The seven men looked at their leader with a mix of expressions, but the main one was confusion. Hunter spoke.
"There are still six weeks left in the season. We still have the border storms in Manitoba, Canada. Why, Chris? Why stop now?" Hunter was concerned, had Chris lost his nerve?
Chris sighed. "I know, Hunter and maybe it is foolish. I just think we have had enough. Things that didn't bother us, now scare us to death. It isn't just the Morrison shit. It's the weather. I want to get back to the lab. We've got that time warp, Roman's theory, and why did we get an anticyclonic with no parent to spawn from? I just think our time would be better served, back in the lab. It would give us six weeks, without anyone else around, or trying to schedule lab time around classes. We can always monitor the weather, and if something big looks like it is going to happen, we can go after it. I am content to finish out the season, as usual if that's what you vote to do. I've stated my idea, now it is up to you all to vote. Kenny, it includes you too. There is plenty you can help with in the lab. So, talk about it, take your time. Whatever the majority wants will be done. It is okay to vote either way. I won't be hurt or angry." Chris finished. He wasn't sure what they would decide, but he would respect that decision.
The Jericho's hotel room was deadly quiet. No one had even begun to dream Chris would want to quit, mid season. Roman looked at Seth and Dean. They looked at Roman, unsure of what to do.
"Can we go to our room and talk about it?" Roman asked Chris. He wanted his spouses to be able to talk openly about how they felt. It needed to be discussed in private.
Chris smiled with a nod. "By all means, please do. Take your pizza, no need for it to get cold. And, when you give me your decision, be totally honest with how you feel."
Roman returned Chris' nod. "We will, I promise." The three stood. Roman carried the large pizza box. Seth and Dean grabbed more cans of cola. They went to their motel room to talk.
Kenny stood. He'd finished his plate of pasta. "I think I will call Kota, talk to him about it." With a nod of approval from Chris, Kenny went to his room. He figured the Helmsley's wanted to speak to the Jericho's in private.
As soon as Kenny left, Hunter spoke again. "Chris, what is it, really? You… have you lost your nerve?" He looked directly at Chris, brow arched.
Shawn looked at his husband. Hunter's tone of voice had been a bit gruff. "Hunt, that isn't fair. You heard what Chris said." He was a bit surprised by Hunter's reaction.
Chris held up his hand. "No, Shawn. It is a fair question. The answer is, no, not really. I am just more… wary. We have had way too many close calls and that's not counting the non weather crap. I honestly do think, the extra time in the lab would be more beneficial. But, as I also said, I am more than willing to continue as usual."
Hunter nodded. "Okay. Sorry if I sounded… gruff. I just want to get as much data as possible. But, we do have data on some very unusual weather. It would give me time to work on a probe to change the charge of a storm and not be interrupted with trying to teach classes. On the other hand, what if the next storm is just as unusual? Do we risk not getting that data?" He was well and truly torn.
Shawn spoke. "That is possible, Hunt. But what if nothing unusual happens? Then we've wasted time that could have been spent in the lab. The lab is why we chase. To get information that could potentially help people. Adam, what do you think? You could lose a lot of picture and video sales, Dean too. This is important, and there is no right or wrong answer." He too was torn. He saw both sides equally.
"First, is this what's kept you awake the last couple of nights? I knew you were churning on something, but this wasn't what I thought." Adam was just as surprised and torn as everyone else.
Chris nibbled on a piece of pizza with a nod. After he swallowed, he spoke. "Yeah. I thought about it before the run with the Red Shoe. At first, I thought, it was just being home again, you know how that is. Then, I thought about it again the night of your migraine, and I've thought about it since. I really am anxious to start looking at the data from all the odd storms. I thought six weeks, alone in the lab would be good. I'm sorry, baby. The thought of you losing six weeks of potential sales never entered my mind. Maybe I am being selfish." He shrugged.
"Lion, I don't do this for the money. Yes, sales do fund our chases, but, data has always meant more than the money. If you honestly feel that ending the season now and going to the lab is important, then I support you, one hundred percent. Just… don't quit out of… fear." Adam looked at his husband. He wasn't sure Chris was being totally honest.
