-The War-

Falmart Calendar, 1291

Princess Piña Co Lada, Rose Order

En route to Sadera

Biting farewell to the Osean Marines in Itallica, Piña couldn't help but notice that that one Marine wasn't there, the leader of them. But she didn't give it another thought and just went on riding with her order back to the Capital.

"Your Highness", Bozes' Brother called from behind her. She spun her head and nodded, gesturing for him to speak up. "Uh... what are you going to tell your father about all of this?", he asked and gestured to Itallica, where a bunch of Marines just closed the Gates again.

Piña sighed and looked forward again, thinking of a fitting response, "That's a very good question", she took a deep breath and went through her Ideas she had prepared, "Probably that a extended War against them would be hopeless and would just bring nothing but bloodshed".

Brian Co Palesti did not look happy hearing the response his Princess just gave, so he decided to pry deeper into the matter.

"Do you have no hope for our troops? No fate in them that they could turn the tide of the war?".

Piña, not seeing Brian's expression just went along with her narrative, "Haven't you seen their soldiers and what they are capable of? One of their soldiers is equal to ten of ours. There is just no way for us to win this war".

Brain now was visibly fuming and had his hand on the handle of his sword. The other knights hung behind and thus did not hear the interaction between them.

"Do you have no shame", He asked, unsheathing his sword, "just betraying your country, your father like that!?".

The tone in Brian's voice, combined with the sound of his Sword being pulled out, made Piña Freeze. She was taken completely of guard by her best friend's little brother.

"Brian... look-", she began, but Brian had other plans.

"Shut up you cheap bitch! You have no right to talk to me anymore!", he growled, the anger in his voice dripping with every word said.

Piña desperately held her hands up in a defensive motion. Her only hope now was that Brian was either a bad swordsman or that the other riders catch up to them.

Piña's mind raced, searching for words that could defuse the situation. She glanced around, hoping to catch sight of the other knights. But Brian's rage was palpable, and he was advancing on her, sword in hand.

"Brian, listen to me," Piña said, her voice steady despite her fear. "I understand your anger, but we need to think rationally. This isn't betrayal; it's survival. Our people will suffer if we continue this war."

Brian's eyes burned with fury, but there was a flicker of hesitation. "And you think surrendering is the answer? Bowing down to those invaders?"

"It's not surrender," Piña countered, slowly backing her horse away from him. "It's a strategic retreat. We need time to understand their technology, their tactics. Rushing into battle blindly will only lead to more deaths."

"Strategic retreat?" Brian spat, his grip tightening on his sword. "It sounds like cowardice."

Piña took a deep breath. "I love our country just as much as you do, Brian. But charging into a battle we can't win isn't bravery; it's foolishness. We need to be smart about this. Find a way to fight back that doesn't lead to needless slaughter."

Brian's sword wavered, his resolve crumbling as doubt crept in. "And what about honor? Our legacy?"

"Honor isn't just about fighting, Brian," Piña said gently. "It's about protecting our people, ensuring their future. We can regroup, learn, and come back stronger. But we can't do that if we're all dead."

The other knights were drawing closer now, sensing the tension. Brian looked around, his anger slowly giving way to realization. He lowered his sword, though his expression remained conflicted.

"Promise me, Piña," he said quietly, "promise me that you won't let them walk all over us."

"I promise," Piña replied, relief washing over her. "We'll find a way to defend our land, our honor. But we need to be smart about it."

Brian nodded reluctantly, sheathing his sword. The other knights caught up, their concerned gazes shifting between Piña and Brian.

"Is everything alright, Your Highness?" Bozes asked, sensing the unease.

"Yes," Piña said, forcing a smile. "Just a difference of opinion. Let's get back to Sadera. We have much to discuss with the Emperor."

As they rode on, Piña couldn't help but feel a heavy weight settle on her shoulders. Convincing her father would be even more challenging than this confrontation, but she knew it was a battle she had to fight. For the sake of her people, she would do whatever it took to find a path to peace.

-Retaliation-

Falmart Calendar, 1291

Fort Harling, Airfield

McOnnie lead the pilots to a secluded place of the airfield. All in all there where six Pilots who volunteered for the new squadron. On the way McOnnie explained every risk of this new fighter program one more time before she ordered the massive Gates of an Hangar to be opened.

"Alright then. Now that you know everything, I guess it's time for you to know your new beloved". If McOnnie's grin was an indicator of what was to come then it had to be a pretty big deal.

