Artificial Horizon - A César Fernando Basa x Reader story

IX - INCERFA

The code word used to designate an uncertainty phase, which is a situation wherein uncertainty exists as to the safety of an aircraft and its occupants. It is the first phase declared in an emergency where a Search and Rescue (SAR) function may be necessary.

* * *

Here is something new that I've learned going on here: Induction Day isn't just an important event for me and Clara, but basically to César, Antonio and the rest of their colleagues who are members of the air command of the military, the Philippine Army Air Corps. To be honest, the so-called 'Induction Day' is very much more attributed to them; the only reason that it also involves military nurses like me and Clara is the fact that we're assigned under this branch.

15 August 1941 turns out to be a significant day for the entire Philippine Army, which is only just five years since its creation. In response to the order of US President Theodore Roosevelt last July 26 that led to the creation of the United States Army Forces Far East or USAFFE, which also recalled for General Douglas MacArthur from his retirement to head the said unit himself, the Philippine Army Air Corps is the first one to be inducted today. The other branches of the army will soon, too; but for now, it is the airmen. After all, in this time that aviation is relatively new, there is no doubt that whoever shows air superiority will make a turning tide of the battle. The only difference that in this era, battleships are definitely the basis of a military's strength.

Little do they know that aircraft will be the turning points of battles in the future from where I come from. An addition will then be the nuclear warheads present.

But, of course, no one knows about it yet in this dream. Except for me.

Posible kaya na ngayong iniisip ko ito ngayon... malaman din nila?

Well, all of those things that I've recently mentioned is all just based from the speech delivered by Gen. MacArthur himself, along with him personally swearing the entire PAAC under the command of Major Basilio Fernando with a total of one hundred and forty-one air pilots, seventeen ground officers, a thousand and two hundred enlisted men, and sixty-four planes.

I also learn a little more of the history of the creation of PAAC. Organized just five years ago, too, it was first led by Major William Lee, USA's Air Corps as its first commanding officer until 1938 before it was turned to Maj. Fernando. That's why, after Gen. MacArthur, it is only fitting for Maj. Fernando to also deliver a speech to address everyone else.

And through him did I finally find the answer to one of the things that I've been in great question since the last time I've been here: about the possible connection that Capt. Porfirio Zablan may have with Zablan Field. And strangely, it is a little saddening to find that I'll not be seeing such a friendly face as him in this dreamscape.

I don't know why my brain had made it so; but some dreams may be just like reflective nightmares that is to hype it up or whatsoever.

For according to Maj. Fernando, it is only fitting to have today's induction here at Zablan Field within the grounds of Camp Murphy, an air field not only attributed to be the main headquarters of PAAC upon its creation but because of it being named after his classmate and close friend, Porfirio Zablan, who from their batch of six pioneers is the best and should have been the commanding officer than him if it hadn't been because of his untimely death during advanced training.

Hearing it now feels so strange. It is true that I am not even that close with Capt. Zablan, the bubbly and happy man that I've only known for a few days during the promotional tour, but it feels so disheartening that in such a dream that my mind could've conjured, it will be as this. Now I wonder if I'll be able to look at him in the present world not troubled by such with the remembrance of this dream.