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\viewkind4\uc1\pard\s3\li1080\sb100\sa100\b\f0\fs27 Fallen Angel\par
\pard\s4\li1080\sb100\sa100\fs24 Chapter 5\par
\pard\li1080\sb100\sa100\b0\line In the distance, we heard the choppers coming.  \line Lieutenant Graves radioed in that everything was okay \line and he would let off a flare so they could locate our \line position.  After landing, a platoon of men rushed into \line camp, making sure everything was secure. \par
"Raven, I'm Captain Holly, Bloodhound.  I spoke to you \line over the radio.  Are you ready to go?"  He asked, \line kneeling down beside me, speaking softly. \par
I rose to my knees and turned to Sian Moc, hugged and \line kissed her.  "We made it." \par
I turned, looking at bloodhound.  \ldblquote How many did he \line Murder?\rdblquote   I asked.\par
\ldblquote We recovered two bodies,\rdblquote  he replied.  I shook \line my head.\par
Everyone loaded in the choppers and we headed to the \line firebase.  My mind remained in disbelief that we \line wouldn't have to spend another night in the jungle.  I \line had my arm wrapped tightly around Sian Moc as I \line could only imagine what was in her mind. \par
The co-pilot handed me a headset and I put them on. \par
"I figure you'll be going home soon.  How does it feel?" \line Bloodhound asked. \par
"It hasn't sunk in yet Captain, and all I can think about \line now is a hot shower." \par
"I think we can arrange that.  I just spoke to Lieutenant \line Graves and he told me what happened.  Yeah, I think \line we can arranged a hot shower for you and the misses," \line he said, smiling. \par
Apparently, he had radioed ahead.  Just as soon as we \line stepped off the chopper, we were escorted to the \line shower.  I knew there were no hot showers in LZ's, but \line they must have boiled water and poured it in the small \line water tank that hung just above it.  I covered my wound \line with plastic and tape.  Sian Moc took her time, washing \line and rinsing me for nearly twenty minutes, and then her. \par
Fresh fatigues hung for each of us and after dressing, \line we walked out and Captain Holly was waiting. \par
"If you two will follow me I'll take you to the bunker \line where you'll be sleeping," he stated as we followed. \par
He led us into a bunker where there were two bunk \line beds, but the mattresses were laid on the floor making \line one larger bed. \par
"Lieutenants Pratt, Levy, Hartford and McMillan \line volunteered to let you have their bunker for the \line  night," he said, smiling and patting my shoulder. \par
"They don't have to do this Captain!"  I said, trying \line to bow out. \par
"Those are four mean son-of-a-bitches and I wouldn't \line argue with them," he said, making his point. \par
"I'll thank them in the morning," I said, shaking his \line hand. \par
"See you in the morning, Raven," he said, and walked \line out. \par
I removed my clothes, dropped to my knees, and \line turned lying on my back, stretching out. \par
"This feels so good.  Come here," I said looking up at \line Sian Moc. \par
She removed the loose fatigues they had provided and \line lay next to me.  I was exhausted and wanted to sleep \line but I had to perform one more duty. \par
"Come up here," I said, tugging on her. \par
Unsure of what I was doing she gave me a look while \line getting on her knees.  "Come here, put your legs over \line me, right here," I instructed, patting on my chest. \par
She straddled my chest while I smiled at her.  I began \line pushing her butt forward as her cunt moved to my \line mouth.  I began licking between her lips, flicking my \line tongue against her clit.  She looked at me smiling, and \line then leaned her head forward, bracing her upper body \line with her arms stretched forward above my head. \par
Her cunt moved in gyrations as she groaned and panted.  \line I continued licking and sucking her while she became \line vocal. \par
"Oh Brian, Brian, I love this so much.  Please don't stop. \par
It didn't take but two minutes and she was rocking hard \line on my face, having a wild orgasm.  Even after I knew \line she was over it, I continued until she fell over on her \line side, breathing heavily as I do when I come. \par
The following morning we were treated to hot C-Rations.  \line After that, we walked over to the Commanders bunker.  \line Sian Moc stood outside. \par
"Glad to have you back, Captain.  I'm Colonel Martin, \line commander of Firebase Beaver." \par
"Thank you Colonel.  It's great to be back." \par
"There's a chopper on its way to pick you up." \par
"What about the villagers Colonel, did all of them \line make it?" \par
"No, I'm sorry Captain," he stated, reluctantly.  I \line looked at him with concern and anticipation.  "But \line those that did make it were lucky we had a patrol in \line that area.  My men came upon a squad of VC that \line were escorting these villagers back to their village \line when we got in a firefight with them.  I lost one good \line man but we finally killed all of them.  My men turned \line the villagers loose but one of the old men was carrying \line a map with your note on it, so they were brought here \line and I sent them and the map to Saigon." \par
"Do you have a list of the names of the ones that made \line and do you know what happened to the ones that \line didn't?"  I asked as my heart began fluttering. \par
"There were two women and one of the old men that \line didn't make it.  They were shot by the VC because they \line wouldn't tell them where you were," he explained, \line handing me the list. \par
"Luc Bien, Tan Nai, Oh my god!  Lin Li!"  I gasp for a \line breath.  "Excuse me Colonel," I said rushing out of the \line bunker.  I ran around to the side and cried. \par
"What is the matter Brian?"  Sian Moc asked, rushing to \line me. \par
"Lin, Luc Bien and Tan Nai, those son of a bitches shot \line them because they wouldn't tell them where I was." \par
She put her arm around my waist and cried with me. \par
"I really wanted all of them to make it, but especially \line Lin," I said, continuing to cry. \par
"She knew that Brian, she loved you, she told me." \par
I turned, putting my arms around her.  After I had let \line it all out, I went back in to see the Colonel. \par
"I'm sorry Colonel, these people saved my life and I \line guess I got too close to them." \par
"I understand son.  Your family has been notified that \line you're no longer MIA.  You'll be leaving Saigon \line tomorrow and headed home," he stated.  I looked at \line him, surprised.  "I can't leave yet.  I need to make a \line couple of changes on the map and I have to go get \line someone I made a promise to." \par
"I sent the map to Military Intelligence." \par
"There are three targets on it that are not accurate. \line I have to make the changes.\rdblquote  \par
"I'll notify MI, and they'll probably send someone to \line Saigon tomorrow to meet you.  There's plenty of time \line Captain.  They won't make any decisions on that one for \line a few days anyway." \par
"Colonel, the Captains chopper is here."  A soldier \line said, standing at the door. \par
"Good.  Go home Captain.  After two tours, you've done \line all you can do.  There will be another chopper in this \line afternoon to pick up the Vietnamese girl." \par
"She goes with me Colonel!"  I stated firmly. \par
"Captain \'85  Hell, take her with you," he said, shaking \line his head.  "Good luck Captain." \par
"Thank you Sir," I said and walked out. \par
I walked out of the bunker and saw Sian Moc sitting on \line sandbags looking up at a soldier that was speaking to \line her.  I approached them and the soldier said, "Damn \line Captain, where did you find this gook?  I'd like to get \line me some of that ass.  You want to share her with me \line and some of the men?" \par
"No Private.  Sian Moc," I said, extending my hand to \line her.  She took it and we started walking to the \line chopper. \par
"Shan-mac, that's a nice name.  Too bad she doesn't \line speak American, I have a few things I want to tell \line  her!" \par
"She doesn't speak American!"  I stated, looking back \line at him.  "You don't speak American do you?"  I said \line turning at her. \par
