by W. R. Benton
Pain radiated up his leg and growing terrified, he screamed for help.
Banks, moving quickly, picked up David’s rifle, placed the barrel against the small animals head and pulled the trigger. The sound of the shot was loud, but badger immediately stopped moving—dead.
“It isn’t dropping off of me!” The young man cried out in fear, “It’s still alive!”
Vittles moved forward and began to peel the dead animals legs and teeth from David’s leg he said, “Badgers never let go after they get a hold good. He’s a gone goose, but he’s got ya in a death grip.”
“You sure he’s dead?”
“Yup, as dead as last year’s Christmas turkey,” Vittles replied and then pulled the last claw from David’s leg. Picking the dead animal up, the old miner walked into the darkness to get rid of the body.
Banks, who'd been waiting for Vittles to finish, now said, “Let’s build this fire up and take a look at your injuries.” He added three logs to the dying flames and continued, “Pull that leg up and let me take a good look at it.”
The injuries on his leg were bleeding freely as Banks asked, “Your boot is torn, did he get your foot too?”
“I think he attacked my foot first.”
Banks unlaced the boot, removed a bloody sock and said, “Puncture wounds and they’re not easy to clean or treat. The injuries to your leg are mostly rips, tears, and a few bites.”
David, who’d been thinking, suddenly asked, “What about rabies?”
“That’s another concern I have right now, but we’re putting the cart before the horse. First, I need to clean these wounds, disinfect them and wrap them up good. I don’t have a thing in the kit for rabies, so we’ll have to wait and see. Did the animal act strange or see unusual?”
“No, not really. I was just shocked that something that small would attack a human!”
Vittles had walked up, so he said, “Badgers are known for their guts. They ain’t scared of a blame thing, includin’ Grizzlies. Attacking you was nothin’ to the small guy and he was jus’ defendin’ his meal.”
“Do you think it was rabid?” Banks asked as he wrapped the foot in gauze.
“Not likely, but we cain’t rule it out.”
“Now, it’s likely David, you’ll come down with a fever and some aches. I can give you some acetaminophen for both, but that’s it. While I have some morphine and codeine medications, they’re only for very serious injuries.”
“That acet-a-thing, what is it?”
“Sort of like aspirin, but it’s not. You’ve had it before, I’m sure, when you had colds, fevers or small aches.”
“My dad gave me things in the past, but I never paid much attention to medicines.”
“Now, every morning we’ll change the bandages, put more antibiotic ointment on the wounds and you’ll be fine in a few days. The puncture wounds are the ones to watch. I tried to get some medication in the holes, only I’m not sure how well I did.”
Vittles, sitting by the fire with his never smoked pipe between his teeth said, “And, ya need to stay off your feet a few days. If ya move too much, them wounds will start bleedin’ again.”
Turning to the old man, David pointed at his old pipe and asked, “Don’t you ever smoke that thing?”
Pulling the pipe from his teeth, Vittles replied, “I used to smoke it all the time, then ‘bout twenty years back I quit smokin’. Now I just like the feel of the stem between my teeth.”
Banks handed David two white pills and said, “These are the pills I told you about. Take these and then get some rest. Vittles was right too, stay off your feet for a few days.”
After David was asleep, the snow began to fall once more and Banks asked, “What do you think about that badger?”
“I don’t think it was rabid, if that’s what you’re really asking. They’re a moody critter in the best of times and what it did tonight is normal behavior for the little beast.”
“Sounds like David kicked a running chainsaw blade, doesn’t it?”
Snickering, Vittles replied, “Yep, they’re just like a chainsaw in a lot of ways. A few years back I found two skeletons. One was a grizzly bear and the other was a badger. Some of the remains of that badger were on the bears face, holding its mouth closed, but the bear in anger or fear had killed the little thing. It must have happened years before, except the claws and teeth of the little critter were still buried deep in the bear’s bones.”
