FIRE ON HIGH
“Fire On High” is a work of fiction, and any resemblance to any person living or dead is purely coincidental. All characters and settings © Tigermark 2003-2018 unless otherwise noted. Request permission before using them, please.
The characters of Anatol Altaisokova and Melinda Altaisokova are my names for characters © Max Blackrabbit. They appear in this story with his permission. The characters of Brandy, Maxwell, Tonya and Zig Zag are also © Max Blackrabbit and appear here with his permission. Events and information relating to Tonya, Anatol, and their family are presented here, but are not to be considered canon to those characters or any other story but this one. ZZ Studios, and all characters associated with ZZ Studios, James Sheppard, and Marvin Badger © James Bruner and appear here with his permission. Although characters from and events referring to Zig Zag the Story appear here, this story is not canon to that one, and the author will disavow any knowledge of this story. Wanda Vixen © Chris Yost and appears here with his permission. Sabrina Mustidalae © Eric W. Schwartz and appears here with his permission. This story is not canon to Sabrina Online the comic, or Sabrina Online the Story, either. Matt Barstock, Angie Rockwell, Intermountain Charter, The Bitch, and her crew, and Jerry Kitt © Silver Coyote. See their story HERE. Gail Rutherford © me and is not canon to any other story involving ZZ Studios. Gabrielle Ryder and Jean LeBrun © Aslaug, from her Transitions stories. See them at her site, The Axe Shed, available from the links page. Aramis Dagaz is© his player and appears here with his permission.
Author’s Note: Lewiston, Maine’s airport, identifier KLEW, is actually uncontrolled. That is, it has no control tower. Poetic license was used for this story, so Alex and company talk with a control tower whilst aviating there.
Chapter 100
Shays and Revelations
Dinner had been wonderful, at a nice restaurant called The Foxfire Grill back out on the road they’d turned in from. They’d come back, taken turns in the shower in Room 10, and said their goodnights.
The morning had dawned clear and cool. Alex knocked on Corrie’s door and heard her move inside the room. A few seconds later her door opened a crack. Seeing it was him, she opened the door all the way.
“G’morning Luv, C’mon in while I finish up.”
Alex stepped in to wait while Corrie finished putting her hair up in a ponytail.
“Coo, if I let it get much longah it’ll staht getting in me way. So, what adventure do you have planned?”
Alex again grinned. “You’ll see. Breakfast first, and take a coat, you’ll probably need it.”
She looked at him quizzically, as the day promised to be very pleasant compared to the cold they’d left behind in Maine. He simply smiled enigmatically back at her. She gave a snort and shook her head.
“Okay, I’ll let you surprise me. Let’s go find some breakfast.”
She locked her door behind them and they went to the Jeep. They drove out to the road they’d come in on and turned left. Shortly they found a little convenience store/gas station with a small restaurant on the side. It was a cozy setup with only a few tables and booths. The pair settled in and had a nice breakfast. Several locals were there, talking quietly between themselves before starting their day. Corrie and Alex talked about what they’d seen the day before on the drive in, and soon their meal was finished.
As they drove back the way they had come, Alex pointed out various features on the mountains around them. Ridges and flats, and different patches of color or stands of evergreens. They drove on past the inn on the two-lane road and along the river.
“Luv, what rivah did you say this is? It’s bonzer beautiful country,” Corrie asked.
“The Greenbrier,” Alex replied. They came around a turn and prepared to turn left across a bridge. The small green sign said Greenbrier River. The valley opened up to reveal a small town, a large wooden building and a small…train station? There were several old rail cars, some enclosed with a roof and open sides, and a couple that were open with just seats and no roof. At the front was an old steam engine. A large sign on the big wooden building read, “Cass Scenic Railroad.”
Corrie looked at Alex. “Are…we?”
Alex grinned. “Surprise! Yep. I’d heard you say once you liked old trains. This came to mind when I knew we were coming this direction. This is why the coat. This goes to the top of Bald Knob, the third highest peak in the state. It’s up over forty eight hundred feet, and tends to be windier and chillier than down here.”
Corrie grinned in return. “Oh, this is bonzah! Thank you!”
She gave him a quick hug despite the fact that he was still driving. He parked the Jeep and they got out. He’d prepaid the tickets online, so they went up to the office and picked them up. They came back out and walked along the train, looking at it closer as they waited for the time to board.
They were looking at the engine’s drive wheels when Corrie commented, “This is an unusual arrangement. Instead of the big drive wheels run by a horizontal piston in the front, this has a bunch of pistons running a drive shaft.”
A voice from above them made them look up.
“Yes ma’am. This is called a Shay. Does real good on a standard gage logging run.”
