Chapter 5
Bill went back to organizing quartermaster requests after hanging up. He was getting a trifle frustrated, and more than a trifle worried. What in the world could have been the problem?
Not much I can do about it right now. Let's see, we need two new helmets, a replacement hydraulic drive for Keeler's landing gear…
He glanced at a dead appliance next to his office door.
A new fridge…
"Bill! Hey!"
"Perry!, take a seat." Bill gestured at a chair beside his desk.
"So what'd the General say?"
"Nothing." Bill returned to his work.
"Nothing?!" Perry shook his head in disbelief. "Now I know something's up. You wanna raid Rathcoat's office?"
"Not this time, buddy." Bill said warningly. "How's the rookie doing?"
"He's still sub par, but improving. A few more days in simulator and live runs and he'll be flying like a real Husky."
"Hmm Good." Bill traced through the rest of his requests. "Perry, have you heard from Old Ken lately?"
"Nah. Last time I saw him was at the reunion last year." Perry was, of course, referring to the meeting between all the members of Husky Squadron who had fought in the Battle of Katina many years ago. Sticks had been there too, since Husky was his first squadron, with Fang being his first command.
"Ah well. I could sure use some advice with this whole mysterious secret the Top Brass are keeping. He must have it easy with that new spaceliner job."
"Mind if I join the seniors club?" Francine stood at the door. Seniors was something of an exaggeration, since none of them was above thirty, but the three of them, plus Wallace, were the oldest members of the squadron, and the only veterans from the war with Andross still with Husky.
"Sure Fran. What's bothering you?"
"Nothing." The white fox shrugged. "But the kids are more comfortable without me, and I'm more comfortable with you guys. Have you requested that new fridge yet?"
Bill turned back to his computer. "Almost. Just gotta send this requisition." He hit a button and the words "Requisition Sent" flashed up on screen. Then his computer beeped.
"That's one heck of a reply time!" Francine exclaimed.
"No." Bill frowned. "It's from Starfighter Command, direct from General Rathcoat."
"What's it say?" asked Perry.
Bill kept silent as he read it, then remained silent for a moment afterwards.
"It says to get our things together and packed in case of immediate deployment, and to ensure our fighters are fueled and pilots combat ready. Everyone has to be in the briefing room for an announcement within two hours."
Perry's jaw hung slack. Francine asked "What? We're being re-deployed?"
"Not just us." Bill replied. "It's a general mobilization order. Francine, get all the Huskies into the briefing room, and Perry, get everyone from Fang, Bulldog and Demon in there too. Looks like we're going to war."