Chapter 7 – Handful of Hope
Note: Some of the information I mention in this chapter I got from Wikipedia, but most of it is just my original ideas (As far as I know of). I really wanted to mention the US and Russia in this fan fiction because I want to do a sequel to this story, but first I have to see what you all think of this one. I hope you're able to understand it and I hope you like it.
October 4, 2010 1258hrs Sand Island AFB
We were on our way back to Sand Island and I couldn't help but remember why we were here. By that I don't mean my team being stationed at Sand Island, but everyone on the planet, Strangereal. I remember reading the history about how humanity first discovered this planet back in the 1960's. It was roughly the same size Earth but overall, the same in every way. The same orbital path as Earth, the same ecosystem and atmosphere, hell even the same number of moons. How this planet got the name of Strangereal kinda confused me, but I understood it for the most part.
I also remember reading about the reasons humanity even considered colonizing this planet. With tensions high between the US and the Soviet Union during the cold war, some of the world leaders didn't want to become caught in the middle of all of it, so they turned to one of the superpowers for help with the intentions of colonizing Strangereal soon after it was discovered. The only catch was that any new nation that was formed on the new world had to keep some kind of connection with the superpower that helped them settle on the planet.
I found it amazing how five years after discovering this planet, that the first settlements were already established. Osea was the product of US cooperation; Yuktobania was the result of the Soviet Union's cooperation, and finally Usea was the continent that was settled by a bunch of other countries from Earth who had pooled all their recourses to reach Strangereal.
What was even more amazing was how fast the colonies became flourishing cities and how quickly new countries developed and established governments here. When Osea and Yuktobania were finally able to reach stability in their own government, they both cut all ties to the countries that helped colonize the planet.
I was born in Hawaii and spent my life in the US until I was five. The only reason I was on Strangereal was because my mother was deployed here to help keep a military eye on the development of Osea and she decided to bring the rest of my family along. I was glad when Lieutenant Colonel Harkin was assigned to the same detail. On Osea, I went to school on a US military base and joined the US Marine Corp as an officer once I turned twenty two. When Osea cut all ties to the US, the US's military forces that were on Strangereal were stuck here with no way to get back to Earth, and as a result, we were taken in by the Osean Government. We were all still property of the US government, but just under different authority.
It was funny how the colonials of this planet first came here to escape the threat of being caught up in war, but after almost thirty years, war would find its way here. The Belkan war would be the first real war of Strangereal, and then the Usea conflict would begin nine years later. No one could've seen that predicted that a meteor shower would occur and devastate some countries.
I realized how ironic all of this was when we landed back at Sand Island. I parked my plane in front of a hanger and got out. There's nobody here, where are they? I took a good look at my left arm and noticed a pretty good sized piece of metal sticking out of my forearm just below the elbow. I leaned against my F-18, placed my fingers over the metal fragment, and looked away. This is gonna hurt! I tried to calm down and took a few deep breaths before I pulled it out. I was sweating a lot as yanked the metal piece out of my arm and I grunted in pain as I sank to the ground. There we still some small pieces in my arm but I wasn't as worried about them.
Kei got out of her F-18 and ran towards me when she noticed I was on the ground. She helped me out of the top half of my flight suit and bandaged my wound with her field kit. Chopper and Grimm ran over to me as well trying to help anyway they could.
"Where the hell are the ground crews?" said Chopper.
"Their probably trying to help the defense force mop up the remaining enemy forces," I said weakly.
"How bad do you think it is down here," asked Grimm.
We could still hear gunfire and explosions coming from every direction. The base was protected by reefs on the south and west sides, so it made sense for the invasion force to try and attack from the north.
"Chopper, where would you attack first if you tried to invade this island," I asked.
Chopper was silent for a little bit before he said anything. "Well, the two places I would try to attack first are the docks or the command center. If I took the docks, it would allow for allied ships to start bringing in reinforcements. Why do you ask?"
I didn't say anything right away. I swallowed some pain killers that came with our field kits, got on my feet, pulled out my pistol and chambered a round. "Because that's where I'm headed."
