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       "The admiral wants proof: but I think: the snakes and jaguars have already taken care
of her: she doesn't have any documents or phone:"   said the soldier:   who started the fire
and stood up:   "she probably doesn't even have clothes:   green bitches like to walk around
naked..."
       "You better go shit inside: they're in full heat right now:" said the other:  "she'll
turn your dick into a blue tulip."
       "It's true:" said the woman teasingly: "she infected a million people - I'd even lock
myself in there."
       "Ha: ha:" said the firestarter dryly and disappeared into the greenhouse.
       The other soldier leaned over to the woman: whispered something in her ear:  and they
both burst into infectious giggles.
       I lay near their feet in a tangle of grass and ferns:          and my hatred smoothly
transformed into a watchful and calm concentration.
       They were actually very likable and attractive and full of life - I literally felt my
fear:    which had recently convinced me that I must die:   slowly being replaced by patient
decisiveness and a clear sensory presence.
       My being  was once again integrated  into the ancient system interwoven with millions
of lives: but this time not as an astonished observer: but as a predator.
       In a strange embracing way: I was aware of my surroundings: all the sounds:  my exact
position: the weight and length of my body: the possibilities of my muscles  - to tense up -
to transport me to the prey - and to strike.
       I knew: where the ax lay in the grass: and that I could quickly get to it through the
shadows - but the risk of losing my greatest weapon:  which was the moment of surprise:  was
too high.
       I remembered:   down by the river: there is a small ornithological observatory hidden
among the trees - there is a tool box - there could be fishing tackle - and a machete.
       I moistened my lips with my tongue and carefully crawled away.
       I found the cabin without too much trouble:     but the gear kit was more of a spider
hatchery: than a weapons cabinet: and the only more dangerous thing in it was a rusty file.
       In contact with a dry blanket: which had been rolled up under the window:   I briefly
toyed with the idea of making a poncho - but right behind it there were others thoughts    -
such as:   to dress and hide:   to run and scream   - so I quickly tore it into thin strips:
knitted a short rope: wet it: and smeared it with mud.
       As I tied it around my waist:  the morning sun had just laid a few of its orange rays
in the middle of the river: and I had to accept his invitation for a short breakfast bath  -
not to do so would be impolite.
       As I slipped into the water: the taste of rust in my mouth thrilled me like a promise
of near blood.