A Fine Fix

Generally speaking, human beings are fine buck-passers—but there's one circumstance under which they refuse to pass on responsibility. If the other fellow says Your method won't solve the problem! —then they get mad!
Illustrated by van Dongen
The leader climbed sharply in a bank to the left, and the two others followed close behind. Their jet streams cut off at very near the same time. Before their speed slowed to stalling, the rotors unfolded from the canopy hump and beat the air viciously, the steam wisping back in brief fingers.
Under power again, they dipped playfully in tightening circles toward the plot-mottled earth. The fields expanded beneath them, and the leader brought up and hovered over a farm road whose dust already stirred in the disturbed air.
They settled as one in the rolling dust clouds from which emerged a coveralled figure who had driven the battered pickup truck to meet them.
Y'sure got back in a rush, he addressed the major, who was just jumping from the plastiglas cabin.
The major nodded and put his attention on seeing that the general descended safely. He then indicated the farmer.
He's the one, the major said.
The general grunted socially.
Taking the opening, the farmer said, Out there in the wheat, general. His tone carried eager importance. My kid saw the light come down this morning feedin' the chickens. I felt the ground jump, too. Called the sheriff, first off.
All right, you were a hero, said the general shortly. Now, Grant, will you take me to it? I can't mess around here all day.
The party of six men, two of them technicians, waded into the field from the road. The farmer remained to watch, frowning.