“We are never getting out of here,” The tank’s loader, Andrew whined. “We are never getting out of here, I knew it. I should have fled this goddamn country when I could. Then I wouldn’t be trapped in this hellhole.”
“Andrew. Can you not be so pessimistic? We will get to Dandelion, for sure.” The gunner, Ravi spoke in a gentle, whispering voice. “Our tank has speed, we could outrun the enemy even if they want to get to us…”
“Shut up!” Incredulous at Ravi’s words, Andrew’s temper exploded. “So what if we can outrun the soldiers and the IFVs and the tanks? They still have the Air Force! THE FUCKING AIR FORCE! One bomb from a warplane and we are all DEAD!”
“Come on man, we are only a lone tank. There is no strategic importance in eliminating us. Given a choice they would rather go for larger targets like…”
“DANDELION, RIGHT?”
“No, that’s not what I meant…”
“That’s what you meant! Exactly! Cutting off our escape route, leading us to a trap for us to fall into. I dare say, they are already waiting for us right now. Anywhere we go, we’ll be dead!”
“I don’t know why I’m even talking to you Andrew. You are so full of negativity all the time. Oh my god, I can’t even believe that I’m stuck in this goddamn crate listening to your complaints…”
“Both of you, SHUT UP!” An exasperated Ridhwan cut the bickering twenty year olds. Being a twenty year old himself, a part of him was fearful too. He did not show that though, for he had to demonstrate his capability as Platoon Commander and the leader of this tank. Especially at a crunch time like now.
“Gunner, focus! Scan the surroundings for targets! Loader! Listen out for any incoming transmissions in the radio!”
With the duo sinking into an angry silence, all was calm and peaceful once again. As my subconscious gradually took over the action of driving, I took the newfound silence to recall the events that led to where we were now.
Over the past six months, the anarchist Red Scarves Army had took over the Indochina Region, proclaiming a ‘Liberated Free State of Southeast Asia’. Like a plague of locusts, they swarmed down into Peninsular Malaysia, easily taking control of Kuala Lumpur. Fleeing the onslaught, the embattled Malaysian Government relocated to the southernmost city of Johor Bahru. Only then did it finally send an international appeal for military support against the Red Scarves.
With the danger of an imminent invasion looming from the north, an emergency mobilisation was called in Singapore. With the island state’s clockwork efficiency, the bulk of almost half a million of conscript soldiers were assembled in camps scattered around the island by the first day, ready for immediate deployment. By the second day, nearly thirty thousand soldiers had already crossed the Causeway. By the fifth day, the Army drew its first blood in combat ever since the country’s independence.
On the ninth day, disaster finally struck the tank company I was in. Tasked with spearheading the counterattack into Seremban, we had punched ahead of our infantry along the main roads into the town. Unfortunately, the enemy was ready for us with an entire infantry battalion specially equipped with Rocket Propelled Grenades. Patiently waiting until the tanks have crossed their lines, they fired their ammunition into the fragile rear of the tanks. In the subsequent chaos, my tank was the only one to escape this debacle. I think that almost a full day had passed since then.
Until a few hours ago, we were still in contact with the Divisional radio traffic. And from what we heard, things looked equally grim that day. The entire 3rd Division was is in danger of being encircled after a pincer attack by the enemy. Trapped in a rapidly closing pocket, the remaining elements in the Division, with or without orders, begun to trickle towards Dandelion. The Divisional Headquarters was fortunately located outside of the salient.
What lies ahead of us is unknown. We would most probably be evacuated back to Singapore. Reassembled into a new battalion. Or better, be stood down for the rest of the War. But the poignant fact still remained: The majority of the brothers that I had trained with, laughed with, fought with for the past one year were now one with the earth. Their bodies, entombed in the steel graveyards of burnt out tank hulks, will never be given a proper funeral.
Nevertheless, like how the tracks of the tank continue to roll forward, life still goes on.
"I have loved the stars too truly to be fearful of the night." Sarah Williams 