All Jack could think of as the drone of the engines drowned out all else, was that even the fields here looked different. Against his memories of the straight, even lines of corn and grain flowing endlessly hill over hill, the shapes made by the rice paddies looked almost alien. These people were different, that’s all he needed to know.
As the drop approached, closer and closer, Jack found himself closing his eyes and clutching the cross around his neck. He thought of Shirley, his beautiful wife and the little bundle of joy that was due any day now. He closed his eyes and prayed for the chance to see his child graduate, meet somebody, and make a family of their own. He thought for a moment of all the times he would have with his child, just as his father had done. He could remember those days like they were yesterday: his father holding him on his knees, then tossing him into the air. Jack remembered his mother saying that he belonged in the air, flying as high as he wished. Indeed, he remembered sometimes wishing he didn’t have to come down.
As his thoughts returned to the present, Jack thought of the present. He opened his eyes and scanned the plane. Everybody was quiet, absorbed in their own pre-game routine. He closed his eyes and leaned his head against the metal of the plane, intent on enjoying what his flight instructors insisted could be his last moments of peace.
Sargent Rikers, you asshole.
Suddenly the light flashed red as the rear door opened, all too soon. Jack stretched, intent on enjoying it until he heard the sounds. It was like fireworks in the distance, only too loud. He snapped awake and got into the line. Rikers stood at the door, screaming something. As Jack stood there, he could barely make out the words.
“Jump! Jump! Jump!”
Jack knew what they meant now, about not understanding what it was like to jump out of a plane for real. He adjusted his pack, went to the door, and with a firm push from Rikers he was out.
As Jack focused on the spot of ground designated as the landing area, he felt more than heard the hit. He tried to crane his head and get a look but was unable to. He feared the worst for his crew, but only had time for the mission.
Jack felt the air whipping past his face until he reached the point where he was meant to deploy his chute. It worked, just as it had worked in training, and he thanked God for that. That thanks turned to pleas and questions within moments, however, as he noticed the debris falling around him. He tried to crane his head and barely got a glimpse of the plane, falling faster than he was.
His head snapped forward as he shut his eyes, thinking of the men he had come to befriend in training. Stephens, with his two kids back home and a math class waiting for their teacher to return. Jacobs, with the young girl he had met days before leaving for war, barely married for three weeks. He agonized over the images of their families, receiving the worst news.
But the grieving could come later. As the ground swiftly approached, Jack could only think of his mission. As he hit the ground he made sure to bend his knees slightly, then threw his weight to his right, tucking into a roll to absorb any extra momentum. Rikers would have been proud. As he cut his schute free he brought up his weapon, surveying the surrounding. Jacobs had landed nearby, and he could see somebody waving over the next hill. As he rushed to meet his fellow troops and regroup, he felt a soft click under his feet. He barely had time to register it before the ground came up to meet him.
MrZakGuy 