Author's Note: This prompt was suggested by PenNameArtist...and thus particular story deals heavily with my personal headcannon that Cheif Ranger is a terrible night flyer. But given that there are less than 10 night certified firefighting helicopters in the US I think I am justified. XD
N is for Night Flying
The smokejumpers where bivouacking somewhere else in the park, which meant the base was unusually quiet this evening. The lights were still on in the main hanger, but the only sound coming from inside was the clack of game pieces and the occasional 'hm.' Neither Cabbie or Windlifter needed to talk as they pushed the dominos across the floor. Both aircraft had known each other long enough that they could easily read each other's body language and words would only get in the way as they played with their mismatched game set made from remnants of at least three incomplete sets. They were so engrossed in their gameplay they barely acknowledged the sound opening of the hanger door.
"So, Blade's meeting with our superintendent went long again…" Maru drawled, leaving the statement hanging. Windlifter remained stoic, but Cabbie sighed heavily as he turned to look at the mechanic. "Who is going to go rescue him this time?"
The two aircraft stared at each other hard enough, that Windlifter finally broke. "Perhaps you shou…"
"I have already rescued our fearless leader five times this month." The old plane didn't let the helicopter finish.
"You are the most qualified night flyer…"
"Which really only matters when we are responding to an actual emergency." Cabbie shot back. "The fact that Blade gets lost in the dark if he doesn't have a buddy, does not constitute an emergency in my book."
"…Dipper…" Windlifter quietly suggested.
"Is currently on one of her 'digital dates' and given the last time I rolled into her during some 'me time' I was scarred for life, she really isn't a viable option." Maru added his two cents, and the looks on the two aircraft made it clear just seriously they took that piece of information. But it still didn't end the discussion.
"I will clean up the dominos after we finish the game and I will make popcorn while you are gone." Cabbie tried to sweeten the pot, and Windlifter finally gave in.
"I will return in about 45 minutes." Windlifter sighed. "It better be caramel popcorn."
"Will do." Maru chuckled as his gave the helicopter a pat on the side. "Now you better go rescue Blade from Cad before things get too ugly down at the lodge."
So without any further argument, Windlifter rolled out ant took to the skies the only flying member of the Air Attack Team that never managed to get their night flying certification.
