7 November, 2010 0850 hrs
Briefing Room, Sand Island

~ Gab/Blaze's p.o.v. ~

We finally return home to Sand Island yesterday. Of course, I didn't forget to bought souvenirs for Pops. Remember the time we stayed at my house? Yeah Chopper and Grimm got shit scared the hell out cause I spook them at midnight. Then he ended up wearing my t-shirt and thought it was my brother's. I also give Nagase my clothes I didn't use, but don't worry I laundry and iron them before giving them to her. Plus, we both have the same size. And Orby started to tease me after I bumped my head on a light pole while starring at a man who proposed to his future wife. And she keeps telling me that I should find a date right now. I mean excuse me I am too busy to find love right now! Even my brother is still single y'know!

However, I can't forget the day when Yukes attacked the airport and the college town, such merciless to use chemical weapons at these people. I still have a video record from our last mission. I read the news about it and there were over 17% of people died. Surprisingly, they were able to reach Oured when they are so far away from one another. And the top brass should be alert about their invasion, but how?

Anyway, I was l was 10 minutes early for the briefing. Yeah, there is a slight chance I will be in the briefing room that early. While I waiting for them, I write down in my diary about what is gonna happen today. Now to think of it, what happens to Captain Bartlett now? He's probably still in the POW camp in Yuktobania. I hope he's not dead or else... I don't know what Nagase feels about it.

Speaking of Nagase, my wingmen finally arrived. They look a bit tired as usual, I too. But I sleep early so I can get a lot of rest than before. After they sit on their chairs, the top brass came and thus begins the briefing. Starring by Perrault.

"I will now brief the details of your mission orders. That's all I have to say to you right now, people. If you all really are innocent, then I suggest you prove it out there on the battlefield." Got ya. Just prove it by fighting. Damn Osea...

"We have confirmed the existence of a Yuktobanian munitions factory in the arid region of Sonza. According to our information, they have already produced a new shipment of arms, that is about to be airlifted to the front by a squadron of enemy transport aircraft. Carry out an attack on the facility, and keep these transports from making their delivery. Unfortunately, this factory is well protected by a solid radar network. The network consists of a group of interlinked radar sites. If even one radar site goes offline, the system is designed to immediately report the problem to the factory. However, according to our analysis, if all four radar sites can be destroyed simultaneously, then we will be able to delay the warning of our attack. Thanks to jamming from our electronic warfare planes, we've just managed to open up a attack corridor to the radar sites. Your squadron will split up and fly four routes. Infiltrate the area, synchronize your attacks, and destroy all four radar sites at the same time."

So we have to destroy all the radar sites at the SAME time. We have to time this right if we have to. I have to make sure everyone follows. I'll let Nagase do the countdown cause she's good at it. As usual, we equipped our planes with bombs (FAEB for life!). We hopped into our planes and left the Sand Island for our new mission. This is going to be toasty.

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"Four Horsemen"
7 November, 2010 1306 hrs
Sonza, Eastern Yuktobania

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We arrived at Sonza, the rugged desert region. With the installation and arrangement of this kind of radar site, I'd say they hiding something special.

"Geez, now they got us turning right back into another battle. And this scenery definitely clashes with my Rock n' Roll." wined Chopper. To be honest, my room was just between Chopper and Nagase's so which means I can hear loud music playing in his room which I can hear from the other side of the wall. But at least the music is nice.

"I'm just glad they're not ordering us to attack a city in retaliation for their retaliation," Grimm said.

"Yeah... you can say that again. Thank goodness there's nobody around here that we have to attack."

"Amen to that," I said.

"This is Thunderhead. Cut the chatter." And the man himself is here. I was wondering where he went during our last mission in Oured.

"And yet this guy's always here…" Chopper teased.

"Oh, he'll quiet down soon. It wouldn't be a surprise attack if he came along with us."

Chopper and Grimm share a laugh, and I joined too. Thunderhead may be a strict guy and always saying his famous line "cut the chatter", but he's nice. Too bad we barely see each other cause I want to treat him somewhere with my wingmen.

"I repeat, cut the chatter. Synchronize your watches before arrival."

"Nagase, you lead the countdown. I'm not good at that."

"Sure, Blaze."

"Wait, you can't count?" Chopper asked. I rolled my eyes from his question. Isn't that obvious?

"Of course I can! Just too lazy."

"Since when did you ever become lazy?"

"Oh shut up, Motormouth."

