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 Jade left the changing room with Glade and started over to headquarters, Glade looked at her oddly. “They should be working on placing the new Captains on ships. I want to see I get who I want on Metal. Also they need to get used to seeing you in there. It is your right as second to speak for me, after all. Best they get the idea now.”
Glade shook his head but stayed with her. “You are not wasting time to get them yelling.”
Jade shrugged. “Like I said best they start getting used to it. They gave me the rank, not my fault if they didn’t realize what they were doing.” They got there he saw the cars and looked at her again, she just kept walking. “Yes I see a few more are here and no I don’t care.” She went right on in keeping Glade next to her by putting her arm around him. “Good you are here Mat. Did they get you a ship yet and how much of a crew do you have?”
Mathuwe blinked a bit. “Jade! When did you get back? My team is a good half formed, so not bad. I had to look outside the service for my Navigator, which is why they sent me to this base. Something about it being expected here.” He smiled. “I think they are getting to me now. Given I built a crew with a supper in mind they are likely having a struggle.”
Jade said. “Then my timing is good. I want you for Metal, you will use her not choke her. I was thinking that our teams work together so we can help you all learn how to control an ungoverned ship. You fly with us, then we take a ground brake and you fly your route with us there in case of question. That way you all will have help as you learn how to jump freely. Are you willing? Know that as time goes there will be an increasing number who are not in any service or even from the allied lands.”
Mat said. “Yes! Really? I wanted, but didn’t think. So you aren’t keeping her? You are sure? Wow. Yes, even just sharing your runs is fine. You sure about the doubles? I don’t.”
Oliver said. “Good, that is a big help. Thank you Jade, we were struggling to find enough ships. Metal is a good fit for Mat and I was thinking that, but wasn’t sure how you would feel about doubling crews. You are sure you are ready for two runs? We could use it, but.”
Jade said. “With the ground break I will be fine, but should that be wrong Glade and Al will still be able to so yes. Mat I am still waiting to hear for sure what ship I will be getting, so it will be a few weeks. Of course we will stay longer if you want but I am sure you will have it down. Next week we are going to be making a long run. Some of those will take us to places others don’t go. I tend to ignore no fly zones. So please let you crew know that, so they know it is my doing. You will also need to let them know there will be an Earthling in engineering. “She will not be ranked, but will be learning on the job. I wouldn’t have her there if I was not sure she was up to it, but a lot is going to be completely new to her. That might cause them some alarm, even knowing that she is not going unchecked. As might the fact that my fighter wings included Pirates. Now if that does scare you off we will be going out at nine, and four. Pick a route and let me know by eight. I want a border for the first, but you are free to take any. One with my crew might want to change to yours if you have space. They are a bit unsure about staying with me do to the fact I will not stay out of the no fly zones.”
Mat said. “I will go talk it over, but I bet they will agree to just about anything to get Metal. So how about if I just let you know at the house in an hour? I am to be there for supper. My folks are there and insist that I should be able to go that far from base, no matter how new I am.”
Jade said. “Sounds good, see you there. And Grandfather if it doesn’t work out I can ask Fillter to bring Dawn here. She is just in storage. Heck do you want me to regardless? Is there another team willing to learn to fly an ungoverned supper? He will be able to supply teachers, but will only bring her under the gantry that no governor is installed.”
Oliver said. “By all means if he will bring her and supply teachers, we will find a crew for her. Wane we need a crew that will fly an ungoverned Super. Jade says that she can get us Dawn on the condition that no governor is installed. Teachers will come with her to help the crew learn her. She going to train Mat’s to take Metal over once her ship is set.”
Wane said. “Sounds good, and I will have a team here in three days at the most. I know four that will do it. Just have to see who is the best to move.”
Jade said. “If they are on suppers tell them to reach out and I will tell them where to go to fix the governors and find teachers. We need more that are able to use them fully. I just feel that this isn’t a simple fleet. There is a reason they moved those ships to where we could see them. Something else is out there.”
Wane said. “We are all looking, knowing they have a reason for everything they do. However, it might not mean trouble for us. Still it never hurts to be ready, and we have been neglecting the upper ranges for far to long. So I will let them know you will direct them to help.” He started back to the office.
Oliver said. “I will walk back with you two. That will give Fred another target. Wonder how long it will take him to see the tags?” He waited until they were outside then said. “I have a feeling that Wane is going to be very glad he pulled the rules on Crew formation. I just bet that they are trying to find a away to have some say of who is on your ship. Gale was fine, as he is Oath tied. They see the bond as control, but then you go and say there will be an earthling. The wings they aren’t worried about, thinking that the normal course will see they don’t learn anything they shouldn’t. However that made them realize that you would indeed have some in the crew as well.”
Jade said. “They will here before long that I will give anyone with the skills a try, no matter where they are from. Glade put out word as has Thon and Mul. There is going to be a wide verity of people on my ship. They can yell all they want, but it is my ship, or will be.” Oliver nodded. “I will have to remind Mat that Metal is not a government ship. He might need to use that sometime.”
Oliver said. “I don’t think they will forget it. They still complain of you throwing the ownership papers at them.”
Jade said. “Thing is I was going to pay the fine until Groge tried to claim her.” Oliver laughed. “I hope you don’t mind me taking over who gets her, I meant to talk to you, but he was there and I wanted it done before it would cause more problems. I just don’t think any of the others would use her as she is meant to be flown.”
Oliver said. “No, you did just what I wanted. I just wasn’t to sure how you would feel about pairing up for a bit. Mat is a good fit but needs to be with someone for a bit. You will see he learns what the school fails to teach.”
Jade nodded. “I will feel better leavening Metal in the hands of someone I am sure will treat her right. Being able to help them get to know her will make everyone happy. Metal is a good ship and needs a good crew, this way we will know she has one.”