Chapter 9

"Reveille!"

That was the only word they heard seconds before a bugle went off. Each of them shot up and regardless of what they were wearing ran outside the door before coming to a salute. None of them expected reveille to be a part of their morning at Saunders. It didn't matter as nothing could replace years of habit in the US. Only 100 yds away the stars and stripes were being raised along with the Japanese flag.

Today was to be an exciting day for the boys. Some new equipment had been worked on, a few modifications made, and a new way to train their bodies for the challenges of jet-powered flight. Only one of them truly knew what was to come. A brown-haired boy whose dark brown eyes were covered by gold-rimmed 3025 Ray-Ban Aviators which only emphasized his jumpsuit. If one didn't notice the slight changes in the hairstyle they could mistake him for Tom Cruise in Top Gun. Now while he was no F-15 ace he was something of relative equivalence and skill.

As soon as that bugle ended he hopped into action. In front of him were three shirtless boys. Joe, Douglas, and Mitchell who were only half in their jumpsuits, much to the pleasure of a few nearby girls. All of these boys were aces in their right through different aircraft and while they did have a good grasp on their new fighter, they were nowhere near truly being able to claim mastery. Michael knew that if they truly wanted to win this season they couldn't rely on just having a higher mean of general experience. Having a truly 'modernized' ground force wouldn't be enough either, they needed everyone to be at their best. Girls and Boys to be able to put their life on the line with no fear.

That was his job, while the girls were starting to become an effective force the boys had already mastered this general sense. Their new fighter was one of undeniable speed, firepower, and most of all, G-forces. Their jumpsuits, specialized helmets, and overall physical fitness only did so well for them, they needed more specialized training. That was why when Michael first spoke they were all beyond surprised.

"Alright, guys we have a new plan for today. Just got some info last night so our entire training regimen will be changed."

As the second in command, Joe was naturally the first person to wonder what their news was.

"Major…care to share?" There was a slight chuckle among the boys as Michael brushed back his hair using his hand. A grin as wide as the United States itself went from the corners of his face. Whatever he was about to say was gonna be important and they all eagerly awaited his answer.

"We've been invited by the USAF down to Kadena AFB, Okinawa for advanced training!" A cheer went around the boys as they all heard the news. It wouldn't matter if they had a funeral to attend, an invitation by the Air Force meant immediate attention. It also felt good to know that people back home were caring for them and setting them up with such opportunities. Mitchell did remember about their previous plans and how such a change could interrupt another's practice.

"One slight problem…we're not we gonna originally have a mock battle today?" Michael scratched his head as if thinking for a few seconds before giving an answer.

"Yea, but when the Air Force invites you for training you don't say no…besides I sent Kay a text about it last night." Everyone nodded their heads in silence. This silence awkwardly continued for the next 20 or so seconds before Michael broke it once again.

"Well, that means you guys need to eat and get suited up! It's 0630 and we're not wasting time." Like a deer stuck in headlights, they didn't react even then. That only took a little while before Michael pushed Joe into the dorm, they all ran around at Mach 10. He didn't understand what the hell was taking them so long but he didn't like it.

Michael looked into their little 'luxurious estate' and walked over towards the TV on the couch. It only took a few seconds before he turned it on. In front of him was a woman, most likely a reporter, she seemed to be freaking out over a small fire in the field behind. The headline read: The Shensha-Do Death in the Newest Age of Extreme Sports! Michael didn't know what was going on but he was instantly intrigued. The reporter went on with her narration, Michael eyeing her every bit of the way.

"In a recent training exercise between the Russo-Japanese themed school of Pravda and the Russian Air Force the lead school pilot was killed. An air to air missile was fired from beyond sight and hit the girl's plane killing her instantly. Names are not yet to be released pending next of kin." Michael was astonished and although he had a bit of skepticism he wondered who exactly had killed the boy he had faced not too long ago. He did know one thing though, Natasha was dead and while they did fly on opposite teams it was sad to see a potential friend die. Michael turned his head back towards the rooms before calling the attention of the boys, he didn't care what they were doing they needed to see this now.

