On the Edge of Flight
James and I spent the afternoon in the hangar, looking over the Kestrel. He’s convinced we’re close enough now that we should just commit and finish the restoration. I could see it in the way he kept circling her — that engineer’s itch that won’t let go once a project is within reach.
Truth is, the idea hit me harder than I expected. I’ve treated the Kestrel like a long-term curiosity, something to tinker with between responsibilities. But hearing James say, “We could get her spaceworthy,” stirred something old and familiar in me.
We went over the remaining work: dampeners, impulse manifold, a few stubborn relays. Manageable. And when he asked if I’d take her up for the inaugural flight — even just a short loop around the Docosie system — I realized how much I want that. To feel a small ship come alive under my hands again. To earn that moment.
So I told him yes. We’re finishing her. And when she’s ready, I’ll be the one to take her out.
It feels good to look forward to a flight.
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