Bulgudarest Air Base, Usea
August 9th, 2019
"So Trigger, how's your girl?" asked Count as he poked at his omelet with a fork.
Alex sighed. "She might not be my girl anymore."
Count looked up. "What happened? Did she cheat on you?"
Alex shook his head. "No. We got into an argument over the phone. I haven't talked to her since."
"What did you guys argue about?", asked Jaeger, who was sitting at the same table.
"It's complicated. After she woke up from her coma, she started having these flashbacks."
"PTSD?"
"Yeah." Alex nodded. "A couple weeks ago, she flew again for the first time. She was on an exercise with my old unit, flying against some F-22s. She did pretty well, scored three kills."
"What type of plane was she flying?" Jaeger asked.
"F-18."
Jaeger's mouth dropped in shock. "Damn, she must be good."
"She was. Until the leader of the opposing team went after her. Then she had a flashback and almost crashed into the sea."
"Is she okay?" asked Count.
"Physically, yes. Mentally, I'm not so sure. Anyway, she got grounded after the incident. When we talked last night, she complained about not being able to fly. I told her that it was for the best. She got really mad and yelled at me. Then she hanged up."
"Why did she get so upset?"
"She's always been passionate about flying and being a fighter pilot. During the op over Chopinburg, her plane got damaged but she insisted on staying in the fight. Our CO, Major Keller, had to order her to retreat. While she was leaving the AO, she got ambushed by Mr. X. She tried to fight him off, even though Keller told her to run. Stupid girl." Alex shook his head.
"You shouldn't be so hard on her," said Jaeger. "If flying is her passion, don't try to keep her on the ground. You'll only drive her away by doing so."
"But she's not ready."
"It doesn't matter whether she's ready or not. She needs your support, not your criticism. Call her back. Tell her you're sorry."
"Okay. Thanks for the advice." Alex finished his eggs, got up, and walked towards the trash can, tray in hand.
Fort Grays Air Base, Usea
Ashley walked into the cramped briefing room. The rest of Golem and Mage was already there, along with around two dozen other pilots she didn't recognize. Many of them were Central Useans but she also saw the flags of San Salvacion, Delarus, North Point, Sapin, Belka, Usito, Emmeria, Estovakia, and Nordennavic on the flight suits of the newcomers.
Finally, Colonel Anderson entered the room. Everyone sat down.
The colonel spoke. "Golem, Mage, as some of you are probably aware, Mobius Squadron and Omega Squadron from the IUN Multinational Strike Group have been assigned to Fort Grays in preparation for the IUN counteroffensive. You will operate alongside the MSG pilots from this point on. Treat them as if they were your wingmen. That's all I have to say. Dismissed."
As the other pilots filed into the hallway, the commander of Mobius Squadron, a Central Usean in his mid-forties, walked up to Knocker.
"Major Keller, I presume."
"Group Captain Aguilar. It's an honor to meet you, sir."
The two men shook hands.
"I'd like to congratulate you and your wingmen on your performance during the exercise two weeks ago," said Mobius 1. "Your unit put up one hell of a fight, challenged my pilots more than most other squadrons. I look forward to flying with you."
"Likewise, sir," replied Knocker. "To be fair, you guys won that fight hands down."
"By the way, is that hotshot of yours okay? I heard she almost crashed after I eliminated her."
Knocker shook his head. "I don't know what to tell you. Physically she's fine. Mentally not so much."
"What do you mean?"
"Can't go into specifics but it was bad enough that I had to ground her."
"That's unfortunate." Mobius 1 was visibly disappointed. "She's got a lot of potential. Any chance I can talk to her?"
Knocker nodded. "Sure. She's probably outside by now."
"Okay thanks. See you later."
"You too. Bye."
Bulgudarest, Usea
Alex entered the briefing room and sat down at the front. Count was already there, along with Wiseman and the rest of the LRSSG.
He heard two of the other pilots, Skald and Lanza, whispering behind his back. He couldn't pick out exactly what they were saying but it certainly didn't sound nice.
Soon, the base commander, Colonel Richmond, arrived. He walked to the front of the room and began.
