Chapter Seven - part three

    Once back on the Hill, James’ first order of business was being trained in the gliders. All cadets had the chance to learn that, if they could fit in the cockpit. James was a snug fit in the small cockpit, but he did fit. He quickly proved to be an excellent pilot. He had never received a license, but he had flown many hours in a plane with one of their family friends. He was very capable of flying and landing a single engine plane. That proved to be both a help and a hindrance with the glider training. The lack of power changed the way you had to fly.  It helped reduce any fear since he had flown before, but he also had to unlearn and relearn how to fly. Flying under power and without power were two very different ways to fly. In addition to that there were also other courses that he had to complete that summer as part of his training. One of those was CST, cadet survival training.

    The cadets had to spend a lot of time learning how to survive and evade capture during their second summer. They also were trained in basic methods of knowing their locations and traversing hostile terrain without a map or even a compass. The final test was a four day trek across some of the mountains near the Academy. They would take the cadets out to remote spots. Then it was up to the cadets to travel back to certain set places each day. They had to evade 'hostile forces' while making that trek. They were under surveillance during almost the entire test, but most of the time they were alone. The greatest danger was from the unexpected thunderstorms. Lightening was the greatest natural danger, but falls and even sudden flooding in some spots could be dangerous too. Once more James proved to be more than capable during his exercise. He was one of only four other cadets who managed to reach all checkpoints and yet evade all 'hostile forces' too. The hostile forces were watching the areas around the checkpoints and they were also tipped off by the cadets working those checkpoints. That was to make it even harder for cadets in training to evade capture. One of the other cadets who managed to complete the course undetected was Sabella. That had been a pleasant surprise to James.

    The old gang all got to spend a weekend at the Blake’s before the whole force returned to the Hill. James, Jeremy, Shanna, and Sabella all back together again; they had only managed that a couple of times during the year, other than during major events at the Academy. It was the first time they had all been together since completing the first year. They were now all 3 degrees. There was also an unexpected addition to the group. The new addition wasn't expected, but she was welcome. Cadet Farah had been contacted by Mr. Blake. She had no sponsor family and when he had explained why he had contacted her she had been happy to accept. She and James had a connection that wouldn't soon go away. They had seen a lot of each other at the Academy, especially being in Mach One together, but she was moving this year. That was the way it usually worked, most cadets moved after the first year, but James wouldn't be moving. He still wasn't completely sure if that was chance or if it was something controlled by the Academy staff. He just knew he would probably be spending his entire time at the Academy in Mach One. It would be nice to get to see Aadila away from the Hill a little more often. 

    A lot of things happened at the end of the first year and the beginning of the next. James was surprised when he found out that Sabella had been moved into Deuce. That put them in relatively close proximity and in the same flight for the first time. Sabella had earned more than just admiration for her looks. She was a top student and she had proven herself to be a very capable warrior. In fact she had proven all but unbeatable in the hand-to-hand combat training. It turned out that her aunt was nationally ranked in karate and kickboxing. Sabella had been her sparring partner since she had become a teenager. While Sabella never competed or even tried to earn belts she was very good. James wasn't sure how this would work out, but he saw no major issues. Sabella was a 'friend' and nothing more. He doubted that she had meant anything by that kiss and he certainly hadn't. It was just another one of the possible things he would have to be aware of this year. 

    James had made his choice of degrees and would be working to get an electrical engineering degree. He had always been interested in electronics and during his first year he had checked out several other possibilities before making his final decision. A lot of cadets wanted to focus in that field, but they had to be near the top of the class to make it. Since he was still at the top of his class at the end of the first year he could pick and choose, for the most part. He was also working to get a minor in a foreign language. He had chosen Chinese, since he was already fluent in German. He could speak some Spanish too, but he didn't consider himself great at that. Sabella had chosen Political Science as her major. Shanna had chosen Environmental Engineering. Jeremy had chosen Computer Engineering. Aadila had much to their surprise decided on Systems Engineering with a minor in Religious Studies of all things. That last minor wasn't something a lot of cadets were interested in anymore.  In fact it was normally avoided like all religion related things at the Academy. Mostly it was for those who were interested in the political part of the military, but Sabella had wanted nothing to do with religious studies for any reason in spite of her interest in politics.

     James had finally yielded to the track coach last year and was now on the track team. He did manage to limit his commitment to the distance runs, but even that made his schedule a nightmare. He had refused to join the basketball team. That coach wasn't happy, but he did agree that James was better off with the track team. James was a great outside shooter and with his speed he would have helped the basketball team in one of their weaker areas, but it was doubtful he would have ever played a lot of minutes even if he had joined the team. It looked to be a full and very busy year for James. Much to his surprise he had earned the rank of clerk, which was all that was available to a 3 degree cadet. Sabella had earned the same rank as well. The rest of his closest friends had all remained unranked. It had been a surprise to find that he had earned any ranking at all considering how hard they had made things for him. When he had asked about it, Major Wilson had laughed at him. Then he had explained that no matter how much you were disliked in the military, they still noticed when you did your job above and beyond the call. He made it clear that James might not be popular because of his faith, but he was well respected by many and even admired by some. Refusing to yield wasn't easy or popular, but it had earned a lot of extra notice. That notice, like it or not, had helped prove James to be an outstanding officer. He always looked out for those around him and would take the harder duty to save others. That couldn't be ignored. No matter how much they despised him for his faith in God, they couldn't say anything except good about his actions as a cadet. That had earned him the strip and Major Wilson was certain there would bring more rank as he progressed, if he continued to do as he had done so far.

   That had been another surprise, but a welcome one. Major Wilson wouldn't be leaving after all. He would be staying on for another year. He wasn't thrilled about it, but he wasn't totally bummed about it either. He seemed to enjoy working with the Doolies and the firstees in particular, but he was very involved with all of the cadets in Mach One. Major Wilson hadn't been heavily involved with James last year, but he had been very much aware of the entire ongoing situation. This year, since James had returned to Mach One, Major Wilson had become much more personally involved with him. He had explained that last year he had tried to just let things work out without taking an active role. This year would be different. For one thing, James now had some rank and therefore more responsibility. For another, James had managed to prove himself to the squadron as a whole and that would now allow Major Wilson to take an active interest in him without causing more problems for James.

    The time spent as a 3 degree was very different from the time spent as a Doolie and even different from the shorter time you spent being a full 4 degree instead of just being referred to as a Doolie. James wasn't sure he liked it much better, even though in many ways it was easier. He had been around while the new class was in BCT, (basic cadet training). He wasn't allowed to be directly involved with the new Doolies. In fact he was under orders to avoid all possible contact with them unless it simply couldn't be avoided. He had to admit watching them brought back a lot of memories, not all good. He did have to admit that the good and bad seemed to be far more balanced now that he was out of that situation himself though. He could even remember some of the cadets who he had seen watching him like he now watched the Doolies. As 2 degrees they were now helping train the new class of Doolies. He would likely get his turn at that next year as well. That was all part of the Academy experience. You started out at the very bottom, as nothing in the eyes of everyone around you. Then you slowly earned your way up in the ranks. It was hard and demanding, often brutal, but each step was required in order to produce the best possible officers for the United States Air Force.

   It didn't take long for the summer break to come to an end. James had earned his wings on the glider and was working to gain enough experience to earn a spot as an instructor for next year. That was really stretching his schedule to the limit with the time required for track team as well. He was determined to become an instructor though. He had loved his time in the glider and he wanted to be able to experience it with other cadets for the first time. Track team training wasn't as bad as he had feared it might be. Since he ran distance races he could adjust his training schedule around his class schedule easier than he had expected, but it still took up a lot of his 'free' time. One thing he hadn't expected was the strength training that the coach required. It wasn't meant to bulk them up, but it was still a very intense program that left him sore on the days after he did strength training.  His class schedule, track team training, and glider training left him with almost no free time. The only time he managed to keep free was a couple of hours each Sunday. James made himself find a way to create that time for God in his schedule. James worked hard to make some quiet time to spend with the Lord almost each day too. Sometimes that was only a brief moment, but when he didn't manage to find that brief moment of time he usually didn't find much peace in the rest of his life that day.

   James hadn't realized how much it had helped him to have Aadila in his squadron. They hadn't really been that close, but they had been there for each other. The training and beat downs weren't the same for them this year, but they still had to do their part. Last year he could look to her or she could look to him during the worst of things and see a friend. This year James didn't really have that. Sarah was still there sometimes, but that was totally different. In her new position as squadron commander James had to laugh at the thought of looking at her as his friend during training and beat downs. He made time to go by and see Aadila the first full week after classes resumed. She was now in Squadron 21, Blackjack, and had a new roommate. She was very happy to see James. She openly admitted that it was lonely in the new squadron. Even her roommate wasn't happy about being put with a Muslim. She was the only Muslim in Blackjack. There had been none in Mach One either, but James had been a kind face and friendly smile that she saw almost daily. They had a nice visit and both promised to make time to visit each other at least once a week.

