Nurture the Indonesian National Armed Forces, nurture our war fighters. Don't let it be controlled by any political parties. Remember that our soldiers aren't mercenaries, not one that are easy to be bent in their allegiance. We join the military because of our own consciousness and willingness to sacrifice for the nation and country - General of the Army Raden Soedirman, the first Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces.

The title was taken from the long historical heritage of Iraq/Mesopotamia, with the region was generally credited for being the first place where civilized societies truly began to take shape.

...

,

"Hey, how's things now in Bukittinggi, Captain?"

Yoel finally was able to have a good time for a Skype chat to me, his future brother-in-law after two months of his transition training in Joint Gadut Air Base, in Bukittinggi for him to be qualified to fly the IF-37.

"Tomorrow is our graduation. My parents was unable to came, however. As well as Gloria, each year she's got busier." sighed Yoel.

I chuckled, know it too well from Gloria herself when she was able to contact me. "Chin up" I smiled "and congratulations of you to finally earn it. IFX-II Brevet. Sixth generation, to boot! Honestly, I wish I fly it too one day, just like almost every fighter pilot if people asked us about this matter."

"Don't worry, Major. Air Force Pilots of your caliber is not going to be unnoticed by the command for advancements, including being chosen for IF-36. Oh, yeah. Please pray for me for the upcoming marriage, okay?"

"Yes and Amen, Captain."

He and Gloria had finally agreed to get married in December 5th in Jakarta, and my family had told me the same. Even while we are Protestants, my family and him agree to host it in a Catholic Church; the Saint Mary de Fatima Church, a Chinese-style Catholic Church. Which means, an extra motivation to survive to see they get married.

About faith, it's another story that I think it's better to be dealt with after the war. Thing is, with their losses so far, I believe that the main phase of this war will be finished in 2044 up to 2045. However, with the possible GRM uprisings it dampened the prediction a little bit...

Speaking of it Evy and I had put aside some time to learn about their beliefs as well. The more people know, the better. And every decision regarding faith that Gloria made will be known to us.

...

,

"What a bunch of Gnostic insane." I swore just after I've done reading on a number of GRM-affiliated philosophical and other articles online in secured connection inside my office as a part of the entire Coalition effort to understand more about those revolutionists. "For example, Jewish people are invented, Khazars? Too much conspiracy theory indeed kills your brain. Not counting old stuff like Rotschild and banking shit. A few legit, most are just delusional ramblings."

I let out some steam by pulling out a dart and throw it into the dartboard in front of me, peppered with photos of known UCC as well as leftist supporters, propagandists, or fellow travelers.

"Also.. about Katehon, Russia as a force for holding evil.. I think every believer, not just a country, is one, biblically speaking."

I threw a second dart into a picture of a long-dead firebrand cleric named Habieb Rizieq Shihab.

"Fucking camels" then a third, hitting a picture of Jeff J. Brown, also had long time passed, a dual national French-American spending his adult life in China and a committed communist.

I sighed internally as emotional drain from the expletives reared it's ugly head on me. I feel really old compared to others. "Honestly, at this rate my hair is going to be all white before I am 40."

After I've done a little pondering about what will the Russians and Chinese do in case those people are launching a large scale uprising I breathed deep and then focus on things here and now. Tactical situations.

We've been put in reserve for quite a time as the Iranian and Indian-led offensive to liberate their south-western territory came to it's conclusion by by the recent liberation of Khorramshahr in a blitzkrieg operation.

What I've known so far, it's a bloodbath for everyone involved including it's air phase. Furthermore we've been told that we failed to take Basra in the process. Despite that, the second phase will be executed. In anticipation of the offensive into Iraq proper, timed with NATO forces attacking from Kurdistan and also Jordan, training was intensified. Furthermore there are rumors that Kuwait might be next with an amphibious landing.

And this time, the Indians will lead the way.

Just when I'm about exited my office, my assistant went through and after a proper salute, gave me some report. "This is a recent intelligence and other operations result that the penal squadrons obtained in their 'operations', Major."

"Have the Squadron CO know this?"

"Done. He wants you to know so he ordered me to copy the report and give it to you."

