Book 13: In A Spin     "In A Spin" Part 3

 
Please note this is a work of fiction and any references to real people, real places or real heavily armed military units are for artistic purposes only!

NB. This chapter contains violence.

 
28th February 2018
 

Tammy gave up sleeping, or at least trying to sleep, at five thirty. She showered and dressed in a fresh flight suit and did her best to look fully awake. She surrendered and went to find coffee, preferably neat and intravenous. She needed a quiet day.

By seven thirty she'd managed some breakfast and had time for a quick wee before reporting for the morning briefing. Previous pairings were offered first, that placed Tammy and Harrison together for the day.

"You'll fly as pilot and co-pilot and an instructor will travel with you in the engineer's seat."

Tammy was elected as pilot for the day, their roles would be reversed the following morning.

They found their aircraft but weren't due to get away until ten so had plenty of time. Her instructor arrived with four unnamed squaddies who were just along for the ride, apparently. She wasn't overly surprised to see Captain Goody with them.

"I have revised flight instructions for you."

"Oh, why?"

"My commander received a request late yesterday to find out what your flight would be today. That was supplied from the course programme."

"Just a request for the information?"

"Correct. I just tried to verify the source this morning but I can't so we'll treat it as a potential breach and we generated these this morning." He handed over a new document.

"I'll have to check the fuel requirements."

"Good."

Harrison had kept quiet so far but waited for the Captain to vacate the cockpit. "What's that all about?"

"I don't know, but keep your eyes on everything."

Tammy went to check on the fuel pumps and found there was a problem moving fuel between the tanks, necessary to trim the aircraft in flight.

"I'm declaring a fault."

"Confirmed, Lieutenant."

"Thanks Harrison. Now lets see if there's a spare?"

Once the fault had been formally lodged with the support team all Tammy could do was wait.

"Didn't you check that pump earlier?"

"Yes, but I didn't fully check it, seeing as this aircraft had already had a full post flight service."

"So what made you look again?"

"A nagging thought. A wonder about what could happen, however unlikely."

"But a faulty fuel pump?"

"Sure, but if I can't circulate the fuel then the aircraft will end up tilted and that's enough to bring it down."

"But it's just a random fault?"

"Possibly."

"Now I'm getting scared."

"Look, did you see the chopper that flew back in just an hour ago? We'll bag it but let the ground crew finish servicing it?"

It was an hour before the spare SA330 Puma was available, although it had actually been fitted for an exercise and weapons had to be disabled.

Captain Goody secured the replacement aircraft. "Any other exercise can wait, I have new recruits arriving this weekend and I need this lot gone by Friday morning!"

It passed Tammy's and Harrison's rigorous checks and Tammy relaxed a little. Finally, just before eleven, they were ready to go. She logged they had enough fuel for the exercise and some spare.

Tammy was determined to do everything by the book but without did not want her actions looking forced. Certainly she had guessed that Goody had requested this ride personally, given that Tammy was the anomaly on the course.

"Okay Lieutenant, you may start when ready."

The pilots went through the start-up, calling the switches and gauges to each-other and before long the rotors were spinning. Tammy requested permission to take off but had to wait for an incoming flight. Finally she lifted and headed for her first way-point.

The weather was good for the first ten minutes but cloud enveloped them as they went over the Chilterns, passing Heathrow Airport with plenty of space. Her destination was RAF High Wycombe.

"Harrison, check for the tower frequency for RAF High Wycombe, please."

Her co-pilot laughed. "A tower? Are you joking?"

"No, what?"

"I forgot, you're army, High Wycombe is a HQ site, there's no airfield anymore, nothing apart from brass and buildings."

"Oh well, check what's nearby, anything that's going to give us trouble."

"Now I know you're joking?"

"No, our instructions say I am to deposit our passengers there, so that's what we'll do."

"Okay, the site has woods to the West and fields to the North, there's two grass areas and a car-park. Looks like subterranean installations too, that'll be the NATO command."

"NATO? Oh, okay."

Tammy approached over the trees and checked for pylons, wires, lighting or any other hazard. She dropped behind one of the office blocks, it wasn't long before the site security arrived.

"What the hell?"

"These are my instructions."

Tammy stayed in her seat whilst Harrison saw to the bemused passengers. It took ten minutes but soon the big door was closed. Harrison returned to her seat and plugged herself in.

"We picked up a new passenger, he's talking to the Captain."

"That's not in the script, but what next?"

"A touch and go at Finstock, in a forest clearing."

"Okay." Tammy checked the aircraft was clear of personnel before hitting the throttle and getting set to lift off.

