“I already know. It’ll be just like I told you.”
* * *
—
Walton walked into the wide room filled with double-decked bunks and cheap metal lockers. It was nearing the dinner hour. Behind him were eight replacement soldiers. The men of his platoon were waiting. They crowded around their platoon sergeant.
“Did you guys finish prepping the Bradleys after I left for the battalion briefing?”
“All done,” Sanchez said. “Fuel’s topped off on all three and we’ve got a combat load of everything. We’re ready to move out when the order comes.”
“Good, ’cuz if you hadn’t, I was going to haul your asses back down there to finish the job, even if it took all night.”
“You don’t have to worry about that. Even Dimmit pitched in. I swear he broke a sweat at one point.”
“Wally did some real work? That’s a sight I would’ve loved to have seen.”
“Looks like they sent some replacements.”
“Sure did, Miguel. Eight new guys to support our Bradleys.”
“Well?” Sanchez said. “What’s the word from battalion?”
“We move out first thing in the morning. We’re heading north. Attack begins at dawn the day after tomorrow. There’s a massive concentration of Iranian forces, over thirty divisions, gathered inside Saudi Arabia. They’re planning a surprise attack in a few days to breach our lines and destroy the Saudi oil fields. But it’s us who’re going to surprise them.”
“How so, Sarge?” someone in the group asked.
“Their flanks are exposed. All they’ve got holding them are a few battalions of Iraqi armor. First Cav’s job is to hit the left flank hard and smash through as quickly as we can. We’ll race around the Iranians and meet up with the lead elements of the 25th Infantry. They’ll be coming in from the right. Once we’ve encircled the sorry bastards, the 1st Armor and two French armored divisions will hammer them head-on.”
“What about the 101st?” Sanchez asked.
“The 101st will use their huge supply of helicopters to transport reinforcements wherever they’re needed. There are a half-million Iranians waiting in the trap and the 101st’s mobility will definitely help our cause. The slaughter will have begun. And we’re not going to stop until the last Iranian’s either been killed or has surrendered. Because of our combat experience, this platoon’s been chosen to lead the way. So get a good night’s sleep. It might be the last time you see a real bed for quite a while.”
“Not a problem,” Sanchez said. “After what we’ve been through, we know what to expect.”
“From this moment on, you’re confined to quarters. Miguel, take the replacements and divide them up between the three teams.”
“Will do, Sarge.”
The impromptu meeting broke up. It was obvious the platoon’s members were less than happy with being restricted to the barracks. And after their previous combat, none was excited about returning to the front.
The cavalry platoon dispersed. Walton returned to his room. Sanchez, his task completed, soon appeared.
“What’d I tell you? Big attack to put an end to this. And our battalion’s going to be out front.”
“It’s like you said, Miguel.”
“Yep, when you want the scoop on what’s happening in the 1st Cavalry Division, I’m the guy to see. Hey, Sarge, I almost forgot, mail arrived while you were at the battalion briefing. Got a letter from your wife.” The specialist dug the envelope out of his shirt pocket.
“Thanks, Miguel.”
Walton ripped the envelope open and stood next to his bunk as he started reading.
Dearest Darren,
I know you’re busy, but I wanted to drop a short note to let you know the girls and I are fine. We watch television as much as we can, hoping to catch another glimpse of you and your guys. All over Fort Hood, the war’s the only thing on everyone’s mind. There are lots of nervous people back here. I’ve got to admit I’m one of them.
Sarah’s project went well. She took third place in the school-wide competition. She worked very hard on it, and we’re all proud of her efforts. Her teacher heaped lots of praise on her in front of the entire class. Jessica’s been acting quite jealous of her big sister. It’s fun watching their antics since the awards ceremony. I know you’ll get a kick out of it when you get home.
That’s the good news. I’m not sure how you’ll take the rest of what I’m going to tell you. I think it’s absolutely wonderful, but I’ll let you make up your own mind. I know we weren’t planning on having more kids, but when you got orders to leave for Saudi Arabia in such a hurry, I guess I let things slip. I don’t know how to tell you other than to just say it. The doctor confirmed this morning what I’ve suspected for a couple of weeks—you’re going to be a father again. I’m definitely pregnant. Your third child’s on the way. Maybe this time you’ll get that son you’ve always wanted. With any luck, it won’t be long before you’re coaching Pee Wee football with your own child on the team. I hope after not having to change a dirty diaper for so many years, you haven’t forgotten how. Because by next summer, you’ll be getting lots of practice, whether you want it or not.
I don’t know what more to say. I pray you won’t find my news too disappointing. The girls and I love and miss you very much. We can’t wait for you to get home. Say hi to Miguel for us. Write if you get the chance. Please take care of yourself and hurry back as fast as you can.
My love always, Beth
The surprised sergeant sat down on the edge of the bunk. A sheepish grin appeared on his face. It turned into a huge smile.
“What the hell’s going on?” Sanchez asked.
Dumbstruck, Walton stared at his Bradley’s gunner. His smile stayed right where it was. “Beth and the girls said hi.”
“What? That can’t be it. You didn’t get that stupid smile on your face because your family said to say hi.”
Walton paused, gathering his thoughts. “Miguel, Beth’s pregnant. I can’t believe it. I’m going to be a father again. Isn’t that great!”
The specialist took a moment to let the words sink in. “It sure is.” A smile to match his platoon leader’s appeared on his face. “I’m really happy for both of you.”
“I’ll need to write before we move out to tell her how pleased I am. With the two girls, I hope it’s a boy this time. Although as long as the baby’s healthy, I really don’t care what it is.”
“After all we’ve been through, what I hope,” Sanchez said, “is if it’s a boy, he grows up in a world where people aren’t shooting at each other all the time. And in his entire life he never finds himself on either end of a rifle. That’s my wish, Sarge.”
“That would be fantastic, Miguel. I hope that too.”
“You know, it’s funny how things work. A little over a week ago you and I had no choice but to end the lives of so many little boys. In a strange way, your wife’s news of a new baby . . . it’s almost as if God’s trying to make a little bit of what he made us do up to you. Kinda like he’s paying you back for what he put you through.”
“I hadn’t thought of it like that. But that’s sure a good way of looking at it. One new life entering the world after the loss of so many others. It won’t replace them all, but it’s a nice start.”
“A real nice start. Ready to head to chow?”