The old man was on the phone and his head hurt. It could be blood pressure, it could be single malt. He was not sure. In front of him on his screen the folders containing the debrief audio files where still open, but before writing his report he had to make a phone call.
“Yes, at approximately 10.17 this morning, Red section where first on the scene….about three squadrons and a jamming AWAC right in the middle. Apparently only one squadron engaged Red section, seems like they wanted everyone to come to the party first. Gold and Black yes, about three minutes later.”
“Pretty bad yes……..losses, hang on” He clicked on the screen.
“11 out of 21 pilots killed. Well yes they did all get some kills, but that’s not really…….I’m not sure. Once Angel section could use their missiles it swung in our favour………Yes the jamming plane was taken out…yes that’s how it happened. The AWAC was flying in the centre with four Gun ships in close formation……Boss and Ruby yes……. She’s in the bar. Boss took out the AWAC but……….No, no one saw him eject before his plane went into the cloud……..yes, it broke up just before……basically it was cut to bits by the crossfire but…..
Well he could have, we don’t know. Yes. Yes I know. Search teams are out there now. Well yes, we need more pilots as soon as possible…..well wouldn’t you?..We’re weak now, I know I would. Oh yes, Skit, Ruby, Snowy erm Bosco as well I think, all in the bar now actually. Not saying much no….Hazel, Bunt and Flyboy have gone off somewhere.”
He took another sip of single malt.
“Yes, if you can…I really don’t know but we are looking now. Multiple teams yes. OK, thank you.”
He dropped the handset back down and closed his eyes.
2008-02-25 @ 12:30