   At least one thing had changed for the better. Peter Kemp had not advanced as much in rank as Sarah had. He was a cadet major now. That was still a significant rank, but he now answered to Sarah rather than her to him. That made him much more reluctant to jump onto James every time they crossed paths. If there was even the slightest reason available he still jumped on it, but it was far better than it would have been. Susan Holt had kept him in check last year, but Sarah taking over that position had made it even better. The only drawback was that Peter blamed James for his failure to make a bigger advance in rank. In fact he felt like James had caused him to be demoted, though that wasn't actually true. Granted he should have moved up further in rank, but he had still advanced, not been demoted. James knew that Peter Kemp would be one of those who would in all probability remain an enemy for life. Still that was Peter's choice to make. James didn't like Peter, but he certainly didn't hate him either. If anything James felt sorry for people like that.

Chapter Seven - part two

   It was a couple of days before James was able to actually talk with Sarah. They were very careful to observe the rules about fraternization among cadets. They were out running together for the first time since General Davis had spoken to James. When James told Sarah about it he was surprised to hear her laugh before speaking to him. "I was wondering if you would ever mention it. Uncle Bill called and told me as soon as he left the office that he had spoken to you. He didn't say much more than that though. What did he say to you? Did he try to order you to stay away from me?" James kept running and after a moment told her what had been said. Sarah had stiffened when he mentioned obeying orders. After he was done she remained silent until the end of the run. Then she did speak. "So you would have obeyed his orders? Orders mean more to you than I do. Is that how you really feel about me?"

    James had known she was upset, but he hadn't expected this. He shook his head and spoke quickly. "No Sarah, that isn't what I meant at all. Sarah, I care about you a lot more than I can put into words. He asked me if I love you. I couldn't answer him, at least not yet. I think I might, but how can I be certain when we have to live under the rules of the Academy concerning our relationship? Sarah, I don't even know for certain how you feel about me. I know you like me. I know we are friends, maybe more than friends. But love? That is something I just don't know yet. Do you? Do you love me?" He saw the shock on her face and immediately added more. "I didn't mean for you to answer that! I just don't know what I feel or what you feel. I want to know, but I don't know yet and that makes this very difficult to deal with. Please understand, I care so much for you, but I don't know if it is love. Sarah? Sarah, have I said something wrong? I... I just don't know with certainty about anything concerning you. All I know for certain is that you and I both want to make a career in the Air Force. Right now I can't and won't do anything that might spoil that for you or for me. It isn't that the Air Force comes first. I just think that for now we have to let it be first."

   Sarah had turned her back on him. James wanted to reach out and take her in his arms. He desperately wanted to hold her and tell her it was going to be alright, but he couldn't. Sarah stood like that for a long time before she turned and looked at him. There were tears in her eyes, but she tried to smile. She stepped closer and spoke very softly. "I do understand. I feel the same way... except I feel something else too. I am afraid of you James." He stared at her in disbelief. She laughed as she tried to go on. "Not like that silly. I am afraid of how you make me feel. James, I have wanted to be an officer all of my life. I have dreamed of it. You know that I want to be a pilot, a fighter pilot, like Uncle Bill was. What scares me is that I have actually wondered about how that would affect us. I worry if it will keep us apart. I think I am falling in love with you. I don't know if I want that, but I don't know if I can stop it either. I don't even know if I want to stop it." Then she shook her head and he saw her stiffen herself and assume command again. "Look, neither of us is willing to give up our future to find out if we love the other, so let's just do what we can do. We can spend some time together without breaking the rules. We can follow orders and still see where this goes. I will be leaving in a little over a year. Who knows, that may be it for us. I say that we enjoy what we have and see where it goes." James just nodded in agreement. He didn't want to tell her that he thought he was falling in love too. Actually he was fairly certain that he was already in love with her... very deeply in love.

    Weeks passed and things had definitely changed since that New Year's Eve party. It had changed not only between them, but also in the squadron. James wasn't sure why, but suddenly he had earned a new kind of respect, even from some of those who had been against him before. They still weren't friends, but they were no longer enemies either. The biggest changes seemed to be in the Academy as a whole though. He suspected it was partly due to him being seen with all the big guns at that party. Maybe it was just because he had been invited to the party. He wasn't sure, but things had changed. He did know that his academic standing and his decision to join the track team had helped too. It wasn't a sudden shift and not everyone had changed, but it was changing things for him in more ways than he would have believed possible. He still faced challenges on a regular basis, but there were occasionally days when he had no problems at all. That was a huge and very welcome change.

    Summer finally rolled around and once more the order of things began to change. He was still a lowly cadet and still very low on the totem pole in many ways, but that was changing rapidly. Sarah was moving up in the command structure. She would be the Squadron Commander as had been rumored. She was jumping several steps to take that spot. James spent part of the first half of the summer back at home. That was both a needed break and a new set of problems to be dealt with. He enjoyed being away from the Hill. It was good to be able to wear what he wanted to wear every day for a change. He really loved being able to go where and when he pleased too. That felt like a new kind of freedom that he hadn't ever experienced before. The only thing that didn't change was his rest. If anything he got less sleep while he was home than he did on the Hill. His biggest problem though was in dealing with Pamela. It wasn't so much of a problem as it was just an adjustment. His first weekend home they were expected to go out and they did. That was a very interesting date. 

    They were going into Richmond, mostly just to be going, with no real plans for what they would do. It was an all day event for them though. They had planned this when James had been home for Christmas, before James had even considered kissing Sarah. Pamela seemed to be more reserved than normal, but James suspected that was due to him. He was uncomfortable being with her now. They had some fun, but it just wasn't the same. They finally did talk about it. James was relieved to find out that he wasn't alone in finding someone else. Pamela had been seeing a young man in one of her classes too. They hadn't started dating yet, but they often were out together with the same group of people from the college. It was like what James was dealing with, except she didn't have to worry about rules about fraternization. Pamela was almost relieved when he suggested they just sort of go their separate ways. They still spent some time together, but it was no longer a dating situation. Now it was with friends and family. They could still remain friends, but not quite as close as they had once been. Just being friends was a lot less complicated and stressful for both of them.

     The one thing he really missed was seeing the newest additions to the family. Both of his sisters had their babies now and he knew that he would miss seeing them grow up. That was the hardest part of coming home for him. Knowing that he wouldn't see the rest of his family as much wasn't so bad. The rest of the family hadn't changed drastically, but he knew that when he saw the little ones again they would be walking. He spent as much time with them as he could while still getting to enjoy time with his old friends. That was something else that was changing for him too. A lot of his old friends were much the same as he remembered from high school. They weren't really changing much at all, but he began to notice just how much he had changed. Actually it was his friends who pointed it out to him. He wasn't the same anymore. James didn't know quite what had changed, but he knew that he wasn't the same kid anymore... in fact he really wasn't a kid at all. James enjoyed the break at home, but as the time passed he was anxious to get back to the Hill too.

    He had a long talk with his mom and dad before he left. They seemed to understand what was going on better than he did. His mom sent her love to the new woman in his life. She had laughed and told him that she knew there was a special woman out there. Maybe she wasn't the one, but she was still someone special according to his mom. His dad had been quieter. He did tell James that he was proud of the man he was becoming, but that they were also worried. They talked about everything this time, even the Ironman run. His mom still hadn't been pleased with that story, but it was over and that was the end of it to her. His dad knew that wasn't completely true though. He had said nothing while they were all together, but later he had spoken about it while alone with James. He had asked for details about things since then from James and pressed until James told him about the visit from the Superintendent, the party on New Year's Eve, and even about the meeting with General Davis. 

    His dad had listened closely and asked the right questions during that discussion. James had been forced to tell him everything, even about kissing Sarah. Only after Joshua had heard all of the details did he speak, other than to ask more questions. James was still thinking about what his father had said when he took his flight back. Joshua had finally given his son some advice and a warning. "Well son that sounds like quite a story, but we both know it has only begun. You and I both know that you will face many more long days and difficult choices. All of the cadets will face those, but I think that maybe you will face something more. I know that you went because you felt that was where the Lord wanted you to be. It sounds to me like you are becoming more certain of that each day. The question is why does the Lord want you there? We are never sent without a purpose son. You need to ask Him what that purpose is. You aren't there to just be there. The Lord wants more from you. I think you know that. I think you knew it when you carried that Muslim girl to the finish line." James still remembered the exact sound of his father's voice when he added the next sentence. "You and I both know that wasn't the finish line you were crossing. It was the starting line. You started a new race, a race you are running right now. Son, you can't run a race if you don't know the course or distance. Is it a sprint that just lasts while you are at the Academy or is it a long distance race that you will run the rest of your life?  How long will you have to run and where are you running to? You need to know and only God can give you the answers. Don't let the world distract you and make you forget about God. He is the one who sent you and the one you must answer to first, before all others. He is your supreme commander. Those men you serve may wear stars on their uniforms, but the God we serve made the stars in heaven and everything under them including you."

    James thought, hoped, and prayed that those words would remain burned into his mind forever. 'Men may wear stars, but God made the stars.' That was a most profound thought and statement. James spent a lot of time thinking and praying about what his father had said. What was his purpose? Why had the Lord sent him to the Academy? James didn't have the answers. His thoughts and prayers didn't seem to help. One thing did become clear in his mind though. There was a reason he was there. God had a purpose for him being where he was. All James knew to do was to continue to run the 'race' he had been given to run. He would do his best to be a good officer, but he would make certain that he also remained a good Christian. That alone wouldn't be easy. James had learned the hard way that it was very easy to say you were a Christian, but it was much harder to actually live as a Christian. It wasn't just the big things, like the Ironman run either. In many ways it was easier to live a Christian life when it was something big. It was the small day to day things that were the hardest to live. James made a new commitment before he returned to the Hill. He would try to keep his focus on God every day, even in the little things he did. If he did the little things right before God, then the big things should go right too. It might not be easy to do, or popular, but it would always be the right way to live.

