AN: Not my story! I'm sorry if I got this wrong or there are any inaccuracies in the story line, I'm not actually too familiar with the Ace Combat campaign(S). I should secondly and most importantly give credit to 'yellow 14'. Without his permission and story ('sniper') I could not have made this. I love military history, weaponology and other similar subjects so I was drawn to this. I hope to make a few occasional spin offs so if you enjoy it let me know? Cheers! Dieu et mon droit!
It had been four days since the Generals death. It had taken the soldiers all of one day to find the cartridge. As soon as he left the FFP (final firing position) he'd realised his amateur mistake. He was one of the best in ISAF's sniper and stealth division (known as Detached Reconnaissance Unit 45 within ISAF territory or 'bastard' Sniper(s) externally). The Sniper had truly kicked himself when the infantryman had picked up the solitary gold cartridge. In fact he'd pulled another mistake and allowed steamy breath to rise from beneath the mask of his Ghillie suit. Ah well. A few hours and he'd be on his way. The Erusians had been steadily pushing ISAF's troops eastward gaining what they thought were excellent victories all along the border of the Federation. In fact, the Erusians had seen nothing of their enemy in nearly four days of gruelling campaign. What they thought was unorganised retreat was tactical withdrawal. The Erusians were a hardy people and had earned their respect as local experts. Inside ISAF territory however they had little knowledge, and San Salvatore could easily be retaken. No, ISAF would wait for their Battle Groups in the west to arrive before mounting the counter offensive. In the mean time Sniper One would move out.
The radio crackled into life as Private Jackson Kowinski, sipped a cup of, what was frankly horrendous acorn coffee.
"Sarge how long do you reckon we'll be fighting ISAF for?"
The sergeant was battle hardened veteran of war. He had previously served as a mercenary, only signing up to the army in penance for his brother's death at the hands of an Erusian firing squad. Breathing lightly he replied.
"All I can say is, don't get to comfy with that Coffee. ISAF are a strong Federation... My apologies, a strong Confederation. I expect this apparent lull to last no longer than a few days if we're lucky."
He looked at the young private as if yearning to say more. Sighing inwardly he returned to cleaning his weapon.
A figure no bigger than your littlest finger on a hill more than three miles away, dressed in full body camouflage. There was no way any sentry would see him.
The noise of the camp seemingly dispersed and the two men were left together with a few Rangers from Bravo Company. One of the Rangers spoke
"Sergeant sir."
Gesturing with a wary arm the Sarge barely looked from his weapon as the man saluted.
"Sergeant!"
A new voice this time, one of comfort and relaxation. This man was clearly top brass.
"I don't have to psych myself up, or do something special mentally – I look through the scope, get my target in the crosshairs and kill my enemy."
"Sir!"
The sergeant had jumped to his feet behind his weapon. Saluting he began to apologise but the man waved him away.
"Sergeant, I am sure you are well aware of our advance, of its pace and relative ease, but I realise that will not last. But for now we must use this apparent... Advantage and take San Salvatore..."
The target appeared to be giving a speech to the men around the tent. His guard were relaxed and morale was high. Although victory was essential, its effects could blunt battle hardened troops of their instinct for war. It could feel like they had won it when in fact they had only won a battle. In one way, he felt disinclined to assassinate this man. It would only serve to enlighten the enemy as to their location in a warzone. Was it not better to keep them in a false sense of security? Ahh. It was not for him to decide.
It had been a few hours since he had found his new FFP. It was a 'Y' shaped tree, where he could cradle his rifle, a Dragunov SVDS, comfortably. The stock rested in the crease of his shoulder ready to release the jolt of a shot. His cheek lay on the barrel and one dark green eye remained open staring down the barrel of the rifle. The scope was new. With 4x24 zoom it was perfect for this job. A few adjustments to the lenses and he was staring into the enemies face.
The Erusian Colonel was wearing spotless uniform. The coat was creased in all the right places, the shoes were polished, his black trench coat was clean and the ten gold buttons glowed distinctly in the suns early-morning glow. This man was a walking, talkin', gift wrapped target for just about any sniper. It would be one of the easiest shots he had made.
Kowinski had zoned out. He knew he shouldn't. He tried but he daydreamed incessantly. Men had begun to mill around the little gathering and now the Colonel was addressing around fifty men, all unperturbed and smiling, lapping up every word. He almost laughed at their stupidity ho-
A single shot broke the early morning din.
The creased face of the Colonel slowly became still. His last laugh- No longer etched on his unsmiling face. In the distance a Jet crossed the skyline, leaving only a supersonic whirr. His body fell to the muddy ground no longer Human, but a useless, lifeless, soulless vessel. The man had been dead long before he'd hit the ground. A single shot to the temple had penetrated his cranium killing him instantly. Before the shout of 'Sniper!' could ring out across the camp, Kowinski and three of his companions were lying dead on the muddy floor. The others stayed down long after the Sniper had gone.
Before he left he picked up a small rock from the forest floor and etched on to the barrel a further four lines. The four spent cartridges he placed in a pouch on his belt. Smiling he cradled the rifle; there'd be no more mistakes. Glancing around he ran into the forest at full sprint. Quickly the tree that had cradled the barrel of the rifle was left alone once again and the clearing was immersed in the sounds of the forest...