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\viewkind4\uc1\pard\s2\li1080\sb100\sa100\b\i\f0\fs24 Fallen Angel  \par
\pard\s6\li1080\sb100\sa100\i0 Chapter 2 \par
\pard\s4\li1080\sb100\sa100  Affection!\b0\line\pard\li1080\sb100\sa100 "Brine!"  Lin shouted. \par
I looked up from having fallen asleep, asking, "What?" \par
She was holding the little tin can in my face that held \line the candle; the one I had left burning.  She went on \line and on speaking to me as if I was a ten year old.  From \line her tone, she was berating me for wasting it.  I \line realized that it was careless of me to have left it \line burning, knowing there wasn't another one in here, \line and possibly, she didn't have another.  After several \line minutes of listening to her lecture, speaking in \line Vietnamese, I placed my hand over her mouth. \par
"I'm sorry," I said apologizing, in a soft tone. \par
I removed my hand from her mouth and pointed to \line myself, then slapped the back of my hand as if I was \line punishing myself, and then said again, "I'm sorry." \par
For a moment, she looks at me as if I was crazy, then \line burst out laughing, and began rattling off more \line Vietnamese.  After she had her little laugh, she looked \line me in the eye and said, "Kiss, Brine." \par
I smiled at her, thinking I would be more than glad to.  \line Leaning to her, I was going to give her a soft kiss but \line she thrust her tongue in my mouth searching for mine.  \line I pulled back and said quickly, "Wait a minute, wait a \line minute!  Let's take it slow and work our way into \line  that."  She looked at me not understanding. \par
I couldn't explain in a way she could understand so I \line had to take control of the situation.  I began kissing \line her again but didn't press my mouth to hers, but pecked \line softly around her mouth, trying to illustrate that we \line should take it easy in the beginning, at least the first \line thing in the morning. \par
She had left the door partially open illuminating the \line cubical, allowing ample light to see her face.  Her \line eyes were closed and I felt that she was enjoying the \line way in which I was kissing her.  I continued in this \line way but began moving about her face, softly kissing \line her nose, eyes and forehead.  She seemed \line mesmerized, her face slightly rotating and her mind \line was as if it was floating in another world.  I knew now \line that she had never been kissed this way and I took \line pleasure in being her first. \par
The sound of leaves ruffling interrupted us.  We both \line looked toward the door. \par
"Yam Nah," she whispered. \par
"What?"  I asked. \par
She quickly moved next to me, placing her hand on \line my wrist, as if to protect me.  I reached in my bag to \line get my 38 and she stopped me. \par
"Yam Nah," she repeated. \par
A few seconds later, another young girl entered, \line smiling.  I recognized her as the third angel.  She \line kneeled down before us and they began discussing \line something between them.  She was very cute and \line looked to be about sixteen years old.  She was now \line discussing something with Lin and after a minute, Lin \line seems to give up, throwing her hands up as if to \line express that. \par
Yam Nah moved up directly in front of me with her \line face within five inches of mine and said, "Kiss!\rdblquote   I \line thought for a second and fell back on the bed \line laughing, understanding what they had discussed.  \line She grabbed my wrist pulling me up and repeated, \line "Kiss."   I continued laughing, causing her to put her \line hands on her hips, and cocking her head at me. \par
"Okay, okay," I said, trying to keep from laughing.  I \line inched my mouth toward hers.  Glancing over at Lin I \line noticed her head was turned away.  I detected a little \line jealousy, however I put my lips to Yam Nah's and kissed \line her softly at first and then licked her lips.  Our eyes \line were open, looking into the others as I pressed my \line tongue into her mouth searching for her tongue.  She \line stuck her tongue into my mouth and I began sucking on \line it, seeing a smile appear on her face.  She then probed \line for my tongue until I put it in her mouth and she began \line sucking it. \par
After a minute, she pulled her face back and said, \line "Very nice." \par
I was shocked.  "What did you say?  Do you speak \line English?"  I asked, excitedly. \par
She smiled, shaking her head yes. \par
"Well, say something else!"  I said, waiting. \par
She looks at me continuing to smile but said nothing. \par
"Can you say anything else in American?" \par
"American GI," she answered, pointing at me. \par
"Good!"  I said, praising her. \par
"Good," she replied. \par
My heart sank, realizing she was repeating what I said.  \line She probably picked up a few words here and there but \line couldn't carry a conversation. \par
"Helicopter," I said, twirling my fingers and making \line hand gestures.  I wanted them to take me to the crash \line site.  They began talking to each other and then Lin \line took my hand, tugging on me. \par
I pulled my flight suit over my upper body and pulled \line my 38 from the bag. \par
"Kill VC?" she asked, seeing the revolver. \par
I shook my head yes, and saying, "Come on." \par
We crawled out and looked around.  Lin took my hand led \line me down the hill, zigzagging through the undergrowth \line for about a quarter mile.  As we reached the site, I \line saw that the gunship had fallen or was pulled to the \line ground.  Someone had mostly covered it with branches \line and leaves.  I stepped over, looking in the cockpit and \line didn't see Cal's body. \par
I turned to them and asked, "Where's his body?  I \line grabbed my shirt, shaking it and said, "American GI." \par
Lin pointed in the direction along the river and said, \line "Mo Phan." \par
"Take me there," I stated, pointing at me, and the \line direction she had pointed. \par
Lin hesitated for a moment, looking disappointed and \line then took my hand.  She led me about twenty meters \line down river and we climbed the hill another five meters as \line she pointed to a spot.  I stepped over, raked the leaves \line back, and saw a shallow mound.  Immediately, I began \line digging to retrieve his dog tags.  They both began saying \line something to me while shaking their heads.  I looked at \line them and pulled my dog tags out, showing them what I \line was after.  Yam Nah walked over and kneeled beside \line me, replacing the leave over his grave, and then reached \line over, lifting a stone, pulling his tags out and handed them \line to me.  I took them, clasping them in my hand. \par
I cowered over his grave.  "God I'm sorry Cal.  You know \line I would trade places if I could.  Don't worry, your family \line will get these, and I'll tell them all about you.  You were a \line good friend," I said, as my eyes moistened.  Lin and Yam \line Nah knelt on either side of me, putting their arms around \line my shoulders and squeezed me.  \line   \par
\pard\s4\li1080\sb100\sa100\b The Unforgivable Tragedy!\par
\b0\line\pard\li1080\sb100\sa100 We took our time walking back, and when we reached the \line cubical, she motioned me to go back inside, alone. \par