As I started to walk off, Kei, Chopper, and Grimm all started shouting and tried holding me back. I continued to walk towards the east side of the base as they tried to stop me. Chopper tried grabbing me and ended up on the ground when I flipped him over me.
"Antonio, what are you doing? You can't go and help fight the landing forces, you're hurt," said Kei.
"I don't need two arms to pull a trigger."
"That doesn't matter, you still can't go."
"Why not, this place is still under attack and the defense forces need all the help they can get," I said.
"But we're not soldier, we're pilots," said Kei.
"I'm not either of them!" I shouted as I turned towards her. "I'm a Marine. Even if you're not, we're all soldiers by trade. I don't like this war any more than you guys but we have to help our guys out. It's no different than when we're flying." I looked at all three of them and I could see that they were afraid of what might happen to me if I went towards the fight. "I can't bring peace between people who won't listen and I can't save everyone, but I have to try. I'm not just going to wait around here knowing that I could've helped save a life. I'm not asking you to join me; I'm just telling you why I'm going."
They all just stood there while I turned to continue towards the docks. I ran behind the hangers to stay out of the open. As I came upon the last hanger on the flight line I heard a noise from around the corner. I readied my pistol with my right hand and pulled out my KA-BAR with my left hand. It was hard to grip but I held it as tight as I could. My heart was pounding and my thoughts were racing, I had to be quick if it was an enemy. I was about to turn the corner when I heard footsteps behind me. I couldn't turn around in time and I heard a gun cock.
"Don't move, let me see your hands, nice and easy," said a voice.
I slowly put my knife down, unloaded pistol and set it on the ground and raised my hands. I could almost feel the guy pointing the gun at my head. How am I going to get out of this one?
"Now slowly turn around," said the voice.
I slowly turned around and saw a single Yuke soldier pointing his AK-74 inches away from my face. I looked around and didn't see any others so I assumed he got separated from everyone else. He was wearing a face mask and tinted eye protection, so I couldn't see his face. He was a sergeant and he sounded experienced which made me think that it was going to be a tough fight if I tried anything.
"Where are the others from your squad?" he asked.
I looked past him, even though there was nothing there, and tilted my head to the side like I was signaling someone to move.
The Yuke took the bait and looked behind him. I quickly grabbed his rifle and pushed it away from my head. He responded by head-butting me and pushing me back. I quickly went for his rifle again and ejected the magazine and cleared the chamber. We wrestled over the gun until he pulled his knife on me. I let go and jumped back to gain some room. We circled each other, waiting for one of us to make the first move. The Yuke lunged forward and tried to slice and stab at me but I dodged his attacks easily. He kept at it until I was able to dive away and pick up my knife.
"I've been trained for this by one of the best," said the Yuke. "You might as well stop and give up now kid."
"I'll stop when I'm dead" I said.
"Well, I better kill you quickly then," said the Yuke as he swung at me a few more times.
I was dodging and deflecting his attacks, waiting for him to give me an opening until I was finally able to catch his arm with my right hand. I elbowed him in the face with my left arm, which dazed him, allowing me to follow up by stabbing him in the leg. The Yuke staggered back, but remained on his feet. He took off his helmet, face mask, and eye protection. The look on his face was one of frustration and rage. He wanted me dead. I could only look back at him with a tired look in my eyes. I don't need to kill him.
The Yuke ran towards me with his knife and again I caught his arm. I broke his arm and followed up by punching him square in the jaw and Spartan kicking him back. He was alive and unconscious, but I could've easily killed him. I corrected his broken arm and tied him to one of the light post nearby. The only thing that stopped me from killing that Yuke was my mom's voice asking Lt. Colonel Harkin to promise that he wouldn't let become a monster.
I wanted to keep heading for the dock, but I felt like if I went on, then I would lose myself. I've already lost myself a number of times, and I always find my way back. No, you could never come back for good Antonio. I have to keep moving. I took the Yuke soldiers equipment and put it on. I was fully equipped to help fight the Yuke forces.
