The Tribulation Soldier Part One 'The End Times'

The Tribulation Soldier eBook Series

EBook 1 of 16

‘The End Times’

Written by Author and Pastor, Steven Birnie

Copyright

ISBN 978-1-63452-578-1

Simply written for an easy read.

Welcome, to the End Times…

"…Don’t forget to explore our online platform, which includes four YouTube Channels, designed for our readers to enjoy…"

www.thetribulationsoldier.com

Contents

Chapter 1 – ‘Tribulation Year Seven’

Chapter 2 – ‘Twelve Years Earlier’

Chapter 3 – ‘The Royal Marine’s Prayer’

Chapter 4 – ‘Maddie and Grace’

Chapter 5 – ‘The Underground Rescue’

Chapter 6 – ‘God Sent You’

Chapter 7 – ‘Reunited’

Chapter 8 – ‘I Will Require a Service’

Chapter 9 – ‘First Day of Patrols’

Chapter 10 – ‘Man Down’

Chapter 11 – ‘A Lesson on the End Times’

Chapter 12 – ‘Matt, Mattie and Danny’

Chapter 13 – ‘Anger Rising’

Chapter 14 – ‘Another Rescue’

Chapter 15 – ‘Concerned’

Chapter 16 – ‘The President’

Chapter 17 – ‘Good Night Major’

Chapter 18 – ‘I’m in Love with You’

Chapter 19 – ‘A Tribulation Glimpse’

Chapter 20 – ‘Tea and Biscuits’

Chapter 21 – ‘Welcome to the Family’

Chapter 22 – ‘Matt, I’m Scared’

Chapter 23 – ‘R&R in the Wilds’

Chapter 24 – ‘Christian Betrayal’

Chapter 25 – ‘Down on One Knee’

Chapter 26 – ‘You Will Cry Tomorrow’

Chapter 27 – ‘She’s Breathing’

Chapter 28 – ‘Red Alert, Bad News’

Chapter 29 – ‘Suspect is Armed’

Chapter 30 – ‘These Guys are going to Pay’

Chapter One

‘Tribulation Year Seven – 2076 AD’

(Mark 13:17-26) …but woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days...for in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of creation which God created to this time, neither shall be but take heed: behold I have foretold you all things. But in those days, after that Tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light. And the stars of Heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in Heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and Glory…

I sat watching the bow of our aircraft carrier, and I couldn’t help but to feel a warmth in my heart, as it gently cut through the ocean, creating a fine spray over the flight deck. Due to the increase of the heat of the sun, the backdrop of the Mediterranean was a little brighter than I remember it, but it was still so beautiful. It felt like the first real taste of a place called home since I’d left Scotland six years before and the SRN Rearguard was a very special boat for me. I’d served there many times as a Royal Marines Commando, in the Special Boat Service and the Armour Infantry Corps.

But now, the Rearguard was taking me and the troops on board, towards the shores of Israel, to take part in the final battle of our lives. Israel was nearing the end of a long, three and a half years of war and occupation and was now becoming overrun with the enemy. So in response, the Combined Allied Forces had brought together the largest armada of battleships, aircraft, and soldiers that the world had ever seen, to come to the aid of Israel. Armageddon would be our final battle, and we knew that most of us would die, but after the seven year trial and tribulation Period, the return of our Lord Jesus Christ was drawing near!

This sense of Him finally coming, gave our deck an air of calm and as I looked around, I could see young soldiers relaxing in the sun and others playing football and basketball. It was a surreal feeling to experience, here we were relaxing, while sporadic battles were taking place all around our fleet in the air, on the sea and beneath in the ocean depths. As I walked over to the edge of the flight deck, it amazed me again, to see the sheer size of the force assembled, but I and everyone else knew, that we’d need it for the battle to come.

I stood there, feeling that my six-year journey from Scotland to Israel, was now finally drawing to a close, with our destination coming ever closer and I couldn’t wait. I knew that whatever happened, I’d either be taken to paradise with the Lord or see Him coming in the clouds, so I was eager, I was eager to get there. For now though, I headed over to a shaded spot, pulled off my T-shirt and sat down to open my little Bible for a read. However, before I could, I saw a person walking toward me in a flight suit. I could tell that she was a woman, and as I put my hand up to block the sun, my heart skipped a beat, I could see it was my Maggie.

