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.Doc Bertel believes he candebride it of the infection so Sorg can maintain combateffectiveness.""Fine," Jonah replied."If he's successful, keep Sorgin rotation.If not, he's to be transported to Camp Diyala forfull medical treatment.Adjust the teams accordingly."90Brothers in Arms Kendall McKenna"Aye, sir.What do I tell Lieutenant Stoop?""If Doc Bertel thinks Sorg needs to be transported,tell Stoop that's what's going to happen and you've adjustedthe teams.There's no need for him to make any decision atall.""Roger that, Gunny." Roner gave Jonah and Kellana sharp nod, then moved off."Shouldn't it be the other way around?" Kellanasked from beside Jonah."How's that, sir?""Shouldn't your Platoon Commander be telling youhow to handle that situation?""Yes, sir.He should." Jonah didn't have toelaborate.Kellan understood all Jonah needed him to in thespan of a single look.They assembled in Hoegerl's office, along with theCaptain and Top Resler.Jonah made the introductions,saving Neil and Kellan for last."Neil McMurtrie, formerly USMC.Neil was myRadio Officer during OIF.He's developed acommunications system that's in beta testing and he's hereto consult for the FBI on its use.""Of course.It's a pleasure to meet you, MrMcMurtrie.""Forget the 'Mr McMurtrie' stuff.Just call me Neil."91Brothers in Arms Kendall McKenna"All right, Neil.""And this is a government advisor, here to consultfor the FBI.Kellan Reynolds."Jonah saw recognition instantly light Hoegerl'seyes."Kellan Reynolds, as in Lt.Kellan Reynolds? As inCaptain Kellan Reynolds? The author of Brotherhood ofWarriors, Kellan Reynolds?""One and the same," Kellan replied with an easysmile, stealing Jonah's breath."It is certainly an honor, sir," Hoegerl pumpedKellan's hand enthusiastically."You are, without a doubt, ahard act to follow.""That's very flattering, but wholly unjustified,Captain," Kellan said."I think this one," Hoegerl gestured toward Jonah,"would argue that point fervently."Jonah struggled to keep his expression neutral asKellan regarded him keenly."We knew Kellan was a heavy hitter," Milagrossaid with a chuckle."But we had no idea he was a livinglegend.""What in the hell are you doing back here? You arestill a civilian, aren't you?" Hoegerl asked."I am indeed.In my capacity as a governmentalconsultant, I provided the President with both an outline of92Brothers in Arms Kendall McKennaillegal activities I believed could be taking place in theStates and here in Iraq, how they were being carried out,why, and then I predicted how anyone sent to investigatewould very likely be killed.""So, when Grizzly was killed, the President told youto get your ass out here and help the FBI prove yourtheory?""More or less.I'm sure my time with the Corpscontributed to the decision for me to actually travel hereagain.I'm certainly not going to be a liability.""Fuck, man," Neil suddenly interjected."When theshit goes down, me and the Captain'll get some for sure.We're not just any wimpy civilians.""Still, I would appreciate it if you'd keep your headsand your asses down and out of the line of fire while you'rehere.""Neil will behave himself if I have to tie him to theseat of a Humvee," Jonah said."All right, back to business.Agent Keef, how canmy Marines be of service to you while you're here?""Thank you for your hospitality, Captain," AgentKeef began."We hope to complete our investigation and beout of your hair ASAP."Jonah moved to stand in the rear of the room withthe intention of allowing the FBI to have their say with the93Brothers in Arms Kendall McKennaCaptain.He was acutely aware of Kellan coming to standbeside him.It was as if the intervening years had not passedat all, as if they were still in their first tour of Iraq together.Kellan's solid presence at his side was comfortable; thesilence between them was relaxed and easy."We need to retrace Grizzly's steps while he washere," Keef was saying."Gunnery Sergeant Carver is at your disposal duringyour visit.He was with Grizzly the entire time he was offbase."Jonah nodded once, acknowledging Hoegerl'sstatements."We appreciate that.We also need to examine anyand all IED's we can get access to, detonated or disarmed.""That's highly unusual," the Captain mused."Devices are usually destroyed and disposed of so theircomponents can't be recycled into another IED.""It's central to Grizzly's investigation, though.Agent Parrella is our Bomb Tech and she'll take lead onthose aspects of our investigation.Agent Giammona is ourtranslator and expert on Middle Eastern culture.AgentTygart is our Anti-Terrorism specialist."Captain Hoegerl grew serious."Are you ladiesprepared for the hardships of an extended visit to thiscountry? Especially here at a firmbase and not a complete94Brothers in Arms Kendall McKennaMarine Corps base? How effective can you really expect tobe, given the culture of this country?"Carlene snorted derisively and looked as though shewas about to reply when Milagros headed her off."It's avalid concern, Carlene.You know that.It's not the MarineCorps' fault; it's the nature of this culture [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]