This is the last part of the continuation of Becky's Marine. Thanks for the comments and feedback, they help make us authors better.
Some situations in this part may not sit well with everyone. This is similar to how it happened on my deployment, but this ending is much better than it played out for me.
This part is dedicated to the anonymous who has a deployed Marine in her life. I pray for his return, along with all the others who are still out there, fighting on distant shores.
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"Battle is the most magnificent competition in which a human being can indulge. It brings out all that is best; it removes all that is base. All men are afraid in battle. The coward is the one who lets his fear overcome his sense of duty. Duty is the essence of manhood."
- George S. Patton
My dearest Becky,
I'm sorry I haven't had a chance to write to you sooner. Things have been busy here as the Army pushes towards Abu Kamal, Syria from Qusaybah in Iraq. From what we have been told, resistance is heavy. Pray for us during these trying times, we need all the help we can get.
Ryan and Tyler are doing well and send their love. Ryan is adjusting to life in country better than I thought, though the same can't be said for the others. It seems like every night I hear someone crying.
I miss you. I think about you every day, wondering how you're doing and what you're doing. I cherish every letter I get from you all and long to be home again, in your arms, where I belong.
Please don't worry too much, we're doing well and staying safe. I'll bring all these boys home safe, just like I promised. Know that I'm with you always, waiting in your dreams.
All my love,
AA
Camp Qusaybah, located about three miles south of the town of Qusaybah on the Iraqi/Syrian border, was a shitty place. The men of Bravo battery had called it home for about a month now, routinely conducting patrols through the town and keeping the border crossing secured. Elements of the First Marine Division were housed there, as well as an Army tank battalion.
The view was nice, aside from it being in a war zone. Both the camp and the town of Qusaybah hugged the winding banks of the Euphrates river. The area around the river was lush and fertile, with palm groves and fig orchards tended to by local farmers.
Our accommodations were meager, with prefabricated buildings serving as our squad bays, a little duty free store that constantly ran out of cigarettes and dip and a basketball court that had seen far better days. It really drives home the idea that the Marines are kept angered by life on the FOB (Forward Operations Base) so they will be more aggressive in combat.
I entered the squad bay shared by guns 1 and 2, the rows of beds along the walls filled with resting Marines.
"Grab your shit, formation in 10," I said, waking up those who were sleeping. Captain Varren had called for a formation before we got our next set of orders.
"Doesn't Gunny ever get tired of formations?" Tyler asked grudgingly.
"This one comes straight from the Captain, but I'm sure Gunny would have called one if he could," I replied.
When Captain Varren finally joined us, he was holding a red folder. Seeing it, I knew it was a promotion formation, but had to wonder who was being promoted.
Captain Varren took the formation from First Sergeant Hayes, a tall, thin man who looked a lot like Weird Al Yankovic. When First Sergeant had taken his place next to Captain Varren, Ryan was called to the front. The Captain read the promotion citation and the two of them pinned Lance Corporal chevrons on Ryan, who then returned to formation.
"Rest!" Commanded Captain Varren, allowing us some movement.
"Men, First Marines will be moving into Syria beginning tomorrow morning. Their first objective is the town of Abu Kamal. Once they have secured it, Army personnel will move in to hold the town while First Marines continues onward.
"Our job is to shell the dog piss out of them before First Marines gets there. From now on, Army infantry will be pulling border security. All crews report to your section heads tomorrow morning at 0400. Shelling will begin at 0500. Any questions?"
"Will there be civilians in the city, sir?" Asked Tyler.
"The town has been cleared of civilians. Anyone still there, is there to kill you," the Captain answered.
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I had cried for hours when I had read his last letter. They had arrived in Kuwait, but that was weeks ago. I really hoped he was OK. I don't know what I'd do without him. I know he tells me not to worry, but I just can't help it. We all worry about them, even Carl, who has been a rock through this whole ordeal, broke down when he read it.
Jeanna and I hadn't told Carl about our rendezvous while he was at work. She had pulled me aside and asked that I not tell him, but I felt like it would be harmful to their engagement if there were secrets between them. I hadn't said anything to her then, but the guilt has been killing me.
After dinner was cleaned up, Carl went to watch TV while Jeanna and I did the dishes. I had to talk to her again, so when she volunteered to clean up, I decided to help.
"Jeanna, we need to talk," I said quietly so Carl wouldn't hear our conversation.
"What's up?" She asked.
"I've been thinking, we should tell Carl about our hookup."
"Why? What he doesn't know won't hurt anyone."
"Yes, but what will happen when he finds out?"
"How will he?"
"Do you really think I can keep my hands to myself all the time? It's gonna happen, I promise you."
Jeanna sighed, her face a blank stare as she contemplated my point. People always get caught, especially when they think they won't.
"OK, we can tell him," she finally said.
"Good. And who knows, he might be fine with it. Andrew did authorize me a girlfriend if I wanted."
"True," Jeanna said. "Who better than the fiance of his best friend?"
"Exactly."
We finished the dishes and went to sit with Carl. He had the news on, as he did most days since Andrew had got to Kuwait. He seemed like he was hoping to hear something of his best friend, though what it was, he would never say.
"Honey," Jeanna started, "We need to talk."
"Look, whatever I did, I'm so sorry," Carl began before Jeanna held up a hand.
"It's not what you did, its what we did," she said.
"What did you two troublemakers do?"
"Each other," I said quietly.
Carl looked at us bewildered, his face saying more than his mouth could. He was genuinely confused.
"What?"
"We had sex, again."
Carl laughed, something he hadn't done in weeks. "Is that it? You two got busy?"
"Yeah, I'm sorry I didn't tell you," Jeanna said. "Are you mad?"
"Yeah I'm mad. Mad that I didn't get to watch, or fuck my fiancé while you two did your thing."
A wave of relief hit me. I should have known Carl would be OK with it, but lately I've been so out of it that I was really scared.
"So baby, would you have a problem with me taking care of Becky while Andrew is gone?"
"No, just don't leave me high and dry," Carl said, pulling Jeanna in for a kiss.
The news was focused on the war, frequently cutting to reporters close to the front. From what they were saying, First Marine Division would be moving on Syria soon. As they spoke, the mood of everyone in the room darkened more and more.
