Ace Combat: Joint Assault
Chapter 10:Raging Sea
Athens, Greece, March 11th 2016, 07:00 Hours; Weather: Sunny, few clouds
Marlene Davenport walked into the briefing room. Martinez Security had been transferred to Greece a couple of days ago. There had been reports of guerrilla attacks across the Mediterranean.
Hansel Foulke was waiting in the briefing room, with a relaxed expression on his face. He took a single glance at Davenport when she entered the briefing room.
Both pilots remained silent for five minutes, until Frederick Burford entered the room.
-IUPF intel reports suggest that Valahia is using an unknown port in the Croatian Adriatic Sea.-he said.-It is rumored that the Valahia is using this port as a base for guerrilla raids by ship and submarine across the Mediterranean.
-But what about the attack on London?-said Davenport.-The more time we waste now, the less we'll have to prevent the Spiridus from reaching London.
-I know, but the IUPF Command wants us to handle this port first.-replied Burford.
-What kind of enemy air activity can we expect?-asked Foulke.
-IUPF intel has confirmed enemy aircraft presence in the area.-answered Burford.-Select your weapons to attack both air and sea.
-I guess that the new Su-34 and F-15E we got from the IUPF will come in handy for this mission, then.-guessed Davenport.
-I hope so.-said Foulke.-The Su-34 might be a variant of the Su-27, but I'm not sure if it's as fitted for air-to-air combat as the F-15E.
-You will take off at 12:00 hours.-said Burford.-A tanker will provide you with extra fuel before you reach the area. Good luck.
Davenport and Foulke left the briefing room and went to the hangar to check the planes. The planes had been delivered when they arrived to Greece. The F-15E Strike Eagle had the standard navy blue paintjob, while the Su-34 Fullback had a black paintjob with white radome and rudder tips and light blue underside.
-I love this plane.-said Foulke, approaching the F-15E.-It combines the F-15's trademark air combat prowess with great air-to-ground attack capabilities.
-The Su-34 is not too shabby, either.-replied Davenport.-It may not look like it, but I'm sure this plane can hold its own in air-to-air combat.
-Maybe.-Foulke admitted.-But it doesn't hold a candle to the F-15E.
-We'll see about that today.-quipped Davenport.-I just hope we don't get into nasty trouble.
-Who knows.-answered Foulke.-With Sulejmani and his men on their side, Valahia have a powerful asset. I'm not looking forward to face them.
After checking their aircraft, Davenport and Foulke took a rest before getting on their planes and leaving the base at 12:00
Adriatic Sea, Croatian coast, March 11th 2016, 12:55 Hours; Weather: Sunny, few clouds
The Antares squadron were just 5 minutes away from the combat zone. They had expent some of their fuel, but thankfully, a tanker was in the area to refuel them.
-Antares squadron, this is Extender 26.-said the tanker operator.-Check your planes and prepare for refueling.
Antares 1 and Antares 2 ran a check on their aircraft. Everything seemed to be alright. Antares 2 deployed the probe of her Su-34, while Antares 1 just opened the receptacle. They approached the tanker afterwards. It took them half a minute to get close enough to the tanker.
-Antares squadron, maintain your current flight path.-said Extender 26. Antares 2 was flying higher than Antares 1, to avoid a collision. The Su-34's probe connected with the drogue, while Extender 26's boom connected with the F-15E's receptacle.-Commencing refueling.
The tanker refueled the fighters for around a whole minute.
-Perfect, Antares squadron!-chimed Extender 26.-I'm leaving now. Good luck!
Antares 1 and Antares 2 headed to the combat area, unaware of the danger lurking in the Adriatic Sea.
Meanwhile, in Croatian airspace...
An F/A-18F, a Tornado IDS, a MiG-29A and an Su-33 were heading southeast in an interception mission. Their plan was simple: to destroy or delay the IUPF's attack.
The four planes sported a dark blue paintjob with white teeth on the nose and wings.
-Concentrate on downing one enemy at a time once inside combat airspace.-said the flight lead.
-Roger.-answered one of his wingmen.
-Rooooooger that.-replied another wingman, enthusiastically.-They say the enemy is "you know who". Heh!
-That does not matter.-retorted a fourth one, dryly.-We just have to take them down.
-Enough talk.-replied the flight lead.-Now we show the power of the Varcolac squadron.
The Varcolac squadron streaked towards the combat area.
