Ace Combat: Joint Assault
Chapter 1:Steel Axe
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Ace Combat. Ace Combat is owned by Bandai Namco. Everything else is owned by their rightful owners
AN:Hello again. I'm AurelianAce, and this is a fanfic about Ace Combat Joint Assault. I will set this fic before the events of Ace Combat Infinity, since it would make more sense than setting it in the Assault Horizon timeline. Before anything, I want to make clear that the game is not that bad. Also, I put OC in the fic character tags because Olivieri, Burford, Sulejmani, etc..., are not included in the Ace Combat Fanfiction character tags, but that doesn't make any non-OC mine. Without further delay, let the fic begin...
Midway Islands, Pacific Ocean, November 13th 2015, 11:26 Hours; Weather: Sunny, few clouds
A green-eyed woman was looking at herself in the mirror as she brushed her bloody red hair in the ladies room. The young woman, called Marlene Davenport, had been recently hired by Martinez Security, only a handful of months after losing her job as a military pilot. As she brushed her hair in a low ponytail, she remembered with anger the reasons behind the past events of her life. The mysterious death of her father in a mission somewhere in the Middle East had turned her surname into one of the most unpopular names of the USN, and thus, her career had been a difficult and short one. However, the reasons behind her discharge were definitely the last straw.
Despite that, Marlene had no time to grieve about her past, since she had a briefing soon. After checking her hair again, Marlene headed to the briefing room.
Martinez Security had turned the Midway Island airbase into their own. It was not difficult, since the United States had no need to financially support the base, due to both the base's antiqueness and the situation of the world since 1999. In 1994, a group of asteroids, called the "Ulysses Asteroids", created after the collision of an unknown meteorite against the 1981VG Ulysses, was discovered, with around ten thousand of them set on a collision course with Earth. Since diverting each asteroid before collision was impossible, a vast anti-air railgun network called Stonehenge was created in a last-ditch, desperate effort to intercept and destroy the meteors, with six facilities built in China, the United States, Namibia, Australia, Turkey, and Argentina. Five years after being discovered, on July 1999, the meteors began to strike the Earth. Even though the Stonehenge network had managed to keep damage and casualties to a minimum, it was not enough to prevent the destruction of the entire world order. The extent of this catastrophe was such that the incident was nicknamed the Ulysses Disaster. After the incident, chaos ensued, especially in Europe and Asia, where, in order to avoid total breakdown, most nations rearranged themselves into regional federations, with most of their money being poured into regeneration. However, the loss of territory soon became a major problem, which led to an escalation on disputes over natural resources worldwide. These disputes led to a massive number of refugees, which took shelter in semi-authonomous zones in the EU, Asia, and part of Russia. These regions soon turned home to gigantic slum areas, where refugees were treated like cheap labor. To make matters worse, anti-foreign worker demonstrations were rife across all of the refugee states. A company called Wernher and Noah Enterprises, a defense contractor giant, stepped in to deal with those issues. While state-sponsored military forces experienced severe budget slashes, the private military companies, or PMCs, experienced a mayor boom, especially when it came to the manufacturing of aircraft. Thanks to the Automated Advanced Aviation Plant, which introduced enhanced computer numerical control to aircraft manufacture, it was possible not only to produce previously existing aircraft at an unprecedented rate and at a much lower cost, but it also proved vital for the development of new aircraft. However, that led to a problem due to the lack of pilots.
Private military companies, such as Martinez Security, offered a new opportunity to all kind of people, from unemployed people who wanted a well-paid job to drop-out pilots. Like Marlene Davenport herself. She was certain that her background wouldn't allow her to become a commercial pilot, let alone rejoin the USN or any other branch of the US or UN military. However, Martinez Security had hired her five days after applying for the job, even after reading her detailed background.
Marlene arrived to the briefing room. There were five pilots already there. Four of them were in a small group in the front row seats, and the other one was leaning against the wall. The four pilots in the seats turned around; one of them, a man with black eyes, brown hair with blonde streaks, a goatee, shaven beard and a moustache turned around and smirked; another one, a man with grey eyes, shaven hair, and of possible Japanese descent, smiled and waved at her; a third one, a bearded, muscular, tanned man with brown eyes, gave her a two-finger salute; the last one, a tall man with short black hair and blue eyes, gave her a dry nod.
