Thin-Red-Line

The heavy boom of Sanchez’ Anti-Tank rifle rippled through Garcia’s ears as he hunkered in his foxhole. While the anti-government rebels here in the Bahn islands had few armored vehicles, never mind tanks, Sanchez had discovered that his weapon was ideal for long-range sharpshooting, the 13mm superhardened slug reducing its victims to “a fine red mist” as he described his kills. Of course, watching the loudmouthed corporal lug his 30+ pound weapon through the tropical jungle as they advanced against the rebels was always amusing. Made up for his smugness at his accuracy. And watching the dumb bastard almost kill himself every time the squad had to hit the deck and the great honking cannon came down on him still elicited laughter from the rest of the men. Levity in times like this was important. Such was the War. Such was the fighting. Such was the duty of the Alexandrachan Expeditionary Forces in Bahn Rah. Sergeant Garcia could only listen as Sanchez, finding another