Chapter 5

2310Z

Explosions rocked the ground, the sky lit up of orange and blue. Projectiles kept on raining down onto Avalon, their volley endless.

Trigger could do nothing but watch as the dazzling show in front of him was not stopping. As dangerous as it was, Trigger could not help but be mesmerized at the sky. It brought him back to when he was fighting in the sky, where it would be nothing but filled with the smoke trails of missiles that would fly by him or the rain of bullets that would cover the sky.

The projectiles that were missed by the CRAMs and the railguns hit the ground with such force, it made Trigger's ears ring. Still, with the chaos around him, Trigger did not move a muscle. He knew he should move out of the way, but the ensuing chaos around him somewhat made him at a standstill, being mesmerized.

"GET DOWN"

Trigger heard a muffled voice near him. He did not know where it came from; all he knew was that it was close to him, and it was coming in his direction.

'Who's voice is that? Moreover, this is such a nice display… Makes me think back to war…'

Trigger suddenly felt someone tackling him down and laying over his body to protect him. Not just a second later, a projectile hit directly at where Trigger was standing. Had Trigger stood there for a few more seconds, he would have been pulverized.

"ARE YOU FUCKING CRAZY? YOU COULD HAVE DIED!"

Trigger finally came to his senses and felt a weight on his chest. He couldn't make out the person who saved him, since it was so dark, but from the moon's brightness, he distinctly could see cat-like ears coming out of the person's head.

"Sidewinder?!"

Astonished, Trigger blushed out of embarrassment. He wondered why he was so engrossed in that display, let alone standing in the rain of fire like an idiot. Out of all the people too, it was Sidewinder who had saved him from his display of idiocy.

"Follow me and stay close. We need to protect ourselves from this barrage!"

Sidewinder helped Trigger up and together, they ran towards the nearest shelter they could find. There wasn't anywhere to go really, except back into Hangar 04, where the apartments were. Trigger opened the door, where they ran inside and kept their heads down in the hallway.

The explosions of the projectiles hitting the ground were hard enough that the ground was shaking, the explosions loud enough that Trigger's eardrums were ringing. He could distinctly hear the CRAMs firing away as hard as they could, but with so many projectiles in the air, it was kind of a futile attempt.

Finally, the explosions stopped. What felt like an eternity was actually a 30 minute event of constant barrages. Trigger raised his head, to which Sidewinder did the same. There was a moment of awkwardness between them, before Trigger broke the silence,

"Looks like the barrage finally stopped…"

"Yea…"

"Sorry you had to step in when I was standing there."

"You're really an idiot for that. We could have both died! That was not the time to stupidly look up at the sky like that. What were you thinking?!"

Trigger had nothing more to say. She was right; he could have not only gotten himself killed, but her as well if she reacted a second later. Realizing his mistake, Trigger tried to apologize again, but looking at her disgruntled and angry expression, he decided to not speak. He did not want to trigger her anger anymore. She finally spoke,

"Go get some rest. I suspect we'll have a meeting tomorrow about this."

She stood up, and started walking towards the Hanger door.

"Thank y-"

Trigger attempted to thank her, but it fell to deaf ears as she had already left. Dismayed and even more embarrassed, Trigger got up and started to go back to his apartment. He did not want to get on bad terms with someone he met so soon, especially when they were going to be working together.

Sure, Trigger was not the best when connecting with people, but he knew that a good relationship was necessary when coming up with battle tactics and being on the battlefield. The fact that she was also his AWACS operator, his eye in the sky, made it even worse.

'I better thank her when I see her again.'

Trigger took off his shirt and shorts and got into new ones, as the clothes he was wearing were covered in ash and dirt from being pushed to the ground. The base was awfully quiet now, where Trigger assumed he would hear soldiers running about trying to assess the damage.

Dismissing the notion, he plopped onto his bed and pulled the covers around him. The tension he felt during the whole ordeal made him exhausted, and for the first time ever, he actually was relieved that he would be able to go to sleep. With that, Trigger could feel his eyelids drooping, before succumbing into darkness.

