Here There Be Tigers (Open)

[Ian Galloway]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Deck 6 - Holodeck 1 - Kunming Airfield 1941]

As he watched the Captain do the 'snap roll', the first thing Lahr notice was that the roll, decelerated the aircraft quite extensively.  He tried to envision the breakdown of the maneuver.  It was basically a full rotation around the longitudinal axis, which Lahr figured would just be a hard steer to the 2 or 8 o'clock positions (right and left respectively) with adjustment to the rudder to make it a roll and not just a hard turn.

Ian's second demonstration of the snap roll was the same but with a lateral movement one length off the main line of direction.  That one seemed trickier... probably the same position but with maybe a bit of rudder.  Lahr wasn't too sure of this last but figured, he would give it a try.

When Ian followed up with a barrel roll, Lahr noted that there was a lot more change in altitude throughout the roll.  He figured this was done by ensuring the nose was lifted at the start of the roll and making the roll much less hard. From the smoke trail Galloway left, Lahr was guessing the path was at about a 45 degrees off the previous line of direction.

Then it was his turn to try the Snap Roll.   Galloway's warning wasn't comforting... not in the least.  Steeling his stomach, Lahr pulled back on the stick slightly lifting the nose of the plane a tad just prior moving the stick hard to the right, as he turned the rudder opposite.  This kept the plane from just turning right but instead rolling it.

Sure enough, Lahr saw his view out the cockpit invert and felt the press of centripetal forces helping him hold the stick to the right.   His view of the horizon came back around and then invert again.. this time lower in altitude, and still he rolled spinning down lower until he was more directed towards the ground and not the horizon.  Oh shit!

Somehow he'd gotten himself into a downward spin and not a horizontal roll.

Common sense suggested that releasing his stick back to neutral or even in the opposite direction might help.. so he tried that.

[Holodeck One - USS Challenger]

Ian saw Lahr's Tomahawk go into a spin and his heart sank at the sight.

"Bloody hell!"

He pressed his throat mic and called out to the Andorian, who was unlikely to know how to get out of a spin, especially as they hadn't even discussed them yet and didn't want him to panic.

"Throttle back, ailerons ta neutral, turn hard into the spin! Steady on Lad, you've got plenty of altitude ta recover!"

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Deck 6 - Holodeck 1 - Kunming Airfield 1941]

[Holodeck One - USS Challenger]

Ian saw Lahr's Tomahawk go into a spin and his heart sank at the sight.

"Bloody hell!"

He pressed his throat mic and called out to the Andorian, who was unlikely to know how to get out of a spin, especially as they hadn't even discussed them yet and didn't want him to panic.

"Throttle back, ailerons ta neutral, turn hard into the spin! Steady on Lad, you've got plenty of altitude ta recover!"

The relief Lahr felt at hearing the Captain's voice directing him on how to break out of the spin was near overwhelming.  He followed the steps that Galloway called out to him.

First, he throttled back.  Then he put the aileron's to neutral by moving the stick to the neutral position.  To turn into the spin, Lahr need to press the pedal on the floor that controlled the rudder adjusting his yaw hard.   The effect wasn't immediate.... in fact in seemed to take forever before the spin cut and Lahr was able to pull back on the stick to activate the elevators on the tail of the plane gaining him altitude once more.

Roohz! the Andorian let out his held breath explosively.  That had been too close.

He activated his throat mic.  "Thanks there, Captain.  Let me give that another try."

Lahr brought the plane up to 10,000 ft and took a moment trying to figure out where he'd went wrong on the snap roll.  It had seemed he did it correctly in that very first 360... but then hadn't known exactly how to bring in it out of the roll and so just kept rolling without the initial nose lift so it ended up just spiraling down.

"So, Captain, at what point am I supposed to 'break out of the roll'?   Is it when I'm done the full 360 or do I need so recover her just prior to that?"  It had seemed that when he was trying to break out of the spin that it took time for there to be an appropriate reaction.

After getting the Captain's advice.  Lahr tried again.

Nose up. Stick hard right, full right rudder to stop the yaw. The plane rolled right.

Lahr tried to time the recovery right but it was easier said than done.  This time when the plane was at about 3/4 of the roll, Lahr brought the stick back to neutral.    But this wasn't quite enough recover.  The plane nearly went into another roll, but Lahr noting this pulled hard left and went full left rudder briefly... dragging the plane back to center.

