Date: Thu, 4 Jun 2009 10:08:03 -0600
From: Brian <bsudds@shaw.ca>
Subject: Benji Chapter 31

Disclaimer:

If you are under 18 or are offended by male to male sex, male to boy sex or
pain, BDSM, S&M, either willing or unwilling. You should leave this site
now. This Story is fiction, and it is in our future. The year is 2030 AD.
And this is how it is.

Any names, places, or events are strictly coincidental.

Chapter 31

I could see as we flew into Mogadishu we were coming in from the north. The
blue of the Indian Ocean could be seen. We landed in the court yard of what
appeared to be an old fortress. I was ushered off the helicopter and into a
hallway. One guard ahead and another behind. We went up several flights of
stairs and then down a long hallway. We came to heavy wood door. The guard
opened it and indicated for me to enter and then closed and locked the
door.

The room was very well appointed. The stone floors were covered with thick
carpets and several more adorned the walls. The room was dominated by a
very large, but old fashioned bed, complete with netting surrounding it.
There were several comfortable looking chairs, a table and chairs and a
small bar, complete with several unopened bottles. When I looked in the
side room, there was a large tub and shower. The main room had a large set
of windows that opened onto a balcony. When I went outside I could see
there would be no escape as there was nothing but a shear drop of about a
hundred feet to the ground. I went back in, sat down to ponder my
situation.

?

.............

?

As Benjis' aircraft descended and slowed for landing at Burundi Airfield,
he could see a vast armada of ships of the NorAm navy. When NorAm
prosecuted a war they didn't go for half measures. Even as they began their
descent they were under full escort by several Raptures. As the aircraft
came in over Burundi City he could see several fires and lots of smoke over
the city. The pilot landed in a hurry and taxied directly into a newly
built concrete revetment. As it shut down Benji could see Mike and Geordie
standing close by. Along with a good many very heavily armed Security
Guards.

After deplaning, Benji, although saluted by both men, rushed up to both and
embarrassed each. Just a hint of tears in his eyes.

"Welcome back Benji." Mike said.

"That goes double for me Sir." Geordie said.

"Any word Mike?"

"Yes Sir. Lets go to the Command Center and I'll bring you fully up to
date."

As the men walked to the Command Center, Benji could see a lot of
construction going on. There was also at one least Patriot Battery visible.

"Sudan has been lobbing Surface to Surface missiles into Burundi. Tom
ordered in several Patriot Batteries to protect the City and the Airport."

The Command Center had been moved inside one of the Concrete revetments. It
had also been expanded. Now housed in several connected trailers.

After everyone was in and seated at a conference table surrounded by large
map screens Mike stood at the end of the table.

"Okay Benji this is what we know to date. The COD carrying Brin was located
about 80 clicks north of Tombasa. The three crew and two security officers
had been executed at close range, each with a single bullet between the
eyes. Brin was not among the dead. Early this morning we got word from the
South African Special Forces that several armored carriers arrived in
Tombasa yesterday. They, at the time did not know that Brin's aircraft had
been shot down. They also noted a Helicopter came and left the next
morning. Just two hours ago the SA Special forces at Mogadishu noted a
helicopter landing in the court yard of Mohamed Abduls fortress home
outside Mogadishu. Mohamed Abdul is one of the most powerful Warlords in
Somalia. His house is located about 3 clicks from the processing compound.
We now believe he is controlling both the processing center in Tombasa and
Mogadishu. Were not sure about Himcosha because it is south of Mogadishu.
However it may be a good bet."

Benji just sat silently for several minutes after Mike had finished.

"Is there anyway to confirm that Brin is in Mogadishu?" he asked.

"No not yet, but. Sudan has placed a 2,000,000 dollar bounty on Brin's
head. Dead or Alive. If Abdul has him he may want to see if Intersec or
someone else will pay more. Also the SASF at Mogadishu are now trying to
confirm if Brin is actually at the fortress."

"Any idea how long until we know for sure?"

"No Benji."

"Okay. The operation goes ahead as planned regardless. However I want the
Loyal Eddies augmented with a Regiment of Tanks. Just in case Brin is
actually in Mogadishu. Now I wish to go to the Good Hope. Get me
 transport."

