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 2003-2005 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, and 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 © James Bruner. Matt Barstock and Intermountain Charter © Silver Coyote. See their story HERE. Capt. Jonathan “Jedi” Foertsch is © his player. SSgt. Helen Oceloton © Jonathan Foertsch. Premierløjtnant Aslaug Jacobsen © Joan Jacobsen.
CHAPTER 23
"Off We Go"
Tia sat in the lunchroom at a table with her “Top Guns,” the three young furs who she had thought were making fun of her when she’d first started school the spring of the previous year. Since then, Tia had found out that they had really thought she was cool. They had formed a close circle of friends in the intervening time. Tia had even got them in the habit of using “call signs,” short nicknames for each other just like the military pilots used.
“Schell, did you get all those vocabulary words down?” Tia asked Michelle Minkowitz, the fifteen year old mink with blonde hair who shared English class with her. Michelle was the oldest of the group and already an acknowledged science major.
“Sure TC, didn’t you?” the mink replied.
“I think so, but I want to make sure I copied the last one down right.”
“Okay, stop by my locker when we head for class and you can check yours against mine.”
Tia, who had become the de facto leader of the group, despite being the youngest, had been named by the others TC, meaning Top Cat. The four of them all had several things in common. They were all in the top five percent of their class, they were all four exceptionally pretty, and therefore becoming very popular with the young males, and they all couldn’t care less. They all had plans in motion toward their future, and didn’t want the distraction of adolescent males right now. Of course, this didn’t stop the males from trying.
“Yes, they’re very trying,” was the way Amanda “Flit” Squirrel put it. Flit, like Tia, was around two grades ahead of her age, and headed for whichever top engineering school she decided on.
Pamela Celeste, or Pammy, the fourth of the group, was a silver chinchilla with striking silver and black hair and acting aspirations. She laughed in her staccato way and commented.
“Oh, like you can’t keep any and all of them at bay with a flip of that fluffy tail.”
Just then, Stewart Zander, or Stew as he liked to be called, stopped by their table.
“Hey pretty ladies, how’d ya like some Stew?” the would-be heartthrob of the ninth grade asked.
The four friends burst out laughing, long and hard at the corny line. Stew flushed red and stalked off. After a couple of minutes, their laughter finally began to subside.
“Have you ever seen a wolf turn that shade of red?” Tia was nearly in tears from laughing.
“Wolf is right,” Schell giggled again, “and that has nothing to do with his species.”
They all laughed again, and then Flit asked, “TC, can we get together to work on that science project tomorrow night?”
“Sorry Flit, that’s a no-go. We’re leaving right after school to go to West Virginia to pick up my grandpa, and then on to Virginia for my Uncle Alex’s retirement.”
“Oh! That’s right. Well, Monday night then?”
“Yes, that’ll work out.
“When are we going to get to meet this fighter ace uncle of yours?” Pammy asked.
Tia smiled. “I promise, as soon as I can arrange it after he gets here.”
“Great! You’ve talked about him so much, we need to see if he’s real and measures up to your stories,” the chinchilla said in a teasing tone.
“Hey,” Tia responded. “I’m just telling you what I’ve heard him and my dad talk about before.”
Just then the bell rang, and the friends said their quick goodbyes.
“Later TC, gotta get to Geometry. Have a great time!” Flit said as she headed out.
“See you at my locker in a couple,” was Schell’s response.
“See ya Monday. Safe travel!” Pammy said as she headed for her next class.
“Bye you guys. See you Monday or sooner.” Tia grabbed her books and headed toward Michelle’s locker, already anticipating a day off on Friday and traveling.
# # #
Anton sat staring blankly out the window. The TV was on for background noise, and Blake was contentedly kahtnapping on his lap. His thoughts were on how to tell Jenna and Alex about the terminal prognosis the doctor had given him. Talia had wheedled the answer out of him the very afternoon he’d heard, and had proceeded to spend the next forty-five minutes in tears. He’d sworn her to secrecy so he could tell his son and daughter-in-law at the time of his choosing.
He had been thinking on just that topic for quite a while, and had decided that, this time, Alex should be told first. That way his son could work out the details so that they could spend the most time possible together until the end. Jenna’s schedule was dictated as much by the cub’s school schedule as anything. Her job schedule was flexible enough so that she and the cubs should be able to visit fairly often.
Anton sighed and gently moved Blake to the other chair as he got up. The kaht looked around blearily for a few seconds, and then stretched a long stretch before deciding to go prowl around the house.
