Traveller Probo

Hami had to admit that their commanding officer was the perfect example for the team; someone who was tough and dedicated. The Turkish politicians seemed awed to be in the presence of a Traveller who had survived after having his arm removed with a Viking axe. Yet, in his own way, Ozzie was a quiet, unassuming bloke.

The training team stood at the back of the room with the pilots as the media scrambled for the next question. Security was now obvious, with a dozen armed and black-clad Special Forces guards scattered around the walls and behind the podium. News of the Transporter theft and the tragic deaths of the two Turkish Travellers had sent international project organisers into a flurry as security was dramatically upgraded.

Hami muttered, “Good old Ozzie looks like he is handling this well.”

Chuck snorted, “Yeah. He hates the spotlight. Licking politicians’ arses isn’t something any real soldier likes to do.”

Hami grunted in amusement, “I suppose it’s all about adaptability.”

As if hearing their comments, while a politician addressed the gathered media, Osborne looked to the back of the room and gave the trainers a small smile and raised eyebrow. Hami was certain the smile was directed to Captain Kartal. He hadn’t imagined it. He glanced to the pilot and she was looking at her boots with her cheeks flushed. Not for the first time, Hami was beginning to realise that, when she smiled, Princess Prudence was a stunner. He imagined what she would look like in anything other than flight overalls, or maybe just out of them, and then glanced back at Osborne.

Suspicions confirmed, Hami gave a small smile to himself but Chuck had been watching and misunderstood the trainer’s look. “Yeah, what is it just lately?” he asked.

“What?” asked Hami, distracted.

“Fucking Princess Prudence,” continued Chuck.

Hami pulled a face of non-comprehension.

“She and Deniz are at everything just lately,” complained Chuck.

“So?” replied Hami.

“Well, I don’t know why they are.” Chuck added. “I mean, why are they here?”

Hami rolled his eyes. “They are part of the team.”

Chuck shook his head at the response. “No, there’s something else going on. I was thinking maybe they’re to keep an eye on us, you know, having extra Turkish eyes and ears on the ground perhaps.”

“No,” disagreed Hami. “We have enough Turks on the ground as it is bro. It is their project after all.”

“Yeah,” continued Chuck as he looked around. “But something’s going on here. I can’t quite put my finger on it.”

Hami smiled at his friend. “Honestly bro. I’ve never seen a better trainer than you but in some things, you’re as dumb as dog shit.”

“Well, that’s not very reassuring,” Chuck replied as he looked around suspiciously. “I’ll find out mate! You watch me!”