The voice belonged to a grizzled, rugged-looking badger in an engineer’s cap and overalls. Corrie responded first.
“Thank you, I love old engines like this.”
Alex responded, “Yes, thanks!”
The badger grinned. “I’m Rusty, I’ll be your engineer for the trip to the top today, if you’re taking that one. We all love the old gals and feel privileged to work and care for ‘em.”
“Thank you, Rusty!” they both said. He grinned again and disappeared into the cab. They made their way along, looking at the train cars. Alex had made arrangements, like most of the passengers, for a sack lunch to be there when they reached the top of the mountain. Shortly they heard the call of “All Aboard!”
They found a place in the second enclosed car and had a seat. There was a conductor/tour guide in the front car who gave a stream of commentary on the railroad and its history, the engines, the area, and what the train was doing. This was carried to all the cars over a speaker system put unobtrusively in the corners of the cars.
The train pulled out with a great chuffing and puffing and a stream of black smoke, and two long notes from its whistle. They went around a turn and past the engine house and maintenance yard and began a climbing turn, going through two switchbacks before arriving at Whittaker Station. There was a short break there for everyone to look at the cars and logging equipment on display there from the early days of the railroad in the early 1900s.
The conductor began his commentary again as they re-boarded and prepared for the climb to the top. The Fall colors were breathtaking along the steep mountains and deep valleys. They stopped to take on water at a tank beside the tracks. When they went to go, the whistle sounded again. Being that close and surrounded by the trees, it sounded almost painfully loud. The engine threw out a huge puff of black smoke and cinders as it began chuffing on up the grade. The cinders made the pair glad they’d chosen to sit in one of the covered cars. There were plenty of furs on the train, but not enough to feel crowded.
By the time they chugged out of the woods-lined mountainside into the clearing at the top, Corrie was glad Alex had told her to bring a coat. The temperature had dropped a good ten degrees as they came into an open field, with a caboose at the end of the track. There were outhouse-style bathrooms over near the treeline, and a boarding platform so everyone could get off the train.
The sack lunches were distributed, and everyone adjourned to the picnic tables around the clearing. The sky was wonderfully clear and blue, and a brisk wind stirred the leaves. There was a hewed wooden platform that looked out over the valley below, giving a grand vista of the patchwork of forests and fields Eastward into Virginia. After eating their lunch, the two walked up on the platform to look, standing both paws entwined.
Alex had several things going through his mind. How beautiful the sky and mountains were. How much more beautiful Corrie was. Her announcement earlier. How close they had both come to losing each other in the past two weeks.
Just then, far below them, a pair of Navy A-6’s on a low level training route, skimming along barely 100 feet from the valley floor, passed through. They watched them fly past winding their way through the valley. Corrie turned to Alex, her eyes alight with excitement, and he knew.
It was time.
“Corrie? I have to ask you something,” he began.
“Oh? What’s that, Luv?” she inquired. She’d been about to comment on the Navy aircraft. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail, her green eyes still alight. Alex swallowed, smiled, and continued.
“Love, will you marry me?”
He released her paw and fished a small box out of his coat pocket. It contained his mother’s engagement ring. Something his father had insisted he keep, just in case he found someone.
Corrie looked at him for several seconds, stunned. Her countenance changed as her eyes began to tear up. She looked down and away for a moment. Still holding onto one of his paws, she took a deep breath and looked back up at him.
“Before I ansah, there’s something you should know.”
Alex brought her paw to his lips, giving it a quick kiss.
“What, my love?”
“Well, you know I’m not a virgin…”
Alex shrugged. “Neither am I. I told you I haven’t always lived up to the ideals I hold now.”
Corrie, tears beginning to stream down her muzzle, continued, a bit more emphatically now.
“No, you don’t understand. I…I think they say technically you are again aftah seven years or something, but…”
Alex looked at her, quite perplexed, and becoming a little alarmed. After a moment, she continued.
“Sorry Luv, but this is difficult, and I’m trying to get through it…”
She looked him in the eyes. He saw deep, old pain. The tiger felt his heart ready to burst in sympathy for the ache he saw there. He nodded his encouragement, and in a flat monotone, the lioness continued.
“When I was seventeen, just before we left Australia, I went on a date with a young wallaby bloke named Jerry Hogan. He asked me out a couple of days before we were to leave. I went. It was only for a burger and a shake. This is why I don’t do fast food burgers anymore. He slipped something in me drink and I went all foggy while he was driving me home. He…he date-raped me. He drove to a wooded spot by a billabong, and then… then…”
Alex growled, low and menacing, barely aware he was making a sound. Corrie mistook it for anger at her, but before she could bolt and run, he realized how it had sounded. He grabbed both her paws in his, dropping the ring box onto the wooden platform. He pulled her close and looked into her eyes, which were now wide and streaming tears.
