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\viewkind4\uc1\pard\s3\li1080\sb100\sa100\b\f0\fs27 Fallen Angel\par
\pard\s4\li1080\sb100\sa100\fs24 Chapter 4\b0  \par
\pard\s4\li1080\sb100\sa100\b\i Week 3-Day 6!\par
\pard\li1080\sb100\sa100\b0\i0\line I looked up, seeing my poncho hanging above my head, \line and turned looking for Sian Moc, but didn't see her.  \line It wasn't raining any longer, why was I under the \line poncho?  I tried raising my arm to see what time it was \line but I couldn't raise it.  Damn my side was hurting so \line bad, what happened?  Why am I hurting like this?  I \line remember, the three VC, did I kill them or did they \line kill me?  Fuck!  My side hurts.  I have to get out of \line here. \par
I strained to sit up but fell back.  Rolling onto my \line side, I attempted again, managing to sit up.  I looked \line around for Sian Moc but again I didn't see her.  She \line had torn a blanket and wrapped it around my rib cage, \line almost to tight to breathe.  I must have been shot on \line my left side because the most pain was felt there. \par
"Sian Moc!"  I tried shouting, but my voice was weak.  \line "Sian Moc!  Sian Moc! \par
I leaned forward, trying to lift myself and fell on my \line right side. \par
"Sian Moc," I said, just saying her name to myself and \line then passed out. \par
I awakened feeling hands on my body but it took a \line minute for my vision to clear.  When I could see, she \line was crying while washing my wound. \par
"How long have we been here?" \par
"Brian, you scared me.  I thought you were going to \line die," she said.  I surprised her when I spoke. \par
"How long?" \par
"Two days.  You shouldn't talk.  Be quiet," she \line demanded. \par
"Where have you been?" \par
"I have been busy, hush, and don't talk!  Save your \line strength." \par
"Are we safe?" \par
-!SLAP!- She popped me on the cheek. \par
I said for you to shut up!  ___ I am so sorry," she \line said, putting her blood stained hands to her face, \line realizing what she had done. \par
I remained quiet, only so she wouldn't cry.  She leaned \line back over me, washing my wound, and then wrapped it \line with another part of her blanket.  I watched her as she \line walked to a puddle and washed the blood stained rags, \line ringing them out.  For hours, until it was dark, I lay \line motionless, watching her every move, sometimes \line wondering how she withstood all the horrifying acts \line performed against her.  Sometimes she would catch me \line staring and give me a quick smile or a look, letting me \line know she was taking care of me. \par
\b\i Week 3-Day 7!\par
\pard\li1080\b0\i0 "Sian Moc!  I looked around.  Sian Moc!  Damn you \line woman." \par
\pard\li1080\sb100\sa100 I was stiff and the pain was almost unbearable.  I \line rolled, turned in almost every position to see if that \line would stop the pain, without success.  There was no \line sense in trying to get up so I just lay there trying to \line occupy my mind to thwart it. \par
I knew we were in deep shit with no raft.  I was \line useless, and totally dependent on her.  But, where the \line hell was she?  Over an hour had passed when she came \line walking up, almost sneaking and walked up to me.  I had \line closed my eyes, I think so I wouldn't blurt something \line stupid like, "Where the fuck were you."  She was \line probably doing something that was necessary for our \line survival, no doubt.  I felt her hand touch my neck, \line obviously checking to see if I remained alive.  The \line last thing I could afford was to piss her off, being my \line only lifeline. \par
I opened my eyes, looking at her.  She was using my \line knife, chopping what looked like berries and roots. \par
"Where the hell have you been?"  I asked.  She froze a \line second but didn't look at me. \par
She didn't answer and didn't even acknowledge I had \line spoken. \par
"You can't go off and not let me know where you're \line going.  What if something were to happen to you?  What \line if soldiers saw you while you were walking around?  Say \line something, you can't ignore me forever." \par
After dicing the berries and roots, she scooted over in \line front of me, dipped her finger, and held it to my \line mouth.  I held my mouth shut not taking any. \par
"You take a bite first.  I think you're trying to \line poison me."  I stated, angrily because she didn't \line answer. \par
She sat the small metal plate down in front of me and \line scooted away.  The berries remained on her fingers and \line without thinking; she raised her fingers to her mouth \line and stopped, catching herself.  Quickly she looked to \line see if I was watching and held her fingers in front of \line her mouth.  We were at a stalemate, I wanted her to \line taste it and she wanted to taste it but wasn't sure if \line I would win if she did.  Finally, she put her fingers \line in her mouth and I began laughing.  She sulked for a \line second and then began laughing and picked up a small \line stick throwing it at me.  I reached to block it and \line pain shot through my body.  She threw her hands up to \line her face, realizing what she had done and scooted \line quickly to help me.  I reached my hand behind her neck, \line pulling her mouth to mine and held us together for \line thirty seconds then turned loose.  She slowly pulled \line away and sat on her knees looking at me. \par
In a brief second, I realized I was jealous of her \line time.  I wanted her near me every second of the day, if \line only to look at her, or just to have someone near me to \line keep me from feeling lonely. \par
"I'm sorry, I was angry because I felt alone, because \line you weren't with me.  Please forgive me." \par
"Sometime I don't understand you." \par
"I know.  I feel helpless.  Sometimes, well, maybe \line every time a man feels helpless he gets angry and \line sometimes takes it out on then ones he ___cares about. \par
"Do you care about me?" \par
I hesitated, thinking how I should answer.  "Very \line  Much." \par
She smiled, and then scooted over, getting the plate \line and proceeded finger feeding me.  While she fed me, I \line thought, I couldn't say that I loved her because I didn't \line really know myself.  I knew I was beginning to feel \line for her in a way that had many of the symptoms.  \line Nevertheless, why say it when in all likelihood, I \line would end up going my way and she hers. \par
"Sian Moc, I need to get up.  I can't just lay here \line hoping I'll get well enough to travel.  I need to try.  \line Help me up." \par
"You will fall down and hurt yourself." \par
"I've got to try." \par
She sat down the empty plate and put her hand under my \line right arm.  I struggled, but managed to get to my feet \line and take a few steps before my knees buckled.  She \line helped me back under the poncho. \par
"I remember seeing John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, and a \line hundred more getting shot and in the same day, put \line their arm in a sling and still manage to save the \line world, why can't I?" \par
"Who are the people you talk about?"  She asked, with a \line curious look on her face. \par
"Movie stars, all make believe." \par
"Sometime I will go to the movies.  A boy I knew in the \line embassy asked me many times to go see a movie but I \line would tell him no.  I have to work and go to school, \line that I do not have time.  He was a very cute boy and \line very nice.  His name was Richard." \par
"Sian Moc lets talk about something else." \par
She looked at me with a certain expression.  I think \line she detected a little jealousy and smiled. \par
"You must remain quiet." \par
"I can't, I have to talk or do something to take my \line mind off of the pain." \par
"Very well.  Tell me about your home." \par
I clinched my side for a brief second, feeling a sharp \line pain, and then relaxed. \par
"Are you okay?" \par
"Yes." \par
"Well, if you must talk, tell me about you, your home, \line and why you came here." \par
"My home is nothing like here, Vietnam that is," I \line began saying. \par
She moved directly in front of my face leaned with her \line hands on her knees and looks at me as when children do \line when they watch someone telling a ghost story.  Her \line eyes were fixated on mine, in anticipation. \par
