Chp. 9: Fall Break
October 22, 2049
Over Southeast Sotoa
"Talos 4-01 this is Krotos 2-01, we're at IP and preparing to make our run. Gonna call us off, now's the time."
Luukas took a second to key his mike as the Tejas overshot and put the Erusean squarely in his blindspot.
"Negative, Krotos, negative; commit to the attack." He replied, masking the tension best he could.
"...Roger Talos."
Luukas watched the Sotoan fighter bank left while he kept the throttles pinned. He looked in the opposite direction to see if Kirilo was still on course to his launch point, then looked up in hopes of seeing one of the CFAs on combat air patrol. He looked back in search of the Tejas one last time and saw it was coming around to get on his tail.
"Talos 4-02, that bandit is coming around to engage me. Can you break off to take a shot?" He asked.
"Where is he...okay I see him. Hang on, Lynx." Krill replied.
Luukas gritted his teeth and looked back again, then eased off on the gas. Instincts took command and he nosed up and began turning to meet the threat. The RWR began to grow considerably more worried as he left what little terrain he had to use and the defenses around the enemy staging area. All short-range stuff, he noted with comfort. The Tejas was detected coming at him from five o'clock high; Krill was at his four low and ascending. As soon as he was between the two, Luukas cut to the right towards a missile launcher.
"Krill, keep him off me and I'll keep the SAMs off you." He ordered.
"Gladly!" Krill replied, happier to take the enemy fighter than targets confined to terra firma.
Luukas adjusted his position so he was pointed towards the nearest threat. The CFA's central AI picked out two small radar sources and in turn fed them to the KRM-5s under the wings. One of his displays showed the first target spotted: a mock-up of a SAM launcher. Luukas pressed the launch button twice in response.
"Talos 4-01, Moles away!"
The KRMs dropped away and raced off while Luukas went for altitude and kept an eye out for the Tejas. He rolled inverted and looked down for more air defenses when he saw Krill had it dead to rights. Krill's original targets turned their attention to him; Luukas let his plane track them back, then deployed flares and chaff to keep them from getting first draw. He worked the rudders and stick, making the CFA dance its way through the sky like it was weightless. The AI chided him for the heavy maneuvers, but all he had to reply with was silence. Luukas ended practically on top of the targets, but they still couldn't pin him down long enough to "fire". He launched a second pair of missiles and pulled away from the target as he picked up a second Tejas that'd slipped away from the escort flight.
"Krotos 2 has split into pairs; thirty seconds to weapons release."
"Thirty seconds, roger!"
Luukas spotted the second Tejas a few hundred meters below and switched to his AP-11s. The Tejas turned away to make a grab for the F-02S Strike Wyverns. Not this time, Luukas thought. He banked right and caught the Sotoan fighter at the end of its move. He forced it to pay attention to him and drew it towards Krill's current position. The first Tejas beat a hasty retreat while Krotos 2-01 and 2-02 entered the immediate area.
"Krotos 2-01, bombs away."
"Krotos 2-02, bombs away."
Each aircraft dropped a quad of KJB-500s and broke for the protection of the CFAs. The Tejas made a last-ditch effort to get a shot at the Wyverns, but in doing so exposed itself to the Nosferatus. Krill made sure the "dead" Tejas was on its way home while Luukas jumped on the second one. He kept up his turn, selecting his cannon, and slowed to put the gunsight squarely on the back of the Sotoan fighter. He held it while he transmitted to the exercise's "referee".
"Talos 4-01, gun kill on enemy aircraft over Range 32-B."
"Kill confirmed, Talos." The range officer replied.
Luukas snapped in the opposite direction and cleared his wingman's tail. Krill did the same before the two ascended and took up a trailing position behind the strike aircraft. The second half of both flights met them under the cover of two more Wyverns who'd been tasked with SEAD and collapsed backwards while the escorting CFAs kept tangling with the Sotoans. As soon as they were out of immediate danger, Luukas lifted up his visor and checked his aircraft for any signs he'd over-G'd the machine. His gaze ran into Krill's; Luukas held up a victory sign to his wingman. Krill raised a fist triumphantly in response. That was as far as it went, though. The Sotoans' performance had been lacking...again. Luukas had a few complaints he'd made in the past to make again to the 110th's SoAF liaison. He wondered how many times the block-headed Major would have to get lectured before something clicked. He envisioned a healthy trip to the officers' club bar when the work day was done. Maybe he'd even take up Seppo's offer to make the hour drive to Pannakesh to go fishing.
