Today, in flight school, we learned about planning and navigation. The flight planning process was detailed and required plotting our expected course on a chart. Roy then had us calculate airspeed and magnetic heading for each leg of the trip. This led to computing estimated fuel usage and flight time. We had to learn to do it by hand so that we understood the math behind it all. Once we had the concepts down, he directed us to download an app to our phones and tablets. I expected that today, and maybe on the test, would be the last time I planned a flight by hand.
After class, Cassidy ran off to find Brook. Brook had sent us a text saying that she had just landed and was helping to tie down the plane they’d used. Roy and I grabbed some leftover chicken and then walked over to one of the hangars where Roy’s staff demonstrated the drones. We found Dare in an animated conversation with an older gentleman who looked like a model. He appeared to be in his fifties and my height, with blond hair and blue eyes.
“As I said, there are technologies currently available that can easily be used to improve on this model. For example, cars have collision-avoidance sensors and software. If you took that a step further, you might program a drone to either make a stable platform for video or detect sniper fire and avoid it.”
“Why are the propellers in a fixed position?” Dare asked. “Wouldn’t it make more sense to allow them to tilt and work independently?”
The man saw me come up, and he smiled.
“I know who you are. I’m a big fan,” he said, shaking my hand. “Pleased to meet you. I’m Hunter.”
“Do you plan to take the class?” I asked.
“Possibly, but I’m not sure. I happened to be in the area and stopped by to check it out and met Darius. From what I can see, I think he has a real future in this. You should encourage him and buy him a drone.”
I looked over at Dare, who was busy landing the drone to put it up for the night.
“It has gotten him out of his shell. Usually, he’s shy.”
“Well, I did what I wanted tonight. I’m sure we’ll meet again,” Hunter told me, shook my hand, and then turned to say goodbye to Dare.
Roy edged up.
“You ready to buy one?”
“Yeah. I’m sure Dare knows which one I need.”
Brook and Cassidy found us. I told Brook I’d agreed to buy a drone and let her break it to Dare. I now knew how the Grinch felt at the end of
◊◊◊ Wednesday October 26
Tonight, I had my Japanese language class with Hana Yamamura. She’d helped me learn my lines and acted as our interpreter when we traveled to Japan over the summer. Last spring, she’d made us traditional Japanese dishes before our sessions to prepare us for the cuisine. I’d made her a deal that I would cook this time so we could have the training at my place.
Both Cassidy and Brook joined me most times. Last spring, it was because they’d both planned to travel with me to Japan. For Cassidy, it was more of a refresher course because she’d lived there while her dad was stationed at Iwakuni, Japan. Cassidy had asked that we visit the Marine air base while we were there. It turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip.
While we were on set, Hana had fallen for one of the other actors, Jiro Yamashita. She’d decided to stay in Japan over the summer to get to know him better, then come back to finish her college education. Hana had agreed to fill the same role for me this time, in part because Jiro had a role in the J-drama I was shooting over Christmas.
I was busy making dinner—spaghetti and meatballs, salad, and garlic bread—when the back door opened and Mac and Kyle tried to come in, pushing a stroller. I hurried over to help them get it through the door.
“Mama Peggy said to help,” Mac said seriously.
I saw she had Angie’s van, and it was packed with car seats. The poor girl had picked up ours and Greg’s horde. What would she do if Ashley moved here with Dawson and Allen? We might have to get a school bus.
I scooped Coby out of his stroller and told him hello. I found a high chair, strapped him in, and then trotted out to help Peggy. Kyle and Mac had released Duke, and they were all romping in the backyard. Nate was throwing a fit because he remained imprisoned in his car seat while Peggy was tied up tending to Little David and Carol.
“Can you get him?”
“Hello, Big Boy. How’s my favorite nephew?” I asked Nate.
He held up his arms, and I began to free him. Someone needed a nap. Peggy handed me Little David, and I took the two of them into the house. Coby, the little monkey, had started to climb out of his high chair.
“Hang on!” I yelled before he flipped over the top and landed on his head.
I blocked Coby from crawling out and was glad Peggy had a free hand when she came in.
