Next chapter for Ace Combat Infinity: Leave
As posted on Twitter (Japanese), Mission 8 Operation Bunker Shot is the final campaign mission to be posted as of now. However, there were hints of a second campaign, as PS Store Blogs said that the Campaign Ticket is...will...going to be... reduced to $17.99 USD. That hints that it is a new/separate item. Also upon looking at the Update 7 notification on Facebook (Which I don't use), The ACI Fansite responded to a message about new missions, to which they reply it is coming "...Soon! Keep flying, it's worth it!" Hmm...
After the mission, we can see a teaser of Mobius's Infinite 111 Emblem, shown in Aces At War: A History, and the F-22A model kit for Mobius 1. It's a red version of the normal MOBIUS 118 emblem, but now with INFINITE 111. This version (Infinity) however, doesn't have the Strangereal markings inside the emblem.
A theory was suggested: Take the two numbers, find the difference.
I was hoping for a special TDM/CO-OP event. Ace Squadron vs. Ace Squadron. We've already have the squadron intro animations from ACZ. It will be interesting to see the Belkan Aces battle it out to see who is the top.
Maybe also a "Duel Mode": 1 on 1, limited to no respawns. Seems like a fair way to see who really is the Ace who owns the sky. I've already got the BGM for ending animations (It will be different, due to the defeated Ace's plane being destroyed). It would have been nice to see a final duel between Reaper and Camilla. We already have both Reaper's and Camilla's emblems... although one is a tournament reward.
Win: Victory (AC4)
Lose: Failed Game Over (AC5)
Draw: Arcade Victory Road (AC5 Arcade)
I like the Special Supply Tickets system. It'll allow me the chance to get items I didn't get before I played the game. I even bought the Zipang, and the Aquarius (Which I am, an Aquarius...Starting to regret not saving up.) The new aircraft/bombers are cool. Though they're mostly from ACAH. In fact, the most of the skins and models are from ACAH. Event skin #1 is skin #2 in ACAH, the main difference is the emblems and markings (UNF in Infinity, TF108/Real AF marking in Assault Horizon).
I was interested in the Su-37 -Rena Hirose- (Guess why). Still can't believe it's a 1-200th reward... Hope for the Special Supply (Tournament planes perhaps? ...Wardog, Ridgebacks, Strigon, Yellow 13, Razgriz perhaps?...Seems unlikely. Probably for a thousand tickets. "Only available for the first 200 buyers! Have you credit card ready!" Hah hah)
I actually bought the Unlimited Campaign Play Ticket. I know what you are thinking...two chapters ago... But I got $20 as a gift from a relative. Oh right. I got the PS3 from another relative from Thanksgiving. Went for the ASF-X -Happy New Year-. It has Nugget the mascot "Chick" as pilot, to no avail. Used up my Stocked Fuel too. Meh... As if I was actually have a chance to get the plane.
October 13, 2019
Ramstein Air Base
Time: 0300
Simon "Reaper" Cohen
Bone Arrow Squadron
Status: On Leave (R&R)
I can't sleep... No matter what, I just can't. What is it? Is it fear? No, it can't be. Fear of others? Yes... that's it.
But who?
...Rena...
Time: 0500
Hanger 4: QFA-44 "Camilla"
Looking at the plane, I can see why she loved it. This massive super plane, modified to carry some of the most powerful weapons. The paint, with the crimson butterfly.
"papillon" That's what Fencer said what it meant in French.
I know she sleeps in the crew room, but... what's it like to be in that plane? Just to fly with your mind? Maybe that's what making her different.
"Simon." I turn my head to see Kei.
"Kei, how are you?" I asked in return
"Sleepy as usual. Why are you looking at Rena's plane?"
"You know why..."
"Right..." She looked at it, "The reason she's been acting not like herself."
"It happened since North Africa. She's facing something, and I think it's her past."
"Then what will that be? You? We've already handled that."
"No... Artyom told me something. When they faced the ZOE last time, she said that those planes 'made her suffer'."
She looked at me, "Like how?"
"Don't know." I shrugged, "Might be from the war or experiments."
"You're probably right..." She looked out the windows, and see the rain beginning to pour, "Looks like the skies are crying."
"Yeah..." It's a bad day for us...
"Reaper...Butterfly... A bringer of death... a symbol of rebirth... One immortal... one with finite life..."
I looked at her, short black hair... wearing a simple shirt and pants.
I thought about that, "What's with all the analogies, Kei?"
"Hm? Emblems and drawings can be symbols. That's all..." She then whispered some words... words we both know from a long time ago, "The Grim Reaper... invincible... immortal... bringer of death..."
Reaper emblem... I don't deserve it then.
She looked back at me, "You really don't... but, you would try to earn it every 'life'. That's what I like about you, Simon. You're skill, not your plane."
H...huh? How did she... I must have mumbled it then.
