Dreams Of Painby The Bright Writer
Chapters
First Contact
Jul/14/04
12:34pm
Somewhere in Iraq
The sun had already gone down hours ago as the coolness of night had already swept through the camp. With me and my rifle standing guard at the gate, I could feel the cold for the first time that day, and it sent shivers down my spine. Today was one of the rarely seen, “Easy Days” as command put it, nothing had happened. Not a single thing, no patrols, no supplies, hell, not even any taliban scouts were spotted. It was just quiet. I mean yeah, you still got the unrelenting machine gun fire just over the hill, but we seemed to ignore it. We knew it would be dealt with when we see choppers heading their way, it always had, and always will. Looking at my watch to check the time.
“00:34am, Happy Birthday me.” I said heavy breathing as my breath danced around in the night sky before disappearing.
It was my birthday, but I tend not to keep track of those things, I turned 23 today. Re taking my stance I looked behind me at the seemingly dead outpost, there were four bunkers to my right, there's where the men sleep, next to that is the Mess hall and in front of that in the center was a flag pole with a American flag that flapped in the quiet breeze. Across from that to the right, was our repair bay, most of our armored vehicles are in there. It was past my time to switch off for the guard. I began to walk back to the bunkhouses and walked into the second one. It was dark, the windows provided a small bit of light, illuminating the bunks, mixed snoring was the only thing I heard. Trying not to make much noise I walked over to the second bunk to the right and tapped on the sleeping marine.
“Michael, get up, your watch.” I said in a Loud whisper. He waved his hand way.
“Come on, I pulled my shift, it’s your turn, now get up.” I said a little louder. He pushed up and leaned on his elbows. His hair was a mess and his eye’s were hardly open.
“Fine, gimme a second.” He said pushing himself up on his bunk, now sitting up he put on his gear, slipping on his boots, pack, and tactical helmet. Grabbing his rifle next to him, he checked the mag and slipped it back seeing he had ammo. I walked over to my bunk, took off my boots and helmet and let them hit the floor next to me. I didn’t even take my pack off I just threw myself onto the bunk and fell fast asleep. I hadn't slept good the past week, due to fire fights and I.E.D scares. I would have nightmares of me and my buddies stepping on one and blowing me sky high. But nothing happened today so, nothing had troubled me.
Turning over, I caught a glance of Michael heading out with all his gear on. I would consider him my friend, not a best friend, but I knew he wouldn’t abandon me in a firefight.. His callsign was “Silver” because he had a silver bullet necklace that he wears all the time.
Turning over again toward the wall, I drifted quickly to sleep, entering another nightmare.
I was in a squad, Callsign, Bravo 1-2. It was me Michael, Jones, and Kevin All of us were fairly good friends. We were in a convoy of about four M114's, but a I.E.D went off on the lead car, destroying it in a flash. Then gunfire erupted from the surrounding buildings, we stood our ground until more resistance pilled up until we ran, the whole convoy was split up, unfortunately, Jones died on the 50. cal. We moved into a alleyway and ran away from the slaughter, we were resting when my radio picked up a voice on the other end,
“This is Bravo 1-1 to any remaining squads on this station, please respond!” He sounded scared and tried. Pushing the talk button I came back,
“Bravo 1-1, this is Corporal Jacob Snider, speaking for Bravo 1-2, what is your status over?” I asked waiting for a response. Machine gun fire sounded off in the distance, some closer some further away.
“Sir, me and the rest of 1-1 are pinned down by a gunner, we need back up, our cover is already fubar!” He said as he was cut off by the sound of a Machine Gun which was followed by a crackling sound, then it went silent. I heard witch way it was coming from and point for my squad to see. Across the alley was a road, across that road I could see flashing lights coming from the left. I signaled for one half of the squad to take the right while me and one other would suppress the gunman and give 1-2 a chance to escape before they frag the gunner with a M67. I walked over to the end of the alleyway and peaked around the corner. I saw him, he was perched in a tower at the end of the road. I looked down the road and saw 1-1, they were huddled behind a concrete divider in the middle of the street. Then I see 1-2 move up and cover for 1-1. The gunner stops shooting to reload.
There's a brief moment where nothing happened then 1-2 and 1-1 break the silence. “Suppressing fire!” Someone yelled behind the dividers. four Marines pop out from cover with M249’s and M4's and let loose on the tower, nows my chance. I pulled the explosive from my pack and pull the pin.
“Fire in the hole!” I screamed as I throw the grenade threw the open window in the tower. The gunner screams something in Arabic, then an explosion silences him as dust and shrapnel fly out the window. I threw myself back shielding my head from the blast. Then everything becomes quiet. I hear the sound of cheering as the Marines surface and began patting each other on the back and fist pumping.
“Get some baby! Hell yeah!” One of them yells. I go to join 1-1 and 1-2 again, but a sickening sound can he heard behind me. A sniper. I go to turn around and when I do the bullet impacts my right shoulder. I scream out in agony as the pain reaches my head and puts me down in the street. Then things became blurry. I look over in the alleyway across from me, and I see something strange. A pair of ice cold eyes, staring me down. I don’t remember that from that from the mission, but as soon as I see them, I wake up.
Jul/15/04
5:57am
I wake up with a cold sweat on my forehead. I look around, nobody else is up, except for me. I couldn’t go back to sleep, I didn’t want to return to that damn dream. My shoulder begins hurting thinking and remembering about the sniper. I gear up and head out into the yard. In silence, I walk over to the gate where Michael is standing, guarding. He hears me coming and spins around.
“So, come to join the party, eh?” He says a smug look on his face. I shake my head and look over the hills to the north. There was something about those eyes I saw in my dream, made them stick out. I didn’t remember them from the mission, like something was watching me in my dream. It was strange.
“Nah, I just came to see if you were awake or not.” I said jokingly back. He chuckles and goes back to looking at the road. I walk up along side him and stare too.
“You kidding, it’s freezing out here, do you really think I would fall asleep?” He said, pulling out a cigarette box. He flips it open and pulls one out. He gestures for me, and I gladly take one. He lights his, and then he lights mine too.
“Well, ya know what?” I say putting the cigarette in my mouth.
“What's that?”
“It’s fucking nature dude, can’t change that.” I take a drag of the cigarette.
“Yeah well, whatever, don’t bother me much...”
“Sure.” As I talk the smoke leaves my lungs and fills the air around us. Footsteps could be heard behind us, I turn to see a very drowsy Lieutenant David Smithey.
“Mornin’ sir.” I say as he looks up.
“What's so good about it corporal?” He asks me.
“Not getting your neck slit the night before, that pretty good, don’t you think sir? Michael asks smart-alecky.
“Good point Private, good point.” He says finally reaching us at the gate. I look around at the seemingly endless desert in front of me, scanning for anything out of the ordinary. Seeing nothing, I look over to the Lieutenant. He is wearing a Kevlar helmet with a camera mounted on the front. He’s holding a M4 with a Grenade Launcher on the bottom and a scope on the top. He’s wearing all of his gear, including a small hand held radio mounted on his chest.