Year 839

(Day 2 of the arrival of TAC name Trigger on Avalon)

0830Z

Aftermath of Attack

Sleep was one thing Trigger could never get down properly, as being in war and stressed 24/7 messed with his circadian rhythm, so much so that he could only sleep at 2 hour intervals. He knew he could run on no sleep at all, as he experienced that full hand at the 444th, but when he woke up this morning, he felt scarily refreshed. Staring at the wall, Trigger groggily rubbed his eyes, and got off the bed.

It was the most decent sleep Trigger had ever had, ever since before the war began.

He did not know what contributed to it, but being in the heat of the moment last night definitely had to have some sort of connection; at least that was the excuse he came up with. He also noted that he did not have any nightmares this time, which were the cue points for him waking up, albeit in a violent fashion. If being at war was the only way for Trigger to have decent sleep, it was a bad routine.

'Goddamn it'

The idea of getting comfortable during a war scared Trigger. He knew he had a problem within him, but just did not have the courage to talk about it to someone. It was a delicate subject, and talking about it would most likely draw people away from him.

Violence was something that did not disturb Trigger, hence the high kill count during the Lighthouse War. With all the rumors spread around him, Trigger couldn't help but feel anger but also feel understanding, as he was able to dull his emotions when in the heat of the moment.

Because of that, the rumors started to spread around the Osean Air Force; it all really started in his time at Strider squadron, where his achievements during the 444th were known, before spreading across the base he was stationed at.

Of course, the prime example of it was last night, where he was mesmerized with the light show that was happening right in front of him. If Sidewinder hadn't stepped in to save him, he would not be standing in his apartment, thinking about this situation.

Sidewinder… Trigger wondered why she saved him in the first place. Even though she seemed like a nice person when they first met, Trigger knew for a fact that she was a person who looked uncomfortable when being around new people.

He knew she was disgruntled with him last night; she went out of her way to save his life by pushing him to the ground. Even when talking with her earlier yesterday, it seemed as though she was trying to distance herself with people she was not familiar with, just like he was when he met Count and the others he met during the war.

The only reason why he got to know these people was because he was forced to work with them. She was in the exact same situation. If the war never happened, Trigger would not have known them, or would have cared in the first place. He loved being alone, and that was a true fact.

Laughing at the conclusion he came up with, Trigger decided it would be good to grab some breakfast and forget about what happened last night. He haphazardly put on some clothes, and headed for the mess hall.

As soon as he opened the hangar door, he was greeted with blinding light from the morning sun, and debris strewn everywhere. Because of the attack happening in the dark, Trigger couldn't see the full scale damage of the attack, but now it was in plain view; the ground around him were covered in debris from equipment that he assumed had been blown up and spread out everywhere. I

n the distance, he saw some aircraft were hit from the attack, still smoking but still intact. Other aircraft were not so lucky, their fuselages completely destroyed. Some personnel could be seen still trying to extinguish a C-17 that had its whole wing blown off, still smoldering in flames.

Off in the distance, some tanks had their turret cut off completely, while some were just smoldering pieces of ash and rubble. Soldiers could be seen cleaning the debris around them to their best ability, but the damage had been done. So much equipment lost…

'The damage is so much worse than I thought…'

As Trigger was walking towards the mess hall, he spotted the Aegis Ashore in the distance. It seemed to be fine, with its defenses still in peak condition.

Of course, he could see the various personnel around the structure, presumably inspecting for any damages, but both the defense mechanisms surrounding the building seemed just fine. Trigger assumed that the CRAMs and rail guns were able to stop most of the projectiles, but still inflicted damage on a huge scale.

Thinking that the base would need a huge step up with its defenses, Trigger made it to the mess hall, where he saw the usual line of soldiers waiting. He got in line again for his food. He wondered what breakfast would be before several soldiers had arrived behind him. They were deeply engrossed in conversation, and Trigger couldn't help but listen in to their conversation,

"That attack last night was so bad dude."

