A/N:
Some of the older chapters have been edited for context, reread them first if needed!
CHAPTER 3
FIRST CONTACT
Because of the cooperation between Sky and Genesis squadrons, they had been merged into the 128th Strategic Strike Squadron, now known as Skyward Squadron, and were now based at the Fort Osai Air Force Base permanently, and was now officially legit. From this he met a bunch of new friends, from two golden retrievers, to a mix breed who helped the operation go as planned, alongside a German shepherd, named Scout whom had blue eyes like the sky; whilst new missions were coming up almost every 48 hours, Commander Jason Reid, the former strategic commander of the 688th and now the 128th after the aforementioned merge, decided to put Skye on leave from the emotional trauma from almost being shot down for the time being. As such, they had to find a new pup to lead the newly formed squadron. As they sat in the briefing room, they had to choose, one of the human pilots chiming in as the pups were stuck in a deadlock.
"I think Scout should lead this squadron." One co-pilot chimed in, as most of the room looked at him, likely expecting him to explain his choice.
"This pup during our last operation, was probably the only reason why we made it back alive." Chase agreed whole heartedly with his personal decision, and they held a vote, unanimously choosing Scout to lead the newly born squadron. Scout stood up, thanking everyone for their choice, whilst also bringing strength into her voice and statement.
"I want to thank you all for this chance to lead this squadron. We need to fight, fight for what is right! Skyward Squadron!" They chanted 'Skyward Squadron' a few times, before Commander Jason Reid entered the room, turning on the LED briefing screen, full of confidential military data, and images with locations of cities and crucial military infrastructure such as naval yards, airfields, and troop encampments. As the screen showed images of the enemy fighters, everyone sat calmly.
"In celebration of the creation of the Fort Osai 128th Strategic Strike Squadron, those selected to sortie are to take off and escort Silent Squadron back from a recon mission. We are to not lose a single recon aircraft. We also need to be on the lookout for UAVs, as our divisions have reported sightings of them from the ground. You are to destroy any aircraft that tries to shoot them down, and regain air superiority." He commanded, as the pilots began getting up and walking over to their hangars. Scout was the first on the runway, followed by Ryder, Marshall, Rocky, Chase, Rubble, Zuma, and a Siberian husky named Everest. When they all took off, they converged into one fighter group, as they raced to the forests near the Principality of Barkingburg, a secular neutral state, which was however keeping its armed forces on standby:
3 HOURS LATER
14:30 HOURS
A voice came over the radio.
"Silent Squadron to AWACS Skyline, are the blips on radar the friendlies to escort us?" The male voice spoke , as the eight aircraft merged with the squadron and began the escort out of the forest.
"Silent 1 this is AWACS Skyline, confirm blips are friendlies." For the first few minutes the sky was calm, a few clouds overhead as it began to sprinkle rain. However AWACS Skyline began to report to the pilots.
"Tally-four bandits on radar! It fired a missile! You are permitted to engage!" The fighters immediately took evasive actions, and Chase turned around to fire at one the six fighters. A voice came over the radio, a deep voice that sounded like an AI had deepened it. Chase and the SU-27 pilot turned over and over again in a dogfight, trying to get missiles to lock on in mortal combat. Forming a rear guard with three of the aircraft, they began to break, and it turned into a 1v1.
"Spot 2, 3, and 4, they are forming a rear guard to defend their escorts, the better one is mine." It was the same plane he saw those days ago. He was going to be sure it was his former friend. As missiles flew and bullets whizzed past the canopy, the SU-27 went off the radar. And Chase reported the news.
"Skyward 6 to AWACS Skyline, hostile has disappeared off my radar." As they finally resumed the escort, Chase found it again difficult to understand if that was his best friend, then why he was on the opposite side of this war. Coming into onland fifty minutes later, their mission was done. He needed time, to think before his next sortie.
"The mission was a success, there is nothing else I need to say. Hold on, Chase; your kill count is rising every day, is someone teaching you?" Jason asked Chase, of which he shook his head left and right. Now being dismissed, he was sent back to the barracks for a break before their next sortie.
