“It’s not pretty, is it? I hate it when my baby’s hurt.” Firus trailed his hand along the contoured metal of the wall. His voice was heavy with regret. It reminded me of my grandfather’s voice.

“Then why do it?” I was geninuinely curious. Even to the crew, the Captain was something of a mystery.

“I couldn’t let them take the sky from me.” He said simply.

That was the first time I caught a glimpse of the Captain’s inner workings. He was fighting because he loved to fly. Maybe more than that. He risked his life and the lives of his crew for what? Freedom?

Thinking back to the battle, I realized that the sky was his element, his home. To me, the airships were a travel convenience and a tactial advantage, but either way they were simply a tool. Beyond that I could do without them. I had joined the Air Corps out of duty. It was obvious to me now that Firus had joined up because it was the only way he could still fly free. I wondered if the rest of the crew felt the same way.

Firus cleared his throat. “Miles?”