Disclaimer - I don't own the characters, and don't expect any profit. The
key characters are owned by TPTB, the rest and the story are mine. Any
resemblance to persons living or dead is a coincidence.
0715 Hrs Local, 30 km South of Baghdad, Iraq
Somewhat sheltered between the shattered, burning remains of an LAV- 25 infantry fighting vehicle and low stone wall that ran northwest to southeast along the roadside the somewhat dazed little group worked franticly to collect themselves and organize a hasty defense of their very vulnerable position. The task was made more difficult by the fact that ears were still ringing from the thunderous noise the mine made exploding under the wheeled vehicle flipping it up onto its side.
To make the entire situation more challenging the evacuation had been made under a hail of small arms fire from the building immediately across the mined road. All in all it was a pretty good ambush site and the trap had been sprung with precision.
Sgt. Tommy Wheeler peered around the end of the LAV trying to get a fix on where the fire was coming from, but it was hard to get a good look with the continued singing of high velocity rounds reminding him to stay very close to shelter.
'Well shit,' he thought to himself, 'as long as the sumbitches have got to get across 40 meters of open ground to flank us on either side we're probably in pretty good shape. All we'll need to do is hang tight until the cavalry charges onto the scene.' The sergeant's second thought was about the welfare of the others in the LAV.
"Ma'am, Commander, you okay?"
LTC Sarah "Mac" MacKenzie vigorously nodded her head while she busied herself shoving a second magazine into the M16A2 in her hands. CMD Harmon Rabb also nodded while charging his 9 mm Beretta pistol and crawling to the other end of the ruined LAV.
Two other Marines had taken up positions along the wall behind the LAV to be sure no one got behind the five stranded Americans.
0720 Hrs Local, 30 km South of Baghdad, Iraq
From the volume of automatic weapons fire it seemed to Mac that at least 10 men were across the road, and, in her professional opinion, Sgt. Wheeler was right on the money about their temporary security, but if someone came up with an RPG (rocket propelled grenade) launcher or something heavier that would change dramatically for the worse.
The two officers sat with their back against the LAV drinking from their canteens. "Mac, I don't know about you, but I'm a little too old to sit out here in the damn sun waiting for the rag heads across the road to either slip off into that ditch behind the building and evaporate or decide they can take us from one flank or another."
She took a long look at her partner before speaking. "That really doesn't sound like an ambushed, pinned down lawyer. Are you determined to get your nose into Corps business? Remember: You and I were just along for the ride here. If I remember correctly we're supposed to be heading for a meeting not cruising for medals. What do you have in mind?"
Harm gestured for Sgt. Wheeler to join them and asked what the sergeant could see of the terrain across the road from his end of the LAV. Then he had another thought. "Wheeler, isn't there a SMAW (Shoulder- Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon) in the LAV?"
Understanding brightened the sergeant's eyes as he nodded. "As long as it didn't get eighty-sixed when the mine blew us the hell up one's in the vehicle, and I should be able to get back in the hatch without drawing a batch of fire. The way the hatch is laying I don't think the bad guys across the road will notice me if we go nice and easy."
"Okay sergeant, nice and easy it is then. If they get frisky stay put until we lay some fire across the road to get their heads down again." As he was speaking Harm gestured toward the end of the LAV with his head. "Mac, give me your weapon, and I'll cover him."
If looks could really kill Harm would have been KIA when the words cleared his lips. "Like hell Navy. You get your ass down to this end of the LAV and get ready for Wheeler to slide the SMAW under the hatch. That thing weighs 30 pounds and neither of you wants to try to run around or jump over the hatch if it gets busy here. I'll cover you from the forward end of the vehicle."
Mac started sliding along the backside of the fighting vehicle and gesturing for one of the Marines along the wall to join her. When the two Marines were in position she signaled Wheeler to get moving. As soon as the young sergeant was in the vehicle Harm holstered his weapon and dropped down to collect the rocket launcher.
When the fiberglass tube appeared under the edge of the blackened hatch Harm took it from Wheeler's hands and sat the device behind the LAV. Seconds later the young sergeant slipped around the hatch and slid to the ground next to Harm. "Thanks, Commander. I don't think it would have been very stealthy to have to climb around the hatch in broad daylight in plain view of our friends over there, and the SMAW wouldn't have been very happy about being punched through a hole in the sand to get it to this side."
