Ace Combat: Joint Assault
Chapter 14:Grand Flight
Marlene Davenport and Hansel Foulke had spent every day since they arrived to Paris receiving training on 747 piloting and civilian flight operations. It was exhausting, but they had no choice, since their client was none other than Andre Olivieri himself, the CEO of Olivieri Life Insurance.
Despite that, Davenport was not very pleased. She had a bad feeling about that guy. She couldn't put her finger on what was fishy about him, but something told her to be wary of that big shot. Foulke was just a bit more optimistic, but not because he was comfortable with the idea of being used as an errand boy for a rich guy.
Their common dislike for the mission brought them even closer, to the point that they didn't mind sharing a hotel room in Paris. However, they slept in separate beds, and always in pajamas.
Paris, France, April 28th 2016, 21:30 Hours; Weather: Sunny, scattered clouds
Davenport and Foulke, who had just finished their 747 piloting instruction and were in a hotel having some rest before leaving for El Cairo, were talking with Frederick Burford, who had contacted them from Athens shortly before.
-Well, Burford, it seems we are going to be piloting for Olivieri two days from now.-said Davenport.-Can we expect some kind of support from the IUPF?
-Fortunately, yes.-replied Burford.-The IUPF has been ordered to dispatch a squadron of Rafale Ms in case something goes wrong.
-Still, if we run into trouble, what are we expected to do until the squadron arrives?-asked Foulke.
-You'll have to use all of your piloting skills to evade the attackers.-said Burford.-That's all I can say to help.
-Have you ever considered that we're not piloting a fighter jet, but a 747-400?-asked Davenport.-That slug turns like a lead brick over mud.
-I'm certain of that.-answered Burford.-As I told you, I was against this from the very beginning, but Olivieri himself said that he wanted, and I quote, "the IUPF's best pilots", and that guy is not someone to accept a "no" as an answer.
-Rich people like him think they can buy anything.-sighed Foulke.-I just hope he pays us a substantial amount of credits for this.
-Foulke, you're starting to sound like Sulejmani.-joked Davenport.
-It's not like that!-said Foulke, scandalized.
-In any case, I've been authorized to provide AWACS support for this mission.-said Burford.-So I'll be keeping an eye for you out there.
-Glad to hear it.-said Davenport.-In that case, you'll be the first to receive the mayday signal.
-Don't be so pessimistic, Davenport.-said Burford.-It's going to be easier than you think.
-We still fail to see whether this mission is going to be a suicidal one or not.-said Foulke.-Especially since we are going to fly through enemy airspace.
-All I can do now is wishing good luck out there.-said Burford.-Have a nice trip!
After that, Burford cut the transmission. Foulke turned off the computer while Davenport laid over one of the beds of their room.
-Jeez, this is fucked up!-complained Davenport.-And all you care for is money!
-Of course not!-answered Foulke.-The only reason I want that money for is as a compensation for this insulting chore.
-"Insulting" is not even close to what I'd use to describe this mission.-said Davenport.-Last thing I need is a picky passenger.
-Keeping in mind that we're transporting Olivieri, this is going to be a very long flight.-said Foulke.-He's said to be quite an eccentric man.
-OK, let's leave our concerns about Mr Big Shot for now.-said Davenport.-I think Les Chevaliers du Ciel is going to be aired at ten p.m..
-Original version or dub?-asked Foulke.
-I'm afraid it's the original version.-answered Davenport.
-OK, then.-said Foulke, nonchalantly.-I'm not very skilled in French, but I think I'll be able to keep up with it a bit.
Davenport called for room service, asking for some drinks and something to have for dinner. Some minutes later, a bellboy, who was dressed in a fancy plum uniform, knocked on the room's door.
-Mademoiselle Davenport?-asked the bellboy, who was taking them the dinner and drinks in a trolley. He had a marked French accent.
-Oui, c'est moi!-answered Davenport.
-Oh, don't worry. I can speak English rather well.-answered the bellboy.
-Glad to hear it.-said Davenport.-I'm not very skilled at French.
