13246/Fly Yes, Land No

Fly Yes, Land No
Date of Scene:	02 November 2022
Location:	Blackhawk Beach
Synopsis:	Zinda Blake takes Mary Jane flying for the first time and the two talk about history, life experience, and joy.
Cast of Characters:	Zinda Blake, Mary Jane Watson

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Zinda Blake has posed:
MJ receives a text from one Zinda Blake, which means that Zinda is learning to master her cell phone... or at least to use it for something other than just calls. The message is simply an address, along with a cryptic 'H-47' tacked onto the end.

Following the trail would lead to a small, municipal airport in the countryside west of New York City. There are multiple hangars, and even though the airport is relatively small the runway is long enough for military jets thanks to an act passed shortly after the War.

Sitting on a bench outside Hangar 47 is a familiar-looking blonde. Zinda is wearing a modern flight suit and a pair of aviator sunglasses. On her lap is a black helmet with the her golden insignia on it, along with the words 'Lady Blackhawk'.

Mary Jane Watson has posed:
The text had gotten her curious, and Mary Jane had gone for a time when she wasn't on the duty roster. So she's come out to where she'd been requested to meet. It'd taken her awhile to get that 'H' meant hangar, and after that (and feeling rather blonde) Mary Jane had arrived.

Her going through the airport, jogging along and looking about. Then she would see Zinda and givea wave. "Hey there! You look amazing! So what's the occasion?" She would head over in Zinda's directlon. "I feel like I'm really underdressed."

Zinda Blake has posed:
Zinda Blake flashes a broad grin and rises, almost -bouncing- to her feet. "Well I aim t'fix that." she declares. "It occured to me that we've done a lotta -talkin'- about what I did during the war, but you probably ain't really experienced what it's like to fly." Pause. "I mean -really- fly..."

Zinda gives a nod towards the man-sized hangar door and leads the way. "Got you a flight suit an' everything. Walk with me, honey." And with that, Zinda opens the door to the hangar and herds MJ towards another door, rather than into the larger area. "Locker room." she declares. "Your suit's hangin' up. Put on everything including the boots."

Mary Jane Watson has posed:
Mary Jane Watson would laugh, "Oh wow! I feel like you're going way out of your way to do this! Thank you so much, I didn't do anything to deserve this!" Her face is flushed over and shake her head, "I've been in some Quinjets before and Sonja's been on a couple of dragons.." Wait, dragons?

Then she would blush over as she would go along, "Oh, wow.." Her face is completely flushed in a very, very adorable way. "You didn't have to do this.." The redhead would be in awe, and totally timid now over and then smie and give Zinda a tight, tight hug. "Thank you so much. And I haven't even figured out what to get you for your birthday."

Zinda Blake has posed:
Zinda Blake laughs and returns the hug warmly. "Oh c'mon now, honey. We'll see if you're still so grateful after you filled up a couple airsick bags." What? "So how fast DO dragons fly, anyway? Nevermind. Go on, now, an' get changed. You got your choice of planes today."

The flightsuit fits MJ, of course, and the callsign on the left breast reads simply 'Red'. Several pair of boots are there to try on, along with a matching helmet with the same callsign.

Mary Jane Watson has posed:
Mary Jane Watson would go to slowly take the suit off, "So should I ask how you know my exact size or that something you have access to as a contractor?" She would go to look over it and smile. "Thank you so much. You've made my day." she gives Zinda a quick hug. "Uh.. Let me change first. And.. Red. She likes it. Just please tell me you're not going to have me practice with an ejector seat."

She would add over with some snark, "And they say the same way that bumblebees do. Magic." Teasing. Then looking about for where to change.

Zinda Blake has posed:
Zinda Blake responds with a look of faux-innocence, then that grin. "Let's just say I got a good eye, honey." she offers. Zinda doesn't seem to get tired of the hugs, either, and lingers as long as MJ does. Stepping back, she grabs her helmet and jerks her thumb towards the door. "I'll be outside when yer ready."

Mary Jane Watson has posed:
Mary Jane Watson would just shake her head, "I see. I suppose I'll trust you on that." she would go to start changing over and join a moment later. Sliding into the outfit and rejoining. "Uh, wow. You are amazing. So.. W hat are the options available to us?"

Zinda Blake has posed:
Zinda Blake tilts her head and steps right up, hooking one arm through MJ's to lead her out into the hangar. There are two, very different planes in the hangar; one with twin propellers and the other is obviously a jet.

"Ain't a big secret that I collect planes, of course. Vintage planes, no less. The first beauty here is the F7F Tigercat that I was flyin' when I did my little time skip. She's been refurbished and tuned up. They were gonna call it the 'Tomcat', but they thought that might be too sexy."

