A fighter without a gun is like an airplane without wings - Brigadier General Robin Olds, US Air Force, combined total of 17 kills in World War II and Vietnam War

...

Two pilots, had managed to slip off undetected in a routine leave in the holy city of Qom, breathed in relief as they and their handler managed to enter a seemingly abandoned former Revolutionary Guard missile base after they had done their Eid prayers.

The Indonesians, with all patches ripped off, accompanied by their Iranian guide walked into a dark-skinned man with his arms crossed.

"Glad you could make it."

"Yeah." replied one other Indonesian, a light skinned one as he followed the man into the building, passing by a Canadian flag hanging on the wall.

They turned a corner and walked through a pair of doors and entered a large briefing room, despite it's status as abandoned, it's on a tip-top shape, with a cleaning robot keeping tab on janitorial needs. Only a single light was on and it was illuminating two men talking at the front of the large room, at a table.

"We're all here." said the second Indonesian pilot, a dark-skinned man when they walked up to the table, the two men putting their conversation on hold.

"Well if it isn't Maulana "Pustaka" Yusuf, in the flesh." The man then introduced himself as Alain Peters, from Canada, while besides him, named Eric Aschberg, an American.

"How you know my name?"

"We always know you." answered Alain.

Maulana maintained his composure and with his fellow Indonesian named Bima Soebandrio, also a Su-57 driver in the 14th Squadron, 3rd Fighter Wing based in Iswahyudi AFB Malang took a seat at the table and leaned back in the chair, the Iranian man, named Mahram Mazdapour, followed suit, Eric, the man at the head of the table observing them both, smoking a cigar. Besides him, sat a brown-skinned man wearing brown civilian T-shirt but in reality he's also a pilot.

"Welcome, gentlemen. And for all Muslims here, have a very joyful Eid. Still, no one following you, am I right?" he asked them as he set his arms on the table, which have two books by Eric Walberg titled From Postmodernism to Postsecularism and Islamic Resistance to Imperialism, along with Noam Chomsky's On Western Terrorism.

"No."

"None at all."

"Good. First off, a question for you all. What are your reasons for coming here?" asked Alain.

Bima said first "I joined the Indonesian military just in time to us to fought a war, civil war, in what they sold it as the war for unity, which is true in most degrees. However, after that victory, we've lost what it means as we got ourselves in this war under the Pacific Alliance. They said this war is about unity or liberty or preventing the repeat of that Civil War or all that other stuff. They are diverting our people from knowing the uncomfortable truth; It's all about resources, just like your Western countries, that once in bed with those Caliphates, no offense, as well as the Zionists. Our founding fathers are rolling on their graves as I speak. I heard you people know the way."

"To those who don't know me yet.." the man with brown T-shirt began his introduction. "The name is Joshua Costner. Born American, like Aschberg. I just want America to stop exporting it's view over the world. And for sake of my family, I join to make way for a new model of how we are managing our economy, the one that is more conducive for the preservation of what we are as human, social beings, with need of culture, knowledge, languages, practices, beliefs, and systems. We're reaping the consequences of too much individualism and at the same time cultural homogenization; you know well the example already I think... A new form of globalization is needed, or better, cut down."

Eric cleared his throat and told at the newcomers.

"I congratulate you all for choosing the red pill, gentlemen. Grunts like us are expendable to the rulers. They made an orange juice from us and when the sweetness is gone the pulp is thrown out. Furthermore, I believe that soon as this war are over, they will go back to their constant bickering in the name of liberal democracy. Like what they do with China and Russia."

"Remember not all the world is our enemy, Eric. Our main focus should be the Western imperialists; The global oligarchy; the deep state, the globalists. An interconnected system of control with 'bigger is better' as it's mantra, which want to retain it's dominance and swallow every opposition on their way, in which you Indonesians definitely know one of it's example way back then, and the only way to convince them to put the stronger lid on corporate control, more regulations for the banks, and other things otherwise is to give them a blow that they will never forget."

