Chapter 88: The Most Delicious Ice Cream in the World
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 88: The Most Delicious Ice Cream in the World
I tried to pack only the essentials, but since I didn't know if I’d be gone for a few weeks or several months, the number of suitcases grew exponentially.
“Sweetie, instead of taking it all at once, can’t you just bring it over in several trips?”
“Mom, keeping an aircraft carrier on standby for us to go back and forth costs a fortune. You’d faint if you knew how much money the Ford Carrier Strike Group throws into the ocean every single day they’re waiting.”
“How much do they throw away?”
“Over ten billion won.”
“Is... Is that for real?”
“And that’s a conservative estimate.”
I might not be able to pilot a fighter jet myself, but I’ll be flying in one for the shoot. Even if it’s for filming, I’m still boarding a fighter, so naturally, I have to undergo flight adaptation training. That’s why the Ford Carrier Strike Group hurried into position so early.
“Sweetie, then are you doing your flight training on the carrier?”
“That’s what they said. I’m sure they have the facilities. Something like a classified security facility.”
A Full Flight Simulator.
A top-of-the-line pilot training device that replicates the cockpit environment with over 99.99% accuracy, including G-force.
I really wanted to see one, but they probably don’t have it here.
Something like that would normally only be found at a land base like NAS Lemoore.
But they definitely told me they’d provide the best environment possible.
I had a hunch. I felt like I was about to have an incredible experience on the USS Gerald R. Ford.
“Yu-jin, then what about attending your graduation...?”
“It’s not even my graduation, so why would I go? I’m off! Please understand if I can’t drop by often since it’s for filming!”
I hopped into the Cullinan, while Jang Ji-hye, my brother, and my mom loaded the many suitcases into the Carnival. Even the chauffeur helped out. I tried to pick one up myself, but they all pushed me away adamantly.
“An actress shouldn’t be doing this! What if you hurt even a finger!”
So, while they loaded the luggage, I sat alone in the Cullinan, killing time by watching military videos on my phone. Finally, the Cullinan set off, and I asked my brother:
“Hey, where are we actually going?”
—We’re heading to the Yongsan US Military Base. A transport plane is waiting for us there.
“Yongsan? Didn’t they withdraw from there and turn it into a park?”
—Some security facilities remain. There should be a private helipad.
“Oh, so we’re taking a helicopter straight to the carrier?”
—Yeah. A VIP’s pace should never be interrupted, after all. We’re going straight through without stopping.
A VIP never stops...
I felt it last year when I visited the Osan Base, too—we moved forward without a single pause. Nothing could stop us except for traffic lights.
But this doesn't feel like being a VIP. Honestly, Yu-seok and his exaggerations.
As we passed through the entrance of the old US base without stopping, a V-22 Osprey appeared, its engines already idling.
Holy crap. Not a helicopter, but an Osprey?
“Yu-jin, Yu-jin, what is that? I’ve never seen a helicopter with propellers on the sides like that.”
“It’s not a helicopter; it’s a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. The wings tilt, so the rotors can face forward or stay vertical.”
“Wow, that’s so cool. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
A selfie. I couldn't resist taking a selfie.
Fortunately, the US military officers who came to greet us waited with smiles as I took selfies with the V-22 in the background. Once I was done, they asked to take photos with me, and I happily obliged.
“Thank you for coming all this way. We’re in your hands until we reach the carrier.”
“The honor is ours, ma’am. To be honest, there was some pretty fierce competition among us for this assignment. This bruise on my face is a badge of pride.”
He laughed sheepishly, saying he’d won the opportunity after a fistfight with a colleague. I felt a flush of embarrassment heat my face. The three of us boarded the Osprey, and the fuselage soared powerfully into the sky.
“Wow, Yu-jin, Yu-jin. This is amazing. The wings really do tilt.”
“That’s why it can take off and land vertically like a helicopter but cruise much faster.”
The estimated travel time was about an hour and twenty minutes. Normally, I would have dozed off, but I didn't know when I’d ever get to ride this magnificent craft again, so I fought off the sleepiness and busily took in the interior and the scenery.
