High Energy Collision [Completed]

Chapter 44 - Lucid Dreams

As the plane slowly descended towards Geneva Cointrin airport, Plan had his nose glued to the window. It was already dark outside, but now that the plane was getting closer to their destination, he could make out the snow-covered peaks of the alps, faintly shining in the moonlight, and the lights of settlements in the valleys shimmering through thick fog between them.

It looked like a surreal dreamland.

Or, as if he was stuck in the loading sequence of one of the video games Mean had hooked him on a while ago.

The flight had gone by much faster and more agreeable than he had expected. There had been surprisingly good food, he was able to just chill with Mean, watching movies together – and if they needed something, the flight attendants were always quick to help out.

He even got to use the shower to refresh himself before they had started their descent, which Mean had told him was a privilege only First Class passengers had.

He wasn't even nervous about landing, and attending the conference the day after tomorrow.

Mostly, he was just really tired. Mean had told him to stay awake on the plane in order to make the adjustment to the new time zone easier.

It had worked so far, at least. He would certainly have no problems finding sleep tonight...

And then... it was suddenly all over very quickly.

The plane breached through the high fog, he could see the city lights approach rapidly, and the plane was touching down onto the runway a few moments later.

Plan released the breath he had been holding, when they had finally slowed down and began to taxi towards the gate. He tried to get a first glimpse of the city outside, but all he saw was really just... an airport.

"Don't forget to put on your coat and beanie," Mean reminded him, as soon as the plane had come to a halt and they were getting ready to disembark.

Plan nodded a smiled goodbye at the businessman who he had talked to before take-off, and received a cheerful "enjoy your stay" in return.

If Plan had been sceptical about Mean's advice, he would have understood the merit of a coat and beanie, as soon as he stepped onto the bridge connecting the plane to the terminal. Even though they were inside the jet bridge, he shivered from the noticeable change in temperatures.

They were among the first people getting off the plane, and Plan automatically moved behind Mean, so he could follow him through the maze of the foreign airport. However, as soon as they had a bit of room to step aside, Mean stopped and told him he wanted to wait for the others to arrive.

If they were lucky, they might even be able to evade the Black Hand leader for a while.

"Wow, you look fresh. Were you even on the same flight?" Win said as soon as he spotted them waiting. He was looking noticeably less energetic than usually.

"Don't give them too much credit," Viola replied, coming up behind their much taller friend. Both she and Rose somehow managed to look relaxed and well made-up, too. "That's just the magic of First Class."

Plan shrugged.

This had been his first flight. He wouldn't know.

"I would have gotten First Class seats for all of you, if it hadn't already been fully booked. But... you know, rich country, there are enough people who can afford to fly First Class," Mean said defensively, and nodded at Viola to get moving.

To Plan, it looked like she was in charge of the travel organisation. He hadn't realised it at home, he had mostly relied on Tio to get everything ready. But it made sense. Since Mean had been so busy with his recording sessions, Viola as the interim leader would have taken over this task.