- Chapter 4 -
Above Cape Suzette
- Anything yet? - Baloo asked.
Rebecca and Kit were looking down at the streets but had no luck - No Baloo - she said. It's almost sunrise but still too dark...and they probably are not on the streets anymore.
- Well, they must have come back to Cape Suzette for a reason, Miss Cunningham - Kit pointed.
Then the radio came to life - Cape Suzette Police to Sea Duck. I repeat, Cape Suzette Police to Sea Duck. Do you copy?
Baloo quickly picked the radio - Copy that, this is the Sea Duck.
- Sea Duck, you have reported a missing motorcycle of custom make conducted by a bear in his early twenties with a leather jacket and jeans and possibly a spaniel girl. Over. - the voice in the radio said.
- That's right, man. - Baloo said, after he looked at Rebecca and Kit.
- We have information about the vehicle, Sea Duck. It was seen half hour ago heading far north of town. Over - the radio announced.
- Great, what could be far north of town that they're interested on - Baloo wondered.
- I guess...I know! - Kit grinned.
- Then tell us Kit, and let's go! Jon will NOT get away this time!
And at that same moment, far north of town, in an old hangar.
- You are NOT getting away with this! - Bonnie screamed as she squirmed against the ropes that bound her tight to the old chair. She and Jon had been bound back to back on chairs hands and feet, and were watching as the rat who got them in that position pouring gasoline all over the place.
- Shuttup, girl, I already have! - Jones yelled. - I'll fly away with the prototype and the blueprints and I'll sell them to the highest bidder! This plane is my lottery ticket! I deserve it after Stein threw me on the street like trash and sold the place!
- Jones, you got everything, and I don't want any of it! Just let us go! Or at least her! - Jon growled.
- No dice kid! With you two out of the way, there are no witnesses, so nobody coming after me! Nothing personal, just business! - The rat laughed as he lit a long fuse that went all the way to a barrel of gasoline. - Sorry I can't stay for the fireworks, but I got a long flight ahead! - And he climbed the cockpit of the WGZ1 prototype, started the engine and began taxiing it out of the hangar.
Bonnie looked around and spotted an old utility knife on the corner workshop - Oh, no, you won't! Wilson, c'mon! Help me out! - And she grunted as she used her bound feet to try and push the chairs, moving toward the corner.
Jon didn't understand what she was doing but didn't argue and tried to help - Hey..nff...what...nfff..what are you...grunt...doing?
- Just...nnff..a bit...nngh...more...- she then lift her feet and tried to grab the knife with her toes - C'mon...c'mon...c...EEEP!
Lifting her legs too much to the side caused both old chairs to turn over and crash to pieces against the floor, setting them free.
Jon slowly started getting himself detangled from the ropes, shaking his head dizzy - Ow...hnnf...Great idea…hurt a bit but we are free...
Bonnie blushed and rubbed her head - Ah...yeah, I meant to do that...Oh! - She spotted the fuse, getting shorter and shorter, quickly untied her feet and ran to the barrel, putting out the flame when there were just inches left to ignite, and letting out a breath of relief.
- That was close...but that rat escaped - she pouted.
- No, he didn't...- the angry accountant growled as he ran out of the hangar and was quickly followed by the spaniel.
He leaped on the motorcycle outside and fired the engine, helping Bonnie climb along.
- He's gaining speed, there's no way a motorcycle can catch him! - She yelled.
- This one can. - was all the bear said as the bike tire screeched on the tarmac and started chasing the plane.
Inside the cockpit, Jones was surprised that the hangar had not exploded yet and looked back...only to see Jon and Bonnie after him.
- Don't make me laugh... - he smiled as he accelerated the powerful prototype.
- He's escaping, Wilson! - Bonnie yelled as she lowered her goggles.
The bear leaned forward and yelled - He can't reach top speed before he takes off! Hold me tight and brace yourself! - he then looked down at the golden button by the fuel cap, took a deep breath and slammed it with his fist.
