"Their element is to attack, to track, to hunt, and to destroy the enemy. Only in this way can the eager and skillful fighter pilot display his ability. Tie him to a narrow and confined task, rob him of his initiative, and you take away from him the best and most valuable qualities he posses: aggressive spirit, joy of action, and the passion of the hunter."
General Adolf Galland, Luftwaffe.
Ch. 10 The Spearhead
-May 17, 1995 Valais AFB, 0630 hrs-
I shuddered awake in my cot with a light beaming in my face. Standing over me was Vixen.
"Time to get going, we have the sortie in a couple of hours," she whispered.
"Not really looking forward to it, to be truthful," I replied.
She helped me into my uniform, and my flight suit. I now wore the thing almost 24/7 when I was awake. I didn't have time to take it off and on since I was with my stump. I got the sling off the night before, so I had a little more freedom, but it still sucked. She finished off the dressing by tying my shoes. I finally stood, and grabbed my crushed hat off of my desk, and I slapped it on my head. First order of business was breakfast. The mess was alright, especially for me and Vixen, since it served a lot of Belkan food. Breakfast, in Belkan style, was typically light. Some eggs, fresh bread, and cold meat. Coffee was blood around here, and was a lot stronger than a normal Osean 'kinder' blend as we called it. Probably because Belkans and Ustians are bitter people. We just need a coffee that suits us. After I got my food and took a seat at one of the tables with Vixen, Buzzard and Zero came in and sat with us. I had spent the past night telling them about my dad and who he really was, and I filled them in on what I knew of the Grabacr. The Ofnir was a new name that I had never heard of before. With the funerals for Rainman and Lobo pushed back indefinitely, and Kelly already gone, we were pushed back into frontline action. But for the time being, we concerned ourselves with the matters of these strange squadrons.
"So these Grabacr and Ofnir guys, they are in with whoever's running the show?" Buzzard inquired.
"Have to be," I said as I took a sip of my coffee, "There's no way they penetrated that airspace on their own. Someone's helping them."
"What really seems odd is that the ground forces weren't firing any AA or SAM's yesterday," Zero replied.
"Yeah, that is weird," Vixen said as she took a bite out of her bread.
"We have to keep on our toes guys. We don't know who's really on our side," I quietly commanded as some of other personnel sat at tables around us. Vixen appeared to be very nervous as she shivered in her seat next to me. I softly took hold of her hand, her fears slowly faded away, and she calmed down. She laid her head into my right shoulder, and it put me at ease too. It was nice to have her around.
"Thanks, Erich," she whispered into my ear.
"You need me, just let me know. We're a team up there, and down here."
An adjutant rushed into the room and gave us an order to report to the briefing room. We threw away our food and headed that way. We all rushed in to find Chennault standing at the front of the room waiting for us. We took our seats, and the protocol briefing began.
"Intelligence reports that Belka is developing nuclear arms and V2, a weapon of mass destruction. The Allied Forces' top brass have decided to send troops across the Hydrian Line into Belka to check for nuclear arms and secure resource interests."
Of course, I thought, It's about the money.
"Centered on the ruined base of Glatisant, the Hydrian Line, Belka's long line of defense, stretches 700 kilometers from Osea's southern border to the border of Sapin. Situated at the peak of Mt. Ivrea, the ruins of Glatisant have been transformed into a modern base with antiaircraft artillery and a powerful defense system. The Galm Team's mission is to launch an aerial strike on Glatisant, opening the door to Belka for our ground troops. In all probability, this will be an extended operation. You will be able to refuel during the latter half of the mission. If you're low on fuel, temporarily withdraw from the battle and return to base. Good luck. I know it's going to be tough up there without your friends, but keep at it. That's all."
We ran out and headed to our planes, and to our surprise their were some new war-birds on the line. Three brand new F-2A Viper Zeroes were now parked outside the team's hangar. They were in the distinctive blue camouflage, which signified their former role as navy defense fighters. The guys were all surprised about the upgrade, and they ran to their new babies while Lothar gave them a rundown on the specs. I walked over to my plane, the Red Widow inside the team hangar. Pixy was there waiting for me.
