341/BoP - Flying High with Lady Blackhawk

BoP - Flying High with Lady Blackhawk
Date of Scene:	07 March 2020
Location:	Henderson Intl Airport Las Vegas, Nevada
Synopsis:	Zinda provides a kindness for a magician in need and gets benefits in turn.
Cast of Characters:	Zatanna Zatara, Zinda Blake

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Zatanna Zatara has posed:
It has been an overcast day in Las Vegas, and as rain started to fall, there were several warnings of storm fronts that were coming. It was causing delays across the flightboard, leading to cancellations. One of those affected by the cancellation is Zatanna who is talking to a pilot of a rental jet. "I'm sorry, Miss Zatara, it's going to be pouring here shortly. I'd suggest just waiting for the storm to blow over and then we can get you to Gotham."

Zatanna frowns. "You don't understand." she says with a shake of her head. "I need to get to Gotham as soon as possible. I was sent an email by Make-A-Wish that a young fan needs to see me as soon as possible." she says, as lightning silhouettes her frame. While Zinda may be a 40s pinup, Zatanna is the modern version, a corset with a lace underbust beneath it, slacks, a jacket that ends at her waist and draped over her shoulders as she clutches her bag in front of her. "Every second counts."

Yes. Zatanna could just teleport there. But that's not the point. She knew Zinda would be here. She wants to get her attention. She wants to see what the Blackhawk will do.

Zinda Blake has posed:
    Zinda's not rocking those distinctive curls today, but lets be honest the flight suit and G-suit hardly looks bad on her. Still Zinda leans back as she listens, peering over at her fuel guy before just motioning for him to top the whole bird up. She pulls her ballcap down tight, strolling over towards Zatanna and pausing just outside of conversational distance. "Gotham huh, well I reckon I might be so inclined."She casually plucks that kneeboard free to peer over her tables.

    "Yeah ok I could make Gotham direct, but I'll warn you my bird's about as far from first class as it gets."She thumbs over towards the massive F4 Phantom behind her. Up close the Phantom is already about ten times bigger than any photograph would lead you believe, and that splintered black and grey camo job hardly hides the bulk up close. The subdued colors of the Blackhawk logo emblazoned on the wings and tail, though at least it's hard points are full of droptanks rather than ordinance.

    Already interjecting herself, she steps infront of the pilot to offer the same beaming smile that surely lit japanese fighters on fire from miles away. A gloved hand raising in a lazy salute, before it's offered for a shake. "Sorry to interpose myself there, but it sounded like you needed an actual pilot. I'm Zinda Blake, but I reckon everyone knows me better as Lady Blackhawk."

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
"You could get me to Gotham?" Zatanna asks, hope suddenly in her sapphire gaze as she looks up at the blonde bombshell of the pre-Atomic age. She glances over at the airplane. "We could be hauling a cargo of fake dog shit to Hong Kong, but if you can get me to Gotham, I'm all for it!" Taking in the Phantom, she nods her head firmly as she looks at the other pilot. "I'll make sure you get your pay!" she promises before she turns her attention to Zinda.

Taking the woman's hand in her own, she smiles brightly, that smile it's own kind of magic. "I'm Zatanna Zatara, it's so neat we both have Z names." she admits with a laugh. "It must be fate! What's your rates? And should I change into something like what you're wearing?"

Zinda Blake has posed:
    "A flight suit and a G-rig would be ideal, but I've flown in my knickers before darlin so ain't nothin to worry bout."She half turns back, reaching over to flip down the stairs to just start clamboring up onto the wing. "Rate wise I'll split my fuel bill with you, considerin I'm gonna need to burn a whole helluva lot of it to get'cha there in about two hours. We can make the mach dash over the desert floor, but it's gonna be a helluva rough ride with this weather front rolling in. We're gonna be splitting through the front for a stretch there."And well she cracks open the rear cockpit, before leaning down to offer a hand up.

    Helpfully theres at least a helmet and oxygen mask sitting in the backseat, amongst the harness and a veritable cornicopia of switches and knobs, view screens and god even knows. "Fate or not darlin, I reckon we ought to be wheels up in about five if we're gonna split the front."

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
"Right. G-Suit and rig. Let me check my bags right quick! I wouldn't want things slipping out in the cockpit." Zatanna offers, before she steps away for just a few moments. She finds a nice quiet spot and raises her hands.

"sG fo thgilf eht eldnah nac taht gnihtemos otni snaej dna tesroc morf gnihtolc ym nrut."

And when she steps back out, she's dressed in a flight suit and gear similar to Zinda's own. "How's this?" she asks, doing a little twirl for the blonde pilot before she approaches and nods. "I'll cover the fuel entirely if you pull it off. Plus I'll pay for your lodgings until you're ready to go back." she offers to her, accepting the hand up and looks at the co-pilot's seat before she moves to settle into it. "How old is your plane?" she asks, as lightning strikes near the airport, prompting warnings and any planes on the ground may be staying there shortly...