"No, I'm going with you, I want to see your village," I \line stated, and began walking in the direction they always \line came. \par
"VC, VC," Yam Nah shouted, as they both grabbed my \line arms, holding me. \par
I didn't even try arguing with them.  I walked back to the \line cubical as if I was going in, but my intentions were to \line follow them when they were far enough away not to \line spot me.  I waved my hands, signaling them to go ahead \line that I would stay. \par
They left and when I thought the time was right, I \line followed them.  I could sometimes see them through the \line growth, but I knew they were walking in a straight \line line, so I wasn't worried about losing them.  I stopped \line a minute and took a dump, using leaves to wipe myself, \line and then followed them again. \par
Bang!  Bang!  Bang!  I stopped, and listened.  That was \line the definite sound of an AK-47 firing.  The sound came \line from the direction I was headed.  I became more careful \line about the path I took, watching each step, careful not \line to step on something that would make noise. \par
When I was close enough to see some of the huts in the \line village, I began crawling until I was at its edge.  I \line heard laughter and shouting and I tried getting close \line enough to see what was happening. \par
I counted six Viet Cong, circled around what appeared \line to be the men of the village.  All were older, maybe \line forty and up, and I counted thirteen of them.  They \line were interrogating them, but what were they asking, I \line couldn't say.  I looked around and saw the women \line standing about twenty yards on the other side of the \line village, guarded by one soldier.  After counting eight \line elderly women, two that looked thirty to forty, and \line eleven from the ages ten to twenty years, I worked my \line way around by crawling, getting within fifteen yards of \line them, and still able to see the other soldiers. \par
One of the soldiers walked up to one of the men and \line pulled him forward; throwing him down in front of the \line one that appeared to be in command.  He began \line shouting as the old man was shaking his head.  The one \line in command shouted at one of the other soldiers and he \line walked up, unsnapping his pants and began pissing over \line the old man's body. \par
"Mother Fucker," I whispered to myself.  The old man \line did nothing but knelt there without moving. \par
"You stupid son-of-a-bitch, get up and kick his ass." \par
The commander pointed a gun at his head and shouted \line something.  The old man shook his head and the \line commander pulled the trigger, blowing the back of the \line man's head out.  His body fell backwards, plopping on \line the ground. \par
"You sorry mother fucker." \par
Without another thought, the commander pointed at \line three of the soldiers and waved for them to follow him.  \line He walked over to the women and said something, \line pointing at the women.  The three soldiers walked to \line the women and grabbed the two youngest girls, pulling \line them into a hut the commander had entered. \par
"Oh fuck no!"  I said, knowing they were going to be \line raped. \par
The girls began screaming; trying to break loose of the \line holds, but it was no use.  They were dragged into the \line hut, kicking and screaming.  Everyone, including me, \line stood silent as the screams continued.  The soldiers \line laughing and shouting couldn't drown out the \line montage of screams and cries of pain I heard for the \line next fifteen minutes.  The horrifying sounds of torture \line that came from the young girls soon fell silent, but the \line laughter and noise the soldiers made, continued \line another ten minutes. \par
I sat frozen, even though I had my 38; I was no match \line for the seven soldiers carrying AK-47's and the SKS \line rifles.  I thought they would leave now, but they came \line out of the hut, dragging the two young girls, and then \line throwing them down in front of the women.  The \line commander shouted at two other two soldiers guarding \line the men and they rushed over as the three from the hut \line took their places.  The commander went back into the \line hut and the two soldiers grabbed Lin's arm, pulling her \line inside. \par
 "Fuck no.  Oh, fuck no.  Not Lin."  I stood \line frantically, thinking I had to do something.  I sneaked \line around the back of the hut, looking to see if I could \line get an advantage on them.  I was at the back corner of \line the hut, next to the one where they were.  I could see \line them through the open window, standing in front of a \line small table.  My heart was racing and anger filled my \line body. \par
One of the soldiers wrapped a length of rope around her \line neck, choking her while the other began stripping her.  \line I looked around the corner and the other soldiers were \line looking toward the hut laughing.  No way could I get to \line her without being seen. \par
"God don't let this happen!  What can I do?"  I said, \line almost bursting in to stop it.  I held back, breathing \line heavier than I can ever remember.  My heart was \line pounding like thunder and I could feel my blood \line pumping. \par
The commander struck her with his fist, knocking her \line back on the table.  He lowered his pants down to his \line knees with an expression of lust and stepped forward, \line spreading her legs.  The soldier holding the rope \line pulled it tighter, causing her to gasp for air.  The \line commander pushed himself into her and began thrusting \line in and out while holding her hips.  She was not able to \line scream because of the rope, struggling to get her \line fingers underneath it.  The third soldier grabbed her \line wrist, holding them above her head as the commander \line laughed, thrusting harder. \par
My mind was now going crazy, thinking, why she came \line back to the village knowing this might happen.  She \line must have known.  How long has this been going on?  \line How could these people stay here and allow this.  Why \line don't they move some place where this doesn't happen? \par
The commander stopped and said something, waving \line them away.  The two soldiers released her stepping back.  \line The commander grabbed her by the hair looking into her \line face and put his other hand between her legs, and \line thrust his fist into her. \par
"Lin screamed, over and again as he kept thrusting his \line arm into her for several minutes, finally pulling it \line out.  He again gave an order, the two rolled her over, \line and the commander got up behind her and tried for a \line moment to put his prick in her ass.  Finally, after \line entering her he rammed it in as hard as he could, \line bringing further screams from her.  This went on for \line another ten minutes until he came in her. \par
Stepping back, the commander nodded, and the two \line soldiers took their turns with her, each being equally \line as brutal.  I turned and crawled away, not able to take \line any more.  I crawled my way to the undergrowth and \line walked back toward the hideout.  My mind was crazy \line with every conceivable emotion, hate, love, disgust, \line and even jealousy, imagining every vile act I had seen. \par