"Baby, I am not afraid. But, I am wary, there is a difference..." He sighed, then continued. "Okay, but don't mistake what I am about to say for fear. Today was the teams forth or fifth time at being lucky. How long before that luck runs out? I think we have all been pushed to our limits. Maybe having all this unusual data to study… well, maybe it's saying, you have enough, time to quit now, go learn from what you have. I dunno, maybe I am being stupid to want to end the season early." Chris sounded like a lost boy. He'd been so sure going to the lab was best, now, he wasn't so sure.
Adam wrapped Chris in his arms and held him close. He'd seen Chris like this only once before, in a jail cell in Texas, accused of rape. It wasn't that Chris was mad, he was torn and unable to put his foot down and say this is how it is going to be.
Adam started to speak, but Shawn beat him out. "Chris, you made a very good point. We have been very blessed and protected from harm, more than usual this season. While I know God watches over us, he gives us free will. If we keep pushing, maybe something really awful could happen. We have been given the gift of being able to collect some very unique data. Maybe, just maybe, we will finally have the answers that will help people even more. I have decided on my vote. I think we should go to the lab. As you said, if it looks like something big is going to happen, we can load up and chase it. Better not to risk losing the gifts we have been given. Also, as a Pastor, I will say this; if God put the idea in your head, He did it for a reason. So again, my vote is return home and get in the lab." Shawn spoke with total honesty. He truly meant every word he'd said.
Adam went to speak, but this time, Hunter stopped him. "You know, I get just as pushy about the probes as you do with a chase. Sometimes, I let that cloud my vision. The only reason I want to probe is to collect data; we've done that. We even managed to land probe this season. We've gotten pre-storm and after storm data as well. Why push our luck when we already have a season's worth of data… in half the time. I agree with my handsome husband. I also vote to go to the lab. I also agree, if something comes up, we can go after it. We are only able to do that because you're such a brilliant forecaster. And one last thing, as Shawn said, the idea was put in your head for a reason. Never argue with that."
Once again Adam was cheated out of speaking when Kenny Omega returned. He had a huge smile on his face. He sat down and spoke.
"Kota sends his regards to everyone. He gave me two great things to pass on to you. First, what Confucius said, the man who moves a mountain begins by carrying very small stones. Second, from Pearl Zhu, it is often said that a wrong decision taken at the right time is better than a right decision taken at the wrong time. Now, I kind of understand what Kota meant, he does get deep sometimes. I am ready to give my opinion. You have all this fantastic and different data. I feel it would be best to start working on it while it's still fresh in your mind and not lost in a seasons worth of data, where it could get less attention. Strike while the iron is hot, so to speak. Also, on a personal note, I would really love the opportunity to help in the lab, get a better understanding of the weather. So, even thought I am not a vested member of the group, I vote to go start work on the data." Kenny ended with a sip of coffee.
Adam finally spoke. "Christopher, I love you and support you a million percent. If you honestly feel going to the lab now, is the right thing, then it is. On thing that kept me going in the war zones was a quote by… well, I can't remember now. Anyway, the quote said, sometimes you make the right decisions, sometimes you make the decision right. Let's get to the lab and make it right. I agree with everything Shawn, Hunter and Kenny have said. Both Dean and I have already taken enough pictures for Shane and Cole. It will also give me more time to really concentrate. I will put out my best calendar yet. Let's go back to our little home, hearth and garden… and a billion hours in your lab." He still held Chris in his arms. Adam pressed his lips to his husband's and smiled into the kiss.
Chris smiled at his husband in return. "Thank you, Kitten. Thank all of you. I do honestly feel that going back to the lab is the right thing and if it's not, we will make it right. Of course, there are three more of us left to vote." He looked toward the adjoining rooms to where the post graduate doctoral students talked over their decision.
Roman, Seth and Dean sat on their bed, the pizza box in the middle as they sat round it. They took a few bites, to think before they spoke.