"Yeah! Now that's how to do it!" he cheered himself.

(ooc: My source of instruction:)

[Ian Galloway]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Deck 6 - Holodeck 1 - Kunming Airfield 1941]

The relief Lahr felt at hearing the Captain's voice directing him on how to break out of the spin was near overwhelming.  He followed the steps that Galloway called out to him.

First, he throttled back.  Then he put the aileron's to neutral by moving the stick to the neutral position.  To turn into the spin, Lahr need to press the pedal on the floor that controlled the rudder adjusting his yaw hard.   The effect wasn't immediate.... in fact in seemed to take forever before the spin cut and Lahr was able to pull back on the stick to activate the elevators on the tail of the plane gaining him altitude once more.

Roohz! the Andorian let out his held breath explosively.  That had been too close.

He activated his throat mic.  "Thanks there, Captain.  Let me give that another try."

Lahr brought the plane up to 10,000 ft and took a moment trying to figure out where he'd went wrong on the snap roll.  It had seemed he did it correctly in that very first 360... but then hadn't known exactly how to bring in it out of the roll and so just kept rolling without the initial nose lift so it ended up just spiraling down.

"So, Captain, at what point am I supposed to 'break out of the roll'?   Is it when I'm done the full 360 or do I need so recover her just prior to that?"  It had seemed that when he was trying to break out of the spin that it took time for there to be an appropriate reaction.

After getting the Captain's advice.  Lahr tried again.

Nose up. Stick hard right, full right rudder to stop the yaw. The plane rolled right.

Lahr tried to time the recovery right but it was easier said than done.  This time when the plane was at about 3/4 of the roll, Lahr brought the stick back to neutral.    But this wasn't quite enough recover.  The plane nearly went into another roll, but Lahr noting this pulled hard left and went full left rudder briefly... dragging the plane back to center.

"Yeah! Now that how to do it!" he cheered himself.

(ooc: My source of instruction:

)

[Holodeck One - USS Challenger]

Ian breathed a sigh of relief when Lahr pulled out of the spin, even though he knew the holodeck safeties would prevent any harm to the Andorian. It was important for his self-confidence that he learned he could cope with an unexpected situation. He keyed his mic to speak.

"Well done Lad, had me worried for a bit. If'n you're up ta it after that little spin of yours, we can move on to the vertical maneuvers of the era, the Immelmann and the Split-Ess. You'll need ta know these before we can add an encounter with Japanese fighters."

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Deck 6 - Holodeck 1 - Kunming Airfield 1941]

[Holodeck One - USS Challenger]

Ian breathed a sigh of relief when Lahr pulled out of the spin, even though he knew the holodeck safeties would prevent any harm to the Andorian. It was important for his self-confidence that he learned he could cope with an unexpected situation. He keyed his mic to speak.

"Well done Lad, had me worried for a bit. If'n you're up ta it after that little spin of yours, we can move on to the vertical maneuvers of the era, the Immelmann and the Split-Ess. You'll need ta know these before we can add an encounter with Japanese fighters."

While the Captain suggested some other vertical maneuvers Lahr continued practicing the snap roll a few times.  With each roll Lahr was getting better at recovering it smoothly rather than the wildly swaying from side to side.   Then he tried his hand at the larger 'barrel roll' a couple times before answering back.

"Okay, I think I got a handle on those two... I'm ready for more. Teach me."

[Ian Galloway]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Deck 6 - Holodeck 1 - Kunming Airfield 1941]

While the Captain suggested some other vertical maneuvers Lahr continued practicing the snap roll a few times.  With each roll Lahr was getting better at recovering it smoothly rather than the wildly swaying from side to side.   Then he tried his hand at the larger 'barrel roll' a couple times before answering back.

"Okay, I think I got a handle on those two... I'm ready for more. Teach me."

[Holodeck One - USS Challenger]

Ian noted with increasing admiration as Lahr worked his way through the two maneuvers and his willingness to learn more. He had to admit he thought the Andorian wasn't really serious when he said he would try the program, but Lahr was proving him wrong and that was impressive in Ian's eyes.

"Okay Lad, now that you have a feel for the horizontal maneuvers, it's time ta try the vertical maneuvers. First I will do an Immelmann. Watch and learn."

Ian then pulled the Highland Gal into a climb until the plane flipped inverted and then rolled back to level flight, but going in the opposite direction.

