Ace Combat: Joint Assault

Chapter 8:Safe Recovery(Bravo)

A/N: sasics:thank you for your review. It's most welcome :)

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, January 25th 2016, 18:05 Hours; Weather: Sunny, no clouds

Marlene Davenport had arrived to Abu Dhabi after another 105 minutes of flight.

-"Shit, this regime of constant flight is gonna kill me!"-she mused.

Davenport left the A-400M and headed to the HQ building of the base she had been taken to. She was met by the base commander, a man with graying hair and moustache.

-Marlene Davenport, from Martinez Security, M42 "Antares" Squadron, I guess.-he said.

-You're right.-Davenport answered.

-Lieutenant Simon Fairbanks, member of the IUPF.-Fairbanks said, shaking hands with Davenport.-We really appreciate your support.

-Please, save the formalities.-Davenport said.-What is the situation?

-Actually, you are scheduled for an additional briefing.-answered Fairbanks.-Please follow me to the briefing room.

Davenport followed Fairbanks into the briefing room.

-I guess Burford told you about the situation at hand.-said Fairbanks.

-Yes, he did.-replied Davenport.

-As you already know, Jules Leblanc, officer of the IIAO was kidnapped by the Valahia.-said Fairbanks.-Rescue unit Fat Duck saved him, but they were hit by hostiles in turn. They managed to save the VIP, but they are now hiding in the industrial area of a city on the northern coast of UAE. Paper-wasp is to rescue both Fat Duck and the VIP. While Antares 1 will escort Paper-wasp over Arabian airspace, you will have to secure the city airspace.

-Understood.-said Davenport.

-We'll also assign you an AWACS unit, callsign Shooting Star.-reported Fairbanks.-That is all I have to say. Good luck and godspeed.

Davenport left the briefing room and headed to the hangar, where a MiG-29K was parked. It had a navy blue paintjob with a dark blue radome, black nose stripe, white radome ring and greyish blue underside and tail tips.

-You're the Martinez Security pilot, right?-asked a man behind her.

Davenport turned around to see a blonde man with yellow eyes smiling warmly and leaning against the doorstep of the hangar.

-Yes, that's me.-she said.-Why?

-I'm Graham Arena.-said Arena, as he shook hands with.-I'll be your AWACS operator.

-I see.-Davenport said.

-I heard you are good.-Arena said. To Davenport's surprise, Arena had a rather thick US accent.-By the way, where are you from?

-I'm from California.-Davenport answered.-What about you?

-I'm from New Mexico.-Arena replied.-It's odd for an American to pilot Russian aircraft, you know.

-I'm not very fond of Western aircraft.-Davenport said.-Is that a problem?

-No, not at all.-replied Arena, nervously.-Just saying.

-Easy there.-Davenport said.-Actually, some NSAWC pilots flew Russian aircraft for training purposes.

-You have a point.-said Arena.-Good luck up there, by the way.

After that, the AWACS operator and Davenport parted ways. She spent the rest of the day checking her aircraft and taking a rest in her room.

While she was resting, she couldn't help but think about her past.

Marlene Davenport was born in San Diego on July 18th, 1991. Her father was an USN pilot, and her mother was a waitress in a small bar in San Diego. During her first years, Davenport was a typical child. But everything changed when her father died on April 23rd, 1995. He was shot down in the Middle East. Since then, she was known as "the daughter of "Duke" Davenport", due to her father's callsign. She was constantly bullied by the military brats of the local school, and very few people wanted to befriend her. Things were even worse for her after the Ulysses Disaster, where her mother died. After her mother's demise, she was adopted by her grandparents, and had to move to San Francisco. Despite those events, she managed to enlist the Navy when she was 18. But things didn't turn out to be as good as she intended. She was always picked as an adversary for hand-to-hand combat demonstrations; she was always chosen to be the one to clean the toilets; she was victim to serious hazing, like having her head shaven, her face drawn on when she was sleeping, being thrown rotten eggs, her hair cut in uneven chunks, and many more and worse.

Things went even worse when, on May 15th, 2015, she was ambushed by a drunk officer, who molested her. Davenport tried to keep him at bay, but that officer turned out to be someone who didn't listen to reason. He went as far as to pin her against the wall, grope her and try to rape her. Fearing for her life, she beat him out of her way, but the officer was hellbent on raping her, so she saw no other way but to hit him with a metal bar she managed to get before the officer reached her. Davenport managed to hit him square on the temple, killing him instantly.