Rovennti's landing pattern seemed to reflect his state of mind. As the strike force gathered to land, another flight of An-124s was touching down. Luukas watched one of the big cargo planes practically float onto the runway. When he was finally back on the ground and turning over his CFA-44 to the ground crew, eight of the machines were sitting on the tarmac reserved for jets their size. Columns of soldiers, wearing the mud-brown berets of paratroopers, descended from the ramps and formed up in neat little boxes nearby. Krill joined him in watching the matter for a second while they waited for the other two members of their flight to fall in. Faye and Yak joined them in watching the spectacle as they all marched along to the 87th's headquarters.
Inside, it was the total opposite. Luukas sent his flight off to get out of their gear and to the debriefing while he went by Major Heinonen's office. The squadron Adjutant was sitting at his desk, apparently busy with something. When he saw the Captain in full gear and cocked a brow, even as he returned the man's salute.
"Good afternoon, Captain Miemi...what can I do for you? Or maybe I should ask what's so urgent you drop by in your flight vest."
"I came by to request that Squadron Leader Vijayrania be with us for the debriefing or meet with me and you as soon as possible. The Sotoan pilots were, once again, practically suicidal."
"Again? I thought we'd fixed this matter."
"Maybe the streak of success got to them, but now I cannot say for sure. This could very well be a fluke, but I don't want to give it time to grow."
"More than understandable. If not at this debriefing, I'll call the two of you to my office. Would you need time to prepare anything?"
"We'd be going over points I've gone over before."
The Major sighed and nodded, accepting the fact that they'd be raking their allies over the coals once more. Luukas glanced out a nearby window at a pair of Condors, then looked back at the Major.
"Some kind of strategic exercise. Seeing how fast they can get a paratroop division in-country." Heinonen answered. Luukas caught a clue in his tone; don't ask too many questions.
"I see. Well, it's none of my concern either way. I shall have that study you requested completed in the coming days."
"Good, good. Excellent job, Captain; once again you've displayed exceptional skill and professionalism in your duties."
"I appreciate the kind words, sir. I will be in contact regarding the Squadron Leader."
Luukas rendered a salute and left, glancing towards the window once more. He kept his mouth shut as he left and stayed well within his own thoughts. He just hoped the racket calmed by nightfall...
Jed snapped to attention with the rest of the sailors manning the rails as the carrier passed into the harbor of the city of Al-Faziz. The capital of the Sultanate of Isara loomed over the desert coast triumphantly, filled with ultramodern buildings that gleamed in the midday light. Jed carefully squinted as his service cap's visor failed to block any of the reflections. Suddenly it was summer again, after weeks sailing through the blustery Eusian Ocean. The heat beat down on his head through his summer whites and made him feel like he was cooking a bit. It wasn't even the humid kind like it was back at his home station, but the dry, parching kind of temperature. His eyes tilted to the left just long enough to glance at Annie. Miss Ice Queen was as cool as ever, even with the change in climate.
"OFS Icarus…arriving! Carrier Air Wing Eight…arriving!"
Under the direction of the harbormaster, the massive ship was directed to the eastern area of the hub, two of her destroyers in her wake. The rest of the fleet, unfortunately, wouldn't be free this time. Jed was lucky as a pilot with the air wing; they almost always got liberty when the ship rolled into port. Jed really needed this break; it was one of his less-favorite times of year. One where old flames and humiliating mistakes reared their ugly heads. Normally he'd already be among his fellow Daredevils, talking to them about the impending plans to establish their domain for partying in the Al-Faziz Hilton and get to business. Instead he remained near his position on the "rails" as the others dispersed.
"Ever been to Al-Faziz before, Tsun-Tsun?" He asked, seeking distraction from his internal moping.
