Chapter 5

Disclaimer: I don't own Ace Combat (Urge to kill rising).

Kevin's plane lands at the Mirramack airport after his five hour flight. He is leaving the hallway and entering the main lobby of the airport, one hand on his luggage bag while the other was clenching his guitar case, when he spots the information desk. He calmly walks over asking the clerk about his bike and if it can still be delivered to the academy. The lady punched in some keys and entered Kevin's name into the computer. After more punching of keys, the woman told him that one of the academy's service vehicles will come later and pick it up along with some other cargo. After leaving the counter, he sees a man in uniform holding a sign saying "Air Force Academy Recruits." Kevin walks over and shows the acceptance form to the officer, confirming that he is a recruit. The officer points Kevin over to the exit where the buses were to take them to the campus. He walks through the exit doors to find a number silver buses sitting at the curb with other officers at the buses entrance doors. Each bus had dark blue writing on the side saying "Air Force Academy" with four F-14's flying in the diamond formation in the background. Kevin once again shows his acceptance form to one of the awaiting officers, placed his stuff in the open baggage compartment inside the bus, and entered the vehicle.

When he got on, there were already a number of people sitting and engaging each other in conversation. Fortunately there were some open seats still available and nobody appeared to have noticed that he even stepped on, and that was alright with him. Kevin went into the fifth row and plopped himself onto the window seat on the left side of the bus. He just sat there, relaxing, thinking to himself about what he was in for. About five minutes went by until Kevin's train of thought was interrupted by a voice asking if this seat was taken. Kevin looked up and saw a young woman at about his age standing there. She was about two inches taller than he was, with a thin body, long, red hair, dressed in jeans and a green T-shirt with the picture of a smiley face on it. Kevin replied that it was free, which prompted the woman to sit in the seat next to him. A few more minutes past and the new girl decided to break the silence between them.

"The name's Nancy West. What's yours?"

"Kevin Johnson." replied Kevin.

"Where are you from? I'm from Green River Falls. It's somewhere in the southern part of the country."

"I'm from Plymouth. It's just west of Oured."

"So why are…"

But she never finished her sentence because a few more loud recruits just walked onto the bus, filling the rest of the seats. The doors closed and the bus started to move. Kevin really didn't want to talk to anyone right now since he was so tired from the flight, but fortunately, Nancy was talking to some nineteen year old boy sitting across from her. Kevin then closed his eyes, and fell to sleep and slept the whole way to the campus grounds.

He was later awoken by his head crashing into the window by the bumps the bus was hitting. They were just inside the academy, passing a number of large buildings. The bus then made a turn and stopped in front of what appeared to be the dorm buildings, and on the lawns surrounding the dorms, was a number of people near their bags, waiting. They were the new recruits who arrived before them. The bus opened its doors and everyone got off one at a time, in single file. Another officer was waiting for them there, ordering them to take their belongings and form a single line behind the other grunts. They collected their luggage and went on the grass in a nice line like they were told. Kevin just stood there with his bag on the ground and holding his guitar case. Sometime later, more buses showed up, dumping their loads of new recruits onto the campus with more the same nervous faces.

This continued for another half hour when after one bus let its last passengers off, Kevin overheard the driver tell one of the officers that this was the last of them. After the newbie's fell into their line, a large officer came out of the dorm doors with a sense of authority coming out of him. He walked over onto the grass, in front of all the recruits and stopped in the middle. Kevin could sense that this was a man he shouldn't tick off no matter what. The officer introduced himself as Captain Tyson Bradford. He was the commanding officer of their class and for the next four years, our asses were his property, so we better get use to it. He then commanded them to form two, single file lines in front of the doors and state their name to the officers who would give them their room keys and information. And sure enough, right there by the doors, stood two more officers, each standing near a table with a rather thick book on each table. There was then silence, not a sound was made until Captain Bradford yelled at them to get a move on, which every recruit followed to a T.

It took about fifteen minutes until Kevin was at the table where the officer asked him:

"Name?"

"Kevin Johnson."

