CHAPTER TWENTY ONE
Quickly days turn into months and long nights of waiting the Filipinos and their Freedom Fighters out while trying to use up their ammo. However no matter how much they think that there will be less rifle and gun shots heard, there seems to more than the Rough Riders can bargain for anyways.
Colonel Leonard Wood has watched the progress of the front lines waiting it out and gearing things up with more supplies. And he has also made another crucial order that is something that is smart after using a small periodic table of elements that they found in the warship’s library that will come in handy hopefully.
Finally he makes a comment to Sergeant Hamilton Fish saying as he points to some elements on a chart of the periodic elements saying, “And I think this is what the Rough Riders need to stay stronger on the battlefield!”
With some confusion Sergeant Hamilton Fish asks with some inquisitiveness asking, “And what is that?”
Then Colonel Leonard Wood says, “Zinc!”
Following that line of speech, War Correspondent Richard Harding asks, “And how will that help?”
Now Colonel Leonard Wood says, “The zinc will help neutralize the effects of the poison somewhat!”
Right away, Sergeant Hamilton Fish asks with a high tone of voice, “Somewhat; what’s that mean!”
Colonel Leonard Wood returns with his explanation saying, “Well, that’s about the best we can do along with some gas masks that we are still waiting on!”
In the meantime, Emilio Aguinaldo is watching them and says, “Looks like they are stalling for time!”
Another Freedom Fighter says in response, “I bet they are waiting for reinforcements!”
By this time, Frog Man has come up with some spells of his own which are a bit deceiving to the eye. But then again, most of the methods are the same throughout the entire front lines, although the Black Rough Riders are holding up pretty good. Nevertheless Lieutenant Pollack has had to help a few of his Rough Rider soldiers on the western flank who are coming around a little right now.
Frog Man is watching from a distance across the trenches as Lieutenant Pollack looks back across the front lines and sees a glance of him. But then again, after turning back to help one of the Rough Rider soldiers, he turns back and doesn’t see Frog Man standing there anymore. A bit confused, Lieutenant Pollack turns back to help the Rough Riders with coming out of their like coma toast or sleeping state of mind.
Black Rough Rider Private Marcus wonders what he was looking at asking, “What were you looking at; did you see something?”
Lieutenant Pollack looks to Black Rough Rider Marcus and says, “I don’t know; but I thought I saw one of the camouflaged natives standing there for a split second!”
Then there is a rifle shot once hitting close to home, “Bang!”
Lieutenant Pollack ducks and then stays down with some of the other Rough Rider soldiers saying, “That was close call with that gunshot!”
Then Black Rough Rider Marcus takes a gunshot once quickly, “Bang!”
Then he says after that, “Yes, that was a close call and I don’t know what I’m shooting at!”
Right then, Black Rough Rider Private Greg says, “Just keep taking shots when you can actually think about pulling the trigger!”
Afterwards Black Rough Rider Private Danny says, “I am taking shots here and there, but I keep dosing off!”
Next Black Rough Rider Marcus says, “Same here!”
Soon more days have gone by as the Rough Riders continue with their holding up against the Filipinos under Emilio Aguinaldo and his Freedom Fighters. But they have received their supplies that they were waiting for the last several weeks to arrive from the warships. Nevertheless there isn’t enough of everything for everyone so only the neediest of Rough Riders qualify for any help with that aid.
Colonel Leonard Wood has handed out the supplies through some Rough Rider distributors and says, “Now that we have received our supplies; the Rough Rider soldiers will be stronger against the Filipino forces!”
Sergeant Hamilton Fish realizes that there aren’t enough supplies for everyone saying, “But were limited on supplies!”
War Correspondent Richard Harding says, “Well, only the neediest of Rough Riders will be given any of the supplies.”
Colonel Leonard Wood agrees with something else to say, “And once they are given the supplies, the Rough Riders should be coming back around quickly!”
A distance away, Emilio Aguinaldo holds his Filipino forces back saying, “Night time will be coming soon and we’ll hit them early!”
One of the Freedom Fighters notices one of the Rough Riders wearing his red scarf over his mouth saying, “I could see one of the Rough Riders with his red Rough Rider scarf over his mouth.”
Emilio Aguinaldo says with a fashion, “Sounds like it’s getting to them all!”
Another Freedom Fighter looks and says, “They are all wearing red Rough Rider scarfs over their mouths and one was wearing some black thing over his face!”
Emilio Aguinaldo lifts up his binoculars and looks as some Rough Riders expose themselves by standing up for a moment. He can see the Rough Riders moving around like they have had a wakeup call or their evening pet peeve nevertheless. He sees some with red Rough Rider scarfs over their faces while another one is seen wearing a gas mask.
Emilio Aguinaldo looks and makes a comment saying, “Yes, I see one of them wearing a gas mask I believe!”
One of the Freedom Fighters wonders what Emilio Aguinaldo thinks about that asking him, “What do you make of that?”
Emilio Aguinaldo takes another look around with his binoculars and says, “Looks like there are a few Rough Rider soldiers wearing gas masks.”
Then another Freedom Fighter who is curious what they are going to do asks, “So what are we going to do?”
Emilio Aguinaldo thinks for a moment as he sees the Rough Rider soldiers waking themselves up from this temporary state of sleep that they induced in the air and says, “We will rush them early tonight as soon as the sun goes down!”
Then Emilio Aguinaldo takes another look around the Rough Rider frontlines and says, “Let’s prepare all of the Freedom Fighters!”
Quickly he and some Freedom Fighters begin preparing for a big night when the sun goes down for the evening. Colonel Leonard Wood is watching with his binoculars as he spots Emilio Aguinaldo and some of his Freedom Fighters running to make early preparations. Then Emilio Aguinaldo is spotted with some of his Freedom Fighters as he writes something and then sends a Freedom Fighter messenger on his way.
Next Colonel Leonard Wood looks to his cabinet members citing, “Looks like Emilio Aguinaldo is preparing his Freedom Fighters for another early attack on us!”
War Correspondent Richard Harding wants to be of more help carrying on with, “I wish I could be of more help out on the battlefield!”
Sergeant Hamilton Fish decides to scramble up, “That’s alright; there are more reinforcements arriving all of the time!”
Following those words from Sergeant Hamilton Fish, Colonel Leonard Wood says back, “Just keep writing Harding and keep producing our misleading newspapers!”
Even the Filipino Goddess Bamboo is watching with her binoculars noticing that the Rough Riders are protecting themselves and says to some young Freedom Fighters, “Looks like they wised up against my potions!”
Just then before darkness settles in one of the young Freedom Fighters arrives with a newspaper from the United States and says, “The newspapers from the United States have arrived!”
The Filipino Goddess Bamboo says right then, “Big deal; the newspapers are all writing lies of deception!”
Then the young Freedom Fighter says as he approaches her with a copy saying, “I brought a copy.”
Once the young Freedom Fighter gets close enough, the Filipino Goddess Bamboo takes the newspaper away from the young Freedom Fighter. Slowly she takes the newspaper copy in her hand and flips it to the front page noticing some articles. She looks for a moment and then flips the newspaper over to the back page and then opens it.
Right then after glancing a bit, the Filipino Goddess Bamboo says to some young Freedom Fighters, “The newspaper headings say that the Philippine-American War will be over in a few years!”
One of the young Freedom Fighters says back to her, “If we don’t start winning it will be over with tomorrow.”
Right away, she hands the newspaper back to the young Freedom Fighter and heads off preparing her long range rifle that she brought for an occasion. A distance away, Emilio Aguinaldo has received a copy of the newspaper that took a long time to ship over. And it is even outdated considering the fact that it arrived many weeks after it left the United States.
Emilio Aguinaldo receives the most recent newspaper copy from one of his Freedom Fighters and then looks at the headlines noticing the Philippine-American War. He sees headlines expressing how the Philippine-American War will only last another few years. However, no matter how he looks at it, the war feels like it will be over with very quickly.
Emilio Aguinaldo reads the headlines and looks at his Freedom Fighters saying, “They say that the Philippine-American War will be over within a few years.”
One of the Freedom Fighters asks, “What do you think of the United States newspapers saying that?”
Emilio Aguinaldo turns from looking at the copy of the newspaper that took so long to get considering that they had to go to the United States to get them saying, “I don’t know; these newspapers are old already and they’re not saying anything else.”
Then one of the Freedom Fighters asks, “What about dead casualties?”
Emilio Aguinaldo answers back, “Casualties of dead and wounded Rough Rider soldiers?”
The Freedom Fighter answers back, “Yes.”
Emilio Aguinaldo returns with a low tone of voice saying, “Nothing. The newspapers say nothing about any Rough Rider soldiers. It’s all generalized words to hide information!”
Another Freedom Fighter asks, “What else does the newspaper say?”
Emilio Aguinaldo looks at the newspaper another time answers back, “The newspaper says that they have taken the Manila Bay, the city of Manila along with the mainland. And they expect a victory over the trenches of Samar and Cathalogan.”
Another Freedom Fighter arrives with news of an ammunition supply arriving from the manufacturing plant saying, “Sir, I have good news; we have a supply of ammunitions arriving from one of our manufacturing plants in less than an hour!”
Emilio Aguinaldo returns with some satisfaction saying, “Good; that should help us out for some time until more ammunitions arrive!”
Back at the command center, Colonel Leonard Wood has some supplies for his wife and family saying, “The front lines are fortified with new supplies and everyone is back on their feet. And even my family has some new supplies to keep them safe along with our Rough Rider soldiers.”
Sergeant Hamilton Fish is prepared as well for another night of message running as he says, “We should be ready for them when they attack at nightfall.”
Colonel Leonard Wood uses his binoculars and says quickly, “I see militia forming and congregating at the center of the front lines. They may be planning to attack us early.”
Sergeant Hamilton Fish looks with his own pair of binoculars and says, “Maybe we should reinforce the front lines.”
Colonel Leonard Wood turns to him and agrees saying, “I agree; we will reinforce the front lines with three more platoons of Rough Rider soldiers on the front lines. We’ll have one platoon at the center and the other two at the eastern and western flanks.”
War Correspondent Richard Harding is writing all of this and says, “There is so much action going on with this Philippine-American War that I can hardly keep up.”
Sergeant Hamilton Fish says, “Just keep writing Harding!”
Colonel Leonard Wood hands Sergeant Hamilton Fish a command order for more Rough Rider soldiers saying, “Messenger another platoon and return immediately.”
Sergeant Hamilton Fish leaves and salutes quietly, “Colonel Wood Sir!”
A short distance away, Lieutenant Greenway notices more Rough Rider soldiers arriving and says, “Looks like Charlie is advancing on us and we have more reinforcements arriving!”
General Bill Shafter agrees as he turns and sees collaborating, “Yes, I see that. And it looks like we are preparing for another hard hit tonight!”
Rough Rider Bill approaches from behind wearing his red Rough Rider scarf over his mouth and says, “It’s getting dark fast; and I can hardly breathe!”
Rough Rider Robert, who was brought in with reinforcements, “Here; have a zinc longue!”
Rough Rider Bill comes back saying, “No I’m trying to quit!”
Rough Rider Robert looks at the commanders and gives a big smile and says, “Good; more for me then!”
Finally, a distance away, Emilio Aguinaldo is watching and is eager to start the night off right as he aims for General Bill Shafter who is in view with his shoulders sticking out. Carefully Emilio Aguinaldo watches and waits for the appropriate time to pull the trigger. But then, General Bill Shafter moves and is out of sight very quickly.
Emilio Aguinaldo signals his Freedom Fighters to pull the trigger when ready commanding, “Anytime!”
One of the Freedom Fighters has a window of an opportunity on a few straggler Rough Riders that are sticking their heads out above the barricade and pulls the trigger, “Bang!”
The bullet nails one of the Rough Riders in the shoulder taking him down quickly in a falling roll behind the barricade, “Gush!”
Immediately without even waiting for any of the Rough Rider commanders to make a command, many Rough Rider soldiers open fire, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Then there is a command coming from General Bill Shafter commanding, “Keep firing!”
Many of the Rough Rider soldiers help the wounded Rough Rider as they drag and carry him away from the front lines quickly. Many of the Rough Rider continues firing as they stop and reload their weapons time and time again. Lieutenant Greenway takes a few shots as well as he prepares for a command.
Right then, after taking another shot he makes a command, “Bang; continue firing Rough Riders!”
Emilio Aguinaldo and his Freedom Fighters are out of range, although one of the Freedom Fighters is hit that was kneeling out in the open, “Wham!”
A few Freedom Fighter scramble to pull him back to safety as Emilio Aguinaldo directs some other Freedom Fighters to the front lines for back up. Soon there are shots being fired back and forth between the Rough Riders and the Freedom Fighters. Many of the bullets bounce off close to their intended target, although darkness settles in quickly.
General Bill Shafter looks to another Rough Rider saying, “That was close!”
Rough Rider Mike comes back asking, “Where are the shots coming from?”
Lieutenant Greenway says in response, “They are trying to ambush us all!”
Even Lieutenant Wright and Lieutenant Sharp are nearly hit with incoming rounds at the western front as darkness has completely taken over the skies. Many of the Rough Rider soldiers return fire one shot after the other without any commands from Lieutenant Wright or Lieutenant Sharp, although they both joined in from the get go when it all started.
Then at the eastern flank, Lieutenant Pollack has taken many shots his way along with some other obstacles that are flung from a sling shot perhaps. Many of the Rough Riders are taking cover, although they are constantly catapulted with rocks from all directions. Most of the Black Rough Rider Privates think that they are young Filipino children sneaking up on them.
Lieutenant Pollack is hit by a half fist size rock in the chest pretty hard as he says, “I’m tired of them throwing rocks and playing games!”
Black Rough Rider Private Marcus says, “I’m thinking that they are saving their ammunitions!”
Then some more rocks are thrown hitting a few other white Rough Riders a short distance away as Lieutenant Polack aims and takes two shots with his pistol, “Wham, wham; bang, bang!”
Immediately a few loud groans are heard afterwards, “Uh, uh!”
