Opportunities Taken - Chapter 7
They had a smooth flight and landed a little after 8pm. Everyone decided they would meet Eric for breakfast and then go see whatever it was that he wanted to show them.
Chase wasn't sure he could keep the secret so he kept himself busy by making out with Skye all night.
The next morning Skye came down to the lobby and found Rhonda and Doug having breakfast.
"Should I even ask?" asked Skye.
"Nope, he's doing his morning routine," laughed Rhonda. "I told you, no matter where we are in the world. He's up at 0400 and running by 0415."
"It's 35 degrees out there," said Skye.
"Yeah, and the idiot is probably in shorts," laughed Rhonda.
As if on cue Chase walked into the lobby, sure enough he was in shorts but still covered in sweat. Skye walked over to kiss him good morning and pulled back.
"Yeah, I had to work a little harder to keep up the heat," laughed Chase. "I'll go shower and be right back down."
Chase returned and found everyone waiting, he had made a call prior to coming down.
"So y'all ready," said Chase, he was so obviously excited for some reason he was almost shaking.
"Chase," said Skye, "is everything alright?"
"Everything is wonderful," said Chase, scooping Skye up and kissing her.
"What are you up to?" asked Skye.
"What, I can't be excited to see you," asked Chase.
"Yeah, no that's not it," laughed Skye, "you're definitely up to something. I haven't seen you this excited in, um, ever."
"I'm just excited for you to see what Eric has in mind," said Chase, trying really hard to calm down. "Anyway, he sent a car for us. It should be waiting."
"Um, Chase," said Skye, "I can walk."
"Oh, um sorry," said Chase, setting Skye back down.
"I don't know why but now I'm excited," said Doug.
"Yeah, you'll definitely enjoy this," said Rhonda.
"What?" asked Doug.
"Nope, you have to wait like everyone else," laughed Rhonda.
They walked outside and found a long limo waiting with the driver standing beside the door.
"Uh, is that for us?" asked Doug.
"Yep, Let's go see what's so interesting," said Rhonda.
As they approached the driver opened the door to the back.
They got in and found Eric waiting for them.
"Great Morning pups," said Eric. "I can't wait to see what you think of my little surprise."
"I'm just hoping I can keep Chase from ruining it," laughed Rhonda.
"I understand," laughed Eric, "Well, let's go."
They drove through town and Eric explained that there were multiple factories in town. Most of which built components for the aircraft. But the final assembly took place at the big plant just off the airport ground with taxiways leading to the airport proper.
"I'm excited to see the facility," said Skye. "I've always wanted to come and tour the factory."
"Well you're in luck," laughed Eric, "Well start with a little tour and then we'll go over to the hanger, I think there's something you might like."
"I can't imagine anything with wings she wouldn't like," laughed Doug.
"I have something for you to see also Doug," laughed Eric. "I'm thinking you might enjoy it."
"I'm just amazed at getting to meet you Mr. Martel," said Doug. "I've worked on a lot of aircraft over the years. I must say I've never had as much enjoyment as I have working on a Bombardier."
Chase was just sitting and smiling. Skye looked over at him and noticed he was still shaking a little.
"Are you ok baby?" whispered Skye.
Chase nodded and looked over at Rhonda.
"Skye, Chase can't talk anymore," laughed Rhonda. "He can't help himself and might ruin a surprise."
"Ok, as long as nothing is upsetting you," said Skye.
Chase smiled and kissed her, "I'm ok, just excited."
They pulled up to the doors of the factory and a large cart that could easily sit 6 people or pups along with the driver pulled up.
"Here's our ride for a little while," said Eric.
The driver turned around and drove into the building and Eric explained different areas as they drove through. He took them to the supply warehouse and then explained where the different components came from and the process for transferring to the assembly point. He then took them to a separate building just down from the main facility.
"I thought this might interest you Doug," said Eric, "This is our R&D facility. They build everything out here but the actual engines are tested over there." he said pointing at a large building nearby."
Doug's eyes lit up as did Skye's.
"Yeah, I thought so," laughed Eric.
They walked in and he showed them several projects in the works. Afterwards they rode over to an office facility and walked into a boardroom. A couple carts were sitting at the end of the table with two gentlemen in chef outfits standing nearby waiting.
"I thought we could have a little lunch," said Eric.
The chefs opened the covers to reveal an amazing meal. They all sat and were served.
They finished up and were speaking with each other afterward.
"Eric, you're killing me," whined Chase.
"Sorry Chase," laughed Eric, "I was stalling a little. They had to finish something this morning. But they are done now. Let's head over."
