You cannot distribute this story, print it for publication, put it on another web site, display this story, nor publish it anywhere without the express written consent and permission of the author. Verbal permission is not valid.

Alex came to a complete halt. In front of him were a set of automatic glass doors, the glass etched with a universally recognizable shape. "There's no way. Absolutely no fucking way. It can't be."

"I assure you, it can be. Her Majesty's government can be very generous to those who cooperate. As I said, I don't particularly approve, but if you're going to do something, it might as well be with style and class."

"You aren't kidding," said Alex, about to realize a life-long dream. As he and Nigel passed through the doors, the ticket counter loomed to their immediate right. There were only a few people in line, and six agents to serve them. Alex stopped briefly and admired the world-famous Concorde logo. Unlike any other airport line he had seen, this one had no barriers. It was a wide open space, with signage indicating check-in for those with and without baggage.

"Nigel, which line do I get in?"

"You have baggage, although it's checked through. You'll still need to go to the baggage queue."

"I feel so out of place," Alex said. He then realized he had verbalized his thoughts, and was angry with himself for expressing that out loud. Nigel hadn't appeared to notice.

"There's really nothing to it. You'll find this a bit different than you're used to. Just get in a queue."

As Alex was trying to decide which line to get into, an agent became available, and he walked over to her. "I'm checking in, please."

"Welcome, Sir. Have you flown Concorde before?"

"No, ma'am, I haven't. I'm very much looking forward to it, though."

"Ticket and passport, please."

"Very good, Master Maitland," the agent said while typing at her keyboard. "I see your luggage has been checked through. We'll have to weigh it before loading it, of course. I'll need you to place anything you're carrying on the scale, please."

Alex complied, placing his carry-on bag onto the scale while asking, "Why do you have to weigh it?"

"It's because Concorde has a very specific maximum take-off weight, and capacity is severely limited. Concorde is more like a rocket than an airplane. After we complete the check-in, I'll give you a brochure. It answers many of the questions for our first time flyers. You may reclaim your hand luggage, sir."

"Thank you," said Alex, grabbing his bags.

"Where would you prefer to sit?"

"For this flight, definitely a window."

"Yes, sir."

"Since you haven't been on Concorde before, I'll mention that we have a private lounge for the use of our passengers. You'll notice the private security area behind you. Enter through there, and the lounge is to the immediate left. The currency exchange is to the right."

"Thank you. Thank you, very much," said Alex, backing away from the podium, and then turning towards Nigel.

"I still can't believe it."

"This is nothing. Wait until you see the lounge. And more importantly, wait until the flight. Once you clear security, I will be willing to leave you alone. I'm trusting you won't miss the flight. I'm supposed to wait, but it's your call."

"Thanks for being honest. I don't mind if you stay. I don't think you're the typical government official."

"No, I suppose not. No, I certainly suppose not. Come along, then, Alex. Let's go through security."

Nigel breezed by the person checking tickets by flashing some sort of ID badge. Alex presented his ticket and was ushered through. Security was much like that for any other flight.

After Alex cleared security, he stopped at the change booth to get some pounds sterling. He spent a few moments browsing magazines, but found nothing that really held his interest. "Sorry for making you wait, Nigel. It's a long flight, and I thought I'd find something."

"First, let me correct you. On Concorde it's a very short flight. You'll be there in about three and a half hours instead of nine. Second, no need to apologize. You are a surprisingly well-mannered young man."

"If only my parents could hear you say that," replied Alex, rolling his eyes back with exaggeration.

"Come along, we'll go to the lounge. They'll have newspapers and magazines you can take on the flight with you if you'd like. There's also plenty of food and drink. I will warn you, there are often celebrities on these flights. Although you may get star-struck, it's considered extremely rude to stare, and unspeakably crass to ask for autographs."

"That's fine. I wouldn't do that anyway."

The entrance to the lounge was wood panelled with a glass door. The famed Concorde logo was etched on everything. They entered the door, but Alex was surprised to see it was a small room. There was another podium with two agents at it. Alex knew what to do, and handed his ticket over. Though it was subtle, it was clearly a checkpoint to keep the masses from making sightseeing tours into this hallowed lounge. He was getting very excited about seeing the lounge, and couldn't wait.

"If you'd like to leave a coat or your carry-on bag, we'll take it and give it to you when your plane lands in London, sir," stated the agent.

"No, that's quite alright. Thank you, though."

"Do you need an immigration form?"

"Why, yes, I do. Thank you." Alex thought it was a nice touch handing them out now instead of just as the plane was landing. He took it, and put it with his passport, intending to fill it out during the flight. Alex left the counter, and walked down the short corridor, past the cloakroom, showers, and restrooms.