"No, but I speak American English," she said, as we \line laughed together. \par
I helped her into the chopper and struggled getting in, \line and then buckled her up. \par
"Captain Hill, Raven!  I'm Captain Newark, and this is \line Lieutenant Craft.  It's great to have you back.  Your \line name is already a legend in the Cav Captain!"  The \line pilot shouted, so I could hear him. \par
"It's good to be back Captain!"  I replied, shaking his \line hand. \par
"Anywhere you want to go Captain.  I'm your chauffeur \line today." \par
"Saigon Hospital," I stated. \par
"Saigon hospital it is." \par
After lifting off, I looked back at the LZ, and then \line looked in the distance, toward the Da Fu River where I \line had spent the last five weeks.  I didn't want to see \line that river but one more time.  Sian Moc squeezed my \line hand.  I turned looking at her, knowing she was feeling \line the same as me.  I squeezed her hand, smiled and kissed \line her forehead. \par
For the next three hours, we didn't speak a word, but \line thought a million thoughts.  I wasn't ready to go home \line yet, nothing and no one could get me on the plane until \line Cal was on his way home too.  The only way that was \line going to happen was if I showed them where his body \line lay. \par
We landed on the helipad next to the hospital. I \line saluted Captain Newark saying thanks, and entered the \line hospital walking to the front desk. \par
"Do you have a group of villagers that were brought in \line a week ago?"  I ask. \par
"Yes, you will find most of them in the west wing, down \line the corridor all the way and turn right, Captain Hill," \line she said smiling. \par
I was about to ask her how she knew my name but \line didn't.  I propped my arm as we walked the distance.  \line I opened the door for her. \par
"SURPRISE!"  Everyone shouted.  I looked around \line seeing everyone from the village standing. \par
"Where the hell did they learn that English?"  I asked \line the nurse standing at the door. \par
"Most of them only know that one word.  We've been \line practicing on it all morning, Captain," she replied.  \line Sian Moc and I burst out laughing as she helped me to \line each of them, shaking hands and hugging, as best I \line could.  We spent most of two hours reminiscing, and \line enjoying our last time together.  Contributions were \line coming in from everywhere, paying for their new living \line quarters for a while and money to get them home \line when they were ready.  \par
I said my good-byes and Sian Moc helped me back to \line the front entrance of the hospital where my jeep awaited.  \line She was staying to get a check-up, and get back healthy \line from malnutrition, and to take care of Tan Nai. \par
"I wouldn't have made it without you," I said, looking \line into her eyes. \par
"You will always be in my heart," she replied, and \line began crying. \par
"Stop that or you'll get me to crying." \par
"Are you going back to get your friend before you go \line home?" \par
"Yes, I promised him I would." \par
"Will I see you again?" \par
I held silent for a moment and then answered, "No. \line When I get Cal's body, I'll be going directly home.  I \line have your aunts address and you have mine, and we \line promised we would write, right?" \par
"I promise, I will write to you." \par
"Oh, I forgot to ask something of Tan Nai.  I know she \line doesn't write so, would you give her an envelope with \line my address and put stamps on it.  Tell her to put marks \line on it if any of her sons make it home and send it to \line me.  I'd like to know." \par
"I will, I promise." \par
"Good bye Sian Moc.  You take care of yourself and the \line others," I said, leaning to kiss her. \par
Her eyes moistened.  "You take care of yourself too." \par
I turned to leave, placing my wrist over my drivers \line shoulder as he helped me out, holding the door.  We \line walked down the wheelchair ramp as I looked back one \line last time, seeing her standing at the door, looking \line through the glass. \par
I looked closely to read her lips because I couldn't \line hear her.  She was saying, "I love you, I Love you."  I \line smiled and continued walking. \par
The driver helped me in the jeep and drove me to the \line military hospital on the East side of Saigon where I \line would get a checkup.  After hours of exams and feeding \line nutrients intravenously, I was left alone.  Because the \line wound was too old and had begun healing, stitches were \line not recommended, but it remained tightly wrapped. \par
The following morning a Major Davis and Captain Willcocks \line visited me from Military Intelligence about the map.  I \line had awakened early in the morning and was anxious to \line leave.  After re-examining the map, I gave them the \line exact location. \par
"Are you sure this time Captain?  You say the first \line locations were inaccurate on the east side of the \line river, now you give us new locations and you say they \line are accurate this time.  What makes them right this \line time when they weren't the first time?"  He asked \line sarcastically. \par
"You stupid fuck.  Because I say, that's why.  Get the \line fuck out of here!" \par
"I'll remind you that you haven't been discharged, yet, \line CAPTAIN."  He said, with arrogance. \par
"Do I have to call my driver in here to run your ass's \line out?"  I said my driver because I couldn't think of \line anyone else.  "Military Intelligence, now that's a \line contradiction in itself," I commented, loud enough for \line them to hear me, after I had rolled over on my side \line away from them. \par
"We'll see you again Captain."  Major Davis said as he \line was walking out. \par
"Don't let the door hit you in the ass," I replied, \line angrily. \par
I think I spoke to them in that way to them because I \line had been lying in this bed for twelve hours or more.  \line This is driving me crazy, lying here and not able to do \line anything.  I need to get out of here. \par
I forced myself up on the edge of the bed and stood, \line walking to my locker.  I took my fatigues out and put \line them on.  I tried standing up straight to look like I \line was casually walking out like anybody else but I \line wouldn't know until I made it outside. \par
"Who are you driving for corporal?"  I said, walking up \line to the first jeep I saw with a driver. \par
"He jumped at attention, saying, " the Chief Medical \line Officer, Colonel Romford sir!" \par
"The Colonel won't mind if you take me to the 204th \line helipad.  Hurry up son, I can't wait all day," I said \line getting in the jeep. \par
"But sir \'85 \par
"How would you like to spend a week in the stockade for \line disobeying and order, corporal?" \par
"Yes sir, I mean no sir, I mean, ___ that was the 204th \line Helipad wasn't it sir?" \par
"Right!" \par
"He had me there in fifteen minutes. \par
"Don't forget to tell the Colonel, Captain Hill said \line thanks." \par
"Yes sir." \par
I walked over to the flight office of the 204th and \line entered, and then walked over to the operations desk. \par
"Do you have a Captain Newark in this outfit." \par
"Yes sir, but he's sacked out in back.  Not even the \line president himself could get him out of the sack now \line sir." \par
"Would you tell him that Raven needs a favor?" \par
"Raven?  Raven?  Are you Raven?  Yes sir Captain, I \line mean Raven," he replied, nervously, rushing to the \line back. \par
A minute later Captain Newark came out saying, \line "Damn Raven, ain't you suppose to be in the hospital?" \line He asked, rubbing his face. \par
"I need a favor Captain." \par
"Bigbird, everyone calls me Bigbird." \par
"Where the hell did you get a call sign like that?"  I \line asked laughing. \par
He rubbed his crotch.  "Oh."  I said, and dropped my \line smile. \par
"Anything for you Raven, watch ya need?" \par
"I need to get to Base Camp Dover, ASAP. \par
"Hey shit for brains, tell the chief to have my chopper \line ready in five minutes," he said to the orderly, \line continuing to massage his face. \par
We walked out toward the flight line. \par
"Here, let me help you," he said, seeing I was \line struggling.  I put my hand on his shoulder. \par
