3
Up in the Air
Elsa waited on the tarmac in front of the plane. Behind her a whole host of people waited. Kristof was there, albeit more tentative than before. Hans stood behind her, as well as a man named Kai who was an associate of Arendelle Corporation. There was also some added airport security, although Elsa didn't know why. To her right, the plane sat, stairway open and ready for boarding.
On the ride over she managed to fix any sort of noticeable defect in her appearance. Now she stood with a clipboard in hand, waiting for the alleged CEO to arrive.
Hans had debriefed her on the plane ride over. The client was some CEO of some massive company who could afford their pay scale. That was all she needed to know and was all she decided to remember of the wealth of information Hans had thrown at her.
Elsa looked at her watch. 8:07:32 am. Arendelle was 7 minutes and thirty two seconds late. What was taking so long?
The CEO of the Arendelle Corporation was some Prince who inherited the entire company when original CEO died, which also happened to be the prince's father. So she had figured this type of thing would happen. He was probably planning to be late to the plane ride, Elsa thought. Just so that he could make some sort of snobby rebellious point about being in charge.
She hated working with rich snobs. They would always hold the same smug expression on their face whenever they commanded Elsa. It read something like "I can make you do what I want because I pay you." God, the arrogance of that look. She mentally cringed, careful not to actually cringe.
She heard the light sound of an engine rumbling in the distance. She used the clipboard to block the rising sun from her eyes. The heat haze from the tarmac blurred the ground but she could just make out the lone figure now barreling towards them.
Black, low to the ground, small, two wheels, high speed. MV Agusta F4 1000 R. The name popped into her head which was now flooded with information. 175 horsepower with a top speed of 185mph. Average Cost: $20,000.
As the figure got closer, 3 black SUV's also tore onto the tarmac, trying to keep up with approaching the motorcycle. At the last second, the motorcycle turned, drifting in a large arc until stopping in front of Elsa and the crew around her.
The figure sat for a moment on the bike before taking its black leather gloves off one finger at a time. In fact, this person dressed only in leather of some kind or another. The coat was black, with a zipper up the front, tall collar and button on top. Black boots, black helmet black everything. Apparently Arendelle had a thing for black.
The figure removed the helmet with a grunt revealing long copper hair. Arendelle is a woman? Elsa thought. As shocked as she was, her face revealed nothing.
"Ugh! I can barely breathe in that damn thing." The woman exclaimed, throwing her helmet on the ground. Kai rushed to her side grabbing the helmet and bushing it off. The girl noticed Kai walking towards her with the helmet.
"And you," she said, pointing a finger at Kai. He stopped in his tracks. "Do you have to do everything for me?"
"Well, it is my job Miss Anna." She rolled her eyes.
"Are you gunning for a raise? Because at this rate you'll be making more than me by the end of the year." Kai chuckled.
"I wouldn't dare."
The girl ran her hair through her fingers causing it to bounce in curly bronze locks. She stepped of her bike. Her gazed fixed on to Elsa.
"So you must be the woman I've been hearing so much about." She said but in a different tone this time. A little more jaded and distant but also commanding it its own right. The woman grabbed Elsa's hand. "Anna Arendelle. It's a pleasure to be in acquaintance with someone of your," Anna paused, "stature."
"The pleasure is…" Elsa was cut off by the sound of a car screeching to a halt. The three SUV's had finally reached them. A large bald man stumbled out of the car before it even stopped and ran to Anna's side, clutching a walkie talkie.
"Subject is secure." He said into the device. "You know Miss Arendelle, it is much easier to protect you if we can see you."
"You guys are too slow." She shrugged. "Get faster cars."
"They are fast cars Miss Arendelle." The girl rolled her eyes again. The second time in less than five minutes Elsa noted. Anna's attention turned to someone else standing behind Elsa.
"Kristof? Kristof!" She ran to him and caught him off guard with a bear hug. Her momentum almost knocked them down. "I haven't seen you in ages." Anna let go and eyed him up and down.
"Captain Kristof, at your service." He mock bowed.
"Oh stop it." She said. "How is Sven today?" Kristoff looked over to the plane.
"He is ready to go Miss Arendelle."
"Don't you go and start calling me that too!"
In all the commotion and attention centered on Anna, Elsa took that moment to slip away onto the plane. She hated crowds. Her footsteps silent on the stairs leading inside.
Kristof had been right about the inside of the plane. It was far more elegant than the outside. Upon entering the plane, on the immediate left was the cockpit and on the right was a narrow hallway leading to the living space. The floor was short carpet with winding designs that one could get lost in if he or she was so inclined. The color scheme matched that of Anna's outfit. A modern black contrasted with highlights of white.
She passed through the hallway which doubled as a kitchen/bar area and into the living space. To her right and left were pairs of chairs that faced each other. Further down on the left were was a couch. Opposite the couch, a television. Next to the television, on the right side, was a booth with a floating wall table in it. She decided to sit at the booth.
