Pilots: Kaze Squadron, 3 Element Wing, Kaze 1 (Squadron Leader), Kaze 2, Kaze 3

Location: Unknown

Date: Unknown

Operation: Tranquil Flight

Streaking across the moonless pitch black night sky, three triangular like flying machines darted their way through heavy cloud cover. A casual observer would have been forgiven for thinking that they were stealth jets upon first glance. Their angular body, and large wings were unlike any IS that the world had ever seen up to that point. At that point the only people in the entire world who had ever laid eyes on such a machine were its creators, and the three young women who were assigned to it. Opting for a sleek and angular look instead of the traditional human like appearance, these IS units were built from the ground up to incorporate stealth into their design. It was almost as if the pilot cradle was bolted onto the flat side of the IS. Each of the three women were seated in the cradle like they were flying a glider. Unlike the White Knight and other contemporary designs, their wings and fuselage's flat side had to remain parallel to the ocean below them, almost as if they were flying a real plane themselves.

At the head of the formation was the largest of the three IS units, with a boomerang like appearance the pilot of said unit was slightly ticked off. Apart from not being able to see anything in the inky dark sky, the thick cloud cover that she had just vectored into was doing her no good. As she was the only unit outfitted with the latest hyper sensors, and radar, all navigation fell onto her.

"Um….. you two are falling behind again" Kaze 3 called out to her wingmen who were struggling to keep up.

"Geez would you slow down a bit, you have twice the amount of engines we have" shot back an annoyed Kaze 2. "Scratch that you have 6 rocket engines duct taped to your back" she added in frustration.

Needing some time to adjust to their new units and its handling, Kaze Squadron spent more time than they should have testing out perhaps what was the world's most technologically advanced IS unit. Kaze 3 in particular was enamored by the impressively powerful radar system, latest hypersensors, and the newest and most advanced radar warning receiver (RWR). Being the largest of the three, Tabane and co. were able to go all out on the bells and whistles for Kaze 3's Type-17. That discovery had unfortunately also led her to become the tip of the formation as soon as the squadron set off to their first waypoint.

With her powerful radar and hypersensors, Kaze 3 could effectively cut through the thick cloud cover and pitch black of the night. However flying at supersonic speeds that would make most pilots pass out, while also in night vision mode of the hypersensor was proving to be difficult for the youngest element of the squadron. The added responsibilities of navigation and the wasted time not helping her case in any way.

The situation for Kaze 1 and Kaze 2 wasn't any better either, in fact they had a tougher time as both pilots were flying in instrumental mode. The current generation hypersensors on their IS were far more suited for closer range engagements and boasted superior computing power at the cost of optical range. Effectively forcing both the women to rely on their artificial horizon and data from the large IS in front of them to make their way to their destination.

"We wouldn't have been in this mess if you hadn't been messing around with your radar suite back there" Kaze 2 blurted out in apparent frustration, directing her displeasure to the lead aircraft of the formation.

"Wouldn't have mattered if we left earlier or not, weather projections for the entire night were pitch black and heavy cloud cover. Our sortie orders were probably counting on it" came from the oldest and most experienced of the squad. "This entire operation had to have been months in the making". A somber layer once more setting over the squadron as the severity of their mission once again came to the forefront of their minds.

"Heh…. we have the world's most advanced piece of technology at our fingertips, and we are still flying using instruments…" continued the bemused blonde, trying her best to break up the accidental mood she just recast onto her fellow pilots.

Drawing a slight chuckle from Kaze 2 who quipped back in a sarcastic tone "Its almost like we are real pilots from back in the day"

"You're all real pilots in my books, you two ought to own it proudly" came a motherly response from their flight leader. Drawing a slight smile on her two wingmen's faces. Compliments from their 'big sis' had always made them feel like they were at the top of the world. In all but blood, over the course of a few months, the three had become almost like a family. To them war memoirs of soldiers who viewed the men and women in arms around them as brothers and sisters had finally made sense. They may not have had the White Knight or the women who were taking part in tryouts for the first Mondo Grosso as their flight lead, but they absolutely had someone who would go through hell and back for her women both on and off the battlefield.