This last was not a request, but a direct order. Spoken softly but with a
steel in it that brooked no dissention. Something Mike had not seen in
Benji before. This was no longer that young fragile boy they had found in
Alberta. This was the Commander of the Most Powerful Security Company in
the world.

"Yes Sir!"

"I'm still just Benji to you Mike. But I want to see part of my family
before we go into Mogadishu."

"Sir! Benji you won't be going into Mogadishu."

"Your wrong Mike. Brin Rescued me. Now I am going to rescue him. I will be
going in to get him out where ever he is. Period. End of Discussion."

The way Benji said it, it did not leave anything for discussion. Benji had
put it as Brin would have done. Give the order. Make it happen. Everyone in
the Command Center had heard him. He hadn't said it loud, but in a clear
voice that spoke of absolute conviction. Nothing or anybody would stand in
his way.

Both Mike and Geordie looked at each other. Their response was simple and
direct.

"Yes Commander!"

Benji got up and walked out of the Command Center. Standing just next to
the stairs were Kisha and his other South African body guards. Benji looked
at Kisha and then ran to him and wrapped his arms around him. Both Mike and
Geordie could see that Benji was crying, deep down sobs of pure pain. Kisha
just held him. Sharing his grief. The inner turmoil, the inner thoughts all
surfacing at once. Benji was still the very vulnerable boy but, now had the
steel in his being that made men love him even more. He was both Commander
and Benji.

After several minutes, Benji stood back, but not before kissing Kisha.

"Okay lets go." he said.

Benji was led to an Osprey, but one he had never seen before. There were no
huge props on the wing tips, instead just small nacelles. He stopped and
looked at it.

Mike said.

"It's the latest version. Jet powered. The Osprey 2A."

He just entered and sat down, buckling the seat belt. Kisha and the other
security following and sitting down. No sooner than they entered the
aircraft spooled up and in no time they were airborne. As they flew over
the arrayed ships off of Burundi Benji could see lights flashing between
ships.

"What are they doing?" he asked the Comm. tech.

"It's just short message traffic Sir."

"What's the message?"

"Benjis' back."

That brought more tears to Benji. How could a fleet of ships from NorAm be
so interested in just him. He really didn't know the effect his presence
held for the entire NorAm navy. They loved him as much or even more than
even his lover and partner Brin. It really was beyond his comprehension.
The reality of the situation was that in part the NorAm navy felt
responsible for the loss of Brin Sadac's aircraft. If their intelligence
had noted that there was a reward for Brin, they would had laid on a
heavier escort than they did. And now Brin wouldn't be lost. They needed to
make amends. Now nothing would happen to Benji. Forty five minutes after
take off the Osprey approach the Good Hope. The landing was smooth and
quick.

As he jumped to the deck and after the Osprey lifted off, he was surrounded
by hundreds of boys and girls. All trying to get close to their savior.
Kisha and the others just stood back. Here Benji was King. Here they knew
no one wanted anything less than just to touch and hold Benji. They loved
him with something that was beyond imagination. Here he was among family.
And Benji loved them back. He was inundated with questions. Where's Brin,
where's our Father. Benji could just answer soon. Soon he will be here.

After almost two hours Benji was able to reach the Bridge.

"Welcome Home Son." Captain Fontaine said.

"Thank you Captain."

"Benji after this next operation we will be at capacity. I hope you have
some place in mind where we can put all these boys and girls ashore."

"Yes Captain we do. It's called NAS Gilbert."

"Sorry never heard of it."

"It's in the Bermuda Islands. It was apparently a NAS Anti-Submarine base
during World War 2. Brin found it and I understand that NorAm is
reconditioning it to accept up to 10,000 people. I quite honestly don't
know it's exact location."

"No matter. I am to understand the operation goes ahead regardless of the
fact that Brin will not be here to over see it?"

"Yes."

"Have you any estimates Sir on how many slaves will be rescued in Africa?"

"I have only sketchy information available at this point. One Camp, Tombasa
has only about 200 boys working there. If it is the same at the others that
would make it about 1000. However it could be more or less."

"And the other two Camps?"

"Captain, it is only an estimate but, it could be anywhere from 1000 to
6000. I just don't know."

