Tunnel Vision chapter 10

First flight III

December 16, 1903

The salty breeze ruffled Ron's hair as he stood on the porch of the station, watching the men put the surfboat back into the boathouse. They had spent most of the morning cleaning the boat, making certain everything in the equipment cart was ready. Ron had offered to join in but was surprised when the other men offered to take over his duty. That night he found that his cot had been moved from the corner to be in line with the other men. Instead of some of the older blankets, he had new softer ones. He saw his old blankets on some of the other men's cots. He and Kim had sat on the beach for a couple of hours just looking out over the water, the burning hulk of the ship slowly disappearing into the deep.

The porch creaked behind him and two arms encircled his waist. A soft cheek laid itself on his shoulder as Kim gave him a purr of contentment. Her bandaged hands clasped in front of him. Their hands had stiffened overnight as the blisters healed. Ron turned around, wrapped his arms around her shoulders and pulled her into his embrace. Kim placed her head on his shoulder and sighed happily. The Etheridge's daughter had taken over Kim's cot so that she could sleep in a regular bed. That morning, instead her serving the men of the station and having to wait until the men finished eating, she was invited to eat with the men.

"Want to ride over to see what the Wright brothers are doing, KP?"

Kim nodded against Ron's chest. "Yeah, Mr. Etheridge said they may try and fly today if the wind was right."

She pulled back and stared at him. Even though they had only been on this coast for two days, the sun had already started to tan his skin, his freckles turning a little darker. Here they were, lost in time, and they were already saving lives just like when they were back in Middleton. She had spent a little time on the Kimmunicator the night before sending a message back to the Space Center. Wade had sent word about the picture. Kim and Ron were unsure about being in the picture but the photographer had been one of the residents of the area and not a professional. Also, Mr. Etheridge had insisted that they be in the picture since they had played such an important part. They hoped that somehow it would all work out.

Kim looked around and then stood on her toes to give Ron a kiss on the tip of his nose. A little giggle told her they had an audience. The two blushing teens turned to see a pair of eyes peering at them through the railings of the porch.

"LINDA!" yelled Kim.

The child ran off around the house giggling, as Kim and Ron chased after her. Linda hid in some of the bushes as they ran by and then ran back the other direction. Hearing her jump out of the bushes laughing, Ron turned and ran after Linda while Kim continued to run around the house. Linda looked back to see Ron still behind her but closing fast. She turned and looked straight ahead, only to see a smiling Kim with her arms open wide, waiting for her. Linda ran right into Kim's arms. Kim scooped up the child and spun her in the air, laughing.

"Got you, you little sneak!"

Linda squealed with delight as Kim tickled her and then set her down. Ron picked up Linda and lifted her high in the air. Linda started to laugh again as Ron held her above him. Ron tossed her in the air and spun her around, then settled her down on his shoulders for a piggyback ride. Making sounds like a horse, he started to gallop around the yard.

When Ron stopped to catch his breath, Kim took Linda down off his shoulders. Kim gave Linda a little hug and tickle, then whispered in her ear. "Now I want my boyfriend back. You go find your own." Linda ran off and into the house. Kim turned back to face Ron. His arms slid around her slim waist and pulled her to him. Her hands lay on his chest. She glanced at him with lowered eyes and protruding lower lip.

Ron covered his eyes. "ARGHHHH! The puppy dog pout! Where did that come from?"

Kim played with his shirt. "Well, Linda just got a piggyback ride and now I want one."

Ron looked down at Kim. "A piggyback ride? But Kim, you weigh…." Ron's brain engaged emergency mouth shutdown.

Kim glowered at him. "I weigh what?"

Ron swallowed and attempted to get his brain to work. His mouth had gotten him into this; hopefully it could get him out. "You have way too much on your mind!"

Kim gave Ron a confused look. "Wha…?"

Ron started to giggle at her confusion until she joined him. She punched him slightly on the arm. "Nice save, but I still want my piggyback ride."

Ron turned around and knelt down so Kim could climb on his back. She placed her arms around his neck as he held her legs. He stood with a groan.

Kim squeezed with her legs. "Just what was that groan?"

"Just you might want to consider smaller desserts for awhile", Ron mumbled.

"What?" Kim began to say when Ron started to run across the yard. She couldn't speak as she was bounced up and down plus he was tickling her as he carried her. As he reached the steps of the Station house he turned and set her down. She stood laughing for a moment as he regained his breath.

