C.M.A.C. - Saga of a Saigon Warrior
Episode 8 – Visitors
Written by
James J. Finnegan
Based on the novel
C.M.A.C., A Vietnam Era Trilogy
by the same author
© 2007 James Finnegan - All rights reserved
SCENE 1. int. – Meyerkord, reception – late afternoon
Lt. Callaghan enters and is hailed by the receptionist.
Receptionist:
Lieutenant, you have to call the C.M.A.C. Radio Room right away. It’s an emergency.
Lt. Callaghan:
Christ, what’s happened now?
Picks up the phone at reception
C.M.A.C. exchange please. (pause)
Radio Room Please. (pause)
SFC Holstein:
Radio Room.
Lt. callaghan:
This is Lieutenant Callaghan. Sergeant, is there a problem?
SFC. Holstein:
I’m glad I caught you Sir. A lady by the name of Carol called. She said you would know who she was. She is in town for the night and wants to see you.
Lt. Callaghan:
Did she say World Airways?
SFC. Holstein:
No Sir, she just said to call her at the Majestic hotel.
Lt. Callaghan:
Thank you, I owe you a big one Sergeant.
Lt. callaghan taps the receiver cradle
The Majestic Hotel please.
(O.O.V) The Majestic reception
Carol Smith please.
(O.O.V) This is Carol.
Carol, this is JAC.
Carol Smith:
JAC, Christ I’ve had a hell of a time trying to get in touch with you. Where have you been all of my life?
Lt. Callaghan:
I’ll tell you about it later. Are you free for dinner tonight?
carol Smith:
Absolutely, you can pick us up at six.
Lt. callaghan:
Us? How many of you are there?
Carol Smith:
There are four of us but you are mine for the night.
Lt. Callaghan:
Let me make arrangements and I’ll meet you in the Majestic bar in a three quarters of an hour.
SCENE 2. int. – Hotel Le Majestique, Bar - Evening
Lt. Callaghan dressed in khakis enters. Carol runs to greet him as he enters from reception, kisses him and holds his hand. They return to the lounge.
Lt. Callaghan:
Carol you look fabulous.
Carol Smith:
You don’t look too bad yourself JAC.
Let me introduce Veronica, Jamey and Pam. This is JAC,
All:
Pleased to meet you JAC. We had fears that since we had a surprise layover we would be stuck in the hotel.
Lt. Callaghan:
I’m glad to be of assistance. Tonight you will have a short tour of the city, be entertained at the International House where you can gamble, drink, dine or just listen to the music at the piano bar. Your escorts for this evening will be from the US Embassy. Their communal name is BRAG, for Bill, Rat and George. It’s about the best I could scrape up at the last minute. Drinks ladies?
Carol pulled JAC Closer as the rest ordered their drinks
Carol Smith:
You look great JAC, better than I remember. You must be taking care of yourself, or is someone else helping?
Lt. callaghan:
No Carol, there’s no one else. I spend all my time making sure I get out of here alive. I count the days until I’ll be free.
SCENE 3. :int. – International House, reception - evening
Lt. Callaghan, Carol, Veronica, pam and jamey enter reception.
Lt. Callaghan:
We’ll have to wait here for the rest of the gang They only allow one guest per member although they may make an exception in your case. Have any of you been here before?
Pam:
No, none of the guys we know here would take us to a joint this swanky.
Lt. Callaghan:
Ah, here are your escorts. May I introduce Bill, Rat and George.
Bill Fisher:
Shall we start in the casino? It’s a good way to get acquainted.
Veronica:
Craps! Callaghan, got any money you can loan me?
Lt. Callaghan looked at a near empty wallet.
Lt. Callaghan:
Here’s twenty, don’t spend it all in one place.
We’ll be heading for dinner in a half an hour so don’t get lost.
(pause)
Isn’t she something to behold. She’s jumped right in with the best of them.
Carol Smith:
What about me?
Lt. Callaghan:
Would you like to get in some gambling?
Carol Smith:
No, I’m just fine being here with you.
Jamey followed dragging Bill Fisher along with her
Jamey:
Come on, let’s see how Vicki is doing.
George Followed along after checking to see where RAT was in line. Carol Smith looks around
Carol Smith:
Nice place, do you come here often?
Lt. Callaghan:
On my salary, not on your life. This is a special treat for me.
