INTO THE SKY!!

By...Northstar


I couldn't believe that I had talked Kit into coming skydiving with me! I mean it had only taken me about 3 months to convince her how much fun it could be. And she finally said yes. Provided she could bring her cousin along for the ride!! And boy what a ride it will be.
I had been skydiving for a few years now and still found it a thrill every time I jumped out of the plane. I still got the feeling I had on my first jump. The one of fear, exhilaration, the rush of adrenaline. I can remember that first jump like it was just yesterday. I let my mind wander into the past as I drove along the highway on my way to pick up Kit and her cousin.

********

"Come on Rose! You have to make the first move. The airplane isnt going to come to you. You have to go to it." Kirk the instructor told me. I had known him for years, gosh practically grew up with him. He was easy to get along with and I loved to egg him on.
"Hah, easy for you to say. You've done this a million times. I feel like I'm some astronaut dressed like this and it weighs a ton. All these straps and whatchmacalits, it's confusing. What did you call this outfit?" I quipped back at him.
"It is called a jumpsuit," Kirk said shaking his head, "it is specially designed for skydiving. Come on, quit stalling and get a move on it. We really don't have all day."
"Oh no, what happens if the plane stalls? What happens if the main chute doesn't open? What if...."
"Rose, we have gone over this a thousand times today. We showed you all the gear and how it operates. We had you suspended from a parachute harness to learn how to pull the levers. We showed you which ones were for direction, for braking and we extensively went over what to do if your main chute won't open." Kirk patiently explained again. Although if I kept it up I don't think it would last too much longer. I may have known him a long time, but I also knew his limits and he was "almost' there.
"I know, but that was different, we were on the ground and not 11,000 feet in the air in a little airplane that doesn't look as though it would hold 2 people never mind the 5 of us."
"Come on, let's go. NOW" Kirk said as he grabbed my hand and started pulling me towards the Cessna.
"Yeah I know, but... , but..., oh all right!!!" I said as I finally gave in. Inside I was actually looking forward to it.

******

Finally, I got to Kit's place and they were both waiting for me although Kit did look a little green!!
"Hey Kit, Hey Tina, you guys ready? I sure am."
"I can't wait." said Tina. "It sounds like it's going to be a blast!"
Kit mumbled something under her breath that didn't sound very nice.
"What's that Kit?" I asked her. "And how come you don't look so good?"
"Sure, you talk me into this and now you tell me I look awful!! I'm still not sure this is a good idea. My stomach is all upset, my heart is doing flip-flops and I haven't even gotten near the place."
"Oh, come on. You'll love it. I felt exactly the same way my first time. And besides, Kirk will be the one instructing us and he is the best." I said trying to make her feel a little better.
"Yeah, come on Kit, I think it will be fun and who knows, we might see some cute guys there. And what have you got to lose anyway?" Tina jokingly said.
"My life for one thing!! my breakfast for another!" cried Kit. " I still can't believe I let you talk me into this. I really must be nuts, or crazy or both."
"Nah, you're getting old and grey and decided to jump start your life again. Get it, Jump start???" I laughed.
"Ha ha, very funny Rose. I looked up the statistics on skydiving and let me tell you I didn't like what I read." Kit came back with.
"We should have known Rose, that she would look "that" up. Honestly Kit, have you no spirit of adventure in your life? No fun left? What a wet blanket you are these days. Well I for one plan on living life to the fullest."
"Yeah, one day at a time, and this could be our last day!!" Kit said with a sombre look on her face.
"Oh, lighten up Kit, you'll love it. Trust me!" I said.
"Yeah, right and what was it you always said to me about people who said trust me? HUH??? " Kit exclaimed. "Well, let me remind you then. You told me once never ever trust anyone who said "trust me" and I usually stuck with that and now you want me to trust you!!"

