School Days
Chapter 21
Thank you for flying Ron Air
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Ron swatted at whatever was tickling his nose. They had gotten home late that night and his head was pounding from the fall he took. Not that he fell far but he hit his head on an examination table. They decided to keep Ron from being laughed out of the city, that the story would be that he fell during the mission as he was helping get the mother up to the helicopter. The helicopter crew agreed with the parents to join in with the story. The real reason was too funny to them. Especially when they saw both teens turn the color of Kim's hair when the real story was told.
Ron finally swung his arm out to hit whatever was there and was surprised to find his arm caught by a hand. He opened his eyes to a glorious sight. Two wonderful green eyes surrounded by an auburn halo gazed into his. Before he could say a word, two soft lips closed in on his. He reached up with his other hand to hold Kim's cheek as he deepened the kiss. Pulling back, he noticed Kim's eyes were still closed.
"Booooooyahhhh" she whispered.
She opened her eyes and smiled at him.
"Okay Mr. Romance. It is time to get up. We have a full day today. First, after you get cleaned up and get some breakfast, we need to work on some studying. You have to get ready for that retest and I need to work on that paper. I will quiz you on your test before we finish up. After that, we are having lunch with Monique, Josh, Tara, Felix and Zita. Then all of us are going to a movie, and then it will be supper and the rest of the evening with our fams. We will have to fly back to school on Sunday on a regular flight. Wade needs to make some updates on the Sloth."
Ron lay back.
"Awwwwww KP, just a few more minutes. I am an injured man."
She stood up shaking her head. She reached down and pulled his covers off.
"Nope, up, up, up. Come on, you have to show what an injured hero is. Now UP!"
Ron groaned and slid to the side of the bed.
"Okay, okay, just lay out what you want me to wear and hand it into the bath. I would rather you pick it out and we match than to goof it up and pick some horrible combination. I'll be down in a few minutes."
Kim grinned.
"You sure you don't want some company?"
Ron stumbled on his way to his bath. He turned back to smile at her.
"You offering?"
It was Kim's turn to blush.
"Not anything in the future bad boy. Now get in there and get ready. I'll pass some clothes to you in a minute."
Ron stepped into the bath and started his shower. A smile crossed his face. He would take his time getting a shower; he could take a little extra snooze while the warm water washed over him. Stripping down, he stepped into the hot stream of shower water; leaning against the wall, he relaxed. It felt soooo good. He stood there for a few moments when he sensed a presence in his bath. He opened his eyes to see a shadow moving on the other side of the frosted glass door of his shower. He screamed as a wall of ice-cold water cascaded over the top of the shower and doused him head to toe.
"AGGGGHHHH KIIIIIMMMMMM!"
He pulled open the door to see his girlfriend standing there glaring at him. She hefted the large pitcher in her hands.
"Unless you want another I suggest you finish up real soon."
She turned and left the bath as Ron rolled his eyes. Her voice reverberated through the bath door.
"AND don't Roll your eyes at me."
He shook his head and started finishing his shower. It was becoming a drag when she knew him so well.
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Kim was sitting at the Stoppable kitchen table drinking coffee when Ron walked in and sat down at the table. Kim got up, pulled a covered plate from the oven, and placed it in front of him.
"Here I fixed you something to eat."
Ron stopped and slowly looked around the kitchen. Everything appeared to be in one piece and there were no signs of any spills or stains. There were no burnt odors in the air. He picked up a fork and leaned back in his seat as he levered up the top plate. There appeared to be a normal helping of bacon, scrambled eggs and toast under it. Kim reached over, snatched the top plate off and rapped him on the head with it.
"Your mom made it before she and my mom went out shopping. All I did was make the toast and keep it warm. Now come on and eat. You need to study and I need to work on my paper. The sooner we get it over with, the sooner we will have some free time."
Ron started to eat as Rufus popped up.
"hrrk, cheese?"
Kim turned around and patted Rufus on his head. He curled all around Kim's hand almost purring.
"Now Rufus, even though I have not seen you in awhile do you think I would forget my best little friend?"
Kim stepped over to the refrigerator and pulled out a small box.
"Here you go Rufus, a friend sent me some aged cheddar and I thought of you."
Kim set the box on the table and opened it up. Inside the box was a large chunk of cheddar cheese. Rufus hopped onto the edge of the box and took a good look at the piece of cheese. He turned and ran up Kim's arm, gave her a kiss, then dove into the box and started to devour the cheese. Kim watched Rufus eat as she stepped over behind Ron and began to massage his shoulders. She bent over and gave Ron a kiss on the top of the head.
"How is your head this morning?"
Ron leaned back into her embrace.
"It still is a little sore, but I'll be okay. I still can't believe what your mother said."
