//------------------------------// // Chapter 9 Do Not Pass Go (edited) // Story: Welcome to Vietnam, (un)fortunate pony // by Bronycommander //------------------------------// Chapter 9: Do Not Pass Go The Hoa Lo Prison. That sent a shiver down Dung’s spine. This prison was built by the French colonists in Vietnam for political prisoners when Vietnam was still part of French Indochina, located in downtown Hanoi, it was impossible to escape, at least there was no report that a U.S. prisoner of war successfully escaped from a North Vietnamese prison so far. Dung was sometimes deployed as a prison guard there, he hated every second of it. The young soldier had seen how the prisoners were treated. From the beginning, U.S. POWs endured miserable conditions, including poor food and unsanitary accommodation. Although North Vietnam was a signatory of the Third Geneva Convention of 1949, which demanded “decent and humane treatment” of prisoners of war, severe torture methods were employed, such as rope bindings, irons, beatings, and prolonged solitary confinement, while Communists denied it by stating that prisoners were treated well and in accordance with the Geneva Conventions. Dung felt sorry for every prisoner, knowing that the aim of the torture was usually not acquiring military information. Rather, it was to break the will of the prisoners, both individually and as a group. The goal of the North Vietnamese was to get written or recorded statements from the prisoners that criticized U.S. conduct of the war and praised how the North Vietnamese treated them. Such POW statements would be viewed as a propaganda victory in the battle to sway world and U.S. domestic opinion against the U.S. war effort. Prisoners got occasionally released for propaganda or other purposes. The prison complex was sarcastically nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton” by the American POWs, in reference to the well-known Hilton Hotel chain. Knowing the same could happen to Petunia made his blood boil in anger at the person who had given the order to capture her. He did not know why, but for some reason, something told him that his father was behind this. But then again, it could have been also from a high-ranking person that was his father’s supervisor, making Dung think about it if he should be angry at his father at all. Right now, the only thing he could do, was to comfort her as good as he could, patting her during the ride, the filly was trembling heavily, scared of what they would do with her. At least, they didn’t restrain her, thinking it wasn’t necessary. Dung couldn’t blame her for being so much scared, it was understandable. It made sense, a young filly like her couldn’t put up much of a fight against a fully grown soldier. As the truck reached the capital of North Vietnam, Dung let out a sigh, praying to god Petunia would survive this all. The soldiers led the scared filly into the prison, the floors were cold. Petunia was brought to a NVA officer. “Prisoner transport from Du Hoc.” Dung reported, hating to have to do this. “I heard. Good work. Any incidents?” The officer asked, standard procedure with new prisoners. “Not at all, sir.” “And the prisoner?” “She’s a child…” Dung couldn’t finish as the officer interrupted him. “What is it?” “She’s pretty scared and had suffered some cuts from the battle. So, um, is the doctor going to look after her?” The young soldier asked, not wanting her health to get worse. “The doctor? Not that I heard.” The officer replied, his voice unemotional. “I see... So where am I taking her?” Dung asked, unsure what to think of this. “Put her into the next free cell.” The officer ordered. “Are they going to interrogate her?” Dung prayed they would not and if they would, go easy on her. “That's none of your business. Now take her to the next free cell.” The officer ordered coldly. “She is just a child, she wouldn’t last…” “So what if she does?” The officer countered. “What?” Dung couldn’t believe what he just heard. “We have our orders. Hurry up and take her to the cell. Do it. Or I'll report you.” “Understood.” Dung managed to hide his disgust. Petunia showed no reaction, she just trembled as Dung led her to the cell. As he opened the door, Dung tried to comfort her. “Listen, Petunia. I know it’s hard, but if they interrogate you, you have to stay strong, for your family and friends.” The scared filly gave no reply, only nodded, barely noticeable as she got into the cell and the door got closed. Once left alone, the filly couldn’t contain the pressure anymore, curling into a ball, crying, calling out for her parents. Dung was assigned to guard her cell, hearing everything, filling him with sympathy for the young child. He had to do everything he could to prevent her from being tortured, she wouldn’t last long. Getting her out wouldn’t be easy, let alone bringing her to the South of Vietnam. Right now, the only thing he could do was comfort her, keeping her moral up. While trying to come with an idea to get her out of here, the sounds of boots tore him out, coming closer, seeing two shadows on the wall. The shadows turned out to be two men, one of them was hearing the uniform of a general, having the same eyes as him but slightly grey hair, the other man sported black hair and brown eyes. Dung knew who they were, the officer was his father, the other man his personal guard, Lieutenant Lan. “We wish to interrogate the prisoner.” Dung’s father said as they stopped next to the NVA soldier. Knowing that yelling wouldn’t bring any results, Dung replied calmly, “With all due respect, she’s a child, it would be dishonorable to…” “Dung, we have no choice. This is for the cause.” His father countered with a cold and emotionless tone. “There's no cause in torturing innocents who don't know anything!” Dung yelled. “We don't know that!” His father replied. “I know that! Don't you trust me?! Don't you trust your own son?!” The young Vietnamese wanted to know. In his usual emotionless tone, father replied. “I trust you, Dung, so I decided given how close you are to her, that you shall be her interrogator.” Dung’s face became pale. “You…you can’t be serious…” “I am serious. Since you know her, you can get her to tell us what she knows without having to hurt her.” Dung understood what his father meant. “I understand. And if she doesn’t know anything of use?” “That is not my decision, but that of my superior.” It made Dung uncomfortable. “Okay…I don’t want her to get hurt.” “I hope so, for your sake.” His father replied, leaving with Lan as Dung opened the cell door, Petunia looked up with tear-filled eyes, it broke his heart to see her like this. Taking a deep breath, Dung spoke, “Listen, Petunia. I don't want you to get hurt and I know you're scared. Please, just.... answer the question for the sake of us both. I promise they won't harm you.” With a shaky voice, she told him, “The US and ARVN forces plan to capture hill 937 as part of the operation to destroy NVA Base Areas in the remote A Shau Valley. The Marines have order to reconnaissance in force toward the Laotian border while the ARVN units cut the highway through the base of the valley. If heavy resistance is met, they shall call in air support, destroying the enemy in their own operating areas and block escape routes into Laos. If a US Battalion should discover a North Vietnamese unit, orders are to fix it in place until a reinforcing battalion lifts in to cut off its retreat and destroy it. That’s all I know, honest!” The soldier could tell she was honest and scared, not wanting to die. “I believe you, petty. I will do anything I can to prevent that they hurt you.” Without warning, the filly hugged him. “Thank you! I also have a message from your mother.” “Message? I’m all ears.” Dung was surprised at this. The filly quoted, “’I know you've lost a lot of love and faith in your father. I did too when all this madness began. But understand that what he's put you through is very much the same as he was put through at your age. We tried to keep together, heavens know we tried. The war changed him and not for the better...But I won't lie and say it didn't change me. I regret not simply talking to him and working this out...And you will too if this goes on too long, you can trust your mother on that.’ Hoang was supposed to give it to you should he meet you again.” “That’s very touching, Petunia. It warms my heart that mother has not forgotten me. Sorry, but I have to lock the door again. I’ll be back soon.” Her smile faded, changing to an expression of fear and sadness. “Just…don’t take too long…please.” “I come back as soon as I can.” With that, he closed the door, making his way to his father’s office. The bodyguard stood outside, opening the door for him. “What have you to report?” his father asked, sitting on his desk, doing paperwork, the office had some Communist flags and a picture of the North Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh. “Well, she got some information about the next officer of the Capitalist forces.” Ding told him what he knew. Father gave a barely noticeable smile. “Good, good.” “There is also another thing. She got a message from mother.” That seemed to surprise his father, as he stopped his work, looking up. “What message?” “She regrets not simply talking to you and working this out, that you and her are not that different.” Father stayed motionless, processing the information, making Dung wonder how he will react to this. After what seemed to be hours, father mumbled, “So, she finally understood.” Again, a barely noticeable smile. “Took her long enough.” “So, what happens to Petunia?” Dung asked. “That lies in the hands of my supervisor. We'll increase her rations. It wouldn't bring us any benefit to let her starve. Return to your post.” “Yes, general.” What fascinated Dung at times about his father, despite being cold and serious, was that he was very clever, showing an unusual caring side to prisoners that behaved, which was very rare. Back at the cell, the filly asked through the door, “What did he say?” with a hint of hope in her voice. Letting out a sigh, hating it to disappoint her, he said, “That the decision has his supervisor. I’m afraid it will take some time.” “No…” A quiet whimper came from the other side.” “But, he gives you double rations, so you stay strong.” He didn’t know if Petunia had heard this as she gave no reply, just crying until she cried herself to sleep. Seeing that it was getting late, Dung opened the door, walked in and put the sleeping filly on the bed, tucking her in. “I promise I get you out of here.” The soldier whispered into her ear before walking out, closing the door, going to the sleeping quarters to get some rest. In the next morning, he brought her breakfast, consisting of a bowl of rice and a glass of juice. Crying greeted his ears as he reached the cell. “I just wanna go home… Lemme go home…Lemme go home…” Dung opened the door, feeling sorry for her. “Good morning, I made you breakfast.” He placed it on the table next to the bed, the filly looked up with a sad expression. “T-thank you.” She gladly took it, but her sad expression stayed. Making sure he wasn’t watched, Dung sat down next to her. “I know it’s hard, Petunia. You have to stay strong.” The soldier stroked her mane. “Easy for you to say. I had a nightmare about t-them t-torturing me…” She buried her head into his chest. “I want my mama…” Dung could tell that she was homesick, it reminded him of his time after he awoke in Hanoi. “I know how you are feeling. After I woke up in Hanoi, I became also homesick, wishing I could see my mother and brothers again. The promise I made with my brothers kept me strong, getting over my homesickness. I know you can get over it too. And I will with you, no matter what.” “Thank you!” The filly smiled again, very grateful. “Tell me, what have you experienced since the campfire?” He asked, curious. “A lot of fun!” The filly grinned, telling him about her stay in the USA. “Sounds like the stories are true that the west is that good. Sometimes, I dreamed that I escaped back to the South, traveling to the USA, living a happy live, a life I never had here in the North.” “I can imagine that.” Petunia replied, hugging him to cheer him up. A few days passed without any information about the decision, making Dung wonder if his father’s supervisor had decided that Petunia spends the rest of her life here, or worse, had given the execution order for her. Then finally, an answer came, as he saw a single shadow walking into his direction. To Dung’s surprise, it was only Lan. “Got news about the decision?” Dung asked him. “Yes, best you hear it personally, follow me.” Dung gulped, fearing that this couldn’t be good for Paleo. Once at the office, the young man asked his father, “You wanted to see me?” “Yes. I’m afraid it doesn’t look good for your young friend.” Father’s voice was cold, but somehow, Dung could hear some sympathy for the filly, his expression neutral. “What do you mean? She told us everything she knows.” Dung feared what would come, horrified. “For my supervisor it wasn’t…satisfactory. He ordered her to be interrogated again.” In shock, not believing what he had heard, the Vietnamese exclaimed, “What?! You can’t be serious!” Cold, his father replied, “I am serious, I have an order to do the interrogation myself.” Dung stood there, completely stunned as his father and Lan walked past him. “Mother would never recognize you as the man she had married.” Dung couldn’t believe it. This seemed to get a reaction from his father, as he stopped, turning around, slightly surprised. “Dung, unlike your mother, I don't hide behind comfortable delusions. I know what you think of me and I really don't let that bother me, so if you're hoping one day I'll cave in and beg for your forgiveness, you're just as delusional. You don't have to see me as a father, but you'd do damn well to see me as your commander.” This angered Dung slightly. “Or what? You'll put a bullet in my head?!” His father looked coldly at him, it felt like an eternity “You'd be wise not to tempt me.” Then the NVA general and his bodyguard walked to Petunia’s cell, Dung close behind, wanting to protect her. Dung hesitated to open the door, not wanting her to get hurt, but he had no other choice. The filly looked scared, trembling, huddling into the corner. “Please, I told you everything I know!” “Lan, Dung, leave me alone with her.” Lan bowed. “As you wish.” Dung looked with worry at Petunia, fearing what would happen to her. She knew how much he cared for her, seeing the fear in his eyes. Petunia was very scared, but still, she had to calm him down somehow. Something told her that the General was an honorable man, just wanting to talk, that he was somehow different from other NVA officers, like Dung was. But even if she was wrong, she had to give Dung hope, like he had tried to cheer up her. The filly managed to gather somecourage, giving him a weak smile. “I-I-it's okay, Dung...I'll be fine...I promise.” He looked back at Petunia and threw one last hateful look at his father, before leaving, knowing that protesting was no use. The elderly man looked her into the eyes, no sigh of emotion. “So, you are Petunia Paleo, the talking filly everyone was talking about, you may call me General Vu. I'm not going to hurt you. That is a solemn