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 2003-2012 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.
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 62
Lights, Camera, Actors! Pt. 1
It was right at 1000 hours on Sunday when the vans carrying the ZZ Studios furs arrived on the ramp at Port Columbus. Several still looked bleary-eyed. This was early for them after whatever activities had kept them up the night before. Alex, Roger Delaney, and Janet Satterly made up the crew of the Gulfstream Four they were using. The aircraft had a bright new Kentiger livery paintjob after Billy had received it from Intermountain Charter, and Allastor McRory had made sure it was in top shape. Dieter Katz and Sarah Dunn were crewing the Cessna Citation Sovereign, also new to Kentiger and part of the Intermountain purchase. The second aircraft would carry the production crew and extra items needed for the photo shoot.
Alex had done the flight planning and seating arrangement the night before, and had gone over the seating with Janet and Sarah that morning before they left Lexington. They would be in the air almost 6 hours, and he’d tried to recall all of Zig’s crew so as to avoid undue friction between the passengers. The Citation’s cruise speed was 450 KIAS, so the G-IV could easily make the flight with a full load of passengers and fuel and not run off and leave the slower Cessna. The two aircraft would probably keep each other in sight while maintaining the 3 miles of separation at the same altitude required by regulations. The ride would be long, but not intolerable.
As they watched the studio furs make their way out of the vans, Alex noticed that Roger’s ears were half-down. Janet had already put on her “perky flight attendant” face, and her tail did a slow wave behind her. Dieter and Sarah had walked over from the Cessna, and they also had their professional faces on.
“Something wrong, Roger?” Alex inquired, startling the lion from his thoughts.
“Uh, no sir. I was just recalling our last flight with these passengers. They were a pawful for Janet on the way back. She was commenting last week that she barely made it back with her uniform intact and mostly in place.” Roger had stated this in a low voice, so that none of the furs by the vans could hear.
Alex glanced again at the blue arctic vixen. She showed no sign of distress, and her uniform was no different than it always was. He smiled at her as she glanced his way, and she gave a quick wink. He spoke to Roger, also making his voice only loud enough to be heard by the lion and the vixen.
“Janet likes to tell a saucy tale. If it had been bad enough to bother her, I’m sure she would have said something to me, Billy, or Loni.”
Janet looked their way and again winked. Roger rolled his eyes and gave his head a shake, fluffing his mane out a bit. “And here Rebecca was giving me such a hard time about taking this flight.”
Alex spoke a bit softer, so that only Roger could hear him over the bedlam the studio furs were making getting their luggage out of the vans. “If it’s causing you trouble, I can assign someone else right seat the next time.”
The lion’s ears perked up and his tail waved once before he could stop it. “Uh, no sir! I like flying with you. I always learn something. Rebecca was just in a mood, I think. She finally said it was fine since you were pilot-in-command.”
Alex gave a lop-sided smirk. “So I’m a good kit-sitter, eh?”
Roger looked a little startled, but then he noticed the glint of merriment in Alex’s eyes. He relaxed and smiled.
“Yes sir. In fact, looks like you need to do some of that now. The studio furs seem to be having a hard time sorting out their luggage.”
Alex had figured that, left to themselves, the ZZ Studios crew would have needed another aircraft just for luggage. He’d set a strict limit of one individual bag and a carry-on that could fit under a seat. Zig had looked a little put out, but then agreed. The costumes and props for the shoot had been contained to two large roll-arounds and three suit bags. The makeup cases, cameras and lights were to go on the Citation. Now, it seemed the studio furs would need an hour just to get each one’s bags sorted.
The general pandemonium grew even louder as Marvin, who’d driven one of the vans, tried to be heard above the din. Alex watched a moment more, and then did something he seldom did. He took a deep breath, set his chin, and ROOAAARRED!
