Air Traffic Control interrupted. ‘Emu 711 you are cleared to continue climb to flight level 250. Here’s your Oceanic clearance. Are you ready to copy?’
The co-pilot nodded to Graham. ‘Los Angeles from Emu 711, leaving flight level 80, go ahead with Oceanic clearance.’ ATC offered them a route and height which they accepted. The plane was on course now; autopilot engaged, no need for both of them in the cockpit.
‘I’ll take over.’ Graham told him. ‘You go check on the passengers.’
Nick held up his sat-phone phone and Graham nodded. He immediately placed a call to Josh, surprised when he was connected without delay. Josh had no idea where he was calling from, and Nick did not say.
‘I’ve got good news.’ Josh said. ‘I found out where Laura is, but they won’t let me talk to her. What’s that odd drumming noise in the background?’
‘Nothing mate. Er, factory noise. Is she okay? Where is she?’
‘She’s inside Mt Rockwell, but don’t try to get in there. It’s tighter than Fort Knox. Those Generals are something else. Cooper said he’d treat anybody who threatens the security of Star flight in the same manner, no questions asked! I’m guessing they grabbed her as an example of what can happen. Everybody here thinks she’s been sent out of town.’
Nick felt a little better. At least she’s safe and she’ll be so busy figuring how to get out of it, he thought, she won’t have time to panic.
‘Will you pick up Maxime and send her to Laura? Nick asked. ‘I’ve left the key with the manager, he’s expecting you. I told him Laura had to leave town unexpectedly.’
Josh’s voice reflected suspicion. ‘Where are you? The boys in the Capitol are expecting you here today.’
‘I’m not going to be there.’
‘What? What’ll I tell them?’
‘I don’t care. Just say you don’t know where I am, you’ll be telling the truth. I’ll call you again soon.’ He disconnected the call before Josh had time to argue.
Nick’s next call was to the Platypus.
‘Nick!’ Sam boomed. ‘Where the hell are you! Wolf’s here. He just tole me the whole story. Man, I had no idea it was goin’ to be this big.’
‘Sorry, Sam. I didn’t have time to tell you everything. Everything’s gone crazy. What’s Wolf doing there? I thought he was staying at Unimak?’
Wolf’s voice butted in. ‘I had no place else to go. There was nothing more I could do at Unimak.’
‘I’m glad you’re there.’ Nick responded. ‘How’s it look?’
‘No change I’m afraid. Jeremy’s been down in the Bunyip’s several times. Readings are getting stronger if anything.’
‘Are the crew Okay? Sam was having some trouble with them when I left.’
‘Yah, they’re fine. Sam’s told them. Most of them want to stay on board, but he’s sent those with families home with the threat of death if they were to reveal anything. He said he wanted to stay on board. He called his mother in New York to send the family up to the mountains on the pretence of a family reunion with his brother up there for now.’
‘Good, we’ll need his level head. Put him back on.’
‘Yes, boss?’ Sam asked.
‘Keep her in International waters Sam. If anyone calls asking for me tell them you haven’t heard from me. Very important. You can refuel in Hawaii. I’m heading there now and I’ll organise more provisions to be ready at Pier 19 so you can get out of there quickly. Set your course for Brisbane Australia. We’ll keep in touch by sat-phone and Sam. Er, expect the worst. Good luck!’
‘Roger that, see y’ in Aussie, out!’
Nick felt better knowing all was well on board, now he could get on with the task ahead. So much to do and he felt so helpless. He decided not to call his brother until he arrived on the Gold Coast. He did not wish Brian a similar fate as Laura’s. He hoped they could see the Prime Minister immediately.
As Nick was thinking, Graham was making his own plans. For the first time in his life he was glad he had no family. That was one of the reasons why Angela had divorced him. Like any normal woman she had wanted children and a father who would spend time with his family. He was not a family man, the airline was and always will be his life. He knew already what it was he had to do.
