Survival at the Oasis

By George D. Anderson

When Daljan is placed in charge of a team of skilled sailors, on a top-secret mission to fly into a foreign country yet to have been announced, somewhere over the Pacific Ocean their airplane runs into trouble and is forced to crash land on a desolate island. After months, the remaining survivors are able to scrounge parts from the airplane and

• Language: English
• Publisher: George D. Anderson Jr.
• Release date: Apr 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9798986119014

Book preview

1

Reenlistment

Countless years and a tidal wave of salt water had swept under Daljan’s keel since first answering the call to arms for his country. He had joined the U. S. Navy as a legal escapee, so to speak, from his home at an orphanage. He had lived most of his short seventeen childhood years there during the big war. He had learned to share everything he owned, from clothing to food with five hundred other boys in an almost incarcerated environment. He saw the military as an escape avenue to freedom, but little did he know how far it was going to take him.

"I Daljan, in lieu of going to prison, swear to sign away four years of my life to the United States Navy because I want to hang out with Marines without actually having to be one, because I thought the Air Force was too corporate and because I thought, hey, I like to swim... why not?

I promise to wear clothing that went out of style in the early fifties and to have my name stenciled across the ass of every pair of trousers I own. I understand I will be mistaken for the Good Humor man during the summer and the Waffen SS during the winter.

I will strive to use a different language than the rest of the English-speaking world, using such words as, deck, bulkhead, cover and head, when I really mean, floor, wall, hat and toilet.

I will take great pride in the fact that all navy acronyms, rank, insignia and everything else for that matter are completely different from the other services.

I vow to hone my coffee cup handling skills to the point that I can stand up in a dingy being tossed around in a hurricane and still not spill a drop of coffee.

I consent to being promoted and subsequently busted at least twice per fiscal year.

I also realize once selected for petty officer, I will be required to submit myself to the sick and quite possibly illegal whims of my newfound colleagues. So, help me Neptune."

I don’t think the old man will use that oath when he swears you in today. Jimmy Jones, JJ for short stood laughing at him. Are you sure; I mean... have you thought this thing through? Four more years in the Navy! You want to know something, in a way I’m sort of glad there are individuals like yourself willing to stay in the service longer than one term, I won’t feel so bad about getting out when my stench is up.

You’re forgetting one small thing JJ, there’s a difference between you and me; you have a home and family to go back to. Remember me telling you, I was raised in an orphanage and they are not about to let me come back there to live. Besides, my brother is reenlisting in the Air Force and I’m not going to let him beat me at doing something. I intend to out rate him all the way through the next fifteen years.

You’re a second-class petty officer now, what’s his rate?

"He’s the same, only they call him staff sergeant... but I have a real good feeling I passed the test for first-class boatswain’s mate.

I’m not sure I’m going to be promoted seeing how the rate is tighter than a virgin with her legs tied together right now. I do think once I reenlist and if I am one of the lucky ones, I’ll get to sew the new rate on right away."

JJ smiled, walking off leaving him to get ready to face the captain and be sworn in for another hitch in the Navy.

Daljan raised his right hand and repeated after the captain, "I DO

SOLEMNLY SWEAR THAT I WILL SUPPORT AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES AGAINST ALL ENEMIES, FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC; THAT I WILL BEAR TRUE FAITH AND ALLEGIANCE TO THE SAME; AND THAT I WILL OBEY THE ORDERS OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNTIED STATES AND THE ORDERS OF THE OFFICERS APPOINTED OVER ME, ACCORDING TO REGULATIONS AND THE UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE. SO,

HELP ME GOD."

Congratulations, Daljan, you have just committed yourself for another tour of duty in the United States Navy. The commander shook his hand and then handed him a form to sign.

Sir, do you know when or where I’ll be reassigned?

I’m sure as soon as the bureau receives notification you have reenlisted, they’ll find a billet for you. Every ship needs a good second-class boatswain’s mate.

The results haven’t come back, but I have a real good feeling about the test and I might have made first-class.

