“You know how your transistor works, yes?”
“Yes.”
“This is the same,” Nang said. “Met Duch, you must struggle to overcome your fear of learning.”
“It’s so heavy.”
“Ah, but you are a proven fighter and very strong. I wouldn’t entrust the radio to just anyone.” Duch glanced up at Nang. His face showed suspicion and dread. “Also,” Nang added, “because you’ll be doing extra work, your ration shall be doubled. Two rice tubes each day.” Immediately Nang saw Duch’s reluctance fade.
“You know the American radio?” Duch said matter-of-factly, hiding his easy acquiescence.
“When I was trained in the far north we learned all radios.” Nang was delighted. For an hour he and Duch practiced calling Met Mita’s command post, practiced coordinating the squeeze-to-transmit, release-to-receive lever. “Yo
