Never tried this before.

---

My first time alone in my A-10: no radio, no wingmen. So rare in this day and age to be able to fly this way, last did it in '54 in my ol' beater P-38. Things have gotten stricter, but my superiors understand that I need the time.

Flyin' over a disclosed location in the fjords of Norway on an unusually warm summer afternoon, I had my time.

I have come close to death on many occasions. Part of what I do. Been stranded in enemy territory countless times due to personal and impersonal error, and it can be tough.

I've been near execution a few times, sentenced by the backwards courts of despisable governments to death. The barrel put to my head, my charges read, a chance to repent.

I remain silent.

I think of those that I care for, and those that care for me, and will miss me and mourn when I'm gone from the surley Bonds of the Earth.

So, in theory... I think of nobody at all.

If I got my ass killed, there'd be nobody to bury me properly (heh... if there be a body to get). In my life, as far as I can remember, nobody has ever gone out of their way unconditionally to do a single thing for me. Because of that, I do the same to others. I have feelings for no man, and the same goes towards me.

I am thinking this as I slip my bonds, maul the executioner, take his gun, and send everyone at my proceedings straight to their respected Circles of Hell.

With these thoughts, many grow weak with a lack of hope.

But I use them as my strength.

With no-one, I have nothing to lose... but myself. And I matter to me the most, 'cause I am all I've got.

I've seen my own men die in combat. Many grew connections to me, and I to them. When I see them fade and die, I grow angry, and make sure those responsible pay.

But I never feel for them, no point in caring.

I have saved countless men from doom, and I have been thanked by them, but I always know they wouldn't do the same for me. Either out of a lack of ability, or out of the idea that I should be able to save my own tail in a near-death situation.

So, why do I risk my life not only to save lives around the world, but also those that have the ability to do it themselves, and assume the same from me?

'Cause there is no excuse not to!

.......... Whoops! Gotta be gettin' back! Fuels gettin' low and General Ass-Crack (Sir!) is probably calling for an Intercept squad as I think about it!