Even with so much communication technology we have, paper based intelligence still have it's place. As I read the report which still indicate a significant drone threat despite the destruction of several of its manufacturing facilities in the Gulf area and Iraq along with some suspicious facilities, I wondered when the invasion of Egypt or even the Gulf will start.

Next day..

"Smash"

With all my might I put the shuttlecock down in front of Pandu. The spectators shouted.

"Service over, 20-17" called Evy, our referee.

After the match concluded with I won I shook Pandu's hand as always in a good match and went into the side of the badminton pitch just near the apron with eyes focusing at the blue, cloudy skies, not bother looking at other match by allied soldiers and airmen.

"Earth to Wise" Pandu yelled at me, shaking me out from my dream-like state.

"Hm" I grunted a little before I answered him. "I'm fine, Cosmo. Just a little gut feeling."

Then the intercom went off, calling me and a few other pilots into the main building.

"Everyone, get yourself up and move out, this must be important" I told every pilots present in the pitch then ran as fast as we can to the briefing room. After we're settled, Commodore Prawira started his briefing.

I never expect things will go in an opposite direction.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we got a situation. An unknown source had launched a coordinated combined attack; electronic, cyber, and kinetic with damages including a part of global missile defense network, and while we managed to prevent the attack to affect major Allied nations, we will have no space-based BMD cover for up to a month, as they've permanently disabled a couple of satellites positioned in the theater by using well-hidden ground-based A-SAT laser system. We've found the launch origin already and engaged it with our space assets."

The Commodore than showed us the footage of the retaliatory attacks by the American Kinetic Bombardment station Zeus, European Community attack satellite Europa, and Japanese-Korean equivalent Do (arrow), against four sites in Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Egypt.

"We've destroyed the launch site, but the damage against us here means that if the Caliphate tries to launch burst missiles, follow your AWACS instructions!"

Pandu raised his hand.

"Cleared to speak" replied Prawira.

"Are there reports of damage in other fronts?"

"Excellent question.. the few things we know so far, they also crashed part of our communications and it contributed to the recapture of half of Istanbul by the UCC Fedayeens along with defectors, and the Greek-lead NATO forces are still fighting block by block just like in Stalingrad (Volgograd) or Aleppo. Two Israeli cities; Rehovot and Haifa, had blackouts. In the West Bank, the Israelis had just managed to crush the Fifth Intifada with the help of Indian-led PPDU Battlegroup 19 Infantry stationed in Bethlehem, while at the same time dealing with rocket attacks by Hezbollah from Lebanon... A couple of allied drones also have been hijacked as well with the intent to be used against Tehran, but as we're ready for such scenario, our defenses managed to stop it. Also, the communication failure had caused our first attempt to capture Basra to end in stalemate."

"We should expect more of this occurrences, as high command believed that this is only a warm-up. Also, nobody declared responsibility yet, but the GRM is the most likely as Caliphate is currently divided with Wormtail rebellion. As we're all know Yemen is pretty much clusterfuck among clusterfucks with the Houthis, Wormtail followers, UCC Loyalists and also the SLA; Southern Liberation Army, the military wing of the Southern Movement, the one who want to restore old PDRY (1). There are concern that the entire region was fast to become inhabitable. As that civil war was not enough."

"Furthermore, we can confirm that Caliph Omar has been removed from office by the Majlis-ash-Shura (consultative assembly) thanks to their loss of Iran. However this development doesn't mean the end of the war, as his chosen successor, Ahmed al-Baghdadi, vowed to continue fighting by any means necessary and to the last man. Even with their defeats so far that eclipsed previous World Wars."

"Back to the mission at hand, despite the situation, thanks to quick restoration to our data communication system we're still able to proceed with operation to finally take out Iraq wilayat from the war completely. This operation will be called 'Operation Antioch'. Furthermore this mission will be in tandem with 'Operation Zama' in which our forces in the Mediterranean will invade Egypt from the three directions; Libya, Sinai, and the Mediterranean Sea in order to regain control of the Suez Canal."

