Captain Sikorsky ◉ 〈Newest〉

“It’s transmitting data,” the comms officer said, voice cracking. “Sir, it’s transmitting to us. Binary at first, then… it switched to basic ICAO aviation English phraseology. It just sent ‘request fly with you.’”

A pause. The disc’s amber ring pulsed three times—green, blue, green. Then a synthetic voice, gentle and accentless, came through the speakers: “Acknowledged, Captain Sikorsky. Maintain heading. We will guard your starboard side. The sky is cold, but you are not alone.” captain sikorsky

“Unknown craft,” he said, slow and clear. “This is Captain Viktor Sikorsky, Russian Naval Aviation. You are cleared to fly in formation. Maintain five hundred meter separation. Acknowledge.” It just sent ‘request fly with you

The disc rotated lazily, then tilted. Sikorsky’s hands moved on instinct—throttle back, slight bank to starboard. The disc matched him. He turned port. It mirrored again, maintaining exactly five hundred meters off his wingtip, as if tethered by an invisible line. Maintain heading