Page 130 of Ranger's Rise

Driver: “Roger, Ranger.” He’s fucking laughing as he tells Jester to ready the chopper.

Cort: “Raid, think of something for the car, like dick in a dish. You’re good at that shit with all your marketing classes.”

I laugh as Jester has the Crew get the straps and cables ready.

Cort: “I want those two dickasses on that car. How do I get that, Ranger? They need to stay on it while it flies.”

The whole fucking Crew is laughing. “Roger, Boss. Jester, get harnesses so the dickasses can fly with the car.”

His jaw clamps shut and he walks toward the back and pulls harnesses from the cargo and ammunition area himself. I’m smiling, he couldn’t get that order out. Anton and Amal have helmets off and are smiling at each other over this. Fucking kids.

Jester gives Cort the harnesses without a word.

Cort: “Thanks, Jester, but you didn’t acknowledge the order. That’s important for the log, you know.”

Driver is laughing so hard I’m starting to worry about making it out of this alive.

Jester: “Roger, Boss. Harnesses readied for dickasses to fly with the car.” Good, the bastard had to work to keep from laughing. Cort smiles and smacks him on the back.

Cort: “Ranger, get me down there.”

What? My head falls forward and VP is laughing. “Roger, Boss. Driver, ready for swingers.” He gives the orders and Jester gets the Crew moving.

Cort: “Come on, Raid. We need to get them on the car.”

I’m smiling now.

VP: “I knew it! Now I’m dragged into the fucking magic car ride. I’m not training with you and Ranger can do Enforcer shift alone with you. I didn’t even get lunch.”

Cort: “Magic car ride, I like it.” His politician smile is out.

VP: “How are we even getting down there? We’re too close for parachutes. We’ll splat on the sand if we’re not sucked into the blades.”

The Crew laughs while hooking Cort up in a harness.

Anton: “Rappel.” He’s laughing while he says it. That’s cute.

VP: “Now I’m rappelling out of a fucking chopper. Great. Lorelei is going to understand the windburn from this so much better withthatexplanation. We couldn’t just go for a ride. After this, I’m going home and I’m taking Lorelei with me. We’re going shopping and shit.”

We’re all laughing while he rants and helps the crew get the harness on him. He lifts his feet and moves his arms for it. He stops when they cinch it tight.

Cort: “Okay. Let’s do this.”

We all watch shocked as they walk to the door, clip their leads, step down to the rails and turn toward us holding the ropesthe right fucking way.

I swing my head. “Driver, swingers. Ready gunners to secure heavy-load.” He rogers and gives the order. Anton calls shit at him and has him holding steady. I’m distracted by the crazy Officers.

VP: “You want me to get the oven pretzels for you?”

I walk to the door and watch. They’re still swinging. Two gunners get set. Jester calls it to Driver.

Cort: “Yeah, Seren never gets them.”

VP: “You’re Pres. Just order them.” Their feet touch down and Jester calls it.

Cort: “No fucking way. Then I’ll be ordering shit forever. Never happening.” They start walking to the car like this is all normal.

I swing my head and look at Jester. He busts out laughing then the As do and then the Crew does.