The Seabird Recruits

The cargo ship was late to the docks, the others were getting restless and concerned for it's safe return, hustling around the docks and breaking into nervous sweats. I, too, was pacing in the control room and awaiting the news of it's arrival. I have no doubt in the soldiers, I never have, yet today was a special day. The cargo ship we were supposed to be receiving held valuable weaponry and fighter jets. Feeling a hand on my shoulder, I turned and looked at who it was.  "Sergeant Pelican, we have an issue." The man, Private Fisher, spoke as he attempted to look calm in front of his superior. "What is it, Fisher?" Staring at the younger man, I noticed he was like me. His facial hair cleanly shaven, brown eyes, and brown short hair where I was lacking. Balding was doing me no good, I noticed it a while ago. "Sir," He pulled my attention back in as he continued, "We lost the ship on our radar." The news hit me like a bolt of lightning, my anger spiked. "What do you mean lost it! You better go find me that damn ship Private, there are goods we need on that thing." I gritted out as I watched his Adam's apple bop with a hard gulp before he nodded and walked back to the sonars. Taking off my hat, I sighed as I began to stress more. Sergeant James "Pelican" Fresca. How'd I get here? Reaching my hand into my hat, I brought out the picture within. A beautiful light brown-skinned woman stood proudly next to me, her eyes sparked and her brown hair gleamed in the sun. She held our baby boy, Antonio, and I held our baby girl, Cassidy. I loved my family, held them dear to my heart. My body jerked as I dropped the photo, putting my cap on as I looked at Fisher once again. "Sir, we're under attack."