The Vietcong never showed up.
According to Coletta – who knew a thing or two about these things – that night the VCs didn't even try to find them.
They probably decided to take cover and defend the base fearing the Baker Team was only a recon team proceeding a full-blown attack. Alternatively, they simply reputed Ortega and the others too dangerous to hunt at night.
Whatever the reason, when three a.m. rolled around, a Huey flew over the LZ Messner had radioed and everything went as planned.
Before landing, the helicopter did a quick area check –the way dogs do before they lay down. Once satisfied, it landed and took off again in record time with all seven of them.
Seven of them, not eight.
Krakauer wasn't there, and would never be again.