Gunslinger Bink
Chapter 28: Flying High, Landing Hard
A little before 12noon on Fernando's watch, the south western coast of Spain is coming up fast, with the Mediterranean looming over the horizon. Milan is another 2 hours plus away at 675MPH.
As long as nothing happens along the flight path, there should be nothing to worry about. All around, the occasional other plane can be seen as small objects in the sky. As long as they remain small in the background, things should be OK. These are some of the most crowded skies in the world outside of the New York/Boston Air Traffic area, or the LA/SanFran area. Only problem is that these planes are flying by their own international rules of which countries they are flying to and from.
Along with various air transports, an occasional military aircraft makes its way to the 737BBJ. They just buzz by after a close run by, probably to check that its not a hijacked plane or a stolen registry. Since there are 5 known missing aircraft which is believed to be Al Quida owned, the skies over certain areas have been a bit paranoid as to who flies across them.
With less than 90 minutes to land, one can see the boot of Italy from high above the Mediterranean Sea. Just south of the flight path was where a deHavelin Comet exploded in its flight at about 30,000 ft above Elba from sudden decompression from structural failure in Jan.10th 1953.
'This area seems to be the Bermuda Triangle of the Mediterranean... ', Fernando thinks to himself. But having flown in the Devil's triangle more times than he could count, the thought was one of historical value and not one of hidden fear. 'Both the Brittanica and Lusitania also sank in this area... '
Jeanette asks, "Everything OK?"
Fernando asks, "Uh?... Yes, why you asked?"
"You have been quiet the last past hour.", Jeanette says.
"Its nothing.", Fernando says.
Jeanette asks, "Whats on your mind?"
"Again, nothing.", Fernando says.
"I see...", Jeanette says.
Fernando does not say a word.
"Now I know there is something bothering you.", Jeanette says.
Fernando asks, "Why you say that?"
Jeanette asks, "No 'said the blind man' comment. Come on, what's bothering you?"
Fernando asks, "Sometimes I like to stay quiet. Think things out, you know?"
"That is unusual for you.", Jeanette says.
Fernando asks, "What makes you think that?"
"I'm expecting you to do or say something.", Jeanette says.
Fernando asks, "Like what?"
"A time portal to seagull beach or Ms Bell dropping by and saying hi at the top of her tiny voice... You usually do something out of the ordinary at least once a day, and more so before rescues and missions.", Jeanette says.
"In all seriousness, Jeanette I don't think some of us are coming back. Not alive at least.", Fernando says.
Jeanette asks, "What makes you say that?"
"Something I was told while I was checking out this bird by some suit.", Fernando says.
"I trust you in keeping me safe. I don't know about the others, I guess they are on their own.", Jeanette sighs before commenting says.
"A leader is responsible for those he leads.", Fernando says.
"You do not have to lead, you know.", Jeanette says.
Fernando asks, "Too late for that. In seriousness, Jeanette, you'd think that Chip and the Stupid 4 can infiltrate a foreign country, sedate a brain washed child assassin and bring her back to the cafe without any casualties? I think not. They would not be able to make out of the country with their fur intact, let alone alive."
Jeanette asks, "So you're going through your proverbial bouts of doubt and pain?"
"No.", Fernando says.
"Sounds like you're in denial.", Jeanette says.
"I don't think we are prepared enough for such a mission.", Fernando says.
Jeanette asks, "Gee, what ever gave you that idea?"
"You don't have to agree with me, you know.", Fernando says.
Rome ATC calls in on the radio, asking for identification. Fernando puts on the headset, identifies the aircraft and flight number, then requests for clearance to Milan. Rome ATC gives Fernando the frequency for Milan ATC, where Fernando asks for Route passage and permission to land. He is given instructions to enter the flight traffic circle and is told to wait his turn, something Fernando does not like to do. While over Italian airspace, a couple of military jets pull along side the 737BBJ for a moment and then fly away. Fernando takes off his headset and sighs, before reaching out to the instrument panel and checks on a few minor things.
"Just one last thing...", Jeanette says.
Fernando asks, "What is it?"
Jeanette asks, "As your 'wife' on this mission, I don't have to do anything in those terms, right?"
"I don't expect you too.", Fernando says.
"What about, you know.", Jeanette says.
