Hi guys. Sorry for the long delay with updates. Been busy with school and all that. I recently finished and got my Associate's of applied sciences degree in cardiovascular sonography. Now I'm just studying for another test while looking for a job. Also, it's just a matter of trying to get inspiration and motivating myself to continue with this, which means I'd have to watch walkthrough videos of the previous installments while playing AC6 to try and get this story going.
Disclaimer: I don't own Ace Combat. Some of the planes mentioned belong to companies Northrop Grumman, Boeing, etc. The characters I've made for this fanfic among other things are mine. Ace Combat belongs to Namco.
Ch. 2: Havens within a Thunderstorm
Jan. 4, 2030
Location: Sand Island AFB, Command Room
1050 hrs.
"You said that project was scrapped," said Colonel Sampson.
"It was…originally," said Adler.
"Why bring it back?" asked 2nd Lt. Alvarez.
"Because these men are missing," replied Adler, using a small remote to control the slideshow.
The projector then showed a man that looked to be in his mid 40s to early 50s, had dark brown hair with a flat hairstyle, a nasty looking scar on his left eye, a thick mustache and beard, brown eyes, was wearing a black t-shirt, and had a menacing look that was filled with contempt.
"Zarek E. Oswald, a former Yuktobanian military weapons specialist that defected to another country and went AWOL. He's also known for smuggling biological weapons for just about anyone," explained Adler. "When we tried to get a crackdown on his so-called base of operations, he destroyed the place and went off the radar…or so we like to believe."
The next slide revealed another man, which looked extremely familiar to Alexis. Approximately into his mid 30s, he had a rough height of 5'6, black hair neatly combed, green eyes, and was wearing a lab coat. From Hunter's perspective, he looked like someone that worked either in a hospital setting or specialized in a form of science.
"Do you think this Zarek…has any interest with this guy's work?" asked Mitchell.
"There's a slight possibility that might be the case," replied Capt. Tyson.
"We think that Zarek is working with a possible terrorist regime that had gotten hold of one of our ships or submarines and framed the attack. We're not sure how so we're going to need to send one of you on a reconnaissance mission soon," said a voice.
The pilots turned to the speaker who was just coming in. Hunter and Alexis saw two stars on the person's suit and quickly stood up and gave a quick salute. The others noticed and gave the same gesture.
He was 5'8, looked to be in his early 40s and had a thin mustache and beard, blonde hair neatly combed, with a hairline on the right side, and had blue eyes.
"Ladies and gentlemen…this is Major General Arthur Wilkinson," introduced Colonel Sampson. "He's the base commander around here."
"Thank you for the introduction colonel…that'll be all," he replied, before turning to the pilots. "At ease."
Major General Wilkson then nodded at the Colonel to continue with the explanation.
"In the meantime, once your planes are done refueling and rearming, take the remaining cadets available over to Varion Air Force base to have them continue their training until then. Once they're done, they'll be flying escort for three aircraft carriers headed across the Pacific Ocean towards Aurelia," explained Colonel Sampson.
"Are we also sorting as well sir?" asked Tydus.
"In a manner…yes…to maintain air superiority," replied Colonel Sampson.
"Capt. Tyson…" called out Major Gen. Wilkson.
"Sir?"
"Your team will fly a few minutes after the first squad has launched as escort. If there are any fighters that you come into contact with, engage them. Any questions?"
When no one else answered, the pilots were then told of the spare rooms the base had and they were then dismissed. As soon as the pilots had left, Colonel Sampson then went to talk with Major Gen. Wilkson about the thumb drive he had just received from Hunter as well as the short letter.
"You think it was from one of ours?" asked the Major Gen.
"Sir…with all due respect, with what has been going on lately and the momentum this fire has been getting…if we don't put out the flames soon, it will become an enraging inferno," replied the colonel.
"I understand your concern colonel, but that will be addressed soon. Right now…we need to notify the families of the fallen pilots and prepare for the burials," answered the Major Gen.
While the preparations were being made, Hunter looked at Alexis for a brief moment before asking quietly, "You acted as if you've recognized that person in the other photo. Something up?"
"My father was one of his best students," she replied.