"Trigger, Count, we've received official confirmation about what we're supposed to do with you." Richmond turned his attention to the newest members of the LRSSG. "Major Wiseman has made it clear he'd like you both to officially join our unit. This is an unprecedented move. It seems like you've got some people looking out for you. Still, I think it's because of how you've conducted yourselves. I believe you'll be an asset to us." The colonel looked back up. "Okay, time for the briefing. For a long time, our counteroffensive has been overpowered by the Erusean drones' auto-intercept system. If a craft enters their airspace and doesn't respond to their IFF, drones automatically take off and move to intercept their target. However, we've discovered that the system has a blind spot. We have acquired this information by sending our other squadrons on dangerous missions to scout in the whole area and initiate combat. Of all the pilots assigned to us, only two managed to survive the mission. If we don't act now, those pilots will have sacrificed themselves for nothing. So we've been ordered to carry out a long-range strategic strike. Operating separately from the main force, we've been developing a strategy in secret. Cyclops Squadron and Strider Squadron will sortie deep into Erusean territory and will be carrying out specialized long-range attack strategies. You will carve your way through the territory from the north to the capital of Farbanti, attacking important targets along the way. The first operation will involve striking the enemy's main naval force, the Njord Fleet, which is gathered in Northern Usea. We've known for some time that there's a large supply base utilized by the enemy fleet in the waters around Snider's Top. At present, the enemy fleet is concentrated there. Naturally, they intend to attack Eastern Usea, where Osean forces are stationed. If we can surprise the enemy with a long-range attack, we could potentially do devastating damage to them. Still, it's highly likely that their advanced fleet is prepared and has started to move so combat with the enemy is probably unavoidable. We don't want any casualties out there. Remember that. The counterattack has begun. Brace yourselves!"
Ashley watched as a pair of Typhoons from Omega Squadron took off from the runway, heading out on another patrol. She stared longingly at the two jets, yearning to be flying in the skies alongside them.
"Lieutenant Davenport?"
She turned and saw Mobius 1 standing right next to her.
"Yep, that's me." She got up and saluted.
He returned her salute.
"Are you the pilot who downed three of my wingmen during the exercise a few weeks back?"
"Yeah." She nodded. "I was just doing my job, sir."
"You know, you remind me of myself when I was younger," he said.
"Like that's going to make any difference," she replied, sitting back down. "I'm grounded."
"So I heard." He sat down next to her. "Tell me, what's going on?"
"It's none of your business."
"Lieutenant, you're attached to my unit. I need to know why you aren't flying with the rest of us."
She sighed. "Do you promise not to tell anyone else?"
He nodded.
She began. "Two months ago, I participated in the op over Chopinburg."
He nodded. "And?"
"My plane got damaged during the battle with the drones so I withdrew with another Osean fighter. While we were heading out of the AO, we got ambushed by an Su-30 with orange wingtips..."
"Was it Mr. X?"
She nodded and continued. "First, he took out the other guy. Then, he went after me. I tried to shake him off but he stayed on my tail. My boyfriend, who was a member of Mage Squadron, attempted to shoot him down but he evaded. He then opened fire on me with his autocannon. My engine caught fire and I crashed into the forest. I was in a coma for a month. After I woke up, I started having these flashbacks. I talked to my commander about it, I went to therapy, and I got better. At least that's what I thought until..."
"Until what?"
"Until the exercise. When you chased me down, I panicked and had another flashback. That's why I almost crashed."
"Oh. Sorry about that."
"The fault is mine. I shouldn't have flown in the first place. I wasn't ready. I'm still not ready. Maybe I'll never be ready again." She looked down in sadness.
"Let me tell you something. I wasn't always the best pilot in Usea. A few months after the start of the Continental War, my unit and I encountered Yellow Squadron for the first time. It didn't go well. We were forced to retreat and several of my wingmen went down. I was deeply shaken and it took awhile for me to regain my confidence."
"How did you get better?"
"When I sortied, I focused on what I was fighting for, which was my country and the people I cared about. It helped me stay calm and remember that I wasn't alone."
