But McLaughlin wouldn't be satisfied with that. An officer and a gentleman's job was not only to get the job needed done, but to also get everyone along with him. It would be so tempting to make his own plan, get everyone behind him and be able to tell gates to shove off, but he wanted the cope-de-grace. Besides Gates, when on his side, would be a useful ally - due to his experiences.
McLaughlin ignored Gates' outburst and continued: "We'll lit and wait, pretending that we don't have enough men to handle patrols. We'll make ourselves look weak." He let this set in before he continued: "I noticed, as I made my rounds today, how well this little uphill position's defense was set up, but I wasn't able to find out who set it up. Anderson?"
Anderson shrugged. He was the only one who knew - in advance - of McLaughlin's intentions. "Everything here is pretty much the responsibility of Sergeant Gates, sir."
McLaughlin looked at Gates, who had a grin on his face, from ear to ear. 'bulls-eye!' McLaughlin thought to himself. There was a long period of silence. McLaughlin walked over to Gates, standing about two feet away from him. He broke the silence with: "Do you think you can handle it?" he wanted to give the impression that he was concerned. "We'll be expecting a full scale attack within a week. I'll want everything working perfect."
"Yes, sir."
"I'll want mortars, artillery, air, machine guns, grenade launchers and two light strikes teams to chase them back with."
"I'll butcher the little yellow bastards, sir."
"Make it happen."
"Yes, sir."
"Well, then," McLaughlin said, turning and returning to the front. "This meeting is adjourned and I'll expect everyone to give Sergeant Gates their full cooperation. Understood?"
"Yes, sir!" the men shout in unison. Everyone rose and began to leave.
"Gates?"
"Yes, sir," Gates turned around, his body half-way out the doorway.
"I'm giving you two day to be fully ready."
"I'll only need one day, sir."
"That's what I wanted to hear!"
Anderson remained seated until everyone left. He then stood and bowed slightly to McLaughlin. "I must offer my sincere admiration, sir."
"Yeah?"
"I don't think I've ever seen Gates side with an officer at any meeting." McLaughlin shrugged, stuffing some papers, that he had parts of his speech written on, on to a clipboard. He would organize them later. "And you made it look so easy too."
Go To Page: 1 2
