The Exodus

The Company Sweeper

From the pitilessly civil wars in the land of a thousand hills cross to the toughest desert operations and suicidal sun-occupying Iraq to the world terrorist- hunt and specials ops. Frank finds himself in the middle of the toughest gigs as company sweeper of which would render him a future he didn't dream to have. As a former US Marine recruited by the CIA to destroy the very core of the al-Qaida- western cells. Living in a life of a normal US Veteran with the ambition to help fellow Marines and inspire those who have seen tough scenes of the most brutally world operations, isn't an easy job. Some jobs from the company keeps on demanding while the bureau keeps on snooping some of the cases which would connect Franks' personal vendetta with the criminal gangs of New York and Louisiana. With his friends on the highest seats of the political arena, a Governor and former marine who is also a born fighter and a fighter he will remain. Next to this there will always be a lady in the same game.

What is love, beside you having the very thing that keeps on hunting you inside and you do everything to achieve the planned goals in life, but the reality of life keeps knocking always on your door? Being a family man and having someone to share the life with, having your own businesses and working to make fun of yourself without making trouble is all that Frank dreamt for. How does CIA ops help you achieve that? Do they want more of you and less of them for your accomplishment? Is it all about the country and the world? and less of the "WTF" is your future dreams? This is the Company Sweeper (Part 1).

Chapter 1: The Exodus

Iraq

Benjamin was frightened and he couldn't see clearly ahead of him, his sight was starting to fade on his left eye, blood was slowly starting to dry on his skin and was covering the whole left eye. He had a deep cut to the upper side of his left eye due to the fragment from a hand grenade.

Franco, what are you up to? Benja whispered slowly, As Frank moved back to Benjamin's side. He was making a covering fire for him the whole day, when they separated with their platoon.

"I can see something moving over there", Frank replied

"I can't see any damn thing, only few meters" Benja continued

Frank moved back again so that he can explain to Benja who sounded scared and Frank could see it. The two were friend since their poolee days and they were together at Parris Island in South Carolina.

"There are four soldiers trying to circle us, but they are not sure how many are we, and they are still afraid to move". Frank explained

"Afraid? How do you see their fear"? Benjamin tried to laugh, although he managed to put a little smile.

"I can feel their spirit", Frank looked deep now in Benja's eyes and he was fixing his eyes on the other right eye that was remaining not touched with blood.

"Just the same way I can feel your fear right now" Frank continued, "and its ok, so let's take it as the past tense. Right soldier? We need to think and get out of here alive. We don't have any room for fear. We need to show these Muchachos, we are the US Marine Corps and no one will stop us from moving".

Benja was silent for 30 seconds as they were all looking at one another, and slowly he started to understand Franks motive, and as friends they were, he put all his trust to a Rwandan boy that he respected more than all his friends. He knew Frank when they were at the college together, they used to discuss more on Bible, as a Jew who somehow had parents always teaching him about the Bible and they were religious. Him and Frank used to discuss more and Frank was always provoking him on stories from the Old Testament. They once had time to discuss more on the baldness of Joshua and Caleb, and how people need to calm their fear by thinking about the victory ahead, which gives power to defeat the enemy massively without mercy.

What's a plan? Benja asked.

The plan is to cross over that building without getting hurt, and the only way to do so is to eliminate these 4 guys. Frank starts to elaborate the plan.

We are not sure if they are only 4 of them so we need to stay put and stand -by and wait for them to make a move first, and this is what they will do. I will make a move and wait for them on that entrance, you need to wait for me here. Hope that eye can at least see the enemy when he is trying to advance, right marine? Frank eyes was again going back to that look of a man that had seen many combats. And this was the thing that keeps surprising Benja since they stepped their foot in Iraq, but this wasn't the appropriate time to ask such things. But at least he was at ease and he could feel the hope of getting there alive. They could hear firing guns on the other side of the street two miles away. And this was the last of their platoon fighting.

Aye aye, Responded Benjamin, now very confident and on his mark again, checking his safe. And his bayonet.

Won't be far from you, Frank responded back as he crawled forward, it was in the evening and the cloud was clear. It was now past 6 hours since they encountered an ambush that separated them with the rest, and 3 marines short dead at the spot. They fought for 30 minutes after the enemy was more aggressive and made platoon commander to move his men in another direction, leaving Frank and Benjamin running on the other side of the street. They were all trying to dodge the heavy firing of the enemy. This place is overcrowded with many buildings and they didn't know that this was one of the strongest areas of the insurgents.

