The Shadow Pilot

Chapter 28: New War

~ Moscow ~ Eastern Europe 04:00 Hours ~

~ ??? POV ~

The Ivan runway came into sight as we descended from the clouds. The AC-211 touched down with no issue other than a simple bump. With the engines powering down, we unloaded from the ramp. Hardware to re-enforce, personal weapons and extra munitions. The same shit as we always did. "Mr Graves, welcome to Moscow" an Ivan soldier greeted with a shake. The accent English but tone Russian nonetheless. "Thank you" I reply. "Apologies for the long travel, but your General insisted on Moscow" he added. "Yes, I'm aware of the situation and extra security". "As long as you have strong Anti Air and radar defense, there is no need for unnecessary concern" I counter sharp. With a nod, he straightened to a more precise posture. "Now, where's Knight Raven 1"? Ask him. "Of course, the Raven are in hanger 7, this way please" he leads us off to hanger. Inside, Talon, Matthew, Mike and Terrance all waiting. Faces at ease but still antsy. "The Red Lion himself" Talon crosses his arms with satisfaction. "And I thought you boys were still cuttin down furs in the pacific" I say with nudge. He nods, offering a small smile. "Not much competition in the pacific". "Most fur pilots jetted off to Mediterranean or Europe, scared as always" he says. "Oh I wonder why". "Any news on John"? I ask. He shakes his head. "None yet, Radar tracker picked up a hit somewhere out in the Mediterranean". "Somewhere close to Greece but unclear". I take in the information. Johnathan was in Greece somewhere. "Then that's where we start looking". "Ready to get the whole team to work"? He nudges me on shoulder. "Just like old times, mate" he says.

~ Mediterranean ~ F.U.N

~ Johnathan POV ~

"So, the war is over in America"? I asked her. Cortana gave me a nod. "Yes, it's over". "But only over there" she says. "Then what happens now". "The U.E.S.A won't go quietly" I remind her. With a sigh, she sits back behind her desk. "I know that John". "Do you think I haven't considered all options or directions this could turn". "Right now, it's only going to get tougher" she explains. "Then we prepare for it" I answer. With clear reluctance, she agrees. "I'll brief you on your next mission at 16:00" she finally says. "Get rest and make sure your gear is in order" with a final wave off. I stand up and exit the room. Herma, Aayla, Ripley and Amanda all waiting outside. "What she say"? asked Aayla. "It will only get harder". "We got to be ready" I just shrug unknowingly. "Well Raven boy, let's shake off the rust you've gathered from slacking" Herma nudges me. "Ha ha, funny" sarcastic. From there, we stroll off to the simulation room. Hellcat squadron seemed to improve with each session. It became clear now more than ever, we had a job to do. And they were stepping up from amateur standards to the big leagues.

~ Hour Later ~ Johnathan POV ~

"You wanted to see me ma'am"? Ask. Cortana looks up from a table with a few other higher ranks. "Ah, you're here, good". "Yes, I need you for a briefing, come" she asks. "Olsen, can you brief him" Cortana turned to the old fox. "Absolutely ma'am" he said. "Alright John, here's the next mission". "We have to destroy the U.S.E.A geothermal power plant that is heavily supplying fuel and resources to the naval fleet". "The energy being produced here also is significantly bolstering their production capacity in new advanced fighter Jets". "Just like yours". "A blow to this facility, means a big blow to U.S.E.A" he added.