Alive and Alone by W. R. Benton Page B

approximately thirty to forty years old with severe trauma to his head.  There are signs of the kid, because the doctor’s head is covered and the inside of the aircraft has been searched well.  Do you want me to move out a bit and look for him?”
    “Affirmative, Angel One, take a look around.  In the mean time I’m going to pull up a bit and get out of this wind.”
    “Copy Save One, understand you’re going up.  I’ll contact you when I find the boy.  Angel One out.”
    “Center, this is Save One, we have a PJ on the ground and he has confirmed one fatality and it’s Doctor Wade.  Repeat, the doctor did not make it.  He’s found signs of a survivor and he is looking for him now.  The survivor must be David Wade.  I repeat, Doctor Wade did not make it, but there is one survivor on the ground. Please confirm the tail numbers of Wade’s aircraft, Oscar, Charlie, one, six, three, niner, seven.”
    “Roger on the tail number, Save One.  Oscar, Charlie, one, six, three, niner, seven,” Center replied a few seconds later.
    Colonel Wilcox took the news of James Wade’s death like a blow to the pit of his stomach.  He sat down next to the sergeant, closed his eyes and said in a low voice, “Please God, let David be alright.”
    The sergeant beside him quickly turned and asked, “What was that sir?”
    “Nothing sergeant, just a little prayer is all.  There is a young boy on the ground alone and I hope we got to him in time.”
    “Save one, Angel One.”  Sergeant Banks radioed ten minutes later.
    “Go Angel One.”  Zlotkowski quickly replied.
    “I have found signs the boy survived the crash without serious injury, but it’s confusing to say the least.  I have a burnt up shelter, a big piece of melted plastic, a moose carcass, and some other signs that he has been in the area.  I have not found the missing boy yet.”
    “Roger, I understand you have signs of the boy surviving but you have not located him yet. Is that correct Angel One?”
    “Affirmative, Save One, the survivor has not been located as of this time.”
     Zlotkowski spoke into his mic as he moved around to get more comfortable in his seat, “Center, Save One, we have found signs the passenger of the plane survived.  Angel One is still on the ground searching for him now.  Our Poppa Juliet sees no evidence the boy is injured.”
    “Copy Save One, understand you have found signs of a young survivor, keep us posted.”
    Wilcox glanced at his watch and hoped the P.J. would find David Wade before he had to call off the mission.  He was nearing the end of his mission window for the rescue and it would break his heart to have to call the crew home without the boy.
    “Colonel Wilcox, weather is on line one for you sir.”  A young female Airman First Class announced from her console.
    Frank picked up the phone and punched the lit up button on the phone, “Colonel Wilcox.”
    “Colonel, Captain Johnston here.  We are going to have to close your window a little early.  Another front has developed and will hit within the hour.  It developed suddenly over Russia and looks to be another huge blizzard headed our way.  I’m sorry sir.”
    Colonel Wilcox groaned, hung up the phone, and turned to the sergeant at the radio console as he said, “Inform Save One, to remove the doctors body and return to base.  We have a bad front due to hit in about an hour.”  The colonel knew if the crew left now the flight would be close and after spending time to remove Jim’s body, they would have to fly part of the return in a blizzard.  Only, he didn’t want them to return to base empty handed.
    The orders were relayed to the helicopter and a few minutes of silence filled the room until finally they all heard, “Say again Center.”
    “You are to remove the fatality and return to base immediately.  Copy Save One?”
    “Uh, Copy Center, we are to remove the fatality and return to base.”  As Captain Zlotkowski spoke, he slowly shook