I then quoted one of "Viper's Ace Seminars", "106:'A plane doesn't make the pilot, but how well the pilot uses it.'"
For the first time, I saw her smiled, directly at me.
"You know..." She asked, "You've been a lot like Macmillan for a while."
I was flustered at this, for once... "Oh...How so?"
"You would joke around on the radio... get shot down a lot..."
"Yeah, I see your point... I miss him."
"We all do, Simon..."
"About this leave... maybe, you want to visit a city in Europe?"
"With Rena?"
I looked at her, with a bit of annoyance, "Of course. We wouldn't have leave her alone, would we?"
"No. There's not much in Europe... just France, and England. Maybe Russia, or back home in the Far East."
I shocked my head, "Russia is under control by USEA, remember? Maybe go back to Sand Island. I heard that a certain squadron is back there."
Then she reminded me something dreadful, "You still have to pay for the Tomcat Lanner wrecked."
...Dang it!
I slapped my hand on my forehead, "Ah! I forgot! Curses...I've spent the rest of my hard earned money on the Strike Eagle!"
"You should have sticked with the old Phantom II. That way, you won't waste it on a Raptor. They are overrated within the UNICS...Oh wait, it's now a pile of scrap."
"Says the girl who has a Shinden II."
She seemed shocked by my remark, "H..Hey! That's our official aircraft, unlike you. You privateers get no official plane."
"Technically, we're not in official squadrons anymore. Just in a Task Force. And, we can request to loan a plane from the UNF for your information."
"R..right... just decided to be called like that. And, really? Who would cut 20% of their paycheck for a one time flight?"
I thought about the trip, maybe to Sand Island... There, I could spend more time with Kei, and Rena... That would sure be nice.
"Kei, let's plan that trip to Sand Island. Okay?"
She looked at me, in disbelief, but also in delight, "Sure. How about... the 15th?"
"Sure. We'll need transportation though."
The only way there is either through America, or right through USEA."
"Dang..." I groaned, "Just when I had some time with you."
She sighed, "Well, unless we want to be shot down, we'll have to go through America, somehow refuel, and arrive at the island."
"Most of our planes are non-carrier based. We'll need a tanker then."
"Good. We can land in America, then refuel over the Pacific, and land at Sand Island."
I nodded my head, "Good."
"Good."
"Let's do this, for Rena." I raised my hand.
To which she grasped it, "For Rena."
0600
Crew Room
Rena's probably still in her room. Everyone except Erich, the Ridgebacks, and Lanner are here; meaning: Me, Artyom, and Bronco.
Bronco's RIO... wait a minute. He doesn't have a RIO.
"Bronco, don't you have a RIO?" I asked
He replied, "Nah. Those guys would just boss me around. I've been nicknamed 'The ace of dual seaters'."
"...Just by you?"
"...Maybe..."
"Then shouldn't you just get the E Variant?"
He shrugged his shoulders, "I don't know man. They told me that Wernher had only plans for F-16Fs."
"Hey, wasn't it Sky-Eye's birthday during OP EL-T?" (Operation Eternal Liberation - Tokyo) He remembered
"Yep." I replied, "Such a massive operation, and it happened on his birthday. Though I don't think they'll make it a national holiday. It's just one battle."
"Omega seemed annoyed by it. On his first birthday during his time in the Arrows, he lost his first Typhoon."
"Sure a hell of a birthday gift." I commented
Artyom then commented, "You are the one who's losing planes like Omega."
I reminded, "Hey, there are good reasons why I lose my planes."
"Like what?"
"1: Facing a modified CFA-44. 2: Handing my plane to my RIO/WSO. 3: Sacrificing to take out an enemy."
"Pretty good reasons. Especially the second one." Bronco commented
"Exactly... so... about the plan to Sand Island..."
Artyom denied, "Sorry. Got some business to attend to on the Admiral Kuznetsov. I need to meet some old wingmen. And to help them fix their planes...pfft, airheads."
Bronco also said no, "I got some relative problems in UAE. My cousin's cousin is having some sort of wedding or something like that."
I then responded, "Guess I have to ask the others, huh?"
As if on cue, the others came in, excluding Rena...
"Where's Rena?"
Slash coldly responded, "Who cares? She'll be fine. You've been babying her all this time."
Kei then scolded him, "John... She's still in her room. Erich's worried for her." She sat with me at the table.
Lanner sat at the table as well, with a glass of water, "This time off is really getting boring..."
Fencer and Axeman grunted in approval, Fencer even saying, "It's like we're made to fight."
We all agree, we've been fighting so hard for the past few months. It's like we didn't had a wink of rest for the past few weeks.
My voice decided to ask, "So, you guys want to go to Sand Island?"
Slash coldly shot me down, "No."
Fencer then denied as well, "I already have plans back home. Ma famille... 'My family'... What? Don't you take French?"