She slid into the seat and looked out the window. Anna had finished whatever small talk she had been having with Kristof and was now talking to Hans. Anna laughed without holding back, gripping her stomach with one hand.
This is going to be a long trip.
Elsa disliked people like Anna. For starters she was the type of person where everything was handed to her. Everything. This plane, that motorcycle, hell, even those god awful leather clothes. She hadn't earned any of it, not like Elsa had. Everything Elsa owned she had earned through the work she did. Even though it wasn't the prettiest work, she still bought everything herself.
Elsa tightened the gloves on her hands by pulling down on of the bottom cuffs. She also didn't like Anna's personality. Talking to all those people. She's so dependent on them, constantly striving for their attention. Why would someone want attention? Elsa decided she'd never understand.
Outside it looked like everyone was ready to leave. Kai shook Anna's hand but she pulled him into a hug. He protested at first but gave in.
Yet at the same time there was something desirable about the girl. Being able to always say exactly what she thought and act on her emotions was commendable in its own way. It's something Elsa was unable to do, or if she was, she'd never allowed herself to.
"Will the flight be long?" She heard Anna say. She must be inside now.
"13 hours at most." Kristoff replied. Anna groaned.
Elsa gathered herself. She smoothed the wrinkles in her skirt. She touched her braid, running her fingers down it out of habit.
Anna entered the main cabin. There was a slight bounce in her step. There was a rhythm to the way she walked, Elsa noted. It was like a dance. Quick then slow, quick then slow. Anna collapsed onto the booth on the other side of the table. Elsa maintained her rigid posture.
"Hello." Anna said.
Elsa managed to nod. There was an awkward pause as the two sized each other up.
"So…" Anna started pulling her shoes off one by one allowing them to fall onto the floor. "Ah, that's much better." She wiggled her toes though her socks, "What's your name?" Anna examined her.Elsa swallowed. Although it was a simple question she chose her words deliberately.
"My name is Elsa. Elsa Skyridge. I apologize for not properly introducing myself earlier. I know that's customary for," She paused, looking down at the table in thought.
"For people in the states?" Anna offered.
"No, I was going to say among people." Anna sat back with a confused look plastered across her face.
Had I said something wrong? Elsa wondered. "We should review the itinerary." Elsa said pulling a folder out from beside the table. "Hans?"
Hans had managed to make his way onto the plane and was now looking at a newspaper while sitting on the couch across from them. He looked up and seeing what was going on stood up, put headphones on, and walked to the back of the plane. "So when we land-" Anna bolted onto the table on all fours. She was within inches of Elsa.
Elsa could smell her perfume. In a strange way it reminded her of summer. It was light and airy, just like a summer breeze. She could see each individual eyelash on Anna's face, count her freckles. How long had it been since someone had initiated been this close to her?
She held her breath or maybe she couldn't breathe. Anna reached her hand out and moved a hair, Elsa hadn't noticed, out of her face. She tucked it into Elsa's braid, out of the way. As fast as she sat up, she sat down.
"Sorry. I have this thing with people." She said, blushing. Elsa blinked. "It's just, if we're gonna be talking for a while, I'd rather everything be" She gestured towards Elsa with her hands, "in place when I look at you."
Elsa just nodded. Was this what it felt like to be in shock? It had been years since someone else had touched her bare skin, she made sure of it. But this person, whom she'd only just met and didn't like all that much, had come so close. How dare her. She'll have to stay more diligent around Anna, she decided, adding that tip to her ever growing list of mental notes on the girl.
"Apology accepted." Elsa looked back down at the folder but could still feel Anna's eyes boring into her. "So the itinerary suggests-" Elsa started to say.
"I've heard the stories." Anna said.
She just doesn't quit. Elsa thought, making yet another mental note. She dreaded what came next.
"How many of them are true?"
And there it was. Anna had held out more than most but it always come back around to the stories. No one cared for Elsa. They only cared about the stories she carried. How could they care about her though? She was an atrocity and the stories confirmed it. The closest she'd ever come to someone who cared was Hans, but he only cared for the job. For him, caring was just a means to an end. Anna, just like everyone else, would ask about the stories and abandon her and then she would feel just as vile and worthless as she always did. With that line of logic, Elsa decided it would be best to avoid them completely.
"I don't see how that's relevant here."
"Well, how do I know if you can protect me?"
"My ability to perform has already been reviewed by your associates. I have acquired the contract for job, I see no need to prove myself to you as you don't seem to make those types of decisions."
"And what exactly do you mean by that?" What Elsa said must've hit a nerve. The girl sat up straighter in her seat.
"I mean nothing by it," Elsa said, folding her hands on the table. "I'm merely remarking on the fact that although you're official title dictates that you are CEO, you aren't actually qualified to make decisions and thus I don't need to prove my aptitude to you."
"I'm more qualified than you are. I make multimillion dollar decisions daily. My net worth is more money than you will ever see in your life." Anna said. She was using the same voice as the first time they talked, the commanding one.
"I don't doubt that." Anna chuckled to herself.