Frank crawled for 2 minutes, as he was making stops to make sure the enemy far in the other side in 100 meters does not spot him. He had seen them with AK 47s and some with the RPG launchers. The weapons that he was more familiar with, secretly of course. He reached on the corner of the building and here he stood up and waiting. He looked back where he left Benja (this is how he used to call Benjamin). He gave peace sign to show him to stay put. While pulling his USMC Ka-bar knife to his hand waiting for the right moment. Benja was all eyes now, he managed to wipe hardly to the other eye, and he wasn't blinking anyhow. This was the moment where he could see clearly now that, he needs his mind to focus on winning and no time to fear and of course just like Joshua and Caleb (Franks slogan), they need to come out of this alive and God is on their side.

As he was focusing, he immediately saw movements a little bit far in the window in 150 meters ahead of him from cover. He could see them descending downstairs from that broken house. And from far he could hear the sound of a chopper. Yes, as Frank said before, they were exactly 4 enemies. Benja tried to fix eyes with Frank in the distance, and Frank was also looking at him and they made a sign and Frank responded, showing him, he saw them and showing Benja again the sign to stay put. He again made a move and move forward to the direction of the enemy and spotted a corner and took cover there, few meters from the building where the 4 insurgents with AKs 47 and RPG Launcher were coming. His knife now fixed tightly in his right hand and wearing his rifle. His eyes went back to horror days when he was fighting to liberate Rwanda with APR. The eyes only could be recognized with the enemy and other fellow soldiers, the fire on them like the Lord's angel Mikael, read to destroy the enemy without mercy.

Two of them they get to the open first, all with the RPG launchers on their shoulders, as they kneel waiting for their fellows, immediately in blink of an eye came other two all with AK 47s. They zigzag coming on the side where Frank was, and he could see them all. They had no idea that Frank was very close to them, and immediately when the three of them passed in-front of him, like a tiger attacking its prey, he jumped to the 4th one behind and pierced the USMC Knife to his Adam's apple, in a second while looking of the other prey in 4 meters ahead, punching and piercing him the knife on the neck, the remaining two as astonished they were, turned in a speed and Frank jumped behind the veranda of the nearby house. All was happening while Benja found himself jumped where he was, coming and make two sharp shoots to the remaining two Arab soldiers and all falling on the ground, in seconds all 4 were on the ground, as Frank looking back to check what is going on, as he hears the rounds fired in a professional way. Surprisingly to see Benja also hiding on the other corner, as all of them looking on the fallen bodies in few meters from where they took cover to make sure there are no other enemies on the vicinity.

One of them was trying to move from his wound. Benja wanted to fire another round and Frank showed the sign not to, because the enemy was far from his AK47 and he was badly wounded, the bullet took on his knee and he was shouting in pain covering his wound with his hands, trying to reduce the pain. After 2 minutes pass by when they all searching with their eyes if there is any threat. Now Frank approached the enemy and immediately grabbed and pulled him on the other side where Benja was, and he tied his hands behind in a style that Benja didn't understand at all. He tied all his elbows behind his back and the chest was protruding in-front and the enemy made a loud cry and he immediately covered his mouth and tied them also. This was made in silent while Benja was looking in a total shock. Immediately the enemy blacked-out. Then they all went on a silent mood for some minutes, all looking ready for any other attack.

Is he dead? Benjamin asked.

Not yet. Frank responded.

Now the dark was approaching and they started to make move towards where they heard the sounds of the gun fire which was now seized to total silent. They knew their way and knew where they were going before the ambush. They zigzagged together with their prisoner unconsciously, they dragged him together slowly making stops on the edge of the buildings in each 15 meters and with the darkness on the sky, they slowly moved and started to spot their platoon in a distance. As they make themselves known to their platoons' ambush on the side of the road, by lifting their rifles and repeating their tag names. As they approached with their prisoner, they immediately went to platoon commander, Second Lieutenant (2nd Lt) Wiley, a cowboy from Houston, Texas, for their statement and Benjamin was immediately taken care with the platoon physician, Duncan, as he examines his eye. While asking him some normal questions of what happened, Benjamin just repeated what he told Wiley before. Benjamin together with the Iraq captured insurgent were immediately taken care of, as the night enters. Frank was immediately ushered to join Platoon commander, platoon sergeant and other MCIs as he briefed them what happened and how they found themselves separated with the rest of the platoon, and how he decided to come with the prisoner.

Therefore, as they were waited for the platoon 2 to come for the evacuation mission and now after the platoon 2 arrived, they went back to their base and now Benjamin was recovered from the grenade fragment cut and now on a full energy to continue with other operations as usual. This time with full respect and having kind of dilemma about what he has seen from the action of Frank just few days ago. A week passed by, and they continued their work as usual. They had to go for a rescue mission in Fallujah.

Benja how are you feeling now? Frank asked as they were on the Humvee

Much better Franco, Replied Benja while looking for any suspicious look from Frank

The cut hasn't gone deep as we suspected, just small cut. Any news from the prisoner?

