-Dark Blue-
November 1st, 2019
Gunther Bay, Usea, International Space Elevator "Lighthouse"
Long Range strategic Strike group (LRSSG)
Name: [N/A]
Age: 24
Call sign: Strider-1
Tac Name: "Trigger"
I passed the last Elevator cabin and saw that there indeed, like Avril said, was no sealing. I shot out and seconds later my Radio came to life again.
"Look! It's Trigger! Strider-1 has returned to Radar"
After the announcement from Long Caster, cheers erupted from the other remaining Pilots.
"Haha! He did it!"
"That's our Trigger"
"He's a damn Hero!"
Then i heard Húxiān's worried voice through the Radio.
"Where's Strider-2?", after no one replied she came again.
"Damn it. Does anybody have eyes on Count?"
After a long and dramatic pause Count finally chimed in. "I wish y'all could have seen that".
Húxiān laughed in relief. "You damn Fool. What's your position?"
"Watching Trigger climb. I guess it's my fate to watch from down below"
"Yeah. Well, we're all in the same boat there"
The Strider's F-15C Fighters screamed passed the Elevator in formation as they climed up to me. I did some aerial maneuvers in cheer and leveled my F-22A, catching up with the rest of Strider Squadron. The other Squadrons from Erusia and Osea joined us as we made our way homewards.
The fighting on the ground for the Space elevator has long subdued and Osean Forces along side Erusin conservative Forces cleared up any remaining Radical forces. I looked over to the fallen Arsenal Bird one last time before smiling and engaging my Radio. "Alright everybody, next stop Tyler Island. Beer's on me tonight".
While Clean up operations where going, Osean Ground forces found Princess Rosa, alive. No one knew how she survived but it wasn't given any further notice as she was transferred to Tyler Island base along side all the refugees.
"Striders, Salamander and Erusian fighters, this is ATC. standby for clearance"
A unified, "Wilco", came from us all.
During the fight against the two ADF-11F drones with Mihaly's flight data, we lost many pilots from both Osean and Erusian squadrons. The ones that survived partially sustained heavy damages to their planes. One of the Erusians even had to eject because his Plane died on him. So i urged the ATC operator to let all the others land first since my plane was the least damaged out of all.
"Trigger, Strider-4 landed successfully. Now it's your turn"
"Wilco, guide me in"
I took a deep breath as i began the landing preparations. before I set course towards the runway i pulled a Picture from my pocket. "Hopefully you help me through this too, princess". I gave the picture a gentle kiss and tugged it back into the pocked, then I went for the Runway. "Trigger bank right". Said ATC and I obliged. Suddenly engine 1 stalled out.
"Shit!" I muttered under my breath as i tried to restart it.
"What's happening Trigger, talk to me"
"Engine 1 just cut out. I'm trying to restart it". I tried over and over again but it was in vain.
"Shutting off Engine. I'm landing with one". I informed the ATC. "Copy that Trigger. Keep current approach". Came the swift reply from the ATC. I tried to extend my flaps but instead of the familiar mechanical noise i was greeted by a warning. Hydraulic loss.
"Tower, i'm losing hydraulic, unable to use Flaps.". I informed again. "What's the status on the landing gear?". I checked the display i front of me. It showed the main gear has fully extended, but the nose gear hasn't. The main gear is heavier so Gravity helped to extend it properly. This can not be said for the nose gear. "All green". I lied. "Trigger if there's no other way then eject. Even if it's an F-22, it's not worth your life".
I snorted. From the tone in his voice I noticed that he didn't really believe my last statement. "I'm not gonna lose this plane". I said in defiance.
I approached the Runway and the ATC operator began to count the distance.
"2000, 1500, 1000, 500, 200, and..."
I landed harshly, to my surprise the nose gear held it's self for a couple of seconds but collapsed under the weight of the Raptor.I hit my face against the display and shattered not only the display but also my helmet visor.
"Trigger, everything okay?" Came the worried voice of the ATC.
As i came back to my senses i pressed down on the breaks. "Barely. Breaks ain't working". I told him.
"Eject damnit!" He yelled and i obliged. I looked down at the black-yellow striped handle and pulled it hard. Normally, the canopy would blow off right now and i would have been shot into the air by the rocked boosters. The only problem was, nothing was happening.
