An hour later John circled Tarampura. Once again, no visible obstacles prevented his landing. He noticed a lone figure running toward his parking area and knew it would be Tucker. I hope I’m not too late, he thought.
“Is he still alive?” John asked.
“He lives. He very sick and Marta look sick too,” said Tucker
John shot Tucker a confused look as he cinched his bag on his shoulder and trotted to the village. One look at Marta answered John’s question. She did look sick, sick with worry. He noticed her puffy eyes and a flush face transformed to relief and thanksgiving upon seeing him.
“Did you get it?” Marta’s smile was apprehensive until John nodded.
“Here, hope it helps.” John handed her the glass vial.
John watched Marta go to work. She glanced at Mewpa as if requesting permission and consequently received a nod. The patient looked exhausted. John hadn’t seen him seize since returning, but knew he was in bad shape.
Marta fumbled with the medication and all eyes watched expectantly for her medicine to heal.
“All we can do now is wait,” Marta said, rising to her feet.
“Has he improved?” John asked.
“His fits have slowed, but I’m not sure whether or not that means anything. It was a long wait without you,” Marta said.
Mewpa and others carried the patient off the path, and John started to follow.
Remember, 100% of all royalties will be applied to Jeff's mission trip to Asia. Jeffrey W. Bennett, ISP is the owner of Red Bike Publishing. Jeff is an accomplished writer of non-fiction books, novels and periodicals. He also owns Red bike Publishing. Published books include: "Get Rich in a Niche-Insider's Guide to Self Publishing in a Specialized Industry" and "Commitment-A Novel". Jeff is an expert in security and has written many security books including: "Insider's Guide to Security Clearances" and "DoD Security Clearances and Contracts Guidebook". See Red Bike Publishing for print copies of: Army Leadership The Ranger Handbook The Army Physical Readiness Manual Drill and Ceremonies The ITAR The NISPOM
Having his own plane and route for six months now, John was confident he knew every mile and every person along the way. He knew the wants and needs of the missionaries he supported and did his best to satisfy them. He flew some of the fortunate citizens of each village, but mostly ended up flying small livestock for barter. Usually the villagers paid him with food gifts, souvenirs, but more often than not, smiles. He reflected on the myriad compliments as he walked to the hangar where his beautiful plane was almost completely reassembled.
“Good afternoon, John, what brings you by?” Pete Brown asked as he wiped the grease from his stained hands. He had spent most of the morning giving John’s plane its required service.
“How are you? You’ve been working pretty hard since we towed the plane in last evening,” said John.
“Don’t be fooled. I’ve been working hard, and playing. You know the old saying?”
“We all need to make sure we get our share of fun around here,” John said.
“Actually, I let the engine cool down overnight so I could get right on it this morning.
I’m about to wrap it up. Wanna help?”
“You do pretty quick work.” John said admiringly. “I thought the engine would still be torn down, parts everywhere. But I see you almost have it all put back together.”
“This is one of my favorites. Yep, this is my baby and I try to keep her up. She’s been good to you, hasn’t she?” Pete asked, searching for a compliment.
“I can’t complain.” John noted how the mechanic would claim the plane as his own, but he remembered the sense of pride he felt while a helicopter mechanic before becoming an Army aviator. “She climbs flawlessly and takes max power without a sputter. All pilots should be so lucky.”
“Thanks, that means a lot.”
Remember, 100% of all royalties will be applied to Jeff's mission trip to Asia. Jeffrey W. Bennett, ISP is the owner of Red Bike Publishing. Jeff is an accomplished writer of non-fiction books, novels and periodicals. He also owns Red bike Publishing. Published books include: "Get Rich in a Niche-Insider's Guide to Self Publishing in a Specialized Industry" and "Commitment-A Novel". Jeff is an expert in security and has written many security books including: "Insider's Guide to Security Clearances" and "DoD Security Clearances and Contracts Guidebook". See Red Bike Publishing for print copies of: Army Leadership The Ranger Handbook The Army Physical Readiness Manual Drill and Ceremonies The ITAR The NISPOM
Once again, Rachel, you’ve outdone yourself,” John said a week later.
“It was a delicious dinner, sweetheart. My compliments,” Steve said.
“Thanks guys, does that mean you’ll clean up?” Rachel asked.
“After a dinner like that, you can have anything you want.” Steve winked.
“I just wish I had more time to cook like this. The airstrip keeps me busy,” said Rachel.
“I would rather hear your lovely voice over the radio. It is much more welcoming than Jason’s,” Steve said.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence and the understanding. I like helping out there and with anything you fly boys might need. But, John, you might want to knock off the wisecracks about Jason, especially since he and Sandy are going to be here any minute,” Rachel warned.
John took the warning well. He felt Rachel and Steve could ask him anything and he would do it. With their growing friendship, he felt comfortable in their home, and he didn’t want to offend. He looked around the old building the Millicans called home. Rachel had decorated very attentively. The cinder block house matched his dorm room as simple wood and wicker design. Wonderful crafts and stencils adorned the walls. Bible verses and country scenes were embroidered in cross stitch and mounted in picture frames, while photos from home occupied other spaces.
John had been touched beyond words when Steve presented him with a nice cross stitch of a plane flying through clouds and the caption “...they shall mount up with wings as eagles. Isaiah 40:31.” Rachel had made it for two reasons. The first, upon John rescuing her man and himself when the plane went down, and the second when he was assigned to his route.
“So, are you telling me that your culinary experience was better tonight, than it was... say... the other day in Marta’s village?” Rachel asked.
“Oh, I see how you are,” John glanced playfully from the corner of his eyes. “Steve must’ve had a good laugh telling the story so you both could gang up on me. But that’s all right, see if I tell you anything again,” John said, punching his cowering buddy in the arm.