Chapter Seven - part one

                      Chapter Seven

 New Lives with New Orders

     James and Sarah stayed around a lot longer than they had planned; ringing in the New Year together. Patricia's prediction proved true. General Davis seldom let them out of his sight after that kiss, not that he had before it either. Once they finally did leave, it was a quick trip back to the hill. James dropped her at the door and parked the car before escorting Sarah to the Mach One area. It was no great surprise to find a few cadets waiting around for their return. They said nothing, mostly out of fear of Sarah, but the grins and snickers said plenty. There was no hand holding or even a goodnight kiss when he dropped her off, but that didn't make the night any less special. James didn't get a lot of sleep that night. He spent most of the next day avoiding the squadron area and all the questions he knew would come his way, along with the teasing. It was only after the rest of the cadets began to arrive back on the Hill that he saw much of Sarah. In fact it wasn't until after church the next Sunday that they got to talk in private.

    They spent a good part of Sunday afternoon together, just talking about things. Things had changed for both of them in a major way. James had no doubt that he was much too interested in Sarah. The rules did allow relationships between cadets, but it could become a very touchy issue for cadets in the same squadron or even the same flight. Neither of them needed or wanted that sort of problem. Sarah did make it clear that she had feelings for James and wanted to see how those developed, but she wasn't going to risk complications with her career to find out. It took most of the month for them to get those things worked out. They would start dating after the graduation and admittance of the new class. That was still months away. Sarah would be a firstee and he would be a 3 degree. It would be easier to work out the change in their relationship then. He wouldn't be as restricted and she should have much more freedom, since she would be leaving the Academy within a year. Until then they would just continue to work together and attend services together on Sundays. Otherwise there would be nothing much different than if they hadn't been interested in each other at all. At least that was their plan.

    It was the first week in February before James faced the first new issue because of Sarah. Late one day, after classes were over he was summoned to the Superintendent's office. That had happened twice before, after minor incidents during his day, but this time there had been nothing he was aware of to cause it. The other two times he hadn't gone alone. This time when he arrived it was just him in the office, him and Colonel Roberts. He had only a very short wait before Lt. General McBride buzzed for him to come in. Colonel Roberts remained outside in her office to make sure nobody would interrupt. James stepped forward and closed the door behind him. It was only then that he realized that someone else was also in the office. It was General Davis. James immediately knew this wasn't going to be anything like what he had been expecting it to be.

    Lt. General McBride spoke from behind his desk. "Please take a seat Cadet Cooper. I suspect you already know that I wasn't the one who really wanted to see you today, but rest assured I do want to talk with you as well." James stepped forward and spoke carefully before taking the seat offered to him. "Sir, yes sir. I was wondering what had happened for you to call me in again. I wasn't aware of any problems." As he took his seat he turned to look directly at General Davis. "I think I now know what the issue is this time, but I am not certain of how anyone expects me to handle this differently." General Davis actually smiled and leaned forward to speak. "You have nerve son, most young officers I have met would be shaking in their shoes and afraid to speak if they had been summoned to a meeting like this. I respect that nerve, but you are very correct. We do have an issue that needs to be resolved." James showed no reaction at all; at least he hoped he didn't. His worst fears had just been confirmed. General Davis was going to request or maybe order him to stay away from Sarah.

   Lt. General McBride spoke up quickly. "Cadet Cooper, before we discuss that issue, I want to speak to you about a few things. I have been and continue to be very impressed with your performance under extreme conditions. Colonel Roberts has informed me of a lot of the 'minor' conflicts that you face almost daily. In spite of those constant distractions and the stress of dealing with them almost daily you have excelled. You are currently alone at the top of your class academically. I am told that your performance during physical training is always outstanding. The most impressive achievement to me however is your adaptation to military life. That is never easy for anyone in the beginning and yet you have made it appear easy. Despite your constant and open display of faith in god, you have proven yourself to be a total soldier. You obey orders without question and display an amazing understanding of the proper order of life in the military. I want you to know that regardless of what General Davis may say or want from you, you will have my complete support. You have proven yourself and you deserve no less from your commander." Then McBride looked at Davis, leaning back in his chair he spoke directly to him. "All right, I have had my say. The floor is yours, sir."

    James said nothing in reply to Lt. General McBride. This wasn't the time for that either. However, he now understood that this was all General Davis. That statement of support and the 'sir' tacked onto the end of the last statement made it very clear that McBride didn't approve of this. He was yielding to a direct superior. The only question remaining was what he was yielding and how much he would yield. James knew that it had to be something major or he wouldn't have made his displeasure with it so clear in front of any cadet. The Academy was a branch of the Air Force, but in many ways the cadets were separated from much of the real Air Force. Only after graduation would they become a true functioning part of the whole. While they did fall under military rules and discipline, they were effectively in an intensive and extended training program with very limited direct involvement with the operational functions of the Air Force. Apparently that wasn't true for him any longer. He was about to be dealing directly with the actual commander of the entire North American Air Force.

    General Davis wasn't smiling. He shook his head while still looking at McBride. Then he turned his full attention to James. Still without any sign of a smile he began. "The first thing I need to make clear is that I am not focusing on you. I want both of you," he looked back at McBride, "to understand that Sarah is my one and only concern. Patricia and I were never able to have children. Sarah is an only child and she is as much a daughter to me as she is to my brother. She is the reason I am here today." He paused for a moment. "I saw the way she was looking at you and frankly I am deeply concerned. I was aware of you before we met at the party. I wasn't aware of the two of you together though. That puts everything in a whole new light for me. I gave up an entire day of my time to come out here to deal with this, a day I don't have to spare. I just spent two hours of that day debating about this issue with Mike." He looked over at McBride. Then he continued. "Cadet Cooper, I want to know from you, what do you have in mind concerning Sarah? I saw the way you two were looking at each other. I am reasonably sure what I saw, but I want to hear it from you."

    James nodded, but said nothing for a while. He just sat and studied the man in front of him. So far he was just facing a concerned father figure. General Davis hadn't shown any sign of involving his rank, not yet. James knew that would probably happen before this was over. Still there was nothing he could do to avoid that, not without telling him a complete lie or simple turning his back on Sarah. James took a deep breath. He had no real choice. He couldn't lie, that was a sin, even a white lie was, though he had told those and likely would again. Nothing about this would be white though, not if he lied about his feelings for Sarah. It would be as black as the blackest night. Since he couldn't lie like that and wouldn't walk away from her, he would have to stand and face whatever came his way. He spoke very softly when he was sure of what he had to say. "Sir, I wish I knew. I like Sarah. I respect her. I am interested in her. How far any of that goes or will go... I do not know, sir." That was all he said. All he could say. It was the simple truth, a truth that he had been struggling with since even before that kiss New Year's night.

    James doubted that General Davis would believe him or accept that answer even if he did. His concern was for the well being of the only child he had ever had. He would expect and demand a definite answer and it was very doubtful that he would tolerate one that kept James involved in Sarah's life. There was no point in explaining that he hadn't kissed her before or since that one kiss. Oh, he wanted to kiss her. He had lost sleep thinking about that kiss, but it hadn't happened again. He was almost afraid to kiss her. That first kiss had been very special. He thought it had been special for both of them. James wasn't sure if it would be the same if they kissed again. He wasn't sure he wanted to find out, not yet. He waited and watched as General Davis studied him. Finally General Davis spoke. "Are you in love with her?" James couldn't keep from smiling. He shrugged as he spoke quickly. "Sir, I just tried to tell you, I don't really know how I feel about her or how she feels about me. I care about her and I want to get to know her better. I want to find that out. Sir, I cannot say that I love her anymore than I could say that I don't."

    James stood up and took another deep breath. "I will say this. I care too much about her to do anything that might cause her problems. I wish I could say the same for her, but I am afraid that she has already proven that she will risk far too much to help me. Sir, I would do the same for her if I could, but since I cannot... well I will just try to not do anything that will make matters worse. That doesn't mean I will stay away from her though. That wouldn't be right or fair. Not to me and not to her. With respect, Sir; if you have something to say to me then say it. If you order me to stay away I will, but I will tell her that I was ordered to stay away." James saw both men stiffen and continued quickly. "That is not meant as a threat. I simply won't lie to her when she asks, and she will ask! Now if you intend to give me an order I would appreciate it if you would do it. I am late for training and I have extra work due in two classes. I see no point in dragging this out any further, Sir."