Axeman declined, "Nah. Need some time alone."
Lanner was the first to break the trend, "Sure. Why not? I got nothing to do."
Erich then concurred, "Me too."
"Kei?" I asked
"Why are you asking me? Of course I'm coming along." She reminded me, slightly annoyed.
"What about Rena?" Erich asked curiously.
I look at Kei, who looked at me. She's been alone for so long...
"I...I'm... I'm gonna go check on her." I said while running to the quarters. Kei quickly followed.
We ran towards the rooms, hoping she's okay...
I found her room, and knocked on the door, "Rena? You okay?"
Kei also talked into the door, "Rena. We want to talk to you."
No response... I pressed my ears into the door, and hear sniffling... faint... but present.
I knocked again, "Rena?"
We both looked at each other... fearing for the worst, we opened the door.
She was all in a fetal position by the window... mumbling something... Her eyes wet with tears...
"Rena..." I kneeled down next to her, "What's wrong?"
She was silent... as if she couldn't hear me.
Kei crouched next to me, "Rena. Please..."
It's as if she no longer existed in the world.
I touched her hand...it was warm...
Her eyes blinkered... and looked at me, "S..Simon?"
"Rena...what happened?" I asked again
She faced me, and tears began to fall from her eyes... "I...I lost my life..."
Kei decided to take Rena into her arms, comforting her
Rena began to cry, "M...my friends...g..gone..."
Friends... she said she "didn't have friends... anymore..."
"Tak...taken away..."
I asked her, "By who, Rena?"
"Z..."
"Z?" Kei asked
"ZO...ZOE..."
The two of us was shocked by that term. The red aircraft. Those automated aircraft. Made to fly, now used to kill.
Kei then suggested, "Let's go to my room. It'll be warmer there."
0634
In Kei's room, the three of us were sitting on the bed, with Rena between us.
Rena explained her past, "It was 2010, nine years ago. Wernher Noah put me into an experimental project... having young children with ENSI. I was the 7th subject, out of 10... They were my friends."
We were shocked, trying to take this in, "Do... your friends, are they..."
She shook her head..."I'm the only one..."
This further unravels the confusion. Only she survived the project...
"We were all given special planes. Modified CFA-44s as testing aircraft... all with ENSI. Though some never made it into the cockpit... 3 of them died during surgery."
Kei then asked, "Was one of them your closest friend?"
"Yes... a good friend... 'Fi'."
"'Fi'?"
"Fiona... she was my friend ever since I arrived in Iyuli. We were like wingmen."
I wondered, "CFA...butterfly...emblem... So, did your friends have a emblem?"
She nodded her head, "Various creatures. Fi's was the... the... horse... she was strong, honorable, and trustworthy."
"And you're the butterfly..." Kei analyzed, "Beautiful, colorful...and loves the sun."
She started to blush, finally showing a good emotion, "T..Thanks...but...I don't like the sun... it's too bright... and the my skin is really frail in it."
"Really?"
"Yeah... they say it's a minor form of Xeroderma pigmentosum... though not exactly it, the disorder says my skin can be affected more by the UV rays than normal skin. It's only minor... the scientists said that it's no concern. Just that I... I could get a tan easier."
Kei was speechless, "Th..that's it?"
Rena laughed, another sign of trust, "Yep... the seven of us were tested on the plane, and the ability of ENSI... some of them didn't make it. The system would fail for their unit, and they are left helpless as their plane spiral out of control... another 3 died because of this."
I was horrified, "Did Fi made it?"
She nodded her head, "Yes. Our final test was a dual. Against each other."
"What?" Both Kei and I gasped
She began to cry, "It was horrible... all that love...all that trust...gone! She tried to kill me... I... I... I was so wrong... She forgot our friendship..."
I comforted her, as she was crying into my shoulder... "Why...why..."
Kei looked at me with remorse, and I did the same...
Her cries began to dry up, "But... she was killed... by ZOE..."
"What?" Kei asked in horror
"It was a test of unexpected attack... she never learned...I was the only one left... Left alone... I felt as it the entire company was against me."
She began to cry again, this time in Kei's arms. I can't help but also join in and comfort her more.
Kei whispered something in my ear, "This means we're in a good relation, right?"
I just replied, "Your feelings will be mutual."
So... Rena was an experiment of ENSI. They decided that one of them would live. And it happened to be Rena...
"Kei..." I asked, "You want to tell her?"
"Yeah." She replied
Rena looked at us confused, "Ask me what?"
"Simon and I want to take you, Lanner, and Erich to Sand Island."
"R...R...Really?"
"Really. We can even swim."
"S..swim?"
I then hit a realization... she never lived near water.
I asked, "Rena, do you know how to swim?"
"...N..No." She answered
"What if you have to eject out in the ocean?"
Kei then sighed, "We can teach you... okay, I... can teach you."
