I walk into the hangar in my flight suit, helmet under my arm. TALON and FOXCLAW are already taxiing out to the runway. I'm about fourth in line.
I approach the crew chief and ask him, "Is she ready to go?" He firmly nods. "New plating and a new turbine." I give him a firm handshake and thank him before climbing into the roosterpit.
The canopy slides closed as I double check my controls and checklist. "Everything seems to be in order." I open up the tower's frequency, filled with chatter from ground crew. I manage to get a word in over the din. "PHOENIX 1-2, requesting takeoff." There's static for a moment before a voice answers. "Roger, 1-2, you are clear for takeoff. Good luck to you." I put my throttle up ever so slightly, and begin to taxi out onto the tarmac.