Under Siege by Eric Meyer

Author:Eric Meyer [Meyer, Eric]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Swordworks
Published: 2020-01-20T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

“Where is Private Dao?”

Lieutenant Vo supplied the answer. “He went to relieve himself in that thick patch of bush.”

Le Linh glanced at the thick tangle of vines and fronds and saw nothing. No movement, just stillness. “He’s a new recruit, so I doubt he’s fully aware of the dangers of wandering off alone. How long has he been gone?”

He felt a chill down his spine. He’d lost so many of his soldiers, almost an entire company, and all he had left were him and Vo, and seven men. Now another had disappeared. Maybe he’d succumbed to an attack of dysentery, it was common enough amongst the NVA troops.

“Go and find him, Vo. Make sure there’s nothing wrong.”

“But, Comrade Captain. I just said he’s…”

“I gave you an order, Lieutenant. Make sure he’s okay.”

Vo gave him a sullen look, hesitated for several seconds, and walked toward where he’d last seen Private Dao. He was almost there, about to push through the tangle of vines when the bursts of gunfire came from inside, and he automatically ducked and doubled back.

“Sir, there’re enemy soldiers shooting at us. We need to…”

“We need to find Private Dao. Lieutenant, take two men and find out what’s going on!”

“But, Sir, the enemy, they’re shooting at us.”

His voice was whiplash sharp. “Then shoot back, Lieutenant. Do it now, or I’ll put a bullet in you and go myself. We’ve lost most of our men, and we have so few left I don’t have any room for cowards. What’s it going to be?”

In truth, Le Linh was worn out. He’d had enough of stupid orders from Hanoi and from his local commanders. Marching his men up and down hills, so they could become dupes, mere targets for enemy bombs, bullets, and napalm. Privately, he’d made a vow if he lost one more man he’d give up. Wander away to the west, cross into Laos, or even as far away as Thailand. He could find work as a taxi driver or behind a bar. If Private Dao was dead, he’d have to decide on his next move. Then again, maybe he wasn’t dead, and he needed help. He forced himself to act and shouted orders at the remaining men.

“Come with me. We must follow Lieutenant Vo. Our comrade may be in trouble.”

He raced away and heard them following behind. Vo was already inside the bush, pushing his way through with his men, although he was taking his time about it. On the other side of the thicket he heard voices, American voices, and another burst of gunfire, and then there was silence. Vo had stopped, with one arm raised to warn them.

“They’re close. I’ve sent a man forward to reconnoiter the situation.”

The Captain almost wept. No matter what he did, no matter what he said, Vo always found a way to stay out of danger. “Follow him, now!”

He mumbled something inaudible, probably a vicious insult, and pushed into the thick tangle of foliage. Although he was careful to push the two soldiers ahead of him, but still, at least he was heading toward the guns.

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