“No Love! I’m not angry or upset with you. You didn’t do anything wrong. That growl was for anyone who would ever hurt you. The thought of anyone doing that to you just tears me up!”
Alex stopped, at a loss to express anymore. Corrie buried her muzzle into his shoulder.
“How can you still want me, knowing I’m damaged goods.”
“Shush,” Alex said, more kindly than stern. “Damaged goods, never. There’s nothing here that we can’t work through, together. I love you, Corrie Patterson, and now I think I know what that really means. I would take your pain upon myself if I could. I love you, everything about you. From your green eyes to your tail tuft. From your strong will to your great laugh. We’ll work through the bad stuff together.”
Corrie was still crying, although she’d now pulled in close to the tiger.
“But…but Luv, that’s the only real…experience I’ve had. I always kept even the males I dated at arm’s length. I joke with the guys and sheilas all right, and you know about my…experiment, but I don’t know quite how to do…some things. And…and I don’t think I can have cubs. Whatever that wallaby did to me, the docs said it caused damage, and that I’d probably nevah have children…”
Corrie was now blushing as well as sniffling. Alex smiled at her.
“I’m okay if that turns out to be the case. As far as the other, well, we can explore together. Or I can let you talk to my cousin. She could probably write a book.”
Corrie giggled in spite of herself. Alex, seeing a break in the tension, wiped her tears. He then dropped to one knee and retrieved the ring box.
“I say again, my Love, will you marry me?”
Corrie smiled at him and offered her left paw.
“Affirmative, Luv. You are cleared to proceed.”
Alex removed the small diamond circlet from the box and placed it carefully on Corrie’s…pinky.
“Ah, Mom was a bit petite. We’ll get it resized when we get to Lexington,” he stated as he stood up into Corrie’s arms as she smiled broadly and hugged him close.
Suddenly, the two were aware of the crowd of furs around them applauding. Corrie and Alex grinned at each other sheepishly. They had forgotten the very public setting for their very private moment. The tiger in the lead, they bowed to the group and then turned and ran back to the train.
The stop was only supposed to last thirty minutes, so it was only a moment before the rest of the passengers began to filter back aboard. They found the pair locked in a passionate kiss and embrace. Before anyone could become uncomfortable, they broke the embrace, and everyone began to offer congratulations. They said thank you for several minutes, and then they heard the conductor call, “All aboard!”
Soon, the Shay began to chuff and puff as it began the task of easing them back down the mountain. As they went, Corrie and Alex talked about wedding plans as they admired the views.
“Well first, we need to tell everyone we’re engaged,” Alex stated.
“Too right! But I have a feeling most will just say it’s about time,” Corrie replied.
“You’re probably right there. Hey, we’ll be going right by Elkview tomorrow. We’d better stop and see my Aunt Talia. I think I want to visit the cemetery, too,” Alex mused.
“Coo, how romantic,” Corrie quipped. Alex just smiled.
“My dad and mom, and Jason are all there. Kind of a way to tell them the good news.”
She nodded, and then picked up a different topic, so as not to spoil the mood.
“Where should we go on our honeymoon, Luv?”
“I have no idea. The sky’s the limit with us,” Alex replied.
“Yeah, I guess it is,” Corrie agreed. They continued to talk about plans as the train rumbled on down the mountain.
# # #
The next morning saw the happy couple up early to continue their journey. As they checked out, Karen noticed the ring on Corrie’s pinky and looked quizzically from one to the other.
“Did…you two get engaged yesterday?”
They both nodded yes, and the vixen clapped her paws.
“Oh yay! Here’s a code to use for booking your next stay here. It’s good for ten percent off. Come back and see us on your honeymoon!”
Alex grinned. “We just might. Thanks for everything, Karen, it’s a beautiful place.
“Oh yeah! Thanks Karen,” Corrie added.
“You’re both welcome. Travel safe and come back soon!” Karen replied as she went back toward the private area of the inn.
Corrie and Alex got back on the road and drove the short distance to the National Radio Observatory at Green Bank. They pulled in and took the tour, which was either on foot or diesel bus. With the sensitive radio telescopes in use, anything that might cause electronic noise was forbidden. Even lighted business signs in the nearby town were limited. They took in the huge radio telescopes, looking like huge radar antennas, the museum and walking displays before getting back on the road.
They followed two-lane US and state highways for nearly a hundred miles before coming to I-79 South at Weston. From there it was another 43 miles down to the Elkview exit. At the end of the exit they turned left and drove up and around the hill to a 3-way stop sign at US-119. Here Alex turned right and drove the short distance up and around the hill to the cemetery. They parked and got out. As Alex led the way up the hill, Corrie noticed some of the graves were very old, going back to the early 1800s. They stopped in front of a double stone, with a single beside it.
