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 2003-2008 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, 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 © 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 53

Déjà vu, All Over Again

“Well, here we are. Jenna, are you sure you’re ready to spring this on everyone?” Jack asked as Jenna brought the minivan to a stop in the parking lot of the Winchester East Community Church. Several other cars and trucks were arriving as well. Sunday school would start in about ten minutes. Jack and the O’Whitts would not normally be cutting it so close, but Jenna and Jack had been up late the night before talking and finalizing their plans.

“Yes I am. I think a month is long enough of a notice for the ceremony we’ve decided on,” Jenna replied. They’d bounced around everything from just exchanging vows in Brother Ronnie’s office, to starting to go overboard and overcomplicated again. Finally they’d settled on a simple ceremony and reception there at the church.

Both Tia and Andrew had been enthusiastic about the idea of a small, simple ceremony. Especially Andrew, who liked anything that meant less time dressed up. Now as the siblings began to get out of the van, Jenna cautioned them.

“Remember you two, not a word. Jack and I will announce it at the end of church.”

“Okay Mom,” Tia agreed as she started walking toward the building.

“Uh, sure Mom,” Andrew added as he headed for the door as well.

Just then they saw Alex’s truck pull into the parking lot. Both young tigers diverted in the direction of the parking spot he pulled into. Jenna had to laugh as Alex shut down the truck and got out, only to be immediately smothered in tigers. She couldn’t hear their conversation, but Alex’s broad smile told her they were exchanging greetings and both cubs were trying to tell him all that had happened in his absence in one breath. She and Jack made to meet up with them as Alex began gently herding the two excited young furs toward the building.

“Alex, welcome home.” Jack offered his paw as they met up with him.

 Alex shook paws and smiled. “Thanks, good to be home.”

Jenna saw something in his smile she could not recall seeing before. She couldn’t quite identify what it was, but it was definitely something new. Filing it away to think about later, she hugged him tightly.

“Great to see you, Bro.” She put her arm through his and grabbed Jack’s paw as they again started toward the door into the building. She leaned over and whispered quietly in Alex’s ear.

“Jack and I have set our wedding date. It’ll be about a month from now. It’ll be a small ceremony with just family and close friends. It’ll be a Saturday, so keep that date open. We’ll tell everyone the exact date at the end of church.”

Alex’s grin nearly split his muzzle. “Fantastic! I’ll be sure to be there. I have some things to tell you, too, but I’ll wait until later.”

Jenna looked at him curiously, recalling the earlier smile, but before she could ask about it, they reached the door into the building. Once inside, they all went their separate ways to their Sunday school classes. Tia and Andrew were true to their word, although their teachers and friends noticed they were a bit fidgety. Jack and Jenna were spared the limelight in the adult’s class, as everyone wanted to hear about Alex’s trip. Alex told of his adventures and misadventures, but left out any mention of his and Corrie’s relationship. He planned on telling everyone about her, but not until after he’d told Jenna and her cubs. They were family, and family should know things first. He did notice Jenna looking at him speculatively whenever he’d talk about his instructor.

Sunday school ended and everyone gathered in the sanctuary for the worship service. Brother Ronnie stepped up behind the pulpit and greeted everyone, and then they sang a hymn as the pianist played. The service continued with songs, and an offering was taken up. Then the grey fox pastor preached a sermon. After a last hymn, he made some announcements, and then gave a nod to Jack and Jenna. They both stood and faced the congregation.

“We’d like to make an announcement,” Jack began. Jenna then spoke up for both of them.

“We have set a date for our wedding. It will be the third Saturday in May at two P.M. The reception will be in the fellowship hall right after. This will be a simple ceremony, with just family and friends. Since we consider you all both, you’re all invited.”

Everyone looked at Jack expectantly. He looked sidelong at Jenna for a second, and then grinned. “Yeah, what she said.”

A cheer went up, followed by a round of applause. Brother Ronnie managed to quiet everyone enough to dismiss the service. Then Jack and Jenna were surrounded by well-wishers, shaking paws and talking all at once. Tia and Andrew’s friends gathered around them to talk about their roles in the wedding, adding to the general buzz of voices. After a good half-hour of this, everyone began to filter out and go home. As the last group left, Brother Ronnie began to lock the doors and turn off the lights. Alex stepped up to Jenna as she and Jack prepared to leave.

“Quite a stir. I think you’ve given everyone something to chat about for a least a week. I’m going to be busy this afternoon getting ready for tomorrow, but I wanted to congratulate you both and tell you something before we leave.”

Four pair of eyes looked questioningly at him. Alex smiled broadly back at them; the look Jenna had noticed earlier returning.