There was immediate silence. Beside him, all three of his feline crew members had their tails fluffed out. Janet’s ears were down, and her tail was tucked tight against her leg. Only Zig and Marvin, who were both looking at him rather impressed, were otherwise unaffected. The rest of the studio furs looked like lightning had struck nearby.
“Excuse me,” the tiger stated, looking a little embarrassed. “Marvin, could you have everyone line up according to these manifests? We need to weigh their luggage for weight and balance calculations.”
“Sure thing, Alex,” Marvin replied, glad for the sudden silence. The sound level rose a bit as everyone found their bags and place in line, but it was much lower than before. Once everyone was lined up, Zig Zag walked up and one-arm hugged Alex.
“Hello Cousin. Can you introduce yourself and your crew? Several furs are new, and haven’t met you.”
Alex would have normally done this either at the aircraft door or over the intercom, but he could see the advantage of doing so now. He took a step forward as Zig rejoined The group. He began, his voice booming out across the ramp.
“Hello everyone, welcome to Kentiger Executive Air. I’m Alex O’Whitt, and I’ll be the pilot for the Gulfstream Four behind me. This is Roger Delaney, my first officer. The lovely vixen beside him is Janet Satterly, who’ll be your flight attendant on the G-IV. Beside her is Captain Dieter Katz, who’ll be piloting the Cessna Citation Sovereign to my left. Beside him is his first officer, Sarah Dunn. I have given Marvin a copy of the manifests for today’s flight. Please be sure your name is right, and please weigh each of your bags separately. Janet and Sarah have your seat assignments, so please see them when you board. Thank you and enjoy the flight.”
Marvin stepped up to start moving everyone into place, but Zig Zag stepped up to the scale Janet had just placed on the tarmac before he could get the line moving. Alex was impressed. She was clearly demonstrating that she didn’t expect them to do anything she wouldn’t do herself. Janet noted the weight of her bags and verified her name with her passport, and then the tiger-striped skunk femme placed the bag she wouldn’t be carrying on the aircraft on a cart the ramp fur was standing beside. When it was full, he’d roll it over where two more furs waited to put the bags into the G-IV’s luggage bay. After giving the fur a wide smile, she walked back over to Alex. The rest of the studio crew were now waiting their turn without complaint.
“So Zig,” Alex started the conversation. “I noticed the rain in the forecast for Friday. The chances have increased, and the winds forecast have increased, too. I looked at the website for the Tropical Storms Forecast Center, and they’re projecting a tropical storm by Saturday. It was probably a really good call to go early.”
The tiger-striped skunk nodded. “Yeah, I think so, too. We’re gonna try to be done by Thursday, just in case. How’ve you been? Things going well with Corrie?”
Alex was quiet just a second too long, and Zig Zag looked at him sharply. “Trouble?”
The tiger smiled as he turned to go to the aircraft and greet each fur as they boarded. “Maybe. I’ll tell you more later. Right now I’ve got to go be all captain-y.”
Zig Zag made a face and flipped her tail at him as she turned to go join James. “Aye-aye, Cap’n.”
Roger had already gone to the cockpit to ready the passenger loading checklist. Alex boarded the stairs and stood just inside the door. He noted that Dieter was already in place by the Citation’s door. Out on the ramp Janet was just finishing the weigh-in. Sarah began calling out names and soon had the Citation’s passengers separated and heading for their aircraft. One ramp fur was rolling a very full luggage cart to the side of the Gulfstream, and another was hustling the items to go on the Citation over to it. Janet picked up the scales and led the furs going on the Gulfstream toward the aircraft. Zig, James, and Sabrina were having a final conversation with Marvin, and Alex hoped he wouldn’t have to call them over. That would be a little embarrassing, and he didn’t want to have to do that to them.
The arctic vixen gracefully walked up the stairs, her fluffy tail waving with each step. Alex suppressed a grin as he noticed nearly all the studio furs, male and female, seemed a bit mesmerized at the sight.