Rumors has it that, he met with the devil himself, interrupted Jackson, corporal from New Orleans, Louisiana.

Ooh, who was the devil? Benjamin or Frank, my guess it was obviously Franco, Jackson continued while laughing. Frank put on a plastic smile, looking at Jackson and now they were all silent, they were 5 of them on the Humvee and they all waiting for Frank to say something. But he prefers to stay silent. As they continued their operation in Fallujah, with heavy retaliations on its streets. And this time they were going for the rescue mission of 4 British contractors held by the insurgents inside Fallujah. On their way Frank as usual, silent, Jackson singing "Ain't Got no Home" (by Clarence Frogman Henry). All of them enjoying the song and focusing on the mission ahead. As they approached near the target point, they had the information before regarding the whereabouts of the captured contractors.

Frank was in front now advancing to the nearby building looking on the map, Jackson and Benjamin behind and another team flaking on the other side of the road with one of the residents of Fallujah who was helping them with all the information. They approached the building where the contractors were kept. 3 men guiding the upper terrace looking down the street. They were other two men guiding the entrance down stairs, all of them having wearing bullets proofs vest and AKs 47, with black sheds posing as pros and experienced terrorists. The plan was to enter the building silently and if possible, start firing when they are inside the building. The 2 marine teams where all wearing thawb (traditional Arab robe) and keffiyeh (Arabian headdress). Frank with the team A, approached the building and takes cover on the side of the building, dodging the 3 insurgents in the upper terrace, as they wait for the signal. Now on the side of the road comes their informant who is a resident of the town and started approaching where the two terrorist pros on the entrance and he saluted them

Asalam alleikum (Peace be with you). They didn't respond and instead one of the two pros approached grabbing his AK 47 tightly ready to shoot the guy. Now Jackson and Frank were in few meters from the other remaining guard. Frank rapidly rushed and jumped and pierced again the knife on the back of the guards' neck as Jackson fired two silenced shots on the other one who was approaching the informant. In few seconds, they pulled the two bodies aside so that the other three couldn't see what is happening, immediately all the 2 teams now approaching the entrance. As they enter, leaving their two marines guiding the entrance. And the rest of them with silencers on, they advanced inside the building. They have trained the map of the house and knew exactly where the contractors are being held. Inside the building were another 5 insurgents plus the three guards on the upper terrace. Now, the platoon Sergeant, Benjamin, clovis and Sattler, their mission was to go on the cell where the contractors were, while Frank, Jackson and Vincent were to go on the upper terrace to deal with the other three men guiding the area.

Go go, commanded the platoon sergeant silently, as Benjamin followed behind Sattler and Clovis. They immediately turned left on the side where the cell was, and make clear silenced shots, the surprising bullets to the three men sitting on the wooden chair playing cards and smoking cigarettes, all were down at once, on the other side of the stairs Frank, Vincent and Jackson climbing quickly but in a silently, they stopped to see the position of the three men on the upper terrace. Now as Frank approached to the last stair and giving the sign to his team, they all come near him and ushered Jackson to move left and Vincent to stay there and aim to the one of the insurgents who was a little bit far from the other two. Using his fingers now, him and Jackson approached the two remaining with the speed they have, shot three bullets each that enters on the forehead and the chest of all the two, while Vincent aiming at the remaining insurgent two bullets that shattered the head, and all went down at the same time. All the three took cover for few seconds and monitoring far down on the street looking at the entrance. Jackson whistled to alert the remaining two marines guiding the entrance and come out of their camouflage.

Frank and Vincent went back to see the platoon Sergeant and the team that went for contractors and found them, untying the contractors as they prepared for the evacuation immediately. They called Jackson to come down as they slowly approached the entrance and ready to go back. Tap on the back of each of the two marines guiding the entrance, "move, move" Commanded platoon sergeant. They moved as the eagle guiding their prey, with the rescued contractors in the middle and moving in a speed that managed for all the 9 (Platoon Sergeant, Frank, Benjamin, Jackson, Clovis, Vincent, Sattler and the two who were guiding the entrance plus the informant, Mohamed swing their eyes on the both sides of the street, and run towards their waiting four Humvees. Now as they drove towards their base, as usual after each mission, there comes a moment of silent, that was always followed with Jackson singing either one of the famous Louisiana blues or the worship songs of the 80s. This is the moment Frank enjoys the most and makes him love Jackson despite Jackson characters which were more similar or related to gangsters, but he was lovable and full of Christian beliefs just like him, Benjamin and their Platoon commander, who wasn't on this mission. So, most of the time when they make a successful mission without any lose, Jackson could sing one the Louisiana blues, and now he was again singing slowly the "Ain't Got no Home". Abruptly they encounter three white Landcrusers, looks like Al-Zarqawi men coming to pick their prisoners, and now the bullets were blazing everywhere and they managed to destroys these Al Zarqawi men, and they continue to their base now peacefully.

