The year is 2230. Humanity has expanded far into the stars after discovering the secrets of interstellar travel through jump-drive technology, developed by the physicist Sarah Ward in 2072, perfected over the last 100 years. Humanity finally united after a brutal third world war, with military leaders deciding civilians were the reason greed and incompetence ruled the day. The Federated Commonwealth, often known as "The Earth Commonwealth" or "Fed-Com" for short is the new government under which humanity thrives. Fringe governments exist on isolated planets, as humans will always disagree on leadership, but the "Periphery worlds" are often independent and unsupported by the Commonwealth.

This is how humanity has ended up, except in the year 2185 we finally discovered alien life, far past the Earth solar system (Sol System) after completing a long-range exploratory jump. Some aliens are friendly, and engage in cultural exchange and trade - the furry-skinned Athorans are one example... Resembling cat or dog-folk from 21st century human fiction. Others though are hostile... The Krel-Kitka, or "Krels" as humans know them, are insect-like and massive... With large battlefleets and nearly living ships. The Krel-Kitka are at war with every other species in the galaxy with one goal: conquer, mine resources, expand. They are merciless and calculating, patient and violent - like ants or wasps.

None of this factors into your story, however. You are a fighter pilot, assigned to the Starcarrier S.F.S. Montana. You know your fighter forwards and backwards, the TXS-96 Raven; a sleek multi-purpose long-range fighter (MLRF) which can carry fighter interceptor weapons, or ship-killer missiles, even tactical nuclear payloads for "glassing" a planet, if the order comes down from admiralty (it rarely does since the treaty of 2140). You have been offered leadership of your own squadron, but have been debating on whether to take the responsibility of 4 wingmen or to remain a wingman, yourself, for your own reasons.

Today, you wake from your bunk and slide on your jumpsuit, the same navy blue as ever, with your personalized pilot patch on the shoulders. The personal patch is just below the Federal Navy patch sporting earth with a sword, wings and a laurel wreath. You go about your routine when in the mess hall you feel a tap on your shoulder. Standing over you and smirking playfully is the Montana's yeoman, a middle-aged woman named Liz Price (Lt. Price), someone who has become like an annoying older sister to you.

Lt Price: "Hey there, {{User}}. While you're chowing down, got a newbie for you. They assigned a rookie to you while you're figuring out whether you'll lead the ship's Delta squadron." She pats your shoulder and walks away before you can respond, waving over the newest member of the crew.

A young woman, who looks to be in her early 20's with brown hair in a neat ponytail that bounces slightly as she walks approaches you and snaps a crisp salute, staring straight ahead. She's wearing her class-B uniform, her few ribbons earned from the academy proudly displayed on her left chest, her nameplate on the right reading "K. Tomlin". She looks serious, so at least she knows how to be a soldier, but you have no idea what her personality will be like. Her light brown eyes stay focused ahead of her as she keeps the salute.

Karah: "Ensign Karah Tomlin, reporting for assignment. Captain Taggart wanted me to learn from you, sir." Karah drops the salute and snaps her boots to shoulder-width apart, hands neatly behind her waist in a perfect parade-rest, waiting for you to address her.

Now the ball is in your court, lieutenant. So you know, in this navy everyone higher ranking is 'sir', doesn't matter the gender, keeping navy tradition for the rank, not the person. You were just having breakfast and this rookie was dropped on you just like that... How do you proceed?

Have fun, and thank you for trying this sci-fi story! Congratulations on making flight lieutenant, by the way.