Chapter 2: Briefing
January 14th, 1991, Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia
The warm waters of the Indian Ocean were serene as could be, as wave after wave gently rolled along in the currents. Some of the waves began to grow, however, as a row of waves rose out of the water and came cascading onto the sandy beaches of the Diego Garcia Naval Support Facility. This atoll, a mere 30 square kilometers in area was becoming the most crucial US military base in the Indian Ocean, and for a very good reason.
In a war room on Diego Garcia, several naval, military, and air force personnel were all gathered for their latest briefing. At the head of the room, General Norman Schwarzkopf's image was projected upon a canvas screen, broadcasted live on a secure channel from the Pentagon. The lights were dimmed, as he began to speak.
"Ladies and gentlemen," General Norman boomed. "I speak with you now on behalf of our President George H.W. Bush, regarding the situation in the Middle East." Norman paused, as his aide set up a map of the Middle East and markers corresponding to US armed force divisions. "The Teki have had their way in the Middle East for almost four years now, destroying Afghanistan, Iran, most of Iraq, and now they have invaded the kingdom of Kuwait. I need not remind you that the only reason they haven't pushed further is because of the forces deployed in Operation Desert Shield last August. Because of our deployment along the Saudi north border, we have managed to keep the Teki from advancing south into Saudi Arabia. However, the Teki are also lining up their forces on Kuwait's southern border, as well as a heavy defense along their coastline to repel any amphibious invasion from the Persian Gulf. With every passing day, more Teki are being produced in a super Nest that has migrated in from the Afghanistan crash site and set up a permanent residence in the Iraqi capital city of Baghdad. As it stands, we are outnumbered by a 5:2 ratio already – if they continue to send reinforcements down Highway 80 from Baghdad, that number will triple within the month. Next chart, please." Schwarzkopf said, as his aide flipped to the next chart.
"The time has finally come for action. The first step towards liberating Kuwait will be to carry out a long-range strike against enemy logistical facilities in southern Iraq and around Baghdad. If the ground forces are to succeed, we must first gain tactical superiority over the Teki. A fleet of B-52 bombers in Barksdale AFB, Louisiana will fly across the Atlantic to the Middle East, with the help of several aerial refueling squadrons, and carry out long-range cruise missile strikes against the enemy's facilities. The first wave of missiles will include ADM-141 TALD decoy missiles, to trick the surface-to-air missile (SAM) and anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) sites into firing and revealing their locations. Once the defense sites open up, F-4G 'Wild Weasel' aircraft will come in low from King Abdulaziz AFB and clear out the enemy air defense systems so the B-52's can fire their actual cruise missiles at enemy Combat Information Center's (CIC), communication relays and power stations before turning back home. Long range bombers based here in Diego Garcia will also be used to support the assault, before attacking bridges and tunnels on Highway 80, which is a major 6 lane interstate between Baghdad and Kuwait City which the Teki have been using to move troops. All bridges and routes from Iraq running south into Kuwait must be destroyed if we are to prevent reinforcements from reaching Kuwait City, and all forms of communication must be severed to deny them an opportunity for counterattack." Norman stated.
"For the ground war, our satellite intelligence has revealed that the Teki forces outnumber ours by a 5:2 ratio, yes, but they have not aligned as many forces to their western borders with the Saudi desert, as most of their troops are concentrated on the southern border and the eastern coastline. We shall exploit this, as the US VII Corps consisting of units from 1st Infantry Division, 1st Armored Division, UK 1st Armored Division, 2nd Armored Division (FWD), 3rd Armored Division, 210th Field Artillery Brigade, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, and 1st Squadron 4th Cavalry Regiment will advance north into Iraq just west of the Kuwaiti border, before turning east and attacking the enemy right flank. Using GPS guidance, the tanks will sweep across the desert and attack the Teki positions from the west where they are less heavily deployed. When the 1st and 3rd Armored Divisions reach Kuwait's western border and break through their flank, the 2nd Armored Division 'Hell On Wheels' will drive north across the southern border accompanied by the 1st and 2nd Marine Divisions, 1st Cavalry Division, and other units from the VII Corps into southern Kuwait. As far as ground logistics go, we have set up enough several military resupply bases along the Saudi border, so that if the campaign should bog down, we have enough food, ammunition, water and other supplies to last us a minimum of 60 days. Next chart please." Norman stopped once more, as his aide turned to the next chart.