Zinda Blake has posed:
    Theres a moment of confusion, before she just rolls with it. Bags are stowed, before she takes a knee and leans in to get Zatanna belted in. "Well I rezeroed the hours, but originally she was from 65'. Saw a little action in Vietnam, but she was updated a few times along the way. She'd shake down a Mig-25 for lunch money these days."The helmet's plugged in, before she offers it over. "Lid stays on, oxygen mask latched. It'll smell funny for a few minutes that's normal. The yellow handles above your head, don't touch those or anything else alright?"Theres a wink, cockpit brought down and soon enough she plops into the pilot's seat.

    Plugging up as she drops the canopy. She's still getting belted when the ground cart rolls up to help turn those big turbines over, thumbs up exchanged those enormous turbines whine to life and all the electronics come online. <<You shouldn't need to push anything to talk on the intercom, and you're not looped into the radios so no worries there. I'm gonna have to talk to the tower here in a minute darlin, I'd take this opportunity to locate the grab handles to your front.>>

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Zatanna listens to the instructions with an attentive rapture, moving her hands as needed to adjust to what Zinda needs acess to. "Hands in lap, listen to you, got it!" she offers as she takes in a few breaths of recirculated air and wrinkles her nose slightly. She'll get used to it, right? She sits up in the seat to watch the goings-on for preparation, lifting her eyes to the sky as rain spatters on the canopy glass as it's pulled out. "I thought if we went higher and came back down, it would be faster?" she finally thinks to ask in some confusion.

But then she's given some more instruction, and her cheeks darken as she searches out and finds the bars she's looking for. <<The ones on the sides of the cockpit?>> she asks before settling in, waiting for Zinda to tell her what she should be doing next.

Zinda Blake has posed:
    <<Oh sweetheart this is an F4, we've got enough thrust to drag half of Vegas behind us and still break mach at any altitude we want.>>Theres a series of hand signals traded with the ground guys, before they scurry off. She glances towards the tower. <<Tower, Blackhawk one requesting priority. Request permission for maximum performance take off, I've got to get a hustle on.>>

    <<Roger Blackhawk one, cleared priority take off for maximum performance departure. Knock'em dead Lady Blackhawk.>>

    Theres a salute offered, though the tower probably can't see it. THe big bird's swung around down to the end of the runway, and there it comes to a stop. <<Alright honey, grab onto those handles and breathe deep. We're on pure ox above four G, drink it in.>>What's it feel like to sit ontop of something like thirty thousand pounds of thrust? Well theres some buzzing and whirring and then everything smooths out, and the brakes are released. The acceleration is like diving off a cliff, the speed takes a moment to pick up and then it really starts to pile on. Nose up, gear retracted, flaps swung back down as she thumbs the burners and there's that sweet G load. An easy five-G sustained of acceleration as the hulk claws it's way into the air. <<And away, we're gonna take things kind've cool whilst we're over the city here.>>Burners flipped off, throttles rolled back as the airspeed ticks dangerously close to the six hundred knot mark. Already bumping against the speed of sound. <<Doing ok back there?>>

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
<<You got it, darling.>> Zatanna is more than happy to play with her teasing choices of words as she tries to get another glimpse of the blonde as the orders come down to take off. Grabbing the handles, she takes a deep breath - and it's a good thing that Zatanna is used to being chained up and upside down in a water tank, because it's a punch to her gut and she gives a soft whoof from the pressure.

However, as they got airborne, Zee's response to Zinda's question is a very enthusiastic. <<WHOOHOO!>> she cries out, bouncing in her seat before she's pressed back into it again, and she holds onto those handles with her knuckles turning white.

<<Oh my god, that was amazing, hon...>> she manages in a few soft breaths, trying to find her composure again as she looks around her as they cruise over the outskirts of Vegas. <<Oh! Is that Hoover Dam?>> she asks, looking out of the side of the window. <<We got here so fast!>>

Zinda Blake has posed:
    <<We ain't even fast yet.>>Comes the easy response, her voice ever so casual as she rolls the big bird over and picks the throttle up. Dropping the big jet down to the deck as it dashes past the sound barrier, swinging smoothly left and right through the mountains and down onto the desert floor. <<We're on time and on course, we won't be able to hold mach the whole way so we're gonna dash as far as we can before we hit populated areas.>>

    In skilled hands the F4 moves with all the grace of a true bird of prey, hurtling ever faster just a hundred feet or so off the desert floor. <<So you'll have to forgive me for asking Zatanna, but I presume you're some flavor of famous?>>As cool as a cucumber, as she wings over a particularly tall cactus at close to mach two. Inverted, desert filling the canopy for a moment as the plane rolls. <<I'm afraid I haven't been too plugged in lately, had to get business sorted out and then there was flying to do.>>

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
<<How fast do you like to go, Zinda?>> Zatanna asks the loaded question completely playfully as she settles into the role of backseater and looks around her again, more that happy to enjoy the view for now. As they get low, her eyes go wide, a spell on the tip of her tongue... just in case it's needed.

