Remember the Starfighter by Michael Kan Page B

reactivated. He would lead Gamma Team as its main executive officer. But not without some help.
    “At ease,” Ibarra said, stroking the mustache at his face. “I’d like you to meet our new first officer.”
    He then pointed to the woman standing at his side. She was tall, dressed in the same military white, with her face partially hidden behind the large naval hat.
    “Meet Lt. Commander Nalia Kynestar. Newly promoted.”
    Julian saw the smile creep under the cap’s brim. She then took it off, and stared directly back, her auburn hair tied behind her head.
    “Captain,” Nalia said, the tone hard and concise.
    Caught off guard, Julian did the only thing he could do, and saluted his new XO with a flinch.
    “She volunteered, and we’re lucky to have her,” Ibarra said.
    The commander then went on with a few other minor details, as Julian simply looked back at Nalia, uncomfortable, but pretending to listen.
    “Anyways, the mission should be straight forward,” Ibarra said. “I assume you’re ready to go?”
    Julian nearly stammered, his spine still stiff. “Yes. I think so.”
    “Good. You and Kynestar should speak. Get to know each other. She’ll be running tactical on board the S.C. Abenon.”
    The commander then left them, needing to rush off and handle one final requisition. It was now only Nalia and him, standing together in the hanger bay.
    Julian didn’t know what to do or say. Nalia could tell.  
    “Miss me?” she asked, hoping to ease his discomfort, and do away with the formalities.
    He wondered if this was real, and looked down at her feet, to find a knapsack of her things zipped and sealed.
    “You’re kidding right? You’re really coming with us?” he asked.
    Admittedly, Julian didn’t really know her. But outside of Drayden, she was his sole friend in all the galaxy. She didn’t need to do this.
    Throwing her naval hat on top of the bag, Nalia knew she might face this reaction.
    “You’re short on crew and S-Com was looking for volunteers,” she explained. “I requested a temporary transfer to your strike group.”
    She poked his chest, wanting him not to be so alarmed. “I can take care of myself. I pulled your ass out of Meridian, didn’t I?”
    Julian responded with bewilderment. “Don’t do this Nalia. There’s plenty for you to do here at Bydandia. We’ll be fine.”
    She waved her hand, brushing aside his protest with a smile.
    “Please, I can’t let you have all the fun.”
    “Nalia, don’t joke around. This is dangerous,” he said.
    “Too late. It’s already been finalized.”
    “Then change it.”
    She could see Julian was not taking this lightly. “You really do care about me, don’t you?”
    Julian scoffed. He wanted to turn away, but she grabbed him by the collar, pulling him back. They met eye to eye, Nalia relinquishing the grin and speaking the truth.
    “I’m going to watch out for you. I meant that. I’m not going to let you go out there with a skeleton crew,” she said. “More importantly, I have a mission of my own.”
    “And what’s that?”
    “The Endervars need to die.”
    Letting go, she folded her arms across her chest. “Besides, I’m technically you’re superior.”
    She pointed to the pips on her collar, the column of metallic insignias having grown to include one more.
    “Lt. Commander Kynestar,” Julian said. He was ready to turn stiff again, and send his hand to his brow.
    “Don’t do that,” she said, annoyed at the gesture. “I really don’t care for it.” 
    There was too much seriousness in the world already. Keep this simple, she replied.
    “When it’s only us, call me Nalia,” she insisted.
    Julian sighed, feeling embarrassed. He didn’t quite know how to act around her. But perhaps, she was right.
    “Nalia,” he said. “I’m sorry.”
    He looked at her, and sensed that she understood.
    Nalia demanded that she join the fight. And deep down, in spite of the dangers, Julian wanted the same.
    “Welcome