"The Immelmann is one of the most basic evasion maneuvers in dogfightin', however, the Tomahawk doesn't have the power ta do one from level flight all that well. It's best used after a dive when you've got excess speed built up. Now for the Split-Ess, which is essentially an inverted Immelmann."

Ian's P-40 rolled inverted and then dove toward the ground until it completed its loop right side up and going back in his original direct of flight before he started the two maneuvers.

"The Tomahawk is heavy compared ta your adversaries and has a substantial power advantage over any Japanese fighter, so the Split-Ess is an excellent means of escape when you are in trouble. It also serves as a means ta build up that extra speed I was talkin' about for a follow up Immelmann. Your turn Lad."

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Deck 6 - Holodeck 1 - Kunming Airfield 1941]

[Holodeck One - USS Challenger]

Ian noted with increasing admiration as Lahr worked his way through the two maneuvers and his willingness to learn more. He had to admit he thought the Andorian wasn't really serious when he said he would try the program, but Lahr was proving him wrong and that was impressive in Ian's eyes.

"Okay Lad, now that you have a feel for the horizontal maneuvers, it's time ta try the vertical maneuvers. First I will do an Immelmann. Watch and learn."

Ian then pulled the Highland Gal into a climb until the plane flipped inverted and then rolled back to level flight, but going in the opposite direction.

"The Immelmann is one of the most basic evasion maneuvers in dogfightin', however, the Tomahawk doesn't have the power ta do one from level flight all that well. It's best used after a dive when you've got excess speed built up. Now for the Split-Ess, which is essentially an inverted Immelmann."

Ian's P-40 rolled inverted and then dove toward the ground until it completed its loop right side up and going back in his original direct of flight before he started the two maneuvers.

"The Tomahawk is heavy compared ta your adversaries and has a substantial power advantage over any Japanese fighter, so the Split-Ess is an excellent means of escape when you are in trouble. It also serves as a means ta build up that extra speed I was talkin' about for a follow up Immelmann. Your turn Lad."

Lahr watched the Captain perform what the human called an Immelmann Loop.  Basically it was a steep climb to the point that the plane looped back around in the opposite direction.  Galloway then did a half roll to turn himself back right side up.   It seemed straight forward enough... now that he knew how to perform a roll.

Similarly, the Split-S that Galloway demonstrated next was also straight forward. A partial aileron roll inverting the plane then a loop down back along the original direction until the plane was back at altitude.   The most worrisome thing about either maneuver was that the Split-S dove the plane down while looping, so he'd have to be sure he gave himself enough height.

He nodded to himself before pressing his throat-mic.  "On it."

He of course started with the Immelman... if he couldn't do that he wouldn't even dare try the Split-S.

The Andorian started off by pulling back on the stick fully to climb steeply and he kept it there while the plane went completely vertical.  Then to invert the plane Lahr eased up on the stick just a little resulting in the plane flipping upside down heading back the way he'd just come from but at a higher altitude.   To right himself from this point, Lahr just need to do a half a Snap roll... which he did, rolling to the right.

"Yes!"

Next was the Split-S,  at an altitude of 10,000 ft.. Lahr felt rather certain he didn't need to be concerned about crashing in the midst of pulling the maneuver but he still intended to keep the loops as tight as possible.  Quick and tight.

Lahr started by reversing his roll, effectively flipping his plane upside down. Then dove down to begin his half loop by pulling back on the stick.  As the plane descended, he eased up on the stick to level out.   Not hard at all.

Lahr practiced both of these a couple times varying his loop tightness and playing with the speed to get a feel for the maneuver and what it was capable of.

He would continue practicing all 4 maneuvers until the Captain said otherwise.

[Ian Galloway]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Deck 6 - Holodeck 1 - Kunming Airfield 1941]

Lahr watched the Captain perform what the human called an Immelmann Loop.  Basically it was a steep climb to the point that the plane looped back around in the opposite direction.  Galloway then did a half roll to turn himself back right side up.   It seemed straight forward enough... now that he knew how to perform a roll.

Similarly, the Split-S that Galloway demonstrated next was also straight forward. A partial aileron roll inverting the plane then a loop down back along the original direction until the plane was back at altitude.   The most worrisome thing about either maneuver was that the Split-S dove the plane down while looping, so he'd have to be sure he gave himself enough height.

