Rescue
Operation Lighthouse keeper
Fort Gray AFB, 5 June 2019
Fort Gray Air Force Base was now the home base for many fighter squadrons and ships sent by the IUN member states in the war against Erusea and its allies, the recapture of Scofield Base and the securing of Artiglio port and its refineries had raised the morale of the allied troops who would not run out of fuel for a long time, but with the failure of the three pronged strategy, or at least two of the three, victory was far from assured since the kingdom of Erusea and its allies still controlled a large portion of the Usean continent, as they did during the last continental war of 2004-2005.
The base is always on constant alert, the repaired radar stations scanned the skies 24 hours a day, and the SAM sites and anti-aircraft gun batteries and 88's flak gun were deployed in numbers to prevent any new surprise attack, as were fighters that patrolled the airspace around the clock, however the top brass has planned to reassign several squadrons to Scofield AFB or Istas fortress Scion AFB as Fort Grays would reach saturation while repairs to the Albatross continued, according to the engineers the carrier could be back in service in a month or two.
In one of the rest rooms, the situation was rather relaxed, there were pilots of many nationalities, mainly Osean but also Yukes, Sapinian, Nordlandians and Ustians but especially Emmerians and among them the famous pilots of the Garuda squadron who were talking with their allies."We can say that without your intervention, Brownie would probably be in a prison camp. " Says Thomas Karven aka Knocker.
" In any case this interception mission over the tango line yesterday went better than I would have thought, without their ace the Erusean are disadvantaged. "Adds Braden Halcyon aka Clown.
"Or I would have ended up like my brother... "Murmurs Brownie. "But he wouldn't want me to mourn his death and he'd want me to keep giving the best I could of myself and for everyone."
"And you showed it to us during this mission to stop a raid on the tango line, these two pilots and their Flankers didn't see anything coming! "Said Trigger.
"It's true that the cobra I made took them completely by surprise, but my abilities are nothing compared to yours! "She said, addressing to the Garuda squadron.
"Don't put us on a pedestal, it's true that we are gifted but we are still human beings and you too will become excellent pilots like us one day," replies Garuda 1 to encourage them.
"Always as humble as ever boss, even from the one who destroyed the Nosferatu, the Agaion and the Chandelier. " adds Shamrock.
"Yes, but every time I was not alone, I had my faithful partner with me! "Said Talisman, giving his friend a pat on the shoulder. " Without forgetting all the others, Pollini, McCarty, Durrand...and more recently Visconti."
The young woman, remembering this period, sighs before answering. "Yes, but while you were having fun sending the agaion through the deep of the sea I was still undergoing accelerated training in Vitoze to become a pilot and when I was finally ready, you had just recaptured our capital."
"And you were obviously well trained, given the way you shot down those drones over Chompinburg. "Adds Clown.
"Yes, I have to admit it was impressive. "Confirm Trigger.
" Hey hey, thank you, that's flattering... "She said blushing. "It's because of my training when we learned how to counter the long-range missiles of the Estovakians by destroying their guidance drone. " She explains.
However, their moment of rest is interrupted by a call from a IUN officer who asks the pilots to go to the briefing room for their next mission." Looks like this conversation will have to be postponed for later, let's go Trigger. "Says Clown, followed by his teammate, quickly imitated by the other pilots present.
Fort Gray AFB Briefing room.
AC7 IUN Briefing.
"As proved by the failure of our previous strategy, the Arsenal Birds have bolstered the enemy's anti-air network. This'll be difficult to overcome. However, we still need to get swiftly to the space elevator, no matter what it takes. Someone there is counting on us. The hero of the Circum-Pacific War and the man who spearheaded the construction of the space elevator. Osea's former president, Mr. Harling."
"Harling,'dammit what the old man's doing there..."Almost shout Clown.
"For your answer Mr. Harling was inspecting the elevator when the war broke out."The briefing officer respond then resume.
"He's been classified as missing since the elevator was taken over by the Erusean forces. However, according to the latest intel, a military officer and some SCPD accompanying Mr. Harling hid him inside the facility. Both are waiting for a chance to escape. Enemy anti-air radar network has been set up around the space elevator. ...it's likely a large squadron would be detected. We will send two aircraft through the network, and send in a rescue team soon after. A number of anti-air radars have been set up around the space elevator. However, our reconnaissance suggests their network is weakest along the southeastern coast of Selatapura. So, we can elude the enemy's observation. There are a lot of rain clouds this time of year. Flying through the clouds will enable us to stay hidden from their radar. If you happen to be detected by their radar, we will be forced to abort the mission."
"Sir, we can take part to the infiltration part, this is not the first time we've conducted an undercover operation in enemy territory."Garuda 1 said.
"Thank you for your willingness, but we'll need you more for the rest of the operation, especially if the arsenal bird and its drones show up."
"Taking down another airborne fortress huh, why not!"Shamrock add with a smile.