"What kind of research do you think he had that seemed so important that he had to be kidnapped for it?" wondered Hunter.
"I'm not sure…but I bet it's not because of what he knew," she said.
"If your father was a student of his...it's more than likely he could possibly become a target," said Hunter, taking out a cell phone and hitting a number with speed dial.
"Who are you trying to call?"
"An old friend of my dad's, going to ask him a favor," replied Hunter.
Oured, Osea
Sector 13
1105 hrs.
Kevin Suarez was currently overlooking the buzz of activity that was coming about after hearing about the sudden attack on the former base that the Wardog Squadron was stationed at sipping a warm mug of coffee. He couldn't figure out, however, the attack on the submarine Quantum and whether it was unsanctioned or something else that caused the attack. His current concern however, dealt with a certain individual that had recently resurfaced and was once presumed dead.
Despite the previous president's track record, President Darell tried to shift his focus from the current situation, which was that Osea now found itself in another possible war with an unknown enemy, to helping an impoverished country like Leasath, with the country gaining additional help from its neighbor, Aurelia. Some people considered the current president to be one that had an unsteady stance in terms of both foreign policy and handling the economy. Suarez managed to defend his decisions on both, and that despite people scrambling to get answers to questions concerning the current state of the economy and the downsizing of the military, he somehow managed to keep his cool, which many considered to be arrogance.
Kevin heard incoming footsteps as a rookie agent came by and was trying to catch his breath after he handed Kevin a file, before being dismissed. Before looking at the folder, there was a small envelope attached to it that was addressed to him. Opening it, there was a short message which read the following:
Sudden reports of passing thunderstorms and downed planes. Unknown aircraft(s) are believed to be the cause. Person of interest not listed, believed perpetrator listed. Don't show to any eyes that are around you, not even the President.
M
'Strange…I wonder who this 'M' could be,' wondered Kevin.
Placing the envelope under his left arm, he looked through the folder's contents and saw an aircraft which had a strange looking tail that resembled a fin that was flying alongside what appeared to be an E-767. What really caught his surprise and horror however, was the ammo that deployed from the strange aircraft. The missile split into smaller parts before an electric charge was applied, creating what appeared to be a dome-shaped electrically charged encirclement around an area.
'This isn't good. If that were to hit any major city, it could not only destroy it, but cripple communications,' thought Kevin, his eyes slightly widened.
A sudden vibration from his cell phone in the left breast pocket interrupted his thoughts and Kevin checked the incoming caller id and saw a name that he was familiar with.
Taking a quick look around, he quickly went over to a soundproof room and then closed the blinds inside before answering the phone.
"You picked a bad time to call me Randall," he replied.
"I need your help to look into some background details regarding a certain individual."
"Well in case you haven't noticed we're sort of in a bit of a crisis ourselves at the moment."
"Can you do it or not? He needs the information ASAP," he replied.
"You know I'm not one to do favors."
"Just answer the damn question. Can you process the information or not?"
"Who needs it?" asked Kevin.
"An old friend, whose son is in the air force and presumably happens to be following the same events that you and your colleagues are as well" he replied.
"I'll see what I can do, however...there's one slight problem," replied Kevin.
"What is it?" inquired Randall.
"I'll have to get authorization from one of my colleagues...and...I don't think she's going to be surprised to see me."
Silence passed between the two for a brief moment before a slight chuckle was heard on the other end.
"I can think of a few ways you might be able to persuade her," replied Randall.
If it wasn't for the fact that Kevin was in a soundproof room at the moment, his short stream of curses and yelling would've been heard by a few of the staff members within the facility.
"What makes you think that she'll accept?" asked Kevin, sighing in frustration.
"Let's just say that I made a quick call to her before calling you and made a bet with her," replied Randall.
"What kind of a bet?"
"Don't ask a question unless you're sure you want to know the answer Kevin," warned Randall.
"I'm probably going to hate it anyway," replied Kevin.
"Alright...but don't say I didn't warn you," said Randall. He then began to fill in the details regarding the poker game with Kevin's ex-girlfriend as well as the details that he got from the call from Hunter before relaying it to her until she brought up that particular poker night. What Randall didn't mention was that he knew Kevin's ex-girlfriend swung both ways recently and that Kevin himself was a bit of a...masochist.
