Chapter 20

 TWENTY

Trigger and Cossette had elected to take a scenic route back to the car from the restaurant, walking through the Reconstruction Park just north of the city. Evening had quickly set in causing the massive white marble obelisk in the heart of the park to dominate the skyline with the aid of the ground lights.

“I take this is a first for you as well?” Cossette asked Trigger, swinging his arm as she walked hand in hand with him.

“What do you mean? We went on dates like this all the time back in Selatapura?” He asked.

“I meant ‘first time seeing the park’.” She giggled.

“Yeah, Only in the pictures.” He lied Though the few from a few thousand feet wasn’t much to speak of either.

“Well, this is the first time I actually have been to the park myself.” Cossette admitted.

“That’s weird, I would have figured your family would have taken you here at least once since you live so close.” Trigger said.

Cossette shrugged “Never really made time for it. It was completed under my uncle’s reign, and that’s only because my aunt spearheaded in getting it finished. The Park was to stand as a estimate to Farbanti being able to endure any challenge it faced. From the meteor to two wars, this park stands as a reminder on how Farbanti endures.” She explained proudly.

“So, your direct family had nothing to do with it?”

“Nope, it was originally planned just before the first continental war as a memorial to those lost in the old downtown. Some token construction was started before ISAF made a pushback and defeated the Federalists. It wasn’t until my father’s cousin, the first King of Farbanti, redoubled the efforts for it to be constructed, then after his death, my aunt saw it through to its completion. Sadly, she and my uncle died shortly after its opening, so she never got to see it live up to its full potential.” Cossette said, her voice trailing off.

Trigger studied the park grounds. He was surprised how many people were milling around the large lawn area, picnicking, and largely enjoying the first days of summer. An opposite of the similar parks Osea had constructed.

“For a memorial park, it sure is busy.” Trigger noted.

“It’s not meant to be a place for reflection, there’s other parks for that. Instead the Queen wished for it to be a place for the people of Farbanti to celebrate the history of the city and people of Erusea. With all that being said I am glad your Military gave it back as quickly as they did.” Cossette said.

 

For the first few weeks in Farbanti, the Reconstruction Park had been home to a field hospital treating wounded from both sides of the battle. It wasn’t until communication with Osea had been reestablished that all military operations in predominantly civilian zones had been ended.

 

The couple walked further along the path around the perimeter of the park when they passed an old man pushing a cart selling stuffed animal toys. At Cossette’s insistence they stopped.

To Trigger they looked rather mundane, but he also had never been one to enjoy that kind of stuff anyways. She pointed to one of the toys on the cart. It was a red fox plushy.

“It looks just like that picture on your plane!” She exclaimed.

Trigger studied the toy for a moment “You think it looks like a fox?” he asked incredulously

“Well of course. Why what did you think it is? A dog?”

Trigger shrugged. “I dunno, I always thought of it more as a wolf than anything. Just a bit more aggressive than a fox I would imagine.”

“I’m sorry honey, but I don’t see it.” She said

“Come on, a war wolf is a ton more bad ass. Then just a fox. Those are just dogs who act like cats.” He defended.

She giggled and took his hand. “Fine, whatever it is, I think this plushy reminds me of it, and you a bit too.” She said sweetly.

Trigger rolled his eyes in an exaggerated “I guess that means I’m buying that for you right?” He flirted

“Of course!”

Trigger pulled out his wallet and gestured to the old man to buy the toy. She hugged it closely. “Thank you Trigger.” She said burying her face into the toy.

The couple continued their walk with Cossette happily cradling the stuffed fox in her arm.

Slowly, Trigger could hear a build up of noise, a shrill warbled sound picking up in intensity before falling off again erupted across the city.

An air raid siren? Trigger thought to himself, looking around to the source of the noises. Looking back to Cossette he could see the fear in her eyes.

“We need to go. Now!” He said forcefully, taking Cossette’s hand and breaking off into a run.

“I don’t, but-“ He could hear her stammer confused as he pulled her along. The once tranquil atmosphere of the park had turned into a mad dash to shelters. Trigger strained his ears to listen but noticed a distinct lack of sounds from any aircraft above them. He quickly unlocked the door to the Mercedes sedan, and threw the passenger side door open for Cossette. Even before she could buckle her seat belt he had slammed the door and had ran around to the driver side, the engine roared to life and within a second Trigger had threw the car into gear towards the main road.

Trigger noticed that the streets were largely devoid of vehicles or pedestrians, as the engine roared, and the car sped through the intersections, he caught glimpses of flashing lights from first responders, either unable or unwilling to impede their progress.

Having a moment to catch his breath. He spoke up.

“Where to?” he asked, changing lanes to avoid a stalled minivan in the road.

Cossette took a breath before replying “Royal palace. There’s an air raid shelter. The remaining Generals will also be present for a situation report.” She stated.

“Royal Palace it is.” Trigger said, seeing the speedometer was hovering over two hundred kilometers per hour.

“Dammit Andre, you said this place was secure!” Cossette hissed.

Trigger eyed the sky again, it was too dark to see anything, but he also hadn’t heard any tell-tale explosions from bombers yet. It was reminding him of Fort Grays almost a year prior.

“Any chance it’s a drill?” Trigger asked.

“Believe me, if it is, I’ll have the head of whatever asshole interrupted our date for it!” She yelled annoyed.

Trigger smirked, seeing Cossette back to her usual self.

“So, First time?” Trigger asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Air Raid. This your first live one?” Trigger elaborated

“No, I was present for the last three. Except your fighters weren’t terribly accurate.” Cossette said.

 

Within minutes, Trigger had pulled the car up to the back gate. Erusean soldiers were running around taking defensive positions, search light beams raked the sky in search of the threat.

One of the soldiers seeing the Car held up his hand and pointed his rifle at the couple

“Qui êtes vous!” The young soldier barked.

Cossette quickly tore off the hoodie and stepped out of the car. Seeing the Princess the soldier lowered his weapon and barked to his superior.

Trigger assessed the situation for a moment and rolled down the passenger window.

“Cossette!” he shouted to catch her attention. “I’m going to see what’s happening with the Oseans here. You go with the soldiers and stay safe. I’ll be back as soon as I can!” he shouted. She nodded and ran towards the soldiers. Satisfied seeing her retreat into the Palace grounds, Trigger backed away and sped off east towards the heart of the cities financial district and the 101^st Headquarters.

***
Trigger stopped the Mercedes outside a concrete Barrier. The Sirens had been blaring for over half an hour by his guess. Now he was close enough to hear the more recognizable alarms of the Osean forces. A constant beeping followed by three quick ‘Incoming’ announcements followed by more beeping.

An Osean Sergeant Held up his hand “Who the fuck goes there!” He bellowed over the ambient chaos.

Trigger pulled out his ID card and held up his hands “Im a Major with the OADF, I came to see if I could help!” he replied. Another soldier quickly scurried from cover and ran to Trigger. Quickly looking at the ID, the Soldier shot up a thumbs up and pulled Trigger to a concrete shelter.

“Colonel Padbury and his staff are in the bank vault. We’ve radioed ahead and let them know your coming.” The Sergeant reported.

Trigger nodded and bolted off to the Bank. Throwing the heavy oak door open, He saw the once busy main concourse was empty, he looked around the room before he noticed a soldier in body armor crouching and waiving him over. Following the soldier, he was guided down a staircase and through increasingly crowded hallways until he reached the main bank vault. Inside sat Colonel Padbury and the rest of his command staff.

“Sir, Major-“ Trigger started

“I don’t give a fuck. What’s the situation outside Major?” Padbury interrupted.

Trigger shook his head. “Not a clue. Nothing has happened except the sirens. I was hoping you knew.”

Padbury laugh was hollow. “We know fuck all Major of what’s happening. Suddenly the sirens are going off and I can’t get a hold of anyone at the air base to see what is going on. Woods gave his men the day off so they’re getting their tanks ready to press into the base.” Padbury explained.

“Does regional HQ know anything?” Trigger asked.

“They’re just as in the dark as we are.”

“So whats the plan aside from Tanks invading the base?”

“Im hoping its just a drill. But since your somewhat familiar with the base and the key officers there, you go with the platoon I’m sending to support the Third.” Padbury ordered

“Yes sir.” Trigger replied making an about face towards the exit.

“Major, One last thing. I cant have you going into Combat in jeans. So you better find a uniform or something before you leave here.” Padbury shouted.