“So anything set for today lieutenant. ?” I ask taking another drag.
“Uh, actually, yes, Bravo 1-2 and Bravo 1-3, are marching out toward a town called, uh, Bichear Al-corely, or something like that. Reports have it that the Taliban are moving around in there and to back it up, last week a British Commando Unit went in there and didn’t come back out.” Says like his flipping through a clipboard in his mind. “So they are moving in to find them and if possible, eliminate the Taliban threat.”
“Hey Jacob, ain't you in Bravo1-2?” Michael asked.
“Y-yeah, that's, my squad.” I said trying to suppress the memories of the dream. Flashing faces flooded my mind, Jones's dangling body flashed up as he hung motionless from the gunner seat. Somehow, again, the eyes came back, a darker sky blue, they glowed in the void that is my mind. Thankfully the Lieutenant broke the flashback.
“Yeah you’re leaving at 0800 hours.” He said.
“Early huh?” Michael said.
“Yep.”
Jul/14/04
12:36pm
Canterlot Castle
Last week, Princess Luna had started her own project. She can look into ponies dreams and shield them from nightmares. But recently she decided to try that same process, but on different worlds. She knew there were other worlds out there but no pony ever tried to make contact with them. So what better way to do it, is by making peace through dreams. Tonight after rising the moon she headed for her room and shut the big doors and locked them up, she didn’t want to be disturbed. She had experience on all sorts of dreams, the good the bad, and the down right ugly. But she wondered, what do aliens dream about.
“Tonight, I shall make history, I shall be the first to make contact with another world, through their dreams. I must start, right away.” Saying this she closed her eyes and began the spell.
Her horn glowed the dark blue haze as everything around her disappeared and turned into a void. She randomly picked a planet. She picked one with a very large population.
“Earth? I have never heard of this place before, I must explore.” Doing this she began scanning for nightmares. There are billions to chose from, but one stood out to her. It was in a place called, Iraq, her curiosity got the best of her so she entered.
It was hot, very hot. Almost hotter than celestia's sun. I found the being having the nightmare. It was some sort of bipedal creature, dressed in a sandy color with a black object in his hand. He looked to be hiding behind a building, more creatures were behind him. He made some sort of signals with his appendage and the others disappeared from sight. Then she noticed what they were hiding from. There was another creature in a tower firing one of the black hand held objects, it was very loud, it sounded like fast fireworks, either that, or Pinkie Pie was on a caffeine run and couldn't stop firing off her party cannon.
looking toward her left she saw a white wall with more creatures behind them, then she began feeling with her heart.
They were scared, so scared, they held the thoughts of death in there minds as they also tried remembering, family, members. I still didn’t know what was going on until one of them yelled,
“Suppressing fire!” Then the hidden creatures stood up and began spitting what looked like fire from there, what I was guessing weapons, then the one behind cover pulled out a little green ball, with a pin and turned. Now he yelled,
"Fire in the Hole!” Throwing the ball into the tower. The creature in the tower yelled something, followed by a ear-shattering explosion that covered the area in dust.
My ears couldn't stop ringing, my vision was blured and distorted in, ways I didn't even know were possible. The creatures behind cover begin to cheer as the one hiding behind the building comes out into view. I finally get to see this creature, for who it really is. It's wearing some sort of strange sand looking clothing and a hard looking cap. It's midsection is very bulky and has lots of objects hanging off it. I go to get a closer look, but as I do a loud bang shatters the air as a cloud of red surrounds the being as a trail of, blood, spurt out his right appendage as the being collapsed to the ground. I could feel his pain, the tence nature of this dream made me fall as well, not out of pain for myself, but for his. I felt so bad, I needed to help him, but as I tried to move, he saw me.
His blue eyes meet my own and for the first time, in a long time, I felt fear. It was everywhere in this dream, even the creature in the tower felt it. Everything was feared and had its own fears. But just like that the dream closed and the weakness from the spell finally hit me and as I returned to my bedroom I collapsed and fell asleep.
Operation: Grab and Go
Jul/15/04...
0900am...
The road to Bichear Al-corely...
“Sir, how much longer?” Came an eager voice behind me. I stop and turn around to find Private Tomas 'Flash’ Richardson he was wearing his standard gear and was hold an M4 with an ACOG sight and grip. I look him dead in the eyes and give him a, “Shut up,” glare and turned back around going back to walking. I haven't heard from him since.
We are walking on a desert road, sand on one side of us and sand on the other, the town loomed in the distance. I was forth in command in this squad, Staff Sergeant Miller was leading us. There were five of us in this squad, all of us had code names, Our sniper and spotter names are “Scopes” both of them. Private Richard was “Flash”, Staff Sergeant Miller was “Thunder”, and I was “Hawk”.
It had been a horrible walk here, the reason we didn’t take the hummers was it would bring too much attention to us and the POWs might have been moved. So we went out on foot. I didn’t say much, I couldn’t say anything at the time, I was just silent, probably because I was walking into a town filled with so many insurgents they were just dying to meet us, the sun was so fucking hot I swear the rubber of my boots were melting off, and top it off, I’m in the middle of fucking Iraq.
I tried not to dwell on the last one. This place was my second home, I just had to deal with it. The marines were my family now, I just had to keep my comrades close, and my enemies closer. I come to find that, even though I am still very alive, I know as I signed those papers, I was already dead. And the sooner I realised that the better.
The sarge put his hand up and signaled for the squad to stop. Everyone grinded to a halt and got down into a crouching position.
“Everyone, get down, I hear a patrol.” Came the sarge in a loud whisper. He quickly went prone and, following his example, I did as well. I could hear the chatter of Arab voice coming closer down the road. I picked my head up just enough to see them. They were the Taliban, they wore turbans on their heads and kevlar vests on their torsos. Each one carried an Ak-47, one of them even had a scope on his. As they passed I saw the sarge signal for us to get up and move forward. Slowly and carefully we rose, trying not to make too much noise. As the patrol was no longer in sight, we resumed our walk, as the south gate was in view.
Pushing up against the wall next to the gate, our radio picked up communications from Bravo 1-3.
“Bravo 1-2, this is Bravo 1-3, do you copy over?” Came a voice followed by static. Miller picked up his radio.
“We got you 1-3, send traffic over.”
“We are in poison, on the north entrance, no sign of insurgents, how about you?”
“Small groups, bunched together here and there, nothing we can’t worm our way around, we will see you at the town hall, over and out.” Miller put his radio down and signaled for us to follow him.
He proceeded to move into the town and hid behind a building. Slamming against the wall and checking,around the corner, he saw a group of people leave the streets and head into a building down the road, now was our chance to move. Returning to his original position he signaled for us to move up next to him. I held my breath as I dart toward the waving marine across the road, squad in tow. My mind raced, I didn’t know if someone saw me or if a sniper was pinned on me, but for that four seconds, I didn’t have any emotion whatsoever, I could feel my heartbeat against my lungs as I ran. I dove for cover as the squad came up behind me and lined up along the wall with their weapons drawn. Re collecting my sanity I put myself on the wall. Miller looked back to the two marines in the back of the pack and signaled for them to come up. Both scopes came up and kneeled down next to him.