"We won't be doing the nasty either.", Fernando says.
"Ahem!", Jeanette says as she holds up her left hand to him.
"Lovely hand, you have there.", Fernando says.
Jeanette asks, "Isn't there something missing?"
Fernando asks, "Like what?"
Jeanette asks, "I know you're not that dense... The rings?"
"Oh, those things. I was hoping to give it to you after we land.", Fernando says.
"Nothing fancy, I hope.", Jeanette says.
"Nothing fancy at all... Just 6 karats set in platinum.", Fernando says.
Jeanette asks, "WHAT!"
"A special ring for a very special someone, even though we're just friends, you're a 'F'riend. Besides, its a Cubic Zirconium on titanium. It only looks like a diamond on Platinum.", Fernando says.
Jeanette sighs.
Fernando chuckles for a second.
Jeanette asks, "Whats so funny?"
"You, sometimes.", Fernando says.
"Hmph!", Jeanette says.
"Like the time I got you the Star of India. You did not wear it to the Golden Cafe Awards, thinking that it was too much! But unknown to you, its the Star of India but from another time dimension- there the Eagle Diamond still exists but the Star of India is still missing there. Unlike here where the Eagle Diamond is missing.", Fernando says.
Jeanette asks, "So you're saying that its a fake?"
"No, its real, but like Danielle, its an inter-dimensional clone of sorts.", Fernando says.
"That sounds so creepy now.", Jeanette says.
"Don't let it scare you, not one bit.", Fernando says.
Jeanette asks, "And why not?"
"Just think of it as a special gift from a friend, yours to have, to keep...", Fernando says.
"Sometimes I think these gifts have strings attached.", Jeanette says.
"With me, there are no strings attached. You of all people should know that.", Fernando says.
Milan ATC calls in. Fernando picks up his headset and responds. Clearance is given to land at Malpensa International Airport, located in the province of Varese, near Milan, Italy on Runway 17R. Once directions are set, Fernando makes a few adjustments as the airport is 767ft/234m above sea level to the flight computers.
"OK, Jeanette. Clipboard time, we need to prepare for a landing, insert ourselves into a glide-slope and put this sick puppy on the ground.", Fernando says.
"Alright then, set computer to airport's landing height.", Jeanette says, as she looks over the landing direction on the clipboard.
"Already did that.", Fernando says.
Jeanette asks, "OK then. Nose down and look the airport if using VLS?"
"Doing that now.", Fernando says.
Jeanette asks, "Throttle down and slow descent?"
"I'm ahead of you on that...", Fernando says.
Jeanette asks, "Then where are you on the list?"
Fernando asks, "How about helping me look for the airport? I cant see too far out the window."
Jeanette asks, "What does it look like?"
"It should look like a ladder with crooked rungs on it.", Fernando says.
"I see... We're too high up to see it through the clouds...", Jeanette says as she looks out the cockpit windows.
Eventually, it was a safe landing at Malpensa International Airport, with little incident.
ETA Milan 3h20m:
Despite heavy traffic, Heathrow middlelanding didn't pose any problems. ATC seemed to be expecting him. Someone has informed them of my arrival... And it wasn't me. I'll have to talk to Fernando about this.
Code: This is Raptor-1 reporting in. Situation A-OK.
ETA Milan 1h 6m
Charles Sinclair already contacted the Italian ATC and was on his way to the last way point before landing.
"Flight 386 New York Milan calling Milan ATC.", Sinclair says.
"This is Milan. Go ahead Flight 386.", tower says.
"Requesting permission to land.", Sinclair says.
"Negative Flight 386. The airfield is overrun with hares.", tower says.
Sinclair asks out loud but not over the radio, "Hares?"
"Roger Milan. My fuel will run out in two hours.", Sinclair then says.
"Roger that. We'll keep you informed of the situation.", tower says.
After about 90 minutes the radio answers again.
"Flight 386 this is Milan. You are clear to land at MXP. Runway 02", tower says.
"Roger Wilco.", Sinclair says.
It was late afternoon, around 18:00, on the USS Texas when radar on the destroyers in the battle group picked up the Boeing 737. Captain Dixon went down to the Combat Engagement Center on Texas and watched the plane track across the fleet's scopes. As it flew overhead, Eddie climbed back up to the bridge and watched for it. He spotted it briefly, and gave a short quick salute.