How could I allow myself to get emotionally involved \line with someone as she, allowing her body to be depredated \line in such a way?  These people, especially she, have no \line honor, no shame, or sense of worth, and obviously \line allowing this to happen repeatedly.  I felt ashamed and \line stupid for allowing myself to get involved with her, and as \line if I had been betrayed. \par
I walked past the hideout, knowing I couldn't box \line myself in there with all of these thoughts spinning \line through my mind.  I continued walking, nearing the \line river and stood about twenty meters from it, watching \line the fallen trees and debris float along its course as I \line considered my options.  Again, I felt foolish, even to \line think of allowing myself to care about someone like \line her.  She was nothing to me now, but a whore.  \line  \line   \par
\pard\s4\li1080\sb100\sa100\b Living with Reality!\par
\pard\li1080\sb100\sa100\b0\line I walked to Cal's grave and stood over it. \par
"You always said I was a cold blooded bastard when it \line came to these people.  Well, I should have stayed that \line way, but don't worry, you're still right.  What should \line I do now old buddy?  Yeah, you're right, pack up and \line get the hell out of here.  Get back with my own kind \line and forget I ever knew her.  I'm sorry I can't take you \line home with me, but don't worry; I'll come back some day \line to take you home to where you can rest with your \line family.  Good-bye my friend." \par
I turned away, stepping down the hill, walking the few \line meters up river to the path leading back up the hill.  \line About twenty meters up I stopped, seeing someone \line walking my way.  I stood still, observing closely.  It \line was Lin, partially stooped and walking slowly, one hand \line holding her torn blouse together.  I remained \line motionless, not seen by her until she was within a few \line meters. \par
She stopped, and looked at me being startled.  I could \line see shame in her face as she stood waiting for me to \line speak.  My face remained void, having nothing to say.  \line Tears began streaming down her face as she walked up \line and fell on her knees before me with her head down, \line waiting for some reaction from me but getting none.  \line She looked up into my eyes and I turned my head away, \line not wanting to look at her.  She stood up, staring at \line me; her expression was as one looking for some kind of \line understanding.  I continued looking away and she began \line walking toward the river. \par
"That's right whore, see if you can wash it off!"  I \line shouted. \par
With her head lowered, she slowly walked until she \line reached the edge of the river and stood looking out \line over it, and then leaped in.  I watched for a second, \line seeing she did not attempt to swim.  What is she doing, \line why don't she paddle.  I took another couple of steps \line forward. \par
"LIN!  LIN!"  I shouted, slowly walking toward her, not \line understanding at first what she was doing.  "LIN!"  I \line shouted again, now fully realizing what was taking \line place I began running, unbuckling my holster at the \line same time and then leaped in after her.  The current \line had carried her about ten meters and I swam fast as I \line could, seeing her body floating each time I took a \line breath of air.  I swam with all my strength, getting \line closer with each stroke, knowing I would be too late.  \line Somehow, catching a second breath, allowed me to \line finally reach out and grab her arm.  I rolled her over, \line got my arm under her neck, holding her face out of the \line water, and swam to the shore.  Being exhausted, I took \line a few seconds to catch my breath and then pulled her \line out of the water, laying her body face up. \par
Immediately I tried resuscitating her, pressing her \line chest several times and then blowing a breath in her \line lungs.  I repeated this several time with no success. \par
"Please forgive me, I'm sorry," I begged, struggling to \line revive her. \par
She remained motionless.  I stopped and rose up, still \line on my knees looking down at her, and then tried a last \line time. \par
She began coughing and spitting up water as I turned \line her head allowing it run to the ground.  When she was \line through coughing up water and breathing normal, I \line pulled her up, holding her to my chest, and rocked her. \par
She opened her eyes and softly said, "Tha loi." \par
I smiled, shaking my head yes, not understanding what \line she said. \par
"Kiss?"  She stated. \par
I smiled again and said, "Yes, kiss." \par
I kissed her lips and then about her face and continued \line rocking her for a time.  I picked her up and carried \line her up the hill, stopping to get my revolver.  She felt \line light, at about five feet one inch and not weighing as \line much as a hundred pounds.  When I reach the hideout, I \line took her in, laying her down and held her until she \line fell asleep. \par
For two hours, I held her, thinking how to get back to \line camp and taking her with me.  However, how would I \line seek recompense for what they did to her?  I would \line scout around at night; pinpoint the locations of any \line caves, travel routes, any munitions, or food caches, \line and anything else I could scratch on a map. \par
I eased my arm from around her, laying her back, and \line then slipped away.  I went back to the crash site and \line scrounged, finding my map, torn poncho, and part of a \line broken pencil stuck in the seat.  There was nothing else \line worth taking so I returned to the hideout.  Lin was \line standing just outside the door and when she saw me, \line she ran up and fell before me, holding my legs. \par
"Don't do that.  Remember, you saved my life too," I \line said, kneeling down with her.  She threw her arms \line around me and held tight for several minutes. \par
"Come on back in.  You need to rest," I said, lifting \line her. \par
I walked her toward the hideout and she began shaking \line her head and pointing toward the village, wanting me to \line come with her.  I followed her to the village and she took \line me to the hut where she lived. \par
I waited outside as she went in.  Yam Nah and the \line second girl ran up with smiles, when they saw me.  A \line second later Lin came out saying something to them, \line acting as if she were looking for someone.  Taking my \line hand, she led me across to one of the other huts and \line the old woman came out, and was surprised to see me.  \line She was the elderly angel.  I walked over and gave her \line a hug for helping to save my life. \par
She raised her head smiling at me and said, "Kiss!" \par
"What!"  I asked, being shocked. \par
"She want you kiss her like young girl," another elderly \line lady said, coming out of the hut. \par
I looked dumfounded, not knowing what to do. \par
"Kiss!"  The old woman repeated herself. \par