Veronica returns followed by the rest of the group waving a wad of cash.
Veronica:
Six hundred bucks, not bad for fifteen minutes work. Dinner and drinks are on me and I feel like champagne to start. Here’s your twenty Callaghan. Thanks for the seed money.
Bill Fisher:
We had better get in line. Seating is going to start soon and we want to get the best view, although there is not a bad view in the house as it’s just a matter of distance.
They joined RAT at the beginning of the line. They were ushered in and managed to get a center booth half way up the tiered balconies.
How’s this for a view.
Jamey:
I never thought I’d be in a place like this on this trip.
Looks around
It looks all right for us folks but I wonder what the poor people are doing tonight?
Lt. callaghan:
It’s a good thing Vicki took the prize otherwise I would have been slim picken’s if we were relying on my wallet.
Carol Smith squeezed Lt. Callaghan’s arm and gave him a kiss on the cheek
Carol Smith:
You would never starve with me around.
Veronica hailed the waiter and took over control of the table
Veronica:
Wine list please.
quickly looks it over
We’ll have two bottles of Moet and Chandon, bin 63. That will do for a start. Keep our glasses full until the starters arrive.
Lt. Callaghan: (V.O.)
I watched in Veronica in amazement. She knew how to have a good time. The floorshow started, the courses delivered and the wine flowed. The crew were in pretty goods sprits by the time the check arrived. Veronica, with her usual flair, paid the waiter and left a hefty tip.
Veronica turned to Bill Fisher
Veronica:
Where can a girl get a drink around here?
Bill Fisher helped Veronica up
Bill Fisher:
There’s always the lounge. We can stop by for a couple of drinks and then we’ll have to head out. This place closes at 2130 hours in honor of curfew.
SCENE 4. int. – International House, Piano Bar lounge - evening
The crew enter the piano bar lounge. The place is dimly lit and appointed in black leather. Carol Smith Grabs Lt. Callaghan
Carol Smith:
Let’s dance, I don’t want to sit the evening away.
Lt. Callaghan:
You had better be careful. I haven’t been around a woman for a long time.
Carol Smith:
I was counting on that.
Several dances later bill fisher taps then on the shoulder
Bill Fisher:
Time to head out you love birds, the curfew is upon us.
Carol Smith Gives Lt. Callaghan a kiss and whispers in his ear
Carol Smith:
Too bad we have to leave. You are coming back with me, aren’t you?
Lt. callaghan:
Why would I want to end a night like this so quickly.
SCENE 5. Int. c.m.a.c. Signal Office - Morning
Lt. Callaghan enters
Maj. Dingby:
Just the man I want to see. There is another dead duck in the Duck Bunker compound. General Minh complained that our Duck Bunker security must not be very tight if we don’t notice when a duck’s neck gets broken. The one that died this morning had a broken neck as well. What’s going on Lieutenant?
Lt. Callaghan:
I don’t know Sir. It sounds very suspicious to me.
Lt. Col. Venetti enters
Lt. Col. Venetti:
Does trouble follow you everywhere Lieutenant? I just received a call from Colonel Sharp. He said that the General has some questions to ask you and wants you to report to him immediately.
Lt. callaghan:
Yes Sir, I’ll be right there. Sir, do you know what this is all about?
Lt. Col. Venetti:
I think it’s best, Lieutenant, that you hear it from the General personally.
Lt. Callaghan leaves the Signal Office
SCENE 6. int. – c.m.a.c. Headquarters, BG. Gottard’s office - Morning
Lt. callaghan hesitates at the door. BG. Gottard is on the phone, obviously upset. When he puts the phone down he looks at Lt. Callaghan for a few seconds
BG. Gottard:
It was you!
Lt. Callaghan:
It was me what Sir?
BG Gottard steps out from behind his desk
BG. Gottard:
It was you I saw at the International House Thursday night. I thought I recognized you.
Lt. Callaghan:
Yes Sir, I was there. I’m a member.
BG. Gottard:
A member? How the hell did you ever get a membership to the International House? Where do you get that kind of money? Come to think of it, how did you manage to latch on to four gorgeous round eyes? Are you doing something illegal Lieutenant?
Lt. callaghan:
They were just some friends Sir.
BG Gottard starts waving his finger at Lt. Callaghan
BG. Gottard:
That’s not a good enough answer for me or the CID. You have a lot of explaining to do Lieutenant.
