In Their Own Words - Jinx
Major Sarah MacKenzie
By Jo (jhuppcla@knox.net)
Day 1
God, I hate being the bearer of bad tidings. It's even worse when you have to give them to friends. Bud sounded so happy on the phone and even over the engine, I could hear Harm's laughter. Calling the flyboy out of the air only to tell him that another of his fellow aviators is gone - it killed me a little inside. Even worse, it was someone he knew.
Harm told me about Luke Pendry over lunch one day. I'd asked about his wings, wanting to know a little more about the pilot cum lawyer that is my partner. He mentioned a few different pilots that he'd either flown with or knew from AOC or the Academy. He was recounting a story involving Luke when he stopped short. I almost wish I hadn't asked.
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Day 2
Harm went off to see Luke's widow and son earlier, actually right in the middle of our initial interview with the RIO. I guess when he said I was here to ensure objectivity, he wasn't kidding.
I wonder if he ever flew with the Howlers. I never caught the name of his squadron and I wonder if his concern and personal involvement isn't from having flown with some of them?
Poor Bud - he looks up to Harm as something of a hero I think, and I'm sure he was hurt when Harm snapped at him. I wish I'd had the foresight to let him know about Luke Pendry.
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Day 3
I don't believe in jinxes or other such nonsense, and I will keep telling myself that until I'm convinced. However, I can say it a hundred times and it won't alter the fact that the howlers nearly lost another plane today. Even the pilot, a Lieutenant Vanderway, seemed to think there was something strange. The press isn't helping.
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Day 4
This case has really taken a toll on Harm. I offered to wrap everything up with Bud so he could take a few days. He wasn't going to at first, but he finally acquiesced and went to spend time with Annie and Josh Pendry. And after offering to finish everything up so he could have time, I was the one who interrupted it. I do mean interrupted - he and Annie were kissing when I came around the house. I hope he knows what he's doing.
Pistol turned in his wings today. He feels responsible for all the trouble the Howlers have had because the alleged cause of the jinx was a missile strike to a mosque back in the Gulf War. His missile, from what he told Harm. I refuse to believe that there is some sort of curse but I can't help feeling a little apprehensive about Harm flying with him tomorrow.
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Day 5
I have not known Harmon Rabb long - barely a month - but he has become a good friend. His love for flying is deep and true; I could hear it in his voice as Bud and I waited on the America. But his love is a dangerous one, as proven today and by the investigation that brought us here.
I guess you could say the jinx has been defeated - Harm's run-in with the basket on the tanker was extremely minor compared to the six planes lost on previous Islamic holy days. But not minor enough to keep Harm out of sickbay or avoid stitches. As much as flying brings Harm joy, I'd prefer to avoid any further mayday transmissions in the future.
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Disclaimer: While based on the JAG episode, this is for entertainment purposes only and no profit is being made.