"No sweat," Harm allowed, "now let's see how the colonel wants to proceed." Mac turned when Harm bounced a small rock off of her leg and he waved her toward him.
He grinned and pointed at the missile launcher. "Instant fire superiority. That's better tactics through technology if I ever saw it. Now, how do you want to make our friends a little less comfortable?"
"What do you have in mind Harm? 'Cause I'm still thinking the best bet is to sit tight right now. Someone must be looking for us, and this is the only road we would be been on." All she got for an answer was a tight grin as another burst pinged off the top of the LAV. "Mac, you know we're sitting ducks here if we don't do something to upset our friends over there. Doesn't this remind you a little of a field trip in West Virginia?"
She almost laughed aloud. "Yeah, and that time didn't we almost buy the farm too? Harm, this is way too much like one of my Balkan nightmares. I've been here, done this, bought the t-shirt, and don't want to go again. Let's just sit tight. The bastards can't flank us, and they obviously don't have anything heavy enough to punch through the LAV. About all they can try is rushing us from the front, and we've got enough firepower to handle that."
0830 Hrs Local, 30 km South of Baghdad, Iraq
A Mexican standoff had developed. The Marines were effectively pinned between the wrecked LAV and a low stonewall behind them with the desert beyond. On the other side of the road their attackers couldn't move very far from the building they were hiding in without coming under fire.
1003 Hrs Local, 30 km South of Baghdad, Iraq
LCpl Stephen D. Newman, without a thought, gave his last full measure of devotion to the Corps and his fellow Marines yelling "DOWN" and driving his 240 pounds into Mac a couple of heartbeats before the RPG-7 launched from cover across the road ripped into the wreck of the LAV. Roughly five pounds of high explosive material shredded the aft end of the wreck in an boiling ball of fire and shrapnel.
The 21year old Lance corporal was killed instantly by the blast and countless shrapnel wounds, but the Marine he dove into was unharmed; breathless, partially deafened, and dazed, but uninjured. Automatically Sarah MacKenzie shouted for a medic as she rolled Newman's body to one side, but the Iowa Marine was beyond a medic's help even if one were around.
Sgt. Wheeler emptied a magazine from his M16 into the building forcing the Iraqi's heads back down before ducking back down behind the LAV. Mac looked up at Harm from Newman's shattered corpse. Her expression was as hard as the desert behind them. "I don't know about you Butch, but I'm about to go get some. Are you along for the ride?"
"What ever you say Sundance."
She motioned Wheeler closer. "Are you okay with the SMAW, or is McKay the shooter?"
"McKay's trained on it, and he's a helluva shot, ma'am."
"Okay sergeant. You know how we're going to do this?"
"Yes ma'am. McKay takes the building on with the SMAW, probably from the other end of the LAV, and while the rag heads are still whacked out from the blast we take 'em from the road."
"You're all over it Wheeler. Get McKay squared away. The Commander and I will keep their heads down with covering fire. McKay needs to kick the shit out of the front of the building just to the left of the door. Use the grenades you've got to keep them shook up while we cross the road. Once we're in the building take care of business. Clear?"
"Yes ma'am."
While giving orders Mac was wiping Newman's blood off his M16A1 and pulling extra magazines out of the dead Marine's web gear stacking them on the ground in front of Harm. When she turned to look at Harm again her expression was even more devoid of expression if that were possible. She handed the weapon and extra magazines to him.
"Harm, when the SMAW hits we're up and running while the bad guys are still reeling from the noise and concussion. That should keep them down and confused while we cross the road from this end. Wheeler and McKay will clear from the other side, and we will be on them before they can get their bearings. Do you understand what's going to happen once we cross the road?"
Without a second thought he nodded. When the preparations were complete Mac pointed at McKay and the SMAW spoke with a hollow thud followed immediately with a thundering explosion. Building fragments, dust, and body parts filled the air. The concussion was still ringing in Harm's ears when Mac jumped up. With an exaggerated wave of his weapon Harm's only comment: "Think that was enough dynamite?"
