Chapter 1

Routine Training Exercise

It's hard to have a normal day when you're in the military. Things need to be done in a hurry, so you can move onto the next task. Today was just like that; anything but normal. I was first up on a solo training exercise. Normally I wouldn't complain, but this was different. We always ran in three man groups as a minimum and as my first solo. It has me a little on edge.

I was told that this was just a routine training exercise, but from what I experienced today. I learned a routine training exercise can be anything but. I am serving on the USS George H.W. Bush. It is a decently sized aircraft carrier. It currently held seventy-five aircraft. At the time; we currently had a little over five-thousand well trained men and women living on this floating city. I know from experience; when that many people live in such a confined space. You make friends very quick.

We were sailing 100 miles off the coast of Cat Island. It's a small island in the Bahamas with a population under 2,000. It rests about 250 miles off the coast of Florida. Beautiful sparkling blue waters, fine white sand beaches and some nice resorts. It would be a perfect place for my next shore leave.

"Hey James." I turned to look at the voice. "Come over here James. I could use the company."

"Hold on Ethan; let me get my lunch..." I held my tray up.

"Alright, alright..." Ethan waved at me and turned back to his lunch.

I walked over and grabbed a bowl of salad. I walked down the line and grabbed a random sandwich. When I looked over the shoulder of the man in front of me. I saw one last slice of apple pie. I could only pray he wouldn't take it. I was ecstatic when he passed it by. I quickly grabbed it and placed it on my tray.

"Hurry up James..." Ethan waved at me.

"Calm down Ethan." I walk towards the table. "Why are you in such a hurry?" I sat down across from Ethan.

"I'm not in a hurry, you just take too long." Ethan looked at my tray. "Why do you always get apple pie? That shit is going to make you fat..." Ethan looked at me and smirked.

"Give me a brake; I got some salad." I pointed at my bowl of salad. "Besides, it's my only release on this ship. They cracked down on video games." I took a bite of my sandwich. "The only game you can find on this ship is Solitaire; and that's in the command center. You're not going to find much else on a computer."

"You have plenty of ways to get your release." Ethan smiled at me. "We have plenty of women on this ship; just find one and screw her. No one has to know." Ethan started to laugh.

"So is that how you relax?" I raised my eyebrow.

"Hell no!" Ethan waved his hand in the air. "My ball and chain would kill me..."

"So your wife still has your balls around her neck?" I laughed. "She seems to have you trained the way she wants."

"Come on man; that's not even cool." Ethan smiled. "What about Jessica? I know she wants you."

"That's off limits." I said while chewing my sandwich. "Besides; I thought she has a man in the states."

"Nope, she has no one in the states. Trust me man; she wants you, so show some interest." Ethan started to look over my shoulder.

"Maybe..." I watch Ethan as he moved his head around. "What the hell are you doing?... That's a good way to piss someone off..."

"I think that's Rice Ball." Ethan stood up and started to yell. "Hey Rice Ball! Come over here and eat!" Ethan waved at a crowd of people.

"You know his name is Chung, so why do you call him Rice Ball?" I finished my sandwich and started on my salad. "I'm going to laugh when he cracks your head open for the racist shit that comes from your mouth."

"I have heard him say worse things about white people." Ethan smiled. "Besides; have you seen the picture of Chung when he was small?" Ethan started to laugh.

"No..." I raised an eyebrow. "How did you find a picture of him when he was a kid?"

"That's not important, but I will say he was round." Ethan smiled as Chung came and sat next to him. "Rice Ball, what's up?"

"I'm American, so why do you call me Rice Ball?" Chung started to eat his soup.

"Just ignore him Chung; he is only trying to piss you off." I said with a smile. "I wouldn't blame you if ya beat his ass and throw him in a storage locker. I think the crew would find it rather amusing." I took a bite of my salad.

"Don't pay attention to James." He waved me off with his hand. "We were talking about how to relax on the ship." We watched Ethan as he smiled. "Have you screwed anyone yet?"

"Oh yeah..." I quickly cut Chung off.

"So what was his name?" I smiled and shortly after; I felt a sharp pain in my lag. "Why the hell did you kick me?"

