The Chameleon Soldier: NOW AS AN ALIEN BLUE HE CANNOT DIE. (37 page)

Frightened by the sight, most of the Blue Warriors scattered, and began running to get away from the helicopter, which was raining down more deadly white phosphorus arrows. One by one the Blue Warriors were struck and set on fire. Killian saw Ma’ii tosh grab a grenade, and was ready to throw it at the Huey. Killian quickly pulled the napalm B grenade pin, and tossed the bolas at him. The Blue Warrior was knocked off balance as the bolas wrapped around his legs. The grenade he threw missed the helicopter, exploding harmlessly in the air. At the same time the grenade attached to the bolas exploded, and Ma’ii tosh was engulfed in a ball of fire.

The Montagnards were now advancing up the mountain, igniting fleeing Blue Warriors with their flamethrowers. The air filled with the sound of howling and bright blue flashes as more ribbons of blue-white smoke rose into the sky.

Killian saw Lupan run into one of the tents and rushed after him. He found his enemy taking a grenade out of a back pack, and launched himself at him. They rolled across the tent floor, locked in each other’s grip. As he fought, Killian got a glimpse of Doli bound and gagged on a dark green army cot, staring at him with wide eyes. Lupan had the grenade in his left hand, and was trying to pull the pin. He succeeded, but Killian knocked the grenade out of his enemy’s hand; it rolled out of the tent and exploded in a fiery ball.

Lupan managed to free himself from Killian’s grip and ran out of the tent. From all around came the death howls of his fellow-warriors. He looked for an escape route down the mountain, but only saw Montagnards carrying flamethrowers coming toward him. He ran in circles, but they were coming up on all sides. Then Killian emerged from the tent, twirling his lariat. He flung the rope, and adroitly lassoed Lupan, bringing him to the ground. He sprinted over to the struggling Blue Warrior and hog-tied him.

Lupan swore viciously in Navajo as Killian dragged him back to the tent. Sergeant Glun, who was standing a few feet away, grinned. He had seen Cowboy Red do that before.

“We heard many wolves howl” he told Killian, “and we saw bright flashes of blue light and blue-white smoke rising into the sky, but there are no bodies, so their spirits are doomed to wander forever.”

“I hope that’s true. It’s what they deserve, Sergeant Glun.” He pointed to Lupan. “Watch him. I need to get Doli.”

Lupan continued to scream and curse Killian as he writhed on the ground. Killian went into the tent, where he cut Doli free, and removed the gag from her mouth. She threw her arms around him.

“I knew you’d come, Killian!”

They kissed and he held her for over a minute. Then they stood up and left the tent.

Lieutenant Badger had landed the Huey, and the three Blues were standing outside with Sergeant Glun and his men.

“What are you going to do with him, Killian?” asked Sergeant Glun, indicating Lupan.

“Doli and I are going to fly back to Camp Holloway with Lieutenant Badger. You can take my jeep back to base, and do what you will with him, Sergeant. He has killed many Americans and Montagnards.”

Lupan was lying on the ground like a hog-tied steer. He was still cursing Killian in Navajo as he, Doli, Jeff Tyler and Bill Riley got into the helicopter with Lieutenant Badger. They were the only ones who knew what Lupan was yelling.

The Huey lifted up and hovered seventy-five yards away. They looked down as the Montagnards untied Lupan, and formed a wide circle around him. Lupan looked like a scared rabbit as he spun around, searching for an escape. The Montagnards played with him, taking turns firing a bead of fire near his feet. Lupan jumped in rage and terror and waved his hands over his head. He was still screaming at Killian when all eight of the Montagnards aimed their flamethrowers at the evil Blue Warrior, and pulled their triggers.

Everyone watched transfixed as Lupan was set ablaze. For an instant, he became a wolf standing on its hind legs and howling, and then there was a bright flash of blue light, and a ribbon of blue-white smoke that rose up into the sky.

THE END