"Kestrel, Mage, prepare for your in-flight briefing," Sky Keeper ordered.
Eva tilted her control stick to slightly adjust to her left before leveling her plane out again. "Roger that, Sky Keeper. We're ready."
"We finally gonna figure out what all the rush is about?" Boggard asked.
Magic snickered. "That is typically what a briefing is for."
"Cut the chatter," Knight's staticky voice ordered over the radio, promptly shutting everyone up. "Early this morning, we received a rather interesting transmission via the satellite we launched last week. Apparently, a Free Erusean pilot decided to defect, and they're rescuing an engineer they took hostage who claims to have valuable intel. They said that they'd give it to us, but only if we get them to safety. As soon as they left, they've had fighters trailing them, but they've managed to stay just outside of their range. Gorgon and Centaur already scrambled and intercepted them at Yinshi Valley, but a bit of a furball has broken out."
"I take it we're there to break the stalemate?" Eva asked.
"Correct. Get our defector out of there at all costs," Knight answered.
"Heh. Seems we're dealing with all kinds of defectors lately," Poet chimed in.
"That just means people are beginning to realize they're on the wrong side," Zero replied. "The more people we see switching sides, the better off we'll be."
As Eva looked around at the sky getting closer to their objective, she couldn't help but frown. "God, why is it so overcast today?"
"I can't believe we're gonna have to dogfight in this crap- and in a place like Yinshi Valley of all places," Footpad mumbled.
"Well, it could be worse," Lucky pointed out. "We could be doing this in a thunderstorm."
"If you're willing to dogfight through Yinshi Valley in the middle of a thunderstorm, then you're probably one of the biggest dumbasses to ever exist," Magic said.
"I mean… to be fair, we've arguably done dumber," Eva replied, smirking a bit as she recalled the crazy missions they've been on.
"What, you mean, like flying through a ravine in the middle of the night?"
"Or chasing a satellite at a literal 90-degree angle?"
"Or practically running at an Arsenal Bird headfirst?"
"Or taking out a massive jammer without missiles?"
There was a long pause before Brownie eventually spoke up. "Christ. How have you all manage to keep with everything?"
Poet snickered. "That's implying we have kept up with everything," he said.
"I mean, we could've done worse," Lucky countered. "After all, we're alive, aren't we?"
"Let's straighten up, everyone," Clown said before anyone got a chance to respond. "We're approaching the AO. Sky Keeper, wanna let everyone know that we're here?"
Sky Keeper cleared his throat and spoke into the radio. "Attention to all Osean aircraft. This is the AWACS Sky Keeper for the Fort Grays Island Air Base Squadron, and we're entering the AO now."
"Thank god you guys are finally here," Gorgon 1 said, voice heavy with relief. "We just lost Centaur 3, and no matter how many of these Free Erusean pricks we shoot down, we can't seem to make a dent."
A new voice that Eva didn't recognize spoke up. "Plus, every time I try to break away, someone else just slips behind me."
"I take it you're our defector, then?" Eva asked.
"I mean… technically, yes, but not the one you're here for. I'm just the pilot. Name's Lynx," he introduced himself. "Pierre, here, is the one with all the intel. He's in my backseat."
"I swear to god, Jason," a man Eva could only presume to be Pierre cut in. "Out of all the routes that you could've chosen to take, you really chose the absolute worst one for me." His annoyance toward Lynx was just about as apparent as the nausea in his voice.
Lynx laughed. "Oh, come on, Pierre. This is the route that kept us alive." The suffering of his passenger clearly amused him. "Besides, you haven't passed out yet, have you? I'd say that's a win for you."
"Bâtard…" Pierre muttered in Erusean. "Just get us out of here."
"Well, now that we're here, it shouldn't be too much longer before you're able to break away," Clown assured him. "Don't worry. We'll get you home safe."
As Kestrel and Mage Squadron finally came into visual range of Yinshi Valley, Eva looked around to observe the situation. Whatever parts of the area weren't blocked by rock columns jutting out from the ground were either blotted out by missile trails or the planes that fired them. Although, the heavy clouds and fog didn't help much, either. Planes on both sides of the furball twisted and weaved between the columns both in pursuit of their targets and to evade the planes chasing them. Suffice to say: there was plenty for Eva and the others to do.
