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Legendary Aces 3: The Demon Lord
Chapter 4: Juggernaut
Operation: Offensive Campaign No. 4101
For after all what is man in nature?
A nothing in relation to infinity, all in relation to nothing,
a central point between nothing and all and
infinitely far from understanding either.
-Kye-
Pandora City
1245hrs 5 December 2018
We took a break from the storytelling to wait for Uncle Jack to arrive. Offensive Campaign No. 4101 was the next part of the Belkan War we'd be covering. Aunt Allison and Uncle Jack both started their participation there. Aunt Allison was already here, but I didn't want to continue without the third flight lead.
Uncle Jack and Yami showed up 1215 hours, but we didn't continue right away. Everyone wanted to go out to eat. Yami and I split off from the group to meet Nagase at the hospital. She had been discharged a week ago, but still had to go in for a checkup. She had just got out when we arrived.
"Hey, Nagase," I greeted as I rolled down the window.
"That low profile enough?" she asked, eyeing my Aventador S.
"Should see Aunt Allison's car," Yami said. "It's basically a formula car."
"Was I supposed to ride with you? There's no back seat."
"You can sit on Yami's lap."
Both of them looked at me as if I spoke evil.
"What?"
Both sighed and Nagase reluctantly hopped in.
"This is so illegal," Yami said.
"And dangerous," Nagase added. "I just came out of a hospital and you're making me do this?"
"Yep." I sped off before either could change their minds. "You two hungry? I'm starving."
"I could eat," Nagase said.
"Let's go for sushi," Yami said.
"Mmm."
"Sushi it is," I said.
-Rei-
Royal Palace, Nordennavic
1300hrs 5 December 2018
"Let me go!" Joey yelled as she attempted to kick Dad. He caught her foot and tossed her aside. "This lockdown is ridiculous!"
I wanted to leave, too, but Mom was adamant about it. She felt it safest to have us in Nordennavic.
"She thinks it's safe here, but Kyomu Island is only a thousand miles to the west."
"They're not going to attack here, they can't afford it," Dad said. "If they attack here, they leave themselves vulnerable."
"Deterrence is only good if they think the consequence is severe enough. They could wipe out Nordennavic and be back home in a matter of hours. Assuming they don't attack, they can still infiltrate to kidnap Rei and me."
"I'd wish 'em luck if they tried. They're not getting into this bunker."
"He's right, Joey," I said.
"Damnit, I know that, but I want out of here!"
"And your solution is to beat up your father?" Dad said.
"As if you'd let me."
"Joey..." I mumbled.
"Rei, our situations were different! I was able to come and go between here and Pandora City as I wanted, and now I'm locked in a bunker five hundred feet below the palace all because our dumbass uncle is the biggest traitor in history."
Dad struck her across the face and knocking her to the floor. "That's enough. Go to your room?"
She smirked as she stood up. "Which room? My prison cell here, or my room at the President's Mansion? Or maybe the one I had as a baby at Akari Manor." Without another word, she went to the room she called a prison cell.
"I don't believe any of the reasons Mom gave to keep all of us here," I said. I wasn't angry or eager to fight, but I had my own reservations. "What's the real reason we're here?"
"Believe it or not, your mother didn't lie to you," Dad said. "You're here for nothing more or less than safety."
"Then send us to Atlantis."
"I've thought about that, too. Kye is busy with something today, though. I haven't been able to reach her."
"You've already tried to ask?"
"I'd much rather you kids not be locked down here." He looked at me, noticing the hint of surprise on my face. "Look, if I can't get ahold of her in three more hours, I'll fly all of you to Atlantis myself."
"We can't all fit in an X-05."
"No, but you can fit in the Sleipnir."
"It's here?"
He nodded. "When your Mom dropped you off, she left it here."
"I see. You know, Joey might calm down a bit if you tell her about this."
"Yeah, but she's too angry with me to believe it. You go tell her."
"You think she'll believe me?"
"More likely than me. She's your twin."
-Kye-
Pandora City
1245hrs 5 December 2018
"This sushi is great," Nagase said, struggling to talk in between mouthfuls. "Is all the food in Paragon this good?"
"Oh no, there's plenty of poor food joints here," Yami said. "This place is just really good."
"I see."