Next Lieutenant Pollack is happy that he may have hit the culprits, “Hit two of them!”
By now, Frog Man is upset directing some Filipinos to pull the wounded back commanding, “Pull those wounded Filipinos back behind the trenches.”
Also so are the others such as the Filipino Goddess Bamboo who decides to send a wave of Native Freedom Fighter towards the front lines. Even Emilio Aguinaldo is slightly devastated by some slight blows considering they have lost a good number of their men already. Straight away Emilio Aguinaldo brings in some more reinforcements to back up the front lines behind the trenches
The Filipino Goddess Bamboo looks to some Native Freedom Fighters informing, “We need to hit them with another wave quickly.”
Right from the command the Native Freedom Fighters are ready and armed with their weapons as many of them charge the frontlines within the trenches. They are also prepared with their blow guns and arrows armed with deadly poisonous blow darts for the occasion. To make a point, the Native Freedom Fighters begin taking their shots trying to do damage.
Rough Rider Magical Merlin hears the many footsteps before seeing anything and says, “Oh boy, here we go again!”
Soon there are more flaming arrows shot forth, although this time they were intended before the Rough Rider barricade, “Snap, snap!”
The flaming arrows whiz through the air quickly as all of the Rough Riders take cover, although they all fly high and then fall short as Rough Rider Billy Boy says, “They’re flying their flaming arrows high in the sky!”
Then the flaming arrows start to come down fast like as Rough Rider Toby says, “They are going to light the skies up!”
General Bill Shafter commands, “Get ready Rough Riders!”
Lieutenant greenway commands, “Take cover!”
Rough Rider Mike yells out, “I can’t see shit out in the trenches.”
Then the flaming arrows land right in front of the Rough Rider barricade as some Rough Rider yell, “They’re trying to blind us all!”
Suddenly there are many poisonous blow darts coming their way as many Rough Riders duck and take cover, “Thud, droop!”
Rough Rider Dave is hit in the shoulder and pulls it out very quickly yelling, “That’s a mother!”
Then he aims and shoots his pistol trying to hit something, “Bang!”
Now the Filipino Goddess Bamboo is working her way towards the western flank as she directs her young Freedom Fighters and says, “Now we wait for the next charge of Rough Riders before taking any chances!”
One of the young Freedom Fighters wants to take a shot and aims his pistol anyways and laughs saying, “Bang!”
The Filipino Goddess Bamboo works her way along the front lines until she sees a perfect spot for taking some shots and says, “This looks like a good place to tag some of them Rough Rider soldiers!”
Meanwhile Lieutenant Wright and Lieutenant Sharp are taking cover as the assault occurs with Rough Riders taking some shots back at the Native Freedom Fighters. The same circumstances are happening at the eastern flank as Lieutenant Pollack and his Black Rough Riders as well as the white Rough Rider battle their way for scrambling flying lead.
Lieutenant Wright makes a comment to Lieutenant Sharp saying, “We should just charge them and end this right now!”
Next Lieutenant Sharp answers back quickly while dodging some poisonous darts by saying, “We’ll get our chance hopefully soon!”
Lieutenant Pollack has been taking some shots from the Native Freedom Fighters as well while taking some shots back continuously. Yet he is unable to hit his intended target each time considering that the trenches are dark and gloomy. But luckily he has hit a few Freedom Fighter soldiers as well as a few Native Freedom Fighters throughout the evening.
Lieutenant Pollack dodges the darts another time while setting off a few rounds of his pistol, “Bang, and bang!”
Then there is a scream out in the distance within the darkness, “Uh!”
Black Rough Rider Private Danny hears the scream and yells out, “I think you nailed one of them!”
Lieutenant Pollack is happy and praised to the high heaven’s saying, “Thank God for that!”
More shots are occurring from the Rough Riders, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Then there is another sound heard coming from a white Rough Rider, “Oh shit!”
Quickly he pulls a poisonous blow dart out from his chest and burrows down falling over as the Rough Rider says, “I’m hit!”
Colonel Leonard Wood wants to wait until the Filipinos wear themselves down before charging the trenches with many of their Rough Riders at this time. So far, even with his binoculars he is unable to make any confirmations about the Filipino forces and their whereabouts at any given moment.
Sergeant Hamilton Fish wonders if Colonel Leonard Wood can see anything with his binoculars in the darkness asking, “Spot anything?”
Colonel Leonard Wood could see some white splotches of something going by as he says, “Just some white flashes which could be some of the young Freedom Fighter children that they have amongst them.”
War Correspondent Richard Harding says, “It sounds pretty useless using your binoculars at night!”
Colonel Leonard Wood returns jabbering, “Yes, it’s pretty useless; but this is the only way to verify anything across enemy lines without sending in spies!”
Now the Filipino Goddess Bamboo has held her young Freedom Fighters back for some time and they are getting rather antsy about that now. Some of them want to pull their pistols and rifles out and start shooting, although they need to wait for the next faze to occur. Meanwhile as the Native Freedom Fighters continue their assault, some Native Freedom Fighters begin to pull back already.
Suddenly one of the young Freedom Fighters fires his pistol anyways at the Rough Rider frontlines, “Bang!”
Some of the Rough Riders in that area take some shots back at him barely seeing the young Freedom Fighter, Bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
The Filipino Goddess Bamboo looks to the young Freedom Fighter and says loudly, “Anxious!”
Now the Filipino Goddess Bamboo decides to smoke them out using some of her old techniques from before along with her most recent ones with some smokers. The Rough Rider soldiers hold their positions noticing some changes in the environment that take effect immediately. Soon more Freedom Fighters appear backing up the Native Freedom Fighters along the front lines.
Next she hands a few of the young Freedom Fighters some of her smokers from a back pack saying, “Let’s smoke the Rough Riders out again so that we can take them out without any of us being shot!”
One of the young Freedom Fighter soldiers calls out, “Okay, but there’s too many of them shooting back at us.”
Some more young Freedom Fighters take some shots at the Rough Rider soldiers despite what the Filipino Goddess Bamboo said about waiting, “Bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Then there are the sounds of the Rough Rider soldiers firing back, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang and bang!”
And suddenly, one of the young Freedom Fighters falls down from a stricken gunshot wound, “Bang; ow!”
Many of the young Freedom Fighters pull out their weapons and start firing quickly, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Some of the young Freedom Fighters grab the wounded young Freedom Fighter dragging him further behind the frontlines, “Drag him back!”
The Filipino Goddess Bamboo turns with her weapon and takes a couple of quick shots, “Bang, bang, and bang!”
Presently the Filipino Goddess Bamboo calls out, “Come on; let’s fall back!”
Now Rough Rider John Porter is pretty sure he hit one of the young Freedom Fighters saying, “I think I shot one of those Freedom Fighters and it sounded like a kid!”
Rough Rider Bill looks to Rough Rider John Porter saying, “Now act like a Rough Rider and don’t get mushy on us all; you hear?”
Finally Frog Man arrives closer to the front lines with some of his Native Freedom Fighters looking for a Rough Rider soldier who is vulnerable. Immediately he cues a few of them over towards a weak area in the Rough Rider side of the front lines. Quickly they spot a prime suspect for the occasion anyways.
Quickly Frog Man points at one of the Rough Riders that is off at the far end of the eastern flank siting up behind the barricade alone. Immediately a group of Native Freedom Fighters sneaks their way up towards the barricade without being seen. Hurriedly they jump the barricade and take the Rough Rider by surprise.
The Rough Rider soldier tries to point his gun and pull the trigger, although it is too late as his gun is knocked away from out of his right hand, “Bam!”
The Rough Rider is succumbed by a few Native Freedom Fighters and punched out cold, “Wham!”
Then the Native Freedom Fighters take him by picking him up and then suddenly carrying him off with the sounds of scuffling, “Snap, snap, and snap!”
Another new comer Rough Rider soldier notices from a good number of yards away and opens fire, “Bang, and bang!”
Other Rough Riders turn and notice a small skirmish or something as the Native Freedom Fighters make their way to the other side of the barricade and in to the trenches, “Bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Immediately the Native Freedom Fighters get away with one of the new comer Rough Rider soldier that was a rookie with paying attention as one says, “This way!”
Soon the ruckus spreads as more Rough Riders take head with their weapons shooting at nothing but darkness as the sounds of trampling are heard, “Bang, bang, and bang; scrunch, scrunch!”
Finally the word makes its way down the eastern flank towards the center field of the front lines as Lieutenant Pollack finds out. Of course, there is nothing that they can do about that now anyways. When Lieutenant Pollack finds out, he is overwhelmed with such a devious plot on the hands of the Filipinos.
And then the words are mumbled at first as a Rough Rider repeats what he has heard saying, “One of our Rough Rider soldiers was taken hostage!”
Lieutenant Pollack becomes agitated quickly and asks, “And when and how did that happen?”
Another new comer Rough Rider looks back to Lieutenant Pollack and says, “We don’t really know too much; we’re just spreading the word down the front lines of the eastern flank Lieutenant Pollack Sir!”
Lieutenant Pollack turns to Black Rough Rider Private Greg and commands, “Inform Colonel Leonard Wood of the situation!”
Then Lieutenant Pollack looks to Black Rough Rider Private Marcus as he squats down behind the barricade and says, “Take over until I return: you four Rough Riders come with me!”
Sometime later, the Native Freedom Fighters brings Emilio Aguinaldo the new comer Rough Rider. And he notices that they have taken a Rough Rider hostage. Emilio Aguinaldo gets a surprised look on his face when he turns and sees the Native Freedom Fighters arrive. Quickly he approaches them ready for an interrogation.
Lieutenant Pollack arrives at the far end of the eastern flank as he asks, squatting behind the barricade “Alright, which way did they run off to with one of our Rough Rider?”
One of the Rough Rider soldiers points and says, “They took off over in that direction with him!”
Then Lieutenant Pollack decides to stay a while saying, “I’m going to station myself here until some more reinforcements arrive!”
One of the new comer Rough Riders says, “Sounds good Lieutenant Pollack Sir!”
Colonel Leonard Wood finds out about the abduction and as a Rough Rider messenger arrives and says, “The Filipinos abducted one of our Rough Rider soldiers on the eastern flank. Lieutenant Pollack went to check things out!”
Quickly Colonel Leonard Wood writes a command order and hands it to Sergeant Hamilton Fish and says, “I need you to take this command order for more reinforcements on the eastern flank and then we’ll need to bring in more reinforcements from the Warships; this ends tomorrow evening!”
Sergeant Hamilton Fish takes the command order from Colonel Leonard Wood once he is done writing it and ends up handing it to him saying, “Yes, Colonel Leonard Wood Sir!”
In the meantime, General Bill Shafter receives word of the abduction along with Lieutenant Greenway as he says, “I can’t believe they were that devious to capture a Rough Rider by crossing the barricade!”
Lieutenant Greenway makes a comment saying, “Sounds like they are looking for some information!”
Rough Rider Mike makes a remark saying, “Yeah, and they are going to beat it out of him.”
By now, Emilio Aguinaldo has the Rough Rider ready for questioning as he is tied to the ground so the ground so that he can’t escape. There are many Freedom Fighters around along with Native Freedom Fighters who are there with him. Emilio Aguinaldo approaches ready to ask the Rough Rider some questions.
When Emilio Aguinaldo approaches he asks, “I would ask you your name, but the newspapers are all printing lies about what Rough Riders died in Cuba, is that right?”
The Rough Rider doesn’t say anything and is then kicked on the side, “Wham!”
Emilio Aguinaldo is finished he says, “Answer me.”
The Rough Rider looks up at him and says, “I guess!”
Then the Rough Rider thinks up something to say speaking, “Most of the Rough Riders have nicknames!”
Next Emilio Aguinaldo asks another question, “Nicknames to hide their real names, right?”
The Rough Rider decides to say more, “Yes!”
Now Emilio Aguinaldo has another query on his mind, “And is Lieutenant Pollack and Sergeant Hamilton Fish just a few of the Rough Rider commanders amongst you using nicknames!”
The Rough Rider doesn’t want to say anymore answering back with, “I guess!”
Emilio Aguinaldo wants more answers saying, “You will answer me yes or no!”
The Rough Rider says, “No!”
Emilio Aguinaldo says, “No, I think you’re lying. Do you want me to use this hose filling your mouth and lungs with water!”
The Rough Rider says, “Those Rough Rider commanders died in Cuba!”
Emilio Aguinaldo says quickly preparing to torture the Rough Rider soldier, “You’re lying!”
Finally a new day arises as the Rough Rider soldiers are reinforcing their position along with adding many more Rough Riders to the front lines. Colonel Leonard Wood wants to end this entire trench warfare tonight once and for all, although he knows there are other trenches such as Cathalogan anyways.
Rumors are also spreading quickly about the abduction of the new comer Rough Rider around the front lines, the Rough Rider camp, and the warships as well. Even many of the medical staff is talking about it with some of the wounded Rough Riders who are being treated for different injuries.
Louise Wood here’s of the rumors along with Rough Rider Nurse Shooter which makes them think that the Philippine-American War may make a turn for the worse as Louise Wood says, “I heard a rumor that one of our Rough Riders was abducted by some Filipino Natives!”
Rough Rider Nurse Shooter comes back in to play by saying, “Looks like this Philippine-American War may turn out for the worse!”
Louise Wood returns saying, “Isn’t that the truth; but I hope he’s alright!”
Finally Colonel Leonard Wood is ready to prepare the lines for another night of fighting as he says to General Bill Shafter and Lieutenant Greenway in a meeting with some Rough Rider soldiers, “We need the Rough Riders on the front lines prepared for anything and we want to hit them early once they start their assault!”
General Bill Shafter thinks about the new comer Rough Rider being abducted saying, “Hopefully the Filipinos haven’t got any information from our Rough Rider.”
Later on, Emilio Aguinaldo has tried lots of things to get this Rough Rider to talk, although he is acting as tough as a Rough cowboy nonetheless. He has tried the hose by putting water in his mouth and lungs and all has failed. Of course, he has saved the best for last nevertheless. And now he has something else to say as someone else arrives for the occasion.
