U N O F F I C I A L
H O M E P A G E
HR warning.;) "Royal Pain" by Winnie Lim Jessie Bannon pressed her nose up against the window, peering through the clouds. "Drosvenia is so pretty, even from the air," she said. "It’s considered one of the more attractive countries in Western Europe," Benton Quest said. "It’s also one of the last remaining monarchies in the region, right, Dad?" Jonny Quest interjected. "That’s right, Jonny," Benton replied, pleasantly surprised. "I’m glad to see you’re keeping up with your international politics." Jonny shrugged. "It’s interesting." "Fasten your seatbelts, folks," Race called from the cockpit. "We’ll be starting our descent in a couple of minutes." At the airport, they were greeted by the Minister of Science and Technology. The introductions were quickly dispensed with, and then they were escorted to the limousine that was waiting to whisk them to the palace. The Queen was an imposing figure, but there was a kind twinkle in her eye as she greeted Benton, Race, Jonny and Jessie. The men bowed and Jessie curtsied gracefully. A door opened behind Queen Irena, and two men came in. The first was a dignified- looking, gray-haired man; following him was a young man who looked to be about Jessie and Jonny’s age. He had dark brown hair and blue eyes that were so light that they seemed almost colorless. "This is my husband, Prince Leonard. And this is our son Pietr -- the heir to the throne of Drosvenia," the Queen introduced him. The boy bowed his head stiffly to the men, but paused when he saw Jessie. He walked up to her, took her hand, and in one swift movement, raised it to his lips and kissed it. "Charmed," he said. Jonny looked askance at the little tableau, but Jessie seemed to be impressed by the attention. There was the barest hint of pink in her cheeks, and a smile on her face as she replied "I’m pleased to meet you, your highness." "Believe me, the pleasure is all mine," Pietr said smoothly. Jonny resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "The kingdom of Drosvenia welcomes you, Dr Quest," the Queen was saying. "Our space program might not be so far ahead if not for your inventions." "The honor is mine, Your Majesty," Dr Quest responded. "Thank you for the invitation to witness the launch of Drosvenia’s first orbital satellite." Jonny tuned out as more pleasantries were exchanged. He wasn’t sure why, but he really didn’t like the way Pietr was looking at Jessie. Glancing at Race, he noticed that the burly bodyguard was giving the young prince a visual once-over. For that Jonny was somewhat glad. Race didn’t like anyone ogling his little girl and would deal swiftly with anyone who tried anything funny, royalty or not. * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * They were at the launch facility bright and early the next morning. The gleaming steel columns of the launch tower and control buildings stood out in stark contrast to the rolling green hills in the distance. "Wow," Jessie breathed. "Ditto," Jonny said. "Well, let's go in," Benton said. The control room of the satellite was neatly appointed, and Benton Quest was well pleased with what he saw. Even Race, who'd seen his share of laboratories, was impressed by the Drosvenian SAT station. "I hope our station meets your expectations, Dr Quest," said the chief scientist in charge of the installation. "Very much so, Dr Krieg," Benton replied, examining a console. "I see that you've adapted the satellite for GPS as well as communications." "Indeed," Dr Vera Krieg nodded. "We intend this satellite to have many uses." She and Benton were soon in deep technical conversation. Race turned as the door to the control room opened. Most of the room's occupants snapped to attention when they saw who the newcomer was. "Your Highness!" Dr Krieg exclaimed. "It is an honor – we did not expect to see you –" Pietr held up a hand. "I shall not be staying long, Doctor. I merely came to see if Miss Bannon would like to join me on a tour of the countryside." "Me?" Jessie said. "Uh…" "The car is waiting," Pietr said smoothly. "Well, all right," Jessie said.. Jonny nodded. Race shot a warning glance at Pietr. "I will take good care of her, Mr Bannon," he said smoothly. "We will be back in time for dinner." Jonny watched out of the corner of his eye as Pietr and Jessie left the room. "I don't like it either," Race said out the side of his mouth. "But it's her life…" Jonny nodded glumly. * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * They didn't see Jessie again for the rest of that day. As Jonny was getting ready for dinner, he heard her come into the suite where the Quest team was staying. He went