"Air missions in Antioch will be divided to three major operations. First, Operation Captivity. This is a PPDU-led air-to-air and air-to-ground operation, with objective to wipe out the enemy force concentration in Eastern and Southern Iraq. The second will be Operation Ishtar, an operation focused to degrade and destroy whatever left from the Caliphate command and control facilities in the area. Especially those coordinating the combat drones auto-intercept system. I say again, their capability have been degraded but it's still a significant threat, as for the last two months we've lost 75 planes of all kinds from those drones. And finally, Operation Marduk. This particular operation is another air-to-air and air-to-ground, will be under NATO overall command and involved a two-pronged assault from Kirkuk, and from US-occupied Jordan."

"Your squadron will brief you with more detail about your part in this campaign. Dismissed!"

The 11th Squadron went into another meeting room and Colonel Jusuf began to brief us for our own part.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the Thunders are to be one of the PPDU's rep in Baghdad. Which means, we'll be part of the Operation Marduk, as intel said that the true objective is up there."

I can feel that the Colonel is right in this case, especially as the UCC want to cling to Baghdad as long as they can. Especially if sentimental and historical reason is to be counted, the city used to be the capital of a Caliphate, the Abbasids.

Upon dismissal we immediately geared up and head to the awaiting MRAP that will bring us to the hangars. I looked for a moment at the main runway inside the truck as Iranian F-35s were lining up and waiting for the signal to launch while two CV-24 Kestrels lifted off as well, probably for a rescue mission or counterinsurgency somewhere in Iran.

"The Colonel is right, Major. We're all know that this squadron is primarily an AIR SUPERIORITY squadron, and our first jet squadron after all in the entire Air Force. And also because of our craft was primarily built for well, air superiority." said the proud Lieutenant Rustam, which will be in my flight as my wingman. Meanwhile Maulana will be the wingman for my element leader Capt. Andrea.

"Indeed" I answered him. Then I asked Maulana nearby who was climbing to his plane.

"Are you ready?"

"Always ready, Major. I think it's only a few battles and we're all go home and once again be a non-aligned. Just a few more." he replied to me as he climbed up into his Sukhoi.

I climbed into my own Su-57 as well still sporting the 'beautiful' registration TS-5777.

Then a mechanic, ranked chief corporal climbed the ladder on the side of the jet and leaned in, "Just to let you know, sir, we replaced your right engine's thrust vector actuators and connected it back to the fueldraulic system. We also put in a new GSh-30-1 due to the barrel has already past it's barrel life."

"I appreciate your hard work, gentlemen." I said as clear as I can. I feel a little shaky for a while before I put on my seatbelt, then my oxygen mask and the combat helmet.

You will be okay, and you can do it just like before. In fact, you never lost any wingman yet. I mentally said to myself for a little more positivity as the helmet began it's connection process to my brain.

"It's our duty and we take pride in it," the man putting a hand on my shoulder and giving it a squeeze. "Good luck, sir. Make our country proud. You're our highest scoring ace, 48.5 kills and counting. The more the merrier!"

"Will do. But the life of my wingmen matters more." I said as I slid the canopy shut. The ground crews removed the ladder and refueling lines from the jet. A more senior master sergeant checked my external, conformal fuel tanks, and ordnances both in internal bay and external pods on the wing before he gave the plane a final once over then gave me a two figure salute as a sign that my sortie will commence.

"Voice command.. activate" I said as I guide the plane into the runway.

"Voice command activated"

"Life support checked.. ready"

"Thunder 2-1, you're clear to take off!" signaled the base's control tower as I lined up at the edge of the runway.

...

"Check out the view," I said on the mike. The view of Zagros Mountains, in the border with Iraq was a majestic sight in my eyes, even during the sunset. In the skies, I can see dozens of Coalition squadrons passing the mountain range. But I know this was a trickle compared to more planes flying out of bases across Iran, Syria, Turkey, Pakistan, India, Armenia, and Azerbaijan along with carriers in the Arab Sea and Mediterranean Sea and American mobile offshore base USS Dewey in the Indian Ocean.

"Look at all of them." said Evy, fly as Thunder 3-1 excitedly. "Almost every fourth, fifth, and sixth generation that's in service with PPDU, NATO and the Pact are up and running. Drones not included."