"How soon does he need the information?" asked Kevin.
"A week at most," replied Randall.
Sighing in annoyance and rubbing his forehead as he contemplated on what was already revealed to him, Kevin then conceded.
"Alright...I'll do it, but I'll need you to mail something to this person," said Kevin.
"What is it?" asked Randall.
"It appears to be some form of EMP enhancer of sorts delivered through what resembles an AWACS...as well as some sort of aircraft that I haven't seen before that is accompanying it. I'll be making a copy so you could send it to the one that is requesting what you told me."
After hanging up, Kevin frustratingly scratched his head thinking on what he had just gotten himself into and then shrugged it off considering that there were more important matters to deal with. He then called up an old friend of his and hoped that he would respond, as he headed towards the elevator.
"This is Valmer...to whom am I speaking with?"
"Billy...it's me. I'm currently on the lookout for a couple of pilots that originally were part of a war 20 years ago and at the same time, I have some information of utmost importance from an unnamed source that I need to get delivered ASAP," replied Kevin.
"You in some kind of hurry Kevin?"
"You bet your bottom dollar I am. I presume you heard about the attack on one of the submarines?"
"Sure did. However, I take it that the unprovoked attack isn't the only thing you're concerned with. So...what do you need help with?"
"I could use a ride," replied Kevin.
"Why? You feel like you're being followed or something?"
"No...I'm just trying to make sure that whatever information I have won't be traced and put more lives at risk."
"Where to meet then?"
"Tony's Italian Bistro at 1800 hours. Don't be late."
Osean Submarine Quantum
1300 hours
Second Lt. Sarah Halsey sat looking at the radar screen in front of her with a perplexed look on her face. A myriad of mixed emotions was going through at a rate that she had no clue of. She gave a frustrated sigh and rubbed her forehead as if trying to fend off a migraine.
"Something the matter lieutenant?" asked Daniel.
"I know this is going to sound a bit strange coming from me CoB, but don't you find something fishy about this whole situation?"
"You mean besides the young fish that are scared liked hell and confused out of their minds that they start acting irrational in the long run? Not much really," he replied.
"Cut the crap, CoB. You know what I mean," she shot back.
"No...not really," said Daniel.
"If you're not going to answer her question, then let me sum it up for you CoB. The sudden attack for questioning orders, the jamming of our communications, and a so-called "staged" attack on one of our allies to make it look like we were the enemy. Does that sound fishy enough?!" asked Marcus.
"You do know that she could've said it herself, right?"
"She'll answer when she wants to CoB," answered Marcus.
"That's enough from both of you. I don't need someone to try and get my back. I can handle it just fine on my own thanks," replied Sarah, storming out past the two.
"Why the hell are you even here Marcus?" asked Daniel.
"Besides serving my country to find the bastard that set up the order," he replied.
"That is an absolute load of bull and you know it. You may see it that way but your eyes say something else. If there's one thing I've learned over my time at sea is that the eyes...don't...lie," said Daniel.
"I don't have to answer myself, least of all to you," said Marcus, walking past him.
One of the first lieutenants that was manning the radar system got up and quickly headed to Marcus and whispered something in his ear which made his eyes widen in shock and surprise.
"Is that even possible?" he asked.
"Yes sir," replied the first lieutenant, handing him the report.
As Marcus quickly read the report, his muttered a curse under his breath.
"What's going on?" asked Daniel.
"Read it for yourself CoB," replied Marcus, handing him the report. He then turned to the first lieutenant that handed him the report, and ordered him to keep an eye out on both the sky and the lone submarine that apparently was "stalled" before heading to the captain and explaining what was going on.
"What are your suggestions, sir?" asked Marcus.
"If communications are barely working and if the engine is indeed "stalled" as you say it is…the only way we can check is by having them surface. Try to send a message to them if possible to have them drop the ballast tanks. I presume that the magnet prototype we have on board is still functional," replied Capt. Levington, to which Marcus nodded.
"Sir…has this ever…" began Marcus.