After two days as they were all doing their routine lifting to what looks like a gym on a clear morning sun, when Jackson approached Frank and started his usual jokes, but today his eyes were very much concerned. Just like how Benjamin started looking at Frank since they had separated together with the rest of the platoon when they encounter the heavy insurgents ambush. Frank could feel that his relationship with these boys were somehow changing as they kind of reducing their jokes about him and now they are kind of studying him. But he didn't bother asking, so he let it go and continue his usual way of living. They all know him as someone who didn't drink or smock so he was like a pastor without preaching any gospel. Used to laugh loud at their jokes and make advices on how these boys always asking about the purpose of every human creature on earth, and always Frank could answer them, "you will understand it when the opportunity appears, don't worry just be yourself and do your best to give all you have"

Hey, Franko, so you are the devil, the prisoner was talking about! Jackson admitted, and without knowing Benjamin was just few meters lifting a heavy chest metal, as Frank was making his pushups. Without looking at them, he responded, so you mean you haven't understood the knife techniques using? during your training?

"Ooh, so that's what the prisoner saw when you whack his friends? Interrupted Vincent a.k.a Vichenzo as Frank used to call him. Vincent was an Italian origin, born in the Bronx from a Sicilian father, who rumors had it that he was a former Mafia soldier captain back in 80s, he now owns a big restaurant in the Bronx.

Now all the three (Jackson, Benjamin and Vincent) stopped lifting and looking at Frank. Just playing the mind games, without asking anything that really on their minds. Frank also knew what was going on so he continues exercising. And suddenly he puts down the metal. And as he started laughing, he saw them concerned and their faces were hard now as if telling him, man-do-not-fool-around-who-are-you, kind of expression.

Have you been in any combat like this? before joining the Marine? Jackson asked, as the silent grows and now Frank was embarrassed with the question.

Why, Jackson? Just because you saw me using that knife? Anybody can do that, it's an individual style, as long you have your knife on your hands and the motive is to eliminate the enemy. Frank answered.

Vincent turned and asked Benjamin. Hey Benja, what happened that terrifies the other Arab prisoner? I hear he is asking to see Frank. He said the other black guy who tied him up in a barbaric style.

Now this was another thing added to the knife usage. And this was huge and everyone was gossiping about in the whole platoon, at least those who saw the prisoner coming when they were waiting for the evacuation after the ambush.

Oooh so, the prisoner wants to see me? Does he speak English? Frank changed the topic now

Si, Vincent replied.

And now Benjamin being the closest friend to Frank, he was silent all the time, interrupted on this and change the topic and they continue their exercises again. But no one was answered and they now increased their fear towards Frank, and he could sense this and all the three of them were in deep confusion but as usual they respected him because of his discipline and his combat style that was totally different from them. The way he was on the battle field and outside, described totally a different person and they all question about this, in-fact the whole platoon. Even the elder marines who were together on the different missions who had seen battle before, were talking about this young man, but with no other intention until when this Iraq prisoner asked of him, and now there were many questions inside their minds.

One morning when Jackson was outside their tent in the bright sunny day, under the shade, with his guitar, singing "How happy I am, by Reverend Gary Davis, one of song that Frank loved and the one that make him love Jackson like a little brother. Wearing their vest and their marine trousers, with a cup of tea on Franks' hand and Vincent by his side enjoying the song, Cigarette on his mouth, with his right hand holding a cup of tea. There were other marines from their platoon doing their lifting and all they could hear the song and the sound of the guitar. Jackson was good at both guitar and singing as well. As all three sat and Frank sang together with Jackson, with the slow guitar sound as they all repeated the chorus;

O, Glory how happy I am

O, Glory how happy I am

My soul is washed in the blood of the Lamb

Glory Halleluiah

And Jackson continued with the song as he continued now alone;

I was out in darkness and I could not see

Jesus came and rescued me

He claimed me and gave me a victory

Glory, hallelu

And one day while Jesus was passing by

He set my sinful soul on fire

He made me laugh and he made me cry

Glory, Hallelu

All now joined him, with other marines nearby too, all joined the chorus;

Whoa!

