Death approaches quickly. Falling at 120 m.p.h. from an altitude of five miles high, the Special Forces Major signals to his troops to "stay tight."He receives thumbs-up signs from each member.After this H.A.L.O. (high altitude - low opening) jump, they reach their designated altitude and deploy their chutes.They land in a discrete area about one half mile from the target-area, as planned.Once on the ground, as they remove their jump gear, including oxygen masks and mini-tanks, they converse to relieve the stress, yet they remain focused on the goal of the mission.Major, "There's nothing like dropping in unexpectedly for dinner! Is there, ladies?""You ought to know, Major. Was that Billy Bob who came home too soon to find his wife and you after that last mission?""Now, don't be gettin' insubordinate with me. I can rattle off 100 stories for every one of you girlie-boys," the Major protests with a smile.Just another assignment earmarked by the Commander-In-Chief, they carry out their missions, no matter the task. "What's a guy or a gal got to do for lunch money these days?""We don't get paid nothing, Major. But, look at all the fun we have!""Who we gonna kill this time, Major?" asks one of the free-falling soldiers."Depends on what they do, Sergeant. Might have to kill ours and theirs," the Major replies, frankly.
About the Author: Roger C. Bull Currently, Roger is a computer consultant. He has experience in the fields of construction, education, journalism, law enforcement, electronics, computers, sales and publishing. His educational background includes courses of study in biology, chemistry and physics; advanced law enforcement studies; and criminology, psychology and sociology. He is a graduate of L.S.U. Law Enforcement Institute. His literary experiences began at age ten when he wrote poetry. He wrote news articles in junior high school, college and for the Hammond Daily Star. He published poetry in school, college and professional newspapers. Roger and his wife, Karen Bonvillain Bull, attended a creative writing class funded by the Alabama Council for the Arts at the University of South Alabama Fairhope campus. His published works are a book of poetry, "Within the Heart and Soul," and a legal thriller, "Legalized Crime." His current works in progress include: "Legalized Crime, Part II," "TechWorld Terrorism" and a murder mystery, "The Thin Line of Good and Evil." After identifying a need for writers to independently publish their books, Roger formed Southern Oaks Publishing to perform prepublication functions including: formatting print and digital books, cover designs, typing and light editing.