Episode 2: Survival Trails

As I came closer to my target, I found the cops had already beat me to the punch. A barrier was erected around the entrance to the park and armed officers were directing all the onlookers away. There were additional military trucks unloading more barriers and fence material, but no sign of the Trifecta Ambulance or the Military Jeep.

“Nothing to see here folks. You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here,” one of the uniformed officers bellowed out to the curious crowd.

“Why are they putting up a fence? What’s going on? I live close to here,” a crowd goer shouted.

“The Military are just putting up fences to help secure the area. They don’t want joggers or teenagers getting in the way of their training,” the other officer explained. “The fences will be brought down once they finish. Now, everyone please disperse.”

'No getting in here. Well, I can cut through some of the surrounding woods. I’m sure if I stay low, I can slip in unnoticed. Several of these buildings butt up to the forest. It would take a lot of time and effort for them to erect a fence over such a large area and a lot more manpower than they currently have.'

I jogged past the ruckus and acted as if I belonged; heading onto Hillside Lane. Who would question a woman working out on a brightly lit street, when they have people actively trying to get in through the front and asking invasive questions about the park and military activities. Taking off down the street, I waited until I was out of the officer’s sight then I slipped unnoticed into the thick brush. I knew the closest trail to the end of Hillside was the Ravine Trail or the Overlook Trail depending on where I entered. Keeping my wits about me, I kept low to the brush and tried not to make too much noise with the squelching mud. After a shorter than expected trek through the trees, I found myself at the intersection of the two trails, unsure which direction to go.

'Which way am I supposed to go–?'

Frantic yelling pulled my eyes towards the forest in front of me, off the trails. From the tone it seemed to be a heated argument and other voices felt almost panicked, but I was too far to make out exact words.

'They did say this was survival training.'

Rushing across the intersection and into the woods, I stayed low as the voices became clearer. Figures in military gear appeared in a clearing and I ducked behind a tree. Peering around the trunk I watched a soldier yell at his commanding officer while three other soldiers were attending to a seizing and foaming man that was covered in rain and mud. It was hard to tell what each soldier looked like at this distance, all I could see was the standard uniforms and helmets.

“This is fucking bullshit! Private McCullen needs to go to the hospital,” the soldier yelled at his Commanding Officer. “We’ve done everything we can in the field, and this isn’t a battle zone–”

“Private Brenard, you have been given your orders,” the Commanding Officer bellowed back. “You and your squad are to remain here and care for Private McCullen as well as report any changes. Private McCullen is not allowed to leave this park.”

“What the fuck was in that shot? Why is he so sick? What’s going to happen to the rest of us that got the shot?” One of the three attending soldiers questioned in a panic as he tried to hold the seizing soldier’s head to prevent it from banging against the ground; mud soaking his uniform pants.

“The shot was just standard vitamins to keep you boys healthy. Private McCullen probably has food poisoning,” the Commander dismissed. “I heard you and the boys snuck out and ate late night Chinese last night–”

“Bullshit!” Private Brenard shouted. “That shot was worse than the peanut butter shot, and I swear it was glowing–”

“That is enough Private! We have Trifecta unloading some medical supplies and they brought a few doctors,” the Commander explained. “Medical will be arriving soon. Focus on your training and stay in these woods.”

“Trifecta? They don’t do our standard medical…” the soldier holding Private McCullen’s head sobbed. “What did you give us? What’s going on?”

“That is above your clearance soldier. Fall in line and follow orders or you and your entire squad will get an Article 15,” the Commander threatened. “There’s nothing to worry about as long as you follow orders.”

“If the Medical treatment doesn’t work then when can we leave?” Private Brenard pressed.

“Your orders are to stay in this park until further notice–” the Commander began.

“Hang on, we were only supposed to be here for a few days–” Private Brenard interjected.

“There’s been a change of schedule,” the Commander coldly informed them. “We will give more information about your new training after medical has evaluated everyone.”

“I knew something was wrong,” the soldier holding Private McCullen’s head sobbed. “There were too few soldiers for this maneuver. Way too few. Only three squads. This park is too small–”

“There were exactly as many as needed and the space is more than needed,” the Commander corrected. “All of you showed promise and could benefit from additional training. You all agreed to the extra pay that came with this training. Get back to your posts. This conversation is over.”

The Commander stormed off leaving the panicking soldiers on their own. They tried to make their sick battle buddy comfortable and my heart broke as I overheard their kind words.

“You're gonna get through this soldier. We’re all right here and you’re gonna get to see your newborn as soon as this maneuver is over. You said it was a girl, right?” The sobbing soldier croaked, trying to smile for his sick friend.

“I’m still shocked you didn’t faint at the birth. You’ll have to show us more pictures. I’m sure she’ll grow so fast these few days you're gone,” another soldier commented, keeping the sick man’s left arm and left leg still to prevent injury.

“You have leave scheduled after this. Just think about spending time with your little girl,” a second soldier stated, holding the sick man’s right arm and leg down for safety.

“Help is coming,” Private Brenard choked, unable to move towards Private McCullen. “Help is coming, buddy.”