Chapter 15: All Rise For Inspection
(Reaper's POV)
Reaper stood at the front gate of the Academy in his officer's uniform. Around him the rest of the Academy Staff was assembled and waiting for the arrival of Admiral Halsey. Many of the staff where wearing their best office suits a stark contrast to some of their usual apparel. Those that had military experience where in their dress uniforms. Most like Reaper himself didn't do this as a way to look presentable like their coworkers but instead show their pride in their previous service.
Reapers outfit however was in contrast to those from Lylat making him stand out all the more along with being human. The outfit composed of a pair of dark grey dress pants with a single line of black going down the side of each leg secured by a black leather belt with a silver buckle. On his upper body he wore a black jacket with silver buttons and clasps. The shoulders had a strip of silver that went to the upper arm and encircled the Unit Insignia of Shadow team which was a group of four black triangles in a diamond formation flying past a crimson sun. On the front of his jacket was a plethora of campaign medals and awards that had frankly surprised the other vets due to the small size and simplicity of the medals and the large number of them. The look was completed by a grey beret and a pair of black dress shoes.
Reaper waited with the rest of the staff for a few more minutes before an APC suddenly turned the corner about a block from the school and made its way toward the gate. When the vehicle reached the entrance it stopped and the back opened up allowing two Lylatians in Cornerian Army fatigues to jump out and clear the immediate vicinity before one of them looked toward the open ramp and said something. Soon after this a figure stepped out the back that all who were witness knew the identity of on sight.
Admiral Rachel Halsey steeped out of the APC and anyone there could instantly attest to why she was considered in the top 10 most attractive females on Corneria. The admiral had on a forest green jacket that showed off her hourglass figure with gold buttons and shoulder boards. Her dress pants where a light grey and hugged her form in such a way that Reaper doubted that they were standard issue and instead more likely custom made.Her uniform did little to hide her beauty and instead worked to complement her figure including showing off her ample cleavage and shapely rear. The dress pants seemed to hug body and showed off her long legs. The standard Cornerian green actually brought out her lush well-kept grey fur and her officers cap that's brim was drawn down brought out her amber eyes that many could get lost in. The coy smile that played across her muzzle when she saw the welcoming committee did little to subtract from her beauty.
While many would stop their analysis there Reaper and a few other vets where aware of some other keen fact about the female admiral approaching them. Firstly Reaper could tell thather amber eyes held a mischievous glint that hide a frighteningly sharp intellect that was carefully scrutinizing them and seeming to make internal plans for all of their future. Her bearing also screamed of authority and with a hint of danger. "Dangerous" was the thought that came to Reapers mind when he finished his analysis. He would defiantly have to be careful on this little tour he was to take her on.
(Rachel Halsey's POV)
Rachel approached the academy's welcoming committee with a measured pace and confidant stride however she knew that most would just notice the sway of her hips and her figure. However this was done purposefully on her part, she had other uniforms styled to be much less flattering and more formal but she had chosen this one for the purpose of seeing who was able to see past her appearance and notice the other aspects of her.
This was not the first time she had employed this tactic. Indeed throughout her career she had used this same tactic to get what she needed from her superiors, after all if they were too weak willed to fall for an attractive female they didn't deserve to be her superior. Even if it helped contribute to the rumor that she had slept around to get to her rank she did not care as many knew that to be untrue and frankly she was skilled enough at the job that nobody questioned her worth. This same method also transitioned over to her personal life and came essence useful on dates with would be suitors. Now as she approached the congregation of academy staff she saw that almost all of them where enamored by her looks however she was pleasantly surprised to see a few of the staff that appeared to have looked past this. She was also particularly happy to see a certain human among them.
"Ah Admiral Halsey welcome to the Lylat Flight Academy." An elderly and portly goffer stated as he stepped forward. "My name is Mr. Gulch and I am honored that you have graced us with the honor-"
"I'm afraid I don't have time for pleasantries Mr. Gulch. I have a very busy schedule today and would rather just get right to my inspection. Now who is my escort?" Halsey interrupted wanting to skip talking to the arrogant gopher and already knowing who had been given the job considering her 'request'.
"Ah, yes very well then." Mr. Gulch said pretty much subdued by the commanding presence of the Admiral. He looked to Reaper and waved him over.
As the human approached Rachel couldn't help but appreciate the military splendor that was the human's dress uniform and the plethora of small medals on the front. "Campaign medals? I would say at least fifty of them too. Perks of being a mercenary I suppose." She thought as the human stopped in front of her and presented himself while giving a salute.
"Admiral Halsey. Captain-Commander Reaper, Representative of the Venom Defense Force and Instructor of the Advanced Aerial Combat class of the Lylat Flight Academy. I'll be your escort for the day." The human stated in a respectful voice full of professionalism.
Halsey rose a questioning eyebrow "Captain-Commander?"
