Back Part 2: Into the Jungle

By Peter Lloyd

Back Part 2 follows the modern-day trekkers into the Laotian jungle as they travel to the Ho Chi Minh Trail in the tri-border area of Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, looking for what Mark's grandfather, Spike, left behind on his 1968 Special Forces mission.

They have to deal with psychological, natural, historical and Vietnam War-related problems which unexpectedly arise as they penetrate deeper into the jungle, including wild animals, booby traps and unexploded ordnance, as well as far greater dangers under the triple canopy. Spike's 1968 mission also has unfortunate repercussions for them.

They are put at risk by the actions of their fellow-travelers and end up being hunted through the jungle, imprisoned and tortured and they need to find a way out, when Brad's Marine Corps training kicks in.

But can he save them in time?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Peter Lloyd
• Release date: Mar 20, 2013
• ISBN: 9780957592131

Peter Lloyd

Peter Alan lloyd is a Liverpool-born writer and author, who currently divides his time between Thailand and the UK. For Bombed Out! articles and further information on people, Punk and New Wave bands, places and events mentioned in the book, please visit http://bombedoutpunk.com, where signed paperback copies can also be ordered. For BACK-related articles and further information on people and locations mentioned in the book as well as relevant articles on backpacking in Asia and especially on the Vietnam War and the Khmer Rouge, please visit http://peteralanlloyd.com.

Book preview

BACK Part 2: Into the Jungle

Published by Peter Alan Lloyd at Smashwords

Copyright 2013 Peter Alan Lloyd

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Chapter 1: Fugged-Up

Chapter 2: Dead End

Chapter 3: First Night

Chapter 4: More Victims of Agent Orange

Chapter 5: Confessions

Chapter 6: A Dot in the Distance

Chapter 7: How to Blow Yourself Up

Chapter 8: Snakes and Scorpions

Chapter 9: Outwitted

Chapter 10: A Misunderstanding

Chapter 11: Revelations

Chapter 12: The Trees Have Eyes

Chapter 13: Traps for the Unwary

Chapter 14: A Black Bear

Chapter 15: Don't Do Drugs

Chapter 16: Theft

Chapter 17: The Deserted Village

Chapter 18: Semper Fi

Chapter 19: Attack

Chapter 20: Firefight

Chapter 21: Bound

Chapter 22: The Red Menace

Chapter 23: We Come in Peace

Chapter 24: A Talk

Chapter 25: Catch and Release

Chapter 26: The Temple

Chapter 27: Lightning Strike

Chapter 28: Crash Landing

Chapter 29: The Camp

Chapter 30: The Cave Prison

Chapter 31: The VIP Prison

Chapter 32: Brad's Interview

Chapter 33: Cassius

Chapter 34: Resolve

Chapter 35: Mr. Lao

Chapter 36: Sheldon

Chapter 37: Cassius Re-interviewed

Chapter 38: Final Offer

Chapter 39: Distressing Sounds

Chapter 40: The Bone Pit

Chapter 41: The Sugar Palms

Chapter 42: Death by Rib

Chapter 43: Alarm

Chapter 44: Danger, Mines.

Chapter 45: Anger Management

Chapter 46: Stars

Chapter 47: Questions

Chapter 48: Trapped

Chapter 49: The General

Chapter 50: The Jungle Highway

Chapter 51: Spike Again

Chapter 52: Nightfall

Chapter 53: Psalm 107

Chapter 54: An Unexpected Promotion

Chapter 55: Clare on the Cam

Chapter 56: Very Unreliable

Chapter 57: White Water

Chapter 58: A Surprise Encounter

Chapter 59: The Falls

Chapter 60: The Chase

Chapter 61: Due Diligence

Chapter 62: Good News and Bad News

Chapter 63: Now What?

Chapter 64: Our American Friends

Chapter 65: A Night on the River

Chapter 66: Home Comforts

Chapter 67: Something Doesn't Look Right

Chapter 68: Needs-Management

Chapter 69: A Pickup

Chapter 70: Back at the Camp

Chapter 71: A Violent Assault

Chapter 72: Uncle

Chapter 73: Iron Grip

Chapter 74: Rescue

Chapter 75: Loot

For More Information

Chapter 1

Fugged-Up

The bus taking the trekkers into the jungle turned out to be a battered old truck, its sides open to the elements, over which clear plastic sheeting had been draped to protect the passengers from the rain.