"Okay..." Rena replied, "Erich... he's going too?"
I smiled, "Yes. You're boyfriend is coming."
She then became flustered massively. Her voice stumbling, "H...w..w.. I... He...uh.."
Kei even laughed at this, "Don't worry. It's like me and Simon."
I reminded, "Only that we are pretty acknowledgeable of it. And mature."
"Simon, you haven't ask me on a date yet." Kei reminded
In my defense, I explained, "It's because we didn't have the time yet."
"Rena, communicating with others is a big part of life. Erich might be your husband one day."
That made her even more blushed, making her move all fidgety. She tried to walk out of the room, but tripped on her own feet.
Kei pulled her up, and said to her, "Rena...It's okay to tell us about Erich. He's a really great guy. We all know the two of you are in love. It's pretty obvious."
Rena dropped her head in shame
I told her, "It's nothing to be ashamed of, Rena. I approve of this... mostly."
Kei was confused at this, "What parts you don't approve."
"You would know."
"Isn't natural for a male to do that? You know, the genetics of male domination."
"Not usually now..."
Rena looked at both of us confused, "What are you talking about?"
"...One moment please..." I took Kei out of the room, and both of us were embarrassed from Rena... for once, "She didn't know the fundamentals of reproduction?"
Kei was shocked as well, but tried to reason. "It's normal for someone to not know."
"Not if she could learn it from an A.I." I reminded
"Wait... yeah! Why couldn't she know that?"
Rena then peeked out of the room, "Maybe because I was putting on an act?"
"Maybe that's... what?" We both look at her, smiling in an innocent way
"You little..." I started, before stopping my mouth
"Pervert." Kei finished
"Kei!"
Rena then sighed before saying, "It's true I know how...reproduction of humans work...But...it's not like I gonna do that sort of thing."
This is starting to become a weird day...
At least Rena is starting to be okay.
October 15, 2019
Sand Island
Weather: Overcast (50% Chance of Rain)
Well, it's sure nice to be back at Sand Island.
Lanner complained, "Why do we have to use the Eagle? It's seems to be a waste of fuel."
"Do you want to be flying a plane on your own then?" I asked
"Good point."
"At least you're not Erich. He has to be brought here by Kei, and she has to use a dual-seater."
To which both of them approached me, "Which I think your senior wingman could afford some upgrades."
I raised my hands, "I don't own my wingman, I just give suggestions to attack."
Erich was panting in and out, "I'm... never going with her. Ever again."
"...Okay, I'm taking partial offense to that."
Kei explained, "He kinda asked me to do some 'little' maneuvers."
"And you said yes. I thought you were all businesslike in a plane."
"You said that in Africa." She remembered, "Besides, it's time I've loosen up."
Rena then walked over, and see Erich leaning downward, "Erich, you okay?"
He replied, "Oh...yeah. It's fine. I'll be fine."
"Well, looks like you made it." A new voice emerged, "Mostly in one piece."
I groaned, and see the owner of the F-14A "Wardog #016"...
"Hey 'Scorch'. See you guys are in a good shape... mostly your planes."
"Yeah, your RIO...WSO... whatever you designate her now, owes me 3 billion Yen, about 3 Million USD."
Lanner than yelled out, "What!? I don't have that kind of money! P..put it on Simon! He's the pilot."
Now I took full offensive to that, "Hey! Didn't you forget WE'RE BROKE now!"
But Scorch laughed, "What? You thought I was serious? Ha ha! Dude, I'm okay with it. Besides, repairing it is easy."
"But... our crew chief said it's beyond repair."
"Pfft, as it. For him it'll take infinity." He gloated, "Me, I can have it running in 2 weeks, all by my self, than he and his team could do in a month!"
"You must really love the plane." Rena commented
"Oh... I see some new faces. Rena, right?"
"Y..yes..." She seemed to still be shy...
"They call me 'Scorch'. I'm flight leader of Wardog squadron. A well known 'Pirate' Squadron from Japan."
"R...Rena... former pilot for Wernher Noah."
"Yeah, heard you kicked Simon's butt in Iyuli. Kinda like how Kei beats him in kills."
"Uh...th..thanks...I guess..."
I was a bit annoyed, "Having a lot of aerial kills in a short amount of time, would count as being better."
Kei then debated, "Not when you have a shot down statistic."
"You had one if I remember."
"That's because you were being cocky against Rena."
"Mainly because we knew each other."
Scorch then stopped us, "Let's all go inside, shall we? We have a lot to discuss."
0902
We talked a lot about the war, and USEA.
We shared information on tactics and maneuvers, learning new ones, and mastering old ones.
Rena was asking me something, "Do you know about experimental aircraft?"
"I knew about the ATD-X. It's made to go against the Shinden II for the F-3 designation." I replied
Kei then said, "The ASF-X. Made as a forward swept, and variable wings. The ATD-X is more a Japanese version of the F-22. It was approved for a prototype ATD-0 Designation."