Kim giggled.
"She likes to tease both of us a little. I think it is some Mom thing."
Standing up, Ron walked over to the sink, rinsed his plate off and placed it in the dishwasher. He stared at the dishwasher a minute and then back at Kim.
"Uhhh KP. Just how did you think you were supposed to get your bath in the dishwasher when that thing wiped out your memory?"
Kim's face turned red as she clenched her teeth.
"Ohhhhhh, I still get mad at the tweebs over that. I was just lucky it was mom that came into the kitchen about that time. If dad had come in, he would have gotten a show that he would not have forgotten for the rest of his life. The tweebs were grounded for two weeks for that little escapade. Not to mention how they suggested that I dress. Let's get to work."
Kim walked into the living room where she had a stack of books waiting. Ron grabbed his books off the kitchen counter and dropped them on the coffee table next to hers. He sat down and put a pillow on his lap. Kim lay down, putting her socking feet on the pillow. Both opened their books and began to read.
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Ron slid his arm around Kim's waist and put his thumb through the belt loop of her jeans on the other side pulling her close to his side. Giggling, Kim slid her arm around his waist and ground her hip against his. They made their way toward the main food court where they were supposed to meet everyone. Kim had tested Ron on everything that would be on his retest. He had done okay but he would need more work to have a chance a passing. The mall was packed with the Christmas sales going on in earnest. Ron hoped he would be able to get the guys and girls to split up so he could do a little shopping himself. He already had an idea what he wanted to get Kim but he would need some help getting into some of the stores without Kim knowing about it.
They turned the corner of the mall to enter the food court when they heard a yell.
"KIM!!!"
Looking up, they saw Monique waving at them from a group of tables along on far wall. Kim and Ron exchanged a glance and made their way over to the group waiting for them. They noticed Tara, Josh, Felix, Zita and of course Monique sitting at the tables. There was someone else sitting across from Monique with his back to Kim and Ron. As they got closer, the person turned around to look at them. Ron broke out into a big smile.
"Brick? Brick Flagg?"
Brick stood up and smiled.
"Well I do believe that I see Ron "MadLegs" Stoppable."
Kim and Ron released their hold on each other as they arrived at the group and started to greet everyone. There were hugs and handshakes all around. Everyone sat down around the tables. Tara leaned over and grabbed Kim's hand.
"I have been reading a lot about you two."
Kim rolled her eyes.
"I hope it was good. I will tell you, it's been a little hectic so far this semester."
Tara nodded as she pulled something out of her bag.
"Well, I did read this and I was so proud of the two of you."
Kim and Ron looked down at the issue of Celebrity Lifestyles with the picture of them on the cover. They were standing arm in arm wearing their mission clothes. At Kim's feet was a Vandercraft cheerleader uniform and at Ron's feet was his football helmet and jersey. The title of the article went across the page right at their knees.
"All Things Appear Possible for Team Possible."
Monique let out a squeal.
"Ohhhhh Kim that is TCTBR."
Kim raised an eyebrow as she stared back at her.
"English please."
Monique waved her hand at Kim.
"Girl, that article is too cool to be real."
Everyone at the table laughed as Monique opened the magazine to the place where the article was. There were a number of pictures of the two of them and each of them by themselves. One of the pictures was of Kim wearing her LBD, while Ron was wearing a nice sport coat with an open shirt. They appeared to be at a dance club and having a good time. Monique began to read one of the interviews.
CL: "Kim and Ron, you have been together almost all of you lives. You were friends for years, yet something happened that put the two of you together. What happened?"
KP: Looking over at RS. "Well, a certain someone had the right thing to say at the right time. It was just four words but they made all the difference to me."
CL: "And just what were those four words?"
KP: "Out there, in here. You see we had been captured that night of the Diablos. I had been set up and was really feeling down. Someone special wanted to be sure I knew that he was there for me. That's all I needed to know."
KP and RS shared a quick kiss.
CL: "How does your celebrity status effect your days at Vandercraft?"
RS: "Well, most of students treat us just about normally. There have been a few exceptions."
CL: "Such as that incident with the young lady?"
KP: "Everything is still ongoing with that and on advice of our lawyers we really can't talk about that right now."
Monique put the magazine down.
"Kim girl, I was really worried about you. I mean you have fought some real wierdos but some chick with a gun nearly puts you under."
Kim's hand went over to rub her arm where the bullet had cut her. Ron put his arm around her and pulled her over to him. She nodded.
"Yeah, that…that was something I was not quite ready for."
Kim sat there quietly for a moment then Ron stood up.
"Hey, let's get something to eat, what do you say to Backyard Steakhouse?"
Brick leaned back in his seat.
"Awesome suggestion Stopps! Let's head that way, with a group this big we may have to wait a little while."
