Sgt. Fowler beats the dust from his ammo belt to be sure he has all the accessories of war he needs to make it through another day. Another day on patrol in Baghdad.
He visualizes the route he and his fellow soldiers will take in the reinforced Humvee. He hopes, at least for today, the bad guys haven't figured out how to destroy this new version of their taxicab to hell.
Fowler knows those jihadist assholes will eventually come up with something – they always do.
But, before they do, Fowler thinks, will this situation be solved? I mean, will this patrol really mean anything today? Will tomorrow's patrol make a difference?
He knows he won't see the answer on the faces of the civilians they'll speed by this morning. You don't have to be an expert in body language to see that they don't want Fowler there. Hey guess what, I don't want to be here either.
The guys in his unit see it too. But, they know they have a job to do. Somewhere in the back of their minds, there is a granule of belief that they are doing the right thing. Stopping the terrorists. Protecting America. Protecting his family, his friends.
In return, hopefully America is watching out for them.
But man, as he adjusts his bullet-proof vest. It doesn't feel right. God, he thinks, I hope they are coming up with some sort of plan to get us out of this meat-grinder….
Meanwhile, back in the halls of Congress.
The blow-dried congressman waits in anticipation for a big goofy guy named Rocket to stop by HIS office to pay his respects. He'd better come by MY office…I'm a big shot on this committee. I got influence. And he better give me an autograph. A couple autographs I can share with my biggest donors. Heard he signed a few baseballs for that freshman legislator down the hall.
The only thing going to be more fun than getting an autograph is sitting on the panel investigating this screwball and the trainer who ratted on him. Hell, I hate the Yankees. Just grilling him will get me points back home. What drama. What great TV. Here's my chance to look tall. The lights from the cameras will be spotlighting us and man, I got to look like a hardass on national TV. Show some sympathy too. Remember to crack some jokes, show that lighter side. Worked for George W. Hell, I could get re-elected on this performance alone.
Did that ape put some jumpy juice in his veins five years ago? Who gives a crap? But I'm not going let my colleagues grab the limelight on this one – got to act sincere, like we're really making something happen here. What an opportunity….a bit of luck. Better than those damn budget meetings.
Hell, like Rep. Hank Waxman said, "The only reason we held this hearing today is because Roger Clemens insisted on it." Guys wants a national audience, we'll give it to him. Nothing better than he said, he said battle - even if it was from years ago.
The congressman walks over to the full-length mirror in his office and practices his game face
Man, if we play our cards right, we could be meeting all the famous ballplayers of our time. Wouldn't that be fun? He adjusts his tie. And, if we are smart, we could drag this thing out for months. Hell, I'm going to suggest we visit some stadium locker rooms. Wouldn't that be a kick? Great stories for the Rotary Club back home.
Back on the other side of the world, Sgt. Fowler and his team pull out onto the highway.
This situation will get solved soon, won't it? The thought strikes them all at the same time as the Humvee hits the asphalt.