Yeah, glory how happy I am

My soul is washed in the blood of the lamb

Glory, hallelu

They continued enjoying the song, and Frank turned to see platoon commander, Second Lieutenant Wiley, as Jackson continued to sing. He was quite listening to the song as well, now he waved to Frank, showing a sign to follow him. And Jackson and Vincent also turned to see Frank and the Platoon commander walking their way towards the officer's mess. So, they stopped the song and looking as to say something but that wasn't the time and they decided to wait for Frank to come back and give them the news himself. As usual Benjamin was looking from a distance and seeing everything and still having many things to ask for himself but he always thinks of himself that this isn't a time for that, so he just observes. Benjamin was genius and very clever marine who only talks when it is necessary, just the same as Frank.

The prisoner wants to meet you, Frank? Demanded 2LT Wiley

Yeah, I had the rumors, Frank responded

Oh, so what do you guess the guys is insinuating, continued Wiley, He look so concerned about what you did to his friends.

So, I hear, Frank responded again, they wanted me to talk to him?

No, actually we are heading over there, is that ok with you? There are some company people, you know that I guess. Wiley asked

Hahaha, do I have to prepare like am the one to be interrogated? he is my prisoner, he should be scared of me instead. Frank laughed, just to show Wiley that this doesn't concern him.

My boy, that's my boy, Wiley continued opening what looked like a collider having different cells and rooms and banged the door to open the door.

As they entered the cell with another man, goes by name Allan (a company man, and Frank wasn't sure if Allan was his real name, that Frank didn't know but he looks like pro and somehow have seen days of troubles. He was wearing Khaki coat, unbuttoned with the light t-shirt showing his muscular chest. He greeted both of them.

Howdy, the company man saluted, and he shakes hand with Wiley, Frank was careful studying all the two, it seems they know each other back in the days and have been meeting during these past 3 weeks.

So, this is the devil, I was hearing about? The company man continued, looking at both sides, Franks and Wiley and he rested his eyes again on Frank. All was happening while Frank was at ease and put a little smile as he keeps on analyzing this new guy, very tall and heavy building, probably in his late 40s or early 50s.

Yeah, he is my boy, Frank, one of the best marines we got in the Platoon, Wiley responded patting at Frank shoulder as they follow the company man to the cell. They opened the door and there in-front were two Marines sitting behind wooden chairs as the prisoner was in the middle looking very weak on his eyes but, he was strong physically, with a bandage on his knee. The Two marines stood immediately to let Wiley and Allan have their seats, and they immediately left the cell. Frank was still standing as he and the prisoner looked at one another as if they were old buddies. Frank turned to see if he can find himself a chair in the room. To his surprise, there was a lady, far at the edge of the cell sitting fixing her eyes on Frank, and he immediately spotted the empty chair beside the lady, in her let 20s, another company agent probably. Wearing a light T-shirt and a skinny jean.

Can I, asked Frank as he picks the chair. The lady was still silent, and Frank didn't bother, he knows the drill.

He speaks English? Frank continues as he pulled the chair near the prisoner.

Where are you from? Interrupted the prisoner, Jamal

How are you feeling, Frank ignoring his question, just to remind him, he is the prisoner not the interrogator.

Better than the other two you killed, Jamal replied, that was quick and savage not professional as you people put it. I thought you are civilized and consider yourself to be more human than us.

At least it was fast, not as slow as the way you decapitate innocent civilians. Frank was still looking at his eyes. The room was silent and only slow voices from Frank and Jamal, taking in a way as if the old buddies talking. In hearing this Jamal laughed.

In 1998 I was in DR Congo the former Zaire and I spent time with people that had the skills like yours, how they do their things and how they tie up their prisoners. And they looked very much like you. You are not the native from anywhere near Texas or Kentucky either, you know what I mean? I spend 10 years in Minnesota, studied there, in fact am an American. Jamal posed.

Frank was a little bit shocked but showed no reaction at all, he didn't see this coming, as Wiley, Allan and the lady were still silent but now looking at one another, while the company lady wrote something on her book. And she lights her cigarette crossing her legs as if she is enjoying the show.

So you were in Congo, in 1998? What were you doing in DRC? Frank now asking

I was guiding one of our friends and exchanging guns to gold, you know, just business now Jamal was calm. Some of my friends looked like you, but they were Somalis and few Congolese who also looked like you, they told me they were from the tribe of Tutsi, originated from Rwanda. And they used to be among the rebels back in 90s and helped fellow Tutsi to liberate themselves.

Mmmmh so those people were Jihadist like you? Frank continued the question, but now he was a little bit nervous.

Only the Somalis, those Tutsis were our guides, we were paying them to smuggle us, me and the other Somalis to the Ugandan border with DRC. I saw those Tutsi boys tie some of their prisoners the way you tied me. I recognized this style, because when I saw it in 1998, I was scared to death back them, and I was picturing myself if I will one day encounter such tragedy. So, I used to call those boys, devils. So, are you? Jamal now looked hard on him.

