Ace Combat: Skies of Deception
Chapter 12:The Wasteland
(A.N.:Despite its title, this chapter bears more resemblance to the mission "Striking Point", but I kept the title as "The Wasteland" is, canon-wise, the following mission after "Time Limit". Sorry in advance. Enjoy the chapter.)
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Ángel Román found himself in a white landscape. The horizon, the floor, the sky,...
Everything was a plain white. It was almost blinding.
Even his clothes were white. Instead of his flight suit, he had a white robe that covered his whole body.
-"So, that's how you look when you're dead."-he thought.-"It's not so bad, thought. It could be worse."
He took a walk over the place. Even though he kept walking for a long time, nothing seemed to change. No landmarks, no buildings, not even someone to talk to.
That situation changed suddenly.
-Ángel!-shouted a voice in the distance.
Ángel was rather shocked. Finally, someone to talk with. But then, he found out that the voice sounded familiar. He couldn't guess why, but he felt that he had to follow that voice.
The voice kept calling for him. It came from his left, and as Ángel got closer to the source of that voice, he was certain that the voice belonged a woman.
Ángel found the woman who was calling for him, and was left in utter shock.
It was Julieta. She was wearing the same robe he was wearing.
Ángel almost broke down in tears, but he ran to her arms and hugged her.
-Seems like, despite being separated in life, we would reunite after my death.-Ángel said while they hugged.
-What do you mean?-Julieta wondered.
-Don't you see?-Ángel said, as they stopped hugging.-I'm dead now. I was killed over Santa Elva.
-So, you're saying that you're dead?-Julieta asked.-I'll answer you later. But let's go for a walk first.
Ángel held hands with Julieta and went for a walk with her.
-Ángel, you're a very good person, no matter what you think of yourself.-said Julieta after a while.-You're bringing hope to both Leasath and Aurelia. Don't forget that.
Ángel was shocked by her words. Even after what he had done, after leaving a whole life behind, Julieta still loved him as much as the first day.
-But, Julieta,-replied Ángel, downcast.-I turned my back on those who loved me. I did such a horrible thing...
-No, you didn't.-retorted Julieta, shaking her head.
-I did.-lashed Ángel.-When Neu Hoffnung was destroyed, I left Leasath behind, instead of trying to defend it. I became a coward and a traitor that very day. And it just went worse when the Aurelian-Leasathian War started. It was in this war when I killed people for the first time.
Julieta listened to that, looking at Ángel with a blank face.
-Ángel,-she said.-You didn't have a choice. You were devastated when Neu Hoffnung was destroyed. And, if you had fought during the Leasathian Civil War, you would have been killed by Diego Navarro's forces.
-But at least I would have...-he started to say.
-Died with honor, you're going to say?-asked Julieta.-You would have died in vain.
-I would have ended up with my hands stained with my countrymen's blood anyway.-replied Ángel.
-You didn't have a choice.-retorted Julieta.-If you hadn't killed them, they would have killed you.
-Well, judging by my current situation, it's not like that would have mattered.-said Ángel.
-You still believe that you're dead, do you?-said Julieta, amused.-Well, I want you to know that you're not dead. Not yet.
Ángel was taken aback by that.
-Ángel,-said Julieta.-you're just in coma. It will take you some time, but you will be able to awaken from this.
-So, after this, I won't see you again until I die.-said Ángel, crestfallen.
-I'm not someone to answer that.-said Julieta, cryptically.-Still, you are not a monster. You didn't choose to fight in a war. You hated it, and that's why you did what you've done. It's no use regretting now. You survived this far because you believed in your ideals as a person and as a pilot. And, when the war started in Aurelia, you fought because you knew what would happen if Navarro took over the country.
-Julieta,-said Ángel.-I killed people. I even saw some of them die before me. My hands are stained with the smell of blood and explosives. I'm no different from those who I fight against.