During the court martial, even though all evidence proved she had no choice, Davenport was found guilty of murder, and thus discharged with dishonor from the USN. Davenport was sure that the only two reasons she had been found guilty were that she was the daughter of Duke and because the officer was a filthy rich bastard, who had the top brass wrapped around his finger.

Just when she thought things could not get better, she was hired by Martinez Security. Foulke's demeanor could not fool her, but she didn't manage to understand why he was so antisocial. The Rigel squadron's defection was a heavy blow to her, since Oruma and Gaviria, and to a lesser extent, Kiriakov and Sulejmani, had been very friendly to her. Also, since the day she and Foulke fought, something told her that Burford knew something about her father's demise, but so far she didn't have a chance to ask him about it.

At night, she got to her bed and fell asleep. She needed to rest before she went on her next sortie.

United Arab Emirates, January 26th 2016, 12:00 Hours; Weather: Sunny, few clouds

Antares 2 was flying southeast to reach the position of Fat Duck. She could track a handful of SAMs and AA guns in the way.

-Hey, why do I have to deal with this!?-whimpered someone.-Where the hell's the rescue team!?

-Calm down, sir. A helicopter has already been dispatched to our location.-said the leader of the Fat Duck unit.-The IUPF are coming as well.

-I don't care who's coming.-replied the guy, who Antares 2 had guessed he was Leblanc.-As long as they can get me home!

-Shooting Star to Antares 2.-said Shooting Star.-Our first priority is to protect the target until rescue arrives. All AA weapons pose a threat to the rescue unit. Disable them and secure the area.

-"So, this is the Leblanc guy? What a crybaby!"-Antares 2 mused.

Antares 2 headed towards the target, destroying two AA guns and two SAMs. She then tracked a couple of APCs and a couple of tanks surrounding the downed UH-60 Blackhawk.

-Located target chopper on ground. Advancing to finish it off.-reported a Valahia soldier.-Let's get this over with.

-I can't die here!-cried Leblanc, as he saw the enemy units approaching the area.-You have to do something!

-IUPF, do you copy? This is rescue squad Fat Duck. We were hit by enemy fire and are now in the industrial area, west of the city.-Fat Duck reported.-Target VIP is safe, but we're surrounded by hostiles. We'll be roast duck before long. Requesting support.

-This is Antares 2, roger that.-Antares 2 replied, as she fired two LASMs on the tanks, destroying them.

After that, she fired two standard missiles on the APCs. The APCs were destroyed immediately.

-Confirming arrival of ground forces.-reported Shooting Star.-Antares 2, deal with our unwelcome guests.

A couple of tanks were heading towards the industrial area from the east, escorted by a couple of Ka-52s. Another group of four Ka-52s were approaching from the northeast.

-We've reached the city.-reported a Valahia soldier.-Proceeding to attack point.

Antares 2 shot down the helicopters escorting the tanks with missiles. After that, she waited for the tanks to get to an open area, and when they left the city, she fired two LASMs on them, destroying them. After that, she took out the four remaining helicopters with missiles and guns.

However, after shooting down the helicopters, she received multiple blips on her radar, which showed that enemy fighters were approaching from the southeast.

-Antares 2, this is Shooting Star.-Shooting Star said.-Enemy attack planes are heading at full speed to Fat Duck's position. They're priority targets.

Antares 2 engaged the afterburners and headed to the group of bandits. They were four Su-25SM Frogfoots with black paintjob and blueish underside and four A-10 Thunderbolts II with two-tone desert camo.

-"Those are top-class close air support planes. These Valahia guys mean business!"-she mused, as she engaged them.

-This is Zircon 1.-said an A-10 pilot.-Hengel squadron, Zircon squadron, ready your weapons and attack the target.

-There is an enemy fighter in the area.-reported Hengel 1, an Su-25SM pilot.-Maybe it's the rumored "red scorpion".

-Screw rumors!-replied Zircon 1.-We have to take out the IIAO officer.