You killed my brother with that knife of yours and I saw the way you did it, that was a face of the killer and not a soldier. The hatred you put in tying me in that style, is the way of a killer, why can't you put a respect when dealing with your prisoner? Am not angry that you killed my brother, am just shocked that USMC have soldiers who resemble the devil I saw back in those jungles. Jamal voice was a little bit low now.

So, you spent 10 years enjoying the very best education and shelter of Americans, and fighting them is your payback? What kind of hatred is that and here you are complaining about the way people fight back? The decapitate civilians? What for, as an American you said you are, the 9/11 is your payback for the folks who gave you all the knowledge you have. I think you are not in a position to judge anybody here, mmmmh what is your name again? Frank asked with concern now

Jamal, hope my brother will have his peace now as I have seen and talked with his killer. Jamal admitted.

At least you are alive, I didn't kill you back then. You are welcome. And I hope you will have a nice time in Gitmo. Frank concluded. The company lady was still writing things on her book.

We are God's soldiers, whether we live or die, all is ok with us, and we accept all that is happening to us without remorse. Answered Jamal.

You'll be judged by your actions, your heart knows better, the other things matter less. Peace be with you as you cooperate. Said Frank as he stood up. Hey, am not the devil, am Gods' soldier like Mikael, and my duty is to destroy the works of the devil and protect the vulnerable. Frank concluded.

Allan and Wiley stood as well and start to get out of the room, but the lady stayed. So, Allan went out followed by Wiley and Frank behind.

Hey Wiley, see you in the evening, Devil! We will be in touch. Allan patted Franks shoulder in a friendly manner and put a plastic smile on his face and get back to the cell and finds the lady now talking with Jamal.

Thank you so much, this was a moment I wanted so badly, that young man, he has been in those areas. I can feel his spirit and his eyes are from that region. So, it is ok now, what do you want to hear? Jamal was now calm as he rested on the back of the chair, looking tired and weak.

Tell us about the whereabouts of your boss, Al-Zarqawi, and tell us the top al-Qaeda top men who are in Fallujah. The lady now speaking, with the sharp eyes fixing on Jamal. Allan entered the room and they continue the interrogation. Allan called now the other two marine who were standing outside the cell and ushered them to enter, as he called the lady, Deborah to follow him outside.

What do you say, how is the kid? Allan asked

He doesn't look like a kid to me. I bet Jamal saw the devil out of him, and I saw it myself. Deborah admitted. Deborah was her real name, but she prefers to be addressed as Deb instead.

He has seen tough days and not from here, if not in those jungles, then elsewhere. Report to Langley and have his file verified. However, he seems a good soldier, I had some marine admitted. Never drinks, no smoking, no girls, and he is straight. So, he seems always calculating his moves, and he is both, an angel and a monster on the other side. Allan was explaining his views towards Frank.

Ok. Let's not jump into conclusion so fast, let's give it time and let him do his job here. I'll wire Langley and give them the feedback. So, have you contacted the Jew? Allan asked

Benjamin? Not yet, let him have his inquiry, will talk to him later this week. Wiley told me that he is a little bit changed since they were together in combat with Frank. So, let's wait. He is a clever young man. And I will know more from his analysis. Deb responded.

2LT Wiley and Frank started talking now as they were alone and the platoon commander wanted to know more about the conversation.

Frank, what was that with Jamal? 2LT Wiley asked, as they were going back to their tents.

I don't know? I thought you know his demand Sir. You are a good friend to those company guys. Frank replied

Yes, I was with Allan back in the days in Somalia and that was the last time I saw him, been a while and I saw him here in Iraq, though he was one of good marine but I had no idea what was Jamal demanding of you, apart from knowing that you captured him that's it. Wiley continued.

I think these people have their own rituals of looking and facing their killers face to face maybe that what takes away the fear in them. Who knows? Frank answered, they both meet eye and Wiley hesitated for a moment and commanded Frank to dismiss.

Vincent, Jackson and Benjamin were waiting for him and immediately got up and answer what was all about.

He said he wanted to meet his brother's killer, and thanking me for saving his ass. Frank bragging

Ooh so he was very much indeed grateful to you and calls you devil? Vincent was curious

Yes, that's all about Vincenzo. Frank concluded as he went to his bed leaving his three friends standing looking at him. He was older than them both. So, they put respect on that and also the fact that he was a little bit bald than them in the battle and all of them saluted this for him so they let it pass and let him rest, they can imagine what was all about and imagines the stress he had after talking to the prisoner.

That night when Frank was on his bed, he starts to remember in 1994 when he was still a very young man 16 years of age, he started remembering horrible days in Rwanda.

