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Chapter 10: Zephyrman's Hunch

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Early the next morning, a sleek, chartered limousine pulled up to a terminal at Kaze Airport. The occupants? The esteemed businessman Wayne Everitt and his associates.

In truth, these 'partners' were really Suit, Thompson, and River, along with the rebels. Wayne and his companions did not need assumed identities, just occupations. The rebels, on the other hand, had no such luxury, which had led to the current ruse. Suit had created fake IDs for the security scan, which should work fine. They hoped.

Terry had become Daniel Sulwest, an intern. He had had to forgo his beloved leather jacket for a suit, which he was not fond of. It was too stiff and hot, and the tie was surely cutting off his air supply. His shoes weren't as soft of comfortable as his sneakers, resulting in sore feet. This had better work… he kept saying to himself.

Slate was now Daisuke Ito, a business partner of Wayne's. He looked very natural in this guise. He too wore a neatly pressed suit, and looked quite intimidating.

Next, Karla had become Azula Nerpelo. Suit had chosen this identity to play upon the fact that while her features were Amerropian, the light brown tone of her skin would trick a casual observer into believing that she was from a southern country. She had business attire like the others as well, save hers was for women. She wasn't wearing her bandanna, so her black hair was fully exposed.

Vick, in keeping with his Sharoan heritage, had chosen the first name Sergei, and a last name that was practically unpronounceable. He had considered trying to tame his hair, but had given up. He had donned a gray, pinstriped suit, which appeared too large on his skinny frame.

Finally, Butch was Sid Goro. He simply wore a button down shirt and khaki pants. Like Karla, he too had forgone his bandanna, revealing a crew cut of indeterminate color.

Inside the airport, it was amazing how many nationalities were represented. There were Namastians, Sharoans, Amerropians, Afrikaans, Asians, and many others, resulting in a unique buzz of dozens of languages and dialects.

Slate pulled a pair of sunglasses from his pocket and put them on. '' Where do we go to check or luggage?'' he asked his shorter friend.

'' Terminal C.'' Wayne answered. '' It's all neatly structured. First we go through security, check our bags in, and then, finally, board our craft.''

The wait to pass through security was excruciating. The line was long and first consisted of checking bags for prohibited objects, and then leaving any bags that were going on the plane. The passenger then reclaimed any carry on that he or she was bringing on board the plane. Finally, the PETs would be scanned. That was the most bothersome.

Wayne, who was the first of them to reach the counter, heaved his bag onto the conveyer belt that carried the luggage away, then he put his carry on through the security scanner, and finally, swiped his PET.

Next up was Slate. He passed through without a problem, until the moment of truth came: the ID scan.

'' PET.'' the worker at the machine said robotically, gesturing towards the scanner.

Slate placed his PET facedown on the device. There was a pause, and then the screen flashed his photo, his name, and OK. The worker waved him through, and a silent sigh of relief passed through the group. If those IDs hadn't worked, all of them would've been in trouble.

Of all of them, only Wayne and Karla had brought a carry on. The others wouldn't see their luggage again until they reached Elysium.

Wayne led them to the gate and gestured to the seats where other passengers were sitting, waiting for their flights to arrive. Some were reading, others were using their PETs, and some were simply waiting in silence. '' Sit and wait if you choose.'' Wayne said. '' Our plane leaves in twenty minutes. Oh! Here…'' He pulled an envelope out of his jacket and took several plastic slips from it. '' These are your boarding passes.'' he explained.

'' Your seating assignments are displayed too.''

'' It says that I'm on the window.'' Terry said as he took his. '' Aw man…''

'' Great.'' Butch said sarcastically. '' I'm right next to you.''

'' I appear to be across the aisle.'' Karla said, reading her ticket. '' I take it that you got us all seats together Wayne?''

'' Correct my dear.'' he replied. '' Always travel together.''

'' Yeah, but it's not like we're going to be able to speak to each other.'' Terry said to Karla. '' Unless the passengers don't mind us shouting across the aisle.''

'' Don't do that.'' River sighed. '' I could use a good sleep…''

Slate sat down on one of the infinitely uncomfortable plastic seats. Better for them to unwind now, as opposed to later, on a crowed airline.

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The data screen lit up again as more data was sent to it. Zephyrman immediately began to sift through it to see if any passengers matched anyone on the national watch list. For the umpteenth time, a bitter thought drifted through his head: Why am I doing this?

His main function had been for battle, not for this! This was a job for a processor or a Program, not him!

His general appearance was humanoid. His face was colored green, a dark, forest green. His helmet resembled an old aviator's cap, it even had goggles, which were framed by rather silly looking miniature wings. His body suit was also green, and the navi symbol depicted cirrus clouds. Two metallic strips of armor originated at a point on his back, and expanded in a V shape until they ended atop his shoulders as trapezoidal shoulder pads. His legs were covered by two pieces of armor, one above his knees and his boots below. His gloves were unremarkable, save for a ridge that ran from his hand to his elbow.

The IDs of four people began to flash. '' Well, well…' he said to himself. It wasn't everyday that this happened. This flashing indicated that these people were on, or resembled people on the national watch list. They all looked rather inconspicuous. Three were male, and the other was female. There was a young man, a Japanese man, a burly fellow, and a girl with a tan. They were part of a business team apparently.