-Ángel, I know that you're not proud of what you've done.-Julieta answered.-But you are not a murderer. Even now, I can't see that you take pleasure by killing people. You just fight to survive and to bring justice to both countries and hope to those who lost it. Do you remember what I did to you when I thought you were dating Lucía Moreno? When I realized that I had hurt you to a grievous extent, even though I expected you to reject me or fear me, I did have some hope that you would forgive me. And what about when you fought against Roberto Testón? Everyone thought you would lose, but I knew that you were better than him. Maybe Testón is much deadlier than you, but, as a pilot, he doesn't stand a chance against you. I don't know why, but you always tend to think very lowly of yourself. If you hadn't left Leasath, you would have been killed, and, if you hadn't fought back here, Aurelia would have ended under Navarro's dictatorship. Since the first day, I always had faith in you.
Ángel was at a loss of words. Julieta still thought of him as a good person.
-It's not a sin to fight for what you cherish.-she continued.-The problem is, that there are some people that words alone do not suffice. People like Navarro, or Testón. I've known you long enough to find out that you are not a person who revels on hurting innocent people, but it's because of it that you must go on. If you free Griswall, Navarro will have to retreat, and Aurelia will stop suffering. If you do that, all the suffering you've been through will not be in vain. Your path will not be an easy one, though, as it's because of delusional people like Diego Gaspar Navarro that wars exist. But you must fight for those who cannot. This way, all the death and suffering of the Leasathians who died during the Civil War and the Aurelians and Leasathians in this war will not be in vain.
They reached a bifurcation, with two paths heading for opposite directions.
-Ángel,-Julieta said.-You can choose to die-she pointed to her right.-or to stay alive.-she pointed to the left.-In any case, the decision is only yours.
Ángel pondered about his next step. Death seemed welcoming, as it would mean reuniting with those he had left behind. But staying alive offered him the chance to save more lives, reuniting friends, couples, parents and children, siblings,...
Ángel took a deep breath and took the left path. As soon as he took a step, everything began to turn foggy.
-One last question.-said Ángel, turning to Julieta.-Is this real, or is this just happening in my mind?
-Of course it's happening in your mind, Ángel.-said Julieta, as everything blurred out.-But, would that mean it's not real?
Sachana Air Base, Aurelia, xxxxxxxxxxxx 2020, xx:xx Hours
-Oh my God!-said Alejandro Bergman.-He's waking up! Eugene! Ángel's waking up!
Eugene Solano ran to the hospital and saw something unthinkable.
Ángel groaned softly as he awakened from his coma.
-Oh, Ángel!-sighed Eugene.-We thought you were dead!
Ángel was surrounded by devices that monitored his breathing, pulse, and lots of stuff more.
-W... w... where am I?-Ángel asked, softly.
-You're in Sachana Air Base.-replied Alejandro.-We took you here after you crashed.
-Crashed?-Ángel muttered. Suddenly, he remembered.-Oh, right. I remember now. I fell unconscious shortly before landing at the airport. Damn Cynocrine! How long I've been out!?
-20 days, sir.-answered Eugene.-That same evening, the Ninox squadron arrived to the base. When they realized what happened to you, they almost fainted. The next day, we found a small base some miles away from here that had been turned into a makeshift POW camp. We happened to find out a couple of A-10 pilots imprisoned there, who agreed to come to SAB to offer some air-to-ground support, since Ninox squadron is a group of six F-14D pilots. On November 15th, a group of land units headed to our base. But, thanks to the Sagittarius squadron, we managed to keep them at bay. The remnants stayed at the Kalana Steppes, waiting for reinforcements.
-I see.-Ángel said.-So, finally, I'm not alone. I'll go and check the remaining planes.
-No, you can't.-said Eugene.-You've just woke up from a coma.
-Please, doctor.-Ángel said, calling a doctor, and ignoring Eugene.-Help me taking out these things.
The doctor took out all the plastic wires and stuff of Ángel. He then tried to wake up, but he felt something that made him recoil in pain.
-ARGH! My legs!-he gasped.-They hurt as if they were on fire!
-I told you to take it easy!-groaned Eugene.-Serves you right.
-I'll bring a wheelchair.-said Alejandro. After he brought the chair, the doctor and him helped Ángel to get on it.
Ángel felt as if luck had played a cruel prank on him. He could move his legs, but even the slightest move made him feel a horrible pain.
