MARCHING DOWN MEMORY LANE
A JAKE MITCHELL STORY
(SEQUEL TO "HAPPY ANNIVERSARY")
By Beej
So, anyway I thought seeing as I was here holding the fort for you, I may as well ship the new recruits down here for some training. It might make them feel a bit special
Jake grinned over at his friend. Mike hadnt stopped talking since he picked Jake and Angie up at the airport. They were now back at the wharf and Mike was pulling all the luggage out of the car.
I thought you were travelling light.
Well, I promised Angie that she could buy what she needed when we got to Spain and I guess she needed all this. Jake pointed to the three new matching suitcases that were standing in line behind the car, then at his solitary kit bag. He pulled Angie to him and kissed her. It was my anniversary gift to her, mate.
And it was one I loved putting together, Angie laughed in reply.
When they got to the apartment there was a welcoming smell of fresh coffee and baking. Tori and Jenny met them at the door and after kisses and hugs all round, they were dragged to the sofa and told to sit. Within moments there was coffee and tea for everyone, and a plate of steaming blueberry muffins in the middle of the coffee table.
Tell us all about the trip, Jenny prompted.
Its good to be home, Luv, Jake replied, smiling at everyone.
They talked for a couple of hours before Jenny looked over at Angie, who had fallen asleep against Jake.
I think its time to go. You must be bone tired, and Angie has given up the ghost. Dont get up, Jake. Well see ourselves out.
Jake thanked them all quietly for the welcome home, and promised to call Jenny later. When they had gone, he turned slowly to Angie and smiled. He managed to get up without waking her, and scooped her up in his arms to carry her up to their bedroom. Placing her gently on the bed, he opened the windows to let in the morning breeze and closed the blinds. He was soon by her side, fast asleep with her safely in his arms.
+
Jakes head shot up at the sound of a door slamming in the distance. It wasnt the kind of sound usually heard around the 12th floor offices of the Sydney branch of A&M Services. Placing his pen down on the blotter, he sat up, his head tilted to one side, listening for further noise. After a couple of minute's of silence, he turned his attention once more to the pile of paperwork in front of him.
About ten minutes later, his office door flew open and Jenny came rushing in. Jake, come quick
Jake followed Jenny down past the reception area and through the double glass doors to the back offices. As Jenny pushed the doors open the sound hit Jake like a punch to the stomach. The cacophony was emanating from the staff rest room.
Jake stopped Jenny as her hand reached for the handle. Ill go in first, Luv. He pushed open the door and stood there, hands on hips, surveying the chaos in front of him.
Dining chairs were laying on their sides. Cups lay shattered around the floor, and Darren had someone in a headlock, his face pushed up against the wall.
What the fuck is going on!! Jake yelled.
Darren turned at the sound of Jakes voice, but didnt loosen his grip on the other man.
And who the fuck is that?
As Darren turned, the unidentified man was pulled away from the wall and Jake could see his face. It was one of the American recruits that Mike had flown down from Chicago.
Okay both of you pick up those chairs, sit down, and explain just what the hell you think youre doing.
Both men started to speak at once, only stopping when Jake held up his hand for silence.
One at a time, boys.
He was dissing the unit, boss, Darren growled. Called us a bunch of death or glory boys.
Jake tried to suppress the grin that was threatening to break out over his face. Hed been called that many times during his time in the SAS. Keeping a straight face, he looked at the American.
That right, Brooke?
I might have said something like that, he confessed sullenly.
What did you do before you joined A&M?
I was a guard with Loomis Fargo & Company.
No
military experience?
None, sir. All of us are ex security guards.
Okie dokie. Might I suggest then that while youre here with us you keep your thoughts to yourself. Youll find a lot of the men here are ex-military and dont take kindly to the kind of remarks youve made, Jake said, getting up and limping to the door.
You wouldnt be one of them with that gimpy leg, Brooke muttered under his breath. Darren turned to grab him again
Dazza youre with me, Jake said without turning. Darren snarled at Brooke, but followed Jake out of the rest room and back down towards the reception area.
Jinny, could you get us something hot to drink and see if Mikes around? If you find him, ask him to join us in my office, please.
Darren followed Jake into the office and headed towards the chair in front of Jakes desk. Jake had other ideas and settled into one of the sofas at the window end of the office. Darren turned and joined him.
