Squalls Along the Flight Line

"The Admiral may fill it with trouble, Mitch."

"He's been doin' that now and again...."

-- Yes, sir, Jack he sure has. 'Specially about Negroes. Says that the Civil Rights Commission Report is not actionable. Shit, the law is always catchin' up with the truth.

"You want me to fudge some numbers?"

Mitch put a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Maybe some day, but not now. I'll write the override and put it in the log."

Jack turned in his chair. "I got to initial it too, friend; so you mind giving me a clue as to what the hell you are risking that fourth stripe for? And, anyway, there is some stuff you need to know before you write your ticket into the drink."

Mitch laughed.

"Long story, Jack, and we got birds to get in the air. For the moment just say I owe one. But part of it is to arrange a preliminary inquiry into race problems on the flight line before the Admiral gets his hands on it. So tell me what I need to know."

Jack put a hand on his friend's knee.

-- Shit, here we go. Trouble and nothin' but trouble. He ain't never goin' to get that fourth stripe.

"We got dumpy weather coming through-a heavy line squall from Reynosa up to the Frio and rotating towards us."

"So?"

"I'd feel better if Wye was flying No. 1. He's the best navigator I've seen since the war, even if he does tend to land on one wheel, and they sure as hell are going to get bounced around on the way to the nest. That line will probably grow north to Galveston before they get there."

"True." A soft smile. "And he's got a great touch in the air. Maybe he just likes to fly so much that he hates to land, but he'll get past that. But Reis is down for No. 1 on return and we can't change that. Wye will take care of it, that's what wing men are for. Anyway, they fly easy together."

"You want me to drag them out?"

"You get the planes on the line and do the weather and flight plan. Put 'em up north and then down behind it as you read the squalls. My job to call them."

Mitch started for the door and Jack called him back. "You better write the override and stick it in the log, my friend."

Mitch did it longhand. "Flight plan changed at 1400 for experience with line squall operations and to expedite preliminary inquiry into racial tensions on the flight line. W. M. T., Safety and Operations."

Then to Jack. "Thanks, Jocko. I'll cover your ass. I'll hit communications and then go home. Call me when they turn south."

The Operations Officer of the Day turned the mike back on and read the change in orders.

-- Here we go. Why the hell didn't he just leave it with the weather! Somethin's going to squash before this is over. Who the hell is coverin' his ass? He keeps this up and he'll never get that fourth stripe. Shit. The man is so damn good.

During all that business Caroline, now dry-eyed and dressed, called Cat's wife. Susan answered on the second ring.

-- She's hoping it's Cat. Don't I know the feeling.

"Hello, this is Mrs. Wye."

"Susan, this is Caroline and I need to talk with you for a couple of minutes."

Table of Contents

• Introduction

1. Maggie and Mr. Hank
2. The Reverend
3. Squalls Along the Flight Line
4. Flying Home to Church
5. A Visit with The Judge
6. Communion
7. Afterthoughts
8. Monday Morning With The Admiral
9. Into the Dining Room
10. On Toward Walking the Streets
11. Glimpses of An Election
12. The Dream and The Reality of Violence
13. The Admiral Loses More Than a Few Good Men
14. Down That Lonesome Road

• Cast of Characters
• Credits and Acknowledgements