Disclaimer: The Rat Patrol is not my property. They come out to play sometimes, then I send them home.
Author's note: Let creative license begin.
Gates of Hell
By Suzie2b
Troy and Moffitt were in Captain Boggs' office discussing the Rat Patrol's next assignment. Major Cole had delivered the documents himself from Army command in Tunisia.
The major handed the file to Boggs as he said, "We've finally found the Germans hidden POW camp. We want your men to go in and retrieve a British prisoner by the name of Captain Davies. He has some important intel in his head and High Command wants it as soon a possible."
Troy took the paperwork from Boggs and began to scan through it. "Yes, sir. Where exactly is this camp located?"
"All the information your men will need is in that file."
"My men? You're talking about Sargent Moffitt and I, major?"
Major Cole said, "Not this time, sergeant. You and Sergeant Moffitt both are too well known in these parts. Hitchcock and Pettigrew aren't. We need to get Davies out of there with information he's got. We want your men to be picked up as prisoners. They will be taken to Captain Falkner's camp where they'll get Davies out."
Troy didn't like it and the look on his face showed it.
"Do you have a problem with this mission, sergeant?"
"Yes, sir, but I doubt you'd be willing to listen."
Major Cole took a deep breath to curb his anger and said, "You're right, sergeant, I'm sure I wouldn't. Your men have an assignment to carry out and I expect them to do it. You and Sergeant Moffitt are to see to it your men take care of business. If they are unsuccessful, you will take over and get it done yourself." Before Troy could make any other comment, Cole said, "You're both dismissed."
As they left headquarters, Moffitt said quietly, "Perhaps that wasn't the best way to handle the major, Troy."
Troy growled, "He wanted to know if I had a problem."
"But the majority of men wouldn't have answered as you did."
Troy thought for a moment and decided Moffitt was probably right, but didn't admit to anything. "Let's go find Hitch and Tully."
##################
The four men of the Rat Patrol left the base at Ras Tanura. As they drove, Moffitt read through the documents from Major Cole. He didn't like the situation any more than Troy did and what he read didn't make him feel any better.
Troy sat in the other jeep next to Hitch. His thoughts were for his men. Troy knew Hitch and Tully could handle most situations on their own, but he didn't like this. He knew he and Moffitt could handle the extraction. Sending his less experienced men gave him a bad feeling. And why would the major think that he and Moffitt were 'well known in these parts'. The last time they were in the area there was no POW camp and no Captain Falkner.
They got to the coordinates of the POW camp. It was nestled between sand dunes and wouldn't be seen unless there was a flyby.
Troy and Moffitt crawled to the top of one of the dunes and carefully peered down at the camp while Hitch and Tully waited with the jeeps. The sergeants saw that the camp was surrounded with welded metal fencing topped with rolled barbed wire.
##################
Hitch and Tully sat in one of the jeeps as Hitch read through the paperwork. He blew a pink bubble then said, "Looks like we're on a rescue mission."
Tully nodded. "Wonder who it is?"
"Some British Captain named Davies." Hitch read further, then said, "He's some sort of operative according to this."
Tully asked, "How long has this camp been here?" After shuffling through the files, Hitch frowned. Tully noticed the look on his friend's face. "What's wrong?"
"According to this it's been here for about six months. It's known as 'The Gates of Hell'."
"Doesn't sound very friendly."
Hitch handed the file folder to Tully and said, "You'd better read through this so you know what's going on."
Tully hated reading directives. They always seemed to have the information mixed up somehow. That's why he never complained about Troy and Moffitt doing it. They seemed to work the information so it made sense. However, he took the folder and began from the beginning.
They sat there for a while. It had been silent, then they heard gunshots and screams of pain. Hitch and Tully looked up at the sergeants, but neither made a move. They chose to stand up next to the jeeps in case they needed to spring into action in a moment's notice.
##################
Troy and Moffitt inspected the fencing with binoculars and Troy quietly said, "This isn't going to be easy."
Moffitt nodded. "Not only do they have barbed wire surrounding the camp, it's fixed with electric wiring."
"Major Cole wants Hitch and Tully to get picked up by the Germans and taken in."