Emilio Aguinaldo looks to the Rough Rider thinking while trying to talk, “So far I have tried everything to get you to talk and you just agree saying nothing. I think that you are keeping quiet because you are here to get our sugar crops for the “Sugar Boys” along with our heritage and culture!”
Emilio Aguinaldo looks to someone who has been absent, “But here’s a man who can!”
CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
Suddenly standing behind some nearby jungle trees as the Rough Rider soldier looks over to see who it is that Emilio Aguinaldo is talking about. Nearby is Frog Man that the Rough Rider is sort of familiar with from the talk going around the front lines, although there is someone else he can’t see very well.
Just then, Filipino Bones appears wearing a bone necklace of souvenirs from others he has taken lives from saying, “I hear that you don’t like to talk much and that you tend to be shy!”
The Rough Rider looks seeing only this person’s legs sticking beneath some branches that are all scraped up and scared saying, “Dammit!”
But then, Filipino Bones only takes a few more steps in order to grab something that the Rough Rider can’t see behind all of the foliage. Emilio Aguinaldo watches and waits until Filipino Bones seems to be ready for his getting information out of the Rough Rider. However Emilio Aguinaldo leaves a few moments later turning his attention to some other task.
Colonel Leonard Wood wonders what to do next as the Filipinos and many of the Freedom Fighters remain out of sight during the day saying, “Looks like the Filipinos are keeping out of sight.”
Sergeant Hamilton Fish says in response, “Maybe they are up to something different!”
War Correspondent Richard Harding isn’t far away at a desk commenting, “And I wonder what that could be Sergeant Ham?”
Colonel Leonard Wood returns with words saying, “They are probably trying to lay low until the evening settles in as usual!”
The Filipino Goddess Bamboo is nearby, although she is staying hidden and says to some of the young Freedom Fighters carrying on with, “We will wait until early tonight right when the sun is going down.”
One of the young Freedom Fighter rebels says, “Good because I want to get me some more of those Rough Riders anyways!”
Another young Freedom Fighter rebel looks and adds to the talk, “Tonight is do or die night!”
The Filipino Goddess Bamboo comes back with some words expressing her thoughts, “Don’t worry; we’ll all get our chance tonight or another night!”
Minutes later, Filipino Bones begins speaking his introductory lines with his speech of what he does to people to get them talking as he says, “Usually I like to punch people tied to a chair or hang them by their feet, but some people are very tough and still don’t talk giving up information.”
Now Filipino Bones looks in a bag of tricks or what you could call a scruff or bondage kit that he has scraped together. The Rough Rider soldier watches the best he can without trying to move his body or head too much. He hears some sounds of tools being taken out of something along with some slithering sounds and some other uncanny like critter sounds as well in the background.
Frog Man has stayed watching from a distance, although he soon decides to leave in order to do other tasks that are imperative with preparing for tonight. As he leaves Filipino Bones sets some tools out making the Rough Rider very nervous. The Rough Rider checks his restraints slightly without him noticing luckily.
Then Frog Man decides to signal Filipino Bones to get on with the show as he begins to approach. The new comer Rough Rider tries to look behind where he is shanked to the ground, but all he can see are leaves in the distance on both sides. Now he feels something slither nearby, although he can’t make out what it is yet.
Next Filipino Bones walks up towards his left side and says, “Usually these things do the trick!”
Finally the new comer Rough Rider sees a slithery snake come slithering his way that appears to be trained perhaps, “Slither!”
At that moment the slithery snake makes his way towards his right side and coils up right next to him with his rattlers going off back and forth, “Rattle, and rattle!”
The new comer Rough Rider starts to shake all that he possibly can without moving a muscle and every time he does the slithery snake rattle its rattlers faster and faster, “Rattle, rattle, rattle, and rattle!”
Frantically the new comer Rough Rider says lightly, “Son of a bitch!”
And now, Filipino Bones comes up with words that go, “Now that is a familiar snake to where you are from, but it is a coral snake from the Philippines. Plus I have a few others if you don’t like that one!”
Following that sequence, Filipino Bones kicks the Rough Rider on the left side and says, “You’re lucky that’s my pet!”
At the western flank Lieutenant Wright and Lieutenant Sharp have more reinforcements arriving all of the time as Lieutenant Wright says, “Looks like we are getting more reinforcements.”
Lieutenant Sharp answers Lieutenant Wright back saying, “We’re going to storm them tonight, I bet!”
Rough Rider Dennis speaks next collaborating, “I can’t wait until we take these trenches!”
Lieutenant Pollack sees more reinforcements arrive on the eastern flank as he says to some of the new comer Rough Riders that he is babysitting since the abduction, “Great; the Colonel sent more reinforcements to strengthen up our flanks and the number of Rough Rider soldiers that we have here.”
One of the arriving Rough Riders approaches Lieutenant Pollack and says, “We heard that one of our own Rough Riders was abducted?”
Lieutenant Pollack answers quickly saying, “Yes, they abducted him and took off in that direction the other reporting Rough Riders reported.”
Another new comer Rough Rider makes a comment, “Well, there’s nothing much we can do about it but prevent it from happening again!”
Lieutenant Pollack says, “Eventually we’ll catch up with those Native Filipinos and he’s alright when that time comes hopefully.”
Now the Filipino Bones is still interrogating the new comer Rough Rider soldier as he finds the Philippine coral on his chest coiled up slithering his tongue at him as Filipino Bones says, “Looks like he’s taken a liking of you perhaps!”
Frog Man watches from a distance as the new comer Rough Rider says, “I’m pretty fond of snakes!”
Filipino Bones pushes further saying, “I’m sure you are; you may as well tell me everything because it won’t matter anyways if you want to stay alive!”
The new comer Rough Rider doesn’t say anything as Filipino Bones cues the Philippine coral to slither around his neck even more than before saying, “Why are you and your country after this land, our home the Philippines!”
Finally the Rough Rider decides to say something saying, “The U.S. Naval Forces just want Spain out of the Pacific Ocean and that’s all!”
Next Filipino Bones asks another question, “Then why are they fighting us Filipinos if Spain has already been defeated?”
The new comer Rough Rider says, “I don’t know; I’m just a Rough Rider soldier!”
Then the Philippine coral slithers away behind his head as Filipino Bones says, “Looks like he is tired of you; now answer the question!”
The new comer Rough Rider answers back telling him, “The U.S. Government thinks that the Filipinos were protecting their sugar crops from the Sugar Act!”
Filipino Bones then says, “So this is all about the sugar?”
The new comer Rough Rider jousts, “Colonel Wood wants to protect the Sugar Crops from the Sugar Boys in order to preserve Filipino Independence!”
Filipino Bones says just as he pulls out a large skinning knife then, “Do you expect me to believe that lie? I ought to slice your throat for saying that to me!”
Next the Philippine coral bites the new comer Rough Rider on the shoulder from behind considering the pet didn’t like what it has heard, “Snap!”
The new comer Rough Rider yells really loud, “Ow!”
Filipino Bones picks up his pet Philippine coral and says, “Now that might not kill you, but you will be really sick.”
Then he leaves with the notion of returning for more interrogating later as Frog Man decides to leave and tell Emilio Aguinaldo what was all said. Filipino Bones takes his pet back and looks for another means of torture other than his previous measure. The new comer Rough Rider yelps and cries for a moment while being in much pain.
Frog Man looks to Filipino Bones and says as he leaves, “Leave him for a while!”
The Filipino Goddess Bamboo finds out about the interrogation, although she continues on with her preparations as nightfall approaches. Now she prepares more weapons and ammunitions as she feels that her poisonous measures have subsided with technology. Nevertheless she still has her integrity and that’s all that matters nonetheless.
Next the Filipino Goddess Bamboo looks to one of her young Freedom Fighter rebels and says, “Looks like they have interrogated the Rough Rider soldiers that they have abducted!”
The young Freedom Fighter rebel asks her, “What did they find out?”
The Filipino Goddess Bamboo Says in retrospect, “Nothing much so far, other than that they want to push Spain out from the Philippines.”
The young Freedom Fighter rebel makes another comment, “Doesn’t sound like he’s saying too much!”
The Filipino Goddess Bamboo returns telling him, “No, but they’ll beat the information out of him if they have to!”
Colonel Leonard Wood, on the other hand, realizes that eventually their new comer Rough Rider soldier will need to be rescued before he is tortured to death. So far, he has thought over all other options and possibilities as to how to recover this individual, although most are useless. And the best way is to take the trenches of Samar and move on to winning the war for now.
Now Colonel Leonard Wood looks to Sergeant Hamilton Fish with nightfall arriving and says, “I wish there was something I could do about the abducted Rough Rider soldier, although taking the trenches of Samar is the only way. Hopefully he’ll be left behind if we charge quickly if he isn’t tortured or killed already. I would scout for him, but the horses are useless in this jungle terrain with the trench warfare that is present. And I don’t have any Filipino informants to get information from, right at this time.”
War Correspondent Richard Harding takes a break as things get darker and darker saying, “Well, soon they will be attacking anyways and maybe we can capture one of their Filipino Freedom Fighters?”
Colonel Leonard Wood agrees saying, “Yes, I agree!”
Colonel Leonard Wood quickly writes a command order saying, “Inform General Bill Shafter to begin preparations and charge as soon as the Filipino Forces advances!”
Sergeant Hamilton Fish takes the handwritten and scribbled command order and ways, “Colonel Wood Sir!”
Meanwhile Filipino Bones is wondering what other tortures to use as he sees Emilio Aguinaldo in the distance who soon approaches. Now Emilio Aguinaldo knows what was said from the interrogation earlier, although he wants to get more information out of the new comer Rough Rider than that anyways.
Emilio Aguinaldo approaches and says, “I think this Rough Rider is lying and isn’t telling us everything!”
Just then, Filipino Bones asks, “So what should we do with him?”
Emilio Aguinaldo grabs the hose with the nut torches lit with evening settling in, “Give him the hose a few times.”
Quickly Filipino Bones takes the hose and walks over to the Rough Rider with a bucket of water nearby making a siphon, “Wisp!”
Next Filipino Bones kneels down and grabs the new comer Rough Rider’s mouth and cheek forcing it open without even talking to him, “Ow!”
Then the Ow wows are shut up once the hose is stuck in the new comer Rough Rider’s mouth with sounds, “Gargle, and gargle!”
After the new comer Rough Rider chokes for a few moments, Filipino Bones asks, “And what did the Colonel say he would do to Emilio Aguinaldo when the war is over with?”
The new comer Rough Rider tries to catch his breath and decides to say quickly, “He said that when Emilio Aguinaldo surrenders or is caught, that he would restore Philippine Independence!”
Filipino Bones says straightaway as he moves to use the hose again, “You’re lying!”
Immediately the new comer Rough Rider tries to struggle, although continues choking, “Gargle, gargle, and gargle!”
However a good distance away, the Native Freedom Fighters are waiting to surprise the Rough Rider soldiers by confusing them. Yet the Rough Riders are wondering what is keeping them, but Colonel Leonard Wood has some ideas as to why they are procrastinating anyways. Even the commanders at the front lines are wondering what the holdup is as well.
Lieutenant Greenway looks to General Bill Shafter asking, “So what’s the hold up and why aren’t the Filipinos attacking?”
General Bill Shafter glances back at Lieutenant Greenway and says, “Maybe they are trying to trick us or something.”
Sergeant Hamilton Fish wonders what the holdup is as they are watching from the command center as he asks Colonel Leonard Wood, “What’s taking them so long?”
Colonel Leonard Wood thinks about the abducted new comer Rough Rider saying, “I’m unsure; maybe they are trying to surprise us or they are out of ammunitions.”
War Correspondent Richard Harding says, “Maybe they are waiting to interrogate the abducted Rough Rider soldier!”
Colonel Leonard Wood says, “Maybe, you are right!”
Finally Frog Man looks to some of the Native Freedom Fighters and says, “Light them up!”
Quickly many small bon fires and nut torches are lit behind the trenches as the Native Freedom Fighters light their arrows on fire. The Rough Riders notice right away and start their preparations of waiting and taking cover. Soon the first flaming arrow is sent off along with many others following as they sail through the air.
Many of the Rough Rider take cover and do a much better job of dodging the flaming arrows, although a few hit some Rough Riders as well as sand bags, “Whoosh!”
Once the flaming arrows all land, some Rough Rider soldiers start banging the fires out while cheering and growling, “Rah, rah, rah, and rah!”
Lieutenant Greenway looks to General Bill Shafter and asks, “What’s the cheering and growling all about?”
General Bill Shafter looks around and says, “Sounds like the Rough Riders are ready to charge these Filipino rebels!”
Quickly the Native Freedom Fighters move in closer with rounds of poisonous blow darts as Lieutenant Greenway glances around and commands loudly, “Ready those weapons and wait for my command!”
Many of the Rough Rider soldiers have their weapons loaded and are ready to go already when Lieutenant Greenway gives such a command anyways. Nevertheless many more Native Freedom Fighters move in, although they are confused with the Rough Rider cheering and applauding that has been going on for a few minutes now.
Soon they are met with some Freedom Fighter gunfire that comes from the command of Emilio Aguinaldo commanding, “Fire on these Rough Riders!”
The Freedom Fighters open fire quickly, “Bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Numerous Rough Rider soldiers wait for the command of Lieutenant Greenway while taking cover as more fire is sent forth, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Now Lieutenant Greenway decides to hold their fire for a moment or so more, “Hold your fire!”
Many of the Rough Rider soldiers take cover quickly while still screaming and yelling out really loud, “Rah, rah, rah, and rah; let’s kill those Filipinos!”
More Rough Rider calls out and screams some sweet nothing shouting, “We need to take these trenches!”
Another Rough Rider yells, “Come on you Freedom Fighters!”
Soon more shots are fired from the Freedom Fighters angrily as the Rough Rider continue taking cover, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Lieutenant Greenway commands the Rough Riders to continue holding their fire saying, “Continue holding fire!”