"Concerning the Navy, Battle Force Zulu will make its way up into the Persian Gulf, including CV-66 USS America, CV-61 USS Ranger, CVN-71 USS Theodore Roosevelt, and CV-41 USS Midway. They will serve as a major hub for our attack aircraft, to complement the air forces already at Dhahran AFB on the Saudi coast. Once the northern waters of the Persian Gulf have been swept by our mine clearing ships, the refitted BB-63 USS Missouri and BB-64 USS Wisconsin of the Iowa class battleships will cross the Atlantic, transit the Suez Canal, and take part in a major feint at an amphibious landing. We will not be landing on the Kuwaiti coastline, but we want the Teki to think that we are. To do this, the Missouri and Wisconsin will be providing round the clock fire support with their 16-inch main battery and Tomahawk cruise missiles at targets further inland, while a decoy force attempts to land at the beach and get their attention. Should the Teki counterattack the decoy force, the Missouri and Wisconsin will provide fire support to protect them, along with close air support from Battle Force Zulu in the Gulf." Norman stopped once more to take a sip of water, while his aide turned to the last chart.
"In light of recent developments, President Gorbachev of the Soviet Union has offered us assistance by allowing Bomber Witches of the 22nd Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Division to join our American based Bomber Witches of the 9th Joint Strike Force. This is a tremendous advantage to us, as the 22nd has already fought these Teki firsthand in Afghanistan and can provide significant military insight to us."
"Furthermore, the Teki have captured multiple mobile ballistic missile systems, codenamed 'Scud,' which the Iraqi's purchased from the Soviet Union before the Teki swept through. Suspicious activity was detected two days ago along the Iraqi border with Jordan, and we received a report that the Israeli 'Iron Dome' AA defense system activated when it picked up a Scud missile entering their airspace and shot it down. Additionally, I regret to inform you that twenty-eight members of the Pennsylvania National Guard were killed this morning, when another Scud struck a US Army barracks in Dharhan, Saudi Arabia."
"But this does not weaken our resolve – the last major deployment of troops will be arriving at the Saudi border within the next two days. President Bush has ordered that if no sign of surrender is displayed by January 17th at midnight, we are authorized to use any and all means necessary to liberate Kuwait, remove all offensive capabilities of the Teki, and eliminate the Teki Nest in Baghdad, which will be referred to here on out as High Value Target One, or 'HVT1.' This won't be like Vietnam – we shall strike swift and hard to gain victory over our adversaries. After January 17th, Operation Desert Shield will end, and Operation Desert Storm will commence. Godspeed to you all."
Among the many generals, commanders, and officers in the room, there was one girl that stood out from the rest of them all. Amidst her pale white skin and raven black hair, a pair of purple eyes were fixated on Schwarzkopf's image with the ferocity of a war hawk. The now thirty-nine-year-old naval XO Kurosawa Aiko had now been officially promoted to Captain of CV-41 USS Midway. Considering her acts of bravery during Vietnam and Captain Larry Chambers' retirement from the Navy, the half-Japanese half-American daughter of Bill Halsey had now attained command of the veteran aircraft carrier Midway and was ready to lead her crew into the Persian Gulf.
"Kurosawa." A voice called out to her as the meeting was adjourned.
Kurosawa turned towards the voice and was surprised that it belonged to the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Kelso.
"Admiral Kelso…! Sir!" Aiko saluted obediently.
"At ease." Kelso waved dismissively. "I have a proposition for you – I'm sure you're equally aware as I am that this may be the Midway's last tour of active combat."
"Yes sir. I'm aware of that." Aiko toned down, looking downcast.