I pulled myself up and started walking toward her. She was looking all around as though she was trying to find me, and as our eyes met, she smiled, put her hands to her face and stopped. The last time she’d seen me, I’d been a well-groomed Armour Infantry Corps Soldier, but now, I had longer hair, a beard and many scars and injuries to my face and upper body. This sight had taken her aback.

I stopped and all of a sudden, she ran and threw her little body onto my six foot four frame and cried, laughing at the same time, as she hugged my head as tightly as she could. I looked heavenward and mouthed a ‘thank you’ for making the moment happen; it was so good to see her again. She was clinging to me like a toddler, so I sat down on the deck, with her still holding on. She kept squeezing and then looking at my face and then squeezing again. She was acting just how I felt; I was so pleased to see her.

Matt, I can’t believe this….I just can’t believe this…you’re here…you’re really here…my big brother, oh, I’ve missed you…I’ve missed you so much! Not as much as I’ve missed you baby sister…you look so beautiful my love…I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed you sis’…just so much. How did you know I was here? General Adams told me that you’d boarded the Rearguard in Greece, so I asked that he transfer me here to fly the harriers….oh Matt, I’ve missed you so much…I love you, oh I love you, I love you! I love you too baby Maggie; this feels so good. I’m thanking the Lord right now, that He’s brought us back together. It was clear that she had no intentions of moving from my knee, and for about five minutes, she just hugged me and hugged me. Matt, I don’t understand, how did you know the Rearguard was in Greece? Come on Maggie love, you know the answer to that question. I have to say, I did find it odd that I was led me so far south, but He did say my journey would end in Israel. I didn’t expect to get a lift from this old aircraft carrier.

Maggie sat there looking into my eyes with such a serious expression. Matt, when you left Scotland six years ago, where did you go? I mean, I got your messages for about the first year, but after that, there was just nothing. After the rapture and us serving together, well, the Lord took me to Norway, and there’s not much more to say, I just kept heading east. I kept writing to you, but I knew after a while, that the letters wouldn’t make it…I wrote them anyway though. You know Maggie, I was so glad that the Lord had us serve together before I left…after the rapture, you helped me so much…you were such a great sister to me love, and I missed you. I missed you too…Matt, look at you…what did they do to you? She cried and hugged me again and then studied the scars all over my upper body and face with a pained look. I couldn’t have blamed her.

Well Maggie, I know it sounds really corny, but each scar here represents a moment of God’s Glory….each time I was beaten or thrown in prison, the Lord had a plan…don't look so worried my love, I wouldn’t trade any of these scars, not one…the Lord was so good…hey, what’s this? Is this a wedding ring little sister? She smiled with a blush. Yes, yes, it’s a wedding ring…do you remember Stewart, the Harrier Pilot? Do you remember, we spoke about marriage and getting married through the Tribulation Period? Well, we prayed and decided that we wanted to, we never had any children, but after you left, well, we decided to go ahead and get married.

Maggie, you’re looking at me in that way…is Stewart gone? Oh, Maggie, I’m so sorry…I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you. I know, I know you are Matt, but…you left me with twenty Armour Infantry Corps Soldiers. Not every girl has a whole troop of the most dangerous soldiers in the world as her big brothers you know…I was okay…the lads helped me through. What happened to him? He, um…well, after our war began with the European Alliance, Judea Ben-Zion sent a Squadron of Fighter Jets up the coast toward the North Sea Fleet. Our Squadron was scrambled to intercept, and it was a huge firefight…but we won, we destroyed all of those EA Jets, but um, we lost two Harrier Crews, and one of them was Stewart. I found out as soon as we began to fly back to base…it was just awful, but Alpha Troop carried out your last orders to the letter…they never let me out of their sight.

I remained quiet to let her speak fully. I’d heard many stories on my travels, little snip bits of Judea Ben-Zion’s frequent attacks on Scotland, but it was clear that Jesus had kept His promise to the end, to honor the Scottish people for their faith. But Matt, you know you were right…when you said that getting married would be worth it…even though I lost him…I thank the Lord every day for the memories I have of Stewart, and I get the feeling, that I’ll be seeing him again soon in Glory. We both smiled, we knew this journey would be our last, so either way, we’d see our loved ones again soon, but for now, our minds were focused on the war ahead.