Adriatic Sea, Croatian coast, March 11th 2016, 13:00 Hours; Weather: Sunny, few clouds
The Antares squadron was already in the area. They were tracking eight F-16As and eight MiG-29As patrolling the coast.
-Fly along the coast and shoot down all bandits you encounter.-ordered Canopus.
-We've got hostiles on radar.-reported Antares 1.
-It's the IUPF fighters!-reported a Valahia pilot.
-They got us good in the Middle East.-stated another pilot.-Time for some payback!
Antares 1 attacked the MiG-29As, firing a missile on two of them, and shooting them down with guns. The other two bandits got on his tail and tried to shoot him down, but Antares 1 turned around and shot one of them down with guns. The last one broke away, trying to gain some distance, but Antares 1 fired two missiles on him and destroyed the MiG-29A.
Antares 2, meanwhile, engaged the F-16As, firing a couple of missiles on one of them and her guns on another one, taking them out. The other two broke away in opposite directions, trying to surround her. Antares 2 switched to XMAAs and fired one of them on one of the F-16As, destroying it. The last one realized his mistake too late, when another XMAA shot him down.
Two MiG-31Bs were flying a couple of miles north of Antares 1's position.
-The IUPF!-reported one of the pilots.-All aircraft, stick to the plan. Understood?
-You're too slow!-mocked the other pilot.
The MiG-31Bs hit their burners and headed to the north, trying to lure the Antares squadron into a trap. Even Antares 1, whose F-15E was faster than Antares 2's Su-34, had trouble keeping up with them.
-All right. We've lured them far enough.-reported a pilot.-Operation complete.
-Damn, you're slow!-mocked the other pilot.-Or maybe I'm just too fast.
A couple of F-15Cs appeared from the west, firing their missiles on the Antares squadron. Antares 2 headed towards the F-15Cs.
-You wanna take us on with that junk!?-asked one of the F-15 pilots, surprised by Antares 2's attack.
Antares 2 answered with a couple of XMAAs, shooting both F-15Cs down. Antares 1, meanwhile, fired a couple of SAAMs on the MiG-31Bs, but they were damaged instead of being shot down. However, that damaged was enough to allow Antares 1 to shoot them down with a short burst of guns.
-OK, the bandits are out of our way.-said Antares 1.-Antares 2, let's make a reconnaissance over the port in the coast.
-Roger that.-replied Antares 2.
The two pilots flew towards the area. The port turned out to be completely empty.
-Antares 1 to Canopus.-reported Antares 1.-There's no sign of ships in the area.
-Either they're already assaulting some IUPF transport or the reports were wrong.-observed Antares 2.-This is odd.
-Understood.-answered Canopus.-Continue your patrol of the area and...
-Wait, I've got four bandits coming in from the northwest.-reported Antares 2. She then saw something that left her aghast.-Hold on, there's response on IFF! What the hell...?
-Scheiße! Es ist das Rigel Geschwader!-cursed Antares 1.
-Rigel squadron!?-gasped Canopus.
-Bandits confirmed.-said Sulejmani to his men.-Fight at full force.
-Hey, Sulejmani What the hell is going on here!?-asked Canopus.
However, neither Sulejmani nor his men answered. By then, both Antares 1 and Antares 2 had seen their enemies' planes: they were the same planes they used back in Martinez Security, only with a very different paintjob: a dark blue paintjob with white teeth on the nose and wings. Also, instead of their Matinez Security and Rigel squadron emblems, they had the Valahia roundels and an emblem consisting of a dark blue jagged-edged shield with two black rampant werewolves and the words "Varcolac Squadron" in white over a dark grey band.
-Antares squadron, the hostiles are Sulejmani and Rigel squad.-reported Canopus.
-Not only do they betray us for money, now they're here to kill us.-murmured Antares 1.-Schweine!
-We don't have much choice. Take them down.-ordered Canopus.-Remember, these are top class ace pilots. Keep your focus.
Antares 2 was still shocked. She wondered why those men, who she knew since she entered Martinez Security, were doing that.
She was shaken from her stupor when her alarms blared. The Rigel squadron had locked on to her and were firing everything they had. She swayed from side to side to evade the missiles and gunfire.
-Watch your six. They're launching a concentrated attack.-warned Canopus. When Antares 2 finally managed to get in the clear, he continued.-If they're on your tail, decellerate and try to replace position.
