-Chapter 2-
Louie's Bar, Lunch time
Baloo slurped the last bit of his double Krakatoa Special and yawned.
- Aw man, this mangoes run got me wrecked, Louie! And escaping Karny and his gang of clowns spends more time and gas than usual. Why are those guys after us anyway? - the big pilot sighed.
-Nobody knows, cuz, but yer not the only one!- the simian bar owner dressed in a floral shirt answered while holding a glass with his left foot and wiping it with a rag on his right hand -almost every pilot carrying cargo has been attacked, and many had their cargo taken these last months! Very few get past those flies - Louie pointed out at a table where a group of panthers sat down, all in similar bomber jackets, all carrying Shere Khan Enterprises symbol. -It helps when your cargo ship also carries guns or can have a fighters' escort! - he whispered.
Baloo grunted -Ah never needed guns to dodge those bubbleheads, but yeah, they are making life harder for the little folk...good thing the military are keeping ships on alert but they can't be everywhere...
-Well, cuz, they are between here and Cape Suzette so you won't have to worry about the trip back. Relax man! You still the best pilot there is, and those hoodlums can't getcha.- the bar owner smiled and high-fived his old friend, then looked at Kit, who sat by Baloo - and You got the best navigator to help you get around too!
Kit smiled and finished his own sundae -Thanks Louie...but it's really weird. Last time Karnage did this, he was after the parts and the stone to build his ray gun. What is his game now?
- No idea, kid, but not my business...mine's just keep this place full! And I just got a new artist here to help get this place stuffed! Come by next Friday night and You'll all see!
Baloo chuckled - So I don't need ta dress up in a fruit hat and play the bongos anymore, cuz?
Eventually, they resumed their trip and soon enough, the Sea Duck docked at Higher for Hire, where their boss was waiting for them at the pier.
-On time for a change! It's going to rain! - Rebecca chuckled
-VERY funny, Boss Lady! With those pirates around one does not wanna be away from home fer long!- Baloo said as he exited the plane.-And yer not behind yer desk fer a change! It IS gonna rain!
- Well, you two been away for days, so - she pointed her thumb at the office - take a look!
Pilot and navigator exchanged glances and shrugged, then walked inside. They blinked at what they saw.
There was a Rebecca's desk...strangely clean. Just a few sheets of papers on it. On a corner, by the file cabinets, there was a smaller desk, with a few piles of paper and, behind it, the new addition to Higher for Hire staff worked on the numbers. Without his leather jacket, and just wearing his blue checkered shirt, he was so concentrated, that he took a moment to notice Baloo and Kit arrival.
-Oh...hi fellas...welcome back! How was the trip? - Jon asked, setting down his pen and books aside for a while.
-Hey man...what happened here? You swoop all the papers under the rug? - Baloo greeted while shaking the brown bear's hand.
-Well Baloo - Rebecca, who just walked behind him and to her desk and then leaned against it - it just happens that, Jon here IS an accountant! He managed to organize all the papers, most are in the file cabinets in the correct order as they should, and many were filed away in boxes as they are no longer needed! I...have...a DESK AGAIN! - she cheered with joy.
Baloo looked at his boss and then at the brown bear sitting behind his small desk - Well, I'll be...looks can fool you! With that jacket and bike of yers, one would never believe it!
Goldwing just smiled -Well, dad gave me the bike many years ago so to not use it would be bad, right? And the jacket and gloves are better to ride than a suit and tie - he chuckled. Kit's ears just perked at that and he held his chin thinking.
-Well - Rebecca said - if you want to come work on a monocycle and pajamas that's up to you, Jon, as long as you keep doing this good work. We are again up to date with the accounts and I don't have to spend long nights balancing them! And since I didn't scheduled anything else for today as I expected you to be late again, Baloo - she smiled at her pilot, who just crossed his arms and pouted - I guess we can all call it an early day and close on time for a change. I can take Molly - and you, if you'd like to come, Kit - to the amusement park Buzz helped build.
The boy's eyes lit up and he jumped at the opportunity - Yes! Thanks Miss Cunningham! You're coming Baloo?
-Weeeeell, parks mean candy and popcorn, so count me in! - the big bear laughed.
Jon got up from the chair and stretched, closed his books and got his jacket and gloves from the hanger. -Well, you all have fun...I'm going for some coffee and then home.
