Chapter 32
O death, where is thy sting?
O grave, where is thy victory?
The sting of death is sin;
And the strength of sin is the law.
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1 Corinthians 15:55-56
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Earth - AD March, 2002
Paktia PRT, Gardez, Afghanistan
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A low shudder vibrated the flimsy tent as a slow-flying AC-130U "Spooky" flew overhead. Bottles and vials tossed onto makeshift carts rattled as the converted C-130 Hercules turned gunship moved towards the Shahi-Kot Valley where the U.S. 10th Mountain Division and Australian Special Air Service Regiment were pinned down in the ‘kill box.’ Or as the heavy casualties coming into the triage tent from the I-87 who'd been pinned down earlier called the long, narrow valley surrounded by Taliban and Al Qaida, "Hell’s Halfpipe."
"Clamp!" Elisabeth shouted over the din, p