Jake, Im
Jake held up his hand, Dont say anything until Jin and Mike get here.
They didnt have long to wait. The door opened and Jenny came in with a tray of steaming mugs, closely followed by Mike, who closed the door quietly behind him. They all sat and settled with their drinks before anything was said.
Whats up, Jake? Mike queried.
I had to stop a fight just now between one of your new blokes and Dazza. Seems some of your blokes dont rate the military in general, and the SAS in particular. Brooke thinks hes safe saying that to me because Im a cripple and wouldnt have been in the service anyway.
He said that? Why would he think
No worries, Mike. My legs playing up a bit this morning is all, so he caught my limp. All that aside though, I cant have dissention amongst the staff, even if your blokes are only down here for a while. Im not impressed with the attitude and am just glad youve taken them on for the uniformed security section. They wouldnt cut it as negotiators, and if they dont change for the better, I cant see us keeping them on as cleaners, let alone guards.
I understand, Jake, and totally agree. What do you have in mind?
Who says Ive got something in mind, mate?
I know that look, and if you didnt have something planned youd have ripped his balls off and shoved them down his throat by now.
Jenny nearly choked on her tea at that remark and sat for a few seconds snorting while Jake patted her on the back and handed her a wad of tissues.
You okay, Luv?
Im fine. Just warn me before you come out with a remark like that again and Ill make sure I dont have a mouthful of tea to choke on, Jenny laughed in reply.
Good onya, Jin. Anyway, Ill need a couple of days to get something sorted out, see if Im still good for a few favours. As soon as Ive got something arranged, Ill need some volunteers from my lads, and I expect all of your blokes to take part as well.
Not a problem, Jake, Mike replied, watching his partner and wondering just what he had up his sleeve.
Oh, and Mike, Jake called as Mike and Darren headed to the door. Youll be coming along for the ride, too, just in case they dont realise that youre ex special forces as well.
Man, I hate to think what you have in mind for them.
Just remember, what doesnt kill us only makes us stronger or something like that, Jake grinned.
Jenny got up to leave with the others, but Jake motioned her to stay. Can you see if you can get hold of Tom for me, please, Luv?
Okay, Jake. Ill get right on it.
Ten minutes later, Jakes phone rang and Jenny told him she had Colonel Tom Fisher on the line. Asking her to make sure he wasnt disturbed, Jake took the call.
+
A few days later memos went out and a meeting was arranged in the conference room. The five trainees from Chicago were there as well as about ten of Jakes Sydney staff. Jake and Mike entered the room and looked around at the small crowd, Mikes men looked sullen but Jakes crew were alert and eager to find out what was going down.
Okay, guys, Jake began. Mike and I have arranged a little field trip. All five Chicago trainees are taking part, and, as much as I know that soldiers never volunteer for anything, Id like five from the rest of you to step up to the mark.
Both Jake and Mike grinned when all ten men took a step forward.
Looks like were gonna have to draw lots, Jake.
Jake looked at his men and smiled when he noticed that Brian was amongst them. As company accountant and chief risk analyst, he didnt get out of the office too much, and Jake was wondering if it would be fair to include him in what he had planned. He relegated those feelings to the back of his mind. If indeed they did draw lots, Brian only had a 50/50 chance of being chosen, so no decision had to be made right away.
Okie dokie, not very professional, but in this case, I guess its the fairest way to go. Jinny will write your names on slips, and well draw them out.
There was muttering from the Chicago five and Mike turned to them. There a problem?
Brooke stepped forward. Why do they get to chose whether to take part or not but we have to go?
Because, my friend, you all are trainees. End of discussion.
Refreshments are on the way, gentlemen. Just relax until we get ready for the draw. Well be back in about 15 minutes. Play nice, Jake grinned as he and Mike left the conference room, passing Dee and Sandi as they rolled in the refreshment trolley.
Jake sat on the edge of Jennys desk as she typed the ten names and printed them off, then watched as she cut the slips and folded them, placing them into a container.
Did you know Brian was going to be one of the ten? Mike asked.
No, mate, and Ive no idea what Im gonna do if we draw his name out of the hat. Im not sure if hell be able to cope with what Ive got planned.
And just what do you have planned, Jake?