Another officer quickly ran out of the room and returned with a set of Army Combat Uniform trousers and blouse.

Trigger shrugged “Probably fits” he muttered, finding an empty doorway to get changed in.

Trigger returned to the main corridor to see an Osean Army Major awaiting him with a ballistic vest.    

 “Three Strikes right? Come with me and get this on.” He ordered.

Trigger followed him back out of the building and across to an idling convoy of six Humvees and two Stryker ICVs.

“Major, your riding in my Vehicle.” the Army officer bellowed.

Trigger took his seat in the rear of the vehicle and allowed the sergeant driving to slam the door shut for him.

The Major in charge took a seat, sighed and grabbed the handset radio on the dashboard. “Talon Six-one, we’re Oscar Mike.”

A moment later the Humvee lurched forward and towards out of the firebase.

The convoy sped along the highway at a brisk speed, but still seemed sluggish to Trigger. He noticed the dull tone of the diesel engine drowned out the sirens around them. The radio crackled to life “Bulldog two- three, Oscar Mike to the objective, twenty mikes out” he heard.

Major Kevin Walker grinned at the report and grabbed the microphone. “Attention all Talon victors, our buddies In the Third Armored are finally in this fight. Took them long enough!” he shouted.

Outside of a brief shout or clicks on the radio in response, the ride was eerily quiet. Ten minutes later The Humvees passed a column of Osean M1 Abrams Tanks rolling along the highway towards the mountains.

 

Minutes later, Trigger could see the Situation at the Erusean Air Base was no better than in the City. The Osean Forces moved through the front gate unchallenged and took up a defensive position outside the bases Operations building.

“Trigger, you go in with Sergeant Hornadys men and make contact with the current commander. Im not taking any fucking chances you hear?” Walker bellowed. Trigger nodded and motioned for a squad of soldiers to follow him.

The Osean forces moved through the corridors of the Operations building finding it deserted. Trigger could see through the darkened windows of the building that many of the aircraft shelters and ramp was empty. Entering the Command Center, Trigger could see dozens of Erusean military moving around frantically and shouting into radios.

Trigger grabbed the closest Erusean Officer, a young enlisted airman from his guess “Qu'est-ce que tu veux?”

“Who’s in charge?” Trigger demanded. Terrified the young Erusean pointed to the heart of the room. Hunched over a table was a younger Hispanic man in a flight suit.

“Asher!” Trigger shouted; the Erusean Pilot looked up in annoyance “Well at least that’s one friendly face I’ve seen today.”

“Any idea what the hell is going on? Where’s the fire?” Trigger asked.

“We just had a shoot down on our front steps” Asher replied.

“Wheres Colonel Andre?” Trigger asked

“Question of the fucking hour” Asher hissed “We cant find Pépé anywhere” He added.

“Then who’s in charge?”

“Apparently I am - for whatever that’s worth.” Asher groaned.

Trigger nodded and turned to the Osean Soldiers waiting at the Doorway. “Report to Walker that I’ve made contact with the Eruseans here. Looks to be a real situation.” He ordered, sending the infantry squad away.

“So whats the situation now?”

Asher sighed. “We lost contact with one of our CAP sorties, Radar said they saw a blip and deployed our alert fighters to intercept, Alert saw something and engaged, then CAP saw something and Engaged, and we’ve been seeing sporadic air to air engagements and losses all along this zone here. I currently have all the squadrons committed right now. Looks to be the last throws of the Radicals Air Force by my guess.” Asher reported, motioning to the mountainous region east of Farbanti.

 

Something about the situation didn’t sit right with Trigger. “Any idea of the enemy force makeup?”

Asher shrugged “Every squadron is encountering something different, Vipers, Fulcrums, Terminators, its like the entire Federation Air Force is up against us.” Asher groaned.

***
It was a quiet night at the Selatapura Air Base, in a out of the way corner of the airfield sat a hangar that had quickly been cleared out for the temporary new tenants. Basilisk’s Berserker team had wasted no time setting up their new home. Inside was a plywood shoot house, laid out to mimic the interior of the warehouse storing the weapon, as well was parked half a dozen MH-6 ‘Littlebird’ special operations helicopters, and lying in any space in between was sleeping pilots and bearded operators.

Along one wall of the hangar stood the boards with all the intelligence they had gathered from their forward teams on the location. Colonel Byrns strolled silently through the Hangar, finding Berserker teams commander, Captain Sam Norris, walking through the plan one more time.

“I have to say im impressed how quickly you had this setup. Only thing is, did you have to use Army pilots to get you in?” Byrns spoke up behind the Captain.

Norris shrugged turning to face Byrns. “What can I say Colonel, we have a bit more kinship with the Nightstalker’s than we do with ADFSOC. And Besides, the CV-22 would be overkill.” Norris said smiling and shaking Byrns hand.

“I guess that’s understandable then.” Byrns said, taking Norris’ hand. “Whats the plan for tomorrow Captain?” Byrns asked, shifting the Subject.

“First and second element will insert via Littlebird.  Third is running perimeter detail. Fourth has the MH-47 and EOD team in reserve when we secure the asset.” Norris explained.

“And where do my pilots come into play?” Byrns asked.

“Keeping the Airspace clear is most of it. We have our own drones so Targeting Pods shouldn’t be necessary. However please have some Laser guided munitions ready just in case. In the event we can’t secure the asset, we need to make sure it doesn’t leave Selatapura.” Norris said flatly.

“What is the asset anyways? I’m still in the dark on what this is all about.”

“By design Colonel. Less complications that way.” Norris replied tactfully.

The sound of roaring jet engines distracted the two men. “That’s odd” Byrns said slowly. “Doesn’t sound like a regular CAP departure.” Norris added. Byrns walked over to a phone and quickly dialed the airbases command post.

“This is Byrns. Whats going on?” He interrogated.

The monotone voice of Lieutenant Colonel Curtis replied “Orders from Regional HQ, Farbanti is under a potential Air Attack. I sent up alert five as a precaution.” He reported.

Byrns nodded and hung up. “Looks like Farbanti is under another attack.” He said non-committedly

“Another day in paradise.” Norris replied sardonically  

“Do you want them ready to go now?” Byrns asked, motioning to the sleeping men and women behind him.  Norris shook his head.

“We’ll need them on their A-game tomorrow. This isn’t anything we could help with. Unless the asset moves tonight, it won’t be any reason to wake them.” He replied.

***
The situation had deteriorated in the few minutes Trigger had been in the command center. “with them down, where’s that put us?” He could hear Asher mutter.

“Don’t you guys have an AWACS for this reason?” Trigger inquired.

Asher snorted “All of our remaining A-50’s are deployed over Lambert right now. We don’t have the luxury of an Air Battle Manager right now. The best those nuggets have is us.”

“What do you mean nuggets?” Trigger asked dumb founded.

Asher sighed. “All our experienced guys either went with the radicals or are deployed against them right now. Anyone here is either too inexperienced or just assigned to babysitting duty. We didn’t expect this.”

Trigger shook his head in dismay “Making you guys the perfect target for an attack like this.” He groaned.

“Work with the air force you have, not the one you want.” Asher said coldly

“Nice sentiment, but from the sounds of it, your getting your asses slaughtered.” Trigger pointed out annoyed.

“What the hell do you want us to do? We can’t even find our own leader; you expect us to ask Osea for help? I wouldn’t even know how!” Asher shouted.  

“Wouldn’t know how to do what?” The two men heard a voice interrupt. Asher involuntarily stood up straighter at it. The speaker was heavily accented, and the words sounded awkward and strained.

“Colonel Andre, nice of you to join us.” Asher said annoyed.

“Colonel, with Respect, where the fuck where you?” Trigger hissed. Andre glared at him before walking up to the main desk and glancing at the most recent combat report.

He Paused and then turned his attention back to Asher and Trigger. “Captain Esparza, Get your men airborne and take control of the situation.”

“How sir? It’s a cluster fuck up there.”

“Get them to disengage and return to base. We’re not under attack.”

“How can you say that sir?!” Asher replied dumbfounded.

Andre shook his head. “Trust me. If it was an attack, we’d be gone by now. Now go!” He barked.

Asher took a moment to compose himself. “Oui Colonel” He said, making an about face and running out of the room.

“So how do you figure we’re not under attack?” Trigger asked.