As they were talking, I glanced around to see where my agents were. One was waiting in a black sedan outside, another was in casual clothes sitting at a table across the restuarant, and the other two were dressed as police officers at another table.
"What are you looking around for?" Yami asked. She glanced around and noticed the agents. "Oh, right."
"Just seeing where they are," I said.
"Does really annoy you that much?"
"I don't like being followed. Hatsumi says you get used to it, but I think it's more like you become numb to it."
"Huh."
"So what's your plans for the day after this?" Nagase asked.
"Back to the mansion," I answered. "You're welcome to come listen in."
"Listen in? What's going on?"
"Classified. A restaurant is too public to discuss it."
"Oh, secret stuff."
With our plates clean, I glanced around at the three agents eating. The one agent in casual clothes, Agent Mathers, had just finished and was getting up to head to the door. I handed Yami my card, stood up, and headed for the door as well. I met him outside and handed him the key to my Aventador S.
"You know the drill," I said.
"It'll be in the garage twenty minutes after your arrival."
He got in my car and drove off.
"What about us?" Yami asked as she and Nagase caught up.
"One moment."
The only agent dressed as an agent pulled up in front of us in the black sedan. We piled in.
"Back to the mansion."
Without a word, he drove off.
Pandora City, President's Mansion
1330hrs 5 December 2018
Once everyone returned to the mansion, we resumed the discussion on the Belkan War.
"Dad, was there anything on your front you need to add before 4101?"
"Not before. I have a short something after."
I nodded. "Mom, Allison, Jack, the floor is yours."
"Offensive Campaign No. 4101," Mom started. "April 24, 1995. It was comprised of three back-to-back missions. I was aware of such before the formal briefing, thus I called Allison. She and Jack were both at Andrews at the time, so it wasn't hard to get the backup I wanted."
"I got the call and we headed to Valais immediately," Aunt Allison said.
"We no more than landed before the briefing started," Uncle Jack added.
-Briefing-
The Ustio and Osean coalition forces are to launch a joint campaign. The collective strategic military force of the two armies will be referred to as the "Allied Forces." The campaign will be called "Offensive Campaign No. 4101."
The objective of this operation is to secure a sea transit lane for the Allied Forces. To secure this channel, the Belkan forces occupying the Futuro Canal must be cleared out. You will be given a choice of missions in this joint operation. Offensive Campaign No. 4101 will be comprised of the following three air missions.
First, there is "Operation Gelnikos." This is an air-to-air/surface operation, whose objective is to wipe out Belka's air squadron, port facilities, and surface weapons.
Next is "Operation Round Hammer." This is an air-to-surface operation, whose objective is to wipe out the Belkan fleet, its port facilities, and surface weapons.
And the last mission is called "Operation Costner." This is an escort mission whose objective is to protect the naval vessels in Osea's 3rd Fleet, including its state-of-the-art aircraft carrier, which will be making a trial voyage.
Fierce resistance by Belkan forces is expected in all three missions. Additional forces have been included in this mission. As per Cipher's instructions, Galm Team will handle two of the three operations. Galm 3 and Galm 4 will be assigned to Operation Gelnikos under the flight lead Captain Jack Bartlett, callsign Kid. Cipher and Pixy will handle Operation Round Hammer. Operation Costner will be taken by Captain Allison Bartlett, callsign Mobius.
-Mission Start-
-Jack-
Futuro Canal
1140hrs 24 April 1995
"Eagle Eye to Galm Team," Eagle Eye said. "Destroy all Belkan Forces stationed in the port. Secure a route of passage for the Allied Fleet."
"I've made visual contact with Futuro Canal," said an allied pilot.
"Enemy planes have been spotted on radar," a Belkan soldier called out. "All units, prepare to engage."
"They're here already? That was faster than our estimates, but still within the margin of error."
"There's the counter-attack signal," the allied pilot said. "I've been waitin' a long time for this day."
"Galm 3 and 4, we gotta protect the fleet behind us," I said. "I'm counting on you, Nuggets."
"There must be some jamming facilities around here," Eagle Eye reported. "If we can take those out, our radars should clear up."
"That's our cue," I said. "Lite 'em up."
With Crusader and Siren trailing me, I dove into the action. I spotted the jamming facilities and released a stand-off dispenser.
