Returning to the boarding area I saw a lot of passengers dressed in blue. Dayton is the home of Wright-Patterson Air Force base. The guys in blue were an Air Force General and his six-person staff. Over in a corner trying to look invisible was a single airman.
The airman looked like he would rather be in any place in the world but around all those high ranking officers. The lowest officer was a major. Taking pity I went over to the airman and sat in the empty seat next to him.
“You don’t look real happy to be around all these officers.”
“It never ends well when there are all chiefs and one Indian.”
I had to laugh at that and agreed with him. I had a thought. I went over to the podium and talked to the ground attendant. I showed my two first-class boarding passes and explained I was going to ask the single airman to join me up-front.
Since first-class was full I knew the Officers would all be in Coach per policy. This would save the airman some misery. He was going all the way through to London to join his family there.
The gate attendant was more than pleased to assign the seat to the airman, I called him by his rank, airman, but he looked like a little kid. He most likely was older than me but didn’t seem to have any real-world experience. It seems the attendant had been enlisted and had his fill of officers.
I collected my airman and we were boarded early, even for first-class. Airman Bill Nelson was effusive in his thanks.
When general boarding was announced the brass came aboard. They didn’t pay much attention as they filed past except for the lone Major in the group. He gave a hard look at Bill as he passed us.
The seatbelt light was barely off when the Major appeared next to Bill.
“Airman, you will have to move to the back of the plane so the General can move up here.”
That got my attention real quick. Using my most plummy British accent I stated.
“Major, the Airman is my guest. I have bought and paid for the seat he is sitting in. Even if you could force him into the back your General wouldn’t be welcome here.”
I didn’t know it was possible to flounce down the aisle of an aircraft but he managed. Bill was uncomfortable, to say the least. He even volunteered to move back so I could avoid trouble. I wouldn’t hear of it.
Soon the General himself came up to us.
“Major Johnson tells me you won’t surrender this seat to me.”
“That is correct, Sir.”
“Good for you, I have no idea how he could think such an overreach was allowed. Enjoy your flight Airman.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
Well, that settled that, I was happy that all officers weren’t like the Major.
In New York, most passengers disembarked and left the area. A few stayed around as they were proceeding onward to London. The entire Air Force contingent was going to London for some reason.
Two officers were standing next to the Major and they were muttering just loud enough for Bill and me to hear that they thought the Airman be put in his place. The General was on a payphone so heard none of this. The other officers were more concerned with chatting up one of the Stewardesses that would be coming aboard with the crew change.
Our overnight flight to London was long and uneventful. Upon landing Bill and I went our separate ways. He had to get in line for foreign passengers while I was able to use the line for UK citizens. It was much shorter and quicker. Having a diplomatic passport certainly helped.
I grabbed a black cab and went to the Plaza on the Strand. The front desk was expecting me and had my key ready. I didn’t have to sign in or anything like that. I took a shower and changed into a fresh suit.
I was hungry so I took the penthouse elevator back to the ground floor. As I exited I saw a flock of gentlemen in blue. Yes, my favorite US Air Force officers were waiting on an elevator to go up.
When I exited mine I heard the ever-helpful Major ask why they couldn’t go up in mine. The bellman with them first greeted me.
“Welcome back, Sir Richard.”
“Thank you, Frank.”
I heard Frank start to explain that the elevator only went to the top penthouse floor. I went to the grill and had a leisurely lunch. A limousine from the Palace picked me up for my appointment with Mr. Norman.
When I arrived at Palace security I was welcomed back and walked around the line of people waiting. Like bad pennies, the Air Force group was in line. This was almost too funny for words.
I nodded to the General as I passed him. He didn’t notice, as he was glaring at the Major. I suspect they would be creating a command further away than Thule for the Major.
Mr. Norman welcomed me back. They had missed my flying service. There was talk in the Palace of creating a small fleet of planes to service Europe. He complimented me on my latest song and movie.
You could tell where his heart was when he asked if I would be doing anything else with Frank Sinatra. I told him that we were keeping an eye out for a song, which would work for both of us. What I didn’t say was that Frank was looking for one
