A Higher Call

by Adam Makos

“Sir, want to form up?” someone asked. Luetzow did not reply. “Is there a problem, sir?” The Count asked. Still no reply came from Luetzow. “Colonel Luetzow, want to form up?” someone asked again. No answer. “Sir, if there is a problem with your radio, rock your wings,” someone offered. Luetzow continued to fly straight and level. “Something’s wrong,” someone stated. “But he’s flying well enough,” someone else said. “His radio must have taken a hit,” the Count concluded. The Count called the orphanage and asked if they were talking with Luetzow on another channel. The orphanage said no, but they would try calling him. Franz found himself holding his breath between transmissions. Seconds later the orphanage reported back. They had received no reply. Luetzow’s plane banked gracefully to the right. When it faced south toward the snowcapped Alps, its wings leveled.