My father's parents died and left him a small farmhouse \line and three hundred and twenty acres about sixty miles \line outside of Atlanta Georgia.  It remained empty for \line years while my father remained in the Marine Corp.  A \line group of developers contacted my father, wanting to buy \line and develop it into a subdivision.  He sold it to them \line but kept five acres for him, to build on when he \line retired.  Three years before his retirement, he built \line my mother a very nice home, one like she had always \line dreamed.  Six months after it was finished, he received \line orders for Vietnam. \par
I was living in the dorm at Georgia Tech studying for \line my degree when Mother moved in her new home to live \line while my father came here.  He was killed, leaving my \line mother devastated.  I moved in with her, my sister \line Karen and Steven, my brother.  I finished school, got \line my degree, and was drafted.  I signed up for officers \line training to be a pilot and here I am. \par
"Your father was killed here?  I am so sorry." \par
"Don't feel guilty, it wasn't your fault." \par
"You should rest now, to heal.  I found enough berries \line to last only two days, and then we must go.  This will \line help you to sleep."  She explained, putting a small \line root up to my lips. \par
"What is it?" \par
"I found small flower, called Ti-Ti flower, it will \line help take away the pain and help you to sleep.  If you \line chew on it, you will fall asleep soon." \par
Trustingly, I opened my mouth as she placed it on my \line tongue. \par
"Chew it," she said, moving her mouth, instructing me \line what to do.  \line   \par
\pard\s4\li1080\sb100\sa100\b Week 4-Day 2!\par
\pard\li1080\sb100\sa100\b0\line A steady, but not a hard rain fell as I awoke with \line droplets splattering on my face.  It was pitch black; I \line moved my head to avoid the annoying drips, and realized \line Sian Moc was curled with her back against me as I lay \line facing her.  She held my hand as my arm draped over \line her.  I didn't want to awaken her, knowing she needed \line rest as much as I.  The pain was minimal, I remembered \line what she said about the root, but I knew if I moved it \line would aggravate it, so I lay still, waiting for the sun \line to rise. \par
\cf1\i I was in my third day of my thirty-day leave having \line completed my first tour.  I had reserved us a suite for \line a week in The Ritz Carlton Boston.  I arrived in Boston \line this morning, calling Carol from the airport.  She \line excused herself from classes that day to spend it with \line me.  I had taken a cab and waited for her in the lobby \line of the hotel, anticipating a long awaited day of sexual \line recreation. \par
I hadn't mentioned the fact that I was to return for a \line second tour and I wasn't sure when to break that news \line to her.  I was in uniform, obvious for her to spot when \line she entered but I sat just seated behind a column with \line plants surrounding it.  There she was coming in the \line entrance, peering around, searching for me. \par
Her hair was different, the same sexy golden blonde but \line much longer down near her breasts.  However, it \line remained straight and beautiful.  She was wearing a \line black turtleneck sweater with a black mini-skirt and \line high heels.  Her walk hadn't changed, one of a refined \line lady, not smug but of sophistication.  Each step she \line neared, I felt my heart almost skipping a beat, holding \line myself back from approaching her, allowing me time to \line get accustomed again to her infinite radiance.  \line   \par
"Still the essence of beauty," I stated, as she almost \line walked by, turning her head quickly. \par
Tears began flowing from her eyes as she tried \line restraining them.  We walked to one another embracing, \line as she released her emotions.  It felt so wonderful \line holding her again; I was near shedding tears myself. \par
"God I love and missed you so much," I stated, \line squeezing her tightly, and kissing her. \par
She tried responding but was choked, holding our lips \line together. \par
"Don't you ever go away like that again.\rdblquote  She finally \line managed to say.  It sounded better than I love you.  \line However there remained the task of informing her, which \line could wait until later, so as not to spoil the moment. \par
"Did you bring luggage, enough for a week?  I want you \line every minute your not in classes." \par
"The porter is attending to it, and I may not attend \line classes the remainder of the week.  I want you all to \line myself for seven days," she replied, putting her arms \line around my waist. \par
  She released me quickly, taking a step back.  "You \line look so wonderful in your uniform.  Your hair looks \line cute short too, and I always will love looking into \line those dark blue eyes," she stated, lunging her lips to \line mine. \par
We stood and kissed in the lobby for several minutes \line until I held the keys up, dangling them.  "You will \line never forget this week, as long as you live," I stated. \par
"I have a feeling you won't either." \par
The porter stood nearby with our luggage, waiting for \line us to go up.  We went up and I tipped him after \line entering the suite.  I stood gazing upon her, \line reminiscing years in the past that we had made love \line during holidays and school breaks.  There was never \line enough time to tell her how much I was in love with \line her, she relating the same feeling to me. \par
She walked to the bed and stood beside it, waiting for \line me to walk over.  Reaching under the hem of her \line sweater, she pulled it over her head and removed it, \line and proceeded unzipping her skirt, sliding it until it \line lay on the floor.  Reaching to her back, she unhooked \line her bra and let it fall, and then stood, allowing me to \line stare at her body. \par
I walked slowly toward her, removing my uniform, \line throwing something to the floor with each couple of \line steps until I stood before her nude, allowing her to \line stare at my body. \par
"I have to return to Vietnam for another tour," I \line whispered, looking into her eyes. \par
Her expression changed, to one of fear.  "What are you \line saying?" she asked, her lips trembling. \par
"I have opted for another tour, allowing me an early \line out when I return home," I explained, waiting for the \line response I had anticipated. \par
She fell back on the bed; her countenance was blank, as \line she seemed in a trance. \cf0\i0\par
\b\i Week 4-Day 4!\par
\b0\i0 I awakened again, having moved my head under the same \line droplets.  It was light, the rain was reduced to a \line drizzle, and Sian Moc remained nestled against my \line front.  As were mine, her silk clothes were damp as I \line slid my hand along her hip, feeling the shape of her \line body.  This stirred a little excitement within me but I \line knew there was no chance of taking advantage of our \line closeness.  However, I continued caressing her just the \line same, imagining I could.  Surprising me, she took my \line hand and placed it between the opening of her silk top \line and on her breast. \par
"That should help you," she said, removing her hand \line from mine, allowing my hand to roam freely. \par
I kissed the back of her head, and proceeded caressing \line each of her breasts.  She shifted slightly, allowing me \line to easily touch the one against the ground. \par
"That few hours of sleep seemed to have given me a \line little energy," I said teasingly. \par
She giggled.  "You slept more than one day," she \line replied, continuing to giggle. \par
"Really!  No wonder I feel rested," I said, squeezing \line her breast. \par
"You wish me to take my clothes off?" \par
"I do, but not today.  The pain has mostly gone away \line and I know it would come back if you did," I said, \line laughing a little. \par
She turned, lying on her back looking into my eyes.  \line "Do you want to try walking today?  We must leave soon.  \line I am afraid to go too far looking for food.  We have \line enough for today, but we must go," she explained with a \line look of concern. \par
"Give me a few more minutes to gather a little more \line strength," I answered, caressing her breast. \par
"Take all the time you need," she replied, lifting her \line chest. \par
