Hey everyone! I actually got this one up in time. Its one of the longer ones spanning nine pages total. I know I've said it before but the next chapter is where the big action takes place. I'll also warn you towards the end I've added a lot of airplane jargon, its easy for me to make too complicated since I'm a pilot for you readers so I've included a section after the preview to tell you what's going on in the plane. Have fun reading, and as always please review!

P.S. Rember text in italics is thought or Lucia talking to Sion in his head.


Chapter 8
Reality Bites

"The Dragonmaster will be a boy in his late teens, already well established in the ways of a normal teenage life. He'll have friends, family, and will be well rooted in his routine. When he's called upon to serve he will have to leave all that and follow the unknown. Much heartbreak, and confusion will fall upon the boy at that time"

-Ancient Book. "The Trails"


Sion's House March 11th 9:30 PM
"One to lead"

"One to fight"

"One to take the darkness out of the light"


The words echoed in Sion's mind. He regained consciousness, so to speak, and was face to face with Lucia once again, too close actually.

"Ahh, jeeze Lucia did you have to do that."

"Sorry Sion", a small smile formed on her face, then faded as quickly as it appeared.

"Sion the situation has just become more serious."

"Why? What happened?", Sion's curiosity peaked, he felt something bad was coming up.

"Your powers have been revealed to others that know you, we have to move you out to Japan quicker than expected. You leave this Sunday on the 13th. You've got Saturday to tie everything up", the look of concern grew on Lucia's face as she told Sion the grim news.


Caitlin stared at Sion's sleeping form as he tossed and turned in his sleep. Caitlin and Sion's mom had managed to drag him out of the car, and placed him on the couch. Caitlin had told her about the robber, leaving out the part on Sion's light show. Concerned, Caitlin had actually asked to stay the night, Sion's mom, Sally, had smiled at the girls concern and consented if Caitlin's mom, Julie, agreed. Caitlin decided to wait awhile, she wanted to watch her boyfriend for awhile longer in case he woke up. Inwardly she smiled "Boyfriend?, Its been awhile since I've been able to call any guy that."

Caitlin noticed Sion sweating a little then he moaned "No, no not yet I can't go."
"No, no not yet I can't go", Sion was on the brink of a nervous breakdown. First the event at the movie theater, now this. Without warning Lucia walked over to Sion and embraced him. Taken back Sion closed his eyes, he didn't notice the scenery changing. When Lucia let go of him he was surprised.

The land looked like something out of a war movie, buildings were crumbled and smoldering. Small fires were around and the place was deserted. A brief smell of decomposition filled the air working on Sion's stomach. Some sounds coming from behind a pile of rubble caught Sion's attention. He gasped at what he saw, his entire family, as well as Amy, Caitlin, Jeff, and two other girls were tied to a post. All had been obviously beaten. Then men armed with odd looking rifles lined up in front of them.

"No", Sion whispered.

"Ready!", The commanding officer yelled. The men leveled the rifles at their intended victim.

"Aim!", The men aimed their guns.

"NO!!", Sion screamed running and trying to knock over one of the guards. He went right through them.

"Fire!"

The gunshots echoed through Sion's head. His family, friends, all went limp. Sion couldn't hold it back. He started to cry, Lucia came and hugged him again. Whispering in his ear, "Sion it was just an illusion, look."

Everything was back to a white background.

"Lucia….is that what….will happen if I….if I don't go?", Sion surprised by his realization.

"Yes Sion, that light show you put on was caught by the local media. Virgo's followers will most likely try to find its source. If another outburst happened they'd pinpoint it and you'd all end up like that. You need to start training now, unless you want this to happen."

"I have no choice then, I'll leave"
"My mom's going to really worry about this, but I can't leave him alone after what I saw. I'll see if I can spend the night here for today, better give her a call", with that though Caitlin stood up and made her way to the kitchen so she could call her mom.

"Sion get better, I don't know what I'd do without you", Caitlin whispered to what she believed to be an asleep Sion Nickson. After that she left the room and went to make her phone call. After Caitlin left the room, unnoticed by her, Sion's head lifted it self towards the hall way where his girlfriend had gone. He smiled thinking about what she had said.

"I don't know what I'd do without you either."

The rest of the night went by uneventfully. Caitlin's mom had actually agreed to let Caitlin stay over, under the condition the two were closely monitored. This had been the center of jokes for the next few hours between the two teenagers after Caitlin had returned from making her phone call. As the night went on, both knew the question on each other's mind. With Caitlin curled up in Sion's arms he drew her close.

