If you remember the last time that I went on R and R my plane was full of people that I had sent home on R and R. And off course, this time too. The airline has changed the check in time to ridiculously early. The idea was that the temperature is cooler and therefore lower density altitude. This change took 5 months to accomplish. Just in time for the cold season. We are wearing sweaters here while they are wearing shorts in San Francisco. Something just ain't right. So I got up ridiculously early to start the ridiculous check out and check in process. As I rounded the corner I noticed our ambulance parked in front of the check in space at Camp Hicks. I immediately said to myself "I'm on R and R, I'm on R and R." And then went to find the crew. I found them with a patient that had come from a FOB with kidney stones. There had been a debate about sending him out for treatment but I had to remind the debate team that A) This is Afghanistan and B) Shit happens. The crew took him to the clinic and I gave them orders about what to do when he got there. Then Karki and I drove to the clinic. Well, almost. We got half way there and were pulled over by the MP's for speeding. Karki tried to get out to explain what was going on. He was met with a "stay in the car" over the PA system. Didn't he watch Rodney King? Maybe they don't beat you up on the freeway in Nepal. "Medical emergency," says I to the MP "OK but slow down," he said. "Thank you, Sergeant," I said, and we were on our way. The Master negotiator strikes again.
We got to the clinic, I checked on him and then went to finish the rest of my check out. Then I went back to the travel department to tell them what happened and to get his luggage and paperwork. After the appropriate amount of medicine he felt better and returned to check in. By ten a large line had formed but I got him head of the line privileges. And, as his PA, felt that I should be with him. Just in case. I shook hands with the Gryphon Airlines manager and explained who I was. As I walked away I looked at my boarding pass. Business class. Score! Gonna be a good day already...
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