"Waypoint 1 is on the horizon you two, our escorts should be within range soon….They're probably waiting for us given how late we set off, I'm changing my frequency to the one that was listed in the reference page. I think you two should do the same" Kaze 3 calmly mentioned, cutting through Kaze 2's thoughts of Kaze 1. Despite being the first one to suggest changing the bands, Kaze 3 was the last to switch. Her timid and passive side once again showed.

"Anything on the scopes, we should be on top of them by now" Kaze 2 asked

"We are pretty high up, maybe they can't see us. Plus with this stealth tech we are probably invisible on their radar" replied Kaze 1.

"There's nothing on my radar warning receiver, we um.. we aren't being painted or searched for right now" Kaze 3 responded, as she poured over her radar warning reciever (rwr) systems.

Had someone been using radar to search for her, she would immediately know as the rwr system would pick up an incoming radar wave; alerting her to the fact that someone has started to track her IS. The Type-17's rwr system had the capability of identifying who or what was tracking her and what their direction was in relation to the IS, along with a system to identify who was the most immediate threat. In addition, there was a list containing just about every type of machine that could send out a radar signal. If anything so much as looked in her direction, she would know. The massive list, while useful, also unnerved her as in order to get information on this, a certain level of espionage had to have taken underway as among the list were the unreleased next generation fighters of various nations, and shockingly the IS units of other nations that had yet to have been revealed publicly.

"Flying without radar on huh… in these conditions?. Show offs" Kaze 2 responded back to her wingman's note of a lack of radar transmissions at their designated meetup point.

"Right we are approaching the 30 second delay limit, I'm just gonna give the challenge word on the frequency, all elements standby" Kaze 1 called out, any trace of annoyance and emotion expertly masked as she had settled into her combat pilot mindset.

"...Ahem… Alpha flight…..standby for challenge….to the flight leader of Alpha Squadron challenge phrase….Sea Strider…. repeat….challenge phrase...Sea Strider...respond with correct response to verify"

Tense moments in the air passed as all members of the flight were scanning the horizon and clouds for there would be escorts. Kaze 1 was about to open her mouth to scrub the mission when out of nowhere, piercing through the quiet and dark night.

"Craaackle…..Craaaaack…….tsunami… I say again…..tsunami…." Came a Japanese woman's voice came through the radio in English.

"Kaze actual, this is Alpha actual, maintain current altitude and begin moving towards Waypoint 2. Turn off your radar systems and maintain radio discipline. How copy" came in another voice, also Japanese, but this time in a far more clear and stronger english tone to it.

"Kaze actual, solid copy over. Be advised our units have not been integrated with the UNISCS. Relay information via laser comms or radio" Kaze 1 replied rolling her eyes 'Did she seriously just "how copy" me…...' she thought.

The UNISS or the Unified Infinite Stratos Communication System was a system designed in place to help share information and messages between pilots in real time at incredible speeds. The system worked on the IS's neural link with her pilot and automatically synthesized relevant information to its user and target seamlessly all while maintaining high levels of encryption. It meant that information didn't just have to be sent via radio waves or laser comms only, rather a far more complex system that utilized multiple forms of communication could take over. Parts of a message could be sent by a radio, while other parts of the same message would be sent in via laser communications or the internal IS neural communication system. It also meant that the system was far harder to crack as information was now scrambled and sent to another person's brain directly. This free flowing data was an incredible part of what made the IS one of the best weapons in the world. While NATO's Link 16 and data link existed well before, it couldn't hope to hold a candle to what the IS communication suite was able to do. However this free flowing information also meant that users had to be registered in the network and be available to send information and signals to and from. For a stealth based IS on a mission into enemy territory, all the involved pilots were better off without being linked into the system in order to maintain secrecy.

