For Alexzandra and Zeke Anderson growing un was not at all what it was like like for most. When Zeke was born his father ran off with a night club "dancer". Then ten years latter came back to see his child. Then nine month latter on May the second 1950 she had Alex. With in two week their father was gone again. Their mother was unable to care for two children. She ended up giving them up to the state. They went all over Idaho from orphanage to orphanage no one wanted them, they were kind of a two of one deal. If you wanted Alex you got Zeke and the other way around. When Alex truned a year old she still had no name. Her mother had not given her a name before she gave them up to state. So Zeke named her on her first birthday. Zeke to her one night ' I can't give you a home or anything great but I can give you a name. I am going to call you Alexzandra May Anderson. Alexzandra because I know you will be as strong as Alexander the Great; May, well you were born in May, and Anderson because well that is just your name.'

Just as Zeke said this the head of the orphanage came in and Zeke realized that he was not allowed to be out of bed after lights out.

'what are you doing here Zeke?' she said with her usual sturness.

'I was, well I hear Alex cry and-'

'so she has a name does she?'

'yes mane, she does'

'well Zeke I will take care of Alex from here on out'

'yes mane'

'you may go back to bed now'

'yes'

The next few years were the same. Till they were sent to live in a orphanage with nuns. It was like a boarding for operands. When they got to Saint Marry orphanage Zeke still refused to let Alex out of his sight for fear that something might happen to her. By not Alex was a five and Zeke was fifteenth. He never had much friends growing up probity because he was always with Alex. When Zeke was eighteen he was able to leave Saint Marrys. He took Alex with him and for a hole year they went all over looking for their father. When a year was up Zeke took Alex back to Saint Merrys because he didn't have the money to care for a nine year old. When he took her back, before he left he said 'Alex I will come back for you, I promises.'

'when Zeke,I want to come with you' said Alex

' Al you can't. but when you turn fifteen I will come back and get you'

'what happens if I get adopted

So Zeke left.Six years latter, Alex was in a class one day when she was called down to the headmasters office. There was a lady looking to adopt her. When the headmaster told her that she was to be adopted. Alex was not to thrilled at all. The headmaster asked Alex to leave then asked Mrs.Ryan ' so what do you think of Alex? She is fifteen like you asked and i very tough and can take care of herself'.

'well she is very nice and I would love to have her, but I live in Chagio and it is right in the city and she needs to be tough' replied Mrs. Ryan

'Alex i plenty tough, trust me she gets strapped every day for shooting of her mouth, we will be happy to have her leave'.

'well in that case if she can take care of herself then I will take her'.

When Alex came back in Mrs. Ryan told her to get her stuff together and that they are leaving in the morning. When they got to Chagio Mrs. Ryan gave Alex some money to

go shopping, for new cloth. When Alex got back to the apartment she saw the biggest apartment she had ever seen. In the kitchen it had a stained oak cabinets and hard wood floor. The counters were granted, and eveything was so clean. The next room was the living room. It had hard wood floor too, with a light white-pink wall paper. And the funtiner was matching; not like that orphanage where very thing was a mess; the funtiner was a pink-gray color. Then came the upstairs where there was a television room, the walls were a powder blue, and the sofia was whits and the two chairs were white as well. Then there was Alexs new room. The walls were white ( for Alex to pick and color) and it had a double bed and a bathroom all to herself. ' this is your room' said Mrs. Ryan.' you can go and get the color, what ever you want, and you can paint it if you want, and you can put your cloths over there in the closet.'

'thanks; um I was wounding if um if I could um go out to night?'

'yes, of corse'

'thanks, I will be down for supper in a minute

'ok' said Mrs. Ryan

When school started up Alex was in the tenth grade. Alex didn't really fit in with the other kids. On her sixteenth birthday she got a mustang G.T Boss. She loved that car and her friends all loved it. Her friends weren't like most, they weren't over achievers or smart or even that cool. They were the kids that stole cars and had there noise into everything. And Alex was just like them. Well Alex was messing up her life. Zeke was making the most of his. He met a girl names Marry. Marry and Zeke got married and had a little girl, Katie. When Katie was one Zeke enlisted. The year was 1966. In 1968 Alex was eighteen years old. Alex was moving out of her adopted families house. She got an apartment in Chagio. And started stealing cars for a living. One night she just could not take it any more and caught off all of her long- jet black hair and enlisted in the morning. She went in as Alexander Anderson. When Alex was in basic training she excelled over ever one els. Alex was in the army for a year, she was at one of the major baes on General Westmolorins staff. But her and General Higgens had a little miss understanding and well one thing lead to another and things were said that maybe should not have been. To make a long story story she was sent to base Ladybird. And was striped of her sergeant stripes. Ladybird was a very small base and where most people were sent when they mouthed off to the officers. She was a platoon sergeant, she was sticking up for her men and then they sent her to Ladybird. She was placed in Bravo company Ladybird. In her platoon was. Private Marcus Taylor (Taylor), Private Marvin Johnston (Johnston), Corporal Daniel "Danny" Percell (Percell), Private Scott Baker (Baker), Private Roger Horn (Horn), and Private Alberto Ruiz (Roo or Ruiz). Marcus Taylor was from Detroit and got caught stealing cars and had to enlist (black; this is not saying that he is bad cause he is black, this is just a dictation of him) Marvin Johston was from Mississippi; he lived on a farm (Black). Daniel Percall was from Montana and lived on a fame, horse farm; he was in rodeos allot. Scott Backer was from California and surfed. He is not the brightest branch on tree. Roger Horn was well educated and from New Jersey. Alberto Ruiz was a tough, portaging, from the Broncs, New York. These were the guys that Alex was going to live in the barracks with. Ladybird was a small base and not all the comfronts of home were there, there was not even running water. The platoon segeant was Zeke. When all the newbei (new guys) came off the bus he was there to squarer them away.

****

When Alex was on the on the bus, on her way to Lady Bird, Baker came over to the set beside her and said ' Hi I'm Scott Baker'

' I'm Alexzandra - er Alexzander Anderson. What do you want'

'Nothing, it is just I though that since were all new and going to fighting you - well all of us might need a friend.'

'I don't need a friend'

'Ok then I will leave you alone then.'

'And I'm not new'

When they got off the bus, Zeke said ' now your all new, just watch your partners back and watch the guys that have been here for a wile; you might just live longer then one week.'

Then Alex piped up and said ' what if this is your second combat tour?'

' well, then you know the drills and help your partner; if this is your second tour then you must have a gun you like to us then.'

'I like the sixty' (M60)

'ok the I will take you to your barracks , Anderson stay for one minuet Zeke said

'yes sir'

'Anderson, what did you do for your first tour'

' I was a segeant'

' really then why are you here, your record said that your were a platoon segeant and that you lost your stripes.'

' yes sir, I did loss my stripes.'

'why?'

"well thats what happens to you when you stand up for your men; oh and talk back to General Higgens.'

' you can leave' Zeke said with a smile on

' sarg, can I ask you something?'

'yeah what?'

' why do you want to know so much about me?'

'you remind me of someone'

' who?'

'my sister, belive it or not'

' YOUR sister' Alex said very shocked

' yeah, she is allot like you in looks and personalty belive it or not. What?'

'nothing' she said with a smile. When she got back to the barracks she went to the back of them and sat down and started to read, The Lord of The Rings. When Percell came over and said 'we need another player, you want to play?'

' ummmmm, no. I don't'

' ok if you change your mind.'

'ok'

Alex read till the Lieutenant came in to the brief them on their mission.

' your mission today is to go out and kill as many V.C (Vit Cong) as passable we will be going over ridge and will be picked up. Any question? ok good, we move out in ten' As they were packing Taylor leaned over to Johston and said 'I don't trust him'

'yeah me either' said Ruiz

' there is something that is just not right about him' said Jonhston

' yeah tell me about it, I would rather play cards any day the read.' said Taylor

' maybe he miss home; he has been here for twelve months' said Baker

' yeah right Baker' said Ruiz ' I bet where he comes from daddy pays for everything he add.

' I don't got a daddy' Alex said as she walked by. They all just looked at each other. When they were out in the bush they were all walking in single fill. Just as Alex gave the signal to hold up (she was point). The lieutenant came up and said ' what is it Anderson?'

' there are some sandal prints and there are some boobie traps up ahead'

' good eyes Anderson, you keep point, and can you do anything about these traps, we got a platoon full of newbei and well even if we tell them they might not see them'

' yes sir.... um..... give the men ten and these traps will be disarmed' said Alex. Then the lieutenant call to Percell to tell the men to take ten and to go up with Alex and watch her and lurn how to disarm traps.

' your good at this' he said

' you get good at it when you got the smallest fingers in the platoon'

' how so'

' well when you have small fingers they fit into the traps, you get good at it because you don't want to kill yourself.'

' well that makes sene Percell said still looking kind of confused.

' good I'm glad you comprehend she said with a look at Percell

' are we done?'

' no were not that is why were are gong back to tell the rest that it is ok to go on' she said excitatory.

' it was just a question'

When they got back Zeke said ' good you made it back. What did you lurn Percell?'

' that it is good top have small fingers' he answered

' ok men lets go' Zeke said

Just as they were going down the path they started to receive heavy fire. Percell yelled over to Jonston 'now lets see what Mr. Perfect is made out of' Just as Percell said this V.C came up from behind and was about to shot him when Alex shot the v.c in the back. ' thanks' that was all Percell could muster up at the shock almost being shot. When she was and her way to the bedecks Zeke said ' you did good out there this week. Where did you lurn all that?'

' I watched the old guys, I lurn quick'

' yeah, well there is some stuff that you should not have lurned Alexzanrdra'

' what? my name is Alexander.' she said trying to deepen her voice

' oh right, well "Alexander" why did you join the army?'

'I was tired of living like a rat. Why didn't you come and get me Zeke?'

'Why, why because I knew that you were going to be adopted; the headmaster wrote me'

' AHHHA....I know that she was doing something behind my back' Alex said with an open jaw and wide eyes. ' I missed you Zeke' she said as she hugged him. ' Zeke you can't tell any one..... you wont right?'