*******

"Okay, come on, get into the car and let's go. Kirk is a real stickler for people being on time. We can argue on the way." I said as I steered them to the car.
"Quit trying to change the subject Rose, I want to hear you get out of this one. And it had better be good." said Kit.
"Fine. Just get in. I'll tell you about my first time. But I think you better drive Tina, I sometimes get all dreamy eyed and I may not have complete control. Wouldn't want this day to end before we even get there."
Finally we were all in the car and on our way. Kit was still grumbling and moaning, but I knew that would change. Or that it had better!! At least I had the next half hour to convince her it was a good idea.
"Okay, Rose, tell us about your first time you jumped. You know, I always wanted to do something out of the ordinary for me, but never had the chance." Tina explained. "So, when Kit mentioned this to me last week, I knew I had to come along and experience it first hand."
"Well, I'm glad you came."
"I'm not!! Now I have two against me." Kit grumbled. "How am I going to fight the two of you?"
"You won't have to fight us. Honest. Once you get up there and jump, you'll want to say "let's do it again" I swear."
"We'll see. So are you going to tell us about your first time or not?" Kit reminded me.
"Okay, I will, but I don't want any interuptions. Especially from you Kit!"
"Yeah, yeah. I won't say a word. "Trust me" if you dare." Kit grinned.
"Hey, at least I got you smiling, or at least almost smiling."
"Alright already!! get on with it." Tina screamed.
I told them about the 6 hour course where you went over everything to do with the equipment and the using of the "skeleton" plane, where you practiced the way you stepped out and grabbed on to the strut. The way you had to "fall" and when to pull the ripcord and check your altimeter. You did this over and over again in the time allowed until you had it memorized and it came second nature to you.
"Oh yeah, almost forgot, you also have to make sure to sign the waiver before you go up."
Waiver? What waiver???? Like a 'in case something happens' waiver?" Kit screeched.
"Well, yeah, you know, one of those ones that tells you ten different ways that they have no insurance, and that you agree to assume all risks for engaging in an activity that could result in serious injury or death." Tina said jokingly.
"Actually Tina, that is exactly what it is. No joke!" I told them. "but you really don't have to worry. If Kirk feels you aren't really ready to jump then he won't let you."
"Gee, thanks girls, just what I needed to hear right now."
"Oh relax Kit, your first jump out you'll have someone with you the whole way down."
"I will? Who?"
"One of the trainers of course."
"Oh, okay. But I'm still not going to promise that I'll jump." she said still looking a little green.
Just at this point in our conversation, we arrived at the air field.

