Sideshow Alley Read online

  Colin looked at her strangely and shrugged, ‘I can see that you pilots would be looking forward to finding out, you’ve been working towards this point for years. But for us, well, it’s only been two days. And don’t get me wrong—we will do our part, I just hope I don’t get some arsehole like Eric, that’s all.’

  Kyla immediately leapt to Eric’s defence, ‘He’s a good pilot you know, one of the best. The way I hear it, pilots and Weapon Officers are all graded and then paired off according to their ability. You’re probably not in his league anyway,’ she said, haughtily.

  The outburst surprised Colin, as did her defence of Eric.

  ‘You sound just like him. Maybe it is I who’ve misjudged you.’

  Kyla bit her lip, ‘I didn’t mean it that way.’

  ‘Yeah, sure,’ Colin said, ‘thanks for helping me last night—it was much appreciated.’

  With that he left his seat and brushed past her, then made his way back to the mess to catch the last of the film.

  The noise and light only added to the dull throb now in his head and as he looked around he caught the leering face of Eric, which didn’t help. Queenie walked by, so he asked if she was free. She was, and led him back to her cabin for one of the best shoulder and back massages he’d ever had. He thanked her afterwards and returned to his own quarters to turn in for the night.

  Day Three

  Colin slept soundly and woke refreshed. He shaved and bathed while all around his fellow recruits jostled and squabbled, with an air of expectancy about. Colin refused to be carried away by it all and opted to sit on the other side of the table at breakfast time, in order to avoid any eye contact whatsoever with his two favourite people.

  The boys were bubbling over. Barry and Jimmy were huddled together discussing the dexterity of Phoebe’s tail while Tiddles sat wide-eyed and listened intently, trying not to miss a thing.

  ‘What about you?’ Dave asked, looking across the table.

  ‘Jimmy saw you go off with Queenie last night. Did you do any good?’

  Colin shook his head, ‘Nah, I had a thumping headache,’ he said, and the others laughed.

  The older fighters left the mess and the pilots went off to their duties, leaving the recruits to wait for their lessons to begin. They were disappointed when Captain Jorgen and the Team Leaders stepped through the doorway without the Colonel.

  After the morning progress report they pressed straight on with drone satellite deployment in battle. It seems they were essential for the relaying of data to the fighting crafts’ computers, to determine position and arcs of fire. Each craft emitted a signal, which was then used to create a safety arc when in close proximity to other Legion craft. At the flick of a switch the position of both Lizard and Legion fighters in the immediate area could be enhanced on the Visual Display Unit. Another switch turned the VDU into a Battle Screen, with a grid overlay that pinpointed everything in the area above or below. The drone satellites also transmitted visual coverage of the battle back to the Carrier, to aid those who were directing the attack.

  The laser-cannon and missiles were discussed next—they were the backbone of a fighter’s capability. The laser was only used when engaging enemy craft in close combat—its intermittent beam having the capacity to punch holes straight through them, while the missiles used the basic guidance system for the more distant targets, and once locked on they were hard to shake. Some were direct impact, while others relied more on being in close proximity of the target to explode and hopefully bring it down. Both were graded in size, whereas the proton torpedo was a larger opportunistic weapon for attacking the enemies Carrier and seldom used.

  Just as important as the missiles themselves, were the Anti-Rocket Devices or ARDs. There were two types—the main one relying on solar power, while the other was battery operated. Both were small round devices that created heat, movement and sound. They were deployed in the fighter’s wake to attract rockets that had locked onto them and were very effective—exploding the rockets harmlessly to save both lives and craft.

  Dialogue with the pilot was also discussed—it was crucial to keep the craft steady when tracking and fighting. All relevant details had to be conveyed correctly, so the pilot could take the Weapons Officer to the fighting and back again. While they in turn kept the heat off their pilot and destroyed as many of the enemy as they could. Although it was also pointed out that no matter how good a team was, a single stray laser beam or a rocket loosed by a fool could lay them low. They were also assured that if a craft was disabled for any reason, in all probability it would orbit the planet below and be picked up after the fighting. Its signal would guide a salvage team to it and side arms were stowed aboard all craft as a last resort if shot down.

