Flight into Chaos

Read a review of the companion to this story Hunted By Chaos

Kelly was annoyed at being disturbed from her slumber by someone poking her ribs. She moved her elbow to stop the irritation and rolled over. A hand began stroking her hair as she struggled to hold on to sleep. A voice whispered in her ear.

"Kelly, honey, wake up"

"One more minute."

The hand moved to her shoulder and shook her gently, sleep evaporated and annoyance turned to anger.

"What!"

"Honey, it's the foundation, they need you."

She was still groggy and his words didn't mean much to her. She just wanted more sleep.

"What time is it?"

"It's about three a.m."

"Who needs me?"

"The foundation, they need you right away."

Her thoughts slowly came together, understanding creeping in from the corners of her mind. She forced her eyes to open. The room was dimly lit by a small lamp on the bedside table. Rolling to her back, John came into view. She smiled up at him and stretched like a satisfied cat.

"Hey hon. you wore me out last night."

He chuckled as he leaned down to kiss her forehead.

"You weren't too bad yourself."

She rubbed her eyes and ran a hand through her tangled hair. Her fingers caught in one of the more severe knots. He ran a rough hand down her nude body coming to rest on her belly. It felt hot on her already warm flesh. She didn't want to get out of bed, and he was making it more difficult for her.

Kelly rolled to face him, pressing her body against his. His muscles felt firm beneath her slight fingers. She let out a low groan of pleasure and frustration.

"You have time for a little good morning loving?"

"You tempt me sir, but if they're calling at this hour, it must be important."

He stuck his lip out in a pout and slid a hand to her butt, pressing himself insistently against her. Placing a hand on his hard chest, she gently disengaged herself from his embrace.

"I have to get ready; I need a shower before I go in."

"All right, I'll make some coffee."

"No, you have to work tomorrow, go back to sleep."

"I won't argue, but I expect you to pick up where we left off when you get back."

She smiled and winked at him. Sliding out of bed, the floor was cold. She found her slippers and then walked downstairs to the bathroom. It was a quick shower; she brushed her hair and skipped makeup. Going back upstairs she snuck into their room. John was snoring soundly; it hadn't taken long for him to fall asleep. She was slightly jealous. Slipping into some jeans, she grabbed on of his shirts as she always did when leaving for a few days. She grabbed the bag she routinely kept packed and jumped in her car.

She thumbed the switch to dial the airfield on speakerphone and ensured everyone was ready for her. She flicked end on the phone and concentrated on driving. It would take her forty minutes to reach the airport. The days ahead would be long and arduous. Again she thought of that warm bed and the man she loved. She was proud of the work she did, but that didn't make nights like this much easier. Still, once she saw the looks on those people's faces, all of it would be worthwhile.

The streets were almost completely devoid of life, she saw only two cars the entire trip. Pulling up to the main building, Tammy was waiting at the door. They hugged and then walked to the briefing room. Tammy had been a good friend for many years now. Her blonde hair was perfectly styled and her makeup impeccable as always. She wore designer clothes and had originally gotten involved with the foundation out of boredom. Over the years, her mild interest had evolved into absolute devotion. She had a good heart though only her closest friends knew where to look for it.

Kelly remembered when Tammy had first started. She had been a spoiled rich girl who didn't like getting dirty. Through the years they had struggled together in the mud and debris from several disasters. She had now worked herself into a position of importance and now dealt with politicians. Kelly was happy to do what she considered real work, although she would never say that to Tammy.

"Thanks for getting here so quickly Kelly."

"You know me, always ready to go."

"Yes, I remember. How is John?"

"Sleeping peacefully, thanks for asking. What's this all about?"

"You must have heard about it on the news. Hurricane Josephine finally hit. Barbados has been devastated. We've got your plane loaded; you'll set down in Florida for refueling along the way."

"Wow, I always wanted to go to Barbados."

