123.
   But before it hit the water its wings roared to life. It hovered in the air for a moment then rushed full bore back at us. We braced ourselves for the onslaught.
    Out of the corner of my eye I caught a flash of light. A lance hurtling out of nowhere sank deep into Vivian’s chest. Vivian froze in mid-flight. Its eyes flashed with pain and confusion. An iguana riding a Catamite buzzed past on the follow through with the dogs on their tail. Another lance pierced Vivian’s back. Pat and Nanette clamped their jaws on the antennae flapping wildly on Vivian’s head. Vivian spun around in mid-air like a wounded fly then fell to the deck.

   Conrad reached down and grabbed its head in his hands. He pulled Vivian’s face close to his, wrapped his arms around Vivian’s head and snapped its neck. He let loose a roar of rage as he shook its lifeless body. A cheer went up as iguanas and their Catamites filled the sky. "I think it's time to leave Vietnam to the Vietnamese!", he bellowed. "Come on boys and girls, let's go home!"
   Two Catamites landed by our side. Conrad and I climbed on their backs. They spread their wings and took to the air. I held tight as the Catamite’s wings beat the air in front of my eyes, rhythmically bisecting the view of the jungle below me. Once again, we were miraculously saved from death’s jaws. My head spun with the adrenaline racing through my body. Another good ending. How many did I have left?
   Conrad’s Catamite was ahead of me. I smiled at the sight of his ears flapping in the wind. I was sure I had lost him twice in a matter of hours. It sunk in as I gazed at his broad back. Don’t even think about it, I ordered myself. Appreciate him now. Enjoy him now because now is all you’ve got.