This is a June 15, 2012 update of the story. I've changed the format of the story from script to dialogue. The script form seemed easier at the time I first published this.


Shore Birds 1

**Genette**

"Red Alert!" The Command Room shouted.

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.

The blue sky with its white clouds here and there was dotted with enemy planes in the horizon. I could just hear my sister going Ah hell in my mind.

"Gimme a break! I'm babysitting nuggets up here," Bartlett snapped in annoyance.

"Command Room to Wardog Squadron, we have leakers, aircraft type unknown. Crossing the border at Cape Landers bearing 278 to 302. Captain Bartlett, your flight is the only one close enough to make the intercept."

Bartlett grumbled something that I couldn't quite make out but I'm pretty sure he called them "dog-smelling imbeciles."

With a sigh, Bartlett commanded, "Baker, Svenson, go trail and stay close. 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 as Bartlett flipped the plane over, diving straight for the ocean.


LATER...

"Sorry 'bout this." said Captain Bartlett.

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 zeroes.

"That pilot in the number seven was amazing! Did you see her fight back?" I asked as I did a quick little jog to be beside Bartlett. It was true, she had been amazing. She had avoided every missile, every gun fire, directed at her.

"I couldn't bear to watch. Nagase! You keep flying like that and you'll die real soon!" he shouted at the number seven pilot.

"I won't die sir." Nagase answered. The only surviving trainee's voice was almost a whisper.

"Are you sure? You look like you couldn't hurt a fly." Bartlett muttered as he walked off. I turned to look at her. I took my camera, and before taking her picture, I studied her. Her face was pale and her short black hair was waving softly in the wind, 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 there. I didn't know he was this unique though. This bad-mouthed, good-natured, old fire-band could take the greenest of rookies and forge them into a fearsome fighter pilot… of course, that possibility vanished with today's encounter. The only crew Bartlett had left was Second Lieutenant Nagase, and the few pilots that happened to be on the ground that day, one of them being my sister. Captain Bartlett was leaning back in a chair staring up at the ceiling. I wondered what could be on his mind, what with everything that happened today. He sighed and sat up as the last pilots came in and sat down.

"I know you don't like this, but we're short on people. Starting tomorrow, all you nuggets are gonna be sittin' alert. If we launch, stay glued to me up there." he ordered. "Nagase?"

"Sir," she replied with a respectful nod.

"You're flying number two on my wing. Gotta keep an eye on you or who knows what you'll get yourself into." he told her. She looked slightly embarrassed, and at the same time furious. I couldn't tell. My sister, Elizabeth, was a rookie fighter pilot although everyone said she didn't seem like a rookie fighter pilot by the way she flew. She was one of the reasons I came to cover this island as well. I didn't get to see her much ever since she became a fighter pilot. Her callsign was Blaze, which she preferred to be called by now.

Blaze and Nagase were sitting next to each other for they were best friends. Diagonal from Blaze and Nagase was Chopper, the pilot that all girls on base went crazy about. Blaze was actually the only girl that didn't flirt with him, well at least not obviously. You could tell Chopper liked her. I bet for the precise reason she didn't go crazy over him. He wouldn't tell me if he liked her or not (probably because we're best friends. Did I mention that?). He gave her a look I had never seen him give to any other girl (and trust me, there were tons of girls). Chopper and I had been best friends since we were 15 so I knew when he liked a girl. I always thought he was the perfect guy for my sister because they were a lot alike in many ways.

Anyway, he made a sound that made Blaze look over her shoulder and then he mouthed something. She hurried and put her hand over her mouth to stop herself from laughing out loud. Her face had turned a bright red. We all got up to go to the briefing room. Chopper was talking to Blaze and she was laughing very hard.


**Blaze**

"At ease people, but don't get too comfortable! It's a grave situation for all of us right now," the Base Commander, Orson Perrault, shouted. I had just entered the briefing room, upon an announcement that the Wardog Squadron, the squadron I had recently been assigned to, was to report to the briefing room immediately. I sat down next to Second Lieutenant Alvin H. Davenport, callsign Chopper. To his right was Captain Bartlett, and to the right of Captain Bartlett was Nagase, and to Nagase's right was Albert Genette, my brother. He was a journalist who came here to do a story on my Captain.

