Free Believing in Dreamland by Cheryl Dragon Page B

the weapon. They had to do what was right for the mission.
    “They’re doing well.” Jonah stood next to Dorian and watched the screen that tracked the squadron in a more high-tech fashion.
    Eight planes went through maneuvers again and again. Testing fuel time, speed and how the different planes coordinated together.
    “Sammie. Deploy,” Dorian ordered into the communication system.
    Speeding along as if into the Keelon’s ship, she put distance between herself and the others and pulled the trigger. A rocket went five feet and exploded, showering stand-in pressurized powder for miles in every direction. The ships returned to base after the success. Five tests runs gave them confidence.
    “I’m exhausted.” Sammie stretched as she walked away from her plane.
    “We’re ready. We really need the opportunity now.” Mason came up behind her.
    Dorian nodded. “And the bait. Somehow, they have to open their ship.”
    “Can we blast a rocket through the hull?” Jonah frowned.
    “With the shields up? No way,” Mason said.
    They walked into the cafeteria and loaded up on food. Their planes were getting washed down and refueled. Another set of pilots would go through the same tests this afternoon. Dreamland was determined to be ready.
    As they ate, Dorian mulled the problem of the bait.
    “It’s not all on us. Hastings has to have more information than we do.” Sammie kept pace with the guys’ eating.
    “Sure you’re not eating for two, Sammie?” Jonah teased.
    She smacked his arm. “Very sure. It’s nice to have work to do again. Keeps the calories burning. Not that you three don’t do enough there.”
    Dorian smiled. Their relationship had grown stronger with a purpose and nothing standing in their way. While Hastings still treated them as the odd stepchildren in the group, he respected their skills and let them work on the mission as much as the others. Sammie had relaxed her fear about getting pregnant, and things were back to normal.
    When their phones beeped in unison, they knew something was up.
    “Hastings wants us?” Mason asked.
    “Weird. He wasn’t watching today?” Sammie asked.
    Jonah shrugged. “He gets reports. We’re practicing so much so it will become second nature. We can’t expect him to sit around watching the air show.”
    “Let’s see what he wants after lunch.” Dorian texted a reply. They needed to stay on a routine, and that included food and rest. Mason was still the leader of their little group, but with him flying test missions, he’d left the coordination to Dorian.
    They finished their food and headed to Hastings’ office. There was no waiting. The four were shown inside quickly.
    “Something wrong, Sir?” Mason asked.
    Hastings shook his head. “Not wrong. I’m pleased with the progress. We’re nearly ready.”
    “We are. However, getting the Keelons to open their ships so we can attack is the tricky part,” Dorian said.
    “True. I’ve got a team working on that. We have decoys and options. Keep the pilots ready. That’s all we can do right now.” Hastings opened a small box.
    “Was there something else?” Jonah asked.
    “There is. I’ve reinstated you with the Air Force, under my authority. The government doesn’t like it. They think I’ve taking up too much resources. It was a fight, but your ranks and benefits are all back. We’ll get you four into our uniforms. You report to me and are based here. Sorry, you can’t go back to California, but hopefully, you’ll like feel part of the group in Dreamland.” Hastings handed them small medals. “These are Dreamland insignias. If you fall into the hands of another military outfit, they’ll know you belong to us. Put them on your uniforms.”
    “Thank you, Sir,” Mason said.
    “You’ve earned it. None of this changes your limitations. No aliens flying that real mission against the Keelons.” Hastings wagged a finger.
    “Understood.” Dorian nodded.
    “Does this give us more access around