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Chapter Seven:

Lieutenant maemae saw the seven soldiers in position in the center of the net. Those huge Stratolifters were never designed for tight maneuvers, but she was going to pull the wings off this one if she had to just to get those men. The tailhook found it's receiver on the first pass, and all of them were JERKED up into the sky with an intense bone jarring yank. This mode of evacuation didn't do Len's leg or n4n0's arm any favors, but they both just gritted their teeth and never said a word.

The high speed craft took a line due east to put as much ground between it, the vulnerable men suspended below, and the nuclear blast that was about to start. From their airborne perch the brave soldiers had an amazing view as three rapid explosions engulfed the first compound, followed almost instantly by a forth blast from the last one. Just as the strategists had predicted all four clouds melded into one and rolled and churned and fed on each other, totally containing and neutralizing any nuclear fallout.

The wave of heat that hit the men and women under the plane was so intense they all suffered minor burns from plastic and metal buckles and attachments that overheated. But nothing so intense they couldn't stand proud and watch the last Russian offensive system in Kansas turned into a pile of rubble. Lt. Colonel Therose shouted into the rushing wind "COMPLIMENTS OF THE MOBILE INFANTRY!"

It was a proud and battered group of Alpha One and Bravo Six soldiers that were delivered by pilot maemae. By the time they landed at their new base in California word had already been received about their unqualified success. The Stratolifter set down on the only open strip of tarmac on the field. Every other square foot was covered by wildly cheering members of all branches of the military. From the Marines to the Home Guard, seasoned vets, military men and women serving in congress, and every mechanic and technician that made these kinds of missions possible were out there yelling at the top of their lungs. These soldiers were heroes - by any definition of that word!

They quickly grabbed maemae as the band of eight gathered at the base of the stairway from of the plane, arms around each other as they walked forward. It was a clear sign of camaraderie between the two platoons, but it was also an unspoken means to allow each one of them to walk across that tarmac standing tall, regardless of their wounds. No one said that, no one asked for it, they just did it for each other. Together they were strong, linked together like that they wouldn't show a limp or a whimper.



The first step they took together as they walked toward the impromptu reviewing stand was electric - and the huge crowd felt it. The ROAR of men and women celebrating and honoring their returning heroes was deafening. Thinking back on the moment, many soldiers who were there swear the sky turned dark for an instant because there were so many hats and jackets thrown into the air.

As they neared the stands that had quickly been thrown up for their return they were shocked to see who was there welcoming them back. Of course CO beerman616 and XO Seuss of the Mobile Infantry were standing VERY proud center stage. As was Citizen Timinator- CO of Alpha, and tsewell- CO of Alpha Three. But they also picked out qkoller of the Home Guard, Maximillian VonWillebrand from Airborne, and Lucius Varenus from the Marines, Publius from the Air Force, NXNW of the Army, and Angelini from the TD. Every CO in the eUSA Armed Forces was standing on that small wood platform!

But nothing surprised them more then when General Harlot, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and President Gaius Julius stepped forward to greet them. President Julius took the microphone first. "Soldiers of the MI… today we gather to honor the bravery and fighting skills of the eight men and women before us. And we come to honor the memory of our fallen colleague from this mission who can't stand before us today." The crowd was silent as the President spoke. "You have just illustrated why we will not stop until every State is back within our union. You have illustrated why the eUSA is going to again be the strongest nation in the world!" The crowd broke into cheers of agreement drowning out any future words.

General Harlot next took the microphone and spoke eloquently about how the strength of the eUSA depends on the strength of its military. There were loud shouts of agreement with all his points. Then General beerman616 walked up to address the crowd, totally commanding the stage. The huge group of men and women who serve under him were instantly quiet, waiting to hear the words of their commander.

"Men and women of the MI... every day I've had the honor to serve as your Commanding Officer you have made me proud. But today raises that bar to new heights. You willingly accepted a mission you knew was fraught with danger. A mission that most soldiers would never have been able to accomplish. But today you stand here before us victorious. Your bodies show the price that had to be paid, but your spirit is as strong as the moment you started this operation to serve your country. We salute you for your dedication, your bravery, and your valor!" Again the crowd broke into ear-shattering cheers and bravos. General beerman616 looked directly at the line standing before him, each of the eight at a proud and erect attention. "Would any of you care to address the assembly?" the General asked.

Len took the mic that was handed down to them. "Those were mighty fine words from everyone, but really we were just doing our job. Now would it be possible for us go over there and have a whisky?" he said humbly looking toward the food and drink set out in the hanger. The crowd went wild as they lifted all eight soldiers to their shoulders and carried them off to a well deserved celebration of honor and courage. It's the MI way.


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Respectfully submitted
Colonel Dania
Mobile Infantry Press Officer

"Liberty: One of Imagination's most precious possessions." ~Ambrose Bierce


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