He nodded to himself before pressing his throat-mic.  "On it."

He of course started with the Immelman... if he couldn't do that he wouldn't even dare try the Split-S.

The Andorian started off by pulling back on the stick fully to climb steeply and he kept it there while the plane went completely vertical.  Then to invert the plane Lahr eased up on the stick just a little resulting in the plane flipping upside down heading back the way he'd just come from but at a higher altitude.   To right himself from this point, Lahr just need to do a half a Snap roll... which he did, rolling to the right.

"Yes!"

Next was the Split-S,  at an altitude of 10,000 ft.. Lahr felt rather certain he didn't need to be concerned about crashing in the midst of pulling the maneuver but he still intended to keep the loops as tight as possible.  Quick and tight.

Lahr started by reversing his roll, effectively flipping his plane upside down. Then dove down to begin his half loop by pulling back on the stick.  As the plane descended, he eased up on the stick to level out.   Not hard at all.

Lahr practiced both of these a couple times varying his loop tightness and playing with the speed to get a feel for the maneuver and what it was capable of.

He would continue practicing all 4 maneuvers until the Captain said otherwise.

[Holodeck One - USS Challenger]

Ian paid careful attention as Lahr went through the maneuvers and was extremely proud that he'd managed to do so well with them. He checked a primitive chronometer known as a 'wrist watch' and sighed as he holodeck time was coming to an end. He keyed his throat mic to speak.

"Very well done Lad. We will call it a day for now. Next time, I'll add opponents, nothing complicated, just bombers. However, while they don't pose much of a threat ta a Tomahawk, they are armed and if'n you get too sloppy, they can do more damage than you think. Okay, prepare for me ta end the simulation, I would nae like ta see you end up on your arse."

Ian paused for a second and got ready himself before adding.

"Computer, end program."

The skies of China disappeared to be replaced by the yellow grid lines of the holodeck as Ian dropped to his feet next to Lahr.

"See you same time tomorrow Lad."

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

PO1 ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Deck 6 - Holodeck 1 - Kunming Airfield 1941]

[Holodeck One - USS Challenger]

Ian paid careful attention as Lahr went through the maneuvers and was extremely proud that he'd managed to do so well with them. He checked a primitive chronometer known as a 'wrist watch' and sighed as he holodeck time was coming to an end. He keyed his throat mic to speak.

"Very well done Lad. We will call it a day for now. Next time, I'll add opponents, nothing complicated, just bombers. However, while they don't pose much of a threat ta a Tomahawk, they are armed and if'n you get too sloppy, they can do more damage than you think. Okay, prepare for me ta end the simulation, I would nae like ta see you end up on your arse."

Ian paused for a second and got ready himself before adding.

"Computer, end program."

The skies of China disappeared to be replaced by the yellow grid lines of the holodeck as Ian dropped to his feet next to Lahr.

"See you same time tomorrow Lad."

Proud at how well he'd done in this days instruction, Lahr was looking forward to tomorrow's session.  "Sounds good sir.  I'll be ready." he stated confidently.

When warned to prepare for the simulation to end, Lahr readied himself to get his feet under him and then did so as the cockpit around him disappeared.

The Captain's 'see you tomorrow' farewell was acknowledged. "Yes, sir."  Then he hurried called out... "Is there anything you might suggest to review before tomorrow's session."

It was something rather notable that Lahr was willing to do a bit of 'homework' on the subject beforehand.  He was really getting to enjoy these 'Flying Tiger' holodeck sessions more than he originally had expected.  His attendance now was for his own interest, not just to impress the Captain...  like how it initially started.   

[AmatsaKitsune]

[Ensign Rin Amaya- Holodeck 2]
Rin would actually be quite early for her meeting on the holodeck. Well it wasn't a meeting it was more like training and even then it was more like an informal training. She was nervous to be trained by the captain themselves as they would twiddle their thumbs waiting for the captain. She was excited however she really was unsure about these flying crafts that he had explained. She had heard about some of the older tech when it came to space travel. Crude and primitive engines including massive boosters that would burn through the sky at high speeds. It will be interesting to learn in the future some skills from the past. What was that saying. "Learn from the past and you won't repeat it in... no that isn't right." She wasn't born in the time with the early space ships so she was lucky to have all the luxuries that modern space travel had allowed. COmputers, radar and just every which manual and automatic code that just does it for you within reason of course.