I looked at each of the others and they were \line snickering.  Apparently the word had spread.  I looked \line at the old woman and thought, "hell no."  Nevertheless, \line if I were to do that, I would have to take her in the \line hut so not to be seen. \par
"Kiss," Lin said, looking at me and pointing at the old \line woman.  The other two angels repeated 'kiss'. \par
I took the old ladies hand and was going to lead her \line into the hut when each of them grabbed me, saying, \line kiss, kiss.  I took a breath and leaned down, kissing \line her on the lips.  Immediately she forced her tongue \line into my mouth, capturing my tongue and began sucking \line it.  After pulling away, she smiled and everyone began \line laughing, embarrassing me. \par
"You good GI," the other lady standing nearby said. \par
I looked at her, still embarrassed and asked, "Do you \line speak much American?" \par
"What good GI want to know?" \par
"Can we talk in there?"  I asked, pointing at her hut. \par
"Come, I tell you everything."  She answered, walking \line back into her hut. \par
I followed her but stopped and motioned the others to \line leave us alone for now.  As I walked in, I saw it was \line almost bare.  One raggedy wicker table with two wooden \line crates to sit on, with a worn blanket folded in the \line corner was the extent of her furnishings.  She sat on \line one crate and I sat on the other, wondering where to \line start. \par
"I saw what happened today.  Can you tell me why this \line is happening?" \par
She lowered her head, seeming ashamed. \par
"This my village.  I live here long time.  VC come \line through with many guns and soldiers. Stay long time so \line bring young girls for them." \par
"What is your name?" \par
"Tae Thu." \par
"Tae Thu, Lin tried to kill herself today." \par
"Better for her if she die.  VC kill two girl if she run away \line and not come back." \par
"Do you mean no one can leave?" \par
"No leave.  VC kill if girl leave and not come back. \line Girls have no home, they fathers not Vietnamese. \par
"Why don't all of you leave together?  Go someplace \line where this doesn't happen." \par
"I wait for my sons to come home, when fighting stop. \line I need stay here." \par
"What if I take all of you out of here and promise to \line bring you back when the war ends, would you come with \line me then?" \par
"All my family dead by VC.  Maybe my three sons come \line home." \par
"Do you think the whole village would come with me if I \line promise to bring them back, but only if they want to \line come back?" \par
"I will ask them," she answered, getting up. \par
"Tae Thu, what does 'Tha loi' mean?" \par
"It mean ah, forgive," she answered, causing my heart \line to skip. \par
I stood up with her and asked, "When will the VC come \line back?" \par
"Two day." \par
"Two days!  When, what time?"  I asked, considering how \line much time we had. \par
"Same time every two day." \par
"Come on, we have a lot to do," I said, taking her hand \line and leading her out.  Several of the other girls were \line outside when we stepped out.  She said something to \line them and they all went different ways except Lin.  I \line took her hand. \par
"They go get village people."  Tae Thu said. \par
"Tae Thu, can you tell Lin that I care about her?" \par
She smiled saying something to Lin and Lin said \line something in return but lengthier. \par
"She say she know. She say you care much for her when \line she help you get well and she care much for you when \line you save her life.  She say you two uh -- how you say, uh \line -- soul mate." \par
"Is that what she says?"  I asked, and kissed Lin. \par
Lin said something and I looked at Tae Thu to translate. \par
"She say you no more kiss girl, and mostly Tan Nai, the \line old lady." \par
I laughed, looking at Lin saying, "You don't have to worry \line about that, especially with Tan Nai."  \line   \par
\pard\s4\li1080\sb100\sa100\b The Preparations!\par
\pard\li1080\sb100\sa100\b0\line Not long after, all the people returned, gathering in the \line center of the village.  I stood with Tae Thu as they each \line focused on me while walking up to us, apparently \line wondering what I was doing there.  I reached my arm \line around Lin's shoulder and she placed hers around my \line waist, drawing further looks. \par
When all had gathered I asked, "Do any of you speak \line American?"  Getting no response I said to Tae Thu, "Tell \line them please don't be afraid.  I want to help them." \par
She explained to them, more than I said, because it took \line her a couple of minutes. \par
"I speak little," an elderly man answered, partially raising \line his hand. \par
"What's your name?"  I asked. \par
"Phon Dak," he replied. \par
"Phon Dak, can you help Tae Thu explain to the others \line what I speak?"  I asked, getting a nod from him. \par
I looked around at each of them, thinking of how to say \line this in a way they would trust me.  Every one of them \line stared me in the face, waiting. \par
"I was over there by that hut today when the soldiers \line came by.  I saw what they did to your friend.  I also saw \line what they did to Lin and the two young girls," I \line explained, looking at Tae Thu.  She translated, as each \line of their heads lowered. \par
"I want to help by taking all of you away from here, \line somewhere that you can live without having the soldiers \line tormenting your village every time they pass through. \line When the war is over, and only if you want, I promise I \line will personally see that you are brought back here to live \line out your lives.  I have nothing to gain from this, except to \line repay these women for saving my life.  It must be all of \line you or none because you know what will happen if \line anyone stays behind, so you must decide now. \par
Tai Thu explained and Phon Dak assisted, as some of the \line people seemed to be asking him questions.  Everyone was \line discussing the situation at the same time, continuing \line for several minutes, and then everyone became quiet. \par
"The village people say they go with you," Tai Thu said. \par
"Good!  Tell them to get only food and clothing, things \line they can carry.  We will leave in one hour," I stated.  \line They all began talking again, each of them going their \line own ways. \par
I walked with Lin to her hut, along with Yam Nah and \line the second girl, whom I didn't know her name. \par
"What is your name?"  I asked the second angel.  I \line pointed at Lin, Yam Nah and me, saying our names for \line her to understand. \par
"Komi Ta," she answered, pointing at herself. \par
I smiled at her as we continued walking and entered \line their hut.  The three of them shared the hut with Tan \line Nai, the old lady, who entered a few minutes later.  \line They had nothing but an old wooden box in the center \line of the hut with their bedrolls lined along the wall where \line they slept.  Lin reached in the side of the box and pulled \line out two pots and four metal plates, of which they used \line to cook and eat. \par
I watched each of them get their belongings, excitedly \line they all came up to me and waited for instructions. \par
"Come on," I said. \par
"Come on," they all said at the same time, bringing me \line to a smile. \par
