Basic training is not the Infantry. Advanced Infantry Training is the Infantry. You can only get Infantry Training at Fort Benning. You can receive Basic Training at a number of bases. Correcting my Writing style to fit into what you think is great is fine. I can appreciate that, and you did make some good points. But to tell an Infantryman that everyone goes through Infantry training during basic, is a slap in the face. Basic training at Fort Benning is Completely different than places like Jackson. Next time you try to correct someone on this, I suggest you do your home work.
Action Adventure / Loss of Innocence, Chapter One
CHAPTER 1: CHOICES
DATE: TOP SECRET
LOCATION: TOP SECRET
0030 HRS.
The alley way was littered with garbage and debris from the buildings, which served as its mighty walls. This part of the city had been neglected for some time, as was par for this part of the world. All of the government heads and social elite stayed on the other side of the port city, never venturing to this side. If they ever desired what this part of the city had to offer, they had errand people for that. The streets here held the worst that the world had to offer. For the right price, you could lay your hands on anything the dark side of your soul could desire.
The man slowly made his way to the side entrance to one of the buildings, keeping a watchful eye on the environment around him. He checked the door to find it unlocked, not surprising for this location. He passed through the door, and began to carefully navigate the decomposing stairs. At the top, he quietly moved to the south corner of the hallway. Keeping the .45 caliber pistol he held in his right hand at the ready, he checked the knob on the door, and the door pushed open with a creek. Pistol to his front, his eyes casually swept the forgotten apartment for any sign of life.
Convinced that he was completely alone inside the decaying residence, he laid his bag on the floor and pushed an old table against the window. He brushed the torn and tattered curtain aside just enough to look out. Satisfied with the view, he placed the bag on top of the table. He removed the LRT-SASS 7.62 semi automatic sniper rifle from the bag and positioned it on the table. He then leaned in behind the weapon, sighting it in on a building across the street. He made a couple of adjustments to the scope, and then loaded one ten-round magazine into the weapon system. He rested the rifle on the table, and pulled up an old chair from the corner. He then spoke into his voice activated radio system.
“Door Man, this is Night Watchman, I am in position over.” He said into the radio.
“Copy that Night Watchman, give me a heads up when the package is on the move over.” A voice came back over his ear piece.
“Copy that Door Man.” The man replied, sitting back into the chair.
He picked up a pair of binoculars and closely watched the window of the third floor hallway. There were two men standing outside the door, one on each side. Though he could not see into the room, he knew his targets were there. They came here once a month together, to treat themselves to a couple of young teenage girls. The entire operation across the street was enough to make the shooter sick. He wanted so badly to enter the establishment and kill every sorry son of bitch on sight. That would have to wait until another time. The shooter had more important business to deal with.
He reached into his pocket, removing a pack of cigarettes. Crouching below the window sill, he lit the smoke and took a soothing drag. He exhaled the smoke from his lungs in relief, and relaxed to the sensation. His boyish face looked tired, longing for a much needed break. His deep blue eyes told a story of years of pain. They displayed the sadness of a man whom had been living a life of killing from the darkness for quite some time. As he sat there alone in the rotting apartment, peering through the binoculars, he tried to remember what it was like before all of this. He could remember the peaceful wooded landscape of his childhood home, the years spent growing up there with his little brother and cousin, but he could not remember how it felt to be that innocent. He longed to return to the times of camping in the woods, pool parties out back, and fishing in the pond. He shifted in the hard wooden chair. Reality was, he no longer knew that person anymore. There were a lot of years, and a lot of lives between this man and the boy he remembered.
Suddenly he saw movement through the thick lenses. One of the centuries was coming down. He carefully placed the binos on the table, and stood behind the rifle.
“Door Man, this is Night Watchman. We got one coming down over.” He said into the radio.
“Copy Night Watchman, take the count.” The voice responded.
The shooter began to count the seconds it took the man to reach the front entry. Then the man appeared on the front step. It had taken a minute and a half. The man now spoke into a hand held radio, possibly summoning the car. As suspected, a black Mercedes Benz pulled to a stop in front of the entry. This was it, they were on the move. The shooter carefully watched the window to the hall. After a minute or so, the door opened into the hall. The two targets stepped into the hallway, and began to follow the second century to the stairs.
“Door Man, you’ve got a minute thirty over.” He said into the radio.
“Copy that, a minute and a half.” The voice responded.
The shooter picked up his aim on the man outside of the entry, and began to count off the seconds. “Seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty.” He gently squeezed the trigger, sending the projectile spiraling through the air. The bullet struck the man in the top of the right shoulder, at a downward angle. It exited somewhere out of his left side, spraying blood and internal organs all over the step. The man collapsed to the ground, and lay motionless. The shooter felt no sorrow for this man. He should have chosen a more respectable employer.
The shooter then watched the door through the scope of the rifle. Just as the three-men exited the entry, a large dark colored SUV struck the car from behind. The impact sent the automobile lunging twenty-feet. The shooter spotted the second escort as he stepped out onto the step. Once again he squeezed the trigger, striking the man just under his right eye. The other two froze in shock as the blood and brain matter spattered their clothing.
Three-men, armed with MP-5 sub machine guns, leaped from the SUV. One-man placed a well directed burst of fire into the trunk of the car, just to show that they meant business. The others secured the two men at the door, and tossed them into the back of the truck. The driver slammed the accelerator to the floor. The SUV jumped into the street, and disappeared into the darkness.
“Night Watchman, the packages are secure. Link up with the bus driver, and we’ll see you at the diner over.” The voice said through the ear piece.
