ANA Reborn by Carl Facciponte - HTML preview
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Chapter 26
alph trained the nationals on advanced R“ reconnaissance techniques in the foothills near the camp.
"Sergeant Thornton," one of the nationals said during a rest break," may I have a word with you in private?"
"Of course, Pfc Akmed," What would you like to talk about?"
The private came nearer. "It is about General Coopers. There is talk in the village that he is responsible for the airstrike on Jad Bahar. The men in the area are upset and feel betrayed because he is taking their money for protection, but yet kills one of us for an unknown reason."
Ralph looked around to ensure no one was listening to their conversation. "General Coopers had information Bahar was the leader of a terrorist ring. So he ordered the airstrike to prevent any terrorist activities which might have 203
caused an escalation in warfare. That could shut down the economy of this whole area."
"Sergeant, I would beg to differ with you. Jad was not a terrorist. Some of the men have told me the General and Jad were seen arguing in a Jeep several days before the drone attack on Him. We know that he is not connected with any terrorist group. He was simply a farmer growing crops and poppies to help support his family. But a terrorist? No! It is not possible."
"Are you sure about this?"
"Yes. It is a well-known fact. But I am telling you this because anger is growing among the men in the area. I fear trouble will be coming our way soon. Jad's son told some of the fathers that the General has been sending gifts for the widow and the boy. They think the General has more than a simple interest in Jad's wife. This can cause major troubles if he tries to become familiar with the widow during the one-year mourning time."
"Is there anything else I should know about this incident?"
"No. There is no more to know at this time, but please be aware that there may be problems if General Coopers continues as he is."
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"Thank you very much for letting me know. I will check into the General's motives. If there is a problem, I will let the proper chain of command know what is going on."
Ralph stood and shouted to the troops, "OK, men, break time is over. Let's get back to training."
Ralph pulled Anna and Rhett aside when he returned to the base. "We need to talk," he said.
"There is trouble afoot."
"What's going on?" Rhett asked. "Does it have anything to do with Lance?"
"Everything has something to do with Lance,"
Ralph said. "Problems are brewing with the area men. They believe Lance is making a move on Bahar's widow, and it's not sitting well with anyone."
"Oh no," Ana said. "What's wrong with that man?"
Ralph continued, "This is a reasonably quiet area because everyone understands each other. If the General is overstepping that understanding, the
structure
could
suddenly
crumble.
Remember, these are people of great passion and 205
strong religious beliefs. Lance could easily upset everything."
"But wasn't Bahar identified as a terrorist leader?" asked Rhett.
"Yes, but according to the private I spoke to, Bahar wasn't connected to any terrorist groups.
They claimed he was a simple farmer. They don't know why he was identified as a terrorist, but they believe it had something to do with the argument he and Lance were seen having in the Jeep in town. You said Lance looked incredibly angry and was silent for most of the trip back to the base. That's too coincidental given that a few days later, Bahar died in a very focused drone strike."
"What do you plan on doing?" asked Ana.
"Well, I need to sniff around a little in town to verify what the Private told me. Then talk to the General to get his take on things. We don't act with only one side of a story. I need to have the whole picture. After that, we'll have to see where it goes, but I certainly don't want to bump heads with Lance in any event."
"Is that a safe thing to do," asked Rhett, "given the General doesn't like being crossed or 206
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questioned? Is there a chance he might take it out on you?"
"There is always a chance Lance could take anything out on anybody. It's just one of the wild-cards, but we have to do what's right and get to the bottom of this, just in case the crap really does hit the fan."
...
Two days later, Ralph knocked on the General's door.
"Come in," ordered Lance from behind his desk.
The door opened, and Sergeant Ralph Thornton stepped in and saluted. "General Coopers, permission to enter, Sir."
"Certainly, Sergeant Thornton. Come right in and have a seat. No need to be that formal in a war zone."
"Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir." Ralph replied as he entered and took a seat in front of Lance's desk.
"So, Ralph, what did you want to see me about?"
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"Well, Sir, I've been checking around as you said to do, and there has been talk among the Afghan army guys."
"Such as?" Lance asked, his eyes narrowing.
"They are saying the men in town are getting upset because you continue to send flowers, food, and even toys to the Bahar family. They think you are getting too familiar with the widow and her son. Some are enraged that an infidel, would even think about a relationship with an Islamic woman."
"That's nonsense, Ralph!" Lance said with a hard-line tone. "The woman lost her husband and needs some help to make ends meet. I guess terrorists don't make a lot of money. Besides, the kid needs to know there was nothing more than a military mission behind the drone strike that killed his father. It was nothing personal. He's a nice little guy." Lance smiled at the last statement.
"I completely agree, Sir, but the people also say Jad Bahar had no connections with any of the regional terrorist groups. They say he was just a simple farmer, and there is more to the story than is being said. Right or wrong, Sir, that's their impression."
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"So what?! What are they going to do about it?
We're still the Army!"
"General, Sir, it probably won't come to anything, but I needed to let you know they are getting upset."
"I see, Sergeant. Is there anything else?"
Ralph hesitated. "Yes, Sir. One more thing.
Some people think you are taking money from the local area drug lords in return for not interfering with their business. They told me you, or someone who looks a lot like you, has been seen entering the primary trading house when the higher-ranked dealers are there."
Lance's face grew tomato-red as veins popped out on his forehead.
"And what do you think about it, Sergeant?"
Ralph stumbled with his words. "I...I don't believe any of it, Sir. I'm just reporting what I've heard people say. Like you told me to do, Sir."
"Who else have you told so far, Ralph?"
"No one, Sir," Ralph lied. "I've only told you."
The red in Lance's face began fading as his blood pressure returned to normal. "Good. Keep 209
it like that for now. It'll be just between the two of us. Thank you for the information. Dismissed."
Ralph stood, saluted, and walked quickly out of the office.
"He's lying," Lance muttered to himself.
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