-x-
Legendary Aces
Prologue
-Blaze-
War. Some hate it, some love it. Me? I don't know, really. I never concerned myself with it. I joined the military, but the thought of war never once crossed my mind. I only looked at the sky.
Ever since I was a little girl, I gazed at the skies, at the birds flying through them. I craved for their freedom. What was it like flying high in the sky? I wanted to know the feeling.
Along with flying, I did carry a few other interests. From a young age, I loved the violin. My father played as well and relished the idea of teaching me. I absorbed every facet of his lessons. By my teenage years, I could play with the best.
As early as my passion for the violin emerged, a passion for swordplay also appeared. As soon as my arms were strong enough to swing a sword, swing a sword they did. My father was an expert swordsman and taught me everything he knew. I never held any sort of belt in Kendo, but even black belts couldn't compete with me.
My father passed away shortly after my eighteenth birthday. I inherited much, but only wanted two things. I treasured the violin and katana handed down in my family.
My father only played the special violin on my birthday and only a certain song. After he played it, he would let me play another special song. Both were original compositions by the two of us and were never named.
The katana was perhaps more special. Once I could handle a live blade, it was the sword I used to pass all of my father's tests. I loved the sword.
The violin and sword were all I had left of my dad, aside our shared love of the sky. It was then that I made my decision.
After high school, I joined the Air Force. My academics and athletics were high. Naturally, they jumped at the opportunity to sign me up.
A few years later, after a bachelor's degree and officer training, I was sent off to Sand Island for flight training. My dream had been fulfilled.
I soared through the sky. I sometimes was yelled at for flying out of formation, but the head instructor noticed my genuine love of flying and would occasionally let me have a few minutes of fun. Those days in the skies were good times.
I quickly befriended some of the other trainees, or nuggets as Captain Bartlett called us. Lieutenant Davenport shared my interest in music. He had quite the collection and frequently invited me to just hang out and listen.
Another nugget, Lieutenant Nagase, commonly sat alone reading a book. I recognized it as soon as I got a clear view of the cover. It was about the Razgriz legend. I talked to her about the book once. She only said that it was a very good story.
I occasionally ran into Airman Grimm, but he always seemed nervous. I didn't give it much thought, though. He seemed nice enough.
I talked to a few others, but none were as friendly as Lieutenant Davenport, Lieutenant Nagase, and Airman Grimm. Little did I know that I would soon be flying with them.
"Blaze, time to fly." Chopper called. My real name, Kye Akari, was no mystery, but it was rarely used. I went by my callsign, Blaze. I didn't care much which name everyone used, and it didn't matter. The sky was calling, and I answered.
Chapter 1: Shorebirds
Amidst the eternal waves of time
From a ripple of change shall the storm rise
Out of the abyss peer the eyes of a demon
Behold the Razgriz, its wings of black sheath
-Gennette-
Cape Landers - 05'32'17" N 152'16'02"E
1109hrs. 23 September 2010
Red alert!
I was in the sky trying to get the training team in my viewfinder from the rear seat of the lead plane. My pilot in the front seat was howling at the earth below.
"Gimme a break! I'm babysittin' nuggets up here!" Captain Bartlett was clearly annoyed and couldn't be bothered to hide the fact.
"Command room to Wardog Squadron. We have leaders, aircraft type unknown. Crossing the border at Cape Landers, bearing 278 to 302. Captain Bartlett, your flight is the only group close enough to make the intercept.
"Baker, Svenson, go trail and stay close." The Captain said. "The three of us will go high and engage the bandits. All other aircraft stay low and out of the fight."
The world turned upside down, and my stomach turned inside out.
"Sorry 'bout this."
The Captain's apology to me seemed misplaced. One instructor had survived the fight but crashed on landing. The other one was killed in action high up in the clouds.
It wasn't his fault that the unidentified aircraft fired on us without warning. Nor was it his fault that the low altitude area where he sent his trainees was directly in front of the enemy.
Eight people died because the Command Room had misplaced some zeros.
"That pilot in the Number Seven was amazing," I said to the Captain as we walked. "Did you see her fight back?"
"I couldn't bear to watch." He turned around and called back to Second Lieutenant Nagase. "Nagase, you keep flying like that and you'll die real soon!"
"I won't die, sir."
The only surviving trainee's voice was almost a whisper.
"Are you sure? You look like you couldn't hurt a fly."
Her face was pale, but she still managed to smile a bit for the camera.
The photo, along with my camera, was confiscated by Base Security. It was as if our little undeclared war never happened.