"Can you believe this, 3-1?" asked the awed Maulana.

"Yeah, Eagles, Falcons, Raptors, Hornets, Rafales, Flankers, Flatpacks, Firebirds, Typhoons, Gripens, Tejases, Firefoxes, Golden Dragons, Flying Fishes, Palakas, Abhayas, Finflashes, Firehounds, Reppuus, Lightnings, Tempests, Hailstorms, Mustangs, Hellcats.. man, I could spend almost half of an hour trying to name them all." laughed Rustam.

"Thirty years from now, when we sat in a sofa reading a book with our grandkids.. I'll sure if they ask us 'What did you do in the Great World War III?' we gonna answer 'We fly with the glorious 11th Squadron!'" I said.

"I think you're watching Patton too much, Wise." replied Evy.

"Timeless war movie, and hell of a good one. You know my taste too well, Raden. In fact, you watched it with me back in the Academy in IFLIX, Remember?" I answered her back with a hint of laugh.

I can heard several pilots laugh as well.

"A good motivation, 2-1. And thank you for your movie recommendation." the Colonel, which also flew himself as Thunder 1-1 has his own remarks as well.

"Our plan is to advance and keep on advancing." I said back to Col. Jusuf.

A few minutes later a familiar male voice greeted us.

"This is AWACS Gandiwa, Indonesian Air Force, we proud to welcome you all in eastern Iraq in the approach to Baghdad.. All Coalition pilots, prepare your passports, the immigration will soon came for inspection.."

Below, they saw Iraqi cities and villages. Fires and smoke were visible as some squadrons, manned and unmanned began their attack on targets near the border area and the mountains. The 112th Expeditionary Wing, consist of 11th Squadron from the 5th Wing and drone-equipped 99th were heading deeper into Baghdad, while the 19th Squadron, another 5th Wing unit in a different expeditionary unit which was stationed in Tehran was tasked to escort the 99th' attack drones.

"Gandiwa to all units, bandits approaching from vector 095, speed... 900kt. Second ground approaching from vector 033, speed 706kt. weapons free, you're clear to engage."

"This is Thunder leader, flight 1 and 2 engage the group in front of us. Flight 3 and 4 engage the group coming from the northwest."

"Siap laksanakan, Kolonel" (Will do, Colonel) responded the flight leads as they dropped their tanks and broke off towards their designated targets.

I hit afterburners and pushed the Firefox into near Mach 2.

"Arm PLS" I commanded.

"Pulsed-laser Selected and Armed" said the voice command.

"Gandiwa to Thunder. The squadron you're engaging are ascending towards your group, they should come a little below you. We can ID them as Saegheh combat drones." said the AEW.

He saw them spread out in a long single row, 16 planes wide and one plane deep.

the female AI's voice kicks in and my HMD flashed with word "Warning" indicating a hostile radar lock.

"Missile, missile" the AI warned again. I could see multiple missiles being launched from the Saeghehs, but only two seemed to be directed at me. I pulled back on the throttle and pumped flares, and rolled right into a hard turn. Then I reversed turn and put my plane for a pass at the drones. I'm coming in a little below the drones, sensing the danger the drones scattered, just I expected. However, there is one who passed my plane. I checked for my wingman, which turned out to be above me. He appeared to have rolled into a barrel roll to soar over the drones and was now arcing downwards.

"2-1, this is 2-2, I'm coming in below you," I called.

"Rodger that, we're gonna' reverse, and began to single' em out, Sir."

"Excellent." I replied.

However we broke off again as two drones climbed at me and Rustam. Immediately we followed them and then opened fire with the PLS, Rustam downed his target meanwhile my target managed to pull up, but I know even the single beam hit is going to affect its performance.

"Slash, slash, slash" called Andrea. "Splash one".

I checked the radar and saw the drones were just regrouping their formation and were in that row that was like a wall of Saeghehs, ready for a missile barrage.

"Thunder 1 to Thunder 2, heads up, they definitely had another UAVs breaking formation for an ambush attack."

"Roger"