"I know you want to know exactly what happened today."

Caitlin's face shot up to meet his, "I'm just worried."

"I know, to be honest I'd like to explain it, but I don't even understand what happened", Inwardly Sion cringed, he knew it wasn't entirely a lie, but it wasn't the full truth either.

"Just be careful, I don't need you leaving me here when this has just started."

Sion almost felt his heart being ripped out from his chest. One day, that's all he had left with this girl.

"Tomorrow, were going to spend the entire day together, how's that?"

"mmhum that sounds great. Now lets get some sleep."

"Huh? Alright I'll help you upstairs."

"No, here. Just lay back and relax."

Caitlin shifted her weight and laid back on Sion. Giving in Sion laid back on the couch with Caitlin in front of him. He kept her close to him with his arms, not daring for a second to relax his grip. Caitlin turned her head to meet Sion's face.

"See ya in the morning", she kissed him and wiggled a little to get comfortable. Sion felt more guilty by the second, but he couldn't bring himself to leave that couch.
Jeff's House March 12th 9:37 AM

The ringing of the phone woke the entire room. After the incident at the movie theater everyone had crashed at Jeff's house since his parents were out of town. Jeff groggily made his way to the demonic device, and picked it up.

"Playboy mansion, Hue speaking."

"Real funny buddy."

"SION!", this got the entire room's attention. After the 'light show' incident had shown up on the 11'oclock news everyone had been anxious about their friends condition.

"Yeah, yeah, its me, calm down alright. Look I was wondering if you could round every one up and meet me and Caitlin at the mall."

Jeff made a nervous glace at Amy, she had made it to the phone quickest of all at Sion's voice, "Everyone?"

"Yeah Jeff, Amy, Michael, everyone."

"Something going on man?"

"After last night I think everyone's gonna want to talk to me anyways."

Looking around the room Jeff noted all the faces waiting for any news on Sion like a pack of wolves eyeing a three legged cat, "Your right on that one buddy. So where and when?"

"Meet me in front of the Suncoast over at the mall around 1. Oh don't let anyone eat, I want to catch lunch with everyone."

"Alright, well see you then."

As soon as Jeff put the phone down he was jumped.

"How is he?"

"What did he say?"

"We're meeting him? Where?"

Jeff couldn't figure out who was saying what.

"Ok everyone, save the questions for him alright? All I know is were gonna meet him, and Caitlin at the mall, at one, so everyone start picking this place up, and lets get ready."

"Caitlin?"

Jeff didn't have any trouble identifying that voice.

"Yes Amy, Caitlin too."

Amy slumped over to her corner of the room and started to pack up her sleeping bag.


Sion's House March 12th 10:00 AM
Sion nudged Caitlin's sleeping form on the couch. She stirred a little but didn't wake.

"5 more minutes."

"Sorry babe no can do", he leaned in and kissed her. A smile formed on Caitlin's lips.

"Fine then, I'll take five more of those."

Sion stepped back and smirked.

"You can get all you want after you get rid of that morning breath."

Caitlin got off the couch and groggily wobbled towards the bathroom, far opposite of the room. Stopping by her boyfriend she looked at him, and then jabbed him in the arm.

"After that comment I'm not sure I want any more kisses."

Sion frowned a little as Caitlin's form disappeared behind the door. Then her face popped back, "I might want something else", a mischievous smile formed on her face as she slowly disappeared into the bathroom.

Sion's face went red. He shook it off and went into the kitchen to make a light breakfast. He noticed a small note on the fridge.

Dear Baby-boy

Saw you were too 'tied up' this morning to give your mom a kiss good by. I told Caitlin last night she could stay. I also left the keys to the other car with her, I'm taking yours to work today. Be sure to clean up your room and playroom. I'll be back around 6. Have fun till then.

Love, Mom


Guilt over took Sion again as he read the note. It wasn't just his friends and girlfriend he'd be leaving behind. He was going to lose everything, but it was to save everything. Then he thought, "Who's going to save me?"
North County Mall March 12th 1:00 AM
The entire group was sitting out side the Suncoast movie store on a bench. Everyone was thinking about what had happened the other day. In the back of the group a nervous Amy Brinkstone sat with her hand on her forehead, she looked up when she felt a hand placed on her shoulder.

