The McLaughlin Chronicles: An Officer and a Gentleman

"Sure," Sergeant Gates said without hesitation and summoned two men for him. "Would it be improper to ask what the Lieutenant intends for them?"

"Not at all, Sergeant," Lieutenant McLaughlin replied. "Just merely doing my part in this ambush scheme here. Setting up specific radio call signs so that we can call for help without receiving any."

Gates smiled. "I have a feeling we're going to make a great team."

McLaughlin smiled back, "Me too."

The couriers were sent and confirmed. Then the boring and trying part of the game began. The waiting. McLaughlin had to be careful not to over do his end. He placed himself in charge of the radio traffic. He started sending calls for more ammunition, that his last mission run had left him dry. There was no VC response that day, but he didn't expect any.

The next three days he increased the intensity of his calls. He also hinted that he wouldn't be able to sent any patrols without this ammunition. After the third day, of his men spotted a small three-man VC unit and let loose with his M60. Luckily, Anderson was on duty at the time and he hammered on the gunner before the others followed his lead. Gates was out within minutes and he gave the poor private a yelling he would not soon forget. Gates then reported to McLaughlin.

"I'm sorry, sir," he said, after he finished his explanation.

"Everything, can be worked to our advantage Sergeant," McLaughlin replied, propped on his elbow, where he laid on the bunk. "The key is in knowing how.... Corporal!"

The corporal, in charge of the radio, appeared within three seconds. "Sir," he said with a snapping salute.

"Get on the radio and tell them this exactly: Encounter with VC. Sick gunner let loose more ammunition uselessly. Need re-enforcements and re-supply soon. Over. You got that?"

"Ver Batem, sir."

"See that you do." The corporal left.

Gates sat down in the flimsy folding chair that he normally occupied when in McLaughlin room. "What would you like me to do with that dumb private, sir?"

McLaughlin shrugged his shoulders, laying back down. "I'm sure your yapping has scared him for a while."

Gates smiled and got back to his feet. "Good night, sir."

"Night." The Sergeant went back to his bunk and fell quickly to sleep. It may sound unusual for a man in his position to go to sleep so fast, but a person in Gates position long ago learned to eat when he could, sleep when he could... etc. He went out like a light.

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