However, the fifth pilot, a man with brown, wavy short hair and brown eyes, gave her a quick glance and frowned, almost as if her presence was bothering him. Marlene wondered why that guy was so unfriendly to her, even when she was not accustomed to be treated friendly.
Before she could ask anything, a black guy with black hair, goatee and brown eyes came in. Marlene saluted him, what earned her a chuckle from the blue-eyed man and another frown from the lone pilot. However, neither the three other pilots nor the new man seemed to care.
The man headed to the briefing screen and began the briefing:
-Listen up, Martinez Security M42 Squadron. This is your company leader, Colonel Frederick Burford.-said the now identified Frederick Burford.-Here's your briefing for the upcoming mission.
As he spoke, a bird's eye view of the island appeared on the screen. The screen also displayed information about the units participating in the mission, which included pilots from the VFA-100 "Ospreys" of the 7th Fleet and pilots from the Japan Air Self Defense Forces' 309 Squadron, along with the 7th Fleet itself and a detachment of the JMSDF.
-It's a joint military show with the 7th Fleet and the JSDF, in the Pacific, near the Midway Islands. Martinez Security has been given special permission to take part in this military exhibition.-continued Frederick.-This is almost unheard of for a private military company, which speaks well of our reputation. But I don't intend on being satisfied with just that. Show them exactly how good we are.
Shortly after, a profile photo of Marlene appeared on the screen.
-We also have a new pilot joining us today. Her name is Marlene Davenport.-said Frederick.-She will join us as Antares 2.
As Frederick spoke, Marlene could swear that the lone pilot's forehead veins popped when he heard it. Marlene couldn't help but wonder why.
-They say she's a great pilot with military background. I hope we can put her skills to good use.-said Frederick.-That's all. Prepare to deploy. The mission will start at 13:00.
The six pilots headed out of the briefing room. However, shortly after, Frederick Burford called Marlene.
-Sorry to bother you, Davenport, but there is a couple of things you need to know beforehand.-said Frederick.-We're rather short of planes, so, for this mission, you will be flying a spare MiG-21-93 Fishbed. But don't worry, since we are expected to receive a new shipment of planes this afternoon. Also, you may want to check the pilots' profiles so that you can put some names to their faces before taking off.
-I see.-said Marlene, as she picked up the profiles Burford handed to her.-And regarding the planes, there is no cause for concern.
She began to read the profiles: the pilot with goatee was Milosz Sulejmani; the Japanese-looking one, Daniel Oruma; the bearded one, Faryd Gaviria; the tall one, Tolya Kiriakov... Those four formed the Rigel Squadron.
Marlene finally looked at the last pilot's profile. His name was Hansel Foulke, and his callsing, Antares 1. It was the pilot who had been frowning since she came into the briefing room.
-Colonel,-said Marlene.-this guy doesn't seem friendly. I mean, he seemed angry when you mentioned that I would fly number 2 on his wing. Are you sure it's safe to fly with him?
-Don't worry.-said Burford.-Despite his unfriendly looks, he is a good guy. On the inside, though, because he doesn't show sympathy to anyone. Just focus on your next mission. One more thing before I leave, our missions are rewarded with credits. Each credit here is equivalent to 100 US dollars. However, planes can be very expensive to purchase, so some pilots like Foulke prefer to rent them instead. That being said, your plane is in Hangar 3. Have a good day.
-Thank you, Colonel.-said Marlene, heading to her plane.
-"However, I'm afraid this Foulke is going to be a pain in the ass."-she thought.
At 12:30, she arrived to the hangar where the MiG-21-93 was. The plane, which had a dark grey paintjob, had the Antares Squadron's emblem already painted. The Antares Squadron emblem in the tail of the Fishbed had a scorpion in a red shield with yellow flames, the words "Scorpion" and "Martinez" in yellow, the Scorpio constellation painted over the scorpion, and a red band over the lower side of the shield, with the words "Antares Squadron" in white. The MiG-21-93 also had the number "008" painted in white on its nose and tail.