"So what's your advice for me?"
"Think about what makes you calm when you fly. Take everything one step at a time. Don't try to engage opponents you aren't sure you can handle. Always work with your teammates. And always look for ways to improve yourself further. You're an exceptional pilot but that doesn't mean you can't become even better."
"Thank you, sir." Her phone began to ring. She took it out of her pocket. "Sorry, I have to go. My boyfriend's calling me."
"Okay. See you in the sky, Lieutenant." Mobius 1 bid her goodbye.
Ashley walked into the barracks, heading to her room. She held her phone to her ear.
"Alex?"
"Hey, Ash. Is it okay to talk?"
"Sure. What do you want?" she replied coldly, through gritted teeth.
A brief moment of awkward silence ensued before Alex spoke again.
"I'm sorry for what I said a few days ago."
You should be, she thought. Although she regretted overreacting to his remarks a few days prior, she still resented him for doubting her and trying to keep her from flying in the sky, where she belonged.
"I never meant to hold you back. I was just so worried about you after what happened."
His words made her pause. Up until that point, she'd never really considered how he felt about her desire to return to the sky.
"Is everything alright?"
She spoke. "Alex, it's okay. I shouldn't have lashed out at you the way I did that night. I wasn't thinking straight." She took a deep breath. "Look, when I start flying again, I'll be more careful. I won't let my pride get the better of me. I promise."
"Can you keep that promise?"
"I'll sure as hell try." She tried to change the subject, not wanting to dwell further on the matter. "By the way, how are things in Bulgudarest?"
"Going well so far. Apparently, my successful escort of Colonel McKinsey won me a few favors with High Command. I've been promoted to Captain."
"Congrats, hon!" She let herself smile for the first time in a few days. "Where are they going to send you?" She hoped the answer was Fort Grays.
"Ash, I hate to break it to you but I'm not coming back anytime soon."
Her heart sank in disappointment. "Why?"
"I got transferred to the Long-Range Strategic Strike Group, the fighter unit based here. I tried to get myself shipped back to my old post but Major Wiseman insisted that I join. My first sortie with them is tomorrow."
"Where to?" she asked, intrigued. She'd heard about the LRSSG before. She figured it was some type of special unit, perhaps Osea's equivalent to the MNSG.
"Can't tell you the details. Just keep an eye on the news..." He was briefly interrupted by someone else, before returning his attention to her. "I have to go now. Talk to you later."
"Okay, take care. I love you." As she mouthed the last three words, a tear slid down her cheek.
Snider's Top, Usea
August 10th, 2019
After a two-hour flight, the eight F-15s that made up the LRSSG reached Snider's Top.
"Trigger, your callsign is Strider 1. You'll be leading Strider Squadron. Count, you'll be Cyclops 2. You'll be under Cyclops 1."
"Trigger, how come you're number one and I'm stuck as number two?" asked Count, clearly disgruntled with the chain of command.
"Cos I got promoted," replied Alex. "Only captains and higher get to lead squadrons, remember?"
"Oh well, I guess I can let it slide for now."
"And we're just supposed to follow you?" exclaimed Skald. "I heard you're spectacular, Captain. At least with your last squadron."
"I don't want you slowing us down out there," added an equally skeptical Lanza.
"Cut it out, gentlemen." Alex wasn't too happy with his subordinates' lack of confidence in him. "Do you want me to have you both busted down to Sub-Lieutenants?"
"No sir."
"Then shut up and do what I say or what the AWACS says. Understood?"
"Yes sir."
He heard a crunching sound on his radio.
"Hey, what's the deal with that noise?"
"Sorry, but I'm going to eat while I work," replied Long Caster. "My judgement goes fuzzy when I'm too hungry."
"Alright but can you finish up soon? It's annoying."
Soon, the ships of the Erusean Njord Fleet came into view.
"We have visual confirmation of the enemy fleet. You are cleared to engage!"
"Wilco. Let's go." Count launched an anti-ship missile at one of the Erusean destroyers. It exploded in midair.
"Darn! What the hell?!"
