Hillah, Iraq.
After chasing Terrorist Z, tonight’s mission to capture a weapons dealer seemed somewhat pedestrian. We loaded up, met SWAT, and rolled down south. The neighborhood was right off the road, which makes this sort of operation relatively easy and successful. The assault force turned off the main road, ran down a canal for a hundred meters or so, then turned left into the neighborhood. My vehicle provided rear security next to the canal.We checked out the houses between along the canal back to the main road, and all looked quiet. Some of the neighbors had gone inside when they saw us come in, but later came out to continue working on their car. Through our interpreter, we encouraged them to go back inside for a while, as it would be safer there if something went wrong. They argued a bit, but finally agreed by going in. We watched along the canal as kids played and families enjoyed the cool of the evening.
The arms dealer put up no resistance at all. He admitted to dealing illegal arms, and although he had a small cache of illegal weapons in his home, he agreed to show SWAT where he kept his main cache. We packed up to begin one of the longest drives I have made on a mission.
We headed out of town. Soon we were on a two lane road which seemed to wander nomadically through the desert. The arms dealer was not used to being out at night, and he kept getting lost. I suspect that he was a clever fellow, and enjoyed leading us around. The evening was relatively cool, and nobody talked as we drove around the desert listening to music. Despite my best efforts, I could not stay focused on the drive, although we had little to do but follow the vehicle in front of us. My mind wandered over a range of topics as I sank into a comfortable soporific state induced by warm air, road noise, and barely audible music. I reflected on the complex state of affairs in Iraq, and how they came to be. I thought about the people, and what the future holds for them. I hope it is a better future overall. I though of my home in Texas, and drinking Mexican coffee on the porch, listening to the cows. I thought of the way my Beautiful Bride sips her coffee to make room for more creamer. I thought of peach pie and white wine, and my very pleasant back porch in Atlanta. I spent some time on the asymmetries I perceive in Maxwell’s Equations, and possible research in that field. I thought of how good flannel pants feel when it is cold.
The convoy suddenly came to a stop, the informant having finally led us to his cache.
“Where are we?” I asked Staff Sergeant.
“Couldn’t tell you, sir.” he replied.
“GPS working?”
“Yes, sir”. At least I knew where to send air support in the unlikely event we needed it.
The SWAT began to dig up crates of mortars, rifles, and grenades. I got out to take a look. Checking my own GPS against my maps, I found that we were not as far out as I had believed. We were between two major Coalition camps, and not too far from where we started. Clever fellow, leading us around like that.We loaded up the weapons, and headed on back home. I tried to pay attention, but eventually gave up. Sometimes it is better to just give up and enjoy the ride. Tonight was just an easy night.