"Figures" He chuckled.

"Five seconds to 1130 hours." I immediately set up my watch for the countdown "...Mark!"

I sped up towards the first radar, and my speed is in between 600 to 900km/h so we can easily time the attack when we get near to it. It's a good thing there are no AAs or SAMs around the radar. Then I dropped my altitude little by little as I get closer to the target.

"I will begin the countdown to attack in just a moment. We have to destroy the radar right when the count reaches zero. Watch your timing." said Nagase.

I began to heard Chopper laughing, lightening his mood. "Man. My internal clock's already messed up, and now this?" Chopper whined.

"I'm spending more time in the air than on the ground., Grimm added.

"Sometimes, I prefer staying on the ground., I said, feeling a bit chipper. "Say guys, I have something to tell you three once we return to our mission."

"Can we get a hint, Kid?"

"Nope. No spoilers."

"Oh c'mon! I hate long waits!" Chopper complains I rolled my eyes and continue to fly to the radar sites. Then Chopper asks me again.

"Kid, we destroy it together on 3-2-1-0, right?"

"Yep," I answered. "We have to synchronize the timing of destruction."

"Roger. Sorry."

We fly silently as it should be. I love having peacetime during our flight like this, except we have a timer in front of us. After this mission, I'm going to make Flavored Ice Shaved. I managed to spot a radar from a far distance. Nagase begins the signal.

"Thirty seconds to the countdown...and mark!"

I sped up a little and don't rush myself. I put my thumb very near to the missile button and was ready to press it once the countdown finished.

"Sorry, sorry, let me make sure one more time. We need to match up the timing of the destruction, not our firing, right?" I mentally facepalmed. Seriously Chopper, why don't still understand every single word?

"No." I lied.

"Wait wait, what? Really?" He asked, sounding confused. I snickered under my mask.

"Just joking."

"Oh damn you, Blaze!" Grimm, Nagase, and I laughed as Chopper mumbled under his breath. I shook my head and focus on the mission.

"Ten seconds."

I reach the radar site and saw a radar and a control radar. I sighed in relief as there are no single AA defense around. I fly a bit slower and get even closer to the radar. Position my finger to the missile button. Nagase initiates the final countdown.

"Five, four, three, two, one, now!"

I fire a missile to the radar, then destroyed it completely. Then I yaw to the side and launched another missile at the control radar. They probably have a telephone to report the others so I won't let them give a chance.

"Synchronized attack was successful," Nagase reported. One down, three rings to go.

"All right. See, nothin' to it. Let's go for the next one!" Chopper said.

We begin to fly to the nest radar site. Fly quietly as we get closer to the next radar site. I roll my plane upside down for anti-boredom. I see some large tower cables across the land.

"Thirty seconds to the countdown... and mark!"

I sped up to reach faster to the radar site. When it reach 20 seconds, I hit the brake and slow my plane a bit. Then fly lower and closer to the radar.

"Ten seconds." Oh, how much I hate time limits. It's like playing video games where there is a time limit to destroy something important.

"Five, four, three, two, one, now!"

I fired another missile at the radar, then at the control radar. Both destroyed.

"We did it. Our timing was perfect," Grimm chirped. "The interval between radar clusters is getting shorter and shorter."

I increased the speed a little since the third radar is just close by. Sheesh, it's getting boring at any second. I just want to blow everything up already.

"Ten seconds." I decrease my speed and aim at the radar, but this time I will use guns instead.

"Five, four, three, two, one, now!" I gunned down the radar as it destroyed into pieces, I moved sideways to destroy the control radar. No witnesses.

"Looks like we did it. Heh!" Chopper cheered. One more left and we're done! I'm not doing this again! The last radar is so close so I fly slower. But please, I want to destroy this thing already. Once we reach closer, I gently put my finger on my missile button again.

"Hold it! Hold it! Halt the countdown!" Chopper called out.

"Chopper, report!" I said.

"I got radar trouble here!" Oh c'mon! We are already so close.

"Roger. Cancel the attack. Let's try it one more time, Nagase."

"Roger, Blaze," Nagase replied.

"Okay, the stupid thing works now. All I needed was a nice kick." I sighed in relief. Now back to business.

"Resetting the countdown... And mark!" I turn my plane around and aimed at the radar once more.

"Five, four, three, two, one, now!" I fired at the last radar and control radar. Finally, our hard times here are over.

"Radar network penetrated. Proceed to attack the weapons plant." Thunderhead reported.

