Chapter 1
(sound of intro song, "Nothing Can Stop Me")
From out of nowhere in the clear blue sky, two Boeing EA-18G Growlers stream across the sky, easily moving at 200 mph. Trailing wind and clouds in their wake, their two navigators sitting in their respective cockpits at the ready. After performing an up and over, they level up flying side by side at cruising altitude.
"Alright H-C, we all good?" the first jet radios to his human navigator.
"10-4 J-T, all good to fly," the navigator radios up.
"10-4 partner, over and out," the first jet replies.
"Roger, over and out," the navigator replies before signing off.
"What's taking these guys so long? Are they really as good as they say they are?" the second jet radios to the other jet.
"No, better," the first jet replies.
Suddenly, a flash of orange speeds right past them so fast they barely hear an 'oh yeah'!
"Whoa, who was that?!" the second jet radios out.
Flying up and over, the orange plane that had flown by levels out right in front of the two jets.
"Why hello ladies, you ready to lose?" the orange plane teases.
"Last one to the water trough buys a round of drinks," the first Boeing calls out.
Just then, a message from the orange plane's human navigator radios to the other two navigators. She was a young woman decked out in a flight suit. Her brown hair spilling out from under the helmet, and thick flight goggles pulled down over her big brown eyes.
"Tell you what, we'll give you guys a head start," the navigator radios to the other planes, "you're gonna need it!" The navigator finishes off in a sing-song voice.
"Later losers," the second Boeing signs off as he and the other jet turn and dive toward earth.
"Ha-ha, well said partner," the orange plane radios to the girl, "Sky-High, all good to beat these guys?"
Giggling, the navigator radios back, "10-4 Crophopper, lets squash these bugs!"
"Copy that," the orange plane, "Sky-High, what's my heading?"
"Roger that, standby," the navigator transmits, "Crophopper, head 2-9-5 right east to water trough for victory."
"Roger that Sky-High," Crophopper receives, "now hold onto your horses!"
The navigator barely gets in her reply to acknowledge before the orange plane turns over and goes into a fast dive. The navigator steels herself against the G-force, her heart pounding out of her chest in excitement. She knew her partner had this, all she had to do was keep an eye out and enjoy the ride. There was nothing like the adrenaline rush of a race in the sky.
Her partner could say the same thing, feeling every part, every bolt, every fiber of his being tingle with the rush. In the sky, flying so fast, feeling the rush of air under his wings, there was no place he would rather be.
Coming right up on the tails of the Boeings, they pull up over the field and make a vertical turn around a huge rock structure. Leveling out, the orange plane keeps right on the heels of the Boeings. Their race takes them across a huge lake to continue over the field beyond. As they approach the finish line, Sky-High then radios to her partner, "Crophopper, make your move and take us home!"
"Copy that Sky-High," he radioed as he moves up and over to get in front of the Boeings, "see-ya suckers, time to eat my…"
"Dusty!"
Dusty, the orange crop-duster, was pulled out of the race in his head by the loud call of Leadbottom. Dusty looked out of the corner of his eye to see he had flown right in his path, spraying mulch in his face. Embarrassed, he moved back into position on Leadbottom's side, continuing to spread mulch over the cornfield they were flying over.
"Pay attention now boy, you're daydreaming again," Leadbottom scolded.
"What, me?" Dusty retorted, "no, no absolutely not."
Leadbottom was an old crop-duster plane, who was also Dusty's boss. Their job was to dust crops all day every day in the small town of Propwash Junction. Dusty was not at all content with this life and dreamed of one day being a world-champion racer. He shared that dream with his human partner Sky, who was currently back at the garage in town working under the head mechanic, Dottie. Unbeknownst to him, his human partner's head was playing the same scenario.
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"Sky!"
Meanwhile, back in town, Dusty's human partner was playing the same scenario he was. Unlike him, she was successfully blocking out anything and everything, including fellow mechanic Bella.
"Sky!"
Dottie, the head mechanic, also had a human partner in a young woman named Bella. Bella was a tough woman in her late-20s with a head of long red hair she kept tied back in a ponytail. She had a heart-shaped face that housed a pair of bright green eyes. She had a deep tan from years working outdoors and usually wore an orange crop top with blue jean shorts. To top off her outfit, she bore white stockings that tucked into a pair of brown combat boots.
Bella's attention was currently on trying to gain the attention of her junior mechanic, and Dusty's partner, Sky.