"The Saint Peter's capacity is about the same as ours. She can handle about
5000. If it is more than she will be hard pressed. However Captain Mateo
will do what is necessary. We now have close to 3500 boys and girls on
board."

"Do the kids here know Brin is missing?"

"No."

"I would prefer it Sir if they didn't know until, until..."

Benji broke down then. He just started to cry. He couldn't help it.
Everything was just started to come into his mind. All the consequences,
all the pain. All the hurt.

Captain Fontaine was very quick in grabbing Benji and just holding him. He
then picked Benji up and took him down to his cabin. He held him until his
young body stopped shaking.

"I'm going to give you something to let you sleep."

"No please Captain. I want to help rescue my love."

"Just a mild sedative Benji. I'll make sure your awake in time. But you
need sleep. Brin may be able to go on for hours and hours but you need
sleep."

The Captain injected Benji with a mild sleep drug. Then laid him gently on
the bed.

"Sleep Son, sleep."

Captain Fontaine now looked down at a sleeping Benji. Warrior and Boy.
Commander for sure, but still a boy. And I guess now he is my Commander too
he thought. Yes I will go into the depths of hell for this young man. He
has given all or part of him for every single young man and women on his
ship. Could I do any less?

Benji slept for almost six hours. Watched carefully by Kisha and his two
compatriots. No one disturbed his restless sleep. At one point Kisha had
laid beside him as Dreams wracked his body and mind. Holding him and
soothing him with quiet words. When Benji finally awoke, Kisha helped him
undress and assisted him as he showered and cleaned up. Both were nude in
the shower and as usual Benji was hard. Kisha just kneeled and sucked
Benji. Relieving him of his pent up passion. When Benji went to
reciprocate, Kisha backed off.

"No Benji. I don't need you. I am now your Servant, and regardless of what
you say I will always be your servant. Like all the others around you I
love you. But my love is not what you want and need. Soon we will find your
only love, Brin, and God will not help his capturers, this I swear on my
ancestors graves."

Benji dressed in his now cleaned armor and pressed Combat pants. He walked
out into the Captains Suite. A very substantial meal was set on the table.
And as usual he ate like a man who had being hungry for a lifetime. After
eating he finished dressing. Kisha handed him his belt and sidearm.

"No. Like my Love I will go into this battle unarmed. My love for Brin will
protect me."

Benji was escorted back up to the Bridge.

"Ah! Benji you look a hundred percent better."

"Any news Captain?"

"Yes. Some good and some bad."

"The good news first. Brin is being held in Mogadishu at the Fortress
operated by Mohamed Abdul. It is on the far western edge of Mogadishu,
almost 10 clicks from the coast. Abdul has demanded 25,000,000 in gold for
his release. He wants an answer within 24 hours. The bad news is that there
are far more young boys being held in Africa that either the Good Hope or
the Saint Peter can handle."

"How many more?"

"The camps on the African mainland are all processing plants. They hold no
more than about 600 boys, only boys, no girls. However the camp in Zanzibar
is a plantation. There are about 1500 boys and girls there. There is also a
guard force of over two hundred men. From information I have received from
your Command is that the labor force in Zanzibar is all the males, while
the girls are used just as entertainment. This bothers me very much as the
STD's will be very hard to contain once we have them on board."

"Captain it may not be as bad as you think. When I was,..was in the Sultans
service in Burundi I was vaccinated against most STD's. I would presume the
girls were too. He wouldn't have wanted STD's running rampart in his
 camps."

"That may be true Benji but, I will prepare for it anyway. Now is there
away we can move some of the kids off my ship in preparation for the
arrival of almost 2000 or more."

"I'm not sure Captain, but I will enquire with the NorAm navy and see if
they can handle some of them."

"Good. Now I believe the Osprey sitting on the pad above the Bridge is for
you. Good luck and long life Benji. Safe journey."

"Thank you Captain. I wish I had more time for my family."

"They will understand Son."

Benji walked up and hugged Captain Fontaine. The Captain had more than just
a tear in his eye as Benji left.

As soon as Benji boarded the aircraft it spooled up and lifted off. No
sooner than they were in the air, Benji could see multiple aircraft in
escort. This flight was quite long as the aircraft headed for the assault
ship Ortona.