She was in the air when Captain Goody's voice came over the comm. "Lieutenant, I have instructions to cancel this assessment."

"Why?"

"Because, Tammy dear, you haven't been answering your phone and we can't trust the usual channels of communication. More importantly, you are needed elsewhere!"

"Sir Thomas?"

"Correct."

"Damn, okay, what's up?"

"Thurso."

Tammy turned from her current course and pushed the throttle hard over.

"We'll need fuel in about two hours, to have enough for exit or busk it there on main and reserves? Harrison do the numbers please."

"Lt Smart, what's going on and who is this gentleman?"

"I'll answer in reverse, this gentleman is Sir Thomas Addington, chair of the Joint Intelligence Committee and possibly the most powerful non-political person in Westminster. As for the other question, I don't know. I suggest we maintain radio silence and kill the beacon? Captain Goody?"

"Agreed."

"This is not standard procedure?" Harrison wasn't happy.

"Maybe not but I guess the rules of engagement have changed, Sir Thomas?"

"Correct, Tammy."

"Where is Colonel MacTaggart?"

"In hospital."

"What?"

"He was attacked yesterday at Boscombe Down. Don't worry, his medical issues are precautionary and we have his assailants in custody. It seems there is, or was, an active True Freedom Cell in the Provost and it didn't take much for Army intel to be infiltrated. Our current guess is that young Maisie will be their next target after they failed to grab you."

"Bugger. Harrison, I'll need refuelling options."

"Military or Civilian?"

"I doubt a military refuelling point would be fully compliant so I vote we use the commercial ones. I don't have my cards with me, how good is your credit limit Sir Thomas?"

"Platinum."

"You're buying!"

Harrison suggested a list of fuelling points that left half hour in the tank, it wasn't standard procedure.

"Tees International? I've flown in there a few times and I know where the fuel point is."

"Okay, but I'm still not satisfied this is right? Captain Goody?"

"For now, Sir Thomas is in charge of the mission and Lt Smart is the operational lead, understood, Harrison?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Sir Thomas, has anyone contacted Maisie?"

"Not since yesterday. It seems she went to help your assistant and phoned me when she couldn't reach anyone else in your chain of command."

"What have you heard from my cousins?"

"They are aware."

"Are they sending any resources?"

"The closest available is nine hours away, but they may help another way I'm told. You have permission to do as you must, but to exercise discretion. Are you armed?"

"No, Sir Thomas, I'm not. Haven't the local constabulary been dispatched?"

"Some false intelligence has led them to an address on the far side of Inverness and they will be busy there maybe for a few more hours."

"I thought we had bagged the main players?"

"Indeed but it seems some of the juniors want to get involved and make a name for themselves."

"Any names so far, Sir?"

"Barbara Cooper."

"Damn, Joey's aunt?"

"Correct. She went to Colchester a week ago and a week before that visited Nightingale."

"DAMN HER!"

"Quite."

Tammy was close enough to Tees to request a landing for fuel, she brought the helo straight in and dropped it on the spot.

"Nicely done, Lieutenant."

Tammy was on the ground longer than she wanted but borrowed Sir Thomas' phone to contact home, there was no answer. She tried the office.

"Hello?"

"It's Tammy."

"Ohhhh, help me!"

"What's up?"

"There's four of them, with guns! They're outside, but I don't know for how long. I have the lights off."

"Okay Joey, where's Maisie?"

"I don't know. She left me at lunchtime after checking in with me."

"Did you give her your mum's address?"

"Yes."

"What is it?"

"Torvean Avenue, 212"

"Thanks, I'm on my way but we'll swing past your mum's on the way in."

"Where are you?"

"Near Middlesborough."

"That's hours away!"

"I know, but there's not much choice! Joey, lock yourself in the secure room. There's nothing in there to get you into trouble so take what you need and go inside there. Your phone probably won't work in there, but your safety is more important than anything else. Use the locking bar on the inside, they would need an angle grinder to get through that." Tammy read out the code to open the door.

Joey kept the call open as she went into the secure room but the call broke up as soon as the door was closed. Tammy knew there was a stock of water in the room, so Joey wouldn't dehydrate so long as she found it.

Sir Thomas returned with his card receipt and Tammy returned his phone. "Where in Inverness was that police incident?"

"Redwood Avenue."

"Can you check where that is?"

