Preparation

Captain Jone yelled and announced upcoming enemy ships in the distance making everyone on alert and on move to prepare for battle. I started to put on my clothes fast and prepare my sword as much as possible, i unsheathed my steel sword and i could see academic engravings on sword handle. 

After taking a good look on my sword i zipped up my uniform and sheathed my sword back again, then Captain Jone commanded everyone to get on their positions. Meanwhile i didn't really have a position so i just stood there looking directly at Jone.

Jone noticed my gaze on him and he waved his hand gesturing me to follow him so i did, we moved between other rooms until we arrived at gunner's room. As i entered my eyes could gasp on such well stored and maintained room and equipment.

Room is located at the right side of the ship and there is only two gunner rooms which are located one to the left side and one to the right. Main section and most popular part of the room is of course the gun which is automatic cannon who can fire up to thirty rounds in one set. Rest of it is comfortable seat next to gun's control handles and well packed magazine boxes or cannon bullets. 

Automatic Cannon is one of best weapons owned by Arnes Dynasty and it's pretty useful against all kind of airships and enemies only except heavily armored airship which aren't that common at all. It's made of steel and it has eight small firing barrels all connected, when one barrel fires next takes it turn and the cycle repeats until bullets run out. After bullets run out, gunner takes one box of magazine and puts it inside gun's small opening to the gunner side.

Big windowed sideways doors are straight in front of gun's firing end, when combat comes a gunner opens there windowed doors and and lets fresh sky inside airship. 

Captain Jone opens both of doors and pushes them sideways each to it's side, he looks at me nodding and i immediately sit in gunners seat and proceed preparations. 

"Everything is ready Captain"

I confirmed to Jone who's now standing right next to me as he watches open sky, silence surrounded us for a few seconds until he decided to break it.

"I expect you to survive Sparrow"

He said seriously, i though he was mocking me for a second until i turned my head and looked at his face who was giving serious look. 

"Sir i've been in more battles than you did"

I gently smiled mocking Captain Jone for moment there, he understood this and chuckled patting my shoulder in the process. 

"I know, i know but you should be extra careful because Aura's gunner spots are pretty exposed to enemy attacks sometimes ya know."

My head turned straight to open sky and my hands squeezed the gun handles, i would lie if i said that i wasn't scared but past experience and many fought battles hardened me up. But no matter how many battles you fight or how many near death experiences you have, that won't make you fearless of new battles.

"Don't worry Captain, our army will turn victorious once again."

He could only smile at my confidence, after all i was one of veterans with if most fought battles inside entire academy and country. Despite my young age i fought up to two hundred battle in the air until now, this one is going to be my two hundred and one battle. 

"Alright, twenty elven ships are coming our way and i expect great things from you Sparrow."

Captain proudly said and moved to the door, he opened a door and before he left, he stopped and looked back at me.

"Oh i forgot to ask you."

He paused and i looked at him confusingly, he was pretty calm despite upcoming onslaught even if he fought around hundred and three battles in his whole career. Back before my so called retirement he was a mere aviator with average skills and not much to show, that all changed one day during Battle of Meden where Jone managed to kill enemy captain, sword to sword. After that he became popular as good swordsman and good leader so he was promoted and his title changed to Captain.

"Do you think you could defeat them all with Thunderbird?"

That question got me by surprise, after few seconds of silence i laughed.

"They wouldn't stood a chance"

I said with smugly smile on my face, Captain Jone laughed back at my answer and waved me before closing the door behind me leaving me all alone with my gun and open sky to look at.