The officer flipped some pages in his book until it came to Kevin's name. In there were some papers and a tiny envelope containing his room key. Kevin's room was room C11, which was located on the third floor. Kevin arrived at his room's door after some squeezing between the hallways and climbing four flights of stairs. He found the room empty with two beds inside. He guessed his roommate hadn't arrived yet. Kevin then placed his stuff on the bed near the window and looked outside. His room had a perfect vie of the football field where he was going to do some business for each of his four years. The academy was never known for having a great team, but it did have some pretty fine players. Only one player in the history of the school ever played in the professional football league and that was Casper McCaffery, cornerback of the Oured Tigers. But it didn't matter to Kevin, he didn't really come hear to play football, he came to serve his country. The door then opened up and his roommate came into view. It was a sort of skinny guy with blond hair and glasses. He put his stuff on the one free bed and introduced himself as Victor Sweeney.

One week later… It was the first day of football practice. Kevin was in his navy blue practice jersey with the white number 20 on the front and back. Number 16 was not available for him to wear for good reason. The drills were pretty much the same as they were in high school, so nothing took him by surprise. All he had on his mind was whether he would be the starter or not. The talent around him wasn't all that good, so he thought he would have a decent chance at being the team's number on running back. As for his classes, they were also much like his classes in high school, just more advanced. The academy was like any other college across the country, but it offered on of the best courses on electronics and technology. Fortunately, there were a large number of different classes of the two subjects so it wasn't impossibly difficult. But all students where required to pass at least one of these classes to pass and record up to two years of service in the Osean Air Force. Kevin didn't think that this was too hard to accomplish.

After practice, Kevin showered, got dressed, and headed to the mess hall for dinner. It was at the hall, that Kevin found out why he couldn't wear his usual number 16. It was retired by a Thomas Lankey, who was a stand-out quarterback in the 1950's. Two more numbers were also retired along with number 16. They were numbers 85 and 33. Number 85 was a great wide receiver by the name of Peter Randolph in the 1970's and number 33 was none other than Casper McCaffery, a future hall of famer.

Now for the week Kevin was at the academy, he was never really that sociable. He sat at the end of the same table and finished his food quickly. After he ate, he would go up to his room and grab his guitar and, in an unusual move for him, would go outside, sit on the same bench under a tree, and play his guitar for anyone who would care to listen to him. This was how he spent his nights for the last week, his way of opening up to keep his promise to Katie, but he knew that would take a lot of time.

A few weeks later... Kevin is in the locker room showers, soar, knee bleeding, and a big smile on his face. The academy's first football game of the year just ended against their rival, the Hampton University Wildcats. For the first time in a long while, the Air Force Academy was undefeated for the season. The Knights won because of Kevin's efforts. Scoring three touchdowns and rushing for 137 yards in his first college game was a big way to stand out. The final score, Knights 31 Wildcats 17. After the game, Coach Freeman awarded Kevin the game ball for all his efforts. He was without a doubt, the MVP of the game. "You keep playing like that, and we might actually make a bowl game." replied Glen Davis, an offensive lineman for the Academy. Kevin didn't want to think of bowls just yet. It was only the start of the season, no reason for anyone to get cocky. Kevin always thought cockiness was a way to get set up for failure. You get so high in your own head, making it harder to see to upcoming obstacles. But still, a win always felt good.

Later that day, Kevin went into the academy library for some peace and quite. Everyone he passed by after the game kept congratulating him for his play. He thought things would be quieter inside, giving him a chance to relax and recollect his thoughts. He went over to a table that was surrounded by two couches and two chairs and planted his rear on the edge of one of the sofas. He bent over to the couch's arm, resting his head on his hand whose elbow was on the arm of the couch. He let his eyes close and started to get comfortable on the cushion. But his peace didn't last long as his quite was disturbed by a voice asking, "You are that football player right? Number 20?"

Kevin opened his eyes to spot a young women standing to his right with a notebook and pen in her arms. She was about one or two inches shorter than him, with short, brown hair, and a slim figure. Kevin didn't respond right away, too tired and soar to want to say anything at the moment. The woman plopped herself down on the other end of the coach, still looking at Kevin. At that point, Kevin thought it was rude to just sit there, silent like a ghost and responded.

"Yeah I'm that guy. Kevin Johnson."

"My name is Kei Nagase. I saw the game out there. You were amazing."