Anton went to his room and put a change of clothes and some personal items in an overnight bag. He got his suit out and knocked the dust off, and put it and his dress shoes in a suit bag. He then collected his prescription drugs, a toothbrush, and some toiletries, and put them in the overnight bag, too. He closed everything up, and carried them to beside the front door so they’d be ready to load.
Jenna, Tia, and Andrew were going to stop for the night at his place, and then all of them would drive on to Norfolk first thing in the morning.
Settled that he was ready, Anton sat back down to wait. The usual Thursday night fare on TV didn’t interest him much, so he flipped the channels until he found a documentary on sentient equine species. Blake seemed to know something was up, because Anton noticed that he had taken up a position sitting by the front window, looking intently out.
“Ah Blake, it’s going to be an interesting weekend.”
“Mrrrw!” the kaht replied without turning around.
Anton smiled and went back to his thoughts, letting the program fade into the background again. He had many things yet to tell Alex, some pleasant, some sad, and some that would probably be quite a shock to the younger tiger. There were still some things he was sure his son didn’t know about the family, and some personal things that he ought to tell his son, as well.
“Well, I should have time to tell him. Hope he doesn’t come across with an attitude about his cousin. She’s a decent fur, from all I’ve read. Treats her employees well, and gives all the high mucky-mucks in her business a poke in the eye from time to time. I’m glad to see, after what happened to her, that she’s a success. Heh, Lord forgive me, but if making blue movies is the biggest sin she ever committed, then I think she’s doing great. Some of that stuff is really bad, but from what I’ve read, her stuff makes furs happy, and she does have a line of them that are supposed to help couples. That can’t be all bad, can it?”
Anton chuckled to himself. “Yep, Alex is in for a surprise all right. Just have to wait for the right time to tell him.”
While Blake kept vigil at the window, Anton went back to watching the TV, content to wait now that his thoughts were settled.
# # #
Alex settled into his seat at the guest of honor table. He was being fêted on his retirement in conjunction with a welcoming party for his replacement. Folks were still gathering as old friends and fellow pilots got reacquainted. Scatcat Higgins, now soon to be General Higgins, and his wife Chloe were at the same table. Scatcat had claimed Master of Ceremonies duties. The lion would also officiate at tomorrow’s retirement ceremony. Shortly, Scatcat stood and tapped a glass with a spoon to get everyone’s attention. Everyone quieted down and got to their seats, and Scatcat started the evening.
“Fellow officers, pilots, ladies and gentlefurs. Thank you for coming. We are gathered here to bid a fond farewell to Lieutenant Colonel Alex O’Whitt, currently commanding the 412th Fighter Squadron Tigerkahts—.”
At this, the Tigerkahts all let out a cheer. After allowing a few seconds for quiet to return, Scatcat went on.
“—Who is retiring tomorrow. We are also greeting the 412th’s new commander, Lieutenant Colonel Richard Leonard. First, let me welcome Col. Leonard. He comes to us from an assignment as XO of the 67th Fighter Squadron at Kadena, Okinawa. Rich’s call sign is King, so King, welcome.”
There was a round of applause as the lion stood, nodding to everyone.
“Thank you, Scatcat. I’m very proud to get the chance to command the Tigerkahts. Ice, you have quite a squadron here. Thank you for giving it to me in such great shape.”
Alex nodded as the lion sat down, saying, “You’re welcome.”
“This,” Scatcat continued, “is also a celebration of promotions. As you all know, I’ll put on my first star in the next month. I can’t think of any group I’d rather celebrate with than this. If you also notice a blinding flash of gold from Jedi’s shoulders tomorrow, he just pinned on Major. Congratulations, Jedi.”
The spotted feline stood and sheepishly nodded to everyone’s applause, and then Scatcat focused on Alex.
“And now for the main event. Ice is retiring after twenty years of honorable, outstanding service to his country. He heads home to Kentucky after his retirement ceremony tomorrow, but I imagine we’ll all see him again before too long. He’s been accepted to fill the reserve IP (Instructor Pilot) slot with the Tigerkahts. He’ll be here some weekends and as needed through the year. Ice?”
The applause rang out for several moments as Alex stood to speak.
“Thank you, Scatcat. As most of you know, I’m not real big on speeches. I’ll save the formal stuff for tomorrow. For tonight, I can’t think of a greater bunch of jet jockeys, scoundrels, and rogues to spend the evening with. The lovely ladies who married y’all must have huge hearts of pure gold. Have a great time, enjoy your meal, and come by and say ‘see ya later’ before you go. I’ve had a fantastic time here, and I’m already looking forward to coming back as a reservist. For now, I see the chef is ready to serve, so let’s eat!”