“While I was in Maine, I met someone…very special. Her name is Corrie, and we’ve been dating for about three weeks. I…have hopes that we’ll be together for a long, long time.”

Jack grinned back at him. “Alex, that’s great!”

Jenna looked a bit stunned. Andrew made a bit of a face. Tia blinked a second, and then smiled and wrinkled her nose mischievously.

“Three weeks? You only knew her a week before you started dating her? Moving a bit fast, weren’t you Uncle Alex?”

Alex gave her a wink. “Yeah, yeah, like you’d think three weeks wasn’t an eternity at your age, TC.”

Tia grinned and shook her head. “You’re too quick sometimes, Ice. When do we get to meet her?”

“That I’m not sure of, but it shouldn’t be too long. She might be coming here to live if Billy and I decide to add helicopters to Kentiger’s operation.”

“Wow! That’d be cool!” Tia replied.

“Congratulations, Bro,” Jenna chimed in as she made to give him a big hug. “It’s about time.”

Andrew smirked a bit and muttered “Femmes, yuck” under his breath. Even though he was twelve now, the attraction to the opposite sex hadn’t found him yet. He shook Alex’s paw anyway, shrugging and thinking, “Well, as long as Uncle Alex is happy.”

They left the church as a group, with Jenna and company heading out for lunch and Alex heading for home. He felt good about Jack and Jenna, and he and Corrie. He felt good about his life in general.

After tomorrow, he planned to feel a whole lot better about one situation in particular.

# # #

The raucous jangling of the telephone intruded into the fur’s sleep, rousing him enough to reach for the pawset.

“Uh, yes.”

“Good morning, Mr. Mastifson. This is your wake up call.”

The voice was cheerful, but not overly so, and had an efficient edge to it. Jefferson Mastifson the Third put the pawset back down without comment. He stretched from head to foot, gave a great yawn, and then got up, sleep quickly giving way to smug expectation. Today was the day he took O’Whitt down, and if that partner of his got in the way, he’d find a reason to shut the whole business down, too.

He knew that when the citations on O’Whitt were proved and his license suspended, the tiger would be grounded in the Air Force as well. That would end his Reserve service and his business flying in one hit. That would do, perhaps. Just possibly that would be enough to repay the tiger for his interference. Jefferson had lost much because of it. Now it was O’Whitt’s turn to lose a lifestyle and career. He’d effectively emasculate the tiger, and then he’d stay around Lexington for a bit to make sure O’Whitt stayed out of aviation. Ending up managing some second-rate retail store would be a fitting fate for crossing Jefferson Mastifson the Third. Then he could get on with rebuilding his life.

He’d flown up to Cincinnati the day before so he could be rested and ready for O’Whitt’s hearing. He also had to deliver the report on maintenance to his so-called superior. The hearing wasn’t scheduled until eleven hundred, but Mastifson planned on having a hearty breakfast and being in Barry Whitlock’s office early so he could watch the tiger walk in.

As he finished putting on his suit and got ready to leave his room, the rotweiller considered again how to proceed at the hearing. On first impulse, he’d wanted to dress O’Whitt down like he would have done in the Air Force, demanding his license and putting him on the defensive immediately. After a bit more thought, he’d decided that was unsuitable for the civilian setting. He’d settled on simply presenting the citations and taking the tiger down bit by bit, savoring the anger and fear as the tiger realized his aviation career had come to an ignoble end. Mastifson chuckled to himself as he visualized himself dismissing any feeble arguments O’Whitt might try to present. He hadn’t read the ATC results, but what did they matter? Even if the controllers approved his dangerous stunts, that didn’t mean they weren’t still against the FAR’s.

As he locked his room and made his way toward the hotel restaurant for breakfast, Jefferson Mastifson the Third was once more smiling a very nasty smile.

# # #

“Welcome aboard, Mr. Wags,” Jack Russell said from his position just inside the Citation’s cabin door. Billy and Alex were already seated, and now the mixed-breed canid lawyer stepped on board the aircraft.

“Thank you. Hello Billy. I assume you are Alex?” the canid said as he extended a paw toward Alex.

“Yes,” Alex replied, shaking paws. “Pleased to meet you.”

“And you. Let me get seated and we’ll go over the citations and your defense.”

Alex nodded, both to the lawyer and to Jack, who secured the door and made his way up to the cockpit. As the turbines began to spool up and the chocks were pulled, Jackson Wags secured his seatbelt and slipped his briefcase under the seat. He then began to go over the case.