"Keeping him away'll be enough, and the two pilot who will head up this strategy is you, Trigger and Brownie. After you bust through, then two helicopter unit, Yellow Jacket and Sea Goblins from the Marcello and the Vulture will be dispatched, secure the rescue craft's LZ by taking out the anti-air weapons, Garuda, Golem and others will arrive shortly for support along the marigold and some ship"The screen show the Marigold, along the LHD Marcello ARS Arlon and YNS Bystry and YNS Gumrak and OFS Saber.
"Provide escort for Mr. Harling's craft after rendezvous toward the Marcello. Good luck out there everyone."
The next day, the pilots prepare for their mission, putting on their flight suits and checking their survival gear, then head to the hangars where Clown and Knocker are both already talking about the mission while the mechanics install GPBs for William's F16C and LASMs for Jamie's super hornet and the other aircraft are configured for aerial combat.
"Let's do this rescue mission quickly and well, and the former president will probably recommend us for medals! " says Knocker confidently.
"If we manage to come back alive as well, it will be good enough, and keep an eye on your protégé this time, talisman will not always be there to save her. " adds Clown as he settles into the cockpit.
"You'd better do the same with yours, I've seen that Trigger has a bad habit of breaking formation as he sees want and getting the first victories. " he says.
"If we call him Trigger, it's not for nothing." laughs Clown at his friend's remark.
The two concerned follow them a few steps away, Brownie can't help but express a sigh "Oh boy, when will they stop treating us like children? "she says.
"We have a better chance of seeing the Erusean surrender this week than we have of seeing our leaders stop treating us like children, but either way Brownie, I'm counting on you for this mission. "Trigger replied with a smile.
"I'm counting on you too, let's all go home alive with Harling! "She said confidently before the two settle into the cockpit of their respective planes and put themselves on hold on the taxiway, while the three F15E of the Garuda squadron are already taking off, followed shortly after by the Golem squadron, it is finally the turn of the Mage to take off.
"Mage squadron, the runway is clear, you are cleared for takeoff. "Says the air traffic controller to them.
"Roger, Mage 1 taking off."
"Mage 2 just behind you sir."
The two F16s accelerate on the runway before pitching up their aircraft and heading northwest to join the others and take the direction of Gunther Bay, while being refueled and joined by Gargoyle squadron on the way.
Gunther Bay near Selatapura, 6 June 2019 18H00
Weather: Some clouds
After a few hours of flight the IUN pilots had finally arrived in sight of the space elevator, while the bulk of the formation remained out of range of enemy radars, two fighters, an F16 and an F18 began to fly low along the coast, from its cockpit Jamie observed through the dense cloud cover, the white space elevator rise to the sky in a almost elegant and naturally manner.
"Arrival in sight of the space elevator, you can get rid of your external tanks. "Says Sky Kepper, which the pilots do immediately.
"So this is the space elevator, wow I never thought I'd see it in real life, it really feels like it's going through the sky and touch the stars."She says in a poetically and admirative manner while William adds. "Me too, but I would have preferred to see it in my free time than in these circumstances."
"And it is thanks to the president...I mean ex president that we owe this construction, which was intended to symbolize the rebirth of the Usean continent...but instead Erusea wants to appropriate it for themselves. "Says Sky Keeper with a mixture of pride towards Harling, and anger towards the Eruseans before adding seriously. "And for that we have to save him and then we'll take the Space elevator back, watch out you enter the operation area, now radio silence." He finished.
AC7 Soundtrack:Gunther bay
In response, the two pilots fly their mounts through the radar network, with Trigger showing the way and Brownie following him, making sure to stay neither too close nor too far from each other, flying over the forest and hiding in the low clouds at these latitudes of the planet.
"Watch out for the wind, it's violent at times, it shouldn't be a problem for pilots like you, but be careful not to crash. " AWACS tells them.
"What took me to accept this mission, well, it's time to prove myself without having the teacher on my back! "Think William in his head, taking a quick look to see if Jamie is still following, waving at her, she does the same.
"Stay calm my little Jamie, stay calm, if you managed to survive the encounter with this Ace, you will succeed for this mission too. "She says to herself to keep her motivation, guiding her Hornet with more ease through the clouds and rain when the two pilots arrive above the city's airport, where despite the state of war many planes of various companies airlines are still present.
"Trigger, Brownie, you're a third of the way to the RDV point, good job but stay focused."
"Shit, I forgot about the airport, I hope that if there are soldiers they will think of simple exercises! "Said Trigger while observing the terminal, parts of which were damaged by bombs or bullet impacts, fortunately for both pilots, no anti-aircraft guns or SAM site are present, only a few trucks and light armored vehicles.
"Hey, I have the feeling that I saw some fighters passing by, it looked like Oseans aircraft, hey Marcel, do you have something on your radar ? "Report an Erusean from his Humvee to his colleague by radio.
"Negative, nothing on the radar, it's probably the guys from the Royale who train a little to kill time, with all the radars in the area you'd have to be crazy to try to pass ! "Answers his colleague.
"If you say so, but we can expect anything with them..."
