Top Gun (54 page)

“Maybe.” Andy shrugged. “But after all the tough times we’ve been through together, I figure it’s about time we had it easy.”

“Amen to that.” Robbie nodded. He grinned.

Andy wondered what gesture should next be made. It was too soon for a filial embrace. Maybe someday. He extended his hand.
Robbie shook it.

“One small step for mankind,” Gail joked, watching them. “One giant leap for brotherhood.”

“There’s a couple more things, Andy,” Robbie said, sounding a little more relaxed. “Number one, there’s a tradition here at
Red Sky that the guy who wins the Warlord trophy gets a shot at the next available slot for the Attackers Squadron. At the
moment you’re at the top of that list, and one of my guys is leaving.…”

“He’ll take it!” Gail said quickly.

Robbie laughed. “It’s
his
decision, Gail.” He looked at Andy. “It’s a tough job always playing the bad guy, but then, you do get to spend your days
flying ACM.”

Andy nodded. “I’d take the slot even if I weren’t involved with Gail. I think there’s a lot you can teach me Robbie. I’m anxious
to learn.”

“And vice versa, kid,” Robbie murmured. “And vice versa.”

“You said there were a couple of things?” Andy prodded.

“Yeah, right,” Robbie said. “Well, just before coming here, I called home to invite the family to Sunday’s closing ceremonies.
I mean, I know Steve will get a big kick out of seeing you get the Warlord trophy. Steve is going to fly everyone. Grandma
included, here to Ryder in the company Lear jet….”

“You’re going to like Grandma Erica,” Andy was confiding to Gail. “You’re just like her.”

“Mom and Don will be coming too,” Robbie elaborated. “As a matter of fact, it was Don I called to invite everyone.”

“Really?” Andy remarked, pleasantly surprised.

“I’ve got a lot to make up to Don, as well as you, Andy,” Robbie explained. “I told him as much when I called.”

“How did Don react?”

Robbie said, “He was… surprised. To say the least.”

“I would imagine.” Andy chuckled, and explained to Gail, “Robbie and I got along
well,
compared to how Robbie and
Don
get along.”

“Oh, boy….” Gail rolled her eyes.

“I know I’ve got to turn over a new leaf with my step-father,” Robbie said quickly. “I want to. I’m ready to. It’s just that
I’m not sure I know how.” He looked away. “Andy, I could use your help.”

Andy smiled. “Sure. What are brothers for?”

HIGH FRONTIER

For three generations, the mighty dynasty of Gold has belonged to the heavens once reserved for gods alone. Its passionate men and women had founded Gold Aviation and Transport, the powerful corporate giant that blazed new trails into the blue skies above and the black space awaiting exploration. Now, in our own day, the magnificent Golds take flight on their boldest and most perilously uncertain path to date. Our world is only deceptively at peace. And the brutal business of war has come to be settled as much in the clouds as on land and sea. But for the Golds, the most treacherous conflict of all is the one fought closest to home-threatening the very life of the globe-spanning business empire that proudly bears their name.