“Did you or did you not enjoy the eye of newt or boiled goat’s bladder?” Rachel teased.
“Well, it wasn’t that bad, honey,” Steve interjected. “Just a few bugs and spiders is all I heard.”
“You two are way off base; it was just a few harmless grubs.” John could hardly get the word grubs out.
“How did you find Marta?” Rachel asked.
“Did you have to ask that?” Steve interrupted.
“Tell us. You’re amongst friends. I mean, an enchanting woman living amongst primitive people, good looking, independent, and single. Probably not a bad gamble to bet you may have been the teeniest bit impressed.”
“Yes, you can say that,” John admitted.
“Oh, we’re just teasing you. Marta is a great friend of ours. In fact, she is as much a part of our family as we consider you to be. She is a very intriguing person” Rachel said.
“If it’s all the same, I don’t want to talk about it. A relationship I mean,” said John.
“Yeah, right,” Steve replied. He and Rachel could tell by John’s reaction to the mere mention of Marta’s name that there was some unspoken chemistry at work.
Remember, 100% of all royalties will be applied to Jeff's mission trip to Asia. Jeffrey W. Bennett, ISP is the owner of Red Bike Publishing. Jeff is an accomplished writer of non-fiction books, novels and periodicals. He also owns Red bike Publishing. Published books include: "Get Rich in a Niche-Insider's Guide to Self Publishing in a Specialized Industry" and "Commitment-A Novel". Jeff is an expert in security and has written many security books including: "Insider's Guide to Security Clearances" and "DoD Security Clearances and Contracts Guidebook". See Red Bike Publishing for print copies of: Army Leadership The Ranger Handbook The Army Physical Readiness Manual Drill and Ceremonies The ITAR The NISPOM
“The nuts? There aren’t any nuts here,” she shouted over the din.
“There, that guy is taking them now, and that woman just finished roasting some more.” John pointed to one of the women who stirred the contents around in a hollowed out stone.
“Oh, you mean those nuts,” she said, smiling mischievously. “Sure I’ll pass them, but take another careful look. I think the firelight is not allowing you to see particularly well.”
He waited impatiently for the bowl as anther villager finished raking some into his lap. Finally he had the bowl and began stirring nuts with his fingers. He picked up two of the inch- long morsels and examined them more closely. With the flickering amber fire and pale moon- light the food looked at first glance like roasted nuts. It had a nice golden color, and was firm to the touch.
He brought it up for closer inspection and let out a yell of disgust. Looking lifelessly back at him was a small set of roasted grub worm eyes, John could at last see as the bean shaped pupa suddenly morphed into a fat, earth-boring worm.
“A worm! A fat, disgusting worm!” He jumped up, legs dancing uncontrollably. The bowl went flying, sending the grubs airborne in all directions. He had the shivers, and his teeth itched.
Marta laughed hysterically. It was cruel she realized, but he shouldn’t be acting this way. “Lighten up. They won’t hurt you.”
“I can’t believe Steve left me here like this, eating worms. What have I got myself into, just to fly planes?”
“Don’t be that way. We all went through this at first,” said Marta.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t believe I actually like those things. How could you let me eat them without telling me what they were?”
“Because I didn’t want you to starve to death,” said Marta.
The animal skin drums pounded out a rhythm for the dancers, but as the evening wore on, the drummer’s endurance gave out as heavy arms grew tired. Now all that remained was a gentle drumming that provided only a sense of percussion to keep time.
“I really think they like you. You have made some impression on them, in spite of the act you put on earlier,” said Marta.
“Well, that pleases me to no end,” John replied.
“I know you don’t understand them, but they are saying nice things about you, and to you.”
“I really hope so, because all I have been doing is sitting here smiling and nodding, and I don’t want to be agreeing to something that I know nothing about,” said John.
“You mean you don’t want to marry the chief’s daughter?”
“WHAT?” John yelped in disbelief, waking Tucker.
“Oh relax, I was just kidding.” Marta tossed her head back, flipping her hair.
John looked on admiringly.
“All they have been doing is saying hello and giving you a good welcome,” said Marta.
“You play too many tricks. One day, when you least expect it, there will be one waiting for you.”
“You can’t really threaten me with something fun. I need a few pranks to make things a little more exciting. We have fun here, but imagine trying to tell jokes or play gags on people when there is such a huge language barrier,” said Marta.
The fire began to burn out. No longer did anyone try to feed its remarkable appetite. As the flames ebbed, more people started heading for their huts.
“Well, I think it is time to turn in. I’ll take Tucker to his bed, and I will see you in the morning.”
“Where am I going to sleep?” John asked, rubbing his eyes.
“Oh, I’m sorry; the chief has a place for you in his hut. Hold on, I’ll be back.” Marta walked away and spoke to the chief, who was happily eating leftover food. They spoke for a while before she returned.
“The chief has everything set up. As soon as he goes, he will let you know. Until then, have fun. I’m going to turn in.”
John watched her walk away from the fire. Her image grew faint as she left the light, until darkness consumed her. I wish you didn’t have to leave so soon.
Remember, 100% of all royalties will be applied to Jeff's mission trip to Asia. Jeffrey W. Bennett, ISP is the owner of Red Bike Publishing. Jeff is an accomplished writer of non-fiction books, novels and periodicals. He also owns Red bike Publishing. Published books include: "Get Rich in a Niche-Insider's Guide to Self Publishing in a Specialized Industry" and "Commitment-A Novel". Jeff is an expert in security and has written many security books including: "Insider's Guide to Security Clearances" and "DoD Security Clearances and Contracts Guidebook". See Red Bike Publishing for print copies of: Army Leadership The Ranger Handbook The Army Physical Readiness Manual Drill and Ceremonies The ITAR The NISPOM
