Annihilation Prequel - Psychic Beginnings (19 page)

“I have just left my son and he told me what you did to save him from the Black Witch.” AG realized that this was Bingham’s father. “He told me on condition that I keep everything in confidence and I have agreed to do so. I’m here to tell you that you not only saved his life but my wife’s and mine as well. If he had died I know I would have lost Miriam. She would have never been the same if he had died in the Black Witch’s embrace. Knowing the suffering he would have endured would have killed her and I wouldn’t be much better. I’m here to tell you that if you ever need my help on anything, and I do mean anything, you will have it with no questions asked.”

“Thank you, Sir, but I only did what had to be done.”

“That’s what he said you’d say. Even so, I mean it, Gardner. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. My son is a different man now and I can see it’s for the better. I insist that you come to see me after this is over. Please tell me you will.”

AG smiled and nodded, “I will, Sir.”

The man stood and came around the desk and hugged AG. His tears were there and AG and Brian saw that he was sincere in his gratitude. He left the bunker and Brian said, “He is the principle shareholder and CEO of one of our major defense industries.”

AG said, “I did it for the others, Sir.”

“If you did it for one; you did it for all.”

AG looked down and said, “You’re right.” AG saluted and left the bunker and wondered what had just happened. He suddenly realized that destiny required him to save Bingham from the witch. This was an important moment but he didn’t know what it meant. It would be years before he found out.

F
ive months passed and the monsoons were blowing through like a wave of water. Even the Vietcong had difficulty carrying out any real operations around Gibraltar. The river around the camp was over its banks and the jungle was little more than a morass of mud and slow going. D company’s scouts kept watch over the trees and there was little or no white bird activity. The first three platoons had made remarkable progress in their training and even before the monsoons hit, Vietcong activity had been greatly reduced. AG lowered his binoculars and saw Lt. Ashton moving toward Major Green’s bunker. He had been pressing for a transfer since AG’s promotion and it looked like today was another round of begging to be moved. Charlie saw Ashton and said, “He needs to go.”

AG shook his head slightly, “You know how pass the trash works. We can move him but only if we accept someone else’s problem. We might get something worse in return.”

Charlie scowled, “I don’t think you can get anyone worse.”

AG sighed, “That’s what they thought in A Company and they got Winslow.”

Charlie smiled, “I guess you’re right. Ashton is preferable to Winslow.”

• • •

Ashton had just left Major Green’s bunker and he decided that he had had enough of the Lieutenant’s whining. He waited until Omaha came on the line and then said, “I need to transfer a Lieutenant, Omaha. Can you help me?”

“Sorry, if it wasn’t an officer I could but movement of officers has been taken out of my shop.”

“Why did they do that?”

“Some pissed off Colonel didn’t like what I sent him so he complained that a NCO shouldn’t be making decisions about officers.”

“You must have sent him a doozy.”

Omaha laughed, “I think I made my best move with that one. That Colonel is a pain in the backside. I was hoping they would move that responsibility from my shop and they did.”

“Who do I need to see about the transfer?”

Omaha laughed, “Captain Bingham.”

“What?”

“He’s been promoted for his actions during the Black Witch operation.”

“You can’t be serious.”

Omaha’s voice turned serious, “He’s not the same Bingham you knew, Brian. He’s changed.”

“What do you mean?”

“That close call with death has made him a better man. He does his job fairly and will tell a superior officer how the world works. He initially refused the promotion but the General insisted. He no longer cares about his career; he’s intent on doing the right things for our troops.”

“That’s good to know. Will you patch me through?”

Brian waited and heard, “Bingham here.”

“Congratulations, Captain.”

“Major Green, how are you?”

“I’m doing fine, Edward. How are you doing?”

“My wounds don’t prevent me from doing my part in this war. I hardly notice them anymore. How is Gardner?”

“He’s a Captain now. He’s commanding D Company.”

Brian expected Bingham to explode at the fast promotion of such a young soldier but he said, “That company is in good hands now. I’m sure he’ll take care of those under his watch. Tell him I said thanks.”

Brian smiled, “I will. I need your help.”