Finally the Rough Rider soldiers stay burrowed in making sure that their weapons are ready to draw quickly, “Snap, crackle, and pop!”
More shots ring out from the Native Freedom Fighters as well as the Freedom Fighters as Emilio Aguinaldo commands, “Give them all you got!”
Even more Freedom Fighters take heed in their firing of their weapons, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Louise Wood hears the rapid gunfire and says, “I hope the abducted Rough Rider soldier is alright!”
Rough Rider Nurse Shooter says immediately, “We’re going to need more doctors and nurses!”
Lieutenant Greenway makes the command again, “Hold your fire!”
By now, the Filipino Goddess Bamboo has made her way to the western flank and has Lieutenant Wright and Lieutenant Sharp at a standoff as they hold fire. The young Freedom Fighters have taken their chance by pulling out their arsenal of weapons and have taken many shots while the first moments of this battle rage on.
The Filipino Goddess Bamboo sees Lieutenant Wright from a distance make a command, “Hold your fire!”
Then she takes a shot nearly takes a shot at his head peeking out from the barricade, “Bang!”
The shot hits Lieutenant Wright Rough Rider hat as he turns back towards the front line, Snap!”
Rough Rider Dennis picks it up quickly saying as Lieutenant Wright ducks, “You should be more careful at ceasing fire!”
Lieutenant Sharp calls out, “Yes, that was another close one!”
Next more young Freedom Fighter gunshots ring out, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Rough Rider Paul asks, “I thought we were going to storm them right away!”
Lieutenant Wright responds, “We will once we wear them and their ammunitions down.”
The Filipino Goddess Bamboo takes another shot with her rifle hitting a Rough Rider in the shoulder as the gunfire makes a noise, “Bang!”
Then the Filipino Goddess Bamboo looks to a few of the young Freedom Fighters and says, “I have to reload!”
Of course, she acts like a golfer with a caddy commanding, “Hand me some rifle shells quickly!”
Lieutenant Pollack has his own luck at hand by commanding, “Hold your fire until the command to fire is given!”
Black Rough Rider Private Marcus has something to say as he dodges some bullets saying, “Wait! We are getting killed by these Filipino Freedom Fighters!”
Then Black Rough Rider Private Greg feels the same way saying, “We are sitting ducks waiting for any command orders.”
Frog Man throws down his Blow gun and positions himself with a rifle as he starts to take a few shot trying to hit anything, “Bang!”
Lieutenant Pollack sees Frog Man at a distance and says, “You’re right; I want to say screw the command order as well!”
Black Rough Rider Private Danny asks, “Why is that?”
Lieutenant Pollack looks to him and then points off in the distance while looking through his binoculars and says, “I want that camouflaged Filipino Frog Man!”
Black Rough Rider Private Will who has arrived earlier says, “Rivet, rivet; that’s like hunting a sitting toad!”
Lieutenant Pollack returns with some words expressing, “A poisonous toad!”
A distance away, Emilio Aguinaldo accesses the situation and says to some Freedom Fighters, “So far, the Rough Riders are still hesitating!”
One of the Freedom Fighters says candidly, “Why is that you think?”
Emilio Aguinaldo looks to the front lines as his Freedom Fighter sporadically take shots, “The Rough Riders must be waiting on something.”
Suddenly General Bill Shafter nods his head to Lieutenant Greenway saying lightly, “It’s time!”
Lieutenant Greenway glances around both sides of the front line as he says to the Rough Rider soldiers looking back, “Fire!”
Immediately the Rough Rider soldiers within the front lines begin yodeling and cheering before shooting, “Ow, ow, ow, ow, and ow; bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
The Freedom Fighters retaliate with rapid gunfire, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
The Rough Rider soldiers all of the way along the front lines from the western flank to the eastern flank continue their shooting, Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Emilio Aguinaldo realizes that there is too much gunfire being sent forth but wants to hold their position, “Hold your position!”
The Freedom Fighters continue firing their weapons, although the Native Freedom Fighters begin to retreat further back, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
On the western flank, the Filipino Goddess Bamboo has taken a few shots that have injured a few Rough Riders, she thinks. But then again, the front lines are dark as night and she has some trouble taking aim. Luckily the young Freedom Fighters have what it takes to put up a fight, although the Rough Riders are shooting at anything that even glistens in the darkness.
The Filipino Goddess Bamboo looks to some of the young Freedom Fighters taking cover while firing and says, “Bang, bang, and bang; I need to reload again!”
The Filipino Goddess takes cover to reload her weapons as more Rough Rider gun fire is taking place, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Lieutenant Wright makes a command, “Shoot anything you can see in those trenches.”
Lieutenant Sharp adds to the command, “And don’t stop shooting and keep reloading!”
At the eastern flank, Lieutenant Pollack has taken some shots at Frog Man, although he keeps vanishing as he says, “Every time I shoot at that Frog Man, he vanishes!”
Black Rough Rider Private Will answers back and says, “Maybe, he has some snake holes he’s jumping into!”
Right away, Lieutenant Pollack has some words to say, “It must be something like that because he is there one minute and gone the next.”
At that moment, some more shots are fired by Freedom Fighters as the Black Rough Rider Private and other Rough Rider take cover, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Black Rough Rider Privates returning fire promptly, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Soon back at the front lines at center field, Colonel Leonard Wood feels that it is time to charge the trenches of Samar as he nods to General Bill Shafter. General Bill Shafter looks back at the Rough Rider soldiers returning fire at the Freedom Fighters. Then he holds his weapon and refrains from taking a shot.
Finally General Bill Shafter looks to Lieutenant Greenway who is using the Gatling gun, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang and bang!”
The Gatling gun cuts out and the barrel is heard spinning as Lieutenant Greenway pulls his hands away, “Vroom, vroom, vroom, and vroom!”
Next Lieutenant Greenway picks up his slap stick and takes his pistol in one hand and commands after a few seconds or so, “Charge!”
Immediately the Rough Rider start to scream and holler as they begin to stand while shooting, “Yah, yah you Filipinos; come on you cowards; bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Hundreds and hundreds of Rough Riders sprint their way quickly across the barricade towards the trenches with only a slight bit of moonlight. Many more charge seconds later forming a wall of Rough Rider soldiers that is bigger than ever before. Nevertheless the Filipinos continue to hold their ground for another chance at holding the Rough Riders back.
Emilio Aguinaldo notices that the Rough Rider are charging as he takes a few more shots from a pistol that he has had as back up, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
A few Rough Rider seem to scramble their way down to the ground as he realizes that he will still have to retreat, “Pull Back!”
Lieutenant Greenway pushes the Rough Rider soldiers further ahead. He does this as he concentrates on finding the whereabouts of Emilio Aguinaldo which will have to wait a few more struggles. General Bill Shafter remains behind the front lines a distance while Sergeant Hamilton Fish and Colonel Leonard Wood direct more Rough Riders as backup to hold the front lines together.
The sounds of Freedom Fighters taking shots and rounds are heard, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Lieutenant Greenway looks to the trenches noticing that some Freedom Fighters are lining up at the top of the trenches and commands, “Keep pushing ahead!”
Most of the Rough Rider soldiers continue with their screams and hollers as they rush the trenches, “Yah, yah, yah and yah; come on you cowardly bastards!”
The Rough Rider soldiers do this while shooting at anything they can set their eyes on as far as the enemy is concerned, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Emilio Aguinaldo notices that the Rough Riders are advancing fast as he commands, “Hold the front and push the Rough Riders back!”
The Filipino Goddess Bamboo has many Freedom Fighters nearby on the western front as they take shots along with the young Freedom Fighters, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
The Filipino Goddess Bamboo looks to the Freedom Fighters and says, “Lie on the ground and shoot them as they rise from the trenches!”
Lieutenant Wright makes a command, “Keep charging!”
Lieutenant Sharp makes a loud remark, “What if they ambush us?”
Lieutenant Wright says, “Just keep charging!”
Many Freedom Fighters as well as young Freedom Fighters form a long line while making an ambush for the Rough Rider soldiers, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
More Native Freedom Fighter line up forming a row of darters and archers that is ready to ambush the Rough Rider advancement. But there are some other Rough Riders who arrive to reinforce the front lines pushing the Rough Rider soldiers into the trenches overwhelming them completely.
Rough Rider Mike looks to the other side of the trenches and sees some Freedom Fighters waiting while lining up and says, “Look there are Freedom Fighters lining up at the other end of the trenches!”
Rough Rider Bill charges while pointing his rifle and taking aim, “Take them out; bang!”
Lieutenant Greenway is a short distance behind and makes a command, “Don’t stop charging until we take these trenches!”
General Bill Shafter makes a gesture of a command, “Keep driving these Rough Riders forward!”
At the eastern front, Lieutenant Pollack sees Frog Man again at the other end of the trenches taking shots with his blow dart gun. Frog Man is surrounded by many Native Freedom Fighters as Lieutenant Pollack aims to shoot. However his view is blocked by some Rough Riders hats that are charging and loses sight once again.
Lieutenant Pollack looks to Frog Man again trying to locate him as more Rough Riders pass by as he says, “Damn; missed the shot again!”
Next Black Rough Rider Private Marcus looks to Lieutenant Pollack and says loudly, “Come on Lieutenant Pollack!”
Right then, Lieutenant Pollack looks to the onslaught of Rough Rider soldiers raiding the trenches of Samar and then he makes a command, “Let’s take these trenches; push, push, push your selves!”
Just then, many more Rough Rider soldiers enter the trenches while taking shots with their weapons at the many Filipinos that are lined up after waiting, “Yah, yah, yah, and yah; bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
And it isn’t long before the trenches of Samar of nearly overwhelmed on all sides of the front lines heading towards the Filipino side. Many of the Native Freedom Fighters are forced to pull back along with some of the Freedom Fighters that remain afterwards. Emilio Aguinaldo realizes that he is in a tight bind and will be forced to retreat.
Emilio Aguinaldo looks to some of the Freedom Fighters that are holding down the trenches and says, “We must pull back!”
Rough Rider Mike notices and says, “Their retreating; bang, bang, and bang!”
Frog Man pulls back after noticing that Lieutenant Pollack is on to him saying to his Native Freedom Fighters, “Until another day!”
The Filipino Goddess Bamboo looks to her young Freedom Fighters and says, “Hurry; we must flea our way to the jungles!”
By now, Filipino Bones is signaled by Emilio Aguinaldo to finish off the new comer Rough Rider saying, “Slit!”
Filipino Bones makes his way over to the new comer new comer Rough Rider soldier who was abducted and tied down. Immediately Filipino Bones approaches the new comer Rough Rider with a long bladed knife making a nasty scene. The new comer Rough Rider begins to really squirm around trying to free his self from the restraining ropes.
The new comer Rough Rider frees his right hand and reaches for the other one as Filipino Bones grabs him from his left side, “Whap!”
The new comer Rough Rider takes a nearby rock and hits Filipino Bones across the cheek bone, “Wham!”
Filipino Bones falls back to his right side, “Bam!”
Then the new comer Rough Rider scrambles to free his left hand and then quickly reaches for his right foot, “Scratch, scratch, and scratch!”
Moments later, Filipino Bones comes from behind and places the knife right in to his throat, “Squish; slash!”
The new comer Rough Rider falls over leaning against Filipino Bones who pushes him aside to the ground, “Crash; cram!”
Furthermore Filipino Bones looks around to some other nearby Filipinos, “You can’t escape my death!”
Next Filipino Bones walks away and joins back with the rest of the Native Freedom Fighters They continue pulling back as they recoup with their departure from the trenches. Nevertheless they come closer to the jungle terrains and begin to form another line. Many of the Rough Riders take the trenches, although they have trouble making their way in to the jungle.
Rough Rider Magical Merlin notices that the Freedom Fighters are pulling back and says, “The Freedom Fighters are falling back in to the jungle!”
Rough Rider Bill replies, “Don’t worry, we’ll keep up with them!”
Rough Rider Dave takes a shot at some stragglers, “Bang! There’s some straggler Freedom Fighters!”
Colonel Leonard Wood notices that the Freedom Fighters are withdrawing their forces further back into the jungle areas. Sergeant Hamilton Fish wonders if it is safe for them to go across the trenches yet with the rest of the armed forces. But still, there is a problem with the abduction of the new comer Rough Rider soldier nonetheless.
Colonel Leonard Wood looks to Sergeant Hamilton Fish and War Correspondent Richard Harding and speaks candidly saying, “The Filipinos appear to be retreating!”
Sergeant Hamilton Fish comes back with an answer explaining, “Yes, only to the nearby jungles!”
Just then, Emilio Aguinaldo makes a command to the Freedom Fighters within the jungle lines ordering, “Form a line and perimeter within the jungle trees!”
Most of the Freedom Fighters soldiers are already there waiting for an ambush as the Rough Riders stop at the trenches, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Lieutenant Greenway decides to park it right there in the meantime commanding, “Let’s form a barricade at the edge of the trenches and fortify our positions!”
General Bill Shafter wants to remove a few wounded and killed Rough Riders from the trenches commanding, “Let’s remove some of our wounded Rough riders and Filipinos before we move in any further!”
Colonel Leonard Wood sees that General Bill Shafter and Lieutenant Greenway have held on to their position at the trenches saying, “General Bill Shafter and Lieutenant Greenway have held their position at the trenches; we need a command order to build a quick barricade to hold them off and wear down their ammunitions! But we don’t want a repeat like last time’s flooding”
Colonel Leonard Wood writes a quick command order and sends him off with it saying, “Here, it’s a command order to hold them off until we prepare for another raid into the jungles.”
Emilio Aguinaldo wonders how their arsenals are asking some Freedom Fighters, “How are our ammunitions!”
One of the Freedom Fighters answers his question by saying, “We are very low on ammunitions and only have enough for another day or so.”
Emilio Aguinaldo decides to ask another question again, “Hopefully our next supply of ammunitions will arrive from the manufacturing plant soon so we can hold out the trenches!”
CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
Momentarily Colonel Leonard Wood watches the front lines making sure that the Rough Riders are safe within the trenches. He doesn’t want anything to happen like the incident previously before with the flooding. Of course, he wants to insure every one of the Rough Riders and their safety.
Colonel Leonard looks to Sergeant Hamilton Fish and says, “Did you explain the plan to General Bill Shafter and Lieutenant Greenway?”
Sergeant Hamilton Fish says, “Yes, and they are implementing that plan right now to secure the trenches and prepare for an immediate raid.”
Colonel Leonard Wood asks a question once again, “And what about the eastern and southern flanks!”
Sergeant Hamilton Fish responds quickly contending, “Yes, the Rough Rider at the front is spreading the word towards the eastern and western fronts as we speak!”
Colonel Leonard Wood makes a statement adding, “Great; then we shall attack them once the trenches are secure and stable!”
Emilio Aguinaldo makes a comment saying, “We need to get the message to the field commanders of the eastern and western flanks to hold out until they run out of ammunitions unless our shot order arrives luckily!”
A few Freedom Fighter soldiers scramble as one says, “Consider it done!”
General Bill Shafter manages the Rough Riders with placing a quick barricade as he says to some Rough Riders, “We need to build this barricade quickly so that we can form a raid by morning sunlight!”
A few shots fired from the Freedom Fighters, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Some shots are returned from the Rough Riders, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Rough Rider Billy Boy wonders why asking, “Why is that?”
Lieutenant Greenway answers that question as he helps out with some other Rough Riders saying, “That’s probably because of what happened before at the outskirts of the city of Manilla!”
Some more shots fired from the Freedom Fighters, Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Shots are fired back from the Rough Rider, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Rough Rider Dave agrees with that as he works hard and fast talking, “I never did like being in these damn here trenches neither!”
General Bill Shafter carries on adding, “Me either; come on, let’s hustle!”
Emilio Aguinaldo looks to some Freedom Fighters and asks, “How many mine and batteries do we have left?”
Filipino Bones steps forward and says, “We have only a handful of mine and a few batteries left!”
Emilio Aguinaldo wonders if they should save them or use them all up asking, “Should we use them or should we save them!”
One of the Freedom Fighter soldiers says, “What’s the difference? All we have left after the island of Samar is Cathalogan!”
Filipino Bones feels that they should head south for the shores commenting, “We should leave now and head for the shores after they raid the jungle!”
Emilio Aguinaldo says in response to his talk, “We still have shipments of ammunitions and supplies waiting in Cathalogan; so let’s use them all up!”
Many of the Freedom Fighter soldiers start to motivate as one says, “You heard the man; let’s get these Rough Rider intruders!”
The Freedom Fighters make their way to where the mines and the batteries are on some cargo haulers. The cargo hailers are ones that they take along the way as they retreat further south. Once they arrive, they quickly motivate with the mines and the batteries with the sounds of gunfire heard in the background the entire time.
Filipino Bones approaches with some helper Filipinos as they transport a battery towards the edge of the jungle as he says, “Here’s one of our batteries!”
Emilio Aguinaldo says, “Okay, let’s set that up right over here and have it ready for after we make our retreat!”
Meanwhile the Freedom Fighter us a few mines and batteries in a few inconspicuous places, although they have some mines here and there out on the field. Yet they take some time to set in place as the Freedom Fighters set them in certain areas along the jungle front. Emilio watches thinking about the best places to set them up at.
Then Emilio Aguinaldo makes a command as he sees a great spot saying, “Let’s set up one of the mines over here and one of the batteries right over here next to these trees!”
Soon Colonel Leonard Wood is waiting for preparations with a quick barricade as he says, “Almost time!”
Lieutenant Wright is on the western front as he says, “Looks like Colonel Leonard Wood wants a quick barricade built and then an immediate raid into the jungles!”
Lieutenant Sharp makes a response to that answering back, “Well, I never did like waiting around in these trenches anyhow!”
Rough Rider Paul says, “Yes, me neither.”
More shots are fired from the Filipino forces, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Rough Rider Dennis decides to say, “Why wait around; let’s just raid them now!”
Lieutenant Wright decides to say back, “No, we better wait until the command is given forth!”
Lieutenant Pollack is on the eastern front waiting for the command to raid and says, “This is a long wait for a raid!”
Black Rough Rider Private Danny has something to say as he lifts another burlap sack saying, “I think that is enough messing around with this new barricade!”
Rough Rider soldiers taking shots at the Filipino forces, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Black Rough Rider Private Marcus can only think of getting in to action, “Yes, I’m tired of dodging bullets this entire war!”
Black Rough Rider Private Greg takes another shot and says, “Bang!”
A faint sound is heard in the distance, “Ow!”
Lieutenant Pollack realizes that he may have hit one of the Freedom Fighters and says, “Excellent, I think you hit one of them!”
Black Rough Rider Private Willie makes a remark saying, “It’s about time considering that it is so dark out.”
Black Rough Rider Private Danny decides to add, “Yes, I can hardly see anything.”
Rough Rider soldiers are taking shots from Filipinos, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Lieutenant Pollack makes a command telling them all, “Just keep shooting and don’t stop!”
Rough Riders shooting into the jungles from the trenches, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Finally all of the Rough Riders are done with the barricade which is very small and they are waiting for the time to raid. Many of them are becoming eager to raid, although they can’t see anything straight in front of them. Nevertheless Lieutenant Greenway keeps his eye out for anything out of the ordinary as far as movement with the enemy is concerned.
Colonel Leonard Wood sends Hamilton Fish with a command order commanding the Rough Riders to crawl their way to the jungles saying, “Now it’s time; tell General Bill Shafter and Lieutenant Greenway to crawl the Rough Riders passed the trenches and line up in shot formation close to the enemy line.
Sergeant Hamilton Fish prepares to leave saying, “Yes, Colonel Wood Sir!”
Moments later, Sergeant Hamilton Fish arrives to tell General Bill Shafter telling him, “Colonel Leonard Wood wants the Rough Riders to start crawling their way towards the jungle line and line up in shot formation when close enough for firing any shots!”
General Bill Shafter gets the message and looks to Lieutenant Greenway and says, “Did you hear that Lieutenant Greenway?”
Lieutenant Greenway looks to General Bill Shafter and replies, “Yes, I heard Sergeant Ham; let’s move them out!”
Right then, Lieutenant Greenway looks to some of the Rough Riders and commands, “Alright Rough Riders; crawl out into shot formations a few hundred yards out. And keep it quiet because we want to sneak up on them.”
Then he looks to both sides of the front line within the trenches and commands again, “Let’s move out!”
Immediately the Rough Riders begin to move out on their hands and knees crawling their way in order to sneak up on the Filipino forces. But this time, they obey the command of keeping their mouths shut up so that there are no screams or yelling heard by the enemy. One by one the Rough Riders on the front line cross the newly formed barricade where they have been entrenches for some time.
Some shots are fired by the Freedom Fighters, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Rough Rider Mike starts to crawl out across the sand bags mixed with mud and clay and says, “Well, here we go!”
The some shots are fired by the Rough Rider soldiers, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
And then Rough Rider Dave makes a comment saying, “Yes, I hope I don’t get shot while crawling my way!”
Meanwhile Lieutenant Greenway directs many of the Rough Riders by tapping on them as they crawl by along with General Bill Shafter as he says whispering, “Keep crawling!”
And then, General Bill Shafter taps a few Rough Rider soldiers as well whispering, “Don’t stop!”
A distance away, the Filipino Goddess Bamboo can see that their forces are down on their arms and ammunitions as she says, “How many more rounds do you have left for your pistol.”
One of the young Freedom Fighter soldier says in response to that question, “I have a good dozen or so rounds left!”
The Filipino Goddess Bamboo says, “Save them for when they are close so that you don’t miss!”
One of the young Freedom Fighters looks to the Filipino Goddess Bamboo and says, “It’s been very quiet except for the gunshots!”
Another young Freedom Fighter looks to them both and says, “That’s because they are coming and crawling at us!”
The Filipino Goddess Bamboo looks to the young Freedom Fighters and then makes a command, “Now take cover behind the trees and scatter out!”
The young Freedom Fighters make their way scattering about the jungle trees with their weapons drawn and ready for fire. Even the Native Freedom Fighters scatter about ready for an assault on their turf as they take cover. Also Frog Man and his Native Freedom Fighters notice that it has been quiet and that there haven’t been many shots coming from the Rough Riders recently.
Emilio Aguinaldo holds back with taking any more shots as he says to some Freedom Fighters, “Looks like the Rough Riders are barely returning fire!”
One of the Freedom Fighters looks and says back to Emilio Aguinaldo, “The Rough Riders must be up to something!”
Emilio Aguinaldo makes a comment chit chatting, “We can’t keep them entrenched forever!”
Soon the Rough Rider soldiers begin reaching closer and closer to the jungle line where the Filipino forces are waiting. In fact, all sides of the front lines, including the eastern and western flanks are moving in slowly. Colonel Leonard Wood waits until a further notice to take a closer observation of their progress.
Colonel Leonard Wood looks to Sergeant Hamilton Fish and War Correspondent Richard Harding saying, “Perfect; the Rough Riders are crawling their way towards the Filipino forces as we wait!”
Sergeant Hamilton Fish comes back with words countering, “It won’t be long and they will be in position to take some sniper shots!”
Then War Correspondent Richard Harding says, “What will happen when morning arrives?”
Colonel Leonard Wood says, “The Filipino forces will try to shoot as many Rough Riders as they can, although we will have them overwhelmed with our infantry.”
In the meantime, Lieutenant Wright is on the western flank and says to some Rough Riders, “Stop that’s far enough!”
Now Rough Rider Dennis says, “Why are we stopping?”
Lieutenant Sharp can only say as he stops, “I think we have snuck pretty close to them!”
Lieutenant Wright makes another command to all of the nearby Rough riders ordering, “Excellent; and don’t shoot until the command is given and every one of the other Rough Riders are in place.”
However back on the eastern flank, Lieutenant Pollack has reaches the threshold spot to stop his Rough Riders as he swiftly says, “Halt!”
Black Rough Rider Private Willie stops with his rifle aimed towards the jungles as he says, “I can almost smell them with their guns pointed in our direction!”
Black Rough Rider Private Marcus says, “Good; and I have my gun pointed at them waiting to pull the trigger.”
Black Rough Rider Private Greg is ready for action rejoicing, “We’re here ready to tag you Filipino sons of bitches!”
Black Rough Rider Private Danny says in retrospect to the others, “Let’s get us some!”
Lieutenant Pollack looks around as there is some sunlight far off in the western hemisphere and says, “Don’t do anything until we hear the command to open fire!”
Emilio Aguinaldo is watching with his weapon drawn and ready for action as he says to some nearby Freedom Fighters, “The Rough Riders have been very quiet!
In the interim, General Bill Shafter gives the command to open fire right at day break informing Lieutenant Greenway, “Command the Rough Riders down the front line to open fire immediately at daybreak; and tear it up!”
Lieutenant Greenway takes his eyes away from what he was doing and commands the nearest Rough Rider soldiers as he commands, “Now tell the Rough Riders to open fire when daybreak commences!”
Rough Rider Magical Merlin looks over to some Rough Rider soldiers down the front line and says, “Let’s nail these Filipino sons of bitches at the crack of dawn!”
Right off from that point in time, the Rough Rider soldiers begin to spread the word all of the way from the center of the front lines to the western and eastern front. The word goes fast, although the words are said very quietly. And one by one the Rough Rider soldiers hold their peep sights on the jungle line waiting for their appearance to make some clean sniper shots.
The Filipino Goddess Bamboo hears some slight murmurs of Rough Rider chatting lightly and turns to her young Freedom Fighters saying, “Get ready; the Rough Riders are sneaking up on us!”
One of the young Freedom Fighters looks to her in the slight sunlight that is emerging from the west and cocks his gun and aims, “Click, click!”
Emilio Aguinaldo looks to Filipino Bones and says, “I want you to check our escape route so that we can make a fast retreat!”
Filipino Bones turns ready to leave and says, “What about the dead Rough Rider?”
Emilio Aguinaldo looks in that direction and says, “Ah, leave him for them to see!”
Frog Man decides to take a rifle as he wonders where Lieutenant Pollack is asking another Freedom Fighter, “Have you seen that Lieutenant Pollack; I want him; the Dead Injun!”
One of the Native Freedom Fighters looks to Frog Man and says with some haste, “No, but I can see something shimmering right there and something else shining right over there.”
Meanwhile, the sun begins to shine even more as Lieutenant Greenway looks to both sides without moving his eyes too much and says, “Ready!”
Emilio Aguinaldo hears the word ready like it was very close and says lightly to his self and says, “Ambush!”
Right then, Lieutenant Greenway makes the immediate command, “Fire!”
Right from the barrel, the guns, rifle, and many yells are heard loudly, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang; Ow!Kill those Filipinos!”
The Filipino Goddess Bamboo hears the gunshots ring out as she takes cover yelling, “Take cover; ambush!”
The Filipino forces trying to shoot back little by little, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
The young Freedom Fighters look over towards the trenches and see many Rough Riders lying in shot formation with their guns and rifle drawn, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
The Freedom Fighters taking shots sporadically at the Rough Riders in return fire, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Emilio Aguinaldo takes a shot at the Rough Riders with his weapon, “Bang, and bang!”
Emilio Aguinaldo turns back to some nearby Freedom Fighters and says to them all, “They snuck up on us and ambushed us!”
One of the Freedom Fighters looks over and says to them, “There’s too many of them shooting at us!”
Another Freedom Fighter turns and mentions something, “Maybe we should prepare for a retreat!”
Emilio Aguinaldo looks to them and says as he aims agin, “We wait until the time is right and lure them towards our batteries and mines!”
Then Emilio Aguinaldo takes another shot, “Bang!”
Lieutenant Greenway notices Emilio Aguinaldo hiding behind some trees within the jungle line and says to some Rough Riders, “Aim over in that direction’ I think Emilio Aguinaldo is taking shots back at us!”
