The Comet roared back into the sky, just clearing the roof of the hangar.
“You bloody idiot!” cried Andy. “All this way and you nearly fly us into the side of a building!”
“I know, I know,” said Archie, more than a little embarrassed.
Flying a more sedate circuit around the airfield, Archie brought the Comet in on a curve and made a nicely judged touchdown. Once they had slowed down he started to zigzag towards the buildings. Andy was still upset by their near miss.
“Are you drunk or something? Why didn’t you land flying straight and why are we zigzagging now?”
“Because, silly boy, when the Comet slows the tail falls and the nose rises which means I can’t see a thing.”
They made their way slowly towards the buildings. Not far from the other planes a man in uniform ran up to them and made a cutting gesture across his throat. Archie reduced the engines to an idle, then with a blip of the throttle he shut them down. Opening the canopy he climbed out with difficulty after twelve hours in the tiny cockpit of the plane. He spoke to the man in uniform as he stretched his aching limbs.
“I presume the cutting motion you made to me was to switch off the engines and not actually a threat eh?”
The man smiled but remained serious.
“Not me. I’d never make a threat like that to the likes of you, Sir. No need to really, because that man you scared off his bike was the station commander. He’s going to cut it for you I think. Either him or missus station commander because it’s her that washes and presses his uniforms.”
Archie gave a weak smile.
“Oh. Who is the Station Commander nowadays?”
The man pointed over Archie’s shoulder.
“You’ll find out soon enough, Sir. Here he comes now.”
Archie turned and looked as the station commander rounded the back of the Comet and stopped in front of them. He was a stocky pale man with a seriously big moustache. Normally he would have commanded a great deal of respect, but his dive off the bicycle had created a dusty, sweaty mess. His face was red with rage as he got off his bike and threw it to the ground. Andy decided to stay in the Comet for a few minutes to see how this played out.
“Who’s the damned blasted fool that was flying this rich mans toy?” the commander roared.
Andy slunk down in the cockpit to make him inconspicuous. He looked over to Archie who was now smiling as he took his flying helmet off.
“Chalky White! I thought you would have known the only person who could manoeuvre an airplane with such finesse would be me.”
“What’s he doing?” thought Andy. “Now’s not the time to antagonise the guy who runs the place. We’ll get locked up for sure.”
Archie’s smart response only served to inflame the man’s temper. He turned purple with rage and boomed;
“I don’t care who you...”
Chalky White stopped mid-sentence as his face turned from rage to confusion and then recognition.
“Archibald Spencer-Brown! Only an arrogant fool like you would dare fly like that over my airfield.”
Archie stepped down from the Comet’s wing and shook the man’s hand.
“Come now Chalky, it’s not your airfield; it belongs to His Majesty the King.”
Chalky shook Archie’s hand vigorously and smiled.
“Yes, but I’m the Commanding Officer so you’re bloody lucky I don’t slap you and your co-pilot behind bars. Where is he by the way?”
Archie saw the top of Andy’s flying hat.
“Andy! Come out boy. Chalky’s an old brother in arms from the Great War. He’s blown his fuse and feels better now, so it’s alright”
Andy stood up and stepped over the edge of the cockpit with difficulty because his legs felt like jelly. Chalky was surprised to see him.
“By crickey Archie! He’s a bit young to be your co-pilot isn’t he?”
Archie was caught off guard had to think quickly.
“You are right, but he’s my son you see. Never knew I even had him until recently when his mother died and he was sent to me. Well you can imagine the controversy surrounding that! The poor little chap was only just getting settled in when I had to leave on this trip so I brought him with me.”
Chalky looked at Andy with concern.
“Poor little blighter,” he said.
“Why do you say that?” Archie asked.
“Well, his mother’s died and all he has is you for a father. Furthermore, if he keeps flying with you he’ll not live long enough to see his next birthday.”
The two roared with laughter as Andy walked towards them.
“What’s so funny?” he asked.
“Oh, nothing really,” Chalky said as he shook Andy’s hand. “A pleasure to meet you Andrew Spencer-Brown.”
“Spencer-Brown?” said Andy looking confused. “No, my name’s...”
Archie butted in.
“I was just telling Chalky about your sudden arrival to my family and the controversy surrounding your being my son,” he said, giving Andy a sly wink
“Oh, um yes. Archie, I mean dad, got a bit of a shock when I turned up.”
Chalky White laughed.
“I bet he did. Well, come along with me the both of you. We’ll find you somewhere to freshen up. You can have dinner with the good wife and I. How does that sound?”
“Very nice thanks Chalky,” said Archie.
Chalky White turned to the man who’d spoken to Archie earlier.
“Sergeant, get some of your men to find a space in the hangar for this aircraft. Refuel it, check the oils and give it a thorough going over.”
“Yes Sir, very good Sir,” the sergeant said as he saluted then trotted off to get some help.
Chalky White picked up his bicycle and led Archie and Andy off towards the stations living quarters. Archie and Chalky were talking as if they’d only seen each other a few days ago. Chalky showed them to the guest quarters then left.
“You were lucky you’ve got a mate running the show,” said Andy, sitting on the bed pulling his boots off.
“It’s a bit like that in the RAF,” said Archie. “It’s been said it’s the biggest flying club in the world.”
“But you left years ago.”
“Yes, but Chalky and I fought a war together. War’s a terrible thing, but the friends you make in desperate times are friends for life.”
Their conversation is interrupted by a knock at the door. Archie opened it and a young man passed him two small cases.
“Found these in your plane Sir. Presumed they’re a change of clothes and thought you may want them. The C/O says I’m to wait outside then take you over to his house for dinner when you’re ready Sir.”
“Very good. We’ll be about half an hour,” replied Archie.
Archie closed the door and threw Andy’s bag over to him.
“Come on and get changed. But I warn you. This evening we face our gravest dangers yet.”
“How’s that?” asked Andy a little concerned.
“Chalky’s wife is an awful cook,” Archie said with a wry grin.