This was going to be the battle of all battles, and all we had to do was fight, knowing that Jesus would come. Maggie began to cry again with a pained look on her face. Matt, um…Matt, I’m so scared Yes, me too love Ever since we left Scotland, I’ve been having these dreams…horrible dark dreams about being shot down…about getting captured and abused by enemy soldiers…there’s not many female pilots in this fleet Matt…I’m struggling to concentrate when I leave the deck. I could see her eyes almost begging me for reassurances, but I knew, deep in my heart, that the Lord wouldn’t allow that.

Maggie, you’re a great fighter pilot love…I promise you today…that Jesus will not allow that to happen to you…Maggie, I think we’ll both die, I really do, but after my six years traveling across Russia, I’ve learned that terrible things happen, but He’s always in control. He will not allow that to happen to you…those dreams are from our true enemy…you’ll be fine Maggie, I promise. I know, in some ways I believe that too…I just needed to hear it from you Matt….you’ve always made me feel so protected…I love you big brother…I love you so much.

Tell you what, I’ve been given a lovely officer’s room to stay in till we reach Israeli waters….why don’t you bunk in with me? We can sit and talk about Jesus till the wee hours of the morning; what do you think? Will you tell me stories of your journey? Yes, I’ll tell you anything you want to know my love Okay...listen, I’ve got to take my turn and fly a patrol north, so when I come back, I’d love to bunk in with my big brother. With that, Maggie really had to go on patrol, so I headed up to the flight deck to watch her take off in her Montagu Harrier and prayed for her safe return.

Very soon it was evening, and I was in my quarters preparing for my new roommate, but my mind was drifting off, thinking of the battle ahead. From the briefings we’d received already, I knew my Armour Infantry Corps Troop would be at the head of the beach assault and I wondered if any of us would make it past the first day. But then I reminded myself that Jesus would return, He’d come and finish the battle. As I was thinking, Maggie opened the door with a luggage bag over her shoulder and flight helmet in hand, looking at me, shaking her head. What my love? Colonel Matthew Dixon, your appearance does not befit the Order of His Majesty’s Royal Marines.

Yeh, I do look a bit of a shock don’t I, would you give my hair a little cut? Only if you shave off that beard…it would be nice to see your face again. Maggie sat me down in front of the mirror and pulled out a set of clippers she’d borrowed and began cutting through my matted hair and then got to work removing my beard. As she did, I could see her face grimace a little as more scars appeared, but when she’d finished, I looked like myself again. So, what do you think Maggie? Matt…it’s so great to see your face again. It’s a little more scarred and weather-beaten, but it’s you…my big brother. She put her arms around my shoulders, and I couldn’t help but notice her beautiful skin against mine. My face didn’t look good, but it was nice to see it again.

Did you have any contacts out on patrol love? Yes, em…yeh, quite a big one actually, I em…I shot down three European Alliance Jets and, em I know, I know how much this gets to you. You’re a great Fighter Pilot love. Maggie gave me a little smile, and I knew it was time to change the subject. So, do you think I look like a Royal Marine again or what? No Matt…you look like you’ve been the Lord’s Soldier…His Tribulation Soldier…I love you big brother I love you too….so, what Scriptures are we going to read tonight? How about the ones when Jesus talks about what Heaven will be like? That sounds good little sister…real good. We settled down to some tea and biscuits, but only after we’d prayed for a time and took of the Bread and the Wine together.

It felt like old times back at AIC Command in Scotland after the rapture, when I’d come back from operations and study the Word with Maggie. It was just great, and I couldn’t help but look to God and thank Him for giving me and Maggie this time together. So, come on Matt tell me, tell me some stories, what was the greatest miracle you saw God perform? The greatest, oh boy, there’s a few love, em…okay, I came across a settlement far up north in Russia, and it was the dead of winter, really cold. I went into the village and sat down in the main square, and the people started coming out to meet me. They told me about how they’d had weeks of bad hunts and that they’d barely any wood left. So, I asked them to gather around, and I told them that I would pray to God to provide. For some reason, I felt impressed upon to wander around the streets and pray. So, I did, and after about fifteen minutes, the settlement began to warm up What like, wow Yeh, it actually got so warm, that I had to take my animal-skins off. Animal-skins?"

