SKYBORG by Dan Stratman

Author:Dan Stratman [Stratman, Dan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-06-02T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

Cyndi steered her Honda Accord off Columbia Way and into the parking lot of the gargantuan Plant 42 at the Palmdale airport. The crowded lot covered dozens of acres. She finally found a spot at the far end of the parking lot then boarded a tram, similar to one she’d ridden on at Disneyland as a kid, and was dropped off at the main entrance. After being thoroughly scrutinized at the Tech Aerospace security checkpoint, Cyndi asked, “Which way to the flight test office?”

“Go down that hallway then turn right,” a security guard said. “It'll be halfway down on the right side.”

As she walked away, Cyndi was suddenly blinded by lights mounted on video cameras. “There she is!” Like a mob of jackals, employees from Tech Aero’s public relations department had been lying in wait, ready to ambush Cyndi.

A woman rushed up and thrust a microphone in Cyndi’s face. “Tech Aerospace is honored to have a national hero join its elite team of test pilots. Captain Stafford, how does it feel to play a big part in inventing the future?” The PR hack had cleverly worked the company’s tag line, “Inventing the Future,” into her question.

Cyndi felt like saying, “I’m being exploited.” With the political future of the President of the United States on the line, however, not to mention hundreds of billions of dollars, she decided to keep her honest opinions to herself. “I hope to do my part to help continue America’s vital role of delivering peace through deterrence.”

Take that, PR hack!

Before the mob could ask anymore self-serving questions, Cyndi slipped away and found the flight test office. She walked in and approached the secretary's desk. “Good morning, I'm Captain Stafford. I'm going to be part of the test program for the B-22.”

“Yes, I heard you're going to be part of our team.” The elderly secretary stood up, came around her desk, and gave Cyndi a warm, welcoming hug. “It's so nice to meet you.”

Well that's a good sign, Cyndi thought to herself. A secretary who's actually glad to have me on the team.

The woman pointed Cyndi toward the office where the test pilots worked. “In there. They’re waiting for you.” She tossed in a peculiar warning as Cyndi opened the door. “Good luck. You’ll need it.”

The large office had five desks placed along its walls. Each desk had models of aircraft sitting on them that the test pilots had flown. On the far wall was a large pin-up calendar. That month's topless young woman was draped across the hood of a red Corvette in what looked to be an incredibly uncomfortable pose.

The men at their desks turned to look at Cyndi. Without saying a word, they looked back at their computer screens and ignored her.

“Um…I’m Captain Stafford. I was told to report to this office. I’m on the test flight team for the B-22.”

Crickets.

The secretary’s warning was starting to make sense.

“You’ll be working with me, ma’am,” the oldest pilot announced, without bothering to turn around and look at Cyndi.

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