I had heard things about Chopper (mostly from girls that had dated him), saying he was so cute and funny and smart. I couldn't help but agree with them. Although I don't think cute is the right word, I think it's more like hot! I couldn't tell if he liked me though. One of the things I liked about him was he was hilarious, in my opinion at least. Not even two minutes had I sat down that my stomach hurt from laughing so hard. The Base Commander looked over our way with a look of disgust on his face so I hurried and shut my mouth, trying to suppress the laughter that was creeping up my throat. Chopper was whispering something into my ear and the moment the Base Commander turned his head away, I burst into a silent fit of laughter. Chopper couldn't help but be amused at my face because apparently it had turned pretty red. I figure that's from trying not to laugh. He started to laugh quietly too. Bartlett, Nagase, and Genette looked over. All of them chuckled. I was wondering whether it was because of how red my face was, or for some other reason... Finally, I regained my composure, but I couldn't look at Chopper for the rest of the time.

"Let's get this briefing started," The Base Commander shouted. The lights dimmed and everyone became quiet, then the briefing began.

"Another Aircraft of unknown origin has entered Osean Federation Airspace. We have confirmed the target type as a strategic recon plane flying at very high altitude. Despite our repeated warnings, it continued to penetrate our ADEZ and was fired upon by Osean Coastal Defense Force SAMs. 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."

Operation: Lagoon

Location: Cape Landers

Date: 2010/09/24

Time: 0854 Hrs.

I followed Captain Bartlett to the hangar where he assigned Nagase, Chopper, and me to a plane. All of us, except Bartlett, got the F-5E. Bartlett chose his regular plane, an F-4G, It had an "Ace" card on the side with a sword going through the middle of the heart. I wanted to ask him about it, but refrained. I recall hearing about him having a lady friend over in Yuktobania. She broke his heart during the war fifteen years ago. I wondered if that had something to do with his callsign. It made sense to me at least but I knew better than to ask him what it meant.

I got in my plane and pulled out of the hangar. Genette got in my plane this time as he was to be my RIO. My regular RIO had been injured in a car wreck on her way to the airport to come back here after being on leave. I was behind Nagase, her callsign was Edge. Here, just so you don't get confused, here are all of the Wardog Squadron's callsigns:

Bartlett: HeartBreak1 or Wardog 1

Nagase: Edge or Wardog 2

Alvin: Chopper or Wardog 3

Me: Blaze or Kid or Wardog 4

I watched the Captain take off. It was a beautiful take-off. Smooth as could be. Chopper's was just as good and same with Nagase. When it was my turn to take-off, I hesitated. This was my first sortie. What if I made a fool of myself up there, in front of my squadron? What if they laughed at my face saying I was awful? What if I didn't come back?

"Blaze, what's takin' you so long?" Chopper asked.

"Just making sure all the systems are functioning. I'm good, I'll be up soon." I replied. And after that last message I was off, full throttle. The ocean and palm trees zipped past me and when I was finally up in the air, I waited for the Control Tower to tell me that my altitude restrictions were canceled.

"Blaze! Altitude restrictions canceled. Return to your mission." said the Control Tower, and I raced off to my position.

"This is captain of Wardog Squadron, we are approaching the target," Bartlett announced as we flew in standard formation. I, being the rookie of the squadron, was Wardog Four. I was the one that everyone was allowed to pick on. I'm used to it, don't get me wrong. I have an older brother and while we love each other dearly, we used to have fights that put WWE Smackdown wrestlers to shame.

"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 demanded roughly.

"Wardog two roger!" Nagase replied.

"Wardog three roger!" Chopper said likewise.

There was a pause and I was wondering what was taking Bartlett so long to respond to Nagase and Chopper when he said, "...Wardog 4? Hellooo? Can you hear me, kid? You better be markin' our tail, Girl!"

Hastily I said, "I'm right behind you Captain."

"Looks like you're confident, at least. Don't get separated from me," Bartlett ordered.

"Yes sir!"

I was making sure I was sticking to Captain Bartlett's tail, while trying not to stay close, in case we had to make a sharp turn. I didn't want to be the one that caused a major accident because that would majorly suck, just saying. I saw Chopper do a full spin. It was a pretty cool stunt but I wasn't sure why he was doing it. There was no one to here worth impressing. I knew Chopper personally because he was Genette's best friend in high school. Nagase knew him because of me and she had been on Sand Island longer than I had but not by much. She graduated high school early and went to the Air Force Academy early. We were roommates and she graduated a year before me. Let me just say, the last year was hell without my best friend. But that's not my point. My point is Nagase could really care less what fancy tricks Chopper was doing. Bartlett was Bartlett. The only person that impressed him was himself.