Sky was a young woman of barely 18 years, with a slim build and well-toned figure from years of hard work in the garage. Like Bella, she also had a head of long hair that she kept tied back in a ponytail. But unlike Bella, her hair was a deep chocolate shade, and her eyes a sparkling blue. In addition to her heart-shaped face, she also had a tan that made her eyes stand out. Her outfit today consisted of an oil-streaked once-white shirt, a pair of black yoga capris, and a pair of worn-out sneakers.
Bella and Sky had been friends for years, despite an almost 10-year age gap, and Bella knew just how to turn Sky's head.
In good fun, Bella pulled out an air horn and blasted it right at Sky's face.
Surprised by the loud noise, Sky let out a yelp and fell backward right onto her back.
"Ouch," Sky moaned, pushing herself into a sitting position, rubbing the back of her head that struck the concrete floor.
Once the ache in her head dulled, Sky looked up through slitted lids to see Bella doubled over in laughter.
"You know, there are easier ways than scaring me witless," Sky mumbled, climbing to her feet as Bella held out a hand.
"Well for one, it's way too funny to see you jump," Bella replied, Sky taking her hand, "and two, punishment for slacking off again."
Sky grumbled under her breath about 'evil women' in embarrassment at her inattentive behavior. Sky knew Bella was only teasing her, but still felt the need to point out her work to her 'senior'.
"I was not slacking off, I got all my duties done for today and only have to put away the tools," Sky exclaimed, pointing at the tools left on the workbench.
"I know, but you know how Dottie is when she sees you leaving work to go here," Bella teased, pointing a gloved finger to Sky's forehead.
"I know, thanks for the wake-up call Bells," Sky thanked her, moving to put away the tools. Sky, like Dusty, dreamed of being an air-racer and trained hard whenever she could to be an effective navigator. In sports like racing, all cars and planes were required to have a human in the cockpit/driver's seat. In such case the vehicle was unable to operate itself, the human would put it in 'manual control mode' to take over. Otherwise, they were just there for systems support, navigation, radio contact, etc. Sky was an effective pilot on her own, not an expert, but could easily maneuver a plane to safety when needed. However, her navigation skills and whatnot still needed work. Whenever Dusty was training, she would always join him in the cockpit to sharpen her skills.
"No problem, off to train with Dusty again?" Bella asked.
Bella knew full well about Sky and Dusty's dream and did whatever she could to support them both. Dottie, the little blue forklift, on the other hand, was not fond of their crazy passion and objected strongly.
"Oh yeah, we're gonna kill it today, I can't wait," Sky shouted excitedly, finally putting away the last of the tools.
"Anything else you need from me?" Sky asked, anxious to go meet Dusty for their training session.
"No, we're all done for the day, get out of here!" Bella called, waving her arms
Laughing at her response, Sky headed out the shop, calling back with a "thanks Bells!"
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Meanwhile, back with Dusty….
Leadbottom's face contorted into a grimace.
"Ok, yes," Dusty admitted, "but come on Leadbottom, how hard is this? Fly straight, turn around, fly straight…"
"Oh ho, are you disrespecting the sweet science of aerial application?" Leadbottom interrupted.
"Look, I am more than just a crop-duster," Dusty rebutted.
"Hey now, don't go all flap-jawin' about that Flings around the Planet air-racing nonsense again," Leadbottom complained.
"Excuse me, it's called the Wings Around the Globe Rally," Dusty corrected.
"For the love of…" Leadbottom grumbled, Dusty cutting him off mid-rant.
"It's not nonsense, I've got a tight turn radius and a high power-to-wing ratio," Dusty commented.
"You know what else you got?" Leadbottom called back.
"What?" Dusty asked uninterestedly.
"A screw loose!" Leadbottom exclaimed.
Dusty rolled his eyes and continued flying ahead. Though he tried not to listen, Leadbottom continued.
"Why would you want to give up crop dusting? You got blue skies, no air traffic, and the tangy scent of Vitaminamulch," Leadbottom explained happily, breathing in the scent of the awful smelling mulch.
Dusty grimaced as Leadbottom started saying something about how it was 'just like momma used to spray'.
"Ugh, they say the sense of smell is the first thing to go," Dusty gagged out just as he heard a loud horn.
"Great, quitting time," Dusty let out turning around, calling back to Leadbottom, "later boss!"
"See you tomorrow Dusty," Leadbottom called back.
Dusty did not hear though, he was already heading back to town to start his usual training session. First things first, he had to pick up his navigator.
Giving a quick radio to his truck friend Chugg, he started heading towards the airstrip.
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Back with Sky, she had just left the store only to run right into another person. Whoever it was, was carrying several cans of oil that fell to the ground and scattered.
"Oh gosh, I'm sorry I wasn't looking, let me help you," Sky belted out all at once, immediately dropping to the ground and gathering the cans.