I pleased myself another few minutes and then suggested \line we get up.  I lay while she prepared breakfast, berries \line and roots.  It was 0935 and there remained a light \line drizzle as she fed me under the poncho.  I felt as if I \line could feed myself but I was enjoying her making a fuss \line over me. \par
She helped me up to sit on a log while she folded the \line poncho and blankets, preparing to leave. \par
"Sian Moc," I said as she turned to look at me. \par
"I ah \'85 I need." \par
"What do you want to say?" \par
"I have to go to the bathroom," I stated feeling \line embarrassed. \par
She smiled and stepped over in front of me.  "Stand \line  up," she said, helping me. \par
She undid my flight suit and pulled it down to my \line ankles.  "Now sit down," she demanded, walking behind \line me, holding my shoulders so I would not fall backwards. \par
I was so embarrassed but I relieved myself off and on \line for five minutes.  Without hesitation, she gathered a \line handful of leaves and cleaned me, and took one of the \line wet portions of blanket used to wrap my side and \line finished cleaning me.  I stood up as she dressed me and \line sat back down as she rinsed the soiled cloth with soap \line in the puddle. \par
She had placed everything in one spot and began \line stirring and arranging everything as it was before, \line making it difficult to tell that we had been here.  \line That was very smart, I thought.  She began putting the \line bandoleers over shoulders, along with our bedrolls, and \line both rifles, and walked over to me and took my hand.  I \line reached for the rifles and she grabbed my hand. \par
"Our lives depend on you getting well, I will do as I \line must," she stated, helping me up. \par
I was walking slowly and hurt so badly, but I would \line look at her carrying everything and gather enough \line strength to take another step.  After an hour and a \line half, I had to stop, and rest, sitting on a large \line bolder. \par
"Do you want to stop for a while," she asked. \par
"Give me just a minute to catch my breath.  I can't see \line it but it feels like sweat or blood running down my \line side." \par
She walked over, setting the rifles down and opened my \line flight suit and looked at my side. \par
"You are bleeding again.  We must go there and rest," \line she stated, pointing into the thicket. \par
"I believe your American English is getting worse.  It's \line 'We must go 'over' there and rest," I said, teasing her. \par
If-I-understood-you-correctly, you-majored-in- \line engineering, -and-not-grammar," she replied, returning \line my tease. \par
We both giggled as she picked up the weapons and helped \line me into the undergrowth, going in about twenty meters. \par
"This is a very good spot, and private," I said after \line she had helped me sit down with my back against a tree.  \line I had my hand around her knee as she was removing the \line rifles from her shoulder.  She looked down at me with a \line smile while removing the bandoleers.  I slightly tugged \line on her loose pants, pulling them partially down, \line exposing the top portion of her pubic hair.  Saying \line nothing, she began undoing her top.  I was only teasing \line her but the excitement I suddenly felt kept me from \line stopping her.  She removed it along with her pants, and \line stood nude before me.  It happened so quick I was taken \line back, not knowing what to do and not knowing if I could \line do anything. \par
Excitement filled my body, and I wanted her so much.  I \line had forgotten about my side as I gazed upon her nudity.  \line She stepped forward and stood less than an arms length of \line my face.  I reached my hands out, touching her hips, \line moving my hands the length of her thighs and then \line sliding them inside.  She placed her hands on the tree \line above my head and opened her legs.  I slid my right \line hand up her thigh, stopping at the thick hair covering \line her mound, seeing a glisten of moisture in her slit.  \line Slowly I glided my finger its length, gathering \line moisture and then slowly slid my finger into her, \line touching the softness within. \par
"Touch me, touch me inside Brian," she moaned, slowly \line rocking her hips against my hand.  Her wetness now \line covered my knuckles, as I probed deeper into her.  She \line began forcing herself against my hand as I felt her \line cunt opening begin to give way to my fist. \par
I pull my hand away, not understanding her.  Was she \line doing this because she thought all men wanted this, was \line she truly excited and wanted me to do it, could she \line possibly enjoy that after all that has happened to her?  \line I was more than willing to do it, but I had to know she \line took pleasure from me doing it. \par
"Brian," she said, reaching for my hand. \par
"No, Sian Moc," I said, taking her wrist and pulling \line her down in front of me. \par
"Why Brian, do you not want to do this?" \par
"Sian Moc, I can't," I said, as the thought of Yam Nah \line allowing me to do it, and what happened to Lin filled \line my head. \par
I had never imagined anything like this before then.  \line The thought of it stirred excitement within me, but the \line suffering that I saw it bring was overbearing.  I \line couldn't bring myself to do it again, not right now \line anyway. \par
"Are you displeased with me?" \par
"She, asking that question, made me angry." \par
"I don't understand Brian, if you are angry with me \line tell me what to do." \par
"You are not a slave to me!  Why does it always have to \line be what pleases me?" \par
"What would you have me to do?  I will do anything you \line want," she stated. \par
"That is what I'm talking about.  Why are you always \line trying to please me?  Why don't you do something that \line pleases you?  I am not Colonel Shu, and I am not any of \line the VC that took advantage of you," I tried explaining, \line being flustered. \par
She put her hands to her face and fell into my lap \line crying.  I didn't know what to say or do.  I wanted it \line to be real between us, but how could I know with all \line that had happened to her.  Finally, I placed my hands \line on her shoulders and rubbed them. \par
She looked up at me, crying, and asked, "Will you help \line me to understand why you are angry with me?" \par
I thought for an instant how to explain, and chuckled \line to myself. \par
"This is not funny!" she scolded, and began to get up. \par
I held onto her, and said, "I was only laughing at the \line example I was going to give you, please sit down." \par
She did as I asked and I began giving my example. \par
"If you entered a village and every time you saw me, I \line was being beaten hard with sticks by the women of the \line village, and each time they struck me, I would laugh, \line louder and louder with each strike.  Would you soon \line join in because I was enjoying it so much? \par
"No, because you were not enjoying it.  You were too \line proud to cry." \par
"Very good answer.  You could not have enjoyed it when \line Colonel Shu did that to you so why would I do it.  \line Because you think that men like it, that answer is not \line good enough," I explained. \par
"When this happen to me before, I hated it and cried, \line and it hurt so bad.  When you touch my body, I love it \line because you are gentle.  A few minutes ago when you \line touch me here," she said, putting her hand between her \line legs, and continued, "It felt so wonderful and it did \line not hurt, I wanted to feel you inside of me," she said, \line clasping my hands. \par
"I believe you, but I will need some time to grow \line accustomed to that." \par
"I understand," she replied. \par
She opened my jumper and looked at my side. \par
"The bleeding has stopped again, but I should clean \line  it," she stated as her eyes slightly squinched. \par
I hated to hear her say that, because pulling the \line bandage away with the dried blood hurt almost as bad \line as the wound. \par
She stood to get some clean cloths. \par
"Sian Moc," I said.  She stood still as I looked over \line her.  "I'm too far gone, I have to have you now." \par
She misunderstood what I meant.  "You are not going to \line die now." \par
"I didn't mean it that way.  I meant that I am so horny \line that I have got to have you," I explained and she \line laughed. \par
"We will remove your clothes and clean your wound, \line and then we will see if you are horny," she replied, \line teasingly. \par