I walked with them to the center of the village where \line some had already gathered.  I noticed the two young \line girls that had been raped hiding their faces behind one \line of the other elderly women.  I walked to them and \line kneeled down. \par
"Tai Thu, tell them that I will never let that happen \line again." \par
She explained to them and they each showed a quaint \line smile.  I held my arms out and they hesitated until the \line elderly woman coaxed them to approach me, and then \line they each stepped forward and we hugged. \par
I explained to Lin that I was going back to the hideout \line and get my things with Tae interpreting, but Lin \line wouldn't let me go alone, maybe fearing something \line may happen and I wouldn't return. \par
"Come on," I said, giving in. \par
"Come on," they each repeated.  I laughed again, taking \line Lin's hand. \par
We walked to the hideout, holding hands.  I wondered \line what I would do with them if we were to reach a \line village, or even if I could temporarily find them a \line place to live.  My best chance was get to Firebase \line Beaver, the closest base with Americans.  It was a good \line 30 to 35 kilometers east, probably taking us, \line considering the elders, and the dense jungle, about \line seven days. \par
I wasn't about to reveal to anyone yet, that once I got \line them far enough away, I would leave them for a day or \line two and come back to map out some VC sites.  I had to.  \line I wasn't going to let this opportunity pass, knowing I \line could get, maybe two or three Companies of men and \line caches of ammo and provisions.  I needed to do it for \line the villagers but I think mostly for myself. \par
After Lin and I reached the hideout, we crawled inside, \line taking anything of value.  She was putting my personals \line in my bag and when she picked up the bar of soap, she \line put it to her nose and breathed in the aroma.  I knew \line what was on her mind, getting the scent of the soldiers \line off. \par
"When you get back to the village you can bathe," I \line said, having seen a makeshift shower, probably used by \line the entire village.  She didn't understand my words but \line I knew she understood my meaning. \par
We made haste getting back and when we reached the \line village, she looked at me still holding the soap.  I \line nodded, that I would make time for that.  Most of the \line others were assembled and anxious to leave. \par
"How long we go to new home?"  Phon Dak asked. \par
"Seven or eight days, Phon." \par
"We make there," he stated emphatically. \par
"That's right, we will.  Phon, when I get everyone a \line safe distance away from here, I'm coming back to find \line out where the VC are hiding." \par
"That not good.  VC everywhere." \par
"Would you help me find their hiding places?" \par
"VC make all men in village dig tunnel.  I know where \line they hide." \par
"Will you help me?"  I asked, as he stared at the \line ground. \par
"Phon help, but bad idea.  VC will torture before they \line kill us." \par
"I have to do this Phon, if I have to do it by myself." \par
"American GI help my village, I help you." \par
"My name is Brian.  Call me Brian." \par
"Okay, Brine," he said, mis-pronouncing it the same as \line the others. \par
I chuckled, taking his hand and shaking it, bringing a \line smile from him. \par
Within a short time, all the village had assembled \line accept for Lin, who came walking up a few minutes \line later.  She had washed her clothes while in there, \line evident by the wet silk clinging to her skin.  She \line looked at me and smiled, pulling her top away from \line her breasts and shaking it. \par
I looked around and counted thirty-three, seeing if \line anyone was missing, and then asked Phon, "Is this \line everyone?" \par
"Yes, this whole village." \par
I looked around once again, wondering for a second if I \line had made a mistake.  These people probably knew \line more about surviving than I did.  I wasn't so proud that I \line wouldn't ask for advice if I needed to.  As I looked into \line their faces, I saw hope, and what seemed to be a look \line of trust.  If I let them down, I knew it would cost all our \line lives. \par
I looked at Phon.  "Ask them if they're ready." \par
He did as I asked and the response was of excitement.  \line I turned, and headed east from the village.  Having \line looked over my map, with the terrain and density of the \line jungle, I would travel east for three or so kilometers \line then turn northeast up the Bien Dak creek, which should \line make for easier traveling conditions.  In addition, if \line we were followed, I figured the VC would expect us to \line continue east in one direction. \par
Several of the men brought their machetes, clearing \line some of the thicker brush, making it easier for all of \line us.  I knew we would be expected to head east so at \line this point I had nothing to hide.  When we reached the \line turning point, covering our tracks would be necessary. \par
The older women surprised me by keeping up, having \line carried their own haversacks.  The first three hours \line were the most difficult, cutting through the dense, \line hilly terrain, and then the undergrowth thinned out but \line leaving more than enough trees to conceal us from a \line distance.  During this time, much of it was spent with \line Phon, trying to learn each of their names, and \line struggling with each one.  I had been here almost two \line years and had never considered learning the language, \line regretfully. \par
It was almost dark when we reached the small creek that \line was shown on the map; only it was much larger now \line because of the rain of the monsoons.  We were lucky so \line far, not having rained on us these few miles, but I knew \line the morning would bring another downpour that would \line last for hours. \par
The moon shown through the clouds, possibly allowing \line enough light for further travel, however I figured it \line would be best not to push on until morning.  We would \line pick up then and follow along the rocky creek beds as \line much as possible, trying to avoid leaving traces of our \line whereabouts. \par
Phon suggested we sleep on the rocky creek bed, not \line disturbing the leafy ground cover nearby that looked \line much more appealing.  Everyone saw the wisdom in this \line and no one complained, so we rolled out what coverings \line we had and made our beds upon the stones. \par
Yam Nah, the youngest of the angels, and Komi, spread \line their beds on either side of mine as I sat on my knees \line and watched Lin spread hers next to Tan Nai, the old \line angel.  I wondered why she chose to bed with Tan Nai.  \line Komi began speaking to me, however I couldn't \line understand her.  I became aware she was trying to \line explain the sleeping arrangements. \par
Tae Thu came over, hearing Komi, and explained that \line Lin, being the oldest of the three, was responsible for \line Tan Nai and would keep her warm at night unless one of \line the younger ones would accept that responsibility.  Also, \line that I shouldn't ask one of them to take that \line responsibility; it would have to be their choice, because \line that person would assume it from that time. \par