"Lieutenant Alvin H. Davenport, stop doing tricks and trying to impress Blaze," Bartlett said. I coughed from the surprise of the statement.

"I was doing it for fun sir," Chopper defended.

"Lieutenant, I may be old, but I'm not senile," Bartlett told him sarcastically. "You were trying to impress her. Now stop showing off and stick to my tail."

I could not believe the Captain had just said that! Chopper wasn't doing that to show off… was he? I smacked myself mentally on the head. Well, more like my helmet. Chopper didn't need to do anything to impress me. Of course, I would never show that something impressed me. It was my nature. It always had been.

"Man, I'm glad you drew the short straw instead of me!" Chopper exclaimed.

"Oh be quiet!" I snapped. "It's not like I had a choice of what position I was in."

"Don't count on it," Chopper said with a laugh.

"I know, I know," I said grumpily.

"Second Lieutenant Alvin H. Davenport, zip it! You need a nickname, too?" Bartlett inquired.

"I respectfully ask to be called 'Chopper,' sir. I'm afraid I may not be able to respond to any other moniker."

"Hmm…" Bartlett seemed to contemplate what Chopper had 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!" Chopper said.

I couldn't help but chuckling; I heard Nagase laughing snickering, too. The constant bickering between the Captain and Chopper was too funny. The Captain was always picking on Chopper and I have to admit, I kind of felt bad for him. But then again, he did deserve it half the time… most of the time… all the time.

I looked around trying to find the unidentified aircraft. My head was on a swivel constantly. I looked at the clouds while I was at it. They looked unforgiving. Great…

"Tally Ho, we've got company, let's go. You're forbidden to fire until I give permission, understand?" Bartlett questioned seriously.

"Roger that sir," I answered.

"Good girl. Alright, where's Motormouth Chopper?"

"Wha...? That's your name for me?" Chopper asked incredulously. I started laughing along with Nagase.

"You've got a knack for comic dialogue. Would you mind sending the surrender request for me?"

"Oh no, please, age before beauty," Chopper responded.

"I'm real shy around strangers you know..." Bartlett trailed off. Chopper knew he was cornered and that there was no way out of this.

"Chopper, you're not going to win against Bartlett. Thought I would let you in on that little secret," Nagase pointed out.

Chopper mumbled something that none of us understood. "Sheesh. Testing, testing... Attention, unidentified aircraft. Set your course for our beacon immediately.

"Good!" Bartlett praised.

"Uh... we will direct you to the nearest airfield. Lower your gear if you understand," Chopper ordered.

"Warning! We have four high-speed bogeys inbound," Thunderhead warned suddenly.

"Great…" Chopper muttered.

"Approaching unknown aircraft bearing 280, altitude 6,000! Hold your fire until further orders!" Thunderhead informed.

"Even better…" I grumbled.

"Crossing the pond to fly cover for their spy plane, huh? Now there's a fighter pilot worth his wings," Bartlett said to no one in particular. "Enemy inbound bearing 280! Head on."

"I see them," I said.

"Me too," Nagase added.

I was starting to get more nervous than I already was. Would they start firing at us? I pondered on this question. They shouldn't. If they were just flying cover for their spy plane, they would just want to scare us out of the area. Wouldn't they? Then again, we had no idea whom we were fighting. They could have completely different engagement rules then Osea.

"You're not to fire until I say it's okay, got me?" Bartlett queried sternly.

"Yes sir," I answered immediately. Bartlett was not someone whose bad list I wanted to be on.

"Good girl," Bartlett said. "What about you two, Nagase, Chopper?"

"Yes sir," Nagase replied.

"Ditto," Chopper chirped.

"You did not just say 'ditto,' did you?" Bartlett had a warning note in his tone. If that had been directed like me, I would've been shaking life a leaf.

"Of course not sir. Blaze, why did you say that?" Chopper asked defensively.

"Hey!" I protested vehemently.

"Chopper, don't say "ditto" again," Bartlett warned. I could've sworn I heard Chopper gulp…

I could see the targets on my radar, they were getting closer. I was nervous, and at the same time excited. I was nervous because this might be my actual first battle and excited because I could show what I could do. All of a sudden, my warning signal went off. What the hell was going on? They weren't supposed to be firing!

