This is the story I've written based on my dream. My lady love is excited about it, my mom loves it so I figured I'd put it before you people. I'll spoiler it in case you aren't interested in reading because it is kind of long.
SPOILERS! (Click to view)
Eric zipped up his flight suit and made sure the zipper catch was secure. He put his boots on next and taped up the tops with 200mph duct tape. He was one of the few Wind Catchers to actually wear boots instead of the installed shoes that flight suits were made with he felt that when coming to a stop on a flight tower the normal shoes were too to thin and tended to wear out quickly. They were difficult to replace because they were built into the suit itself so Eric just cut the feet off and then wore boots. The boots were thicker and better able to withstand impacts from landings at 10 or 20 mph, plus if they ever wore out replacing them was a simple matter.
Wheres my pack? Eric asked the equipment handler. Jason entered the room without it but instead haled a small object in his hands.
You dont need it you arent carrying anything all that big. This will fit in your pocket easily. Jason told him.
Well then why am I even bothering? They could just send it across by hovercar. Eric complained as he folded his wings up to his arms. With his wings unfolded they spanned nearly 20 feet from wing tip to wing tip which made walking around inside nearly impossible.
Its not the weight theyre worried about its speed. They want this message sent as quickly as possible and since youre the fastest Wind Catcher here they chose you. Quit complaining they said money was no object.
I dont do this for the money you know that. Eric chided Jason.
Well do it to set a record. They want it in the Hovel Computer Science Institute in Orleans by four oclock.
Four oclock? That only gives me two and a half hours! Eric shouted. How the hell could this be that important?
Jason handed him a small plastic oval. It had a logo on the outside written in a language he didnt recognize. When Eric took the oval he noticed that it weighed barely and few grams, five at the most.
For this Ive got to set a air speed record? Eric asked confused. Jason just handed him his helmet.
Yep. Dont ask me I have no idea what it is either. Ive already programmed the navigation into your helmet. Now go catch the wind.
For I and the wind are one. Eric stuffed his helmet on and repeated the famous blessing of all Wind Catchers. He still wasnt sure he could make it by the deadline he had been given but he was sure going to try. His home tower was based on an island chain south of the Sovereignty of Florida and his destination was clear across the Caribbean Gulf. To make in three hours was considered an accomplishment but Eric had only two and a half. He had heard of someone doing it in that short a period of time but that was long before he had taken up wings. What could be so important that he had to set a record was beyond him but he had a job to do and he was going to do it.
Walking up to the launching platform Eric placed the small device in one of his flight suits pockets. He covered the opening with more duct tape to make sure it was secure. The flaps of the pockets were designed to withstand wind speeds in excess of 250 mph but it never hurt to be extra careful, especially with something apparently as important as this.
Eric slid open the hatch and felt the wind hit him in the head like it wanted to tear it off. The wind was also making an incredible amount of noise. Even through his helmet he could still hear the thunderous pounding of air blowing at high speeds. He walked onto the platform as the winds buffeted his body and threatened to knock him over. The flight crew was getting the ramp ready for him to set himself on but feeling the wind Eric wondered if he was going to need it. It had to be blowing over 100 mph already.
You know everyone says us Wind Catchers are the bravest of the brave but I think theyre misguided as hell. Eric told the launch captain over their comlinks. The wind noise was so loud it would have been impossible to communicate otherwise.
Why do you say that? he asked Eric as they secured his feet into the rollers on the ramp.
Because we face this kind of wind wearing wings. If we fall off the tower we just flap our wings and come to a safe landing. You guys fall off and its splatter city on the ground.
Never bothered me any. Launch control, Catcher is secure. The Captain walked away leaning heavily into the winds that threatened to blow him clear off the platform.
Eric checked the rollers that were clamped onto his boots and then crouched down and braced himself against the inertia that was about to send him flying.
Wind Catcher, Launch Control. Report ready.
Launch Control this is Wind Catcher I report ready.
Roger that Wind Catcher stand by for lock. The rollers were pulled back by mechanical springs under the ramp and Eric felt himself being pulled along by his feet. After moving a couple of feet backwards he felt the rollers stop. Although it was proven physically impossible he always swore he heard a soft click when the rollers reached their locks.
