Ace Combat: Skies of Deception

Chapter 13:Break In

Sachana Air Base, Aurelia, November 24th 2020, 10:45 Hours

Alejandro Bergman was heading to the hangars. He had heard some noise in one of them.

It turned out to be Ángel Román with a couple of mechanics, repairing the Typhoon.

-Román, I thought that the Typhoon was in good shape.-said Alejandro.

-It is in good shape. This is just routine maintenance.-answered Ángel.-I want to make sure that it is in perfect shape for my next sortie.

-I see.-said Alejandro.-Where is the Ninox Squadron?

-They flew to the Kalana Steppes on a recon mission.-Ángel replied.-Eugene went with them in the AWACS.

-Glad to hear it.-remarked Alejandro.-Eugene is still a rookie, but he's shown to be a guy you can trust.

-Well, of course.-said Ángel.-Unless the enemy finds out a way to evade the radar. Eugene is not perfect. Actually no one is.

-How are your legs, by the way?-asked Alejandro.

-Despite the fact that they still hurt as if they had been beaten by a baseball bat, they're just fine.-joked Ángel.-As long as I can walk, I don't care.

-You should take it easy.-advised Alejandro.-You could get even worse if you're not careful.

-Don't worry, Alejandro.-said Ángel.

A couple of hours later, an E-767 and 6 F-14Ds landed on Sachana Air Base. The Typhoon's maintenance had ended long ago, and Ángel was taking a break. Jesús Gates seemed rather pissed off.

-How'd the recon mission go?-Ángel asked to Jesús as he got out of his Super Tomcat.

-A huge pile of shit.-answered Jesús.-We've seen nothing in the whole steppe. We're not going to find the Viper squadron anytime soon.

-Have you tried flying over Monte Breeze?-asked Ángel.-I overheard that name during the Viper squadron's assault.

-Are you kidding me?-Jesús quipped.-Monte Breeze is covered with high-performance fighters. Even if we got there fully armed, we would be taken out in seconds.

-So, there is something important over there.-guessed Ángel.

-But, even if there are no threats, our Super Tomcats do not have enough fuel to reach Monte Breeze and make it back to Sachana Air Base.-retorted Jesús.

-How far is the carrier from here?-asked Ángel.

-We would have no trouble getting to it with only the internal fuel tanks filled.-replied Jesús.-But getting close to Monte Breeze would take us 5 or 6 days. 4 if we hurry up and set the carrier's engines to full power. However, our F-14Ds are overworked. They need repairs before we can get back to the Sea Lion.

-I see.-answered Ángel.-You guys could use a rest, too.

-You can say that again.-replied Jesús.-2 and a half hours of flight wears out anyone.

-I had to fly for more than three hours to get to Mount Nevera with the F-35C Lightning II weeks ago.-said Ángel.

-But that airplane is a marvel.-said Jesús.-The F-14D is an outdated fighter jet, despite its reputation.

-Don't sweat it.-said Ángel.-Once we take back Griswall, you may be able to pilot an F/A-18E or an F-35C if you are lucky enough.

-I hope so.-Jesús said.-Well, I'll get something to eat and some rest before heading back to the Sea Lion. I hope they can repair the F-14Ds.

Ángel went back to his room. Eugene met with him on the way.

-Hello, Ángel.-said Eugene.-How do you do today?

-Just a handful of repairs to my Typhoon.-answered Ángel.-There hasn't been any action since yesterday. It's like the calm before the storm.

-Let's hope this "storm" is not as bad as the one over Santa Elva.-replied Eugene, referring to the attack on Santa Elva by the Hamlet Unit.

-Is it true that the Hamlet Unit, or at least most of them, managed to escape?-asked Ángel.

-Unfortunately, they did.-said Eugene.-They haven't been sighted once again.

-That's not good news.-said Ángel.-If they get more Cynocrine...

-Our spies confirmed that the Leasathian Armed Forces are not taking the risk again.-said Eugene.-They consider it too risky.

-Then what are they doing?-asked Ángel.

-Beats me.-answered Eugene.-For now, we can just wait for two things.

-Ninox squadron's reconnaissance and Alejandro's troops' advance, right?-guessed Ángel.