"Enemy Aegis vessel intercepting incoming missiles with their CIWS," advised Long Caster. "Counteract CIWS with a low approach or use missiles outside intercept range."
"Copy that." Alex flew in low and unleashed a pair of missiles at an Erusean destroyer. The enemy ship exploded and sank.
"Aegis vessel Freyr is sunk! Clear the rest!"
He then launched two additional missiles at a missile cruiser, sinking it as well.
"Missile cruiser Skaoi has been sunk! Well done!"
He turned his attention to the Njord Fleet's sole aircraft carrier. He saw an Su-33 lift off from its deck.
"Enemy aircraft has launched. Engage it."
He locked onto the Su-33 with an air-to-air missile and sent it barreling down into the ocean, leaving a trail of smoke. He proceeded to attack the aircraft carrier, putting two missiles into its hull. The carrier turned into a fireball and began to sink into the depths of the ocean.
"Aircraft carrier Njoror is sunk! Excellent work!"
"I think we've sunk most of the enemy fleet but I can't tell because of all the smoke," observed Count.
Alex scanned through the smoke and sighted one of the last remaining Erusean vessels. He made a low approach and fired a pair of missiles, sending it to the bottom of the sea.
"Aegis vessel Hoenir is sunk!"
"Trigger, what are the marks on your plane?" asked Skald. "Three lines... Scratches?"
Alex opened his mouth to respond but Count cut in. "I don't like them. They're like sin lines."
"What are those?" asked Huxian.
"Nothing."
"Enemy fleet has been neutralized," announced Long Caster. "You guys just downed some serious firepower."
"Okay, onto the marine platform." Alex turned around and began heading towards his next objective.
"Cyclops 2, stop fluttering about and stay glued to my ass," ordered Wiseman.
"Stop treating me like a newborn chick," replied Count. "I've shot down my fair share of enemies."
"Chirp, chirp, chirp, little chick. Just stick with your mother hen and you'll get back to the roost safe and sound."
The marine platform came into view. There were a few warships around it.
Alex destroyed three of the warships with missiles. The other Strider pilots dealt with the others.
He saw some Rafales lifting off the platform.
"Enemy fighters have just taken off from the platform. Eliminate those fighters with extreme prejudice before they can threaten the mission."
"Wilco," said Wiseman. "We'll swat those flies down into the drink."
Alex felt queasy at the thought of flies in a drink.
He maneuvered his F-15 underneath the platform and fired on one of the structural supports.
"What just happened?!"
"He destroyed a structural support. That's remarkable skill."
"I've sent the data. Make like Trigger and serve up a sandwich."
"Righto."
"Copy."
Roger!"
The rest of the LRSSG emulated Strider 1's tactic, diving underneath the platform and launching missiles at its supports, causing it to collapse into the ocean.
"Destruction of marine platform confirmed!" said Long Caster. "You just put the meat in between the buns and that burger is well done."
"Weren't we serving a sandwich?" asked Count.
"I'm happy to eat both."
"Whatever you say, man."
They made short work of the surviving Erusean ships and fighters.
"Attention, all aircraft. Operation complete. The enemy won't recover from this one," said Long Caster. "You did great out there. I think tonight's the night we finally open that bottle."
"I think I understand the new boss's style," remarked Lanza.
"Our other newcomer is a... unique character," added Fencer.
Count sighed. "The old squad was bad, and I guess it's no different here. I could really perform if only I had some partners I could trust."
"No need to worry," replied Wiseman. "I got your back. Relax and do your thing."
"Gimme a break!"
Alex radioed the rest of Strider Squadron. "Good work out there, gentlemen. Let's RTB."
"Copy that, Captain," replied Skald.
"Understood," added Tailor.
"Roger," said Lanza.
Alex smiled. After all he'd been through, things were finally starting to look up.
Author's Note: I'd like to give a shoutout to WillySmith1510 for helping me with parts of this chapter. Go check out his page. His work is top-notch. Also, sorry for not updating sooner. I've been busy lately (school, track practice, etc.) and will be over the next few months so I won't be updating this story as often as I have been. I am going to finish it eventually though, so stay tuned.