Well, there you have it! Chapter 7 at last. This one took forever to put up, I hope it is worth the wait (I still think it is rather cheesy) but you are the judge not me. So yeah, enjoy. BTW, the translation for the chapter title is somewhere in this chapter (near the end)

Chapter 7: Любовь, Сокол и Беркут

With the base no longer on alert, the now battle hardened and as William put it "life tested" aces could rest a little easier. Though the world was plunged into war, the major General Resource threat in North Point was eliminated. The other good news was that Neucom had made no territorial gains into North Point. To the people of Saint Ark and all the surrounding towns and cities could sleep easy thanks to the efforts of the brave pilots of the SARF. It was morning, the rain was gone and the air was fresh. A beautiful sunrise illuminated the interior of barrack 118. The light bounced around and landed softly in Bob's eyes, the warmth of the sun's rays calmly opened his eyes. He rolled on his side and looked over to Isis, who was still fast asleep. He couldn't help but gaze at her magnificent figure, which was amplified by the ubiquitous sunlight. Her stunning curvature, that beautiful smile, her long flowing hair, she really is perfect; a true angel he thought to himself. Bob decided that lying in bed all day was inefficient and boring. So he got out of bed and put on his flight suit, which he had become awfully accustomed to over the past week. However, before he could get outside, he heard a quiet noise emanating from behind him.

"Where are you going, Bob?" Isis asked, her head popping out of the blanket she had wrapped around herself.

"I was going to work on the Falken. You know, learn how it works and stuff."

Isis' face grew brighter, as she became more enthusiastic. "C-Can I come?" She blushed a little.

"Of course. It's never fun alone!" Bob chuckled. Isis got out of bed and started towards the door. She threw the blanket off and it landed on her bed. She almost got over to Bob when he said.

"In that? Are you sure?" Isis looked at herself, realizing that she was still wearing her sleepwear. She ran back towards the center of the room, she grabbed her flight suit and ran around the corner to change.

"You would like that wouldn't you." Isis said as she poked her head around the corner, smiling at Bob. Bob returned her comment with a quick laugh. After she had finished dressing, both aces made their way to the exotic looking fighter. Bob moved the stairwell over toward the open cockpit and climbed inside. Meanwhile, Isis was eyeing the plane. Looking over every detail, she was astonished at the complex intricacy of this thirty year old plane. As she approached the engines she noticed a strange emblem. It was a red square with two white lines jutting in from the top right corner, one shorter than the other.

"Bob what does this red emblem mean?" She asked.

"You mean the one by the engines? That is the emblem of Gründer Industries. They are known today as General Resource. This plane was made before government was obsolete." Bob replied from the cockpit, still trying to figure out how to close it.

"Wow, this plane is ancient!" Isis screamed. She was amazed at the sight of such a cool old plane. Isis heard a noise and saw Bob disappear into the enclosed cockpit. Sequentially, numerous lights on the sides of the cockpit lit up. These lights were actually cameras used to see outside. This was how the version one COFFIN functioned. Bob still had, however, a version three system installed by Jack Bartlett.

Inside the cockpit, Bob was amazed at all the unique systems. Besides the screens acting as windows, there were also interesting holographic touch screen systems as well. These included holographic throttle controls, and even a holographic flight stick. These functioned by dragging your hand across the screen. If this system failed, there was a physical stick hidden underneath. Below the throttle was a section of touch screen buttons that were strange. Bob didn't know what to make of them. After a quick investigation he learned that their function was two-fold. On one hand was the cruise settings including an auto-pilot and a stealth setting designed to quiet the engines, at the loss of afterburner; and the ability to throttle past fifty percent altogether. The other settings were combat modes. These included countermeasures like flares and chaff, and a few other buttons. Those buttons were actually used to automatically pull a counter maneuver like a Cobra or a Hammerhead. There were, however, no buttons for offensive maneuvers. Bob reopened the cockpit and climbed out. As he touched the ground, he saw Isis ran over to him; jumping around like a kid on a trampoline.

"So, so! How was it in there!?"

"Pretty cool!"

"Aw, C'mon! That's all you've got? Can I see inside?"

"Sure." Bob and Isis climbed back up. Bob directed Isis inside, and she climbed in. But instead of sitting in the sit, she climbed over to the other side.

"What are you waiting for, get in with me!" Isis was intent on having Bob sit with him.