out into the drawing-room in time to see her waving to someone outside the window. "Oh, hi, Jonny," she said, a smile on her face. "Did you have fun?" he asked, trying to keep the sarcasm out of his voice. She nodded. "Yeah. Look, I'll tell you about it later, okay? Pietr's coming back in an hour to take me out to dinner." She turned and went into the room she shared with her father, leaving Jonny standing in the middle of the room, his mouth open. He closed his mouth and went back into the room he shared with his father. "Hey there, son," Benton said. He was in a very good mood, having seen what the Drosvenians had done with his satellite. "Ready for dinner?" "Yeah," Jonny said half-heartedly. He really didn't feel very hungry. And he had no idea why. * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * The next morning, the Quest team assembled in the drawing-room -- minus one. "Where's Jessie?" Jonny asked, looking around. "She's still asleep," Race said. "She came back pretty late last night, I thought it would be best to let her sleep in. After all, she is technically on vacation." "Right," Jonny said, stifling his disappointment. He had been looking forward to the tour of the launch site of the rocket that would carry the satellite into orbit, but now it had lost some of its lustre. Jessie joined them for lunch, looking bright-eyed and cheerful and brimming over with stories to tell. "Drosvenia is even more beautiful on the ground," she said, and launched into an account of her personal tour with Prince Pietr. Jonny listened morosely, not saying anything. "…and tonight we're going to the ballet," she said. "Tonight? But the launch is tomorrow morning," Jonny said. The tone in his voice made everybody turn around to look at him. "I'll be there," Jessie said, looking at him strangely. "I wouldn't miss it for anything." "What if Pietr wants to show you something else?" Jonny said. He knew he was sounding childish, but he couldn't help it. Now Benton and Race were looking at him. Jonny squirmed. "Nothing would make me miss tomorrow's launch," Jessie repeated. * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * The launch was scheduled for seven AM the following morning. The royal family was sitting in the viewing room of the SAT complex, while the Quest team was in the control room. Pietr had tried to get Jessie to join him in the viewing room, but she had politely but firmly declined, Jonny was ridiculously glad to note. The control room was abuzz with tension. Controllers checked and rechecked their monitors as the big digital clock above the viewing window showed "00:05:43." "This is exciting," Jessie breathed to Jonny as they stood between Benton and Race. "No kidding," Jonny replied. "All is in readiness, Your Majesty," Dr Krieg said into a microphone connected to the viewing room. "You may proceed, Dr Krieg," Queen Irena said. It was a formality, and both knew it – whether the queen gave the word or not, the countdown would continue and the launch would ensue. But it was a sign of the Drosvenians' respect for the royal family that the little ritual was executed. "T minus four minutes," the launch controller announced. "Rocket systems all check out," the propulsion officer reported. "Electrical systems are go," added the Electrical and Environmental Command officer. "Guidance systems are go," piped up Guidance, Navigation and Control. Dr Krieg turned to Benton Quest. "This is it, Dr Quest." Benton smiled. "I have every confidence in you and your team, Dr Krieg." "T minus 20 seconds. Nineteen. Eighteen. Seventeen." As the countdown proceeded, Jonny turned his attention to the launchpad in the distance, just barely visible. "…Six. Five. Four. Three. Two. One." A red-gray cloud erupted from the base of the rocket. "We have ignition." Jonny and Jessie stared at the blossoming cloud, and then the spire in its midst began to rise. "We have liftoff," announced the guidance officer. There was a muted cheer in the control room, and a noticeable air of restraint. The rocket lifted completely off the pad, leaving steam, smoke and fire in its wake. It went up, up, up… and as they watched, its lowest section detached and fell away. "Stage One away," Launch reported. The rocket was out of sight by now. Everyone's attention turned to the huge monitors following the rocket's trajectory. On the screen, another part fell away from the rocket. "Stage two away." Another cheer rose, a little louder. Then there was silence, except for the beeping of the computers. All eyes were watching the tiny green dot on the screen move out of the earth's atmosphere simulated on-screen. At last Guidance spoke. "Satellite