Chapter 23

 TWENTY-THREE

“What I guess I’m trying to say is. Will you, Rosa Cossette D’Elise, Marry me?”

The words hung in the air between the couple.

Cossette held her hands over her mouth, tears streaming from her eyes. She shook her head slowly.

“Trigger, I don’t know what to say.” She said, choking up and wiping a tear from her cheek.

“Well, I was hoping for a ‘yes’ answer to be honest.” Trigger replied grinning.

 

Cossette frowned, shook her head again and covered her face with the back of her hand. Trigger felt a pit forming in his stomach as the grin fell from his face.

“I’m sorry Trigger, I can’t do that. Not now.” She replied, sobbing.

Trigger slowly stood up, “I’m… not sure what to say.” He replied. He felt a range of emotions and couldn’t settle on which one to feel.

Trigger pocketed the ring and tried to put a hand to comfort Cossette but was greeted with her rapidly pulling away from him.

Trigger stood in silence as he watched Cossette cry, unsure what to do to comfort her.

 

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know if would be like this.” He said slowly.

Cossette shook her head again.

 

“Trigger, I just need some time to think all this over… I think its time for you to leave.” She replied, trying to compose herself.

“And so, it is.” Trigger replied hurt.  

 

Trigger shambled his way back to his quarters in a daze. Slumping into a chair he pulled the ring from his pocket and studied it in the dim moonlight from the window, watching as it twinkled dully.  That could have gone better.

 

He played the situation over and over in his mind, tried to break it down as much as he could; Trying to compartmentalize the anguish he felt. His mental debriefing felt sterile to him as he went through the chain of events that had transpired.

 

The point that was still troubling him was the why exactly she reacted the way she had.

 

Relenting he threw the ring onto the desk in his room and fell onto his bed, drifting off to sleep until his watch’s alarm woke him the following Morning.

***
Trigger sat with the rest of the Ministers at the meeting table the next morning. He felt drained mentally and emotionally from the previous night’s events.

“Its been going on ten minutes. Where is she?” Complained the finance minister anxiously. Trigger’s exhausted brain failed to recall the man’s name and he didn’t care to try to remember. Looking around he could see the rest of the ministers were as anxious and confused, the normally punctual Princess had been abnormally late for her morning briefing.

 

There was a loud knock on the door, it was the Royal Guards way of announcing the Princess’ arrival, out of protocol, as the heavy wood door opened, Cossette’s cabinet stood up.

 

Cossette had looked exhausted, her hair, while done, was sloppier than usual, and her eyes were bloodshot and puffy. Guess I’m not the only one who had a rough night. Trigger thought to himself, frowning. He took no pleasure in seeing her hurting.

“I apologize for my tardiness” She said sheepishly as she sat down at her seat.

“Well let’s get on with it.” She said, waving her hand and taking a cup of coffee waiting for her at her seat. On her cue everyone took their respective seats and went around the table giving their departments briefing of the situations they were facing that day.

 

An Erusean general sitting next to Trigger stood up, cleared his throat and prepared to give his report.

“And General Marquis, do you have anything to report on the incident in the last week?” Cossette asked

“Yes Your Highness. As all the members know, last weeks incident was caused by the loss of two of our F-5E fighter jets as they made their way back to Farbanti Airbase. While the investigation is still ongoing, and we are months away from the board officially convening, I can report that we have finally been able to get to the location of the wreckages of both aircraft.”

He paused.

“While it is still too early to say for certain on the direct cause. We have already ruled out multiple common scenarios for the loss of the flight.”  He shifted.

“And what might those be?” Cossette asked.

“Well, due to the nature of the area they crashed in, Controlled flight into terrain is always a possibility. However, with the radar returns we were receiving, along with the weather at the time, we do not believe this to be the case. We also have ruled out a simple mid-air collision due to the distances between both crash sites, and the damage we have seen.”

“So, what could it be then?” Asked one of the ministers.

“Like I said, Its too early to say. Birds, and simple Mechanical failures are also being ruled out which unfortunately, doesn’t leave much left.” Marquis explained.

A silence fell over the room at the news. Trigger could tell the thought on their minds. Maybe it was an attack?

Cossette turned her attention to Trigger. “Major, do you have anything to add in your investigation?”

Trigger stood up uncomfortably as the rest of the rooms attention was on him, including that of the surprised looking General Marquis.

 

“Well, Your Highness. Without being an official member of the investigation I can’t say for certain, but-“

“Then give us your ‘gut feeling’ if you will, Major.” General Marquis interrupted.

Trigger nodded. “Of course, sir. Like I was saying, my investigation did not return any solid leads on the cause of the incident. However, I don’t quite believe in coincidences. Someone knew where those jets would be and, in my opinion as a fighter pilot Ma’am, they were likely jumped without having a chance to engage the bandit. Like what the General already explained, these jets were old but relatively immaculate for their age. The Crews might have been young but not inexperienced. By any stretch. It only leaves for them to have been shot down.”

“I think we have a good idea who of course, but how?” Cossette asked.

Trigger shrugged, “Could be anything, MANPADs, another Jet. The latter being the more likely culprit, However the specifics of type and such… I don’t know.” Trigger shrugged.

“Thank you Major. If you could give the general the report of your findings. Do you have anything else to report?” Cossette asked

Triggers face tightened momentarily in irritation You did that on purpose. “No Ma’am” he replied sharply silently taking his seat.

 

 

For the rest of the meeting, Trigger largely stayed zoned out mentally, between the exhaustion and the phrasing of the report, he almost didn’t notice the meeting being adjourned.

shuffling his papers, Cossette caught his attention. “Major, if you would stay behind a moment. Everyone else you may leave.” She ordered.