*******

We pulled over into the parking area and got out of the car. We looked around and noticed that there were quite a few people around today. It didn't really surprise me, cause the day was a perfect day for jumping. Not too many clouds and just a hint of a breeze. It felt like it was going to warm up quite a bit too.
This would be my 5th jump this year, which wasn't bad as it was only the start of July. I was hoping to get in more than one jump today too, while the girls were going through the course.
Looking beyond the parking lot you could see the small hangar where the planes were kept and beyond that the control tower, such as it was. One plane was just taking off as we started walking over to where the rest of the people were waiting with Kirk.
"Hi Rose!!" Rob shouted. He was another one of the trainer/jumpers that I had the pleasure to jump with the last time I was here.
"Hey Rob. Great day for jumping isn't it?" I shouted back and he nodded his head in agreement.
"Okay, let's get this over with already." moaned Kit. "Before I change my mind for the who knows how many 'th time."
Just then Kirk raised his hand to get everyone to stop talking and had them move in closer. I stayed back a bit from the crowd as I had already heard this speech from him.
"Okay, everyone," he started. "Good. Now that I have your attention, we'll get the boring stuff over with. I know 'some' of you are a little apprehensive and some are downright petrified," a small spurt of laughter is heard, "I do believe that at the end of today's session, you won't feel that way."
Kit and Tina glanced my way, but I just gave them an encouraging smile and started walking over to the others who were going to jump today. I wanted to see if anyone I knew would be jumping at the same time as me. Kirk continued with his welcoming speech and then I could see them walk towards the hangar where he was going to show them the equipment.
"Hey there Rose. You ready to get a few jumps in today? We've had two groups jump already and the third is in the air now." Boyd, one of the mechanics I met last year asked.
"Yeah, I'm hoping to get in at least 2 today. Anything interesting going on today?" I asked as I noticed a group of people I hadn't seen before over at one of the planes.
"Yup. Matter of fact there is." he replied. "You watch much tv at all?"
"Some."
"Ever heard of the show Nikita?" he asked.
"Yeah, matter of fact that is one show I never miss."
"Well, we have some of their cast and crew here." he said as he pointed to the people I had been watching.
"Really, that's neat." I said as I tried to catch a better glimpse of who was at the plane. "Which of the cast members are here?"
"Hmm, let's see now. Peta Wilson is here, Roy Dupuis and the one who plays the computer guy, I forget his name and two others. Never seen 'em before though."
"Oh, Matthew Ferguson. He plays Birkoff on the show." I was excited now as I asked, "What are they doing here?"
"Some segment or other for the show. The Toronto Island airport is shut down for some reason today, so they called up to see if they could use our strip. It seems as though the backdrop is what they needed for the scene. May stop some of our jumps today, while they're filming but it shouldn't be for too long." he explained.
"Think they would mind us going over and saying 'hi'? I asked as I started to head over. I figured what the hey, might as well take advantage of being a 'regular' here. And besides, Kit and Tina would flip when they found out. They were just as big a fan as I was of the show.
"Rose, behave yourself!!! I know that that might be asking too much but at least try. For my sake??" he joked.
"Yeah yeah, I'll try," I laughed, "and you know, in a lot of ways you remind me of 'Walter'!! Same dry sense of humour."
"Oh go on, get out of here, I have work to do." Boyd said as his face became a bit flushed.