Im going to give your boys a chance to prove that they are better than the military, seeing as they think were all a bunch of tossers.
Details? Mike requested.
Not yet, mate. Need to know basis. Dont worry, though, Ill brief you before we set out on Thursday.
Jenny handed the bowl containing the name slips to Jake and they headed back to the conference room. The men were all tucking into the sandwiches, pastries and hot drinks when they got back.
Hope youve left us some, Mike quipped, snagging a couple of plates and filling them with sandwiches and two large vanilla slices. Handing one to Jake, he went to sit at the head of the large oak table. Jake sat by his side and Jenny was next to Jake.
So that everythings above board, Jin is going to draw the names out, and therell be no negotiations with the unlucky five.
There were good natured groans from Jakes crew, but they all went quiet when Jenny reached for the first slip.
Davey
Ian
Greg
Darren
Brian
The five chosen smiled and shook hands with each other, and then commiserated with the five unlucky ones. Jake cleared his throat and the room went quiet.
Right then, heres the juice. On Thursday you all need to be here by 10:00am. Minimum luggage. A bus will be here at 10:45am to take us to the airport. Take the rest of the day, and tomorrow off, rest up you need to be fresh and relaxed. The rest of you, back to work.
As they all filed out of the door Jake spoke again. Brian, hang on two ticks, please. They waited until everyone had left the room then sat back down around the conference table.
Brian, are you sure youre up for this, mate?
Well, I dont know just what you have in mind, boss, but its a chance for me to get out of the office, and maybe show everyone Im not just a desk jockey.
Hey, friend, has someone said something to make you feel how can I put this ?
No, Mike. Dont worry. I dont have the need to prove Im a man or anything like that, but maybe I do feel the need to prove to those Yanks, no offence, that were not just all hot air.
Mike, you might have forgotten, but Brian was in the service as well. Not special forces, but hes just as eager to fight for our honour as the rest of the blokes. Brian, I cant tell you just whats going to happen over the weekend, but I want to let you know that if at any time, you feel that you cant complete the task in hand, theres no shame in letting us know because there are dozens of top servicemen every year that dont complete it either.
Okay, Jake. Im looking forward to it even more now. I want to show you I can rise to the challenge, and I promise Ill stop before you need to come to my aid, whatever it is were going to be doing.
Good onya, mate. Now, off you go and enjoy the time off. Tell your wife youre coming on a business trip with me for financial backup. She thinks I cant add two and two and make anything close to four.
Yeah, sorry. Shes another who thinks special forces are all show, Im afraid. She wasnt impressed with the few we met when I was in the service.
I keep telling you to let her know that I was with the Kiwi boys, and were much better behaved, Jake laughed as he slapped Brian on the back and sent him off home.
The girls came in to clear up, and Mike grabbed the plate of pastries as he headed out the door towards Jakes office. Jake winked at them and told them to help themselves to the rest of the pastries still in the fridge, then followed the trail of crumbs to where Mike was standing looking out of his window down across the harbour.
I never get tired of this view, man.
Well, you have the lake in Chicago, Jake replied.
Its not as good as this, though, Jake. So anyway, he said, turning his back on the magnificent view. You gonna tell me now what you have in mind for my motley crew?
I think I can do that, mate. We have a flight on Thursday to NZ.
What are we doing when we get there?
Tom had a word with my old CO and weve been given special permission to take the men down to the NZ SAS induction camp. Were going to put them through the selection process, or at least part of it.
Jeez, Jake do you honestly think theyre going to get through it?
Who dares wins, mate who dares wins!
Now I understand why you were so worried about Brian.
Davey, too. Hes not military, but I know he trains with Darren, so I think hell be okay. There will be medics everywhere, so as long as no-one gets bull headed and tries to carry on when they should stop, we should get everyone back in one piece. With any luck, well make a team out of them by the end of the training camp.
What about us? Are we going as observers?
Hell, no! Were doing it, too. Its been about 13 years since I went through it. I want to see just how much I can still get done, Jake grinned.
+
Thursday morning found the volunteers waiting at the office for Jake and Mike to arrive. Both men grinned when they lined up the men for a quick kit inspection. As Jake had suspected, his five stood behind a single kit bag. The four ex-servicemen had kept their service issue and Davey had managed to get hold of one, most likely from an army surplus outlet. Mikes Chicago recruits stood behind bulging suitcases.
