The Coast Guard rescue team combed through another vast expanse of sea, and once again, the couple missing for four days remained elusive. As the pilot began to circle back toward base, Allan's defiance against defeat grew palpable.
Allan: No, let's keep going just a bit longer!
Pilot: We need to head back, we're low on fuel!
Communication flowed through their headsets.
Allan: Let's push past that ice mountain!
Michael: There's nothing there, Allan!
Allan: Did you check?
A hush fell over the team, yet they conceded to Allan's persistent commands, despite the base's orders to call off the search.
As the helicopter drew closer, the dense fog hampered visibility.
Allan: Further ahead!
Pilot: We've got no visibility, I repeat, no clear sight!
The aircraft's radio crackled with orders to return, but interference soon crippled the connection with the base.
Michael: Wait! What's that behind the iceberg?
Eyes shifted in unison.
Allan: Found them!
He swiftly seized the helicopter's loudspeaker microphone.
Allan: This is the Coast Guard rescue team...
The roar of engines stirred the two survivors into visibility aboard their vessel, feeble and signaling desperately for aid.
Michael: They're alive!
Cheers erupted among the team.
Allan: Okay, let's get ready!
Preparations commenced, Allan securing ropes to the harness around his waist, as he once more advised the survivors to stay calm, reassuring their safe extraction.
The operation began, Allan descending for rescue. Helicopter blades chopped furiously, dispersing the bitterly cold water with their forceful draft.
Following a triumphant rescue, the couple was transported to the local hospital, the press swarming the entrance for exclusive insights. True to form, Allan bypassed them, leaving the media engagement to Michael.
He unzipped his jumpsuit to his waist and climbed into the helicopter, awaiting Michael's completion of the press's thirst for fresh news.
Pilot: Hats off to you, Allan! Without your persistence, we'd have never found them.
A tight-lipped smile and a head rest against the seat's upholstery signaled Allan's satisfaction. Michael boarded, and they lifted off for base. Upon arrival, word spread that his superior awaited him.
Michael: Good luck!
With a wry twist of his mouth, Allan proceeded straight in, knocking as a calm voice invited.
- Come in!
Entering, Allan found his commander swiveling in his chair, a stern countenance fixed upon him.
Bruce: Where do you draw the line, Allan?
Allan: What do you mean?
Bruce: Just answer!
Allan: The line is finding the missing, alive!
Frustration ignited, the commander's fists thumping on the wooden desk.
Bruce: Don't mock me, Allan! You always ignore my orders... I'm sick of your defiance.
Allan: I found them, didn't I?
His raised voice countered.
Allan - If I'd listened to you, they wouldn't have been rescued. So for me, it was worth the day.
Bruce - You are insufferably arrogant, watch how you speak to me, Allan!
Allan - Then fire me!
Twisting the doorknob, he opened the door.
Bruce: I'm not finished with you, idiot.
Allan: But I am! I'm late for my daughter's ballet.
Bruce sank into his chair.
Bruce: Just go! Get out before I change my mind and send you out on another mission just out of spite.
Allan shook his head, departing with a grin.
Bruce: Idiot! (laughter)
Settling down, Bruce breathed relief, watching the live report of the rescued couple outside the hospital.
Allan raced to the locker room, changed swiftly, shouldered his backpack, and hurried to the parking lot, his mother's relentless calls reaching him.
Allan 📱: Hi!
Beth 📱: Where are you? I'm saving your seat.
Allan 📱: On my way, Mom.
Beth 📱: You won't make it!
Allan 📱: I have to.
The call ended; he sped up.
Little Judy was already in line with the other ballerinas, entering the stage; grandmother Beth fretted in the audience, glancing about for her son.
Beth: Oh no! He won't make it in time.
Checking the time, Judy's crestfallen expression was clear without her father by her side. The ballet teacher took position, guiding the girls as music played.
Initially disheartened, Judy still danced gracefully, her spirit reviving as Allan arrived, rushing in. Seeing her father, joy invigorated her movements.
Allan: Excuse me...
Taking his seat beside his mother.
Beth: So glad you made it!
A cheek kiss, and Judy waves, dancing vibrantly.
Beth: She's wonderful!
Allan: Yes!
Beaming with pride. As applause filled the air, children retreated backstage, Allan going to fetch Judy. She flung herself into his arms.
Allan: You were beautiful up there!
Judy: You came, Daddy!
Tender touches and a tight embrace.
Allan: Always, my love! Let's celebrate.
Judy: Where?
Allan: A huge mozzarella pizza, your favorite!
Judy: Yay!
Grandmother Beth, elated, planted kisses on her granddaughter.
Beth: Let's get that pizza now!
Leading the child out. As they departed, Helen, Judy’s ballet teacher, offered accolades, holding a brief discussion with her. Beth noticed Helen's gazes towards Allan but kept silent, feigning ignorance.
Beth: Let's go enjoy that pizza, my dear!
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