Ace Combat: Joint Assault
Chapter 12:Cyclops Slayer
Athens, Greece, April 1st 2016, 19:00 Hours; Weather: Sunny, few clouds
After the mission in London, Martinez Security had been transferred to Paris, as a reward for their efforts in London. However, after the Valahia nuclear missile threat, they had been transferred to Greece; namely, to the base they had used during the Adriatic Crisis.
Martinez Security had been offered better aircraft. The IUPF's command had seen a lot of potential in them, and had rewarded them with discounts in top-tier planes.
For the moment, Marlene Davenport and Hansel Foulke were using a MiG 1.44 Flatpack and an F-35A Lightning II, which they had piloted when they were transferred to Greece just a few hours before. The F-35A had a dark grey paintjob with grey radome, and the MiG 1.44 had a two-tone blue camo with black nose stripe, white underside, and grey nose tip.
At that moment, Davenport was resting in the base's lounge. Foulke was sitting on a chair, having a cup of coffee.
-This time, the Valahia's gone too far.-said Davenport.
-Because of the nuclear missiles' threat?-asked Foulke, turning to her.
-Exactly.-replied Davenport.-I know the Valahia is a terrorist organization, but using nuclear missiles against innocent people is terrible.
-Some people just want to watch the world burn.-said Foulke.
-You can say that again.-said Davenport.
At that moment, Burford made a PA broadcast.
-Davenport, Foulke, please come to the briefing room immediately!-he said.
Davenport and Foulke headed to the briefing room. Burford was already there, waiting for them. The two pilots took a seat.
-As you already know, the Valahia have seized a nuclear missile silo in Uzbekistan.-Burford said.-They've been using the threat of nuclear attacks to force the global community to recognize them as a nation. The IUPF has stated that it is mandatory to eliminate the Valahia for good, no matter the cost.
-Burford, why are we here in Greece?-asked Davenport.-I mean, we're thousands of miles away from the Valahia's nuclear missile silos.
-Let me guess.-said Foulke.-There are other threats to Europe here.
-Correct.-replied Burford.-We have also received intel that there are enemy bases in Romania and the Serbian mountains.
-What are we up against?-asked Foulke.
-There's a railgun in Romania; apparently, it is a stand-alone version of the Spiridus' cannon.-said Burford.-Also, a weather station in the Serbian mountains has been occupied and converted by the Valahia into a radar station. The combination of the railgun and the radar site allows for precise, long-range firing capabilities. London has been saved, but Europe still has a knife at its throat.
-It's almost like fighting a cyclops.-said Davenport.-If the railgun is the arm of the cyclops, the radar is its eye. If we blind the cyclops, taking out the railgun will be like taking candies from a baby.
-Marlene, I've seen what a railgun is capable of when I had to take out the Stonehenge facility in Namibia.-said Foulke.-Don't underestimate it.
-That's correct.-added Burford.-It is most likely that, if we attack the radar sites, the railgun will try to provide support fire to the Valahia forces in the area.
-Still, if the radar doesn't detect us, we'll be able to make it through this mission unscathed, right?-asked Davenport.
-You've got a point.-said Foulke.-Besides, we've got some experience in low-level flight.
-And you'll need it.-said Burford.-The radar site is in a mountainous area.
-Then it's settled.-said Davenport.-We'll stay below the radar stations, and, once we reach them, we'll take them out.
-There may be anti-aircraft artillery in the area, most likely concentrated around the radar sites.-observed Foulke.-Your MiG 1.44's LAGMs will be useful against them.
-So, I clean the radar sites and you fry them, right?-chuckled Davenport.
-The GPBs will surely take the radar sites out much more easily than the LAGMs.-said Foulke.
-Perfect then.-said Davenport.-Besides, both the Flatpack and the Lightning II are equipped with QAAMs. If we happen to come across any bandits, they're gonna get a nasty surprise.
-The mission will start tomorrow at 14:00 hours.-said Burford.-Have a good rest until then.
Davenport and Foulke left the briefing room and headed for the base's cafe.
-Hey, Marlene, do you think the Valahia will have air forces over the area?-asked Foulke.
-Well, the last time we attacked a Valahia base, they had at least a squadron of fighters.-answered Davenport.-So I don't think they should be changing their strategy just because of the railgun.
-You've got a point.-said Foulke.-I guess that, in that case, the Valahia fighters will get to lower altitude in case the railgun fires.
-To avoid blue on blue, I guess.-said Davenport.-Just be careful out there, Hansel.
-No need to worry about me.-said Foulke.-Believe it or not, I have my fair share of experience with railguns.
-Yeah, I think you mentioned something about it during the briefing.-said Davenport.
-I attacked the Stonehenge railgun station in Namibia some time before you were hired by Martinez Security.-said Foulke.-And it was a failure. I lost my twelfth wingman and we couldn't even dent that thing.