I looked at Yam Nah and Komi.  Smiles filled their \line faces as each of them took an arm and forced me to lay \line back.  The uneven stones made it difficult to get \line comfortable until each of them sat up and moved me, \line allowing them to slide a portion of their bamboo \line mattresses underneath my body.  I smiled at each of \line them for having the insight of thinking of a bamboo \line mattress and I then shared my poncho with them.  I lay \line on my back as they each threw an arm and a leg over me, \line keeping me warm, almost to the point of smothering me. \par
Within minutes, I was fast asleep, only to awaken a \line while later with Yam Nah's hand caressing my prick.  \line She had unzipped my flight suit.  I turned, looking at \line her and the soft light from the moon barely allowed me \line to see her smiling.  I did not intend to molest her but \line it seems she didn't share the same thought.  I lay with \line an erection, afraid to react in a way that might awaken \line anyone, and I was aroused to the point I didn't want \line her to stop. \par
With her hand inside my flight suit, she stroked faster \line as I tried not to give in mentally, but physically I \line couldn't resist.  A minute later, I came in her hand \line and in my suit, spurting a fair amount of sperm over my \line belly.  I had succumbed to lust, but for some reason I \line did not feel the least bit of guilt. \par
   A moment later, Komi placed her hand inside the \line opened part of my suit and began stroking me.  \line Apparently, she had been awake waiting her turn.  I had \line no idea if they planned this, or if it was by impulse, but \line at this point it didn't matter.  I couldn't deny I was \line enjoying myself more as every second passed.  \line Unashamed, almost gloating, I felt my chest expanding, \line lying between the two beautiful young girls, and \line sharing myself between them. \par
Instinctively, my hands slipped between each of their \line legs, caressing the small patch of hair covering each \line pussy, feeling each of them twisting, using their hands \line to guide my fingers.  Under their guidance, each of my \line middle fingers, independent of the other, probed deep \line into their cunts.  This aroused my senses, creating an \line instant hard-on, and compelling Yam Nah to take my \line hand and force it deeper into her as she twisted my \line hand into her body.  For a moment, I was surprised at \line how far my hand penetrated into her pussy, but I \line remembered the rapes the previous day.  My hand \line moved easily inside her cunt, her wetness sent a cold \line chill through my body, as I suddenly realized she might \line be capable of emotion, and realizing rape was not \line exclusive to the others, or Lin.  The cold chill was a \line reminder I had lain in the dirt while her comrades were \line being brutally abused, and I did nothing.  I battled \line those thoughts, to keep from getting angry, but the \line further my hand slid into Yam Nahs' cunt, the more \line excited I became.  When my hand was in her to my \line wrist, she gripped my arm above my wrist and worked \line it in and out, faster and faster, causing me to come in \line Komi's hand, with immeasurable intensity.  \line   \par
\pard\s4\li1080\sb100\sa100\b Week 3-Day 3\par
\pard\li1080\sb100\sa100\b0\line I awoke before dawn, as everyone slept.  Slipping from \line between them, I walked over to the creek that had risen \line another foot.  I took a long stick and poked it in to \line measure the depth, calculating it was about four feet \line deep.  I splashed a couple of handfuls on my face, \line taking a deep breath, being surprised at how cold it \line felt on my skin. \par
What happened the previous evening weighed heavy \line on my mind?  Why did they do that?  Why did I allow \line them to do that?  I wasn't feeling any guilt, but I knew I \line shouldn't sleep with them again.  Did Lin know this was \line happening, or did she really care?  To me it was pure \line sex with no feelings for either of them. \par
I was about to find out as I turned my head, seeing her \line walking toward me.  I turned back toward the creek to \line hide my sudden indignity.  She stooped beside me, \line placing her arm around mine, squeezing.  I glanced a \line little smile unsure how to react.  She said something \line and I looked at her shrugging my shoulders, indicating \line I didn't understand.  She pointed back at Komi and \line Yam Nah and said something.  I shrugged my shoulders \line again.  She reached her hand between my legs and \line pretended to stroke me.  I now understood what she \line was saying.  I shook my head yes, and turned my head \line away ashamedly.  She reached and took my cheek, \line turning me to face her.  She caressed my arm while \line smiling.  I now knew she had approved or had known \line what had taken place, and somehow that released my \line sense of guilt. \par
I leaned over and kissed her, and then put my arm \line around her body, squeezing.  She laid her head on my \line shoulder as we peered over the rustling water. \par
"I want you Brine," she said, surprising me. \par
I continued looking over the creek, trying to grasp what \line she had just said.  Suddenly, a sense of reality overcame \line me.  It dawned on me that my circumstances had \line brought us to this point.  No matter what reasons I \line could give, my family, and friends would not accept \line her.  I know this, and am I willing to accept the \line consequences of my actions.  Could I accept all that I \line have seen here and not allow it to bother me for the \line rest of my life? \par
My mind wondered back home.  Carol, my ex-fianc\'e9, \line will finish her Doctorate in two years and begin her \line residency.  She is everything Lin isn't, except having \line cornered the market on beauty.  She is charming, \line elegant, sophisticated, and intelligent.  I wondered how \line she would react to Lin.  What would Steven and Karen \line say?  I knew all the answers to these questions, but to \line what the degree their disappointment would be.  \line Mother, without a doubt had always envisioned me \line marrying Carol or someone like her.  I knew it would \line have the greatest impact on her and probably would \line act as if she had accepted it but I knew deep down \line there would always be disappointment. \par
The rustling of the others getting up drew my attention.  \line I stood, watching them get up securing their bedrolls \line and form a semi-circle to share their food.  A light misty \line rain had begun and I expected several downpours \line throughout the day. \par
"Brine, come eat!"  Tae Thu said, waving at us. \par
We sat with them as they doled out the rice and dried \line fish.  I tried a small portion of fish but it smelled rotten \line so I gave it back, drawing laughs among them, I ate the \line rice cake, and enjoyed it. \par
Soon we were on our way, following the creek \line northeast, making sure to walk on the stony bank to \line cover our tracks.  I had led most of the way until I \line decided to search for another source of food.  Phon \line took the lead while I roamed the undergrowth away \line from the creek in search of roots. \par
