Ace Combat: Joint Assault
Chapter 2:Bird Hunt
10 miles south of Tokyo, Japan, November 15th 2015, 11:00 Hours; Weather: Overcast, chance of rain
The Rigel and Antares squadrons had been flying for two days, receiving support from USN tankers on the way to Tokyo.
-This is an emergency sortie. I'll keep the briefing short.-reported Canopus. Since there was no time for landing and ground briefing, the six pilots would be briefed in the air.-The unknown armed force is already in Tokyo airspace. SDF have engaged them but the situation looks bad. We are to participate in the defense of Tokyo under the command of the Seventh Fleet. You might find the next piece of intel a little hard to believe.
After his warning, an image of a large black biplane appeared on the pilots' HUDs.
-"A little hard to believe!? More like unbelievable! There's no way any army could afford such a mammoth plane!"-mused Antares 2.
-Hostiles have deployed a large aircraft with heavy firepower. It's the sole reason for the SDF's troubles.-continued Canopus.-We must fly from Tokyo Bay and draw the main force away from the city. Watch out for bandits. Rigel Squadron, Antares Squadron, be alert out there. That is all.
During the briefing, Antares 1 and Antares 2 were refueling. Seconds after the end of the briefing, the KC-10's crew finished the refueling operations.
-Refueling complete. Off you go!-reported the boom operator, as Antares 1's F-16A Block 10 and Antares 2's MiG-29A broke away from the tanker and rejoined the Rigel squadron.
-The enemy is already above Tokyo. All units, confirm targets and fire at will!-ordered Burford, as the pilots banked left and dived toward the city.
Meanwhile, the large black plane was approaching Tokyo from the east.
-Wow, look at that crater.-said Rigel 2, as the pilots saw a large crater to the south of Tokyo Bay.-It's been sixteen years since the asteroids' strikes, and the air is still thick with that junk.
-Cut the chatter, Rigel 2.-replied Antares 1.-We've got a mission to complete.
-We are live at the scene! I repeat. This is live, from the scene! Tokyo is currently under attack by unknown military forces!-said a Japanese reporter.-Officials have declared a state of emergency! Self-Defense Forces have been deployed!
The six pilots kept flying north from Tokyo Bay. Suddenly, the large black aircraft fired an internal-mounted railgun over Tokyo's port facilities. The explosion was so brutal that the shockwave shook the Rigel and Antares squadrons' planes.
-What is that!?-asked a JGSDF soldier.
-Tokyo is under attack!-replied his superior.
-Rigel Squadron, Antares Squadron, do you have visual? Hostiles have some of airborne base. One of... considerable size!-said Canopus.-Casualties are spreading in Tokyo. We need to disable that base before the next onslaught. It has a high output cannon, and anti-air weaponry all across its surface.
-Not a problem.-replied Rigel 1 calmly.-A bigger target just makes it easier to hit.
-Damn straight!-chimed Rigel 2.
-This one's mine.-said Rigel 4.
-Forget it, Rigel 4.-quipped Antares 1.-I'm calling dibs on that big ass airborne fortress.
-Like hell, hombre!-retorted Rigel 3.-You can't just do that! We have to earn our money, too.
-Rigel Squadron, Antares Squadron, break.-ordered Rigel 1.
-You guys must be with Martinez Security. We appreciate the support.-said a JASDF pilot.-Let's swat this monster outta the sky.
-Their main cannon appears to require a substantial amount of energy to fire. The rear heat vent is vulnerable while it recharges. That's our chance to strike.-reported Canopus, as a gauge labeled with the word "RECHARGE" appeared on the top right corner of the pilot's HUDs.-The MPGs at the top right of your HUDs display the time before the main cannon's next attack. Disable their cannon before the gauge hits zero. We need to stop that thing from firing again. I don't care what it takes.
Antares 1 and Antares 2 were the first to get within firing range of the giant aircraft. It was a large black biplane aircraft with upward-swept wingtips. As Canopus had reported, the aircraft was covered with AA guns, which opened fire as soon as the Antares and Rigel squadrons got close. Antares 1, Antares 2, Rigel 2 and Rigel 3 used standard missiles destroy a couple of AA guns each, while Rigel 1 and Rigel 4, whose planes were equipped with XMAAs, took out four guns each, bringing down a total of sixteen guns in a single pass.