1130 Hrs Local, 30 km South of Baghdad, Iraq
A Marine patrol found the four Americans slumped exhausted but uninjured against the burned out house. Fourteen Iraqi soldiers were dead in the remains of the building and three more were found strung out more or less in a line between the back of the building and a waddi behind. The four Americans were out of ammunition, and the three behind the building were all dead from knife wounds.
It was horrible.
1425 Hrs Local, 10 days later, Waterloo Cemetery, Waterloo, Iowa
The Marine honor guard was waiting for the funeral procession to make its way from the funeral chapel to the cemetery when the dark blue Ford sedan with government plates rolled to a stop behind them. The group, busy with final preparations, didn't really notice the two officers walking toward them for a moment. Busy pulling his dress blues blouse down the sergeant commanding the guard unit finally realized the two officers were heading his way.
"Attention!"
Salutes were exchanged before the tall navy commander put the detail at ease quickly with an "as you were." The commander offered a slight smile and a nod at the slightly confused sergeant who then looked at the lieutenant colonel with the dark hair, hard eyes, and stern face. "Sergeant, a word if you please."
"Yes ma'am" was the automatic response.
"I am sorry to step in here, but I will handle the presentation. You take the head of the casket. Also, before the flag is folded there will be orders. That will be all."
"Yes ma'am."
The two officers stepped aside and stood shoulder to shoulder at one side of the grave with out speaking waiting on the funeral procession to arrive.
1442 Hrs Local, Waterloo Cemetery, Waterloo, Iowa
When the minister finished the "ashes to ashes" portion of the service he nodded to the honor guard, and Mac stepped up to the backside of the casket and faced the small group sitting under the flapping tent.
In a strong parade deck voice she called the military contingent to attention for orders. When all those in uniform were at attention she repeated, without notes, the citation for a posthumous Silver Star awarded to LCpl Stephen D. Newman. She then placed the medal, ribbon, citation, and a purple heart on a small stand at the foot of the casket.
A nod to the sergeant commanding the casket detail started the flag folding ceremony. When the flag was folded he passed it to Mac who pivoted away and marched to stand before Newman's mother. The slight red headed woman sat stiff with dry, red eyes looking straight ahead.
With her gaze shifting between mother, father, one brother and a sister Mac leaned forward and spoke in a low voice as she placed the tightly folded banner into the family's hands:
"On behalf of President Bush, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and Marines everywhere I want to express my condolences and give you the thanks of a grateful nation."
With that she stood, snapped to attention and saluted. When she stepped back taps were played then all that was left was the creaking of the tent as it swayed in the summer breeze. Then it was over.
There were the usual formalities and exchange of sympathetic words as the family group shuffled past the casket and moved toward their cars to go home.
As the family started walking toward the limousine for the ride back to funeral home LCpl Newman's father walked away from the group and over to the Marines.
"Ma'am, former Sgt. Newman, 1st Marines. Thank you for your courtesy. Steve died doing something he thought was important, and I am honored that you and the commander thought it was important enough to come here today." He sniffed a little and turned away walking toward the car with his shoulders hunched forward.
Just before the little remaining group separated the youthful sergeant looked at Mac and asked a million dollar question: "Why are you here ma'am? Did you know LCpl. Newman?"
She favored the young man with a look that would have turned a mere mortal to stone and held it for a long three count before answering. "Sergeant, although it's none of your business, I had the honor of serving with LCpl. Newman. You are dismissed."
"Yes ma'am. Thank you ma'am."
Harm and Mac walked slowly back to the staff car, and along the way Harm took a breath that sounded like he was about to speak. "Harm, if you dare ask me if I'm okay I'll kill you with my bare hands right here. Just get in the damn car and drive."
1530 Hrs Local, Holiday Inn Express, Waterloo, IA
Mac slowly got up from her chair across the table from Harm and started to walk through the door into the connecting room. "I'm going to take a shower. Maybe we can get dinner in a bit." He nodded and she walked on into her bathroom slowly dropping clothing along the way.
She picked up a long bathrobe and hung it on the hook inside the bathroom door before turning the shower up as hot as she could stand it. She stepped into the shower. Sure that Harm couldn't hear anything but the running water she couldn't hold it any longer.