"Ah, it's ok, Sky I'm glad you bumped into me," the voice of the person answered, "it's been a minute, how have you been?"
Recognizing the voice, Sky looked up to see none other than Audie. He was a good friend of hers who lived down the road with his plane partner, Skipper. Skipper had raised Audie since he was young after both his parents died in a fire. Audie had big dreams of being a pilot in the Navy and had been out of town doing his training and taking his entrance exams. Elated at her friend's return, Sky immediately dropped the oil cans to wrap her arms around his neck.
"Audie! You're home!" Sky cried, knocking Audie onto his bum with Sky draped over him. The sudden hug caused him to drop the few cans he picked up, a few of them leaking. Despite the wasted oil, Audie did not mind a bit. He returned the big fervently, nearly pulling Sky into his lap. Audie had always had a major crush on Sky, bordering on the 'L' word. Moments like these when he could hold her tight… he took full advantage.
"Audie, I know I started this hug, but I need to breathe," Sky muttered, her face smooshed into the fabric of his shirt.
When he did not respond right away, Sky reached with one hand to pull on his ear. Now noticing that the hug went on too long, Audie immediately let go and they both got to their feet.
"Oh Audie, it is so great to have you back in Propwash. I missed you. How did training go?"
"It went great, though I won't know about my exam results for another month or so."
"I already know what the results are going to be. You are way too smart for the Navy to say no."
At Sky's compliment, Audie's cheeks sported a soft blush.
"Thanks Sky, that means a lot," Audie thanked, "hey, you want to head to Dixies and catch up?"
"Audie! Hey man, you're back!"
At the sudden shout, Audie and Sky turned their heads to see Chugg, Propwash's resident gas truck, and his human partner, Gus, walking straight toward them.
"Hey Chugg, hey Gus, it's good to see you guys," Audie greeted, turning, and giving both guys a high five and bro hug (though in Chugg's case, a tire-five).
Just as soon as greetings were said, a transmission over the radio came in.
This is Dusty Crophopper to Chugg, over. Come in, Chugg
As the boys were getting into their conversation, only Sky had heard the transmission come in. She ran over to where the radio was positioned in the shed. Pressing down the transmit signal, Sky radioed back to Dusty.
This is Sky-High to Dusty Crophopper, I read you Dusty, over.
Hey Sky, just about to touch down on the runway. Ready for some serious training? over
10-4 Dusty, you know I am, over.
Great, touching down now, over, and out.
Sky looked over to the runway and saw the orange and white crop-duster coming in for a landing. Just as he was touching down, the guys looked over to see.
"Oh, hey it's Audie, my gosh man it's been months," Dusty exclaimed touching down, rolling over to where the guys were stationed.
"Hey Dusty, great to see you, still dusting those crops, right?" Audie teased, knowing Dusty's great dislike for it.
"Hardy har har, I'm laughing up a storm here," Dusty flatly responded.
"Aw come on, you know I'm just messing with you," Audie laughed back at Dusty's tone.
"Yeah yeah, you're both pretty," Sky responded, climbing onto Dusty's wing, "let's go, I've been waiting all day!"
Chuckling at her eagerness, Dusty replied, "oh yeah, let's do this!"
Turning back to Audie, Sky asked, "Hey, do you want to watch our training session?"
With a confused stare, Audie let inquired, "training session, for what?"
"For the Wings Around the Globe Rally!" Dusty shouted, "The qualifiers are coming up, and Sky and I are going to be competing for one of the last open spots!"
"What?" Audie belted out confused.
"Ugh, the big race around the world Audie," Sky explained, exasperatedly, "Dusty is going to fly in it, and I'll be assisting from the cockpit."
Audie took a few moments to digest this news. He always knew that Dusty and Sky wanted to be racers, but he did not think they would just jump right into something like that!
"Alright, I've got the book!" Chugg came over, holding a Flying for Dummies paperback in his tire.
"Great, we'll get airborne and you guide us from there," Dusty conveyed, opening up his cockpit, "or better yet, Audie, want to observe our training for today?"
"Oh, that is a great idea Dusty, Audie has been training to be a Navy pilot after all," Sky hollered, jumping into the navigator seat and strapping in, "how about it Audie, please?"
Despite the nagging feeling in his gut, he just could not say no to Sky. Running a hand through his thick blonde locks, he gave out a sigh and looked up.
"Ok, ok, I'll watch and assess," Audie said as he gave in, "don't do anything crazy, got it?"
A loud 'yes' and many 'thank you' cries could be heard from both pilot and navigator as Dusty turned and took off down the runway.
