by M. Alan Marr
There is an outlined box on the floor indicating for Jen to stand within its confines. As she steps within the box, the white outline turns green, and a sort of scan quickly moves up Jen’s body and then disappears, triggering the announcement.
“Simultaneous simulations initiated,” the voice announces. The fighter raises a few feet out of the berth. The simulation bay visuals energize. Jen, who was previously standing alone in her simulator bay, is now standing on the tarmac of the astroport next to what looks like a real fighter resting on its landing gear. Around Jen, the rest of the Oasis flight team appears. She looks at Harrison to her right. He looks normal, although the dark blue panels of his flight suit shimmer slightly with an energized grid optic.
“Harrison?”
“Hey,” he responds with surprise.
“You can hear me?”
“Yeah, you?”
“Yeah. Wow.” Jen reaches out and touches Harrison’s cheek. “Can you feel that?”
“Yeah.”
Jen slaps him hard. “Feel that?”
Harrison pushes her away. Matt, appearing next to Jen, pinches her ass, making her jump.
Steve’s image is motionless. The others look at him and move in closer.
Jen runs her hand in front of Steve’s unwavering eyes. “I think Steve is broken.”
Steve suddenly jumps. “Scare cam!” startling the others.
Jen smiles. “Good one.”
Chaz is about to intervene when the Instructor Pilot appears in front of the fighter and the pilots compose themselves.
“Welcome to Class 1 TransAt Fighter simulation, Leftenants. Your individual simulation bays have been cross-linked for this portion of your preflight training. There will be more group lessons like this one as we cover advanced formation flight and air combat techniques. Each of you are, of course, standing within the confines of your own simulation bay; however, for the purposes of this lesson, it is best if you think of yourselves as sharing one space. Obviously, you can interact with each other both verbally and physically, as you have discovered.”
The next hour in the sim covers the preflight and individual external system components on the fighter. The group is excited and anxious to start flying.
The remainder of the day is spent in their individual fighter cockpits. The pilots’ homework tonight and for the foreseeable future will be to study the specs and systems of this ship.
Today’s flight simulation seems almost tame. Normal procedures, standard liftoff, slow climb to orbit with a fast run to Penthar and back to a normal landing at the simulated astroport. The Oasis pilots kept waiting for something to happen, but nothing did. It was a normal flight with no malfunctions whatsoever.
As the pilots run the shutdown checks, an announcement is made to all simulators. “Oasis pilots, report to astroport. Northeast departure tarmac.”
Jen looks at her instructor. “Are we going flying?”
Her instructor smiles. “Yes, Leftenant, we are.”
***
The Oasis pilots are delivered to a lineup of five Class 1 TransAt fighters on the tarmac of the astroport. Both the ships, and the pilots, are armed and ready to go. The individual ground crews salute the officers, who immediately begin preflighting their assigned ships. The instructors will be arriving shortly.
The Oasis pilots have a very limited amount of time to gain experience in the fighters before they deploy. That in mind, as much of their training as possible will be conducted in the actual vehicle for a true hands-on education.
Sitting in the real TransAt fighter for the first time, the pilots get a sense of how ‘substantial’ this ship feels compared to the trainers. While waiting for their instructors, each pilot climbs aboard and begins the interior preflight of all systems.
Chaz is the first to key the ship-to-ship comm line. “This is the real thing, guys.”
He immediately hears Jen. “And girl.”
“Oh, yeah, this feels good,” Steve says.
“That’s what I’m talking about,” Harrison says, looking around the cockpit.
“I can just feel the power of this ship,” Matt says. “Watch out, Yeti bitches.”
The vehicle carrying the instructors arrives behind the fighters. The Oasis pilots are surprised when the instructors climb aboard.
“Keep your seat, Leftenant,” Steve’s instructor says.
Dev climbs aboard Chaz’s fighter and settles in. Chaz reports his preflight briefing while Dev buckles in. He nods at Chaz, then keys the comm line. “Oasis training flight, one thing I want to stress is caution with your throttles. In flight, you can advance them too fast and black out, so until you have more experience with the g-loading due to acceleration, be very careful. No military departures until you have completed that training in the advanced training ships. Today’s focus will be on normal operations and familiarization. Your instructors are combat-rated pilots and in direct command of your ships. If we encounter a Yeti, your instructors will immediately take the controls and engage the enemy.
“I know you covered this in the simulator this morning, but I want to reiterate: after engine start your throttle systems will default to ground-idle, which de-rates your thruster output appropriate for ground maneuvering. This is an automatic function which takes into account local gravity and landing gear position. There is a soft backstop in ground idle mode along the first twenty percent of throttle range. Advancing the throttles beyond that backstop will ramp up your engines to flight idle. This is important because you definitely don’t want to over boost on the ground. Remember, this isn’t a simulator. When you advance your throttles beyond ground idle your thrusters will kick in fast; the ground idle stop will disengage and you’ll have full throttle range up to the upper limit stops. If you move your throttles beyond the upper limit stops you’ll engage your compression drive, and trust me, you are not ready for that yet.
