When I explored the wreckage I found the bodies of six crewmembers. They must have all died instantly. Nothing seemed disturbed and I left it pretty much that way.

Inside the plane I found several things that I’m going to take. Best of all I discovered one of the rubber lifeboats from the bomber. I also found a pistol and some ammunition. I guess I’ll bring that along, too, but I don’t feel like killing anyone. There are also some tins of food. I will take as much as I can carry. Right now I am eating the food that I had with me from the monastery. The monks also showed me how to find food in the jungle that grows naturally.  So food is not a concern.  

Eleni, today and tomorrow I am going to make a copy of this letter and bury it along with one of my dog tags—and the dog tags of the three men that were killed when we were attacked. The other copy I am going to keep with me and hopefully give it to you in person.

I have no idea what has happened to this war. Maybe the North finally surrendered. We were hitting them pretty hard. All I know is that I haven’t heard any fighting or aircraft for over a year.

I think I will find a river soon. Now that I have a lifeboat I will be able to float down it and get out of here. Anyhow, this is my plan.

Eleni, I guess I have told you everything there is to know. As I said, I am not afraid—not even of dying. My life seems to have deepened and taken on new meaning. I love you so much. I think of you and Maria every day. You are both in my prayers. 

Please give my love to my mother and father, and to your parents, and to everyone I miss so much.  If for some reason I don’t make it out of here, at least the other letter will be buried for safe keeping. Someday, someone will surly find it. But of course I am going to make it out of here and having said this, with all my love, let me say, goodbye.    Nickolas.

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Late in the afternoon of the following day, Nick finished making the copy of his letter. Inside the bomber, strewn on the metal floor he found several map tubes. Since one was a little shorter than the rest, he grabbed it. Outside he used some tools from the bomber to dig a deep hole. The monkeys watched him place a pile of rocks over the spot.

Five days after that, Nickolas spotted the river he had been looking for. But his troubles were far from over.

 

photo by:  Mr. Charles Pieters

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The next morning came much too early for Major Sutton. He had slept late. They had accomplished their mission. But for the other men their curiosity was overwhelming. Even Lt. Ngo wanted to know what they had found.

When Sutton finally unzipped his door he was glad to see his friends. Scott handed him a cup of coffee. Blake handed him a bowl of hot cereal. Sutton felt hungry. In his left hand he held the metal tube. He would have to tell them about Nick.  Of course he would.  But other matters were better left unsaid. What would be the point?  

“Blake, thanks for the cereal. Men, I have got something to tell you.”