I wish you luck in making first-class. If there’s any indication from all the reports I’ve been reading, the boatswain’s mate rate is frozen.

Yes, Sir, it’s tight, they are only rating a handful of men and I intend to be one of them.

Regardless, every ship needs good men like you.

I just hope I’m not assigned to one of our ships that should have been put into mothballs years ago. I’d like duty on a new ship, I’d even settle for an aircraft carrier as long as it’s one of the newer ones.

Yes, everyone would like duty on a carrier I’d love to be stationed on one myself.

Daljan returned to the barracks pondering when and where he’d be shipped out to when he met his roommate JJ.

How does it feel to be facing four more years? JJ gave him a smirks grin.

I’m looking at six more years not four. I get more money and I picked up three extra months toward my retirement. I also picked up three months for joining before I was eighteen. As it stands right now, I only have to put in nineteen years and six months of actual duty and I can retire with a full twenty years retirement.

That’s still a long time from now.

Yeah, you’re right but I made up my mind I can do it, that is if nothing happens between now and then like having to go to war.

Hell, all you have to do is write the president and tell him not to start any wars until you get out.

"I just might do than and sign your name to it so you’ll catch

hell."

The FBI would probably shoot me. Did you find out where the navy’s sending you, knowing how the navy works, they’ll probably send you to bum fuck Egypt.

Never been to that port before, but you’re right about sending me far away. I’m here in Norfolk so that means they’ll send me to San Diego or maybe worst, the cold side of Alaska. When I was over at the personnel office one of the men informed me, I was going to be a prison chaser until my orders come in from the bureau.

You’re going to be a what!

You heard me; it’s like being on permanent shore patrol only I’ll be armed with a pistol.

So, what you’re telling me is... the navy is going to give you a pistol, tell me they aren’t going to issue some ammo?

Just what are you insinuating?

Hey, you’re forgetting I saw you at the firing range and overheard the instructor asking you, actual ordering you to never return when he was there.

It wasn’t my fault; the damn thing went off by itself.

That’s what you’re telling everyone; but I was there and saw what happened and I’m still shaking from the wild bullet that went through the roof.

I don’t care what you saw or think it wasn’t my fault; they gave me a faulty pistol.

Oh sure, now you’re blaming it on a faulty weapon. So, when are you reporting for this special duty?

I guess after I get back off vacation.

Where you going, I thought you told me you didn’t have a home to go to?

I don’t but I have a twin brother and I’m going to visit his parents. Sounds strange doesn’t it, visit my brother’s parents.

In your case nothing surprises me.

Daljan returned after ten days leave and reported to the security barracks.

You must be the new man? The chief in charge asked him when he came through the door.

I guess I’m new, I was ordered to report here for an assignment.

The chief pointed to another sailor sitting across the room at a desk. Petty Officer First-Class, Jordan will indoctrinate you and after that return here for your assignment.

Daljan filled out several forms and read a small handout. Then he was indoctrinated as to what was expected of him and what his duties were. Afterwards he reported to the chief.

Daljan, I’m assigning you to ride shotgun with petty officer second-class Post until you learn the ropes. You have the duty today and every sixth day. Go store your gear; you start your watch at 1600 hours. Post should be in the recreation room, that’s where he normally waits until he’s called.

You must be Daljan, I’m Post, George Post. You can call me Stick if you wish, that’s what everyone else calls me. Post stood with his hand extended.

Stick, what kind of a name is that? Daljan shook his hand.

The chief gave that name to me the first day I reported for duty. There was a bunch of men standing around when he asked if I was a real post or just a stick.

Oh, I get it. Well, you can call me Daljan or boats, or hey you, I’ll answer to any or all of them.

I see they issued you a forty-five. Make sure you keep it loaded at all times. You will not believe how many times you’ll have to use it.

Say what! You trying to tell me I might have to shoot someone? "No, you won’t have to shoot anyone, well maybe. It’s just that you won’t have time to put a loaded clip in the pistol if..."