"Hey buddy, how's it going?"
"Not too bad, you doing alright?"I shot back.
His face immediately paled and he looked away. I was really confused. What did I do? I saw something sticking out of his right pocket on his flight jacket. The paper was a sepia print, and had a large notice on it that read "Lucan and Bedivere have called" but that's all I could make out before he quickly shoved it out of my sight.
"I'm good, buddy. Let's just get this over with."
"Fine by me. And we'll have a little chat about that paper later Pixy, I'm not that blind."
He frowned as I mentioned that, and the Solo-Wing pilot rushed away to his Eagle. Lothar finished his business getting the 2's ready, and he came over to help me.
"Ready?"
"Yeah."I started to climb up the ladder with Lothar pushing me up from behind. When I got to the top, I flopped down into the seat, and put all of my belts on top of me. Lothar quickly strapped me in, and handed me my helmet. I threw it on, and gave him my crusher cap. He took my cap, and fastened on my oxygen mask. With his slap on my helmet, I knew I was ready.
"Contact!" I called.
The general electric jets rumbled on, emitting a hazy hue behind them. I closed up the canopy, and gave the cross-drop. The gear around the Widow was removed, and I put the Widow into motion. The Red 23 rolled down the taxi-way menacingly. I stopped right at the end of the runway.
"This is Galm 1, requesting takeoff runway 27, over."
"Roger Galm 1, Tower speaking, you're good for launch. Good luck today, over."
"I copy Tower."
I gave full thrust to the engines, and the Widow progressed down the runway with ever increasing speed. I gently pulled back on the stick, and she was gliding right into the air. We made the formation at about 35,000 feet and made the short flight to the Hydrian Line.
-1030 hrs Hydrian Line-
There was a heavy storm clouding over the combat zone of the main fortress at Glatisant, which meant we had a chance to get a surprise attack in from up high, if the intelligence was right. We rode through the heavens at a leisurely cruise, all the while the Viper Zeros were readying their targeting computers for the run. Pixy and I maintained an air-superiority load, so we could keep the guys safe. For the rearming, we would stagger it, where one-half of our force would pull out, while the others maintained a presence. Lucky for us, some of the other forces had taken out the area gate, so we could save some of the goods for the big boy, the Wall, which held the heaviest AA battery along the entire line.
" 'Nuclear Inspection'? What a joke," Pixy muttered.
"They make up anything they want Pixy, you have to remember that," I replied.
"Doesn't mean I don't like it less."
"No shit!" I answered mockingly, "Just keep your head in the game bro."
"Thanks buddy."
"How we looking Buzzard? You guys ready?"I asked over the comm.
"Yeah we're pretty good. Probably safe to make our dive now."
"Roger, we're Oscar Mike," I ordered.
We all simultaneously rolled the planes onto their bellies and began the attack run at about a 65 degree angle of attack. Pixy and myself would only be a diversionary ruse to get the focus of the guns. We broke the cloud cover, and immediately the rain began to implode all over my canopy with loud knocks. Mt. Iverea was right in front of us, and the guns immediately opened fire. The AA fire was ferocious. The main tower was giving us hell with the machine guns and cannons, while all around the complex, SAM's and pillboxes were adding up to a deadly cocktail of lead and fire. I gave full thrust and rushed low, and made a pass over the main tower to try and give a little shock-wave to loosen up the guns. Pixy was circling the tower as I did so, and managed to divert some of the fire. I dove down into the dark green valley to the north of the fortress, and reversed. I came back over again, managing to snag the attention of the SAM's. The diversion was making it a walk in the park for the former Halo team members. They were coming in nice and easy, and had a big load of Mavericks to present to the Belkans. As I moved south, I caught a glimpse of the missiles running straight into the tower from my rear-view mirror. It had great effect and managed to make the old tower collapse.
"Target destroyed," Vixen called, "What's next boss?"
"I'll follow you over to the Harrier base on the north side, Vixen. Pixy you take the guys over the Castle. After that, we'll stagger return, and move on to the Tower from there."
A chorus of clicks met my orders and we quickly got back to the hunt.