"Well then, if you will accept the offer, I'd like to make the USS Midway the flagship for Battle Force Zulu and our naval operations during Desert Storm." Kelso smiled. "Seeing as the Midway also still has equipment for launching and recovering Bomber Witches, it seems we should put it to good use, wouldn't you agree?"
Tears swelled up in Kurosawa's eyes, as she grabbed Admiral Kelso's hand and shook it enthusiastically. "Yes sir, oh thank you thank you thank you so much, sir!" Suddenly she remembered her place, and regained composure as she saluted him properly. "…I mean, it would be my honor Admiral Kelso."
"That's what I like to hear." Kelso chuckled a little. "I recommend you go over to the air base and meet the Bomber Witches, since they'll be staying on Midway for most of the operation."
"Absolutely, sir!" Kurosawa held her salute. "Thank you, sir!" She marched awkwardly out of the room, and a shrill cry of glee could be heard as she turned the corner.
Kurosawa opened the door, using her gloved hand to shield her eyes from the bright sunlight. Outside the white-walled corridors of the naval complex, one might never imagine that Diego Garcia could be a base of operations. Crystal blue waters splashed against the resupply ships in the lagoon, and foamy waves from outside the base crashed tumultuously against the beaches. Palm trees swayed in the warm Indian Ocean breeze, as Kurosawa held on to her hat tightly. She approached a military Humvee that was waiting for her and got in as the driver took her to the other end of the island. The Humvee rumbled along the rough beach road as they went around the southern tip of Diego Garcia to the airfield, which was dominated by two 12,000ft (3.7km) long runways lying in parallel to each other. Aiko dismounted, thanked the driver, and proceeded into the Air Force barracks.
The barracks was a very large building housing most of the Air Force personnel, and suddenly Kurosawa felt very lost.
"Excuse me, where can I find the Bomber Witches?" She politely asked a passing private.
"Oh, the 9th JSF?" The private inquired. "Keep going down the hallway, take a left at the end, and turn right through the door. Can't miss it."
"Thank you." Kurosawa offered her thanks and followed the corridor exactly as she was told. But the last door she was told to go through led her outside, to a smaller Quonset hut near the hangars. She scratched her head in confusion.
"This can't be right…" Aiko wondered, approaching and knocking on the front door. As she waited for a response, she looked around the hut and noticed there was indeed a 9th JSF roundel near the door, and a small wooden decoration that read, 'Home Sweet Home.'
There was a sound of rapid footsteps before the door opened, and Aiko was greeted by a 17-year-old girl with blonde hair tied up in a bun with a French braid going back across the middle of her hair, and side swept bangs that playfully danced in the breeze. She was wearing a light blue flight suit with patches of dark blue hexagonal patterns. Her cobalt blue eyes locked onto Aiko's, growing wide as saucers as she looked her up and down.
"N-n-no way…! Captain Kurosawa!" The girl's jaw dropped as she remembered her place and saluted, motioning something behind her back to the other girls. "Won't you come inside? We were just about to have some snacks and tea."
"Well if you insist, excuse me then…" Kurosawa said, stepping inside the hut. She looked around, taking in her surroundings. She was surprised at how deceptively small the hut was from the outside, and how spacious it was internally. A row of ceiling fans spun lazily overhead, accompanied by electric lanterns suspended with chains. There were several rows of military bunks with dark green blankets tucked neatly around them and metal trunks at the ends, various wooden desks for paperwork processing, a VHF radio set, and a couple of simple folding chairs around a card table.
"Oh, how rude of me… I'm Captain Michelle Walker, 97th Bombardment Group." The blonde girl said, smoothing out her light blue flight suit. "I fly the B-52G Stratofortress s/n 59-2594, callsign 'Memphis Belle III.' I'm equipped with a Browning .50 caliber M45 Quadmount, M117 750lb LDGP (Low Drag General Purpose) bombs, Mk.82 Snakeye air retarded bombs, and AGM-86C CALCM (Conventional Air Launched Cruise Missile) equipped with a 1,362kg conventional warhead, and infrared flares. My familiar is the Grey Fox, and my special ability is called 'Faceless Soldier,' which utilizes special panels on my unit and flight suit to mask my radar signature and then strike the enemy where they least expect. It also allows me to launch ADM-141 TALD (Tactical Air Launched Decoy) missiles as well to confuse the enemy." Michelle chirped.