"Ghosts get your asses over here…now!" Once again at the high speed of Mach 10, the boys sprinted out of their rooms. Mitchell and Douglas were both ready to go, Joe, on the other hand, was not. While he wasn't shirtless, he could be seen with a toothbrush in hand and mouth, foaming at the teeth. Michael simply turned around and as if reading his mind, the boys all looked at the TV. Another few seconds of silence were continued before the reporter went on again.

"We have just received information that the missile was possibly a Meteor BVRAAM. Now that stands for active radar beyond visual range air to air missile. There is no confirmation from any high-ranking officials, just some talk among the Russian pilots. Now that missile is of European origin and not a single one is found in the Russian inventory. Whoever used it had the intent to kill and you can expect an investigation to take place in the coming days. I'm Ichika Takanawa reporting from Chuguyevka Air Base, stay with us for more."

The other three all had looks of confusion. All they knew was that someone had died to a possible European missile. Michael knew that he'd better let them in on the full story.

"Y'all remember Natasha…right?" A chorus of nods was the only thing returned as they all pressed their brains to get the mental image of the girl. "She's the dead girl…they were in a training exercise with the Russian Air Force and I have a little suspicion."

"You don't think the Russians would kill one of their own people!" Joe was the first to speak as he had the pure look of shock painted across his face. Not just at what Michael may have been referring too but also the death of a girl they decently knew.

"Hell no! I think that even though their team was out for the season someone decided to hamper their efforts for next year. Now I don't have any idea of who that could be but I don't think another country was into it. How these persons got that missile…I don't know but I do know one thing for sure, we will be attending if a funeral is held!" The three boys momentarily pieced themselves together before snapping to attention.

"Sir yes, sir!" Their salute was held strong and Michael returned it with dignity. He was proud that they felt this way, his boys were willing to take time out of their life to go respect a dead person that they weren't on a personal relationship with. He could only imagine how the girls of Pravda were reacting during these troubling times. He'd have to get in contact with them as soon as possible. While he wasn't sure how he'd do it, he knew that it'd be done asap.

"Alright then, has everyone eaten something?" A chorus of nods once again took the room. Joe still had the toothbrush in hand and although it hadn't dropped toothpaste yet, it was about to. With a look of approval from Michael, he took off back into the bathroom. It only took him another minute before he came back out ready to rock and roll. The room was still solemnly dead quiet as everyone contemplated the recent events. Walking out the building in the same mood they continued on towards the hangar.

Michael had already told the ground crews about their expected excursion so, as far as he knew, the planes were ready to take off. A quick text to Kay in hopes that she was awake would reassure him of an earlier question. He was hoping that she would have Katyusha or Nonna's number and although there was no instant reply he was sure it'd be soon.

Douglas was the first to break the silence, much to the relief of the others.

"So, what exactly are we doing at the AFB?" His question was meaningful and while Michael didn't know everything that was planned he could fill him in on some important information.

"Well I know we're gonna be doing G training and push our planes to the breaking point. So, don't be surprised if you go unconscious today but I know they know we have our match against Oorai so we shouldn't do anything to physically demanding. Today though will be a day in which you will truly get a new sense of expertise in our P-80s." A cheer went around as the boy's spirits instantly lifted once again. It'd be impossible to overstate how much the boys wanted this type of practice. A secret hope was they'd be invited on weekends to train like today. If they could then the skill they would possess would be beyond scary for their opponents.

Just then his phone rang, it was definitely Kay it just had to be. Taking his phone out of the pocket he looked at the screen. On it was your stereotypical call screen with a nice picture of Kay in the top middle. The boys all inched over to get a look at what was going on. If Michael taking out his phone didn't alert them to something then his ringtone did. It was a bit hard to not hear Cruise by Florida Georgia Line playing. Lifting the phone up to his hear Michael finally accepted the call.

"Hello?" Kay was the first to speak as the boys continued on walking despite their little yet abrupt stop.

"Hey, Kay!"