The temperature felt 80 degrees and it wasn't raining \line now but it looked as if it would start anytime.  She \line rolled out one of the blankets, after feeling which \line might be dryer.  She said something in Vietnamese, \line seeming frustrated that nothing was dry.  I ran my hand \line along the blanket and I think I understood by her \line actions, so didn't ask her what she had said. \par
"Move over here, on the blanket," she said, almost \line snapping at me. \par
I sat still and didn't move, but only smiled, looking \line at her face. \par
"Are you going to be difficult?"  She asked, waiting. \par
"I was just wondering what your mother and father look \line like." \par
"And why are you thinking of that?" \par
"Because, you are so beautiful," I stated, causing her \line to blush and dip her head. \par
I quickly glanced over her nude body and back to her \line face, thinking, being a beautiful girl in a country at \line war where the laws were ignored had its downside.  All \line of the young girls in the village were exceptionally \line beautiful.  Most were probably not missed because of \line the ethnic makeup of their parents.  Still, what would \line compel someone to abuse another human being, for \line whatever reason?  Do people like that, having almost \line absolute power, ever get punished?  Where's the justice \line in all of this? \par
My eyes focussed back on her hand that was waving in \line front of me. \par
"Where is your mind?" she asked. \par
"I'm sorry, my mind was in left field." \par
"Where is that?" \par
"It just means I was thinking about things." \par
"Are you going to get on the blanket?" \par
"Oh."  I replied, edging over as she helped steady me. \par
She helped me remove my boots and flight suit, as I lay \line prone.  Surprisingly, she straddled my body and leaned \line over, removing the bandage from around me, being easy \line when pulling it from the wound, front and back where \line the bullet had entered and exited.  At the same time I \line was flinching, trying to avoid the pain of her removing \line the bandage, my eyes were focussed on her breasts and \line trying to get a better view of the patch of hair \line between her legs.  She was sitting on my stomach; my \line prick was rigid, just behind her with the head touching \line the crack in her ass.  I was toying with her by flexing \line it, making it tap against her to let her know it was \line back there. \par
"Turn on your side, I need to clean your back," she \line stated, tugging. \par
I turned, and her cunt was pressing down on my hip.  \line She touched the exit hole with the cloth and I \line flinched. \par
"Umm, that feels so good," I stated. \par
She leaned her head looking into my face with an \line expression, wondering why the pain felt good.  When she \line touched it, again I flinched. \par
"Oh, that feels so wonderful," I repeated. \par
"Do you want me to poke my finger in it?" she asked, \line thinking this was not right. \par
 "I'm not thinking of the wound, it's the way you're \line sitting on me," I said chuckling. \par
She looked down at how she was sitting and burst out \line laughing, and continued for a minute or so.  I \line chuckled, watching her laugh. \par
When her laughter slowed, she said, "You need to be \line serious.  Your wounds are not healing well." \par
"What can I do different, that would help?"  I asked, \line knowing all was being done. \par
"I don't know what to do but keep it clean," she said, \line being concerned. \par
"You may not know it but you are doing much more than \line that." \par
"Such as?" \par
"Think how much different it would be for me if you \line were a man." \par
She began laughing again. \par
"See, isn't that much better than pouting and worrying \line all the time?"  I said, running my hand down her hair. \par
"I am so happy I met you."  She stated. \par
I smiled with her. \par
"Raise up," she said, looping the bandage around my \line back, and then securing it tightly.  "There, all done." \par
I turned with my back on the blanket and placed my \line hands on the tops of her thighs. \par
"Not quite," I stated, now being serious. \par
She was sitting on my stomach with her knees out, just \line driving me crazy in that position.  I reached my hand \line and caressed her patch of hair with the back of my \line fingers, stimulating my senses, and bringing me back to \line a total erection. \par
Her hands began caressing my chest as she moved her \line cunt in small gyrations against my belly, just above my \line prick.  Using only my right hand, I began feeling her \line breast, moving from one to the other. \par
"You make me feel so good," she said, continuing to run \line her hands over me. \par
Her words excited me as nothing I had ever heard.  What \line man wouldn't want a woman to say those words?  I put my \line hand on her shoulder and pulled her to me, kissing her \line mouth long and soft, and then moved my lips and tongue \line all about her eyes, nose and ears and to her neck.  Her \line eyes remained closed as her head squirmed, reacting to \line each touch of my lips and tongue. \par
"Ooh Brian, I never felt like this," she whispered, \line holding her neck open for me to kiss. \par
She raised her bottom and reached between her legs, \line grasping my prick and guided it into her cunt, and \line began back and forth moves, adjusting to my length.  \line She extended her arms beside my shoulders, bracing \line herself as she continued massaging my prick with her \line cunt, using the lower part of her body.  Her hair \line flailed my upper body as she accelerated her moves, now \line rapidly pressing her cunt hard over my erection, \line grunting each time she took my prick deep inside. \par
Faster and harder, she pushed her body, her hair \line flinging wildly, her cunt smashing down around my \line prick, bringing me closer.  That tingling sensation \line began building in my prick, causing my body and prick \line to become tense.  My hips stopped as I immersed my mind \line in all the sensation she was giving me.  All at once, \line my body exploded into ecstasy, my breathing was \line erratic, and awareness of time and place escaped me, my \line mind was numbed.  At that exact moment, the sensation \line crested, each part of my body shared in all the \line pleasure she was giving me, and then gradually it faded \line until I lay still.  Even after I had climaxed, she \line continued her movement, extracting every drop of my \line sperm, pleasing me even until the end when I went limp. \par
As I had thought, the jolting and tension put on my \line body enflamed the pain I now felt in my side.  I masked \line it with smiles and kisses, burying my face in her neck \line to hide what would be obvious if she saw my face.  I \line allowed her to dwell in the truth, that she had given \line me total pleasure, and not spoiling her moment of \line happiness of having pleased me. \par
She had packed everything again and we set out, knowing \line I couldn't go long distances, but each step put us \line closer to freedom.  Normally, under the same conditions \line we were in, with a rough surface, rain, each carrying \line our own gear it took us about fifty-five minutes to \line travel one kilometer.  Now, it was different, worse, \line she had to carry everything and I was even slower, \line because the strain of walking, and how it quickly \line weakened my body.  It was taking us near two hours to \line go one kilometer, twice as long. \par
I knew if I was to tell her to leave the weapons, she \line would drop them immediately, but because I risked my \line life to obtain them, she would never mention it.  As I \line walked behind her, watching her struggle with each \line step, unwilling to give up, I wondered about what Lin \line had said to me about her wanting to die.  The girl Lin \line spoke of, this wasn't her, but I knew, or I should say, \line I was now familiar with what she had been going \line through the past two years. \par
Each time Sian Moc looked back to check on me I \line would show her my fake smile, she would then gather \line enough strength to show me a little one.  We played \line this game about every ten minutes until sometimes she \line would look back and see me stopped, catching my \line breath or relaxing my side to relieve some of the pain.  \line She would then walk back and let me lean on her \line shoulder to walk just a little further until we both \line needed rest, and always we would hide ourselves deep \line in the undergrowth. \par