Behind Michelle lounging on one of the bunks was a brown eyed girl with boyishly short blonde hair, wearing her beige flight suit as she munched on an orange popsicle.
"Oh, introductions?" She asked, cleaning the orange ice off the wooden stick and tossing it into the trash bin with one move. "I'm 2nd Lt. Janine Rehl, 23rd Air Force, based out of Scott AFB, Illinois. I fly the AC-130H Spectre gunship unit callsign 'Marine's Dream,' and I'm equipped with an M102 105mm howitzer that can fire HE (high explosive), HEAT (high explosive, anti-tank), and white phosphorous smoke rounds, and I also have infrared flares. My familiar is the Californian Condor, and my special ability is 'Shoot To Thrill,' which allows me to sustain a higher rate of fire for a few minutes, with increased recoil suppression for better accuracy. Of course, that means I'll blow through my ammo a lot faster." She scratched her head nervously.
Next to Janine was a girl with short black hair that had side swept bangs and a bright purple streak running through it. Aside from her choice to wear a partly open, close-fitting black flight suit over her impressive figure, the only other unique feature of hers were a pair of fuchsia colored eyes adorned with black eyeshadow and the purple lipstick that she sported. She stopped chewing on the piece of hot cinnamon gum in her mouth for a moment. "Always blowing your load too early, they should call you – Oh, I guess it's my turn." She muttered, rolling her eyes.
"Lisa! Kurosawa is a Captain!" Michelle admonished. "She commanded CTF 77 in the Vietnam War."
"And I'm 2nd Lt. Lisa Capewell." Lisa ignored Michelle, jerking her head a little to lift her bangs away from her eyes. "AC-130A Pave Pronto s/n 54-1630, callsign 'Azrael' from the 919th Special Operations Group, Eglin AFB Auxiliary Field #3, also known as Duke Field, Florida. I'm equipped with the M61 Vulcan 20mm Gatling gun, and flares so I mainly just do infantry close air support. My familiar is the Griffon Vulture, and my special ability is '7734,' which allows me to separate the soul from my enemy with my scythe attacks." She made a slicing gesture across her neck with one finger.
"Lisa, you're scaring the Captain. Cut it out." Janine started unwrapping another popsicle.
"Tch." Lisa scoffed, returning to her reclining position.
"Please excuse her." A voice said, as a telescopic pointer stick came out of nowhere and rapped Lisa sharply on the head.
"Ow! Tiffany, buzz off!" Lisa growled.
The distinctly posh British girl spoke once again. "Maybe when you learn some manners, that can be arranged. My apologies." Tiffany turned to face Kurosawa, flexing the pointer stick with her fingertips. Her long brunette hair was very wavy and beautiful, and she had curiously neon green eyes that looked like the display of a radar monitor. Her royal blue flight suit had a Union Jack patch on her arm, further verifying her British origin.
"I'm Lt. Col. Tiffany Evans, No.8 Squadron out of RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire. I fly the E-3D Sentry AWACS unit under the callsign 'Apex Eye,' having trained in the AWACS special initiative program which was ignited by Lt. Olivia Sears in the Vietnam War. I'm equipped with a prototype railgun based off the Anzio Ironworks 20mm rifle, as well as a Westinghouse AN/APY-1 radar array capable of detecting targets at up to 250 miles (400km) for low flying contacts, and 400 miles (650km) for medium and high-altitude contacts. I also have a CIC (command and information center) suite, satellite uplink capabilities to share combat data with allies, and ECCM (electronic counter-counter measures) for electronic warfare purposes. My familiar is the Common Crane, and my special ability is 'Full Drive,' which allows me to temporarily increase the charge per shot for my railgun, increasing the range and penetrating power of the tungsten core projectiles."