As Marlene's MiG-21 rolled out of the hangar, Hansel Foulke headed to an F-4E Phantom II with a metal grey paintjob and a black radome, which was to the right of the MiG-21. The Antares emblem was emblazoned in the aircraft's tail, too. Hansel's plane had the number "001" painted on its nose and tail. Hansel didn't even bothered to glance at Marlene when he got into his plane, which was parked in the apron, near a group of four planes. There were a grey F/A-18F Super Hornet, bearing the number "037" on its tail and nose, a two-tone green Tornado IDS with a black radome and the number "184" on its tail and nose, a dark grey MiG-29A Fulcrum-A with black radome and upper nose stripe, bearing on its tail and engine nozzles the number "003", and a three-tone blue Su-33 Flanker-D with white radome and the number "091" on its nose and tail. These four aircraft had a different emblem on their tails, which consisted in a white star with blue edges in a green shield.
-"I guess those are the Rigel Squadron's planes"-Marlene mused.
The six planes in the base had a black M-shaped stripe and a yellow S-like stripe on their wings, which were the roundels of Martinez Security.
At 12:45, the four planes of the Rigel Squadron and the two planes of the Antares Squadron were cleared for takeoff. The Rigel Squadron took off first, with the Antares Squadron following shortly after.
Midway Islands, Pacific Ocean, November 13th 2015, 13:00 Hours; Weather: Sunny, few clouds
The two Squadron of Martinez Security were in the air, trailing the E-767 of the company. The flight was to the southwest of the Midway Island, and the JSDF forces and the USN's 7th Fleet were gathering in the area meanwhile.
-Callsign Antares 2, do you copy?-asked Burford.
-This is Marlene Davenport, callsign Antares 2. Affirmative. Loud and clear.-replied Davenport.
-This is Burford from AWACS Canopus.-said Burford.-This'll the first time we'll be working with you, so I'm eager to see what you've got.
-Antares 2, this is your flight lead, Hansel Foulke, callsign Antares 1.-said Foulke, with a strong German accent. He didn't sound very happy at all. He then sighed.-Ahhh, seems like I've drawn the short straw again...
-Antares 1, get to the point.-ordered Canopus, cutting Antares 1's complaint off.
-"The short straw!?"-thought Antares 2, scandalized.-"It's official. This Foulke guy is an asshole! And I thought I already had my fair share of them for a couple of lifetimes!"
-OK.-replied Antares 1. He then adressed Antares 2.-Antares 2, your objective will be five UAVs and a couple of old cargo ships. This will be an easy drill, but don't you dare to let your guard down.
-Hey!-said a voice in the radio. The voice had a Serbian accent.
-Agh!-sighed Antares 1.-What's your problem, Captain Sulejmani?
-Mission briefs are supposed to be brief.-replied Sulejmani.-How much hand holding do we need to do?
-Easy there, Rigel 1.-said Canopus.
-Hmph, enough talk. Let's go.-retorted Rigel 1.
Before starting the drill, Antares 2 checked her HUD. According to the data, Sulejmani was piloting the F/A-18F; Oruma, the Tornado; Gaviria, the MiG-29A; and Kiriakov, the Su-33.
-Before starting the exercise, we'll be checking your aircraft's performance.-said Canopus.-Raise your pitch and ascend to 5000 feet.
Antares 2 pulled up and sped up until she reached an altitude of 5000 feet.
-Nice. Now descend to 3000 feet.-ordered Canopus.
Antares 2 descended to said altitude.
-Good.-said Canopus once the pilot got to the required altitude.-Now, turn left until your heading is 300.
Antares 2's current heading was 045, which meant she was heading to the northeast. She rolled her MiG-21-93 to the left and pulled her stick until her heading changed to 300.
-Well done.-said Canopus.-Now turn right until your heading becomes 045 again.
Antares 2 rolled right and pulled her stick again, until she reached 045.
-OK, pitch and roll are alright.-said Burford.-Now, use your plane's rudder to move horizontally to the left until your heading is 000.
Antares 2 used her rudder to turn her MiG-21-93 to the designated heading.
-Good job.-said Burford.-Now, turn horizontally to heading 045.
Antares 2 yawed right and returned to the northeast heading.
-Perfect. Your aircraft seems to be in good shape.-said Burford.-Let's proceed to air-to-air combat training.
-About time!-said Antares 1.-The easy part is over. Time to see if you're really worth it!
A single X-45 UCAV appeared to the southwest of the Midway Islands, near Antares 2's position.
-Let's start with the air-to-air combat basics.-said Canopus.-Lock on to the first bandit and destroy it with a missile.
-"Missiles are for rookies!"-thought Antares 2.-"I'm using my guns to take this easy picking down."
She got a lock on to the bandit. However, instead of firing a missile, she used the guns to shoot the UAV down.
