Green's Dragons

By James Vesping

Mercenaries: individuals who take part in conflict in return for personal profit. For Ronald Green, profit alone isn’t enough: his vision is to create solutions, whether through military force or peaceful means. But in the cutthroat world of mercenaries, finding ways to make his business successful while maintaining moral and ethical ideals is far more difficult than he imagined. Collecting a ragtag group of experienced and green pilots, he navigates the treacherous business of war to forge a reputation of trust and distinguish his brand in the world. But with a world engulfed in conflict, maintaining ethics and morality to build trustful relationships is nigh impossible when death is one stray bullet, one lucky missile, or one angry client away. Ronald Green’s lofty ideals will inevitably clash with reality as he attempts to succeed in a bloodthirsty world where the value of life is reduced to mere dollars. In the business of war, success is measured by profit, and failure by death.

• Language: English
• Publisher: James Vesping
• Release date: Oct 6, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005446758

James Vesping

James Vesping is a former network technician, having worked in both the private and the government sector. He has worked in software and web development in both professional and hobbyist capacities, including several simulation projects for popular sandbox games. In 2015, he began writing novels as a hobbyist, which turned into a full time job by 2017. You can find him on the web at JamesVesping.com.

Book preview

1

Felix took a deep breath, then slowly let it out. Relax, Felix. It's just a familiarization ride; there's nothing to screw up here. He frowned at his own thoughts as he put them together. Yeah, but if I screw up, there might not be a real test!

First time in something this big? Enrico asked in a thick Italian accent as he climbed the steps into the rear cockpit. He settled in and checked a few things while strapping in, Hugh coming up beside him to help him get situated.

Yes sir, first time, Felix replied, nervously checking his own restraints. I think this is how they're supposed to fasten. Or at least I hope so!

Don't sweat it, kid, Hugh interjected, tapping Enrico's helmet and passing a thumbs up to him before shifting to the front seat. The T.4 might be an old bird, but loaded this light and she won't be a problem. Just enjoy it and listen to Pest.

Who? Felix asked.

That's me, Enrico answered, tapping a pocket on his flight suit. And you don't have to address me as 'sir.' 'Enrico' is fine, 'Mr. Verdino' if you want to be formal. I'm not an officer anymore.

Why do they call you 'P- Felix began to ask, then grunted as Hugh tightened one of the restraints.

Don't ask the man somethin' like that, Hugh grumbled. If he wants ya to know, he'll tell ya!

Enrico chuckled and nodded. Yeah, you'll find out later. You ready for this?

Well, I- Felix began, then was interrupted again by Hugh, this time tapping his head.

Helmet, kid, helmet, Hugh mumbled. Goes on top of your head and keeps your thick skull from crackin'.

Felix made a few flustered motions, then pulled his helmet up and onto his head, carefully securing it and making sure it was tight. Hugh looked over the fit, then nodded and tapped the top of the helmet.

Alright, looks good, Hugh said, giving a thumbs up. Ain't like there's much to protect in there anyways.

Felix frowned at Hugh, but before he could protest, Enrico let out a light chuckle.

Then with your permission, Enrico remarked with a smile, let's get this thing started. Still got a few more prospects to run through the motions after this one.

Hugh looked over the two pilots, then nodded. Looks good. Bring it back in one piece, OK? It is a rental, after all. He dropped down and pushed the boarding ladder away, followed by a tap on the aircraft's fuselage.

Alright, nothing to this – I'll get things started, Enrico mumbled, flipping a few switches in sequence to begin the startup process. Felix looked across the cockpit and saw various instruments come to life as power was applied, then began to hear a dull whine as the auxiliary power unit began to start. A dull thunk behind him got his attention and he looked back to see Enrico closing his canopy, then signaled Felix to do the same. He nodded, then reached over and pulled the canopy shut, locking it in place. I'm glad I don't have to learn to start this thing yet. Looks like it could fall apart at any moment.

A dull roar began, then got louder until it began to sustain itself. Felix knew it was the engine starting up, which in the T.4 sounded as if it were in the cockpit with him. I can't imagine what it sounds like to Enrico back there! The display on the right side of the dash came to life, followed by the crude moving map display in the center console – clearly 1980s technology. The T.4 was definitely not state of the art and whoever owned the aircraft clearly only paid enough to keep it barely running. Felix couldn't argue with that point as it was most likely used to train potential pilots like him, since they couldn't be trusted with anything more advanced – or expensive.