The sudden burst of tears and uncontrollable sobbing was a private affair as she slumped to the tile shower floor.
0715 Hrs Local, 30 km South of Baghdad, Iraq
Somewhat sheltered between the shattered, burning remains of an LAV- 25 infantry fighting vehicle and low stone wall that ran northwest to southeast along the roadside the somewhat dazed little group worked franticly to collect themselves and organize a hasty defense of their very vulnerable position. The task was made more difficult by the fact that ears were still ringing from the thunderous noise the mine made exploding under the wheeled vehicle flipping it up onto its side.
To make the entire situation more challenging the evacuation had been made under a hail of small arms fire from the building immediately across the mined road. All in all it was a pretty good ambush site and the trap had been sprung with precision.
Sgt. Tommy Wheeler peered around the end of the LAV trying to get a fix on where the fire was coming from, but it was hard to get a good look with the continued singing of high velocity rounds reminding him to stay very close to shelter.
'Well shit,' he thought to himself, 'as long as the sumbitches have got to get across 40 meters of open ground to flank us on either side we're probably in pretty good shape. All we'll need to do is hang tight until the cavalry charges onto the scene.' The sergeant's second thought was about the welfare of the others in the LAV.
"Ma'am, Commander, you okay?"
LTC Sarah "Mac" MacKenzie vigorously nodded her head while she busied herself shoving a second magazine into the M16A2 in her hands. CMD Harmon Rabb also nodded while charging his 9 mm Beretta pistol and crawling to the other end of the ruined LAV.
Two other Marines had taken up positions along the wall behind the LAV to be sure no one got behind the five stranded Americans.
0720 Hrs Local, 30 km South of Baghdad, Iraq
From the volume of automatic weapons fire it seemed to Mac that at least 10 men were across the road, and, in her professional opinion, Sgt. Wheeler was right on the money about their temporary security, but if someone came up with an RPG (rocket propelled grenade) launcher or something heavier that would change dramatically for the worse.
The two officers sat with their back against the LAV drinking from their canteens. "Mac, I don't know about you, but I'm a little too old to sit out here in the damn sun waiting for the rag heads across the road to either slip off into that ditch behind the building and evaporate or decide they can take us from one flank or another."
She took a long look at her partner before speaking. "That really doesn't sound like an ambushed, pinned down lawyer. Are you determined to get your nose into Corps business? Remember: You and I were just along for the ride here. If I remember correctly we're supposed to be heading for a meeting not cruising for medals. What do you have in mind?"
Harm gestured for Sgt. Wheeler to join them and asked what the sergeant could see of the terrain across the road from his end of the LAV. Then he had another thought. "Wheeler, isn't there a SMAW (Shoulder- Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon) in the LAV?"
Understanding brightened the sergeant's eyes as he nodded. "As long as it didn't get eighty-sixed when the mine blew us the hell up one's in the vehicle, and I should be able to get back in the hatch without drawing a batch of fire. The way the hatch is laying I don't think the bad guys across the road will notice me if we go nice and easy."
"Okay sergeant, nice and easy it is then. If they get frisky stay put until we lay some fire across the road to get their heads down again." As he was speaking Harm gestured toward the end of the LAV with his head. "Mac, give me your weapon, and I'll cover him."
If looks could really kill Harm would have been KIA when the words cleared his lips. "Like hell Navy. You get your ass down to this end of the LAV and get ready for Wheeler to slide the SMAW under the hatch. That thing weighs 30 pounds and neither of you wants to try to run around or jump over the hatch if it gets busy here. I'll cover you from the forward end of the vehicle."
Mac started sliding along the backside of the fighting vehicle and gesturing for one of the Marines along the wall to join her. When the two Marines were in position she signaled Wheeler to get moving. As soon as the young sergeant was in the vehicle Harm holstered his weapon and dropped down to collect the rocket launcher.
When the fiberglass tube appeared under the edge of the blackened hatch Harm took it from Wheeler's hands and sat the device behind the LAV. Seconds later the young sergeant slipped around the hatch and slid to the ground next to Harm. "Thanks, Commander. I don't think it would have been very stealthy to have to climb around the hatch in broad daylight in plain view of our friends over there, and the SMAW wouldn't have been very happy about being punched through a hole in the sand to get it to this side."