It could be not lost on the Loyal Edmonton Regiment that they were on a
ship named after one of the Battle Honors emblazoned on their colors. The
NorAm navy had began to name Assault ships, not just after Marine Battles
but also Battles of the Canadian Army. Since the naming of Carriers after
Canadian Prime Ministers had started right after unification of Canada and
the United States of America. Now it was very common practice. The luck of
the Loyal Eddies was that the Their Assault on Mogadishu would be made from
the Ortona.

The new Assault ships being built by NorAm, were not just Carriers. They
had been built with the capability to actually land Forces on the beach.
All were roll on roll off ships. But all were capable of actually moving up
to a beach and unload the troops directly on to the beach. Although they
all weighed in at almost 20,000 tons displacement, they were powered by
small nuclear reactors supplying almost 12,000 tons of thrust to water jet
engines.

The plan called initially for The Loyal Eddies to land north of Mogadishu
and circumvent the main city. Now it had been changed. The Eddies would
still land North of the City but, a Marine Assault Brigade would land in
the port itself. They would pin down all in city forces while the Loyal
Eddies would swing around and attack the Fortress and Camp. In the last 50
to 75 years many nations had tried to subdue the Warlord System of
Government in Somalia. Non had been victorious. Now it was not an objective
to subdue. Now there would be no quarter asked or given. The Marines had
their own reasons and the Loyal Eddies had theirs. God would not help any
one who resisted.

?

When Benji landed on the Assault Carrier it was totally blacked out. And
pitch black out.

Once on board he was escorted to the Combat Information Center. Mike and
Geordie met him.

"Welcome aboard Commander." they both saluted.

"Shouldn't you be with your Brigade Mike?"

"Yes Sir. However I have been given by direct order from General Israel
that I accompany you. He told me in no uncertain terms that I was to
protect you at all costs. He was given an ultimatum by his son and his
partner Jacob that if anything happened to you they would never forgive him
and would never speak to him ever. Ari loves his Son as strongly as you
love Brin and he would move mountains for his lover. So I am here Sir."

"I'm still just Benji to you Mike."

"I'm sorry Benji, but you are now my Commander. As I can't easily call Brin
by his name I can no longer call you anything other than my Commander."

Benji turned away from both men as the implications sunk in. God he hoped
he was right. No he knew he was right. Brin is my Commander, my Saviour, my
Love. But I love them all he thought. Turning back and with a voice tinged
with tears and sorrow.

"Present Status of all Assault units."

General Edward Simms stepped forward.

"Sir, I have been appointed to coordinate all assaults on the African
continent by General Blake. He has also appointed General Abrams, the
Special Forces in theater Commander to coordinate the Assault on Tamawatu.
Due to the numbers involved in Tamawatu he has also been given them another
two Companies of Special Forces. All attacks will happen at the prescribed
time. With the exception of the Loyal Eddies. They will be landed tonight
at 0200 hours 20 clicks north of Mogadishu. There they will move in force
into the desert north and west of Mogadishu, about 10 clicks from both the
compound and the fortress we believe Brin is being held in. All their
vehicles will be in desert camo and all will hide until the predetermined
assault time."

"Now we have been in contact with Mohamed Abdul and have agreed to his
terms. However we have also stated that we will need at least 72 hours to
obtain, crate and prepare his ransom demands. He has agreed. South Africa
has agreed to supply the Gold."

"Under Section Four, Paragraph 2 of the Rules of the International Security
Command, We will never pay any ransom or demand for services under any
circumstances." Benji said.

"Nor do we plan to pay him Commander. However, he more than likely has
people in South Africa watching. If he saw us doing nothing he would get
very suspicious. So we pretend. Benji, Commander we only used the idea of
negotiation as a ruse. It gives us an additional 72 hours. Thirty Six hours
from now he will be either dead or in custody."

"Take him alive General. I want to shoot him like he did my men." Benji
said.

The total conviction and resolve in his voice gave both Mike and Geordie
pause. They saw the absolute hate he felt for this Warlord. Benji was
becoming more and more like Brin every second. He could feel love, love of
those that were part of him, all the Corporation and every single man and
women that was part of it. But he also could and did hate anyone who killed
or hurt something he held very close to his heart. Benji was now more their
Commander than others far older than he.

