by L. Fergus
Rainbow Jack was the only one left. Is she going to withdraw or fight to the last? Withdrawal was the only sensible thing to do.
“Do we have a follow on force incoming?” asked Rainbow Jack.
Hemmer looked at Kita. She shook her head.
“Negative, Rainbow Jack. Orders are to withdrawal,” said Hemmer.
“I’m not spent yet,” said Rainbow Jack.
Rainbow Jack turned back into the ship. She fired everything she had. The missiles struck around the damaged area of the ship. Her missiles weren’t as powerful as what the fighter’s carried and did little damage. As Rainbow Jack turned, she was hit by anti-fighter fire.
“And that’s it,” said Kita. “They did better than I thought.”
“RJ is going to be furious,” said Hemmer.
“Why?”
“She holds the record for most completed missions, in the simulator and real life.”
That explains why she was so adamant about making it home last time.
Rainbow Jack exited her simulator and hurried to the control room. She banged on the door.
Hemmer sighed. “Enter.”
Rainbow Jack stormed in. “Neptune’s rings, General? Whose dumb idea was it to run a stupid scenario like that?”
Hemmer opened her mouth, but Kita spoke first. “Mine.”
Rainbow Jack looked at Kita surprised as if the Angels had just appeared. “In the name of the emperor, what are you trying to pull?”
As Rainbow Jack huffed, another pilot entered. “Come on, RJ, let’s go before you make it worse.”
“I can explain,” said Kita. “Our next battle will be against ships like the one you just faced. They have better guns, shields, and engines than we do. You’re going to get a lot of practice over the next couple of days, especially you, Alex.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“This,” said Kita. She touched Rainbow Jack on the nose. “Boop!”
Rainbow Jack tried to swat Kita’s hand away, but a scream interrupted her. She fell to her hands and knees, grabbing her head. With a swift motion, Kita drew Dead and sliced open the back of Rainbow Jack’s flight suit.
Thin wing bones sprouted from between Rainbow Jack’s shoulder blades. The bones grew, reaching toward the ceiling, creating several joints. Buds formed on the skin and burst into violet and yellow feathers.
“Rise, Jammer,” said Kita.
Sarin helped Jammer to her feet.
“What happened? What did you do to me?” demanded Jammer. “Why do I have a splitting headache?”
“You got these,” said Sarin as she pulled one of Jammer’s wings around for her to look at.
“That’s attached to me?”
Sarin pulled on the wing harder causing Jammer to twist. “I don’t think it’s coming off.”
Kita giggled.
“I…What—Why me?” said Jammer.
“Because I like you,” said Kita. “You’re the best, and you’re tenacious.”
“How am I supposed to fly in a cockpit with these!”
“Don’t worry. We’ll make some modifications. And from now on, you’ll be able to fly multiple fighters at once.”
“How?”
“I’ll show you once the computer in your head is fully formed,” said Kita.
“No way am I letting you put a computer in my head.”
“Too late, it’s already there.”
“You’re joking?”
“Am I joking, love?” Kita looked at Sarin.
“Practical jokes aren’t her thing,” said Sarin. “If she says it, it’s the truth.”
“Come on,” said Kita. “Let’s introduce you to your new family.”
“New family?” exclaimed Jammer.
“Yes. Oh, and how do you feel about Admiral Sheppard?”
“Uh…she’s an excellent admiral—for a ground pounder.”
“Well, that’s a start.”
“How’s she doing?” Kita asked Hemmer as she entered the control room for the flight simulators with Sarin and Babydoll.
“She hasn’t moved since I came on shift.”
Kita rolled her eyes. It wasn’t unusual for an Angel to stay still for days, especially those who could link to computers. “I mean—”
“How’s she flying?”
“Yeah.”
“When she started I wasn’t sure this would work, but seeing her today she’s doing her job, and her drones are flying rings around the fighter jocks.”
“Good. I knew she’d get the hang of it.” Kita smiled at Jammer standing among the simulators. Athena had rewritten the simulator code to accommodate Jammer’s wireless connection and drones.
