Free Gamma Raiders: Storm Squadron Alpha: Scifi Alien Romance Novel by Calista Skye

most common problem with the comm systems on a fighter, is that the weapons are drawing too heavily. There’s not enough power left for the Gaussian field to complete the comm circuits. Diverting power from the hyperdrive could give it the extra kick it needs.”
    Ja’al stared at her silently, and she heard the sound of Jomanak grunting beside her as he fought through the remaining press-ups.
    “And you think it’d be a good idea to knock your hyperdrive systems offline?” said Ja’al.
    Despite their feelings for one another, he couldn’t go easier on her in front of the others. And Kira wouldn’t have wanted him to. The more he drilled her now, the better prepared she’d be. But this was an easy question. To her, at least, the answer was obvious.
    “I do, sir,” she said. “No sane pilot would make the leap to hyperspace in the heat of a battle. You wouldn’t have a clear course, and you’d never make a clean escape. Getting the comm systems back online first gives you a better chance of surviving the battle.”
    Ja’al smiled at her and closed his eyes briefly as he gave a small nod. “Thank you, Cadet Thorne.”
    “Sir,” she said, feeling more confident in herself already.
    Ja’al raised his voice to address the group. “That’s the kind of forward, strategic decision that each of you will be expected to make. And those of you who think you’re above learning the inner-workings of your ships would do well to take a page from her book.”
    She still had a lot to learn, but her background would serve her better than she had realized. She had a foundation that few, if any, of the other cadets did.
    She could do this. She just needed to draw on her strengths.

 
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 7
     
     
    After a brief lunch, Kira navigated through the dark, cramped hallways of the Rebel base and found her way back to the training room. She could have used more time for rest and relaxation, but that luxury wasn’t on the agenda. She probably would have been too nervous to appreciate it, anyway. Storm kept a rigorous schedule, and there was no time for relaxation.
    A bank of simulator pods lined the outskirts of the room, waiting for the cadets to begin their flight training. A large holodisplay occupying the room’s center, enabled recruits who weren’t taking part in a drill to study and learn from the mistakes of their classmates. No pressure.
    Immune to the pressure of performing in front of her peers, Reina looked as bubbly as ever. Her red curls bounced as she tilted her head and waved Kira over. “I can’t believe they’re starting us on aerial combat already,” she said. “After this morning’s lecture, I thought we were in for a physics lesson.”
    “I can handle equations,” said Kira. “But all this? I’m not so sure.” She looked around at the rows of steel and tarkanium pods sitting on complex rigs that allowed full rotation in all directions. The mock-cockpits were outfitted with the full array of sensors and controls, just like the JRV class fighters they’d be flying while on their sorties. Training in an I-57A pod was indistinguishable from the real thing.
    “Kira, this is going to be amazing. You wouldn’t be here if they didn’t think you could do it. There’s nothing to be nervous about.”
    Again, Kira wasn’t so sure. Her stomach tightened as she questioned her resolve. Why did she let Ja’al talk her into this? She should have joined the wrench-heads after all.
    “What’s the matter, Thorne? Afraid you won’t be able to hack it?” said Jomanak. He placed his hands on his hips and a mocking smile drew across his face.
    “She was just concerned that they won’t be able to clean up all the pieces of your over-sized ego when she blows you out of the sky, Jom,” said Reina. “You’re the one who should be worried here.”
    “Please. I can handle anything this wrench-head can throw at me.”
    “We’ll see about that,” said Kira. She’s wasn’t at all sure