“What gives them enough guts to attack a full sized grizz like that?”
“I ain’t got no idea, but the natives say there are only two things in the world to fear, one is a insane woman and the other is a badger on a good day. I think they might have a point.”
Banks laughed and said, “I have lots of medical training, only it’s how to treat a gunshot wound, fix broken bones, deliver a baby, and many other things. I don’t remember any in-depth training on rabies and I know there’s nothing in my bag to treat it.”
“Well, your job was mainly created to save downed aircrews in times of war, I’d imagine. And, I remember you tellin’ us most rescues happen within 24 hours, so I’d suspect the need for rabies vaccine or training just ain’t there.”
“Overall you’re right, except during peace time we fly civilian rescue missions. Even during wars, we’ll fly rescues here in the states if needed. We’re committed to saving lives, under all conditions and anywhere.”
Grabbing the coffee can, Vittles said, “You’re deserving of the call sign, Angel One then. It’s a special job ya got son, so don’t ya ever forget it either.”
Standing, Banks replied, “I’m off to my sleeping bag. It’s only a couple of hours until first light, but I want to be up by then. You can never tell when our ride home might show up.”
“Yup, I hear ya and I don’t want to miss the ride neither!” Vittles said and then giggled like a little schoolgirl.
Morning came with snow flying all around and the temperature way below zero. The shelter was cold, even with a blazing fire burning right outside the entrance. The sleeping bags were rated to minus twenty, so Banks knew they were in no danger of freezing to death.
After a quick MRE for breakfast, Banks changed the bandages on David and then said, “Some inflammation there, but nothing to worry about yet. The triple antibiotic cream I’m using should clear that up fairly quickly.”
Vittles, who didn’t put much faith in antibiotic ointments, said, “We’ll know by mornin’ if that cream works or not.”
“Why so quiet, David?” Banks asked as he closed his medical bag.
“I woke up thinking we’d all go home today, but it’s snowing to beat the band out there right now.”
“You can be sure Zee and the rescue squadron are monitoring the weather. If they’re given enough time to slip in here and out, they’ll come. It all depends if the weather window stays open long enough. I mean, there isn’t a real rush to get to us, we’re pretty safe.”
Vittles met his eyes and nodded his head in a questionable way toward David. Banks, sure all the young man had was a slight infection, nodded in return, except his was a confident nod.
The snow was piling up by the inches against the shelter and the wind hadn’t died down at all, when Vittles pulled his small pocket Bible out and began reading. While not an overly religious man, he did believe in God and tried to be an honest man. He knew God had a hand in all he did, but like most people, he often got busy and didn’t read his Bible as often as he felt he should have. Now, following the destruction of his cabin, he felt a need to understand the Good Book better.
Abruptly the shelter gave a violent shake and the trapper raised his head and looked around. David was curled up in his sleeping bag sleeping, Banks was going through the supplies, and he saw the shelter was in no danger of collapsing. Seeing things were normal, he lowered his eyes and began reading once again.
“Do you read the Bible much?” Banks asked as he closed his equipment bag.
“Not as much as I shou
ld, I guess.”
“Hard to have religion out here in the bush, isn’t it? I mean, where would you go to church?”
Vittles laughed and replied, “Son, I live in God’s own church. I’m surrounded by beauty and a person can actually feel God out here. As for religion, no, it’s not hard to have religion in the bush. I think it might even be easier, because I could look out a window of my cabin and see the results of God’s mighty hand in the country around me. Now, if you mean a church and religion like you have in a town or city, I don’t have that.”
“Then how can you practice God’s word?”
“I don’t practice His word, I try to live it. See, I say a silent prayer when I get up and before I go to bed. All day long when I trap or look for gold, I see God’s hand in the mountains, tundra, rivers and lakes. This country is jus’ too pretty to have been created by accident or by nature. No, I have no problems being a Christian here.”
“But you don’t have a church, not a real one anyway.”