Walking around the WWII fighter, Zinda gestures towards the unmistakeable shape of a Vietnam-era F4 Phantom. "If y'all want somethin' with a little more horsepower, this lil' beauty was competitive from the time she rolled out in the 60's until the mid-90's when they were retired."

Zinda shrugs a little. "I've got some older and some newer, even a couple Russian MiG's. But this gives y'all a pretty good choice."

Mary Jane Watson has posed:
Mary Jane Watson would look around and smile, "Oh, wow.. Definitely a hobbyist." She would let herself be lead along by the arm, looking around wistfully over at the planes. "All of them have their own memories, their quirks.." There would be a grin that was more Sonja in nature. "but unlike a beast they don't need a yoke taken tot hem to train them first."
    The smile lightening over. "And these are all lovely.. I'd love to hear stories of them. But later. Let's go with the Tigercat. How can I say no to a name like that?" She would go to take her fingers up and over to Zinda's wrist, then moving to gently draw it up to her lips to give a soft kiss. "So my lady, take us up high to dance in the sky?" Her own cheeks very flushed.

Zinda Blake has posed:
Zinda Blake lifts a blonde brow at the kiss on the wrist, and then MJ isn't the only one blushing. She steps up close, kissing MJ's cheek and murmuring. "Be my pleasure, Lady."

This version of the Tigercat is a 2-seater, and Zinda leads MJ to the backseat ladder. "This way I don't have to explain how to use the G-suit. Not that you ain't gonna feel any G's, mind, but when I take off in the F4 you sorta leave your lunch somewhere around last week." She watches closely while MJ climbs up the ladder, then gives one of the hangar crew a hand signal and steps over to the front ladder.

Mary Jane Watson has posed:
Mary Jane Watson would go to look over into it, her lips twitching upwards, even as her cheeks are at a shade where they match her flaring hair. "Thank you for this. I've never gotten to do something like this in my life." EIther of her lives.

Mary Jane goes to slide up and over to the back of the cockpit, taking a moment to look over at the cockpit. Taking in all of it, moving o prop herself up and over on an elbow to get the best view of it. "It's perfect." She would move to hop up and slide over in to the back, looking to start to strap herself in.

Zinda Blake has posed:
Zinda Blake climbs up into the cockpit like she was getting into a car for the morning ride to work. With both canopies still open, she calls back. "There's a radio in your helmet. Voice activated, so jus' talk an' listen. Also helps with the prop noise."

Zinda makes a circling motion over her head, then pulls a handle and both canopies lower to click into place. The large hangar door begins to roll upward, and the instruments begin to come on.

"Don't touch nothin', honey. Lemme get her started..." There's a whine as one prop begins to slowly turn. The plane shudders and coughs a couple times as the engine sputters to life. A moment later the rumbling smoothes out and settles into a powerful buzz. The second engine starts much the same way.

Mary Jane Watson has posed:
Mary Jane Watson would take a moment to fiddle over with the radio, tap it over in the helmet, make sure that it was on tightly. Then go to cinch the straps of the restraints a litlte more tightly. "All right, just remember this is going to be my first time in one of these so try not to bouncy ball us too much." Her looking out the hangar door, craning her neck and bouncing over in her seat and get a better view. "And I don't plan on touching anything. I've been in those situations where touching something makes it explode or get worse." She'd been around Peter for way too long to not get that instinct. And also understand that no matter what buttons you pushed..

She would take a hand up to instinctively brace as the engines would start to rumble to life.. And Zinda can hear an awed giggle.

Zinda Blake has posed:
Zinda Blake locks the brakes and races both engines now that they're warmed up, and MJ can -feel- the restrained power. Off to the left, the hangar crew snaps to attention and salutes Zinda, who returns the salute. Engines throttle down a little and the big, black plane taxis out of the hangar and turns slowly onto tarmac. The runway isn't far, and MJ can feel the brakes lock again once they are lined up.

"This is Blackhawk One, requesting permission for takeoff."

"Roger that, Blackhawk One. You are cleared for takeoff."

And with that, the brakes unlock and the plane picks up speed very, very quickly. "Nice an' easy, honey." Zinda offers, pulling up into a smooth takeoff that might feel like a commercial airline.

Mary Jane Watson has posed:
This has MJ instinctively brace herself. It's what's natural to do. She braces herself over agaisnt the seat, digging her feet over into the floor to hold herself over in place. Laughing madly. Then going to make herself relax a bit. Feet hard on the ground when the plane is fully vibrating and launching may not be the most comfortable thing in the world.