"To answer that question…no, lieutenant. We need to assess the situation by checking on their communications, presuming that everything else is working. If not, we can utilize the magnet prototype to try and bring them up. While that is underway, send a message…this time to the nearest possible air force base telling them of our current situation," replied Capt. Levington.
"Yes sir," replied Marcus, with a salute before carrying out his orders.
Tony's Italian Bistro
1800 hours.
Billy Valmer may have been a former agent after the war against the Yukes were over but he still had a taste for old places that haven't changed much since they were first established. The bistro still kept its character with a few crystal chandeliers and cherry wooden tables, dark red leather couches that were parallel to the tables and were lined against the wall, including a few curved sections, and a small bar in the middle. He was currently sitting in a small corner of the bistro that was next to a curved couch with a small round table in the middle quietly enjoying a small cup of coffee and reading the newspaper, waiting for his friend to arrive.
Minutes later, he hears the small bell ring as the door opens and brings the newspaper down to see a young man wearing a black suit, white dress shirt and a red tie with a blue stripes pattern walk in and he was also carrying a briefcase. Billy looked up briefly as he put down his newspaper for a moment, but it was all it took for him to be spotted.
Kevin then walked up to his old friend and took a seat across from him and placed the briefcase on the side. A waiter came by and took his order before Billy then put down the newspaper and folded it as he placed it next to him.
"I thought you would have chosen a more...subtle setting to meet Kevin," said Billy.
"What? You were expecting something more high end?" asked Kevin.
"You said that you had information from an unnamed source and that it was important. So...let's hear it," said Billy.
Kevin then leaned in close and looked around for a brief moment before regarding his friend.
"I assume you have heard the reports about downed planes from random appearing thunderstorms?"
"So that's what you wanted to talk to me about?" asked Billy.
Kevin then picked up the bag before pulling out a folder containing some files.
One picture in particular showed what looked to be similar to that of an AWACS, save for what was on top of it.
"What does it do?" asked Billy.
"My best guess...it acts as a router for the electricity. Once they get the 'thunder and lightning' going as soon as the missle breaks off, the electric dome could possible knock out communications with a 5 to 10 mile radius. If it gets amplified further, who knows how far it could stretch," explained Kevin.
As the waiter came back and returned with Billy's order, Kevin went with an Earl Grey tea as his order and watched as the waiter left.
"That's a scary thought," said Billy sipping his coffee. "You want to know what's equally scary?"
"I have a feeling I won't be surprised," said Kevin.
"I've been hearing reports about the use of social media and a terror group known as the Black Dragons. You recall the conflict that happened over Leasath I presume?" asked Billy.
Kevin nodded. "I had a relative that died during that conflict," he answered.
"Word is...this...Black Dragons group is using social media to cause both civil unrest and at the same time trying to recruit young men into joining their so-called campaign against infidels," replied Billy.
"Sounds to me like a major hate cause against the rest of the world," said Kevin.
"Or just a particular country," said Billy.
"What's the response then?" asked Kevin.
"I'm sure you recall one of our old friends who still has ties to a particular squadron that works under your division," said Billy, as he sips his coffee and recalls the name and pulls out a small brown folder with the name of the contact as well as details on him. The guy looked to be in his mid twenties to thirties with part of his brown hair pointed diagonally to the left slightly covering his green eyes and had an expression of seriousness on his face. "Leon Barton".
"I remember him. He used to be friends with Randall when they served together in the Army," said Kevin. "Speaking of which...he gave me a call, wanted me to help analyze the file I just handed you. Randall said someone in the air force needs it in roughly a week. I was hoping it could be done in half the time."
Billy took a long sip from his coffee as the waiter came back with Kevin's order before setting down his cup.
"I'll see what I can do," he replied, before taking out some money and placing it under the cup.
Jan. 5, 2030
Sand Island AFB
0700
Alexis was looking around the base for Hunter but he wasn't around in the room they shared together, which left only one conclusion. She headed for the hangar and saw the planes there and was about to leave the hangar until she spotted a door open and someone leaning against the wall. Alexis smiled and walked over to where Hunter was standing.
"I thought I'd find you here," she said.
