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horn. This ll take just a couple of seconds.
The Master Sergeant checked his optics and then compared it to the
representation that he called up on the ruggedized tablet computer he carried.
He used a stylus to scroll to the correct position on the 3-D
digital map of the surrounding area that was loaded into the computer. As he
did, the coordinates he desired appeared on the display.
He had an option to upload the information via wireless communication directly
to a JOINT STAR
aircraft if one was available and had been programmed into the system, or he
could store the coordinates locally and then use standard radio communication
to call them into his battalion headquarters. Since total air superiority had
not been achieved, and the loss of one of the very expensive JOINT STAR
aircraft late last year over eastern Turkey was still fresh in everyone s
mind, no JOINT STAR aircraft would be risked this close to the front. That
left the radio.
OK, here s the first coordinate. Let s see if we can t arrange a little
surprise for these folks around
0430 when the counterattack kicks off. That is, if they stay put that long
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February 24, 2006, 16:50
Simplot Corporate Offices
Boise, ID
Geneva glanced at the clock. Ten minutes until five on a Friday afternoon. She
was probably going to have to work a few minutes late in order to finish up
the word processing that was needed for Monday morning. She might even come in
on Saturday if necessary.
Geneva had gotten the job several months ago. She had taken a local class on
computers and then on word processing and surprised herself and Alan too when
she had literally excelled at it. The school had a placement program and
Simplot had taken her on as a temp in their word processing pool. After three
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months as a temp, they had brought her on full time and she really enjoyed the
work.
The one caveat had been she needed a week s vacation in March to drive down to
San Diego. Simplot had very strict rules about vacation and sick leave and
when one could qualify for it. However, in
Geneva s case, when they had heard what the vacation was for& her supervisor
had talked with management and they had arranged for her to take the time as a
paid leave, not impacting future vacation she might accrue.
Simplot had a reputation as a very strict, no-nonsense company that was
somewhat of a corporate piranha. It showed in their earnings, even in the hard
times. Simplot was also avery patriotic company. Few people knew that the
company had tragically lost a number of civilian employees in World War II
when the Japanese invaded and took over Wake Island. Several Simplot employees
had been captured along with the Marines defending the Island and they had
been, almost to the man, executed by the Japanese. So when it came to a Marine
Boot Camp graduation, Simplot was not only understanding, they were extremely
accommodating.
Let s see, Geneva thought for a moment, February 20th, this will mark the
end of his eleventh week, only two more weeks to go! I ll bet that boy is
cutting quite the figure after all that training!
As she thought about him and continued her work, she saw the other employees
leaving as the five o clock hour came and passed.
RINNNNGGG!
Oh! I wonder who that could be this late on a Friday afternoon? Geneva
thought as she picked up her extension and answered it.
Simplot, this is Geneva Campbell in Word Processing.
On the other end of the phone the familiar voice of Alan spoke up.
Hi mom, what s happenin girl?
Geneva had to smile, Alan was always checking up on his mom. Sometimes it made
her wonder just who the parent was.
Alan, what s going on? You better have a good reason for calling, cause you
know you re not supposed to call work. This is a company line.
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Alan loved his mom. He knew she took her work and her work ethic seriously,
and he was sure it was rubbing off on him just as it had on Leon.
Mom, that s why I waited until after five. I knew you d be slavin away doin
the perfect job and all, and I just wanted to see when you thought you d be
home. I m going to fixyou dinner tonight.
Geneva smiled. That Alan, he sure was a sweet talker; and it was genuine. It
was hard for anyone to remain out of sorts with Alan.
Okay, okay. I figure I ll be leaving in the next fifteen minutes or so. That
should get me home between five-thirty and six.
Alan paused for a moment on the phone, then he set the hook.
Well, okay. I just wanted you to know that Leon called. He said he d call
back at five-thirty. He wants to finalize the schedule and plans for our trip
down to his graduation in two weeks.
Geneva took back everything she d just thought. That rascal Alan!
Alan, I swear boy you are going to drive me crazy. Why didn t you just tell
me that to begin with? No, I know, I know, you just wanted to lead me long.
I ll be home at five-thirty; you make sure Leon waits for me and you stop
playin with my emotions so!
Alan laughed out loud, not in a bad way, but in the good natured, loving way
that always disarmed his mom, even if she was put out with him.
Okay Mom, but I ll have that dinner ready when you get here.
February 28th, 2006, 22:30 local time
2ndInfantry Division Headquarters
Camp Red Cloud, Uijongbu, South Korea
The 2ndInfantry Division was the United States principal ground combat unit
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within the US Forces
Korea (USFK). Over 20,000 soldiers were continuously standing in the breach
between the free world and totalitarianism. Along with their South Korean
allies and comrades in arms, who numbered a half million in the active armed
forces, they faced off against a standing army of over twice their size, with
ready reserves that could turn the ratio to eight to one in a matter of days.
Particularly on the occasions, like now, when North Korea conducted massive
military exercises along the DMZ, the alert levels were high and the tension
was palpable.
In the intelligence section, Colonel Martinez, who was in charge, was pacing
the floor. He was a constant, almost twenty-four hour per day presence around
the intelligence offices while the North
Korean exercises were going on. He literally slept and ate here. He felt he
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