When we reached the chopper, he and his crewchief \line helped me in and I buckled up.  Bigbird looked at me \line shaking his head.  I smiled in return. \par
"You wanna tell me what's this is all about?" he asked. \par
"There's going to be some fireworks pretty soon and I \line have a buddy buried on the Da Fu River.  I promised I \line wouldn't leave him."  I explained. \par
He looked at me with an, I know what you mean \line expression, and nodded his head. \par
_______________________________________\line   \par
"We'll be setting down in twenty, Raven," Bigbird \line shouted, pointing to the right.  I nodded, motioning \line for a headset.  He handed me a pair of headsets with \line a mic-switch.  I put them on to have a little fun. \par
"Backlash this is Raven, copy," \par
"Go Raven.  Raven!  Where the hell are you?" \par
"Affirmative Backlash, in sector 1-8-7, I have a scrape \line on the grid, 1303, 2084, primary target, tower." \par
There was a hesitation. \par
"Backlash, this is Raven, copy that?" \par
"Hell no Raven!  That's us, Me!" \par
"Is that an abort Backlash?" \par
"Damn you Raven!  I was about to scramble an Assault \line Team." \par
"Ha, ha, ha, ha," I laughed in the mic. \par
"Is that really you Raven?" \par
"The one and only.  You tell that little shit, Barney, \line he better have me a couple of Buds on the pad when I \line set down in fifteen minutes.  You tell him word for \line word what I said." \par
"You have a shit for brains too, huh?"  Bigbird asked. \par
"Na, Burney's a great kid.  I just like to have a \line little fun with him.  I don't know how he does it but \line that little shit can get anything." \par
"Same here, Shit for brains can get anything too," he \line said, we laughed. \par
I knew I was taking a chance, but this would be my only \line opportunity to get Cal out, and I had to be there for the \line B-52 strike. \par
"A Coupla minutes Raven.  Damn, now all you need is a \line marching band."  Bigbird said, looking at the thirty or \line so men waiting at the pad." \par
We sat down and they all rushed up to me and started \line shaking my hand and patting me on the back.  They \line were killing me but I didn't say anything.  Bigbird saw \line this, climbed back, fended them off, and then helped \line me down.  It went quiet for a second as everyone \line stared. \par
"Beers on the house!"  I shouted and everyone started \line shouting, getting back to normal. \par
I saw Burney working his way through the crowd, \line holding two cans of Budwiser.  He walked up and \line handed one to me.  I handed it to Bigbird and kept \line the other. \par
"Budwiser!  That little shit 'can' get anything." \par
I walked to the colonel's office and Burney helped me \line up the step and in the door.  I hobbled toward him.  \line He looked, shaking his head, stood up and walked to \line me. \par
"Good to see you Son.  Come over here and sit down," \line he said helping me to a chair. \par
"Barney, go get the colonel a Bud." \par
He turned walking out. \par
"Raven, you know my policy on drinking.  Oh, what the \line hell."  He said shooing Barney who had stopped a \line second. \par
"Oh Barney, bring Mac back with you." \par
"Mac, hell, we don't need anyone to dictate," the \line Colonel stated.  I shooed Barney, who had stopped again. \par
"Damn son, you have been through a lot.  We're damn \line proud you made it back.  Aren't you suppose to be on \line your way back to the states?" he asked, as Burney and \line Mac walked in and handed the Colonel a Bud.  The \line Colonel looked at Mac, wondering what I wanted with \line him. \par
"Barney, have you got any kids?"  I asked. \par
"Yes sir, one, a son." \par
"How long have you been here?" \par
"Eight months sir." \par
"What are you going to do when you get out?" \par
"I'm staying in, sir." \par
"You have a son, you've been here eight months, \line you're staying in the army and you're only an E-3," I \line asked, but didn't get an answer.  "That's all, I was \line just wondering." \par
"Yes sir," he said and began walking out. \par
"Mac, cut some E-4 orders on Private Stabler and have \line them on my desk at 0800 for me to sign," the colonel \line stated.  I cocked my head, giving him a look.  "And \line remind me about him in another month." \par
"Yes sir," Mac answered, walking out. \par
The Colonel looked at me smiling.  "Anything else \line Raven?  I know you didn't come back here just to help \line Private Stabler." \par
"When is the strike going to take place?" \par
"The day after tomorrow, 1200 hours.  The only day \line predicted to have mostly clear skies for the next two \line weeks." \par
"I know the 23rd is going to do the sweep-up, I have to \line be there." \par
"I can't do that Raven, you're suppose to be on your \line way home."  He looked at his watch.  "As we speak." \par
"All I need is a Huey and one body bag, Cal is buried \line one kilometer up river from the target." \par
"Damn Raven.  There won't be nothing left within a \line kilometer of the target." \par
"I can't go home without him, I'll steal a chopper if I \line have to." \par
He swiveled his chair until his back was facing me, and \line held it there while he was thinking.  He then swiveled \line back around.  "First, we don't have a Huey." \par
"Barney!"  I shouted. \par
He came walking in.  "Yes sir," \par
"Go get Bigbird." \par
"Bigbird, Bigbird?  Who the hell is Bigbird?"  The \line colonel asked. \par
"The Medi-Vac Pilot who flew me here." \par
"Who the hell would want the call name, Bigbird?" \par
"I heard he's hanging fourteen inches, colonel." \par
"Really!  Damn," he said, squinching his face. \par
Moments later Barney came in with Bigbird. \par
"I have a feeling that I shouldn't be here," Bigbird \line said, grinning. \par
"I need a Medi-Vac chopper, the day after tomorrow, \line at1200 hours, at the Da Fu River," I stated. \par
"How many do you need," he asked, offering his full \line support, without question. \par
"Just one \'85\par
"One Medi-Vac and a couple more for a platoon of \line infantry.  You're not going in alone Raven, not without \line support.  The strike and our sweeper team may not get \line them all," the Colonel said, interrupting. \par
"Why not just give the location on the map and let a \line recovery team go in and get him?"  Bigbird asks. \par
"Because I'm the only one who knows exactly where he is \line buried, and I made him a promise." \par
"Good enough for me!  I know a guy in the 101st \line airborne that owes me.  What time do you want us here, \line Raven?" \par
"0900." \par
"Done!  Do you need a ride back?"  Bigbird asked. \par
"I'm staying here." \par
"I'm going to lose my command over this, but, if we get \line Cal's body, it'll be worth it," the Colonel stated. \par
I smiled, to thank him.  \line   \par
\pard\s4\li1080\sb100\sa100\b The Strike!\par
\pard\li1080\sb100\sa100\b0\line "Bigbird, have you ever seen a B-52 strike from the \line air?"  I asked, sitting in the back with his crewchief. \par
Lieutenant Craft was co-piloting.  Three more UH-1 \line choppers were following with volunteer Rangers from the \line 101st Airborne Division.  They were risking their necks \line to recover one soldier." \par
"Can't say that I have." \par
"It's awesome!  When we get five kilometers from the \line target, circle at 5000 feet.  It will last about ten \line minutes, the sweeper team will go in twenty minutes \line later when the smoke clears and clean up with rocket \line and mini-guns.  Then, they'll then give us, the all \line clear and we'll move in.  We'll set down in an \line abandoned village about one kilometer north of the \line target, and make our way to the river on foot." \par
"You able to make the walk?" \par
I held my cane up that Barney had gotten in some deal \line he had made the day before.  He looked, shaking his \line head, and smiled. \par
"Look, it's got a gold plated handle," I said, smiling. \par
"Bigbird, tell the other choppers to keep their eyes at \line eleven o'clock in about sixty seconds.  They'll see \line something they'll never forget. \par
We all watched as the first wave started exploding like \line a pack of five hundred pound firecrackers, \line approximately one hundred consecutively.  Large balls \line of mushroom clouds rose for the length of one mile, \line east to west across the river. \par