Ron shook his head.
"Nope, I figured that we might end up going there so I called the owner. I did a couple of favors for him before and he is holding a table for us."
Brick stood up and gave Ron a highfive.
"Awesome Ron. Let's get some eats."
Brick reached over and put his arm around Monique.
"Ever since the prom that night I knew this was the gal for me. Hanging with Monique is the thing to do. Bonnie could be such a drag. Monique is transferring out to be with me next semester."
Tara slipped her arm around Josh.
"Well, when Josh and Kim decided to go their separate ways, I decided to dive in."
Felix took Zita's hand.
"I have to say, Zita and I have great times together. It's really cool; here we are back together again."
Everyone cheered. Ron helped Kim out of her seat as he put his arm around her.
"Come on guys, let's eat. But what movie are we going to see?"
The four guys looked at each other and grinned. In unison they stuck their arm is the air.
"Yoooo, Joe!"
Four sets of feminine eyes rolled in unison.
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Kim walked up the sidewalk to her front door with her arms crossed. The chill in the air matched her mood at the moment. Ron jogged up to catch up with her.
"Ahhh come on KP. You got to admit that Joe agent with the red hair was a lot like you. She even had a suit that made her invisible and she kicked the Baroness' butt."
Kim turned around and stared at him.
"Yeah and she was headstrong, single minded at times, and …. And….."
She stopped talking and stared up at Ron. He smiled back at her.
"Yessssssss?"
She scowled back at him for a few seconds then broke out in a big grin as she leapt at him and tackled him into the snow. Sitting up on his chest, she grabbed a handful of snow and rubbed his face. Screaming with laughter Ron flipped Kim off him into the snow. She snapped kicked to her feet just in time to get a snowball against the side of her head. It discintegrated and some fell down her collar. Squealing she tried to shake her head hard enough to get rid of the snow as she made a snowball to throw at Ron. He got to his feet in time to dodge the snowball as it flew past his head. Laughing he dodged another snowball as he rolled up one to throw at Kim. Kim dodged it as she hurled another at him. Ron slipped and fell into the snow. Kim ran to stand over him with a large sheet of snow she had picked up. Before she could drop it on him, he spun on the ground and kicked her feet out from under her. She fell on top of him and the sheet of snow buried both of them. Both of them busted out in giggles as they lay under the layer of snow. Kim gave him a quick kiss. Ron returned the kiss then wiggled under her.
"Uhhhh KP, I have snow in my drawers and it is a little cold."
Kim giggled.
"Well, because of you I have snow somewhere else and it is cold too."
Both of them lay there for a few seconds just staring at each other. Kim finally broke the silence.
"I think we better get up and get inside before we catch cold."
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Ron stepped out of his mom's van after she parked it in the hourly space in the airport's parking deck. Kim slid out behind him as her mom and Ron's mom got out of the front seats. Ron turned around, walked to the rear of the van and pulled their bags out of the back after his mom opened the back hatch. Kim took her big bag, and pulled up the handle to the rolling bag. Picking up her backpack, she slid it over her shoulders. Ron put his pack on as he pulled up the handle to his rolling bag. Mrs. Stoppable pushed the button on her key fob and the rear hatch closed as they started toward the terminal. Kim glanced over at her mom.
"Thanks for coming to see us off mom."
Anne smiled.
"Well, I have a late shift tonight, and with your father tied up at the space center I thought you might want a little company. Besides Jean and I are headed out for a little shopping and lunch after you take off."
The two moms walked with their children up to the electronic check in kiosk. Kim placed her bag on the scale and scanned her ticket. The machine beeped and displayed her name on the screen. She confirmed her seat and waited for the person behind the scale counter to strip the bag sticker and place it around the handle. Ron repeated the process and watched as their two bags were placed on the conveyor. Kim turned around and gave her mom a big hug.
"See you after the semester is over mom. Don't let the tweebs blow up the house."
Ron gave his mom a hug. She hung on to him a little longer.
"You be careful Ronnie. I worry about you out there on the football field. Those other players are so much bigger than you are."
Ron tightened his hug on his mom.
"I'll be careful Mom. Give Hanna a big kiss for me."
Mrs. Stoppable leaned back with a giggle.
"She was not happy to have a sitter this morning. But going shopping and having lunch out would be a little too much for her."
Kim and Ron looked at each other wondering how a sitter could be found to handle Hanna. Ron started to rub the back of his head.
"Uhhh mom. Just who do you get to babysit?"
Jean just smiled.
"Why that nice man at the adoption agency supplies us with a sitter when we need one. He said it is excellent training for his students to help take care of her. All we have to do is call a number and a sitter is there within minutes. They are always such nice boys and girls."
