Deep Space by REM

Author:REM [REM]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-07-18T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

Josh and the 3rd squadron had woken early and were being led by Ace to the gym for a pre-patrol workout. When they rounded a corner into a long hall leading up to the gymnasium, the eight remaining pilots from the 2nd squadron were coming down the same corridor. All of them had bags in their hands and packs on their shoulders.

Wonder what’s up, thought Josh, looking over the 2nd squadron curiously.

“Is it that time already?” said Hoss.

“Aye, it is,” replied Dazzler. “The 1st squadron arrived late last night.”

Both units stopped.

Josh knew immediately what they were talking about. He’d forgotten all about it. They’re being rotated home to Creston.

“How’d the bombing go last night?” said Ace.

“Lost one of our new guys, Sletcher. Leveled all targets on the hit list. Also downed three titans and one shadow fighter,” replied a 2nd squadron pilot.

A couple of the other 2nd squadron pilots nodded.

“Sorry for your loss,” said Nate.

“It hurts, but you guys know as well as us, pilots come and pilots go out here in deep space,” said Dazzler.

Josh thought the suddenly glum expressions on the pilots’ faces were telling of that truth.

“You all enjoy the off-time, now. Don’t worry yourselves with things out here,” said Reena.

“Terra-fumes aren’t making it to Creston,” said Hoss.

“Be safe. These are tense times,” said a 2nd squadron pilot.

“I’ll be twice as good as you by the time you get back, Dazzler,” said Kyle.

“I’d like to see that,” said Dazzler, offering Kyle his hand.

The pilots of each squadron exchanged handshakes and embraces.

Josh shook with Dazzler.

“See ya,” said Dazzler, as if they shared something special in being a part of Clint’s black ops circle.

“You know it, Dazzler,” said Josh.

The 2nd squadron continued on.

When the 3rd squadron started down the hall, Josh asked, “Are there any hotshots in the 1st squadron?”

“There’s a hotshot in every squadron,” Nate responded.

Hoss was nodding and said, “Ace’s cousin Tomlin is the squad leader for that unit.”

“There’s also Jekel,” said Kyle.

“Raving lunatic,” said Reena.

“He has machine guns mounted on the top and bottom of his striker’s wings,” said Ace.

Machine guns? thought Josh. What the hell good would those do? “Why does he have machine guns on his ship?”

The vets had a variety of grins on their faces. Hoss’ was wide. So was Kyle’s. Reena’s expression was somewhat goofy. Ace and Nate looked simply amused.

“He waits until he gets the enemy’s shields down, then unloads on them the old-fashioned way,” said Ace.

Josh tightened his eyes and smirked as if confused. What a sick fuck, he thought.

“He says it gives him pleasure and keeps him motivated to fly his best,” said Reena. Maya looked at her and laughed.

Partway into the 3rd squadron’s workout, Officer Stinnet stopped by and pulled Ace off to attend a meeting. Josh was surprised the squad leader didn’t make it back by the end of the session.

Later, when everyone was back at the unit, Josh sat at the lounge table with Nate and Reena. “Ace has been gone an awful long time,” he said.

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