-Show them the power of the Spiridus.-said the captain of the black plane.-Ready the main cannon!
-Yes, sir!-replied a member of the Spiridus' crew.-It's loaded and recharging.
A blue light emanated from the Spiridus' rear fuselage, between the main wings.
-Hostile has started charging the main cannon. Attack the rear heat vent now!-ordered Canopus.
Antares 1 and Antares 2 headed towards the rear vent and fired two standard missiles each. However, it was only barely damaged.
The Spiridus deployed eight AA guns to repel the Antares squadron, but they were all destroyed by a volley of standard missiles from the Rigel squadron. Antares 1 and Antares 2 used their guns to attack the rear vent.
-Keep clear of the main hostile. A fighter can't hope to survive a collision.-said Canopus, matter-of-factly.
The Spiridus hit the brakes suddenly, forcing both Antares 1 and Antares 2 to fly under the airborne base's upper wings.
-Antares, you are getting too close to the target. You wish to die?-chastised Rigel 1.
-Rigel 1, you know better than to make that question.-replied Antares 1.
-What do you mean?-asked Antares 2.
-Just mind your own business and take that thing out, Antares 2!-protested Antares 1.-Its cannon is charged to 20 percent!
Antares 1 was not lying. A fifth of the MPG gauge was already missing, and the rest of the bar had acquired a mustard yellow color. Both him and Antares 2 attacked the heat vent, this time with Rigel 1's support. The three pilots fired two standard missiles each, damaging the heat vent and interrupting the recharge.
-Damage to heat vent confirmed! EMR readings have decreased!-reported Antares 1.
-The heat vent has been hit!-reported a crew member of the Spiridus.-We can't fire the main cannon!
-How bad is the damage!?-asked the captain.
The crewman checked the instruments.
-The main cannon control system is still operational. Commence recharge.-he said.
The Spiridus steered to the west.
-Hurry the main cannon!-ordered the captain of the Spiridus, as the heat vent turned on again. Antares 1, Antares 2 and Rigel 1 attacked the heat vent, while Rigel 2, Rigel 3 and Rigel 4 destroyed another set of AA guns. After firing four standard missiles each, Rigel 1, Antares 1 and Antares 2 managed to take out the heat vent again.
-Venting system has been hit!-reported a member of the Spiridus' crew.
-Hostile EMR readings have dropped. Rigel squadron, Antares squadron, keep it up!-said Canopus.
-Hurry preparations to fire!-ordered the Spiridus' captain.-Don't let enemy fighters get close!
The Spiridus steered to the south, heading away from Tokyo.
-SDF fighters, the Seventh Fleet and an unknown PMC have been deployed to engage the enormous threat overhead!-said the Japanese reporter.
It was taking a bit longer than usual for the Spiridus' crew to restart the railgun's fire control, since it was not expected to suffer so much damage.
-Recharge the Balaur! Hurry!-ordered their captain.
Antares 1 and Antares 2 attacked the heat vent again, but they were stopped dead in their tracks by the fire of eight AA guns.
-Shoot down those annoying pests!-said the Spiridus' captain.
-Don't let anyone near the heat vent!-said an AA gun operator.
Antares 2 had broke left to avoid the AA guns. She managed to see a striking emblem on the Spiridus' wingtips: a four wings-like emblem.
-"What was that? Who are those guys?"-she thought.
Both Antares 1 and Antares 2 attacked the heat vent, as the Rigel squadron took out the AA guns. A short burst of guns and a handful of missiles took out the heat vent for a third time.
-Error within the mail control system!-reported a crewman of the Spiridus.-The Balaur is now completely off-line!
-What!?-barked the captain.-We can't let these PMC fools stop us!
-Hostile's main cannon has been disabled!-reported Canopus.-We've succeeded in preventing a second attack!
The Spiridus headed out of Tokyo airspace, while a huge squadron of F-4Es, MiG-21-93s, F-16As and MiG-29As appeared to escort the airborne base out of Japan. They all had the same paintjobs as the ones the Rigel and Antares squadrons had faced over the Midway Islands.
