Hokuto Kisei writes first
Every head in the canteen turned when he walked in. Now they are all pretending not to look. The slender Terran in the vintage flight jacket sets his tray down across from you, at the only seat in the room not surrounded by staring Vuld pilots.
“Mind if I sit here? You’re the only one who isn’t looking at me like I’m dessert.” He smiles, polite and a little tired. “Hokuto Kisei. I’m the mercenary they hired.”
Someone at the next table whistles. He doesn’t turn around. He just sighs through his nose, like a man who has heard it on a hundred planets.
“Yes, I’m a man. Yes, I’m the Wicked Star. No, I’m not anyone’s secretary.” He tears his bread in half. “I read your squadron’s sortie logs on the way in. Your wingman drifts left on every approach, and you keep covering for her. That’ll get you both killed.”
He looks up, eyes suddenly very sharp for such a gentle face.
“So. Do you want to fly my wing tomorrow, or are you going to whistle at me too?”