“Captain,” Janet stated in her professional voice as she reached the aircraft door. “Here is the manifest and numbers for the weight and balance calculations.”
“Thank you, Janet. You may board the passengers when you’re ready,” Alex replied. They kept things very formal when their customers were present. It kept Janet from having to fend off too many advances from the run-of-the-mill charters. With the adult film crew they were flying now, it might mean the difference between a light flirtation and having to slap the fire out of someone.
She turned and motioned the line of furs to come aboard, and then went on into the aircraft so she could point them to their seats. Spacious at twelve passengers, the G-IV was now set up like a small airliner to accommodate eighteen. Alex put on a confident smile and flipped his tail out behind him. The first fur up the stairs was the maned wolf who’d gone to Denver with them. The tiger greeted him by name.
“Hello Estebán.”
“Hola Aleex, how are you?” The wolf inquired as he stepped into the aircraft.
“Fine, welcome aboard.”
“Grácias,” the wolf replied. Right behind him was the grey vixen who’d also gone to Denver with them. She was Estebán’s girlfriend if Alex recalled correctly.
“Hello Jean, welcome aboard. Nice to see you again.”
“Ah, thank you, Alex,” she replied demurely.
One by one he greeted them as they boarded. Wanda the very-busty vixen, Cherri McCool the lioness, Kama and Sutra, the red and grey vixens, respectively. Danni the Siamese, Alexi the Husky, Rafe the grey Wolf, Michael the black-footed ferret.
Then Gabrielle and Yohni walked up the stairs holding paws. They both had friendly smiles, but their body language , and especially Gabrielle’s attitude looked…defiant? Like they dared Alex to comment. His smile never wavered.
“Hello Gabrielle, Yohni. Welcome aboard. I see it was a good choice to seat you together.”
Their smiles brightened just perceptibly. “Thanks Alex, and you’re still hubba hubba, and you can tell Zig I said so,” Gabrielle replied as Yohni burst out laughing. The pair followed Janet’s directions to their seats as two furs Alex hadn’t met before came up the stairs. A tall, broad-shouldered lion with a very fluffed-out mane stepped up first.
“Hello Captain O’Whitt, my name’s Brad.”
Alex took the “Captain” as it was meant and smiled. “Welcome aboard, Brad.”
Next a slim cougar who looked barely old enough to be in the adult film business stepped aboard the aircraft. “Ah, is it Mister, or Captain, or what? Hi, my name’s Johnny.”
“Hello Johnny, actually it’s Lieutenant Colonel, but Captain is proper for the pilot-in-command of a civilian charter.”
The incongruity struck Alex as the young fur, an adult film actor, looked the picture of innocent naiveté.
“Oh, okay Captain, nice to be flying with you.”
The cougar headed back to where Janet was indicating his seat was. He was the last of the acting contingent save for Zig herself, James, and Sabrina. They were still conversing with Marvin, so Alex took a moment to look over the manifest of furs going on the Citation with Dieter and Sarah.
Mark, the lemur photographer, Alex remembered from the photo shoot he’d had Stripes One at. His assistant was a Jack Russell terrier named Reg. Franklin, a beagle, and Barry, an ocelot, were listed as videographers. Phyllis, a calico feline, and a chinchilla named Gina were listed as makeup furs. Lastly Belle the collie and Jenny the red panda were listed as wardrobe furs.
Presently Zig, James, and Sabrina left Marvin and walked over and up the stairs. Alex greeted his cousin just like he had the others.
“Welcome aboard Kentiger Executive Air. As soon as you get seated, we’ll get going.”
Zig flashed her trademark dazzling smile. “So formal, cousin? Hope you won’t be so uptight the whole trip.”
Alex could see tension behind the banter. This shoot would mean a lot of publicity for her business, so everything had to go right. He grinned back at her to break the tension for the moment.
“Oh no, I plan on relaxing all week while you and your crew slave away on the photo shoot. We’ll have the aircraft ready in case we have to cut it short for whatever reason. Other than that, this will almost be like a vacation for the flight crews.”
