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 Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 2:21 pm
*By the time Iden turned back, Frank was gone without another word, vanished into the sprawling air base. Iden would find mechanics busy to and fro all around him, kit for the jump being stowed in the rear beyond his own crate. At some point, the smell of fur passed him, two green eyes opening in front of Iden from on top of his crate as he finished stowing it. Javos grinned like a cheshire cat, then closed his mouth and eyes, becoming once more invisible.
A few minutes later, Roan poked her head around the ramp door*
Yo, you ready childe? Debried starts in ten and we've gotta get back up t the hall.
Before you go... can ONE of you PLEASE tell me the weight of your cargo?
You're not gonna have an easy take off if I have to over fuel when I dont need to...
Ask the blue haired kid up there. Its HIS toys we're carrying.
We?
Im the Captain. Im taking this crate up today.
Oh my... so sorry ma'am.
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Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 3:19 pm
Iden had just finished belting it all down, when he felt something looking upon him. One of those creeping feelings.
He looked over his shoulder, and saw he really wasn't attracting attention...then he turned back to the crate, and saw Javos. Or at least, Javos' eyes.
Sweet s**t...
Iden's mumbled curse was spoken through gritted teeth. Javos had spooked him, plain and simple. With a sigh and a shake of his head, Iden turned to peer over his shoulder as Roan made her way to the ramp.
One minute!
Iden turned, to see that Javos had vanished from sight again. With a sigh, Iden secured the final straps, and made his way to the rear. A brief word to the tech worried about the fuel, and he was back to the 4x4, sliding into the side seat.
Punch it.
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Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 3:36 pm
Yes boss, right away boss.
*smirking as she slid into the seat next to Iden, after the mech had vanished to sort the fuel, Roan gunned the engine and drove back up to the buildings at the top of the field.
The room she led Idne to was filling with military. Men in purpose designed flight suits lounged around tables inside, chatting away and joking with each other. Each was carrying their own head gear, the room nigh on full. Every one of them had a falcon emblazoned on their clothing.
When Iden walked in, conversation stopped for a moment, and the men performed the usual trick of eyeing the newcomer up, assessing him, making snap judgements. ANd Iden nearly ALWAYS looked unassuming.
Conversation WOULD have restarted, but of course Roan followed him in. It was NOT so usual to have a woman around. Male eyeing up of a different sort followed. Roan winked at Iden*
Gentlemen. My name is Lady Roan DeSeer. I have enough money to buy this entire airbase, plus every other JSC in the country and then some. I own a small island in the Carribean. I live in a mansion surrounded by very capable men upon whom I depend and dote heavily.
UNfortunately for you, I am NOT here in my capacity as eligable bachelorette of the year. I am here because I hold a liscence to shoot every calibre of firearm allowed in this country and then some, because I have history as rank and file in the RAF as a modern day Wren and because I am ALSO qualified to fly aircraft, up to and including bombers, light aircraft, gliders, jets and passenger planes. The only thing I cannot pilot is a Harrier.
Now if you would all be so good as to look at my face instead of my breasts, I will take great pleasure in telling you I am going to be your pilot for the day. You will refer to me as Captain DeSeer for the duration, because Im not going to pretend to still be military, and we'll all get along just famously.
This is Iden Montag. He is flying with us today from another unit. He;s made jumps before and for all I cant seem to force him into any kind of uniform, I would appreciate it if you can ALL keep the testosterone to a minimum.
*she gestured for everyone to take a seat, sliding behind the desk facing them after she was done, smiling at the shocked, blinking faces looking back at her
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Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 3:58 pm
Upon entering the room, Iden found himself staring at a room full of pilots, and one thought was running through his mind.
Damn glad I'm not in the raghead getup yet...
Despite how perfect and hilarious such a scene WOULD have been, Iden was standing in his normal outfit of military surplus, from the waist down, and his sleeveless top, from the waist up. Note: no duster. That would have just made him look worse for being on a military base.
As he was being eyed up, Iden just stood, with utter confidence, and gave the lot of them the raised brow. He was eyeing them up as well, certainly, but he was waiting for what followed.
Roan's speech brought the smirk back to his face. Her wording, as it were, amused the HELL out of him.
:: Shoulda reminded me to wear the jumpsuit TO the base... bugger, it's in the car. ::
As Roan seated herself, so did Iden. He looked amusedly at the men whom had been stunned momentarily by her introduction, but remained silent. It was just TOO much for him to gun them down on the spot.