“I’ve read over everything, Alex. Your waivers are all legal and up to date. Now, the question is, did your actions violate the cited FAR’s or any other FAR’s? Were they cleared by ATC? And most importantly, were they covered by your waivers.”

Alex waited, unsure if Jackson wanted an answer from him, or if the questions were meant rhetorically. After a few seconds, the canid continued.

“Very good, Alex. Answer any direct question honestly, but don’t respond to very general or vague ones. That could lead to questions that go beyond the scope of the listed charges. I’ve seen FAA reps do that, and since it’s an agency hearing and not a court of law, they can go fishing as much as they want. Barry Whitlock is a pretty straight shooter, and usually doesn’t play those kinds of games. Jefferson Mastifson is new, and I’ve never dealt with him, so that’s why I’m advising great caution. There will be an FAA lawyer present, as well. Whoever that is will advise Barry on whether or not there is cause to fine you, suspend your license, or refer the case on for a court trial. The evidence is on your side, so don’t let anything rattle you.”

“Well that’s no problem,” Billy chimed in. “Alex is known for staying cool under pressure.”

“Better and better,” Jackson replied with a smile. Just then the intercom sounded.

“Please secure any loose objects and make sure your seatbelts are fastened,” Jack Russell’s voice sounded from the overhead speakers. Alex looked out the window and noted that they were next for takeoff, as soon as the MD-80 airliner in front of them got airborne and away. A couple of minutes later, they swung onto the runway and the rumble from the engines rose to a crescendo. A few thousand feet of runway later, they were climbing swiftly up and turning toward the north. As soon as the climb toward altitude was established, Jackson continued with his briefing.

“This is really a very weak case for a citation that can lead to suspending your license. I know from the briefs that Mastifson did a sloppy job of investigating these. The clearances and waivers weren’t hard to verify. I know he’s brand new, but I’ve never even seen rookies make a case this bad. I wonder how he made it through the training?”

Here Alex did answer. He wanted the lawyer to know exactly how far Mastifson might go, and the motivation for it. “I’m sure he would have liked to do far worse to me. You see, this isn’t just a case of an overzealous new FAA official, it’s personal. Mastifson was a fighter pilot in the Air Force, commanding the squadron my brother was in, and his arrogance and poor judgment led to a crash that killed my brother. In making sure that the blame wasn’t summarily and unjustly dumped on my brother, Mastifson and I crossed paths. He was included as a causing factor, and another blunder a short time later led to his retirement. He’s been on a vendetta against me, even before the hearing into the crash, and that was a factor in my decision to retire. I hadn’t heard a thing from or about him until he showed up at Kentiger.”

Alex and Billy then saw how Jackson Wags’ family got their name. His ears perked up and they could hear his tail thumping rapidly against the seat.

“That makes quite a difference, Alex. It opens up the possibility of a harassment suit against him and the FAA if he continues. It also opens up the possibility of a restraining order to keep him away from you and Kentiger.”

Alex nodded. “I’d thought about that, but I’m not out to ruin him, even though he seems to want to do that to me. As long as we can keep him off me and Kentiger, I don’t really care if he continues to work at Bluegrass or not.”

The lawyer’s eyes took on a predatory gleam, giving the tigers a glimpse of what it was that made the canid so successful in his profession.

“Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer, eh? I can see how that might be a good thing. If he’s at Bluegrass, anyone there who knows you or Billy will likely alert you if he’s planning something.”

Alex nodded again. Jackson knew the aviation community at Bluegrass well, and was himself a licensed pilot. Alex’s reputation there was impeccable, and most everyone liked him. If they saw anything that would lead them to believe that Mastifson was up to something, the phone at Kentiger would likely ring off the hook.

As Jackson continued to talk about legal maneuvers they could do to keep Mastifson at bay, Alex relaxed back into his seat. Being tensed up when he walked in would be picked up on immediately by both Mastifson and the FAA district manager, and might give the wrong impression that he was worried about the hearing. Far from it, Alex was hoping a good dose of reality would bring the rotweiller to his senses and get him to stop this stupid vendetta.

As they continued northbound, Alex was sure of one thing. This hearing might not stop Jefferson Mastifson the Third, but it would certainly slow him down.

# # #

Barry Whitlock was going over the paperwork for a citation with fine that the field rep in Evansville, Indiana had issued. The pilot in question had failed to produce a maintenance log during a routine ramp check. Seeing that everything was correctly documented, he signed off in the block for his approval. He was just putting the folder in his OUT basket when the intercom chimed. Barry reached up and pushed the button to answer it.

“Yes, Doris?”

“Barry, Jefferson Mastifson is here for the eleven o’clock hearing.”