Sky put on her headset, immediately going into her role as navigator.
Crophopper, this is Sky-High, come in, over
Hearing the radio come to life, Dusty immediately called back.
Sky-High, this is Crophopper, Go Ahead, Over
Crophopper, this is Sky-High beginning pre-flight checklist, over
Roger Sky-High, begin pre-flight checklist, over
(*preflight checklist)
Once Sky had completed checking overall equipment and found no issues, she radioed the all-clear.
Crophopper, this is Sky-High, come in, over
Sky-High, this is Crophopper, Go ahead, over
Crophopper, we are green to go, proceed to take off for training mission, over
Sky-High, this is Crophopper, Roger Wilco, Over
With all the checks and formalities out of the way, Dusty headed sped down the runway for takeoff.
As soon as he took to the air, he banked left and headed towards the cornfield.
Audie and Gus hopped into Chugg's cab as he drove the short distance away to the site where they could see Dusty flying.
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**AN: I know nothing about planes or pre-flight checks, or even the codes pilots are supposed to use in the air. Though I have done some research, please let me know if something sounds off so I can improve it.
Meanwhile, up in the sky…
This is Sky-High to Crophopper, do you copy?
Copy Sky-High, this is Crophopper, confirm to begin training, over
10-4 Crophopper, let's get this started, over
As Dusty moved into position, Gus and Audie stepped out of the truck to an open spot with a full view of the field.
This is Crophopper to Chugg, come in Chugg, over
Chugg immediately picked up.
Chugg isn't here, use the new code names
Hearing Chugg over the radio, Sky was thinking 'what new code names'?
Right right right, this is Strut-Jetstream calling Turbo-Coach-Truckzilla, ready for practice, over
Copy Strut, let's get started, over
Audie was just sitting there in stunned silence. The only thing he wanted to witness was plane and passenger land safe once this was done.
Chugg then pulled out his Flying for Dummies book and began his 'training'.
Turbo-Coach-Truckzilla to Strut-Jetstream, let's start with some cornrow sprints, drop and give me 20
STRUT-JETSTREAM to TURBO-COACH-TRUCKZILLA, copy that
Dusty then went into the sprints, trying to keep his turns nice and tight. Sky was viewing the stats on his progress in silence, the exhilaration of flying bubbling in her gut.
Unbeknownst to all of them, a cranky old fighter plane was viewing from his home through the window.
"Young punk," he remarked before closing the blinds of the window he was at.
When Dusty came around again, the blinds were pulled back slightly, the old plane taking a second look at Dusty's flying.
Sky-High to STRUT-JETSTREAM, doing good partner, keep those turns tight, over
Roger, Sky-High, over
TURBO-COACH-TRUCKZILLA to STRUT-JETSTREAM, let go to some treeline moguls, over
STRUT-JETSTREAM to TURBO-COACH-TRUCKZILLA, copy that
Sky-High to STRUT-JETSTREAM, remember, all the way up and down, push yourself, over
STRUT-JETSTREAM to Sky-High, copy that
Dusty proceeded to go up and over the moguls, cheering loudly as he did so.
Audie was still watching, seeing that Dusty was as sloppy as he expected. Despite all that, he could tell the crop-duster was having a blast. Plus, judging from the whoops he was hearing, Sky was having just as much fun as Dusty.
TURBO-COACH-TRUCKZILLA to STRUT-JETSTREAM, adjust your angle-of-bank with your alien irons
Chuckling to herself, Sky radioed to Dusty, still giggling over Chugg's mispronunciation.
Sky-High to STRUT-JETSTREAM, adjust your angle-of-bank with your 'ailerons'
As Dusty came over the last mogul in the way, he chuckled and radioed Sky in response.
STRUT-JETSTREAM to Sky-High, copy that
No sooner had he responded to Sky's transmission, a loud pop and smoke started coming out of Dusty's engine compartment. Grunting in annoyance, he turned and started heading back to the runway for a landing.
Sky-High to STRUT-JETSTREAM, proceed to the runway for landing and repair
Copy that Sky-High, heading back to Dotties for repairs, not looking forward to her response
Copy that STRUT-JETSTREAM, not looking forward to that either
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Back at Dotties shop, Dusty and Sky were grateful that it was just Bella in the shop. According to her, Dottie had popped out for a can of oil after work and had yet to return. Sky and Bella then opened up Dusty's engine cover and got to work.
"Oh, someone must be looking out for me," Sky commented, "Bella and I can go ahead and fix you up without Dottie being the wiser, I can still keep my job."
