This time, story will focus on some other characters. More precisely, on four pilots from Pomerania Air Self-Defence Force. And again, the chapter is based on mission from ,,Ace Combat" game, but again I don't tell from which one.
To the story.
Chapter 11
,,Invasion of Szczecin"
September 11, 2021
07:22
Szczecin, Republic of Pomerania
Since the beginning of war with ICCU, the nation was on the high state of alert and the Linesatrian invasion of Arisneri only deepened this state. Everyday citizens were welcomed by the sounds of PSDF doing drills and patrolling the streets. But well. This is the price of being at war.
The Szczecin Air Force Base were busy since the sunrise. The pilots were preparing for patrols or interception of any possible attack, though the city wasn't was attacked since Linesatria invaded Arisneri. But as the motto of PASDF says: ,,Always vigilant, always ready".
The young pilot was walking through the hangar of the base. He had short brown hair, brown eyes and was wearing the PASDF pilot uniform. He approached the gray F-16 with tail painted in white and red with Pomeranian four-arm orange-blue star and red-white chessboard. Next to the aircraft was standing a mechanic and was checking the aircraft engine. When the mechanic saw the pilot he stood in front of him.
–Well, well, well. Captain Sebastian Tarawski, our Shining Thunder—the mechanic said.
–Without courtesy, Jarek. How's this engine doing?—Sebastian asked.
–Pretty good. This damage from last training was not big and I could repair it in just few minutes.
–Good—Sebastian said looking at the engine.—It could be useful today.
Jarek looked puzzled.
–What do you mean by this?—he asked.
–You know what does it means when I feel pain in my left arm?—Sebastian asked again.
–Yes. It means that somethings gonna happen—Jarek replied.
–Exactly. And today, my arm hurt's like never before.
Jarek swallowed. Then, he noticed some female pilots waving to Sebastian. He had to say that. Captain was one of the most handsome pilots in whole PASDF and it was nothing strange that girls liked him.
–Eh. I want to be so liked by girls—Jarek said and walked away.
07:47
Szczecin Harbor
Some harbor workers was unloading the containers from a transport ship from Nardocia. The work was going well, until the workers suddenly heard the sound of jest engines. They looked into the sky and saw the formation of three Su-30.
–Air Force always have to do training in such morning hours—one of workers said with irritation.
–But there's one problem—other one said.
–What?
–We don't have Su-30s.
When they looked closer, they saw the symbol they didn't expected to see: the Red Pigeon of Linesatria on their tails. Then, they heard an explosion and when they looked in the explosion direction, they saw the one of bridges over the Odra river burning and falling down.
–What the…?—another worker said.
–You still asking? It's means that we're under attack!—their boss said.
07:52
Szczecin AFB
The pilots were quickly boarding their aircraft. They didn't expected any attack so they didn't had much time to prepare.
Sebastian quickly entered his F-16 and looked at Jarek.
–Everything is green, sir—the mechanic said.
–OK. We'll see each other when we kick those guys out of capital—Sebastian replied and closed the canopy.
The Falcon started to move on the runway in the company of two MiG-29s. Soon, they heard a statement from the tower:
–Attention all pilots! Szczecin is under attack by the air force of the Linesatria! Damage from the attacks is widespread across the city! All planes, scramble and intercept all threats immediately!
Sebastian turned on his radio and said:
–This is Thunder 1, preparing to start.
–Copy that, Thunder 1. Please go on runway 5—the tower responded.
The F-16 and MiGs stood on the runway 5.
–Thunder 1, Smasher 1 and 2, you're cleared to take off. Kick the butts of those communist scums—the tower said to Sebastian and MiGs pilots.
The three planes started to turning their engines on full power and soon they were airborne.
–Thunder 1, Smasher 1 and 2 liftoff. Strikers Team runway clearance granted. Takeoff when ready—the tower said to another squadron entering the runway.
—All aircraft under airborne command jurisdiction following takeoff. This is not a drill! I'm repeat: this is not a drill!—other air controller said.