-Really?-asked Davenport.-Not even the Rigel squadron?
-Not even Sulejmani himself dared to get close enough to the railguns.-answered Foulke.
-That's coward of him.-observed Davenport.-I thought he was better than that.
-You can't imagine how terrifying the Stonehenge railguns are.-retorted Foulke.-Compared to that, the Valahia's railgun is like a firecracker.
-They were created to shoot down asteroids.-said Davenport.-No wonder they can be so terrifying.
-They ARE.-said Foulke.-Even the secondary explosions were enough to destroy a high-tier plane.
-How can you be so sure of it?-asked Davenport.
-Because my last wingman was piloting a Typhoon when he was shot down.-said Foulke.-I had ordered him to return to base shortly after his missiles malfunctioned, and he was shot down while he was retreating.
-So, you are not to blame.-said Davenport.-You were just trying to save his life.
-Everyone else said that I pushed him too far.-complained Foulke.
-No, you didn't.-replied Davenport.-You did what you had to do, Hansel.
After their chatting, they had dinner and went to bed.
Athens, Greece, April 2nd 2016, 14:00 Hours; Weather: Sunny, few clouds
Hansel Foulke's F-35A and Marlene Davenport's MiG 1.44 were on the runway, waiting for the tower to authorize them to take off.
-Antares squad, tower. Winds are 075 degrees at 10 knots.-reported the tower.-Clear for takeoff. After takeoff, contact Canopus at frequency 108.5.
-Antares 1, roger that.-said Foulke.
-Antares 2, wilco.-said Davenport.
The two planes' afterburners were engaged and, seconds later, the two planes took off. Once they took off, the pilots retracted the landing gear.
-Antares squadron, altitude restrictions canceled.-reported the tower.-Return to your mission. Good luck out there.
Neither Davenport nor Foulke were aware of the danger that they would face much later.
Romania, April 2nd 2016, 14:55 Hours; Weather: Sunny, scattered clouds
The Varcolac squadron had just taken off. They had been ordered to head toward the radar station in the Serbian mountain area.
-Captain, let's take them out for good this time!-said Varcolac 2.
-Definitely.-replied Varcolac 1.-But you, just try not to be the one that holds us back.
-Remember, the red scorpions are mine.-said Varcolac 3.
-Forget it!-replied Varcolac 4.-If I get the chance, I'll be the one to take them out!
-Men, make the most of your new aircrafts.-said Varcolac 1.-Varcolac squadron, let's head out!
The MiG 1.44, the A-10, the MiG-31B and the Su-37 streaked towards the Serbian mountains.
Serbia, April 2nd 2016, 15:00 Hours; Weather: Sunny, scattered clouds
Antares 1 and Antares 2 were approaching the target from the southwest.
-We'll soon be within range of the hostile radar.-reported Antares 1.
-The hostile radar trace is not frequent, but you'll see why if you alert them. Pay close attention to the tracing timings and destroy their radar sites swiftly.-said Canopus.-Good luck, Antares squad. Only you can pull off this operation.
-"That's what we get for being the IUPF's top guns."-thought Antares 2.
Antares 1 fired on a couple of AA guns he found along their way to the radar site. Antares 2 took out the next two ones.
-Hostile radar detection area is displayed on your HUD. If you fly lower than the radar sites you will not be detected.-said Canopus.
Having destroyed the AA guns, Antares 1 and Antares 2 headed toward the radar site.
-You're approaching hostile radar range.-reported Canopus, as the Antares squadron entered the radar range.-Radar sites are built on the mountain summits. Flying lower than the peak should keep you safe.
The Antares squadron flew at low altitude when the radar trace passed over them.
-Just show your face, even for a second.-said a Valahia soldier.-The Balaur will sweep it right off!
Once the radar trace overpassed them, Antares 1 and Antares 2 made a break for the radar site. There were numerous AA guns and a couple of SAM launchers protecting the radar site. Antares 2 fired an LAGM on the SAM launchers, destroying them and many of the AA guns. The remaining AA guns couldn't hit Antares 1 as he dropped two GPBs on the radar station.
-Destruction of the hostile radar site confirmed.-reported Canopus.-Well done, Antares squadron.
-Boot up the secondary and tertiary radars! Activate the backups and get them online!-ordered a Valahia commander.-Do not allow our enemy to pass through this region alive!
Two radar sites, one on each side of the combat area, were activated.
-Another radar trace confirmed!-reported Antares 2.-From two locations!
-They must have fallen back to their secondary facilities.-observed Antares 1.
-New orders, Antares squad.-said Canopus.-There are still two radar sites out there. Watch the movement pattern of both tracers.