—Ladies and gentlemen, we will soon arrive at our destination, the USS Gerald R. Ford. Please fasten your seatbelts.
The aircraft didn't land immediately; instead, it made a wide circle over the fleet. I could tell it was a gesture of consideration, allowing me to view the entire strike group before landing.
“Am I allowed to take photos?”
“Of course. We’ll let you know in advance if there are any restricted areas, but from now on, feel free to snap away.”
Looking down at the carrier strike group from high above, I felt as if I had truly become a Navy ace pilot. The massive Ford-class aircraft carrier floated majestically. To its left and right, two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers maintained a ceremonial escort formation several hundred meters away. Behind the carrier, a large supply ship completed the formation.
Insane. This is absolutely insane.
After finishing my aerial photography and sightseeing with excitement, the aircraft finally touched down on the carrier deck. As I took off my helmet and stepped out, I saw officers waiting at attention. A colonel, who radiated the aura of a commanding officer, offered me a handshake.
“Glad to have you. I am Colonel Robert, the captain of this aircraft carrier. You can just call me Captain.”
“It’s a pleasure and an honor, Captain.”
“This here is Lieutenant Colonel Jack, the instructor who will be in charge of your flight training. His callsign is Viper. You can just call him Viper.”
“It is an honor to be in charge of your training.”
“Nice to meet you, Viper.”
He was a sharp, active-duty ace pilot who practically oozed Top Gun vibes. Flanked by the Captain and Lieutenant Colonel Viper, I began a tour of the ship’s interior. Soldiers flocked to us at every turn asking for photos, so our progress was very slow. My brother, acting as my manager and bodyguard, didn't even need to stress about controlling the crowd. Since the Captain was right there, the sailors exercised perfect self-restraint.
As I thought, soldier fans are the easiest to deal with. No matter how many there are or how crowded it gets, you never have to worry about safety accidents.
I followed the Captain around in high spirits, dragging Jang Ji-hye along as we took everything in.
“Yu-jin, Yu-jin... I’m exhausted. Can’t I go ahead and rest?”
“We’ve only been touring for an hour and a half!”
“I was wrong. I realize now how much you must have suffered at the department store. I’m so sorry.”
“Ji-hye, Ji-hye, I’m not trying to cause you pain; I’m trying to give you a wonderful, happy experience. Look around. There are amazing things everywhere.”
“That’s exactly what I said to you. I’m really sorry. I’ll restrain myself at the department store from now on, too.”
In the end, I had my brother take Jang Ji-hye ahead. An escort officer was assigned to guide them. I even had a meal with everyone in the carrier’s mess hall. They say Navy food is the best, and it turned out to be true. While eating, I spoke with the Captain.
“Some of the staff will be coming to the carrier for the making-of footage.”
“How will they be arriving?”
“They’ll take a civilian flight to Jeju Island, and we’ll send a helicopter to pick them up.”
“Actually, I thought I’d be taking a helicopter from Osan Air Base.”
The Captain laughed as if that were out of the question.
“How could we dare waste a VIP’s time and effort? If it were up to me, I would have transported you from your residence to the Yongsan helipad by helicopter before bringing you here by Osprey, but since you live in a wealthy neighborhood, I had to refrain due to potential noise complaints.”
“It was the best pickup I’ve ever had.”
And it was. The dreamlike experience of flying from a secure facility in Yongsan to the USS Gerald R. Ford off the coast of Jeju in an Osprey.
“Actress Lee Yu-jin, you are a VIP star worshipped by everyone in this fleet. Every carrier pilot has your photo stuck in their cockpit. Even if they aren't a fan themselves, their families are, so it’s practically mandatory.”
Embarrassed, I quickly changed the subject.
“The other actors aren't coming yet, right?”
“They’ll arrive once filming starts. Until then, they’ll all be undergoing G-force training at naval bases on the mainland.”
“Just like the training I’ll be receiving here?”
“Exactly.”
My heart swelled with pride. To think the world’s most powerful carrier strike group came all the way to the waters off Jeju just for my training. And that I’m currently the only actor in this entire fleet.