"Exactly, which is why I don't see you on the face of magazines and running a multimillion dollar company."
"I didn't exactly have a rich father either." The tone in the room changed to all-out war.
"What the fuck did you just say to me?" Anna said. She stood up, spreading her arms out in an offensive pose.
"Miss Arendelle, I'm not someone you want to pick a fight with. Now, please," Elsa gestured to the seat Anna had been sitting in. "The itinerary."
"Neither am I." Anna said. Her attention turned to the folders Elsa held in her hands. "Fuck the itinerary." Anna pushed the folder off the table, sending papers flying everywhere. Now Elsa stood up. "What did you say about my dad?"
"I didn't say anything about your father." Elsa cocked her head. "However, I was implying that you simply inherited his legacy rather than earn it, if you were unable to perceive my implications."
"You got a problem with me?"
"Not a problem that I am aware of."
"Then when are you trying to pick a fight huh?" Anna said. She pushed Elsa. Caught off guard, Elsa stumbled back. She fought her instincts to fight back, but she knew she couldn't hold them off for long. She could hear blood rushing in her ears.
"Anna, calm down. You're making a mistake."
"Don't tell me to fucking calm down" Anna pushed Elsa again. This time Elsa stood her ground but her fingers twitched.
Elsa could feel time begin to slow down. She felt her pupils dilate. She could feel everyone on board the plane. She could hear Hans' music playing all the way on the other side of the plane, he had taken out his headphones, his leg muscles tensed as he started to move. She could sense Kristoff. His back ached from sitting in the seat, his arms were crossed. Elsa's hands pulled into fist.
No no no.
"Anna," She tried to say firmly but her voice faltered. "Anna please," Elsa put her hand up. She began took small steps backwards. "Stop. I don't want anyone to get hurt."
"You can't hurt anyone. As far as I know, you're just a stone cold bitch." Anna took a step forward, this time her arm was pulled back to punch Elsa. Elsa no longer saw Anna. She no longer saw the plane. She didn't even know where she was. Instead she saw a threat approaching her with hostile intent. Instinct took over her entire body. Everything happened in slow motion.
She deflected the punch easily off to her side. Then she rushed forward and, using the woman's momentum against her, she reached her free arm out around the woman's neck and pushed her arm upward, shifting the woman's balance. Then she pushed the woman to the ground, knocking her off her feet, executing a perfect takedown.
Elsa ended up crouched over top the mass of black leather on the ground of the airplane, the breath knocked out of her. Elsa's right hand was around the figure's throat while her free hand raised in a fist. She heard the shifting of material. Jeans? Cloth? The man behind her. She turned to face him.
"Elsa calm down it's me, Hans."
Breathe. The man took a step towards her. Threat.
"Just let go of Anna alright."
Anna? Elsa felt her grip around Anna's throat loosen. Anna turned over and started coughing.
Breathe. "That's it…"The man took another step. Threat.
Elsa moved like lighting. She shifted her position on the floor, bolting towards the man. Her leg shot out and made contact with the side of his head. She used her leg to pull the man down towards the edge of the table. He collided with a loud thunk.
Everything was silent. The plane hummed. Elsa closed her eyes. Breathe. Elsa's fist released its clench. The fire in Elsa's eyes died. Elsa blinked, realizing what had just happened.
"You're a god damn robot." Anna wheezed.
"Anna, I apologize." Elsa stood up, turned around and offered a hand to Anna. Anna swatted it away.
"No. Apology not accepted. What the fuck was that?"
"I didn't mean to harm you."
"You looked like you were ready to kill Me."
"I didn't mean to." Elsa whispered. Anna got herself up off the ground and stormed off towards the cockpit. Before she entered the cabin she spun around.
"No wonder they call you the Ice Queen." Elsa winced at the name. "You know, they told me stories about you. Crazy stuff. They called you a monster. At first, I didn't believe them. Well, turns out they were right. They couldn't be more right." Anna said. "As soon as this plane lands you're fired."
"That's highly unlikely as a breach of contract…"
"FIRED." Anna shouted. She turned and entered the cockpit slamming the door shut behind her.
Elsa looked over at Hans who was unconscious on the ground. She sighed. She walked over to him and checked his pulse. He was still alive. Judging from the head wound, she hadn't injured him that bad although that kick was extremely… forceful. Approximately 6 hours before he regained consciousness, 23 days before a full recovery.
That could've gone better. Was Elsa's first thought. Why didn't she just answer Anna's question in the first place? All this could've been avoided. Elsa dragged Hans by his arms and set him on the couch. The returned to the table and crouched down, picking up the papers that spilled on the floor. I've failed again. I put other people in harm's way. Elsa decided, as much as humanly possible, she'd have to make sure something like this didn't happen again and somehow, she'd have to make it up to Anna. Hans however… Elsa looked over at the man snoozing on the couch. He was used to this sort of thing. Redemption with him would be unnecessary. Elsa sat down and straightened the papers against the table. She reviewed the itinerary one more time. A light bulb in her head clicked.