Author: William "Raptor[K]" Lohrberg Viewing: Chapter 3  
 

Due to the span of close battles for the 102nd they are given the day off and spend it in pilot country relating the stories of their kills and maneuvers that they used to win the battle. During this time the new pilot to fill in the 12th slot for the 102nd has just landed and is heading towards pilot country. The pilot's things have already been shipped to the quarters she will be using. With that done she now enters "pilot country" and heads straight to the bar. Querying the bartender she asks where might she find the commander of the Wildcards and the bartender points off to a table in the far corner with 4 pilots gathered around it. She heads over to the table and asks, "Where might I find Colonel Blair?"

  At that I get up and reply, "I am Colonel Blair."
  "Wow I've never met a legend before," she replies.
  "A legend?" I ask, then groan when I know what she means. "I'm sorry, but you're confusing me with someone else."
  "What?" she asks. "Aren't you Colonel Christopher Blair, callsign Maverick?"
  At that I turn red. "I am Colonel William Blair, callsign Raptor. I think you just signed up with the wrong squad."
  At that she turns red too, "I'm so sorry I didn't mean to insult you. I just heard about the Wildcards and their exploits, the fact that they were looking for a pilot, and also that a Colonel Blair was commanding them. I didn't expect there to be 2 Colonel Blairs in this navy."
  I mutter, "Neither did I."

  Prying some more she asks, "What's it like living like that? I mean you must be tired of people like me asking 'Aren't you Christopher Blair?'"
  "You don't know the half of it, but I try to distinguish myself from the legend. And even with my last name I am still not related to him. I don't know whether that is a curse or a blessing, but the main difference between me and him is the fact that I'm 21 years of age and can outfly him any day of the week."
  "You outfly him? I flew one mission with him and he was awesome. I couldn't believe how well he flew with everyone ragging him on about his age."
  "Well I have just as much experience as he does. Anyway it seems like you'll be flying with us, so what is your name instead of us calling you "new guy"? I ask.
  "My name is Captain Jennifer "Viper" Cartwright." She replies. "You may call me Jen."
  "In that case you may call me Bill. And these are some of the pilots of the 102nd Wildcards."

  I gesture towards the tall black man next to me, "This is 1st Lt. Joseph Khumalo, Callsign Knight."
  He replies, "Pleased to meet you."
  Next I point to the Australian; "This is 1st Lt. Michael "Hunter" St. John."
  "How ya doing matey." He replies.
  Pointing at the final guy, "This here is Frank "Lightning" Johnson."
  "Hello there." He says.

  "I suggest you get some rest because we have an important mission ahead of us tomorrow. I hope you studied up on our squadron and our tactics. It could be the difference between life and death for you." I tell her.
  She agreed. "I will take the consideration to heart." She smiles. "I'll see you tomorrow." And she walks out towards her barracks.

  I watch her tall blond figure walk out of the bar. I smile thinking either A. She'll be a great addition to the team or B. the biggest pain in the butt ever.

  Hunter turns and says to me, "She's real beautiful, but I bet 20 credits you don't have a chance." The other 2 pilots chime in and bet that same 20.
  I laugh. "You're probably right, but I would sure like to try to date her. I'm out of here. I'm hitting the sack early for our mission tomorrow. Night." At that I leave the 3 pilots and head towards the barracks.

  ***

  Heading back to my quarters my thoughts are pre-occupied with Jen. Even though I know that it isn't possible that we might connect, just because I am not Christopher Blair. I laugh as I walk down the corridor. What could she see in that old fossil? I'm every bit as good a pilot as he is. I'm better looking and I am her age, not old enough to be her father. Quietly I pull the covers over my head and just fall asleep.