Dean was the first to speak. "I don't really mind going back to the lab, but what about the live streams? They have helped a lot of people. What if a big tornado happens and we aren't there to warn them. Please understand, I am not saying it out of ego or trying to be the hero. But the live streams have saved lives. Do we just stop, mid-season? Can we just… abandon the people?" He was very torn about it.
"I can understand what you say, D. But, because of us, people have started paying a bit more attention during watches and warnings. You've read the comments, people saying it's better to pay attention and take shelter. My problem is, there is no such thing as too much data. The more we can get, and compare, the better. But, what if we already have the best data of the season? Do we waste time getting more or go back and start working on what we have. Between the time warp and Ro's theory, we have plenty of work to do. Chris did say if something worthwhile comes up, we can go out again. So, I am alright with either, going back to Norman or staying out and chasing for the rest of the season. Ro?" Seth looked at Roman with question in his eyes.
Roman chewed on his slice of pizza, deep in thought. When he swallowed he spoke. "I see both sides. I don't think Chris made this suggestion lightly. There is nothing he'd rather do than chase. But, he carries a very heavy load on his shoulders; our safety. Chris is not afraid, but he is wary, how far can we push our luck? He's right, there have been several very close calls. What if the next time… something tragic happens because we pushed our luck too much? Yes, Shawn is right, God helps and protects us, but He also gave us common sense. Why push it." He gave a shrug and took another bite. Despite the serious situation, he was very hungry.
Dean swallowed his bite of pizza. "I guess the people will manage. Between Adam and I, we have a lot of pictures and video. Chris is right, we will be able to use the lab in private for six weeks. I am dying to find out more about that time warp. Plus, Sethie, it gives us time to help Ro with his thesis research."
Seth nodded. "That is very true. Out of the three of us, Roman's thesis needs the most research. Mine is just writing the paper that goes with the Jericho Forecasting program I wrote. So, I'm with Chris. We could go either way, but I lean to the lab." He too shrugged.
The triad continued to talk. They went back and forth. Sometimes they saw the merit in finishing the season in the field sometimes it was better to return to the lab. They had a truly hard time deciding. When they finally did make their choice, they went back to the Jericho's room. It had taken them a bit over three hours to decide.
Everyone looked up when the post graduate students returned. They sat on the floor. Seth and Dean looked to Roman. He'd been elected to speak.
"Sorry we took so long, but it was a difficult choice to make. There are legitimate reasons for both. But, we finally decided. With all the research I need to do, and can't do without Dean and Seth, we chose to return to the lab. We feel like we have enough unique data for the season. We will also be primed and ready to hit the road if the need arises." Roman spoke firmly. The had decided the lab was the greatest need.
Chris gave a nod to the students. "That makes it unanimous. So, we go back to Norman and get in the lab. You know what that means, don't you?" He looked at his team.
Adam chuckled. "That tomorrow, there will be the biggest outbreak of rogue tornadoes in history?"
Hunter laughed. "Yep. But you know what, I am quite sure, as drivers, we know how to turn a vehicle around. I'm pleased. I am really anxious to work on some ideas I have for probes."
Chris spoke again. "Thank you, guys, for the support. I honestly think it is the right thing to do. You know how I feel about the chase, but, this time, I feel our data is more important. I think we are going to really discover something that will truly advance warnings. We will head back tomorrow, but, we don't have to rush. Maybe we can actually stop and see Kyle."
"Sounds good. I will call him and find out if he's available. I know he and Boss are probably swamped with catch up work. He'd probably love the break." Kenny stated with a grin.
That night, everyone packed up. As they worked, the storm chasers were actually glad the had decided to return to hearth and home.
The armada pulled into the Guymon Oklahoma Police Department parking lot, this time for a very different reason. Officer Carrie Reynolds came out to greet them. It was a happy reunion. She congratulated the triad on their "marriage". She gave them a gift card to a big box store.
"Beth and I got this for you. Get what you need instead of a toaster." Carrie stated as she hugged and kissed the three young me.
