As the Humvee slowed, the object she was observing disappeared behind a rock that was somewhat warmer than the rest of the steep rocky slope that rose up on either side of the dirt road they were on. This action, so familiar, convinced Nancy that they had found the paratroopers. “Stop,” she commanded as she quickly scanned the area to either side of the rock.

“Think it’s them?” Lightfoot whispered above the hum of their vehicle’s engine.

“I think so.” Then, after scanning the area a bit longer, she lowered the night sight. “There’s only one way to find out, I guess,” she whispered, more to herself than Lightfoot as she continued to scan the area with her naked eyes.

Lightfoot started to reach for his rifle with one hand and the door handle with the other when he felt a hand on his arm. Turning, he looked into Nancy’s eyes. Even in the darkness, he could clearly see them. “This was my idea,” she stated in a tone of voice that officers use when they don’t expect to debate. “I’m the senior officer on deck. Like they say, there’s a reason why I get paid the big bucks.”

Though he was uncomfortable with this, Lightfoot made no effort to dissuade her. Instead, he pulled his rifle out of its holder. “Watch yourself, Colonel.”

Nancy understood both his actions and his reply. “You can be sure of that.” Without another word she opened her door and dismounted.

Once on the ground she paused in order to get her bearings and allow her eyes to adjust to the dark. Though very useful, night vision devices do tend to screw up one’s unaided night vision. As she waited Nancy looked up the rocky hillside to where she thought she had seen someone. While the distance wasn’t that great, the climb would leave her vulnerable since she would be bent forward and paying attention to her footing as she went. Anyone who wanted to jump her or knock her back on her ass wouldn’t need to do much at all. One good smack with the butt of a rifle would send her tumbling back to where she started.

Still, she had no choice. Otherwise everything they had done up to now, including three nights of efforts and a great deal of “borrowing and procuring,” would be in vain. Drawing a deep breath Nancy lurched forward and began her ascent. Back in the Humvee, Lightfoot moved over to the passenger side where he could keep an eye on his colonel.