promise. I don't do that. But nor do I allow potential liars and spies to live. You ask what I will do if you do not tell me what I want to know? I will remove you from this safe, comfortable cell of yours and place you below. You see, not many people know this, but this prison has an underground cell block. It used to be a sewage system...And to be perfectly honest, its contents haven't changed. Filth. The soldiers call the lower cell block ‘Dia Nguc.’” He paused, the filly tried to understand what those words meant. “It means ‘Hell’. And again, an appropriate name given the nature of those within. Dia Nguc is where we put the scum. Not the political dissidents, not the POWs or even the traitors. The truly irredeemable kind. There are no guards in Dia Nguc, we simply throw prisoners down below and leave them. No guards, no food, no laws. And they revel in it. I have seen them do things to humans that I wouldn't see in a nightmare. You, a little animal, alone, afraid, thinking, speaking and feeling like a human, but exempt from the laws of humanity? They will find no end of fun and games with you. You won't last two minutes. But there will be no blood on my hands. Only their hands...and many other parts as well. When this interrogation continues, you are going to tell us what we want to know. I hope, for your sake, I've made that very clear.” His voice sounded very serious. “I already told Dung everything I know! They didn’t tell me more! I swear!” “No date for the attack or time of day?” He asked before a sound of beating echoed through the corridors. ”What now?” He looked into the direction of the sound before turning back to Petunia. “I’ll be right back.” With that, he walked off, leaving the child to wonder what was going on. A few minutes earlier As Dung walked away with Lan, he couldn’t help but think about Petunia’s safety, what they would do to her. Remembering what she had told him about her stay in the USA, he mumbled, “You should be in the free west and not here, Petunia. Stupid boys, if I would live over there, I had taught them a lesson! Doesn’t sound so bad to live in the West.” Without warning, Lan turned around, pinning him against the wall, staring at him with disgust. “I don't believe this…Do you even hear yourself? Travel to America, live under Uncle Sam's rules, become rich and famous and never have to suffer again, blah, blah, blah-WHAT ABOUT US!” He screamed. “What about the men dying to defend our country from the people who you call the kindest and noblest men on earth?! Does none of that mean anything to you?! Is that it? All the years the Commander's taught you the importance of our nation and its place in the world, you just want to turn your back on that so you can skip through the streets of New York without a care in the world?! You think your way, running from your problems and wishing they didn't exist, is honestly better than your father's way, fighting those problems until they're gone?! Do you honestly not see what we're fighting for or what's at stake?!” Lan quieted down, glaring at Dung. “If you are honestly your father's son...I guess he's right about the lying bitch you call mother.” That insult woke a beast inside the young man. He headbutted Lan, freeing himself from his grip. “What did you just said about my mother?!” Enraged, Dung punched the lieutenant, who blocked or evaded his punches with effort. “Nobody insults my mother like that! She’s caring and loving!” The soldier yelled in his rage. “Enough! Get up, both of you!” Vu ordered in a strict tone once he saw the fighting, causing both men to stop, caught completely off guard. Lan bowedimmediately, Dung just seethed at him. With a disappointed expression, Vu scolded them, “Is this it, then? You're both content to do the American's jobs for them? You childish buffoons call yourselves soldiers?!” “I'm sorry, Commander.” Lan apologized. “You cannot let him get away with what he said! Father, he called-“ Dung tried to explain, only to be cut off by his father. “I said enough! You're both on fatigues. Lan, the foundry. Dung, the cooks.” He turned around walking back to the cell, Dung followed him. “Both of you get out of my sight, I wish to continue speaking with our little talking pet.” Vu said, making Petunia cringe. Dung protested, “No. I told you, she's with me. She's under my-“ “Do you understand an order when you hear one? Out of my sight at once! This is your last warning.” The elderly man ordered with a slightly aggressive voice. What happened next, shocked Petunia. Dung drew his sidearm, aiming at his own father. “Step away from her, we're leaving.” He ordered, his voice slightly angered. “You're mad, Dung! Put down the gun!” Lan yelled, trying to protect his supervisor. “You want to go the same way?! I'll do it!” Dung yelled, the filly noticed a change in his voice. It sounded…desperate. “Enough...” Vu was calm, turning to Dung with a look that registered disappointment, no, more than that, Petunia couldn’t tell what it was. “So you've finally grown a spine...I'm disappointed you choose to show it in this...peculiar way.” “I'm not interested in what you have to say, old man. You let her go. We're leaving.” The voice of the private grew more desperate. “You'll do no such thing. You will give me that gun or I will remove it from your person and add the bullets to the conversation you have just interrupted.” The general pointed to Paleo, she got what he meant. “You hurt her and I will blow your goddamn brains out, I swear!” Dung shouted, trying to stay calm. After a few minutes of looking at his son, Yu replied in his cold tone, “...No...I don't think you will...” “Why not?” Dung hid his confusion, wanting to know. “Because, as you're so fond of telling me...You're not like me.” Again, Vu waited, it seemed like hours, the NVA private’s hand was shaking noticeably. “Young man, this is your last warning.” Vu warned, Dung sighed despondently, giving his father the pistol, turning around to leave. “Don't walk off. I've yet to decide whether or not to forget this ever happened.” Vu gave his bodyguard the gun. “Lieutenant. If this soldier tries anything...well, I think you'll know what to do.” “Yes, sir.” Lan acknowledged. “Now...where were we?” Yu got his attention back to the prisoner. “You...you'd kill your own son?” the filly asked in disbelief. “A son who was prepared to kill his own father for the sake of a small talking animal he'd barely known a week.” He looked at his son, Dung had his head lowered, a single tear escaped his eye. “And you think I'm the madman. Your mother once told me she didn't raise a violent child...Yet time and time again, you've proven her a liar.” Then he looked back at Petunia. “So, they haven’t told you a date for the attack or a time of day?” It took Petunia a moment to process what had just happened before she answered the question. “They haven’t told me anything about this, honest.” She sounded calm, but the fear was still there. With a neutral expression, the general said, “Well...I believe that concludes it. We're done for now. Thank you, Miss Petunia, you've been very helpful. Dung, you may take your pet and return to your post.” Surprised, Dung asked, “My post? She answered your questions. We want to leave this place.” Letting out an irritated sigh, Vu said to him, “Do you honestly expect a prize for not murdering your commanding officer?! Did I really pick my stupidest son to come with me?! I will clarify and try to keep it as simple as possible. Your prize is your life and my forgetfulness. You will assume the same duties you had before this took place. Do you understand how that works, Dung? Whatever you feel about my role as a