Ian Michael

Ian served four years in the Marine Corps as a fire support man, deploying twice to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. While pursuing higher education, Ian joined the California Army National Guard as a public affairs specialist. In late 2015, he deployed again, this time with a combat aviation regiment with an operational footprint in multiple countries across the Middle East. After returning home, Ian decided to broaden his horizons. In the world of firearms, Ian earned his certification as an NRA basic pistol instructor. He is a co-founder of Distributed Security Quad Cities, a firearms handling and safety training program. Ian’s passions include writing and photography. He is a prolific journalist with articles, photos, and documentaries that have been shared across the country and abroad. His most recent venture is into the world of speculative fiction. He’s published one volume of his work with several more on the way.

Ballad of the Unknown Pilot

by

August 1942

The Pilot struggles to keep his Yak fighter level. The weather is worsening and the cloud ceiling low. But those are the least of his problems right now. His machine is riddled with holes and engulfed in black smoke from the smoldering engine. The Pilot feels scorching pain down his side. Enemy bullets passed through the cabin, and his body as well. The agony is almost unbearable, but a sign of life. A sign of life that’s slipping away and succumbing to numb bliss. Euphoria is a serene, deceptive enemy that must be stopped at all costs. To lose consciousness means death. Pilotless, the Yak will tumble from the sky into the forested mountains below.

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