“Roger that Door Man. Night Watchman clocking out.” The shooter replied.
He quickly ejected the magazine from the weapon, and collapsed the bipod legs. He then placed the rifle back into the bag, and slung it over his left shoulder. He picked up the .45 caliber pistol, and proceeded out of the room.
Kicking open the side door, the shooter appeared out into the alley. He quickly scanned the area, spotting the small Toyota pick up truck. He tossed the bag behind the seat and climbed in. the driver quickly accelerated from the scene.
“Door Man, this is the Bus Driver. I have the Night Watchman, and we are in route to the diner over.” The driver said into his radio.
“Copy that Bus Driver, see you in a few.” A voice replied.
“The shooter sat back into the seat, taking a deep breath. He tilted his head to look out of the window, watching as the decaying structures passed by. A light rain began to fall, leaving small droplets on the window. As he sat there gazing out into the night, he began to think back to how his journey of painful memories had begun. The driver didn’t breathe a word. He knew all to well where his friend’s mind was traveling at that exact moment. He hoped that the destination would bring the man the peace he so deserved.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2 1991
FARMINGTON, ARKANSAS
2248 HRS.
Under the light of the southern full moon, the young boy laid against the bank of the large pond, located near the eastern edge of the property. He peacefully watched the bobber float around on top of the water surface. He smiled to the pleasant music of Arkansas’ great outdoors. The crickets were in full force on vocals. The locust filled in with their electrifying harmony, and the frogs brought in the comforting beat. This was heaven to young Colby Greer, a heaven he had enjoyed all of his life.
He had snuck away from the noise of the party his family was throwing to do a little night fishing on the pond. Colby had spent his entire eighteen-years of life living on the same hundred acres of land in the small farming community of Farmington. He had run this land from the time that he was a small boy with his brother Cooper and cousin Julie.
Colby was considered small for his age, at one-hundred-and thirty-five-pounds and five-foot six. He had sandy blonde hair and wonderful blue eyes that showed his every emotion. His face was lightly dotted with freckles, and his smile would warm your heart.
He sat there by the pond, thinking about his child hood in the small town. He remembered building forts with Cooper in the woods, and hiding small animals in Julie’s room. The three-had grown up close through the years. Cooper and Julie were both a year younger than Colby, and closer to him than anyone in the world.
Julie and her mother had come to live on the property when her and Cooper were four. Her father was in the army Special Forces, and traveled quite a bit. Julie’s mother had grown tired of being alone on the base, and had asked Colby’s father to build them a house on the west side of the land.
Colby’s father was a custom home builder and had his own business with his father in law, who also lived on the property. His mother and aunt were real estate agents, and brokered the deals for his father and grandfather. The family wasn’t rich, but they slept comfortably at night.
From the age of fifteen, Colby secretly yearned to leave Northwest Arkansas. He longed for a life of travel and excitement. More than anything though, he longed to be his own person. From the time of Cooper’s birth, Colby had been defined by his sibling. He was his brother’s keeper. If Cooper got into trouble, Colby found him a way out. If Cooper got into a fight, Colby stood at his brother’s back. Together, the two had become quite well known throughout the county. Now Colby loved his brother dearly, he just desired to taste life on his own. When Iraq invaded Kuwait, and the world responded in force, Colby was sparked with a calling. Not the calling to defend his country that one reads about in books, but a calling to make a difference in the world.
After several conversations with his Uncle Gavin, who had retired from the Regular Army and joined the National Guard, Colby decided to join the Army. In fact, the party he had snuck out on was his going away party. On the following Monday, he would be leaving for Basic Training at Fort Benning Georgia.
As Colby lay there on the bank soaking up the peaceful rural setting around him, his moment was disturbed by the sound of an approaching four-wheeler. Most likely it was Cooper, coming to find out where he had wondered off to. Colby was surprised to see Julie and their long time friend Jimmy Thomas come over the high mound of the bank.
“I told you he would be out here; he always comes here to think.” Jimmy said with his usual grin.
“What’s the matter hun, having second thoughts?” Julie asked, in her sweet southern draw.
“Nope, just wanted some time to myself. I was actually hoping to finally get ole Jack.” Colby replied. Jack was a monster catfish that Colby’s grandfather had put in the pond four-years prior. Everyone had seen him, but no one had yet to catch him. “Oh well Jack, there’s always next year buddy.” Colby hollered to the water as he picked up his gear. Julie handed Colby a plastic cup.
“Thought you might need a refill by now.” she told him with a smile.
“Yeah, I could use a drink.” Colby replied, taking the cup. He tilted it back, swallowing the beer inside. “So who sent you guys, Cooper feeling lost without me already?” He said with a smile.
“No, your Mom needs you.” Jimmy answered. “Plus I just kinda wanted to see your sexy ass.”
Julie was an incredible young lady, and Colby’s trusted listener. She was five-foot five-with shoulder length sandy blonde hair. She had Colby’s blue eyes and lightly freckled complexion. In fact, most said they looked more like brother and sister than cousins. Jimmy towered over Colby at six-foot two, and had a long tall face with a squared off chin. He had thick dark hair, which he combed straight back. Colby thought Jimmy looked like one-of those fifties country and western singers.
“Well, guess we better get up there.” Colby said, walking to where he had parked his four-wheeler.
“Hey babe, you seen Sarah?” Julie asked.
“Nope, not since I left. Why, what’s up?” Colby asked.
“Oh nothing, I just haven’t seen her in a while.” Julie explained.