Lt. callaghan:
Embassy Security can vouch for me Sir.
BG. Gottard:
Embassy Security? How have you become involved with Embassy Security?
Lt. Callaghan:
They are just some friends Sir.
BG. Gottard finally sat down and started to cool off.
BG. Gottard:
That had better be the case for your sake Lieutenant. (pause) And another thing, where is the microwave rig for Gia Dinh?
Lt. Callaghan:
It was deployed several days ago Sir and it’s operational.
BG. Gottard:
Well it’s about time Lieutenant. I don’t know why it takes you so long to get things done.
Lt. Callaghan:
Yes Sir, I am a little slow, but learning as I go.
BG. Gottard:
Callaghan, get the hell out of here before I send you up country.
SCENE 7. int. – c.m.a.c. Signal office – Mid Day
Lt. Callaghan enters and is immediately snared by Maj. Dingby.
Maj. Dingby:
I see by your demeanour that you haven’t been ordered up country.
Lt. Callaghan:
Yes Sir, once again you are very perceptive. I don’t think I could ever hide anything from you.
Maj. Dingby:
Cut the crap Lieutenant, I need to report to the Colonel when he returns so if you would be so kind as to update me, it would be greatly appreciated.
Lt. Callaghan:
In nutshell Sir, I am a valid member of the International House. I was with four gorgeous women at the International House the other night when the General saw me and we have deployed a microwave rig to Gia Dinh.
Maj. Dingby:
And where did you get the microwave rig Lieutenant?
Lt. Callaghan:
Sergeant Cox persuaded someone to lend him one Sir.
Maj. Dingby:
Is this on the up and up Lieutenant? I wouldn’t want to have any bad press about the Signal Section.
Lt. Callaghan:
I am sure that the situation is well in hand Sir.
Maj. Dingby:
It had better be Lieutenant, and the dead Ducks, are they well in hand? You know that you will be personally responsible for replacing the next one that dies.
Lt. Callaghan:
I am sure nothing more will happen Sir.
Maj. Dingby:
I don’t know whether I should feel relieved or not Lieutenant. (pause) Oh, by the way, there is another task in which the Signal Section should be involved. There are a number of Cordon and Search operations, with the code name Schlitzque, conducted at Fort Pineapple. It’s relatively isolated, located at the intersection of the Vam Co Dong and Vam Co Tay rivers, a favourite route for the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army into the delta. They are having a problem with communications reception and need some advice. You will need to liaise with Major Hill in G3 to make arrangements to fly with him. Consider this a bit of G3 training as well.
Lt. Callaghan:
Schlitzque? It sounds more like a BBQ than a code name Sir.
Maj. Dingby:
Yes Lieutenant, I know. Just contact Major Hill and he will explain everything.
SCENE 8. Int. c.m.a.c. radio room - afternoon
Lt. Callaghan enters and walks over to the area map and looks for Ft. Pineapple, not finding it.
Lt. Callaghan:
Sergeant Holstein, can you show me the location of Fort Pineapple?
SFC. Holstein:
Who is going there Sir? That’s a nasty place.
Lt. Callaghan:
I was just informed by Major Dingby that it’s me. I’m supposed to arrange with Major Hill, G3. Do you have any idea as to what is going on?
SFC. Holstein:
We’ve had some reception problems every once in a while but most of that was due to improper use of the radio. They would try and call us when they were right next to a metal building that was in the path of the transmission.
Lt. Callaghan:
Sounds like the usual. I’ll get it arranged and let you know. Anything else going on?
sfc. Holstein:
You know where the tree fell on the Special Forces fence in the motor pool? They had to move some of the 5th Special Forces CONEXs out of the way to clear it. When they finished repairing the fence they left three Special Forces CONEXs on our side. I had them moved next to our CONEX’s and had the ID numbers and locks changed.
Lt. callaghan:
What’s in them?
SFC Holstein:
I don’t know. I’d like to know myself. If you’re going out there Sir, here are the keys.
Lt. Callaghan:
Thanks Sergeant. Can I borrow Specialist Dudley to give me a hand?
SFC Holstein:
He’s in the motor pool Sir, having a cigarette.
Lt. callaghan:
Thanks, I’ll pick him up on the way.
SFC. Holstein:
Remember Sir, you have to watch him.
