As the aircraft rose, Amy could feel the forces of the storm pushing them down and toward a steep wall of rock. She fought the machine and kept it under control, gaining speed and altitude. As they moved faster and higher, the threat from the storm diminished, and Amy was able to get her airspeed up closer to the 160mph maximum cruising speed. When she had the chance, Amy glanced back and the men working on the injured people they'd rescued.

“Give me a report on their condition, and I'll pass on the information to the mountain,” Amy instructed over her headset. Once the team leader reported the information back, Amy radioed the information through. “Mountain Base this is Air Two” she called into the radio.

“Air Two, this Mountain Base, go ahead.”

“Inbound with three civilian casualties, ETA twenty minutes. We need priority clearance on the landing pad. Stand by to copy patient's conditions for medical.”

“Go ahead when ready Air Two,” Nick's voice responded.

“Patient one is approximately a thirty-year-old female, who was being attacked with clubs when we found her. She's unresponsive with a head injury and multiple arm fractures. She's intubated, we're ventilating her, and we have an IV in place. Patient two is also female and about the same age, also beaten with clubs. She has a right-sided chest wall deformity and is having significant trouble breathing. The abdomen is rigid, and internal hemorrhage is suspected. They're working on IVs and will sedate her, then place a chest tube. They'll paralyze her and intubate if needed. Patient three is a twelve-year-old male, conscious and alert with an arm fracture. So far, no other injuries found.”

“Information received Air Two. Air One is landing now, and we'll have it towed out of the way immediately. Medical teams will meet you on the pad.”

During the remainder of the flight, Amy was concerned about her new passengers but also thankful. They had found survivors. Their mission could continue.

As Amy approached the mountain, she could see three hospital stretchers and a group of people lined up at the entrance to the tunnel. As soon as the wheels touched the ground, her team started unloading the injured.

By the time she got out of the UH-60, the tow vehicle was already hooking to the front of the aircraft to pull it into the tunnel and out of harm's way as the fierce storm drew closer.

She hurried to the health center and into the triage area. There was a nurse and a medic working on the young boy, while RJ gently tried to ask him some questions. Amy learned that the other two were already being prepared for surgery.