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kissed her forehead, and left to join the party back at the base.
It took them two or three days to collate all the information from the troopers about what they wanted to do. The majority of Rhodesians and other African nationals elected to join the South African Reccondo, a highly trained reconnaissance Commando unit, specialising in hot pursuit missions tracking guerilla groups. Some of the men decided to give up a military career all together, and others joined the army of the Country of their birth. When the count was eventually taken, Chris was left with an additional twenty men who wanted to go to Daggers. Paul's troop wanted to stay together, and there was no opening there. Two of the men were the pilots Harry wanted with him.

"Okay," said Chris, "Let's take a risk and employ them at Daggers. As long as they're prepared to do anything, we can just about afford them till I think of something they can do."
They dismantled the base, took all the paperwork to Alister McLeod, and sold the equipment and weapons where they could.
The land on which the base was built, they gave to Thomas and Maria to run as a communal farm so that all the Blacks who had worked at the base would have employment. Al was going to keep an eye on them and advise them.
In a few days Al would be taking Agnes and Kirstie to the farm where he was born, and which he would inherit one day.
"You have a great a family there, Al," said Chris, as he said goodbye outside Al's house.
"I know. She's my responsibility," Al grinned, "And I'm glad I took it on, mate," he said.
"Don't lose touch, Chris," he added, his blue eyes serious, "I need a good friend."
Chris gripped Al's right hand and held his arm with the other. "Just say the word my friend, and I'll be right out here any time you need me."
They looked at one another, but neither said another word.
Chris waved to Agnes who was standing at the door, and then turned and jumped into the land rover.
Al went to stand beside Agnes, and he put his arm round her shoulders.
"I'm going to miss that guy." he said and waved to Chris.
"Me too." whispered Agnes, her voice choked with emotion.
Chris drove the land rover back to the former base to pick up Harry and the twenty men leaving with them. They were giving all the vehicles to Thomas.
Chris hugged Maria, "Now take care, do you hear, and if you need anything, contact Mr. McLeod in Salisbury." he said.
Maria wailed, tears rolling down her face, "Commander Chris, Commander Harry. My men all gone. I no happy." she said.

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