Part 2
Laura reached the front, and the cockpit door opened. The sharp scent of hot avionics, stale coffee, and raw tension filled the cramped space. Captain Andrew Vance sat in the left seat, his face pale and focused entirely on the flight display.
Beside him, the first officer lay unconscious in the right seat, an oxygen mask strapped over his face.
Andrew glanced back at Laura, taking in her casual travel clothes. “You have military flight experience?”
“Yes, sir.”
“What airframes?”
“F-16 Falcons.”
The captain hesitated. “When was the last time you were at the controls?”
Laura paused. “Eighteen months ago.”
May you like
Andrew set his jaw. “I need current proficiency, not memories.”
Before Laura could respond, a sharp vibration shuddered through the airframe. It wasn’t atmospheric turbulence; it was an unnatural, rhythmic shutter.
