John O'Brien - Return

“Yeah, Dad.”

“I understand you’re with Michelle but don’t you do anything stupid trying to impress her. And don’t think you can handle a situation by yourself feeling you’ll be diminished in her eyes. You call out the moment something doesn’t seem right.”

“I will, Dad.”

“I’m serious Robert. I know how the young mind in love works.”

“Okay, Dad,” he responds. “Am I part of Red Team?”

“’We’ll have to see about that. I’ll have you go with from time to time but you’ll be with me when you do.”

“You know I can handle myself,” he says referring to our airsofting days. We always prowled the woods together as a team. We were very good together and he was very good at sneaking around. Better than me if truth be known. We were definitely a force to be reckoned with. In fact, there is no one I would want with me more. We could communicate and work together without the need for explanation. We would just know what each was doing. But I also know from experience that it is the reaction and simultaneous knowledge of what to do immediately that counted more than the ability to be sneaky.

“I know you can but this is different Robert. This is for real. You’ll train with us, well, and then we’ll see.” The disappointment on his face is breaking my heart. I am so torn because of the desire to protect yet he needs to learn as well. I wonder if every parent goes through this moment in one way or another. I guess so. I suddenly realize that the other soldiers are not that much older than he is. He is actually among his peers to an extent.

“Okay Robert, but you stay with me.”

“Of course, Dad,” he says with joy in his eyes. I get the feeling that he somehow thought I was disappointed in him or didn’t think he was worthy enough to be a man. “Just like old times eh?”

“Yeah, just like old times,” I say with a smile and pat him on his shoulder. We of course are referring to the invincible team we were in the world when no lives were at stake.

“Do you have a weapon for Robert?” I ask Lynn walking over to her.

“Are you sure?” She asks looking up from where she is checking on supplies with Bannerman.

“Yeah, I’m sure,” I answer.

“You’re the boss,” she says. I know those words and they indicate that she is not in agreement with my decision.

She gets up and walks over to where the spare M-16s are strapped down, picking up several magazines as well - we had raided the armory back in her camp prior to leaving loading up with weapons and ammunition. She hands them to Robert gives me one of those looks. Yeah, we’re going to have an interesting talk later .

“We’re going to open up the back and head outside. I assume the base personnel will be along shortly,” I say to Lynn.

“Okay,” she says.

That is the only answer I get from her as she kneels once more to the ground pretending to go over the inventory. I notice the distinct lack of ‘sir’ or similar from her. I know she is angry with me but I also know that it stems from worry. She is a lot like me in that respect. When she gets worried or scared, she gets angry.

“If it’s all the same with you, I would like to give the teams color codings. We’ll take Red Team.”

Lynn looks up to me over her shoulder. I look down at her with an apologetic look letting her know that I know where she is coming from. It’s one of those many looks we share. With a sigh, she stands, gives me a hug and whispers in my ear, “This isn’t a fucking game Jack!”

“I kno..” I start to say but don’t get it all out before she goes on.

“Hush! You take care of him Jack! I’m going to hold you personally responsible if anything happens to him.”

“I will, babe. He needs to learn though” I say.

“I know and he’s in good hands but know that I’ll personally kick your ass if he gets hurt.”

“I love you!” I say chuckling in her ear.

“I love you too! Now go away and let me finish here!”

We release our hug. Robert and I start to the back with him stuffing the extra magazines in his pockets as best he can. At the back, Red Team has gathered around the ramp. “Everyone ready,” I say putting my hand to the ramp button.

“Yes, sir.”

“Lock and load,” I say followed by a rapid succession of clicks as rounds are chambered.

Gonzalez and McCafferty take positions along each side of the ramp door with their weapons pointed outward. Hydraulics kick in gear and the door slowly opens as I push the button. Light from the morning slowly fills the cargo compartment as the door pushes ever slowly open. A clang signals the ramp contacting the pavement outside followed immediately by the ringing of boots pounding down the ramp. Red Team immediately takes positions just outside of the aircraft covering different sectors, alert and ready as Robert and I step outside and look around.

“All clear, sir,” Gonzalez calls after they are assured nothing hostile awaits us.

“Roger that. Henderson and Denton, take position at the nose. Rogers, Bartel, stay here and cover the right and rear. Gonzalez and McCafferty, you have the left and rear.”

“Hooah, sir,” Henderson and Denton call out as they stand and trot toward the front of the aircraft. The propellers are turning slowly in the breeze as we didn’t have a chance to strap them down last night.

“Watch out for those,” I yell out to them and, once I get their attention, point to the big props.

The morning breeze flows across my body bringing a fresh sensation as if blowing away the staleness and bathing me. I want to just stand here and take it in. Pretend the world is nothing more than me resting here in the breeze as it refreshes me. Unfortunately, that is not to be. I notice a vehicle is approaching from the far side of the ramp.

“Sergeant Connell, company on the way,” I yell back into the aircraft. “Have everyone fall out in formation at the rear of the aircraft.”

“Yes, sir,” I hear her respond. This is followed by more yelling and sounds from inside.

“Nic, get Michelle and hook up the ground power unit but don’t start it,” I say seeing her standing on the edge of ramp.

“Okay, Dad,” she says and disappears into the aircraft.

I stroll a few steps further out onto the ramp to await the vehicle that is rapidly closing in. I am taking it as another good sign that there is only a single vehicle approaching as opposed to an armada of MP vehicles with flashing lights on. From the way I left, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the sky and ground filled with weaponry to insure I didn’t leave again. I had thoughts of seeing the end of my days in a darkened room somewhere. Of course, I am not entirely sure that doesn’t await me now. I continue to eye the vehicle amidst the clatter of boots on the pavement further behind me. A shadow falls over Robert and I and I turn to see Major Bannerman step up next to us. I give a mental shrug and look back to the vehicle.

The front doors of the Air Force blue staff car open as it comes to a stop a short distance away. I come to attention as Colonel Wilson and Sergeant Watkins step out and walk over. I hear Lynn call the formation to attention behind me. Yeah, I kind of forgot to do that or, more specifically, forgot that I should have done that. In all my years with the military, I had only been involved with one formation. I and those I played with tended to avoid those if at all possible. I remember having to see if I even had all of the bits and pieces that went with the dress uniform and the scramble to the uniform shop to buy those that I had lost or otherwise forgotten. Lynn has my back and I am ever grateful for that.

“Good morning, sir,” I say and salute as Colonel Wilson draws closer.