"No movement on the ground or warning siren reported you're still good you can breathe a little Trigger, Brownie, these idiots at headquarters apparently can't read a map! " Signal Sky Keeper who thinks inwardly about giving a geography lesson to those who planned the route for them while the two lucky pilots continue on their way, hiding from time to time in the low clouds to mask their approach over the ocean again.
"Trigger, you got two directions you can take up here, just go with your gut, don't worry we watching over both of you."Sky Keeper say to Trigger, who quickly observes his radar, the shorter one is the narrower, and the second longer but less dangerous, making his decision, Trigger flaps his wings to signal Brownie to follow him, the two planes manage to sneak in to the great relief of their awacs and themselves.
"You're making good progress you guys you are currently halfway to your rendez-vous point."Sky Keeper tells the two pilots to encourage them."Look I'm not gonna lie its just going to be you and your radar out there, just know you've got a bunch a people pulling for ya.,,and I'm one of them."
"Yeah, thanks for putting more pressure on me Sky Keeper... "Think Trigger with a smile.
"No way I'm going to fail halfway... for my brother I wouldn't fail but with him... "Think Brownie, always following Trigger neither too close nor too far. "I would make it. "
"You're three fourth of the way, been a long flight but you're nearly home."Says their awacs, while both check and prepare their weapons Sky Keeper adds with a note of nostalgia about their objective. "Harling is still the president in my eyes, he is one of the many people you ended the war along the Razgriz, after that he contribute to build the space elevator and launched a spaceship from it, despite his success he remained an humble hero, even if I'm stuck far away, I'll do my best to help you to save him, lend me an hand you two."
"I remember, I was in high school at that time, my father even participated in the fight of Sudentor while he was in the air national guard."William remembers when his father, who was stationed in the 95th Squadron in the state of North Osea, the Red Fox, hence the origin of his emblem, showed him pictures of his damaged F15C after he shot down four enemy fighters to help the Razgriz carry out their mission.
"The Razgriz are real heroes, I would give anything to meet just one of them! " said Jamie, recalling seeing the destruction of SOLG as she and her brother ate breakfast before going to the Lyceum.
Sky Keeper's story ends at the same time as the two pilots emerge from the cloud cover and arrive in sight of the base of the space elevator, where there are stopped cargo ships and also the still afloat hulks or abandoned ships of the IUN member states." RDV point dead ahead, hang in here."
" Finally we are there."
"Trigger, Brownie the first stage of the mission is clear but don't celebrate yet the real fight's about to start, radio silence is now lifted, the auxiliary carft will be arriving shortly, destroy the anti-air around the space elevator we're secure the rescue choppers LZ, weapons free ! "Sky Keeper say.
Targets appear on their radar forming a defensive circle around the elevator. "Finally I was getting tired of talking to myself, Brownie we do as we said, I take care of the flak you take care of the SAM sites. "Says Trigger who puts the afterburner at full throttle as soon as he gives his orders.
"Received...hey wait for me you idiot !"
" AA gun in sight, bombs away! " Says Trigger by destroying two AA gun sites.
"What the...enemy aircraft open fire !"Shout an erusean gunner through the radio.
"Not yet awake, I see... "Observes Jamie noting the slow reaction of the enemy's defenses "In that case I'll help you, fox 3 fox 3! "Two of his LASMs detach from her wings and destroy two SAM sites adding confusion for the operators who finally start to react and try to shoot down the two fighters.
"Hq we are attacked by enemy fighters, fire fire! " Says an anti-aircraft gun operator.
"How did they manage to get through the radar network? " Says a SAM site operator whose the fired missiles were deflected by the F16 flares, then an explosion sounded, indicating the destruction of the same missile battery.
" Nice shot Brownie! "Says Trigger who in turn destroys two more AA sites.
"You're both doing a good job, half of SAM and A.A. are out of commission keep it up. " Sky Keeper tells them when F14D, F16C F15E and F/A18E appear on his radar. "Ah the reinforcements are there! "
"Trigger sorry'bout the wait cavalry's here. "Clow said
"Golem squadron, our girl jumped through the fire, now its our turn."Knocker report.
"Understood."Footpad respond.
"Lets go to work, don't let them earn all the glory."Boggard add.
"Garuda team here, look like the job is almost done !"Talisman said.
"Gargoyle squadron, stay focused you all know our job, make our leader proud."Says the voice of Andrew who now replaces his deceased leader.
"All aircraft eliminate the enemy before they can..shits to late I am picking up several radio communications from the airport, it looks like the enemy is trying to react to our attack they about to launch their fighters. "Report Sky Keeper.
"We should be able to take care of them before they take off, what do you think talisman. " asks Marcus ready to move towards the airport.
"I think you should leave these targets to us kids." Answers an elderly voice on the radio that the three Emmerians recognize.
"That voice, if it's really him, that means the Eruseans only have a few seconds to live. "Says Talisman, acknowledging the Admiral's voice just like his companions.
