The Wolf and the Pilot

Nolan Wright

Description

In an alternative Earth in 1941 there are humans and anthropomorphic wolves called Wolvians. On a military base preparing for a growing war, a young man named Peter dreams of becoming a fighter pilot like his father. On the same base a young Wolvian woman named Arya aspires to become an aircraft mechanic in the face of the misogynist and xenophobic culture. Peter and Arya are assigned together, and Peter is confronted with his prejudice. Will they learn to look past their species to become an unstoppable team and perhaps even friends...or will they let the hatred between species prevent them from working together? They might have all the time in the world...or none when war engulfs their lives.

Sujets

• Fantastique
• Fantasy historique
• Médiéval-Fantastique
• Science Fiction
• Historical
• Fantasy (canción de Mariah Carey)
• Segunda Guerra Mundial
• General officer
• Military
• World War II
• General
• Fiction
• Fantasy
• Seconde Guerre mondiale

Informations

• Publié par: Yorkshire Publishing
• Date de parution: 17 janvier 2023
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9781957262987
• Langue: English

Extrait

ISBN: 978-1-957262-64-2 Paperback
978-1-957262-98-7 Ebook
The Wolf and the Pilot
Copyright © 2022 by Nolan Wright.
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
For permission requests, write to the publisher at the address below.
Yorkshire Publishing
1425 E 41st Pl
Tulsa, OK 74105
www.YorkshirePublishing.com
918.394.2665
Published in the USA



Thanks to these amazing individuals, this story would never have been told...
Pappaw for always cultivating my imagination with those creative stories when I was younger along with being my ‘flying buddy’ once I got older.
Meemaw for being honest and supportive throughout my life.
Mom and Dad for always pushing me to pursue my dreams.
Laura for her insight that only an experienced pilot of WWII airplanes would know.
Chris for introducing me to the wonderful world of anthropomorphic characters.
Lastly thanks to CJ, Bob and the countless numbers of people who taught me about airplanes, flying and life.
Thanks to all of these individuals who are here...and those who have soared off into the sunset.