*******

I took my time walking over to them and as I did I saw Roy come out of the plane turn around and give Peta a helping hand as she too came out. Wally, one of the owners of "Into the Sky" was talking to someone when he noticed me and signalled to come over.
"Hi Wally, what's up?" I asked as I came up to him. I nodded a hello to the others.
"Looks like the crew here has a problem, and I'm hoping you could help." he explained. "Oh yeah, guess introductions are in order first."
"Rose, I want you to meet....." he started.
"Roy, Peta and Matthew!! I think I'm 'familiar' with them." I continued for Wally as I held out my hand. "Hi, I'm Rose, and I have to say I am an avid fan of the show."
There followed a chorus of 'hi's' from the others. I turned around to Wally again and he finished the introductions of the others. "This here is Luke and Robert, they're guest stars on the show for this segment."
"Hi, Luke, Robert." as I shook their hands and looked enquiringly at Wally. "So how can I help?"
Roy spoke up for Wally. "We just got a call from one of the stunt actors saying that they wouldn't be able to make it today, and we really need a 5th jumper. Wally here tells us you have quite a few jumps behind you and that maybe you would be willing to step in."
I couldn't believe my ears!! Here was Roy asking me to jump with him. I had heard he enjoyed skydiving and had been doing it for a few years himself. I opened my mouth to speak but for the life of me nothing came out!!
"You won't have to do anything other than jump out of the plane. No fancy stuff, no risk." Peta chimed in.
"Well, when you put it that way, how can I refuse?" my voice had finally come back.
"Great! Can you be ready in 15?" Wally asked.
"Yeah, just tell me what to do and where to go."
"Ah, Rose, if only......." Wally quipped back laughing. "Seriously though, if you want to go with Peta, she'll get you set up, and equipped and ready to roll."
"Ahhh, any problem with you guys if I use my own equipment? Not that I don't trust you, but I know my stuff."
"Sure. Not a problem. I'll come with you and give you a hand." Peta answered. "It is always a good idea to use what you are familiar with."
Peta and I went and retrieved my 'chute and suit out of the car and went back to get ready. I was all suited up and just waiting to be told what to do and when to do it.
"Okay, everyone gather round and we'll go over the last few details." the director said. "Roy, you and Peta get on first and the others will follow. Rose, you will be the second one jumping with Roy and Peta right behind you. Robert will be first one out, with Luke bringing up the rear."
"You okay with all this?" Roy asked me.
"Yeah, fine. I'm thrilled actually." I answered feeling more than just a little bit excited by it all.
"Okay folks, we have the landing strip marked, the camera crews ready to roll, so let's see if we can get this done in one take." the director which I found out was named, Jon, instructed.
With that we went back into the hangar while the cameras got ready to roll as we made our exit. Jon gave us our cue and we went walking to the plane. Interior shots of the plane and cast would be shot once we were back on the ground, Peta explained to me. Which was fine by me. I was nervous enough as it was but it was fun too.
Once in the air, everything went as planned and we all jumped out in the sequence Jon had said. Once we hit the ground we had to do a roll, gather up our 'chutes and run to the woods, where we were to take cover. Everything was over very quickly and Roy and Peta breathed a huge sigh of relief when Jon yelled 'Cut' and then saying that the first take was a go. I was a little disappointed, in that I would have loved to jump again with them.
When the plane landed, we shot the interior scenes, which to my 'luck' had to be done a few times. Peta and Roy didn't like the way the first take went so they asked to do it over again. I had heard that they weren't happy unless it was perfect and it seemed that what I had heard was right. It was a lot of fun and I hated when Jon said that they were done and to pack up.
The cast and crew all came up to me and thanked me for stepping in and helping them out. Then Jon came over and personally thanked me and asked what he could do for me in return. It took me all of 2 seconds to tell him.
"Well, a 'set' visit would be nice!!" I told him. "I would love to meet Eugene, Alberta and Don."
"Well, I think that can arranged." he laughed. "I can't pay you in cash, because of 'reasons' but I think we can accomodate your wish."
"Well, I understand about you not being able to pay me, but I have one more favor to ask of you, if you don't mind." I asked questioningly.
"I don't mind. As long as I can do what you want."
"Well, I would love to be able to bring along 2 guests with me. Would that be a problem?"
Jon laughed at that. "NO, not at all. Phew, I thought you were going to ask me something along the lines of 'can I take Roy home with me?' and I would have had to say no."
We walked over to Roy, Peta and Matthew so I could say my goodbyes before joining up with Kit and Tina. I couldn't wait to tell them what they missed today while taking the instruction.

When I went over to where Roy and the others were, he came over to me and thanked me again for stepping in and helping them out.
"I understand that you will be joining us for a set visit soon. I will look forward to meeting with you again." he said.
"Yes, Jon has agreed to that in 'payment' for doing this today. I also want to say what a pleasure it has been to meet you all today. And to be perfectly honest I would have done it for nothing. Just to be able to 'work' with you even unofficially has been a lot of fun." I held out my hand again and he took it in his and lifted it up to his lips and kissed it.
"The pleasure has been all ours, I assure you." Roy bowed which made me laugh. Then he put his hand on my arm. "We would have had to reschedule the jump otherwise."
"Well, I'm not so sure about that. I'm thinking you might have been able to find someone else around today that would have done it." I said still laughing. "Wally or Kirk could have done it. In fact I'm surprised they didn't."
"Well, that could be because they were of the wrong gender."
"Oh, I see. Well, I see my friends over there so I really should get over there. Again, thank you for today. It was fun." I gave a last wave to him as I walked over to where Kit and Tina were waiting for me, giving one last glance back before he disappeared from view.