"Heads up! They're firing on us!" Chopper shouted.

"Wardog Squadron, weapons safe! Hold your fire until further orders!" Thunderhead told us.

"Oh, come on! Those aren't blanks they're firing out there!" Chopper griped.

MISSION UPDATE

"Shut your mouth and fire back!" Bartlett barked.

"Captain Bartlett, this is Thunderhead. You are violating direct orders!"

"Shove it! I'm not gonna watch anymore of my pilots die!" I was rooting for Bartlett. I respected Thunderhead but he didn't know what was going on; he wasn't the one getting fired at. He had no idea what the actual danger was.

"Edge, engaging!"

"We're gonna shoot them all down, Kid!" Bartlett proclaimed.

"We sure are!" I agreed, because honestly, it wasn't like I could say "No we're not!" I don't think that would be a good answer to give my captain now would it?

I was right about the clouds looking unforgiving. It had started to rain, enough to make visibility difficult. I liked rain except when I was in a life and death situation. Then I didn't like it so much, you know?

I looked around to see where the closest enemy plane was. It was right behind me!

"Dammit!" I exclaimed involuntarily.

I couldn't refrain. Then I remembered something from a movie (yes, a movie). It was Top Gun that I saw this. Tom Cruise (who played Maverick who is so hot in the movie!) brought the MiG in closer and right before the MiG was about to fire, he slammed on his brakes, he went up, the MiG shot past, and then he went behind the MiG. I didn't know if it would work but I was going to give it a shot. I started flying straight forward.

"What the hell are you doing Blaze?" Chopper demanded, flying towards me.

"I'm bringing it in closer," I stated with finality in my voice.

"You're gonna do what?" Chopper yelped.

I chuckled. That was the exact line that Tom Cruise's RIO said when Tom told him he was bringing the MiG in closer. I waited for the exact moment I would have to pull up. It wasn't helping that Chopper wouldn't shut up. He's my best friend and all but sometimes he doesn't know when to shut up!

"Blaze! He's gonna get a missile lock on you! Get the hell out of there!" Chopper yelled.

"Chopper, I know what I'm doing!" I snapped lightly. That was actually a lie. I really didn't know what I was doing. I was just winging my way through this, probably not the best idea since I'm a rookie.

I heard my missile warning go off and I slammed on the brakes and went up while the plane shot past me. I hurried and got my plane in full throttle to catch up with the plane. It was now trying to shake me off but I kept it in my view for a long time. Finally, I was able to get a missile lock. It looked good so I fired. BINGO! I hit the plane on its left wing. I could see it falling helplessly towards the ocean. I did a sharp turn to get the next enemy plane. I got a missile lock on it and fired. I hit it.

"Yahoo!" I laughed.

"You're crazy! Outta your mind!" Chopper told me drolly.

"Yes… yes I am. And it explains why we're friends," I observed.

"Agreed, and you know, most people wouldn't agree to that," Chopper pointed out.

"Blaze isn't like most people," Nagase countered.

"True, very true," Chopper concurred.

"I'm hoping you mean that in a good way?" I said.

"Of course we do Blaze," Nagase assured.

"We wouldn't mean it in any other way," Chopper added.

"Well I know Nagase wouldn't," I said.

"Hey! What about me?" Chopper argued.

"What about you?" I asked innocently, knowing full well it would drive him nuts.

"You know exactly what I mean!"

"Chopper, stop flirting with her. You have some enemies to shoot down," Bartlett ordered.

I laughed because Chopper always got in trouble. Never did Nagase or I get in trouble, only Chopper. If it had been anyone but Bartlett, Chopper would've argued with him and most likely win, but this was Bartlett. No one ever won against him. If someone did beat Bartlett, I would either like to shake their hand or run away from them very fast. I still haven't decided.

"You mind if I grab this kill? I will, you know," Chopper said.

"Go ahead," Bartlett told him.

"Wardog Squadron, weapons safe! Hold your fire until further orders!" Thunderhead barked; the statement made me snort.

"Yeah Right! Like we're gonna listen to you! We're getting fired at right now, moron!" I thought. Was he insane? I think someone must've conked him on the head when he was a baby. Did he not see that we were being fired at right now? I mean seriously! Even I wasn't that thick headed.

"Turning to engage bandits," Nagase said.

"Whew! Dogfighting sucks, man!" Chopper said with a whistle.

