I only have six chapters at this point (and they're all the same length as the first one), so I'm going to post them one at a time to give myself the chance to write more. That way I'll have a more steady flow of chapters.
The Lear jet was refreshingly air-conditioned and quiet. Artemis spent the first hour trawling through excess information, compiling the key points into a handy reference file. When he was done he put the computer aside, his eyes stinging from the light of the screen, and joined Butler in the cockpit. He took over the copilot's duties wordlessly, the ritual a familiar one to them both. They were flying over Russia's westernmost ice fields when Artemis spoke up.
"What was your uncle like? Were you… close?" He hadn't meant to intrude, but he could tell from Butler's suddenly stiffened posture that the subject was a painful one. The desire to ease his friend's pain warred with the vital need to keep his intentions concealed. If only there was a way.
"He was a good man. A strong man." Butler's words were tense, clipped, the most indication of any emotion other than amusement that Artemis had ever seen. "He was like a father to me. But he was a soldier, through and through. One of the harshest disciplinarians I ever met. I should've raised you the way he raised me." The two of them shared a sidelong look, and Artemis laughed while Butler smirked.
"Why?"
The question startled Artemis. It wasn't that Butler didn't make a habit of questioning him- on the contrary, Butler was as much a sounding board as a bodyguard or chauffer. No, Artemis simply had not planned for Butler's asking that question, however logical a response it was. He rarely lied to Butler. Oh, he omitted facts that were inconsequential, he often neglected to inform Butler of those things he might find objectionable, and he had once simply told Butler to go away, please, because it was a secret, but no part of Artemis wished to lie to Butler. An uncomfortable silence grew between them as Butler waited for an answer and Artemis tried to think of what to say. The truth was the easiest, but the most dangerous. A lie was not guaranteed to work, and evasion would simply arouse Butler's suspicion. Half-truths would lead to more questions. Keeping things from Butler was more trouble than it was worth.
"There's… a chance that he might still be alive. A chance," he emphasized, when Butler turned to look at him incredulously. "If I am able, I wish to bring him home. My father has been despondent of late, and it is my belief that the return of his companion would aid in remedying that. But I must ask that you say nothing of this to anyone. It is a fairly delicate matter, and I wouldn't like anyone to be in danger. Also, it's a surprise." His last words startled him, as he hadn't meant to say them, and the absurdity of their being tacked on the end of such a serious statement made the both of them laugh for the second time that day.
What Artemis didn't say, and what weighed heavily on him for the rest of the flight, was that Butler would not be joining him on the rescue attempt. The concept of aloneness was a frightening thing.
