The Stars and Beyond [Camellia Swift]

[Coci Heavenshield]

[SIZE=12pt]The life of Aerin Firebrand had become complicated. A quiet life she once had, going about her business of daily living on Midvinter, consisting of hunting and trading to maintain an existence of simplicity. She did not require much, did not want for it but as life will have, or rather, the Force demands, one need to grow and progress. An event changed all that solitude, ripped it from her in a sense, with the abduction of her Sister. And so, Aerin Firebrand, left Midvinter to search for her. As time passed, more happened as will the Force demand. Her Sister thankfully located and in good health, Aerin had become entrenched on Exocron with the Crusaders and began training with the Force. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]A wayward trip to Hoth increased this complication, she met a man. But much more needed to be done in order for her to progress with her ultimate plans. Two things really, the demand for vengeance of her father’s death, the need to prevent and secure Midvinter from civil war and something more dear to her. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Travel became important, a need for expediency clear and she had to do something about it. Time is precious, she could not afford to rely on the public transports as the only means to get around and so she began her search to find means to fix that.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Her search located a company in the core called Rendili StarDrives, which by all accounts had the required ships and services she needed. And so Aerin contacted them, a woman call [member="Camellia Swift"] . Arrangement made and soon Aerin found herself on board yet another shuttle bound for the Rendili System, to meet her. She hoped this would be the last shuttle she would have to take. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]The trip went without incident and soon touched down at the starport near the Shipyards. A short walk and Aerin approached the main doors of the Headquarters of Rendili StarDrives.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“I have an appointment to see Camellia Swift … Can you inform her of my arrival”, Aerin asked the main reception. [/SIZE]

 

[Camellia Swift]

Camellia Swift was quickly informed, after all having made the arrangements a while before meant the meeting held some importance over simple filing work. Thus when the receptionist made the ping to her comm unit about [member="Ærin Firebrand"] arriving on the station and asking for her presence, the young Rendili woman didn't take more than a moment to set down the upcoming project designs for the company and inform the receptionist to send Ms. Firebrand on through. "Her appointment is indeed scheduled and I am ready for her, send her in."

The recently risen CEO of Rendili Stardrive was honestly looking forward considering the arrangement that Aerin Firebrand had put forward. The ship the woman was seeking to take ownership of wasn't much of a surprise, but the fact that she also wanted lessons in piloting it was a bit of a shock. Not that Camellia turned her down or thought it was dumb, it just was an unusual request. It actually got her excited considering she had done very little teaching even though she had made the rank of Captain in the Defense Fleet just prior to her grandfather's death and her installment as the leader of the shipwright Rendili was well-known for.

This was probably going to provide her with an excellent excuse to throw some of the squadrons of the defense fleet into some drills. It would likely also make the training easier and more approachable later on for Ms. Firebrand if she were learning the basic controls and then more advanced manuevers alongside recruits also just learning. Though they would have some simulation experience over her. Camellia supposed the best thing to do then was personally take the woman into the cockpit and give her a run down before bringing her up to speed with the defense fleets rookie pilots. The Rendili Captain could already imagine a cruel yet engaging final lesson against veterans of the defense fleet for Ms. Firebrand and the recruits.

She'd pitch the idea to the other woman once she entered her office. Hopefully the fact there were several shelves with starship models of Rendili design wouldn't seem too prideful of her world's works.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Camellia Swift"]


After Aerin was given directions to the office, she moved quickly down the corridors and found the double doors. Promptly given access, she was greeted by the face of a young woman whom she assumed to the Camellia Swift. A smile crossed her face and she moved into the room and inclined her head in a small bow.

"Greetings I am Aerin Firebrand", she simply said, Aerin had given away her usual formal greeting as most in the galaxy consider this odd. So she fell in line with common protocols. "I believe you are Camellia Swift?, I have arrived for my lessons and ship".

Her eyes fell around the room, seems this woman likes toys, as on the shelf are many small models of ships, an odd hobby for one of her age, but the galaxy is strange Aerin had come to learn and she shrugged it off as just one more. Aerin had not really been in an office before this, a place of work for some that she had no liking for, coffined in a small room inside a metal building was not her idea of convivial quarters.

"I hope my arrival finds you well", she ended not waiting for the woman to declare herself.

