Those people did not want us to be here. It was an almost physical reaction.Riley looked around and said, “This is the Fertile Crescent? This is the...cradle of civilization?”Tom Pernikov from Second Squad, answered. He was a PFC but hadn’t been in any longer than Riley or me. He was older, twenty-two, and had graduated from college with a degree in English literature, and when he couldn’t find a job that would pay for graduate school, had joined the Army. His nickname was ‘The Professor.’ “It. You know." Oh, that!" he said. "Well, I'm really a tit-leg-ass man, but if I had to pick just one - "She nodded, exaggerating the gesture."I guess - your butt. You've got the cutest, ripest, most delectable peach of an ass I've ever seen on a woman of legal age." So you like my tush?" First time I saw you in that cheerleader's outfit, bending and strutting, I said to myself, 'I have got to grab those buns!' - " And you did - eventually." She reached up and pulled one spaghetti strap off her. He figured he would serve for six years, learn some new skills, and have the military pay for his college education when he got out. He thought it was a perfect plan except for one thing…Misty. He told her that he wanted to call or write, but he wanted the break to be clean. He thought it would be easier for her to hate him and move on that to have to wait for six years for someone who might never come back. She told him that she understood his logic, but that in essence, his plan had. "Yes, I met Cal a little while ago." The redhead smiled at him warmly. "Call me Viv."Cal took her arm. "Well, I'd be glad to show you around the place, Viv. Pete's going to be pretty busy." No, I ain't!" the older brother flared."Remember you was telling me you'd have to check the stock vaccination records? The vet's coming out in the morning, and you're the only one who can read your chicken scratches on them cards." Cal grinned mischievously. "Anyhow, Millie's apt to get jealous if she sees.