I seem to recall warning you to pack light, Jake said, trying to keep a straight face. Good job we had the forethought to bring you all a little gift.
Mike ducked behind the reception desk and emerged holding five empty kit bags. He threw one to each of his men and told them to open up their cases. It only took a couple of minutes for him to sort through the first case, and when he was finished there was a large pile of discarded gear in the open case, and a much smaller one of what he and Jake counted as essential for the weekend trip. The other men quickly took the hint and sorted through their own cases to downsize their gear. They began stuffing things in their kitbags until Mike stopped them and told them to start again, this time in a neat and tidy fashion.
The phone rang just as the last man had finished re-packing. It was the building security letting Jenny know the bus had pulled up outside. The men crowded into the lift as Jake and Mike said goodbye to Jenny and Star, and they were soon in the foyer waiting for their two bosses to join them. Minutes later, they were all in the bus headed for Kingsford-Smith airport. It was still only Jake and Mike who knew what the weekend had in store, although Brian had an idea it was going to get quite physical from the chat hed had with Jake and Mike after the Tuesday morning meeting. The Sydney men were pumped up and ready to rock, but the Chicago boys were getting quieter the closer to the airport the bus travelled. They just stared out of the windows, watching the cars whiz by.
The bus left the expressway and took the airport approach road. Everyone was surprised to see that they were headed for the International Departure Terminal, theyd all imagined a flight up country. Jake and Mike smiled at each other as they produced tickets and everyones passport, then herded the men to the Air New Zealand check-in desk. They didnt have too much time to wait for boarding, and the men were delighted to find that they were booked in business class. They instantly forgot their animosity towards each other and chatted for most of the flight. Jake, as usual, slept from wheels up until Mike nudged him awake as they made their descent into Wellington.
Jake and the Aussies got through immigration quickly, shortly followed by Mike, who made use of his diplomatic passport. The American boys had to wait in line for quite a while, and by the time they emerged from customs, their good moods had evaporated and they just wanted to get to their destination. They left the terminal in a group, and everyone looked around for a bus, thinking Jake and Mike would have laid one on to meet them. Instead, Jake told them all to grab their kit bags and follow him.
They ended up in the short stay car park and couldnt believe their eyes. Parked in a remote corner was an army troop carrier. Jake waved to the driver, who was leaning against the cab. He jogged to the back of the truck and let down the tail gate, grinning as the inexperienced in the group struggled to climb into the back with only the aid of one foothold and a dangling rope. Once everyone was inside, he closed the tail gate, pulled down the canvas flap, and secured it so that no-one could see out of the back. He opened the passenger door and stepped back allowing Jake and Mike to climb up into the cab, then jogged back round to the driver's side, jumped back behind the wheel, and immediately started the engine.
Good to see you again, Major.
GDay, Fish. Wasnt too sure if youd still be around, Jake replied, smiling at the soldier. And its Jake, not Major.
Youre listed as active reserve, sir, so your rank still holds.
Yeah, okay, Fish, but some of the group dont know about my service past, or that of Captain Taylor here, so be a mate and try to forget it for a couple of days.
No worries Jake, Fish smiled, crunching the gears and giving the passengers in a back a nice jolt as he hit the bumpy track to the base. I think this is gonna be a fun weekend.
Thats what were aiming for, Fish, Jake smiled back.
+
The truck stopped suddenly and Brooke got up from the bench seat in the back, making his way to the tied-down flap.
Hold on, mate, Darren said. First rule you never exit a vehicle until the driver comes round and opens up the back. Sit back down and relax. Theyll come get us when theyre ready.
Man, weve been stuck in this heap for hours. I need to stretch my legs and see some daylight.
Patience, mate. It shouldnt be too long now.
Jake, Mike and Fish climbed down from the cab and walked across to the waiting man in uniform who stood with a smile on his face and his hand outstretched.
GDay, Sgt. Major, Jake said, smiling broadly and shaking the proffered hand. Good to see you again.
Likewise, Major Mitchell. Youre looking well. I understand youre incognito for the duration of the visit. The boss has let everyone know, so theyll call you whatever you ask them to at the introduction. Do you want to let them out of the truck before you go up to see the boss?