I came to cover this remote island because I heard that a very unique squadron leader was stationed here. I didn't realize he was this unique though.
This bad mouthed good-natured old firebrand could take the greenest of rookies and forge him into a fearsome fighter pilot. ...Of course, that possibility vanished with today's encounter.
The only crew he had left now were Second Lieutenant Nagase and the few pilots that happened to be on the ground that day.
"I know you don't like this, but we're short on people," said the Captain. "Starting tomorrow, all of you nuggets are gonna be sittin' alert. If we launch, stay glued to me up there." He paused for only a second before turning his attention to Nagase. "Nagase!"
"Sir."
"You're flying Number Two on my wing. Gotta keep an eye on you or who knows what you'll get yourself into."
-Blaze-
News about the aerial battle early today spread quickly. Nagase told me everything about it as soon as we had some free time from this rather eventful day.
I never expected to actually use my fighter pilot training in actual combat, but I couldn't help but think that the time for that was right around the corner. I had an uneasy feeling about the next day, so I decided to turn in early and get some extra sleep.
I almost reached my room when I was confronted by Chopper. We shared similar tastes in music, so he was often asking my opinion on certain bands or songs. I usually had something good to say about whatever music he threw my way, but occasionally there was a song I just couldn't get into.
I know he liked rock music, but I hadn't yet had the opportunity to ask him his opinion on classical music. I didn't want to just out of the blue play something on the violin without knowing if he even had interest in it. Come to think of it, I hadn't had the chance to ask Nagase of her opinion on it either.
"What's up, Chopper?" I asked. "Got a song for me?"
"Not tonight." He seemed a little different than usual, almost worried. "Do you think we're going to start fighting?"
I understood his demeanor quickly. I hid a frown from my face and answered him as directly as possible. "I hope not."
-Briefing-
The base commander started off the briefing. "At ease, people... but don't get too comfortable. It's a grave situation for all of us right now. Let's get this briefing started."
The briefer picked up where he left off. "Another aircraft of unknown origin has entered Osean Federation Airspace. We have confirmed the target type as a strategic recon plane flying at a very high altitude. Despite our repeated warnings, it continued to penetrate our ADEZ and was fired upon by Osean Coastal Defense Force SAMs."
A photo of an SR-71 as well as its flight trajectory could be seen on the screen.
"We believe one of our SAMs damaged the unknown plane, but did not destroy it. Radar shows that the aircraft is currently losing altitude, and is attempting to egress feet wet towards the ocean. Intercept this target and force it to land for identification. Do not fire upon this aircraft until further orders are transmitted."
-Mission Start-
-Blaze-
Cape Landers 04'30'02"N 156'02'07"E
1101hrs. 24 September 2010
"This is Heartbreak One of Wardog Squadron, we are approaching the target."
"This is AWACS, callsign Thunderhead. Roger. Bring the target to the ground. Do not fire at the target. Repeat, do not fire at the target.
"You got that, nuggets?" Bartlett called.
"Wardog 2, roger," Nagase confirmed.
"Wardog 3, roger," Chopper confirmed.
I'm not sure why I didn't answer at first, but Captain Bartlett quickly called me out.
"..Wardog 4? Hellooo? Can you hear me, Kid? You better be markin' our tails!"
"I'm here," I replied firmly.
"Looks like you're confident, at least. Don't get separated from me," he called back.
"Man, I'm glad you drew the short straw instead of me!" Chopper whined.
"Second Lieutenant Alvin H. Davenport, zip it! You need a nickname, too?"
Chopper responded rather bravely, considering he was talking to the Captain. "I respectfully ask to be called "Chopper," Sir. I'm afraid I may not be able to respond to any other moniker."
"Hmm," the Captain said. "That does fit you well... I've got a better name for you, but I'll keep it to myself. Okay?"
"Aw, cut me some slack, man!"
"Tally ho, we've got company. Let's go." We turned to place the bogey to our twelve o'clock. "You're forbidden to fire until I give permission, understand?"
I didn't want to give the Captain and opening to call me out again. "Roger."
"Good girl." He called back. We flew a short distance before he chimed up again. "All right, where's Motormouth Chopper?"
I held back a giggle, as I'm sure Nagase did.
"Wha?... That's your name for me?"
"You've got a knack for comic dialogue. You mind sending the surrender request for me?"
"Oh no, please, age before beauty."
"I'm real shy around strangers, you know..."