She'd try and clear her mind though. Thinking carefully prepared for the experience she's going to get. She had to be ready for whatever the captain had planned for her. She'd tap her foot on the floor out of just something to do rather than impatience listening to the metallic sound reverberate against the echoey corridors.

[Ian Galloway]

[Ensign Rin Amaya- Holodeck 2]
Rin would actually be quite early for her meeting on the holodeck. Well it wasn't a meeting it was more like training and even then it was more like an informal training. She was nervous to be trained by the captain themselves as they would twiddle their thumbs waiting for the captain. She was excited however she really was unsure about these flying crafts that he had explained. She had heard about some of the older tech when it came to space travel. Crude and primitive engines including massive boosters that would burn through the sky at high speeds. It will be interesting to learn in the future some skills from the past. What was that saying. "Learn from the past and you won't repeat it in... no that isn't right." She wasn't born in the time with the early space ships so she was lucky to have all the luxuries that modern space travel had allowed. COmputers, radar and just every which manual and automatic code that just does it for you within reason of course.

She'd try and clear her mind though. Thinking carefully prepared for the experience she's going to get. She had to be ready for whatever the captain had planned for her. She'd tap her foot on the floor out of just something to do rather than impatience listening to the metallic sound reverberate against the echoey corridors.

[Holodeck Two - USS Challenger]

[Three Days Prior to arrival at Panora system]

Ian walked through the arch at 1955, fully outfitted in his Flying Tiger kit. He immediately saw Ensign Amaya milling about and smiled to think how overwhelming this all had to be as the setting and equipment present was so far outside of normal Starfleet pilot training.

"Hello Ensign. Let's introduce you ta the P-40A Tomahawk."

Ian led Rin toward a line of sleek, for their era, machines, some partially camouflaged, some being maintained, others ready to start and go. The air rang of metal on metal, swearing of the mechanics, and had a bitter smell to it from the fossil fuel used to power the planes.

Moving next to the engine, Ian began something he called a 'walk around' and explained it was the last chance to check that everything was correct before starting the engine. He climbed up onto the wing and into the cockpit.

"Okay, on a shuttle, you'd just say summat like 'computer, initiate start up.' On this beast, as I mentioned, everything is manual. First thing you will have ta master is the start up sequence. There are a total of 32 steps to get the engine ta start up and nae blow up in your face."

At this point Ian indicated a stocky man with no sleeves on his coveralls.

"You see that angry lookin' fellow? That's Flip, the chief mechanic. Rule number one here in Kunming is do not add to Flip's anger. Given he's always mad, best you can hope for is he doesn't drag you out of the cockpit and box your ear. If'n you can accomplish that, then consider the day a success.

"So, I will talk you through the start up sequence a couple times before actually tryin' to start the plane. If'n you have any questions, ask them, because if'n you value your ears, it's best you ask the questions before Flip sees you do summat ta bugger up one of his planes.

"Okay, here we go on the start up sequence. Ignition switch off. Landing gear handle control neutral. Flap control handle neutral. Parking brake on..."

[AmatsaKitsune]

[Holodeck Two - USS Challenger]

[Three Days Prior to arrival at Panora system]

Ian walked through the arch at 1955, fully outfitted in his Flying Tiger kit. He immediately saw Ensign Amaya milling about and smiled to think how overwhelming this all had to be as the setting and equipment present was so far outside of normal Starfleet pilot training.

"Hello Ensign. Let's introduce you ta the P-40A Tomahawk."

Ian led Rin toward a line of sleek, for their era, machines, some partially camouflaged, some being maintained, others ready to start and go. The air rang of metal on metal, swearing of the mechanics, and had a bitter smell to it from the fossil fuel used to power the planes.

Moving next to the engine, Ian began something he called a 'walk around' and explained it was the last chance to check that everything was correct before starting the engine. He climbed up onto the wing and into the cockpit.

"Okay, on a shuttle, you'd just say summat like 'computer, initiate start up.' On this beast, as I mentioned, everything is manual. First thing you will have ta master is the start up sequence. There are a total of 32 steps to get the engine ta start up and nae blow up in your face."

At this point Ian indicated a stocky man with no sleeves on his coveralls.

"You see that angry lookin' fellow? That's Flip, the chief mechanic. Rule number one here in Kunming is do not add to Flip's anger. Given he's always mad, best you can hope for is he doesn't drag you out of the cockpit and box your ear. If'n you can accomplish that, then consider the day a success.