Another loud round of applause followed as Alex sat down and the staff of the officer’s club served the meal.
As he got ready to dig into the steak and baked potato in front of him, Alex conversed with Scatcat and his wife, and King and the pretty jackal femme named Christine he was married to.
“King, with Jedi’s new rank, where are you going to put him in the squadron?” Alex asked.
“Well, I’m not sure yet. Probably Flight Safety Officer and Section Leader. Is he as good as his record says?”
Alex didn’t get to reply, as Christine interjected in a scolding tone, “Rich, please, no shop talk unless it’s intriguing war stories.”
Alex grinned as King looked chagrined.
“All right Mrs. Leonard, I’ll answer both ideas at once,” Alex replied.
“It’s Christine, please, Alex.” The lady said before he could continue.
“Ah, all right Christine. Yes, Jedi is that good.” Alex then proceeded to tell them about Jedi’s performance at Nellis against the Danes. All at the table were delighted with the story, and Alex was sure that the spotted feline’s ears must have been burning, because he kept looking over at their table. Alex gave him a reassuring look and a nod, and Jedi acknowledged it and turned his attention back to the several Tigerkaht pilots at his table.
“So Ice, what are your plans? Going to become a gentlefur farmer over in Kentucky?” King asked good-naturedly.
Again Alex was interrupted before he could answer, this time by his CO. “Are you kidding?” Scatcat laughed. “Him? He’s co-owner of an executive charter service, so he’ll probably end up flying more than any of us. And maybe, just maybe, between all of his friends, we’ll find him a mate to settle him down. Eh, Alex?”
“Hasn’t worked for you, Bart,” Chloe Higgins put in, grinning. “Now stop teasing and let Alex talk! It’s his dinner, after all.”
“Thanks Chloe. Scatcat covered it pretty well, except for the find-a-mate part. I’ll find my own, thanks. I’ll know when she’s the right one. Other than that, I guess I’ll be coming around to keep y’all sharp as an instructor pilot. In Scatcat’s case, that’s a full time job in itself.”
Scatcat tried to look sour at that, but only succeeded in making everyone laugh harder. Alex continued after a moment.
“My business partner and I have a special project in the works, and he let me know it has been completed. Come out to Norfolk International tomorrow after the ceremony and you’ll see it.”
Scatcat grinned as the others looked curious. After a few seconds, the lion couldn’t control himself any longer.
“Oh Ice! Quit with the mysterious act! He and his partner got ahold of a pair Talons and had them rebuilt. If the paint job looks anything like the drawings he showed me, they’ll be something to see. Have to make it another time for me though. Some of us will have to go back to work after the ceremony.”
Scatcat said the last with a wink toward Alex, who shook his head and grinned.
Just then, Lt. General Brandon Kelly tapped on his glass with his spoon and announced, “Okay everyone, time for the most fun of the night. Alex O’Whitt, this is your Air Force Life!”
A round of applause rang out. The General, an Irish setter, went ahead as Alex looked on in curiosity. He had known that the roast part of the celebration was coming, but what was his first CO in the Air Force up to?
“I remember the serious young first louie like it was yesterday. Took us nearly a year to loosen him up!”
Alex recognized the voice of then-Captain, now Brigadier General retired John “Reb” Ramsey, the ops officer at Alex’s first assignment. The black-and-tan canid stepped in from the shadows at the side of the room.
“Yeap. He was a real go-getter. Oh how ya doing, Ice?” The canid’s eyesight had gone downhill a bit, and he hadn’t recognized Alex until he was nearly standing beside him. The retired general turned to the microphone to continue.
“Great pilot from the start, but if we hadn’t loosened him up a bit, I believe the tiger would’ve exploded before he made captain. We finally, ah, beg pardon, ladies, dragged him to a stag party for one of the guys in the squadron who was about to go on leave to get married. He Hee! We introduced him to beer, song, and adult films!”
This produced a chorus of kaht-calls and whistles.
“Hey!” Alex exclaimed above the noise, “I drank beer before then.” His mock-anger couldn’t cover the blush showing through his white fur and stripes. Scatcat couldn’t decide if he should look stern or impressed as he tried to stop laughing. He cast a sidelong glance at Chloe, who winked at him as she laughed, too, so he went ahead with his comment.
“Ice, you’ve been holding out on us! I bet Zig Zag is your type, huh? Figures the stripes would get you.”
