Chapter 2 - Call Sign
It was just a dream. It was just a freakin dream!
I sat up in my bunk, hitting my head on the ceiling. Gotta remember that is there. I rubbed my head. It was morning, and the sun was just about to come up over the hills looking over Avant Airbase.
I hopped down the thin metal ladder, and planted my feet on the cold wood floor. I almost tripped because it was so clean, the sunlight was gleaming off the floor, nearly blinding me. I made it to the front door and walked outside.
That's funny, I didn't notice sand when I first got here last night. Sparrow Squad's barracks was had a basketball court in front of it, and a marvelous view of the ocean,too. I heard someone walking, coming around the corner . It was Maj. Winters.
"Oh, hey kid.", she said. "Had a rough night last night?", she asked.
"Wha?, oh not at all.", I said. "I got to meet almost everybody, you do this for all the rookies?", I asked.
"We do. Not everybody else, they're by the book.", she said "What made you get up early? Still got about an hour before Reveille.", she said.
"I really don't know.", I said, scratching my head. "You shoot hoops before?", she asked. I didn't notice that she was wearing an old faded t-shirt and short basketball shorts, showing off her long legs.
"I did for a little bit, but I didn't exactly go with it. Wasn't my sport.", I said. "But I can shoot for sure.",I said.
"Ok, we'll shoot just for the heck of it.", she said. Time flew by faster then a jet. by the time we were done, Reveille sounded over the loud speakers.
"Better get back inside, Long lines for showers and shaving.", she said. "Where do you go?", I asked.
"Ladies,duh! I'll catch you later, YOU sir, have a lot of introducing and classes to do still.", she said.
Classes! I wasn't told about classes!? When will I get to fly a real jet then?, THIS is what I chose over jail, MORE classes?
I ran back inside and quickly took a shower and bushed my teeth, and shoved on my flight suit. The Sparrow patch set neatly and tight on my shoulder, perfect.
I followed the older guys to the mess hall. Some were young in their 20's. Some were veterans, in their mid 20's early 30's. Some were tall. Short. Wide. Long. Buff. Not so buff. Light. Dark. And then there was…..me, the nugget. The lowest of the low. The Mess hall was full of life when I entered. It was loud with the chatter of men and women, clamoring and clanging of the metal trays and utensils.
I got my food and started to look for a place to eat. Just like on the first day of school.
I was walking down the aisle, when suddenly someone spoke up, "Hey, new guy!", the man shouted and waved.
"Over here, hurry.", he said. I looked and saw the sparrow patch, "Oh,hey. What's up?", I asked. I sat down.
The asian looking man asked me, "What's your name, kid?". "David, or Dave. I prefer Dave, though", I said.
"Name's Shogun, my real name is Ed.", Shogun said. "This is my wingman, Hog.", he said.
I looked over to the skinny white guy stuffing his face with food, "Mice ta meet ou", Hog said through a mouthful.
"My name is Hog, real name Jason. I guess I don't have to explain why, haha, you gonna eat that?", he asked, pointing to the mashed potatoes.
"Nah, take it.", I said. "Thanks.", Hog said.
"So, uh what's your call sign?", Shogun asked.
"Callsign?", I asked. "Your nickname.", he said.
"Oh, I don't have one….yet.", I said.
"Well, you're in luck! We help the noobs get their names", he said.
"Ok.", I said.
"What are your interests?", he asked.
"Well, dogs are my favorite animals, I had a lot crushes in high school, and I like baseball.", I said.
"Hmmmmmm, dogs, lots of crushes on the ladies, baseball. Got it", said Shogun.
"Well, what is it?",I asked.
"Doggy", said Hog.
"Doggy?", asked Maj. Winters.
"Yes,sir.", I said.
I was in the Commander Alderson's office for introduction and assignment to Sparrow Squadron.
"Who gave this call sign to you, son?", Cmndr. Alderson asked, his western style mustache moved as he spoke.
"Shogun and Hog,sir!", I said, standing at attention. Rigid and firm.
"At ease, Atherton, no need for impressions. Shogun and Hog, huh?", he said, turning to Winters. She looked down and toward the floor.
"Those two jokers…", she said
"It'll have to do, welcome aboard, Doggy. Welcome to the 135th Fighter Squadron, The Slick Sparrows.", Commander Alderson said.
"Thank you, sir!", I snapped a sharp salute and followed Maj. Winters out the door.
"Now, we begin your training.", she said
"This is gonna be fun.", I said.