A Fly in the Ointment
Posted on Tue Jan 9th, 2018 @ 7:49am by Staff Sergeant Shayla Kunadt
Edited on on Thu May 31st, 2018 @ 9:54pm
990 words; about a 5 minute read
Mission:
Episode 2 - The Enemy Within
Location: Shuttlebay, Deck 10
Timeline: MD003 1200 hrs
Tags: SD 71375.1200
Shayla walked around the Hawkeye trying to get a feel for the craft that she would be primarily responsible for. It was bulky, with folded up winglets to allow for easier storage. The warp nacelles were embedded into the body of the craft to provide more protection. She knew that theoretically it could hold three crew and nine passengers but the CO had already let her know that the entire sixteen Marine detachement would fit onboard, even if they had to get a little comfortable. Shayla smiled. The CO was kind of stiff but he appeared to know his business, which she appreciated.
"Only your mother could love a face like that though," Shayla said, running her hand across the nose of the ship.
"Don't judge a ship by its nose." Jax let out a chuckle. Part of what she did as Chief of flight ops was more then fly the bird but also run all flight operations. "These Argos are a real workhorse now a days. I have had the chance to pilot a few for the Intel boys on a couple missions. They are like a flying tank. Not the most maneuverable but they can take a licking."
Shayla turned around, her eyes narrowing. "So you're a pilot too?" She said, scanning the woman. "Ma'am," she continued in a more neutral tone. "I didn't know there was anyone else around here besides me. I just wanted to get to know the Hawkeye before we have to do any work together. All ships are different even if they are the same type."
"I agree. Only pilots get it. Each ship or shuttle really has a life of its own. You have to really gel with them to find what their strengths and weaknesses are. I am Storm most people call me Jax." She offered her hand in greeting. "I am Chief of Flight Ops."
Shayla took the hand and shook briefly. "Lance Corporal Shayla Kunadt," she said and then smiled. "Best pilot on the Pioneer, ma'am.
Jax gave a curious look at the last comment. "Well that maybe disputed but its always good to have self-confidence." She thought to her how could she really be she is wearing green. "So what did you do before the Pioneer?" She asked trying to change the subject.
"My last assignment was on the Iowa as a fighter squadron leader. You heard of her? Big old rust bucket that saw a lot of action in the Dominion War. Before that I was learning how not to crash fighters on the Creed another old rust bucket but at least she was a carrier," Shayla said crossing her arms and looking at the Hawkeye. "And you, ma'am?"
"My last assignment was on the Hawk doing flight ops. That was my first gig out of the academy. Before that I was running Viper class fighters out of Starbase 39." Jax gave her resume. "Some times I miss the fighters."
Shayla sighed. "Me too. I love the way it feels to be flying as fast as you can think, trusting your instincts and covering your friends' six." She shuffled back and forth on her feet. "Things are different here. I have to talk to the CO, which sucks because I'm always afraid I am going to say the wrong thing and I have to fly this tin can, and I've only got holodeck training on her. I need to get out and actually fly to find out what I don't know or else something bad will happen."
Jax smiled a bit. "Well when you go talk to the CO I hope that goes well. I have no problem clearing you for some flight time. Nothing says while we are out of warp that you can't take this one out and get a feel for her." Jax ran her hand on the ship again. "It really is the only way you will get to know her. If anyone gives you flack let them know I approved it."
Shayla realized she'd made a communications error. "My apologies, ma'am. When I was referring to the CO I was talking about Lieutenant Cunningham, not Captain Malbrooke," she said and then laughed. "I hope to never have to talk to the captain. Officers are people you should avoid whenever possible. No offense."
She cleared her throat. "But I will take you up on that flight time. And if you have any advice about this type of vessel, I am all ears."
Jax smiled at the officer comment she used to be the same way. "Well with these its good to remember that its not a fighter. It doesn't make its living on being fast and nimble and making people miss. It is about transporting. So it can take a pretty good licking if needed and if you push it right you will be surprised how responsive it can be." Jax stopped realizing she was rambling. Which she did when talking about flying.
"Well, I guess," Shayla said. "I will miss high G maneuvers though." Her combadge began to beep. Shayla tapped it, a worried look on her face. "I'm sorry, ma'am but I gotta run. The lieutenant is having a meeting with some of the detachment and I am going to be late. Permission to depart?"
"Yes just make sure you get with me or my people to get some seat time." Jax said with a smile. As she continued her rounds checking on the ships.
"Roger that, ma'am. Thank you. See ya round," Shayla said and took off.
A Joint Post By
Lieutenant Junior Grade Jacqueline Storm
Chief Flight Control Officer, USS Pioneer
Lance Corporal Shayla Kunadt
EVAC Pilot CFT, USS Pioneer
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