Michael was about to mention he had done the pre-flight walk around but the Princess spoke before him, saying it would put her at ease. The pilot simply shrugged after that. "Do what you want, you're kind of in charge here." The Major left them on the flight deck.
"Well I believe I'm no longer required here." General Eiling put on his hat. "Princess Ashira I leave you in the Lieutenant's very capable hands. And I'll see you in a couple days Lieutenant. Give your father my regards when you see him."
"Aye air!" Michael snapped to attention and saluted the General. "I'll tell pops you said hello."
"Very good." Eiling returned the salute. "Captain we're leaving!" The General barked orders to his head of security who responded by rounding up his men.
Michael watched the General leave, descending the ramp and heading off with Ironbane and his squad. Now he was alone. Alone with the Princess of the Yoran and her aide. Or bodyguard? He didn't know, could of been both. There was nothing wrong with having both jobs rolled into one. Just when he was trying to figure that out what the Princess said next surprised him. She wanted to leave, with her crew still on the outside. She wanted to ditch her escort, causing Michael to smirk devilishly. "Strap yourselves in!" Michael threw himself into the pilot's seat and quickly his hand flew across the console. He pressed the button which controlled the loading ramp, the hydraulics kicked on and brought it up. The ramp locked into place. "Princess just to inform you the ramp controller is trying to contact up." Michael pointed to a flashing button, Major Drake was standing in front of the ship next to a communication panel. "I'm electing to ignore it." Snickering to himself as he saw the look on the Major's face through the cockpit window. Reaching over to his radio he flick the channel over to the control tower. "Flight Control this is Nighthawk on pad one requesting clearance for take off."
The tower, not knowing what's going on down on the launch pad, acknowledge them. "Nighthawk you are clear for takeoff."
"Thank you tower. Nighthawk taking off." Michael pulled his flight helmet on as he hit the button for the thrusters. The X-105 shook as it started to rise into the air. "Ladies and...well just ladies. Thank you flying air Nighthawk, please keep your tray tables and seats in the upright position." The ship launched into the air. "Man I wish I can see the Major's face now." Michael laughed, smiling as he set the coordinates to their first destination along the way to Arturia.
"Artificial Gravity Engaged." The computer announced after they broke out of the atmosphere.
Michael unbuckled his restraint, his helmet was removed and hooked onto the back of his chair. "Ok you all are clear to move about the ship. Stretch your legs, get a snack. Make yourselves comfortable it'll be a bit before our first stop."
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