"No sweat," Harm allowed, "now let's see how the colonel wants to proceed." Mac turned when Harm bounced a small rock off of her leg and he waved her toward him.
He grinned and pointed at the missile launcher. "Instant fire superiority. That's better tactics through technology if I ever saw it. Now, how do you want to make our friends a little less comfortable?"
"What do you have in mind Harm? 'Cause I'm still thinking the best bet is to sit tight right now. Someone must be looking for us, and this is the only road we would be been on." All she got for an answer was a tight grin as another burst pinged off the top of the LAV. "Mac, you know we're sitting ducks here if we don't do something to upset our friends over there. Doesn't this remind you a little of a field trip in West Virginia?"
She almost laughed aloud. "Yeah, and that time didn't we almost buy the farm too? Harm, this is way too much like one of my Balkan nightmares. I've been here, done this, bought the t-shirt, and don't want to go again. Let's just sit tight. The bastards can't flank us, and they obviously don't have anything heavy enough to punch through the LAV. About all they can try is rushing us from the front, and we've got enough firepower to handle that."
0830 Hrs Local, 30 km South of Baghdad, Iraq
A Mexican standoff had developed. The Marines were effectively pinned between the wrecked LAV and a low stonewall behind them with the desert beyond. On the other side of the road their attackers couldn't move very far from the building they were hiding in without coming under fire.
1003 Hrs Local, 30 km South of Baghdad, Iraq
LCpl Stephen D. Newman, without a thought, gave his last full measure of devotion to the Corps and his fellow Marines yelling "DOWN" and driving his 240 pounds into Mac a couple of heartbeats before the RPG-7 launched from cover across the road ripped into the wreck of the LAV. Roughly five pounds of high explosive material shredded the aft end of the wreck in an boiling ball of fire and shrapnel.
The 21year old Lance corporal was killed instantly by the blast and countless shrapnel wounds, but the Marine he dove into was unharmed; breathless, partially deafened, and dazed, but uninjured. Automatically Sarah MacKenzie shouted for a medic as she rolled Newman's body to one side, but the Iowa Marine was beyond a medic's help even if one were around.
Sgt. Wheeler emptied a magazine from his M16 into the building forcing the Iraqi's heads back down before ducking back down behind the LAV. Mac looked up at Harm from Newman's shattered corpse. Her expression was as hard as the desert behind them. "I don't know about you Butch, but I'm about to go get some. Are you along for the ride?"
"What ever you say Sundance."
She motioned Wheeler closer. "Are you okay with the SMAW, or is McKay the shooter?"
"McKay's trained on it, and he's a helluva shot, ma'am."
"Okay sergeant. You know how we're going to do this?"
"Yes ma'am. McKay takes the building on with the SMAW, probably from the other end of the LAV, and while the rag heads are still whacked out from the blast we take 'em from the road."
"You're all over it Wheeler. Get McKay squared away. The Commander and I will keep their heads down with covering fire. McKay needs to kick the shit out of the front of the building just to the left of the door. Use the grenades you've got to keep them shook up while we cross the road. Once we're in the building take care of business. Clear?"
"Yes ma'am."
While giving orders Mac was wiping Newman's blood off his M16A1 and pulling extra magazines out of the dead Marine's web gear stacking them on the ground in front of Harm. When she turned to look at Harm again her expression was even more devoid of expression if that were possible. She handed the weapon and extra magazines to him.
"Harm, when the SMAW hits we're up and running while the bad guys are still reeling from the noise and concussion. That should keep them down and confused while we cross the road from this end. Wheeler and McKay will clear from the other side, and we will be on them before they can get their bearings. Do you understand what's going to happen once we cross the road?"
Without a second thought he nodded. When the preparations were complete Mac pointed at McKay and the SMAW spoke with a hollow thud followed immediately with a thundering explosion. Building fragments, dust, and body parts filled the air. The concussion was still ringing in Harm's ears when Mac jumped up. With an exaggerated wave of his weapon Harm's only comment: "Think that was enough dynamite?"
