Flight Risk

She flies a Lockheed-modified Raptor off the USS Eisenhower like it was built for her nerves, not her name. They call her Kite. She doesn't talk about where she came from, but the scars say enough: Spetsnaz-born, reprogrammed, repurposed.

The Navy says she's theirs now.
But Sergeant Sophia Chernova still flinches at kindness, still sleeps in flight posture.
And the deck crew is starting to notice.

Especially the plane captain who won't stop watching.
Especially the ship that won't let her stay invisible.

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Disclaimer:
This is a work of fiction. While it includes realistic depictions of military aviation, aircraft systems, and naval operations, everything in this story is entirely fictional. Characters, events, procedures, and references to real-world equipment-such as the F-22 Raptor or the USS Eisenhower-are dramatized for storytelling purposes and do not reflect actual military operations or affiliations. Nothing here is official, authorized, or real.

Content Warning:
This story contains references to combat trauma, psychological conditioning, injury, medical distress, and themes of emotional isolation. Certain chapters may include intense scenes involving aircraft malfunctions, loss of consciousness, and post-mission fallout. Reader discretion is advised.