As I entered the docks, I had noticed the gunfire and explosions had died down. I still kept my guard up as I figured there would still be pockets of resistance on the base. I proceeded slowly with my rifle ready. My senses caught every bit of sound, smell, and movement around me. I was on edge and ready for anything.
I continued cautiously through the docks when I noticed a trail of blood that lead to one of the warehouses. I followed it with the hopes of finding someone still alive. I entered the warehouse and checked to make sure it was clear, and then I continued to follow the blood trail. I found a wounded Osean security guard at the end of it.
"How bad is it?" I asked as I put down my gun to try and help him.
"I can't feel anything on my right side, I've lost a lot of blood," he said, straining to talk.
I tried to provide basic medical attention to him while he told me what was going on. The guard told me that the Yukes offensive force was collapsing and that they were trying to regroup their remaining forces to retreat on the north side of the base. The Yuke offensive was over for the most part but there were still stragglers like the soldier I encountered.
I heard something move behind some creates that were stacked near the entrance of the warehouse. I didn't have time to grab my rifle before I heard a shot go off. I quickly dragged the wounded guard behind a trailer and left him there. I then pulled out my knife and snuck around the guy who shot at me. I couldn't tell who he was from behind so I had to assume he was hostile.
As soon as I was behind him, I ran up to him. He turned towards me and I grabbed his gun and I was about to sink my knife into the guy's neck when I noticed it was Captain Hamilton. He noticed it was me after he shot his gun, narrowly hitting me.
"Castillo, you're alive?" he asked.
"Why wouldn't I be?" I replied.
"The base was still under attack when I saw your planes land. I thought the Yuke would've gotten to you first."
We both relaxed and tended to the wounded guard. Hamilton radioed for some paramedics to meet us at our location and they soon arrived. I hitched a ride on the ambulance and it dropped me off at the hangers where my worried team was talking with Genette. I was still wearing the Yuke soldiers' equipment and was still carrying his rifle in my hand. I saw Genette raise his camera and take my picture as I walked towards them. They all looked happy to see me, except for Kei.
"Jeez Kid, you look like you went to hell and back," said Chopper. "What happened to you? You had us frigging worried."
I told them the whole story and they all listened. I didn't excaudate thing's like Chopper did and I really didn't care if my story really didn't sound all that exciting.
"Excuse me, Captain I was wondering if you could fill me in on the destruction of the Scinfaxi. The others already told me about it, but I was hoping I could get your side of the story," said Genette.
"Not right now. All I'll tell you for now is that the Scinfaxi wasn't supposed to be destroyed," I said and I walked away.
As the day went on, the fighting eventually came to a stop and repairs were already under way. I was in the shower room cleaning myself up from the days close encounters. I was leaning over one of the sinks with my shirt off, cleaning the wounds I receive from everything that happened today. All of a sudden, Kei stormed into the guys' shower room looking for me. I really don't need to be lectured right now. When she saw me, walked up and started yelling at me for having a death wish. I let her vent as I was still leaning over the sink.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" she yelled.
You have no idea. I turned off the water from the sink and looked at her, but I didn't answer. I knew she cares about me, but she doesn't know everything about me. I couldn't look her in the eye and give her a straight answer. "I'm sorry," I said softly. I didn't know what else to say to her. Kei slapped me and I could only stand there with my eyes fixed on the ground.
"That's not an answer," she said.
I turned and looked at my reflection in the mirror. My dark brown hair was greasy from all the sweating and my brown eyes seemed to have no life left in them. The more I looked at myself, the more I saw myself as a demon. I hated myself for being who I was. I was angry, but I couldn't let it show. I wanted to kill the next person I saw, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. If that was the case, why didn't I hesitate to destroy the Scinfaxi?
"I'm angry," I said softly.
"Angry about what?" asked Kei.
"I'm angry about everything. This war, the Yukes, the brass, but most of all I'm angry at myself. I killed all those people on the Scinfaxi and I have no remorse for any of it. I don't think I should be alive right now, but I am. I have to live with this for the rest of my life."