"You doing ok, Vixen?" I called as the F-2 leveled off my left wing.
"I'm doing great, actually. Got your birthday present ready for the 23rd!"
Shit! My birthday is next week! The 23rd!
"Man, I almost forgot about that!" I said angrily.
"How could you forget your own birthday?"
"This war makes you forget all those things," I spoke sadly.
"Well, just keep your eyes open, all right?" she said warmly.
"Thanks, Vicki."
"Don't mention it."
"You lovebirds at the Harrier base yet?" Buzzard radioed in.
"Yeah, pretty much," I chuckled, "Make sure you watch your targets Buzzard."
We finally arrived at the Harrier base and I finally had some targets to shoot at. There was a series of hangars over at the far end of another castle complex to the north. Luckily I was getting air-to-air locks due to them being identified as planes on the IFF. I let loose with four of my Slammers, having good effect on the grounded jump-jets. Two Harriers were actually up though, and were giving Vixen a hard time on the attack run.
"Vixen circle around, I'll take those guys out for ya."
"Roger."
I climbed up to just under cloud level, and made a long swooping turn to the right, and got behind the Harriers, which were just sitting in their hover mode. I got the first one with an easy gun strike in the engines. It slowly tumbled with the pilot bailing, and I re-engaged on the second one which was trying to speed away at about 5,000 feet. I got with the gun as well, putting him into an uncontrollable flat-spin. "You're clear, my lady."
"Well, thank you," she replied.
She let loose with the rest of her Mavericks to take out the hard points. I mopped up some of the munitions stocks with some cannon-fire strafes. It wasn't too hard.
"Alright, Pixy, sit-rep if you would?" I called.
"Castle is confirmed destroyed. Ready to maintain for your refuel and rearm."
"Roger, we're ex-filling."
We hit the gas and stormed back south to Ustio and Valais to get rebooted for the last run. We were super-cruising at about 25,000 feet, and it was a relaxing flight back above the thick cloud cover.
"Hey Cipher?" Vixen sheepishly asked.
"What's wrong?" I answered instinctively.
"Oh, nothing. It's just," she sighed, "I kind of want a break from all of this."
"I know what you mean. It's been rough. Losing Rainman and Lobo in the same day was totally stupid."
"Uh-huh. I was thinking, if we have time, do you want to spend leave over at my place for your birthday? Since your place is well…you know..."
"Sure, sure," I quickly cut her off, "I'd love too."
"Great! I think it would be good for the both of us."
"I don't doubt it."
We finally made it back to Valais, which was now covered in the omnipotent clouds that cloaked the skies over the Hydrian Line, but instead of torrential rain, flaky snow came down onto the air base.
"Tower this is Galm 1 and 3, requesting permission to land, over."
"Roger, clear for runway 9 over."
I put the flaps down on the machine, and coasted her in for a perfect soft landing, and Vixen easily followed suit. We took the birds off the runway and got them in position for the crews to get us back to full-up. I opened the cockpit for some air, and Vixen did too. Lothar came over to supervise the activities decked out in his winter kit, which was a thick leather coat and very thick wool boots that made his feet look a lot larger than they actually did.
"How's the hunting?" the crew chief asked.
"Couple of hares," I replied, "No big bucks, yet."
"Ah, well it's better than nothing isn't it?"
"It would be better if I could actually hunt a real deer, not a damn human-being," I retorted.
"True, I think so too. We need to do that when it's all over."
"If I can find a place, and If I can ever shoot a rifle again!"
"Oh you will!" he said as the crew finished its duties, "You're good to go Erich."
"Alright, you good Vixen?"
"Ready as I'll ever be."
"Let's roll!"
We were back in line on the runway, and ready to get back to work.
"You're clear Galm 1 and 3. Go get 'em."
"Roger."
Again the Widow soared on full afterburner into the air, and back towards the combat zone. As soon as we arrived at the line, Buzzard, being typical Buzzard, started being silly.
"Ah, so you finally return! You guys make out on the ground or something? You're a few minutes late, which is completely unacceptable!," he sarcastically jested.
"Nah, I just stole your stash of beer," I replied. I had just found out about the night before, and I couldn't wait to see how he reacted.