I had shown her various plants that had edible roots \line and twice she had shown me of a couple that I didn't \line know of.  I asked her about the Ti-Ti flower and she \line admitted she had a small portion of a root remaining, \line but that was for an emergency.  I wanted it bad but I \line knew it would knock me out for a day or more, \line depending on how large of a piece I chewed.  I think \line I wanted it more because it took away the pain. \par
We were less than halfway to the valley, and I was \line beginning to feel as if I would never make it.  It \line began to rain, the pain was getting worse, and now with \line each step, I was becoming weaker, losing blood with \line each short distance we traveled.  I could tell that \line Sian Moc was also stretched to her limit, carrying \line everything, but seeming to be unwilling to give up.  \line That is what kept me going. \par
This last time when she looked back she stopped, \line looking closely at my side.  My flight suit was soaked \line in blood under my left arm. \par
She quickly turned and hurried back to me, opening my \line suit. \par
"We must stop, you are losing too much blood," she \line stated, unable to hold me up because of her own \line weakness. \par
"Let's find a place to rest," I stated, exhausted, for \line her sake as well as mine. \par
We turned from the creek and went into the undergrowth \line about fifty meters, struggling with each step.  It \line began to rain more with each minute that passed.  Maybe \line we had chosen a good time to rest, I thought. \par
"Can you make it up there?"  She asked, pointing up a hill \line to an old tree with large limbs hanging.  It looked as \line if it were the best place to stop, giving us a line of \line sight toward the creek and some additional cover from \line the pouring rain. \par
I wasn't sure if I could, but I was willing to try.  "I \line can make it." \par
"Wait here," she said, crawling up the slope, holding \line onto anything she could get her hands and feet on.  \line After reaching that spot, she left everything laying \line and slid back down to help me.  After many slips and \line taking short rest, we finally made it.  I lay on my \line right side, not able to move further as she pitched the \line poncho tent as I had before, using an added bandoleer \line to fit between two smaller trees.  After helping me \line underneath, immediately she placed the Ti-Ti root on my \line tongue. \par
"Chew this while I clean you," she said, struggling to \line remove my Jumper. \par
Moments later, I felt the pain dissipating and fell \line into a deep sleep. \par
\cf1\i "Please don't.  Give me time to think this over," Carol \line said, lifting her arm to prevent me from putting it \line around her.  "How could you do this to us?" \par
"I didn't do it to us.  I did it for us." \par
"No.  I asked you to give me breathing space," she \line stated, rejecting my arm again. \par
"If I didn't do this, it would haunt me for the rest of \line my life.  I made, what I feel is the right decision for \line me, and us, so there wouldn't be doubts lingering in \line the back of my mind," I explained. \par
"I know what goes on in a war.  I know I could be \line notified tomorrow that you have been killed.  I'm not \line sure if I can deal with this anymore.  You don't know \line what I have been through this past year," she said, \line burying her face in her hands. \par
I stood, pacing the floor, trying to understand what \line she was feeling.  I had no answers, having made my \line decision on returning for another tour.  I felt a \line certain regret for telling her so soon but at the same \line time relief, knowing I would be deceiving her \line otherwise. \par
I walked over and knelt before her, placing my hands on \line my knees.  "I want you to know that I love you with all \line my heart.  I could never do anything consciously to \line hurt you.  Please don't reject me.  Now, more than ever \line I need you to love me and hold onto what we have," I \line said, begging, looking to her for understanding and \line love. \par
"I'm not sure, I don't know what I'm feeling, except \line hurt." \par
"Do you need time to think about it, maybe six months \line to a year," I said jokingly. \par
Wrong thing to say, I felt, seeing the expression on \line her face.  She began wiping her eyes, and clearing her \line mind.  I felt a sudden chill, knowing she had made a \line decision.  I stood, dressed, and walked over, picking\line  up my suitcase. \par
"I see it in your face.  You don't want to have to deal \line with it anymore.  The funny thing is, I do understand, \line really."  I said, walking to the door. \par
She didn't answer, but began crying again, solidifying \line my thoughts. \par
"I hope you find someone that will make you happy.  I \line love you that much," I said walking out. \cf0\par
\b Week 4-Day 6!\par
\b0\i0 I awoke, feeling nothing but dizziness.  It was \line daylight but I couldn't determine what time of the day \line it was, or how long I had been asleep.  My eyes \line remained blurry for several minutes and then cleared, \line seeing Sian Moc checking my jumper to see if it was \line dry, apparently having washed it.  She was topless, \line with her top next to mine, on a bush.  I wasn't about \line to say anything and spoil the moment.  After she had \line examined our clothes, she picked up the water bag and \line a towel, and turned to me.  I quickly closed my eyes. \par
I felt her warm hand against my face and a sudden \line coolness as she removed the blanket.  I almost jumped \line up, feeling cold water splashing on my body.  She was \line bathing me.  I would get use to the water temperature \line and she would splash me again, almost taking my breath \line away.  This went on several times until I had to put a \line stop to it. \par
"Damn woman, you're going to freeze me to death!"  I \line said aloud, surprising her to where she dropped the \line water bag on me, spilling it.  "Oh damn that's cold," I \line said, trying to grab the bag. \par
"That's what you get for frightening me," she said, and \line then began laughing. \par
"It's not funny, I'm cold," I said snatching the cloth \line from her hand. \par
She laughed harder, almost making me angry.  I wiped \line the wet spots off my body a reached for the blanket \line that was just out of my reach. \par
"No," she said, continuing to smile.  "Do you want a \line bath?  Hand me the cloth." \par
I thought for a second and handed it to her.  The soap \line bar was getting tiny, so instead of using the cloth \line with soap, she rubbed it between her hands and applied \line it to me that way.  As she smeared it over my body, I \line closed my eyes, savoring the feeling of her touch. \par
"Don't splash cold water on me!"  I stated, looking up \line at her as a warning. \par
She smiled again, and continued caressing the lather \line over me.  I closed my eyes again until she came near my \line prick and then I dipped my head, squinched my eyes, and \line watched.  That's all it took was getting near it, \line especially with her bare hands.  Teasingly, she avoided \line touching it but came near it several times.  Finally, \line aggravated with her teasing, I reached down with my \line right hand, clasping hers and moved it over my prick, \line bringing another round of laughter from her. \par
"Real funny." \par
With lather, her hand slid up and down smoothly on my \line prick, causing me to twitch when she raked her palm \line against the head.  After a few more strokes, she moved \line to my thighs.  I reached down and moved her hand back \line on my prick bringing more laughter.  I was now \line suspicious that she really was teasing me, but I held \line silent.  She resumed stroking and just as I was about \line to come, she stopped.  I opened my eyes and she was \line staring at me, and burst out laughing. \par
"You have been teasing me!"  I said, and broke into \line laughter with her. \par
She placed her hand on my prick again and began \line stroking, causing the smile to slip from my face.  \line Moments later, my eyes began rolling in my lids as I \line spurted cum over my stomach, as she continued stroking. \par
