Opening Scene: Joe's Burgers.

The late afternoon's mid summer sun beats waves of heat atop the restaurant's outdoor patio canopy. The lightly dressed upscale customer's are enjoying the oceanside breeze and cool air-conditioned fans overhead as they talk about their daily lives. The heavy wood plank floors thump rhythmically as a tall blonde haired man dressed in a light grey tee shirt with the Air Force logo and blue jeans steps out on to the restaurant patio and strides confident to the far end of the row of outdoor diners.

Reaching the end of the balcony, the tall blonde man clasp hands with trim college student already sitting at the table, nodding at the oversized gym bag sitting beside the chair. The other man's firm grip matched his linebacker body and easy his easy smile brought a grin to the newcomers face. "Good to see you again Nick" ... "How is Karen doing? Hope I haven't torn you away from some quality private time but I thought you might have decided on that extra training we talked about?"

Jason makes small talk and waits until the waitress leaves with their orders. Leaning back in the heavy oaken chair with a melancholy sigh he takes a sip of the locally brewed longneck beer. "Wooh wooh big guy, I don't think we're even close to the father-in-law stage yet. I can tell you one thing though ... it sure is easier hiding you're secret identity when you don't have any powers. I'm a blessed man though. The Air Force has me on active reserve and I still get to act as a consultant with the BSI."

"The doctor's can't seem to say exactly what happened or even of it's over with, but for now I'm stable and healthy and I'm still not a half bad fighter pilot it seems so I call that a win for today." The smell of grilled beef emanates from a nearby table as the waiter brings a couple their meal. "I can't wait sink my teeth into that Santa Fe burger. I hear the blue cheese and breaded onions are to die for."

"No ... I haven't heard a peep from anyone since Jonesville. No one in BSI will say anything about the Guardians still, and only the occasional rumor from any of the Protectors. Until this energy chrysalis stage runs it's course through my body you're it amigo."

Jason nods thanks as the waitress brings them another set of drinks, letting them know their food was almost ready, he waits until she is gone to continue.

"Don't get me wrong. I miss my powers, especially the ability to fly.  With Stone Mountain upgrades in place there has been less break outs than in the past, but the world still needs it's heroes. I've just accepted I didn't choose to get my powers and I don't get to choose if, how, or in what form they might return ... Until then I joined the Air Force to serve this country and I plan on continuing to do so ...

Today that means adapting some basic air combat maneuvers to current your flight abilities ... and if the STOP teams can get better at catching the bad guys at the same time. I call that a win-win situation ... Ah good, here comes that burger."

Waiting until the waitress has left their table before replying to his friend. Nick leans in closer and drops the volume of his voice.
"With everyone from our team going silent, I realize that a lot of the city's protection falls on me, that is why I have agreed to work with the STOP teams. I figured that any training that I can get would help me out, plus, if/when your powers return, we will have common ground to start from in working on our tactics. Also, Jack has been instructing me on some things as well."
Leaning back in his chair as a smile came to his face, Nick tells his friend. "Let's dig in, this food really smells great."

"Sound good. I know there will be a lot of work involved, But I enjoy the flying so much, it won't seem like it."

Nick grabs a handful of fries and continues eating.

"By the way, are you going to fly as my wing-man, or are we on opposite sides during these exercises?"

Following a quick sip of his drink, Nick replies " Elmo's and the concert, looks like I will have to pull out all the stops. Karen has been talking about the concert, and it would score major points with her if we were able to get tickets for it. I am sorry you won't be flying, but I will try not to let you down. I think I have a few tricks up my sleeve to keep the STOP team off balance, but any information you can/are allowed to give me about there tactics and/or capabilities would be appreciated."
  "I know it's off topic, but what do you think about The Knights team this year? Do you think they will bounce back from last year?"