Mrs. Etheridge called from inside. "Kim! Ron! Why don't you grab some lunch and then ride over to see the Wrights."

Kim took Ron's hand and they stepped inside the station.

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Shego waddled down the hall of the empty lair. Drakken had skipped out and given the rest of the staff leave. She had the whole place to herself. It was probably for the best. She might have hurt someone otherwise. Dr. Drakken had given her a special pillow for her to sit on, but it did not help much for now. She ate standing up and slept on her stomach. Baths were a luxury she partook of several times a day. The warm water was soothing to a certain part of her body.

Standing at the communications console, she hit several switches and then waited for an answer. Monkey Fist appeared on one screen and Killigan the other.

Monkey Fist grinned. "Okay, Shego. I got you message. I even called Drew to see what was going on. He told me that you were having trouble with some of your 'assets'."

"Aye!" Killigan added. "I heard that you had some trouble, no ifs, ands or butt."

Shego's eyes flamed green. "Listen, you idiots. If you read the message, then you know why I'm calling. We have a chance to get rid of the princess and the buffoon once and for all. It's going to take all of us working together to do it, though."

Killigan's and Monkey Fist's eyes darkened as Fiske spoke. "Killigan and I have already discussed the matter and we are "in". As soon as you recover, we will be ready to move."

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Wilbur glanced up from the machine to see Kim and Ron arriving on one of the station's horses. He had heard about the rescue the day before and noted both of them still had their hands bandaged. He had just finished laying the last piece of rail of the takeoff track. The track had been set up on some level ground near the cabin.

"Good afternoon, you two! We heard that you had some excitement yesterday."

Ron looked at his bandaged hands. "Oh, yeah, it was a lot of fun."

Kim took Ron's arm as they stepped up to the machine. "Are you going to try and fly today?"

Orville came out from behind the rear of the machine. "Well, we just finished the repairs and got it out here on the level. We wanted to see if the wind would start up and give us good flying conditions. Right now the wind is too low. Besides, we won't be ready to fly for a couple of hours yet. Why don't you two head over to Jockey's Ridge? I think you'll like the view."

Ron glanced over at Kim as she nodded. "Okay, but if the wind starts up, we'll be back."

Orville nodded. "That's no problem. We'll put up the signal if and when we're ready."

Ron stepped back a couple of steps, pulling Kim with him. "Okay. We'll see you later."

Returning to the horse standing nearby nibbling at some grass, Ron winced, put his hands together and gave Kim a boost onto the horse's back. Kim reached out with her hand and leaned the opposite direction as she pulled him up behind her. A grimace crossed her face as he tightly gripped her hand. She shook her hand after he released it.

"Ron, remind me to get a pair of gloves next time we row that boat."

Ron took her hand and gave it a light kiss. "I already have two pair under my cot."

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The large dune grew taller and taller as they got closer and closer to the mound of sand. Kim and Ron could not believe that something that size out of the Middle East could be in the United States. Tying the horse off at the base of the dune, they started to climb. The sand at times seemed to suck their feet down; other times the sand was hard as concrete. The soft breeze off of the ocean kept them cool as they continued to climb. They had crossed one lower peak and now closed in on the tallest part. The final slope was steep and made of soft sand. They would take three steps and slide back one. The deep sand slowly made its way down into their boots and they had to put out their hands at times to keep their balance. The top ridge appeared to be frozen in place as they trudged up the front slope. They took a short break and then finished their final climb. At last, they topped the ridge and, breathing heavily, stood and looked around. The view took their breath away. They could see for miles up and down the coast.

Kim turned to look out to sea. The beach stretched out in both directions, the white sand disappearing into the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. She could see a number of sailing ships plying their trade moving up and down the coast. The breeze took her hair and played it around her shoulders. She turned to join Ron looking inland out over the Albemarle Sound. Kim was surprised to see that the Sound was larger than she imagined. Small boats crossed back and forth on the water. Just on the horizon she thought she could see the mainland of North Carolina. Two arms caressed her waist as Ron put his arms around her. She leaned back into his chest and placed her hands over his. They stood for a moment, just watching out over the land.

Kim broke the embrace and walked toward the other end of the ridge. She was about to turn around to call Ron when….

"Yiiipppeeeeee!!!"

She spun around to see Ron leap off the ridge over the slope on the other side. He sailed out over the ridge and landed several feet down the slope. His feet hit the sand and he flipped head over heels into the sand. He stopped after a couple of flips and stood up laughing.