"Thank you, Miss Carrie. We will send a thank you to Miss Beth via Kenny. Yeah, we don't need a toaster. Dean wants a new crock pot." Seth said with another hug to Carrie.
Carrie took the gang to Kyle's office. The man was pleased to take a break and just visit with the eight men as friends, not crime victims.
Chris explained what they had decided to do. Kyle responded. "I think it's a great decision. Please, can I hear about that time warp. I think it is really interesting. Of course, I won't ever share it with anyone." Kyle looked at Chris like a kid on Christmas morning.
Chris laughed. "Of course. You're family, Kyle. Thanks, it wasn't an easy choice to make. But, it will be worth it." He smiled warmly at Kyle.
They chatted with Kyle and Carrie over coffee and sandwiches for more than an hour. It was a good time and did Kyle a world of good. It was hard to say goodbye, but they did. Kyle promised they would see each other again. Carrie cried a bit, but, knew the storm chasers were now safe and free from Morrison. She and Kyle waved as the JSC, Inc armada pulled out of the parking lot.
The drive from Guymon to Norman was calm and peaceful. It took a while to sort and unpack everything, but as they worked, they laughed and joked. By eight that night, everyone was snug in their own home. Kenny Omega was comfortable in his guest room at the Helmsley's. He still smiled, and hadn't stopped all day.
The following day found the eight men in Chris' lab/classroom on the University of Oklahoma, Norman Campus. The building was next door to the National Weather Service and the National Severe Storms Laboratory. The NWS and NSSL of depended on research and data from Chris, his team and his advanced students.
Sami Zayan, Chris' friend, who had once surprised Chris and Seth at the ROW, had been shocked the team had returned mid-season. He and Chris sat in the NWS lunchroom and enjoyed a cup of coffee. Chris smoked a rare cigarette.
"… so, I thought starting on the data was more important this year." Chris finished his explanation to his friend with an exhale of smoke.
Sami's mouth fell open. "A time warp? An actual time warp? Caused by an Elve? You caught it, on film? No wonder you're back. I don't blame you. Nothing much forecast for the next two weeks anyway. The heat on the west coast is holding fronts at bay. The most you would have chased are popcorn storms." Sami crushed out his cigarette and sipped his coffee.
Chris lit another smoke. "Sami, have you ever heard of an anticyclonic tornado without a parent?" He arched his brow at his friend.
Sami shook his head. "No, never. It's not possible, you know that as well as I do. It needs a parent to spawn from, usually an EF four at least. Why?" Now he was curious.
Chris chuckled. "You know there was a weak tornado in Lamar the day before yesterday, right?"
"Yeah, but it was barely noticed. It was weak and small. We were busy watching a potential PDS in western Colorado." Sami recalled the busy day they had just recently had.
"Sami, that small, weak tornado was anticyclonic. It narrowly missed hitting Scout. They had a tire blow out at the worst possible time. Could it have spawned so far away from a parent?" Chris' brow arched so high, it nearly vanished.
Sami nearly dropped the lit match he held up to a cigarette. "Are you sure it was anticyclonic? Over four hundred nautical miles from the parent? Impossible, simply impossible." He spoke firmly and lit his cigarette.
Chris rolled his eyes. "Yes, Sami. It was anticyclonic. I'll show you video. I'm telling you, the weather we chased for the last eight weeks has not been normal. Not by any sense of the word. Sami, it was almost like, the weather was thinking. You just wait til you get our data. Oh, and Roman Reigns is working on a doctoral thesis that will blow the roof this building if he proves it." Chris' tone changed to one of a teacher's pride in his student.
"Come on, Jericho. You can't say that then not tell me. Reigns is a lightening expert, right?" Sami asked with an exhale of smoke, in a perfect ring.
Chris smirked. "You know I can't tell you. It's his doctoral thesis. That information is privileged until he presents at panel. Yes, Roman's field is lightening. Well, I'd better get back. Not fair for the boss to sit here while the team is working like demons." He finished his coffee and cigarette, then stood up to leave.
