Badger and the Alaskan Bush Pilot

“Mike, Cayenne Pepper is planning the drop at 1100 hours. Come back!”

“Let’s go, Buddy, Mike is meeting us.” Badger jumped up, panting; his tail wagged so hard, it stung Mike’s leg. Suited for the minus twenty-two temperature, he took off on the snowmobile with its supply sled attached. Badger loped along at his own pace under the bright blue sky, snow flying off his paws. He disappeared after a snowshoe bunny into the black spruce woods.

Mike met Myron near the lake’s edge. They heard the Super Cub’s engine, and waved their red bandanas in greeting.

The pilot tested the frozen lake’s snowy surface with the plane’s skis dragging on the lake for obstacles. Badger was on the heels of a male caribou and the plane lifted over its antlers, one ski almost tangling. Mike exhaled loudly; Myron raged at his dog.

The pilot came from the opposite direction, skidded, and then stopped. The men sped to the plane as the pilot was hopping out.

“Cayenne!” Mike hugged her close, pushing her hair behind her ears.

“All okay, guys. I needed to get your supplies here; bad weather is coming in an hour, so I have to get in front of it. Everything is A-OK, Mike. No more runs today, Baby; I’m going home.” Badger licked her hand. “I know you’re sorry, Badger, good boy!” she cooed to him.

“Wait!” Mike slid the ruby ring on her finger. “Can’t wait. Officially, engaged now.”

Cayenne kissed Mike as Badger howled.