Goodbye Sky Harbor

by Mathis, Philip Brian

  “How’s the personnel? You have enough men? Everyone getting along?”

  “Oh yes sir, everything is running smoothly.”

  “Good. So, no complaints or concerns I should be aware about?”

  “No sir, it’s all being handled.”

  Col. Posey dropped his arms and decided he was done playing nice. “Alright cut the shit Mike, what the hell were you guys going on about in here?”

  “Excuse me?”

  “You do know that these walls are paper thin, right? So, let me ask you again. What in the world were you going on about in here that would cause a raucous that could be heard throughout the hallways?”

  It wasn’t too hard to figure out from Col. Posey’s outburst that he really didn’t care too much for Col. Mitchell. He didn’t mind him so much as a person, just wasn’t too particularly fond of him as a soldier. Back when they had served in Iraq together, Posey felt that Mike took too many shortcuts. He was staunchly unconcerned with any type of extracurricular affairs over in the desert, and it showed in his every day behavior. Posey found a lot of the times that Mike would rather horse around than routinely take his platoon out on patrol to keep them alert. Mitchell was also never a fan of interrogations and would rather shoot and kill all viable threats, so he never had to waste his time questioning anyone.

  “Sir, I’m not sure I understand.” Mike fired back.

  “You think I came in here because I like to?”

  Mitchell sat there annoyed, letting out a defeated sigh.

  “Of course not.”

  “So, what was all that laughter I was hearing just now?” Mitchell sighed and swiftly glanced back at Sgt. Ruiz and Sgt. Baskins. The colonel finally opened his drawer and pulled out the same phone he had placed in the desk moments before.

  “It’s nothing I think you would have to waste any concern for. We were just watching this video some gentlemen left with us on Friday night.”

  “What video?”

  “Well, here take a look.”

  Mitchell handed the phone to Ruiz. The sergeant handed the phone to Posey. The colonel grabbed the phone with a certain discontented look.

  “Push play.”

  Posey proceeded to push play on the video. As the video started, Baskins and Ruiz exchanged grins. After a minute, the video ended, and Col. Posey sat there stunned.

  “I’m sorry Mike, but I guess I’m having a tough time trying to figure out why I wasn’t laughing during that entire video. Did I miss something? I don’t find this video very funny.”

  “No sir.” Col. Mitchell responded.

  “I’m going to give you a chance however, to clear the air.”

  Mitchell’s grin turned down as he mulled over how he was going to explain the situation.

  “Alright fine; a gentleman visited me about two days ago. That’s his phone.”

  “Who?”

  “Mr. Walsh; he said he was an English teacher at some high school down in Mesa.”

  “So, this Mr. Walsh, he captured this?”

  “Yes sir, he showed me the video, told me it was a kid he teaches. He claimed it’s all real, said the contents were authentic. I don’t know sir. Just thought it was badly shot and horribly acted. You know those people, trying to get famous on YouTube, figured he was trying to gain some type of notoriety with this.”

  “So, you don’t believe Mr. Walsh, do you Mike?”

  “Sir, the video is suggesting that some random kid can fly. I mean, not only that, but he can ignite force fields or whatever that was. That’s insane. That’s just not possible, it’s like –”

  “Comic book shit?” The colonel interrupted.

  “Well, yes sir.”

  “Is this kid here at Sky Harbor?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “Al right well, find me Mr. Walsh, and then find me this kid.”

  “Wait, don’t tell me you believe this horseshit, do you?”

  “That’s what I intend to find out Mike.”

  “Yes sir.” Before Col. Mitchell could concede, Posey was already up and walking towards the door. Mitchell even attempted to stand and salute, but the colonel was long gone by the time he could get up from his seat. Mike glanced over at Ruiz and Baskins before sitting back in his chair.

  “Shit, well you heard him. Let’s go find him.”

  “Yes sir.”