Sami mirrored his friend. The two men shook hands. Sami watched Chris leave. He had a feeling Jericho Storm Chase, Inc was on the verge of making history. Sami Zayan was proud of his friend.
All eight men worked hard in the lab. Shawn had spoken to the Pastor who had come to take care of Shawn's church during the season. Reverend DiBiase and his husband were more than happy to stay for the next six weeks. They agreed to act like Shawn was still on the road. Of course, Shawn told his congregation, but they agreed that the work he did during the storm season was extremely important. The small but mighty congregation was proud of Shawn, and Brother Hunter as well, along with the rest of the team.
Jericho Storm chase had been back in Norman for two days. Everyone had gathered at the Helmsley's for Dean's crock pot chili and Adam's buttermilk cornbread. The sat at the picnic table in the backyard.
They had just started eating when Kenny's cell phone rang. The call only lasted a few seconds. Kenny stood. "Excuse me, please. I will be right back." He smiled even brighter than usual as he dashed into the house.
"What is he up to? He hasn't stopped smiling since we left Lamar." Hunter spoke with amusement as he watched Kenny run into the house.
Shawn grinned. "He hasn't told me anything, but, I bet we are all about to meet someone very special." He wasn't sure, but he had a hunch as to why Kenny smiled all the time.
Adam twigged to Shawn. "Shawn, do you think that..." He was shushed by Shawn.
Shawn laughed. "Yes, I do." He gave Adam a knowledge filled look. He knew Adam had guessed the same.
Chris and Hunter looked at each other. "How do they do that?" Hunter asked with a bite of chili.
Shawn chuckled. "Magic powers." He gave Adam a wink and a shrug to his husband.
Kenny soon returned. He led a handsome, young Japanese man to the backyard. Kenny's smile was so bright, it rivaled the late afternoon sun.
Kenny wrapped an arm around the young man's waist. "Everyone, this is Kota Omega, my husband. Kota, this is our new family..." He proceeded to introduce Kota to each man at the table. Kota smiled and firmly shook hands with everyone.
"So happy to meet you at last, Kota. You are more than welcome in our home. Please, join us, you must be tired and hungry." Shawn took Kota from Kenny and sat him down and fussed over him like a mother hen.
Kota smiled. "Thank you, very much, Shawn. I am tired and most hungry. Are you most sure, I may stay?" He spoke English, but it was broken, and his Japanese accent was very thick.
Hunter smiled. "Yes, Kota. We are very happy for you to stay in our home. You are family too." He instantly liked the young man.
Kenny sat next to his husband and gave him a bowl of chili and a plate of cornbread. "I should have told you he was coming, but I wanted to surprise everyone. I knew he would be welcomed."
"Of course, Kota is family. Family is always welcome. Kota, is everything alright? We are very glad you are here, but Kenny said you are usually in Japan until fall." Adam was curious, but also concerned something had happened.
"Yes, I normally stay much longer. You know I teach special children sports. The school I teach, had to close and send student home. There was a small earthquake, and it made building not safe. Old building, needs work. I had nothing to do. My family say, go home, be happy. So, here I am. I was surprised you are here, not chasing big storms. Kenny tell me why. Maybe I can help, I am good with computer." Kota took a huge bite of food, he was hungry and chili was a favorite American food.
"Oh my, Kota. Were any of the children hurt?" Adam asked with great worry in his voice and on his face.
Kota swallowed his mouthful of food. "No. The earthquake was hardly felt, but the old building is… the word… oh yes, at risk. Better to send children home, till new building is finished. The city build new school, but very slow. Too many buildings being built, not enough workers. One month they work on new school, next month they work on new hotel. City finally say, school is first. Adam, Kenny said you have been to Japan?"
Adam laughed a bit. "Yes, and no. I was in Tokyo for about six hours. I wish I could have really visited the country, but I was flying to a photographic job. Had to change planes in Tokyo. I stayed in a capsule hotel and it was really comfortable. Maybe Chris and I can go there some day, but Paris first..." Adam went on to explain about their trip to Paris in the spring. "… so, I finally get my dream, spring in Paris." Adam leaned over and gave Chris a kiss.
