A new mission

CHAPTER 16

     Jason was finishing breakfast when John entered the cafeteria. He pushed his plate aside and motioned for John to take a seat next to him. He was pleased with the progress John was making as the new pilot, having earned the respect of not only the other pilots, but of the mission families as well, who also spoke well of him.

     “You wanted to see me?” John asked.

     “I didn’t want to tell you at the briefing because I didn’t want to undermine the other pilots. I need you to fly Sandy to the villages to give medical checkups.” Jason spoke of his wife’s nursing profession.

    “Why can’t the others do this? Not that I mind, of course.” Inside, John was excited.

     “Well, if you need to hear it,” Jason wiped his mouth with the neatly folded napkin. “I question your motivation to be here. But I think you are, aside from Steve, one of the best pilots, but he already has a full plate.”

    “So the job entails flying your wife to the villages other pilots are serving,” John said.

     “Yes, every quarter Sandy performs check-ups, goes through medical records and gives shots. It should take about a week to finish.”

Jeffrey W. Bennett, is the author of Commitment-A Novel and other non-fiction books, novels and periodicals.

Little Operation? I don't thinks so

John’s first assessment of Tiom reminded him of the setting in most bush pilot stories he had ever read. The rich greenery surrounding a well-used runway was almost cliché. “Adventures would be launched from this small cradle he would call home, most likely stemming from encounters with such flying hazards as tall snow-covered mountains, smoke from clear-cutting, and clouds.

Daryl led him to the two waiting men. One was very tall, about a head taller than the other. He looked purely business with his hands clasped behind his back; nothing to hide. The other wore the warmest smile John had ever seen.

During introductions, a small crowd of greeters circled the four. John felt himself being whisked away to a more private meeting.

“We’ve been looking toward your arrival,” Jason said in a rehearsed voice. “Our responsibilities cover a lot of ground, as you’ll soon learn.”

“Thank you both for the welcome. Daryl has been briefing me on your little operation here and I’m anxious to get started.”

“I can assure you there is nothing ‘little’ about what we do here,” Jason defended. “There are many people who rely on us for logistical support.”

“Sorry, did I say something wrong?” John asked.

“Never mind him, as the backbone of the setup, Jason’s a little overworked. In fact, he has staff just to monitor his blood pressure,” Steve said chuckling.

“All right, excuse me if I take a little pride. I’m sure you meant no harm, nor did I. I just wanted you to know how important our work is. New pilots don’t understand this until reality hits them head on, sometimes in the form of disease or a plane wreck. Working here is no way to collect flight hours. Our business is people’s lifeline, an intravenous line straight to their hearts. Realize this early on and your work here will be rewarding for you and those whose lives you touch,” Jason said.

“I couldn’t say it better myself,” admitted Daryl. “I guess that’s why you’re in charge.”

Jeffrey W. Bennett, is the author of Commitment-A Novel and other non-fiction books, novels and periodicals.