Straight from the getgo, many Rough Riders turn and point their weapons in the direction that Lieutenant Greenway is referring to as one says, “Over here; bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Right away, the shots obliterate many jungle trees that lie in that direction as Rough Riders shoot their weapons, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
A few Freedom Fighters fighting while shooting back, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Next Liuetenant Greenway directs the Rough Riders to shoot in a different spot commanding, “Over to the left a little!”
Now more Rough Riders aim their weapons at a particular jungle tree that has some Freedom Fighters with their guns drawn from behind, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Freedom Fighters start to fall back and run from the jungle tree that is nailed with tons of lead, “Vamonos, vamonos; bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
A few shots follow the footsteps of the Freedom Fighters as they disperse themselves, “Crunch, crunch; bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Some other Freedom Fighters take some shots trying to cover for them all as they flee the scene, “Vamonos, vamonos; bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
More Rough Rider join in at a certain jungle area with heavy gunfire shooting sporadically, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Seconds later, Emilio Aguinaldo has no choice but to flee the scene as he darts off within the morning sunlight, “Let’s go; this way!”
More Freedom Fighters follow as they turn back and fire at the Rough Riders, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Emilio Aguinaldo flees with enough time to make the shores before the U.S. Naval Forces takes more sea along with shorelines. More Freedom Fighters follow with low reserves on their ammunitions considering that many supplies never made their way to them at all. Nevetheless there are a good number of Freedom Fighters and Filipino natives who stay and hold them back with their cover.
Lieutenant Wright is on the western front with many Filipino natives as well countering their ambush. They continue shooting as he continues pushing his Rough Riders ahead. Lieutenant Sharp is nearby as he directs a few Rough Riders to take as many shots as possible driving the Filipino Forces south.
Lieutenant Wright notices some young Freedom Fighters off in the distance with their pistols and says, “We have some young Freedom Fighters returning fire at us!”
Rough Rider Paul says with a gasp, “Yes, I see them!”
Rough Rider Dennis says, “I hate shooting little kids!”
Lieutenant Wright makes a comment saying, “We have to treat them like adults when they are armed with dangerous weapons.”
Rough Rider Paul says to them all, “The Filipino Goddess Bamboo should be amongst them all!”
Lieutenant Wright thinks for a second before saying, “She could be anywhere; but don’t worry we’ll drive her out in to the open eventually.”
Lieutenant Pollack is on the eastern front with many Rough Riders fighting against Freedom Fighters as well as Native Freedom Fighters. Some of the Freedom Fighters have fallen back along with some of the Native Freedom fighters, although there are many that have stayed. Regardless more Rough Rider soldiers are still arriving all of the time to back up the U.S. Naval Forces.
Lieutenant Pollack takes another shot of his gun and says, “Bang,; I think we have drove some of them off!”
Black Rough Rider Private Greg sees some Freedom Fighters off in the distance who are covering the others and talks, “Yes, but there are still some Freedom Fighters over there with some of them Native Freedom Fighters!”
A few Freedom Fighters taking shots back at the Rough Riders continuously, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Then another Freedom Fighter takes a shot alone, “Bang!”
Next Black Rough Rider Private Danny asks with some inquisitiveness, “That one Freedom Fighter is always reloading fast like and shooting back rapidly!”
Rough Riders shooting back at the Freedom Fighters, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Lieutenant Pollack thinks about that and aims in his direction, “That means that Frog Man is still around and nearby; take him out!”
Rough Riders taking immediate shots at a certain Freedom Fighter soldier, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
The Freedom Fighter that Black Rough Rider Private Danny was referring to is bombarded with gunshots and rifle shots and drops from behind some jungle bushes, “Bang; wham!”
More Rough Rider shots are fired, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
A few more Freedom Fighters and a Native Freedom Fighter fall to the ground, “Bam, and wham!”
Then a couple of Rough Riders yodel as Lieutenant Pollack says, “Ow wow; that’s how it is done!”
Black Rough Rider Private Willie, who took one of the shots says, “Like this; bang!”
And immediately, another Freedom Fighter falls from behind the jungle brush as more Rough Riders take shots also, “Bang; bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Soon there is a moment of silence as Lieutenant Pollack returns with as he aims again, “Just like this! Bang!”
Quickly another Native Freedom Fighter is shot and killed that was exposed partially through the vegetation, “Doosh!”
Next Frog Man sees that many of his men as well as Emilio Aguinaldo’s men are being taken out one by one as he says, “It’s time to retreat and draw them in to the jungle!”
Straight away many of the Freedom Fighters except for a few remain as Frog Man and his followers on the eastern front begin to fall back. They fall back hurriedly allowing the Rough Riders to notice so that they follow them. And hopefully, the Rough Rider soldiers will land themselves on a battery, mine, or maybe even a booby trap of some kind.
Yet at the center of the front lines, Lieutenant Greenway is ready to charge in with the Rough Riders as he assesses the situation saying, “I think we have nailed enough of them to move our forces in closer.”
General Bill Shafter is nearby and agrees saying, “I agree; I have tagged a few myself!”
Lieutenant Greenway comes back saying, “So what do you think?”
General Bill Shafter returns with a positive attitude implying, “Let’s go for it!”
Lieutenant Greenway looks to the nearby Rough Riders as they are formatted everywhere on the front lines using whatever they can for protection and says, “Let’s move in…………..charge!”
All of the Rough Riders make their stand and charge like bats running from hell as they all scream loud, “Charge……charge………charge……….charge………….you Filipino sons of bitches……………charge….……….cowards!”
Even Lieuteannt Greenway uses a beretta pistol that he has for the occasion as he takes some shots at Filipinos hiding behind jungle trees and bushes, “Bang……….bang………..bang………bang………and bang!”
Many run off while dodging his bullets and a few others scatter away, although one is dropped dead from one of his gunshots. Nevertheless he stops and pulls out another weapon that he has for the occasion of being a backup. And when there are shells being fired back at him, he dtands there never budging even an inch.
It’s almost like he is angry as he takes another shot, “Bang!”
Another Filipino native falls to the ground, “Bam!”
Soon the Rough Riders charge making their way in to the jungles as Freedom Fighters scramble their way south retreating, “You cowards…………….come on you Filipino scum!”
Emilio Aguinaldo has made his way further south through some secret passageways as well as his snakeholes as many Freedom Fighter soldiers disappear. The Rough Rider soldiers chase down those that they are able to catch, but many simply vanish without a trace. It’s almost like they have had secret hideouts hidden all throughout the jungles.
Quickly the Rough Riders take the jungle as a battery goes off while chasing some Freedom Fighters, “Whoosh, whoosh, and whoosh!”
A few Rough Rider are hit with scrapnell asa few drop to the ground and other are hit with nails and other pieces of metal, “Creak, screech, scrape, and squeal!”
The injured Rough Riders scream in pain and agony, “Aw, aw, aw, aw, aw………my leg…….….my arm!”
Rough Rider John Porter is a distance away and notices the explosion and says, “Watch out; there are mines!”
Many Rough Riders stop and help the injured by pulling two injured Rough Rider soldiers back to safety away from the jungle trees as one yells, “We have injured Rough Riders!”
Then another mine goes off a distance away that is barely seen and heard on the western flank as the explosion makes a loud sound, “Boom!”
Many more Rough Rider soldiers are hit by the exploding mine as the sounds are heard, “Creak, screech, scrape, and squeal!”
Rough Rider Dennis wants to help being only a short distance away as he says, “Another mine has gone off!”
Lieutenant Wright says commanding, “We should pull the injured Rough Rider soldiers back from there.”
Moments later, A mine goes off in the eastern front, “Boom!”
The sounds are heard from a distance, “Creek, screech, scrape, and squeal!”
A few Rough Raider soldiers scream in agony, “Aw, aw, aw, aw, aw…………….my hand……..my head!”
Black Rough Rider Private Danny is close to the scene as he says with confusion, “They set some booby traps!”
Black Rough Rider Private Greg can only says, “They are mines!”
Lieutenant Pollack makes a command saying, “We need to take in the wounded Rough Rider soldiers.”
Immediately the Rough Riders closest to the incident help with bringing their Rough Rider comrades to safety. Colonel Leonard Wood watches from a distance realizing that there are many dangers at the jungle lines. Now he is ready to send Sergeant Hamilton Fish with an order to hold the lines back if General Bill Shafter and Lieutenant Greenway have some complications moving ahead.
Colonel Leoanrd Wood looks to his small cabinet of officers and says, “They left some mines for our Rough Rider soldiers to find!”
Sergeant Hamilton Fish has some ideas about that contending, “Maybe, the Filipinos are running out of ammunitions?”
Next Colonel Leonard Wood holds up some shot that some of the Rough Rider found along the way and says, “Most of the ammunitions are made from shot; meaning that they are making their own ammuntions and they are running out of manufacturing plants as we progress towards the rest of the islands!”
Moments later, General Bill Shafter decides to hold the front lines back a he commands, “Fall back; we need to hold the front lines and account for the injured and do a mine sweep…………pronto!”
Lieutenant Greenway makes an assumation saying, “Well, they aren’t going anywhere too far from here that we can’t get to!”
Lieutenant Greenway makes a command to the Rough Rider soldiers as he commands, “Fall back; we need to hold the front at the jungle line!”
The Rough ARider immediately stop as Lieutenant Wright receives the same notice of instruction and commands at the western front, “Let’s hold the front lines back and do a head count followed by a mine sweep!”
The same level of intention is given to Lieutenant Pollack on the eastern front as he commands, “Fall back immediately!”
Then Lieutenant Pollack decides to make another command as he commands, “We need to account for the injured and then do a mine sweep of the area before anymore Rough Riders are injured.”
Meanwhile the sounds of agony and pain are heard in the distance on all three fronts as many Rough Rider scream with their injuries. Many are injured from blow darts as well as bullets that have rippled throught he area. Black Rough Rider Private Willie was hit by some metal fragments and has some slight injuries to his arms and legs, although he hasn’t said too much.
Next Black Rough Rider Private Willie expresses his concerns about is injuries to Lieutenant Pollack saying as he barely makes his way to him, “Lieutenant Pollack; I have been hit by some scrapnel from the mine explosion. I need to return to the medical tent for treatment!”
Lieutenant Pollack looks to some of his small bleeding wounds and says, “Looks like you are going to need some stitching and some medical attention.”
Right then, Black Rough Rider Private Willlie says, “Yes, I need some medical attention!”
Lieutenant Pollack asks a question, “Do you need an escort to the medical tent?”
Black Rough Rider Private Willie returns with a line, “No, I think that I can make it there on my own!”
Colonel Leonard Wood is waiting for the mine sweep before allowing the Rough Riders to continue on saying, “Once the mine sweep is complete, then we can move on slowly to Cathalogan!”
Sergeant Hamilton Fish thinks for a brief moment and says, “They are probably waiting for us in the jungles past their mine field!”
War Correspondent Richard Harding makesa remark telling them, “They are running; they are low on their ammunitions!”
Colonel Leonard Wood comes forward with his conception of things communicating, “Once we reach Cathalogan, we can cut off their ammunition supplies and their ammunitions manufacturing plants there!”
Finally the Filipino Goddess Bamboo has made her way towards some secret passageways leading through some tunnels. So far, she and her young Freedom Fighters are very low on their ammunitions and are saving what they have left for their retreat back. They still have a distance to go before they can reach the shores and make their way to Cathalogan.
And before entering, the Filipino Goddess Bamboo turns back and looks to the trenches of Samar as a young Freedom Fighter asks, “Now what?”
The Filipino Goddess Bamboo can only say as she looks off to the land they have lost, “I’m giving the trenches of Samar a last glance before we enter our escape route.”
One of the young Freedom Fighters asks, “I wish we could stay and fight!”
The Filipino Goddess Bamboo comes back and says as they enter the secret passageway, “I wanted to also; but we are almost out of ammunitions and only have enough to make the shores and escape to Cathalogan!”
Meanwhile Emilio Aguinaldo is with Filipino Bones and some Freedom Fighters as he turns back from his secret escape route that he has and says, “I was hoping it wouldn’t come to this!”
Filipino Bones can only pep the talk by saying, “It isn’t over with yet!”
Right then, Emilio Aguinaldo turns away from the trenches of Samar with a last look and jousts, “Yes, we still have the trenches of Cathalogan!”
A Freedom Fighter makes a suggestion, “Well, we better get a move on!”
Emilio Aguinaldo turns away and says, “Yes, we better make the shore while we still have a chance to get across.”
Filipino Bones turns away as well and asks, “And what about the others?”
Emilio Aguinaldo thinks about Frog Man and that he and some of the other Filipino Natives may be lagging behind as he says, “I’m sure they won’t be too long behind us if they are low on ammunitions.”
Another Freedom Fighter thinks the samething, “Unless they stay and fight!”
Frog Man makes his way a distance from the front lines ready to head south as he says to some Native Freedom Fighters, “There are lots of Rough Rider soldiers now and we are out of arms and ammunitions!”
A Native Freedom Fighters want to stay as one says, “You go; we will stay and fight!”
Before turning to leave, Frog Man says, “You all have less then a week to make the shore!”
CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
Finally the Rough Riders have left the island of Samar after making their way in to the jungle and nearby towns and provinces. The fight was a struggle, although things were much easier since many of the Filipinos are making their way closer to their manufacturing plants that are left unharmed.
There was even some trouble with making their way across to the other side of the ocean to Cathalogan. But they traveled at night giving them the chance to be unseen when they crossed over. Now that the Freedom Fighters and their leader are at their last island with the last resort, Emilio Aguinaldo pulls together his resources the best that he possibly can momentarily.
So far, the Rough Riders have taken the island of Samar over completely, although it was still some fighting left after the trenches. Now they are making their way towards Cathalogan after a long battle that is around five years now. However there are still many smaller islands that still nedd to be investigated.