father is irrelevant. I am still your commander and you are still a soldier of the Army of North Vietnam. That means doing what I say, taking what I give you and hoping it's not a bullet! Now get out of my sight.” Lan took him to the kitchen. “One last thing. I am wondering if it is true what is said about your home.” Vu said, a bit of curiosity in his cold voice. Petunia didn’t expect this, but she answered, “Yes.” And so, she told him about her home and family. With an emotionless expression, Vu said, “I’m sorry to hear what happened to you. As long as I’m in charge here, you will be treated well and properly fed.” While being glad for it, she was still unsure, due to his reaction about his son. “Thank you but…Dung told me you...kidnapped him...took him to Hanoi and forced him to join the army. How could you do this to him?” It was not easy to ask, fearing it might upset him. A barely noticeable chuckle escaped him. “Is that what he told you? What an imagination my boy has.” The filly quickly realized what he meant, but Dung sounded honest, he couldn’t have done that. Or could he? “So...he was lying to me?” “...Yes and no. The night I decided to leave the indifferent cesspit we'd been closeted in, Dung caught me walking out the door. He asked me what I was doing. I told him I was going to protect our home and family, fighting off the hordes who dare call our land their colony and our people their slaves.” He had no regret in his voice. Petunia thought for a moment. “And...what did he say?” “He said nothing. I simply asked if he wanted to join me, see the world outside and be part of the great wave of change that was to come...He said yes.” It didn’t make sense for her. “But...he said he hated it in Hanoi.” “He did. And he came to hate me for bringing him there. I never told him what was going to happen...because he never asked. It's hardly my fault if what he agreed to wasn't quite as enjoyable as he imagined. He made his choice...as I did.” The filly couldn’t believe Vu, she just couldn’t, Dung could never have chosen this. “Why did you do this to him? Just for believing in communism?” “I’ll tell you this: In the south, you can be executed for the slightest sign of being a communist, I wanted to save at least a part of my family.” “But they never harmed you.” Petunia replied, remembering how King and Hoang got along. “Did he leave that part out as well? They drew guns on us long before we even thought of drawing knives. And do you know why? Because the Americans would have the world believe that living equally is the Devil. Countless friends of mine were slaughtered because of the fear the West instilled in our idiotic ministry...and that was long before this war even began. As far as I know, the family I left behind still lives. When I left, I took everything that could link them to my ideals. I kept them safe from the paranoid tyranny of their so-called democracy. Dung should thank me for that much at least.” While it made some sense, Petunia didn’t know if she could believe this. “Anyway, since you seem to be close to Dung, what about helping him out in the kitchen?” Before she could reply, he added, “Think about it, it’d way better than sitting in the cell the entire day, wouldn’t it?” He let the filly think about it. It was actually a good one, that way, she got some change and could talk with Dung. “Okay, I’ll do it.” A barely noticeable nod was his acknowledgment, making a gesture to follow him. The filly was led to what appeared to be a dining room, a large table in the middle with stairs, a candle holder in the middle of the table, the walls were colored in red, communist flags on the walls. “I await an important guest. You will be my waiter.” “I understand, I get to work at once.” The filly replied, fearing that refusal would get her back into the cell. The kitchen was just down the hall, Dung was there, wearing typical cook clothes, preparing meals of all kind. “Dung?” She asked, startling him accidentally. “Oh, it’s you. What are you doing here?” He asked, surprised to see her. “Your father offered me to help you out, instead of having to spend the day in the cell.” With an unsure expression, he replied, “At least one good thought of him.” “I wanted to ask you something.” The filly added. “You can ask me anything.” He replied while focusing on his work. “Did you lie to me?” That surprised him, causing him to stop and look at her. “What do you mean?” “Your father said to me that you agreed to come with him. It is true that you agreed to go with him?” She wanted to know. Taking a deep breath, Dung told her, “Listen, Petunia, he tried to trick you, I would never agree to something like this, leaving my family behind.” “He also said he did it to protect you from being executed if you would be suspected to be a communist.” The child added. “More to save himself. Let’s get back to work before the chef scolds us.” He suggested. “Of course.” That was enough for her to tell that he didn’t lie to her. The guest hadn’t arrived yet, Petunia set the table, plates, knives and forks, Vu was looking out of the window, enjoying the view. There was a knock on the door. Must be the guest. She thought. “Enter.” Vu said and his bodyguard entered, saluting. “Lieutenant, I thought I had ordered for you to do the laundry.” “Yes sir, I just wanted to inform you about the progress of my foraging.” “Go on.” “A village in Xuyen Moc. They have plentiful amounts of lumber and livestock that we could easily shelter and feed our soldiers with.” “And to exchange?” Vu asked. “Sir?” Lan did not understand. “You took them off the villagers. What do you intend to give in exchange?” Vu replied. “...I don't quite understand, sir. We're fighting for them, aren't they obligated to provide for us?” “Lan, I taught you to be realistic. We are never going to protect our country if we steal from its people. We must give them something in return. Fair exchange for all is key to a stable Communist society, that's the cleanest way to establish it.” Vu explained. “So...we could arm them. In case of enemy attack. We have some to spare and they're unlikely to need all that much.” “Rifles and bullets won't feed them. What do we have in our stores?” “Plenty of vegetables and grain, but they're not going to last us long. It's not that we get through them, we just don't have anywhere to store them before they go bad.” Lan got it now. “Does the village? Any place where they can keep foods safe and fresh?” “I believe so. We passed by one, but it looked rather sparse.” Vu seemed to smile, again, barely visible. “Excellent. Turn out our own supplies. Fill their granary with the food that we can't store. Rifles for the wood, crops for the livestock. Fair exchange, you see. Finish your current work, then get to it.” Lan saluted, “As you command, sir.” With that, he left the room. The entire time, Vu had spoken in a very frank and serious tone, but it showed Petunia that he cared for the people, helping where he could. After that, it didn’t take long until there was another knock on the door. “Come in.” Vu said. To Petunia’s surprise, it was Feng who came in. “Mr. Feng, I hope you had a pleasant trip.” Vu greeted, offering a handshake. “'I did, thank you, General.” Feng returned the handshake. “You'll want some form of refreshment, I assume?” Vu asked as they both sat down. “Tea please.” “Right away.” Petunia went for the kitchen, Feng looked after her, surprised to see her here. “Ah, Miss Paleo. I'm surprised to see she's still staying with your men. I was under the impression that the plan was to take her home.” With a barely noticeable sigh, trying to think for a few minutes Vu replied, “There are still certain