Reaper nodded "I am technically a part of both the Air Force and the Navy being a Captain in the Air Force and a Commander in the Navy, thus Captain-Commander." Reaper explained before Halsey nodded and returned the salute. "As you have already stated that you are in a hurry maim is there any location in particular you want to see?" The human asked the admiral.
"Oh we're going to get along fine." Rachel thought with an internal smirk.
: Time Skip Two Hours Later:
(Reaper's POV)
"And this is my classroom, the students are all currently out in other classes but I can show you the facilities." Reaper announced as the pair entered the room with Reaper allowing the Admiral to explore the room as he described the many functions.
"As you can see we have a holo display in the center of the room. We use this to review the performance of the students in the simulators during and after a session." Reaper explained the Admiral approached the globe and examined it and the student desks which where all angled slightly so as that the display was in direct sight of the occupant.
"… How often do the students go into the simulator?" the Admiral asked as she examined a few posters on the wall of ship diagrams and capabilities.
"We try and get all of them into a sim at least once every two days but if we can't they will do so first thing the next day." Reaper answered to the Admirals inward surprise.
Rachel knew that most trainees usually had maybe 10 to 20 runs at most in a simulator before they were sent to the active forces. This was due to the fact that most pilot training revolved around more theory and lecture type teaching styles. However from what Reaper had said she believed that he had gone with the opposite approach relying more on experience and hands-on learning. In all honesty she was encouraged by the thought of the different teaching style, she had honestly been irritated by how nervous many new pilots had been when confronted with flying an actual fighter craft. She was eager to see if the new teaching method would change this aspect and stream line the transition from training to active duty for recruits.
"I see and what do they do during these simulations?" She asked wanting more details as the pair walked through the doors at the back and into the simulation room and the admiral examined the machines with an appraising eye.
"Well we obviously do basic dogfighting with varying scenarios and alternating between AI opponents and other students as opponents. Beyond that we have done CAP* missions, ground attack missions, atmosphere and space combat simulations, and some large space combat simulations. We have also started to incorporate terrain flying while incorporating overlaying air defenses networks and fighter coverage." Reaper relayed as Rachel stared at him in shock before she shook her head to focus again.
"Well you certainly are thorough." She stated with amusement.
Reaper for his part shrugged "I wanted to prepare them for as many scenarios as I could. I'm pretty glade I did actually as I discovered that all of my students have certain strengths to their flying that I plan to use to determine their aircraft and roles."
Rachel nodded before she turned around to face him before leaning back against one of the simulators and relaxed. "You know I heard about your classes second semester. Four months with an active duty unit right?"
Reaper for his part stood professionally at parade rest and nodded his head "Yes ma'am." He replied wondering where this was going.
"Well I just happened to have a ship that will be completed soon that needs a fighter compliment. I have a few squadrons but need a few more. I wanted to know if you were interested in taking the job?" she asked while she held her breath for his answer.
Reaper for his part thought about it for a bit before replying "I assume this new ship is the CMS Vigilant Moon, one of the new Battle Carrier class right?" he asked.
Rachel was taken aback by the human's response "How did you know?"
Reaper shrugged "Level 9 Security clearance, General Hare wanted my opinion on the designs as we humans have a similar ship class." Seeing the admiral give a nod of understanding Reaper thought of the offer she had presented to him. On one hand the Fourth Fleet was operating on the fringes of Lylat space and thus could confront the unknown however they were also well experienced because of it. The fact that they were operating from a carrier was also beneficial as that was what shadow team was familiar with and the inclusion of other Lylat units was honestly a plus as it would allow them to practice working with other squadrons.
"Sure if you're offering a spot I would be more than interested in staying aboard the Vigilant Moon." Reaper finally answered causing the admiral to sigh in relief without him noticing before shaking his hand.
"Excellent! Now how about you show me the craft I'm letting aboard my ship." Rachel asked with an excited gleam after all she had heard amazing things about the human craft and wanted a look.
: Meanwhile at Ashley's apartment:
Ashley sat down in her apartment's living room with on her Lazyhound couch. Next to her was her roommate Fate who looked uncomfortable with the way she was fidgeting and shooting Ashley looks, likely questioning why she was here. Across from the pair was Fara sitting on a chair and looking as if she were about to go into an important business negotiation. The three of them where all sitting around a large coffee table drinking cups of tea that Fate had prepared just a minute ago.
The three sat there in silence for a couple minutes before Fara looked up with a serious look in her eyes. "I think it's about time we got down to business. We are here today to address the issue of Ashley's engagement to Reaper and the consequences of said action." She began in a diplomatic tone.
Ashley nodded while Fate seemed to wilt under the serious gaze of the vixen. Fara continued "By declaring her choice of mate as Reaper while under Pack Law Ashley has made Reaper susceptible to said law. I have looked up said law and based on Reaper's current credentials he would be required to have at least five mates to make up his 'pack'." Fara stated with air quotations. Ashley gave a nod along with Fate although she still looked uncertain as to where this conversation was going.