"Everything will be fine alright. You just have to steal him away from that little tramp."

Amy looked up and smiled. "Yeah your right, it shouldn't be hard right?"

Christy giggled, "Besides you remember last time we broke up a perfect couple."

Amy frowned, "Don't remind me, I always thought that Nick was a good guy, who would have thought after we got him single again he'd just try to get into my pants."

Christy laughed harder, "After that kick you gave him I don't think he'll be able to hook up with any one for the rest of his life."

The two girls laughter was cut short by Sion, and Caitlin's arrival. Jeff and Sion shook hands before they decided to throw pride aside and hugged. Caitlin introduced herself to everyone kindly. Finally Sion nervously approached Amy.

"How ya do'n?"

"Fine thanks to you, I never did get a chance to thank you for rescuing me", Amy smiled at Sion and looked into his eyes. As she did Sion's face turned a little red.

Before it could progress further Amy turned to Caitlin and held out her hand, "Nice to meet you I'm Amy Brinkstone."

Caitlin shook her hand, "I'm Caitlin Turner."

"Nice to meet you", everyone but Caitlin missed the competitive look in Amy's eyes.

"So she wants to play hardball for my boyfriend, well fine", Caitlin silently thought. She grabbed Sion's hand and intertwined it with hers.

"Lets go ahead and put our name down for a table", Caitlin ushered the group to the Kanki restaurant. They placed a reservation down for nine people, and were told the wait would be about half an hour.

"Shall we?", the look on Jeff's face told Sion everything.

"Fine just one round."

The two ran up to the arcade with everyone else following. After getting some tokens they made there way to the dance dance revolution machine. Jeff selected his favorite song

'I like to move it move it', when the song ended Jeff slammed his hand down on the safety bar in disbelief.

"You beat me in my best song?"

"Sorry man", Sion unsympathetically pushed him off the stage. Amy quickly jumped up to replace Jeff to beat out Caitlin. Looking at the song list she smiled and chose one titled 'I want to blow your whistle'.

"You go girl, blow his whistle away", Christy cheered from the crowd. Everyone laughed except for Caitlin, and of course Sion who was having trouble concentrating. Amy made a point of bumping Sion's 'whistle' with her rear when the song hit a break.

"Sion you better watch out your score's dropping", Jeff shouted out while trying to control his laughter.

The song ended, due to Sion's inability to concentrate he lost, horribly. Amy smiled and threw her arms around his neck, "That's alright Sion, I still love you anyways", Amy let out playfully.

Meanwhile Caitlin's anger level was constantly rising. She pulled Sion off the dancing stage and got up on herself. Staring daggers at Amy she chose the song 'I'm Gonna Get You!', taking a deep breath she turned to her competition, "I'm not very good at this I hope you don't mind taking me on."

Amy just smiled, "I'd be more than happy to"

Everyone's face dropped as Caitlin choose the hardest difficulty level, "Lets just hope you can keep up with a beginner like me."

Amy rose to the challenge and changed the difficulty level to match Caitlin's, "I don't think I'll have much of a problem."

The song started and both girls seemed to be possessed while dancing. Jeff nudged over to Christy.

"How many times has Amy done this?"

Christy looked just as surprised as Jeff was, "I think twice counting the last dance with Sion."

Sion stood in awe, Caitlin never had struck him as a DDR fan.

Finally the song ended final score for Amy was A. Caitlin's score tallied up to a AA. Caitlin celebrated her victory signaling Amy to get off the dance platform and then pulling her boyfriend up onto the dance floor. She looked at the song list and chose 'Synchronized Love' she puzzled everyone back by choosing single player. As she stepped onto the same platform as Sion she winked at Amy and she stepped in front of her boyfriend, and wrapped his arms around her waist.

The song started up and it was slow. Caitlin made sure to double up on the attention Amy had given Sion during their dance routine. The 'dancing' earned several hoots from Jeff and the disapproving glances of many of the girls. Caitlin noted that Amy seemed just as angry as she had during their dance.

As the dance finished Caitlin decided to have her own grand finish by kissing her boyfriend square on the lips. Caitlin could almost swear she could hear Amy screaming subconsciously. Then to break the mood the buzzer in Jeff's pocket went off.

"Hey guys we better get back down to the restaurant."
After everyone had ordered and the food was served everyone started talking again. To no one's surprise both Amy and Caitlin were sitting on either side of Sion.