Alain added. "Hate to say this, but Mao Zedong is right, Change must come through a barrel of the gun. The global North first do so with the indigenous communities before more sophisticated tools were available, and even with the fact that since the turn of the century there were increasing move towards localization as a form of resistance, but they will need a large enough force, interlinked, but decentralized, to ensure it's success as a global force. Our aim is to build up a united people's movement for the new localization in a more systemic way. One way or another, people are going to make waves against the global oligarchy; boycotts, strikes, tax refusals, civil disobediences, and many more, and we will ride on it to victory."

"Before you all ask, about the Pact. Yes, we have things in common with Russia, China, and anyone. I mean anyone who want an alternative, worldwide. However they had more failures than successes in creating the multipolar world, for sake of our Mother Earth. In particular China, despite their effort so far to be the 'Ecological Civilization'. They failed to defend our comrades in Cuba, Libya, Venezuela, Korea, Revolutionary Iran, India, and many more. Or Russia, with their obsession with nuclear technology... Time after time, and people are tired of it. So what we will do should convince them to walk their talk."

"The point is, before you ask; we are beyond the left-right dichotomy. We are everywhere. This war is our opportunity to make ourselves known more. Anyone who are against the oligarchy are welcome, as people deserved a right for what governance are the best for them. Including an Islamic government, if they wish so." said Alain again. "And in fact.. did you know that in many cases of honest Arab election, they choose Islamists? Egypt, in 1952 and again, in 2012, the same case as in Tunisia, Algeria, in 1991, and Gaza, in 2006. Yet, the West and the Zionists undermined it all, subvert it, every.. single.. resistance against it's hegemony" he emphasized "by supporting those religious fascists. I believe you all know it's examples."

After he finished, they all looked at Maulana for his words. He closed his eyes and thought for a minute, inhaling and exhaling deeply, opening his eyes and setting his gaze before speaking.

"..Since my childhood I pledged allegiance to the flag and idea of a diverse, non-aligned, and peaceful Republic of Indonesia. But since the Civil War.. we've become a nation that is currently heading towards the same way as current and past empires, and as a concerned citizen, I should give them a 'wake up call' for our government to return to what our founding fathers envisioned for her. We don't put our lives on the line only to see Indonesia become an imperialist power. I once told my commander that the late former President Tanudjaja had made a grave mistake against our Muslim people by increasing cooperation with Israel and allowed it's diplomatic presence in Indonesia, which means we are getting closer and basically further boot-licking the global oligarchy. Furthermore, Mr. Aschberg..."

"Call me Eric, Maulana."

"... did you know that George Washington once called in his farewell address that the United States should avoid alliance with foreign countries?"

"...That's what I mean, Maulana. Your country and mine had one in common about this matter. They would one day understand that what we will fight for is the best for sake of the human race." replied Eric, before asked him again.

"Any more to say?"

"So where should I start?" he asked.

"Welcome to the Movement. Maulana. It's time for the old hegemony to be gone and we need people like you."

...

,

Immediately after landing that day, in the after action report I mentioned about Osprey's statement. He owed the Colonel some explanation. After sometime, to surprise of all of us he didn't get punishments whatsoever, only a few advice and assurances that the penal pilots are treated humanely, while admitting that he has a point. After that the Colonel also called two other of our own, Captain Hasan Sadikin, callsign "Doc" and Captain Reynaldi Gusta, callsign "Black Horse". Those two are known to be hot dogging pilot, even with our super-maneuverable and agile Firefox that we fly.

They had pulled up an unauthorized air show by flying below the safe limit, 1.000 feet, above the Lar city center, after the pair had concluded their CAP sortie protecting transport aircraft heading for Bandar Abbas from drones at the same time as my mission.

What a waste. I sighed as I listened to the voice of Colonel Jusuf berating them while looking after the rest of today's paperwork. In the after action report for them I've called the Colonel to have them temporarily grounded by confining them to their quarters and extra duties, with a possibility of a much longer grounding if they repeat such act.

