O'Brien settles in to his rear job as a typist at LZ Gator. His friend Bates has also obtained a rear job at LZ Gator, and they work together. O'Brien and his buddy get through the holidays the only way a soldier can—by drinking, eating what is served up in the mess hall, and attending the strip tease floor shows that pass through the base camp. Life is monotonous at LZ Gator, but it is safe. The base is attacked only once during his stay. At night, O'Brien sleeps on a cot in the office, reading, writing and standing watch over the phone for incoming casualty calls. He listens to the night music of LZ Gator, the rhythm of out-going artillery and mortar fire. He remembers how he loved.....
