Camaraderie

[J03C001]

"You ready, then?" Asked Monty

"Ready" replied Ray.

"Alright, let's do this: Fight!"

Both officers came out from their respective corners of their makeshift fighting ring and began sparring.

Lt. Monty Barlett and Ensign Ray Garzo met after Monty began orientation in the Upholder bomber. Ray had been assigned as Monty's WSO, or Weapons System Operator, and they hit it off well due to having a lot of common interests, mixed martial arts being one of them. After they had been assigned to LNS-Ohio, they set-up a makeshift ring in the hangar to continue their sparring sessions in between ops.

"You're not going easy on me, are you?" Asked Ray after a short exchange of jabs.

"Of course I am," quipped Monty "I got to let us get a little bit of a workout in before I kick your ass!"

"Not today Lt." Ray shouted back. The two exchanged hits back and forth until Ray saw his opening and sent a hard kick into Monty's side. "Nice shot, Ray, but you're gonna regret that" Monty said as he staggered back. He quickly recovered and went on the offensive, sending a series of jabs at Ray that forced him to move back and kept him focused on blocking. After just a few steps Monty saw an error in Ray's footwork, crossing his feet as he moved to evade Monty's barrage. Monty took the opportunity and swept Ray's feet, tripping him to the ground. Before Ray even knew what happened, Monty was on top of him, wrestling him into an armbar. Though Ray loathed to admit it, the match belonged to Monty. Ray tapped his hand on Monty's arm to release him.

Both sat in the ring after the match, watching the mechanics and pilots work on the snubcraft in the hanger. "Hey Monty, congrats on the promotion. You deserve it, sir." Stated Ray "You beat me to Lieutenant. So I guess I owe you a bear then when we get back to New York."

"You don't have to call me sir, Ray. I honestly don't think I deserve this promotion." Monty sat in silence, watching the activity in the hangar.

"Oh come on, of course you do." Ray replied "This is about your dad, isn't it? I'm sure if he were here, he'd agree with me. Don't let his accomplishments overshadow your own."

"Yeah, you're probably right" Monty replied rather half-heartedly, he turned the conversation back to Ray "I'm sure that promotion is right around the corner for you too, man."

"Maybe, but WSO's don't tend to get recognized as much as the pilot's do." Said Ray. Monty patted his friend on the back "Don't say that, Ray. You're a damn fine officer and the best WSO in the fleet. Your fighting skills could use some work though."

"Hey, I almost had you after that kick…" argued Ray "...and I don't think I need to remind you of the bar back in New York-"

Monty cut him off "You shut the hell up right there Ensign Ramirez, that's an order!"

"Woah now, looks like you'll be bossing me around after all." joked Ray.

Suddenly a loud voice from behind interrupted their conversation, both officers turned to see the squadron commander staring them down with his characteristic stern face. "Bartlett, Garzo, get your butts in gear and report the the squadron ready room in 30 minutes. We've got new orders."

"Yes, sir!" they yelled back in unison, then turn back to talk to each other "Other op?," groaned Ray, "that's the third one this week. How much fight do these Insurgents have left". "A lot more than you apparently have, Ray", joked Monty "Now come on, I'm itching to jump back in the cockpit!"

"Fine, but I want a rematch when we get back!"