"Ron, what do you think you're doing?"

Ron climbed back up to the ridge, shaking the sand from his hair. "Ahh, KP, it's a blast! Just leap out and land!" He turned and jumped again. "Yipppeeee!" This time he landed standing up and just leaned back into the sand. Ron climbed back up to where Kim stood, her arms crossed. One look at her face told him she was not amused. He took a step toward her, only to meet her outstretched hand.

"Don't even think about it. You're covered head to toe with sand. No hugs; no touchy!"

"Awww, KP. Can't a guy have a little fun?" He took another step toward her with his arms open.

Kim took a few steps back. "Ron, I'm telling you: stay away!"

Ron started to reach for her. "Uh, KP, I'm not… KP! LOOK OUT!"

"EEEEEPPP!" Kim took one more step back and found nothing but air as she stepped off the ridge. Kim reached out for Ron's hands but they missed by mere inches. Kim tried to flip backwards but could not gain her footing. She hit the sand slope with her butt and then her head. Her arms went out to stop or slow her fall but the slope was too steep. She flipped two more times before she came to a stop. Sitting up on the slope, she tried to get the sand off her lap only to have sand spill down her neck and into her shirt. Sand was in her hair, down her shirt, in her shoes and in her pants.

Ron slid to a stop next to her. "KP, are you okay?"

Kim glared at Ron. "NO, RON! I'm not okay! I have sand in my shirt and sand in my hair! I am so not okay!"

Ron quelled a bit from her and Kim started the giggle. "I also have sand somewhere else that I am so not telling you."

Ron's eyebrows went up at Kim's smile. He stood, took her hand and pulled her to her feet. They climbed back up to the ridge and started down.

Ron pointed in the distance and they could see the Wright Brother's camp. "KP, look."

Kim's eyes settled on the two buildings in the distance. Although she could not recognize figures at this distance, she could see the machine being slowly carried back into the barn.

"We need to get down there as fast as we can. Come on, Ron! Look!"

Kim pointed to the remains of two pieces of wood. Pulling them from the sand, she discovered they were two boards about a foot wide and three feet long. She tossed one board to Ron and dropped the other to the sand.

Ron watched as Kim put one foot on the board and glanced down the steep sand slope. "KP, what are you doing?"

"Oh, come on, Ron. We've been snowboarding before and this will be just like that. Last one to the bottom owes the other a soda!" Kim pushed off and started down the slope just as if she was heading down a slope of snow.

"They don't have sodas around here!" Ron yelled after her. He dropped the board to the sand and put his right foot on it. He held his breath and pushed off. "I have the feeling I'm going to regret this."

Kim skimmed to a stop at the bottom of the slope. She knew that whenever they got to where they could get a soda that she would owe Ron one. Of course, he cheated. He did not board down the slope as she did. No, he had to fall down the slope. He had been doing good keeping pace with her when he fell and ended up tumbling down the sand slope head over heels. He was there waiting for her at the bottom.

"What took you so long?" he asked with a smile.

"Real funny, Ron. Are you okay?" She asked.

Ron shrugged. "Hey! The Ron Factor is not a non-factor."

A small voice interrupted them. "Wow! That looks like fun! Can we try?"

They turned to see two small boys in straw hats and overalls looking wide-eyed at them.

Kim handed the board to the boy nearest her. "Sure. Just shift your weight back and forth with your feet to steer. And be careful."

"Oh, we watched you. I think I know what to do." The first boy grabbed Kim's board and started to climb the dune. Ron handed his board to the other boy who then followed the first. They watched as the two boys climbed up the dune part of the way then hopped on the boards and slid back down.

"Hey, KP. We may have started something."

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Etheridge turned to see Kim and Ron riding up to the machine's barn. He nodded to them as they came up to the group of men. Kim pulled the horse to a stop and the two teens slid off the horse's back. Etheridge noticed they were covered with sand from head to foot.

"Looks to me that you two had some fun up on the ridge."

Kim laughed, nudging Ron. "Yes, sir. The view up there was wonderful. I sort of took a misstep and fell." She turned to the two Wright brothers. "You aren't going to try and fly today?"

Wilbur shook his head. "No, the wind isn't strong enough. I think tomorrow will be better. We'll set up the flag when we're ready."

Etheridge stepped out of the barn. "Why don't you two head on back to the station and get cleaned up for supper. It might take a little bit of time to get all that sand off you. I think the vacation is over and you two can go back to your jobs. I know Mrs. Etheridge would love to have someone to help clean up the kitchen. Now both of you scoot! Oh, by the way, I heard a ship would be coming through the area tomorrow and leaving tomorrow night. If you want, they might take you on your way."