I know, I was the best-dressed man in Russia. Anyway, it got so warm that the snow started melting on the houses, so I said to them that we could pray to the Lord to give us some food. We came together and began to pray quietly and just then, we could hear cows mooing, just outside the village. The people went wild, so I suggested we head out and shoot some of them and the minute we left the perimeter of the village, it suddenly went cold. And when we got back, well the village was warm again. So, I stayed for about two weeks until they were all saved and fed and em, that was it. Maggie was gobsmacked, and I couldn’t have blamed her, it was really something to see, but this had now perked up her interest even more.

So come on Matt, another Another, oh Maggie, there’s so many, em…right, okay, one year, I’d moved back down south to avoid the worst of the winter, and I entered quite a modern village, close to the old Russian border. Man, it was weird, there were coffee shops and supermarkets, I actually had a cup of coffee, a real cup of coffee. Anyway, once I’d bought some supplies, I headed back toward the edge of town, and as I passed a side street, I saw a crowd of people. They were all cheering and taking photos, so I thought I’d head down and have a look well, you’ll never guess who it was, shaking hands with people and kissing babies, Judea Ben-Zion himself. You are joking Matt, Judea Ben-Zion the anti-christ? Oh, what did you do? Well, I stood at the edge of the crowd and em, well, our eyes met, and I got the first real look at his face.

He had makeup on, but it was easy to see that it was covering the boils and sores on his face and you could tell that he was doped up on painkillers. Anyway, he saw me, I could see him mouthing to one of his bodyguards, and for some reason, I just saw red. I started planning in my head how I’d take out his bodyguards and then how I’d kill him, but, just then, I found myself fifty miles north of the village. The Lord transported you, what like He did with Philip? Well, it wasn’t the first time, but yes, with my horses and carriage which I’d left outside the village. As I stood there in the snow, I instantly knew what I’d done wrong. My call was never to kill this guy, no, the prophecies in the scriptures were to be fulfilled, so that’s why the Lord removed me.

Matt, I just can’t believe what you’re telling me, the Lord transported you, instantly with, I’m sorry, your horses and your carriage? Yes, that’s how I traveled, old Angus and Hamish…they were good lads. Yes, and you know what? I learned that day that I needed to trust the Lord fully, to follow His orders without question and to teach me that lesson, He put me back fifty miles on my travels, boy it was cold. Ha-ha, I bet you it was…wow Matt, I knew you’d have some adventures, but these miracles were just amazing, I can’t imagine what a freezing cold village must have felt like, to all of a sudden warm up Well, Jesus told us that we’d do even greater things than Him through the Spirit and well, He proved His Word correct yet again.

So, Matt, em…what about the scars…it was difficult for me to imagine someone hurting you so badly I know love, there were some experiences that weren’t pretty, but they worked out in the end. In one of my most major beatings, they’d come into my cell three times a day to give me their good news and boy, I thought I was going to die. But you know, the head guard found out that I was a Christian and he had a little daughter who was sick. So, I asked him if he’d want me to ask the Lord to heal his daughter. He took her in that day and through the bars of my cell, I laid hands on her, and she got better, right there and then. The guy, quite obviously let me go, but it was then I knew why I’d been imprisoned, their whole family got saved Maggie.

Yes, I can see that I suppose I can see it was worth it…I’m just so glad you’re tough Matt, but em, some of those scars look pretty bad. I know, I must admit, I’m hoping my beating days are over, maybe I’ll get a quick death in Israel soon eh? I hope we both do Matt…it will be so amazing to finally meet Jesus, won’t it? Stare at the face of God Himself, boy I just can’t imagine it, can you? No, I can’t, but…we’ll be seeing Him soon enough love, there’s no doubt about that. We continued chatting so that I could tell Maggie more stories, but after a while, we had a knock at the door. General Adams, boss, please come in Hello Matt son, Maggie…you two look like you’re in for a long night with the Lord Yes boss…just like old times, eh? Um, Matt, Maggie…can I speak with you both? Of course you can sir, please take a seat. I poured him some tea, gave him a biscuit, and we chatted to catch up, but it was clear he had something serious to say to us both.

