Chapter 7

7

SARAH

I dropped my bag onto the bed in my new dorm room at Columbus Air Force Base and looked around. I missed the spacious accommodations I had in Colorado. This room was outdated and simple, barely half the size of my old dorm, but it had a certain charm to it. Plus, the clean mini fridge and microwave were a definite bonus.

If I decided I couldn't handle the accommodations, I could apply for a waiver to move off base into an apartment. But I didn't want to do that. Not yet. I could handle dorm living a little while longer. I knew it was a good way to make friends with my fellow airmen.

Claiming the bed closest to the window, I unpacked my meager belongings, hanging my uniforms in the closet and arranging my toiletries in the shower caddy. It wasn't much, but it was home—for now, at least. It was the way I lived for four years. I wouldn't know what to do with a full-size closet and a living room that was all my own.

I was in the midst of organizing when the door swung open. A pretty blonde was standing in the doorway with a duffel bag and another bag hanging off her shoulder.

"Hi," I said.

"Hello." She smiled. "I think I'm your roomie."

"I'm Sarah," I said.

"Kylee." She grinned and walked in.

"I took this bed but if you want it, I don't mind switching," I told her.

"Nope, keep it." She put her bag on the bed.

"So, where are you from?" I asked her.

"Colorado Springs," she said.

I stopped and looked at her. "Wait, I think I know you."

She eyed me. "Did you graduate from the academy this year?"

"I did." I nodded. "That's where I know you from!"

"I think we had a class together," she said.

I nodded, feeling a little guilty that I hadn't spent time with her. At school, I kept my friend circle pretty small. Everyone knew who I was. When people found out I was General Thomas's daughter, they either wanted nothing to do with me because they assumed I was going to be a narc or they wanted to be my friend in an attempt to get in good with my dad.

"Your dad is General Thomas, isn't he?" Kylee asked, her eyes widening in recognition.

I chuckled at her reaction. I was used to it. "The one and only," I confirmed with a wry smile.

Kylee let out a low whistle. "No pressure, huh?"

I shrugged nonchalantly, but inside, I knew she was right. Being the daughter of a high-ranking officer came with its own set of expectations and pressures, but I had learned to handle it over the years. Pressure was par for the course in the world of pilots. If you couldn't handle stress, you didn't belong in the cockpit.

"I think there was more pressure when I was in Colorado," I said.

Kylee seemed to understand my sentiment, and she nodded in agreement. "I can imagine. Everyone must have been watching your every move."

"Exactly," I said, a sigh escaping me. "Here, no one knows me yet. That's kind of nice." I added the last part with a hopeful smile.

She eyed me for a moment before smiling back warmly. "Well, you're lucky then. You get the chance to define yourself here. Your secret is safe with me."

"Thank you." I laughed. "It doesn't take long for it to find me though."

"I cannot wait to get to the training," she said. "I haven't had a flight in six months. I cannot wait to stretch my wings after months of being grounded."

"I get it," I said. "It's been almost three months since my last flight, and I'm itching to get back in the air. I don't know how much longer I can go without flying. It's like a part of me is missing."

Kylee's eyes lit up with understanding. "Exactly! It feels like I'm not whole when I'm earthbound."

We spent the rest of the afternoon unpacking and chatting about our shared experiences and dreams. The conversation flowed easily, as if we'd known each other for years instead of just a few hours.

"Do you want to explore our new home?" Kylee asked.

"Sure." I nodded. "I want to see if I can get a slot for the physical test."

"Oh, good idea."

It was essential to pass this test before we could even think about taking to the skies, and we were determined to ace it. We were both anxious to fly.

As we approached the test center, we were relieved to see that there were still a couple of open slots available. We quickly signed up, eager to get the test over with so we could move one step closer to our goal of flying.

Kylee laughed. "I don't know if I was ready to do this today."

"I guess this is the real test." I grinned. "If we do it now and pass, I think it proves we're ready."

"Technically, I don't think it's all that hard," she whispered. "Not like what we're going to be dealing with."

"Thomas!"

My name was called. I quickly took my spot. The test itself was grueling but manageable. I started with sit-ups, the burn in my abs serving as a reminder of the importance of core strength in the cockpit. Push-ups came next. My arms trembled with exertion as I pushed myself to the limit.

Finally, it was time for the dreaded mile and a half run. We set off at a steady pace, the rhythmic pounding of our feet on the pavement driving us forward. With each step, I could feel my determination growing, pushing me to give it my all. I wanted to be the best. It was ingrained in my DNA to be at the top of the class.

