This is a work of fiction, and as such the characters are not bound by the usual dictates of modern society. Unsafe sexual practices can be undertaken with impunity only in the world of fantasy. In reality, it is your obligation and your right to play safely, sanely and healthily. I hope you enjoy my work, and if you have any comments, or ideas that may inspire new work, please feel free to contact me at joystick56@Hotmail.Com - all E-mails will be answered to the best of my ability. I would like to thank all of you for the many letters you wrote (so far over 250) and for telling me how much you liked or hated the story so far. Keep the letters coming.

The Three-Day Pass
Chapter 27

By Joystick

End of Chapter 26

"It's on the news, Aljazeera, as well as the American news. He was captured in Iraq. Ibrahim Smith an American soldier, it is him they showed a photograph. People in the congregation remembered that he brought you to the Mosque. He is still alive but unless all Iraqi prisoners are released in 48 hours, they are going to cut off his head!!!"

Chapter 27

It was one of the few times that Joseph was too stunned to talk or move. He leaned back against the wall and just let the world close in on him. His arms and legs seamed to become disconnected from his body as he felt himself sliding down the wall. Fazzi reached out quickly and grabbed him to prevent him from landing on the hard stone floor of the alcove.

"Yussef, Yussef are you all right?" Fazzi kept repeating as he shook him and patted his cheek trying to bring him back from out of the deep dark cold sea that was fast enveloping him. "Someone, please, come and help me."

From everywhere men came running to assist. They helped carry Joseph into the Imam's private study where he was placed on a sofa and made as comfortable as possible. Someone brought him a glass of water and as he sipped from the glass, the color began to come back into his face and slowly he started to come out of his stupor. Seeing that he was returning to the world of the living, Fazzi gently moved the onlookers out after thanking them for their help. However, a distinguish member of the congregation carrying a black bag, pushed himself forward. Fazzi recognize the man as his own doctor and asked if he could please be of assistance. The doctor said "For sure. As soon as I saw what was happening I ran for my bag. What happened?"

"Thank you, doctor. My friend has had some bad news and I think he passed out. We would be most thankful if you could look at him. Any assistance you render would be appreciated."

"I know I heard the news myself. It shocked me also. The black soldier, a really nice boy, I remember his visits here." He said as he opened his case and removed his stethoscope and placed it to Joseph's chest.

"I'm fine now, just a bit of a shock." Joseph mumbled. "No need for all this fussing."

"Now look here young man, you are the patient and I'm the doctor here. You just keep quiet while I finish up. Then I'll tell you if you are fine." He said as he took his pulse and then made him follow his finger with his