by Dave Hazel
Mykal wasn’t sure if it was because he felt embarrassed, but something didn’t seem right. Something about Fisher made him feel he wasn’t true blue military. ‘He seems more devoted to…oh maybe he’s more like a Marine officer and all the others I have met have just been easy going because of the mission,’ Mykal wondered.
Percy explained some things to Fisher and pointed to the convoy of vehicles being lined up.
‘Why the hell would Chick want this guy to come along?’
“So Mykal, just make sure you’re very careful around the Russians.” Percy said and turned to face him.
“Damn commies,” Fisher grunted and seemed to seethe with anger that Russians were allowed to come along. “It doesn’t matter. I will see to it that we end this war with the Sosos quickly. Then we will establish a permanent presence so they will be forced to back off. The Sosos will never be able to match our firepower so it shouldn’t last very long. The next objective is to boot the Russians out of there with any other commie sympathizers.”
“Well Colonel Fisher,” Percy forced his way in as if trying to keep him from talking. Percy gave a quick shake of his head. “We should be just about ready to get the ball rolling. I think you and Mykal should travel together. You can fill Mykal in on all that is being carried along with you and he can explain to you the layout and the present status as of a week ago.”
Mykal believed Percy stopped Colonel Fisher because this was starting to sound different than what Percy had said just a little while ago. He wondered what their plan could be. Even if they were to force their hand and take control, going back and forth to Towbar’s world could only happen with the assistance of Mykal or Towbar. Based on what Fisher just said Mykal believed they were going to plant the seed of a military base there in Towbar’s world.
Mykal saw a Security Police vehicle approach them. The blue Air Force pickup truck had the red lights and the hazard lights flashing. On the flight line the speed limit was only 20 mph. The vehicle maintained the slow pace but went directly to them and stopped their conversation. In the bed of the pickup truck were several large boxes that had been taped shut.
“Thanks for the ride guys,” Ski said to the security policeman driving the vehicle. “I was running a little late. Hi Myk,” Ski said with a broad smile when he turned to them. He quickly snapped to attention and rendered a salute to Colonel Fisher.
“Carry on sergeant,” Fisher said and turned to Percy. “I’m going over there to meet up with the battalion commanders,” he said and pointed to the mass gathering on the flight line. “Please check with me one more time before we move out.”
Ski went to the back of the truck and pulled his A-bag from the bed.
“What are you doing here?’ Mykal whispered quietly. He wouldn’t have a problem sneaking Ski back, but Percy was standing right there. As soon as Ski picked up his M-16 rifle, he slung it over his shoulder. Ski then put his web belt on that had a couple of ammo pouches filled with 30 round magazines. Internally Mykal wanted to panic. He knew something wasn’t right. Mykal knew there was no way possible that Ski could have been issued his weapon and ammo since he wasn’t allowed to go back to Towbar’s world. ‘Besides, Ski said he wouldn’t break the law. It just doesn’t add up.’
“I’m going back with you,” Ski answered as if he was surprised that Mykal would ask.
Mykal watched Percy look at Ski’s name tag and sound out his name. Mykal’s facial expression of frustrated disappointment displayed his wish for Ski to remain quiet. Mykal knew he wouldn’t be able to stow away Ski on one of the trucks with Percy standing right there.
“Winks-zew-oo-sky. Wait a minute. You’re that Christian,” Percy said and he suddenly sounded angry. “You’re that Bible thumper who wants to pollute Towbar’s world with your fantasy religious beliefs. Sorry pal, that’s not gonna happen. It definitely is not gonna happen today,” Percy chided as if Ski had personally offended him. “You two hold it,” he said to the two security policemen before they got back into their vehicle.
“It’s Winczewski, Sir. The C is silent,” he said in a friendly tone as if he didn’t catch Percy’s hostility. “Mykal said he would take me back if I wanted to go.”
“Speaking on behalf of the United States Government, I’m telling you, he’s not taking you back,” Percy snarled between clenched teeth. Percy looked like a big tomcat victoriously holding a mouse by the tail before it entered the house. “There are far too many important things taking place on this mission for you to go along to pedal your religious fairytales to an unsuspecting group of superstitious hillbillies.” There was no denying the hostile tone to Percy’s words.