After finding several plants with edible roots and a \line large amount of wild berries, all of what dad had \line pounded into my head came to mind.  The years I \line spent hating him for drilling me as if I were one of his \line soldiers seemed to fade as I then remembered mom's \line words in her letter.  'Someday when you're out on your \line own all these things, your father has taught you will help \line you in life'.  Never did she or I realize it would be under \line these circumstances. \par
I knew in my heart I had come over here to seek \line vengeance for my dad's death, even though deep down, \line I felt nothing but contempt for him.  He had stripped me \line of a normal life as other children, and no matter what I \line couldn't let it go. \par
I hurried to catch up with the others and noticed Shen \line and Loi, the two youngest were missing. \par
"Tai Thu, where are Shen and Loi?" \par
"Loi go to john.  Not want to be alone.  She asks Shen \line to go." \par
"How long have they been gone?" \par
"Ten minutes." \par
I stopped and looked back, wondering if they would be \line coming soon.  I wasn't too worried now, but with each \line passing minute, I became anxious. \par
 "Phon, have everyone wait here, I'm going back to look \line for Shen and Loi," I stated. \par
He stopped as I walked back a ways, looking in the \line thicket saying their names, Shen, Loi, Shen, Loi, but \line speaking in a normal voice.  A short while later and I \line knew I had gone too far so I entered the thicket and \line worked my way back up, not to far from the waters \line edge, keeping the sound of the rushing water within \line earshot. \par
I had not gone far before I heard someone \line whimpering. \par
"Shen!"  I said, seeing the upper half of her body.  \line She was on her knees vomiting.  Loi was lying before \line her face down; her skin color was a light shade of \line purple.  Foam was dripping from Shen's mouth and I \line knew what had happened.  I grabbed a handful of \line mud and leaves, forcing it in Shen's mouth to absorb \line the poison.  I felt of Loi's pulse and found a faint one, \line and knew there was nothing I could do for her.  A Viper \line had bitten Loi and Shen tried extracting it by sucking \line it out.  I knew this was a no-no from Dads training. \par
Shen began spitting out the mud and leaves and I \line forced a smaller amount into her mouth, making her \line gag and throw up.  I continued this several times until I \line knew it had no more affect.  I picked her up, carrying \line her to the river and returned to check on Loi.  I couldn't \line believe she was still alive after feeling her pulse again.  I \line knew it was a matter of minutes before she would die. \line I was worried about Shen and needed to administer to \line her.  Knowing what I had to do, I putt my hand over \line her nose and mouth.  Quickly I dug a shallow grave by \line hand and covered her. \par
I ran back to Shen and began forcing her to drink an \line excessive amount of water, encouraging her to throw \line up again.  I didn't want her to move and elevate her \line heart rate so I picked her up and hurriedly walked to \line catch up with the others.  When they saw me, they \line came running.  I squatted, laying her down but holding \line her, explaining to Phon and Tae Thu what had \line happened.  They relayed to the others what I had said. \par
"Where Loi?"  Tae Thu asked. \par
"She's dead," I stated, bringing Tae Thu and Phon to \line silence.  Phon turned and explained to the others about \line Loi.  Several of them began crying, having been so \line close to her.  They asked to go back and bury her but I \line explained I already had and insisted we keep moving.  \line No one questioned further as they each stood to leave.  \line I asked the brothers, Kuun and Luc Bien to help carry \line Shen, and although she weighed less than seventy \line pounds, it was awkward carrying her along the uneven \line gravel creek bed.  They were more than willing as each \line of them took hold of her, but Luc insisted he would \line carry her first. \par
Only time could heal her now.  I felt a sudden sadness \line for both Shen and Loi, but for some reason I felt more \line for Shen because she would still have to live with \line being repeatedly raped and physically abused for the \line rest of her life. \par
We pushed on, nearing the Kwon Valley, designated on \line the map as much easier conditions to travel and \line heading us due east.  When we reach that point, Phon \line and I would turn back and once we arrived back at the \line river, I would begin mapping. \par
Every so often, Shen would get sick again and begin \line throwing up all over again, eventually dry heaving.  I \line knew this would continue through the night and most \line likely all day tomorrow.  The odds were if she lived \line the first couple of hours, her chances increased, \line leaving me to believe she would survive it.  That was \line another bit of information passed on in my father's \line meticulous training. \par
The following afternoon, after reaching the valley, we \line found a site to rest on the lower southern slope of the \line valley.  The foliage was dense, securing our position, \line and the incline was less severe with a natural spring \line creek flowing through.  It also allowed for a smooth \line area for them to stay comfortable for a day or two. \par
 "Phon, would you call every ones attention toward \line me," I asked. \par
As I asked, he had everyone to look my way. \par
"Translate for me Phon," I said, and then began \line explaining.  "After we get a few hours rest, Phon, and \line I are returning to the river.  I must for myself, and \line you, map as many of the VC's weapons and food \line caches, and any tunnels I can find with Phon's help," \line I said, and was interrupted when Sian Moc began \line speaking.  I looked at Phon to translate what she was \line saying. \par
"Sian Moc say she enter Colonel Shu's bunker many \line times.  Say she can show Brine where at." \par
"Shawn Moc.  Did I pronounce it correctly?"  I asked. \par
"Yes, Sian Moc," he replied. \par
I looked at her shaking my head, and said, "No way, it's \line too dangerous.  Phon, tell Sian Moc I won't allow her \line to risk her life any further." \par
She new by my expressions what I was saying and \line countered my objections as Phon interpreted. \par
"Sian Moc say Colonel Shu do many bad thing to her. \line Make her take many soldiers at one time and cut her \line when she scream," he explained as Sian Moc walked \line up to me and removed her top, exposing her breasts.  \line A sudden rage consumed my mind seeing she had been \line cut with a knife.  Her nipples were deformed and as she \line turned, I saw recent slash marks across her back where \line she had been beaten.  She slipped her bottoms down \line and exposed fresh marks on her butt cheeks where \line Colonel Shu had ordered his soldiers to beat her, just \line to hear her scream, saying it made him feel good \line watching.  I took her top from her hand and placed it \line back over her, feeling anger and sick to my stomach. \par