-It's a dinner for you two, I guess.-said the bellboy.-Maybe a romantic one?
After that comment, both Davenport and Foulke blushed furiously.
-W... we're not dating or anything!-both of them said at unison.
-Oh, sorry. Faux pas.-said the bellboy, scratching the back of his head awkwardly.-Here's your request.
He left the food and drinks on a small table in the room. After that, the bellboy left the room, but before he could get away, Davenport called him.
-Hey, monsieur!-she said. She handed the bellboy a tip of 150 euros. Davenport and Foulke had put 75 euros each.
-Merci beaucoup!-said the bellboy, leaving the room while pushing the trolley.
-De rien!-answered Davenport, closing the door behind her.
Davenport and Foulke had dinner and watched the movie in silence, taking glances at each other every now and then. The awkward comment of the bellboy had taken them off-guard. None of them was willing to admit whether they had feeling for the other or not. In any case, both of them would claim that they were nothing more than friends, in the best case scenario. However, they had to admit that they cared for each other.
After watching the movie, both pilots went to sleep. To avoid suspicions from possible Valahia agents, they had booked a civilian flight to El Cairo from the Charles de Gaulle airport. The flight was scheduled for departure at 14:00, and it was scheduled to arrive to El Cairo International Airport at 18:45 hours.
Paris, France, April 29th 2016, 09:00 Hours; Weather: Sunny, scattered clouds
Hansel Foulke woke up, having slept rather peacefully for his standards. The remains of the last night's dinner, an empty bottle of champagne and a couple of glass cups were on the table.
Foulke headed to the bathroom to have a shower. Once he was finished, he put on a grey shirt and brown trousers and returned to the room.
Marlene Davenport was still sleeping. Foulke couldn't help but stare for a moment at her. Her slim body and peaceful appearance didn't reveal her strength, and her red hair seemed to be flowing over the pillow. It was hard to think that after her beautiful looks lurked a lethal fighter pilot.
Foulke shook his head, sighed, took one of the keys to the room and left, closing the door carefully behind him. As he headed to the cafe to have something for breakfast, he couldn't help but feel bad for his deceased girlfriend. To him, Elza was the only one who cared for him when he was on his worst, and losing her took a toll in his view of life. To make matters worse, he was growing unsure about his feelings for Davenport. Was she really a mere friend, or would she turn out to be something more to him?
When he arrived at the cafe, Foulke ordered a croissant and a cup of coffee. He was about to finish when Davenport arrived to the cafe, wearing a white tank top and blue trousers.
-Good morning, Marlene.-he said, when she sat down next to him.
-Hi, Hansel.-said Davenport.-Seems like I slept a bit more than you.
-Don't sweat the small stuff.-replied Foulke.-Our flight is not scheduled for departure until 14:00 hours.
-Which means we have over four hours to make sure everything goes as we planned.-said Davenport.-Last thing we need is some Valahia agent following our steps.
-They had almost a month to prepare any attempt on us.-said Foulke.
-I'm not sure they will attempt to kill us while on the ground.-answered Davenport.-I think that they will attack us when we are most vulnerable.
-I guess that would be once we are airborne, right?-asked Foulke.
-You bet.-confirmed Davenport.-With such a sluggish plane, evasion is not a viable option.
At that moment, Foulke's phone rang. When he checked the ID, he realized it was Frederick Burford.
-Excuse me, Marlene.-he said, as he picked up the phone.-Foulke here... Huh huh... Wait, seriously?... That's very good news, but why weren't we told about it in the first place?... I see. Remind me to "thank" the IUPF for not telling me about that earlier... Of course, I'll tell Davenport right away... Make sure the IUPF squadron is sitting alert in condition red, especially when we fly over enemy territory... Good bye, Burford.
After that, Foulke hung up.
-Seems like we have something good.-said Davenport.-A nice change, actually.
-It seems like some smartass decided to keep a last-minute change in secret.-said Foulke.-Apparently, they equipped Olivieri's plane with an ECM system to help us fly over Valahia territory. It combines a jammer and around 10 flare salvos for defensive purposes.