Rena then corrected, "I meant about Wernher experimental aircraft."
"What?" All of us questioned
I thought, "Isn't Wernher just using their Automated Plants to make previous aircraft designs?"
"No." Rena denied, "They're making their own."
"Like what?" Erich asked
"I... I can't say..." Rena whispered, "It's... restricted by an encryption code."
"Oh..." So Rena can't see them. Thus, we can't.
"Until now." Rena finished, revealing files, "Father had found these when looking through the things he had before he was fired."
We all looked at them, and were surprised, shocked, and amazed... it even had photos, meaning they are complete.
Wernher Noah
Project: Future Prospect (2001-)
"Anything one man can imagine, other men can make real." - Jules Verne
Overview: Founding the new generation of super aircraft
Aircraft designed and planned for production:
ADFX "Morgan"
ADF-F "Falken"
X-02 "Wyvern"
R-101 "Delphinus"
CFA-44 "Nosferatu"
-QFA-44: ENSI Project
Aircraft Overview:
ADFX "Morgan"
-Variants: Block 1 (Testing), ADFX-01, ADFX-02
-Description: Classified as a supreme aircraft within the 4.5th generation of fighter aircraft and can be equipped with powerful weapons. Features forward-swept wings and canards resulting in high maneuverability despite its size as a large scale aircraft. Despite capabilities, it loses out against stealth aircraft, so the ADFX project has been reduced to a Prototype Demonstrator.
-Weapons: TLS (Tactical Laser System), MPBM (Multi-Purpose Burst Missiles), ECM
Variants Difference:
-Block 1: Limited capability
-ADFX-01: Standard design
-ADFX-02: Advanced airframe: can carry multiple weapons
ADF-F "Falken"
-Variant: ADF-01F
-Description: Designed as an advanced successor of the ADFX, the ADF-F is an aircraft equipped with more capabilities. The ADF-F's engines are based off the ADFX, but has a different body design, though sharing some characteristics of the predecessor. Features an integral TLS system, more powerful then it's modular variant. This is also the first aircraft in the Project to feature COFFIN (Connection For Flight Interface). This new system features a 360 degree canopy view, via real-time cameras. Named after the bird that kills with their nose, a nice fit for this aircraft's weaponry.
X-02 "Wyvern"
-Description: A new generation fighter aircraft. Set to replace standard aircraft, this aircraft feature variable swept wings and rear stabilizer. Though impractical, it's a revolutionary plane nevertheless. The X-02 is named after the dragon, with has a barbed tail.
-The design was somehow leaked to the media, but was quickly covered up. However, the Japanese was interested in the design, and developed their own aircraft based on it, the ASF-X Shinden II, a new plane made for the F-3 designation for the JASDF.
-Weapons: QAAM, 6AAM, SOD
R-101 "Delphinus"
-Description: Designed to be a new aircraft with new control capabilities, the R-101 was considered ahead of it's time. It uses the advanced form of COFFIN, as well as ENSI equipped, supposed to be used as the first testing aircraft for the ENSI Project. The aircraft uses high grade turbofan engines, and laminar flow control technology to better handle aircraft control. Named after a genus of a Dolphin. However, due to cost restraints, the project was limited to 3 aircraft, all of which were lost when ENSI test subjects crashed during system failures.
CFA-44 "Nosferatu"
-Variants: CFA-44, QFA-44
-Description: Designed as a next-generation carrier fighter plane. Discovered from findings lying in ending years of the Soviet Union. The plane has light stealth capabilities, but has an integral ECM system, and can carry advanced combat weaponry. The engines are vector thrust capable, at the cost of low stability. The weaponry can vary, but the main feature are three compartments (Two dorsal, one ventral) that can carry powerful weapons. From the multi missile launcher of the ADMM, to the high damaging EML, the fighter aircraft is a suitable multirole aircraft. Named after a vampire, a creature well known in the world to fear.
-Weapons: ADMM (All Direction Multi-Purpose Missile), EML (Electromagnetic Launcher)
QFA-44
-Description: A modified CFA-44, with multiple performance improvements. The aircraft was made to be the final testing aircraft of the ENSI Project. As such, the plane is constructed with the highest version of the ENSI and COFFIN systems. Performance is improved, with better stealth capabilities, stability, and is capable of carrying both the ADMM and EML weapon systems. Naming was specific using traits of the ENSI subjects.
-Units operating: Rena Cohen "Camilla/Carmilla" Trait: Vampire like trait (Nocturnal fondness)
1021
Beach
A/N: This following part has somewhat sexual themes, please skip if your not okay with reading this, to the next A/N.
The beach is nice, with no hot sun to worry about. Rena's supposed to take lessons on how to swim, and I'm worried if Kei or Rena will drown...