Kim and Ron had to suppress their grins. They had a good idea where the "students" came from. Student ninjas were just perfect for a ninja baby. They turned and started toward the security gate. When they got there, Kim turned to her mom.
"Well, this is far as you can go. We will call you from school tonight."
Anne gave both of them a hug right after Jean. Kim and Ron turned and started through the security gate. They handed the guard their e-tickets and their Ids. Their Ids alone could have gotten them through security with no problem. Their own security clearances were higher than almost the entire security staff. The security officer took a good look at their Ids and then a good look at them.
"Why are you two even bothering with this? With these you could have walked right through and no one would question you."
Kim shook her head.
"If we were on a mission, then yeah we would have. But all we are doing this time is going back to school."
The officer nodded, marked their tickets and handed everything back to them. They took their Ids and tickets and headed for the X-ray machines. Placing their backpacks in the grey bins, they took off their shoes and put them in another grey bin. After walking through the metal detector they picked up their packs, put their shoes back on and headed for their gate. They found a few open seats off to the side and settled down to wait. It looked like it would be a full flight with many holiday travelers headed for home. Snow started to fall lightly outside as Kim pulled a magazine out of her bag and began to read.
They had not waited long when a number of people started to walk up to the ticket counter. Ron nudged Kim with his elbow and nodded toward the line of people. Just about that time, the ticket agent came onto the intercom.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a very full flight this morning. There have been a number of flight cancellations and we have quite a few standby passengers. Please be sure that you have checked in and have been assigned your seat."
Kim nodded to Ron; they had already confirmed their seats so they did not have to worry. About that time, the agent came back on the intercom.
"Will passengers Possible and Stoppable please come to the ticket counter."
They stood up and glanced at each other as they shrugged their shoulders. Picking up their backpacks, they walked up to the ticket counter. There were several fingers pointed and a well as a number of cameras, there was a gentle murmuring among the waiting passenger. One little girl yelled out.
"Look mommy, it's Kim Possible."
A few camera flashes went off as they approached the counter. The agent at the ticket counter looked up at them. Kim slung her pack over her shoulder.
"I am Kim Possible and this is Ron Stoppable. You wanted to speak to us?"
The agent nodded.
"Yes, thank you for coming up. As you can see, we have a very full flight and several standby passengers. My supervisor noted you on the passenger list and your security rating. We would like to ask a favor of you. There are a couple of seats in the cockpit for standby pilots and check ride pilots. We were wondering if you would mind taking those seats and allowing a couple of passengers to take your seats. We will give you a round trip ticket to your choice of destination for your trouble. My supervisor has called the TSA and cleared it. The cockpit crew has agreed."
Kim thought for a moment. The jump seats would not be as comfortable as a regular seat but it would help two people get to their destination. Moreover, the round trip ticket was a nice incentive. She glanced over to Ron.
"What do you think?"
Ron nodded.
"Sure KP, why not. It'll help the airline and help two more people get to where they need to go."
Kim turned back to the ticket agent.
"Sure, we would be glad to help."
The agent smiled.
"Thank you very much. The flight crew will be happy to have you aboard. You may board at anytime. We would like to thank you again for helping us."
Kim and Ron smiled and started to head for the door to the gangway. The ticket counter was about to pick the mike to the intercom when a well dressed man strode up to the counter in front of several other passengers.
"I want a seat on this flight and it has to be first class."
The agent glanced at the man.
"I am sorry sir, but there are several other passengers on the standby list. If you would please wait a moment in line I will be glad to help you."
The man snorted.
"Do you not know who I am? I demand a seat this instant."
Kim and Ron looked at each other a put down their packs to step up behind the ticket agent. She tried to smile at the man.
"I AM sorry sir, but I cannot do that. There are several other passengers in front of you. Now…."
The man yelled.
"DO YOU NOT KNOW WHO I AM?"
The ticket agent smirked and turned on the intercom.
"Ladies and gentleman, there is someone here who doesn't not appear to know who he is. If anyone here know this person please come up to the ticket counter."
Everyone in the area had heard what was going on and there were quite a few laughs."
The man muttered something to the agent. She just smiled back at him.
"I am sorry sir but you will have to stand in line for that too."
The man went white with rage as he started to come around the counter. Ron stepped up in front of him.
"Sir, I think you need to leave or get in line."
He snarled at Ron.
"And just who do you think you are?"
Ron pointed to himself then to Kim who had stepped up beside him.
"I am Ron Stoppable, and this is my partner Kim Possible. Now you have been asked nicely to get in line twice. I think your choices are to either leave or get in line."
He snorted.
"And if I don't?"
Ron nodded over the man's shoulder to the two TSA security guards who had just arrived.