However, before the Antares squadron could take that advice into effect, Sulejmani got a lock on Antares 2 and fired two missiles. The first one missed, but the second hit her plane on the tail. The Su-34 was not critically damaged, but it shuddered badly when it was hit.
-"Crap, these guys are going to kill us without batting an eye!"-Antares 1 mused.-"That's it! They're as good as dead to me!"
Before she could counterattack, Antares 1 fired his guns on Sulejmani, who evaded the worst of it, but got a nasty hit on his F/A-18F's right engine.
-So I'm hit, huh?-he asked. He then talked to his men.-I'll be the bait. Break off.
-The captain's been locked on.-said Oruma.-Let's go.
Antares 2 then attacked Kiriakov. She fired two missiles, but she missed after Kiriakov pulled an evasive maneuver.
-This is the great IUPF ace?-he asked.-I'm dissapointed, Antares.
-You should talk less and watch your six more often, Kiriakov!-replied Antares 1, who fired his guns on him. The Su-33's right wing was severely damaged.
-Wow, you actually locked on to me?-wondered Kiriakov.
-Varcolac 2, 3. Now!-ordered Sulejmani.-Get to his six.
Oruma and Gaviria attacked Antares 1 at the same time, but neither of them were able to hit him.
-Maybe we should take out Todesengel's wingman.-said Oruma.
-Nice idea, amigo!-replied Gaviria, cheerfully.
-If you're looking for me, you prick, I'm right behind you!-replied Antares 2, firing a couple of missiles on the Tornado IDS.
Oruma evaded them, startled.
-You've been honing your skills.-observed Sulejmani.
-But you still ain't got what it takes to shoot me down.-added Oruma, mocking Antares 2.
-Oruma, bringing a Tornado IDS to an air combat mission is a poor choice.-answered Antares 2, angry.-But still, it's far from being the worst choice you've made in your life.
After that, she fired her guns on him. The plane's engines were damaged by the burst of bullets.
-Sure you can afford to pay so much attention to me?-asked Oruma, mockingly.
-Oruma, she's got you in sight.-warned Gaviria.-Need a hand, hombre?
-All of you are gonna need a coffin when I'm through with you!-barked Antares 2.
Antares 1 smirked when he heard her wingman. She was acting more aggressively than he had anticipated.
Antares 2 fired a couple of missiles on Gaviria's MiG-29A, who evaded the missiles with ease.
-A lock? On me?-said Gaviria, laughing.-Hah hah hah hah hah!
-Antares, you still need to learn to watch your back.-said Kiriakov.
-Kiriakov, get this into that thick skull of yours.-retorted Antares 1.-You're in NO position to lecture my wingman!
Antares 2 wasn't paying attention, since she was focused on Gaviria. He was more agile than she thought, especially since he was an expert in interception, not in dogfighting. Once she got in range, she fired her guns, hitting Gaviria's plane on the right wing.
-...Time's up.-reported Sulejmani.-We've held up the IUPF long enough. Varcolac squadron, RTB.
-Why don't we just take them out here?-asked Kiriakov.
-Follow the operation.-ordered Sulejmani.
-...Understood.-replied Kiriakov.
-Sayonara, Antares.-said Oruma.-Let's do this again soon.
-Try not to get killed before we meet again, chica!-said Gaviria.-You too, Todesengel!
-"Trust me. If you were sane, you wouldn't be looking forward to another combat with me, you backstabbing assholes!"-mused Antares 2.
The Varcolac squadron hugged the deck and left the area, heading to the northwest.
-The bandits are leaving the combat zone.-reported Antares 2.
-Damn you, Sulejmani!-cursed Canopus.
-I can still catch them.-said Antares 1.-I can't get a reading, but I can make do with a visual chase.
Suddenly, Antares 2 received a transmission off the coast.
-A new, faint signal detected off the coast.-she reported.-It's from underwater - an enemy submarine!
Antares 1 regrouped with Antares 2, who was already heading towards the source of the signal. There were also a couple of gunboats, but Antares 2 dealt with them using a LAGM against each of them.
-Antares squadron, there's a hostile submarine along the coast.-reported Canopus.-We have numerous ally ships in these waters. We need you to sink that sub.
-Said and do...-said Antares 1, but he then saw a 1000 feet long submarine surfacing.-Antares 1 to Canopus, is the distance to the target correct!? That thing is huge!
-There's no sub in the world that huge!-said Antares 2, astonished.
Meanwhile, the submarine, called Zburător, was tracking the Antares squadron.