“You two, up there in that building, now, wait for my signal, you can provide suppressing fire if needed while spotting targets for us to take out, got it?” The sarge said in a quiet and gravelly voice. The two nodded and got ready to go.
The sarge looked around the corner again and motioned for them to move. The two ran across the road into an abandoned building. A few seconds passed as nothing happened. Then, on the second floor we see a flashing light, indicating scopes were in position.
“Alright, lets move.” Came the sergeant as he doubled back toward the end of the squad disappearing behind the wall, I followed quickly and quietly.
When I turned the corner, I got a sensation of nostalgia as I remember the mission in the dream. The alleyway I was in looked exactly like the one in my dream. Except this time there was no noise, no gunfire, no screaming, no pain, yet. We moved for a few more moments until we stopped at another road, To the left of us was town hall, its sandstone looking dome pierced the sky as the remaining windows below it glistened in the light of the morning sun.
Then I noticed something else, another flashing light came from a hallway down and across the road from the building. I tapped the Sergeants shoulder and pointed out the light, he looked over to it and signaled back. It was 1-3 and they were ready. Miller made a couple hand signals to the group across the road, as they did the same. We couldn’t use our radios with the threat of someone hearing them. Tapping me on the shoulder I tapped Flash behind me then he tapped mine and I finally tapped Millers, Millers nodded.
This was it, we were going in.
“Okay, here we go, lets move quietly.” Saying that, the sarge moved out of cover and darted for the doors of the Town hall.
I turned the corner and almost ran faster than him to get to safety, turning over to see 1-3 doing the same. The sarge blew open the doors to the Hall with his foot while me, flash and the sarge took out the three unsuspecting insurgents with our knifes. The door across from us collapsed in revealing five marines with their guns aimed.
“Good to see you 1-2, have a nice walk over?” Came a marine leading the others.
“Oh it was just wonderful.” Came the Sergeant sarcastically. A few laughs came from the others as we grouped together. I tried to shut the door behind us, but it sort of hung there, so I did the best I could. Returning the group they had already started up stairs. The stairs creaked as we made our way up Every sound sounded louder and louder each time we took a step, it was nerve wrecking. Reaching the top floor Miller took out two guys that weren’t looking and I took out another that turned around to find out why his friends fell to the ground. It was intense, the adrenaline of me pulling the trigger and ending a life, at first you feel sorrow and you feel bad for the poor bastard. Then you remember that, he wanted to do the same to you, so that makes me sort of ease the killing factor. There are two door infront of us, on lead to the balcony the other lead to the room where they POWs were, we just didn’t know which one it was.
“Scopes, do you have a visual on the POWs?” Miller said into the radio. It was dead silent for a few moments then it came back,
“Yes, my side, there in clear sight, use caution, I see multiple insurgents fucking around in the room with them, chose your targets well.” Came scopes as the radio went silent again. We chose the door on the right as huddled around. Miller used his foot to kick in the door. A mixture of screams and gunshots rang out in the air as we entered the room. I offed two and the sarge got the other three. I got over to the POWs and took the band off their eyes and untied there wrists from the chair, they first were resistant but realized the marine look of the sarge trying to calm them down and let me finish.
”Thank god you bloody yanks showed up, these guy were getting on my nerves, and even destroyed a few in the process.”
“You guys still got your gear?” I asked. The commandos looked around for a second and focused on a pile of armor and rifles lying on the ground in the back of the room on a table.
“Yeah hold on one moment we’ll be ready in a second.” The soldiers ran back and began to suit up. But just like that, an air raid siren went off, as all I heard was the ear piercing wail of the alarm.
“Fuck! They know we’re here! We’re going out loud!” Millers yelled smashing out one of the windows of the room and planting his M249 on the windowsill. Doing the same I ran over to the next window and smashed it with the but of my gun and shielded myself from the falling glass as I rested my rifle on the sill taking aim for the streets below. One of the commandos joined me. The one thing I could remember to calm my sanity was “Fire Your Guns” by ACDC
“It’s gonna get worse before it gets better.” He said out loud.
“Well, you got the skills, now use them!” I said open fire on one of the taliban soldiers in a building across the street, none of them did anything, only a few landed a hit, the only reason I could tell that was from a noticeable red liquid spray the wall behind it. I just shot, I didn’t even aim for shit, I saw something move, or a glint and I opened up. I knew I hit a few times, but not all the time.
“Overlord, overlord this is Bravo 1-2, we secured the POWs and requesting a air pick up, over.” came the sarge from across the room.
“Copy that Bravo 1-2, sending a UH-1Y to your location, E.T. ten to fifteen minutes, overlord out.” Putting the radio back into its slot Miller returned to the sill and opened fire through the window.
“Sargent Miller, this is scopes, Should I get to town hall?” Came scopes over the radio.
“Yes, and hurry up command is sending a chopper for us.” Miller yelled, you could hear his voice crack over the radio.
“Alright sir, moving uuUUH SHI-,” His voice was cut out by the sound of an whooshing noise. Looking at scopes building I could see a stream of smoke hit it as it’s second floor was destroyed.
“FUCK, NO!” I yelled over the sound of machine gun fire. “Sir! Scopes is down!” Miller looked over to the now smoking second story of the apartment. His eyes widened as his fist balled up and slammed down onto sill, white teeth shown as his canines shined in the light as he grinned them together.
“YOU FUCKING SAND EATING BASTARDS!! NOW YOU DIE!!!” He yelled as his rage emptied out into a stream of hot lead leaving his gun hitting the soldiers below us. Each one looked up in terror as all they saw was death in the shape of a little sheet of lead. Each one fell, every single one fell in the street. His gun went silent as did the battlefield for a few seconds. I looked over as he back up from his mounted gun as he breathed heavily. His hands were shaking in rage, his eyes could be seen through his glasses, and his pupils were smaller than before, as if something had broken him.
Then like clockwork another RPG sounded off and hit the side of the building, knocking me off my block throwing me back and making me smack against the wall. My vision was blurred up for a few seconds as all I saw was muzzle flashes and figures standing in the opens of the wall.
Regaining my sight I drew up my rifle, reloaded, and ran back to the fight, my rage boiled over me as a furiously opened fire on the few soldier remaining in the fight. . The chopper could be seen off in the distance, it was the most beautiful thing I saw all day. Then another song began to play in my head, “Hit The Lights” by Metallica.
“Everyone focus your fire on the RPG teams, provide cover for the chopper, don’t let him crash!” Miller yelled. Hearing His orders I found the nearest RPGer and gunned him down just as he laid eyes on the chopper. Five more minutes passed of the same thing over and over again shoot, shoot, reload, repeat. The chopper was upon us and the taliban were really noticing it. The chopper stopped and hovered in front of us.
“Alright lets go!” I yelled as I made the death defying leap across the gap between me and the chopper. Everyone one else followed, except the sarge.
“Come on sir, lets go!” I yelled over the sound of the chopper. Miller looks to his right as I hear Abric voices coming up the stairs.