"Wow, now I could use a glass of water." Kurosawa muttered weakly.
"I get it, she talks her ass off all the time. Though I guess it is her job." Janine made a sly grin and shrugged. "After all, we wouldn't know where or who the enemy is without her."
Before Tiffany could make a comment, Michelle handed Aiko a glass of ice water with lemon, and she very gratefully sipped the frigid beverage. Just then, there was the sound of a large piece of metal dropping on the floor, and Kurosawa shrieked a little, before her sights settled on a girl tinkering with the VFH radio set.
"Uh… Hi. I wasn't expecting company, please pardon the mess…" The girl smiled nervously, picking up her crescent wrench from the floor.
"And you are?" Kurosawa looked her up and down.
The girl by the radio set had light pink hair tied in a ponytail with a large red ribbon, and side bangs that were tied into a bundle on either side of her hair. She wore bright orange coveralls with the top half undone and tied around her waist, exposing the white tank top she was wearing underneath it. A few oil stains dirtied her coveralls, as she fidgeted nervously. "My name is Andromeda. Err…"
"Andromeda? Andromeda what?" Kurosawa echoed.
Seeing that Andromeda was a bit flustered, Michelle jumped in. "Andromeda doesn't really know who her parents are. She was an orphan abandoned in Tucson, Arizona as an infant and was rescued by a mechanic from Davis-Monthan AFB. The only things she had were the clothes on her back, and a dog tag necklace with 'Andromeda' inscribed on it. She didn't feel comfortable taking her foster father's name, but when she joined the Air Force later in life it was a real nightmare to process her paperwork." Michelle scratched the back of her head nervously.
"You're not the one that had to do it." Tiffany retorted crossly.
"It's as she says; Andromeda is my only given name." Andromeda spoke up, as everyone turned to look at her. "Growing up, I worked with my foster father at Davis-Monthan scavenging old plane hulks to repair the ones in service, and I discovered my instinctive ability to repair aircraft and radios. …Anyway, I fly the C-5B Galaxy transport unit under the callsign 'Mother Goose One.' Unlike all the other girls, I'm equipped with a rivet gun, an arc welder, spare parts, ammunition stores, and flares. My only weapons capability consists of an M24A-1 20mm autocannon, and the BLU-82 'Daisy Cutter,' which is a 15,000lb (6,800kg) demolition bomb filled with GSX Slurry water-gel explosives, which when combined with a 38-inch (970mm) fuse extender allows it to detonate just above ground level and flatten everything in a 900ft (300m) radius to clear out helicopter landing zones, emplacement sites for artillery, etc. Of course, it can be used like any other free-fall bomb as an offensive weapon. My familiar is the Greylag Goose, and my special ability is 'Handful of Hope,' which allows me to carry and repair another magical unit in midair or on the ground."
"What's all the noise?" A sleepy voice was heard from the bunk at the end of the hut. A small girl emerged from under the bedsheets, with her long brownish-red hair quite frazzled due to bedhead. Some of her hair hung over the right side of her face, barely covering her dark blue eyes as they scanned around the room. Upon seeing Kurosawa, she quickly got up, donned her Air Force grey flight suit, made her bed, and stood at attention once finished. "Reporting, Captain Lacey Coffey, B-1B Lancer s/n 85-0075 callsign 'Dakota Demolition' out of Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota." She said in a rather sleepy and emotionless voice, rubbing her eyes. "Let's see… I'm equipped with the Oerlikon KBA 25mm autocannon, Mk.82 Snakeye air retarded bombs for low-level bombing, GBU-12 Paveway II guided penetration bombs, and flares. My familiar is the domestic black cat, and my special ability is '1812,' which increases my engine power and forward shield energy for charging into heavily defended airspace."
"Are there… any more of you?" Kurosawa asked in exasperation.
"There's four more, but they're on patrol exercise. There's also the Russian girls from the 22nd but they're coming in from Engels AFB up north to meet us in Saudi Arabia." Tiffany answered.
