Serena Skysurfer brushed her hair back into a ponytail, then looked herself over in the mirror. Her light brown fur was clean, though not shiny like other girls' was. Her hair, a shade or two lighter than her fur, was free of the normal cobwebs, twigs, and other gunk, though for how long was anyone's guess. She wore her trademark black cargo pants with dark blue sleeveless shirt. A leather belt encircled her waist with her "tools of the trade": a rope with grappling hook, a pouch with brushes and pointed rods (handmade), a hammer, and a few odds and ends. Satisfied with what she saw, she grabbed her backpack and ballcap. Swinging the backpack over her shoulder with one hand, she placed the cap on backwards with the other and scanned the room for anything she forgot.

Once sure all her possessions were on her, she left the hotel room. 'Time to look up an old friend.'

--------

"BALOO!" Rebecca Cunningham's voice penetrated the layers of sleep in Baloo's mind. Mumbling, he turned over in the hammock, intent on ignoring his "boss lady". It was not to be. Turning over tipped the hammock, dumping Baloo onto the dock. "Awake now?"

Baloo glanced up at Rebecca. "Yeah, yeah Beckers. What's up?"

"Don't Beckers me. You have shipments due mister!" Rebecca took a brief moment as Baloo stood to wonder why she bothered. He never listened. "If you don't get going right this instant-"

"Serena?" Baloo's attention was on someone coming down the dock towards the two figures. He pushed by Rebecca to scoop the girl into a hug. "Where have you been girl? I haven't seen you in almost two years!"

Serena laughed, enjoying herself. "You know me Baloo. I've been busy." She hugged her friend back. "Mmm..missed you though. What's this 'Higher for Hire' business about?"

"This business," Rebecca answered before Baloo could, "is about my ownership of the Seaduck. Baloo works for me, and he's late with shipments, again."

Serena eyed Rebecca as Baloo let her go. "Really? Well Miss… um…"

"Cunningham. Rebecca Cunningham."

"Well, Miss Cunningham, I need a pilot. Baloo's the best I know, that I've ever known. How much do you charge?" Reading Miss Cunningham as a money lover (oh, she hated that type, greedy pigs out for personal gain), Serena swung her backpack around and pulled a wallet out of the front pocket, making certain Rebecca got a look at the money inside.

"Excuse me?" Rebecca couldn't believe her ears, or her eyes. 'Where did this girl get all that money? When will I learn not to judge by appearances?' With a forced laugh, she desperately tried to recover ground. "Of course, right this way." She motioned to the building.

"Actually, it would be better if I could leave soon. I pay well for haste."

Rebecca didn't like that. "I do need to know what kind of transport you need. If it's too dangerous, I can't risk Baloo."

Serena was impressed. She hadn't figured Miss Cunningham would care for Baloo's safety. "Understood. It's a simple mission, as far as the pilot is concerned. I have coordinates for a rest place, the pilot and the plane will wait there. The first day is spent fine-tuning the plane. After that, the pilot will be ready to leave at a moment's notice. If I have not returned by noon the third day, the pilot leaves. Payment is left here before take off, plus extra, just in case. Sound fair?"

Rebecca mulled over the situation, knowing Baloo would spend his free day goofing off.

"Don't worry Becky. I've helped Serena with her little missions before. Boring shift, yeah, but she's a good k-" Sernena's elbow found its way into Baloo's stomach. "Er- person." Baloo rubbed his belly absently.

"Alright…as long as Baloo drops this shipment off first." Rebecca was uncertain about trusting this girl, but Baloo seemed to like her. Although, that elbow thing… "I'll go tell Kit." She left the two on the dock.

"Kit?" Serena asked, eyeing Baloo.

"Yeah, my navigator. He's a great kid." Baloo emphasized the last word.

"You were gonna call me a kid in front of that Rebe person. You know why I don't allow that. Now explain what's happened here."

--------

Baloo was just finishing explaining the condensed version of Rebecca buying the Seaduck when Kit came out.

"Sorry I took awhile Papa Bear. Miz Cunningham said I had to finish my homework first," he explained. 'She also asked me to watch out for our employer.' He turned to Serena and stuck out a paw. "I guess you're the boss on this one. Kit Cloudkicker, ready to go."

Serena's paw was in Kit's before she realized what he'd said. Her body tensed as she pulled her hand quickly back. "How nice." She looked at Baloo. "Does he have to come?"

"Serena!" Baloo couldn't believe his ears. "I told you Kit is my buddy. 'Course he's gonna come. Since when are you so rude?"

"Sorry Baloo. Get ready to go. I'm gonna go pay Miss Cunningham."

Kit eyed Serena as she walked off. Anger flared in him at her unexpected dismissal of him. She didn't even know him and she didn't like him. He was defiantly going to be watching her. "I'm going to "get ready" Baloo. I'll be in the Seaduck."

Baloo watched Kit storm off and wondered if he'd survive the trip…