Ace Combat: Joint Assault

Chapter 13:Dragon Lair

Athens, Greece, April 8th 2016, 10:00 Hours; Weather: Sunny, scattered clouds

Frederick Burford, Marlene Davenport and Hansel Foulke were listening to the recordings of an IUPF bombing run on the Balaur that took place the night before.

-Watch out! The railgun is firing!-said one of the bomber pilots.-Evade!

A huge explosion was heard in the recording.

-I'm hit, taking damage!-shouted another one.

-This is Spirit 6, I'm going down!-said a third one.

-There are bandits in the area! Evasive maneuvers!-ordered one of the fighter pilots.

The recording was then plagued with frantic chatter and shouts. A few minutes later, a buzzing interference was heard and the recording stopped.

-The IUPF reports state that none of the six B-2A Spirits and the eight JAS-39 Gripens returned to base.-said Burford.-They were shot down by either the railgun itself or a defense squadron in the area.

-Was it the Varcolac squadron?-asked Foulke.

-No, it wasn't.-replied Burford.-The reports, although unconfirmed, state that there were Su-30MKIs and F-15SEs. Around 16 planes, and rather skilled pilots.

-That's not good.-said Davenport.-The Su-30MKI is an Indian plane which combines characteristics of the Su-30 and the Su-35S, and the F-15SE is a stealthy variant of the F-15E Strike Eagle. No wonder the latter is nicknamed Silent Eagle.

-Namely, the Su-30MKI combines the basic structure of the Su-30MK with Indian avionics and thrust vectoring engines, along with features and components derived from the Su-35S.-said Foulke.-I was a little peeved when I faced the Typhoons and the Rafale Ms, but this is nuts.

-Let's not forget the railgun.-said Burford.-Apparently, it is called Balaur. The bombing mission was supposed to eliminate both the railgun and the ground forces in the area. Unfortunately, the squadron was detected due to the escorts, and the railgun waited for them to get close enough to the railgun to fire on them, while the defense squadron cut the bombers' escape route off. In one single shot, five of the bombers and half of the fighters were shot down, with three of the bombers and a couple of the fighters being disintegrated.

-Disintegrated!?-gasped Foulke.-What kind of ammunition does the railgun use?

-It uses some kind of round that can either be used as "conventional" ammo or as high explosive rounds that blanket the sky over an altitude of 6500 feet in a 25 miles radius.-answered Burford.

-Just like over Serbia.-said Foulke.-I thought it was a little too convenient for the radar stations to be at a lower altitude than the explosion.

-In any case, it's time to show the Valahia that their tyranny's at an end.-said Burford.

-And not a second too soon.-quipped Davenport.

-Your mission will be to destroy the enemy railgun.-said Burford.-We have calculated that, if you fly an unpredictable route, you'll be able to get to the railgun with relative ease.

-Just wondering, but do we have to destroy the enemy ground and air threats in the area?-asked Foulke.

-Yes.-answered Burford.-The more threats we destroy, the sooner we'll be able to stop the Valahia.

-It makes sense.-said Davenport.-The Valahia might want to gather all their forces on their base in Central Asia for the final assault.

-That might be the case.-said Burford.-Any more questions?

Both Davenport and Foulke shook their heads.

-Good.-said Burford.-Check your new planes before sortie. Good luck and godspeed.

Davenport and Foulke headed to the hangars to check out their new planes, which Martinez Security had rented a day ago. They were an F/A-18F Super Hornet and an Su-35S Flanker-E. The Su-35 had a splinter grey paintjob, while the F/A-18F had a standard grey paintjob with a navy blue stripe around its canopy, blue tail trims and yellow tail tips.

-I guess you'll be taking the Flanker-E for this mission, Marlene.-said Foulke.

-You bet.-said Davenport.-The Su-35 is armed with long-range missiles and thermobaric bombs. Furthermore, it is extremely maneuverable. Too bad I can't say the same for the Super Hornet.

-Well, the F/A-18F is not nearly as maneuverable as the Su-35.-admitted Foulke.-But it is a very good multirole fighter. It sacrifices a bit of the F/A-18E's maneuverability and speed for better air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities.