“Trying to move Ashton, aren’t you?”

“I guess that wasn’t a hard guess to make.”

“I’m really restricted in who I can transfer, Sir. If I take anyone off the trash list, I’ll catch too much backlash from the others about playing favorites. However, I’ll do it if you think it’s that important.”

Brian thought about it and finally said, “No, I am not going to put you in that kind of situation.”

There was a pause and Bingham said, “There is a Lieutenant at the bottom of the list that I would like to send to you.”

“Oh.”

“He’s there because of his drug use and the multiple arrests for fighting on leave. I interviewed him and he was the most sarcastic person I’ve ever met.” Bingham paused, “But there’s something in his eyes that reminds me of Gardner. He see’s things that others miss, Sir. He is at least not a coward like Ashton and I were.”

Green thought about it and said, “Where can we pick him up?”

“He’s in detention is Saigon. He’s due to be released in five days. I’ll have the paperwork waiting for you at the center.”

“Where do I send Ashton?”

“There’s a Colonel that’s yelling about being treated unfairly so I’ll send him there. He’ll be glad to move your new Lieutenant.”

“I’ll have one of my officers go fetch him.”

“That would be good, Sir. Your command is making quite a name for itself around here. The White Demons keeps showing up in enemy Intel; they want to avoid where they’re located.”

“Gardner was called that by the Witch. His soldiers found out and started calling themselves the White Demons. They have a little white ghost on their shoulders.”

“Well, the word is out and both sides of this war appear to know who they are now. General staff was surprised at having an eighteen year old captain but once they saw his combat reports, they just took his name off their lists. The old man is really keeping an eye on your D Company and would have probably promoted him again if not for his age.”

“What do you think about that, Edward?”

“If I were going into a fight, he’s the one I’d want to follow. His age means nothing; that man is the finest warrior on this planet. I’ve told the old man the same thing when he questioned me about him.”

“Thanks, Edward. I still have a place for you if you want to come take one of my companies.”

“I may take you up on that. I’ll try to take Winslow’s place.”

“If you could do that, I’ll kiss you myself.”

“That won’t be necessary. Just tell Gardner he’ll have a new trainee.”

“I will, and good luck.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

• • •

“Come on AG. You need to let me go pick up the garbage.”

“Why Charlie; we need you here for training.” AG stared at Charlie and said, “You’re not telling me something.”

Charlie took a big breath and let it out, “Jessica said she would fly over and meet me in Saigon if I could arrange to be there for a few days.”

“Jessica?”

“You know, the girl from the beach in Hawaii.”

“Why Charlie, you have something going with her?”

“She’s a doctor, AG and it’s hard for her to get away. I don’t know what she sees in me but she must see something. If I can leave a few days early, I can spend some time with her.”

“I’ll have a bird in here this afternoon. Take Corporal Santos with you to drive your jeep. You have five days to get him back. Enjoy yourself, Charlie; you deserve it. Be sure to wear your civilian clothes.”

Charlie smiled, “I will, Sir. And thank you.”

AG watched Charlie sprint to his bunker and he smiled. Charlie had it wrong; that doctor was the lucky one.

• • •

Jessica reached up and kissed Charlie with a long, slow, deep, kiss. “These four days have been magic, Charlie. Please come back to me.”

“I will, Jess. And I’ll be coming with a ring if you can wait for me.”

“I’ll have no other but you so just make sure you make it back.”

“I’d marry you now but there is always the chance I don’t. You will be the reward for my making it through this conflict.”

“I love you, Charlie. I’ll be waiting.”

Charlie watched her go out to her flight and felt his heart singing. She was so wonderful. Santos said, “We should go fetch the trash bag, Sir.”

Charlie laughed and said, “Even he couldn’t spoil this day. Let’s go get him.”