"What?! How'd you know about that?"
"Do you think I wouldn't notice someone carrying beer out of the bar on a regular basis, and then burying it in the snow outside the door nearest to your room? I'm not an idiot!"
"Uh, yeah, right. We're just going…." the Usean trailed off as the wing broke away from us.
The others quickly sped away with Pixy chuckling all the way with his band of misfits. We circled around the Southern sector of the rainy combat zone, and it was relatively quiet until we got some bad news. Really, really bad news.
"This is Eagle Eye," the AWACS controller chimed in for the first time today, "We're picking up some unusual aerial activity. Four signatures are on course for your position Galm 1, vector 290, over."
"Roger Double E. Vixen, we need to push up above the clouds."
"I got you Cipher. You finally going to teach me how to really dogfight?"
"Well, I might not have a choice. You got sidewinders on there?"
"Yeah, should be alright."
"Ok, just stay glued to my tail, and do what I do."
"I copy. Let's move."
We pushed back above the thick clouds and made our way to the radar signatures. Having the element of surprise was crucial on this attack. Whoever this was, we needed to get as many of them down in the first run as we could, since we were outnumbered. "Alright Vixen, you're going to start off much like I did. You need to get as close as possible to the fighters before you fire. That way you won't miss, and you'll cause some serious damage to boot," I instructed
"I copy, close in and then fire away."
"Good. Begin attack." We dove through the clouds and immediately met the enemy fighters JAS-39C Gripens, which were climbing to meet us. I let loose with my cannon and managed to shoot down the third plane in the group. Vixen swerved around the group and then reversed to go after the tail plane. "That's the way!" I called as she opened fire with her cannon. The number four Gripen was trailing smoke, and slowly went down into the mountains. The pilot had safely bailed as well.
"Splash one for Galm 4, over," I called as she formed up on me.
"Roger, Galm 1. Good hunting Galm 4," The AWACS replied.
"Thanks Eagle Eye, let's get the rest of them Cipher."
We headed back above the clouds to get back into the fight. The rest of the Gripens were waiting for us, and immediately launched some long-range ordinance our way. We both did a nice roll-and-turn, and were right back on course for the attack. The Gripens tried to turn tail, but they were unable to get away. I lined up behind the number two and let one of my slammers off the chains. The missile shot right towards the Gripen in an instant, and immediately impacted right into the engine. The plane spun out of control into a dive, and I was worried he wasn't going to be able to get out. But, eventually the Belkan managed to eject. "Thank God," I whispered.
Vixen was all over the number one desperate to get the kill. She had expended all of her sidewinders, so now she was on the gun alone. The Gripen had also done the same, and now it was true duel. A true test of skill. They were weaving every which way, jumping out of the other's way once the rounds were coming. Vixen was flying very well for her first real dogfight, and I realized then it was no ordinary squadron we had faced. It was the Indigo squadron. I had ignored to the white and purple markings on their planes.
"Hey Vixen, be glad you're doing this good. These guys are Indigo."
"You serious?" she replied as she grunted through another turn.
"Yup. Look at his plane."
"Well, well! Not too bad, eh?"
"Nope, did a lot better than me in my real fight, I didn't get any planes, and almost crashed. Twice."
"So, I'm better than you?"
I laughed, "Let's not get carried away, now. Stay focused. Don't let him out of your sight, and be patient."
"Roger."
The battle went on, and on. Circling around each other, trying to get on their opponent's tails. But eventually, the Belkan had enough and tried to run. Vixen couldn't keep up, but I slotted right behind him, and gave a spike. I didn't fire. He just sat there awaiting his death, but eventually, he realized I hadn't fired. I pulled up on his right, and looked over at him. He still had his helmet on, but I could tell it was an older guy, probably in his 30's. I tapped my helmet where my ear would be, and switched my radio over to general comms.
"Hallo?" I called over the radio.
"Ach, Hallo!" I heard a Belkan voice call, "You must be the Devil we keep hearing so much about."
"Really? I thought I was a bit more less known around here," I replied.