A tap on the glass behind him alerted Felix to look behind him, causing him to see Enrico pointing to the radio panel on the right console. Felix nodded his understanding and looked over to the radio, switching it to the on position, then looked over to the throttle and hit the rocker button to transmit on the intercom.

Radio check, 3, 2, 1, Felix said into the radio.

Sounds good, Enrico replied, though somewhat garbled by the electronic noises over the intercom. We'll have to wait a few minutes for the nav to align, so any questions before we get up into the air?

Uh, why didn't you ask me that earlier? Felix answered.

Must've slipped my mind. So, anything?

Yeah, uh... This really isn't being graded, right? It's just a general evaluation?

I promise, you're not being graded. Unless you crash and get us killed or total the aircraft, in which case I'd say you're definitely being graded.

Thanks. I think, Felix mumbled.

Kid, Ron – Mr. Green – needs pilots. It's risky business and anyone with real experience already has a place to go. If you can hack it, you're in; he obviously saw something in you or he wouldn't have given you the offer. This is all about going through the motions to make sure you're ready.

Felix thought back to his family back home and the bakery – this was the only way to save them, the only real way to bring in enough money in time to pay off the banks. "I won't fail. I am serious about this," he finally remarked over the radio.

Hold onto that and you're partway there, Enrico assured Felix. Determination and a will to keep going when everything tells you to stop is a huge part of the battle.

Felix thought for a moment, then frowned. What's the other part?

If you're asking me, it's luck. There's an old saying, I think from you Americans, it goes: 'All skill is in vain when an angel pisses in the flintlock of your musket.' Crude, but accurate.

That's... Never heard of that one before.

Enrico leaned over his dash to look at Felix. Really? Well, it's pretty accurate in our business. Better to be lucky than good, twice on Sundays. I've known more than a few guys who were good – better than you'll ever be – who just ran out of luck.

Felix looked back and raised an eyebrow at Enrico, but he wasn't sure if he could see his face. I don't like throwing things to chance like that.

Never said I did either; just the way things are. You do what you can to the best of your ability, but when Zeus wants to fuck you, he fucks you.

That's not very reassuring. What's the point if it's all about luck?

You find a better explanation for it, you let me know, Enrico remarked, his tone almost betraying an invisible grin.

Felix lightly shook his head and turned his attention to the sole multi-function display on the right side of the cockpit. It was a monochrome display, crude by modern standards but still able to display most of the information required for flight. He looked through the menus until he found an engine health page, which let him view the current engine state. It didn't reveal anything out of the ordinary, which relaxed him a bit. At least the engine will be healthy enough to take us to the scene of the crash.

Alright, looks like we're aligned, Enrico mumbled over the intercom. Let's get this show on the road.

Right. All set, Felix said. He took a deep breath and tried to relax, placing his right hand on the seat restraints.

Tower, Titmouse 1-1, requesting permission to taxi to runway 18, Enrico said out over the radio.

Titmouse 1-1, tower, you are cleared to hold short of runway 18, a male voice replied over the crackling radio interference.

Is it just me, or are the radios in this thing falling apart? Felix asked over the intercom, feeling a light surge as Enrico pushed the throttle forward.

Nah, there's just a lot of traffic over the tower frequency now, Enrico replied. You remember the basics of what we went through earlier?

Er, yeah, Felix mumbled in answer. Throttle, stick, pedals, plus nozzle lever?

You got it! Hands on the throttle and stick now, try to follow my motions.

Felix nodded and put his hands on the throttle and stick as directed, followed by resting his feet on the pedals. He felt the motions on them as Enrico kept the aircraft moving, with light touches on the controls to bring it around to the taxiway, then holding short of the runway as the tower had directed.

Tower, Titmouse 1-1, request permission to taxi to runway 18, Enrico once again asked over the radio. Felix took the opportunity to scan the skies left and right, seeing an aircraft inbound on approach to their left.

Titmouse 1-1, tower, hold, the tower replied.

Traffic off our port, Felix called out.

Enrico glanced to the left and nodded. Copy, I see them.

Felix watched as the aircraft got closer and closer, allowing him to see more details of it; it was an F-15E, about twice the size of their T.4, with probably at least three times the carrying capacity. Not a small jet. And not cheap either. Whoever owns that one has to charge a premium for their services.

There's a big jet for you, Enrico remarked. You do well enough, maybe you can sign on with somebody who's got 'em.

That's a pretty tall ladder to climb, Felix replied.

You do well working for Ron and you'll have a good set of skills to bring you to the front of the line. I guarantee it.

How do you figure? 'Green's Dragons' isn't exactly a household name.