Mykal couldn’t believe his ears. Percy wasn’t hiding his personal animus. Ski remained calm and Mykal caught sight of a Law Enforcement vehicle speeding down the runway with their lights flashing. The vehicle was speeding toward them. ‘Oh no, I hope Ski didn’t screw up,’ Mykal thought. ‘I wonder if they’re coming cuz Ski is armed. What the hell did he do?’ He wondered while Ski and Percy scuffled verbally.
“I’m sorry Sir, I wasn’t trying to offend anyone,” Ski said politely. Ski was not one to argue with those in authority, but he would clearly stand his ground when he was right. “But I do have orders for me to return to Towbar’s World.”
“Orders? Orders from who?”
“PCS orders Sir,” Ski replied respectfully despite Percy’s animosity. “They are regular Permanent Change of Station orders Sir,” Ski said and reached into the top of his A-bag where he had twenty-six copies. “And these orders are straight from the top of SAC, Strategic Air Command.”
“What? Let me see those orders,” Percy huffed. “It can’t be. Even all the personnel of Towbar One were never given official orders.”
The Law Enforcement vehicle screeched to a halt. Mykal hoped Ski wasn’t about to be arrested. The car doors opened and from the driver’s side Mykal saw Captain Hodgson, the Shift Commander of Law Enforcement exit the vehicle. It had to be serious if the Shift Commander got out from behind his desk to come to the flight line personally. Two others exited and one opened the rear passenger door to let the fourth out.
Mykal couldn’t believe his eyes. The fourth person to exit the police car, dressed in an Air Force blue uniform had three stars on his collar. An Air Force three star general approached them at a brisk pace. The tall thin grey haired man with the rank of Lieutenant General instinctively caused Mykal to snap to attention.
“I’m so glad I made it,” the general said and clapped his hands together. “I didn’t think I would get here in time but thanks to Captain Hodgson I am able to see you off Stanly,” he said and rushed to Ski to shake his hand.
“Thank you General Ackerson,” Ski said and rendered a salute.
“Carry on,” Ackerson said after he returned Ski’s salute. “I am really glad that I’m able to see you off. I’m really proud of you. I just,” he paused when he noticed Percy eyeing the orders. “Is there a problem with his orders? I drew them up myself personally and I, Lieutenant General Isaiah Ackerson, USAF, is the signature on those orders.”
“Um, um, I,” Percy paused and looked for anything to support his cause. “Sir, I’m going to have to have these orders authenticated.”
“And why would that be? I just authenticated them for you,” General Ackerson said and spread his legs while he put his hands on his hips. He slightly bent at the waist to look down into Percy’s face. His tall thin frame stood with confident authority. His steely brown eyes from his piercing glare dared to be challenged. “I happen to be here on Minot for a two week TDY assignment. I came from SAC Headquarters, Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. I just happened to cut through all the red tape and the delays. Special Orders and Special Assignments cross my desk daily. In this case, I chose to hand deliver this set of orders to ensure there were no problems or delays. So I will ask again, is there a problem with his orders? Or is there a particular reason why you are holding up this one sergeant of the Air Force?”
<
br /> “Uh, well, um, Sir, I’m responsible for the force that has been put together and I’m responsible for the force that is being sent and the force that had been sent previously,” he said and seemed to struggle to come up with an objection. “These orders say that Staff Sergeant Wiz, Winksz--”
“Everyone calls me Ski, Sir,” Ski said graciously at Percy’s struggle with his name despite the fact that Percy tried to sabotage his attempt to return to the Strange World of Towbar.
“Thank you Ski. General, these orders clearly state that Sergeant Ski’s new permanent duty station is going to be ‘The Pass In Towbar’s World’. That’s not a real place,” Percy scoffed in hopes of this being his weapon to stop this Christian.
“I’m not taking sides,” Mykal interjected, “but it is a real place. It’s where all our people are. It’s where thousands upon thousands have died including some of our very own people. If you need a real name, the name of the town there is Gartolin in the land of Labins,” he added and Mykal suddenly felt icy daggers being stared into him from Percy’s eyes.
