Marco Domici: You're in the Raiders Now

“Raiders, secure the area. Officers, see to your units. Command meeting in three mikes.” Marco said.

Dust kicked up as actors and crew offloaded the buses and moved into the parking area. The noon sun beat down on everyone equally; even Mrs. Jones was wearing shades as she and Mr. Smith approached.

“What gives?” Fred said. “This place was a mud pit when we left. I thought my storage trailer would be completely under mud by now!”

“Whoa! Look at the camp!” Astrid added as she pointed. At fifteen she was the youngest actual actress in the movie. However, her fit and passion for the Tala role was obvious. Her parents had signed authority to Mrs. Jones to provide care as needed. They had not objected when that signature was rewarded with a full ride to any college in the Star Confederation. Astrid was already starting college classes but she adjusted her speech patterns to match her character’s. “Where did those buildings come from? Are they paper mache mock ups too?”

“Fred, Astrid, Becky; you’re roles as officers hasn’t ended even though our Raider training has.“ Marco replied. “Fred, your character was a platoon leader who did dirty work for the unit. Please don’t gawk so much; it ruins the ambiance.”

“Oh, yeah, gotcha....sir!” Fred saluted before heading to his team. “Third platoon, let’s get the gear off the transports. No time to get lazy!”

“Becky, you’ve got some surprises to tend to.” Marco smiled. “Those who have families will find them at the chow tent. There’s a celebration in order, please ensure no one goes hungry.” He stopped. “But...there’s a movie tonight.” Marco looked around as the Raiders hustled around them. “Spouses are welcome, but probably not good for kids.”

“How about me?” Astrid asked.

“You’re invited, Astrid.” Mrs. Jones said as she and Mr. Smith joined the group. “I’ve discussed it with your parents. They’ve seen it, and approved.” She looked around. “But it won’t be easy, kid. Really. If you need to talk, afterwards, I’m here for you.”

“That goes for everyone, Marco.” Mr. Smith added. “I’m not down-playing the maturity of the cast and crew, but creative types can be more emotionally sensitive.” He bit his lip, then caught himself. “Look, even experienced soldiers have been shocked. It’s not a slam if anyone needs to talk. We’ll have counselors available this evening.”

Marco paled, but nodded. “Yes sir. Thank you. I’ll make sure everyone knows. Becky, there’s a carnival set up for the kids this afternoon. Let folks know. Everything’s paid for.”

“Raiders, families, crew, guests, welcome!” Marco said.

The screening theatre was packed with cast and crew, their families, and about three dozen older guests and their families. Those who smoked had done so outside, people were packing in. Voices were muted; the movie folks knew something big was up but were unsure. The older guests were simply quiet. Not stand-offish, just quiet.

Marco stood on the stage. The screen behind him lay darkened, but some could see the outline of trees in shadow. Time, there, stood still. As Marco looked around, silence reigned.

“The producers have asked me to say a few words.” He nodded to Mr. Smith and Mrs. Jones. “First, congratulations! Every cast and crew member here has spent six weeks in, well, less than ideal conditions. We’ve come through difficult times together. We’ve learned more about ourselves, and each other, than we probably wanted to know.”

“Yeah, Astrid snores!” Fred called out, to general laughter and some applause. Astrid turned a deep red. “Hey, Fred! Remeber...”

“That’s enough.” Marco said, smiling. “Spare poor Fred, will you hon?”

Astrid stuck her tongue out at Fred and, when she thought no one could see her, winked at Marco. It was his turn to blush.

In their seats, Mr. Smith and Mrs. Jones chuckled. She leaned over and whispered. “He called her hon.”

“Yeah...eerie, isn’t it?” He looked around. Some of the older guests were smiling. “I almost expect him to sit in that empty chair beside you and start embarassing himself.”

“Kinda cute, if you ask me.” She replied. She leaned past him and spoke to Mrs. Smith. “I still have those stories, if you want.” Mrs. Smith smiled and patted her husband’s hand.

“Where...oh, yeah.” Marco regained control of himself, and the meeting. “The second thing I want to say is thank you. To the crew and cast. To the families for making it here. To the construction crew for fixing up the buildings. To the government for giving us a break from the rain.” He paused. His voice changed. “Thank you especially, to our guests...”

Marco looked away. He had seen Astrid’s concern for him. Mrs. Jones’ as well. Mr. Smith nodded, and smiled. He mouthed “take your time”.

Marco breathed deeply, just like they had taught him. In his mind he suborned the fear of standing in front of all these people, and the fear of doing something wrong. He breathed.

“Thank you, especially, to our guests.” He breathed.

“Our producers have warned us that what we are about to see may be difficult. There are counselors available for anyone, and I do mean anyone, cast, crew, or family. Or guest.”

He pulled a card from his blouse pocket and glanced at it, before putting it back. “The first thing you will see is simply a list of names. People you probably don’t know, but may have heard of. Names that are familiar now as streets and parks bear their memory. They are the ones who died on the raid, giving life to others.”