"A few times. My brother Sanjay lives here with his girlfriend, but before that it was trips with my family. He should be waiting just outside the base gates." She replied.
"Sounds like fun."
She could detect the answer was somewhat forced, and looked at him. His attitude hadn't gone unnoticed by her, though she was hesitant to say anything. Half of it was based on what Yuki said, the other half was because she wasn't sure. Not enough to risk opening up too fast, anyways.
"Do you plan on staying with the squadron the next few days?" She asked awkwardly.
"For the most part, yeah. Might do what yer doin and go have some alone time. Don't be a stranger though, okay?"
"Don't worry about me, Bronco. You behave yourself around any pretty girls you find, got me?" She said with a hint of humor.
He nodded quietly, and Annie nodded her head back towards the others and told him to go join them. He turned around without second thought and stood behind the shorter pilots as they excitedly talked about their upcoming freedom. She watched him go, and let herself think He looks good in his Summer Whites once she saw him grow the faintest hint of a smile. She'd already seen what was under them...but well-dressed men were her ultimate weakness. Satisfied with her small indulgence, she walked off to retrieve her things while Jed joined the others. He hung around the outer part of the gaggle, letting Bounce and Brick lead the "VF-34 Party Committee" in its conspiring.
"Whose turn is it to make sure the coolers are secured, again? Did it cycle back to JT? Or did Noi draw the short straw on it this time?" The former spoke up. Lieutenant Becky Hunter (Noi) raised her hand.
"I got it, Brick."
"Showtime, you have the music deck, right sir?"
"I do...tried to encourage Tsun-Tsun to take that responsibility but alas."
"Where is she, anyways? Bronco?"
"She has family in town, so she's gonna visit with them."
"Alright, I get it...but she's required to take part in at least one squadron-wide activity. Like when we go see Basaba Fortress."
Most of the group looked to Commander Miles, who nodded wordlessly. The group retreated back into the bowels of the ship, splitting up to gather their things and change from their dress whites to more casual clothes. In his stateroom, Jed exchanged his whites for some shorts and a red t-shirt with the logo of the Doobie Brothers on it.
"See you ashore, Bronco." Brick said, slapping him on the shoulder.
"Yeah, see y'all there." He replied, raising a hand as he tossed some extra shirts into his duffle.
Jed's thoughts remained very mixed as he made sure he had all he'd need for the next five days of relaxation. Five days in a big city...he wanted to call Felicia as soon as he got ashore. Despite what she'd said, he didn't feel like just running off and looking for some dead-end romance. He almost wished that maybe Hideki, his sister Nina, Kayla and some of the rest of the childhood gang were ashore. Besides his fellow flyers, there was one person he could think of here: an Ustian advertising executive named Ada Vos. Did he still have her number? Jed shook his head to try and rid his mind of contacting her. No no, he thought, Ah need to make an effort this time. Then again, what serious effort could he start in a few days? Maybe he could fix things with Felicia.
"Yeah, right." He sighed.
Jed lugged the bag from his bunk and turned off the lights as he left. He decided to take a short cut and headed up some stairs to the hangar deck, where the landing would be placed to bridge the ship and pier. The young man looked at the jets sitting about the space and felt the less pleasant thoughts fade a bit. In fact, his jet was one of the ones sitting nearby. Jed walked to Skull 210 and rested his hand on her nose.
"Okay everyone, single file! The ramp'll be up in a minute!" A voice boomed from somewhere in the crowd as he turned away from the jet.
Jed chuckled; could you blame the gaggle? They were eager to grace the city with their refined presence. He spotted Annie standing alone, watching the crowd as it was getting ready to filter out. Remembering what she'd said and Showtime's request, he approached her. The pilot stopped mid-stride and lowered his head. Maybe he shouldn't; He didn't want to sour what had been a steadily improving...friendship? As his eyes rose, he accidentally lingered too long on her legs. He clenched his teeth a bit, fought back the urge to blush, and then approached her with the best composure he could drum up in a few steps.
"Hey Tsun-Tsun…" He said carefully. She turned towards him.
"Oh Bronco, hello again." She said, nodding politely. She quietly noted he looked a bit guilty. What'd he do this time? she thought wearily.
