This writing was accepted for publication in the 108 page perfect-bound ISSN# / ISBN# issue/book “Lifeboat” Down in the Dirt, v190 (the 12/21 Issue) Order the paperback book:

Order this writing that appears in the one-of-a-kind anthology Stardust in Hand the Down in the Dirt Sept.-Dec. 2021 issues collection book		get the 422 page Sept.-Dec. 2021 Down in the Dirt 6" x 9" ISBN# paperback book:

Dispatch to Section Five

Edward N. McConnell

    Under threatening skies, Corporal Malik waited outside the tent to deliver the dispatch from Headquarters. It was for Captain Thompson, senior officer in Section Five, an open area and the one most likely to see action later in the day.
    A voice came from the inside, “Enter.” Corporal Malik complied. Reaching into his pouch, he handed the sealed message to the Captain who opened and read it. Lieutenant Peitak, standing near the map on the bulletin board asked “Which direction will they come, Sir?”
    Captain Thompson didn’t respond, he just stared at the dispatch, then looking up said, “That will be all Corporal.” Turning to the Lieutenant, he said, “Expect arrival by fourteen hundred hours unless the weather turns. They will enter from the northwest, up the slope, advance into Section Five and then to our position. Get ready.”
    “Do you expect it to be bad? The Lieutenant asked.
    “It’s always bad, most of the time there’s a lot of wailing and crying. Strange as this sounds, the way the grass is torn up, how the dirt gets piled high, then leveled out, I hate it every time.”
    Looking at the map, the Lieutenant, trying to pinpoint the location of the action, pointed to a spot and said, “I’m guessing here. What I hate most is when they cry.”
    Staring at Plot 1648 on the map, the one between their Plots 1647 and 1649, The Captain said, “I hate it when they don’t.”

Copyright of written pieces remain with the author, who has allowed it to be shown through Scars Publications and Design.Web site © Scars Publications and Design. All rights reserved. No material may be reprinted without express permission from the author.

Problems with this page? Then deal with it...