08:03
Sky over Szczecin
The sky was covered by every plane that was settle in the base. MiG-29, Su-22s, F-16s and the main force of PASDF, the XFA-36A Game were flying in hive counting almost 30 aircraft. They had to protect the city, no matter what. They just couldn't let Linesatria to take it.
–Airborne Warning and Control System Falcon Eye to all scrambling defence craft. The situation has not yet been ascertained. We must implement an emergency reformation. Follow your individual instructions—Pomeranian AWACS said.
Sebastian Falcon together with Fulcrums joined the other PASDF craft.
–Thunder 1, you do not have a wingman—Falcon Eye said to Sebestian.—Let's see…
The AWACS operator started to look for any possible wingman for Thunder 1. Then, his gaze stopped on a lonely MiG-29 painted in navy blue and with purple stabilizers and wing tips.
–Firefly. Are you alone too?—he asked the MiG pilot.
–Yes, Sir—the female voice replied.
–Very well. As of now, you're a Thunder 2.
The MiG paired with Sebastian Falcon.
–Welcome to the team, Julia—Sebastian said to her.
–It's honor to fly with you, Sir—Firefly replied.
–Maybe we'll find someone else—Falcon Eye said and started to looking for another alone aircraft. After a few seconds, he noticed a Su-22.—Sergeant Głowacki. You're callsign is now Thunder 3.
–Copy that—Głowacki said and flew next to Thunder 1 and 2.
The plane in usual PASDF painting, it means gray hull and tail painted in red and white with Pomerania star and chessboard. Julia and Sebastian quickly welcomed Głowacki and started to prepare.
–Can I join you?—another female voice asked.
Thunder Squadron pilots turned to see the dark gray XFA-36A with yellow tail and Pomerania star. They knew only one squadron with such paintings.
–Isn't you are in Aurochs Squadron?—Sebastian asked.
–Yes, I'm. But I though that it'll be better to change the squadron—she replied.—Oh, and I'm Roma.
–Dariusz—Głowacki said.
–Julia—Julia said.
–No time for introductions now, though. Let's say that Roma is now Thunder 4—Falcon Eye said.
The formation now got visual with enemies making an air raid on the city. They could see smoke in many places of the city, including some bridges and buildings.
–Thunder Team, you're authorized to engage every hostile aircraft over Szczecin—control tower communicated.
–Roger that—Roma replied.
All aircraft made turn and flew towards the enemies.
–May the God be with us today—Falcon Eye said.
–Enemy reinforcements. Stay alert—one of Linesatria pilots said.
Soon, the fight was on. Both sides fired their missiles and both scored some kills, but not many.
–Falcon Eye to Thunder 1, 2, 3 and 4. We're currently in the state of emergency. It's the first attack on us in this war. Do whatever you can to fend off the invasion.
–Got it—Sebastian said firing the missile at Su-30 and bringing it down.
Meanwhile, Roma targeted a MiG-17 and fired a Sidewinder destroying it. Julia and Głowacki made a Sandwich to take down lonely MiG-23 and shattered him into pieces.
–This is commander Windhover of the 15th Fighter Squadron! The enemy is expanding it's field of attack, stay alert!—one of Pomerania commanders said.
Then, Roma shot down a Su-30, and almost was shot down by five others.
–Shit, there are too many of them!—she said to communicator.
–You don't say? Fox 3!—Julia said destroying MiG-17.
–If we had some nuclear weapons—Głowacki said. After a moment, he added:—Or better no, though.
Then, the admiral of Pomerania fleet said:
–All ships to terminate enemy forces over the bay! Get those anti-air ready for battle!
Soon, the AA fire from frigates and corvettes started to cut the air and bringing down some aircraft.
–To all units! Detecting another enemy formation!—Falcon Eye communicated.—Fly profile suggests bombers escorted by fighters!
–This day is going to be more interesting—Julia said destroying Su-30. The pilot ejected and opened parachute, but Julia fired her gun and pierced the parachute.
