The beginning of the part of the runway usable for landing. The threshold is marked with a single white line on visual runways or by eight parallel white lines arranged longitudinally in two groups of four each side of the runway centerline for runways with instrument approach/landing facilities.

* * *

Even by the time that we all return back to camp, and even if it is not expected of us, I, Clara and the other medics of the Sixth Pursuit Squadron still report on duty at the medical bay. However, with how the weather is going on, there is nothing for the entire PAAC's medical team to do or expect. Aside from being of respect to the funeral of Lt. Luzon that the air corps is grounded for the day, the rain also didn't allow such flights to be approved. Yet, again, mechanics continue to work with whatever maintenance that they need to do; hence, there will be an occasional visit to the medical bay about common illnesses that will not cause all of us to be in such a chaos.

For today, I, Clara and many of our colleagues volunteer to keep ourselves busy than just to dwindle with the somber mood. Perhaps because of the funeral or the rain. We head to the medical record center to not just only collect that of Lt. Luzon's out of the bunch for storage, but to also remove records more than three months old from each of the other pilots actively present. As if some memorandum had been recently posted that records of more than one year must be placed at the archives, more than six months to safe-keeping for any worst scenarios in need of overlooking, and more than three months for close-calls of incidents.

There are about a hundred and fifty active pilots, a hundred more of mechanics, and thousands of enlisted men. Hence, there are too much work to be done to accomplish all of it. Accompanying us all except for the sound of the dropping rain are the shuffle of papers after papers to at least thin down manila folders of each member's records.

As members of the Sixth Pursuit Squadron's medical team, we're dealing then with the paperwork concerning them. And even if removing them from such list, it is still too many.

"Napaisip tuloy ako ngayon kung anong airfield ang ipapangalan nila ngayon kay Tenyente Luzon," one of our colleagues finally break the uneasy and heavy silence.

Hoy. Bakit ang foul o ang rude naman niyan? I am about to say such a statement, but even those words didn't left my own mouth. In the end, as I wait for someone else to speak about it, no one seems to voice such concern at all.

I mean, it is definitely wrong to think of it that way. Why will everyone consider that an airfield will be named after him, in his memory, because he died in quite a cruel way? Is that another way to be remembered for doing something? When that something turns out dying?

And yet, isn't that how the Philippines, and everyone else in the world do? Naming a place after someone who've died to be remembered? Is that the case for everyone? But isn't it also right to say that if you aren't that all known, even if a place is named after you, no one will even remember what you actually lived for?

I suddenly remember when Capt. Zablan mentioned that of Lahug Airfield. He said, at that time, "Everything will sooner or later be gone; all we can hope is someone remembers that we once exist."

Is naming a place possible? Yes. But to what extent will that remembrance ever reach? After all, Filipinos are quite sentimental that they think that the dead shall be revered, and the ones behind such movement are those so-called patriots, who are actually serving money than those who are actually serving the country.

"I mean, hindi niyo rin ba naisip iyon?" she adds.

The others also nod in understanding, even Clara does so, as another colleague of ours says, "Well, naisip ko rin ang tungkol doon. Especially 'yong naging involvement din ni Tenyente Luzon sa PAAC."

"'Di ba part din siya ng US Flying Schools?"

"Oo. Ka-batch niya si Tenyente Juliano. Direct juniors sila ni Kapitan Orobia, at two years junior ni Kapitan Villamor. Bago siya pumasok din ng PAAC Flying School kasabay naman ni Tenyente Ebuen."

"Ang pinakahuling naipangalan na airfield ay 'yong sa may Cabanatuan. 'Yong Maniquis. Early this year lang din 'yon, 'di ba?" inquires another to the batch.

"Ah. Oo. 'Yong flight instructor ni Lt. Escobar bago siya makapag-first solo," one of the others remarks.

"Ganoon din naman, 'di ba, dito sa Zablan? Pinangalan kay Komandante Zablan pagkatapos niya mamatay sa America habang nag-tratraining para maging Commanding Officer ng PAAC. Saan nga ba ulit 'yon sa America? Arkansas? Texas?"

"Texas," clarifies another. "Well, kaya naman talaga siya ang dapat maging Commanding Officer is part siya ng first batch ng Philippine School of Aviation Class of 1920. And, 'di ba, sabi nga ni Komandante Fernando, si Komandante Zablan nga raw ang topnotcher ng batch nila?"