-Exactly.-replied Eugene.-Alejandro will be taking some units to assault Monte Breeze after Ninox squadron's recon mission. They plan to secure the city and a small airfield in the city, which was used for air shows and testing special aircraft.

-Understood.-answered Ángel.-Have a good day, Eugene.

-Same for you, sir.-replied Eugene.

-Don't start with the "sir" stuff again, Eugene.-said Ángel.

After that, Ángel entered his room. He listened to music for a while. At 16:20, he saw the Ninox squadron taking off and heading to the northeast.

The rest of the day was practically eventless.

-"This calm is unnerving. Whenever Leasath wasn't attacking our forces, it was planning a very dark move."-Ángel thought at night, as he looked at the starry sky.-"But what? What are they planning to do now?"

Sachana Air Base, Aurelia, November 30th 2020, 11:00 Hours

The next 6 days were rather eventless, but there were news of an Aurelian militia comprised of civilians who banded together to form the Aurelian Liberation Corps. Ángel Román praised the bravery of the Aurelians, but also criticized their recklessness, as they would give the Leasathian Armed Forces enough reason to kill any suspicious civilian.

Ángel's legs were slowly but surely healing. He was taking a walk around the base's HQ to get some exercise when Eugene bumped into him, rather unnerved.

-Ángel, you've got a call from Jesús Gates.-said Eugene.

Ángel rushed to the briefing room and picked up the phone.

-This is Captain Román...-said Ángel.-What!? Transports?... But what kind of cargo do they have?... I see... OK, just make sure that the next transports do not make it to Griswall. … Have a good day, too.

After that, Ángel hung down the phone.

-What did he say, sir?-asked Eugene.

-Terrible news.-Ángel answered.-It seems that Leasath was developing a new weapon to protect Griswall from our impending operation. The Ninox squadron detected a couple of An-72 Coalers on their final approach to Griswall. They couldn't take them out, since they found stiff opposition and didn't have ammo. They are now remaining on standby.

Another phone call was received. Ángel picked up the phone once again.

-Captain Román here.-said Ángel.-Oh, it's you, Major Bergman... You're kidding me!... Oh, crap!... What? Repeat that!... Damn them all!

After that, Ángel hung down the phone once again.

-What now, sir?-asked Eugene, sweating bullets.

-Alejandro has just told me that the ALC has assaulted an arsenal 150 miles to the southwest of Monte Breeze.-replied Ángel.-They took every last weapon stored in it.

-Well, that's not so bad.-said Eugene.

-It wouldn't be bad if they had found enough weapons.-replied Ángel.-But they didn't, and they are planning to head towards Monte Breeze. And to make things worse, according to Alejandro's reports, the Leasathians are setting land mines and explosives on the factories. If the ALC get to Monte Breeze's industrial complex, it will only take one factory to destroy them all!

-Oh, no!-gasped Eugene, paling.-We've got to do something about this!

-I'll head to Monte Breeze and take care of the factories and any cargo planes.-answered Ángel

-I guess the Typhoon will come in handy.-guessed Eugene.-It's armed with XLAAs and GPBs.

-The XLAAs will be useful against the transports, and, to some extent, against enemy fighters.-said Ángel.-The GPBs will come in handy against the factories.

-Let's just hope that you make it in time.-wished Eugene.

-In that case, I'll take off at 11:30.-said Ángel.-You should take off now.

-OK.-said Eugene.-Good luck up there.

At 11:30, Ángel was in the Eurofighter Typhoon and took off after receiving clearance. Crux was already on his way to Monte Breeze. Whereas the F-2 was an excellent anti-ship aircraft developed from the F-16, the Typhoon was a full-fledged multirole fighter. It could switch from air superiority to CAS, interdiction, tactical bombing, SEAD, or even reconnaissance missions with unprecedented flexibility. Its computer-controlled control surfaces provided the Typhoon with high agility and stability at any speed. It was by far one of the fastest 4.5th generation fighters, on par with the F-14D in speed, the Su-35S in agility and the F-15C in stability.