“No, go without me, this is for you scopes!” He yelled as he ran into the room with the stairs. I was going to go get him but an explosion blew up the doorway leading in.
“We need to go now!” Yelled the pilot as the chopper picked up speed and flew off. I just stared at the burning building as we flew off. My face motionless as tears for the first time in long time formed in my eyes, he risked his life, for our safety, his death will not go un-avenged.
“Sir?” came a voice. It was Private Richardson. “Wheres Staff Sergeant Miller?” I didn’t want to admit it but I had to tell them, I was the last to see him.
“Miller is dead, along with Sergeant Leavitt and Sargent Granger.” The rest of the chopper ride was quiet. Nobody talked.
A Glance At The Dark Side
Jul/15/04...
Iraq Airways...
0034pm...
As I sit on the chopper with my empty rifle laying in my lap, I pan around the chopper looking at the faces of the Marines. All I saw were blank stares, they looked into space itself, as they wondered for a purpose. I knew they were scared, and relieved at the, same time. They were glad to be out of that hell hole of a battlefield, they were glad they had their lives, there eyes showed it. Of course, so was I, but I wanted to see what they saw, their perspective on the mission. Did they think we won, did they think it was a success, did they think the could have done more?
Everyone could have done more, there is always more you can do. Nothing is ever finished, nothing is ever complete, everything can be improved and destroyed, you just need to know when the time is right.
Turning toward the window, I peered out into the desert looking out over the landscape. Smoke rose from smoldering bomb craters in the sand as the smoke swirled through the air and dived and moved with the current of the wind. It was a depressing sight to see. The choppers engines changed tone as I noticed our rapid descent from the sky.
We were closing in on the base, I could start to see the flag pole as the bunks came into view, everything looked still, nobody seemed to be walking around from what I saw. The chopper landed with a bound as the engines began there shutdown process.
The door slid open as we exited, Some soldiers came running up to us with medkits and went for the POWs with stretchers. Seeing they didn’t need them they hurried them away into the central command center, leaving us behind. Walking off the pad as the blades of the chopper stopped kicking up sand as the ground settled down as the chopper's blades slowed to a stop. Now taking in the surroundings I could see many different people wandering around. Pilots, Marines, Mechanics and Engineers. The Mechanics rushed over to the chopper assessing the damage, and giving the pilots hell for fucking up the UH-1Y with bullet holes. The engineers aided them in fixing her up. Exiting the air strip area, I was greeted with the same welcome I always get from Michael when I return from these things.
“So, you fuckem up, er, what?” He asks nudging me in the ribs. I look at him dead in the eyes and say it.
“Three of Bravo1-2 are dead, Miller, Granger, and Gillaven, Miller was shot to death and the others were killed by a RPG, anything else you want to know?” I said giving him a, ‘Fuck off,’ stare. He didn’t get the message, like always.
“You find all the POWs?” He asks motioning for the Command Center.
“Weren't you looking? Yes there fine, minor injuries, they’ll be back on there feet in no time.” I say with an annoyed tone.
“Jesus, what crawled up your ass? You're never like this.”
“Look,” I said stopped and turning toward him. “I just saw my commanding officer give his life for my own safety, he died for my survival, do you know what thats like?” I said poking him in the chest.
“No... I, I don’t.” He said backing up from me, I walked closer.
“Of course you don’t, it feels horrible, he died for me, he died cause I wasn't there for him, I didn’t help him, as soon as that chopper arrived I was out of there. He ran back into a firefight to get us to safety,” I start to become louder as I walk closer to Michael as he keeps backing up. “I now have to live with his soul on my shoulder, breathing down my FUCKING NECK.”
I yell causing a few heads to turn my way and stare. I turn and look at the faces, most of them were in shock, others in worry. Re collecting myself, I turn back to the scared private.
“Look, I’m sorry, I, I just need to lie down, I have too much on my mind, seeya.” Walking away, I could here him say something, but I didn’t ask what he said, I didn’t care.
I walked through the crowd of people pushing some people out of my way. I reach the bunk house kicking in the door, the darkness of the room was shattered by the light of the sun flooding in through the doorway. Some Marines were in, there some were standing around, listening to music, and just talking, but my presence made them quiet to a low murmur as I passed by them. I made my way to my bunk I threw myself on to it. I didn’t sleep I sort of just lied there staring at the top bunk. I could hear the blades of the choppers landing and taking off from outside the building. The sound echoed through the bunkhouse.
I couldn’t rest, the sound kept me from doing so. Ten minutes passed and, seeing no other option, I got up and left. The rest of the day was calm. I got a few words in from the command center thanking me for the mission, they were going to send a search party for the missing troopers, but, I was sure they were dead. I tried convincing them otherwise, but, they didn’t listen and sent out two more squads, Alfa 1-1 and Charlie 1-2, this time, they took Humvees.
Jul/15/04...
Canterlot Castle...
12:34pm
I woke up to the sun shining through my window as the birds chirped a lovely tune. I picked my head and looked around, I was in my bed, but I wasn't under the covers like always. I was lying on top, the sheets still folded under me like I hadn't slept yet, and the pillows were still in there decorative manner. I sat up on my hind legs and took a gander at the room, nothing had changed, good. I got up brushed my mane, fixed the little wrinkles in my bed, unlocked my door, and headed out of my room. Shutting the door behind me, I made my way down the hallway staring at the seemingly empty halls, even the guards didn’t seem to move, but they weren’t supposed to, but I kind of with they were, everything was too calm. Reaching the door to my sisters throne I opened the door and looked inside, nothing had changed, it was just like any other day, nobody knows about my findings, nopony was with me. My sister hearing my hoofsteps looked up from a scroll she was reading.
“Ah, sister,” She said giving a small smile, “I am glad to see you are alright.” I didn’t understand what she meant.
“Alright? What does thou mean, alright?” I ask moving closer.
“ You didn’t show up to lower the moon to make way for the sun last night, when I went to get you, you were fast asleep, you seemed so tired, are you alright?” she came again, this time with more urgency in her voice.
“Oh, sorry about that sis, I didn’t mean to sleep, I was, uh, tired, yah! I was tired, l-lots of paper work.” I say as I move towards the balcony. I could hear sis getting up as her hoofsteps echoed around me.
“Luna, what were you doing, before you were asleep?” she asked joining me on the balcony.
“Just, viewing dreams thats all.” I don’t think it was working for tia grew, curious again.
“In that case, whose dreams made you so, tired, was it really bad?” I didn’t want to tell her, actually, scratch that, I couldn't want to tell her, she might not be ready for it. But, I couldn’t lie to her anymore, I had to show her the dream. Us alicorns and, pretty much any unicorn can view into any ponies dreams and store it away to remember to help them later on, but in this case, it was very different.
“ Before I tell you, what I saw, I think you might want to take a seat, this might be rough.” Saying this she gave me a confused look as she sat down next to me.
“Do you remember the night Re-Vision spell?” I ask taking a seat with her.
“Why of course I do, while you did your time on the moon I had to cover for you and help ponies with their dreams.”
“Well can you read the dream from a pony who has already seen the dream?” I asked as she put a hoof to her chin.
