Xuan-loc
1:00 p.m.
John looked around the hills and countryside of Xuan-loc and realized that most Americans had it wrong about Vietnam. Letters John received from his mother, sister and even Mary were filled with all sorts of tips on how to survive in the jungle. John had to smile at how much the three women in his life wanted to keep him safe even three thousand miles away. Yet, they were wrong. Vietnam was not completely filled with jungles. There were mountains, flat plains and green farmland. Sometimes, John had to admit that certain parts of Vietnam reminded him of Kansas in the summer, but unfortunately, that was as far as the comparison went. Looking behind him, John could see his unit of 12 men trudging down the road next to endless fields of rice patties. The sight was almost beautiful, John thought, if they had not been in a war it would have been worth to send a picture home to Mary. And their baby.
John still couldn't believe that he was going to be a father. The thought excited him completely and made him more determined than ever to go home. He wanted a son. He knew that Mary would tell him it didn't matter as long as the baby was healthy, but he wanted to have a son. He couldn't wait to take his son fishing and hunting. He wanted to teach his son how to play baseball and what to do when you fall madly in love with a beautiful girl. No, John Winchester did not want a daughter. He wouldn't know what to do with a girl besides protect her from guys like Dean. He loved Dean as a brother, but if a guy like Dean ever came near his daughter, he would not make it out the front door with his legs intact.
"Hey Winchester!" called out Dean, breaking John's train of thought. Keeping his eyes on the straight line in front of him, John didn't turn around, but heard Dean run to catch up with him. Panting Dean caught up with John. Glancing sideways, John saw that Dean was trying to catch his breath and catch John's eye. Marching on, John refused to acknowledge Dean. He was still pissed about Dean's remarks concerning Mary and their baby. Dean, knowing his friend well enough, usually left John alone until he calmed down, but this time, Dean looked as though he had to say something now.
"Look man," said Dean. "I know you hate me right now, but you've got to listen."
"Yeah," said John who kept walking and did not look at his friend.
"We need to get back to Saigon." said Dean, sounding shaky, "Xuan-loc is not a place we need to be."
The worry in Dean's voice made John stop and look at his friend. Dean was someone with no fear. He was always the first to enter a dangerous scene and always protected his friends from the danger they might face. Dean's eyes looked around skittishly and he seemed, to John's surprise, scared by the area. Dean's reaction was enough to make John stop and look around himself. He saw nothing. The day was clear and beautiful. He looked back at Dean and shook his head.
"Dean," replied John. "I think the heat is getting to you." "There is nothing here."
John started moving again; that's when Dean grabbed his arm and forced John to turn around and look at him. Now the entire unit stopped and stared at both men. John felt his blood boil again and pulled his arm from Dean's grasp. It was one thing for Dean to put Mary and the baby down, but it was another thing entirely for Dean to undermine John in front of his own men. Standing toe to toe with his old friend, John chose his words carefully. He wanted his men to understand who was boss.
"Listen up, solider." spat John inches from Dean's face. "We are going to complete our mission." "Do you understand?"
Dean surprised by his friend's attack, could do nothing but nod. Looking around, John asked the same question to the rest of his men. "Do you all understand?" The men nodded and avoided looking at their commanding officer. John was a good guy and a great leader, but he was not a man to be crossed. John nodded to all of them.
"Let's move out!"