1275psi
Posts: 7979
Joined: 4/17/2005 Status: offline
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Yep - its a zero 14/1/42 Deep over enemy positions North of Canton, Hyakute led Inoute and Kuroe at 10000 feet. They have just relieved the “first shift”, and can expect at least 2 hours on this patrol –if they remain on minimum fuel. Hyakute is here at this point in his life because of a burning, burning ambition to fly –from the very moment he saw his first plane. This is what he was born to do –fly a fighter plane. He knows that many think he is an idiot –and not very skilled at what he does –but inside he knows he does have it –if only he can get a chance to prove it. Inoute is here because his service bought him here. Service was the only way to escape the fishermans miserable life –and if one must serve –let one do it where there is much honour to be had. Already having been at war for some time here in China, he knows the score. The Chinese are easy, the Russians harder. The Americans the hardest. But he knows that none of these are the most dangerous –its flying itself –in planes maintained at a rush, with fellow flyers who are either tired, or excited, or focused too heavily on the one thing –that poses the greatest threat. Kuroe flys tag, as usual. It is not normally where any one wants to fly –but it is his preferred position. One’s mistakes are not as easily noticed. He has a hang over –and with every foot of height gained today the pain of it grows. They are into the flight by just 15 minutes when Hyakute spots them -3 chinese bombers at 5000 feet –sliding northwest –and from the clouds of dust rising from the plain below –they have already bombed. The 3 fighters are exactly where Inoute has insisted they should be –at altitude, set for a diving attack They dive –supremely confident –a 70 degree plunge – and the bombers are coming up, 4000 feet, 3000 feet, 2000 feet. War teaches fast –and these chinese pilots are learning well – they wait until the last moment –and break in and under the stooping fighters plunge –falling under their noses. Only Hyakute is quick enough-he spins, inverts, and fires as his path and the bombers intercept in space. Pieces fly off the bomber –the tale gunner slumps, but it is not enough –again the KI 44 lacks the punch to bring it down. All 3 fighter pilots pull hard up – a deadly move if fighters had of been about –exchanging energy for height –but it is not enough –the bombers have escaped. And Inoute fills the airwaves with profanity at the opportunity missed.
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