"If, if what?"

I’m just trying to warn you, if you need to use it, you’ll be ready.

Then there is the possibility I might have to shoot someone. I’m going to see the chief, I sure the hell don’t want to shoot one of our own men.

That’s a noble jester, but if one of our men as you call them is getting ready to shoot you, I’d have bullets in my pistol just in case. I have to get transferred out of here. There’s no way I’m going to shoot one of our own men.

I wish you luck.

Chief, Daljan walked through the open door without knocking.

Oh, the new man, I was just getting ready to call for you. Take a seat; you’re just in time for a briefing. Have you met Milford? He pointed to a second-class petty officer sitting near the door.

Ah... no I haven’t. He looked over his shoulder at the sailor and back at the chief with a what-did-you-say look.

Milford will take you over to security for your indoctrination and then back here for your assignment.

Before I go, Chief, is there any way I can get a transfer out of being a chaser, I understand I might have to shoot one of our own men.

The chief looked at him for several seconds without saying a word before he spoke. "I’ve been here over a year and none of the men have ever shot anyone and I don’t expect them to start. Go with

Milford."

Daljan caught up with the second-class gunner’s mate in the parking lot. Tell me about this indoctrination the chief was talking about.

To start with there are several things you’ll have to do. First you have to pass a test in order to be sworn in and receive a badge.

What test? No one said I had to take a test for this job.

It’s not a written test; it’s a lie detector test.

It’s a lie detectors test. To be a prison chaser, just what’s the test for?

I’m not sure what it’s for. I know they ask a lot of different types of questions. I passed. It was a piece of cake.

Come in and take a seat by that small table. A man wearing a shoulder holster with what looked like a small cannon hanging from it ordered him. Have you ever taken a lie detector test before, Son?

No, Sir, I was never in a situation where I had to take one. Well just relax while I place these wires on you. I’ll ask you a battery of questions and you are to answer with a simple yes or no. Understand?

Yes, Sir, I mean yes.

The man fooled with the machine for a few minutes then looked at him with a smile. Are you ready?

Yes.

Do you hate your mother? he asks without looking at him.

He had to think for a second about when he learned the truth about his mother who had placed him in an orphanage, and his twin brother she gave up for adoption. He was mad after he found out what she had done, but he didn’t hate her. No. he answered. Have you ever killed another human? No, Sir! he grinned.

Are you sure you didn’t kill Abraham Lincoln? He smiled. Never knew the man.

Just a yes or no. the man sternly ordered.

No!

Did you ever take something that belonged to someone else?

He hesitated for a few seconds as if he was thinking. Yes. he answered truthfully.

The man looked away from his machine and stared at him with a perplexed expression. Let me rephrase the questions. Have you ever taken something and kept it with no intentions of returning it?

Yes, Sir.

The man turned off the machine. Let me get this straight, Son, you’re admitting to me that you have stolen?

Yes, Sir.

Would you mind explaining yourself?

Well, Sir, I wouldn’t call it stealing. At the time it was called cumshawing. When I first joined the navy and was stationed aboard ship, I was informed because I was the new man, it was my turn to learn how to cumshaw. During the time we were loading food stores, some of the men in my division would start a fight or some other commotion, and when everyone’s attention was turned toward the fight, I had to grab a twenty-pound case of coffee and stash it until later.

You drank twenty-pounds of coffee?

No, Sir, I didn’t even like coffee back then. The entire division drank it.

Never mind with the test, you passed. Get out of here before I change my mind.

You and Post have been assigned to go to Tennessee and bring back a prisoner. You’ll leave at 1430 hours by train. The chief handed Daljan a large envelope. You’re the senior man so you’ll be in charge. This envelope contains your tickets and orders along with a letter authorizing you to transport the prisoner back here to the base, and make sure you keep handcuffs on him at all times. When you’re on the train, he is to be cuffed to the seat, do I make myself clear?

What’d he do to be guarded so closely, Chief? Daljan asked.

