Shades of War: A Collection of Four Short Stories (11 page)

              "He kind of made it. But he's assigned to my scouts now."

              He saw the confused looks on Ford's and the Captain's faces.

              "I just better show you. It's easier."

              The general turned and shouted out into the street.

              "Scouts in!"

              After a few minutes nothing happened. The Captain wondered if the General had gone insane. But the General seemed irritated             

              "Knock that shit out. I want these two men to see my scouts."

              Behind the general, twenty ghostly forms appeared. Their forms were a hazy blue shape that was distinctly human.

              "These are my scouts. Jones, front and center."

              One of the blue shades separated from the group and floated forward. As it came forward, its blue form took on a more definite shape. Tears came down Ford's and the Captain's faces seeing the form. And they all for the first time saw a ghost cry.

              Tears, or the images of tears... it didn't matter which, were rolling down Jones' cheek as he spoke.

              "I told you I would make it; no matter what."