"I'm afraid it won't be much of a holiday for you. Most of the island is in chaos. They are clearing the landing strip now, and should be able to find some accommodations for you once you arrive. The U.S. military already has two planes in the air and will provide security for the relief staff."

She reviewed the flight plan that Tammy handed her.

"You coming along this time?"

"You know how much I enjoyed working in the field, but I have to stay behind to ensure we continue to get supplies."

"Yes, you sure did enjoy the muck. When do I leave?"

"Right away, you plane is fueled up and loaded. Dennis will drive you to the hanger."

They hugged again and Kelly followed Dennis to the waiting jeep. Once in the hanger she began her preflight check of the plane. She started by walking around the outside, then moved to the interior, verifying the cargo was secure. She sat in her seat and finished the final check, radioed for clearance and then taxied out the runway.

A few short minutes later and the plane leapt off the ground like a frightened bird. It had taken far longer than usual to reach take-off speed due to the extra weight. She increased her altitude and leveled off according to the flight plan. Engaging the autopilot she stretched in her seat and then sniffed the shirt. She was instantly home sick after inhaling Johns scent.

It was a long flight with a routine refueling in Florida. As she approached the island of Barbados a deep fear washed over her. The weather was still very bad, dark clouds hung over it with strong winds blowing wildly. The island itself was dark brown as was the surrounding ocean. Only small bits of green and some of the larger buildings were visible through the thick mud.

She lowered to the specified approach altitude and could make out more detail. The runway was dirty, but appeared to be clear of muck and debris. She radioed the tower and announced her arrival. A soldier responded and gave her clearance to land.

The wind buffeted her tiny plane, causing it to drop suddenly several times throughout the descent. It was a good thing she hadn't grabbed something to eat before leaving. Kelly was normally the first one sent in, though usually it was after the weather had cleared. She would have to speak with Tammy about this when she got back.

The landing had been touch and go but finally the wheels hit pavement with a squawk. A wave of relief washed over her, having accomplished the difficult landing. She taxied down the runway, stopping near the large green tents set up by the military.

Kelly shutdown the engines and climbed out of the plane. The stench was suffocating when combined with the oppressive heat of the Bajan summer. It felt like walking up to a burning building as waves after wave of hot air pressed against her. Several men in green fatigues carrying frightening rifles marched up to her.

"Right this way miss."

They escorted her to the largest of the tents where an older man stood bent over a map. His hair was black with splashes of gray. His eyes held a sad wisdom much like Johns fathers eyes, though somewhat colder. He didn't look up as she entered, but began to speak.

"You are the Canadian relief pilot?"

"Yes sir, when can I get started?"

"I am afraid it is much too dangerous outside the airport. You will assist with offloading your supplies and my men will see to their distribution."

"That's not normally the way these things go. I have been doing this for a few years; I think I can handle it. You could send some men with me if it will make you feel better."

"This is not a normal relief effort; there has been a lot of rioting. We can't guarantee your safety if you leave this facility."

"What facility, a few tents on the tarmac?"

"There is a security fence around this area. We are safe within it's boundary but outside is a very different story."

"I am sure there won't be any problems. Let's start with the situation; do you have any evacuation centers set up?"

"There are two hotels where we are gathering the survivors. One is on the south shore, another on the north. I must insist on a full escort at all times while outside of the airport."

"No problem, I'm here to help, not cause trouble."

"I'll have a truck brought around to carry you and your supplies to the southern center. Is there anything else I can do for you?"

"No, that should cover it."

"Good, I'm very busy; you'll excuse me if I don't see you off."

He waved his hand and the soldiers escorted her out of the tent. She opened the plane and entrapped the cargo net. The truck arrived a few moments later and some men got out to help her unload. It took a few hours to get everything into the truck.

The truck sloshed through the mud coating the road. Kelly sat it the cab with two soldiers; two more rode in the back with the supplies. She dreamt of her home and John's handsome face. His strong arms holding her and the feeling of comfort it brought.

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