"Hey, you sent me a text not too long ago about some question. For some reason whatever that question was didn't go through so I called."

"Well I was wondering if you had Katyusha or Nonna's number…so do you?" There was a slight pause before any speaking continued, Michael guessed she was probably checking her contacts at that point.

"Yea I can send it to you right now. Just one question though…why?" Michael once again waited a few seconds before answering the question. He seemed kinda surprised that Kay didn't immediately assume the obvious, maybe she just didn't know.

"You see the news yet?"

"No, what happened?" Michael sighed before taking a deep breath. He wasn't sure how Kay would react to the news but he didn't think it'd be very well.

"You remember Natasha…right?" Another few second pauses occurred as Kay's mind went through an internal list of names before remembering the one white, long-haired girl.

"Yea she was so nice! Did something happen?"

"She was killed yesterday by a guided missile. No one knows how it happened or from who and I wanted to see if we could come over to honor her for the funeral." Kay gasped as if in pure shock at the first statement.

"Oh my God! Did anyone else get hurt? How? Why?" She went on for a good minute with just questions and loud complaining. In fact, it was so loud that Michael just moved the phone away from his ear and reeled back due to the sudden outburst in noise.

"Still waiting for further info…so can you send me one of the numbers?" Kay could be clearly heard breathing rather heavily before she came back with an answer. Michael felt bad for her as she seemed to be a rather sensitive and caring person.

"Of course, of course! I'll send it to you right now."

"Thanks…sorry to cut this short but I have to go fly. I'll let you know what she says as soon as possible. Bye!"

"Alright love you…bye!" At that point, Michael had his phone on speaker and at first, no reaction was to be had. Then only seconds later he blurted out into a frenzy of words as the other boys comprehended what they had just heard.

"Wait what the hell!" By that time, she had already hung up but it didn't cut it anymore.

"Did anyone else hear that?" Joe, Douglas, and Mitchell both looked over with mixed expressions. One thing was constant though, a series of nods lasting for a few seconds each. Joe was the first to do anything aside from that as he walked up and gave him a pat on the back.

"Alright Major new mission…get her!" Aside from Michael the other three laughed at that as Michael's expression was still somewhere in between shock and excitement. Needless to say, though he gave Joe a look of death, one so strong that he immediately shut up and took a few steps back. Glancing over at the other boys they did the same as they took hits of Michael's anger. They assumed that he was angry due to him being embarrassed and they decided not to say another word.

The next few minutes were continued in silence until reaching the hangar. Michael's mind was at work the entire time. Not just thinking of recent happenings but of how, if the same happened to him, what he would do. What could he do against a missile fired from out of sight? He didn't have any countermeasures or radar on the plane so if anything was on the way, he'd need to see it by air. Either way, he'd have to worry about it later as they took the corner towards the hangar.

Each of walked through the hangar doors in a wing formation. Wingmen were with each other with a stride that looked like something out of Top Gun. The ground crew could be seen walking around and doing final checks on the various equipment. As far as he could tell all that was needed was the pilots. That same Technical Sergeant was hard at work, giving orders to her various subordinates. They were to be using live tracer ammunition for today. For obvious reasons, the planes were fueled to the top and ready to fly at a moment's notice.

"Hey Major!" She must have noticed them come in because she made an immediate 180 and walked over to them. Her white hair and pale face really were beautiful although the boys still didn't even know her name.

"Technical Sergeant…I'm assuming everything's ready to go, right?" There was a slight pause as an exchange of salutes was given throughout the group.

"Yes, sir! Just hop in and you'll be ready to take off." He gave her a nod and the boys all went to grab their various gear. The Technical Sergeant gave a few more orders as the girls changed pace once again. Final checks were completed as the boys came back donning their helmets and masks. They all had their phones on them for the obvious reasons and out of all of them, only Joe carried a talisman.

