Flight to Destiny (A Samantha Starr Thriller, Book 2)

by S. L. Menear

  “Good idea!” Inga nodded.

  “Arriving with a SEAL team would give credibility to the cover story,” Lance said.

  Captain Kingston nodded. “I agree. I’ll make it happen.”

  Commander Metz stood and faced the celebrities as he switched off the recorder. “Thank you for your cooperation. Follow Ensign Marsik, who’ll take you to the wardroom for lunch.”

  Ensign Marsik waited by the door as the actors walked around the table to me.

  “We’re not leaving until we hug our captain. She saved our butts several times.” Rod gave me a gentle hug, followed by the others.

  “Be careful. I’ll miss you all.” I waved good-bye and watched them leave.

  “Next up, I’d like to hear from the flight attendant.” The commander switched the recorder back on.

  Inga gave a professional account of her experience, hugged me, and left the conference room.

  My turn.

  “All right, Miss Starr, let’s discuss what’s really going on. I’ll move you over to the empty side so your brother can join you.” Commander Metz pulled back my chair and helped me around. “Your fellow pilots are military men. Secrets aren’t an issue.”

  Matt knocked and walked in.

  “Lieutenant Starr, have a seat next to your sister,” the captain said. “We’re ready to hear her story.”

  Commander Metz switched on the recorder.

  “The women in my family line have psychic abilities, mostly visions during dreams, but sometimes while awake. In Hong Kong, I saw a vision of an ancient island civilization that Harvard Professor Ben Armitage, a friend who’s an expert in antiquities, believes was Atlantis. Later, I saw the catastrophic destruction of Atlantis on a hologram and saw it rise again on another hologram in a hidden chamber in Petra.”

  “Our Navy discovered Atlantis during the Cuban Missile Crisis in the ’60s,” Captain Kingston said. “One of our subs almost hit a massive pyramid underwater near Cuba. We kept it secret for years, but recently two scientists leaked the information. They posted pictures of the submerged city on the Internet.” He smiled. “Go on.”

  I told them about all my visions, the curio shop in Hong Kong, and the artifact. “Professor Armitage thinks it’s the prototype for Poseidon’s Sword, a possible weapon of mass destruction invented by scientists in Atlantis. It almost burned down his house when he tinkered with it.”

  “Odd they named it Poseidon’s Sword,” Captain Kingston said. “The god of the sea carries a trident.”

  “I think referring to the weapon as a sword is metaphorical rather than literal,” Commander Metz said.

  “I agree. Their technology is amazing.” I showed them the pendant I found in Agra.

  As they passed it around the table, I told them about the German-accented kidnappers and the unknown sniper who killed them at the Taj Mahal. I concluded with my account of Petra, including how my attackers were also shot by unknown snipers.

  “This pendant opened the mountain in Petra?” The commander held it out to me.

  “Yes, and it opened a door on the other side of the mountain where we exited. Watch this.” I activated the diamond pyramid.

  “Whoa, what’s that? It’s as bright as a laser.” Commander Metz leaned back from my outstretched hand.

  I handed him the pendant. “Touch the diamond. It isn’t hot.”

  “How did you do that?” Captain Kingston asked, looking amazed.

  “Sam’s body energy is the right electromagnetic frequency to activate it, just like she did with the weapon prototype,” Matt said. “Professor Armitage thinks my family’s ancestors are from Atlantis.” Matt put his arm around me and smiled proudly.

  Lance joined in. “Dragon Master, the shopkeeper in Hong Kong, told her to follow the dragon current and warned her about the Black Sun. We’ve since learned that dragon currents are ley lines, and the Black Sun is a Nazi cult bent on world domination.”

  “How did the Black Sun know Sam would get the weapon prototype?” Captain Kingston said. “I’d like to know how they found her in that curio shop at just the right time.”

  “They couldn’t have known I was going there. I didn’t know I was going to that shop until the day I went. Unless—”

  “Unless what?” Captain Kingston asked.

  “It’s possible there’s a written prophecy about me. Dragon Master told me my destiny lies hidden in one teardrop on the cheek of time in a rose-red city as old as time. He might have omitted the part about the curio shop since I was already there.”

  “The teardrop is the Taj Mahal, and the rose-red city is Petra,” Lance said.