Damn I'm overprotective...
"Hey, Simon." Erich came over, wearing swim trunks, "Why aren't you dressed for swimming?"
I was only wearing a t-shirt and shorts, "Why are you?"
"Feels like a good way to waste time."
Lanner than sat next to us, wearing a swimsuit, "So, where's Rena and Kei?"
I shrugged, "Don't know. Feels like they're still changing."
"So, what do you think?" She's wearing a two-piece suit. A bikini, so would the youth would say.
"What about it?"
She whined, "Aw come on! The body is one of the most important things for women."
"You want me to judge your body?"
"I'm preparing you for Kei!"
"I guess it looks nice."
"Sometimes, you should get perverted." She suggested, "Some girls would like to be looked at with an erotic connotation."
"No way." I denied
Erich was blushing madly
"Really?"
He was looking at partially her chest, to which she slapped him in the cheek, "Not at me, dummy. You want to look at Rena. I'm sure she'll look nice."
Then I asked, "What's the deal with chest size anyway?"
"No idea. But men say they like big chests."
"Why?"
"Don't know. And you won't know, we don't have big chests. We're all B."
"And that's another thing I don't get." I added, "What's the deal with letters and sizes?"
"They're used as units of measurement. Multiple As for small, to D for big."
"Okay... Like that would matter in anything other than clothing size..."
Then, we see the two other females. They were wearing the same type Lanner's wearing, with of course different coloring.
Erich suddenly took a weird intake of breath. Two sighs went out, both mine and Lanner's.
But I reasoned, quietly to Lanner, "You did tell him to do that at her."
She concurred, "True..."
Rena tilted her head confused, "Erich... is something wrong?"
Erich quickly waved his hands back and forth, "Uh nothing! Nothing's wrong! It's just...you look...pretty..."
I sighed, "Erich, that's not really a compliment. And don't get any ideas, you two."
Rena differed, as she was blushing, "It..It's not like I wanted to wear it..."
Kei confessed, "I tried many kinds of swimsuits, and this is the one she's most comfortable with."
I was unconvinced, "Most?! It's just in sky blue!"
"She was picky on color."
"Wow..."
A/N: End of section. I skipped the swimming lessons, as learning it differs from person to person.
I was sitting under a tree, seeing Lanner in the water, and Erich hanging out with Rena on the beach, actually making sand castles. Rena can be... childish, from time to time.
Kei then sat next to me, "How is it?"
"Peaceful, for once..."
"You know... We can visit Japan. It's neutral territory."
I smiled at her, "Sure. How about tomorrow? Then we could go home on the 17th. I have a few things to do back home."
"Like what?"
"Visiting someone special."
She rested her head on my shoulder, making my heart stir with warmth. Her brown eyes look so beautiful...
She began to sing this song... an old song we both knew
Yume no naka wo teraseyo inishie no hoshiakari
Yoru no umi wa utau yo nemure nemure shizukani
Yasuragi no naka de kanashimi ga hateru made
Ima dake mewotojite kono mune ni miwomakasete
Toki no naka wo ryuu ruru ikusen no kaze no koe
Sono uta wa tokoshieni susume susume to hibiku...
I commented, "I'm surprised you still remember my mother's song."
"You're the one who taught it to me." She reminded
"That's because you happened to be there at the time."
Looking around, and see Lanner walking up to us, "So... you two are..."
"Yep." Kei replied, "We're a 'thing' now."
"Aw... that's nice!"
"Yeah I guess..." I said, "So Lanner, you want to go with us to Tokyo?"
"Only if I go with Kei in the Strike Eagle."
"And how do we do...Ah man..."
October 16, 2019
Area J4E (Tokyo, Japan)
0600
Weather: Overcast (80% Chance of Rain)
As soon as I jump off the F-16F, Erich groaned, "Why do I always ask you to do tricks?"
"Combat maneuvers take weeks to even a month to get used to." I taughted
I walked over to the Strike Eagle, and see Lanner talking with Kei, "I hope you girls are happy."
They both replied, "We are."
"As usual. Now, where first?"
Kei suggested, "How about... the Shinjuku Gyoen Park?"
Lanner then asked, "A park? In a metropolis?"
"There are a few National Parks that are preserved in Japan. Including the Meiji Shrine."
I then suggested, "We should visit there as well. It should be a good place to do a prayer."
"Yeah. Alright, so the Gyoen Park, Meiji Shrine, and then the city. Sounds good." Kei then spoke to Rena, "Rena, you're okay with that?"
She nodded her head.
"Right... let's get going. It's gonna take a while to get there by train." I reminded, "Should be raining soon. We better be quick."
Rena then dreamed about something, "I heard of a 'hanami'. What is it?"
Kei answered, "It's when people go watch the blooming of cherry blossoms. They usually have a picnic under the trees."