The lounge was enormous. Alex looked around, noting there were no walls, but rather huge glass panels. It was like being inside a giant aquarium, but you could look out and see the whole airport. The one plane that was up close caused Alex to stop his visual observation. At the gate, right in front, was parked the most beautiful airplane he had ever seen. He'd seen Concorde before, but never from this close. It was awe inspiring.

Though he was loath to break away from viewing the plane, he finished his visual tour. To the left was a carpeted area with chairs, sofas, and tables. Most of the tables had little baskets with packaged cookies and snacks. To the right was more of the same along with some reclining chairs. Set further back was a fully stocked bar and a mini-restaurant. Behind the restaurant area was a black, twenty-foot long marble table which was similar to a buffet table; it was stocked with American and English newspapers as well as pots of coffee, teas, and carafes of juice. There were also platters of pastries and chocolates. In front of him were some computers and telephones, and a television with a satellite receiver.

"Alex? Are you ok?"

"Sorry, Nigel, I was just staring."

"Really? I hadn't noticed," said Nigel, slightly bemused. "It's all free, you know. So help yourself. Keep in mind they'll feed you on the plane."

Alex walked over to the large black marble table, and grabbed a newspaper, and then poured himself a cup of coffee, then made it up the way he liked with an overdose of cream and sugar. He then walked over to a chair that looked comfortable and sat himself in it. Nigel sat next to him. There wasn't much attempt to make small-talk. Nigel watched the television which was tuned to CNN at the time, while Alex read his copy of the London Evening Standard.

"Excuse me, sir, can I get you anything?" said a waitress, interrupting Alex's reading.

"Um, do you have anything like toast or a muffin?"

"Yes, sir. What kind of toast would you like?"

"Rye toast if you have it."

"Seeds or no seeds, sir?"

"Seeds are fine. Lightly toasted, please."

"Yes, sir. Would you like me to top off your coffee when I return, sir?"

"Yes, please."

"Anything for you, sir?" she said, turning to Nigel.

"Yes. Tea, please. Earl Grey with milk. Scones if you have them, some plain biscuits otherwise."

"Very well, sir. We'll have that served presently."

The drinks and food arrived a few moments later, all impeccably served on fine china. It was set down and carefully arranged by the server until it was just so. After Alex and Nigel expressed their mutual satisfaction, the server left. Alex put down his paper, and started on his toast. After a brief pause, he decided to engage Nigel in conversation. "What can you tell me about this mission they've got me on?"

"Sorry. Not much, really. It's not that I can't tell you, it's that I know nothing. I'm not in any position to have detailed knowledge of what's going on. The fact they're doing this suggests it's important, but if one couples that with the fact they're using a minor, it's not likely very dangerous. Although, I'm against the use of minors in all cases, even they wouldn't stoop so low as to put you in harm's way knowingly."

"Proving they don't know anything?"

"I prefer not to say," said Nigel with a sardonic smile.

"Right, then. Understood. I'd imagine I'll be under constant surveillance when I'm outside the hotel room," said Alex, fishing for whatever information he could find.

"One would imagine."

"For a quiet person, you've been most helpful."

"If you say so," replied Nigel, his face belying his words. Nigel, in fact, knew he'd been helpful. He wasn't beyond a little sabotage in order to help protect Alex.

"Thanks. I appreciate it, you know."

"You're welcome," replied Nigel, pausing a significant amount before adding, "Though I can't imagine what for."

"When I get to London, I assume I'll be met and taken to a hotel?"

"Yes, you'll be met and taken to a hotel. I imagine it will be the same one you stayed at on your last trip. They will be looking to keep everything the same, or as close as possible. Once there, they'll tell you whatever scheme they've worked out."

"Silly, of course, since Nicky didn't know where I was staying."

"Incorrect, Alex. You assume he didn't know where you were staying. An assumption in the covert operations business can be fatal. Fatal errors don't readily lend themselves to second chances. You also assume he is who he said he is. You assume he's safe, and means you no harm. Let me assure you that there are dangerous teenagers and dangerous children." Nigel paused to cough before continuing, "I don't mean to lecture you or even presume what I've told you is true. I just wish to correct your assumptions because clearly they're wrong. Dangerously wrong."

"I suppose you're right. Deep down, though, I feel I'm not in harm's way from Nicky."

"I don't suspect you are. However, as you've been told, that isn't the goal -- it's his father. Do you know him well enough to determine if you're safe on that front?"

"No, I don't," said Alex. He knew that he wasn't safe from the King. He was sure of it beyond any doubt.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I'd like to announce the boarding of British Airways supersonic Concorde flight zero-zero-two, non-stop service to London's Heathrow Airport. We'll be boarding the aircraft from the rear forward. Please have your passport and boarding card ready. We'll begin boarding momentarily."

