Page 191 - Demo

190 JAGGEDEDGE
The wind streamers were dropped, and the helicopter turned giving the jumpers a good look at the colossal shape in the sky. Seige could see a few of his jumpers trying to control their visible anxiety. He said nothing. As the helicopter turned on its final jump approach, he closed his eyes, slid off his headset, and said a silent prayer for his men, his family, and the cost of what had to be done. He looked up after receiving a tap on the shoulder.
“Two minutes, then start your jump commands,” the crew chief directed. “We’re closing in on the drop zone.”
Observing his men, Seige quickly exchanged the headset for his kevlar. He understood them very well. Like juggernauts, they would continue on and on saying goodbye to buddies as they danced on the jagged edge.
“They will do just fine,” he decided.
“Get ready,” he announced, giving the first jump command bringing everyone back from the twilight zone. He continued through the jump sequence until each jumper was standing by. The helicopter now dwarfed by the cloud continued on its course.
Then he gave the last command.
“Go!”
All jumpers departed the aircraft as Seige pointed to them.
He turned and gave the pilot and crew chief a smile and thumbs up. The crew chief moved past Seige’s seat to get a better look at the jumpers falling through space under the craft as the team just missed the cloud.
“Damn lucky suckers,” Brock thought, acting as drop zone control for the jumpers. “I should be on this jump.”
He appreciated Seige’s confidence in him but realized his implacable nature once his mind was set. He glanced skyward again and observed the jumpers flying ahead of the massive cloud. Brock just shook his head realizing the futility of discussion but hoping nevertheless. He headed toward the spot he figured Seige would land.
Seige touched down and turned as his parachute collapsed.