Chapter Twenty
"Dammit!"
Sven couldn't help but grin as he heard Lance's voice from the flight simulator. He had been in there an easy three hours. He had to be fatigued. The longest Keith ever spent in the sim was four hours, an academy record. Sven leaned over the outer shell of the sim.
"Lance, my friend, I think you should take a break. It's easy to wear down in that thing. You'll fly better after a break," Sven wisely advised. Lance hung his head. He knew Sven was right. But he kept hearing Keith's voice in his head. Remember, Lieutenant. Think like me…
Lance could do a perfect impression of Keith. He'd known him most of his life. Yet when it came to combat he just didn't see things as clearly or calmly as Keith. Lance gave a sigh. He stared at the screen in front of him as it rapidly flashed 'CRASH' at him. He unclipped his restraining belt and stepped out of the sim. He felt Sven's hand on his shoulder blade, giving him an encouraging pat.
"Lance, Romelle has plans with Allura this evening. Why don't you join me in town for a drink?" Sven asked him invitingly. Lance shoved his hands into his pockets.
"Sure, Sven. Why the hell not…" A drink was just what Lance needed to clear his thoughts.
"Great. Meet you at the stables in ten," Sven grinned and stepped out of the room.
A handful of minutes later, a fresh-faced Lance stepped into the stable. He had changed out of his jumpsuit and donned his precious leather jacket, cargo-style pants, and a crisp shirt. Keeping an eye out for Sven, he wandered over to his horse's stall. He couldn't help but grin as Solo spotted him and gave a light whinny. Solo was a terrific horse. Lance held out a carrot he snuck from the kitchen to him. The horse ate eagerly as Lance stroked his black mane. Solo was very much like Lance. His name originated from Lance's favorite movie series, as well as represented much of Lance's life. Before he met the rest of the team in the academy, Lance had been a loner. Having lost his parents and siblings in a Drule attack, he developed a rather large chip on his shoulder. Keith was the closest he had to a brother now, and his upcoming marriage was a sign of the change of times.
"Lance, are you in here?" Sven's voice carried through the stables. Solo paused his chewing and glanced up. Lance gave him a pet.
"Yeah, Sven. Solo and I are ready to head out," Lance answered.
Sven placed a saddle on one of the other horses and quickly made friends with him by means of a sugar cube. Lance hoisted himself on Solo and adjusted the reins. He guided Solo out of the stall, Sven not far behind him.