But when Zephyrman accessed more info on them, he discovered that they, or at least people that resembled them, had solved a case at End City, and had raised suspicion when they had abruptly left before authorities could speak with them.

He raised an eyebrow. It was his duty to report this, but if he caught them himself… it could be his ticket out of this dump.

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'' We are now seating rows 15-35 on flight 664 nonstop to Sydney International Airport.'' the intercom announced. '' Please have your boarding passes ready.''

'' That's us, business class.'' Wayne said, getting up and pulling his carry on out from under his chair. '' Let's go.''

After showing their passes, the passengers were led through a tubular walkway that directly connected with the plane. Navigating was a tad tricky, as the aisle was narrow and people were stowing baggage in the overhead bins, showing the people behind down considerable.

Terry located his seat and took it, with Butch squeezing in next to him. The seat was surprisingly comfy, and even had a charge socket for a PET, abeit designed to fit a Progress as opposed to a Link.

The seat in front of him had a pocket containing a safety manual and a tacky shopping magazine. There was also a flattened paper bag. '' What's this?'' Terry asked Butch, taking it out.

'' An airbag.'' Butch answered in an irritated tone.

'' What's it used for?''

'' If you get sick, you're supposed to throw up into it.''

'' Lovely.'' Terry said sarcastically as he replaced it.

Soon the flight attendants began to discuss the safety procedures, and talk about pressure loss, water landings, and loss of power did little to ease Terry's mind.

When the plane finally began to taxi towards the runway, Terry fastened his seat belt with dread. '' Don't worry.'' Dash said from the inside of his operator's coat. '' Be tough.''

Here it came, the dreaded moment. The plane began to rapidly accelerate as it sped down the runway. And then, almost as if by magic, the tires ceased to touch the ground and then they were away. The G's involved pressed Terry back into his seat, and when he hazarded a glance out the window, he saw Kaze City and Japan falling away. He turned back, sliding the plastic covering over the window. He did feel a little ill, and hoped that he wouldn't have to use the airbag after all.

Fortunately, this unpleasant sensation didn't last long. As the plane reached cruising height and leveled out, the force abated. Terry breathed a sigh. '' That… was not pleasant.''

'' Get used to it.'' Butch replied. '' The landing is more of the same.''

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The landing was indeed the same, enough to leave first time fliers a little green. The good thing though, was that feet and mind were far more steady on solid ground.

'' Buck up chap!'' Suit said cheerfully, slapping Terry on the back. '' Only one more flight, and then you'll be in good ol' Eden City.''

'' Thanks.'' Terry said unenthusiastically as he struggled to keep up with the others.

'' Hurry up hurry up!'' Wayne called from the front of the group. '' Time's a wastin'! You want to get to Elysium before nightfall don't you?''

'' How long will it take to get there?'' Vick asked. '' It can't take as long as it did to get here.''

They were now in Sydney International Airport, after a several hour long flight. Wayne had promised a short breather, and then they would take a private plane the rest of the journey.

They took an escalator down to the bottom floor of the airport. As they passed the circular conveyor belt, Terry's eyes passed over it. You would think… he thought. That after a 100 years they would have come up with a more efficient system…

Down at the main lobby, Wayne frowned as he scanned the crowd. '' These people are too tall.'' he grumbled.

'' Uh, over there boss.'' Suit said. '' Da guy by da vending machines…''

'' Oh, thank you.''

The man Suit had spotted had seen them, and was making his way through the crowd. He had to be their pilot, for he wore the uniform.

'' Mr. Everitt!'' he called. '' I'm glad to see that you're okay!''

'' This is our captain, Tarrick.'' Wayne said. '' I take it that Paul and Mr. Vent are already on board?''

'' As is your luggage.'' Tarrick answered. '' Oh, you fellows must be Everitt's guests!'' he said cheerfully, shaking hands with the rebels.

'' Let's go to the plane now.'' Wayne told him. '' I want to leave T-Corp controlled territory ASAP.''

'' Trouble?''

'' Possibly. Someone knew that we were in End City.''

'' Right then, follow me.'' Tarrick instructed. He led them through a door marked EMPLOYEES ONLY, and from there onto the tarmac. From there they took a shuttle to their plane.

The plane was sleek and white, and was smaller then the commercial plane they had taken. The door had been folded down to reveal steps.

'' The Venier 922.'' Wayne said proudly. '' Crew of three, twenty passengers, and can almost break the sound barrier with some pushing.''

'' How long will this flight take?'' Butch asked.

'' A few hours.'' Tarrick answered. '' Provided we don't make any detours due to weather.''

The other pilot, Paul, stuck his head through the doorway. '' Ready sir? he asked. He was Afrikaan.

'' Right. Prepare for takeoff.'' Tarrick ordered as he ascended the steps.

The inside of the plane was a scaled down version of the commercial plane. There was a table at the back though.

Mr. Vent was the attendant. He gave a short bow when his boss and his companions entered.

Paul and Tarrick entered the cockpit, while Mr. Vent closed the door behind them, pulled the exit closed, and took his seat after the others had done so themselves. Once he did that, the cockpit intercom turned on. All passengers, we are cleared for takeoff. The plane began to taxi.

'' Steady.'' Terry said to himself. '' It'll be over soon…''

The engines began to let off a whine, the speed picked up, and they were away.

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They're almost at Elysium, bear with me.