"Oh! Can we do that?" Lanner asked interested
"Unfortunately," I replied, "The only bloom mid-year. We already missed it."
"Aww..." Both Rena and Lanner whined in disappointment.
Erich questioned, "Why go to the city?"
"To go visit some old friends..." Was all I said
"Hmm... mind if I do a videotaping of this trip?"
"What, so you can publish it?" Lanner probed
"Err...yes."
"No!" We all said at once.
"Aw man..."
1600
Weather: Expected Rain
Location: Unknown
The park is not bad... the trees are still here...
Someone I know is still here.
As I walked down the path, Kei by my side, Rena following us, I wonder if that person will be mad at me for leaving. Well, time to meet again...
"A... a c...cc...cemetery?" Rena asked stumbling, obviously scared
Kei then explained, "This is where someone both you and your brother know are now."
"What? Who?"
I continue walking, till I found the stone... the flowers are dried up...no one replaced them...
A/N: Japanese graves are a family grave. Usually family members that are deceased are engraved into the stone. If a spouse if also present, the both the wife and husband will be engraved on the same stone. The living spouse's name will be in red, until that person has died. This is not as accurate as I hoped for, due to lack of knowledge of what is exactly on the grave.
コーエン (Cohen)
Kacper
ナナ (Nana)
Kasper's name is in red...
Suddenly, water began to drop... rain. Kei came over, holding an umbrella, and giving me something in her hands... flowers.
I turned to Rena, looking at the characters, which she doesn't know. I placed the bouquet into her hands, "So?"
Rena thought, before tearing up, "I wish the world is not like this... not what it is now..." Placing the flowers on the grave...
I grabbed Rena, and moved her in front of me... my hands over hers...
Kei and I know what to do... Rena doesn't.
"Wh..what do we do now?"
"We honor our respects to those who left us." I explained
We moved our hands together in front of us, and closed our eyes... Mom... thank you for all you had tried for me...
As I opened my eyes... the rain grew worse... as if I made a mistake...
"Rena, please close your eyes, and think about your mother." Kei asked of Rena...
"O..okay..." She replied...
After a while, it began to let up... It's now just light rain... enough for us to not use an umbrella. We began to walk back to the others...
1800
Weather: No rain, wet conditions
Kei and I was just walking around the city districts, with the others at a restaurant.
"And you were failing in the class." Kei reminded me of school, "You didn't even know Kanji!"
"Hey! I was stuck in a torn up place, where my mother had no money, and no free time to teach me." I replied, "I had to learn from you."
"Which seemed to pay off."
"Pay off huh?" I reached into my pocket, and produced 5000 Yen to her. Roughly 5 USD from the inflation since the Ulysses Disaster.
"What's this?"
"To pay you for those tutor sessions."
"I was just kidding about that!"
"Were you?! You threatened to hit me!"
"You were a chicken back then."
"And you are still that tsundere I remember."
She punched me in the arm, hard.
"Ow!...Ah, good memories." I grunted
She actually chuckled, "... You want to see my sis?"
"Reiko? I thought she was in school."
"She is... I mean, see her now. You know she wants to be a racer, right?"
"Street racing is illegal."
"Well..."
"Don't tell me she ended up in a jail cell."
She punched me again, "No. She's actually back home... in a legal racing event."
"Like what? Karting? Formula Nippon?"
"Something like that..."
I looked at her confused, "You are making me worried about her."
"She's in the Ridge Racer Series. The new sanctioned street drift racing?"
That one? "Really? And she's a racer?"
"Un huh."
"You know what? Let's not see her tonight. We can see her tomorrow morning. I have one more stop to go."
"Um...where?"
"You'll see."
1830
Park
Good old memories.
"Remember when you first meet me here? You were playing all alone. By yourself, with no one.."
"Sheesh, you don't have to rub it in." I interrupted.
"Your mom was pretty cool. I can't believe she sang you that song she made by herself."
"It was for my dad you know. For him writing 'Journey Home'." I sat down on the bench, where I first met Kei... she sat right next to me, and look at the empty playground... while we see old memories in our eyes...
"And I thought you were gonna take me to dinner." Kei thought out loud.
I look at her, "Are you mad at me?"
"No. In fact, I would have prefer this."
"Why?"
"Because, you are the one who got me my wings."
Now that, I'm was unaware of.
"Guess you did want to be closer to me..."
"Shut up... But, you should have chosen UNAF. It provided you aircraft."
"The UNAF didn't allow me to use a F-4E. They are all like, 'No! You have to use the Falcon. You have to use the Hornet.'"
I looked at my card, the so called 'Infinite Sortie Card'. With this, everything for maintenance and fuel are provided by UNF. For 100,000 USD! I could have use the money to buy a better plane!, "I'm sick of all these organized crud. Too much. They made it so high, that you are forced to fly in formation unless John says otherwise. In fact... that's how I got more kills. I was unbounded by limits. I was in infinite will! I had freedom! You said that the "Skies are Yours", only to you, but in fact... it wasn't... I was the one who was truly free."