<<Were you just in Vegas for the Air Show? I always wanted to go see it out at Nellis, all of those old planes on display - but I never get the chance to.>> she admits, before answering the question. <<It's okay, I'm not like a movie star or something... I have a magic act at the MGM Grand. Well, had one. I just finished my residency and plan to take it easy for a bit. That and help out with what happened in Genosha, if I can.>>

There's a pause, and she asks, <<What kind of business?>> comes the curious question from the back. <<Nothing bad, I hope?>>

Zinda Blake has posed:
    <<However fast it takes to win, which is usually just before the wings come off.>>Comes the automatic answer. The big fighter juking left to seemingly skip past a cliff face by what feels like a spare few feet, before diving back down to the valley floor. <<Vegas, oh just passing through. Had some weapons testing to make sure the big bird here was up to snuff, most of that's done out in the Pacific still. Blackhawks were out of action since Korea, which isn't acceptable. I always figured if we stopped flying combat missions some other outfit would step up to take the mantle, but nobody did. People got comfortable, they got complacent that it's just the way things are.>>

    There's a glance in the mirror to peek after Zatanna, before sweeping the big fighter up into a steep climb. Trading air speed for altitude, as the storm line looms off to the south. <<We've got a monopoly of force, and governments only do what serves their interests. Without a crack Mercenary outfit operating anymore, all the little people who need a hand up get ignored. Now we've just got these P-M-C things which are about as honorable as a fast food resturaunt.>>

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Zatanna's attention is on the outside, but she looks so happy. A flush to her cheeks, brightness to her eyes. <<So youu're one of the original Blackbirds?>> she asks curiously. <<My dad mentioned you all a couple of times when I was little. I think he had a picture signed by you all in the house. Giovanni Zatara? You might have known him as John?>> she asks turning her attention to the mirror and gives the eyes in the mirror a smile. <<This is so amazing.>>

Though she is listening to her commentary, and looking thoughtful. <<So there's no more Blackbirds?>> she asks finally, worrying on her bottom lip. <<What's your plans for the future?>> comes the curious question as she folds her hands into her lap.

Zinda Blake has posed:
    <<Blackhawks.>>She corrects, gently mind. <<I'm the original Lady Blackhawk. I would've joined the Navy, but they weren't so keen on women flying fighter planes. So I heard about these cool cats out of europe, group of pilots who had lost their home countries to the Germans. Old man Blackhawk was a Pollock, for instance. Hooked a flight to Morocco, headed off into North Africa to find them. Found the Germans first, killed me a few Nazis and stole a 109. Old man Blackhawk wasn't too thrilled, but he warmed up pretty quick. Put Oberst Hans Hendrickson, the Schwarzelowe on as my wingman. Flew across North Africa, then over into the pacific. Fightin the Axis, tin pot dictators and nutjobs dressed like sharks.>>

    Theres a roll over the top as the F-4 clears fifty five thousand feet, turning to make the dash to Gotham. <<I went missing over the sea of Japan, broke the band up in the end. The old men soldiered on through the Korean war, but this life is rough on you. They couldn't find young blood to keep the air wing going, so over the years they just faded. Hans died in 78', went to the grave telling anyone who would listen that I was still out there.>>

    She pauses there, loosening her straps a touch as she lets her mind wander some. <<What for the future? I was born for the air, I'm a fighter pilot to the bone. I'll rebuild the Blackhawks or die tryin, and get to fightin. Heaven knows it's about all I'm good for, peace time never did me any favors. Hell I ain't never had such a stretch in all my life where nobody was shootin at me. Lord knows they tried filling me full've holes for kissin a trophy girl back in 38'.>>

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
<<Blackhawks, right.>> Another test passed - Zinda didn't rip her head off for a simpple mistake. Though she's listening to the story, nodding along as she takes it all in, and her attention turns to her discussion of the future.

<<Have you ever considered flying with another flock?>> she asks, turning her attention fully forward. <<A couple of friends of mine are working to put together a group, mainly those that have powers to want to help, but may not have an in, as it were. Mainly because we're all female.>> she explains. <<I know Batgirl would love to have a pilot around...>>

Then at the last remark, Zatanna's cheeks darken and she laughs. <<Nothing wrong with kissing a girl in this day and age. Though...>> her tone is teasing. <<Not sure if I'd measure up to a trophy girl.>>

Zinda Blake has posed:
    <<John Zatara, man that does ring a bell.>>She muses briefly. <<Might've met him in 43', I got shot in the head a little bit and had to come back to do the dog and pony whilst I healed up. I'd be a liar if I said I was sober for much of that, I was up to my eyeballs in rot gut until they sent my drunk ass back to the front. If he's got my signature though, old man had good taste.>>Fighter pilot confidence as intact as ever, of course.