Sarah Stokes was Colby’s girlfriend, and the love of his life. She had moved to Farmington when she was nine, after her father had left. She had quickly become close friends with Julie, bringing her into the group. Colby had fallen in love with Sarah the first time he had laid eyes on her, but waited until he was sixteen to ever ask her out. He had planned to marry Sarah as soon as she graduated, and move her to his Duty Station.
The three-climbed on the four-wheelers and headed back to the house. Upon arriving at the house, Colby went into the back yard to find his mother. Regina Greer spotted her oldest son entering the yard, and proceeded towards him. Colby gave his mother a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
“Where have you been?” His mother asked.
“Fishin.” He informed her. Regina smiled big.
“Trying one last shot at ole Jack were you?” She asked.
“Had to give it one-last shot before I leave Papaw all alone with him.” Colby replied.
“Speaking of your Papaw, he called and needs someone to check the shop and barn. I hated to bother you, but I can’t find Cooper.” Regina explained. Colby placed his hand on his mother’s shoulder.
“I’ll get it Mom.” He said, turning for the gate.
“Thank you honey.” His mother called as he left. Colby just held his hand up in response.
After remounting his quad, Colby rode the two-hundred-yards behind his house to where the company shop and barn were located. He jumped to the ground, walking to the shop. He insured that the door and overhead were locked, and then proceeded to the barn. Upon arriving at the barn, Colby saw light coming through the crack under the door. He looked in to see Cooper and Sarah sitting on the hay bails, and looking at his 1976 Chevrolet Suburban.
Cooper closely resembled his brother, only about four-inches taller and twenty-pounds heavier. Sarah was the most pleasing sight in the world to Colby. She was all of five-foot four-and one-hundred-and twenty-pounds. She had long silky black hair, and mesmerizing green eyes that Colby loved to lose himself in. He was definitely going to miss her while they were apart.
The two friends were sharing a joint, and were obviously drunk. This was not unusual for anyone Colby associated with, for in a small town, there is nothing to do for excitement but drink and smoke pot.
“I can’t believe he bought this piece of shit.” Sarah said, handing the joint to Cooper.
“Said he was gonna rebuild it and blow my jeep away on the trails.” Cooper took a hit off of the joint. “Like that’s ever gonna happen.”
“Not for the next couple of months anyway.” Sarah said with a laugh.
“What do you mean?” Cooper asked, placing the joint back in Sarah’s hand.
“You don’t really think he’s gonna make it do you?” Sarah asked.
“I see your point.” Cooper agreed, rising to his feet and walking to the truck. Sarah slowly got to her feet and struggled to follow him.
“Well at least we’ll have a couple months to party together alone before he get’s back.” She said with a slur.
“What?” Cooper asked, slowly turning around to face her. A hint of surprise could be heard in his voice.
“You know what I mean.” Sarah said, as seductively as she could with the alcohol and marijuana coursing through her veins. She leaned in and kissed him.
Colby quickly closed the door, and started to walk away. Suddenly he felt the urge to get sick. He doubled over and began to vomit.
In the barn cooper quickly pushed Sarah away.
“What the hell are you doing?” He demanded. Obviously upset with the advance.
Out side Julie had walked up to find Colby getting sick.
“Colby are you ok?” She asked, concerned for her cousin.
“I’m fine.” Colby replied, quickly gathering himself. “Let’s just get back to the house.” He began to walk towards the four-wheeler.
“Wait, the barn door’s not closed all the way.” Julie reached for the door. Colby quickly tried to stop her.
“Just leave it!” He ordered.
Back in the barn Sarah was starting to unbutton her shirt. Cooper lunged forward and grabbed her.
“Will you just stop?” He snapped. He quickly grabbed the sides of her blouse, and attempted to close it.
Outside Julie pulled Colby’s hand off of her arm.
“What’s wrong with you?” She asked. She opened the door to turn off the lights, there she saw Cooper standing face to face with a partially naked Sarah. Just as she started to speak, Colby pulled her out of the door, and proceeded to drag her to the four-wheeler.
“Just leave it alone.” He told her as he climbed aboard.
“Colby you can’t just ignore this.” She pleaded.
“I can do what ever the hell I please!” He snapped. “Now get on or walk.” Julie reluctantly climbed on the back, and Colby sped away.
In the barn Cooper pulled Sarah’s shirt back up over her shoulders.
“I’ll be waiting for you outside.” He told her as he turned and walked for the door.
“What the fuck?” She demanded. Cooper just kept walking briskly for the door.
“OUTSIDE!” He yelled.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3 1991
FARMINGTON, ARKANSAS
0410 HRS.
Colby Greer sat on the deck outside his bedroom, smoking a cigarette and drinking a cup of coffee. Colby always loved the summer nights in North West Arkansas. The temperature was a pleasant seventy four degrees with a slight breeze. A three quarter moon lit up the night sky well. He could clearly see the owl, which lived in the woods near by, perched in the tree at the back of the fence. The owl was obviously waiting to catch a glimpse of a field mouse or other unsuspecting small pray.
Colby just sat in his chair staring out the large owl. Sarah was in the room passed out in the bed. She was there when Colby entered the room around two a.m. Colby could not get the image of Sarah and Cooper out if his mind. How could either of them do that to him? Cooper was his brother, and Sarah had been his girlfriend for over two-years. The pain of the event was tearing Colby apart, and it wasn’t just the sex. Neither of them thought that he was going to make it. How could these people, who he loved so much, have such little faith in him? Suddenly Colby had a craving for something stronger than the coffee. He rose from his seat and tuned to the door. Entering the room, he almost ran over his cousin Julie.
