Deborah 10

A Pvt snorts in derision, "oh come on Lt, what line of bull **** are you feeding us? Why in ****ing hell are we only allowed foot travel and helicopter going south from XMG (Crossmaglen?) It ain't like we own any choppers, not like them rich Brits."
"Pvt, have you noticed the local transport yet? This is a poor region."
"So, big ugly deal, they got donkey carts, horse buggies and wagons. What of it?"
A Cpl interjects rudely, "use your ***ing head. Those are light in weight. Ever hear of anti-vehicle mines, bonehead?"
Pvt blushes, "sorry Lt, I'll happily walk wherever you like. After all, it ain't like we got any armor plating underneath those jeeps."
I draw a breath, "see it's like this, the Brit voter and taxpayer is watching events in Ulster closely. They don't mind the odd lone soldier picked off by a sniper. But losing a vehicle load, be they Canadian or British, sets off an uproar in Parliament."
Cpl grins wickedly, "be honest now Lt. Why on earth does the Ra (IRA) put anti-vehicle mines on that road? After all, they know we don't use it."
"The weight setting on those mines would be heavy enough, only set off by a mil vehicle. And when they smuggle by the dark of the moon from Eire, they can roll those donkey carts safely over top of everything they planted, yet interdict the road to our pursuit."
I see looks of comprehension all around.
I grin, "ok, let's roll. Remember, you're safe. No logical reason there would be any anti-personnel mines."
"Why not?" asks the thick Pvt.
Cpl groans, "use your ****ing noodle. If there were, the Ra's own donkey carts would set them off."
"Oh. But still Lt, if you believe that, you lead the way."
I laugh, "sure. But you follow or I shoot you."
Everyone roars with laughter and it clears the air.