"Yes, sir", the two teens answered.

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December 17, 1903

Kim and Ron rode in the back of the wagon with the crew of the station. The day had dawned bright and clear with a strong wind coming from the north straight down the beach. Ron had spotted the flag flying, summoning help from the station.

Kim and Ron stood up in the back of the wagon as they arrived near the machine. Orville and Wilbur were working around the machine.

Wilbur nodded to the new arrivals. "Good morning! We're not quite ready, so lend a hand getting everything ready. Kim. Ron. Could you help Mr. Daniels set up his camera?" he pointed to the man who had taken the picture of them after the rescue.

"Okay, Mr. Wright", Kim acknowledged as they jumped down from the wagon. "Come on, Ron."

Ron walked over to Mr. Daniels' small wagon and took a box of equipment from the photographer.

"Kim, you and Ron take these two boxes over there, just to the right of the track. Set up the tripod and put the boxes next to it. I'll bring the camera and we'll set it up pointing to the north. That way, if it takes off, I'll be able to get a good picture."

The two teens nodded and took the equipment to the spot where Mr. Daniels had told them to place it. Following close behind, the photographer set up his camera and had everything ready when they heard the engine of the machine start. Mr. Daniels nodded that they could go and they ran to help with the machine. Orville was climbing onto the spot where he would pilot the craft. He glanced at his watch. It was 10:35 a.m. Everyone stepped back and away from the craft. The rope holding the craft back was slipped off and the craft slowly increased in speed into the stiff wind. Kim and Ron stood back in awe as the machine lifted into the air.

Daniels snapped the shutter of his camera.

The machine darted up and down in the air, rising to a height of about ten feet only to dive back toward the ground. The craft flew about one hundred feet before landing in the sand. One of the skids cracked as it landed. Orville shut off the engine, climbed off the craft and met his brother as he ran up to the machine. They examined the cracked skid.

"That's nothing", Wilbur said. "Let's fix it and get it back on the track."

The men from the station picked up the machine and carried it back to the starting point. As they set it down, Wilbur turned to Kim and Ron. "Ron, go back to the barn and bring my toolbox. Kim, grab the bunch of extra wood strips and the bag of nails. Bring it back here as fast as you can and we'll fix it right here."

They ran back to the barn. Ron saw the toolbox on a workbench along with the bag of nails. Kim stepped to the back of the barn and picked up the roll of wood strips. Ron handed her the bag of nails as she joined him at the front of the barn. Running back to the machine, Kim laid down the bundle of wood strips beside the damaged skid and handed the bag of nails to Orville. Ron handed Wilbur his toolbox and then stepped back as the two men worked on the machine.

The machine was placed back on the launch rail and Wilbur climbed aboard the craft. The engine was started and Etheridge noted on his watch that it was 11:20 am. The machine rolled down the takeoff rail for a second time. Kim noticed that Wilbur seemed to have the same problem controlling the craft, as it flew up and down like Orville's flight. Wilbur flew about one hundred and seventy-five feet before he settled the craft back down onto the sand.

Kim and Ron helped to carry the machine back to the starting point. Wilbur and Orville went over the machine once again and prepared to make another flight. Kim helped Orville climb onto the craft for his second flight of the day. The wind had died down a bit but Orville gunned the engine and the craft rolled down the track for its third flight of the day. Etheridge noted the time was 11:40 am. The craft had just gained the air when a stray gust of wind grabbed the craft. Kim gasped and grabbed Ron's arm as the wind lifted the left wing tip up. The craft started to slip to the right. Kim took two steps to run toward the craft when Orville regained control and landed the craft. He had flown about the same distance as Wilbur.

The men carried the machine back to the starting point and Wilbur climbed into position. He revved the engine up and Kim released the rope holding back the craft. The blast from the propeller blew her hair backward and flying sand stung her face. Wilbur gently nursed the machine into the air. It started the up and down movement again but he managed to gain control over it. It continued on and on with everyone running behind it. The craft flew on for about eight hundred feet until it reached a small hummock in the sand. Wilbur seemed to lose control again and the craft darted into the sand. The front rudder frame broke up but the rest of the craft was not damaged.

Wilbur crawled off the machine and helped Orville remove the front rudder structure.