Antares 1 and Antares 2 headed toward the facility to the east, taking out eight AA guns more in the process, and reaching the radar site in just 40 seconds. Once again, the radar site was protected by many AA guns and a couple of SAM launchers. Antares 2 fired two LAGMs on the SAM launchers, while avoiding the enemy radar traces. Once the SAM launchers were destroyed, Antares 1 pulled up and dropped two GPBs on the radar station, destroying it.
-Radar site destroyed.-said Canopus.-One remaining.
However, before they could head toward the last radar site, eight Typhoons and eight Rafale Ms were detected. The Rafale Ms had a blue, grey, navy blue and green splinter camo, while the Typhoons had a sandy pink paintjob. Antares 1 and Antares 2 switched to QAAMs and headed toward the bandits. Antares 2 shot a couple of Typhoons down, while Antares 1 took out a couple of Rafale Ms. The enemy fighters tried to take them out, but they failed to do so. Antares 2 attacked the Typhoons with QAAMs, taking out two more. Antares 1, meanwhile, shot down a couple of Rafale Ms. The Valahia pilots began to panic and tried to lure the Antares squadron into the radar tracer's range. However, two Rafale Ms and two Typhoons were shot down before they could get the Antares squad close enough to the radar trace.
Unfortunately for the Antares squadron, the radar trace of the last radar side caught them at an altitude of 7000 feet, despite their efforts to dive
-We have a hit on radar.-said a Valahia soldier.-Bandits coordinates acquired.
-Requesting support fire.-ordered his commander.-Send data to the Balaur.
-Drop to a safe altitude!-ordered Canopus.-The enemy is firing on your direction!
Five seconds later, a large projectile exploded over the mountains, shocking the whole combat area. Fortunately, the Antares squadron managed to avoid it.
-All right, even if you're spotted, you have enough time to drop to a safe altitude.-said Canopus, relieved.
Antares 1 and Antares 2 took their revenge by shooting down the last enemy fighters with their last QAAMs. After that, they headed toward the radar site, taking out four AA guns each and reaching the site in 30 seconds. The third site was protected by many AA guns, a couple of SAM launchers and four flak guns. Antares 2 fired her last LAGMs on the area to clear it of any anti-aircraft artillery. Once the area was clear, Antares 1 dropped his last GPBs on the radar station.
-All radar sites destroyed.-reported Antares 2.
-Good work, Antares squadron.-said Canopus.-The threat to this airspace is now removed. The IUPF main force can safely launch their attack.
Antares 1 took a look at his radar. He saw four contacts flying toward their at high speed.
-Antares 1 to Canopus.-he said.-Bandits approaching from the north at high speed!
-Four bandits...-observed Antares 2.-Oh, hell no!
-Hey, if it isn't the Burford bunch!-said a voice over the radio, which everyone recognized as Varcolac 2's voice.
-Rigel squadron.-said Canopus.-Just as I suspected.
-The Varcolac squadron!-replied Varcolac 3, emphasizing the "Varcolac".
-Who cares about our name?-protested Varcolac 4.-So long as we get to fight!
-Our client, Valahia, can no longer ignore the Antares.-said Varcolac 1.-We end this here. Commence attack!
The Varcolac squadron attacked the Antares squadron.
-Surround and destroy one at a time.-ordered Varcolac 1.
-Roger!-replied his three wingmen.
The Varcolac squadron attacked Antares 2 first, charging at her and firing missiles on her. Antares 2 evaded the attacks ferociously.
-That's it?-asked Varcolac 1, disappointed.-This is the "nemesis" of Valahia?
-Don't disappoint us. Come on!-said Varcolac 4.
Antares 2 was on the defensive, evading the attacks. Varcolac 1 attacked Antares 1 in an effort to separate him from his wingman.
-All units, reverse!-said Varcolac 1.
Varcolac 3 and 4 attacked Antares 2 with missiles. Antares 2 dodged the missiles, but both Varcolac 3 and Varcolac 4 kept glued on her tail.
-Just. Stay. Still!-groaned Varcolac 3.
-Trying to escape, are you?-said Varcolac 4.
Antares 2 managed to evade the attacks, but was surprised by a sudden attack of Varcolac 2. The 30 mm rounds almost hit her plane, but she pulled hard to dodge the attack.
-Nice flying.-said Varcolac 2, mockingly.-But you can't get away!
Antares 1, meanwhile, was being chased by Varcolac 1, who was firing his guns on him, trying to shoot him down.
-I have you now!-he said.
-That's what you'd like!-replied Antares 1, who pulled a loop over Varcolac 1 and fired his guns. A couple of bullets hit the enemy plane's left wing.
-A hit?-said Varcolac 1, slightly surprised.-You're getting better.
-Flattery will get you nowhere, Sulejmani.-replied Antares 1, who then rushed to help his wingmen.