You don’t need to know that information, just keep him handcuffed at all times. Now the two of you go pack your bags and get some rest. You should return on Saturday. There’s a ticket in the envelope for the prisoner. If you have any questions, Post can answer them, he’s done this before.

On their way to the birthing compartment, he was inspecting the orders. The chief said you’ve done this before.

A couple of times, I went to New York twice and picked up two men that had gone AWOL. I went to Florida and escorted a seaman back who had hit an officer. I learned he broke the guy’s nose and knocked out a couple of his teeth.

Ouch! Whatever happened to him?

That’s one of the downfalls of this job, we never find out what happens. This isn’t a very fun job. All we do is ride a train to wherever the prisoner is locked up, and bring him back. It’s really boring.

You’d think the navy would fly us and the prisoner back and forth. It would be a lot faster.

I’m not sure but I think the prisoner has to pay all expenses we incur.

The train ride wasn’t too bad. They were met by a deputy and given a ride to the next town, Either of you Sailors ever been in this part of the world before?

Daljan shook his head and Post answered with a, No, Sir!

There’s going to be a town party in the square tomorrow. You’ll have a lot of fun.

Daljan gave him a long stare. I don’t think we’ll be here long enough to enjoy your party. We have to leave early and catch a train back to Virginia. The train leaves at 0815 hours in the morning. I might be wrong but the sheriff’s plans are for you to carry the American flag in the parade tomorrow. The festivity starts around noon in front of the courthouse.

We’d be honored to carry the flag, but we have our orders and I’m sure you know how it is to follow orders.

The deputy parked in front of the jailhouse. In through that door, the second door on the left is where you are to report.

Post knocked on the door with the big brass plate with the sheriff’s name on it letting them know they were in the right place.

Come in! a deep voice roared.

Post opened the door and the sheriff motioned for them to come in. I’m glad to see the Navy’s in town. I was afraid you weren’t going to make it in time. Our little town has all the amenities of a big city including a few women that will be willing to take care of your needs. He winked with a devilish smile. Oh, course I don’t know anything about them. It’s just a rumor. My deputy will fill you in with all the details.

Daljan handed the sheriff the envelope containing the documents for the prisoner. Our orders read we have to be on a train first thing in the morning, Sir.

I don’t think you’ll make it, Son, I have already spoken with a Captain Weary informing him you’ll have to stay until Monday when the next train leaves out of here. He agreed. So, seeing how you’ll have all this time to kill, tomorrow we... when I say we... I mean the people of our little town would be honored if you’d carry the American flag in our little parade.

Daljan looked at Post and winked and both smiled looking back at the sheriff. We would be honored, Sir.

Good, good, I knew I’d be able to count on the Navy. My deputy will take you to our finest hotel and point out some of the better spots to eat. Oh, everything will be taken care of by the city, well, except for any guests you might invite to stay the night. His expression turned to that of a wolf-stalking-the-lamb smile. I read a lot of books and it seems sailors know how to have a good time. He smiled.

My car is around back, the deputy informed them as they headed for the door. "They call me quick draw, but you can call me

Tom."

The deputy seemed to lean to one side from all the weight strapped around his waist. He had a gun, handcuffs, radio, and a large ring of keys, a funny looking nightstick a can of mace and an extra clip of ammo.

Post smiled. Is quick draw a handle someone stuck on you or are you quick to the draw?

I wouldn’t say I’m quick at drawing my weapon. About two years ago two men came through here and tried to rob the bank. I was across the street and saw what was going on. I took off running toward the bank just as the robbers came out the door. I ordered them to stop and at the same time was removing my pistol from its holster. Somehow it got caught on the safety strap and slipped out of my hand. When it hit the pavement, it went off and the bullet hit the front tire of their get-a-way car. They gave up without a fight. You were lucky you didn’t shoot an innocent bystander or yourself. Daljan commented.