Who else operates supersonic-capable Peregrines?

Felix frowned, then his eyes widened and he turned back to look at Enrico. You've got Peregrines?!

Enrico leaned to the side to meet Felix's gaze. Thought I mentioned that. Peregrines, FGR.3s. Supersonic VTOLs. Unique enough for you, kid?

Felix looked forward again and let out a sigh. Yeah, unique enough. Also well outside of my expertise.

Nah, you're a good fit. Light aircraft, transitioning to fast jets, no bad habits from military service. Get some confidence built up and you'll have it made. Everything after that is gravy!

But fast jets are- Felix began but was cut off by Enrico surging the throttle as the F-15E touched down and rolled past them.

Don't think of them as fast jets, Enrico remarked. The aircraft is an extension of your body. Know what it can do, what it can't, and use that to your advantage. Being fast or slow doesn't much matter if you can't utilize your advantages.

Being faster is better though, right?

Not exactly, no. Speed is just one more option and preferred because it's simpler. Being slow can be an advantage, too.

How do you-

Tower, Titmouse 1-1, request taxi to runway 18, Enrico interrupted over the radio.

After a second or two, the tower finally replied, Titmouse 1-1, tower, cleared to taxi to runway 18.

Copy. Enrico pushed the throttle forward and moved the jet to the runway, stopping just a short distance ahead of the connected taxiway. He did a brief controls check, then nodded. Tower, Titmouse 1-1, request takeoff.

Titmouse 1-1, tower, cleared for takeoff.

Enrico pushed the throttle forward and the engine roared with power, but the aircraft hadn't started moving yet – he held the brakes down to get the revolutions up, waiting til it surged toward the maximum before letting go. When he did, Felix felt himself pushed back into his seat as the aircraft quickly accelerated forward, uninhibited by any external stores or drag. This damn trainer is more powerful than I gave it credit for!

This T.4's all engine, man! Enrico shouted over the intercom. The engine began to sound different and Felix looked down to see the nozzle lever having been pulled back, indicating the nozzles were aiming downward rather than rearward. The jet quickly hopped into the air and began to climb, easily clawing into the air thanks to the massive amount of thrust provided by the engine.

You push the nozzles down for takeoff? Felix asked.

Yup! Not a requirement, but a bit easier on the gear, Enrico answered. The sound of working hydraulics and a few dull thunks indicated that he had raised the landing gear, causing Felix to look to the left vertical console to ensure the gear had properly retracted. Right. Looks good.

Gear's up, Felix confirmed.

Copy. The T.4 may not seem like it, but it's got plenty of juice – check this out! Enrico pushed the nozzles to the rear and pulled back on the stick, sending the nose skyward and forcing Felix into the seat. A quick glance at the heads-up display confirmed what his body felt and he grunted to deal with the force.

Aren't you pulling a bit too many G's? Felix grunted out.

Nah, in this config, it's pretty lenient, Enrico replied, relaxing his grip on the stick. He shifted the stick into a bank while kicking in some rudder to bring the aircraft into a climbing turn, then relaxed some stick pressure to allow the aircraft to level out. The climb had sent them straight up to 5,000 feet and the aircraft would not have stopped had Enrico not redirected its momentum.

I wasn't quite expecting this much power from a trainer, Felix said, looking out the canopy at the vast expanse below them. Texas at this time of year seemed like it was quite dry compared to the usual, but Felix knew that part of that was due to the drought conditions the state was going through. The price of oil still hadn't stabilized enough to make irrigation more affordable, so most farmers had opted to let their fields lay in fallow as they waited for better conditions – both economical and environmental.

T.4's fully combat capable, something the RAF insisted on back in the '70s, Enrico remarked. Unlike the Americans, the Brits felt it necessary to keep the same abilities. TAV-8's not bad, but it's pretty much just a trainer.

Felix thought for a moment as he tried to recollect some specifications. TAV-8 has a few advantages over the T.4 – well, more than a few. I guess it depends on what you're doing.

Why take a trainer over a combat zone? Felix finally asked.

Guy in the back can do other things while the pilot flies, Enrico answered. Spotting stuff, relaying stuff over the radio, things like that. Makes the workload a bit easier in several mission types.

Ah, I should have guessed, Felix mumbled, feeling embarrassed for not piecing it together. Great work, Felix! Not exactly making a good impression on him!

Ready to take control?

Felix nodded and prepared himself. Yes sir.

Alright, you have the controls. Show me what you can do!