-The main hostile aircraft is leaving Tokyo airspace.-reported Rigel 1.
-Excellent flying, Rigel squadron, Antares squadron.-said Canopus, congratulating his men.-All right, it's time to clean up the remaining bandits in Tokyo.
Rigel 1 and Rigel 4 fired their last XMAAs toward the bandits, shooting down four MiG-21s and four F-4Es; after that, Rigel 1 shot down a couple of F-4Es with missiles and another couple of MiG-21s with his guns, while Rigel 4 shot down another F-4E and a MiG-21 using his guns. Rigel 3 shot down two MiG-29As and two F-16As with QAAMs and SAAMs, respectively. Rigel 2 fired a couple of missiles to an F-4E and fired his guns on an incoming MiG-21, shooting both of them down. Antares 1 and Antares 2 engaged a group of MiG-21s and F-4Es. Antares 1 switched to QAAMs and managed to shoot down six F-4Es and two MiG-21s before he ran out of QAAMs and had to switch to SAAMs, firing the four missiles on four MiG-21s.
-Wow, that sound's astonishing!-said the Japanese reporter.-Enemy fighters are being shot down!
Meanwhile, Antares 2 was engaging a group of twelve planes comprised of four MiG-21s, four F-4Es, two F-16As and MiG-29As. The F-4Es were easy pickings for her SAAMs, since they were not very maneuverable. But the rest of the planes were more maneuverable than the F-4Es; however, within two minutes, she managed to take out the rest of the group, at the cost of her six QAAMs.
-Half the bandits have been taken down. Keep it up.-reported Canopus.
Another group of 22 MiG-21s and 22 F-4Es appeared. Rigel 3 used SAAMs to shoot down a couple of F-4Es, and, once they got in range, he used a couple of QAAMs to shoot down two MiG-21s. Rigel 4 used his QAAMs to shoot down four MiG-21s, while Rigel 2 gunned out four F-4Es. Rigel 1 destroyed four F-4Es and four MiG-21s by himself in one and a half minute using both standard missiles and guns.
-We're close to securing the area.-reported Burford.
Antares 2, meanwhile, was attacking the retreating Spiridus. She took out four of its AA guns with her guns and missiles.
-What do you think you're doing, Antares 2!?-barked Antares 1.-Get your ass back to the furball!
-Foulke! I don't care whether you're my flight lead or not!-retorted Antares 2, furious.-If you dare to talk to me like that ever again, I'll kick your teeth out of your filthy mouth!
Antares 1 was attack a group of six MiG-21s, firing his guns when they got in range, shooting four of them now and forcing the other two to pull away from his F-16A. The F-4Es tried to shoot him down, but they had to break away when Antares 2 rushed in, shooting down two of them in the process with standard missiles and guns. The F-4Es were easy pickings for Antares 2's MiG-29A, which outmaneuvered them whenever they got on her tail. Within a minute the remaining enemy fighters were shot down.
-All bandits down.-said Burford.-Area secure.
-Airborne enemy base is retreating.-reported Antares 1.
The Spiridus was retreating to the south, while the JASDF's F-2As shot down a handful of enemy F-16As and MiG-29As.
-They're retreating!-reported a JASDF pilot.-We did it! We won!
-Rigel squadron, Antares squadron, good work.-said Canopus.
Tenryu Base, 16 miles southwest of Tokyo, Japan, November 15th 2015, 12:45 Hours; Weather: Overcast, chance of rain
Sulejmani, Oruma, Gaviria, Kiriakov, Foulke and Davenport had just arrived to Tenryu Base, a former JASDF base names after a Japanese river. All of them were dead tired, but they nonetheless managed to drag their bodies to the briefing room. It was thanks to Oruma that they were able to get to the room.
-Tokyo harbor took a major hit, but we eliminated all the enemy aircraft and drove away their main force.-said Burford.
-Not all of them.-answered Sulejmani.-The large one escaped.
-The enemy airborne base seemed to have stealth capabilities. We lost contact with it off the Izu Islands.
-You lost sight of that plane!?-asked Davenport.-How on Earth is that possible?