    This time it was McBride who spoke. "Sit down, Cadet Cooper. I appreciate your courage, but this is not the time or the place for it." James sat down and remained silent as he listened to the two men. McBride spoke first. "Bill, this isn't something you can handle by giving orders. I am truly sorry that I didn't consider this before I placed him in Mach One, but it is far too late to change it now. The connection has been made and now there is just no way to stop this. Leave it be or it will be worse, no matter how it turns out in the end." General Davis shook his head and stood up. Looking at James he spoke to McBride. "Mike, you keep an eye on things, a close eye." Then he stepped over and extended a hand to James. James stood again and took it. General Davis spoke while holding his hand firmly without even beginning to shake hands. "Son, I respect your honesty and your courage. Now understand this. If you hurt Sarah, intentionally or otherwise; there is no place on this earth that will be beyond my reach. I won't give you any order concerning seeing her or not seeing her. I will however expect you to remember that you are in the United States Air Force and abide by the rules it has. I think you are aware of what that means. I also want you to remember that I am just her uncle. Her dad will be much harder on you than me." Then he gave a firm handshake to James before turning to do the same with Lt. General McBride.  He walked out without another word spoken. James watched him leave and then looked over to Lt. General McBride. The lack of any salutes said volumes to James. This was still a personal matter... for the moment. McBride just looked at him a moment and then dismissed him without any further words. James arrived back in the squadron area and changed as quickly as possible. He didn't have time to think or even worry about what had just happened. He was late for training. When he got there it was Sarah who was in charge. He spent the next two hours wishing her uncle had just had him shot... it would have been a faster and less painful way to die. She made him pay dearly for arriving late when she was the one in charge of training.

Thoughts about Chapter Six

 You just finished an important chapter in the main story. It may not have seemed to be of great importance, but you will see how critical it will become as the rest of the story unfolds. I truly hope that all of you have enjoyed the book so far. I certainly have enjoyed writing it.
   I want to thank all of you again for following along. That means a great deal to me. I passed  500 views during this chapter and that was a pleasant surprise for me. There aren't a lot of you following along, but there are certainly more than I expected to find staying with me. I suspect that most of you have some direct or indirect connection to me, but I think there might be some who are strangers to me too.
   I don't know why all of you are following along, but I want to encourage all of you to tell other people about this. The more people I can get interested in this the better. That is for two different reasons. The first is simply that I need to be able to show publishers that people are interested in the book. The second and the one that matters even more to me is that regardless of whether I ever get the book published I will still be getting the message out.
   That is what matters to me... the message of faith. Sometimes I wonder if I should be so determined to get a message about something so personal out there, but it truly matters to me. Faith is the message I am hoping and trying to share with all of you. Faith is the one and I believe the only thing that truly matters in our lives. And not just having faith, but having faith in the one and only true God. That matters far more than anything else in this world will ever matter. We can have great faith, but it can be in the wrong things and that is worse in many ways than not having any faith at all. That is why trying to get people to think about faith and God are what matter the most to me as I am writing.
  I would be lying if I said I wouldn't love to become a best selling author and make lots of money, but I would also be lying if I told you that was the only reason I write or even the main one. Thanks again for reading along as I share this story of faith with you. I hope you can find it in your hearts to share it with others too, so that I can share this message with more people.
   Faith matters, but unless you are willing to share it with even the strangers you meet I think it misses the real mark. Help me hit the mark. Help me share this message about faith and God with strangers. Strangers that I can only meet with your help.

Chapter Six - part eight

    That exchange and comment made everyone around the table laugh for a moment. Lt. General McBride quickly made a comment to General Davis. "I told you nothing keeps him down for long. The only thing he has more of than brains and brawn, is nerve. It never occurred to me that these two might actually connect when I had him assigned to Mach One, but it should have. He has the makings of a fine officer, Bill. Sarah was right, he has done nothing wrong. I think Pat is right too. We all need to relax and just enjoy the evening. He is our guest after all." That was when Brigadier General Holmes spoke up. "As a matter of fact you should know that he has more than earned the right to be here. He is the top cadet in academics in his class and that is saying something. You see, he tested out of several of the normal first year classes. In fact, he is taking a class with upperclassmen and is still tops in the class. I can honestly say I am not sure he has more nerve than he does brains. He is one of the sharpest young men I have ever seen here. Unless something drastic changes I have little doubt that he will graduate at or very near the top of his class."

    That announcement sobered everyone up again.  James knew that the last standings hadn't yet been posted, so this was news to him. He had been in a virtual tie for the top spot with several cadets at last word. After the drinks arrived they all placed orders or went to fill plates if they didn't need something cooked up special. James and Sarah went to the buffet line as did most of the women. The men remained at the table to order steaks, before going to get salad and appetizers for themselves. James received several words of encouragement from the ladies. Even the commandant Major General Mary Ann Stevens complimented him on how he had handled himself. James was relieved when they moved on and left him with Sarah. Sarah just laughed and filled her plate before speaking quietly to James. "Relax James, the lions are being fed, you should be safe until at least midnight!" James wasn't amused, but Sarah seemed to be. He decided to wait before having more than a salad. At the moment his stomach was still a bit queasy and the buffet stayed open until an hour after the New Year. They both took their time about getting ready to return to the table. Sarah seemed to be fairly calm, but James wasn't looking forward to facing all those stars again.

    Unfortunately it wasn't the actual officers he had to deal with this time. The spouses started asking questions and soon they wanted to hear the story about his Ironman run. Lt. General McBride finally had to tell the entire story. Once forced to it by Patricia he didn't spare any details either. After he was finished he had a good stiff drink and watched James closely. This time it was Catherine, Cathy, who spoke up into the silence. "Well, I can certainly understand why you seemed so nervous now James. That isn't something that will be forgotten, or unfortunately forgiven. I can also see why Sarah has taken such an interest in you. I will admit I was concerned that she might just have fallen for a good looking man acting like prince charming. But it seems like you are more the knight in shining armor type, although I don't think you like it when someone notices." Pat chimed in on that. "No, I don't think he likes it at all, but he still does what he believes is right. I can certainly understand why you reacted as you did too, Bill. I wasn't aware of any of this, but I seldom do hear any of the good gossip from you and I can see why nobody else mentioned this either. It must be very uncomfortable to have a young man willing to stand up against what he believes to be wrong with nothing more than his faith to back him."

   Lt. General McBride spoke up then. "Uncomfortable, but very much needed. Don't be too hard on your husband Patricia. I am on the way out. Bill is still on the way up and his niece is just starting. I placed James in Mach One to try and change things. Things have gone wrong at the Academy and in the Air Force as a whole. It is time for something to change.   I think it can be changed given some time and the right sort of push. I figured it was about time I did a little pushing before I left for good and Cooper seemed to be the perfect tool. If he can stand in Mach One, which he seems to be doing very well, I think Mach One will ease up. If that happens so will the rest of the Academy and over time the entire Air Force. Cooper may be a fine young man and future officer, but he has been given the equivalent of an armed nuclear bomb to disarm. If that isn't bad enough he has no training to deal with it and he must do it alone. Bill has a right to be concerned about Sarah becoming involved. I wouldn't have done this if I had thought Sarah would become involved."

    Sarah laughed. "You all need to chill out a little. I am perfectly capable of handling this and so is James. I don't believe you would have put him here if you didn't believe that too, sir. Why don't we just let all of this go for tonight and enjoy the party? Life is too short to worry about could be or should be all of the time." Then she turned to James and smiled. "You may be Cadet James Andrew Cooper, top in his class and Ironman extreme to them, but tonight you are just James Cooper, my date." James smiled and lifted his drink. "I can drink to that." They both did just that and then he added another comment. "Frankly I am a little confused by all of this. Everyone seems to be concerned about me and as far as I can tell I am no danger at all. Sarah you have proven to be far more dangerous in my opinion than I will ever be. I just thought you were a good Christian and friend. Tonight I find out that you have a Senator and the commander of the entire North American Air Force watching out over you... and people think I am a threat?"

    That finally did seem to loosen up things for good. Everyone was laughing when the food arrived. The conversations became much friendlier and stayed away from anything to do with the military or the Academy. Later they went into the area reserved for dancing and ringing in the New Year. Sarah and James danced a lot of dances and he did end up dancing with most of the women from the table too.   Actually there were very few dances that either Sarah or James weren't on the floor. The only way to avoid dancing was to move to another room and join one of the smaller parties. They did that quite often after realizing it was their only hope of escaping another dance. James soon figured out what 'plan' Sarah had, or at least he thought he did. She had made a point of telling anyone who he hadn't seen at the dinner about the time spent with her uncle and the others, although she was careful to not call her uncle anything except General Davis.

    It was soon clear that she intended to use that association to make everyone hesitate where James was concerned. Apparently even the folks who had no idea about the family connection she had were aware that she was under the eyes of General Davis. Now they would likely assume that James was also under his eyes. That would discourage anyone doing anything Davis might not like. The time passed faster than he had thought possible in a situation like this had been. He also had a lot more fun than he had expected. Sarah seemed to be glowing as the night progressed. Once General Davis even commented to James about that "I have to admit. I can't ever remember seeing Sarah this happy at a function. I haven't seen her smiling or laughing like this in years." He had grinned at James then. "Keep this up and I might even learn to like you... maybe!" As he started to walk away James heard him add another comment he wasn't sure he was meant to hear. "Her dad may be another matter though."

   As they gathered to watch the countdown Sarah leaned in close and whispered to James. "It is totally up to you... and it may cause you more trouble than you know. But I would like for you to kiss me at the stroke of midnight. I mean really kiss me... but only if you want too. I hope you do want to kiss me... I would like that very, very, much." She stayed there looking up at him and gave him a very shy smile as she blushed. James looked down at her unable to say anything. Lord she was beautiful and she wanted him to kiss her... to really kiss her. They were still looking at each other when he heard the crowd calling out the final countdown. James leaned down as she rose up on her tiptoes. She was barefoot and had been for some time. He did kiss her at the stroke of midnight and was still kissing her well after. They held that kiss long enough for most of the crowd to notice them... though they never noticed the crowd at all.