-The F/A-18E is not remarkably fast or nimble, which is not good news for the twin-seaters.-said Davenport.-And I know that due to my experience in the Navy, Hansel.

-Relax. I've piloted planes that were bricks compared to this one.-said Foulke.-Besides, this tough guy does not lack weapons either. The LASMs and XMAAs are enough evidence of that.

-Still, the LASMs need to lock on to the targets. Otherwise, they're useless at long range.-said Davenport.-While the FAEBs do not need to lock on, I admit their low capacity is a serious hindrance.

-In that, case, we need to make wise use of the weapons we have.-said Foulke.-I suggest we save the LASMs and the FAEBs for the railgun itself.-said Foulke.

-Sounds like a plan.-said Davenport.-We'll use the standard missiles against the ground forces instead.

After checking their planes, they waited until 14:30, when they took off and headed for Romania.

Southern Romania, April 8th 2016, 16:00 Hours; Weather: Scattered clouds, chance of rain

Antares 1 and Antares 2 were 15 miles southwest from the Balaur's position.

-The railgun is named "Balaur", right?-asked Antares 1.

-Yeah. Apparently, it's named after a Romanian multi-headed dragon.-said Antares 2.-Also, Balaur is the name of a small Cretaceous bird.

-Our target here is the Balaur, a stand alone version of the cannon used by the Spiridus. That one was, thankfully, shot down over London.-said Canopus.-We'll be dealing with the same kind of firepower. Good luck out there.

Just a couple of seconds later, the enemy detected the Antares squadron.

-Hostiles in sight.-reported a soldier.-It's the IUPF.

-Very well. Prepare the Balaur for firing.-ordered the base commander.

-ECS is operational. Capacitors 1 to 32 are fully charged. Barrel cooling normal.-reported a railgun operator.

-System is all green.-reported another operator.-Releasing final safety.

-Target IUPF air forces!-ordered the commander.

-Hostile radar detected.-reported Antares 2.-It's the Balaur!

-Antares squadron, the Balaur's firing range is displayed in your radar.-said Canopus, as a red, triangle-shaped area appeared on the radar.-Move out of the Balaur's line of fire immediately!

The Su-35's and F/A-18F's radar warnings blared as the Antares squadron tried to get out of the line of fire.

-Keep them at bay, as the Balaur will finish them off!-said a Valahia soldier.

Antares 1 and Antares 2 managed to get out of the danger zone a second later.

-Incoming in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...-said Canopus.

After he reached one, a deafening explosion was heard, and the Antares squadron got a glimpse of a supersonic projectile heading to the southwest. Judging by the speed and size of it, Antares 1 guessed it would have been enough to destroy a Stonehenge-class railgun with a single shot.

-Good, don't let your guard down.-advised Canopus.

Antares 2 rejoined with Antares 1, who contacted her.

-Antares 2, we're dealing with one hell of a railgun here. Just the shockwave around the supersonic bullet can take you out.-he said.-Don't rely on just your eyes. Check your radar every time the Balaur begins its firing preparations and get out of its line of fire.

Antares 1 and Antares 2 headed towards a group of targets along the river. The targets turned out to be four AA guns, two flak guns and a couple of tanks. Antares 1 and Antares 2 fired missiles on the AA guns, destroying them, and pulled up before the flak guns could hit them. After that, they turned around, fired standard missiles on the tanks, and strafed the flaks before moving on to the next group of targets.

-The Red Scorpions are here.-reported a Valahia soldier.-Don't get caught by their tails!

The next group of targets were another couple of tanks, four AA guns, and four Ka-52s. There were also four Su-35s approaching from the northwest, and four F/A-18Fs approaching from the northeast. The Valahian Su-35s had a mustard yellow paintjob with jagged-edged green and brown markings, while the F/A-18Fs had a two-tone green and white paintjob.

-We're getting more hostiles on radar!-reported Canopus.-Antares squad, be careful out there!

Just a couple of seconds later, the Antares squadron's alarms blared in their cockpits.

The Balaur was targeting them again.

-Displaying line of fire!-reported Canopus.

Antares 1 broke to the west, while Antares 2 broke to the east.

-5, 4, 3, 2, 1...-counted Canopus.

The Balaur fired again, but the attack missed its target. However, neither Antares 1 nor Antares 2 were safe, since the Su-35s and the F/A-18Fs attacked them.