"Let's get it back to camp and see if we can repair it one more time before it gets dark or we lose the wind."

Kim and Ron gathered the remains of the shattered front part of the craft as the men picked up the undamaged part and carried it back to the Wright's camp. The two teens dropped the broken parts beside the barn and joined the rest of the group standing with the machine next to the barn. Kim and Ron walked around the machine as the rest of the men discussed the flights.

Wilbur turned to talk to the two teens when a strong gust of wind caught the machine. Kim screamed as the craft started to lift off the sand. Ron leapt to the rear of the machine and grabbed onto the wing. Wilbur dove beside Ron and tried to hang on while the rest of the group rushed to grab the craft as it lifted higher into the air. Wilbur lost his grip and Ron was carried into the air as the wind picked up the craft and turned it over.

Kim tried to grab Ron's legs. "Ron, let go!" Her hands missed his feet by inches as the he was lifted out of reach.

"AAAgggghhhh!"

Ron disappeared amidst a mass of wings, propellers and engine. The craft flipped over a number of times before it came to rest. Kim rushed to where the craft came to rest and climbed between the wings where she could see Ron's legs.

"RON!"

Ron lifted his head and looked at his best friend/girl friend. "I'm okay, KP, but that was some ride."

Wilbur and Orville climbed in amongst the wings. "Is he okay?"

Kim nodded. "Yeah. Maybe just a bump on that hard head of his."

The two brothers inspected their machine. The legs to the engine mount were broken and the chain guides were badly bent. A number of the upright spars were broken as well as the rear ends of the wing ribs. They shook their heads: the craft would not fly again. Kim pulled Ron out of the craft and helped him back to the cabin. She checked him over as the men carried the remains of the machine back into the barn.

Mr. Etheridge stepped up.

"Kim, why don't you take Ron back to the station and let Mrs. Etheridge check him out?"

The two brothers knelt down to look at Ron. "Well, you two have had a few exciting days. It was a pleasure having you here. We're going to get some dinner then head up to Kitty Hawk and send off a few telegrams. Why don't the two of you drop by later?"

Mr. Etheridge touched Kim's shoulder. "Kim, that ship is leaving later this afternoon. If the two of you want to get on it you won't be able to come back."

The two teens smiled back at the brothers. Kim stood and shook the two brother's hands. "Thanks, but we've been here a few days and really need to be on our way."

Orville nodded. "Well, good luck. If you ever get the chance to come back, be sure to stop by and see if we're still here."

Ron smiled as Kim took his arm. "It would be our pleasure. Come on, Ron. Let's go get our stuff."

Etheridge turned to walk with them. "I'll give you a ride back to the station, then take you down the beach to catch your ship."

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Kim and Ron walked down the beach toward their destination. They turned to wave at the receding wagon heading back to the Kill Devil Hill's station. Etheridge could take them only so far. A signal rocket had been sighted and he needed to get back to the station.

Ron shouldered the two bundles that contained the clothes that the crew of the station had given them. Kim took his hand as they headed down the beach. They could see the tops of the ship's masts in the distance. Ron took a few more steps when the familiar feeling of the tunnel effect washed over him. He turned to see Kim wrapping her arms around him. Their stomachs lurched again. Their heads seemed to spin, as they seemed to fly through the now familiar time tunnel effect. Their trip ended when they landed. This time, grass rushed to meet them. They rolled with their landing and stopped short of a low wall.

They stood up in the darkness. A familiar wailing noise seemed to permeate the air as searchlights scanned the black sky. The two teens stared in the distance. Big Ben stood on the horizon.

Kim stood up. "Ron, we are in London!"

Ron grabbed Kim's hand as she pulled him to his feet.

"Yeah KP, but when are we here?"

Sharp cracks could be heard in the distance. Then explosions rocked the area. The two teens dove behind the wall. A dirty newspaper lay in the gravel where they were hiding. Kim stared at the paper. The date was smudged but she could read some of it and part of the headline. The year was 1940. The headline read. "German bombers continue their nightly raids…."

A gravelly voice came from above them.

"JUST WHAT the bloody 'ell are you two doing here?"

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Kim and Ron got to see the first airplane flight. Now they will be facing that great achievement turned into a horrible machine of destruction. Kim and Ron have landed in London during "The Blitz", the German bombing of London in the opening days of World War II.

I truly hope that all of you have been enjoying "Tunnel Vision". Please leave a review and tell me what you think.

A big thanks to my two betas. Rufusforever and rancherod