"SAM and AA Gun up ahead," I called out.
"Roger that," York replied. "I got the SAM."
"I got the AA Gun," Chizuru added.
My SOD knocked out both jammers and everything else nearby. We looped around and made a second pass.
"Two more jammers, a SAM, and an AA Gun," I said. "Same deal. Knock 'em out."
Simultaneously, I released a SOD, and they a missile each.
"F-20 ahead," York reported.
"Yeah, I see it," I said. "I don't think they like us blowing up their toys. You two, have at it. I'll cover you if you need it."
"Roger," both said as they engaged the Belkan fighter.
"Jamming has been cleared," Eagle Eye reported. "Good job."
"All in a day's work," I said. "We'll have this done in no time."
"Splash one bogey," Chizuru said.
"Two more incoming," I said. "I'll take the X-29."
"I got the other F-20," York said.
"I'm on Crusader's six," Chizuru added.
They split off and chased down that other F-20.
Those kids are pretty good. They might give us a run for our money someday.
I narrowed my eyes as I locked on.
"Fox two," I said as I loosed a missile. The X-29 had no chance to evade.
"Prepare to initiate antiaircraft fire!" another Belkan ordered. "Hurry!"
"Is it normal to hear the Belkans?" I asked.
"I've been hearing them on every mission so far, but they don't seem to respond," Chizuru said.
"Maybe they just don't like us," I said. "Rude. Hey, tally-ho. F-15 inbound."
"We got this," York said confidently.
"On your six," Chizuru said.
"Go get 'em."
They intercepted the F-15 and quickly maneuvered behind it. They had it falling to the water in a ball of fire in no time.
I nodded in silence.
"Don't be stingy with the ammunition," a Belkan cried out. "Fire everything we've got at them!"
That's not gonna help you.
As the Nuggets circled around, I spotted another enemy fighter coming in hot. "Fox Three."
I expected to see the plane dodge and was ready to chase it, but it exploded.
"He flew right into the missile," I said. "Not the first time I've seen that, probably won't be the last."
"Did they even try to dodge it?" York asked.
"Nope. Probably thought it was coming from behind. I saw chaff right before the explosion.
"Don't allow the enemy near our force!" a Belkan ordered.
"AA Gun," Chizuru said. "I got it."
"Looks like the enemy's rounded up a lot of firepower," said an allied pilot.
"I see a tank and a few APCs," I said. "They're lined up nicely."
"Think a SOD will do the job?" York asked.
"Heh."
"Launching."
"Don't get strung out chasing the enemy," came another allied Pilot.
"Let's show those Allied cowards a little Belkan hospitality!" a Belkan said.
"Don't just look for enemy fire," another said. "Watch out for fratricide from friendly forces, too."
"Don't panic," an allied fighter said. "We're still okay."
"We're making good progress," I said. "Keep it up. Siren, drop a SOD on that cluster up ahead."
"Roger."
"Our ground facilities won't last much longer!" came a Belkan voice right after her attack.
"Crusader, Siren, break!" I ordered. A string of long range missiles came in just in time to not catch us off guard. "One plane. I'll take care of it. You two keep the pressure on the ground."
This one was better than the rest. He could maneuver, but he was nothing compared to Layla and Allison. It took me a good twenty seconds to maneuver around and lock him, but he was soon a ball of fire.
"That guy knows how to fly," York said. "I could learn a few things from him."
"We're all always learning. Keep your ears open and your eyes sharp."
"We're in a tight situation here, boys," a Belkan said. "Don't let 'em get any closer to Belka."
"I'll never let them take this canal," another said.
"SOD away," Chizuru reported.
"Eagle Eye, we got more coming in," I said.
"The Galm Team is engaged with Belkan forces," Eagle Eye reported. "Other planes go join them!"
"SOD away," York said.
The enemy's ground forces were done for. Our other forces would have no problem cleaning them out.
"Crusader, Siren, we're out of SODs, but the ground doesn't need our help now anyhow. Swap to full air-to-air combat. Only stop to take out an anti-air weapon."
"Roger."
"Be ready for anything. Anyone will get desperate if they're getting pounded. And Belka's no exception. Speaking of which, bandit dead ahead."
"Fox three," York announced.
This one dodged York's missile, but flew right into Chizuru's. She had fired two seconds after.