A loud whistle came from the motorcycle as two air intakes opened from each side of the engine compartment, the rear wheel started spinning so fast that even at that speed it screeched against the tarmac and the sheer extra torque lifted the front wheel for a moment, while the vehicle's engine noise doubled in intensity. The bike started accelerating at an incredible rate, quickly approaching the plane.
- WHOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAHH! - Bonnie screamed as she held onto the bear for dear life.
As they came parallel to the left wing, Jon screamed - WHEN I CLIMB THE PLANE, YOU HIT THE GOLDEN BUTTON AND GENTLY HIT THE BRAKES! SHE'LL STOP BEFORE THE LANE IS OVER!
- WHAT?! ARE YOU CRAZY?! - She yelled but he was already grabbing the wing and trying to climb.
Jones looked to his side and couldn't believe his eyes. The motorcycle was keeping up with a plane? He was having none of that and started pulling the yoke and the prototype was airborne.
As the plane soared in the sky, Jon held onto the wing with all he got, the ground becoming distant fast.
Bonnie watched the plane climb and nearly forgot that she was now riding what could well be a land-rocket. She quickly hit the button and the air vents retracted inside the vehicle and the engine roar dimmed...she carefully used the brakes to slow the bike, eyes wide as the end of the lane approached...and just a few feet before the limit, the motorcycle stopped and she could breathe.
Meanwhile, the pilot rat was also relaxing, now that he was sure that he had escaped.
But the sudden sight of the bear hanging onto the wing and crawling toward the cockpit made him blink twice to make sure he wasn't dreaming.
- Are you enjoying the view, kid? - he growled - Here, let me help you get some air! - and Jones increased the throttle, making the powerful engine roar as the plane gained more and more speed.
Jon grunted, crawling closer and closer until he could grab onto the cockpit, yelling - I'm used to the speed, you rat! - And he reached for the yoke.
Jones responded by holding the yoke tighter and putting even more speed.
But then...there was a loud bang on the engine. The gauges indicated the oil pressure was skyrocketing, sparks were coming from the exhausts and suddenly the engine lid came out as flames erupted.
- WHAT IS GOING ON? - Jones screamed - THIS THING IS COMING APART!
- WE HAVE TO GET OUTTA HERE! - Jon said, but Jones grinned at him and grabbed the folder with the blueprints.
Another bang and more sparks and flames reached the cockpit, and set the folder on fire. Jones screamed and in reflex, he threw it away, the precious papers burning and turning to ashes in the air. The blueprints were lost and the prototype was burning.
- YOU RUINED EVERYTHING, KID! KEEP YOUR STUPID PLANE, AND HAVE A NICE LANDING! - He growled, and jumped. Jon tried to grab him but Jones did not need saving, as he opened a parachute strapped on his back and waved back with a grin.
The accountant quickly looked into the cockpit, but it was filled with smoke. Hundreds of feet below was the ocean. He had no choice but jump and pray.
As he fell, he saw the WGZ1 explode in the air. The shockwave of the explosion nearly knocked him out. The plane and the blueprints were gone...and then he looked down and saw the water getting closer.
And then a yellow blur.
He gasped as he was caught in a net. Looking around dizzy, he realized he was in the cargo hold of the Sea Duck and as he looked up, he saw the plane top cargo doors closing down.
- JON! - A familiar voice screamed and he was never so happy to see Rebecca, along with Kit and Molly.
- Hey, Books, why didnja say you needed a ride?! - Baloo yelled from the pilot's seat.
The accountant climbed down and was quickly hugged by Kit, Molly and Rebecca.
- Next time you quit on us, Mister, you are FIRED! And then I strangle you, and I hire you so I can fire you again, understood?! - Rebecca yelled at him while hugging him.
- Understood, Miss Cunnin... Rebecca - he whispered.
- Better - she smiled.
- BOOKS! C'mon here right now, man! I need to ask you something - Baloo yelled and all the bears quickly joined him at the cockpit.