"Alpha actual, solid copy over" came the reply from the better English speaking Japanese flight lead of Kaze squadron's escort.

As both squadrons made their way towards their next rally point, both squadrons subtly realized that neither had actually made a visual contact with each other. And with radar off keeping track of where friendly IS units were positioned was going to be a chore should they get in an engagement.

At about halfway to the second waypoint the radio channels between the two squadrons crackled to life "Kaze lead, descend to angels 1 and standby for laser comms. Return to prior elevation after confirming you have received relevant data"

Following her orders, Kaze 1 rapidly dropped to her designated altitude. She finally caught sight of the Alpha Squadron. Two ISs were darting across the ocean surface as if they were a boat, the lead pilot was only half a meter above sea level. Unlike her IS units, they were significantly smaller in wingspan, and were far more human-like. Interestingly both were covered in full body armor from head to toe. Not an inch of skin was exposed. The lead pilot was in a white cladded IS, the legs were far bulkier and longer than the arms and seemed to be where the most mass of the IS was dedicated. The leg armor was sleek and sharp in nature while also flush with the high heel like foot of the IS. The only obtrusion in the design, was the pair of knee guards that raised forward slightly, allowing the pilot to bend her knees to an extreme angle. The mechanical arms, covered in a pearl white meta.l only barely extended past the fingertips of the pilot. A flexible plate like armor, one in which you'd expect to see on a knight, covered the entire torso of the pilot and connected to the shoulders and arms of the IS unit. In place of where one would expect to see an exposed head was the presence of a knight like helmet. The mid to lower front of the helmet had an almost beak like appearance that protruded out. The top of the helmet was that of a semi sphere with a pointed top while the back was simply flat. The most interesting point of the helmet was the fact that the rectangular vision ports were green and lit up, making it impossible for Kaze 1 to tell who was in it. The back of the IS had two butterfly-like wings slightly larger than the overall frame of the IS. The inner part of each wing was a gel-like fibrous structure with thousands of strand-like substances that crisscrossed from one end of the wing's edge to another. Each strand glowing a light aqua. To Kaze it was clear that whoever was the pilot, she was someone who wanted to imitate the White Knight to the best of their ability, both in looks and guts. Contrasting to Kaze's own IS, Alpha's flight leader certainly had the Tabane aesthetic flair to it. Attached to a slot in her right arm was a spear or harpoon like weapon with an incredibly sharp and fine tip, said tip extending a good few meters past the pilot's arm. On the left leg, the pilot sported what appeared to be a light laser rifle. A simple long black tube with a handle and trigger. A wire from the bottom of the handle connected to the left hip of the IS.

Meanwhile the second IS behind it sported the same bulky leg design, only instead of sharp angles, it sported a far more curved and cylindrical shape. Looking more like a normal human limb than anything else. Unlike the heel like design of the flight lead, this pilot had a far more flat shoe like appearance with two large circular dishes attached to the bottom of the shoes, as if they were skis. The chest and torso pieces were form fitting cloth like armor, with no skin showing. However at the dead center of the IS frame was an octagonal shaped box that was connected to the torso section via a large and thick strut. The arms were coated in a light blue like material which contrasted to the legs, were sharp and angular in a diamond like shape. Two canard-like wings were on the forearm of each arm. Two red curved shoulder pauldrons suspended themselves over her shoulders, each had a supporting beam coming from them to help hold the massive radar dish that was just feet above the pilot's head. Instead of a knightly helmet like the White Knight imitation off her 12 o'clock, this pilot had an almost space suit-like helmet that was pitch black. In a near perfect sphere, the pilot's entire head to bottom neck was completely covered; fastened on an adapter that mounted onto the upper torso and shoulders. Unlike her squadron leader, there was absolutely nothing elegant about this IS. It was the definition of form over factor, much like the Type-17s. On the pilot's back were two suspended angel-like metallic wings. Lined vertically across each wing was a full complement of the patented Tabane Shinonono micro missiles. The right arm of the pilot sported an internally built gatling gun that protruded from the forearm, its barrel ending just before the pilot's wrist.