has reached orbital insertion point." It seemed like the whole room was holding its breath. A new beeping cut through the silence. Guidance stood up, a huge grin on his face. "Orbital insertion successful." The room erupted with cheers. Headsets, pens, clipboards, anything not tied down was tossed into the air, as grown men and women shed tears and exchanged exuberant hugs, kisses and high-fives. Benton pumped Dr Krieg's hand. "Well done, Dr Krieg. Congratulations." His eyes were suspiciously bright. "Thank you, Dr Quest," Krieg replied modestly. Jessie and Jonny looked at each other with huge grins. "Cool," Jessie said. "Cooler than cool," Jonny replied. Suddenly, the Queen was beside them, adding her congratulations to the rest. No one had noticed her come in. "Fine work, Dr Krieg," she was saying. "I do hope you will join us at the celebration banquet tonight." "Certainly, your Majesty," Dr Krieg said, a little overwhelmed by the queen's attention. "And I shall expect to see you there as well, Jessie," Pietr said smoothly. Jonny's elation at the success of the launch evaporated slightly at the young prince's presence. "Of course," Jessie said. "Jonny and I wouldn't miss it for the world." Jonny perked up slightly at that. Pietr looked to Jonny; his expression made Jonny feel like a cockroach about to be stomped. "I look forward to it," the prince said frostily, and turned to accompany his family out of the control room. * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * Jonny pulled miserably at his bowtie. Bad enough that he had to wear one at all, but what was worse, he had to watch as Pietr and Jessie carried on an animated conversation across the table. Jessie occasionally threw him a comment or two, but Pietr was quick to draw her attention back to him. The Crown Prince of Drosvenia was really, really starting to get on Jonny’s nerves. After dinner, the assemblage adjourned to the ballroom for a brief concert performance and then dancing. Jonny saw Pietr tuck Jessie’s hand under his elbow and escort her to the ballroom. Jessie looked spectacular that night. She wore an ankle-length dress of midnight blue satin, and her hair was held back from her face with a pair of silver and turquoise combs. A silver pendant nestled in the hollow of her throat, hanging from a black velvet ribbon tied around her neck; and the hint of makeup she was wearing set off her natural beauty perfectly. Jonny had been momentarily struck speechless when she’d emerged from her room that evening on her father’s arm. He’d managed a stammering "You look g-great," and spent the rest of the evening mentally kicking himself for not being more suave. Now he watched slightly sourly as Pietr led Jessie onto the dance floor. She was smiling as they waltzed around the other couples. As the song came to an end, Jonny saw Race come up behind Pietr and tap the boy smartly on the shoulder. A brief conversation later, the prince handed Jessie over to her father, and stepped back into the crowd. Jonny smiled to himself. Race was actually quite graceful, he thought as the tall man danced with his daughter around the hall. Suddenly Pietr appeared beside him. "Having a good time, Jonny?" he asked, in a tone that suggested that he didn’t really care. "Yes, thank you, your highness," Jonny responded politely. "That Jessie – what a girl, eh?" Pietr said. "A real challenge." "A challenge?" Jonny repeated. Pietr nodded languidly. "She won’t be able to resist me for much longer, though." Jessie was resisting? Jonny wanted to cheer. So she wasn’t completely smitten by the handsome prince. "Jessie has very high standards," he said carefully. "Perhaps," Pietr said. "I’m sure that I can convince her that I fulfil all of them." Jonny looked at him suspiciously. The prince had a calculating look on his face as he looked at Jessie and her father. "Who would have thought that Bannon could be so light on his feet, eh?" the Prince went on. Jonny didn’t feel like continuing this conversation. Muttering a quick "Excuse me, your highness," he got to his feet. Summoning up all his courage, he walked out onto the dance floor and up to Race and Jessie. He tapped timidly on Race’s shoulder. "May I cut in?" he asked, hoping that he didn’t sound as nervous as he felt. Race grinned broadly and placed Jessie’s right hand in Jonny’s left. "Sure. Just remember – hands where I can see them, or else," he said with a wink. Jonny had the feeling he was only half joking. Jessie had a wide, welcoming smile on her face. "Hi, Jonny," she said, laying her other hand on his shoulder. "Where have you been all evening?" "The usual," Jonny replied, sliding his right hand around her waist as the music started. "Chatting up the ladies, making all the husbands jealous – that sort of thing." "Why, Jonny Quest, I never knew you were such a ladies’ man," she said, her eyes twinkling. "Only for one lady," he responded, and gulped. He couldn’t believe he had just said that. Was he actually flirting with Jessie Bannon? She didn’t seem to mind, though. In fact she looked like she was enjoying it. "You old smoothie," she said. Her eyes were luminous. Jonny felt his heart skip a beat. He gave himself a mental shake, and reminded himself that this was *Jessie.