“Yes, why do you want me to watch the dream with you? Luna please, just tell me.” I put a hoof to her mouth.
“Just, please, sister, thou must see it to believe it.”
I closed my eyes tightly beginning the spell. I had to wait for a few seconds, finally, the dream faded into my mind, and all of its horror. I tap Tia on the shoulder and she began the spell as I could see her appear in my dream realm. She and I both floated around until planets began to zoom by us until they stopped at earth.
“First, I’ll be the one asking the first question, what is Earth?” I ask motioning toward the green planet.
“Earth, the home of the Human, I thought I wouldn’t have to re visit this world in my studies, don’t get me wrong from what I could tell, last time I saw it, the Humans were a peaceful race with a very large amount of, something they called technology, it’s very hard to explain,.But the best part is, they don’t have magic.” she said as I could see flashes of what she was talking about, big gleaming cities, with carts that rode by themselves and many other things that, even to me were stranger than the dream itself. But the part that really stung me was the peace part, from what i saw, they are very far from it. So saying nothing I turned the planet east and reached, Iraq again. Getting even closer I reached the dream. But I stopped before we entered, and I turned to sis.
“Did you ever, research, these other countries?” I said pointing to the sandy wasteland.
“No, why?” She said, a hint of worry appearing on her face.
“Because, you missed a lot.”
We entered the dream as the heat of the sun overwhelmed me once again, but for Tia it seemed not to faze her at all.
“This area, seems a lot poorer than what I saw, tell me, who is having this dream?” She said turning toward me. I look at her with my eyes filled with tears as they streaked down my face at the familiar scenery.
“From, what I have seen, this dream belongs, to a Soldier.” I said looking back toward the street, where he was shot. I didn’t want to look at sister, for the dream started. Again the group of Humans came back into the Alleyway as the group broke off toward the others behind cover. Then the banging of the weapon echoed back as the flashes of light shined of the walls as I could hear the cries of the Humans behind cover.
“What is this? I never saw this when I researched the Human race? This is all new to me, I must watch.” Sis said as her eyes widened. “They are, Soldiers, those are weapons, but who is attacking them?” I turned toward sis, with tears in my eyes, as I spat out the ugly truth.
“Another human.” I pointed to the tower as the flashing slowed down to a near stop as we saw the face of the attacker. Celestias eyes widened even more as they soaked up the dream like a sponge as it returned to normal speed. I looked over to the human behind the building as he pulled the green ball, pulling the pin once more.
“Fire in the hole!” He yelled again as the ball's pin came loose in his hand as it soared through the air toward the towers open window.
“Tia, get back!” I yell yanking the shocked alicorn from the entrance of the alleyway. The sound of the explosion cut the air as dust flew into each direction surrounding us. Then like that it became quiet. Then came the cheers as sis got back to her hooves, her ears perked at the change in tone of the humans. I re adjusted her vision to the Soldier coming out of cover. His suit now in full light, it’s sandy nature blending in with the background. Then came the nightmares purpose. As Tia almost leaped for the Soldier the sound of the Distant weapon slipped through the air as his shoulder exploded from the force as a cloud of blood shot out and covered the air around him. Looking at Tia her eyes now with tears as she had her mouth covered by her hoof, as she tried to hold back a wall of tears.
I couldn’t see her like this anymore, I broke the spell bringing us back to the balcony where we last were. Tia, was so distraught she stumbled over to the railing of the balcony and just rested there and let her eyes drain of the held back tears as her chest shook violently as she tried to steady her breathing. I rushed over to her and put my wing around her, trying to calm her down. She lifted her head and joined me in a hug.
“How could I have been so blind.” she said through her hyperventilation.
The Tour of Duty
Jul/25/04...
Recap...
After the second assault on the village, our teams went silent for a couple days. There orders, were to look for Miller and the other men. On the 18th of this month they returned. They found someone. Sgt. Granger, the Sniper. He was completely unfit for battle, he couldn't even think straight, hell, he almost attacked Alfa 1-1 with his rifle cause he thought, they were some Taliban insurgents, in disguise. But they settled him down and, got him home. After the second assault on the village, the Insurgents never returned, neither did the citizens. It was strange, we set out on a patrol to see if the locals were getting better, but, when we arrived, everything looked the same. The buildings were torn up with bullet holes, the streets lay littered with dead bodies and blood, and they air smelt like burning gunpowder. It was sad, no, it was worse than sad, it was depressing, everything torn up, from your own hand, the people you killed, still there like a living picture in your mind, and no sand or dust is kicked up by the heels of the Iraqi villagers that lived here, it's just a ghost town in it's former glory, makes you feel guilty. But that was over a week ago, and still, I can't seem to forget about Miller.
Jul/25/04...
Deployment Station...
Iraq...
"So, were pulling out, huh?" I said nudging Michael in the arm with my rifle. He looks over to me, cigarette in hand, he lifts his other hand up towards a mountain range.
"Yep, we going up and over that there mountain range, and while doing so," Moving his pointing hand to a long line on Hummers some with canopies, some with no roof and only a mounted gun, and just some normal ones. "We going to riding out in those babies over there, and along the way, helping as many Marine platoons as we can find, or just happen to run into." He puts his hand down and lifts his other to take a drag, "I guess you can say, it's really a "tour" of duty." I chuckle a bit and move over to a tent where the mail comes in.
"But maybe you'll be able to come home without having to fight." I heard someone say within the tent, I walk over and open the flaps to see a bunch of new marines that were replacing us here.
"Bullshit." Someone said in the back. "Fuck that." came the one standing next to me. They were reading letters from school children back in the states, sort of a connection for us to remember that there's another world out there besides war.
The Marine continues. "Peace is always much better than war and it would be nice if no one would be hurt." A marine leaning on a stack of crates walks forward. " That is some hippy Communist shit right there, where the fuck is this weak ass child from?" He said looking over the shoulder of the man with the letter. "Fredric Firestone from 2707, Spencer road, Cheby Chase, Maryland." He said turn his head to read the rest of the address. "Fucking Maryland." Came another Marine in the back.
The Marine is wearing a black sweat jacket and a crew cut on his head, walks forward in front of everyone like he's on a stage at a comedy show and begins to speak. "Dear Fredrick, thank you for your nice letter, but I am actually a, United States Marine who was, born to kill," A Marine adds a "Hoorah!". "Clearly you have mistaken for some winy, wine sipping communist dick suck, and all though peace probable appeals to, tree loving bisexuals like yourself, and your parents, I happen to be, a death dealing, blood crazed warrior, who wakes up every day just hoping for the chance to dismember my enemy's and defile there civilizations." With his hand he made a arc as he spoke. "Peace sucks a hairy asshole Freddy, war is the mother fucking answer." finishing he pointed to the man with the letter as all of the men laughed.
I wanted to say something, the rage had built up in me so much, I was shaking like I was in the cold. I almost charged at the rookie and tried to chock him his my hands, but I heard the command calling us over. The whole walk over I was fuming, I couldn't even stand looking at any of the new Maine's I was so mad. Those fuckers think they have it so easy, like this just a fuck walk in the goddamn park for them and us. "They'll see, they'll all see." I said join the crowd of Marines.
