vulnerable oil chokepoints. And shit, they got us all. But I’ll say this. When we get this crap fixed-up again, and mark my words, we will, they’d better run for shelter in Tehran, because we are going to bomb those fuckers back to the Jurassic.’
Andy wondered whether plans were already being drawn up to deliver some payback, or whether the US government, like every other government, was focusing on damage limitation right now. If Iran really had been behind this, Andy reflected, they’d better bloody well hope the world wasn’t going to recover enough to focus its attention on them and bring some retribution to bear. Proof of their involvement, or no proof.
‘Shit, we should’ve seen this coming.’ Ellory shook his head. ‘Anyway, I haven’t got time to talk this crap through with you guys.’ He pointed towards Andy, Westley and his men standing just outside the tent. ‘You guys’ll have to take your chances with the other Brits assembled at the end of the strip.’ He pointed to Erich, ‘And you need to get yourself down and join the international group.’
He pointed to Mike. ‘You, on the other hand, you’ll need to make your way over to where we’ve put all our civilian contractors, US nationals, defence contractors.’
Mike looked across at Andy. ‘These guys have been through a lot Colonel, they—’
‘I do not have the fucking time to argue the point! If we have the time and the planes, we’ll get them out, but American nationals and personnel are to go first. Now if you wouldn’t mind getting your ass out of my tent, I’ve got a million and one things to attend to,’ Colonel Ellory said, offering a formal nod and then turning towards a sergeant who had entered brandishing a clipboard.
Andy turned to Westley, ‘Okay then, I guess we do as the man says, and go find the other Brits.’
They walked out of the tent into the half-light, towards Wesley’s platoon gathered in a loose and weary-looking huddle beneath the glow of a floodlight several dozen yards away. Erich shook hands with Andy and Mike.
‘I go now,’ he said quietly. ‘See if I find any other French here. You stay safe, eh?’
Andy nodded, ‘Safe journey, mate.’
They watched him walk away along the edge of the airstrip, past silent islands of soldiers, sitting, resting, some smoking, some sleeping.
Lance Corporal Westley walked over towards his men and got them on their feet. He left Mike and Andy standing watching the planes come and go, listening to the roar of propeller engines turning, and the distant cries and chants of the civilians massing outside the perimeter of razor wire.
‘Well I guess this is where we part company, Dr Sutherland,’ said Mike.
‘Yeah, we’ll have to get together and do this again next year.’
Mike laughed.
Andy stuck out a hand. ‘I’d give you my email address, but I’m not sure there’ll be an Internet when we get back home.’
‘No, you’re probably right,’ said Mike, grabbing the offered hand and shaking it.
‘But look, if it turns out this isn’t actually the end of the world,’ Andy continued, ‘you can always get me through my website - PeakOilWatch.co.uk.’
Mike nodded. ‘I’ll make a point of looking you up.’ He watched Westley’s men preparing to move off. ‘You know, for a guy that’s never handled a gun before,’ he said pointing towards the remnants of the platoon, ‘you did a good job leading those boys out of trouble.’
Andy shook his head. ‘Not good enough. Telling Peters to turn off our lights—’
‘Shit like that happens, Andy. But you got the rest of these boys through, that’s what counts,’ said Mike, a grin flashing from his dark beard. ‘You did good.’
They shared an awkward silence, not really sure what came next, but knowing there was more to be said.
‘We went through a lot of stuff, these last few days, didn’t we?’ said Mike.
‘Yes. I’m sure we should be talking it out or something, Dr Phil style.’
‘There never seems to be time enough to talk. It seems like all we’ve done in the last three days is fight, run and drive.’
‘Yeah. Anyway,’ said Andy, ‘I’m not sure I want to revisit any of it right now. I’ve got a wife and two kids to get home to.’
Mike nodded. ‘If they’re half as resourceful as you, they’ll be just fine, Andy. Trust me.’
He shrugged. ‘What about you, Mike? You must have family you’re worried about.’
‘Nope,’ said Mike shaking his head, ‘it’s just me. The job always seemed to come first.’
‘I guess