* And Jessie was Off Limits. "Who, me?" he retorted. Jessie was still smiling. "You know, Jonny -" She was cut off by Pietr coming up behind Jonny and tapping him sharply on the shoulder. "I believe it's my dance," the young prince said. A spark of irritation flashed in Jessie's eyes. "But -" "It's okay, Jess," Jonny interjected. "Save the next dance for me, okay?" He needed some time to sort his by-now muddled thoughts out. Jessie looked into his eyes and nodded. "I'll see you later, Jonny," she said, reluctantly releasing his hand. He felt her eyes on him as he backed away through the crowd. Jonny made his way to one of the chairs at the back of the hall and sat down, his heart thudding. His father came up to him. "Having a good time, son?" Jonny looked up. "I guess so." He saw the flash of Jessie's red hair in the crowd, and followed it idly. Benton tracked his son's gaze, and nodded knowingly. "She's a very special girl, isn't she?" Jonny felt a warm flush creeping into his cheeks. "I don't know -- she's -- " Then he nodded. "Yes, she is." "Well then, perhaps you should tell her," Benton suggested. He ruffled his son's hair, and left. Jonny got to his feet and scanned the crowd for Jessie. She was nowhere in sight. * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * When Jessie came around, she found herself in total darkness. She sat up, and immediately wished she hadn’t as pain exploded through her head. She shut her eyes for a moment until her head stopped thumping. Slowly, she reopened her eyes and allowed them to adjust to the darkness. Things started coming into focus; a window about four feet up in front of her, dim moonlight shining in to barely illuminate the room she was in. Jessie realized that she was sitting on a wooden bed, that creaked as she shifted. "Ow," she said as a fresh wave of pain washed over her. Memories of what had happened were beginning to sift back into her befuddled mind. She had been reluctantly following Pietr down the hall, when dark figures had emerged from the shadows and grabbed the Prince. Instinctively she had struck out at them, but they had overpowered her. She had succeeded in pulling off the stocking cap of one of the attackers -- and then a wet cloth was pressed to her face -- *That was some powerful stuff,* she thought. She got to her feet and started forward. Almost immediately she crashed into another low structure. "Ow!!" she cried, and stumbled back. She looked down at what she had collided with, and gasped. "Pietr!" He was still unconscious, and didn’t stir as she shook his shoulder. She decided to let him come around on his own. Jessie could hear voices in the distance. She turned around slowly, trying to zero in on the source. She got a fix, and moved in on it. She hadn’t gone more than a few steps when she encountered another solid object. This time it seemed to be a wall. She felt along it, and found hinges. A door. Her wandering fingers found the doorknob, grasped it, and turned it. Locked. *Of course,* she thought. The voices were clearer now, and she could make out words. "…fool! Why did you bring the girl?" It was a man, speaking in the Drosvenian dialect. It was not all that different from German, and Jessie could understand it. "She was fighting like a wildcat!" another voice exclaimed. And she got a look at me. We couldn’t leave her there, she could have identified us." "We will get rid of her," a third voice said. A shiver ran up Jessie’s spine. "No," said the first voice. "We may be able to use her to get the prince’s cooperation." He paused. "And she came with Dr Quest. They will probably do anything to get her back." "Our young guests should be coming around any moment now," the second voice said. Jessie heard footsteps approaching, and bolted from the door. She quickly lay back down in the bed and closed her eyes. A moment later, she heard the creak of the door. A heavy-footed someone entered the room. Jessie tried to breathe normally as the footsteps passed by her head and stopped. She heard the swish of fabric, and then the second voice