"Nothing much, just doing what I have to."

"The Academy hasn't won a season opener in seven years and all you can say is that."

"Seven years without an opening win, is that right? Well, they probably make better soldiers than football players. And second, what do you want me to do, gloat about my athleticism? I'm still feeling the pains after everything."

"This school hasn't had much to cheer about in a long time in football. I don't think they had a player like you since Casper McCaffery."

"McCaffery is just greatly gifted. Besides, I'm not planning on gong pro. I just want to complete my four years here, go take pilot training, and then be a full time soldier protecting my country. Nothing more."

Nagase thought hard for a second and then said "Same hear. I've always been fascinated by flying. To go up into the sky like a bird and see the earth in a way that only few have. The sky always seems peaceful, like it can forget about mans evils and remain blue forever."

"Aren't you in the wrong field then" said Kevin to a confused looking Kei. "After four years of studying and learning, we are going to have to learn to fly fighter aircraft. Machines built for death. The skies wont be peaceful when your going to have to shoot down enemy aircraft. It will be filled with the black smoke of flaming metal."

This put a sad face on Nagase who hated the idea of taking another life. But she had her own reasons for joining the military. Reason's that she didn't want to share with Kevin right now. She straightened up and answered "But the world is at peace now. Our only duty would be to protect our own borders from some terrorists or something. There is no war, no mindless destruction. Our newly elected president is a man of pacifism. He wouldn't want another war to break out."

This made Kevin grin and give out a sort of laugh. "You are right, we are at peace and President Harling wouldn't allow anything that would permit a major use of the military. That's one reason why the military budget has been cut so drastically. To show that Osea doesn't want anymore conflict. I just hope this lasts, I'm not a big fan of killing myself. With any luck, our missions will be as you said; to protect our borders from terrorist factions and anarchists." This brought a smile to Nagase's face.

The next four years of the academy were some of the hardest and most fulfilling for Kevin. During those four years, Kevin graduated with full honors and developed a reputation as a tough guy as well. Just ask the jerks who gave everyone a hard time and they'll tell you how hard Kevin can punch. The graduation ceremony was something Kevin didn't mind to miss. Each graduate was going to have friends and family over, and he had none. He was sure Henry had his own ceremony to attend. He didn't forget about him, during the four years, Kevin sent Henry and some of the townsfolk letters. He did mention his graduation was coming, but he didn't expect anyone to show up.

When the day of the ceremony arrived, everyone was at the front greeting their loved ones with open arms. Everyone except Kevin Johnson. He just leaned up against a tree, watching from a far. He saw Nagase huge her parents and her older sister. During the four years, Kevin and Kei occasionally ran into each other on campus and she would say hello to him. Kevin would then just say hi back and try to walk away. She couldn't put her finger on it, but there was something about him that made her think of him. She hardly knew a thing about him, except that he was a bright student and a hell of a football player. She wasn't the only one, nobody else, not even the commanding officers knew that much about him. Only his roommate Victor really ever heard anything Kevin said. And when he did, he wasn't a whole lot. That he had a hometown friend in the army an that another good friend of his died before he was accepted into the academy. This made Kei a little sad for Kevin. At times she found herself wondering if there was something very painful that happened in his past. Whatever it was, she hoped that Kevin would find peace in himself.

Victor was already on the campus, showing his parents and his siblings around the academy. Kevin was about to leave to get a drink from the machine, when he heard a familiar voice call out his name. He turned around and saw Rev McDonald and Mr. Hatcher waving at him. They flew all the way in from Plymouth to see their own town hero. Kevin was speechless; he never expected this to happen. They greeted each other with handshakes and hugs, and then Kevin gave them the tour of the grounds. He showed him the dorms and his room, some of his classrooms, and the mess hall and gym which had a new banner on the wall. A banner in honor of the Osean Air Force Academy Knights Diamond Bowl victory over the heavily favored, Jefferton Owls. And on that banner was the games MVP, number 20, running back, Kevin Johnson.