 

[Camellia Swift]

[member="Ærin Firebrand"]

The quarters weren't where Camellia wished to spend so much time either, but it was good work for furthering her homeworld's reputation as a quality shipwright and moving it a step closer to importance once more in the galactic scene. She wasn't ashamed of the models though, many she had collected as a child and had been receiving them from her grandfather for a long time, it felt right to have them on display since many were models of designs produced by Rendili. That and they certainly had be making the room more colorful and interesting than empty space or stacks of files.

Not knowing anything about Ms. Firebrand's typical greeting and thus not aware of anything different about the one given, Camellia merely nodded back as she greeted Aerin in turn, smiling herself at the other woman's well wishes. "Yes I am Camellia Swift and I have indeed been well. Its very nice to be able to meet you Ms. Firebrand, in fact I must say your request was rather interesting, I've been looking forward to our business." Rummaging quickly through a file folder within a drawer of her desk, Camellia hurried to pull out some design documents for the ship she had in mind to sell to the client.

"As I've been thinking things over, I believe I have figured out the perfect method of getting you a comfortable ship and adequete training. For the ship itself I think that our new BT-12 Thunderstrike will suit your needs. Its a simple gunship vessel with just a tiny bit of comfort and cargo space, but with plenty of combat capability to keep its owners and pilots safe. If this design does indeed take to you, then I can personally take you out in one to show you the controls for it and its features. I'll stick with you until you can handle a few basic simulations and then I was thinking of maybe running you through exercises and drills with recruits for the Defense Fleet's squadrons to let you get acquainted with flying more complicated maneuvers rather than just the basics, all while doing so with the knowledge that you'd be moving at a similar pace with other new flyers to hopefully put you at ease and make things feel more comfortable for you as you learn."

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Camellia Swift"]

In truth, Aerin only understood part of what Camellia said. However, she eyed the ships design with much interest. It was now that she had wished to have someone with her that knew more. But Aerin could sense no ill within the girl. It was clear to her that Camellia had taken everything into consideration on her request and left nothing out. She smiled, this was going to be a good day.

"Combat capabilities?", she asked her first question into the unknown. Now Camellia might start to get an idea of what she was facing. Of course Aerin knew what combat is, been in enough campaigns on Midvinter and beyond to know, and she knew that ships have the ability to bring down another. But she lacked the understanding of how they do it. There was more questions in her head and Aerin hoped .. that over the time she would spend here with Camellia all would be answered.

"I do hope I will not take up too much of your valuable time?", she added.

 

[Camellia Swift]

[member="Ærin Firebrand"]

Camellia only smiled as the other girl worried about taking up her time. The question didn't seem dumb either, even if Aerin knew next to nothing about the workings of ships and what they could do, each ship design was unique and thus required different explanations for how it functioned or was equipped. So the young Captain didn't see it as an overall ignorance but a curiosity in the BT-12's design specifically. "You're not taking up my time don't worry. Its part of my job to explain these sorts of things to clients on occasion so don't feel bad. The BT-12 Thunderstrike specifically has three (3) heavy laser cannons affixed to its wingtips that can pack a decent punch to enemy shields and hull, while also packing the equivalent of six (6) concussion missile launchers that it can use to shoot down starfighters or damage larger craft like capital ships though only lightly. The BT-12 also carries a bomb bay which is a highly useful addition if you ever are in a ground based combat zone, you can deploy a few proton bombs on a target or clear a landing zone of hostiles before touching down. Also relevant is the fact that the ship is about as maneuverable as a bomber or starfighter, though because of its larger size and heavier parts it is somewhat slower. Lastly that I think should be noted is that the BT-12 also sports a strong hull so it can withstand some tough impacts for its size, but we hope you don't plan on crashing into any mountains or colliding with a starfighter anytime soon."

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Camellia Swift"]

A smile beamed across Aerin's face, she liked this girl, she was straight to the point which was refreshing. So much mistrust in the Galaxy, Aerin had changed and became more hesitant to give her trust in return. Something she learned the hard way. The innocent girl well and truly gone. She relaxed, Camellia had this way of doing that it seems and Aerin was glad of it.