-I guess the jammer will prevent the Valahia to lock on the 747 with the radar and the flares will trick heat-seeking missiles tracking us, right?-guessed Davenport.
-You're playing up their power a bit there.-said Foulke.-The ECM jammer is not foolproof, since the further the threat is, the harder it would be for our jammer to protect us, and the flares themselves may not be able to counter weapons such as heat-seeking SAMs and QAAMs if not used properly.
-In that case, it's not such good news.-said Davenport.-We still may need to rely on our piloting skills.
-Anyone who managed to dodge a QAAM with a 747-400, with or without flares, should receive a medal and a promotion, at least.-said Foulke.
-You can say that again.-said Davenport.-I'm not looking forward to our next mission anyway.
After Davenport had her breakfast, Foulke and Davenport packed their stuff, returned the room keys to the hotel and headed to the Charles de Gaulle airport. They arrived to the airport one hour before the departure hour. After being checked by the security personnel, they got into an Air France Airbus A380, which was famous for being the largest passenger airliner.
At 18:45 hours, they arrived to El Cairo.
-Here we are again.-said Davenport, once they got off the plane.-Do you remember when we took the mission over the Egyptian ruins?
-Yep.-said Foulke.-We hated each other's guts back then.
-Don't grieve about the past, Hansel.-said Davenport.-By the way, Olivieri's flight was scheduled for tomorrow at 14:35 hours, right?
-Exactly.-answered Foulke.-Its callsign is Oscar Lima India One, or OLI1, for short.
-You've got good memory.-said Davenport.-I think that the airport has prepared some facilities for us to have some rest before tomorrow.
-I hope they're good enough.-said Foulke.
Unbeknownst to both pilots, a Valahia spy had been following their moves since they left France.
The spy stopped following them for a moment, picked up his phone and headed to one of the bathrooms.
-Dumitrescu, the IUPF pilots are in El Cairo's airport.-he said once he called Dumitrescu.
-Excellent.-said Dumitrescu.-Continue to monitor their movements, but do not let them notice you.
-Those two IUPF worms will never suspect a thing.-said the spy.-I can kill them any time.
-Do not kill them!-shouted Dumitrescu.-I want them alive for now. Once they enter our airspace, they won't be able to complain when they get shot down.
-Understood.-said the spy.-Are the squadrons ready?
-The Razorback and Nightowl squadrons are standing by at this very moment.-said Dumitrescu.-Olivieri will regret having thought us dogs.
-Understood.-the spy said.-I'll follow them for now and report you when Olivieri's plane takes off.
After that, the spy hung up his phone. He was a bit frustrated for not being able to kill the two pilots, but he knew that, eventually, his patience would pay off the next day, for the IUPF's biggest backer would die along with the IUPF's top aces.
Meanwhile, Davenport and Foulke were having a meal and some rest in a room in the airport. At 22:00 hours, they went to bed.
El Cairo, Egypt, April 30th 2016, 13:50 Hours; Weather: Sunny, few clouds
Marlene Davenport and Hansel Foulke had spent the day studying the flight plan. At 13:50 hours, they met with a surprise guest in their room.
It was Andre Olivieri himself.
Olivieri, wearing a black suit with white stripes and a red tie, entered the room.
-Hello, lady and gentleman.-said Olivieri, sitting down on a sofa.-You must be the IUPF aces.
Both of them nodded.
-Glad to hear it.-said Olivieri.-I just hope you can get me to Moscow in time.
-Mr Olivieri, knowing where are we going to fly over, I think that reaching our destination in time is the least of our concerns.-said Davenport.
-Excuse me, Miss...-said Olivieri.
-Davenport.-said Davenport.
-Miss Davenport.-said Olivieri.-I'm aware that we're going to fly over Valahia territory. That's why I hired you and Mr...
-Foulke.-said Foulke.
