It's Been A Long Time (D4 EE, Aerospace Hanger)

[James Hall]

"Wow. My mother was too. We have that in common!"

[Alexei Herald]

"I suppose we do."

He threw a sideways glance at James, the expression carrying several questions, but he didn't press the issue.

"The problem is, this bird hasn't flown for... a very long time. I'm not sure what's wrong. The diagnostics can't pick it up, but it doesn't want to engage the flight controls under G-stress - I nearly wiped it out when the problem first came up - if I'd been lower to the ground, I'd have been ash and dust. Something has come loose, but none of the sensors can tell what.""

[James Hall]

James shrugged. He didn't think people claiming to be descendants of the SLDF was unheard of. It's not like everyone left. Though he would need to look into it. And maybe get Mata to stop saying it if it is peculiar. Alexi Herald is a dangerous man. Thankfully, he just seemed more curious and perceptive than malicious. Best to get to work.

Using what Alexi said, James investigated the craft.

Aerospace/Int What's Wrong?: 6d10o10k4 21

[Comstar]

Unfortunately, the problem wasn't immediately apparent.

It would require a more thorough investigation. Perhaps fixing the Shilone would give him some ideas?

[James Hall]

James shook his head. "I don't see anything that strikes me as abnormal. I should probably work on the Shilone first. At least make sure it is in the top condition, before spending who knows how much time looking for what is wrong with the Vulcan."

[Alexei Herald]

"That may be wise... though I admit, I'd love to fly it again."

A faint sigh.

"The Shilone is a fine craft, but it doesn't quite live up to the Vulcan. Less firepower, yes, but also... it's more stable, but can't cut into rolls the same way."

[Comstar]

Fixing the flaps on the Shilone is a TN 20 task, with a full thread time commitment.

The job isn't really that hard, just time consuming and a lot of busywork.

[James Hall]

"Well, I'll try to look at it first thing in the morning, tomorrow. Hopefully, I can get it flying soon enough."

He then went to fixing the Shilone leaving Mata next to Alexi.

"Is stable bad? I thought a stable fighter was a better one."

Fixing the Shilone TN 20 Edge: 7d10o10k5 37

[Alexei Herald]

"It's good."

He laughed. "But it... doesn't take turns the same way. The Vulcan cuts tighter angles - it's just a matter of feel."

Glancing back at James as he worked, he added, "Every pilot eventually develops a preference, after they spend long enough in the cockpit. A friend... old friend... preferred lumbering attack aircraft. He didn't want to feel the wind - he wanted to feel his engines."