Felix firmly grasped the controls, then pushed the throttle forward and began a light skyward climb. He shifted the stick left and right, rocking the aircraft around as he got a feel for the handling, then rolled inverted and pulled back into an inverted loop. He watched the G meter on the HUD to make sure he didn't pull too hard, then kicked into a left hand bank and made a spiraling dive. He picked something on the ground and imagined it as a target, then peeled around and made an imaginary attack run on it. He pulled out fairly close to the ground, then soared back into a climb and made some rolls back and forth, followed by pushing into the stick and back, to dodge the return fire he imagined might be coming back up at him.

Nice, nice! Enrico exclaimed from the back. Like a duck to water!

More power than I'm used to, but much better handling than a 182, Felix replied.

Now, let's try hovering it.

Felix's heart stopped for a moment. Hovering? I didn't expect that! Uh, yeah, do I need to get down low?

Yeah, bring her down to about 50 feet. Just glide down, then put the nozzles down to 83 degrees, steadily apply power while pulling back on the stick. At this weight we'll hover with no problem.

Felix felt himself begin to sweat, then he nodded his understanding. He reduced the throttle and began a gentle descent, aiming for an open field and planning to crash there if things went awry. As he pulled back on the stick, he felt the aircraft begin to stall, so he pulled the nozzle lever back and steadily applied throttle. The aircraft stabilized, but began to drift to the left and caused him to instinctively pull the stick right.

Easy, Enrico whispered. It's like a helicopter. Be light with the inputs, plan your moves out ahead of the aircraft.

Right, Felix whispered back, trying to relax his grip on the stick. He still felt nervous, unsure if he was really doing it right. One wrong move and we're a ball of flame!

The aircraft slowed down and settled into a stable hover, with a small hexagon on the HUD wrapping around to indicate temperature. It made Felix even more nervous, even though the small revolution and temperature readouts below the hexagon indicated everything was fine.

Now, Enrico began, the T.4 can't hover for long like this and it burns up a lot of gas doing so, but it's what makes it unique. That uniqueness is shared by the Peregrine, though it's far better at it – more automation and much more power.

It feels like balancing myself on a unicycle on top of a basketball, Felix mumbled as he balanced his control inputs.

Pretty much is. Now, increase the throttle and pitch forward, get us some speed, then slowly put the nozzles back.

Felix did as he was told, carefully pushing the throttle and pitching the stick forward. The aircraft began to climb a bit as well as increase speed, which in turn cued him to push the nozzle lever slowly forward. Within a few moments, the aircraft was flying normal again and he let out a deep sigh of relief.

You alright, kid? Enrico asked.

Yeah, yeah, just not used to it, Felix replied, though he still felt his body shaking.

Good. Now take us back and set her down.

Felix instinctively frowned. You trust me that much?

Gonna have to eventually. Just like hovering, only you actually set her down. Nothing to it.

Right, right. You call the tower or should I?

You're in control, you do it.

Felix nodded and double checked his radio, making sure it was set to the tower frequency. He pressed the communication rocker switch forward, hearing some static as he did so, then prepared to make his request.

Tower, Titmouse 1-1, requesting landing, Felix said into the radio, trying to keep his voice even.

Titmouse 1-1, tower, vector to 67 for 8 miles, a female voice replied.

Roger. Felix shifted the aircraft around on the required heading, watching his relative position on the map display. It wasn't incredibly accurate compared to more modern systems, but it was better than having absolutely nothing. It didn't take long for him to see the runway and the vector given by the tower put him in the right position for landing.

Tower, Titmouse 1-1, requesting landing on runway 18, Felix asked over the radio.

Titmouse 1-1, tower, cleared to land, the female voice replied, this time with a slightly more cheery tone.

Well, at least she's a bit happier. Felix carefully controlled the throttle, jumping back to the nozzle lever and adjusting it, followed by pushing the gear lever down. The sound of hydraulics once again echoed over the cabin, then a solid thunk indicated the gear was down. He glanced at the small gauge indicating the gear state, noting that three green lights were lit.

Gear is down and locked, Enrico confirmed. Bring her in nice and smooth for me. I want that tower crew to know we're professionals.

Felix nodded and tried to maintain a steady glide slope, carefully adjusting the throttle and nozzles, with his hand bouncing from the nozzle lever and throttle grip. To think that some guys can do this while being shot at! He saw the runway pass underneath them and carefully pulled back on the stick to slow down, arresting the aircraft's descent and gently touching down on the tarmac.

That's how ya do it, Enrico whispered. Hope Rita was watching.

Felix lifted an eyebrow, still focused on taxiing to the aircraft pad. Who?