"So, I will talk you through the start up sequence a couple times before actually tryin' to start the plane. If'n you have any questions, ask them, because if'n you value your ears, it's best you ask the questions before Flip sees you do summat ta bugger up one of his planes.

"Okay, here we go on the start up sequence. Ignition switch off. Landing gear handle control neutral. Flap control handle neutral. Parking brake on..."

[Holodeck Two - USS Challenger- Ensign Rin  Amaya]
[Three Days Prior to arrival at Panora System]

It was. Very much so. She was very confused and just almost lost about the situation. Everyone bustling around trying to make sure the machines were all top notch. The language and also the manners of the way the people acted was not to far unfamiliar to her though. Rowdy, loud and rambunctious. Her sister would have a field day here. Probably would go drinking with the men later and out drink them all too. Rin was just taking back by the acrid smell and just how everything just was so different from the future. However this didn't deter to not listening to the captain. She would follow studiously watching his every move and making sure every piece of information was ripe in her mind. Though hearing about the 32 steps to starting such a beast that was in front of her. Her mind wasn't clocking out it was more overwhelmed by how lucky she had her life. As the Captain said it was as simple as Computer initiate start up and the computer did it all for you. No need for complicated switches or buttons. Just simple word prompts.

However she again wanted to impress the captain so she would listen to his every word and make a mental note muttering it under her breath to help her remember. "Don't anger Flip further... and then... start up is... Ignition switch off. Landing gear handle control neutral... flap control handle neutral. Parking brake on." The last one actually made sense to her as it was similar to some vehicles on her planet. It had a brake that allowed it to park rather than just something else. "ignition probbaly is something to do with the engine... makes sense it should be off before we start..." She tried to piece things together in her head. "Landing gear... handle? probably something to help the machine... land. Everything has to be in neutral before we start... i presume..." She would be looking at each thing they would point as they wanted to try it on her own merit but the captain had the right idea.

"So umm... this is from a battle in your past or humanities past correct?" Rin would ask interested about it. "It must have been a horrible and dangerous time for everyone involved."

[Ian Galloway]

[Holodeck Two - USS Challenger- Ensign Rin  Amaya]
[Three Days Prior to arrival at Panora System]

It was. Very much so. She was very confused and just almost lost about the situation. Everyone bustling around trying to make sure the machines were all top notch. The language and also the manners of the way the people acted was not to far unfamiliar to her though. Rowdy, loud and rambunctious. Her sister would have a field day here. Probably would go drinking with the men later and out drink them all too. Rin was just taking back by the acrid smell and just how everything just was so different from the future. However this didn't deter to not listening to the captain. She would follow studiously watching his every move and making sure every piece of information was ripe in her mind. Though hearing about the 32 steps to starting such a beast that was in front of her. Her mind wasn't clocking out it was more overwhelmed by how lucky she had her life. As the Captain said it was as simple as Computer initiate start up and the computer did it all for you. No need for complicated switches or buttons. Just simple word prompts.

However she again wanted to impress the captain so she would listen to his every word and make a mental note muttering it under her breath to help her remember. "Don't anger Flip further... and then... start up is... Ignition switch off. Landing gear handle control neutral... flap control handle neutral. Parking brake on." The last one actually made sense to her as it was similar to some vehicles on her planet. It had a brake that allowed it to park rather than just something else. "ignition probbaly is something to do with the engine... makes sense it should be off before we start..." She tried to piece things together in her head. "Landing gear... handle? probably something to help the machine... land. Everything has to be in neutral before we start... i presume..." She would be looking at each thing they would point as they wanted to try it on her own merit but the captain had the right idea.

"So umm... this is from a battle in your past or humanities past correct?" Rin would ask interested about it. "It must have been a horrible and dangerous time for everyone involved."

[Holodeck Two - Kunming, China]

Ian went through the start up sequence four times. Showing Rin where the necessary levers, buttons, and dials were located in the cramped cockpit. When she asked about the war, he had to remind himself that not everyone was as passionate about the topic as he was.

"It's a very long and complicated answer ta that. The shortest I can make my reply is, aye, it was a terrible time. Up until the advent of nuclear weapons which were used in the Third World War, the Second World War was the worst cataclysm that humanity managed ta inflict on itself. Total deaths are not known, but estimated between 70 and 90 million world wide.

