Chapter 9: Unexpected Letter And Another Mission

Its been few weeks since the ambush, I've been recuperating in the infirmary since then. Even though I've been hit in the leg, I'm recovering much faster than Bungum. And ss a precaution, they kept me and Bungum in the infirmary to monitor any delayed symptoms from the intense combat.

The squad have twenty four confirmed kills, good numbers for a squad who did not suffer a casualty.

We were lucky that Toms grenade successfully killed for what we believed the enemies command that stops and lessens considerably the intensity of the waves of VC guerillas. If not for that, we would not be able to get away with just a few shots, scrapes and bruises.

The days passed slowly in the sterile environment of the infirmary. The doctors and nurses were efficient and professional, tending to our wounds and ensuring we were on the path to recovery. I spent my time reading, sleeping, and talking with Bungum.

One day, as I was doing some light exercises in my bed, trying to keep my muscles from withering, the doctor approached with a clipboard in hand.

"PFC Jackson," he said, looking up from his notes. "I have to say, your recovery rate is quite impressive. It's almost... unnatural how quickly you're healing."

I shrugged, a slight grin on my face. "Must be all that farm work back home, Doc. Built me tough."

He chuckled. "Well, whatever it is, keep it up. You're set to be released soon, but take it easy for a bit, will ya?"

"Will do, Doc. Thanks."

Not long after, my squad members began to visit us. They always brought a mix of jokes and news from the field.

Mack was the first to visit, lugging his M60 as if it was part of him. "You look too comfy in that bed, Jim. Getting soft on us?"

I laughed. "Just waiting for you guys to give me a reason to get back out there."

Tom, Bob, Chuck came in next, Tom carrying a pack of cards. "Thought we'd play a few hands, keep you sharp," he said with a grin.

Tom added, "And maybe win some of that recovery chocolate you've been hoarding."

Carter and Godbolt also visited, Carter said with a grin. "Hey triple J, recover already. There's a lot of boom boom girls you can have fun with 1 dollars! 1 dollars man, 1 dollars!"

Even Sergeant Savage made an appearance, his stern face softening slightly as he saw us. "Good to see you boys on the mend. We'll need you out there soon enough."

"What for Sarge?" Bungum asked.

"I cant say it here, but be sure 2 days from now, 1300 hours, at briefing room, be there."

"Fucking A, Sarge."

"Got it."

The most surprising visit came in the form of a letter from my little sister, Emily. I opened it eagerly, her familiar handwriting bringing a smile to my face.

"Hey Jamy,

I hear you got yourself into a bit of trouble over there. Typical. Honestly, I think you just enjoy lounging around in that infirmary bed. Hope it's comfy!

Things are pretty much the same here. Ma is baking like there's no tomorrow, and it's all your favorite stuff too apple pie, chocolate cake, you name it. She says it's just because the house is quieter without you, but I know she's worried sick. You should see her; she's like a whirlwind in the kitchen. I'm pretty sure she's trying to bake away her stress. Dad's still pretending to be the cool, laid-back guy, but every time he talks about you, his eyes give him away. He misses his favorite farmhand, even though he won't admit it.

As for me? Well, someone has to keep the spirit alive around here. I've taken over your chores, which is probably why the cows look a bit skinnier and the barn is less tidy. Just kidding! I'm doing a decent job, but it's definitely not the same without you. I keep telling the chickens stories about how you'd always talk to them like they were your personal army. They seem to miss you too.

Speaking of which, remember old Mr. Thompson down the road? He actually stopped by to ask if you were ever going to come back and fix that fence you promised to mend. I told him you'd be back soon enough, but I think he just misses having someone to argue with about the best way to fix a fence.

And another thing, remember that time you swore you saw a UFO in the back pasture? Well, last night I saw some strange lights out there. I think you might have been onto something, or maybe I'm just missing your crazy stories.

'Well I really did SEE one, I can still remember a ball of light fall from the sky in high speed seemingly about to collide at the ground, but it stopped and flew again beyond the horizon taking one of the cows! None believed me and even Mack mistook me for smokin weed and told me stop.'

Anyway, I just wanted to say that I miss you. It's weird not having you around to tease and annoy. Just make sure you come back in one piece, okay? I need someone to argue with about who gets the last slice of pie.

Stay safe and come back soon. We need you here, even if it's just to keep things interesting.

Love,

Emi

P.S. Don't let those guys over there give you too much of a hard time. Remember, you're Jackson, Jacksons are tough."

Her teasing brought a warmth to my heart that the infirmary could never provide. I folded the letter and tucked it into my shirt pocket, a reminder of home and the people waiting for me.

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A few days later, we were called in for a debriefing. The room was small, filled with the smell of stale coffee and the low murmur of voices. Sergeant Savage stood at the front, a map spread out on the table before him.

"Alright, listen up," he began. "Intel has identified a crucial NVA and VC supply road. Our mission is to set up an ambush. We disrupt their supply lines, we weaken their capability to fight. This will be a joint operation of other squads."

He pointed to various spots on the map. "We'll position ourselves here, while the others position here, and here. Timing and coordination will be crucial. We hit them hard and fast, then we get out. The operation begins at 600 hours, Understood?"

We all nodded. Bungum, still sporting a bandage on his shouldr, leaned over and whispered, "Ready for round two?"

I grinned. "More than ready."

The debriefing continued with details about our positions, escape routes, and expected enemy strength. Savage made sure every detail was covered, ensuring we knew exactly what was expected of us.

'Ah finally, after weeks of at the infirmary, we finally gonna have some action.' I thought as I listened at the briefing. Then a grin emerged at my face.

'And another opportunity to put bullets to some gooks head. '