Surviving

This isn’t a Rambo blood and guts routine!
(The main character/protagonist, Bret Gordon, speaking to a reporter outside enemy-held Illinois.)
“As a teenager, I loved Red Dawn, Arnold movies, and John J. Rambo.” “He was larger than life. Vietnam veteran, Ex-Special Forces (Green Beret), winner of the MOH.” “And those knives.” “The whole package they put together, especially the first film, First Blood, was influential for me at a young age.” “Hell, most boys at that age and time.”
“Did you join, did you serve in the Army?” (the Free America Radio reporter )
“Well…” A burst of automatic gunfire cuts through the night. It’s further into the darkened cityscape. The edges of its buildings and floating litter are illuminated by the light given by the stingy moon. A couple more bursts and faint human utterings can be heard. Though it’s too far away to get a grasp on what was said. I’m resting against a stone wall that’s part of a collapsed building we’re taking refuge in. I slowly stand, disturbing the rubble that I was sitting on, peeking over the wall briefly, then settle back down, giving my attention back to the reporter.
“What was that?” “Can you describe what’s happening?” “Was that us or them?” NAST?” “Or the Chinese?” A thrill can be heard in her voice.
Short pause. “Cindy, isn’t it?”
“yes, it is Bret.”
“That”, was the sound of a QBZ-191.” “The preferred weapon of the Chinese communist party.” “It’ll mess you up in the right hands.” “And what I think is happening is we’ve got them spooked. That firing was more than likely someone getting paranoid and seeing things in the shadows that just weren’t there.”
“Why would you assume that?”
“We’ve pushing outwards against their lines and retaking ground that we gave up intentionally.” He says with the patience of a father speaking to his child. “They know this, and we haven’t stopped.” “The reports they’re receiving aren’t favorable.” “For them, I should say.” “Another reason I think it was someone just firing is that we didn’t hear any return fire or anything over the radio.”
“We?” “That’s all good news, right?”
“We as in the Free American Militias and yes, yes it is.” “One of the best things for you in combat is fear.”
“For whom, though?” “Can you elaborate?” Eyebrows raised, curious.
Shifting his weight and looking away, taking in the devastation already present, glancing down at Skye, “Fear, as long as it’s a healthy respect of fear, can help keep you alive from doing something stupid.” “Keep you from putting yourself or others in a bad situation.” “Conversely, if the enemy fears you, what you’re capable of, then you’ve already won.” “You might not even have to fight.” “That’s the benefit of fear, Cindy.”
“I see and think I understand your points.” “So, I was invited along for tonight’s important chess move.” “Can you inform our listeners?”
“Sure, since this is recorded and won’t air until later.” said with a smile.
“Craig, we’ll edit that out before airing it.” “Mm, K?” “Go on Bret.”
“We are finally making the push into Illinois, taking on the Chinese and the Socialist State Conglomerates that make up NAST in their territory; the land they occupy is American land; we just need to kick them out.” “Their chickens are now coming home to roost.” “That’s why we’re here.” “And no, I didn’t serve.” “It’s complicated…”
“Alright.” “Are you here on your own?” “I don’t see your team anywhere.” “That would be awfully…”
“Stupid of me, Cindy.” “Terribly stupid.” “As well as irresponsible to the citizens of Free America.” He says shaking his weary head.
“Why do you say that, Bret?”
“Rambo could get away with his stand-alone, blood and guts routine because it’s fiction.” “A movie, to provide entertainment.” “This isn’t entertainment.” “This is life or death.” “The rest of my team is nearby, and some closer to us than you think, but they’re so well camouflaged, you can’t see them.”
“Oh.” looking around.
“Cindy, out here, it’s a rarity that you run by yourself.” “Yes, situations call for it sometimes, but this war is fought and battles won by teamwork.” “Not by gung-ho-crazed people shooting from their hips.” “The Jihadis tend to do that, and they end up dead, right quick.” “Those actions can get others killed as well.” “It takes a team to stay alive out here, watching each other’s backs and sometimes carrying each other.” “As a fighter, you are truly fighting for the person to your left and right.” I motion to my left, indicating Skye. “He’s part of our team, having helped us on many occasions.” “Me specifically, saved my life.” Looking at him affectionately. Curled up sleeping.
“And we have a responsibility to the citizens of “FA.” “After all, we’re fighting this fight together to win and to win it for them, the American people.” “So our way of life, this Constitutional Republic can and will survive the onslaught of invaders and domestic enemies alike.”
“How do you find yourself in charge of multiple teams without military experience?”
“This isn’t a war off in some foreign land where you send your soldiers off to fight for your or the politician’s interests, or because of them failing at their jobs.” “This,” showing an all-encompassing gesture, “is all taking place here, at your home, outside your house, in your streets.” “Your spirit, heart, and desire to live free matters.” “and for that desire to be for everyone, not just you and a select few.” “That’s America, for the many.” “I’ve proven myself in the field, that’s why I’m here.” “Without military training.” “I will tell you, miss, that I took the time and effort over my lifetime to learn skills I’m putting to good use in this war.” “Thank God, I did, Cindy.”
“Yes, Bret, thank God for you and all the militia members and national guardsmen.” “And those who are listening, anything you want to donate to the militias, food, water, clothing, anything I will give information out at the end on how to do that.”
“Now Cindy, I’d recommend that you and your team vacate the area because we have to go to work.” “It’s been nice talking to you.” “Be safe, and Godspeed.” I reach down and wake Skye up from his snoring.
“Thanks, Bret.” “Be safe as well and thank you.” “There you have it, ladies and gentlemen of Free America.” “The militia from EAFA, I’ll call them Team America, has your back and taking back America one town, one state at a time.” “This is Cindy Trang, for Free America Radio.” “God bless.”
In the background, you can hear Bret say, “Let’s go, Loaf!”