“Before you two arrived, I’d spend my Sundays with God.”
Confused, Banks asked, “How could you do that?”
Vittles laughed. “I’d get up early, clean up, shave, dress in my best clothes, and then listen to an early Baptist church service on the radio. After that was finished, I’d eat lunch and pray a spell on my own. I’d do no work, because it is a day of rest, so I’d read my Bible a bit and then listen to the afternoon services on my radio. After supper, I’d listen to the radio services again and just before bed I’d pray some more. I might lack other folks, but a man with a radio is never really alone.”
“Then why did you stop when we arrived?”
“I stopped out of respect for the two of you. See, I had no idea of your beliefs and maybe it was wrong for me to stop, but I didn’t want to seem to be pushing my God on you.”
Banks laughed and said, “I am a regular church goer, so your Sunday church routine would not have bothered me and I would have joined you. My family is a member of a small Baptist church in Anchorage.”
“I’m glad to hear that John. I don’t push religion, although I guess I should, but I try to respect the beliefs of others. I spent a couple of years in the military and it taught me that other folks don’t always share my beliefs in many areas, not just religion. So, usually I just stay quiet.”
“Yep, I know exactly what you mean about the military. When I was in training, I was called Deacon, because of my strong religious views. I didn’t mind and as you know, everyone in the service has a nickname or two anyway.”
“Uh-huh and mine was Fat Boy. I was overweight when I joined and my Drill Instructor immediately pinned the name on me. He’d yell for Fat Boy and I always knew he meant me. But, I went to Vietnam weighing 180 pounds and when I returned a year later, I weighed 120. I’d lost sixty pound through sweat and poor food.”
Laughing, Banks replied, “And now you’re as skinny as a beanpole spit three ways.”
“Some jaspers gain weight in middle age, I lost it. But, I think moving out to the bush dropped most of my pounds.”
“Less fat in your diet?”
“Well, wild game is mostly lean, but I think it had to do with my new life. I walked countless miles a day looking for pelts or gold, so I got a lot of exercise. I no longer sit behind a desk on my butt and drink coffee all day long.”
Banks nodded and said, “I’m usually up by four to do my daily five mile run. I then eat a light breakfast, usually just oatmeal and toast, and then go into work. My days are normally ten to twelve hours, so I’m a busy man all day. Most of the time we train hard, but there are situations like this where I earn my keep.”
“Son, ya’ve more than earned your keep with us. Oh, I think David would have found his way to my cabin without ya, but I think he’d had some frostbite on ‘em.”
Looking over at the sleeping David, Banks said, “He’s a smart young man and he’s done very well out here. I think if he’d not been who he is, I would have found him dead.”
“Good point and I think you’re right. I never knew his pa, but he must have been a good father. Boys don’t turn into good men, unless a strong man is behind them durin’ their early years.”
Standing, Banks said, “I’m going to clear the snow off of the raft and listen on the radio for a few minutes. I’ll not be gone long and when I come back we’ll heat up some fresh coffee.”
“It’s still snowing hard and won’t be light fer hours yet!”
“Uh-huh, it is, but the snow should be kept off that raft as much as possible. You and me both know the snow can stop in a heartbeat and if it does, the chopper might be back out.”
“Ya go do that then, while I put the coffee on.”
CHAPTER 18
“ANGEL ONE, this is Panama Two Niner, do you read me, over?” A female voice said over the radio as Banks removed it from his pocket.
“Roger, Panama Two Niner, go ahead.”
“I’m a C-130 trash hauler on my way to Elmendorf and was asked to touch base with you if I could.”
“I understand Panama Two Niner and I have a slight problem here,” Banks said and decided it was a good time to bring up David and the badger.
“What is the nature of your problem Angel One?”