“I saw you sitting out here from Grammy’s.” She explained. “Thought you could use some of this.” She held up a bottle of tequila she had taken from their grandfather’s bar.
Colby took the bottle, sat back down in his chair, removed the cap from the bottle, and took a healthy swallow.
“Mind if I join you?” Julie asked softly.
“Have a seat.” Colby motioned to the chair next to him. “Just don’t try and talk me into confronting them, because it ain’t gonna happen.”
“I didn’t plan on it dear.” she sat down in the chair, and held her hand out for the bottle. “I know how hard it would be for you to confront Coop, but how exactly do you plan on dealing with it?”
“I already have.” Colby told her, handing her the bottle. “I joined the army.”
“That’s no answer Colby.” Julie replied after taking a drink from the bottle. “It’s not healthy for you, and it definitely does these two no good. Sarah ok, but you can’t walk away from your brother.”
“I can do whatever I want.” Colby took another swallow from the bottle, and lit a cigarette. “And for now that’s what I intend to do.” He rose from his seat, walked to the railing, and looked out over the pool. The owl swooped down and snatched a rabbit that was milling around near his mother’s garden. “I would appreciate it if we left it at that.” Colby watched the owl carry the rabbit off into the trees.
MONDAY, AUGUST 5 1991
FARMINGTON, ARKANSAS
0545 HRS.
Colby had said his goodbyes the night prior, and had requested that his father alone took him to the bus depot. He had explained that it would be better that way. A long evening together was better and easier to withstand than a short tear filled goodbye at the depot. He had managed to make it through the rest of the weekend, with Julie judgmentally watching his every move, without letting on that he had seen what had happened in the barn on Friday night.
Colby quietly opened the door to his brother’s room, and looked at him sleeping in the bed. He then looked down at the envelope in his hand, placing it in his pocket. He softly closed the door, and went into the kitchen where his father was waiting. Garland was sitting at the bar drinking a cup of coffee, and smoking a cigarette. Colby poured himself a cup with his usual amount of cream and sugar, and then took a seat next to Garland at the bar. His father just shook his head and grinned while watching his son stir the cream and sugar into the coffee.
Garland Greer, like his oldest son, was not a very large man. He was Colby’s height and probably twenty-pounds heavier. He had brown hair that was balding on top, and shared his boys’ blue eyes. Garland had worked hard all of his life, starting the custom home business with his father in law when he was just eighteen. Two years later Colby was born. Garland had not made them rich by no means, but managed to keep them comfortable.
“I can’t stand it black, you know that.” Colby stated.
“You drink that shit like your mother.” Garland laughed, referring to the sweet mixture in front of his son.
“Yeah, you about ready?” Colby asked. “I need to stop and get some smokes.”
“Can’t smoke them where you’re going.” Garland said.
“No, but I can enjoy the hell out of ‘em till I get there.” Colby informed his father.
Garland stood up from his stool.
“Well, let’s do this.” He said as he walked for the door. Colby got up and followed behind him. Colby stopped to take one last look around. He looked towards the hallway that held him and Cooper’s bedrooms. His eyes started to swell. Colby turned around and closed the door behind him.
0630 HRS.
Colby and Garland sat in Garland’s truck outside the bus depot, on South School Street in Fayetteville, enjoying one more cup of coffee before the bus left at seven. Colby was keeping his eye out for Staff Sergeant Terry Shaw, his recruiter. Shaw had Colby’s bus ticket, and his reporting orders.
“What time is he supposed to be here?” Garland asked.
“He said about six thirty or so.” Colby responded.
“Should be any minute now.” Garland said, looking at his watch. “Its six thirty now.”
“Yep.” his son replied softly. Garland could tell by his son’s demeanor that he was feeling a little uneasy. Colby was just sitting there looking out of the window.
“You know Colby, you don’t have to go through with this everyone would understand.”
Colby turned sharply and looked at his father.
“That’s just it Dad. No one thinks I can do this. Everyone expects me to wash out.” Colby turned to look back out the window. “No, I have to go through with this.”
“Son, you don’t have to prove anything to anyone.” Garland placed his right hand on his son’s shoulder. “You gotta do what you want to do, what makes you happy. If you get there and find out it’s not what you expected, don’t let what anyone thinks keep you from coming home.”
Colby turned to face his father.
“I’ll be ok.” he assured him. “Just gotta get there and get settled in.” Colby spotted Shaw’s government Chevy Lumina pull into the lot.
“Well just remember what I said. Don’t base any decisions on anybody but yourself.”
“I won’t dad, I promise.” Colby looked into his father’s eyes. Both father and son had moisture developing within their ocean blue eyes. “There’s Sergeant Shaw, guess we better get moving.”
0705 HRS.
Colby sat near the back of the bus just staring out of the window. As he watched the neglected structures of Fayetteville’s south side pass by, he realized something. For the first time in his young life, he was all alone. Heading out into a world that he knew nothing about, to commit to something of which he knew even less. Colby sat back in his seat and began to ponder the things in which he was leaving behind. He and Cooper had never been separated like this before. For as far back as Colby could remember, his little brother had been by his side.
Images of he and Cooper having camp outs in the wooded portions of their property danced in Colby’s head. Fishing in the pond, setting a hay bail on fire the first time they had a cigarette. A smile cracked across Colby’s face. Then the image of the night in the barn charged its way into his head. Colby brought his hands up to his face, and rubbed his eyes with his palms. He reclined his seat, and closed his eyes.