"I just received word from my dad's old contact. He said that he would look over the files and send back analysis when able. Also got word of a couple of pilots that would be coming here in a few days. Didn't give me a description, just said that they used to be stationed here before. My best guess, former pilots that probably took part in the war years ago," said Hunter.
"You mean the battle between Osea and Yuktobania?" inquired Alexis, to which Hunter nodded.
"When did you sister decide to join the air force?" asked Hunter.
"Our grandpa was part of a ground force that helped the Prime Minister of Yuktobania out of an old castle," she replied.
Hunter turned and faced her with a surprised look for a brief moment. "Is that right?"
Alexis nodded. "My sister wasn't one to take bullcrap from most of the 'young guys'. Sure it may have rubbed the wrong way with the brass but, she was able to prove most of them wrong when it came down to it. Didn't mind showing it in front of the superiors," she answered, chuckling slightly.
Seconds later, Mitchell came running out to the hangar finding Hunter and Alexis, panting as if he ran a couple of marathons.
"What's up Mitchell?" asked Hunter.
"Capt. Tyson wants to see you. Both of you in his office, as in now," he replied.
As Hunter and Alexis both made their way to Capt. Tyson's office, his eyes then caught eye of a folder that Adler was walking off with before Alexis diverted his attention back to reality as they reached the door. Hunter then knocked a couple of times before they were allowed to enter. Both gave a salute before Alexis spoke up.
"You wanted to see us sir?" she asked.
"At ease you two," replied the captain. He then looked over at Hunter for a brief second. "I just got word that someone from the government is overlooking some details regarding what you found Hunter. I trust this person is reliable".
"An old friend of my father's...after the war between Osea and Yuktobania, he eventually decided to work for the government. He helped my dad get a desk job as well," replied Hunter. "I presume there's something...pressing that you wanted to talk to us about sir?"
"The new nuggets' planes are prepped and ready to go. Three of us will fly escort, while the other two keep watch from a good distance. Remember, only engage when the enemy starts firing on you. We leave in 0900 hours," replied Capt. Tyson. "We're also going to be using a different aircraft for this mission. The F-15 Eagle".
"Sir...who's the third pilot that is flying escort?" asked Alexis.
"I think you already know the answer to that question," he replied.
Hunter glanced at his wingman and noticed her slightly surprised reaction and grinned slightly.
"I'll explain more once we're airborne. Dismissed," said Capt. Tyson.
Both of them gave a salute before leaving the office. Hunter felt a bit uneasy for a few minutes, before Tydus came in holding a newspaper with the following headline.
"Tydus...what's wrong?" asked Alexis. She suddenly let out a shocked gasp as she saw the newspaper's front page.
"Mysterious storm downs airliners and ships".
"Somehow I get the feeling that those nuggets are going to scatter from that storm," said Hunter.
"What makes you so certain?" asked Alexis.
"You would usually hear about it over the news regarding weather patterns. This looks to be man-made," said Hunter.
"How could such technology exist?" asked Tydus.
"It might have to do with our kidnapped professor. However, I think boots on the ground are going to be needed. Problem is, trying to figure out who to ask," said Hunter.
Seconds later, Mitchell spotted the others in the hallway, panting heavily. "Hunter...you've got a phone call."
He looked at Alexis for a brief moment, then Tydus. Alexis nodded silently as Hunter followed Mitchell to a nearby phone in the hallway and picked it up.
"2nd Lt. Hunter Anderson," he said.
"Mr. Anderson...it's been a while," came the reply.
He looked around before covering it with his other hand. "Mr. Valmer?"
"Yes...I'm glad you remembered. My old pal Kevin said you were in need of a favor. I looked over the intel and...I'm surprised to say that I thought SWBMs were just as bad, but this...this is something else," said Billy.
"Any idea what it is?" asked Hunter.
"What it seems to be is that one plane acts as a conductor before dispersing several small containers that is supposed to send out an EMP at different intervals," replied Billy.
"Something like that could cripple cities or various bases," replied Hunter.
"I'm afraid it doesn't end there. This is just a sample. My old sources tell me that there's something just as big as an EMP net," said Billy. "There's an old chemist I once knew. Used to work for Yuktobania creating some type of chemical bomb before turning against them and releasing his information to the proper authorities in exchange for asylum when his family was being threatened. I'll send you the file at the proper time. In the meantime, keep an eye on the skies. There's no telling what storm could be coming your way. Good hunting Mr. Anderson".