Kei could only stare at me in disbelief as I told her what was going through my mind. I took another look at myself in the mirror. I was disgusted at what I've done so far in this war. I wanted to blame someone, I wanted to blame that pilot who killed half of my family, but it wouldn't do me any good. I was responsible for my own actions and I knew it. I punched the mirror and it shattered.
"I know you care about me Kei; I just don't think anyone should. I'm not a decent person and it took this war to make me realize it," I said.
Kei walked up and stood right next to me. I felt her hand on my shoulder as she turned me towards her. "You're wrong. You're an amazing person, and I'm lucky to have met you. I might not know what drives you, but I know you have good reason for it," said Kei as she hugged me. As we held each other, I seemed to forget about everything else in the world and I didn't want this feeling to end.
"I'm here for you Antonio. You have to remember that," She whispered.
The moment was ruined when Colonel Perrault's voice rang over the PA system and told me to report to his office immediately. It seems like I'm becoming his least favorite person in the world. I let go of Kei and kissed her as I left the shower room and put my shirt back on.
On the way to Perrault's office, I noticed just how badly the base facilities were damaged. There were holes in roofs and in the walls that were caused by artillery shells and bullets. All the damage gave me insight on how far the Yukes made it inside the base. I entered the building where the Colonel's office was and noticed just how little the interior of this building was damaged. Outside there were tons of bullet casings from M-16's and M-4's, but none of them were inside. I kept wondering where Perrault was during the whole attack.
I entered the Colonel's office and presented myself. His entire office was untouched, the air smelled of scented oils which I noticed were new, and The Colonel's uniform had no signs of wear on it. This coward hid in here while everyone else fought.
"Castillo, you're making a habit of pissing me off. I've dealt with enough bullshit from Bartlett, but yours is ten times worse," said Colonel Perrault. He stood up from behind his desk and looked out his window. "I told you that if you stepped one foot out of line, that I would have your ass thrown out of the military. You must've thought that I was joking, didn't you?" He asked me.
"No sir," I replied.
"Then you mind telling me why you disobeyed my orders to leave the Scinfaxi for our boarding party to capture?"
"The ship would've been scuttled by the Yuke to prevent its capture by the time the boarding party would've arrived. So I beat them to the punch."
He looked at me like I was joking. His face was full of rage and I could tell he wanted to do something to really stick it to me, but at much as he didn't want to admit it, he needed me.
"And just how would you know that Captain? Do you have any evidence to support that?"
"No sir, but just because I can't prove that they wouldn't have scuttled the ship, doesn't mean that I have proof that they weren't going scuttle it, and if I were in command of that sub, I wouldn't have let it fall into the hands of my enemy, sir."
I could feel Colonel Perrault's rage increase as I told him my theory. He knew I was making sense. I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment knowing I was able to get under his skin.
October 6, 2010 1200hrs Sand Island AFB
Everyone on Sand Island was ordered to help with the repair effort around the base anyway we could. My team and I did everything from filling in the craters that were created by explosions, to helping with loading trucks up with debris. I was used to all this physical stuff but the sun was beating down on us pretty hard. I thought it was supposed to be cooler during this time of the year. Oh yeah, we're stationed in the tropics.
I hated the fact that the only uniform I was allowed to wear were my flight suits and working in the sun with it on was just miserable. I had already taken off the top half of my flight suit and tied it around my waist. Later on in the day I removed my undershirt because it was soaked in sweat. Chopper and Grimm soon followed my example and Kei took off het tank top so she could work in her sports bra.
As Kei was working, I could see that she staring at me from the corner of my eye as I was shoveling dirt into a hole. She probably didn't think I noticed. Yes Kei, I'm good looking, well-toned, tan Mexican. All I need is my Latino accent and I'd be every girls dream guy. At least I hope so.
"Damn this work blows, I'd rather be doing some boring ass patrol instead of this," complained Chopper.
"I just glad we got a break from flying," said Grimm. "What about you Captain?"
"I'd rather be flying as long as I don't run into any enemies, but I don't mind this either. How 'bout you Kei, this or a boring patrol?"
I turned and looked at Kei who turned her eyes away from me quickly, hoping I wouldn't notice her staring at me.