Kei took it all in, looking shocked, and annoyed at me, "You are really stubborn about this as me, huh?"
I sighed, and looked at her
"But that's what I like about you. Your willingness to be free from others... But still overprotective over the fact that you want to protect Rena."
And with that, her head rests on my shoulder... Making me smile again...
"I want to live with you."
"Huh?" I asked shocked
"I want to marry you when we're done."
"Whoa whoa whoa! Marriage!? Kei, we're 20! This is way too early to do this..."
"Please, Simon? It's every girls dream to marry someone."
"Not when they are in a war, and risking their lives!" I reminded
"Come on!"
"Now that's another thing about you. Persistence. You are not willing to give up... No way! I'm not marrying you until we are done with this stupid war!"
She embraced me greatly... what did I just say?!
"Then the war will be over quickly with you in it." She reminded of my ability...
I dropped my head in regret... to which Kei held with her soft hand, "Hey, it's not like I'm this sweet all the time."
Sighing, I finally made my life contract, "Sure... I'll marry you."
She never looked more joyed than ever... "And just so you know, Simon Cohen. My parents were already fine with you, and let's make it for the record, that you proposed to me."
WHAT!? SHE'S the one who wants to get married!
"You are the one who's willing to marry me when the war is over." She re-quoted me.
"Alright... I'll propose to you properly, when we're on the tarmac... after our final mission."
Kei actually kissed me... "I was hoping you've said that..."
And so... that ends our time away from the battle...
LAUNCHING PROGRAM
TASK FORCE 118 "ARROWBLADES" BRIEFING/DATABASE SYSTEM
You all ready?
The UNN (United Nations Navy) has requested the United States to lend two of their old Nimitz-class Carriers to their Pacific Fleet. They are currently on route to Tokyo Bay to protect the area from hostiles.
However, USEAN forces are believed to be sending an enemy battlegroup to intercept them.
The Scinfaxi and Hrimfaxi submarines are believed to be a force of 20, the same ones who devastated the European Fleet.
They are spread out through out the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. We can't spend too much time going after just one submarine, or we'll risk losing more than our fleet. Ground teams, bases, even civilian cities have the risk of being attacked by their burst missiles. So, we are sending our entire Task Force to take them out.
Squadrons will be grouped together in elements of two, and patrol certain areas in search of these submarines. All planes capable of Anti-ship attack will be equipped with sonar buoys and specialized weaponry.
The missiles launched from the subs can take out any aircraft and vessel under 5,000 feet. If you can't climb high enough, fly clear of the danger zone. These are similar to Stonehenge's Anti-Asteroid Shells, but have a shorter detonation time. Be sure to react fast.
This is one of our most important missions yet. Make sure you all come back home in one piece.
Rendezvous over our base in San Diego for refueling and RTB. From there, you will commence your mission.
I'll see you all back home.
Dismissed!
Squadron Assignments:
Atlantic Ocean (North): Wizard Squadron (F-16XL), Silber Team (F-4E/F-16C)
Atlantic Ocean (South): Crow Team (F-16C), Espada Team (J35J/Rafale M)
Indian Ocean (East) (Former Martinez Security Squadrons): Antares Squadron (F-22A/F-14D/Su-37/Rafale M), Varcolac Squadron (MiG-1.44, A-10A, MiG-31, Su-37)
Indian Ocean (South): Schnee Squadron (F-14D/EA-6B), Sorcerer Squadron (F-15S/MTD)
Pacific Ocean : Bone Arrow Squadron (F-15E/Su-35/F-16F/QFA-44/F-16C), Ridgebacks Squadron (F-3 [ASF-X])
"Don't engage targets that your aircraft isn't suit for. You'll be putting yourself at a disadvantage." - Falco
"SP weapons can turn the tide of battle. Make full use of them in the mission." - Camilla
"Cooperation is important to a team victory. Work together, either taking out a target together, or defending each other." - Bronco
"Prioritize enemies marked as TGT. They are important targets that can't be ignored." - Fencer
"Protecting your 'rival' does nothing. There are no bonuses for doing so." - Slash
"Communicate with your team. It'll help you tackle crucial tasks." - Edge
"Outrunning a missile is nein ideal. They are design to go faster than you." - Lanner
"Enemies will go after 'Aces' more than 'Nuggets'. Don't think that they will just fear you." -Reaper
Preview of next chapter:
"All units, commence attack!"
"Now this is what I call a squadron!"
"Initiate firing at 3 o'clock!"
"Confirm sonar report."
"Look at that..."
"Now! FIRE!"
...
"Radar contact! Unknown aircraft launched!"
Chapter 8: Sub Hunt
Reaper
"No... stay with me!"