She picked up the water bottle and was about to wash it \line off. \par
"No!  No!  Don't pour cold water on me," I said, taking \line the cloth and wiping it up. \par
"You are so much like a child," she fussed. \par
I took the bottle and slung cold water on her, \line causing her to suck in a deep breath. \par
"See.  Now who is the child," I said and began \line laughing. \par
She pouted for a second and also laughed, and then \line remarked,  "I'm sorry, I didn't realize it was so cold." \par
"Sian Moc," I said looking into her eyes. \par
She looked at me without saying anything. \par
"Thank you.  Not for what you did a minute ago, but for \line all you have done.  You said before that you are happy \line that you met me.  Well, I am happy that I met you.  I \line want you to know that I've never met anyone like you \line before and you have changed my life.  I will never be \line the same since meeting you." \par
"You have given me new hope, something I have not had \line in a long time.  I also will never be the same." \par
I reach up caressing her cheek.  "Where ever our \line futures take us, you will always be in my thoughts." \par
"Mine too Brian." \par
"It must be the Ti-Ti root, I don't feel any pain right \line now.  By the way, how long was I out?" \par
Almost two days, your wound is doing much better.  It \line has begun to heal some." \par
"Good, we can begin moving again," I stated, excitedly. \par
She placed a large portion of roots and berries in \line front of me and began finger feeding me until I had \line consumed all of it. \par
"We must give it more time.  Two more days and you will \line be well enough to travel." \par
"Two days?  We'll never get out of here at that rate," \line I said, arguing, with my mouth full. \par
"We must give it time, here, chew this," she said \line holding another portion of the Ti-Ti root to my mouth. \par
"I don't need that right now.  I'm in no pain and I'm \line not moving about." \par
"Yes, I know, but the root is also helping you to heal \line faster," she explained. \par
"Please, not now.  I don't want to sleep.  The view is \line so beautiful from where I lay." \par
She looked baffled for a second, and then looked down, \line remembering her naked breasts, and laughed. \par
"Okay, for a while, but you must tell me more of your \line home, United States." \par
I smiled, unable to keep my eyes focussed sometimes, \line but I began telling her. \par
"You would love it.  It's not perfect but it's the best \line place on this earth.  There are fifty states dividing \line it, much like your Provinces.  Each state has something \line different to offer, as far as the scenery and the \line cities.  It depends on where you go but for the most \line part, everyone is friendly.  In the northern states, \line people move at a quicker pace than in the southern \line states.  Out west, well I'm not sure, they are probably \line somewhere in between.  There are so many wonderful \line things; in comparison to the rest of the world that it \line wouldn\rquote t be fair to say that, any one thing is better \line than the other.  Freedom to go and come as you please, \line live and work if you want, where you want.  The freedom \line to speak whatever you mind thinks, but don't shout \line 'Fire' in a theater.  You would fit in so well.  I can \line picture you in front of a classroom-teaching math to \line little rug rats. \par
"What is a rug rat?" she asked, with an awkward \line expression. \par
"You know, children.  The kind that runs around on the \line rug." \par
"Oh!  That's so funny," she said giggling. \par
"Just think.  You could hold any office in government \line except President." \par
"I wouldn't want to do that, be an official." \par
"That's not the point, it's the fact that you can is \line what makes it wonderful." \par
"I see," she said. \par
I glanced down at her breast. \par
"There are doctors that can fix that if you were of a \line mind to," I said, as she placed her hands covering her \line breasts.  "Please don't," I said, taking her by the \line wrist and pulling her hand away.  "I promise it doesn't \line bother me." \par
"You are so kind." \par
"Do you know something?  I have concluded that you are \line the perfect woman.  You have everything any man looks \line for in a woman.  First of all, beauty, inside and out, \line a loving heart, a sense of humor and most of all, you \line make a man feel like a real man." \par
Her eyes moistened as she leaned forward, laying her \line head on my chest.  I caressed her neck and back as she \line lay quietly, soon falling asleep. \par
I lay with my thoughts for a long time, caressing her, \line until I fell asleep. \par
"Brian.  Brian.  Shush, VC!" she said, awakening me.  I \line leaned my head forward to see if I could spot them.  I \line couldn't see but we both could hear voices. \par
"It sounds like there are quite a few, maybe ten or \line fifteen," I said, guessing. \par
"They have many soldiers looking for us," she said, \line with fear showing about her face. \par
"Don't worry, they are passing.  We'll be fine here," I \line said to comfort her.  "Let me have the Ti-Ti root.  I \line want us to get out of here sooner than later."  I \line stated, wanting to get rest so that we might not have \line to stop once we get moving. \par
She reached and got it from her bedroll and placed it \line in my mouth.  In just a few minutes I was feeling its \line affect, soon putting me into another deep sleep.\par
\b\i Week 5-Day 1!\par
\b0\i0 Early in the morning, a day and a half later I awoke.  \line The pattering of rain sounded on the poncho above us as \line Sian Moc lay next to me sound asleep.  We both were \line dressed and I thought of how much of a struggle she \line went through to dress me.  Without thinking I picked up \line my watch with my left hand, suddenly realizing I could \line use it without much pain.  It was 0633 and I was ready \line to get up and moving. \par
"Sian Moc, wake up," I said shaking her. \par
She opened her eyes and looked at me.  I rubbed the \line sleep from her eyes and kissed her on the forehead. \par
"Did you sleep well while I was conked out?"  I asked, \line making sure she had gotten enough. \par
"I have slept very well.  I didn't have anyone to worry \line over.  I knew you were sleeping well," she explained, \line seeming cheerful. \par
"Very funny.  Have I been that bad?" \par
"Much like a rug rat," she said, snickering. \par
"Are you ready to get moving?" \par
"Brian, do we have to go in the rain?  Can we wait \line awhile?"  She asked, drearily. \par
"One hour, then we need to get going.  We are so close \line now I can taste it," I said, feeling a sense of excitement \line building within.  "Let me up," I said, trying to get my \line right arm from under her head. \par
"Be careful.  You will be dizzy for a while," she \line stated, holding my arm. \par
She was right.  I sat up feeling dizzy, and then \line getting up on my knees, I felt dizzier, almost losing \line my balance.  I poked my head out of the end of the tent \line to refresh my face.  I was determined to get up, \line finally getting out of the tent and standing.  The rain \line helped, cooling my body and suppressing the flashes I \line felt in my face.  I continued holding myself up, \line gripping the tree that held up the tent.  After a few \line minutes, getting soaked, I began feeling an improvement \line in my awareness.  Turning loose of the tree, I took a \line few steps, and then a few more until I was walking \line without a crutch, holding onto a tree that is.  I \line climbed back into the tent, soaked, picking up the damp \line cloth and wiped my face. \par
"Do you feel better?" \par
"Much better.  I'm ready to go when you are," I said, \line stretching my left arm upwards.  "Ooh, it's stiff." \par
She pulled the blanket over her head, hinting that she \line wasn't quite ready to go.  I leaned over placing my \line hand on her ass and began rubbing it. \par
"What are you doing?"  She asked, with her voice \line muffled. \par
"Rubbing your ass," I answered and continued. \par
"Why?" \par
"It gives me energy, or you might say it stimulates me." \par
She pulled the blanket down a looked at me, asking, \line "For what?" \par
"It's not what you think.  It excites me to the point I \line feel energetic, you know, for the trip." \par
"Oh." \par