Moving closer to the designed, Aerin eyes firmed looked over them once more, as she spoke of missiles and lasers. It was becoming clearer to her and making sense, even more so when she spoke of the ship like a ... ship. Aerin cast her mind back to Midvinter for a brief moment, remembering the Valkyri long ships the men take when challenged with their rite of passage. Hulls, bow, port and starboard and .... shield! an item she carries for self protection. She equated them to the design in front of her and now looked upon her ship with more knowledge then she believed she had.

"I would very much like to see this ship. And you plans for my lessons sound difficult, I must warn you I have never been in the pilot seat in my life. But necessity requires me to learn and .. ", she smiled more, "I want to surprise .. someone".

"I shall be guided by your knowledge", she said with an incline of her head. Aerin likes clever people, and Camellia has intelligence by the load.

 

[Camellia Swift]

[member="Ærin Firebrand"]

Camellia was merely practical and intelligent. She saw no point or gain otherwise. Things had to be done correctly, and in that regard failing to provide what was promised to the client was something she couldn't do. The young Rendili woman intended to ensure Aerin Firebrand received both the training and the quality ship she was seeking. Although she wasn't all too sure what the other girl needed it for, Camellia hoped her focus on what would appeal to a security enthusiast and ship lover hadn't gone over Aerin's head.

If Ms. Firebrand wanted to hear the ship sound more like an old fashioned wooden vessel then she'd likely do better getting Cam started on vessels at least transport to corvette size and above. They had more of a typical ship nature going on then those of the fighter and gunship class in Camellia's eyes. "Well I hope whoever you're trying to surprise is, and that they're also impressed while they're at it. Don't worry about difficulty, most people don't learn to fly, most never leave their homeworld. I can take you out in a ship myself and let you watch me for a bit before you setting you up in a simulator. In there you can practice all the techniques of flying without actually risking damage to the ship or yourself. Once we're satsified you know what you're doing we'll run over things again in the actual BT-12 itself and see how it goes and then move you into drills with recruits after that if things work out."

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Camellia Swift"]

"I am sure he will be", she smiled at the idea. The layout of the ship before her, suited her needs perfectly and she could not wait to see it. "I would very much like for you to show me this ship, and take me for a flight in it", she said looked now at Camellia. "If it is all possible, can you demonstrate the capacity of the weapons for me too?, I want to see exactly what they are can do".

Knowing the plans that are ahead of Aerin, much work to be done which will take her into dangerous situations and she needed to know her own capabilities, and if this ship would aid her in the future. Coupled with that, she realised the value of this girl, and hoped to form a long standing working relationship with her, so that went the time comes ..more will be required from her shipwright company.

 

[Camellia Swift]

[member="Ærin Firebrand"]

"Certainly, we have targets setup out of orbit a ways for the Defense Fleet to utilize for the training and practice of their squadrons and gunnery crews. If you want and are ready we can head down to the hangers right now and take one of the gunships out for a test run? I'll show you how it handles and the laser and missile systems. The bomb bay is meant for ground combat so I can show you that feature later on as we head down. I'll just leave a report for clearance to do a pass over the weapons testing grounds before we go so once we're done up here we'll be ok hopefully to show you the bomb bay's capabilities when we head planetside." If Aerin didn't have anymore questions then Camellia would get up and open the door, presumably to lead them to the aforementioned hanger. Where they would then proceed to climb aboard one of the gunships once the Rendili woman filled out the forms to take it out and got clearance to use the practice zone.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Camellia Swift"]


Aerin had no more question at this point, no doubt more would come as they began the process of the lessons. "I will follow you", she simply said as she bowed once more.

The open door led into the long corridor, as they proceeded toward the hangar, Aerin could hear much noise. Her eyes looked around in search of the origin and soon discovered a hangar full of ships, of all shapes and sizes. It would have been impossible for her to hide her surprise and wonder at the sight, and it showed on her face. Roaring beast of metal. Her head turned to look at Camellia, silly it was to see if the girl looked upon them the same way she did, and only found a straightforward expression.

Aerin did not care, she walked on in amazement. "This is... impressive". It was odd, something changed in Aerin at that moment, she had discovered a new liking for the metal beasts.

 

[Camellia Swift]

[member="Ærin Firebrand"]

Likely the Rendili woman might have had the same level of fascination on her face the first time she was in the hanger as well, but that would have occurred at a much younger age. Having received many models from her grandfather as a child, it stood to reason she would undoubtedly have been incredibly excited once in the presence of the actual designs. Her first time on the station for Rendili Stardrive and taken around the hangers and berths probably had little Camellia at the time with an expression of awe and wonderment glued to her face the entire time.

