The Glove: The Reunion

By M.C. Bunting

Space Earths worse fears have come true. Lord Tyler and his
space colony of Space Nations have survived the Glove wish and
somehow Lord Tyler has a replica of the Glove! M.C. Bunting,
author and creator of the Glove series takes you on another wild
ride. Strap in and ride along with the crew of Cougar 1 as they deal
with a new fighter, new crewmembers, and of course the mission
at hand to defend the United States and the world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 29, 2010
• ISBN: 9781456807542

M.C. Bunting

Author of The Glove and The Glove: The Reunion M.C. Bunting has proven himself to be a stand out for authors in the science fiction community. Growing up in a military family and traveling around the world he took what he knew of the military at the age of 13 and wrote a 15 page fairy tale titled The Glove as an assignment for school. Through the years he wrote sequel after sequel to when he eventually joined the military and rewrote the book series of his younger years. M.C. currently serves overseas with the US Military.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Sam stood there on the second floor of the gym that was connected to the fitness center by a window, dressed in his Space Earth fitness uniform. He watched as Sara ran past on the indoor track. She had a set of ear phones in her ears and was running at a perfect pace as she continued to glide along. Sam walked over to the door, opened it, and stepped out into the area of the indoor track. There were plenty of other runners and walkers on the four-lane track. He saw her approaching and could tell she had been running for a while. She had plenty of sweat dripping off her forehead, the black shirt of her fitness uniform had a large amount of sweat on it. She saw Sam, slowed down, walked over to the side, and began approaching him. As she did, she pulled the ear phones out.

What’s up, buddy? she said. Care to join me?

Umm . . . I think I’m good, replied Sam. How far are you running?

Just three miles.

Wow!

Well, hey, we finish training tomorrow and with that comes a fitness test, and I want to be ready.

Sara, you’re only running two miles tomorrow in the fitness test.

I know.

She placed the ear phones back in her ears and walked back onto the track to finish off her run. Sam turned around, left the indoor track, and got back into the cardio area of the fitness center. The entire area had only cardio equipment; from treadmills, to stationary bikes, stair steppers, and ellipticals, there were twenty of each. Sam walked past everyone who was using the equipment at the time, and he headed down the stairs that led to the first floor, which had free weights and machine weights. He walked along a group of machine weights, and he approached a door that led into one of the gyms and saw some basketball players shooting around. He walked out the exit past the front desk and saw a male senior airman dressed in SBUs with his sleeves rolled up. He looked at Sam, and Sam smiled and continued on his way toward the crew room.

Three months had passed on Space Earth base one. Many changes had taken place, as Commander Chris had said a new model Sp-6 was created and finished. However, very few people had seen it except for the flight crew, and no one had had the opportunity to fly in it yet other than test pilots. Cougars 1 through 30 headed off for training over the course of these three months. They were the first ones selected to train. Some of them left their career fields and entered into new ones. Sara was assigned to be a copilot in the new model and was the top graduate in her class. She went through classroom work where she studied manuals on the controls and then was placed in the simulator. Tomorrow she would graduate, and she was excited as could be.

Sam stayed in his position as pilot. He did attend a month of training where he had to study a manual and understand certain new controls, but in Space Earth once you had pilot wings you could basically fly any fighter or cargo jet. Sam also went into the simulators with Sara to help her out as requested by Junior Commander Pinkerton. Larry, who was now sixteen, maintained his role as a missile launcher; he was in training for a month as well to study the new system.

Steven had his dream come true and got to step into the role of an aerial radar technician. For him it was a very big deal. After a month and a half of classroom work, he stepped into the simulators and, two days ago, pinned on the wings for his dream job. He was also awarded distinguished graduate which meant he was top trainee in his class. He would admit to anyone that the training was hard; he would be in the classroom from 0600 to 1800, sometimes even later, and he’d stay up late, studying, just so he could learn his craft.

Leo had submitted a training package a week after the mission and was sent to aerial crew chief training. It was a new career field for the new model Sp-6. His job would be to make sure that everything was operating correctly the entire time the fighter was airborne and to work with the ground crew chiefs to explain what exactly happened in the air so they could repair any problems. He would graduate from training tomorrow as well, later on in the evening after Sara graduated. Training for him wasn’t easy, and he admitted that after the first month he thought about dropping out. Since there would be a new weapons system on board, he would be the one responsible for loading the missile launcher and aerial gunners with their ammo.