After that day, I never could get that out of my mind. In fact, I kept seeing one of my friends lying on the curb bleeding because I had shot him. There were a lot of people on the street that day. Oh, by the way, did the sheriff tell you everything will be paid for and the mayor has put you up in the city’s finest hotel?

Yes, he mentioned something about it, Post answered, He also said you’d show us where we can find the best place to eat. That’s also free, but you’ll have to leave a tip. He smiled at the thought.

After the deputy dropped them off, they were given the best two rooms in the hotel which were located on the top floor, referred to as the presidential suite.

Post called to him through the open doors. If this is their best hotel, I’d hate to see what their worst one looks like. What we need to do is eat something, drink a few beers and then we won’t care what this place looks like.

That sounds like a plan. I just hope the restaurant is better than this place.

... and they serve real food.

After they had eaten their meal, the waitress informed them where the action was and as they entered the nightclub it seemed everyone already knew they were coming.

Daljan ordered a round and when he went to pay for it the bartender informed him his money was no good. These are on the redhead at the far end of the bar. he smiled showing a missing tooth.

Daljan lifted his beer with a jester of thanks to the redhead then turned to Post, I think I’m going to like it here. I’ll go thank our benefactor personally.

It is looking up. Have you noticed; there are not a lot of young men around this town?

I hadn’t noticed, he scanned the room, but now that you mentioned it, you’re right. Most of the men are older than the women. I don’t know if that’s in our favor or not.

Are you married?

No, you know the old saying; if the navy wanted me to have a wife, they would have issued me one in my sea bag.

Yeah, I was never issued one either.

It looks like the burden has fallen on us to represent the navy and be on our best behavior while we’re here in this quaint little town.

Yeah right, Post took a sip of his beer. I’m a sailor and I intend to live up to our reputation, even the sheriff seems to think we’re cock hounds.

What reputation?

The good one where it’s said we have a girl in every port.

Oh! That reputation; I better go and thank the redhead for our beer. She keeps looking at me with a come-and-get-me smile.

With his drink in hand, he moved to the end of the bar. Thanks for the drink, they call me Daljan. He sat his drink on the bar next to her.

I’m Tammy, she smiled patting the empty stool, we don’t see many soldiers around here.

Ah, navy, I’m in the navy not the army, I’m a sailor.

That’s even better. I read a novel one time about a sailor. Is it true what I read?

That depends if what you read was good or bad.

Oh, it was good, a real lover he was.

Well then, it must be true or they wouldn’t have been allowed to print the book. He smiled thinking, hello real world.

The jute box came to life with soft music and she reached out touching his hand. You want to dance?

I’m not much of a dancer.

Come on and I’ll show you. She pulled him onto the dance floor.

After stumbling around to the music like a hippo out of water, he whispered, It’s time to get off this dance floor, we’re making fools of ourselves.

Are you staying in our hotel? She asked on their way back to the table.

We’re on the top floor and have the best rooms in the place; I’m staying in the presidential suite.

I have never been in the hotel let alone seen a presidential suite before, is it nice?

He smiled, as evil thoughts whirled through his mind. Would you like to see what one looks like, it’s only a block from here.

Yes, I know, the hotel is our biggest building in town, other than the courthouse. I have always wanted to see what it looks like inside; I have heard a lot of stories about it. She collected the loose change and stood.

Let me grab my hat on the way out and inform my friend where I’m going.

He stopped for his hat. I’ll be back. This little lovely wants to see the president’s suite.

Say, that’s a good line. I’ll have to remember it for later. Post winked.

Post was sitting with three women when Daljan returned.

It’s getting dark out, he said as he pulled out a chair to join the others.

What happened to the redhead?

She had to go home, something about having to baby-sit.

Did you show her the suite?

She loved it but didn’t stay long.

You did or didn’t?

He shook his head with a disappointing expression. Post leaned closer to the girl sitting to his right. Would you like to see where the president stays when he’s in town? A grin crossed her lips. Do you mean just you and me?

That was the general idea unless you want someone else to go with us.

My friend and I go everywhere and do everything together. She reached over and touched her friend sitting next to her.

