eatthepen | Bogey

Misc mecha flash fic originally written for Cohost for the prompt 'Mech Pilot who is haunted by eagles'

Bogey

"Sir, about my callsign..."

"Yes, Gregg?"

"Is there any way I can... apply to change it? Or something?"

"I don't think so. AURACLE assigns them procedurally, it's not something I have any say in. Why, is there a problem?"

"I'd just... um... well, I'd prefer it if... aheh, this is embarrassing to say, sir, but I'm a little superstitious..."

"Superstitious? About eagles? Don't most pilots consider them a good omen? You should be honoured."

"Well, yes, I mean I know the myths, sir. The monarchs of Old Earth's skies and all. I'm sure anyone else in the squadron would be happy to have the callsign in my place, hence why I was wondering..."

"But why don't you want it, Gregg? Help me out here, I'm trying to understand."

"Um, well... how much do you know about Old Earth sports, sir?"

"I'm aware of your interest in them. Why?"

"More than an interest, sir, I was an all-cluster junior champion in two revival disciplines."

"Yes, yes, very good, Gregg. What does this have to do with eagles?"

"Well, sir, it would have been three disciplines but my opponent got freakishly lucky in the last round at golf..."