The new model Sp-6 allowed up to twelve slots for personnel, but only needed nine to fly: pilot, copilot, two aerial radar technicians, missile launcher, three aerial gunners, and one would be in a backup position; also, there would be two aerial crew chiefs, and a new career field aerial fuel operators, which allowed for two. The crew would be getting two new aerial gunners and two aerial fuel operators. The aerial fuel operator was designed to have at least one person operating the fuel pumps through the flight. Normally fuel was loaded into the wings and had an automated system, but too many failures inspired Space Earth to have personnel do it. This time they would have actual giant fuel tanks, all of them five feet in height, and through the course of the flight the operator would switch the tanks back and forth and allow the fuel pumps to pick them up and send the fuel to the engines.

As Sam walked into the crew room, he saw Larry seated in front of the TV, dressed in SBUs and flipping channels on the TV. It was 0815; the sun was still on its way out that Wednesday morning in July. Larry nodded at Sam, and he walked past him, heading into the guys’ room to get changed.

*     *     *

Leo stood anxiously. His instructor came over and smiled at him. Ready for this, Staff Sergeant Russell? was the simple question. His instructor was a master sergeant.

Yes, sir, replied Leo. He was dressed in his flight suit, waiting for the instructor to start asking questions.

I’m going to point to different parts of the fighter. Your job is to tell me what they are. If I ask for their specific function, you tell me that as well. Any questions?

None, sir. Just ready to get this over with.

Good. He pointed at the first part.

Control pedals.

Specific function?

The pilot and copilot use them to turn the fighter by pressing on the left or right pedal. Also, at the top of the pedals are the air brakes.

What’s the purpose of the air brakes?

To slow the fighter down in mid-flight.

And?

Oh . . . to slow the fighter down once it lands as well and while doing taxing procedures.

Any common malfunctions that can take place?

There’s a ton, from the pedals sticking, to the wire from the pedals getting disconnected or damaged and the actual rudders not working properly.

Whose job is it to resolve that?

Not mine.

But whose?

The designated crew chiefs.

He nodded at Leo and pointed to the next object on the screen.

Radar control screen, replied Leo.

Specific function?

Aerial radar technician uses it to see who is around them and what missile load the hostiles are carrying.

Any malfunctions?

Screen tends to lag with the actual signal being sent in.

How is it resolved?

Designated crew chiefs get to go through the process of resolving it.

But what is the resolve process?

Making sure the signal cable hasn’t deteriorated or, even worse, come loose.

Where’s the signal cable located?

Inside the actual console.

How do you open the console?

Loosen the screws on the top and sides of the console.

He smiled at Leo. You know your stuff, Sergeant Russell. Some of your classmates were struggling with just those two things. He pointed to the next object on the screen.

Missile bay.

Specific function?

Holds all missiles and bombs that missile launcher would use during flight.

What’s your job with this specific function before flight?

To make sure all missiles and bombs are loaded into the bay.

How many missiles can the bay hold?

Depends on the type of missile.

What’s your job during flight?

To load missiles into launch tubes so missile launcher can fire off missiles.

Leo, you are really doing well. It’s a good thing you’re in the top crew.

Thank you.

I’ve only got a few more questions for you.

*     *     *

Sara walked into the crew room in her fitness uniform. Larry was still seated on the couch, and he looked up at her. How was your workout? he asked.

It was pretty good, she replied. Now to get freshened up and get to class.

Have fun.

Oh, you know I will.

She walked past him and went into her room. She shut the door and saw her flight suit hanging from a hanger.

*     *     *

Steven walked into the crew room. He had an envelope in his hand and looked at Larry. Larry, I got it, he said.

Got what? asked Larry.

I ran into Junior Commander Pinkerton, and he was actually looking for us, He gave me the unofficial list.

The unofficial list of what, Steven?

Of who might be in our new crew.

Well, who?

Well, it’s only got the rank on it.

Sam stepped out of the guys’ room in his flight suit. He had heard the last sentence that Steven said. Got the rank of what? he asked.

Of who is coming to our crew.

We should probably wait till later.

Why?

That way everyone’s around.

We’re only missing Sara and Leo. It’s no big deal.

Sam’s got a point, said Larry. And, Steven, it is a big deal. Have you looked at the list?

No.

Larry extended out his hand. Give it to me.

Why?

That’s an order.

Oh, man. He handed the list to Larry, and he folded the small white envelope and placed it in one of his cargo pockets.

Leo won’t be back till later on this afternoon, and Sara, as soon as she gets done changing, is headed to training. So probably tonight we’ll see what ranks we’re getting.

