On Time On Target

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I set the mission packets down, acquired a chair from the next office and brought it to the table. I then set down the mission files, and Dimitri brought in two cups of coffee. I nodded thanks, and opened the files, careful not to show everything. He had a slight smile on his face, and I looked up, slightly paranoid. Secretiveness does that to you.

"What comrade?"

I couldn't help not asking.

"Oh, I just added some vodka to the coffee."

He shrugged indifference, and acquired an ashtray. I have had plenty of time to ponder this mission. Major Grachev knew that I would finish sooner, confident I would do what was necessary. I pulled out the plotted route, and the target area photographs. Dimitri instantly looked at the target area photos.

"This is too easy priyatel, I could do this with my eyes closed."

He probably could. I knew it was no sweat. This was just formalities.

"Da, it is, but yet I must stick my neck out with this one."

As well as hers too, though she will probably never find out.

"Lead with Kh-31ps, then hit the bridges, then take out the convoy, that is what I would do, and comrade, I can see it in your eyes."

Dimitri should not be in the CQ desk — he should have a crystal ball.

"Da, seems like the best course of action to me."

I lit a harsh cigarette, and thought on the convoy.

"Though Denevich, I must consider the convoy. I could use KMGU-2 dispensers, or cluster bombs, but the quantity somehow escapes me. Though I only have RBK-250s, on multiple ejector racks for six or three per point, and I must have enough to at least cause some damage."

"I see."

Dimitri too lit a cigarette, rubbing his chin, then thought.

"It depends on the profile nyet?"

I saw it.

"Of course Denevich! I must come along the road, and drop at the lead portion of the convoy, while constantly triggering the fire switch. I must use the aeronautical mode for this attack, yes."

I nodded satisfactorily. Dimitri shrugged, some sorrow on his face. "Denevich, I see your pain, and you must accept it. I can ask around for you, and see if you can fill a slot. Matter of fact comrade, one of the Su-34 units is coming, with a less than full crew. I will recommend you fly with them until you can get your aircraft up and running again." He nodded, some enlightenment on his face. Wingman are priceless, and you must take care of each other. Or else you will not survive anywhere.

"Plus comrade, I must sleep too. Da! I will recommend you be my alternate pilot, to get you out of this infernal hole."

"Comrade no, I cannot accept this."

This was a sappy scene in the CQ office, but you must realize you must make sacrifices in order to advance both your career, and help those who feel weak. I never thought of this in regard to Denevich, but now I do.

"Da, I will. Now let's stop holding hands and get back to the mission! Tell me, how many bombs should I bring?"

"Twelve would suit the mission fine comrade. Therefore if your attack profile is to the sea, you drop as many as you can, turn around quickly, and expend the rest, therefore you can get rid of all ordnance, and be on your way. How is that for a duty officer?"

Dimitri winked. I had this impulse to tell him the real reason behind the mission, but I could not tell him.

"It might make the front page of ITAR-TASS comrade, you never know..."

"Da, priyatel, you are number one!"

Dimitri echoed that with a middle finger. Strange habits when you work with Americans.

"Then Moscow would promote me and send me to a training unit with only females."

"Da, maybe, maybe. I doubt it."

"True comrade, true. Perhaps you will be sent to a unit full of homosexual men, and no chance of leaving. That would suit you."

He smiled, taking a drag of his cigarette.

"I think you put in too much vodka comrade, maybe you should get some fresh air, while I go back to the hangar and get with Gennedy about the weapons."

I took my time putting the files back, making sure nothing was left behind.

"You will never get his vodka, you know that."

He said, looking outside the windows, his cigarette idly burning away, he was watching a pair of British Tornadoes take off. I saw him sigh, but I would rectify this situation. A pilot is not good for the desk when young. Energy wasted on paperwork for people who are tasked with such duties. Dimitri was not, and I must ensure that he leaves this hole before he wastes away. I said good-bye, and walked to my UAZ, started it up and headed to the hangar.

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