"That should be easy enough, but then they have to get out of camp with Captain Davies."
Troy said, "You and I can help take care of that if needed."
As the sergeants watched they saw guards' lead four prisoners out into the middle of the empty yard. The prisoners were tied to posts as the rest of the prisoners were forced into a position to watch what was about to happen.
Five of the Germans marched out and stood before the bound prisoners with guns.
Moffitt whispered, "Looks like an execution."
There were no blindfolds offered as the guards prepared to fire the machine guns they held. The first volley of bullets cut across the prisoners' thighs, amputating the limbs completely or nearly so. The men screamed in pain and shock. Next, the executioners shot somewhat randomly, always avoiding the head. It was a slow bloody process, but eventually the prisoners died one by one, slumping in their bounds against the posts.
The other prisoners were forced to watch in solemn silence until the German guards reported that the men were dead. Prisoners were ordered to carry the bodies away before they were allowed to go back to their tents.
Troy ground his teeth as Moffitt's body stiffened, both in silent anger. Troy moved to go down to the jeeps to meet with Hitch and Tully. He looked at Moffitt and said, "You stay here and keep an eye on things."
##################
After Troy explained the situation, Hitch asked, "Does Major Cole know what Falkner is doing to the prisoners?"
Troy sighed. "He didn't say anything about it during our meeting, but that doesn't mean much." He studied Tully's face as the private went back to reading the file folder without a word. Troy gave the situation some thought as Hitch stared out at the desert silently. He contemplated what was about to happen, then said, "I don't think I can send you two on this mission."
Hitch looked at Troy. "Why?"
"I just have a bad feeling about this whole thing. They don't call this place the 'Gates of Hell for nothing."
Tully asked, "You don't think we can handle it?"
Troy shook his head vehemently. "Don't ever think that. You two can handle this as well as any assignment you've ever carried out … better than the majority men I've dealt with."
Hitch questioned, "Then why?"
"It has to do with something Major Cole said." Troy looked at his two men and decided, "That's it. Moffitt and I will do it. The major won't know the difference."
"No, sarge. There's always a chance the major will find out and then you and Moffitt will be in real trouble."
Tully agreed and said, "Hitch and I will take care of it, sarge."
Troy saw the resolve in their young faces and sighed. "All right, but Moffitt and I will be keeping an eye on the situation in case you need us."
Hitch and Tully nodded and Troy started to go over the plans with them.
##################
The German guards were on duty throughout the night, constantly checking the grounds and the tents to make sure the head count was correct. The silence was accentuated only by the buzzing of annoying insects and the call from the night birds as they hunted them.
When morning came, Hitch and Tully readied themselves for their mission. They verified the location where the Germans would most likely pick them up during their normal rounds of the area.
Troy said, "Moffitt and I will be following you in the other jeep to make sure you're picked up with no problems. We'll stay out of sight and come back here after we grab the jeep they leave behind."
Hitch asked, "What'll we do if they don't leave the jeep behind?"
"If we can, we'll get it back."
Hitch and Tully nodded. Hitch said, "Okay, sarge."
Moffitt said, "Remember to wait until night before you take Captain Davies. We don't know if he'll give you any issues or not."
Tully asked, "We're there to get him out. Why would he give us any problems?"
"Trust me. It can happen."
Troy and Moffitt let Hitch and Tully go ahead. As soon as the jeep was out of sight, the sergeants followed at a safe distance with Troy watching them with the binoculars.
At the coordinates, Tully stopped the jeep and they both got out. Hitch pulled a machine gun out of its fender holster while Tully pushed the hood up and began to fiddle with the engine to make it look like they were having engine problems.
It was about an hour later when two German halftracks showed up. Hitch and Tully put on a show of trying to duck down next to the jeep to hide, but they were outnumbered and outgunned, so it wasn't much of a ruse. They were quickly disarmed by the Germans and forced into one of the halftracks.
Troy and Moffitt watched until the vehicles were out of sight, then quickly drove in and picked up the second jeep and headed back to camp.
##################
When Troy and Moffitt returned to camp the German halftracks weren't there yet with their prisoners. Moffitt said, "They must by searching to see if there's anyone out there."