-It's an IUPF aerial squadron.-said a crew member.-Intel was right.
-Fire Hi-TASM!-ordered the captain.-Sink them in the Adriatic!
The submarine opened one of the bays and fired a large grey missile once the Antares squadron got close.
-Missile fired from enemy sub!-reported Antares 2.-Vector... directly upwards!? No sign of homing alert!
-What?-asked Canopus. He took a look at his radar and froze.-Antares squadron, get out of there! Escape over 3200 feet!
Antares 1 and 2 climbed, wondering what was worng. During their climb, they saw the missile descending rapidly towards the sea. Just a second after they reached a safe altitude, a massive explosion was caused over the area where the submarine was. Even though they were out of the danger zone, Antares 1 and Antares 2 felt the shockwave.
-Heilige Scheiße!-swore Antares 1.
-Aaaah! What the hell was that!?-shrieked Antares 2.
-It's a thermobaric missile!-replied Canopus.
-"A what!?"-mused Antares 2, beside herself.
-Antares squadron, that missile causes a massive vaporizing explosion in mid air at low altitudes.-continued Canopus.-Fly below a certain altitude and you'll be torn to pieces. Watch for intervals between their attacks.
The Zburător surfaced, this time protected by advanced SAMs and AA guns. As soon as they overflew the sub, the guns and SAMs fired on Antares 1 and Antares 2, who broke away to evade the attacks.
-Antares 2, my plane is equipped with GPBs, which can pierce that submarine with ease.-said Antares 1.-However, that anti-aircraft fire is too intense. I need you to destroy those AA guns and SAMs so that I can attack the sub.
-Are you kidding me!?-retorted Antares 2.-There's no way in Hell I'm gonna get in that steel rain!
-Just do it!-shouted Antares 1.-I'll attract the enemy fire over me while you attack them at low altitude!
Antares 2 flew to the side of the sub and lowered her altitude to around 150 feet. She switched to LAGMs, targeted the enemy sub's AA guns and SAMs and fired. The LAGMs managed to knock out the anti-aircraft artillery. Antares 1 seized the chance and dropped two GPBs on the submarine. However, they barely damaged the sub, and didn't even leave a dent.
-Prepare to fire!-ordered the captain of the Zburător.
The crew prepared the next Hi-TASM.
-Antares 1, hurry up and hit the sub again!-pleaded Antares 2.
Antares 1 dropped two bombs on the submarine, but the bombs didn't damage it too much.
-"It's like shooting plastic balls on a wall!"-mused Antares 1.
The Zburător fired a Hi-TASM just a second later and then dived.
-Antares squadron, gain altitude now!-ordered Canopus.-Escape over 3200 feet!
Antares 2 was at a very low altitude when the missile was fired.
-Come on, Antares 2! Climb!-shouted Antares 1.
Antares 2 hit the burners and climbed as fast as she could.
-5, 4, 3, 2, 1,-said Canopus, reading the countdown.-impact!
The Hi-TASM exploded, incinerating everything below 3200 feet. Fortunately, Antares 2 had reached a safe altitude just in time.
-Watch out, enemy fighters incoming!-reported Canopus.
-Oh, great!-complained Antares 2.-First, the super submarine, and now this!
Four F-2As and four JAS-39 Gripen NGs appeared from the east.
-Shoot down those fighters before they sink the Zburător!-ordered a pilot.
The fighters attacked the Antares squadron. Antares 1 and Antares 2 evaded their attacks. Antares 2 used her remaining XMAAs to shoot down the F-2As, but two of them evaded her attack and counterattacked. Antares 2 evaded their fire by inches. She fired two missiles on one of them, destroying it. The reamining F-2A tried to shoot her down, but Antares 2 managed to evade the attack and fire her guns, shooting down the F-2A.
Antares 1, meawhile, used his SAAMs to shoot down the JAS-39 Gripens, managing to shoot them down one by one. He took a look at his wingman when she shot down the last F-2A.
At that exact moment, the Zburător fired a couple of SAMs on her.
-Antares 2, you've got missiles on your tail! Evade!-he said.
Antares 2 managed to evade the missiles, but the evasive maneuvers took her too close to the submarine, which fired on her. In a reflex act, she fired two LAGMs on the submarine, knocking out its defense system. Antares 1 dropped two GPBs on the submarine. This time, the bombs left a dent on the submarine's hull.