' well, now the Lt know he is changing your papers as we speak.... yes you will be staying in the field, but just because you must have enlisted for a reason and I know what that reason is even if you don't' Then the l came up and said ' Zeke, her papers

now say Alexzanrdra....yes with a Z' the lieutenant said looking at Alex ' ok then Alex why don't you go hit the showers'

' yes sir lieutenant i will.'

When Alex got to the shower all that was left was Baker. " oh, hey Alllleexxx.' Backer said at the shock of see Alex. Not know that she was a girl and all.

' hey Baker'

' What.....when did you?'

' I will answer your question. I was always a girl.'

' oh..... umm ok' Baker said still confused and looking Alex up and down.

' What you never saw a girl in her underwear?'

' oh... umm, yeah of corse I have just not like this, really.... i have seen a girl like this' he said very uneasy.

' Oh, ok....... hey Baker um that day on the bus and was a really bitch well I'm sorry'

'what?'

' S-O-R-R-Y'

' your forgiven'

' ok good.... friends?'

' friends'

When they got back to the barracks Taylor had already stared a game of porker. But as soon as Alex walked in the tent all went quite at the sit of this woman. Alex was about five eleven; her hair had started to grow back and it was kind of long and was still jet black, she had clear clear green eyes, and was very slander.' what are you lookn' at Taylor' she said

' nothing it just doesn' look like you could carry that sixty that all'

'Really'

'Yeah'

' hey Taylor do you think that it looks like I could kick your ass?'

'Is that a changle'

'yeah it is'

'ok then outside' yelled Taylor

Everyone was rutting for Taylor and no one was for Alex. First Taylor took a hit at Alex, then Alex took a hit at him and lets say Alex kicked his ass, till Zeke came and yelled ' Baker grab her before she kills him'

'yes sir' Baker said as he grab her and put her over his shoulder. Baker walked away with Alex kicking and screaming ' PUT ME DOWN!!!!! PUT ME DOWN!!!!!'

A few weeks went by and the pressure between Alex and Taylor keep on getting bigger. Till Zeke sat them down and said ' this will not be happening in my platoon. Alex I thought better of you, and Taylor I thought that you had respect for woman.'

'Zeke I'm not raseist'

' yeah right' said Taylor with a doubt fell laugh

' well, you think that woman can't fight'

' I wont this thing to end what ever it is, Alex the Lt says that if this doesn't get fixed then you will be ship to the hospital.'

' what no Zeke he can't'

' yeah the Lt can't' said Taylor at the Alexs surprize.

' what' she said shocked

' sir, she is a good solider and if and one should go its me'

'why are you doing this?' asked Alex

" like i said your a good soldier and um you said that your not raciest and Sarg I start it; sorry Alex'

' I'm sorry to Taylor'

'ok now that is that you two can leave'

Six months latter, when they were out on patrol their Lt got shot and ended up dying three days latter in the hospital. They got a new lieutenant. Lieutenant Myron Goldman. Lieutenant Goldman was the Generals son and a newbei at that all the guys in the platoon had more experience then him. When they were out on patrol one day they were getting hit hard and the lieutenant would not call air sport and almost half of the platoon got hit. That night when Percell, Baker, Alex, Jonston, and Taylor were playing cards when Taylor said ' so what do you think of that LT?'

' I think that we lost allot of men that was very unessary ' said Alex

' yeah, I heard that he is only Lt cause his dad is the General'

' Really the General is his dad?' said Baker

' Yeah the General is my dad.'said Goldman

They all jumped up and suited him ' at ease soldiers'

' you didn' hear the hole thing did you?' asked Alex

' Yes I did'

' Oh this is not good' said Baker

' no Baker it is fine I know I did something wrong today and you see that' said Goldman

' we never had a new Lt before' said Percell ' we don't get why they would leave a newbei to do the leading of a full platoon of men in the first place'

' Yeah I see your point, your lives are in my hands, so I came to tell you all that our next mission is in the valley and that if you have been here over a year then you may put your thought on what we should do; ok?'

' yeah yeah that makes sene' they all said together.

'well I will see you all in the morning' Goldman

When they got back from their mission a few days latter Alex got an idea.

' Taylor' she whispered

' what?'

' I got an idea'

' Really? and what might this idea have to do with Marcus Taylor?'

' well my idea or plan is that if you i mean we want to know a little more about our Lt we go read his shit, letters and stuff that he gets from home, and then we know what kind of guy he is'

' yeah, yeah, I'm in'

' tonight, ok'

'ok'

So the night came and they went to Goldmans hooch (tent) and did a little investigation of their own. Then Alex picked up a letter and read it out load she read 'Dear Myron. It is my second month in this place I see soldier day after day dying. After a wile you lure to black it out. Well they are calling for me in the O.R. Nikki ' Alex read this in a very soft voice making fun of it. ' his name is Myron?' she said with a laugh.

' hey I wounded if he had the big glass?' ask Taylor with a smile

' yeah yeah and allot of pimples' add Alex

' yeah and wore his pants-' Taylor suddenly stoped

' what?'

' nothing, its just that his name is allot like mine'

' Oh, well NO, your name is Marcus and his is Myron; see Marcus sounds like the guy that would kick Myrons ass' she replied thinking very quick

' oh I see your point , we better get out of here'

' yeah, yeah' she laugh

'what is wrong with you?' he asked'

'Myron, his name is Myron'

' lets go' Taylor said looking at Alex very funny

Just then they saw Goldman came out of the Captions hooch with a part of big round thick glass on'

' Taylor' Alex said as she hit him one the arm

' yeah, what?'

' look, he does have big glass' she laughed. They started lauging hard and hard till they got to barracks.

' what so funny you two?' asked Horn

' Glass' they replied together

Baker,Percell,Ruiz,Horn and Jonston just gave then an odd look. ' AH; you need to be there' Taylor said.

A few weeks latter Alex put in for some R&R. She had been over ther for nineteen mounths with out and rest at all, she need ti bad.

' Anderson' called Goldman as they got off the choper.

' yeah; Lt?'

' I got you you R&R'

'REALLY?' she said with a big smile.

' yeah, but um Baker will be going with you.'

'yeah, so that is no big deal'

' you leave in the morning, go tell Baker'

' ok, thanks Lt'

When she got into the barracks Baker said ' what are you so happy about?'

' oh nothing, it is just that me and you have R&R in Hunaloulou starting tomrow.'

' What!?' he said very shock ' no was your not serious?'

' yeah, baby, pack you page we lave in the moring' she said as they highfived'

' oh this is asome, do you know how long I have been waiting to get on a board again?'

' NO! Baker, I don't. I'm getting a shower. I will see you guys latter.'

As she was going to the showers she saw Zeke and yelled over to him ' hey Zeke did you hear got my R&R.'

'yeah yeah I did, I hope you have a good time'

' yeah, i will nineteen mouths with out R&R and now I got it'

' hey, Al. I know your going with Baker'

'yeah so were friends'

' yeah I know, its just that thing can happen that you don't want to happen and-'

' YOU think I'm going to sleep with him don't you!? Zeke, its Baker nothing is going to happen; ok'

'ok then'

' I will see you latter ok' she said a s she walked away. ' Baker' she said to herself shacking her head.

In the morning her and Baker left. When they got to Honalolo, the army made all of them go to a class to teach them how to behave in public. After they got out of that, they went and checked into their room. The cluck took them up and opened their room and said ' ok here is your key and I hope you enjoy your stay.'

' Thanks' said Alex

' ok now we surf!' Baker said very excited, as he pulled out Alex bathing suit.

' I'm not wearing that'

' come on, how are you going to surf with that on'

' I'm not going to surf' that is what Alex said shacking her head and a big fake smile on.' oh NO you not getting me any were near a beach, and I'm not wearing a bikini.'

' oh, come on Alex' he said holing up the bathing suit ' it would look nice on you and you would look HOT and that board' he said wide eyed looking at her very instantly.

Before she know it he had convinced her to wear the bikini and had down at the beach. Baker was wadding in the water wile Alex was standing on the shore line. 'NO; I'm not getting on that board or in that water'

' why not?'

' hey you got me to come to the beach and look at what I'm wearing' she said as she looked at herself.

' OH, come surfing; it is easy and the water wont hurt you at all'

' NO'

' fine then I will come in and get you then' he said as he started to walk out of the water.

' OH, NO, you don't, don't even think about it' she said as she started to run. Just then Baker picker her up and through her under the water. ' there now that you are in the water you mine-as-well surf' he said laughing.

' that was not funny'

' yeah, it was, come on I will teach you how to get up on a board'

' OK... but I wont like it!'

' thats fine' Baker said laughing.

' don't patines me Baker' she said as she got the board.

So for the rest of the day Baker taught Alex how to surf. That night they went to a bar to get a drink and some really food. ' you did good today Al'

' Really'

' yeah, your a natura'l

' your not just saying that because you saw me in a bikini and now you want to get me in bed?'

'NO' Baker said laughing

After they eat there food they went back to the hotel when they got back Alex had a shower. When she came out of the bathroom she was about to get into the bed when she saw Baker taking up the hole bed. ' Baker' she said as she hit him on the head.

' ahh, what was that for?'

' push over'

'There' he said after he pushed over

'oh, yeah, thanks' she said rolling her eyes. She said this just as he grabbed her into the bed. Then he said ' there are you happy?'

' NO'

' oh really' he said as he started to tikle her.

' stop it Baker' she said laughing. She was laughing so hard she could not talk.

' stop it'

' ok' he said as he staid into her big green eyes.

' what?'she said looking at him oddly

' nothing it's just I have never seen any one as beautiful as you, in my life'

' really?'

'Yeah, and now I'm going to kiss you' he said just as he lend in to kiss her.

' don't stop' said Alex as she kissed him and the neck.

' I was not planning on stoping' he said as he kissed her.

That morning Baker woke up with Alexs head on his chest, he brushed her hair out of her face and said ' your so beautiful, I wish I could never let you go. I'm afraid if I let you go then I will wake up from this dream I'm in'

Just then Alex opened her eyes and said ' then never let me go.'

They left for the base that day. When they got back to Ladybird the guys were out on a mission. When they got back, Alex went over to Zeke and gave him a big hug. ' you have a good time?' he asked

' yeah, I did'

' so what did you?'

' well...I surfed'

' you surfed?'

