JJ Flint jr

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JJ Flint jr

CHAPTER I
Battleship Norfolk



On the Norfolk in the Cambridge System, when one of the crew have a particular bad day, they go down to GR (Graves Registration) and talk to the bagged remains of those that didnt make it through the day. Some go to the Ships Bar and try to drink their daily ration and then go cry into their pillow. Some just go straight to their pillow and cry them selves to sleep till it is time for duty once again. For JJ it was the back corner of the supply room just off the maintenance deck. Usually no one would hear him throw his flight helmet against the stacked crates of parts or goods. The helmet had ricocheted off the wall and was still spinning like a top, when JJ still felt the urge to hit something, swung his fist at the closest stack of boxes.

His fist went into a box of Synth Paste and the feeling sent a shock to his brain. Now, Synth Paste comes in a squeezable tube. You pop the top off and put the end into your mouth and squeeze. You are not to feel it. You are not to see it. You are not to smell it. You are only to taste it, then swallow. JJs eyes focused on the clearly marked box, now with a hole in it and the skin on his hand, well the feeling was making the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. When he pulled his hand out the sight of this multicolored substance started a gagging reaction and the smell of different mixed tubes was over powering. He went over to the detox cleaning station in the corner of the storeroom and tried to clean it off. The darn stuff acted like it was moving around his arm.

Without thinking he pulled the cord that allowed the decontamination curtain to close around him and the wash station and the standard decontamination process started. In thirty seconds the curtain opened and the stuff was gone, but his uniform was now soaking wet.

Ensign Flint, report to the Flight Operations Command. screamed in volume from the ships intercom.

Just great, thought JJ, I had better change uniforms before I go. and reached for his helmet.

Stepping out of the storeroom into the Maintenance Bay, he happened to see the maintenance crews tearing into his Crusader. For a twenty meter circle around and under the Crusader was small parts, big parts, and two escape pods that Graves Registration hadnt picked up yet. Walking past the localized area of destruction heading to the door to the Pilots Quarters, JJ was stopped by the crew chief.

Mr. Flint! What in the bloody six hells did you run into out there today. Sir, It is going to take at least three ship days to get your craft even somewhat flight ready. That is if Supply has the parts we need. Sir?

We found at least four squadrons of Corsairs out there today Chief. replied JJ as he suddenly remembered that he had left with a flight of seven and he was the only one to return in a fighter.

The Chief noticing JJs wet flight suit and wanting to change the subject, Sir. You really shouldnt use the DeCon chamber to clean up after yourself.

Well Chief you know I go in there to vent and I seem to have found a leaking box of Synth Paste and I just wanted to get it off. JJ said with a forced smile.

With a frightened look and voice the chief said, OH LORD Sir. Did you get it all off?

I think I did Chief but you may want some one to clean that spill up

The sound of a wrench hitting the deck turned the Chiefs head, Roberts, my lad, for dropping that wrench you have just volunteered to clean the storeroom. Jettison everything out the airlock and then do a full decontamination on the room and when that is done, send your HazMat suit out the airlock also.

Roberts, an Engine Tech, lumbered over to the storeroom with mumblings coming from the suit.

Turning back to JJ the Chief said with a grin, New guy, straight out of school sir. Well have that problem cleaned up straight away sir.

Ensign Flint. Report to the Flight Operations Command Blared over the ships intercom.

I need to change and go see what they want now Chief. replied JJ as he turned to walk away then stopped and asked the Chief, Wont those credit pinching scourges in Supply wonder what happen, Chief?

Sir, I have learned that if you tell supply that a box of Synth Paste was leaking due to damage they will write it off with no further paperwork sir. the Chief said smiling.

Ill let you know when your craft is back on flight status sir. said the Chief looking over the debris that was part of a Crusader. Jenkins, go pull that wreck in the corner over. I think it would be quicker to fix that one with these parts and junk this one.

Stopping at the Ships Intercom by the door, JJ pressed the key, Flight Operations Command. Ensign Flint in Maintenance. On my way.

They would think that he had been helping Maintenance survey the damage to his ship and would allow some extra time to clean up before reporting. After changing into ships uniform JJ reported to FOC.

Knocking on the FOC Commanders hatch then stepping in he said, You wanted to see me sir?

