life as a sky rider

Hidelbach C-Class Dining Pod

junarapjavin — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 23:49:49 +0000

Doctor Hidelback permitted me to use his reflex camera tonight to snap a few pictures during the maiden voyage of his newest vessel: the C-Class Passenger Freighter.

Of all things that inspired me, this picture from the main dining pod seemed the most peculiar, though I’m sure others might disagree. I thought the ceiling architecture was unusually clean, accented but round nelurime-powered illuminators, and centered with a large glass chandelier–the largest of its kind.

The flight was fabulous; Doctor Hidelbach even allowed me to step onto the bridge. Wrap-around glass windows gave a spectacular, panorama of Knightsbridge, and an even more mesmerizing view of the sunset. But all in all, I’ll take a fellrell over a C-Class any day.

Steampunk

junarapjavin — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:47:45 +0000

So I’ve learned a new word. Steampunk. Not even sure entirely what it means, but it appears that a whole of of people on the world wide web use it as a means of describing the combination of two more concepts I’m not as familiar with: Victorian era decoration and something referring to a fad-oriented musical style. Either way, the pics I’m finding associated with the term are wonderful, yet nearly identical to our possessions on Aria-Prime. I’m going to start gathering a few of the pics and posting them here.

Most encouraging, it seems, is that Doctor Hidelbach’s designs have made their way into realms far beyond our own. I mean, I knew he was famous and all, but I didn’t know he had this much of a following. I still consider it a great honor to know him. He’s working on a new device that he swears will revolutionize the communication field. I’m excited to see it. But he normally doesn’t let anyone into his lab while working on a project. OK. Have to run! Pilots are about to land, which means making the tack barn ready.

Guild Members Dinner at Our House

junarapjavin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:11:42 +0000

Dad and Mom had some Guild members over to the house last night for dinner. Mom needs a bigger kitchen.

I used to think these get-togethers were boring, but now that I’m learning so much about the Guild, and honestly understanding that it’s my future, I kinda’ like hearing about nelurime production, equipment failure, and personell issues. Makes me feel important in a way.

Still not allowed to say anything, but I’m learning a lot. I can even see myself being Bellride’s Steward one day. Is that crazy?

Storm

junarapjavin — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:51:08 +0000

Massive storm system sweeping in today. All flights canceled. Threat of large hail they’re saying. Hey, I’ll take it; means Lance and I can hang out. Then Dad and me are having lunch just the two of us. Awesome!

Flight Log 2010.03.09PM

junarapjavin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 02:58:50 +0000

Lance and I had a warm dusk flight this evening. Sure, I say warm, but 45 degrees in March feels like a heat wave! Took off at 17:20:00, flight time was 00:49:21. Clear skies. Lots of stars visible. Stayed under 5,000 feet most of the time. Serio did well with the net; engineers say we took in about 70 ounces of raw nelurime. Not bad for two rookies.

Do you ever feel like someone’s watching you up there? I mean, actually feel like there’s a presence out there, with you in their cross hairs? Maybe it’s just selfish. I don’t know…dreaming again, I guess.

After 22:00:00 now. Need to catch some sleep. Have an early wake up call for a Guild flight in the morning.

Flight Log 2010.03.08AM

junarapjavin — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:55:04 +0000

Had a great flight today. Was up around 10,500 feet for some high alltitude training with Darian and Lance. Left at 05:45:00, and time aloft was 01:34:12. Serio performed as expected; only slight anxiety upon leaving the hangar.

Seeing Bellride from that height was incredible; looks so small. I had a hard time breathing. Super dizzy, too. They say I’ll get used to thinner air. Boy, I sure hope so!

Didn’t see much nelurime. They tell me it’s only that high during the summer season. Warmer thermals. I can’t imagine having to work at that level; no wonder they invented the harness rig. Too many pilots passing out on the job.

Noticed my skin got burned faster, too. Need more cream next time.

Stoked to go up there again next week. Said we’ll start hitting that height once a week, then push it incrementally.

Sun Down, Blog Up

junarapjavin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 23:03:36 +0000

I escaped. Not very far. ‘Course, it’d have been easier if I actually owned my own computer. But until then, I had to use the community one on the island. It’s kinda’ new technology around here. Said we might even get laptops one day. Stoked for that. I digress.

Bunch of people said I needed to start a blog about my apprenticeship. So if you like flying, this is the place. Plan on being an Ace like my dad one day. Dabble as an inventor, too. Nothing major. Steam power is rad. Love tinkering with metal. Anything geared, too.

OK, chores are calling. Gotta’ clean the nests and get the tack ready for the evening harvest. Thanks for reading my first post! I like knowing that people are reading this somewhere out there. Doesn’t make me feel so lonely all the way up here.