Trigger nodded and took his seat, waiting for the room to empty leaving the two alone.

As the heavy door shut, Cossette spoke up “We need to talk tonight.” She said forcefully

Trigger nodded silently before responding “Ok. Dinner after your base inspection work?” he offered.

She nodded her head “Yes, that will be fine.”

“Ok, I will make the reservations then.” He replied.

“Another thing. I would like you to accompany me on this tour.”

“What do you mean? I thought I was.” Trigger replied confused.


The original plan was while the Princess was being given a guided inspection by Colonel Andre, another Erusean Air Force public affairs officer would give the rest of Cossette’s cabinet a less in-depth and broader tour of the base and its facilities.

“No, I mean as a part of my personal detail.”

“And if General Shepard asks why?”

Cossette thought for a moment. “Tell him that this is my version of that Yuketobanian policy of glasnost where they were more open with your government. I don’t want your report to lie about our capabilities less it come back on you, or more importantly my people.” She ordered.

“Well Colonel Andre’s won’t like it.”

“He will then just have to deal with it.” She said matter-of-factly before walking away.

***

Trigger looked himself over in the mirror, his dress uniform had been wrinkled the night prior, but to his amazement, by the time he got back to his room from Cossette’s meeting, awaiting him on the bed was a pressed light blue uniform shirt and the dark blue slacks of his service dress uniform.

 

Damn that maid is scary, wonder if Cossette told her? Trigger thought as he hastily moved the decorations from his service coat onto the shirt.

 

With a handful of times to re-reference the uniform guideline, Trigger sighed and straightened his tie.

Reaching for the tie bar on the desk, he paused. The ring was still sitting where he had tossed it the night previous.

He frowned and shook his head.

Can’t worry about that now, still have to get through todays events. He thought clipping the bar to the coat.

***

 The ride to the airbase was uneventful. Trigger had ridden with the other ministers in a crammed SUV that went ahead while Cossette road alone in her own vehicle protected by an armed escort that followed close behind. Awaiting the group at the base was Colonel Andre, today in his battle dress uniform instead of office attire Trigger had mostly seen him in.

 

As what came naturally with any base visit by a dignitary, a small formal ceremony was held with a presenting of Erusea’s colors, along with the bases honor guard making a presentation, capping off with a small speech given by the princess in front of one of the bases multiple aircraft displays, an Su-37 ‘Terminator’.

After Cossette had given her speech, Colonel Andre took the opportunity to start the base tour with explaining the history of the jet to the Ministers. He focues on how it was a replica of a jet used by the 156^th Fighter Wing that was once based in Farbanti, that had made a name for themselves in the previous war before being entirely wiped out when the ISAF air force overwhelmed the Erusean’s Defenses and entirely wiped the unit out.

 

I wonder if Stymie had anything to do with that? Trigger pondered to himself as he listened to the story.

After that had concluded, a public affairs officer for the base took the rest of the Ministers off to see the sights of the base, while Andre led Cossette and Trigger to the bases operations building. Before Trigger could enter the small briefing room however, Andre held up an arm to stop him.

“Unfortunately Major, this does not pertain to what the Princess has cleared you for. I will have to ask you to wait out here.” Andre explained.

Trigger looked to Cossette, who pursed her lips before speaking “Of course that won’t be an issue will it Major?” She asked.

Not wanting to force the issue, Trigger nodded and took a seat in one of the padded chairs lining the hallway. As the door shut, a large Erusean soldier took up a post outside it, guarding the door.

“You know im polite enough to stay out when I’m asked.” Trigger chided. The Soldier looked at him briefly, betraying no emotion, before returning his gaze forward.

Now did he just not care? Or does he not understand? Trigger wondered.

“And I didn’t even bring a book to read… Can I at least walk around?” Trigger asked the Soldier. The man grunted in response.

“Ok? Is that a yes or a no?” Trigger asked. The soldier ignored him.

“Fine. Be like that then.” Trigger said, walking to the window. Outside he could see multiple C-17’s on short final to land.

“Damn those jets are cool.” Said to himself, shaking his head.

***
“Bartok Flight, cleared to land runway two-one; Welcome home.” The Controller said.

Slowly, four C-17’s spaced themselves out in formation as they lined up on the final approach for Farbanti Air Force Base.

 

One after another, the massive jets landed and taxied their way to the ramp, a small party headed by a young officer in a flight suit awaited behind the lead Globemaster. The hydraulics controlling the massive cargo door hissed and whined as the ramp lowered.

The officer leading the party stepped onto the ramp before it entirely lowered, shakily he made his way inside the jet.

“Matias!” The officer greeted “I trust your flight was uneventful?” he said, holding his hand out for an Older man in a faded camouflage jacket and beret to take. The older man shook the officers hand “Is everything in order?” He asked, ignoring the question.

The young officer grinned. “The bouquet is arranged. Pepe is currently with her.” The older man paused

“Does Emmanuel know?” He asked, a hint of irritation rising in his voice.

The younger officer laughed off the question, waiving his hand dismissively “Not to worry my friend. Pepe is as clueless as the rest of them. Hell, that Osean with them is smart but even he doesn’t know jack shit of whats going on.”

The frown on the older man’s face deepened “You didn’t mention an Osean with them. That complicates things.”

“Trust me, I already have that figured out. I thought he might have figured something out with that show of force the other day, but he’s clueless.”

“Who is he?”

“You’ll love this. Its Three Strikes, turns out our boogey man is just some young prick. Hell, after meeting him, I doubt have those stories are true.”

The older man grabbed the officer by his shoulders, “You listen here boy. Unlike you, My men fought against the Three Strikes. Do not underestimate that devil. Do you understand me?” He hissed.

