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“Lear jets for a private company out of Phoenix,” she replied.
“Fu
At that moment, the two armored cars pulled up to the airport gate and stopped. Joe and David got out and came over to meet the newcomers.
“Captain, I’m pla
Preston and the soldiers stationed at the airport helped load Lady Dandy with over 100 boxes of food supplies. There were still dozens upon dozens of food and booze cases left after Lady Dandy headed out onto the runway with Barbara in the cockpit. They filled the Cargomaster with more boxes, and a dozen were placed in the rear seat of the 172. Then it was time to look at the few remaining aircraft. Preston took a quick look around. Anything worthwhile was too new or too small. They now needed aircraft to carry supplies, and an old 172 was not much good.
He headed for the Cargomaster. Six of the soldiers had gone with Lady Dandy, so he told the remaining six to get in with him and Pam.
His radio squawked into life as he came in for final approach at his airfield. The hangar door was being opened on Carlos’ orders while Carlos was on the radio desperately trying to reach General Allen.
Preston heard the other bases come online, and Je
It was quite a sight once all the vehicles were parked in a line. It looked like they were waiting for Noah’s Ark to arrive; two rat patrol jeeps, two armored cars, two old SWAT team vehicles, one ambulance, the fire engine and odd-looking Studebaker police car at the end. On the other side were the three Mustangs and a plethora of working and nonworking aircraft. There were a lot of people getting out and looking around in amazement. It looked like Disney World.
“Welcome, Captain Mallory! Welcome to my Air Force,” Preston exclaimed, shaking the pilot’s hand.
“Preston, we need a meeting right now,” shouted Carlos as several of the aircraft radios started chattering at once. Preston went over to the Cargomaster and picked up the microphone.
“Preston, this is Buck… Preston, this is Buck… do you read?”
“You are very faint, Buck. I can just hear you,” replied Preston, with Carlos coming over to listen.
“I overheard Carlos’ message 20 minutes ago while I was in the air over the White Cliffs of Dover. I went back down and told Pete that Carlos was having a nervous breakdown and I suggested that we head straight back to you since it’s not very often Carlos gets a bee in his bo
“Roger that,” replied Preston. “Je
“Will do,” replied Buck.
“What was that all about?” Captain Mallory asked. “And call me Mike—everybody else does.” Preston and Carlos both laughed. “New in-flight radio procedures, Mike, not approved by the FAA,” replied Carlos, shaking the captain’s hand. “We talk in a kind of code in case we are being listened to, and we know we are closely monitored. It is now against the law to fly with transponders because the enemy satellites pick them up. That goon-squad that passed you was coming here to take us out. Buck McKi
“John,” laughed Mike. “It looks like our best flying days are still to come and from now on can I assume my call sign is Mike and he is John? What happens if we have more than one Mike or John?”
“Mike One and Mike Two, I guess. Shit, who cares!” laughed Preston. “Let’s help unload the aircraft and wait for our meeting. If I know my good buddy, Carlos, this is going to be a good one. I’ve never seen him so excited!” and he patted Carlos on the back. “I hear I owe you $500, you naughty boy!” Carlos gri
An hour later, Baby Huey came in directly from the north, turned in over the hangar, and came in to land from the south. Captain Je
This time, there was no honor guard as Baby Huey landed, but a lot more civilians were totally shocked to see the president. The general and Secret Service men exited the plane first and then the president. He shook as many hands as he could, especially the children’s hands. Little Beth gave him a kiss on the cheek and shyly introduced him to her new teenaged “big sister” and all her other friends from New York—especially the ones who also had a puppy like she did.
The president was then ushered into the hangar where Carlos and Lee had already set up a meeting room, and the hangar door was closed. All goodbyes and kisses and thanks had been shared with Mike Mallory, John, and Pam, who were staying behind while all the others from New York were about to be transferred to Seymour Johnson. The other remaining flight attendant was going along to look after the passengers. Je