He looked at a lady behind Mrs. Jones. “You will then see a list of names of those Raiders who are not here with us today.” The lady nodded as her husband put an arm around her. “Names like Verner Ottoson, hero of two wars. Age has claimed some, or later events. It is my hope that we don’t need any more war heroes because we have learned a better way. Yet we cannot forget those who have sacrificed so that we can live.”

“Many of you have heard of Foley, the artist. He narrates the scenes. His passion for the truth is sometimes brutal, but we need that truth today. Our people need that truth today, so that we do not err tomorrow.”

Marco breathed slowly. “Ladies and gentlemen, you may have read my great-uncle’s book. The cast and crew have poured over it, and other manuscripts for the past several weeks, as we honed our bodies into something resembling the warriors of the past. We...I’ve changed a lot lately.” He blushed a little as Astrid covertly blew him a kiss. “Raider pre-quals pushed me past my limits. I’ve learned to care for my co-workers in ways I do not fully understand.”

“Hey, puberty is rough, ain’t it?” Someone called out.

Marco smiled. “I can give you some pointers when you’re ready, Zej.” More people chuckled.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m not sure what else to say. Our movie is about the raid. This is actual footage. From the camp’s surveillance cameras, from vehicle cams, voice comms, and a few other sources. It isn’t a movie.”

The lights went down as Marco stepped off the stage and sat beside Astrid. His hand found hers as Foley’s voice overrode the forest sounds of the evening.

“There are stories of the Blue Dragon raid on Camp M...this is the truth...”

There were gasps as people viewed the murderous fire the Dragons took in Building C. Sobs, as well, knowing some of those heroes had been on the earlier lists. Astird’s eyes went wide as she saw Tala crawl through the minefield, under fire. Marco put his arm around her and pulled tight, feeling her choke every time Tala took a hit for Jan.

The crowd cheered as elements of fifth squad broke cover and unloaded vengeance on the guards. Through out the viewing roars of support traded places with tears of anguish as one Raider after another transformed from common person to hero in the space of moments.

The screen dimmed, as the view changed to pre-dawn. People, hundreds of people, could be seen moving out of the camp.

“Dragons, attention.” An older woman seated behind Marco commanded. Reflexively, the cast and crew responded as they had for the past month and a half. The guests stood straight as well, as Foley’s voice continued reverently.

“Some lost their lives that day, to give life to others. Some lived, but none were unchanged. Listen to the citations for bravery, read by their commander...”

A different voice began. “Attention to orders...”

The lights undimmed to tears on every face. Husbands held wives, friends held each other. Counselors moved from person to person, speaking words of healing.

Marco reluctantly released Astrid and moved to the stage, not knowing what to say. Mr. Smith joined him, gave the young man a hug, and then spoke to the crowd.

“Cast, I know what you have seen is painful. Don’t repress the hurt, but understand it. Accept that people have hurt so you can live free.” He looked around the room. “Let me share some of the good with you. Becky Maudlin, please come up to the stage.” A few of the guests moved closer to the stage.

As Becky looked to Marco for understanding, Mr. Smith continued. “Becky plays Lt Johanna in the movie. Come on up, Becky. Everyone give her a hand!”

The cast and crew clapped with enthusiasm. Becky had gone from junior production accountant to having a major part in the production. She carried the professionalism and attention to taking care of things as her role had.

“Becky, you’ve worked hard at perfecting your role.” Mr. Smith said as the older woman who had called the Dragons to attention joined them on the stage. She wore a casual blouse and nicely fitting jeans. Her boots carried several shades of dirt and seemed well used. Becky nodded nervously. While Mr. Smith was known to be generous, he did have a reputation.

“I’d like to give you some advice on how better to portray your character, but that’s not really my place.” Mr. Smith gave the older woman a hug. “Becky, this is Johanna.”

Jaws dropped as Becky’s eyes went wide.

“Hey kid, let’s go talk.” Johanna put her arm around Becky’s shoulder as they went outside. “Let me show you what passed for a command vehicle.”

One by one actors were introduced to the people whose role they played. Families of some spoke to the cast about a lost loved one, sharing memories. Everyone needed out of the room, though. The stars offered a place to send the pain. Fresh air gave life.

Soon, almost everyone was gone. Astrid held on to Mrs. Jones tightly. Fred and Mr. Smith had already left.

“Can Marco join us...ma’am?” Astrid said. “He and I have..become friends. During training.”

“Really? I hadn’t noticed.” Mrs. Jones said, and then laughed. “Actually, I’m sure everyone has. There is some irony in it, after all.”

“I’d rather not intrude.” Marco replied.

“I dunno, want to make a double date of it?” Mrs. Smith asked Astrid. “I can probably get the ice cream locker opened up. I seemed to have some pull around here. We do have one more guest.”

Marco looked around. He had seen the chair beside Mrs. Jones had been taken by a gentleman in a loose fititing sweater and jeans.. Now the man was coming up on stage with them. He was about Mrs. Jones’ height, with curly black hair streaked with grey.

“Hello, Marco.” He said, extending his hand.