"Yes Sir." was all they could say.

Benji moved to one of consoles in the CIC. He asked the sailor there if he
could be connected to the internet. The sailor stepped aside and showed him
how he could connect. Benji punched in the command for the INTERSEC World
Wide Net. He then put in his Command Code and then the day code. He began
to review all the message traffic from his Headquarters. He relized it
really was his Headquarters now until Brin was back. With almost 6 hours
until the landing he took time to review and reply as best he could. One
message stood out among all the rest. This message was very long and very
involved.

Timed to coincide with the attacks on the African Mainland, Zanzibar and
South East Asia, units from the 196th Independent Airborne Brigade would
drop on Bor-Dango. Backed by the 12th and 23rd MEF, they would take and
hold the International Airport in Bor-Dango, all the communication points
and the police and military installations. Once the airport was secure,
units from the NorAm Army would start landing to reinforce and take and
occupy the rest of Bor-Dango. It also stated that the President of NorAm
had scheduled a news Conference after the assaults took place. An
Attachment had been added to the message. It was the Presidents Speech.

Benji printed it off and sat back to read.

...........

Well although I had absolutely no chance of escaping, I still planned any
possible ways. I really had nothing else to do. There was no radio or even
any books to read. There was also no clocks. So my estimate of the time was
based solely on the position of the sun. I was fed very good, mostly
western style meals. Other than that I was left totally alone. I even took
a chance and stripped and enjoyed a long shower. I was able to rinse my
armor and uniform, getting rid of the accumulated sweat.

I was not sure of the time, but it was late evening on my second day in
this plush cell that the Warlord walked in.

"Comfortable Commander?"

"I'd be more comfortable someplace else."

"Soon Commander. The International Security Command has agreed to pay me 25
million in gold for your release. They are making arrangements now. At most
you will be only be here for another seventy two hours."

I wondered who had authorized that. My Company did not pay ransom demands
under any circumstances. Regardless of the consequences.

"Really." I said.

"Yes indeed Commander. I think I could have asked for much more, but 25
million will put me in a better position."

"I don't suppose you can tell me the date and time. With out a clock in
here it really doesn't help. Although comfortable this is really just a
cell."

"Yes indeed Commander. It is Friday the 10th of May I will have a radio put
in and if you need anything else just ask. You are going to make me a very
rich man Commander. It is the least I can do."

He then just turned and left.

Friday. The assaults were set to happen tomorrow night. Did anyone know I
was here. God I hoped so. There had to be someway I could let the assault
forces know I was here. I walked over to the bar in the room and looked
over the bottles arranged there. I picked up a bottle of Scotch, cracked it
and poured a liberal portion into a glass. I then sat down to think. Who
ever had arranged the ransom exchange had set a 72 hour time frame. But I
knew now the assaults would take place in about 36 hours. Mike had to have
a hand in it. But what of Benji, my love. He must now know that I'm being
held. That really must be hurting him. God I wanted him now so bad. I had
never even thought that this might happen to me, or how he would react.
Never again. I just sat and brooded as the sun slowly set.

?

...........

The NorAm navy Seals had picked the landing place for the Eddies. The beach
shallowed quickly so the Ortona could move very close to unload the
Regiment and the battalion of tanks. The area of the landing had also been
picked as there were no houses or traffic in the area. The main north south
highway was well beyond the place picked to for the assault force to hunker
down for the day. Nothing but sparse vegetation and sand. The landing went
without incident.

Benji had landed in a M2A6 Command Carrier. The regiment and tanks had
moved inland and now were concealed under Camouflage tents. Unless you knew
they were there you could have walked to within twenty feet and not seen
them.

The other assaults were also in position, most far out to sea, well below
the horizon.

Before the Eddies landed Benji had talked to both the Captain of the Ortona
and the Iwo Jima. Asking if they could embark 500 boys onto each of their
ships. Telling them that the space was needed on the Good Hope to handle
the influx from the camps on the continent. Both had readily agreed. Benji
had transmitted this to Captain Fontaine and all through the day Boys were
moved from the Good Hope to the Assault carriers. All were welcomed with
open arms, the crews got a first hand look at what was at stake. The NorAm
navy sailors were overwhelmed by these young men. And all found a new
reason to help in any way possible these kids. And kids gave back the love
ten fold. They may have been mostly gay or Bi but, They insinuated their
way into the hearts of these tough sailors. What they gave was love, not
sexual love but genuine love, love of been just held, love of holding on,
even just the curiosity of young minds. And the sailors took them to them
totally.

