By: Julie Dieck
Chapter 5 “Introductions”
One month later … Fort Bravado … Sunset Valley …
Privet Alan Branegan stood stiff and rigid before his new commanding officer’s desk, his packed duffle bag beside him. He waited patiently as Captain Henderson read over the papers he’d given him.
Finally the captain spoke. “Everything’s in order, Privet. You’re the first transferee we’ve had in months.”
Alan didn’t know how to reply, so he stayed silent and at attention.
“I see here that you were reduced in rank from sergeant to privet.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Spent three weeks in the guardhouse, then transferred here.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Henderson lowered the transfer orders and set them aside as he looked at the soldier before him. “May I ask what this incident was that led to your demotion?”
“It be explained in me papers, Sir.”
Henderson nodded. “I know it says that you struck and insulted a ranking officer. I could leave it at that, but I’m giving you a chance to explain.” He saw the privet swallow hard as if it were painful to recollect. “Well?” he gently prodded. He didn’t like to make him uncomfortable, but he wanted to know where this man stood.
Alan licked his lips before he started. “Well, Sir … ya’ see, there be this lieutenant at the other fort. We … didn’t get along.”
“And why not?”
“Well … I can’t think of a way of explainin’ without gettin’ arrested all over for insulting an officer. Sir, might I be havin’ permission ta’ speak frankly?”
When Henderson nodded approval, Alan’s straight expression twisted to a scowl. “Ta’ put it frankly, Sir; he be the biggest quarrelsome loudmouth and the most pompous, big-headed, self-centered, hidebound jackanapes that ever t’was! And on top ah’ that, he always gave too many confound orders – Sir.” He blew out a short breath.
Henderson had listened calmly. “An officer is supposed to give orders to the men under him.”
“I know, Sir, but all them extra orders – t’was always aimed at me. Never did he miss ah’ chance ta’ put me down just ta’ spite me. So, one day I be on me off-duty time when he come out tellin’ me how I should be earnin’ me pay and could be makin’ meself a better soldier and whatnot and goin’ on ‘bout things. T’was worse than usual. Well, I told him that I be on me own time and that he couldn’t give me any orders. Well, we both got ah’ bit hot at each other. He said a few things and I told him exactly what I thought ah’ him, and then … well …” Alan stuttered, not wanting to say the rest.
“And?” Henderson waited for the finish; already knowing full well how it was going to end.
“Well, Sir … ya’ might be sayin’ we got into a bit of a two-man donnybrook.”
Henderson frowned, puzzled. “A what?”
“A fight, Sir.” Alan explained the Irish lingo. “A real knock-down, scrappin’ one it t’was at that. We both came out pretty bad off, but when it were over – I was still on me feet.” The privet’s eyes flashed with spirit, but it quickly receded under the captain’s intense gaze.
“So that’s the only reason you hit him?”
Alan shifted uncomfortably on his feet. This captain sure believed in keeping no secrets. “Well … not entirely, sir.”
“Oh?” Henderson leaned back in his chair. “What’s the other?”
Again the privet shifted; not liking the subject about to be brought up. “Well … ya’ see, sir. A while before, ah’ corporal at the fort – ah’ Corporal Daniel Wade – was killed while on scoutin’ duty. He and I were … you might be sayin’ very close. Well, the lieutenant got ta’ talkin about it in not the nicest way, and … well … me fists got the best of me judgment I guess, Sir.” Alan’s eyes fell to the desk. “Also, he didn’t like who I was.”
“What do you mean?”
“That I be Irish, Sir.”
“I see.” A beat went by before Henderson reached out and picked up the papers, changing the subject. “Your last captain said that he was sorry to see you demoted. Said you were a competent noncom and did your job well, but he did say one other thing.” He glanced at the papers. “He says here that you had a stubbornness about taking orders at times.”
“T’weren’t so bad after I became sergeant,” Alan said, then wished he hadn’t. Maybe that wasn’t the best thing to say to a new captain; especially now that he was a privet and would be doing nothing but taking orders.
“If that’s the case, why’d you decide to join up with the army?”
Alan’s shoulders came up and dropped. “T’weren’t nowhere else ta’ go, sir.” The flame relighted in the green-blue eyes. “Besides, I thought it be a good way ta’ git in some shots at ah’ few redskins.”
The captain nodded slowly; the expression in his eyes opaque. Alan couldn’t tell what he was thinking; it bothered him slightly, but then again, maybe it was best he didn’t know for now.
Letting the papers drop aside again, Henderson stood to his feet. “Well, that’s of no consequence at the moment. Your main concern right now is that you conduct yourself here as a good soldier should.” His words were firm yet gentle at the same time. “And I’ll expect you to follow and obey protocol and orders. A fort can’t function unless the men follow orders without question or hesitation. Is that understood?”
“Yes, Sir.”
Henderson walked around his desk to stand beside the privet before continuing. “Before you start, I want to let you know that I believe everyone makes mistakes. I understand what a hard time you must’ve had back there. It may not justify what you did, but we’re all human. I can forget a man’s past mistakes if he conducts himself well in my outfit and does his job to the best of his abilities.” He paused long enough that Alan snuck a glance over at the captain. “And I believe you’ll do a good job,” Henderson finished reassuringly.
