6 | Wince

"Steady, Elias," said his former wingman, Mira, from the control room. Her voice was soft, but he heard the worry. "That was a wince. Count it."

Mach 2. Smooth. Mach 3. A vibration hummed through the airframe. Mach 4. The stick began to chatter. wince 6

When he landed, Mira met him on the tarmac. Her face was pale. "What happened up there?" "Steady, Elias," said his former wingman, Mira, from

Elias never used to count the winces.

Wince 6.