Ah good, let's check in on the El-Tee.

*gasp* This was heartbreaking! I reckon inevitable, but heartbreaking nonetheless.

It's a shame there aren't more of these, you've done a wonderful job of giving us glimpses at how these boys became the men they did.
I really would have liked to see these for Taylor and Ruiz and probably Doc would be fascinating, too. There was an early episode where Ruiz carried the burden of a woman on his back, in addition to all the rest of his gear, and it was incredibly moving - I would have liked to see what shaped *that* boy into a man.

Not all of us get wonderful kid experiences, so I really appreciate these, and I especially love knowing that guys like Zeke and El-Tee (which is how I think of him) rise above their circumstances. It's really nice to know you can become a good man in spite of dark things. I learned that a little late, but at least I learned it.

Thank you very much for these awesome tales!

Full confession, I had to cheat and look up who Griner was. It clicked once I saw Kyle Chandler - "Oh, the guy that was blinded!" Sorry.

Considering how his character arc ended, this was extremely bittersweet.

The ending of TOD was just - I don't remember everything about the series itself, but damnit, I remember the ending. It kicked the crap out of MASH's finale.

All these guys changed over there in ways people stateside just couldn't fathom.

Damnit, knowing what's coming just makes a happy tale so damn sad.

HA HA! I didn't know the name Danny, so I looked it up, then came back here and saw you had the name Percell right at the top.
The only first name I'm really familiar with is Zeke. Everyone else I remember by last name.

"Stupid Kevin! I'll show him."
I'm pretty sure "I'll show him." is one of the more common epitaphs, right along with "Watch this!" and "Hold my beer."

Aw, this was another lovely ending to a well-told tale. So far, you're knocking them out of the park.

The chopper jock!

"Everybody just talked about all the fun things to do with him while he was home."
You make the most of what you have while you have it.

Ouch. A broken leg with time running short would definitely suck.

I never liked church either. Actually I still don't - it's not the people or the pastor, they're nice and there are some good messages. I just despise getting up early. So not a morning person. Before my current job, I had to work Saturday evenings, so I was usually going to church on no sleep.
And the coffee sucks, too.

Aw...it's nice to see his dad taking time out for him. And cutting a leg off, that's extra nice - my mom would rain down hellfire if my dad had done something like that.
Quick time-out - I'm suddenly reminded by this of something I saw in a movie that could have been my family growing up. Family's eating dinner. Kid says a bad word.
Dad leans over and smacks the kid on the head - "You don't talk like that in front of your mother!"
Mom leans over and smacks Dad on the head - "Get it right, he don't talk like that EVAH!"

Ooh, where are they going? Shooting, maybe? To teach his kid some kind of outdoor skill? What's up?!

*gasp* Look boss, de copter, de copter!

The ending is so bittersweet. *sniffle* Shut up, it's just dusty in here!

"We're going up, gonna them hit from behind."
(I assume it's supposed to be "hit them", but I try not to alter what I quote). Oh, Zeke, even before you signed up flanking was your favorite maneuver!

This was a marvelous look at Zeke's orphan childhood - although I may be biased, because Zeke was my favorite out of the whole roster. Thank you!

Thanks so much for the TOD fanfic, Karri. You capture each character beautifully.

Love this show, love these guys and love your fanfic! :D Please write more.

*sigh* The pain of being torn apart by the ones who should love you most. No matter how it is accomplished, it is always hideous. And, I fear, even the good ones are guilty of it to a degree... Makes me wanna hug him.

Ahh, yes...the officer and tactician's burden to bear...this is rather well drawn from a kid's perspective...and I imagine he never forgot it either. Great beginning for these ficlets!

*nod* You very well capture the whole country, hunter's feel here...coon dogs and shotguns...a day in the woods. Never did any of that myself but I have plenty of friends who are hunters...this entry is perfectly written, IMO.

Sometimes those falls in life are a lot harder to deal with than just a broken arm. :( Especially when we have to realize that our parents are only human. :(

Aww, this is just made of love. :) Makes me think of perhaps another Sunday morning for another pilot...hmmm...maybe a plot bunny shall bite me in another fandom. ;)

Great job on this story, I loved how thoughtful you made the adult charatcers. A terrific character study for the man he became.

I want to congratulate you on your marvelous peice, it was absolutly bang on... I thought it was great..Thanks

Your friend from Wales

Cerridwyn (Cerri)

Poor Zeke! But he learned a very valuable lesson about responsibility and how better to take care of his men in a real life situation.

But I felt so sorry for him, and the remorse he felt in Cameron being injured. But true lessons are learned fro mthe trials we face in life.

Very good Karri, in displaying his inner feelings. As you already know, I enjoy very much looking into a characters inner thoughts...

Can't wait to read more of these short stories...because even though they are short, they pack so much feeling...

LuWanda