"What you said was offensive." Chung nodded with his eyes closed.

"So Ethan brings racist Chinese jokes to the table; I bring one gay joke and I get kicked?" I watched Ethan as he was busting up in laughter. "That is bull shit Chung... Bull shit." I finished off my salad.

"So James; you are first up for the training exercise?" Ethan asked after he took a drink of water. "I hear you're flying solo."

"Yeah." I bring my apple pie closer to me. "This is my first solo run; not counting that run in I had with the Chinese."

"I remember that..." Chung said as he finished his soup. "Weren't you going to get court-martialed for that?"

"No, they looked over the Hornet." Ethan interrupted me.

"I heard about that too. You took out three Mighty Dragons." Ethan laughed. "What did they find?"

"They found the Hornet had a problem with it's GPS." I started to eat my apple pie. "It was sending a wrong signal and it had my flying over Chinese airspace. Just remember, they fired first."

"You'd think they would check that; after all it is a multi-million dollar aircraft." Chung wiped his mouth with a towel. "It's not everyday someone fucks up like that... You were lucky no one died."

"I know." I looked over at the clock on the wall. "So Ethan, how are you down in the engine room?"

"It's going smooth; just wish I had more to look at." Ethan sighed.

"That kind of talk will get you in trouble Ethan." Chung raised an eyebrow at Ethan. "One of these days your wife will find out." Ethan interrupted.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah I heard it all before..." Ethan rolled his eyes. "Hey James..." Ethan watched as I stood up. "Where you going?"

"I have to get ready." I pointed at the clock. "I only have thirty minutes to get ready, so I best get going." I picked my tray up.

"Just be careful out there. People are telling me we are headed into a storm." Ethan went back to his lunch.

"I'll be on my best behavior." I put my hand up as I walked away.

I picked up the rest of my apple pie and placed my tray in a basket on the edge of the counter. I quickly ran out into the hall to avoid anyone from seeing my food. Last thing I needed was to get yelled at for bringing food out of the mess hall. I started to make my way to the rear of the carrier, until a sudden urge hit me. I looked around for the closest bathroom. I quickly entered the through the door. I went to the closest urinal and I did what I had to do.

"Hitting the head before your big mission?" A man next to me said in a deep voice.

"Yeah." I laughed. "Can't go while I'm in the air; right?"

"I don't suppose you can." The man smirked.

I finished my business and walked towards the sink. I started to wash my hands; then the man started to speak.

"Just be careful out in that storm, James Cross." The man continued to stand at the urinal. "The Bermuda Triangle can be a tricky lady to navigate in, with all those rumors."

"I don't believe that bull shit about people vanishing." I took some paper towels to dry off my hands. "By the way, have we met before? I can't seem to recall your name."

"Nope, we haven't met before. I am just a random stranger." He looked at me and gave me a creepy smile. "Isn't it almost time for your takeoff?"

"Oh shit, you're right!" I quickly throw the paper towels away. I made it halfway out the door, but something was bugging me. I slowly turned around. "Excuse me but can I ask you..." I looked around the restroom, but I couldn't see the man I spoke with.

I walked back in the restroom and looked around. I looked in every stall and even under the sink. I couldn't find that man anywhere. I rubbed the standing hairs on the back of my neck and quickly made it out of the restroom. I make my way down the hall until I heard a familiar voice.

"Hey James. How are you doing?" I turned around and saw Jessica running up to me.

"I'm doing fine; just on my way to suit up for my training exercise." I put my hand up, pointing it down the hall. "Would you like to walk with me?"

"Oh I can't... I have to go sweep the deck." Jessica smiled. "It is my job to make sure you get a safe takeoff."

"Right, so I guess I will let you go?" I gave Jessica a smile.

"Yeah." I watched as Jessica started to run down the hall. "I will take you up on that offer of a walk tonight!" Jessica yelled as she ran down the hall. "Okay!?" She turned back and waved.

"Sure thing!" I waved back while smiling.

