- } ghost { -

5.

Playing: Hot Blooded
1:25|————•—————————|3:07
"That's why I'm hot blooded."
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– } Walking back toward the hangar, her muscles sore from the dogfight, Chloe heard her name called.

"Hey, Smith!"

She turned to see Phoenix falling into step beside her. The two of them made their way to the briefing room together.

"I knew you were good, but that was another level," Phoenix said with a smirk, glancing over at her. "You were flying like a pro out there."

Chloe shook her head, her expression blank. "Phoenix, I got you killed. And on top of that, I still got shot down by him." She shrugged and looked straight ahead, her voice flat.

Phoenix nudged her lightly, throwing an arm over Chloe's shoulder. "It's the first day! Don't beat yourself up. All I'm saying is that was some fancy flying."

Chloe hesitated before a small, genuine grin tugged at her lips. "I guess I've got a few tricks up my sleeve."

Phoenix gave her a sideways look, curiosity flashing in her eyes. "You know, I've heard you were good, but damn, that was something else. Didn't think Maverick would even get close to going down."

Chloe chuckled softly, shaking her head again. "Guess I'll just have to keep proving you right, huh?"

***

Chloe and Phoenix walked into the briefing room, the hum of chatter dying instantly. Every eye turned toward them, the pilots' expressions a mix of curiosity and scrutiny. Hangman, lounging in his chair with a confident smirk, was the first to break the silence.

"Alright, Ghost," he started, his voice casual but laced with challenge. "You didn't take Maverick down, but you made him work for it. What's your secret? Or was that just beginner's luck?"

Before Chloe could respond, Bob chimed in from beside Hangman, his tone soft but sincere. "It was impressive, though. The way you kept him off your six... I don't think anyone expected that."

Chloe opened her mouth, but Rooster leaned forward, cutting her off with a sharp look. "Yeah, you held your own," he said, his voice serious. "But what was your play? Maverick's not someone you just outlast. You had to be thinking something."

Chloe hesitated, her jaw tightening. "I wasn't really—"

"Thinking?" Hangman interrupted, his grin widening as he leaned forward, clearly enjoying himself. "That checks out. Sometimes instinct works, but it's not a strategy, Ghost."

Phoenix shot him a glare. "And sometimes you can just let her finish a sentence, Hangman," she said dryly. "Not everyone needs to run their mouth to prove a point."

"Hey, I'm just saying," Hangman replied, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I like to know what's going on upstairs. Especially with the silent types."

Coyote leaned back, studying Chloe with an easy grin. "Speaking of silence, you didn't say much on comms. What's the deal, Ghost? You saving the one-liners for later?"

Chloe glanced at him, her expression calm. "I didn't think talking would help me stay alive."

"Not wrong," Fanboy piped up, nodding. "But that roll move you pulled? Bold choice. Maverick didn't see that coming."

Hangman snorted, crossing his arms. "Yeah, bold—until he shot her down. Fancy flying's nice, but it won't save you when the pressure's on."

Phoenix rolled her eyes. "God, would you let it go? She held Maverick off longer than you did yesterday, so maybe try not to sound bitter."