Darmstadter started the engines, to make sure they would start The engines started without difficulty, but when he tried to run the controls through their operating range, he found that snow had melted and then frozen the controls cables.
He let the engines run until they had reached operating temperature, then shut them down. Then he went after the ice in the ailerons and other movable control surfaces while Fulmar and Ferniany hammered at the ice on the wings. They quickly learned the best way to get it off was to stamp on it with their feet or slam it with their fists. The aluminum would then flex enough to free the ice, which could then be pushed or kicked out of the way.
They were still working on the airplane when the team, the Hungarian underground Canidy, Dyer, and six wholly confused and terrified petty criminals from St. Gertrud's prison arrived.
"Wind it up," Canidy ordered.
"We're going. Get those people aboard."
"We're taking them?
"Fulmar asked incredulously.
"Instant immigration," Canidy said.
"Get them aboard."
Canidy stood by the door of the airplane as the Hungarians and the team and Professor Dyer got aboard. He collected the weapons and passed them to the Hungarians. Darmstadter started one engine and then the other.
"Get on, Eric," Canidy ordered.
"You aren't really such a horse's ass after all," Canidy finally said.
"Take care."
"You are," Perniany said with a smile.
"A horse's ass, I mean."
Then he slapped Canidy on the back and ran to get out of the prop blast.
Canidy climbed into the Gooney Bird. As he closed the door, Darmstadter started to taxi to the absolute end of the meadow.
Canidy slid into the copilot's seat as Darmstadter turned the Gooney Bird around.
Darmstadter locked the brakes, checked the mags, and then ran both engines up to takeoff power. The Gooney Bird trembled and bounced. He took the brakes off, and the airplane began to roll, first with maddening slowness, and then picking up speed. But not quite enough to get it off the ground.
As they reached the end of the meadow, Darmstadter pulled it into the air.
There was not enough velocity to maintain flight, and it started to stall. Darmstadter pushed the nose down, getting it out of the incipient stall; and the Gooney Bird now followed the contour of the cut-over hillside down toward the stream. It was flying, but only barely.
And then he pulled back on the wheel again, and this time, having picked up just enough speed, the Gooney Bird was willing to fly for real.
"Very impressive," Canidy's voice came over the earphones. Thinking it was sarcasm, Darmstadter snapped his head toward him.
Canidy was beaming and making an "OK" sign of approval with his left hand.
And then Canidy's face registered genuine surprise, and the "OK" sign changed into a finger pointing out the windshield Darmstadter followed it.
There were sixteen B-17 aircraft flying in five staggered Vs at what was probably eight thousand feet. Their bomb bays were open, and as Darmstadter and Canidy watched, streams of 500-pound bombs began to drop.
"They're bombing Pecs," Darmstadter said.
"What the hell is there in Pecs worth bombing with a squadron of B17s?"
Canidy didn't respond to that.
"I think you had better get back on the deck," he said.