[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/Y9sJ6mj.png[/img][/center]

Callie nodded.  [color=f7941d]“Sir, requesting permission to disrupt the carriers’ take-off procedure as Lotus Squadron are on approach to their targets.”[/color]

[color=f7941d][i]Kind way of putting it.[/i][/color]

[color=f7941d]“Cutting their regular patrols off from reinforcements without time to prepare will leave Lotus a free hand and, assessing what we know of Cao Bao and his abilities, should force him and any Arms Masters guarding him to respond and allow us to pounce.”[/color]

[color=f7941d][i]How many pilots will they send screaming into the flames before he intercedes directly, d’you think?[/i][/color]

[color=f7941d]“Gives us the initiative and them less time and ability to set whatever trap they have in mind,”[/color] Callie concluded, adding a look towards Griff that spoke of understanding and surety regardless.

And with it, she caught Mikey’s gaze.

[color=f7941d][i]She doubts you.[/i][/color]

[color=f7941d][i]Rightly.[/i][/color]

Just a flicker of surprise and fear and self-loathing and weariness passed across Callie’s face, only a fraction of a second in all – before she smothered it.  Summoned the determination necessary of the leader that circumstance had made of her.  [color=f7941d][i]Charter hasn’t failed me.  Won’t fail me now.  Won’t fail them.[/i][/color]

[color=f7941d][i]Just have to be worthy of it.[/i][/color]