"Mother Fuck!"  Bigbird stated, in awe. \par
"They didn't get the ammo dump, damn!  Maybe the next \line wave," I said, in anticipation. \par
"Son-of-a-bitch, would you look at that!" he continued, \line seeing something that few have ever seen. \par
"Watch this!"  I said, expecting they second wave to \line start. \par
Moments later the second wave started, just as awesome \line as the first, then it happened. \par
"My god, look at that!  The whole side if that hill \line went up in a ball of fire and dust," Bigbird said, \line totally amazed. \par
"That was the cache of ammo, awesome isn't it?"  I \line asked, with my eyes focused on the destruction. \par
For over thirty seconds, the mushrooms bloomed, \line billowing clouds of fire and smoke rose until the bombs \line were spent, and then the clouds of smoke and dust began \line moving east by the wind. \par
Twenty minutes later, the teams of Cobras went in \line searching for life, only to snuff it out if it existed.  \line After a thorough search, we were cleared to go in.  The \line village one kilometer north was untouched, the strike \line was precise. \par
We sat down in the center of the village; blowing down \line two weak huts and the small shower caused from the wind \line of the rotors.  Quickly, the Rangers exited, scouring \line each hut, finding no signs of life and signaling, all \line clear.  The crewchief helped me down, and I leaned one \line my new cane, supporting myself as I began walking \line toward the river.  Three rangers remained, to guard the \line choppers as we walked the distance. \par
I stopped, looking at the small cubical, Lin and the \line others used to hide me.  I pulled the small camouflaged \line door away and peeked a last look.  No one asked, but \line knew this is where I had stayed.  We continued on, \line walking down the hill, working our way through the \line vegetation until we reached the river, where Lin had \line once jumped in. \par
"Right over there about ten meters," I said pointing. \par
Four of the Rangers walked that way until I said, \line "Stop, right there, now go up about twenty steps." \line They climbed, reaching where I said.  "Right there, \line rake the leaves and you'll see a mound." \par
"We found it!"  One of them shouted.  They each put a \line mask over their face and two began digging as the other \line two laid out the body bag. \par
They each held a corner strap, bringing it down and \line walked by me.  I stopped them, placing my hand on the \line bag. \par
"I told you I wouldn't leave you here," I said, tears \line flowing down my cheeks. \par
They loaded his body on the chopper and we headed back \line to Bien Hoe Air Base, where his body would be sent \line home. \par
When we had dropped his body at the central morgue, \line I asked to be taken to the hospital.  The conditions in \line Vietnam, because of the humidity, were of the worst \line condition for wounds to heal.  My side had opened up \line and I was bleeding.  I was taken to the military hospital \line where they attempted to stitch my wound.  I was \line ordered to stay in bed for two days so I could be given \line antibiotics to counter the infection. \par
Late that evening, I sneaked into the day room to call \line home, not having talked to my family, which expected \line me to be home now. \par
"Hill residence." \par
"Could I speak to Miss Hill?" \par
"Just a minute, I'll get her," she said, holding the \line phone while talking to someone.  "My mother said I was \line Miss Hill." \par
"Hi Karen." \par
"BRIAN!  Where are you?  You were supposed to be \line home today.  Momma, it's Brian!  Steven!  Steven!  \line Brian's on the phone.  Where are you Brian?" \par
"Slow down sweetie, I'm still in Nam, I've been delayed \line a few days, maybe a week." \par
"Stupid Army!" \par
"It's not their fault honey.  I had something to do before \line I came home." \par
"Here, Momma wants to talk to you.  I love you!" \par
"I love you too, put her on." \par
There was silence. \par
"Mother, are you crying?  Mother?" \par
"Why aren't you home?"  She asked, crying. \par
"Everything is fine, there was something I needed to \line take care of before I came home.  It's all taken care \line of now so it won't be long." \par
"How long is long?" \par
"Three, four, five days at the most." \par
"For god sake Brian, you have been over there for two \line years, isn't that enough?" \par
"Just a few more days mother." \par
It was silent for a moment.  I heard her whimpering.  \line "Carol was here today.  She wants you to give her \line another chance.  Brian, I know she means it.  She said \line she was sorry for not having patience.  Will you give \line her a call?" \par
I didn't know exactly what to say, or how to explain \line what I was feeling.  I had not held a grudge with \line Carol, because I understood that what I did was not \line normal.  However, I didn't have the same feelings of \line love as before.  This is the first time in years that I \line felt at peace, since Dads death. \par
"Brian ___ are you still there?" \par
"Mother, I fell in love with a girl while over here." \par
She hesitated, and then asked.  "Does she speak \line American?" \par
"No Mother, she doesn't speak American." \par
"What are you saying Son?" \par
"I'm saying that tomorrow I am going to see her, and \line ask her to marry me.  If she says yes, I'm going to \line marry her before I come home.  I know that you didn't \line raise me to think this way but I couldn't come home \line unless she was with me.  Please try to understand \line Mother.  I love her." \par
"What's her name?" \par
"Shawn Moc." \par
"I don't know Brian, your father." \par
"Well, either way I'll understand.  I love you and I'll \line be home soon.  I have to go now." \par
"Bye Brian, oh, Steven says bye." \par
"Tell him bye for me, bye mother." \par
"Bye." \par
My heart felt torn with two possible flaws in my life, \line one, Sian Moc may not marry me, two, if she did, mother \line and my family may never accept her. \par
I went back to bed and fell asleep.  I had a nightmare, \line not one pertaining to the war, but that I went looking \line for Sian Moc and couldn't fine her.  I searched \line everywhere, the hospitals, and her relatives and even \line began knocking door-to-door, searching in every house, \line never finding her.  I awakened several times with \line severe pain because I had tried turning over in my \line sleep.  The nurse would give me pain medication and \line I'd fall asleep. \par
The following day, again I was restless and needed to \line get out of bed.  I felt the antibiotics could work just \line as well if I was standing, and I had the bottle with \line me.  Also, I wasn't feeling pain because of the \line medication. \par
"Nurse, I can't lay here anymore.  I've got to get up \line and move around." \par
"Captain, the doctor gave you an order to stay in bed, \line don't even think about pulling that stunt you pulled in \line Saigon.  Yes, I heard about it," she explained, \line snickering. \par
"Go get the doctor." \par
"It won't do you any good." \par
"Go get the doctor!"  I said again, raising my voice. \par
She looked at me, shaking her head and walked away. \par
Minutes later she came back with the doctor walking \line beside her.  She had a smirky see I told you so grin on \line her face. \par
"What is it Captain?" \par
"Doc, I can't lay here anymore." \par
"Doctor or Major, but not Doc," he stated, establishing \line his authority. \par
"Doc, have the nurse bring my uniform to me," I said, \line establishing that I didn't give a damn. \par
He stammered for a moment, and then said, Nurse \line Chelsea, get the Captains uniform." \par
"Nurse Chelsea, bring my dress greens and some clean \line underwear too, don't forget the socks either," I said, \line giving her that same look. \par
"I'm releasing you temporarily for a few hours under \line one condition, no walking, I'll have an orderly bring \line you a wheelchair, agreed," he explained, trying to \line re-establish his authority. \par
"Agreed!"  I said, not wanting to strip him of all his \line dignity. \par
"Furthermore, you will be back in this bed at sundown." \par