***
Back at Mt. Rockwell General Worth was setting up his plans to eliminate the President. He didn’t like the word assassinate. Military personnel did not assassinate, unless it was in one of the worn torn countries such as Bosnia, Palestine and the like. No, this plan need to be foolproof.
He decided he would not tell Douglas and Anderson, he didn’t trust them at all, even though he had enough evidence to bury the pair of them. He had a man on the street, one who owed him some favours and one who would not pose a threat after the event.
Once the inundation begins the President will be prepared to fly to Mt Rockwell in Marine One. He will not arrive. Peterson will be installed as President and will declare a state of emergency and military rule. He will also empower Worth with his three more stars putting him on equal footing with General Cooper. All of Peterson’s direction from then on will be controlled by Worth who will orchestrate the recovery program and become the hero he had always dreamed of being.
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Eighteen
The tall verdant peak of Diamond Head on Oahu Island rising out of the bluest sea greeted Nick, it’s volcanic hewn crest pushing high into the sky; some partly obscured by low cloud. Graham cruised the big 797 over Pearl Harbour, the scene of that great disaster in 1941. Immortalised by the long gleaming white memorial straddling the Arizona battleship where she sank, the profile of her hull with the turrets of the ship still visible lay in the shallow waters of the harbour. The large Pacific Fleet naval base now boasted carrier groups, cruisers with Navilon hoods, escort destroyers and supply ships of every description. Tugs plied the waterway around Ford Island, busily assisting ships to anchor and depart. The jet glided gently down to the Honolulu International airport passing Hickam Air Force base where eight huge C530 U.S.A.F. cargo planes were lined up being tended by fuel tankers and service trolley trains. It had been a relatively short and comfortable flight and the big aircraft handled beautifully. As they taxied into the terminal Nick decided the five hour flight in this super jet to Australia wouldn’t be so bad after all.
Graham gave Nick the key to his apartment and left him at the airport, eager to put his plan into action. His first stop was to a business broker he knew well, whose mouth dropped open when Graham asked him to buy as many Vetos as he could find. The American branch of Aussair comprised four 777s, one executive Citation 111, two Lear 35’s and a Falcon 20. The two fast 797s used on the Australian run were leased from Boeing, Emu 711 being the latest addition to the fleet.
‘It’s not every day someone walks in and wants to buy a number of Vetos.’ The broker remarked, it was all he could do to resist rubbing his hands together. His buyer commission could be enormous. ‘I have an office on the mainland, I can source some there, but I’m telling you buddy, it won’t be a simple matter, you’re talking big money here.’
‘Don’t worry about the money. Just do it.’
The broker smiled.
‘You can contact Jim Heynes at my office. He has my authority to negotiate any deals.’ Graham handed the broker a card and left him standing open-mouthed behind his desk.
His next stop was back to the airport to see Jim at the office and fill him in. He had known Jim since the beginning of his marriage to Angela. A good friend and a sharp business manager, Graham had no qualms about leaving him in charge. Jim had spent most of his life in the US Air Force and was now almost sixty with a sharp mind. However, despite the age difference, they shared a camaraderie not easily achieved in the cut-throat airline industry.
Graham’s chest filled with a pang of pride and a lump lodged in his throat as he pushed his way through the big glass door engraved with the Aussair logo. Like most major airports around the
world, Honolulu International was right on the waterfront at Keehi Lagoon, and the long earthen and concrete ramparts of Los Angeles had been duplicated here, but he knew they would not hold back the rising ocean. He fought back the emotions that threatened to spill from his eyes as his receptionist greeted him warmly. A colourful vase of orange and yellow frangipani on her desk sparkled with silver droplets of water. A mandatory part of the office decor, they complimented the huge orange hibiscus she wore pinned against her great bush of black crinkly hair. A cool breath of air slightly scented by the frangipani caressed his nostrils as he flashed her one of his biggest smiles.
‘Morning wahine. Jim In?’ He said without stopping as he made directly to Jim’s office before she could answer.