Going quiet as they would ready for takeoff, and Mary Jane goes to like a child, just look out the side of the glass at the runway, at the airport as the plane starts to pick up speed. She adjusts the position of her head as the plane starts to takeoff, racing along.

She goes to break ou tto a smile. "You own all these planes, so do you also own this runway and this section of the airport? Or this just where you work at fixing htings up?" She would watch in awe as they would take off. "And thank you so much."

Zinda Blake has posed:
The big, black plane climbs in a slow, lazy spiral that lets MJ look down on the airport as the gain altitude. "Oh, they let me rent the hangar for, like five dollars a month. Veteran's benefits, or somethin'. I got a few planes scattered here an' there, but most of my collection's on Blackhawk Island. Leastways the good stuff."

Zinda levels out and they continue to climb while she talks. "Nobody down there really works -for- me, but we trade favors. It's a military thing. They keep me flyin' and I make appearances, give rides, even run a few shows. We're gonna head out over th' ocean a bit where we got room to move around. The F7F was fast for her day, but really not quite as fast as today's passenger jets."

Mary Jane Watson has posed:
Mary Jane Watson would huh, "That's cool. So you have your own island?" She would laugh, "And is it shaped over like a giant blackhawk or is that just the type of thing you see in movies?" She would look out the window as they would climb higher and higher. "It's really pretty. I've never gotte nto fly like this before."

The Quinjets don't make for the best views nor the best periods for conversation. "That sounds very much like a network. Barter and favors." She would nod about the speed. "Well, you've got a few decades of engineering work. Passenger jets couldn't move like this either."

Zinda Blake has posed:
Zinda Blake laughs softly into the radio. "An island shaped like a giant blackhawk? Honey, you been readin' too many comic books. It's where the Blackhawks base was located durin' the war. One of 'em. I refurbished the Atlantic base." She pauses a moment, then adds dryly. "An' it's shaped like a big skull, of course."

The plane climbs high, and if MJ knows what she's looking at the altimeter it's hovering just below 10,000 feet. "If you wanna go higher, you'll need to put on your oxygen mask. Or I can show you a few things here."

Mary Jane Watson has posed:
Mary Jane Watson would pff, "Fine. I mean, we know there's a Hydra Island out there, so why can't there be just a giant snake looking one?" There had to be a giant secret base out there carved into a giant snake head, didn't there? she would grin as Zinda would continue. "I think things like that speak to the best in humanity, for us indulging these streaks of theatrics.."

She would smile, "Well, let's enjoy the view a bit, then you can show me some things. I'd like to be able to breathe and look around before I'm having to mask up."

Zinda Blake has posed:
Zinda Blake levels out and just flies east, with the sun slowly setting behind them. "Suits me fine, honey. So far I've been flyin' like United Airlines, except we ain't got a pressurized cockpit. We can stay kinda low an' still show y'all how a fighter plane moves. The Tigercat looks kinda big an' heavy, but she's definitely a predator."

Mary Jane Watson has posed:
Mary Jane Watson would smile, "I see. I'm sure she has so many moves. I bet nearly as many as the woman behind the stick. Just save some. I don't want to see a girl that shows all she has on a first flight together. We need some for the future."

Zinda Blake has posed:
"Now yer jus' teasin' me, honey." Zinda quips back. "I ain't the sort to show ALL my moves at once. But let's start with a better view of th' ocean." That's all the warning MJ is going to get before the plane just casually flips over and they are flying upside down. "Take a look -up- now." And sure enough, there's a beautiful view of the ocean out the top of the canopy.

Mary Jane Watson has posed:
Mary Jane Watson would pff, "I see. So unlike most girls, you know how to work a stick?" She would inquire as the plane would suddenly spin about.. And then the redhead is flipped over into the seat, letting out a series of indignant, surprised squawks over while she would gaze out across the Atlantic. "Oh.. Wow, that's lovely." She would be hanging in the restraint harness. "And hoepfully that's not accompanied by us splashing down now that I've said it."

Zinda Blake has posed:
The harness is snug, but MJ definitely feels gravity as they fly along. "No splashdowns an' no ejections." she replies. "An' it jus' so happens I'm an -expert- at workin' a stick, I'll have you know!" Zinda adds with a chuckle. "Used to be able to say I got witnesses, too. But I ain't quite the skirt-chaser y'all make me out to be. I've logged a lot more time with th' fellas." And just as casually she rolls the plane more slowly so that they are flying upright again.

Mary Jane Watson has posed:
Mary Jane Watson would chuckle, "I see. I thought you were an equal opportunity chaser when it came to things?" She would inquire as the plane would loop about. "And what sorts of things would you say in front of witnesses then, since there's only me to hear it now?"
    The plane would loop about. "Fair enough. I've had some.. Well, let's just say life's a bi tcomplicated." Looking out the window, appreciating the view.