Tammy did the fuel calculations and determined she had 350 miles available. Getting to Inverness was doable, but if she needed to land would she have enough fuel to take off again? The further she headed North, the airports reduced and access to aviation fuel became rarer. Tammy decided it was worth the risk and would dip into her Smart Air's funds to call a fuel truck to deliver to them on-site if necessary.

Tammy and Harrison had to do a cold start so it took three minutes but finally they were back in the air, albeit under the command of the local ATC for a short while, ensuring their flight was being logged.

Tammy pushed North, very aware that the clock was ticking and she was still two hours from Inverness and had no idea what was happening either there or at any of her properties in Thurso.

"Redwood Avenue is over to the East of the City, it's some distance from Torvean Avenue on the far side of the River Ness."

This was the longest flight Tammy had made in a helicopter as a pilot and she really wanted more than the twenty minute break at Teeside.

She'd been back in the air for half an hour when her encrypted radio lit up.

"Tartan 1, this is Viper 1, do you copy?" A very American voice broke over the channel.

"Who the hell is Tartan One?" Asked Harrison.

"Me!" Tammy snapped then replied, "Viper One, this is Tartan One, go."

"Tartan One, 'not afraid, not alone'. I say again; 'not afraid, not alone'. Can you rendezvous at Nuns Moor Park in Newcastle?"

Tammy checked with Harrison. "ETA Twenty minutes?"

"Affirmative."

"Viper One, two-zero mikes." Tammy called out.

Viper replied. "Inbound, two-zero mikes, roger."

"Okay, Smart, what was that?"

"The Yanks are going to give me a hand."

"Just like that?"

"It's a needs-must situation."

"How do you know this is a genuine call?"

"I'm Tartan One and he said the magic words. okay?"

"This is going to be a hell of a story." Harrison shook her head.

Harrison received an immediate rebuke from the rear of the Puma. "Under no circumstances, Harrison, will you release any information about this flight, this operation. Understood?"

"Sir."

"Good. If I hear any rumours then I'll know where they came from and you'll be scrubbing bogs for the next year."

"Sir."

The Puma touched down away from any members of the public but it was still an immediate attraction to eyes and ears, especially the younger ones. Tammy deliberately kept the rotors turning to keep folk away but within seconds a Boeing Apache streaked in, flared then came down, very close.

"Tartan One, ready for you." Viper called out over the radio and waved for her to come over.

"Sir Thomas?"

"No, I won't fit in there with you. I'll ride back with this crew, happy hunting."

"Are you responsible for the Apache?"

"No, not directly. Your cousin did say they would try to send help, it appears that is it. You had best get going!"

Tammy turned to her instructor. "My apologies Captain, but I request permission to leave the aircraft."

"At least you put it on the ground first before you asked!"

"Who will fly it back?"

"Harrison can, I'll be co-pilot."

"Understood."

"Smart; good flying. I'd say you get a pass, but it isn't down to me alone."

Tammy saluted with a smile. "Sir!"

Tammy removed her helmet, ran across to the American gunship and climbed in through the side door. There was a helmet on the seat and she pulled it on.

"Good morning Viper, I'm Tartan One."

The pilot in the back seat spoke up. "Strap in, we're gone."

Tammy barely connected her harness as the gunship went up and forward, almost standing on its nose, gaining altitude.

"Viper One, on-mission."

A tower called back. "Copy Viper One, proceed On-Mission."

"Hang on Tartan, I'm taking it to the red-line and nap-of-the-earth." The pilot warned.

Tammy checked her straps. "I'm ready."

Tammy watched the instruments and saw the speed climb as the Apache skimmed along the tops of everything. Tammy was impressed as the pilot manoeuvred around or over the terrain at one hundred and seventy-four knots, around two hundred miles per hour. She had noticed an eye-piece on the side of the helmet when she put it on and now snapped it down into place. Immediately flight information, along with camera feed began flowing into her right eye.

"Oh! Wow! All that should keep anybody busy." Tammy commented.

Viper chuckled over the comms. "Welcome aboard an evil grasshopper."

"Are we loaded?"

"Yes Ma'am. Two pods of Hydra, two racks of Hellfires and three hundred rounds of thirty mil dual-purpose for the chaingun. If we need to fight, we can. Are you checked out on gunnery?" Viper asked.

Tammy instinctively shook her head. "No, let's hope we don't have to."

"Then I strongly advise you don't push buttons or squeeze the trigger. The Chaingun is slaved, whatever you look at, is toast." Viper replied.

"Understood, hands off the controls." Tammy said then asked. "Will we have enough fuel?"

Viper answered. "We have to hit Aberdeen, but we can Hot-Fuel there then I have to refuel again near Thurso. After that I can put you anywhere you need to be."