The grin fell from the officers face, being replaced by a steeled look. “Crystal. Are your men ready?”

“Four hundred dead men of Lambert. What of your men?”

“Narcho is rallying the troops now. We will have plenty to take the bitch’s detail out. They wont even know what hit them” the Officer reported.

The old man cracked a smile and released the younger man “Good, the Colibris will be on schedule to coincide with the attack.”

“I hope our friends came through on more than just those cheap jets. They didn’t perform like expected. They were seen.”

“Not to worry, our mutual friends have also provided us and the other elements with the warheads. Even without the last peace, we have enough to complete Charon.” The older man reassured him.

 

“We will kill her.” The officer replied, the older man clasped him on the shoulder. “Si seulement ton père pouvait voir l'homme que tu es devenu. Je vous garantis qu'il serait fier.” He said smiling.

“Merci.” The younger man said bashfully.

***
After an hour, of watching men and materials unload from the C-17’s, The door to the briefing room opened.

“Are you ready to continue the tour?” Cossette asked.

“Yeah, just watching these guys do their job was interesting enough.” Trigger replied.

“Odd, I didn’t think we had anything coming today. Must have been a last-minute addition.” Andre replied. “None the less, we still have many things to show you Your Highness before the tour is complete. Should be able to get you out of here before too late.”

“Oh, I hope. I’ve heard how bad the dining facilities here can be!” Cossette joked politely. 

“Not to worry Your Highness, we take good care of the personnel here, to include their dining options.” Andre replied.

 

Andre walked Cossette and Trigger through the different shops supporting the flight operations on the base. For Trigger, who had dealt with similar procedures in Osea, it was nothing new and largely dull. He even noticed Cossette losing interest at multiple points.

For you, the day you saw the guidance and control shop was the most important day of your life. For me, it was Tuesday. Trigger thought to himself as an Erusean Sergeant explained his job at the base to Cossette.

Eventually, the tour lead to one of the large hangars on the base.

Andre swiped the badge on a small console next to the door, a red LED blinked Green momentarily and the lock clicked open.

Guiding the party into the dim Hangar, Trigger noticed in the low light how immaculate the floor of the hangar was; having no hint of the natural grime that came with aircraft maintenance and use.

Wonder how long it took them to stage this? He idly thought as he walked through the darkened room.

“And for our crown jewel of the tour Your Highness, May I present to you the pinnacle of our Air Force’s technology.” He said, snapping his fingers. As he did, on que the larger overhead lights clicked on, bathing the room in a fluorescent glow.

Sitting in the center of the room was a fighter jet. It stood slightly shorter than the F-15, However its overall length was longer. It dwarfed the F-16 in its overall size and with its massive wings, it dominated the room. Trigger looked in awe at the sleek design, sharp angular edges met by smooth curves, from the first look Trigger could tell not only what it was, but that it was a fighter he had the misfortune of engaging once before.

“This, your Royal Highness, is the X-02S ‘Strike Wyvern’. Erusea’s newest fifth generation Multi-role aircraft.” Andre introduced proudly. He waited for the group to get closer to the plane before continuing. “Acting as an upgrade to the already existing X-02 ‘Wyvern’ program dating back to the eighties. The S has nearly thirty years of technological improvements behind it. The fire control system not only allows us to use more conventional weapons such as the AIM-9 and K-74M Infrared Air-to-Air missiles, but the AESA radar onboard allows us the use of the Oseans AMRAAM, Yuketobanians R-77 and the ‘Dark Fire’ Beyond-visual-range missile the EASA developed just for the Strike Wyvern program. Add in the ‘Flipper’ anti-ship missile and the Arc Light.” Andre paused for dramatic effect.

“Simply put your highness. Fifteen years ago, the older X-02 had the capability of dominating an entire continent, and had we been able to enter full production we likely could have. The X-02S gives Erusea to be a serious force to reckon with, even with our recent issues. The Strike Wyvern could not only make us respected again, but we could be feared again as well.” Andre beamed.

Cossette glared at him, “Colonel, While I can appreciate your pride in this aircraft. I would remind you that we are not looking to be a feared nation. We tried that. It didn’t work so well.”

Andre nodded; Trigger could see that the elder officer did not want to push the subject.

“As I was saying Your Highness. The X-02 has countless improvements to it. We were able to upgrade the engines from the ERG-1000 to the 2000, cut nearly a ton from the weight with newer building materials, but increased the combat range with the addition of the conformal fuel tanks.”

“Oh, like the Mudhen!” Trigger chimed in.

“Exactly. For as much as the Wyvern is an original design, we did take some considerations from other contemporary aircraft. This allowed us to pick and choose the best traits going forward.”

On one side of the jet was a set of stairs leading up to the cockpit. Cossette, Trigger and Andre stepped up them to look inside the jets cockpit.

Trigger looked around at the front, it looked almost like that from a F-35, there was one large multi-function display, with a small handful of dials and switches the pilot would need that couldn’t be done away with software or the HOTAS methods of control.

As Cossette look at the aircraft, bored with the display, Trigger looked on in boyish wonder as Andre continued to speak.

“like with the Viper, the pilot sits reclined and uses a side stick for aircraft control. The MFD provides most of the vital information but also takes advantage of the same Helmet Mounted Display System the F-35 uses.”

“Is the back seater necessary?” Trigger spoke up and asked.

“If you want full use of the weapons platform, Yes. The Arc Light railgun for example can be fired with a boresight but that only gets you an accuracy close to that of the 20mm M61 cannon onboard.” Andre explained shrugging.