Nothing. So, whatcha think? Handle all that and getting shot at?

It'll take some getting used to, but I think I can do it.

Enrico chuckled and nodded. We'll get you all trained up, don't worry about it. Park 'er right where we started off from and we'll debrief.

Felix gave a thumbs up and drove the aircraft back to their starting point, gently stopping in almost the exact same spot they began from. He heard a light clunk behind him and instinctively knew it was Enrico opening his canopy, so he did the same. His ears were assaulted by the sound of the engine, but it began to wind down as Enrico hit the kill switch. He looked over to see Hugh moving the gantry back up toward the aircraft, then hopping up the crude metal steps to check over them.

Good flight? Hugh asked as he helped Enrico unstrap himself.

Exceptional, Enrico replied, donning his helmet and standing. No problems with the aircraft, ran well.

Hugh grinned and lightly punched Enrico in his shoulder, then stepped over to Felix.

Didn't need the bone dome after all, Hugh mumbled. You careful with my bird?

Er, uh, yeah, Felix mumbled, taking his helmet off and standing up. Just not used to it yet.

Don't get too comfortable, Hugh grumbled. The Colonel has to check off on ya first.

Ron won't have a problem with him, Enrico said as he scaled down the steps of the gantry. He's a good candidate. All the right skills in the right places.

Felix hopped onto the gantry and frowned. Enrico is sure confident in me. Right skills in the right places?! That's not me!

He's a bonehead, Hugh growled, eyeing Felix with suspicion. Ain't what we need, Pest.

Felix passed an annoyed face to Hugh. How many guys go straight from a 182 to a T.4 without crashing it?

Peregrine ain't a T.4, Hugh mumbled back.

Enrico chuckled and shook his head. Let it go, Hugh. He'll fit in.

Hugh folded his arms and looked over Felix, judging him. Yeah, maybe. He held a finger up to Felix's face. But ya ain't goin' near Abby, got it? Young hotshot pilot like you, causin' trouble with my daughter.

Felix frowned. Daughter? You've got a daughter?

Ain't none of your business, bonehead! Hugh shifted his finger into a fist. Ya go near 'er and I'll deck ya!

Alright, fine! I won't! Felix grumbled back, hopping down the gantry and joining up with Enrico.

Enrico grinned and passed a casual salute to Hugh. Ron's on the next one, Hugh. Give her a couple thousand and a quick check.

Aye-aye, sir, Hugh replied, returning Enrico's salute, then turning around to check over the aircraft.

What's his problem? Felix whispered.

Abby is a bit... 'Touchy' with the squadron members, Felix replied. Hugh rescued her and took her in, so she's something like the squadron's daughter. He doesn't like how she clings to everyone, especially the younger pilots.

Touchy how?

You'll find out soon enough. Let's get in where it's cool and we'll go over the debrief.

Felix nodded and followed Enrico into a hangar, where they went through a smaller door to an enclosed room with a whiteboard. Enrico set his helmet down on the table in the center, then pulled out a chair and sat down. Felix followed his actions and sat down across from him, landing in the chair a bit harder than he anticipated. Guess that flight took a bit more out of me than I thought.

Now, Enrico began, we've pretty much established you can fly a fast jet, so that's out of the way. I saw that you were already trying to simulate attacking a target, so I'm pretty sure you're plenty capable of killing someone.

Felix grimaced, yet nodded all the same. Not super fond of the idea, but yeah.

Enrico leaned forward and narrowed his eyes at Felix, giving him a decidedly unpleasant look – it suddenly made Felix feel very uneasy.

Kid, if you can't kill, you can't make it in this business, Enrico softly yet firmly said. "Our business is all about war. We get paid handsomely to do it, and sometimes it becomes a very nasty business. Even with the Union, you're not gonna get a fair shake if you have to pull the handle over the wrong place."

Felix sat back in his chair and sighed. Would it be any different were we not mercenaries?

Enrico grinned and closed his eyes, then rubbed his face. He opened his eyes and dropped his unpleasant look. Probably not. But you'll be vilified like no one else will be. You'll be expected to take the blame for things that weren't your fault. Your reward is money, and a lot of it. He folded his arms and let out a sigh. A lot of guys can't deal with the infamy; others get too wrapped up in it. We try to straddle a fine line, which is pretty hard in this business.

How do you mean?

We don't just accept any job. We aren't going to help a dictator massacre a bunch of people or bomb a bunch of civilians. Legitimate military targets only; that's our stipulation in any contract.

Felix nodded his understanding.

