memories of death and ambush, pt 1

[Erein Vor'Tic 0]

Memories of death…

and ambush

pt. 1

 

 

”This looks like a good place to set up camp,” Lt. Colonel Jones commented after arriving at a clearing, just south of a ravine. “Private Andrews, set up the tents for the civilians.  Lance Corporal Daniels, set up the marine tents, and

Lieutenant Black, set up a perimeter of sensor beacons.”

 

We all went off to our assigned duties.  I arrived at a position to the north of our camp, and set up the first beacon.  When I was doing that, I heard something in the bush behind me. I looked over, but saw nothing, so continued on to the next position. Upon arrival at the designated coordinates, I note an unfamiliar person, holding a weapon and conversing with a second stranger.  Concealing myself, I quietly set up the second beacon and attempt to contact my commander.  

 

”Lt. Colonel Jones come in," I call in a hushed urgent voice.  There is no response and I try a second time.  "Lt. Colonel Jones, acknowledge.”  I slowly back away from the two unidentified persons and return to the base camp.

 

"Black!” barked Lt. Colonel Jones.  You are five minutes past report.  What is your excuse?"  

 

”Sir, something is preventing us from using the com badges. I encountered two unidentified people as I set up beacon two.  Both were armed.  I was unable to determine their intent.  I recommend that ...."  

 

My report was cut off when low flying fighter attacked our position on a strafing run, sending people scrambling in all directions.  The camp was littered with dead and injured.  The Colonel was calling out orders as the lead fighter's wing man passed over the camp.  He was mowed down, leaving me standing there in a split second of shock and horror.  

 

I turned and began to shout orders, "Concentrate all fire on the fighter! After you shot them down, make a clearing to the shuttle!  Get those people on board!

 

It was an ambush.  Ground forces were moving in on us from the rocky terrain to the North, and the fighters were giving them cover to advance.  Everything seemed a blur, and yet I felt calm.  In total control.  The howls of those hit by the weapon fire, the yelling of marines to get moving, the screams of the civilians in their fear and panic.

 

”Sir!  We're got everyone secure!"

 

I throw myself into the shuttle, yelling to the pilot, "Go! Go! Go!"  I can see the ground below us littered with bodies, Marines and civilians alike.  I turn and look around at the faces of the survivors.  The Marines are grim faced, their breathing labored.  The civilians are weeping, shaking, trying to calm themselves the best they can.  I look for a pair of faces, hoping that somehow I've missed my parents boarding the shutting in the confusion.  I move through the small group, staring each one in the face, each face as unfamiliar to me as the next.  I turn and stare out the window, the ground far below us now.  How could I have left them?"

 

 

~~~One week later ~~~

 

I stared up at Colonel Raymond Yates.  "I read your report, now I want you to tell me what happened," he said in a gruff voice.

 

”We had just reached camp, and set up the tents. I moved to the perimeter to set up the sensor beacons.  At position number Two, I saw two unfamiliar men, both armed, speaking with each other.  Communications were down, so I went to report it directly to Lt. Colonel Jones.  We were ambushed.  Orders were to get the colonists off the planet.  I carried out those orders.  We took heavy casualties.  Eighty Civilians and 15 Marines.

 

”Including your parents."

 

"Yes, Sir." I responded numbly.

 

"You are free to return to your Battalion, Lieutenant."

 

I stood, making ready to give a smart about face and leave when the Colonel spoke again.  "Son, I'm strongly suggesting you take a few days off to grieve.  Honor your parents memory."

 

"Thank you, Sir."  I said obediently nodding my head, having no intention whatsoever to taking up the Colonel's suggestion.  "Is there anything else, Sir?"

 

The Colonel nodded sadly, "No, Son.  You're dismissed."

 

 

 

 

note: pt 2 coming whenever we get back on the arc