"Hiding in Plain Site"
[Previous Post: "I Don't Think We're in Texas Anymore" by Dawn]
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Stardate: 61017.0900
After the minor incident with the Admiral's Gig, Ensign Stormwind felt the better part of valor was to make himself scarce. He did not feel that with his long record of mishaps that anyone would be willing to cut him any slack…especially Captain Rikar and the Admiral.
So he got permission to get in some Viper flight time on the Holosimulator and on the combat training course.
Dealing with flight operations probably saved Derek from making a major mistake in his dealings with Ensign Mei. His human half had been rising to the top more often as of late. Even as a half Vulcan he was stricken by the Ponn'Farr just as any other male would be… although the time of his blood fever was nearer to nine years rather than the normal seven of a pureblood and could actually be controlled with drugs and meditation. Still human or Vulcan he often found his mind dwelling upon Susan. He found it hard to admit to himself he was afraid to find out her feelings... he was Vulcan after all.
"Excuse me Ensign?" Derek turned to the voice and quickly snapped to attention and saluted the Marine Colonel speaking to him.
"Sir," answered the half human wondering why the colonel was addressing him.
"I am impressed in your handling of a Viper; you have an odd style and use a few maneuvers I have not seen before." The marine stated coolly. "I was wondering if you might be interested in a little head to head competition on the combat course."
Not one to ever turn down a chance to work on his skills the Vulcan readily agreed and they quickly settled on a set of basic rules and flight parameters. The "dogfight" would include space and atmosphere flight areas. Derek was led to a Viper, as he climbed in he noticed the pilots name on the side… 'Hammer.'
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The ANUBIS' FCO entered the combat area and was immediately joined by another Viper. Flying side by side they awaited the signal.
=^= This is range control… you may commence on my mark… 3… 2… 1… break, break. =^=
Derek broke hard left and climbed into a split s with the hope of coming back on his adversaries' tail… only the sky was clear. Reversing his turn he caught a glimpse of the marine coming around onto his tail. Slamming full power he began a dive giving the marine a quick look at his tail and than pulled up into a hammerhead stall falling off and in effect turning 180 degrees for a head on pass. With only a fleeting moment the Vulcan snapped of a shot hoping to score a hit, but the marine had already snapped rolled to his right and dove away.
The battle lasted over 45 minutes with neither of the combatants seeming to get a clear shot or a hit on the other.
=^= Range control to Viper 27 and 44. The colonel says bring them home the range is now close. =^=
The two Vipers formed up on one another for the short trip home. Derek glanced over at the other ship. Not even his big Hirogen friend had been able to match him so completely when he had begun training the FCO on the Viper.
One thing about pilots, it did not matter whether you controlled a Viper, transport or a starship as a pilot you flew because you could and because you were in control. There was a respect among pilots that most people could not understand. Two people who hated each other on the ground would die defending the other when in flight.
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Dismounting from the Viper the Vulcan walked over to the large group of marines yelling and cheering the marine pilot as he exited his ship. Stormwind stood outside of the large group waiting, when the Marine Colonel eased up beside him.
"I have a small confession to make Ensign." Stated the officer. "I put you up against my best pilot, the commander of Red Wing. I have to admit I did not expect the results." The crowd parted and the other pilot walked up to stand in front of the half human.
"Ensign Stormwind allow me to introduce you to Major Mandy ‘Ace' Wilson," the two pilots shook hands. "For the rest of you… the official score was 6 hits to 5 the win going to … Major Wilson."
The crowd of marines broke into loud cheering. Derek simply looked at the major and wondered how long she had been in Borg hands. The removed implants were obvious to his trained eye as was the attitude shown by the proud marine. Suddenly a number of voices clamored for notice… "Attention on deck!"
The crowd parted as Admiral Koneki walked up to the Marine Colonel. Colonel Murphy saluted the Admiral, handing him a bottle of amber liquid. "Someday sir I will win one from you." The 'Hammer' stated in a low voice. The Admiral just smiled.
"Walk with me Ensign Stormwind." The Admiral stated as he took the ANUBIS's FCO's elbow.
"Yes sir." Derek struggled to maintain his Vulcan demeanor, but deep inside his human half was in turmoil.
"Son that was some excellent flying, probably some of the best single ship tactics I have seen. But all that fancy flying did was put off the inevitable. There is a time and place for that type of flying." Koneki stated in a soft tone.
"Yes sir." Was all Derek could say, he was sure that this conversation did not bode well for his future.
They stopped walking and the Commander of NEW ALEXANDRIA turned to face the pony-tailed Vulcan… "Therefore Ensign… I am grounding you from all single ship operations, except those that are directly related to your duties as the ANUBIS's FCO. This order will remain in effect until Captain Rikar, her chosen representative, or I should decide the time appropriate."
The Vulcan was visibly shaken, and for just that instant his face betrayed the deep human emotions buried within. But it was only a flash; Derek stood straight and asked… "Sir may I respectfully ask… why?"
"No Ensign you may not! We will also consider the targeting of my Gig as a closed matter. You are dismissed." Firmly stated the Admiral.
Maintaining his Vulcan image, the Ensign stepped back, snapped a parade ground salute and spun quickly 180 degrees and walked slowly away. Derek could feel the emotions of his human side boiling within and knew he had very little time. He quickly found an empty corridor and reaching up to his neck he tapped his transporter implant. Materializing on board the DRAGONSEYE he went to the security console and locked his ship down completely.
The last memory he would have would be of the scream torn from his throat as he blacked out when his human side overcame all his barriers and took control.
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Ensign Derek Stormwind 2006 post #238
Setting: Viper Flight Training Hanger
Stardate: 61017.0930
Location: Flight Training Combat Range
Stardate: 61017.1040
Location: Viper Flight Training Hanger
Brian Matthews (dragonsslayer@excite.com)
FCO
USS ANUBIS NCC 18501