"This battle is from the early stages of the war. It took place in a country called China, which was mostly pre-industrial, but with a massive population that was attacked by Japan, a newly industrialized country that was short on resources and looked ta take them from China. The Flyin' Tigers were mercenary pilots from a very industrialized country, the United States, that was politically restrained in providin' direct assistance. Some concerned individuals, private and governmental masked this assistance under shell corporations and some rather backroom shenanigans ta provide a veneer of cover for the whole operation. Our role here, is ta protect the Chinese from indiscriminate bombin' by the Japanese as the locals simply didn't have the technological base or know how ta operate modern, for the era, fighters.

"So, are you ready ta see the start up sequence in action?"

[AmatsaKitsune]

[Holodeck Two - Kunming, China]

Ian went through the start up sequence four times. Showing Rin where the necessary levers, buttons, and dials were located in the cramped cockpit. When she asked about the war, he had to remind himself that not everyone was as passionate about the topic as he was.

"It's a very long and complicated answer ta that. The shortest I can make my reply is, aye, it was a terrible time. Up until the advent of nuclear weapons which were used in the Third World War, the Second World War was the worst cataclysm that humanity managed ta inflict on itself. Total deaths are not known, but estimated between 70 and 90 million world wide.

"This battle is from the early stages of the war. It took place in a country called China, which was mostly pre-industrial, but with a massive population that was attacked by Japan, a newly industrialized country that was short on resources and looked ta take them from China. The Flyin' Tigers were mercenary pilots from a very industrialized country, the United States, that was politically restrained in providin' direct assistance. Some concerned individuals, private and governmental masked this assistance under shell corporations and some rather backroom shenanigans ta provide a veneer of cover for the whole operation. Our role here, is ta protect the Chinese from indiscriminate bombin' by the Japanese as the locals simply didn't have the technological base or know how ta operate modern, for the era, fighters.

"So, are you ready ta see the start up sequence in action?"

[Holodeck Two - Kunming, China]
Her mind was completely blown by the information. Three giant wars on one planet would nowadays would probably make the planet uninhabitable depending on the tech level of the civilisation. Yet Humans perseverred and continued to fight and prosper it seemed. Rin was lucky to be in a time where the galaxies were relatively safe and prosperous. Of course that doesn't mean that there is dangers out there. She's seen many a holo battle being recreated of modern space battles. They were all dangerous in their own right but atmospheric and civil based wars wasn't anything she had experienced before. She was relieved to have never been involved in one. Though she bet her father had seen some of the worst of civilisation but some of the best.

She would then slightly shake off her thoughts and daydreams as the captain answered and replied to her question. "70... to 90 million... and a thir... no offense because obviously now you're a relatively peaceful faction... now... but you had three major world wars against each other? With... weapons from nuclear reactants?... Unless you somehow had a fourth considering.. what nuclear damage to planets can cause. Sorry i shouldn't pry into darker history as it might hurt the person i'm talking to." She was genuinely facinated. She hadn't had the knowledge the captain had but she was just in shock and awe that humanity would do this to themselves and yet somehow got past it all and prospered. It was almost impressive. Kinda reminded her of a term back home where something could adapt and regrow even in the harshest of territories.

She would then realise the captain was now talking about the plane as theyw ould listen carefully and would want to know what this machine would do. It was primitive considering the modern day technology but looking at it closely there was an odd crude beauty to it. "Y-yes we should probably get ready I know we have all the time in the world to learn and get ready but... still back then I bet the people had to be ready at a bell chime."

[Ian Galloway]

[Holodeck Two - Kunming, China]
Her mind was completely blown by the information. Three giant wars on one planet would nowadays would probably make the planet uninhabitable depending on the tech level of the civilisation. Yet Humans perseverred and continued to fight and prosper it seemed. Rin was lucky to be in a time where the galaxies were relatively safe and prosperous. Of course that doesn't mean that there is dangers out there. She's seen many a holo battle being recreated of modern space battles. They were all dangerous in their own right but atmospheric and civil based wars wasn't anything she had experienced before. She was relieved to have never been involved in one. Though she bet her father had seen some of the worst of civilisation but some of the best.