Barry looked at his desk clock. It was just past ten. Knowing the whole story behind the rotweiller’s apparent eagerness, the terrier decided it was time to start putting the brakes on it.

“I’m covered up with paperwork. Tell him to come back in thirty minutes.”

“Yes, sir,” came Doris’ reply. Barry thought he heard the hint of a smile in her voice. Out in the secretary’s office, Jefferson Mastifson was definitely not smiling. After a moment of frowning, he shrugged, deciding that it wasn’t worth spoiling his mood over. He turned and left the office without comment. He wasn’t hungry after his large breakfast, but he made his way to the lobby snack stand anyway. After buying a newspaper, he sought a seat in a quiet corner to pass the time.

A half-hour later, the rotweiller returned to the FAA District office. Doris told him to have a seat, the FAA legal advisor was in with Barry right then. Jefferson sat down, but after five minutes stood back up and began a two-step pace back and forth. Doris seemed unimpressed by his scowl, and continued her normal work. A few minutes later, the intercom chimed and Doris responded.

“Yes Barry?”

“Is Jeff there?”

“Yes.”

“Send him on in, and let me know when the furs from Kentiger arrive.”

“Yes, sir.”

The lapine femme nodded to Jefferson. “You can go in now, Mr. Mastifson.”

Mastifson didn’t reply, just gave her a cool look as he opened the door and went in. Once inside, he noted that the office was quite spacious. Barry Whitlock’s desk and workspace only took up one corner. On the wall along one side there were rows of bookshelves, filled with volumes of regulations and reference books. On the other wall were framed degrees and certificates. Mastifson arched an eyebrow at the Air Force Command Pilot certificate, the Air Force Academy BS degree for Aeronautical Engineering, and the Honorable Discharge and Retirement certificates prominently displayed.  The rotweiller’s estimation of his supervisor went up several notches. The fur was Academy, after all. Barry himself, along with a lion in a dark suit, sat along one side of a long, wide table. Mastifson put on a smug smile and walked over to them.

“Barry, here is the maintenance review you requested. Are you ready to skin a tiger today?”

Neither Barry nor the lion seemed impressed by Mastifson’s attempt at wit. The lion arched an eyebrow, a slight frown appearing on his face. Barry tilted his head toward the empty chair beside him.

“Have a seat, Jeff. This is Lamont Lane. He’s the legal counsel for the FAA out of this office. He’s here to make sure we do everything the legal way.”

Mastifson had a sour look on his face for only a second before he managed a rather oily smile and sat down. He placed the thick report folder containing the maintenance review in front of his supervisor and sat back, the smug look returning.

“Of course. Everything has to be done just so, Barry. My, I didn’t know you were Academy. I can safely assume everything is ready for the hearing, then.”

Barry looked his way, resisting the temptation to roll his eyes. Another arrogant Air Force Academy product, just what he needed. He understood now that Billy Panelli hadn’t exaggerated the attitude the rotweiller held. The tone and expression Mastifson was using was way out of line, but for now he decided to let it pass. The ones like Mastifson he’d encountered before usually gave anyone who wanted to ample reason to cut them down a few notches.

“Yes, everything is ready.”

The lion, who’d been silent up until then, now spoke in a deep baritone. “And you, Mr. Mastifson, are you prepared to proceed with the charges?”

“Oh yes, quite. O’Whitt is a menace, and I’m glad to be able to bring his showboating stunts to an end before he hurts someone.”

Lamont was about to speak again, but the intercom chime interrupted him.

“Barry, the furs from Kentiger are here.”

“Thank you, Doris. Send them on in,” Barry replied after toggling the intercom on. Barely a second passed before the door opened and three furs filed in. Lamont Lane did a mental appraisal of each one as they entered. The white tiger who came in first must be Alex O’Whitt. The lawyer noted that the tiger was calm and confident without any sign of cockiness or bravado. Those two attitudes usually went paw-in-paw with a reckless pilot in the civilian world. The second fur, a Bengal tiger, was also confident and relaxed, but with a keen eye for what was going on around him. He had a predator’s watchfulness, and any weakness would be quickly identified. A fighter pilot’s eye, no doubt, but he’d seen a similar look on a sharp businessfur looking for an opening to further his business. This was William Panelli, he decided. The last fur, he didn’t have to guess at. Jackson Wags did most of the aviation law business around Lexington, so their paths had crossed fairly regularly. The canid also looked quietly confident, and to Lamont that confirmed what Barry Whitlock had told him before allowing Jefferson Mastifson to enter the office earlier. The charges were unfounded, and he had to watch out for the rotweiller’s personal agenda.