Chuckling in response, Bella said, "Sky, you know Dottie would never fire you over something like this."
"Oh I know Bells, but her lectures are a bit hard on the ears you know," Sky commented, pulling on one of her ears.
"Sky, I think Dottie lectures me ten times more than she does you about me wanting to race," Dusty put in.
"Oil lines and oil cooler check out," Bella commented, checking over Dusty's insides, "AN-8 fittings look fine…"
"But why Dusty?" Sky belted out, "why is she so much harder on you than she is on me?"
"Because you listen to her once in a while," Dusty exclaimed, "whilst I do not."
Sky paused at Dusty's comment… then bent over laughing. She had to admit, Dusty was right, he never took any of Dottie's words to heart. They both knew she meant well, and cared for them both immensely, but she tended to be incredibly overbearing… and more than a little dramatic. But while the gang was chatting, nobody noticed Dottie wheeling back into the garage.
"Ah, found the problem," Sky noted, "you wore out your main oil seal; no big, this is easy to fix."
"What's easy to fix?"
"It's just as I said, Dusty's worn out his main oil seal," Sky reiterated.
When Sky looked up, she noticed Bella running her finger across her neck in the 'stop talking' motion. Turning around stiffly, they noticed Dottie standing right there, her prongs positioned in a cross-motion.
"Busted?" Sky asked.
"Yep," Dottie replied, dragging out the y-sound.
"That kind of damage comes from extremely high speeds," Dottie continued, "pushing the engine to the red line for prolonged periods."
With every word that came from Dottie, both Dusty and Sky knew they were in for it. Bella slowly backed away, preferring to watch the scene from a safe distance.
"But that's not you, you're a crop-duster," Dottie dragged on, "all you do is dust crops at very low speeds..." Her tone showed no mercy.
"Yep, low and slow," Dusty emphasized.
"Low and slow," Sky repeated.
"…Unless you've been racing again!" Dottie yelled.
At her response, Sky and Dusty jumped back, shouting denials at her words. Their graves were dug, they knew it, but what happened next stuck the nail in the coffin.
Chugg then drove up, cheering loudly about Dusty's run and Sky's input.
"You were awesome Dust-meister, ballistic…"
As Chugg was, he failed to see who was standing there, even as Sky and Dusty motioned for him to shut his big mouth.
"You're gonna tear it up at the qualifier…this…weekend…oh shoot," Chugg let out solemnly, finally noticing the forklift giving him the evil eye.
Dottie turned around to note the plane and mechanic behind her.
"Dusty, you are not built to race, you are built to dust crops…" Dottie's lecture had begun, "Do you know what will happen if you push it too far?"
"Ugh…no," Dusty answered, unsure.
Dottie then circled Dusty, hitting a part of him with a wrench to make her point, "Wing flutter, metal fatigue, turbine failure!"
Chugg gasped at her words.
"Not to mention, you could get your navigator hurt or worse, killed!" Dottie then looked to Sky at Dusty's side, "don't think for a second that I don't know who that will be!"
Dusty for a moment looked like he was giving in to her words, looking to the side at Sky, who had her head in her hands. But hearing his deep sigh, Sky slowly pulled her head from her hands to look at her best friend.
"Dottie, we are both fully aware of the risks and are willing to take them. Plus, I trust Dusty with my life, I know we both have each other's backs," Sky ranted to Dottie, turning to face Dusty, "and I know what an amazing flier you are."
Touched by her words, Dusty smiled and touched the edge of his wing to her shoulder in a gesture of thanks.
"Thanks Sky, that means a lot," Dusty voiced, Dottie knowing she had lost this argument.
"Ugh…ok!" Dottie blotted out.
Both human and plane turned to look at Dottie.
"If you two are going to be reckless," Dottie started, "then I won't fight you about it, but Bella and I are coming along to the qualifier."
"Done, oh this is gonna be awesome!" Sky shouted out, Dusty whooping out with her.
Audie, who had just been standing there the whole time, suddenly decided to put in his two-sense.
"Hey guys," everyone turned to him, "I will be coming along as well if that's ok with you."
"The more the merrier," Dusty agreed.
"Great, how about we all have a movie night in Chugg's shed?" Sky inquired.
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Not long after, Dusty, Chug, Audie, and Sky were nestled in Chug's shed in front of his TV sharing a bowl of popcorn. Dusty on the right, Chug on the left, and both humans seated on some bean bags in the middle. As the show played in the background, both vehicles and humans started making idle chit chat.
"You know Sky, I think we have a pretty good shot at this," Dusty commented, bumping his wheel into Sky's back. With a mouth full of popcorn, she returned his comment with a nod.