"Trigger, eject already!"
"Ain't working damn it!", I desperately tried to do anything, i shut down my remaining engine and hit the breaks again. Like before, nothing happened. Then I realized, I was just a Passenger in my own fighter. The only thing slowing me down was the friction between the nose and the tarmac. I could smell how the metal melted from the sheer heat that came from the friction. From the corner of my eye I could see blue lights flashing in the distance, Fire fighters and first responders where alarmed.
I slid down the run way for a little bit longer. To my horror, a fire had started inside my plane and the Cockpit was slowly filling with smoke. I coughed hard as it got harder and harder to breathe.
"Get him out of there Now!". I heard muffled voices and banging against the canopy as the ground crew tried to get it open. With a crowbar, they managed to pry open the canopy and fresh air flooded the Cockpit. The smoke fled through the opening and i could breathe again. I was coughing violently as the ground crew cut open the harness and all the hoses and cables connecting me to the plane, then helped me out. Fire fighters covered the nose of the F-22 in foam, in an attempt to put out the fire inside the fighter.
The ground crew around me was tending to me as i stumbled forward with several men holding me back to prevent me from falling.
They helped me take off my helmet and only then i saw that my visor was completely shattered. My face was bloodied most likely from the glass shards flying into my face from the impact.
I heard some fire fighters yell as they fell back. I turned around and in the same moment, the flames had burned through the cockpit and into the fuel tanks of the fighter. Suddenly the F-22 exploded in a huge ball of fire.
As i came back to my senses, a smile formed on my face. All the people tending to me saw it and grew one themselves.
"The War is Over!", I shouted and cheers erupted. I was lifted into the air and carried away. All the way the ground crew chanted "Three Strikes!", or, "Trigger!". Pilots from both sides joined the crowd and chanted with them. I was let down again but the cheers didn't stop. Pilots, Ground crew, soldiers all shook my hand or gave me a clap to the shoulder. Some of them even said a, "Thank you", or a, "Good job".
-Aftermath-
January 21st, 2020
Tyler Island, IUN controlled Airbase
LRSSG
Name: [N/A]
Age: 24
Call sign: Strider-1
Tac name: Trigger
The IUN took control over Tyler Island. We still have a huge amount of refugees on here. The IUN plans on shipping them off to Refugee camps on Mainland Usea, but no one has done anything until now.
I was heading to the Lighthouse memorial that was hastily build for all the fallen soldiers. It will get build at the International space elevator but sat that time we neither had the time nor the resources. They all said i'm a hero... i ended the war... destroyed the drones and prevented them from sharing their flight data to the other manufacturing locations around Usea. The thought alone that a squadron of UAVs with mine and Mihaly's flight data terrorizing the skies gives me chills. All in all i don't really feel like a hero. Sure like i said we ended the war... but for what cost.
Brownie... i really liked her, and from what Clown told me, she did too although i think he only teased me.
Clown and Knocker... they where really good mentors and friends. Clown was more like the funny uncle everyone loved and Knocker was more like the strict father. I liked them both and yet after the harling incident, i saw the disappointment in their faces. I don't know what hurts me more, the look on their faces or the first couple of days in the 444 sqaudron.
Then all the 444 squadron members... they all grew into my heart. When you serve in the same prison as the same fighter pilots there will grow friendships.
Wiseman... he was a real help after we got out of the 444. He picked us up and gave us a reason. He gave me the trust to lead one of his squadrons at his side. He gave me my wings back...
"There he is", i chuckled as i walked up to Tabloids name on the memorial. "How's the sky up there old friend? I hope you keep it clear when i come after you. See you soon buddy". I shed a tear but quickly wiped it away when i heard someone approaching.
"Three strikes?" I heard a soft voice. I kept my hand on Tabloids name and slowly turned around, trying my best to hide the fact that i was crying but i failed miserably.
"Princess?", I was taken aback when I saw the blonde princess of Erusia approaching me. She held a arm length in front of me. "I'm sorry, for your loss", she said in a soft voice. "You are three strikes right?", she added quickly.
I wiped another tear and nodded, "Please, call me Trigger", i replied, "everyone does that. Only my enemies call me Three strikes", I added and saw her shocked expression for a second before she recomposed of herself. "I wanted to thank you. For everything you did for me. For us", she said, blushing madly.