  Finally they were given the news that the squads they were in did actually constitute the actual flight wings, with one exception—that each wing would be split in two, with five fighters in the red section and the other five designated green. It was more to do with piloting and formations, but the members of the individual teams took another look around them at the people who would have their backs. It had the effect of bonding them as brothers against an as yet unknown foe.

  The lessons and other revelations had made time fly and it was already lunchtime. The recruits repaired to their quarters to wash up before returning again to eat—all the while a steady hum was building as their voices filled the air. On re-entering the mess Colin regained his seat on the opposite side of the table. The mood about was electric as the hum reached a crescendo, only to subside slowly after the meal as fighters and pilots waited expectantly for the next lesson to begin.

  At 1300 hours the Colonel walked briskly through the doorway and made his way to the lectern. All faces were upon him as he looked around.

  ‘Now for the news you have undoubtedly all been waiting for. What we do is match pilots and fighters according to their abilities and place them so as to make each wing equal in strength. No doubt this will alter as you become more experienced and battle hardened. So if you see any of your buddies out there in trouble, go to their aid—don’t leave them hanging because if you do, there will be nowhere to land on this vessel. I kid you not!’

  ‘The Team Leaders will nominate a squad of fighters and another of pilots. They will then be paired off and handed their wing, colour and position patch. The pilots have already been assigned a craft, so after that they will take their Weapons Officer up to the hangars to familiarise them with it also. Team Leaders, if you will.’

  The Colonel stood to one side and spoke quietly to Captain Jorgen as the leaders called the first two groups and then a name from both. Those nominated stepped forward to shake hands before departing to the hangars as the next two were called. When Pee Wee’s team was called he stepped aside and stood waiting near the Colonel.

  The mess slowly emptied of personnel and Colin looked around with growing concern. The current team was dealt with and another called, leaving just two. Eric and Kyla were still there waiting also.

  Just his dumb luck to be in a wing with them! The other lads had gone long ago and now it was down to him and Tiddles. They shook hands and waited with bated breath as Tiddle’s team was called along with the corresponding squad of pilots. To his relief Eric fronted up and Colin watched in horror as he was paired off with Tiddles. That left only one wing apiece.

  Finally Colin’s team was called along with Kyla’s squad of pilots. Both stood unimpressed as the names were reeled off until they were the last two standing.

  The Colonel walked over to congratulate them.

  ‘I’m looking at the best of the best and I’m expecting great things from you two.’

  Colin and Kyla looked impassively at each other, neither bothering to reply.

  The Colonel studied them for a moment, ‘Why the long faces, is something amiss?’

  He turned to Kyla, ‘Honey, this should be the happiest day of your life—you’ve worked years for this!’

  Kyla avoided eye contact
, so he turned to Colin instead.

  ‘What about you, aren’t you happy—a female pilot to chauffeur you around space and a pretty one at that?’

  ‘I suppose it could have been worse. I could have got Eric,’ Colin replied.

  The Colonel stared back incredulously, ‘Don’t tell me you two are having a lover’s tiff already!’ he said, looking at both, ‘if so it ends right here and now, do you hear me? Because if it doesn’t I’ll personally boot both your arses and take you off the team. Is that understood? Now shake hands!’ he screamed.

  Kyla and Colin took a step towards each other and shook woodenly.

  ‘You’re dismissed. Now go!’ he yelled, angrily.

  The two left the mess and headed in the direction of the hangars.

  ‘Thank you for spoiling what should have been the best day of my life,’ Kyla said, when clear of the others.

  ‘Blame yourself then. The one I feel sorry for is Tiddles, having to put up with Eric.’

  The hangar was crowded and the canopies of all craft open as the pilots explained the interiors to the recruits. Kyla’s craft was at the very front of the others. It was sleek and shiny, with a red stripe on each wing to denote the fact that it was Red Alpha One.