From the control tower of the airport the Erusean commander, ulcerated by the surprise attack and blaming the radar operators for their incompetence can see the explosions and column of smoke rising from the base of the elevator, while shouting his orders over the radio."How is it that none of our planes have taken off yet, what are our pilots doing?"
"The attack was so sudden, most of them were in their quarters or in the city, those in alert took their places and they are now on the runway, my colonel." Answers one of the operators.
"These fools have forgotten that we are at war, that they take off as soon as they arrive, and those who will not be killed will hear me, Lt. Colonel Nollet I count on you and your men to repel the enemy."
On board his F15J, Lt Colonel Florent Nollet aka Ronin, as well as other pilots prepare to take off and answer. "Here Ronin, well received, I'm taking off! " he said when suddenly the missile warning sounded throughout the base. "Incoming missiles coming from... the sea? "Says one of the surprised radar operators.
"Activate the LPWS, pilots take off now! "Shouts the commander as the LPWS and other close defense systems are activated, unfortunately for them the large number of missiles is too much for the LPWS, shell explosions and cruise missiles are ravaging the base, destroying the hangars and a majority of the defenses and the control tower, killing its occupants, including the commander and damaging the runway and destroying several fighters, of which only one, that of Lt. Col. Nollet survived and took off, from where the top he could see the damage caused by the attack of the IUN.
Those responsible for this massacre are none other than the Marigold and his escort, whose shells and missiles ensure that nothing moves, not being equipped for anti-surface combat, Florian displays an angry face and heads north leaving the combat zone, alone he can do nothing.
"Destruction of the hangars and a large majority of the fighters confirmed, no more movement for the moment and the runway will be unusable for a long time the aera is clear." said Leonardo, noting the disappearance of the targets on his radar.
"To all ships, stop firing! " Orders the admiral, the ships stop firing. " Let Sea Goblin and Yellow Jacket take off and stay at a distance until our allies finish destroying the enemy defenses. " Orders Kenneth while CH47 and UH9 and support helicopter take off from the Marcello deck ready to rescue the ex-president.
" All these targets destroyed in an instant, it's impressive! " Says Trigger who finishes to destroy the defenses of the elevator.
"As one could have expected from the Marigold, the enemy has been reduced to dust! "Said Talisman.
"The old lady hasn't changed, you really shouldn't mess with her no matter if you're Erusean or Estovakian!"Adds Shamrock.
"Once again, the navy gets the spotlight, it's the army guys who will be jealous! "Says Edelweiss.
"The Marigold is to the Emmerian what the Kestrel was to us, a ship of legend and soon to be the hero of a second conflict."Says an admiring clown.
"Yes, and I hope that we will not face them in the future, and that their ship will not come to the same end as ours. " Answers Knocker on a more serious note, while Brownie destroys the last sam.
"All AA gun and SAM site destroyed, the enemy base is out of commission too, good job everyone, the LZ is now secure Sea Goblin, Yellow jacket you're cleared to land."Sky Keeper report to the rescue team.
"Roger awacs !"The two team leader respond."Selatapura we're back, RDV point in sight we're almost there."Richard Lee said with a smile, two UH9s and a mangusta from the marina militare accompanied by a CH47, a UH60 and 3 OGDF apache are approaching near one of the sites planned to find the President and Col Johnson.
Relieved that the mission is going as planned, Sky keeper relaxes a little following the progress of the rescue helicopter, when his radar shows new contact to the north, in the city and the dock, resuming his usual posture he hurries to transmit the information to all the pilots. "Multiple bandits over Selatapura Harbor!They're container-launched UAV s, pilots you know what you have to do."
"Sea goblin here, going up to meet our two VIPs."Sea goblin leader radioed.
"Yellow jacket same thing here, Garuda team can you please keep these UAVs away from us, thanks."Richard ask politely to his friend.
The 3 F15E's are flying over the bridge already, heading towards the city's port." Garuda 1 to Lee, roger that we're silencing them, will you join us Golem? "Ask Talisman to Knocker.
"Ah obviously, we won't let you have fun all by yourself, Brownie get back to the formation, everyone be ready to take down many drones as possible!" Answers this one laughing, Brownie having returned to his position in the squadron the 4 Hornets join the Emmerians. "Hey clown, can you and the kid keep the elevator for us?"
Clown sighs and answers. "Okay, but next time it'll be your turn! "He says, keeping an eye on the helicopters that just landed."Rescue craft's tagged on, initiate the rescue of the target."Indicates their AWACS, the commandos of both countries disembark from their helicopters and begin to deploy among the containers and the few vehicles to cover as much ground as possible to find and recover the president and his bodyguard, under the protection of the other combat helicopters and the two F16s that watch over them."Rescue craft on the ground is defenseless, Garuda and Golem destroy all hostile."
Clown sigh again and said to his wingmen."It's been a long journey but you're on the home stretch."
"Mage and Gargoyle will stand by near the space elevator."
"It's time for fireworks, Garuda squadron, fire ! " Orders talisman which already, destroys two of the drones, quickly imitated by its allies and the pilots of the Golem squadron."Knocker shot one down."
