Birds of a Feather

Posted on Tue Apr 29th, 2014 @ 9:36pm by Commander Eliana Masters & Lieutenant Commander Adria "Tempest" Desoro

Mission: New Frontier
Location: Flight Country
Timeline: Prior to O'Shea's Arrival

[Starbase 80, Routing and Traffic Control Center]

"Commander, the 220th is arriving shortly." The approach controller noted as the transponder signatures of the fighter squadrons began to show on the display. "I'm expecting the radar handoff any moment now."

The dimly lit radar room was abuzz with activity. Dozens of shuttle operations were being weaved in between the arrival and departure of the bigger starships, but for the moment, the main task at hand was clearing out enough space and accommodations for the inbound squadrons. Eliana herself would not be responsible for the 220th Tactical Air Group, but she was always interested when fighter squadrons were in the area. She had considered going down that path herself, but had decided against it.

"Starbase Eight Zero Approach, Two Two Zero Lima request approach vector." Adria had just requested permission for the 220th to make their final approach and what flight vector they were to use.

"220L, Approach, good day to you ma'am," the controller began. "The station information is currently Yankee, continue in via the profile arrival and expect a straight in visual approach. We've been expecting you, welcome to Starbase 80."

"Copy station information is Yankee. Continuing current profile for straight in visual approach. Expect contact with the other members of the 220 TAG on schedule."

"220L, fly heading of zero-eight-zero, intercept the localizer and when you get the lead in lights in sight, let me know."

"Heading zero-eight-zero," Adria monitored things via her HUD. It allowed her to keep eye contact ahead and monitor other instruments as well. This is something she'd done countless times as a fighter pilot. "Localizer signal intercepted, lead in lights in sight and locked."

"220L, thanks, cleared visual approach, contact the tower now on 119.9."

"Approach 220L, copy cleared for visual approach. Thanks for your assistance. Contacting tower on 119.9," Adria switched frequencies, "Starbase Eight Zero Tower, Two Two Zero Lima cleared for visual approach by Approach control."

"220L, Tower, check landing struts down, spot Alpha, cleared to land."

"Roger that. Landing struts are locked down and secured. Thank you for your assistance tower. 220L signing off," Adria replied.

"Well, that just about does it," Eliana muttered as she watched the fighters begin to touchdown one after another in the bay. She shook hands with the tower controller before heading toward the exit. "I'm going to go down there and say hello, thanks for letting me visit."

"Anytime ma'am."

Masters made her way down three flights of stairs until she was on the hangar floor. A tired looking crewman in his mid twenties rushed by with a tricorder in one hand and an auto spanner in the other. He was but part of the symphony of personnel and equipment that it would take to keep the 220th running in top condition. Eliana admired the effort put forth by the man. In her mind, people like him were the true life's blood behind the success of any Federation establishment. She could only hope for the same sort of effort from her own department.

Ellie made her way towards the lead craft whose pilot was currently disembarking the fighter. She couldn't help but feel out of place - a speck of red in an ocean of blue.

"Good morning commander, welcome to Starbase 80."

It took Adria a bit longer to make her way down the ladder. After that she briefly addressed the Plane Captain who greeted her. "Run diagnostics on all 220th birds. I don't expect any issues this soon but I want to stay on top of it and catch any routine maintenance that may be required." With a quick nod the NCO acknowledged Adria's orders then continued about his duties.

Adria turned to greet Commander Masters as she pulled of her helmet and placed it under her arm. Extending her free hand to shake Eliana's, "Adria Desoro, more commonly as Tempest around these parts. Glad to be here."

"Tempest, it's a pleasure to meet you," Ellie smiled. The El Aurian appeared distracted, but it was almost a standard pilot's greeting. In this situation, one would ensure that the pilot was doing well, mixed with whatever salutary greeting was appropriate before moving on to examine whatever it was that they had just flown in. The fighters were the newest and best thing on the floor, which contrasted somewhat with the condition of the station.

"Commander Eliana Masters, acting XO, but I suspect in the near future I'll be dropping that and return to Director of Flight Operations," Masters explained. "I'm with the 405th. Cargo and logistics is more our thing, so I hope you'll forgive the curiosity and dumb looks I give your machines. Beautiful things."

Meeting Eliana's gaze with a smile, "Even though I fly these things all the time, they still haven't lost their wonder for me. Beautiful, graceful yet they can be an effective show of force when needed."

Ellie afforded herself a grin, wondering in her head if the CAG had just described the fighter or herself. Perhaps both. The roar from the combined orchestra of maneuvering thrusters and impulse engines began to subside and other pilots began to emerge.

"Well, I'm glad to hear that your flying has not become jaded," Masters continued as they began to walk away from the craft. "I'm convinced that we've got two of the best jobs in the galaxy. As you can tell, we've got some overlap in facilities and personnel for the moment. The station briefing was rather vague about the extent of the damage, but here you can see the reality of it. Once everything is back up and running, I suspect we'll be moving out of this space into the hangar next door. It's not that we can't be friends or anything, but I think it best to have the division between my department's dealings with the civilian trade sector and our military fighters."

Adria nodded, "In the long run separating the two will be good. Not that I have anything against civilians, its more for their own safety. What you see to day from my side is quite calm considering we're just arriving. From here on out activity will be a lot more urgent and we'll have more ordinance in the area due having our birds fully armed at all times."

"That's fine," Eliana nodded. "If you need help finding anything or tracking resources down, just let me know."

"I appreciate it," Adria replied with a smile, "Thank you Commander." With that she headed off to deal with other matters that required her attention.

OFF:

Commander Eliana Masters
Director of Flight Operations
Acting Executive Officer

Lt Commander Adria Desoro
CAG
Starbase 80