-Target down!-reported Antares 2.
-Onto the next.-said Canopus.
Another X-45 appeared. This time, it was a bit farther from Antares 2's position.
-Engage the next bandit now.-ordered Antares 1.
-Get the bandit in firing range.-ordered Burford.-Once you get it, lock on and fire a missile.
Antares 2 headed straight towards the UAV at full throttle.
-You may want to ease off the throttle!-suggested Rigel 1.
Antares 2 hit the brakes once she got near the X-45. She got behind the X-45 and fired two standard missiles. The missiles hit the X-45 and shot it down.
-Target down.-reported Antares 2.
-Don't slack off yet.-replied Antares 1.-Keep going!
-Yo, Antares. Nice flying there.-greeted a voice with Japanese accent.-I'm Daniel Oruma, of the Rigel Squadron. Pleased to meet you.
-Huh. Of course the chica's good.-replied another voice, with Latin Spanish accent.-Think about her background.
-That was Faryd Gaviria.-said Rigel 2, answering Antares 2's unspoken question.-He can be annoying, but he's got skills.
-"Still, I have the feeling that he's going to be less annoying than my current flight lead."-Antares 2 thought.
A group of three X-45 UCAVs appeared at Antares 2's ten o'clock.
-All right, you'll now be up against multiple bandits. However, your target will be the fighter labeled "TGT" on your sight.-reported Canopus.-Toggle between targets and attack the bandit with the "TGT" mark.
The group of UCAVs wre flying in a three-finger formation, with the leading aircraft being labeled "TGT". Antares 2 used two missiles to destroy the UAV, and the other two flew away.
-Bandit down!-reported Antares 2 after shooting the UAV down.
-So far, so good.-said Antares 1, nonchalantly.-Move on to the next stage now!
-Took you long enough, Antares 2.-complained a Russian-accented voice.
-Hey now, Tolya. No need to get on her face.-retorted Rigel 2.
-Lieutenant Kiriakov, this is a mission like any other.-said Rigel 1, calmly.
-Understood.-sighed Rigel 4, annoyed.
-"As if I hadn't enough with Foulke, now even this Kiriakov guy treats me like a moron. Jesus Christ!"-Antares 2 thought.
-New bandits have entered the combat zone.-said Canopus.-But they're currently outside of radar detection. Switch radar to combat airspace.
Antares 2 switched her radar range to combat airspace. The bandits were at her 3 and 9 o'clock, respectively. She headed for the one at her 9 o'clock. When Antares 2 got close enough to the bandit, it made evasive maneuvers to throw her aim off.
-The next targets have excellent mobility. Standard missiles won't work for these ones.-said Canopus.-Switch weapons and use Quick Maneuver Air-to-Air Missiles to shoot these bandits down.
Antares 2 switched to QAAMs and fired one on the UAV. The missile shot the fighter down shortly after. However, the other UAV was heading away. Antares 2 turned around and headed towards the bandit. The MiG-21-93, however, was not very fast, so it was taking her some time to get close to the bandit.
-Stop screwing around!-complained Rigel 4, impatient.
-Rigel 4, shut your trap!-snapped Antares 2.-This is MY training excercise, and I fly as I please!
-Wow, you've really got a temper, chica.-said Rigel 3.
Antares 2 finally got within QAAM range and fired, shooting the drone down.
-All targets down!-she said.
-Good job.-congratulated Canopus.-Let's move on to air-to-ground combat. Your radar also shows ground targets. Standard missiles can lock on to them, but air-to-ground special weapons are much more effective. The MiG-21-93 is equipped with Self-Forging Fragment Submunitions (SFFSs), which are effective against tight groups of ground targets. As you'll see in the future, each air-to-air and air-to-ground weapon has its strengths and weaknesses. Use the SFFSs to sink the two cargo ships.
-You'd better not need any hand holding in this.-warned Antares 1.
Mishearing Antares 1's words, Antares 2 targeted the cargo ships after switching to SFFS. It was easy to dispatch them, since they both sunk after being hit by the bombs' shrapnel.
-All targets destroyed.-reported Antares 2 afterwards.
-Impressive, Antares 2. Next we are scheduled with a joint training session with the 7th Fleet and Self-Defense Forces...-said Canopus.
Rigel 1 saw a large formation to the east of their position coming in from far away on his radar.
