They sang “Walking in Memphis” all the way
down to the runway.
“Put on my
blue suede shoes
And I boarded the plane
Touched down in the land of the Delta Blues
In the middle of the pouring rain.”
And I boarded the plane
Touched down in the land of the Delta Blues
In the middle of the pouring rain.”
This was all fine except it was a sunny clear day.
As soon as the plane
came to a stop, Flynt jogged off to file a new flight plan to the Bahamas and
to make declarations for customs. As the minutes passed, Vanessa sat and
reflected on all the strangeness her life had uncovered since Quest had walked
into it. She looked over at this man, this mysterious man who was taking her to
a home she had no idea where. She considered the implications of going off to
the farthest reaches of the known universe with a man who was all but a
complete stranger.
Quest grinned at her
and she wondered again how it was he could know what she was thinking. Kat
twirled around in her chair and said suddenly.
“Luke, come with me to
Alderaan and learn the ways of the Force.”
Quest sighed and shook his head.
“No? Draggards!” Kat
hung her head in mock disappointment.
“You must
learn the ways of the Force if you're to come with me to Alderaan.” Quest
intoned in a knowing voice.
Vanessa wished she had an inkling what they were
going on about. She shot a glance at Michelle who rolled her eyes.
“I
have got to get home. It’s late I am in for it as it is.” Michelle said a
moment later.
“I
need you help Vanessa,” Quest said. “They need your help, I’m getting to old
for this sort of thing.”
“What
sort of thing?” Vanessa cursed herself for missing whatever movie they were
going on about.
“Are
they back to Star Wars again?” Flynt said as he came into the cabin.
“Always.”
Kat said.
“You
started it.” Michelle said laughing as she took the papers that Flynt proffered
her.
“This
bunch will fall into quoting a lot of movies given sufficient chance, in
particular Star Wars and The Princess Bride- so watch out.”
“No
problems?” Michelle asked as she started flipping switches.
“Nothing
my winning personality couldn’t solve.” Flynt answered all smiles.
“Aw
crap.” Kat said and stuck out her tongue at the man.
“You
and Lando are always so sure that you know what you are doing.” Quest said.
“I
do know what I am doing.” Flynt said as he slid into his chair and fired up his
position.
“Uh-huh.”
“You
know how I said I wanted to be around when you make a mistake?” Michelle
quipped.
“Dammit,
this isn’t Star Wars, Michelle-“ Flynt shot back.
“Better
strap in your highness, this is going to be a bumpy ride.” Michelle told
Vanessa.
“Dammit,
Michelle it was a good bribe.” Flynt said.
“Really
Flynt?” Michelle said.
“Really.”
Flynt answered his smile slipping back into place.
“Oh,
what did you bribe them with?” Quest asked.
“Gold.
Why?” Flynt said.
“Nothing
really.” Quest said.
“Gold!”
Michelle all but yelled.
Flynt
smile slid away as fast as it arrived.
“Oops.”
“Oops!”
Michelle mimicked “That is rich.”
“So
I made a little mistake. Just one little mistake.”
“How
much gold Flynt?” Michelle asked too sweetly. Vanessa felt like the woman was
going to pull out a really big gun.
“Enough,
about 4 pieces of the Empire’s finest.”
“This
right after he told Customs we had nothing to declare.” Michelle said through
clenched teeth. “Quest? I need a fast one.”
“No
worries.”
“Tower?
This is B-17G-“ Michelle started the clearance routine. Quest spoke a word so
softly that Vanessa could not hear what it was but the room thrummed like a
plucked string. Michelle got the clearance she needed and soon they were off.
“How
long before they realize?” Flynt said hands on his controls as the Freya gave
lift.
“Seven
Minutes.” Quest said. “Better say farewell to Memphis.” He told Vanessa.
“Goodbye
Memphis.” She said softly as the Freya began to accelerate into the midmorning
sky.
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