"Alright, let's get to work," Eva said decisively. "Lynx, where are you? We'll head over and clear any bandits off your six."
"In the northern part of the valley," Lynx said. "We're in the Phantom with a couple of bandits on our tail."
Eva glanced down at her radar. Luckily, there was a group of aircraft that was relatively isolated from the rest of the furball. "Alright, we'll have Sky Keeper patch you into our datalink. For now, just sit tight. I'll be there in just a second."
"Kinda hard for us to do anything but sit tight," Lynx joked.
Eva pushed the throttle forward and dove down into the fight. "Alright. Lucky, on my six. We're going to secure Lynx. Everyone else establish air superiority. Kestrel Squadron, engage."
The ten planes all split away from each other in different directions to engage various targets. As usual, Charger dove headfirst into the most crowded part of the furball, and he even managed to get two kills on his first pass. Poet and Magic formed an element and started picking off fighters on the edges of the fight, while Zero struck off on his own, zipping between the columns and taking out any enemy planes within range. Meanwhile, Diamond and Lucky went straight for Lynx. Unfortunately, a group of Free Erusean fighters noticed them and turned to face the pair head-on. Eva and Lucky didn't deviate from the course, though. Even though the enemy outnumbered them two to one, they actually sped up.
The moment they were in range, Lucky fired a salvo of 4AAMs at the group of MiG-29s. None of the missiles landed, but in their attempt to evade, the Free Erusean fighters had to break off from their attack, which put them on the defensive. Eva switched on her afterburners and chased after one of the MiG-29s on the edge of the formation that was turning up to loop back around. Eva cut back on the throttle pitched up, trying to cut them off and take them down with machine guns, and while she managed to get a few solid hits in, it wasn't enough to take them down. Luckily, she was already in a position to get behind the MiG-29 and finish it off with a standard missile. However, before she had time to report the kill, her radar warning started screeching at her, forcing her to immediately dive down further into the rocky columns at full speed. After weaving between the rocks, the missile chasing Eva quickly lost its target as it slammed into a column of limestone, but the MiG-29 that fired it was still right behind her. With each turn she made, she bled off more and more speed, and while it helped her maneuver through the rocks, it also meant that the bandit on her tail was gaining on her. One again, Eva's missile alert started howling over and over, but instead of trying to evade, she straightened her plane out before launching chaff and flares and throwing her plane up into a cobra. The Fulcrum tried to maneuver away as Eva situated herself behind them, but it was too late, as Eva unleashed a storm of tracers onto their plane until they eventually lost control and spiraled into one of the pillars.
"God damn, they just keep coming," Brownie grunted. "How many pilots does Free Erusea have anyway?"
"You'd be surprised," Lynx answered. "Most of Free Erusea's top brass are officers from the Continental War. When the satellites went out, they took it as their chance to restore the regime they fought for 15 years ago," he explained. "Most of the pilots that follow them are just following their commanders. Although, there are a few crazy people willing to follow the fascists with blind patriotism because they throw the word 'freedom' around a lot."
"Aren't you just now leaving Free Erusea, though?" Footpad asked. "If you're so distinctly against them, then why are you only just leaving now?"
Lynx let out a heavy sigh. "I wasn't entirely sure what they were fighting for at first. Besides, my commander was a good guy, or I thought he was, at least. He got me this far, and part of me didn't want to believe he would support such an awful group. Plus, with Pierre here, I can actually make a difference."
"Not if we don't make it out of her, you can't," Pierre moaned. "Or if I throw up all my organs before we get out of here."
"Don't worry, Diamond and I are almost there," Lucky assured him as he spun around, getting behind the last MiG-29 and shooting it down. "We had some slight difficulties, but we're on our way."
"It looks like we might be delayed even further," Eva said. "We've got more bandits inbound," she pointed out, referencing the pair of F-16Cs headed their way after diverting from the main area where all of the fighting was happening.
"I don't know how much longer I'll be able to keep these guys off my ass," Lynx said with a grunt. "They're persistent; I'll grant them that."