0745 HRS.
FARMINGTON, ARKANSAS
Cooper Greer awoke from his night’s sleep, and reached to his nightstand for his cigarettes. He looked to the clock on the wall as he lit a smoke. Colby was already on the bus by now. After hardly saying a word to him all weekend, his older brother had slipped out without saying goodbye. Cooper’s eyes began to swell with tears. He grabbed the baseball from his nightstand, and threw it against the wall.
1415 HRS.
LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS
Colby was relieved to finally arrive at the Hotel in Little Rock. The bus ride had been exhausting, and he desperately wanted a nap. There had been a large boxy framed, black Staff Sergeant by the name of Williams in the lobby. He set Colby up with his room and gave him two food vouchers to be used at the fast food complex a block to the south of the hotel. He informed Colby that a bus would be there to take everyone to the MEPS at seven a.m., and to not be late. MEPS was the Military Entry Processing Station. Every soldier and sailor had to process through MEPS to get into the service.
Colby had already been to the MEPS once for his physical, and to actually enlist. He had to return here for another small physical and to process out to his training station of Fort Benning Georgia. Benning was the home of the infantry, which Colby had chosen for his primary occupation, or MOS.
Colby exited the elevator on the fourth floor, and proceeded down the hallway to room 405. He slid his card into the lock and opened the door. Directly to his left was the bathroom and closet. Past that were two queen sized beds with a night stand in between. Past that was a table with three chairs, and a large window covered in ugly maroon and gold drapes. The drapes matched the bed spreads and carpet. On the right wall was a long dresser with a television on it, and a coat rack on the end.
Colby noticed a bag on the far bed, so he placed his beside the bed nearest the door. He collapsed on the bed and quickly drifted off to sleep.
1645 HRS.
Colby was awakened to the sound of the door closing. He looked up to see a short pudgy kid, about his age walking across the room.
“Ah hey my bad Homie, didn’t mean to wake you up kid.” The pudgy kid admitted. “Names Ricky but my Homies call me Slim.” He held his hand out to Colby, who was just sitting up.
“Colby.” He responded taking Slims hand. Slim had dull red hair that he wore in a crew cut, with a long tail off of the back. He was about two inches shorter than Colby and about thirty pounds heavier. He had on a pair of shorts that looked like you could have put two of him inside them, a public enemy t shirt, and red vans with thick white laces that were untied.
“Yo check it, me and some others are gonna go cash in those vouchers they gave us and naw on some grub. Wanna come?” Slim asked.
“What?” Colby asked with a confused look on his face.
“Eat Homie, eat.” Slim clarified.
“Oh yeah sure, I could eat.” Colby replied as he stood up.
“I’m going Marine Corp, how bout you?” slim asked, heading out the door.
“Army.” Colby replied. He laughed to himself. The Marine’s were going to eat this kid alive, he thought.
When they arrived in the lobby, Slim walked straight to a group of seven other kids.
“Posse this is Colby, Colby this is the Posse.” Slim introduced them using some strange body language.
“What’s up?” Colby greeted them, catching the eye of a slim brunette, with green eyes, and a cute button nose.
“Hey.” She said with a bashful smile. Colby didn’t fall for it. Bashful this girl was not.
“This little Hottie right here is Stacey.” Slim said. “She wants me.” Slim whispered, leaning towards Colby. Colby nodded his head at the introduction.
“Ok Posse let’s roll” Slim sounded as he headed for the door, with the group right behind him.
1905 HRS.
The group of teens exited the Mexican restaurant, and started back for the hotel. Colby and Stacey strayed behind the rest as they walked up the street. The temperature had dropped to a cooler sixty eight degrees, hefty wind gusts had blown in and the sky was black to the south west.
“Looks like a storms coming.” Colby observed, tilting his head back to look at the sky.
“Yeah, and I hate storms.” Stacey replied.
Colby looked at her and smiled.
“I love them; in fact I find them soothing.”
“You come across as one of those guys.”
“What kind of guy is that?” He asked, looking to Stacey.
“Adventure nut.” Stacey explained. “You probably even get off better during a storm.”
Colby just blushed.
“See no comment huh?” She teased.
“I plead the fifth.” Colby answered. “We better hurry though, before it get’s here.” The two picked up the pace back to the hotel.
A light rain had started to fall, and the group had to sprint the last hundred yards or so back to the hotel. When they entered the lobby, everyone except Colby and Stacey collapsed in chairs as if the run had almost killed them.
“Wow that was fun.” Stacey laughed, shaking the water off her head.
“Some what.” Colby responded, brushing water off of his head with his hands.
“So what’s next?” Stacey asked.
“I think I’m gonna shower, call home, and get to bed.” Colby told her. “Early morning tomorrow.”
“You sure?” Stacey said with a soft smile. “We could watch a movie or something; I’ve got a room to myself.”
“Nah, I really am kind of tired.”
“Ok, well I’m in room 312 if you change your mind.” Stacey smiled shyly.
“Ok. Good night.” Colby said, turning to the elevator.
“Good night Colby.” Stacey said softly.
2045 HRS.
Slim still hadn’t come back up when Colby exited the shower. He could see lightning flash from behind the drapes, and hear thunder in the distance. Colby walked to the bed, sat down, and picked up the phone. He dialed a number, and placed the hand set to his ear. Dam they must be at the ball field; he thought when the answering machine picked up.
“Hey guys, it’s me, just wanted to call before I went to bed. I’ll call again tomorrow. Good night, I love you guys.” Colby flipped off the light and lay back on the bed. Now he was thinking about home, and the loneliness was settling back down over his heart. His thoughts drifted away to Sarah, and he longed to feel her soft touch. Colby caught a quick flash of lightning out of the corner of his eye, followed by a quick crackle of thunder. He flipped the light back on and picked up the phone. A female voice answered on the other end.
