I let out a massive sigh of relief. None of my islands had been attacked following that disastrous naval battle. It felt like a one-sided slaughter but thank goodness for the anti-aircraft arrangements I’d painstakingly set up. They had played a crucial role in fending off the enemy aircraft, but it is clear that I needed more than just good AA defense. I needed actual aircraft to turn the tide in my favor.
So, the following days, I focused on scrapping by and bolstering my fleet budget. Improving my cargo shipping fleet and expanding to another island, which I named Port Dos.
With these promising developments, I found myself staring at a daily income of 700k credits. After cutting back on expenses and holding off on new Color Class Destroyers for shipping escorts, I managed to accumulate 10 million credits. It felt like a solid foundation, but the looming threat of the enemy and the urgent need for an aircraft carrier are persistent concerns.
Determined to address this need, I threw myself into the design process for an aircraft carrier. The design room became my sanctuary as I delved into World War II carrier battles, drawing from every piece of knowledge I could gather. My goal is clear: to create an effective floating platform for launching aircraft.
I opted for a hull weight of 12,000 tons with minimal armor. Even a 3-inch shell could penetrate this ship, but that isn't a concern. What mattered is having a platform that could efficiently launch aircraft rather than a heavily armored battleship. The carrier would have a top speed of 25 knots and be equipped with the most sophisticated radar systems, edge deck elevators and a single catapult I could afford. Additionally, I included an array of 40mm guns along the sides of the runway to provide anti-aircraft coverage.
After finalizing the design, I named it the Long Island Class Light Aircraft Carrier, drawing inspiration from the original Long Island carrier from WWII. The whole setup cost me 9.7 million credits, but it will worth every goddamn penny.
*
Next on the agenda is designing the aircraft to be carried by my new carrier. I headed to the aircraft design next room and got to work. I decided to name the aircraft the F-1 "Eagle." Because why not this will be my own Eagle Aircraft.
I outfitted the Eagle with a powerful V-12 supercharged engine capable of unleashing 1,800 horsepower. To ensure durability, I equipped it with armor plating, self-sealing fuel tanks, and the option for drop tanks. For armament, I mounted four 20mm guns in the forward section, making this aircraft shred anything it will face no matter how armored it may be.
Given its weight and armor, the Eagle's fate is to be a boom-and-zoom fighter quite fitting like an actual eagle. lastly I incorporated foldable wings to save space on the carrier’s deck. After an entire day of intense focus and tweaking that i have to eat lunch in the design room and gave it a silver finish similar to the P-51D Mustang of WW2 with this the F-1 "Eagle" is ready now ready for its trials.
The cost is about 60k credits per unit, and my budget allowed for only four of them. While this might seem like a small number, but these aircraft would serve as a trial test bed once the carrier is completed.
*
The following days are a whirlwind of excitement as the Long Island Class Light Aircraft Carrier is finally launched. There's a grand ceremony with champagne, and it feels like a huge milestone. As the ship rises from the dry dock, I can barely contain my enthusiasm. Soon, it's equipped with its fighter aircraft, and the Long Island is ready for her trials.
Standing on the flight deck, I take a deep breath of the crisp, chilly air. It’s perfect for aircraft trials. I sip the last bit of my orange juice, savoring the moment, and wipe my lips with a contented smile.
I strap on my control mask, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. I might not be an expert in commanding an aircraft carrier, but I’ve got some historical knowledge to back me up. I clear my throat and speak into the control mask, “Long Island, prepare all aircraft.”
To my surprise, the ship’s single elevator begins its descent. I watch, fascinated, as it lowers to the lower deck, picks up an aircraft, and brings it up to the flight deck. The plane fits perfectly and moves into position by itself, no pilot needed for this part. The elevator goes down again, and I move back to the bridge, noticing Long Island shifting slightly as it adjusts to the stronger breeze.
The process continues until all my aircraft are lined up, ready for launch. I’m practically bouncing with anticipation. “Long Island, launch all aircraft!” I command, but nothing happens. I scratch my head, trying to figure out what’s gone wrong.
After a moment of confusion, it hits me. I need to be more specific. “Long Island, launch all aircraft. Perform combat air patrols,” I say, hoping this will do the trick.
Immediately, the aircraft start their engines, the propellers spinning up with a satisfying whirr. One by one, they roll toward the flight deck catapult and are launched into the sky. The sight is incredible. Watching those sleek gray aircraft, reminiscent of the P-51D Mustang, soar into the air is nothing short of amazing.
The roar of the engines fills the air, a sound that’s music to my ears. I’m practically jumping with joy, like a kid on Christmas morning. This is what it’s all been leading up to, and seeing it all come together is beyond thrilling.