'Yeah... and drank, and other stuff' she said with a big smile on

' well, I'm going to get some sleep Alex, I will see you latter.'

' ok'

When she went back to the barrkes, Baker was the only on there; she thought so but Ruiz was sitting in the of the tent and saw everything. Baker came up behind her and kissed her on the neck. Then she truned around and said ' WHAT are you doing?'

' I was just kissing you'

' yeah...well DON'T'

' what, why?'

' cause I don't like it'

' what, I don't understand'

' what, do you understand? your just a big dumb surfer'

' WHAT? Alex, but we-'

' yeah, that was only one night. It was no big deal'

' oh. ok then I see what your getting at'

' oh you do?.... thats a first'

' what are you saying?'

' I'm saying that your stuiped!'

Then she marched out. Then Ruiz came up and said ' what was that all about?'

'I don't know?!'

' did something happen betwenn you two?'

' yeah, something sis happen'

' do you want to talk about it?'

' yeah, I do; if you don't mind?'

' No; I don't mind' replied Ruiz

So they sat down and Baker explained the hole thing that happen betwenn them. Then Ruiz said ' yeah, I see your point'

'I really thought that we were'

' yeah man I know. But Alex is one confusing girl, we may never understand her,

even if she is like one of the guys.'

' yeah, so what do I do?'

'well you do the same thing she is doing to you'

' yeah, thanks; for listening'

' any time'

So this went on for weeks and weeks. Till one day they were on a mission it was day five out in the bush, they were receiving heavy fire. Normally it was Baker and Alex as partners, but now it was Percell and Alex. Just as Goldman was calling for airsport, Baker got shot. He ended up right next to Alex she yelled' medic, medic; don't worry Baker your going to be fine.'

Baker got taken to the hospital, but there was not one on base so he had to be taken to a near by bigger base. ( it was about a weeks walk away) When they got back to base Zeke asked Alex ' what happened out there, you've seen your friends get all shot before what was so important about him?'

' nothing, HAPPEN Zeke.'

' I saw your eyes they had so much pain; you think that I didn't see it?'

' NOTHING HAPPEN, I can't belive that you don't belive me.'

' something happen and your going to tell me' after a long pose he then said ' NOW '

' we sleet together, ok is that what you wanted to hear?'

' Alex.... what..... how could you'

' I don't know Zeke, It just happen'

' ok then ' he said as he walked away'

' what now your mad at me? Oh that mature, yeah' she yelled at him as he walked away.

Latter that night she went out of the tent and took her drawing book with her, and just as she sat down Percell came out and sat next to her and said ' something is bothering you, isn't it?'

' no nothing is; why?'

' well you and the sarg never fight. What is that?'

' It's my drawing book, I draw when there is nothing els to do. When I'm-'

' oh, well they are good, can I see some?'

' yeah' she said as she passed him the book

' they are really good'

' thanks, I draw faces, because sometimes they start to hunt me.... face with charterer get stuck in my head'

' oh yeah, there is Taylor and me, you have all the guys in here.'

' yeah yeah'

' who are you drawing?'

' no one'

' Baker, right?'

' yeah, how did you know?'

' Al if you want to talk we can'

' do you know the last thing I said to him was..... your so stuiped, and I never want to speak to you again.'

' Thats harsh Al'

' yeah, I know and now he could die' she said looking like she was going to cry. But it was Alex so she would not cry. Percell gave her a hug then went back in and on his was in said ' you comen' in?'

' no'

' oh right the hole I don't sleep more then three hours thing' he smiling.

The next morning the Lt came up and said ' Alex your going to San Tue Nuch camp to the hospital.'

' why?'

' why, well someone that is important to you is there, so you leave after we patrol

and you will not be staying in the barrkes, you will be staying in a nuns hooch, her name is Nikkie and her roommates is gone on R&R so she said that you can stay with her.'

' thanks Lt' she said trying not to laugh.

' what?'

' so....who is this Nikkie?'

' get in the chopper Anderson.'

' yes sir, Nikkie' she said laughing and shacking her head.

As soon as the chopper hit the ground Alex was gone, got her stuff then went to Zeke. 'Zeke' she said.

' yeah, your going to San Tue Nuch'

' yeah, to see-'

' yeah'

' Zeke I'm sorry for what I did.'

' I'm not mad at you it just I don't want you get hurt....thats all'

' yeah, ok, well I will see you in three days'

' yeah yeah you better get going'

' oh yeah, see ya'

When she got to San Tue Nuch there was a girl waiting for her and when she got off the chopper the woman said ' you must be Alex?!'

' yeah'

' I'm Nikkie, come with me and I will show you were the hooch is.'

So they walked over to a little cabin. When they were about to go in Nikkie stoped and said ' can you put out the cigaret before we go in?'

' oh yeah' Alex said as she put it out.

'It's nothing personal, I don't like the smell it leaves'

When they went inside there was two beds and NIkkie pointed to the one on the right and said ' thats yours and the bathroom is there'

' thanks'

Then Nikkie left. Alex put her gun in the corner of the room and out her bag beside it. Then took a long needed shower, it was her first one in three weeks. When she got

out of the shower she put a pare of jeans that Nikkie said she could wear and put on her army green tank top, Litt a smock and went to the hospital. She wait outside on the steps till Nikkie came out and said ' you can go in a see him'

' yeah, I know, It just I don't think he wants to see me'

' Oh, well it can't hurt to go in, you know?'

' yeah, I gess' Alex said as she went into the hospital. When they went in Nikkie took her down the hall and stoped before going in and said ' he just came out of a deep sleep, that he was in because on the drug we gave him.'

' yeah ok'

Alex went in and all she saw was Baker lying in the bed half asleep half awake. She really didn't have anything to say so she went over to the bed and needled next to him.

' I'll leave' said Nikkie

For the longest time Alex said nothing and the got up to leave but Bakes hand grabbed her hand. Then he said ' why are you leaving?' he said very grogie.

' ok, um.... Baker, I'm sorry I really don't think that your stuiped and I didn't-'

' yeah I know'

' I'm really sorry; I just can't get close to people'

' Why are you so scared of your feelings' he asked

' don't know, It's just if um something happens to you and I get really close and well-'

' yeah, I know what your saying, I feel that all the time, but I still want to be with you'

' yeah me too, well I better get back to the hooch, um I leaving in the morning and um I hope I'll see you latter'

'ok' he said ' Alex'

' yeah'

' you will see me again'

' I hope so'

The next morning Alex woke up and just as she was getting onto the chopper she felt a hand on her shoulder, it was Nikkie. When Alex truned around Nikkie said ' he. hes.... um'

Yeah'

' no, hes not dad, its just that he took a turn for the worst the boluit almost hit one of his major artiest and they think when they were operating they nicked it and it just ruptured'

' thanks, Nikkie, tell him that I will see him back at base, Oh and Nikkie' she said as she grabbed Nikkie arm.

' yeah?'

' never mind.... I got to go.'

When Alex got back to base she went to see Zeke. She went into his tent and said 'hey'

' oh. hey, Al how was your trip'

' It was hardly as trip'

' yeah well; hows Baker?'

' um, well he's not dead' she said

' yeah well when will he be back?'

' he might not becoming back'

' oh' Zeke said looking shocked and confused ' well we've got a mission this after noon in the valley we'll be out for five days, so you better got on going then'

Then gave Alex a hug and a kiss on the head and said ' he'll be alright.'

Then Alex left and went to the barrkes. She got an old rage to clean her gun before the mission and went out with the guys. When she sat down she said ' hey, Taylor you got that money you owe me?'

' well now Alex.... what do you take me for?'

'so in other words he doesn' got the money' said Ruiz

' hey Horn' she said as she went to sit by him.

' yeah, Alex' he said

' umm you went to collage right?'

' yeah why'

'well I've got a question, what would happen if a major artiest got nicked?'

' well the person would bleed to dead.'

' oh, ok' she said as she got up and took her old set.

' why?' said Horn

' no reason just wounding thats all'

' oh ok then'

The mission was in the valley. The valley was over run with V.C and N.V.A (North Vietnamese Army). It was one of the most dangerous parts in Vietnam. There were traps ever were and tunnels too. On there fifth day their still was no fire from the V.C or N.V.A. When they stoped about twenty miles from the L.Z (landing zone) they were acquiring very heavy fire, from the V.C. There was a bunker up on the hill. As guns went of and bullets went through people all Alex could think about was Baker. But why, he was not even her type. She like bad boys not over sensitive surfers, that were vegetarian, and worked out daily. It just could not be happening. I mean shore he was tall, around six foot four, and was strong and handsome, with blond hair, but no, it's Baker. She snapped out of her though when Goldman called out to her. She went over to see what he wanted. It was no easy task to get over to Glodman it was not easy either. But when she got over there he said ' Anderson, you got that blooper?'(grenade luncher)

' yeah, why?'

' what can you do? got any suggestion?'

' well if I could get up that hill side with out being noticed and the give them a jolt with the sixty from there I could give them a little something extra with the blooper she said shooting her gun.

' yeah that sounds good' Goldman said as he shot his gun and gave Horn quarantine for a medevacs. She got up and was on her way up the side of the hill, a few minuets latter, that bunker was gone. Zeke and Goldman and the rest were all looking around for maps or information that would help intelligence in any way. There was nothing. So they went proceeded as planed to the L.Z. When they got back to base they were all tired but when Alex saw Baker she dropped her rouck sack and gun, and run and jumped in his arms with her legs raped around him, almost knocking him over. She said between kiss 'I - missed - you - so - much-'

'I missed you too' he said kissing her. Then Taylor and Jonston turned to each other and started sing ' Alex and Baker sitting in a tree K - I - S - S - I - N - G first comes love then comes marriage then comes Alex with the baby carage'

Then Ruiz looked at Taylor and said ' ahhhh our children are all grown up' and gave Baker the thumps up and walked way. So a few more mounts went by till one day the General came to the base and told them that there was a place to be filled on his staff. Baker got the job and he was reallocated to Camp Barnett. That same months the hole platoon got to reallocated Camp San Tue Nuch , were they became part of S.O.G (special forces unit). They were actuary starting to make a difference. One day they were out on duty when they got into it deep, when Goldman called for a evack (emergency withdraw). When they all heard Jimmy Hendricks over head. The pilot was blaring rockn' roll and drooping grenades. Goldman was not to impressed at all. For the pilot in fact had also almost killed half of the men. The pilot was Lieutenant John MacKay. He was was allot like Alex in personalty. But him and Lieutenant Goldman didn't kick it of that well. Johnny (mackay) was a choper pilot. Alex and Johnny became instant friends. He was the one that saw she had a talent for flying chopers and got her ,her choper licence. One day they were out on patrol there mission was to find as much information as they could on a missing person. Alex was instructed to carry a camera and get as meany photos as she could. When Alex and her squad were on there way back to Goldman she saw a cage that a full platoon of N.V.A were carrying. In the cage was the person. She wanted to take action but could not they were well feed and there was more N.V.A then there was of them. She desideed to get some pictures. Alex got about ten pictures. When they took them back to base to get developed. A a week latter Johnny came up to Zeke and said ' I got those pictures that you need developed

' thanks'

' there good lots of information in them'

' but tell me one thing'

' yeah what?'