"Joe, you got your ace of clubs?" Michael looked at his wingman who replied with a nod and a smile. While Michael didn't believe in superstition Joe did and he believed in it heavily. He didn't fly without that card, ever. It had seen countless matches, countless victories, and defeats. Joe didn't know what would happen if he were to lose it and didn't want to know, it would stay with him for life.

Taking the step ladder into his cockpit he began to strap himself in. The other boys did the same and were assisted by the various girls, once again Michael was helped by that Technical Sergeant. If there's any better time to ask her name it's now.

"So, what's your name?" That got her attention as she looked up at him with her beautiful eyes.

"Emily Tennant!" She seemed to exuberate an excessive amount of pride causing Michael to chuckle. Clearly, she was excited, though Michael wasn't entirely sure what for.

"Well, Emily I gotta thank you for all you've done for us!"

"Just doin' my job!" She snorted as the final checks were completed. A quick spin of the hand with a finger pointed in the air and the engines roared to life. The high-pitched noise coming from the air being taken into the two inlets before hitting the compressor and beginning to produce exhaust. The cockpit was closed, Michael's oxygen mask hanging to his side as the plane slowly moved. He was loaded with extra on fuel due to the long-distance flight so he would be moving a little slower than usual.

It didn't matter as he was guided by hand signals unto the catapult. It only took a minute for him to be securely attached. A girl in a yellow shirt could be seen to his side, he increased the power on his throttle to max. The water injection in the Allison J33-A-35 allowed for 24 kN of thrust which began kicking up dust from behind him. He started to slow his breaths until his heart reached somewhere around the mid-50s.

Looking up he gave a quick thumb up to confirm he was ready to go. A quick response of an open palm and he unlocked his breaks, he was now in full control of the catapult. Michael gave the girl a quick salute and then nervously waited. He mentally relaxed preparing himself for the 2.5 G's that were about to be unleashed. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the girl lean to touch the deck and point forward. At that the plane was launched forward, accelerating to 195 mph within 3 seconds. Michael was pressed into his seat as the blood rushed away from the brain to his limbs. It only lasted a split second as he dipped below the carrier horizon. A random girl standing on the edge waving at him as he climbed.

He knew that their procedure for the day would be to initially climb to 1,000 ft and he did. It only took around 5 more minutes for the 3 other boys to get in the air.

"This is Ghost Actual, form up on me, over!" Joe was the first to respond.

"Roger that Ghost Actual, Ghost Squadron forming up on you, out." Within seconds the planes arranged themselves back into proper formation. Michael decided to test out his squadrons knowledge of hand signals as he pointed up. Showing 30,000 feet his entire squadron took the point to heart as with a nod they all began climbing before speeding up to their cruising speed of 410.

"Ghost 2 speaking. Interrogative: Any specific directions? Over."

"This is Ghost Actual to Ghost 2, we're already on route, out." Michael had cleverly positioned them to head south-west before any word was said.

"Ghost 1 here. Interrogative: Any idea on how long this is gonna be? Over!" Everyone slightly chuckled at the obvious and semi-stupid question.

"Ghost Actual to Ghost 2 we'll be up here for 2 hours so get comfortable! Out." Once again, a group-wide thought was to be had as everyone groaned. The metal seats weren't the most comfortable thing ever but it was ignored.

"Ghost Actual to Ghost Squadron, I'll be playing some music from here on out…any suggestions? Over."

"Ghost 2 speaking, play something different from usual, kinda fuckin flying bored here. Out."

"Ghost 1, this is Ghost 3, we all are dude! Over."

"Ghost Actual to Ghost Squadron, coming up on 14 angels, oxygen masks required. Out." With that, the boys all started to attach their oxygen masks. Quickly they turned on the internal supply of oxygen as they begun reaching the higher altitudes. It was still some ways away from their cruising altitude so it was imperative that they could breathe…obviously.

"Ghost 1 here, just noticed the A-4 radar sight is 'bent', the target indicator is flying around like a mother fucker! Over."

"Ghost Actual to Ghost 1, try turning it on and off. If that doesn't work then we'll have an air force tech take a look at it. Out."

"Ghost 1 here…still fucked…will wait till landing. Over."