Ángel moved to the hangars. He saw that the fuel tanks had been repaired, and six F-14Ds and two A-10s parked.
Apart from them, the Eurofighter Typhoon and the F-2 Viper Zero were still in good shape. It seemed that the Super Hornet had already been given back to the Navy.
After that, Ángel returned to the HQ building and looked at the clock.
It was 19:34 hours.
Eugene met him seconds later.
-Sir, you can't go on sortie for now.-he said.-I hate to say it, but you can't due to your wounds.
-The only wrong thing with me is that I can't move my legs without falling down in pain.-replied Ángel.-I just need some time.
-I don't think so.-answered Eugene.-Leasath is planning another assault to our base, and we don't have time to wait for you to recover.
Ángel was devastated. Thanks to his injuries, it seemed like he wouldn't be able to fly anymore.
Sachana Air Base, Aurelia, November 23rd 2020, 08:00 Hours
The Ninox and Sagittarius squadrons' members had been called for briefing. Ángel Román also attended it, despite Alejandro and Eugene's objections.
Eugene showed that the Leasathian Ground Forces stationed at the Kalana Steppes had increased dramatically. Alejandro displayed a slide that showed a satellite image pointing the locations of the ground forces. They were supported by helicopters and VTOL fighters.
-At 11:00 hours, we'll conduct a search and destroy operation over Kalana Steppes. It is imperative to destroy all enemy ground units. Sagittarius squadron, you will sortie to take out the ground troops. Ninox squadron, you will stand by in case the Sagittarius squadron needs help.-he said.-If we fail, they are certain to launch an all-out attack on this base.
After that, Ángel approached Eugene and Alejandro.
-Eugene, Alejandro, let me offer a hand on this.-he begged.
-Ángel Román, are you crazy?-groaned Alejandro.-You can barely walk!
-But what if they find heavy anti-aircraft defences?-claimed Ángel.-The F-14Ds will be useless, and the A-10s are not very maneuverable. They won't be able to dodge the missiles and, if they are shot down, the pilots will be killed.
-Sir, I hate to tell this to you of all people,-objected Eugene.-but, with the degree of damage you've suffered, flying is impossible.
That was a heavy blow for the Leasathian pilot. He pulled away from the desk.
-Impossible...-Ángel muttered, trying his best not to lose his nerves.
After that, he got off the wheelchair, falling to the floor, but he stopped his fall with his hands. A couple of members of the Ninox squadron tried to pull him back to the wheelchair.
-Stand back!-Ángel hissed.
He then tried the unthinkable. Ángel used his hands to pull his legs into a kneeling position. Even that simple move made his legs feel horribly hurt. Despite that, he managed to get on his knees.
Everyone in the room was flabbergasted. How could he be doing that!?
But Ángel didn't stop there. After kneeling, he put his right foot on the ground. It was awfully painful, and he was shutting his jaw so hard that he was about to shatter his teeth. Stretching his leg was even worse, as he almost fell down in pain. Nonetheless, he managed to finally stand up. He was panting as if he had ran a marathon, but he felt triumphant.
-Do NOT ever tell me again... it's impossible.-said Ángel, panting and breathing heavily.-We've made it this far, didn't we?
No one responded.
-When I was young, my father said that I seemed to be born to fly.-Ángel continued.-At first, I didn't take him seriously, but as the years passed, I realized that he was dead serious. I skyrocketed to the top during my years as an aggressor pilot, but during the Leasathian Civil War, I made a mistake. One that cost the life not only to my dearest ones, but to a whole innocent city. All my life I've been staying in the safest place, turning my head away from the stark reality, as innocent people died because of my selfishness. And now that I have the chance to save more innocents, you're telling me that I can't because of my legs' injuries!?
-But, sir...-said Eugene.
-I don't know if you have a friend, a loved one, a child, a sibling, or anyone close to you waiting for you to come back after this pointless war ends, but I don't have anyone like that waiting for me. I only have my dignity as a pilot left.-continued Ángel, ignoring Eugene's pleas.-And standing here while the one who plotted the mass murder of both Aurelians and Leasathians is free, plotting with shameless weapon dealers who don't value life, is sullying my dignity. We're just a handful of miles away from the liberation of Griswall, and I'm not going to give up now, even if that means losing my life trying.