I watched incredulously as the one and only Princess thanked me. "No need to thank me Princess. I did only my job". Princess Rosa rapidly closed the distance between us.
"Of course i have to thank you, sir Trigger. You saved Usea, if not the whole world from these Drones". I quaked an eyebrow when she said "sir". "Sir? Am i a knight now?", i asked jokingly, trying to lift the mood. It didn't really work how i hoped it would, because she slapped my hand. Lightly. "How can you joke in a situation like this?!", she scolded me. "I guess humor is my way of expressing myself in a situation like this". She held my hand up and pulled me even closer. I was about to pass out on that one. Sure i always had an eye for her. Especially since the 444. I always had a Picture of her with me. As she pulled me closer i began to panic a little. It was quite funny how i could pull a High G turn and make split second decisions on to how to lead Strider squadron simultaneously but i couldn't handle a pretty girl.
"Listen Princess", i began but got cut off by an soft kiss on the edge of my lip and cheek. Rosa pulled away with a flushed face and stared into mine. My face was blank, completely. Like my brain just shut off. Princess Rosa began to giggle at my lost face. When i composed my self i stared at her. "W... What was that for?", i asked and touched the spot she kissed me.
"So you know that I ment it", she answered simply. I made a split second decision and pulled her close to me and gave her a long kiss to the lips. Her lips where soft to the touch. She leaned in closer and put her arms around my neck while my hands held her waist. Time seemed to stop as the kiss went on, we wished that this feeling would never end but in the end she broke away to breathe. We still had our foreheads on another as we both panted heavily. My green eyes stared longingly into her Sky blue eyes for a minute.
Next Morning
I woke up in a bed. I had no idea where i was or how i ended up here. I tried to stand up but noticed that something was laying on my chest. I turned my head and to my horror I saw Princess Rosa sleeping soundly and using my chest as a pillow. My face paled and i slowly lifted up the cover. Again to my horror I was butt naked and the Princess was also butt naked. My eyes widened in Horror as realization hit me. "I'm gonna get Court Martialed again", i said, effectively waking up Rosa. She stirred in the bed and stretched with a yawn. "Good morning", she said with a lustful smile. "Good? No, no it isn't a good one", I exclaimed panicking. She put a comforting hand to my shoulder and spoke softly.
"Hey, hey, calm down. What are you talking about? What Court martial?", she asked concerned. "If you're curious, no i'm not underaged. I'm 20 and i did this kinda stuff before", she added with an slight edge to her tone.
"Can't you see it? Not even a month ago, i was flying attack runs on your ground forces and inflicted fear into your pilots. We were at war. And now i'm sleeping with you", i said exasperated as i pulled on my short black hair.
"Okay, but you can't deny that it was good", she said with that smirk from before. "Really, now?", I said and she just giggled. "I can tell my maids, if anyone asks that you where somewhere else at the time".
I sighed, this wasn't a great plan but it wasn't catastrophically bad either. "Fine... Was I at least a gentleman?", i asked looking into her eyes. She blushed and looked away. "I mean I can't say you hurt me. It was fun". I sighed again and decided to look around, the room we were in wasn't familiar to me. "Is this yours?".
"What?", she asked bewildered. I gestured around us, "the room". I saw the gears turning in her head as she caught on what i was saying. "Ohhh! Yes, yes", she said.
"Mind telling me how i ended up here?", I asked and she had to stifle a giggle. "You don't remember anything from yesterday?", Asked Rosa, barely stifling the laugh. I didn't look amused. She suddenly stopped laughing. "Oh you're serious", she said and then thought about the past day.
"Alright... so, after we kissed at the memorial, we went to the Italian to eat. Everyone looked surprised when i walked inside with you in tow", she deviated from the story giggling at the memory. "Princess. Please just the relevant part", I urged her. She stopped giggling and thought again.
"After the Italian, we went for a walk around Tyler Island, mainly through the refugee camps. After that... hmm. We came here and... yeah. The rest is history".
I buried my face in my palms and released a muffled scream. "Alright Trigger, call down. You won a war". From look of Princess Rosa's face i saw that she thought I was losing it. She put her hand again on my shoulder in an attempt to calm me.