I continued down the hall without interruption this time. I made my way to the prep station and walked up to my locker. I quickly opened it and pulled my suit out; I put it on and kicked the bottom of my locker. I popped open a small hidden compartment on the bottom. I grabbed my gun and holster. I wrapped the holster around the top of my right leg. I checked to see I had a round chambered.

"James!" I jumped as a familiar voice yelled. I turned to see my friend Asad.

"What the hell is wrong with you, Asad?" I showed him my gun. "What would have happened if this went off because you scared me?"

"You shouldn't have personal firearms on the ship my friend." He replied in a heavy Arabic accent. "Do you think I could see that?" Asad held his hand out.

"No problem, just don't scare me like that again." I grabbed the barrel and held the gun out to him. "It's loaded, so be careful."

"Do not worry my friend; I too have been trained in firearms." Asad grabbed the gun and inspected it. "It looked like it is well taken care of." Asad smiled as he ejected the magazine.

"Yeah, it was passed down to me by my father." I watched him look at the magazine.

"Nice, 17 rounds in the magazine." I watched as he pulled the slide back half way. "And one in the chamber. This isn't your standard M9. This is a 92A1 Beretta." Asad put the magazine back and held it towards me. "Your father would be proud on how you take care of his pistol." Asad smiled.

"I can only hope." I took the gun and placed it in my holster. "So am I ready for takeoff?"

"Your Hornet is ready to fly." Asad looked me in the eyes. "But I am more worried about you, my friend."

"Why is that?" I asked while I raised an eyebrow.

"I have a strange feeling when I am around you today. It almost feels like I will never see you again." Asad rubbed his neck. "I can't seem to put my finger on it, but it is almost like something evil is on this ship."

"That's strange..." I remembered the man that disappeared in thin air. "I was in the restroom before I came here. A strange man was using the urinal next to me; I rushed towards the door and when I looked back. It was like he vanished." I looked at Asad as he started to go pale.

"I hope you are joking, James." Asad watched me for a second. "Something is not right about this."

"I'm sure it's nothing." I closed my locker. "I will just keep a cool head when I'm out flying."

"Please do that, may your god be with you." Asad put his hands on my shoulders and started to come close.

"Whoa..." I put my arm up to stop him. "I'm sorry, Asad. I know it is out of respect, but kissing another man's cheek is wrong. Remember; I'm an American." I watched as Asad laughed.

"I am sorry my friend. I am still stuck in the old ways." Asad smiled as he put his arms to his side. "Just be careful, you will be flying into a storm today." Asad quickly got serious. "A dark shadow is following behind you. I wish you a safe journey." Asad held his hand out.

"I'll watch my back." I grabbed his hand and shook it. I pulled him close and patted him on his back with my other hand. "This can serve as a Farewell. It's a lot better than your traditional goodbye in my opinion." Asad reached his arm around and patted my back.

"Good luck my friend." Asad let go of my hand and I turned towards my Hornet.

As I walked towards my Hornet. I had to shake that creepy feeling Asad gave me. Talking about dark shadows and that strange man in the restroom almost sent me over the edge. I knew I shouldn't let it bug me, but it still gave me an odd feeling of danger.

I climb up on the wing and quickly got in the cockpit. I closed it up and looked at my gauges. I looked at Asad and gave him the thumbs up. I watched as him and his crew ran over to me and latched my hornet on a large cart. They drove me to the rear of the carrier and slowly backed me up on the lift. I looked at Asad as he stood at attention. He quickly raised his hand up to his forehead and saluted me. I repaid the favor and gave him a quick salute as my plane was lifted to the deck.

As I was slowly lifted to the deck; I could see a large wall of black clouds that seemed to go up into space. I have never seen anything like it. I could see lightning spidering out of the clouds and into the ocean. It was the most amazing display of lightning I had ever seen in my life.

I watched as a flight crew rushed out to inspect my craft. I looked at the man in front that was signaling me. He wanted to check the flaps. We ran through the left, right, up and down. He gave me the thumbs up and he slowly directed me forward. He signaled me to stop. When I stopped; he rushed under my aircraft. Shortly after; the crew ran out from under my aircraft and I was given the thumbs up.