"All right men listen up!" came a booming voice on a roof top. " You know what you have to do, we are riding over that mountain range over in the distance to be replacements for fallen Marines, in the mean time, these men will be here looking after this outpost, some of you will help them out, there new, you know who you are. The lead car will be 1st quad, followed be 4th, 3rd, 2nd, then 5th. If there aren't any questions, move out!" A loud and proud, "Sir, Yes sir." came from us. "In that case, lets get moving."
We all got into our squads and get in our vehicles and pulled out. We were on the longest ride of our lives, might as well take in the peace and quiet while I still can. I look back toward the mail tent the man in the black sweat shirt was looking dead at me, and I looked back a death stare on my face. The hummer picked up speed as we rumbled down the road. I look over to the others, Michael was on the gun, Richardson was ridding shotgun, and the two others names evade me now, but I'll learn'em quick. I look out the window and see the distant mountain range. "Whelp, I'm in it now." I say as they loom in the distance.
Jul/25/04 - Aug/14/04
Guardian Angel
Jul/15/04…
Canterlot Castle…
12:36pm…
Celestia looks up from the streets below us, and looks toward the sky. Hot tears flow from her eyes as her breathing finally begins to slow to a normal rate.
“Luna, dear sister, I did not wish for you to see that.” She said, still looking at the sky with wide eyes. I look up to her. In a bit of surprise.
“You knew about this?” I ask. As I say this her eyes move from the sky to my eyes. She stares at me and I stare back.
“No, I didn’t know about that, what we just saw. But I do know about the humans. I just never saw them like that.” Her voice still trying to catch it’s breath. “I Knew the humans as friendly beings, loving, caring, and one of the most intelligent creatures out there. But, what I just watched was not what I knew at all. That was the exact opposite of a human, they were destructive, and sick, and, and…”
She looks away trying to hold back the tears again. “Terrifying.”
I could feel her pain, because I thought the same thing. But, all I saw was only war, not love.”
“Loving? Caring? Please, tell me how they could be caring, for anything for that matter.” I say. Celestia looks back at me, and puts a hoof on my shoulder. I look up to her.
“Trust me, luna, my dear sister, these humans, are very wonderful creatures. But, the one’s we saw, they, weren’t, the best example. Those men, were, soldiers.” She moves away from me and walks closer to the balcony.
“It’s most obvious, they didn’t want to be there, but, the real question is, why are they there.” She stops and turn towards me, “Do you know?” I shake my head, “No, I do not believe I do.”
She reaches the railing and looks out over the mountain landscape, staring at the rolling clouds that hovered overhead. “Then we have to find out why.” I look at her in a bit of surprise.
“W-what?” She turns her head and motions for me to come closer. I comply and move to her side at the golden railing.
“I will not stand idly by as I watch a peaceful race kill itself one being at a time. We need to help them settle this conflict.” Now I couldn’t believe my own ears.
“B-but, we know nothing about this war, or how to end it. And the worst part of it is, they are on a different planet, we can’t reach them.” I say in a bit of insane rage.
“Yes, but think about it, we have not had war here in Equestria, for, over a hundred years, they need our guidance. Like it or not, the biggest problems in the world, sometimes have the easiest solutions.” now I turn directly to her.
“And, what if this doesn’t work out like we plan?” I point out. Turning to me, she stared me down with her big eyes, searching for answer to my question.
“All we can do is try.” She says sort of quickly. I step back a bit a turn to look up at the sky.
“But, he’s still all they way out there, we’ll never reach him.” I say again, pointing at the most prevalent dental. Now she too looks at the sky with me as we both stare at the blue blanket the covers the world above.
“We can still talk to him, in his dreams, we don’t half to go to his planet, we can still connect to him when he’s sleeping, and even, when he’s awake.” I start to think about that last part a bit, ‘What does she mean, wake?’ Then it hits me.
“You're not thinking about using the Conscience Spell, we have hardly used that spell, Actually, I have never used that spell, only you have, and even then, what makes you think it will work on a human?” As both of us turn back down to meet each other face to face again. Celestia begins to think herself.
“Well, I have mastered that spell, so that I can do it at long ranges, but, I’m pretty sure, this spell can work on humans, it wouldn’t be a master spell if it wasn't, if you want, I can teach you the master version.”
I think for a bit. I could be apart of this, but at the same time, putting myself through hell while trying to keep a human sane enough so that he doesn’t go mad. It was my mind or his mind. But, sometimes, you have to sacrifice it all to help someone in need.
“Okay, ill help, I will learn the Master Conscience Spell, this man needs our help, and I won’t stop until the job is done, but, celestia, what am I going to see, like when I do, begin the spell.”
Celestia was quick to respond.
“You see what he sees, everything.” I flinch at the word everything, what did she mean by that, everything how? Like, just seeing, or, feeling as well. I didn’t ask, I didn’t want to know.
5:57pm…
Royal Canterlot Garden...
I walk along the garden greens as I let the tall grass of the open field tickle my legs as I go along. The small breeze that swept through the mountain range came down and ruffled my mane, lifting it up and twirling it a bit.
I’m not even paying attention to where I’m walking, I’m just going with the flow, my head is spinning about the earlier events of today. What was I going to do, I was about to put myself through hell, this time for good, and, I don’t think I'm prepared for it. I'm going to see what I saw in his dream, all the time. And the amount of madness that ensued through out the dream, cluttered my vision as flashbacks pushed their way back into my mind. I heard trotting come up from behind me.
“Princess Luna, are you okay?” I heard that voice before. It was one of my closest Lunar guards, Quartermoon. I turn around and look at him.
“Yes, why do ask?”
“Because, you are about to walk off the cliff.” I turn around to be meet with the sudden sunlight of the clearing in the forest and right in front of me, was the cliff that led down the side of the mountain. Embarrassed and a little shocked I turn around and give a little sigh. Quartermoon laughs a bit and turns around to head back to the castle until I stop him. He turns and gives a me a worried look.
“Is there something wrong princess?” He asks, tilting his head a bit. I couldn’t hold it back. My emotions took over as I nearly broke out in tears.
“Quartermoon, what have I done… I should have never gone to that damn planet, this is all my fault.
"I should've never told sis, now, now she's is going to watch a human kill other humans, and for what? I don't even know why? But all this, just to help with his sanity, nopony should ever half to endor that amount of violence, not in any lifetime, I don’t think sis can keep her head through this. I’m worried about her.” Quartermoon walks closer and places a hoof on my shoulder.
“Princess, if I may say something,” I nod and let him continue. “ I may not have seen this world, or know what a human truly is, but, I know princess Celestia. I know she wouldn’t put herself, or anypony through anything if she didn’t think they could handle it. Especially her own sister.”
“What I’m trying to say is, if she can do it, you can do it too, belive in yourself, you’re strong, I know you can handle it.” I nearly tear up from his words. 'He really thought that about me?'
I was flattered and even a little touched. But, what he said was true, sis wouldn’t make me do anything I couldn’t do on my own. And, with her guidance, I could do this, plus, this man needed our help.