"You said it!" Nagase said.

"My senses are all numb. I don't even have time to be afraid," Chopper muttered to no one in particular.

"Chopper! You have an enemy on your tail!" I warned. Chopper swore colorfully.

"Hang on, I'm coming!" I told him. I flew behind the enemy plane trailing Chopper. I kept trying to get a lock on him but the enemy was pulling maneuvers that made it impossible for me to get a missile lock. Needless to say I was getting frustrated.

"Don't let him get away. Aim straight!" Bartlett instructed.

"Yes, sir," I replied.

"Hold your fire," Thunderhead commanded, although it didn't sound like he really meant it. He was probably sick of us not listening to him.

I turned around to see Nagase and the Captain shoot down a bandit. I couldn't help but think how great of a pilot the captain was. All of his movements were graceful and fierce and mine were… not to put it nicely.

"My only regret... is not being able to fly with a captain with a sunnier disposition," Chopper said sounding deceptively upset.

"Get used to it son, because you'll be in my squadron for a long time."

"Wardog, I ordered weapons safe for all aircraft. Follow orders and hold your fire," Thunderhead demanded. Naturally, none of us listened.

"Blaze! Watch out! You have a bandit on your tail, he's firing!" Chopper warned.

"Damn, I can't shake him off! Chopper, come get him off me!" I urged, sounding somewhat frantic.

"Okay, I'm coming! Hold on!"

I tried to shake it off but the plane wouldn't leave. I turn around to see where it was and all I see is a great ball of fire falling towards the dark ocean. I turned my head even more to see Chopper doing a spin in the air.

"Yahoo! Bandit's off your tail Blaze," Chopper announced cheerfully.

"Thanks Chopper," I said with a sigh of relief.

"You're welcome."

"How many more planes?" I asked.

"I'm not sure. Everything is so jumbled…" Nagase muttered.

We're all in the same sky, but we can never see each other eye to eye," Chopper said.

"That was a very profound statement coming from you," I said.

"I'm not sure if you're complimenting me or severely insulting my intelligence," Chopper acknowledged.

"Take it as a compliment even though it was both."

"I knew you were insulting me."

"See? You are smart," I said, smirking even though he couldn't see it.

"Shut up," He snapped lightly.

"Do not fire at the target. Repeat, do not fire at the target," Thunderhead said. Seriously, when was this guy going to figure out that we weren't going to 'not fire at the target'? We were getting shot at. I don't think any squadron would let themselves be fired at.

"It's a bit late for that," Chopper noted.

"No kidding," I said with a humorless chuckle. I did a 180° turn and engaged yet another bandit. How many did they have? I counted at least three more enemy planes we had to shoot down, not including the one I had engaged. I fired. The missile missed. Well, I guess you can't get lucky every time you shoot. I took another shot and this time I hit it.

The dark water below was even scarier than the enemies I was fighting. If I bailed out, that's what I would land in, and the waters surrounding Sand Island have been known to have (ahem) shark infestations. It's not really the place you would like dropping into… just saying.

"You may fire at your own discretion," an unfamiliar voice said. What the hell? Our radio was picking up enemy transmissions.

"Enemy recon plane down!" Thunderhead pronounced.

"Aww, what a shame. Too tired to party?" Bartlett inquired sarcastically.

"Whoa! Those guys are really mad now!" Chopper exclaimed as he rolled to the left to avoid gunfire.

"I could imagine so. I mean, we are kind of shooting them down like they're flies," I pointed out nonchalantly.

"You have a point there Blaze…" Chopper said.

"I always have a point. It's just that not everyone can figure them out… myself included."

"Someone get this bandit off my tail!" Nagase suddenly shouted.

"I'm on it!" I told her. I turned my head from side to side trying to find Nagase. I finally spotted her above me through the clouds. I let them get a little bit ahead of me and then shot up through the clouds.

I steadied my plane which seemed to want to go faster. I wasn't ready to go Mach 2 yet though. I'm not saying I'll never go Mach 2, just not yet. I'm too inexperienced.

"Blaze! Where are you? You shoot it down yet?" Nagase demanded, sounding frenzied.

"Bandit's been shot down by Smokey," I chirped.

"Ahhh! Smokey and the Bandit! I freaking love that movie!" Chopper said while laughing.

"What the hell are you guys talking about?" Nagase questioned innocently.