Okay Matt and Maggie…well Maggie, you know you’re the leader of B Squadron, northern flank, and Matt, you have Alpha Troop Armour Infantry Corps to command on the main assault, but, em…I was praying last night and right where I sat, the Lord spoke to me…He told me that you wouldn’t be involved in the main assault and that I was to pull you and Maggie from the operation. Now, you know that we have a major offensive in place ready to strike, but the Lord’s Commands supersede ours as you know. So, the Joint Chiefs have agreed, when we come close to the shores of Israel, you’re to suit up, and Maggie will fly you north to a position He has given me, and He wants you to defend a small walled city. He said that you are to remain there and protect the people until He comes, so Matt, apart from that…I know nothing else. All I know is that these are His orders for you and Maggie.

I sat back on my bunk for a moment, looking at Maggie. She seemed a little surprised that the Lord would pull her from the battle, considering she was one of the few pilots skilled enough to fly the Montagu Harrier, but we both knew, these were the orders of the Lord. Right you two, tell me what you need for the operation, but Matt, none of us know how this will play out. I don’t know if I can even give you air cover…I’m not sure we’ll be able to supply you that far north…you may end up there alone. I know sir, but I won’t be alone, I’ll have the Lord with me and Maggie in my earpiece Yes, I know…I know that son…listen, we might not get the chance to speak again…I’m about to get very busy, so um…I’m proud of you son….you’re one of the best soldiers that I’ve ever had under my command….so, I’m not going to say goodbye…I’ll just say, see you later.

Chapter Two

‘Twelve Years Earlier – 2064 AD’

(Mark 13:7-8) …And when you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars, be not troubled: for such things must needs be: but the end shall not be yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginning of sorrows…

The world was a very different place, and many countries had experienced revolts against their governments, causing mass lawlessness, pockets of wars and a massive displacement of peoples. Only a few countries maintained working governments in isolated positions, fighting off attacks from bandit armies. These safer and civilized countries were dotted around the globe, working for the most part together, but for the rest of the world, it was a very dangerous place indeed. Many armies, tribes, and colonies were at war, and for the millions of innocent, their displacement took them to the refugee camps on their borders, to flee the fighting and the dangers of the Dead Zones. For Scotland, our main Colony was within the ruined city of Bergen in Norway, and it had been steadily growing ever since the wars. The Norway Colony did have a small, but dedicated Security Force to defend them. However, these rogue armies and bandits were becoming brave, conducting more raids than ever before.

These attacks were overwhelming the security forces, so the Commander of Norway Defence Force had sent an urgent message to our Prime Minister, asking for early assistance. With our military engaged in our own national security, it made sense to send the Armour Infantry Corps and our mission would be simple, to scare these rogue armies in the region, by overwhelming them with firepower, sending them a message, that the Refugee Colony was off limits! This was a tactic we’d employed for many years, with the dangers of these bandits infiltrating the Scottish coastline. Although our coast had observation posts, at times these bandits would make it past our North Sea Naval Fleet and come to shore for raids. So, it was our job, to confront them as a Rapid Reaction Force, to scare them into never coming back again.

It worked and worked well, however, these armies knew that the Colony was an easy target, so with this ongoing mission, we were to change their thinking and give this Colony the chance to survive. Our troop for this deployment, would consist of only twenty men, eight vehicles, and a landing craft and it may have sounded small on paper, but it was all we required to wage a mini-war of our own. The power lay in the twenty soldiers, suited up in the Scottish Defence Force ‘Special Infantry Armour’ made from a classified metal.

The armor, not only encased our bodies with hydraulic movement enhancement, but it had satellite linkup and an awesome array of firepower. This made an AIC soldier a hundred times more effective, fifty times stronger and ten times faster. The soldier could walk and run for miles, survive in any conditions and working together as a unit, there wasn’t a known enemy on the planet who would stand a chance.

In those early years of the AIC Deployments to the Norway Colony, some thought it strange that our Prime Minister would send us on missions like this, considering how much we all cost wrapped up in our armour. But our PM was a full on believer in Jesus Christ, and he showed compassion upon others in great ways. Aside from some separatist groups, he’d inspired many in Scotland to unity, and the people were coming together, and despite the usual criminal element, our nation was unified. The people were working together, growing food and making sure everyone had what they needed.

