John W. Warner IV Gwafa readjusted her bandage. Madame, you have been out for three days straight, we were worried about you. Were in a cave. We carried you here for over two kilometers. Les Bosches and Eye-ties are everywhere. They found the plane. Only one other survived, a wounded Australian, they treated him well and took him into Siwa. I covered our tracks and we walked on rock as much as we could. The whole towns crawling with enemy. Tanks, trucks, two or three entire companies. He stuck out his tongue at her in his native style, then smiled. Thats our war-look for the 28th. She focused her eyes. Twenty-eighth battalion.. .1 reckon yare. Youre.. .youre a Maori.. .a Pacific Islander. I read about you lot in the sendee rags. Yes, mum. Proud of it. The enemy really hate us mad dogs. Well fight with knives and rocks and fists when our ammos gone. This will hurt, said Gwafa, rubbing more salt into her wounds. AU we have besides a little sulfa powder. Siwa is known for salt production. Theres a lake and large oasis. Good water. Tres bon. Damn! she cried, her breathing heavy. What about you two? Wounds? Gwafa smiled, putting his canteen to her swoUen lips. We both have only scratches and bruises. Luck of war. I picked out most of the metal from your arms and neck and sewed you up tight. You need to rest, your knee and chest are much swoUen from impact. She put her head back down on the stained rucksack. IU not argue. You speak decent English for a Moroccan. How old are you? ‘Thirty-three. A man learns weU in jail for two years. I am from Timbuktu. My mother was half Berber, half Dogon, and I speak it, father Mali. When I am scared, only Franfaise. I was in the battle of Bir Hakeim with the Free French. On the flight I was assigned as a bodyguard. Whats your name, mate? she asked of the New Zealander. He wore his smile even more broadly, his ample chest and big shoulders a testament to his tribal heritage of fierce warriors. Lance Corporal Penn Takuta. Im from Taupo, a mine specialist and artillery man, good with a bayonet, and I can cook well if we had any fresh fish. Helluva handsome international squad to survive with. Names Thruxton, Pilot Officer recently demoted, Womens Auxiliary. One of the few women ferry pilots on the