Dharma Jalakaca Putra (Sanskrit) - "Those who own land also owned everything above it and below it" - motto of the Indonesian Naval Aviation Center (PUSPENERBAL)

And so Yoel Angsana get married.. Hope you enjoy!

"Disciple 1-1 requesting Grating Goddess relay combat control commands" I hollered at the AI of my brand-new IF-37 that I am currently flying as part of my training.

Roger.. Disciple leader. Transmitting... encrypted satellite, HAPS, auto-terrain comparison.

"Students. This is Operator. Your order is to proceed into target and prosecute with precision. And remember, you are pilots of the Indonesian Navy. We expect nothing less than the best here, ladies and gentlemen."

"1-2 to Skipper, roger that, activating tactical systems.. countermeasures ready. Disciple confirm" replied Nicholas "Wolf" which is my wingman for today.

"1-3, confirmed, all systems ready"

"Disciple 1-4, ready. Our mission is clear, commencing attack"

We are all adult men and women, but honestly, our childish side were rekindled when we first saw the plane that we are currently trained to be proficient with.

Like a dream come true.

The sleek, tailless IF-36/37 was a result of the KF-X and IF-X II project developed in 2034, despite the troubles of Civil War by Indonesian Aerospace and Korean Aerospace Industries to complement and eventually succeed the fifth generation KF/IF-21 currently in service. Powerful computing power common in 2030s and the relative safety of Central and Eastern Indonesia during the conflict help shorten the phase of development.

Other contractors involved include General Electric, supplying it's twin combined-cycle engines, Adaptive Fighter 100, or AF100; Hanhwa Systems for the radar, and Lockheed Martin in design assistance.

I remember the instructor told us in his introduction. "The KF-X/IF-X II is very maneuverable. Sukhois are pale in comparison. But, the real main strength of her, is that she's long-legged."

The strong point of range followed the trend of other countries developing similar fighters; the United States, the UK, Japan, Taiwan, European Community, China, and Russia. In terms of weapons, it has the improved capability compared to our existing fifth generation fighters; upgraded Artificial Intelligence-based combat management system, combat-proven higher powered directed energy weaponry, both the Tactical Laser Pod and for the first time, internal-mounted pulse-laser cannons in the wing roots. As the result, the conventional 25mm Equalizer autocannon was mounted on the craft's belly akin to F-35B/C or much older AV-8B Harrier II with two pods, one on the portside housing the cannon, while the starboard side is housing the ammunition.

"Metal-ceramic composite with heavy use of recycled and 3D printed materials.. aeroelastic wing, combined cycle engines with option for twin hybrid scramjet turbos, still in development phase. Solar panels to augment the ram-air turbine in power generation."

It also got a rotary launcher for wide assortment of NATO and Asian air to air and air to ground weaponry thanks to it's open architecture.

"Kena kau" (I got you). My third wingman, Capt. Agnes Chiu, a 14.5 kill-ace in the 109 NAS exclaimed in an undertone as she and his wingman got rid of two captured UCC radar sets using Indonesian license-built live AGM-90s in a standoff range.

"Missile.. missile.."

"Laser detected, laser detected"

"1-4, we have two SAM/Laser AA sites, take them out"

"Roger that ma'am" replied the wingman, Capt. Mozes Jouwe, served with the 117 NAS with 7 kills on his belt. "Arm TLP"

"TLP activated, acquiring firing solution at the AD site.. cleared to fire"

The Papuan pressed the trigger as his plane went into a slight dive. The familiar crimson red went out from the central fuselage and destroyed the AA system, actually made from recycled cardboard and aluminum but with AI to simulate the real one.

Meanwhile me and Wolf are dealing with a couple of activated training drone version of the Capung loyal wingmen along with captured Saeghehs which our aircraft visualized as enemy aircraft and drones which are heading towards my element, a couple hundred of miles from our position.

"Fox two" Two live AIM-10C Diamondbacks went off the rotary launcher and straight into the drones.

"Target destroyed, that's how you do it." I remarked.

"Exactly, lead. 1-3 and 1-4, we expect the same out of you. By the way, good work out there with the radar and the AA."

"1-3 here, we'll take the overhead cover, just as planned. Oh, and we also had taken out the two bunkers."

"Understood 1-3, that was a shit hot!" We then lowered our altitude for the final phase of the exercise, destroying enemy headquarters.

"Arming JASSM" Me and Wolf had positioned ourselves near an island called Nusa Barung to fire the said live Lockheed Martin designed missile at stand-off range.

"JASSM armed, 1-1, ready to fire." Wolf confirmed his own cruise missile armed as well.

"Missile armed."

Two missiles off, and the simulated headquarters, also from re-cycled materials, vanished in two explosions.

I checked my tank as I waited for the rest to regroup above Lumajang before heading in subsonic mode back to Bukittinggi, when we are trained.

"Disciples is egressing out of the area, say a word, Operator." I hollered in.

"Operator to Disciples.. 100 to 100. Bravo Zulu!"