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Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 4:10 pm
*Roan caught Iden's smirk, but didnt react to it, merely looked to the door as her co-pilot walked in. Frank. Nodding to him, she scooted over so he could take his seat, dressed now in a much smarter uniform though still with the dog end behind his ear.
Next to come was the mission commander, and unit leader.
The briefing was the usual - a talk on flight course, timing, objectives and the like. The Falcon's were making a routine practice drop into new territory, to report back to the father platoon for training purposes*
..and as you have been informed, our pilot today will be Lady DeSeer. She's worked with the unit before, though never in such an open capacity. We're only running this exercise at ALL today because she volunteered to pilot for us. Leuitenant DeSeer, sat to your left, is also dropping today, but is on a seperate mission for the Government of Gaia, who work in close relation with ourselves. His operation and objectives are confidential and he will be jumping after the rest of you. Your goal for this mission is to focus on your own drop as a unit and cover the target zone as discussed. Lady DeSeer and Flight Commander Marshall will handle the secondary drop after you have all jetisoned. Any questions?
*There were some. Mostly, they were trying to ascertain what Iden was doing jumping with such a large crate and if he was aliability to them, but the commander's use of the word 'leiutenant' with regards to Iden had them grudgingly backing down and treating Iden as a commanding officer.
When the debrief was done, Roan waited for the room to empty before offering Frank a lift with her and Iden down to the plane, now on pre-flight prep.*
I aint gonna ask what you're up to this time Roan, but you got an ok kid there. I'll try not to crash the plane for him.
Thanks Frank. You're a real help.
*Roan smiled and looked at Iden*
You happy suiting up on the field, or you want some privacy?
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Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 12:29 pm
The reaction at large of the men around him made Iden smirk, though he didn't feel much like taking to the rank stated.
:: What is with you lumps and field promotions? ::
Iden "spoke" with amusement in his tone, making light of his discomfort with the notion of another ill desired promotion. He didn't honestly believe that to be the intent here, or he would have protested openly, instead of grumbling to himself, but it was still something of a sore topic to be reminded of.
Despite it all, his front remained impassive and attentive. He listened to the briefing, and kept his mouth shut, despite the impulse to show off to the men around him. When they were dismissed, Iden stood, and made straight for the pilot pair.
On the field works. So, I s'pose it's a bit late to say Frank said hi, isn't it?
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Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 12:35 pm
...maybe not such a good kid. Where'd you find him girl?
Under a rock, just like the rest.
Why you rich walla's wanna adopt every Tom d**k and HArry is beyond me, but... I gotta say, I approve of all of yours Ive met. Lets get your little nest egg airborne.
*Roan nodded and smiled, sliding back into her 4x4. As they drove down to the Hercules, she could only smile back at Iden, having not spoken into his mind since he'd regained his soul, even if it WASNT in his body right now*
You reckon you're gonna get s**t from the rest of the troops, kiddo?
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Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 12:41 pm
Iden failed to comment, whether that was a good thing or a bad. Instead, he shrugged, and let himself tag along to the 4x4. He climbed in the back, and let Frank take the shotgun position. Iden, after all, needed to liberate his jumpsuit from the back.
s**t? Bah, they wouldn't know how to fling s**t if they wanted to. I'll be fine.
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Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 12:47 pm
Cocky...
One trait I cant seem to help but pass on to them....
*Frank and Roan slid out of the vehicle in unison, heading for the plane, leaving Iden to kit up. The rest of the troops were boarding, taking their seats and checking their rigs as they jostled and teased each other.
Roan and Frank swung themselves up into the cockpit, and were soon deeple involved in pre flight checks.
Wing flaps shifted, lights flickered on, then the engines stuttered and hummed into a dull throb of life, idling as they too were checked. Over the tannoy, Roan's voice came clear*
Alrght ladies, buckle up, we're due to push back in five. Get your asses comfy, we've got a lot of turbulence above us and it aint gonna be smooth. Lieutenant, if you could attend me please?
*the latter was aimed at Iden*
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Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 1:35 pm
Cocky.