"I wish I could make a call."

"I can go to Whisper-mode, no promises."

Tammy shook her head. "I left my phone in my other flight suit, like a damned fool."

"Can't help with that. We'll get there. Whoever it is, they need to hang tough. There's a old Colt under your seat cushion. If you need it, take it, but melt it down when you're done. Otherwise ignore that I said it."

Tammy felt under the cushion and retrieved the pistol. "Is this a forty-five?"

"Yes ma'am. I was Third of the Seventeenth Air-Cav and we have our traditions. Stetsons, spurs and ol' forty-fives."

Tammy had to smile. "I have begun to develop an appreciation for those."

"Pay attention, I'll give you some OJT." Viper said.

From then on, Tammy raptly listened as the pilot walked her through the combat systems. This wasn't On The Job Training, it was a crash course in gunship armaments. The focus was the use of the chin-mounted chaingun. As they flew over water to Aberdeen, Tammy was finally allowed fire off ten rounds in the single fire mode. The rocket pods and missiles would have to wait. Instead, he familiarized her with the flight controls and allowed her to fly in on the approach to Aberdeen. Inside the controlled airspace, Viper took over and brought the gunship down just in front of the fuel point and rolled forward to Hot-Fuel. The rotors stayed engaged and at rpm while a pair of men refuelled. When Tammy saw one man pull the line away and the other salute, she returned it.

"Ground is clear." Tammy called to the pilot.

"Copy." Viper answered then checked the tower as they rolled away from the line.

A controller called back. "Viper One, cleared for priority take off."

Tammy almost giggled as the gunship sped forward on its wheel-gear and took off much like a plane then felt the g-forces as the Apache climbed at full combat speed. Viper even performed a double barrel-roll at three hundred feet.

"Remember Tartan; you will be screwed when you run out of cyclic, collective AND good ideas." Viper quipped mid-roll.

Tammy grunted from the forces. "NOTED!"

Daring manoeuvre passed, Viper informed her. "We'll hit Inverness in about two-zero mikes. Take flight controls when we get close and go where you need. We won't have time to mess around, at these speeds we're drinking fuel."

All too soon the Apache was approaching Inverness from the Southwest. Tammy had to think and look around to get her bearings and remembered the basic layout of the city.

"I know where to go, controls please." Tammy asked.

Viper answered. "Take the controls, she's all yours. Switching to gunnery controls."

Tammy had to loop around twice to find the street she wanted.

"Can we use the video to read addresses?" Tammy asked.

Viper answered. "Standby. Got one, sweeping. Give me the number."

"Two-one-two."

"Track South, we're over the four-hundreds. We can land in this park if you need. I'll keep the meter running."

Tammy banked and moved southerly until he called out.

"Target. The blue door. Going to thermal. Nothing. No joy."

Tammy swore. "Bloody bastards. They took her! Wait, who's that?"

A woman had come out of the adjacent house and was waving frantically.

"Set us down here, screw the traffic. She wants us for something." Viper instructed

Tammy landed and opened the side screen of the cockpit then waved the woman to come forward but to keep her head down. The young woman ran up and held out her phone.

"Are you Tammy?" She asked in a shout.

Tammy nodded. "Yes."

"Joey said you were coming, but she didn't say this! Some men with guns took Carol 10 minutes ago and are making for Thurso. They're in a grey van, look!"

Tammy looked to the phone and was shown three pictures. The photo of the van's back was most useful, it included the plate. she read it over the comm for Viper to note along with description.

"Blast, here comes police! Get back, we're going after them. Don't tell my name." Tammy yelled then closed the canopy.

The woman ran for her house and went inside. Tammy took off and vectored Northwest. Soon the gunship was up to speed and streaking for the A9, Scotland's longest road.

Viper asked. "How much of a lead do they have?"

"Ten minutes, possibly a few more. My guess is that they should be heading for the Kessock Bridge. If we can catch them on the A9 on the far side of the bridge there should plenty of room to work." Tammy answered.

"Pray it isn't grey van day on the highway. We just want the one."

"Please, God. Just a bit of luck my way?" Tammy muttered.

Viper had heard over the hot-mic. "Better to ask Lozen."

"Lozen?"

"Lozen was a Chiricahua Apache war maiden. Sister to the great war chief Victorio. So said; she had magic powers to learn the movements of her enemies. Since you're riding in an Apache, ask for her blessing." Viper mused.

"I'll take all the help I can get!" Tammy replied then looked ahead. "Lozen; I have enemies to hunt. Give the blessing of War Maiden to Thistle Maiden. Grant your luck in battle to me."