"I see. Well, just for the sake of clarity, I'm Captain Kurosawa Aiko of USS Midway, which I'm informed will be the flagship of Battle Force Zulu for this operation." Aiko announced.
"Well we will look forward to serving with you Captain, but first, would you like to join us for refreshments?" Tiffany asked.
"Are there any more popsicles?" Janine asked.
"No… You ate the last one." Tiffany's face wrinkled a little in frustration.
"Bugger." Janine chewed on the popsicle stick.
"You could stand to hold off on the sugar anyway, we've got a long flight to Jordan tomorrow." Tiffany retorted. "Pack your gear, we move out first thing in the morning, and Midway is going to be our home for a while. We'll be in your care, Captain." Tiffany nodded to Kurosawa.
"Indeed. We still have Bomber Unit launch and retrieval gear from the previous war, but I assure you it has been updated to be compatible with modern units." Kurosawa informed.
"Why a carrier? Why not take off from Dharhan?" Lacey pouted.
Instead of answering directly, Tiffany pulled out the base newspaper detailing the Scud strike in Dharhan. "This is why. After careful analyzation we know the Scud missile system is only capable of hitting static targets – much like a long-range artillery."
"And unlike a static air base, the Midway will continue maneuvers in the Gulf with Battle Force Zulu, maneuvering as necessary to avoid predictable routes." Kurosawa told them. "Besides, we can't really afford to lose any of you."
"Oh, so now we're important?" Lisa asked satirically.
"Stow it." Tiffany ordered.
"I did wonder about that." Kurosawa ventured, looking around the Quonset hut. "Why the isolation?"
"It's always been this way." Michelle sighed. "Humans are afraid of things they don't understand – in their eyes, the only way they can come to terms is by treating us purely as weapons. Even in the Second World War, the 8th JSF was kept in a church on the other side of the airfield, away from the regular barracks. You could just call it old habits, but it's also a way of saying, 'You're not one of us.'"
"Even so, the Bomber Witches have proven themselves in every major conflict." Kurosawa noted. "Even if I'm an outlier, I have faith in you girls."
The witches smiled back warmly, as the light fixtures glow began to tremble about the room.
"Oh?" Tiffany's ears perked up. "They're back early."
"Ah, it seems you will get to meet all of us." Andromeda looked out the window.
The front door swung open, as four girls walked in. The first was a girl with sandy blonde hair neatly tied up in a military bun, wearing a beige flight suit and boots. Her face had some slightly red areas, where it seemed she had patches of Rosacea, which wasn't helped by the protective helmet she wore in combat. Her brown eyes looked around the room curiously.
"Aloha, my little chickadees!" The girl laughed heartily.
"What." Lacey frowned, her eyes darkening. "Who's little, Nichole? Tell me."
"Ah, sorry Lacey. I didn't mean it like that." Nichole rubbed the back of her neck nervously, before noticing Kurosawa. "Ah, you must be Captain Kurosawa!" Nichole changed the subject. "Pleasure to meet you, I'm Senior Airman Nichole Campbell from Honolulu, Hawaii, and I fly an A-10A unit under the callsign 'Lady Liberty.' I'm equipped with the 30mm GAU-8 Avenger rotary cannon, Mk.40 Folding Fin Aerial Rocket (FFAR) rocket pods, Mk.83 1000lb unguided bombs, AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missiles, the AN/AAS-35 Pave Penny targeting pod, and flares. My familiar is the English Bulldog, and my ability is 'Glorious Aggressor,' which increases my frontal shielding power and allows me to repair minor battle damage."
There was another girl behind her with golden brown skin, a black ponytail tied with a light blue scrunchie, and brown eyes that hid behind her red rectangular glasses. She wore a patch of an eagle on her metal grey camo flight suit, which had the Sanskrit words 'Swa Bhuwana Paksa' written on it, translating to 'Wings of the Motherland.'