“You need to look at the big picture Major. It’s made of smaller pictures like these-“ he held up a combat report for emphasis. “-They are fighting each other. We don’t have the benefit of an advanced IFF anymore, and I’m willing to bet most of them took off without setting the IFF.” Andre said matter-of-factly.

“I don’t see how the hell you came to that conclusion, but I hope your right.” Trigger replied.

Andre ignored the comment.

“Colonel, It does beg the question, where were you tonight?” Trigger asked again.

“Royal palace to brief the Princess on an upcoming operation.” He replied.

“Oh? How was that?”

“Classified.”

“How was the princess then?” Trigger asked subtly. Andre raised an eyebrow. “Under-dressed for a woman of her position.

“I see.” Trigger replied.

“Now someone, will you kill that damn air raid alert!” Andre yelled.

***
“Your Highness. We’re getting the all clear signal.” Gretchen reported.

Cossette nodded. “Is everyone ok?” She yelled to everyone else in the bunker. Hearing replies to the affirmative she was satisfied.

“Get a Press conference ready. The People need to see that we will not be perturbed by this.” Cossette said determined.

“Also, Get in contact with all local hospitals. While we may not have had any war related injuries, I’m sure they will be busy. We need to make sure they have all the resources they require to handle it.” She added.

“And lastly, I want Trigger and Andre here back in my office tomorrow morning. I need to know what happened here.” She concluded.

“Will that be all Your Highness?” Gretchen asked.

“Yes. Let’s get it done.”

***

Trigger sat on a bench facing the ramp watching the morning sun crest over the mountains. Off in the distance he could hear the faint whine of an engine spooling down as the last of the Erusean fighters parked on the ramp and shut down.

He was exhausted, physically and mentally. Loosing focus he quickly drifted off to sleep.  

Chapter 19

 NINETEEN

Trigger watched the Erusean F-16s taxi into their shelters from Colonel Andre’s Office. It was the second time in a week that Trigger had been to Farbanti Air Base, He could see the C-1 that they arrived in was still parked on the ramp awaiting orders.

Colonel Andres sat behind his desk diligently working on his computer. Trigger could feel the annoyance in the air as the two men stood in silence.

According to the little the Colonel revealed to Trigger, this had been Andre’s office even before the war. Trigger was silently taken aback at how barren the room was. Save for the cheap carpet and furniture, the walls were painted in a faded blue color, however unlike most personal offices of senior staff members, his lacked any decorations. No awards, Family photos, war photos or even a picture of his plane adorned the walls.

 

How boring. Trigger thought.

 

Trigger cleared his throat. “So, Colonel, has Farbanti Air Base always been this busy?”

“Classified” Andres grunted.

So much for that idea.

“I was told you were a Pilot. Mind if I ask which aircraft.”

“Tomcats” Andres said again.

Getting somewhere.

“Oh, Mind if I ask which model? I had a friend who was a Tomcat pilot.” Trigger inquired

Andres glared at Trigger, then turned his attention back to his computer.

Or maybe not

 

Trigger turned his attention back to the ramp. He could see a sizeable force gathered around the Base. However, what caught his eye was the predominant makeup of the force.

Most of the F-16’s he saw were painted in a two-tone brown and dark green color, while a small handful were in the standard three tone brown, green and tan livery for the EAF. As well, He could see a sizable force of F-5 Tiger II air-superiority fighters in three tone brown camouflage.

“Correct me if I’m wrong Colonel, but I thought the Erusean Air Force retired the F-5 already.” Trigger asked.

Andres snorted and ignored the question.

“Colonel, if its alright with you, may I talk to some of your pilots at the base here?” Trigger asked.

“Fine. Stick to the common areas and don’t get in the way.” Andres said dismissively.

Taking his leave, Trigger walked down to the ramp from the office. He could see the Viper pilots who had just returned huddled together smoking. Despite being from a different country, Trigger was surprised with how close their uniforms were to Osea’s. Instead of the olive drab their flight suits were a darker blue, but all the gear looked remarkably similar, including same HGU-55 helmet he wore.

Trigger walked over and held up his hand to introduce himself.

“Bon jour!” Trigger said confidently, the words not quite forming correctly. Damn it! I knew I should have paid more attention to Cossette’s language classes Trigger thought as he saw the Erusean pilots start to snicker.

The lead Pilot held his hand up to settle down his compatriots. “Ah, you must be the Osean given free reign here, is that correct?” He asked, his common held no accent and was remarkably close to Cossette’s.

“That would be me.” Trigger replied shrugging holding out his hand to shake.

The head Erusean Pilot took it and pulled Trigger closer grinning. “Well, unlike these bunch of dick bags, I’ll at least stick to the same language, so you don’t butcher mine.”

Trigger nodded sheepishly “Sorry, never really was good at languages.”

“Not a problem Major. The names Captain Josh Esparza, but most people call me Asher.” The pilot introduced himself.

He was a darker Hispanic man with striking features, slightly taller than Trigger in height and, by Trigger’s guess, he was in his late twenties or early thirties.

“What’s the story behind ‘Asher’?” Trigger asked.

The other Erusean pilots gave each other glances before breaking into a fit of snickering again.

Asher rolled his eyes. “Well you see. Turns out when you accidentally drop a blue body on short final which causes the hill to erupt in flames. You tend to get a name that sticks. Not my fault that Indoc is in the driest part of the country and the concrete bomb just happened to create a wildfire that almost burned the base down.” He explained.

Trigger laughed at the story. “Well, at least you didn’t accidentally fire the gun in closed formation when trying to hit your transmit button.”

“Ah, Hence the name ‘Trigger’ I take it?” Asher asked, raising an eyebrow.

Trigger nodded. “Yep. Stuck with me ever since.”

“Well then your alright by my books Trigger. Any reason you decided to come down here with all us low life Viper pilots? I thought you and Pépé would be buddy-buddy coming from similar airframes and all?” Asher asked.

Trigger shrugged. “Yeah, Colonel Andres isn’t really my biggest fan. Don’t know why. That seems to be a running theme this week.”

Asher slapped Trigger on the back. “Don’t take it too hard. Pépé Is kind of a dick to everyone.”

Trigger changed the subject. “So, I have to ask. Most of these F-16’s isn’t the recent blocks are they?”

Asher and the other pilots gave an impressed look. “Surprising coming from the Eagle driver to know so much about our planes. We should feel honored.”

“Not really, my first operational squadron was on the Block 50’s.” Trigger dismissed.

“Ah, explains why you’d notice it then. Yeah we had to dust off a lot of the older Viper-A’s since the end of the war.” Asher noted.

Trigger studied the planes closer, Compared to the later F-16C he was used to, the Erusean F-16A’s had a smaller tail and stabilators, along with the intake being different to accommodate the older Pratt and Whitney F100-PW-200, which also sounded different to Trigger compared to the F110-GE-129.

“So, if I had to guess, your rationing the last of your C models?” Trigger asked

A female pilot nodded “Yes, chefs de vol et” She paused embarrassed. “Flight leaders and night combatants only.” She repeated, her accent was closer to the one’s Trigger had heard from the Volsagian Air Force’s pilots, the words seemed awkward for her to say.

Asher nodded in confirmation. “Yep, brand new Air Force for a brand-new country. Stuck flying the equipment our fathers and grandfathers flew to keep our skies secure.”

An uncomfortable silence fell over the group before Asher clapped his hands. “Laissez-moi montrer l'Osean. Vous vous préparez tous pour un débriefing dans une heure!” He barked to the gathered pilots.

Trigger watched them shout “Oui capitan” in response before falling out and dispersing.

“Well Major, if you will allow me to show you around our humble little airplane?” Asher asked, motioning for Trigger to follow him.

“So if I may ask, whats with the accent, or lack thereof?” Trigger asked

Asher laughed “You noticed that? Well I was born and raised in Farbanti. You know how you Osean’s have different accents for the different Regions? Same Idea. Most of us Costal types sound more Osean than those who grew up around Lambert or along the Eastern Border like those hicks you met.”

Trigger nodded, following Asher to one of the parked F-16As. “Which unit is this one with?” Trigger asked

“This one was a part of the 344^th, Bold Tiger Squadron. They were one of the many deactivated with the regime change back in the late aughties. If you want to be technical, they’re currently assigned to my squadron, the 163rd Fighter Squadron.”

“163^rd have a name? I mean all the other Erusean Units I flew with had.”

“Nope. I wanted ‘Farbanti’s Finest’ but that got veto’d by everyone. Can’t win em all.” Asher explained.

