December 6th 2017 0900 Hours (9:00AM)
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Juan...this is it. It looks like this war will be over soon...over two years of my life gone but for the better I hope." Anthony said with a light smile.
"Yeah, man...all our efforts will worth the lives we saved..." Juan replied
"True that my man...." Anthony said
"Likewise my friend..." Juan replied with a smile
Anthony shook Juan's hand and walked to the hangar to inspect his newly arrived bird.
"Well here she is kiddo! Ain't she pretty?" James asked while leaning next to a brand-new F-22.
"Damn she sure is. What software block is she running?"
"A new one, called increment 5.0....apparently she is one out of twenty planes currently fitted with it. I guess Armistead wants to see how this new upgrade does in the heat of battle. Anyway let me leave you two alone so you can get to know each other." James said, speaking as if the F-22 was a sentient being.
Anthony walked around the plane caressing the nose and inspecting every nut and bolt.
"If we work together we can help end this war." Anthony said to the plane.
"I look forward to work along with you, Captain.", a female voice could be heard from the cockpit area.
"What the hell!", Anthony jumped back. "Who's this?!"
"I'm the digital intelligence of the F-22 Block Increment 5.0, serial number 33749586, airframe number 0375, designed to increase efficiency and survivability on the battlefield.", the voice said.
0930 (9:30AM)
-----------------------------------------------------
The pilots all gathered in the briefing room and took their seats to prepare for their operation within a few minutes General Celuchu walked up to the podium and began the briefing.
"Time is not on our side so I will do my best to keep this short. As you know, about a week ago, Nosey has uncovered the location of a Ruvanian bunker deep within Ruvanian territory. This bunker supposedly houses Oscar Diederich's closest associates within the Ruvanian armed forces. It's quite obvious that it'll be heavily defended from land and air. Because of this, the Boomslang will be equipped with stealth aircraft and escort the B-2 bombers carrying surface piercing ordinance. Nosey's recon operations state that there are heavy anti air defenses stationed in the region AND most importantly there appears to be a small airbase located within the mountain passes for launching alert fighters in the area. The types are rumored to be a mix of J-20's and T-50's not your typical run of the mill Flanker variants, hence the need for stealth aircraft to help level the playing field. Mr. Ebinger, care to add anything?" Celuchu said
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
"Considering the magnitude of this operation the enemy will be using absolutely everything they have to defend their final stronghold, including the Triton and those new super fighters. I advise that all pilots remain far more alert than usual for this sortie. Launch time is at 18:00 Hours." Nathan added.
The briefing had ended and the pilots cleared the room to have a meal and prepare for the operation. Anthony and Juan were the last ones to leave as Anthony was feeling a bit nervous.
"Juan...for some reason i'm a bit creeped out by that Raptor...I mean the plane spoke to me as if it were alive." Anthony said nervously
"Well, that's normal, the R-2E also spoke to me.", Juan said, cheerfully.
"I guess it'll take some getting used to...but instead of her serial number I think i'm going to give her a proper name...Eva comes to mind, named after my old car a 1970 Porsche 911 and of course my grandmother."
"I don't remember giving the R-2E a name, but...you got it." *chuckles*
"Anyway i'm starving! How's about we go have something to eat with the girls and some of the crew?"
"Count me in!", Juan added.
10:00 Hours (10:00AM)
-------------------------------------------------------
Juan and Anthony arrived in mess hall to meet with Kim and Izumi and got in line to get some chow.
"What's the menu today?" Juan asked
"Omelette with whatever you want in it or Esknarian Shawarma." the cook replied.
"I'll go with a Shawarma!", Juan smiled
"Make that two please!" Anthony chuckled.
The two pilots received their food and made their way to the table where Izumi and Kim were sitting but were soon stopped by an allied pilot.
"Look at this, The Boomslang's have festooned us with their presence! We are honored to be assisting you pilots in this mission and we owe you our lives for helping us take back our beautiful country." said a Sensoan pilot
"Not a problem, gentlemen!", Juan gave away a thumbs up
"The honor is all ours my friend." Anthony added.
Anthony and Juan continued to the table and were finally greeted by Kim and Izumi.
"Anthony!! Glad you and Juan finally made it...now we can have I guess a simple double date." Kim said teasingly.
"I'm glad too Kimmy...That briefing was a bit on the short side though, then again the mission is obvious." Anthony replied
"Izumi...I've been thinking...if I'm getting the bird I think I'll get...I want you to come with me as a RIO.", Juan said while eating.
"S-sure...", she blushed quite a bit.
Soon it was time to leave the mess hall and head out to the hangars . Anthony and Kim walked to further inspect their new aircraft, leaving Juan and Izumi alone to talk.
"Listen...I know your group is getting the new Prosperian jet, the Valhalla...Mr. Ebinger told me about it. Quite a nice bird, but...I'd like you to become my RIO...not just for this mission, but from now on..."
"Juan, I love you and I want to stay forever by your side, but I don't know if our superiors will approve this...", Izumi said, a bit sad.
"I'll talk to the General! Besides...I feel...more confident, having you flying along with me...not as my wingman, but as my co-pilot."
"Oh, dear...", she chuckled, a tear dropping from her face.
"Even though we've only known each other for such a short time, it's like we've met many many years ago..."
"I know.", he caressed her cheek and was about to kiss her when...
"Yo, Lieutenant! Your bird's here!", Elson interrupted the two as he arrived rushing.
"Dammit.", he whispered to her, she giggled a bit.
"Yo, Elson. Where is she?"
"In hangar 9! Follow me!" Juan and Izumi followed Elson to the hangar. When he opened the gates...
"Oh my God!"