Alex looked to be truly a little miffed at that, his blush and good-natured smile both disappearing.
“Scatcat, and you Reb, and the rest of you scoundrels at ease! Huh, like you never watched a blue movie. Zig Zag wasn’t even in that one. Fact is, I’ve never seen one with her in it. It was only about twelve years ago that I ever heard of her.”
Alex didn’t add that he had always steered away from any of Zig Zag’s movies, just in case his cousin Tonya, who he knew worked in adult films, might have worked as a stand-in or some such for the famous tiger-striped skunk. His family wouldn’t talk about his cousin much, and he felt funny asking his father, so he didn’t even know which studio she worked for. Since he’d gotten serious about his faith, he hadn’t watched any adult films from any studio.
“Woo, you don’t know what you missed!” yelled Reggie “Jacks” Jackalford, a jackal Alex had been in the Thunderbirds with. The canid’s wife elbowed him sharply and he gave her a sheepish look.
Reb harrumphed and decided to move on before anyone landed in too much trouble over the subject. He introduced the next speaker, who made his way up to the podium. One after another, fellow pilots and officers spoke in razzing tones of Alex’s known, and in some cases unknown exploits.
One spoke of Alex’s quick thinking and talking during his first tour in
“How you ended up having beers with the two of them, and her fixing you up with a date with her sister, I still haven’t figured out,” the cougar said, shaking his head as he sat down.
Also told was the time Alex had to eject after a severe bird strike shortly after takeoff on Okinawa. The search for him had been frantic, and the thought that he’d drowned had filled everyone’s mind. Until, that is, they found him safe and quite full of sushi in a fisherfur’s family home just up the coast.
“Hey, the old Siamese took a liking to me as soon as I landed near his boat and scared a load of fish into his nets. He spoke no English, I spoke no Japanese, so he just took me home.”
“Yeah Ice, I’ve heard that legend. They still tell it at Kadena,” King said, grinning. “You forgot to mention the old guy’s young, attentive daughter.” That got another round of cheers and whistles.
“Oh, behave you lot! She was only a kid. The closest she got to me was when she’d bring in another plate of sushi! The old fella nearly talked my ear off. I couldn’t understand a word, but he seemed happy to have someone listen. I got the impression he didn’t get to speak much, as his wife talked a lot, too.”
All laughed, and the stories went on.
The next told of the time Ice had eased up so close to a Russian Tu-54 bomber that was skirting US airspace, the picture he took of the tail gunner in his compartment showed only the face of a very concerned-looking badger.
“I’d have had to have backed off to get any more than that in frame,” Alex shrugged. The ladies all laughed as the pilots shook their heads.
The final story of the evening was of Alex’s driving skill. He had saved himself and three others from being AWOL while on furlough in
Everyone was silent a moment, contemplating that very close call. The hour had grown late for those who had to be up for duty the next morning, so Scatcat stood and dismissed everyone.
“Ladies and gentlefurs, I hope you’ve had a wonderful evening. We will see you tomorrow at the ceremony. Before we leave, let’s have one final toast.” He lifted his glass high. “To Ice!”
“To Ice!” the chorus of responses was loud and clear.
Alex smiled and stood. “Thank You,” was his simple response. A little melancholy had begun to set in as he picked up his jacket and hat.
“Ice,” Scatcat said, extending his paw to shake, “Sleep well. We’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Thanks Scatcat. You and Chloe have a good evening.”
“We will,” Chloe answered with a wink as she gathered her purse.
Alex just shook his head and gave an off-paw wave. He was stopped several times on the way out to shake paws and receive congratulations, and to say goodbyes. Finally, he walked out of the club and got in his rental car for the short drive to the VOQ. He’d taken his truck to his father’s, along with most of his things, after his last flight with Jedi. He’d rented a car to use until he flew his “special project” up to Charleston tomorrow.
Alex parked and went into the building, going up the two flights of stairs to his room. Once there, he double checked that everything was ready on his dress blues. He’d even wear his “wheel cap”, or service hat. Some said it looked like a bus driver’s hat. The old pilots used to take the stiffener out of the crown so that their earphones would fit over it in the days before most aircraft required helmets, creating the old “50-mission crush” look. In the modern Air Force, the practice was not allowed.
“Just as well,” Alex mused to himself. He seldom wore his, and only tolerated hats at all because the regs required them as proper uniform wear.
