Steel on Target

            
             The desert sun beat down on the open expanse of sand and stone. The desolate landscape was still except for the lone tumbleweed continuing on its cross-desert journey. Jagged rocks protruded from the ground like sharp, uneven teeth. Spent shell casings littered the ground, half buried in the sand and dirt. Suddenly, a distant rumble disturbed the silence. The noise slowly got louder until it sounded like an approaching thunderstorm. .
             Then they appeared. Snaking their way up the road, the column of 36 ton desert camouflaged howitzers kicked up a massive amount of dust. The monotone high idle hum of their V12 turbo diesel engines barely pierced through the thunder. The heads of the drivers stuck out from the hatches, dust coating their lips and teeth. The harsh aroma of diesel exhaust burned their noses and eyes. Then they stopped abruptly. The crackle of voices over the radios, though indistinguishable, could now be heard. Suddenly the tan beasts turned and faced east. Soldiers jumped from the rear doors of the beasts and scurried about like flies. Baritone voices of excited sergeants could be heard from inside, barking orders to hurry. The high whine of hydraulics could now be heard as they were turned on. The turret of the beast turned slightly and the tube elevated to a high angle. A loud clank as the breach inside slammed shut and held the round inside its new and temporary home. And then there was silence. The soldiers waited quietly for their orders, the desert sun pummeling them with all its fury. Sweat dripped down their hot and tired faces. The perspiration slowly soaking through the myriad of camouflaged battle gear adorning their bodies. The radios came back to life, a countdown in progress. . 4, 3, 2, 1, BOOM!!! .
             The ear-piercing boom from the shot shook the ground. Flames leapt out of the tube as it recoiled into the gun. The entire mass of armor lurched backwords.