Well done, Lieutenants. The admiral held up her digitablet. Excellent accuracy and problem-solving stats. Top percentile. You two work well together.
So, did he pass? Ensign Skiren directed her question to Celene. Is he on the mission?
The decision is ultimately mine, Admiral Gamlyn noted. But I do welcome Lieutenant Jurs input.
Celene turned her attention back to Nils. He straightened his shoulders and met her gaze, while his heart beat hard in his throat. The mission to find a traitor was the most important he might ever undertake. He wanted to ensure the safety of the Black Wraith ships, and with them, keep the 8 thWing strong in its fight against PRAXIS. And he wanted Lieutenant Celene Jurs approval. That victory would be for him alone.
Her expression was cool, assessing, as she gazed at him.
Cargo is limited, she said at last. Dont pack too much.
He let out a breath. Just the essentials and my tech gear. I havent confused this operation with shore leave.
Youve got a damned tough mission coming up, Frayne said. Not sure if I should envy or pity you.
Celene should be careful. Ensign Skiren chuckled, and eyed Nils. No one doubted that she and Frayne were a couple, but as she sized Nils up, there was healthy feminine appreciation in her gaze. She looked back at Celene, grinning wickedly. The quiet ones are always the most dangerous.
Chapter Three
Engineering has run a protocol, the admiral said. All the ships systems are working at peak ability. Its armed with front and rear-facing guns. The shields are at one hundred percent. What seems to be the problem?
Its not a bad ship. Celene eyed the Phantom. But its not my ship.
I know how you feel, Mara said. After I joined 8 thWing, I couldnt get rid of my old tow-ship. I still take the Arcadia out every few solar weeks. Kell says its a heap of junk, but I think hes got some sentimental attachment to it. The former scavengers eyes gleamed, and Celene could guess that Mara was reliving the early, combustible days of her relationship with Kell.
Its not just sentimentality. Celene waved a hand toward the Phantom. My Black Wraith has superior maneuverability, better weapons.
The admiral answered, Black Wraiths arent designed for deep space missions. The Phantom is. Further, if Mareks disruptor is implemented against your Wraith, you and Lieutenant Calder would find yourselves alone and helpless.
Exactly as Celene had been once before. She wouldnt let anyone else in Black Wraith Squad feel that way. If that meant shed have to fly a Phantom for this mission, shed do it.
All right.
Admiral Gamlyn smiled, wry. Delighted that my decision meets with your approval, Lieutenant.
Sorry, maam.
The admiral walked over to Calder and Kell, and the three of them began discussing the modifications, including the device Calder had installed to track Mareks power signature.
Hey, look at it this way, said Mara. Everyone knows you kick ass flying a Wraith. Now you get to show em what youre really made of. Prove your skills as the best pilot in the 8 thWing. She paused. Third best.
Celene raised a brow. Third?
Kells first. Then me.
When I get back from this mission, you and I are going to have a little competition. A few races, some obstacle courses. Then well see who claims the title.
Deal. Mara stuck out her hand, and Celene shook.
Being a legend isnt all free drinks and backslaps.
Mara rolled her eyes. Right. The naked idol worship is extremely inconvenient.
Try having a bad day when your lover thinks the Corvalian sun shines out your ass. Break a nail. Stub your toe. Or, hells, maybe you dont want to talk about what an amazing pilot you are. Maybe you simply want to watch dumb comedy vids that night. When he looks at you like you just
killed the Solstice Bird, then you and I can talk about the price of being the best.
Mara stared at her. Fuck. Celene, I
With a shake of her head, she refused any sympathy. The cost of expecting the best of myself. If making sure the 8 thWing can beat PRAXIS means I dont have a date on shore leave she shrugged, thats a damn small cost.
Still, Maras gaze held far too much sympathy for her comfort. Mara planted her hands on her hips and directed her attention toward the Phantom.
Nervous?
Hells, no. I just want to get this mission started.
Mara nudged her shoulder. Cant wait to be alone with Calder? Its a cozy little ship. Room for two. Close quarters.
She snorted. Youve inhaled too much meteor dust, scavenger.
We watched you two in SimCom on the vid feed. Id seen you in action, so I know you could fight. But Calder Mara lowered her voice. Holy gods, that was unexpected. I didnt know NerdWorks threw down like that.
Neither did I, she admitted.
He looked incredibly hot doing so.
Her mouth curled. Arent you Kells woman?
Kells my man. But just between us She leaned closer. Calders pretty sexy. The moves on that guy. Not to mention his ass. Nova-level.
Didnt notice. Too busy fighting off sentries. Untrue. She had noticed, and in addition to being pretty damned impressed by Calders fighting skills, she hadnt failed to appreciate that he had one fine body. She saw it now as he moved around the Phantom showing the admiral the modifications he had made to the ship.