Opportunities Taken - Chapter 5
Chase was laying back on the bed Skye's head was laying on his chest. They had spent the day talking and making out. Chase had to admit, he dreaded the thought of finally achieving his greatest dream of getting together with Skye only to have to give it up and return to work.
"You know Skye," said Chase, "I really want to stay with you here and never leave."
"That would be great," said Skye, as she then sighed, "but you know as well as I that our lifestyles are too fast paced. You wouldn't be happy to just settle. I just don't see you as the sit and stay kind of pup. I'm happiest when I'm in the air. Ok, that's not necessarily true anymore."
Skye giggled and nipped Chase's chest, sending Chase into a shivering episode even she could feel.
"Oh dog, I was an idiot for waiting to admit my love for you," laughed Chase.
"Yep, you missed out on afternoons like this," agreed Skye. "But that is in the past, we're together and I'll make sure our paths cross as often as possible. You know I happen to know of a company that could fly you to all of your classes. You don't always fly commercial or military, do you?"
"No, as a matter of fact I prefer flying private," said Chase. "I happen to know the Colonel in charge of contracts and could easily get your company picked up, that is if it was 'Skyes the Limit' you were talking about."
Skye nipped him again a little harder, Chase yipped, and she giggled, "Of course I was talking about me."
"Let me make a call," said Chase, "I can have that set up right away."
"Nope, maybe tomorrow," laughed Skye, stretching out across Chase. "I'm comfortable and don't see us getting out of bed anytime soon."
Chase pulled her close and began kissing her neck. Skye all but purred in pleasure.
Marshall was sitting on the front porch looking toward the cabins. Everest walked out and hugged him from behind.
"He's going to be ok isn't he?" asked Everest.
"I'm afraid it was close," said Marshall, "We were talking the other night. Chase has some serious PTSD. He went through something serious and life changing. I've not seen him this on edge in years."
"Is it something counseling would help with?" asked Everest, "and would he go if it would?"
"I think his best chance at returning to somewhat normal is going on in the cabin right now," laughed Marshall.
"I can't believe it took this long to get them together," said Everest. "I had almost given up hope. Fate has a way of making things happen even when we don't understand. I thought Skye was going to lose it the other night before I explained that Rhonda wasn't anything more than a work friend."
"They tip-pawed around the issue for so long I think they almost convinced themselves," agreed Marshall.
"So are you going to have to use a hose to get them out of the cabin," joked Everest.
"It might very well take that," laughed Marshall, as he pulled Everest into a tight hug. They both turned and walked back into their cabin.
Rhonda and Doug were returning to the resort and since they still saw no movement around Chase and Rhonda's cabin they just went on to Doug's. They had picked up some snacks and beer.
"This has been a really enjoyable day," said Rhonda, "I really enjoy talking to you. I guess since Chase will be around more, we can hang out and talk shop more often."
"I've enjoyed it as well," said Doug. "If Skye hasn't suggested it yet, we could be your go to private jet for travel."
"I'd be really surprised if she didn't or Chase hasn't asked," said Rhonda, sitting in one of the chairs in front of the cabin. She pulled out a couple beers handing one to Doug.
"She can't always make long trips like a commercial aircraft," said Doug, "But her 'baby' will do 3000 to 3500 mile jumps. She's always wanted to get a bigger aircraft, but considering they start used at over 30 million, she just hasn't pulled that trigger yet."
A thought occurred to Rhonda, she would have to speak to Chase about that.
"I know Chase has a lot of pull," said Rhonda, "I'm sure he could get her contracted easily. I'll ask him, once again that is if he hasn't already. Of course they'll have to come out first."
"Yeah, maybe tomorrow," laughed Doug, "I think they have both needed this to happen."
"Here, here," said Rhonda, clinking bottles with Doug.
"So where are y'all going from here?" asked Doug.
"Back to Germany," said Rhonda. "Chase is talking about opening an office there. We are teaching so often there we might as well. We'd probably be able to pull off Bamburg."
"I've heard great things about that place," said Doug.
"Yeah, we've been there a few times," said Rhonda, "We could at least stage materials there so we didn't have to have them shipped from here each time."
"So where all have y'all been in the last few months," asked Doug. "That is if you can say."
"Well not places specifically," said Rhonda, "But we've been to Dubai a couple times. Japan at least 4 times in the last year. South Korea and Repeatedly to Germany, mainly Berlin, but several others. Chase can say that he has operated on all 7 continents at one point or another. I think he made it a personal challenge."
"Wow, that's incredible," said Doug, "I go to Berlin often, I have a friend that can get me parts for much better rates. Of course everything for her baby still comes from Canada."
"So do you fly with Skye often?" asked Rhonda.
"Occasionally," said Doug, "I'm a licensed pilot but I don't have my commercial rating yet. I can serve as a co-pilot for longer trips but I need to just suck it up and get the rating."
It had been a long day and the two even though they were enjoying each other's company decided it was time to go to bed. Rhonda walked into her and Chase's cabin. Skye was sitting at the counter reading emails.
"Hey Skye," said Rhonda, "I see you managed to get him to rest."
"Yeah, he just needed to be put to bed," laughed Skye. "Looks like I'll be heading out tomorrow."
"Oh, Something up?" asked Rhonda.
"Got a flight request from one of my better clients," said Skye. "I'll leave after breakfast. We're flying to Seattle, but I have to pick the client up in Denver."
"That sounds fun," said Rhonda, "I was wondering if Chase asked about using your flight service?"
"He mentioned that he knew the guy in charge of contracts," said Skye. "I actually offered."
"Chase knows everybody," laughed Rhonda. "But yeah, I'd say he knows him."
"Huh?" said Skye.
"He saved his son in Iraq," laughed Rhonda. "His son was part of a group that we extracted during a mission. Only Chase can lead a team of 6 off base only to return with 11 more. I think we managed to max out the capacity of the Chopper."
"You fit 18 people and pups in a Blackhawk?" asked Skye.
"No, we had to make two trips," said Rhonda. "Typically the commanding officer will go with the first chopper to get them off the field as fast as possible. Chase wouldn't have it and sent the chopper ahead. While waiting the remaining team got attacked. Chase directed fire and kept the guys as calm as a firefight can be. At one point the guy's kid got hit, it was in the body armor but he panicked. Chase immediately recognized what happened and ran to him as an insurgent came over a wall nearby. Chase dropped him before he could shoot the kid at point blank range. Chase thought nothing of it, but the kid told his father about Chase saving his ass. The dad tried to put Chase in for a medal. Chase refused saying he was doing his job to bring his team home. It was mentioned that this group wasn't his. His reply was 'the second they joined my guys, they became my team.'"
"Yeah, that sounds like something he would do and say," laughed Skye.
"I'm assuming you got him talking," said Rhonda, "I also figure he told you about the incident."
"He did," said Skye, looking a little sad, "I can't even imagine that scenario, but I can imagine the guilt he feels."
"I don't think he'll ever fully forgive himself," said Rhonda, "But if he can get past the worst of the survivor's guilt, I think he'll find a way to manage it."
"I love him," said Skye, "I always have. I'll stand by him no matter what."
"And I think that will be the deciding factor that ultimately saves him from himself," said Rhonda. "Well, good night Skye, I'll see you in the morning."
"Good night Rhonda," said Skye, standing and returning to the bedroom.