  “Any idea who your guardian angel snipers might be?” Commander Metz asked.

  “Not the SAS—I asked them. I doubt it’s the Dragon Society. Their area of expertise is with dragon currents, not military weaponry. Could be a rival group to the Black Sun. Both times, I couldn’t see the snipers. They must’ve been too far away.” I hung the pendant around my neck.

  Matt turned to me. “What about Nicolai? Could he be working with the Black Sun?”

  “Who’s Nicolai?” The intel officer looked confused.

  “Nicolai Vasiliev is a psychotic Russian giant who nearly killed me this past August in Scotland. He’s former Spetsnaz and a skilled assassin. I don’t think he’s connected to the Black Sun. They all seem to be German.” I glanced from Commander Metz to Captain Kingston.

  “We can’t let that Nazi cult get a weapon of mass destruction,” the captain said. “And we should look for a rival group that wants the weapon. They could be shadowing you to protect you until you find it. I’ll see to it all the resources of the U.S. intelligence community focus on solving this puzzle before it’s too late.”

  “We need to keep my sister safely hidden. The Black Sun and who knows how many other groups are hunting her.” Matt’s voice was filled with worry.

  “I’ll stay with Ross in his castle. He can protect me.”

  Matt shook his head. “That’s the first place they’ll look. He can’t fight a small army alone.”

  Lance nudged Jeff. “Pete can cover the copilot duties for the rest of the charter flights. We don’t have any more extended legs. I could take Sam to my cabin on Possum Kingdom Lake in Texas. Nobody will look there.”

  “You don’t know that.” Matt’s face reddened. “They’ve had little trouble tracking her so far. If they follow you to that cabin, you’ll be toast.”

  “Everybody calm down. Lance, I appreciate your kind offer, but I’m going to Scotland. I’ll stay in Duncan MacLeod’s castle in Craigervie. He has loads of secret passages and places to hide me. Don’t forget he and his butler, Baxter, were Special Forces soldiers in the SAS. Ross and his team can help protect me there. And Mom can nurse me back to health.”

  The captain cleared his throat. “Eh, Miss Starr, we’d like to keep this situation under American control. The Brits don’t know about the weapon and the Black Sun.”

  “Ross knows, which means his commanders probably know. The UK appreciates what I did for them in August. They’ll do whatever’s necessary to protect me.”

  Matt nodded. “That’s true. And Ross knows everything we know. In fact, he may know more because he followed Sam’s trail into the mountain in Petra. He may have seen the ancient chamber she encountered.”

  “What? Ross was in Petra? Is he okay? I didn’t know he went looking for me.”

  “His team parachuted in the morning after your group vanished. He saw the 727 take off and knew you were aboard because you activated the emergency button on your DARPA watch. He sent me an email,” Matt said.

  “His soldiers are probably the ones who fired at the airplane during takeoff. Wish I’d known.” I turned to the captain. “I understand America wants custody of the weapon when it’s found, but I’m not about to go looking for it in my condition. After I’m healed, I’ll help our military find it. Okay?”

  “We’ll work something out with the Brits. Commander Metz will commu
nicate with you daily. I’ll arrange transport for you. You’ll be in disguise during transit. Is that acceptable?” The captain gave me an encouraging smile.

  “Thank you, Captain Kingston. I appreciate all the help you’ve given me. I promise to keep Commander Metz in the loop.” I smiled and sighed. “I guess we should say our good-byes now, in case we don’t connect again before our flights depart.”

  The captain gently kissed my hand. “Miss Starr, it has been my pleasure.”

  Commander Metz took my hand. “I’ll see you before you leave.” He walked out with the captain.

  Matt hugged me. “I’ll wait for you outside and walk you to your cabin.”

  I turned to the three brave men I had the privilege of working with.

  “Jeff, thanks for saving our butts back in Egypt. Sorry for leaving the 767 in Aqaba and bringing the Black Sun down on our tour group.” I hugged him and planted a kiss on his cheek.

  “Hey, don’t worry about it. You didn’t know that would happen. Stay safe in Scotland and let me know how you’re doing if you can communicate without compromising your security.”

  Pete hugged me. “Be careful, Sam.” He walked out and left me alone with Lance.

