Life Flight

Note from author: The following is a fictional tale using characters from the television program "JAG," a show about jet fighters and their various trifles and travails, set in modern days.

HARM and his crew are working on a new jet. HARM, of course, is demanding that they give it MORE POWER. Their work is disrupted when the HARM signal lights up the night sky. HARM must spring into action!

HARM, the crown prince of the crimson dawn, must fly again!

HARM: Oh, but what terror is this that they would call me back into action? My days of flying jets are come and gone; I am but a simple mechanic. But while my will falters, my sense of duty holds firm; I must see what evil is afoot!

HARM tells his crew that his work on this jet is done, and that it is time to take this bird out for a spin. They all pretend like they are worried for HARM, but when he flies off they break out the high-fives.

HARM parks his jet at the Air Force's Flying Fortress and seeks out Captain Neely, the man responsible for the HARM signal. As he proceeds through the halls, he is greeted anxiously by young fighter pilots who long for but a brief glimpse of the legendary dog-fighter. HARM attempts to show respect to the new generation, but he shuffles quickly down the hallway. He comes to the Diamond Door of Captain Neely, which opens as he approaches.

Captain Neely: Oh, HARM, thank goodness we've gotten ahold of you!

HARM and Captain Neely share an extended embrace.

Captain Neely: Your old foe, The Joker, is up to his old tricks again. HARM, he's stolen our top-of-the-line fighter jet and he's using it to rob banks!

HARM: So what's that got to do with me? You've got people to take care of this.

Captain Neely: But HARM, you know The Joker better than anyone. They wouldn't last 5 seconds in a fight up there with him!

HARM: So let him rob banks. I don't care!

Captain Neely: HARM! You don't mean that!

HARM softens a bit when Captain Neely breaks down in tears. He holds him in his manly arms and lets Neely's tears soak his shoulder.

HARM: Captain Neely -

Captain Neely: HARM, you're the only one who can do this for me.

HARM: Alright, but after this, I'm retired for good.

HARM wipes the tears from Captain Neely's eyes with a swipe of his index finger. He grabs him by the back of the head and runs his fingers through his hair.

Captain Neely: You'll come back though?

HARM: Sure, sure.

HARM and Captain Neely share another strong embrace. Captain Neely squeezes HARM's broad shoulders with his quivering, eager hands, but HARM pulls away.

HARM: Neely, I -

Captain Neely: You always were my favorite. That's all. I just can't stand to see a man like you hang it up.

HARM: Sure, Captain Neely. I know. I'll take care of this. I have to go.

HARM turns and hangs his head to avoid seeing Captain Neely's longing reflection in the Diamond Door. He leaves it open and hurries back to the parking lot on the roof of the Air Force's Flying Fortress. He turns the ignition in his jet and peels out, a cloud of exhaust and the screeching of tires announcing his abrupt departure.

To be continued.