"Nein, the Belkans all know who you are. You've made quite a name for yourself Red Devil," the pangs of a aristocratic tongue spoke through the radio.
"Well, I'm glad the enemy somewhat respects me. I've learned to respect you as well, my friend."
"Freunde(friend)? Unfortunately with no ammo, and not enough fuel to get back to base, I think you could be a friend."
"Our base is just a short flight from here. The choice is yours. You can get shot down here, or come back with me. It's up to you."
"Well, I suppose I could come back with you. I'm tired of this war anyways. Do you think you could get a rescue out for my comrades?" The squadron leader spoke.
"Of course. Eagle Eye, you get that?"
"Roger, we'll send choppers to pick them up," the AWACS controller said with no sounds of resistance or anger.
"That good enough for you, Herr…."
"Heinrich, Dimitri Heinrich," the voice calmly responded.
"Well met Herr Heinrich. Vixen, you take lead."
"Roger Cipher, what about the others?"
"They can handle it. Eagle Eye will let them know. Let's get going."
We headed back to base and passed the others on the way. They were rather confused about the situation, but I promised to explain as soon as they finished the mission. We eventually arrived at Valais with the Indigo pilot, and Vixen landed first. The Belkan took second landing, and I followed in behind. We pulled up to the hangar, and swarms of MP's were all around the Indigo Gripen. I watched as the canopy opened, and the pilot of the plane, stepped out, and was escorted away from his plane. He didn't resist, and seemed very civil about the whole situation. Lothar came over carrying a bundle in his hands. I opened the cockpit, and he attached the ladder. The bundle then landed in my lap as Lothar reached me.
"These are for you Erich," he said as he pointed at the bundle, held together with twine, from the ladder.
"What are they?" I asked as I opened it.
"Consider it an early birthday gift, Erich."
Inside there were two things. One was a brand new wool grey Ustian Air Force great-coat, with the red Air Force insignias on the collar, and red Major rank shoulder patches. The other was a wooden walking cane, marked with the squadron insignia on the top. It had intricate carvings all over it and had my name along with the inscription of 'Rittmeister' running down the beautiful dark brown wood. "Thanks, I appreciate it."
"The coat is from up high, but the cane is from me. My father is a carpenter, and his walking canes are highly sought after. When I wrote him a letter about what had happened so far, especially with you, he sent it as a gift. He wishes for your safety and health," he responded with a smile, "Let's get you out."
We did our usual 5 minute removal, and I was finally on the ground. Lothar helped me put my coat on, and gave me my new cane. I really looked like one of the fighter aces of old. Der Rittmeister. The Belkan was now brought back out to us again. He had brown hair, and a light beard and moustache growing on his face. His brown eyes were very cold and piercing. Even though he had been captured, he displayed and aura of relief and joy. The pilot was rather surprised to see who we really were under the helmets, staring right back at him.
"I am surprised you two are so young!"'
"I get that a lot Herr Heinrich!" I responded as Vixen came over from her Viper and laid her head on my shoulder. Dimitri just smiled at us.
"Are you two…?" Dimitri asked.
"Yes, you could say so," she responded.
"Are you the one who was on me as well?"
"Not bad for my first time, don't you think?" she said as she looked up to me.
"No, not bad." I replied with a grin.
The Belkan was left with his mouth gaping wide open. He was astonished. All the stories of us being superhuman devils weren't true. We were just teenagers, essentially, fighting a war that we knew so little about. After that, I gave a tour of the place, as long as he promised not to run away, to which he agreed to, with no objections. I showed him the Falcon, and he was surprised about that too. They had heard about the Belkan mercenary who had fought the Grabacr in Sapin. We took him to the mess hall to get some coffee, and it was a refreshing talk. Especially on the information he gave us about the Grabacr and Ofnir.
"The Grabacr and Ofnir are supported by the Ralds, but pretty much everyone else despises them. Much like that Schwarze traitor-killer squadron," Dimitri told to us. It was not a huge surprise, especially with how they acted.
"So they are in league with the Ralds and taking orders directly from them, like Schwarze?" I asked.