As preparations were made to land Benji sat on the ramp of the Carrier he
would land with. It seemed that ever single man in both The Loyal Edmonton
Regiment and the 1st of the 3rd Marine Tank Battalion came up to shake his
hand, or say few words. Benji was overwhelmed at the love they seemed to
exude. When Mike came up Benji asked.

"Why Mike? I am no different than I was before."

"Your wrong Commander. They believe in you and in your love for Brin. They
would gladly and without hesitation kneel before you. I and all those who
meet and see you have become enthralled at your dedication and love. Brin
may be your God, but you are his General. We, all, all the forces you
Command will walk gladly into hell for you. And for Brin."

"I'm not a General. I don't know how to fight. I don't know how to make
war. I'm just a kid."

Mike grabbed Benji and pulled him into an embrace. He kissed him on the
forehead.

Benji started to cry.

"You see Mike. I'm not a General. Generals don't cry."

"Your wrong Commander. All Generals cry. But mostly on the inside. All
Generals and Commanders cry. They cry because they have to send young men
into battle, knowing full well that some of those young men will die. They
can't prevent it, but the young men they send also know they might die, yet
still all those young men still go. The deference is you my young Commander
can't hide what you feel and the men love you more for it. More to the
point is you are now placing yourself in harms way. You have said that you
will lead this Assault. I don't agree, but I will follow you unto hell
itself and Loyal Edmonton Regiment and the First of the Third Marine
Armored Battalion will lead the way."

At 0200 hours the assault Carrier Ortona landed the Loyal Eddies and it's
supporting armor.

Far to the south the Carrier Tacoma was making preparations. The Tacoma
wasn't an Attack Carrier. She was for and intents and purposes a transport.
What she carried on her deck was or in her hold was 22 Osprey, 6 Super
Stallions and 15 Seahawks. She was considered a fleet auxiliary. In this
Action she would play a very pivotal role. Her Osprey would land the Second
Special Forces, and then begin the evacuation of the kids in Tamawatu.
First to the Tacoma and later to the Good Hope.

The Second Atlantic Fleet had rounded the Cape was now steaming into the
Indian Ocean. The two Attack carriers, the Fox and the Lincoln, surrounded
by almost 60 ships was steaming in a north easterly course. Timed to arrive
off Mozambique and Zanzibar at 1900, 11 May.

..................

My day went by very slowly. Even the radio didn't help. All I could get was
Islamic Stations. I couldn't understand the words and music sucked. I sort
of wallowed in misery. What was happening. I had to shut down my cooling of
my armor, afraid the batteries might run out and then my uniform would
revert to grey. I sat on the balcony watching the sun set. I knew it was
11th of May. Now I had only to just wait. Regardless of what happened in
the next few hours I was going get out of here if I had to kill everything
that got in my way.

......................

The Loyal Eddies and the Marines were under cover. The heat was really
suppressive, close to the mid 30c. But with no wind to give some relieve.
All the troops under took it in stride having been in Sudan and under the
relentless heat. Benji never had. And the waiting was driving him to almost
insanity. Mike tried several times to just get him to relax, Save your
energy Commander. But he would have none of it. He talked and visited
almost every single soldier of the almost 1200 men hidden. Always
accompanied by Kisha , Ana and Beko. His assigned African body guards.

He sat down by a marine carrier. A Sgt brought out a large bottle of water.

"Thanks Sgt."

In the background behind a young marine was playing a tape real low. As he
sat and listened tears started down his cheeks. This is what men fight for
he thought. He didn't know the song, but it pulled at his heart and his
soul. He knew now that he would find and rescue his love.

Warriors don't fight for there Generals, they fight for their past and
their Regiments past. They fight for their sons and daughters. If I asked
any one of these young men why they fight they would probably say because I
was here, but in reality they fight for something higher. I love these men
all of them, Benji thought, But I am just a 17 year old boy. Why me, Why
me?