"You will have wonderful time if you ever do go to Japan. I can tell you places to go where others do not. Beautiful pictures for your magazine." Kota smiled and continued to wolf down his food.
Adam smiled. "Sounds great, thank you. Um… Kota, would you have time to help me with my Koi pond? You don't have to, but my fish would like it."
Kota laughed. Yes, Adam. I help you. Kenny told me. You need pagoda and bridge. We go to garden store, I show. My father's father was Koi master, he teach father, father teach Kota. Kota teach Adam. Shawn, you have perfect place for Koi pond, I help if want. My father's father had one Koi that only ate from his hand, very special fish."
Shawn smiled. "I thank you, Kota, very much. But, it is not for us. I'd rather grow vegetables. Oh, it is good to have you here." He gave the handsome young man an even brighter smile.
Everyone was amazed at how much Kota ate. Kenny kept his husband's bowl, plate and glass filled. They also liked seeing Kenny so very happy.
"Dean, that was very good. I become pig. Adam, this too was very good, thank you for sharing." Kota gave a bow to both Dean and Adam. They returned the gesture.
After coffee and ice cream, Kota insisted that he and Kenny clean up. The Helmsley's tried to protest, but Kota was very insistent, so Shawn let them.
Later, Kota and Adam won the night when they beat the others, hands down, in a game of Trivial Pursuit. Seth declared that Adam and Kota were not allowed to team up again. It made everyone laugh, it was a very wonderful evening.
Kota Ibushi-Omega proved to be a good addition to the storm chase family. He and Seth got along like long, lost brothers. What Seth couldn't do with a computer, Kota could and vise verse.
"Chris! We figured it out! We can now add the question to the probe!" Seth cried out as they worked in the lab.
Roman was curious. "What question, Seth?"
"If a storm has a negative or positive charge! Kota broke it down, and I figured out how to ask. Can we keep him, Roman? I promise to feed him and take him for walkies. Please, can we?" Seth sounded so sincere, it actually worried Kenny.
Roman rolled his eyes. "Seth Colby, Kota is not a stray puppy. Plus, I don't want Kenny killing you. He's a cop and knows how to get away with it. But, that is really great about the question. Won't have to wait to see the lightening first. Great work!" He was excited about the idea.
Kota looked at Roman. "You can tell the pole of lightening? It all looks the same to me." He was very serious.
Roman ducked his head. "Yeah, I can. No two flashes of lightening are ever the same. See..." Roman launched into a lecture that lasted over an hour. Kota was a rapt listener and learned more about lightening than he ever thought possible.
"… so, one day, if we can harness lightening, there would never be another energy crisis or blackout." Roman finished with another duck of his head. He felt like he'd gotten carried away and had wasted Kota's time.
"Roman, thank you for taking time to explain. You are very smart. You will one day make world a better place. All of you will. I am honored to be among such great minds." Kota gave Roman a bow of respect. Roman returned it with a flushed face.
The time passed way too quickly for anyone's liking. On the morning of July 3rd, everyone stood in the Helmsley's driveway to say goodbye to Kenny and Kota Omega. As a final thanks, Hunter used the company credit card to rent a car for the Omega's to drive back to Dodge City, Kansas.
It was emotional, no one wanted Kenny and Kota to leave, but they knew the couple had to go back to their normal lives. As much as Kenny loved the weather, he was law enforcement at heart and always would be. Kota too loved his work with his students and was anxious to get home to Dodge City.
So with several rounds of hugs, kisses and handshakes, and many, many thanks, the Omega's slowly pulled out of the driveway. It hit Seth and Adam the hardest. The had a wonderful bond with Kota, and it felt like they had said goodbye to their brother. Chris held Adam close, and Seth took comfort from his two husbands.
As a treat, Hunter took everyone to the Cattleman's Steak House in Oklahoma City. The restaurant at next to the stockyard, which meant the beef was the freshest and best.