-Crux to Gryphus 1.-reported Crux. It would take Gryphus 1 30 minutes more to arrive to Monte Breeze's airspace.-Bergman has spotted suspicious enemy movement over an airfield on the industrial complex. It seems like they caught wind of our operations and are trying to flee with everything they can. Also, the Ninox squadron is tracking a couple of An-72 160 miles southeast of Griswall. They're escorted by six MiG-31 Foxhounds.

-Understood.-said Gryphus 1.-Contact the Ninox squadron and warn them about the enemy fighters. They have to take out the Foxhounds BEFORE attacking the transports.

-Roger.-said Crux before switching to Ninox squadron's frequency.

Monte Breeze, Aurelia, November 30th 2020, 15:00 Hours

Gryphus 1 was tracking four transports to the northeast of Monte Breeze's complex, at 12000 feet. Two MiG-31 Foxhounds were heading towards him. A new MPG gauge appeared on the upper right side of his HUD. It had the title "Transports" and a red bar on its lower side.

-The number of remaining transport aircraft will be displayed on your HUD.-reported Eugene.-Make sure you destroy them all.

As he spoke, Gryphus 1 switched to XLAAs and fired two to the MiG-31s. They weren't shot down, but they were crippled for good. A short burst of guns to each one was enough to destroy them.

-Is that it for the cargo?-said an An-72 pilot.-All right, let's get out of here!

-The enemy isn't far from here.-reported another one.

-Are the factory explosives set?-asked a third pilot.

-No problem.-replied the previous pilot.-Land mines and explosives set.

-"They leave now with all they can get and set explosives on every arsenal in the area?"-thought Gryphus 1.-"Scorched land, anyone?"

-Update. An uprising of Aurelian citizens has broken out nearby.-reported a Leasathian soldier.-We have reports that they are en route to these factories to acquire weapons.

-Civilians on a battlefield? Hmph, bunch of fools.-mocked a fourth transport pilot.

-We must retreat to our northeast area of operation as soon as possible!-ordered the flight lead of the transport squadron.

Gryphus 1 was facing two Su-35S that attacked him. He had fired 1 standard missile to each fighter, but one of them dodged it with a J-turn. However, that left it in a very vulnerable position, as Gryphus 1 fired his guns to him, destroying it. The other Su-35S fired his guns to the Typhoon, but after pulling a Kulbit maneuver, Gryphus 1 fired a shorter burst of guns to the fighter's tail, shooting it down.

-Aurelian fighters are coming!-reported an An-72 pilot.-Move it!

Far away from Monte Breeze, the Ninox squadron was not having too much trouble fighting the MiG-31s. They were easy preys for the SAAMs since they weren't too maneuverable. It was a smart move, since the An-72 Coalers were heading to Griswall as fast as their engines allowed them, and the XLAAs would be very useful against them.

Gryphus 1, meanwhile, fired four XLAAs to the four An-72 Coalers over Monte Breeze, while two Rafale Ms headed to him from the northeast. After critically damaging the transports, Gryphus 1 engaged the enemy fighters. He fired two missiles to one of the Rafales, but one of them failed. The other one fired at Gryphus 1, but he managed to evade the attack. After that, Gryphus 1 fired his guns to the Rafale M that attacked him. After a short burst, it was destroyed. However, the other one had got behind him. Gryphus 1 evaded a gun burst and fired his guns at the unfortunate fighter, shooting it down.

After shooting all the fighters down, Gryphus 1 attacked the damaged transports. A short burst of guns was enough to take two of them down in a single pass. The Ninox squadron had taken out all the MiG-31s by then, too.

-We can't let them stop us.-said the flight lead of the transport squadron.-Prepare the device. Inform the others!

Gryphus 1 saw the cargo bays doors open. He attacked them, but suddenly a pinkish beam came out of the cargo bay of each An-72.

-What the hell was that?-said Ninox 1, who had also seen the beam. The An-72 in Ninox squadron's range had also used that same weapon.

-Be careful!-Gryphus 1 warned.-They have one hell of a weapon stashed on board!

The Ninox squadron attacked the Coalers with a barrage of XLAAs, taking them out shortly. It seemed that the beam couldn't take out missiles. Gryphus 1, meanwhile, attacked the last transport from below, using his guns to destroy the transport.