Chopper just gave in. There was no winning against the Captain. "Sheesh. Testing, testing... Attention, unidentified aircraft. Set your course for our beacon immediately."
Bartlett chimed up in between Chopper's transmissions to the aircraft. "Good."
"Uh... we will direct you to the nearest airfield. Lower your gear if you understand."
There was no response from the aircraft, but it soon wasn't our only concern.
"Warning! We have four high-speed bogeys inbound." Thunderhead reported. "Approaching unknown aircraft bearing 280, altitude 5,000! Hold your fire until further orders!"
"Cross the pond to fly cover for their spy plane, huh? Now there's a fighter pilot worth his wings," Bartlett commented. "Enemy inbound bearing 280! Head on. You're not to fire until I say it's okay, got me?"
"Roger," I responded.
"Good girl."
I wasn't sure whether or not I liked how he responded to me, but I didn't pay it much attention for long. Enemy fire quickly gained my attention.
"Heads up! They're firing on us!" Chopper said.
Thunderhead cut in with another reminder. "Wardog Squadron, weapons safe! Hold your fire until further orders!"
"Oh, come on! Those aren't blanks they're firing out there!" Chopper whined, and with good reason.
"Shut your mouth and fire back!" Bartlett called. I was already in position and had a lock on one of the bogeys as soon as he gave the order, but I didn't fire.
"Captain Bartlett, this is Thunderhead. You are violating direct orders!"
"Shove it! I'm not gonna watch any more of my pilots die!"
"Edge, engaging!"
"We're gonna shoot them all down, Kid," Bartlett said.
I was happy about his determination to keep us alive, but I did not exactly relish in the thought of killing somebody. I couldn't pull my trigger.
"You mind if I grab this kill? I will, you know," Chopper asked.
"Go ahead," Bartlett said.
Thunderhead cut in with another reminder. "Wardog Squadron, weapons safe! Hold your fire until further orders!"
"Turning to engage bandits," Nagase said as she whipped her plane around.
"Whew!" Chopper whistled.
Nagase shot down the target I was chasing. I wasn't sure if she knew that I had a lock on it and was glued to it for more than long enough to take it down myself, but if she did I know she was wondering why I wasn't firing. I tried to push the thought to the back of my mind and resolve myself to pull the trigger on my next target. I was able to easily trail another bogey and keep up with it without an issue, but my finger froze. I couldn't do it.
"Don't let him get away. Aim Straight!" Bartlett called. I'm sure he noticed that I was trailing without firing.
Thunderhead piped up again, to no avail, "Hold your fire."
"My only regret... is not being able to fly with a captain with a sunnier disposition," Chopper said as he continued to trail his target.
"Wardog, I ordered weapons safe for all aircraft. Follow orders and hold your fire." Thunderhead started to sound like a broken record. "Do not fire at the target. Repeat, do not fire at the target."
As soon as Nagase, Chopper, and the Captain finished off the four planes that came at us, four more approached from a distance.
"Enemy recon plane down!" Thunderhead reported.
"Aww, what a shame. Too tired to party?" Bartlett said.
The next four bogeys finally reached us and engaged. One tried to chase me down, but I quickly turned the tables, but was unable to fire.
"Kid, what are you doing?" The Captain called out to me. "Fire!"
I noticed out of the corner of my eye that Chopper barreled to the side to avoid an incoming missile. "Whoa! Those guys are really mad now!"
Two more of the bogeys turned and started chasing down Chopper. His lock-on warnings wouldn't cease for a second. "I feel like I'm the only one being targeted."
The Captain had a rather comical remark for him. "You talk too much, that's why. You're the only one they hear."
The fourth bogey tried to get a lock on me, but I was too quick for him.
"Watch your six. Remember the fundamentals and don't get too creative out there."
I ignored his comment about getting creative. Before the plane targeting me knew what happened, I had flipped around behind him and chased him down. I still couldn't bring myself to fire.
"Fire, Kid!" Bartlett ordered.
Nagase covered for me and took out my target. I could just feel the Captain glaring down my back.
Bartlett ignored us and went after the bogeys chasing Chopper. Chopper managed to take down one of the three, but once the Captain decided to take the other two for himself, they were as good as gone. "I'll show 'em who's in command of this outfit. Just leave it to me."
In a matter of seconds, the two planes trailing Chopper fell off the radar. We all knew why.
"All unknown bogey aircraft destroyed," Thunderhead reported.
"This is your captain. Can you hear my voice?" Bartlett asked.
"Yes, sir," I responded.