They walked out and got back in the cart. They rode off the site toward a huge hanger just off the airport property. They pulled around the front and got out. Eric led them inside, showed them a couple aircraft in final assembly and then they reached a door leading into a hanger marked Special Project.
"Ok, we're here," said Eric, "Skye, you talk about your baby, I'd like to show you the pride of our fleet."
Eric opened the door and in the middle of the semi dark hanger bay was spotlighted a brand new Bombardier Global 8000.
"Oh, my DOG!" gasp Skye. "I've only seen concept drawings. T-that's the real thing, like flight worthy."
"I certainly hope so otherwise this wouldn't be a very good surprise," laughed Eric.
"So you like it?" asked Chase.
"Like it?" said Skye, "I never dreamed of seeing one let alone seeing one this close. I Love IT! It's even in the color scheme I would choose if I was ever lucky enough to own one."
The passenger door was down and she stood trying to see the cockpit.
"It's not any fun if the pilot doesn't get to sit at the controls," laughed Eric, "Go on, go look."
Skye walked in and noticed the control console was up and running. She stood at the door and almost wept, she was so amazed. Slowly she walked over and was looking at the Captain's Chair.
"Go ahead, sit," said Eric.
Doug had turned and walked into the executive cabin. He stopped cold in his tracks and gasp.
"Oh my DOG!" Doug cried out. "Skye!"
Rhonda jumped over and put her paw to his lips. Doug suddenly understood everything going on.
"What is it Doug!" called Skye from the cockpit.
"This is amazing," called Doug, "I think you need to see this."
"What are the seats…" asked Skye, walking into the cabin when her breath caught and she spun looking at Eric and then Chase.
"Uh, what the hell?" gasp Skye.
"Do you not like the seats I chose?" asked Chase, "Or the color scheme. I was sure I got it right."
"C-Chase!" cried Skye, "H-how?"
"I know someone," said Chase, winking at Eric.
On every headrest was the Skye's the Limit logo embroidered in sky blue sapphire down the center of the ceiling was Skye's The Limit. Skye spun around and was speechless.
"I-is this real?" asked Doug.
"Yes, it's very real," said Eric. "My additional surprise is for you. I've got you set up to attend our Bombardier Powerplant School. Of course that is if you want to."
"Oh my Dog, Yes!" said Doug, almost crying at the thought.
"Chase this is an 80 million dollar aircraft," gasp Skye.
"Actually with the customization it's closer to 115," laughed Chase.
"H-how?" asked Skye.
"He sold me his kidneys," said Eric, with a calm expression.
"HE WHAT?" screamed Skye.
"I'm kidding," laughed Eric. "He asked a favor and all I ask of you is that you keep logs of flights and any problems or suggested corrections that need to be made. Also that you'd be willing to do a few flyovers at airshows."
"This isn't scheduled for release until 2025," said Skye.
"Yes, well I run the place so I get to do what I want," laughed Eric. "It's nice to see that you know so much about my company."
Skye collapsed into one of the chairs. Chase ran to her kneeling in front of the chair.
"Are you ok?" asked Chase.
Skye looked at him with tears in her eyes and nodded then realized he was kneeling in front of her holding something.
"Skye, will you make me the happiest pup in the world," asked Chase, tearing up himself. "Would you agree to be my mate?"
Skye took a deep breath, looked around at everyone present and jumped into Chase's paws.
"I uh, I guess that is a yes?" laughed Doug.
"Yeah, definitely a firm maybe," laughed Rhonda.
"Yes! Oh my dog, Yes!" said Skye.
"So, you want to take your new baby for a spin?" asked Eric.
"I-i can't believe this is real," said Skye.
"It is very real," said Chase, "The jet, the proposal, my love for you."
"Ok stop," laughed Rhonda, "or I'm going to barf in her new jet."
Skye laughed and stuck her tongue out at Rhonda.
"Is that an offer?" laughed Rhonda.
Skye choked and then laughed.
"You'll get used to her," laughed Chase.
Skye spent the next hour going over the controls and procedures. A company pilot came on board and helped Skye through the orientation of the aircraft. They then took off and made a flight around, a couple touch and go's and the pilot said he was satisfied and updated her log book to include rating for the aircraft. Skye teared up again when she opened the aircrafts logs and saw the aircraft bill of sale with her name on it.
Chase beamed with pride, he had managed to keep the secret and she was truly blown away by the surprises and she was now his mate.
Later the new couple returned to the motel. Rhonda, Doug and Eric decided to go to town for dinner as they knew they wouldn't see Chase and Skye for the rest of the evening.