-Coffee won't keep you awake this late? - Rebecca grinned -Don't want you late tomorrow because you couldn't get out of bed!
Jon smiled as he got dressed and simply said -Well, the coffee shop is right by that ice cream shop...after what happened I decided it was better to become a regular there just in case somebody needs to be pushed from a truck's path...- he grinned.
Rebecca glared at him, but she soon smiled shook her head. - Just don't get late, Mister!
He waved goodnight and mounted the black motorcycle, springing the engine into life with a roar and soon disappeared in the distance.
Baloo shook his head - At least the kid ain't a suit'n'tie type...but an accountant in a motorcycle and jacket? Really?
Rebecca rolled her eyes -I have a mechanic who fix anything better than anyone but can't remember what he just ate, a navigator who is twelve and surfs clouds and a pilot who eats so much that he weighs more than the cargo but still can fly better than birds...your point is?
-Watch it Lady!- the big bear grumbled, visibly grumpy about her remark. Rebecca simply giggled and soon they all walked out of the office.
-Pirate Island-
-Duh, get that bird! - a huge, ,muscular grey dog with a top-hat and a weird accent yelled before he tripped and fell face first on the dirt, while trying to catch a squealing gorilla bird.
The cave where the pirates kept plundered treasure from unfortunate airplanes was fuller than usual...but not exactly treasure. Gorilla birds running around, Macadamia sand, Pigmy feathers and lots of non-valuable goods lay scattered.
Looking at all the "treasure", a figure dressed in blue coat, grey pants and boots and carrying a cutlass on his belt stood proudly and grinning
-Marvelous! Excellent! Those foolish pilots now know to fear the name...Don Karrrrrrrnage! Which is me, of course! - the pirate captain cheered to himself.
-But...Captain- Mad Dog, his second-in-command started, hesitant to question his leader - ahm...why are we stealing all this stuff?
Karnage spun around annoyed. -First of all, my empty-minded minion...- he grabbed the wincing Mad Dog by his collar and shook him hard - we are PLUNDERING! We don't steal! We are PIRATES! PIRATES! How many times must I say it?! - then he dropped the dizzy canine and started walking among the crew - Second...this is all part of my great plan, yes-no? It is too genius for your poor little minds to understand, but Don Karrrrrnage is magnanimous, and will make it simple for you! This...is...MISS...DIRRRREECTION!
- Who is she, Captain? - Dumptruck, the big grey hound asked.
- When do we meet her? - Another small pirate asked.
-Is she puurrrty Captain? - Yet another one asked.
Don Karnage simply slapped his own forehead and dragged his fingers down in frustration.
-NO, YOU IDIOTS!- the pirate leader screamed, showing his fangs - NO, NO, NO! MISDIRECTION IS NOT A WOMAN! It is my fabulous plan, see? - he pulled open a large curtain to reveal an equally large map of the Caribbean behind it. There were lines and crossboned skulls symbols on many spots, and drawings of battleships that matched the spots where the pirates had attacked earlier.
-Now, my mentally challenged minions, marvel in the beauty of my wondrous design, made all by my handsome self! We have attacked these cargo routes in a random way, so the military with their little boom-boom ships would have to spread and cover them, yes-no? Now, they are spread too thin and they left the pride of their armada, the U.S.S. Valiant defending THIS - and he pointed with a clawed finger - route, which is the shortest to Cape Suzette! If the ship was attacked, they would be too far to call for help, sí? Of coooouurse, those fools are not worried! They believe nobody would attack their biggest boom-boom ship! But I, Don Karrrrnage, will take the ship into my possession, and use it to destroy the cliff guns at Cape Suzette! - he raised his arms triumphantly, as his crew whoooed amazed.
-But...Captain...- Mad Dog started again - Don't they have a huge crew of sailors to protect them?
- Yeah..and..duh..won't they shoot down our planes? - Dumptruck added.
The Captain shook his head - My, oh my, why my genius self must be so surrounded by idiot ding-dongs? Don't you think your impressive Captain has thought about every detail? There will not be a fight! Thanks to this! - he pulled a blanket that was covering some crates with a warning sign on them - These are powerful sleeping gas grenades that had been lost in a military plane crash not far from Pirate Island, but nothing, NOTHING escapes the keen eyes of Don Karrrnage - which is me!
