The Razgriz Aces [Book 2]

Ancient Walls

Hey y’all! I’m so glad I was able to update this much more quickly than the last chapter.  Having it take one month to update is unacceptable.  Well, without further ado, here is the next chapter.  Fair warning, this one might be a really long.

Quote of the Chapter:

“In war, truth is the first casualty.”

~Aeschylus

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Ancient Walls

December 9, 2010, 0430 Hrs, OSS Kestrel…

Snow 

“Mr. Banks,” I said loudly.  Albert Genette Banks turned around to look at me.

“Hello Mr. Snow,” He replied. “And call me Genette.  Everyone does.”

“Okay.  Listen, I have a favor to ask.  Could you go wake up your sister please?  I would wake her myself but I feel that she would rather have someone she’s familiar with rather than someone she just met wake her up.  I’ve met her a few times but only enough to say we’re acquainted with each other.”

“No problem.  I was headed that way anyway.  Where do you need her to be?” Genette asked.

“She needs to be in the briefing room in fifteen minutes.  We’re about to head out on a sortie.”

“Will do.  She’ll be there soon… if she can find the place,” Genette laughed.  I laughed as well.

“Thank you Genette.” I waved before heading off to the briefing room.  I was the first one there.  The briefing didn’t start for fifteen minutes but I had wanted to talk to Pops and Andersen about whom was going to be captain of our new squadron.

“Good morning, sirs,” I greeted, saluting them.

“At ease, soldier.  And good morning to you as well,” Andersen replied.

“Good morning, Captain Snow,” Pops answered.

“The briefing does not start for another fifteen minutes.  What brings you here early?” Andersen inquired.

“Sir, I came here early because I was wondering who was going to be captain of our squadron.”

“That is still being discussed.  Since Nagase and Grimm have been under Blaze’s command for most of the war, we think that they will be reluctant to change.  However, you have more experience with flying with a squadron than Blaze.  We’re still unsure of what to do.  What would you prefer?”

“I can see both sides of the argument but because of Nagase and Grimm, I think it best that Blaze stays captain although I think we should consult her about this as well.  If she does not want to be captain, I will gladly fill the position,” I replied honestly.

“Very well.  Before you launch out on the sortie, we will talk to Blaze and get her opinion.  You will remain while we do,” Pops told me.

“Yes, sir.” I was reluctant to be there when they were asking Blaze because I didn’t want her to feel forced to say a certain answer or anything but I understood why.

“Good.  You’re dismissed,” Andersen said.  He returned looking at the computer Pops was at.  I sat down in my regular chair at the end of the row and stared at the map on the screen.  It showed the whole world and on the map, everything looked so small.  It seemed ironic to me that Belka, one of the smallest countries in the world, was one of the most dangerous.  I mean, Osea was nearly five or six times bigger than Belka and yet Belka could easily defeat us if Osea didn’t have as many allies as it did… or if it didn’t have Blaze and Nagase and Grimm and Chopper… and now (I hope) me.