Page 190 - Demo

2030-JONE
XXI Strike Prep
The weather report called for sunny and clear skies with a scarce chance of rain. As several men in the field drew tape and stapled it to the earth, a solitary individual placed fab- ric in the center to make the target area complete. An eastward glance disclosed sparse clouds with a giant center cloud moving west. The top of the cloud assumed the familiar mushroom shape both ominous and magnificent to the onlookers. From the west, at three thousand feet, a helicopter flew on an intercept course.
“Seige,” the pilot called, “you had better have a look at this.”
Seige, busy giving the parachutist standby hand and arm signals turned to look toward his rear.
“What the . . . Is that dangerous?” he asked.
“It looks like a thunderhead,” the pilot concluded, “but ac- cording to the reports we have been getting, there’s supposed to be clear skies. I’m not even gonna attempt explaining this.”
“Is it dangerous?” Seige queried further.
“I don’t think so, although it could be. I figure the only haz- ard you might have depending on when you jump is going through it, which is not likely.”
“We had better make this first pass a good one otherwise we’ll be going through it.
“Are you about ready for the wind streamer drop?” asked the pilot.
“We’re lining up for it now, Seige disclosed. “Here we go.”