“Okay, that will not be a problem. I will gladly fix this minor detail,” Isaiah said and took what looked like a very expensive pen from his pocket. “Ski, hand me your stack of orders. And please hand me the one you are examining to find your nit picking details,” Ackerson said and didn’t look happy with Percy.
Ski handed General Ackerson his stack of orders. In front of them all, he placed them on the hood of the security pickup truck. “Captain would you please assist me by witnessing that I am the one making these changes?” He said and sounded perturbed.
“Yes Sir,” Captain Hodgson replied and rushed to his side.
“I am so glad that I came out here,” Ackerson said while he started to write on the first set of orders. “And I’m grateful to you for rushing me out to the flight line Captain Hodgson. I hate to think what in the world would have happened if I didn’t arrive in time.”
“Yes Sir,” Captain Hodgson agreed.
“Okay, here is the first,” he announced to Percy. “I personally crossed off the words ‘The Pass’ and wrote over top, ‘Gartolin, Land Of Labins (PIC)’ and I signed my name to show that I personally penned in the correction. Captain Hodgson has witnessed this and he also signed this copy. Are you satisfied? And I will do as many that are needed to satisfy and end this personal blockade.”
“Sir, I’m not trying to be difficult,” Percy said and looked for anything. “But it says here that Sergeant Ski’s responsibilities are to be a personal assistant to Mykal Graves. Mykal Graves doesn’t need an assistant.”
“How do you know that? Are you going there?” General Ackerson asked with a glaring threat.
“Um, um, no. No Sir, I will not be going there,” Percy answered and looked flustered.
“What is your name, rank, title or position?” He grilled Percy.
“Sir, that’s classified. I can’t share that.”
“General, I can vouch for him on that,” Mykal said to keep things from getting ugly.
“Oh, he’s a ‘ghost’ or a ‘spook’? I see what looks to be easily three to four thousand men loading up for departure,” Ackerson said when he looked across the flight line and made a quick assessment of the convoy still moving to gather all the parts. “And you have a problem with this one man who wants to volunteer to go to Towbar’s world to help the people and to help with the mission, after, I might add, he had spent six months of his life there not knowing if there would ever be an opportunity to return home. I want to know what your problem with this one man is, Mister Secretive Ghost,” Ackerson demanded harshly.
Mykal glanced at Captain Hodgson and caught a glimpse of the captain making a look that he wouldn’t want to be on the end of the general’s tirade.
“Well Sir, Sergeant Ski is going there with the intentions of sharing his religious beliefs with the populace.”
“And what concern is that to you?” Ackerson barked. “You said yourself that you’re not even going there.”
“It means nothing to me Sir,” Percy answered but he looked disingenuous. “But we can’t give the impression our Government is sanctioning one religion over another.”
“His primary goal is to help the people. But what is his religion that you seem to have a problem with?” Ackerson asked.
Percy’s jaws tightened. “Christianity. He’s a Christian.”
“What is your religion?” Ackerson asked and bore into Percy.
“I don’t think that’s relevant Sir. I just don’t think he should be preaching to a people group who happen to be backward as it is.”
“This sounds personal,” Ackerson surmised. “What is your religion? Hindu, Muslim? Are you a Buddhist?”
“No Sir. I don’t have any religion or religious beliefs,” Percy snapped.
“So you’re an atheist,” he declared and bore into Percy. “You have a personal problem with his beliefs because of what you believe or don’t believe. Thus, you are in fact imposing and pressing your belief system onto him.”
“That’s not true,” Percy argued and became defensive.
“How are these people in another world, not another country in our world, but another world, how are these people going to be effected if he goes there to help them?”
“He wants to shove his religion down their throats,” Percy hissed which caused Hodgson to do a double take. “Since our government is helping this people they will naturally assume our government is sanctioning his actions since he is there to help,” Percy added with air quotes to his antagonistic tone.
“And what concern is that to you since you will not be there?” The general barked. “Mister Graves, how long have you known Ski?” General Ackerson turned to Mykal.
“Five or six years at least.”
“In that five or six years has Ski ever shoved his religious beliefs down your throat and forced you to listen to his beliefs?”