-But Captain, Dumptruck and I were the ones who mmphhhh! - Mad Dog started before his muzzle was held shut by the Pirate Captain.
-SOOO with these...and our trusty submarine...Mad Dog and Dumptruck will put all those sailors to sweet little dreams! We will them tie them all up and lock them in their own brigs, and the U.S.S. Valiant will be all mine! With it - he grinned - we will attack Cape Suzette! They will never expect an attack from their own flagship, and the cliff guns will blow to tiny little pieces, just like Khan fighters! They are no match for the ship's cannons! Then, the Iron Vulture and our planes will plunder and plunder the city! The Legendary Air Pirate Captain Don Karrrrnage will become also the Legendary SEA Pirate Don Karrrnage! - The wolfish Captain threw his fists in the air and was cheered by his whole crew.
-But before we do it - he added - we have a mission, boys! THIS time I will not allow that fat pilot and his silly yellow plane, the traitorous boy and the crazy business lady to challenge my perfectalelismically well done plan! We must capture and kidnap them all and keep them in irons here at the island before the attack, yes-no? So says your Captain, Don Karrrrrnage!
The announcement was followed by more cheers from the pirates, much to the Captain's pleasure, who turned around and walked away, grinning.
- You shall NOT foul my wondrous plan this time! - he whispered with a toothy grin while he thought about the Higher for Hire crew.
-Higher for Hire, next morning -
- Careful Baloo! - Rebecca yelled from outside the office - Those crates have pink elephants made of crystal and are very fragile cargo!
The big pilot bear grunted under the heavy weight of a crate almost as big as himself as he carefully carried it to the Sea Duck - Man, hnnff! I wish our ggnnn...cart wasn't missing a wheel...gggnn...Becky, why did you give WildCat vacations now?
-Because he's been working non -stop fixing all the damage those Air Pirates have been causing the plane! But now that the cargo routes are protected, we should be able to avoid repairs, so he can take a few days break. - the Boss Lady said.
- Well, gggnn...Kit's school is back so this bear is flying solo again...nnff! - Baloo grunted as he put the last crate inside the cargo hold and closed the hatch.
- And today I have a business meeting downtown that may be very profitable! If things keep going like this, we may even have to expand! - Rebecca said happily.
Just then, a certain accountant bear with glasses called his boss. - Uh, Miss Cunningham? We...may have an issue...see...these air traffic regulations of Port Flamingo says that all planes landing must have a pilot and co-pilot to be approved inspection to land and take-off...
-What? - Rebecca quickly got the notes from Jon and checked them - Oh no! I have my apprentice license but I *must* be at this business meeting today or we may lose that client!
Baloo, who just heard the news and walked in grumbled - Yer sayin' that after loading all that stuff we can't deliver it?
- We cannot get a co-pilot in such short notice! - she sighed frustrated, walking around and bumping on the coat hanger, almost dropping Jon's leather jacket but catching it quickly. Suddenly, a huge grin appeared on her face and she gazed at the unsuspecting accountant behind the table. - Hmmm...unless...
-Aw man...kiddo, run fer yer life - Baloo whispered, knowing full well that glint in his Boss Eyes.
The golden brown bear noticed finally the strange way his boss was looking at him, and then Baloo - Uh...what?
Next thing he knows, Jon Goldwing is being shoved outside the door, wearing his jacket but also a scarf around his neck and a spare, worn out Pilot's Hat Baloo had hanging around. - BUT...BUT...I'M NO PILOT! I DON'T FLY!
His boss of course wanted to hear none of it . - It's just for show nnff! - she said, shoving him toward the Sea Duck - You don't have to fly, Jon, just be someone sitting on the co-pilot seat...nnfff!
-That's not only illegal, it's crazy! - he said trying to hold onto one of the wooden poles by the docks.
- Hey, Beckers, he's getting to know you better! - Baloo chuckled.
Rebecca simply glared at the gray pilot as she kept pushing her accountant, trying to force him through the Sea Duck's right side door as he held onto the sides and pleaded Baloo for help. - I will NOT lose this contract just because of some silly regulations! NFFF GET IN THERE! - she yelled finally pushing the brown bear inside. -Baloo can even show you how to fly on the way, so you are also getting a free lesson. And since you two will be home late, you get paid overtime, so there!
- But...- Goldwing started but Rebecca simply spun around and went out of the plane. - Baloo, you two are ten minutes late already! GO!
