THE BRIDGE
BY G. G. REVELLE
His orders were final. And
how could these terrified souls
know their fate was his own?
[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from
Worlds of If Science Fiction, August 1957.
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that
the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]
Two low flying interceptor jets screamed overhead, climbingfor much needed altitude as they headed out to sea. The Captain tookoff his steel helmet and looked up at the thunderous roar just beforehe leaped from the still moving jeep. When his feet touched the groundhe moved quickly, shouting orders at the olive-drab truck convoy hehad been leading. He pointed his finger at the side of the road wherehe wanted the small stuff. The "duce and a half's" he directed to theopposite side of the road. Then he put his helmet back on.
He watched as the troops quickly dismounted and assembled. He lighted acigarette while he waited for his three officers. Only then did he lookat the Bridge.
The massive steel structure spanning the river was six lanes wide,cantilever style with curved upper and lower cords. The Bridge lookedtrim and new. It was the Captain's responsibility to see that it stayedthat way.
He stuck the cigarette in his mouth and reached inside the rear ofthe jeep and checked his radio set. It was set on K channel, 29.2. Heexpected no messages, except in an emergency.
While he had the time he took a yellow sheet of paper out of his pocketand read the words pasted on it for the fourth time. Somehow they neverchanged; they always read the same. And each time he got a sinkingsensation in his stomach when he read them.
Captain Alfred Lowary put the yellow paper away quickly when the threejunior officers of the Battery reported. He returned their salutes in alazy sort of way. He took off his helmet again.
"The orders are the same as briefing," he said. "Lieutenant Kastnerwill take the third platoon across the river to the West side. Thesecond platoon, Lieutenant Tudor, will move North of the entrance onthis side and take up position in reserve. Lieutenant Meyers will setup defense on this side." He inhaled on the cigarette and looked atTudor. "Place your machine guns carefully. I want a cross-fire on thatslight bend on the road down there."
Tudor nodded.
The Captain pinpointed Meyers with his eyes. "You've got the'hot-spot'.... Just remember.... No one gets on the Bridge!"
"But—" Meyers began.
"No buts. I said no one. Understand?"
Meyers' "Yes, sir," was barely audible.
"Any questions?" the Captain asked.
They shook their heads negative, except Meyers. He said, "Just onething, Captain."
"What's that, Lieutenant?" Lowary asked.
"Are we supposed to shoot our own people?"
Lowary's face grew hard. "If we have to, Lieutenant," he said. "If wehave to." The tone of his voice told them that he wanted to avoid anydiscussion on the subject.
There was silence. Finally Lowary said, "That's it, then. Let's move."
The Officers saluted and began to move off. Tudor took two steps, thenhalted and returned. "How much time do you think is left, Captain?" heasked.
Lowary took in the man's square face, the set of his jaw. Tudor wasex-combat, infantry during the last war.
"Who knows, Lieutenant! Minutes ... or hours. It all depends on howstrong the enemy is, how fast they're moving, if they are sending a boyto do a man's job."
Tudor looked down the river in the directi