"Since the three of us here all wish to be a part of this so called pack I wish for us to come to an understanding and lay some ground rules. One of which is that we should likely find three others to complete the pack as even if we stuck with the bare minimum of five the council will likely push for more in order to try and get one of their daughters included. By having six total it would be harder for them to justify having a seventh and therefore less chance of them getting one of their little leeches on Reaper" Fara stated while Fate gave a little jump and blushed at the mention of her not so secret crush. While Ashley gave a determined nod.
"B-but Ashley is with Reaper right?" Fate asked uncertain.
Ashley nodded "Yes but I know for a fact that Fara is interested and had a semi-date with Reaper already and you have had a crush on him the longest of the three of us." Ashley stated as she looked at her longtime friend. The artic vixen seemed to blush harder and look off to the side.
"I am also acutely aware of the fact that there may be more girls that will want to pursue Reaper and since I can't really stop them with the pack law I think we should form an alliance between the three of us. I approve of the both of you and I feel like the three of us should work together to screen any bimbo that tries to get close to our mate." Ashley finished her explanation to the further stuttering of Fate and nodding of Fara.
"I agree, while I have only gone on one actual date with Reaper and am not officially registered as being a part of his pack I am planning to go a second date with him and pull some of my charm before breaching the subject. If he approves then my father will work an angle to get me registered as a suitable mate candidate on the council registrar before we announce a week later that I am indeed a part of his pack." Fara stated before looking to Fate. "And yourself Fate how to you plan to get involved?"
Fate seemed like a deer caught in the head lights as she sat ramrod straight and looked ahead with wide eyes. "U-um I-I don't…"
Ashley sighed "She has made absolutely no progress. In fact I think she has only had a handful of conversations with Reaper to begin with!" Ashley slumped into her seat in exasperation.
Fara looked both disappointed and amused "Really dear you need to work on your confidence issues if you want a chance with him." She stated as Fate looked down in embarrassment. "I'll tell you what since we are now basically sisters we will help you out. Now here is what you should do…"
: Back at the Lylat Flight Academy, Hanger Area:
"These craft are truly amazing! And you said that the students and your selves will be getting better ones when you arrive at my ship?" Rachel asked as she gazed in awe of craft arrayed around her.
Reaper for his part nodded "Yes the Arwing X was meant to be a new training craft anyway according to Phoenix Arms. The idea was that the use of them was to get an idea of the pilot's flight style and thus determine what type of role would best suit them. The new craft Phoenix Arms is coming out with are all based of the Arwing X designs so the transition will be as smooth as possibly between craft." Reaper explained as he tried to ignore the sight of Rachel's shapely rear as she bent over the cockpit of one of the Arwing X's. It was almost as if she was doing this intentionally.
Rachel for her part gave an unseen mischievous smirk as she noticed Reapers attempt to avoid being inappropriate. Really she did admire his attempt at professionalism but it was actually getting in her way of getting a rise out of the human. Maybe she should try a more direct approach?
"And what will happen to these aircraft once you transition to the new ones?" Rachel asked as she walked down the line of aircraft in front of Reaper while adding an extra sway to her hips.
"The Arwings will be left with the Academy for the next group of students. As for the Phantoms two will be going back to human controlled pace, one will be sent to the Venom Defense Force while two will be given to two of our students that I believe can handle them." Reaper explained.
"And who exactly has qualified for these two craft?" Rachel asked with a raised brow.
"Ashley has proven that she can handle to intense G-forces the Phantom subjects the pilot too and with her family ability she can be a dangerous factor on the battlefield within the Phantom. The other pilot would be Nick as despite the fact that he has little combat experience and no serious training before the academy he has shown exponential growth while in my class and actually is one of the rare all around pilots of the group. He can, with a bit more experience, become a master dogfighter and I think being in the pilot seat of the Phantom will help bring that out." Reaper finished.
Rachel looked around the hanger one last time before she gave a nod. "All right I have seen enough. I best be getting back to my fleet."
Turning back around she regarded the human "So giving the Phantom to you soon mate to be?" she said in a questioning voice before chuckling "You sure do no the way to a girls heart." She said as she walked toward Reaper in order to pass him and leave.
However as she was approaching she wanted to say one last little comment "I'm really looking forward to having you aboard my ship soon so we improve Lylat and human relations." She finished sensually as she flicked her tail to run under Reapers chin and leaving the human dumb founded as she left the hanger.
Reaper looked after her as she walked out "I was right. She is DANGEROUS."
And finished! Sorry this took so long to update but Finals are approaching for my senior year of college and shits been tight.
Anyway as always stay frosty and don't forget to Review!
CAP*- Combat Air Patrol a form of escort mission with fighters either covering ground or air forces.