It was about 2pm when the enemy showed up and the sergeants were glad to see that Hitch and Tully appeared to be in good shape – meaning that the Germans hadn't touched them.
Hitch and Tully were pushed out of the halftrack and then left alone in the camp. As soon as they could, the Americans split up and began looking for Captain Davies.
After a couple of hours of careful, inconspicuous searching, Hitch was the one that located Davies in one of the tents. He recognized the captain from the picture that had been in the file. Hitch sat down on the cot where the captain was lounging with a book. "Captain Davies?"
Davies gave a glance at Hitch. He nodded and inquired hesitantly, "New guy?"
Hitch nodded and said quietly, "We're here to get you out."
"Who's 'we'?"
"Me and another guy from my unit. We've been assigned to take you to Ras Tanura."
Davies kept his expressionless eyes on his book as he said, "I see. When is this escape supposed to happen?"
Hitch answered, "Tonight after dark. We'll be back here to get you when we're ready."
"All right. I'll be waiting."
Hitch gave a nod and left the tent. He quickly located Tully and explained that he'd found the captain and they would pick him up that night.
Tully whispered, "Troy and Moffitt were right, the fence is wired with electricity – all the way around the camp."
"Any ideas for getting out of here?"
"I found the master switch." Tully took a pair of wire cutters out of his jacket pocket. "I found these too. Once the electricity is turned off, we can cut our way out."
Hitch asked, "Guards?"
Tully said, "Nobody's back there right now, but there may be once the sun goes down."
"I guess we wait then."
Tully read the expression on his friend's face. "What's wrong?"
Hitch shrugged. "Probably nothing, but Captain Davies didn't seem very excited about escaping."
##################
That evening they watched the Germans set up a table. The ravenous prisoners gathered nearby to get their share of the food that would be offered.
Hitch and Tully stood off to one side and watched as a large pot and several plates of bread were brought out and set on the table. Guards stood next to the table to make sure no conflicts broke out.
Tully asked, "Do you see the captain?"
Hitch said quietly, "No, he doesn't seem to be in line."
"He must be waiting for us."
A guard that had been doing rounds of the camp stopped and said, "Sie werden mit den anderen essen."
Hitch asked, "What's he want?"
Tully said, "He wants us to eat with the other prisoners."
"Do you think it's eatable?"
"Probably not."
The guard pushed Hitch and Tully towards the table, where they got in line with the prisoners. Tully said quietly, "Looks like the Germans don't want us to starve."
They took filled tin cups and bread, then went to sit where they'd been before. Hitch stirred the watery, gray stew and found a single rock hard potato. "Um, I think I'll pass on this."
Tully agreed with a silent nod and they both set the cups aside to munch on the stale bread they'd been given.
It wasn't long before a couple of prisoners walked over and eyed the ignored cups of stew. One man asked, "You guys gonna eat that?"
Tully shook his head and Hitch said, "You can have it if you want it."
The two prisoners picked up the cups and looked at the guard who'd been watching them. The German nodded and the two scurried away with their prizes before anyone could change their mind.
Tully tore bits of bread and put them in his mouth as he asked, "Where's Captain Davies tent?"
Hitch answered, "I found him in that one right behind you."
"When are we going to do this?"
"As soon as the prisoners are asleep."
##################
Moffitt crawled to the top of the sand dune and settled next to Troy. "How's it look?"
Troy said, "Quiet. Looks like the prisoners have been put to bed."
"You know, I've been thinking about what Major Cole said in our meeting about Captain Falkner."
"Yeah? Thinking about what?"
Moffitt said, "He said that you and I are too well known out here to do the assignment."
Troy said, "So?"
"When was the last time we were out here?"
"Oh, I couple of months ago I guess. Captain Boggs had us doing recon."
Moffitt gave a nod. "And what did we find?"
Troy rolled onto his side to look at his friend curiously. "Nothing. Just empty desert."
"That's right. And when have we ever met or seen Captain Falkner?"
"Just once. We went after him in Basra, but we weren't successful with the grab."