Antares 2 was evading three planes at once, and, even though she was an experienced pilot, she had trouble keeping up with the three Valahia aces. It wasn't until Antares 1 himself charged toward the enemy planes that she had a chance to get out of that deadly situation.
-Break!-ordered Varcolac 1 to his men.-Don't get caught!
The three pilots scattered, giving Antares 2 a break.
-Antares 2, they are using hit and run tactics, with them surrounding and attacking a single target. It's been a favored tactic of theirs since back they were the Rigel squadron.-said Antares 1.-But it has its flaws. When they break off after an attack, they turn away from their target. That's your chance to counter. Know when to switch you focus between attack and defense.
Antares 2, after taking some deep breaths, attacked Varcolac 2 and Varcolac 3, while Antares 1 attacked Varcolac 4, firing his guns on him. Varcolac 4 was hit on the right engine, which began to spew grey smoke.
-Looks like I don't have to hold back anymore.-quipped Varcolac 4.
Antares 2 fired her guns on Varcolac 2 after she evaded his and Varcolac 3's attacks, hitting his plane's tail.
-Hah, I can see why the Spiridus fell.-said Varcolac 2.
Antares 2 didn't bother to reply, as she tried to catch up with Varcolac 3. Varcolac 3 was streaking away from her, and he soon got out of her range. However, he turned back for another attack. Antares 2 seized this chance and attacked him, firing her guns on him once he got close enough.
-Not bad, chica!-said Varcolac 3.-I'm getting goosebumps here!
-You've both matured as pilots.-observed Varcolac 1.
-Captain, things don't look good.-said Varcolac 2.-Let's fall back.
-Oruma, are you serious?-asked Varcolac 4.
-As much as I hate to say it, Oruma's right.-replied Varcolac 3.
-The Varcolac squadron, retreat.-ordered Varcolac, calmly, despite the frustration he felt.
-WHAT!?-barked Varcolac 4.
-Burford, you have trained some excellent pilots.-said Varcolac 1.-However, they won't be so lucky next time. I'll make sure of it.
The Varcolac squadron retreated to the north. Antares 1 and Antares 2 headed south.
-Antares squadron, that must have been rough.-said Canopus.-You did well out there.
-At least we made it alive.-sighed Antares 2.
-The Varcolac squadron, huh?-said Antares 1, musing about their enemies' squadron's callsign.
-We've been bothered by those long range weapons too long. It's time we got rid of them.-said Canopus.-Things aren't going to get any easier. Be sure to rest up and prepare beforehand.
-Roger that.-said Antares 1.-Antares 2, let's return to base.
Both pilots returned to Greece, leaving Serbia, and the remains of a triple radar station, behind.
Athens, Greece, April 2nd 2016, 16:30 Hours; Weather: Sunny, few clouds
Marlene Davenport and Hansel Foulke were having a rest in the base's cafe, having something to eat and drink.
-By the way, what the hell does "Varcolac" mean?-asked Davenport.-What a stupid name!
-It means "werewolf" in Romanian.-answered Foulke.-And it fits them more than I'd like to admit.
-Why?-asked Davenport.
-Homo homini lupus.-replied Foulke.
-Man is a wolf to man?-said Davenport.-Hmmm... Now that you say it, you're right. It fits them. By the way, thank you for saving my neck out there. I hate to admit it, but they were just seconds away from taking me out.
-Not at all.-replied Foulke.-Besides, while I hate them, I have to admit they're good. But the fact that you managed to hold out against the three of them tells a lot about your skills.
-You're very good too.-said Davenport.-Apparently, you managed to hit Sulejmani. He seems to be a very good pilot.
-He was, along with me, the best of Martinez Security.-said Foulke.-And I mean the best. With the amount of money he earned during his years in Martinez Security, I'm amazed he only flew an F/A-18F. He could afford one of the new prototype planes Wernher and Noah are beginning to develop.
-What kind of aircraft?-asked Davenport.
-Some crazy stuff.-said Foulke.-There are rumors about planes armed with lasers, planes with three engines and diedrical wings, forward-swept swing wing fighters, and many more.
-It almost sounds like science fiction.-said Davenport.-If I hadn't seen the Scinfaxi-class submarines, the Spiridus, and the Orgoi, I would have thought you were hallucinating.
-I can't confirm the rumors, though.-said Foulke.-All I can say is, that if that's true and those planes get in the wrong hands, we're in for a lot of trouble.
-You can say that again.-said Davenport.-Flying fortresses, railguns, super submarines,... This is getting out of hand.
Twelfth chapter. Sorry for the delays, but I'm gonna be busy during these days, so I'm afraid next chapters won't be written too soon. But don't worry; I think I can get the next chapter done within a week or something. Good luck and take care. See you next time