Lt. callaghan:
Thanks Sergeant, I know.
SCENE 9. ext. motor pool – mid day
Lt. callaghan finds Spec5 dudley
Lt. Callaghan:
Specialist Dudley, am I glad to find you. Come on I have need of your assistance. We’re on a CONEX treasure hunt. Aren’t you thrilled?
Spec5 Dudley drops his cigarette on the ground and crushes it out.
Spec5 Dudley:
Yes Sir, I am thrilled.
Lt. Callaghan:
Well we can start this thrilling expedition by you picking up that butt. (pause) Come on, lets get started.
They walk to the motor pool. As they approach the
Which ones are the new ones?
Spec5. Dudley:
The ones on the far end Sir.
Lt. callaghan fumbles with keys in anticipation. Opens the first one.
Lt. callaghan:
Look at these, their Collins KWM-2s. We’re really lucky to get these.
Lt. callaghan starts to open one of the boxes
Spec5. Dudley:
Are they TV’s Lieutenant?
Lt. Callaghan:
No Dudley, they’re radios.
Spec5 Dudley:
Stereos Sir?
Lt. callaghan:
No Dudley they’re communications radios like the ones we have in the Radio Room only these are long range. You can talk to people all over the world with these.
Lt. callaghan pulls out more boxes and crates
Come and take a look at the stuff in here. We may have the makings of a MARS station.
spec5. dudley:
MARS? Are you on the right planet Sir?
Lt. Callaghan:
No, MARS is Military Affiliate Radio System. Now the first thing we do is get these items out of the CONEX’s and take an inventory.
Spec5. Dudley:
Sure Lieutenant, that’s just what I want to do, work.
Lt. Callaghan glared at him
Okay Sir, I’ll get to work but isn’t it time for lunch? I would hate to start this and have to leave it unguarded when I go to lunch.
Lt. callaghan:
Maybe we could change rolls and I could do all the work and you just watch and have a good time?
spec5. Dudley:
Sorry Sir, I’ll help but can’t I go to lunch first? I’m awfully hungry.
Lt. Callaghan:
Okay but be back at 1300 hours so we can get this organized today.
Spec5 Dudley took off like a shot
spec5. Dudley
Thanks Sir, if nothing goes wrong I’ll be back at 1300 hours.
Lt. Callaghan realized his mistake and shouts after him
Lt. Callaghan:
Then make sure nothing happens!
Capt. Dennison APPROACHES
Capt. Dennison:
What are you up to Lieutenant?
Lt. Callaghan not recognizing the voice
Lt. callaghan:
Captain Dennison, who are you trying to impersonate? You scared the hell out of me.
Capt. Dennison:
Well, what are you up to?
Lt. callaghan was pulling out one of the kwm-2 radios
Lt. callaghan:
Take a look at these. I could set up a MARS station for this command. I had the same equipment at Fort Sill when I set up one there.
Capt. Dennison was puzzled
Capt. dennison:
Why don’t you try for an Earth station first!
Lt. Callaghan:
You don’t know what I am talking about, do you?
Capt. Dennison:
Frankly, I thought you were just kidding.
Lt. Callaghan:
MARS stands for Military Affiliate Radio System. It’s a radio communications system that troops use to call their loved ones. The calls are patched through an affiliate radio operator in the states who makes a local call to their loved ones for them. You speak just like you do on the radio, it’s half duplex.
Capt. Dennison:
Sounds good to me. Can I help? Since I am moving upstairs you could use my Cave as the base station.
Lt. callaghan:
Sure if we could get some decent power down there. Either way it will have to do since there is no space left in the Radio Room.
Lt. callaghan moves some boxes
Why don’t you see if you can get a jeep so we can ferry some of this stuff to the cave.
Capt. Dennison leaves and returns with a jeep.
Capt. Dennison:
I had to convince Rosenburg that we would bring it back in a couple of minutes. He’s not a trusting soul when it comes to lending out ‘his’ jeep.
Lt. Callaghan tried lifting one of the boxes into the jeep.
Lt. callaghan:
Please give me a hand with these, they should get us started.
Lt. Callaghan looks around
Where the hell is Specialist Dudley? Have you seen him?
capt. Dennison:
No. Was he supposed to be here?
Lt. Callaghan:
Hell yes and I’ve been outmanoeuvred by that bastard again. Wait until I get my hands on him.