"Well, I guess these gentlemen would have to have a little discussion with you. You do realize that obstructing the agents and or the guards is a federal offense?"
The man stared at Kim and Ron for a moment, then at the ticket agent then back at the guards. He mumbled as he picked up his back and left the gate area. The two guards fell into stride on either side of him as he walked off. The ticket agent turned to Kim and Ron.
"Thank you."
Kim shrugged.
"Just glad we could help. Please contact us if there are any problems later. We would be happy to testify on your behalf that you did everything that you could."
The agent relaxed.
"Thank you."
She turned back to the microphone and turned on the intercom.
"Will Mr. and Mrs. Abbott please come to the ticket counter?"
Kim and Ron turned back to their backpacks and walked down the jet way. One of the flight staff was standing at the door.
"Glad to have you aboard. I can store your bags here with the crew items if you would like."
They handed the crewmember their bags and turned into the flight deck. The captain turned around and extended his hand.
"Welcome aboard. We appreciate you taking these seats. They may not be really comfortable but they make up for it in the view."
Kim shook the pilot's hand.
"Thank you Captain, we are glad to be able to help."
The Captain shook Ron's hand.
"I am Captain Lewis and this is First Officer Cable."
The copilot waved as he worked to complete the flight checklist.
"Glad to have you aboard."
The Captain pointed to the man seated right at the door.
"This is flight engineer Perkins."
Kim and Ron shook his hand. The engineer pointed to the two seats behind the Captain.
"Once we close the cockpit door you can have those two seats. Until then I am afraid you will have to stand around. If you like you can stand right outside the door in the galley way."
Kim nodded.
"We will do that. That will leave you gentlemen to do your work."
Kim and Ron stepped out of the cockpit and stood with the other crewmember in the galley area. Other passengers started to enter the plane as they stood there waiting for everyone to board. After everyone was on board the crewmember shut the door to the cabin and motioned for Kim and Ron to enter the cabin and take their seats. The flight engineer shut the door as Kim and Ron took their seats and buckled in.
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Kim tried to settle back in the jump seat but there was not a lot of room, the flight would be about three hours. They had just leveled out when there was a beep inside the cockpit. The copilot turned and pulled a phone from the bulkhead beside him. He spoke for a few seconds then hung up. Cable turned around to look at them.
"One of the flight attendants just called. There is a little girl back in coach who asked if she could meet you."
Kim smiled.
"Sure, how do we get out of here?"
Perkins turned and punched a code into a pad next to the door. There was a click.
"Just pull the door open. You are free to walk around or sit in some of the jump seats outside where the attendants sit. They might be a little more comfortable. Take your time, have a snack if you want."
Ron pulled open the door and motioned for Kim to go first. Kim stepped out of the cockpit as Ron followed her. He shut the door and pulled it until there was a click. A flight attendant walked up to them.
"Thanks for coming out. There was a little girl back in couch asking if she could meet you. I told her that I would ask. She and her parents are sitting in row 17 seats a, b, and c. That will be on your right."
Kim nodded and pointed to their backpacks.
"What do you say Ron? Should we change?"
Ron smiled.
"Why not?"
The attendant pulled their bags out and handed them to them. They took the bags and each stepped into a lavatory. A few minutes later, Kim and Ron stepped out of the lavatories dressed in their mission clothes. The flight attendant took their backpacks with a raised eyebrow.
"You changed in those little places that fast?"
Ron stopped and thought for a second.
"That's nothing; we have changed in smaller places. Of course, it is a lot easier when we are alone. When we share is when it can get a little complicated."
The flight attendant's chin nearly hit the floor.
"You change in a space like that at the same time?"
Kim shrugged and gave Ron a little hug.
"Yeah, it's no big. Now what is the little girl's name?"
The attendant thought for a second.
"I believe it is Tammy."
Kim and Ron turned and made their way through first class into the coach area. Several people did double takes as the two of them made their way down the aisle toward the row where the little girl and her family were sitting. Kim noticed the little girl's head peering over the seats in front of her.
"Mommy, here she comes."
Kim walked up to where the little girl was.
"Hi there Tammy. I heard you wanted to see me."
Tammy's head bounced up and down like a bobble head doll.
"Uh huh, you're Kim Possible and that's Ron Stoppable."
Kim knelt in the aisle so she could get down to the little girl's level. In the back of her mind, she rejoiced that the little girl recognized Ron. Ron stepped behind her and put his hands on Kim's shoulders. Tammy flopped down in her seat and reached over to touch Kim.
"You are my hero; you fight all those bad guys."
Kim brushed a hair from Tammy's face.
"Yeah I do, but I have a lot of help and support from a lot of other people. And I could never do any of it without Ron."
Kim reached up with her free hand and grabbed Ron's hand with hers.
