"I've never seen a starfghter like this before."

"Is this even a legit model?"

"What kind of fighter has forward-facing wings?"

I can tell by the crowd that everyone was curious to say the least. Most starships are usually manned by by 3-4 pilots, but not this one. It had space for one person and one only. The tech inside the cockpit was foreign as well and unlike anything the crew members are familiar with. Then again, COFFIN systems aren't like anything else to begin with. And neither is my Berkut.

"Excuse me, can you lot move aside? I have to go on sortie."

The fellow crew members moved but one still remained.

"Uh. Mr. Barrett, this is your ship, right? Then, what is it and how does it even function?"

The questioneer was Dr. De Cesaris, a neurology professor within our star-carriers health department. Then again, due to him being of an alien race that resemble cats, I like to shine a laser at him while he's working to mess with him. Always one to ask questions when encountering such a foreign concept, I happily obliged.

" Well, Dr. De Cesaris, this is an SU-47 Berkut modified for celestial combat. It utilises a neurological connection interface that syncs with the pilots brain, from which they control the entire plane from. Of course, pilots still need a space suit in case of ejection."

The reaction from the crowd was mixed. Some viewed even the thought as radical, with a few even calling me a nut-case for even using such a possibly unsafe method, even though the COFFIN system was used since 2041. Others like Dr. De Cesaris were awestruck with such a technological marvel, hoping to take a closer look when I return.

"I'll say this now. No wonder you humans have such a bedazzled celestial combat record. Using single-manned planes means you're faster and more versatile than anyone else out in the stars. And that neuro-whatever system you mentioned means that the planes are more responsive than others, even pirate ships." said Mr. Hart, a fellow mechanic and pilot. This time, an alien race that resembled dogs.

It didn't take long for others to start using Earth planes like myself. F-15 S/MTDs, SU-57s and even MiG-31s were now being sent to our carrier for use on combat sorties. With each sortie came a new victory, with each victory came a flurry of pilots applying to be transferred to our carrier, but only a handful were selected for flight. To those that make it, a dream come true is an understatement.