“Cause it wasn’t already a bitch to deal with to start in Shilage…” Trigger muttered.

“What do you mean?” Cossette asked. Trigger halted for a moment, sensing his transgression Shit, that’s still classified.

“We had some reports of one of these fairly late into the war. Had a rail gun on board and everything. Made a real mess of the squadron that faced it.” Trigger lied.

He and Mister X had gotten in a fierce dogfight over the psudo-country of Shilage. But it had largely been a one-sided battle. As much praise as he got for the endeavor, he still wished to push the event of the raid, and the moments that followed it, behind him. Jaeger said it best, ‘I’m not going to tell my son about this.’

“Well Major, that’s impossible. The Strike Wyverns were still in development in north Erusea and were never fielded in combat.” Andre explained, confused at Triggers insinuation.

“Of course, I’m aware there’s also a railgun package available for Flankers and Hornets. Could have easily been one of those.” Trigger replied, trying to change the topic. “So, is this just a mockup?” Trigger asked. “Actually, this is a flying version. We had it shipped in and put together just the other day Major.” Andre replied.

 

Andre stepped down and stood off to the side as Trigger and Cossette inspected the jet closely.  

Eventually Cossette clapped her hands “Well, I believe that’s all I need to see. Shall we get going Colonel?” she said

“Of course, your Highness. Major if you will come with us please.” Andre ordered.

 

The sun had set while the they were inspecting the jet. As they walked outside, they were greeted with a small convoy of armored vehicles awaiting to escort the Princess.

Andre opened the door to Cossette’s vehicle, a black suburban.

“Generally, we let police handle the escort detail in Osea.” Trigger quipped as he climbed in behind Cossette.

“Different country, different rules.” Andre replied laconically shutting the door.  A moment later he climbed into the passenger seat, the Driver whispered something into a radio before the car jolted and moved.

“The rest of the Ministers will meet us at the front gate.” Andre informed.

The trio rode in silence, As they neared the front Gate, Trigger could see movement in the darkness around the convoy. He could also hear the activity on the radio increase.

“Colonel, is something the matter?” Cossette asked; She can tell something is up as well. Trigger thought.

“We’re not sure but-” Andre was cut off, a deafening explosion rocked the vehicle.

“-Mon Dieu!” he exclaimed, watching the lead vehicle burst into a ball of flames. The radio became alive with excitement as the other vehicles stopped. A second later, another explosion sent a jolt throughout the vehicle.

“We’re under attack!” Trigger yelled. “No shit!” Cossette screamed.

Soon, gunfire was filling the air. “Get us out of here!” Andre barked to the Driver.

“Oui!” The man replied before a loud Thwack! Was heard, bathing both Trigger and Andre in the the man’s blood.

“Really? Fucking Armor piercing rounds?” Trigger said, trying to stave off the shock. Really wish I had that gun right about now! Trigger thought to himself as he threw himself ontop of the shocked looking Cossette.

“Trigger, We need to move her now!” Andre ordered grabbing a pistol from the dead driver’s holster, “Yeah, whats the plan?” Trigger asked.

“Stay here and stay low. I will be back in a moment!” Andre exclaimed as he exited the car. A loud Pop, pop, pop, could be heard as the Colonel exchanged gunfire with the assailants.

Trigger turned his attention back to Cossette. The look in her eyes was that of terror.

“Hey, are you here?!” Trigger yelled, trying to snap her out of the trance.

“This can’t be happening!” she screamed, Trigger took a deep breath, wincing as the car took more bullets.

“Cossette, you need to listen to me. We’re going to get you out of here.” Trigger replied.

“No! no! no! no! no! no! They said that last time!” Cossette cried, shaking her head violently.

A loud thump thump thump thump rapport of what Trigger assumed to be a 50 cal could be heard outside.

Reinforcements?

A moment later, Andre returned, banging on the door. Trigger let him in.

“Whats the situation?” Trigger asked, still protecting the sobbing Cossette with his body.

“Not good. We’ve lost contact with most of the base. But to that end, Other local forces are in contact with unknown aggressors as well… It’s a mess out there.”

“Ok, do we have a plan?”

“Yes, but you’re not going to like it.” Andre sighed, he took a rifle and with the butt, gently tapped Trigger in the shoulder.

“Take it” he said tiredly.

Trigger took the bulky rifle. HK-33 written on the side of it. “What the hell do you want me to do with this?” Trigger asked confused “What do you mean?” Andre asked bewildered at the question.

“I barely passed basic officer pistol qualification. I don’t know jack shit about this rifle!” Trigger yelled

Andre sighed “Well here I was hoping your talents would have manifested in more than just running your mouth and flying. The rifle is ready to go and you only get the thirty rounds in the magazine.”

“What the hell is your plan anyways?” Trigger asked alarmed, sitting up in the vehicle.

“I need you to get the Princess out of here Trigger. You two will move faster on your own and will be less of a target.” Andre said slowly “But how?” Trigger asked

“You’re a fighter pilot. You’re at an Airfield. Figure it out. We’re going to hold up here and buy you time to escape.” Andre said smirking.

“Emmanuel, that’s a death sentence!” Cossette spoke up, shocked.

“We all have to make that trip eventually,” Andre said callously.

“Colonel you can’t do this! Cossette’s right, if you stay here, you’ll die!” Trigger pleaded

“I died when you killed my daughter.” Andre shot back. The car fell silent until he spoke again. “As a father, I will never forgive you. But, as an Erusean military officer, if I have the chance to save our princess, I have an obligation above my own family to do that. Trigger you owe me that much, a life for a life.” Andre ordered. Trigger nodded.

“Now go, we have the path at least cleared to the buildings.” Andre said. “Just start running and don’t look back” he added.