"Okay, then." Bob climbed in and Isis sat on his lap. The seat lowered into the plane. It was surprisingly roomy comfortably accommodating both pilots. While Bob was giving a quick tour, Isis was scoping out the ignition switch. She was able to find it and started the plane. The question running through Bob's head was who took the time to prepare the plane for launch.

"Hey, it started!" Isis was really excited about what she had just accomplished.

"Well, might as well go flying." Bob said.

"You don't sound all that excited, Bob."

"I am. I just need to focus." Bob taxied to the runway. "Tower, this is Falken 1. Requesting permission to takeoff."

"Roger Falken 1, cleared for takeoff."

"Cleared...Falken 1" Bob hit full afterburner and the plane took off. It took much longer than usual. This was due to the ADF-01's 26 ton weight. But in the air this plane was something else. After some extensive upgrades to its engines and flight systems, including a modern SCRAMJET engine, this plane was faster than a MiG-31 and quicker than an SU-37 (though it was more maneuverable before the upgrades anyway). Bob climbed into the endless sky; there wasn't a cloud in sight. The whole time, Isis was looking around at the sky. She was surprisingly amazed at the sight.

"You know, you never get to see it with your own eyes...the sky I mean." Said Isis, the innocence and astonishment dominating her facial expressions.

"I guess not. I kinda like it, too. It is way better than sitting in those dark, tiny v.3's"

"Yeah." Isis said in agreement. Bob continued to fly, and Isis continued to study how the plane works. Time and Time again, their eyes would meet. Each time they would smile; Bob cracking a joke or Isis pointing some nuance out. They flew together for hours, refueling more than once. Whenever William asked why they were still flying, Bob would respond

"Hey, it's just a stress test!"

William would laugh, and the "stress test" would continue. After the third refueling, Bob was planning on turning back. He looked around and gazed at the sky once more.

"What a beautiful sunset." Bob whispered to himself. He looked back down towards Isis, who was now sleeping in his lap. Bob smiled. He couldn't explain it, but he felt strange. He stopped to check his fuel gauge. Bingo Fuel; gotta turn back he thought.

"Hey, Isis. Wake up." Bob said, giving a slight nudge to Isis.

"Hmm." Isis murmured, rubbing her eyes.

"Welcome back."

"Hehe." Isis looked behind Bob, and she noticed the sunset and the beautiful red backdrop. She looked back at Bob, a newfound emotion floating in her head.

"Hey, Bob?"

"Yeah?"

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

Isis hesitated; she didn't really know if it was time. So she inserted a different question to buy her time.

"What is your favorite part of this plane?" She asked.

"Well, my favorite part. Hmm, that would probably be-" But he was interrupted. It would seem Isis had made up her mind. She reached out and embraced Bob in a sweet hearted hug, followed by a kiss. Bob's eyes jutted open. The feeling of Isis' warm, soft lips meeting his was amazing like nothing he had ever felt. He relaxed, shut his eyes and decided to kiss back. It was a long and heartfelt kiss. When they finished, they remained hugging each other; Bob had activated the autopilot and the fuel saving systems. Isis looked up into Bob's eyes, her soft smile magnifying her transcendent beauty.

"Bob. I...I, love you!" She said emotionally.

Bob was at a loss for words. He now knew the feeling he has. It was love. He didn't know, however, how to respond. He gathered some words and tried his luck.

"I love you, too. Isis." It came out better than he thought it would. Isis hugged him tighter and her smile grew larger. She let out a sweet and short Yay!. Bob was extremely happy now...both of them were. Bob disabled the auto-pilot and turned for home. It was about time the two lovers went to sleep. The Falken touched down on the runway, it was a very soft landing. The night had beaten the two lovers home. Bob returned the plane to its hangar, right next to Isis' heavily damages Flanker, and shut off the engines.

The cockpit rose from inside the plane and with it, the two pilots who were in each other's arms. Bob climbed out first. He felt heavier, but he didn't need to wonder why. Isis had decided it would be easier to return to the barrack clinging to Bob's shoulders.

"Uhh, Isis?" Bob said.

"Yeah?" Isis whispered, she was growing extremely tired. Bob thought for a minute then responded.

"Nevermind. Just don't fall asleep back there, okay?"

"Go~~t I~~t!" Isis said, dragging out her words for emphasis. Bob made his way to the barrack and let Isis off his back. The two prepared for bed, laid down and tried to sleep.

"Hey, Bob. What are we gonna do tomorrow?" Isis asked.

"Sleep 'till something wakes us up." Bob replied.

The two rolled over, and went to sleep.