"One UAV down !"Footpad cheered.
"Another tin can destroyed, who's the next?"Boggard add by using his Hornet guns.
"Target locked, fox 2!"Says Marcus as he fires one of his missiles, but Mq99s are agile opponents and the missile is going to crash, fortunately into the water. "Shit missed, those damn drones are more agile than the strigons! " he complained before the drone was destroyed by a burst of fire.
"But not enough for me!"Says Talisman to tease his friend. "Shit, looks like Adrianna's in trouble..."Says Antony heading back to her.
"I've got one on my six, evasive manoeuvers!"Garduda 3 radioed."A bit of help will be welcomed!"She said before the drone ended up in pieces, destroyed by Brownie who immediately headed towards other targets not without having been thanked by the emmerian girl, the drones were shot down one after the other although some of them managed to cross the fighter defensive network to finally be destroyed by trigger and Clown."Thes Uavs can't nothing against us!"William said.
"And the're supposed to remplace real pilots, what a joke!"Braden add with a smirk.
"Enemy UAV incoming, engage."Gargoyle 1 said.
"They're not too many, we can handle them."Gargoyle 2 respond.
Meanwhile the soldiers, not paying attention to dogfights, begin their progression in search of the former president, hidden somewhere."This is sea Goblin leader team , heading over to the ex prez location now."Said the Osean captain Zachary Hansen with his M4A1 directing his men by making them advance on the left side by checking the slightest corner of any presence of the president or their enemies.
"Yellow jacket here, we're moving forward in cover of the right flank, stay alert guys, we should be used to the place after all this training here."Says Richard, HK416 in hand while seeking hostiles through its holographic sight and locates suspicious movements, one second later several shots resound on the deserted dock of all its workers.
"Contact! "Shouts a Osean soldier after his comrade behind him has been shot in the shoulder."Open fire!"
"Ennemie en vue, empêchez les de récupérer Harling, feu à volonté!"(Enemy in sight, don't let them get Harling back, fire at will!)Orders the Erusean team leader.
"HQ we came into contact with the enemy... "Richard reports by radio, taking cover behind a truck and return fire he managed to eliminate two soldiers approaching his position, going to check the bodies of the attackers he realizes one thing if the first is an ordinary soldier, the second wears a Royal Special Forces black gear whit orage lines on the arms and legs, and on his shoulder a white badge in the shape of a rose with 7 orange stars and marked GIGR.
"The GIGR, shit, watch out, we have members of the Royal Special Forces here too, be careful with these guys. " Warned Richard who joined his men caught in the crossfire.
"Just like us those bastards sent their elite unit to get Harling back, we're going to make them regret their decision! "Replied Zachary, who was still advancing when they were stopped in their advance by a Humvee and his .50 caliber machine gun "Machine gun, get down! "Shouts one of the soldiers as he gets down on the ground behind the remains of a car. "This is Sierra 2, we're stuck! Somebody shut that machine gun down!"
From one of the cranes on the docks two snipers are positioned, through the scope of his AWP the sniper responds. "This is Denebola's team, we've got them in the sights, we're taking care of them. "Says the Emmerian sniper, who fires twice, killing the gunner and destroying the ammunition magazine. " Denebola here, machine gunner neutralized, we change position. " He said as he changed position.
From his E-767 Sky Keeper continues to provide information to both the pilots, who have greatly reduced the number of drones, and the soldiers on the ground. "Attention for the ground forces, several troop transport vehicles has been spotted and are moving on your position."
"Great more good news to tell us? " answers Richard sarcastically between two bursts of gunfire.
"Here sierra 3, we just found Harling and Johnson in one of the containers and we have enemy soldiers on our ass, covering our retreat. " Reports Zachary who hurries to give a bulletproof vest to the two and an M4A1 to the colonel. "We've come to get you out of there sir, please stay behind me. "He says reassuringly, "We're moving in on you, watch where you're shooting."He said to Richard.
"Thank you, you are saving me, once again. " Said the grateful ex-President as he put the bulletproof vest on his suit.
" It's nothing, glad to see you again sir, even if I would have preferred it to be in a different way. " Answers Zachary.
"We have to go, sir. " Said Johnson, Harling nods and follows the team.
"This is Bird Eater, we're going to hold the enemy soldiers for you! " He says, placing his helicopter so that the gunner and his gatling can fire on the Erusean soldiers forcing them to take cover.
"Shooter squadron here we'll take care of enemy vehicles." Indicates Doug 'D-ray' Robinson by radio, two Apaches are heading to the left while the third and the A129 will stop those coming from the right. " Armored in sight, target locked, fire! " Doug shouts as his co-pilot spits out the shells from his machine gun and the hellfire missile destroys the Eruseans M1128s and BMP-3s as the allied soldiers begin their retreat to the helipads under the worried eyes of Trigger and Clown, who can do nothing but eliminate the UAVs that get too close.
"Get the president out of there quickly, if only I could help them better than just making circles."Says a annoyed Trigger.