The trekkers climbed inside, having handed up their backpacks to two guides, Tak, who was also the cook, and Dao, his assistant, who arranged them on the roof, next to the supplies of food and water, covering them from the rain with an army-green tarp.

Narrow, plastic-covered wooden benches ran up the sides and down the middle of the back the truck. The travelers took the outer benches, the US contingent on one side, the Brits and Grace on the other. Savan, Lao, and the three other guides took the middle bench, cradling their rifles, as the truck juddered into life and crawled along Attapeu's flooded roads, its exhaust fumes rivaling a coal-fired power station for noxious emissions.

At the first opportunity, Mark nudged Anna and whispered, I'm worried about Cassius. I saw him buy something as we left town...

Give it a rest will you. We haven't even started and you're already obsessing about him. Try to relax and enjoy the trip, she said, patting his knee and turning to speak to Belinda.

Next, Mark tried to engage Sheldon, who was jealously staring across the truck at Dominic, as he kept Grace entertained.

I think Cassius is up to something, said Mark, quietly.

Do you think she has the hots for him? replied Sheldon.

Confused, Mark asked Who?

Grace, for Dominic.

Who cares? I'm trying to tell you something important, I just had a worrying conversation with Cassius …

She's so beautiful…

Mark gave up and put on his headphones. He decided, at the first opportunity, he would find out what Cassius had put in the top of his backpack as they'd left town.

For the first couple of hours the truck traveled through the countryside on battered asphalt roads which meandered up and down steep, cloud-shrouded mountains. Driving rain drummed monotonously on the plastic sheeting, and inside the back of the truck it became hot, sweaty and unpleasantly fugged up.

Cassius pulled out a pack of cigarettes and offered them round.

You can't seriously be thinking of smoking in here? asked Anna, looking outraged.

Sheepishly, he put them away.

Eventually the truck veered off the asphalt and cut into the jungle along a narrow dirt track, swaying wildly from side to side as it hit deep potholes and skidded in pools of thick mud.

The rain finally stopped and the sun came out, and Savan called a halt so the plastic sheeting could be removed. The Americans stretched their legs and the Brits stood in a smoking huddle. Mark cornered Brad and told him about Cassius and the mysterious white package, but Brad wasn't interested either.

It could have been anything. So long as they don't endanger us out here, I'm relaxed, he said.

Nobody seemed to share Mark's deep suspicions about the Brits.

The truck continued slowly through the jungle, driving along muddy tracks and avoiding fallen rocks and small landslides caused by the previous night's torrential downpour. On one side of the truck was a sheer rock face, formed when the road had been blasted out of the side of the mountain, and on the other was dense jungle, broken only by occasional patchworks of water-filled rice fields, reflecting bright sunlight off their mirror-flat surfaces.

Savan tapped Brad on the knee. What kind of MIA remains are you looking for with your CIA team?

Oh, we're not exactly looking for remains on this trip; it's more of a scouting and study mission, Brad replied, feeling embarrassed about his CIA/MIA white lie, which he'd told in order to persuade Savan to take them into the jungle.

Aha - a reconnaissance mission to the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Like in the war?

A bit like that, said Brad, trying to get off the subject.

Lao smiled and said something to his father, who asked, Your British friends; they come as observers?

Not really. They're more interested in anthropology and the villagers in the region, said Brad.

Savan gave a knowing nod, then, looking at Sabinia, he asked, Are you MI6?

Remembering Sheldon's book, Sabinia replied, No, we're SAS, to suppressed laughter from Cassius and Dominic.

Savan turned and gave Brad a 'you can trust me' look, as Brad shook his head in exasperation. One of the other guides, Khong, was eagerly listening in.

Khong was about thirty years old; he wore old army fatigues and had swift, darting eyes. He was taking a great interest in the group and he picked up on everything that was said, probably not believing a covert military unit like this could be so deep undercover as a bunch of dumbass backpackers.

The track narrowed, and the jungle was now so close it reached into the truck.