  ‘We’re first off and last on,’ she explained, and Colin nodded his understanding.

  She slid the canopies forward and Colin stood back to savour the moment, taking in the outline and structure before looking inside. He climbed aboard and seated himself as she helped him on with the harness and oxygen before pointing out the communications, rocket selector and arming switches. All sighting and firing was done via the central laser-cannon controls and when switched on, it could be in either rocket or laser mode—only doing one function at a time.

  Kyla stepped back and watched as Colin familiarised himself with everything around. She could see his enthusiasm shine through and silently forgave him his outburst. He was right of course—it was a slip of the tongue on her part that had started it all, due mainly to a hasty judgement of him.

  ‘So when do we try it out?’ he asked.

  ‘In about an hour—we’re still in transit, but they’re going to slow down and let us circle the Carrier a few times and then take off for a spin so the recruits can familiarise themselves with the craft.’

  ‘What’s the power source?’

  ‘It’s electronic—one huge dynamo that feeds an ion converter at the back. It puts out more than enough grunt for what we need, while keeping power up to the laser.’

  Colin was impressed with the technology and her grasp of it.

  ‘Does the Carrier use the same principle?’

  ‘No, it’s way too big. It uses an anti-gravity drive—much more suitable for a ship that size.’

  The two went back over the toggles and switches on the console, including the graphic combat display and ARDs deployment. Kyla leaned in and over to point out their characteristics, speaking with her head only inches away. Colin had to fight the distraction of her closeness, combined with that of her scent as it threatened to polarise his brain.

  ‘Did you get all of that?’ she asked.

  ‘All of what?’

  She moved around to the other side of the craft and went over everything again, this time maintaining her distance and not stopping until he understood everything.

  A shrill whistle came over the P.A. in the hangar, followed by an announcement.

  ‘For exercise only, there will be a training flight of all fighter craft at 1400 hours. All crews to their craft.’ A two-toned warning sounded and three red lights appeared at the end of the launch area.

  Colin tested his harness and slid the canopy back. He locked it and pressurised the cabin before giving the thumbs up. Kyla entered the cockpit and did the same before bringing power to the craft, then switched her radio on in order to speak with the other pilots in her squadron. One-by-one they reported their readiness. She advised flight control and went to standby while watching the lights in front.

  ‘How does it feel back there?’

  ‘Alright so far,’ Colin replied. He could feel a slight movement as the craft swayed slightly from side to side.

  ‘Okay, brace yourself,’ Kyla warned, as the lights changed. She accelerated down the launch ramp and out into the darkness of space, followed closely by the other members of Red Alpha and took up a position fifty metres below the Carrier.

  ‘Where are the rest of them?’ Colin asked.

  ‘All Green Fighters exit via the starboard side. Here they come now.’

  Colin watched as the other five fighters fell in behind them before switching his gaze to the Carrier above. It was like a mini-city hanging in space. Light emanated from every porthole, while batteries of cannons were placed strategically along its hull. Another two wings joined them and fell in behind.

  ‘Bravo and Charlie, are you in position?’ Kyla asked.

  On confirmation she led the formation out and away from the Carrier while the other squadrons were still spilling from its belly and forming up underneath.

  ‘Any problems so far?’ she asked.

  ‘Red Alpha One, this is Green Charlie Five. My passenger seems to have frozen up.’

  ‘Any more like that?’ Kyla asked, but it seemed it was just the one.

  ‘Okay Green Charlie Five, wait one.’ She turned the radio off and spoke to Colin via the intercom, ‘Any suggestions?’

  ‘Have him come alongside and I’ll have a talk to him,’ Colin replied.

  Kyla thought for a moment before turning her radio back on.

  ‘Green Charlie Five—break formation and join me on my starboard side.’

  ‘Roger that Red Alpha One—will do.’ The nominated craft went to starboard and surged ahead to sit abeam of the leader.

  Colin looked to his right. He could just make out the sleek outline of the new fighter by the red light flashing on its tailfin. The recruit in the rear could be seen sitting rigidly, by the illumination of the dials on his console.