"Diamond, Lucky, you two head to Lynx. I'll keep you covered," Zero cut in, already turning toward the incoming Vipers.
"Wilco. Thanks for the assist, Zero," Lucky replied with a smirk as Zero grabbed the attention of the two fighters in their way.
"You hear that, Lynx?" Eva asked, once again heading toward the defector's position. "We're en route. Start heading toward us so we can get those bandits off your tail."
"Copy that. Headed your way. Be ready for a fight," Lynx replied.
At that moment, Eva finally saw the F-4E they'd been sent here for. Despite how slow the plane was to turn, though, Lynx was doing an admirable job evading the three Rafales from getting a clear shot on him. Occasionally, one of his pursuers would fire off a missile, but it would quickly find itself hitting one of the stone columns instead of its target. Suddenly, Lynx made one last high-G turn and started flying right toward Eva and Lucky.
"Oh, Jesus Christ, Pierre!" Lynx shouted. "Couldn't you have used the damn vomit bag?"
Pierre coughed. "What the hell are you talking about? I don't see anything other than all these confusing instruments."
"It's in your flight suit, imbécile!" "Oh, well, that's good to know because I know for a fact that I'm not done." "Hey, Lynx, think fast. We're headed your way," Eva called out as she and Lucky prepared to strike the three aircraft trailing the defector. As Eva climbed to a higher altitude to ensure she didn't hit Lynx, Lucky dove down to do the same. Together, they came at the three Rafales at the same time, each firing a 4AAM salvo. The three planes tried to evade the missiles headed their way, but none of them could get away in time, and they all fell to the ground as Eva and Lucky sped past Lynx and looped back around."Hang on a sec. Are you the Blue Kestrel?" Lynx asked.
"Most people just call me Diamond," Eva replied, conveniently sidestepping the question to spare herself the sheepishness.
"Well, now I know that we're gonna be alright," he said as Eva and Lucky flew on either side of him. "Y'hear that, Pierre? We're flying the same skies as a living legend."
"You mean you're flying the same skies as a living legend," Pierre corrected him. "I'm too busy trying not to barf my guts out."
"Hey, Lucky, do you think you can keep them covered?" Eva asked, trying to change the subject. "I'm gonna go help the others in that furball."
"Sure thing, Diamond. I'll start escorting Lynx out of the AO," Lucky answered. "Good luck."
"Sky Keeper, how are things going so far?" Eva asked as she turned to fly into the center of the dwindling furball.
"Free Erusean forces have been reduced to about 40%," the AWACS operator reported. "Shouldn't be too much longer until we're good to go."
"It's about damn time," Centaur 2 mumbled. "I'm exhausted after all this- what the hell!? Where did these guys come-" Static replaced the pilot's voice.
"Centaur 2? Dammit!" Centaur 1 hissed. "Sky Keeper, who shot him down?"
"I- I can't tell. The nearest enemies to his last position just vanished?" Sky Keeper replied.
"Vanished?" Poet echoed. "Are they using stealth?"
"Most likely. Keep your eyes peeled, everyone. Don't let yourselves get picked off," Clown ordered.
Eva cut back on the throttle as she got closer to the furball and started looking around, hoping she might find whoever it was that killed Centaur 2. "I'm not seeing anything," she said, squinting into the distance as she maneuvered around the stone columns.
"I see them! In the clouds!" Gorgon 1 reported. "Two Su-57s; I can't get away!" The flight lead sounded as if he was going to say something else, but the only thing that came from his end after that was static, just like Centaur 2.
Eva's head jerked toward the last spot she saw Gorgon 1, and then she saw them. Reaching the bottom of a downward curve, two Su-57s began their ascent back into the clouds to go back into hiding. "I see them, turning to engage!" she reported, speeding toward them as fast as her plane would allow.
Out of the corner of her eye, Eva saw Zero headed in the same direction coming in from her right. "I'm right here with you, Diamond."