Hunter didn't care that the meal of seven T-bone steaks, root beer and coconut cream pie cost $275. It was well worth it. They had been through a lot, and night out, with a fantastic meal was a small price to pay.
The work in the lab continued. Roman, helped by Dean and Seth, did a lot of review of the storms Adam had filmed over the years. Roman needed to know if the storms were negative or positive, and then determine if his theory held merit. Did a positive storm always mean a tornado? Did a negative charge change the storm, or prevent a tornado? It was very tedious, but worthwhile research.
There was one moment Roman and Dean kept to themselves. In their video research, they saw the video of the tragic death of Drew McIntyre. They could hear Adam's desperate sobs as he thought hit was Chris and not Drew. Roman and Dean were glad they had worn headphones. They decided to just keep it to themselves, why stir up the past?
Roman managed to get enough data to reasonably support his theory. More tornadoes occurred in a storm with positively charged lightening. He couldn't support his theory that negative charges prevented tornadoes, but, it did have an affect on the size and power of a tornado. Seth took over from Dean to help Roman put his theory to paper with complicated mathematical formulas. It was a lot of work, but well worth it.
Adam helped Dean prepare a very detailed paper on the subject of videography. Chris helped with the weather side of Dean's paper. Adam also helped Dean put together a video of Dean's best work in the field. It included a lot of Dean's work on the live streams. As promised, Chris sent a copy of the video to the head of The Weather Channel, along with a glowing, strong letter of recommendation to hire Dean for the OKC Office.
Chris also helped Seth put his doctoral paper together along with examples of all the computer programs Seth had developed for gathering storm data. The main focus of Seth's doctoral was, The Jericho Forecast Program. The program, written by Seth, mirrored Chris' way of forecasting the weather. It was Seth's pride and joy.
Adam took Dean to the World Wide Entertainment Offices in downtown Oklahoma City. Dean was pleased to finally meet Shane McMahon in person. Adam was happy to hear that Vince McMahon was doing well and loved their work.
The best news came when Shane offered Dean a very generous contract with WWE. He even gave Dean a small office as an incentive. It helped that the office was next door to Adam's.
Dean just didn't blindly sign the contract. He wanted to make sure, if by some chance, The Weather Channel did offer him a job, he could take it.
Shawn assured Dean that yes, he could, but WWE got first pick of his photographs. Dean spoke in private with Adam. He wasn't as sure of contracts as his older mentor was. Adam told Dean it was a good deal. He also told Dean he could get out of the WWE contract in a year, or make changes if they were needed. Dean knew Adam wouldn't lie or take advantage of him, so he signed the one year contract with World Wide Entertainment. Shane heartily shook Dean's hand and welcomed him to the WWE family. It was a wonderful moment for Dean. Later that night, both Roman and Seth congratulated their husband with, toe curling sex.
July moved on rapidly. One thing did draw Chris and Seth's attention. The severe tornadic storms had suddenly stopped. Oh, there were severe thunderstorms, with hail, damaging winds and heavy rains, but no tornadoes. If they had stayed out to chase, they would have only wasted time. Everyone was now glad Chris had made the right call.
It was just another odd factor that would be written in the years weather history. Chris knew a bubble of hot, dry air kept the tornadic fronts from moving in over the west coast. Warm air needed moisture, but the bubble kept hot air from that moisture and the cooler air.
The down side was, that the extreme, dry heat, meant California, Oregon and Washington state were tinder boxes. Terrible fires broke out. Millions of dollars worth of homes and businesses were lost, along with several lives. There was nothing the members of the Jericho Storm Chase team could do to help… except pray, which they did in earnest.
On Saturday, July 23rd, the Jericho's held a barbecue in their backyard. It was a double birthday celebration. Shawn's birthday had been they day before on the 22nd, and Hunter's would be on Wednesday the 27th. Dean made a delicious chocolate cake and Adam decorated it.
Kota had helped Adam with his Koi pond. His fish now flourished and grew. All it had taken were a small cement bridge and two granite pagodas, one at each end of the little bridge. Adam loved it and he bought a beautiful new Koi fish and named him Kota. Adam then taught the Johnson twins how to take care of the fish and pond when he and Chris were away from home.