' um, the guy said that they were less then ten feet away'

' yeah I know the kid is not shay' Zeke said as he looked at the pictures.

' yeah, I guess not' said Johnny shocked ' well I got to go Zeke but I will talk to you latter. ok?'

' ok'

When Johnny left he saw Alex. He yelled over ' Alex'

' yeah Johnny...... oh sorry right Lt'

' I was just to see the coronal and he wants to see you then we got to take a platoon down to the valley. Ok?'

' ok... one min, I'll be right back'

When Alex went in to the coronals office. She was thinking hey I just got my sargents stripes back. I hope they don't take them away again. When she went in and the cornal said ' Ah Sargent Anderson I wanted to see you'

' yes sir, I was guessing that is why I'm here'

' oh, yes, they told me you were "funny"'

' Really, they said I was funny' she said with a big smile.

' um, sargent, my daughter is coming to see me and well I am working and I need someone to take care of her and she is eighteen and well any of these guys well-'

' I get it sir. when will she be here'

' Tomorrow'

' yes sir'

Then she left and went over to the choper and waited for MacKay (Johnny). MacKay was and his way to the choper when he saw Zeke and said ' Anderson (Zeke) can you tell me who took these pictures, the man in them is one of my pilots'

' yeah, it was Alex'

' really?'

' yeah I keep on telling you that she is not shay.'

' well owe her one, well I got to go' he said as he left, he said ' whoa.. the teak guy said that it could have not be any further tan ten feet, whoa she really is not shay at all'

' no she is not' said Zeke

So Johnny thanked her and they did what they were asined to. Then next morning she

waited at the L.Z till the coronal daughter, Natlie, came. When Natlie came Alex took

her to her room. Then took her to see her father. Alex had instruction not to take her to any clubs. So natural she took her to the Chit Chat club. Where there was Taylor, Ruiz, Jonston. ' hey Alex. who is your friend?' asked Taylor

' the coronal Digbes daughter you ass'

' OH '

' hey, Natlie I think we should leave'

' can we stay?please' Natlie asked

'ummmm....... NO' said Alex

' why not they are looking at me' said Natlie

' NO' yelled Alex

' I though that you were the fun one, that is what I heard'

' yeah well they were wrong' Alex said it Natlie with a fake smile on ' I will see you guys back at base' Alex said as she grabbed Natlie by the her arm and pulled her away. When they got back to base Natlie said ' if I can't go there, then i want to go to one of the Villages that you guys see when you are partorl every week'

' I can't take you there'

' why not?'

' well, you are not coming out with me on a mission, and you don't go in one of those vills just for the sake of going.'

' did you just say that I was going to tell my dad that you took me to a club?' Natlie threaten.

'WHAT....you REALLY wanted to go?' Alex said looking at her in an odd way

' and you took me, when my dad said not to, look I promise we wont be there any longer than one hour; I promise'

' ummmm NO.....I can't take you there'

' well then my dad will be pleased to know what we did to day'

' Ok.... fine! but I could lose my strips over this and if-'

' yeah, yeah, I know if you loss them again then you will never be a sargent ever again' Natlie said rolling her eyes'

' don't roll your eyes at me...yeah you think that I didn' see that'

When they whet to get into the choper MacKay came over and said ' and were are you taking my bird (choper)?'

' OURS MacKay, OURS....no were just going to town thats all'

' why don't you take a jeep?'

' ummmm NO'

' it would be easier.... and since when do you take your gun, rouk sack, and extra magazines (hold the bullets) into town?' he questioned

' ok....here it id Johnny I'm going into a fill that we patrol to show Natlie'

' WHAT? why?'

' she wants to see what Vietnam is REALLY like'

'why are you taking her you know better' he whispered

' I know but I kinda' did something and well she will rat on me'

' you trouble NEVER' he with a tone

' I didn't like that tone' Alex said looking at MacKay wide eyed and little pout on.

' OH, OK, but I will take you two one minuet well I go find a co-pilot'

' why you got me?'

' Alex....Alex, of all people i thought you would be the person to pull the wool over

peoples eyes perfectly, I'm doing this so they will not know that they think that we are gone on a mission'

' oh...ok get two gunners too'

With in ten minuets he was back with two gunners and a co-pilot. When they were getting off the choper outside the vill in a big green field, about twenty clicks ( km) away from the fill Alex told MacKay to met them there in an hour.They were walking back from the fill when Alex heard something. They went for cover but Alex ran out of magazines and they tried to run but the V.C got them. Mean Wile MacKay had gone to get them and had been waiting for one hour when he relized that they where not coming back. The V.C had Alex and Natlie tied up by their wrist and was interrogating them. First they went over to Natlie, they went to hit her with the bottom of a gun, when Alex grabbed the ropes and jumped up and kicked the man right in the stomach and said ' she know nothing she is not with the army' she yelled at them.

' is this true' asked one of them

' yes, yes, it is' said another ' she has no uniform on, were as this one does, a special forces to be shore' he went on

So they started at Alex when they would ask her what she knew she always said the samething, Sargent Alexzardra Anderson number 05620. When they cut Alex down from where she hung, she fell to the floor like a lifeless bag of bricks, with blood driping off of her and lash makes all over her back and burn marks, from cigrates all over her body. Her long black hair was driping of swett and blood. Natlie just looked at her for the longest time then thought to herself, that could have been me, then she went over to Alex to see if she was still breathing. Alex was still breathing, then Natlie aske ' why did you do that for me?'

' I was asigned to protect you.'

' why, will they not hurt me?'

' your a silvain' Alex manged to say well coughing up blood.

' so, they will not hurt me?'

' no, as crazy as it sounds they will not hurt you, they have some morles'

' can I help you or any thing?' asked Natlie

' no, my ribs are broken and if I move they will just hurt more.'

So they layed in silance till the morning when the V.C came in and grabed Alex by her hair and tied her up by her wrist once again. When he asked she still only replied Sargent Alexzardra Anderson number 05620. They hit her harder and harder till they cut the ropes once again and she fell to the ground were she lay all night. Well back at the camp Zeke and Goldman were looking all over for her.To ask her where she was at when she took those pictures. When Zeke saw MacKay he asked ' MacKay, have you seen Alex arond at all?'

' no, why' he said in a laying tone of voice.

' you know here she is don't you MacKay?'

' well I have an idea'

' an idea, and where might this idea be' Zeke said as he started to yell

' Lu'ma' MacKay said gintlie

' Lu'ma, and why might she be there?' Zeke said yelling very load now

' Natlie'

'Natlie, is with her?'

' yeah, Natlie wanted to go to a vill and when I went to get her, she was not there'

'well she still is not back yet....and when she was not there you didn't think of tell me or Goldman'

' what' said MacKay confused ' I send a choper to get her a hour ago'

' well she was not on it'

' Damn.. umm don't tell the coronal I will go find her' MacKay said as he started to run for the choper.

But Alex and Natlie had been taken out of the area of Lu'ma and to the area of Lu'yen about a ten day walk from there. They had not reached there yet of corse. It was a hard walk when your legs are tied together and you have beaten to the point when you can't tell your feet from your hands. When MacKay got back he went strait to Zeke and said ' they weren't there'

' so did the villagers say anything?'

' yeah, umm they said that they had seen two American girl with the V.C'

' with the V.C well now we need to go to coronal Digbe

So Zeke went and told the coronal what had happen. The coronal made a rescue teen. lieutenant Goldman and his platoon was on the mission. This the platoon that Zeke was sargent of. The platoon was called team Viking. They sweeped (looked) all over the Lu'ma valley. They found nothing. By this time the V.C had hard about the special forces and took Alex and Natlie to the area of Loung' lou. This was with in the area that camp Barnett was patroling every day. Loung'lou was a village with allot of V.C and N.V.A active. It was Alex second second as M.I.A (missing in action). One day well Alex was being interrogated the V.C took her out to the river and almost drown her till she talked she said between head dunks' Sargent - Alexzandra - Anderson - number - 0 - 5 - 6 - 2 - 0'. Just as they were doing this a patrol of American troupes came out of the bush and yelled hands up, gun down, Alex fell into the river just as though she was a rage doll. Natlie never even thought to get her she just ran to the lieutenant of the platoon. When the V.C had retreated. A man went over to Alex and truned her over and yelled to the lieutenant to come see. When the lieutenant came over so did Baker ' who is it-' Baker asked and when he saw her he stoped dead in his sentence.

' do you know her Baker?' asked the lieutenant

' yeah yeah I do'

' go then you can carry her she is in no condition to walk' said the medic.

' yeah, ok' he said as picked her up. She still looked as though she was a neglect rage doll. Only when he picked her up out of a pool of blood and water she let out a horrid scream in pain. ' what is it doc?' questioned Baker

' oh it is her back it has been lashed with leather and tree branch, so keep her off her back.'

' ok, I'll try'

So they left. The lieutenant tryed to call a medevac (Medical evacuation) but there was no were the choper could land. So Alex had to make the trip to the L.Z.Natlie complained all the way well Alex just laded in Baker arms. When Natlie came over to see Alex, she was laying on the ground in more pain then Natlie could ever think of. When Natlie looked upon her she had blood stained cloths what little cloths the V.C had not taken from her and bruns all over and then she looked at Baker her blood had stained the front of his uniform.