Antares 2 got on the attackers' tails before they could react. She fired a missile on two A-10s and fired her guns, shooting them down. The rest of the enemy attackers dispersed. Antares 2 decided to take out the A-10s first, since it would take just one FAEB to blow the downed UH-60 to smithereens. It was easy to keep up with them, since her MiG-29K was way more agile and faster than them. She fired two missiles on the enemy A-10s and fired her guns to kill them off once they were hit. However, the Su-25SMs had taken their chance to head towards Fat Duck. Antares 2 used missiles and guns to take them out, shooting them down one by one, the last Su-25SM being destroyed just 2 miles away from Fat Duck's position.

However, her problems were not over yet.

-Antares 2, another group of A-10s and Su-25SMs are approaching your position from the east.-reported Shooting Star.-Intercept them before they reach Fat Duck.

-Antares 2, roger that.-Antares 2 acknowledged.

Antares 2 attacked the incoming bandits. She attacked the Su-25SMs with missiles and guns. Although the Su-25SMs' armor was not as though as the A-10s', it was difficult for her to take them out, and the fact that they tried to evade her whenever she attacked the bandits was not making things any easier for Antares 2. Despite that, Antares 2 managed to take them out before they reached the downed helicopter. The A-10s tried to sneak in by flying between the buildings, but Antares 2 took the chance and fired on the leading aircraft, which, after being damaged, was slammed by two of the following A-10s, their debris blocking the road. The other A-10 climbed to avoid a collision, only to put himself in Antares 2's sights. Antares 2 fired on the enemy A-10, destroying it.

-Hostile planes eliminated.-reported Antares 2.-Area secure.

-Shooting Star to Antares 2.-said Shooting Star.-The rescue unit has arrived.

Antares 2 checked her radar, and, to her dismay, four bandits were following the rescue chopper.

-This is Paper-wasp. I know I just got here, but I need immediate support!-claimed Paper-wasp.-There's enemy fighters on my tail. Requesting backup.

-Okay, we have visual on the target. Let's take it down.-said a Valahia pilot.

-Bandits in pursuit of the rescue unit.-reported Antares 2.

-This party is for invited guests only.-said Shooting Star.-Protect that helicopter at all costs!

-Antares 2, roger that.-said Antares 2.

Antares 2 headed directly toward the bandits, which turned out to be two F-16Fs and two MiG-29Ks. The MiG-29Ks had a multi-tone grey splinter camo, and the F-16Fs had a sandy brown paintjob with black tiger stripes. Antares 2 attacked the F-16Fs first, firing a missile on each of them and killing them off with gun bursts. The MiG-29Ks counterattacked, firing missiles on her, but Antares 2 evaded them and fired back, shooting one of them down and damaging the other. Unfortunately, in an unexpected turn of events, the damaged MiG-29K dived into one of the factories surrounding Fat Duck's position, and the impact caused the pipelines in the area to explode.

-Ahhhhh! What the hell was that!?-screamed Leblanc.

-Fire!-reported Fat Duck.-The pipeline is on fire!

-Someone hurry up and do something!-whined Leblanc.

-"Dammit! That bastard did it on purpose!"-mused Antares 2, angry.

Shooting Star then contacted Canopus, who was providing AWACS support to Antares 1 in Arabian airspace.

-This is AWACS Shooting Star to AWACS Canopus.-said Shooting Star.-We have an emergency situation.

-What's wrong, Shooting Star?-asked Canopus.

-A fire has broken out in the refinery of the city. Part of the pipeline is now in flames.-The flames are preventing Paper-wasp from getting close enough to Fat Duck and the VIP.

-The pipeline's safety valves aren't activating, I guess.-said Canopus.-Antares 1, destroy the mining plants over the area to activate the pipeline's safety valves. Every second counts. Good luck, Antares.

-Antares 2, your flight lead will be taking out the mining plants, but you still have the duty to defend both Paper-wasp and Fat Duck until the fires are put out.-said Shooting Star.

-Antares 2, roger that.-Antares 2 replied.

A couple of F-16Fs and a couple of MiG-29Ks approached from the south. Antares 2 headed towards them, ready to take them out. The F-16Fs and the MiG-29Ks attacked her as soon as she got in range, but she managed to evade their attacks with ease. After that, she fired two missiles on a MiG-29K and fired her guns on the other one, shooting them down. The F-16Fs tried to shoot down Paper-wasp but they were intercepted by Antares 2, who shot down one of them before they could get in range. The other F-16F tried to evade her, but Antares 2 managed to shoot it down before the fighter could get out of the way.