Trigger walked around the perimeter of the Fighter. He’d seen the legacy Vipers plenty of times, but they were almost all exclusively either museum pieces or gate guardians. Osea had long since converted their F-16As to target drones.

“How old are these Vipers anyways?” Trigger inquired, studying the intake.

“All Block 10 or earlier in this squadron. Some of the ones being pressed against the Radicals are Block 20 or have gone through the Mid Life Upgrade, so they can do beyond visual range and will be useful to air superiority. Here we just deal with the occasional ground support mission or regular air interdiction. Iron bombs don’t really need the fancy avionics to work.” Asher explained.

 “Did you always fly the Viper?”

“Yeah, I was a part of Ymir Squadron, 148^th Fighter Squadron.” Asher said distantly.

“See a lot of action with Ymir during the war?”

Asher laughed, it was hollow and humorless “I wish, we got stationed at some middle of nowhere Airbase just on the eastern border of San Salvacion. Our Mission was just to make sure the air routes for the supply aircraft stayed open to the few units that were blitzing on the front line. While those Arsenal Birds were up our job was easy, probably ninety nine percent of our sorties ended with no action whatsoever. Then one afternoon, three FCU Tornado’s come screaming through, blow the shit out of our Hangars and runway. Knocked us on our asses before we even figured out, we were under attack. Find out that evening that They hit us while the Arsenal Bird was occupied and destroyed over Stonehenge. Few days later Osean infantry roll up on our doorstep and capture the base and all of us with it. We lost our war before we even had chance to fight it.” He said disgusted.

“At least the pizza was decent. It was nearly impossible to get a good slice in that town by the base.” He quickly added for comedic effect.

The men stood in silence for a brief moment.

“So, Three Strikes, is all the stories they say about you correct?” Asher asked

“Which ones?”

“You know; that you single handedly sank the Njord fleet, and that you don’t actually have blood?”

Trigger raised his eyebrow at the assertion.

“The hell do you mean I ‘don’t have blood’?”

“I dunno, Some of the Rigel and Gram survivors mentioned it. Guess you were doing shit with that Eagle that shouldn’t have been physically possible.” Asher elaborated.

Trigger shook his head, “Man I wish that was the case but no. Im just as flesh and blood as anyone else.”

“You sure? I mean I saw that show on the science fiction channel, you know the one with the robots that looked like humans and blew everyone up?”

“I don’t have the oscillating red eye if that’s what you’re asking about.” Trigger said flatly.

“Eh, whatever you say ‘skin-job’.” Asher muttered.

“What are the other units here for anyways?” Trigger said changing the subject.

Asher thought for a moment.

“Well I can’t say much about the Tigers, since I kinda don’t know or care what their mission is. But the Frogfoots are getting geared up to be deployed for close-air-support against the radicals. Theres a handful of Flankers that have the same air defense mission here.”

“Honestly from the looks of it, your Air Force is the only branch not suffering in the equipment department since you can at least keep the CAP up compared to what the Army’s doing.” Trigger mused.

He noticed Asher turned away, catching a glimpse of a sneer at the comment.

“So, Trigger, care to see anything else? I mean I can’t show you everything but.” Asher asked.

“No thanks captain. I think I’ve seen enough here to get a general idea. Thanks for that.” Trigger replied.

Asher grinned “Anytime Major.” He made an about-face and ran towards the bases operations building.

Trigger slowly made his way back to Colonel Andre’s office.

Walking in, he saw that the Colonel had hardly moved in his absence.

“Major I didn’t hear you request to enter.” Andre growled.  

“Oh, Sorry, figured since-“ Trigger started

“-Enough Major. I will let it slide this time, but you’d be wise to remember I am still a Colonel of a now allied nation to your own and am to be treated as such.” Andre hissed.

Trigger straightened up his posture. “Yes sir.” He said through gritted teeth.

“Did you see anything interesting you’re going to report back to your superiors Major?” Andre asked, taking his eyes off the computer to study Trigger.

“Nothing of note that you already didn’t inform us of, Sir. Capitan Esparza was kind enough to answer the few questions I had.” Trigger said through gritted teeth.

Andre nodded satisfied.

“I thought so. Maybe you can tell Her Royal Highness that as well, just so I don’t have to deal with a pain like you every day.” Andre said dismissively.

Well fuck you too. Trigger thought.

“Is there anything else sir?” Trigger growled.

“That is all Major. I don’t even know why you came here in the first place.” Andre said dismissively.
***

It was nearing late evening by the time Trigger returned to the Palace. Taking a quick shower and changing into his street cloths, blue jeans, a T-shirt and his leather jacket, he walked to Cossette’s room.

Knocking on the door, he could hear her shower running. “Come in!” He could hear her muffled voice say.

It was the first time he had seen her bedroom. It was similar in size to the room he was staying in, with an attached bathroom and closet.

One thing that he took immediate notice of was the change in décor compared to the rest of the Palace. Instead of paintings of important Erusean historical figureheads, Cossette had posters from boy bands, movies and books littering her wall. It reminded him more to the room of a teenage girl instead of that belonging to the heir apparent to the monarchy.

“I am so glad to be off of work finally!” Cossette yelled from the shower.

“Busy day at work?” Trigger shouted back, taking a seat on her bed.

“My god, you wouldn’t believe the shit I have to deal with! I thought Troy was bad, but some of the old guard here!” She complained.

Trigger smirked listening to her.

The shower shut off and he could hear her grabbing a towel and drying off.

Trigger waiting, absent mindedly pulled the Hi-Power from its leather holster and verified that a round was chambered, before returning it under the jacket.

“Are you sure going on a date tonight is a good idea? I mean what if we get recognized?” Trigger asked

“Are you telling me your getting cold feet now all of a sudden?” Cossette countered; her voice still muffled by the closed bathroom door.

“No, I mean, just that it’s your Capital, and I have to imagine you’re pretty recognizable face around here.”

He could hear her footsteps approach the door. “Oh, that won’t be an issue, you know why?” She paused for effect, before quickly throwing the door open “Because I’m wearing a disguise!” she said proudly.

Instead of the formal attire she would normally be seen in public in, she had blue jeans, and a ‘Bana University’ hoodie and her hair tied back in a ponytail. Trigger looked on, trying to keep his bearing with an unamused face.

Cossette pouted “Jeeze, you don’t like it?” She asked.

“Well, I mean, it’s just that we could get away with it in Selatapura, but what about here? I’m not sure how well your country will take it that your dating the enemy.” Trigger said.

“Are you my boyfriend or are you my dad? Come on, what do we have to worry about? We look like any other normal couple.” She reinforced, walking towards, and falling into Trigger, who caught her.

She was close enough that he could smell her shampoo. Damn this is nice.

“Well, if your considering me the latter, I can tell you that you’re not going out dressed as that young lady” Trigger said in a mocking gruff tone. It occurred to him in that moment that he never actually did know what the former King of Erusea sounded like, much less looked like in that moment. He was sure he had seen paintings of him but since everything was written in Erusean, he couldn’t be too sure.

Cossette’s face soured at the mockery. “Wow, is it really that bad? It’s mostly your clothes anyways.” She said.

“I wouldn’t be caught dead on Bana’s Campus; I was a November City man!” Trigger said in a faux defense causing Cossette to roll her eyes.

“You keep changing that story every time you say it.” She noted.

“Hey, you can’t be the only person here with the secrets. Got to keep it interesting somehow.” Trigger said flirtatiously. She stared at him with unamused at the attempt. “Remember you love me for my charm.” He quickly said. “Something like that.” She replied.

Cossette pushed herself up from Trigger’s chest “Come on, we have a reservation we still have to be at.” She reminded him.

“Of course, What was this restaurant again?” He replied, following Cossette out the door.

“It’s this nice Italian Bistro in the middle of the old-town I thought we could go to. My parents took me there when I was really young, has a real nice atmosphere about the place. I hope that’s still the case.”

Trigger nodded, “Wait, what’s an Italian?”

***

Adams watched through the scope as a BMW pulled up and stop in front of the unassuming warehouse. From his vantagepoint he could almost make out the features of the men inside the vehicle.

“Assassin, Rider, Vehicle just stopped at the target.” Adams whispered into his throat mic.

Two clicks were his response.

The Estovakian burst weapon had been on the move non-stop for the previous few days until it landed in one of the countless warehouses in Selatapura Harbor, underneath the nose of an Osean Air Base and International Space Elevator.