- Thanks for the save, Baloo - Jon said.
- Aw, it was nothing kid! But I'm mad at you for throwing trash at the Sea Duck! You'll wash her clean yourself when we get home! - Baloo growled.
Jon was puzzled and Rebecca and Kit giggled - Throwing trash? What do you mean...
Baloo simply pointed at the window - Look for yourself! 9'O clock!
Jon looked and his eyes were wide, then he grinned. Hanging from the left pontoon was Jones, fluttering against the wind like a ragdoll, his parachute all tangled.
- LET ME IN! LET ME IN! PLEASE! - The rat screamed.
- Do we let him in? - Kit asked.
After a pause, all bears grinned said at the same time - NAAAaah...
- He didn't pay fer first class trip! - Baloo chuckled and soon the Sea Duck was landing on the old airfield that used to be part of Goldwing & Stein. The police was already in the place. Along with someone else.
Standing with the cops and talking with Bonnie, was the tiger, Shere Khan himself.
Baloo, Rebecca, Kit, Molly and Jon came out of the yellow cargo plane and came to meet the tycoon, who was standing by the pontoon, looking at Jones.
- Mr. Jones - Khan said - this young lady has told us and the police quite an intriguing story about how you are directly responsible for the loss of a prototype and blueprints that belonged to Khan Industries...
- M-Mr Khan! Don't believe that tramp! It's a lie! I'm a hero, I tried to save the prototype from them! - the rat squealed.
- 'scuse us, Khan, buddy - Baloo said - How about we go for a scenic trip over Cape Suzette? I think it may help your Mr. Jones see things better.
Khan smiled - That sounds like an excellent idea, Mr. Baloo - and as tiger and bear walked to the plane, Jones burst out.
- NOOO WAIT! I DID IT, I DID IT! I TRIED TO STEAL THE PLANE AND THE BLUEPRINTS! I DID IT! PLEEEASE LET ME DOWN! - the rat pleaded.
- Gentlemen, I guess he has just confessed. - Rebecca smiled - and also, we were all witnesses. We were approaching the airfield and we saw him flying the plane while Jon here was hanging on the wing and trying to stop him.
- And I would have succeeded if it weren't for those damn kids and...OW! - Before he finished, the police had fished him all bundled in the parachute and thrown him in their truck.
Meanwhile, Jon smiled at Bonnie, who literally came running at him and pounced, nearly knocking the shaken accountant down - You did it! When I saw the plane explode I thought you...you..
- Can't...breathe...- he gasped as she was squeezing him.
- Oh! Sorry! - she smiled and eased her grip
- Mr. Goldwing...- Khan said as he stood next to them. The accountant looked serious at the tycoon.
- Mr. Khan. - he simply said.
- It is a shame what happened... to lose the prototype and the blueprints. However, I understand that you have tried to protect my property and risked your life to do so. I am thankful for your efforts and am willing to offer a compensation for your troubles.
Jon looked at Bonnie and then at Baloo, Rebecca and Kit.
- Mr. Khan...- he started - as an accountant, if I may...I would suggest that your company's efforts...should move from the goods transportation to other business...
Khan half-smiled and looked around - Indeed...I believe that this old factory has potential, after some required updates and reforms...if there was one secret plane hidden here, who knows what other treasures it may hide.
- Well thought Mr. Khan - Jon smiled, and for what was probably the first time ever, the tycoon and the accountant shook hands.
- Higher for Hirer...later -
The Sea Duck touched down gracefully and came to a stop by the docks. Baloo stepped out of the plane and yawned.
- Man...another night awake! First pirates and now this! - he groaned, but Rebecca stepped out behind him and nudged his big belly.
- As if you have NEVER stayed awake all night at Louie's! - she giggled!
- Hey, but that was having FUN! Not fishing accountants outta the sky! - He retorted.
The back cargo hatch opened and Jon came out pushing his motorcycle, with Bonnie by his side and Kit following back.
- There is one thing I don't get - Kit started and all eyes were on him. Kit simply pointed at the mysterious black and silver motorcycle - That!