"Agreed." \par
He began writing something down on a pad, and then \line handed it to me and said, "Pick these up at the \line pharmacy on your way out, for pain."  He then walked \line away. \par
"Thanks Doctor!"  I said as he continued walking.  He \line raised his hand and waved without looking back. \par
Soon, Nurse Chelsea returned with my uniform, and \line clean underwear, throwing them on the end of my bed. \par
"I need help changing." \par
"Fat chance!" \par
"Would you call the doctor back in," I said, implying I \line would use his authority. \par
I sat up, removing my gown from the front, exposing my \line nudity and tried reaching for my underwear that was out \line of reach.  Taking pity, she picked them up and moved in \line front of me, kneeling down, allowing me to put my feet \line in them, and then stealing a quick glance at my penis.  \line I chuckled. \par
"You didn't expect me not to look did you?"  She stated \line having a serious expression. \par
I slipped down off the bed smiling and she pulled them \line up, enough for me to finish before the orderly walked \line up pushing a wheelchair. \par
"Help the Captain with his uniform Sidney," she said to \line him. \par
He helped me as she said and then into the wheelchair. \par
"Where to Captain?"  Sidney asked. \par
I looked at Nurse Chelsea.  "Saigon Hospital, Sidney." \par
I knew when the medication wore off I would need \line something so I instructed Sidney to stop at the \line pharmacy.  I gave him my prescription, and then wheeled \line myself to an office where I saw a telephone. \par
 "204th." \par
"Let me speak to Bigbird." \par
"Sorry, he's not in." \par
"Okay, shit for brains, put him on." \par
"Raven!  Is that you, hold on a second." \par
A minute later he answered, "I'm holding a strait, what \line is it this time, you want me to fly you to Paris?" \par
"I'm in Bien Hoe, at the hospital.  I need a ride to \line Saigon.  Do you know anyone here?" \par
"Yeah, ole Doug Prague, a lieutenant with the 36th, he \line owes me.  How soon you need him?" \par
"I'm headed out to the helipad now." \par
"I'll see what I can do buddy." \par
"Captain Newark, if you ever get to Georgia look me \line  up." \par
"Captain Hill, you take care of yourself." \par
We waited about fifteen minutes on the pad, when a UH-1 \line Huey helicopter landed.  Sidney wheeled me to it. \par
"Saigon?"  The pilot asked. \par
I nodded and he pointed his thumb to the back.  We got \line in with the wheelchair and took off, and in a little \line over an hour we were landing at the hospital. \par
I asked the nurse at the station about Sian Moc and she \line said her room was 123, down the same corridor as I had \line been before, and then warned me to be quiet that she \line shared a room with others.  I was nervous as Sidney \line wheeled me down the corridor, not knowing what to \line expect.  The closer I got counting room numbers, the more \line nervous I had become.  Finally, I sat just outside her \line door and was afraid to knock.  \par
Sidney walked around me and knocked.  "That's all there \line is to it," he stated, with a grin. \par
Komi opened the door and screamed, "Brian!"  Turned and \line began speaking Vietnamese to the others, and then \line grabbed my wheelchair and rolled me in the room. \par
There she sat, on her bed in the corner, tears forming \line in her eyes as she looked at me.  I struggled getting \line up when Sidney helped me.  I walked to her and knelt \line before her, placing my hands on hers.  I stared for the \line longest, fearing the worst, and then picked up her \line hands and kissed them. \par
"I love you so much.  You are everything to me, and \line have been for the past two weeks.  I can't go home \line without you, I would be unhappy for the rest of my \line life.  Will you marry me?"  I asked as she turned her \line eyes from me, causing my heart to sink. \par
Komi walked over and knelt beside me, saying something \line to her.  She smiled and hugged her. \par
I watched, wondering what was said. \par
Sian Moc turned and looked at me saying, "Komi has \line accepted responsibility for Tan Nai.  Yes, I will marry \line you." \par
I leaned over and kissed her with tears forming in my \line eyes.  She looked at the other and spoke to them.  \line They all began laughing and clapping as each of them \line came to us, and showing enthusiasm in our decision.  \line Yam Nah and Komi went out and told all the others, \line and one by one they each came in congratulating us.  \line As before, the celebration went on for a while, but I \line knew the next step would be the biggest hurtle.  \line Getting a marriage license, a visa, security clearances, \line background checks etc. etc.  Who should I call? \par
\ldblquote 204th.\rdblquote  \par
"Let me speak to Bigbird.\rdblquote\par
"Ah come on Raven.  I can't this time.  He's right in \line the middle of." \par
"Planting that fourteen inches, get him on the line, \line shit for brains." \par
A few minutes later he answered, "Damn Raven, I was \line in the middle." \par
"I know a nurse Chelsea that you might be interested \line in," I said, catching his attention. \par
"What does she look like?" \par
"More importantly, is what she likes to look at," I said, \line knowing I had hit a home run. \par
"What is it, what do you want?" \par
"I want to get married." \par
"Here, in Vietnam, to a local, to that girl?" \par
"Yes." \par
"Forget it.  That will never happen my friend." \par
"Give me a name or a number." \par
"Robert Herring, US Consulate at the Embassy.  I'll \line make a couple more calls.  Now, can I get back to \line business?" \par
"By the way, her name is Dianne Chelsea, Medi-Vac \line hospital in Bien Hoe." \par
I called and was able to get an appointment in three \line hours, at 1400 hours. \par
 I gave Sidney $40.00 for he and the pilot to go to \line lunch or whatever and Sian Moc and I took a cab to the \line Loom Foo restaurant.  We ate fried chicken with a glass \line of wine and talked a while. \par
"Brian, you don't look too happy, is there something \line wrong?" \par
"Yes, the system.  It will take a miracle to get you into \line the states, much more than that for us to get married \line before I go home." \par
"I have never known love before you, and I feel I will \line never know it again.  For however long it takes, I will \line wait." \par
"Come on, let's go," I said, standing up with my cane. \par
"Where are we going?" \par
"To get a room."  She smiled. \par
We took a cab to the Saigon Royal, only it wasn't \line Royal, but it wasn't sleazy.  We entered the room and \line sat on the edge of the bed, holding hands. \par
"I don't know why I brought you here.  I'm not sure if \line I want to do anything, maybe I just want to be alone \line with you." \par
She moved to her knees in front of me.  "There is so \line much we can do," she said, undoing her top and \line letting it fall to the floor, and then stood, removing her \line bottoms.  I felt myself becoming hard looking at her.  \line She knelt again; placing her hands on my thighs, \line moving them up and began undoing my pants.  I \line started removing my coat; she stopped and helped me \line remove it and my tie.  I fell back, unbuttoning my shirt \line while she unzipped my pants, removed them and my \line shoes.  My prick was so hard it was busting through the \line opening in my underwear. \par
She opened my fly letting my prick out all the way and \line began stroking it while I closed my eyes and lavished \line in what she was doing.  Each stroke of her hand brought \line pleasure that bathed my body and senses. \par
"Ooh," I said, tensing up, surprised by the warmth of \line her lips.  I felt her tongue licking about the head as \line if it were searching.  My eyes remained closed as her \line tongue began slithering its length, flooding my mind \line with erotic thoughts of past pleasures.  She began \line stroking again as her lips followed, reaching new \line depths of her throat with each stroke.  The pace \line quickened and my body reacted with short pushes from \line my hips, faster and faster she moved, beginning within \line me the tingling sensation that would end only with \line complete satisfaction.  My hips continued lunging \line against each stroke as I was nearing that moment, \line wanting it more, faster, harder, and then I erupted, \line numbing my mind and body as if morphine flowed in \line my blood to every nerve.  The slight pain in my side \line suddenly vanished as she continued her strokes, \line draining me of fluid and strength.  Then, slowly the \line feelings and awareness returned to me as the sensation \line subsided, my mind began clearing bringing me back \line with each second until I lay satisfied. \par
