The Eye of Shiva

CHAPTER 21

Lt. Colonel Kroger shielded his eyes against dust kicked up by the Sea Knight helicopters as they lifted away. Three Sikorsky CH-53 Sea Stallions came in after them and settled on the boulevard. They disgorged more Marines and half a dozen Humvees with Browning M2 .50 BMG machine guns mounted topside. Kroger believed in being prepared. From the air he'd seen a column of Philippine Army vehicles speeding down Roxas Boulevard toward the embassy. He placed some of his men and a Humvee across the Boulevard in the path of the oncoming Philippine troops. Others took up positions along the edge of the embassy grounds. Kroger had created an instant buffer zone around the embassy. No one was getting near the building without going through him.

The Philippine convoy was getting close. "Looks like we got here just in time, sir."

The speaker was his XO. Major Clifford Anderson had been Kroger's second in command for the last two years. Both men had served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Both had been under fire many times together. Kroger couldn't think of anyone he'd rather have with him in a potential firefight.

"Better get ready for an argument, Cliff," Kroger said. "The locals aren't going to be happy."

"That's too damn bad," Anderson said. They waited for the Filipinos to arrive.

The lead vehicle was a Kia 450, a medium-sized truck used for troop transport. It was followed by another half dozen similar vehicles filled with troops. Two American-made M113A2 armored vehicles brought up the rear.

"The tracks on those must be doing a real good job on that nice asphalt road," Anderson said.

"Show of force. They probably think they're going to go through the gates with them."

"That's not going to happen," Anderson said. Men wearing olive drab berets and dressed in camouflage uniforms scrambled out of the trucks. They carried modern assault rifles. An officer stepped down from the lead vehicle.

"Showtime," Kroger said. "That's the 1st Scout Rangers, if I'm not mistaken."

"Those are Steyr assault rifles they're carrying," Anderson said. "Good weapon."

"The Rangers are their elite unit," Kroger said. "They even sent a general. Let's go, Major. Time to make nice. Smile."

The two Marines walked over to the Philippine general. Kroger saluted.

"Lieutenant Colonel Kroger, sir."

The Filipino returned the salute. "I am General Narcisco. Why are you here, Colonel? I was unaware permission had been given for American troops to deploy. Your men are blocking my vehicles. I wish to pass."

"I'm afraid I cannot allow that, sir. My orders are to secure the area until the situation is resolved."

Narcisco's face tightened under his beret. "You are on Philippine territory, Colonel. You will remove yourself immediately. We will take care of this."

"Sorry, sir, I can't do that. May I remind you that the embassy is United States territory."

"Colonel, unless you wish to find yourself a lieutenant again, you will immediately get your men out of the way."

Behind General Narcisco, his troops had picked up on the hostility between the officers. They didn't look happy. It had been a long time since World War II and Americans were no longer popular in the islands. Anderson saw one of the Filipino officers give a quiet command to his sergeant. Weapons came up to port arms.

"Move out of my way, Colonel," Narcisco said.

"Sir," Anderson said.

"I see it, Major."

Kroger raised his left hand in the air in a prearranged signal. The Filipino troops found themselves staring down the barrels of Marine rifles. Kroger was bluffing. He wasn't going to fire upon troops from a friendly nation, but Narcisco didn't know that. Fifty or sixty Marines in battle dress pointing weapons at you would intimidate most people and Narcisco was no different. He looked at the faces of the men behind the rifles and saw nothing to reassure him. It was a convincing, chilling display of force.

"General," Kroger said, "my orders are to secure this area. I suggest you consult with your commanders as to the best course of action. Your troops will not be allowed to come near our embassy."

"You will regret this, Colonel."

"Perhaps I will, sir. But in the meantime I have my orders."

Narcisco looked at the rifles pointed at him and turned to the officers behind him. "Fall back and deploy the troops across the road," he said.

He stalked away toward his vehicle.

"That went well," Anderson said. "Lieutenant, sir."

Kroger laughed. "We'll let the politicians figure it out. In the meantime, I want your ideas on how we go in there without getting the hostages killed."

"Yes, sir," Anderson said.

"Get those gates open and vehicles ready to go in. If the shit hits the fan I don't want anything slowing us down."