The double stone told the dates born and died of two furs. Anton Vostov O’Whitt and Su Lin Quang O’Whitt. A small banner carved in the marble between the names stated, “Together Forever in Christ.” The single stone bore the dates for Jason Frederick O’Whitt, Captain, USAF, Beloved husband and father.
“My parents, and my brother,” Alex stated quietly. Corrie could feel the sadness and loss, but more so the love there.
“Wish I’d gotten to meet them,” she said, almost absently.
Alex smiled. “In a way, you will. Dad told me that if and when I ever found that right one, to tell her bout him and share pictures and stories, and in spirit, he’d be there. They’re all right here, in my memories. As time goes on, I’ll tell you all about them. Sometime on in eternity, we’ll all be together.”
Here Alex fell silent. Corrie squeezed his paw and snuggled close to his side. A sudden breeze, warm, not cool like the day’s winds, brushed across them. They both smiled and turned into each other’s arms. After a few moments, they turned to walk back down to the Jeep. Corrie smiled to herself as she heard Alex whisper softly, “Thank you, Dad.”
They got in and drove back to and through the 3-way stop and on along US-119. After passing the middle school, they pulled down a side street and went three quarters of the way down. Alex noted Anton’s house as they went by.
“There’s the house I grew up in. It has a new owner now. We sold it after Dad died, and the money went into a trust for Tia and Andrew.”
“Looks like a lovely ol’ place,” Corrie replied.
“It was a great place to grow up. Just past the end of the street it drops down to the Elk River. I spent a lot of time fishing or just running around there. Dad was an auto mechanic and a paint and body fur. We weren’t rich, but we had a great life.”
Corrie nodded, glad for the glimpse back into Alex’s life. They parked on the street in front of a small, well kept brick and siding home. Alex led the way up to the door and rang the bell. After a moment, the door opened. The elderly tigress who opened it broke into a rare smile.
“Alex! Corrie! Well, this is a pleasant surprise. Come in, come in.”
Talia hugged them both and proceeded them into the living room.
“Have a seat. Can I get you anything? I have tea, milk, and water.”
“A glass of tea would be nice,” Alex replied. Following his lead, Corrie agreed. Talia walked into the kitchen and returned with three glasses of iced tea on a tray. After each had a glass in paw, she sat down to join them.
“So, why the surprise visit, Nephew? Not that I mind, but it’s unusual for you to just show up,” the tigress inquired.
“We were passing through and wanted to say hello,” Alex began, then Corrie picked up the narrative.
“I’m moving South to Lexington. Billy Panelli and I are stahting a helicopter service. Alex came up to help me drive down. We stopped at Cass and rode the train, oh it was bonzah beautiful.”
Talia looked from one to the other, smiling. “That’s wonderful. But something in your manner and expression tells me there’s more?”
Alex and Corrie grinned, and Alex answered. “Yes, we, ah, got engaged yesterday.”
Corrie held her paw up, showing the diamond circlet on her pinky. Talia’s eyes were alight with merriment, an unusual sight for her.
“Ah! Well, I wondered how long it would take. I recognize that ring. Your father and mother would be proud. Congratulations!”
“Thank you,” they both replied.
“So, when’s the wedding?” the tigress asked. Corrie and Alex exchanged a glance.
“We don’t know yet,” Alex answered. Talia just smiled.
“I understand. So, wonderful news. What else has been going on?”
The pair spent the next hour regaling the tigress with their latest adventures. At the end, she sat back and looked at them both.
“You two need to hurry up, before your adventures catch up to you and you don’t get a chance to get married.”
Alex, and then Corrie laughed, as they could see she was teasing with them. They talked for a while longer, and then Alex noted the time.
“Well, I hate to go, but we need to move on if we’re going to make Lexington by twenty two hundred.”
“Yeah, I need an early staht tomorrow. I have three different apahtments to look at, and I’m sure Billy will have things to work on for the business,” Corrie agreed.
They all stood, and Talia hugged each of them in turn.
“Thank you so much for stopping by. Again, congratulations. I’m so glad you two are working out. I love you Alex. I suppose I need to get used to saying I love you too, Corrie. Come back soon!”
“We will Aunt Talia, talk to you soon. I love you, too,” Alex replied. Corrie was a little taken aback, but she smiled and grasped the tigress’ paw.
“Thank you. May I call you Aunt Talia as well?”
“Of course, my dear, you’re family now. You both travel safe.” The elderly tigress replied, giving Corrie’s paw a squeeze. She released Corrie’s paw and waved as they left. In a few minutes, they were back on the interstate, South and West bound.
End of Chapter 100