Satisfied that all was well, he decided to do some pre-planning for the flight to West Virginia he’d make after the ceremony. Using performance data and aircraft info provided by the company in California that had done the rebuild had supplied, he calculated his takeoff and cruise numbers, a rough weight and balance, and did other route planning chores using manuals and maps from his flight bag.
That done, Alex decided calling it a night would be a good idea. He didn’t have to get up early, but the day promised to be very busy. He got undressed and went to bed, but sleep eluded him. Various memories and scenes from the past, culminating with his brother’s death, played over in his mind. The event had totally changed the course of his life. He reviewed everything about it, and concluded he wouldn’t have done anything different. He’d even forgiven Mastifson, as much as he could without meeting him face to face. Not the warm, fuzzy, “let’s-be-friends-now” kind of forgiveness, to be sure. More like the “I’m-not-going-to-kill-you-for-this, now-stay-out-of-my-sight” kind.
And deep down, illogical as could be, was still the sense of guilt. Alex couldn’t explain it. It made no sense at all, but it was still there, even after the months had passed. He was here, and Jason was gone. It came down to that. There wasn’t a thing he could have done to prevent it, but it was his brother, and he should have been able to do something. It seemed like the hundredth time he’d been over that in his mind, but it always came out the same.
Deciding that line of thought was proving useless, he filed it away, covering it with the old adage, “Living well is the best revenge.” He would honor Jason, and flip his tail at Mastifson, by doing the best he could at his new endeavors now that his active duty career was ending.
Finally, he fell into a dreamless sleep.
# # #
Friday dawned bright and clear. The front that had been approaching during his last flight had moved on through, and the high clouds from the next were just beginning to encroach on the western horizon. Alex’s retirement day was going to be one of those wonderful early autumn days that everyone dreams of, increasing clouds or no.
“A great day for flying,” Alex mused as he waited for those who would attend the ceremony to arrive. He was sitting on a set of mobile bleachers in front of the F-15C he’d flown during his tenure as commander of the Tigerkahts. There were several sets of bleachers, and a very large stand with folding chairs for a VIP section. There would be enough generals in the group to cause the folks at Langley to pull out all the stops. The base band would play, and there would be a flyover of Eagles. Scatcat had assured him that the speeches would be kept short. He didn’t want everyone falling asleep from boredom.
As a few furs began to filter in, mostly those stationed at Langley who wished to attend, Scatcat Higgins walked up to him.
“Ice, doing okay?” The lion had a slight note of concern in his voice.
“Just fine, why?”
“Wanted to make sure you weren’t going to back out at the last second,” Scatcat said with a slight grin.
“No,” Alex replied with a smile. “I’m doing exactly what I think I should be doing. This is right for me. Don’t worry, I’ll be back to tweak your tail soon enough.”
“Yeah,” Scatcat said, mock-ruefully. “Can’t get rid of you at all. Congratulations, then. When is your family supposed to arrive?”
Alex checked his watch. “Any minute now.”
Both felines looked around expecting Alex’s family to walk up. Instead, his cell phone rang.
“Alex O’Whitt,” he answered as he flipped the device open and placed it to his ear.
“Hi Son. First of all, don’t worry, we’re all fine. Second, can you delay the ceremony about a half-hour?”
Alex glanced at Scatcat with a slightly concerned expression. “Ah, sure Dad, I guess. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” his father stated. “There was a wreck on the other side of the interstate, and traffic is really slow. We should be there in about thirty minutes or so.”
Alex let out a sigh of relief. “Okay Dad, we’ll wait. See you then.”
“Yep. Bye.”
Alex put the phone away, shaking his head. Every retirement ceremony he’d ever been to had been delayed by something. Looked like his would be no different.
“Scatcat, please slow the preparations down by around thirty minutes. Dad and company are caught in gawker traffic on the interstate.”
The lion gave him a sly grin. “Figures. Never seen one of these be on time yet. All right, I’ll put a few delays in. I’m going to go see to it now, but don’t you wander off anywhere.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Alex replied to Scatcat’s now-retreating back. He looked around the setup, noting how large the VIP section actually was. He was looking that section over, his tail curling idly behind him, when a strong voice interrupted his reverie.
“Lieutenant Colonel O’Whitt?”
Alex turned to see who’d spoken, answering in the process. “Yes, what can I do for you . . . Sir?”
He’d turned around to find himself face to face with a rotweiller three-star general. Alex snapped to attention and saluted as he read the name badge on the canid’s dress blues. The general returned the salute and spoke.
“As you were, Colonel. I’m Lieutenant General Lance Mastifson. I hope you don’t mind that I’m here. I feel very responsible for the fact that you’re retiring.”