"However, I remember reading a report where Falkner captured Cole." Moffitt said, "He was somehow able to get away. It's suspicious. I'm thinking Major Cole was allowed to escape and is now working with Falkner and the Germans. The report says that it appears the major might be working to locate anyone worth anything for the Germans."
Troy said, "The prisoners are interrogated and if they possibly have any important information, they're sent to German command for further questioning."
It sounded logical to both sergeants'. Troy said, "And the others are used for target practice."
"Yes and Major Cole wouldn't want to be discovered involved with
Espionage."
"That means Captain Davies is Major Cole's next target."
Moffitt nodded. "It would appear so. Hard to say how the major will be kidnapped, but I'm sure the Germans have something in mind."
##################
Hitch and Tully waited, pretending to sleep until they could hear the snores of those around them. Then Hitch quietly got up and went to Tully's cot. He nudged his friend and signaled him to follow.
Outside they crouched in the shadows of their tent and looked around cautiously.
Tully whispered, "It would be easier if they'd put us in the same tent with Captain Davies."
Hitch put a finger to his lips with a quiet "hush" sound. Then he led Tully to the tent he'd found Davies in earlier. They went inside and silently moved to the cot the captain had been using.
Hitch gently shook the captain to wake him, but immediately realized something wasn't right. He pulled the blanket back and discovered a dummy made up of pillows. Hitch and Tully stood up to get out of there when flashlights came on around them. They looked at each other and were led out of the tent.
Hitch and Tully were roughly pushed into another tent, where they found Captain Falkner sitting at a table with another man, whose back was to them.
Falkner smiled. "So good of you to join us for a late dinner. Too bad you won't be enjoying it." Hitch and Tully remained silent. The captain looked at his guest and said, "They may as well know who you are."
The other man at the table turned and looked at the two Americans. Hitch and Tully's eyes got big as Hitch questioned, "Captain Davies?"
The captain stood as he dabbed at the corners of his mouth with a linen napkin. "The one and only. Captain Falkner and I have a very strategic way of getting what we need from choice prisoners. It's almost a pity that you two have nothing worthwhile for us to garner."
Tully asked, "What happens now?"
Captain Falkner said, "We will wait for your sergeants to come to your rescue."
Hitch asked, "And if we came alone?"
Falkner said, "Though I doubt that very much, the bounty for the two of you will be a good start." He pointed at the Americans and ordered his men, "Halte sie vorerst mit Wachen im Versorgungszelt zurück. Sie werden morgen erledigt."
As the guards pushed Hitch and Tully out of the tent with rifles in their backs, they heard Captain Falkner say to Davies, "Please, resume your meal. It is best when hot."
Hitch and Tully were taken to a tent that appeared to contain supplies. The guards tied them securely before stepping outside to stand watch.
Once the guards were out of earshot, Hitch whispered, "What did Falkner say?"
Tully said quietly, "They're going to 'take care of us tomorrow'."
Hitch questioned, "Do you think Troy and Moffitt will come for us?"
Tully sighed. "If they can, they will."
##################
Troy and Moffitt watched as Hitch and Tully were taken into a well-lit tent. A few minutes later they were led out and into another tent.
Troy said, "If we don't get them out of there, they're as good as dead."
Moffitt agreed and asked, "But how are we going to do it? Falkner is no doubt going to assume you and I are out here just waiting for a chance at rescue. There will be guards everywhere."
"We're going to have to wait until tomorrow."
"That's taking a chance with all of our lives."
Troy sighed. "There's no other choice."
##################
They sat there throughout the night. Tully dozed for lack of anything better to do. However, Hitch was able to remove a metal corner bracket from the crate he was sitting against. It wasn't overly sharp, but it would cut through the ropes on his wrists.
By the time he was free, the sun was bright on the horizon. Hitch was about to cut Tully loose when the guards walked in. The two Americans were hauled to their feet and one of the Germans noticed that Hitch had managed to cut the ropes. The guard searched the private, but didn't find anything on him. Angrily, the German slapped Hitch hard across the face, but the only response he got was a smile that sent shivers through the enemy soldiers.
They heard Captain Falkner on a platform and called out to have the prisoners brought out. Not wanting to take the time to retie Hitch since he was about to be bound to a post, the Germans pushed the Americans ahead of them and outside.
