R A Meenan

Umber Sky - The Zyearth Chronicles R A Meenan

Zeke Brightclaw has a desperate need to prove himself. As a test pilot in the Special Warfare Division of the Air Corps, Zeke knows he and his friend Andre Bryson are nothing more than insurance bait, so long as the xenophobic Commander Berrycloth blocks their way into flight school - their only chance at becoming full pilots.

So when the Commander visits his base looking for new pilots for the Academy, Zeke sees his chance and volunteers to pilot the Phoenix dog fighters alongside Andre - planes that have killed eight pilots in the recent years. Zeke has confidence. After all, he has a secret weapon keeping him alive in this dangerous job - a phoenix summon of his own.

But the routine exercise turns into a battle against an invading spy plane, Zeke sees this as the real test. Now he has to see if he can truly prove himself - and protect himself and Andre in the process.

Color Story to Brothers at Arms
Companion Story to Gray Matter