Adventures of Space Pirate J-Rel

Story by grendel13

Unknown Military Base

Location Unknown

0400 Hours

"Okay men you 13 have been chosen to embark on a perilous expedition." Said a tall white haired man in a green uniform, he was the Secretary of Defense. "Each of you represent each component within the United States Armed Forces. Granted we are not the only country participating in this ordeal."

The 13 brave men and women standing in line wore the same colored coveralls, black with a NASA patch on the left shoulder; yet they were all different due to the patch on their right shoulder. The patch signified what branch of the military they were representing. There was a patch for the Army, the Marine Corps., the Navy, the Air Force, the Coast Guard, the Army National Guard, the Army Reserve, the Marine Forces Reserve, the Navy Reserve, the Air National Guard, the Air Force Reserve, and the Coast Guard Reserve. The only one without a military patch was the 13th member chosen for the expedition, as per experimental reasons, he was a civilian. The Secretary of Defense continued to explain that the expedition was a privilege, that is was also experimental, and in being so that there was very high chance none of them would survive and return home. Thus if they truly wish to part-take in this glorious mission they would need to fill out and sign the necessary paperwork.

"Excuse me, sir." The civilian spoke up finally, once he realized that this was a suicide mission. "How much money are we talking, for this particular mission, will be sent home to our families?" As he voiced his thoughts with asking permission to speak the others glared at him from the corner of their eyes.

"And you name is...." The Secretary of Defense asked the civilian.

"My name is Jericho Rellington, sir, J-Rel for short." He said introducing himself.

"Well, Mr. Rellington, for you in particular, since you are not of the United States military, you family shall be forever tax exempt with the States, as long as they can prove direct relation to you, but you mother and father shall each receive 500,000 dollars cash if you agree to take part in this historic event." The Secretary of Defense said, answering J-Rel's question.

"Thank you sir." J-Rel said.

Soon everyone was led to conference room where there were thirteen chairs around a large table, on the table in front of each chair was a small packet of papers. Everyone sat down at the table and began to read through and sign their packets. Once done they were led to another room to get their shots and to have a series of test run on them. After what seemed to be hours of tests, and physicals the thirteen men and women were escorted to the hangar where a series of strange looking aircrafts sat side by side.

"These are you vessels, you home, your lively hood." Said an elderly man in a lab coat, he was the head scientist. "It is now 1200 hours, we will prepare for you departures at 1600 hours. So I suggest you get to know your aircrafts inside and out in the next 4 hours."

To be continued...