As the words finished, it felt like an invisible hand gripped the throttle over Tammy's and rolled it over to increase speed.

"Thanks for the story, Viper. You guys sure do love your helicopters."

Viper chuckled. "Not really. I'm a Chiricahua Apache. Lozen was a great aunt of mine. She was real and only lost once. When Geronimo, himself, surrendered. Hey. Check dead-ahead. What's that look like to you?

Tammy looked down to the roadway and stared in amazement. "That's, A GREY VAN!"

"Zooming in." Viper said then read off the plate number. "BINGO! Master-arms; off. We're hot on the gun! I'll orbit in front of them, you take out the engine."

The Apache over flew the vehicle and came around to face them. Through the monocle Tammy focused her sight to the front grill, stroked the trigger once and felt the shot. The bonnet blew open and fire erupted out the front of the van then it swerved back and forth, stopping on an exit slip. The gunship hovered in front of the disabled van as other traffic slowed to take in the extraordinary sight.

Viper called over the loudspeaker. "COME OUT WITH YOUR HANDS UP, OR WE'LL CUT YOU IN HALF!"

Two men leaped out from the side door and raised rifles to shoot.

"Drop 'em both Tartan." Viper said calmly.

Tammy brought the gun to sight, triggered off another round and one of the gunmen exploded. The other threw his rifle down and dropped to his knees, yelling to the others inside. Three more came out and threw their rifles and pistols down. Joey's mother, Carol, came out slowly.

"Lady, back away. Back away!" Viper instructed.

Carol slowly backed away with her hands up as well.

"The rest of you, on your knees. Lay face down. Lady, turn around and keep walking." Viper called out.

In the distance, flashing blue lights could be seen approaching. Tammy kept them in a hover but orbited round to face the side of the group and van. When the first Police car met Carol, it stopped then tucked her into the rear seat. The other cars continued to rush to the van.

"Time to go. You have flight controls." Viper told Tammy.

Tammy turned and cranked the throttle over. "Copy that!"

The gunship roared out of the area, heading North-East for Thurso. Tammy pushed the Apache out over the sea and approached the town from the North.

"Is there a way to sneak up on them?" Tammy asked.

Viper replied. "Going to 'whisper mode'."

The engine noise went from loud to the sound of paper caught in a fan's blades as they flew over and dropped into an empty building plot just above the harbour.

"If those bastards are in my office, let's try scaring them out. It's the top floor of the building." Tammy suggested, having pointed it out on their way down.

Viper grinned. "I can do that."

"If I don't get back to you just go to the airport, ask for Jim of SmartAir and tell him Tammy said to refuel you." Tammy said.

Viper gave her a thumb's up. Tammy reached under the seat for the pistol, pulled off her borrowed helmet, bailed out and closed the canopy as slickly as she could manage. As soon as Tammy was clear Viper lifted off, the Apache had been on the ground for barely over thirty seconds but was already back up and following Tammy's movements.

Tammy positioned herself close to the ajar office street door, pressed against the wall, then signalled the aircraft, hoping Viper could still see her. As the pilot moved the Apache, confirming Tammy's signal, she directed the helo to the window above her head. The Apache orbited around and settled at roof level over the building but then dropped down in front of the office's rear window. The whisper mode was turned off and the roar of the turbines could be heard again. The glass started to shake and Tammy guessed he now had the attention of whoever was in the building.

"I have you assholes on thermal. You can stay an' eat a pair of Hellfires or run like scalded dogs." Viper called out over the loudspeakers.

Knowing rifles or pistols would have no effect, other than to anger the pilot, the gunmen gave up trying to break into the secure room and ran for the door.

Tammy was waiting, borrowed pistol in hand, outside the door. She could hear the men coming down the stairs, arguing over how things went so wrong as to have a helicopter gunship show up and their real quarry nowhere to be found. The door burst open and Tammy let the first go past, but swung the pistol at the face of the second. The full force blow caught the man off guard and dropped him to the pavement.

"GIVE UP, YOU'RE MINE NOW!" Tammy ordered, holding the pistol to the third man's face.

Before they could counter, she grabbed him and pulled the stunned man to shield herself. "Drop your weapons and lay on the ground!"

Slowly they dropped their weapons and knelt down with their hands up then laid face down.

"You guys, go around back!" A voice over a loudspeaker called out.

A minute later, Sarah's backdoor burst open and out came the Frasier duo along with Ian Brown.