"Roger. Wardog Squadron, prepare the bombs." I ordered. "Time to blow everything shit up!" I fly over the hill and towards the area. That's a lot of targets. I began to hear enemy voices from the radio as usual.

"Are those planes ours?" A Yuke asks over the radio.

"No IFF response... can't be..." I may be used their planes, but yeah, we are still enemies to them. So Goodluck to all of you Yukes. A siren rang to the whole area, which means an air raid occur which is us.

"Air raid! We're under enemy attack! Scramble all transport planes!"

"Don't let the transport planes escape! Shoot them down." Thunderhead ordered. They must've to carry something special inside. I wonder what it is.

"Get the transports airborne! Hurry!" A Yuke hollered.

"You want them to fly through this? You're kidding me!" Another Yuke shrieked.

"We've only got a few more minutes to take off!"

"If we're gonna do this, we gotta do it now!"

I call my wingmen, "Guys, focus on destroying the transport planes first. Don't let any single one leave the airspace."

"Roger." As I headed to the C-5, I dropped bombs over the storage buildings. Giving an opening inside to destroy the targets later on. I fly lower and launched two missiles at the transport plane while gunning it down cause the plane is thick. The transport plane was destroyed, moved to the next transport plane by moving my plane to the side. And destroyed it by doing the same as last time. When I moved to the next cargo, she saw Chopper flying down towards the cargo I targeting. However, I was in the missile range.

"Fox 2! Fox 2!" Missiles hit directly to the cargo and destroyed. Flying away from the explosion it occurred.

"Kid, that was mine!" Chopper exclaimed. He looks a lot more pissed than before and I just laugh while moving to the next target. "How many transport planes left around?"

"Three left, Captain," Grimm reported. "These transport pilots have guts. I hate to admit it, they might have more guts than me."

I switched to my bombs and fly towards one of the opened storage buildings. Dropped a FAEB and point my plane upward. I looked down and saw a huge explosion inside of it.

"Three targets destroyed." Thunderhead reported. I moved to the next target which is AAs and SAMs. These things are the biggest nightmare for us pilots, believe me. I switched to my missiles and launched at the AA. Once it is destroyed, I turn around and aim at the SAM. That thing launched a missile at me so I turn around and upwards, full throttle, and missed the missile. I pointed my plane downward and launched a missile at the SAM before lifting the plane and flying around the area. Then switched to the bombs again, dropped the bombs on one of the storage facilities, and destroyed everything(and everyone) inside.

"Why didn't we have more AA guns?! Most of the buildings have taken irreparable damage," A Yuke informed grimly.

"I don't have any information on the extent of damage on our end, either…" Another one said.

"Do you realize how long it'll take to restore everything?!" Yes, I do. And that's why we give you guys a helluva hard time to restore it. I fly above and take a scan around the area. Looks like we made half of the damage to the factory.

"Wow. This factory is huge!" Grimm mused. With this factory this large, it's something military. Like planes and kinds of stuff.

"Well? Did we surprise you guys?" Chopper said, taunting the Yukes. I mean, he's a motormouth of course a lot of enemies think he's a Captain of the squadron.

"It's a good thing this isn't Nuclear Powerplant," Orby said. "Or else..."

"Say hello to a very huge atomic bomb-like explosion." I added. Although the Ulysses made such large casualties, nuclear bombs are the scariest weapons to see in the naked eyes.

"The 'hardware' is still being tuned in the hangar!" One of the Yukes yelled. Now with the keyword in his sentence, it's definitely about the plane. But what plane?

"Fighter team, sanitize the airspace above the runway." I check my radar and saw a few enemy planes coming ahead.

"This is Blaze, continue to attack the factory. I'll take care of these fighters."

"Blaze, what is with you and those fighters?" Nagase asked.

"Air-to-air combat is more fun than air-to-ground."

"Kid you need a dictionary."

I hummed. "Nah.." I pushed the lever to hit the afterburner and went after the Yuke fighters. All of them began to launch their missiles at me, I grunted as I roll down and turn away from these missiles. Once they're gone, I chase them with full throttle. I stick behind one of the enemies from behind and launched a missile towards the plane. It enters the nozzle and the entire plane explodes, proceeding to the next plane.

"Look! The enemy planes spotted them!" What the hell is he talking about?

"Is building A5 still intact?" A Yuke shouted.

"The production line's been completely demolished!" I shook my head and continue to take down the fighter. These people are getting to lose their minds.