"Yeah, especially if I finish this book by then," Chug commented, holding up the Flying for Dummies book.
Audie audibly groaned though nobody seemed to hear it. Their attention was then drawn back to the TV screen.
"Oh, I love this show," Chug belted out.
On the screen, it showed 'The 10 best air crashes of all time'. As each crash, was shown, 'ohs' and 'aws' and cringes could be heard from each of the viewers in the room. As it got to be the 7th or 8th crash shown, Sky suddenly had an inkling.
"You know Chug, maybe that book can't cover everything we will face out there," Sky commented.
"Yeah, yeah maybe you're right," Chug agreed.
"So, what would you suggest we do, Sky?" Dusty inquired.
Turning in her bean bag to face him, Sky continued, "Maybe, we could use some help?"
Turning once again, this time to face Audie, she asked, "Audie, do you think you could train us?"
"I would love to Sky but," Audie confessed, "I am still in training myself; I think you need someone more qualified than me."
"Bummer, you would make a great trainer," Sky boasted, Audie suddenly finding something interesting in his lap. Suddenly, a thought came to Sky.
"Hey, wait just a second," Sky spouted out, "what about your mentor/surrogate dad?"
"You mean Skipper?" Audie guessed.
"The old corsair at the hanger down at the end of the runway?" Dusty questioned.
"That's the one," Sky confirmed, "hey Audie, you once told me he was a flight instructor in the Navy, right?"
"Right…" Audie drawled out, "but he hasn't flown or taught anyone since he left the Navy."
"Oh, I see," Sky pondered, "by the way, have you been by to see Skipper since you've been back?"
At the look on Audie's face, Sky knew she had put her foot in her mouth.
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The Skipper was an old corsair fighter plane who, to everyone's knowledge, had not taken to the air in several decades. Mostly, he just stayed in his old hangar, hardly ever leaving. Many stories had been floating around about him, nobody was for sure which ones were true. But everyone knew that Skipper, under all that grit, did have a heart. When Audie and Sky were ten, Audie's home had sprung a gas leak and burned to the ground. In the aftermath, it was discovered that both his parents perished in the fire. As he was facing life in the system, the Skipper had stepped up and offered to take the devastated young boy into his care. He had always been stern but firm, giving him encouragement where it was due. However, when Audie had expressed interest in joining the Navy, it sparked tension between the two. Eventually, it resulted in a massive argument just before Audie had left for his Navy training. For a moment, Sky had forgotten all about that. She immediately felt terrible at her words, putting her hand on her friend's shoulder.
"Audie…I" Audie put up a hand.
"It's ok, I need to go face him eventually," Audie confessed, "but I just don't think I'm ready yet."
"I know, you know he loves you," Sky encouraged, "and I know you love him too."
"Oh, I know, it's just," Audie let out a large sigh, "we're both hard-headed and stubborn when we want to be."
Giggling at his words, Sky commented, "yeah, no doubt about that."
In the background, the plane and fuel truck had been listening to the humans' talk. Once they were done, all four went back to viewing some more TV. Eventually, Audie and Chug could be heard snoring away. As Sky went to turn off the TV, she turned around to look at Dusty.
Whispering, she called out, "Hey Dusty, you still awake?"
Giving a short yawn, Dusty answered back, "Yeah, I'm still here."
After getting up and stretching for a minute, Sky looked to Dusty and said, "I think we should head down to Skipper's hanger and just ask him outright."
Surprised at her words, Dusty replied, "You think so? But it's getting kind of late."
"It's only a little past nine, according to my watch," Sky informed him, "plus I have a few words I want to share with the Skipper."
As Dusty pondered her words, Sky added, "If we want to win the rally, we are going to need a trainer…one who knows what he is doing."
"But we have Chug," Dusty combatted, motioning to the snoring fuel truck, drool leaking from the side of his mouth.
"I know he means well, but for one thing he is a truck, and second, he has no experience," Sky reasoned.
"Like you guys said before, Skipper's been grounded for decades," Dusty caved, "why would I want to be coached by a plane that doesn't even fly?"
"You do recall the #1 crash from the TV show, right?" Sky reminded him.
Dusty thought back to the show, replaying the fiery crash in his head. That plane would never fly again…ever.
"Ok, ok, I concede," Dusty said, caving in, "let's go see Skipper!"
"Thank you Dusty," Sky thanked her friend, already starting to head out of the shed, Dusty wheeling behind her.
Dusty sighed, part in annoyance, part amusement, he could NEVER say no to Sky.