"Caitlin you think I could have my hand back for a second?", Sion looked to release his hand from his girlfriends grasp.

"Oh can't eat let me help you, say ah."

Caitlin placed a piece of shrimp in Sion's mouth.

Amy steamed but quickly thought of something, "Sion I'd like you to meet someone, this is Michael."

Sion shook Michael's hand, "We've already met"

"Michael Brinkstone, my cousin", Amy smiled, the look on Sion's face was priceless

"You're…You're cousin?", Sion was having trouble talking. He was glad he had swallowed the shrimp, otherwise he'd be chocking on it.

Jeff noticed the situation, "Man Sion this food is great, you're girlfriend really knows how to choose a restaurant."

"Thanks", Caitlin let out a half hearted reply. Sion noticed his girlfriends mood. He leaned over to her and kissed her.

"There isn't anyone like her in the entire world", Sion smiled. Caitlin tightened her grip on her boyfriends hand.

"Everyone I'll be right back I'm going to go make a phone call", Sion left the table and went towards the bathroom.

Caitlin took this time to turn to her nemesis.

"I'm not letting him go."

Amy sighed, "I'm not gonna give up if that's what your hoping for."

They both stared at each other for awhile until Sion returned.

"I hate to do this to you all but I've got a plane reserved today, but I'm afraid I've only got room for five."

Christy's friends and Michael shrugged, "We were going to go and spend some time with Michael anyways."

The three girls and Michael walked out of the restaurant, Christy watched them go, "Man I could've got me some of that."

"Don't worry you've still got me", Jeff nudged Christy in the arm.

"Don't remind me Jeff."

"Let's get going alright, the plane's all the way in Franklin County"
Franklin County Airport (KLHZ) March 12th 4:30 PM
"Alright preflight complete", Sion threw the charts and flight bag into the Cessna 206 Stationair. Placing the headset around his neck he started the engine startup checklist.

"Mixture Lean, check"

"Aux. Fuel Pump on"

"Positive fuel flow, Aux. Fuel Pump off."

"CLEAR PROP!"

The engine came to life, with the push of a button all the screens, lights, and avionics came to life. Sion spoke into his mic.

"Everyone hear me?"

"Gotcha buddy"

"I hear you", Christy came in.

"Hey", Caitlin chipped in.

"I love you!", Amy laughed while talking into her mic. Everyone shook their heads except Caitlin who's anger was building up just as fast as the engines temperature. Sion shook it off and looked at his girlfriend in the co-pilot seat.

"You wanna take the plane to the runway?"

"Really!?", Caitlin seemed to light up.

"Sure just let me get some small things out of the way."

Sion reached over to the yoke and pressed in the push to talk button, "Franklin County Unicom Cessna 5 Sierra Bravo requests radio check."

"Sierra Bravo we've got you loud and clear, have a good one."

"Thanks."

Sion turned his attention to Caitlin, "Alright just some basics. Feel the peddles with your foot, you push the top of them in to brake, each peddle brakes its corresponding wheel, left or right. You can steer sharply by breaking and pushing the peddle in. Pushing in the peddle controls the direction of the main gear. Also be sure to stop before the runway I'll let you know when. Got it all?"

Caitlin nodded her head. Sion added a little throttle to let Caitlin test the brakes and experiment a little. After Sion was satisfied with his girl friends performance he radioed the airport.

"Franklin County traffic Cessna November 7 ninner 5 Sierra Bravo taxing to runway 4 for takeoff."

Caitlin controlled the plane down the taxi way, perfectly Sion was sure to let her know this. Sion noticed the traffic around the airport was clear. He pulled the Cessna 206 onto the runway and accelerated, taking off quickly despite the weight the plane rose into the air.

"So were we going?", Jeff's voice came over the intercom.

"Were gonna stop my uncle's grass strip, then its dinner at North County International."

"Were landing at NCI!?", Amy's voice was confused, and excited.

"Yes Amy, I can land there", Sion sounded like he was talking to a little kid.

The plane soared over the country side. Farms passed underneath, houses, everything could been seen for miles. Sion relaxed feeling at home, the air, it always had a strange effect on him when he was up here. Soon Sion noticed the grass strip off to the left. His friends were all enjoying the view, Sion soon began to fell a little mischievous.

"Hope they didn't eat to much", Inwardly Sion couldn't hold back the laughter as he aligned the plane on final over a thousand feet too high.

