War of the Worlds by Adam J. Whitlatch

Author:Adam J. Whitlatch [Whitlatch, Adam J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Military, Historical
Publisher: Latchkey Press
Published: 2018-07-26T05:00:00+00:00

*****

Wells leaned on the railing surrounding the observation deck, watching the clouds streak past. In the distance, purple lightning flashed, briefly illuminating the outline of the thunderheads.

“Coffee?”

Wells turned. Richthofen walked toward him, clutching two steaming mugs. The flying ace’s trademark grin spread across his face.

“Thanks.” Wells accepted a mug, warming his hands before taking a drink. “What are you smiling about?”

“Tomorrow.”

Wells cocked an eyebrow. “You actually look forward to battle?”

“A four-hundred-knot dive out of the sun… guns blazing at the enemy!” Richthofen laughed. “For me, it is better than sex!”

Wells chuckled and sipped his coffee. “I think you’re a little crazy, Manfred.”

Richthofen winked. “I think I have to be.”

“I wish I were more like you, my friend.”

Richthofen took a drink. “We are not so different, except I carry only my life in my plane. You… you carry the lives of your crew.

Wells sighed. “Don’t remind me.”

Richthofen laid a hand on Wells’ shoulder. “What troubles you, my friend?”

Wells took a deep breath. “When I was ten years old—”

“Your parents,” Richthofen said. “Ja, I know.”

“When the Martians appeared yesterday… when I saw the heat rays… I froze,” Wells said. “I could hear their screams… my parents. If I hadn’t come to my senses—”

“But you did,” said Richthofen. “You faced your fear, and you conquered it. You spat in Death’s face.”

“Maybe,” Wells said. “Or perhaps I just got lucky.”

Richthofen patted Wells’ shoulder and turned to leave. “Get some sleep, my friend. Tomorrow, we find our destiny, ja?”

Wells sipped his coffee and returned to watching the clouds.

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