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Skipper's hanger looked a lot more intimidating at night, especially when the wind picked up and gave life to his flag, hanging from a pole atop the hanger roof. It was all black with a skull resting on two wrenches in an x-pattern, beneath that were some print that read 'VF-17'. It was the insignia of Skipper's Navy squadron, the Jolly Wrenches. The insignia was even printed above the front hangar door. The lights were still on, indicating Skipper was still awake. As they approached the door, Dusty started to become nervous.
Unlike Sky, Dusty had never interacted with the old warplane. As she had been friends with Audie since childhood, she had spent plenty of time around the old crankshaft. Once you got past his grisly attitude, he was a nice guy…when he wanted to be.
"I heard he shot down 50 planes," Dusty narrated, "and that his squadron, the Jolly Wrenches, were some of the roughest, toughest, meanest fliers in the Navy."
"Well…" Sky thought about it, "you're not too far off the mark…I think."
"You think?" Dusty exclaimed.
"Skipper has told me and Audie a plethora of stories from his time in the Navy," Sky told, "they were pretty tough, from what I gather anyway."
With her confirmation, Dusty started to let his nerves get the best of him.
"Maybe this wasn't such a good idea, after all," Dusty said, turning around, "how about we do this another time?"
"Dusty, are you scared?"
Dusty stopped in his tracks, turning around to see Sky giving him a teasing smile.
"No, no I am not," Dusty adamantly denied.
"Then come up with me to talk to Skipper," Sky insisted, "or are you chicken?"
"Chicken?"
Sky responded by making chicken noises and going 'buck buck' like a chicken.
"Ok, ok, enough, I'm going," Dusty belted out at once, wheeling right up to the hangar door.
Sky then pressed the doorbell to the right. Seconds later, the hangar doors opened, and there was the old corsair, a small forklift pushed him just outside the door. Dusty was immediately intimidated, but Sky came to his rescue stepping forward.
"Hey Skipper, how's it going?" Sky asked, greeting him.
"Hello Sky, what brings you here at this hour?" Skipper asked, curious of the crop-duster just to her right.
"Skipper, this is my good friend Dusty," Sky indicated, "and we are here to ask you for a favor."
Sighing, Skipper then said, "alright, I'll bite, what is this favor you are asking for?"
Finally gaining his courage, Dusty motioned to Sky that he wanted to talk. Sky then stepped aside and let Dusty speak.
"Ugh…hi Skipper," Skipper just stared back, "Sky and I are trying out for the Wings Around the Globe Rally, and I know you can't fly anymore…"
Skipper responded by narrowing his eyes. Sky just silently shook her head, what were these words coming out of her friends' mouth?
"But you know they say, 'those who can't do, teach', so…"
"Just cut to the chase, I don't have all night!" Skipper proclaimed.
Jumping back slightly, Dusty took one big gulp, and continued, "Ok…what I'm trying to say is…you're not a truck, so I was wondering if you would train us?"
His response was to shut the hanger doors right in Dusty's face. Shocked by the response, Sky grunted in annoyance and rang the doorbell again. Once more, the hanger doors busted open to reveal Skipper.
"So, Sky tells me you shot down 50 planes…" Dusty babbled.
"You looking to be number 51?" Skipper asked intimidatingly.
"Uh…no," Dusty replied.
Just as the hangar doors were closing again, Sky stepped in the way and used her foot to stop them from closing. The doors stopped halfway, Skipper looking over at the small mechanic.
"Come on Skipper, just hear us out, please?" Sky pleaded.
Staring her down for another moment, Skipper reopened the doors again all the way.
"You have 60 seconds to convince me, time starts now," Skipper said, a tone of finality in his voice.
"I just figured, with our guts and your glory…" Dusty said, trying to convince Skipper.
"Your guts would be a grease spot on a runway somewhere," Skipper shot back, "go home, you're in over your head kid."
With those last words, Skipper slammed the door on them both.
Dusty then pulled back, a down and frustrated look on his face. Sky felt horrible, knowing how salty the Skipper could be. Turning to her friend, she put a hand on his 'cheek'. Dusty looked over at his friend, accepting the gesture of comfort.
"I'm sorry Dusty," Sky apologized.
"Don't be, we both knew this was a long shot anyway," Dusty calmly said back, "besides, we need to get some rest, the qualifier is the day after tomorrow."
"Yeah, go get some sleep Dusty, see you tomorrow," Sky said, waving to her friend as he wheeled back to his hangar.
When Dusty was far enough away, Sky then pushed the doorbell again. Just like before, the doors opened not long after.
"I'm not here to ask for any more favors, I just wanted to talk for one more minute before I go," Sky pleaded, Skipper looking her over.