Trigger put his hand on the door latch, “You just make sure you get yourself and your men out of here in one piece too, you hear?” Trigger ordered.

“Not this time.” Andre said, opening the door and forcing the couple out. Following his guidance, Trigger took Cossette by the hand and ran into the grass towards the flight line with her.

 

***

Plan, I need a plan Trigger thought to himself while he ran, pulling Cossette by the arm. He thought back to his SERE Training, half a month of hell spent waist deep in a swamp in Osea learning how to survive after being shot down, and more importantly how to evade capture until the pararescuemen could arrive.

Lets hope we don’t get to the ‘RE’ potion of that acronym. I wish they gave us more training on how to deal with a civilian instead of trained aircrew.

not able to come up with any better ideas he elected to continue running away from the sounds of gunfire. After a few minutes of running, the pair came across one of the roads between them and the flight line of the base. Trigger looked around and saw a ditch, barely large enough to conceal the two.

“In there!” he whispered pointing.

“Are you kidding me?!” Cossette hissed.

“Its either that or we die. Now move!” Trigger shot back. Cossette sighed and slid into the muddy ditch, a second later followed by Trigger.

“Your buying me a new suit after this, you know that.” Cossette whispered.

Trigger chuckled and shook his head “Deal with it.” He whispered back, poking his head over the side wall to observe the area.

“Whats the plan Trigger?” Cossette asked.

“No clue, next question.”

“What do you mean, ‘no clue’?” Cossette asked incredulously.

Trigger looked around “I don’t know, right now I’m inclined to just make a run for the hills and hide out until rescue arrives.”  

“We’re still running then?” Cossette asked

Trigger sighed. “You heard the colonel, if you stay here, your going to die. I can’t let that happen.” He said flatly.

As he sat and caught his breath, he took inventory of the situation. 

I’m up one rifle, one mag, and a Princess… and down everything else… Shit.

 

“How well do you know the area?” Trigger asked

“Not at all. Why?”

“Shit. I was going to suggest we just hoof it out. But we will need a map and some other things. Do you know where the survival equipment shop is here?”

“uhh, you’re the pilot Trigger, not me.” Cossette replied.

“Fuck, your right...” Trigger hissed.  He thought for a moment.

“I think I know where to go.” he said determined.

***
Trigger threw the rifle butt through the glass door, shattering it.

Pausing to hear if anyone was running, he waived Cossette over from her hiding place outside the building.

“Well, your certainly not one for the stealth option, are you?” Cossette asked sarcastically

“Yeah whatever, just watch your step. Glass is everywhere.” Trigger warned.

“at least I wore my pumps” Cossette whispered to herself.

He walked ahead of the Princess a few steps, keeping the rifle at a low and ready position. The halls of the building were dark. Outside the battle was still raging on. The gunfire sounding closer spurred Trigger to hasten his movement through the building.

He kept checking his corners and felt like he stepped in something slippery, looking down was a trail of blood.

He held up his arm to stop Cossette, holding a finger up to his lips he continued further following the trail. It, along with its owner had terminated at a door. Trigger knelt down and felt for a pulse, Nothing. He shook his head and looked up to see where the dead Erusean had been trying to get into.

“Orientation et contrôle?” Trigger asked bemused. He sat the rifle down and moved the dead man out of the doorway. Flipping the man over he saw multiple gunshot wounds in his chest.

Poor bastard.

Trigger braced himself and kicked the door with his might, to his annoyance, he was met with only a small cracking noise. That would have looked so much cooler if it worked like in the movies.

After a fourth kick to the door, the lock finally gave way and the door swung open. Inside was a small workshop with electrical test equipment lining the walls.

Trigger heard Cossette walk up behind him.

“What’s this place?”

“Not a clue, but also not what we need.” He replied annoyed.

 

“Hey! Is someone there!?” A voice yelled out, startling Trigger. Without making a second thought he forced Cossette into the room and closed the door. Trigger motioned for Cossette to hide while he took a defensive position with the rifle behind one of the test benches.

A moment later footsteps could be heard slowly walking down the hallway. Trigger placed the rifle’s sights on the door and had his finger resting on the trigger of the rifle.

As the man entered, he exhaled.

“Yo, anyone here?” the man asked, his voice was familiar, Trigger hesitated.

“Asher?” Trigger asked.

“Trigger? Is that you?” Asher asked walking in slowly and holding his hands above his head, in one hand he had a Glock 19 and his index finger outstretched away from the trigger guard. His flight suit was speckled with blood. Seeing Trigger aiming the rifle at him, he paused “Woah, Buddy we cool?” he asked

“Depends. You going to shoot me?” Trigger asked hesitantly.

“Only if you try to shoot me first.” He replied

“What about the princess?” Trigger asked.

“Second verse same as the first.” He replied.

Trigger lowered the rifle and stood up. “Its nice to see a friendly face.” He said, holding out his hand to shake with Asher.

“So, when you said Princess?” Asher asked slowly. Cossette sheepishly stood up, raising her hand. “That’s me.”

“Oh, I see. Well, you’ll have to excuse me your highness if I forgo the formalities” Asher said pragmatically

“Of course, given the circumstances.” Cossette said.

Asher put his hands on his hips “I’m glad I found you two. Me and a few others are getting ready to bug out, I just needed to get some stuff before we did.” Asher replied.

“You have a plan?” Cossette asked

“That and a plane. C-12 Liaison bird, one of my guys had time in one and one just so happened to be fueled and ready. Plan is to get our asses to a civilian airfield and just lay low until this passes.” Asher replied.

“Well that beats the hell out of my idea. You lead the way.” Trigger invited.

