I guess I'm glad. It's just as well. There is no way to compete.

But then I don't have to.

I win. Though I'm sorry for the way it had to happen. Life is funny that way.

It is asked often enough:

"Why aren't you married?"

"I am."

"You are?"

"I am."

"To whom?"

"To that wondrously beautiful aircraft out there."

"You are?"

"I am."

"And to the man for whom she flies."

"Oh. Yes? And who would that be?"

"If you don't know, you don't *need* to know."

But I am indeed taken. And that would be the truth.

This man, this command. They are my whole life, and I love them truly and beyond all doubt.

Does he know that?

Yes and no.

But he'll know more when he needs to know it. For now, I will be here. And so will he.

For the man, for whom she flies, and for the mission.

I am Julie #1 In Command of FunFlight Squadron:
Status: Airborn: Rome to New York.

Out.