' pityfull' Natlie said with a look of discuses

'she is dying and all you say is pitifully' he replied

'well then' she said as she walked away.

' I don't know how you put up with her' he said to Alex lifeless body. Then picked her up and started walking. Then the lieutenant yelled out and said ' Baker, we got her a medevac, you go back with her and Natlie. ok?'

' ok I will'

When they got on to the choper, Alex stared to come to but after a half a hour she was out again. When the choper hit the ground Baker ran into the hospital with her. When he went in a nurs said ' help, this girl needs help' the nurs said this as Baker layed her on an empty bed. When a doctor came over and said ' what happen to her?'

' she was M.I.A'

' she got it bad, we need to give her an x-ray and clean her up and she might be in a little more pain till we clean her and you can see her latter'

' ok' baker said as he walked away.

When he went out side he sat down on the steps when Natlie came over and said

' how is she?'

' she might not live'

' well I hope she does I need to thank her for helping me out there'

' help you?' Baker said with a look

' yeah they started at me first then when she said that I know nothing they started on her'

' you just let her take it?'

' what was I going to do, I'm not trained to do this'

' why did you wanted to go there in the first place?'

'how did you know that I wanted to go?' she said shocked

' Alex would never want to go out there unless she had to, so I think you said something to her to get her to take you out there.'

' how dare you say something like that about me' Natlie yelled at Baker. Then marched off. Well Baker was sitting outside he wrote to Zeke and told him that he should come and see her that the doctor said that she might not have long. When Zeke got the letter he was gone. He read the letter over and over hopping that what it said would go away. It took Zeke about three days to finely get a choper. But he got one to camp Barnett where she was. When he was going to see her Natlie came running out of the coronal Digbes office (he has came some days before). She was crying and when she saw Zeke went up and said ' I hope your glad your stuiped sister went and got my allowance cut and I need to back to the states.'

' is that all worry about' Baker said as he came walking up to Zeke. When Natlie saw Baker she ran away even faster. hen Zeke said ' why did she say that?'

' she has been blaming Alex for all of it even though Alex is the one laying in the bed, come in sarg I will show you were she is at' said Baker

So they walked up the steps and in the hospital and down a to where Alex was. Alex had a cast on her arm and around her rids and her burn were treated and started to scab over, her face was cut up so horribly that Zeke could hardly reckonize her. He just stared at her and thought how can you look so helpless. He was about to say something when the doctor came in a said ' we don't know if she will ever wake up, I'm sorry. um well we need to change all of her bandages so if you could come back latter'

'yeah yeah I will' Zeke said as he left. When he went outside Baker was out there and

when Baker seen him he said ' I've been with her very hour of the day, well when I'm not out on patrol'

' yeah yeah thanks Baker'

' yeah, well if you want to talk then I'm here'

' yeah' Zeke said as he walked away. Zeke keeped with his thoughts for the longest time. Then about four am he went in, she was still life less. He pulled over the chair that was in the corner and said ' Alex, don't you let go I know that your in there and to tell you the truth I would miss you allot if you left and I think you got someone besides me that cared for you.' then he sat there for the rest of the morning at eight pm in the morning the doctor came in as said ' with the way she took those beating she should be dead, she got some fight in her.'

' yeah I know she always has.'

Then the doctor did his test on her and left. For about three hours nothing changed at all till Zeke started to fall asleep he heard something say ' Zeke' he looked up as fast as he could, it was Alex she was opening her eyes.

' Alex' he said shocked.

All Alex had to say was ' man that hurt ' she said with a mono of pain.

' Alex!?'

' yeah?'

' I can't-'

' can't what?'

' your awake'

' thats how it works people go to sleep and they wake up; Zeke'

' Alex you were in out for two weeks'

' ho; that is why I feel refreshed

Just then Baker came in and when he saw Alex awake he gave her a huge hug and said ' your awake'

All she said was ' um yeah, I love that your happy and all but your crushing even more bones' she said trying to get a breath.

' oh, sorry' he said letting her go

Then the nurse came in and said ' your awake?!' Then she ran to get the doctor. When the doctor came in he gave her a full exhumation the said ' she will be out of here in three weeks at the most.'

' ok then' Zeke said very happy

Well the three weeks were up and when Alex was released from the hospital the coronal called to see her. When she went into see him she suited the said ' you wanted to see me sir'

' yes Sargent Anderson I did. Now you took my daughter to a village, did you not?'

' yes sir I did'

' well then since you confessed then you are forth with striped of your sargents stripes and you will lose three weeks pay and your tour will be extended three months.'

' yes sir'

' why did you do it Anderson'

' she wanted me to, sir'

' my daughter? And you acutely took her?!'

' yes sir'

' oh and Anderson you will not be getting your stripes back....ever.'

'yes sir'

' you may leave'

So she left and as soon as she got out of the office she stated mocking him '' you may not get you stripes back '' she said with a funny voice making fun of the coronal. 'DAMN' she said as she Litt a cigaret.

' what did I tell you about that?' Baker said as he came around the corner.

' I'm not in the mood Scott'

' what happen' he asked as he came up behind her a put his arms around her.

' He took my stripes, and I half to stay here three months and lose three weeks of pay.' she said as she tuned around in his arms and put her arms around his neck and then kissed him and said ' I only got another two hours before I need to go and I don't really know what to do, you got any thing?'

' well, I know a little coffee shop and-'

' Scott, thats not what I mean'

' I know what you mean' he said with a smile. So two hours came and Alex had to leave but before she left Baker gave her a little box all raped up. ' here' he said

' what is it?'

' open it '

' ok..... Baker I love them' she said as she held them in her hand two clear green chopsticks and they had gliter all over them.

' REALLY?'

' yeah' she said as she kissed him.

' i saw tham and I thought of your eyes all clear and green'

' well I got to go.....I will write you' she said laughing.

' ok, bye'

' bye'

And Alex was back on her was to San Tue Nuch. When she got back to base, she went into the barrkes and as soon as she walked in they all yelled 'Alex.' Alell she said was ' Taylor you got my money?'

' yeah, I can't keep it from you when your like this' Taylor said.

' It is only a broken arm'

' oh well in that case then I will keep it'

' oh, NO you don't' she said as Taylor passed her the money. Then she said ' lets see if it is all here.'

Then then lieutenant Goldman came in and said ' Alex good your back, ok we leave at dawn, tomrow, pack enought rasions for six days and thats it. Oh and Alex, Zeke wants to see you.'

So Alex went to see Zeke. When she went into his houch Zeke said ' your back'

' yeah'

' I can't tell you how happy I am to here that.....you want a beer?'

' no'

' what you don't want beer?'

' yeah, they got me on pain killers and they told me if I drink and alochol it will result in death because of what ever is in the drug'

' well I wouldn't want to kill you'

' No that wouldn't be good.....it's bad enought at I need to worrie about the V.C trying to kill me....now you' she said with a smile.

' yeah i guess so' said Zeke with a laugh ' so how have you been?'

' well I think we booth know'

' yeah, um are you shore that your ready to back out?'

' yeah, I am; this may sound crazy but I want to'

' yeah, that does sound crazy, but you wont becoming with us'

' my arm right?'

' when are you getting that cast off?'

' next week'

' well then I wont see you all week, so you have a good one, that hooch all to yourself.'

' yeah, I will, and you come back alive ok' she said as she left.

' I'm planing on it'

The hole week all Alex did was hussle the new guys, read, raw. When the guys came back Alex had her cast off and most of her burns had healed and her browses had almost gone and her scars had healed all except her back, because of the lashing whit tree branches and leather pices. I t would take about ten months to heal. Alex was now able to return to combat. When Alex went on her first mission whit the guys they treated her like an involute, well as close to as involute as you can get with a gun in your hands. When they received fire Horn and Percell were on either side of her. When they got back to camp there were six new men in their hooch. When the guys came in they were tired and smelly. When Alex went to her bunk there was someone laying in it ' thats my bed' she said.

' yeah,well I was told to sleep here'

' yeah, well I don't care. GET OUT'

' NO'

' don't start with me man' she yelled.

' what are you going to do? I'm a civilian.'

' WHAT?' Taylor said over hearing the conversation

' yeah, what?' Ruiz chimed in.

' you heard me, I'm Sean by the way'

' your a civilian?' Alex said still confused

' yeah this is like a filed trip for me and my class.....um we need to do an assignment and our teacher thought that this would be the best for us.'

' why would your teacher wanted you to come here?' Taylor asked

' yeah, and how did your teacher get you guys over here?' Ruiz questioned

' she is General Westmorlins daughter, and we are not allowed off the base unless we are with a travel group, that is lead by a soldier.'

' ok, I get it I think.....I need to get some sleep' Alex said

' yeah yeah we will leave if you need to sleep.... come on guys lets go' Sean said.

In the morning Alex was awoke by a kid going through her trunk ' hey get out of there' she said waking up.

' I was just looking'

' well don't, ok, this is my day off you don't want me mad.'

' well I find you fascinating....your a woman and you still fight.'

' fascinating...really ' Alex said as she sat up.

' oh yes I do I have been watching you all night' said the kid with wide rimed glass. His eyes looked two times bigger allot , like a bug. He had a studded and seamed as though he had not had a friend in; well it looked like he never had a friend.

' Really ? well I'm Alex'

' I know, and I know that you got your sargents stripes taken away twice, and where you were born and that you were an ophoran

'Really...say did any one ever tell you make a strong first impression?' she said as she walked out of the hooch.

' yes they have....why'

' no reason....say don't you have friends to go bother?' she said looking anoyed

' no...I don't'

' there is reason for that, you know?'

' well...um yes' he said with his usual studded. ' I was wounding if you would grant me an interview, I would love to know your views on your life and the war'

' well, it's my life and I think that would know more about it than you....I think..I hope ?!'

' so you will give me one'

' ummm yeah'

' REALLY?!'

' NO' she said as she went into the mess hall, the kid stayed outside, till she acme back out. ' your still here?'

' yes, if you will not give me an interview then I will flow you around all day.'

'really' she sighed as she said this

' yes'

' DAMN it.....whats your name?'

' Loyed'

' Loyed' she laughed and shacking her head

' what?'