Jon took a deep breath, as he knew where this was going.
- Well, Books...kiddo is right - Baloo added - see...we actually saw you and Bonnie in your ride and...man, you raced and overtook a plane! And that rat was going pretty fast before he took off too.
- And that button you told me to press - Bonnie joined.
- Alright, guys, you deserve to know...well, some answers I got today, myself...from this - the accountant said, pulling out a small envelope from his back pocket.
- What is that? - Rebecca asked.
- It was in the folder with the blueprints. It was the first thing I saw and since it had my name in it, I put in my pocket to read later - Jon answered - and I did read while we came back here.
- And what it says, Books? - Baloo asked curious.
- It's from...dad. - the golden bear whispered, opening the letter and reading it loud:
To you, Wil, my boy.
Kid, I have never told you this, but I have three hobbies in my life, one of them which I share with you: Inventing, Planes...and Motorcycles. I have created the WGZ1 engine for planes, but it was wild, unpredictable. With the WGZ1 prototype, I found out that the power was so strong that the engine would need to be built with special materials so it would not explode with the pressure. And turns out...far, far too expensive to be mass produced. I build an engine that would never be commercial. The plane was not built with those materials…so it could never be pushed to the limit.
But you, Wil, you are not a hobby...you are my son. And I'm very, very proud of you. Now, I don't have much time left...I wish we could have done more together. But I want to leave you something to remember your old man. You and I always loved motorcycles, so...yours I made by hand. My last gift to you. It is my finished invention and the materials used can stand anything. The plane and the blueprints are yours too..but they are just tokens. You were always a free spirit, even as a kid in your bicycle, while I was always too busy with work.
I hope you are reading this now as a man, and that you have learned to be responsible and work, but still have fun. And hope that when you use our motorcycle, you think of your old man.
Don't forget, my boy: Fly High and Clear Skies.
Your Dad,
David.
There was a deep silence afterwards and Jon was smiling while staring down at the letter.
- I guess he would have been proud - Rebecca said breaking the silence.
- So the plane...- Kit half asked.
- It was never the final result. It was never his goal. - Jon said. -This was. - He walked to the motorcycle and opened the left panel under the tank that gave access to the engine and, once exposed, there was the Goldwing Logo, without the S of Stein, and printed on the engine: WGZ-2
- WGZ? - Baloo asked.
Jon chuckled - Wilson Goldwing Zero Two. Go figure dad. Been using that bike for years because I helped dad build it when I was a teen and used the high speed button a few times, but I did not understand what it meant. I didn't know exactly why dad made it that way, and now I do. THIS is his legacy.
- And Khan does not...and never will - Rebecca said.
- No...that chapter is really over. - Jon sighed with relief.
Then they were all startled by a car pulling up before Higher for Hire. The door opened and a penguin in a suit came out.
- Mr. Bright? - Rebecca blinked
- Ah, Miss Cunningham! - the penguin said, opening his wings - I have come to know if we can still negotiate that cargo deal!
Rebecca's jaw nearly fell and she smiled - Why, of course Mr. Bright! But...I believed that you had a contract with someone else?
- Oh, indeed, but it appears Khan industries is reformulating their whole cargo business and they simply cannot give me a guarantee when my cargo will be transported of even if it will be! I need a reliable service! - the penguin said, apparently outraged.
- Well, Mr. Bright, we at Higher for Hire always guarantee that your cargo WILL be delivered! Why don't we step into my office so we can discuss it? - She said, opening the door to the small office.
- I would be delighted to! - Mr. Bright smiled and walked in.
- Aw, man! - Baloo grumbled. - There goes those days off...
- There are always the Tuesdays and Fridays at Louie's, Baloo - Bonnie said smiling.
And the week passed, and Friday came.
Louie's was full again. The small business and independent pilots cheering , brawling, yelling and eating and drinking thanks to their new cargo contracts.
Sitting at the counter were Baloo, Rebecca, Kit and Jon.