"We're taking care of the drones, and you know your bombs can injure or kill our allies on the ground, even aiming well the risks are too great. " Reminds him of Clown.
"I know I know, no you won't go any further! "Says Trigger who shoots down one of the drones trying to get too close.
"Don't let them get away, destroy those helicopters!" The GIGR Erusean leader Commander Morel shouts his orders, one of the soldiers is about to fire a rocket when he is killed by one ot the Emmerian snipers, the rocket misses its target and will destroy one of the cranes in a big explosion that collapses on the containers.
"It was a close call, it was a thermobaric one in top of that "The sniper whistled as he saw the damage.
" I'd prefer not to imagine what would have happened if it had hit one of the helicopters... " adds his colleague.
"Denebola team, the package is on board, get your butt over here and we'll evacuate immediately! " Says Richard and the sniper responds. " No need to tell us twice, we'll come back to you, the area is starting to become uninhabitable anyway. " The two hurry down and dodging the Erusean bullets by running for theirs lives get into the helicopters, while the last drones are shot down by the pilots.
"Sea Goblin to Sky Keeper, Harling is on board and we are getting ready to take off, let's change call sign for mother goose one! " Says Zachary who is the last to board the chinook, his team lost 5 men or women in the confrontation but he has the feeling that the balance would have been heavier.
"Glad to ear that, all aircraft be advise, the call sign is mother goose one, I've sent information via the data link, Marigold can you cover the retreat of our chopper ?"Sky Keeper ask to the Admiral.
"Marigold here understood, the package in on its way."Answers positively Kenneth, who at his instructions two SSCMs are launched on the target area.
"All UAV have been splashed, all aircraft, former président Harling transport is ready to take off, mother goose one take-off."The helicopters all took off at the same time as the two SSCMs exploded above the dock spreading a cloud of smoke, preventing enemy soldiers from threatening the rescue team." Smoke, put your mask everyone, merde theses damn motherfuckers they had it all planned!"Said an angry Erusean officer who took his radio. "This is Morel the enemy has retrieve Harling, deploy the arsenal bird."
As the helicopters hurry to join the fleet, Zachary's voice can be heard again. "Mother goose one here, mr harling want to extend his thanks to you beforhead."He radioed to everyone.
"Lets wait till we're home safe."Sky Keeper respond and add."All aircraft Mother goose one is heading south, please provide support.
"Sky Keeper bogeys on my radar, bearing 220."Knocker alert everyone of the incoming contact, which turn out to be UAVs, Mq101s, which means that one of the arsenal birds is nearby.
"Sighting confirmed as Mq-101 forerunner for arsenal bird!"Sky keeper confirm to them.
"The big bird is coming into the party huh ?"Clown said by following the helicopter formation.
"Here we goes again..."Garuda 1 said on an annoyed voice.
"Mage, protect mother Goose one, shoot down any UAVs, Golem and Garuda intercept the UAVs, Marigold battle group start your retreat from the AO."Sky keeper give his instructions to everyone.
"Golem 1 wilco, that last battle taught me a lot about thous a-holes…, Golem 2 don't stray off on me, always maintain element."Knocker advice her.
"Wilco old man I have a revenge to take on those damn toasters. "A confident brownie answers, ready to rain hell down again on those damn soulless robots as the helicopters continue on their way to the ships, the Apaches and Mangusta and the gunners do more to keep the drones at bay than to really shoot them down, although a lucky shot from D'ray manages to destroy one of the drones.
"To all ships, start heading 180 at full speed, prepare for anti-aircraft operations and clear the flight deck for the helicopters, the Cerberus squadron will not be too much to help them, launch them now." Orders the admiral whose orders are relayed to the pilots of the F35Bs who were in standby, without questioning the orders the four take off immediately.
"Roger sending UAV toward the choppers, orders are to fire warning."An Erusean operator said in respond to Morel request.
"Yes sir he's an old time he has no clue how UAVs are used, an arsenal bird in on its way strategy AI chose liberty over justice course have already changed even these Emmerians can't nothing against it."Another arsenal bird operator said.
Meanwhile the F14Ds of the Gargoyle squadron broke for the combat and were closing in tight formation arming their long-range missiles toward the Space Elevator when Nathan "Natt" Lorrence one of the new pilots asked."Gargoyle 1 where's the signal ?"
"Gargoyle squadron stand by to my order."Respond Andrew.
"But without the lighthouse..,I mean the harbor they won't be able to get home."Gargoyle 4, Patrick 'Patt 'Terrence ask.
"That ship isn't one of ours."The IUN PKF Hq commander respond.
"Wher's the signal ?"Nathan ask again.
"Gargoyle change radio frequency."The IUN Commander ask them and say "Gargoyle squadron its time."
"What the hell the're planning ?"Ask a curious William.
"Attention Gargoyle squadron Babe babel babel!"Gargoyle 1 radioed only to his teammates several time.
"Gargoyle 1 to babel."