As the hangar doors came to a creaking halt, the insides where revealed. The Pilots, including Trigger had their jaws hit the ground in astonishment. Seven brand new, high tech experimental aircraft. Trigger recognized a couple of them as he had flown some of them himself and even fought two of these in the last war.

The X-02 S Strike Wyvern on the left. Instead if the Erusian SOL squadron paint job it had the Osean Air-Superiority Gray. Next to it also a fighter known to Trigger, The F-15 S/MTD. The next Aircraft was one that even Trigger has never seen. It looked like a F-22 A raptor had unprotected sex with a F-14 Tomcat. It had the body of a Raptor, canopy of a raptor but the main difference between the normal raptor and this one was, it had variable-sweep wings and a tail hook hidden behind a hatch in between the two engine exhausts. There was no doubt that the OMDF wanted to adopt that Aircraft. After that new Raptor came a aircraft that Trigger easily remembered. It was the heavier and manned version of the ADF-01 Falken, the ADFX-01 Morgan. He had seen it after the Lighthouse War, in the Space-Elevator where that MQ-101 factory was located. Next to that one where three Planes Trigger also had seen in the Factory inside the elevator, it where the ASF-X Shinden II, the CFA-44 Nosferatu and the previous mentioned ADF-01 Falken.

McOnnie saw as the Pilots drooled over the various aircraft, one Pilot though, got her attention the most. A grin formed on her lips as she stepped in between the Pilots and the planes. "I see the Captain over here has already fallen in love with our newest addition ".

Trigger just nodded dumbly before shaking himself out of his stupor. "Uh... yeah. What's that... how should I say... Abomination called?".

McOnnie raised an eyebrow at the unusual word selection. "It's the XF/A-22 N Sea Raptor. The N stands for Navy, but I think you would have figured that by yourself. It's attempted to give the F-22 an overall upgrade and to spread it all over the Osean Air and Naval defense forces. Effectively replacing both the aging F-15 and F/A-18 Plattforms".

"Well... that's definitely... unexpected", Muttered Trigger, "But I do like it. Is it flyable?". The sparkling in his eyes reminded McOnnie of a Kid who saw their favorite toy and asked their parents to buy it.

"Yes it is. In fact, the doc already mentioned that you'd like this one". All the Pilots whipped their heads towards McOnnie in confusion.

"Oh right, you haven't seen him yet", she sighed and coughed into her fist, "Even though I'm not really fond of him, I have to do this... ", She sighed again and gestured behind the Pilots, "Ladies and gentlemen... uhh... Doctor Friedrich Shroeder. Belkan researcher before working for EASA and responsible for the building of the Drones that nearly threw the world into chaos", the distain in her voice made some Pilots flinch as the Doctor went passed them and stopped near McOnnie, a Armed Escort always tailing him. Instead of his usual white lab-coat he had a Gray overall and handcuffs attached to his wrists. The back of his overall stated his prisoner number.

"I thought this guy was rotting in a Osean Prison!", exclaimed the sole female Pilot in the new Squadron.

"Yeah, the hell is he doing here?", asked another, outraged at the fact that Shroeder was here with them.

"Listen Guys, he's technically still a prisoner", McOnnie began and gestured to the armed guards flanking Shroeder, "That's why they're putting two marines to have an eye on him at all times. Once this is Over, he'll be imprisoned again".

This seemed to calm the Pilots a little as they weren't protesting anymore.

"Good, now that this is settled, let's get you guys into the planes. Captain Nickolas 'Trigger' Preston, you'll be assigned to the XF/A-22 N Sea raptor". She announced and gave Trigger a key card. He seemed confused for a second before McOnnie spoke up again, "I'll explain these keycards later", she called to everyone before moving to the next Pilot.

"Lieutenant Herbert 'Jet' Longly, you'll be assigned to the F-15 S/MTD", She told him and also handed him a key card.

"Captain Erica 'Skid' Peterson, you'll fly the X-02 Strike Wyvern", McOnnie handed her too a key card.

"Captain Cole 'Cole' McArthur... anyways, you got the ADFX-01 Morgan". Handing him a key card, she moved on.

"Captain Kim 'Stiff' Anderson, you won the ASFX Shinden II. Here's your key card", McOnnie dropped the card into the Pilot's hands.