"Good, looks like we can all hear each other," he said. "You all alive? All right. Nice work, nuggets. Wardog 4, you still following us? Well, to commemorate the fact that we all made it out of that battle alive, I'm gonna let you keep your nickname. From now on, I'm gonnna call you "Kid" no matter what. Got it? Good."
I felt a small smile form on my lips. I wasn't sure why, but I liked the nickname.
"Man, I swear..." Chopper said as we all turned back toward the base.
-Post Mission-
As we flew back to the base, we received orders from central: "All information regarding today's hostile encounter is to be classified." and "Captain Jack Bartlett is ordered to report to base headquarters immediately."
-Gennette-
The whole affair with the unidentified aircraft was covered up. There was even a rumor going around that it was actually a UFO. Officially, the world was still at peace. Having witnessed the battle myself, I wasn't allowed to leave the island.
"Why do they even bother reprimanding me anymore?" the captain asked rhetorically as we watched Blaze play fetch with Kirk. "I know I'm gonna be stuck at Captain forever."
"Go on boy, get it!" I heard Blaze say from a distance. She threw the frisbee for Kirk again.
"Who do you think's covering up the battle?" I asked the Captain.
"Listen...The only thing across that ocean is Murska Air Base," he replied. "That's Yuktobanian territory."
"But haven't we been allies with the Yukes since the war fifteen years ago?" I asked.
The Captain scratched the back of his head as he answered. "Yeah. That's why we got people working their asses off trying to confirm what the hell's going on over there. I bet they've got hotlines ringing off the hook somewhere upstairs. The government doesn't wanna get the public riled up with all this, you know? But, it doesn't matter, soldiers like us are too stupid to think for ourselves, so we just gotta keep our mouths shut when they tell us to. I feel kinda bad for you, actually." He gave me an apologetic smile.
I laughed as I answered. "It's all right. I get to be with you guys."
Pops walked up from behind us. "Captain's probably hating this more than anybody."
"Hm?"
"He used to have a lady friend over in Yuktobania."
The Captain sighed somewhat. "Ahh, that's just an old war wound now."
-Blaze-
Why couldn't I fire? What if one of my team had gotten shot down because I couldn't shoot first? I know I would most likely kill somebody if I destroyed a target, but I might be saving a friend if I did.
Why couldn't I fire?
I was sitting on the couch in the lounge by myself. Or I thought I was by myself. Chopper and Nagase kept quiet until they noticed the troubled expression on my face. They immediately knew what I was thinking about.
"Why didn't you fire today?" Nagase asked.
I couldn't face her, and tried not to answer.
"Come on, Kid," Chopper said.
I smiled lightly as I looked up at them. "I don't know. I love flying, but I don't relish the idea of taking another's life. I don't know what I would have done if my lack of pulling the trigger had led to one of you getting shot down."
"If you pull the trigger next time, you won't have to consider that," Nagase said.
She was right. If I just resolved to pull the trigger, I wouldn't have to worry about it. But, I didn't want to kill anyone. Naive thoughts like that didn't last long during wartime, but we weren't actually at war, and I hoped it wouldn't progress that far.
"I don't like it either, but if it's us or them, you have to make that choice," Chopper said.
He was right, too. "I will."
"Better not let the Captain see you hesitate like that again," Nagase said. "He probably won't let you off so easy next time."
"Yeah."
"Hey, no worries. We've got your back," Chopper said confidently.
I smiled at him.
(A/N) After much consideration, brainstorming, and a bit of impulsiveness, I've decided to go through with editing LA1 and LA2 before continuing with LA3. However, I do not want to take down the original copies of LA1 and LA2, so they will stay as is, unedited... though I will go through and remove any leftover Author Notes that are no longer relevant. With leaving the originals as they are, I don't want to simply add new versions of each. That and a bit of discussion with fellow authors, I decided to place the edits/rewrites in a singular story titled simple "Legendary Aces", and here we are!
What does this mean for the current LA3? It'll simply be a bit longer before another NEW chapter. "But we've already waited months!" Yes, I've been terrible with consistency after the couple months of LA3's lifespan. Once the singular "Legendary Aces" catches up to where LA3 is currently, LA3 will be taken down and you'll get new chapters here. This may take a bit, but it will be done. Edits/rewrites will come in blocks of multiple chapters simultaneously until I am caught back up.
If you have any comments or questions, feel free to send a private message or submit a signed review. Guest reviews are welcome of course, but do know that I cannot reply to them! Thanks for reading!