-Wow! He finished most of the job by himself!-said Ninox 1, marveled.

-Hey, Crux. That's all of them, right?-asked Gryphus 1.

-Affirmative, the mission was a success...-said Eugene, but he received a transmission from Bergman.-Excuse me, hold on a second.

-What's wrong?-asked Gryphus 1.-Did something happen?

What Crux said after Gryphus 1's question got on the pilots' nerves to a maddening extent.

-Bad news!-he reported.-The Liberation Corps' train is heading for the factories.

Monte Breeze, Aurelia, November 30th 2020, 15:02:51 Hours

A train was heading towards the factories. It carried armed civilians in its wagons.

-Test, testing. Soldiers of Leasath, can you hear us? We are the Aurelian Liberation Corps!-said the ALC leader.-You've had your way long enough! Prepare to see just how dangerous we Aurelians can be!

-Danger! Withdraw immediately!-begged Crux.-Can you hear me!? Leave the area immediately!

The ALC leader, however, didn't receive Crux's message.

-Hey, do you think they can hear us?-he asked to a hacker aboard the train.-There's not response at all.

-I hacked into the Army's communications!-the hacker replied.-You've gotta switch to incoming transmissions or you'll never pick up anything.

-Well, it doesn't really matter. As long as they hear us.-shrugged the ALC leader. He then turned to his companions.-All right, we're heading for the factories! We'll steal additional weapons before heading for the capital!

Monte Breeze, Aurelia, November 30th 2020, 15:03:39 Hours

The passengers of the ALC went in an uproar, while Gryphus 1 and the Ninox squadron tried their best to resist the urge to facepalm.

-"YOU'VE GOTTA BE SHITTIN' ME!"-mused Gryphus 1.-"Those numbskulls are going to get themselves killed, either by the explosives or the Leasathian Armed Forces!"

-Stop the train!-Crux repeated.-The factories are rigged with explosives!

As he didn't get an answer, he addressed to Gryphus 1.

-Crux to Gryphus 1.-he said.-The Liberation Corps doesn't know the factories are rigged with explosives.

Then, an MPG appeared, replacing the other one which had emptied a short time ago.

-The distance from the nearest factory to the Liberation Corps will be displayed on your MPG.-continued Crux.-Protect the Liberation Corps. Destroy the factories along the runway before the train gets too close.

-"OK, time to drop some GPBs."-thought Gryphus 1, switching to GPBs and heading to a factory to the west of the complex. He saw that there were three mines around the factory. It would be a waste to use the bombs against them, so he dropped two bombs over the factory and fired two missiles to the mines, strafing the last one. After flying over the factory, he saw the two bombs piercing the factory's roof, unleashing a fierce explosion.-"Dammit! Judging by that explosion, there are enough explosives inside the factories to split a battleship in half! These guys are in deadly danger!"

-Onward, onward!-boasted an ALC member.-We'll steal Leasath's weapons and use them to take back Griswall!

-We'll show Leasath just how pissed we really are!-cheered another one.

-Warning. Stop the train and leave the area! Do you read me? Stop the train!-said Crux. However, he didn't get any answer or surprised comment from any ALC members.-...Just as I though, it's no use. They can't hear us.

Gryphus 1 flew towards another factory. There were three mines around that one. He dropped two GPBs over the factory and shot two missiles to the mines, strafing the other one after destroying the factory. His Typhoon was not something the ALC would overlook.

-That fighter's one of our guys, isn't it?-asked the ALC leader.

-Hey! Give us a lift will ya!-yelled an ALC member.

Gryphus 1 didn't know whether to laugh or cry at the guy's comment. And, even if he had decided, it was not a good time for that, since a couple of JAS-39 Gripen NG had engaged him. He switched to XLAAs and fired one to each fighter once he got a lock on to them, which took him some time, since they put up quite of a fight. Once he shot them down, he returned to his mission of destroying the factories and the land mines around it.

It was then when shit skyrocketed through the roof. The ALC's train had arrived to the first factory, which was in ruins.