“You still up?” He said into the mouth piece.
Colby knocked twice on the door. When it opened he saw Stacey on the other side dressed in a pair of short grey shorts and a grey Army t shirt. Her hair was still wet from the shower.
“Come on in.” She said softly with a warm smile. Colby walked in and closed the door behind him.
2115 HRS.
FARMINGTON, ARKANSAS
Sarah Stokes stood behind the cash register of the Cardinal Corner gas station, leaning over the counter. She stared out the door to the empty pumps, wondering what Colby was doing at that exact moment. He had not even come to the house and told her goodbye. Not even so mush as a phone call that morning before he left. A few tears started to run down Sarah’s cheeks. She was so angry at him for leaving her, yet at the same time she longed to be with him. As she stood there pondering through the feelings in her heart, Bucky Woodruff strolled through the door. Bucky was the captain of the football team, and was known for his many girls. Sarah quickly wiped her tears away, and put on a big smile.
Bucky retrieved a soda from the cooler, and placed it on the counter. He looked at Sarah and gave her a charming smile.
“So I hear your man headed out today?” He asked.
“Yeah, left this morning.” Sarah told him.
“Where is he going again, the Navy?” Bucky asked, smiling wide. Sarah let out a little laugh.
“No, the Army.” She corrected him.
“Shit, they’ll kill his little ass.” He said. “So look, what are you doing after work?”
“Going home I imagine.” She answered.
“Wanna come to a small get together at my place?” He asked. Sarah shrugged her shoulders a bit.
“I don’t know.” Sarah replied, a little unsure.
“Come on, you’ll have a good time. I promise.” He said, wearing a coy smile. Sarah just stood looking at him, considering the offer.
2145 HRS.
Cooper Greer pulled into the parking lot and stopped the Jeep. He watched as Bucky helped Sarah into the passenger seat of his Camaro. A sly grin broke across Colby’s face, as he watched the car speed out of the lot.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 6 1991
LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS
0745 HRS.
After entering the MEPS, everyone had been broken down into smaller groups by branch of service. Colby and Stacey were in the same group, until the males and females were separated for the undressing portion of the physical. They were reunited in a large classroom, where they were to go over their contracts and some minor in processing paper work. Shortly after they had taken their seats, a slender Staff Sergeant named Jackson came to the door.
“I need to see Private Colby Greer.” Jackson stated. Colby looked at Stacey, who looked back at him with concern in her eyes. Colby just shrugged as he rose from his seat and followed Sergeant Jackson out of the room.
“Come with me please.” Was all Jackson said as they entered the hall. Colby followed Jackson to a small office located in a short hallway on the east side of the building.
“Have a seat son.” Jackson told him once they were in the office.
“Is there anything wrong Sergeant?” Colby asked, as Jackson opened a manila folder on his desk.
“Ok, our records show that you scored well above average on your ASVAB.” Jackson told him. The ASVAB was the aptitude test that the military administered to all recruits. “Now with the gulf war and all, the Army is at goal with Infantry right now. I wanted to do is see if there are any other higher skilled jobs you would like to do.” He stopped and looked Colby in the eyes.
“No Sergeant.” Colby answered, without even hesitating. “With all do respect Sergeant; I joined the army to test myself. Now everyone knows I could do a tech job, there’s no challenge in that. I wanna be a part of something bigger. I want to do something that could make a difference, both in me and others.” Colby looked Jackson in the eyes. “No Sergeant, the infantry is what I want. It’s what I need.”
“Excellent answer Colby.” Jackson said with a smile. “Hoowah son. Now, I have some Airborne and Ranger openings.” He looked back to Colby. “Would you want them?”
Colby’s face lit up.
“More than you could imagine Sergeant.” He answered with a grin.
Jackson smiled and began typing on his keyboard. He retrieved some pages off of the printer and placed them on the desk.
“Now the addition of these schools increases your enlistment to five years, but also increases your bonus to six thousand. Is that ok?”
“Yes.” Colby found himself answering without even thinking.
“Ok, sign here, here, and here for your bonus.” Colby signed the papers eagerly.
“Very good Colby, you’re all set. Here are your new orders. You can go to lunch now. There’s a mess hall on the first floor.” Jackson offered his hand to Colby.
“Thank you very much Sergeant.” Colby said excitedly, as he shook Jackson’s hand and headed for the door.
“GOOD LUCK COLBY!” Jackson called out as Colby flew from the room.
Colby entered the DFAC (Dining Facility) to find there was no line. He retrieved a tray and began making his selections. Colby hadn’t realized how hungry he was. The shower that he had taken that morning had run longer than expected, there for he missed breakfast. After he had received his food, Colby began looking around for a place to sit. He spotted Stacey sitting on the far side of the facility, she was waving him over.
“Well?” She asked, once he had been seated.
“Well what?” He replied
Anything wrong?”
“Oh no, not at all.” Colby informed her. “He tried to offer me some tech jobs instead of the Infantry.”
“What did you take?”
“I stuck with Infantry.” He replied while stuffing his face. He stopped to get a drink.
“What did he say to that?” Stacey asked.
“He gave me Airborne and Ranger.” Colby replied, continuing to eat.
“Wow, that’s great. Sounds like a crazy decision, but if that’s what you want that’s great.”
Colby wiped his mouth off and got another drink.
“I just want what I do to matter. I know they say everyone plays a part, but the big part is out on the field. That’s where I feel I can do the most. Besides, I need the challenge.” Colby explained
Stacey took Colby’s hand in hers and looked him in his eyes.