Who was I do deny him that right. A fool, thats who, he needed help, he needs to get through this. He needs a, a Guardian Angel...
Chapter 6
Jul/25/04...
On the road...
4:00pm...
Seeing how I couldn't fall asleep due to obvious reasons, I sit up from my resting position and look ahead at the headrest of the driver seat. Then my mind began to do that thing when you try and remember some memories, but only for like two seconds until it flashes to the next. Sort of like a slide show.
I saw my house, freshly cut lawn with morning dew still laying on top. Mailbox out front with that white picket fence connected to it. And that small black gate that I always had trouble getting into.
Then the next were my friends Dave, Stanley, and Mike. Man I had some great times with those guys. Dave was always the wise ass that always tried picking fights with random people, just because he felt like it. Stanley was our shady guy of the bunch, never really showed his face in public, always stayed inside with his blinds shut. And when he did come out he wore glasses and a hoodie.
I think he may have done drugs, but whatever.
And Mike, my best friend out of the whole bunch. Now normally I don't chose my friends, but, mike was the best. Actually he and I were friends all through College. We were dorm buddies, but after college we got separated and didn’t really talk after that, then one day I found him hanging around with Stanley. We got back together and Stanley and I became friends as well.
Then, I saw the recruitment center and me signing my name on the dotted line. I remember that one that moment the most. The pen in my hand felt smooth. It was dark black with a little wooden bit near the golden tip. I felt the pen drag along the paper as it signed my name on the documents. I didn’t want to see anymore.
I shook my head and snapped back to reality just as a rock under the back tire, shook the humvee as we drove over it. I look out the window and sigh softly, trying not to break the silence that had swallowed the other marines. I just stared and began thinking to myself,
‘Look at me, a marine, one of the most feared people in the world, just sitting around, in a moving car, rumbling down a sandy road to god knows where.’ I put a hand to my face and cleared the clustered sweat that dripped from my forehead. ‘Why, why do I need to fight, I know I signed up for this, but, I never should have to fight in the first place.’ lowering my hand I look over to Michael. He’s doing the same thing I was, thinking, I could see it in his eyes. He was deep in thought, thinking about something that was making him zone out, just like me. I tapped him on the shoulder.
“Hey, Michael, you okay brother?” I asked trying to make conversation. The silence in the Humvee finally dropped. He looked over to me and gave me a strange face, like a mix between Frightened and sorrow. He wasn’t really responsive, but he spoke up.
“Oh uh, good I guess.” He said turning back towards the window while readying his rifle on the bottom part of the windowsill.
“Something bothering you, you seem out of it.” I asked still looking at him, trying to get his attention once more.
“Nah, I’m good, it’s just th-.” His voice cut out when the radio on the humvee’s dashboard crackled and a voice came out.
“This is Bravo 1-1 to all Bravo vectors, do read me? Over.” It was the lead car. The driver grabbed the radio and lifted it to his lips as all the as all the car began signaling off.
“This is Bravo 1-2, were reading you. Over.”
The lead car came back again. “Okay men listen up, this one is coming from the top. A few minuets ago before we pulled out, an outpost, not to far from where we are currently at, sent out a full company of Marines into a city called,” the radio stopped talking for a second, then the voice came back, I guess he was having trouble pronouncing the city’s name. “ A city called, Samawah. Unfortunately for them, they need some back up, and seeing how were the closest marines to the action, they called us out.” The radio turned off as the driver began his return ,
“Copy that Bravo 1-1, can we get an ETA?” He asked.
“Twenty minutes, get ready. Bravo 1-1, out.”
“Copy,” the driver hung up and turned his head around to us, a sort of smile was plastered on his face. “You ready to kick some ass guys?” He said with a bit of a hype in his voice. I looked at Michael, and he looked at me back, gun still resting on the sill of the window. He shook his head once, and I returned it, we were ready.
“Yeah we're ready… how about you?” Michael asked the driver, whom now had turned back toward the front window.
“Yeah I’m ready, it’s time to blow these damn “Sheet Heads” back to hell where they came from.” His enthusiasm was a little unsettling for my tastes, but, micheal sure as hell was on that band wagon. He smiled and gently shook his head as if he was agreeing with the drivers statement. And in some ways, so was I.
I held my rifle up and slid out the mag, checking for full, and it was, bullet in the chamber too. I look out the window and spot two AH-1W Super Cobras Riding parallel to us. The sound of the rotor blades were louder than the humming of the engine so I could here them clear as day as my body really felt the whooshing. It was intense. I slammed the mag back in and rested the underbarrel on the open window. I aimed down my scope. The green overlay blinded me as the red dot marked my killzone.
I watched the rolling hills pass me as we rode along our way, the fire fight growing closer and closer.
Twenty Minutes later…
“Bravo 1-1 Pulling off the road, were here, get ready.” Came the radio, we were here. Knots began forming in my stomach as the sound of gunfire reached my ears as the choppers pulled away to edge the Insurgents in the city.
“Bravo 1-2, following in suit.” The Driver said as we began to turn to the left and slow down.
“Bravo 1-3, Following,”
“Bravo 1-4, Following too.”
“Bravo 1-5, Following in suit.”
“Bravo 1-2, dismount.” Yelled the Lt. in passenger side. Once we came to a stop, I threw open my door and exited the car, rifle in hand. The sound of the doors slamming shut filled the air, as the Marines on the city side came running around to my side, I rested my rifle on the end of the Humvee and waited for everyone to get to safety. I looked left to right, everyone was pushed up against the Humvees, accept for the gunners who were stationed on the 50. Cals.
“Bravo 1-1 giving command to Charlie 1-1, head of the trapped Marines.” The radio went silent for a while until the radio came back with static and gunfire.
“This is Major Strew of Charlie Company, I am currently with Charlie 1-1 we are pinned down with 1-2,1-3,1-5. 1-2 and all the others are gone, we need back up now!!”
My heart began to beat louder and faster, my ears began ringing, my face went pale. Everything seemed to slow down for me as I replay the radio traffic over and over again.
They only have 4 squads left… out of a company of Marines. That means 16 squads are gone. One squad has four Marines. 16 multiply thats by four…
“They lost, 64 Marines…” I said out loud after the radio switched off. The Cobras from earlier were beginning to engage as the sound of rockets screeched across the sky and slammed into buildings making huge dust clouds that spread across the air.
I look Michael, and he looks at me, a terrified look on his face. He knew.
“Major, we are currently south of your current location, are we cleared to move into the city by highway, if we take the Highway in, we will get there faster?” The radio came.
“Negative, the highways are covered in IED’s, take the nearest off ramp, and snake through the streets.” I looked down the line of Bodies to the radio operator, he stood up and looked to the highway that was to the left of us.
“Major, are you sure about the IED’s?” It went quiet, my heart raced skipped a beat as I waited for the answer.
“We aren’t 100% sure, but, when we pulled in here, most of my Marines died on the highways leading in to the streets from IED’s, don’t take any chances, I repeat don’t take any chances.” When the radio turned off, I whipped my head around to see our CO giving the command to mount up and roll out. I did as I was asked.