“No, not at all Sir. He’s not a threat to the mission if that’s what you’re going to ask Sir. Just the opposite. He will be a great asset in every way possible. He’s not afraid to fight the Sosos and had been in every battle we’ve been involved with. On top of that he goes out of his way to help people. He really does care for people. We even have one Soso prisoner that Ski had been able to open lines of communications, where no one had ever been able to do that before. As far as all this religious stuff, I don’t care what’s going on, but I know Ski and the kind of guy he is and that was why I agreed to bring him back at his request.”
“Captain Hodgson, could you please have your men take the pickup truck with all Ski’s personal affects over there to be loaded with the rest of the equipment and supplies that are going?”
“Yes Sir,” he responded quickly and his men started to move before he had to say anything to them. It was clear they didn’t want to feel the wrath of a three star general.
Percy couldn’t contain his emotions and let out a disgusted sigh and rolled his eyes. “Mykal, when we’re actually near the departure point I will have one final briefing with you.” He turned and walked away.
“Percy, if you’re going to make any phone calls to stop Ski from returning,” Ackerson called out while Percy walked away. “I want you to understand that I am on a first name basis with the President, Vice President and the Secretary of Defense,” Ackerson warned should Percy attempt to remove Ski from the return trip.
“Sir, I have to ask,” Mykal said and shook his head with unbelief. “How in the world did you two meet and get connected? I really wanted Ski to go back cuz I promised him that I’d bring him back. Then Percy pulled this anti-religious stuff and I didn’t know what to do.”
“Well Mykal, you just said you’re not a religious man, and I respect that,” General Ackerson said. “But to be honest I would say I’m not a religious man either. I’m a born again Christian. I put my faith in Jesus above everything, including, no especially, these three stars on my collar. Don’t take me wrong, I have a responsibilit
y to Almighty God to carry out my duties as a general in the Air Force, but God is number one in my life. I said all that to answer your question. How we met is a God thing,” the general said with a smile while Ski nodded in agreement.
“That’s something Captain Diaz said to me before,” Mykal said and turned to Ski since he would know who he spoke of. “About not being a religious man, but rather he’s a Christian.”
“As I mentioned to Percy,” the general continued. “I’m here at Minot TDY. Every opportunity I get to go TDY I make it a point to visit the local churches. I want to get a feel for what God is doing around the country, and around the world for that matter. I was looking in the phone book for a specific type of church and felt the LORD literally told me to go to Bethel Corner Church. When God speaks to me I must be obedient because I know there is a reason.”
“And if I may Sir,” Ski spoke up.
“Sure, sure, go ahead.”
“When we returned home Myk, it was late Saturday before I got settled and got everything squared away. I planned to sleep in and just contact people from my church after the service, but I really felt it impressed upon my heart that God told me to get up and go to church. I’ve explained to you before that when I feel God lay something on my heart I have to respond in obedience, and respond immediately. I went to church and the attendance was down because it was New Year’s Day. I just sat in the pew and prayed about my decision to return with you to Towbar’s world. In walked this tall gentleman in civilian clothes,” he said with a point to General Ackerson. “I could tell by his hair and the way he carried himself that he was military. I figured him to be an officer, but I was thinking maybe a major or a lieutenant colonel. While I was praying he came and sat right beside me.”
“The LORD impressed it upon my heart to join him and to pray for him,” Ackerson said. “I had no idea he was one of the people who had just returned from Towbar’s world. After the praise and worship time the pastor didn’t start his sermon. He said God had just laid it on his heart to ask about special needs and pray for those who had them. Ski was hiding in the back and his people didn’t realize he had just returned from being gone six months. Ski opened up and asked about prayer to be a missionary and to return to Towbar’s world. It was amazing,” Ackerson said with a laugh. “When they all turned and saw it was Ski it was like a celebration started. But what was super amazing for me, when he asked for prayer to go back, I could sense heaviness in his words and my heart leapt for joy. I knew right then and there why the LORD wanted me to go to that church. My office, the people under me, approves or denies orders for every individual SAC wide. Through the news I knew the story of Towbar’s world and all that you and Towbar did before returning to rescue the lost people. When Ski poured out his heart I knew I was there to help.