I burst out laughing.  "You thought I had something else \line in mind, didn't you."  I said and continued laughing. \par
She pulled the blanket back over her head, being \line embarrassed.  I then glided my hand to her front, \line sliding it under her bottoms.  She squirmed under my \line hand and pulled the blanket down, showing her face. \par
"I think you are deceiving yourself," she said, \line cracking a smile. \par
"Come on, get up before you end up being right." \par
She sat up, stretching; with her knees up, she crossed \line her arms over them and watched me while I folded the \line blanket.  We traded smiles while I put my boots on. \par
"So you were doing that for the reasons you said." \par
"What?"  I asked, and then understood what she was \line asking. \par
"I want you to tickle me again.\rdblquote   She asked, seriously. \par
I reached over, taking her foot and began tickling her. \par
"No.  No," she said, sounding frustrated. \par
"Under your arm?" \par
"No, down here," she said, placing her hand between \line her legs. \par
I laughed.  "You want me to eat you." \par
"Yes," she said timidly. \par
"If I do it now, I will end up losing energy and you \line know why," I stated, knowing I would have to go all the \line way. \par
"Please." \par
"I promise I'll do it at our next rest stop.  We need to \line get started," I said, squatting next to her and giving her \line a kiss. \par
"Do you promise?" \par
"I promise," I replied.  I was willing to do it now but \line I was anxious and had my mind made up to get moving. \par
"How long before we get to the valley." \par
"We could get there late this afternoon if I can hold up \line that long." \par
"Will we rest before then?" \par
I burst out laughing.  "You talk about a one track mind," \line I said, teasingly. \par
She buried her face between her knees. \par
"I was laughing because you have told me that I like a \line lot of sex." \par
She raised her head smiling, realizing I was telling the \line truth. \par
"Well, as much as I hate it, we need to go.  You can \line use the poncho again." \par
"No.  You must keep the wrapping dry," she said, her \line selflessness caused me to feel guilty for not doing as \line she wanted, eating her.  I knew it would be the best \line for us if I kept it dry. \par
 We quickly gathered everything and set out.  At first, \line I was weary about the pace we had set but after a \line couple of hours, I was feeling hopeful, experiencing \line only minor discomfort.  Every so often, I would look \line back at Sian Moc and smile, wondering if she was \line thinking about a long rest stop; however, we were \line making good time and with each step, I became more \line anxious. \par
About mid afternoon, my side began to ache and we \line began stopping every so often, resting for only a few \line minutes, and then moving again.  She checked my side \line during a couple of these stops but there was no \line bleeding, giving me more encouragement. \par
An hour before sundown we passed the spot in the \line valley where the others had camped, seeing no signs \line they had ever been there and continued.\par
_______________________________________ \par
It was dusk and we planned on stopping to rest but it \line was near completely dark. \par
"SSSS!"  She said, with her finger against her lips. \par
I stopped, kneeling down and quietly listened, hearing \line the faint sound of laughter. \par
"VC soldiers!" she whispered, pointing ahead of us. \par
We moved into thicker undergrowth and weaved our \line way toward the sounds.  A glimmer of light flickering \line shown ahead, meaning there was a campfire. \par
"Hot food!"  I joked, in a whisper.  She didn't think \line it was funny. \par
We continued slowly, edging closer as their voices were \line now heard.  She put her finger against her lips, \line wanting total silence.  I knew she was trying to make \line out what was being said.  I watched closely, waiting \line for her to say something.  Fear came to her face as I \line watched the change. \par
"What is it, what are they saying?"  I asked as I saw \line the fear enveloping her. \par
Tears fell from her eyes.  "We must leave and go around \line them, hurry!" she said, taking my arm. \par
"No!  Not until you tell me what they are saying.  Now \line tell me!"  I demanded. \par
She fell to her knees.  "They have American soldiers. \line They speak of killing them," she answered, looking up \line at me. \par
My mind raced, searching for an answer. \par
"I've got to get closer, you stay here," I said, putting my \line hand on her head. \par
"No, I will go with you.  You don't know what they \line speak." \par
"Come on then, and be quiet!"  I said, whispering, \line taking one of the AK-47's as I lowered myself to the \line ground and began crawling.  It was almost completely \line dark as we crawled.  Pain was shooting through my body \line but fear allowed me to continue.  We crawled within ten \line meters of them and positioned ourselves behind a large \line tree.  I counted thirteen VC sitting, some lying near \line the fire and two more were walking in front of a row of \line American soldiers.  They were humped forward on their \line knees, hog-tied, unable to move. \par
"What's he saying?"  I asked, putting my mouth to her \line ear, with my arm over her shoulder.  Her body trembled. \par
"He tells soldiers by the fire that this is a lesson in \line interrogation, for them to pay attention." \par
It must have been a joke because the all began laughing \line and talking among them. \par
"You have six minute.  You will tell me where my \line village people are, and where American soldier is that \line take them from village," he stated, speaking American. \par
"We don't know anything about any villagers or an \line American soldier," the soldier on the far end said, his \line voice strained. \par
I quickly thought, they have no idea who or where I \line am, why is he asking them. \par
"You will tell," the officer stated. \par
I felt Sian Moc's body shaking as she buried her face.  \line "What is it?  Do you know something?"  I asked, lightly \line shaking her. \par
"That is Colonel Shu." \par
It then occurred to me what he was capable of doing. \par
Before I had time to react, he walked up to the soldier \line opposite the end where the other spoke and said, taking \line a pistol from the one next to him, "Time is up!" \line Pointing the pistol to his head and pulled the trigger.  \line The GI's body fell over sideways. \par
"Oh god no!"  I said to myself, burying my face into \line the ground. \par
"You have one hour!" he said to the remaining GI's, and \line then said something in Vietnamese to the other \line soldiers. \par
Two of them, sitting next to the fire, jumped up, \line walked over to the body, and carried it away. \par
I counted eleven GI's remaining, and knew each of them \line would soon die.  I had one hour to do something before \line he shot another.  I wondered how many he had already \line murdered before we came upon them.  I then thought of \line the body count that I was proud of.  I knew there was \line no difference except I didn't line them up, hog-tied, \line and slaughter them as he was doing.  Their talking and \line laughter angered me, but also made it evident they had \line no suspicions. \par
I saw the Americans gear, but no weapons, in a pile not \line far from me, and what looked like an antenna of a \line radio. \par
I placed my lips to Sian Moc's ear.  "I need to get \line that radio, help me camouflage my body," I said, \line placing limbs with leaves down my collar and holes in \line my flight suit.  She continued crying but helped \line blanket me. \par
"Now go back a ways, and wait for me.  If you hear \line shooting, go in that direction for a while and hide \line until the sun comes up, and then head into the sun for \line one day.  You should find the firebase.  If you do find \line it, shout at them in American English, and give these \line to them," I explained, giving her mine and Cal's dog \line tags.  She said nothing, shaking her head only, knowing \line there was nothing she could say to change my mind. \par
I gave her a few minutes to get some distance and \line inched my way near the radio, not making a sound.  \line More than five minutes later, I had reached it, and \line slowly pulled it from the pile, unsure if it remained in \line working condition.  Cautiously, I crept my way away \line from them until I could get to my feet, and walk. \par