At the ceremony, Captain Bradford made a one of the longest speeches in academy history about the hard work of the graduating class. Then some words from other officers and top honored students. Kevin wasn't one of those students. When it all finally ended, the graduates threw their hats into the air with a big hurray from them. After the celebration, the real fun began. Most of the graduates were going to this party at the convention center. Among the graduates were Kevin, Victor and Kei and their families. Victor and Kei were living it up drinking and playing some of the party games, like dump the professor. Kei did see Kevin at the party with two older men, talking while Kevin was pointing around. She came over and said hi to him like she did for the past four years. Kei and the two strangers where introduced as old friends of Kevin's and talked about some of Kevin's fights back in Plymouth. Kevin later left to get some drinks and while he was gone, Rev McDonald told Kei not to worry about him. That he has had a tough past and was devastated with the loss of Katie. That the Lord had a plan for him and that it will take shape when the time was right. This made Kei feel sadder for Kevin and hoped that McDonald was right. She left their company and returned to her family with two quick goodbyes and left. The night continued and was filled with drinking and laughter and a little concert on Kevin's guitar. Kevin had grown to become an excellent guitar player.

The night would have been a lot better if it wasn't for one certain drunk. He was a relative of one of the graduates and he obviously had too much to drink. He came over to the front of the stage, where Kevin was performing, and started heckling him.

"You suck. Play Broken Dreams."

A family member came over to settle him down "Come on Earl, your embarrassing yourself."

"It's this jackass whose embarrassing himself. He doesn't even know Broken Dreams."

Kevin came off the stage and told Earl "Hey, just step outside for a little bit. Get some air and get your head together. We don't need any of this."

"You want to step out, okay tough guy. I'll mop the floor with you." replied the drunk who was poking him in the chest.

"I don't want any trouble here. Just get some air, that will help clear..." But Kevin never finished his sentence. Earl had just punched Kevin in the face with a cheap shot.

This caused the crowd to gasp, but Kevin kept his cool and didn't react. Earl then heckled some more, calling Kevin a chump and firing another cheap shot at him. One of Earl's relatives tried to hold him back, but got shoved away. Earl was about to send another punch Kevin's way, but Kevin say it coming and moved out of the way. Causing Earl to crash through the door and end up outside with Kevin following behind.

"Oh… I thought you were a man, but you won't even hit me. You pussy." and tried to throw another punch at Kevin, who dodged it easily.

The crowd was trying to talk Earl down from fighting, but he wouldn't listen. He continued to taunt and punch. Kevin knew that talking to him would accomplish nothing, so he tried to end it the only way he knew how. He dodged another punch of Earl's and sent back a punch of his own into Earl's big, fat head. The blow was so severe that it knocked the drunk straight to the ground. But like an idiot in is alcoholic state, he got up dazed and tried to fight back. Seeing that Kevin would have to get more serious with him, he let out a fury of blows to the stomach and a final punch to the head, knocking out the poor bloke. The crowd was silent while someone checked on Earl's condition. He was beaten up good, but just knocked out for the moment.

"Just like old times huh Kevin?" asked Mr. Hatcher.

"I'm at least glad you didn't try to seriously hurt the guy." said the Reverend.

Kei and Victor just stared with stunned faces. They never saw anything like that.

Kevin then turned to one of Earl's family members and apologized for what he did and said he had no choice. Everyone then agreed that the bum just got too drunk and something like this was bound to happen sooner or later. The crowd returned inside, while a few people stayed and tried to get Earl in a car to be driven back to the hotel. The night resumed and the mess was forgotten, at least for the time.

Kevin and his company didn't return to the campus until midnight where Kevin said his goodbyes and that he was glad to see them again. All three men shook hands and the postman and reverend got into a taxi to be taken back to the hotel. Kevin went to sleep pretty easily that night, despite everything that happened. The next day was met with people packing up their stuff and heartfelt goodbyes. After Kevin packed everything, he turned to Victor and shook his hand. He also told him that they would probably meet again soon, since both decided to become pilots, and all future pilots of the academy receive training at Hierlarch air base. He also knew that he would be seeing Miss Nagase again at the base as well. He didn't know it at the time, but he was glad that there would be at least two people at the base that he knew. Kevin did know that this was just a new beginning for him. He looked up into the sky and whispered "I'm still trying. Give me strength." He knew that there were three smiling faces up there, looking down upon him.