"Hmm… I guess I'd rather be doing this. Usually every time we go on a hop now, we always have to fight for our lives."
"I bet that's not the only reason," said Chopper as threw a large piece of scrap metal into the back of a truck.
Kei perked her head up at what Chopper said and glared at him.
"What's that supposed to mean?" she snapped.
"You know what I mean. You haven't taken your eyes off Castillo ever since he took his shirt off. No homo Kid, but you look great," said Chopper.
I saw Kei blushing and I cringed at Chopper's comment even if he did say 'no homo'. She was at loss for words, but then she tried to make an excuse as to why she was staring at me.
"I uh… I was just wondering how he got those two scars on his back," said Kei quickly.
I paused and tensed up. The three of them looked at me waiting to hear my answer. I couldn't tell them how I got my scars. The scar that ran from my lower left back to left shoulder blade was from when I was hit by shrapnel from the bomb that killed my dad, my older sister, and my little brother. The other one I had which ran diagonally over my right shoulder blade was a completely different story.
"Yeah Captain, how did you get them?" asked Grimm.
"I'd rather not talk about it," I said quietly.
They all stood around looking at me in wonderment while I continued working. I looked at each of them and told them to keep working and that they could still talk.
"Okay then, so anyone know of anything new from Scuttlebutt?" asked Chopper.
"I heard that Colonel Perrault spent the entire attack hiding under his desk," said Kei.
"I don't doubt that, but I know someone shit in his office during the attack," I told them.
They looked at me were wondering what I was talking about, so I filled them in about what I noticed when I went to see him in his office two days ago. I pointed out how he must've had some guards protecting the entrances to his office because of all the bullet casings I saw before I walked into the building, and how the only thing different in his office were the air fresheners that tried to mask the smell of crap. They all laughed at what I told them.
October 22, 2010 1616hrs Akerson Hill
The repairs to Sand Island took a week and a half before they were complete. We spent the following days performing CAP's, or Combat Air Patrols, all over the west coast and Sand Island. Most of the time it was more than once a day and they took place in areas that had little to no strategic advantage. The only reason we were patrolling them was because the brass thought these areas were infiltration points for small-scale enemy operations, which made sense because the Yukes hadn't conducted any real combat operations since the invasion of Sand Island failed. Still, I was happy that we were given a reason to fly.
This morning started just like it did for the past two weeks, wake up, work out, get on deck, and do whatever until further notice. The only exciting thing that happened today was when Kei and Chopper got promoted to 1st Lieutenant and Grimm got promoted to a Staff Sergeant. I honestly felt bad for Grimm because it would take a while for him to become a commissioned officer like the rest of us.
We got assigned to patrol Akerson Hill again. I didn't really see the need to do so because it was covered by automated AA defenses. All we had to do is place some ground forces around the area and the area would be pretty much on lock down. Regardless of what could've been done, we arrived on station and commenced our patrol.
"That stupid geezer base commander just won't give a break, will he?" moaned Chopper.
"He's relying on us 1st lieutenant Chopper. Hey, congratulations on your promotion, by the way," said Grimm, trying to be optimistic.
"That's weird; I don't feel any better…"
"Do you ever stop complaining Chopper?" I asked.
"I'm just really tired of these crap assignments," he replied.
"Hey you two, what's your current position?" asked Kei.
"Three hundred miles south of you"
There was a moment of silence before it was interrupted by an unfamiliar voice over the radio. I looked kept my head on a swivel, but the only other plane I saw was Kei's F-16.
"Transmitting aircraft, state you assignment and current status," hailed Kei over the radio.
I continued to search for the other air craft until I saw a C-5 towards my one o' clock.
"Oh finally a response… This is the Osean Air Force transport plane Mother Goose 1. We're currently flying to the neutral country of North Point… We have the transmitter set to minimum power. Please come in closer so we can hear."