“You are going to do amazing things Colby Greer, I know you are.” She said softly.
1620 HRS.
The flight assistant took Colby’s ticket and returned his boarding pass. He was anxious to get underway after lying around the MEPS all afternoon doing nothing. The goodbye between him and Stacey woods, he now knew her last name, had been short but heart felt. They had exchanged home addresses to keep in touch, and promised to do so.
The airplane was not very big. A twin engine turbo prop that held maybe thirty people. Colby had seen planes like this fly in and out of the Fayetteville Municipal Airport all the time. Though the plane would hold thirty including Colby, there were ten passengers on it.
Colby’s seat was an isle seat, but he took the window. This would be his first ever plane ride, and he was a little nervous. The take off wasn’t bad. Colby liked going fast, and this was definitely fast. Once in the air things were pretty smooth. There was the occasional air pocket here and there, but nothing that he couldn’t handle.
The flight was to last about two hours, so Colby settled back in his seat and closed his eyes. He thought about what everyone back home was doing at that moment. He wondered if Stacey had made it off alright. He was sure she had.
The flight attendants lowered the lights, and Colby began to get that sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach again. He just continued to sit there with his eyes closed tight. Nothing he could do at this point. Colby’s ball was now in play.
0930 HRS.
SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, HAWAII
Located where H-2 North becomes Kamehameha Highway and almost center of the Hawaiian island of Oahu, was Schofield Barracks. Laying in the eastern shadow of the impressive Waianae Mountain Range, Schofield Barracks was home of the 25th Light Infantry Division. With just one three Brigade Light Infantry Division and support assets, Schofield was a considerably small Army Base. Stuck out in the Pacific Ocean, away from watchful eyes, it was the perfect location to tuck away a group of Special Forces Teams and assets.
There was plenty of building space to house the unit, and an abundant amount of training facilities. Wheeler Army Air Field was located across the street for air support, and Hawaii was the perfect place to relax in down time. Master Sergeant Ryan Pace and Colonel Tommy Nyte were over seeing the installation of the electronics equipment in what would be their Operations and Briefing Center.
Ryan Pace was a large framed man, with large wire framed glasses, and a clean shaven head. He weighed in at two hundred and thirty pounds, and stood six foot three inches. Ryan was born and raised in Waterville, Main. He was an honor student and captain of the football and wrestling teams. He joined the Army out of high school, where he served three years with the 75th Ranger Regiment. After three years he was accepted into the Special Forces where he excelled at everything from team operator to intelligence. After operating in every available area of special operations, Pace was soon to be promoted to Sergeant Major.
Tommy Nyte was a first class west point graduate with one kick. He was head over heels in love with Special Forces. He had come to the teams, against all advice, as a promotable First Lieutenant. As a young Captain, his first assignment was as an A TEAM leader, where Sergeant First Class Ryan Pace was the senior Non Commissioned Officer (NCO). After serving in hot spots all over the world together, the two became best friends. Both were destined to be Special Operations Command front men one day.
Tommy was the opposite of Pace in appearance, standing five foot seven inches, and weighing one hundred and sixty pounds with thick military issue eye glasses. Tommy had the image of a computer nerd; all he needed was the pocket protector.
Together the two men had designed and pushed the idea of the 1st Global Rapid Response Group. The group would consist of two-Companies’ of four-Teams. Each team would be comprised of twelve men. One-Captain, one-Sergeant First Class, three-Staff Sergeant‘s, and seven-Buck sergeant’s. The Sergeant First Class would be newly promoted, and from the ranks of the Special Forces. The Captain and Staff Sergeants would also be newly promoted, Ranger qualified, and from elite Infantry units with jump status. The Buck Sergeants would be fresh recruits, green to the army. The idea was to have fresh young minds to mold from the ground up.
Everything was pretty standard except for the new soldiers. Typically the Special Forces allowed only seasoned buck sergeants and above apply. So unit cohesion and discipline were the selling points for this strange request.
The teams would have their own air support and intelligence company. Each team would have two MH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment assigned to it. The MH-60 was a variant of the Blackhawk that had, quieter more powerful engines, state of the art avionics, in flight refueling capability, and special weapons armament.
The group as a whole had three RAH-66 Comanche attack helicopters. The Comanche had a dual role. It served as both a stealth reconnaissance, and attack aircraft. The avionics and stealth flight capabilities were like nothing ever before seen. It was armed with a XM301 20mm nose cannon, and could be fitted with a variety of missiles that could be stored away inside inner compartments. The Comanche was the newest and most secret weapon at the teams’ disposal.
To airlift the teams and their equipment, four C-17A Globemaster’s would be on standby at Hickam Air Force Base. Two of the Globemaster’s could airlift two teams and their equipment. The plane was chosen for not only its payload, but also for its short landing capability. The Globemaster could deliver the teams almost anywhere in the world.
As Pace and Tommy were overseeing the electronics installation, a slender Buck Sergeant came in the room and handed Pace a note. He read the note, and walked to the phone picking it up.
“This is Ryan.” He stated, and then he paused to allow the person on the other end to speak. “That’s great. Thank you very much Ser’nt Jackson, I appreciate the call.” He hung up the phone and returned to where Tommy was standing.
“What was that about?” Tommy asked
“That was my guy in Little Rock.” Pace informed his old friend. “Gavin Greer’s nephew took the deal; he’s on his way to Benning.” Pace smiled. “It’s in Bobby’s hands now.