-I don't know.-answered Burford.-We don't know what those guys want, but there is every possibility that they will attack Tokyo again. All of you will remain on standby at condition yellow.
The six pilots left the briefing room. However, Hansel Foulke grabbed Marlene Davenport's shoulder, stopping her.
-What were you thinking before?-asked Foulke, scowling.-We were ordered, and I quote, " to clean up the remaining bandits in Tokyo", not to destroy the airborne base.
-And thanks to that, that thing could now be attacking Sydney, New Delhi, Hong Kong or even El Cairo right now!-retorted Davenport.-You have seen the damage its attack caused to Tokyo's port facilities as clear as I did. It was as if the Ulysses asteroids were falling again over Tokyo. Imagine what it will do now that it's on the loose!
-Achtung, the Fraülein knows how to strike back!-hissed Foulke.-I'm shaking on my boots right now! What are you gonna do, slap me?
Marlene grabbed Hansel by his neck and pinned him against a wall.
-You have read my background files, didn't you!?-she roared, glaring daggers at him.-Then guess what. If you keep pulling this macho crap on me, I'll make sure you know why I cannot enlist any UN-sponsored military branch. I've had more than enough of sexism during my career for one lifetime, and I'm sure as hell that I'm not going to stand for it anymore!
Marlene let go of Hansel's neck, leaving for a bedroom. Both of them were fuming.
Tenryu Base, 16 miles southwest of Tokyo, Japan, November 16th 2015, 14:00 Hours; Weather: Sunny, few clouds
It had been one day since the attack on Tokyo. Marlene Davenport was having lunch in the base's cafe when the BNN World showed the news about the Tokyo incident.
(A.N.: The quoted parts will be the narration of the presenters, and the cursive parts will describe the events shown in the game's scenes. Sorry for that interruption. Please, enjoy the chapters and read and review all my fics.)
A JSDF helicopter overflew Tokyo, which was riddled with smoke plumes due to the attacks.
"The areas of Shinagawa, Oifuto and Odaiba have taken the most damage."
A person was put on a stretch and put into an ambulance, which was surrounded by paramedics and military men. That person seemed to be unconscious.
"Though damage estimates are unknown, it will take a while before the port facilities will be functional again."
The port facilities were shown to be almost completely destroyed due to the Spiridus' attacks.
"And in a message sent to numerous media outlets, a terrorist organization calling themselves the "Valahia" are claiming responsibility for the attack on Tokyo."
The scene switched to a place somewhere in Eastern Europe, where a jeep arrived to a wide street covered by armed soldiers.
"That's correct. The Valahia are thought to be comprised of extremists from former Eastern European nations and headed by a man known as Nicolae Dumitrescu. However, the scope of the attacks suggest they receive additional financial resources from elsewhere."
Nicolae Dumitrescu, a man with black hair and blue eyes wearing a military uniform, came out of the jeep, while his soldiers rushed to escort him to his HQ. Meanwhile, on Tokyo, an economics news reports broadcasted the news: "...exchange market fluctuates dramatically, closing quotation of JPY's value against USD is 142 to 1, dropped by 26 Yen from yesterday" and "...strong urges of establishing multinational peace-keeping coalition forces, PMCs receive large amount of funding". In a press conference, the Japanese Prime Minister officially declared the state of emergency on all the country. The panicked people fled from the streets, while the police were replaced by the Japanese Self-Defense Forces.
-What's going on?-Davenport wondered.-Those guys don't seem to be able to afford as many planes as we say over Tokyo, let alone a plane like the one that attacked the port! Who's behind this?
Daniel Oruma and Faryd Gaviria entered the cafe, pulling Marlene out of her train of thoughts.
-Hello, Marlene.-said Oruma.-How are you doing?
-I could be better.-she answered.-That Foulke is a bastard. I wish I could be transferred to your squadron.
-Well, for some reason, Burford doesn't want Foulke to fly alone.-said Gaviria.-So, for now, you'll have to deal with him, chica.
-Just when I thought I was lucky, I hit yet another shit storm.-Davenport sighed.-I guess I'm condemned to be unlucky.
-Don't sweat it.-said Oruma, cheerfully.-If Burford hires another pilot, you'll be welcome in our squadron.