Colonel Leonard Wood is ready to set up his command post, although there are still some problems when they arrive on the next island with the trenches of Cathalogan there. But the Rough Riders and their arsenals are always being replenished daily. Now all of the Rough Rider commanders are in position as they reach nearer and nearer to the trenches.
Colonel Leonard Wood arranges his new command post as he says, “Well, this is our new command post, although there will be one on the battlefield once we are ready!”
Sergeant Hamilton Fish makes an announcement, “The Rough Riders are reaching nearer to the trenches of Cathalogan!”
Colonel Leonard Wood talks about it somemore saying, “And it’s been a fighting trying to get here for all of these years!”
War Correspondent Richard Harding has something to say, “Looks like they are at there last stand with their Philippine Independence!”
Colonel Leonard Wood makes a humorous comment, “Well, it’s either us or those money hungry Sugar Boys!”
Now General Bill Shafter and Lieutenant Greenway move their artilleries in to place as far as their Gatling guns and Lowell guns are concerned. Many of the Rough Riders begin working right away trying to bring their supplies to the front lines. Many of them are eager to build a new barricade quickly with the resources that the Unites States has to offer.
General Bill Shafter is ready to build a barricade quickly commanding, “Alright, you Rough Riders; let’s get to work!”
Lieutenant Greenway looks to the Rough Rider soldiers and makes the command telling them all, “You heard the General! Let’s get working on our barricade; the same procedure as always!”
The Rough Rider begin to yodel and scream for joy as they begin working very hard from the start of their arrival as some call out, “Yodel, yodel; let’s get this barricade built!”
Another Rough Rider soldier calls out, “Let’s take these trenches of Cathalogan!”
Rough Rider John Porter tells the Rough Rider, “We have them almost surrounded now!”
Louise Wood makes a comment about the abducted Rough Rider soldier saying, “I feel sorry for that Rough Rider that was abducted!”
Just then, Rough Rider Nurse Shooter says, “Yes, he had his throat slashed!”
A distance away, Emilio Aguinaldo sees the Rough Rider soldiers building another barricade very quickly as he says, “They are really working their rears off on their barricade!”
Filipino Bones wants another Rough Rider to interrogate as he gibbers, “I want to slice all of their throats!”
Another Freedom Fighter looks to them both and says, “Being nearly surrounded is making me nervous!”
Emilio Aguinaldo makes some talk about reports saying, “We are still okay south of here according to reports all of the way past Chocolate!”
Filippino Bones thinks up a solution telling them all, “Well, if worse comes to sores, we can all slip away and blend in with the Filipino farmers and change our appearance and our names!”
Emilio Aguinaldo almost laughs and says, “Like those Rough Riders and their bullshit newspaper articles!”
Filipino Bones shrugs his shoulders a good time, “Argh; why not!”
Emilio Aguinaldo decides to get back to the heart of the matter and says, “Well, let’s get ready for anything!”
And as the Filipino Freedom Fighters take their positions as the Rough Riders build their barricade, Liuetnant Greenway inspects his installation of the Gatling and Lowell guns. And Colonel Leonard Wood has prepared an onsite command center that has been put together rather quickly.
Lieutenant Greenway takes a final look at his setup and says to General Bill Shafter, “Looks like everything is ready to go on with the show!”
General Bill Shafter looks back at Lieutenant Greenway and says, “And we are done with our barricade except for a few minor details!”
Lieutenant Greenway looks to the command center and says, “And the Rough Rider men are in position!”
General Bill Shafter looks back to Colonel Leonard Wood, who plays a different game this time nodding to move ahead, “We’re ready; time to lock and load!”
Emilio Aguinaldo looks and sees militia forming at the center of the front lines spreading to the east and west flanks as he says, “Prepare the Freedom Fighters at the front lines; we have Rough Rider militia forming at the front lines in the center.”
One of the Freedom Fighters makes a comment saying, “They are ready to start attacking us!”
Emilio Aguinaldo makes another tuff decision by commanding, “But we must hold back until nightfall.”
The Freedom Fighter are in position as more Freedom Fighters arriving strengthening their defenses as one says, “They have been informed to wait until nightfall before using any of our ammunitions!”
Colonel Leonard Wood wonders what’s going on and says, “Looks like the Freedom Fighters are stalling us until nightfall.”
Sergeant Hamilton Fish says, “Time to knock them dead!”
This time, General Bill Shafter looks to Colonel Leonard Wood who gives the signal by nodding to General Bill Shafter, who then says, “Let’s give them everything we have waiting for them!”
Lieutenant Greenway looks towards the battlefield and answers back saying, “Not a problem!”
Next Lieutenant Greenway aims his .22 caliber Beretta pistol and says, “Fire!”
Then he immediately pulls the trigger as a quick example, “Bang!”
A Freedom Fighter soldier is hit by his bullet, “Ooh!”
The rest of the Rough Rider soldiers on the front lines begin taking shots rapidly, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
There is a slight pause and then more rounds are fired, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
The Freedom Fighters hold back from taking any return fire for a brief moment as more Rough Rider shots are fired, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
The western front with Lieutenant Wright and Lieutenant Sharp are giving a series of rounds, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
The Filipino Goddess Bamboo appears behind some scattered buildings and takes a few shots at the Rough Riders taking one down, “Bang!”
The Rough Rider soldiers is hit in the leg and scurries to the ground while still holding his pistol, “Ah; man!”
The Rough Rider soldier takes a sdhot as return fire quickly, “Bang!”
More young Freedom Fighters takes shots at the Rough Riders, Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
The same amount of shooting is happening on the eastern front with Lieutenant Pollack calling out, “Keep firing; bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
The Rough Rider soldiers at the eastern front continue with their rampage of shooting, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Frog Man waits near some nearby buildings that are scattered behind the trenches behind some baby palm trees that are spread around mumbling, “Darkness will be arriving soon!”
Lieutenant Pollack notices Frog Man as he walks away and turns heading behind the buildings as he says, “Damn; almost had him in my peep sights!”
Black Rough Rider Private Danny makes a comment, “Yes, I had my peep sights on him too; maybe next time!”
Then Lieutenant Pollack takes another shot and hits another Freedom Fighter that was standing nearby, Bang!”
The Freedom Fighter falls to the ground from behind a baby palm tree, “Bam!”
Then Lieutenant Pollack makes a remark saying, “That’s another one down!”
Now the front lines on all sides such as the western and eastern flanks are being met with heavy rifle and gun fire that is creating a cloud of smoke. The cloud of gunsmoke is big enough to blind some of the Rough Riders as they nearly choke on their own smoke. Nevertheless they all continue shooting like this Philippine-American War was going out of style.
Emilio Aguinaldo realizes that the Rough Riders are very serious about ending this scenario as he is ready to take a shot saying, “And make sure that none of the Freedom Fighters take a shot unless it hits the target!”
Emilio Aguinaldo takes a shot from his rifle, “Bang!”
One of the Freedom Fighter soldiers watches Emilio Aguinaldo take the shot that knocks a Rough Riders hat off, “Vroom!”
The Freedom Fighter is now prepared to take a shot as he says, “Easier said than done; bang!”
The Freedom Fighter soldier hits a water canteen that sprays all over a few Rough Riders who never flinch a muscle, “How’s that?”
Emilio Aguinaldo is proud that he may have even wounded one of the Rough Riders in the process saying, “Not bad; maybe you skimmed one of them!”
Soon Rough Rider bullets bombard the area that they are standing behind building structures that they are using for cover, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Emilio Aguinaldo takes cover as Filipino Bones ducks behind a corner of a building and says, “Well, that has gotten their attention!”
Colonel Leonard Wood is content with the immediate progress as he wants more action to continue as he speaks out, “Looks like we are making a little progress!”
Sergeant Hamilton Fish agrees returning with something to say, “We have them covered from the western front and the eastern front!”
Colonel Leonard Wood wants to surround the city of Cathalogan completely announcing, “We need to surround the city of Cathalogan completely!”
War Correspondent Richard Harding speaks out also saying, “You mean entrench them all!”
Colonel Leonard Wood talks more about the plan telling them, “Yes, we need to cut off their suppliers of ammunitions along with their shot plants!”
General Bill Shafter has the same plan as more forces move in strengthening the front lines from the eastern front to the western front by saying, “Looks like Colonel Leonard Wood has plans of surrounding the city of Cathalogan!”
Lieutenant Greenway takes another shot from his pistol and says, “Bang; well, we have enough Rough Riders for that plan!”
A Freedom Fighter tumbles and falls from behind a baby palm tree as General Bill Shafter says, “And less Freedom Fighters!”
Soon more U.S. Naval Forces move in taking over areas surrounding the city of Cathalogan and its trenches that have been built for protection. But the process is slow considering that the southern areas of the Philippines are still untamed by the Rough Rider soldiers. The Freedom Fighters notice as they try to keep their front lines protecting what’s left of their homeland.
A few more days go on by as Emilio Aguinaldo notices tha rise in the number of Rough Rider soldiers that are manning the front lines saying, “The U.S. Naval Forces have brought in more Rough Rider soldiers!”
Filipino Bones thinks that they are planning to surround more areas of the city of Cathalogan explaining, “It appears that the Rough Rider soldiers are positioning themselves to take control of more areas around Cathalogan!”
One of the Freedom Fighters adds, “They are going to try and surround us and deplete our resources!”
Emilio Aguinaldo realizes that they better become more serious saying, “We better become more serious from here on!”
More days and nights go by before Emilio Aguinaldo and his forthful plan are put into action. The plan is put in to action as the Native Freedom Fighters move in, although this time they have more buildings to hide behind. The Filipino Goddess Bamboo also decides to resort back to her usual bindings of witchcraft as aid rather than as a tool.
Finally as darkness settles in, the Filipino Goddess Bamboo begins to use her young Freedom Fighters as a wedge to prepare her battlefield saying, “It is time to get back to our roots and heart of the matter.”
Right away, the young Freedom Fighter soldiers sneak closer and closer to the Filipino Goddess Bamboo as one says, “I think it’s better if we keep the lights down for a while!”
After hearing those words, the Filipino Goddess Bamboo comes back saying, “You know what; I think you’re all right!”
Immediately the young Filipino Freedom Fighters make their way closer to the trenches, although they don’t ever enter them. Yet there are a few areas where they are able to get a little closer without being exposed to view. Soon many dozens of them gather and make a plan as they break up and scatter off to different places.
And once they split up, a few of them think of entering the trenches to get really close as one says, “I think we ought to get a little closer so that we can shoot those Rough Riders!”
Another one says, “Yes, but we have to be quick!”
The Filipino Goddess Bamboo arrives for some reason and says, “Yes, and I’ll cover you all!”
Straighaway, the young Freedom Fighters enter the trenches when they weren’t planning to anyways as one says, “Let’s go!”
Finally General Bill Shafter is on the front lines with Lieutenant Greenway wondering why it has been very quiet and says, “It’s been very quiet!”
Lieutenant Greenway answers back saying, “Yes, maybe they are planning something!”
Rough Rider Bill is listening in and asks, “Like what?”
General Bill Shafter wonders as well replying, “Who knows!”
Colonel Leonard Wood notices that it is quiet also saying, “The front is quiet!”
Sergeant Hamilton Fish agrees adding, “Too quiet!”
War Correspondent Richard Harding says, “Even quietness makes good journalism!”
Suddenly there is a disturbance at the front lines that sneaks up on a few Rough Riders behind the barricade, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Immediately many Rough Rider are shot as a few young Freedom Fighter soldiers sneak up on them from within the trenches, “Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, and ow; son of a bitch, I’ve been shot!”
Straigh forth there were some prepared Rough Rider soldiers that retaliate quickly with their weapons already drwn prepared to fire, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
One of the young Freedom Fighters falls to the ground right then and there, “Bam!”
Then another one falls to the ground with a gunshot to the head, “Wham!”
Suddenly one of the young Freedom Fighters falls to the ground and fires back again, “Bang!”
The bullet hits the barricade landing in a snad bag as a Rough Rider takes a shot at him in the darkness and misses, “Bang!”
Rough Rider Magical Merlin takes a shot and hits him with his pistol, “Bang!”
The young Freedom Fighter falls on his back with his head rolling to the side and blood pouring from his mouth, “Ghoosh!”
Rough Rider Mike takes another shot at a wounded young Freedom Fighter running away in the trenches towards the bottom, “Bang!”
The young Freedom Fighter falls to the ground face first like he was sliding to first base in a baseball game, “Bam; slide; whoosh!”
Now most of the young Freedom Fighters are lying there dead with none of their Freedom Fighter comrades to help bring them back to safety. Many of the Rough Rider soldiers stop firing their weapons realizing that the immediate threat is over with. The sounds of gunfire cease to continue on for moments to come.
Rough Rider Dave makes a comment, “I think we shot them all!”
Rough Rider Steve says, “Those were some young Freedom Fighters sneaking up on us!”
Rough Rider Bill Says quickly, “There could be more of them lurking around out there.”
Lieutenant Greenway makes a comment saying, “That will teach them; is anyone hurt?”
A distance away, the Filipino Goddess Bamboo gathers her young Freedom Fighters, or what remains of some of them and asks, “Is anyone else hurt or wounded?”
One of the young Freedom Fighter rebels says, “No, but we lost about a half a dozen of our young comrades!”
Soon the Filipino Goddess Bamboo makes a command, “Never do that again without planning ahead; you could get yourselves killed and who will be here to fight then, huh?”
Another young Freedom Fighter makes a gesture or comment saying, “We are going to be trapped here in Cathalogan or some other small Philippine town anyways!”
And then, Colonel Leonard Wood decides to wear the Filipinos down commanding to Sergeant Hamilton Fish, “Take this command order to General Bill Shafter and tell him to give them all we have and keep shooting wearing them down. Nobody is to enter those trenches!”
Sergeant Hamilton Fish says, “Colonel Wood Sir!”
Days go by with heavy firing as the Rough Riders continue wearing down the Filipino forces as Lieutenant Pollack catches a glimpse of Frog Man in the distance. Frog Man is directing some of his Natvie Freedom Fighters with tactics and strategies as he leaves himself vulnerable to exposure being in the open a little.
