It was a routine recognizance flight.
A piece of cake.
Me and my buddy had done hundreds.
Preflight inspection?
Check.
The radio crackled. Something didn’t sound right.
Jake pushed his talk button. “Raptor 1-niner reporting. Are we clear for takeoff?”
No answer - just more crackle.
Finally, Charlie from flight control answered up with the usual runway and wind information, plus directives.
Jake and I shrugged at one another.
Smooth takeoff.
Easy peasy.
The radio crackled again.
This time, the interference had rhythmic clicking.
Back to base in no time.
The radio crackled and clicked.
Yet more crackles.
Relieved, we heard Charlie relay the usual flight pattern information.
It was a smooth landing.
All check.
I spent time with buddies.
Time to eat.
Time to sleep.
*
Another day, another routine recognizance flight.
Piece of cake.
Preflight inspection.
Check.
The radio crackled yet again, followed by the usual flight information.
Smooth takeoff.
Easy peasy.
The radio crackled
“Base…” (crackle) “Charlie…”
The radio crackled more than usual, followed by an almost metallic sounding click, click.
(crackle) “…a flash of metal.”
Click, click.
(crackle) “…coordinates…”
The radio crackled. Click, click.
Click, click.
“Say (crackle) again (crackle) Charlie (crackle).”
“Charlie?”
The radio crackled.
Silence.
About the Creator
Julie Lacksonen
I'm a soon-to-be retired music educator. This is my 40th and final year at the same school. I enjoy writing, reading, walking, swimming, and spending time with family.
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