Chapter 4

Operation Breaker

"Vanguard, Aquila, I cannot stress how important this mission is going to be," Tillmin said, activating the briefing software. "Today is the day we go on the offensive."

The map zoomed in near the frontlines. "As you can see here, this is the only base closest to the frontlines is currently occupied by the Cabal and the Oceanic Royal Guard. Drive them off from the base, and we'll open up the frontlines. To compensate for your low numbers, we'll have two additional squadrons join us for the push. The transport group, Panther, will drop our troops to seize the base once the AA defenses are cleared out. Take care of any fighters that impede our progress, and we'll have our opening. Wheels up in the hour."

As the pilots moved toward the hangars, Meteor couldn't pass up the opportunity to let out a boast. "I bet that Aquila takes that shiny crown from Vanguard today. I mean, eagles always get their kills because of their keen eyesight."

"Yeah, bet that one had a couple of surgeries before being stuffed in a Flanker," muttered Peppermint, resulting in a few "oohs" from the others.

"You just wait and see!" snapped Nectar. "We'll trump over you guys eventually."

Once Vanguard reached their hangar, Katrina pulled them aside.

"Listen," she said. "Aquila may have bigger mouths than us, but we have the better skill."

"Right," Twister said, as the roar of jet engines sounded from outside. "Better make this quick, Comet, otherwise we are going to be left behind."

"In short," Katrina said, "we gotta rack up more kills than them, otherwise it's gonna impact my bottom line, and thus, yours."

X

"All squadrons, the base is in sight. You are all cleared to engage," Alamo said.

"Roger that, Alamo," Katrina said. "White Squadron, you guys are on anti-ground duty. Sweep out any AA, SAMs, and anything else obstructing the ground forces."

"Roger that," White 1 said, and the squadron of five Accipiters split off and dove towards the base, shelling the AA defenses with rockets.

"Camaro Squadron, you guys are also on anti-ground duty," Katrina said. "Draw fire for White Squadron to continue their runs."

"Roger, Vanguard," Camaro 1 said, splitting off with his squadron of four MG-29s towards the base.

"Vanguard, Aquila, we are multi-role," Katrina said. "Cover the ground attack fighters while we dish out some damage of our own."

"Righto," Twister said, peeling off and shooting down an F/F-18 that had attempted to get on the tail of White 2.

"Engaging," Peppermint said, turning to engage the ground targets.

Katrina selected an MG-21 that had just taken off and gunned it down in an instant. "Vanguard 1, splash one," she reported.

"Damn, Comet," Alamo said. "You're working quick today."

"Always a pleasure to help out," Katrina said. She then engaged a pair of F/C-16s and dispatched them with ease. The rest of the squadrons made quick work out of the base's defenses, though a few SAMs were able to work their way past the bombers and towards Vanguard's aircraft. Luckily, they were able to dodge them fairly easily, thanks to a combination of AOA pulls and flares.

"ALCON, the base's operational capabilities are down to 10%," Alamo said. "Keep hammering them, and we'll be finished here."

"This is Panther 1," a new voice joined them. "We are coming in for the drop!"

"All squadrons, clear the way and give Panther the red carpet," Katrina said. The fighters broke off as the C/T-17s passed overhead, dropping out their payloads of MBTs and LAVs.

"Alamo, this is Vanguard," Katrina said. "The ground forces are moving in to secure the base."

"Excellent work, everyone," Alamo said. "Keep hammering away until all resistance is no factor."

"This is Major Tom," one of the ground troops said. "All forces have made groundfall, but there is some heavy resistance blocking our way. We'll be sending information to AWACS for CAS."

"Roger all," Katrina said as new targets appeared on her HUD. She then dove back into the fray, using her MLAGs and gunpods to clear away a column of tanks and APCs blocking the assault.

"Thanks for the help, Vanguard," Tom said, as gunfire erupted in the background. "We'll be moving in shortly to help secure the command center. Going dark."

The resistance from the ground troops weakened as multiple bombing runs forced them to scatter. After a while of radio silence, Tom reported back in.

"This is Tom! We have secured the base!" There was joy in his voice that Katrina had never heard before.

"Roger all," Alamo said. "All forces, you cleared for landing an- Hold it," he said suddenly. "I am detecting a group of mercenary pilots inbound, callsign Rourke. Must be the patrol squadron."

"How many are there?" Twister asked.

"8 of them, all of them flying CR.105s," Alamo said. "Cleared to engage."

"Vanguard, we'll take them on," Katrina said. "Show us a fight."

The flight of CR.105s soon appeared. It was an excellent craft: A supersonic capable interceptor, massive delta wings visible for miles, painted in a woodland camo. Katrina didn't think twice about pushing the trigger and letting her 4 MLAAs fly. The HUD display flashed with a message, showing that she was out of radar-guided missiles. All four of the missiles connected, blowing apart the interceptors. The rest broke apart and attempted to scatter.

"I've got this one," Twister said, flying up behind one and filling it with lead. It plummeted towards the ground below, the pilot having not ejected. He turned his attention to the other one and blew it apart with two standard missiles. "Patrol squadron?" he mused. "These guys are a joke!"

"They sure are," Peppermint said, blowing one apart with his guns. Katrina then set her sights on the last fighter. A headlong pass with guns proved worthless as it was still flying. However, it went down after it ate the explosive tips of her two standards.

"ALCON, the picture is clean," Alamo said. "Panther and all other squadrons, you are cleared to land. But I think the MVPs here today are the Vanguard Squadron. You guys get first pick for hangar space and bunks, you lucky bastards. Begin your descent."

X

"Good hunting today, Comet? I bet. Come on in," the ATC said. Katrina lined the fighter with the runway and lowered her gear.

"Vanguard 1, lower your altitude. "You're coming in too steep," the ATC said. Katrina did so and managed to get the rear wheels on the ground safely. Her nose gear followed shortly.

"Nicely done," the ATC said before signing off.

She taxied to the hangar where her squadron was in and shut off the engines. After popping the canopy, she descended the ladder and was met with her squadmates.

"That was some fine work today, Comet," Peppermint said, walking up to her.

"Thanks," Katrina, smiling at him. He looked cute, smiling at her, his hair sparkling in the sunset. "But I think Vanguard deserves some of the credit."

"Hey!" Meteor called from across the hangar. "What about us?"

"You heard the AWACS," Katrina said. "We're the MVPs. You lost that bet you made earlier. You guys get the smaller hangars, though it is better than wanting those shiny Flankers destroyed on the runway."

With a smirk, Vanguard marched out of the hangar, leaving Meteor and his stunned look behind.