The Song of the Keepers

Chapter 10 Aeronautics

Over the next few weeks, riding lessons slowly became something I looked forward to. I wasn't a natural at it, and half the time I ended up looking like an idiot, but for the first time in my entire life, I had found a way to help myself. Tempest always told me when I was not present in the moment or when I was becoming overly emotional. It was tiring some days, attempting to have real self-control. I couldn't fake it around the horses, they always knew what was going on inside me somehow. Amber was a difficult teacher, but I respected her which was more than I could say for many of the other Keepers.

We were learning a variety of skills as new members of the Order, some I had a knack for and others I was rather inept at. Today, Daaow was driving us down to the hanger, for our very first flying lessons.

"You're going to love this, if you're good at it, they'll give you a regular route."
Daaow told us.

"What do you do on a route?"
Kairos asked.

"Oh, it depends. Some pilot transport planes with supplies or reinforcements. Others, like myself, do reconnaissance missions. Then there's the fighter pilots."

"Do you fly alone?"
Jasper questioned.

"No, you always have a co-pilot. Safest that way."

Daaow pulled the golf cart into the massive hanger filled with various military-grade jets, each with different capabilities. A group of four Keepers stood in a semi-circle, talking quietly. They turned to greet us and a smile crept onto my face when I spotted Kyle amongst them.

"Here is where I leave you. Good luck and have fun!"
Daaow gave a thumbs up and a wave before speeding back up to the Citadel.

"Good afternoon. I am Reginald, and we four will be your flying instructors."
A young Keeper with a close-cropped beard stepped forward to greet us.

"Newton you're with me."
Reginald continued.

"Emily, Hannah has specifically requested to work with you."

Vienna nodded politely and shook hands with a blonde-haired woman.

"Nyx, you'll be with Lena."

Kairos was greeted warmly by a pencil-thin woman with a bald head.

"And Hadassah, you're with Kyle I'm afraid."
Reginald looked legitimately sorry about this fact.

I was rather excited though, as I hadn't spent much time with Kyle since our arrival at the fortress. He was a slave master in training, and sometimes a downright prick, but he was my friend, nevertheless.

The others headed off in various directions and I turned my full attention on my instructor for the day.

"So, which one you want to take up?"
Kyle questioned me, waving his hand at the plethora of planes.

"You're joking right?"
I responded with a little laugh.

He cocked an eyebrow.

"Oh! You're not!"
My eyes widened and swiveled my head about the room.

"Something small, and fast."
I said after a moment of consideration.

"I know just the one."
Kyle told me with a wink.

He led me across the cement floor to where a small black fighter jet sat solemnly waiting.

"How does a top speed of Mach 6 sound?"
Kyle asked me, patting the hull of the aircraft.

My lips curled upwards.

"It'll do."

"Alright, let's get going with the pre-flight check then."
Kyle clapped his hands and motioned for me to follow him.