"Ok sport, get in here, I need to say something else to you too," Skipper said in a softer tone, the forklift moving him back so she could walk inside. Sky then walked inside to the hangar, one side open for Skipper and Sparky, the forklift, the other side closed off where Audie stayed.
"So, I'll start by saying to you that Audie is back in town," Sky started.
Skipper stopped for a moment, a look of surprise and hurt coming over his face.
"He's back?"
"Yeah, just got back earlier today," Sky informed, "he told me that he hasn't come by to see you, is that right?"
The look on Skipper's face just dropped even further.
"No, and I don't blame him for not wanting to come to see me," Skipper sadly replied, "we both said some things, but what I said hit just a little too close to home."
"I know, he said as much to me," Sky responded, "I don't know any of the specifics though."
Sky gave another sigh, looking at how down Skipper was.
"You both are the most stubborn guys I know," Sky teased, "but if you keep this up, nothing will be resolved."
Skipper didn't turn at her words, just stared out the nearest window, looking out at the sky.
"You know, it is a nice night out for flying," Sky hinted, also looking at the door.
That got his attention, he turned and gave her 'the look', the one that said 'stay out of my business'. Sky held her arms up in defeat, taking a step or two back.
"Ok, I surrender, I just have never understood why you won't fly," Sky said exasperatingly, "you're a war hero, you flew all those missions, traveled all around the world..."
"I've told you before," Skipper reprimanded, "I have my reasons."
"Well okay then, I'll just head out…"
Sky was cut off from leaving with a stern "wait!" coming from the Skipper.
"I still haven't said to you what I mentioned before," Skipper called out.
Turning back around, Sky motioned for him to continue talking.
"Don't think for a moment I didn't catch what the crop-duster said before," Skipper pointed out, "he said 'Sky and I', not just him."
"Yeah, Dusty and I are going to race together, and I'll be his navigator from the cockpit," Sky explained.
"Are you out of your mind?"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"He's a crop-duster, he is not built for that kind of flying," Skipper yelled, "and if you go racing with him, you both could end up dead!"
"Risks are a part of life, isn't that one of the major lessons you drilled into my head as a kid?"
"This is not the same…"
"Yes, it is, I take a great risk just waking up and going outside," Sky lectured, "whose to say whether Chug will accidentally run me over and give me a concussion, or me to bleed to death cause I cut myself at the shop?!"
"You're not listening to me!"
"Yes, I am Skipper!"
"No, you're not!"
"You're the only one I listen to!"
Skipper stopped at her words, staring in disbelief. This conversation was going almost like the one he had with Audie.
"Just like with Audie, I look to you as a father figure, Skipper," Sky announced, almost in tears, "after my dad died and Aunt Laura said she didn't want me, I felt like I had nothing left."
Skipper still just stood there in silence, feeling a heavy weight in his chest.
"You pulled me out of myself, you told me it wasn't over," Sky cried out, the tears now coming, "and things got better, I have a great life now and wonderful friends I can count on".
"Kid, I'm sorry…"
"No, I'm not finished yet," Sky yelled, still ranting, "I'm betting that you and Audie fought over his decision to go into the Navy, and you're mad at me now because I want to be an air-navigator. I'm telling you now, you raised us both well, made sure we had good heads on our shoulders. Now that we're ready to take on the world, you show us no support for the decisions we made."
Her words hit home for Skipper; he knew deep down that he was just scared, but he wanted both his kids to be safe.
"Alright kid, I see your point," Skipper consented, "you make a valid argument."
Sky felt a bit better, realizing that she had made headway with Skipper.
"But I'm still on the fence about this whole racing deal," Skipper stated.
"If you promise me, you'll give it some more thought, that will make me happy," Sky happily murmured, still wiping away the few tears that had escaped.
Holding out his wing, he gestured for Sky to come closer. Sky happily walked up to Skipper and he gave her the plane equivalent of a hug.
"I love you, Skipper," Sky said lovingly.
"I love you too, kid," Skipper said back, "now it's gotten pretty late, why don't you head to bed?"
With a loud yawn, Sky nodded to Skipper's suggestion and walked over to Audie's area.
"Oh, and Skipper?"
Skipper turned around at Sky's words.
"Promise me you will at least try to talk to Audie?"
With a chuckle, Skipper called back, "so many promises, but I will talk to Audie."
Giggling at his words, Sky called back, "thanks again Skipper, good night!"
"Good night, kid," Skipper called out, just as the door to the human area closed.
Sky then walked into the bedroom area, collapsing onto the bed. Sky was out before her head even touched the pillow.