Chapter Six - part seven

    That indeed was just the beginning of a night James wouldn't soon forget. When they stepped inside, the room was full of people. James saw at least three generals, though none were in uniform, and more officers than he could count. They were all accompanied by women dressed in their finest as well. It was only a moment though before all eyes were on them. James had swept his hat off the minute they were in the door, but he still held it at his side. His other arm was around Sarah, just as hers was around him. The head of the AOG and his wife were greeting everyone as they came in the door. They both knew Sarah immediately, but until she introduced James they hadn't appeared to recognize him. Once she introduced him though, the man stiffened slightly. His wife just smiled and extended her hand as she spoke. "I am very pleased to meet you James. I have heard a great deal about you, but they never mentioned that you were so handsome. I heard that you were an Ironman and expected a tall, strong, guy, but you are very good looking too!" Smiling as he shook her hand James just blushed and said nothing. She just laughed and spoke to Sarah. "Oh my, he is precious! You better hang on tight tonight Sarah or you will lose him! You two make a stunning couple. Him in black with red accents and you in white with green, goodness you two look like a couple out of a story book! Well go on in and show him off! I can't wait for the real party to start!" Sarah did indeed lead James away, laughing softly while he shook his head and grinned back at her.

    They made a slow circuit of the room with Sarah doing most of the talking and James doing most of the blushing. The men seldom said much, but James did notice that a lot of their eyes lingered for a long time on Sarah, both coming and going. The women of the other hand couldn't seem to say enough. Unfortunately most of what they said seemed to be about James. Oh, they noticed Sarah too, but it was him and them as a couple that they talked about. They hadn't managed to make a complete circuit of the room before it was time to be seated. James had noticed a lot of the people were already drinking as they were circulating around the room, but Sarah had politely declined when offered wine and he did as well. They headed into the large area set up for dining and soon located their table. James swore very softly when he saw the other names on it. There were ten people to a table and James saw nothing but stars around their table except for them! There was a constellation of stars on the place markers around that one table. Sarah seemed quite pleased and not at all surprised.

    James quickly learned that the surprises had just begun for him this night. They were still standing by the table when they heard a voice behind them. "Is that Sarah Marie Baker I see at my table? It can't be! She is no angel and that girl sure looks like an angel." They turned to see who had spoken and were facing a group of people. James immediately came to attention. The first face he saw was Lt. General Michael L. McBride, superintendent of the Academy. That wasn't who had spoken though. That had been General William Jefferson Davis, current commander of the entire North American Air Force. He was a full four star and many said he would be the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, answering directly to the President. James also saw the Academy Commandant, Major General Mary Ann Stevens, and the dean, Brigadier General Mark H. Holmes. While he was aware of all of them it was General Davis who had his full attention.

    Sarah had burst into a huge smile and stepped forward to give him a big hug. In her heels she was as tall as he was. Once the hug was over she stepped back laughing. "Uncle Bill! You know I am a perfect angel. Why that is what you always called me!" Uncle Bill laughed right along with her and shaking his head looked her over carefully. "Goodness, you get more beautiful every time I see you. I still don't know how that brother of mine ever managed to have a daughter as pretty as you even with Jane's looks to help out. Of course I know where you got all of those brains." His wife laughed now as she spoke. "I don't know about the brains part, but she certainly got that hard head from your side of the family. Sarah, I must admit that for once my husband is right.  You are more beautiful each time I see you. Now who in the world is this handsome fellow with you? I want an introduction now and a dance later."

   James tried to stay calm, but he was well aware that all eyes were on him now. Sarah smiled brightly and stepped back to slip her arm around his waist and lean into him. "Aunt Pat, this is Cadet James Andrew Copper. He is one of the new cadets in Mach One. We often attend church together, after I beat him down all week. I believe you may have heard of him?" James saw 'Uncle Bill' stiffen immediately and the other generals all looked suddenly even more uncomfortable. Sarah continued without a care for any of that. "James, I believe you know most these officers. Allow me introduce you to the people with them according to the rank of their spouse. This is Patricia Davis, Margaret McBride, Robert Stevens, and Catherine Holmes." They each stepped up to shake his hand. The other two women said nothing, but Robert told Sarah he would take his dance with her when Patricia had James on the floor.

    After all of that everyone took their seats. James found himself between Sarah and Catherine. The seating effectively put James and Sarah directly across the table from the two highest ranking officers at the table. In fact, except for James and Sarah this table held only the highest ranking couples in the room. Once they were seated Sarah reached below the table to take his hand in hers. James looked over as she gave him a slight smile and much to his dismay a wink! Then she turned her full attention to Uncle Bill who was seated directly across the table from her. "So are you going to be silent all night or are you going to relax and have a good time?" James flinched in spite of himself. Was Sarah trying to pick a fight? Much to his surprise though, her question brought a chuckle from the man. But when he turned his eyes towards James there was no humor in them. He didn't say anything for a moment and then he looked back at Sarah and spoke. "Why don't you start the conversation by telling me how you came to be here with him? I am very curious as to how any Doolie managed to get your attention other than for a beat down and I know your dad will ask when I see him next week."

    Sarah just laughed and shaking her head began to reply. "Well, I first became aware of him for the same reason you know who he is. You have to admit his finish of the Ironman run would be hard for anyone to miss. Then when he was placed in Mach One he sort of became my responsibility. Add to that that he is a Christian in an anti-Christian environment and it is hard not to notice him." Then she smiled and leaned over against his shoulder. "Besides, he is the best looking Doolie on the Hill and don't I deserve the best." James immediately reacted to this. He pulled his hand free and quickly raised both in the universal sign of surrender while shaking his head. Sarah reacted to him with a hard shove, but he focused his eyes on the two men seated almost directly across from him as he spoke. "Sirs, I surrender and throw myself at your mercy! I swear that I didn't know she was related to you General Davis."

    Much to his surprise General Davis laughed. "Well, I don't doubt that son! Very few people do know about it, even at the Academy we try not to make it known. You can put your hands down now. I suspect you may need them to defend yourself from her. Have you made the other connection yet? I mean you do understand that you asked the daughter of Senator Davis, from Texas, to accompany you tonight?" James closed his eyes for a moment and then looked over at Sarah. She was blushing now and smiling back at his accusing look. James started to turn back and speak, but she beat him to it. "NO! As a matter of fact I doubt he did know Uncle Bill. But since it seems you are determined to convict him of his crimes, you should know that I asked him out! And before you start to question that, let me just tell you it is none of my father's business who I choose to date! I will tell you though. I asked him out because I like him and because I trust him."

    Sarah was looking at James as she said those last two things. She smiled and openly took his hand in her hand as she continued. "He has done nothing wrong. He has shown nothing but respect to everyone. He has earned the respect of most people who have enough intelligence to recognize an honorable man. I asked him to come, because he was invited and needed to come. He didn't deserve to face this alone. He has stood alone since the day he got here and I think he could have done it here too, but I couldn't let that happen. You and Dad can both relax. We aren't going to let this go too far. Even if I wanted it, he wouldn't allow it to happen for my sake. That is why I asked him. I want to offer him the same sort of friendship that he offers everyone. He doesn't do what he does for himself. He does it for those around him. You would have no clue about him, if he didn't offer to serve those around him. Leave it be Uncle Bill, we are friends not lovers." She was looking at her uncle at the end of that.

    It was Patricia who spoke next. "Enough of this from both of you, this young man was invited here as a guest. I assume that means he has earned suitable recognition to deserve better treatment than this. Now James don't you let my husband intimidate you. He can be a holy terror, but he is the fairest man I have ever known. He won't do anything to you that you don't deserve and most of the time you will deserve double what he does. James you have my apologies for them both. Now I think you can see what I meant about their hard heads." James managed a grateful smile and was glad that their server arrived to take drink orders. That took everyone's attention for a moment. Almost everyone ordered wine or mixed drinks. Sarah ordered a glass of white wine herself. James started to request water, but once more Patricia spoke up. "James if you want, they have beer available, several brands. I know that not all young men like wine and I suspect you hesitate to order anything stronger in this company."

    James smiled quickly. "Ma'am..." She cut him off. "Call me Pat." He grinned back. "Pat, I am not a beer drinker. Never cared for the taste unless it was very cold and I was very hot. I won't be drinking this evening, because Sarah asked me to drive." That brought an immediate reaction from General Davis. "She let you drive her car?! Hells bells!! She won't let anyone drive that car!" Sarah had gone beet red, but she spoke up quickly. "I told you that I trust him... and I meant it!!!" Patricia began to laugh and then looked at James. "Since I doubt that my husband will let you out of his sight before dawn now, why don't you order a drink with the men? I think you could use it and I know you have earned it!" James actually laughed. "Ma'am... Pat, I think I will!" Turning to the waiter he placed his order. "Bring me a whiskey sour and make it a double." He looked over at Pat and grinned as he added, "One for this year and one for the New Year!