Kita reached around Hemmer and highlighted Jammer and her drones on the holographic display. Jammer and her drones were attacking a Djinn ship with the help of another squadron. It was easy to tell who was who. The drones made hard, tight turns, pulling g-forces that would kill a human. Jammer’s fighter was nearly as nimble, the only difference was the size.
“Wow, look at her go,” said Babydoll.
A section of the Djinn ship exploded after three drones made a pair of sharp turns into the ship and fired a missile each. Along the ship, sections were smoking from earlier strikes.
“She seems to have figured out their shields,” said Sarin.
“Someone’s watching her and passing notes to the other pilots, right?” said Kita to Hemmer.
“I’m doing my best. The other pilots are only getting a few hours a day in the simulators, so they’re not getting much time to put theory into practice.”
“I’ll have her spit out a log of what she’s doing. That’ll keep you from having to guess her motive.”
“Anything would help,” said Hemmer.
“Good. We’re going to take her off your hands for a little while,” said Kita.
“It’s been three days. I gave up telling her to take a break.”
Kita chuckled. “Don’t worry, she’s fine. Angels can go weeks without sleep.”
Hemmer raised an eyebrow.
“It’s why we’re the best of the best.”
Kita led the others into the simulator room and tapped Jammer on the shoulder. Jammer’s head turned in a mechanical fashion.
“Hey,” said Kita. “I’ve got something for you.”
Jammer’s eyes twitched. Her face came to life. “For me?”
“Yeah, come on.”
“But, I’ve got to practice.”
“You can do it in the background,” said Kita. “The computer and your autonomic nervous system will take over.”
“You mean I’ll fly automatically?”
“Yeah. It’s not great for offense, that takes some thought, but for defense it’s good. The more you do it, the better you’ll become. Strengthens the bond between girl and machine,” said Kita with a smile as they walked into the ready room. “Kerri, you mind opening a gate to manufacturing?”
“What’s in manufacturing?” said Jammer.
“You’ll see,” Kita hummed as she stepped through the rift gate, an interdimensional portal that could be opened over long distances, into Enterprise’s manufacturing area. Kita walked through the large printers and assemblers to a group of six large items covered by tarps. “Here you go!”
Jammer went to the largest tarp and pulled it off, revealing a fighter. “This is for me?”
Kita nodded. “Yep. Custom made by Athena.”
“But…I’m not due a fighter for months after destroying my last one.”
A rift gate opened, and Defiance and Sheppard appeared.
Kita motioned to the arriving pair. “They felt you deserved it.”
Jammer stiffened and saluted. “Your Highness. I—thank you.”
Defiance returned the salute. “No problem, Alex. Kita reports you’ve discovered several strategies the fighters can use against the Djinn ships that will save many lives and will lead us to victory.”
“Just doing my job, Your Highness.”
“You can call me Casey. You’re no longer mine. You’re on loan to me.”
Jammer’s eyes went wide. “I’m not? What does that mean?”
“It means you’re free,” said Kita. “To go wherever and do whatever you wish. Right now, we’re all putting our collective energies into trying to get out of this mess with the Djinn.”
“That you got us into,” Babydoll said teasing Kita.
“Would you rather the alternative?”
“What’s the alternative?”
Kita scowled. “Prison.”
“That’s your gig, not mine. I’ll go wander the stars.”
“And leave the rest of us?” said Defiance.
“I’d do my best to get you out.”
“You sure did a lot to help the rest of us the last time,” said Sarin.
“Stop,” said Kita. “Dredging up old blood won’t help. We’re here for Alex and to make her the most effective fighting force she can be.” She walked over and took off a tarp revealing a drone. It was smaller than a fighter but carried a bigger payload and was faster.
“Wow,” said Jammer. “I—” Lights on the side of the drone blinked and became solid. “I’m connected to it.”
“Works the same as the simulator,” said Kita.
“I’d love to take them flying, but it’ll be days before I get into the queue.”
“I’m sure I can sneak you in,” said Sheppard. “The more time you have with them, the better.”
Babydoll rolled her eyes. “Damn, Sheppard. You make it sound like the world is riding on her shoulders.”