Post stood. Let’s go see where the president stays when he is in town. He looked at Daljan and shrugged his shoulders. Keep a watch over Mary Lou, he pointed to the third girl sitting next to Daljan. I told her you were the skipper of an aircraft carrier in charge of five-thousand men.

Daljan could only stare at Post. Thanks!

He turned and faced Mary Lou. So, tell me, what do you do for fun around your little town?"

We have a drive-inn theater and a roller rink that’s a lot of fun. Tomorrow we will be celebrating two hundred years, and there’s going to be a parade and afterwards there’s going to be live music and food in the clearing down by the river. It’s just on the outskirts of town. We were down there this morning watching the workers setting up the booths and kiddy rides.

Then it’s a carnival?

Yes, it is. Will you still be here tomorrow?

I’m afraid so. My friend and I will be marching in the parade.

You will! I’ll make sure I’m in the front row so I can wave to you.

So, tell me, would you like to see the presidential suite, I’m staying at the hotel and in the best room they have to offer.

Oh, I don’t think I should, I’ve never been in a hotel before.

There you go. This could be an opportunity to fulfill your dreams. Just think, you could tell all your friends you saw where the president sleeps when he’s in town.

She looked at him with a deep fantasizing gaze. I guess it would be okay just to take a peek, but that’s all, just a peek.

Sure, it will. Your friends are taking a tour of my friend’s room. He’s staying in the vice-president’s suite. It’s not as nice as the presidents.

She took a sip from her drink then stood. Just a peek and it’s only because I’m curious where the president sleeps when he comes to town.

I understand completely, just a peek. His dream of holding her breast with its nipple swollen was so real; it sent him spiraling to his feet.

As they walked through the lobby of the hotel the man at the desk, gave them a sidelong glance as the elevator door was closing, he could see the man at the desk as he winked with a smirks grin.

Daljan opened the door to the room and Mary Lou was reluctant to enter at first. He stepped into the room and with a smile, coaxed her to follow. Come on in, you’ll love this place. He took hold of her hand and gave her a tug. The door closed by itself and he pointed to where the bathroom was just in case. You need to see all the free bath and hair products the president gets. He quickly sat on the bed trying to hide his arousal pressed penetratingly hard against his uniform as she inspected the bathroom, when she returned, she stood looking around the room as if she was inspecting. When their eyes met, he smiled thinking, my sexual fantasies will soon be answered. He patted the bed, join me on this bed and feel how soft this mattress is. His movements were deliberate, confident in his ability to satisfy her every need.

She sat on the edge of the bed next to Daljan. I’d like to have a big bed like this, but it would never fit in my room. She pushed down on the mattress several times with a sound of glee.

Do you have a boyfriend? he almost whispered trying to make small talk.

No, well I do but he doesn’t know I like him. As her gaze strayed to the obvious bulge below his belt her eyes grew wider.

I like you if that helps. He leaned over to kiss her on the cheek when she turned her head and their lips touched. He slowly maneuvered his tongue slipping between her lips, sinking deeply into the recesses of her mouth.

She was overcome with an aching desire that had gone unfulfilled for a long time, and surprised him by grabbing hold of his head with both hands and madly returning his kiss, knowing ecstasy was within her grasp. She was pulling at the flap of his bell-bottom trousers, as he simultaneously was trying to undo her halter with a free hand, and at the same time fondling her exposed skin with the other. They were entangled and unable to accomplish their goals.

He whispered, Give me a second and I’ll loosen the buttons sweetheart.

All the moisture in his body seemed to have pooled between his legs, then with a sudden rush and as if made for one another they became one in perfect rhythm.

It was over as quickly as it started. She made love to him like a wild animal and afterwards as he lay with his bell bottoms wadded around his feet thinking, she must have needed it more than I did.

* * *

The two of you will lead the parade down Main Street to the park. The sheriff was explaining and at the same time trying to pick cat hair off his uniform, My old lady and her damned cats. Where should we meet? Post asked.

