Mark Spaid - Falcon Down

“Yes, Ma’am except for any personal items you may want.”

“Sounds good, let’s get ready to leave on the chopper. The folks from Indiana should be at the airport in a few minutes.”

“Yes, Ma’am,” and they both gathered things and headed for the back door to get on the Presidential Helicopter.

“This way,” a man in a gray suit said as the group landed at Joint Base Andrews in Washington D.C. It wasn’t really in D.C. but it was close. It was a base named after Frank Maxwell Andrews. He was commander of all Allied Forces in Europe during World War II until his plane crashed on an inspection tour in May of 1943. Dwight Eisenhower replaced him and made history as Supreme Commander of all Allied Forces in the European Theater of Operations during the War which could be the ultimate example of being in the right place at the right time.

“Let’s go,” Justin said and they followed him off the plane and into a van that would take them to Air Force One. The President always rode on Air Force One. They were ushered onto the plane and to their seating area. They passed through the most sophisticated metal detectors available and an X-ray machine. They were clean of course and sat down.

“I’m nervous,” Belinda said.

“Don’t be, Lind, I’m sure she’ll be taken with your beauty like everyone else,” Jozette said and Tatiana smiled.

“Very funny, Jo,” Belinda said with a smirk at her friend.

“What do you say to the President?” Andy asked.

“Hello, I’m Andy, glad to meet you,” Justin said and there was laughter.

“Wow, you and my wife are really funny today,” Andy said shaking his head.

“Sorry, Andy, look I don’t know what to say or how to act. I guess we should let her make the first move.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

“Is the President on board?” Belinda asked.

“No, the place would be crawling with secret service if she was,” Dave said.

“That’s right, you used to travel with the President. You were an advisor when we met you,” Jozette said.

“Yes, I was,” Dave said.

“Where does the President stay?” Belinda asked.

“There’s a suite in the back. She’ll be back there and you can’t get there so forget it. There are bathrooms for you guys up here.”

“Will she come to us or do we go back to her?” Belinda asked.

“It depends on what she wants and how they do things. Each President is different I’m sure,” Dave answered.

“I see flashing lights and a string of cars,” Ariel said.

“Then I’d say the President has arrived,” Warren said. They all went to the windows to peak out but saw very little as the limousines pulled right up to the plane and the President boarded in the rear. They sat down as the cars pulled away. They could hear the door being sealed and they sat in their seats almost at attention. A natural reaction I guess as they were all nervous even though Belinda was the only one who admitted it.

“I’m Agent Rodriguez and I’ll be in charge of all of you during this trip, on and off the plane.”

“Hello, Agent,” Justin said and offered a handshake.”

“We don’t shake… policy… sorry, no hard feelings.”

“Certainly not.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking, please fasten your seat belts, we’ll be taking off in a moment.” Captain Ezra Smithhalen had been the pilot for three Presidents and he knew the routine. Get the plane ready for takeoff then check with the President. The Captain was in charge in the air but they didn’t take off until the Chief Executive said so.

“We’re taking off now, folks,” Agent Rodriguez said from behind them as he sat down and fastened his seat belt. There was a rule at Joint Base Andrews. No planes take off or land until Air Force One is airborne and on its way. The plane started down the runway and Belinda held onto Justin. He hated flying and though he had less fear than he used to have it was still an ordeal for him. The runway wasn’t bad but the initial climb was. He clenched up, closed his eyes and he breathed like an expectant mother in Lamaze class. Belinda wiped his brow and held on tight to get him through it. Jozette leaned over and patted his knee and he nodded appreciation.

“We’re leveling off,” Andy said as the plane started horizontal flight. Justin relaxed and opened his eyes.

“Ladies and gentlemen, this is your Captain again, you can unfasten your seatbelts and move around the cabin. Be aware that on Air Force One there are restricted areas. Read the signs and follow the directions carefully. Thank you.”

“I have to go to the bathroom,” Belinda said and left quickly. It was a given that wherever they were as a group Belinda always went to the bathroom first. Was that catering to the princess and her whims? Probably and was she a vainglorious twit sometimes? Yes, and should they have stood up to her and told her they would no longer let her get away with her egomaniacal shenanigans? Yes, of course and in any other social setting the members would’ve put their foot down. But never forget that Belinda was loved, even cherished and she had a deep affection for everyone in return and they all knew that. Was she high maintenance? Very high maintenance and then some but she was one of a kind if anything like that ever existed and they were all glad to be in her orbit. So, yes, she had special privileges that no one else had and they were all fine with that. After Belinda strutted back to her seat the rest followed in twos then returned to their seats as beverages were served. Water, iced tea, club soda and other sodas were the fare.

“I wish this was wine,” Jozette said.

“Well, I can fix that problem,” A voice said and they turned around and sat staring at the President of the United States.

“Madam President,” Jozette said as she stood up and the rest started to stand.

“Please sit down,” Ellen Lexington said and they did. “On the plane we’re less formal.”

“It’s an honor to meet you, Ma’am,” Dave said.

“And, I’m glad to meet all of you as well. I know quite a bit about each of you.” They looked at one another somewhat surprised except Dave. Ellen grinned and chuckled realizing the shock of people who just found out they’d been vetted. “The secret service does a thorough check of every aspect of your lives. You have to pass inspection before you can get on the plane or get close to me.”

“Did we pass?” Justin asked.

“I think so or you wouldn’t be here,” Ellen said grinning.

“When would you like to start our interview?” Justin said.

“Later, that stuff is boring. Why don’t you come back to my place and we’ll have a meal and some wine,” she said looking at Jozette.

“We accept your kind invitation,” Belinda said. Jozette rolled her eyes and Tatiana grinned.

“Oh, I know who you are. You’re Belinda Fanelli the fashion consultant. I’ve read your articles; good advice and I’ve been following it. Gee, I think you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,” Ellen said shaking her head. “I’ve seen pictures of you but in person, boy your beauty is breathtaking.”

“Thank you, Madam President, I always try to look perfect and I always do.” Julieta looked at Little Wolf and grinned.

“I think she succeeds,” Ellen said as she glanced at the rest of the group who grinned and chuckled in various ways while Belinda clasped her hands on her knee and smiled from ear to ear. Jozette lowered head into her hand and moaned. “Johnny, I mean Agent Rodriguez, will show you to the back in a few minutes.” The President left and they all looked at one another.

“That’s not what I expected,” Andy said.