“Come on, its just the next hangar over.” Asher said.

as the trio made their way through the building towards the exit, Trigger walked up along side Asher.

“So, the blood. You get hit?” he asked concerned

Asher shook his head. “Bah, no. Not mine. A few other pilots and I had a bit of a political disagreement when this shit cooked off. It got… violent.” The Erusean pilot explained.  

“Clearly.”

“What about you guys? Any injuries?” He asked.

“None aside from a few cuts.” Cossette replied.

“Any idea who these guys are?” Trigger asked.

“Radicals by my guess. Didn’t think they’d be this brazen though” Asher replied.

“I wonder if its related to those Globemasters that came in.” Trigger hypothesized.

Asher paused. “What Globemasters?”

“You know, those C-17’s that came in today. You can’t tell me you missed them?” Trigger asked.

Asher thought for a moment before shrugging and continued walking “Who knows, more importantly, who cares.”

“Well I do for one.” Cossette spoke up.

“Well as of an hour ago your highness, your opinion has ceased to matter.” Asher said bluntly.

“Excuse me? I will-“ Cossette started before Trigger held up his hand, cutting her off.

“Please, let’s not do this right now.” Trigger requested.

“Fine.” She said fuming.

The three moved in silence as they exited the building and walked unnoticed towards one of the maintenance hangars.

 

 

Asher held the door open and waived Trigger and Cossette into the dark hangar.

The door slammed shut and the lock clicked, plunging them in darkness aside from the pale moonlight flooding into the windows above and the occasional muzzle flash illuminating the ceiling. Cossette gripping onto his arm. Trigger looked around, his eyes taking a second to adjust. Its what he didn’t see that caused him the most dread.

 

“So… Asher… This plane… Where is it?” Trigger asked, the dread building up in his voice.

Asher broke out laughing. “Look who’s finally catching on! The hapless bitch princess and her dumbass in shining armor.” He taunted.

“You son of a bitch.” Trigger hissed, turning around. In the dim light he could see Asher now levelling the gun at his head.

“Ah, ah, ah, You might have the bigger gun but I have three pounds on a five pound trigger. Don’t test me.” Asher taunted.

“I don’t understand, why would you do this?!” Cossette shouted.

“’Why would you do this?!’ That’s what you sound like, you know that?” Asher mocked in a high-pitched voice before continuing “What are you expecting, me to just explain my entire plan to you like some James Bond villain? No. This isn’t the way this works.”

“Well for the villain you’re doing the right amount of talking.” Trigger quipped

“I mean, I could shoot you dead now, or we can continue talking. All the same to me. But the ending will be the same no matter what.” Asher said pragmatically

“What do you mean?” Cossette asked

“Call it an insurance policy. We have these nifty little jets coming in a few minutes, but I like to have other options open for cases like this.” Asher said.

“What the hell are you talking about? Your jets are old as fuck.” Trigger shot back.

“Ah, right, you’re a dumbass so you missed all the fun details of the Professor and Goombah’s little incident. I mean killing them wasn’t that difficult all things considered, even the Vipers you and I love so much could have done that pretty easily. But no, this is the Colibris. Already putting the pain on the FCU and Osea in its own right. And will be the one to make those bastards bleed tonight.” Asher explained.

“But why thought… I don’t get it.” Trigger asked, anger now filling his voice.

“And you’re not going to know. That’s the bitch of it all. The weapon goes off in another thirty minutes. I bet I can keep you within the blast radius that long.” Asher taunted.

A dull roar caught his attention, keeping the gun on Trigger he looked down at his watch.

“Fucking amateurs. Four minutes late.” Asher joked, shaking his head slightly.

“You realize that your still in the blast radius, right?” Cossette yelled.

“Doesn’t matter. Sacrifices have to be made for Erusea to survive.” Asher replied forcefully.

Trigger shouldered his rifle, letting the sights rust on Asher’s chest.

“I wouldn’t do that fuck face.” Asher warned.

“Why not? You said it yourself, we’re dead anyways. I might as well take your ass out while I still have a chance.” Trigger hissed. His blood was boiling, it was a familiar feeling he hadn’t had for a few months.

Asher smirked, moving the gun off of Trigger.

“Fine, if you want to do that, then I’ll just shoot the bitch instead.” He said pulling the trigger.

The gun went off. Time slowed.

“NO!” Trigger Yelled, firing his rifle at Asher.

The first two bullets missed the pilot, with a third striking him in the shoulder.

Asher moved the pistol towards Trigger and fired again.

Trigger fired again, this time the three rounds hitting the Erusean in his chest, sending the pilot crumpling down to the floor. He could feel something hit his side. He paid it no mind.

Trigger fired a third burst into Asher’s body.

 

Time returned to normal. He dropped the rifle and turned to find a shocked looking Cossette; he ran to her “Are you ok!?” he asked fearfully.

She nodded, unable to speak at first.

 

Then the pain hit him.

 

Looking down, he could see the blood pooling in his shirt. “Well… looks like im not.” He said weakly.

 

With one probing hand, he felt the wound.

I don’t feel a hole. Graze maybe?

“Come on. We have to go” he said determined. “But you’ve been shot!” Cossette choked out.

“I think its just a graze. Let’s go, you heard the jackass, we only have thirty minutes.” Trigger said. He picked up the rifle and walked over to Asher. A large pool of blood leaked from him. Fucking death cultists. The thought disgusted him. He found the handgun still in the mans grasp and kicked it away with his shoe.

Clicking open the door, he looked out. The battle seemed to have been dying down, but he was in no mood to find out which side was winning. Looking to see which hangars they were near, he grinned waiving Cossette over.