Eva fired a salvo of 4AAMs at the two Felons and followed them up into the clouds. A few seconds later, they both disappeared from her HUD and radar, but she didn't deviate from her course. Instead, she followed the missiles she just fired into the clouds until the planes reappeared, flying at an angle perpendicular to Eva. She tried to hit one of them with a burst from her machine gun but only barely missed as the Felon zipped past her. As Eva turned to follow them, she felt her plane starting to get sluggish as it began to ice up, but she wasn't going to let that stop her. As soon as she completed her turn to get behind one of the Su-57s, she fired a pair of standard missiles at them. Her target pitched up into a loop as quickly as they could manage, causing her missiles to sail right past the Felon. Now that they were facing Eva, the Su-57 decided it was their turn to go on the offensive. Despite the fact that their plane was also starting to ice up, they proved to be quite maneuverable as they dove down toward the F-35, guns firing tracers that sliced through the clouds. Eva pulled her plane downward to evade, eventually breaking out of the clouds and allowing the ice on her plane to melt.
As the battle around them raged on, Eva and the Su-57 behind her dove down between the stone columns. Out of the corner of her eye, Eva saw Zero chasing the other Su-57 a little higher up, but he was struggling to get a lock on his target. Luckily, the same was the case for the Felon behind Eva. She tried to steady her breathing as the g-forces pushed down on her from all directions while she twisted and turned between the columns at nearly full speed. No matter what kind of maneuvers she tried to use to get her pursuer off her tail, however, nothing seemed to work. Any roll, sharp turn, or loop Eva would make, the Su-57 would mimic nearly perfectly. Occasionally, they would try to fire a missile or a burst from their machine gun at her, but she would avoid it within the narrowest margins.
"God damn, these guys are good," Eva murmured as she inhaled sharply to catch her breath. "I can't seem to find an opening."
"Damn, I should've known they'd send Orange Team after us," Lynx mumbled. "Just goes to show how badly they want us dead."
"Friends of yours, I take it?" Poet asked as he got into a dogfight with a Typhoon.
"They're probably two of Free Erusea's best pilots. I can only think of a few people off the top of my head that I think would have a chance at beating them," Lynx explained.
Eva let out an exasperated sigh. "Is it just me, or have we heard something along those lines pretty throughout the entire war?" she asked, pushing the throttle forward and diving down to pick up more speed. "What exactly is it that you have that's so important to them?"
"It's more of a visual thing, really," Pierre replied. "I've got it all on a flash drive."
"Well, then, let's make you're able to show us," Zero said as he turned to follow the Su-57 in front of him. "Diamond, I've got one headed your way. I'll take care of the one behind you if you wanna take this one."
Eva looked down at her radar and saw the Felon that Zero was chasing coming up behind her along with the one already on her tail. As she made a hard turn to the right around a stone pillar, she dropped her speed and looked over her shoulder. Her original pursuer was the first to appear from around the bend, and the second Su-57, followed closely by Zero, wasn't far behind. Suddenly, Zero fired a missile at his target, and the Felon pitched up to evade. Rather than turning to follow him, however, Zero switched on his afterburners and sped toward the Su-57 behind Eva while she went after the now ascending enemy fighter.
"Kestrel 1, Fox 3!" she called out, launching a single 4AAM at the target. The missile swerved toward its target until smashing into its tail and causing the Felon to let out a trail of smoke behind it. As soon as Eva's HUD marked it as a hit, the Su-57's speed dropped, and it began to stall, which she quickly took advantage of by speeding towards it and finishing it off with her guns.
"Got 'em!" Zero called out as the second Su-57 spiraled into one of the stone pillars. "That's both Felons splashed," he reported.
"Good work," Sky Keeper replied. "Lucky and Lynx are just about out of the AO, so I'd say that's mission accomplished. Let's take out any remaining stragglers and RTB."
"Negative, Kestrel and Mage, you guys go ahead and catch up with our defector. We'll be the rearguard and keep these guys off of you," Gorgon 2 responded. "Once we're done here, we'll meet you at Fort Grays."
Eva started turning in the direction Lucky and Lynx were going and looked over her shoulder at the dwindling furball. "Roger that. Watch out for each other," she said. "We'll see you soon. Hopefully, we can finally get a handle on what exactly is going on."