    <<Honey I had to get my first flying license under an assumed name 'cuz they wouldn't issue one to a woman, hell back when I was just racing planes It was like war every race. I only started wearin the real short skirt just to rub their nose in it, cuz I can be something of a petty bitch I reckon."Theres a chuckle there, as she rolls the big fighter this way and that. <<I dunno about joinin, I got a legacy to revive here. So hows about we split the difference eh?>>

    <<I'll give you girls priority tasking, and I'll work for cost. You girls get a pilot, I get to go do some good wearing the old colors. Everyone makes off like bandits in the end yeah?>> GPS is fiddled with, as the big F4 adjusts it's course minutely. <<Nothing wrong with it, but I'd be a liar if I said the thrill of doin wrong didn't have no appeal. Then again you're talking to a moonshiner and a bootlegger here.>>

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Zatanna takes in the information and she laughs lightly. <<So basically saying there would be no challenge with me? Ow.>> A coy little smile touches her lips, before she turns her attention back to the view outside and off of her to enjoy the ride as they get jostled about. <<I'll share the information with my friend. See what she thinks.>> comes the response.

<<We can split it. Let me talk to her, see what she says, we'll go from there?>> She sobers slightly, running her fingers over gloves in thought.

Zinda Blake has posed:
    <<Ain't sayin nothin, bout no girl who's got enough magical hoodoo to conjure up a flight suit at the drop of a hat.>>She lets that one just hang for a moment there. <<My mother did some of that, something she learned in Baghdad back when she was little. Tarot cards and crystal balls, that sort've stuff. Hell saw stranger during the war, ain't nothin to be shy about. Wish I had the knack, but I reckon I'm too much like my father.>>

    <<Talk about it just fine, I might be inclined to let you girls roost up on one of the Blackhawk islands if you need a place to lay low. Still not on many maps, not the easiest place to land neither. I mean they ain't nothin fancy, but it's mighty peaceful.>>

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
<<Tarot cars and crystal balls. Divinations and fortune telling. I do a little bit more than that. If you ever get curious as to what your father saw in it.>> Zatanna just totally went there, before looking back forward again and she purses her lips in thought.

<<Would you mind if I had one of them contact you? I'd make the decision myself, but I'm a little bit biased.>> she says with a grin. <<I'm all for having a place to work on my tan withouth worrying about tanlines, after all.>>

Zinda Blake has posed:
    <<Wow, that's a line if I ever heard one darlin. I applaud the confidence, and I say that as a woman who'd hit up Wonder Woman.>>Theres a snicker there as she trims the F-4 out for the last leg of the trip, sliding through the cloud deck and dropping the F-4 into the coming darkness. Above there are more stars in the sky than you might ever see from the ground. A secret beauty just for pilots...<<Watch the four o'clock, should see some lightning heading out into the ionsphere.>>
    <<Oh by all means, give them my number. They all dress like you sugar?>>And another little chuckle upfront. <<For the record, don't go ruining a good mystery. Half the fun is unraveling it.>>

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Zatanna turns her attention to the light show. Oh, she's holding so much back at the moment. But that's the fun in this, right? <<You don't get where I am by being meek, Zinda.>> she repsonds honestly. <<After all, magicians in Las Vegas are as plantiful as STDs around there.>> As they drop and bob around, the young woman's lips pull into a more sincere smile. She might be a little enchanted.

<<I've been spending all my time unravelling you, darling. I figured if you felt brave enough, you'd return the favor.>> she points out with an amused little smile.

Zinda Blake has posed:
    <<Promises, promises. We'll see how brave you are when I get this bird on the ground, young lady. Such a little harlot you are, distracting your noble pilot as she hustles you over to gotham out of the infinite goodness of her blackened heart.>>Yep, it's not a game she's unfamiliar with. In anycase she wheels the big fighter around, easing the throttle back as she eyes up the gradual descent. <<ETA about fourty minutes by the way darlin.>>

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
<<Oh, you haven't even got me to distracting yet.>> Zatanna teases, and then she does mental math. <<Forty minutes?>> She nods her head. <<I'll meet you at the airport when you land.>>

Wait, what?

Closing her eyes, she pulls her words together, and..

"Naf a teem dna hsiw a tnarg ot Lareneg Mahtog ot em ekat."

And just like that, she's gone from her seat, vanished into mid air in a flash of blue and white light. Was she ever really there? Zinda will just have to land to find out! In her place in the seat is a picture, one of Zatanna's posters, pressed with a kiss and signed:

'I'll always keep you guessing, darling.'

-XOXO, Zatanna