Sandstorm

Ken Coffman

INTRODUCTION

Koran Sura 2, Verse 30.

Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: “I will create someone appointed on earth.”

They said: “Wilt Thou place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood? —Whilst we do celebrate Thy praises and glorify Thy holy name?”

He said: "I know what ye know not."

Steve Stephens

Disturbed by a polite knock at his door, Steve glanced at his wall clock. Unlike the other cheap clocks in this section of the building, his was a Government Services Administration (GSA) National Stock Number (NSN) 4919814 atomic clock with radio-controlled quartz movement, 12 inch diameter, black with white face. 12:33 it said, very nearly the dead center of his lunch hour. Reading a copy of the National Review, his shoeless feet were on his desk. He was eating a peanut butter-raison sandwich and drinking a peach Snapple. He wrapped up his sandwich and slipped it into a desk drawer. Removing a lint roller from his side drawer, he rolled it over his chest and necktie until the crumbs were removed to his satisfaction.

Squelching any hint of annoyance, “Come in,” he called out.

His voice was like dark chocolate, deep and rich. His hair was cropped close: a quarter inch of gray mat. A husky man, he was in his late 50’s and retired from the Army after a 24 year hitch. Assigned to a Drug Enforcement Administration Regional Enforcement Team, he was marking time until his second retirement kicked in. Literally. On a GSA NSN 7892455 Wall Calendar Board, he’d neatly been marking off the days with red X’s; he had precisely 37 days left.

He did not recognize the young woman who poked her head in. She wore a crisp formal Army uniform with her brown hair pulled back in a bun so tightly that it gave her eyes a slight Asian cast. Approving, Steve noted that she wore her standard Army beret properly with the brim precisely one inch above her carefully plucked right eyebrow, with flash over left eye folded to the right front with excess draped over right side down to the top of her ear with the dip behind the flash. She wore a Field Service Uniform (FSU) AG 489 and the belt of her skirt was dressed properly to the right, opposite of the male belt requirement. The hem of her skirt was centered exactly on the back fold of her knee. Noting her nametag, Steve asked: “What can I do for you, Major Karne?”

“Sorry to bother you, Agent Stephens, I know it’s your lunch time.”

“I’m sure this must be important, Major.”

There was the slightest hint of threat in his voice.

“Of course,” the Major replied.

She walked in and pulled the door closed behind her. Extending her hand, Steve carefully wrapped it in his monstrous fingers and shook it gently.

“Please take a seat,” he said, gesturing. After she was seated, with his back straight, he eased himself into his chair. He folded his giant hands on his desk and tried to imagine what she had come to say. After 35 years of by-the-book service and with 37 days to go, he had almost nothing to fear, but there was still a tickle at the back of his mind. The routine of his day was disrupted.

“Thank you,” she replied, looking around his office. His desk was completely clean and uncluttered, displaying only a NSN 2866954 Binder, Note Pad, Springback, Aluminum, 8.5 X 11, a yellow pencil (Pencil, Number 2, 100% Recycled) sharpened to a perfect point and a 4588210 8.5 X 11 Picture Frame, Clear Glass. She pointed at the picture with a question on her face. Steve nodded slightly. She picked up the picture and studied the soldiers carefully.

“Saigon?” she asked.

“Yes,” Steve answered.

She put the picture back and adjusted it with a painted fingernail until it was back where it belonged. Steve glanced and approved, she’d positioned it properly.

“This is very uncomfortable for me.”

“I have a very busy schedule this afternoon.”

“I understand, I’ll get to the point. I’m really sorry, it’s about your nephew. Curtis.”

All the strength flowed out of his body and he wilted.

“Oh no,” he said, pressing on his stomach as if holding himself together.

“I’m truly sorry,” she said gently.