More Trouble

The Freya made for the Georgian coast. The Coast Guard was there to meet her. A MPA (Marine Patrol Aircraft) CASA 235 pulled into view. Michelle looked over at them and waved. They waved back and tapped their headsets. Michelle nodded and put her headset on. She shot Quest a questioning looks and then a scowl at Flynt who shrugged.

            “B-17G 743D05, Do you copy?”

            “Yes, this is Captain Michelle Connor, B-17G 743D05, The Freya, over.”

            “This is Captain William Parkinson, MPA C31 US Coast Guard. Please redirect your flight path to 31.75, -81.55 and follow us in for landing at the airport. Do not deviate from our course. Over.”

            Michelle glared at Flynt who was busy looking in the opposite direction but shrugged anyway. She sighed and looked up to see Quest who walked over to look across the space between the planes.

            “What’s our current position?” He asked calmly.

            “About 35 clicks from the coast.” Stonegrim said.

            Quest turned to look at Vanessa and smiled reassuringly.

            “You’re about to witness the true power of the force.”

            Vanessa laughed. Mentally she resolved she would see this movie if it killed her.

            Quest placed his hand on Michelle’s shoulder and the woman relaxed.

            “MPA C31?” She asked over her headset as Quest took Flynt’s.

            “Captain Connor? Are you ready to change course? Came the reply.

            “No Captain, the Freya will be maintaining course,” Michelle said and Vanessa felt her heart thump into her throat.

            “B-17G 743D05, you will heave to and turn to those coordinates immediately. Consider this your last –“

            “These are not the droids you’re looking for.” Quest spoke into the headset.

            “What?” The Guardsman said. “What droids?”

            “These are not the droids you are looking for Captain William.” Quest said.

            There was silence. Vanessa realized she was holding her breath and made herself breathe. Quest was very still, they all were.

            “These are not the droids I am looking for?” Captain Parkinson responded finally.

            “No, Captain, this is not the plane you are looking for.”

            “This is not the plane we are looking for.” The Guardsman responded.

            Vanessa could not believe what she was hearing.

            “B-17G 773D13, you may proceed along your original flight path.” Quest spoke again.

            “B-17G 773D13, you may proceed along your original flight path.” The US Coast Guard responded.

            “Godspeed.” Quest said.

            “Godspeed.” The voice came even as the MPA Casa pulled away to the south. It was gone almost instantly.

            Michelle shook her head. Flynt had the nerve to laugh and Vanessa joined him. Michelle looked up at Quest.

            “How long?” She said quietly.

            “Long enough to make International waters I would say.” Quest said. “we probably will see the Air Force next.”

            “I would guess they will shoot first and ask questions later,” Michelle said gripping the wheel tighter.

            “I hope we will hear some Beach Boys.” The Freya said as the plane dropped below the clouds.

No they will ask again. As long as they believe this plane to be unarmed and their jets superior they will not seek to destroy us.” Quest said, he nodded to Michelle and squeezed her shoulder. “I trust you know what to do?”

            “Don’t I always?” Michelle said. “Freya?”

            “Yes Captain?”

            “We are going surfing.”

            “I hope we will hear some Beach Boys.” The Freya said

            “If everbody had a ocean.” Flynt said as he pushed his stick forward

            “Across the USA.” Quest sang

            “Then everybody be surfin’” Vanessa sang back

            “Like Californ- I-A” Michelle joined in.

            The Freya headed for the beach.