Tom finished configuring the handhelds and used one of them to dial into his computer to check the AlbAir system. Tom’s system had access to each one of his father’s business systems and there were hundreds of them. His father knew nothing of this but Tom liked to keep an eye on the inheritance. He would need to give Kirstie, the daughter of the AlbAir CEO, a big thank you when he saw her next. As promised, she had ensured that Tom and Lela had checked in at 2.00 p.m. and boarded at 4.45 p.m. She had also arranged for the half hour delay. On arrival at Glasgow, the plane would be asked to stay in a holding pattern for thirty minutes despite empty skies and an empty runway. She would ensure that the plane would land no earlier than 3.30 a.m., as agreed.
The terrorists would be feeling quite safe in the knowledge that Tom and Lela were on the plane and on their way towards them. Tom had considered whether announcing the crash of the plane would be better. In that way, they would never be expected back. However, when Tom mentioned it to Lela, she pointed out that it might cause “just a little” distress among the other passengers’ families and that he shouldn’t be so ridiculous. Tom agreed and went for the delay instead.
He then went to check on the teams who had amalgamated into a mass of bodies relaxing and sleeping while they could. It was going to be a long night. Lela had crashed out on one of the bunks and it was then that Tom realised how little sleep he had had in the last thirty six hours. He lay down on the bunk next to Lela and fell into a deep sleep. Two hours later, the buzzer woke them all up. It was time to go.
One of the ground crew came running in to find Tom. There was a problem. One of the Citation X’s had a mechanical fault. Tom thought this wasn’t a problem. They could just double up in one of the other Citation X’s. However, it was pointed out this was not an option. The distance was already at the extreme end of the Citation X’s range and any additional loading would result in their having to refuel. The time involved in refuelling was not an option, a finite window existed for what they needed to achieve.
There was no other option. Tom looked across the runway at the monster A380. Kano and Lela followed his gaze and winced.
“Not again,” they whispered in unison.
“OK. Can you fuel up the 380, please,” said Tom to the ground crew.
The flying arrangements were quickly rearranged and the teams boarded the A380 for the final leg of the journey. Tom took the Captain’s seat, input their destination and then made a quick phone call to arrange additional transport at the other end. He then made corrections for the weight of the plane and prepared for take-off. Kisho, his First Officer, assisted with the final checks as Tom taxied onto the runway. Moments later, they were airborne and Lela and Kano applauded an extremely smooth take off. It did not, however, reassure them enough to stop them praying for a safe landing.