Enrico lightly smiled and leaned back. Good. Just because it's a dirty business doesn't mean we can't be civilized about it. Personally, I'd prefer most of this stuff be settled with duels, but the world doesn't work that way.

I can do it, Felix calmly replied. And I'm willing to take the risks and the blame, if it comes to it.

Then be frank with me: why are you here?

To earn money and-

No, no, that's bull, Enrico interrupted, waving a hand. "Everybody earns money in this business. What are you gonna do with it?"

Felix sighed and looked aside. My family's bakery. The bank is threatening to take it away because they changed the terms of their loan. Nobody else was in a good position to do something about it, so I thought if I took what experience I had from the Guard, I could earn enough quick cash to save it.

Rough, Enrico remarked. But commendable. Family and something keeping you on the straight and level.

Felix looked back and frowned. How do you know I wouldn't do anything to get that money?

Enrico leaned forward and broadly smiled. "Because you wouldn't be able to look your family in their face nor your bakery without thinking of the blood you spilled to save it. This way, at least you can say you kept some honor intact, even if it's a distasteful business."

I'm not so sure I can agree with that, Felix mumbled.

So as long as you keep in mind why you're doing it, that's all that matters.

Felix glanced up and pursed his lips. What about you? Why are you doing this?

Me? Enrico shrugged. "The Marina Militare didn't feel it was worth it to give me the flight time I wanted. I wanted to do a bit more than buzz around the Med, chasing pirates one weekend a month."

You're just in it for the flying?

That and Felicia. Enrico tapped a pocket on his flight suit for emphasis.

And that would be...? Felix asked, his voice trailing off.

Enrico grinned and unzipped the pocket, allowing something to peek out. Slowly, a snake's head began to emerge, and the snake looked around.

Holy shit! Felix shouted, jumping back in surprise. Is that thing real?!

Enrico chuckled and stroked the snake's head. Yeah, Felicia's real. Goes up with me every time. He looked up and rubbed his chin. Well, not every time. Only when I know we're not going too high. Don't want her to get hypoxia.

It-it's not poisonous? Felix nervously asked.

Enrico waved a hand. Nah, Felicia's not that kind of snake. She's a good girl, isn't she? He smiled and gently scratched the snake's chin, to which it seemed to enjoy and gently closed its eyes. He carefully stuffed the snake back into the pocket, then zipped it back up.

Felix sighed and sat back down, bringing the chair back up to the table. 'Pest' isn't the first word I think of when seeing a snake.

"That comes from somethin' else. Enrico rolled his head around, relieving some tension in his neck muscles. Now, as far as I'm concerned, you're good to go. Ron gets the final say, of course, but I think he'll agree with my assessment."

Right. OK. Do I go talk to him now or what?

Enrico shook his head. No, we'll contact you in a day or two. It'll take some time; we've got a lot going on right now.

Felix nodded, then stood and held a hand out. Enrico returned his smile and reached out to take his hand, giving it a firm shake.

Don't go too far, Enrico warned, then shifted his smile into a grin. I expect we'll be in contact sooner than you think.

Yes sir, I'll stick around, Felix assured. He then released Enrico's hand and walked off, leaving through the same door they came in.

The sound of the T.4's engine roaring caused Enrico to glance outside, seeing Ronald and another prospect taking off. He sighed and folded his arms, knowing that they were nearing the end of their first phase. He heard footsteps echo out, followed by the conference room door slowly opening, which redirected his attention behind him to see Hugh standing in the doorway.

Smart kid. Good fit, Hugh mumbled.

Felix? Might have a confidence problem, Enrico remarked.

Ain't jaded like some of the others. Got a moral code at least.

Enrico passed a wry glance toward Hugh. You'd trust him with Abby?

Hugh snorted and grinned. Yeah, I would.

Enrico walked over to the window and looked out, trying to spot the T.4 in the air. If you think can trust him with Abby, I guess we can trust him with our lives. I'll let Ron know you approve.

-

2

Hugh checked off on him? Ronald asked, looking over the pages of Felix's resume.

Enrico nodded and took a drink from the water bottle in front of him before replying. He's young, but a quick learner. Has some business experience that the others don't, which will come in handy.

Tamar shuffled through some papers of her own, then nodded her assent. Mr. Acklund cheap. An investment go long ways. She glanced down through her glasses and slightly grimaced. Others not so. Some, uh, expensive. Much ego.

Ronald passed a curious glance to Tamar. Which ones are you concerned about?