“Rider, Magus, do you see any weapons?” Fick’s voice crackled through the earpiece.

Adams was still as he searched through the scope. The men hadn’t exited the vehicle so he couldn’t be positive. A few minutes later another vehicle, this time an older Chevrolet Suburban pulled up and parked behind the BMW.

Adams watched the Suburban driver kill the engine and get out; He was bald wearing a camouflaged cold weather jacket.  The thing that caught his eye was the way he walked. Unlike most of the characters he had seen the Cartel interact with, this man was too stilted in his walk, more akin to a military officer, instead of a arms dealer or soldato. Before the man reached the lead vehicle, Adams watched four sharply dressed men in suits exit the vehicle. he could almost make out the short-barreled rifles concealed underneath their coats.

“All Players, Rider, Four armed subjects, plus one unknown.” Adams whispered.

“Magus, Assassin, do I engage?” Zhao’s voice came through as a barely audible whisper.

There was a pause.

“Magus to all Servants, sit tight and do not engage. Berserker will be the one’s to take point on this” Fick ordered.

***
The restaurant Cossette had chosen was down the street from the Reconstruction Plaza, the exterior to Trigger was nothing terribly exciting, just a small black shade cover protruding out of the front of the building listing the name as Joel’s in elegant calligraphy. The interior was small and crowded with locals. The walls were lined in brick and the floor tile, the cheap wooden tables covered in a red and white checkerboard cloth. The candles on the tables flickered as their dim glow gave an intimate feel to the dining room.

Cossette and Trigger sat themselves at a table, a server walking over and taking their drink order.

“How silly of me, I run the Country, but I am still too young to even get a glass of wine.” Cossette observed.

“I mean, you could change the rule if you wanted, can’t you?” Trigger asked

Cossette thought for a moment and shrugged. “Dunno, Parliament may take issue with me giving blanket decrees like that.”

“I thought it was an absolute monarchy Erusea had.”

“Yes, but actually no. My family has a majority rule over the major business of the country. However, the parliament, like your senate, does have say on the finer details.” Cossette explained.

“Ah, so don’t step on their shoes, they won’t step on yours?” Trigger asked

“Exactly! Though who knows how long that will be-” Cossette said, before being interrupted by the server returning with their drinks.

“May I take your order miss?” the young man asked.

“Spaghetti for both of us please.” Cossette replied.

Waiting for the server to disappear into the kitchen, Cossette spoke up “Do you think he recognized me?” she asked concerned.

“I think he was more infatuated than anything. But what did you mean ‘for however long that will be’?” Trigger said, taking a sip from his cola.

Cossette raised an eyebrow “Not even jealous in that case?” avoiding the question.

Trigger shrugged “Well I know I certainly got him beat in the job department. Maybe even the looks department if I do say so myself.” he said leaning back and grinning causing Cossette to roll her eyes. “But come on what’s the deal with the parliament?” He asked again.

Cossette sighed. “As the monarchy stands, only male members are eligible for the throne. However, as luck would so have it, I have only one cousin who is a girl, meaning there is no legitimate male heirs. Parliament is wracking their brains on how to adjust the current rules to allow me to officially take the throne.” She explained. Trigger took her hand reassuringly. “You’ll figure something out. You always do.”

“So, Trigger, how was your visit to the air base today?” She asked, changing the subject.

“Hard to say. Colonel Andres doesn’t seem to like me, but I hit it off well with some of the pilots at least. Seriously what is that dudes deal?” Trigger asked.

“Unfortunately, I can’t say. I was only aware of him before the war started because of his demotion from brigadier general. But beyond that and the reasons for the demotion my father never explained. I have only been working with him since the end of November.” She explained.

Trigger nodded. “Was he one of the Conservatives then?”

“To my understanding he worked closely with lieutenant general Labarthe before his death, so yes.”

“Makes sense. I was surprised to see what your air force has become. Mostly Continental War veterans, right?” he asked.

Cossette nodded “Unfortunately, we’re working with what we have. The FCU has been cold about selling us anything newer for obvious reasons. I just hope the Radicals will be through with soon.” She said sadly.

“Makes sense. Well at least once this is settled you can work on making amends.” Trigger said hopefully.

“Of course. All things considered Erusea got off relatively lightly with the peace negotiations with Osea and the IUN.” She said sighing.

A few seconds later the waiter came out with their dinners.

Trigger studied the pasta for a second. “Oh. So, this, is what Italian is.”

***
“Sundowner One-One be advised, radar contact lost. Report when over ARCOE intersection for the TACAN Runway 21” the Farbanti Air Base Approach controller reported.

Sundowner flight was composed of two F-5 Tigers from the Erusean Air Force 111^th Fighter Squadron, composed of Captain Josh ‘Professor’ Hill and Lieutenant Daniel ‘Goombah’ Allison. The two Tigers were over the mountains returning from their CAP mission over Farbanti.

Professor was annoyed but not shocked at the report. Since the end of the war, the radar coverage around Farbanti had been awful, especially in the Mountains around the Farbanti Air Base.

 

“Sundowner One-One” Professor called back to the controller to acknowledge the report. Before letting his Oxygen mask hang to the side of his helmet. Their flight had been long and uncomfortable, the summer heat was setting in early and the nearly forty-year-old airplanes environmental control systems had long since failed. Compounded with the turbulence and added strain of flying a unergonomic fighter jet made him exhausted and wishing to be back in Griphen. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he flipped through his kneeboard until he found the approach plate and plugged in the TACAN’s channel in the F-5s navigation radio. Watching his HSI swing to life, he turned the course nob until it read 178.

“Sundowner One-Two, Sundowner One-One. You have the approach plate in front of you?” Professor called into his mask to Goombah.

“One-Two has the plate.”

“How about you brief it to me? You need the Practice.”

There was a pause.

“Ok, Looks like we’re intercepting the 178 radial at the ARCOE intersection, then waiting for the DME to count in until we hit WISTO at 21 miles out, then a DME arc in until we hit KUTME on the 210 and follow that the rest of the way in, Missed approach is at KITCH about .7 from the field and at 1460 feet.” Goombah explained.

Professor nodded in approval. “Needs work but you get the idea. Field has been VFR all day, so I doubt we’ll need this in anger.”

 

The two pilots sat in silence, watching the mountains pass by and the aircrafts distance to the airport tick down.

Suddenly, the radio crackled to life.

“Sundowner One-Three, reset IFF.” The Approach Controller called out annoyed.

What the hell? Professor thought.

“Approach, Sundowner One-One, be advised that we are a flight of two.” He called over the radio.

Silence was his response.

Chapter 18

 EIGHTEEN

“Attention, Gargoyle Squadron. Babel. Babel. Babel”

Trigger was tired, angry, and confused. He hadn’t been dogfighting for more than a few minutes, but he felt like he had run a marathon. President Harling was in a captured Erusean Osprey and heading out to sea where a carrier strike group would be awaiting him.

Trigger looked over his shoulder and saw seven plumes of smoke from what he presumed was Gargoyle Squadron, a group of Maritime Defense Force Tomcats.

He watched as six of the missiles were intercepted by the Arsenal Bird Liberty’s MQ-101 Unmanned Combat Vehicles. One lone missile exploded on the exterior of the Space Elevators windbreak.

What the fuck are they doing? Trigger thought to himself.

“Sky Keeper, What the hell was that!” Knocker demanded.

“Gargoyle Did their job!” the AWACS replied annoyed.

Trigger rolled his F-16 to reengage into the fight. His aircrafts PESA radar was next to useless in the furball they found themselves in. He quickly rolled through what weapons he had left.

Two Sidewinders, three 120’s, and 400 some odd rounds left on the Gun. Fuck Trigger thought to himself in frustration.

“I figured, but why weren’t we informed?” Knocker demanded

“The IUN Can’t Coordinate between Branches, as usual.” Clown said pragmatically.

The frequency was clogged with radio traffic between the multiple squadrons involved. Trigger was only half able to follow the situation unfolding.

Trigger rolled in a mile behind an Erusean MQ-99. He adjusted the radar until it had a lock and he fired one of his AIM-120’s. “Fox Three!” Trigger called out.

Trigger watched annoyed as the missile ‘went stupid’ and sailed harmlessly past the drone, which then made a hard banking turn towards Mother Goose One. 