After the plane, barely visible from the ocean's surface, had disappeared over the horizon, Eddie retired to his cabin. Soon the battle group would begin participation in the NATO exercise scheduled for the following day.
Hondo was glad they were finally on the ground.
"Never cared for ridin' or flyin' less I was drivin'!", Hondo thinks.
Hondo looked around him at the others, the Rangers and friends of the Rangers that had grouped together to help a friend in need, a very dangerous need. He knew this would not be easy and the possibility of death hung in his mind as a reality, not a possibility.
He looked toward the sky from whence the landed from, and said a silent pray.
"Father in heaven, help us accomplish this here task. If anyone must die, let me that the others may live. I know to where I go and I fear death no more. Into your hands, Father.", Hondo says.
Sinclair turned off the engines and went to the passenger cabin to change. Several minutes later he exited the plane in a corp uniform and with a suitcase. He could not afford anyone getting suspicious about the empty plane.
After going through the check-out he found a cab and ordered himself be driven to the nearest hotel.
Receptionist asks, "Name?"
"Charles Attenborough.", Sinclair says.
Receptionist asks, "How long would you like to stay sir?"
"Two weeks.", Sinclair says.
Receptionist asks, "Would you like to pay via transfer or card?"
"Card.", Sinclair says.
Charles Sinclair handed her the card.
"Thank you sir. You have room 142. Here's the key.", Receptionist says.
Charles got into his room and immediately checked the windows and walls. He then put the bags under the bed and waited.
Back at the Airport A Limo came as Alex II and his 7 Team members enter as they head to the US Embassy in Rome
"Hope Fernando and the others make it we will contact them once we in the Embassy", Alex II says.
"Right sir ", Agent 1 says.
Two hours later the Limo arrived at the US Embassy in Rome. The driver shows his ID to the gate guard who then opens the gate and lets them in. Alex II and his Team got out and headed toward the building. As entered they saw Razale a Gray Mouse with Sunglasses. He was to be their contact.
"Hello Agent Alex II. Your weapons have arrived as asked for. Follow me, please.", Razale says.
He then lead them into a secret base underground, where they had their weapons and other devises that were ordered.
"OK Team, this is were we will be staying. Razale, call Fernando. Tell him that I am in the US Embassy and will meet up with him soon. Make sure the call is untraceable. We don't want the SWA knowing we are here.", Alex II says.
"Right. That is standard protocol here, sir.", Razale says.
"Good", Alex II says.
Razale then went to make the call on a non-traceable phone, aka the blue phone.
Back at the hotel where Charles Sinclair stayed:
There was a knock on the door to Sinclair's room.
"Marco. Good to see you.", Sinclair says.
Marco asks, "Mutual. I still do not understand. Why do you need my help to get to the airport?"
"I need to do that quietly so that nobody would connect me with the guy who is in this hotel. Your brother is a security guard there. He could help us.", Sinclair says.
Marco asks, "I see what I can do. When do you need to get there?"
"Tonight.", Sinclair says.
The same night near the airport fence two figures clad in black approached the third one wearing a guard uniform.
"Charles, this is Adamo. Adamo meet Charles.", Marco says.
Sinclair asks, "Is everything ready?"
"Yes. Come with me.", Adamo says.
They went to a nearby trench where Adamo opened his pouch and took out two guard uniforms.
"Put these on. Just don't destroy them. I went to great lengths to acquire those uniforms.", Adamo says.
They made their way around the fence and toward a guard post. An elderly squirrel looked from behind the desk. Adamo went inside. After a few minutes his head poked through the door, with his hand motioning them inside.
Sinclair asks, "What have you told him?"
"That it's my turn on the watch. Now go.", Adamo says.
"Your brother is a crafty one.", Sinclair says.
Marco asks, "But that was true. It's the guard change time. Why do you think he insisted on a specific hour?"
They passed the checkpoint and moved along the walls using shadows for cover, as the whole area was lit. Evading patrols, they made their way towards business traffic section and wandered around a bit waiting for the area to clear.
Once they were sure the guards went for changing, they sneaked to the plane. Two went inside, after a few minutes only one emerged, carrying a uniform.