“It means I have confidence in her, unlike you.”
“Hey, I’ve proven myself. If you want to go, Marine, this legionnaire will mop the floor with you. I’ll leave you looking worse than Sahara.”
Babydoll’s mentioning of Sahara made Kita check her status. She was awake. Kita decided she would be her next stop. “Before we get into who breaks who, I have a question for Alex.” From the look on Jammer’s face, she was fully connected to the drone.
“Me?” she said, life coming back to her face.
“Yes. Are you seeing anybody?”
“What? I mean, no. I’m sorry. I’m not interested in you.”
Kita chuckled. “My partner and girlfriend will be glad to hear it.” Sarin made a face. Defiance huffed. “But, I’m not asking for me. I’m asking for a friend.”
“Who? No one’s shown interest in me for years.”
“Not even after having your body altered?”
“I haven’t told anyone. I’ve been too busy,” Jammer said shyly.
“Nothing wrong with that. I understand. Just if you were interested…” said Kita.
“Is it another Angel?”
“Yes. She asked me to ask you. She’s a little shy herself and is getting out of a bad relationship.”
“I don’t want to be a rebound.”
That caught Kita by surprise.
“I promise you won’t be,” said Sheppard.
Jammer’s jaw dropped. “You? But, you’re—you’re…”
“I’m an Angel, just like you. I’m looking to find someone to spend time with, who understands the demands of my duties.”
“And who can put up with her hard ass,” said Babydoll.
Sheppard sighed. “Forget it.” She turned and walked away, intercepted by Defiance’s comforting arms.
“Kerri,” hissed Kita.
“Just because you look for love in all the wrong places does not mean you need to ruin it for another,” Sarin said pointedly to Babydoll.
“I’m trying to warn the girl about what she’s going to be getting into.”
“Your personal feelings for Sheppard have no place here.”
“How do you know what my personal feelings are,” Babydoll yelled.
Kita and Sarin traded a look. The emotional outburst released by Babydoll contained anger but also sorrow and heartbreak.
Kita took Babydoll’s hand. “Come talk to me, love.” She led Babydoll behind a piece of machinery. “What’s this about?”
“I…I…” Babydoll put her head on Kita’s shoulder and cried. “I’m going to be alone—forever. Everyone hates me.”
Kita wrapped her arms around Babydoll. “You’re not going to be alone, and nobody hates you. I promise. What’s on your mind? Whatever it is, I can fix it.”
“No, you can’t. And it’s better this way. I’d just screw it up.”
“Screw what up? What do you want? Whatever it is, name it, and it’s yours,” said Kita.
“I’ve already screwed it up a long time ago.”
“Kerri, I can’t fix it until you tell me who or what it is you want.”
Babydoll wiped her eyes. “I—I like Rene.”
“You have a funny way of showing it. But, I’m sure we can work on patching things up.”
Babydoll shook her head. “No, I want to ask Rene out.”
“Are—Ok, whatever you want. I’ll talk to her.”
“No. Don’t. She hates me. I don’t want her to see I’ve got a weakness for her.”
Kita sighed. “Love, if you want her, you’ve got to show some vulnerability. Rene may say no, but she’s not the type to use it against you.”
“But if I get my hopes up…”
Kita stroked Babydoll’s wing. “We don’t know until we try. Come on.” Kita led Babydoll back to the others. “Sorry, Rene. Kerri didn’t mean to be hurtful. She was trying to tell you there’s someone else interested in you.”
“Who?” said Sheppard. “There’s no one left but Alex.”
Jammer looked like she wanted to disappear, then did.
“Wait! Don’t go,” said Sheppard.
“What did I do?” Jammer’s voice came from the spot she’d been standing.
“You activated your camouflage ability,” said Sarin. “Think about being visible, and you’ll reappear.”
Jammer’s arm appeared, followed by a leg. Different parts appeared and disappeared until she was completely visible.
“I, ah, forgot to go into detail about that one,” said Kita.
“This is why you don’t give the new Angel briefing,” said Sarin.