I thought for a moment and then said, "I'm so sorry \line Sian Moc, and sure, you have every right to go." \par
Without anything else being said, I went over to where \line I had laid my gear and rolled it out to lie down and rest.  \line I had separated myself from the others so as not to be \line disturbed while they all gathered and talked among \line themselves.  The sun had just set and I figured two \line hours of sleep was ample, knowing I would have more \line time after reaching the river. \par
"Brine kiss Lin?"  Lin asked, kneeling beside me. \par
I looked up almost having fallen asleep.  I could make \line out enough of her to see that she was crying.  I \line reached my hand to the back of her neck and pulled \line her to me, kissing her. \par
"Why are you crying?"  I asked, wiping her tears.  She \line put both arms around my neck and squeezed me. \par
"Oh, you don't want me to go." \par
"Yes, go." \par
"You mean, 'no go'."  I said laughing. \par
"Yes, no go." \par
"Ah hah, so you're learning a little American." \par
"Yes.  Tae Thu, Phon Dak." \par
"When I come back, you should know many more \line words." \par
"Yes," she answered, bringing me to laugh, thinking \line 'yes' was the extent of her schooling. \par
She stood up holding a finger up, asking me to wait, \line and then hurried away toward the others.  A few minutes \line later, she returned with Tae Thu, pulling her by the \line hand.  Both kneeled beside me as Lin began speaking to \line her. \par
"Lin say she know you must go but she want you stay. \line She say if you die, we die too, have no place to go." \par
"No one is going to die.  I'll be very careful." \par
Lin looked at me sullenly as Tae Thu patted her knee. \par
"Tae Thu, I'm a little embarrassed to ask, but you're \line the only one that can help me to understand Lin and \line the rest of you." \par
"Oh yes, Brine want girl talk now!"  She answered, \line understanding me before I said anything. \par
"You are very wise Tae Thu." \par
"What Brine want to know?" \par
"Why did Lin share me with Komi and Yam Nah?" \par
She and Lin spoke together so she could explain. \par
"Lin say she want you be happy.  She and all young \line girls say they want you be happy.  Lin very proud to \line share you, she want her friends to know how gentle \line Brine is." \par
They began speaking to one another again and Tae \line Thu turned to me saying, "Lin want to ask favor." \par
I looked at her precariously, wondering what it might \line be that she wanted. \par
"What?"  I asked, keeping the same expression. \par
"Sian Moc a very special friend.  Sian Moc want kill self \line many time.  She feel she no good to any man.  She was \line very pretty girl before VC took her.  She think now she \line never have man to love her." \par
The more she spoke the more I was getting the idea of \line what she wanted.  This was beginning to be more than I \line could comprehend.  How could anyone think this way?  \line I laughed to myself thinking, how this would go over \line with American women.  I couldn't imagine one girl in \line the states that would share their boyfriend, much less \line their husband with anyone for the sake of friendship. \par
"So Lin wants me to help Sian Moc to become a woman \line again?"  I asked, waiting for Lin's response. \par
"She say candles come from Sian Moc.  She gave all she \line had to help Brine when sick." \par
I wasn't even going to try to understand all of this and I \line definitely wasn't sure if I could do what she asks of me, \line but I couldn't bring myself to say no, at least to her face. \par
"Brine need sleep now.  Answer all questions when you \line come back." \par
"You're right.  I should get some rest," I replied.  \line Tae Thu stood after patting me on the leg, and walked \line away. \par
"Brine rest?"  Lin asked, opening her top and letting it \line fall back to the ground.  I lay still, gazing upon her \line breasts, anticipating more.  They were perfect, small, \line but perfect with tiny nipples.  She stood, kicking her \line sandals off and then slid her bottoms down almost \line teasing me.  Maybe she was teasing me.  If so, it was \line working.  I began removing my flight jumpers while \line under the poncho. \par
She squatted, pulled the poncho away, and straddled \line me, leaning forward until her breasts were within \line inches of my face.  I pushed the poncho away and \line placed my arms behind her back, pulling her breast to \line my mouth, sucking it like a baby.  She squirmed, \line pressing them to my face as I took turns sucking on \line each. \par
 Carol, the only girl with whom I had ever had sex, \line came to mind in a flashback.  Due to our lack of \line experimenting, the missionary position was my only \line tried method and after a few times, we became \line complacent and any other variation was untried.  I \line remembered, she never teased me, even though she \line had flawless soft skin, and her beautiful sexy body \line oozed of sex appeal.  I found Lin to be all of this and \line more, seductive, playful, caring and original; all rolled \line into one.  However, in this war torn era, under these \line conditions, I knew she could never see herself as I \line imagined her. \par
She began pressing her cunt against my stomach while I \line continued sucking her breasts.  I felt the moisture \line from between her legs spreading over my skin as she \line moved her cunt over me.  I reached behind the cheeks \line of her ass and pulled her cunt apart, pressing two \line fingers from each hand into her.  Her cunt was tight at \line first but expanded as I slid my fingers in and out.  She \line began rotating her hips, grinding her cunt against the \line friction of my fingers.  In the fervor of my enjoyment, \line I released her and slid my hands over her body up to \line her breasts, squeezing them. \par
I released her breast, placing my hands on her hips, \line and adjusted her cunt onto my prick.  I began thrusting \line my hips, slowly at first, and as our humping became \line rapid, her grunts echoed louder.  Her head began \line rolling, causing her flowing silky hair that normally \line touched her lower hips to flop wildly, tickling my face, \line arms and chest, exciting me further. \par
Her fingernails pierced my skin as she clutched my \line shoulders, bringing a mixture pain and pleasure as she \line balanced herself atop me.  Each of her breasts bobbed \line in different gyrations as I eagerly watched her bare \line body, stimulating my thoughts. \par
Repeatedly, I thrust my hips; building the excitement \line within my body to the point, I knew I was about to \line come. \par
"Song tinh, song tinh," she mumbled as her breaths \line became short and rapid. \par
I quickly reached my arms around her, pulling her body \line to mine as I exploded my juices into her, grunting, "Oh \line yes, yes, oh god that feels so good."  I buried my prick in \line her, holding on until the sensation completely died \line down and then released her, allowing my arms to fall \line freely, resting.  \line   \line   \par
}