-Mr Foulke.-said Olivieri.-I've heard rumors of two IUPF pilots that managed to take on the best the Valahia could use against the world and come back alive. I'm honored to have met them.
-"Flattery will get you nowhere, Mr Olivieri."-both pilots mused.
-In any case, I also hope you guys can take care of my plane.-continued Olivieri.-I heard your concerns about safety, so I made sure to have an ECM system installed in my airplane. It was rather expensive, though.
Both pilots irked at that remark, but they didn't show it.
-But don't worry.-said Olivieri, smiling.-It's also for my own safety, so I don't mind paying for it. Besides, I'm making quite a lot of money thanks to my "war damage insurance" business.
-Well, that being said,-said Foulke.-I think it's time we headed to your plane. We want to check it before we take off.
-Absolutely.-said Olivieri, standing up.-This way.
Davenport and Foulke followed Olivieri to a hangar. Inside that hangar was a Boeing 747-400, with an off-white paintjob and orange underside nose, fuselage, wing and tail trims, and tail tip. It also bore the emblem of Olivieri Life Insurance on its tail, along with a red and black text on both sides of the plane, which read "Olivieri Live Insurance, Inc.".
-Sweet, huh?-asked Olivieri.-It costs a lot of cash to own a plane like this.
-We guessed as much.-said Davenport, matter-of-factly.
-I'll be taking my seat once you guys have checked the plane.-said Olivieri, leaving the hangar and heading for the terminal.
Davenport and Foulke checked the plane. It was in very good shape, but the shape of the plane was the least of their concerns.
At 14:20, Olivieri returned with his luggage and some flight attendants. He entered the plane just after the pilots and made himself comfortable in the passengers cabin. Davenport took the pilot seat and Foulke sat in the copilot's seat. Once they checked the instruments, they taxied out of the hangar.
-El Cairo International tower, this is Oscar Lima India 1. Requesting permission to taxi to runway 05C.-said Foulke.
-Oscar Lima India 1, this is El Cairo International tower.-said the tower operator.-Permission to taxi to runway 05C granted. Stand by at runway 05C.
The Boeing 747-400 taxied to the runway and stopped. Davenport locked the brakes and extended the flaps.
-Tower, this is Oscar Lima India 1, requesting permission to takeoff, runway 05C.-requested Foulke.
-Oscar Lima India 1, tower. Wind 059 at 10 knots.-reported the tower operator.-Cleared for takeoff.
The 747-400's engines began to pick up power and, once they were at max, Davenport disengaged the brakes. The 747-400 picked up speed and, when it reach a speed of 200 knots, the plane took off smoothly.
When the pilots gained enough altitude, they retracted the flaps and the landing gear.
Meanwhile, in the airport, the Valahia spy contacted Dumitrescu, informing him that the IUPF plane had already left the airport.
Northern Turkey, April 30th 2016, 15:55 Hours; Weather: Sunny, few clouds
Marlene Davenport and Hansel Foulke had been flying north for more than an hour. Once they entered Turkish airspace, they had contacted Canopus to make sure the IUPF squadron was ready for action. At 15:55, they could overhear a phone call made by Andre Olivieri, who was talking to someone who apparently was already in Moscow.
-Hah, you gotta be joking. Listen, we're not selling them an insurance plan. We're selling them the whole darn war damage insurance business! There's no way we can sell it for pocket change! Do you recall the figure I proposed? It's four hundred billion. Four. Zero. Zero. Billion! Not one euro less. And make sure they pay in cash! You got that?-he said, rather spleenful.-One more thing. I'm not going there to negotiate. I'm going there to sign on the dotted line. It must be cash! Capiche!?
Apparently, the person in the other side of the phone acknowledged that.
-Huh? Well, if you got all that, then what are you waiting for?-asked Olivieri, after a moment of silence.-Get going, idiot!
Both pilots listened to the conversation a bit amused. Just a second later, they realized they were flying over enemy territory.
Valahia had managed to hold their ground on the northern sector of Turkey, thus making the whole area dangerous for commercial flights.
