Captain John Watson was just boarding his flight back home in London. It would be a long eight hour flight from his station here in Afghanistan. His nine months of service just came to an end and he was less than excited to get back to England.
Walking around the airport he got a few odd looks. Full army gear will do that, no matter where you travel. He was accompanied by a handful of other soldiers who were headed toward London as well and the group eventually found their correct gate.
All the guys swapped stories as they waited around; sharing who they missed the most, what they had planned for the next few months, and how all their friends and families would be celebrating their return. John kept quiet during these conversations however. His family wasn't too close with his parents separation and his sisters drinking habit. He didn't have many friends either, and those he did have were quite distant. Watson envied his mates because, to him, Afghanistan was home. For now, however, he kept his mouth shut and played along.
An hour later the plane had been fueled and secured for takeoff, so boarding began. A young man with a thick London accent came across the speakers, "Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, flight 221 to London will begin boarding now, all platinum members are welcome to step to the front of the line at this time. Thank you."
The soldiers made up the back of the line with Captain Watson pacing up and down. He didn't mind being the last one on board if it meant he could stretch his leg a bit. He'd been shot earlier in his career and had almost completely healed save for a frequent pain in his leg. Gold and silver members were loaded on respectfully, but the majority of passengers still remained. Watson finally joined the end of the line and as he turned to face front he glanced at the attendant behind the counter. The young man also happened to be glancing at the officers and he acknowledged them over the speakers, "all members of the military services are now welcomed to board the flight with uniform and I.D."
The men walked up to the front of the line as they quickly pulled out identification. There were a few boys lined up for the female attendant so John walked over to the man behind the counter and showed his papers there. The attendant was only a few years younger than the Captain but the dark curly locks and tall lankiness accentuated his youth. He smiled at the soldier and looked over his credentials. "Captain John Watson, a pleasure to be flying with you today. I see you are a doctor with the army; impressive intellect and brave hero. Good to have you with us." He smiled brightly again, and ushered him to the entrance.
John walked towards the plane door in attempt to psych himself up for the next eight hours of mild discomfort, boredom, and complete lack or personal space. Hopefully everyone would be as pleasant as that flight attendant.
With the plane now fully boarded the Doctor found himself sitting towards the back of the plane between a mother and her three month old son, and an old woman who liked to tell long elaborate stories that all ended with a message about 'repent your sins to Jesus Christ or risk eternal damnation'. This was going to be a long trip. Everyone quieted down, however, when the young man's voice came down from the plane's inter-com.
At the front of the plane in the main aisle was the guy from behind the counter. He introduced himself as William and quickly went over the safety guide. He did not look as happy as he did at the desk. In fact he looked quite bored which contributed to the world's most summarized safety talk. After William wrapped up, the pilot's voice came down and relayed the time and weather there in Afghanistan and in London. He shared a few basic estimate on time and started the engines.
Doctor Watson closed his eyes and pressed his head back into the seat as the passengers started up again, but before they began taking off a hand shook his shoulder. He started to scowl at the young mother beside him before looking to recognize the dark haired man standing above him. The attendant was smiling again and asked the Captain of he would like to be moved up to first class where an empty seat was waiting. John very happily accepted and followed William away from the old woman's comments about how the devil is taking over the music industry.
On the other side of the curtain were large leather seats and much more leg room. John turned to the man and gratefully admitted, "Thanks a lot William, I don't know if I could've handled sitting between those two for the whole ride!"
William grinned back, "It's my pleasure doctor, and ask me if you need anything else", he turned to walk up towards the main cabin but stopped halfway and walked back. "All my friends call me Sherlock, by the way".
This time when he turned away John could've sworn there was a wink. Not to be outdone, the soldier called out after him, "you can just call me John." Sherlock turned around and smiled again quickly before he walked out of view.
John had watched out the window during takeoff and witnessed the buildings and cars and people shrink down into nothing. Eventually the plane became enveloped in clouds and now looking outside was no different than staring at the white wall of the cabin. The change in altitude didn't have much effect on the doctor. He'd been stationed all over the place in the past and had become used to the sensation.
The pilots voice called out again informing the passengers that they had reached 30,000 feet and were leveled out for the rest of the trip. The seatbelt signs shut off and the buzz of noise behind the curtain grew.