The CAG

The members of Omega Squadron had finished unpacking their Cobras and were heading towards a lift that would take them to the bunk deck. When they were about five feet from the lift a side door opened and an older woman with long brown hair came out. They spotted her rank insignia instantly and snapped to attention and the Wing Commander said, "Commander on the Deck!"

Drake walked over to them and looked the Wing Commander in the eyes. "I am Commander Patricia Drake," she began. "The CAG."

A few of the pilots exchanged "Oh, shit!" looks with one another and Tracer swallowed his gum. Drake had a cold frown on her face. Clearly she meant all business.

"So you're this Omega Squadron I've heard so much about," she said. "Very well, let's get acquainted. Rank, name, and callsign!"

The Wing Commander spoke first, "Second Lieutenant Johnson, Michael N. Callsign, Rapier."

The pilot who had been carting all the alcohol spoke next, "Second Lieutenant Baker, Thomas R. Callsign, Waborita."

"Waborita?" inquired Drake.

"Yes, ma'am," said Waborita.

"Next," said Drake.

One of the female pilots spoke next, "Second Lieutenant West, Cassandra V. Callsign, Bitch."

Drake raised an eyebrow, looking intrigued, but still displeased.

A second female pilot was next, "Second Lieutenant Tolwyn, Kimberly C. Callsign, Princess."

"Tolwyn?" inquired Drake. "As in Admiral Geoffrey Tolwyn?"

"Yes, ma'am," said Princess plainly. "He was my uncle."

"Next."

It was Tracer's turn now to speak, "Second Lieutenant Sinclair, Jacob J. Callsign, Tracer."

The pilot who had estimated the size of the Palau spoke, "Second Lieutenant Patrick, Duncan R. Callsign, Midnight."

The last female pilot was the final one to speak, "Second Lieutenant Pepper, Ariel M. Callsign, Chameleon."

Drake walked up and down their row, visually examining them. Once she was satisfied she stood in front of Rapier and looked him in the eyes again. "We have a long way to go to get to our final destination," she said. "You will be the squad most directly responsible for keeping the bugs away. You screw up and I'll have your asses in the brig faster than you can blink. Understood?" Her gaze never broke from Rapier's.

"Yes, SIR!" the entire Omega Squadron spoke in unison.

"Good," continued Drake. "Now get your gear stowed in your quarters and meet me and the Commodore in Pilot Country in one hour. Dismissed!"

The Omega Squadron saluted and got into the lift.

In the lift Waborita spoke first. "And I thought they called you Bitch," he said to West.

"Save it, Wabo," said Rapier. "We'll only have to deal with her before and after missions. Our real trouble will come from their other squadron commanders."

The lift opened to the crew quarters deck. They found their assigned bunks with no trouble and quickly stowed their things. Once finished they all got back into the lift and headed for Pilot Country.

To be continued…