–Focus all anti-aircraft fire on those bombers. Don't let 'em get any closer—a ground unit ordered.
Sebastian was chasing a Su-30 and when the plane tried to make and Immelman Turn, but Sebastian sight his intentions and made a Split-S and landed under the Flanker-C. Next, he made a Cobra and at the same time fired a missile that hit the plane into the bottom breaking it into two burning parts.
Julia flew closer to him.
–I never saw such connection of Split-S and Cobra—she said.
–I was training this from some time. For such occasions—he replied.
–We interrupt this program for an emergency news report—said the Eska Radio DJ.—Szczecin is currently under attack of Linesatria aircraft. The damage extends throughout the entire capital.
Głowacki made Low Yo-Yo to take down a MiG-17, but when his Su-22 started to coming low, the MiG craned it's nose up and made a circle. Głowacki did the same, but it was too late to take him down.
Then, the MiG exploded and next, Roma's XFA-36 paired with Głowacki.
–Thanks for help—he said.
–No problem—the Game pilot replied.
Julia tried to score a gun kill on MiG-23 that wanted to escape from her, but both planes had almost the same maximal speed and the fight was practically aligned. After a short time, the Flogger wanted to turn right, and then Julia fired her gun scoring a gun kill.
–This is Falcon Eye. Enemy transports approaching the city. Intercept immediately.
–Copy that, Andrzej—Sebastian replied.
Soon, the formation of ten IL-76 appeared in the sky and started to open their holds doors.
–Don't let them drop anything!—Sebastian ordered.—Thunder 1, engaging! Fox 2!
–Thunder 2, engaging! Fox 2!—Julia said.
–Thunder 3, engaging! Fox 2!—Głowacki exclaimed.
–Thunder 4, engaging! Fox 2!—Roma said.
Whole squadron fired their missiles at the transports, but, much to their surprise, before the missile hit their targets, some pilots flew on the missile line and let them to hit their planes. When it happened, the 76s started to drop soldiers and vehicles.
–Damn it!—Sebastian cursed.
–Enemy transports just dropped soldiers and tanks in the city center. They're coming at us!—the ground commander said.
–Shit! We're loosing the ground!—Roma exclaimed.—We need to do something!
Then, Falcon Eye came on radio:
–Bad news. Border Defence Corp is reporting about enemy forces crossing the border.
–But we're not bordering Ataria—Windhover noticed.
–They're entering here from terrains of Halboria.—The last sentence provoked the anger of other pilots.
–Damn Balts!—other squadron leader shouted.
–Calm down, Avalanche. There's probably a explaining, though—Windhover said.
–I got a news update. Halborian Ground Army is coming with them—Falcon eye added.
This caused the long series of angry growling and offensive words.
–Okay, this is enough! If we manage to stop them, we'll definitely attack Karaliaučiaus! Halboria is not member of ICCU!—Roma said in anger.
–Maybe they saw a good occasion to take their old territories from us and made a deal with ICCU—Głowacki offered.
–Probably yes, as hell—Sebastian added.
They started the engage on another squadron.
09:22
Szczecin Presidential Palace
The young man, in the middle of his 20s, exited the Palace. He had short dark brown hair and light blue eyes. He was wearing an elegant black suit and held a suitcase in his left hand. He was heading to the Mi-8 helicopter that was standing on the roof.
Right then, the soldier came up to the men.
–President Malinowski, everything is ready. We can leave now—the soldier said to him.
–Good, corporal—Malinowski replied.—How's the situation?
Soldier only shook his head.
–Bad. Enemy dropped troops from transports and wiped out 30% of our forces. But we at now managing to keep the air superiority due to this surprise attack—he explained.
–Better this than nothing.—Malinowski loaded the suitcase to the helicopter.—As long as we keep air superiority, we can escape.
–Were are we going, sir?
–We're going to the shelter in Kłodzko. We already set a staff and temporary Meeting Room for Seym there.
–As you wish, sir—soldier said and sat next to the president. He looked at the suitcase.—And what is inside?
