laneys.info Beware of Yankees, drunks, and loose women.

Sunlight shone brightly through the wide window of Count Ragan's office as he pored over an enormous list of possible pilots for his new wing. Most had served in the King's Air Force for at least ten years which was his requirement. Experienced veterans were necessary for his own future command staff as well as for the Custom's Fleet that Governor Omry was having the king's court organize. This task had become overwhelming but, he would see it through to it's conclusion.

Atop his polished, brec wood desk his com beeped quietly. He reached to the small black device and touched the inset blue button. "Yes."

"Sir," Duke Finley's voice greeted. "The prince has arrived."

Albert rose quickly, "I'm on my way. Thank you, Michael."

"Yes, sir."

Walking briskly to his door, he opened it and stepped into the remodeled hallway, it's thinly piled carpet softening the footfalls as the officer headed towards the large, main lobby of his headquarters. Passing framed pictures of the Glovan countryside, he noticed the twenty-two year old who was intended to be the captain of the newest arm of their Space Command. He knew little of the king's eldest son other than what his wife had told him, and those favorable reports were indicative of the more socially savvy looking for promotion or prestige. He hated court but, unfortunately that was part of his life.

He bowed to the trim, tall man in his dark green uniform, typical of the king's sons who had been initiated into the military, a long tradition for the nobility as well as the monarchy. "Good afternoon, Your Highness. Welcome to the newest headquarters for the First ADF."

"Thank you, Sir Albert. I've been eager to see the newest additions to the air arm," the deeper, mature voice stated. His brown, flattop and cleanly shaven face also typical of the veterans of Glova, even though the officer before him had never fought in a battle yet.

"Absolutely," he motioned to the front door as Albert removed the blue beret from within the narrow, ornamented epaulet on his left shoulder. "We've been busy interviewing potentials for the first squadrons but, my staff has the maintenance team learning their capabilities as we speak," he explained as he opened the door and held it for the respected officer, then followed the prince down the short walkway to the parking lot.

"How much of an advantage do you see them having in any future engagements?"

"As far as their in-atmosphere capabilities, longer ranged sensors are the biggest benefit. Of course, none of our past fighters could ascend into space, so that alone takes us to a place that only satellites and freighters had enjoyed."

Prince Geron nodded quietly as they crossed through the few cars here and continued towards the main street that divided his modest building from the nearest hangar complex. "Seems to have been our ignorance that's kept us bound to Glova. I had always wanted to venture where few had been," the king's eldest confided as they traversed the two lane road and soon stepped into the bordering, manicured lawn. Albert admired the monarch's son as he had normally been bound by protocol with many of King Debrann's other relatives - few would've walked this far without complaining about the heat or their new shoes.

"I think the presence of these pirates has necessitated this change. One I've embrace wholeheartedly."

Geron smiled. "I've heard that about you. A brave veteran and servant to the crown, they say. Calculating as well as brilliant in the face of all obstacles," he chuckled. "Almost sounds like the voice over for a preview, doesn't it?"

Albert grinned politely. "I've ever had the prosperity of my homeworld and it's people in mind, Your Highness."

"I know. I wasn't trying to downplay all your father and grandfather have done for the throne and I understand how hard it is to fill large shoes left for you. But, I think with the latest change in the political climate we've been given an opportunity to expand our prestige into the system itself besides what the trading guild has attained. I hope you and I can both make our father's proud."

Albert straightened, his awards and stack of ribbons over his left breast as well as the gold e'kayl and silver borders along his epaulets shone brightly in the sunlight. "That is my hope also, sire. Glova deserves nothing but our best."

Green eyes studied him for a long moment as their padded footfalls soon hit pavement again, then looked towards the approaching dark green building. "What do you think of our newest governor?"

He had to tread lightly here. "I've never met Governor Omry personally but, from what I've heard he's not one to be underestimated."

Geron chuckled. "A very safe answer. Truly you've mastered the art of discretion, sir."

"If I may be so bold, what does Your Highness think of the Empire?"

The prince thought long and hard as they arrived to the side door and Albert opened it for the prince, then followed him inside the pristine office whose shined floors reflected the desks and shelves within. Most were in the breakroom at this point studying, or at least that's where they should be. As the echo of their hard soled shoes entered the long hallway beyond, they turned right and headed towards another solid metal door, passing the restrooms and water fountain.

Clearing his throat, "The crew may be out here on one of the Headhunters for training, but Baron Seagan is very thorough in his education. One of the best officers for such a task."

"Only natural to choose the best of the best for a project as important as this one," the monarch finally commented. Albert wondered if the prince was admiring their enemy too much at this point, which was natural. Being educated at some of the top universities on Glova had bred more accomodating personalities which was why they had suffered the Empire to be here this long.

"Absolutely." He pulled on the metal knob and revealed the large, medium grey floored room whose high ceiling covered their newest prize, the five Headhunter trainers that he had been promised. Arriving two days ago, Albert was still eager to get up in one. "Here they are," he motioned to the two-seaters sitting idly as they waited to fulfill their task.

"How soon will your pilots be flying them?"

"In a few weeks. Simulator time will follow classes once we find those most qualified to fly in space as well as master the aerodynamics of this craft ," he informed as they approached the triple blaster cannon and rounded towards the main body of the fighter.

"I look forward to getting in the cockpit myself."

Albert glanced to the Navy officer. "Of course. We'd be honored to have Your Highness join us."

"What's their range?"

"In an atmosphere, they can circumnavigate the world without needing to be refueled. In space, patrols can round the outer path of Foril to three-quarters of it's revolution around the sun before needing to return home."

Geron's brow furrowed. "That's amazing. No wonder pirates have been so successful thus far. They could be hiding anywhere in the system."

"Practically," Albert agreed. "But, those days will end soon, I assure Your Highness of that."

Chuckling, the prince approached the clean, sleek vehicle and studied it from stem to stern. "What kind of condition did you receive them in?"

"We had to clean them up quite a bit. I have a sinking suspicion these had never served the Empire directly but, the power plant and other systems are in good condition. I'm actually glad Sir Kervyn had something to accomplish at the outset, gives us more knowledge off the bat."

Nodding as he crouched, the prince eyed the protruding, oval shaped engines as well as the landing gear. "I've been hoping for some new craft for the Navy but, I'm not sure that's going to happen." He straightened as he turned and eyed Albert directly. "I've also put in my application to be an officer in the Imperial Navy. Hopefully I'll be accepted soon and be able to attend their academy on Carida."

"Congratulations, Your Highness." Albert finally knew the answer to his previously unanswered question and couldn't believe his ears.