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Tensions around the airport safe zone began growing by late Sunday evening. Two days after civilian arrivals began at Sky Harbor, everyone had started growing impatient. The Army was slow to release any type of productive information regarding the war, other than what was previously reported. Luckily there were no signs of anymore attacks as most of the fighting was now taking place in the east. After dinner that night, Kuruk convinced Creed and Genesis to follow him out to his car where they had originally parked. About half a mile down the road from the airport, Kuruk finally spoke up about his growing restlessness. “I can’t take it.” He confessed.

  “What are you talking about?” Genesis inquired.

  “I just hate being here knowing our father is out there. Who knows how long this war might take, the Army hasn’t given us anything and I’m getting tired of waiting around, doing nothing at all.”

  “I’m sure they’ll give us something soon, it’s only been two days.” Creed reassured.

  “Would you slow down?” Genesis requested. Kuruk suddenly stopped walking and peered back, he nodded his head and sighed.

  “I don’t know, you’re not at all worried about Dad?”

  “Of course, I am, but he chose to stay. What do you want me to do?”

  “I’m going back.”

  “What?” Genesis was wanting to detest her brother’s decision to return home but before she could, Kuruk had already started walking faster down the street.

  “Wait, it’s too dangerous right now.” Genesis shouted.

  “Look, I’ll just go, make sure he’s okay. Grab a few things and then I’ll come back, I promise.”

  “Kuruk.”

  “Go back already, I’m not changing my mind.” Kuruk turned back and gave a proper wave and nod before taking off in an errant sprint. At this point they knew nothing they said was going to change his mind.

  “Be careful.” Genesis shouted.

  Kuruk waved his hand in the air without even looking back. Creed put his arms around Genesis while she watched her brother disappear out of sight.

  The next morning while everyone there was eating breakfast, the group was subtly interrupted by Col. Mike Mitchell, accompanied by Sergeants Ruiz and Baskins.

  “Excuse me folks.”

  “Yes?” Creed’s dad replied.

  Everyone around had peered up at the colonel with a sense of hope, as they probably thought they were going to finally receive some type of update with the war, even possibly an ‘all clear’ announcement so they could eventually return to their homes. Sadly, that moment never came. Col. Mitchell gazed over at Creed with sudden familiarity.

  “My apologies everyone, but is your name Creed O’Connor?” The colonel inquired.

  “Yeah.”

  “Hello Creed. My name is Col. Mike Mitchell. Could you do me a favor? Could you just come with me to my office and answer a couple questions?”

  Shit Creed thought to himself while looking over at Genesis. In all the chaos surrounding everyone at the camps regarding the war, Creed had completely disregarded the unequivocal possibility of someone seeing him back at the school, and even possibly reporting it. Creed wasn’t sure what the colonel wanted from him entirely, but he had a pretty good idea about what the conversation would most likely entail.

  “What’s this about Colonel?” Creed’s dad asked.

  “Oh, it’s really nothing too important sir, there was an incident at your son’s school, a few of the missiles from the Chinese planes happened to strike near the school grounds and we were charged with investigating the events. We’re talking with all the teachers and student
s that were present over exactly what happened. It will be really quick, I promise.”

  That was the best they could come up with? Creed thought to himself. Why would the fate of any inscrutability concerning the bombs dropped by the school come down to an investigation with any students? And of course, his father wasn’t buying it either.

  “Wait, that doesn’t make any sense Colonel. This is the first I’ve heard of any type of investigation regarding the school in the whole time we’ve been here. I haven’t seen you guys out here once today until now. Wouldn’t the military prefer an administrator’s account anyway?”

  “We’re going to get with everyone sir, there’s honestly nothing to worry about.”

  “I’m not worried, you’re not having a word with my son, end of story.”

  Creed smirked at his dad’s resilience. At the same time however, he feared things would just get worse for them if they didn’t comply. What would it hurt? Creed continued thinking. I can always deny it. What are they going to do anyway?