-There it is.-said Davenport.-The Valahia-occupied Turkey.
-If they attack us, our only chance of salvation is the IUPF.-said Foulke.-We won't have the right to complain if we get shot down here.
At that moment, Olivieri contacted the pilots.
-Hey, can't we go any faster?-he asked.
-Mr Olivieri, this is a 747-400, not a Concorde.-replied Foulke.-This is as fast as we can go.
-Since we're going through Valahia territory, I thought it'd be a good idea to hire the IUPF aces.-said Olivieri.-But nothing's happening. What a waste of money!
Foulke was about to reply that they were better off not getting the attention of the Valahia when the alarms blared on the cockpit.
-Huh?-asked Olivieri.
-SAMs!-said Foulke.-Gott Verdammt! We're completely surrounded!
-OLI1, emergency descent!-ordered Canopus.-Escape into the valley ahead!
Davenport pushed the lever to make the 747 descend.
-This is OLI1 to Canopus.-reported Foulke, as they descended, heading to the ravine near the Mora jamming station.-We're activating the ECM system. Alert the IUPF squadron, stat!
Olivieri groaned as the 747 headed into the ravine. Some minutes later, they had managed to get into the cover of the ravine, out of the SAMs' reach.
-OLI1, are you still with us?-asked Canopus.
-This is OLI1, affirmative.-answered Foulke.-We've received attack by SAMs.
-You'll have to stay low in the valley until our allies destroy the radar network over the area.-said Canopus.-Keep you altitude below 3200 feet. Go any higher, and you'll risk being targeted.
Davenport kept the plane at a safe altitude, too low for the enemy SAMs to track the plane, but high enough to allow the plane to fly safely in the ravine. They reached an S-shaped section of the ravine, where they could track a couple of gunboats. Swaying the plane slightly, Davenport managed to avoid the gunboats' fire.
Suddenly, four Su-25SMs and four A-10s dived into the ravine and chased the 747.
-OLI1, hostile attack planes on your six.-said Canopus.-OLI1, keep in mind you're unarmed, focus on evading enemy fire!
-Let's keep them out of gun range.-recommended Foulke.-If those planes hit us, we're FUBAR.
Davenport set the engines to max power and kept the planes too close for them to use missiles, but also too far for them to use their guns. The enemy pilots, however, seemed less skilled than them, since they had to fly slower than them to avoid crashing into each other or the ravine. Some seconds later, the 747 pilots tracked a gunboat near a large stone bridge.
-There's a large bridge ahead.-reported Canopus.-Be careful not to crash into it.
The bridge's main pillars were about 58 meters apart from each other, so Davenport had to bank a bit to prevent the wings from hitting the pillars. Seconds after they passed the bridge by, they heard a handful of explosions behind them.
The enemy attack planes had scrambled when they reached the bridge, and slammed into each other, the bridge and the ravine walls.
-Enemy planes have crashed into the bridge.-said Foulke to Davenport.-Excellent flying!
Davenport almost blushed when Foulke congratulated her. However, she kept focused on her flight. The pilots tracked a handful of gunboats and a couple of Ka-52s along the ravine. The gunboats fired on the 747 when they overflew them, but thankfully, none of them managed to hit the 747. The Ka-52s, when they realized they couldn't hit the 747 with missiles, tried to use rockets to shoot down the airliner. However, thanks to a diving maneuver of Davenport, they failed.
-OLI1, the ravine curves up ahead.-reported Canopus.-Stay calm and watch your flight path.
-Understood.-said Davenport, turning left once they reached a bend.
The rest of the route had no enemy presence, but there were a large number of rock outcroppings. Davenport swayed the 747 gently to avoid a collision. After some seconds, they reached a division in the ravine.
-Look ahead. The ravine divides into two.-warned Canopus.-The right-hand route is the shortest of the two, but looks to offer heavier hostile resistance. The left-hand route is something of a detour but will protect you from concentrated hostile attacks. OLI1, I'll leave the decision to you. Select a route.