"Keep it up!" an allied pilot said. "Just a little bit longer."
"SAM," I said.
"Missile away," Chizuru said.
"Good job," I said.
"Galm Team, the enemy forces are almost eliminated," Eagle Eye reported. "Keep at it!"
"Don't let up until we've taken back Ustio," said an Ustio pilot.
"This is our ocean!" a Belkan said. "We'll never lose it!"
"Drive those Belkans out of the canal!" an Allied pilot said.
"Incoming," I said. "Two pairs of enemy fighters. Two F-20s, two F-15s. I'll take the F-20s."
"Roger that, we'll take the other two," York said.
"Fox three." I fired two missiles to spook them, looped around behind and gunned one down. Chasing the other was easy enough. "Splash two."
"Three," York said.
"Four," Chizuru added.
"Enemy forces eliminated," Eagle Eye reported. "Nice work, Galm Team. This should make the next operation go smoother."
"Mission success confirmed," HQ added. "Allied Fleet, begin your advance."
"This is Commander Weeker on the Kestrel. We appreciate the great air support!"
-Mission Continue-
-Cipher-
Futuro Canal
1200hrs 24 April 1995
Now that Jack, York, and Chizuru finished their part, it's my turn.
"You ready, Pixy?"
"Let's do this."
"Galm Team, commence operation," Eagle Eye ordered. "Eliminate the threat north of the canal."
"This is a significant hurdle to overcome if we wanna take back Ustio," said an allied pilot. "Failure is not an option."
"This is the gate to freedom," Pixy said. "If we can get through, we can turn things around."
"Eagle Eye to Galm Team. Destroy all Belkan Forces stationed in the port. Secure a route of passage for the Allied Fleet."
"Roger," I said. "We're on it."
"They're lined up nice and pretty," Pixy said.
"What do you say we smudge 'em a bit?" I asked. "I'm thinking a SOD will do the trick."
"SOD away."
A chain of explosions resonated below as we passed. The oil tanks exploded and increased the destruction. Several tanks, various vehicles, even some AA Guns and a few SAMs were suddenly gone.
"Effective," I said.
"Engaging the Allied Forces," came a Belkan voice.
"Alright, split up," I ordered. "I'll take the cluster near the bank."
"Got it," Pixy replied. "I'll take the group further inland."
"Enemy fleet advancing north towards the canal," another Belkan said. "We can't expect much help from the air. We'll have to stop them ourselves."
"We'll hold them off here," came another.
"Cipher, don't underestimate the Belkans," Eagle Eye said. "They'll do anything it takes to protect that canal."
"Yeah, that's pretty clear," I said. "Don't worry, AWACS, we've got this."
"Godspeed."
"Drive those Belkans out of the canal!" an Allied fighter said.
I dove toward the bank and lined up my shot. "SOD away."
Within seconds of the following explosions, a Belkan came over the radio again, "Status report, facility damage confirmed."
"Pixy, I'm heading across the canal," I said. "I used both of my SODs and I'm about to use my Boltrack."
"Roger. I just loosed my second SOD and I'm looking for an excuse to drop my Boltrack."
Several SAMs and AA Guns lined the other side of the canal alongside a few tanks.
I could blow up those oil tanks as a weapon if I have to, but I'd rather not. I've already detonated a few and would rather use them as an asset than a weapon.
"Don't let any enemy planes slip past this line," a Belkan cried.
I locked on with the Boltrack, a weapon of my own design that using technology I had been working on before the war. It was capable of locking on to ten targets simultaneously. A single large missile carried ten small individual missiles each with a powerful payload.
"This is quite a battle," an Allied pilot said. "Both sides have a lot of firepower."
I heard there's a few Ustio mercenaries caught up in the mix," said another.
"Yeah, and they're supposed to be good."
"Two Ustio fighters... That Eagle with a red wing... that's..."
"Galm 1, I'm looking forward to our reward for today."
"It'll be good," I said.
"Ground forces have been eliminated," Eagle Eye reported. "Continue to engage the enemy fleet."
"Cipher, let's take out those ships."
"We have twelve Harpoons between us."
"Gotta use them well."
"Looks like there's some enemy planes up ahead, too."
"Good thing we dropped our heavy weapons."