((Frank was laying low far from them but he could see what was going on as they were trying to slowly approach the camp. That night the stars were all over the sky and everything was quiet even the bush frogs were silent and the only sound were the sound of his own breath. He was positioned behind with other two soldiers and given the order to cover the perimeters as his remaining of the section advanced to the camp. The operation was to approach the camp and get the information regarding the enemy and recording all the ambush positions and to monitor the enemy movements.

"Do you see what I see? Frank whispering to Mugemanyi who was laying low beside him. "Jesus, Adui (enemy) replied Mugemanyi slowly. Platoon Sergeant and other three soldiers were busy cutting the fence and there they can see sneaking enemies, two of them were approaching the direction where the Platoon Sergeant was.

"We have to make sure we deal with these two enemies before they see the Sergeant" Frank commanded Mugemanyi who was in total shock.

This was his first kill and by his own hands. He didn't think about it much at the moment as he silently cut the throat of the enemy while and Mugemanyi did the same to the other enemy. Platoon Sergeant hesitated a little bit looking behind hearing the sound of the body hitting on the ground, and immediately Frank echoed the code sign ushering that everything is ok. While crawling back to his position looking in all different directions making sure there are no other sneaking enemies in the middle of the night, Mugemanyi behind him, looking like an escaped tiger quietly breathing in series. For both of them, this was their first kill and a hand kill. The mission was a success, as they draw back to their platoon. All 6 of them were silent for 2 hours, all of them wearing enemy uniforms for camouflage but with different weapon, they were all caring AK 47s Sub Machine Guns (SMGs). Frank started to smell the blood all over his face. He started thinking of what could have happened when the enemy spotted them first, at this moment his mind was lashing back to his village and started thinking all the Sunday sermons and the life they used to have back in the days when he was a young Christian boy.

Back in late 80s, Franks Family were in exile in Tanzania, which by then was dominated by Catholics. His family was one of the devoted members of charismatic and never missed Sunday services. He was more into fearing the 10 commandments and especially the number 6, You shall not murder. Every Sunday they used to wake up early in the morning and go to church, Joseph, Franks Father was also raised in catholic family back in Rwanda in early 50s, in Astrida (Now Huye district), was known as the home of first catholic followers. Nevertheless, his father was always reminding them that they are not from Tanzania and could tell them how sweet and green their motherland of Rwanda was, the land flowing with Milk and Honey and how badly they were chased by the Belgium colonial masters and the Hutu regime. They had to abandon everything and most importantly their land and cows. His family was loyal to the King and his great grandparents were Kings soldiers, therefore they had to go to exile, all of these were echoing into his minds the voice of his deceased father.

All of this was coming back to his mind while on their way from the enemy camp. Suddenly, the Platoon Sergeant broke the silent and approached Frank,

Hey Kadogo (nickname for a young soldier by then), what was that?

Sir, we were lucky to spot them first, Replied Frank, without looking at Sergeants face.

Look at me! Sergeant commanded, pulling the collar of Franks shirt, and now they stopped in the middle of the mountain, and all six of them stopped. His eyes were as red as the squeezed tomatoes, and blood were all over his shirts and face. He could just smell the blood but he wasn't thinking straight and among the 6, four of them were experienced soldiers (rebels at that time) and used to seeing killing, but Frank and Mugemanyi were the newcomers and the youngest in that section. For Frank this was his first raking (spying) operation and his first kill, and encountering the enemy face to face. He kept on looking at Sergeants eyes quietly and at that moment Sergeant could see death on Franks face and he was also silent for like 40 seconds. All six of them were silent just waiting to hear what will happen next. The level of discipline was something that is unquestionable among them and they understood the cost of anyone showing lack of it.

I spotted two enemies coming your way and I didn't want to call you guys because the angle you were in, you couldn't conquer them, Frank calmly explained to Platoon Sergeant.

So, I crawled fast and get Mugemanyi with me and that what happened and we managed to neutralize them. Frank concluded the story and that was it. They had been trained to only say few things and straight to the point. Sergeant looked at Mugemenyi to hear from him as well. Mugemanyi looked back and said nothing, he kept staring at Frank, looking for any sign and there was none. Sergeant turned back to Frank slowly releasing his palm from Franks shirt and he whispered slowly.

Good Job Kadogo, and that was the end of the story as they hit the road again back to their platoon. On their way they saw 4 militias (Interahamwe) all of them with machetes and wearing hand grenade and two of them with guns. Franks platoon take cover on the nearby mountain and Platoon sergeant ordered them to take cover and observe. In like 15 minutes, Platoon sergeant ordered Frank to go near and observe more what is happening. So, he crawled and move down the mountain and approach the house. He started hearing the sounds of the ladies crying. These militias had 2 Tutsi girls they were raping. And Frank immediately waved for the platoon Sergeant to come over. So, all of them they come near and they had the sounds a well.

