Chapter 99
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 99
Chapter Title: Sparks, Fort Roberts (2)
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The regimental commander spoke.
“It might be a bit late to say this now... but you really went through hell in that last operation. You fought well against those lunatics.”
“It was a tragic affair.”
Hearing the boy officer’s reply, Colonel Laughlin gave a faint smile.
“A model response. Yes, you’re right. But it could have been even more tragic. The baby never seeing the light of the world, bandits slaughtering patriots, this country losing you... Who could have imagined such things happening?”
With a sigh, the colonel offered Winter a seat.
“Sit down for now. This isn’t something I called you in for that’ll wrap up quickly.”
“Yes, sir.”
As he filled the empty chair, the window flashed the moment he sat. A few seconds later, the glass rattled. Though the typhoon had entered a lull, thunder still rumbled occasionally from afar. The sky outside remained thick with clouds, hiding its true face. More rain seemed inevitable.
The colonel broached the subject.
“I’ll get straight to the point. Aren’t you scared?”
“...”
Coincidentally, it was the same question he’d heard on the way here. The girl’s voice overlapped in his mind, and Winter paused for a moment before speaking. It was enough for the colonel to misunderstand. The dark-skinned colonel nodded.
“I suppose so. I reviewed your combat record from this mission. You nearly died.”
“It was an accidental fluke.”
“On the battlefield, luck counts as skill. A good soldier needs the attitude to acknowledge misfortune. Especially for you, who’s been riding high on good fortune so far. Admit it. You could die at any moment.”
It didn’t sound like idle talk. Winter grew curious. Was this related to why he’d been summoned today?
“And that’s why...”
It was.
“Lieutenant. Have you ever thought about stepping back from the front lines?”
“What do you mean by that, sir?”
“Just what I said. If you want, you no longer need to take risks.”
The colonel pulled out two forms and placed them side by side on the table.
“You qualify for a choice. Young as you are, haven’t you already shown more courage and dedication than most could in a lifetime? The Medal of Honor proves it. Of course, I’m not telling you to leave the army. There are ways to help people without fighting directly.”
“I’m sorry, sir, but I’m not ready to put down my gun yet.”
“Look at these first, then decide. They’re worth considering.”
Though he could guess the contents, Winter followed the colonel’s urging. One was a commission letter, the other an application to transfer to a certain unit. The latter’s unit name stood out.
‘Pestilence War Tactical Support Group?’
Unit transfers were usually based on personnel orders within the military. But a few special units recruited through volunteer screening. Winter knew several of those, but he’d never heard of this one on the form. It seemed like a random element unique to this world’s scenario calculations.
‘He said I qualify for a choice, so pick one of the two?’
The position on the commission letter was unfamiliar too. Either way, information was lacking.
Lifting his eyes from the papers, the colonel’s explanation flowed naturally.
“I’ll explain one by one. First, this one. It’s a commission for the inspectorate of the military government office, to be established soon.”
“The military government office?”
“Well, more precisely, the Central California Refugee Military Government Office. It’s about formalizing refugee management under the military from now on. Honestly, our administrative support so far has been lacking in many ways.”
The colonel, hesitating slightly, elaborated a bit more.
“Truth be told, it’s not just that... It seems the higher-ups are concerned about public opinion.”
“I’d appreciate more details, sir.”
“To put it bluntly, the presidential election is approaching. Political battles happen even in times like these. Pretty pointless, really... The problematic opinion that’s refugee-friendly is criticizing the government’s policy of using them as manpower. They say it exploits their unavoidable plight.”
“Transferring the sacrifices American citizens should bear onto them, something like that?”
“Exactly. It’s morally wrong, they claim. There’s probably some belief in this country’s superiority mixed in, but that’s just my view—take it with a grain of salt.”
The colonel called it his view, but Winter saw solid insight in it. These were people who’d come asking for help, so protect them. America is great, after all. Not everyone thought that way, but some were likely swayed. Winter commented.
“It’s partially valid, but I can’t agree. I believe everyone must do their utmost to survive. No need to distinguish between refugees and American citizens.”
“That’s my thinking too. Eventually, we’ll all fight together. Isn’t this a war for humanity’s survival? What does order matter? Those in the back and up top don’t understand the front lines. This applies a bit to me too. Hmm, a bit? Yeah, a bit. Right?”
Colonel Laughlin asked himself uncertainly. It was comedic, but no act.
Winter asked.
“But sir. One thing I don’t quite understand... With the national emergency declared, is the presidential election still proceeding normally?”