Alex’s mind was racing as he relaxed out of attention. How should he respond to this? He quickly decided the only way for now was military proper, at least until he heard more.
“Welcome, General. No, I don’t mind, I suppose. I’ve forgiven any and all actions from you and your nephew.”
Lance Mastifson bowed his head a bit. “Thank you, Colonel. It means a lot to me to hear you say that. I was so blind to follow Jeff’s intentions in this. I want you to know that if you want to back out of your retirement, I’ll pull every string I’ve got to keep you on active duty and get you back into TPS.”
Alex was taken aback. He thought the offer over for a few seconds, but he knew where he was supposed to be now.
“Thank you, General, but other things have happened in my life since then. I’m quite sure I’m on the right course for me now.”
The rotweiller nodded, rather solemnly, and said, “I understand. Well, if you need anything, help with a problem or anything, please call me. You know, Jeff is retiring also. Did so yesterday, as a matter of fact, but he didn't have a ceremony like this. I’ve decided to stay on active duty for a while longer, and see if I can undo some of the damage he did while using my name for influence.”
Alex thought for a few seconds, and then responded. “That sounds like a reasonable course of action, General. No disrespect to you, sir, but as far as your nephew is concerned, as I said I’ve forgiven him. But I haven’t forgotten. I will not allow him to bring any harm of any kind to any of my family or me. I soon will be, for the most part, just an average Joe citizen unless I’m pulling reserve duty. Your nephew will be, too. We will be on even ground. I don’t wish him any ill, but I will defend me and mine.”
General Mastifson nodded his understanding. “I understand. I will do what I can to insure there are no conflicts, but Jeff is quite headstrong. If I hear he’s up to anything concerning you, I’ll have Scatcat Higgins give you a call. Best wishes on your retirement, Colonel.”
Alex came to attention and saluted as he replied. “Thank you, sir. Good luck and God’s blessing to you, too.”
The rotweiller returned the salute, and then turned and moved away into the VIP seating. Alex stood and watched him find a seat. His thoughts were troubled. Was the general really there for the reason he stated, or to make sure Alex really retired?
“Ah crap!” he finally said to himself. “Now they’ve got me acting paranoid. I’ll take what he said at face value unless and until I see any reason otherwise.”
Just then he saw a group of furs coming out from beside the hangar. He was relieved to see it was Scatcat with the O’Whitt clan in tow. Billy and Penny Panelli were with them. Other groups and individuals were heading for seats as Scatcat lead led them to the VIP section.Alex was amazed to see his father in a well-fitting dark gray suit. He saw Jenna’s eyes narrow when she spotted General Mastifson, but she simply turned her back in that direction and moved with the group to where he was standing.
It seemed everyone said hello at once, and hugs were exchanged as Scatcat looked on.
“Alex, are you ready for this?” Jenna asked. Anton murmured his query in unison.
“Yes you two, I’m quite sure. Other than the traffic, how was the drive?”
“Fine Son,” Anton replied. “Pretty time of year.” Jenna nodded her agreement.
"Sure is," Alex agreed. "Wow, a suit, Dad?" The older tiger just winked and smiled. Tia was eyeing the F-15 behind the podium. Alex noted this.
“Tia, I don’t think there’s time now, but after the ceremony we’ll take a look.”
She looked up at him with a huge grin. Andrew was looking around with a slightly bored expression as Scatcat spoke.
“We’re running a bit late. Please take your seats and we’ll get started.”
The O’Whitts stepped into the VIP section. Billy waved Alex on with an “I’ll talk to you after,” and Scatcat and Alex took their places behind the podium. The crowd was larger than Alex had expected, and everywhere he looked, he saw a familiar face. Everyone from the night before was there, it seemed, as well as many more. Officers, enlisteds, and civilians from the base he’d worked with. Old friends, fellow pilots and crew. Every face reminded him of a funny story or fond memory. The VIP section held enough brass to sink a battleship. He noticed several of the pilots from his last tour in
“Still no sign of Tasha,” he mused, but since he hadn’t been able to contact her, he hadn’t really expected her to just show up.
Alex spotted Bull Carruthers, evident by the stack of stripes on the dress blues he was wearing. The old bulldog waved a greeting as he sat down. Alex waved back, and then he noticed a face that really surprised him. A familiar gray vixen in a Danish dress uniform stood out among the sea of blue.
Alex looked over at Scatcat and asked, “You matchmaking again?”
“Huh?”
“That Danish liason officer from Nellis. I see her sitting in the third row.”