"Babel roger. "At these words the four pilots lock and fire their long-range missiles on the space elevator although most of the drones intercept the missiles one of them hits the structure without causing any real damage, in front of the eyes of the other pilots who wonder what could have gone through their heads. Before the F14Ds change course pursued by the drones when Knocker ask about all of this."Sky keeper what the hell was that?"
"Gargoyle did their job."Sky Keeper respond just it was a normal task."I figured but why weren't we informed?"
"The IUN can't coordinate between branch as usual."Clown add not very surprised by the situation.
"What the meaning to to a thing like this?"Ask a curious Cerberus 1.
"I heard the Arsenal bird where powered by solar panel microwave from the Lightouse, if she is destroyed the arsenal bird can't fly any longer." Garuda 1 explain to him.
"Gargoyle squadron report!"Ask again the IUN HQ commander."Hq one hit were scored, the rest were intercepted by UAVs, the elevator's windbreak take a scratch nothing more."Gargoyle one report."Roger continue to maintain air superiority and cover for the choppers the arsenal bird is approaching."While in mother goose one Vincent Harling is angry about the Babel operation carried out by the IUN, saying he'll say one word or two to the peoples who planned this operation.
"And here we go again, another flying fortress to eliminate... I hope the IUN hq has no other surprises like this"Said Talisman jadedly. "But hey, we're rather specialized in this kind of thing since the time with our own superiors."
"We didn't really have the opportunity to meet him above Chopinburg, it's time to make amends... " Marcus adds in order to relax the atmosphere, arming his 6AAM.
"I hope to do better than the last time over chopinburg."Says Adrianna.
"In that case, please allow us to join you."Ask Tony to his compatriot whose four F35Bs are joining the three F15Es.
"There will be enough targets for everyone, good to see you guys again, I hear you made a big impression during the attack on the city and the liberation of Artiglio. " Answers Talisman.
"Someone had to do the job for you guys." adds Stephano with a smile.
"Cerberus team, garuda team, you'll talk about your respective exploits later, new waves of Mq101 on approach, just push back these drones, don't take it out on the arsenal bird, it's too risky even for you. "Sky Keeper says to them in a serious way.
"Roger that, Sky Keeper, garuda 1, engage."
"Garuda 2 engage."
"Garuda 3, engage as well."
"Cerberus team, its time to hunt some wild drone, don't let them approaching the Helo and don't let Garuda team steal the spotlight !"
"Wilco boss !"The three other pilots respond.
Immediately the 7 Emmerian fighters along their allies engage the drones, missiles and shells are exchanged on both sides and despite a higher number of drones, the experience of the veteran pilots of the war of 2015 gives them an advantage and a large number of drones explode in the air or crash into the sea, Helped of course by the fleet's air defense and the other squadrons of the IUN, while the helicopters finally join the fleet and begin to land one after the other on the deck of the Marcello or that of the other ships.
"Activate the Phalanx, keep them from getting any closer! " shouts the captain of the Arlon whose ship is again the target, the missiles explode a few meters away from his ship, giving cold sweat to his crew, however one of the ships is less lucky.
"This's the OFS Saber we suffered missile impact, minimal damage, but the radar will be INOP for some time. " Reports Commander Shirou Armya, whose ship continues to defend itself although handicapped by the loss of its tracking radar.
"Here Bystry and Gumrak no damage suffered, several drones shot down continue our mission do not let them pass! "Says the commander of the Gumrak.
"The helicopters have started to land, four other drones have managed to cross the dam, stop them! "Inform them Sky keeper. Trigger and Brownie who are the closest are the first to react and broke of their formation."Mage 2 copy we take care of it, brownie with me!"
"I'm following you, buddy."
The two pilots tirelessly chase the MQ101s while avoiding the fire of a nerve-wracking flak, two of the drones are shot down by William while a third is sent to the bottom of the ocean by brownie, watching his Hud and wings Trigger realizes one thing."Shit, no more missile, brownie I leave you the last one I cover you by keeping the others from approaching with what's left in my guns."
"Understood, the glory is mine to protect Harling in the end. " Answers the young woman as Mother goose one begins to land along with the other choppers when her Hornet's onboard computer seems to have problems and static on the screen as if it had been jammed or hacked before returning to normal. "What the hell was that? At last I'll see it when I get back, that's the end for you dirty toaster, good night! "She said as she locked and fired her last two missiles, however the drone seemed to perform an evasive maneuver but that wasn't enough and the drone exploded, however at the same time a terrible event occurred.
"Golem 2 golem 2!"Sound in Jamie head.
"Shit missile impact, the rear rotor is not responding, prepare for a crash landing! " said the panicked Osean pilot to his passengers.
"Mother Goose One has been hit, clear the deck!"
"What, how? "Said brownie as he watched the chinook hit the aft rotor crash and slide on deck in a cloud of smoke and sparks under the helpless eyes of Captain Nadia Tolecci who seemed to freeze before screaming to send rescue teams, however the firefighters have just extracted the survivors and Harling that a second explosion, due to a fuel leak causes the chinook to explode.
