ILLUMINARRPG: (2 - 1130) Pilot Ensign Vic 'Raid' Montero

[Dieter Gregory]

Mission:  Prelude
Day: 2
Stardate: 2446.03.24

(Mars Base - Pilot Training Grounds - Pilot Ensign Vic 'Raid' Montero - 
1130)

Vic waited outside Commander Metcalf's office.  The story of the defeat 
of Bravo squadron by the Illuminar was being told and retold around the 
base.  Of course, since Deuce had been able to beam out before his ship 
exploded only added to how the story was told.

"I heard you gave Strong's boys the run for their money," Commander 
Metcalf said, "Come in Raid, it's good to see you."

Vic followed the commander into his office.  An orderly was sent for 
coffee as the two men sat down.

"What do you think of the MK III?" the Commander asked.

"I've had the benefit of working with Lieutenant Corday, who was one of 
the leads on the project, so gained a lot of insight into the system. 
She is more responsive than the Mako and the earlier Void Sphynx's.  It 
really gives the pilot an edge who is not afraid to use that 
responsiveness.  The AI and neural connections took a bit to get used 
to.  I've been flying shuttles for so long, I'd gotten used to a 
copilot.  The AI really does a good job of replacing that role, doing it 
faster and more efficiently.  Since the AI can learn the pilot and begin 
to anticipate requests, it can really help the pilot with all the other 
tasks.  However, that may mean we need a way to save those profiles 
somewhere, but I've not talked to Snoopy about it."

"You're not afraid of losing control?  We going to have a fleet of AI 
powered drones?" Metcalf asked.

"Not at all Sir.  There is nothing to replace the pilots situational 
awareness.  Sure the AI can process faster than the human brain, but the 
intuition that the pilot brings is what makes it deadly.  More to the 
point, if the AI is knocked out, the pilot can still fly and fight and 
win," Montero replied, "So you better keep training the flyboys."

"Good to know there is job security.  Jester sends his regards.  He went 
back to Earth to see his granddaughter,"  Metcalf said.

Vic paused, he never knew that Commander Heatherly had a family.  He 
seemed wedded to flying, much like Vic was.  "I will have to send him 
congratulations," he said.

Metcalf leaned forward, "You ready to come home?" he asked Vic. "I could 
use you as an instructor.  We are still building the cadre back to full 
strength after the War."

"That's a bit above my pay grade, Sir," he said with a rueful smile, "I 
am sure there are those who would not approve my transfer."

"You let me worry about that son," Metcalf replied.  "You have more 
friends than you think. Yes, I know you got the short end of the stick 
at the inquest and those Ensign pips are just an insult to your skills. 
I need you here Raid.  These kids walk past your name on a daily basis.  
Your tactics continue to be reviewed and taught, but you know that. "

Vic sighed.  "That is a kind offer Sir, can I think about it?"

"Of course, just know, the fleet needs a few more people like you and 
here you can help us find them, mold them.  Do you keep up with 
politics?" Metcalf asked.

"Not really, its mostly training for me, as you know.  Every hour in the 
simulator or in space is an hour not spent being bored to tears," Vic 
replied.

"You might want to look up some of the recent reports of trouble on the 
borders," he said.  "Lots of small hot spots popping up, and we're not 
ready.  Like 2443.09.11.  You were Johnny on the spot there, and it 
would be nice to be prepared rather than getting caught with our pants 
around our ankles."

  "I"ll think about it Sir, promise," Vic said.

"That's all I ask," Metcalf replied.  "A few of the instructors will be 
at the Red Sands tonight, around 2000.  You might want to stop by. I'm 
sure you'll not need to buy any drinks.  You made quite a few friends 
after yesterdays smack down of Bravo."

"Copy that sir," Vic said.

The conversation drifted to tactics and more discussions on the MK III.

(Reply none)
(Posted by Tim)



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