“What’s up is that the recruits you’re training just graduated. All of them. Congratulations. Which is great news for us, because it turns out we need more people out there guarding the canyons and other approaches.”
“I’m not sure they’re all ready,” Trev said, frowning slightly.
Davis’s mouth tightened in annoyance. “Then form the squads so the greenest recruits are paired with people who can carry their weight.” He turned and pointed north. “Were you following anything that went on tonight over the radio? The blockheads actually broke through and swarmed up onto the slopes a mile or so north of Cedar Creek Canyon. If the reinforcements hadn’t rushed there first we would’ve been getting hit from the sides and from behind. We probably would’ve lost this area entirely, which means the enemy would’ve had foothold in the mountains.”
“So ask your superiors to keep the Army guys here until things—”
“They can’t spare two hundred men!” the sergeant snapped. “They’re desperately needed elsewhere, and we desperately need more bodies holding rifles out there on the slopes. Which means your remedial class just graduated. If their contributions to the fighting tonight weren’t enough of a trial by fire, then they’ll have plenty of chances to jump in with both feet in the next fight.”
Trev wanted to argue, but unfortunately he’d be arguing against reality, not Davis. “I’ll make sure they’re ready to start in the morning.”
“Good.” Davis gave him a curt nod. “Speaking of which, tomorrow your squad starts patrolling a route. Similar deal to how Larson’s squad is watching the slope to the south of here, except you’ll find a safe spot to camp closer to your route. Everyone will, actually; to reduce the risk of another attack we’re going to be having sentries sleeping near or even in emplacements, and patrol squads as close as possible the midpoint of their route. Your people are going to be covering the area north of Cedar Creek Canyon.”
In spite of himself Trev winced. “You just said the blockheads broke through that area! You want just us there?”
Davis waved impatiently. “We didn’t have anyone there at the time. Just a couple lookouts. Your squad should be able to handle it with the same conditions everyone else operates under. If it’s a small threat you take it out, like Larson’s squad did south of here. For a bigger threat you call for backup and watch their approach until we arrive, so we know where they’re at, and slow them down if you can. Spend some time preparing defenses and you’ll be fine.”
Trev had his doubts about that, since the approach north of Cedar Creek was a lot easier than to the south. But he just nodded his acknowledgement of the orders. Then another thought struck him and he grimaced. “That also means you’re stationing us right next to Vernon’s people.”
“For the love of… you’re still on about that?” the Marine demanded. “Listen, it can’t be helped. You know that area better than anyone, so it’s where you’ll do the most good.”
“With all due respect, Sarge, the last time I ran into some of the Sheriff’s thugs it ended in a fight.”
Davis waved that away too. “I’ll give Fred a good talking to, make sure he keeps his guys in line.” His tone hardened. “And I’ll expect your people to do the same. Unless you don’t think you can manage that.”
Trev sighed. The sergeant seemed determined to toss him and Vernon at each other. Was he hoping they’d resolve their differences? Maybe it really was simply the necessary decision each time, and the results just seemed deliberate. “We’ll be ready to head out after the funeral service.”
It didn’t take as long as he’d expected to move their camp.
Taking down the tents was a bit awkward in the dark, even with night vision, but for the most part the Aspen Hill volunteers had been packed up to move if needed anyway. As for their supplies, those had gone to Davis right when they arrived, and the sergeant would have the civilians moving them.
As for finding a safer spot to move to, that was more a matter of discomfort than time. Davis wanted everyone spread out in case of another missile attack, and also under cover in case that offered some protection. So they just had to hike up the hill into the trees and scrub brush until they found a spot large enough to put down twelve sleeping bags.
Putting up tents in that tangle would be a nightmare, and since they’d be setting up a new camp along their route north of Cedar Creek tomorrow anyway there was no reason to put too much effort into tonight’s arrangements. Trev just wanted his people comfortable and asleep as soon as possible.
The night vision gear came with solar rechargers that fairly reliably filled the batteries to capacity during the day for another night’s use. Even so Trev had everyone put theirs away and work at clearing their own little sleeping space by the light of a single electric lantern. No guessing how things would go settling into their patrol route tomorrow, and they might not get a chance to get a full day’s charging. He doubted a half hour or so of extra use on the batteries would make much difference, but you never knew.
As they worked he filled them in on their new task. He also discussed the terrain and ideas for how best to patrol the route. His squad listened attentively, but aside from a few halfhearted responses nobody really got into it with him. They were tired and shellshocked, more than ready to leave all of that for the morning. After a few minutes Trev gave up and let them settle down in peace while he did the same.
He was just about to take off his boots and crawl into his sleeping bag when Alice showed up with Pete from the direction of the main camp. She’d obviously gone to check on her friend rather than moving her stuff and getting ready for bed as ordered, but at least the two were lugging her things. They set it all down a short distance away, then to his surprise sought him out.
“Hey Trev, got a second?” Alice asked, Pete hovering a few steps behind her.
Here we go. Trev bit back a sigh and walked a short distance away from the impromptu campsite, the other two following. Then he turned to them and waited.
The blond young woman gave him an uncertain look in the dim light. “Listen. I was wondering if you could do me a favor.”
Trev glanced past her at Pete, who was fidgeting nervously. It was obvious what Alice’s favor was, and just as obvious their friend wasn’t thrilled she was asking it on his behalf. “I’m listening.”
If she was daunted by his noncommittal answer she didn’t show it. “Matt had Pete assigned to permanent duty in camp. He’s going to be cleaning weapons, scrubbing pots, cooking, that sort of thing. But he’d be way more useful in our squad, right?”
“That’s your favor?” he asked. Alice nodded. “All right, then. Go get some sleep.” He motioned to Pete. “Let’s talk this over.”
From the slightly brittle silence he had a feeling she didn’t appreciate being effectively told to get lost. But even if she was Pete’s friend this still wasn’t really her business. He didn’t want her there protesting when he gave Pete the bad news. And it was, unfortunately, going to have to be bad news.
After a borderline rebellious pause Alice finally left, giving Pete a reassuring hug as she went. That left him and his friend and the elephant in the metaphorical room.
Trev had to be honest, he didn’t really see the problem with Pete wanting to shoot blockheads. That’s what they were here to do, and you couldn’t argue the Gold Bloc soldiers had certainly earned it. Still, Matt was closer to the situation than he was, and he trusted his friend’s judgment.
Even accepting that, it was hard to force the words out. “Sorry, Pete. Matt says you’re better off in camp, so I’ll follow his lead.”