  ‘To the Weapons Officer aboard Green Charlie Five—look to your left,’ he held a thumb up for him to see.

  ‘What is your name?’

  ‘John,’ the terrified Weapons Officer replied.

  ‘Mine is Colin, as in Colin Oscopy, which I’m still trying to live down. I guess they call you Johnny. I understand we will be practicing and fighting above some planet in the light of its sun, so don’t worry—this is just a familiarisation flight. I’ve found that in situations like this it’s best if you do something to occupy your mind. There’s not much to do up here except take hold of your cannon and look through the sights. Don’t turn it on—just imagine that you’re back in the simulator at the Show. Come and see me in the mess tonight. We’ll have a beer together and talk some more, okay?’

  ‘Okay, Colin. And thanks,’ Johnny’s voice trailed off.

  Kyla spoke into the comms, ‘Green Charlie Five, you may rejoin the formation.’

  ‘Roger that.’

  Three other columns with thirty craft in each sped silently through the darkness of space. They followed Alpha Squadrons lead as it arced back over the ship—one hundred and twenty fighting craft spiralling lazily around it and away again.

  ‘Red Lima One, you may re-join the Carrier when ready. Other wings follow at ten second intervals. Green Charlie Five—how is your passenger?’ Kyla asked.

  ‘Responding much better thanks, over.’

  ‘Keep advised of the situation, over.’

  ‘Roger that Alpha One—will do, Green Charlie Five out.’

  Colin watched as Lima wing broke off. Its Red and Green halves approaching the Carrier from different sides to disappear back into its belly. It reminded him of bees returning to a hive.

  The communications went dead and the intercom came on.

  ‘Colin, I want to apologise for the other night. I was wrong, okay?’

  ‘Apology accepted. I guess I overreacted. It was a classic case of the Green Goddess falling from her pede
stal—and my mistake for letting my guard down. But you are good at piloting, I’ll give you that.’

  ‘Great, then it’s a truce?’

  ‘Yes.’

  Kyla switched the radio back on just in time to order her wing back onboard.

  The Rock

  What had been a hum in the mess at midday, escalated into a buzz at the evening meal as each new recruit tried to convey their feelings about the flight while the adrenalin still coursed through their veins. The pilots looked on amazed at the electricity in the air and thought back to their own first flights. As if that wasn’t enough, there was the added news of the rift between the crew of Red Alpha One.

  The rumour passed around the mess like wildfire, distorting each time. It seemed that none of the old crew had seen the Colonel in such a rage, and all over a ‘lover’s tiff’. The news came unexpectedly—especially after such an inspiring flight ably led by the Red Alpha team. It was also a blow to Eric’s ego and he jumped quickly to Kyla’s defence even though she denied anything was amiss.

  Pee Wee recounted the whole incident and its aftermath to those around him on the table and Colin laughed when told of the Colonel’s rage.

  Serves the bastard right, he thought.

  ‘So what has your Colonel got in store for you?’

  ‘He says that if you two don’t work out, then I’ll be taking your place and you’ll be put on Carrier Defence. He thinks I’ll be too young for Kyla.’

  ‘And what do you think?’

  ‘Well if it happens I’ll certainly give it my best shot,’ Pee Wee said, matter-of-factly. The whole table erupted in laughter and all eyes in the mess turned towards them. Tears filled their eyes as the mirth slowly subsided.

  ‘And what if that doesn’t happen, what will you be doing then?’ Tiddles asked.

  Pee Wee shrugged, ‘Then I’ll be the one joining the Karen on Carrier Defence. He said he doesn’t want to waste me.’

  Dave sighed in relief.

  Colin nodded at the Colonel’s wisdom. He took his plates up to the wash-point and left them there before going back through the servery. He called one of the cooks over and engaged him in conversation, aware of the uncommon amount of interest directed their way. The cook was a native of Xylanthes—a squat man with a bluish pock-marked face. He listened attentively to him before going to the larder and returning with a handful of yellow cherry like fruit. Colin accepted them gratefully before going back to his quarters.