Wind Catcher, Launch Control we show you are locked. Spread wings and stand by for launch.
Acknowledged. Eric replied.
Flipping his arms in an almost unconscious movement Eric unfolded the wings that were built into his flight suit. The two bars that extended his arms spread out and stretched the fabric that would hold him aloft. His hands found the levers that manipulated the wings and gave him the control he needed to fly.
Launch Control, Wind catcher I report ready for launch.
Roger that Wind catcher countdown from five. Good luck out there.
Thanks Launch Control. I and the wind are one.
Countdown; fivefourthreetwoone. Launch. The locks of the rollers released and the springs underneath Eric shoved him forward down the ramp accelerating him up to flight speed. No matter how much Eric steeled himself against the launch ramp the rollers always pulled him with more force than he was expecting. A quick shift of his balance got him back in position and within less than two or three seconds the tower fell behind him, he straightened out his legs and spread them apart so the fabric between them stretched out and gave him additional lift. Pumping the wings with his arms he felt the wind pressure fight him for control. Soon though he had achieved flight and needed only to tilt and twist his body to maintain his speed and direction.
Launch Control this is Wind Catcher I am away.
Roger that Wind Catcher. See you when you come back.
The wind howled across Erics helmet and the Earth passed by far below him. Keeping his body spread eagle he soared higher and higher and then folded his wings a little to dive back down again. He did this several times trying to go as fast as he could. He picked up speed rapidly and hoped it was enough to get him across. Looking ahead he saw the vast expanse of the Caribbean Gulf ahead of him. Normally he would follow the coastline but his tight deadline meant he would have to cut straight across over the water. The screen in his helmet pointed a green arrow towards his destination which was good. As long as the arrow was green he knew he was on time. All he had to do now was keep up his pace and he would make it.
Eric zipped up his flight suit and made sure the zipper catch was secure. He put his boots on next and taped up the tops with 200mph duct tape. He was one of the few Wind Catchers to actually wear boots instead of the installed shoes that flight suits were made with he felt that when coming to a stop on a flight tower the normal shoes were too to thin and tended to wear out quickly. They were difficult to replace because they were built into the suit itself so Eric just cut the feet off and then wore boots. The boots were thicker and better able to withstand impacts from landings at 10 or 20 mph, plus if they ever wore out replacing them was a simple matter.
Wheres my pack? Eric asked the equipment handler. Jason entered the room without it but instead haled a small object in his hands.
You dont need it you arent carrying anything all that big. This will fit in your pocket easily. Jason told him.
Well then why am I even bothering? They could just send it across by hovercar. Eric complained as he folded his wings up to his arms. With his wings unfolded they spanned nearly 20 feet from wing tip to wing tip which made walking around inside nearly impossible.
Its not the weight theyre worried about its speed. They want this message sent as quickly as possible and since youre the fastest Wind Catcher here they chose you. Quit complaining they said money was no object.
I dont do this for the money you know that. Eric chided Jason.
Well do it to set a record. They want it in the Hovel Computer Science Institute in Orleans by four oclock.
Four oclock? That only gives me two and a half hours! Eric shouted. How the hell could this be that important?
Jason handed him a small plastic oval. It had a logo on the outside written in a language he didnt recognize. When Eric took the oval he noticed that it weighed barely and few grams, five at the most.
For this Ive got to set a air speed record? Eric asked confused. Jason just handed him his helmet.
Yep. Dont ask me I have no idea what it is either. Ive already programmed the navigation into your helmet. Now go catch the wind.
For I and the wind are one. Eric stuffed his helmet on and repeated the famous blessing of all Wind Catchers. He still wasnt sure he could make it by the deadline he had been given but he was sure going to try. His home tower was based on an island chain south of the Sovereignty of Florida and his destination was clear across the Caribbean Gulf. To make in three hours was considered an accomplishment but Eric had only two and a half. He had heard of someone doing it in that short a period of time but that was long before he had taken up wings. What could be so important that he had to set a record was beyond him but he had a job to do and he was going to do it.
