Capt. Jasmine Wake- United States Air Force- Day 26
“Welcome home, boys. Let’s get you briefed,” was the only hello Wake heard when she reached New York. After years fighting in Pakistan, she had been ready for her return home, as had the men she flew. Her skills in the transport helicopter were something her superiors did not take lightly. She would be flying until this war was over. Or until she was dead.
“Kilo Four-Nine-Seven, this is Overlord New York. Good work on that last run. Get some rest before your next trip, over,” the radio squawked, barely audible over the sounds of the landing zone.
“Roger that Overlord, it’s good to be home.”
Jasmine exited her vehicle, signed for the engineers, and immediately headed for her bunk. She slept the entire night and most of the morning without interruption. When she finally woke, she found herself surrounded by rookie pilots.
“Ma’am, the General needs you in five hours,” yelled the only infantryman among the pilots.
She grunted in recognition, and the others scurried away. She had time to eat, shower, and wonder why she was taking orders from the Army now. She wouldn’t question until the time was right, but she knew she would have to eventually. She entered the barracks right on time, as usual. The General, whose name she would never know, walked up to her. He was desperate.
“Captain, welcome to the United States Army. You are the newest member of call sign Falconer. You will meet your team in ten hours on the top floor of the Empire State Building. You do not exist. Good luck,” said the General, immediately walking away.
“Yes, sir,” she mumbled, half saluting.
The rest of Falconer joined her, whether Jasmine knew so or not, as she made her way to her destination. She recognized several of them as they approached, but all were out of the obituaries. There were three men who looked ready to snap her in half if she took a wrong step, two with identical tattoos marking their necks, and two thin men with the look of serial killers. When she finally reached the top floor of the building, the last two members of her new team were waiting.
“You’re late, Captain. I hope you’ll show a little more motivation in the field. Let’s get to work.”
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