-But, what about Kiriakov?-Davenport said.-He doesn't seem to be friendlier than Foulke.
-That hombre is like that to everyone.-answered Gaviria.-I think it's part of his mobster past. But Foulke is a mistery. He's harsh, rude and unforgiving. And for no seemingly reason.
-Add machist to that.-said Davenport.
-Actually, it's not like he despises women.-said Oruma.-He treated everyone like shit, no matter they were men or women. It's almost as if he didn't want to make any friends.
-Hello there, you three!-said Tolya Kiriakov, who had just entered the cafe.-How are you doing?
-Well, not bad, actually.-answered Davenport.
-I wasn't asking you, but glad to hear it anyway.-replied Kiriakov.
-Could you at least be a bit friendlier?-asked Davenport.-I have enough to put up with just with Foulke, thanks!
-We're workmates, not friends.-answered Kiriakov.-But I'll keep it in mind.
Kiriakov took a seat to the right of Gaviria, who was seating in front of Davenport, and to the right of Oruma.
-I'll be honest.-said Kiriakov.-You seem to be better than I acknowledged, Davenport. You have potential to join the Rigel squad.
-Oh, trust me. Right now, there's nothing else I'd rather do.-said Davenport.-Just where is Sulejmani?
-He's a lone wolf.-said Oruma.-Don't get me wrong. He's a nice guy, but he prefers to be alone.
-I see.-said Davenport.-Just how did you guys manage to keep your planes?
-They're tuned up.-answered Gaviria.
-"Tuned up"?-asked Davenport.-What do you mean?
-If you don't get it, it means we customize avionics, engines, wings, fuselage, and many other things.-replied Kiriakov.
-But, isn't it dangerous to mess with fighter planes like that?-asked Davenport.
-Planes are basically pieces of metal, plastic, and many other components someone bolted together.-answered Gaviria.-Maybe in another scenario it would have been risky, but thanks to the Automated Advanced Aviation Plant, tuning up our planes is perfectly safe. For example, Oruma's Tornado outperforms the original ones in every aspect.
-I see.-guessed Davenport.-But I guess that's expensive.
-You bet.-said Kiriakov.-Even after your performance over Tokyo, you can't afford to buy a plane and customize it.
The four pilots enjoyed a meal together, chatting about the Tokyo incident and some remarkable events of the Ulysses Disaster's aftermath.
Meanwhile, on the hallway, Hansel Foulke was leaning against the wall, when Milosz Sulejmani approached him.
-I don't like the new pilot.-Foulke said.-She's cocky, insubordinate, and her flight strategy is very predictable.
-But she managed to survive this long on nothing but her skills.-replied Sulejmani.
-Everyone can be lucky now and then.-answered Foulke.
-You know you can't survive in this world on luck.-said Sulejmani, as he left.-If only luck helped us to stay alive, accursed people like you and I would be dead.
-"If only you knew, Sulejmani."-Foulke mused as his workmate left.
Tenryu Base, 16 miles southwest of Tokyo, Japan, November 28th 2015, 11:00 Hours; Weather: Sunny, no clouds
Things were very calm during the days following the Tokyo incident. Frederick Burford had ordered Wernher and Noah an F-15C Eagle, a MiG-31B Foxhound, a Tornado IDS and a Mirage 2000D to equip his pilots. The F-16A and the MiG-29A the Antares squadron had piloted had been given back to Wernher and Noah to help Martinez Security with the payment of the four planes he had ordered.
Suddenly, he received a message from the JSDF's Chief Staff. He reached the base's intercom once he finished reading it.
-Emergency! Emergency!-he broadcasted.-Rigel squadron, Antares squadron, head to the briefing room immediately! This is not a drill! I repeat, this is not a drill!
Burford saved the data the Chief staff had sent him and headed for the briefing room as fast as he could.
Second chapter. I hope you readers like this fic. Even though Kiriakov is my least favorite member of the Rigel squadron, I'll try to make him a little friendly. And don't worry about Foulke; his personality will be developed during the whole fic. Good luck and take care. See you next time
EDIT(14/06/2015):Added a new segment to the news part of the fic. Thanks to lixiaofossil