Capt. Dennison and Lt. Callaghan ferried the first three loads to the ‘Cave’ and returned to an upset Corporal Rosenburg
Cpl. Rosenburg:
You said a couple of minutes Sir, it’s been almost half an hour and Major Dingby has been on the horn most of the time ragging on me because I don’t have a jeep to ferry him home with.
Capt. Dennison:
Sorry Corporal but this is Command business and it supersedes Major Dingby’s personal needs. Do you want me to talk with him?
Cpl. Rosenburg:
No Sir, it would only make matters worse.
Capt. Dennison:
Well, since you’re going that way anyway, how about dropping these boxes off at my ‘Cave’ while I close up these CONEX’s.
Cpl. Rosenburg:
Okay Sir, but if Major Dingby gives me a lot of shit then I’m going to tell him it was your fault.
Capt. Dennison:
You do that Corporal. I’ll remember that when you want to make a call home.
SCENE 10. int. c.m.a.c. compound, Dennison’s Cave - afternoon
Lt. Callaghan unpacks the equipment and starts setting it up. Dennison enters with the balance of the boxes
Lt. callaghan:
There should be enough room here to get started. I hope these beasts are operational; I’d hate to see the program get grounded before it started.
Capt. Dennison:
Christ Callaghan, you’re like a kid in a candy store. I hope, for your sake, that they do work. I don’t want to be around if you’re going to be pissed off. Things are bad enough around here without you losing your sense of humor.
Lt. callaghan plugs in the equipment
Lt. callaghan:
That’s a good sign to start, the lights came on. Do you have anything we can use as an antenna?
Capt. Dennison pulled the antenna wire off his radio
Capt. Dennison:
Will this do?
Lt. Callaghan:
It’ll do as long as we can get a recognizable signal.
searches for a test frequency
There, hear that, the test frequency we used in the States. If we keep having the same good luck we may be in business.
I want to get back to the CONEXs and check out the state of the antenna and tower. What I really want to find is a one kilowatt booster. Will the stuff be okay here?
Capt. Dennison followed Lt. callaghan and locked up.
Capt. Dennison:
It’ll be okay. It looks like you might as well use this as your MARS station. I still can’t get used to the name, sounds a little extraterrestrial.
SCENE 11. ext. – c.m.a.c. Motor pool, Signal section Conexs - afternoon
Lt. callaghan and Capt. Dennison approach the conexs, find Spec5 dudley waiting for them.
Lt. callaghan:
Dudley, you’re back. What a wonderful surprise! Did you have a nice lunch? It took you long enough.
Spec5. Dudley:
I did get back in an hour Sir. Sergeant Holstein sent me on an errand Sir. That’s why I am late Sir.
Lt. Callaghan paid no attention to him and started pulling on a crate
Lt. Callaghan:
Dudley, give me a hand getting this antenna out of here so we can check it out.
They strained and Capt. Dennison helped.
capt Dennison:
This isn’t going to open easily. Dudley, is there a crowbar in the Radio Room. We’ll need more than hammer to pry this open.
Spec5 Dudley:
There is one Sir, I’ll go and get it
Spec5 Dudley set off quickly and then stopped and turned
Don’t worry Sir, I’ll be right back.
Capt. Dennison gently kicked the side of the crate.
Capt. Dennison:
Callaghan, how big is this thing?
LT. callaghan:
If the antenna is as big as the one in the States, it’s about fifteen feet long and about the same wide. The supporting tower, if we can find it, is fifty feet tall.
CApt. Dennison:
Where the hell are you going to put something that big? The only place big enough is the parade field and I bet the General won’t let you put it there.
Lt. Callaghan wasn’t listening as he searched for the contents label on the crate
Lt. callaghan:
Hell, this isn’t the antenna, it’s part of the tower, box two of four. There are supposed to be three more boxes that make up the tower. We really need to find the antenna otherwise the results won’t be a good. Give me a hand with these other crates. It’s got to be here somewhere.
They pulled an number of boxes out of the conexs and then came the prise
This is it! The box containing the antenna. Now if Dudley were here with the crowbar we could take a look.
Capt. Dennison:
So where are you going to put this monster Lieutenant?
Lt. Callaghan:
It can be erected in the courtyard behind the CMD Headquarters building.
Capt. Dennison:
That’s interesting. That’s a closed courtyard, how are you going to get the antenna on top of the tower?