Alan visibly relaxed. He had a feeling he was going to like this commanding officer, but he still had reserves. “I’ll be tryin’ me best, Sir.”
“That’s all I ask.” Henderson walked around the desk again. “That’ll be all. Report to the barracks, get yourself settled and acquainted with the other men.” A smile flickered at his mouth. “Welcome to Fort Bravado, Privet Branegan; and good luck.”
Alan saluted. “Thank ya’, Sir.”
He picked up his duffle bag and left out the door. Alan walked out a ways and looked around. To some people, one fort looks just like all the rest, none feel different from the last; but to Alan, it was a strange place. When you’ve been in one fort for so long, you began to see the differences in others; nothing is in the same place, though everything is there. He felt alone and a little lost.
A tall man with sergeant stipes strode by and Alan tapped him on the arm before saluting. “Pardon me, Sergeant.”
The man turned and his eyes scanned over the privet once. “You the new man?” he asked pleasantly.
“Yes, Sir. Privet Branegan.”
“Well, I’m Sergeant Bates. What can I help you with, Branegan?”
“I was wonderin’ if ya’ could be showin’ me the privet’s barracks?”
Bates pointed towards some buildings near the other end of the compound. “Hear all that racket from over there?” From the direction indicated, the sounds of men’s voices, laughing and yapping, could be heard.
Alan nodded. “Aye.”
“Well, you just follow that and you’ll find it alright. I gotta be going now. See ya’ later, Branegan.” The sergeant called back as he continued on his way with a chuckle.
Well, at least he had seemed friendly enough. Alan turned to follow the directions, but only grunted when he suddenly came in abrupt contact with something. The stop was so unexpected he dropped the duffle and stumbled over it. As he tumbled to the ground, his hand thrust out and brushed against something ruffled and he heard a squeaking gasp. He landed flat on his back and something fell beside him. Quickly pushing himself up on elbows, Alan saw what it was – a lady’s hand bag. Suddenly aware of another presence, he looked up and was taken back when he found himself looking into a pair of wide brown eyes in a pretty face under a wide brimmed lady’s hat atop dark chestnut locks. For a startled beat, both girl and man stared at each other in surprise at the unforeseen meeting.
Quickly regaining her senses, the young lady bent over him with concern. “Oh! I’m so sorry! Are you alright?”
Still a bit shocked, Alan blinked with mouth hanging open before getting himself together. “What? Oh!” He chuckled. “I be just fine. I’ve had worse tumbles than this before and still come out on me feet.”
The worried expression above changed to one of sweet kindness as she flashed a smile at him. The privet felt his cheeks grow slightly warm; partly from the smile and partly because he’d run into her. Alan quickly scooped up the handbag she’d dropped as he stood to his feet and handed it to her.
“I hope ye’ll be forgivin’ me, ma’am. T’was a bit careless of me,” he apologized.
“Oh, it’s alright.” Her tone was softly benevolent as she accepted the bag and brushed down the ruffles of her dress. “It was really my fault. I was looking for something in my purse and I guess I wasn’t watching where I was going.”
“T’weren’t no damage done,” Alan said, brushing the dust from his pants. “Don’t know how it happened.”
She gave him a curious look. “That we ran into each other?”
“How I missed such ah’ pretty colleen like you out here in the open.” It wasn’t meant as flirtation, but more as a courteous compliment; an offering of apology.
The girl smiled modestly. “Well, thank you very much. I’m Linda Henderson.”
“Nice ta’ be knowin’ ya’ Miss. Hender–” Alan’s brow suddenly puckered as something hit him. “Henderson?” He pointed back towards the main office. “Ya’ mean …?”
Linda nodded. “Yes, you’re correct. The captain is my father.” As the words left, she saw the privet withdraw into a shell. She felt a bit guilty for springing it so sudden.
“Oh. Well, I be askin’ your pardon again, Miss. Henderson,” Alan quickly apologized again.
Linda tried to relax him with a friendly smile. “Don’t worry. My father won’t throw you in the guard house just because you bumped into me. In fact, he’d probably laugh about it.”
Alan tried to give a grin, but found it a bit awkward, so instead he touched the brim of his hat, showing he was bringing the conversation to a quick close. “If ye’ll excuse me, Miss. I have ta’ be gittin’ on ta’ the barracks.”
“Of course. Well, it was nice meeting you Mr. …” she paused and looked at him expectantly.
“Branegan, miss. Privet Alan Branegan.”
Linda smiled sweetly as she finished. “Mr. Branegan.”
Another touch to his hat brim and Alan hoisted his bag over his shoulder and walked on. Linda watched for a moment before continuing on her own way. She wasn’t sure exactly way, but she found herself feeling slightly sorry for the privet. Somehow his eyes had seemed sad, as though reflecting many past hardships. She wondered what they could have been to put such a deep sorrow within.
Behind her, Alan snuck one last glance over his shoulder at the departing girl as he strode off. A hint of a grin twitched at the corner of his mouth. At least she and her father had been nice so far, but the day was still young. He would have to see how the rest went.
Chapter 6 will be released next Saturday, December 16, 2023.
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