-This is a no go.-complained Paper-wasp.-Visibility is too poor to land at the target point!

-Just hang in there, Paper-wasp.-said Antares 2.-Antares 1 will take out the mining plants and the fired will get weak enough for you to land.

-"Otherwise, we're Fucked Up Beyond All Remedy!"-she mused.

-One of the mining plants has been taken out.-reported Shooting Star.-The fires are getting weaker. Just hold on a little longer!

However, a couple of tanks, escorted by a SAM launcher and an AA gun each, were approaching from the west. Thankfully, they were cut off by the A-10s' wreckage.

-Dammit, the road is cut off!-complained a Valahia soldier.

-Let's split up and attack the enemy from both sides.-suggested another Valahia soldier.

The two tanks split up, with one heading north and the other one heading south. Antares 2 switched to LASMs and fired one on each tank once the tanks left the cover of the buildings; after that, she fired on the SAM launchers, taking them out with ease. The AA guns were destroyed by missiles fired from Antares 2.

Shortly after, the fires in the area extinguished.

-Shooting Star to Paper-wasp.-reported Shooting Star.-The fires are out. Proceed with the rescue.

-This is Paper-wasp.-replied Paper-wasp.-We have visual on the VIP. Commencing pickup.

The UH-60 began to descend until it landed. The Fat Duck unit got Leblanc and themselves in the chopper.

-Huf, huf, huf...-panted Leblanc, as he struggled to climb into the helicopter.-Thank goodness!

-I have the VIP aboard. Now leaving the combat zone.-reported Paper-wasp.-I'll be needing you to watch my back again!

-Antares 2, protect the rescue unit heading for the oil field.-ordered Shooting Star.-Be advised, we have unconfirmed reports of Valahia troops carrying Stinger missile launchers in the area.

-We'll be safe once we get out of this place.-said Paper-wasp.

Shortly after he said that, Antares 2 tracked a soldier carrying a Stinger near a factory.

-Paper-wasp is being targeted by enemy Stingers.-reported Shooting Star.-Antares 2, be on the lookout.

-Antares 2, copy that.-Antares 2 replied.

She fired a missile on his position, aware of the danger the Stinger posed to Paper-wasp. Meanwhile, at an agonizingly slow pace, Paper-wasp was leaving the area, heading to the west.

Another soldier armed with a Stinger appeared in the outskirts of the city.

-Hostiles have us in target range.-reported Paper-wasp.-We need backup!

Antares 2 fired a missile on the Stinger, which, surprisingly, was tracking her instead of the helicopter. Another soldier carrying a Stinger appeared by the side of the road heading out of the city. Antares wasted no time in destroying the Stinger.

-This is Paper-wasp.-reported Paper-wasp.-Leaving city airspace now.

-Antares 2, roger that.-answered Antares 2.-Stay alert for enemy Stingers.

Shortly after she said that, another Valahia soldier porting a Stinger appeared in the middle of the road. Antares 2 shot a missile on him once she got in range. For 20 seconds, things seemed to calm down.

-We've got more Stinger-armed forces.-reported Shooting Star.-Stop them from attacking the helicopter.

A couple of Stinger-armed soldiers appeared to both sides of the road, ready to shoot Paper-wasp down.

-Fire at will!-ordered one of them.-They can't dodge forever!

-"As if they needed!"-mused Antares 2, as she fired a missile on each of them.

Both soldiers died in the explosion.

-Paper-wasp here.-reported Paper-wasp.-I've got visual of the combat zone border. Just a bit more!

-Antares 2, roger that.-answered Antares 2.

Paper-wasp flew undisturbed for the rest of the flight over Emirati airspace, with Antares 2 flying close to them.

-Paper-wasp here. I have reached Arabian airspace.-reported Paper-wasp.-See you back on ground!

-The operation over United Arab Emirates was success.-said Shooting Star.-Antares 2, excellent work!

-It's what I do.-replied Antares 2.

However, before she could sigh in relief, she saw sixteen bandits heading towards her position.

-Pursue the helicopter!-ordered a Valahia pilot.-Don't let them get away!

-Antares 2, enemy bandits are targeting the helicopter!-reported Shooting Star.-You must stop them before they cross the border!

