“That timeline would work pretty damn well for us,” said Mark. “Thank you.”
The meeting ended, and they were escorted back to the corporate waiting area by Linda. When they were alone, Ford suggested that since his parents lived near-by that they could drive about 45-minutes over to their area in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina and meet for dinner. Everyone was on board with the idea, and they made their way on to Route 17 and Highway 278 via a Gulfstream loaner car.
The Low Country of South Carolina was stunning, with its striking array of waterways that included an ocean, rivers, a sound, eclectic creeks, and rich salt marshes. Hilton Head Island is a resort town just 20 miles northeast of Savannah, and about 90 miles south of Charleston. Its 12 miles of beachfront on the Atlantic Ocean make it a popular vacation destination for many on the east coast.
Robert drove the Nissan Ultra loaner while Ford sat shotgun and navigated. Mr. and Mrs. Chad Stevens decided to meet the group at The Skull Creek Boathouse Restaurant, near the Hilton Head Planation, directly on the Skull Creek intercostal waterway. The Boathouse, which is on the waterfront and next to an actual warehouse that houses boats, had an outdoor bar complete with a year-round thatched grass roof, a multitude of flat panel televisions, and a robust schedule of outdoor acoustic guitar players. The atmosphere was exactly what the team needed to rehash where they were with the plan.
From the backseat, Mark, ever the backseat driver, was always on the go, talking, pointing, and active. Sometimes people thought he had ants in his pants, like a kindergartener, but it was just his personality coming through.
“Looks like phase one, the entry, is coming together. We should head up to Corning in the morning to have the chat about the jet, but I’m happy that it is not only available, but our ramp can be made,” Mark commented, now that they had a few minutes alone to chat.
Emily was in the backseat, relatively quiet. She had been more of the thinker today, not saying much, but backing up the team on decision making. Mark usually made his decisions by consensus, in that he usually asked all of them for their opinions before going final. She was also the true critical thinker of the group, using her high emotional intelligence that got her into MI6. She was also ‘the woman’ behind the man, providing the special nurturing and encouragement that Ford was going to need.
“Phase two,” Emily said, with a half a second pause. “We need to get Ford back to skydiving, so he is familiar again. Also, get him into a wing suit.”
“Ford, what do you think?” asked Robert.
“Hold up everyone. Wait a sec. Wait a moment, please, I’m looking up something on Google Maps. I suggest we also take a hard look at airfields on the China map again,” Emily added, while looking at the east coast of China on her smart phone.
Ford turned around in his seat. “I’d like to get a jump in with the guys from the Teams as soon as possible. I’m also about a week out from flying, from physically sitting in the cockpit. Not rusty, but it’s a perishable skill. If not, perfectly okay. Perhaps a simulator flight or two over at Andrews or where ever, just to get back in the saddle.”
“We can do that. Sure,” replied Mark.
Ford continued. “We also still don’t know the performance parameters of Wu’s jet, and it would be pretty damn helpful if we could replicate some of it so I know what we are dealing with. Weights, speeds, power plants, take-off and landing data. If we can,” Ford added. “Fuel is a big one, too. If this thing takes some weird hybrid fuel, and Wu lands someplace that doesn’t have it, it complicates things. Most engines can take most fuels, but who knows with this thing?”
Robert pulled the sedan into the restaurant parking lot, which was full of islanders eating and drinking for their night out on the town. After parking the car, Emily and Ford were able to walk together slowly while Robert and Mark went ahead. Robert and Mark went to the bar first for a beer, while Emily and Ford walked towards the pier alone.
Emily held his hand, while Ford checked out the waterway on Skull Creek. He then looked at her, and planted a kiss, something he had not done in a while because of the pace of their situation.
“You ok, Ford?” she asked.
“Oh, yeah. Fine,” as Ford glanced at her, then down at the ground. “I’m just thinking about Wu again. You and I never really talked about him much, but he truly was close to our family. He was the best. Still is the best, I mean. Unfortunately, I’ll have to tell my parents tonight.”
Emily looked out at the water. “I understand. I never told you this, but I lost a girlfriend in college. My roommate of two years. She died over the course of a few days from meningitis… I was heartbroken. So, I do understand, love. But, you know, you can’t tell them, your parents, about the op, right?” Emily said. She wanted to be sympathetic, yet ensure Ford understood the ways of the intelligence community. He held a clearance, but something at this level was so dynamic, so important and sensitive, that a reminder was necessary.
“Yeah, yeah. I know that. I’m sorry to hear of your friend from college. I had not heard that before. It’s just tough, you know,” Ford answered, looking at the fishing boat coming back from an afternoon’s catch. “My parents know I fly and do things like this around the globe. They’ll just be upset at the upcoming loss of Wu. Wish they could have seen him. Maybe they will, depending on where we land, and the timing and all.”
“I want you to know I love you, no matter what happens, Ford. The pace will pick up, and we won’t have that much alone time together. I’ll do whatever I can to support you on this mission, and get you back safely,” Emily said, hugging him hard.
“I love you, too. Thanks for the support, Emily,” Ford answered. “Keep up the love and maybe we’ll start dating.”
“Start? Well, okay then, I’d have to stop dating all those other pilots I’m with. Hey, cut that out, fly boy,” Emily teased him.
They walked inside and saw Mark and Robert at the bar, watching highlights of the college football games. The square bar inside was jammed, and Ford looked around for his parents. Since they weren’t there, he took a look out back. Peeking through the glass pane to out back, he spotted them sitting near the outdoor bar. Ford doubled back to grab everyone, and led the way outside to the patio and bar area.
The Stevens’ stood up and hugged Ford. “Good to see you, son. You look just great. Not a scratch on you from the fire last week!” said Mr. Stevens.
A waitress dropped off menus for the latest guests at the same time, but did not ask for additional drink orders yet.
“We are so happy that you were able to come down and enjoy this beautiful weather with us!” said Marion. “Sunset from here is priceless. So. Ford….please introduce us!”
Robert looked closely at Mr. Stevens, and thought that he had met him someplace before. He couldn’t really remember a location or an event, but yes, he had met him or worked with him in the past.
“Mom, Dad, of course, you know, Emily. And this is Robert. And this is Mark.” Ford said, as each person shook hands and exchanged greetings.
“Mr. Stevens. Have we met before? You look very familiar to me,” Robert asked after the introductions.
“No, I don’t believe we have. I’m retired from Shell Oil. Lived around many places in my career. Where are you from?” Mr. Stevens asked.
“Around. Moved around as a kid because my dad was Army. Then I was Army. I work now in Washington, DC. Defense contractor,” answered Robert.
“Oh, I see. Well, perhaps I look like someone you know,” answered Mr. Stevens. Except that he did recognize Robert from the past. He could not remember either, but was pretty sure he did. He kept it to himself and didn’t let on. Maybe it would come to him later in the dinner, as he sipped his Palmetto Ale microbrew.