“This country held elections even during the Civil War. Sure, this crisis is far bigger, but the front lines have held for nearly a year, so the opposition says there’s no reason to postpone. Public opinion agrees. Everyone’s got grievances in these tough times. They say an election is needed to soothe that. Who knows, maybe the President himself wants to throw in the towel from exhaustion? Ah, that last part’s a joke.”
Even as he said it, the colonel’s expression was awkward.
“Military personnel shouldn’t meddle in politics, after all. Anyway, your share in that opinion isn’t small. They point out how dire things are for refugees if someone your age has to take up arms.”
“Not exactly welcome.”
“I imagine. The world’s full of all sorts... The other problematic opinion is even less welcome. Those lunatics want to deport all refugees outright. People swept up in baseless rumors.”
“Rumors?”
“Yeah, rumors. Various ones, but the worst is that refugees are spreading disease. It spiked after the CDC’s vague announcement.”
“By any chance, do they particularly hate Chinese people?”
“Well, yeah. Sounds like you’ve heard something. Or guessed?”
“Both.”
Winter recalled Ri Ailing. When they’d taken the small village north of base, she’d confessed her fear that Chinese would become scapegoats to suppress discontent.
The CDC had hinted the plague might be a bioweapon. Made by China, China’s management failure. That was likely what the blindly fearful believed—excluding the chance China was the first victim.
Colonel Laughlin continued.
“Even without Chinese involved, fear of refugees is spreading bit by bit. They hate people crossing from the Mexican border, illegal landings on the East Coast. With small infection incidents rising in the East, extremists calling to shoot them all—refugee or not—are gaining support. Mostly in the South. It’s just a faction, but I don’t like that it’s growing. Politicians have to care, though.”
“Either side would oppose creating a military government office. So that’s where I come in.”
“No choice. You’ve got fans everywhere. This Harris incident should boost them more. Or can it go higher? Even crusty rednecks wouldn’t hate you.”
“So the incident’s been decided for public release?”
“Pretty much certain. Higher-ups weighed the pros and cons. Reviewing the combat record, I felt release was better too. The incident’s highly sensitive and negative, but spun right, it’s dramatic.”
The colonel took time choosing his next words. He seemed lost in thought, with much to say.
“Lots of impressive parts. From your warning about Captain Harris, to pressing the attack despite numerical disadvantage—brilliant. Hitting the enemy detachment’s flank yourself was a great call if you could pull it off. It proved right in the end. Heard Lieutenant Colonel Capston of 3rd Battalion trained you. Learn that from him?”
It was a brief journal entry for Winter. With intelligence adjustment overlaying augmented reality, Winter calmly replied.
“Yes. He said officers and NCOs acted similarly in Iraq.”
“The lieutenant colonel taught well. True, such brave souls existed. But good or bad, none to your extent. The line between confidence and recklessness is thin...”
“My apologies.”
“No need. Anyway, other parts felt cinematic too. Trapping the trickster, you getting buried alive, mutants running on water. Above all, the baby’s birth after that long night was touching. The DoD press office lost their minds. But.”
He paused for emphasis.
“Even if it’s all cinematic, your life isn’t a movie. No reshoots, no rewinds. Higher-ups are talking since you nearly died. They told me to check your intentions.”
The colonel urged once more.
“Think it over seriously. A hero’s tale ending in death is tragedy to people.”
Winter formed a proper smile.
“Respecting my wishes from above means either option has its benefits, right?”
“Sharp as ever.”
“Then my answer’s the same. I still want to fight.”
The colonel shrugged.
“Mind made up? I had a feeling. No point pushing this one. Still, it’s HQ orders, so at least look.”
He tapped the remaining form. Winter asked.
“What does this Pestilence War Tactical Support Group do? First I’ve heard of it.”
“Newly formed, so naturally. Under Special Ops Command, publicly known for the most dangerous missions. Reality’s the opposite.”
“PR stunt.”
“You’ll still fight. Just in safely secured environments, with solid rear support. Press office film crew following 24/7 goes without saying. You’ll meet psyops officers and politicians more than comrades.”
“No thanks.”
“Not even a second’s hesitation. Sergeant O’Connell said he’d join.”
“Who’s that?”
“Don’t know? The guy who bagged a Grumble Set and racked up exploits, got multiple Silver Stars. Even in recruiting ads. Weird look, ranting about bastards though.”
“Ah.”
More ammo and more bastards. Winter had an idea who.
In this world, Winter was unmatched, but other war heroes existed. TV news was full of them.