Page 69 of Too Much In Common
“Yes.”
“May I think about it?”
Alan handed Chris a folder. “This is the basic plan. Still a work in progress.”
“I thought it would be on a computer.”
“ZoElle hasn’t been feeling well the last few days, and I am a bit behind. I need to hire more support staff. If you know of anyone...”
“Not that I can think of. Is there anything else?”
“No.”
“Then can I discuss my schedule? I’m willing to take all the weekends until the end of the month so I can schedule some days off.” Chris pulled out Tian’s schedule and traded his scheduled weekends off for a few other days.
* * *
Remarkably, everything fell into place for her father’s final flight. As he predicted, he was flying in an observatory position. Both of the other pilots were captains leaving Tian conscious of her three-bar status and the only FO in the cockpit. Simone joined the crew and was assigned to business class where her mother flew with her grandfather. Brit sat with Tian’s mother, also in business class. Chicago was experiencing one of those clear and cold February days that residents hated because of the windchill. Tian loved days like this for the view. The captain put her in the first officer’s seat for takeoff, giving her more control than she would normally have in that position.
The takeoff was textbook perfect. The caption congratulated her before making his standard announcement to the passengers which wasn’t so standard. “This is Captain Rochester. We have reached our cruising altitude of 32,000 feet. Before our Chicago-based cabin crew serves your meal, I have a special announcement. In the cockpit with me tonight is Captain Kurt Johnson on his final round trip flight as he is retiring. His daughter, First Officer Tian Johnson, is also flying with us as well. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight. Thank you for flying with Legacy Air. Next stop, Paris, France.”
The captain turned off his microphone. “Now it’s time for musical chairs. Kurt, you have been cleared to fly when we use autopilot. I know you will probably have that privilege again on our return trip. If you are feeling well enough, I would like to relinquish the controls to you.”
Tian wasn’t sure, but it seemed like Captain Rochester was choked up.
They switched places.
Tian’s father was silent as he latched his seat belt and looked over the console. A wave of emotion slammed into her like a 70-knot crosswind. Captain Rochester waved the other captain out of the cockpit, leaving Tian alone with her father. She suspected they stood in the galley area just beyond the cockpit.
“Look at that world, Tian. From up here, we can’t see the wars and strife, the loves and joys. From here, it is all peaceful. We are flying over millions of people who have no idea we are above their heads—and we have no thought for them. I’m going to miss this. There is so much I should have thought about but didn’t in my life. Thank you for accepting my apology and flying with me this one last time.”
“We will fly again in three days, won’t we?”
“I don’t think so. The captain shouldn’t allow me to be alone in here with you as it is. We both know it. He is giving me five minutes for my last flight. The irony is I don’t have to touch a single control.”
“Thanks for arranging this.” Tian forced the words past the lump in her throat.
“I hoped it would be more. I am so glad I didn’t have a heart attack or something that would keep me from being in here at all.”
They flew in silence for another minute before they were joined by Captain Rochester. “Captain Pitt is taking first rest. Kurt, you may leave or go as you wish. Tian, you take second, and I’ll take third.”
Most flights, Tian talked with the pilot at least some. For now, she relished the reverent silence that filled the cockpit.
“I think I’ll go check out the bunks.” Her father released his seat belt. He looked at Captain Rochester and something almost tangible passed between them.
The captain took his seat.
“Thank you for letting him have a moment with me.”
“Back when I was a new pilot, I made a mistake. Nothing career ending, but enough to destroy my confidence. Your dad got me through it and back into the air. I owed it to him. I was standing outside the door. Your dad is a good man. I know people only see his relationship problems and judge him. He was so much more.”
Tian cringed at the use of the past tense.
“I mean he is a good man.”
“I know.”
Someone knocked on the cockpit door. Tian checked the time. She took her headphones and tablet with her when she answered and switched places with Captain Pitt. Her father sat in one of the window seats of the small four-person lounge area adjacent to the crew’s sleeping bunks.