"Drop a few of these Harpoons and we'll be as nimble as... something, I'm too focused for analogies."
"In that case..."
"Let's get it done."
We doze straight toward the sea, running into an F-18 along the way.
"I got him, Pixy."
"Roger that."
The pilot in this F-18 was pretty good, but they were no match for me. I quickly maneuvered behind and launched a sidewinder. "Fox two."
Flying around the debris, I quickly set my eyes on the nearest Belkan ships. Pixy had already fired two Harpoons. I adjusted my targeting to compensate. Soon, we each had sunk a Destroyer and Frigate.
"Ustio aircraft approaching," a Belkan sailor reported. "All ships engage!"
"Little late, aren't they?" Pixy asked rhetorically.
"Four ships down," I added. "I think I'd be embarrassed if I made that callout after what we just did."
"Three destroyers ahead," Pixy said.
"Go for it. I see a couple planes I want to get acquainted with."
"If you call that acquainted, I'd hate to see what you consider making friends."
"Why would I need friends when I got a wingman?"
"Touché."
As Pixy locked on to the three destroyers, I barreled ahead to intercept the two F-15s. I destroyed one with a sidewinder, using the second of only two in my weapons loadout, and chased the other down with guns.
As I was lining up my shot, I heard a Belkan screaming, "Our main engine is down! Unable to advance!"
"Galm 1 and 2, the enemy forces are almost eliminated," Ghost Eye reported. "Keep at it!"
I gunned down my target and headed toward my next target."
"Allied Forces. Don't think you can leave this canal alive," a Belkan said.
"Funny, considering how much damage we've done, eh, Cipher?" Pixy laughed. "F-15 ahead, this one has different markings."
"All yours."
"I got 'em."
Pixy and I swapped roles. I turned toward the ships and he intercepted the enemy plane. I found two Cruisers and an Aegis not far apart and decided they'd make nice targets. Three Harpoons later, they were on fire and beginning to sink.
"Our bridge has suffered extensive damage!" a Belkan sailor reported. "We're going down! All hands abandon ship!"
"Concentrate all firepower on the enemy fleet!" an Allied pilot said. "Don't give 'em any time to regroup!"
Two more F-15s found their way to me, a moment too late. Both exploded as Pixy passed overhead.
"Nice," I said. I locked on to the last enemy ship in the area and dropped my last Harpoon on it.
"The Belkan Fleet and ground forces have been eliminated," Eagle Eye reported. "Nice work, Galm Team. This should make the last operation a whole lot easier."
"All in a day's work," Pixy said.
"This is Commander Weeker on the Kestrel. We appreciate the great air support!"
-Mission Continue-
-Allison-
Futuro Canal
1220hrs 24 April 1995
"Mobius, the sky is yours," Layla said as I passed her on my way to the battle zone.
"Acknowledged," I said.
"Mobius, cover the Allied Fleet so they can pass safely through the canal," Eagle Eye reported. "No mistakes!"
"I don't make mistakes," I said.
"This is Captain Weeker on the Kestrel. All personnel, listen up. But keep working. Our flyboys have secured air superiority. Now all we've gotta do is advance and break through to the end!"
I looked at my radar then I scanned the sky, sea, and ground. The first two operations went well.
"Blips on radar!" Eagle Eye reported. "Multiple enemy craft entering our airspace!"
"Mobius, engaging."
The first enemy to come into my airspace was an F-1. Expecting only to fight air-to-air after Jack and Layla took care of the ground and sea targets, I came loaded with a full arsenal of air weapons. I locked on and fired a 120.
I'll never understand how a pilot can thoughtlessly fly directly into a missile.
Another F-1 trailed not far behind. I intercepted that one with a 9.
"We're too late," a Belkan pilot said. "We'll just have to do it ourselves!"
"We've been on a winning streak since the icy mountains and I intend to keep it that way," an Ustio pilot said.
"The Belkan Air Force will never lose to those Allied cowards," came another Belkan.
"I'll keep that fleet from getting in one way or another," came yet another.
I sighed and headed toward my next target. Another F-1 was flying straight toward the fleet. It took almost no effort to get behind him with a 9.
"We should be able to pull it off with Cipher and Pixy on our side," the Ustio pilot said.
"Eagle Eye here, you are flying with Mobius, not Cipher and Pixy."