  “We’re very busy sir and there’s been a lot going on. I’m sorry if this imposes any type of inconvenience, but it’s really important that we ask your son a few questions, I promise it won’t take long.”

  “The last time I checked Colonel, I’ve never been told that I suffer from any type of speech delay. So now I’m wondering if you might have a hearing problem. He’s my son and he’s not going anywhere.” His dad’s mutinous tone made Creed chuckle internally. Alright he thought, maybe I’ll wait a second before I break it up and comply, this moment was way too funny to pass up.

  “Sir I don’t have a hearing problem and personally I don’t trust you fully understand who the hell you’re talking to?”

  “Colonel, I wouldn’t care if you were the President of the United States, do you understand? What in the hell do you need with my son that you can’t get from anyone else out here?”

  “Sir I’ve been nothing but civil since we’ve arrived, but now I’m starting to get a little restless. So, for the last time, can we please talk to your son?”

  Creed knew he couldn’t let this go on any longer. He did feel a sense of warmth knowing that his Dad would be willing to go toe to toe with an actual colonel in the United States Army, but just like those other great revolutionaries of the past, it probably wouldn’t have ended pretty. Creed stood up from his cot and finally conceded.

  “It’s fine Dad, we can talk.”

  Col. Mitchell and Creed’s dad both looked over at the young teen. His father’s red, maniacal face began returning to his regular peachy complexion.

  “Creed, what are you doing?”

  “I’ll be fine. It’s just a few questions. Right Colonel?”

  “That’s right, just a couple of questions, that’s all.” Col. Mitchell was now suited with a domineering grin upon his face. Creed was beginning to wonder how many people saw what happened over by the school. Or who were the ones to inform them about it. Then he thought back to Garrett and his buddies the very first time he flew. Maybe it was them? Nobody would probably believe a teenager with such an astonishing revelation anyhow, but what about an adult? Regardless of his secret getting out, what would the Army want with him anyway?

  “Well, I want to come too.” Genesis declared.

  “I’m sorry ma’am. For the time being we only need Creed.”

  “Well wait, she was there too, wouldn’t it be resourceful if you took them both?” Creed’s dad insisted.

  “Sir, we’ll get to everyone, okay? Just sit tight.” The colonel stood his ground. Creed looked over at Genesis as she now had an equally unsettling expression upon her face too, just like his dad. He reached out for her and the two teens embraced.

  “Creed?”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll be back before you know it.”

  “Come this way.” The colonel reached out his arms towards the walkway motioning for the teenager to begin walking towards the airport entrance. Ruiz and Baskins turned back towards the way they had previously came and started walking steadily while Creed followed close behind. Col. Mitchell closely trailed them from the rear as they made their way down the parking garage exit and towards the front entrance of concourse one. As soon as they entered the building, the colonel gained position in the front of the group and lead the rest of the way.

  Inside the airport Creed watched as they passed the original security gates, he noticed the metal detectors as they made their way towards the east part of the terminal’s waiting area. Creed realized the Army had erected what looked like a make-shift medical wing with beds, wheelchairs, and stretchers. Army medical personnel were swarming all around in droves as they kept walking down the corridor. Eventually they made their way towards the end of the hallway, and on the right, Col. Mitchell knocked on one of the appending doors. The door was swiftly opened and standing on the other side was Col. Posey. He towered over everyone and seemed just as domineering in his older age as he once was when he was younger. Col. Mitchell, along with Sergeants Ruiz and Baskins all saluted the colonel. Posey saluted in response before Mitchell and the sergeants all excused themselves.

  “Hello Creed. Come on in.” Col. Posey offered.

  Creed walked into the colonel’s office he had set up shortly after their occupation of the airport. It looked like a room that airport security would bring people they suspected of irregular activity. Creed wondered how many cavity searches might’ve gone in here previously. Most of the walls were bare except for a clock and a map of the United States with red markings all over it. The colonel’s desk was littered with a few folders and a couple of phones.