–Some important documents that can't fell into enemy hands. It's about INA top secret project in Sudety Mountains.
Soldier only nodded in response and looked as the helicopter took off of the roof.
09:28
Over the city
–Looks like the Lins are runnin' out of steam. Had enough, boys?—Avalanche said.
Sebastian and Julia made a barrel rolls and got onto two Su-30s. After a few seconds they scored a gun kills. Głowacki and Roma scored another two missile kills downing the MiG-17 and 23.
–The Linesatrian threat level has been reduced—Falcon eye announced—We should be able to hold out against them.
–Finally some good news—Roma said in relief.
–Thunder 1, we've almost got em. Let's do this one plane at a time—Julia said.
Sebastian hit the brakes and Split-S landing at the tail of a MiG-17. Almost immediately he scored another gun kill.
–So those bastards think they can barge into someone's house without even calling first?—Windhover said.
–Unbelievable. I say we teach 'em a few manners before we kick 'em out—Głowacki said as he shot down a Su-30.
–Oh, come on! You're really letting this plane shoot you?! It's just a Su-22! Our planes are far more advanced that this!—one of Linesatrians barked.
Roma made a Barrel Roll Attack and took down the MiG-23. Julia paired with Avalanche and together with him made scissors taking out a three new planes.
-Nice work—Avalanche said to Julia.
–Thanks—she replied.
Then, the Falcon Eye came on radio:
–I just got news that president Malinowski is been evacuated from the city. They're now over Zdroje estate.
–Good. Tell him that when we push them out of the city—Sebastian replied and shoot down a MiG-23.
–Got it—Falcon Eye replied and ended the call.
Windhover and Roma destroyed next five enemy aircraft including one of Tu-95s that just entered the city airspace. The other bombers were, however, quickly shot down by the other pilots. Julia together with Głowacki made a few distracting maneuvers and shoot down the surprised Su-30 pilot.
–An intense ground war is taking place in the Downtown—the Eska Radio DJ said.—We strongly urge all citizens of Szczecin to stay indoors at this time.
–Deer Tank Company, advance. Keep those airborne tanks from moving in—the tank commander ordered.
The Julia MiG-29 dived on the unsuspecting and lone MiG-17. She fired her radar guided missile and suddenly, the MiG mad a break and dodged it. She quickly tracked him again and fired a heat seeking missile, but this one was dodged too. Finally, she fired both her missiles and destroyed the aircraft.
–Thunder Team, stick with close range targets and run them down—Falcon Eye said.
–We'll try—Sebastian provided the AWACS.
Right then, Sebastian get a lock warning and quickly dropped flares. The missile hit the flares, but the Su-30 managed to get close enough to him and fired a series from it's gun that pierced the part of F-16 sheathing.
–Shit!—Sebastian said making a Immelman Turn.
The Su-30, however, followed him, and still was firing the missiles and gun at him.
–This guy is annoying! Can someone shook him off me?!—he asked.
Roma's XFA-36 landed on the Su-30 tail and fired two missiles, one heat seeker and radar guided. As she expected, the Su-30 dodged the radar guided but didn't dodged the heat seeker and got hit into the canopy.
Roma paired with Sebastian.
–Thanks. That was close one—he said to her.
–No problem. How's your plane?
–Not bad. Just a few bullet holes. I can handle this.
–Okay. Now, let's get back to work.
As she said that, she noticed a MiG-23 flying towards the group of tanks. She quickly flew from his left and fired her gun. She could see as the head of pilot blows up in the red fog of blood and meat and as the MiG crash into the street right in front of tanks.
–Whoa, it almost killed us!—one of tank commanders said.
–Sorry!—Roma answered and quickly came back to fight.
Głowacki targeted four enemy aircraft and fired his Ch-25MR missiles from the Delta tray. Only two missiles hit it's targets. The next two planes were ended with the Su-22 gun.
–Our air force isn't half bad—one of ground soldiers said.—The enemy is covering like babies.
–And this is what I'm talking about—his commander said to him.
