Termaceal

Prologue

==23rd of April 2014==

[Dream scene of memories from 2012]

A red Sukhoi-33 maneuvers gracefully in the skies above Berkeley Air Force Base. An aircraft that was used by a former war hero now is dancing above with engines roaring and powerful, albeit its age.

"Is that your plane?"

Dad: "it was, indeed. It's still a beauty until today, even though it's already 30 years old."

"Dad, I have decided that I want to be a pilot just like you"

Dad: "Then I'll support whatever happens"

[6.30 a.m.]

It's morning and the alarm is ringing happily welcoming the sun and the cool air.

Hi, my name is Jasmine, and I'm turning 9 years old today!

Dad arrives in my room cheerfully, wearing his usual suit. He wakes me up gently.

Dad: "Jasmine... Jasmine... Wake up... "

"Five more minutes dad... "

Dad: "If you're not getting up now the birthday present will be cancelled."

I wake up instantly hearing those words, saying "Sir yes sir" Then I rushed to the bathroom to take a bath. Dad can do nothing but chuckle.

After preparation I got into the car with dad. Curious along the way, I asked my dad about the destination.

Dad: "We're going to my workplace"

"Wait... Don't you mean... "

Dad: "We're gonna go into an aircraft factory!"

"Yes! Finally!"

Dad: "Now now be patient kiddo, we're not there yet."

The trip feels like forever, as my curiosity and excitement skyrocketed. The facade of the large factory is very clean and modern, I could only imagine what's inside. After dad parked the car, we head on inside and get a little tour of the factory.

The tour finally finished, and dad asked me to check the Research Center. I was astonished by the atmosphere. People doing metalwork, discussions about the aircraft design, blueprints laid on the table... It's all good.

But then there's a particular aircraft that sparked my interest the most. It's the centerpiece and it's currently being worked on. Dad notices my fascination on the aircraft and lowers himself down so his head in the same height as mine.

Dad: "You like it?"

"I really love it."

Dad: "I have always known you want to be a fighter pilot, you never stopped mentioning it. so I brought you here to reassure you. I know for a fact you're gonna be a good pilot."

Dad: "When you graduate basic fighter pilot school, that one is your plane"

"I won't let you down"

Dad: "So I guess that gift is for a future birthday... So today I can only give you this"

He hands me a miniature of the aircraft being built, the one I'm going to fly. The aircraft looks majestic, like it's taking off. There's text stamped on the stand, it says: "EF 4000"

"Thanks dad"

Dad: "Now it's up to you to follow your dreams"

I nodded and hugged my father. I owe him a whole lot. I know it's up to me to get into the air force. This is my promise, dad.