War Stories: Shattered Skies

Chapter 1: The Day the Skies Caught Fire

(I take no credit for any art used in any images. Credit to the artists, not to me)

[Planet Korhal: Imperial Palace Air Base] [182 CL 12:15 Korhal Time]

["Alright all of you listen up because I only wanna say this once."]

I laughed to myself as I listened to the briefing through my contact lenses, when did they ever repeat it?

["As all of you know, the 73rd is going to have a parade on their march to their ships for launch, your mission is to help as security. Your planes will be on standby to support in the event you're needed."]

A flight path was traced on our map for us. It seemed like a more hidden route.

["Your planes will stay mostly out of sight, but you will stay in formation regardless. It will be a slow path as you follow the parade. Your planes will be armed for all-purpose rolls in the event of any unforeseen contingencies. That is all."]

The displays closed.

["May heaven's wind lift your wings."]

I started the pre-flight check.

["Commands been real slave drivers lately, wouldn't you say so Nagase?"]

"You think so, Jade?"

["Think? Is it even a question. Go fly this sortie, go do this, go do that, go escort those bombers, go strike this target. I'm getting sick of it. We haven't had a decent break in literally forever."]

I looked over at her fighter currently next to mine. Her purple hair was quite distinct through her cockpit. She was in my squadron and one of my closest friends.

My name was Kei Nagase, but everyone just called me Nagase. I brushed my black hair out of my eyes as put on my helmet.

Jade, Markov, and I flew the multi-role long-range Cloud interceptors. They were solid planes and I wouldn't want to fly anything else.