Now though her face was rather more to the point, after years of working around and seeing ships, especially in the military, but there was still a level of appreciation, satisfaction, and yearning in it as she stared about the hanger in passing. Especially as she saw the dock workers hard at work fixing ships of all makes that were paying for Rendili to effect the repairs, while others took off after conducting business or having finished being repaired. Seeing Rendili starships though leave the hanger in good condition was the best sight though.

Still, the sight of Ms. Firebrand in amazement and awe made Camellia smile the most. "Thank you. Rendili has a long and renown history of building starships for people. Ships come in and out of our docks everyday. Being a world in the core and as well established as we are Rendili has become a rather frequented port for anyone wanting something related to starship modification, construction, or work. We're good at what we do."

Entering the code for the BT-12 they were approaching, Camellia grinned as its ramp opened up allowing entrance as she motioned Aerin inside. She would lead the way into the cockpit where an array of buttons, a few small screens, and the controls were present. "Now then this is the cockpit if you haven't been in one. The steering yoke is the this right here, by moving this you can steer the ship left, right, up and down. Flying in space can be disorienting though, so there are several readouts to tell you whether you're leveled out by atmospheric standards. Eventually you'll just get the feel for when you're settled correctly, which is important for someone engaging in ship to ship combat but not so much for people just requiring their ship to travel from A to B. These remaining panels and buttons tell us the status of ship systems such as the life support, ship integrity, certain parts such as the engines and reactor, and what is the status of the weapon systems. Those can be activated by adjusting the laser cannons to be prepped and charged by throwing these switches here and pressing this button. The missiles can be loaded with this button here under this panel. The firing triggers are on the steering yoke itself. I'll show you how to prepare the ship and then I'll take us out."

From there Camellia would check the engine systems and start them and the reactor up as she also called in for clearance to leave the hanger bay.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Camellia Swift"]

Now she was like a gilly young girl, as she entered the ship. "Is this it? is this my ship?", she said as she looked around. The only thing really Aerin was looking at was the corridor. But she could not help her new found admiration and the joy in actually about to own one, let alone fly it.

As Camellia talked about constructions and modifications, she continued to let her eyes roam over the interior. Not that Aerin knew of course, but she added a comment. "Yes it seems that you are good at this, at least from my point of view".

As they entered the cockpit, Camellia immediately went about preparing the ship for take off. Aerin joined her and sat in the co-pilot seat and watched eager to learn. She has no idea of what the girl is doing or why, but she knew she will find out soon enough. She looked so masterful and accomplished it impressed Aerin a lot. Yes this girl will be called on in future .. when the time comes.

 

[Camellia Swift]

[member="Ærin Firebrand"]

"Well it doesn't have to be this one specifically, but yes, this is the type of ship you would be owning if you decided to purchase a BT-12 model." Honestly Camellia hadn't really flown many gunships, let alone the BT-12 specifically. However, it was just easily explained as being due to the fact she had looked over the design for the ship before approving its construction, and that it was built from Rendili Stardrive's own shipyards. There wasn't actually much of a distinction between the minute details of ship design choices, not any obvious ones, but maybe one company would place the pilot's seat on the right if there was space for a copilot as well instead of the left, or maybe the button to start up the engines was next to life support instead of the reactor activation controls.

So the compliment being given to her made Camellia smile warmly, though she didn't really think she was all that good. "Someone who flies these a lot will be able to do it faster than me. If I've flown anything it's the Aurek Strike Interceptors we've made, I haven't actually touched anything bigger unless I'm in command on the bridge and not actually controlling anything." A crackle coming in over the comm system as it came to life settled into a voice confirming that clearance to take off had been approved and that permission to use the practice zone had been acquired from the duty officers from the RHDF. "Ok then, we're all set then. Here we go."

Throwing a few more switches, the thrum of the engines came online as Camellia lifted the ship up and pressed the controls to raise the landing girl as the gunship left its pad. Pushing forward on the controls slightly, the young Rendili woman eased the BT-12 out of the hanger as it passed through the shielded doors keeping workers safe from space yet allowing vessels in and out of the area. From there she pushed the ship faster as she sped toward where the target zone was where she could display the Thunderstrike's weapon systems against buoy targets. "Let me know if there is anything you want me to specifically do."