I want to see Tommy Cross soon, too... but I guess I won’t see him until all the training is over and filming begins.
It was currently January. Filming would only start after all the actors had gone through adaptation training, which would be around March or April at the earliest. I’d be able to see the other actors then.
“If you ever miss home, just say the word. I can launch an Osprey for you every day.”
“No, thank you. Even though this is adaptation training for a movie, I’ve come here with the resolve of being a crew member of this fleet.”
“Oh?”
I didn't miss the glint in the Captain’s eyes. I was a Panokseon rower, a prepared sailor.
“It’s training for a film, but I will approach it with the mindset, resolve, and schedule of a midshipman. I won’t go home until the filming is over.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yes. If the fleet spends just one day here for me, it’s like throwing over ten billion won into the sea. I can’t let American taxpayer money go to waste.”
Clap, clap, clap!
Callsign Viper applauded with a strictly serious and solemn expression.
“A prepared sailor is right here. If we can just add a bit of a 'madman' streak, you’ll make an excellent ace pilot.”
*
After touring the aircraft carrier, I visited the two Arleigh Burke destroyers and the supply ship in turn to take photos with the sailors. There wasn't enough time to give out autographs, so we stuck to photos. I was so excited that I felt like holding a handshake event, but...
“Who would dare touch the Baby Elf’s hand! Do not forget that she is a minor!”
Excuse me, I can understand English perfectly well, you know? Could you please lay off the 'Baby Elf' attacks...?
Anyway, everyone stepped up to police themselves, so the impromptu handshake event was scrapped.
“It’s a shame I didn't get to see the Blue Ridge. But I suppose it can’t be helped since the Ford is here.”
At that, the Captain’s eyes gleamed once more.
“Do you say that knowing what it implies?”
“The Blue Ridge is a flagship specialized for fleet command. But since the Ford-class carrier has its own fleet command capabilities, there’s no need for the Blue Ridge to tag along.”
Clap, clap, clap!
Lieutenant Colonel Viper applauded expressionlessly again, making me feel embarrassed. I felt like a toddler being praised just for rolling over. I had naturally assumed I’d be staying on the aircraft carrier starting today, but...
“What? You want me to sleep at a hotel in Jeju today?”
“That is correct.”
“I naturally assumed I’d be sleeping on the Ford starting tonight.”
“We assumed you would be commuting for training from Jeju, so we haven't prepared accommodations for you on board yet.”
“...”
“If you stay at the scheduled hotel for just today, we will have everything ready for you to stay on board starting tomorrow.”
Reluctantly, I decided to start my carrier life tomorrow and leave the ship for now. I hadn't heard anything about a hotel being booked, but I figured the company had handled it.
Ugh, my feet feel heavy.
To think I have to leave this big, beautiful carrier to sleep in some humble, cramped hotel suite. As I looked down at the deck from the island, it felt as if my heart were breaking.
It was then.
Splaaaash!
Suddenly, the water parted as a long, dark-blue hull surfaced. Excited, I ran to the window and burned that large, magnificent figure into my memory.
“Is that a Virginia-class nuclear attack sub?”
“Oh, you recognized it instantly? Truly impressive.”
“Wow, waaaah! I was hoping, but I didn't think I’d actually get to see one!”
“Security clearance for that one took a bit of time. But the approval finally came through.”
Seeing the Captain’s broad grin, my heart pounded as if it would explode. The sight of the attack sub leisurely fluttering the Stars and Stripes seemed to say:
「What about us? What about us? What about us?」
“Sis, it’s getting late. Can’t you board the submarine tomorrow?”
“Brother, don’t assume a nuclear submarine will always wait for me. If I were to drop dead of a heart attack tonight, my soul would wander in bitter resentment. I’d regret not boarding it when I had the chance instead of putting it off until tomorrow.”
“I mean, where else would you find someone as healthy as you...”
It was late. But I couldn't suppress this impulse. Then, the Captain whispered to me.
“Ice cream eaten while watching the sunset from a nuclear sub is truly a delicacy.”
“Let’s go eat it right now!”
Ice cream made from a nuclear submarine’s ice cream machine—if you can resist that, you’re no sailor.