Tamar pulled out a few pages and set them on the coffee table in front of the trio. Mr. Coller, Mr. Katman, Ms. Aroztagi. Coller, demanding, big ego. Katman, clumsy, demanding. Aroztagi young, no experience.

"It's pronounced 'Collier,' Tam. And 'Aroztegi,' Enrico corrected Tamar. Suresh Kattimani has invaluable experience with blue water operations as well as VTOLs. Phil Collier is well versed in air combat, something no one else is offering yet. Marta Aroztegi is also a prospect for Hugh, so if she washes out then we'll have another mechanic on our hands."

Tamar looked up over the rims of her glasses to pass a disapproving look to Enrico. More jets than pilots. You crunch numbers instead, no?

Ronald held up a hand to delay Enrico's reply, then lightly smiled at Tamar. "Tam, the list there is what we could squeeze in with the budget you gave us. It's either we take more inexperienced pilots or fewer experienced ones. The ones who know how to operate the kind of aircraft we've got are few and far between, plus expensive to boot. Having a few we can train up to our standards will save us money in the long run."

Tamar sighed and took off her glasses, then rubbed her eyes. Risky game you play, Mr. Green. Operations logistics mostly loans. You have job deal yet, no?

Ronald nodded. We will, later this afternoon. I'm sure of it.

No, no deal yet, Tamar grumbled as she put her glasses back on. You twist words. I do numbers. One month before payment due. You get advance?

That's the plan, yes. A couple weeks of pre-deployment workups, leave half the aircraft in storage here, bring the other half with us on the op. Save us some logistic costs, nice easy job, get everyone some experience. Prove to our creditors that we can do it.

Mr. Green, you look for miracle. Tamar waved a hand over the resumes in front of her, then scoffed. Random team. Random background. How you know they work together? What if fail?

Then I guess we'll have to sell a couple of the Peregrines and buy some Harriers instead, Enrico answered.

Tamar frowned at Enrico. Why not do now? Cheaper every way.

Enrico shrugged in response. We'd lose a bunch of our unique capability. Harrier isn't supersonic and it's got a much more restricted payload. More than a few units out there offering the capability, not so many offering Peregrines.

We'll cross that bridge when we come to it, Ronald said. Unless the numbers don't work out, then these are the people I want, Tam.

Tamar shook her head and let out a defeated sigh. "Numbers do work out. I not agree with, but numbers solid."

Good. That's all we need to make this work. We can do this; have some confidence in our abilities.

One thing, Tamar said, raising a finger. Budget extend cover to trainer. T.4 rental was expensive. Cheaper buy.

They're going to get stuffed into the Peregrines after we bring them in, Tam, Enrico answered. The T.4 was just a quick familiarization run. They all passed, as far as I'm concerned. Even Marta.

Trust them with new jet bad idea. Two weeks not enough for Mr. Acklund and Ms. Aroztagi.

They'll get enough sim time before we put them in for real, Ronald remarked. It'll be good enough to do a few field exercises. We're not doing a real challenging contract.

The importance of this contract is to give them a real field test, Enrico added. We'll have the most experienced pilots fly, then if the mission is safe enough we'll take some of the less experienced ones up. We aren't going to need a full compliment to fulfill this contract.

I trust that you know what you doing, Tamar mumbled. She gathered up the resumes and sat back in her chair. Your lives on line. You get killed, we all fail.

Yes, I'm well aware of that fact, Ronald mumbled, holding a hand up. We'll get through this, Tam.

The sound of approaching footsteps caused the trio to look up and see a secretary approaching them. She smiled and opened a hand to her side.

Mr. Gray will see you now, the secretary sweetly said. The trio stood and collected their things, then followed the secretary to a conference room. She opened the door and stood aside, then closed it once they were all in. Inside, three older men sat at the end of a conference table, one of which looked considerably more grizzled than the others.

Mr. Green. Mr. Verdino. Ms. Saroyan. Please, have a seat, the grizzled man said. It was Mr. Gray, which was more than likely to be a cover name for who he really was.

Not very reassuring at this point, Enrico thought. He sat down, as did Ronald and Tamar, the three of them mentally preparing themselves for the negotiation.

Have you had an opportunity to review our proposal, Mr. Gray? Ronald asked.

Mr. Gray nodded. "I have. You seem to be offering a lot for an unproven unit, Mr. Green. Yours and Mr. Verdino's experience represent much, but the rest of your unit is rather... Shallow."

Ronald nodded. They're a new bunch, but they all bring unique skills to the table – even the younger ones.

