A New World: Return by John O'Brien Read Free Book Online

shop to buy those that I had lost or otherwise forgotten.   Lynn has my back and I am ever grateful for that.
    “Good morning, sir,” I say and salute as Colonel Wilson draws closer.
    “Oh sure, he salutes him and calls him sir,” I hear Bannerman mumble under his breath behind me as he salutes as well.
    “Good morning, Captain Walker,” Wilson says returning my salute.   “Major.   At ease, gentlemen.”   I see a little hesitation by Colonel Wilson wondering why I was there in front rather than Major Bannerman.   Okay, I didn’t think this all of the way through perhaps .
    I relax and turn toward Lynn, giving her a nod once I catch her eye.   Seeing her standing in front of the formation, as the soldiers stand at attention in formation according to their teams, I realize just how much she has her shit together and how much I truly need her in so many ways.   That aspect of professionalism just comes so naturally to her that it just happens.   If it were left to me, it would look like a bunch of one-legged emus in a wind storm.   Lynn calls the formation to parade rest as I direct my attention back at Colonel Wilson, noticing that Red Team is still holding its cover positions.
    “Glad to see you back, Captain,” Wilson says extending his hand.   “I see your mission was a success.   At least I am assuming these are the troops you were sent to get.”
    “Yes, sir.   More successful than I anticipated,” I say shaking his hand.   He then shakes Major Bannerman’s hand.
    “Your troops Major?”   Wilson asks with a sidelong glance at me.
    Oh boy, this should be interesting , I think.   “Sir, if we can have a word in private?”   I ask.
    “I asked the Major a question, Captain.   Please let him answer,” Wilson says holding a hand up to forestall me.
    “Yes, they were, sir,” Bannerman answers.
    “They were Major?   Something doesn’t seem quite right here.   If I didn’t know better, I would say Captain Walker here is in charge.”
    “He is, sir,” Bannerman responds.
    Colonel Wilson tilts his head, looks at me, and says, “Now, Captain, you can have that word.”
    Before heading off with Wilson, I ask Bannerman to have Lynn release the troops.   Standing in formation is not a pleasant thing let alone for extended periods of time.   I remember the one formation I had to stand in for an afternoon.   I thought I was going to pass out.   It took days for me to get any feeling back.   People just are not meant to stand straight up for that long.
    Colonel Wilson and I step a few paces away.   I look back toward the aircraft.   It’s another of those scenes that imprints on the mind.   The large olive drab HC-130 squats on the ramp in the rays of the morning sun.   Behind it, the formation of troops are lined up neatly on the ramp, Nic and Michelle stand next to the ground unit and stare in our direction, and Red Team is squatting in their positions at the front and rear.   The old Chinese curse comes to mind – may you live in interesting times.   I guess we have been mightily cursed as these are interesting times indeed , I think as I turn to face Wilson.
    “Troops!   At ease!”   I hear Lynn bark.   I chuckle softly.   She has no intention of releasing the troops but at least she is letting them relax some.   She really has my back and I wonder who is really in charge.
    “Sir, you mentioned General Collins left yesterday,” I say opening the conversation.
    “That’s right, Captain.   The General found an old time pilot but hadn’t flown in years.   He didn’t figure you’d make it back.   With our low supplies, he thought he needed to take the risk to get into contact with the mainland and find supplies.   He loaded up what was left of the base personnel and took off yesterday.   I was left here with a skeleton crew until they get back and we lost containment.   I think my staying here was punishment for letting you go without letting him