He then headed to the door. Despite his pain, he kept a steady pace.
-I'll take the F-2.-Ángel said, turning around with the door handle in his hand.-It will come in handy to take out the SAM vehicles and some tanks, if given the chance. Good luck to all of you.
After that, he headed out of the briefing room and walked to the hangars. His legs felt very hurt, but he wouldn't give up. He fell down a couple of times, but stood up again every time.
-"Dammit! I'm not going to give up. Not like this. I'm a Leasathian. And I won't let my country down by allowing Navarro to keep on with this massacre. I will save all the innocent suffering under his cruel palm!"-he thought, struggling to keep going on.
Some minutes later, he managed to get to the F-2 Viper Zero. It was armed with XMAAs and LASMs as its special weapons.
-Let's see if they can stop the Sagittarius squadron when I take out their SAMs and their aircraft.-sneered Ángel.
-Sir,-said Sagittarius 1, whose name was Greg Vázquez.-you're an admirable pilot. If anyone can put an end to this, that's you.
-Please, 1st Lieutenant Vázquez,-said Ángel.-I never liked people to blindly believe in me. I've failed too many people in the past.
-Well,-Greg replied.-in any case, I thank you for your support. We'll focus on the armored vehicles and most land units. You'll take care of the SAMs and the airborne units.
-Understood.-Ángel replied.-I'll make sure we all come back alive.
After that, Ángel used a ladder to climb to the F-2's cockpit. Due to his legs, he had a bad time trying to get in. The F-2 and the two A-10s headed to the runway after the E-767 took off. After receiving clearance from the tower, the three planes took off.
Kalana Steppes, Aurelia, November 23rd 2020, 12:00 hours
Gryphus 1 flew with Sagittarius 1 and 2 on tow. His role would be to destroy the SAM vehicles and AA guns. The three planes were heading to the combat zone from the northeast. The Kalana Steppes were a semi-desertic area with ruins scattered across the area, and a small oasis in the northeast. The Leasathian ground troops were concentrated around the oasis and amongst the ruins.
-The target enemy destruction ratio will be displayed on your MPG.-reported Crux.-Continue to destroy enemy targets until the number reaches zero.
Gryphus 1 assumed that Sagittarius 1 and Sagittarius 2 saw the MPGs on their HUDs. The title "Enemies" and a red bar showed them what they had to do.
-Sagittarius squadron, this is Gryphus 1.-Gryphus 1 reported.-I'll go ahead of you and clear the way for you. Keep your eyes peeled in case I overlook any possible threat.
-Roger that, Gryphus 1.-replied Sagittarius 1.-Go ahead.
Meanwhile, the Leasathian Ground Forces were not having a good day. Despite being huge in number, they were short on supplies.
-What a desolate place...-the commander complained.-Just wait a little longer. Reinforcements will be here before long with fresh supplies. Then we should be able to stick it to those Aurelians again.
-Look! Aurelian fighters!-reported a Leasathian soldier.-It looks like a small squadron...
-Just three planes!?-replied another one.-Is this a joke or what?
-If Nemesis is still alive, maybe it's even an overkill.-replied a third soldier.
-Forget Nemesis.-chastised another one.-No one can survive a dose of Cynocrine.
As they argued, two LASMs were fired from Gryphus 1's F-2. They hit a couple of SAM vehicles and destroyed them. A handful of Ka-52s were shot down as they took off by a volley of XMAAs.
As Gryphus 1 flew by, some soldiers managed to get a nice view of his emblem. What they saw left even the most collected soldiers trembling.
-This can't be possible!-said an officer.-That good-for-nothing Nemesis is still alive!
-Who is this freak!? Is he some kind of zombie!?-wondered the commander.
-He should be dead!-said another soldier.
-"Oh, believe me, I ALMOST died. Those Hamlet Unit mongrels tried their very best."-mused Gryphus 1.
He then kept destroying the SAM vehicles.
