The Monster in the Machine

The Monster in the Machine

The engine was squirrelly and Thomas felt it too late. His P-51 suddenly rattled like a coffee can full of rocks and was slow to lift off, pulling up hard from the runway. The problem was, he was already committed to the climb as the wind grabbed his wings, boosting him skyward.

Banking around, he nosed back toward the airport, knowing full well he’d be no good in a fight with a crippled aircraft. “Control, this is Captain Bennet, I’ve got a gremlin or something. I’m bringing her back in, over.”

“Roger. You’re clear to land, over.”

Then, his fighter jolted violently, dropping suddenly before correcting itself again. “Man, I hope I can make it,” he declared to himself, banking the fighter as best he could. The stick fought him all the way and smoke poured from the exhausts, blanketing the cockpit window. “Damn!”

With two hands on the control he fought with every bit of his strength as the plane jolted and plunged and shuddered. “C’mon baby, you can make it!” he shouted, approaching the runway and struggling against the engine failure that meant to pull him from the sky. The ground came up too fast and he pulled back hard, hitting the tarmac with a solid clunk. Thomas finally took a first relieved breath.

Maneuvering back toward the hanger, his engine quit altogether, but at least he was on solid ground. Gathering his wits, he jumped from the cockpit and threw the engine cover open, jumping back immediately. He pulled his sidearm as the little green creature scampered from the engine compartment and disappeared with a screech into the brush. Stunned, he turned back to survey the damage, which was extensive, the engine completely destroyed. He was lucky to be alive. “Goddam gremlins!”

296 words