An red icon flashed inside of Kaze 1's hud indicating that information had finally passed to her via close range laser comms. Rocketing back up to her squadron after making confirmation that she had received the data.

As she poured through the new data and mission parameters her eyes lit up wide open. A combination of frustration and a slight tinge of happiness played itself on repeat in her mind. She quickly shared the new information to her squad mates, both too stunned to speak for a moment.

"An AI programmed friendly spy drone exiting from enemy territory will be making its way into Waypoint 2 during the operation. Kaze Squadron's primary objective is to retrieve the drone and bring it back into friendly territory. The survival of the drone is paramount, Alpha Squadron will run interference on pursuing enemy units. Kaze Squadron will use their stealth based Type-17 IS units to intercept the drone under the cover of Alpha Squadron"

"Tranquil my ass" said an angry Kaze 2.

"So we were….. w-were being used this entire time" responded a dejected Kaze 3.

"Relax, we aren't entering into the furball, we are in stealth units after all" Calmly retorted Kaze 1

"Kaze 1, I don't appreciate being lied to, what else is going to change mid mission. How can you be so sure we won't be sent into a dogfight. It's one thing to mess with their pilots, but to pull the trigger on them? That's a totally different story" Kaze 2 shot back, her voice cold. The inexperience of her two younger elements of Kaze Squadron showing through the cracks. Of the three, Kaze 1 was the only one who had only actually fired shots intended to destroy or kill a military target.

"Kaze 2, you are currently piloting the most advanced piece of military hardware in the world. Believe me when I say this, there is absolutely nothing that can get in either of our ways when we are in an IS. Not even the world's entire nuclear arsenal can do jack to us. Nothing will happ-... No, I won't let anything happen to you. Forget about everything else in the world right now, I trust you with my life. Do you trust me with yours?" Kaze 1 said back, only this time she was practically face to face w/ Kaze 2. Both of them staring into each other's eyes as if it were the answer to the meaning of life.

Simply nodding her head, Kaze 2 looked straight ahead. 'Damnit, how does she say these things so nonchalantly…..doesn't she know what she's doing?...how it makes others feel' Kaze 2 mused with a pained heart.

Within minutes both squadrons had reached the waypoint, Kaze Squadron was already minutes into its holding pattern when Kaze 3's rwr started to come to life.

"Radar!...Radar!...We're being tracked" Yelled out a frantic Kaze 3.

"Relax, it's ours. One of our escort units is sporting a giant pizza dish for a head" Kaze 1 tried to reassure the panicked pilot.

"Negative…. It's directly ahead of me, 12 o'clock dead ahead. It's a Soviet type… it's an A-50…...Enemy AWACS is on station"

Moments later the sound of thrusters being pushed to their max was heard below them. Off in the distance Kaze 1's hypersenors picked up small orange blips that shimmered in the inky night sky.

Kaze 3's rwr all of a sudden came to life and soon the sounds of war were blaring in her mind. The rwr registered the A-50 AWACS as the primary threat.

"Pip..Pip..Pip..Pip..Pip..Pip..Pip..Pip..Pip..Pip" The constant beeping telling her that a radar had locked onto her.

"H..how..we should be nearly invisible to them" a fear stricken and panicked Kaze 3 racked her brain with. She was sure they had followed all the protocols, so why had she been locked on.

"Radar only gets you so close to your target kid, it doesn't make you invisible. Besides, no matter how angular you make an IS, it'll never be as stealthy as the real thing" came from the friendly AWACS of Alpha Squadron's second element as she slowed her speed greatly and took a circular holding pattern while she started to synthesize as much data and information as she could from her large radome on top of her head.