Tammy's mother wrapped an arm around her daughter.
"Tammy reads all the books about you and she has a full collection of all the figures. We could not believe it when the two of you walked up to get on this flight. Are you flying out on a mission?"
Kim shook her head.
"No maam. We go to school at Vandercraft and we are just returning for Thanksgiving break."
Tammy's father leaned over.
"I was wondering if that was the case. I am a Vandercraft alumnus and have been watching you two. That was some run you made the other day young man."
Ron blushed.
"Thank you sir. I appreciate it. We have a couple of big games coming up and we really need to win both of them if we are going anywhere postseason."
Tammy pulled a magazine out of her pack. Kim recognized it as one of copies of Celebrity Lifestyles with the picture of them on the cover.
"Could you autograph this for me? Both of you?"
Kim nodded.
"Sure we can. Ron do you have a marker?"
Ron pulled a marker from his utility belt and handed it to Kim. She stood and used Ron's back to sign the front of the magazine. Handing Ron the magazine and marker, she turned so he could use her back to sign the front. Ron capped the marker and handed Kim back the magazine. She knelt back down and handed it to Tammy.
"There you go."
Tammy's eyes went wide.
"Geeee, thanks."
Everyone one screamed as the plane lurched in the air, the lights flickered and there was a loud bang from the front of the aircraft. The plane lurched again and twisted to one side. Service items went flying and a number of overhead bins popped open sending their contents onto the heads of the people sitting below. Kim grabbed onto to the seat mounts of Tammy's seat while Ron held on to her. The plane bounced up and down for several seconds and twisted side to side. Then, it leveled out although it continued to yaw and pitch. One of the flight attendants stumbled up to Kim and Ron.
"We need you up front."
Kim noticed the fear in the eyes of the attendant. She was barely holding it together. Kim nodded and started to move forward with Ron behind her. As they approached the cockpit, they noticed one of the other flight attendants trying to get into the cockpit. The door appeared to be jammed. He turned to Kim and Ron.
"There is something wrong in the cockpit but we can't get the door open. The code doesn't work to open the door."
Kim noticed that pad had no lights.
"Looks like whatever is wrong with the lights is causing the pad not to work. Ron, looks like we need to break in. I'll hit it high and you hit it low."
The two of them took a couple of steps back then leapt toward the door in flying kicks. Kim noticed that Ron had turned in a direction so that nobody could see his face. She felt the familiar feeling of when Ron called on his MMP. She knew that her kick would barely shake the door. She also knew that their kicks together might make it shake. However, her kick combined with him MMP kick would open a concrete wall much less a cockpit door. The combined impact popped the door open. When Kim landed, she noticed a very strong acrid electrical smell. She also smelt something she missed she had not. Somebody had been burnt and burnt bad.
Kim moved into the cockpit with Ron right behind her. Smoke filled the small cockpit. The Copilot was slumped to the side and the Captain struggled to control the aircraft. The flight engineer lay slumped against the wall. Most of the instruments were out. The Captain gasped.
"We had an electrical malfunction. It fried just about everything in here. I need help, get the First Officer out of his seat and someone needs to get in there and help me."
Ron reached over, undid the copilot's seatbelt, and lifted him from his seat. Kim jumped into the seat and looked over at the Captain.
"What do you need me to do?"
The Captain gasped.
"Take the wheel."
Kim grabbed the control column. She moved it back and forth slowly gaining control of the aircraft. The Captain passed out.
"Ron I need you like NOW!"
Ron came back into the cockpit, pulled the Captain from his seat, and handed him over to the other attendant. About that time, the flight engineer gasped and woke up. He looked around at Kim and Ron.
"You will have to fly the aircraft. I do not think the flight crew will be able to. I will help what little I can. I'll be able to monitor what I can from here."
Ron jumped into the pilot's seat and put on his headset. Kim watched as Ron's hand flew over several switches and dial. Then he reached down between them and turned a knob on a dial face until it read 121,500. He found the radio switch on the column.
"Mayday, mayday, mayday, this is TranCon flight 243. We have suffered an electrical malfunction in the cockpit. The flight crew has been disabled. My name is Ron Stoppable and I am at the controls. Kim Possible is at the controls also."
He let go of the radio button and there was an immediate reply.
"TranCon flight 243 Roger, we hear you. What is the condition of the aircraft?"
Ron keyed the mike again.
"Most of the displays are out but we do have all emergency indicators."
The flight engineer gasped out.
"The hydraulics are in good shape as well as the cabin. Fuel is good, but most of the electronics are out."
Ron relayed the information from the flight engineer. As they waited for a reply he looked over to Kim.
"You better call Wade; we are going to need all the help we can get to fly this thing."
Kim nodded and glanced over to him.
"You got it?"
