Read Online Three by William C. Oelfke - Free Book Online Page A

take-off.”
    “I will carry out this mission
as you have ordered,” responded Enoch, taking the magnets.
    “Now, Joel,” asked Joshua, “is
everything in order in Jerusalem?”
    “Yes, Colonel.  The work has
been completed, and the tools you requested are in place.”
    “Excellent work.  I’m proud
of both of you, and only wish that I could award you the military commendations
you deserve.”
    As his commander spoke these
words of praise, Enoch proudly clasped the eagle pin of the Nahal Haredi in his
pocketed right hand, his feeling of pride swelling in his chest.  Although he
would never again be able to wear this coveted unit insignia, he had continued
to carry it, hidden in his pocket.
    The following morning the
three helped bring three large Sno-Cats and eight tracked trailers up the ramp
of the large LC-130.  They assisted in securing each item of cargo to the
tie-downs, so that nothing would shift during flight.  Joshua, Joel, and Enoch
then found their seats near the front of the cargo bay and prepared themselves
for the long eight-hour flight to McMurdo airfield.  During the flight Joshua
slept or sat in silent contemplation while Joel and Enoch shared ancient songs
with one another, one brooding over his feelings of revenge while the other two
shared the joy of a holy mission.
    They were all somewhat
startled at the sudden growling and turbulence as the landing skids were
lowered.  The aircraft reduced power and descended, touching down on the
McMurdo snow strip with a bump.  The reverse thrust of the four turboprop
engines gradually brought the aircraft to a stop.  It taxied toward a large hangar,
shutting down its engines after turning to face away from the hangar door. 
When the rear ramp was lowered, Joshua, Joel, and Enoch were met with a blast
of cold air as they looked out on an airstrip and tarmac of ice and snow. 
Donning their cold weather gear, they removed the restraining straps and helped
with the unloading of the transport equipment.  Entering the hangar, they saw
many wooden supply crates stacked in various places around the large hangar
floor.
    They were welcomed to the
supply team by the supply chief and told to secure their gear and follow him to
their quarters.  The dormitory was located just behind the hangar and had
sleeping quarters for a dozen people.  At present they were the only occupants,
along with the three locals who had been working to pack food in the crates
that would soon be shipped to the Amundsen – Scott Station at the Pole. 
    As they settled into their
dormitory and carefully organized their winter clothing, Joel commented to his
commander, “Colonel, I noticed the support people here at the airport all drive
around in small, heated Sno-Cats.  It is too cold for any guard to walk a post
for hours at a time.  I’m hoping our guard will be riding and not walking.”
    “Good observation, Joel.  If
you’re right, we should be able to hear the Sno-Cat from within the hangar as
it makes its rounds.”
    That night, after a
three-hour training session followed by a hardy meal of beef steaks and
potatoes, the six members of the loading crew bedded down for the night in
their rooms now darkened against the overnight twilight.  After all of his
fellow workers were asleep, Joel left the sleeping quarters and carefully made
his way to the hangar side door.  As expected, it was unlocked, and he quietly
entered.  He found no one inside and was able to settle into a corner to listen
for the guard making his rounds. 
    He was able to determine that
the Sno-Cat came around the hangar once every half hour, and the outside sweep
of the hangar took only five minutes.  Returning to the quarters, he bedded
down for the rest of the night.
    The following morning a
Sno-Cat trailer was moved into the hangar and each team member practiced
carefully loading and strapping down a dummy crate onto the trailer using the
hydraulic fork-lift.  The supply chief supervised the