She would then slightly shake off her thoughts and daydreams as the captain answered and replied to her question. "70... to 90 million... and a thir... no offense because obviously now you're a relatively peaceful faction... now... but you had three major world wars against each other? With... weapons from nuclear reactants?... Unless you somehow had a fourth considering.. what nuclear damage to planets can cause. Sorry i shouldn't pry into darker history as it might hurt the person i'm talking to." She was genuinely facinated. She hadn't had the knowledge the captain had but she was just in shock and awe that humanity would do this to themselves and yet somehow got past it all and prospered. It was almost impressive. Kinda reminded her of a term back home where something could adapt and regrow even in the harshest of territories.

She would then realise the captain was now talking about the plane as theyw ould listen carefully and would want to know what this machine would do. It was primitive considering the modern day technology but looking at it closely there was an odd crude beauty to it. "Y-yes we should probably get ready I know we have all the time in the world to learn and get ready but... still back then I bet the people had to be ready at a bell chime."

[Holodeck Two - Kunming, China]

Ian smiled wistfully at Rin's concerns about hurting his feelings regarding humanity's past. It was a legitimate question and deserved a legitimate answer.

"Humans can be a brutal lot and it took us a long time ta stop tryin' ta kill each other over mostly inconsequential things. I suppose you could say the Third World War blew the stupid out of us. However, the likely reason we learned to stop hatin' was First Contact. It was a very, very dark time after the third war with most governments unable ta function. Zephram Cochrane's Phoenix, literally risin' from the ashes, brought us ta the notice of the Vulcans and once we learned ta humans were nae alone in the galaxy, we finally began ta talk ta each other. Funny how talkin' can make such a difference.

"Anyway, back ta the task at hand. Startin' the Allison V-1710 V-12 engine without earnin' the eternal ire of Flip. Okay, all 32 steps live.

"Ignition switch OFF.

"Landing gear handle control NEUTRAL.

"Flap control handle NEUTRAL.

"Parking brake ON.

"Check form 1-A.

"Adjust shoulder straps and belt.

"Check controls for freedom of movement.

"Oil and coolant shutters OPEN..."

And on Ian went through the rest of the steps until the engine coughed to life with a roar, flames belching out of exhaust pipes behind the propeller. Although the noise was deafening, Ian was beaming from ear to ear as the prop wash whipped at Rin's clothing as if she was trying to stand in a gale.

[AmatsaKitsune]

[Holodeck Two - Kunming, China]

Ian smiled wistfully at Rin's concerns about hurting his feelings regarding humanity's past. It was a legitimate question and deserved a legitimate answer.

"Humans can be a brutal lot and it took us a long time ta stop tryin' ta kill each other over mostly inconsequential things. I suppose you could say the Third World War blew the stupid out of us. However, the likely reason we learned to stop hatin' was First Contact. It was a very, very dark time after the third war with most governments unable ta function. Zephram Cochrane's Phoenix, literally risin' from the ashes, brought us ta the notice of the Vulcans and once we learned ta humans were nae alone in the galaxy, we finally began ta talk ta each other. Funny how talkin' can make such a difference.

"Anyway, back ta the task at hand. Startin' the Allison V-1710 V-12 engine without earnin' the eternal ire of Flip. Okay, all 32 steps live.

"Ignition switch OFF.

"Landing gear handle control NEUTRAL.

"Flap control handle NEUTRAL.

"Parking brake ON.

"Check form 1-A.

"Adjust shoulder straps and belt.

"Check controls for freedom of movement.

"Oil and coolant shutters OPEN..."

And on Ian went through the rest of the steps until the engine coughed to life with a roar, flames belching out of exhaust pipes behind the propeller. Although the noise was deafening, Ian was beaming from ear to ear as the prop wash whipped at Rin's clothing as if she was trying to stand in a gale.

[Holodeck Two - Kunming, China]

Everything seemed to be different as she listened carefully to the captain. She made mental notes in her mind on how to start the plane listening to him. "Yeah Diplomacy was always the best thing for us rather than war... it just takes some people a bit of time to realise." he hands were watching and moving to different parts of the air as she was copying his movements to try and make a muscle memory. She wasn't lucky like many of the trill that were joined that had all their previous experiences as well however she still had a relatively good memory as her voice muttered each step to herself as well. Rin would give a quiet yelp when the machine would whirr to life. It was loud crude and just pretty much different to the modern ships. It was like she was  in another world she hadn't been used to as the winds buffeted her as she struggled to almost fall back not expecting such a force straight away almost catching her off balence however she caught herself and would stand tall.