David and Danny were friends who reconnected in Syracuse, New York, following active duty in the army. David had been stationed stateside while Danny was in Vietnam.

Neither of them knew how much they had changed during their years apart or if their friendship was still viable. That was put to the ultimate test when they signed a lease for an apartment to share in Pennsylvania where David was hired as a teacher.

David was the older of the two and had graduated from college as well at the Drill Sergeant's Academy. He was anxious to get away from his hometown and the war stories his father had burdened him with.

Danny, who had been like a wide-eyed kid and dreamer, came home carrying the war with him. He was a damaged and angry man, using drugs and alcohol to manage his terrors.

David saw Danny's struggles and thought it was his duty to help him.

Danny saw David as the sergeant who had ordered him into battle. He thought his duty was to kill him.