Lt. Callaghan sat on one of the crates and thought
Lt. Callaghan:
There has got to be a way. I can’t stop this project because I can’t get a lousy antenna on top of a tower. (pause) I’ve got it, we’ll slide it over from the rooftop on cables.
Capt. Dennison:
I can’t wait to see that. You really come up with some harebrained schemes, but this one takes the cake.
Lt. Callaghan smiled
Lt. Callaghan:
Just you wait Sir.
SCENE 12. Int. – c.m.a.c. G5 office - Morning
Lt. callaghan enters maj. Hill’s office
Lt. Callaghan:
Good morning Sir. I’m Lieutenant Callaghan. Lt. Col. Venetti mentioned that I was to accompany you to Fort Pineapple for a Schlitzque.
Maj. Hill:
Good morning Lieutenant, I’ve been expecting you. We will be conducting one this afternoon. Can you be prepared to catch a lift at Free World Military Forces heliport at 1300 hours? I will be flying out this morning to take care of some other tasks so I suppose you will be the only passenger.
Lt. Callaghan:
Yes Sir. Is there anything I need to know before I get there?
Maj. Hill:
The Cordon and Search Operation started early this morning and already it has resulted in the capture of several suspects. Sad to say a few others were lost in a firefight and were eventually found dead. The operation transports the suspects to a holding area for us to interrogate. The technique has yielded some good intelligence in the past and we want to relay that back to the TOC before it gets too old as intelligence degenerates quickly by the hour. Our ability to reliably contact the TOC is therefore paramount and that is why you are coming along.
Lt. callaghan:
Then I’ll bring along a special type of antenna Sir, if that is okay.
Maj. Hill:
That sounds good to me Lieutenant. I’m looking forward to a good day, seeing you and your antenna this afternoon. They always have a great BBQ and plenty of Schlitz.
Lt. Callaghan:
If that is all Sir, I’ll go get ready.
Lt. Callaghan exits
SCENE 13. ext. – Fort Pineapple, helipad - afternoon
Lt. Callaghan exits a Huey helicopter in a cloud of dust, antenna bag over his shoulder. Stops first soldier he sees.
Lt. Callaghan:
Can you tell me where I can find Major Hill from C.M.A.C. or the Intelligence tent?
Soldier points off to the right. Large white tent setup. Lt. Callaghan walks towards it.
(V.O.) This place is really desolate and flat. It wouldn’t be difficult to spot a big white tent for mortar practice. I do not like this. I’m out of here the first chance I get.
Maj. Hill, in front of the big white tent hails Lt. Callaghan. Lt. Callaghan salutes
Maj. Hill:
Lieutenant Callaghan, are we glad to see you. We need your antenna. I hope it works. We’ve uncovered some hot intelligence regarding Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army troop movements in the area. Just our luck we can’t reach C.M.A.C. and relaying through the 9th Division is causing all kinds of coordination problems. How fast can you get that thing installed?
Lt. Callaghan:
If you can give me a hand Sir, we’ll have it up in no time at all. We need a hammer for the guy line anchors and a map and compass to point it in the right direction. Where is the radio?
Maj. Hill:
The radio is just inside the tent. I’ll get the rest of the stuff, or get someone who will.
Lt. Callaghan:
Good, then I’ll start setting up.
(V.O.) How the hell these guys have operated over all these months is beyond me. One would think that if the communication was marginal then they are constantly at risk and would have found a solution a lot sooner than this. Talk about risk, a big white tent in a field of bright green with a tall antenna is makes a great reference point and any mortar launchers dream.
Maj. Hill:
Here’s the stuff Lieutenant. What do I need to do?
Lt. callaghan:
Find out the compass heading for C.M.A.C. while I finish putting the antenna together.
Lt. Callaghan finishes assembling the antenna and sets the base plate.
We’re ready to put it up. Help me get it erect and pointed in the right direction. If you could hold it erect for me I’ll anchor the guy lines and then we can connect the cabling.
Between the two of them they manage to get the antenna erect and pointed in the right direction. Major Hill checks the radio
maj. Hill:
That looks like it’s done the trick Lieutenant. Can’t thank you enough. Stick around and we’ll celebrate at the Schlitzque.
Lt. Callaghan:
I have a slight problem Sir. I have to get back to supervise the installation of another antenna tower at C.M.A.C. Is there any chance I could get back sooner?
