched the terrain pass, Troy took a moment to glance at the map which lay open in his lap and compared it to the rough drawing given to him by an American Soldier who had been captured by the Germans but managed to escape…as he made it back to the nearest Allied location the Soldier had drawn a mental map of the terrain he passed through during the escape, which was put to pen later. Sgt. Troy had been given the assignment to follow the chart and verify the information as given by the Soldier. The Rat Patrol (as his group of men were known) would split up and cover opposite sides of the sixty miles depicted on the chart…which indicated water holes and a few Oasis that would benefit the Allies when they made their trip through the area. Normally, it would take less than an hour or so to drive the distance but because they weren't sure where the actual locations were…it would take time to search and two vehicles would have been better. Glancing at his driver, Troy took in the relaxed set of the strong shoulders, Tully handled the wheel like he was on a Sunday drive instead of unknown territory where they could run into enemy Soldiers. A toothpick was loosely held between his teeth and the dark eyes were alert scanning every direction as he drove.

Serge? We're coming to the first location…see, over there (pointing to a sand dune about 100 yards to the North East) it has an odd shape, looks a little like the drawing on our chart."

Using binoculars, Troy compared the shape of the dune to what was drawn on the chart. "You're right, the first water hole should be over that hill." Checking the official map of the area he did a quick calculation then wrote a set of coordinates on the chart. "Take us about forty yards over, we should be in visual range of the water at that distance."

"If it's there," Tully commented before guiding the jeep slowly over the sand bringing the vehicle to a stop where Troy had requested. Looking around, noticed no other tracks in the sand, no animals and no unusual sounds.

Both men stepped out of the jeep and stood looking toward the water. "You stay here and keep a look out, I'll go check the water."