"I'm 1st Lt. Harriet Merpati, Indonesian Air Force pilot. I fly the AV-8B Harrier unit, which was built under license from the United Kingdom, under my callsign 'Edger.' I'm equipped with the GAU-12 Equalizer 25mm chain gun, AGM-88 High-speed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARM), AIM-9M Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, Mk.40 FFAR pods, and flares. My familiar is the Great Horned Owl, and my ability is 'Counterstrike,' which allows me to immediately turn and counter an incoming attack."
The third girl standing in the doorway had long, wavy light brunette hair, grey-blue eyes, and wore an olive drab flight suit with safety harness around it, a white pilot helmet with sliding polarized visor, an emergency personal flotation device (PFC) around her neck, and olive drab flight gloves.
"I'm Tech Sgt. Louise Beringer," She saluted. "Royal Netherlands Air Force. I fly the SH-60 Seahawk helicopter unit under the callsign 'Sea Goblin-'"
"Helicopter?" Aiko echoed. "How did you keep up with an A-10 and a Harrier?"
"Easy, I'm Dutch." Louise smiled bluntly.
"That… that doesn't make any sense." Aiko stared blankly.
Louise laughed. "I do search and rescue, I don't actually engage in direct strikes, only in Close Air Support (CAS) when the AA is cleared out, if anything, and anti-submarine sorties. I'm equipped with a Mk.44 Bushmaster II 30mm mod.0 chain gun which is primarily designed for Rapid Airborne MIne Clearance System (RAMICS), but I also carry standard AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-ground missiles, Mk.54 torpedoes, AGM-119 Penguin anti-ship missiles, flares, and an Infrared Counter-Measure System (IRCM). My familiar is the Orange Tabby Cat, and my special ability is '9-Line,' which allows me to lift heavy payloads like downed Bomber Witches or damaged Tank Witches out of the battle zone."
Finally, the last girl took off her targeting helmet revealing a beautiful head of amber blonde hair in a triple braided updo. Her purple eyes shone like the northern lights, and she also sported a very impressive chest which was only kept in by her royal blue flight suit embroidered with the Union Jack on her arm.
"Capt. Rachel Bennett at your service, but you can call me 'TB,'" She articulated in a prestigious British accent. "I fly the F-15E Strike Eagle #89-0487 of the 335th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Wing – formerly known as No. 121 Eagle Squadron of the RAF Station Narborough. I'm equipped with a 20mm M61A1 Vulcan Gatling gun, four of the AIM-9M Sidewinder Air-to-Air Missiles (AAM's), hardpoints for four AIM-7 Sparrow Semi-Active Air-to-air Missiles (SAAM's) or five GBU-10 Paveway II guided bombs depending on the mission, the AN/AAQ-13 Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting InfraRed for Night (LANTIRN) laser targeting pod, two 2,800L (750 gal) conformal drop tanks to extend my range, and flare launchers. My familiar is the English Foxhound, and my special attack is 'Avalon,' which allows me to guide high volumes of Surface-to-Surface Missiles (SSM's) or Long range Air-to-Surface Missiles (LASM's) fired by other units onto a designated target, regardless of radar lock. However, this requires me to keep the target lit until impact to ensure a precise hit, which puts immense stress on my processing capacity and reduces my shield power."
"Tell 'em why you're called 'TB.'" Louise nudged Rachel.
"Oh, yes." Rachel flustered. "The 'TB' actually stands for 'Testosterone Booster,' since every man I've ever met has tried to hit on me, even though I'm not very good with men."
"Well, I'd say you're all more than fit for combat. I look forward to seeing you all on the Midway soon enough." Kurosawa laughed weakly.
"Which is a polite way of saying she's tired of us." Janine snickered.
"Already?" Lisa gasped satirically.
"Girls." Tiffany's eyebrows furrowed. "Start packing, that's an order. I'll drive the Captain back to her ship. When I get back, you'd better have finished with your chores as well. Understood?"
"Yes ma'am…" They all answered reluctantly.
"Good. Your personal belongings will be loaded onto the Midway, and then we'll head up to the Jordanian border tomorrow for our mission." Tiffany concluded.