"TAMMY?" Ian started then saw the four men on the pavement and weapons close to them. "Hang on to that one! Lads, stitch up the rest!"

As fast as they could the three officers began cuffing the men. The Apache hovered into view. Tammy pushed her man down and planted her boot on his shoulder. Ian came over and took over.

"We've got this lot. Make yourself scarce." Ian ordered.

Tammy ran inside and opened the secure room. "Joey! It's safe, but I have to run!"

"What about Mum?" Joey asked, rushing out.

"She's safe too. I have to go!"

Tammy ran down the stairs and almost bowled Sarah over.

"TAMMY!" Sarah yelped.

Tammy shook her head. "I can't talk!"

Sarah pointed to the helicopter overhead. "What in the Hell is THAT?"

"An evil grasshopper. It's come to abduct me. BYE!" Tammy answered then waved to the gunship to withdraw and pick her up.

At the intersection the helicopter simply landed for her. Tammy climbed back inside and strapped herself in then pulled on the helmet.

"Let me have the controls, I can get us to the airport." Tammy stated.

Viper acknowledged. "You have control. Get us there fast."

Tammy lifted off and headed immediately for the airport, calling for Smart Air to arrange the fuel truck. With the priority clearance, Tammy was on the ground fast. Jim had ridden over with the fuel truck and gawked.

"Please tell me this isn't joining the fleet, your father will have a litter of kittens!"

Tammy shook her head. "It isn't. I need your phone, please!"

Jim handed her his cellphone and Tammy dialled Maisie's number. Luckily it was answered.

"Jim?" Maisie asked.

"No. It's me, are you alright?" Tammy interrupted.

Maisie exhaled loudly. "I'm fine, the van broke down in a no service area."

"Joey and her mum are both safe. I'm at the airport right now about to leave. I left my phone in my other flight suit. Call the Colonel and Sir Thomas tell them I'm on my way back. I love you." Tammy said then rang off.

Viper came back from using the restroom in the hangar. "Thanks."

"I need to do the same then I'll be right with you...er, Captain Redknife."

The American Captain winked at her. "Told you I'm an Apache."

Tammy shook her head and laughed as she ran for the hangar and the loo. After doing her business, she walked back and saw Jim on his phone.

"Yes sir, here she is now." Jim said then held out the phone. "A Colonel MacTaggart for you. Tell me you didn't steal this aircraft."

"I didn't." Tammy giggled then answered the call. "Sir."

"I won't waste time, Smart. Did you round up the ones in Thurso?"

"The locals have them, alive. One is bruised, but all four alive. Ian Brown has them in custody." Tammy stated.

The big Scot replied. "Good. They'll be collected tonight. The ones that took Cooper are already in transit, nice work."

"And you, Uncle, are you alright?" Tammy asked.

Sean grumbled. "One got a lucky bash to m' head with something, but it didn't help either one of them. Have your ride drop you off at Glasgow, transport will be waiting to return you to base. We'll see you in the morning."

"Can you arrange for Barbara Cooper to join us? I'd like a few minutes alone."

Sean chuckled. "Why not. However, you must promise me that she'll come out the room alive and usable."

"I here and now promise," Tammy vowed then finished with menace. "She will be."

"Aye. So be it. In the morning then." MacTaggart ended the call.

Tammy handed Jim his phone. "Thanks Jim. I'll be back soon."

Tammy climbed back into the Apache and soon took off, heading south. She was dropped off at Glasgow airport.

"Thanks for everything Captain." Tammy said climbing out to meet him on the ground.

Redknife nodded. "You're welcome Tartan."

"Please, call me Tammy. Tammy Smart." Tammy smiled.

Redknife held out his hand. "Jeb Redknife."

"Jeb, it has been a pleasure. Perhaps I could send you a nice Scotch?" Tammy offered.

Jeb shook his head. "Pass on that. I don't drink."

Tammy thought then brightened. "A better thought. A Sgian Dubh. It's the traditional dagger Scotsmen wear. My gift to you."

"A knife for a knife. I like that." Jeb chuckled. "I accept."

Tammy wrote down his information and tucked it into her breast pocket. "I'll make sure the information about it is in the box."

Jeb crouched down and unbuckled his spurs then edged closer to Tammy to put her right boot on his knee and strapped the spur on.

"You earned these today." Jeb said then swapped her feet to buckle on the other spur and stood up to salute her. "AirCav."

Tammy understood this was a significant thing. She was being recognized as one of their own.

"Thank you for the honour, Captain. I'll wear them with pride!" Tammy said and saluted.