Antares 1 was about to attack the Zburător when it fired another Hi-TASM, submerging shortly after.
-Antares squadron, gain altitude now!-said Canopus.-Escape over 3200 feet!
Antares 1 gained altitude as fast as he could, with Antares 2 reaching safe altitude shortly before him.
-5, 4, 3, 2, 1,-counted Canopus.-impact!
The Hi-TASM exploded shortly after.
-Antares 2, change of strategy!-said Antares 1.-Target the ballast tanks with your LAGMs!
-But what about the AAA?-asked Antares 2.-They're gonna turn your plane into Swiss cheese!
-Don't worry. I'm sure the impact will knock out enough anti-aircraft artillery.-assured Antares 1.
The Zburător surfaced again.
-Hostile submarine has surfaced.-reported Antares 1.
-We'll be counting on you, Antares squadron.-said Canopus.
Antares 2 targeted the ballast tanks with her LAGMs and fired. The missiles hit the sides of the submarine and caused mayor damage to the anti-aircraft artillery, knocking out most of the SAMs and AA guns. Antares 1 headed toward the submarine at top speed. However, he was hit by some bullets on his attack. Nonetheless, he dropped his last GPBs on top of the Zburător. The speed of the bombs made the impact harder for the submarine, and opened a 15 feet wide hole in the middle of the sub.
-Dammit, the Zburător is hit!-reported a crew member.-The ballast tanks are damaged! We can't dive!
-Let's deal with them on the surface, then!-ordered the captain of the Zburător.
The submarine deployed a lower number of AA guns and SAMs.
-It seems like they're losing their momentum.-observed Antares 2.
-In any case, don't let your guard now.-replied Antares 1.-I'm not sure we've seen the last of this submarine just yet.
Antares 1 and Antares 2 tried to attack the hole in the Zburător's hull, but the AA guns shot their missiles down.
-The Adriatic Sea belongs to us!-said the captain of the Zburător, as another Hi-TASM was fired.
-Antares squadron, gain altitude now!-ordered Canopus.-Escape over 3200 feet!
Since they were already climbing after attacking the sub, Antares 1 and Antares 2 managed to reach a safe altitude earlier than before.
-5, 4, 3, 2, 1,-counted Canopus.-impact!
A fourth Hi-TASM shook the sky with its explosion, shaking Antares 1 and Antares 2. After that, they attacked the sub again, this time targeting the AA guns and the SAMs instead of the submarine itself. After firing four missiles each and a long strafe, eight AA guns and four SAMs were destroyed.
-How about a death in the Adriatic?-mockingly asked the Hi-TASM fire control operator, firing another Hi-TASM.
-Antares squadron, gain altitude now!-said Canopus.-Escape over 3200 feet!
-"How many of those missiles they have!?"-though Antares 2, as she and Antares 1 climbed as fast as they could.
-5, 4, 3, 2, 1,-counted Canopus.-impact!
While Antares 1 and Antares 2 climbed, they saw the missile zooming towards them. They were almost washed down by the sheer speed of the missile, which exploded a second later.
-Maintain the barrage!-ordered the captain of the Zburător.-Don't let them get close!
The remaining four AA guns and two SAMs prepared to fire on the Antares squadron, who had already started their attack run. This time, they were flying very low to evade the enemy attack, and they were attacking from both sides, trying to divide the enemy fire. Their plan worked, as they managed to destroy the remaining anti-aircraft artillery.
-All AA weapons are down!-reported a member of the crew.-We're sitting ducks!
-All hands, abandon the Zburător!-ordered the captain.-I'll deal with the IUPF swines myself!
While the Antares squadron turned around, the crew of the Zburător left the submarine in droves. The captain, however, stood by the Hi-TASM control system. In a final act of defiance, he intended to fire the missile.
-YOU WILL NEVER DEFEAT THE VALAHIA!-roared the captain of the Zburător, firing a sixth Hi-TASM.
At that exact moment, at unison, Antares 1 and Antares 2 fired a couple of missiles each into the hole in the submarine. The impacts caused a chain reaction inside the submarine, finishing it off. However, there was a last alread in the air.
-Antares squadron, gain altitude now!-said Canopus.-Escape over 3200 feet!
Antares 1 and Antares 2 climbed, leaving the remains of the submarine behind.
-5, 4, 3, 2, 1,-counted Canopus.-impact!
The missile exploded just over the place where the submarine was just a handful of seconds before.