"The engine factory is being bombed!"

"Extinguishers malfunctioning! We can't put out the fire in time!" A Yuke responded.

"The fire's too strong. It's gonna ignite!" I saw an explosion from the other side of the building. That's definitely the engine factory.

"Mechanic parts are discovered in the destroyed enemy facility. We'll have the ground forces retrieve them later." Thunderhead said.

"Blaze to Thunderhead, give me information once they investigate the factory." I requested.

"Copy that, Blaze."

"Appreciate- Woah shit!" I dive down immediately before the enemy plane went head-on towards me. And we are THIS close to being crashed to one another, and I hate it! That bastard must pay. I did an Immelmman turn and hit the afterburner to follow the damn plane. I unleashed the missiles and fly towards the enemy plane, it was finally destroyed. As much as a crazy pilot I am, I hate having near-deaths. It gives me nightmares to witness it.

"I always thought the Yukes had more weapons than what the reports said. This is why. This is what tactical bombing is all about, right here." Chopper mused. "Where should I attack first for maximum effect?"

"Attack their AA defense systems. Then proceed to bomb the factory." I ordered.

"Roger that, Kid."

"Some of our comrades are pinned underneath the machinery!"

"Move the rubble away. Initiate rescue operation!" As much as I love to take down targets, I wanted them to survive somehow. I check on my radar for targets and saw Su-27s. I began to run them down.

"They had an awfully elaborate radar network protecting this base. You smell anything fishy, Captain?" Grimm asked.

"Yeah." I replied. "I heard their conversation. Something has to do about building planes."

"What is with you and listening to their radio chatter?"

"To listen to their plan, AND makes me feel better!" I chipper while destroying two enemy planes ahead.

"Blaze, as much as you want to make yourself feel better every mission. You need a dictionary to brush those words." Nagase said.

"Nahhhh...." I dropped the last bomb I have to the group of targets. All of them were destroyed.

"All targets confirmed destroyed. Picture clear, mission complete. Return to base." ordered Thunderhead. I sighed in relief and all my wingmen went back behind me, flying in formation and back to our base.

"Well, it's over," Chopper said casually.

"Mission complete. Let's go home," Nagase said, feeling downcast.

"Nagase."

"Hmm?"

"You gotta say that with a little more feeling. At least we get to go home today, right?"

"Yeah."

"So cheer up a little, huh?"

"You too, Chopper," Nagase told him.

"Yeah… I know," Chopper replied.

"Oh by the way. I have to announce something to you three after the briefing." I said. "And this will help you guys a lot."

"Sure."

We all fly silently towards our home. The news I'm about to deliver, they'll gonna love it."

=•=•=•=•=•=

"The Yuktobanian munitions factory was destroyed, and the weapons inside the transport planes were eliminated. With this operation, we have succeeded in dealing a severe blow to the enemy's weapons production effort. Yuktobania's weapons development capability will now be lagging considerably behind Osea."

It is a good thing the debriefing is short. After that, the top brass left the briefing room and stand in front of my fellow friends. "About the announcement I have to say to you all, I have talked to Hamilton and Perrault about it. Which it took a while to accepted my request, y'know who that guy is."

"You're right." Grimm said. "The base commander is hard to convince when there is something you have to request."

"Off with it. What are you gonna say anyway, Kid?" Chopper asked, my smile went wide.

"All of you will have a day off."

They went surprised and shocked about the message. "Woah! Shut up, Kid! Really?!" Chopper exclaimed, still stunned.

"Yep. All of you will, you can leave Sand Island tomorrow morning and return on the 13th. You can guys spend some time with your family."

"Wait, what about you Blaze?" Nagase looked at me and asked. "Are you not coming with us?"

I sighed. "As much as I wanted to, I can't. Someone has to look after the nuggets while you three are gone. That's why I want to give this to you three, so you can all have a well rest and earn it as your brave actions in the past few missions."

"But, what will happen to you? What if there's a mission while we're gone? How are you going to train-" I immediately shush Grimm. Sheesh, he can be as talkative as Chopper soon enough.

"Don't worry, I can call for backup. Pops and Genette are still here, y'know. And the most important reason why I give you guys a vacation is this will be my first gift for you three. As a thank you for being with me not just as a Captain of the squadron, but as best friend you always be with. This vacation is enough for me to thank you, everyone." I bow in front of them, a sign of gratitude. I slightly glance at them and they all look at each other.