“I think I have us a way out of here.” He said determined.  

***

Lieutenant Robert “Roach” Foxx climbed the ladder into his F-15C Eagle. What was looking to be a quiet Sunday evening had quickly devolved with a full air wing deployment following a failed attack on his base. He wasn’t sure of the details aside from the klaxons going off and a brief gunfire exchange at the front gate. Rumor was that a large weapon was being disabled by EODs but Roach personally chalked it up to the post attack excitement and information blackout.

 

McKnight Air Base was located just south of the city of Dennis and had been a key staging area months prior for the push into Farbanti, and the stalemate that followed with the outbreak of the civil war.

However, with the withdrawal of forces following the end of the hostilities in December, the once bustling air base was left with only one squadron, 31^st Tactical Fighter Squadron “Enchanter”.

As Roach ran through his quick-start checklist, he could hear the jet in the shelter next to his roar to life, piloted by Captain Samantha “X” Cross

Within a few moments, Roach’s canopy was closing with a hiss.

“McKnight Tower, Enchanter 3 flight of two at west shelters, Taxi takeoff, Zulu” Roach heard X call on the radio.

“Enchanter 3, cleared to taxi, Runway 31 via Juliet, Alpha, November. Advise when ready.” The controller responded. X read back the instructions, Roach eased the throttle forward and the F-15 lurched forward and begun its taxi out.

Continuing his checks while taxiing behind X, Roach saw two more Eagles take off.

“I think that’s Small and Igor” X noted over the radio.

Reaching the end of the runway, “McKnight Tower, Enchanter three, ready to go” X called again.

“Enchanter three, depart straight out behind Enchanter Two, flight of two. Caution wake turbulence, Contact AWACS ‘Argus’ on guard. Cleared for Takeoff” The tower directed.

“Enchanter three, cleared for takeoff, depart straight out and contact Argus on guard.” X read back confused. Roach was also surprised at the direction, normally the AWACS frequency would have been briefed, but given the circumstances he understood the change from procedure. 

Roach had pushed it entirely out of his mind by the time his jet crossed the runway threshold. Within seconds the collective 46,000 pounds of thrust from the jets engines propelled him airborne.

***
Trigger and Cossette entered the large hangar. Inside still waiting for them was the X-02S they had just inspected earlier in the day.

Trigger felt slow. Cossette was able to assist him with patching up the wound, but it was still agonizing to run. The two had found the survival equipment shop and Trigger had quickly grabbed two harnesses and a headset.

Trigger motioned for Cossette to climb up the stairs to the jet. Having her put on the harness, he adjusted the straps until he was satisfied it was on properly. 

The business suit does not lend itself to flight ops… that’s for sure. He thought frowning. “take a seat and don’t touch anything.” He directed, aiding Cossette in climbing over the safety railing and into the back seat of the Wyvern. He recognized the ejection seat was the same as on the F-15 and F-16 he had flown, so he quickly aided Cossette in securing herself to the jet and setting up her seat.

“So, do you know if you can fly this thing?” Cossette asked.

Trigger thought for a moment. “Probably. I mean I learned the F-22 pretty quickly, so… how hard could it be?” He replied grinning.

“That doesn’t fill me with confidence.”

“Relax, and remember that if I say Eject, pull that yellow handle.” He said adjusting the straps on his own harness and climbing into the jet.

“What about getting it started?” Cossette asked.

“Don’t worry, most jets function the same way since the F-5? It shouldn’t be too hard to get started.” Trigger said glancing at the Wyverns controls.

“You know, scratch that, everything is written in Erusean. WHY IS EVERYTHING WRITTEN IN ERUSEAN?!” Trigger shouted

“Because you’re in an Erusean fighter jet dumbass!” Cossette shouted back.

“Ok, Ok, I can handle this… You can speak Erusean right?” Trigger asked, flipping the switches he remembered were the onboard battery masters. He was greeted with the Multi-function Display flashing to life along with other small status lights in the cockpit.

“What? No of course not.” Cossette replied sarcastically.

“Dumb question. Ok Let me start reading things out to you on what I think they might be, and we can get out of here.” Trigger replied “Ok, What about Decharge Carburant?”

“That’s fuel dump.” Cossette replied annoyed

“Ok, don’t want that. Aha! APU I recognize that! I think I found the right panel.” Trigger reported

“Come on Trigger, they’re going to notice eventually” Cossette said anxiously.

Trigger held the switch forward until a small green light illuminated and the whir of the fighters Axillary power unit roared to life.

Trigger climbed out of his seat “Where are you going!?” Cossette asked. “I’ll be back in a minute! Doors are still shut. Just be a moment dear!” he shouted giving her a slight but reassuring grin before running down the air-stairs and pulling them free of the jet. On a guess he reached up and unfolded a crew ladder from the side of the plane.  Jackpot, I didn’t want to see if I could still do a pullup anyways Trigger said grinning.

He ran over to the hydraulic controls on the hanger and held the open button. With a groan the large doors slid open and revealed a largely empty flight line.

A lone jet screamed overhead.

 

Satisfied the doors were open enough, Trigger climbed back into the jet, plugging in his headset and stowed the ladder.

“What would Start be labelled as?” Trigger asked.

“Démarrer”

“And Left, and right?”

“gauche and droit; Trigger can this language lesson wait?”

“Oh Believe me I would love it to but –“ Trigger paused looking at the engine readings on the MFD, to his relief, they behaved like he expected.
he clicked on the page to look at fuel stores and frowned. Probably enough to get to Selatapura… maybe?

Trigger smiled slightly as the Wyverns twin engines roared to life and settled.

He found the canopy close switch and brought the canopy down, waiting for it to lock in place.