Scatcat tried to look innocent, but didn’t quite pull it off.
“Well, I might have mentioned it to her while discussing the mission out there over the phone. Oh, and she says RAE, HAR, JAE, and the rest of the crew send their regards and best wishes.”
“I’ll bet. What did you tell her, Scatcat?” Alex said in a suspicious tone.
“Relax, I didn’t tell her you were interested in her. I just mentioned your retirement and she said she might attend to represent the Danes. Oh hey, we’d better get started. Ready?”
Alex smirked at his CO’s sudden change of subject. Then he took a breath and let it out, and then nodded. Scatcat stood up and started the ceremony.
“Ladies and gentlefurs, let’s get started.”
The murmur of conversation died away and Scatcat went on.
“I am Colonel Bartholomew Higgins. It has been my pleasure to be the fur we’re honoring here today’s commanding officer three different times. His career of just over twenty years in the Air Force has seen wartime and peace, conflict and camaraderie, and many, many changes. His presence on active duty will be sorely missed. Thankfully he has chosen to stay with us as an Air Force reservist. Lieutenant Colonel Alex O’Whitt has, in his career, represented the best and brightest this country has to offer.”
Scatcat paused and picked up a paper, and then continued.
“During his career, Lieutenant Colonel O’Whitt has earned the following medals and decorations.” He proceeded to read off a list that ranged from the Distinguished Flying Cross and The Silver Star to the Air Force Achievement Medal and several medals and awards from other countries, all representing a career well-served.
Scatcat then listed Alex’s air-to-air victories, seven in all. Some in the Gulf War, some in the skies over
Scatcat concluded his speech with a final statement. “Colonel O’Whitt earned the call sign Ice, and his cool, calm professionalism both in and out of combat has shown it is well-deserved. Ice, congratulations on your retirement.”
There was a round of applause, followed by several of Alex's previous commnading officers giving short speeches of congratulations. Finally, it was his turn. A loud round of applause rang out as Alex stood to have his say.
“Ladies and gentlefurs, family, friends, and fellow pilots. Thank you. I have been privileged during my career to work and fly with the best in the Air Force; most of whom it seems are here today. Of all the things I will miss, it’s you great folks I’ll miss the most. I look forward to coming back as a reservist, and to the adventures yet to be had. God bless you all, and may you always fly high. To all the fighter pilots here, I’ll close with this; stay sharp, take the fight to the enemy, and always remember to check six. Thank you, and goodbye.”
The applause were even louder, and the base band struck up with the Air Force theme. Scatcat had been quietly speaking into a paw-held radio, and in a moment a flight of four F-15’s came roaring in low overhead. They executed a high-angle climbout just after passing by.
After the sound of the Eagle’s engines faded into the background noise, it was time for Alex to officially pass command of the Tigerekahts to their new CO. King stepped up as Alex stepped over and retrieved the squadron colors from the flag stand. Alex marched up to King and saluted. King returned the salute, and Alex held the flag out for him to take.
As King took hold of the flagstaff, he said, “Lieutenant Colonel O’Whitt, I relieve you.”
“Lieutenant Colonel Leonard, I stand relieved,” Alex replied as he released the flag. They exchanged salutes again, and both executed an about face, officially ending the ceremony.
Alex stood and said goodbyes and shook paws for what seemed like ages. Jedi stepped up, and the two friends shook paws, and then Jedi stepped back, and the two saluted. No words were needed. Jedi knew he’d see Ice again in a short time, so he simply left it at that.
Bull Carruthers shook his paw nearly off as he said goodbye. "You be sure an' come back 'n see me, y'hear, Stripy?"
"Couldn't keep me away, Bull. You keep in touch, and I'll come by next summer and we'll do some fishing." Alex had replied.
"You're on," the canid said as he turned to go.
One of the last ones in line was Premierløjtnant Aslaug Jacobsen. The gray vixen smiled warmly as she shook paws.
“Ice, may you enjoy your retirement.”
“Thank you, JAC. I was surprised to see you.”
The vixen gave a wink in Scatcat’s direction, and he harrrumpfed and busied himself at the podium.
“Colonel Higgins,” Aslaug continued, “told me the date you’d be retiring, and I found an excuse to be in Washington this week so I could stop by and see the ceremony on the way back. Major Jaerv, Kaptajn Raev, Kaptajn Hare, and the rest of the guys said to congratulate you for them.”
Ice smiled and glanced at Scatcat, who was trying to appear as though he weren’t listening. “Thank you, and tell them all hello and thank you to them, also.”
