A Farmer's Courage II: Vietnam 67'
Chapter 7: Fifteen Days Earlier (Part IV): Tunnel Rat
(Back to Jack)
"So you're dwelling in a VC tunnel huh? What makes you follow the orders of that asshole Lieutenant?" Rick scratches his chin as he listens to my story. An hour had passed since the three of us (Rick, Gardner, and I) sit here telling our pass actions towards this new newbie: Rick
"Yeah...I got no choice! I was CHOOSEN!"
"Captain's choice?"
"Captain's choice."
"So how is it down there?" Gardner was curious about the ways and life in a VC tunnel. I chuckle, grinning I answer:
"You don't want to know…."
(Jack's Flashback)
Spring 9, 1967,
Unknown VC Tunnel,
1830 hrs
"Alright LT; you know what to do...make me proud boy!" The captain salutes me as I was lowered into the tunnel
I've never expected to explore a VC tunnel, and I would never! I've heard how intricate they would be that even a guy from the SF would trigger a trap, lost, captured, or was killed in this tunnel. I've been in a tunnel before; back in my home with the resistance fighters. But our tunnels were way brighter and way bigger than the VC's cramped tunnel. You need to crouch to move around.
"Goddamn VC…..how the hell did they build this tunnel?" I crouch slowly as I try to maneuver around the tunnel. It's dark (and I mean DARK; REAL DARK), so I turn on my flashlight located in my right chest; attached to my flak jacket.
"This should light things up….."
"(Speaking in Vietnamese)" I lit my head up and un-holster my Thompson. Aiming at the dark tunnel that was shone by my flashlight, were shadows of 2 VC
"(Speaking in Vietnamese)" The first VC comes up to my sights and was quickly terminated with a few shots. He screams as he fell back. The second one also stupidly pops his head out. One round is enough to take him out. Damn VC never had combat training I guess…..all they do is attack in mass numbers.
"Oww……" I grasp my ear as it rang in pain.
"Lt. Harvest, you copy?" It's the Captain
"Yeah I copy. With all do respect sir, call me with my nickname or my front name, can you?"
"Roger that. I forgot to warn you, don't use your Thompson or any other noisy weapons in the tunnel if you don't want to end up deaf. That's what the silence .45 for." Tell me about it…
"Remember LT, keep me inform about your situation down there. We're using codenames from now on."
"Okay….what's your codename?"
"I'll give yours first LT. Your codename will be Tunnel Rat." What the….?
"Tunnel Rat? Are there any better codenames, sir?"
"No complaints! We can discuss this later."
"Okay…."
"My codename will be Spade 6. Keep that in mind solder."
"Roger, Spade 6. I'll keep you inform about my situation down here. Mole…"
"Don't change nicknames LT or you'll be RTU at once!"
"Okay, okay……..Tunnel Rat, out." Damn it…..couldn't get any better nicks huh?
I thought for myself for awhile before I continue traversing the tunnel. I think about the resistance, how they used to be in the tunnels. I think about home, where my family awaits. Also, about Ann. How….she comforted me at night when it was cold. I chuckle to myself, and smile.
"C'mon Jack. You get through this, and you'll be going home."
No. The fact is, this won't be my last duty; I still got a year to accomplish before I return home…..where everybody awaits.
(1 Hour Later)
"Way to go Jack! Way to go! What'd you found down there?" The Captain greets me first as I climb out of the tunnel. The whole tunnel is covered with black smokes after I set out a charge by an ammo dump; I almost can't breath down there.
"Some ammo caches (cough), a radio, traps (grenade trip, pungi pits), a couple of VC, and (cough) dead U.S soldiers hand hammered into the tunnel walls."
"I see…."
"With all do respect sir, NEVER send me down there again! I'm starting to develop tunnel phobias….and seeing strange things down there….." The Captain chuckles, and pats me in the shoulder
"I'm not sure about that…I might send you again in the tunnel someday..."
"Thank you sir……" Damn. Hate tunnels. When I get home, I promise I'll blow the tunnel under our village sky high.
"One more thing Lieutenant…,"
"Yes sir?"
"You and Scar's squad will be assigned to check up on a nearby village for any signs of VC or hidden weapons tomorrow. Keep your guard up and do not harm any civilian! We're here to help, not to terminate innocents! Any VC in the area will be taken back here for interrogation. Get some rest LT." I walk away from the Captain, sighing in regret thinking: why in the world did I join the U.S Army……wait…I accidentally volunteered to check up on Kai's condition since he hasn't been writing to us. Damn……
Author's Note
Damn it! Last day of school is coming, and homework and freakin' projects are stackin'! I might quit this for a while and return typing once I got done with school. Anyways, this is one of the shortest chapter I've written since I had no idea what it looks like in a VC tunnel. Anyways, please R Jack's death experience will be 2-3 chapters away!