Page 21 - Archangel

The ladies aided Lozi’s and MacIain’s field confirmation of
hundreds massacred at several sites. Their collective findings triggered
an increased PFW relief response. Even after Keezie’s murder, Layla
continued working with MacIain, Collins and Lozi to expand the refugee
evacuation and settlement care system which unfortunately grew out of
anonymity and into legend. Yet friend and foe alike had not vectored
the operation’s remaining exfil points or principals – until that night.
While there were hundreds of these unsung heroes, Skye and Sean
specifically credited Layla for restoring the aid workers’ faith and
facility. And that fateful night Layla again made a difference in the
face of tragedy and sacrifice.

refugee return To bukavu

A freshening headwind increased the drizzle into their faces as the
surface of Lake Kivu rippled with chop. Skye had to maintain near full
throttle despite the bouncing and bruising, jarring Dr. Collins and his
precious cargo from dead sleep with, “Jesus, Highlander but you’re rattling
the teeth out of our heads.” MacIain retorted, “If either the Rwandans or
DRC officers catch us, we could be fish bait, you little leprechaun.” Sean
soon resumed a sorrowful sleep with Layla’s son loosely fastened to his
chest with surgical tape. An adjacent mother confirmed that Layla’s boy
was okay with a bright smile that shown through the darkness. During the
few times Sean had awakened during the return ride, he had refused to
pass the lad to another of several willing nurturers.
With MacIain’s audible and chilling warning, no one else complained
about the rocky ride to potential freedom. But all were relieved as Skye
finally slowed the bateau a full third after crossing over from Rwandan
into DRC waters. There had been border incursions between the two
countries. DRC took their international border with Rwanda seriously,
understandable as 500,000 Rwandans, refugees and murderers among
them, were pouring into the likes of Goma and Bukavu. The other
surrounding nations also had little capacity for what would later represent
an influx of a million refugees to support.
In another hour, which seemed like five, MacIain passed a landmark
which often catalyzed Skye and Sean to celebrate another successful water
crossing. But tonight’s approach to their makeshift mooring was tempered
with sorrow, sobriety, and trepidation from everyone on board around

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