Lamont noticed out of the corner of his eye that Mastifson was looking imperiously at the group until he met eyes with Mr. Panelli. The rotweiller quickly looked down and away from that hard gaze. So there was some history there as well, the lawyer thought to himself. The lion’s eyebrow arched slightly as he watched Mastifson turn to look at Alex O’Whitt. A look of intense hatred appeared, and the rotweiller had to struggle to cover it quickly. For his part, the white tiger’s return gaze was the same calm, cool feline stare he’d had when he came in. Mastifson looked away after a brief moment, and the group stopped on the opposite side of the table from the FAA furs. Lamont watched with quiet interest as Alex took the spot directly opposite Mastifson. Barry didn’t let the tension that filled the room build any more than he had to.

“Gentlefurs, this is a formal FAA hearing on charges filed by an FAA official from the Lexington, Kentucky Bluegrass Field office. Please be seated.”

Each side settled into their chairs, and then Barry positioned a tape recorder on the table and pressed the record button before continuing.

“This hearing will be tape recorded as a means of keeping a record, and it will be transcribed later to written form. This hearing is to determine whether there is evidence of violations of the FAR’s, and to establish proper disciplinary actions should any violations be proved. The findings may be appealed to a court of law by the pilot in question. All furs present are to consider themselves under oath, and answer any and all questions truthfully under penalty of charges of making a false statement to a federal official. Signify your understanding by saying yes.”

A chorus of yeses sounded in the room. Barry noted the answers and went on.

“All present indicated yes. The pilot involved, one Alex O’Whitt, is now present. Let the record show that Mr. O’Whitt is licensed for the type of aircraft being flown at the time of the citations. He is rated as an Airline Transport Pilot, multi-engine jet, and is a rated Air Force Command Pilot. Also present are an FAA legal representative, the official filing the charges, the legal counsel for the pilot in question, and the co-owner of the business Mr. O’Whitt owns and flies for. Everyone now please state your name and affiliation for the tape so we can know who was saying what.

‘Lamont Lane, FAA legal counsel,” the lion intoned.

“Jefferson Mastifson the Third, Lexington Bluegrass FAA Field Office,” the rotweiller stated, a slight hint of his old fake Boston accent creeping into his voice.

Barry nodded toward Alex. “Now you and your team.”

“Alex O’Whitt,” Alex announced in his even, strong baritone.

“Billy Panelli, representing the interests of Kentiger Executive Air Service.”

“Jackson Wags, with the law firm of Beagle, Beagle, Barker, and Wags, attorney for Mr. O’Whitt and Kentiger.”

“Alright,” Barry said, ready to begin in earnest. “This is how things will go. The charging official will present the circumstances under which the possible violations occurred, and the result of the investigation into them. Then Mr. O’Whitt and his counsel will present their defense and any mitigating circumstances or additional evidence. Then I will confer with Mr. Lane and reach a decision. Jeff, proceed with your charges.”

“Thank you, Barry,” Mastifson answered, rising to his feet and striking a rather absurdly dramatic pose. “On the dates indicated in the charging documents, I have statements from several furs that Alex O’Whitt, acting as pilot-in-command, willfully and intentionally flew his aircraft, one civilian Tee Thirty Eight, registration number November Charlie Four Nine Nine Sierra Tango, in a reckless and dangerous manner. The actions took place in the Terminal Control Area for Port Columbus International Airport in Columbus, Ohio, McGhee-Tyson in Knoxville Tennessee, and Norfolk International in Norfolk, Virginia. Specifically, Mr. O’Whitt performed aerobatic maneuvers while taking off from the stated airfields, and exceeded the speed limit of two hundred fifty knots below eighteen thousand feet. These are violations of the following FAR’s.”

Mastifson read off the pertinent regulations, and then read off a list of statements from each location describing the maneuvers in question. Jackson Wags was quietly making notes as Mastifson read. Alex remained as he was, rock solid calm and unblinking. Billy continued to look like he was waiting to pounce on something, which caused Mastifson to stumble in his monologue once or twice. Mastifson finished up with a summation.

“So as you can see, Mr. O’Whitt’s actions were reckless and dangerous, and a violation of not only the FAR’s, but also of good judgment. That concludes the charges.”

Alex’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he remained silent, sitting in an upright and alert way, but not stiff or nervous. Even his tail was at rest, except for an occasional slow flip of its tip.

“Okay Jeff,” Barry acknowledged. He then looked at Alex, and then on to Jackson. “Mr. O’Whitt and counsel, do you understand the charges?”

Alex and Jackson both nodded once and said, “Yes.”

