The mass of people erupt in a cheering, waving explosion of pride and appreciation that nearly drowns the sound of six jet engines. Then silence settles in once more, this time exhausted and satisfied. It's only then that someone thinks to ask what time it is out in that other world, and you realize that 9 pm has come and gone. Someone else mentions dinner and groups break up and wander off in search of their evening plans. All that matters here is attitude and ability.
Flames begin to flicker and dance as someone lights the bonfire.
At some point in the next few hours nearly everyone on the DZ will pass this way and pause, if only for a few moments. They come to exchange stories and to share in the camaraderie that binds the most diverse group of people. People from all walks of life, any country imaginable, every religious and ethnic background. People who would have absolutely nothing in common, nothing to say to each other, if it wasn't for their involvement in this world. Instead, here, they'll spend hours feeding the fire and each other's imaginations.