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JalaranDeVine reviewed Version 1 -
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I don’t know if I fell in love with the peice and want to read more because it takes place so close to home (I’m from Rogers, I’ve been to Meps, I took my ASVAB at the National Guard Armory in Fayetteville, or if it’s because I’m an ex army wife, who’s huband used to drive the van between NWA and LR for recruits to go to MEPS before he moved from the NG to the Regular Army, or if it’s because special forces and intellegence was my choosen endevor when I’d considered the army myself, due to my high scores on the ASVAB. Now, having said all that, I think you’ve got the start of something great, there is a bit of grammer and spelling that could be polished, maybe a bit of fluffing done, so the story doesn’t just stop here and there, but over all it’s wonderfully writen, and very intreguing. As I said, I’d like to read more, please keep me on your read request.
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BrokenPoet12 reviewed Version 1 -
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I get that the first part was a prelude to later story telling. That didn’t make it much easier to follow when you started narrating the rest. It seems out of place when you go from a well planned assassinations to back country 18 year old with everything to prove.
Not saying I didn’t like it though. You made Colby an instantly likable character and by the end the reader knows that there is more to come. It’s just hard to follow right now because it’s in early pieces. I think the story has a lot of potential and I’ll keep reading more as I see it.
SwordMistress reviewed Version 1 -
Read 100% of the Item
Overall this is a good solid chapter with an interesting plot and characters.
There are a couple of areas that are keeping it from being great. You use a lot word repetition, which tends to awkward (see example below). You use a lot of redundant phrases and words. You also use a lot of extra words. If the word can be deleted without changing the meaning of the sentence, then delete it.
“with garbage and debris” garbage and debris are the same thing.
“the worst that the world had to offer.” We need some examples here. The reader doesn’t know anything about the world you’ve created, so we have no way of know what ‘the worst’ would be.
“The man slowly made his” This paragraph would make a much better beginning to the story. It starts with action and gives us unanswered questions. No one really cares if the street has garbage in it. It doesn’t motivate the reader to read on.
“Keeping the .45 caliber pistol” If he had a pistol in his hand we need to know this earlier, otherwise it’s like it just suddenly appeared in his hand when he reached the top of the stairs.
“and the door pushed open” The door pushed itself open?
“Pistol to his front,” to the front of what? Do you mean he’s holding the pistol in front of him?
“I am in position over.” position, over
“He said into the radio.” Delete this, you already said he spoke into the radio.
“the move over.” move, over
“Man.” The” Man,” the man
“young teenage girls.” Is this compared to ‘old teenage girls?’
You use a lot of repetitive words close together. This makes for awkward reading more often then not. I would recommend going through and changing some of the words.
“He reached into his pocket, removing a pack of cigarettes.” He reached into his pocket and removed a pack of cigarette.
“a soothing drag. He exhaled the smoke from his lungs in relief, and relaxed to the sensation.” This is very repetitive. First ‘soothing drag’ tells us the drag relaxed him, but then you say relief and relaxed. To a reader it feels like being beat over the head. We get it. It’s usually better to overestimate the reader’s understanding than to underestimate.
“of killing from the darkness” I don’t know what you by ‘killing from the darkness.’
over.” He over,” he (you’ll need to go through the rest of the piece and fix these punctuation errors.) s
“The shooter picked up his aim on” The shooter aimed at
“just to show that they meant business.” After two men being killed I don’t think there was any doubt that they mean business.
“The SUV jumped” This gives me the vision of the truck literally jumping through the air.
“appeared out into the alley.” appeared in the alley.
“on top of the water surface.” Delete ‘surface.’ If the bobber is on the top of the water that would have to be the surface.
“He had sandy blonde” ‘blond’ for males, ‘blonde’ is for females.
“property when her” she
“his father in law,” father-in-law
“Fort Benning Georgia.” Benning, Georgia
“sweet southern draw.” drawl.
“No, your Mom needs you.” … Sarah Stokes was Colby’s girlfriend,” This whole section is somewhat jerky. You have dialogue, which is good, it progresses the story, then you stop and give us a paragraph of static description. It throws the reader out of the story. You do this several times. Weave the description in with the action in little bits.
“were you?” She asked.” When there is no doubt about who is speaking don’t use a dialogue tag.
“Obviously upset with the advance.” Yes, it is obvious, so you don’t need to say that it is.
“father alone took” take
“placing it in his pocket.” Whose pocket? Colby’s or Cooper’s?
“with his usual amount of cream” You tend to use a lot of unneeded words. Why not just say ‘with cream?’ Why would he make is coffee any different today?
“Garland had not made them rich by no means, but managed to keep them comfortable.” You already said this earlier.
“referring to the sweet mixture in front of his son.” We already know what he’s referring to.
“within their ocean blue eyes.” Just say eyes, you’ve already mentioned their eye color at least a half a dozen times.
“Dam they” Damn
“broke across Colby’s face,” Don’t you mean Cooper?
“I wanted to do is see if there are any other” I wanted to see if
“infantry is what I want. It’s what I need.” His reasoning doesn’t hold true, everyone goes through basic training which is infantry. Even if he chose to get technical training he’d have to pass the infantry training in Basic Training first. It certainly would be as hard as the advanced training, but it’s farther than his family thinks he’ll get.
“there for he missed” therefore
Stacey seems to say most of her dialogue “softly.”
“large framed man, with large wire framed glasses,” Using the word ‘framed’ twice so close together is awkward.
It’s really not necessary to give the height and weight of every person. When you stop and give a complete description of everyone it stops the forward progress of the story.
Very intriguing ending.
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