Author's notes: Sorry to have left you hanging, but my uncle was diagnosed with cancer and then boom; a week later he was gone. The positive thing is that he didn't suffer. Anyway, it is now spring break and I'm stuck for the next three days with my 6 and 5 yr old nephews. Add that together with my 2, 7 yr olds and you have chaos. So, my hope is two or three new chapters before next Tuesday.

This chapter is a build up to some serious action; so let me know if you're ready for what is going to happen!

CSI CSI CSI

The USO show had packed their make-up, costumes, props and instruments and were ready for the flight. They had been instructed to be at the airfield by seven am, but it was now nine and there was no word on how much longer it would be. Several mechanics were examining the right propeller of the Caribou C-7 and would only answer the questions of the show's director with grunts and other non-committal responses.

They had quickly loaded their items and tried to make themselves comfortable. The door to the smaller plane had been opened to allow some fresh air to circulate. Several members of the combo were sitting in the open area to the rear of the plane playing cards. Occasionally shouts and laughter would explode from the players.

Stella eyed her younger friend, "I guess this is our introduction to the military; hurry up and wait."

Lindsay nodded, "I could have used the extra beauty sleep. I'm a little thankful that Bobby has been sent to rehab. I was feeling like I was meeting myself coming and going." Almost as an after thought she added, "He warned me about Danny. Said that he was a real smooth customer."

"Same think I could have told you. I was wondering how long you were going to try to keep up that kind of schedule." Stella admitted. "Why don't you close your eyes and try to get a little sleep?"

"I'll never be able to fall asleep with those guys cutting up back there. Besides, I'll get plenty of sleep tonight after we get back."

Just then, the sound of the engines starting caused the group to cheer. Minutes later the door was secured and the plane began to taxi its way down the runway. A slight bump was felt as the wheels left the tarmac.

Lindsay looked out the small window that was near her seat. Within minutes the countryside; rice paddies, heavily vegetated ridges and then the foothill of the small mountain range replaced the cityscape of DaNang. The plane continued to climb and soon leveled out.

They had been in the air for almost thirty minutes when the plane rocked slightly and the noise level dropped. Those who weren't napping started talking excitedly as they could feel the plane moving downward.

One of the musicians spoke up, "I think they've lost one of the engines." Several of the girls broke into tears at the news. "Don't worry, these planes can run on just one engine. They'll get us low and look for the first friendly spot to set down. These C-7's don't need much room to land. We'll be fine."

His words calmed the group slightly, but many of the girls were now talking in worried tones with one another. Lindsay tightened her seatbelt, her face grim. Glancing over at Stella she was surprised to see the woman's eyes closed and her lips moving silently.

"Are you alright Stella?"

Stella's eyes remained closed for a moment and when she opened them she turned to look at Lindsay. "I figured it might be a good time to remind God that I'm on his side. The nuns would be proud that I remembered all of my catechism."

"I didn't even think of that. Maybe I better put in a good word for us as well. Did the nuns happen to mention if God listened to Methodists?" Lindsay tried to joke, but her eyes remained serious.

"I think right now any God might help." Stella's face was pale.

CSI CSI CSI CSI

Their squads had been up since the break of dawn. They carefully removed the trip wires and claymores that had been part of their night perimeter. Danny and Sheldon worked together dismantling a section of it. "Careful with that claymore Doc, it goes off and we'll have to change your name to stubby."

"Don't worry Sarge, I've got soft hands. Besides, something happens to my fingers I'd never be able to play the piano again." Hawkes spoke seriously.

"You play the piano?" Danny sounded impressed.

"No, but I wouldn't get the chance to learn." He smiled broadly as he slid the mine into his pack.

"Funny, Doc, real funny. Come on, let's grab something to eat."

Flack had passed the word that breakfast would be cold and they needed to get on the trail. The communication they had received last night had indicated that reconnaissance had seen what might be a build up of Charlie eight miles to the North. They started off, the men on point watching for tripwires and other booby traps.

It was almost ten a.m. when Flack called for a halt. Pulling out his maps, he and Danny looked at the possible locations that the enemy might have chosen. Deciding on the route, they followed a dirt trail that doubled as the road. It wasn't long before the road narrowed into what could rightly be called a footpath.

Spreading their force out to avoid being bunched up on the trail, it was slow going. The forest canopy overhead gave a slightly claustrophobic feel to the path. They continued for sometime and it was with a sense of relief when they came to the edge of a large area that had been hit with a defoliant at one time or another. The remains of trees and plants made it look like an island of brown in the surrounding sea of green.

Flack motioned for the men to halt until the scouts could work their was around the still green edges looking for Charlie.

The drone of an airplane motor caused the men to pause and step back a little deeper into the shadows of the still healthy trees. Almost all eyes were skyward while they waited for the plane to come closer and allow them to identify which side it belonged to.

Being close, Danny turned to Flack. "Sounds close. This isn't a normal fly zone. Think Charlie knows we are here?"

Shaking his head, Flack answered. "Hell no. If Charlie knew we were here he would send out ground troops to engage us. Either he's supplying someone further in or it's one of ours."

Suddenly a plane appeared and they all recognized it as American. "Flying real low." Danny quipped.

"Yeah, slow too. Those C-7's normally have more air speed."

The plane was out of sight and no sooner had it disappeared, then the sound of gunfire and other weaponry from beyond the clearing was heard. A distinctive whine was heard that could only be one thing; the aircraft that had just flown over had been hit.

"Shit, I think Charlie is letting us know that he's here." Danny double-checked his weapon as an all clear was given from one of the Marines who had made it around to the other side.

"Sounds like he got the plane, I say we find him and engage and try to get to the plane and look for any survivors." Flack started across the ruined landscape. "I hate walking through this crap. You never know what they've sprayed on it. Can't be good for a person."

"Don't worry, I'm sure the Uncle Sam has our best interest at heart." Danny snorted. "Come on, lets make tracks."

CSI CSI CSI

The plane jolted when something hit it. Screams from the passengers erupted all around and the sound of the engine whining combined to make an unbearable combination. Both Lindsay and Stella tightened their seatbelts and then reached out to hold hands as the plane began to rapidly descend.

It seemed as if they continued on like that forever, when suddenly out the window, the tops of trees were seen. They could also hear the sound of the belly of the plane carving into them as they snapped off at the tops. One minute they were flying and then there was darkness.