It has been almost two months since I had given the order to report for my transition to the IF-37. The training was handled by the 441 Naval Air Squadron, based in Gadut Joint Air Base. Nicknamed "Jaguars" and under administrative command of Fighter Wing, 1st Fleet, it was the first squadron to receive the IFX-II, it's project name, and functioned as the type's training squadron.

"Hey, look at this. Some Army vet decided to emulate a 30 years old video about an American gun owner shooting his daughter's laptop. It's viral right now!" called Ronny to me as I entered my quarter.

Back to the said video, Ronny and I watched as the said father named Fadli Asnan introduced himself as a former l volunteer NCO in the Civil War, fighting in Central Java.

"Is that true that he fought?" I asked Ronny, still paying attention to the rant of the said father.

"The database say yes. Always updated, don't want stolen valor here, people."

"Yeah, good for him" as the father on video, sat in the lawn of his farmhouse in a village in Banyumas Regency, Central Java continued his speech.

"...I took off my son's Facebook wall and he thought he'd being smart by blocking his parents being able to see it.. Bambang, the last time that you were grounded is four months by your mom, both for doing something very similar to this and involved in bullying your classmate and I would have thought with a father that self-taught himself about IT stuff before the war you will come back to your senses as the eldest son, in particular..."

Ronny sighed. "Man.. this is what happen if more people got guns."

"Sheesh, Goalkeeper. It's his life. Tough love. We can't do shit but make it a tale for our future kids." I replied as I am listening to the father's explanation about how his son mess stuff up by badmouthing his parents on Facebook.

"You got the point, Fishnet."

"and even I went to war for sake of you. Your responsibilities include waking up on time, eat, and getting on the bus and behave in school, that's the primary responsibility... I've warned you months ago about what would happen if you did something like this on Facebook again, or get into detention in school. You don't have to worry about buying a new laptop or charging cables or batteries.. probably until you get to University, as I remember that you want to be a lawyer, am I right?"

"I want to say how disappointed I am in you and how disrespectful you were to every single adult in your life. Kid, you get it relatively easy even during the war. But starting today, things are going to be harder. Way a lot harder..."

"... disrespectful to me, to your mother, your stepmother, your family, your friend, and even the institution of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, as I remember you once talk badly about the volunteers of the war, which means double the injury for me and especially, my brothers and sisters who didn't came back alive. And last but not least, you disrespect yourself!"

The father pulled out a Pindad G2 pistol from his belt.

"...That right there is your laptop. Out there on the ground. This right here is my 9mm, 13-rounds inside. Made by PT Pindad, military issued, which I am permitted to keep after the war..." He pulled the trigger.

"That laptop is definitely ruined." I told him.

"...That was the first round, for your mother." The shot rang for the second, then third time.

"Oh, before I forget, these are exploding hollow point rounds. You have to pay me back for all of it because it's about four rupiahs apiece."

"This is for my comrades in arms who didn't came back" The man fired three more Parabellums at the folded laptop.

Not less than a minute, he said. "Now I'm out.."

"... enjoy your little fiasco on Facebook."

"Aw, snap, what a waste of metal." I put my hands in the back on my head, processing the spectacle that we just saw on Ronny's phone.

"I think he then gave what was left of it for recycling, Fishnet."

"I dare to tell you that some of it will end in an aircraft one day" I told him.

...

I remember when we first arrived in this base, at July 5th, as part of the squadron's entry tradition, all naval aviators was sprinkled with usual flower-infused water, air kembang, over their heads along with singing the March of the Naval Aviators in front of a Civil War memorial. The base itself had once occupied by the NII during the civil war, but a local uprising backed by special forces managed to recapture it, and the entire city of Bukittinggi itself later on. Almost ten year after the war there are virtually none of any battle-scars left on that base thanks to captured NII and FDNI members who were mobilized to reconstruct it and the surrounding area.

However, the most unforgettable part, is the next day's welcoming speech from the squadron's CO. Colonel Theodorus Mandagie as we, twelve men and women soon to fly the -37, were inducted into the conversion training program.

I will give you three following promises: Promise number one: This will be hard, but as a believer of God, I know that without fear, and with work and prayer, you will see that you are capable to be beyond what you ever imagine. Promise number two: I insist and demand that you people meet every single standard of this training program in order for you to be qualified in flying the IF-37, the Future of the Naval Aviation. But we will assist you to meet those standard. Do you understand?"

"Aye Colonel!"

That assistance won't always be comforting, not unlike your earlier phases of training and education as officer and aviator, even your deployments here in the Navy, but it will built, reinvigorate, and reinforce your skills, your attitude, and abilities that you needed to leave here ready for immediate frontline deployment, in particular, the ongoing fight against the Caliphate under the banner of the United Nations Coalition. Do you understand?

"Aye, Colonel!"

Promise number three: You will be safe and will be educated in an environment which in line with the values of "Sapta Marga" (1) and "Soldier's Oath" as well as the Five Principles and the 2025 Constitution, is free from intimidation and discrimination based on your race, religion, ethnicity, gender, and any other of your backgrounds. Harassment, assault, and any conduct unbecoming an officer will be severely punished. Do you understand?