Walking up to the launching platform Eric placed the small device in one of his flight suits pockets. He covered the opening with more duct tape to make sure it was secure. The flaps of the pockets were designed to withstand wind speeds in excess of 250 mph but it never hurt to be extra careful, especially with something apparently as important as this.
Eric slid open the hatch and felt the wind hit him in the head like it wanted to tear it off. The wind was also making an incredible amount of noise. Even through his helmet he could still hear the thunderous pounding of air blowing at high speeds. He walked onto the platform as the winds buffeted his body and threatened to knock him over. The flight crew was getting the ramp ready for him to set himself on but feeling the wind Eric wondered if he was going to need it. It had to be blowing over 100 mph already.
You know everyone says us Wind Catchers are the bravest of the brave but I think theyre misguided as hell. Eric told the launch captain over their comlinks. The wind noise was so loud it would have been impossible to communicate otherwise.
Why do you say that? he asked Eric as they secured his feet into the rollers on the ramp.
Because we face this kind of wind wearing wings. If we fall off the tower we just flap our wings and come to a safe landing. You guys fall off and its splatter city on the ground.
Never bothered me any. Launch control, Catcher is secure. The Captain walked away leaning heavily into the winds that threatened to blow him clear off the platform.
Eric checked the rollers that were clamped onto his boots and then crouched down and braced himself against the inertia that was about to send him flying.
Wind Catcher, Launch Control. Report ready.
Launch Control this is Wind Catcher I report ready.
Roger that Wind Catcher stand by for lock. The rollers were pulled back by mechanical springs under the ramp and Eric felt himself being pulled along by his feet. After moving a couple of feet backwards he felt the rollers stop. Although it was proven physically impossible he always swore he heard a soft click when the rollers reached their locks.
Wind Catcher, Launch Control we show you are locked. Spread wings and stand by for launch.
Acknowledged. Eric replied.
Flipping his arms in an almost unconscious movement Eric unfolded the wings that were built into his flight suit. The two bars that extended his arms spread out and stretched the fabric that would hold him aloft. His hands found the levers that manipulated the wings and gave him the control he needed to fly.
Launch Control, Wind catcher I report ready for launch.
Roger that Wind catcher countdown from five. Good luck out there.
Thanks Launch Control. I and the wind are one.
Countdown; fivefourthreetwoone. Launch. The locks of the rollers released and the springs underneath Eric shoved him forward down the ramp accelerating him up to flight speed. No matter how much Eric steeled himself against the launch ramp the rollers always pulled him with more force than he was expecting. A quick shift of his balance got him back in position and within less than two or three seconds the tower fell behind him, he straightened out his legs and spread them apart so the fabric between them stretched out and gave him additional lift. Pumping the wings with his arms he felt the wind pressure fight him for control. Soon though he had achieved flight and needed only to tilt and twist his body to maintain his speed and direction.
Launch Control this is Wind Catcher I am away.
Roger that Wind Catcher. See you when you come back.
The wind howled across Erics helmet and the Earth passed by far below him. Keeping his body spread eagle he soared higher and higher and then folded his wings a little to dive back down again. He did this several times trying to go as fast as he could. He picked up speed rapidly and hoped it was enough to get him across. Looking ahead he saw the vast expanse of the Caribbean Gulf ahead of him. Normally he would follow the coastline but his tight deadline meant he would have to cut straight across over the water. The screen in his helmet pointed a green arrow towards his destination which was good. As long as the arrow was green he knew he was on time. All he had to do now was keep up his pace and he would make it.
Still hunting for jobs. I hope one comes my way soon or we could be facing tough times once again.
Nothing much else going on. Just feeling crazy stuffed up for some reason.
VIEW 3 of 3 COMMENTS
Yeah, it's a sexy car - still a little expensive though... It actually out prices the Mustang. Crummy part is, if GM/Chevy goes bankrupt - that'll cause some inconvenient problems for the Chevy/GM owner with active warranties
Oh! Good news about the Mustang, eventhough I couldn't own one unless it has a glass top to make it feel more "open", 2010 should bring a much more powerful engine for both the V6 and V8 models! Something comparable to the new Camaros