Chapter 12: A Little Work Before Pleasure (Before Life in Paradise)

Once the retirement papers were submitted, Charlie was told he had a few weeks left while they being processed. Colonel Jackson and he took a couple of newbies up for some practice in evading enemy aircraft and were both impressed by the skill each of the youngsters showed their superiors. Charlie made it known that the future of the fighter capability of the United States Air Force would definitely not dwindle due to his withdrawal from the profession.

Colonel Jackson laughed at his observation. “Airman Stone, you’re in charge,” he said to the young man that assisted Sylvia in her daily chores. “Sergeant Ellis, please accompany Lieutenant Colonel Compton on a quest for a decent mid-day meal. Feed him and take the rest of the day off. Colonel, eat well, and rest. You have two weeks remaining under my charge, during which time I will drain you of everything you know and provide it to the rest of the squadron. Prepare yourself.” It was Charlie’s turn to laugh. “Charlie, we’re taking Bennet and Thompson up tomorrow. That should be fun. Thompson killed me last month while you were out gallivanting in the desert. I want a rematch, and you should be able to help me. A good wingman is hard to find. I want her to become one. All Aces.”

“Yes, sir. No Jokers. I’ll be here bright and early. Maybe we can put the sun in their eyes and pull a Maverick or some other fancy shit on them. See you in the morning, Paul.”

Sylvia took Charlie to Appleby’s in Sumter where they shared a tall beer and some salads. They were getting more and more comfortable together, the closer to his retirement he got. She still had quite a while on her enlistment but was going to let it close out and change her career path to join Charlie in his pursuit of happiness. There had been no talk of marriage, or anything similar, just a knowledge that they would be together, permanently. She loved driving the Bentley and told Charlie she felt wonderful driving him around wherever he needed to go. She was impressed that the seats were able to go up and forward far enough for her to be comfortable, and the steering wheel would adjust for her, since she was a bit height challenged.