call to duty

"Kurama, up and at em." Hinson's voice lacked its usual edge.

"What?" A muffled Kurama this fateful day. "What time is it?"

"I do not know. You need to be showered, dressed and ready for duty in 20 on the flight deck."

Celia Kurama turned in her bunk and looked at her watch. "You're kidding. It's 0430."

Melanie needed to keep their mutual dislike from surfacing. She took the unusual step of sitting on the edge of Kurama's bunk. "I know. It's happening now."

That got Kurama's attention. "We're going in?"

Hinson nodded. "Yes, right now."

"Shit. Who's my nav?"

"I am."

Kurama raised herself up onto one elbow. "Good."

Hinson nodded. "Yes, I think so."

'Just out of curiousity, who made that call?" Kurama swung her legs over the edge of the bunk.

"General Battle, on my recommendation."

Kurama looked at her. "Your recommendation?"

"You're the best we have."

Kurama nodded. "Yes, true enough."

"Scared?"

Kurama looked at her. "Shitless. You?"

"Terrified."

"Good, then maybe we stand a chance." Kurama managed a smile in return. She patted Hinson's hand.

"We're the only chance." Hinson rose and headed for the door, surprised how it felt when Celia had touched her. "Move it, Flight, if I'm dying today, I want it to be soon."

Kurama started the shower, hung up her towel, and stepped into the water.