"Oh..."
"Don't worry, Cipher and Pixy will be returning shortly. In the meantime, Mobius is more than enough to handle the situation."
I shook my head, disregarding the comments, and headed for the next group. Two F-16s and two SU-27s, all lined up nicely. I obtained a multi lock and loosed four 120s.
That's five 120s, and two 9s. This loadout comes with eighteen 120s and ten 9s, so I have plenty of ammunition left, not even counting the guns I haven't touched.
"Those greedy Osean bastards," a Belkan said. "I knew they'd come for our canal.
Two more F-16s were next. I circled behind them and dropped one right away with a 9. I had to briefly chase the other, but he didn't last long.
Five 120s, four 9s.
"They've entered the canal but that's as far as they'll get," a Belkan said.
Suddenly my missile alert went off. An enemy SU-27 had fired a long range missile at me, but it had no chance of hitting me. I dodged around it and launched a 9 into his cockpit.
Five 9s.
"Just keep firing!" an Allied fighter said. "Make sure we don't hit our allies!"
I spotted a Mirage in the distance and immediately headed toward it. It fired at me, but as with the last plane, I dodged and landed a 9 in its cockpit.
Six 9s.
"Enemy missile has hit the water," came the Kestrel. "Point of impact confirmed. Caution, we're within range."
They're using long range ship missiles. They're so far out I can't get a lock with a 120.
I hit my afterburners and bolted to intercept. With three enemy planes incoming, I loosed three 120s as soon as I got a lock.
Are these pilots retarded? Every one of them flew directly into a missile.
"Mobius, Cipher here. We're coming up on your six."
"Cipher and Pixy have returned to the battle zone," Eagle Eye reported. "I repeat, Cipher and Pixy are back!"
"Careful, Cipher," I said. "You might catch Idiocitus from these enemy pilots."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, they keep flying into my missiles."
"That seems to be a recurring thing. I bet most of them haven't had enough training to realize the missile isn't coming from behind."
"Incoming."
It was almost as if the enemy knew backup had arrived. Many more planes started pouring in.
"Spread out," Layla said. "This is nothing we can't handle."
"Roger that," Pixy replied.
"I'll take the west side."
"Wait, the entire west?" Pixy asked.
I ignored him and bolted toward the next set of enemies.
"Don't get pulled into any dogfights. If we can sink their ships, we've won," a Belkan said just before I sent a 9 into his tail.
Eight 120s, seven 9s.
"Focus on their ships! Sink 'em all!" came another Belkan just before I shot him down.
Eight 9s. I shook my head. Why now of all places do I think of that old seven-eight-nine joke?
"Our fleet has finally made it through half way," Eagle Eye reported. "Keep it up, Galm Team! We're counting on you!"
"The fleet's moving extra slow!" Pixy said.
He's not wrong.
As I circled back, I caught an F-20 coming in.
Another 9 fired, another kill confirmed. Three more F-1s coming in...
I quickly locked on with 120s and loosed them. I had no time to celebrate with a squadron of Tornados coming in.
Eleven 120s and nine 9s.
"Don't try to force your way in," a Belkan said. "You'll be shot down by antiaircraft fire."
"I don't think that's the type of fire they should be worried about," Pixy said.
"Cipher, how's the east?" I asked as I watched four Tornados explode from impacts by my 120s.
"All clear on this side," she answered.
"All clear over here as well," I replied.
"Confirmed," Eagle Eye reported. "The area has been sanitized of enemy fighters. Good job Mobius and Galm Team."
"This is Commander Weeker on the Kestrel. My fleet has managed to pass through the canal. Thank you for your support."
-Debriefing-
Thanks to your combined efforts in Operation Gelnikos, Round Hammer, and Costner, Campaign No. 4101 was a success. The acquisition of this sea lane will prove to be an invaluable resource to our forces. Having passed safely through the canal, the Osean fleet marks the beginning of our nation's counterattack.
(A/N) Not much to say here this time except sorry for the extended absence. I did not abandon this story! Just busy schedules, projects, and the like. LA Shorts may go for extended periods without updates, but that's the nature of a supplementary story.
If you have any comments or questions, feel free to send a private message or submit a signed review. Guest reviews are welcome of course, but do know that I cannot reply to them! Thanks for reading!