"Thanks Mr. Valmer," replied Hunter, as he hung up the phone on the receiver.
He rubbed his forehead, as if slightly agitated by something but shook it off minutes later when hearing Mitchell's voice.
"Sir...is everything alright?" he asked.
Hunter turned and regarded the young pilot and tried smiling. "For now it seems," he replied.
Seconds later, Capt. Tyson called out Hunter's name from across the hall as Hunter regarded Mitchell for a brief moment and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"You and Tydus watch our backs alright?" asked Hunter.
"We'll do our best," he replied.
Hunter then headed over to the hangar where Alexis was already waiting in her fighter jet as the hangar bay doors opened.
"Come on kiddo, let's move," barked Capt. Tyson as he got inside his cockpit.
By the time Hunter got in and the engine was running, he couldn't help but get the feeling that something about the current mission felt a bit off. By the time the nuggets were airborne, Hunter and the others followed suit before forming a diamond formation with Capt. Tyson leading the front. Hunter's eyes immediately scanned the skies as soon as they were heading towards their destination. Mitchell was at the back of the pack while Tydus was on Capt. Tyson's left. Alexis noticed Hunter keeping his head on a swivel every 2 minutes.
"What is it Hunter?" asked Alexis.
"While the sky seems clear, it doesn't mean that there won't be something waiting in the distance. Keep an eye out for anything odd," said Hunter.
"You worry too much, Hunter. Just keep to our present course and everything will be fine," said Capt. Tyson.
Several minutes into the flight, Hunter's fears were justified as AWACS tried getting a message across but all Hunter could catch was broken up.
"In-ming...interference...sto-...-where. All...-ilots...incom-...-rm."
"Say again AWACS...repeat that transmission," said Capt. Tyson.
"Sir...AWACS reports of a storm somewhere near," said Hunter.
"But how? There's no way unless..."began Alexis.
"Unless what?" inquired Tydus.
"They want us to break formation," said Hunter.
"Guys...-mething on...six...-ming...-ight be-...us," said Mitchell.
"Hunter, Alexis, Mitchell...keep going. Tydus...you're with me. Get the nuggets over to our air base. We'll deal with this," replied Capt. Tyson.
"But sir..." began Hunter.
"Understood sir. Good hunting," replied Alexis.
"We can't just..." he began.
"Hunter...there will be time for that latter," she said. "Right now, these pilots are depending on us. We have to go."
Hunter gripped his control stick in anger and gritted his teeth before he nodded. "All nuggets, listen up...stay on course. There's an incoming attack closing on our six. Do not panic. Just stay with us and we'll make it out of here," he said. He then took the forward position as Alexis stayed on his left.
"I'll cover your six o'clock Hunter," said Alexis.
As Hunter went full afterburner, he then instructed the nuggets to try and keep up and go full afterburner. Capt. Tyson and Tydus broke away from formation and began to investigate the cause of the disturbance. Tydus kept his head on a swivel until he spotted AWACS in the distance and for some strange reason a black storm cloud nearby and it was spreading quickly.
"Sir...AWACS 12 o'clock as well as that strange storm," said Tydus.
"That must be what was causing that disturbance. We need to maintain radio silence and keep a good distance unless there's some fighters nearby that want to get a lock on our location. Stay close behind me, but not too close. We don't want them to think there's more of us," said Capt. Tyson.
"To hide our numbers...will it work sir?" asked Tydus.
"Let's find out," he replied.
Capt. Tyson picked up the pace as he went straight for AWACS before pulling up and headed straight for the storm. Tydus noticed some thunder rumbling from within and was about to speak but then remember what the captain said and tried to keep up.
As Tydus climbed, his radar spotted another plane coming up and turned his head before he snapped it back to the front and immediately hit the intercom. "Sir, an incoming commercial plane is approaching the odd storm," he called out.
"Damn it," cursed Capt. Tyson. "Double time it now! Get a few hundred feet above me in case one of my shots miss".
