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Ninety Days Inside The Empire: A Novel by William Appleman Williams

Squalls Along the Flight Line

Page 16

"People here know them and are impressed by them comin' in by themselves, and that one with his lady."

"You mean 'Cat' about the tussle on the flight line?"

"I see you on your job."

-- God A'mighty, what do I do with this one?

"Very dicey, Griff. Very Dicey. We're flyin' by the book around here with the new Admiral. Got rules about cross country returns. And it ain't your ordinary average Lt. who insists on a Negro workin' on his wings. You askin' for whipped cream."

"I always knew you's a smart man, Mitch."

"I'll try, Reverend. We'll have people there. But you got to talk straight if you dump this on me."

"I know, Mitch, interrupting loving things and all that. You just get your people here for communion."

-- Communion! Oh Dear Jesus! He is up so high he doesn't know he needs oxygen.

"Sir."

"Don't you go Nigger sassin' me, Mitch. Just you do it."

-- So I got shot down.

"You want Caroline to help, and what about Mr. Hank and The Judge?"

"Lette's out visitin' people on the stoops, but if Caroline wants to come along tell her to stop by here and we'll find her. I talked with Mr. Hank and I'll see The Judge later on."

"I'll have trouble with Operations, Griff. I need Mr. Hank out here before everybody takes off to guzzle."

"He'll do it if you call him."

"Done."

"Last thing, Mitch. Come along after communion for a little talkin' and drinkin' with some of the folks."

-- He is out of it, doin' stalls and dives in an anvil cloud. Shit, he don't know a wingover from a roll.

"We'll be there, Griff."

Mitch looked around, didn't see Caroline, so dialed Mr. Hank and did the ritual. Then:

"Need your help, Chief."

"Yes, sir."

They sighed, each wondering in their different ways if ever it would be possible to get past the color and the class and the rank and just be two people who respected and needed each other. Get to open liking.

"You know the drill?"

"The Reverend and I talked; yes, Sir."

"I'm going to have problems at operations and-"

"I figured that, Commander."

"-and wondered if you could sea-lawyer a few of the best troops out here before they get buzzed on Monday. The Reverend hit on me to supply some straight-up bodies for communion and you can get some I can't."

-- Oh, I's right about this man. He can ask me for help.

"I'll get there, Sir. Maybe catch a lift from Five Corners, but the next bus for sure. You got anything special in-"

"You do yours, Mr. Hank, and I'll do mine. See you in church."

Mr. Hank listened to the burr-r-r and laughed. Maggie walked over and eased a hand down along his thigh.

"You goin' to be gone?"