Moffitt waved to get Troy's attention. When they were together, Moffitt said, "Whatever we're going to do, we're going to have to do it now."
The two Allies watched as Hitch, Tully, and the others were led to the yard and securely tied to the posts.
Troy and Moffitt ran down to the jeeps as he said, "It's now or never."
##################
Hitch and Tully both heard the jeep coming before they saw it. Moffitt was at the wheel and Troy manned the 50, letting the large caliber bullet fly nonstop as they barreled into the camp. As the jeep hit the fence there was a lot of electrical arcing and hissing as the fence short circuited.
Hitch took the piece of metal he'd hidden in his sock and worked as fast as he could to free himself. When the ropes fell away, he moved quickly to Tully's side and put the piece of metal in his friend's hand. No words needed to be spoken as Tully nodded and began to saw at the ropes.
From the jeep Moffitt watched Hitch run towards the platform. As soon as the jeep was there, Hitch went up behind Davies and Falkner. With an unexpected shove the two shocked officers hit the ground face first.
Moffitt didn't question as Hitch loaded the two men unceremoniously into the jeep.
Troy called over the noise, "Where's Tully?"
Hitch swung around in time to see his friend hadn't quite freed himself from the ropes. Then a bullet hit Tully in the side and he slumped to the ground. Hitch reached forward and slid Troy's knife out of the sergeant's boot. Then he ran, staying low as he headed to Tully.
Moffitt skidded to a stop in hopes of blocking the bullets with the side of the jeep as Hitch helped Tully.
Hitch sliced through what was left of the rope and grabbed Tully's arm. "We've got to go!"
Tully nodded and leaned into Hitch as he helped him into the jeep.
As Moffitt turned the vehicle to get them out of there, Captain Falkner made an attempt to jump from the jeep. Without a second thought the barrel of Troy's 50 came down on the captain's head, knocking him unconscious. The sergeant spared a glance at Davies and the captain cowered deeper into the corner of the jeep.
Moffitt floored it and ran the jeep through the fence and out of the camp. He ran the vehicle up and over the dune to where the second jeep waited. As he came to a stop, he saw the blood seeping through Tully's shirt. "Wait here."
Troy kept his aim on the top of the dune as Hitch and Moffitt secured the prisoners in the back of the jeep Moffitt drove. This left plenty of room for Troy to move around with the 50. Then Hitch took his place behind the wheel. Troy immediately opened fire again just as the Germans crossed over the dune, Moffitt headed out ahead of Troy and Hitch with the prisoners and the injured Tully.
As the private scrambled into the jeep Troy noticed that Hitch had taken a bullet in the shoulder. The sergeant couldn't do anything about it right away, and again kept the 50 firing as the jeeps sped off into the desert.
##################
They lost the Germans and took refuge at an abandoned vineyard. Moffitt quickly took care of Hitch and Tully as best he could while Troy checked the perimeter of the property.
Moffitt worked on Tully, pressing gauze on the wound to get the bleeding to at least slow, but he didn't dare try to remove the bullet from his side. He'd been unconscious for quite a while and the sergeant was worried with how pale Tully was.
Hitch watched with concern and asked, "Will he be okay?"
Moffitt said quietly. "Let's hope so." He moved to Hitch and tore open his shirt to check his shoulder. "Went straight through. Not too much blood loss. Sit still, I'll be right back."
While the sergeant was gathering what he needed, Hitch saw Troy return from his rounds. He watched with curiosity. There were chickens roaming around the property and he noticed how Troy tracked them with his eyes. After a minute, there was a single shot, feathers flew and one chicken lie dead. Once the flock settled down, Troy moved carefully and took aim at another bird. Again there was one shot and the chicken lay dead.
Moffitt returned and smiled as he knelt next to Hitch. "Looks like we're going to have a good dinner."
Hitch looked at what Moffitt sat down next to them. "What's that?"
"Aloe Vera. We're low on medical supplies so we use what we can." Moffitt scooped the plant's pulp out onto a large fig leaf and mixed it with some alcohol.
"Is it going to hurt?"
