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But then again, war is something we yearn and train for, so if the conflict continues, then we shall see no? That did not mean however, that the SAM threat was light. It only meant we had an easier threat to deal with, since they only fielded the HAWK, and Buk systems, which were also being systematically being reduced one-by-one. An Ironhand mission yesterday netted a lucky British pilot three systems. Naturally of course he was supporting a deep strike mission, so he was unable to completely neutralize the site. So within a day or so they will be active again, continuing to threaten our skies.

Of course a farmer with an Igla could also pose a threat to you as well, as some Su-25 pilots have found out. "Shades of Afghanistan" I heard an American pilot say. For what sunglasses have to do with this "conflict" I do not know. I had told this American pilot. He laughed and said it was slang for it seeming just like Afghanistan. Naturally comrades, did he serve in the war in Afghanistan. He nodded and said he flew F-16s before moving to F-15s. The threat was there, just not as bad as here. Or during the Soviet war with the mujhadeen so long ago.

After cleaning my hands, I straightened up the area for Sgt. Gennedy, and promptly headed to my quarters. To which I took a nap for a couple of hours. Waking up, I lay in bed, listening to the jets fly away, or come in, or pass by, taxiedng to the runway, or to their hangars. I sighed, hopefully this mission will bring some excitement.

I did not have time to talk to Sacha though, I must admit feeling guilty about this. I guess I am attracted to her, but she is in a different unit, and this, and that. I sighed again as I stared at the ceiling. For some times, love is not something I wish to think of. You think too much about that, and you will lose your life due to you not paying attention to the real world. For now, she is merely a distraction. That is all.

An hour before I was to report, I finished my shower, and got ready. I put on my uniform, and put my boots on, and walked to the mess hall for a quick bite to eat. The same cliques were in effect, but I saw however, it was much different. Some stayed in their spots, but some others talked and laughed as well. I saw Lt. Bolenko Vorshkin, one of the lucky Su-24M pilots (lucky in the fact he and his wingman solely shut down Sukhumi), talk with an F-15 pilot. It made me feel better that some change has happened for the better. Soon we might be better friends than enemies, even though the Cold War is over with. We may shake hands and smile at each other, but there is still wariness accorded to each other. I sat by myself today, as most of the time I like to talk with the F-15 pilots and discuss combat. They also complain of boredom, as when you are used to constant operations, your body, and mind adapt to it, then it becomes second nature. To slow down that rhythm is just the same. You must readapt to the slow pace and then readapt. The human body is a tormented thing comrades. Especially when you are a fighter pilot.

As I sat down and ate my food. I overheard a couple British pilots complain about the boredom of ground attacks. I have felt the same pain, and interested, I had moved closer. Then they started talking about the lack of an air threat. Then one mentions he heard his intel personnel talk about the possibility of Mirages being flown by the IRLF. One complained about how the French never disappear, and need to be back in their own pond. I cannot remember exactly what he said, but the words even made me chuckle. But the Mirage? I have obviously heard of this aircraft, but which one? Interested, I questioned this pilot, and he snappily answered the 2000-5. His other buddies excused his behavior, said he hadn't been to the "pub" for a couple of days. I laughed and said I have vodka at my room, and if he is in need of such liquid, he can stop by. I need company. Of course the thought of the Mirage 2000-5 interested me. Just how capable is it? I have never heard of combat operations with it, only pictures from airshows and threat briefings on such aircraft. But they only say what they want to say. To feel the opponent means you experience a life or death struggle, not reading a book about it.

I was too interested, I must leave for my briefing. I said goodbye to my "friends" and headed to the Ops building. I managed to smoke a cigarette quickly and sat down. Major Grachev entered. I stood up and rendered my salute. Tonight was special I assumed, I was alone with him. That special of a mission? or just Dimitri wasn't selected? He will not like this. It is his shift, and not mine. Dimitri was just as qualified, and why am I questioning on this subject? I complain about boredom, but yet ready to deny a possible mission. He returned it and told me to sit down.

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