At 3:30 in the morning, the pilots at Santa Maria Airbase were awoken by the sounds of a bugle, an indication that it was time to wake up. The men jumped out of their beds and readied themselves. At 3:50 they went outside and all were present in the courtyard, a couple of minutes later a familiar man in familiar clothing appeared out of the blue, it was President Cuimbo himself. The soldiers saluted the president, and he stood in front of them. The sergeant spoke,
"Men of Estandé, you are gathered here today to hear the president's speech about what you soldiers are gonna do today. You all must listen well, for the president made this briefing just for you"
The sergeant stopped talking and stepped back, the president stepping forward. He cleared his throat,
"Soldiers, lend me your ears, you men are chosen by God today to join the San Sierran crusade against the Saddamist radicals and their egomaniacal leader. I know you all are afraid of what's going to happen, but fret not, men - for you are Estandér, you are one of the most cunning and most durable forces on this planet. If you die, you die for your country and for the Lord, know that you are honouring the Fatherland, and know that you are one of the few willing to fight evil.
This will be the first foreign battle Estandé will be involved in, you men must show defiance, bravery, and endurance. Know that you are better than evil. Now, make me proud, and kill the infernal dragon of Usnistan"
The soldiers saluted and marched to their cafeteria. They were served one of the most delicious and filling meals, especially made for them, as they were eating their aircraft was checked again for any malfunctions and small inconveniences. As the pilots were finished eating, they were sent back to their individual rooms and were told to shower. The pilots got into their gear and marched out of their barracks once more, this time with the president watching.
At 4:40 AM, they were at the hangars and waited until preparations were readied, and at 5:00 AM, the engines were roaring. Finally on 5:20 AM, the pilots got into their planes and were ready to fly to Usnistan. 5:30 AM, they've already left Estandé for Usnistan.
They've already said their goodbyes to their families a day earlier, and they were indeed filled with pride.
21 hours later, they arrived at their destination, the leading pilot radioed to a San Sierran carrier a couple of miles below,
"Attention San Sierran carrier, this is N-1A of the Estandér airforce. We are here to join your crusade against the Saddamists, we are also approaching your vessel, requesting to land. Over."