Lt. Jeremiah Jacob Dodd waited in his cell for the officer to come and release him. He sat back and closed his eyes and wished this damnable war was over. The stupidity and arrogance of those conducting it was abominable. It was a wonder that casualties weren’t double what they were so far. That egotistical colonel was the worst of the lot. He has sent him out with just his platoon into an ambush where he had lost half his men. He later found out that the Colonel had an intelligence report on his desk he had ignored indicating increased Vietcong activity in his sector. He was sent to the detention facility the first time for trying to kick the Colonel’s face in. Unfortunately, he had been held back. He gave up at that point and tuned out. Now he needed to find a connection for some pot and he would be back in business passing time. He didn’t mind waiting in the cell; it was safer than sitting it out in a firebase. “Dodd, you’re released. Get up and get out here.”

Jerry opened his cell door, which was never locked, and put his hat on. The guards knew he wasn’t a flight risk. He had a permanent room in the facility and the guards enjoyed his humor. A guard handed him his duffle bag and shook his hand, “Don’t be a stranger, Sir.”

“You know me. I’ll see you soon.” Jerry walked out, signed the papers, and looked up and saw a tall young man dressed in civilian clothes and a corporal in uniform that looked dangerous.

The corporal came forward and said, “I’ll take your bag, Sir.”

Jerry handed it to him and the taller man said, ““I’m Lt. Weston and I’ll be escorting you back to Gibraltar.”

“Gibraltar? Isn’t that were the Demons are based?”

Charlie smiled, “You know how things get exaggerated. Trolls, elves, humpbacks, but no demons are there.”

Jerry followed Weston out to the Jeep and they drove to a bar. “Our flight out has been delayed so I thought we’d stop here and waste some time.” Jerry shrugged and followed Weston into the bar. He ordered two beers and handed one to Jerry. Santos came in and joined them but ordered a soft drink. Jerry turned his back to the bartender and looked out over the room. He saw a group of soldiers at a table pointing at the corporal. He looked at Santos and saw a small white ghost on his shoulder. He looked quickly back at the table and said, “It looks like your corporal is about to get in trouble.”

Charlie turned around and scanned the room and saw the group that Jerry was talking about. “Turn around and face the bar, Santos.”

“I see them, Sir. Should we just leave?”

“No, they’ve sent one out to bring a crowd. We’ll try to avoid it in here.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Jerry looked at the Corporal and saw that this man was dangerous. There was something in the way he moved and carried himself that made it obvious he should be avoided. Evidently, those soldiers didn’t see it. They were coming toward the bar. Four of them surrounded Santos and six more came in through the front door and waited to see what was going to happen. The large corporal in front of the four said, “Is that a white insignia on your shoulder from the south side of a northbound bird.”

Santos turned around as the other three laughed. “No, it’s just something we wear in my company.”

“I hear you call yourselves the white demons.”

“No, we really don’t call ourselves anything but late to meals.”

The other three snickered but quieted when the larger corporal looked at them. “So we have a comedian here. I think your company is made up of nothing but girly boys and cowards.”

Santos shrugged, “Some of them do look good in their makeup.”

“My unit would kick your company’s butt.”

“I’m sure you’re right. You must be very proud of your unit.”

The corporal was frustrated. This soldier would not take the bait. “Your Captain is worthless and a coward.”

Santos stiffened but then took a deep breath, “I’ll be sure to let him know what you think.”

The corporal turned and the four went back to their table. Weston looked at Santos and said, “Why did you take that? You could have taken him.”

Santos looked at Jerry and said, “I don’t fight those weaker than myself unless I’m forced to do it.”

“Why not?”

“Fighting those weaker than yourself only weakens you.”

Jerry looked at Charlie, “Do you think the same?”

“I do. Even if you win, you lose. There is no improvement in fighting a weaker opponent. The damage to one’s ego comes from a victory that is not worth having. The corporal handled this situation properly.”

“But they insulted your CO and company.”

“We let our actions speak for themselves. We don’t have to prove anything to anyone but ourselves.”

Jerry glanced over and saw the six from the door had joined the four at the table and they were arguing among themselves. “I don’t think this is over.”

Santos said, “It’s not. However, I did what I could to prevent it and now it’s on their heads.”

Dodd saw the corporal was also seeing what he saw. That was unusual. He looked at Charlie and said, “Are you going to help him?”

“He won’t need it.”