"From what word that got around, yes. After your first incident at the Round Table, word was spreading about these squadrons going on assassination runs, trying to kill you. When the one that got to you failed, and they were striped of their strength and power. Now, the only ones that have operational and flying privileges are the leaders Ashley Bernitz, and Michael Heimeroth. Don't think that just because that mission failed they will stop, from what word that got around they're going to try again, once the offensive reaches a certain point," the wise Belkan pilot said as he took a big swig of the coffee.
"I thank you for the information," I said as I held out my only hand.
"You're welcome, It's a strange brotherhood, the air force. It's like a tribe of like-minded people. It pains me greatly that we have to fight. I would prefer to fly with you on more peaceful terms in the future, if such was possible," Dimitri replied shaking back.
"I agree," Vixen replied.
A MP came up to us, and looked over to Dimitri. "Time to go."
"Already?" he replied snidely, "I was starting to like it here!" He got up and dusted himself off, "Best of luck to you both. Maybe we can meet again when this is all finished."
He quietly walked off with the guard, right as the other guys came in. Buzzard was first to voice his concerns.
"Who was that?" he said, or more or less yelled.
"It's the leader of the Indigo squadron, we had a nice chat," I responded.
"Why the hell did you let him in here?!" Buzzard snorted.
"Because he surrendered to me, you idiot!" I snapped, "I didn't want to kill him if I didn't have to!"
"Fine," the Usean pilot growled, "Just don't do it again."
"I can't make any promises, George," I replied.
"Why'd you call me that? You never call me by my first name," Buzzard dubiously responded.
"I figured you needed a little system shock to wake you up."
"Oh."
"What happened out there that made you like that?" I asked Buzzard.
"After we finished our last run, there was a bright flash of light all around us. The squadrons on the other sides of the line were wiped out. In an instant. We have no idea what it was," Buzzard said as he took a seat at the table, and buried his head into crossed arms, "We're the one of the few operating squadrons left in the AO."
"Shit," I said as I took another sip from my coffee, "Guess we're going to have our work cut out for us."
Pixy in this confusion was trying to slip away, but I caught him off to my right, near the door leading outside.
"Pixy! Get over here!" I ordered pointing to a seat across from me at the table. He slowly dragged himself over there, his face paled. He knew he was going to have to tell me what all those things in his paper meant. "Now, Pixy, do you mind elaborating to us what was on that note I saw earlier?"
The veteran sighed and then began to speak, "It's an old dispatch method from some of my friends in the Osean Air Force. You know one of them. Lucan is Joshua Bristow from Wizard. The other, Bedivere, is Anthony Palmer, from Sorcerer squadron. I keep a correspondence with them. They give me some news from the other fronts. I give them some in return. It's kind of a little club we started about 7 years ago when we all started flying. It's nice to get messages from them once in a while."
"Can I see it?" I asked.
"I don't have it with me anymore, we destroy the notes after we receive them."
"Why? If these are just some friendly letters, it doesn't make much sense that you would destroy them," Vixen accused, "You must be putting some sensitive material in there."
"That's true. We've been talking about some things, and about how we all disagree with the things that are currently going on," the Solo Wing pilot affirmed, "Bristow's been claiming that he's got a big group that wants to separate and started some World without Borders thing with some other guys to stop the war. I seriously doubt he could do it, or even have the support to carry out such a large thing."
"Would you join him if he did? Be honest with me Pixy," I said as I finished off the last of my cup of coffee.
"I don't think so. There's not been many ridiculous calls made by either side yet. If the Oseans or the Belkans went nuts, maybe, but most likely no."
"Can you promise me that?" I dared. I needed to know how far I could go with him.
"Yeah, I think I could."
"Good. I don't want you coming and trying to shoot me down alright?" I said with a good laugh, and Pixy did too. "Because if you did, I'd wouldn't hesitate to do the same you," I finished with a hunter's death stare at Solo Wing.
It was cold and silent at that moment, as if some great storm was coming. And I was in the center of it.
Glossary:
AO: abbreviation for Area of Operation
Rittmeister: The German name for a cavalry squadron commander that translated over to the German Air Force in the First World War. Manfred von Richthofen was given this title when he was given command of Jasta 11, the famous flying circus squadron.