Tydus pulled up on the stick hard to keep a good distance between them. As thunder and lightning roared around them, Tydus spotted the aircraft silhouette which was a bit faint and notified the captain. He then heard the captain yell from the intercom "Take the shot".
As Tydus lined up his sights for the shot, Capt. Tyson contacted him again. "Tydus, I need you to do something for me in case things go south."
"What's that sir?" he asked.
"Tell the Major General that I gave Operation Phoenix the green light," replied the captain. He then saw the captain go further ahead before he yelled out the order again. "Take the damn shot!"
Tydus gritted his teeth for a brief moment before he went to special weapons and fired two AIM-120 missles as lightning struck the captain's plane causing the electronics to go offline and eventually caused the plane to drop. Tydus then glanced back at the missles heading for the aircraft before it exploded and he then pushed the stick forward and hit the afterburner as a sudden shockwave burst out seconds later. He then turned his head as the captain bailed out before heading back to the others.
As soon as the skies cleared, AWACS then reported to Hunter and Alexis that the radio waves were clear. Tydus then sent the message that Capt. Tyson told him as soon as the three of them switched to a private channel.
"You think he'll be alright?" asked Tydus.
"I'm sure he can handle himself. Right now we need to find Mitchell and engage whatever hostiles are still around. Tydus, try and make contact with him as Alexis and I bring the nuggets over to Varion," replied Hunter.
Tydus then broke formation as he tried to make contact with Mitchell. Minutes later, he got word that he was currently engaged with 3 Migs 5 clicks south of where they currently were.
"Zephyr 7 where the hell are you damn it? They're all over me, I need some support here," shouted Mitchell.
"This is Zephyr 7, I'm coming Zephyr 5...just hold on for a couple more minutes," replied Tydus, as he hit the afterburners.
Tydus kept his weapons ready despite realizing that his special weapons were out and his guns were still at full capacity.
"Zephyr 7, I need a weapons check. Have you used up any ordinance?" asked Tydus.
"Why the heck are you asking that now? Where are you?" asked Mitchell.
"I'm a click away from your position. Now answer the question," replied Tydus.
"Only 1 Sidewinder left, special weapons are still good and I have 500 rounds left in the cannon," answered Mitchell.
"Alright, listen to me...I'm coming in and will try to break off two of the Migs. I want you to break hard right when I do so. You got it?" asked Tydus.
"I get it, now hurry up already," shouted Mitchell.
Tydus then spotted three planes chasing one other plane and saw two of them formed up behind the leader. He was currently above the dogfight approximately at the enemy's five o clock. Tydus then pushed the stick to the left and dove down before swinging it to the right and barely managing to right himself and got a quick burst to cause the Migs to scatter. Just as Tydus fired Mitchell then broke hard right causing the lead plane and one of the other Migs to scatter so that Mitchel would then be able to try and find a way to engage it. Tydus manages to give chase to the second Mig and gets a lock on it before letting off one of his sidewinders. The lead plane breaks left just as the Mig behind it exploded. Tydus goes on afterburner to give chase. He checks his cannon and sees the number 650 before trying to get a lock on the lead Mig until Tydus spots it going in a dive hard left. Tydus makes a quick decision to stay above before breaking off the chase and breaks right trying to give the impression that he's given up. The lead Mig then catches up to him but then notices the climb and tries to match Tydus for it. By the time Tydus breaks off and dives, he then breaks right long enough before the lead Mig manages to try and follow. Despite the fact it was closing in at a fast rate, Tydus manages to line himself up and launch a sidewinder before following up with the cannon. The lead Mig explodes as Tydus pulls up over it and tried to call on Mitchell.
"Zephyr 5, how goes things on your end?" asked Tydus.
"He's down and out. You managed to close things up on yours?" asked Mitchell.
"Taken care of. Let's hurry up and join back with the others. I'll explain what happened back on base," replied Tydus.
Just as they were about to rejoin the others, the radar started going off in Mitchell's plane as he glanced and saw an unknown plane coming in quick off his six o'clock and notified Hunter.
"Can you try and communicate with it?" he asked.
"I'm trying to but no response," replied Tydus.
"Something is off, either it's going to try and target one of you guys or..." began Mitchell.