Hearing Maj. Zablan's history here in this dreamscape of mine is no longer a new occurrence. After all, I've already heard of that story during that dream concerning the Induction Day of PAAC as part of the USAFFE. However, hearing it now reminds me once more of the Capt. Zablan I know from my own world. The happy-go-luck pilot-in-command of our flight's promotion, and the one who've inspired me to take a chance in understanding the truth behind flying and the thinking of both Elian and César concerning their chosen careers.

However, even in my own world, there hadn't been a place known as Zablan Field. And if I'd told him that there had been an airfield named after him, what will be his reaction to it? Will he want that as the way that he is remembered? Is that what he means that he hopes that someone can remember that we once lived?

It is strange, to be honest. That sometimes, really terrible things happen to amazing people.

"(Y/N)," the same colleague who've started the conversation calls for me, and I realize that all of them are looking at me right now. Their features do not show any intent of mockery or whatsoever; instead, they look at me in warning. "Baka gustuhin niyo ni Tenyente Basa na magpakasal na. Baka mauna ka pang-mabiyuda bago pa ang kasal."

My fingers immediately cover the presence of the engagement ring, and I understand where that statement is coming from. Of course, among the medical team of the Sixth Pursuit Squadron, and now that of Lt. Luzon's death, it became a trending topic that such situation during a mock dogfighting had happened already three weeks ago. Though involving two different pilots that now lead to the question of its feasibility, and also promoted César's popularity to skyrocket than it had been before. If he is already regarded highly as a superstar due to his status during college and his record as the star player of PAAC's basketball team, knowing that he survived first the ordeal that Lt. Luzon failed to do so had proven time and time again that he is more than just a poster boy, but very much a skilled pilot himself.

Clara frowns at the comment. "Hey. That's rude! Hindi porket na pareho ang nangyari ay parehong-pareho ang naging parameters ng mga eroplano nila. Maitatanong natin si César tungkol sa mga naging readings ng instruments niya, pero hindi naman natin mai-cocompare kay Tenyente Luzon. Kaya—"

"If it is God's will," I remark, causing Clara to stop and look at me at that. I smile softly in return as a part of me aches at the thought of knowing one day of César's death, but after all the times that we've talked about it and his unwavering decision that it is while doing something he loves... then I can say that I'll definitely be at peace, too. Yes, it will hurt so bad that I know it will wreck my entire world, but his happiness is also that of mine. And so, I add, looking on to continue with the work we have in hand, "Alam ko naman na ginagawa ni César ang lahat-lahat para mas maging magaling na piloto, at sinusubukan niya laging makabalik ng ligtas... Kaya hangga't ginagawa niyang maiwasan iyon, wala naman tayong magagawa kung hindi iyon ang pinagkaloob sa atin."

The rest of them drop the conversation with my words, as there is nothing else to further discuss about it.

Now that I have spoken my side, it is strange to actually think of it. For one, Clara is right to consider the statement rude; but it is like a blow to my face that I must wake up and accept whatever is to happen in this dreamscape. But it once again makes me remember of what I thought of the first time that I've been here and woke up to the waking world.

That moment that I can swear for myself that there had been a place known as 'Basa Air Base'. Not just because it is the name of Elian's fanbase from my real world or whatsoever, but that inkling feeling that such an air base exists. Again, it is also a weird and heart-aching feeling to take in of that possibility happening because of César's death. He is worth it to have an airfield be named after him, if that's the case, right? The only question for me will definitely be: Is his death even worth it for that remembrance?

Mas gugustuhin ko pa siyang mabuhay at mamatay ng dahil sa katandaan o sakit; kaysa sa mamatay siya dahil sa aksidente sa eroplano para lamang maipangalan ang isang air base o airfield sa kanya, I ponder. Isn't it funny that we're honoring dead heroes in such a revered way, kung saan ang mag-survive nga lamang ay worthy of being regarded as heroes, too?

It seems unfair that one must die first before being fully recognized as one of the best. It is truly a sad memory to take in.

* * *

Today should've just been a half-day but the rain, as company, makes us lost track of time that it is almost six in the evening by the time we all call it quits from our record clearing. Not to mention that César told me that they're to have some sort of meeting, and he'll be seeing me afterwards. It appears like even whatever Capt. Villamor is about to discuss to them had been quite a heavy and lengthy one for such conversation to last longer than what they definitely expected of.

