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The job at hand is to look at the first stage compressor blades
The C-1's
Made of a devilishly complex titanium alloy
Forged deep within the secretive labs of Pratt & Whitney
Made with magic

At least it appears so to someone unfamiliar with chemistry and metallurgy
Someone like me

About three feet long
Sprouting from a central hub
Attached with fir tree slots and tabs
Curving and widening outwards to the extreme of the circumference
A compound bend in them as well
Twisting them gently from root to tip

My fingers run gently along each blade in turn
My eyes following along
Using touch and sight to look for irregularities
Nicks and burrs
Dents and dings
Burning and arcing

Almost sensually do my fingers take in their surface
Smooth and almost warm
As if they are alive
Curving softly under my touch
Each blade in turn receives it's attention

Personal and lingering

Forty six times