Fuck! He probably wouldn't give off the best impression once they landed and told them one of their planes was broken. Why it was…he didn't really know. Hopefully, no one had messed with it at all, he would get all the sights checked for defects later on.

"Ghost 2 speaking. Interrogative: We'll still have time to plan for the match against Oorai tonight…right? Over."

"Ghost Actual to Ghost 2, yes we'll have plenty of time left tonight…besides, we can stay up to do so? Out."

"Ghost 3 here. Interrogative: Anyone nervous about school starting? Over."

"Ghost 3, this is Ghost 2, we're all nervous, hopefully, we'll be in the same classes…keyword hopefully. Over."

Ghost Actual here, I know for a fact we all signed up for engineering and there are only 2 periods of it so we should be in that together. How about languages? Over."

"Ghost 1 here, you all know I signed up for German 3 honors…Ghost 2 you're doing French 2, right? Over."

"Ghost 2 speaking, yep and we all know Ghost 3 is taking Spanish AP the smart mother fucker. Besides the rest of our classes are mandatory and we don't get a choice…aside from Ghost 3 we're all in Pre-Calculus. Over."

"Ghost 3 here, we all know I'm in my junior year. The rest of you are in your sophomore year anyway. Soon I'll be in college and you'll be next. So how the fuck is Joe the youngest one here? Out."

"Ghost 3 this is Ghost 1, I'm just the best outta all y'all. A quote from the famous musician known as MC Hammer describes how much better I am. 'Can't touch this!' Over."

"Ghost 1 this is Ghost Actual…over."

"Ghost Actual…go ahead. Over."

"For the love of God and all things holy...just shut up. Over."

"Ghost Actual this is Ghost 1, square up bro, you won't. Over."

"Ghost 2 speaking, we're all in jet fighters and you're outnumbered 3 to 1…you really wanna try that? Out."

The only response was silence, at least for a few seconds before everyone broke out into laughter. Joe wasn't exactly happy at everyone not taking him seriously, he knew it was all fun and games though. When worst came to worst and planes started falling out of the sky there was no one they'd trust aside from themselves.

"Ghost 1 here, fun fact for Y'all. Did you know that there are more planes in the ocean than submarines in the sky? Over."

"Ghost 2 speaking, why are you like this…do not answer that. Out." Once again laughter filled the comms. Much to the relief of the squadron, there was no answer to that question.

1 Hour Later

"Ghost Actual to Ghost squadron, I'm going to take you guys on a little sightseeing tour. Over."

"Ghost 2 speaking, alright then ready to divert course. Over."

"Ghost Actual here, if you look out to the left you'll see clouds and if you can see the ocean then you're in luck, you've qualified to win a free in-flight travel meal. Today's in-flight meal consists of whatever bar you brought with you if you didn't then I'm sorry…you're an idiot. Out to the right, you can find more clouds and ocean. If you happen to be in the lead planes you can actually see another plane," The excitement behind his voice was what made it special and everyone took notice of that immediately, "that plane is being piloted by a new breed of warrior. The idiot…he does not understand what he says half of the time, only watched one or two movies continuously, and…he listens to Kenny Loggings whenever possible. Don't be like him…please. Out."

"Ghost 1 here, I feel so informed about my surroundings now. Thanks for that eye-opening information! I'll now go forward with this and speak unto the masses, who knows maybe I'll even become president! Out."

"Ghost Actual here, don't forget to stop in on the gift shop on your way out! Thanks for flying Air Ghost and have a safe trip!"

AN...

Sorry for the shorter chapter but I made it sure it was of a higher quality than the previous. Expect the next chapters soon and thanks for the wait.

Thanks too...

WW2 Killer

Blackcat9798

Blizard808

Chosenshark YT

Commanderstarscream123

ComradeRed414

FreeWar

Heavycreeper

J.S.F. Northern Command

James Widjaya

LTBECK

Robloxian 2456

SeekerMeeker

Tacav

WarHusky 2000

and

WW2Killer for the follows.