Sian Moc grabbed my arm as I almost passed her.  "You \line didn't go far enough," I whispered, taking her hand. \par
We went another twenty meters and stopped.  I needed \line light to see the dials, but had nothing to aid with \line that.  I didn't want to turn it on and it begins \line blaring, so I had to wait for the moon to give me \line light.  Impatiently, I waited for what seemed hours, \line but I knew it was around ten minutes and I saw the word \line volume below one dial.  Immediately I turned it counter \line clockwise and flipped the toggle switch to the on \line position.  I left the frequency dial in that position, \line hoping it was tuned right.  Slowly I raised the volume, \line and hearing static, I adjusted the squelch control, \line silencing it. \par
"Firebase Beaver, this is Raven, do you copy?  Firebase \line Beaver, this is Raven, do you copy?" \par
With no response, I made a small adjustment and tried \line again. \par
"Firebase Beaver, this is Raven, do you copy?  Firebase \line Beaver, this is Raven, do you copy?" \par
"Thi- is --e B--ver, c--e -ack, who I---his?"  There \line was static and I tuned the frequency a notch. \par
"Firebase Beaver, this is Raven, do you copy?" \par
"Raven, this is Beaver, identify yourself." \par
"I am a downed pilot, come back Beaver." \par
"I'll have to take your word on that.  What is your \line location?  I'll have you verified." \par
"No Beaver.  Do you have a patrol thirty clicks east?  \line They have been captured by VC." \par
"Hold one Raven," he said as I waited a couple of \line minutes. \par
"Raven, this is Bloodhound, I'm a chopper pilot.\par
Can you verify what you say?" \par
"I am a downed Cobra Pilot.  I was escaping with South \line Vietnamese villagers." \par
"I have a map Raven, can you verify this map?" \par
"The hand written note reads.  These people saved my \line life, please help them to safety, Raven." \par
"That is a confirmation Raven.  Can you track the \line patrol?" \par
I quickly looked at Sian Moc and she smiled, hearing \line about the map, knowing they had made it. \par
"Damn it Bloodhound, you don't understand!  The VC are \line not taking them back they are shooting one every hour.  \line I need support now!  We have twenty minutes before the \line next American is slaughtered.  Do you have another \line patrol nearby?" \par
"Raven, this is Colonel Martin, give us your exact \line location and we'll have choppers there in one hour.  Do \line you copy?" \par
"Fuck an hour Colonel.  Can you get them here in \line fifteen minutes?" \par
"Give your location and hold your position Raven!" \par
"Thirty Clicks, due east, Raven out."  I switched the \line radio off.  I knew they couldn't get here in time. \par
I stood up, angry at their stupidity. \par
"No, no, no, no, please don't go, please, I love you," \line Sian Moc begged, holding onto my leg.  She knew what I \line was about to do. \par
I took her shoulder and tried pushing her away. \par
"Please, please, I love you," she continued saying, \line holding me tightly. \par
I pushed her hard, causing her to fall backwards.  "I \line have to, and you know I do," I said, wishing it weren't \line this way. \par
I picked up the AK-47 and felt a sharp pain, and reached \line for the second, but I couldn't bend.  Using the weapon \line as a crutch, I managed to pick up the second.  I could \line feel the blood oozing through the bandage, and down my \line side, cursing to myself, knowing I had begun bleeding \line again.  I walked, and with each step, it seemed as \line though it was a hundred meters.  My mind was racing, \line however I knew I was inching my way, each step a task \line in itself.  With each step bringing me nearer, I heard \line increasing sounds of laughter. \par
I stopped and rested against a tree, checking the clips \line and rounds in the magazines.  The magazine was full,\line  and I switched rifles and checked the second.  \line The full magazines were a prayer answered and I looked \line up slowly, thanking my maker.  Was he with me, I \line wondered, saying a silent prayer? \par
Without noticing, the pain had all but vanished, I felt \line content and relaxed.  I was filled with a fresh breath \line of life, and looked about my surroundings because there \line was stillness, as I had never felt.  I knew this was my \line last day, my last hour, and I was within my last \line minutes of my final mission.  I eased forward a few \line steps; the laughter and talking became the sounds of \line death.  Two more steps and I froze, seeing the Colonel \line pacing.  I knew it was a matter of seconds. \par
  Suddenly, I knew I was going to die, and numbness \line overcame me, knowing I had avenged my father's death.  \line For the second time I was one-on-one with my enemy.  I \line inched slowly and cautiously.  I was determined to get \line as close as possible and keeping my eye on the Colonel \line as I closed in.  My first round would be squeezed off \line the moment anyone touched a weapon.  Nothing else \line mattered, except ending his savagery.  In my peripheral \line vision, I could see the Colonel and the soldiers who \line were laughing, and I knew four or five would fall, \line before the remaining touched their weapons.  The quiet \line and stillness I felt earlier were replaced by the \line pounding of my heart and breathing.  I tried holding my \line breath, as any moment they would hear me breathing. \par
With nothing left but my soul, I walked into the camp, \line and was spotted by a VC who froze, as if he was \line paralyzed.  I quickened my steps and walked right up to \line them and open fired, spraying all that were around the \line fire.  As I saw some reach for their weapons, I opened \line up on them, with their own weapons I had stolen.  I \line knew the Colonel was without a weapon and no one was \line near to give him one.  I emptied one rifle and while \line firing with the other, I picked the closest weapon and \line released the safety, dropping the expelled weapon and \line continued firing, and when I had emptied that one, I \line picked up another releasing the safety. \par
I stood looking about the bodies feeling as a zombie, \line hearing moans of pain and seeing movement I walked to \line each and opened with a burst, until silence fell. \par
I turned to the colonel and walked up to him, and \line asked,  "Do you know Sian Moc, Lin Li, Shen, Loi, Komi, \line Yam Nah?" \par
"No, I don't know them." \par
"Yes you do, and you had better tell me the truth, do \line you know them?" \par
"Yes, but I be nice to them." \par
I pointed the rifle at his groin and pushed the barrel \line against his trousers, and pulled the trigger until it \line was empty.  I stood over him for a moment and quickly \line looked to my right.  Sian Moc was standing there not \line moving, but staring.  I raised my hand to her and she \line ran up throwing her arms around me.  After a moment, I \line walked over to the soldier on the left end, pulled my \line knife from my boot, cutting him loose, and continued \line until they each were cut free. \par
I turned, walked toward Sian Moc and fell to my knees \line as she rushed to me.  The pain, my sense of what \line happened, love, hate, and all of my emotions returned \line to me at once.  I felt a sense of shame at the way I had \line killed the Colonel.  I sat with my back against Sian Moc \line as she braced me.  I looked at all the soldiers as each of \line their silhouettes seemed distant visions that I \line recognized only by flashes of the fire.  Each faced me, \line seeming to fixate their eyes upon me, seeing a madman.  \line Each, one by one walked toward me, and as their faces \line became clear, I saw tears flowing down their faces as \line each knelt and touched my knee, thanking me.  \line However, the last one leaned over and hugged me. \par
"I was next, I owe you my life," he stated, as he \line cried. \par
I squeezed his arm.  "No you don't.  We owe our lives \line to each other.  I have no doubt that you have saved or \line will save another brother's life." \par
"Thank you," he said and walked to the others. \par
I turned my head looking at Sian Moc.  "All of your \line people made it," I said as we cried together.  \line   \line   \line   \line   \line   \par
}