  Lance stepped closer. “When you jumped out of the 727, did your jaw hit the deck? Maybe you chipped a tooth or hurt your mouth?”

  “No, I wore a helmet. My body is severely bruised, but my head and mouth are okay.”

  “Good.” Lance pinned me against the wall and kissed me with a passion so intense it felt like my lips would melt.

  When he pulled back, he looked into my eyes. “Sam…if you need me, anytime, anywhere, call me, and I’ll be there. Please, stay safe.”

  His liquid-green eyes bored into my soul as he held the door open for me.

  Matt peeked into the room. “Sam? You coming?”

  “Huh?” I felt weak in the knees. “Uh, um, yeah.”

  Texas men. Damn.

  I stood in Primary Flight Control, or Pri-Fly as the pilots called it, the glass-enclosed part of the island tower where the air boss controlled air traffic departing and arriving on the ship.

  The air boss pointed at a twin-engine propjet. “Your people are about to launch on the COD.”

  “COD?”

  “Carrier Onboard Delivery. That one’s a C-2A Greyhound with twin turboprops. They’re ready in the catapult.” He turned and spoke into his boom mike. “COD is cleared to launch from CAT two.”

  I watched the C-2A roar to full power. The catapult instantly flung the COD into the sky. The airplane climbed and banked toward Italy.

  “I guess they didn’t have room for me on that flight.” I watched the airplane vanish in the clouds.

  “The skipper has something more exciting planned for you.” The air boss gave me a knowing smile. “You’ll arrive in Naples long before your friends.”

  Matt tapped my shoulder. “The skipper said I’d find you here.” He held up a G-suit with Bombshell sewn on the left breast. “Think this’ll fit?”

  My spirit soared. “Seriously? A ride in a fighter?”

  He grinned. “Yep, I’m taking you to Naples in an F/A-18F. That’s a two-seat Super Hornet. Let’s get you suited up. We launch in twenty.”

  He led me out of Pri-Fly, and I waved good-bye to the air boss. He smiled and saluted.

  Minutes later, I looked like a real fighter pilot in the G-suit. Matt briefed me on ejection protocol and everything else I needed to know. I felt like a little kid at Christmas. Everyone who saw me broke into a big smile.

  My doctor approached with a concerned look. “Sam, are you sure you want to fly in the fighter? The G-forces from the CAT launch and fighter flight might pop your stitches.”

  “No way am I missing a chance to fly a Super Hornet! I can get stitched up again in Naples. It’s only a breast wound.” I gave her a pleading look. “Please, Doc, this is a chance of a lifetime for me.”

  “All right, but only if your brother promises to take it easy on you and not do anything crazy.” Her voice had a stern tone.

  “Don’t worry, Doc, I’ll keep my baby sister safe.” Matt put his arm around my shoulders.

  Doctor Carole smiled. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Sam. Try to stay out of trouble. Remember, your body needs time to heal.” She saluted us and walked away.

  Commander Metz walked in. “Sam, we have a military Gulfstream jet waiting for you in Naples. They’ll take you to Edinburgh where you’ll transfer to a helicopter for the flight to the SAS base in Dundee. Wear the flight suit and helmet when you transfer to the Gulfstream and again when you board the helicopter. Captain Sinclair will meet you when you land at the SAS base. Any questions?”

  “How should I communicate with you?”

  “Use this encrypted satellite phone. It will work almost anywhere except underground.” He handed me the phone. “My number is taped on the side. Put it in one of the zippered pockets in your jumpsuit. Call me when you’re secure at MacLeod Castle.”

  “Thank you, Commander Metz. I’ll call you when I arrive in Craigervie.” I kissed his cheek.

  He smiled at the unexpected affection. “Have a safe trip, Miss Starr.”

  Matt led me out to the flight deck and pointed at a nearby fighter. “There’s our ride. Ready to rock ’n’ roll, Sis?”

  “Hoo yah! Let’s hit it.” I fastened my helmet and climbed the boarding ladder.

  It wasn’t long before I heard the air boss in my helmet. “Rodeo and Bombshell, cleared to launch from CAT one.”

  Our jet vibrated at takeoff power. In an instant, we sprang from zero to 165 mph and kept accelerating. The Gs pinned me against the seat with a distorted grin as we shot into the sky.