The Zburător was sinking. The inner explosions had torn it in half, taking the captain with it to the depths of the Adriatic Sea.
-Hostile submarine confirmed sunk.-reported Antares 1.
-Excellent work, Antares squad.-congratulated Canopus.-However... Sulejmani and his renegades are going to be a problem. They'll be back, you can bet on it. Be prepared, Antares squadron. It won't be easy.
Antares 2 was panting after the mission. Her Su-34 had been moderately damaged during the combat with the Varcolac squadron, while Antares 1's F-15E had bullet holes on the wings and front fuselage. It had been a miracle Antares 1 hadn't been hit himself.
-We won't make things easy for them, either.-replied Antares 1.-Antares squadron returning to base.
After that, they returned to Greek airspace.
Athens, Greece, March 11th 2016, 13:45 Hours; Weather: Sunny, few clouds
Marlene Davenport and Hansel Foulke walked into the briefing room. Frederick Burford was waiting for them inside, looking at some papers on his desk with an aghast expression on his face.
-Burford, what the hell kind of submarine was that one?-asked Foulke.
-Maybe this will answer that question, Hansel.-answered Burford, turning the paper around.
Davenport and Foulke took a look at the paper, and as they read it, their faces went pale as the paper itself.
-A Scinfaxi-class submarine!?-asked Davenport.
-A next-generation super submarine built in Sweden.-answered Burford.-It is said that it's still in prototype phase.
-Just how the flying hell did the Valahia manage to steal such a submarine?-said Foulke.
-I don't know.-answered Burford.
-I just hope they only stole one of them.-sighed Davenport.-Even as a prototype, that thing was a monster! It was more than twice as long as an Akula-class submarine! And let's not talk about how well defended or how though its armor was.
-You can say that again.-added Foulke.-I dropped eight GPBs on it and it only made a little hole on it.
-With two of them, you would have split any other kind of sub in half.-said Burford.
-Well, that's another unit to add to Valahia's Book of Monsters.-said Davenport.-First, the Spiridus; then, the Orgoi; and now, the Scinfaxi-class submarine. What's gonna be next? A railgun? Ballistic missiles? Superfighters?
-I hope you're wrong in all of your guesses.-said Foulke.-Last thing we need is the Valahia getting their hands on such things.
-After this, you've earned a good rest.-said Burford.-Marlene, Hansel, make the most of it.
The two pilots left the briefing room.
-Even now, I can't believe what the Rigel squadron has done.-sighed Davenport, crestfallen.
-You'd better deal with it.-answered Foulke.-I mean, as you did back in the Adriatic. You were pretty good, considering your plane was damaged.
-I had no choice.-said Davenport, frowning.-It was either kill or be killed.
-That's how it's gonna be from now on.-said Foulke.-That's what I was trying to tell you back in Japan.
-I see. I was a total moron.-admitted Davenport.-But don't you dare to think I'm gonna beg you to forgive me!
-There's no need for you to do it.-answered Foulke.-You admitted your mistake, and that's all that matters. Besides, you're showing that you're not so useless, after all.
-You know, it's thanks to people who saw me as useless that I'm here.-said Davenport, angered at the thought of the nightmarish things people had put her through during her career in the US Navy.
-That's their loss, not yours.-replied Foulke.
-So, what about your life, Foulke?-asked Davenport.-What kind of events brought you here? What is it you hope to achieve on the battlefield?
Foulke froze. He was not ready to tell anyone about his past. It was too painful for him to bring his story to light.
-That is a story better left for another time.-answered Foulke.-Sorry for that, but it's better off that way.
Davenport could have sworn that Foulke's voice was tinged with sadness.
Foulke headed to his room, leaving Davenport with a mare magnum of unanswered questions.
Tenth chapter. Yeah, I replaced the sub in the mission with a Scinfaxi-class submarine. Why? Two reasons: First, the Scinfaxi-class sub is featured in Ace Combat Infinity, at least in emergency missions ; second: taking the sub in Raging Sea is ludicrously easy. Try dropping a handful of GPBs on it. It won't be able to launch more than two missiles. The Zburător is a Romanian wolf-headed dragon, or that's what I managed to discover on the Internet while looking for Romanian mythological monsters; please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. Regarding the Rigel/Varcolac squadron, I changed their paintjob to the one they use in their later planes. Finally, kudos for anyone finding a reference to a certain ace of Ace Combat Zero. Good luck and take care. See you next time