Zinda Blake has posed:
"As far as th' chasin' goes, yeah. Just spent more time with one team, is all." Zinda admits. "Since none of the fellas in question are around anymore, you'll hafta take my word for it. But I also kissed a few gals in my time. Didn't get a lot farther, but I'll say there were a lot more gal-gals in the WAC's than most fellas would like to admit. If you know what I mean."

Mary Jane Watson has posed:
Mary Jane Watson would smile, "Well.. You've figured out you're not limited by things one way or the other. You have things you like, and if it's with someone that has meaning to you, then you go after it. Think that's a lovely thing to have. Just about who and what you enjoy."

Zinda Blake has posed:
Zinda Blake keeps the maneuvers smooth and easy while they talk, keeping the turns and climbs and dives just below the excitement level of a good rollercoaster. "Things sure as hell are more open than they were in the 30's." she agrees. "An' while we're up here, jus' the two of us, I'll say you got real pretty eyes and a nice smile." There's a moment's pause, then Zinda adds. "Figured it's safe, with you an' me sittin' in different seats an' all."

Mary Jane Watson has posed:
Mary Jane Watson would laugh, "Yes, probably not the best time for us to be trying to jump one another." She would look out the side of the cokcpit. "It's really peaceful up here. Really beautiful. I've never reallyhad the chance to properly appreciate how it looks from this perspective."

Zinda Blake has posed:
"I call it 'playin things safe', honey." Zinda quips back. "Can't give me a hug an' kiss, but you can't slap me an' run away, neither." And before MJ can answer that, Zinda offers. "Hang on, lemme take us down a bit closer..." She does a wing-over, rolling the plane completely and slipping into s steep, spiralling dive... leaving MJ's stomach behind. When Zinda pulls out they are quite close to the water, and flying very fast.

Mary Jane Watson has posed:
Mary Jane Watson would go to open her mouth to say something, then let out a yelp as they would go down to race along the waves, "I'm not sure this is the best idea! And if I could I would very much give you that smack!" Apparently having good humor about it even as she would slam in against hte restraints. At least Zinda's not doing it flying upsides down.

Zinda Blake has posed:
Zinda Blake laughs over the radio, then the engines roar and plane pulls up into a steep climb, rising much, much faster than they did at take-off. They've been flying east for a while, and Zinda says. "Can you see that lil' speck in the water up ahead? Looks kinda' like an island. That's where we're gonna land an' refuel."

Mary Jane Watson has posed:
Mary Jane Watson would pause a moment, "Wait, how much fuel does this thing have if we're having to set down and refuel and we haven't been up in the air a half hour?" If even that. "OR do you have some sort of ulterior scheme in mind, Zinda?" She would deadpan.

Zinda Blake has posed:
"Honey, I'm sure I don't know what yer talkin' about." Zinda replies, managing to sound innocent over the radio. "We've got a max range of about 1200 miles, but I didn't top her off before we took off. Hadn't really planned on headin' out this far, really." She angles the plane a bit to the right. "Look out yer left side, now. Island don't look quite like a blackhawk OR a skull, but I don't think you'll be disappointed."

Mary Jane Watson has posed:
Mary Jane Watson would glance over and laugh, "I see. So I suppose that makes sense. And I'm still disappointed in you for lack of an island base shaped like a giant skull. I expected more. You'll be forgiven, but my demands are when you get a secret volcano base, you must carve it into a giant skull." She would crane her neck out the window to get a better view.

Zinda Blake has posed:
Blackhawk Island may not be shaped like a skull or have a volcano, but there is a mountain at one end that fall off rapidly into plains. And MJ can see a pair of runways along with support buildings around the perimeter of the airfield. "Promise my next one will be shaped like a skull." she declares. She angles the plane over, descending rapidly. Flaps lower and MJ feels the landing gear *clunk* into place.

Mary Jane Watson has posed:
Mary Jane Watson would laugh, "Good. Because if you're going for the full routine, might as well live it." She would lean back in her seat as the plane would head down towards the ground. Moving to brace herself once more for the jolts of the landing. "It's really lovely out here. HOw many people are normally based out of here?"

Zinda Blake has posed:
Unlike United Airlines, Zinda snaps the turn and brings the plane down quickly. A very military landing, when you can have a lot of planes that all need to land in a short time. The engines race again as she feathers the props, decelerating quickly. She steers towards a larger hangar building, and the main door starts to roll up slowly.