Ron nodded.
"Yeah, give him a call."
Kim hit the emergency call on the Kimmunicator. Wade appeared in seconds.
"Kim! What is wrong? I thought…."
Kim interrupted him.
"Wade no time for talk. There has been a malfunction in the cockpit on our flight. The flight crew is out. Ron and I are flying the plane."
Wade's eyes went wide.
"YOU ARE FLYING THE PLANE! YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO FLY A PLANE!"
Kim growled.
"So know that Wade! Let's get it together and get us some help."
Wade started to type as the radio crackled again. Kim pulled the copilots headset over her head.
"TranCon flight 243, we have you on radar. We read that Team Possible is at the controls. Do you have any flight experience?"
Ron keyed the mike again.
"Kim has been in a couple of cockpits and I have flown in a simulator."
The radio crackled again.
"That's a roger. At least you have some idea of what you are doing. We need you to turn right to a heading of 096."
Just as they got ready to make the turn there was another shower of sparks and the column Kim was using started to flop around in her hands. Ron tried the rudder pedals but they just moved back and forth.
"Kim try the rudder pedals."
She lightly pressed on the pedals and felt the plane respond. She looked over to Ron. He glanced back.
"That is not good."
He keyed the radio again.
"This is TranCon 243, we had another short here. We have only one control column working and one set of rudder pedals working and they are not at the same station."
There was a hesitation over the radio before the air controller came back on.
"TranCon 243, you mean you do not have a complete set of controls?"
Ron answered.
"That is correct, the Captain's column is working but not the rudder pedals. It is the opposite for the Copilot. That column is not working but the pedals are."
The air controller waited for a few moments before coming back on.
"Copy that TranCon 243, is the autopilot operational?"
Kim looked over at Ron as he glanced down. He pointed to the right place and Kim attempted to work the controls. She shook her head. Ron answered.
"That is negative."
The controller came back on.
"Okay, Kim, Ron, my name is Dan. We will get you through this. I must say that if anyone was to be at the controls of an aircraft in trouble I would want it to be you two."
Kim keyed her mike.
"Thank you but I may say I can do anything but right now I am feeling that it is a little braggy."
Dan laughed.
"That is quite okay Kim. Now Ron, are you in the pilot's seat?"
Ron answered.
"Yeah."
Dan sighed.
"Okay, you will take the lead since you have column control. Kim will have to work at the same time with the rudders. You know what they do?"
Kim answered.
"Yes, push on the right one and you turn right."
Dan laughed.
"That's right. Okay now I need you two to make a slow turn to the right until you are heading 090. Kim you will have to handle the throttles. You need to reduce speed and loose some altitude."
Kim and Ron complied with instructions and waited for Dan to come back on. About that time, Wade chimed back in.
"Kim, Ron, I am in contact with the flight controller. I am sending your video feed to him have someone hold the Kimmunicator to look forward."
Kim looked around to see one of the flight attendants standing there. She handed the Kimmunicator to her.
"Here hold this so the screen is pointing forward."
The attendant nodded, took the device and held it up as instructed. Dan came back on the radio.
"Okay I see the control panel. Looks like there is a lot of damage but you have most of what you need to land. You have descended to your assigned altitude. You are about 15 minutes from landing. Get the cabin crew to prepare for crash landing."
Ron keyed the key.
"Let's leave the word crash out of the landing and we will be fine."
Kim had to fight back a laugh. Ron could be funny at the wrong times but right now she needed that. She could hear several people laughing at the other end of the radio. Dan answered back.
"Roger that Ron. Make a turn to the left to 015. We are bringing you straight into your destination. All flights have been cleared from the area. A couple of fighter jets have been scrambled to help you. They should be coming up on either side of you at this time."
Ron chanced a look out the side window to see an F-16 flying in formation with him. Kim looked out her window to see another one on her side. A new voice came over the radio.
"TranCon 243, this is Beagle 1 and 2. We are here to assist in anyway we can. We have completed an exterior examination of the aircraft and all appears to be well. We will be able to confirm landing gear and flaps for you."
Kim relaxed.
"Beagle 1 and 2, this is Kim Possible, we thank you for your assistance. We are going to need all the help we can get."
A second voice joined.
"Miss Possible this is Beagle 2, glad to be flying with you."
Dan came back on.
"TranCon 243 you are now 10 minutes out. Reduce your altitude and speed. That is about right. Maintain altitude and speed."
Kim turned around to the flight attendant.
"How to do I talk to the passengers?"
The attendant pulled a phone from the bulkhead and punched a series of numbers.
"It still works. Just tell them to be calm and follow instructions."