I am all prepared to head home by the time that I realize that there is nothing else to do but to wait for César. And instead of just idling, I decide to head on to one of the hangars—at the same one that I've last seen him helping and talking with the mechanics—and open up some conversation with the same people I've last seen to be there. I remember who those two are, seeing them from my reality at the start of the promotional tour at Clark—Roberto, Mariano and the rest of their team are currently working on installing the newly phased inspection of the same biplane that César last told me to be his solo plane, and they've been hospitable at once to answer a few of my questions when I inquire them about the basics of such a complex machine.

"The only difference between us and the pilots," states Mariano as he works on some wrench just beneath the engine itself, "is the flying experience. Alam namin ang lahat-lahat tungkol sa eroplano, hanggang sa pinakamaliit na screw nito. Ganoon din ang mga piloto. Malamang, bakit nila ililipad ang mga ito kung may isang bagay silang hindi alam? Sabi nga nila, "Never fly the machine if there's something you don't know about it." Aksidente lang ang habol ng mga gumagawa no'n."

However, I know that there's a difference between being a pilot and a mechanic, too. Aside from having the knowledge about the parts and basic workings of the plane; a mechanic is much more adept to what the plane needs, while a pilot ensures that the plane feeds him what he needs.

"Pero, just to be honest," Roberto remarks, "ang madalas na sanhi talaga ng mga aksidente ay human error lang din. Kahit anong assurance na pwede ilipad ang eroplano, kapag naman nag-start-up na, lahat naman ay nasa kamay na ng piloto. Kung sabagay, wala namang perpektong tao. Lahat nagkakamali. Lahat may limitasyon."

My inquiries, despite not touching the subject of the incident that cost Lt. Luzon's life, had been more and more about their written and unwritten code concerning the assurance that the planes are airworthy; as well as a few theories concerning what actually makes a plane safe, at least. I know that I'll not be receiving much, but I am thankful that they are willing to entertain my questions without making anything more awkward for someone like me who didn't have any idea about planes... except for the few that I learn out of César's descriptions.

"Ah! Magandang gabi, tenyente," the mechanics greet at once, and turning behind me, I realize that it had been César himself, still dressed on the same formal uniform he had been wearing earlier during the funeral, the one I am used in seeing him wear aside from the flight suit and leather jacket.

César nods with a small smile as he places a hand by my smaller back. "Anong oras na at nagtratrabaho pa rin kayo ngayon?"

"Wala rin namang ibang gagawa nito kahit iwan namin ito. Kami rin ang gagawa kaya gawin na lang din namin," Mariano answers with a light chuckle. "Mukhang kayo rin naman, tenyente. Mukhang ginabi na rin natapos ang trabaho niyo kahit na naglabas ng memorandum na kalahating-araw lamang ngayon."

His smile becomes thinner at that. "May mga inasikaso lang din. Tulad niyo, wala ring gagawa ng mga iyon kahit iwan ko. Ako rin ang gagawa, kaya tinapos ko na lang din." He looks at me for a second, and addresses the mechanics another time, "Kung ganoon, mauna na kami sa inyong umuwi. Siguraduhin niyo lang din na talagang makakalipad pa ulit siya."

"'Wag kayong mag-alala, tenyente. Sabi nga namin sa inyo, sa oil lines lang problema nito," assures Roberto.

After a few exchanges of goodbyes, César ushers me out of the hangar. He has an umbrella with him that we share with one another as we head on to a parking lot close to their own barracks where his car is parked. Ensuring that I am all seated and dry inside, he then heads on to the driver's seat with a close of the umbrella and his side's door.

He sighs heavily as he places the dripping umbrella to the side and it definitely takes me by surprise when he closes the distance between us to lean closer and kiss me at once. A hand of his is instantly cupping my cheek and another at the back of my head as he deepens the kiss much more.

I moan against his mouth, and I try to understand what causes this sudden action of his. I don't know how much time passed by when we both pull away, breathing heavily, and he didn't let go too far as he leans his forehead against mine. With a strain of my eyes to have a grasp of his expression, I can hint his deep frown, his closed eyes and his heavy breathing through clenched teeth. I reach out to touch his face and whisper, "César?"

His brows somehow relaxes but his eyes remain shut as he mumbled, "Evening, (Y/N)."