Chapter Six - part six

   He had to send a reply to the invitation that night. The next day he spent with the Blake's. They couldn't believe that he had slipped back in so early. They were even more stunned when he had asked them for help. Susan Blake was thrilled at a chance to take one of her 'boys' out shopping. Even Richard seemed very pleased with the idea of James going to the AOG party with Sarah. They had been invited, most of the teaching staff was invited, but they had declined as they normally did. By the end of the day James had a sharp new outfit. It wasn't a formal dress suit, but it was much nicer than any of the casual clothes he had. It was more of a western cut outfit. It went well with the black boots he favored wearing when not in uniform or running shoes. It was a flat black, but with the white shirt with red buttons and a red and black string tie, it made his almost black hair look even darker and his eyes seemed to be even brighter. That was according to Susan Blake, but the girls at the shop seemed to be very pleased with it too. James just hoped it would look good enough for Sarah. He hadn't thought to ask her what she planned to wear. She had told him to dress nice, but not too formal. She had made it clear that she expected him to dress better than he did when he left the Hill most of the time. This was one of the few big events that cadets could attend without at least being in their dress blue uniforms.

    Sarah told him they would take her car, but she wanted him to meet her up at her room. The party would start with a nice dinner at 6:00PM and run until well after midnight. There would be a bar available, as well as music, and live entertainment. Some of the guests wouldn't come for the meal, but Sarah said it was well worth the hassle. They would have almost anything you wanted to eat, salad, steak, seafood, and more appetizers than he would believe possible. This wasn't a free party, AOG members and others who wanted to attend were out several hundred dollars a head for the party and twice that if they came to the dinner. Any cadets who came as invited guests only had to pay for any drinks they might want from the bar. The rest was paid for them. Sarah had told him that there would be several separate parties going on all at once after the initial meal was finished. Some of those were to be avoided if at all possible.  Depending on the people some parties got rather wild, while others stayed very mild. All in all, it was a night filled with all kinds of food, fun, and entertainment. You could have a great time or you could find yourself in a great deal of trouble too. It all depended on how responsible you were and what you wanted to get out of the night. You could definitely meet anyone and everyone that mattered around the Academy and even beyond it.

   James was to pick Sarah up just after 5:00 PM, so they would have time to stroll down to her car and arrive in time to visit just a bit before the meal.  A few more cadets had returned to the hill, but the majority of them were still gone. Those who had returned all knew about the 'date' tonight. When James came out of his room he was greeted by all sorts of cat calls and such. One of the girls in his class whistled softly as he walked up the hall and commented about how nice he cleaned up. His hair was almost too long, but he had decided to wait and cut it after tonight. It was just long enough to hold a part and it looked very black thanks to his outfit. He had polished his cowboy boots until they were as shiny as the cadre made him keep his shoes. He had also bought a new cowboy hat that he carried until outside. It was black felt with a silver headband and a small red feather on one side. He walked down the hall and turned towards Sarah's room. Every cadet in Mach One that was back, gathered around the front desk to wait and watch. There were several cadets from other squadrons waiting with them too. James had a feeling he was going to be hearing about this for a long time.

    He knocked on the door and waited. He got a shock when the door cracked open to reveal another two degree. It was the friend who had been Sarah's roommate. She smiled and informed him he could wait for Sarah at the desk. She would be out in just a few minutes. James never got a chance to say anything. The door was quickly shut in his face, so he headed back to the front desk. Showing back up alone brought a few more comments and jokes. He was still trying to take it all in good fun when everyone suddenly went silent. James turned around to see Sarah coming down the hall. She was dressed in a pure white dress that clung to her every curve. It had short sleeves and exposed just a bit of cleavage. It ended just below her knees and had long a long slit up one side or she wouldn't have been able to walk in it. She had on emerald green high heel shoes and a matching necklace. She also wore a pair of emerald green teardrop ear rings too. Her hair seemed to be shining and the jet black color was made even blacker by the white dress and green jewelry. As she came closer he noticed that there seemed to be green sparkles in that jet black hair too. She had a light green lace cover thrown over her shoulders that matched her bright green eyes and jewelry. Even her fingernails were done in emerald green with white tips.

    James could only stare at her. She wasn't just beautiful, she was stunning. As she came closer he saw that if he hadn't been wearing boots himself, that her heels would have made her as tall as he was. The top of her head was still almost level with his eyes. Normally she was just over shoulder high to him. She stopped just in front of him. There was a slight smile on her face. Thanks to the extreme contrast of white and green along with her black hair her eyes almost seemed to be glowing. James just stood there staring at her unable to even think. After a brief moment her face became radiant as she truly smiled at him for the first time. She even laughed before she spoke. "Well, I was hoping for a comment about my dress, but I think that look will do. Yes, I think it will do just fine. Shall we go?" She stepped over and took his arm, as she moved the green clutch purse she carried to her other hand. James couldn't say anything. He just nodded his head and started down the hall. Nobody was saying anything. As they walked past the cadets gathered in the hallway, James became aware of the stunned looks on their faces for the first time. At least he wasn't the only one too stunned to speak.

   Only after they were near the building exit did he finally manage to speak at all. "Ma'am, I don't know what to say. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. I feel like a total fool. I mean I have no business even being in the same room with you, much less on a date. You absolutely take my breath away." He had stopped and turned to face her as he spoke. Sarah blushed and dropped her eyes for a moment. When she looked back up there was a soft smile on her face and to James she looked even more beautiful. "Well 'Cowboy', you don't look so bad either. I thought I would be able to look you right in the eye tonight, but I think I like this better after all." Then she reached into her purse and pulled out her keys. "Why don't you go bring the car to pick me up? I don't want to attempt walking on snowy parking lots, not to mention I am not dressed to be out in the cold. James took her keys and made a quick run out to get her car. She had an old mustang of all things. It was even one of the limited edition Cobras. It was emerald green too, just like her eyes.

  When he pulled up and helped her into the car he felt his heart skip a few more beats. That slit in her dress showed way more leg than he had expected her to show. She really was gorgeous tonight, a drop dead knockout. As they started driving towards the AOG building Sarah began to talk again. "Look, I think maybe we need to get some stuff straight before we get there. First, tonight I am not Ma'am. My name is Sarah. Remember that. I am not a Senior Master Sergeant and I am not a Ma'am. Tonight I am just Sarah. Do you think you can remember that...James?" He grinned and nodded before he spoke. "Actually I think maybe that will be easier on me. I mean when I look at you I sure don't see you like a Senior Master Sergeant or even a Ma'am." He blushed again and laughed. "All I can see is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Sarah, I swear you get more beautiful every time I look at you. You are going to be the center of attention tonight. I don't think they will even notice me!"

    Sarah laughed and reached over to squeeze his shoulder as she spoke. "Oh you might be surprised by what they will notice, but thanks. I was trying to make an impression on you tonight. I think I can call that a success at least. But that was just a part of my plans for the evening." She tilted her head and looked him up and down for a moment before smiling as she continued. "I think maybe you have done more than you realize to help me with the rest of my plans. I swear I didn't think you could possibly look as good out of uniform as you do in it, but you look even better tonight. I thought I was going to faint when you turned around in front of the desk." Now she blushed. She hadn't meant to share that!

   After a brief moment she managed to go on. "Anyway you look perfect, tall and handsome, but a little shy and easily embarrassed. Dark headed with the most amazing eyes. You will turn every woman's head tonight. Just remember, this isn't an official function. Show respect to all of the superior officers and even the cadets, but never let another cadet treat you like a cadet. Not in the AOG building at least. Just follow my lead and trust your instincts. If they try to push you, back away if you can. If they try to pull you into something, just stand firm and don't fall into their games. I can't tell you everything or it will spoil my plan, but just trust me. Tonight we really are out on a date and we can actually have a lot of fun. The rest of my plan will all depend on who does what and when. Just relax and have a good time. James, I want us to enjoy tonight as friends no matter what else happens." James smiled a genuine smile for the first time since he had started getting dressed this evening. "Sarah, if I just drove you there and waited in the car for you I would be delighted. If you are on my arm all evening I can't imagine not enjoying every second of it!" Sarah just laughed as she watched him. If he kept smiling like that she could end up in a fight over him with half the women there tonight; including some of the married ones!

    They arrived and pulled up to the main entrance. They were greeted by valet parking attendants. As James escorted Sarah inside, he heard one of them whispering to another. "Man oh man, would I like to take her to a party!" The other valet commented back in a sharper tone. "Watch it, airman! I recognize her and she will be an officer soon. You let her hear what you said and you will never go to a party again!" Sarah stopped short and turned her head to look at the pair. She was smiling as she spoke to the stunned duo. "Actually I did hear him. Officers are required to have eyes and ears in the back of their heads." Tilting her head just a bit she studied the airman for a moment. "Airman, you couldn't handle me at a party, but thanks for wanting to try! Have a Happy New Year. Sergeant Davis, thanks for looking out for me, I recognized you too!" Laughing at the stunned looks from the duo as well as the other valets, she started walking with James again. James was laughing too. It looked like tonight really was going to be a blast.