-Antares 2, roger. Engaging the enemy!-answered Antares 2, as she switched to XMAAs and locked on to a couple of F-16Fs and a couple of MiG-29Ks.

She fired a volley of XMAAs on them, shooting them down. The rest of the bandits, a force now comprised of two F-16Fs, two MiG-29Ks, eight F-14Ds and eight Su-33s broke away and tried to take Antares 2 out.

-A red scorpion?-wondered a pilot.-It's bad news seeing one in the desert.

-We have superior numbers. No need to panic.-replied another pilot.

Antares 2 locked on to a couple of F-14Ds with XMAAs and fired, shooting them down. After that, a couple of Su-33s tried to shoot her down, but Antares 2 pulled a Kulbit maneuver and fired another two XMAAs on them.

-These IUPF guys are good.-murmured another pilot.-Just when I thought things were finally going my way.

Antares 2 engaged the remaining bandits, heading towards an F-16F who had got separated from the main group. She fired her guns on the fighter, shooting it down. A MiG-29K attacked her, but she managed to evade it and fire back, shooting it down. A group of four Su-33s attacked her, but she managed to evade them, firing a couple of missiles on two of them, shooting them down. The other two Su-33s were downed by gun bursts. A group of four F-14Ds attacked her, but she managed to evade them. Antares 2 broke no sweat outmaneuvering them, and, as soon as she got a lock on them, she fired a missile to each one of them and fired her guns to shoot them down.

-How many have we lost?-asked a Valahia pilot.

-We only have six planes left!-replied another pilot.

-She's already downed ten of us!?-asked a third pilot.

-Just in this engagement.-said a fourth pilot.-She also took out our ground attack planes and a handful of us before the helicopter escaped.

-God dammit!-complained the first pilot.-Let's take that bastard down!

-"Like hell you're gonna shoot me down, asshole! I've already had my "fair" share of shit for one lifetime!"-mused Antares 2.

In her fit of rage, she destroyed the last F-16F and the last MiG-29K with guns.

-Damn it!-cursed a Valahia pilot.-How many of us have they shot down?

-"Not enough of you, prick."-thought Antares 2.

The remaining bandits tried to shoot her down, but Antares 2 was not one who would let the odds beat her that easily. She managed to bag one of the remaining Su-33s while she evaded the rest of the fighters. An unlucky F-14D pilot found himself in her sights after she had evaded his attack, and he only had a second of despair before Antares 2 ripped his plane apart with gunfire. The other two bandits tried to seize the chance and shoot her down, but failed. Antares 2 managed to get on their tail and shoot them down; the F-14D was taken out by two missiles, while the Su-33 was taken out by a gun burst.

-This is Paper-wasp. I've reached target destination.-Paper-wasp reported shortly after.-All in one piece, too. I should be okay on my own from here.

-Roger that.-replied Canopus.-How is sleeping beauty doing?

-Not sure about the beauty part!-chuckled Paper-wasp.-He's still sleeping like a baby, without a scratch on him.

Antares 2 chuckled when Paper-wasp said in which state was Leblanc.

-Seems like you did a good job here, Antares 2.-said Shooting Star.-Congratulations. RTB!

-Antares 2, returning to base.-replied Antares 2, as she headed back to base.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, January 26th 2016, 16:50 Hours; Weather: Sunny, few clouds

Marlene Davenport had been taken back to Saudi Arabia, after being congratulated by Fairbanks himself for her actions over Emirati airspace. She was heading to her room, ready to have some rest.

-Well, look who made it back!-chimed a familiar voice in the hallway.

Davenport turned around. Much to her dismay, it was Hansel Foulke.

-The rumor says that you managed to pack quite a substantial amount of bandits in the United Arab Emirates.-Foulke said.-They say that you made a good job out there.

-Is it a praise what I hear from you?-replied Davenport, smirking.

-Don't get your hopes up.-answered Foulke.-I never said I was praising you.

-You prick!-cursed Davenport.-Can't you cut me some slack?

-If you were good enough, I would.-quipped Foulke, dryly.

-At least, I am humble enough to acknowledge my mistakes if I'm wrong.-replied Davenport.-Too bad I can't say the same for you.

-More like when you're wrong.-answered Foulke.-In any case, Burford has an emergency report for us. Let's head to the briefing room.

Davenport didn't reply. She followed Foulke to the briefing room, where Frederick Burford was waiting for them.

