Lover《Bob Floyd》

We Got A Shiner

"Time will be your greatest enemy." He said. Strong opener I must say. It got all our attention instantly. I took a deep breath, this is what I try not to do with Bob now as my backseater. I used to fly way to fast, but I guess for this mission I have to.

"Phase one of the mission will be a low-level ingress attacking in two-plane teams. You'll fly along this narrow canyon to your target. Radar-guided surface-to-air missiles defend the area. These SAMs, They're lethal. But they were designed to protect the skies above not the canyon below." I nodded. It would take some crazy sons of bitches to fly those. I guess we already got me, only need three more people.

"That's because the enemy knows no one is insane enough to try and fly below them." Rooster said trying to make a point but Mav just turned around and told us. "That's exactly what I'm gonna train you to do. On the day, your altitude will be 100 feet. Maximun." I turned to Bob not the least bit suprised but when he looked at me he sure was. "I got this." I told him but I dont really think it made him feel better. "You exceed this altitude...radar will spot you and you're dead. Your air speed will be 660 knots. Minimum. Time to target two and a half minutes. That's because fifth generation fighters wait on an air base nearby. In head-to-head with these planes in your F-18, you're dead. That's why you need to get in hit your target and be gone before these planes even have a chance of catching you. This makes time your greatest adverdary. You'll fly a route in your nav systemd that simulates the canyon. The faster you navigate this canyon the harder it will be to stay under the radar of these enemy SAMs. The tighter the turns, the more intensly the force of gravity on your body multiplies... compressing your lungs...forcing the blood from your brain...impairing your judgment and reaction time. So for todays lesson we are going to take it easy on you. Max ceiling 300 feet. Time to target: Three minutes. Good luck."

After that it looked like Bob calmed down but I wasnt going to take it easy, whats the point in trying to learn it the wrong way. After everyone went he asked us why they died, however it was our turn, and I was asking to go solo. Well solo with Bob, no wingman. "Are you sure. I mean every one went with a wingman. Its a two plane attack." "Frost. Go. You dont need a wing man." I nodded and left. Bob followed close behind. "Im going to keep it low and fast. If you have any objection please tell me." I told him gently. He only shook his head. "I have full trust in you. I know you got this." He said closing a hand around my shoulder as we walked. I smiled up at him, but didnt know that everyone could see us through the window. "That's why they went alone. She needs to trust herself with him. She never had a WSO before this." Mav told them.

When we got to our plane I rolled my shoulders and took a deep breath. I knew that I would be able to do it, there was just more preasure since Rooster made it to the target. He was just a minute late. I wouldnt be. I started my engine and took off when I was ready. I increased my speed to 600, as fast as it would let me. Then, the turns came. I kept constant 80 feet and was always asking Bob how he was holding and if I needed to slow down. He said no, and that we were doing great. I was nevous though. Hangman flew fast and it didnt end well for him. I shook my head as I kept going. Tight turns after tight turns. I still couldnt get the fight between Rooster and Mav out of my head. I knew that I needed to focus, but I was on auto pilot, my eyes and hands following the nav system but I knew that Hangman did it to provoke him. "A man flies like Mav or they dont make it. No offence." "Yet you still manage." Was Bob's defence. I smiled. I cleared my head remebering that I wasn't alone.  I was back in the game when we hit the target. End time... 2:21. "Holy shit Frost." Was all I heard from Bob. I smiled as we leveled out. After that I slowed down and flew gently home.

"How the hell did she do that?" Was all Mav could hear. He was so proud of his niece and knew that her flying as a perfect blend of her parents. He knew he was taking her, no matter what. He also was smiling at Hangmans shiner, from her fist. He knew it hurt and wouldnt say anything but he was glad it happened. "She is one of the best damn pilots I have ever seen. Even blows you out of the water Bagman." Phoenix said smugly. He rolled his eyes as they pulled in. She was the first one out the damn doors. Rooster was happy for her but he couldnt help but feel a little jealous. When they got out of the plane, before they knew it Bob and Elenore had their arms wrapped around each other. Full on embrace. Arms locked around each other and everything, laughing and smiling. Cheering that they were the only ones that did it and did it on time. Phoenix stood back a little not wanting to interrupt the quite rare scene in front of her.

Slowly the rest of the graduates filed out of the facility. And slowly they pulled away from each other all red faced but happy. Phoenix pulled them both in at the same time. "I'm so happy for you guys, you are for sure going." She said smiling ear to ear. The two of them smiling back at her, then each other. She knew now that they went through this, she could do anything with him. Especially with him. She needed him. And he needed her, now it was up to time to see where they went with it.