With documents and details provided by Raccoon, Yellow Nine, I was able to uncover a deeper insight into Erusea's most decorated squadron. The 156th Tactical Fighter Wing was commissioned in 1999 by the Erusean government who requested the introduction of an elite tactical fighter squadron able to conduct long-range missions and establish air superiority in the target area. The squadron was to be made up of both new and experienced pilots who either had impressive records in training and previous squadron records.
The Erusean government chose the Sukhoi Su-37 Terminator as the squadron's due to it's phenomenal maneuverability, and the aircraft had already proven itself several times over in combat with Belka's Gelb Team. With their superior skill and advanced technology, they were easily able to overcome the ISAF fighters that were sent up to engage them. Soon, their yellow wingtips became a feared sight in the skies above Usea.
"We were eventually reassigned from our northeast airbase to a new one in San Salvacion. We had a functional runway in the form of a freeway under construction, but had to make do with makeshift hangers and facilities." Raccoon explained, in answer to my query about the events after the successful mission to protect Stonehenge. "The city at this point had been occupied by the Army for some time, reserves mostly and units being reassigned from the front lines."
Records I discovered showed that during the war, a notable squadron had taken over a small local bar in the eastern part of the city. The pilots in question had all worn the same brown leather jacket with the insignia of the eagle, an emblem commonly linked to the Yellows. Raccoon confirmed the report.
"When we arrived, we headed into the town for some relief. We'd been flying long range patrols around the Stonehenge Turret Network which was taking its toll on us and our planes, so Thirteen authorised some leave for the squadron." He showed me a picture, it was of five pilots in brown jackets outside a small bar. The name of the bar was just visible near the top of the photograph, the Sky Kid. I recognised with certainty some familiar faces from the picture too. Thirteen stood out clearly from the rest, as did his wingman Four.
"The tank regiment had taken over the bar, but between us and another squadron we were able to commandeer the place. It was a fairly old place, everything was wooden and had a traditional feel about it. We all took a liking to it and since then it became our regular stop for some R and R." Again he showed me a different photograph. I had only been to the Sky Kid once but I was able to recognise the long bar and the relatively thin room it occupied.
"Did the staff take favourably to you?" I asked him.
"They never gave us trouble, but there was always a tense feeling when they served you. The Barkeep's daughter especially, I don't remember her saying a word at all to any of the Erusean pilots, not even when they tipped her generously. At times I would consider starting a conversation but her stubborn look and hard gaze discouraged me."
I looked closer at the picture of the squadron in the bar. In it was a young boy about twelve or fourteen years of age with short brown hair. In the picture I viewed, the boy played the harmonica to several onlookers.
"We didn't know the boy's name, he got the unofficial TAC name Harmonica because he was always in there playing for change. One day, Thirteen brought his guitar in, and began playing a tune. He often played back at base, but this was the first time he'd played at the Sky Kid. As we were totting up our scores for the day, he sat quietly at the back as he always did. Harmonica was watching, and with a smile he asked the boy to join him."
This was a story I'd heard before. It explained a lot about the man known as Yellow Thirteen, often portrayed as a man who was merciless and cold blooded in ISAF documents. Yet here he was, united by their love of music. It was a statement I proposed to Raccoon, who nodded in agreement.
"It's a personal hate of mine, the way Thirteen was made out." Raccoon shakes his head. "Thirteen was as quiet as they came, you wouldn't know he was there sometimes. On some occasions, the only indication you'd get of him being there would be the presence of Four by his side."
I had also heard stories of the relationship between Yellow Thirteen and his wingman, Yellow Four. Many had speculated that Thirteen and Four shared a romantic relationship, and the idea had become favourable among many after tales from ISAF pilots of two Flankers who seemingly danced in the skies above.
"The relationship Thirteen had with Four was nothing like the stories they told." He shook his head and leaned forward, as if eager to make his point. "Thirteen trained Four, he cared for her no doubt and watched out for her but there was no romantic interest. Four in turn looked to Thirteen as a mentor, and watched his back like any wingman would. A quiet professionalism that was obvious in the air and on the ground."
Many tales about the infamous Yellow Squadron were becoming false in light of the inside information provided by Yellow Nine, Raccoon. My interest only grew more, and the same obsession that drove me to chase down the Demon Lord pushed me onward to discover all I could about the Yellow Squadron, and the pilots that flew within its ranks.