Maj. Hill:
Not a problem, the mail chopper is on his way here now. You’ll have to stop at 9th Division for a few minutes along the way but you should be back within the hour.
Lt. callaghan:
That’s great Sir. I hope the rest of the day goes well for you.
Lt. Callaghan heads for the helipad.
SCENE 14. ext. cmd headquarters, Roof - morning
Lt. Callaghan and Capt. Dennison inspect the completed tower and base from the rooftop.
Lt. Callaghan:
That took a while to put together. It was like playing with a giant erector set. A good job done by the Radio Operators, and of course you Sir.
They looked out over the city
Not a bad view form up here is it Dudley? Tower looks great and it’s going to be a great day finally getting the antenna installed. Even better, I won’t have to listen to Captain Dennison’s lack of confidence anymore.
Spec5. dudley is sorting out guy lines.
Spec5. Dudley:
It’ll be better Sir when we’re finished with this. It can get pretty hot up here and even after all the work we put into the antenna field, I am still afraid of heights.
Lt. Callaghan looks over the edge
Lt. Callaghan:
Ever think that you could fall over the edge Dudley?
Spec5. dudley:
I don’t like to look over the side Sir, it’s a little un-nerving.
Lt. Callaghan picks up a length of rope
Lt. Callaghan:
Don’t worry Dudley, you’ll be safe. The antenna cold suffer a worse fate than you. We’ll tie this life line to you. Look, i’ll head for the ground and climb to the top of the tower and pull the antenna over. You two guide the antenna over the edge and down the support lines as far as you can and I’ll take it from there. It should run like clockwork.
Spec5. Dudley:
As long as something doesn’t go wrong Sir!
Lt. Callaghan:
Dudley, don’t be such a pessimist, it will give you wrinkles.
Capt. Dennison:
Don’t worry Dudley, it’ll be all right. Nothing happens while Lieutenant Callaghan is around, only after he leaves.
Spec5 Dudley:
Was I supposed to have heard about something new Sir?
capt. Dennison:
Didn’t he tell you? After he left Fort Pineapple it was hit with mortar fire. They blew up the BBQ tent. Raw steaks, obviously mixed salad, and beer cans flew all over the place. They finally contained the little buggers that caused the problem but it put a damper on the Schlitzque.
Spec5 Dudley:
The Lieutenant said we were going to have a BBQ to celebrate when MARS is operational. I may just miss that.
Capt. Dennison:
As I said, don’t worry about it Dudley, he’ll be at the BBQ so there shouldn’t be a problem. Now let’s get ready and guide this beast across.
Then he looks at the contraption
Lieutenant Callaghan really comes up with some beauties. I’ll believe this when I see it.
Lt. Callaghan manages to get to the top of the tower and positions himself to receive the antenna. Crowd of ARVN and american soldiers line the balconies and buildings
Lt. Callaghan:
Ready when you are; start sending it over.
Capt. Dennison:
Okay Dudley, here we go. Just keep a steady tug on the positioning ropes and we’ll be all right.
Antenna gently slides across the guy lines and into place
Well, I’ll be God Damned! It did work. I can’t believe my eyes.
Lt. Callaghan struggles for a moment and almost loses balance and the antenna
Lt. callaghan:
Come on, don’t fail me now.
The antenna drops into the rotor. Lt Callaghan Shouts.
It’s in place, we’re ready to roll.
Applause from the audience as Lt. callaghan climbs down the tower.
SCENE 15. int. – c.m.a.c. radio room - afternoon
Lt. callaghan enters with Spec5. dudley and Capt. Dennison
Lt. callaghan:
Not a bad accomplishment for a morning’s work.
Looks at Spec5 Dudley
Are you okay Dudley? You look a little pale.
helps Spec5 dudley to a chair
Spec5. Dudley:
I’m all right Sir, it’s just the heat and the height that kill me.
Lt. Callaghan Looks at SFC Holstein languishing in the cool air of the radio room
Lt. Callaghan:
Now that the tough work is over do you think you can get the crew to get this hooked up? The sooner it’s connected the sooner they will be able to use it. Tell them they had better get their call requests in the log early because as soon as word gets out the customers will be lined up outside your door.
Capt. Dennison:
What do you mean ‘your door’? That’s my office for the next three days until I move upstairs.