“Then please proceed with your defense.” Barry sat back and put a paw to his chin, ready to listen. Mastifson remained in his dramatic pose. Lamont had also eased back in his chair, focusing on whatever defense Alex and company would mount. Jackson leaned in to Alex and spoke to him briefly. Alex nodded and then Jackson cleared his throat and began the defense, while Alex remained as he had been, never taking his eyes off Mastifson.

“Mr. Whitlock, my client acknowledges and admits to the actions listed in the charges…”

Barry’s eyebrows shot up, as Lamont arched one eyebrow in surprise. This was a novel way of starting a defense. Mastifson actually grinned. O’Whitt was going to cave in just like he’d done in the Air Force, taking the hit instead of fighting back. So much for the hero fighter pilot. It was a wonderful feeling of déjà vu.

However, Jackson Wags was not done. “…but my client maintains he was fully authorized to perform every maneuver listed in the charges.”

Lamont Lane gave a barely perceptible nod of his head. He’d already known about the refuting evidence, but he had to give the canid points for delivery. He watched Jefferson Mastifson’s reaction. The rather evil grin, frozen for a moment before anger began to appear. Barry cleared his throat after a second.

“Alright, since the actions are not in dispute, please proceed with your evidence that the actions were authorized, Mr. Wags. Please state what you are presenting for the tape as well as providing me a copy.”

“Thank you,” the canid replied, rising and picking up several sheets of paper. “These are statements from the ATC furs on duty at the time, stating that Mr. O’Whitt was cleared by them for unlimited takeoff and climbout.”

Mastifson gave a derisive snort that startled everyone. “That does not give him leave to ignore the FAR’s. Unlimited takeoff only allows unrestricted climb to either the stated altitude or to as high as the ATC jurisdiction extends that granted the clearance. That’s not an excuse for aerobatics.”

“Jeff, don’t interrupt,” Barry stated shortly, still settling his fur after the sudden outburst. Mastifson looked offended, but shut his muzzle. Barry addressed Jackson again. “Go on, please, Mr. Wags.”

Jackson gave a nod and went on. “I also have here a copy of a waiver, issued from the FAA, authorizing the aircraft in question, a civilian Tee Thirty-Eight, registered as named in the charges, to execute a roll to inverted and on to upright, as needed during climb to adjust pitch angle. As I’m sure you and Mr. Mastifson are familiar with, the Tee Thirty-Eight has very good positive pitch angle travel, but only a few degrees of negative pitch angle travel. The waiver was granted to allow a safer and easier way of adjusting pitch angle during climb. This negates the charges of doing aerobatics in the TCA, since the charges state that a roll maneuver was performed each time.”

As Jackson paused to take a breath, Mastifson bared his teeth and interjected. “Very convenient. Those were NOT pitch-control rolls. They were show-off aerobatics to impress someone. Who was watching you, O’Whitt? Some little skirt you were trying to—”

“JEFFerson!” Lamont suddenly growl-roared the name, stopping the rotweiller in mid-accusation. “I suggest you watch carefully what you are saying. This is a hearing on evidence, not on personal feelings or conjecture.”

Mastifson’s face was a mask of rage for a second, but then he compressed his lips and brought himself back under control. He gritted his teeth and spoke again. “That still doesn’t excuse the high-speed pass at Columbus. There is an absolute speed limit of two hundred fifty knots below eighteen thousand feet. O’Whitt’s speed was estimated by one fur observing his flying then as close to or over three hundred knots. If that isn’t reckless flying I don’t know what is.”

Jackson Wags continued, barely acknowledging that Mastifson had spoken. “In the matter of the high-speed pass at Port Columbus, I also now submit a copy of statements by ATC furs on duty at the time that the maneuver was requested and authorized. I—”

“THAT does not change the fact that he broke the speed limit!” Mastifson again interjected. Barry looked at him sharply.

“Jefferson, if you interrupt again, I will throw you out of this office, do I make myself clear?”

Mastifson at first started to snarl, but managed to control it to a sneer. “Yes…sir.”

“Good, now sit down, you look absurd.”

Mastifson sat down, looking like someone had force-fed him a dozen lemons. Barry nodded to Jackson, who continued where he’d been interrupted.

“I also submit a copy of a waiver for the aircraft in question, authorizing it to exceed the speed limit and go up to three hundred knots below eighteen thousand. There is also a radar transcript showing Mr. O’Whitt’s speed during this maneuver. It shows his maximum speed to be exactly two hundred ninety nine point four knots.”

“I see,” Barry responded after a moment’s silence. “Jeff, do you have more evidence to submit?”