"Or it has a different objective," replied Hunter. Just as Hunter went to head off the plane, an incoming message via Morse Code was sent as he listened carefully before communicating with his fellow pilots. "You guys getting this?"
"Something about a prototype magnet and a downed submarine being towed," replied Tydus.
"It's your call Hunter. What do we do?" asked Alexis.
Hunter was silent for a moment before telling Alexis to join the others and bring the rookies to base as he investigated.
"Are you sure?" asked Tydus.
"If command wants further proof, tell them to look from my recording on my helmet," replied Hunter, as he hit the afterburners and followed the unknown plane.
"Good hunting sir," replied Mitchell, as he joined Tydus and Alexis in escorting the nuggets.
Osean Submarine Quantum
Alarms started going off as the towing of the downed submarine commenced when Marcus began monitoring the situation. One of the lieutenants piloting mentioned about an incoming fighter jet trailing the unknown aircraft.
"Sir, we got an incoming message from the fighter jet trailing the unknown".
"Put it through," ordered Capt. Levington.
"This is Zephyr 3 to Osean Sub Quantum, anyone on this frequency please respond".
"This is Capt. Levington of the Osean Sub Quantum. I copy Zephyr 3. You have our attention," he said.
"Do not engage the target. I'm currently trailing him and prepared to engage. I'll draw his attention in order to buy you time," replied Hunter.
"You have our permission to engage Zephyr 3. Good hunting," replied Capt. Levington.
As Hunter came across the unknown fighter jet, upon closer inspection he noticed it was an F-35. Glancing down into the ocean, he could see the silhouette of Quantum and another sub not too far from it but barely before snapping his attention back to the fighter jet. Upon refocusing his attention however, the pilot began to veer right realizing he was being tailed. Hunter started to follow closely trying to get in range for guns before realizing the pilot was getting close to the ocean thinking he would bite. Checking his options, Hunter then had an idea but realizing that he could also mess up by accidentally destroying his own missile decided that he would have to time it carefully. Pulling up just before the enemy pilot Hunter found himself hovering above before getting in range for guns and getting a lock on before firing. The enemy plane took a few hits before turning left to avoid getting shot down. Hunter tried to match the enemy's movements before falling back to make the enemy think he gave up until Hunter had missile lock causing the plane to turn right. Hunter then hit the brakes before turning left causing him to get within range again and firing a missile as soon as he got a good lock on the enemy. The pilot then ejected just as his plane was shot down. Hunter then called out to Quantum that the pilot ejected just as they surfaced.
"We copy Zephyr 3. Thanks for the assist," replied Capt. Levington.
"Tell my brother I send my regards," replied Hunter as he left to head to Varion AFB.
Capt. Levington looked at Marcus as he tried to hide a grin.
"Your brother seems to be a good pilot Marcus," he said.
"He may be a bit rough around the edges, but I think he has what it takes sir," replied Marcus.
"Send a dive team to retrieve the pilot. Let's see what he knows," ordered Capt. Levington.
As Hunter landed after seeing the other pilots arrive safely, he had a gut feeling that he was about to be reprimanded for losing their captain upon landing. When he got out, Hunter saw Alexis with Colonel Sampson waiting for him.
"Sir, whatever reprimand and punishment you have for me I'll take full responsibility for," said Hunter.
"That won't be necessary. We all heard about Capt. Tyson and what he told Tydus. Capt. Tyson was your leader and would have wanted you to carry out the mission regardless of what happened. At the moment, can you give us an approximate location of the submarine Quantum?" he asked.
"Approximately southeast roughly between Aurelia and Leasath in the Pacific Ocean sir," replied Hunter.
"We received a distress call from them prior to you breaking formation giving us certain details. I'm now told that you engaged the unknown aircraft after the call was sent correct?" asked the colonel, to which Hunter nodded.
"As you both may recall, the Phoenix Project was originally put aside, yet your captain gave the green light".
"Sir...is there some detail that we didn't deserve to know regarding this that seems important?" asked Alexis.
"There is," he replied. "I think it's time that you all knew. A couple of veterans were called in recently and are under a different alias. It's time you knew the real purpose of the project".