Antares 1 evaded the initial attack and counterattacked with a standard missile to two of the Su-35s, firing his guns to destroy them once the missiles hit. The other two Su-35s broke away. Antares 1 attacked the one who broke to the east and fired two missiles on him. The Su-35 was hit and destroyed. The last Su-35 fired on Antares 1, but he evaded the attack and fired his guns on the Su-35's right wing, cleaving it out of the main fuselage and sending the fighter spiraling towards the ground.

Antares 2, meanwhile, fired a couple of missiles on one of the F/A-18Fs and her guns on another one, shooting both of them down. The other two F/A-18Fs broke away and tried to converge again, trying to trap her in the crossfire. Antares 2 pretended to take the bait and charged toward one of them, pulling up in the last second and making the two F/A-18Fs slam into each other.

Antares 1 and Antares 2 tried to attack the ground targets again. They managed to shoot down the Ka-52s with standard missiles and strafe two AA guns each before turning around and fire on the enemy tanks, destroying them. After that, they tracked another group of targets, this time comprised of two AA guns and two tanks.

However, before being able to attack the ground units, the Balaur targeted them again.

-Displaying line of fire!-reported Canopus.

Antares 1 and Antares 2 broke to the east to avoid the lethal railgun attack.

-5, 4, 3, 2, 1...-said Canopus.

Another explosion was heard. Fortunately, Antares 1 and Antares 2 had avoided the attack with ease.

-Destroying ground targets is also part of the mission.-said Canopus.-Clear them out before you move on.

Antares 1 and Antares 2 attacked the ground targets again, firing a missile to each AA gun and a missile to each tank. Since the tanks were not destroyed by the missiles, the Antares squadron had to strafe them to finish them off.

-Hold your ground, men!-ordered a Valahia soldier.

Another group of targets, this time four Ka-52s, four flak guns, and four AA guns, were tracked to the northeast, not too far from the last group of targets. Antares 1 and Antares 2 managed to shoot down the Ka-52s before the Balaur tried to fire again.

-Displaying line of fire!-warned Canopus.

Antares 1 and Antares 2 turned to the east and engaged their afterburners, getting out of the Balaur's firing range soon enough.

-5, 4, 3, 2, 1...-said Canopus.

The Balaur fired again, missing the Antares squadron, but its shot sent chills down the Antares squadron members' spines. Antares 1 and Antares 2 headed toward the AA guns and flaks, firing missiles on them and strafing them. In a single pass, all AA weapons were destroyed. Another group of four AA guns, two tanks, four flaks and four Ka-52s appeared close to the last group. Antares 1 and Antares 2 shot down the Ka-52s and strafe the AA guns in a single pass, turned around and took out the tanks with standard missiles and the AA guns in a strafing run.

A group of two Eurofighter Typhoons and two Rafale Ms appeared to the north.

-You're not getting anywhere near the Balaur!-stated a Valahian pilot.

Unfortunately, just before the Antares squad could get a visual on the enemy, the Balaur targeted them again.

-Displaying line of fire!-reported Canopus.

The Antares squadron headed to the east to evade the attack, while the enemy fighters turned to the west.

-5, 4, 3, 2, 1...-counted Canopus.

Another shot of the Balaur made the Martinez Security pilots get goosebumps. This time, they had evaded the attack by just a few seconds. Antares 2 attacked the Rafale Ms. She fired a couple of missiles on the first one and her guns on the second one, destroying them. Antares 1, meanwhile, fired a missile on each of the enemy Typhoons and finished them off with guns.

Finally, the Antares squadron had got close enough to the Balaur to get a visual confirmation of its size. The Balaur was built over an old, ruined castle to the south of a mountain chain. Antares 2 was surprised by the Balaur's size, since she had never seen a railgun in her whole life. Antares 1 was taken aback. The Balaur was roughly the same size as each of the Stonehenge-class railguns.

-We have a visual on the Balaur.-reported Antares 1.-How they can carry such a weapon?

Shortly after, the Antares squadron's HUDs went crazy.

-What the...?-gasped Antares 2.-What's going on!?

-It's some sort of ECM.-said Antares 1.-Swines!

