Flying Home to Church

"Chief, you stop draggin' anchor. What you doin' here anyway? You ain't like us working-class folks; you got no Saturday watches."

-- Mr. Hank ducked his head to hide the smile. That's the Man.

"I heard about this, Sir, and I just stayed 'round to make sure my engines worked in the rain."

"Who told you?"

"All over the base, Sir. Can't hide this kind of thing."

Cat left Susan and walked over to Mr. Hank and put out his hand: "Chief, we didn't worry an inch."

Mr. Hank looked down at the wet white hand. This had happened a few times before, but not like this. He took it and looked at Cat straight. "Thank you, Lieutenant. Your Number One here's been tellin' us you's finally learnin' to land and walk away."

Mr. Hank knew that in any other group that would have been considered the worst kind of Nigger Sassin' the White Man, but (rather to his surprise) he trusted the easy friendship of these people. They were of course convulsed by what was a witty and beautiful compliment. Unnoticed amidst the laughter and general falling about, Susan moved closer to Mr. Hank: "The three of us better hurry to catch the bus."

Run-Run was learning about meeting Indians. "I'll take all you home and meet you in the morning for church." And he very neatly maneuvered them off to his car.

Caroline and Mitch watched them and started toward their apartment. She put her arm through his: "Long day, Commander."

"Maybe the day we lost that fourth stripe."

"We already got it."

Table of Contents

• Introduction

1. Maggie and Mr. Hank
2. The Reverend
3. Squalls Along the Flight Line
4. Flying Home to Church
5. A Visit with The Judge
6. Communion
7. Afterthoughts
8. Monday Morning With The Admiral
9. Into the Dining Room
10. On Toward Walking the Streets
11. Glimpses of An Election
12. The Dream and The Reality of Violence
13. The Admiral Loses More Than a Few Good Men
14. Down That Lonesome Road

• Cast of Characters
• Credits and Acknowledgements