' nothing'

When they went into the barracks the rest of the guys had woken up. They were getting ready to go into the village. ' Alex are you comming in with us?' Jonston asked.

' yes I am....and Loyed you can't go there.'

' Loyed, who's Loyed?' asked Percell

'I am' he said with his studded and raised his finger.

' this is Loyed the leach' Alex said

So Loyed stayed and Alex and the guys went into the village. When they got back Loyed was on her heals again. When they came back from patrol as soon they touched the ground Loyed was not there this day. Alex had thought that she had died and gone to haven. When Alex was putting on a new shirt Loyed came in and saw her back, that was the one thing that he had failed to know about her. Loyed just stood there. Till Alex said ' what are you lookn' at?'

' nothing, I'm leaving today last chance for an interview.'

' pitty' she said as she left the hooch. Loyed was comming soon after.

' did that hurt?' he asked

' did what hurt?'

' your back...what happen?'

' yes it hurts....and I'm not telling you what happen...if you don't know then you will never know'

Three weeks latter the platoon got transferred to Camp Barnett. When Alex,Percell, Jonston, and Taylor were walking down the road a jeep came out of no were the driver

had blond hair and looked allot like Baker. They all turned and looked at each other and then looked at the jeep. Then they all said ' Baker?' When they went to where the jeep was parked Taylor said ' man i hate surfers'

Then Alex said ' yeah I know especially the ones from California

' yeah there big and stuiped' said Percell

' I wish that there was no such thing as surfing said Jonston.

Then Baker turned around and said ' hey there is-' then he say them ' you guys I'm so happy that your here' then he hugged them all in group hug. They all yelled ' Baker, Baker LET GO'

' happy birthday Percell' Baker said.

' thanks Baker'

' there is a party at the base club to night for him.' Taylor told Baker

' yeah, I'll be there' he said as he put his arm around Alex and kissed her.

' lets go I don't want to see this' Taylor said

Percell party was good they drank and eat cake. In the morning when Alex was going back to her barrkes when a woman yelled ' Alex Anderson'

' yeah?'

' I thought that was you...I'm Christian Devlin' she said as she caught he breath.

' well, I would tell you my name but you seem to know it.'

' your lieutenant said that if I wanted I wanted a good story then you are it'

' me?.... your sleeping with him right?'

' .....how did you know?'

' he would not send any one to see me unless he trusted them'

' oh...well how about an interview?'

' umm...yeah why not'

' ok then met me at..um here at six pm and well will et a drink in town....well the time for you is oh eighteen hundred hours'

' ok see you latter'

When Alex got back to the barracks Ruiz said with a big smile ' and were have you been young lady?'

' shut up Roo' she replied.

Latter that day she meat Christian where she was told to meat her. When they got to the bar Christian said ' so why did you enlist?'

' You know Christian-'

' call me Chris'

' ok, um, I don't know it just happen'

' you must have some idea?'

' yeah, well, I had nothing back home, I'm an opheron; had my life all messed up, stole and other stuff'

' whoa that is a story' Chris said surprized, with an interested look on.

' yeah well that is not the reason why I enlisted'

' then why did you enlist?'

' I don't even know why; it just happen.'

' What do you think of this war?'

' well I'm not against I mean look at me, I'm a soldier. But um when I see men comming back from home, I see why. Over here all you hear about is the peace marches and people spiting on soldiers.'

' Well you will half to go home'

' I don't got a home'

' so the army is like your home?' Chris said confused

' something like that, I don't like to see people die everyday, but this.... what I'm doing now is the only thing that has ever made any remote sene to me in my life.'

' Really nothing eals has ever made any sene to you?'

' No; I hummed and hahd through high school.... well any kind of school I did, now that I think about.'

' well what is it like to live in the barracks , share the same showers, take showers with these guys'

' ummm well.... the barracks are fine.... the guys think of me as one of the guys so as for the others, it is really no big deal'

' really? they think of you as one of the guys?'

' well when.... yeah I don't got any for that one....It's actuary sad that they think of me that way.... but it works you know... I have never got along with girls that well... so it works.'

' well thanks for this interview, we should eat and then have some fun....I think you need some time away form them.' she said as she put away her note book and started to eat.

A few weeks latter the story got published. Chris had writen it so well that she got transferred to a village with a bigger base. A month latter Bake got to go home his tour was. The year was 1970. It was Alexs third year over there and it was Zekes fifth year. Alex always got a letter form him. Alex only had one month before she was able to go home. One day when they were about to go on a patrol the lieutenant came up and said that they had to take a camera man and a reporter with them. When Zeke heard this he said ' now LT we can't take them with us, they will be a disraction to the men.'

' yeah, well they are my orders.'

When they hit the LZ, they recvied heavy fire. When they got out of that the cameras went on and the filming started. Alex said to Zeke ' Zeke, why do they need to be here, my pals are dieing and everyone at home-'

' yeah, I know what your saying'

' and on top of that they are always on the dead or on me.'

Then she walked away. When they started back up again they walked for ever with out any fire. Then as soon as they got some the cameras were truned back on. It seamed as though they only wanted to see them fighting or when a soldier got his leg or arm blown off from a trap. When they got back to base. The reporter was putting some narration on. The reporter said ' so we see more death over this land, and more people half to die, we have seen men fighting and even a woman, we have see that the U.S army doesn't care who lives or dies, men, women, or children. I'm Vikkie Adams.'

Then Alex went over and grabbed the camera and pulled out all the film. ' What are you doing' yelled the reporter.

' what am I doing? I'm keeping this from these men families from seeing this, they don't what to see them die! Thats not all the people back home hate us enough all ready. We don't need any more BAD press.' she yelled

' Lieutenant' yelled the reporter

' WHAT' yelled Goldman looking anoyed with the reporter

' she ruined all the footage' wined the reporter

' Anderson, is this true?'

' yeah it is LT'

' Why did you do this?'

' I don't want these men's families to see them die!'

Then Goldman pulled her to side and said ' Alex I know why you did this and I don't want any thing more then to tell her off, but I can't'

' why not?' she whispered

' she will take it higher....and they will court-martial you.... ok'

'lieutenant if you are punishing her then I want to her it too'

' BUT LT ' she was talking out load now that the reporter had joined them.

' Alex I see your point but the general himself said that they could film all they wanted. Say your sorry'

' LT'

' Anderson say SORRY.' he yelled

' Sorry' Alex said rolling her eyes.

' yeah, well your not forgiven' yelled the reporter.

' OH LT, what the hell was that for if she was not even going to forgive me' Then she walked away.

' what that all about Alex' asked Zeke.

' I think you know'

' Yeah I think I do , you don't want any one to get hurt.'

' Did you hear what she said about the US army, that they don't care whats to any one, an I know-' she said in an odd sort of funny voice making fun of the reporter.

' Alex, I know, but you can't let it get to you,'

' so we will just let the world hate us more?' she said with a confused faecal expression.

' why are you telling me this any.'

' because, they are thinking of giving you your srtipe back, and if you step one foot out of line you wont get then, don't tell any one that I told you, I was not allowed to.'

' what if I'm in a line of my own? Then will I still get them?

' NO' Zeke said shacking his head

' well then I can kiss them good bye' she said looking around

' yeah, ok, I will see you latter.' he said laughing

When she got to the barrkes Taylor said ' so one months, what are you going to do when you get back to the world?'

' eat really food'

' your dating Baker how really is that food he eats any why?' Taylor said with a laugh

' and the rest is none of your bissiness'

Then Goldman came in side said ' Alex the cornal wants to see you.'

' What did you do this time?' asked Ruiz

' that snot nosie reporter.....I mean....I don't know' she said as she left.

When she went into the cornall Digbes office she sluited then the cornal said 'Anderson, I know that your not sopostto get your stripes back, but, you have been behaving and your a good soldier, and there is an officer opening.... a lieutenants to be exact.'

' Really; me a lieutenant?'

' yes'

' well, I would sayd yes, but I want to go home, and I will half to stay here if I'm a lieutenant.'

' well, I see your point but we need a lieutenant, to train men.'

' well then still NO'

' why?'

' because I'm going to Califanina'

' well we can station you there if you want.'

' Ok then, yes.'

' ok good, here are your stripes and sorry but you will be bunking with the guys that you are with now, till the end of the month, then you get to go home.'

' thank you sir.'

' you may leave lieutenant'

' yes sir'

When she got back to the barrkes she said ' this is not how we are to treat a lieutenant'

' I don't see a lieutenant said Jonston

' well your looking at her.'

' your funny Al' said Percell

' fine then don't belive me....not haven forebid that someone belives Alex' she said sittting in a a chair.

So a month went by. When Alex was getting on the chpoer that was to take her to the plan, that would take her home. she was saying bey to Zeke, when Zeke said ' I hope you are happy when you get back to the world'

' I will be, and I will write to you al the time.'

' yeah...you better' he siad with a smile.

Alex got on the choper then she said ' Zeke, you come home alive' then she left.

When she got to Calfionria and got off the plan Baker was waiting for her. When she steped of the plan with her lieutenant's uniform on. He looked shocked.

' look at you' he said

' yeah, I know'

' your a lieutenant'

' yeah, I know, but I get a five months off before I need to train men.'

' so your not going back'

' nope' she said shacking her head

' I got a treat for yoy Alex'

' What is it?'

' I can't tell.... lets say that you need to change for the beach frist.'

' oh... ok?'

' lets go to my house so you can change'

So they went to Baker house and then he took her to the beach.

' Scott, why are you holding your hands over my eyes?'

' It is a suprize'

' yeah beacuse, I didn't get that'

' ok open' he said as he stoped her, and took his hands off her eyes.

' a surfboard' she said as she huged him.

' you like'

' yeah of corse' she said as she kissed him.

' ok so lets surf' he said.

'yeah... lets surf'

So after they surfed. They went back home. When they got home, Bakers twin brother Carl was there.

' oh Alex this is Carl' Baker said

' yeah ... hi Carl'

' yeah, I remember you.... we almost sleeped together.' said Carl

' yeah, yeah. not the time Carl.'

' yeah, that was not a fond menarie.' said Baker

Then Carl said ' oh mom and said that you should come at six o'clock'

' yeah, thanks' said Baker

Then Carl left and Alex said ' your parents?'