Yeah, theyve been cooped up inside for a fair while, and half of them wont be used to it. Maybe we can get them lined up with their kit for a while.
Sgt. Major Millar smiled and told Fish to let them out and take them over to the parade ground to await further instructions, then took Jake and Mike to met the Brigadier General.
Jake smiled as he heard the enter as Millar knocked on the office door. His smile turned into a grin as he and Mike entered the office and he saw his old CO rise from his desk and come round to touch foreheads with him then engulf him in a warm embrace.
Haere mai, Aaron.
Kia ora, General, Jake replied hugging the brigadier back. Can I introduce my friend and business partner, Mike Taylor?
Welcome, Mr. Taylor.
Call me Mike, General, please.
Mike it is then, and you can call me Rua. So, shall we go out and meet the troops?
Heads up, guys. The brass is on the way, Brian said, spotting the three men walking towards them. Everyone stood up, the ex-soldiers and Davey to attention, the rest standing uneasily behind their kit bags.
GDay, gentlemen. My name is Brigadier General Rua Umaga. Im the commanding officer of 1 NZ SAS, and you are in the privileged position of being the only civilians to be permitted to visit our training base here and take part in some of the selection process our recruits have to go through. We dont expect you to undertake the entire induction course, which lasts ten days, but weve chosen aspects of it to instill in you the importance of team work. Now, as youve had a long trip, we dont expect you to start today, so youll be shown to your quarters, then to the mess for a hot meal. Turn in early, gentlemen. You need to be up at 04:30 in full BDUs, which youll find ready for you on your cots, and in the mess by 05:00 for brekkie. Then youll find full back packs on the green in front of the barracks. You will stand behind your packs, at ease, rifle (unloaded) in the ready position, until Sgt. Major Millar arrives to give you your first task.
As the General finished, Fish appeared to lead the men to their quarters, Jake and Mike included, where they found their beds, complete with folded BDUs and army issue boots. Throwing their kitbags at the end of their beds, they followed Fish over to the mess hall, more than ready for a hot meal.
+
05:30 on a cold early autumn morning. The Chicago men still couldnt adapt to the fact that the seasons were back to front for them, and werent happy that it was still dark this time of an April morning. It was also quite misty and damp, so they werent in the best of moods. They stood silently as still as they could, and eyed up the ex soldiers in line beside them. No-one spoke, just waited patiently for the arrival of Sgt. Major Millar. It was a long wait, of course. This was part of the selection process, to see how the men coped with staying alert and ready for an unknown length of time, and how well they kept their nerves under control.
They were still waiting after the sun came up, and the trainees were beginning to grow impatient. Just before they decided to walk away, a lone figure came marching across the parade ground and stopped in front of them.
Good morning, men. I hope you all had a good sleep and are fresh and alert. Youll need to be on top form for your first exercise. First of all, though, I want you to open up your kit and lay it in front of you. Everything has been weighted to the regulation weight of 35kgs, and if any of you men have taken anything out to lighten the load He didnt end his sentence, but gave them a glare.
After each pack was inspected, the men were ordered to re-pack everything. They were then instructed to change into their PT gear on the double and were given fifteen minutes to complete a 5k road run. The ex-servicemen knew that it was no good to go off at a gallop as pacing themselves was the best way to finish the course in the allotted time. They were all told that if they were real candidates, anyone finishing outside the time allowed would be sent straight home this was not an option in their case.
As expected, the Chicago recruits all went off like bats out of hell, while the rest of the group took up a steady pace, grinning as they watched the leading five vanish round the first corner. It wasnt too long before they caught up with, and overtook them, and they all got back with a couple of minutes to spare, turning to wait for the stragglers, who luckily for them, managed to make it across the line a few seconds before the time ran out.
Thinking theyd done a good job, the Americans stood, sucking in great gulps of air, turning towards the barracks. They were stopped by the SAS observers and sent back to the parade ground where they were expected to get straight into a series of push ups, pull ups, then an obstacle course, in full gear once again. They were then bundled into the back of the truck and were driven down to the beach where they were told to swim out to a fixed buoy and back. This didnt go down too well as the water was freezing.
By the time they dragged themselves dripping out of the sea it was mid-day. Sgt. Major Millar felt sorry for them at this point, so ordered the truck to take them back to the barracks where they could all take a hot shower, change into dry gear, and have a hot meal.