Many now served in the Scottish Defence Force as national guard, keeping law and order as well as observing the coastline for danger. Churches had sprung up all over the land, and many of the old Church buildings in Scotland were now filled, almost every night, with those who believed in Jesus. Every time I’d come home for some R&R, my parents and my brothers and sisters, would all be out at Church nearly every evening and I just couldn’t understand why. I got that it was good and all that, but I just didn’t get it at all. Besides, I was far too busy serving in the military.

THE NEWS - Good evening and welcome to Scottish News on the Hour at seven o'clock, I'm Kim McMillan. The top stories tonight…The Combined Allied Forces comment for the first time on the highly classified 'SIRUS Satellite Defence System'...The Grimsvotn Volcanic Fissure in Iceland continues to erupt, causing multiple earthquakes...Israeli Foreign Secretary Judea Ben-Zion narrowly escapes an assassination attempt in Paris, and we visit a school in Glasgow, who are doing their part for Scotland’s Refugees. But first, a special report from our Norway Correspondent Nick Grey, as they await the arrival of the Armour Infantry Corps, Nick good evening… …Good evening Kim Nick, this is always a big event for the refugees in Norway, can you tell us what the mood is like among the people? Yes Kim, as you can see behind me, crowds of refugees have gathered to welcome the Scottish Armour Infantry Corps, as they arrive for a three-month tour in Norway.

"As you know, the Colony has experienced two weeks, of having no AIC Soldiers on station and the Dead Zone bandits have taken full advantage, by conducting attacks and kidnappings. So the mood here is that of excitement and relief, at the coming of our brave AIC Soldiers. Now, if we can pan the camera around…we can see that the landing craft is only minutes away from disembarking the AIC, right here on the shoreline, to begin their tour and it’s quite a sight to behold Nick, does anyone know which branch of the AIC will be arriving today?"

"Yes Kim, we were informed in a statement by Scottish Defence Force Command, that Alpha Troop, of the AIC’s Special Boat Service, has been given this tour. Now, out of the twelve AIC Troops, Alpha Troop has by far, been here the most and many of the soldiers coming are well known to the population. Standing next to me, I have a mother who lives here in the Colony, who has agreed to say a few words about the AIC. Ma’am, thank you for talking to us this evening. Now, you’ve lived in the Colony for four years now, what do you think about Scotland’s Armour Infantry Corps?"

"Oh Nick, we are so overjoyed at the arrival of our brave soldiers, I feel my children will now be safe Have you met any of the soldiers in the past? Yes, many times, they may look scary in their armour, but they are so kind, we are so happy to see them again Thank you ma’am…so Kim, I think this lady’s feelings, are that of the majority of the Colony, in that they’re relieved, at the return of our AIC. Now, if we turn again, we’ll see the fearsome looking landing craft, just moments away from disembarking the soldiers and their vehicles."

"Nick, it’s quite a sight, can you talk us through what we’re seeing for the people back here in Scotland? Certainly Kim, in a moment, we’ll see the bow section of the LC drop down as it hits the beach. We’ll see the AIC Soldiers move forward to secure the area in full combat readiness and then we’ll witness their own convoy of specialized armored vehicles, crash into the surf as they exit. Now, the LC has two decks, the lower decks contain the heavy vehicles and the second deck, contains the light off-road vehicles and…wait, yes here they come now…wow, what a frightening sight to behold. As you can see Kim, an AIC Soldier in Armour is a very intimating sight indeed, but as you can hear from the cheering behind me, these people are glad to see our boys."

"Now, we can see the first of the vehicles, this is the AIC Armoured Tank Unit…followed by the Armoured Personnel Carriers…now the upper deck will drop, to allow the lighter off-road vehicles to disembark. Now these ATV’s are unique to the AIC, very powerful, very fast and designed in a way to transport AIC Soldiers in full armour, on the various patrols they’ll undertake…"

Chapter Three

‘The Royal Marine’s Prayer’

(Proverbs 3:5-6) …Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths…

We stood on the deck waiting for our landing craft bow door to open, and as I looked forward, I could see my men ready and eager to move. I studied the weather updates on my head up display, along with satellite imagery and the mission updates, going over and over again, our plan to disembark. The imagery was showing a lot of movement in the Dead Zone close to the Colony, and although we’d be landing within the Colony shoreline, I wished they’d drop us off further up, to start getting the job done. As we got close to the shore, I could feel the LC slowing