-Look! He completely destroyed the factory. All of our weapons are going to be destroyed too!-gasped the ALC leader. He then turned to the train driver.-Can't this thing go any faster? Hit the gas! We've got to make it to one of the factories before they're all destroyed!

-Gryphus 1! Things have just gotten worse!-said Crux.-The Liberation Corps' train is picking up speed!

Gryphus 1 almost slammed his fist in rage. However, there was a new factory that he had to destroy, and it was surrounded by four mines. This time, instead, he dropped a single GPB over the factory and strafed it, and fired a missile to each mine, taking every threat out with a couple of passes. After that, however, a couple of Su-35Ss attacked him, and Gryphus 1 had to evade their fire. He locked on to one of the Flankers with an XLAA and fired it from close range, taking it down. However, the second one fired on him, but Gryphus 1 managed to evade him. Another XLAA was enough to destroy it, but that left Gryphus 1 with only two XLAAs. Then, he headed for the next factory, which was surrounded by another four mines. Again, Gryphus 1 fired a missile to each mine and dropped a bomb over the factory. Simple but effective, as, even though it took another two passes to take everything out, it worked as if it was a simple drill.

Not taking in count another two enemy Rafale Ms which were on their way towards the next factory, and attacked Gryphus 1 after getting a lock on to him. Gryphus 1 evaded the attack by inches, and used his last two XLAAs to take them out.

-Warning. Stop the train and leave the area! Do you read me? Stop the train!-said Crux, trying to contact with the ALC.

-Don't waste your time and breath, Crux.-said Gryphus 1.-They wouldn't hear you even if you were shouting at their ears.

Gryphus 1 headed towards the next factory. Once again, he dropped a GPB over the factory and fired a missile to the mines. After a couple of passes, all the mines and the factory were destroyed. To the east there were three mines and a single factory. A single GPB, a strafing run and a missile to each mine were enough to take them out, while the ALC's train kept speeding towards the factories, and the ALC were oblivious to their possible fate. The next factory was surrounded by five mines. This time, Gryphus 1 dropped a bomb and fired two missiles to the factory before strafing the five mines.

-Crux to Gryphus 1.-said Crux, after Gryphus 1 destroyed all the explosives.-All explosives have been eliminated. Take a well-deserved breather.

Gryphus 1 was about to sigh in relief when a handful of blips on the radar gave him a cause for concern.

-Not yet, Crux.-said Gryphus 1.-I have some contacts coming in from the north. This doesn't look good.

10 miles north of Monte Breeze, Aurelia, November 24th, 15:07:37 hours

Four Rafale Ms were heading south to engage Nemesis and destroy the Aurelian Liberation Corps. Instead of the grey standard paintjob of the Leasathian Navy Rafales, these were black with blue trims on the wings, red trims on the canards, blue and red trims on the tail, and a shark mouth on the nose.

-Seems like the main plan to stop the Aurelians has been thwarted by Nemesis again.-complained the flight lead.

-Sir, let's take him down. If we destroy Nemesis, we'll be filthy rich.-said one of his wingmen.

-It's not just because of the juicy reward, but because we need to show him his place, which is Hell.-replied the flight lead.-Leviathan squadron, let's put that bastard in his place once and for all!

-Roger that!-replied the three wingmen.

After that, they fired at Gryphus 1.

Monte Breeze, Aurelia, November 24th 2020, 15:08 hours

Gryphus 1 evaded the sudden attack. He saw four black Rafale Ms attacking him. While the Rafale wasn't as fast or nimble as the Typhoon, it was much sturdier and more stable than his Typhoon, and Gryphus 1 only had standard missiles and guns. But there was a weapon in particular that made his blood chill: the LASM, and the Rafale Ms were loaded with a deadly pack of them. If Gryphus 1 didn't stop them in time, the Rafales would fire at the train or the railway, and that would mean the end of the Aurelian Liberation Corps. However, there was some luck on Gryphus 1's side, as the Leasathian Navy pilots seemed to be intending on shooting him down first. Gryphus 1 got a lock on to one of the Rafales and fired two missiles. One of the missiles missed its target, but a short burst of guns made up for it.

-Leviathan 3 is down!-said one of the enemy pilots.