He found Jim at his desk in the ultra modern office of glass and steel furniture. He was on the phone but immediately cut the call short when he looked up to see Graham, flushed-faced, standing at his door. Foregoing the usual greetings Graham announced abruptly, ‘I’m putting you in charge here Jim, I’m leaving for Australia in the morning and I won’t be back.’
Jim rose from his seat. ‘What?’
Graham waved him to sit.’Sit down mate, I’ve got something to tell you and you’re not going to like it.’ Graham went on to explain what Nick had told him adding that he had instructed his broker to buy Vetos.
Jim blinked several times while his brain processed Graham’s words. ‘How, who?’
Graham held up his hand. ‘I’ve got it straight from the horses mouth, Nick. I don’t know how we’re going to pull this together, once the press are told every Veto on earth will be requisitioned by the army. Can you contact my broker and arrange to take delivery urgently of any Veto he comes up with?’
Jim scratched his temples. ‘Whoa! How am I going to pay for them?’
‘Write a cheque. You’ve got four days max. The bank will be okay.’
The reality sank into both their brains. Jim sighed. ‘What do you want me to tell everyone? What about the pilots? How will I answer their questions? What will they be doing?’
‘For starters, you’ll need to find Veto pilots. Say nothing to our pilots yet.’
‘Wait on Graham, I can’t do that. What about their families? Are you crazy enough to think they’re going to come to work once this is announced, they’ll be fleeing to higher ground with everyone else.’
‘I know. The minute I leave this office I want you to get your family up into the hills and set up a Veto base somewhere. Carry on business as usual here while you can. Except, in four days time I want you to get our Aussie pilots ready and schedule all our planes out for Australia. After that no international flights will be permitted. There’ll be no flights coming in from Australia. You don’t have to do this Jim. You could leave right now and fly somewhere safe and I wouldn’t blame you. I know I can rely on you, we’ve been through some rough times together.’
Jim’s faced paled as the enormity of Grahams orders sank in. ‘Jesus, what a mess.’ He threw up his hands in surrender. ‘Okay, okay, don’t worry. It’ll be done! I can imagine the speculation though once I start buying Vetos. I’ll have the press down on me. What about the staff here? What about the schedules?’
‘Just get them all to higher ground. Once the word is out the army will be taking over and they’ll advise all airlines where to take people. You can handle it. I don’t care what time of day or where I am, I’ll be available. Take care mate, you’re going to be flat out like a lizard drinking.’ He added. They shook hands warmly. Then Graham hugged Jim hard and left as unexpectedly as he’d arrived.
***
Friday, June 2
That previous night they had packed up Graham’s belongings and readied for their trip. Nick awoke to find Graham long gone. Coffee was still brewing in the kitchen with a note to tell him the flight number and time.
Two hours after arriving at the airport Graham readied himself for the flight to Australia. His confidence had returned and he checked off the flight details as normal. He’d seek assistance from his contacts and the Australian Government to implement his plan. He’ll need all the Vetos he can get his hands on in Australia too. Nick would be a big help there. Nick! Christ. He’d forgotten him. He must be waiting to get through customs. He had no sooner turned on his sat-phone phone when the call came in.
‘I’m waiting in the bloody departure lounge.’ Nick yelled. ‘Where the hell are you?’
‘Sorry mate, hang fire, I’m on the way.’ Graham rushed back to the crew’s lounge, reached into a locker and grabbed a flight suit. He buzzed Nick’s phone. ‘Come to the crew’s lounge, eastern end of the terminal, hurry!’
Graham flipped over his watch and opened the door scanning the crowds for Nick. He spotted the gold pony tail and whistled. Nick spun around and headed for the lounge where Graham grabbed his arm. ‘Here put this on, quick!’
‘I hope you don’t think I’m going to fly that thing out there, I’m a seaman not a flam’n airman.’ Nick said.
‘It’s the only way I can get you onboard without a customs check. I’ll tell them you’re a trainee pilot. They’re not supposed to be on a flight with passengers, but we do it all the time, so my friends in customs will turn a blind eye. Just don’t look directly at them, you look a bit old to be a learner.’