- Baloo ma man! And Kit - Louie grinned and high fived the pilot bear with his right hand and Kit with his left foot - And my lovely Rebecca, always charmed - He said taking Rebecca's right hand and kissing it - And there you are again, Books! Next time you think on running away I'm gonna send my friends here to have a chat with you! - Louie pointed at his mountain sized bouncer gorillas, which made Jon swallow deeply.
- Ah, no need to Louie...I am home now and not going anywhere - the accountant said.
- That's what I wanted to hear, man, coz I got something to show you! - The monkey said and pulled a blanket from a wall to reveal it full of logos of aircraft manufactures and pictures of the airplanes. The title on top said "The best plane makers in the World".
And on a top spot, there was the photo Kit had found on Flyboy, with Jon's dad and him as a kid, with the Goldwing Logo by it.
- Aw...Louie...man...- Jon said. - That's...gee...thanks man. - Jon said as he high-fived the bar owner.
- You are welcome kid! Now, if you guys excuse me - Louie grinned as he jumped off the counter and swung his way to the stage.
- Welcome, welcome ladies and gentlemen pilots and accountants and business ladies and navigators and good looking people! - the monkey announced - You know she is here again, and you have seen her before, but she will, as always, make your hearts stop, make your hats jump and make you all think you can fly without wings! A big applause for...The Lady in Green!
The lights dimmed, the spotlights illuminated the stage and the curtain opened...and there she was again...the silly cocker spaniel girl who wanted to be a pilot, completely transformed in her sparkly green dress, her gloves and those ears cascading on her shoulders, swooning and enchanting everyone in the bar with her angelical voice.
She sang a song about Love not recognized...Love mistaken as friendship, that was much stronger than anything. Rebecca and Baloo could not help glancing at each other and blushing.
Jon however...was in a trance. He was gone. His brown eyes were fixed on the stage the very moment the curtains opened, and even after the music was over, that the whole house was wild with applause, even after the curtains had closed and she had left, he still gazed as if she was there.
- Calling Mr. Books! Do you Copy! - Baloo yelled at his side, making him pop out of the spell.
- Wha?! - the accountant gasped, which got everyone laughing.
- Don't worry kid, you're not the first one to fall in her trance! - Louie laughed.
- Not the FIRST one? - Rebecca whispered, glaring at Baloo.
- Hey, Boss lady, the kid has talent, but huh, student/teacher, you know? - The pilot defended himself.
- Yeah, right! Suuuuuure Baloo! And your eyes were not on the stage as everyone else! - She said, giving the big bear a nudge.
- Okay, boys, hit it! - Louie yelled at the band, and a slow dancing tune started. Baloo and Rebecca stopped arguing, and the big bear cleared his throat.
- Ahm...Hum...Rebecca...hum...would you...ahmm...- he stuttered.
The business woman smiled and offered her hand - Delighted to, Baloo. But you are not out of the hook, buster! - she grinned as he took her hand and they started dancing.
Jon, meanwhile, walked outside to the beach, to take in the fresh air. Last time he was here he was going away forever...and now...he has found home.
- You still owe me one dance. - he heard from behind him, the angelic voice that let him know it was her before he turned.
But when he turned around...there she was...still in her sparkling green dress, her ears flowing with the wind, her bare paws on the sand. She was beautiful.
- I thought an accountant would remember to pay his debts - She smiled and offered her hand.
- With interest...- he smiled and he took her hand.
And under the full moon and the starry skies, cooed by the soft sounds of the band playing inside, holding each other in their arms, they danced without a care in the world...
...not even stopping when someone eventually drank too much and tried to dance with Rebecca and was sent flying through the lattice wall of the bar by Baloo's fist, which resulted in a huge bar fight, somehow ending with gorilla birds dashing out of the bar screaming as one of the pilots ran after them, and one of Louie's big ape bouncers screaming while being carried away by Plane Jane with promises of eternal happiness.
But for now, that's...
The End.