The other three pilots attacked Gryphus 1. This time, despite evading the missiles, some rounds hit the Typhoon's right wing, but, fortunately, they didn't hit the engines. Once again, Gryphus 1 attacked one of the Rafales, firing his guns to the engines. The enemy plane exploded in a reddish ball of fire.

-Oh, no, Leviathan 2 is down!-said Leviathan 4.

-Dammit!-said Leviathan 1.-Let's proceed with our secondary mission!

The two Rafales headed for the railway. Gryphus 1 realized that they were going to destroy it. He fired two missiles to one of the Rafales and his guns to the other one, shooting both of them down. However, he saw with gargantuan chagrin that a single LASM was flying towards the railway. Despite Gryphus 1's desperate tries to shoot it down, it flew too fast and too low, hitting the railway 160 yards to the east of the last factory Gryphus 1 had destroyed.

-"OH, NO!"-he thought.-"We have to do something soon before the ALC's train gets here!"

-Crux!-Gryphus 1 said.-Can you contact Bergman?

-Affirmative.-said Crux.

Seconds later, Bergman was contacted by Crux. He was said that Gryphus 1 wanted to contact him immediately.

-What's the problem, Gryphus 1?-he asked.

-Bergman, I need you to make sure that the ALC's train is stopped.-Gryphus 1 said.-Do you have a helicopter over there?

-Yes, we have one.-said Bergman.

-Then make sure that some of your men get into the train and make sure that they stop before getting near the airfield in Monte Breeze.-said Gryphus 1.

-Roger.-said Bergman. After that, he headed to some of his men.-Come on guys, we have a train to stop. We have to use the helicopter.

Seconds later, a CH-47D flew towards the train, which had just got out of the last tunnel before the destroyed railway section. The ALC saw the helicopter flying over them and, in a hunch, they stopped the train.

-Gryphus 1, this is Major Bergman.-Bergman reported.-The train has stopped.

Gryphus 1 sighed in relief. The nightmarish situation was finally over.

-Bergman, have your men taken over the airfield?-he asked.

-Affirmative.-replied Bergman.-You are cleared to land.

Monte Breeze, Aurelia, November 24th 2020, 15:12 hours

Ángel Román had just landed the Typhoon on the airfield. It seemed that, despite the hectic retreat, the Leasathian Armed Forces had left some documents behind.

Eugene Solano, Alejandro Bergman and him were reading them with fear across their eyes.

-Meson Beam Stabilizing Regulators!?-gasped Ángel, as he read the documents.-So this is the weapon these guys were developing these days.

-It seems like they made 8 units that were to be delivered to Griswall to enhance the Meson Cannon.-said Alejandro.

-The Meson Cannon?-asked Ángel, curious and afraid.

-The Meson Cannon were energy weapons created to prevent Griswall from being hit by the 1994XF04 Ulysses asteroid. They were developed in 1996, but, by mere luck, the meteors only struck unpopulated areas of Aurelia, and not even one meteor hit Leasath.-said Alejandro.-Because of that, and knowing that there was no reason to keep them operative, they were dismantled. It seems like the Leasathians got the classified documents and rebuilt 8 units, and they also seem to have found a way to make the beam much more powerful and stable.

-In other words,-said Eugene.-the Meson Beam, instead of being fired in short bursts, can be turned into a long beam thanks to the MBSRs.

-And two of them did arrive to Griswall.-said Ángel.-What a FUBAR!

-Better two than eight.-replied Alejandro. He then turned to another document. That one had long black deletions and had a large "CLASSIFIED" and "TOP SECRET" red marks on it.-But this one...

-It seems like this document is not about the MBSRs.-said Ángel.-What is this, then?

-It will take us a long time to decipher its content.-said Alejandro.-But if we manage to get to Griswall, we could use some of the equipment to find out what is this document about. We'll give it a go here, though. This document might be very important.

-And, regarding the ALCs, how did they react?-asked Eugene.

-They were very surprised when we told them why Gryphus 1 was destroying the factories.-answered Alejandro.

-Those guys are damn lucky.-pointed Ángel.-Had they made it just 30 minutes earlier, they would have died.

-It is said that too much knowledge can be a dangerous thing, and boy is that right!-sighed Eugene.

