Up and Down (and Up Again)

Posted on Fri Aug 31st, 2018 @ 12:15pm by Major Sam Braddock
Edited on on Mon Sep 3rd, 2018 @ 3:13pm

1,089 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Mission 1: The Return to Faltan
Location: Marine Hangar
Timeline: MD05 - 1300

ON:

Captain Samuel ‘Sam’ Braddock sat in the cockpit of his Gryphon Class fighter, his fingers beating a swift tattoo against the throttle and stick. The Heads Up Display in his helmet was zeros in all pertinent areas- if he had been in flight, the numbers and indicators would fluctuate and display anything he needed at the forefront of his vision. Out of the corners of his vision, he could see deck crew scurrying around, readying various types of craft for launch.

He had been in space for the past two years as the Squadron Commander of VMFA- 314 ‘ The Black Knights’ aboard the USS [i]Anacostia[i/], a Titan Class carrier that had been on permanent patrol duties throughout the Task Force Area of Operations but now, it was time for it to end. He had just received orders to take command of the Aviation Combat Element of the 93rd Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Sitting back, he ran over the preflight systems checks in his cockpit, flipping switches and checking all of the digital gauges. When everything checked out, Sam toggled a switch and flipped his throttle forward with a quick flick of his wrist. Hearing the barely perceptible hum of his engines and the rumble made him smile. Nothing could make him happier that being behind the controls of a fighter and flying by the seat of his pants.

Pressing his chin against a selector switch, he opened a comm channel. “This is Black Knight Actual to Anacostia Actual, do you read?”

The face of Captain Marion Deladier AKA ‘Anacostia Actual’ appeared in a corner of his HUD. A formidable woman with a shock of short brown hair, she had a reputation as an amazing pilot, an even better ship handler, and an unforgiving taskmaster who never gave credit where it wasn’t due.

“Ma’am, Captain Braddock and squadron respectfully request permission to go ashore.”

Captain Deladier’s face didn’t even flinch for what seemed like an eternity. “Permission granted. Go ashore.” After another moment. “Oh, and you appear to be out of uniform, Captain. Get some Major’s oak leaves on your shoulders when you land.” She said, giving an extremely uncharacteristic smile and sly wink. “Anacostia Actual. Out.” Sam smiled slightly- it wasn’t like the Captain to smile or even show the slightest amount of sarcasm- she was ice cold.

After another moment, Sam felt his fighter being grappled and moved onto the launch platform. As the grappler released, he could feel repulsorfields push the fighter onto the launch rail and into the tube. As it closed behind him, he initiated a final systems check. Over his helmet speakers, the launch officer could be heard. “Black Knight Actual, initiate final launch check.”

“Interlocks”

“Activated.”

“Dynotherms.”

“Connected.”

“Infracells.”

“Locked.”

The launch officer looked up from the console and rendered a final salute, which Sam returned. “The board is green. You are clear for launch on course two, eight, zero. Three. Two. One. Mark!”

Sam was pinned back in his seat gripped the throttle and stick as he felt the electromagnetic launch system fire him out into to the blackness of space at 500 miles per hour. As soon as he hit vacuum, his engines and stabilizers automatically engaged. Tightening his grip on the stick, Sam initiated his navigational program and watched it lay in a course for Faltan. On his HUD, a pulsating blue line that seemed to cut through the nose appeared that showed him the exact flight path, distance, and estimated arrival time. As he pushed his engines, two additional Gryphons appeared on his port and starboard wings along with an element of Peregrines flying escort and assumed a formation. Sam activated his chin switch for comms and the fighter’s computer opened a channel to the fighters flanking him.

“Okay, boys and girls, this is Hound. We’ve got a forty-five minute flight time to Faltan, let’s check out all systems and read up on the new house. Hound, out.”

*****

Colonel James Haversford stood, arms folded, in the Marine hangar bay and watched as 3 new Gryphon Class fighters touched down. The pilots started to exit and climb down from their fighter. The Colonel recognized the newly minted Major Braddock and began to approach him. “Major Braddock?”

Sam's feet had just touched the runway as he heard his name called. Locating the sound of the voice, he noted the insignia on the man's collar and saluted. "Yes, sir!" he said quickly and enthusiastically as his heels clicked together almost instinctively.

“Pleasure to meet you, Major?” He said holding out his hand for the Major to shake. “Colonel Haversford, Commanding Officer of the 4th MEU on Faltan Station.”

Sam lowered his salute and shook the Colonel’s proffered hand. “It’s a pleasure, sir. Now, how can I help?”he asked, his hair blowing in the wind.

“Have you heard the current situation here on Faltan?” The Colonel asked, not wanting to waste his time explaining about the Starfleet Captains shooting.

Sam nodded. “I got the secured intercept on my way down. Local media and the FNS is just calling it a localized disturbance. Is there anything else I need to know?” He asked.

“Captain Refelian was shot by an unknown Faltan assailant. Commander Prescott has asked if you could go up and do some maneuverers, not too close to Faltan air space but close enough to remind them that we will defend ourselves if we need to.” Haversford said.

Sam thought for a moment. “I’ll have my squadron up within the hour. Also, if an extended show of force is what you’re looking for, I’d recommend contacting the Anacostia, they’ve got a full air wing that can reinforce us if we need it. It’ll give my pilots time to rest and recuperate between flights.”

Haversford shook his head, “No need to contact the Anacostia just get up in the sky, speak to Captain Sallem, she knows the area. I suggest you take her with you.”

Sam nodded, even though he disagreed with the decision. His common sense was telling him that something bigger was at work here but what that was he didn’t know. Sam also knew that senior officers rarely ‘suggested’ anything. With a final “Aye, sir.” Sam turned on his heel to head towards what he assumed was the MEU’s Air Wing building to locate Captain Sallem.

“Good luck, Major.” Haversford said before heading back to his office.

 

RSS Feed