procedures to be...fully considered.” “Of course.” Feng smiled subtly. The filly couldn’t hear the conversation anymore as she reached the kitchen, Dung had already prepared the meals, Spring rolls, a well-known meal in Vietnam and some drinks on a plate. She grabbed the plate with her teeth, earth ponies were strong and had a good sense of balance, it was no problem for her. Petunia carried it to the dining room, placing it on the table, then poured both men a cup of tea. “I have heard that the Americans want to take your positions atA Shau Valley?” Feng asked. “Yes, but we are well prepared, with manpower alone, we placed artillery on the hill and are well dug in.” “I believe you that, but even if you lose, it can still be a victory.It is my belief that a moment of chaos affords opportunities lost soon after.” Feng replied as he took a bite. Clearly unimpressed, Vu said to him, “You say that as if you were the first man alive to think it. Yes, a crisis is an opportunity. Do not claim to bring me good news where none exists. I don't know how it works in China, but in Vietnam, we consider it a form of lying. If we lose that hill, we lose part of Vietnam. That is not a victory.” With a smirk, Feng said, “Oh, but it is. Do you remember the Tet offensive? We got defeated, yes, butpropagandistically and on a political level, it was a full success for us. The Americans sing songs of their soldiers and pilots and marines night and day. They like to imagine that World War II was them versus the world. They neglect to mention that they only became somewhat invested in the matter of world war when it was their lands that were getting bombed and raided. To them, everything that had happened before then, the wars in Europe, Africa, the Fall of Paris, that was just someone else's problem. Russia ended World War II. Communist Russia brought Berlin to heel and crushed the Nazi regime, never to let it rise again. It was not America, they were busy camping over in Okinawa, shelling men armed with swords! Yet as long as someone else can be praised for Hitler's downfall other than Communist Russia, the West will praise America and continue to believe that they will win every war. If we can prove that is not the case, Communism will endure. Because if those fools in the South honestly believe America can solve their problems...they're going to be very disappointed. Oh, they'll liberate the country for certain...but once that's done, they'll take all they can and leave. All that takes place after a war this grisly; famine, crime, poverty, misery and strife never before seen...that'll just be someone else's problem. Not theirs. The Tet offensive showed them exactly this. Even if we lose the hill, it could be another political victory for us, weakening the American’s trust that the war is necessary.” “I understand your view of it, but still, I care for the men under my command, high loses can lower their own moral.” Petunia was blaming herself that many US and ARVN soldiers would die, because of her. Due to this, she was trembling a bit, spilling some tea on the table and Feng’s hand. “I’m sorry!” She apologized, cleaning it up. “It’s only tea.” He said calm, not minding it at all before turning back to Yu. “But, the propaganda could raise it again. The propaganda of Germany in WW2 is a good example, it failed only when defeat was near.” “Yes. Petunia, please leave us alone. I will call you, should we should need more.” Yu said to her. The filly bowed, “As you wish.” Then she left the room, trying to get over the guilt. It can’t be my fault! Can it? Oh, I don’t want to imagine how many will die! She'd like to curl herself into a ball and cry, but she had to pull herself together to avoid getting back into the cell, should Vu see her like that. “I thank you for your hospitality, General. I would like to stay longer, but I’m needed elsewhere.” She heard Feng through the door, did time pass that fast? “It was a pleasure to talk with you, Mr. Feng.” Vu replied before the door opened and the Chinese walked out, giving Petunia a wave with his hand to say goodbye. Then she walked into the dining room to clear the table, seeing that some Spring rolls were left. “Are you hungry?” Vu asked her as she was about to grab the plate. “No.” She replied, despite being actually hungry. “Of course you are. Eat.” He said, instead of his cold tone, he sounded more friendly and caring. “I’ll eat in the kitchen later.” She replied. “It’s impolite to refuse such an offer. Eat, take what you like.” He pointed to the table, sounding stern, but still friendly, the filly obeyed, taking the remaining Spring rolls, enjoying them. Vu sat down too, placing a pot of tea next to her and an empty cup. “Drinking enough is important, I recommend some Artichoke tea, it’s consumed mostly by children.” “Thank you.” She poured herself a cup, the tea tasted similar to a fried egg. “Tell me, what is your father?” The general asked her. “He’s a fencer, quickly becoming a champion at it, while my mother is a pearl diver. They are very proud of me.” Vu seemed to smile. “Pearls…They are hard to get, but a beautiful reward once you get one.” “Indeed, my mother told me sometimes about it, she was very successful, finding ten pearls on the day she first met my father.” “Then, you mother was very luckily that day to find so many. As for your father, was he in the military?” “No, he does fencing for a sport and hobby, enjoying how elegant it is.” I agree, it is very elegant, much care must be taken to disarm your opponent, so I’ve heard. What do the bones on your flank mean? Death?” “What?” The filly was a bit surprised by this question. “Oh, no, it shows my special talent, I’m a paleontologist, although my parents thought it meant I would be a pirate.” She blushed a bit. “Well, that had made sense given your parents’ hobbies.” “If I may ask, sir, how were your parents?” The filly felt guilty to ask. With a small hint of sadness, Vu told her, “I only knew my father, my mother died shortly after I was born. He loved me, doing everything he could to protect me from the French colonists and Viet Minh as both used children like you in the war. He was a good man, sacrificing himself to protect our village in what became known as the Indochina War.” That made Petunia think of the soldiers who could die because of her, she trembled slightly as the guilt took over. The elderly man put a hand on her shoulder, calming her down. “Deep breathes, girl. You aren't in any trouble.” “W-why? Why should I not be guilty for the men that could die on that hill?” She asked, confused. “Because we know of the attack on the hill quite for some time already, long before you even got here, that’s why my superior ordered your interrogation, wanting something new to know. He isn’t able to see when you have to accept the only information you have.” As the filly looked into his eyes, something told her he was honest and not lying. “Thank you!” She was glad about it. “You’re welcome.” There was a knock on the door, Lan came in. Seeing his commander and Petunia sitting together at the table, he asked, “Am I disrupting?” “Not at all, Lieutenant, what have you to report?” Yu asked him. “I just wanted to report that I did my work as ordered.” Vu raised one eyebrow, unimpressed “...Yes...I'm happy you can follow orders. Are you expecting applause?” Lan's face fell, Vu looked at him a bit more approvingly, almost fatherly. “Don't pout, Lan. I'm certain you did a good job. But you don't need to tell me when you've done so. A soldier doesn't wait on ceremony. Save that for my supervisor. Now, you've something else to tell me, I assume. Let's hear it.” The bodyguard