One of the main advantages of small airports, Dane Riley reflected, was the coffee - you didn't have to queue up for ages to get a cup, and it generally didn't taste like the oil used to lubricate turbofan engines. The airline he flew for operated some standard services out of major airports like LaGuardia, O'Hare and LAX, but the majority of their flights flew out of smaller airports near the major cities. Mostly this was because the line flew small executive jets rather than the full-stretch wide-body airliners, but considering the nature of the flight that Dane was due to fly another reason for that was discretion. Not that anything on the flight was illegal - that was the first thing Dane had checked when he had been assigned this route - but if word about the services provided on this flight and others like it became public knowledge the backlash against his employer would be embarrassing to say the least.<br/><br/>But that was hardly his problem, Dane Riley reflected as he took a mouthful of coffee and set the mug back on the table where he was seated. He was paid to fly the plane and keep quiet about whatever happened on the flight, and he was very good at both. Right now he was doing something which was a big part of his high standards, namely checking the maintenance logs for the jet he was due to pilot in a couple of hours. As soon as the aircraft went wheels-up he was responsible for the safety and welfare of everyone on board, and it was a responsibility he took very seriously. And so he sat at a small table in one of the airport's small lounges set aside for aircrew and flight attendants, his blue uniform jacket draped over the chair behind him, peaked cap set to the side of the table just past the coffee mug near to hand. Clad in blue slacks, white long-sleeved shirt and blue tie, with his dark hair slightly tousled as his handsome features focused on the papers in front of him, Dane could have passed for a low-level or mid-rank businessman. A casual look at the papers wouldn't reveal the fact that the information in those printed lines could mean life or death for a dozen people.<br/><br/><br/>Kira had always looked her best no matter what the circumstances. Smart and professional, she fixed her hair in the mirror, perfect as always, although she knew it would not remain that way through the flight. She smoothed out her uniform, a nice teal blue, one that set her apart from the rest of the girls. She had worked hard for her position. She was respected, liked and very fair to her girls. She never came down hard on them unless they were truly out of line. Kira was the perfect "boss" to work for, she kept her girls happy as well as the passengers.<br/><br/>She loved her job and always looked forward to the next flight. She never wanted to settle down and this was the life for her. Pulling her carry on behind her, her heels clicked on the airport floor. She spotted her captain, so handsome as always and looked down at him. "Good morning sir, good weather for flying today." Kira always respected the pilots even if she had slept with most of them, including Dane.<br/><br/>Dane looked up and greeted the blonde with a warm smile. "Good morning yourself, Kira," he answered courteously. "The weather update reports our whole flight route is CAVU, so things are looking good." CAVU was an aviation shorthand for Ceiling And Visibility Unlimited, perfect weather as far as pilots were concerned. It wasn't just the weather charts that made the wiry young man feel good about today's flight - Kira was a proverbial ray of sunshine that lit up whatever room she walked into, with her cheerful and caring manner and warm smile. Add in the fact that she was one of the best that Dane had ever met at keeping the other flight attendants in line, and things were definitely looking pretty good for this flight.<br/><br/>A quick glance at his watch revealed that there was still plenty of time before he would have to board the aircraft and start making takeoff preparations. "So," the dark-haired young man asked casually, "the maintenance logs and mechanical reports are showing that the plane's ready to take off as soon as the engines are warmed up, and all the safety checks have been passed. Can you think of anything on your side of things that could cause a problem in the air?"<br/><br/>"Well I was about to board now and make sure the supplies were fully filled. Also I need to check on the beverages and the meals. Can't have hungry, unhappy passengers. Should be a good flight though, and we do have the best pilot of this trip." Kira smiled down at him, she always complimented everyone, making sure they felt on top of the world. A happy crew was the best performing crew. She also always hand checked all the supplies and the items aboard that the passengers might need.<br/><br/>"Well then, looks like you're all set for the flight. I'll see you on board then." She blew him a kiss and sauntered to the gate, eager to make sure the plane was good and ready for the oncoming passengers.<br/><br/>"Sounds good," Dane nodded, giving Kira another quick smile as she turned and walked away. The dark-maned pilot let his eyes linger on her, admiring the sway of her hips and the way her blond hair gleamed in the morning sunlight. The head flight attendant's hair was immaculately styled but the image that came to Dane's mind was of it tousled and mussed on a pillow as she lay beside him in a San Diego hotel bed. The two had slept together several times during layovers between flights but Dane had no illusions about what they shared in their passionate interludes - he was well aware of what her duties on these flights required of her, after all. Kira was a reliable work colleague, a good friend and one of the sweetest women he'd ever met. And he was happy with that.<br/><br/>For the next few minutes Dane double-checked his paperwork, making sure that none of the reports hinted at any kind of problem with the aircraft or the flight plan. The weather looked like it might become a little bit rough later in the flight, but that was something he'd deal with when the time came. That was his job, after all. Standing up he shrugged into his jacket and slipped his cap onto his head before sliding the reports into his briefcase.<br/><br/><em>Time to go to work.</em><br/><br/>