LEG 16: HKKI → HKJK (Kisumu → Nairobi)

Mission Type: Return & Debrief Objective: Complete mission cycle and return to base

Story: The final leg is calm, the kind of flight where everything just works. No urgency. No pressure. Just the steady rhythm of the aircraft and the familiarity of the sky. As Nairobi comes into view, she leans back slightly. “You ever think about staying on this rotation?” she asks. You shrug. “Depends.” She glances over. “On what?” You think for a second. “The crew.” She smiles—small, but real. “Good answer.” After landing, the engines wind down and the noise fades into stillness. She gathers her things, slower than usual. At the door, she pauses. “You know,” she says, “I didn’t expect much when they said Chernair was sending someone.” You laugh lightly. “Yeah?” She nods. “Seen too many pilots treat this like a detour.” She looks back at you. “You didn’t.” A moment passes. Then she gives a slight nod. “Next time IDAP requests a pilot…” She meets your eyes. “I’ll ask for you.”