"…Uhm listen…Ah hope y'all don't spend too much time on yer own. Trust me feeling left out from anything isn't fun, no matter how badly y'all insist y'all want it."
The Sotoan was taken aback by the statement. She tightened her grip on her suitcase and looked down. That was actually really very sweet of him to say.
"Thank you for your concern, Bronco…"
"Please tell me yer at least gonna come tour Basaba with the squad."
"Are you, Bronco?"
"Of course; it's kind of an unwritten rule."
"…Then I'll come too."
Jed smiled widely and reached out to pat her on the shoulder. She let him do so and mirrored his grin.
"That's the spirit! See y'all day after tomorrow, then." He said.
The two fell in with the flow of people being allowed off the ship and onto the pier on Naval Support Facility Al-Faziz. Most every officer's destination was a bus that would take them off the base and to the familiar landscape of the Al-Faziz Hilton. They were getting packed almost as fast as they came back. It made it all the more obvious that Annie was going off on her own, but no one stopped her. She didn't care if anyone so much as raised an eyebrow at the matter. She spotted a silver Aston Martin parked across the street. It was driven by a man with short, curly hair who was dressed like he should be on an ad for rum. She made her way over to Sanjay Chopra with a smile. He tilted his head back and smiled.
"Well 'ello there, Annie." He said in an accent like hers.
"Hello Sanjay. Behaving yourself?" She replied as she opened the passenger door to his car.
Once her bag was in the backseat, he lowered his sunglasses and smiled as he tore off down the road. Her breath hitched, then as she calmed down she shot him a look.
"Much as I need to. Have a nice trip so far?" He answered cheekily. She rolled her eyes and pushed some of her hair back
"So far, much longer and was afraid I was gonna lose my accent and penchant for being a proper officer in Her Majesty's Royal Navy."
"Ha! Gonna start using terms like "y'all" and that?"
"Considering my wingman's vernacular, yes. Please tell me you have tea at your place."
"Now what kinda Soaty or Len would I be if I didn't? Besides, Saira loves the stuff just as much as you do."
Meanwhile, when he could get onto one of the buses, Jed settled into a seat towards the rear and slipped back into his thoughts. He pulled out his phone and went to the messenger application. Nothing new, but he did see his friends Hideki and Nina Bradford were online. He sent them both a message in the groupchat they had, telling them he was in Al-Faziz for some downtime. Hideki was quick to reply as the bus started off.
Hideki (HadoukenStyle): You down for a few rounds of Macross Wings when you get settled in? Midterms are done and I need to let my brain recuperate. _
Jed (WarPup24): If I can find the time, Deck. I think I brought my controller ashore, but I'll get back to you on that.
Hideki (HadoukenStyle): Fair.
A second later, Hideki sent him a direct message. The male half of the Bradford siblings was studying to be a psychologist, and being Jed's closest friend he had a certain interest in Jed's well-being. Jed let it sit for a minute while his ride left the gate of the base. Al-Faziz looked about the same as when they'd been approaching, and anyone on the bus that he knew was closer to the front. He quietly opened the DM.
Hideki (HadoukenStyle): How's this time of year treating you?
Jed sighed and gave a simple "the same" before he felt a bit humiliated. Feeling like this every year to the point that others could tell it? He glanced out the window as they left the base and decided that no, he wasn't going to dwell on it like that. He was going to have fun, party, and see what romance he could find. In fact he was gonna be confident; there was a beautiful woman waiting someplace in Al-Faziz, and he'd find her soon enough. Felicia didn't want things to try and progress seriously, fine. That door was closed, he understood. Maybe that part of his life needed time, so for now he got to be a stranger in town. His destination appeared down the street as the bus took a left. It passed the hotel and hooked a left into its driveway, stopping next to the valet awning.