said, "Time to get up, Your Highness." She heard a groan, and then a startled, "Where am I?" "You'll find out," the second voice said. Jessie heard a shuffling of feet, and then the door closed. She cracked one eye open to make sure that she was alone, and then sat up. Tiptoeing to the door, she pressed her ear to the wood, and strained to listen. The palace had been searched from top to bottom, with no sign of Prince Pietr or Jessie. "The prince has been kidnapped," one of the ladies-in-waiting gasped. Who cares about the prince? Jessie's missing too! Jonny wanted to yell. "If Jessie is with him, we may be able to find them," Benton Quest said. "How, Dad?" Jonny felt his voice crack. "Jessie's earrings," Benton said simply. "Remember, they have miniature trackers in them. We'll have to do some fine-tuning, but the satellite should be able to pick up the signal." "Jessie's earrings?" Jonny couldn't believe he had forgotten about those. The round earrings that Jessie always wore were made of a crystalline metal alloy that often appeared in different colors, depending on the angle at which the light struck them. Benton had wanted someone to road-test his miniature tracking devices, which he was planning to build into unobstrusive pieces for VIPs to wear. Jessie had taken some convincing to be the "guinea pig" -- she normally didn't wear jewelry -- but eventually she had willingly submitted in the name of science. After a while, wearing the earrings became second nature to her, and she even slept with them in. "Let's get to the SAT station," Race said. * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * "Please don't hurt me," the Prince was saying. "I'll do anything." Jessie frowned. This didn't sound kosher. Then again, the Prince could have been playing along, trying to earn the kidnappers' trust by feeding them wrong but authentic-sounding information. But as she continued to listen, it became evident that Pietr was telling them all the palace's weaknesses. Right down to the schedule of the changing of the guard. Then she heard him say, "I'll blame it all on that silly American girl. You know how females are." Jessie backed away from the door. She had heard enough. And now she definitely had to get out of there, to warn the palace. She went back to the window and tried the bars. They were solidly anchored. Suddenly the door opened behind her. A hand caught her shoulder roughly and spun her around. "Thinking of escaping? You won't get far!" Jessie was brought into the other room. Pietr was sitting at a table with a map in front of him. He didn't even have the grace to look concerned. "You're a traitor!" she spat at him. "Strategist," he corrected her smoothly. "With the Queen deposed, I am the next in line to the throne. You see, it all works out to my advantage." "She's your mother!" Jessie said incredulously. Pietr's lip curled. "She is weak. Drosvenia could be so much more, with our natural plutonium resources. She will not use them as she should, to gain power and prestige among the European Community. But I will." "By consorting with terrorists? You're a fool, Pietr! These men will stab you in the back as soon as you've told them what they want to know --" The tall man slapped her, knocking her to the floor. Her head was ringing, but she refused to give in to the darkness. Dimly, she heard one of the men say "Shall we get rid of her?" The man with the eyepatch shook his head. "She is with the Quests, and no doubt they will pay handsomely to ensure her safe return. No, we shall keep her as our trump card." He gestured. "Tie her up in the other room." Jessie was thrown roughly into a chair and her arms tied behind her. "That will keep you in your place," said the first man, pulling the rope so tightly that she almost cried out in pain. But she gritted her teeth and stayed silent. She wasn't going to give them that satisfaction. The door closed again, leaving her alone. "Ow," she allowed herself to mumble, flexing her jaw. That blow had sent her head reeling. And now she was tied up. *Great, Bannon. Another fine mess you've gotten yourself into.* * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * Jonny paced the floor of the control room restlessly until his father told him to sit down. "You're making me dizzy," Benton said kindly. "Have we got anything yet?" Race asked. "The data is coming in from the satellite now," Benton said. "Who would have thought that the first use of the satellite would be to find the crown prince of Drosvenia?" the Queen said, the wonder in her voice momentarily overcoming her worry. "There!" Benton said, pointing at the screen. Superimposed on a topo map of Drosvenia was a blinking red spot. "Jessie -- and hopefully, Prince Pietr -- are somewhere in that 50-mile radius. The satellite can't narrow it down any further for the weather." "We can zero in on their exact location once we get there," Race added. Jonny jumped up. "What are we waiting for? Let's go!" Jessie growled, trying to free herself from the ropes. If only she'd paid more attention to Jonny and Hadji when they'd been practicing rope tricks. But no, her speciality was conventional weapons. She could still hear Pietr in the other room with the anti-monarchists, telling them about the layout of the palace. *With princes like him, who needs enemies?* she thought, pulling at the ropes. It started as a low humming. She noticed it when it grew louder, and so, apparently, did the people in the next room. "How could they know where we are?" someone said. "Never mind that! We must get out of here!" "Grab the prince!" "What about the girl?" "Leave her here!" Jessie's relief was quickly supplanted by cold terror as the voice continued, "And torch the place. Leave no witnesses." She heard a crash from the other room, and a familiar voice shouting, "Jessie!!!" Jonny! Jessie thought. Taking a deep breath, she screamed as long and as loud as she could, the way her father had taught her. Suddenly the door caved in and Jonny burst through, rolling and coming to rest on his hands and knees. He was momentarily stunned, but shook it off. Seeing Jessie tied into her chair, he was at her side in a moment, cutting through her bonds. Jessie shrugged off the ropes and stood up, her knees still feeling weak. "Let's get out of here," she said. Jonny looked at the door he had just crashed through. "I don't think we can go out that way," he said. Flames were licking at the doorframe, and just beyond Jessie could see a wall of fire. "Well, we can't get out through the window," she said, pointing at the narrow, barred opening. She looked around and grabbed a blanket off one of the cots. "We'll just have to make a break for it." She slipped an arm around Jonny's waist as he placed one arm over her shoulders, shielding her with his body as best he could. They arranged the blanket over them to cover their heads. Jessie looked at Jonny. "All set?" she asked. He nodded, and said, "Jessie, before we do this, I want you to know --" Jessie placed one hand on his lips. "We'll talk about it later." His arms tightening around her, they took a step towards the raging heat. "One -- two -- GO!!!" Jessie felt the searing heat come at her from all directions, and her feet felt like they were flying. Then they were through to the cold winter air, hit the snowy ground and rolled. As they sat up, Jonny threw off the sizzling blanket. He looked at Jessie, and quickly pushed her back down into the snow. "What? Hey!" Jessie was about to protest when she saw the red flames licking the edge of her torn skirt. Jonny was throwing snow on the still-burning fabric and beating out the glowing embers with his hands. At last all the flames were extinguished, and Jonny helped Jessie up. They looked at each other for a moment. Then she threw her arms around him. They held each other for a long time, not wanting to let go. Jonny felt Jessie shivering in his arms, and looked down at her. Her bare legs were turning blue from the exposure and the melting snow. He released her reluctantly, and shrugged off his thick coat. He laid it on the snow, its waterproof side down, and made her sit down on it, wrapping her in the thick warmth. "You'll freeze," she protested, but he shook his head. "I'm okay," he assured her. "You need it more." He looked around. "Our transport should be here soon. Race and Dad went after the Prince." "He's not worth the effort," she said. "He was telling them how to get into the royal palace, and helping them plan a coup." She punched at the snow. "What a jerk." Jonny looked closely at her and saw the bruise forming on her face. His eyes widened, and then blazed, his hands balling into fists. "When I see him again -- prince or no prince…" "Jonny, no," Jessie said, putting a hand on his arm. Her own eyes flared. "I got dibs." Jonny smiled grimly. Then his eyes grew concerned. "Are you okay?" Jessie opened her mouth to answer, but suddenly she hadn't the strength. She had been so cold for so long, and the adrenalin that had kept her going had finally run out. "Jonny --" she tried to say; and the world went black. * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * She was warm. Safe. Jessie felt smooth, clean sheets around her. Carefully, she opened her eyes. Her surroundings came into focus slowly; she was in a room she did not