-Don't allow them near the Balaur!-ordered a Valahia soldier.

-Antares squadron, bad news. There are three small jamming emitters down there. All of them must be destroyed.-reported Canopus.-Their coordinates have been sent to your radar. You'll have to destroy them manually.

-Understood.-replied both pilots, heading towards the radar jammers.

The radar jammers were located to the north, northwest and northeast of the Balaur. Antares 2 dived toward them, but the Balaur targeted them.

-So, the IUPF have come this far. But the Balaur won't fall so easily.-said the Valahia commander.-Come on, come closer! We'll blow you out of the sky!

Antares 1 and Antares 2 managed to evade the Balaur's attack. This time, the Balaur had fired more rapidly. The Antares squadron picked up the pace and attacked the jammers. It turned out that the jammers were simply jamming antennas. Antares 2 managed to strafe two of them, and Antares 1 destroyed the last one.

-All jammers destroyed.-reported Antares 1.-Area of interference neutralized.

-All right, now, focus your fire on the cannon barrel and take it out.-ordered Canopus.-Keep in mind that this base carries heavy firepower. Be careful.

Just after he said that, eight AA guns were deployed around the Balaur. Additionally, the Balaur itself deployed a couple of AA guns in the southern supports, and a couple of SAM launchers on the northern ones.

Antares 1 and Antares 2 circled the railgun in a counterclockwise fashion, destroying the eight AA guns outside the fortress. Antares 1 was being targeted by the railgun during the attack, since his plane was the slowest one. However, Antares 1 was counting on that.

The Balaur fired three seconds later, missing both planes. However, the Balaur's SAM launchers fired a missile on both Antares 1 and Antares 2. Fortunately, both of them managed to evade the missiles.

-Time to go all out, Antares 2.-said Antares 1.-Destroy the enemy railgun's AA weapons with your FAEBs!

-Roger that!-said Antares 2.-Be ready to fire the LASMs!

Antares 2 switched to FAEBs, aligned the pipper to the AA guns and the SAMs and dropped two of her four FAEBs on them. The explosion obliterated the enemy weapons. However, the Balaur only took a slight amount of damage, but it was still enough to cause turmoil around the personnel on the base.

-This isn't over yet!-said the commander, standing up after falling due to the shockwave.

-Commander, the Sphynx and Bloodstone squadrons are on their way!-said a Valahia soldier.-ETA: two minutes!

-Perfect! Just tell them to be aware of the Balaur's fire!-said the commander. He then headed to the railgun operators and gave them orders.-Shoot down those enemy fighters! Fire at will!

Antares 1 targeted the Balaur's barrel and fired two LASMs on it. The impact was enough to stop it from firing, making the Balaur's operators to abort another shot.

-Reload!-ordered the commander.-We can't afford to lose in our own land!

Antares 1 targeted the barrel again, firing two LASMs more. This time, the combined firepower of the LASMs was too much for the barrel, which was blown into pieces.

-AAAhhh!-shouted the commander.

-The barrel...-gasped a railgun operator.-NO!

-Confirmed destruction of the barrel.-said Canopus.-Continue and destroy the main unit itself.

-Wait, enemy aircraft incoming from the west.-said Antares 1.-Antares 2, come with me.

Antares 1 and Antares 2 headed to the west. Eight Su-30MKIs and eight F-15SEs were closing in. The F-15SEs had a two-tone green desert camouflage with blood-like markings on their forward fuselage, and the Su-30MKIs had a green and brown paintjob with white radome with a mane-like trim behind their cockpit.

-Sphynx squadron, Bloodstone squadron, take out the IUPF scum!-ordered the Valahia commander.

Antares 1 targeted the F-15SEs, while Antares 2 targeted the Su-30MKIs. Switching to XMAAs and XLAAs respectively, Antares 1 and Antares 2 fired on the enemy fighters, shooting half of them each.

-Are those the Red Scorpions that took out the Zburător and the Spiridus!?-asked a Valahia pilot.

-Oh, no, no. That was another squadron.-replied Antares 2, sarcastically.-Their callsign was Shit Sherlock, first name NO!

-Ahahahah, I see what you did there!-laughed Antares 1.

