This is a very powerful story, @aksounder -- highly complex, richly told and impactful. I hope to never experience the sights and sounds of war, or to face the dilemma your narrator faces. If I am reading it right, he didn't deliberate for long, though, as the person he is liberating from this life did so to others who were completely innocent.

I really enjoyed reading about your peer editing process. Such great minds at work!