saluted. “Yes, sir.” Yun and his guest ate and talked for some time. The door opened, a bald man in officer uniform walked in, seeing the two eating and talking together, bristling at this sight, startling Petunia, while Vu was not surprised at all. “I didn't hear you knock.” He took a sip of his tea, not even looking at the man. “I didn't order you to eat and collude with prisoners.” The man said in disbelief and anger. “Correct. You ordered me to interrogate them.” Vu replied calmly, Petunia quickly comprehended that this man was his superior, making her wonder why he called him supervisor. The Supervisor stared at them indignantly, it felt like hours before he yelled, “You call this an interrogation?!” “I can't very easily interrogate a prisoner if they starve to death.” “Why is she out of her cell?” “Because I ordered her brought to my study.” “Yes, I can see that! Why?!” Petunia could see that the bald man lost his patience. “Because my study is where I tend to work. The walk from here to her cell takes time, time I could otherwise spend productively.” It made sense to the filly what Vu told the officer “I was waiting for you in that damn cell, to hear the results of your interrogation, for half-an-hour!” Vu slowly turned to look at him, “I hope you found it comfortable.” Petunia and Lan both stared in shock not able to say anything for several minutes. “...Are you threatening me?!” The Supervisor yelled, enraged With a blank expression, Vu asked, “Would you know if I was?” The Supervisor stood there, stunned, for what seemed like hours before he took a deep breath, the side of his mouth was twitching. “I want to hear what she's told you! Do not keep me waiting long!” “I shall finish my interrogation as quickly as I possibly can, sir.” Vu’s superior nodded, scowling, and storming off, slamming the door shut. After some minutes, Vu turned back to Petunia. “Do you fancy a dessert?” Lan couldn’t hold it back anymore, bursting out laughing. Vu smiled slightly. With a grin, the filly said, “I would like it.” Vu raised his hand and Lan left the room, coming back with a bowl of Yogurt. “If you don’t mind, why haven’t you told your superior yet?” “Because the walk from my study to his office takes time.” Petunia chuckled, “But...he looked like he was in a really bad mood.” “I prefer him in a bad mood. Makes him easier to predict.” The child enjoyed every spoon, then carried the dirty dishes to the kitchen, helping Dung clean everything. “I must say, despite being very serious, your father is a very caring military leader.” Petunia commented. The man looked at Petunia with a disgusted expression. “No offense, petty, I'm willing to admit that he's a good soldier, and a good commander. Most of the men around here say so. But he's still the man who tore my family apart. And, no matter what reasons he may have had, I can't respect him for that!” “S-sorry, I didn’t want to offend you…”Petunia was scared by his outburst, on the verge of tears. Realizing what he had done, Dung wrapped his arms around her for a hug. “Sorry, I just…after nine years of not seeing my mother and brothers, I just want this all to end, wanting to see them again. I can’t take it any longer.” The filly returned the hug. “It’s okay, Dung, I can understand your pain. I’m sure you will see them again.” “I hope so too. To be honest with you, I miss the South.” “Do you miss the dangers of it too?” Vu came from behind, his voice and expression showed disappointment. Petunia didn’t understand, he was so nice to her and suddenly…so cold again. Could it be that he had a multiple personality? “I only wanted to protect you from this, it’s my duty as father.” Yu added. Dung let out a sigh. “Look, I get that we were in danger, okay! I understand that, at least! I'm willing to admit our government wasn’t exactly saints. But...ever since we arrived in Hanoi, you refused to act like my father! You just put me through one trial after the next, never impressed, never satisfied, without end, all to build me into your ideal soldier you could command against your enemies!” “And do you suppose it was any different for your two brothers? They weren't trained by their mother. They were trained by some general who turned boys into men and now commands them. Just as I did. But you refuse to see me as a commander who made you a soldier, as all my other soldiers do. You still see me as a father who failed his family, who should have kept them together, safe from the war. Well, I couldn't. I tried, Dung, for five long years, I tried. But I couldn't keep the war from affecting you any more than you could keep it from affecting your little friend.” Yu countered in his cold voice, folding his arms, being silent for a few minutes. “Think on that.” That’s it! Enraged, Dung grabbed his father, pinning him against the wall. “Are you so clouded by your beloved communism? Open your eyes! You caused all this! Because of you, I have to pray every day that I won’t kill my brother Hoang, who got drafted in the ARVN and prays he won’t kill me or our youngest brother, who is in the NLF, praying he won’t have to kill Hoang! Worst of all, mother is worried sick about us all! Had you not taken me with you nine years ago, all of this had never happened! We all three want to survive and see each other again! You took everything from me!” Vu gave a disinterested sigh and then uppercutted him, very fast for a man of his age. As Dung was on the floor, his father put his hands behind his back and stepped on Dung's shoulder, keeping him pressed to the ground as he spoke, calmly but sternly, without much emotion, “Right...I'll assume you're listening now. You've said your piece, now I shall say mine. Whenever I offer you any sort of compensation for how things in our family turned out, you have a tendency to throw it back in my face and...frankly...it's gotten rather stale. If you continue to act like a whining, petulant child then I shall treat you like one. And should it continue beyond the limits of my already weathered patience then a sharp lesson will be in order. One neither of us will enjoy. One that will involve Petunia...And a bullet.” Dung strugged, growling slightly. Vu raised a finger in front of him as response. “No. Don't talk. You've already said your piece. And I've said mine. Reflect on what I've told you. Now if you would please remember that you are a soldier, fighting a war to free your country and get...back...to work.” He glared at his son before turning and leaving without another word. The filly stared in shock at the eldery man, unable to believe how he could be so cold towards his son. The sound of hastily footsteps gretted her ears, seeing her friend stomped out of the kitchen, his face locked into a half angry, half shocked expression. Petunia galloped after Dung. “Dung, wait!” She called out, to no avail. The foal followed the young man to the sleeping quarters, where she saw him lying on one of the beds, crying. “I had to let it out, I was so tired of everything! I miss my real home! I want to see my brothers again!” He looked at her with a tear-filled face before burying his head into the pillow again. Paleo climbed into the bed, wrapping her hooves around him. “Shh, it’s alright, Dung. Let it out.” She said in a comforting tone, understanding him, having sympathy. The man cried himself to sleep. “Sleep well.” The filly whispered into his ear. Seeing it was getting late, the sun setting as the pony looked through the window, Petunia snuggled herself into the bed, yawning before falling asleep. In the morning, Dung woke up, smiling upon seeing how his young friend snuggled with him in her sleep. The filly stirred, waking up, slowly