Trigger was getting slower in his reactions. He wasn’t used to any furball lasting for as long as this one had. He was already loosing at the OODA Loop against the Drone’s computer he figured, He had long since tuned out the sound of his Viper’s radar warning receiver, and only occasionally took notice of the jet’s ‘Bitchin Betty’ reporting the deployment of chaff and flares. Trigger slammed his throttle forward into afterburner and switched over to the gun. Within a second the weapons computer had locked onto the Drone and was plotting the aim point for Trigger to put his pipper onto. With a brief squeeze of the trigger on the side stick, Trigger was greeted with a fireball as the drone was torn asunder with the cannon rounds. Trigger grinned watching the wreckage tumble towards the bay, belching fire and spewing smoke as it plummeted. 

“Mother Goose One Hit!” Clown yelled frantically over the net. That had caught Triggers attention. He looked frantically to his Data Link; He could see multiple Drones had converged on the lone MV-22’s position.

Trigger could hear the AWACS desperately trying to communicate with the wounded aircraft. Staying in Afterburner, Trigger rolled the Viper over and pulled into a hard turn towards the Osprey. He could see Clown quickly engage and dispatch two of the drones tailing the plane, causing the rest to scatter away.

 “This is Mage 1, I have Mother Goose One in my sight. Cabin fine, but the cockpit isn’t looking too good.”  Clown reported.

The AWACS once again called to the ailing plane.

“Sky Keeper, should we continue providing cover for Mother Goose One?” Clown asked.

“Of Course!” The AWACS replied annoyed.

Trigger had pulled up on Clowns wing, “Lead, I have your wing.” Trigger reported over the frequency.
Trigger took a closer look at the Osprey, He could see from his vantage point it was trailing something, and one engine appeared to have been severely damaged.

Clown made a gentle bank towards the escape vector, acting as a signal for the former Osean President’s aircraft to do the same. To Triggers surprise, The MV-22 had instead rolled into the opposite direction and had made a heading back towards the Space Elevator.

Wrong way Dumbass! Trigger thought as he evaded the oncoming aircraft.

“Mage 1, you have this?” Trigger asked annoyed.

Clown rocked his wings and turned around to follow the Osprey.

 

Trigger rolled back into the fight once again. He found another Drone, an Osean made MQ-101, switching over to the AIM-9 missile, he waited for the high pitch squealing tone before he fired the missile. The jet shuttered and Trigger had pulled away from the Attack, watching satisfied as the missile flew true and detonated, sending the drone crumbling to pieces.

 

Trigger turned his attention back towards Harling.

“We can’t protect our objective if it sticks around here!” Clown said quickly, his voice betraying a twinge of fear.

“Now’s not the time to freak out, fellas. We’ve still got a job to do, so let’s do it! Keep your mind focused!” Knocker reminded them. Trigger could even hear the apprehension in the normally cool-headed group commanders voice.

“The UAV’s are approaching Mother Goose One!” the AWACS reported.

“Let’s go Trigger!” Clown ordered.

“Right. Mage 2, engaging!” Trigger shouted. He put the circular reticle for the Sidewinder over the furthest UAV. I’ll just mop the rest up with the gun and Winchester out. He thought.

Hearing the positive tone, he pressed the weapons release button.

***

Trigger awoke in a cold sweat. It had been a few months since he had had that dream. It felt so real to him.

I guess that was almost a year ago now. Trigger thought to himself, catching his breath.

They bothered him. Having brought it up to the Air Bases flight surgeon, he was assured it was normal, just the brain’s way of decluttering itself. Every time he had had one of these memories it left him feeling worse for wear. He was just glad that Cossette wasn’t present any of the times previous he had them.

He got changed out of his fatigues and decided to clear his head with a walk around the palace grounds.

 

The interior halls of the palace were massive, and just as ornate as the guest room. He did some reading the day previous that said the Palace had almost 800 individual rooms, along with a 45-acre private park attached.

As Trigger made his way alone down one of the exterior hallways, he watched the moonlight shine in through the windows, almost as bright as search lights in the darkened hall.

***

The ground proximity radar was screaming at him.

He felt detached as he guided the Eagle through the canyon. The insertion plan to the AO was certifiably insane, the LRSSG was all in Agreement, however it also carried the highest chance of success compared to other more traditional plans.

The Cape Rainey Air Base was a perfect foot hold position for the Air Defense Force to start launching probing attacks into Farbanti ahead of the main invasion force at only 700 miles from the city. Off the shore sat a collection of Osean Fast Attack submarines filled with supplies to establish a forward operating base. However, before that could happen, Osean Marine Corps ‘Basilisk’ Team would have to secure the base, and to accomplish their mission required the LRSSG to provide the Close Air Support mission.

 

Trigger glanced to the side for a heartbeat, he could see the cold stone walls towering over him, It reminded him too much of the unpleasantness of the Yinshi Valley.

Well at least there’s no thunderstorms. He thought.

 

The canyon opened briefly and was filled with high intensity search lights. Trigger prayed the Intel was correct and they were automated and only tuned to search for Helicopters.

***
His heart was racing again.

Weird he thought to himself. Operation Werewolf was a rousing success, most of his dreams consisted of those missions that ended poorly. Mostly surrounding operations Giant’s Step, Two Pairs, Dual Wielder or Lighthouse Keeper.

Trigger continued his self-guided tour to clear his mind.

Nearing Cossette’s quarters, he started to hear a faint noise. Following the sound, he could make out what was a piano. The music was fast and aggressive, yet still having a sense of elegance about it.

Trigger quietly stalked his way through the rooms heading towards the source of the noise.

He paused before a closed door, Cossette’s room? He asked himself. Certainly the right part of the Palace. He listened intently through the door. He was taken aback with the different movements of the song, The main melody coupled with that of a supporting melody. The song transitioned from a rapid staccato to a driving but smoother chorus.

He turned and sat down, resting his head against the door. The door creaked slightly betraying his presence.

The Music stopped suddenly.

Trigger started to crawl away from the door before he heard a voice call out “Is that you?”, Cossette’s.

Trigger stood up and opened the door, instead of a bedroom, he was in a smaller room illuminated only by the moonlight. He could see the walls were covered in bookshelfs and in the center sat Cossette behind a grand piano. Her night gown almost glowing from the ambient light surrounding her.

“So what did you think?” She asked.

“I didn’t know you played piano” Trigger replied sheepishly.

Cossette smiled “Its not one I’m terribly good at. I prefer to sing more than play. Never quite had the ear for it.” She said dejected.

“We could argue about that. You sounded great!” Trigger s.

“Thank you Trigger, that means a lot.” Cossette sighed.

“Rough day at work?” Trigger asked worried,

“Something like that. I hope I am not the reason your awake.” Cossette replied, the smile disappearing from her face.  

Trigger grinned. “Not this time. But hearing you play I can’t say I’d be disappointed to wake up to that. What was that piece called?”

Cossette furrowed her brow “Démêler I think? Im not sure what the translation is to common however. Its one I learned back in school.” She admitted.

“Can I hear another one?” Trigger asked.

Cossette thought for a moment, and a slight smirk returned to her face. “Sure. I will play you one of my favorites. Azalea.” She said with a determined look on her face.  Trigger noticed that she didn’t have any sheet music to play off of for either song.

He watched her hands as she played the song.

It started quickly, her hands flying across the keys as she played. The sound and melody progressed in volume and complexity until reaching the crescendo. It ended with falling chord progression culminating in a final note that hung in the air momentarily.  

Trigger clapped at the conclusion of the performance, Cossette bowed and giggled at Trigger’s over the top reaction.

“Thank you Trigger. Just a lot has happened today, and I just needed somewhere to vent. Piano always seemed to help my mother so I figured it was worth a shot.”

“What happened?” Trigger asked. She walked over to him and took his hand.

“It’s, not really easy for me to explain, and I don’t quite understand it well myself. It has to do with succession and such and my cabinet is just on my back with it now since we’re back in Farbanti.” She explained.

Trigger nodded, embracing her in a hug. “Its Ok dear. Whatever it is, I will be there for you.” He whispered to her.

She looked up at him, he was lost in her brilliant blue eyes in that moment.

“Trigger, do you think you can sleep with me tonight? I just need you right now.” She admitted.

“Of course. Whatever you need.” Trigger replied.

***
Trigger watched her as she slept by his side, using his arm as her pillow. Her sleep was restless, and he could hear her mumbling as she slept.

“Three Strikes”

It caught his attention, he looked down and saw her face had contorted into a frown.

Am I hearing things? He asked himself.