Kei and I both increased our throttle and caught up with the Mother Goose 1. I got visual confirmation that it was Osean and flew up to the front of the plane. Mother Goose 1 filled us in on its situation and requested our assistance on its top secret mission. The C-5 wasn't transmitting a valid friendly ID signal and a friendly SAM knocked out the planes radar and they'd be flying blind if we didn't help them.
"Alright, Mother Goose 1, follow my F-18 and I'll lead you through the AA defenses. Edge, I need you to give me some space here. I don't want to crash into you on accident; my eyes are going to be glued on my radar the whole time, alright?" I said and they both got into position.
"… Uhh, the air defense command just received multiple radar hits on an enemy formation closing in on your position. First bad guys we've seen crossing the pond for a while. Warning alarms are goin' off like mad but we're the only ones near enough to intercept 'em in time. Hold on, baby, we're comin' to your rescue," said Chopper.
"Understood, I'm counting on you two," replied Kei.
As I was starting to enter the AA coverage zone, the radio started picking up the enemy's communication. I didn't have visual contact, but they sounded close by.
"These guys sound as beautiful as Thunderhead. Sweet as a rose, I tell ya," said Chopper.
We continued listening in on their communications and by the sound of things; they were coming after Mother Goose 1.
"Is that the enemy speaking? What are these guys talking about?" asked Kei.
"Don't worry about that, we need your escort. We're completely defenseless," said Mother Goose 1.
I ordered Kei to gain altitude so she could provide top cover in case the enemy made it through the AA defenses. I was using only my rudders to change directions as I guided Mother Goose 1 through the coverage area. I was so focused on my radar that I jumped every time Mother Goose 1's voice came over the radio. He kept talking and he was even more annoying than Chopper because he kept saying things that were so damn obvious. There were times that I wanted to fly through one of the small coverage areas so a missile would give him a real reason to talk, but I couldn't. Just stick a straw in it and suck it up Antonio.
As we came close to clearing the AA defenses, one of Mother Goose 1's warning alarms went off. The C-5 was still flying normally but it made me wonder how damaged was Mother Goose 1's plane was.
"Mother Goose 1, we should be clear of the AA defenses shortly," I said.
As we cleared the defense area, Mother Goose 1 broke off and turned towards its intended heading. He also asked for our continued escort but we didn't have the fuel to make it all the way to North Point. To make matters worse, I saw enemy planes on my radar and they outnumbered me and Kei. We didn't have enough ammo or ordinance to take on all of them by ourselves. I only had four air to air missiles and a set of rocket pods and Kei had the same number of air to air missiles and four maverick, air to ground missiles.
"Chopper, where are you guys," I asked.
"We're almost there Kid, just hold on."
"Mother Goose 1, we'll take care of them. Please keep your current vector," said Kei.
Mother Goose 1 tried to acknowledge but more alarms went off. He was losing power and one of his engines started to trail smoke. The C-5 was in serious trouble and we could only do so much. Calm down, focus on the enemy fighters first, and then try to help Mother Goose 1.
Kei and I met two enemy MiG-31s head on and they shot past us. We turned to intercept them, but they were too fast! They were going to shoot down the transport plane. I watched as they closed in on Mother Goose 1, but suddenly they both burst into flames. What the hell just happened? I spotted Chopper's F-16 and Grimm's F-18 in the distance. They intercepted the MiG-31s just in time.
"Hey Kid, were under your command now," said Chopper.
"Glad to see you made it in time," I said relieved. "Alright, Grimm you're with me, Kei go join Chopper and cover Mother Goose 1 just in case any enemy fighters slip through," I ordered.
Grim and I put our F-18s in full afterburner to intercept the next wave of fighters. This time they were MiG- 29s. As we came at each other from head on, Grimm followed me into a climb to gain altitude over the MiGs as they passed below us. I rolled over and pulled the stick back and performed a split S to get on the enemy's six o' clock and use the speed I gained in the dive, to catch up with them. Grimm had the first lock and shot down the trailing MiG.
The flight lead broke right and tried to shake us off of his tail. He tried losing me with a rolling scissors, but he stalled out and crashed without me even shooting at him. I didn't get credit for that kill but I really didn't care.