I crossed the finish line, panting and sweating but victorious. Relief washed over me. We had done it. We had passed the physical fitness test, clearing yet another hurdle on our path to becoming pilots.

Kylee grinned at me, her eyes shining with pride. "We did it," she exclaimed.

I returned her smile. "Yeah, we did."

"I need a shower," she said. "I stink."

Together, we made our way back to the dorm, the weight of the physical test off my shoulders.

We showered and dressed and decided to do a little more exploring.

"I need to go to the commissary," I said.

"Cool, me too."

We wandered through the maze of buildings, taking in the sights and sounds of our new home. As we strolled along, we passed rows of aircraft lined up on the tarmac, their sleek exteriors gleaming in the sunlight. The roar of engines filled the air, a constant reminder of the hectic activity that surrounded us.

We made our way to the flight line, marveling at the impressive array of aircraft that were parked there. Fighter jets, transport planes, helicopters—they all stood ready and waiting for their next mission.

"It's incredible," Kylee breathed, her eyes wide with awe. "This is the moment I've been waiting for."

We watched a jet take off. The sound of the engines roared through us, the vibrations filling our chests. Excitement flashed in Kylee's eyes. I understood it. I felt the same way.

"Just imagine," Kylee murmured. "That'll be us soon."

"I can hardly wait," I agreed.

The jet disappeared into the blue, leaving only a trail of white. The airfield returned to its usual humming activity, but there was a lingering thrill from experiencing such raw power.

I wanted in the cockpit so badly I could almost taste it.

"Let's go get something to eat," Kylee suggested.

"Our first official meal," I said.

"Let's hope they've got a decent chow line," Kylee responded.

We entered the large cafeteria and were met by a bustling crowd of people from all walks of life. Pilots, mechanics, air traffic controllers, ground staff. Everyone was here. Their uniforms identified their roles on the base.

Kylee and I made our way to the back of the line. We each grabbed a tray and slowly inched forward. There was everything from hamburgers to salads and desserts.

We carried our food to a table near the window and settled in to eat.

"So, what do you think of the base so far?" Kylee asked between bites of her burger.

I shrugged, taking a sip of my drink before replying. "It's different from what I'm used to, but I think I'm going to like it here. I'm not going to lie, my dad made sure this was where I went. It wasn't my first choice."

"Really?" Kylee's eyebrows shot up, "Why not? Seems like this place is top notch. It's got a good program."

I took another bite of my sandwich. "It is," I assured her. "And that's exactly why my father wanted me here. I wanted to go somewhere new, somewhere different. Somewhere exciting. This is one of the perks of being my father's daughter. He gets to decide where my career takes me. It isn't about where I get sent."

"I can understand that." She nodded. "Wanting to carve out your own path."

"That's really all I want."

"Is your dad going to be retiring soon?"

I laughed. "That's the rumor, but that's been the rumor for a long time. My mom always asks when he's going to retire, but I think she would feel a little crowded if he did stay home."

"He'll need a hobby," she joked.

"Besides wanting to babysit me," I joked.

"Where do they live?"

"Colorado Springs," I told her. "If and when he retires, that's where they plan to stay. I think it's because he wants to stay close to the action."

"He'll probably be invited for guest speaker roles and stuff," she said.

"Yes, that's exactly what he wants to do. He likes the prestige. I don't blame him. He worked his ass off to get to where he is."

"Is he three or four stars?"

"Four stars," I replied.

"Damn." She shook her head. "That's impressive."

"It is." I nodded. "And I'm proud of him."

"Do you aspire to that?"

I thought about it. "I don't know. All I know is I want to keep flying for as long as I can."

As we finished our meal and cleared our trays, I felt like I was on the brink of something big. Huge. I could only go up from there.

Columbus Air Force Base was full of possibilities, and I couldn't wait to explore every inch of it. It might not have been my first choice, but I would sleep in a cardboard box and eat bread if it meant I got to pursue my flying career.

We walked out of the cafeteria into the humid environment. I looked up at the cloudless sky. A fighter jet was ascending, leaving behind a trail. We went to the commissary and loaded up on toiletries and a few snacks before going back to the dorm.

We checked our schedules and settled in. There were a few different community gatherings but Kylee and I chose to stay in. Tomorrow was our first official day and we wanted to be rested.