"Come here, I need your pussy in my mouth, hurry," I \line said, tugging on her. \par
She quickly climbed over me, placing her knees on \line either side of my face.  I clutched my hands to her \line hips, forcing her pussy onto my mouth and then dug my \line tongue deep into her.  Her hair fell to my forehead as \line her back arched and her head swayed in pleasure.  I \line moved my hands under her and pulled her pussy lips \line apart and lapped her juices onto her clit, and prodded \line it with the tip of my tongue bringing purrs of \line enjoyment.  Suddenly, her body began to quiver and \line became tense and her juices flowed onto my face and ran \line down the side to my neck.  Her breathing was now \line erratic and she began humping my mouth, begging my \line tongue to massage her.  I pressed it hard against her \line flesh bringing loud purrs from her mouth and then her \line body quaked. \par
"Ah, ah, ooh, oh Brian yes, yes, what you do to me, it \line is so good," she whispered as her quaking body began to \line settle, and then more and more calmly slowed until it \line stopped. \par
She tried rolling off of me but I held her pussy to my \line mouth, slowly licking her juices as it continued \line flowing. \par
"Brian, please stop, you may hurt your side," she said \line pulling off of me. \par
"I'm okay." \par
"No, I can see the pain in your face, I have hurt you." \par
"How can you see it?" \par
"I see it.  Do you have any medicine?" \par
 "Look in my coat pocket," I said, thinking I had been \line hiding it.  The truth is, my side was killing me. \par
She brought me a couple of them with a glass of water. \par
"Brian, you showed me something new about making \line love, and I love it so much, but I do not want to do it \line until you get well.  I go crazy when you do that to me. \par
"Spoil sport!" \par
"What is spoil sport?" \par
"You want to take all of my fun away." \par
"No, no, don't say that.  You will be my husband and I \line will love you and take care of you all of my life." \par
"Barefoot and pregnant." \par
"What does that mean?" \par
"Just a joke.  I love you." \par
"I love you too, so very much, she replied, hugging me. \par
"Help me into the bathroom, I need to wash and get \line dressed." \par
At 1400 hours, we were walking into the office, in the \line Embassy. \par
"May I help you Captain?"  The secretary asked. \par
"I'm Captain Hill, I have an appointment with Robert \line Herring." \par
"Go right in Captain," she said as I smiled. \par
"Captain Hill, I've done a background on you since we \line spoke and I must say I'm happy to meet you.  I know of \line your heroics and as Chief Consul, thank you. \par
"Thank you sir, but I'm here to get a visa for my \line fianc\'e9." \par
"Captain, I wish I could help, but the truth is, there \line is a process and even I don't have the authority to \line override it," he explained, and began looking at Sian \line Moc in an odd way. \par
"Sir, is there anyone I could see that may be able to \line expedite this?"  I asked as he continued looking at \line her. \par
"Young lady, do I know you?" \par
"Yes sir.  I worked here in the embassy for two years.  \line My name is Sian Moc." \par
"That's right.  I remember now.  You were always so \line vibrant and cheerful.  Where have you been?" \par
"I went to visit my family in Loc Ninh," she answered, \line but not offering anything else. \par
"Well, I see one of our soldiers finally grabbed you. \line I know plenty of them tried when you were here.  Did \line you get to finish college?" \par
"No, I had other things happening that wouldn't allow \line me to continue." \par
"Well, maybe now you can." \par
"Sir, General Thornton is on the secure phone," his \line secretary said, over the speaker. \par
"Would you please excuse me for one second," he said, \line picking up the phone and turning his chair around.  \line "Yes General.  Yes sir.  I understand sir.  I will be \line more than happy to General."  He slowly turned to us \line and said, "It seems you have friends Captain," he said, \line writing on a notepad.  "Take this to the visa office on \line the third floor and you will be taken care of," he said \line with a smile. \par
"Thank you Mr. Herring.  Thank you very much," I said \line as we stood to leave. \par
"Oh, young lady, your exit visa will be waiting for you \line at the Vietnamese Immigration Office." \par
"Thank you Mr. Herring," she said, smiling and \line squeezing my arm. \par
Within an hour, we had secured both visas.  We then \line took a cab back to the hospital, and saw the helicopter \line on the pad with no one in it.  As we walked in, we \line found them sleeping in chairs in the lobby. \par
"I have to ask you two things now Sian Moc." \par
"What is that Brian?" \par
"First, would it be proper if I just called you Sian, \line without the Moc?" \par
"Yes.  Would you want me to call you Brian Hill all of \line your life?"  She giggled. \par
"And, do you have anyone you need to see or say \line good-bye to before we leave?" \par
"My relatives are many, so many.  When we get to your \line home, I will sit down and write all of them.  They will \line be happy for me." \par
"Are you guys ready to go?"  I asked, shaking them. \par
"Captain, get back in the wheelchair.  You're going to \line get my ass in hot water," Sidney said, jumping up, \line pushing the chair in front of me. \par
We were at the hospital in Bien Hoe in a little over an \line hour.  I set up a date with Nurse Chelsea and Bigbird.  \line In exchange, Nurse Chelsea provided Sian and I with a \line private room for the night.  Bigbird made another call \line and had arranged for Sian to sit next to me on a \line military transport.  We were set to leave at 1030 hours \line in the morning.\par
____________________________________ \par
Because of the time change, we arrived in Oakland the \line same day, but later in the evening.  Sian had to spend \line the night with Air Force Wacs while I stayed in the \line mens dorm.  The next morning, I rushed through \line processing and Sian was checked through immigration, \line and by 1100 hours, I was a civilian and she was \line cleared.  My flight home was paid by the military but I \line had to purchase a ticket for Sian. \par
Mother, Steven and Karen were going to pick us up at \line the airport.  I just knew it wasn't going to work out.  \line Our roots were so entrenched in our ethnicity; it would \line take a similar situation as mine to change their minds.  \line I had explained to her on the flight home that how she \line and the others were not accepted by the Vietnamese \line people, she might expect some of the same here, only \line we would share the pain together. \par
When we came out of the terminal, there stood \line Mother, Steven and Karen.  Karen rushed to me and \line threw herself into my arms, all the while looking at Sian.  \line Mother and Steven approached us and I hugged her \line while she cried, and then I shook Stevens hand and we \line hugged. \par
Everyone stood silent for a moment until Mother said, \line "Brian, tell her that we are glad to meet her." \par
"Yeah, tell her that I think she has beautiful hair and \line she is very pretty," Karen added. \par
"Tell her that I think she is very pretty too," Steven \line also added. \par
"Sian, my mother says to tell you that she is glad to \line meet you.  Karen says that you have beautiful hair and \line you are very pretty.  Steven says he thinks you are \line pretty," I said smiling. \par
"Tell your mother that I am so glad to meet her too. \line Explain to Karen that I also think she is very \line beautiful, and to Steven, I think he is very handsome." \par