The crewman from the C-130 called out for her to board.

Jeb nodded to the plane. "You got your boots on, pick up your saddle and move out."

Tammy saluted again and boarded the plane.

********

Tammy drew stares as she left the RAF Benson canteen. The spurs were drawing attention, but she could care less. They were her's now. She had barely gotten sleep as the plane dropped her off after midnight. First thing that morning, she received instructions to join Sean MacTaggart after her breakfast in an unmarked building set aside from the rest of the site.

Marcus Wade greeted her outside the door. "Nice spurs."

"Thank you." Tammy replied then saluted him. "Captain."

Wade followed Tammy inside. Sean MacTaggart and Sir Thomas waited inside with a woman seated at a table.

"Lieutenant Smart; Staff Sergeant Barbara Cooper.." Sean began to say

Tammy strolled over to the table and slammed a punch to the woman's face, taking her out of the chair and to the floor.

"And she's off." Wade remarked.

"Good morning, Cooper. I want you to understand that you have my undivided attention." Tammy kicked the woman with her steel-capped boots. "My full and undivided attention!"

MacTaggart crossed his arms and leaned back against the wall. He was curious as to how far Tammy would go, before needing Wade to pull her away.

Tammy remained next to the woman but made no further effort to inflict pain, Every time Cooper looked to get back onto her feet her eyes met Tammy's and the idea was abandoned.

After a few minutes Sir Thomas asked. "Lieutenant? Aren't you going to question her?"

Tammy looked over. "She's still on the floor, plus I'm not trained to interrogate, Sir Thomas."

Tammy forced her boot against the woman's side.

"I believe she's expressing her displeasure, sir." Wade commented

"Granted but someone will have to write this up and it shouldn't be all fiction."

Tammy moved as if she was going to attack the woman gain. Cooper on the other hand scurried to get out of reach. "GET HER OFF! WHAT DO YOU WANT?"

"I want you screaming." Tammy replied and moved back into range.

Cooper tried to kick out, but Tammy snagged her foot then spun her over and bent her knee.

"STOP! YOU'RE BREAKING MY LEG, CRAZY BITCH!" Cooper screeched.

"Don't tempt me."

MacTaggart nodded to Marcus. "Wade."

Marcus went over and pried Tammy off, whispering. "Back off a bit."

MacTaggart then walked over and leaned down into Cooper's face. "I'm trained to question. You can talk or I'll turn her loose and walk out. Choose."

"I'll tell you everything." Barbara Cooper groaned.

"In the chair." MacTaggart said to Tammy.

Tammy dragged her up and shoved her back on the chair, but stayed hovering over her shoulder as MacTaggart questioned her.

After half an hour, she ran out of information to give. Sir Thomas opened a folder and set a photograph on the table.

"After informing him of your actions, your brother hung himself in his cell last night. You, yourself, are being charged with multiple violations of military justice and that will include treasonable action." Sir Thomas informed "Your family has been informed already that it's unlikely they will see you again."

Tammy was all but breathing down the woman's neck. "Let's just put it on the BBC and post a notice in the London Gazette, that should really make the name Cooper famous."

Barbara begged. "Please, don't? The children had nothing to do it."

"Since when does fair matter to any of you? After what you did to Joey and Carol? You and that bastard will be lucky to be buried in secret so your graves won't be desecrated. I say let them burn." Tammy snarled.

Barbara sagged in the chair. "I'll confess to everything. All of it. The rest of the family will agree to silence and no more harassment."

Sir Thomas nodded to Tammy who then said. "Firstly she accepts dishonourable discharge with malice. Next that family signs a letter to accept terms and you have a deal, Cooper. Not another peep of trouble, or I'll come back to see you in whatever personal hellhole you'll be in."

Sir Thomas led the three of them out.

"That was rather brutal." Sir Thomas remarked.

Tammy sighed. "Needs must, Sir."

"Quite. I have to finish sorting this mess out." Sir Thomas turned and left.

Tammy watched him round the corner then grasped her hand. "Damn, that hurts!"

Wade shook his head. "It looks like it. Best go ice that hand or you won't do anything with it."

"What about you?" Tammy asked Sean.

Sean rolled his eyes. "Moderate concussion, they gave me a clean bill last night so I'll be fine. Go ice th' hand. You have a final flight tomorrow. Do it right and y' pass."

Tammy nodded then fixed the pair. "Please start checking with me before you book things. I have school and business. My business is vital to me. It isn't just a front. It's life. Real life, not some cover."