"And last but not least, Lieutenant James 'Crash' Govrani... that's a unusual one... anyways, you'll be flying the CFA-44". With that she went in front of the pilots again and held Govrani's key Card in the air.

"These here are your key cards. They're yours and yours only. There will be no sharing and no losing. These things give you the access to power up your planes. Without these, your fighters will be useless", the Pilots each took a weary look at the Card in their hand before McOnnie continued again.

"When you, later on, enter your aircraft you'll see next to the throttle stick a little scanner, hold the key Card on to it and wait for the signal. Once you received a positive signal, you need to hold the Key Card to the scanner until you've powered up all the vital systems. Are you following this far?". The Pilots nodded each, all understanding the instructions given to them.

Then before McOnnie could continue, a hand was raised. "And why do we have these Key Cards?", Erica, the female pilot asked.

Doctor Shroeder stepped forward, effectively cutting McOnnie off as she was about to explain. The armed guards flinched at the sudden movement but before they could react, Shroeder was already explaining. "There have been multiple intel leaks discovered. We believe that the Intel leaked is send directly to the forces of the Other Gate, that way they knew that the base Defense Grid wasn't online yet and carried out their attack".

"Well, that's all fine and good... but how do you know about that?", asked Lieutenant Longly, his voice laced with distain for the scientist.

"Forget that, the more important question here is", began Trigger as he made his way to the seven aircraft, "What the hell is this thing doing here?", he finally added as he placed a palm on the nose of the ADF-01 Falken. "This thing's a drone... and I think we all know what these little shits are capable off". Memories of the Lighthouse war flooded Trigger's mind, memories of his friends, his comrades getting shot down and killed by MQ-99s, MQ-101s and these things.

Schroeder adjusted his glasses as he took a step forward, his gaze fixed on Trigger, "The ADF-01 is here as part of the experimental program. We fitted it out with a new AI system that will assist us in getting your flight data. It will simultaneously fly sorties along your side and you as Pilots can give orders to it. For example, one of you can mark a target and the AI system will automatically attack it". Schroeder ended the sentence with a sly smirk. He seemed really proud of his creation.

Kim 'Stiff' stepped forward, a scowl edged on his face, "And what tells you that this thing won't turn on us? It's AI, not like it hasn't turned on us the last time we used. I don't think I have to remind you of all people what would have happened if he-", Kim jabbed a thumb in Trigger's direction", wouldn't have stopped them by the Space Elevator!".

Kim's words left a visible mark on Schroeder. The doctor nodded, in deep thought before speaking up, "You're absolutely right. But this time we have a failsafe in there. That plane behaves in a way we don't want, we will shut it down".

Now Erica 'Skid' joined in the conversation, "I am no rocket scientist or what ever science you two make there, ", she began and gestured to Schroeder and McOnnie, "but I have a general idea on how AI works. And from what i've seen, these things continued fighting even after we've shot all our satellites out of the sky".

"Okay hold on for a second", chimed in Trigger after breaking out of a deep thought, "Let's think that you're wrong and this little shitter is going rouge on us. Who's flight data are they based on?".

Schroeder lowered his head and sighed. He feared this question will come eventually and wasn't keen on sharing the information but Trigger's piercing gaze left no room for any bullshit. "Theyflyonyourdata", he mumbled.

Trigger raised an Eyebrow. Skid and Stiff joined in as they glared at Schroeder.

"Ah Gott Verdammt! They fly on your flight data!".

Trigger and the other Pilots stared at the scientist as if he'd grown a second head. They were both terrified and absolutely stunned by the fact that the Belkan had indeed, used Trigger's flight data in the UAVs.

"Please tell me you're kidding...", said Trigger finally after shaking himself from the stupor. His voice a menacing whisper.

Govrani then stepped forward, being the second one who shook himself out of the stupor. "So you're telling me, when these things go rouge... we have to fight him?!". The last couple of words came out more like a yell, than the whisper Trigger used.

The tension in the room was thick as Trigger and Govrani squared off with Dr. Schroeder, their anger palpable. The other pilots watched with a mix of unease and simmering resentment. It wasn't just the thought of having to face a drone that mimicked Trigger's every move.

Schroeder swallowed hard, trying to regain his composure as the two Marines placed themselves between him and the pilots. "This was necessary", he began, his voice shaky but resolute. "We needed the best possible data to program these UAVs. Trigger's combat record is unmatched, if anyone could give us the edge we need, it's him."