As I stand there, watching the aircraft climb higher into the sky, a thought crosses my mind. This is just the beginning. If the F-1 "Eagle" performs as well as I hope, it could change everything. The trials are going perfectly, and I can’t wait to see how these aircraft will handle themselves in real combat situations. The future looks bright, and for the first time in a while, I feel like I’m truly on the right path.
"Long Island, Land all Aircraft" i ordered and soon enough one by one the aircraft landed and turned towards their previous pre-launch position, i then ran to the aircraft, climbed up to the wings and hopped on the empty pilot seat, i equipped the gear inside and sat comfortably, i can see through the aircraft capony quite better than any ww2 aircraft i've boarded and i could even play around its wings in the joystick, however i don't really have knowledge when it comes to flying an aircraft but i have Long Island.
With a word, Long Island sent me up in the sky as she controlled my planes quite gracefully circling around her while she moves through the ocean, as my curiousity continued i got Long Island to move farther around and higher and reaching the high up in the clouds.
As the plane climbs higher, the vast expanse of the sky unfolds beneath me. The earth below seems to shrink away, replaced by a sea of clouds and the endless blue above. I’m enveloped in a tranquil, almost surreal silence, broken only by the soft hum of the engine and the occasional flutter of the fighter planes as they weave gracefully in formation around me.
I look around, taking in the view. The clouds are like a fluffy, white carpet stretching infinitely in every direction. The sunlight filters through them, casting a warm, golden glow that shines across the cockpit. It’s beautiful, almost dreamlike. For a moment, I forget about the weight of the battles and the constant struggle. All I feel is the sheer, exhilarating freedom of soaring through this boundless sky.
The other F-1 "Eagle" fighters glide alongside me, their sleek forms cutting through the air with effortless precision. They’re a comforting presence. Seeing them here, flying in formation, brings a smile to my face. I’m struck by how small and fragile the world looks from up here, how all the worries and fears that seemed so overwhelming on the ground now seem distant and insignificant.
Tears well up in my eyes, catching me off guard. They roll down my cheeks, not from sadness, but from a deep, unexpected relief. I realize how much I needed this moment—this breath of fresh air, this escape from the grind of daily challenges. Up here, surrounded by the soft, billowing clouds and the hum of the aircraft, I feel a profound sense of peace.
I think about how far I’ve come, how I’ve managed to carve out a place for myself in this strange world. Despite the loneliness and the difficulties, there’s a sense of accomplishment in what I’ve achieved. The ships I’ve built, the aircraft I’ve designed, they’re not just tools—they’re symbols of my resilience, my determination to find meaning and purpose.
The tears keep flowing, mingling with the wind as if the sky itself is cleansing away my doubts and fears. There’s something deeply reassuring about this moment. It’s as if the world is telling me that it’s okay to feel vulnerable, to let go of the weight I’ve been carrying. Despite the loneliness, despite the isolation, I have created something meaningful here. The ships, the aircraft—they’re a part of me, a testament to my strength and perseverance.
As I look around, I realize that maybe I can find a sense of belonging here, in this vast, unfamiliar world. If I trust in the things I’ve built, if I continue to believe in my purpose, there’s a chance I can escape the confines of my own doubts and fears. The sky, with its boundless possibilities, offers a glimpse of hope. Maybe, just maybe, I can truly find myself here, amid the clouds and the roar of the engines, and make a lasting impact.
With a deep breath, I let the tears fall freely, savoring the rare moment of clarity and connection. The world below may be complex and daunting, but up here, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
*
As the time passes, Long Island guided the aircraft back towards her flight deck, feeling a mix of satisfaction and anticipation. The carrier gracefully maneuvers, her massive frame cutting through the water with ease. The flight deck becomes a stage for a well-rehearsed performance as the F-1 "Eagle" fighters line up for landing. The process is smooth, each aircraft touching down with a gentle thud, the deck vibrating slightly with each landing gear’s impact.
I watch with a sense of pride as the fighters are carefully stored in the hangar. They’ve performed admirably, showing off their boom-and-zoom capabilities and proving their worth as effective combat tools. The trials have been a success, and I can’t help but feel a rush of exhilaration. It’s a strange and wonderful feeling to see something you’ve built come to life and work so well.
Leaving the cockput and jumping off the wing, I land on the flight deck with a satisfying thud. The solid steel beneath my feet feels reassuring, grounding me after the high-flying adventure. There’s a certain joy in the simple act of walking away from the aircraft, knowing that everything has gone according to plan.
With the fighters safely stowed and Long Island ready to fully set sail back home, her mission accomplished.
The following afternoon i finally formed the first Carrier Strike Force.
With Long Island in the middle with the two heavy cruisers and dedicated 5 color class destroyers of Red, Blue, Green, Yellow and Violet this will be my weapon against this world.