“True,” Granger agreed. “But not for long… New vehicles are on the way. They’re supposed to arrive in a week or so.”
“I’ll believe that when I see it,” Mac replied. “But I hope you’re right. Is there anything else?”
“Yes,” Granger replied. “Follow me to my office. I have something for you.”
Mac accompanied Granger across what had been an employee parking lot, to a small outbuilding. The hand-printed sign read, BAT. SCOUT & RECON, HQ.
Mac said, “Hello,” to the unfamiliar sergeant seated behind the reception desk and followed Granger into his office. He closed the door. “The things I’m about to share will be announced tomorrow. First, I’m going to name you as the battalion’s executive officer and Bravo Company’s commanding officer.”
Mac was both surprised and pleased. That in spite of the fact that the XO slot would come with lots of extra work. “Thank you, sir… I’ll do my best.”
Granger smiled. “I know that. And, there’s this.”
Mac accepted a manila envelope, opened the flap, and removed the sheet of paper within. According to the title at the top it was a Presidential Unit Citation for Charlie Company, First Scout and Reconnaissance Battalion, 150th Infantry. Which was to say, her company.
“It’s rare for a unit smaller than a battalion to receive such an honor,” Granger informed her. “But it seems that the president wants to recognize Charlie Company, and I agree with that decision. And there’s something more as well.”
Granger offered her a burgundy-colored case. And when Mac opened it, she saw a Silver Star nestled within. Mac knew it was the country’s third highest decoration for valor… What would General Bo Macintyre think of that? Would he be proud? Of course not… Not so long as she was fighting for the wrong side.
There was something else in the case as well… It was a much-folded piece of paper that, when opened, proved to be a handwritten note.
Dear Mac… That’s what the troops call you behind your back, and having been part of your command, I feel that I rate that privilege, too. I wish I could pin this medal on you myself. But things are a bit harried at the moment. So, rather than wait, I ordered the Secretary of Defense to make sure that you receive it now.
Mac could read between the lines. The president was afraid that one or both of them would be killed. She continued to read.
I guess that’s all, except to say that I will never forget your intelligence, bravery, and foul mouth.
Mac could see that Granger was curious, but she chose to tuck the note into her breast pocket without sharing it. “Thank you, sir.”
Granger nodded. “You’ll receive the medal tomorrow. Dismissed.”
The sun threw light but no warmth as Mac left the shack. Her right hand went up as if to touch the note before falling to her side. It was cold, but Mac felt warm, and there were things to hope for.
ACE BOOKS BY WILLIAM C. DIETZ
AMERICA RISING SERIES
Into the Guns
MUTANT FILES SERIES
Deadeye
Redzone
Graveyard
LEGION OF THE DAMNED SERIES
Legion of the Damned
The Final Battle
By Blood Alone
By Force of Arms
For More Than Glory
For Those Who Fell
When All Seems Lost
When Duty Calls
A Fighting Chance
Andromeda’s Fall
Andromeda’s Choice
Andromeda’s War
DRIFTER SERIES
Drifter
Drifter’s Run
Drifter’s War
SAM MCCADE SERIES
Galactic Bounty
Imperial Bounty
Alien Bounty
McCade’s Bounty
SAURON DUOLOGY
DeathDay
EarthRise
JAK REBO SERIES
Runner
Logos Run
JAK CATO SERIES
At Empire’s Edge
Bones of Empire
Freehold
Prison Planet
Bodyguard
Where the Ships Die
Steelheart
Newsletter
Copyright
Published by Berkley
An imprint of Penguin Random House LLC
375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014
Copyright © 2016 by William C. Dietz
Penguin Random House supports copyright. Copyright fuels creativity, encourages diverse voices, promotes free speech, and creates a vibrant culture. Thank you for buying an authorized edition of this book and for complying with copyright laws by not reproducing, scanning, or distributing any part of it in any form without permission. You are supporting writers and allowing Penguin Random House to continue to publish books for every reader.
ACE is a registered trademark and the A colophon is a trademark of Penguin Random House LLC.
LEGION OF THE DAMNED is a registered trademark of William C. Dietz.
Ebook ISBN: 9780698184398
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Dietz, William C.
Into the guns : the first America rising novel / William C. Dietz.
pages ; cm
ISBN 978-0-425-27870-3 (hardcover)
I. Title.
PS3554.I388I58 2016
813'.54—dc23
2015030798
First Edition: October 2016
Cover art by Paul Youll
Cover design by Sarah Oberrender
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
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