“Will you come to Nellis as a reservist?” Aslaug asked.
“Possibly, but I’m not sure when.” Alex replied.
“Well, if you do, I look forward to working with you. Again, congratulations,” the vixen said as she turned to go.
“Have a safe trip back,” Alex called after her. She stopped and looked back over her shoulder at him, her bushy tail slowly waving.
“You know, you shouldn’t be so hard on Colonel Higgins and your other friends for trying to see to your happiness. I’m not the one for you, but what harm is there in helping you look for someone?”
Alex thought a second about how to frame his reply, and then smiled again. “Most of that banter is just teasing, but truthfully, if I let them, they’d have me so busy going on dates that I’d never get anything else done. I believe there is someone out there for everyone and I believe I’ll know when I find that one for me. I’ll tell Scatcat I appreciate his efforts, and I hope that you find that someone for yourself, if you haven’t already.”
The vixen looked inscrutable as she replied, “Thank you. Safe journey, and good hunting, Ice.” She then turned back and walked away. Alex turned to Scatcat, who had managed to stay just within hearing range. The lion did a fair “caught-in-the-headlights” look, but Alex only grinned.
“Nice try, Scatcat, but she’s not the one. You sure you can’t come out to the airport?”
Col. Higgins looked relieved at the change of subject. “Nah, I wish. I’ll see your new toy when you’re back for reserve duty. You leaving with your family?”
Alex looked around. Jenna and company were watching Tia as she looked over the F-15 with the scrutiny a jeweler would give a fine diamond. Billy and Penny were standing with them.
“No,” Alex replied. “I have to go sign a couple of final papers at the squadron first, and then we’ll all meet up and head out.”
“Okay then. I have to get going. I’ll talk to you in a month or so.” Scatcat extended a paw, and the two friends shook. They both came to attention and saluted, and then Scatcat turned and left without further comment.
Alex walked over and joined his family and friends. Hugs and pawshakes were exchanged as they all congratulated him. Then he proceeded to show Tia all the ins and outs of the Eagle, even getting her seated in the cockpit, where her head was barely high enough to look through the HUD. She’d asked questions the whole time, which Alex had gladly answered. He was impressed by how much she already knew. Both Jenna and Anton had beamed with pride, as she had done, when Alex complimented her on it.
“Well,” Jenna finally said, “if we can tear Tia out of the cockpit, I think we need to go get a bite to eat. We were in such a hurry to get here after being stuck in traffic, we skipped lunch.”
Alex nodded. “That’s fine. I have to go back to the squadron for a few minutes anyway. I’ll meet you at wherever you want to eat. Then I’ll turn in my rental car if you’ll run me out to the airport.”
“Sure!” Tia exclaimed as Alex helped her down from the F-15. Everyone laughed, and Alex waved a temporary goodbye. He walked to his rental car and then drove over to Tigerkaht headquarters to sign off the last of his paperwork.
He pulled into the parking lot, noting absently that a staff car was parked in the commander’s reserved slot. Getting out, he headed inside. Once in the building, he walked down the hall to the admin section. An excited buzz seemed to be running through the office. TSgt. Gangrey and his admin furs were bustling quickly about as Alex stepped up to the counter.
“Hey Sgt. Gangrey, you all look quite busy, but have you got time for these clearance papers?”
“Oh hello Colonel,” the NCO replied. “Sure, just a sec. We just got a deployment notice.”
Without thinking, Alex reacted. “Okay, check with Maintenance, make sure all aircraft are up and ready. Also see if you can pull up which tankers—*”
Alex stopped in midsentence as TSgt. Gangrey looked at him strangely. Then he realized what he was doing. He looked over at the commander’s office door, only to see Rich Leonard leaning on the jamb, looking at him.
“Ice, thanks. I think we’ve got it from here,” the lion said with a knowing smile.
Alex took a breath and smiled back. He then turned to TSgt. Gangrey. “Ah, here’s my final clearance forms. Do you need me to sign out on the log?”
“Yes sir, Colonel. Sign right here.”
Alex signed the log as King went back into his office. Alex then said goodbye and left, leaving the enlisted furs to their duties. Back outside, he took another deep breath. As he got to the car, a pair of Eagles came roaring up off the runway in the distance. As he watched them climb out, he realized he needed to reset his reactions a bit. He was no longer in command.
After a few seconds, he shrugged his shoulders.
“Ah well, on to the next adventure,” he mused as he started the car, wondering what civilian life would bring.
END OF CHAPTER 23