"Everyone welcome to our first stop. Please place your seats in their upright position, its gonna get bumpy."

Placing one wing really low and adding opposite rudder control Sion put the plane in a slip. Descending quicker that a roller coaster the plane rushed to meet the ground, like someone meeting an old friend. About a hundred feet out Sion kicked out the slip and landed on the grass. As he pulled to a stop he waited for a response, but got nothing but surprised and scared stares from his passengers. It was then that Jeff spoke up.

"Hey Sion what's that huge jet doing here?"

Sion quickly looked in the direction of Jeff's finger.

"A Citation X?", Sion couldn't believe it.
Sion ran his hand down the wood finishing. The inside of the plane looked like Donald Trumps mansion. Everything looked like it cost a million bucks. The cockpit looked like something out of a house from the future.

"Lucia I'm guessing you had something to do with this?"

"I see you like your present Sion"
, Lucia let out a small giggle.

"I can't believe it, I'm supposed to fly this?"

"I'll help it won't be that hard, besides we need something that can fly fast and can actually serve our needs. You are going all the way to Japan."

"…To Japan…"

"Hey Sion man, your uncle is hooked up. This jet is really, really, well, huge."

"Heh thanks, he likes using it. Fly's all over you know."

Caitlin was at the cockpit, "If he uses it all the time how come everything looks brand new."

It only took Sion a second to think of a response, "My uncle traded in his last plane about a week ago and got this one. He just said he needed a little more head room."

"Something like this must come at a price", Christy piped up.

"Yeah over 25 million I think."

"With a price tag like that it must have a comfy pullout bed somewhere we can put to use right?", Amy walked up from the back of the cabin.

Not knowing any better Sion let out, "There's a twin size pull out under the sofa seat over there."

Caitlin ran back putting her arm around her boyfriend's neck, "Sorry Amy but me and Sion will be the only one's putting that bed to use."

Sion ushered everyone off the plane and sealed it up. He still couldn't believe what was happening. The plane was huge, expensive, and impressive, but it could never replace what he was leaving behind. After convincing everyone they could not take the plane to NCI they climbed back into the Cessna 206, and started toward the airport.
North County International Airport March 12th 3:45 PM
Sion parked the plane out at the GA terminal. Everyone went inside to get something to eat. Sion kept Caitlin behind.

"Caitlin we need to talk."

"Ok."

Sion took Caitlin over to the observation deck. He grabbed her around the waist and drew her to him. Resting his head on her shoulder he spoke into her ear as the wind enveloped them.

"I'm sorry about everything."

"What, Amy? Oh come on, it almost makes this more fun."

Sion sighed, "Caitlin what if something happened to one of us."

"That's kind of a weird question to be asking isn't it?"

"I know please answer it though."

"I'd be sad if I lost you Sion, but I'd move on eventually."

"Well at least your realistic about it."

Caitlin leaned into her boyfriend, "Your turn"

"I guess I'd have to answer the same way."

Caitlin turned to look at him, "Sion why are you even asking these questions."

"Sion I know how you feel, but you can tell her the truth. If you do Virgo could learn about it, she'd be in danger" , Lucia's voice echoed through Sion's head.

"No real reason, just one of those odd questions that get asked in a relationship."

Caitlin sighed, "Alright, but lets not ask any more morbid questions today alright."

"Promise", Sion sealed the promises with a kiss, and they both went inside to join everyone else.
The rest of the outing went well. Everyone enjoyed the early dinner and the flight back to Franklin County. The thought of events to come in the morning weighed heavly on Sion's mind. Sion pulled up into Jeff's drive way where he'd drop off everyone minus himself and Caitlin. Caitlin waited in the car as he walked everyone inside. Out at the door Amy stopped Sion.

"Sion I'm sorry."

"Its alright Amy, I guess I rushed to conclusions."

"I know you heard the rumor that day that I was going to ask someone out, it was true you know."

"Yeah for that stunt you pulled with Michael?"

"No, I was going to choose you."

Amy quickly kissed Sion on the cheek and ran inside. Sion turned around and noted that Caitlin didn't see her. He felt a little guilty, but brushed it off.

"Starting tomorrow I'll be gone, better to let everyone get there deep thoughts off their chest", Sion's melodramatic thought started to effect his mood, but he suppressed it. He wanted to keep what remained of his time with his girlfriend, his first girlfriend.