-Burford! To the east!-he said.
-Huh?-said Canopus, as he looked at his radar.-What's that?
-No response on IFF.-commented Antares 1, alarmed.-Bogeys incoming, possibly hostiles.
The large formation was getting closer by the second. Meanwhile, the 7th Fleet and the SDF tried to identify them and make them change course.
Without success.
-To all airborne M42 units! We've got company. Unidentified armed forces are entering our airspace. The main force is heading west, but a great number of them are engaging our allies here.-reported Canopus.-We've ID'ed these bogeys as bandits. The 7th Fleet has asked us to eliminate them. Shoot down all unknown aircraft!
-Hey, rookie, don't slow us down now.-asked Rigel 1.-Let's go.
-It's going to be me the one who the rookie slows down today, Sulejmani.-said Antares 1.
-"Thanks for the vote of confidence, prick!"-mused Antares 2, frowning.
-All units, free to engage. Shoot down all unknown aircraft!-ordered the 7th Fleet commander.
The Rigel and Antares squadrons headed towards the bandits. The large formation included F-4Es in two-tone green and tan camo, MiG-21-93s in multi-tone brown camo, F-16A Block 10 Fighting Falcons in blueish grey camo, and MiG-29As in grey and green camo. Rigel 2 and 3 headed for a group of bandits together, while Rigel 4, Rigel 1, Antares 2 and Antares 1 headed for some bandits on their own. Antares 2 switched to QAAMs and attacked a couple of F-4Es, which didn't have time to evade.
-What's the status report of our main squad?-asked a pilot of the unidentified group.
-All units, do not let those bandits escape!-repeated the 7th Fleet commander, as the battle intensified.
A minute later, Antares 1 had already shot down 4 F-16As using SAAMs, but a couple of MiG-29As had got on his tail. Antares 2 shot both of them down with her last 2 QAAMs in a single pass.
-Hmph, I didn't need your help, Antares 2!-said Antares 1.
-Not at all!-replied Antares 2, as if Antares 1 had actually thanked her.
Antares 2 was then chased by an F-16A. The enemy pilot was glued to her tail.
-I'm about to rip'em a new one!-said the enemy pilot, as he got Antares 2 within gun range.
Antares 2 did a barrel roll to shake the F-16A off and fired her guns on him. The fighter was shot down and crashed into the ocean.
-Let's finish this and rendezvous back with...-said an enemy pilot, before being shot down by Rigel 1's XMAA.
-Where did the main hostiles go?-asked the 7th Fleet commander. Apparently, they had lost contact with the main group of bandits. The F/A-18Fs of the VFA-100 and the JASDF's F-2A Viper Zeroes attacked the group of bandits over the Midway Islands, assisting the M42 Squadron's members.
-This is just a warm-up before the main event!-stated an enemy pilot.
After a couple of minutes, there were just a couple of bandits left, a MiG-29A and an F-4E. Antares 1 fired his last SAAM on the F-4E, while Antares 2 fired a couple of missiles on the MiG-29A. One of them missed, but a short burst of guns shot it down, bringing down the eighth of her actual combat kills.
-No more enemies in sight!-reported Antares 1.
-All bandits down. Good work. The Seventh Fleet and Self-Defense Forces have not taken substantial damage either. Antares 2, you did good out there. We're grateful we have you on our team.-said Canopus.-But just where did those bandits come from?
-Colonel, incoming transmission!-said Antares 1.
-What?-asked Canopus. When he read the message, he was shocked.-We've just received word from the Seventh Fleet. The bandits are heading towards Japan. They're planning on hitting Tokyo! We need to rendezvous with the Seventh Fleet and help defend the capital!
-So, you guys think I did good?-asked Davenport, as the Rigel and Antares squadrons prepared to land.
-Not bad at all for a rookie.-said Oruma.
-You flew very well, chica!-added Gaviria.
-Rather slow, but could have been worse.-said Kiriakov.
Then Foulke killed Davenport's good mood with the comment that broke the camel's back.
-Congratulations, you survived your first mission! Do you want the Medal of Honor for such a feat?-he said, sarcasm dripping from his voice.-Still, you've already lasted longer than my previous wingman.
-Yeah, because YOU pushed him too hard!-chastised Burford, angry.
Without even bothering to ask why Burford made such a remark, Marlene adressed to Milosz.
-Do you have anything to say, Rigel 1?-she asked.