-Our helicopters don't stand a chance against their fighters! Damn!-complained the commander.
-Dammit, I'm not gonna die here!-swore a soldier.
-Nemesis is destroying our anti-aircraft defences!-reported an officer.-Take him out!
And it was true. Gryphus 1 was destroying the SAM launchers with his LASMs. Every time he felt that a SAM was tracking him, he flew low to disrupt the lock, but the ruins scattered along the steppes made difficult to take out some of the SAMs. Meanwhile, the Sagittarius squadron was standing by, waiting for Gryphus 1 to clear the path.
-Gryphus 1,-said Sagittarius 1.-will this take you much longer?
-Negative, Sagittarius 1.-Gryphus 1 replied.-Maybe a minute or two more. Just wait a little longer.
-The tanks are in the way!-said a commander of an stranded unit.-Stop messing around. We need to get to the main unit.
-Forget about the counterattack!-ordered the commander of the Leasathian soldiers in the area.-Concentrate on staying alive!
Gryphus 1 kept destroying SAM vehicles. It took him his 10 LASM and 4 minutes in total, but, after that, the Sagittarius squadron was able to commence their attack.
Or that was what the three AAF pilots thought. After some seconds, 6 Yak-38 Forgers took off and flew towards the A-10s.
Gryphus 1 spotted them in time.
-Sagittarius squadron, you've got Forgers incoming.-he reported.-Don't make yourselves a target. Spread out. I'll shoot those planes down.
-Roger that, Gryphus 1.-said Sagittarius 1.-We're counting on you.
By them, the MPG bars were shorter and with a mustard yellow color. The two A-10s began firing XAGMs and FAEBs over the targets, while Gryphus 1 switched to XMAAs and attacked the Yak-38s. A second volley shot down four of the six VTOL fighters, but the two remaining Forgers dodged two XMAAs fired at them.
-"It would have been too easy."-Gryphus 1 thought. He then engaged the two fighters. He switched to standard missiles and tried to attack them from above, trying to use the Yak-38's capabilities against them.
-Here they come! Prepare to fire!-ordered the ground troops' commander, as the Sagittarius squadron approached.
-It's no use!-a soldier said.-That bastard crushed our anti-aircraft artillery! We're doomed!
Sagittarius squadron's strafing runs, bombs and air-to-ground missiles had a devastating effect on the Leasathian ground troops. The AA guns were almost negligible due to the A-10s' impressive armor, but they were destroyed too. Tanks and APCs were vaporized by the FAEBs that the A-10s dropped, and the XAGMs dealt quickly with any light vehicle and those who hid amongst the ruins.
-It's only a matter of time before we're decimated.-said the commander.
Meanwhile, Gryphus 1 had shot down one of the Yak-38s, while the other kept him at bay with its QAAMs. However, the QAAMs didn't work when Gryphus 1 attacked him from above, firing a missile and his guns, destroying it in the same way as the other one.
The MPG was practically at zero by then. The Sagittarius squadron had already destroyed all the targets left.
-Crux to Gryphus and Sagittarius squadrons.-the AWACS operator reported.-The mission was a success. RTB.
-Roger that.-Gryphus 1 answered.-Sagittarius squadron, let's head back to base.
What no one knew was that the fight was not over yet.
Kalana Steppes, Aurelia, November 23rd 2020, 12:07:40 hours
Four T-50 PAK FAs were just eight miles east from the Aurelian fighters. Due to their stealth capabilities and their very low flight, Crux couldn't detect them.
Instead of the three-tone grey polygonal standard camouflage, these sported a digital multi-tone brown camouflage, and a snake mouth on their nose.
-Let's see if Nemesis can defend himself and his comrades from what he cannot see!-sneered the flight lead.
-Sir, remember he did manage to hit the Gleipnir.-reminded one of his wingmen.
-That fortress could be seen with a keen eye.-replied the flight lead.-Whereas we cannot be seen until we're right over our targets. And by then, it's already too late. Let's shoot the attackers first and give Nemesis a last moment of grief before shooting him down. Viper squadron, let's pay the Aurelians back with their own blood!