A second later Cossette’s face had relaxed and returned to normal.

Guess I’m not the only one having trouble sleeping. He thought to himself before drifting off to sleep once again.

Chapter 17

 SEVENTEEN

“Really like what you all did with the place, gives off that regal vibe” Trigger said sarcastically, walking around the perimeter of the royal study. Cossette looked up at trigger from her desk and rolled her eyes, “Well that was kinda the idea, wouldn’t you think?” She said unamused.

Trigger cleared his throat, then spoke in a poorly feigned rural accent “I don’t know what chu city folk like, but where I’m from-”

“Carbanero right?” Cossette interjected, in an attempt to derail the stale joke

“Well uhh… Yeah, the small farming town of Carbanero!” Trigger said, sticking to the bit.

Cossette folded her hands on her desk and let out an annoyed sigh “Yes, the small town of Carbanero with a population rivalling Oured at, oh, last I checked, six-hundred some odd thousand residents?”

Trigger held up his hands, conceding the joke. “Actually, it was Lumen was where I was born. Not that it really matters.” Trigger corrected.

“So, is there a reason you came to bug me Trigger? As you can see im still very busy” Cossette asked, turning her attention back to the documents before her.

Trigger gave a slight sigh and stretched his arms out “Well, I was going to see if you wanted anything to eat. I don’t think I saw you have anything since the plane flight this morning. And I doubt you had anything with all the pomp and ceremony of this afternoon.”

Cossette cracked a smile “Its OK Trigger, I had Gretchen drop me off something small earlier. Thank you for worrying about me.”

Trigger walked up behind Cossette’s chair and leaned down to embrace her in a hug, He started to tease her with pecks on the neck and exposed shoulder. “Come on Trigger! I have work to do, shoo!” She pleaded giggling.

“Hey, I thought you would show me around your hometown when we got here, but its just been one ceremony after another since we were wheels down!” Trigger whispered playfully.

The moment Cossette arrived back to the Royal Palace; she had been attending multiple formal ceremonies. The primary of which had the raising of the Royal Standard of Erusea over the palace grounds, finally symbolizing to the defeated populous that the monarchy had once again returned.

The ceremony itself was subdued, Only a small regiment of Erusean regular military was present in their formal attire, along with a handful of armored and mechanized vehicles for a parade, however there was a rather sizable gathering of Farbanti’s populous to witness the occasion from the exterior walls of the grounds along with multiple members of the press.

“Well Trigger –“ she said, brushing him away “- when you’re in my position, tradition requires that kind of Pomp and Ceremony.” She explained dismissively.

“Doesn’t the attention get annoying?” he asked.

Cossette paused and thought for a moment. Trigger’s heart still skipped a beat any time he saw her with that focused expression. She appeared to be so lost in thought that she hadn’t taken notice of the stray strand of hair that had once again fallen onto her face.

“Well, to be honest, when I was younger, I hated it. But as I grew older, I guess I started to understand the role a bit better and just learned to get over it. The stuff we did today? That was constant for me before and during most of the war. Being a Royal is a twenty-four seven commitment.” She shrugged “Its partially a reason I was so happy to be in Selatapura, not as many eyes watching every move”

“So, your saying we need to be more careful here? Should we even be in the same room right now?” Trigger asked.

“Nothing that extreme. The Palace is swept for bugs and we’re far enough away and in a private enough area that no nosey paparazzi will be able to see anything. And in the off chance they do, well, needless to say the Intelligence Service has its own employees in ENN.” She explained with a wicked grin.

“What, they give them concrete boots or something?”

“Nothing so dramatic. The EIS is very good about making those problem children fall in line, either with carefully documented blackmail or enough information to discredit them into oblivion. No one in that business is clean enough to escape them.”

“Remind me to never piss you off.” Trigger said jokingly.

“Oh calm yourself. Even I can’t use those powers against any of my exes. So functionally your fine.” She said

“I don’t know, I can’t say I’m terribly comfortable with an ex-girlfriend who also happens to have a host of Intercontinental ballistic missiles” Trigger said sarcastically.

“Call it a deterrent. Not that any attempts of using those weapons ever worked.”

“Your welcome.” Trigger quickly chimed in.

“Yes, I had heard that our IRBM facilities in Sierraplata was hit. So, I take that was your doing?” Cossette asked pointedly

Trigger gave a boyish grin in response

“Do you have any idea how expensive those missiles were?” She jokingly chastised him, standing up from her desk and wagging her finger.

She sighed “Well it is what it is. I was never present in those meetings, but Father never liked the idea of those weapons being in the arsenal when we were still trying to be amicable towards the rest of Usea.”

“See? Then I did you a favor! You may shower me with praise!” Trigger defended himself, causing Cossette to roll her eyes a second time.

“We’ll have to see about that. If nothing else, it did deprive the Radicals from using them. But who knows if that even crossed their minds.” Cossette said tired.

The Radical’s had been occupying Cossette’s thoughts more and more Trigger had noticed. It pained him each time to see how distressed she would get each time another report would come in. He could see it was starting to wear on the young woman.

“Hey, Cossette, when is your quitting time anyways? I mean back home, you had a chance to at least leave work at work, is that the same case here?” Trigger asked concerned.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, look at the time, you’ve been almost non-stop all day, is this going to be normal from here on out for you? Or are you going to take a break at some point?” Trigger asked, pointing to his watch for emphasis. The sun had long set, and it was nearing midnight.

She looked at Trigger with weary eyes “Don’t worry Trigger, it should be back to normal routine within the next day or two. We should be able to sneak off after it settles down a bit. It’s just that everything is a bit underwater is all.”

“Just remember to come up for air once in a while.” Trigger reminded her. “Is there anything I can do?”

“I wish, but no, this is all for Erusea to handle internally. It’s been a cluster fuck sorting all this out, but I think I got it mostly figured out.” She reported returning to her work.

***

Adams and Zhao sat on a hill overlooking Axel Bay, the major port leading into Chopinburg. Both men looked through binoculars at the ships coming into the harbor.

“I got eyes on the Cartel’s ship” Adams reported.

Zhao paused for a moment and keyed the radio on his lapel “Magus, Assassin, eyes on the MS Antoine Henri, looks to be Verusean flagged.”

Lieutenant Fick’s voice squawked through the radio “Magus copies all. That matches the report Assassin” Fick confirmed.

“So, any idea what the old man is wanting with the ships anyways?” Adams asked Zhao, still keeping his eyes on the lumbering vessel.

“The numbers are just too off for his comfort.” Zhao responded stoically

“Whats that supposed to mean?”

“They used to ship nearly a million kilos of drugs into Usea. Now? It’s hardly half a million.”

“Maybe it’s not profitable, you know with the war and all that?” Adams replied

“that’s the thing, their drug shipments went down, but arms shipments shot way through the roof. They probably moved more weapons this year into Usea than Albastru.”

“Maybe they’re finally going to push the rival families out of the country with force?”

“Hard telling. This many weapons in play does not bode well for a stable region however, that’s why we’re here.”

“Yeah, I really am digging the Belkan hiker tourist look.” Adams said sarcastically

“Magus, Rider” A voice squawked on the radio. It was Morgan

“Magus, go ahead.” Fick replied

“I sent the Sniffer drone out to the Henri, please confirm what the Manifest said they were carrying?” Morgan asked.

There was a pause

“Rider, Magus, OIA docs show it should just be rifles and ammunition. What are you seeing?”

“Check again, the sniffer is going off the charts, we’re dealing with some serious firepower here.”

“Could the ships machinery be giving false readings?” Zhao chimed in.

“Negative Assassin, looks to be high grade warheads.”

“Rider, confirm its non-radiological” Fick ordered.

There was a pregnant pause.

“Rider confirms. Signature is matching those of a burst-missile type warhead. Likely Estovakian in nature with the off-gassing makeup.” Morgan reported.

There was a sigh of relief at the report amongst the operators.

 

“Understood Rider, wait for the ship to pull into port and see if you can tag the shipment.” Fick ordered.

 

“What the hell does the Sapinish Cartel want with a burst missile anyways?” Adams asked rhetorically.

“Probably a bargaining chip. You’d literally have the ability to erase your competition with one. How they got their hands on one is anyones guess.” Zhao explained.

“Wouldn’t that raise the attention of more than just us if they did that?”

Zhao scoffed.