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Camellia Swift"]

Aerin did not let hide her fear of flying, as she gripped the co-pilot arm rest with white knuckles. But she tried to maintain some form of control over herself. She is here to learn after all so this would no longer be an issue, she hoped, by her being in command of the ship, it might take away this fear. Coupled with this, she wanted to know more of the amazing technology everyone keeps on about. Yes it did impress her, and knew that her planet had been held back because of the blindness of one person to progress. She knew if Midvinter did not move forward it would be the destruction of it one day.

Aerin would never allow that.

She steadied her breathing somewhat, which allowed her to speak. She did not know what an interceptor was, and so she asked. "An Interceptor?", she looked over at Camellia working the control panel. She could tell by the name of this type of ship it was aggressive. "I must know of what you speak", she added. "But for now I want to see what this ship can do in defense and then offense".

Not really knowing the terminology, she added a question, "How fast can it go?, could it out run .. pirates?".

 

[Camellia Swift]

[member="Ærin Firebrand"]

To be truthful Camellia noticed the nervousness of the other woman with some slight concern, feeling it might be necessary to put matters on hold since Ms. Firebrand did not seem at all comfortable with their trip outside the hanger. The young Rendili woman herself wasn't as entirely comfortable either. Mostly because she wasn't a fan of flying around craft as large as gunships, dropships, and light freighters. A starfighter or Capital ship were her home, anything in between was just awkward to her even if she could handle it well enough by the sheer fact the control design was familiar and she flew so much period.

It just feels so ungainly, even though I know its an excellent design. I just feel like a bigger target without the big guns and I know that's wrong. The thought made the young Captain chuckle before hearing Aerin's question. She could clearly see the other woman was uncomfortable, yet somehow she saw this girl was determined too if she was forcing herself. Cam hoped to keep things brief then and get Ms. Firebrand on the ground again. She'd have her run sims until it looked like she was comfortable enough to actually take the real controls. Even then she'd try and help find ways to make each approach easier since Aerin seemed uneasy.

"Well if you want to see this ship's top speed. . . .I can show you somewhat instead." They were nearing the target buoy's anyway, so Camellia swung the ship's throttle forward, gripping the controls as the ship picked up its pace, moving into its top speed as her hands reached over and danced across the panel to bring up the missile guidance locks and unleash the safeties on the laser cannons. Cam considered pulling a few loops or spins, but figured with her passenger's condition for the sake of not cleaning anything up, not to mention just upsetting the poor girl, she out to keep any fancy maneuvers to a minimum. So as the distance closed enough Camellia depressed the triggers and launch buttons on the control yoke as she entered range, the missiles whooshing ahead and the laser cannons flaring. In the next few moments brilliant scarlet streaks sailed through space and struck several of the buoys, blasting them and leaving scorch marks, though such scuffs were unnoticeable a moment later as the missiles followed and impacted as well, blowing the buoys to pieces.

Satisfied with the results Cam swept by their remains before slowing down to a nice cruising speed again. "Now this ship can outrun pirates depending on the ships they use. Any fast frigate or corvette might come close to being a concern, but anything big is no problem to outrun. And anything smaller you outgun and have more durability over. Those would include Interceptors, Fighters, and Bombers, though this and other gunships are easier targets for them. Intceptors are the fastest starships, but also typically the least well armed. They make for great dogfighting ships and recon vessels and escorts. Regular fighters are just a bit slower, but typically have more choice in operating alone and packing a couple extra laser cannons. Bombers are rather slow and aren't meant for combat with other fighters and interceptors, they typically are just similar ships packing more warhead payloads to hit Capital ships. I can show you examples of each back in the hanger if you want?."

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Camellia Swift"]

She gripped the seat rest harder, as Camellia pushed to ship to top speed but the thrill over took Aerin and she began to smile. The weapons discharged hissing out like comets against the night sky and lit the immediate area through the cockpit viewing window. In only seconds the targets exploded, she could see what appeared to be a shock wave radiate out from the centre of the bright light.

Aerin just remained sitting in disbelief at the sight of the buoys destruction. As the ship flew past the debris field, Aerin's eyes followed marveling. "That was incredible", softly the words fell from her mouth.