Chapter 1
The Wolf Babysitter
T wo boys tumbled around on the ground, wrestling. Upon hearing a loud buzzing in the sky they stopped and looked up excitedly at the source. Flying low over the house was a two-seat military propeller plane. Frantically waving, they were further excited to see the plane rock its wings in a wave back. They were so focused on the plane that they missed their mother calling them. Unbeknownst to them, she had sent a more fierce messenger who was standing behind them.
“Boys!”
Upon turning around, they were met by their female babysitter and tutor. Unlike them, she was not a human but a Wolvian, an anthropomorphic wolf. The short sleeve shirt and long shorts showed her mainly light grey fur extended out to the tips of her ears and bushy tail, which were white. Her arms were crossed displaying her white hands with trimmed black claws. Her face had a white mask of sorts surrounded by light grey with her baby blue eyes surrounded by black making it look like she was wearing eye shadow. She had short grey hair bundled into a ponytail that stopped just below her shoulders. Seeing she finally had the boys’ attention she thumbed behind her to the kitchen.
“Your mother has been calling you for lunch,” she said. “We also have to get your lessons done”
“But Miss Arya-”
“You see your father flying all the time,” Arya said. “He would also be very upset if he learned you not only missed lunch but your lessons.”
With sighs of defeat, both human boys walked back inside. She couldn’t help but smirk at their enthusiasm for what their father did. In a way, she felt the same pride for the human man who had taken her in. Looking up, she watched the military propeller plane circle the house one more time before turning off into the distance. With a smile, she went back inside to enjoy the delicious-smelling lunch.
Chapter 2
Graduation Flight
I n the skies over the ocean by the island of Kilaway, the same two-seat military plane rolled out from a loop with expert efficiency. At the controls up front was a young man with a look of concentration on his face. Behind him was a man in his late 30s observing each maneuver. The last maneuver of the transition flight was done beautifully, and with a smile, he checked the last box on the checklist strapped to his right leg.
“Alright, Peter that does it; let’s head on back to the base,” the man said
“How did I do?” the young man in front of him asked nervously as he turned back toward the island
“I’d say you’re ready to fly the F-30,” the man said. “Congrats on graduating”
The joyous laughter from Peter was like music to Kirk’s ears. The young man had truly earned his way into the fighter. His training was not over though a dream of his was so much closer to becoming true. As they flew by the harbor, Kirk took in the massive fleet at anchor. The United Continental Navy though a rival to the Army, was one that never ceased to impress him. The massive battleships were the pride of the service, with the much less numerous aircraft carriers being a new weapon in the fleet’s arsenal. As they got closer to the Army airfield beside the harbor, he noticed Peter kept his speed up.
“Hey Kirk, I know it’s my eval flight, but do you mind if I do a-”
“Feel free to do a victory roll,” Kirk said. “You know everyone wants to know how you did”.
Without further comment, Peter pulled the nose up slightly and did a complete roll over the center of the field. After completion of the roll, they circled back around and landed. After taxiing to the parking area and shutting down, Peter excitedly unbuckled and removed his helmet. He couldn’t believe it; he was finally going to fly Sparrows! Climbing out on the wing, he checked on Kirk and found he had already gotten out and was waiting at the bottom of the wing with a big smile on his face. Climbing down, he received a half hug from his instructor through this entire process. As they separated, he saw they had been joined by a man a bit older than Kirk. The proud smile on his face was one Peter had been looking forward to seeing. They both walked up and embraced each other in a tight hug slapping each other on the back.
“So I take it you passed,” the man said as they separated
“He passed with flying colors, sir” Kirk said, slapping Peter on the back. “Your son has become quite the pilot.”
“He had a great instructor,” Peter’s father Richard said, holding out his hand to Kirk. “I can’t thank you enough for teaching him”
“It was my pleasure,” Kirk said. “Are you going to be joining us at the Pilot Hut? The rest of the guys will be there to congratulate Peter. I know they will want to compliment you on how well you taught him yourself.”
“Unfortunately, I have a lot of paperwork that still needs to be done pertaining to last week’s exercise,” Richard sighed. “I will try to swing by later.”
“It’s fine Dad, we can go out later and have our own celebration,” Peter said with a smile.
“I’m so proud of you,” Richard said, laying his hand on his son’s shoulder before starting to walk away. “I’ll see you later, bud”
“Come on, the rest of the pilots will want to congratulate you”, Kirk said, leading him toward the pilot hangout.
Chapter 3
The Pilot Shack
“L ooks like the kid passed!” a short blond-haired man said as Peter entered. “Give him the traditional greeting, Tim!”
“Welcome to the club, kid!” a tall brown-haired man said, slapping Peter hard on the back, causing him to stumble. “Gotta give you the traditional dousing too!”
“That won’t be necessary, Tim,” Kirk said, addressing the tall brown haired man. “You know he’s underage.”
“We aren’t suggesting he drink it, just that he gets a nice shower,” the short blond-haired man said, motioning to the other pilots sitting at the bar. “I think the rest of the boys agree that we need to follow the tradition.”
“I doubt anyone wants to be scrubbing every plane on this base for the next month either, Andy” Kirk said, folding his arms. “You know how his father is”
“Copy that, boss” Andy said with a two-finger salute before looking at Peter with a wide grin. “Seriously kid, great job. We all look forward to you flying with us. If you have any questions or problems with the F-30s, just come to any of us and ask.”
“Thanks, Andy” Peter said, feeling quite ecstatic that he was finally a part of the group even though he was still technically a trainee.
“Here, kid” Tim said, giving Peter a clear glass with ice in it. “Drink up.”
“Thanks,” Peter said quickly, drinking the water. He had been so concentrated on the flight and such that he hadn’t realized how thirsty he was. Tim looked a little surprised when he handed back the empty glass.
“Dang kid didn’t know you were that thirsty,” Tim said
“Neither was I,” Peter said with a slightly embarrassed smile
“Well, in that case,” Tim said, inching away. “Have some more.”
Before Peter could process why he was inching away like that, a torrent of cold water slammed onto the top of his head and soaked him completely. The entire room roared with laughter and cheers. Looking up, he saw Andy high-fiving Tim before turning to Peter and bending over in a new torrent of laughter. Despite the cold water, it actually felt quite refreshing.
“Who said the soaking had to be alcohol?” Tim said laughing
Peter couldn’t help but smile despite being pranked in a way. Before he could think of something else to say, he felt a towel drape around his shoulders and his street clothes placed in his hands.
“Go on and take a shower and change out of the rest of your flying gear after you’re done,” Kirk said. “Your dad told me earlier that his work would most likely keep him from returning home until nearly midnight. If you would like you could join my family for dinner. I know the boys would be ecstatic to see you again.”
“I’d be happy to join you for dinner,” Peter said with a smile
“I’ll be waiting for you outside the barracks then,” Kirk noted walking out of the shack
After circling the room and accepting the various congratulations from the other pilots, he went off towards the barracks.
Chapter 4
Awkward Introduction
“W elcome, Peter and congratulations on passing your flight,” Kirk’s wife Donna said as she hugged him upon entering the house with Kirk. “Dinner should be ready shortly.”
“Thanks,