"You've never seen Smokey and the Bandit?" I asked incredulously.

"Ready Blaze? Best."

I didn't say anything.

"Work with me Blaze! You're supposed to say movie!"

"Okay, movie."

"Ever!" Chopper finished.

"We failed at that," I said blatantly.

"That's because you didn't catch my drift on where I was going with that."

"I still agree. Such a good movie!"

"Okay, I think I need to check it out before you two kidnap me one day and chain me to a chair and force me to watch it," Nagase said hastily.

"We would never do that!" I said.

"We would give you popcorn of course!" Chopper said as if that should've been obvious.

"Hey!" Nagase protested.

Once more, for some odd reason, the enemy transmissions went over our radio. "Request clearance to engage."

"I'll show 'em who's in command of this outfit. Just leave it to me," Bartlett growled. Can I say how glad I am he's on our side and not the enemy's?

"I shot one down!" Chopper announced.

"Nice one Chopper!" I praised.

"We're in enemy territory. Be careful," an enemy warned.

"Looks like we can hold our own out here. You guys fly better than I thought," Bartlett acknowledged. This remark made me beam. I circled around and tried to find the last enemy plane. The rain splattered onto the glass of my plane, making it extremely difficult to see. I was looking forward to a nice hot bath tonight and a good night's sleep.

I somehow spotted the last plane and shot it down.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

"All unknown bogey aircraft destroyed," Thunderhead told us.

"This is your captain. Can you hear my voice?"

"Yes sir!" We said simultaneously.

"Good, looks like we can all hear each other. You all alive? All right. Nice work, nuggets. Wardog four, 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 gonna call you "Kid" no matter what. Got it? Good."

He meant me when he said this. I wonder why he was calling me "Kid?" I mean, sure he had been called that during the war fifteen years ago (he told me this when I first came on base) but why was he giving me his nickname? I've met a lot of captains and none have confused me by their ways more than Captain Bartlett. Anyways, I wasn't going to argue with him. You simply just didn't argue with Captain Bartlett.

"Man, I swear..." Chopper mumbled.

Genette had only said one word the whole time during the battle. Curious to know why, I looked behind me. He looked pretty pale (sorry Genette).

We flew back in standard formation and one by one landed. Landing was the part of flying I liked least. I never was good at landing. Originally, I was going to be a naval fighter pilot but after completely biffing the test of landing on an aircraft carrier, it was quickly decided I was not going to be a naval fighter pilot.

Back in the briefing room, we received a message saying:

Emergency transmission from central

1. To all Sand Island Personnel. All information regarding today's hostile encounter is to be classified.

2. Captain Jack Bartlett is ordered to report to Base Headquarters immediately.

Sep. 24 2010

Order E0111207

Osean Air Defense Force Central Command


Later...

**Genette**

The whole affair with the unidentified aircraft was covered up. There was even a rumor going around that it was actually a UFO! Of course, that was just to entertain everyone. No one actually believed it… that I knew of.

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? I know I'm gonna be stuck at captain forever." Bartlett said, shaking his head. He stood next to me with his arms behind his back. I was sitting on a worker's bench.

"Who do you think is covering up the battle?" I asked.

"Listen, the only think across that ocean is Murska Air Base. That's Yuktobanian territory." he replied. I was curious about where he was going with this.

"But haven't we been allies with the Yukes since the war 15 years ago?" I questioned.

"Yeah, that's why we have people workin' 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 want to get the public riled up about 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 kind of bad for you actually."

"It's alright; I get to be with you guys." I answered. It was the truth. I loved being with these guys. They were the closest friends I had ever had. I could see my sister all the time; I could see Chopper and hang out with him; I could see Nagase (I admit I do like her. There, I said it); I could see Bartlett and try to figure out his confusing ways; and then I could see Pops, the mechanic, who was always there when everyone else was on a sortie or asleep or just plain busy.

"Captain probably hates this more than anybody." said a familiar voice. I turned around to see Pops, one of the mechanics. I had forgotten he had been working on the plane in the hangar behind us. I figured he had been listening to this whole conversation.

"Huh?" I wanted to know what he meant.

"He used to have a lady friend over in Yuktobania." Pops explained. I turned to Captain Bartlett. Bartlett hung his head as if remembering a bad memory.

"Ah, that's nothing but an old war wound now." That was all he said about it.

I didn't question further.