She turned her head to face Camellia as she began to give further information on his ship. Drinking in everything now, all that she could learn from her, most of what she said, Aerin did not understand but that mattered not, soon to learn it back at the training facilities.

"I want to see everything you have to show me, and I can't wait to try this myself". She said eager now to get into the pilot seat.

 

[Camellia Swift]

[member="Ærin Firebrand"]

Honestly Camellia wondered how impressed Ms. Firebrand would be seeing an actual capital gun firing someday if she was this excited over the payload a lowly gunship had. Especially compared to some of the confangled vessels out there packing Hypervelocity Guns. Seriously the young Rendili woman wondered who had had the bright idea of mounting one of those on a starship. It was so expensive to build those guns on planets, let alone to build a ship designed with the ability to mount one, then spending resources to build a gun that could be mounted, and then mount it, and then produce such a ship in any significant numbers.

Still, it was nice to have someone still appreciate the results of technological wonder in this day and age. Camellia found herself grinning as she brought the BT-12 down to enter Rendili's atmosphere. Rather than return to the hanger Camellia figured she would go ahead and actually let Aerin get right into the work. So with that in mind she landed at the pad for the RHDF barracks nearby the planet's military academy. Once fully settled Cam would continue to unbuckle as she spoke and lowered the ramp for them to exit. "I'm happy you're so excited. I think the next best step would be to let you get right into the simulator machine. First I'll have it set so that it runs you through textbook matters so you can understand the basics of the craft themselves before it let's you try a simulation flight. There'll be plenty of instructors around too most times so don't be afraid to call one over for help if something has you stumped or your having a problem with a maneuver and I'm not around when you climb in. I'll make sure to get you a pass so you can enter the simulators whenever they're open and you feel like climbing in one."

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Camellia Swift"]


Aerin was so disappointed they were returning to the ground. What a complete change in her and she had to smile at the idea of it. She felt very comfortable around Camellia and it began to show, coupled with that Camellia had everything Aerin required in learning what she had come for and .. she is an amazing pilot, after the initial fear had subsided, Aerin's confidence in her grew ten fold.

"Ok I will do as you suggest", she said following Camellia out on to the boarding ramp. Her head turned back once more to take a last look at the ship she now did not want to leave. "I don't suppose that one could become .. mine?", no harm in asking she thought.

Then the reality hit her, even in a simulator Aerin's lack of knowledge in technology will show and she hoped she would not be too tedious for the trainers. "I will mention that I really an a novice, my planet has never known technology of any kind let alone ships, although I have leaned much in my time in the Galaxy I still have much to learn", she had to warn her to some degree.

 

[Camellia Swift]

[member="Ærin Firebrand"]

"Don't worry too much about your lack of knowledge here. Everything else who will be using the simulators in the same area are novices much like yourself. They may have grown up around technology above what you are used to, but they're just as new to flying as you are so they'll likely have just as many questions about maneuvers, controls, and what they do. The instructors are used to teaching people who are new or have many questions so feel free to abuse them since its their job as much as you'd like." Camellia smiled as she said that, hoping to encourage Aerin since the other woman appeared very nervous about the situation. To be honest not all the other trainees and students would be completely new to piloting, but the instructors really were there to supposed to be able to handle the greenest people coming in to learn.

Plus Cam may or may not have hoped to get back at them a little with some extra work in the good nature of someone who had once ran the simulators under some of the older instructors herself.

Now as for the request about the specific gunship being Aerin's. . . . ."About the gunship, I don't see a problem why that one can't be yours. I'll fill out the forms for it and have it kept in storage off the market line. We'll have it set aside for you for whenever you feel ready to take ownership of it for yourself. You can even register a name for it before you take off with it and we'll register its license with that for you." They'd already be inside by that point, as Camellia talked she would lead Aerin past the simulators, curved and boxy machines whose hatches opened as trainees got in and out, that raised up when on and moved slightly, though not much, with presumed movements. The interiors were much like cockpits, but once the hatch closed its was actually geocentric, allowing full spins and twists as if really flying, without requiring the machine itself to make such moves.

"Give me a moment to get you a passcode for the simulators and a pass for the building during its open hours. I'll also a"sk if any instructors are free for private sessions if you ever feel the need for a dedicated tutor during practice instead of hoping to call on one if you catch them free."