CHAPTER FOURTEEN

"Double check your packs and make a mental list of what supplies you'll need for patrol." As the men went about following the orders Hanley turned to his Second. "As soon as we stop, take the squad to pick up what they need then have them fall in near the lead truck. Checking his watch face Hanley did a little mental calculation before speaking again. Make sure the men are lined up by 1800 I'll find Capt. Jampel then have a short brief with the squad."

The truck came to a stop as Hanley and Saunders were talking and when asked the driver said they had arrived. The men stood, packs on shoulders and weapons in hand as first the LT then the Sarge stepped down from the truck. Nodding at Saunders, Hanley took off in search of Captain Jampel.

"All right men, we're going to work in pairs for this patrol, so as I call your names line up. Hunter, Brockmeyer…Little John, Billy…Davis, Long…Caje and Kirby. McCall you'll be partnered with me for this little adventure, we have twenty minutes to re-supply then the LT wants to have a final brief. Motioning for McCall to step in beside him, Saunders faced forward. Let's move it men, times a ticking."

While the squad met up with Sgt. Hallowell...Hanley had a short meeting with the Captain who had been in the process of mentally setting up the camp site, Aide by his side taking notes as Jampel pointed out where he wanted specific tents to go, telling the Aide to locate the communications team and have them set up immediately in the designated area. Hanley stood back as the Captain finished giving his orders. "As soon as its up have one of the Sergeants come and let me know."

Yes, Sir, with a salute Sgt. Wahl took off leaving the two officers to discuss the upcoming Patrol.

1800 found the LT watching as Saunders and 1st Squad were loaded onto a transport truck...no additional orders had been received and with the men re-supplied they were sent on their way with the assurance that 3rd Squad would relieve them at midnight.

"Keep a watch out Saunders."

"No problem Sir, we'll be ready to head back soon as Sgt. Tracy shows up with his men." Saunders hesitated for a moment.

What's on your mind? Hanley asked

Saunders shook his head before replying. "Nothing sir, I'll check in with you when I get back." Exchanging salutes Saunders turned to his men and gave the order to move out.

Hanley stood for a few minutes watching the truck until it was out of sight.

Capt. Jampel soon had the camp up and running with the help of the rest of 2nd Platoon and after speaking with the LT went to contact Battalion while the LT briefed the remaining Squad Leaders. After the briefings were complete Hanley made his way to Medical.

After checking the stitches and cleaning the wound, Dr. Martin told the LT he could discard the sling, when a fresh bandage was in place the Medic provided instructions.

"You'll need to have the bandage changed out every four hours…use the antiseptic cleanser and antibiotic cream every time you change it…I can give you a pain reliever." At the look on the man's face the Doc held up a hand. "The pills I'm prescribing are very mild, will not make you drowsy and should not cause any allergic reactions…take two as needed." Reaching into his medical cabinet he picked up a small bottle, shaking it as he turned back to the LT. This should last for seven days but you're to make an appointment in three days so I can check the healing progress."

Hanley glanced at the bottle scanning the active ingredients listed…not that he didn't trust the Doc but it never hurt to know what he was taking.

"While you're here I'll give you a quick once over." Dr. Martin stated as he motioned for the LT to move to one of the exam tables.

"I'm fine…just a little tired." Hanley stood up from the chair he had been sitting on…only to find himself reaching for it when he became light headed.

Dr. Martin quickly put a hand under the taller man's elbow to help steady him as he led the LT to an exam table. "Yeah…I can see that."

As Hanley lay down…Doc grabbed a small pillow and placed it behind his head watching as the prone man closed his eyes. Taking the opportunity to check his pulse allowing the man to rest a few minutes. Better now? Want to tell me what happened?

Hanley slowly opened his eyes and gazed up at the Doctor. "I was fine until I stood up…Then I felt a little dizzy."

How much water have you had in the past four days? The Doctor continued to check him over.

"Had one canteen, half full and I've been rationing it" (he was going to fall asleep if he didn't sit up soon)

"Well… LT, you're a little dehydrated, combined with lack of food, too little sleep and a loss of blood…your body is out of sync…so here's what we're going to do. You are going to make your way to one of those cots (pointing to the back of the tent) and take a nap but not before you drink this." Turning to a side table he picked up a pitcher of water, poured some in a glass then added contents from two small packets…offering it to the LT.

What is it? Hanley asked curiously.

"Sugar water, it'll help balance your system a little until I can have a tray brought over from the Mess Hall."

"I can make my own way to the Mess Hall. Hanley said sitting up to take the water. I can't take a nap. Passing the empty glass to the Doc he grinned. That helped."

Placing the glass on the side table, Dr. Martin stood arms crossed staring at the LT, cataloging the shadowed eyes, pale features and tired set of the broad shoulders. "I've checked with the Captain, 1st Squad isn't expected back until 0300, which gives you (glancing at his watch) six hours before you have to meet Sgt. Saunders for a briefing." Do you have anything pressing that needs to be done?

Hanley ran through a mental list of things he needed to do, most of which he'd already taken care of…sleeping quarters were set up, paperwork on the past four days had been completed and turned in, Squad leaders had been briefed and the Captain would send word if anything came up. "No, Doc…nothing pressing."