Benji cried as he made his way back to the Command Carrier.

"Mike I want a side arm and a submachine gun."

"Yes Sir."

" I will be leading the assault on the fortress while you rescue the boys
from the camp."

"NO! No. I won't permit it Commander. Brin would never forgive me if
anything happened to you."

"Are you prepared to disobey a direct order from your Commander Mike."


With tears running down his face. "YES SIR. Even if I have to restrain you,
I will not let you lead. I love you Benji as I love Brin. I would never
allow him to lead any assault and I won't allow you Sir."

"And if he needs help Commander, I will prevent you too." General Mayes
said.

"Is this what Brin called a revolt in the ranks?"

This was interrupted by a communications Sgt.

"Sir we just received a coded communication from General Masubo. He is
entering the Fortress now."

The time was 1830 11 of May.

"What, what, alone. Get ready to move out Generals. Now."

"Benji it is too soon, we have to wait to make sure every attack takes
place at the same time."

"MAKE IT HAPPEN NOW!" Benji screamed.

"Now Generals, Now!"

The clear and absolute conviction in his voice made it clear to every
single man with earshot that he Commanded. The reaction was immediate. Camo
was discarded and 1200 men and 45 tanks, 30 APC's charged toward Mogadishu.
Benji was attacking an hour earlier than had been planned, but the assault
was executed with such precision that the camp and the fortress didn't know
what was happening until it was almost over.

?

................

?

I was sitting feeling really sorry for myself. Fuck I couldn't do a thing.
I heard a loud clang on the balcony. The guards outside my prison heard it
too and rushed in. One guard rushed onto the baloney and I saw him looking
down. The next thing I heard was a gurgling sound, the other guard heard it
to and headed for the balcony. Not even thinking I tackled him, surprised
he went down and I pressed his weapon over his throat. As he struggled, out
of the corner of my eye I saw a long black leg close by. The soldier under
my pressure died. I stood up brandishing the weapon.

As I stood I was enveloped in the arms of Kimbo.

"What are you doing here. Your Prime Minister Forbid you to be involved
Kimbo."

"I am sorry Brin, but where you are involved I don't care what my Prime
Minister says. My men reported to me that you were here. So now I am. But
we must leave now the Assault takes place in less than a hour."

"NO! I want that Warlord. I want him to feel the same as my men."

"Brin you should not feel that way."

"You wrong Kimbo. My Company was built on the idea that every single man
and women is important to me, without exception. Every single man and women
I love. Destroy part of my Company family and I will go to the ends of the
earth to revenge their death. Weather it is one or ten thousand it is all
the same to me."

"Brin in Combat that is not good tactics."

"Kimbo, I love you. I love Benji with everything I have. I love all those
boys and girls I have rescued. I love every single man and women in my
Company. If any one tried to hurt or kill any of who I love I would use
everything in my power to make them pay."

Kimbo did something I hated most. He kneeled with his head almost touching
the floor.

Before he could say a word I heard Bagpipes.

"You hear that." I said

You hear bagpipes?"

"Yes I do. I think your Regiment is Coming. But they are early. I suspect
their Commander has ordered them to attach now."

"Their Commander?"

"Brin it is Benji. He is coming for you. He is a very changed young man."

"I can't believe that. Mike would never allow it."

"MY Friend, You made Benji your deputy. When you were shot down he took
Command. I have been told that when he commands he speaks with such
conviction that no one can deny him. If he Commanded Mike, Mike would
follow him without question. His love for you Brin makes Benji an even more
formidable Commander than You."

"And now he and His and Your Loyal Eddies are coming, even with the pipes
playing. I pity any who oppose them. The Eddies I know will give no
quarter, regardless of cost. The Marines who landed with them will drive
into hell to back the Eddies."

"Brin you can hate me for saying it but, You are God to everyone who loves
you. All the kids you rescued ask for their father their God. No matter
where you go, no matter how you will deny it, they will all call you their
God. Brin you are A God to me, and I will gladly walk into hell knowing you
love me as you do, Everyone of your family. I consider you now my father
and my God."

I could only turn away and cry. I'm not a god, just a simple man. Why? Why?

Chapter end. Love response.