The next morning seemed familiar to Bob, there was another soul occupying the bed with him. He looked toward the wall and noticed Isis sleeping in the small space between his and the wall. Isis slowly opened her eyes and yawned. Their eyes met and they smiled.

"Hey. What time is it?" Isis asked.

"Uhh, hold on." Bob got out of bed and walked over to the clock on the wall. Before he was able to read the time, a message came through on the Data-Swallow. Bob ran over to the console and read the message.

"Isis! Get ready, we need to get to the hangar!" Bob got dressed quickly, followed by Isis. Bob grabbed Isis' hand and ran out the door. Isis reached out her hand as if to grab something to stay inside.

"But...the time!" Isis said, jokingly.

The two made their way to the hangar. The doors were surprisingly closed. Bob looked around and noticed William and Ian conversing with a few of the base staff. Bob and Isis approached. The group looked at their aces, saluted, and the base staff departed. Ian looked extremely ecstatic. Bob stepped forward.

"What's got you all excited, Ian?" Bob asked.

"Oh, you have no idea!" Said Ian.

"Well, we would like to!" Isis butted in.

"Then let's open it up!" William added.

The doors slid open. The light flowed in, allowing the contents to be seen. On the right was the ADF-01, nothing new. However, on the left was something amazing. It had the familiar Sukhoi nose, canards, forward swept wings, a black paint-job; an interesting design of a lost era.

"That looks amazing, but what is it?" Bob asked.

"SU-43 Berkut, air dominance and superiority fighter. Pinnacle of UPEO engineering. It is faster, quicker, and sleeker than anything GR or Neucom have deployed. It even tops the SU-37; it is one hell of a plane! And here's the kicker...this is the first one in existence" Ian was full of enthusiasm. His love of planes and naturally happy demeanor was working in tandem; he was definitely in love in his own way.

"Wow! How did you get this?" Bob asked, impressed at the inspiring plane in front of him.

"Well, that is a secret. But.." William said. He looked towards Isis. "I hope you enjoy!"

"Wait! Me?" Isis screamed with astonishment.

"Yes, you! Bob just got a new plane and your old one...let's just say it won't be flying for a little while."

"Would explain why it's not here." Bob added.

"Hey, Ian. Is this thing ready to fly yet?" William asked.

"Yup, I tuned it last night!" Ian responded, proud of his work.

"Well then, what are you two still doing on the ground?"

The two pilots smiled, their excitement growing. Isis quickly ran to her plane. She climbed on and opened the cockpit. She climbed in and laid down inside. She liked how comfortable it was in comparison to the SU-37. She linked with the COFFIN. She was ready to go flying. The engines roared to life, the sound of four engines from two aircraft was deafening. The two taxied towards the runway.

"This is Mobius 1, requesting takeoff runway 12." Bob asked.

"This is the tower. Roger Mobius, cleared for takeoff. Weather conditions are nominal, winds out of the north at three knots with unlimited visibility. No bogeys over North Point. Have fun!"

"Roger, thank you tower." The two planes turned on to the taxiway and took to the skies. The two pilots formed up on each other and flew toward Saint Ark. They kept climbing, trying to reach higher than the others. Flying almost vertical, the two planes fought for altitude. At about 70000 feet, the Sukhoi gave in and started to stall. The Falken was modified by Bartlett for SCRAMJET flight at over 120,000 feet.

"Hey, wait up!" Isis screamed over the comm. Bob laughed. Bob pulled nose down and rejoined Isis at about 60000 feet. They started pulling fancy maneuvers and having a good time. Dancing through the skies, the quickness of the new Berkut was awesome. Both forward swept wing aircraft were able to outturn any aircraft they encounter. For hours, the two tested their planes limits. They finally remembered that their planes needed to land soon when Isis' fuel alert went off.

"Aww, and I was having fun, too!" Isis moaned.

"It's alright, we will have more time later." Bob said as he broke off and started to descend. The two brought their craft down softly and returned to their hangar. It was almost dusk by the time they left. As the doors closed Bob heard Isis whisper.

"I really did mean it you know."

"Uhh, what did you say?" Bob asked. Shocked that she was heard, Isis reacted by quickly spurting out.

"Nothing!"

"Now you're starting to sound like me! Hahaha." They both smiled and laughed as they returned to barrack 118, knowing all too well that there still was a war to be fought. But, now they were ready. Now they were on even terms; their love, Falken and the Berkut strengthening them to no ends.

THESE ARE WORDS THAT YOU MAY OR MAY NOT BE READING AT THE MOMENT YOU ARE READING THEM!