Pulling into Caitlin's driveway really pulled at his heart, he walked her up to the door, stopping at the entrance. He pulled her into a hug.

"I want you to remember something weird, it was from a dream I had after I knocked out last night."

"Sure."

"It said, 'One to lead, one to fight, one to take the darkness out of the light.'"

"Sounds like something my hero would do."

Sion was taken back, "Who's your hero?"

Caitlin kissed Sion more passionately than ever, "You are."

Leaving Caitlin that night was the hardest thing Sion ever did.
Sion's House March 12th 10:45 PM
Sion sat in the kitchen, drinking a glass of soda and looking up at the ceiling.

"Well lets get this started"

"May as well" , Lucia didn't seem any more ecstatic about the idea than Sion.

"You don't seem to excited."

"Sion I know how it feels to lose loved one's. I'd much rather you not have to go through this."

"I can't let them die."

"No… but you'll come back I promise Sion" , Lucia seemed hopeful.

"Alright so what happens tomorrow."

"You'll be flying the Citation X you saw today, tail number N989CX. You'll head over the Atlantic where you'll put the plane into a dive. You'll squawk 7700 and fake an emergency. When military jets arrive to escort you, you'll plunge the jet toward the ocean. At the last second I'll open a portal and send you to your real destination all while disabling the transponder equipment. You'll be asleep after the portal entry. Unfortunately everyone will believe you're dead." "Great so about a year later I come back from the dead."

"With the acceleration of events, were having to take this as we go." "Fine with me."

"You'll need to leave a note saying you've decided to go on an adventure."

"Alright."

"I'll notify the people you'll be staying with in Japan. Get packed and ready. I'll be with you the whole time. Be at the plane by 5:30 AM it takes awhile to preflight."

"Got it, I'll get everything done."
Water Temple Hiroshima March 13th (Due to International Dateline) 12:45 PM

A young hooded monk paced up and down the temple hallway. Another hooded figure was sitting in a chair along the wall.

"Calm down, Lucia will let us know."

"Look cat she told us the kid screwed up yesterday. What if they already know."

The sitting hooded figure stood up and made its way over to the pacing one, "Call me a cat again and I'll light you up."

"Sorry Ruby, but this is really getting to me", the pacing hooded figure pulled off his hood to reveal the face of a young teenage boy. The other did the same revealing the face of a young teenage girl. The boy had, oddly enough, white and brown hair, the girl pink and red.

"Nall its not like I'm not concerned either, but at least have a little faith."

Nall sighed as he drew Ruby into his arms, "You remember when we'd argue like this all the time."

Ruby relaxed at her husband's touch, "Yeah but it usually ended with me lighting you on fire."

"Who would have thought we'd end up like this."

Just as the moment was about to get more romantic Lucia's voice echoed through the dragon's ears.

"He's coming tomorrow."

"Jeeze Lucia thanks for the notice", Nall didn't hesitate in voicing his opinion.

"Its not my fault, if I leave him there he's going to be discovered. He consented to this" , Lucia defended herself.

"Aren't his family and friends going to miss him?", Ruby questioned.

"He'll be faking his death. Oh I almost forgot, have the extended runway and docking bay ready. He's coming in a rather large jet."

"Great anything else", Nall was at the brink of being annoyed.

"Well besides the training, room and board, food, and of course friendly and SUPPORTIVE attitude from everyone, no."

"Right, right sorry. Guess we need to make it as easy as possible on him. Come on Ruby we've got some work to do."

Nall thought to himself, "That kid's gonna go through one hell of a ride."


Preview for Chapter 9
Sky's the Limit


"System check, green. APU start. Lucia this list goes on for ever any way to speed up the startup."

"Go to page twenty"

"Alright to engage automatic startup press Aut. Start button, fair enough", Sion found the button. After pressing it the plane and its engines roared to life.

"Wish I had seen that half an hour ago, huh?", Sion spotted several ATV's coming up the road.

"Shoot we've gotta get out of here, they must've remembered seeing the plane."


Pilot Jargon


Alright as promised here's a little bit of insight for you.

First lets start with the scene after Kanki where Sion is starting the plane. Sion mentions the preflight is complete, the preflight is the section before engine startup, yes I know your waving your thank you captain obvious flag but wait. The preflight is where the pilot checks all aspects of the plane to make sure the plane is flight worthy, this includes draining small amounts of fuel from the tanks to check for water that could have entered, checking the fuel strainer for fuel contaminants, checking the oil level, checking all flight control surfaces for attachment and smoothness, checking tires and brakes, and checking the prop to make sure its smooth, oh yeah and to make sure all locks and tie downs are removed (Tie downs are ropes attached to each wing and tail that secures the plane to the ground, like a boat at a dock) among other things. Whew a lot huh? Ok onward!

