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

Tarksis. Despite his brief tenure as a pirate, Adaar was a prince and a leader. It was in his blood. And despite her internal turmoil, Kira couldn’t help feeling roused by his speech.
    “But we’ve had to change our plans.”
    “We’re not tyrants, nor are we dictators. And we’ve always made the will and desires of our soldiers and crew a top priority. But with the Empire closing in on us, there is no room for error. So instead of allowing our newest cadets to choose their assignments, we’ve made the assignments for you all.”
    The murmurs of the crowd echoed from the naked walls of the training room.
    “Each of you on this stage,” he said as he turned to face the cadets, “has undergone the Battery. And we’ve collected a thorough picture of your skills and your talents. The commanders have convened to discuss your results. Each of you have been placed in the appropriate position to suit your talents and the needs of our forces.”
    Fuck. There was no way she was going to end up in Storm Squadron now. Here, she had been so consumed with her decision that it never occurred to her the decision might be stripped from her. She’d be forced to spend her life repairing and modding ships ….
    …And that was something she couldn’t accept. Life as a mechanic wasn’t in the cards for her. Not anymore. I’m a pilot, gods dammit. Bring it on.
    Adaar read down the list of names, congratulating each of the small class of candidates on their selection. He told about the honor of being chosen for each of their specialist positions as they were placed into various combat and support roles.
    Unsurprisingly, the three large Kamaran men who had arrived with Reina were all selected for the Barrage Battalion, the rebellion’s own brand of special operations marines. When the day of the assault on Kamara finally arrived, Barrage Battalion would lead the charge. Known for their fearless heroism and relentless courage, they would play an integral role in the Rebellion’s success.
    As each recruit joined their comrades-in-arms, the room cheered them on. The good feelings and high spirits among the crew were part of the reason she had always felt so welcome here. And she knew that even there among the mechanics, hell especially among the mechanics, she’d be made to feel right at home. Would the Storm Squadron cadets accept her? Her heart pounded in her chest.
    Another young man from Yordask was assigned to the Storm Squadron, a small and wiry looking fellow who looked like he’d be more at home in a weapons development lab than behind the controls of a fighter. But Kira wasn’t going to judge his skills based on his appearance. She trusted that the squad leaders knew what they were doing, and each of the assignments they made were well-reasoned.
    As Adaar made his way down the line, Reina leaned in to Kira. “What if I don’t make it into Storm?”
    “I’m sure you have nothing to worry about. I saw your sim-flight. You’re good.”
    Kira found herself empathizing with the poor girl. She understood her anxiety. She clearly couldn’t see her own talent.
    “Reina Blackwell,” said Adaar, finally standing before her.
    “Sir,” she said.
    “Storm Squadron.”
    Reina’s eyes lit up as she rushed over to greet the pilots who awaited her in the corner of the training room.
    Kira watched as Ja’al embraced her, and the fire of jealousy returned. Oh well. There was nothing she could do about it now. Sometimes things just didn’t work out.
    Captain Adaar stepped over to Kira and stood in front of her. A small, private smile crossed his face as he nodded almost imperceptibly. An acknowledgment of the friendship they shared and the role Kira had played in getting this whole rebellion off the ground. Even if she wouldn’t be at the forefront of it, she was grateful for the acknowledgment.
    Kira stood in the “at ease” position, with her legs spread and her arms held behind her back. She wanted to return the Captain’s