"Mother goose one has exploded! "Bring back a shocked Footpad.
"Harling, my gods, I hope they all made it!"Trigger said worried.
Ace combat 7 OST:Friendly fire
"Where did this missile come from?" Marcus asks.
"Golem 2 fired that!"
"It was Osean, a friendly missile hit them."Another pilot said.
"I really did this...It was me who fired this missile but I'm sure I... "Says brownie who seems about to break down, starting to cry.
"D'ont t say some bullshit like this, we need to known what's happened."Says trigger to try to defend his friend."
Friendly fire, I saw it."Boggard said sure about what's happened.
"Mother goose one had explode on the ship but the fire-team were able to save everyone, including Harling." Reports Sky Keeper who received the information from the captain of the Marcello. "
These erusean bastard they tried to kill a hero!"
"Golem 1 was it brownie ?"Ask clown on a sad tone.
He sighs for a moment and finally answers."Brownie was the closet, but I'm sure it wasn't her, what if it was the damn drone that fired at the last moment?"He respond to give her some defense about these accusations from some of the pilots."Even if it was her, it would not have been intentional on her part, all this shots, these drones everywhere, I would probably have made the same mistake too... "Adds Trigger to defend her.
"UAVs were crawling al over our objective...I must keep an eye on her in this situation."Knocker admit.
While the pilots argue about the situation of whom rightly or wrongly a white flying machine which is none other than the arsenal bird responsible for all this shit think the pilots, emerges from the clouds, the pilots having almost exhausted all their missiles, Sky Keeper gives its orders."Arsenal bird is entering the airspace, all ship and aicraft withdraw immediately!"Sky Keeper warn everyone. "...roger that, Garuda squadron we're pulling out, you guys should do the same. "Said Talisman to the pilots of the Cerberus squadron.
The pilots do not turn down orders including the Emmerian aces who have exhausted their missiles on the drones, the fact that the Marcello flight deck is crowded with the CH47 debris and helicopters the Cerberus squadron joins the other pilots to join the Vulture, if the operation has not been easy for everyone, for one of them the trouble is just beginning when Sky Kepper says to a devastated Jamie."Brownie you c'ant fly for a while you understand why."Refusing her fate, the young woman however prefers not to answer so as to avoid aggravating her case and is contented to remain silent all along the way home.
Fort Grays AFB 6 June 2019 21h30
As the moon rises the pilots land on the runway lit by white and red lights in almost total radio silence, Brownie is the last to land and exit her F18F quickly taken care of by mechanics and military police inspectors and heads into military police care without paying attention to the discussion of the pilots and base personnel about what happened, "Jamie...I'm sure you had nothing to do with it, we're going to get this case figured out and ...". Her boss says to her, but she doesn't pay attention to him and walk to the briefing room while he just followed her without saying anything more.
"It's not fair, we don't have the right to treat her like that I'm sure she's innocent... "Says William angry as he punches a wooden crate and hurts himself. "Ouch..."
"Calm down will, I'm sure we'll find the end of the story to all this. "Says his boss to calm him down.
"It's unbelievable, after losing her brother and almost getting killed, she's accused of attempted murder, I haven't known her for long but I'm sure she had nothing to do with it... "Said a disgusted Antony with his arms folded in disgust.
"Anyway, I know what it feels like to be in this situation, I hope she's going to be okay. " Marcus adds, remembering the day he disobeyed the order of their awacs over the Moloch desert, a bad day for them too.
"Yes, she's a good girl too, I hope she's going to be okay and that the police will find out what really happened. " Adrianna adds afterwards the pilots, including Jamie, all go to the briefing room.
AC7 Ost:IUN Debriefing
"Despite the chaotic situation we faced, the mission to rescue Mr. Harling was successful. "Said the commander in a monotone tone which gave hope to brownie who decided to speak up and asked. "How is he? "The commander remained silent for a moment and said. "The explosion caused by the helicopter has injured several soldiers, including Harling who received a wound to the head, he is alive but unconscious but the doctors are optimistic about his chances of survival and he should be able to wake up soon. "A sigh of relief can be heard in the room when the news is announced. "Unfortunately for you, pilot Jamie Devonter and until the NCIS clarifies this terrible incident, you are suspected for attempted murder the former president, there will be an inquiry"
"An investigation yes of course and it will probably take place when the war is over, I need her we all need her!"Said an angry Knocker to the commander
"It's okay, it's okay boss, the important thing is that he's alive."She said.
"It will be up to the courts to decide, until Officer Devonter is confined to his quarters until further notice, dismissed!"The commander said firmly.
Author notes:
GIGR: Groupe d'intervention de la Gendarmerie Royale, formerly know as the GIGN, the unit was created one year after the 1972 Dinsmark massacre when terrorist from the Romny Liberation front of occupied territory has killed 11 Yuktobanians athletes during the Dinsmark Olympic games.
LPWS: A land variant of the famous CIWS to protect ground installations from missiles or aircraft.