After that, he locked on the two A-10s and fired two XMAAs at each one.
Kalana Steppes, Aurelia, November 23rd 2020, 12:08 hours
The two pilots in the Sagittarius squadron barely had time to react before they were hit by XMAAs. They were shot down despite trying to evade.
-AAAAAAAAAAAAH...!-was all they could shout before being killed.
-WHAT THE HELL!?-roared Gryphus 1 when he saw them fall to their deaths.-Crux, what's going on!?
-I don't know.-Crux answered frantically.-I'll send the Ninox squadron.
-Those were air-to-air missiles!-Gryphus 1 replied.-There are enemy fighters in the area. Why didn't you warn us?
-I'm sorry! They're using stealth!-Crux answered.-I didn't see them on radar. You'll have to evade them until Ninox squadron arrives.
Gryphus 1 was doing exactly that. He was fired upon as they spoke. What he saw later left him utterly shocked.
-"He wants me to evade those!? He's nuts!"-he thought. After a moment of silence, he talked to Crux.-No wonder my nape was overflown with goosebumps. The bandits are T-50 PAK FAs.
-What!?-gasped Crux.-Are you telling me that they're already deploying such an advanced type of aircraft?
-What I do know is that these pricks are gonna give me a hell of a bad time.-replied Gryphus 1.-I don't know if I'll be able to make it back to Sachana Air Base.
-Hang in there, Gryphus 1.-said Crux.-Ninox squadron is expected to arrive in 3 minutes.
-Bullshit!-answered Gryphus 1.-If I slip up with these guys, I'll be dead in half a minute.
-You can yell at me all you want when you get back!-retorted Crux.-Just make sure you come back alive!
Gryphus 1 was beside himself. He was being chased by four T-50s, and his F-2 was a sitting duck.
-Viper 3, Viper 4, take him out!-said Viper 1.
Two of the PAK FAs streaked towards Gryphus 1. He managed to avoid them and fire his last two XMAAs.
Unfortunately, both pilots avoided the missiles, making them slam into each other.
-You'll have to do better than that, freak!-mocked Viper 1.
The four fighters chased Gryphus 1 for three minutes. It took Gryphus 1 all of his skills to dodge the T-50s' fire, but he couldn't fire back, since he couldn't get behind them long enough to fire either his guns or the standard missiles. Suddenly, their missile alerts blared.
-Evasive actions!-ordered Viper 1.
The four PAK FAs evaded a volley of 6 XLAAs fired by the Ninox squadron.
-About time you guys arrived!-said Gryphus 1, relieved.
-Just get out of here, Gryphus 1.-said Ninox 1.
-We'll take care of these guys!-said Ninox 2.
-Forget it.-retorted Gryphus 1.-Those planes are T-50s. Your Super Tomcats won't stand a chance dogfighting them.
Fortunately for the AAF pilots, the Viper squadron noticed something wrong.
-We're low on fuel and we have to go back to Monte Breeze, Viper 1.-said Viper 2.
-Roger that. Let's retreat for now.-replied Viper 1. After that, he addressed to Gryphus 1.-Nemesis, don't you dare to think this is over. We'll be back, you can be sure of that.
The six F-14Ds and the F-2 retreated to Sachana Air Base.
-I'm sorry for the Sagittarius squadron.-said Ninox 1.-I wish I had been here in time.
Gryphus 1 didn't respond. The guilt and shame he felt kept him from talking.
-"I've been so blind! It's happening again. I can save myself, with or without help, but I can't save the ones I have to save. Why does this keep happening to me!?"-he thought, as they got to Sachana AB.
Sachana Air Base, Aurelia, November 23rd 2020, 13:11 hours
Ángel had just landed, and he was struggling to get out of the F-2 due to his legs. Thanks to a helping hand, he managed to get out of the plane, but he refused to get back on the wheelchair.
Ángel walked to the cafe, where Alejandro and Jesús Gates, a.k.a Ninox 1, were waiting for him.
-Román, I can tell you beyond any doubt that the deaths of the pilots of the Sagittarius squadron was not your fault.-said Alejandro.
-But I let them die.-replied Ángel.