-Fuck you, Miss Watson!-replied a Valahia Su-30MKI pilot, realizing that one of the enemy pilots was a female.-Now, why don't you do like a good bitch and suck my dick!?

The sexist comment sent Antares 2 over the edge. She hated when people looked down on her just because of her gender.

-THAT WAS THE WORST AND LAST MISTAKE YOU'LL EVER MAKE, YOU PIECE OF HUMAN GARBAGE!-she shouted.

Antares 1 was very angry himself. He had made the mistake of insulting Antares 2 in the past, and it was a mistake he was not willing to make again, especially since he knew how angry she could get, and what kind of damage she could cause. On top of that, he had recently come to respect her, and he took the insult to her wingman personally.

Both pilots fired on the enemy planes. This time, a couple of F-15SEs and a couple of Su-30MKIs managed to evade the missiles. One of the survivors was the pilot who insulted her.

-Nice try, loser!-said the pilot.-Next time, bring me your "A" game and a beer!

-Don't you go all happy because you evaded those sluggish missiles, dumbass!-boasted Antares 2, snarling.

She fiercely attacked the enemy Su-30MKIs, shooting one of them down with two missiles.

-How dare you take out my squadron!?-growled the Valahian pilot.

-Compared to yours, their deaths will be painless.-Antares 2 said, getting behind the enemy fighter.-Welcome to the end of your life. And I promise, it's going to hurt like Hell!

Antares 2 aimed straight for the cockpit and fired her guns. The enemy pilot was hit by the 30mm rounds and died in agony, his plane exploding shortly after.

Antares 1, meanwhile, had already shot down both F-15SEs with guns and missiles. Even he was slightly taken aback by Antares 2's ferocity.

-"It's said that there's nothing as fearsome as an angry woman. And boy, Marlene certainly is someone not to be trifled with!"-he mused.

-Antares 1, let's take out the Balaur once and for all!-said Antares 2.

-I'm on it like butter on toast!-said Antares 1.

The Valahia commander was desperate. He was not willing to report to Dumitrescu that he had lost the Valahia's main base in Europe.

-Fire! Shoot them down!-he ordered.-Valahia's spirit will not be so easily broken!

-"We'll see about that!"-Antares 2 mused.

The Valahia soldiers picked up Stinger missile launchers and spread around the ruins. Antares 2 switched to FAEBs and dropped the last bombs over the enemy troops, killing all of them. Antares 1 fired his last LASMs on the Balaur's main unit. The already damaged railgun was disintegrated by the missiles' impacts.

-Ugh, Dumitrescu...-gasped the commander, who was hit very badly by the explosions, and about to die.-We leave everything in your hands!

Antares 1 and Antares 2 took a look at the enemy railgun's remains, which were exploding and burning.

-Balaur confirmed destroyed.-reported Antares 2.

-That was no easy task. You did well out there. We subdued their forces here, but the missile silo in Central Asia is their main headquarters.-said Canopus.-We need to push through and finish them once and for all. Antares squadron, we're counting on you.

-Don't sweat it. Our loyalty is worth more than any amount of credits.-said Antares 1.-Antares squadron, returning to base.

Antares 1 and Antares 2 returned to Greek airspace.

Athens, Greece, April 8th 2016, 18:00 Hours; Weather: Sunny, scattered clouds

Marlene Davenport and Hansel Foulke had arrived to Greece just ten minutes before. They had spent every last drop of fuel during their mission. Frederick Burford had congratulated for their efforts during the attack on the railgun when they arrived, since it meant that the Valahia threat over Europe was over. He had stated that all that was left at the moment was the destruction of the enemy missile silo in Uzbekistan.

Foulke found Davenport in the base's cafe, taking some tea and trying to calm herself down.

-What's wrong, Marlene?-he asked, as he took a seat by her side.-Are you still mad because of that asshole's comment?

-Yes, I am. I hate when people insult me just because I'm a woman.-said Davenport.-It's not fair at all!

Foulke noticed that she had been crying. It was then when he realized just how hard those insults hit her.

-I know that I did something like that to you before, and I know it's too late for it, but I'd like to apologize for insulting you in Japan.-said Foulke.

Davenport dried her tears and looked at Foulke, smiling.

-Don't worry. It's forgiven and forgotten.-Davenport said.-Besides, we hated each other back then. I was very rude and insensitive to you, too.

