FLYING HOME
The stairs are down and Bob, the copilot, is waiting for Hazard and Joy to arrive. They come running out of of the general aviation end of the terminal wheeling their bags behind them. Joy is still carrying the Chinese food from last night.
“Come on guys, let's get a move on.” As they come up the stairs. No sooner are they in the company plane and the stairs raised and the door close than Jack starts to move the plane towards the runway.
“This is some Chinese food for you guys, Bob, put
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it in the fridge. It's really very good.”
“Buckle up we are going to be airborne in moments I'll be up with Jack. Once we're in the air come up and talk to us. We don't know where we're going but were on our way. We're out'a here!”
The company plane swings onto the runway and begins to pick up speed. Jack points the nose up, and the hot little company plane springs into the air like a bird anxious to fly.
After the plane gains altitude and levels off Joy and Robert go up to the flight deck to talk to Jack and Bob.
“We heard something on the news about a car, taking a nosedive off of an elevated highway after a gun battle. Bob and I figured that had to be Mr. shoot 'em up. What kind of trouble did you get into Robert?”
“Actually guys it wasn't me. Joy did the shooting.”
“Well, what ever. Where do you want to go. Back the way we came or out over the Pacific. With a stop in Hawaii.”
Joy responds. “Hawaii sounds fun. Do we have enough time to do that with a stop in Hawaii? Do you like Hawaii Robert?”
Jack plays with the flight computer. “Yes on the time, but we will have to stop someplace first to pick up a full load of fuel. Across the Pacific to Hawaii is a long haul.”
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“Hawaii Sounds good to me. Could we make a stop in Bangkok for fuel?”
“Why Bangkok, Robert?”
“To see my tailor. Would you guys like to try a custom tailored suit? There only a few hundred dollars. And Joy, I will have one made for you, so that you can carry a shoulder holster without showing a bulge.”
Jack is studying the flight computer. “I'm looking at my flight computer. And yes, we could fuel in Bangkok, and then do a long leg across the Pacific to Hickam Air Force Base near Honolulu. Joy, how is your galley?”
“The galley is full of food and the plane was cleaned and serviced at Yogota. We're good.”
“Okay I'll file a flight plan now for Bangkok, then later Hickam, and then home to Andrews. I'll give you the flight distances and flight times and clock in a few minuets so you can do your schedule. Then I will file the other legs.”
Joy and Robert go back to the main cabin.
“I can't believe how much fun that was Robert. I've never done anything like that before. Ever. I'm still so excited.”
“I think it's time for us to relax with a drink.”
“You're right, drinks to wind down. Being a spy can be a lot of excitement. I'm going to have a stiff one
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myself, Robert.”
Joy goes to the galley makes them the usual Bourbon and Branch and comes back.
“I just can't get over it. I actually may have shot somebody. I was in a car chase, and the fight and we got out of town fast. Wow. I can't believe it Robert.”
“Joy it sounds to me like you had a lot of fun.”
“Yes I did. It really was exciting.”
Jack on the intercom, “Joy could you please come up to the flight deck.”
“Jack must have the flight information. I'll be right back.”
She returns with her briefcase and calculates their flights back to Andrews. She finishes her drink.
“Bangkok is about three hours from here and there is a one hour time difference. So we should get in about
5:00 PM local time. You can call your tailor and make an appointment. Jack and Bob do want to get measured and me too.”
Robert calls his tailor in Bangkok on his communicator, and makes an appointment for 6:00 PM local time. Ravi will stay in his shop and wait for them. He is happy that Robert is bringing him three new customers.
“I think we'll have dinner in Bangkok, and then leave around 10 PM. Hawaii is an 11 hour flight, and
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there is a five hour time difference. So we should get into Hickem around 2:00 or 3:00 in the afternoon. I will take one of the flight legs.”
She goes to the galley and makes herself another drink.
“Then a day off for some sun and surf. We do a night flight, eight hours back to Andrews.”
Joy goes up to the flight deck to give Jack and Bob the schedule. She put some food out on the counter in the galley so that whoever wants can make themselves a sandwich. She sits down next to Robert.
“Okay I have everything organized.”
“Do you still feel excited from playing spy this morning Joy?”
She looks at Robert. “Yes, and I know how to calm down. I've had two drinks. The spy excitement has made me so hot. Let's go into the rear cabin and defend freedom, liberty and the American way. God...I love government work Robert!"
Robert replies. “Thank you Doctor Loon.”
A cheer goes up at the PDF Situation room.
There is a lot to get done during the Bangkok stopover. Robert introduces everyone to his tailor, Ravi. Jack and Bob each get measured for a suit and place an order. Robert orders two and he orders one for Joy. She is very impressed with the idea of a custom made man
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tailored suit. She selects a solid Oxford gray. Ravi tells them all that they can order additional suites and other items on the internet and that they will receive their orders in about four weeks.
Ravi recommends a Thai restaurant that is close by. They have dinner, which turns out to be very good.
Back at the air port. The company playing is refueled. They are on their way to Hawaii by 10 PM local time. Jack, Bob and Joy will share the flight duty.
Robert settles in, and reads his spy novel on the Kindle application on his laptop. Then he turns in for a night of rest.
The company plane lands at Hickam Air Force Base at about 2:30 PM local time. The air base shares a runway with Honolulu International Airport and is close to Waikiki beach. Robert calls and makes a reservation at a resort hotel on Waikiki Beach for himself and joy. Jack and Bob make their own arrangements. They agree to meet back at the company plane at 6 PM the next day.
After a relaxing day of sun on Waikiki Beach it is time to leave for home. Joy and Robert pack up and get a cab back to the airbase. Buy 7:00 PM the plane has been refueled and serviced, and they are on the runway for their final leg back to Andrews Air Force Base.
Once they are airborne Joy goes up to the galley and prepares dinner for everyone. The usual stakes, baked potato a frozen veggie and a salad. She brings dinner on trays, up to the flight deck. She sets the dining
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table for Robert and herself and brings their dinners and a bottle of Merlot. She sits at the dining table with Robert.
“Well, how was the last night Joy. We were at sea level. What's your assessment?”
“Robert, I don't know why, but 40,000 feet is still better. Maybe it's gravity or the movement of the plane. Don't get me wrong it was still okay.”
“Another okay. What am I supposed to do? I can't fight gravity.”
Robert raises his glass. “To the terrorists, and Doctor Loon. Many more nice dates and dinners, aloft. To the good life.”
They touch glasses, and drink some wine. Joy only takes a sip. "To government work and the spy business. I like it."
The company plane lands at Andrews Air Force Base around noon. Robert did not succeed in destroying the lasers. He did learn that the lasers are headed to Doha, Qatar on a Pacific Star ship. Also, Doctor Loon knows that the heat is on.