“Roger that, were rolling out now, stand by, we should be there in a flash.” Came the radio once more. I yanked open the door and sat down, resting my rifle up on the window, my stomach still turning from the number crunch.
July/25/04
4:00pm…
Canterlot Castle…
I guess today was going to be the day. Today, we will begin our little experiment. I’ve trained with my sister for nearly over a week now and, through countless mistakes and frustration, I was able to see into the minds of ponies in the daytime. Celestia stuck with me through the entire training process till the point where I could cast the spell like my dream seeing spell.
But today is not a training day, today, i’ll be watching these humans in the daytime, for the first time. And In real time too. I guess you could say I’m a little anxious, but at the sametime excited. And as I make my way to celestia’s bed chamber, my stomach could have jumped and left my body and I wouldn’t have even noticed.
Closing in on the door, I pause and take in the surrounding area before placing my hoofs on the metal handles that open the gate like barriers. My mind filled with possible scenarios the humans could be in. All of which, I could only imagine for the fact that my answer will soon be meet.
I push open the doors and walk into the much brighter and open room. Closing the doors I fix my attention on my sister who now comes in from the balcony.
“Ah Luna, Glad to see you, do come in.” She says, her mane shines off the sunlight as the glass doors shut, shining a mixed array of colors that become cast on the opposite wall. I smile and walk closer to her bed.
“Sister, I am ready.” I say, as if saying that sentence could usher forth the demons of hell. She climbs onto her bed and pats her hoof on the top sheet,
“Then come, join me and we shall begin.” Still having a smile on her face. I move over and climb onto the mattress. The mattress she had was much better than mine, It was much large to fit the size, and was much softer.
Now sitting up straight, I look her dead in the eyes, he smile warming my slightly weak heart.
“Now, Luna, please listen.” My ears perk up. “When we begin, well, “watching” We will be watching thru his eyes, not from birds eye view. We’ll see what he and he alone sees. Are you still ready?” I look away and try to weigh my options. Watch a blood bath and understand another world, or, sit back and do nothing. I look back up and say with a straight face.
“Yes.” She nods.
“Okay, then here we go.” As soon as she says that, he eyes shut and so do mine. And the spell gets cast.
Iraq…
As the rest of the doors shut, I felt the rumble and roar of the engines as the Humvee started up. Then I stopped feeling and looked around, as a protocol of my own kicked in. ‘Who has what.’ I asked in my head.
I looked in front of me and saw the driver, the Lieutenant, he had a standard M4 with an ACOG sight and a M203 on the bottom rail, ‘Okay, the grenadier.’
Looking to the right of him was the Corpsman of my squad. He carried a M16A2, a burst round rifle, and upon looking next to me at my friend, had one too. Both had a Standard, so not attachments, ‘The riflemen.’
Of course I was the one with just a M4, of course, I wasn’t complaining. ‘The short riflemen.’
Then looking up at the Gunner, that manned the 50.Cal, I felt a little outgunned. Not only was he mounting a machine gun that fired 50 Cal rounds, but to the fact that he was also the man that had the M249. ‘The gunner.’
By the time I had finished the counting, the mission was already underway.
“Charlie 1-1, were on the off ramp right now, stand buy, ETA ten minutes.”
“Roger that Bravo 1-1, we await your assist,over and out.” The radio’s went silent for a while as the rumbling was the only thing I heard besides the gunfire and explosions. Then an unfamiliar voice came on the frequency.
“Attention Bravo 1-1 and all Bravo teams, this is Charlie 2-1 and Charlie 2-2, we are finished out first assault and are swinging around for a second pass, you got a target, you let us know, copy?” It was the Cobras. My troubled heart lifted, the reassuring fact that, we had eyes in the sky. I went to look around for them, but as I went to, my vision blacked out.
My heart raced as the sound of gunfire seemed to sound louder than before as I tried everything to clear my eyes. I panicked as I began looking around faster trying to catch a glimpse of something, something other than darkness. I covered my eyes trying to see if my eyes were closed. But they weren’t. I shook my head trying frantically out of options.
But, just like that it cleared.
My vision came back just as the two Cobras passed over the gunner hole and off into the distance, nearly missing the highway we were recently on. Even with my vision back, I could still see a very faint bit of blackness.
Well not really blackness, but, more of a dark blue.
But, it didn’t matter, the gunfire re jumbled my mind and I focused on my Squad mates. When we pulled off from the ramp, the setting changed. It became tighter and much more, well, closer quarters. Tan and grey buildings rose up on the right side of us along with telephone poles and rubble from trash and explosions. Fences lined the left side as the highway rode along with us before disappearing down the street when it made a left turn.
“Sharp turn here.” Came the driver. We followed the lead car as we pulled into a wide two sided street. The buildings became taller and much more modern looking as the continued on. Street lamps lined the sidewalks and abandoned cars were parked in the middle of the road.
“Check the Alleyways, prepare for an ambush.” The Lt. came once again. Michael adjusted himself so that his rifle was in a much more proper firing position, and he aimed down every alleyway, or side street.
This entire time, my eyes were darting left and right, up and down, and any other way possible, checking every inch of the area.
‘I swear if a spider landed on me, i'll have to try and not freak out.’ I said in my mind, trying to calm my nervous with a little comedy relief. It didn’t work.
“Jacob.” Someone called. I turn around and looked at Michael. He made rose two fingers and pointed out the window.
“Look.” I moved over and looked out of his window. What I saw put me into a panic and shocked state.
Two Humvees sat in a wide side street, both engulfed in flames. The original tan paint job that was given to them, was now charred and melted in one way or another. The fronts of the engines were completely
blown apart. The doors were missing or broken off as the dead bodies of passed Marines lay in front of them.
Some of them were burned or shot or even half gone, the blood and the carnage mixed together in painting of war. It looked like something out of a news reel. Then the reality kicked in and hit me hard.
“That, could be us.” I said. Michael who was looking too, looked to me. He patted me on the back and said,
“Maybe, maybe.” I couldn’t look at it anymore. With the image burned into my mind, I looked away and sat back in my seat and rested my rifle back onto the window. My eyes were wider than normal as I searched even harder for the enemy.
“Attention all Bravo teams, making a hard right here, the road up ahead is blocked, moving into a close area, eyes peeled.” Announced the lead humvee. I felt the turn as my eyes refocused on the closer walls of the street.
“Hang on, were gonna snake this shit.” Came the Lt. as we began moving in between cars that littered the street like trash. The buildings on either side of me seemed taller as everything became enclosed. Then a problem arose, we were trapped in this alleyway, traveling at two miles an hours, while moving through a maze of cars.
“Lieutenant?” I said, speaking up.
“Yes Corporal?” He said while trying to navigate a tight right turn around a turned over bus.
“I don’t mean to tell you something you already don’t know, but, this area is a ambush alley, the Taliban could be hiding anywhere.” The Lt. taking in what I said looked around at the surrounding buildings.
“Yeah, it does, but, we don’t have any other choice but to go through here…”