"Yeah, right. May problema ba, hmm?" My fingers twine on his hair, and for a moment, the rainfall is the only accompaniment we have.

César finally pulls away at that, sighing heavily as he leans back on his seat. Doing so, he lets go off me and in return, I trail his fingers to twine that of mine to his. He didn't reply still.

I bite my lower lip and jump in to the boiling water to make a bold assumption then. "Nagseselos ka ba?"

He blinks. "Ha?"

"Kanina. Sa mga mechanics? Nagseselos ka ba dahil kausap ko sila tapos ako lang ang babae roon?" I inquire.

He then scoffs but even that genuine reaction is short-lived as his smile turns small and distant. "No. Hindi ako nagseselos about that. Perhaps... seeing you with the technicalities of everything regarding planes... and asking them about it... Sigurado ako na hindi ako nagseselos, but then... napaisip ako na since may nalaman ka na naman tungkol sa flying mula sa kanila, I fear that you'll regret being linked to me."

I pout. "Sinabi ko na naman sa iyo na I support you, 'di ba? Just continue with this. Kahit na sinabi nila na madalas ng problems ay dahil sa piloto, may tiwala ako sa 'yo na you can do better. Sinabi ko rin 'yon sa iyo kanina. Hindi ka ba naniniwala?"

He squeezes my hand at that. "Naniniwala. Pero pagkatapos nitong nangyari... Baka pagkatapos pa no'ng nangyari sa aming insidente ni Bernardo... Parang mas kailangan ko lagi ng assurance mo na it is all fine."

I draw closer to reach out for his cheek with my freehand and make him look at me intently. "César, trust me. I support you. Kung ano man ang maging desisyon mo. Sa tingin ko, nasasabi mo lamang ang mga iyan dahil sa naging announcement sa inyo kanina." I sigh heavily, playing then with the ends of his hair. "Inabot na kayo ng kalahating araw sa meeting na iyon. Dahil doon, siguro, kaya ka nagkakaroon ng mga ganyang pagdududa."

This time, when César smiles sadly, he suddenly appears like a lost puppy under the rain. And I feel like here comes another turning point. He gulps in hard and remarks, "Alam kong masasabihan din kayo about it, but... it had been all finalized just tonight. At alam ko na matagal-tagal na 'yong rumors na 'yon, so... it's like some head's up na rin." He breathes in and out heavily before adding, "The Sixth Pursuit Squadron was ordered for deployment to Batangas Airfield."

* * *

A/N: Vote, comment and share! Whatever you do means a lot to me, and I am really wishing for some feedback!

A few list of notes/flight trivia to share!
1. At the beginning, senior members of PAAC enrolled at the US Flying School, having to study flying in America instead. However, when such Filipino pilots finished and were granted to be instructors with the PAAC Flying School, a few others also entered such training. Lt. Luzon, Lt. Bienvenido Ferrer and Lt. Pedro Q. Molina were the few who did.
2. Airfield naming. It had been a tradition to honor great people who died by having airfields or airports named after them. Maj. Zablan, who was supposed-to-be PAAC's first Filipino commanding officer, died before being interred to position; hence, to honor him, Zablan airfield was named after him. We could go on the list for other Filipino pilots who has airfields or air bases named after them... 👀 *ahem* Cesar Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga. *ahem*
3. Pilot error. Ever since the introduction of flight, pilot error is the leading cause of aviation accidents. Will AI reduced these in the future? I don't think so, because too many aspects of flying depends heavily in decision-making. After all, not best options are considered to be the safest ones; hence, even with all automations expected in the future, aviation will not be overpowered by AI and still result to pilot errors. This is all due to the stressful environment and job order of being a pilot in having to multi-task and have quick reflexes and thinking.
4. Batangas Airfield is not the same compared to the Batangas Air Base we are all familiar now. The airfield could be found closer to Batangas City, while the current air base could be found in Lipa City to be known as "Basilio Fernando Air Base", named after one of the pioneers as well who've died during training in the US, and now stands as a training facility for PAF.

Chapter title: Threshold. Just as how the story now flows with the Reader considering the situation as a climatic moment or turning point, thresholds also have that effect for pilots. Threshold are the beginnings and endings of runways, that could be attributed to be the 'turning point' as well whether to takeoff or to land.

Follow me on twitter @23meraki for more updates and trivia. ;)
#CFBArtificialHorizon