"Trigger. Listen, if anybody asks, say you where drunk and I wanted this. I will say the same". I stared at her in disbelief. Before I could say anything else, my Radio came to life and I heard Long Caster's voice come from it.
"Trigger, this is Long Caster. How Copy?", i stood up and hastily put on some underwear then walked up to the radio. "Long Caster this is Trigger. Good copy send traffic".
"Trigger we need you back at the HQ. ASAP. And Take the Princess with you", i paled after the last sentence. I looked over to the Princess and she had the same face expression.
"Wilco, Long Caster", I replied with a shaky voice.
"Did he know?", asked Rosa hesitantly. "I hope not princess, because we'd be in a fuck ton of shit", I said and began putting on my clothes.
"Please, call me Cosette".
Tyler Island, IUN HQ
The HQ was in a state of complete chaos, tho it wasn't really unusual. Even in peace times the IUN made a huge deal out of every single little incident. Here it was no different.
At the main entrance there stood two armed guards. They where both Osean, judging by the Osean flag on their shoulders. They saluted me as i passed them. I headed through the base to the briefing room where i assumed everyone was waiting.
Cosette held my arm all the way and we got some looks. Many didn't like Erusia since they lost loved ones, friends and whatnot and them seeing the War hero of Osea and the Leader of the Enemy we fought tooth and nail to set an end to their expansionism.
"Good morning everyone", i said as i entered the Briefing room. I got nods of acknowledgment from the people inside. Normally in these briefings would only be the pilots, the base commander and the AWACS controller but today was something different. We had Navy officers, Army guys and even Erusians here.
"First things first, Princess Rosa Cosette D'Elise, you are ordered on behalf of the Osean Federation to attend the Peace talks and to sign your official Surrender and Peace accord. We have a C-1 on base which will fly you over to Oured, you will be escorted by Strider Squadron all the way there. Now to you Trigger, like i said you will be escorting Princess Rosa Cosette into Oured and then also attend there. I don't know what they want nor do i care. Clear?".
"Crystal", i said and Saluted him. "Strider Sqaudron, ready up. We'll leave at 12:00 local Time".
"Wilco".
"Roger".
"Understood", came the various replies from my Squad mates.
I was still shaken from the night before. I was truly scared on what would happen sith me if this comes out, and even more scared on what would happen to Cosette.
Hangar:
After i did my pre-flight check i climbed into the Cockpit of my New F-22A. Our mission was simple, escort the C-1 to Oured and land with them. What comes after gave me headaches. I was courtmartialed once and the whole court was against me. Today there are still people around which till hadn't forgiven me for the assasination of Harling, even tho i didn't do it. I guess the news never reached the whole Osean continent. Then again, they probably needed a scape goat because why try and explain a Military technology only a few people know about and even less understand. It was easier to just blame the FNG. It was a while when i was last home. I was born and Raised in Oured, or until i moved to collage and then enlisted in the OADF.
"Trigger, this is ATC. Your clear to taxi. The Princess' Transport is Rose-1", i chuckled at the irony.
"Rose? Why are you guys always so creative when it comes to call signs", i asked jokingly. The ground crew guided me out of the Hangar and to the taxiway, from there i'd head to the Runway.
"Strider-1 to Rose-1 how copy?".
"Good Copy strider-1, send traffic".
"Halfway through the journey we will link up to a KC-135 for Aerial refueling", I informed the Captain of the C-1.
"Copy that Strider-1".
"Oh yeah and last second change in plan. We'll land at Apito International AirPort. A armored convoy is waiting for the Princes there", I heard a groan come from the Captain. I understand him since i knew how annoying it was to hear these last second changes in plans just before you're about to take off or already in the air.
"Rose-1 you're cleared for take off. Strider Squadron, standby at the front"
"Wilco Tower", The C-1 Throttled forward as the two Pratt and Whitney JT8D Engines roared. Once in the air the Tower spoke up again.
"Strider squadron you're cleared for Take off. Altitude restrictions lifted. Link to AWACS Long Caster, good flight everybody".
"Wilco Tower". I pushed the throttle forward and the F-22 roared forward. The other Striders did the same and we took off in formation. In the air I engaged the Afterburner to catch up to Rose-1.
"Strider Squadron this is Long Caster. Skies are clear".