**Chopper**

2300 hours

"Blaze?" I whispered out in the hallway, knocking quietly. There were footsteps coming from her room. The door opened.

"Hey Chopper." She said, yawning. "You okay?"

"Can't sleep. What're you doing?" I asked.

"I was trying to fall asleep but that wasn't going so hot, so I'm reading to see if that will work."

"Oh, I can leave if you want." I whispered.

"Oh, no, it's okay. Come and sit down." She told me, taking my hand and leading me to the couch.

" So, uh…" I didn't quite know what to say. Thankfully, she spoke first.

"Is it just me, or does it feel really late?" she asked, rubbing her eyes.

"Actually, it is pretty late. It's 11 'o' clock." I answered.

"Ah. My clock isn't working, that's why I was wondering."

"I see, so how do you like working with the Captain Bartlett?" I asked.

"I like him, he's a good Captain." She replied. "Now, before you say anything else, I have a question. Do all the girls on base have a crush on you?"

"Would you mind if I said yes?" I asked sheepishly. I felt embarrassed talking to Blaze about this for some reason. It wasn't like she didn't know me; she knew all about my girlfriends in high school. For some reason, all my girlfriends in high school didn't like Blaze, and the feeling was mutual.

"Not at all. I kind of realized that when I came to this base. I asked for the lowdown here by one of the girls. She gave me everything I needed to know. When she told me who the cutest guy on base was, instead of her just telling me, about five or six more other girls joined in and told me about you. 'He's so cute', 'he always knows how to make you laugh', and 'he's so muscular.' That's just some of the things they said. You were actually playing cards with some of the other pilots on the other side of the room." She said.

"Is that why all the girls were talking to you?"

"Yes. They all kept saying all the boys on base liked me, but I seriously doubt that." She chuckled.

"Why do you say that?" I asked.

"I don't know, it's just, well, none of them have talked to me for one. Everyone except for you that is," She said.

"They're petrified to talk to you because you're the prettiest girl on base. And trust me, I'm not kidding about that," I told her. She smiled slightly.

"With so many girls that like you on base, I'm sure you must be dating one of them?" Blaze inquired.

"Not at the moment. Well, I better go," I answered smiling.

"Okay, see you tomorrow," She said. We walked to the door. Before I opened the door, I turned to look at her.

"Good night," I told her.

"Good night," She replied. I opened the door and shut it quietly. I stood there for a moment, thinking. Then I left to go to my room.


**Blaze**

The next morning I woke up in a relatively good mood for me. I'm not really an early bird person. I put on a white tank top and a pair of military camouflage trousers then left to go to the crew room. I went and got some hot tea and a donut. I plopped down on the comfy sofa and watched TV. It was always stuck on the military channel and we knew every show on there. It never bored me though because I found military history fascinating. I found it so fascinating that I didn't notice Chopper, whom I had started to like majorly, walk in.

"Enjoying the show?" He asked, putting his hands on my shoulders. I jumped and thank god I didn't have my tea in hand. Of course, I did drop my donut which didn't settle well with me.

"I was until you made me drop my donut," I retorted.

"So, it's The History of the Osean Military again?"

"Yep. I don't think they get any other channels."

"Hang on a sec," Chopper told me as I set my half-eaten donut in the table, not wanting to finish eating it because I know the floors were cleaned every day but still, I didn't trust what was missed. I continued watching the TV, forcing myself not to turn around to see what Chopper was doing.

"Here you go, Blaze." Chopper handed me a donut with chocolate sprinkles… my favorite.

"Thanks Chopper! You know, you can be sweet when you want to be," I grinned.

"I'm always sweet!"

"No you're not."

"When am I not sweet?"

"When you see a guy flirting with me," I said.

"That's not true!"

"If you say so. Nagase and Cassie are the ones that told me that in the first place," I laughed.

"I have to protect you from perverted men. I remember those thirty year olds that hit on you in New Orleans that time when you, Genette, Melissa, and I went there. And I will admit I don't always like it when guys talk to you. But it's not all guys. It's just some guys," Chopper admitted.

"Like whom?" I inquired curiously. I didn't think we would actually start talking about this. I had just been joking.

"Let's see, um, Chives. He bugs the hell out of me. Just saying," Chopper said. "Um, well, all the others, you actually get along with and if I tell you, you'll probably talk to them more."

"I wouldn't do that… not unless you made me mad and you're practically incapable of doing that."

"Thanks Blaze."