-Well, I've got the feeling that, in time, you and I are gonna get along just fine,-said Sulejmani, calmly.-Antares.
Midway Islands, Pacific Ocean, November 13th 2015, 13:21 Hours; Weather: Sunny, few clouds
After the debrief, where Frederick Burford stated that all the pilots would move to Tokyo to assist the JSDF and the 7th Fleet in the defense of Japan as soon as the replacement planes arrived, Hansel Foulke was returning to his room.
He was just a couple of meters from his bedroom's door when he heard his boss calling him.
-Foulke!-said Burford, who had an expression of anger uncommon in him.-Your comments to Davenport were very rude, even for your standards, so don't do it ever again!
-What are you talking about, Burford?-Foulke asked.
-All of them, especially the short straw one.-answered Burford.-Marlene Davenport has been dealing with nothing but short straws during all her military career. All because of something she didn't do.
-I don't care.-answered Foulke.-That's her problem, not mine.
-As long as she's your wingman, it will be.-retorted Burford, handing Foulke a piece of paper.-Just look at the reason she was discharged from the Navy for.
Hansel looked at the paper, reading it. It was Marlene Davenport's military profile. Rage filled him when he read the last part, which showed the true reasons behind her discharge.
-No, I can't believe this!-he shouted.
-Believe it or not, it's true!-answered Burford.-First, she was treated like a piece of shit on a stick because of her father's death, and then, this. Last thing she needs is you berating her every second.
-I see.-said Foulke, taking his eyes off the paper and giving it back to Burford.-However, Davenport will have to earn my respect. And just doing good in her first mission will not be enough.
After that, Hansel got in his bedroom, leaving Frederick in the hallway.
Midway Islands, Pacific Ocean, November 13th 2015, 13:30 Hours; Weather: Sunny, few clouds
Marlene Davenport was taking a walk outside when she heard the mechanics making a bet in a hangar.
-55 credits, 6 missions, shot down by a bandit.-said one of them.
-60 credits, 12 missions, landing accident.-said another one.
-40 credits, 7 missions, controlled crash into terrain.-said a third one.
While the mechanics were making their bets, Daniel Oruma, who was having a drink nearby, saw Marlene.
-Hey, Davenport!-said Oruma.-Why don't you come with me and Faryd? You seem rather lonely.
-It's not like I have anything better to do.-replied Davenport, shrugging.
Daniel and Marlene met with Faryd Gaviria shortly after in the base's gym. Faryd was wearing boxing gloves and practicing against a punching ball.
-Oruma, hombre, nice to see you again!-said Gaviria, hugging his friend and wingman.-It seems like the new pilot decided to tag along with us.
Marlene just chuckled.
-By the way, I saw the mechanics betting about something.-she said.-Do you happen to know what they were betting about?
-Forgive me for being harsh, but they were betting about how and when Foulke's next wingman will bite the dust.-answered Oruma.-In other words, you.
Marlene was aghast by Oruma's words.
-Don't be so surprised, chica.-said Gaviria.-You're not the first one who has the bad luck of flying with "Todesengel", as Hansel Foulke has been nicknamed.
-Todesengel?-asked Davenport.
-Angel of Death, in German.-answered Oruma, nonchalantly.-He earned that nickname because he's one of the best pilots of Martinez Security, second only to Sulejmani, of course. However, no matter who flies on his wing, regardless of their experience, he always ends up losing his wingmen.
-Come with us, we'll show you something.-added Gaviria.
The two pilots led Marlene towards the hangar where Hansel's F-4E was stored in.
-See all those skulls on the right side of the nose?-said Gaviria, who pointed to a group of white skulls on the right side of the F-4E's nose.
-Yes, there are twelve of them.-said Davenport, as she counted the skulls.-Are those all of his kills? Seems like he's all talk.
-No, the skulls represent the wingmen who died while under Hansel's command.-answered Oruma.-Twelve pilots in eight years.
-So, I'm his thirteenth wingman.-assumed Davenport.-Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse.
-The last one died during their first mission together.-stated Gaviria.-Apparently, Foulke pushed him too far during a heated engagement, and he was shot down.
-By the way,-said Oruma.-this company has employed ex-military officers, mercenaries, boxers, clergymen, mafia bosses, ex-convicts, thieves,... It's not very often people talk about their past, but when they do, it is usually a dark, tragic one.