I started a mental countdown in my head; I was going to launch in ten seconds. This was the best part of the job; the sudden thrust, the adrenalin and the neck breaking speeds. It was the very feel of freedom, the ability to fly through the heavens and the ability to project Earth shattering power all around the world. I hit one and I was thrown back in my seat as I rocketed off the carrier.

"Red Rocket to Avenger, I have a green light on takeoff and awaiting the co-ordinance" I waited for a response.

"Roger that Red Rocket, we have you on radar. Proceed to the co-ordinance we provided."

"Understood Avenger, I'm five minutes out from the destination. I will update on my progress."

"Copy that Red Rocket, we await your update, Avenger out." The radio went silent as I continued forward.

I looked forward as I flew into the storm. A wall of water splashed over the cockpit window. I was impressed; I have never seen a downpour like this before in my life, but I did find it fascinating. I watched as water hit the window; the rain drops literally exploded on impact. What happened next; threw me off a little. The rain started to clear and it got darker as I flew further into the storm.

"Red Rocket to Avenger, I'm three minutes to the target." I stopped as I was interrupted by a little turbulence. "I'm getting a little turbulence, but it's nothing. I will continue to push to target."

"Rog... R... Rocket... We..." Static filled the radio.

"I did not copy that Avenger; can you repeat. I did not copy." I waited for a response.

"Roger that Re.. Rocket, we copy yo... Proceed to target." It was better, but I was still getting a little static.

I continued to push forward into the storm. The turbulence got a little worse, but it was still controllable. I glanced at my dash and noticed my compass and my heading indicator was going crazy. I didn't let it bug me, because I knew my general direction. I looked up and saw a large wall of white fog. It struck me odd, so I radioed it in.

"Red Rocket to Avenger, my instruments are going crazy and I have a large wall of fog out here. How should I proceed?" I waited for a response, but I heard nothing but static. "Red Rocket to Avenger, do you copy?" I waited for a response, but still nothing.

I continued to fly forward into the fog and as I passed through; my Hornet violently shook from turbulence. The shaking lasted for about five seconds, but it felt like an eternity. I looked at my dash and noticed my Altitude indicator was acting up, so was my radio magnetic indicator and the targeting systems. I looked at the fuel gage and saw it was mysteriously empty. I quickly looked at my feet as something caught my eye.

"Red Rocket to Avenger, I have smoke in the cockpit and I'm flying blind; my craft is showing bingo fuel and I'm turning around. Do you copy?" I waited for a response.

When I got no response; I quickly banked to the right. As soon as I did; my Hornet started to shake violently. I quickly leveled it out and flew straight. I tried to turn it slower this time. I had more success, but I was still getting a little turbulence. I looked around, but saw only fog. I tried the radio again.

"Red Rocket to Avenger; do you copy? I'm flying blind with no fuel. I'm turning back for emergency landing. I have smoke in the cockpit." I continued to wait for a response, but still nothing

It quickly struck me; I could try to fly above the storm. It would be a risk, but I was willing to take it. After all I was now lost and I believed I still had fuel. I slowly flew up and something caught my eye. I could see a small blue circle in the distance. I quickly angled the plane to fly straight at it. It took me only a few seconds to reach it and it looked like I had a clear shot to the top of the storm.

As I entered what seemed to be a vortex of clouds. I looked around and saw swirling lights of blues, greens, reds and yellows. I soon cleared the clouds, my Hornet violently shook and a loud explosion shook my aircraft. I tried to look back, but could only see black smoke. I tried to push the engine forward, but I got nothing.

"Red Rocket to Avenger! Do you copy?! My engine has lost all power, I have smoke in the cockpit and I'm in free-fall! Do you copy!?" Nothing but static filled my ears.

As I quickly entered free-fall. I tried my best to keep a little control over my Hornet, but I slowly started to enter a spin. I plunged back into the dark clouds I tried to escape. As I fell to the ground; I could see that I was over a large land mass. It looked like I was falling towards a large forest.