Moffitt smiled slightly. "I'm sure it will, but it'll disinfect the wounds and start them healing."
Hitch hissed quietly as Moffitt applied the mixture to both wounds. Then Moffitt bandaged the shoulder snuggly.
Then Moffitt moved back to Tully. "The bleeding has finally stopped." He mixed another batch of Aloe and alcohol and began to apply it.
Hitch watched and said, "At least he can't feel it."
##################
It was late when Tully finally woke up. He groaned as he tried to sit up.
Troy appeared at his side and said quietly, "Let me help you. Lean back on this tree."
Tully did as he was told and breathed hard until the pain subsided. Troy moved to the fire and poured broth into a mug. He returned to Tully's side and held out the mug. "Here drink some of this."
Tully took the mug in a shaky hand and inhaled the aroma.
Troy smiled slightly. "It's chicken, but it's not out of a can."
Tully took a sip and savored the warm, tasty liquid. "Where are we?"
"The vineyard we found a while back. Hitch explained about Falkner and Davies. And it looks like Major Cole is involved too."
Tully nodded as he sipped more broth." He looked at Hitch sleeping next to him and asked, "Is he okay?"
Troy said, "He took a bullet to the shoulder, but he should be all right. We'll be at the base hospital in Ras Tarura tomorrow." He took the nearly empty mug and helped Tully lay down. "Try to sleep."
##################
Troy and Moffitt were let into Captain Boggs office.
Major Cole sat on the corner of the desk and didn't look too happy. "It's about time you reported in sergeant."
Troy said, "Sorry major. Two of my men were injured. Moffitt and I wanted to make sure they were taken care of."
"I've been told your mission was a success."
"Yes, sir. Hitchcock and Pettigrew were able to pull Captain Davies out." Troy looked at Boggs, who nodded. "We also brought out Captain Falkner."
Cole stood up and said, "Falkner? That was a waste of time and effort. He knows nothing of importance."
Captain Boggs looked at Major Cole and said, "I received a coded message from Troy. Among other things Captain Falkner has been torturing and executing prisoners against the rules of the Geneva Convention. I wouldn't call his capture a waste of time."
Moffitt said, "We also discovered that your Captain Davies was in on Falkner's scheme by working for the Germans as a spy."
Major Cole sputtered, "I knew nothing about that. It's a good thing he was discovered before he was brought back here. If he was let loose on base there no telling what would have happened."
Moffitt frowned at the lie. "Indeed, major."
Troy said, "Falkner was also trying to get ahold of us for the bounty that the Germans have on us."
Boggs called in the MPs he'd sent for. "Take Major Cole to the stockade."
Cole protested, "The stockade? What is the meaning of this?"
"I would highly suggest that you keep your comments to yourself until you've discussed the situation with your assigned lawyer."
As one of the MPs handcuffs the major, Cole growled, "I'll have your rank for this, Captain Boggs!"
Boggs smiled slightly. "You can try, major."
As the MPs escorted Cole out of the office, Hitch appeared at the door. He moved to one side as the MPs walked out with their prisoner, who glared hatefully at Hitch.
Boggs said, "Come in, private." He looked at the bandaged shoulder and sling. "How are you doing?"
Hitch said, "Doc released me, but told me to take it easy until I'm able to go back on duty." He looked at Troy and Moffitt. "I wanted to let you know that Tully's out of surgery and they say he'll recover."
The sergeant both looked relieved and Moffitt asked with concern. "You didn't leave him alone, did you?"
"No, he's sleeping and Charley's with him." Hitch asked, "How did it go with Major Cole?"
Boggs said, "About as I expected. He and the Davies will be up for court-martial."
Troy asked, "What about Captain Falkner?"
"He'll be interrogated and incarcerated until the end of the war." Hitch suddenly felt dizzy and stumbled against Moffitt. Boggs said, "You'd better get him to his quarters for he can rest. Make sure I get a detailed report on what happened and keep me apprised on Hitchcock and Pettigrew's condition."
Troy and Moffitt each supported Hitch on either side as Troy said, "Yes, sir, we'll do that."
"It's called the Gates of Hell for a reason and High Command wants all the details they can get about who they had and what information Falkner acquired."