Let's circle the house and I will enter through that door and Mugemanyi you will enter through the back door. Frank, you stay here. Platoon sergeant giving instruction and he told the other three guys, one to follow him and the other two with Mugemanyi on the other back door. They slowly moved and Frank takes cover where Platoon Sergeant ushered him to stay, and he waited there. These militias two of them were raping and the other two were smoking marijuana waiting for their turn while the ladies kept crying in sorrow and fear.

Platoon Sergeant breaks the door and immediately he shots on the head of one of the militias who was smoking marijuana and the other two run to the back door when Frank was, shot one of them and the other one remained escaped and he was running towards Frank side, Frank shot at him but missed and he run after him on the beans field, he again shot another bullet, this time heating the leg and the militia was now slowing down in pain and Frank approached him and pierced a knife on his throat immediately with anger because he was very angry for these people and what they were doing to those ladies. And dragged the body back to the house.

Now there were three bodies and they captured one militia alive. They calmed the ladies who were helpless and they gave them water to drink and they told them to calm down.

Ladies you safe with us. You are in good hands- Platoon Sergeant told them.

Hey Frank, you did him? Looking at the body in-front of Frank.

Yes Sir- Frank answered, and what about that bastard. Looking at the militia tied his hands behind.

We will give him his medicine. Platoon Sergeant answered as he approached the lady who were sobbing slowly and he told them to be calm and he told the other soldiers to move on with ladies. Platoon Sergeant, Frank and Mugemanyi stayed behind. And after the other three soldiers were out of vicinity. He immediately kills the other militia and they both dragged their bodies behind the house. There was a pit and throw them there. Taking their hand grenades and the guns)).

Now as they were entering Al Hadrah mosque, their platoon encountered heavy gunshots from the ambushed sniper from the insurgents and there again they separated and Vincent was on the other side of the building badly wounded on the stomach and he managed to crawl and hide on the edge of the building, Frank on the other side with other marines from their platoon were trying to look for the snipers as they hide on the other left buildings. Seeing a large enemy concentration gathering at building, in 100 meters, Vincent trapped in the middle and Frank could see that any minute these insurgents might advance and take Vincent alive,

Cover me, am going for Vincent, Frank told Benjamin as he showed him where to focus on shooting on the right side where they could see the position of the sniper.

Aye, aye, as Benjamin takes position and start shooting, on the other side of the road, the platoon was also busy firing at the enemy on the other side. This time the insurgents were too near with them and there was heavy gunfire and heavy artillery from both sides. Frank zigzagged faster towards Vincents' position. Vincent was helpless as he tried to fire some rounds towards the enemy who were advancing towards him in a way to capture him and there comes Frank, as he was dodging some of the snipers aiming and some fires from other insurgents who were coming for Vincent, and he also started shooting at them as he stops where Vincent covering position.

Hey, let me see that, as he checks on Vincent wound, and Benjamin was still firing single fire to give Frank time.

Thank God you are here, these guys were matching toward this side" Vincent admitted.

Yeah, am going get you out of here, Frank promised, again raised as both of them shot rounds of fire, as the enemies now took cover and some were backing the moment the saw that another marine joined Vincent, their motive was to capture the wounded Vincent.

Can you run? or can you at least stand on your feet? Frank asked

Can't run, but I can stand for few minutes, Vincent replied.

Ok, then we will have to make moves to that building near Benjamin and make a stop over there, I'll grab you and make sure you fire at them and I will be firing on the sniper position over there, I gave Benjamin the same task to fire on the sniper position. We 'll make that stop there and see what is next, at least we will be near Benjamin and other marines on the next building. Frank commanded

Aye aye - Vincent replied, he was bleeding and he tried to put some bandages to slow the flow of blood, he was feeling weak now. But he had to make sure he fires on the direction that Frank showed. Now Frank grabbed him in the upperpart of his ribs and they started moving while shooting as Benjamin also was shooting at the sniper's position. The other insurgents who were taking cover, they saw what happened and they started shooting at them as well as the bullets from Vincent makes them hide and slow from advancing. Luckily enough they reach on the edge of the building that Frank said for them to make a stop. Benjamin continues to fire on the sniper's position as the sniper tried to change positions but Benjamin was hard on him.

This is good now. Frank continues as he looks at Vincent who was now in pain and he looks like he is going to black out.

We go again, Frank grabbed him again and they moved towards Benjamin. They reached him and this was their best position and they immediately called the marine doctor who was also next meters from Benjamin with other marines and they immediately looked at Vincent wound.

Hey let me see that. Benjamin examined Frank who was bleeding on his neck, there was a cut, but small one from a missed bullet that was aiming his face. So, he just grabbed a small linen cloth and tie the wound as they start evacuating the place.