When I just a newly-minted lieutenant fighting the Civil War with the 14th Squadron, I've seen people die for unsafe flying. It was back in August 9th, 2034 when two idiots in a training sortie crashed their Su-30 into somebody's house, killing two people inside the stricken house, while for the crew only the weapon systems officer who managed to bail out. I remember when I have to give testimony to the investigators and later in the court martial, as I am also flying back then in the same mission.

The paperworks were done slightly earlier to the joy of me and Lt. Colonel Jusuf, then I headed into the firing range for a much needed release of steam.

"You looked a little pale today, Wise."

Along seven officers standing with earmuffs on in the range was Timo, Pandu and Evy.

"A lot of pencil pushing to do today, you know that, Raden." I replied as I put on the safety goggle and the earmuff before loading the good old .45 round to my sidearm.

"Ready?"

"Ready when you are. Raden" I smiled to her and I aimed the gun.

Fire, fire, fire.

"Release magazine, empty your weapon" ordered the range's supervisor, Major Jeremy Waworuntu.

"Impressive" she said upon looking at my record, with all twelve rounds hit the target, with her own had two hit the feet part of the target.

"You've done well too, Raden." I then looked at Pandu's result.

"Not bad, but you aimed a little too low." I remarked. Eight hits, with Timo also got the same result. The range is also a good place for aviators to better intermingle with non aviation personnel; out of eight, only me, Evy, Timo, and Pandu, are aviators, while two others were from the 112th Expeditionary Communications Squadron, supporting us with communications and ATC services, one from the 112th Operations Support, and one from the 112th Logistics.

Soon after the time in range, everyone went back to their things. Maulana, Bachtiar, and a few others are heading to the base's prayer room to pray for those perished in the line of duty in a tradition called tahlilan. Others gathered in the ready room, including me and Evy, to look for news updates on TV.

"Oh man" said Evy, looking at the screen.

"Well, not so united are they, huh?" asked Pandu, as the IITN (1) newscaster brought the news of the confirmed split in the UCC ranks.

"Looking at the Western experience, things are going to be more difficult, everybody" I stated to pilots present in the room as the news explained about public declaration of split from the Confederation in a broadcast from Ali Mukhtar al-Yemeni, codenamed Wormtail by intel after a Harry Potter character, the governor of the most impoverished Caliphate province of Yemen, in which he, along with the governor of Oman province and six UCC military commanders supporting him denounced the Caliph as guilty of apostasy, citing the Caliphate's usage of chemical weapons as prime example along with military setbacks, including in fighting the remnants of Hezbollah and it's allies in Lebanon, Ansar Allah or Houthis in Yemen (in which Ali was also against it) or the Revolutionary Army (RAI) in Iran.

The enemy of our enemy is our enemy. I always remember that our wing commander said to us before we were deployed, as any split or so called denouncements are most likely a cover for opportunistic aspiration.

"If only there's no Arab Spring." said Andik.

"Well, no use crying over spilt milk, Captain" said Lt. Nurul, sat behind him.

"Besides, if there's no such spring I think there will still be a UCC-like movement in a different form. Even if we go further and further back in time, like, what if America doesn't support the mujaheddin in Afghanistan in the eighties, no Iraq War, or even.. no antisemitic intention here, Israel doesn't exists." Capt. Geoffrey stated.

"There is no amount of appeasement enough to make them satisfied." Major Edward stated coldly.

"Like I believe, Goldwing, for sake of our Motherland and prevent Arabization, we have to be ready to do almost everything. Even if it means.. killing our own countrymen."

The news continued on yet another anarchist-instigated anti-war street protests across continental Europe and the USA, a dam burst in Brazil, and then to the light news segment with yet another singles been released by various singers across Asia.

"I wonder how's Yoel doing now." Evy muttered.

"His squadron has been withdrawn, and he confirmed that he has been chosen for IF-37."

She almost went ballistic "Awesome!!!"

"IF-37, Major! Sixth generation, to boot. I will be much honored if we got chosen to fly it too!" exclaimed Pandu.

"Umm.. Cosmo, we operated the land-based IF-36, the IF-37 is exclusive for the Navy. Same performance, but different in it's operation and maintenance." I corrected.