Zig and James both gave a smirk. A fair-sized chunk of the cost of the shoot was to pay for the flight crew, save Alex who drew a salary from Kentiger itself, and the aircraft to remain in
Zig nodded her understanding. “Yeah, sure. Vacation for you while we all slave away. Come back and visit during the flight if you get a chance.”
“I will, see y’all in a while,” Alex replied, letting a little of his West Virginia heritage show. Zig and James headed for their seats, and Sabrina simply nodded to Alex as she went by. He looked over at the Citation, finding Sarah standing in the door. At Alex’s nod, she pulled up the steps and then shut the cabin door. Alex trotted down the stairs and double checked that the ramp furs were done loading all the baggage. He watched them shut and latch the cargo door, and then made sure for himself. He’d done the rest of the outside preflight before the studio furs arrived, so then he leaned in and spoke to the Great Dane who was the lead ramp fur.
“Thanks, Bill,” the tiger said, noting the name on the canid’s company badge. “You can pull the stairs as soon as I get back aboard. I’ll signal you from the cockpit when we’re ready for engine start and to pull the chocks.”
“You’re welcome, sir. Just let me know when you guys ‘r ready.”
Alex reboarded the aircraft and shut the cabin door as soon as the stairs were pulled away. He stepped into the cockpit and shut the door between it and the cabin behind him, and then settled into the left seat, fastened his belts, and put his headset on. Roger spoke to him as soon as he saw the tiger was ready.
“Alex, the engine prestart checklist and passenger boarding checklist are done. As soon as Janet pings us that the pax are settled, we can do engine start.”
“Thanks, Roger. Has Dieter called in?” Alex inquired as he flipped the checklist binder over to the engine start page.
“No Sir,” the lion replied as he double-checked the radio frequencies they’d need during climbout. Alex nodded approvingly. The lion was well ahead of what was happening in the aircraft at that moment. He selected the company ship-to-ship frequency on one of the standby radios and keyed the mic.
“Kentiger Two, Kentiger One, Radio check.”
Dieter’s response was strong and immediate. “Lima Charlie, Kentiger One. Ready for engine start when you are.”
“Kentiger One,” Alex replied, acknowledging Dieter. Now all that was left was to wait until Janet signaled them that everyone in back was ready.
Presently the intercom chimed twice, which was Janet’s signal that all the passengers were ready to go. Alex nodded to Roger, who chimed back twice as he and Alex began the engine start checklist. Alex then called out the window for the ground crew to pull chocks, an then shut the window as the ramp chief indicated his crew was all clear of the aircraft. He let Dieter know they were ready to move while Roger called Columbus Tower for their taxi clearance. Several moments later, after maneuvering around to Runway 10R, they received takeoff clearance and Alex pushed the throttles forward. They lined up on the centerline and Alex locked the brakes. With them carrying a full load of passengers, luggage, and fuel, He’d need all the push he could get. The twin Rolls Royce engines spooled up to full power and they released the brakes. After a long run, they lifted off and pulled up the landing gear. As they turned more southeast, Alex heard Dieter receive permission and begin his takeoff run. It was, so far, a nice start to what promised to be an interesting week.
# # #
Jenna felt sunlight on her face, and grudgingly opened one eye a slit. Quickly shutting it back, she shifted slightly to get out of the sunbeam and relieve a kink in her tail. She was…surprised? She felt sore in places she hadn’t been sore in for a long time. Eyes still closed, she realized the room felt unfamiliar. Then something moved in the bed beside her and she nearly jumped out of her fur as her eyes flew open wide. A few seconds later, her blood pressure and heart rate began to tach back down as Jack shifted from his side to his back and began to snore lightly.