"Alex, this is goodbye for us. I'm going to trust there is nothing that would keep you off this flight and take my leave now. It's also an indication that I trust you. On behalf of Her Majesty's government, I'd like to wish you a safe flight and Godspeed on your mission."

"Thank you. You may be the first government official I haven't taken an intense disliking to. I mean it as a compliment. Really."

"Then I shall take it as such. Good day," said Nigel, shaking Alex's offered hand before walking away.

Alex waited until it was his turn to board, and walked forward immediately. He was so excited he wanted to jump and scream for joy. He noticed that most passengers on Concorde, unlike on other airplanes, were in no rush to board. The social implications of that were not lost on him either. It would not be the first or last time on this journey he thought he could get used to this way of life.

Alex presented his passport. He then stood still while a hand-held metal detector was run over his body. He was directed down the hall and into the jetway. Alex's heart rate sped up as he walked towards the aircraft. Finally, as he rounded the bend, it came into view. The first thing he noticed was that the doorway to the plane was rather small. Almost anyone would have to duck their head to enter.

As he entered, to the left was the cockpit and the galley. To the right was the lavatory, a few rows of seating, additional galley space, and then the rest of the rows. He noticed the windows were tiny and double layered. It was, compared to a regular plane, very tiny. There were two seats on each side of the plane, and a narrow aisle up the middle. The seats were rather tightly configured. He supposed a few hours of discomfort was preferable to many more hours of questionable comfort on a regular aircraft.

He took his seat, noticing that the space under the seat in front of him was very cramped. He toyed with putting his item in the overhead bin, but discarded that as too inconvenient. He hoped nobody would be sitting next to him. Since the number of people in the lounge was small, he supposed he had a chance.

Everyone was boarded quickly, and to Alex's delight, the seat next to him was indeed empty. He moved his bag under the next seat, freeing up his precious leg room. He pulled out his CD player, and a Journey's Greatest Hits CD. He decided he'd rather listen to music instead of reading after take-off.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I'd like to welcome you aboard Concorde. In the seat pocket in front of you are the specialised safety feature cards. Please follow along as we demonstrate." Alex watched, this time with interest, as they pointed out the exits, and use of various safety devices. "Please be sure your items are safely stowed, your seatbacks and tray tables are in the upright position until after take off."

The plane gave a slight lurch as it pulled away from the jetway. It backed onto the tarmac, and proceeded down the taxiway.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your captain. Our estimated flying time today once we're airborne is three hours and thirty-six minutes. Because of noise abatement regulations here in New York, when we take off we'll be making several sharp turns and the engines will change sound and pitch. This is normal. Once we're out over the ocean, we'll pass mach one, and you'll feel the plane shift slightly. Our cruising speed today will be mach two. Concorde has to use a specific runway, so there will be about a five minute delay before we can take off, as all other traffic must be cleared as we'll cross two other active runways during our take-off roll."

About ten minutes later, the captain indicated it was time for take-off. Alex heard the engines roar loudly, and he was pushed back into his seat as the plane literally rocketed forward. The airport flew by him at unbelievable speed as Concorde thrust down the runway, lifting into the air on a steep trajectory, taking it higher in a short distance than Alex imagined possible. Alex looked into the Concorde pamphlet he was given on check-in.

Seeing the curvature of the earth with your own eyes is indescribable. There are no clouds, no bumps, and you experience an impossibly smooth ride; it's as if you aren't moving, only you are. Out of the tiny window you see the curvature of the earth whilst sitting in the lap of luxury 60,000 feet above the planet, far, far higher than any other commercial aircraft, and most military aircraft. As you look out your window, tiny spots appear to be sitting on top of the clouds below you: these are jumbo jets, also crossing the Atlantic Ocean, five miles below you. The air outside the plane is over 75 degrees Fahrenheit below zero! Concorde is unique in many ways: it actually lengthens as it flies from the friction of its speed; the metal literally stretches. Concorde has fuel that is moved to different compartments in its hull to change the balance of the aircraft. To fly on Concorde is to literally leave earth and fly so high that you are in the deep, dark purple of the outer reaches of the atmosphere. The deep, dark purple of space as seen along with the curvature of the earth from the edge of the atmosphere is an awe inspiring thing. This view of earth from a perspective only an astronaut or a Concorde passenger can see is not to be believed. The knowledge that there are no other human beings as high above earth as you are is a most humbling thought.

Alex thought to himself about the experience. Concorde is not only a means of absurdly fast transportation, she's a majestic, beautiful creature, full of grace and glamour. It's a work of modern mankind that is beyond belief and description. He knew this would be one of the most memorable moments, if not the most memorable, in his life.

Alex exited the vehicle, his heart pounding.