Trigger's fists clenched at his sides, but he held back from taking another step forward. "You've turned my skills into a weapon that could be used against us. Did you even consider the consequences?".

Schroeder raised his hands defensively. "Of course we did! But the situation is dire. The Other Gate forces are unlike anything we've faced before. We needed every advantage, and this was the most efficient way to ensure that our UAVs could match their aggression and tactics."

Jet, who had been silently fuming in the background, spoke up. "Efficient? You call this efficient? You've practically guaranteed that if these drones go rogue, they'll be the deadliest things in the sky. We've all seen what happens when you let machines run wild."

McOnnie, who had been listening quietly, finally intervened. "Enough. This isn't getting us anywhere. Right now, we need to focus on the mission. Dr. Schroeder, you've put us in a difficult position, but we don't have time to debate the ethics of it. What matters now is how we prevent these drones from turning on us."

Stiff, who had been watching with his usual stoic expression, nodded. "We need a contingency plan. Something that'll let us take these things down if they go rogue."

Schroeder hesitated, clearly not prepared for this line of questioning. "There are fail-safes in place—"

"Not good enough", interrupted Trigger. "We need something more reliable than 'fail-safes.' We need a way to override them, shut them down remotely if we have to."

McOnnie looked at Schroeder expectantly. "Is that possible?"

Schroeder rubbed his temples, the weight of the situation finally pressing down on him. "There is a remote kill-switch... but it's not easy to access. It was designed that way to prevent the enemy from exploiting it."

"Where is it?", Crash asked, his tone demanding.

Schroeder glanced around the room before finally admitting, "It's hard-coded into the command center's systems. Only high-ranking Officers have access to it".

Seeing how the situation grew tense with each passing second, McOnnie decided to step in. "Alright ladies and Gents, I think this is enough for today. Tomorrow, 06:00 in the Hangar. Dismissed".

The Pilots tensed up at McOnnie's voice.

Falmart Calendar, 1291

Fort Harling, OADF/ EASA HQ building, lounge

Aether Squadron

Sitting on a worn leather couch in the lounge of the Air Force HQ, Trigger tried to unwind, but the tension from the earlier confrontation with Dr. Schroeder still hung in the air. The dim lighting and muted tones of the room did little to ease the nerves of the pilots scattered around, each lost in their own thoughts. Trigger leaned back, staring at the ceiling, his mind replaying the conversation with the scientist over and over.

Jet was pacing near the window, occasionally glancing out at the hangar where their aircraft were stored, as if expecting the drones to suddenly come to life and attack. Crash sat at a small table, flipping through a magazine without really seeing it, while Stiff and Skid shared a quiet conversation in the corner, their voices too low to make out.

The tension was thick, each pilot knowing that their next mission could involve not just fighting the enemy but possibly fighting one of their own—well, something that used one of their own's abilities.

Trigger was just beginning to feel the first waves of exhaustion when the door to the lounge suddenly burst open. Everyone's heads snapped up in unison as a figure hurried inside. It was Rosa Cossette D'Elise, her face flushed and her expression a mix of determination and fear.

"Nickolas!", she called out, her voice carrying across the room, using his real name instead of his call sign. She was focused entirely on Trigger, oblivious to the rest of the room's occupants.

Trigger shot up from the couch, confusion and concern etched across his face. "Rosa? What are you doing here?"

Rosa hurried across the room, her eyes locked on Trigger's. "I had to tell you—", She paused for a moment, suddenly aware of the eyes of the other pilots on her. The room had gone deathly quiet. She hesitated, realizing this was not the private moment she had envisioned. Her gaze flicked nervously to the others, then back to Trigger.

Trigger stepped closer to her, his concern growing. "Rosa, what is it? What's wrong?".

She nervously looked around, obviously holding something in her hands but no one could Identify the object yet so Trigger pressed on. "Cossette?", he asked in a more sincere tone now.

Without a word she, revealed what she had in her hand, stretching a pinkish white plastic object forward for him to see. In the same moment Trigger's old squadron, Thunder Squadron came through the door, chatting away as if nothing was happening around them.

Chloe noticed the Stare Trigger was giving Cossette and raised an eyebrow as she stopped in her tracks. Making the others walk into her.

"What's going on here?", asked Chloe, her weight put on one side as she had her hand on her hip, glaring at Trigger.

"I... I... I'm gonna be a... a Dad?!"