July 5th, 1938. Zambesi Channel. 1200 HRS.
It was a sunny day over the Zambesi Channel, and two fighter aircraft of the Triesenberg Empire were cruising at an altitude of 10,000 feet, the engines humming steadily as they soared above the calm waters below.
"Do you think this is a good idea?" Hans, one of the pilots, asked his wingman through the radio, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
"We have no choice. This is an order from the Air Force High Command in Berlint," his wingman, Dieter, replied firmly, trying to mask his own apprehension. The mission had come down from the top brass—fly near Valorian territory and hope for an interception. The goal was simple: to catch the attention of Valoria's air force and initiate first contact, a move that was both bold and dangerous.
Hans exhaled sharply as he adjusted his controls, the glint of the ocean reflecting off his canopy. "I get that, but flying so close to their airspace like this? We could end up being shot down before we even get the chance to explain ourselves."
"High Command thinks this is the best way to make contact," Dieter said, his tone pragmatic. "They want to test Valoria's readiness and, more importantly, see how they respond to foreign aircraft near their borders."
Hans stayed silent for a moment, watching the endless blue sky ahead. "And if they don't want to talk?"
"Then we'll be the unlucky ones, I guess," Dieter replied with a dry chuckle, though the weight of the mission hung between them. "But look, Valoria's not known for making rash decisions. If we approach calmly, keep our course predictable, they'll intercept us, not shoot us down."
Hans nodded to himself, the logic clear, but the unease remained. "Let's hope you're right."
***
Meanwhile, on the Valoria Western Sector, in the air defense station near Willamatcha (Vilamatsa in Madagascar), a powerful radar system, the AN/FPS-20, was diligently scanning the skies. This long-range radar, capable of detecting aircraft at ranges of up to 150 miles, was the backbone of Valoria's air defense.
Its rotating antenna swept the horizon, providing 360-degree coverage and feeding data to the air defense operators stationed within the facility.
The AN/FPS-20 had a highly sensitive detection capability, able to track the altitude, speed, and heading of multiple targets simultaneously. Its precision made it invaluable for early warning, and today, it was about to do exactly that.
The Defense Minister stood, walking over to a large map of the region that adorned one of the walls. His eyes traced the route the aircraft would likely take, and his mind began to calculate the possible outcomes.
"Send up our interceptors. I want a non-aggressive response but make sure they understand that they are violating Valorian airspace," Thompson instructed. "Also, keep me informed at every stage of the engagement."
The aide nodded and quickly left the room to relay the orders.
Back in the air defense command center, the orders were being rapidly executed. The squadron of interceptors was being prepared, and within minutes, two Valorian fighters were airborne.
In the cockpit of the lead Valorian interceptor, Captain Nico David kept his focus on his HUD, where the coordinates of the unidentified aircraft were displayed. His orders were clear: intercept and escort, but avoid escalation.
"This is Nico David, squadron is en route to intercept bogeys at 260. No response from them yet?"
"Negative, Captain. No IFF, no radio contact. Proceed with caution but maintain a non-aggressive posture," the voice from air command came through clearly.
Nico acknowledged the order, adjusting his course to intercept the approaching aircraft. The Valorian fighters closed the distance quickly, and soon, the unidentified planes came into visual range.
From the Triesenberg pilots perspective.
"Shit they found us? So accurate," Hans muttered as the Valorian interceptors came into view.
"Looks like we got their attention," Dieter said calmly over the radio.
Hans gripped his controls tighter, his eyes flicking to the approaching Valorian fighters. "Yeah, but now what? Do we just wait to see if they open fire?"
Dieter kept his tone measured. "Stick to the plan. We don't make any sudden moves. Let them make the first call. Keep the course steady, altitude consistent."
"Copy that."