The tigress eased back down onto her pillow and looked up at the ceiling. The whirlwind of yesterday was now replaced with a very relaxed, peaceful feeling. After the reception, they’d driven to Lexington to stay the night. They were in one of the honeymoon suites of the Double Tree Hilton, one of the finest hotels in the city. Jack had convinced her that they should sleep in before heading out to their actual honeymoon destination.
Just then, Jack’s gentle snore ceased and he opened his eyes. Jenna rolled up on her elbow to look at him. His eyes focused on her and a smile lit his muzzle as his tail began to ruffle the covers.
“Now that’s a beautiful sight to wake up to. Good morning, Mrs. Lazarus.”
Jenna smiled back warmly. “Good morning, Mr. Lazarus. Did you sleep well?”
Jack shifted slightly and winced. “Yes, but I seem to be a bit sore. Y’see, this wild tigress rolled me around the bed until it was very late.”
Jenna smirked. “Yeah, probably had something to do with a certain crazy wolf that had me in some of the most compromising positions. Wanna go again?”
Jack blinked. Jenna’s smirk had been replaced by a very lascivious smile. Jack snickered. It looked very good on her muzzle.
“Well, what happened to the sweet young mother of two I married yesterday?” he inquired teasingly.
“Completely corrupted by a night of post-wedding passion,” she replied as she stretched alluringly from head to tail.
Jack noticed a slight wince as she reached full stretch. He rose onto his elbow and kissed her soundly. Then he sat up and stretched, too. With a sigh, he looked over at his bride.
“I’d love to go again, but if we do we’ll never get to Pigeon Forge. Let’s get cleaned up and dressed, and go get some breakfast.”
Jenna wrinkled her nose at him. “Spoil sport, but you’re probably right.”
The tigress gathered her robe around her as she got up and headed for the bathroom. Jack grinned and called after her.
“No need for the robe, my lovely. I’ve already seen all of you.”
The door shut as he finished his comment, and several minutes later Jack heard the shower start. He stood and slipped on a pair of pajama bottoms and padded to the bathroom door. He knocked, loud enough for her to hear.
“Jenna, may I come in? I kinda have to go.”
He heard a muffled, “Come on in,” and opened the door. Jenna was already in the shower, so he took care of his business. He then stuck his head in around the shower curtain and was promptly sprayed with a gush of deflected water.
“Hey!”
Jenna let out a squeal and jumped to the front of the tub. “Jack! I don’t think this is big enough for both of us!”
Jack, now with water dripping from his facial fur into the tub, grinned, slipped off his pajama pants and stepped in. He reached out and gently pulled Jenna back into the water spray and turned her around. She had already put shampoo in her hair, and his strong paws began to work it in thoroughly. Jenna relaxed and let out a happy sigh.
“See, we fit just fine,” Jack murmured as he worked the shampoo down her back and along her tail. “And I get to stay close to this beautiful fur of yours.”
Jenna looked back over her shoulder at him, her expression unreadable for the moment.
“Really. Dear, I love you, and I know that you love me, but please. I’m pushing forty, and I’ve had two cubs. I bet there are more bumps, bulges, sags and scars than you’ve ever seen.”
Jack turned her around again to face him. He looked very earnestly into her eyes as he spoke.
“Love, I love you, too. I’ve got my own bumps, bulges, sags, and scars, but you still say I’m handsome. You are slim, and strong, and lovely in so many ways. When I look at you, all I see is the femme I love so very much.”
Jack kissed her soundly again, with the water rushing past her shoulders and pouring down his chest. He helped her rinse her fur out, and then she helped him with his shower. They both finished up, just enjoying touching and being close.
# # #
“Copy Atlanta, heading one four four at four fifty, altitude flight level two eight zero, Kentiger One,” Roger stated to Atlanta center. They were at cruise, preparing to leave the continental
“Alex, we’re all in the green, ready to make the turn toward
Alex resisted the urge to say, “Make it so,” and glanced at the lion. “Copy that, Roger. Make the new heading while I make a pax announcement.”