-If you don't mind, could you tell me about your past?-said Davenport.
-Well, neither Foulke nor Sulejmani talked about their respective past, but I bet they've got their reasons.-said Gaviria.-Daniel Oruma is a former JASDF pilot who lost his job six years ago, and he was hired by this company. I was a boxer in Colombia, where I was nicknamed "El Macho", but, after a 10-year career, I hit a streak of defeats and called it quits. That was five years ago. Oruma and I quickly became friends when I joined Martinez Security, since both Foulke and Sulejmani preferred to "work" alone. Tolya Kiriakov was a Russian Mafia member who got on the wrong side of the wrong people. He was offered death or exile, and he ended up in this company a couple of years ago. Sulejmani has never lost a wingman during his time under Burford's command. But I can't help but wonder why Burford allows Foulke to stay in the company even after all the people he lost.
-And you were a military pilot, right?-asked Oruma.-At least, Burford told us during the briefing that you had some experience.
-Yes, I was an USN pilot. And I'm happy I'm no longer.-answered Davenport, crestfallen.-My father had died during a mission in the Middle East on April 23rd, 1995, during the chaos before the Ulysses Disaster. The official report said that he made some kind of mistake during the mission, but, even though I was very young at the time, I know that he was too good for that. To make matters worse, I was discharged from the Navy recently after a very nasty incident.
-What incident?-asked Oruma.
-An incident I'm better off not talking about.-replied Davenport.
-I see.-said Gaviria.-If you don't feel like it, you don't have to tell us about it.
-It's good to have people to talk to, though.-said Davenport.-I just hope that the replacement planes get here soon. I'm rather worried about what those bandits want to do in Tokyo.
-Now that you mention Tokyo,-said Oruma.-it was hit rather hard by the Ulysses asteroids.
-Yeah, I remember that.-said Davenport.-I was 8 years old when it happened. But still, most of the main capitals were hit, and some cities were literally wiped off the map. That Stonehenge Turret Network was useless, and by the looks of it, it seems to have costed a lot of money. And by a lot, I mean billlions.
-It's been sixteen years now, and most countries have yet to recover.-added Gaviria.-Especially in Europe and Asia. Those areas took the worst part of the incident. Most countries, not only in southern and eastern Europe, but around the whole globe, were totally destroyed. Only a handful of countries like Japan, the U.S, India, France, Sweden, Germany, the U.K, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Egypt, South Africa, China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Russia and Australia managed to maintain their sovereignty after the Ulysses Disaster. And still, their economy was crippled to such an extent that, even now, the threat of bankruptcy is still a knife in those countries' throats. The rest of the countries have virtually become massive refugee camps, with the difference that, thanks to Wernher and Noah Industries, most of the refugees have a job. And that's something we have to thank them, since all of our planes are built by Wernher and Noah.
The three pilots hung out together during the rest of the evening.
Midway Islands, Pacific Ocean, November 13th 2015, 18:30 Hours; Weather: Sunny, few clouds
After hours of waiting, an F-16A and a MiG-29A arrived to the island. The F-16A had the standard Block 10 paintjob, while the MiG-29A had the same paintjob as Gaviria's, only a bit lighter.
Hansel Foulke had the twelve skulls painted under the F-16A's canopy, while Marlene Davenport rented the MiG-29A. Having earned a quite substantial amount of credits, she could afford to rent that plane for at least a single mission.
-We have no more time to rest on our laurels here.-said Burford.-We have to stop the bandits from reaching their destination, and, despite the Seventh Fleet and the SDF are working around the clock, the bandits have a considerable head start. Let's head for Tokyo immediately!
Minutes later, Burford's E-767, the Rigel and Antares Squadrons, and a KC-10 Extender took off from the Midway Islands, heading to the west to reach Tokyo.
First chapter of Joint Assault. Since I am obviously not authorized to feature real life military squadrons in any way, I'm featuring fictional squadrons instead. Sorry, but unless I'm allowed otherwise, I think this is a better idea. I've also made a longer version of the training exercise for our protagonist, since the one featured in the game was a bit too short. Finally, even though it seems otherwise, there is, and there will be, no USN bashing in my fic, and regarding Hansel Foulke's behavior, any explanation would be a tremendous spoiler. Good luck and take care. See you next time
EDIT(19/09/2015): Added the tail and nose numbers of the Antares and Rigel squadrons.