-The operation was a success. Mr Leblanc is alive and well, and there are no serious injuries among the special forces either.-said Burford.-This was achieved thanks to the efforts of Paper-wasp and your support. Antares squadron, excellent work. The Spiridus is heading to the north. We are to pursuit it. We'll be leaving tomorrow- Have a good rest and prepare for our next operations.

After that, the three people left the briefing room.

Mersin, Turkey, February 19th 2016, 14:00 Hours; Weather: Sunny, few clouds

Marlene Davenport was watching the news in the base's cafe. She had heard an alarming rumor regarding the Valahia. Martinez Security had been tasked to deal with an enemy jammer station a couple of days before, which was affecting the transport system over Anatolia, the Black Sea, the Mediterranean, and the Dardanelles. The operation was set to commence on February 21st.

"The Valahia's declaration of an attack on London has plunged Europe into a state of panic. Citizens are stocking up on food and essentials, and governments across the region have put emergency military measures into effect."

People in London were panicking, taking everything they could get, and panicked drivers tried to get out of the city, causing both traffic jams and accidents.

"The situation is most dire in London, where citizens have already fled the city in droves."

Along the highway, there were more traffic jams, which were caused by the fleeing citizens. Meanwhile, military vehicles entered the city in rows.

"However, the forewarning of these attacks has ironically created a spike in demand for certain war related services. In the US, the number of individuals taking out "private war damage insurance" has skyrocketed to record breaking numbers. We talked to the CEO of the company who brought this particular brand of insurance to the market, Andre Olivieri, of Olivieri Life Insurance."

The scene switched to San Francisco, where an interview with Andre Olivieri took place. Andre Olivieri was a bald Italian man with brown eyes. He was wearing an expensive suit and a red tie, and he was sitting in a comfortable grey armchair. There was a fire in the fireplace behind him.

"Why is our insurance selling so well? Allow me to elaborate.-said Olivieri, in a calm and collected voice.-Up until now the standard life insurance and property insurance have been woefully inadequate in terms of coverage for any kind of damage caused by war or terrorist acts. This, of course, is common sense. In the event of such a tragedy, insurance companies would certainly struggle to make good on a massive number of claims, amounting to an otherwise astronomical sum. However, the insurance business is about duty and obligations."

In the next shot, with Olivieri's voice-over, the stock market showed that, among the many enterprises going into red numbers, Olivieri Life Insurance was the only one to show an astonishing amount of profits.

"This duty extends beyond mere profits and losses.-continued Olivieri.-It is our obligation to provide security and peace of mind from the terror that affects all of us."

Hansel Foulke had just entered the cafe when the news started. Both he and Davenport were aghast by the news.

-Did you see that?-said Foulke.

-Of course.-answered Davenport, who was pale.-This is just great. Just when we get a new mission, the Valahia makes their move. It almost seems like they're two steps ahead of us!

-And the worst part is that we can't do anything about it.-complained Foulke.-That thing was a rather good challenge.

´-A good challenge!?-spat Davenport.-Are you crazy? Didn't you see what it did in Tokyo? It turned Tokyo's port facilities into a crater! Imagine what it will do to London if we don't stop it!

-Oh, are you chickening out now, Fraülein?-asked Foulke, smirking.

-Chickening out?-snarled Davenport.-There's nothing I'd rather do than shooting that behemoth out of the sky! So don't you dare to call me a coward ever again!

Davenport stormed out of the cafe, hitting Foulke's shoulder aggressively.

Meanwhile, in San Francisco...

Andre Olivieri was checking his company shares in his computer, the room being illuminated by the fire in the fireplace.

-Very well then.-he murmured.-Time to throw in my next "axe"...

After saying those words, he smirked. His plan was going just as he expected.


Eighth chapter. I hope you liked Davenport's story. Please, review. I can't stress how helpful they can be. Also, I don't get why this game is so bad received. In my opinion, it is way better than Assault Horizon(it's not bad, but it doesn't hold a candle to the rest of the games). Sure, it has its flaws, but it's not that bad. Here in Fanfiction, most of the fics I see are about Ace Combat 04, Ace Combat 5 and Ace Combat Zero. Don't get me wrong; they're good, but I think that every game in the saga (even Assault Horizon) deserves its due respect. Good luck and take care. See you next time