“I was excited about her other abilities. I did tell her about eating and sleeping.” Kita waved the rest of the Angels to her. “Alex, tell me if I’m wrong, but you’re not comfortable with dating Rene.”
Jammer looked at the floor. “I’m sorry, but I’m still trying to figure out me. I’ve been so busy trying to prepare for the next battle I haven’t even given any thought to that.”
“I’m sorry,” said Sheppard. “I don’t mean to push you. I know you need time. I’m just being selfish.”
“It’s not your fault,” said Kita. “I suggested Alex to you. But, there is someone else who’s interested, and you have a lot in common.”
“Who have I overlooked?” demanded Sheppard.
“Me,” said Babydoll.
Sheppard’s eyes went wide. “You! I’d rather—”
“Whoa,” said Kita. “Think about this. You’re both career soldiers and put that first. You’re near equal rank. You both have a similar outlook to life—”
“She’s a fallen angel, Kita!” yelled Sheppard.
Kita shrugged. “What’s wrong with that? She’s hardly a bad one.”
Sheppard crossed her arms and scowled. “I know what you two get into—the blood and bodies.”
“She has her quirks just like anyone. You just need to establish some rules. I’m not allowed to bring it home.” Kita smiled lovingly at Sarin, who rolled her eyes. “And how often have we done it? Not once since she came back.”
“That means you’re overdue,” growled Sheppard.
“Probably, but it’s a hard thing to do on a warship. We need everybody, and there aren’t many bad people around. We do have some control.”
“How can I trust her?”
“Trust her not to what?” said Sarin sounding appalled. “I trust Kita.”
“Kita isn’t faithful.”
“You think Kerri is like Kita in that sense? I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone more loyal than Kerri—and Kita is faithful to me. I believe when Kita says I’m first and she does come when called. I was mad at her because the one girl she bring home is an old rival of mine. It had nothing to do with her bringing someone home.”
Sheppard turned up her nose. “Kerri is hardly wholesome.”
Babydoll balled her fists and exploded with anger. “Like you’re any better, you brain dead Marine. You’re such a hypocrite. I’m looking past your history and looking at the person you claim to be. I’m not perfect. I know that, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have feelings and don’t want to love someone. I know we’ve had our differences in the past, but I’m willing to give it a try.
“All you had to do was say no, and that would have been it. You don’t have to be mean. To think I thought you had changed. You’re still the same arrogant, vapid bitch you were on Base Station. You don’t want someone to love you. You want a princess trapped in an ivory tower to guard forever.” Babydoll wiped her eyes. “Don’t ever question my loyalty to anyone. I have more than proved my loyalties to god and country.” She fled behind some machinery.
Kita and Sarin went after Babydoll. She had her wings wrapped around her and was crying softly. They each put an arm around her.
Defiance appeared and put her hand on Kita’s arm. Kita and Sarin made room for her.
“Are you ok?” said Defiance to Babydoll.
Babydoll came to attention, ignoring the tears in her eyes. “I’m fine, Your Highness.”
“Obviously not. I’m sorry about Rene. She wishes to apologize.”
“I don’t want a formal forced apology. She hates me—I get it. Since I have you here, Your Highness, I think it’s time I turned in my rank. I’ve been AWOL for a long time, and it’s time I followed my heart.”
“I’m sorry, Commander Liverpool, but I can’t accept your resignation. The Legion is short capable officers at the moment, and you’re needed.”
“My loyalty is to her.” Babydoll motioned to Kita.
“All of our loyalties are to her—that doesn’t mean you can stop doing your job. Now, Rene wishes to apologize. Please hear her out.” Defiance stepped aside revealing Sheppard.
“Kerri, I’m sorry, for now, and for everything in the past. You’re an exceptional officer. Kita knows talent when she sees it. I’m a fool. I’ve been trying to get people to forget my past and see me as I am. I’ve had little success. When someone announces they’re willing, I revert back to the person I was and throw it back in their face. I’m sorry. I hope I haven’t soured you on me. I would love to go out with you. I think we have a lot to offer each other and I miss spending time with someone special. I’m hoping you’ll be her.”