Page 53 of Vapor
Me: “The carrier is one point four?”
Moss: “Affirmative, Commander. 1.42.”
Me: “Keep us covered. We plan to run straight through unless we need to adjust that.”
Moss: “Roger, Commander. Oracle is front loading your cloak.”
Me: I laugh. Morena covers her mouth. “Sarah will keep us covered. She wants us home early.”
Morena. “She does. While you were inside the prison, she pulled plans so I could hit for structural damage. She said she’s got engineers working to cover us going out. Our flight plan has us higher than usual for the regular shield.”
Me: I noticed but I’m not keying into command again. “Chief, stats on the injured?” I wait for that answer and know he’s asking the crew.
Alder: “LP, Commander. Packages IV, all stable condition. Member stable. Healing. Jump back soon.”
Me: Okay. All stable is good. I’m not asking for more. “Roger, LP. I’m glad you took the job. See you at the pool, Brother.”
Alder: His little giggle is so foreign and adorable over mission coms. “Roger, LP out.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever heard a cuter giggle.”
I smile at my copilot. “Agreed.”
Me: The hour goes by quicker than I expect. Moss gives us clear to the carrier and they have all systems up. “Ops Command, packages retrieved and over secured network. Engineers monitoring stats for all.”
Command: “Roger, Commander. Your team has sent us a direct link for those stats. We appreciate it and breathe easier because of them.”
Me: It’s always good to keep the generals or Cort happy. “Roger, Boss. Were point four from set down.”
Cort: “Roger. There is no mention of altercation or even siting.”
Me: I smile. “That’s how we got the name, Boss. It’s just barely light here.”
He laughs. It’s true, we use the cover of darkness, usually low, but tonight we dropped from high because it’s pretty remote here. The light from the choppers would be seen over distance. Dropping straight down stops that and we can maneuver low without being seen flying across barren fields.
Me: The quiet lasts until the carrier picks us up with instructions that I refuse. “Flight command, the Blackhawk sets down first. I need two medic rooms open for us and the Blackhawk navigator to be contacted for any other needs. I’ll set the Little Bird down once the flight deck is clear.”
Flight Command: “You’re rank…”
Me: “Affords me rights to plan every aspect of my teams’ movements. Every member of my team is on that deckbeforeI set down. Medical needs are requested and I’m told you are instructed to follow my orders and provide for my plan’s needs and comfort. Do your job and I will do mine.”
Command: “Commander, Knight re-issued orders to the carrier. Your Blackhawk lands first. Medic rooms and personnel are waiting and your orders will not be questioned.”
Me: Thank God for Cort and Knight earns that adoration once again. “Roger, Ops Command. I appreciate it. Moss, get our SOP to whoever needs it on the carrier, so this is a one of.” He rogers right back.
We hover over the water while Jones sets down and medics clear the area. The flight crew and Night Stalker supply team are waiting so I take my cue and set down. The teams don’t waste time. I know Moss pulled everything onboard so he has them restock ready.
Me: “Ops Command, SOAR Commander confirms mission complete. All packages accounted for. One injury, complete medical assessment will follow for all.”
Cort: "We’re out of Ops. Outstanding job, SOAR teams. Chief is following to medical. LP has Security with your K9 but the other is Prometheus. He’s covering LP.”
“Roger, Boss I’ll let him know before he pisses LP off. Boss, do I need to call Mase’s family? I didn’t read any injury protocols.” I hit Morena’s arm and sign for her to alert Chief, getting a nod back.
“Family has been notified. I’ll get that confirmed and let you know from the board in an hour.”
“Roger, Boss. Thanks. Vapor out.”
I get the headgear off and the crew is already swarming. “Thanks, guys. It wasn’t perfect but everyone down and alive makes it so good.” They cheer and let me pass.
