: : : : =/\= Computer, load program Dvorak Eight Nine, and reconfigure for second player. =/\=
: : : : =/\= Working… Program complete. =/\=
: : : :
: : : : Everything besides Johann and Vora flashed out of existence for a split second, replaced by the Holodeck grid.
: : : :
: : : : As things came back, Vora would immediately feel rather see that the convertible automobile had changed into an entirely different vehicle. She could tell it was a vehicle because everything told her that it was moving at a high rate of speed, although she had no point of reference to determine exactly what speed it was. Indeed, the entire beach was gone, and all she could see around her were occasional puffy white clouds against a blue sky. A sky that she was now separated from by a transparent material that formed some sort of bubble around the top of her and Johann, who she couldn’t quite see because there was a bizarre set of instruments in the way. A high pitched whine seemed to permeate everything.
: : : :
: : : : Wherever and whenever this was, it was very different from where they just were!
: : : :
: : : : – Johann Dvorak, CO
: : :
: : : Vora sucked in her breath as she found herself in a completely different situation than the one they had just been in. Her eyes gazed up and then leaning over to the right she looked over… and down. A mild curse erupted from her mouth and she exhaled. “Some warning would have been nice,” she called forward to Johann with a chuckle.
: :
: : “Where would the fun in that be?” He shouted behind him.
: :
: Vora just chuckled to herself and shook her head.
:
: : : “Computer, simulate the clothing and equipment necessary for me to participate in this program.” Vora felt a thrill of excitement flow through her as the air around her shimmered and she found herself in a flight suit. “So, uh, what’s your plan?” she asked, feeling slightly nervous at the same time. She enjoyed flying… in a shuttle. But this was clearly, and entirely, different.
: : :
: : : Lt. (j.g) Zorell, Sciences
: :
: : : : : ~/ We’re on Combat Air Patrol, \~ came his voice through the headset that was built into the helmet she was suddenly wearing. ~/ For the U.S.S. Nimitz carrier strike group. Our fleet is conducting a Freedom of Navigation excersize in what we consider to be international waters. The communists dispute that, and claim these waters as their own. \~
: : : : :
: : : : : He sounded rather serious about his answer, but he may not have realized that he might not have answered her question the way she meant it to…
: : : : :
: : : : : — Johann Dvorak, CO
: : : :
: : : : ~/Uhhh, okay. Sure. I don’t get all the references exactly, but I’ll just go with… this.\~ Vora did understand the situation to a point and there was a certain danger implicit it, so her voice held a bit of excitement . ~/What’s my role?\~
: : : :
: : : : Lt. (j.g) Zorell, Sciences
: : :
: : : ~/You are the Radar Intercept Officer for this aircraft. You manage most of our plane’s sensors, communication, and certain weapons systems so I can focus on flying as the Pilot.\~
: : :
: : : ~/Uh, you know, we can switch if you want, \~ he said now suddenly a lot less intensely. ~/ I mean, the program only put me in this seat because I’m usually the only non-hologram playing.\~
: : :
: : : – Johann Dvorak, CO
: :
: : It was sort of cute that he was aware of the fact that he was naturally in charge, but she didn’t mind at all. ~/Nope, this is fine. I haven’t a clue just yet what I’m doing, so for now this is probably a good arrangement. But … just remember that I’m a fast learner,~\ she said with chuckle. ~/Next time, I’m in charge.\~ He couldn’t see her grin, but by her tone he could probably imagine it.
:
: ~/Oh, goodie, it’ll be nice to take a break,\~ he commented.
:
: : ~/Computer, give me a small display screen with a quick overview on the information required for me to function in the position of Radar Intercept officer.\~ A display screen appeared before her and began displaying information. Vora had it speed up so she could take it in faster and she simply sped-read the documents while they were flying.
: :
: : Lt. (j.g) Zorell, Sciences
:
: The display screen would brief Vora completely on the operation of the controls of the aircraft, which it explained was a Grumman F-14 Tomcat Air Superiority Jet Fighter. It was designed to launch from ships at sea, and it featured a unique variable wing geometry as well as the capability to engage in supersonic flight.
:
: Another voice came over Vora’s headset, this one tinny, distant, and more formal: =/GHOST RIDER, THIS IS STRIKE… WE HAVE UNKNOWN CONTACT INBOUND, MUSTANG. YOUR VECTOR ZERO NINE ZERO FOR BOGEY.\= Almost at the same time, a small blip appeared on the circular display towards the bottom of the instrument panel in front of Vora.
:
: – Johann Dvorak, CO

“Uhhh… I think we have company Johann. Not sure what all the jargon was but something is definitely coming in fast at ninety degrees,” Vora conveyed, hoping she was getting this right. She wasn’t sure what a ‘bogey’ was but it didn’t sound friendly under the circumstances.

Lt. (j.g) Zorell, Sciences