Chapter 6 Summary

Tony wrapped up the necessary paperwork for his emergency landing before heading over to Sam’s Avionics, the repair facility where his Piper had been towed. Outside the hangar, two mechanics directed him to the office, where he found Sam Ellis, the shop’s owner. Sam was a sharp, mid-forties man with a professional air, more at home running the business than turning wrenches. After introductions, Tony explained his frustration—he was supposed to be in St. Louis for a meeting, not stranded in Charleston.

Sam asked about the incident in detail. Tony described the shuddering engines, fluctuating manifold pressure, dropping oil levels, and intermittent sputtering during approach. To Sam, it sounded like contaminated fuel, but when Tony explained that the plane had recently been serviced by Talon Air, Sam began considering other possibilities. Based on Tony’s limited flight hours on the aircraft and the fact it had been idle under its previous owner, Sam suggested carbon buildup in the valves, possibly from worn exhaust valve guides.

The potential fix wasn’t simple. Sam explained it could take anywhere from a day to several days depending on whether valves merely needed cleaning or full replacement. Frustrated, Tony realized his trip would be delayed regardless. Sam outlined alternatives—commercial flights through Charlotte or Washington, both taking about five hours, or chartering a plane, though the last charter had already left. None of the options were ideal, and Tony reluctantly accepted that he was stuck in Charleston for at least a day.

He signed the work order for the inspection and left Sam’s crew to get started. At the airport terminal, Tony arranged for a rental car, then used his downtime to call GenaSeed and inform them of the delay. The call was answered on behalf of Mr. Cortez and assured Tony that both Cortez and Bruner would be notified. The exchange struck Tony as strangely mechanical, almost as if he were speaking with an AI system rather than a person, though he brushed off the thought.

With his meeting canceled and his travel plans in limbo, Tony started the rental car and drove toward Charleston’s downtown district. Frustration lingered, but with no choice but to wait, he decided to get something to eat and regroup while his Piper underwent inspection.