Chapter 4 0800
I stood out front in the parking lot with Bennings in front of a transportation truck. Bennings was starring me down and I was staring right back at him. One by one, my team arrived. Madison, then Brendan and Foster, after that Coone showed up. They all came to attention in a line in front of Bennings and I. I looked at Brendan and he was holding his Mossberg. “I thought I told you to get a longer ranged weapon Briggs.” I said, to which he replied, “I did sir, I got slugs.” I smirked a bit and looked at Bennings who was watching the entrance to the base. I looked over to see that skinny kid from the infirmary running up. He came to attention next to Coone and said, “Private Bryce Bowlds reporting as ordered sir. Sorry I’m late, my alarm didn’t go off.
I shook my head and looked at Bennings. I said, “What is he doing here Bennings?” “He is your medic, he was just cleared yesterday.” Bennings replied with a smirk. Bowlds stood at attention with his SKS planted next to him. I looked at him, then down at his SKS, then back to him. “Bowlds, what do you expect to do with an SKS?” I asked “Sir, as far as I’m concerned, my main focus will be in healing and treating wounds. However if the situation presents itself, I will turn to the SKS to gun down a few enemies.” He replied
I nodded in agreement and turned to the rest of the squad, “Alright, everyone in the truck, double-time.” Everyone rushed into the back of the van and took a seat on the bench. I got up and grabbed both the doors to the back of the van. I shot Bennings a look before I closed the van. It was a look that said, “If I die out there, it’s on you.” I shut both the doors and took a seat next to Foster. He had on the basic combat uniform; BDUs, boots, vest, and helmet. All of which was desert camo. He had on two drop-leg holsters, one on each leg. Each had an Uzi in them and 3 mags strapped to the side.
“Uzis huh?” I asked him “Yes sir, it’s what I’m good at.” He replied I looked over at Coone who had dozed off across from me. I kicked him in the shin and ordered, “Coone, get on the machine gun!” he snapped up and mumbled something that sounded like yes sir. He got up from his seat and set his M60 on the ground and slid it under the bench. He grabbed a hold of the leverage handle and hoisted himself up into the cockpit of the mounted M249. He pulled it back and chambered a round. “Gun ready.” he grunted. I leaned over to the driver window and asked, “How long ‘till we reach firebase phoenix?” “About three hours sir, without delay.” The driver replied. “Thank you.” I said and leaned away from the driver window.
I looked over at Bowlds and he was sitting at attention with his SKS planted between his feet, not moving an inch. “Bowlds, relax, that’s an order.” I snapped “Negative sir, I will remain at attention.” He responded. I could hear Coone laughing from above the truck and I smirked a bit. “C’mon man relax.” I pressed. “Negative sir.” He said bluntly through his teeth. “Is he serious?” I heard coon say from above the truck.
I gave up and leaned back in my seat. I leaned my head against the wall of the truck. It sat there for a minute and we hit a pothole and I got a nice, violent tap to the back of the head. I rolled my eyes and put my head back on the wall.
I heard what sounded like a mag being discharged followed by a continuous metallic clanking noise. I looked up to see Bowlds pulling back his bolt and releasing it over and over. I waited for about two minutes and watched everyone else slowly look at him. It went silent and he looked up. He stopped fiddling with bolt and muttered, “What?” I looked over at Briggs and shook my head. I looked back at Bowlds and asked, “What are you doing?” “It’s a nervous tick sir; I’ve always fiddled with things when I got nervous.” “I see.” I grunted, “Well could you please stop before I take your SKS and break it over your head?” He scowled a bit and looked down at the floor in shame. “Thanks.” I said.
