yellowthirteen | The Sixteenth Sortie [Voice, Action]

[Voice]

All right, I've been doing some thinking. Dunno when another draft is gonna come up, but one thing that's always been a real problem for us in the draft are individuals who don't know how to fight or are unable to getting pulled into the conflict, or people that do who are outclassed by the members of the Third Party. This is a problem that needs to be fixed, and we obviously can't count on the Malnosso not sending the vulnerable into combat zones.

...So here's what I have. I'm looking to form a squadron of fighter pilots with the aim to give some of these folks something to do, give them a chance to fight back if they want it. You don't have to be a non-combatant to join, either. If you think you might be worth more to your allies up in the air flying a plane, then you're more than welcome to inquire.

Nothing's set in stone yet. Don't know if this is even going to happen, and there's no promises we'll even get the aircraft we'll need. But damned if it isn't worth a try.

...You may be wondering who I am to suggest something like this. My name is David Jordan, Major in the Federal Erusian Air Force, commander of the elite 156th Tactical Fighter Squadron, and Ace of Aces for Erusea during the Usean Continental War. I know what I'm talking about. And I'm one of the best there is in this line of work. For those who are interested, I will say this up front. Expect this squadron to maintain a high level of discipline and you will be expected to be diligent in your training. I will not be an easy instructor, because it is your lives on the line. Hot-shots and loose cannons will be dropped from the unit, no questions asked.

If anyone is interested or has questions, inquire here, or visit me in person at Good Spirits this evening from 18:00 to 21:00.

[Action]

[As stated in his message, Yellow 13 will be sitting in Good Spirits in a fairly visible table during the allotted time. He actually doesn't have alcohol with him, and while his guitar does rest next to him, very rarely will he pick up and play it. Though if it goes too long without someone stopping by, he might very well play a tune.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

You should specify that then. Remember that this place holds people from many worlds and environments, I doubt all the people here will even know what aircraft is. And even some that know it may think that pilot training revolves only about piloting things.

Evasion and stealth are always a good bet for those who aren't able to fight, anyway. Knowing how to fire a gun helps as well for it.

[She smiles at the question.]

Among far many other things, actually. I've built, fixed, improved, designed and piloted more civilian aircraft than I care to remember, but that's not my only job or my specialization.

[But given how she's a genius and where she works and the things she does it's quite probable she has titles and the like that would show that.]

Trust me, it all would've come up in orientation. It would've been a surprise. Think of it... as a test of their dedication to the craft.

[He snorts a nostalgic laugh.]

Hell, that's just how we did it in Erusea.

[He keeps that smile as he continues, though.]

Sounds like you're quite the multi-talented individual.

Oh, is that so? That's good, sorry for doubting you then, Major... Or should I say Commander? I never know how to call you guys with your many military ranks and positions.

[And Bulma laughs lightheartedly at that before she adds in a teasing and pleased tone.]

Say 'genius individual', it's shorter and it has been used on me several times since I was young.

"Major" is usually what's customary, but if you'd rather not bother, can't say I blame you.

[He shakes his head and fails to contain a chuckle.]

I see. I'll keep that in mind. Though having your actual name would be better, I think.

Major works for me. At least your army doesn't use colors for names and ranks.

[If only she knew.]

Aww, you think? But I like how 'Miss genius' sounds!

[Can you hear the pout in her voice? Can you? It's gone as she laughs again though.]

Oh well, you introduced yourself first after all. Bulma Brief, civilian, vice-president of Capsule Corporation and actually unofficial president in functions as well because my father keeps getting distracted with the animals.

No, though we do use colors for squadron designations. More convenient for when you're dealing with radio chatter in mid-battle.

[And now she does.]

Nice to meet you, Miss Brief. Your work must keep you very busy at home.

[Because running a company is insanely hard work, after all.]

But that's a whole color for several people, right? Nothing like General Blue or Major Red.

[Mixing the Red Ribbon's ranks, see how much she cares about them. Though she probably should care more given they were warned about a revenge plot...]

It has its moments. I'm not a stranger to boredom, though, but that's just because a girl can't keep working non-stop all the time without having some fun. Unfortunately getting said fun can be complicated... Still no boredom I've ever known can compare to what I feel in this place, really.

No, nothing like that. Just squadrons. My squadron, though officially named "Aquila Squadron," is more commonly referred to as Yellow Squadron.

[He laughs.]

I can imagine. There's not much tech here, and there's definitely no way to run a real business or even invent much of anything either. Anything much more complex than a kitchen appliance has to be asked for... yeah. Not the most exciting place in the universe.

Yellow Squadron, huh? Still good enough. Though Aquila Squadron sounds more impressive, besides yellow is a terrible color most of the time. And not one I would recommend to wear to any kind of battle.

[Because, come on, yellow just screams for attention, even more than a giant bulls eye painted on you.]

So true. What do you guys to be entertained here, exactly? The drafts, experiments and kidnappings fill time but I would prefer to not relay on those to be entertained. Then again seeing the amount of children around I suppose they don't need much to not be bored.

Believe it or not, the sight of the yellow wing tips our fighters had was enough to frighten and demoralize the enemy. You build up enough of a reputation, and even yellow becomes intimidating.

Me, I go to the bar, play guitar, watch movies and try to keep in shape. Spent some time learning the magic from this place too.

Oh, no, no, don't get me wrong. Yellow is a very intimidating color by itself, anyone proudly wearing it anywhere must be full of confidence and be really good at their job. And not the kind of confidence that's built over nothing, those guys don't have the brains to pick up yellow as their color.

Magic, you mean that filial magic thing with the spirits, right?

Yes, exactly. I've been in contact with a handful of the spirits so far. Surprisingly practical.

Hmmm...

[Bulma hums, thinking. She may believe in dragon balls and legends and chase them to use their powers and all, but that's just like using a remote. She uses a tool to make magic, she can deal with that, but any other form of magic isn't something she's very comfortable with.]

How is it exactly? You contact them and make a contract or something? And they are summoned when you call for them?

It's a little more abstract than that. In my experience, you can actively try to seek them out... or wait for them to contact you. Nala and Sona's voices I came to hear over time, while I actively sought out Kipinn.

And what they teach you is how to manipulate their respective elements through yourself. You don't summon them, exactly.

[Yes, she can see how it's useful and all but... Definitively not her thing.]

I see, it's not really my type of thing, unfortunately.

[Maybe if she gets terribly bored... No, probably not even then.]