Operation Termite Hill

The First Drop Of Rain

"Juliana!!!" I ran over to where Juliana was, crouching down next to her and banging my fists on the floor. "It's all my fault!! Those jerks!!! They wouldn't have been able to shoot her if she wasn't here!! I just had to go out here!!" Another shot was made, everyone scattered and got undercover.  Tears fell down my eyes, and picked up Juliana's body like a princess. "General, request to go do something with the family and take Williams?"

"Granted. Now, boys, hurry! Hide under durable foundations! Dragonmoriv, Florez! Scope out that sniper! Also, keep your heads low and butts lower! That counts for you too, Wolf! Navy Corpsman, clean that boy Campbell up!" 

I crouched down, running while Williams and the family followed. Tears still rolled down my eyes, but I had to stay strong. I wondered where Campbell was, and if he was ok. Why did the Tajik do this? She was so innocent. She wasn't even an American soldier! She wasn't even a soldier at all!  None of it made sense.

We buried Juliana next to where her mother said her father was buried. Everyone left, but I stayed. I sat beside where we buried Juliana, I sat on my knees, folding my hands together, and began to pray.

"Father, please help me. I have no idea what I am doing here. Please help me and John get home safely. I worry for that man,"  I laugh slightly, "always running to the danger. Please, make sure that the bullet didn't hurt him too much, don't want him leaving me, now do we?" As I began to laugh, I began to cry more. My laugh became a sob, and I buried my face in my arms, still folding my hands together."Dear Father, my savior, please help me get out of here alive... amen." I dropped my arms, falling almost completely to the ground.

"Amen to that, Brother," Campbell's voice came from behind me, "çahannam of a day, huh?'

"Oh, yea. Wait... what the heck was that...?" I sniffled, wiping my tears.

"Oh, I just... messed up my word..." Guilt covered Campbell's face, then he changed the conversation. "Her name."

"Hm?"

"What was her name? And, why are ya like this? Ya knew her for like a day, mate."

    "Juliana, her name was Juliana. Once I saw her, she seemed like my best friend, even though she is probably only five. And, I caused this. She would still be with us if I didn't go out there and bring her into this stuff."

"Eh, life is life." He commented.

"Hmph. Whatever. You only act so tough, you're really a softie..." I turned around to see Campbell, he was shirtless, a bandage around his right armpit and shoulder. "So, it didn't kill ya, huh?"

"Swatch said to rest, but I said 'whatever.' I walked away, and no one stopped me. I asked Williams where ya were, he said here. He said ya need more time alone, but I think ya need to stop mopin' around and come help."

"Help with what?"

"Niel and McLoughlin searched all the bodies, all dead, but got valuable supplies. Florez and Dragonmoriv found more ammo boxes around town. Haydens, Tucko, Moralez, Chistopo, Maxwell, Jetson, and Watson all set up the tents. Swatch, Williams, and General Foxborn have all cooked for us. I have even chipped in on setting up camp. We need you, come on."

"I..." I wiped my eyes yet again. "Ok. Only if no one asks me any questions. I'm not in the mood."

"Yes, I can see that." Campbell scoffed.

"You sarcastic comments aren't helping." I rolled my eyes.

"Don't care. Let's go." Campbell walked off, and so did I.

We walked back to camp where everyone was drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes. Some guys were scouting around the city, and others are already in bed. Dragonmoriv walked up to me, and put his hand on my shoulder.
   
"Come, I need to show you something." He walked off with me, taking me into an apartment complex. There stood Florez with a gun pointed to someone's head, they held a sniper rifle, and smiled at me. "He's the sniper. We have Williams heading over for translation."