Kim swallowed and started to speak.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is Kim Possible. My partner and I are in control of the aircraft and we expect to be on the ground in a few minutes. Please follow all the instructions of the flight attendants. I know you are probably scared and so am I, but we have a lot of help up here and Ron and I have faced a lot worse situations. We ARE going to land this aircraft, I cannot promise there might be a few bumps, but we will do our best. Thank you for your help."
Kim hung up the phone and turned back forward as Dan came over the phone.
"TranCon 243, you are 5 minutes out, you are on course, continue to reduce altitude and speed. You are on the landing path. Please lower your landing gear. It's the switch between you."
Kim flipped the switch and felt the familiar bump and thud of the landing gear coming down. A series of lights appeared on the board in front of them. Kim keyed her mike.
"We have a green light on the landing gear."
Dan answered.
"That is good, now you need to lower your flaps to 10%. You can see the notches on the control."
Kim moved the handle back and felt the thud of the flaps. The voice of Beagle 2 came over the radio.
"TranCon 243 your flaps are down and appear to be operating normally."
Dan came back on.
"TranCon 243 you are 3 minutes out, continue to reduce altitude. You are drifting slightly to the left. Turn right to return to glide path."
Kim and Ron moved in unison to turn the aircraft. Kim kept her hands on the throttle and her feet on the pedals. She moved them as Ron moved the column. Dan called back.
"TranCon 243 you have returned to the glide slope, you should have the airport in sight."
Ron keyed his mike.
"We see it."
Kim looked out the window to see the runway in the distance. Dan continued with his instructions.
"Continue to reduce altitude and speed. Pull back on the column."
Ron pulled back and the plane started to settle. Dan continued.
"You are 30 seconds from touchdown, when I tell you to cut the power and pull back on the column. You are over the runway, CUT POWER!"
Kim yanked the throttles back as Ron flared the aircraft. The tires hit and the plane bounced into the air. Ron held the column steady as the plane hit again with a bang. They could head the screams from the passengers. Ron pushed the column forward and the nose gear hit with another thud. He turned Kim.
"KIM BRAKES, push the rudder pedals down!"
Kim pushed down with all her might. The plane lurched forward to the sound of the tires squalling. Ron reached over flipped a couple of levers on the throttles and pushed the throttles forward again. He turned to Kim.
"It's reverse thrust!"
She nodded as the plane lurched again. She fought to keep the plane on the runway. It finally slowed to a stop. Ron yanked back on the throttles and his hands flew over several controls. The engines started to whine down. They could hear the doors to the airplane opening up and the escape slides being activated. They settled back into their seats as Dan came over the radio.
"Nice landing TranCon 243. I will look forward to meeting you later. Now get off that plane."
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Kim and Ron got out of the airport security car as it pulled up to the terminal. They headed up the stairs and entered the terminal where the rest of the passenger had been taken for checkups and to wait for their families. A wall of cheers and applause greeted them as they entered the room. A tall man with graying hair approached them from the side.
"Miss Possible, Mr. Stoppable?"
Kim recognized the voice.
"Dan?"
He smiled.
"In the flesh. You two did an amazing job. I must say that it helped that Ron had been in a simulator."
Kim turned to Ron.
"That's one thing I wanted to hear about. I don't remember Ron ever being in a simulator."
Dan and Kim turned to see Ron rubbing the back of his neck. Kim crossed her arms.
"Roonnn…."
Ron smiled up at her.
"Kim you would not believe me if I told you."
Kim raised an eyebrow.
"Try me."
Ron looked at the floor.
"You know that flight game that I had Wade find for me?"
Kim thought for a moment.
"The one that hadn't been released yet?"
Ron nodded.
"He found it and I have been playing it. It simulates how to fly all kinds of planes… including the one we were on."
Kim thought for a moment.
"You mean you got behind the controls of an aircraft full of passengers and flew it based on a computer game. You are right I don't believe it."
Dan shook Ron's hand.
"I believe that game is called 'Open Skies' right?"
Ron nodded as Dan turned to Kim.
"They actually use that game to let people get used to some of the controls. So in a way he did fly in a simulator. Just not a full mock up. Good job you two. Only someone who can work in perfect unison with the other could have ever landed that aircraft. Well, I have to get back to work. There's going to be a pile of paperwork a mile high on this one. Take care."
Dan turned and joined a number of other men as they left the room. Kim slipped into Ron's arms and they stood there and just held each other for a few moments. They broke their embrace but continued to hold hands as they walked into the room for their own checkups.
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Well, it looks like even during a break Kim and Ron have to step up. Now it is back to classes and football.
I hope that you enjoyed this chapter.
A big high five to Nutzkie. One of his stories gave me the idea for the airplane sitch. I gotta give credit where credit is due.
Please leave a review, I would appreciate it.
This is the Captain
Roger and out
Right hand salute.