opening her eyes, yawning. With a smile, she said, “Good morning, Dung!” “Morning, Petunia.” There was a knock on the door, Lan came in. With an expression of hate and disgust, Dung asked, “What do you want?” “To apologize. It was wrong of me to insult your mother. I was never truly aware of your family situation. I had overhead you arguing with your father a few times.” The lieutenant had his head lowered, sounding very sorry and honest. Confused, Dung asked, “Why? Why do you suddenly care so much?” Petunia found it also strange. She could understand that what Lan had done was wrong, but something told her, there was something else. “Is there something that bothers you?” She wanted to know. With a sigh, Lan replied, “At least your family's still alive.” It took Dung and Petunia a few moments to realize what the bodyguard meant. “How do you think I wound up here?” The filly hugged him. “I’m sorry to hear that.” Lan patted her. “It’s okay.” “What happened to you?” Dung asked him with sympathy. “My family died during the bombing raids of the Americans. Your father took care of me, raising me into the man I am today.” “I'm sorry. Looks like we both went through a lot.” “Yes. Listen, if you want to start a new life, I won’t stop you. This is my home. I'm going to stay here and make life easier. That's what we're fighting for, no matter what the authorities in the South and over in the West would have us think. Your father wants to talk with you.” Lan stepped aside, letting Vu in. Petunia and Dung were surprised to see that the elderly man hadn’t his cold glance anymore, instead, his expression was one of…regret, sadness. “My son, I want to apologize too. I…finally understand that what I did nine years ago was wrong. I will understand if you don’t forgive me, but I wanted to let you know that I still love you, your brothers and your mother. What I did back then, was out of fear, to protect you all but I got blinded by it too, not realizing what it would cause. Also, if you want to go back to the south, I won’t stop you either or see you as traitor. You were right, I am the only one to blame.” He lowered his head in shame. Dung walked towards his father with a neutral expression, Petunia expected he would slap him. Instead he…hugged his father, with tears in his eyes. “That’s the father I know!” The young man exclaimed in joy. Vu returned the hug. “I know, I know.” He also had tears in his eyes, an expression of joy, Petunia and Lan smiled at the heartwarming sight. The father gently broke the hug, turning to his bodyguard. “Leave us alone.” “As you wish.” Lan bowered before getting out of the room. As they were alone, Vu said, “I support you in any way I can to help getting Petunia to safety. But, there is something else I need to tell you.” Vu sounded a bit worried. “What is it, father?” “The NLF is about to take our former home, as the US forces are weakened here. I personally will take a squad to ensure there are no civilian casualties.” His voice was again firm and frank. “What? What about mother?” Dung asked, worried. Vu pulled out a passport out of his pocket. “If she wants to leave for America, I prepared a passport and notice for her. Patrols have orders to let her through, as I have told my men she’s pregnantand requires treatment not available in Vietnam. They believe me since rumors went around that she was unfaithful to me. If she wishes to stay, I’ll do my best to keep her safe. Lan will be in charge of the units in the area, I trust him with acting with honor and compassion.” Dung blinked, trying to make sense of it. “I understand, I hope it will work.” Yu opened his mouth to reply as suddenly, his superior walked in. “There you are. In my office, all of you!” He ordered in a strict tone, Petunia gulped, fearing the worst, Dung also didn’t like this, his father stayed calm as they moved to the office. Inside, they saw Feng and his guards, the former was reading a document on the desk. With a triumphant smirk, Vu’s superior asked “Care to explain?” Vu stayed calm. “You'll need to be more specific, sir.” “General, I have grown tired of you treating me like a fool. It ends here, do you understand?!” The officer yelled at him. “If I have given offence, I apologize.” “It’s your son who's given the offence, General.” The higher ranking soldier explained. Vu was a bit confused what he meant, but decided to play along. “I apologize on his behalf. I'll see to it that he is properly chastised.” With an evil grin, his superior said, “Oh, no need. I'll see it myself!” He drew his sidearm, trained at Yu. Vu lost his composure. ”What is this?!” He demanded to know, totally caught off guard. “This, General, is the fate of all traitors. Private Dung here and Miss Petunia Paleo worked with known members of the ARVN and the US Marines!” The supervisor countered with a yell. Vu tried to come up with a lie, knowing what he meant. “I...Sir, whoever fabricated this story is either a fool or a madman.” Feng looked up. “I resent that, sir.” Vu stared at the Chinese in shock. “F-F-Feng?!” Feng shrugged innocently “Well, he is in charge. You said it yourself. Sorry, were you hoping I'd keep secrets from my superiors? No, no, that would never do.” “I...I trusted you!” Vu couldn’t believe it. “That wasn't very smart.” Feng replied coldly. “Oh I have been looking forward to this, General. You know as well as I the price for collaborating with enemies of the state.” The high ranking man pointed the gun at Dung. “No! Please don't hurt him! He's not a traitor! They were rescuing us!” Petunia pleaded. “Pipe down! After this, you're for the stewpot, you whiny little nuisance!” “Don't you dare hurt her!” Dung yelled, Feng's guards primed their rifles on him. “Wait!” Vu yelled, staring at his son, fear in his eyes. “Sir...Listen, I gave the order. I take full responsibility. Do anything with me as you wish, but Private Dung had no part in this. He was following orders.” “You've told me enough about him already for me to know that's not true.” His superior replied coldly. “Sir...please...” The Supervisor grinned. “Look at you, General Vu, feared and beloved by all who know him, whimpering like a child. First, you're going to see your son scream in agony. Then both of you are going to eat your little friend, piece by piece. Then the Private here, will face a firing squad while you, General, will be taken to Hanoi to receive every refinement of punishment a traitor receives in North Vietnam. Mr. Feng has made all the arrangements, isn't that right?” Feng looked up from the documents. “Hm? Sorry, my mind was elsewhere.” The elderly supervisor was irritated, his moment of triumph ruined. “Must you do that now?” “Yes. Very important. News of the attack. The Swamp Devils, wiped out. Zero Civilian casualties. The area was made that much safer. Quite impressive. It'll do wonders for public opinion.” He smiled slightly, glad the threat was eliminated. The Supervisor got caught off guard by this. “Yes, well...They're still traitors!” “Are they though? Who's to say? Maybe the whole thing is better off forgotten about.” Feng asked in return. “Absolutely not! They'll die for their offence! I'll take this to Ho Chi Minh himself!” The men shouted at the Chinese.” “No...You won't.” Feng reached under the desk, drawing his gun, a Shanxi Type 17, the Chinese Copy of the German famous Mauser C96, a.k.a “The Broomhandle”, on the supervisor. The NVA officer paled. “Wh-wh-wha-what?!” One of Feng's guards hit him with the butt of his rifle, knocking the gun out of his hand “No! You can't do this!” He yelled, angry. Feng smirked. “Oh, but I can. General Vu and his sons have proven themselves useful. Far more useful