You are now on the old Ho Chi Minh Trail announced Savan. Everyone instinctively turned around to look, only to be smacked in the face by overhanging bushes, snapped back by the truck.

Can we get out and take some photos? asked Mark, excited that they were now in the world of his grandfather's journal. Savan banged on the top of the truck and it came to an immediate stop. We can eat food here, he said, pointing to a grassy, sun-dappled clearing, which was mostly shaded by trees.

You must be careful not to walk off. There is much UXO here, from the war, said Lao, as the guides clambered onto the roof and passed down food for lunch. Ahead of the truck, a cloud of brown and yellow butterflies settled back down on some large round balls lying on the track.

What are they eating? Belinda asked Lao.

That is elephant shit. It is fresh. Good for butterflies.

So they have wild elephants out here?

They have wild everything out here, including tigers, replied Brad.

And maybe much wilder things, said Khong, to himself, as he helped Tak and Dao unload the food.

The noise of cicadas was almost deafening as the travelers sat in the clearing eating their lunch of rice and tinned fish. They'd traveled for over three hours and hadn't seen a soul before they’d stopped.

The group heard disembodied voices on the Trail, coming from around the corner, from the direction in which they were traveling. The guides' conversations fizzled out. They stood up, nervously gripped their rifles, released the safeties, and took aim.

Stay down, said Lao, as Mark stood up to see what was happening.

This is a bit much isn't it? Sheldon asked Brad, hoping the guides were over-reacting.

I suppose that depends on what they think may be coming round the corner, he replied.

A group of men in white uniforms with distinctive, circular red, white and blue patches on their arms came into view, carrying what looked like big guns slung over their shoulders. The guides covered them with their rifles. Suddenly Savan laughed. Metal detectors! he said.

It was a UXO Lao bomb disposal unit. The guides breathed a sigh of relief, put down their weapons and Savan went over to talk to the team.

Was that necessary? Sabinia asked Khong.

In the jungle, you can't be too careful, especially out here. Khong looked around him. It is sometimes better to shoot first and never ask any questions later.

Savan returned, telling the group that the UXO team had been camping and working in the jungle for two months, clearing the way for a new road. They were in radio contact with other UXO teams even deeper in the jungle, and they had warned of heavy landslides up ahead, following the previous days' rain.

Brad, Sheldon and Mark wandered over to talk to the UXO guys, taking Lao as their interpreter.

The foreman told them this part of the Ho Chi Minh Trail had been heavily bombed and attacked during the war. Mark looked around the peaceful jungle and wondered if this is where his grandfather had seen action, creeping through dense undergrowth to observe perhaps the very spot on the Trail where they now stood. The foreman said something to Lao, who indicated that the group should follow as they walked a short way off the trail.

Be careful. Only follow in this man's footprints, said Lao.

The foreman stopped and pointed out an area closed off by red and white security tape, from which hung square pieces of red-painted plastic marked with a skull and crossbones drawn in white, bearing the words: Danger! Mines!

Lao translated: If you stand on them, the mines jump out of the ground and blow your balls and your legs off. Happens many times every year.

Who laid the mines? asked Mark.

They are Chinese, laid by North Vietnamese Army, to protect the Trail from secret US commando attack, translated Lao.

Above the warning signs, a cluster of beautiful yellow and white orchids burst out from the gray bark of a tree. Mark wondered what would've happened had he seen the orchids and taken Anna for a closer look.

As they carefully walked back to their lunch spot, Mark realized he could so easily have become a victim of a mine laid for his grandfather all those years ago, and he walked with even greater care, now knowing what dangers lay just beneath the surface of the jungle.

***

Chapter 2

Dead End

Back at the lunch stop, Tak and Dao were re-packing all the gear on the roof, as Savan self-consciously pretended to take bearings from a small, crumpled map he was carrying.

The trekkers tied scarves and handkerchiefs around their necks to protect them from the fierce afternoon sun, got back on the truck and drove deeper into the jungle. They ascended a hill, from where they could see for miles, although there was nothing else under the deep blue sky except dense green jungle and distant mountains.

They pressed on as the sun sank towards the horizon, passing through an area of hills and mountains which were completely devoid of trees. Only stunted patches of grass grew on them.

