Why had god made a night this dark? Outside of the cockpit, the black night absorbed all light. It gave nothing in return, not even a trace of the horizon. Inside, the dim red instrument light (red light doesn’t overwhelm the rods in your eyes, allowing you to maintain night vision) only hinted at the crucial data those instruments told. Enough to see a pattern, not enough to read anything. Turning my head to look around, the tacky sweat stuck to my neck. This sweat wasn’t from the heat – it was a chilly 55 degrees outside. No, this was from fear. There was nothing worse than night operations on a moonless night, hundreds of miles from land.
Storytelling is a kind of mission in itself, and you completed this one perfectly. I'm struck by that comment from your boss, "I trust you." You've also been entrusted it seems with sharing some remarkable life experiences. It's such a pleasure to watch you deliver them so competently.
Rick, I'm so grateful, both for your help and for your support. You saw the shitty first and second drafts, so it means even more that you like what it became.
Incredible, Latham! This is why I perked up when you mentioned fiction — you have a gift of writing such visceral description. Edge of my seat every time!
Great piece Latham. I have to say, the exoticism of the material is compelling in itself, it’s an environment rarely seen or heard of--and, your writing is good.
I was confused for a moment by “Flights don’t just cancel right before launch,” thinking that you meant flights don’t *only* cancel right before launch... upon re-reading, of course I got what you mean, that flights don’t usually get cancelled in the moments before takeoff...
One thing I didn't add is that cancelling night flights at all is sacrilegious. Pilots need a night landing every 7th day to stay current. So we design an entire week's flight schedule around keeping every pilot in that window. So when this flight got canceled, it was even more shocking. That detail was too much to weave into this piece.
And I hope you like part 2 just as much. It's going to take me a few weeks to write, just like this one did. But I think it's equally as thrilling of a story.
Thank you Julie. They're fun to write. I tried writing about them in the very first piece I ever published, but I didn't yet have the skill to capture the experience. It's fun seeing my craft improve through such a specific aspect of my life. I'm glad you like it and grateful you're here.
I too was hooked with all the sensory details you shared. I was living in Japan at the time, Camp Foster/Okinawa. Thankfully, far enough away. I have several military clients greatly impacted by the earthquake/tsunami/aftermath.
Thank you Karen. We may have crossed paths. After Operation Toodachi, the first post call we made was into Okinawa. That was a long time ago and another life away. I'm glad the tsunami and later disaster didn't impact you. And i hope your clients are healthy in the aftermath of those days.
Storytelling is a kind of mission in itself, and you completed this one perfectly. I'm struck by that comment from your boss, "I trust you." You've also been entrusted it seems with sharing some remarkable life experiences. It's such a pleasure to watch you deliver them so competently.
Rick, I'm so grateful, both for your help and for your support. You saw the shitty first and second drafts, so it means even more that you like what it became.
Incredible, Latham! This is why I perked up when you mentioned fiction — you have a gift of writing such visceral description. Edge of my seat every time!
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I'm so grateful that you like it.
I'm excited to start playing with fiction. And excited to support each other as you develop Bonesick
Me too, me too!!
Great piece Latham. I have to say, the exoticism of the material is compelling in itself, it’s an environment rarely seen or heard of--and, your writing is good.
I was confused for a moment by “Flights don’t just cancel right before launch,” thinking that you meant flights don’t *only* cancel right before launch... upon re-reading, of course I got what you mean, that flights don’t usually get cancelled in the moments before takeoff...
Cheers!
Thank you Bowen.
One thing I didn't add is that cancelling night flights at all is sacrilegious. Pilots need a night landing every 7th day to stay current. So we design an entire week's flight schedule around keeping every pilot in that window. So when this flight got canceled, it was even more shocking. That detail was too much to weave into this piece.
And I hope you like part 2 just as much. It's going to take me a few weeks to write, just like this one did. But I think it's equally as thrilling of a story.
What an incredible story. And the unexpected turn it takes. So well told, Latham.
Thank you Alissa. I'm grateful you liked it. It was a wild night that began a crazy month of my life.
I loved the quality of this writing. Thanks for sharing this experience so vividly. I'm looking forward to future posts.
Thank you Renato. I'm grateful you like it.
This is riveting. The sensory details of a carrier launch are a great hook.
Thank you Julie. They're fun to write. I tried writing about them in the very first piece I ever published, but I didn't yet have the skill to capture the experience. It's fun seeing my craft improve through such a specific aspect of my life. I'm glad you like it and grateful you're here.
This is exciting stuff, man. Really looking forward to more.
Thank you Ryan. I'm glad you like it. It was good to reflect upon as I wrote it
I too was hooked with all the sensory details you shared. I was living in Japan at the time, Camp Foster/Okinawa. Thankfully, far enough away. I have several military clients greatly impacted by the earthquake/tsunami/aftermath.
Thank you Karen. We may have crossed paths. After Operation Toodachi, the first post call we made was into Okinawa. That was a long time ago and another life away. I'm glad the tsunami and later disaster didn't impact you. And i hope your clients are healthy in the aftermath of those days.