recognize. The walls were a soothing pink, and the drapes were drawn. She sensed a presence in the room, and turned her head. Slumped in a chair beside her bed was Jonny, in pyjamas and dressing-gown. His head was down, his eyes shut. His tanned skin was still tinged with red from the run through the fire; his hands were swathed in white bandages. As she watched him, he stirred. His eyes snapped open and he sat up. "Jess! You're awake!" She tried to speak, but her throat was raw. Jonny got her a glass of water and held it to her lips as she sipped cautiously. At last she was able to speak. "How long have I been out?" she asked. "Two days," Jonny replied. "I -- We were … kinda worried. How do you feel?" Jessie shut her eyes, and opened them again. "Like an idiot. I can't believe I almost fell for that prince." "Speaking of whom," Jonny said, "Dad and Race caught up with them. The rebels were singing like canaries about Pietr's role in the plot." "What's Queen Irena going to do?" Jessie asked. "Pietr has a younger sister who's away at school in Switzerland. She's next in line to the throne." Jonny shrugged. "According to the palace gossip, she shows more leadership potential than her brother." Jessie nodded. "A gerbil has more leadership potential than Pietr." Jonny chuckled. Just then, Race came in. "Hi, sweetheart," he said, the dark circles under his eyes belying his cheerful demeanor. "Feeling better?" "Yeah," Jessie replied. "When can I get out of here?" "As soon as you feel like you can stand on your own," Race said. Jessie sat up, and the world immediately began to spin. Jonny and Race both caught her as she began to sway. "Maybe a little later," she admitted as they lowered back onto the pillows. "Get some rest, honey," Race said, bending over and kissing her forehead. "I will, Dad," Jessie promised as Race smiled at her. The older man headed for the door, and Jonny was about to follow him when Jessie said, "Jonny?" Race nodded at Jonny, and left the room. Jessie put out a hand and touched Jonny's bandaged hands. "Thank you," she said. "For what?" he asked, genuinely puzzled. "For getting me out of there," she said. Jonny looked at their joined hands. "You're welcome." "Jonny?" "Yeah?" "Back in the cabin – just before we broke out, what did you want to tell me?" A flush crept into Jonny's cheeks. "It can wait till you're out of the hospital." "Tell me now, Jonny." Her grip on his hand tightened. Jonny swallowed hard. "I just wanted to tell you that – you're special to me. You're the most special girl I've ever known." Jessie's eyes shone. "Oh." "Now get some rest? Okay?" Jonny smiled, trying to hide his embarrassment. Jessie nodded, and released his hand. Just as he reached the door, she called, "Jonny?" He turned. "Yeah?" "You're pretty special yourself," Jessie smiled. Jonny flashed her a grin, and left the room. Jessie smiled happily and settled back into the pillows. * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * JQ * * * "Thank you again for your generous hospitality, your Majesty," Benton Quest said, bowing to the Queen. They were in the Queen's receiving room for a final audience before the Quest team's departure from Drosvenia. "You are always welcome in Drosvenia, Dr Quest," Queen Irena said. "All of you." "Thank you, your Majesty," Jessie said, echoed by Jonny. "My dear, you are especially invited to return and build some happier memories," the Queen said, placing a hand on Jessie's shoulder. "I already have some pretty good memories of Drosvenia, your Majesty," Jessie said, exchanging a significant glance with Jonny. The Queen saw their linked hands and nodded, smiling. "I'm very glad to hear that," she said. "Nevertheless, we hope to see you again in Drosvenia very soon." She shook their hands. "Be well, both of you." "Okay, folks, you can take off your seatbelts now," Race announced in his best Delta Airlines voice. "Feel free to walk about the cabin. For your inflight entertainment, we have aboard a selection of Bugs and Daffy's finest, as well as Sondheim's Greatest Hits…" "Oh, Dad. You didn't program in the show tunes, did you?" Jessie groaned. "…and for the little lady in seat 3A, a pair of designer earplugs," Race continued without missing a beat. "At least it's a supersonic flight," Jonny pointed out. "We'll be back at Palm Key in no time." The two teenagers undid their seat restraints and went into the aft cabin. "So what do you want to do?" Jonny asked. "Well, there's that Bugs and Daffy collection," Jessie began, but he saw the twinkle in her eye. "On the other hand, we never got to finish that dance…" The End
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