They each looked at her and then to me for an \line explanation. \par
"You asked me if she spoke American.  Well, she speaks \line American English," I said, looking at mother. \par
Mother began laughing, went up to Sian, and hugged \line her saying, "Welcome, you call me Mother or Mom, \line whichever." \par
"Brian, how do you pronounce her name?"  Steven \line asked. \par
"Shawn.  Her name is Shawn Moc, soon to be Shawn \line Moc Hill." \par
"I thought you two were getting married before you \line came home."  Mother said. \par
"Red Tape Mom." \par
"Good, we can have a big wedding with all of our \line friends." \par
"Yeah, and I could be a brides maid," Karen \line interjected. \par
Everyone was wonderful, making Sian laugh and feel \line welcome.  Steven drove us home and just as Mothers \line do, she and Karen took Sian to Sears, JC Penny's, and \line a few other stores to buy her who knows how many \line outfits.  I had never seen her in anything other than \line the black silks she always wore, and one time in fatigues. \par
I was worried about Sian being tired because of the \line trip as Steven and I talked for hours until they finally \line arrived at 10:30 pm.  \par
"Mother, do you know what time it is?\rdblquote   I stood looking at \line Sian, wearing a sexy black dress that was so tight it \line looked as if she was poured into it.  It came about \line five inches above her knees and her hair and face were \line so beautiful. \par
"Well, what do you have to say?"  Mother asked, looking \line at me. \par
"I'm looking at the most beautiful woman in the world," \line I said, walking over and kissing her. \par
Steven and Karen carried all that they had bought to \line one of the rooms downstairs.  Karen moved her things \line upstairs to the empty room. \par
"Are you tired?"  I asked her. \par
"I am very tired." \par
"Come on, I'll run you some bath water." \par
She followed me to the bathroom and I turned the water \line on to let it fill.  She stood looking at it for a \line minute. \par
"Is there a problem?" \par
"I have never taken a bath in one of these." \par
"Really, you must be an ole country girl," I said, \line teasingly, and then showed her how to adjust the water \line to suit her.  I pulled her out a clean towel and a bar \line of mother's soap, shampoo, and cream rinse, instructing \line her in what order to use them. \par
"Brian, this house is so beautiful and everything is so \line nice," she stated, removing her dress. \par
"It won't be long and you will have your own house." \par
"Like this one?"  She asked, excitedly. \par
"I'll let you pick out the one you like and it will be \line yours," I stated as she threw her arms around me, \line wearing only bikini panties and a bra. \par
"Sian, you look and feel so sexy." \par
"How is that?" she asked, with a question on her face. \par
"You know, when I look at you wearing that, I get all \line goofy inside." \par
"Then I will wear this all the time." \par
I laughed and hugged her. \par
I walked back into the kitchen to get a cup of coffee \line and mother was sitting at the table drinking a cup.  \line She looked at me as if she wanted to say something but \line held back.  I poured a cup and sat down with her. \par
"Mother, you have this look about you that tells me you \line want to talk about something, so spit it out," I said \line teasing her. \par
"Brian, tonight, when we were in JC Penny's, Sian \line wouldn't let me help her try on any of the clothes.  I \line thought maybe she didn't feel suited to American \line clothing.  So I let her alone thinking she just wanted \line to change alone and I gave her a few outfits to try on. \line She'd come out after each change and then this one \line time she came out showing off this very sexy dress.  It \line was pure silk and it revealed more than I think she \line wanted it to.  I didn't say anything because I didn't \line want to embarrass or hurt her." \par
"Mom, that was very sweet of you, and I may as well \line explain to you.  She spent most of her life in Saigon, \line going to school, graduated, started college and got a \line job at the American Embassy.  She and one of her \line relatives took a bus home to see their parents in Loc \line Ninh near the Cambodian border and her bus was \line captured by the VC and they took her to a small village \line not too far from their camp.  They had taken other \line young girls there also, used, and abused them as slaves, \line torturing and even killed some.  This went on for two \line years with Sian.  I crashed not far from their village and \line they took care of me.  The whole village shared in \line helping me.  I rescued most of them from that life and \line during the process, I fell in love with her."  I explained, \line as she cried. \par
"I know I shouldn't think this way but I hope they get \line their due punishment," she said, while wiping her \line tears. \par
"Mother, I assure you they received the first \line installment of that punishment a few days ago," I \line replied, feeling a sense of satisfaction. \par
"Good!" \par
"I had better check on her, she may be drowning," I \line said, and chuckled. \par
I walked in the bathroom and her hair was full of \line shampoo, with about a third of the bottle used.  I \line knelt down and helped her wash it. \par
"You put too much shampoo on your hair." \par
"I have washed it five times." \par
"Oh__ why?" \par
"Because I want to be clean for you," She said, seeming \line nervous. \par
"Sian, you can wash the dirt out, but you can't wash \line the war out.  Look at me, ___ I love you, and no matter \line how many times you wash, well, it won't remove what is \line in here," I stated, placing my hand on her chest.  "I \line have many things I want to forget too, but it will take \line time.  Do you trust me?" \par
"You know I do," she answered, holding back tears. \par
"Then don't try washing what's under the skin, let it \line fade away." \par
"Okay." \par
"Now, lets rinse the shampoo out of your hair and I'll \line show you how much cream rinse to use." \par
I took a shower after she finished and went into the \line bedroom where she was sitting on the bed's edge, \line hands spread on the bed and slightly bouncing.  She was \line wearing a pink, full-length terry cloth robe, opened at the \line bottom, exposing her beautiful legs.  With a smile, she \line was obviously enjoying herself, thinking how \line wonderful everything is and how she hoped it would \line be, maybe thinking she finally had new roots. \par
As I walked around the bed, her eyes followed me, \line continuing to smile.  A sudden thought of having \line children came to mind.  I wasn't naive, because of \line knowing what had happened to her.  I knew in the \line back of my mind that she probably couldn't have \line children because of what they had done to her.  \line However, maybe when I take her to get a check-up, \line we could know for sure.  I knew we had to discuss it, \line but was tonight the best time.  I sat on my side of the \line bed and she had turned facing me, continuing to \line smile. \par
"Sian, we need to talk about something," I said, \line changing her expression.  "No, no, no, keep smiling. \line It's just something we need to talk about, now that \line we're here and things will be getting back to normal." \par
"Okay, what is it?" \par
"I am going to be very understanding about this, so \line don't get upset, okay.  Is it possible for you to get \line pregnant?" \par
"I don't know." \par
"We need to consider this if we are going to have sex \line fifty times a day," I said, smiling. \par
"Is that all?"  She teased. \par
"I'll have mother set you up with an appointment to see \line the doctor to get a checkup." \par
"I would like us to have children." \par
"Good, that's settled."\par
She moved herself to the center of the bed and flopped \line back, with her arms behind her head.  Her waist length \line hair flung wildly over the spread.  With a smile and a \line teasing look, she asked, \ldblquote Brian, will you tickle me?\rdblquote\par
I stood at the side of the bed and gazed down at her, \line my eyes roamed her full length.  She loosened \line her robe, opening it, and slipped her body out.  I placed \line one knee on the bed and her legs parted, revealing her \line moistened cunt lips.\par