Sabinia asked Savan, What's happened to all the trees? Have they been illegally logged?

This is because of Agent Orange, dropped over forty years ago by the Americans to expose the Ho Chi Minh Trail from the air, but still, nothing can grow here but grass.

That's outrageous, fumed Sabinia, glowering at Brad, like he'd dropped it all. Brad ignored her.

Do you know why it's called Agent Orange? asked Sheldon.

Yeah, because the drums it came in were painted with an orange stripe to distinguish it from other chemicals, replied Brad.

As he spoke, the truck turned a corner and suddenly slammed to a halt, throwing everyone over the floor. Brad hoped the guides' rifles had their safeties on, as they went clattering in all directions.

In front of the truck, as the trail passed between two steep, grassy hills, there had been a landslide which had completely blocked the track with a large mound of densely-packed mud, grass, rich red earth and rocks. The driver hadn't been able to see it until he'd rounded the bend, and then he'd had to brake fast, so he didn't plough into it. There was a strong smell of damp earth. It's just happened, said Lao. Not enough vegetation can grow on the mountain side to secure the soil when it is wet.

Savan got out to examine the roadblock. There was no way around it, as the other side of the Trail steeply sloped away into the jungle. He came back disappointed.

We have to walk in from here. I wanted we use the truck for tomorrow, but now we cannot. We make camp nearby tonight, go in on foot instead, he said.

Where's a charter helicopter service when you need it, joked Belinda. At least Brad thought she was joking.

The realization they were now without transport worried Anna. She stood looking around her; the birds and cicadas had suddenly gone quiet and an oppressive silence enveloped the group.

Don't worry, said Mark. Savan, Lao and the guys are experienced guides. They know what they're doing.

Anna still looked concerned, but said nothing.

Savan made a general announcement to the group, We have to send truck back to Attapeu tomorrow, and we walk to Red Mountain from here.

Excellent! said Cassius. All the Brits seemed very happy with the news. Sheldon wondered what could be so excellent about having to walk further into the jungle instead of driving in the truck.

How much time will it add to the trip? asked Belinda, uncertainly eyeing the food which Tak was handing down from the roof.

Two extra days to go there and two extra days to come back. So now, ten days.

Belinda wiped sweat from her neck. Do you think we have enough food and water? You said you'd only brought enough for six days

Savan said: Should be OK, if you like rice. We eat less, maybe. But you have to decide. Do you want to go on with the trek, or go back to Attapeu with the truck tomorrow. It's up to you. I have been paid already!

Standing on the Trail as late afternoon shadows grew longer, Anna felt exposed and very far from home.

Anna, what do you want to do? Mark asked, noticing her nervousness.

I think it's a long way to come from New York to give up now, much as I'd like to, she said, looking around her apprehensively, worrying about spending the night in the jungle.

Addressing himself only to his four friends, Mark said: I know we're following my grandfather's journal, but I don't want to go on if any of you has even the slightest doubt about continuing.

Just think of what your grandfather had to do to get here, said Sheldon. Brad, Belinda, Anna and Sheldon all voted to continue.

Ok then. We carry on, said Mark.

We're definitely happy to continue, said Sabinia, on behalf of the Brits. It increases our chances of contact with indigenous hill tribes, which is why we're very happy to go in on foot.

They all looked at Grace. She wiped sweat and dirt from around her beautiful green eyes, and said OK. I'll continue with you too. Why not?

Will the food and water last? That's my only worry, said Belinda.

Savan replied, Should not be a problem. We can buy from villages if we run out.

The guides went back to unloading supplies and backpacks from the roof. When Grace's was handed down, Dominic and Sheldon both rushed to grab it, jostling each other out of the way. Grace swiped it from Tak's hands and walked off.

There's something amusing about watching two socially inept people making a play for the same beautiful, sophisticated woman, especially when she's way out of their league said Brad to Mark.

Savan made an announcement that the trekkers should only take what they needed for the night, and they should leave valuables and any items they didn't need inside the truck, in case it rained and everything got ruined.

Aren't your tents waterproof? asked Anna.

Yes, but why take the chance? said Lao, really meaning, 'No, they're absolutely not.'