+
Shit, Jake, this brings back memories, and none of them are good, Mike groaned as he sat down with a dish of steaming lamb stew. Man, this smells good. He was soon digging into the hearty meal, and as Jake looked down the table, he saw the rest of the lads were doing the same, albeit in slow motion where they were all so tired.
Alright, men, Sgt. Major Millar boomed from the mess hall door. For the most part you did quite well this morning. Normally we wouldnt be so soft on potential recruits, but seeing as youre civilians were making an exception. This arvo the only thing organised for you is a game of indoor cricket. Be in the gym at 15:00 hours. Dont worry, the Americans amongst you will be given a crash course on the rules before we start. Finish your meal, and dont be late.
The cricket match was a resounding success and, as Mike and Jake had hoped, it brought all the men together as a team instead of the them and us attitude that was being shown at the office in Sydney. They just prayed that it would last when they got back.
+
Saturday morning started the same as Friday, with everyone standing behind their packs waiting for instructions from Millar. This time, they didnt have to wait as long.
Good morning, men. Today were doing something a bit different. Were going on a route march, full kit. Normally this would be a 50k march, but Im feeling generous, so you only have to do 25k, and you can leave your weapons behind. He grinned at the groans from the assembled men.
Now, were going to take you in the truck and drop you 25k from base, and all you have to do is get back within the designated time period. You have 15 minutes to get your act together before the truck is ready for you.
Jake, Mike and the Sydney five immediately sat down and took off their boots and socks. They took rolls of medical tape out of their kit and began wrapping their toes, then stuck strips around their heels and under the balls of their feet. They watched as the others just donned an extra pair of socks. Every man had been given the tape and advised of its use, but it looked like they had decided that extra socks would do the trick. Time would tell.
The truck stopped and the men all piled out. Millar was waiting for them. Alrightly, this is your start off point. All you need to do is head back the way weve brought you for 25k and youll find yourselves back at the unit. Now, youll see men posted all along the route back. If you feel that you cant complete the march, let them know. Please let me stress the importance of that. Theres no disgrace in not finishing, we want you all back in one piece. The weather should be ideal for the march, cool and dry. Enjoy, gentleman.
The men watched the truck head back the way it had brought them and started their return trek. Jake, Mike and Darren brought up the rear.
Theyve given us more than enough time to get back, Jake, Darren remarked.
Yep, theyve taken the civilians into account. This little exercise is to bring everyone together as a team, not a competition to upstage anyone. Well stay at the back to keep an eye on anyone who looks like falling behind. Were as strong as the weakest link, and are going to make sure that link doesnt snap.
Davey, Ian, Greg and Brian took the point, and between them, they kept the Chicago five at a sensible pace, dragging any of them back when they decided to speed up too much. All of them except Davey were ex service, so had many a route march under their belts, and knew the wisdom in pacing themselves.
All went well until they were around 10k away from the base. Darren and Jake spotted Brooke having problems. He was limping badly and Jake guessed his feet were now covered in blisters. Sending Mike up ahead to check on the other recruits, Jake and Darren took up station either side of Brooke and started gentle encouragement. This worked for another 5k, but then he dropped to the ground, unable to take another step.
Im sorry, Mr. Mitchell, I dont think I can go any further.
Thats not an option, mate. We started out together, well finish together.
He took one arm while Darren took the other and they lifted Brooke back to his feet. Wrapping his arms round their necks, they lifted him almost off his feet and began walking again. Brooke protested at first, then slowly realised that their actions showed what teamwork was really about. He was grateful to see the unit appear as they rounded the last corner, and sank into the waiting arms of the medics waiting at the gates. As he was helped to the jeep to take him to the dispensary, he watched Darren and Jake walk through the gates. Jake was limping badly, and Brooke realised it wasnt from blisters. Whatever was wrong with his boss leg had been aggravated by the extra strain of helping Brooke get through the last part of the march. He felt grateful beyond belief, but ashamed. He made a mental note to speak with Jake as soon as he got out of the dispensary.
+
Showered and changed into fresh BDUs, the men gathered outside of their barracks awaiting their next orders from Millar.