Lieutenant Pollack sees a chance to get his peep sight on him saying, “I see you, you little frog wart standing there!”
Frog Man appears in Lieutenant Pollack’s peep sights momentarily for a few moments and moves directing some Native Freedom Fighters as Lieutenant Pollack says, “You moved!”
Soon the word on the front lines is to bombard the trenches with rifle and gun fire as Black Rough Rider Private Greg says, “Half the time I don’t even no what I’m shooting at even though I feel like I’ve hit a few of them and it’s worse at night.”
Black Rough Rider Private Danny says, “Just keep shooting!”
Black Rough Rider Private Marcus gibbers, “Sometimes it’s like shooting duds!”
Finally Lieutenant Pollack catches another glimpse of Frog Man as he comes out in to the open areas a little more as he says, “See you again, you little frog wart!”
Then suddenly, Lieutenant Pollack pulls the trigger of his pistol, “Bang!”
The bullet hovers across the trenches and hits Frog Man in the head, “Thud; rip; tear!”
Frog Man drops to the ground out of sight from view as Lieutenant Pollack calls out, “I nailed that Frog Man!”
A few Native Freedom Fighters are seen dragging Frog Man off away from plain view as Black Rough Rider Private Willie says, “Looks like they dragged him off; are you sure you shot Frog Man?”
Lieutenant Pollack returns countering, “Yes, I had my peep sights right on him and pulled the trigger and he dropped and who else dresses like a toad?”
Emilio Aguinaldo hears some commotions over in Frog Man’s direction as word travels amongst the Freedom Fighters and Native Freedom Fighters really fast. Filipino Bones is overwhelmed by the news traveling around the front lines on the Filipino front as everyone is talking and wondering what to do now.
Filipino Bones approaches Emilio Aguinaldo and says, “They shot Frog Man!”
Emilio Aguinaldo wonders how bad it is asking, “And how is he; was he killed?”
Filippino Bones answers the question saying, “Just scrapped past the top of his head; he’s bleeding really bad and hopefully he’ll be alright and make it!”
Emilio Aguinaldo thinks for a moment and says, “We’re losing many of our forces already!”
Then Emilio Aguinaldo turns and says, “I knew it would come to this!”
One of the Freedom Fighters approaches and informs the Filipino Goddess Bamboo, “Frog Man was shot and seriously wounded!”
Finally the Filipino Goddess Bamboo hears the news which has been traveling very fast and says, “I knew it would come to this!”
Another Freedom Fighter tells her, “It won’t be much longer and we’ll be entrenched here in Cathalogan!”
The Filipino Goddess Bamboo turns looking to the city of Cathalogan and says, “They are beginning to surround the city of Cathalogan more and more each and every day!”
Then the Freedom Fighter says to the Filipino Goddess Bamboo, “We won’t be able to hold them off forever!”
The Filipino Goddess Bamboo makes a plea for escaping eventually asking, “And what about the U.S. Naval Forces in the south towards Chocolate!”
The Freedom Fighter explains some further detail, “There is still some time for now, although the escape is getting narrower and narrower as Commodore Dewey takes more Philippine Islands!”
The Filipino Goddess Bamboo looks to some of her young Freedom Fighter soldiers and says, “We will hold out as long as we possibly can before we leave south for Chocolate!”
One of the young Freedom Fighters says with an abrupt voice, “We should storm them!”
Another young Freedom Fighter says, “We should leave for Chocolate now!”
The Filipino Goddess Bamboo reassures them of that plan concluding, “Don’t worry; we will leave for Chocolate soon!”
A Rough Rider on the front line makes a comment to Lieutenant Greenway, “Lieutenant Pollack shot Frog Man in the head!”
Now Lieutenant Greenway and General Bill Shafter catch the news of Lieutenant Pollack shooting Frog Man as he says, “Did you hear that?”
General Bill Shafter hears the news as well and says, “Yes, I heard that; Lieutenant Pollack shot that Frog Man!”
Rough Rider Bill overhears the conversation also and asks, “Is Frog Man dead?”
The Rough Rider just talks about what he had heard saying, “Nobody knows; the Filipino natives dragged him way once he fell to the ground!”
Lieutenant Greenway figures that Frog Man is still alive and says, “I’m sure that Lieutenant Pollack only meant to nick him and cause him injury!”
Then General Bill Shafter backs him up and says, “I hope so if we are to engage them with the sugar crops once this Philippine-American War is over with.”
Lieutenant Greenway thinks about Emilio Aguinaldo and the Filipino Goddess Bamboo, “Well, now all we have is Emilio Aguinaldo and that Filipino Goddess Bamboo!”
General Bill Shafter makes a comment, “Yes, and I’m sure he isn’t too happy with one of his head natives down!”
Lieutenant Greenway reboots the conversation saying, “Perhaps not!”
Quickly Colonel Leonard Wood catches the news saying, “And the news of Frog Man being shot is good, although we really wanted to try and catch them alive to keep the sugar crops!”
Sergeant Hamilton Fish talks saying, “That’s the price of war and propaganda!”
Next War Correspondent Richard Harding says, “This makes great writing and I hope I can say the same about Lieutenant Wright and Lieutenant Sharp about the Filipino Goddess Bamboo!”
Colonel Leonard Wood speaks further, “Yes, but we need them alive in order to keep Philippine Freedom flourishing for the sugar crops!”
Sergeant Hamilton Fish says again, “Like I said; that’s the price of war and propaganda!”
Finally the Filipino Goddess Bamboo is approached by some young Freedom Fighter soldiers who want to head south, “The word on the trenches is that you and Emilio are next!”
The Filipino Goddess Bamboo speaks saying candidly, “Perhaps you’re right; I’m sure they will try and snipe us out one by one eventually after we are entrenched.”
Next the young Freedom Fighter looks to the Filipino Goddess Bamboo and says, “You should go and spend time with your family in Chocolate! We’ll stay and fight holding them off as long as we possibly can for now.”
The Filipino Goddess Bamboo prepares to leave as she says, “The time has come to leave you all!”
The young Freedom Fighters become excited by her words as they feel like adults now going through a adolescence ceremony, “Oh, oh, ow, ow, ow man; let’s get those Rough Riders!”
The Filipino Goddess Bamboo places her weapon over her shoulder and heads for the city of Cathalogan ready to take refuge on the southern side of the city. A few of the young Freedom Fighters tap her down as though they were petting her like some kind of idol of theirs. Meanwhile some of the other young Freedom Fighters prepare their weapons like they were trained mercenaries even though their army has become smaller in numbers.
Finally the Filipino Goddess Bamboo leaves while the young Freedom Fighters head for the front lines at the trenches, “Let’s go get us some; it’s payback time Rough Riders!”
Filipino Bones receives the news of the Filipino Goddess Bamboo leaving for Chocolate as he speaks, “The Filipino Goddess Bamboo has left for Chocolate!”
Some time later, Emilio Aguinaldo gets the word of the Filipino Goddess Bamboo leaving for Chocolate and says, “Good; we don’t need her here entrenched when the Rough Riders take Cathalogan. She needs to carry on the heritage of our culture!”
Immediately the Freedom Fighter returns with words saying, “Now we’ll have to rely on the field commanders of the western and eastern fronts!”
Emilio Aguinaldo realizes that they will be alright acknowledging, “We’ll, be alright for the time being.”
Filipino Bones brings about his attributes, “Can I be of some assistance Emilio Sir?”
Emilio Aguinaldo hesitates before commanding, “Yes, prepare and ready the Freedom Fighters for our surrender; if it comes to that!”
Filipino Bones looks confused and asks, “Sir!”
Emilio Aguinaldo looks back at some of the Freedom Fighters nearby and then says, “Just do it!”
Moments later, Emilio turns and sees even more Rough Rider soldiers arrive like they were going to suuround the city of Cathalogan and then he adds, “Pronto!”
Colonel Leonard Wood has his binoculars and has Emilio Aguinaldo scoped out with a matte look and says, “Huh! Looks like he has been talking with his Freedom Fighters about something but his back is turned this way!”
Sergeant Hamilton Fish realizes that the city of Cathalogan is almost completely surrounded saying, “Well, the city of Cathalogan is almost completely surrounded.”
War Correspondent Richard Harding brings some light to mind, “Surely Emilio Aguinaldo must be aware that the city of Cathalogan is almost completely surrounded!”
Colonel Leonard Wood makes another remark about that saying, “Appears that Emilio Aguinaldo is planning something!”
Sergeant Hamilton Fish makes a comment, “Maybe, he is ready to surrender!”
Colonel Leonard Wood, “Inform General Bill Shafter to continue to pound them with lead!”
Colonel Leonard Wood writes a command order quickly and hands it to Sergeant Hanmilton Fish, “Colonel Sir!”
Now Emilio Aguinaldo has some plans of keeping the Rough Rider at bay and across the trenches as he commands, “Return fire only to hold them off until more ammunitions arrive and we can buy us some more time!”
One of the Freedom Fighters was told that another shot plant has been taken over, “Sir, no ore ammunitions will be arriving; another shot plant has been overtaken south of Cathalogan.”
“Well, this is it then unless we can make some ammunitions ourselves her in Cathalogan!” Emilio Aguinaldo says after hearing the bad news.
Filipino Bones makes a comment about that adding, “Our Cathalogan shot plants our producing as much ammunitions as possible Sir!”
“We need to speed up our productions immediately if we are to hold them off.” Emilio Aguinaldo says making his response.
General Bill Shafter receives word from Colonel Leonard Wood to continue with their constant shooting and tearing up the Filipino defense saying, “Colonel Leoanrd Wood orders constant shooting at the Filipinos!”
Lieutenant Greenway makes a remark saying, “Sounds like he wants to wear them down forcing them to surrender.”
General Bill Shafter returns with, “Well, let’s do what the doctor ordered!’
Lieutenant Greenway recoils with a stiff back, “Sounds like a surgeon general warning!”
Lieutenant Greenway then makes a command, “Let’s wear them Filipinos down. Fire when ready and don’t stop!
Right away, Lieutenant Greenway jumps on to the Gatling gun and begins firing away, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
All of the Rough Riders begin shooting and reloading their weapons one after the other, “Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and bang!”
Soon at the western front, Lieutenant Wright receives word from the Military Police that the Filipino Goddess Bamboo was seen leaving the city of Cathalogan south of here as he approaches, “Lieutenant Wright Sir; the “Witchy Woman” was seen leaving the city of Cathalogan and was heading south!”
Lieutenant Sharp makes a comment, “The Filipino Goddess Bamboo is heading home!”
Lieutenant Wright asks with a flinch of the lip, “But to where?”
Lieutenant Pollack receives word as well and says with others listening, “To Chocolate!”
Quickly the word reaches General Bill Shafter as he says, “And the Filipino Goddess Bamboo left Cathalogan!”
Lieutenant Greenway immediately declares, “I thought we had her entrenched!”
Rough Rider John Porter makes a statement, “The word is that she left for Chocolate!”
Colonel Leonard Wood receives word as well and says, “We’ll catch up with her later!”
Sergeant Hamilton Fish talks about it as he strains his eyes, “In Chocolate!”
War Correspondent Richard Harding states, “Why not; it’s a writable topic!”
The Filipino Goddess Bamboo makes her way towards the outskirts of the city of Chocolate and turns back and says, “Made it out just in time before the Rough Riders surrounded the city of Cathalogan.”
Then she notices some Rough Riders keeping a close eye on her from the distance and she says, “Looks like I was spotted!”
Quickly the Filipino Goddess Bamboo ditches and drops in to one of their snake holes and says, “Time to lose them all!”
Emilio Aguinaldo notices the large number of Rough Riders and says, “We are completely surrounded now!”
Filipino Bones looks around to the outskirts of Cathalogan and says, “We don’t stand a chance Emilio Sir!”
Emilio Aguinaldo looks frightened as he comments, “It’s time to surrender ourselves!”
Colonel Leonard Wood watches the trenches of Cathalogan and says, “Soon I’ll be expected a complete surrender from the Filipino forces.”
Nevertheless Emilio Aguinaldo holds out for some more months before losing more of his Freedom Fighters and finally says, “We surrender!”
Filipino Bones hands him the white flag of surrender their Filipino forces, “I was hoping we would never need to use this white flag!”
Lieutenant Greenway stands on the front lines and notices Emilio Aguinaldo approach closer to the trenches with his white flag and says, “I see Emilio Aguinaldo approaching the trenches!”
General Bill Shafter has a surprised look on his face as he sees him, “He has a white flag!”
Next many of the Freedom Fighters lay down their weapons while many other even throw them down to the ground in a pile as one says, “We give up!”
The Rough Rider prepare themselves for a takedown of taking them in to custody as Colonel Leonard Wood prepares to call a truce with their surrender saying really loudly, “The Filipinos surrender; I order a truce!”
Lieutenant Greenway hears the surrender of Emilio Aguinaldo as well as the truce called by Colonel Leonard Wood and then says, “Hold your fire!”
General Bill Shafter makes a command, “Let’s bring them in!”
The Rough Rider soldiers approach the Filipinos with their weapons drawn, although they refrain from firing them as one says, “Place your hands above your heads and form a line right over here!”
The Freedom Fighters all gather together with their hands placed above their heads. Emiio Aguinaldo places his hands above his head along with his fellow comrades. Filipino Bones does the same with a depressed look upon his face. Lieutenant Wright takes over control of the western front and Lieutenant Pollack takes over the eastern front.
Louise Wood soon reunites back with her family after helping with the medical practice that was offered to her. Rough Rider Nurse Shooter continues to take care of the wounded for some time and even has to help a few Filipinos with their injuries also which is a first. Frog Man arrives with his hands over his head with a bandage wrapped around his forehead.
Colonel Leonard Wood gives Emilio Aguinaldo an altimatum for a mandate on the sugar crops to keep Filipino Independence alive under the United States. The Filipino Goddess Bamboo connects back with her sugar plantation and hides with a new appearance, although she is always paranoid that one day she will be sought out.
The End