You can do this. Every single officers in this program are the chosen, the best of the best. On the other hand, even if you are an ace, is not an instant guarantee for being selected to this program, so keep that in mind. The truth is we need you to do this. All across the Armed Forces and the world in general, aviation technology is changing faster than ever, but it also required better trained pilots to make it work best. IF-37 units are being expanded, and they need you to complete your training and join them on a carrier in securing our sea and air. But the only question on our mind is; Are you ready? We're just about to find out!

Normally it required 14 weeks for conversion training, but due to war time the training was accelerated to nine weeks.

People from bygone decades of the 21st century once predicted that the future war is going to be a sort of video game. In reality, not so much. Just like a former Air Force Chief of Staff said that machines have limitations, and there is such thing as coexistence between artificial intelligence and us. However, concerns about the worse scenario remains.

"I remember a very old movie, a box office bomb, in which Josh Lucas' character told the following.. I just don't think that In war, the actions should ever be divorced by the consequences.."

"You're correct Fishnet. We done well, so we all gonna graduate here. But really, I'm afraid man."

"What do you afraid? Being replaced?"

"No, not about that, First, there are still possibility that we are going to have a drone crisis, like, for example. the GRM or UCC turning it against us in the larger number."

"Hmmm..." I nodded "So, anything else?"

"Furthermore, I might not get to fight in your side after this."

"Oh come on.. I think you're understand already of this part and parcel of being in the Force." I patted his back.

...

Time went fast, I am graduated with others, and was given R & R time, too.

Now, the main focus is about the marriage.

As I am back at my Bachelor Officer's Quarter, my wearable phone went off one day.

"Paul" I answered it. "Hello?"

"You want to know where I am?"

"Tell me.."

"Halim, man. The Thunders has finally came home. Just in time for the flight here to Halim. My folks and Gloria are waiting for me in Pulogadung, then we're coming to yours at 6 and have a dinner outside. Everyone's healthy and happy. And oh, the entire squadron has been withdrawn to Makassar and will be stood down for transition."

"Glad that you make it alive, mate, and a good news also that you will be flying sixth generation as well" I grinned upon looking at my future brother in law, still in his fatigues.

"Indeed. The 11th Squadron is rich in history, more IF-36s are coming, and the command want it that way. Stay safe out there, hooah!"

Still the good old Major Paulus, a man with a few words.

As I'm doing the domestic errands, my mind went back to the time when the entire wing was finally ordered to come home. First wing-level homecoming, but my second.

"Dewanto Tower, Sea Eagle 2 is on final approach."

As I got my turn to land, I looked around at the apron. Families were gathered, cameras aimed at us. But we still need to get the planes into the hangar.

"I'm home again" I muttered, then after I'm done with the aircraft, opened the canopy and went down into the tarmac.

Then we heard a group of civilians and ground crew burst into singing and hands clapped. And memories of the Academy flood in as I walked into awaiting Gloria and her family.

Then the joint base's band played the same tune repeatedly as pilots hugged and greeted their folks. At that point Gloria went over to hug me, as usual..

It's good to come home.

...

My dad threw an exquisite dinner in an Indonesian restaurant near Nagapasa for us.

As we are enjoying the dinner we are talking to each other like what family supposed to.

"When your family will come?"

"Tomorrow, sir. I've told Paulus as well before, you know." Answered Yoel as my dad asked him about the family of his.

I also remember that Petrus asked me about Evy.

"She's in Solo, to be with her own family." I told him. "And.. please don't ask me yet about when I will marry her, okay?"

"Okay brother" Petrus replied.

Meanwhile, I can see that Yoel and Gloria are basically lost in their own worlds, talking just like those who had long time not meet with each other. Once, he was carefree compared to me which is more serious in dealing with things. However, he was changed, like all of every servicemen and women. He's becoming more alert, willing to charge ahead regardless of the risks, and better sense of what means to be a leader. Honestly, he could got a better career than me, rank-wise. I can see that one day he will have his time commanding his own aircraft carrier as a Colonel, then becoming a flag officer, in which means an eligibility to lead carrier strike groups, joint task forces, fleets, naval component commands, joint defense commands, and if he was further able, the Navy Chief of Staff or even the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff..

Daniel knows too well about war changes people, in a more up close and personal fashion. He repeatedly said to me in some occasions that I am able to call him, that he's ready if the Army recalled him, being a Class B reservist, Indonesian equivalent to individual ready reserve in the US military, in Central Kalimantan State National Guard and kept himself proficient in marksmanship as well as drills. However, my older brother and many other Civil War veterans in the same class of reservists might be unlucky, or lucky to ride this war without being re-called into service. Many are willing, but few are chosen.

All in all, a solid high school love..

...

As it's Saturday, Gloria doesn't go to the office. So, I call her to come to the base. From Pulogadung, East Jakarta, she will take the high-speed train to Karawang then a bus into the base. She's a relatively independent bunch. With total 150 rupiahs in tickets for train and bus, it's cheaper than air taxi (3).

"Waaahhh.. a beautiful plane!!" She exclaimed as she looked at one of the IF-34s on the hangar of Joint Base Ignatius Dewanto. She already got the necessary permits, so I'm allowed to have her in the inner area.