I discarded my robe and leaned forward placing my \line hands on her thighs, caressing them. I leaned further, \line placing my lips to her thighs and kissed, sliding my \line tongue around her mound, kissing every inch or so.  \line She began purring as her body squirmed under my lips.\par
Her legs parted further, inviting me into her.  I slid my \line tongue into her moist lips, and began licking inside, \line searching her opening, and burying my tongue deep \line into her. With every movement of my tongue, her hips \line pressed against me, begging for more.  I placed my lips over \line her tiny clit and began sucking, causing her body to \line shudder.\par
\ldblquote Oh Brian, Brian, that feels so wonderful,\rdblquote  she murmured.\par
Suddenly, her body rose, and then began twisting, \line and squirming, finally stiffening.\par
Umm, she moaned over and again until her body fell relaxed.\par
Two days following, Sian and I flew to Daton, Illinois \line to attend Cal's military funeral, where he receive full \line Military Honors.  I rented a car and drove directly to \line the funeral home to see his casket, along with his wife \line and family.  It was a closed casket for obvious reasons. \par
We entered the viewing room and saw Cynthia seated \line on a couch, holding Bridget, her eyes were red from \line crying.  Her parents and his were sitting around her, \line consoling one another.  Fifty others filled the room in \line small groups, talking. \par
We had never met but as I approached, her face lit up \line with surprise.  She handed Bridget to her mother and \line stood, rushing to me and throwing her arms around \line me. \par
"Oh god Brian, thank you so much, thank you," she \line said, holding me tightly, bawling. \par
His parents and hers came to me, hugging and shaking \line my hand.  We cried together and I picked Bridget up \line and walked over to his casket as Cynthia stood beside \line me. \par
"Bridget, someday you might want to know a few things \line about your father.  You tell your mother to give me a \line call and I'll tell both of you some things about him," \line I said, actually speaking to Cynthia. \par
Cynthia handed me a picture with Cal and I together, \line standing next to our chopper.  I smiled at Cynthia, \line knowing this is how she recognized me.  We stood a \line few moments longer as thought about all the good \line times we had together. \par
After the funeral, Sian and I were invited to spend the \line night and we accepted.  The following morning we \line drove around the city and countryside fore a couple of \line hours before taking the flight home.  Sian was in awe \line of the scenery and how nice everyone was. \par
Three days before our wedding, we had nearly sixty \line people over to the house.  Originally, it was to be a \line bachelor party but I didn't want that, preferring just \line a potluck party.  I had even invited Carol, if she \line wanted to come and she accepted.  Some of our \line relatives, along with old high school and college \line friends were there.  A few of our neighbors were \line invited also.  Sian was the center attraction, looking \line sexy and gorgeous, and was holding her own in \line conversation. \par
I noticed Carol standing alone in the kitchen, and \line thought maybe it wasn't such a good idea to have \line invited her, knowing everything she had said to \line mother. \par
"Who is that pretty girl, standing alone in the \line kitchen?"  Sian whispered. \par
"Carol, I was going to marry her at one time." \par
Sian walked in the kitchen and began speaking to her.  \line Seconds later, they both laughed.  I smiled and went \line about talking with everyone.  Each time I looked for \line her, she was talking with Carol.  Nick and Walter had \line brought Barbeque grills and were out back, so I went \line out to check on them, taking each a Bud. \par
"Brian, two Army officers are at the front door, I \line invited them in," Mother said, standing at the glass \line door. \par
"See that they get something to eat and drink Mother, I'll be \line there in a minute," I said.  I was talking with Walter, \line telling him how glad I was to be home. \par
"They probably want you to go back over there.  Do you \line want to hide over there and we'll say we haven't seen \line you?"  Everyone burst out laughing. \par
"Na, there's no telling what they want, I better go \line see," I said pinching a piece of chicken and chewing \line it. \par
I went in and they were rejecting offers of food and \line drink. \par
"Can I help you?"  I asked. \par
"Captain Hill?" \par
"Not any more, it's Brian Hill."  I said with a smile. \par
"Mr. Hill, I'm Colonel Pryer." \par
"Do we need to talk in private?"  I interrupted. \par
"No, I don't think so.  I'm Colonel Pryer and this \line Colonel Staffley.  We have been assigned the honor of \line presenting this official invitation from The President \line of the United States.  You and your family are invited \line to be guests in the White House on 26 February of this \line month.  The following day on 27 February, the President \line will present you with The Congressional Medal Of Honor.  \line It truly is our privilege to deliver this invitation.  \line Any question that you may have that pertains to this \line should be answered in this invitation.\rdblquote\par
I quickly looked through the letter in disbelief, and \line looked at each of them.  \ldblquote Please stay and have something \line to drink and eat.\rdblquote\par
We'll have to beg out and leave you to your guests, and \line again, it is an honor to have met you." \par
"Thank you Colonel Pryer, Colonel Staffley," I said, \line walking them to the door. \par
Just as I closed the door, everyone began shouting, \line congratulating me.  Shaking hands and hugging went \line on for thirty minutes as I controlled my emotions.  \line When the dust had settled I went to my room and \line cried, not for the medal, but for those that died for \line me. \par
"May I come in?"  Carol asked, poking her head \line through the door. \par
"Come in," I said wiping my eyes. \par
"That made me cry too." \par
"I'm crying because people close to me sacrificed their \line lives that I could live, and I am getting the medal \line they deserve." \par
"Why don't you accept the medal in their honor?" \par
"I am." \par
\ldblquote She is so wonderful Brian.  I just knew I wasn\rquote t going \line to like her but after meeting her, well, she has everything.  \line Will you tell me about her sometime?\rdblquote\par
\ldblquote She is an amazing woman,\rdblquote  I said, thinking to myself.\par
"Brian, I want you to remember something for the rest \line of your life.  That you are going to marry someone that \line is so wonderful.  I have never met a more perfect \line person.  She deserves you more than I do.  However, I \line also want you to remember that I will be jealous for \line the rest of my life. \par
"That is so sweet of you to say.  You were my first \line love and I will remember that all my life too," I said, \line and we kissed. \par
Three days later, Sian and I were married, that same \line month I was given the Medal of Honor.  Officially, on \line record are those names to which I accepted that award. \par
The End \line  \line   \par
\pard\s4\li1080\sb100\sa100\b Epilogue---\par
\pard\li1080\sb100\sa100\b0\line Sian and I have been married for thirty-five years.  Our \line two sons, Keith, 31 and Terry, 28, named after two of \line the soldiers that I saw die that day, are graduates of \line West Point.  Our two daughters, Lin 29, and Tae, 26, \line are graduates of Georgia Tech.  Sian graduated with \line honors from Georgia Tech and taught elementary \line school math for fifteen years.  She and I have made \line the trek back to Vietnam every year since 1977, \line enjoying a reunion with all that survived the escape.  \line Some which have passed on.  By the way, two of Tae \line Thu's three sons returned home and they are still \line farming a large rice paddy.\par
\b Authors Note:  \b0 Please, everyone take a minute and send me your comment.\line\par
}