Chapter 62

Flashback – Jens

I had been thinking about Ben's pet Major, all the problems he had caused for Ben, and I came up with a brilliant idea. Yes this would take care of him once and for all!

I had my special bot on his computer so I started it and gave it a new set of instructions. Then I leaned back in my chair and giggled. Yes: Mess with the best and get your rear kicked like the rest...

Flashback – Major M – Undisclosed base

I decided I needed to redo the report which would implicate Sgt. Reynolds. I knew the Old Man was going to need to see me soon so I needed some protection. The words literally flew off my fingers and in no time not only was I finished, I believed it was one of the best pieces of work I had ever done! Hell, I should write novels for a living. I saved it just as the Old Man's aide walked in and stated, "Sir the General would like to see you immediately."

I replied, "Let me print this report for him, then we can leave."

I had a hard time keeping from laughing as I printed the report. I was going to get off Scot free.

Flashback – General Glen – Undisclosed base

My aide fetched the damn Major but I still made him wait in the outer office as a matter of principle. After fifteen minutes I called him into my office and he had a damn grin on his face; something was up.

I started, "Major, we have a serious international incident brewing. It appears that Sgt. Blaine disobeyed orders, entered the Beslan School and was consequently wounded."

Flashback – Major M – Undisclosed base

Damn! How did the Old man get his information? I needed to figure this out – and quickly. But I had my ass covered with the report. I smiled and stated, "Sir! This report should clarify everything."

I handed it to him and leaned back in my chair as he read it.

He read it. I tried to read his face but he had the best damn poker face I'd ever seen. He did flip back and forth several times, made a couple of notes on the report, then he finally looked up and said, "Major, I must say I didn't expect to see a report like this." I smiled (believing my plan had worked) but then he continued, "It takes a brave as hell man to admit to his mistakes like you have done with this report."

My chin about hit the floor and I stuttered, "Mmm-y mmm-istakes? I don't understand."

He smiled at me and explained, "Yes, it says in this report that you are responsible for not supervising Sgt. Blaine adequately and that you take complete responsibility for the results."

I gulped and asked, "Sir! Might I review that report?"

He laughed and answered, "Hell no! It's the most honest report you've ever given me and I plan on keeping it. Now Major, since this is your fault, I expect you to fix it before it gets out of hand. Pack your bags because you're going to Russia."

I question, "And my mission?"

He laughed, "It's all right here in the report. You are to put out any fires using any possible means. Now you are dismissed, I want you in Russia yesterday."

I stood up, left the office in a daze. What the fuck just happened?

Flashback – Jack – In the hospital

I had been waiting forever to hear more about Banzai and I was concerned as hell. I knew he was tough, but there's a limit to everything. The women kept praying, I even said a few more prayers myself and was just getting ready to start making deals with God when a surgeon walked into the waiting room. Even speaking Russian I could tell he said Banzai's name. The three of us leapt off the chairs and made a semi-circle around him. He began to speak in Russian so I pleaded, "Please can you speak in English?"