**********

"So, how did it go today guys? You ready to jump?" I asked as I reached them.
"I am!!" Tina responded just bubbling over in excitement. "I can't wait. Kirk said we could have a short break and then he'll call over the first group to go up. I hope I'm in that group."
I looked over to where Kit was sitting. She looked a lot better now than she did this morning when we first arrived. At least some of the color had come back into her cheeks. I went over to her to see how she was doing.
"So, how 'bout it? You ready?"
"As ready as I'll ever be I guess. I still can't believe I let you talk me into this.' she responded shaking her head.
"Well, I have a bit of incentive for you to make this jump."
"Oh yeah, and what might that be?" she shot back. "I can't think of anything that would 'make' me jump although I'm not as apprehensive as I was this morning."
"Well, " I started and then called Tina over so she wouldn't miss out on my news. "How would you both like to visit the set of Nikita?"
"WHAT!!!!" they both shouted at the same time.
"You heard me. A visit to the set of Nikita."
"Details girl, details!" Kit grabbed my arm as she said this. "How, who, when, where????"
"Hey watch it. Roy had the pleasure of touching that arm." I said as I glanced at her hand.
"ROY!!! Roy was here? When?????" Tina shouted.
"Ah, not so fast. I'll tell you all the details once the both of you do your jump and not before." I replied. "AND, after you tell me how you feel after you jump."
Just then Kirk came out and announced the first 4 jumpers. Good thing for me that both Tina and Kit were in that group.
"Saved by the instructor!!" Kit laughed. "Okay, I'll go and jump, but you better give us every last detail once we fulfil your 'requirements' or I'll never speak to you again!!!"
"Okay, no problem. Now scoot. Kirk is waiting and as I said before he does not like to be kept waiting."

********

I watched as the plane took off. Kit was a little hesitant getting on the plane but if I knew her, she would be fine. She liked to put up a fight but in the end she always followed through on her word. In no time at all I saw the first jumper come out of the plane followed shortly by another and then another until they were all out. It was a sight to see, with all 6 of them floating down to the ground. From what I could see, Tina was the first one down, and making a pretty good landing. Kit was third, which kind of surprised me. I would have figured that she would have been last off the plane.
I ran over to the landing zone in time to see her land and she came running over to me.
"Oh my Gawd!! That was absolutely, utterly fantastic!!!!" she cried. "Can we do it again??"
I burst out laughing as Tina joined us saying the exact same thing. "I told you!! Now do you trust me?" I asked Kit.
"Yeah, guess I do. But you just had to get that 'I told you so' in there didn't you?"
"Yup, sure did." I said still laughing at them. "Okay, now I want you to tell me everything you felt."
"It was great. Kirk really knows his stuff and he talked us all through it again before we jumped. It felt like I was floating on air. I thought it would be different. It was breathtaking, literally," Kit said laughing, " but not in a scary way. Just before I jumped, I could feel the floor of the airplane pressing up against my feet and then taking that first step out onto the strut, man what a rush. The wind rushing in my face, until I got turned around and into position. And then letting go!! saying 'READY, SET, GO!!!!' and actually letting go. Then when the wind caught me and I actually remembered to spread my arms and legs they way they showed us. And then the 'shute opening up and pulling me back up and then the landing!! All I can say is WOW."
"Gee, Kit, you sound as though you actually had fun out there. And here you were all green this morning at the thought of it." I reminded her.
"Fine, rub it in. I'll remember!!" she threatened. "I'll find some way to get you back. You'll see."
"How 'bout you Tina. How was it for you?" I asked.
"Ditto" was all she replied before she reminded me about my promise to tell them about my day.
So, we went over and sat in the grass as I told them how my day had gone and about how they were going to pay me. I told them how Roy kissed my hand and how sweet he and Peta had been to me.
I had just finished when Kirk and Wally came up to us and asked if we wanted another chance at jumping today. Before they even had a chance to tell us it would be 'on the house' Kit and Tina jumped up and started running over to the plane.

The End...

Next Up...FREEFALLING.

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This story Copyright 1999, by Northstar