“Contact the command post and inform them Wade, that’s whiskey, alpha, delta, echo, has a foot and leg mauled by a badger. His condition is stable and not life threatening. I repeat, it is not life threatening. I need to know of any rabies in the area and possible treatment steps. Right now I’m treating it as an animal bite, over.”
“Copy, Angel One. Wait one.” The unknown woman said.
Banks knew the pilot would radio Elmendorf for the information and as soon as she got an answer she’d let him know.
“Angle One, Panama Two Niner.” She said a few minutes later.
“Go, Panama Two.”
“Negative on the rabies, there have been no known cases reported. The flight surgeon suggests you continue treating it as you are but watch for infection.”
“Copy, no rabies and continue current treatment.”
“Affirmative, Angel One. Elmendorf wants a situation report if possible.”
“All are fine and in good health other than the Wade injury, nothing new to report at this time. We have plenty of food, water and clothing, over.”
“I understand all is well.”
“Roger that, all is well.”
“Angel One, Elmendorf also said they will make another attempt as soon as the weather breaks.”
“Thanks for the information Panama Two Niner,” Banks replied and then noticed the signal was getting weaker.
“Say again, Angel One, you’re coming in broken.”
“Thanks!”
“Angel One, Angel One, this is Panama Two .”
I’ve lost the signal, must be my batteries! Banks thought, it must be twenty below out here.
Placing his radio in his pocket, he made his way to the shelter and entered. While he warmed by the fire he said, “I just spoke to a C-130 going to Elmendorf and the pilot checked on rabies information.”
“Good news?”
“Uh-huh, I’d say so. There have been no reports of rabies in this area and the flight surgeon agreed with my treatment.”
Putting his Bible in his shirt pocket, Vittles asked, “Did they say anything about a rescue attempt?”
Smiling Banks replied, “Yes they did. According to what was relayed to me, as soon as the weather breaks they’re coming.”
“Now, that’s excellent news!”
“We’ll get out of this yet; we just need to be patient.”
“Oh, I know that. I’m just gettin’ tired of sleeping in a bag at night and not bein’ able to listen to my radio.”
“I’d appreciate a good hot meal, followed by an even hotter shower.”
“Yep, we’re all a little gamy right now.”
“I’m more worried about how David will react to the death of his father once back hom
e than anything else right now. Not many kids get to watch a parent die right before their eyes and especially in a situation like he did. I’m wondering how badly it frightened him.”
“It’ll affect him for life and we both know that, but exactly how much is hard to tell. I only know Doctor Wade died, but David knows how well he died.”
Leaning toward the fire, Banks asked, “What does that mean?”
“Well, if the man died a hard painful death, he might have screamed a lot or cried for help. On the other hand, if he took his death in a more peaceful way, it won’t hurt David as much, maybe. I ain’t no shrink, but people tend to remember screams for pain and help. See, during the war, I saw lots of men die and in many different ways. I remember those that died hard, but not a one of those that died easy.”
“I see. David is a strong lad and I hope his father’s death was a quiet one. He said he was with his dad when he died, so it will have some impact on his mind. I think when we get back, I’ll suggest to his mother to have him see a psychologist a few times.”
Vittles thought for a minute or two and then said, “I’d talk to the boy first. Some folks don’t cotton much to head doctors.”
“Oh, I’ll do that as well. Most folks get over the physical trauma of a survival situation fast once back home, but the mental aspect takes a long time. This is especially true if there have been deaths.”
“Look, survival ain’t much different that fightin’ in a war. In both cases, a person is fightin’ for their lives. Some survive and some don’t. That causes survivors guilt, or so I read once.”
“You mean the old, why did I survive and my friends didn’t guilt trip?”
“Uh-huh and from what I read, soldiers often have it.”
“I can tell you right now why David survived. He was lucky enough to survive the crash without serious injury, while his father wasn’t, and he did almost everything right after that. Sure, he burnt his shelter down, but he didn’t give up, while a lot of other folks would have. Of all his strengths, he has a strong will to survive.”