"Yeah, I think it's the worst one we've had ever since I was stationed here."

"I agree, it's never been this bad but ever since that new enemy showed up…"

The dots were all connecting together now. Now it slightly made more sense as to why the damage inflicted on Avalon was so bad. There could have been no way that an attack of this scale could be performed by a military with technology that dated back to the medieval age, but if there was a force that was providing them with technology on par with Osea's, it would make sense as to why Avalon sustained huge damage.

'If the new force is so deadly, we have to deal with them with equally deadly force.'

"Excuse me sir? Your food is ready…"

Trigger was so engrossed in thought that he didn't notice the server had already plated up his tray with food. Blushing slightly with embarrassment, Trigger quickly thanked the server before picking up his tray and walking to an empty table.

Sitting down, he started on his eggs before he had someone tap his shoulder.

"Hey."

Trigger turned around. Sidewinder was standing behind him with an empty tray, presumably already finished with her food. Remembering the night before, Trigger opened his mouth to thank her, before being interrupted,

"We have a meeting at 1000Z at Hanger 08. Be there ASAP. It's about the attack from last night. I think it will be our first deployment, so make sure NOT to be late."

She then turned around, and walked off to the tray return area. Trigger's first reaction was 'rude…' before realizing that she DID kinda save his life last night, risking hers. He knew he had no right to be so judge mental towards her, but the tone in her voice…

Realizing that 1000Z was only 30 minutes away, Trigger had to essentially inhale his breakfast down. He returned his tray, and made his way towards Hanger 08. Basically at a sprint at this point, Trigger found Hanger 08, made his way inside, and headed for the meeting room. He opened the door with haste, panting.

The room was pitch dark, save for the low dimmed lights above him. There was a projector on one side at the front of the room, with seats accompanying the projector.

He saw Garland, Jerome, Hina, and Jason, all in their seats. Trigger gave one nod before heading towards an open seat, presumably for him. They all sat in silence, before the door opened again, revealing a disheveled Eric Davenport. The man looked as if he did not sleep for two days, to which his eyes had huge bags under them.

Apologizing for his lateness, Eric made his way to the front of the room, setting down a folder to which Trigger assumed were the mission orders.

1000Z

Debriefing room, Avalon AFB (OSEA)

"Right, let's get on with this meeting", Eric Davenport said with a booming voice.

As Eric said this, a projector screen suddenly lit up the room, displaying a rudimentary map of what Trigger assumed was the Special Region. Parts of the map looked incomplete, having it more like photos stitched together hastily to make it seem like a map. Although looking like it was hastily made, the areas were well pointed out, with Avalon looking like it was several miles away from the Empire's location. Trigger noted this.

'Must have traveled a long way to attack us then…' he thought.

Trigger looked around him. Garland was sitting up in his seat, back straight. This was the first time that Trigger saw the man with a stoic expression, with an emotion other than elation. Instead, his smile was replaced with a frown, added with a serious expression on his face.

Jason, Hina, and Jerome all had the same expressions as Garland. They all looked so similar, it looked like a scene ripped out of a horror movie. Trigger looked back to the screen, slightly disturbed at them but yet understanding as to why they were so serious. It suddenly enlarged, showing an area of interest that had not been mapped out yet.

"This is the suspect area where we think the projectiles came from." Eric stated.

"An area surrounded by mountains, with many clouds usually surrounding the area; the perfect place to build a forward base. We think that the Empire's forces were able to build this base with the help of their new allies, who are still unknown at this point. It should be noted that with the attack last night, the empire's attacks against Avalon have been more devastating and more frequent ever since that new force showed up. Safe to say, they are providing them with new weaponry that are on par with ours."

"I know that region very well," Sidewinder added as she entered the room. Trigger was taken aback slightly, as someone who is very aware of his surroundings, did not see her enter. It was ironic too, as she was the one who told him not to be late, but was late herself.

'Like a cat I guess…' Trigger thought.