- Aye Aye Boss Lady! - the big bear said and he walked inside the plane just as Goldwing tried to exit again and bumped on his belly. - Sorry fella but believe me, if You stay, you will regret being down here with Beckers instead of up there. - Baloo closed the door and walked to the pilot's seat - C'mon 'Books, time ta get a break from yer desk!
Goldwing just slumped on the co-pilot chair and quickly buckled the seat belt - This isn't what I was hired for...- he mumbled. - And is she always like that?
-Nah, kiddo, You got her in a good mood! - the pilot chuckled as he started the engines and taxied the Sea Duck away from the docks and started gaining speed fast. The accountant could only grip tight the arms of his seat as the plane took off toward the opening between the cliffs, and then free of them, into the open sky.
-Kid, yer too uptigtht! Relax! - the big bear said - Ol' Baloo's here and You'll make back safe and sound - he said as he leaned back and rested his feet on the yoke, prompting Jon to look wide-eyed.
-Ah...shouldn't you...you know...use your hands to fly the plane? - the accountant said nervously.
Baloo sat back and grinned - Books, I only need mah hands ta do this - and he pulled the yoke back hard, sending the Sea Duck in a steep climb, the ocean disappearing and all windows facing the bright sky, until the plane leveled upside down for a second before coming in a fast fall, this time the big blue ocean in front of them, before Baloo pulled back in the last minute and leveled the plane again, the roar of the Superflight 100 engines mixed with the makeshift co-pilot's loud scream of terror.
- C'mon, kid, Baloo will learn ya to have some fun! Our next stop is Louie's - the big pilot told the now green and sick looking bear sitting by him.
And while Baloo was busy turning Jon into different colors, Rebecca had arrived a fancy hotel downtown. She stepped out of the cab and looked up the building.
- Okay, Mr. Foreign Rich Tycoon...let's do business! - she whispered to herself and entered the lobby, heading straight for the reception. A stork lady smiled and greeted her.
- Welcome to The Tiger's Den, a Khan Industries subsidiary. How can I help you, Miss? - the feathered receptionist greeted.
- I'm Rebecca Cunningham and I have a scheduled meeting with Mr. Gearnak, from...room 309 I believe? - the orange bearess smiled.
- One moment please - the stork said as she dialed the room number - Hello? Mr. Gearnak, Miss Cunningham is here...oh? Go up? Yes Sir, of course. - she hung the phone and smiled - He says that you should go up, Miss Cunningham. He and his associates are waiting to start the meeting. 15 Floor.
- Thank you - Rebecca grinned and she took the very imponent elevator to the 15th floor. Stepping out, she looked at the room numbers until she found room 309, fixed her trenchcoat and knocked the door.
- Why, come in! - a voice sounded behind the door. Rebecca opened it and stepped in to find a strange orange, wolfish man in a white suit with vertical stripes, a huge red moustache and dark glasses sitting by a table. - Miz...Cunningham, yes? Pleaze, sit, sit - he gestured at a chair by the table - No business before a glass of wine!
Rebecca smiled and she smiled, nodding a greet at the odd looking magnate and sat down - Thank you Mr. Gearnak.
The tycoon then took the bottle on the top of the table and looked at it. - Ah! 1867! Wonderful! Pleaze, Miz Cunningham...just smell this sweet aroma! - he said, opening the bottle and holding it close to Rebecca.
- Oh, Mr. Gearnak, I am not really a conosseur but...sniff...it smells...like...- and those were her last words before she fainted on her chair, the wolfish magnate quickly replacing the bottle cap.
- Mad Dog! Tie her tight and put her in the trunk! We are taking the submarine-thingie and going back to the meeting point, yes-no? - the "magnate" told the Air Pirate who stepped out of the closet with ropes in hand. - The lady is going to be Don Karrrrrrnage's guest for quite a bit, sí?
-Louie's place -
Baloo and Jon walked in to a full house, many pilots screaming, laughing and brawling. The big bear walked to the counter where the met the simian bar owner. - Hey cuz! Busy day t'day huh? How 'bout a Krakatoa Specia fer ol' Baloo and ma buddy here?