Enrico briefly glanced over to Ronald, knowing he was bending the truth. Mr. Gray knows better than that, Ron. Don't bullshit him.

Let's review your proposal, Mr. Gray mumbled, pulling out a folder and flipping it open, then shuffling some of the papers within. "Four Peregrine FGR.3s. No precision strike capability. Rudimentary air-to-air. Rockets and dumb bombs only. And I- we're supposed to pay for all your fuel, maintenance, and ordnance costs."

Standard costs, Ronald added. And we're paying our own deployment costs, which is usually covered under the contract.

Yet your all-up costs are well beyond what an experienced unit brings to the table. What am I getting from you that's more unique than others?

We don't require prepared airstrips, Mr. Gray. We can operate closer to your front lines. That means a faster response and quicker turnaround. Our Peregrines are also much newer, so our maintenance costs aren't nearly as much compared to other units.

Mr. Gray opened a hand. Why shouldn't I get helicopters then? Same capability.

Ronald lightly smiled. Double the cost. Slower speed. More downtime. Less payload.

But you only offer a basic capability. What if I need aircraft shot down? A precision strike?

Aircraft can be shot down with short range missiles and guns. Peregrines have state of the art systems, allowing us to be extremely precise with iron bombs. You've seen some of the press releases, right?

That I have, Mr. Gray conceded. He sat back and rubbed his chin. But I want assurances, Mr. Green. You're making promises that I am unsure you have the capability to back.

Tamar raised a finger. Mr. Gray, if it placate you, we negotiate lower rate first. If you unsatisfied, you pay only expenses.

Enrico lifted an eyebrow toward Tamar. That's pretty bold of you, Tam! You're giving him a lot of weasel room here.

Mr. Gray looked over to Tamar and Enrico could almost feel a stare of lust radiating off of his vision.

A bold offer, Ms. Saroyan, Mr. Gray whispered, a decidedly unpleasant smile tugging on his mouth. You realize you're giving me a lot of leeway with such an agreement.

Tamar returned Mr. Gray's smile and tilted her head down in a predatory manner. Of course, Mr. Gray. But you honorable man, no? Would not want bad reputation from poor agreement.

Mr. Gray wiped the smile off of his face and tilted his head back, clearly caught by surprise by Tamar's riposte. Yes, I am an honorable man, Ms. Saroyan. I would be honest in my assessment of your unit's capabilities and performance.

Then do we have a deal? Ronald asked, knitting his fingers together.

Mr. Gray glanced at the trio, then looked to Enrico. Mr. Verdino. You're the primary instructor for your pilots, correct?

Enrico nodded. Yes, Mr. Gray.

You would be willing to trust them all with your life?

I already have. We've been running them all through familiarization with the aircraft. They can handle it, Mr. Gray – this is the team you need.

Mr. Gray rubbed his face, then slowly nodded. Fine. We have a deal. My secretary will arrange the details. I expect you to be on-site in one month.

One month, Mr. Gray, Ronald said, standing and lightly smiling. I believe you will find our capabilities to your satisfaction.

Mr. Gray stood and buttoned up his jacket, briefly glanced at the trio, then walked out, his companions following him. His secretary walked in shortly after, holding a stack of forms.

Our standard agreement, Mr. Green, the secretary said, sliding a form across the table to Ronald. Please review it carefully. We will need your signature and that of your financial operator.

Ronald picked up the form and flipped through it, carefully scanning for anything that might stand out. He passed it over to Tamar for her analysis, who subsequently looked through it and nodded.

It accurate, Mr. Green, Tamar whispered. No hurdle that I see.

Enrico, want to have a look? Ronald asked, looking over to Enrico.

Enrico shook his head and waved a hand. No, I've got no patience for that legal stuff.

Ronald nodded and flipped the form to the last page, then signed his name and the date. He slid the form over to Tamar, who signed her name as well. He then stood and handed the form back to the secretary.

It looks correct, miss...? Ronald asked.

"Julie L- Smith, Mr. Green. Ms. Smith, the secretary whispered, taking the form back. I will be in touch for your deployment and arrival dates. I assume your contact information is up to date?"

It is, Ms. Smith, Tamar interjected. You direct all question to me.

Very good. I assume you know your way out of the building? Ms. Smith remarked, opening a hand to the door. The trio smiled at her and nodded, then made their way out of the room and into the hall, heading for the exit.

I guess we got our deal, Enrico mumbled.

Yes. Dangerous deal, Tamar replied with a nod.

Always is when you're just starting, Ronald said, lightly raising his voice. But as time goes on, it'll become second nature.

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