"What the hell is going on?" I continued to look around. I then quickly got on my radio. "Red Rocket to Avenger! I have strayed off course. I am over an unknown land mass." I waited for a response. "Can anyone hear me god damn it!"

I struggled with the controls, but it had seemed like I got some control over my free-fall. I did my best, but I was falling fast. When I believed my Hornet would land in the clearing; I reached down and pulled the ejection latch. The pins blew out and the window shot out. I was quickly thrown into the elements. As soon as I started to fall; my chute opened. I held my hand up to shield my face from the wind and rain.

I watched my Hornet as it spiraled out of control. I counted seven seconds before my hornet made contact with the ground. My entire body was warmed by the explosion. I watched the fire as the wind threw me around. I then noticed the wind was forcing me towards the crash site.

"You've got to be kidding me..." I quickly pull on my chute to turn me away from the clearing. "Come on you son of a bitch!" I pulled on the right strings as hard as I could. "That's it... Keep going..." I started to gain some control over my fall, but it was hard with the wind.

I continued to slowly descend; I found myself landing in a tree on the edge of the clearing. I looked down and saw it was about a five foot drop. I unbuckled myself from the seat and jumped down. I slowly walked into the clearing to look at the crash site. I watched as black smoke billowed from the fire. I bent down and put my hands on my knees.

"Got to calm down." I took a deep breath to try and stop my knees from shaking. "That was a close one..." I looked up at the fire. I jumped and fell to the ground when a large explosion shook my very core. "Holy shit..." I quickly get to my feet and backed away. "No point in staying here..." I turned back around and found a small pathway into the bushes.

I walked towards the pathway while I took my gun out. As I walked through the bushes; I checked to see if I had a round in the chamber. When I was satisfied, I put the gun back in the holster and continued to follow the pathway. As I walked down the path; I looked for any signs of civilization. After all this path has been clearly marked.

As I walked down the path; it gave me time to think. I needed to know where I was. It just didn't make any since. I was about twenty minutes from the nearest island. I was only in the fog a few minutes. Could I have gotten turned around when I panicked?

I quickly stopped when I heard a loud roar from behind me. I slowly turned to look around. I could hear noises coming closer; whatever it was, it was huge. I pulled my gun out and switched the safety off. I gripped it with both hands and started to scan the trees. I heard another loud roar and I quickly pointed my gun towards the noise. When I heard branches breaking; I quickly fired three shots in its direction. On the third shot, I heard a loud pinging noise. Soon after I was blown to the ground and I was looking up towards the sky.

I rolled over in the mud and saw blood. I slowly sat up and listened carefully. Whatever the thing was; it was quick to run away from my gunshots. I looked around on the ground for my gun. I found it and I slowly retrieved it. I started to wipe the dirt off with my suit. I put it back in my holster and noticed my right eye started to see red. I blinked my right eye a couple of time and the red only smeared. I felt a strange throbbing on the side of my head, so I reach up and brush my forehead. I looked at my hand and saw it was covered in blood.

"Well that's just great; I shot myself." I slowly started to feel my head for any cuts or holes. I quickly gave a sigh of relief. "No holes; just a cut. I need to be more careful on where I shoot. Last thing I need is a ricochet to take me out."

I looked around and found a small puddle of water. I crawled up to it and inspected it. It seemed to be clean water, so I started to wash the blood away. When I was done; I slowly made my way to my feet. I started to walk down the path, but a sharp pain in my head brought me down to my knees. I grabbed my head and slowly looked around. My vision started to haze and go black. Before I passed out; I managed to say the last thought that ran through my head.

"Routine training exercise my ass..."

Author's Note

If you see any errors in my story. I would like to know, so that I can correct them. After I finish the corrections; I will be deleting the post. I would also like to hear your thoughts on the story if you have time. I am doing my best to keep the story flowing smoothly, so I hope you enjoyed reading this. I am having a lot of fun with this story, so I don't know when I will end it. If you have any ideas on how I can improve my writing. I would like to hear it.

P.S. This story is a rewrite of my last HiE. I hope that this version has better structure and depth. I would like to hear your opinion on the rewrite. Both good and bad comments are welcome, so don't be shy!