I Am Not Going Back
While handling the weapons, Ali looked at Kelly and said, “Kelly, I hope you understand what’s involved with what we’re doing here.”
Kelly stopped working and looked from Ali to Mohammed and back to Ali. Her reply was one single, emphatic word: “Yes.” She resumed checking the weapons.
Ali wasn’t expecting her to say anything different. He again asked, “Do you actually understand that the people in the compound just over that ridge are enemies of the Iraqi people? We’re not going in there to negotiate with them or arrest them.”
Kelly put down the weapon she was handling and looked at Ali and Mohammed. Mohammed spoke. “They are not about to show us any mercy either. Do you know what they’ll do to us, to you, if we’re caught?”
Kelly’s expression was stern. “Enough of your questions,” she said, her tone equally serious. “Don’t worry—either of you. I understand and I know what the consequences can be. And in case you want to say something more, I am not going back. I have not come this far to go back and leave the mission unfinished. I am into this with you to the end…whatever that is. Now, let’s just cut out this conversation and go.” Saying this, she chose her weapon. It was an AR-15.
Ali and Mohammed continued to look at Kelly for several seconds and then exchanged a look. Ali took off his military ID and put it around Kelly’s neck. “Here, perhaps its luck will protect you today.”
Kelly’s eyes widened and her face registered surprise. She knew how much the ID meant to Ali.
“I’d say we can use all we can get,” said Kelly. She kissed the ID and hugged Ali. Mohammed moved in and joined the embrace. The three stood holding hands. Mohammed pulled out his military ID with his free hand and, raising it toward the sky, said, “Perhaps Allah shall watch over all of us.”
Ali, Mohammed, and Kelly turned and started to head inland.