Chapter Six - part five

    It was a formal invitation for him to attend a New Years Eve party. The party was being held at the AOG building. It was being put on by the AOG, Association of Graduates. It wasn't unheard of for cadets to be invited, but they were normally Firstees or maybe a few of those who would soon be moving up as Firstees. James didn't know what to make of it. How could they have asked him to attend a function where he would stick out no matter what he did? Was this just one more effort to put him into a place he couldn't get out of in one piece? He was one of only a few cadets who were back in time for it, but that wouldn't make it any easier. As he headed back to his room he tried to sort this latest surprise out in his mind. He had another shock when he returned to his hallway. There was another message waiting for him. He was to report to the Senior Master Sergeant Baker, A.S.A.P., concerning an important matter. Now what did Sarah want with him? It was an official summons, so he dropped his gear and headed directly to her room. That should be where she was, since she had already signed in for the day.

    He knocked and waited for a response. He was shocked again when she opened the door and smiled at him. She wasn't in uniform. She was in a tee shirt and from what he could tell not much more. She had a private room, so she could dress very casual with no issues at all. James felt the heat rising in his cheeks even before he heard her laughter. She left the door open and told him to come in. She walked back in and took a seat on her bed. That left a nice desk chair for him, but James stayed on his feet. Sarah just grinned, but said nothing about that. Instead she went straight to the point. "Have you stopped by to pick up your mail yet?" When he nodded she just smiled as she spoke. "Good, I won't have to catch you if you faint. I assume you have read the invitation and are wondering what is going on." Again a nod was his only response. He wasn't sure he could have spoken if he wanted too. It was bad enough trying to adjust to the invitation, but her sitting there in just a black tee shirt was too much. James was trying very hard not to look too closely or think too much.

    Sarah proceeded as if she was unaware of his discomfort. "Well it seems that you are still the center of attention for a lot of people. I was given a heads up that you would be invited. You are one of the very rare and very few four degrees who ever managed to get the supers pin. Between the Ironman run and nailing that pin you have a lot of AOG folks curious. The only way they can get a good look at you is for you to attend this party. Listen Cooper, you have to show up. And once you do show up, you have to stick it out. I wish I could tell you it will be easy, but it won't be easy. I got to go last year as third degree cadet, but that was as a guest of a Firstee." She hesitated. "I was thinking that maybe you could go as my date; you know to sort of take the focus off of you being a newbie. What do you say, Cooper?"

    Now James did sit down. How many more surprises would he have to deal with? She had just asked him to be her date. He sat there just staring at her in stunned silence. What was he going to say? What should he say? Darn it, she was one of his superiors. She would be a firstee next year and word was that she might get the top spot in Mach One. Could he be her date? What would the officers think of that? Oh no, what would the other cadets think? What was worse, what would they do because of it?  James dropped his head into his hands and began to groan. Why him? Why did he have to deal with all of these constant problems? Something hit him in the head and it hurt! He yelled and began rubbing his head as he looked up in shock for the source of his sudden pain.

    Sarah wasn't sitting down anymore. She was standing up and she was pissed. If looks could kill, then he was as good as buried. He dropped his eyes and saw the textbook that was lying on the floor. Dang, she could have knocked him out with that! He looked back up just in time to dodge another. Sarah was really pissed. He didn't think he had ever seen her look that mad before, and he had seen her plenty mad over some of the stunts the Doolies had pulled in Mach One. He had felt her wrath then too, but nothing like this. As he prepared to dodge again if needed she began to speak. She wasn't yelling, but her voice was loud and clear, because she was still very pissed. "Well, excuse the heck out of me! I didn't realize that going out as my date would be such a horrible thing! I thought I was a decent looking girl! I thought you might enjoy my company! Well fine with me, if you want to face them on your own, well just go for it... Ironman! I hope they roast you alive! I thought we were friends, but I guess I was very wrong!"

    James was staring at her with his mouth hanging open. Oh wow! He had really screwed things up now! A light knock made them both look at the door. The cadet who had been manning the desk was there, looking very nervous.  "Is everything alright in here? I thought I heard someone yell... in pain?" Sarah glared at him as she spoke. "Unless you are looking for some pain of your own I suggest you get out!" TT The cadet snapped to attention as he gave a quick reply and disappeared without giving James a second glance. "MA'AM, YES MA'AM!" He was gone just that quick. Sarah turned her attention back to James, but that brief interruption had been just enough time. James held both his hands up in surrender and slowly came to his feet trying to look as helpless as he could. Standing with his hands still held up in front of him he managed a half smile.

    "Please listen, I didn't mean it like that at all. I just wasn't expecting anything like this when I got back here. I thought I would have a couple of days to just unwind and not be on full alert before everyone got back. Just let me live long enough to explain. Then I promise, I won't even yell if you decide to kill me. And Joe will bury the body for you, no questions asked.” Joe was the third degree who was at the desk. He might well be the only other cadet in Mach One at the moment, and he had been terrified when he left after checking on them. Sarah relaxed just a bit, but only a bit. She was still tense and clearly still pissed in a major way. James tried to compose himself before he started to speak again, but he kept his hands up... just in case. As he tried to find the right words he couldn't keep from grinning just a little. Sarah was a very good looking young woman. He had known that before, but now he realized that she was beyond that, far beyond. She was absolutely beautiful. Standing there in that black tee-shirt with her arms folded under her breasts she was stunning. The shirt just barely covered her bottom. It was well worn and snug with her arms folded against herself. James was pretty certain that was all she had on too!

   "Look, I think maybe we need to try this all over. My reaction had nothing to do with you, well not the way you were thinking. I mean, oh, I don't know what I mean. All I could think about was what kind of a mess everything else would be. I wasn't thinking about being your date at all. I can't even imagine that. Sarah you are just so far beyond me that I just never thought... well I thought, but I. Dang it! Sarah you have had my head screwed up since the first time you spoke to me at the Chapel. I can't think straight unless I just focus on you being Senior Master Sergeant Baker. If I even start to really look at you... darn it! I am doing it now. I can't think. I can't even talk. I am helpless! The idea of going on a date with you would be great, but what would it cost?" Sarah had been starting to relax, but the last question had made her start to stiffen up and get red again. James quickly stepped forward. "Wait! Please wait! I didn't mean it like that! Sarah, I am just afraid of getting you involved. It is bad enough when I have to take their abuse, but I don't want you involved in it. Look I really like you... a lot; maybe too much. I mean you are my superior and I know the rules, but when I am around you..." He just stopped. She was starting to smile.

    Sarah stepped even closer to James and rose up on her tiptoes so that she was almost able to look into his eyes. She wasn't smiling, but she wasn't glaring at him anymore either. "Cooper... I may be your superior, but in case you haven't noticed I am a woman too." Then she did grin and he saw something in her eyes that made his heart skip a few beats. She dropped back onto her bare feet and stepped back, spreading her arms as she did. She turned slowly around as she spoke in a much softer voice to him. "Look at me Cooper. Don't I look like a woman to you? Don't you like what you see?" She stopped facing him once again. He wasn't sure what to say to her. He wasn't sure he could talk. Finally she started to laugh and shook her head at him in amusement. She took her seat on the bed again before she stopped laughing. Then she just sat watching him for a minute. After he managed to sit down again she spoke very softly.

    "Cooper, why do you think I was waiting for you... dressed like this?" She spread her hands and looked down at herself. "I like you way too much and I know that. I am your superior and I wish I wasn't. Cooper, do you really think I would let just anybody in my room when I am half dressed? I wanted you to notice me. I wanted you to look." She giggled and looked away. She was as red as he was now. "I don't know what it will cost for you to be my date, but I honestly don't care. I haven't been out on a real date for three years. Oh, I have gone out. I have even slapped a few faces, but I haven't been on a real date since I came here. This won't be a real date either, not like that anyway. I just thought maybe it would be easier on you and fun for us to try. I still think it would be fun. I don't know what I feel about you, but I feel something. I think maybe you feel it too. I just thought this might be a chance for us to try out dating. You know without any strings, attachments, or even expectations, just two friends out for an evening together. Can you handle that or is that too much to ask?"

    James let out a long sigh and nodded his head in relief. Then he grinned as he spoke. "Yeah, I think I can handle that." Then he laughed. "But jeez, you didn't have to do this. Sarah, I have to work, to not look at you, even in your uniform. Now, I don't think I will be able to even try to do that. I sure don't want to do that." He shook his head again. "If you wanted me to look at you then you sure are getting what you want. I will never be able to get you out of my head now... not that I want too! I mean... oh heck, here I go again." He dropped his head and blushed even more. If he didn't shut up he was going to tell her what he was really thinking about and... It would be best if he just shut up!

    Sarah had gone through several shades of red herself, while he was talking. She had to make herself remain seated and not pull the blanket over her legs. She could have told him that it was a combination of desperation and determination that had driven her to this. There had been plenty of attention from other cadets her first year. In fact she had been forced to beat the crap out of more than one cadre who didn't understand the word 'NO'. She had finally resorted to rooming with another girl and letting it be known that they were a couple, though they weren't at all. This year had been the first year she hadn't had her as a roommate. She was still in Mach One and they still went out together sometimes. It made life easier for both of them. The problem cadets were so thick headed they hadn't figured out the trick. The rest had and respected it. James was another matter entirely. He had gotten her attention, but the more time she spent around him the worse it had become for her. She couldn't help giggling as she thought about it. What would he have done if she had done what she had thought about doing? She had considered just wrapping a wet towel around her to answer the door. The only thing that had stopped her was all of her towels were either too big to show enough or too small to hide enough!