“By who? The IUN? Those are a bunch of corrupt jackasses, If the Cartel wants to use those warheads, odds are that they would have enough politicians on their payroll to get away with it. Groups like that don’t get ballsy for no reason.” Zhao explained.

“Damn.” Adams said quietly.

A few hours later, the two men were watching the Antoine Henri being unloaded of its cargo. The radio once again squawked to life.

“Servants, Rider, looks like I have the container located. Having the sniffer put the tracker on it now.” He reported.

A moment later Fick’s voice returned to the radio.

“Attention all Servants, Grail is filled. RTB”

Zhao stood up and dusted off his pants

“That’s or cue”

“Thank god, I was just looking forward to sweating my nuts off back in that god-forsaken jungle hut.” Adams groaned.

“Oh, you Sea Goblin boys are such big babies.” Zhao chastised.

***
The Osean Ground Self Defense Force 101^st Airborne was a historical unit, having the most combat drops of any airborne company in Osea, to include into Belka and Yuktobania. Colonel Scott Padbury had personally accounted for four jumps in his 25-year career. His jump wings were that of legend in the Airborne community.

Trigger was impressed with the 101^st choice of Headquarters in the city of Farbanti. Before the war, it had been the Erusean National Bank, now instead of the lobby being taken up with chairs and loan advisors, it was filled with desks cluttered in military hardware.

Making his way up the steps towards the entrance, Trigger was taken aback by the massive size of the pillars that made up the front face of the concrete and marble building. Despite being one of the smaller buildings in the Cities downtown financial district, it still was massive to Trigger.

“Halt! Who goes there!” Barked a Soldier running up to him.

Trigger quickly fished out his military ID. “Sorry about that, I was hoping to check in with the Battalion Commander.” Trigger replied. He was in his standard Airman Battle Uniform, and had the rank on his collar, however he understood the precautions the garrison forces were taking.

The soldier quickly relayed the information over the radio. A moment later he returned Trigger’s ID. “Apologies Major, I hope you understand.”

“Not a problem, can I go in?” Trigger replied

“Yes sir, Colonel Padbury is just inside.” The soldier replied quickly, before making an about face and returning to his post.

 

Inside the building, Trigger was surprised how subdued the room was. Officers and enlisted milled around, quietly working on their assigned tasks. On one wall was a detailed map of the city. Trigger was pointed into the offices to find the units commander. In what was the bank managers office sat Colonel Padbury and a short Erusean military officer. Seeing Trigger approach the room, Padbury cleared his throat and motioned for him to enter the room.

Padbury in person surprised Trigger, most of the senior officer’s he’d known had looked far older than their chronological ages. Padbury on the other hand looked far closer to his mid-thirties than his late fifties.

“Great, you Chair Force boys are multiplying” Padbury said deadpan, garnering a laugh from the Erusean.

“Sorry to show up unannounced sir. Colonel Woods-“ Trigger started to explain

“Yeah, I know, Steve told me about it earlier. Say Major, have you had a chance to meet Colonel Andres yet?” Padbury said, introducing the two men.

Trigger noticed Andres face soured when he saw Trigger.

“Yes Sir, the Colonel and I were briefly introduced yesterday.” Trigger replied.

“Indeed, I am told ‘Three Strikes’ is one of your countries most accomplished pilots.” Andres replied tactfully. His Speech was heavily accented when speaking common. From the eastern border maybe? Trigger thought. Cossette had taken some time to explain the differences in accent, but it largely went over his head.

“Well in that case, I don’t need to do introductions. Major take a seat if you will, this involves you too.” Padbury ordered, motioning to an empty chair besides Colonel Andres.

“Indeed. As Painful as it is for me to report, my countries military is still too tied up with dealing with the Radicals to take up full security in Farbanti.” Andres said disdainfully.

“What’s that mean?” Trigger asked

“Right now, we have only enough troops to run Palace security and to augment the Osean Forces present. We would not be able to keep Farbanti secure on our own, which means unfortunately for both of our countries, Osea will have to remain for the foreseeable future until the State’s Security is assured.” Andres explained.

“Im Sorry to hear that. Do I just need to report this to Her Royal Highness?” Trigger asked

“Not exactly Major. As far as she goes, her security staff will remain fully Erusean and this is just another aspect to bring up at the upcoming peace conferences.” Padbury interjected

“So, what does this have to do with me then?” Trigger asked.

“I see this is your first combat deployment, is that correct Major?” Padbury asked rhetorically. Trigger was sure he had already been made aware of his unusual service record.

“That’s correct sir.” Trigger replied.

“Well, you see, around these parts we kind of have a different creed. Every Serviceman a Rifleman. Marines hate we stole their thing but it’s just a fact of life, every clerk and POG out that door is carrying a weapon, and as long as you’re in Farbanti Major, that includes you as well.” Padbury elaborated.

“Furthermore, we passed this through the Princess, and she was all for the idea.” Andres included

“She does know I’m just a pilot, right?” Trigger asked incredulously. I really wish she had mentioned that this morning! Trigger thought to himself.

“But you have your basic rifle and pistol qualifications” Andres said.

“Yeah, Rifle back when I was going through Field Training, and Pistol nearly a year ago!” Trigger defended himself. And even then, I got the bare minimum score to pass!

“It doesn’t matter Major; Go see the Battalion’s armorer before you leave today.” Padbury Said, ending the discussion.

“Understood sir.” Trigger said dejected. “I guess they don’t have any handheld 20-millimeter handguns, right? I’m just saying since I’m better with a Vulcan than a pistol.”

“Do you hate your wrist bones Major?” Padbury replied unamused at the request.
***

“Standard Farbanti Police Department issue Browning Hi-Power. As the size would suggest she’s a 9-millimeter handgun, magazine has thirteen rounds plus one in the chamber. It’s a single action so, hammer back before you can fire.” The Armorer said proudly. 

 

Trigger studied the handgun before him intently. He was hardly a stranger to firearms, having constantly carried one on all the LRSSG and Mage Squadron combat sorties. Unlike the Berretta M9 service pistols the Air Defense Force used, which often rattled incessantly and were prone to failure, this handgun looked like most of its life was in a holster rather than fired.

 

“I thought the army was using the new SIG P250s.” Trigger asked

“Oh yeah, we have those, but you’re not getting one. This baby right here came right out of the Police departments weapons locker. We don’t have to keep track of those guns we captured as much as we do our own. And besides, these guns have never been fired and only dropped once so what’s there to worry about?” The soldier replied.

Trigger racked the slide multiple times and felt the trigger pull, the hammer falling with a satisfying click.

“Level with me Corporal, what the hell do you expect me to do with this in a firefight should one break out?”  Trigger inquired.

The soldier thought for a moment.

“Well Major, I personally couldn’t tell ya. Logically you could use it to get yourself a better gun from those shooting at you. Failing that you may also use it for asset denial.

Trigger chuckled at the crude remark. “Well let’s hope it doesn’t come to that then.” Trigger said.

The Corporal disappeared into the Armory and returned a moment later with two magazines and a molded plastic holster.

“Here’s two spare magazines, and the level three holster the Police was using. Sorry we didn’t have a chest rig for you to use since you’re a pilot and all” the Corporal explained sarcastically. He took a moment to demonstrate to Trigger how to draw the handgun from the restraints on the holster.

Trigger took a moment and attached the bulky holster to his belt. “Damn, good thing im wearing a service coat for this job because this thing would be awful to try to conceal.” Trigger joked.

The Corporal shrugged “I mean, it is a full-sized handgun, I don’t think Saint Browning was worried about that in the design. Besides I’m sure if you really wanted to, you could carry a full PDW underneath without anyone noticing.”

“Do you have one we could try out?” Trigger asked, going all in on the comment. 

“no way I’m signing for that, you get to deal with the police trade in only.” The Corporal said, folding his arms.

“It was worth a shot.” Trigger joked.

***

It was late in the evening when Trigger returned to the palace. He had documentation to get through the guards, even being armed the whole process took twenty minutes.

The guest room Cossette had arranged for him was larger than the apartment he had had in Selatapura. Everything in the room was ornately decorated, paintings hung on the wall of previous members of the royal family in Erusea’s past. The walls were an immaculate white color, with gold colored trimmings laced around. The ceiling was a complex pattern of engraving that made Trigger’s head hurt to look at.

Draping his ABU blouse across the back of a chair, Trigger let out a sigh of relief and fell onto his bed.

Damn, how the hell did I get here of all places? He thought. Moments later, he had drifted off to sleep.