"Hey Blaze. You don't need to bow in front of us." I gain my composure and smile. They all smile back while Chopper patted my shoulder.

"I know this is too much, Blaze. But.. thank you for being our best friend." Grimm gratitude.

"Aww. Grimm is going to blush!" Chopper grinned while nudging onto him.

"S-stop it! It's embarrassing!" He just blushed madly as all of us laughed. We went to our rooms and take a rest after that mission.

=•=•=•=•=•=

8 November, 2010 0900 hrs
Hangar B, Sand Island

I watched my wingmen carrying their bags and luggage. Pops already parked his C-2 Trader, waiting for their arrival. "Well, it looks like you're going abroad, eh?"

"You know we don't want to miss a chance." Chopper laughs.

"Don't worry, Blaze. We will return as early as possible." Nagase said.

"Well, you better be, cause I don't want forever be scowled by Colonel Donut." We all laughed. I feel so... Relax and calm after I met them after I became a Captain to them. I'm so happy that I met them so much.

"Now have fun, everyone." They all headed inside the plane after they waved goodbye at me. I watched the plane as it took off the runway and fly above the skies until they were gone. They must think I'll be lonely here, but I have Orby by my side as always.

"I wish we could join with them." Orby said.

"I know. But I want to have them to enjoy and spend with their families first before us." I take a deep breath before returning to the building. Looks like I have a lot to work with. I mean, a LOT of work.

~ Hamilton's p.o.v. ~

After Blaze's wingmen left the island, she became in charge of instructing the young pilots to fly. I mean all of them. She considered most of us as part of her second family. Always treat them with the foods she made, helping to our works, and always having a good conversation with us. But on the different side of her, she took it seriously when it comes to missions. Cool, calm, and strict, but has a little sense of humor. In her wingmen's perspective, she is reckless when it comes to flying. Flying through an explosion like nothing? You have to be completely lunatic about doing it.

I entered my darkroom and turned on my computer. The information about her has already been sent to me. The people I've requested to get a file about her are having slight trouble getting it. She must've sealed it so no one knows about her completely. I open the mail they've sent to me, and open Blaze's profile.

Name: Williams, Gabriel (Major)
Birthdate: 15 July, 1990
Age: 20
Sex: Female
Height: 5'7" (170cm)
Weight: 145lb
Birthplace: Directus, Ustio

She was born in Ustio, yet became an Air Force pilot here in Osea. There must be a reason why she came here. I continue to read other information.

Hair color: Brown
Eye color: Blue
Additional Information: Daughter of Amelia Williams (a doctor) and Arthur Williams( a former Air Force pilot; mercenary pilot; fought during the Belkan War). Has an older brother named Christian Williams(an Air Force pilot of ISAF in Usea. Fought during the Continental War). Immigrate to Usea after the Belkan War, and joined the OADF in Osea afterward for personal reasons.

Able to adapt easily to any situation, but tends to become reckless and stubborn. She can handle different talents since childhood. Participates in any humanitarian aids and nature projects.

It's not a lie about her being reckless and stubborn. And her father is a mercenary, during the Belkan War? Not only that, her brother is a pilot in ISAF he joined the fight in Continental War. There must be something going on with her family history, and I must find out what. I keep reading her profile once more.

Health Records: (July 15, 2005) immediately lost consciousness and ended up in a coma for a month. The reasons are unknown.

She was in a coma for a month five years ago for an unknown reason? This is... Very peculiar. Blaze always maintain her health condition, I didn't expect that she faced this for a long time. Whatever it is, she is at least able to gain consciousness somehow. I lean back to my seat and look at the screen. How is Blaze, who became Major in just a few days, became Osea's famous pilot. And not only that, she was considered to be the youngest pilot to be a captain of a squadron in Osea. A pilot that should be looking after if she's your enemy.

I turned off the computer after someone knock on my door. "Enter". The door slightly opens and the head came in. "Hey Hamilton, do you want some Creme Caramel?" Blaze, "I made some for us. And uh, need someone to spend time with cause I feel lonely and bored with all the works I have." She said sheepishly.

"Sure. I'm coming." She smiles and waits for me outside to follow her. Blaze is the only person I can trust with. Other people didn't trust me that much, especially Pops. Her wingmen are simply just my acquaintances, that's all. But their leader, the cares for me just like the others. As much I want to date her, it's impossible. One thing I have certain to do, I need to find out about Blaze's father and brother.