"Jus' a minimal crew, really." Zinda replies over the radio. "They picked us up on approach, of course. An' there ain't a lotta folks flyin' Tigercats these days."

The plane comes to a stop when she locks up the brakes, then the engines begin to power down. "Okay, lemme get us started on gassin' up, then I'll show you around."

Mary Jane Watson has posed:
Mary Jane Watson would go to look out the window as they would land, "Maeks sense. So is this the Blackhawk's base?" As in the original group's? "Or the one your PMC operates out from?" Likely the first if it was only minimally occupied. But still, a girl could ask questions. "Sounds great. I haven't been to a beach in ages. Well, one that wasn't interrupted by sea monsters or supervillains."

She had to quantify that. Because New York had to be one hell of a town. She would go to wait for the cockpit to release and Zinda to indicate it was good to slide out of it.

Zinda Blake has posed:
Zinda Blake waits until the propellers come to a full stop before unlocking the canopies. They open and she takes off her helmet, starting on the harness. "Go ahead and bring yer helmet." she calls out. Then she swings a leg over and descends the ladder, finding a middle-aged man in coveralls waiting at the bottom.

"Top 'er off for me, Hank? This is Mary Jane; goes by MJ."

Looking over to the redhead, then, she adds. "An' this was -one- of the original bases. That was the real secret behind the secret base, after all."

Mary Jane Watson has posed:
Mary Jane Watson would slide out and give a wave over at Hank, "Hey, nice to meet you. And my first time up. I suppose I should be glad my legs aren't jelly." SHe would take a moment to get used to being back on terra firma once more. "Pleasure to be here and meet you. Your boss is a very, very scary lady. I'm learning that the hard way and she's being very, very easy on me since i'm a city girl."

Her laughing with Zinda. "I suppose that does make it easier."

Zinda Blake has posed:
Hank apparently doesn't say much, but he does give Zinda a wry smile and a sloppy salute before trundling slowly over to the building.

Zinda gives MJ a grin, then links up arms and gestures all around. "We kept a full squadron here during the War. Fed, outfitted, an' ready. A combat-ready unit ready to go on a moment's notice." Offering a wry smile, she adds. "An' yeah, we DO got us a beach. Fellas used to use it quite a lot, too. Whenever we had any downtime."

Mary Jane Watson has posed:
Mary Jane Watson would grin over at Zinda, "Sure, that sounds great. How about you go ahead and give me a tour of the island? That seems a good way to start and show me around. I suppose it won't be a super secret Blackhawk base after that though. And do you spend a lot of time on the beach?"

Zinda Blake has posed:
Zinda Blake laughs at that, setting her helmet down and gesturing for MJ to do likewise. They're both still in flight suits and boots, but Zinda unzips hers just a little at the top for comfort. "Like I said, this is -one- of a few. I spent a good bit of time down there when I wasn't flyin'. Had this black an' yellow polkadot one-piece used to drive the fellas wild." She starts leading the way down a path, trusting MJ to follow. "This was before the bikini was invented by that French fella, but that suit fit just right, if y'all know what I mean."

Mary Jane Watson has posed:
Mary Jane Watson would pff, "I see. So you're not the type who spends all her time flying around, missing the forest for the seas?" She would tease, going to offer her arm to let Zinda take it to lead her. "I suppose that's one fashion innovation that you were a bit behind the times of. I'm sure you've managed to get quite a few of them since your arrival in the modern era."

Zinda Blake has posed:
The path winds down and around through the little bit of jungle on the island, and soon enough they can see the beach. "Oh -yeah- I did!" she replies with a grin. "One's a little-bitty thing. Black with yellow polkadots, even." Reaching the sand, she pauses to bend low and remove her boots and socks. "What about you? Are you a one-piece gal or a bikini-type?"

Mary Jane Watson has posed:
Mary Jane Watson would laugh as she would follow along, "Second one. Tend not to wear it often. Not a lot of beaches around New York and they're way too crowded. Love going to the beach, just haven't been a lot of times so you learn to appreciate what you have." She would move to also pull off her shoes.

Zinda Blake has posed:
Zinda Blake wiggles her toes a little in the sand, and the expression on her face shows her delight at the feeling. "I've always been a country gal. Even though I like the heeled boots, there's somethin' about goin' barefoot." Reaching up, she tousles those blonde curls and heads towards the surf. "That's one good thing about THIS beach, too. Jus' Hank and a couple other fellas keep things runnin', so it's real quiet."

Mary Jane Watson has posed:
Mary Jane Watson would smile over at Zinda, "Well, sounds like a plan. I'm looking forwarsd to walking around with you and enjoying the sun. No rush to get back into the air after all. Not like either of us is due anywhere anytime soon mind.."