I guess that would be helpful to know. Tell you what, I’ll have one of my deputies see to it you get where you should be. There’ll be some veterans from the VFW Post marching right behind you. I didn’t think you’d mind. All I ask is you don’t go too fast, some of the older men have a hard time walking.

The parade ended at the park and the deputy thanked the men, giving each of them a handful of tickets. These red tickets are good for rides and games, he held one up for them to see; the green ones are for food and drinks.

Question, Daljan smiled as he inspected the tickets holding up his free hand. The food and drink tickets, what kind of drinks are we talking about?

Whatever you like, ah... and yes, they are good for beer, assuming that’s what you were hinting at.

I was just wondering. One other question, can I exchange some of the red tickets for green ones? I’m sure you’ll figure out how.

As soon as they entered the park, Post found a friend, leaving Daljan to fend for himself. Around five, he ran out of tickets... well the green ones and decided to return to the hotel and clean up. Maybe I’ll rest my eyes for a few minutes before going out for dinner, he thought as he removed his uniform.

Daljan, wake up! We have to be at the sheriff’s office in an hour. Post was shaking him.

What? He sat straight up in the bed trying to make sense of what Post was saying.

There’s a train due to stop here and the sheriff said we could catch it back to Norfolk.

I thought we were going to stay here until Monday? Wait a minute, what time is it anyway? Better yet, what day is it?

It’s Sunday around, he looked at his watch, eight-thirty. The train stops here at ten. You had better roll out of that bed if you want something to eat before we get on that train. You do remember what the food was like coming down here?

Food, yeah, I remember.

The mayor said to thank you men and anytime you’re here in our little town, stop in and we’ll treat you to dinner and... you know. By the way, which one of you sailors was with the young girl wearing glasses?

Daljan was hesitant as he held up his hand in a jester of response. I guess I was, Sir.

Just for your information, she’s the mayor’s niece. He doesn’t know it so you’re safe.

How did you know we... how? Daljan was puzzled.

"I’m the sheriff; I know everything that goes on in my little town.

Kind-of like your parents, they knew everything."

Post shook his head in agreement. Yeah, sometimes before I ever did anything.

My deputy has prepared your prisoner and they are waiting in the car. He’ll take you to the train station. The sheriff handed Daljan an envelope. All the papers from the court are in this.

The train stopped just long enough to load and unload passengers. Daljan took the first watch sitting next to the prisoner who was handcuffed to the seat. Post sat behind them reading a magazine. I have to go to the head. (Men’s room) Daljan stood and informed Post.

They were about two hours from Norfolk when the train slammed into a pickup truck that had tried to beat it to the crossing. The sudden stop tossed everything forward including the people. What the hell! Daljan called out as he quickly completed what he was doing and joined the others. What happened, Post?

Hell, I don’t know. You’d better go see and I’ll stay here with our prisoner.

Daljan was gone for a long time and when he returned, he was covered with grass and dirt.

Where have you been and what happened to you?

The train hit a pickup and I helped pull the passengers to safety, I had to give one of the them CPR until the rescue squad showed up and took over, I think the guy will be all right; well at least he’s still alive. You get hurt?

I’m alright; our prisoner has an abrasion on his wrist from the handcuffs. I switched the cuffs to his other wrist. He’ll be fine until we get to the base and sickbay.

* * *

Both of the men turned into their bunks for a needed rest and it seemed they no sooner went to sleep when they were being called to report to the chief’s office.

I’m going just like I’m dressed. Daljan was in skivvies and flipflops.

I think I’ll wear trousers.

You wanted to see us, Chief? Daljan was the first to enter the office.

I want to see you but not quite that much of you. It doesn’t matter, see this? he was holding a sheet of paper. You saved that man’s life, the one you administered CPR to.

I’m happy for the man, Chief. I wasn’t sure he was going to make it.

Well, at ten this morning you are to be in front of the base commander.

For what, I’m not in trouble am I?

The Chief shook his head, "He