Sidelined

Bolt made sure the toolbox was snug against the cab. He waved at Faith. She was standing in the doorway. The squadron had ten candidates and only two slots for new pilot positions. The new guys, whoever they would be, wouldn’t even join until the squadron was back from deployment. That was more than six months from now. Most of the time they took the candidates to the O-club, but after seven interviews it was time to shake things up. Hollywood heard about a new club opening downtown. Everyone agreed a change of scenery would be good. Plus, free drinks made everyone happy.

Vetting new guys was part of squadron life, but Bolt was tired of it. It felt like the same tired routine every time. At least tonight they would be hanging out somewhere new.

Free drinks meant lots of drinks. He decided tonight was a no driving kind of night. He changed at home then walked across the street to the trolley stop on the other side of the mall. The trolley would take him into the heart of downtown.

He rode into the city, watching as the lights blurred past the trolley windows. A

s the trolley wound through the downtown rail system, Bolt stood to make his stop. According to his directions, the club was on the edge of the Gaslamp district. It would be busy.

There was a line outside of the club. Hollywood was upfront and waved him down. “Bolt, dude, we’re up here.”

He dodged angry girls in stilettos to hit the front of the line. “How did you get all the way up here?” There must have been a hundred people behind them.

Hollywood grinned. “Everyone loves Little Ricky.”

“You didn’t.” Bolt shook his head.

“It’s all about the star power, baby.”

“You did.” Bolt sighed. Hollywood used his ten-minutes of fame any place he could. He wasn’t about to tell him he didn’t want to stand at the back of the line, but still this was crazy.

The bouncer lifted the velvet rope and ushered them into Splash. The bar had an aquatic theme. Parts of the floor were cut away and replaced with glass. Bolt noticed goldfish swimming under his feet. Lights flashed under coral and shells.

“You made it.” Eagle slapped him on the back. “This place is crazy, isn’t it?”

“Yeah.” Bolt looked around. “So where is this guy? Have you already grilled him? I don’t even know his name.” He looked past an aquarium that spanned the length of the bar. He thought there might be sharks swimming inside.

“Goes by Hammer. I don’t know his call sign story yet. He was just at the bar.” Eagle squinted. “Oh shit. He’s over there.” He pointed past the sharks to a high-top table.

“Why did you say ‘oh shit’?” Bolt followed his friend’s stare.

“Shit.”

Hollywood walked toward them. “What’s going on?”

“Over there.” Eagle nodded.

Hollywood shook his head. “Shit. What are you going to do, man?”

Bolt decided not to answer. He wasn’t prepared for the adrenaline that pumped through his body. It was possible the vein on the side of his neck was noticeably throbbing. He didn’t have a plan other than to walk toward the table. That, and undo everything from two weeks ago.

It was loud in Splash. He couldn’t hear what they were talking about, but the new guy was laying it on thick. It was obvious he was hitting on her, and Bolt hadn’t decided yet whether she liked it. He couldn’t see her eyes.

“So, are you trying to vet our pilot candidates now?” Bolt stood in between Skye and Hammer. He had to smile. She looked stunned.

“Wha—what are you doing here?” Skye stammered.

Hammer hung his head over his beer. It didn’t take introductions for him to know he had just stepped in the middle of something that could easily cost him the job interview.

“I’m here with the guys.” He nodded toward Hollywood, Eagle, and Ranger, who all raised a beer in their direction. “We’re interviewing a new candidate for the squadron. What about you?” He noticed she was wearing a suit, sort of like the one she had on the first night they met. He had to direct his eyes to look at her face and not wander.

She seemed flustered. “I’m here for work. My company did the opening night promotions for the bar. I’m here for moral support.” She smiled, letting the corners of her mouth turn higher.

“And you?” Bolt eyed the new guy.

“Hammer, sir.” He extended a hand.

Bolt shook it. “And you’re rushing the Rebels?”