Yes Ensign, I just went over your report and want to hear it in your own words. the Commander said looking up at the end. It was just supposed to be a simple mission to take out three Corsair Weapons Platforms.

Sir, I was assigned to Flight Omega 6 at this mornings briefing as their bomber for this mission and we took off as planned. Six Hussars and one Crusader. Omega 6 lead would keep any fighters off me as I made my runs at the weapons platforms and all was going well. We made it to the coordinates and located the three targets.

There were no enemy fighters on scan when I made my first run with two Omega craft (Omega Flight One) providing fire suppression. I was able to launch three sunslayer torpedoes on the first run. The first platform was destroyed. Omega Flight Two was coming in while OF1 broke to provide top cover to provide fire suppression on the second weapons platform. Just as I fired my third torpedo on target two, Omega Lead said over comms, Bandits on scans. Corsair Legionnaires. Odds one to one. Omega form on me. Flint get that last target and lets get out of here.

Flint: Roger. Starting final run now. Range 2k

Omega 3: More bandits.

Omega Lead: Odds two to one

Flint: Range 1500m. First torpedo away.

Omega 6: Two more Legionnaire flights on scan.

Omega Lead Odds four toGood shooting Two, Three, and Five. Three point five to one.

Flint: Range 1200m. Second torpedo away.

Omega 3: What the...More on scan.

Omega Lead: Six to one. FLINT!

Flint: Range 900m. Third Torpedo away. Omega start making a hole to the Norfolk. Ill catch up.

Omega Lead: Norfolk. Omega 6. We are in big trouble. Launch all available.

Norfolk: Sorry Omega. No support is available. Norfolk under attack. Requesting support from Cambridge.
Omega Lead: Flint, we will try to draw them after us. Omega burn to the Norfolk.

Flint: Torpedo four away. Closing with guns.

Omega Lead: BLOODY..Hell..Six to one

Omega 5: Two flights of Centurions blocking our way.

Flint: Target starting death throws. I am on my way

I turned to follow when I picked up two Omega pod beacons on scan so I picked them up while in cruise and entered the fur ball. I joined up with Omega 3 and covered him and lost track of the rest. When Omega 3 hit a nuclear mine I picked up his pod and scanned for the rest and all I saw was pod beacons. I got to them all and even got a couple of Corsairs while dodging and weaving. When I grabbed the last Omega pod I thrusted toward the Norfolk hoping to get under her guns and keep my ship together.

Flint: Norfolk. Flint inbound with a gaggle of Corsairs behind me. Tell the guns to stand by.

Norfolk: Norfolk standing by. Will you require medical upon landing pilot?

Flint: Affirmative Norfolk. Request straight in approach with Damage Control and Medical standing by.

Norfolk: Pilot Flint, where is the rest of your flight?

Flint: In a disgusting voice, In my hold Norfolk

Norfolk: Ohh.Priority landing clearance granted pilot.

Thats about what happened sir. finished Ensign Flint.

Well that matches what you placed into your report and that of Omega Leader. replied the Commander.

I am sorry that two of the Omegas did not survive in their pods to make it back. JJ said quietly.

One pod was hit with shrapnel and the other had been hit with weapons fire before you picked them up. So it was nothing you did pilot. the Commander said in a low voice then continued, Omega Lead sends his congrats on completing the mission and also for staying alive to pick them all up. He is really different than his father.

His Father? asked JJ.

The Norfolks Fleet Admiral. replied the Commander.

The Commander continued, I didnt call you up here to grill you on the flight or who is the son of who, but with all the good reports the Admiralty have had on you, they have pushed some paperwork through, and I have to tell you that you are out of uniform Lieutenant.Congratulations. handing him a little case with new insignia.

Thank you Sir came a surprised reply from JJ.

I also just came across a report that the Academy Training Cruise made it back with only one loss of life due to Corsair attack. Your son has been credited with four confirmed kills and three assists.

Thats good news sir.

Since your Crew Chief has reported that it may take four or five days to put your Crusader back together, I am giving you a pass to take a few days off and there is a Armored Transport heading to New London that leaves in an hour if you hurry.

Thank you Sir. It that all sir?

Dismissed and have fun pilot. was the Commanders final words.

JJ had to hurry to catch the transport and was looking forward to seeing his wife and son for the first time in a year.


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More to Come