' oh yeah I forgot to tell you'

' yeah' she said with a look.

' well they know that your comming' he said as he pulled her close and then kissed her

' when you do that it makes me frrl like agreeing to any thing' she said.

' what? this or this? he said as he kissed her on the neack then the lips.

' bouth'

When they got to Bakers parents house, they went in and Bakers mother came over and said ' oh you must be Alex...... we have heard so much about you' she said with a big smile.

' oh....Alex this is my mom Lize, and this is my dad, William, and you know Carl.....well......' he said with a look around the room. ' these are my other brothers Mark, and Paul, and thses are my sisters, Hanna and Lane.'

' Hi' Alex said in a quit voice; but she was thinking 'good lord this is alot of kids, I mean really how needs this meany kids,and they are all looking at me, I hope that I'm saying this out load' she thought to herself.

Then to brake the oquard silance Lize said ' well.... supper is ready'

' oh good I'm starving' Baker replied.

When they were all eating Bakers father, William, asked ' Alex what do you do?'

' I'm in the Army.' she said looking up from her plate.

' yes William, Scott told us that' said Lize

' oh yes, how did you met; at the hospital?' questioned William.

' umm... no she was in my platoon' Baker answed for her.

' REALLY?' said Hanna

' yes, I was.' said Alex

' well then, you must have a nurse for the platoon' siad Lize

' no... I was a G.I' said Alex

' so Alex were are you from?' asked Lize before her husbend could saying something to Alex.

' Idaho'

' Scott says that your a good surfer' said Lane ' if your from Idaho where did you lurn?'

' I luned from Scott....when we were on R&R.' Alex answerd.

' oh, well thats nice' Lize said as she passed Alex the pees. ' here eat up, your nothing but skin and bone'

' Alex, me and you should go shoping and get our hair and nails done, but only if you want' Hanna commented

' ummm, yeah, we should' Alex said with a big fake smile ' yeah'

' good, I want to get to know you better, the was Scott talks about you you could be the one' Hanna said excadiatly

' umm Mrs. Baker could I have more meat? Please?' she said getting off the that subject.

When supper was over Alex and Baker when back to his apartment. When they got home Baker said ' I thinked they liked you'

'........yeah........' she said with a tone.

' Alex'

'what?'

' you had a tone'

'............NO......I didn't......they are great, I wish I had a mom like that.......hell I wish I had a mom' Alex said with one of her face and some hand gusters but in there ' yeah that would be nice'

' yeah....she is great: so you and Hanna are going shoping tomrow'

' yeah, I'm getting my hair done' she said with a look of discuses ' and it will be like OH MY GOD' she said with a high pitched voice.' that was a joke.....I was trying to be funny..... but guess what.....didn't work'

' Yeah I got that' he said with a laugh.

' so i was funny'

' I hope you two have a good time'

' We will don't worrie' she said as she kissed him.

' but you know I think that we should have a good time first' he said picking her up.

' I'm stocked' she said with a big smile.

' well at least your using the word right now' he said with a big smile.

' ahhhhh....he thinks he is funny' she said then kissed him.

A few months went by and Alex had to go to work. She had to train men for choper and ground forces. With in a few months Alex was over come with paper work and was never home till one am every night, One night when she got home and got into bed Baker said ' you said that you would come surfing today'

' oh my god, I foregot I'm so sorry! I promais that i will come tomrow' she said then kissed him.

' you promais'

' I promais' she said kissing him again.

The morning came and Alex went to work. That after noon came and Alex didn't go surfing. When she got home that night it was early then usal, it was about eleven 0'clock. When she steped in the door she saw all of her stuff packed up or being packed up by Baker.' WHAT THE HELL SCOTT?' she yelled

' what are you doing here? you don't live here.'

' what are you talking about?'

' you said, no promised that you were going to come surfing today' he said

'is that what this is about?'

' yeah'

' so your kicking me out, cause I didn't come surfing?'

' you said that you would all week no all month'

' I'm sorry, it's just that I half to work'

' but that is all that matters to you'

Alex started to laugh.' what is so funny'

' your jelous of my work....thats all'

'Jelous of the army... yeah right'

' Scott I'm sorry but my job'

' if you want to stay here with me then quit'

' you can't ask me to do that'

' why can't I?'

' because, the army is the only thing that has ever made any sence to me...... but I don't know why your yelling at me....... all you have to do all day is teach people how to surf, when I go to work I get spit on when walk on the base by people a t that the gates protesing, and I need to send men over to Vietman to die....do I see you doing that'

'oh really the army.....what about us'

' Scott that is no fair'

' then leave' he said as he gave her a box.' you can get the rest tomrow when I'm not here'

' fine' she yelled.

Alex wort to Zeke the next moring. When Zeke got the letter he read ' Dear Zeke me and Scott have broken up, you said that it would never work, I should have listened to you, you think that I would know by now that your always right, and don't even think of saying I told you so. I'm sleeping in my office. Not the best I must say, but it will do till I get tranfesard to Idaho. Well love ya. Bye. Alex.'

Just as Zeke finished reading the letter lieutenant Goldman came in and said ' sargent are you comming we are waiting on you.'

'yeah yeah, I'm comming'

' oh you got a letter.'

' yeah it was from Alex'

' well you can write her back after.'

Then Zeke went out on pratol. Well Alex stared to move to Idaho. Alex was in Idaho for about two month when she was at a bar, looking over papers of her newbies. When a man came over and said ' so this is what you have been up to.'

When she looked up it was one of her old friends, Mark Tombson. ' what are you doing her Mark?' she aasked.

' I don't know but it seams like your not happy to see me' he said ' some of the guys back home said that you are back to the world, I had to see for myself'

' Oh really, and this is my home not that hell hole' she said taking out her cigaret and taping it. ' what do you want.'

' well it's this way' he said as he sat down. ' my dad.....he needs a new cleacter, the old one was stealing from us andwe know that we can trust you.'

' I'm not into that shit any more'

' come on Al peopel like us never get out of this shit once your in your in and then you olny take brakes once and wile, then you get right back in, and in this job there might be futer in it for me and you'

' I don't wamt a futer with you'

' so the Army has changer you...... there was a time when you were wild' she said looking around. ' that is still in there some were.....some one just needs to find it'

' I not like that any more'

' and you can't tell me that you like, can you?'

' I like it'

' oh come on all.....I see your eyes all over the place; you never give up studying people do you, it's a sign of the trad you know?'

' get out of here'

' see there it is again, youre like a caged tiger, you want to walk on the wild side'

' listen Tombsom, I'm out of that, I don't want to be in that shit, I make good money now and I'm good at my job, so bake off'

' You know when you left, I almost cried.'

' REALLY? because I laughed'

The he got up and left. Alex never heard for him again. When she got back to her apartment she satred to unpack some more of her stuff. She had no time to umpack her stuff at one time. She came across of a picture of her and Baker and she said as she looked at the at the picture ' I should have listened to hime......but no he should have under stood. Hey if he were here I would not be talking to myself......and I would seem alot more sain.........ha me sain.....had a dream there for a minunt......hey talking to yourself is fun, there is no one to talk back to you......meanly......' then she relized and said out load to herself ' Thats why I here, I should be there, I should have listened. She Alex you should have listened.......thanks for this talk.......any time; then she grabbed her jacket and keys and ran out the door. When she got in the halll she said ' note to self brake the habbited of talking to myself before it gets to big'

She drove all night. When she got to Calfrian it was four in the afternoon. When she got there she went right to the beach, were Baker usely was. When she got out of the car she ran over to Baker; well at least she thought that it was Baker but when he truned around it was Carl. ' Carl where is Scott?' she asked him

'he is getting ready to go on a date, why?'

' I need to talk to him'

' Alex he has just gotten over you, an it's not a good idea that you see him'

'Yeah, yeah'

' good you agree with me'

' no I was talking to myself'

' what?'

' habbied that I formet'

' Ok?'

' It's a long story'

' You don't want talk about right'

' yeah' Alex said as she left. Then she trune around and said ' hey Carl, can I chrash at your place tonight?'

' yeah, shour, but first you want to grab youe board out of your locker, and chaght at lest one wave before we leave?'

' Ummmm.......NO'

In the morning Alex caming out of Carls room when she saw Baker was there when he saw her he was very shocked to see her, comming out of his brothers room. Alex justed looked at him and then grabbed her jacked adn left. When she left Baker truned Carl and said ' so she was here last night?'

' It's not that way she just crashed here.'

' oh...really?'

' yeah....and nothing happend'

' oh really' he said as he went out the door to aske Alex what happen. When he got outside Alex was just getting into her car when Baker yelled ' Alex, did you really sleep with Carl?'

Why would you think that Baker?'

' Well I did see you come out of his room'

' yeah well we didn't'

' then why are you here?'

' you really want to know' she said as she colsed the door.

' yeah I do'

'I came to see you'

'WHAT?'

' yoy heard me'

' me, you came all this way to see me?'

' yeah, you, but I got to go, you are getting on with your life and so should I' she said as she opended the car door again.

' Alex, I missed you'

' I missed you too' she said as she over into his arms.

' I'm so sorry'

' Ahh you were just doing your job.'

'Yeah but um-'

' It was your job.'

' yeah it was, I quit.'

' Why?'

' It was not for me'

' But-' he was trying to say somthing as Alex kissed him.

The she said ' want to surf?'

' Yeah dude.......do you really need to ask?

' I will race you' she said as she started to run for the beach.

' oh no you don't' he said as he grabed Alex.

' thats cheating' she said strugling to get otu of his arms.

****

The year was 1970 and there were talks that the u.s was lossing the war. Alex didn't seem to care much, she was way to bissie trying to find a job, beacuse she had quite her old one, in the army. Peopel seemed like they didn't not wanht to hiar her when they heard that she was in the army for two year.Then one day as she was getting ready to go surfing when she heard a voice say ' lieutenant Anderson.'

Alex wiped around and said ' I'm not... SATION........I mean General Higgens!!!!!!!!!' she said shocked with wide eyes.

' yes Anderson, it is me and my friends the M.P's ( mitary police).'