"Anyway, getting back on track, your mission is to access this area of interest and possibly take it down if necessary. Garland, you've been assigned as the leader for this mission, as well as this new squad, Morgan squadron," Eric said.

"You can leave it to me," Garland exclaimed, his voice booming, echoing around the room.

"Keep in mind that this will be a bombing mission, so make sure you are equipped with ground focused weaponry. In any case that there are aerial reinforcements, then your AIM-9s should be plenty to shoot them down. Remember, this is also strictly a stealth mission, so radar should be turned off. When you get closer to the target area, radar usage is allowed. Your planes are ready, Sidewinder will be taking off first to map out the area. We've for now designated the area as Waypoint Alpha, as we do not know the exact location as to where the enemy is. You will know once you encounter those forces. This is your first Sortie into unknown territory, so proceed with caution. Dismissed."

The sound of chairs being scraped across the floor could be heard, as the newly formed Morgan squadron members stood up, gave a salute to Eric, and started to leave to the next room, which contained their flight gear. Trigger followed Garland and the others, before Sidewinder quipped that she was taking off first, and headed towards the opposite direction. Entering the room, Trigger found his locker, and found all his equipment inside.

As Trigger started putting on his flight suit, he thought of a good game plan to deal with the enemy. In the previous war, he always had a good grasp on what kind of enemy he was dealing with, but with this force…

Trigger zipped up his one piece suit, then zipped up his g-suit. Strapping up his harness, he made sure that it was tight, but not too tight so that it would make him uncomfortable. His other squadmates were putting their gear on as well, talking with each other, laughing with each other.

Trigger ignored them. He did not want to get involved with them.

Turning his back on the others, Trigger walked up to a nearby mirror. His face did not change much from the time he was participating in the Lighthouse war, but he did notice the sign of getting old. Even though Trigger was at the ripe age of 22, he really did not have the chance to experience life the way he wanted to. Stress got the better of him instead. He wondered what his life would be like if he was not in the air force, maybe doing activities that a 22 year old would enjoy, even getting a girlfriend…

Love was something that never crossed his mind, as he dismissed it as something trivial. After all, the only people he truly loved were the people who took care of him as a child; Brownie's parents. He thought back to Brownie. Trigger knew he always had feelings for her, but ever since the start of the war and being nuggets, he never had the chance to ask her out. Now, there was no point in asking her out anyway, because she was dead. Trigger let out a big sigh, grabbed his helmet, and left the room for the hanger.

1200Z

Trigger walked up to Hanger 07, where his and his squadmates' planes were. He saw his F22A Raptor, its body gleaming against the sun. Then he saw the other aircraft that was next to his. The SU-57s that came along with him were there, their distinctive Dorito shape shadowed by the sun.

'That's what they were for… they were for Garland's squadron…'

Trigger then saw Garland and his team come right behind him. Garland gave a big slap on Trigger's back, before exclaiming "See you in the sky Trigger!"

Trigger gave a nod, in which Garland was satisfied with. He then watched Garland walk off to his SU-57.

The two men behind Garland, Jason and Jerome, merely gave a nod to Trigger before heading to their respective aircraft. Hina gave a salute, having the biggest grin on her face, "It'll be a pleasure flying with you sir!" to then headed to her own Su-57, which was colored white instead of the usual black of the other's aircraft.

Modified aircraft usually meant pilots of a high caliber, thus making Trigger assume that Hina must have special flying capability, even with her overly joyous personality. The only other aircraft he knew that was modified, or had a glorified paint job was his; having the signature three claw marks on his F22's tail.

Trigger went up to his own aircraft. The Three Strikes on the tail of his plane were prominent, enough so that it had several of the ground crew talking when he walked up next to them. Silently laughing at that prospect, Trigger climbed up the ladder next to his open canopy, and sat down in his jet.

Just then, he heard a roar. He looked up. An E767 was thundering down the runway, blazed with the Osean emblem, gaining enough speed before taking off into the unknown blue sky. Trigger watched the plane climb up before it became an indiscernible speck.