After a moment, and with a very sour look, the rotweiller responded. “No…sir.”

“Mr. Wags, Mr. O’Whitt, do you have anything further to add?”

“No, we have nothing further,” Jackson answered.

“Then allow me to confer with the FAA counsel for a moment.” Barry stood, Lamont rising with him. They walked over to Barry’s desk and talked quietly for a moment. Mastifson looked at Alex as though he’d like to tear him apart. Alex maintained his same, calm expression, and after a few seconds, the rotweiller had to look away. Barry and Lamont returned and took their places at the table.

“After discussing this case with counsel, and with his agreement, I now dismiss the charges, and clear Mr. O’Whitt’s record in this matter.”

“I concur,” Lamont stated for the tape, giving a nod in Alex and Jackson’s direction.

“Then that concludes this hearing.” Barry switched off the recorder and looked as though he were going to speak to Alex, but Mastifson jumped to his feet and turned as though to leave, his face still held in a sour look.

“Hang on, Jeff. I need to discuss some things with you before you head back to Lexington.” Barry stopped him before he’d taken a step. He then addressed Alex and company.

“Mr. O’Whitt, Mr. Panelli, Mr. Wags, thank you for your time. Jeff is still green with us. I’m sure from here on out he’ll investigate more thoroughly before filing charges.”

Alex stood up. He continued to stare Mastifson right in the eye with the same calm, cool, feline look. Mastifson looked back with an unmistakable glare of hatred, but again could only hold eyes with the tiger for a moment. Something about that cold gaze was far worse than the predatory glare from the other tiger. If O’Whitt’s look had returned the hatred Mastifson was feeling, the rotweiller felt he could have stared him down. Something in that cold gaze told him that O’Whitt didn’t return his hatred. Worse, it made him feel as though he was of no consequence. Like an insect or some minor irritation, worthy of no emotion, not even annoyance. It unnerved the rotweiller.

Alex turned his gaze to Barry, softening it slightly. “Thank you, Mr. Whitlock. I hope our next meeting is under better circumstances. You also, Mr. Lane.”

Alex then turned and walked to the door. He stopped there a second and looked back over his shoulder.

“Mr. Mastifson, I was out of town when you stopped by Kentiger, so I didn’t get to extend a proper greeting. Welcome to Lexington.”

He then faced forward and walked out the door, a satisfied-looking Billy Panelli right behind him. Jackson Wags held back a moment to shake paws with Lamont.

“Lamont, good to see you.”

“And you, Jackson. Keeping things straight in Lexington, I see,” the lion replied.

“Oh yes. You’d best be doing the same with the FAA office. If your green official here files any more unfounded charges outside his official jurisdiction, I might have a harassment suit to file.”

The canid’s face held a friendly smile, but the tone of his words was unmistakable. The lion returned the smile, but his words were also firm.

“We’ll…address that. If your clients keep their noses clean, there should be no problems.”

“No problem there. Come down and have dinner with us sometime.”

“Goodbye, Jackson,” Lamont replied as Jackson turned and walked out after his clients. Mastifson was still standing in the same spot that Barry had halted him in, looking as though he’d like to explode. Barry and Lamont had stood as Alex and company departed, but now they sat back down.

“Sit down, Jeff, we need to talk.” Barry indicated the chair Mastifson had stood up from. The rotweiller looked at him with a mix of hatred and contempt for a second. This fur might be Academy, but he certainly wasn’t upholding the reputation that alumni always stuck together. He then reluctantly sat down, and Barry regarded him for a moment before speaking.

“Jeff, officially I’m putting this down as a rookie error. No disciplinary measures will be taken, but I will put a note in your file about your attitude and the outbursts during the hearing. I’ll pull that after your yearly evaluation, provided you get your act together and learn from this. Unofficially, I know your history with O’Whitt. If you pull a stunt like this again, or file any more charges without full documentation and overwhelming evidence, I will personally throw you under the lawsuit that will result. Also, stay on your own beat. If I hear of you snooping around on Kentiger’s side of the field, I’ll sign off on a transfer for you to our International Falls Field Office as the runway ice inspector. Do you understand me?”

Mastifson was so mad he could barely see straight. His eyes narrowed to slits and his paws clenched reflexively on the arms of the chair.

 “How…dare…”

Barry didn’t back up a millimeter. “I dare because I am your supervisor. This is not the Air Force, or I’d court martial you for both insubordination and malicious misuse of your position. If you don’t want to accept the discipline required of the job, then I’ll accept your resignation. If you make a physically aggressive move toward me, I’ll have you arrested and then fire you. What will it be?”