Well done, guys. You all managed to get back within the allotted time, and with a little help along the way, none of you dropped out, which is very impressive. Now, were going to take a trip to the firing range. Youve been given time to get your second wind, so I have high hopes for a good score from all of you.
Following a short weapons course, the men found themselves lying prone, lining up of targets 100 metres away. They all managed to hit the target and smiled to each other with glee. The targets were moved further back and once again, they all managed to hit part of each target. The ex soldiers were a bit more accurate, but they didnt gloat, instead they all encouraged the Chicago boys into doing better.
They all stopped when they heard shots from the far end of the range. The noise was from a higher calibre rifle than the ones they were using, and the target was almost out of sight. The instructor took them all down towards the lone marksman, who they didnt recognise in his camo gear.
Sir, Darren spoke to the instructor. Wheres the target?
Its about 1000m down the range. Check it out in the field glasses.
One by one, the men took the glasses and focussed on a distant target; a target that was too far to see with the naked eye. In the centre of the paper figure, on the left side of the chest area, they could see a series of bullet holes, in the shape of a heart.
The instructor looked down at the prone figure. Theres only one man in this unit who assumes that prone position. Want to get up and say GDay, Major?
The man on the ground lay down his rifle and slowly stood up. Taking his hat off he turned, smiling at the astonished men in front of him. GDay. Boys, Jake grinned.
Youre a Major? Brooke asked.
Reserve, mate, just reserve.
I feel such an idiot. Im sorry for what I said back in the office, sir. I was way out of line.
Its forgotten, Brooke. I just hope that this little trip has shown you all that it pays to work as a team, and first impressions can be wrong. He slapped Brooke on the back, smiling, and led the men away from the range.
When they got to the mess, they all sat waiting for Jake to say something about his military service, but he remained tight-lipped. The weapons instructor and Sgt. Major Millar sat with them, but soon stood to attention as General Umaga walked towards them.
As you were, men. Pulling out a chair he joined them around the table. Did I interrupt anything?
They were just asking Jake about his former life, Mike grinned.
Ah, I know he doesnt like talking about things, but let me tell you that he was quite unique in the unit. The only left-handed sniper weve had.
Why is that, General? Davey asked.
Sniper rifles are specialised and are made for right handed men. When we realised just how good Aaron was, we got his weapons custom made. No one else has ever used them and they're kept here safely in case he ever has the need of them again. As you found out, he did earlier on the range. Did you manage to hit the target, Aaron?
At that moment, Fish came in grinning, the paper target in his hand. Hes gone all sentimental in his old age, boss. he said, handing the paper to the General.
Oh, very artistic, Major. If you dont want it, I think well frame it.
I could think of a better use for it, Jake muttered, blushing slightly at all the attention.
Everyone laughed, then settled back for a delayed lunch. They were going to be busy after they finished eating. The General had arranged a formal dinner for them as it was their last night before heading back to Sydney on an early flight the next morning.
The Chicago boys were in for one final surprise when they were shown into the formal dining room. Every one of the Sydney boys, apart from Davey, were in their full dress uniforms, Jake had managed to get hold of them without the men finding out, at the same time he got their passports. Even Mike had managed to get his uniform, and that shocked his men even more as they had no idea he was ex special forces. The range of medals the men all displayed was vast, Mike and Jake sporting the most.
Brooke and the rest of the recruits found a new respect for all of their colleagues, and realised that their earlier opinions of the death or glory boys was totally misplaced. They hoped that they would now be able to fit in with everyone in the organisation.
They were all up early Sunday morning and piled sleepily into the waiting truck. After hugs all round, the General and Millar let Jake and Mike climb up into the cab beside Fish, and they were on their way to the airport.
Back in Sydney, Jenny had arranged for the bus to be waiting to take everyone to their doors, so it was like a mini mystery tour for the Chicago boys. They saw places around the suburbs that they would never have seen in their time training at the office. The last stop before they were taken back to their hotel was the wharf at Woolloomooloo to drop off Jake and Mike. They stood and waved as the bus pulled away, then turned, hitching their packs over their shoulders, and walked down the boardwalk towards Jakes apartment.
I think the weekend was a success, dont you?
Yep, youre not wrong, Jake. Everyone seems to have bonded well, and it was a good old march down memory lane for us, Mike smiled at his friend.
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