Good Morning...2043?!

Chapter 2 - The Weapon[EDITED]

Jonathan POV

After a long night of drinking and celebrating, I wound up having to drag each of the men to their barracks one by one, each of them drunk and incomprehensible. Now I was in the workout area, doing pull ups while I contemplated my current situation. My long-time girlfriend had dumped me for some prick that was still in the states. I mean honestly, what kind of cowardly prick would rather stay safe at home than take up arms to fight for their country? 'One who loves their girlfriend.' That was all she had against that. We had stopped speaking entirely after that argument, which was about two months ago. I had moved on, but it still made me mad time-to-time. Just then, I heard someone else approaching. Worried it was the CO again coming to finish me off, I turned my head, and was relieved to see it was the Base General, McCormick. I jumped down and quickly saluted. He chuckled at my show of respect.

"I appreciate the respect Jonathan, but we are alone, so it's alright." I hesitantly took my hand down "How are you, Jonathan?" "I'm alright sir, yourself?" "I'm alright, being General has many ups and downs, I hope you never have to experience the downs." I snickered. "With all due respect sir, I don't think I ever will want to nor get to experience those downs." "I heard about what happened between you and Casey." He said in an apologetic tone. I frowned and turned away. "If you need any support, just know I'm he-" "Ah forget it." I turned around with a smile on my face. "She just simply wasn't the one for me, trust me sir, I ain't worried about it, thanks for the support though."

The General looked surprised, then he began to laugh. I was a bit confused, but then he started to speak again. "Ah the great Hellbird, can't even be faltered by a lousy girlfriend who can't see the great, selfless warrior he is within. Ah you're right Captain, she wasn't right for you. You are a brave, selfless, attentive pilot, and if she can't see that, then I guess that's just her loss. Speaking of which, that brings me to the current reason I came over." The General said, pulling out a slip of paper. I was confused, until he handed the paper to me. It read;

'-To General McCormick,

Dear General, as you know, we currently possess a 'valuable asset' for the US Army, we need this delivered to your base so exporting ships can take this weapon to the Secretary of War, and perhaps further improve and reproduce this weapon. It is highly recommended you send an aerial unit to pick up and transport the package, as increased VC reports in the area may show a hidden ambush team if a convoy were to attempt pickup. Coordinates are enclosed with this document. This is an essential asset that may change the tide of this war, so consider this a Black Ops operation. Completely off the books. Information should be on a NEED-TO-KNOW BASIS, take notice of capitalized text.

-Commander [REDACTED]'

"There was also this included with designated pickup coordinates as well." I heard the General say. I turned towards him, and he held up a grainy photograph.

"I don't know what kind of ammunition that thing takes, but something tells me no one would want to be standing in front of it..." The General nodded his head. "So, what do you think Jonathan? Up for the challenge?" I pondered for a moment. This 'valuable asset' looked immensely powerful. If it could change the tide of the war, I could be seen as a hero, plus I wanted to see what this thing looked like in action. "I..." I hesitated, if this really was such an asset, the VC would see this as an HVT, and try their best to get it, if they knew about it that was. I didn't want to put my friends at risk, but he wouldn't be asking me if he was sure we were the best of the best. The sharpest of the sharpies. The strongest of the strong. "Sir, on behalf of the Box Squadron, I accept...sir" I quickly tagged on. The General smiled and we shook hands. "Excellent! I'll let them know as soon as possible! Now go get some breakfast, yeah?" The General left before I could respond, as I walked toward the mess hall, I couldn't help but wonder. 'What have I gotten my squadron into?'