-Baloo, ma man! - the monkey raised his arms and quickly jumped the counter - Business' on fire now that the routes are safe from those pirates! Today only cuz I'll ignore yer tab here - he slapped the big bear on the back - and a buddy of ma buddy is my buddy, buddy-boy! - and slapped Jon on the back which made the younger bear whoof and nearly dropped his glasses from his pocket.
- Hey Baloo, dontcha ferget Friday man! Big attraction coming! - Louie boomed while he started using his hands and feet to quickly make two sundaes and slipped them fast on the counter
- Can't wait ta see it cuz! - the pilot said as he started digging on his ice cream.
Jon looked at the sundae with awe and tasted it. - Man, this is good! - and started eating hearty.
- Nah, Books, it's da best! Ol' Louie's here own creation - Baloo grinned and slapped high five with his best pal.
- Hey, aintcha the guy working the books for Becky? Kit said about an accountant with a bike and jacket but he didn't say you fly toommph! - Baloo quickly put a hand on Louie's mouth and shook his head.
- Books here is just fer show, we're going to Port Flamingo - he whispered as he got his hand off and brought Louie closer.
- Oooh! Yeah, that stupid thing of them about co-pilots! Right! So I guess Kit or Becky were busy? - the simian asked.
- Kit's in school and Beckers at some meeting with one of those rich types...Man, more work fer ol' me! I been working so bad I'm even losing weight! - Baloo complained.
- From what I see, cuz, somebody found it and put it back in you! - Louie laughed. Baloo simply grumbled as Jon stifled a laugh.
Soon they were airborne again and heading for Port Flamingo.
-Well, Mr. Co-Pilot, time ta earn yer pay. Or You gonna just sit there and watch the view? C'mon, grab that yoke! - the big bear said, which made Goldwing's eyes wide.
-But...But...I can't fly...I'm no pilot! - the accountant started.
-You never know till You try! Grab that yoke coz I'm letting go of this one! - and that's exactly what the gray bear did, which caused the plane to start tilting to the left. Jon quickly grabbed the yoke but pulled it too much to the right, then tried to correct it. It wasn't the most elegant start, as the Sea Duck tilted from side to side as the accountant failed to level it. Finally, Baloo got the yoke back and quickly set the cargo plane on course . -Aw, and now ya know...don't worry kid, not everybody gets it the first time!
Jon could finally breath in relief as the plane was stable again -Well, not everybody is a pilot, Baloo. I'll stick to my motorcycle - he grinned.
Soon they were landing in Porto Flamingo. Baloo smoothly brought the plane down and they docked with the harbor.
-Ok, Books, You just sit tight there fer show while I go talk ta them and soon we'll get this stuff out and be on our way back. Who needs so many pink crystal elephants anyway? - the big bear wondered.
-Beats me. Some eccentric type probably, or a guy with too much money and poor decoration tastes - the accountant chuckled.
Baloo shrugged and approached the small office by the dock where a tired looking rat with a red vest and gray shirt and a hat was making notes. - Hey man. Delivery from Higher for Hire from Cape Suzette. -the big bear said quickly.
The rat looked at Baloo uninterested, then at the yellow plane and checked down his notes.
- Can't authorize. Nothing scheduled for today from Cape Suzette or Higher for Hire. Turn back. - the rat simply said.
- What? Hey man, c'mon! we flew all the way here, what are we s'posed ta do with the cargo now? - the pilot complained.
- Not my business. No authorization, can't accept the delivery. - the rat said and simply shut the small window that allowed him to talk with the bear.
- Aw man...all that gas...Rebecca will be mad! Looks like we got scammed! Wonder if she can put all those elephants fer sale... - the pilot said to himself as he walked back in the plane, looking through the front window but did not see the accountant. - One simple thing you ask 'sit tight' and the kid can't do that? - he grumbled and walked to the left side door to the cargo hold and opened it - Kid, we can't deliver the stuff, looks like...whoa!
Jon tried to answer, but it was difficult with the gag over his muzzle and the huge hand of Dumptruck who held him dangling over the cargo hold floor, his hands probably bound as he had them behind his back. Jon perhaps was trying to warn about the strange dingo air pirate with dynamite strapped to his arms and who was now pointing a gun at Baloo's head.
- Sorry, he can't answer you...he is all tied up right now - Hacksaw grinned and shook the gun, signaling for Baloo to raise his arms.
The big pilot bear sighed and did as ordered - Darn it...now Rebecca's going to be REALLY mad...