As Grimm and I continued to intercept the attacking enemies, I heard Mother Goose 1 tell someone to get back in their seat followed by gun shots.
"Hey, it's Dutch rolling," yelled Chopper.
"Mother Goose 1, come in? Mother Goose 1 do you copy," I yelled.
"Uh, this is transport plane… uh… Mother Goose 1, the Captain's been shot," said a voice.
"What?"
"There was a spy in the crew. Uh oh, two of the engines have shut down."
"Hey, what kind of cargo you got in there? Is it something dangerous?" asked Chopper, but there was no response. "Hey you there," yelled Chopper.
"The Captain's dead, and the co-pilot was wounded by a stray bullet. Tommy's holding the stick now, but he's just a secretary… He's never piloted a plane before," said the voice.
"So who are you?" asked Chopper.
"I… I guess you would call me… The cargo on this plane, could you tell me how to control this thing? I'll relay everything to him."
"Lower your altitude. Prepare for emergency landing," said Kei. "Put your flaps down. That'll lower your airspeed. Can you find your flap lever?"
I could hear them trying to find the flap lever as me and Grimm mopped up the remaining enemies. We could see more enemies on their way but they bugged out. We rejoined Kei and Chopper who were walking the passengers through landing procedures.
"The ground's full of electro generator windmills," said Chopper.
The passengers asked us to shoot them down to clear the way. Kei agreed and armed her Maverick missiles. Chopper wasn't too sure they'd survive the landing.
"Okay, let's do it. Are you still there, Ma'am? With the lovely voice, uh, miss…"
"1st lieutenant Kei Nagase… Sir,"
"Ah, and a lovely name as well," said the man.
"And I'm Chopper."
"Uh, that's a good name too."
"I like you, man," said Chopper.
I wonder if Chopper realizes who he's talking too. I saw multiple windmills in the C-5's path. I armed my rocket pods and launched five of them in rapid succession at the base of each windmill due to the fact that they weren't guided. We destroyed a total of thirteen windmills to clear a makeshift runway.
"You're doing great Tommy, those pilots ought to recruit you," said the man.
He's handling that plane pretty well and he has the education that'll allow him to become a pilot, he could be recruited. We all watched as the C-5 descended and finally touched down. It was still going and I couldn't help but wonder if they put the plane's wheels down. I was hard to watch because we all knew that anything could happen in a crash landing, but luck was on their side. The C-5 came to a gradual stop and rested in the middle of a field. Well done Tommy.
"Are you alright, Mr. Cargo?" asked Kei.
"Uh, yeah, I guess. That was a pretty smooth ride, actually."
I'm not sure if he's serious or if he's trying to be sarcastic.
"Mr. Cargo, I've got a question I'd like to ask you,"
"What is it?"
"The bird of peace… Did you really have to use that beautiful white bird for this war? Do you understand what I'm saying?"
"Yeah," said the man.
"I wanted to see you bridge of peace span into outer space," said Kei.
"It's still possible. Thanks to the bird, we're on equal terms now. I'm trying to get to North Point because I believe we have a chance,"
"To hold talks in neutral territory," asked Kei.
"Right, communication is vital,"
"So, I can still believe in you then? I don't want to see any more young men or women lose their lives."
"Me neither," said the man.
I was wondering if this guy could really put an end to this war before it got any worse. I wanted it to end before I had to kill anyone again. I didn't want history to see me or my team as monsters.
"Uh oh, I'm out of fuel," said Chopper.
I was getting low too, but I didn't want to leave the transport plane alone. Suddenly, I heard another voice over the radio.
"This is the Osean Air Force 8492nd squadron. We observed the emergency landing on our radar, can you see us? You can leave the rest to us, we'll provide support until the transport plane's crew is rescued."
"Rodger 8492nd, take care of them for us," said Kei and we headed for Sand Island.
I didn't know who these guys were, and they sure showed up at a convenient time. I didn't let it bother me too much as we headed back to base, but what did bother me was that I've been noticing that the Yukes always seem to know what the Osean military is up to. That spy in the crew of Mother Goose 1 just proved my point.