"Free Flight"
[Previous Post: "Dreams of Reality"
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Stardate: 60344.0750
Derek had no idea how his friend Uxtar had managed to get them into a couple
of VIPERS and in truth he did not care. All thoughts were slammed from his
mind as the launch Gs pushed his head back into the cushions. Instinctually
his piloting training took over as they soared into clear space. Quickly
sliding into position on the Hirogens VIPER's right wing he settled into
wingman status.
=^=VIPER 22 maintain position on me, I will lead you to our assigned
area.=^= called Uxtar to his friend.
Derek noticed the professional and correct attitude of his friend and
maintained the same in his response... "Affirmative VIPER 21."
The Vulcan FCO was amazed at the layout of the controls. He found it was
easy to maintain position and do many other things at the same time. They
were only flying at cruise speed but there was a definite feel of hidden
power just waiting to be unleashed. He had flown the VIPER in the holodeck
with Uxtar many times but nothing ever lived up to the real thing. Smaller
and nimbler than his DRAGONSEYE its power to weight ratio made it a joy to
fly. But now as they sped toward their flight area other thoughts began to
crowd into his mind. The biggest one was his reassignment aboard the ANUBIS.
He had been notified that he was being assigned as FCO of second watch.
Normally the position held by the aFCO. His human half saw it as a slap in
the face by Captain Rikar, but as a Vulcan he understood. She had once said
he would never pilot for her, which based on his past record was
understandable. But he knew there was no animosity in her decision. Every
member of her crew swore by her. Derek knew he would just have to once again
prove his worth...still it did hurt a little. The other problem was the CNS.
He was not sure what was causing his thought to continually return to her.
He had been careful to avoid her, but that could not last she still had to
give the Captain a fitness report on him. Uxtar brought his mind back to the
now.
=^=VIPER 22 go to channel 75-alpha-tango,=^= his friends voice filled the
cockpit.
Switching over to the assigned channel he started to acknowledge but Uxtar
cut him off.
=^=Ok my friend, the area outlined in blue on your screen is our flight
area. I know you want to fly free so... I give you the lead.=^=
With that statement the SEC/TAC's VIPER rolled over the top of Derek's and
settled into the wingman's position. The Vulcan half breed turned to look at
his friend even from this distance the smile on his face was visible.
"Aright you mangy hunter...catch me if you can!" and with that comment Derek
slammed the throttles forward and barrel rolled into a dive.
They twisted and turned diving and looping doing things with the VIPER that
would make the designers shake their heads. First Derek would lead than
Uxtar would take over. They attacked each other as if in real battle. When
Uxtar finally announced they had to return Derek was bathed in a sheet of
perspiration. As the FCO once again took up the wingman's position he added
up the score.
"Well my Hirogen friend it seems I managed to hold my own for the most
part," radioed Derek.
=^=Ah that is so my friend, and with more flight time you may become a
passable VIPER pilot, but I think you should stay at the helm of a Starship.
There you have proven yourself I think,=^= the SEC/TAC replied.
Derek thought of his new posting and sighed. "You are probably right my
friend, still I think a drink is in order I'll even buy."
Uxtar's laugh filled the cockpit... "Many drinks are in order... and perhaps
a little companionship may be found to join us."
"That my friend, is an interesting thought," as Dereks mind turned once
again to the problem with the CNS.
The two friends and pilots flew in silence back to NEW ALEXANDRIA.
------- 2006 post #150
Setting: Cockpit of VIPER 22
Brian Matthews (dragonsslayer@excite.com)
Ensign Derek Stormwind
FCO
USS ANUBIS