Spoken offhand, Iden was more preoccupied with climbing out of the vehicle. He was zipping up his flightsuit, a full black suit that effectively matched what the Falcons were wearing. The biggest difference was the emblem, a falling star emblazoned over a tri-pointed crest. This emblem covered the expanse of Iden's back, overlapping where the scars would be resting under his clothing. With his helmet under his arm, and pack over his shoulder, Iden made his way up the rear ramp of the plane. He ignored the Falcons, for the most part, and made for the front of the plane, as Roan called for him.
You ring?
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Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 1:52 pm
Yeah. Sit your arse down somewher near the front. We can chat about your exact drop point after we hit cruising alt, ok?
*As Iden came up the ramp and joined her, Roan flicked a switch and the ramp closed. The engines thrummed a little harder and she settled her helmet on her head, flicking the stras tight under her chin.
Nudging the mouthbud down with her cheek, she started speaking to ground control, confirming their flight number, departure achedule and route. Checks such as the tail, lights, fuel, engines and wing flaps were delivered with the usual droned necessity, then the plane began to move.
Pushing back , the huge plane turned and taxi'd sedately towards the main runway, pausing only to let a Bulldog land.
With the runway clear, Roan announced imminent departure, then took to listening only to Frank as they worked together. The Hercules turned its huge bulk onto the main runway. The engines roared, thrumming through the entire plane. For a few seconds, it didnt move... and then G force kicke din as the massive power in each eingine shot the several ton aircraft forwards, accelerating all the time, tarmac ruimbling beneath the wheels.
They gained speed for approxinamtely two minutes, then the nose lifted. 30 seconds later, the rear wheels lifted, the Hercules wavered for a second... and then started gaining consistant alititude, parting the air with sheer force.
At about 20,000 feet, the turbulance hit, rocking the plane viscioulsy from side to side, dropping it 500 feet suddenly as the aircraft climbed into cloud and rain.
Still speaking calmly, Roan and Frank fought the plane, dragging it upwards.... 22,000 feet.... 25,000..... and eventually, 28,000 feet - their cruising height, below the commercial airlines.*
Alright folks, we're up. You can loosen your belts, but dont move too far. We aint outta the bad weather yet.
*Pushing her mouthpiece back and unclipping the chin strap on her helmet, Roan leant back and flicked the auto pilot on*
Not bad, eh? Betcha never thougt you;d see yoru old mum do that.
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Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 2:57 pm
Alright, can do.
Iden stole the seat nearest to the front as he could manage, evicting one of the Falcons from his favored spot, from the sound of the grumbling involved. Iden wasn't particularly inclined to give a damn.
The takeoff didn't bother him. The bucking, the rocking, the gutwrenching drop...not a damn bit of it seemed to phase him. Finally, they hit their cruising altitude, and the smirk returned.
Not bad indeed. Better than MY last shot at flying...
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Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 11:05 pm
The less said about your last attempt, the better.
What, he crashed it?
Destroyed it. You cant call the mess HE made a crash.
Geez...
Dont worry. He's better at falling OUT of planes than flying them.
For his sake, I hope so.
*Grinning, Frank shook his head and went back to keeping an eye on the guages and read outs as the Hercules moved over water*
We got a few hours. Anything you wanna go over Iden? Or are you totally happy about this?
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Posted: Tue Dec 23, 2008 7:06 am
'Bout as happy as any man can be hopping out of a plane at such an altitude.
Iden, quite tactfully, had dropped the topic of his last flight. Instead, he just kicked back as best as his seat would allow, and waited. He was awake enough to chat, mind you...but as Roan had said, it would be a few hours.
Just as long as I hit the 'chute when I'm supposed to, I'll be fine. 'Sides...can't let these goons show me up, can I?
A flick of his head indicated that yes, he DID mean the Falcons.
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Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2008 7:05 am
Goons?
*the voice came from behind Iden's left ear - one of the Falcon's.*
Just who does this little punk think he is?
Settle down Marks...
WHh should I? Leuitenant or no, NONE of us know him, or the woman at the controls but at least SHE is flying this thing right and not pretending to be all that... this guy's a weed!
Jeezus Marks... muscle isnt everything...
Says who? WHy ya sticking up for him anyway? He;s not one of our unit.
*there was ALWAYS one. Always. Roan rolled her eyes at the controls and looked at Iden, indicating with looks alone she wanted him to deal with the noisy upstart, while Frank chuckled and leant back, also happy to let the 'leuitenant' put the troublemaker back in place*
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