Flight of the Galaxy's (part 1)

[Shepherd]

It's 4am. EST. I just got done writing the first part of this. If you like it, let me know and I'll add more when I'm inspired to do so.

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Flight of the Galaxy's

"Welcome to In-Access Air, taking you to the wide blue Yonder. My name is Shepherd, I'll be your pilot today. Where would you like to go?" the pilot chirped over the onboard speaker system.
"Cut the chatter and get us out of here, Shepherd. We're being fired apon, and have taken casualties," was the yelled responce from the ambushed fire team, that, moments before, were advancing on, what they thought, was a lightly defended Conglomerate base.
"Roger that, we're going High Speed on a Bad Road people... brace yourself," the take off was going to be rough. Twenty, or so, Conglomerate's were advancing on the Galaxy's grounded position. "God, if you're listening... I could use some devine intervention. You know where I'm at." Shepherd mock-prayed over the radio.
"Roger that, Shepherd. Your Guardian Angels are with you," was the answer to Shepherd's prayer. Shortly after, 2 Reavers roared over the tree line, straffing the unknowning "Sons of Liberty" firing apon the sluggish Galaxy. They let loose thier payload of dumb-fire missles and took out several soldiers on thier first pass. The remaining ground forces scattered to get cover behind the trees.
"Thank you Angels... you saved my hide and the lives of my Sheep... I owe you one." Shepherd told the lead pilot of the Ace Angel Wings. "Will you see to my safe arrival at the nearest friendly base? If I'm shot down on my way home this rescue will be even worse then if I just let the troops fry."
"We will watch over you, Shepherd. And for the record, this is the third time Gab, and I had to bail you out. Meet you on the ground. Michael out," the radio then chirped dead as the Reavers flew ahead to meet and greet any opposition that would stand in the Galaxy's way.
Half an hour later, Shepherd, Michael, and Gabriel were sitting in on the outfit they had rescued's breifing. "Sir, I would like to point out that the base, while not entirely undefended, IS reasonably abondoned. If the New Conglomerate population in the area were greater, we wouldn't have gotten as close to the base as we did, nor would we have been able to be rescued," the highest ranking, surviver of the previous ground squable reported to his superiors. Shepherd didn't like where this was going. He knew the ground force wanted to attack the base again. He also knew why he was invited, and then ordered, to sit in on the debriefing. "Sir, this base is closest to the jump point to the New Conglomerate stronghold island. If we controlled this base we would know almost imidately when they desided to visit our island again. And with luck, we could set up an entire FIST to meet them before the final soldier cleared the jump."
This marine had spunk and a way with words, Shepherd would give him that. True, owning the base would give them first warning of when the New Conglomerates desided to mount an offensive, but with it being so close to the jump point, it would be heavily contested until the day the war ended. Shepherd noted the extra height the Marine gave himself. He was proud of his report and click his heals together extra tight out of excitement. Shepherd also noticed the thoughtful gleam in the generals eye. With a sigh, Shepherd stood up and took a step towards the confrence room door.
"Captain William S. Shepherd. Is there something you would like to say?" the General asked.
"No Sir. I just thought I should warm up my ship," Shepherd answered back. A nod was all he received from the General. And it was all he needed to know he was going back into harms way.
Half an hour after the briefing, Shepherd had to sit through another briefing reviewing much of what he had already learned from the first briefing. This time, it held by the General to the attacking force. The room was abit more full this time. Three full Squads and thier respective Galaxy pilots were listening to the General go over the vital points, landscape features, and defenders strengths.
"I intend to put you all in harms way. This base is a vital part of Defending our home, and could be a crutial part in bringing an end to this devistating war." At this Shepherd nearly snorted out loud. The General was a warrior. If he had his way, this war would never end, because if it did, he would be out of a job.
"Captain William Scott Shepherd will be leading the flight of the Galaxy's. He has been to this base once before today and knows the way, as well as the terrain. FOLLOW HIS LEAD," the General's face turned red to get this point across. Shepherd knew that if this mission failed, the General would pin it on him and his lack of leadership abilities. "Any questions? None? Dismissed."
It was another hour before the Soldiers were equipt, armored, and loaded into the cargo bay of Shepherd's personal Galaxy cruiser. Shepherd took two heavy arms specialists and led them to the turret bays.
"When the going gets rough, boys... all I can do is fly. You three will be my offense. Don't worry about killing everyone that comes into your crosshairs, that's not what these flying formations were ment for. Leave the kills to the wingmen guarding us," Atleast Shepherd could count on the piloting skills of Michael and Gabriel to keep him alive. "Just be sure to lay down some supressive fire. Much like on the ground, if a plane can't get into position to target me, he is no threat to our lives. Understood? Oh, and one more thing... don't hit my wingmen." The soldiers snickered and took thier seats in the turrets. All Shepherd could think of was, This is going to be one bumpy ride.