-You let them die!?-said Jesús. -That's rich. I know that, if you had known of the T-50s' presence before, you would have bought them some time.
-You always act as if you knew me.-sighed Ángel.-Did you know that I'm Leasathian?
-Well, that's surprising.-admitted Jesús.-But that doesn't change the fact that you are not like Navarro's men.
-Of course not.-said Ángel.-I'm even worse.
-Worse?-replied Jesús.-You're joking.
-I wish I were.-Ángel retorted, as he picked up his necklace and showed the photo to the two soldiers.
-That's you when you were younger, with your girlfriend, I guess.-said Alejandro.
-You're right.-answered Ángel.-But one day, during the Leasathian Civil War, the Gleipnir destroyed my hometown, and everyone in it. My family, my girlfriend, her family, all the innocent people living there,... They were all killed. And do you know what I did during the war?
-What?-asked Jesús.
-I had resigned from the Air Force, where I was an aggressor instructor.-Ángel answered, ashamed.-I refused to fight claiming that I would stain my hands with my countrymen if I fought.
-Did you know that the Gleipnir would attack your hometown?-asked Alejandro.
-No, I didn't.-admitted Ángel.
-There you are.-said Alejandro.-You didn't know it.
-But still, after that, I fled to Aurelia.-replied Ángel.-And that costed the life to a great pilot, who was escorting me to the border.
Jesús pondered during a moment.
-Hold on, I know about an incident that happened 16 months ago.-he said.-About a pilot who was seemingly trying to desert, but was shot down after a brief dogfight. Most of the details are classified, but, according to official reports, the deserting fighter was unarmed, and the pilot was killed over the sea.
Ángel gulped a bit. He knew what he was talking about.
-But, in any case,-Jesús continued.-bravery doesn't always mean to fight until you die. I guess that it is difficult for you to live with your past deeds, but you can honor the memories of every innocent people killed in both wars. You chose not to fight during the Leasathian Civil War, but you didn't kill anyone until the Aurelian-Leasathian War. All the evil things that happened in Leasath during the Civil War was Navarro's fault, and only his and his men's.
-Maybe you're right.-said Ángel.-It's just that I feel that, if I had done something to avoid all this bloodshed in time, this war would have never taken place.
-People like Diego Navarro do not listen to reason.-said Alejandro.-You of all people should know that. I heard that he even took his merry time to decide if he would accept the peace negotiations during the Civil War only to enjoy the massacre.
-Yeah. When I heard that he didn't accept anything but unconditional surrender, after three months of grueling combats, I almost vomited.-said Jesús.-That guy is pure evil.
-I guess that he's enjoying this war.-Ángel said.-He's also the arms industry's kingpin. I can't even fathom how filthy rich this war could be possibly making him.
Sachana Air Base, Aurelia, November 23rd 2020, 21:00 hours
The day had passed without any further development. When Ángel and Eugene met after lunch, Eugene expected a furious rant from Ángel.
All he got was that Ángel felt guilty for what happened to the Sagittarius squadron's members. He only told Eugene that if he had known about the PAK FAs' presence before, he wouldn't have hesitated to face them.
Eugene was happy that his friend had made it alive. Even if it was at such a high cost.
Ángel's legs began to recover slowly. He still felt pain, but he had no choice but to overcome it somehow.
At night, he was looking at the sky. On his desk, there was a photo of Julieta between some candles. It was a way to honor her memory and celebrate her birthday, despite the fact that she was dead.
-"She would have been 26 today."-Ángel thought, as he turned to the photo. Tears began to fall from his eyes.-"I can't forgive myself for what I did back in Leasath. I should have died just like her, in Leasath, instead of running away like a coward. I just hope that her death, as that of so many innocents, is not in vain. Since I met her, I became a better person. I might have ended up like "him" if I didn't. Every single day I've been without her has been a living nightmare."
He blew out the candles and went to sleep.
Twelfth chapter. I don't think this chapter has been so good, as I had to change an insane amount of dialogue, and describing it as it was in the game would have been terrible. In case you wonder, the Sagittarius name is the secretarybird's genus name. Good luck and take care. See you next time