"Shut the hell up!" Someone shouted. Chopper turned around while I peered around him. A girl named Yasmine was yelling at Tornado, the other hot shot on base besides Chopper. Chopper was much nicer and cuter though.

"Babe, it's not what it looked like," Tornado defended.

"Oh, so you didn't kiss her? I saw it with my own eyes! You kissed Bailey Cohen! Don't LIE TO ME!" Yasmine warned through gritted teeth.

"She kissed me!"

"I saw the look of surprise when she found out I was your girlfriend."

"She was surprised because she got caught!"

"You are such an f-ing liar!" Yasmine yelled as she turned on her heels and left the room. Tornado ran after her and you could hear them shouting more in the hall.

"Well, that was good entertainment. Who do you think was lying?" Chopper questioned with an amused smile.

"I think Tornado was telling the truth."

"What?" Chopper turned to look at me with a surprised expression.

"I think Tornado is telling the truth," I repeated.

"It's only because you think he's cute."

"No, it's because I know Bailey Cohen and she's a skank. Excuse my terminology. I wouldn't trust her to save my life. She's a lying little cockroach."

"What did she do?"

"You don't want to know." I did a half-hearted smile.

"I can assure you I do but since you don't want to tell me, I'll say I don't."

"Thanks Chopper," I said.

"Yo, Chopper! Would you stop flirting with Blaze and come play with us?" A guy yelled.

"Yeah, I'll be right over. And I'm not flirting with her!" Chopper replied.

"Sure you're not," The guy smirked. Chopper turned to me.

"Hey, I'll see you later. I got to go kick some ass at football."

"I'm sure you will. Have fun," I punched him playfully on the arm.

"See ya Blaze," Chopper patted me on the shoulder and left to go join his friends. I could hear them behind me giving him hell about me. I couldn't help but grin. Poor Chopper.

"I saw that."

I turned to look and there was Nagase in the doorway.

"Saw what?"

"The way you looked at him and the way he looked at you," Nagase said with an amused smirk.

"You're seeing things."

"No I'm not. You're trying not see things."

"That makes no sense. I'm blonde, you have to put things simply," I chuckled. Nagase rolled her eyes.

"What I mean is you're telling yourself you don't like him when you do," She pointed out.

"You keep on believing that," I said.

"I will. Come on, I'm watching Smokey and the Bandit. Want to join me?"

"Of course!" I exclaimed, leaping up. We left the crew room and on the way passed a guy named Barry Vreeland… shirtless. Okay, he looked damn good. I knew Nagase was thinking the same thing. I wished it had been Chopper we passed though. He smiled at us which we returned. It was only courteous.

"You're wishing that was Chopper, weren't you?" Nagase questioned with a hint of sarcasm.

"You're like a freaking mind reader."

"It's because you're my best friend and I know you like I know the back of my hand."

"Let's just go watch the movie," I muttered. It was creepy how well my friends knew me.


**Chopper**

"Hey Chopper! Guessed who I passed in the hall?" Barry yelled.

"Who?" I shouted back.

"Blaze! You better get her while you still can because she was checking me out!"

"You're imagining things!"

"Then why did she smile at me when I walked past her?"

"Because she's from southern Osea and they're nice down there."

"Just keep on believing that."

"I will," I retorted. I used to like Barry, but now I was kind of ticked off at him. He knew I liked Blaze and I bet that was precisely the reason why he was telling me that she had just smiled at him in the hall. We lined up in the offensive formation and with a quick "Down! Set! Hike!" we started playing the game. Genette threw a beautiful pass and it was caught by a guy that went by Apollo. The name suited him because he was bright, funny, and quick, like the Sapian god was known to be like.

"Nice pass!" Apollo nodded after he had been tackled.

"Thanks," Genette said. We lined up again and this time, I ran the ball. I had been the star running back on our football team during high school and Genette had been the star quarterback. We made a hell of a good team, going all the way to state.

The game finally ended 24-14, my team winning. We went back inside and relaxed. The game had been intense but my team always won. It was probably because I had been watching football since I was two.


The next day went by without a shred of excitement so, in a nutshell, I practiced some moves in the air, watched a movie, took a shower, ate dinner and went to bed. That literally was my day. End of story.


Okay, to anyone that just read this chapter (or reread it if you found out I changed the format of it), please review! You make my day when I see the little alert from fanfiction saying I got a story review! But please, no flames.