When Sebastian looked towards the bay, he saw the unstopping anti-air fire from the three Sovremenny-class destroyers, one Austin-class cruiser and five Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates. Their fire was even more effective than it was expected.
–Good that we have ORP Pilsudski and it's fleet here—he said looking at the Texas-made cruiser.
In that moment, everyone saw a giant flash coming form the side of the airbase and got a bad news from the ground units:
–Our runway's been bombed to hell! It's totally useless now!
–Now we have a BIG problem—Julia noticed.
–This is Falcon Eye. Enemy threat level reduced to 37%. Keep going—Falcon Eye informed.—Oh, and one more thing. When we fight them off, we are supposed to fly to Warsaw Air Force Base. We'll stay there until our base will be repaired.
–Good to hear—Sebastian replied firing a gun at MiG-17.
10:00
Over the Baltic Sea
High above the Baltic Sea, a large object, being flanked by four smaller vessels, flew slowly across the sky. One of the captains on board spoke to a group of aircraft that contained MiG-23 Flogger:
–Aigaion 2 to Tigr Team, we're prepared to launch.
Below them, eleven brown bodied with navy blue trim aircraft are moving towards the Szczecin like stabbed rats. Their squadron emblems were presenting the Bengal Tiger.
Linesatria People Liberation Air Force
9th Air Division / 2nd Aviation Regiment / 59th Air Superiority Squadron
Tigr Team
–Tigr Leader to Aigaion 2—the lead pilot answered.—We will commence mission operations once your delivery is complete.
The lead pilot and it's squadron pitched up and banked right as the Aigaion 2 moved slowly over the sea.
–Attention all aircraft—the captain ordered.—We are ready to Nimbus launch. Begin the countdown.
The topside of Aigaion 2 started to open the missile silos.
–Booster ignition complete—one of the weapons officers notified.
–Launch in five, four, three, two, one. Fire!
The Nimbus missiles shot out of Aigaion 2 as it embarked to Szczecin as Tigr watched close form behind.
–Engage enemy at will, following Nimbus impact—the Tigr 1 ordered.—Finish them off.
The eleven Floggers aircraft banked in multiple directions as they followed the missiles to Szczecin.
10:04
Szczecin
Tarawski was flying his F-16 over the city, until he get a radar warning.
–What's this…Missiles?!—he noticed with disbelief.
Right then, a missile exploded, creating a line of bursts in the air.
–Nimbus missiles?!—Głowacki shouted with bigger disbelief.
–Nimbus missiles? The ones used during the Five-Year War? The Fraducia's Ultimate Weapon?—Julia asked.
Right then, another two explosions took place.
–The same ones!—Roma replied Julia's question.
–I though that Fraducia hidden the remaining ones in some sort of underground bunker in Alpes—Julia notted.
–Number 3, your radio is off—one of Pomeranian squadron leaders said.—Number 3, where are you?!
–Multiple Nimbus missiles just detonated in midair!—Avalanche communicated.—Half of our planes just been wiped off the radar!
–Where are they coming from?—Windhover asked.
Then, Sebastian noticed the eleven brown MiG-23s entering the city airspace.
–Shit, they just got reinforcements!—Głowacki communicated.
–To all allies! Additional enemy planes have been spotted on radar!—Falcon Eye said.
–How many?—Julia asked.
–You don't want to know—the AWACS replied.
–This is Tigr 11. Target acquired. Moving to engage—one of Floggers pilots said.
He sat on the tail of Julia's MiG and started to firing his gun at her. She tried to hit the brakes, but few bullets managed to hit her plane. The Flogger fired missiles, but Julia dropped the flares and missiles collided with them. The Flogger, however, still followed the MiG-29.
–Someone help me!—she cried.
–I got this—Głowacki replied.
–Calling all Tigr planes. Szczecin should be ours for the taking—the brown MiG-23s leader said.
–Roger—Tigr 2 replied.
