I had a few slightly unnerving flights in January, but nothing to write home about or stamp into memory. But then, in the third week of February, I met a tall JAG officer who took me for the ride of my life. I’m not going to say that I don’t consider the memory to be thrilling, but getting struck by enemy fire and then hitting the ramp by sheer luck on bingo fuel isn’t exactly something I’d like to re-live. However, I know that the incident wasn’t the commander’s fault. I trusted his ability and instincts from the start; I still do, in fact, which is why I readily agreed to accompany him on this flat-out crazy mission; after all, trying to shoot down an incoming cruise missile loaded with unshielded uranium isn’t exactly wise... or safe... or rational. But it’s the only choice we have.
Some might ask if I have a death wish, accepting this assignment. I don’t. In fact, just the opposite is true: I have a fighting desire to live. That’s why I’m doing this. I won’t - I can’t - just stand by and let this monstrous object destroy us. Not only that, I gave an oath to defend this country, which includes its citizens and my fellow military personnel. I’m going to do this if it kills me - whether figuratively or literally.
I finish zipping up my flightsuit, and taking my helmet under my arm, I head toward the hatch. However, as I walk around the row of lockers, I see a familiar face. Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie is standing with her cover in her hands, her eyes focused on the gangway, where I can see the figure of Commander Rabb disappearing around the corner.
I’m prepared to greet her, but I hesitate when I notice that she’s already speaking. I can’t hear what she’s saying, but as I watch her lips form the words, I can make out “Lord” and “safe.” It’s then I that realize that she’s whispering a prayer.
I remain silent and still until she’s finished. Her gaze has grown distant, as if she’s seeing something not visible to anyone else. I swallow, then venture quietly, “Ma’am?”
She turns, slightly surprised. “Lieutenant.”
I nod, stepping forward. “Nice to see you again, ma’am, though I wish it were under better circumstances.”
She hauls in a deep breath. “Tell me about it.” She cocks a thumb toward the gangway. “Harm was looking for you...”
“I’m on my way to the briefing,” I assure her.
“Good.” She pauses, and I can see the conflict in her eyes. She seems at a loss for words, and to save her from further struggle to find them, I give her a respectful nod and begin to exit the room.
Her voice stops me. “Lieutenant?”
I turn to face her. “Yes, ma’am?”
“Just... make sure he doesn’t do anything...”
I supply her with what I think she’s looking for. “Unnecessarily risky?”
“Exactly.” She offers me a half-smile that holds not a small amount of worry.
“I will, ma’am.” For the second time since meeting them, I wonder yet again just exactly how close the commander and the colonel are. It’s obvious that they share a strong partnership, but the concern in the colonel’s expression convinces me there’s something between them at a much deeper level. “I promise.”
“Thank you.” Her appreciation is clear in her eyes, and she reaches out a hand, which I promptly shake. “Good luck and Godspeed, Lieutenant.”
“Thank you, ma’am.” She gives me a nod of dismissal, and I cross into the passageway.
As I continue on my way to the briefing, I realize all over again just how much responsibility is resting on my shoulders and those of the others I’ll be flying with. Not only do we have the lives of our shipmates in our hands, we are being entrusted with the happiness, dependence, and hope of their family, friends, and loved ones. I send up my own silent prayer that I won’t disappoint them, and that I’ll be able to keep the promise I just made. Give me strength. Give me courage. And please bring us all back home.
- Fin. -