Shawn and Hunter loved their birthday party. However, they had firmly said no gifts. The others felt bad, but respected the older couples wish. After the barbecue, they all played games, laughed and joked. It was a happy, relaxed evening.
Chris and the team also finally decided what to do with AJ Styles' Red Shoe car. They donated it to the small weather museum in the NWS building. It was right and best thing to do. Chris had no intention of ever driving directly into a tornado again.
When Adam shared their Red Shoe encounter video with Kevin Nash, he was pleased for them. Kevin brokered a fantastic deal with Adam to include the footage in his I-Max film. Adam told Kevin that it must not have his name or Jericho Storm Chase, Inc anywhere in the film. Adam also said, AJ Styles' name should be included. It was their secret, and it stayed that way.
The rest of the time that would have been spent in the field, was spent putting the final touches on three doctoral thesis papers, and Adam's weather calendar.
On August first, Adam and Dean went to the WWE office. Adam turned in his final draft of his solo calendar. Shawn knew it would be the best Adam had done so far.
Dean turned in four pictures for the general WWE weather calendar. Dean was given, May, June, July and September. The four pictures were floral in theme. Shane told Dean he was the only one given four months. He was extremely impressed with Dean. He predicted Dean would one day, most likely, have his own calendar. Adam nearly exploded with pride.
Adam promised Dean he would teach him the small, fine things that customers wanted in their photographic calendars and posters. Adam took Dean to lunch to celebrate.
The rest of the year raced. Janet and Barbara Watkins as well as Kenny and Kota Omega came to visit between Christmas and New Years. They all rung in the New Year at the Helmsley's.
University was back in session after the holidays. Chris and Hunter were in full teacher mode Roman, Dean and Seth were buried in post graduate class work.
Adam spent a lot of time doing work around the house and visiting nursing homes with Shawn. Adam also did private photography sessions for people who were more than willing to pay for extreme quality photographs. Adam never felt guilty for his high price tag. He had worked hard for the reputation he'd earned, and felt people should pay for that reputation.
Shawn was back at his church full time. He also worked two nights a week at the hospital. He felt it kept his nursing skills sharp and he enjoyed it Shawn really loved it when he had a shift in maternity.
On the first of May, Roman, Seth and Dean sat for their doctoral panels. Adam was a guest on Dean's panel, but he was fair and honest in his judging report. Dean needed more work in a couple of areas, but was well above average in many other areas.
Chris and Hunter were also fair as they judged Roman and Seth. It was part of the struggle to earn the title of Doctor, as it should be. The other Professors and guests were stunned at Roman's thesis and questioned him for a long time after the panel was completed.
The hard part was, Roman, Seth and Dean now had to wait for a year and a day for their results to be announced. The good part was, they could now just be students and enjoy their classes instead of stressing about thesis papers and panels.
Adam blinked it and it was time for his and Chris' spring in Paris. The night before their flight, the seven members of Jericho Storm Chase, Incorporated met at the Jericho's house.
"… so, Seth is in charge. Roman, you and Dean get ROW, Scout and Rover ready. We will be back one week in. We'll find you when we get back. Now, I know last season was different but, we got through it. At least this time, there won't be a madman trying to kill us; only the tornadoes will do that. So, before we start the new season, let's toast the last..." Chris stood, root beer in hand. The others stood and raised their various drinks.
Chris made his toast. "To a job well done."
Adam, Shawn, Hunter, Roman, Seth and Dean clinked their drinks to Chris "To a job well done!"
THE END
AN: Thank you so much for reading this story. I appreciate every single review and comment. I know it was a bit different, but something I wanted to do and complete. I have new story coming soon It is entitled "So Stupid." It will be different. I have listened to a lot of comments, and know I need to change up some things. I hope the new story will delight and entertain you. Writing is my life, and something I will never give up. Again, thank you all for your support and comments. All the best, Lady Dragonsblood.