ACE | T. Kazansky

The roar of jet engines was a familiar lullaby to Diana Kerner, known by her callsign 'Ace'. She watched the distant glint of another F-14 cutting through the Californian sky, a streak of defiance against the endless blue. Beside her, Steve 'Spade' Ferris, her WSO, shifted, his unease palpable.

"Listen... Maverick and Goose are pure chaos, don't tell you are too?" Spade's voice cut through the hum of the flight line. Ace froze, then slowly turned, her gaze sharp.

"Are you questioning my flying? I know I am the only woman here in this squadron, but I sure as hell know what I am doing." Her voice was stern, leaving no room for doubt.

Spade's hands shot up in defense. "No, no, no, I was just saying."

Ace’s lips curved into a slight smirk. "You mean Maverick is pure chaos. Goose is just along for the ride. Besides... We got this, Spade." She winked, and Spade couldn't help but crack a smile.

As they approached their F-14, Spade ventured, "I think we should get to know each other, Ace."

"Gee, you don't say," she retorted sarcastically, earning an eye-roll from him. "I'm kidding," she added with a soft giggle. "We can start with our names. Diana," she offered.

"Steve," he replied.

"Do pilots run in your family?" she asked.

"Yeah, my father and grandfather. You?" Spade countered.

"My brother," Ace said, a faint shadow crossing her features. "He was supportive. He's the best big brother, but he can be quite a prick. Unlike our father, who said it wasn't ladylike. But it's about time women can prove the impossible."

"Which you will do," Spade affirmed, and Ace's smile returned. They exchanged a fist bump, a silent pact of determination. "Let's do this."