We'll lock the truck and leave the driver with it, so you can leave everything except what you wear and what you need for tonight, said Savan.

There was no cell phone or any other kind of signal, so most people left on the truck the few remaining phones and laptops which they hadn't already deposited back at the hotel, and all the clothes they wouldn't need that night. Mark decided to leave his cell phone, the satellite phone and the heavy laminated copy of his grandfather's journal, but he took the GPS, the laminated photos of Red Mountain and Spike's old army photos, as he wanted to look at them again.

The girls decided to change out of their sweat-stained clothes for the evening and clambered into the back of the truck, reappearing as though they were going to a party. Sabinia was wearing a tight, breast-hugging white lycra t-shirt which displayed some of her abundant cleavage, and a short denim skirt, frayed around the hem. She was looking hot.

I bet you'd never have thought it? said Mark as he and Brad stared in astonishment at her. They'd only ever seen Sabinia draped in loose-fitting, scruffy clothes until then.

Thought what?

That she's got a killer figure beneath all that Attitude.

Brad smiled. Maybe she thinks The Jungle's a nightclub we're heading to.

Grace was next, wearing a pair of tight denim shorts with a sequined Union Jack on one pocket, and a tight black t-shirt with a white line image of Table Mountain drawn on it. She'd draped a white cardigan over her shoulders and tied her curly hair back, which drew attention to her fine facial features, arched eyebrows and stunning green eyes. She bent down to massage insect repellent into her long, slender, sun-tanned legs.

There's no need to comment, sighed Mark, as they turned to observe Dominic and Sheldon's Neanderthal stares.

Anna had changed into an NYU Violets polo shirt and a black ethnic skirt she'd picked up in Vang Vieng. Mark noticed with pleasure that she was bra-less.

The straps were digging in, she said, catching Mark's admiring stare. I'll put it on again tomorrow.

Don't bother on my account, he replied, thinking about later.

Belinda stepped off the truck looking like a million dollars, still wearing her Ray Ban Wayfarer limited edition black-rimmed sunglasses, her pink freshwater pearl earrings, and still not a hair out of place. She'd changed into a pink polo shirt but retained her knee-length denim skirt.

As the sun sank lower, outfits duly changed, and their backpacks considerably lightened by what they'd left in the truck, the trekkers were ready to head into the jungle.

It's no problem, really…

Mark looked round to see Sheldon trying to lift Grace's backpack as well as his own. Now it was Dominic's turn to simmer; the Nerd War was hotting up.

Savan again took an elaborate bearing from the sun, and, telling everyone to follow only in his footsteps, he disappeared down the side of the trail and was immediately swallowed up by the jungle.

***

Chapter 3

First Night

The jungle was damp and humid as a thick, interlocking tree canopy blocked out the sun, and vines, stands of bamboo, thorny palms and fantastically shaped tree roots impeded their progress as they walked. Above them, roosting hornbills and other birds chattered, boomed and squawked. Sheldon tried to spot them with his binoculars. Realizing he'd been left behind, and unnerved by the sound of cracking twigs, he ran as fast as he could to catch up, shooting nervous glances behind him.

There's something claustrophobic about the jungle at sunset isn't there? It feels like hope is disappearing with the light, and evil is creeping towards us with the darkness, he said to Brad, when he'd finally caught up.

Brad looked at him oddly. Sure, if you're mentally ill, he said. Although the jungle can play tricks on people, and if you're tired, sick or stressed, it can be a very bad place to be stuck in.

The light was quickly fading and the sky in the west was turning pink. Savan and Lao machete'd their way through a wall of vines and creepers which twisted through the undergrowth, and finally broke out in a clearing near a small stream. Savan told the group to wait, while he and his son carefully checked the campground for UXO, as light leached from the jungle. Around the campsite, tall stands of bamboo exploded in silhouette against the blue-black sky.

The group were handed paraffin lamps and five tents by the guides, three of which quickly went to Brad and Belinda, Anna and Mark, and Cassius and Sabinia.

What, we have to put up our own accommodation? asked Belinda in horror.

Relax, I can do it with my eyes closed, said Brad, as he scoped out the area with an experienced eye,