“Your engines will remain in flight mode until the air/ground sensor detects either landing gear extension or you slow to a low altitude hover below fifty feet. Finally, in formation flight your throttles will detune slightly allowing you to make small changes in thruster output to maintain proper spacing. This function is tied into your proximity detectors, but only works if you make gentle throttle changes. Rapid movement of your throttles will disengage this setting. Any questions?”
“I do,” Jen says. “There was something about flight idle on warships?”
“Yes,” Dev says. “On warships, fighters are typically hard docked to launch pads; in that case, your fighter is locked into launch position with landing gear retracted. In this condition, your engines default to flight idle on startup.
“If there are no other questions, let’s get going. We’re going to initially stay in the atmosphere and conduct a series of familiarization maneuvers. Speed control is the goal.” He smiles, “And if you behave, we might take her out for a spin.”
Dev’s pun makes everyone smile, even the instructors.
The first flight has the Oasis pilots forcing themselves to slow down in nearly all operations. The four powerful engines want to send the ship into space, not tootle around the countryside. Landings, approaches, hovering, ground maneuvering, systems operation while in flight, and all the ancillary aspects of flying a TransAt fighter are covered.
Even a half-throttle atmospheric launch puts each pilot firmly against their seats. The wow factor over the two-engine training ships is evident. This, is what they are here for.
Satisfied with the group’s performance, Dev requests departure clearance to Triton from Gate Control.
“Oasis flight of five, Gate Control, you are cleared to depart Trieste, Northeast departure gate for Triton orbit.”
“Leftenant Jen,” Dev says, “take lead position. Two points to starboard for the Northeast Departure gate. Launch when ready.”
Jen smiles, “Yes sir.” She maneuvers to the forward position and adjusts course to the northeast. Checking her detection grid, there is no traf
fic along the departure route.
“Here we go.” Jen advances her throttles smoothly, but quickly. Her ship blasts forward. “Whoa! This is great!” Jen yells as her fighter darts out of the atmosphere and into space. As the ships approach Triton, Dev requests a speed course to the Sextan asteroid belt from Triton Gate Control. Clearance received, Dev instructs everyone to advance to full throttle. The sensation of speed is evident, as they swiftly pass Triton and her moons.
Arriving at the Sextan Asteroid belt thirty minutes later, they slow and prepare to use the powerful energy weapons on the fighter for the first time.
Pulse shots.. Two-beam shots. Four-beam focused aperture shots. Each one causing varying degrees of destruction to the rocks in the asteroid field. Particle weapon pulse shots cause energetic destruction. The two-beam focuses two columns of energy on a target, causing it to explode. The four-beam convergence focuses four separate beams of energy on a single point at the target, causing it to vaporize. Each setting has its uses, depending on the situation. For combat, twin pulse shots are the norm. Projectile guns, and missiles will be fired in the simulators, since they are hardware and in finite supply.
“What’s the story with the missiles?” Jen asks.
“Graviton-based,” Dev replies. “Designed to lock on to the gravity field of Yeti Brigands. They work great, but Brigands can easily outmaneuver them. Missiles are most effective in situations where you can’t use your energy weapons. If they miss, they will self-destruct before becoming troublesome.”
Harrison thinks out loud. “So you have to be close enough to hit them, but not close enough to get caught in the explosion?”
“Basically, yes,” Dev replies. “You’ll practice projectile gunnery and missile shots in the simulators. You’ll get a feel for what works best.”
The new Leftenants take to the fighters like fish to water. If the basic flight trainer were a bicycle, and the advanced trainer a motorcycle, then the TransAt fighter is a Ferrari. A Ferrari fully loaded with very powerful weapons.
Even on reentry, the TransAt Fighters feel like something of substance. No rickety trainer bouncing along the upper atmospheric turbulence, these ships slice through the turbulence and thickening atmosphere like a hot knife through butter.
“This is one sleek ship,” Jen says to her instructor.
“Never before in our history have we ever had such an advanced fighter,” the instructor replies.
“And you’re handing one over to a girl from Van Nuys.”
***
The five TransAt fighters set down on the tarmac. Canopies open, and out bursts a group of overly ecstatic aviators. Jen runs up and jumps into Harrison’s arms. He swings her around, and the contagious exuberance enthralls all who appear. Even Chaz, who has flown Dev’s fighter before. This was different. This was all Chaz. These Earth pilots just did this. And the moment is lost on no one. Even on the instructors, who gather together to watch the group of Earthlings converge on each other and carry on.
“Were we ever like that?” one instructor asks another.
“I certainly hope so.” She smiles and shakes her head. “Look at them.”
But then something happens. The pilots all look at these ships and finally make the connection that they are the only things that stand in the way of full-scale alien invasion on Earth. A new sense of seriousness registers on each of them. A few moments of silent reflection and a deep breath later, the Oasis pilots look at one another and nod. They get it.
Postflight checks are made. Maintenance logs are handed over to the ground crew, and the Oasis pilots form a smart line, stand at attention and wait to be dismissed.
