“Why do you talk to me?” Nang did not look at the man, yet he sensed and memorized his every feature.
“You are a great soldier,” the man said. “I admire you.”
“And you? Why don’t I know you?”
“You will. I’m called Rin.”
“Rin of Svay Rieng?”
“Yes.”
“Then I admire you also.”
“I must move on,” Rin said. “I wanted to meet you. Remember, warped thought can justify my action; any plan can be condoned, ay, not only condoned, embraced.” As Rin stood Nang’s eyes focused on the seated troops beyond. Soth was pointing to Rin and Nang, talking to a political officer. Nang returned to his rigid posture.
“Sir, I request permission to inspect the FANK task force.”
“Denied.” The conversation was not new. The lieutenant colonel was somewhere between irritated and apathetic.
“Sir,” Lieutenant Sull