'Godspeed Sidewinder.'

He turned on the battery of his jet, where the screens inside came to life. He connected his helmet to the jet interface, where a voice told him he was connected to the interface. He lowered his visor, and the screen came to life.

'Connected… Running System interface… F22A Raptor (testing diagnostics)... Pilot check…

Eye tracking (check)...

head tracking (check)...

All systems nominal'

With all his systems nominal, Trigger flicked a switch that would close his canopy. A whooshing sound could be heard as the canopy closed, pressurizing the little space that was the cockpit.

'Back at it again I guess', Trigger thought, as the ground crew indicated that they were clearing out, meaning that he was cleared to start his engines. Trigger checked his helmet interface again before starting his engines.

His map interface would be useless, as there was no map to reference out of; he would need Sidewinder's help for that. He saw his attitude, speed and heading indicator, then checked his weapons array. He had 120 missiles stacked, with 64 XSDB bombs as his special weapons.

Trigger never knew how these planes could hold so many missiles, as well as so many other armaments, but wrote it off as special Gründer engineering. Belkan engineering was always considered witchcraft to the outside world, as they were always 10 years ahead of modern technology standards, but Trigger did not want to think too hard into it, as he just accepted that most jet aircraft had this capability as well.

If anything, having more weaponry was a good thing. With that thought, he turned on the APGS, then started his engines. The whooshing of a compressor could be heard, before the Raptor's engines roared to life. Trigger turned his frequency to the ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service) to get a good idea of the winds and the departing runway he would use.

'Wind 280 at 10 Gusting 20, Temperature 24, Dewpoint 10, Altimeter 29.92'

With that information, Trigger called up the Aegis Ashore platform.

"Aegis Ashore, this is callsign Morgan 2, requesting flight following to Waypoint Alpha."

"Morgan 2, you are cleared to Waypoint Alpha via DIRECT, climb and maintain Flight Level 350, AWACS Sidewinder will include more mission details when in the air. Advise when ready for Taxi."

"Copy, ready for Taxi for Morgan 2."

"Morgan 2, Taxi to Runway 28 via Bravo, hold short at Bravo 1 and advise when ready for takeoff."

"Taxi Runway 28 via Bravo, Morgan 2."

As Trigger trundled to the runway, he saw that the SU-57s were still on standby at the hangar, still getting their clearances. As he was leaving, the ground crew all gave a salute, to which he returned. Trigger did his aileron, elevator, and trim checks, before holding short by the runway and calling up the Aegis Ashore again,

"Aegis Ashore, Morgan 2 is holding short of Runway 28 at Bravo 1, ready for departure."

"Morgan 2, Wind is 290 at 5 Gusting 20, cleared for takeoff, runway 28. Godspeed Trigger."

"Cleared for takeoff runway 28, Morgan 2."

With that, Trigger turned his aircraft onto the runway before coming to a stop.

It didn't take long before Garland and the others came up to Bravo 1, stopping their Su-57s before the hold short line so that Trigger could take off.

Garland gave a salute to Trigger, which Trigger returned. Taking a deep breath, Trigger looked ahead at the long runway, and slowly pushed the throttles forward. The engines on his F22 started screaming, and the jet started shooting down the runway.

Once the takeoff speed was achieved, Trigger lightly tugged on the joystick, and the wheels left the ground. Trigger put the gear up, then headed towards the direction of Waypoint Alpha. Concentrating on his controls, Trigger suddenly had the instinct to look up at the sky.

A perfect blue was all that he saw, with no clouds in sight. Even with a simple mission as this one, Trigger couldn't help but feel a sense of calm wash over him. His home was the endless that was always above him.

There's always a limit on the ground but the sky? The sky is always infinite, with no one to bother. It was just Trigger and his F22. As he climbed faster into the sky, he suddenly remembered a line Avril asked him at the end of the Lighthouse War.

"Hey Trigger, what color is the sky up there?"

"A deep dark blue Avril, a deep dark blue…"