The tiger toggled over to intercom and put on his best Tour Guide Captain voice. “Ladies and gentlefurs, if you look out the right side windows, you’ll see the coast of the
Alex clicked off the intercom and stretched as he did his normal instrument and traffic scan. Everything was looking good. The radio chatter was interrupted as the company frequency boosted to the fore.
“Kentiger One, Kentiger Two. We’re crossing the coastline now.”
Alex glanced at his watch. At their airspeed, if Dieter were maintaining his position three miles behind them, it should have been twenty two and a half seconds since they crossed the coast. According to his notation on the navigation chart, it was right at twenty three. The tiger smiled and answered the radio.
“Kentiger One, you’re right on the money, Dieter. Everyone doing alright back there?”
“Kentiger Two, so far, Alex. Sarah said that a few of them are first-timers, but no one has needed the bags yet.”
Alex smiled. Those two were a great crew combination. “Copy that, Two. Check in again in about thirty mikes.”
“Kentiger Two,” Dieter replied.
Alex again stretched and looked over at Roger. “Chime twice on the intercom if anything unusual happens. I’m gonna go chat for a few minutes.”
“Tell your cousin hi,” Roger replied with a smirk. Alex grinned and unfastened his belts. He made his way out of the cockpit, shutting the door behind him. He made his way back between the seats, greeting everyone. He met Janet about halfway back.
“How’s it going, Janet?”
“Good. They’re all excited and chatting still, except for those who partied too much last night and are sound asleep. No grabby-paws yet, either, although Rafe is watching for his chance.”
When Alex looked concerned, Janet leaned in and quietly said, “It’s okay. With this crew, I’d worry if they didn’t flirt. I really rather enjoy the attention.”
Alex didn’t look convinced, as he felt no one should have to put up with unwanted attention, but Janet winked at him and went back to her work. Alex noticed Zig Zag waving for him to come on back to her seat, so he let the matter go.
“Okay, you know your own comfort level with it. Let me slip past you.”
Janet leaned to one side, but a sudden light bump of turbulence nearly got the two crewmembers tangled up. Alex caught himself on the seatback and kept Janet from falling into Estebán’s lap by grabbing her shoulder. As they regained their balance, the intercom chimed twice. Alex looked back at Zig Zag, gave a shrug, and headed back forward. As he closed the cockpit door, he saw another bounce succeed in putting Janet right in Gabrielle’s lap. He quickly got into his seat and latched his belts, pulling them tight as the G-IV began to experience some stronger bounces.
“Okay Roger, what’s up?”
“Forecast had nothing, but a couple of PIREP’s just came across from some airliners up ahead. Light to moderate turbulence from Flight Level two six zero to three two zero.”
“Did you call Dieter?”
“Yessir. I also called Bermuda. We can’t go below two six zero, because the Navy is having an exercise. They have airline traffic above three two zero, so it looks like we’re stuck. The last PIREP said it was better down closer to two six oh.”
Alex gave a soft snort. “Okay, call Bermuda and tell them we’re dropping to two six zero. Then tell Dieter. I’ll inform Janet and the pax.”
“On it, sir,” the lion replied as he began the radio calls. Alex did a full traffic scan, as the change in weather could be causing other aircraft to stray from their assigned slots. Then he took a deep breath. Passengers and turbulence never mixed well. He toggled the intercom on.
“Ladies and gentlefurs, sorry for the inconvenience, but we’ll be in a layer of turbulence for a while. The aircraft is perfectly safe in this, but we’ll have a bumpy ride until we can get out of it. Relax, follow Janet’s instructions, and we’ll be out of it as soon as we can. Janet, turbulence checklist, please.”
In the back, Janet began collecting hurriedly emptied drink cups and trash, and reminding each one to pull their belts tight. As the Gulfstream began to hit more rough air, Alex concentrated on maintaining their course. In the back of his mind, he thought that this was a rather inauspicious start to the trip.
End of Chapter 62