Satisfied his abbreviated and untrained preflight was complete he looked over his shoulder at Cossette.

“Hey Cossette, one last thing, I would cover your ears”

“Wait why?”

Trigger pushed the throttle forward. He didn’t bother with a clearance nor did he care. Taxing as fast as he felt comfortable in, he made his way to the runway, Seemingly unnoticed.

Reminds me of Zapland in its own sick way he grinned as he rolled onto the runway.

Holding onto the brakes he slammed the throttle forward, hearing a change in pitch and seeing the ‘A/B’ on the display, he released the brakes and the jet tore down the runway. Holding a slight back pressure on the side stick, the nose gradually pitched up and within seconds the jet was airborne. He retracted the gear and started a turning climb towards the south east. Climbing through four thousand feet he reduced the throttle.

“Hey, Cossette, doing good back there?” Trigger shouted over his shoulder

“Yeah? I think. Honestly I’m petrified but physically I’m ok” Cossette reported

“Ok, keep an eye out for you know, anyone trying to kill us.” Trigger replied trying to turn on the radio.

Trigger fumbled with the avionics until he found a radio.

On a guess he switched it to the Osean Guard frequency, 243 MHz, and switched his Mode 3 transponder to 7700.

“Mayday Mayday Mayday, this is –“ Trigger paused. “Erusean Air Force One, at angels four, heading one two five, departed Farbanti Air Base.” Trigger called out.

A second passed before a voice crackled over the radio.

“Erusean Aircraft calling, this is Osean Airborne Warning And Control Systems ‘Argus’, Vacate this frequency at once!” a male voice called out.

Trigger rolled his eyes. “Listen, I’m a Major in the Osean Air Defense Forces, I have the Erusean Princess onboard, possible Bandits in the area, we need vectors to the nearest friendly airfield and an escort if possible.” Trigger replied annoyed.

There was another pause. “Please verify authenticity, Rabbit” Interrogated Argus.

Trigger paused. It was in his morning briefing, a standard piece of fluff he often ignored for the rarity of it being needed.

Trigger keyed the radio “Doc”.

 

There was a pregnant pause

“Understood Erusean Flight. We have you on radar, maintain heading of one-two-fife, and make best speed for Enchanter flight. Be advised, two possible contacts to your 6 o’clock, approaching fast.” Argus ordered.

Easing the throttle forward, Trigger switched the display.

With neither of us in a G-suit, theres no way I can dogfight them.

Relying on his training, Trigger started to bank the aircraft, while trying to keep the strain on himself to a minimum.

Another voice crackled over the frequency, this time of a female. “Erusean Friendlies, This is Osean Air Defense Force squadron ‘Enchanter’, Be advised we have you on radar and are three minutes til Intercept.” She reported.

He leaned over to Cossette, He saw something approaching the jet. Instinctively he snapped forward, rolled the Wyvern over and pulled down. He strained as the blood rushed from his head. His side screaming in agony.

“Erusean Aircraft what the hell are you doing?!” Argus demanded.

“Missile in the air, we’re being fired upon” Trigger replied weakly. Overhead he could see the trail of the missile as it passed by.

“Argus, Enchanter Three-one, be advised we got two bogeys, possible bandits.”

“Enchanter, weapons free” Argus replied.

“Music On, Weapons free. Fox one!” Enchanter called out. “Erusean Aircraft, Enchanter Three-one, Be advised, one minute til Intercept. Let us get these bastards off you.”

The best Trigger could respond with was a quick two clicks of the transmit button.

Trigger looked up to what looked like a set of fingers seemingly erupt from nowhere, as a series of Osean missiles passed over the Wyvern towards their pursuers. One missile detonating in a large plume as it made contact with its target. Trigger could see the afterburner ignite as the second jet pulled away and disengaged.

“Enchanter Three-one, Argus, One bogey splashed, the other has disengaged. Escort our guest to McKnight” Argus ordered.

 

Trigger could hear laughing on the radio “I think that makes me an ace Argus! Erusean Aircraft we have you visual, Climb to Angels eight and take up heading of one-eight-zero, Prepare for intercept.” The female Osean pilot ordered.

 

Trigger complied and made a climbing right turn towards the south. “Enchanter Understood, I’m going to play nice” Trigger replied relieved.

“Cossette, you doing alright?” he asked concerned.

“Well, aside from entirely losing it, and needing a new suit. I’m fine, though if you could keep the aerobatics to a minimum that would be nice” she weakly replied.

 

Trigger watched as one of the Enchanter F-15 joined on his wing. To acknowledge Trigger rocked his wings and followed the Osean fighter in a shallow turn towards the south east and the friendly airbase.

 

The formations flight back was as uneventful as one in their situation could be. No dogfights erupted, and standard procedures were followed. Upon reaching the airbase, one of the Enchanter fighters circled and lowered its landing gear to signal Trigger to land first. 

Flying a nice and predictable pattern Trigger joined the downwind, lowering his airspeed, eventually dropping flaps and gear before making a turn onto final for the runway. Touching down as softly as he could he taxied off the runway. Unsecuring himself from the seat, he opened the canopy and climbed to Cossette.

She looked up at him smiling.

“So, how was your first flight?” He asked.

She grinned. “A bit bumpy but I think it went well.”

Trigger leaned in and kissed her, looking out onto the ramp he could see the Osean’s Security forces arrive to surround the jet. He motioned for Cossette to keep her hands up on the canopy as he lowered the crew ladder and climbed down.  

He held out his hand smiling

“Hey! I’m glad you made it, I’m Major-“ The next thing he felt was a blinding pain before he fell to the hard concrete, an electric crackle filled his ears.