  “Hot damn!” I screamed.

  “Rodeo is cleared to angels twenty. Give her a good ride,” the air boss said in a fatherly tone.

  Matt repeated his clearance to the air boss, pulled the stick back, hit the afterburners, and blasted us straight up into the wild blue yonder. In seconds, the massive aircraft carrier looked like a tiny speck on the sea.

  At twenty-thousand feet, Matt leveled off. “It’s all yours, Sis. We have room to play until we get closer to the Italian coast.”

  I whipped the Super Hornet into some lightning-fast aileron rolls and giggled. “Oh my god, Matt, this is amazing! I’ve never flown anything like this.”

  “Want me to show you all the cool stuff it can do? That is, if you’re feeling okay.”

  “Hell yes, brother dear, give me a ride I’ll never forget.”

  And he did. We danced across the sky in a high-performance aerial ballet. Matt talked me through the combat maneuvers, then took over as we hooked up with an airborne tanker for inflight refueling, another thrill.

  As we approached Naples, Matt gave me one last surprise. “Sis, you’ll make the landing. It’ll be our secret. I’ll talk you through it, just like I did for your carrier landing in the 727.”

  “Wow, you really are fearless.” I laughed. “Okay, Rodeo, let’s do it.”

  “Damn straight, Bombshell. Make your big brother proud.”

  The Hornet felt squirrely in my hands compared to a Boeing airliner, which felt as steady as flying a house. The Super Hornet’s sensitive controls responded to the slightest touch. My hands sweated in my flight gloves as I concentrated on the glide path and extended centerline of the runway.

  “Looking good, Sis. Hold steady. Watch your airspeed. Your pitch is perfect. Add a little power. Good. Hold this attitude. When you get close to the runway, flare it just a little.”

  I eased back on the stick as we neared the pavement, and the main wheels kissed the runway.

  “That was shit hot, Sis! Lower the nose gear and ease it into reverse. Perfect. Okay, I’ll taxi it to the ramp and complete the after-landing checklist. Good job!”

  Matt parked on the ramp and shut down the engines.

  “Thanks for giving me a flight I’ll never forget, Matt. That was a dream come true. I don’t think I’ll ever s
top smiling.”

  “My pleasure, Sis, you’re a good stick. Too bad Dad wouldn’t let you join the Navy. You would’ve made a great fighter pilot.”

  “That’s assuming my nerves could survive all the terrifying carrier landings. Aerial combat must seem like a cakewalk compared to landing on a pitching flight deck at night in bad weather. You’re the man!”

  “I admit my job has its moments.” He pointed to his right. “Looks like your Gulfstream is ready to depart. Don’t go inside the terminal. They want you to board directly from here.”

  Matt opened the canopy, and we climbed down the ladders the ground crew had positioned.

  “I guess this is good-bye. I love you, Sis. Stay safe.” He saluted me.

  I saluted Matt. “I’d like to hug you, but I’d blow my cover. I sure am proud of you. Give my best to your skipper and tell him how much I enjoyed the flight. Stay safe, Matt. Love you.” I swallowed a lump in my throat as I walked away with my small travel bag.

  As I approached the boarding stairs with my helmet on, the copilot met me and grinned at the call sign on my flight suit.

  “Welcome aboard, Bombshell.” He led me up the airstairs and motioned for me to sit in the plush cabin.

  I buckled my seat belt as he retracted the stairs and closed the forward entry door. The pilot started taxiing when the copilot entered the cockpit. Moments later, we were on the takeoff roll. I took one final glimpse of the Super Hornet as we flashed past the ramp. After we were airborne, I removed my helmet.

  Hope I get a warm reception from Ross.

  Sixteen

  Ross was waiting for me when I exited the helicopter at the SAS base in Dundee, Scotland. He saluted me to continue the ruse. I returned his salute and followed him inside. He led me into his office and locked the door.

  I pulled off my helmet and fluffed my hair. “Ross, I missed you.” I reached for him.

  He focused on the name sewn over my left breast. “Bombshell?”

  “It’s my call sign. Matt’s fighter squadron gave it to me after my carrier landing.”

  “The name fits.” He pulled me against him and kissed me with a fierce passion.