-You've got a point.-said Foulke.-Furthermore, you destroyed the Spiridus while I had engine problems because of my reckless move. Something that no male pilot can say they did.

-Don't look down at yourself.-replied Davenport.-You took out the IRCMs. If you didn't, there's no way I would have been able to take it out.

-I only did what I had to do.-stated Foulke.-You're a very skilled pilot, anyway. The brainless USN officers that discharged you must be banging their heads against the carriers' hull by now.

The mental image of that made Davenport made her laugh her heart out.

-Yeah, I can imagine them!-she gasped.-But that's their problem now. Also, I don't regret that. Now I have a good job, and I'm doing something useful for once.

-Really? What kind of stuff did the USN guys make you do?-said Foulke.

-Things that should be legally punished with life sentences.-said Davenport.-Just because my father, Allen Davenport, callsign "Duke" was killed during a mission in the Middle East.

-Seriously?-gasped Foulke.-Bastards!

-And, since you read my report, you might know why I was discharged from the Navy.-answered Davenport.

-Yeah, I know.-said Foulke.-That officer got what he deserved. And still, you paid the price for his actions. It's all about money, in the end.

-Amen to that.-said Davenport.-Even after the Ulysses Disaster, we still make the same mistakes. Either that or make new ones.

Both pilots kept chatting, training in the gym and having fun for the rest of the day.

Athens, Greece, April 9th 2016, 10:00 Hours; Weather: Sunny, few clouds

Frederick Burford was in his office, staring at a photo he had on his desk when his phone rang.

-This is Burford, commander of Martinez Security.-he said, picking up the phone.-...Huh huh. ...Wait, what?... But they might be against it! ...I understand that, but still... OK, OK, I'll tell them right away!

He hung up the phone and reached the intercom.

-Foulke, Davenport, please come to my office now!-he said.

A minute later, he heard a knock on the door. Marlene Davenport and Hansel Foulke entered the office.

-Davenport, Foulke, I know this is not going to be nice to hear, but you guys have been assigned a special mission.-Burford said.

-What kind of mission?-asked Foulke.-Recon? Strike? Interception?

-No.-replied Burford.

-Then what?-asked Davenport.-Escort? Jamming?

-Not that, either.-Burford answered.

-Then what?-asked Foulke.

-One of the IUPF's mayor backers must overfly territory under Valahia control.-said Burford.

-So what?-said Davenport.

-The man in question is Andre Olivieri, a recent big shot in the insurance business. And he has requested the IUPF's best pilots to pilots his Boeing 747-400.-said Burford.-In other words, you two.

Neither Davenport nor Foulke could believe what their commander had said.

-OK, Burford.-said Davenport.-In the unlikely case we can pilot that overweight plane, what are we supposed to do?

-First, you'll receive proper instruction in 747 piloting.-said Burford.-Then, on April 30th, you'll have to pilot his plane from El Cairo to Moscow. The dangerous area in question will be the Mora jamming station area, where Valahian remnants still linger.

-Oh, yes sir, you bet.-sighed Foulke.-We're gonna pilot over enemy airspace behind the controls of a Boeing 7-shit-7, with Olivieri Life Insurance's CEO as a passenger. Where the fuck do you want me to paint the bullseyes?

-I'm afraid that, in case they do attack you, it won't be necessary.-said Burford.-I tried to cut you guys out of this, but not even the top brass can deny this man. You'll be departing to Paris in two hours. You're dismissed.

Both pilots left the office, fuming.

-Hansel, this is nuts! I can't believe we're doing this!-Davenport complained.

-We have no choice now.-said Foulke.-It's gonna be just one flight, thankfully.

-In any case, this is gonna be the longest flight of my entire life.-stated Davenport.


Thirteenth chapter. I managed to get some time to write this chapter. I hope you like it. There's one thing I forgot to say about the last chapter: there is a hidden reference to the Wardog squadron in it. Kudos to those who find it. Good luck and take care. See you next time

EDIT(27/7/2015):Changed departure place to El Cairo. Sorry for the mistake!

EDIT(05/8/2015):Added the base paintjob to the Sphynx and Bloodstone squads. Sorry for the plothole!