The three fighters touche down just as two UH-1 search and rescue helicopters lifted off. Blaze, Edge, and Chopper are directed to the ramp in front of Hangar E, where Pops waits with more Sidewinders, AGM-65G Mavericks, and drop tanks.
Blaze shuts down his engines and raises the canopy. "Pops!" he yells over the din. "What's going on?"
Pops directs the mechanics and a couple replacement pilots in refitting the Tigers. "All I know is the Yukes declared war, and you three are to be enroute to Port St. Hewlett as soon as possible. You've got just enough time to grab a bite and hear a cliff notes briefing from Hamilton."
Stark slides down the access ladder and practically sprints to the administration building. Chopper and Nagase are close behind.
"Kid, what's up?!"
Alex doesn't look back. "We're at war, Chopper. We've got to get to St. Hewlett, probably to help protect the fleet. Hamilton's got more for us, I hope."
"I do, Lieutenant, but only the basics." Alex stops short, nearly running into the captain. Hamilton has never been very friently with Alex, for reasons he could never figure out. He was always so... cold. Then again, he was pretty cold with everyone.
"You'll be assigned to defend the port. Report is that the Yukes are sending a sizable force of aircraft and ships to knock out the units there. You will provide air support in any way possible. That is all. A more detailed briefing will be given enroute." He salutes. "Dismissed."
The pilots return salutes, then turn to leave. They have a common location: the mess hall. All three pass though quickly, snagging whatever they can. Alex lucks out and secures a couple of biscuits fresh from the oven.
Stark, Nagase, and Davenport run out of to their waiting fighters moments later. Pops stand there waiting. "Good luck out there."
"Thanks Pops." Blaze throws a salute to the veteran mechanic as he vaults up the ladder and into the cockpit. After a lightning quick preflight, the three Tigers roll onto the runway and claw skyward.