Read Online The Chameleon Soldier: NOW AS AN ALIEN BLUE HE CANNOT DIE. by D.B. Silvis - Free Book Online

why not now, as a Navajo code talker? He packed a small bag, got into his pale blue 1940 Chevrolet pickup, and drove the four hundred miles to Fort Defiance. When he arrived, and entered the recruiting building, he learned he was too late. They had already selected the thirty men. He felt hugely frustrated as he glanced around the large room at the chosen few.
    Then his eyes met the fierce glare of one of the Navajos. Killian recognized him at once as a Blue, possibly one of Lupan’s men. The big Navajo clearly recognized Killian, and knew him to be Taglito Silaada.
    Neither knew what to do. Killian decided it would be best if he went outside, and wait for the Navajo Blue to leave the building with the others. A few minutes later, the thirty men exited, and were led toward a barracks, where they’d spend the night. The Navajo, however, separated from the others, and walked warily over to Killian.
    “So, Taglito Silaada, you’re still alive. Lupan has been searching for you.”
    “As I have been for him,” replied Killian, staring at the Indian. “How are you called?”
    “I am Hok’ee.”
    “In English, you’re known as the high-backed wolf,” said Killian.
    “Yes. You know our language well, Taglito Silaada.”
    “Now you plan to use the Navajo language to cause ill as a code talker, Hok’ee.”
    Hok’ee’s mouth creased into a vile smile. “Yes. I will cause the death of many white men.”
    Killian wanted to attack him then and there, but knew it wasn’t the time or the place. “Is Lupan nearby?” he asked.
    “He is, and he will come to kill you, Taglito Silaada.” Hok’ee spat out the words. Then he turned and rejoined the other Navajos heading toward the barracks.
    Killian watched him go. His instincts told him later that night; Hok’ee would sneak out of the barracks. He’d go to tell Lupan that Taglito Silaada was at the fort. He’d wait for Hok’ee to make his move.
    After having dinner, Killian sat under a tall tree near the stables. It was a dark, cloudy night, but he could see the barracks doors. Two hours, he saw a figure leaving the barracks. It was Hok’ee, heading for the stables. Killian moved back behind the tree.
    Hok’ee entered the stable, and was about to jump up on a Mustang pony when Killian threw him to the ground. Hok’ee was agile, and sprang back to his feet. They began to fight. When Killian knocked Hok’ee against a stall, the Indian grabbed a pitchfork hanging on the wall. He jabbed it at Killian, sticking a prong into Killian’s left leg. As he stumbled he wrestled the pitchfork away from the Navajo, and pulled the prong out of his bleeding leg. Hok’ee ran, and jumped up on the pony. Killian quickly grabbed a rope hanging on a post, and as he’d done hundreds of times, at his ranch, he lassoed his enemy, jerking him from the pony. When Hok’ee hit the ground, Killian quickly hog-tied him, and knocked him unconscious. Next he dragged the heavy body of Hok’ee out into the corral, and laid him on a pile of hay. He went back into the stable picked up two oil lamps and poured the contents over Hok’ee’, and the hay. Killian removed a small box of matches from his pocket, lit one and tossed it onto the hay. As the flames rose, and licked at his body, Hok’ee’s wild red eyes opened. As he struggled with the rope he burst into flames. For an instant he was transformed into a wolf standing on its hind legs, and howled; then there was a bright flash of blue light followed by a ribbon of blue-white smoke that rose up into the sky.
    The enthralled Killian watched. It was the first time he’d witnessed the spectacle the Crow Indian medicine man had told him about so long ago.
    As the smoke rose he whispered, “No, Hok’ee, you will not join the code talkers, and cause the death of many white men.”
    Killian returned to the stable, picked up a rake, and was beating out the burning hay when a few men rushed toward the stable.
    “What the hell caused the fire?”