Mastifson was breathing fast, but managed after a moment to force himself to function through his rage. He relaxed his paws and lowered his eyes, even turning his head slightly to make a show of baring his throat. Barry nodded.

“Wise choice. Now, as I asked before, do you understand what I said?”

Mastifson’s lemon-face had returned, replacing his look of rage, and he managed to acknowledge in a calmer voice. “Yes…sir.”

“And Jefferson,” Lamont Lane stated, causing the rotweiller’s head to snap around in his direction in surprise. “If you do cause a lawsuit from Mr. O’Whitt, Kentiger, any of their employees, or any family of Mr. O’Whitt or Mr. Panelli, the FAA will settle out of court for our part in it, but we will not carry your part. Any judgment against you, you will have to meet on your own.”

Mastifson’s eyes narrowed dangerously again. All he got in return from the lion was a feline stare that reminded him of O’Whitt. For the briefest second he wished he could produce a look that neutral, and yet that contemptuous. Then he blinked and looked down, unable to hold his gaze with this feline either.

“Yes sir,” he muttered. “Will that be all?”

Barry stood up. “Yes Jeff. Listen though, keep to your duties and forget about O’Whitt. Pursuing a vendetta like this will only lead you into trouble.”

Jefferson Mastifson the Third stood up, regarded the terrier for a second, and then turned and left without a word or backward glance. Barry and Lamont watched him go, and then Barry began to put the documents Jackson Wags had provided him into the file for the case. The lion stood and stretched, preparing to leave.

“You’d better keep a tight rein on that one, Barry, or he’ll be the end of your career. Or your life. I thought for a second he was actually going to attack you. O’Whitt too, for that matter.”

“Yeah, I know. He’s a real loose cannon,” Barry agreed. “I’m stuck with him for at least a year, unless he quits or screws up so bad it lands him in jail. I also find myself in the uncomfortable position of having to watch O’Whitt’s back to keep Jeff from trying to stick a knife in it. I’ll give Alex O’Whitt this, he’s one cool customer. Kept his muzzle shut, but he nearly bored a hole through Jeff with that stare. Made my fur stand on end the way you three felines never blinked.”

Lamont started for the door, but then stopped and looked back, his eyes fixed and steady.

“Whatever do you mean?” he asked with a predatory grin. Barry just shook his head and waved, and the lion continued out the door.

# # #

“Alex, you did admirably. Mastifson was so put off his stride, having to look at you face to face, that he really lost it and let his bias show.” Jackson Wags was almost wearing a hole in the upholstery as he lived up to his last name. The canid attorney was obviously well-pleased at how the case had gone. Alex shrugged as he relaxed in the opposite seat, enjoying the flight back to Lexington. Billy had managed to doze off shortly after takeoff, but Alex could still hear his last comment.

“That jab at Mastifson. ‘Welcome to Lexington.’ Priceless!”

Alex wasn’t really sure why he’d said it. It wouldn’t help the situation, that was certain. Still, he supposed it was a good way of letting the rotweiller know that if he continued to try to target Alex, he wouldn’t have an easy time of it. Realizing Jackson was awaiting a reply, he snapped out of his brief reverie.

“Not a problem. He’s a very pompous one anyway, and I knew any kind of direct verbal exchange would lead to me telling him off. Threatening an FAA official is just not a good way of making one’s case, even if that official is Mastifson.”

“I would’ve loved to be a fly on the wall for what went on in that office after we left. Still, is it likely Mastifson will leave you and Kentiger alone now?” Jackson cocked his head to the side in a classic curious-canid look.

“No. To me it seems the whole purpose for him joining the FAA and getting assigned to Lexington was to be able to get back at me for his forced retirement and loss of favor with his uncle. He’ll be more careful, more subtle next time, but I have no doubt he’ll try to do something in my direction again. I wish it wasn’t so. You have no idea how difficult it was to remain calm and keep my claws sheathed. I warned him while we were both still on active duty to leave me and mine alone, but it apparently didn’t do any good. Still, at least if he’s at Lexington, he’s not sneaking around somewhere else scheming his revenge.”

Jackson’s tail stopped for a moment, and he took on a speculative look. “Better watch your tail and do a re-e-eally thorough preflight for a while. The look he gave you at the end, I wouldn’t put much past him. As I said earlier, keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.”

Alex tilted his head a bit and his ear twitched slightly as he considered the old saying again. Finally, he gave a nod.

“Yes, I think that’s exactly what I need to do in his case.”

Jackson just nodded in return as his tail went back to thumping against the seat.

End of Chapter 53

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