Another transmission from Eska Radio came on everyone's ears:
–A large-scale explosions ha apparently occurred in the midair. No further details as yet. I'm repeat…
He didn't ended because the radio main building was right then destroyed. In addition, another Pomeranian pilot:
–Which direction are these missiles coming from?! Right or left?!
–This is Falcon Eye to all planes. Air defence command has ordered an evacuation—Falcon Eye fell silent for a moment.—You've been ordered to give up Szczecin. Break away from this airspace and head South.
–Are you out of your mind? We can't comply with that order—Windhover said.
–We are military at a huge disadvantage. Comply with the order and head South.
–This is Avalanche. We're not going anywhere—Avalanche informed.
Falcon Eye had enough:
–Listen! It's only temporary. The plan is to withdraw, meet up with all remaining forces from each area and our allied forces, then regroup for a counter attack. We can't allow to lose you. Follow the orders.
Meanwhile, Sebastian noticed enemy commander flying alone. He couldn't leave this. He made a turn and flew towards the plane. At the same time, Głowacki contacted him:
–Thunder 3 to Thunder 1. We really should get out of here.
–I know—Sebastian replied.—But first, I need to take care of this guy.
He sat on the commander tail and started the dog fight. He fired two missiles, but the commander drop the flares and mad a Cobra and landed behind Sebastian.
–Not so easy, Pomeranian dog—Tigr 1 said and pulled the trigger.
The gun fired short series that hit the F-16 in his left right wind and making holes in it. Next, the Flogger fired a missile but this time, Sebastian dropped the flares too, but the Tigr 1 was still chasing him. He tried to shake him off, but this gave no results. Meanwhile, the Tigr 1 was still firing the waves of bullets on him.
Then, he knew what to do.
He turned off the engines and started to fall. Tigr 1, seeing this, followed him.
–Thanks that you'll help me in killing you—Tigr 1 said and smiled under his helmet.
But, much to his surprise, the Falcon suddenly flew over him and next turned towards him.
–Sorry, but I'm not that easy, though—Sebastian said and fired a missile.
Still confused by sudden move, Tigr 1 pressed the button not to drop flares, but to eject. Soon, he was was falling on a parachute.
–Colonel Varianov, are you alright?—Tigr 2 asked.
–Yes. Tell the command that the city is ours—Varianov replied.
Meanwhile, Sebastian returned to his squadron and Falcon Eye radioed them:
–Thunder Team, you're about to exit the combat zone. Maintain you're course South to leave the airspace.
Meanwhile, Głowacki looked behind him, to see the smoke and fire brazing in the city. He tightened his hands on the control rod and whispered:
–I promise I'll be back for you. Just a little longer.
The four aircraft joined the rest of PASDF planes and headed South.
Later…
Warsaw Air Force Base, Briefing Room
–Our military has escaped destruction because of your valiant efforts on the battlefield—the base commander said.—But our capital Szczecin has been temporary occupied by Linesatrian forces, and our central government, except of president, has been usurped by them as well. Also, the nation of Halboria had declared war on us after crossing the border. In response, the Republic of Pomerania Temporary Political Council unanimously adopted a resolution of open war against the State of Halboria. Our forces are still fighting in the areas near Szczecin and Halborian border to protect our country. Once our intelligence has been sorted and confirmed, the Republic of Pomerania's Self-Defence Force must immediately regroup with the forces in the South and the armies of Texas, Ireland and Nexonia stationing there and counter attack against the enemy—he stopped and added after a while:—The beautiful country of Pomerania belongs only to us—the Pomeranian people. Now, everyone, dismissed.
As he said that, all pilots left the room.
XXX
And chapter 11 is over. Again, for those that didn't guessed, this was based on ,,Invasion of Gracemaria", the first mission of ,,Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation". Before I leave, two things.
Roma in English means the official name of ethnical minority, but in Polish, this word is used as a female name. The famous person with that name is a Polish actress Roma Gąsiorowska.
Karaliaučiaus is the Lithuanian name of Kaliningrad. It's mainly because Halboria is based a little on Lithuanian, and Kaliningrad is it's capital here.
Okay, by then!