The Traditional Buzzing of the Tower

Helen and I lay there for a moment, and I just enjoyed the feel of her cuddled up next to me. My eyes focused on the cables that roamed through the top of the cabin, and I couldn't help but notice how everything seemed to be built of the same solid construction. There was no doubt whatsoever that the entire thing seemed to be built for ease of maintenance, but was interesting was how unless you were actively looking, none of it was really in eyeline.

"I really wish I knew what you were thinking about right now?" Helen commented, her hand roaming over my chest.

"It's just dumb. Just looking at stuff." I answered.

I think we would have continued, had not a loud sound echoed through the cabin. It started out low, but built rapidly to the point where it sounded like a scream for a second before fading into the distance rapidly. I shook in response, and Helen grabbed onto me, holding me steady as the bed seemed to sway for just a brief moment.

"Whoah.... it's ok... chill." Helen remarked to my obvious agitation. "One of the Nekos just decided to buzz us again. It's kinda a running joke. Probably Charlie. She does it every time I she thinks I'm getting laid. Love that girl, but she's nuts."

"Ok, I'm gonna need an explanation on this one."

"I told you, Brent. This thing's a flying aircraft carrier. An aircraft carrier without planes is pretty useless."

"Charlie? Charlotte? Seriously, she's a pilot?"

"You didn't ask." Helen pointed out. "Again, Charlie likes to hint without actually telling people things. Or do you really think she just likes Top Gun because of the slow motion shirtless volleyball?"

I sat up from the bed, and reached down to the deck, picking up my pants and shorts. Helen took the opportunity to slip under the covers, after prying up one corner of the now fairly rumpled mattress. I must admit that she looked incredibly inviting under the covers, even though I had just been with her. Her short blonde hair was tousled in a manner that left no illusions about what she had gotten up to, and even with most of her concealed, she was still a vision of loveliness.

"So... we've got a few hours, and I want to take a nap. " Helen laughed. "You are staying right? Because the parachutes are right near the hatches, and don't forget to close it before you jump."

"Why would I throw myself out of a perfectly good airplane? That's for the crazy guys." I pulled my shorts up, and enjoyed the admiration of Helen as I did so.

"So... you are staying?" Her grin became positively feral once more.

"Only if I get my own room." I remarked. "I've been on the couch with Kaila too many times to sign on without my own room."

Helen nodded thoughtfully, pulling the covers about herself.

"I'm sure... I think there's an spot... unless you want the room over the hanger. Nobody wants that one because it's too loud, but... it's big." She remarked thoughtfully. "Just... ask one of the girls to show..." Her speech was interrupted by a long and loud yawn. Her head dropped onto the pillow and she continued a bit quieter. "Where everything's at... ok? Just... love you..." The rest of her speech was lost in a mumble of words as her eyes closed.

I quietly pulled on the rest of my clothes, and padded my way to the door of the cabin. The small hatch opened easily, and I did my best not to make a large amount of noise as I shut it behind me.

I found myself it what seemed like a ships hallway, with metal hatches set into it at spaced intervals. There were numerous small signs pointing towards various locations, and I momentarily was shocked at exactly how big this thing seemed to be. Below me I again could hear the sound of what I now knew was a jet engine, but this time it was much more sedate.

Helen had said something about asking one of the crew, and if the hanger was about to be occupied, it seemed like a good Idea to head in that direction. I looked for a moment, before finding the sign that helpfully pointed through a hatch, and down a ladder. I ducked my head again, finding the ladderwell that the sign had indicated, and decended towards a secondary deck. Here there was more activity, but I noted that most of the people were in uniform and clearly working on something, to judge from the numerous dials, switches, levers, and ratchets that were all being operated as the sound of the engine diminished, to be replaced by the sounds of metal on metal. I quickly took note of which sign led towards the hanger, and again ducked my head and headed towards the large room which I had seen earlier.