Sam stepped away and opened up the door leading outside. Their model 1A Sp-6 was still there. The fighter areas had changed. Instead of them just stepping outside into an open area, a metal covering had been placed over the front area, extending out five feet further than the fighter, making it so the enemy couldn’t see the fighters from higher altitudes. Also it would help them out during rainy days and the winter months. Their crew chiefs could still conduct maintenance and not have to get wet or cold. Sam stepped into the area and looked up at the Sp-6. He turned around and walked back into the crew room. Larry was still in the same position, and Steven was seated at their table, watching TV as well.

Can’t wait till the new model arrives, he said.

It’s supposed to arrive this weekend, said Larry. We get to take it out and fly it around as well.

That’ll be nice, replied Steven. I’ll be able to actually see what happens in flight.

*     *     *

Leo sat down in the classroom. It was over for him. The first part of the test was over. Tomorrow he would go into the simulators and do the next part. How’d it go? asked a female classmate of his.

She was seated behind him, and he turned around. Good luck, he replied. It’s not easy.

Wow! She was a senior airman, about five foot four and a brunette. Her name was Kylie, Kylie Abbott. I did a bunch of studying last night and through the course of the week. I’m just glad it’s finally over with.

It’s not over with until we go to the simulators tomorrow.

True.

Their instructor stepped into the classroom and looked around. Senior Airman Abbott, he said.

She looked up at the instructor. She stood up, nodded at Leo, and walked off to take the first part of the test.

*     *     *

Sara walked out of her room after about twenty minutes of showering and putting on her flight suit. She walked into the kitchen and grabbed a banana and a bagel. Larry was still seated on the couch, Steven at the table, and Sam on the other couch.

Do you guys seriously have nothing to do? she asked.

Nope, replied Sam. And I like it this way. Next week its back to flying and simulator work. Man, it’s going to be crazy.

True that, replied Steven.

Sara took a bite of her banana and cut her bagel into two sides and placed it in the toaster. Well, Sam, you worked out this morning, but Larry and Steven, have you two considered going to the gym and working out in the fitness center? You know we gotta stay in shape.

Not all of us are serious fitness gurus like you, Sara, replied Larry. And I do go and work out. I just don’t run three to four miles around the indoor track. That makes no sense.

Makes perfect sense to me.

At least you think, replied Steven sarcastically.

You’re not funny, Steven. She took another bite of her banana, and the timer went off for the toaster. She pulled out the bagels and began spreading cream cheese on them.

Sara, there are running trails on the base. Why don’t you use them? asked Sam.

Because in the mornings during the weeks other groups like the communications and maintenance groups personnel are out there, not to mention plenty of Junior Cougars, and they are annoying.

What, the Junior Cougars?

Yes.

You were one once . . . remember?

Yeah, but I wasn’t that annoying.

Or so you think! yelled Larry sarcastically.

Wow! Larry, you’re sixteen and you’re dishing out jokes that a thirteen-year-old said to me . . . what’s up with that dude?

And on that note, I’m changing and heading into town.

Heading into town, as in you’re heading off base? asked Sam.

Yup. Are you and Steven up for joining me?

I am.

Me too, replied Steven.

Great. Let’s get changed. Enjoy your day, Sara. The three of them went into the guys’ room to get out of their uniforms and put their civilian clothing on.

Sara stood there in the kitchen by herself, eating her food. She finished quickly, left the crew room, and headed to the training side of base to see what she would be doing for the day.

CHAPTER TWO

Lord Tyler looked out through his window in his office. He saw his personal guard in the aircraft hangar unloading new recruits. Space Earth still had no idea that Space Nations was still around. The past three months Space Nations was still recruiting in secret, using online message boards and random e-mails. They had plenty of contacts on Earth that were responsible with getting new recruits, as they were called, to their rendezvous points. The one thing that was expected of them for choosing to leave Earth and come to space was to completely follow the orders of Lord Tyler. Just like before, they would meet at a rendezvous point and board a Space Nations transport, except the transport had no radar system on it, and Space Earth couldn’t pick it up on their radar. The transport would take them to space, and the recruits would leave that transport and board another which would take them behind the red planet of Mars.

Upon arrival, they would attend a briefing that would go further in depth of what was taking place and job opportunities and what would happen if they didn’t follow orders. Some within the first week of arrival would go out for the personal guard, others would go into the air crew side and want to fly, and plenty of others would take other jobs on the giant warship.

Lord Tyler watched as the new recruits arrived and as