CHAPTER 17. THEN: CAPTAIN JAMES T. (OR ‘R’) KIRK

Chapter 17. THEN: CAPTAIN JAMES T. (OR ‘R’) KIRK

 

In Chapter 17, Notch reflects on his feelings of loneliness and isolation after returning from Tan Son Nhut Airbase. He contemplates his life as a professional killer and decides to visit Sarge upon his return to the United States. After getting his bandages removed, he visits the Ba Thien Hau temple for contemplation and then goes to the Dhiem Ai Bakery to inform Xuan about Allan's death. Despite initial resistance from Xuan's uncle, he manages to speak with Xuan and tells her about Allan's love for her and his desire to marry her. Xuan reveals that she is learning English and wants to name their child after Allan. He struggles with thoughts of Allan, Xuan, and Gabriella, and the melancholy of his situation. The chapter ends with the Notch preparing to leave Vietnam and return to civilian life, feeling a sense of duty and the weight of his experiences.