Next the phrases Mixture lean, Aux. fuel pump, fuel flow, and clear prop, all point to the engine start up phase. The mixture control is a red knob that controls the amount of fuel that is mixed with the air in the cylinder, the richer it is the more fuel is mixed in with the mixture producing more power. During engine startup this is leaned to 'starve the engine'. Aux. stands for Auxiliary fuel pump, being a high wing (Wings attached to upper portion of plane) the Cessna has no need for a fuel pump, its gravity feed. But to prime it the pump is activated to pump fuel into the cylinders, this describes the fuel flow, when the flow is positive fuel is flowing into the cylinder. Once this is done the pump is turned off so the engine is not over primed, or as some say 'flooded'. Clear prop is the warning a pilot must shout out an open window as regulated by the FAA (yes you are required by law to shout this) before the engine is started to warn those who may be near the plane that the prop will soon be turning and would cut you in half if you were in its path.

Quick note, avionics are all the instruments in the plane, the gyro which is a compass on a 2-d plane vs. the regular 3-d plane. The radio, GPS, multi-function display, transponder, ect.

When you read Sierra or Bravo that is the phonetic alphabet, pilots use this in the air instead of saying, for instance, this is N795SB it is instead said 'this is November seven ninner five sierra bravo. Also nine is said ninner due to the German word for 'no' being nine, weird huh?

Also when Sion asks Caitlin to take the plane to the runway he's asking her to taxi the plane. This is where the plane, at a slow pace, is guided to the runway hold line and positioned for take off. The plane is controlled by the rudder peddles, pushing the top of the peddle activates the corresponding wheel brake, for example left rudder brake, brakes left main wheel, and vice versa. To stop the plane both brakes must be used simultaneously. The bottom portion of the rudder peddles controls the direction of the front gear, like a steering wheel.

A Unicom is the radio located in the FBO (Fixed Base Operations) this is usually a small building that the plane rental, gas, and pilot lounge is located. The Unicom is used when a tower is not present on the airfield. Same goes for traffic this designates the plane is talking to all planes in the vicinity of the airport. Also a radio check is preformed to make sure the radio is operating.

Side note KLHZ is the identifier for the airport. Its just easier to say and type into a GPS while in the air, and yes KLHZ is a real airport where I fly at.

A number on a runway doesn't mean there are that many runways, for instance the runway Sion uses, runway 4, means the end of the runway is pointed at 4 degrees, basically north. This also means that a single straight runway is actually two runways. The other runway would be 22 which is the opposite orientation of the other runway.

The Citation X is the largest business jet that is manufactured by the Cessna aircraft company. Its incredibly expensive and lavish, its my dream plane. Also GA stands for general aviation which is all plane activity that is not involved with airlines. The Cessna 206 is the 5 to 6 seater single prop plane Cessna manufactures, its also known as the Stationair.

The tail number is like the planes license plate, all American planes start with an N. The tail number is always used as your identifier on the radio.

Finally Lucia mentions in her plan to Sion that he will squawk 7700 once over the Atlantic. This refers to the transponder. The transponder is a little box that constantly transmits your location, speed, and in some cases altitude to air traffic control to keep track of you in the air. Planes flying without a flight plan all use 1200 as their squawk code. This code is also transmitted to ATC (air traffic control) to keep track of you. While under a flight plan or flight following the ATC person will give you a squawk code so they can better keep track of you. A squawk code is always four digits. There are three special squawk codes that are to be used only in emergencies. One of which is 7700. When a pilot enters this code into the transmitter it sets off an alarm at the ATC center, and alerts emergency teams that a potentially fatal problem has occurred with the airplane, assistance is quickly dispatched to the plane to help resolve the situation. When Sion enters this code into the transponder the transponder will 'squawk' or transmit the code 7700, this will alert ATC that Sion's plane is having a big problem and needs help.

I know I rambled on but I hope this cleared up a lot of stuff. Be sure to tune in for the next chapter tentative release date is November 21st, 2004. Please e-mail me if you have any questions, and as always PLEASE REVIEW!