(au because ac7 also has a protagonist called trigger)

A squadron of aircraft with no record on IFF was fast approaching New Eridu’s air defense identification zone. Rebels, obviously, causing a ruckus with aircraft from the NEDF.

Obol Squadron of the 9th Fighter Brigade was scrambled immediately, being the closest enough to intercept. Your squadron lead, “11”, rushed into the barracks rousing everyone from their rest, and before long seven J-20s were in the air, cruising in formation.

You look to your left in boredom. Cruising to the left of 11 was her other wingman, Trigger – identifiable particularly by those distinctive three stripes on her vertical stabilizer. She would, hopefully, get rid of the AWACS that seemed to be with the rebels – with the four PL-21s she carried in her weapons bay, allowing the rest of Obol to finish the job.

Making the operation easier from long range was her speciality, after all. Aces who were minted by only BVR were rare these days, but she was one of them.

“Be advised, Obol, they'll be in range of our own radars.”

Sure enough, a few seconds after 11’s remark the green screen to the side of your cockpit started showing seven signatures. The formation spread out.

“Fox 3. Defending.”

Trigger acted quickly – that was why she was good, anyway. The PL-21 separated cleanly from the launch rails, its AESA radar following the initial guidance of her onboard radar, before soon focusing on the radiation the rebel AWACS was giving off. She, meanwhile, was already banking to the left whilst dumping chaff, before rejoining the combat formation soon enough.

The largest signature soon disappeared from your radar.

“I believe that was a Y-8. Old, but I am surprised they managed to operate it.”

Right now, though, it didn’t matter. The aircraft were coming in your range, and it was time to shine, at 11's lead.

"Obol 1, engaging. Sit this one out, Trigger."

Obol 3, engaging.

Your PL-15s were ready, and your finger was on the switch. Your turn for some glory.