' I'm not in the army any more'

' to get you need to retir, once your an officer, which you didn't do, so you can go back to work or we can list you awall (crazy in mitary) and you can spend ten year in Mitary jail'

' What?' she said as she truned back faceing General Higgans again.

' It says right here that you are still employed by the amry, now if you want ,I will get your old job back that you had here'

' you heard me I'm not in the army' she was almost yelling now.

' Fine then, I fell like you would be happyer in Vietnam.' he yelled as Baker came up and said ' what is going on here, Al are you comming surfing today or not?'

' today she can but tomrow she has to go through some traing and then she gets shiped off to Vietnam, out of my hair and my life' the geneal yelled.

'Alex you quit, what is he talking about?'

' she is your girlfriend, right son?'

' yeah' said Baker ' but what has got to do with any thing?'

' this here one is a classice war adick.'

' fine, general' she said as she stuited him. ' I will expain it to you latter. Come on, before he makes me sign my sole over in blood'

' two days ' the general said to himself ' and she will gone....two days thats all'

When Baker and Alex walked away Baker said 'Alex, was that all about?'

' well when I told you that I quit, well, I guess that I didn't'

' what? and what does he mean war adick?'

' you need to "retirer" in order to quit, why I will never knwo, Baker I'm so sorry that this happen'

' don't worrie Alex, you don't need to go, your not a war adick like he said'

' yeah um yeah, I do, you see they were M.P's and unless you want me to spend the next,oh say ten years, in longbeen jail. I don't want to but I need to'

' well we will only have today and some of towmrow, so lets have some fun'

' how can you und-' she could not get the rest out because of Baker grabing ger and kissing her.

That night when they layed in bed, Baker had his arm around her and Alex was on her side, Baker kissed her on the neck and shoulder. the he said ' I love you.'

Alex truned onto her back, she was now under Baker, and said ' I love you to' the kissed Baker.

The next moring when Alex was pulling out her old uniform, all she could see was the face of men dieing. The she snaped herself out of it. pt it and went came out of the room and Baker said ' I thought that you would never be waring that again'

'yeah me to, I will see you tonight when I get home, it will be our last night'

'yeah'

'can you pass me that cought?'

' why, it's warm out?'

' well no ont likes the army very much these days'

' yeah, right, here'

' thanks, see you tonight'

When Alex got to the base she spend the hole day luring how to do what she already know how to do. When Alex got home that night she was corved in mud and swet. She got in the shower and come out to the living room. When she came out Baker had the room all dark and lit with with candles. When she went over to him he got down on one knee and said ' Alex, I have loved you ever since I first met you, well not the first first time cause I thought that you were a guy but the first time I found out that you were a girl, and I will always love you, Alex, will you marrie me?'

' yes' she said as she got down on her knees and kissed him.

When she woke up in the morning it was three in the morning her plan left at three thrity, she gave Baker a kiss, making shour not to wake him. Then she left. When she was getting on the plan she heard her name begining called, when she truned around she saw Baker ther. She ran as fast as she could to him. When she got to him she flung her arm around him and said ' It will only be twelve months or more,' Then she let go and got on the plan. When she tuched down in Vietnam, she thought to herself ' the one place I never wanted to go again, and I'm here...... hey I'm not talking to myself any more.....out load any way.' When she reported to the caption of the camp he told her that she would be stationed in fire base Ladybird. When she got to Ladybird the srgent showed her to her platoon. When she went in to met the guys she saw Taylor in there. 'Taylor?' she said as she saw the rest of the guys in there.

' Alex' she said as the did there had shake. Alex and Taylor had made up there own hand shake. Then the sargent said ' this is your lieutenant, boy treat her with resect'

' um, sargent thats fine, I know this man well.' Alex said

' I don't care if you how well you know him, he will not treat you like that'

' sragent, I'm in charge and I will let my men call me Alex if that is how they know me.'

Then she walked away, but before she got out of the teant she said ' sargent drop and give me tweney'.

The sargent drpoed and gave he twenty. ' I aways wanted to say, who know that it work?' she said with a big smile. All the guys started to laugh. Then Alex went to see the the caption of the base, Caption McKenna. The base was only small so the caption was the highest rank. When she went in she sluited, then he said ' lieutenant, it is good to have you back, we need your experance, all our men are newbies'

' yes sir, so what is my mission?'

' it's thw usal a sarch and distroy, being in S.O.G' ( studys and ovastions group, army special froces)

' well sir I have ben out of S.O.G for almost a year now'

' what did you do Anderson?'

' nothing, I was home'

' your lucky, well you got your guys in platoon you must be happy.'

' yes'

' well, you will be going on the trails you know, but you will be going through the vally'

' yes, sir, when do I leave?'

' three hours'

When Alex came out for the breifing Taylor was standing out side. ' hey Taylor'

' Hey Al, when did you get back?'

' um three day, I can't belive that you and the guys are still here, I thought that you guys would all go home not reup'

' yeah, well, the world'

'yeah, that is what I would have said a along time ago too.'

' you've changed'

' not alot, but um, I'm happy to be here and I don't know why, home was hell,the world like you said'

' so you have not changed'

' oh my god Taylor'

' what?'

' I just relized that I can't play pranks on the newbie's'

' yeah you can't: where are we going LT'

' the vally, what are these guys like?'

' there good not the best but you got me, Jonston, Percell, Ruiz, and Horn the rest are all newbei's'

' yeah ok, well we leave in three hours, rasions for five days'

' ok, I will see you latter Al'

When Alex was about to go in the barrkes when she heard some of the men talking ' I don't trust her' said one

' she is a woman LT' said another.

Theses men were Hockenberry and Kenna.' well I'm so glad that you have made those obvations.' Alex said as she walked in. 'Hockenberry where is your gun?'

' I don't carry one'

' why?'

' I'm the medick'

' well last time I checked medicks carry guns to'

' not me?'

' your of those peace peopel aren't you'

' yeah'

' ok, then, lets go'

The mission went fine, but she lost her first men, she really didn't know how to write to their familys, but as the months went on she lurned how to write them. A few month latter her platoon got tranfard to Camp San Tue Nuch. When Alex was there for a few weeks, one day when she was comming offa mission she heard someone calling her name, when she truned it was MacKay.

' MacKay'

' hey Al, you got your strips back, and your a lieutenant'

' yeah, and know I can cakk you Jonny and it is alowed!'

' yeah, I think that you would have still called me Jonny any way'

' yeah, I would over, well I need to get a shower'

timidity yeah, well come to my hooch and have a dirnk latter'

' yeah, I will' she said as she started to walk away. A few weeks latter when they were out on pratol. They were receved haveing fire, when Alex called for airsport, they told her that they were not going to give her any, and that she had to hold their postions, Alex know that there was no way that they could hold there postions so she said that the batteris were getting low then trunded it off to make it seem as though batteies went dead. ' LT, what did you do that for?' asked Taylor.

' we are getting out of here, not hold our pisions, I will not let them die for a pice of land that we will give back tomrow' she said getting up timidity ' lets get out of here'

When they got back to base the Caption O'Connal yelled for Alex to get in to his officce. When she got in there, there was General Westmorlion ' oh, this can't be good' she said to herself, as she sluited them.

' Lieutenant Anderson' said the general

' General'

' nice to see you, well, I'm here to talk to you about what went on out in the bush'

General Westmorlin was a fat old man with very little gray hair, and had a combover, when Alex seen him she could not help but say ' and what do you know about the situation me and my men were in out there, you haven't don't any thing but yell at people sine World War two'

' Anderson' yelled the caption ' keep your tong in your mouths, we don't need your saus'

' what are you going to do send me to Vietnam?' she said ' new flash I'm in Vietnam'

' Anderson, you need to lurn how to speek to those in a higher rack then you' said the caption.

' Caption' said the genreal as he sat down in a chair. ' like she said we can't send her to Vietnam, and Anderson when you came in here is was just going to tell you not to do it again, but you seem to think that you know better then me'

' What, you wanted me and my men to die for land that you were going to give back the next day any way?'

' your striped of your lieutenants and sargents stripes' he said

' fine then, I have had them taken away so meny times, it would have hurt me if you didn't take them away from me' she said as truned around and was about to leave.

' Anderson, you have to bunk with the enlisted men now' said the caption.

' oh, well that is a punishment' she said with a tone to her voice.

' ANDERSON, I will not be talked to that way' yelled the caption as he got up from his desk ' you will sluit the general and me before you leave'

' yes, sir' she said as she sluited.

When she left the general truned and said ' if I didn't know that this war will kill her then I would have in lonbeen jail today'

' I know what you mean geneal' said that caption ' she is the most...... there are no word to explain her.'

Alex was out in the hall and heard this and said ' I heard that, and there has to be one word that explains me, I mean right now off the top of my head I can think of at least ten'

' ANDERSON' yelled the caption.

' I'm gone'

The General was about to get up but then the caption said ' I will talk to her latter'

When Alex was on her was to her new quarters, with all her stuff, when she heard someone yelling Alex, Al, when she truned around it was Zeke.

' what, when did you get here?'

' well I've been in the nam (Vietnam) for what six months now'

' what, you told me that you left the aemy'

' well they have a way that keeped me in'

' you lost your stripes'

' yeah today: I'm so happy to see you' she said as she droper her stuff and huged him.

' I'm happy to see you, just not here'

' yeah, well' she said as she grabed her stuff. ' the guys are in my platoon, well my old platoon'

' I can'y belive that they sent you back here'

' yeah well, it's no big deal, I like it here, I can't explain it but I do. What are you still doing here?'

' well I got a dear John letter' ( letter from his wife saying that she has left him).

' yeah well I didn't want to come back, Zeke I'm sorry about that, know that you loved her alot'

' yeah, yeah, I did, what that on your finger?'

' ring'

' Baker'

' yeah, what can I say'

' well, I will tell you this your platoon is now mine, I'm your LT'

' LT Zeke, thats asome, when did it happen?'

' three months ago'

' well, I got to go but I will see you latter LT; Zeke.'

'yeah Al'

' what happen to Goldman?'

' he got a job in intelligence, what did you think he was dead?'

' no, just wornding'

The next few days the platoon got off. Alex and Hockenberry became good friends. One day before the mission Taylor said ' I don't trust that Hockenberry'

' he is the medick, how can you not trust him?'

There is still more to be typed.