than you ever were...I hate bad investments. Really, I do. They haunt me.” The supervisor backed into a corner. ”You...you'll never get away with this!” “If you believe that...you really don't know me at all.” Feng shot him into the head, blood splattered everywhere as the body hit the ground, Petunia shrieked. “F-Feng, wha...wha...” Vu couldn’t believe what just happened.” Feng put a hand to his mouth. “Shh...” Then he looked around before handing Vu his gun “Hold this please.” Vu did as told before the Chinese ruffled his hair, undoing his collar and signaling to his guard. The guard nodded, hitting Feng in the face, then thrrowing the documents to the floor. “Xie Xie, Xiashi.” Vu and Dung could understand what Feng had said, it meant, “Thank you, Corporal.” “Feng, have you gone mad?!” Vu yelled. “Shh...Play along...”He looked at the dead body, pulling out his wallet, finding several American bank notes, placing them in the supervisor's pocket. He then walked over to the door and banged against it, yelling, “Guards! Guards!” Before falling over, gently caught by his bodyguard as Lan and some prison guards rushed in. Feng glared at them. “You took your damn time! This man just drew a gun on me!” He pointed at the dead supervisor. “If it weren't for General Vu here, you'd be looking at several corpses and a very angry Chairman! Some bodyguards you two are!” His bodyguards bowed shamefully. “But...why would he try to kill you.” Lan wondered before he inspected the body, finding something interesting. ”Wait...is this...“ He held up the US Dollar bills. Dung slowly understood what Feng was trying to do. “That explains it! He must have taken a bribe from the Americans! With Ambassador Feng dead, Chairman Mao would stop aiding us! It all makes sense.” “Why, that sniveling traitor! To think I shook hands with that filth!” Feng was disgusted. Vu now understood too. “Right. I believe I shall taking charge until a new supervisor can be found. I will inform Ho Chi Minh of everything. Feed this traitor to the dogs. Then we can work on getting this filly home while we have a moment's peace.” He ordered his men. Lan saluted. “Yes, sir.” He and the guards took the body away as Feng closed the door, smiling at a stunned Vu, Dung and Petunia. “My grandmother always said I should have become an actor.” Again, he smiled. “Thank you!” The filly hugged him, tears in her eyes, glad that he had saved them. Feng patted her. “Save your gratitude, little one. While I had your interests at heart, I won't say mine didn't come as an extension.” He looked at Yu and Dung. “Private Dung, General Vu, your deeds against the Swamp Devils made you and your battalion, however briefly, into national heroes. What my late colleague failed to realize was that killing you bare moments after this occasion would have seemed more than a little suspicious. When asked to explain himself, he would no doubt bring my name into it, which would inevitably damage relations between North Vietnam and the People's Republic of China. This of course would have made Chairman Mao very unhappy with me. And I knew all too well what that would lead to. And in all fairness, I've grown quite fond of you fellows. It seemed so wasteful to put an end to you after coming so far.” “Of course, right away. I will prepare a ride for her.” Before he could give an order, Feng gave one of his bodyguards a sign and they walked out. “I already have that covered, there’s a truck outside you can use.” “Very good.” Vu smiled. “Can I use the bathroom before we go?” Petunia asked, squirming in place. “Of course, Feng, would you be so kindly and show her the way?” Vu asked him. Me?” Feng looked at Vu and Dung, confused why he should, until he got it after a few seconds. “Ah, right. Very well, follow me Miss Paleo. I'll leave you two to...well...you know...” He and Petunia walked out, leaving father and son alone. “Was this...Was this what it was like? For you? Trying to protect us?” Dung asked his father Vu looked at him, his eyes seemed tired for the first time in years. “Every single day.” Dung took a few minutes to take the words in. His father slowly, tentatively, placed a hand on his shoulder. “Dung...I don't know when or if you'll ever have a family of your own...I've never seen you with a woman...But if you ever have children, I hope this war ends before then, no matter who prevails. I would never want you to go through what I went through nor would I want my grandchildren to go through what you went through...what I put you through...” He sounded caring for his oldest son. “Thank you. Despite this all, I can’t help but see Petunia as my daughter, wondering if I could come with her to her home.” Dung replied, wondering how life in Equestria would be for him. Vu smiled warmly. “It's a far more difficult task than it seems...But I'd say you've done an impressive job of it.” “Much better!” The filly exclaimed, relieved as she and Feng came back. “I wish you a pleasant trip!” Vu said goodbye as she and Dung left, Feng was waving. Outside, Lan crossed their way. “Dung.” He smiled. “Don't do anything stupid.” Dung chuckled as he got on the driver seat, while Petunia took the passenger seat. “I wouldn't give my dad the satisfaction.” Then he started the engine, the bodyguard waved goodbye until the truck was out of sight. Yu joined him. “I have never once doubted that I made the right decision when I joined the Northern Army...But that doesn't make it any easier, knowing how my own son feels about me, knowing what I had to put him through.” “You did the right thing, General.” Lan replied with pride in his voice. As they drove towards the South, the NVA soldier turned the radio on, it played Jefferson Airplane - Somebody to Love. “I wonder if my mother would still recognize me.” Dung mumbled. “I’m sure she will, as she still remembers you. If you don’t mind, what are those ‘Swamp Devils’ Feng mentioned?” She asked, curious. Dung didn’t know who they were exactly, he knew only that they were hostile to US and NVA troops equally if the reports were true to believe. With a hint of fear, he spoke, “It’s best you don’t know. I only know they ain’t friendly to us, neither to the South.” “O-okay.” Petunia thought back, could be the men she saw be the Swamp Devils? It was a possibility. “It will be a long ride, I suggest you close your eyes until we arrive.” Dung suggested. The filly nodded, closing her eyes, drifting off to sleep. She awoke after some time, the truck was now driving through a jungle, it was evening as the sky was orange-red. “Do you think we arrive before it is night or should we take a rest?” Petunia asked with a yawn. “I’d rather drive through the night, you never know what maroons in the jungle.” Petunia remembered the scene with the men, shivering at it. “I understand. Have you ever thought what kind of job you would do after the war is over?” Dung sighed.” Not really, I’ve been a soldier for nine years, I can’t think of anything else. But when I was your age, I loved to-“ Fast as lighting, the windshield shattered, Petunia shrieked, ducking out of instinct. A blaring sound greeted her ears. Looking up, she saw that Dung was knocked out, his head had fallen on the horn, causing it to blare, his foot still on the accelerator. Without hesitation, Petunia took over the wheel, trying to keep it under control. As she had never driven a car before, the truck left the road, the filly lost control, causing the vehicle to crash into a ditch, turning over and over again, Petunia screamed in pain until the truck came to a stop, upturned. Her ears were ringing, her vision blurry, Paleo groaned in pain, hearing faint voices before blacking out.