-Have you guys found anything interesting in the hangars, Alejandro?-asked Ángel.

-Come with me.-said Alejandro, cryptically.-You're gonna love this.

The two men walked to one of the hangars and Alejandro opened it.

What Ángel saw inside of the hangar left him speechless. An F-15S/MTD, ready for flying, was inside the hangar.

-Like it?-asked Alejandro.-The new generation of the F-15 family. Thrust vectoring engines, advanced canards, and computer-assisted control surfaces. Its maneuverability is unprecedented.

-Wow.-gasped Ángel.-It's a tremendous plane. I don't think the Leasathians will have a good time fighting this plane with me on its controls.

-I know that the day of the liberation of Griswall isn't far off.-said Alejandro.-We'll finally put an end to this foolish war, and not a second too soon.

After that, they left the hangar and went to the airfield's HQ building.

Monte Breeze, Aurelia, November 24th 2020, 21:30 hours

The day was rather eventless after the fight over the city. The industrial complex was rather unscathed, apart from the factories that were rigged with explosives and land mines. The Aurelian Liberation Corps were not allowed to meet Ángel Román.

Ángel, despite complying with that, felt a bit sad, as for him, there were little opportunities to make new friends, and most of them had been killed.

-"Julieta, there hasn't been a single day I didn't miss you. You were the one who gave me a reason to be happy."-Ángel though, as he stared into the night sky.-"Fortunately, the grief Aurelia has been put through is coming to its end, and, one way or another, this pointless war will end over Griswall. Please forgive me for not being with you."

As he went to sleep, he didn't know the new threat in the making.

Gaiuss Tower, Griswall, Aurelia, November 24th 2020, 23:40 hours

Diego Gaspar Navarro was fuming. Not even the Hamlet Unit had been capable of killing Nemesis! He was seriously considering whether or not sending Roberto Testón and his wingmen to deal with him.

An Air Force officer entered his office and saluted him.

-What news do we have?-asked Navarro.-Try to save the good news for last. It will be better for my mood, and for you.

-We have bad and good news, my Excellency.-said the officer.-We've lost most of our transports over Monte Breeze, destroyed by Nemesis and an unidentified Aurelian Navy squadron. The good news are that two of the units made it to Griswall.

-I see.-quipped Navarro.-You're dismissed.

-Sir.-said the officer, heading out of the office.

Roberto Testón appeared from the shadows. Diego Gaspar Navarro poured some cognac in a fine glass and offered some to Testón.

-No, thanks.-he said.-It's not my policy drinking while doing business.

-In any case,-Navarro shrugged, as he sipped the cognac.-this Román guy is becoming an eyesore. He's thwarted each and every plan we had schemed.

-You can say that again.-Testón replied, spitefully.-That bastard slipped through my fingers like smoke when I last faced him, and he was running like a scalded dog.

-What else did you expect?-asked Navarro, coldly.-He's half-Aurelian, after all. He's not better than a worm. His father was fool enough to let himself being charmed by a dirty Aurelian whore.

-Witnessing your hometown being disintegrated before your eyes and everyone you love die does help a little, though.-said Testón, although he felt no remorse for Ángel's pain at all, even though he was only involved in Lucía Moreno's killing.-But no matter what, Nemesis is no cause for concern.

-That is, if you kill him over Griswall.-chuckled Navarro, with a frightening grin across his face.-Just imagining the morale of those Aurelians when their hero dies above their capital is delightful.

-No need to hurry, my Lord.-said Testón, sneering.-He WILL come to us, in time. Even if the Aurelians win this war, they are doomed.

Diego Gaspar Navarro and Roberto Testón laughed cruelly when the dictator realized what the pilot meant.

He was talking about a new weapon that would change the whole world, bringing doom to Navarro's opposition.


Thirteenth chapter. You guys can imagine what comes next. I'm thinking about combining events of "Atmos Ring", "Gaiuss Tower" and "Wild Card" in the next chapter, but it will not come before the next flashback, though. First references to the Fenrir, too. Good luck and take care. See you next time

EDIT(2/12/2014): switched "southeast" to "southwest". Sorry