    She managed to regain her composure and they worked out the details for them attending the party. That was the longest ten minutes of her life. By the time James had left he was back to giving formal answers, starting and ending with ma'am, but there was nothing formal about the way he looked at her. Sarah wasn't sure how this was going to work out, but she knew one thing for certain. She liked the way he was looking at her. She hadn't been sure he would be interested, but now she suspected that he was more than interested. The best part of it was she was reasonably sure that he had been that way before she did this. She couldn't be 100% sure that he would be what she thought he was, but she just couldn't believe he would be like some of the other macho butts that had tried to show her what she was missing. James was still a question mark to her in many areas. He was very reserved and seldom revealed much about what was going on inside. If she was right about the way he had been looking at her, well maybe this would be a happy New Year after all.

A thought I can't shake

    This is a little something that was stuck in my head this morning when I woke up. I decided to write it down and share it. It isn't polished or finished, it is just what was on my mind this morning. I hope it sticks in your mind and makes you think about the road you travel.

        The Road We Travel

  As humans many people say that we all follow different paths towards the same final destination. I think it is more like a road that we are following than a path. Christians all travel the same road; to be more specific I think it is more like a superhighway that we, as Christians, are all on. I think that superhighway does indeed have many different lanes that we can choose to take, but they are all going the same way. Some move faster and some slower, some have obstacles in them and some are wide open. I suspect that some are closed part of the time or open to just selected people, but they are all still part of the same road. As long as we stay on that road it will eventually take us all to the same destination. But like all the major roads we travel, it isn't a direct non-stop route. There are times when we will have to or need to get off that main road.  Sometimes it may be a stop to refuel or rest. Sometimes it may be a need to stop for repairs. There may be another reason though that makes us get off the main road. We may think we are lost. We may decide that we need to stop and look for directions.

   Those last two reasons can be a real challenge for us and a real danger to us. If we are in need of repairs it can be very hard to find a reliable place to get the work done and even harder to find the right parts. But as difficult as that can be, I think the greatest danger comes when we think we are lost. Once you get off that main road it is much easier to really get lost. It can also be much harder to get back on the main road than we expected it to be. You are also looking for directions and the only place you can get them is from strangers or road maps. A good road map can be a real help and get you back on the right road again. But far too often we don't take the time to find a map. We just stop along the way and ask a stranger where we need to go. Maybe they will get us back on the road and heading the right way again, but maybe they won't. They might give us directions that require us to take a different road. That will probably be a better or shorter route to our destination according to them.

   That is the greatest danger of all. There is only one road that leads Christians to their final destination. That destination is home with the Lord. As you travel the road remember that. There are much prettier and easier roads available that we can travel. Some will be more popular and seem faster and better too. But there is only one road that leads home. It may not be the easiest or the prettiest all the time, but it is the most direct. Stay on the main road and if you start feeling lost look for the road signs. They are out there, but we often miss them. You can also try asking and listening for directions. Just don't trust a stranger who tries to get you to take a different road. Stay on the main road and trust in the Lord.

Chapter Six - part four

     The next few weeks were interesting to say the least. James spent a lot of his 'free time' in some sort of extra training. Some of it was the normal course of business for the new Doolies every year in every squadron. That couldn't be said for all of it though. He often found himself being 'beat down' as they referred to some of the more severe after hours training with a little extra attention to him personally. In some ways that wasn't so bad. A lot of the other Doolies in the squadron saw what was going on and they were slowly beginning to start trying to support James. Parents Weekend came and went without anyone coming out to see James. That had been a fight he had settled before he left home. He wanted to spend the first year without any distractions. Mom hated it, but she had given in when Dad asked her to 'leave the boy be.'  He had spent a long time on the phone with them though. He also agreed to stay in touch more often and took his phone back to the hill with him. James didn't often leave the Academy, even after the big events during the Parent's Weekend. The Blake's tried to get him away as often as they could, but he had other things to do. One of those things was spending time with Sarah.

    James would have liked to say that was due to his need for help working past all the issues he faced as a Christian, but that wasn't all it was. She had a lot more information about what and who to watch than he could have figured out in months, but he also just liked her company. They both sort of danced around it, but he was fairly certain she enjoyed spending time with him too. Her being one of the upperclassmen and on squadron staff made it even touchier for them to be together without breaking rules. The one thing that made it possible was her helping him to learn the ins and outs of functioning in the military. James couldn't earn the superintendents pin without knowing the military inside and out. Sarah was able to teach him the proper ways to approach most things and she was also able to get him noticed for the right reasons, instead of only the wrong reasons. He wasn't sure if the time he spent with her helped or hurt his relationships with some of the more anti-Christian uppers. H H   He just knew it was something he needed to do as well as something he wanted to do. It helped that she had made it clear that due to her rank and seniority she would have no problems from associating with him, like other cadets might have.

    James spent every minute he could manage working at his classes. The academic part of things was one area that he knew how to handle. There were still more than a few clashes in his classes though. Some came from other students. Those were mostly in the required military classes, but the greatest numbers of the conflicts were with professors. James was finding out that a large number of them were very anti-religion in general and almost totally against Christianity. That caused him more than a few issues in their classes, but he managed to make it work. He wouldn't have been able to do that alone though. At first he wasn't aware of it, but after a few problems with his professors just suddenly disappeared he became curious. He finally just asked one of the professors out right, what had changed. The answer wasn't one he particularly liked. After a little thought and a long talk with Sarah while they ran together he decided to leave it alone though. The solution to the problems was coming directly from the Superintendent's office.  Colonel Roberts was the one actually stepping in to resolve things, but the professors and James knew where it all started from.

   Another thing that he suspected resolved a few issues for him was due to something he had never considered. Specifically it was the interest of the track coach and even the basketball coach in James joining their teams. James had managed to put them both off for the year. Even so, they seemed to be putting the word out that he wasn't to be troubled without good cause. James had his suspicions about the track coach, due to his Ironman finish. The interest of the basketball coach had him stumped until the first time he saw Jeremy after he was approached. It seemed that James had a high school coach who still thought he needed to use his talents. He had called the track coach and he might have mentioned something about basketball too. At first James had been upset, but over time he actually realized he should be grateful. He wasn't sure he wanted to be on the teams, but that possibility had made it a lot less uncomfortable for him. If it helped get him past this first year that would be enough for him to owe Coach a big thanks when he got back home.

    James made it home for Christmas. That was a packed week of time for him. He hadn't realized how much he had missed everyone until he actually started home. He hated to sleep once he got home. Every minute he slept was another minute he didn't get to spend with his family and friends. He did have a few surprises when he got home though. The first had been seeing his sisters pregnant. There was no hiding it now! The second had been Pam. They had really enjoyed seeing each other, but they both quickly knew that things were different. They had gone out several times before they found the courage to talk about things to each other. Pam still wasn't sure what she wanted to do with her life, but she didn't think she wanted to be involved with the military. James knew what he wanted to do now, but that meant a lifetime in military service. They were still close and truly enjoyed their time together, but now it was as friends, very close friends, but just friends.

    The biggest surprise had been the time he spent with his dad. They had spent time each morning tending the stock together and talking. His dad had seemed to know more about things than James had believed possible. That and James could talk to him about things, things that he could talk to nobody else about. They had talked about the issues James faced for being Christian. They talked about his clashes with other cadets and even the professors because of it. The biggest shock had come when his dad had asked him about Sarah. He hadn't named her, but he had asked James about the girl in his life. James had tried to laugh it off, but his dad had just smiled and stood there waiting for him to answer. James had finally admitted that there was a girl who had his interest. Before that talk was over James knew more about his feelings for and his relationship with Sarah than he had thought he knew. How his dad had known about her and known what questions to ask, James would never know. He just knew that when he got back to the Academy he needed to have a serious talk with Sarah to find out if she felt anything like he did.

   The only major problem he had to face while at home was when he told them about the Ironman run. He tried to play it down, but that was a no go. It seemed that Jackie had found out about it and knew all of the details. She had found out after the fact, but she was still well aware of things. James spent a couple of hours explaining what and why and trying to get them all calmed down. The only good thing about it was that everyone was madder at Jackie than they were at him for not telling them about it when she had found out. James was reasonably sure his mom would have tried to paddle them both if Jackie hadn't been about to pop. He would have kicked her butt himself if she hadn't been pregnant and hadn't pointed out to him that she wasn't the one that mentioned it first. That had resulted in two long 'talks', one with each of his parents, before he left. After it was all done he decided it was a good thing they hadn't found out sooner. He doubted they would have settled for anything less than actually seeing him in person if they had found out.

     Another major surprise had come when it was time for him to go. He had expected it to be a lot harder than it was. It hadn't been easy. This time his mom had cried and she wasn't alone. There was nothing like watching your mom and pregnant sisters crying to lift your spirits. He was ready to leave In spite of all of that though. The real shocker had been when he figured out that he was looking forward to getting back home. The Academy had seemed like anything but home to him when he was there. Now he realized that it had become home to him in spite of all the problems. He didn't quite understand what had happened to change things, but things had definitely changed for him. Home was now on the Hill and as much as he hated to admit it, so was his family. He missed the cadets, his classes, and even the beat downs after classes were over. It seemed that life was full of surprises and changes. Some he had expected and some he hadn't, but expected or not they were a part of his life now. He thought his surprises were over when he arrived back at the Academy. The invitation waiting for him in his mailbox proved just how wrong he could still be.