Nick donned the navy blue and gold all-in-one uniform. He zipped up the front patting his trim stomach. ‘Thanks! I may not be young, but I can still fit into one of these snug outfits.’
They made their way briskly to the crew’s gateway with Graham busily writing notes on a clipboard as they walked. Flight attendants in classic maroon and gold uniforms wearing perky hats emblazoned with the ‘AA’ symbol fluttered by, excitedly discussing last night’s party at the Mars Skylounge. Two girls eyed him admiringly. Graham had acquired a certain reputation as a lady’s man, and any girl who was lucky enough to catch his eye and hold it was the envy of every attendant. Arriving at the counter by the door he waved the clipboard at the female airport official on duty.
‘G’day Cheryl. You look bright and fresh this morning. Surely you didn’t go to that shindig at the Mars last night.’ He said winking at her.
She grinned at him, flattered by his attention. Graham signalled with a nod to Nick to continue past as he leaned forward to impart some more flattery to Cheryl. Once through the door, Nick fell into step behind the other crew members heading along the jetway toward the cockpit.
He squeezed into the jump seat behind Graham again, this time for the long haul to Australia. They’d told the flight attendants he was a special guest travelling under cover. They accepted this subterfuge and fussed over him, intrigued by the deception, giggling among themselves as they speculated who he may be.
The big 797 roared off the runway and was swooping over Diamond Head at the Southern point of Waikiki beach within minutes. Graham nodded toward the huge crater roughly two and a half square kilometres ordinarily occupied by Fort Ruger, a small military outpost. The frantic activity would have puzzled most of the passengers and crew, but Graham and Nick understood immediately what was happening. Star flight was the obvious reason for the hundreds of tents, jeeps, Veto and military personnel now stationed over the entire surface of the crater.
As they drew away from Hawaii and the United States Nick finally relaxed, no reason now to worry about the CIA, he was on his way home! He would probably have to deal with Australian officials now, but somehow after the American experience, that didn’t seem so bad.
Graham loved this big jet. She was the latest and greatest technology from Boeing and he was thinking of ways he could keep it. Airports would be the problem, most where he had landing rights were on sea level and would be flooded. He would need the long range and speed it provided to get to the diminished land areas remaining above sea level. He’d also have to find a base to house it, and of course a large fuel supply as well. He wondered about that. How much fuel will be available? The flight checks were all completed and they settled dow
n for an easy trip home.
‘Who do you know in Canberra Nick?’ he asked after the co-pilot had left to check the rest of the crew’s activities.
‘Only a couple of marine scientists and a professor at Canberra Uni. Doubt they can be of much help. I’ve been away so long I’ve lost contact with most people. The only people I know are in Queensland, where Brian and Karen live.
‘Is Karen still nursing?’
Nick didn’t answer for a few beats. ‘Yeah. Brian’s always at her to quit but she won’t hear of it. Thank God they moved up to the mountains a-couple-a years ago.’
‘That’s good. We’ll need all the medical people we can find. D’you think she’ll work with us?’
‘You bet. We can count on her.’
Nick reflected on his past when he first met Karen, the instant attraction he felt on meeting her had grown to an obsession he couldn’t shake, even during his affair with Laura. She showed no interest in him, almost to the point of ignoring him. When Brian announced their engagement Nick was shattered. He was a little nervous at the prospect of seeing her again, unsure that he could resist the fatal attraction he felt for her. Perhaps that was why he had been drawn to Laura. She had the same stubborn streak and good nature. They looked so much alike, both petite with the same golden olive skin and dark hair, they could have passed for sisters. Over the last fifteen years not only had he loved her, but he had become to admire and respect her deeply, she was one helluva lady. He wondered how she’d take the news.
‘Christ!’ Nick exclaimed. ‘Just had a thought. What about all the planes in flight when it happens? It’s going to be so quick after the first warnings.’
2042: The Great Cataclysm Page 12