MacTaggart nodded. "It's good cover, young lady but we hear you. Off y' go Smart. Find an icepack and do some study."

Tammy found Captain Goody after collecting a coffee.

"I wasn't expecting you back?"

"Sorry, Sir, but I haven't been signed off yet."

"Ah, no. I've sent Harrison out today with one of the easily bruised egos seeing as you weren't available."

"Is she, I mean he off the ground yet?"

"Yes. For Harrison this is just a formality after yesterday's flight back from Newcastle. I hope he can manage the stress today though? How was your flight yesterday?"

"Challenging."

"You were just along for the ride?"

"No, I flew it, around the highlands operationally."

"I'd best get your licence backdated then."

"In which case I don't need to do any more?"

"Correct, well done Lieutenant."

"Thank you Sir."

"We have a supply flight back to Lossiemouth in an hour if you want a ride?"

"Sounds good, another Hercules?"

"Yes, but you can ride up front."

Tammy had started the day in khaki but quickly showered and dressed into her new black outfit, she would be a passenger not crew for this return flight, even if the look was upset by the necessary lanyard between her breasts. She'd put her phone on charge the previous night after finding it on the bedside table so now had a full battery, although any calls could wait a few minutes. Into a duffel went a freshly laundered flight suit, complete with her embroidered name. She finished clearing the locker, wardrobe and drawers then exited, before heading for the terminal with her two bags.

She found the plane and was looking at the crates being loaded into the back.

"Interested?"

Tammy spun around.

"Yes, too small for a road vehicle but the packing tells me it isn't oil or consumables. Drones?"

"Correct, to help their perimeter security."

"Ah, the Russian tug?"

"Indeed. Are you our passenger?"

"Lieutenant Tammy Smart reporting for a ride."

"Load up."

Tammy turned to pick up her kit bag and duffle but saw someone running over.

"Tammy? I have your wings!"

"Wings? I didn't need any more liners?"

Kelly reached her. "No, RAF Wings, you qualified so you get wings. You'll have to sew them on yourself, though. One for each flight suit, plus a few spares."

"Thanks, Kelly."

"Oh, I heard Tesco sacked the security guard."

"You heard?"

"Difficult to keep that kind of story down. The Police went back and spoke to the manager apparently."

"Oh, I never knew."

"Well, just in case you need it, his name was Dave Trethgarwyn."

"Trethgarwyn, damn."

"You know the family."

"Yes, and it kind of makes sense now."

"Oh, so it was personal?"

"Very."

A shout called Tammy to board the aircraft, another five minutes and they were taxiing. Tammy made a quick call to Jim at Smart Air once she had her ETA.

---

Tammy decided she'd get indoors and shower first, since on a Thursday Maisie usually worked until tea-time. Her car had been left at Wick Airport, inside a Smart Air hanger, so had been waiting ready for her when she arrived back by chopper, courtesy of the RAF and Jim, apparently wings do make all the difference.

She drove into Thurso but, instead of driving around the back, left it in the street a few doors away from the shop frontage, intending to park it behind Maisie's van later.

Tammy used her keys to enter through the shop and then into the inner accommodation. She made it one step before being floored.

"Oh, Tammy? Sorry!" Maisie started to cry. "I thought someone was breaking in."

Tammy pulled herself up, unfortunately she'd landed on her right hand and it was still complaining about the right hook that morning. Maisie wrapped herself around the girl. "Sorry, sorry."

Tammy reached for a tissue then dried Maisie's eyes. "I was trying to surprise you, I guess I failed?"

"Or I passed?"

"Come on, I need a shower, an aspirin and some ice. What are you doing back here?"

"My van is in the garage so I cancelled today's appointments. Come on, I could do with a shower myself and then you can tell me all about your training course."

***

They sat in the kitchen with hot chocolates as the slow cooker dealt with the evening meal. Tammy spotted an open envelope on the windowsill.

"What's that?"

"It's from the Glasgow Infirmary, I went there on Monday for tests and a procedure."

"You never said?"

"You weren't answering your phone, plus I didn't want to alarm you."

"But?"

"Tammy, I'm a big girl now, I can manage."

"So what was the test?"

"They extracted some of my eggs, it was arranged last week."

"Oh. On your own?"

"Joey went with me."

"So what did they say?"

"You don't hear anything on the day, they write to you. It arrived this morning, read."

Tammy retrieved the envelope and read the letter, scanning to the relevant part.

"We can confirm that both the eggs and spermatozoa samples are viable."
 
 
---- fin ----
 

Tammy returns soon.

 
Now available on Kindle Testing Times for Tammy