Jed entered the lobby of the Hilton feeling like he was visiting an old home. The Osean Navy had some kind of love affair with the hotel chain, or Holiday Inn if you got the "short end" of the stick. Three automatic glass doors led to a large lobby that contained both a bank and a restaurant with a bar. Most of those present who weren't obviously military types seemed to be businesspeople or airline types. There were advertisements on pillars and walls all over; when Jed looked at one close to him, the model's face changed to resemble the Osean's. Jed appraised it a second then decided they could've done a better job. Especially for a stupid colonge ad. He joined the line of people getting keycards for their rooms. His eyes fell on a row of video phones near the elevators, but he shooed that thought off once more. The architecture of the hotel did plenty to keep him distracted, as did getting up to his lodging. He hoped he wouldn't have to crash on a futon.
The hotel staff already seemed a wee bit stressed about the influx of guests. So much so that the man who checked him in seemed very focused on reminding him of the legalese while giving his signatures. He could at least understand, though, as he entered the elevator. Jed heard the music pretty far in advance; the entire fifth floor seemed to belong to CVW-8 as he saw handmade signs denoting squadrons on doors. Out of the elevator he'd even noticed a sign pointing to places for any official air wing business. About a dozen different styles of music clashed throughout the trip. He finally reached what was VF-34's "headquarters" of sorts. A knock on the door revealed Yuki; she'd already shed her flightsuit and jumped for a tanktop with the Oured Bay Athletic Club logo on it and jeans.
"Yo Bronco, welcome to the place. Still a work in progress." She said, patting him on the shoulder as he entered.
Jed looked around at the large suite. So far all they had were the two coolers and the music deck on the far desk blasting away, tended to by Noi. Right now the mix was strictly dance stuff, songs outside Jed's tastes.
"We at least got soda?" He asked, nodding towards one of the containers. Brick walked in from the other half of the suite, wearing a gaudy button-up and hauling a case of Budweiser.
"We do until this crap gets cold." He answered.
"The hell y'all get that from?"
"Duty-free shop downstairs; many thanks to the Hilton chain."
Jed caught a can of Pepsi the man tossed to him and downed most of the can in a single swig. He walked to the window and looked down into the pool area. He stood there silently for a minute, then a proverbial lightbulb appeared over his head.
"Ah'm gonna go for a swim...Ah got time to go swimming, right?" He announced as he turned around.
"Yeah, you got time." Yuki assured as she glanced at a nearby clock.
"Cool, then y'all know where to find me."
Jed went a few doors down to the room he'd share with some of the other junior officers and tossed his duffel bag on one of the beds to claim it. He chugged the rest of his soda and once again traded what he was wearing for something else. This time a pair of midnight blue swim trunks with a white stripe down the side. Sunscreen on, aviators over his eyes and towel on his shoulder, he set off to have some fun. He took the elevator back down to the first floor and exited through the hotel dining area onto the patio. The light-grey concrete felt warm against his feet, and the sea breeze was clear in the air. This time it mixed with palm trees and mixed drinks instead of the tang of JP5.
Jed set aside his items on a folding chair and eagerly descended from the poolside into the crystal-clear water. Speakers at the bottom of the pool played classical violin music while he floated towards the deep end. He looked skywards as he broke the surface, then lowered his gaze. There were plenty of girls around, but his eyes fell on one at the far end of the pool. A tall, mature beauty with red hair and triangular glasses was lounging in a black one piece. He noted that she tensed when a pair of guys walked by, but neither gave her the time of day. Her scowl made him wonder if she wanted to be noticed. He did; she was beautiful! Well, he figured, only one way to find out. Besides, even a conversation with someone who didn't know about his baggage might be refreshing.
Jed casually swam in her direction, just close enough that he'd be in her line of sight. When she looked his way, he smiled and winked. Her lips formed into a somewhat bemused grin, and she watched him bounce off the nearby wall and swim past again. When their eyes met a second time, she winked back at him. He did a few more laps, letting her size him up, but she made the first move. When he reached the deep end again, she was sitting on the edge of the pool with a coy, confident smile. Jed lifted himself up next to her and smiled.
"Afternoon." He drawled.
"I couldn't help you looking my way." She replied in a distinctly Osean accent.
"Ah couldn't help noticing a very breathtaking lady not being given the attention she deserves."
"Well how kind of you to look my way, then~"
Jed could sense he was exactly what she was looking for. Sometimes it was REALLY nice being the stranger in town.