1130 Hrs Local, 30 km South of Baghdad, Iraq
A Marine patrol found the four Americans slumped exhausted but uninjured against the burned out house. Fourteen Iraqi soldiers were dead in the remains of the building and three more were found strung out more or less in a line between the back of the building and a waddi behind. The four Americans were out of ammunition, and the three behind the building were all dead from knife wounds.
It was horrible.
1425 Hrs Local, 10 days later, Waterloo Cemetery, Waterloo, Iowa
The Marine honor guard was waiting for the funeral procession to make its way from the funeral chapel to the cemetery when the dark blue Ford sedan with government plates rolled to a stop behind them. The group, busy with final preparations, didn't really notice the two officers walking toward them for a moment. Busy pulling his dress blues blouse down the sergeant commanding the guard unit finally realized the two officers were heading his way.
"Attention!"
Salutes were exchanged before the tall navy commander put the detail at ease quickly with an "as you were." The commander offered a slight smile and a nod at the slightly confused sergeant who then looked at the lieutenant colonel with the dark hair, hard eyes, and stern face. "Sergeant, a word if you please."
"Yes ma'am" was the automatic response.
"I am sorry to step in here, but I will handle the presentation. You take the head of the casket. Also, before the flag is folded there will be orders. That will be all."
"Yes ma'am."
The two officers stepped aside and stood shoulder to shoulder at one side of the grave with out speaking waiting on the funeral procession to arrive.
1442 Hrs Local, Waterloo Cemetery, Waterloo, Iowa
When the minister finished the "ashes to ashes" portion of the service he nodded to the honor guard, and Mac stepped up to the backside of the casket and faced the small group sitting under the flapping tent.
In a strong parade deck voice she called the military contingent to attention for orders. When all those in uniform were at attention she repeated, without notes, the citation for a posthumous Silver Star awarded to LCpl Stephen D. Newman. She then placed the medal, ribbon, citation, and a purple heart on a small stand at the foot of the casket.
A nod to the sergeant commanding the casket detail started the flag folding ceremony. When the flag was folded he passed it to Mac who pivoted away and marched to stand before Newman's mother. The slight red headed woman sat stiff with dry, red eyes looking straight ahead.
With her gaze shifting between mother, father, one brother and a sister Mac leaned forward and spoke in a low voice as she placed the tightly folded banner into the family's hands:
"On behalf of President Bush, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and Marines everywhere I want to express my condolences and give you the thanks of a grateful nation."
With that she stood, snapped to attention and saluted. When she stepped back taps were played then all that was left was the creaking of the tent as it swayed in the summer breeze. Then it was over.
There were the usual formalities and exchange of sympathetic words as the family group shuffled past the casket and moved toward their cars to go home.
As the family started walking toward the limousine for the ride back to funeral home LCpl Newman's father walked away from the group and over to the Marines.
"Ma'am, former Sgt. Newman, 1st Marines. Thank you for your courtesy. Steve died doing something he thought was important, and I am honored that you and the commander thought it was important enough to come here today." He sniffed a little and turned away walking toward the car with his shoulders hunched forward.
Just before the little remaining group separated the youthful sergeant looked at Mac and asked a million dollar question: "Why are you here ma'am? Did you know LCpl. Newman?"
She favored the young man with a look that would have turned a mere mortal to stone and held it for a long three count before answering. "Sergeant, although it's none of your business, I had the honor of serving with LCpl. Newman. You are dismissed."
"Yes ma'am. Thank you ma'am."
Harm and Mac walked slowly back to the staff car, and along the way Harm took a breath that sounded like he was about to speak. "Harm, if you dare ask me if I'm okay I'll kill you with my bare hands right here. Just get in the damn car and drive."
1530 Hrs Local, Holiday Inn Express, Waterloo, IA
Mac slowly got up from her chair across the table from Harm and started to walk through the door into the connecting room. "I'm going to take a shower. Maybe we can get dinner in a bit." He nodded and she walked on into her bathroom slowly dropping clothing along the way.
She picked up a long bathrobe and hung it on the hook inside the bathroom door before turning the shower up as hot as she could stand it. She stepped into the shower. Sure that Harm couldn't hear anything but the running water she couldn't hold it any longer.
The sudden burst of tears and uncontrollable sobbing was a private affair as she slumped to the tile shower floor.