"And the Navy had relieved the Sriwijaya with Majapahit, just to let you all know. Got a cousin in there." said Major Pakpahan.

Then before it's time to sleep we had another gathering with the main event was singing together accompanied by guitar, in which Pandu and Timo was particularly good at it. What a better way to cope with homesickness than music?

...

The UCC has been officially divided, but still dangerous militarily.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we're going west!" It's the main message of this day's particular briefing from the wing commander, Air Commodore Jonathan Prawira.

Allied forces are going to execute an operation to liberate Bostan, Hoveyzeh, Abadan, and Khorramshahr, captured by Caliphate forces in a surprise attack from Southern Iraq, a week ago by a combination of infiltration and armored assault. The fall of Khorramshahr was a particularly hard blow to the Allied cause due to the betrayal of the overall commander of the Imperial Iranian military in the city, General Mohammad Abbasi.

Furthermore, to cut off enemy reinforcements even further Allied high command also want to capture Basra, or at least threaten it, as well. Also, the offensive also aimed to reduce pressure on NATO forces and local allies; Free Iraqi Forces, Peshmerga, Assyrian Protection Force, and Free Arab Legion, fighting in the northern part of the country and currently besieging the Iraqi city of Mosul.

Six hours after the fall of the city the general was captured near the Iraqi city of Basra by Iranian commandos, and was then hanged in the broad daylight, in public.

We basically re-lived the Iran-Iraq war in this point. I pondered as the Colonel continue explaining about our role in this operation.

"The Iranians called this mission Operation Sagaris or Battleaxe in Farsi, meanwhile our part of the operation will be codenamed Operation Sultan Agung. Our forces are going to attack in the Ahvaz-Susangerd area with almost 200.000 men and women are committed..."

"...Enemy air defenses will be significant in the Khuzestan area as well as in Basra in the neighboring Iraq."

"Before we can start Operation Sultan Agung we are going to take out what was left of enemy air forces in Iraq. We are going to neutralize both Basra International Airport and Nasiriyah Airport, also known as Ali Air Base. These two bases in Southern Iraq are stubbornly holding out even after repeated probing attack and full on bombardments including by penal squadrons."

"The plan is for the Thunder Squadron to draw any enemy interceptors in these bases, JF-17Es along with Saegheh drones. Simultaneously, the Manticore Squadron (IIAF 23rd TFS with F-35A) and is to attack the nearby air defenses and nullify 70 percent of their efficiency. Meanwhile IF-33s will take out any planes in the taxiway, mostly Flounders, and the rule of engagement clearly stated that you must not attack planes on the runway."

We're already understand why the Allies are sparing the runways in many cases of their attacks on UCC airbases.

"This mission is also in conjunction of a planned diversionary offensive by the Iranians through the Karkheh River in Khuzestan aimed at the road towards Basra."

"And in case of enemy air reinforcements from Saudi Arabia or Western Iraq, Thunders will intercept the incoming threats."

"Major Paulus, you are the mission lead!"

I snapped "Aye sir"

"Choose your men, Wise."

Evy is to be my wingman, while three other flight leaders were Major Alexia "Dolphin" Sutrisno, Major Rifat "Whip" Kalla, a member of prestigious Kalla entrepreneur family, and Major Thadeus "Bull" Toding; with Major Rifat has already reached ace two days ago while covering a strike sortie from Iran aimed for Doha.

That night, before I am heading to cafetaria for some oriental red tea, she intercepted me on the hallway.

"Wise"

"Yes?"

"I just want to say this.. I might not be always there to fight with you, and if it happened to be in combat... stick to the mission." I can see her face went quite serious now, mixed with what I think is a hint of sadness and a longing for peace.

"Don't say that!" I interjected. "It's my responsibility to protect you and all of us. And you know me too well already." I smiled and touched her shoulder.

"Just to make you always remember. And as your wingman. I'll protect you as well, Wise." her lips formed a small smile afterwards.

"Always do, Raden."