“Just out of advanced training,” I said. “Wow, no Vietnam for you yet.” “No sir.” “You made any rank yet?” “Just PFC.” “And what...��s your MOS?” “Communications, radio operator.” “Good thing you didn’t go to Vietnam man. Hell you’d probably be dead already.” “That’s what I heard, yeah.” “Well, you’re gonna like it here a LOT better. Been there, done that.”He got up and went back into the kitchen whistling and I noted he had a Vietnam type of rank pinned to the back pocket of his fatigues. He was a. " He turned and gestured to the right.I followed his motion and saw a large silver circle hanging in the air afew feet from us, like a giant mirror hovering in the middle of thenothing. The diameter had to be six feet easily, with an edge thatcrackled and hummed with mystical energy. I'd seen enough dimensionalportals in my time to recognize one when I saw it."Shall we?" Alistair asked.I shrugged, waiting until he stepped through the aperture beforefollowing. As I put one leg through, a sense. Whilst the three military types proceeded to beat the crap out of my assailants, Brian picked me up and half dragged me out of the room."You're going to be sorry and sore for a few days, Geek," he said. "But your ribs aren't broken at least, just badly bruised." Thanks mate," I said with feeling. "Any idea how they're getting on?"Brian just smiled as Bill, John and Emma strolled out of the room looking a bit ruffled, but otherwise fine."Only five of them," said Bill. "Must think you're a wuss.". "I forget that I can see such," he told the horse. Aloud, to Shan Hu, he said, "We are being followed. Or flanked, though they do not close."Shan Hu simply nodded.They set up camp that night, another cold camp, though Sable breathed warm air under the canvas. Where the local plainsmen went at night, McAllister could not say, though Sable assured him there were none close by.Before the dawn, McAllister roused the other man. The four were moving again as the dawn grew brighter. Far to the east.