  “Why don’t you close the door and have a seat.”

  The colonel sat down behind his bulky desk while Creed shut the door behind him. He turned and sat down at one of the two seats in front of the desk. Col. Posey stared over with a peculiar smile while Creed situated himself in the chair. “Would you like a drink? Some water or tea?”

  “No, I’m fine.”

  “Alright, well how are things going out in the civilian population?”

  “Fine I guess, everyone’s a bit anxious, just sitting around and waiting.”

  “Sure, that makes sense. But nothing too serious though?”

  “No, not really.”

  “Good, good. Well, do you have any idea who I am son, or maybe why I sent for you?” The colonel asked.

  “No, I have no clue.”

  Now Col. Posey had this interesting habit of pausing after each answer he received. From the countless women he’d visit to even his own platoon. It was the behavior reminiscent to a school administrator who suspected you might know more than what you were letting on. Like as if they were giving you the opportunity to confess to your crimes and save them some time. The strong statured Colonel just sat there, beaming with suspicion and an ardent smiled.

  “Well, I’m Col. Posey with the United States Army; I’m in charge of this little operation for the time being.”

  “Alright. Nice to meet you, I guess.”

  (pause)

  “And so, you can’t think of any reason why I would have requested to see you?”

  “Nope, not a clue.”

  Again, the colonel paused. Now it was Creed who started smiling skeptically, raising his hands in the air.

  “Alright well look kid, I’m pretty busy these days as you could probably imagine. I’m in charge of making sure that everything runs smoothly around here. I oversee not only my own staff, but everyone outside of that glass as well. So hopefully we can just save us both some time here and cut the bullshit.”

  “What bullshit sir?”

  (pause)

  Posey again paused as if he wanted the answers to automatically spew out of the kids’ mouth, before he had to inevitably ask the questions. The colonel was pretty sure the implications of how absurd his questions were probably going to sound to the point he seemed inflicted, understandably hesitant.

  “Son, it’s come to my attention that you have what one mig
ht say, abilities of a unique kind.”

  “Abilities?”

  (pause)

  “Yes abilities, gifts.”

  “Colonel I can assure you that I have no idea what you are talking about.”

  “No idea?”

  “No sir.” Creed then thought to himself, that’s it, that’s all I have to do, just keep this up and I’ll be out of here in no time. However, he noticed a firmer tone and a more arduous expression as their conversation continued.

  “You can’t fly son?”

  “What? No.” Creed suddenly burst out in a slightly sarcastic laugh while peering back over at the colonel.

  “So, what you’re telling me, is that you don’t have any so-called abilities? You can’t fly? You can’t summon force fields?”

  “Summon force fields? This is absolute horseshit Colonel. If I could fly, what the hell would I be doing standing around here? And force fields? That’s just insane.”

  The colonel sat back in his chair. Creed figured after a few more sincere rebuttals he would be back with his family eating lunch, forgetting this even happened. His self-assured confidence faded quickly as the colonel opened the desk drawer and pulled out a phone. What is this? Creed thought. Don’t tell me somebody recorded anything? He momentarily forgot that in these modern times, almost nothing was sacred anymore. The attack just happened so fast that he was convinced nobody had the time or realization to grab their phones. As always however, in even the most unusual situations, humans are just naturally nosy. Some people are only fulfilled when they’re sitting around with some good old fashioned, drama-infused gossip.

  “Well then, I’d like to show you something if it’s okay with you?” Col. Posey asked. The colonel quickly turned on the phone and sifted through the device before he eventually uploaded the video. He then turned the phone towards Creed, so the teenager could see the screen. Creed just sighed and rolled his eyes while the colonel pushed play on the phone. While Creed watched, he noticed that even though the video was a tad fuzzy and grossly daunting, it was very easy to make out that it was him in the shot. However, Creed already made up in his mind that he was going to attempt one last stand.