The Seventh Member of the Storm Hawks

Absolute Power

Junko and Nika were busy repairing parts of the Condor while everyone else did odd jobs, it was a "relaxing" day – or something like that. Not that Nika was currently experiencing it, "C'mon Junko!" Nika grunted out quickly, panting and straining as she attempted to keep a beam above her head as Junko hammered and screwed it into place. Nika could feel her neck and shoulders ache from holding the rather weighted beam, beginning to shake under its weight – the only reason she hadn't taken Junko's job was because she didn't have the strength to hammer and push the beam into its rightful place. "Finished!" Junko smiled watching in amusement as Nika dropped her shoulders and leant onto her knees with a deep, heavy sigh, "It wasn't that heavy!" Junko chuckled while Nika slowly turned her head with a raised eyebrow, "Uh huh... And I'm sure I can say the only way through into the engine room wasn't too small for you." Nika sarcastically replied releasing a small dry chuckle as Junko chuckled in embarrassment, "Oh yeah, forgot about that. Anyway, I'm off for some grub." Junko spoke as he gave Nika a thud on the back – not realising his strength she practically faceplanted the floor with a tired groan. "Oops, sorry." He apologised, attempting to pick her up but she waved her arm with another tired and defeated groan, "I'm fine, you go... I'm just gonna sleep here." Junko hesitated before realising that Nika was completely serious, with a shrug he left her alone. After a few moments, Nika sat up and rolled out her aching muscles before sauntering to the hangar – hoping Finn had stopped whatever he was doing already.

"Hello Nika." Starling's voice suddenly spoke, Nika who hadn't been paying attention as she was focused on fixing her engine, eventually Starling's voice reached her ears. Nika did a double take, the first time she successfully managed not to bang her head but the second time she did, with an almighty thud and clang. "Ow..." Nika groaned, holding her head as she slid out from underneath her skimmer as Starling laughed loudly – it wasn't often she snuck up on Nika but her reactions certainly made up for it. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you-." Starling apologised with a cringe as Nika wobbly stood, rubbing the left side of her forehead with a pained but annoyed expression, "Yeah, that one." Nika interrupted with a grumble as she drew her hand away to inspect for any blood rather pleased that there was none. Starling rolled her eyes quickly before continuing, "I need help with a mission, are you in?" Nika stopped rubbing her head again as a playful and adventurous sparkle glinted in her eye, "Mission? I'm in."

As the two females entered the bridge, a random record disc came flying in their direction while Nika braced herself for impact, Starling caught it effortlessly. "Problem with your record player?" Starling asked coolly, Nika smirked as Piper and Finn ceased whatever argument they were having, "And if anyone else wants to cause me pain then form a queue." Nika commented as she crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow as Stork smirked and sauntered her way with a grin similar to Finn's on his face, "I'm being sarcastic!" She shouted as Stork marched back to his helm in a huff muttering that she was no fun and a spoilsport.

Everyone gathered around the bridge to listen to Starling's mission plan, Nika rolled her eyes at Piper and Finn glaring at each other before moving to be as far as possible from one another, though it did remind her of sibling fights with her brother. Starling awkwardly looked at everyone in the group, "Um... I only really need Nika and Aerrow for this." She slowly explained, wincing a little as the other Storm Hawks walked off but Piper hung around still, Nika felt terrible for her – all Piper wanted to do was help, especially when Starling was one of her idols. Aerrow and Nika stood in a small group, listening to how Starling came across the scientists and how Repton was threatening them, Nika inwardly groaned at the mention of Repton – he wasn't difficult to defeat but he just came back every time. "This is a dangerous mission, you two are the only ones that might be interested." Starling finished, Nika nodded as well as Aerrow both silently accepting the mission. "Do you need any maps or charts? Because I can plot-!" Piper cut in, hoping she could help her friends. "Nika and Aerrow only." Starling simply replied, Nika felt a twinge of anger at Starling – she didn't have to be so rude about it! "Sorry Starling but I'm not leaving my team behind." Aerrow said strongly before Nika could protest about rejecting Piper's help. "Success depends on a low profile. If I could go alone I would, I need two more." Nika bit her lip and turned to everyone else, feeling rather guilty about the situation, "What do you guys think?" She asked no longer wishing to accept the mission if nobody was ok about being left behind, Finn and Junko shrugged meaning they didn't mind but Stork scratched his arm with an irritated look on his features, "You're better off. I think I'm developing a rash. Probably contagious." He nervously replied, Nika face palmed with a shudder before standing straight again, "Too much information Stork." She muttered shaking her head, Aerrow turned to Piper and asked her opinion but she gave a defeated sigh, "Whatever you want." Nika worriedly raised a hand to place it on Piper's shoulder but was gently pushed away. "Alright, we're in but the Condor has to stay within reach. If we get in a pinch, I want my team at our side." Aerrow responded, Radarr climbed onto Nika's shoulders and nuzzled her cheek seeing that the brunette was a bit down hearted. "Fine, let's go." Starling replied, walking away to the hangar unaware that Nika was hot on her heels.