BARI
There is no group dinner tonight. No camaraderie. Definitely no cocktails. Dev arrives back home and sees Chaz studying ferociously in his peculiar way, sitting on the floor with electronic books strewn around him, including the one in his hand. The balcony doors are open, and a gentle breeze wafts in.
“What are you doing?”
Chaz answers quickly. “Studying.”
“There is a desk over there.”
“No, I’m fine.”
“Where are the others?”
“Studying.”
Chaz is so focused on his studies, Dev works at his desk, trying to be as quiet as he can. A little while later, he slips out with some food and walks to the beach to feed Chaz’s giant cat. Dev looks around and then finally spots a pair of green eyes low in the bushes. The cat was watching him the whole time.
“Newton?” Dev calls. “Come on, Newton.” Dev puts some of the food he brought on the ground. The big cat jumps out of the brush and walks to Dev and eats. Then he gives Dev a faithful nudge. “Hi, Newton. Yes, I know, but your friend is studying.” Dev pets the cat, which seems fixated, looking up at Dev’s building. No doubt the cat can pick up Chaz’s scent from the open glass doors. The cat begins purring in a very low, raspy tone. He nudges Dev’s leg with his head, then lies down and watches Dev’s balcony.
The entire program that day struck a chord that resonated in each of the Earth pilots. Six Class I TransAt fighters are all there is to protect their entire world. And they are going to be the only ones on their world able to operate them, the only ones who even know about them. The gravity of the situation is felt by every member of the Oasis group. The time for levity is passed. Now it’s about facts and figures, maneuvers, and results. A sharp eye and a quick stick, and a knowledge base that exceeds that of any pilot on Earth is what is required here and now. Every day it gets a little more real.
The flight attendants’ studies take them all over Trieste and the planetary system. Annette loves her course of study in vehicle maintenance. Leftenant Idris agreed to accept Annette as her technical assistant, and signed off on her classified studies of Crown fighter systems.
Annette and Harrison manage to sneak some alone time at least a couple days a week. They are full-on in love. Perhaps it’s their situation, or just that they have found in each other the one, but it’s clear they are in for the long haul.
Leftenant Bross’s drill practice with the group has yielded good results. The Oasis pilots now know how to properly march, and how to be properly dismissed from a line of attention, as well as all manor of military courtesies. The Flight Admiral himself would be pleased at their progress and comportment.
chapter 20
FALLING STARS
☆ ☆
The unconventional training schedule imposed upon all members of the Oasis team is about to hit a great big snag. Storm clouds are on the horizon. Rain is definitely in the forecast. And it’s going to hit them like a ton of bricks.
FLIGHT TRAINING COMMAND
BRIEFING ROOM
0700 Hours.
The Oasis officers and crew, minus Dev and Chaz, are present and waiting. It is unusual to have their ‘crewmen,’ aka, former flight attendants, present at the training center, but they were all ordered to be here. No one knows why.
Dev and Chaz stride in.
Steve, on the ball, calls for attention on deck. Everyone snaps to their feet.
Dev moves to the lectern at the front. Chaz stands off to the side. Both are wearing their full uniforms, as opposed to everyone else, who are in flight suits and enlisted crew flight suits.
“Be seated,” Dev orders. “The next phase of your training is not going to be pleasant. However, it is a requirement for graduation. Aviators of the Crown, and all high-risk personnel, as on Earth, must complete a course of survival school. Commander Chaz has been through the Navy’s survival school in California and is very familiar with survival techniques and strategy. The rest of you, however, are not.”
Dev walks around the front of the dais and continues. “In addition, you will be spending the next six weeks on Bellerophon to fulfill the ancillary requirements of your commissions.”
“Oh, great,” Jen says. “That place.”
“Save the commentary, Leftenant,” Dev chastises. “Since you’re not certified in
the fighters yet, you’ll be flying advanced trainers up to Bellerophon. Franz, Milo, and Annette will be going with you.”
The flight attendants exchange a worried glance at each other.
Chaz lets out the slightest laugh at their anticipation of misery.
Dev glances over at Chaz. “You too, Commander Chaz.”
Chaz puts on a confident face. “Can’t wait.”
Steve raises his hand. “Sir?”
“Leftenant.”
“What’s the training we’ll be receiving up there, sir?”
“All the parts of your education you haven’t yet done.”
“The best for last.”
“Well, certainly the hardest part, at least physically. We had to, first and foremost, expose all of you to our flight technology to make certain you’d be able to handle the job before you. And you’ve all performed beyond anyone’s expectations, including, I’ll wager, your own. However, as Officers and crewmen of the Crown you have to meet academic standards as well. We’ve tailored the program for time constraints, and even after you finish here and return to Earth, you’ll be expected to continue your education. Bellerophon is our academic headquarters. Beyond that, part of this phase is the gravitational conditioning you’ll receive on Bellerophon. It will be difficult, but trust me, after it’s over, it will help you deal with the heavy-g fighting during combat maneuvers. That in mind, you’ll also be completing your combat and live fire training up there. Any questions?”
Steve speaks for the group. “No, Commander, no questions. We’re ready to fly, sir.”