The Blind Alley

          “Here’s your coffee and cigarettes honey,” the Mrs. said before kissing her husband goodnight.  When she was out of the room NightWing quickly grabbed a beer and poured the coffee down the sink.  He left the kitchen and went down to his basement, he regularly went down there to face his demons. He has dozens of photos and awards adorned the walls of his home in Snow Summit.  He sat back in his easy chair and opened the ice cold beer, he looked around at his various awards and medals but could not help but think about the picture in the desk drawer he always refused to post, the group photo of he and his men taken before climbing into the choppers that would take them to a place only known as the Blind Alley.........

            ........Whump whump whump whump of the chopper blade was so loud NightWing had to yell “When we hit the field scatter into three groups. Saturn, Batosia, and Suicide, your Alpha group.  Headache, Hellsing, and Trooper, your Bravo group.  Warlock, Sniper72, and I will make Charlie group.” Looking into Sniper72 eye's he said "Snipe your got some big shoes to fill. Angel our fallen comrade was one hell of a sniper and a solider. If you can't fill his shoes let me know and I’ll shoot you now." Laughter erupted from the squad except for poor Snipe who weekly smiled, not sure if the Gen was joking or serious. “All joking aside, if you don’t do your job Snipe, I will shoot you.” Gen.NightWing whispered into his ear.
            They dropped in about 1/4 mile from the line.  The marines were trying to hold the front but the enemy waves were coming too fast. NightWing could her the cries of dying men as he laid out the last orders.  “Alpha I want you to put fire on the main bunker.  Bravo go around and left flank the main artillery.” NightWing slapped Snipe out of his trance  “Snipe snap out of it!  You will see a lot more people dying today. Get your gear together and get moving. Warlock, you and Snipe here follow me. All groups keep in radio contact, I want to know what’s going on.” 
              The groups parted their ways.  Running like hell War, Night, and Snipe made their way through the cluttered rubble.  “Snipe get in that abandoned warehouse over there and set up camp. You’re to watch me and War’s back and kill officers . There is supposed to be a General held up on the other side of the lines, so look for stars.”  Snipe72 headed out of site as the gunfire grew more frightening.  “War you and I will take out the main command post.“  War smiled with an evil grin “Sounds like fun Gen.“ “I’ve got to send him to the psych ward for evaluation after this.” thought Night. The pair of old warriors set out, soldiers dropping everywhere Night new they had to hit that main command post hard and fast.  He and Warlock moved through the trenches, dodging bullets and falling bodies, praying to the gods that they might live through this mess.
               Nights radio comes to life. “GEN. This is Saturn. We joined up whit the main Front line to put pressure on the main bunker. But we can’t make a dent till Bravo takes out that….. BOOOOOMMMM! Zzzzzzzzzz” the static was all that could be heard. “Damn it War, I think we just lost Alpha team”. 
               Mortar shells and howitzers were a plaguing the field of battle and the only cure was to take the artillery out. “Bravo team where the hell are you guys?!“ Night screamed over the radio. Silence came from the radio. Night repeated him self “Bravo team where the hell are you.“ More silence, then a voice came over the radio. 
                   “Gen…. This is Trooper. Head and Hell are dead and I’m wounded sir. I don’t think I’m going to make it sir, but I will do my job and take out that artillery if it’s the last thing I do.”
                    “Trooper sit still and I’ll have medical pick you up…… Trooper answer me. Trooper!“  “Snipe can you spot Trooper?“ 
                     “I got him in site sir. He’s charging the motors sir caring a arm load of satchels, and taking a lot of lead doing so. S-s-sir I don’t understand how he can still be moving.“ A resounding roar echoed over the battle field. “S-s-sir he did it Sir he took out the mortar encampment.“ Snipe replied in amazement.
                     “Why don’t they ever paint an accurate picture in the damn briefing room!” Said War. “We’re loosing too many men!”
                      “Shut the hell up War.”  NightWing was in no mood for complaints at this point.  They had been sent on a suicide mission and he didn’t need a second opinion on that.  “Just get moving again. Snipe you better be covering us.”
                       “Ahhh! I’m hit.” a dying marine cried.  He looked around him and saw the same, NightWing pushed forward thinking there was no way out. Warlock moved out of site.  NightWing looked over the mounds and still no sign of his companion.  “Damn it War, where are you?”  Just then an enemy soldier jumped his ass.  NightWing struggled to reach his sidearm. “Crap I cant move,” he thought as he tried to find leverage.  He looked up just in time to see his adversary’s face turn to blood.  
                       A hand reach out to help him up. “I’m Redcommie sir.” 
                      “Who the hell is in command of this fucking mess Red?”  
                      “Hell if I know sir.” 
                       NightWing could feel the walls closing in on them, “grab a saw and follow me.” NightWing and Red slowly made there way around the field in the trench system.  Red pushed night into the dirt. “Oh shit, get down.” That was all Night heard before the explosion. When he got up he found Red’s remains.  He was saved twice by a soldier he never new. War was right, too many men where dying.
                        He was closing in on the command  post. He looked across the way and saw Warlock being pinned down in the trench by two enemy men.  Night snuck up to the two men and shot them in the back their heads without hesitation and helped his friend to his feet. “Damn you are worth less” Night laughed. War just smiled at him.
                       “Lets Do this.“ War said before they started moving. When they reached the command post they quickly tossed two grenades inside and ran.  The explosion came and bodies flew.  The had done it.  Without a commanding officer to lead them the enemy troops were as good as dead. 
                        “Gen. Sir, this is Bat.” Night radio sounded. “We took the bunker sir.  B-but sir , Saturn and Suicide took a nade sir. Suicide is seriously injured and Sat didn’t make it.
                        “Just hold your position Bat and call for medical for help.” 
                        Night and War headed back to the extraction point. They ran past a blown up tank and the radio came to life “STOP!“ Too late, Warlock hit the ground as a sniper hiding behind the tank shot him. NightWing grabbed his friend and pulled him into a trench.  Snipe fired at the sniper but missed him as he took off running. “Sir I didn’t see him till it was too late. I’m sorry sir”. There was something familiar about that assassin and Night could not place it. 
                        Then with a strange little smile War closed his eyes and let out one last breath. “Ain’t life a bitch.”  

                        Within a half an hour the enemy had fallen.  Among the bodies found were Saturn, Headache, and Hellsing.  The body of Trooper was never found.  NightWing, Batosia, and Suicide rode back in the carrier in silence.  When back to base NightWing stormed into command and put in his resignation. Suicide died in the hospital 5 days later.  Bat still served With XS and was decorated for his out standing service…………..

                        …………NightWing got out of his easy chair and walked to the mirror.  He looked old and beat up. The stress of battles and loss of friends have taken its toll on him. A shadow appears in the mirror behind the him. “Hello, Was wondering what was taking you so long.” The figure just smiled at him. “It was you that took out Warlock wasn’t it.” The figure just nodded his head and raised a .45 cal pistol with a silencer.
                        “This is for Hollow” is all Night heard.