Davenport pondered for a moment. She knew that it was a textbook no-win situation. No matter which route she chose, she would have to face enemy fire.
At the last moment, she chose to go all-out and headed to the right, against her better judgment.
Just behind a curve, she found out how much she had underestimated the enemy presence. There were six gunboats, two Ka-52s and two missile boats just in the section she was about to fly over.
-Fire! Fire!-ordered a Valahia soldier.-Get them out of the ravine!
-Looking for a challenge? I should have guessed as much.-said Canopus.-Show them what you've got.
-Don't worry.-said Foulke, who had noticed how nervous Davenport was.-You've done it this far. The number of enemies is irrelevant.
A bit more encouraged for Foulke's words, Davenport kept flying, dodging the enemy attacks. The enemy gunboats couldn't hit the 747 despite its size, and the Ka-52s tried to shoot it down with rockets in a futile effort. The missile boats somehow managed to lock on to the 747 and fire their missiles, but the missiles failed to hit the 747, slamming into the ravine. Davenport banked to avoid the wings hitting the pillars of another bridge once they reached it.
However, things were not going to get easier, since, to the other side of the bridge there were more Ka-52s and gunboats.
-Confirmed hostile attack helicopters coming in from the front, and gunboats from below.-reported Foulke.
-They were lying in wait.-observed Canopus.-OLI1, do whatever it takes to get through this place. You have hostiles along both the top and bottom of your flight path. You'll have to weave through them.
-OLI1 to Canopus.-said Davenport.-Do you have any good news for a change?
-Don't worry, OLI1.-said Canopus.-Our allies are taking out the enemy radar network as we speak.
Davenport swayed the 747 from side to side to avoid the enemy's attacks. Neither the Ka-52s nor the gunboats were able to hit the plane. The end of the ravine was close, since Davenport and Foulke recognized that section of the ravine after having flown through it during their mission against the Mora jamming station: there was the section where the shortcut and the detour connected, and the area where the long range artillery units were was closer by the second. Davenport hoped that the ally squadron had already taken out the radar network.
-Cleared the ravine area. The radar network is out.-reported Canopus.-Removing altitude limit.
Both Davenport and Foulke took a deep breath, relieved, as they gained altitude.
-Oh, so they've shaken the Valahia off?-said Olivieri.-Finally!
At first, neither pilot paid attention to his words, as they had since they had entered the ravine.
-Hahahahaha! ah, they weren't much of a threat at all!-said Olivieri, not realizing both pilots could hear him.-They should have just followed my original plan. Founding a country? Progress? They're nothing but a bunch of dogs caught up in futile illusions!
For the first time since they were attacked, Davenport and Foulke paid some heed to Olivieri's words. What they heard left them speechless. When they looked at each other, they could have sworn that both of them had the same question in mind.
However, their concern was clouded by another threat. This one much more serious than their suspicions about Olivieri.
-Hahahahaha! Allow me to correct your assessment of us!-said a voice.
One that everyone knew all too well.
Even Olivieri himself.
-What? This voice...-said Olivieri, spellbound.-Dumitrescu!?
We have been out of touch for too long, Mr Olivieri.-said Dumitrescu, wrath hidden beneath his voice.-You though us dogs, held by a leash of money. How unfortunate.
Foulke saw something glitter to the 747's three o'clock, diving towards them at high speed.
-We are wolves.-said Dumitrescu, before shouting:-Wolves who can chew through any leash!
Foulke got a visual confirmation of the fighters diving towards them, and his heart almost stopped dead in its tracks. Four F-35As and four MiG 1.44s were approaching towards them. The MiG 1.44s had a black paintjob with owl eyes painted below their canopies, and the F-35s had an off-white paintjob with tiger stripes and a mouth on their noses.
-Situation report!-said Canopus.
-This is OLI1!-reported Foulke.-We've got Lightnings and Flatpacks attacking us! Requesting immediate support!
-Roger that. I'll warn the Buzzard squadron!-answered Canopus.
Davenport headed north as fast as the 747's engines allowed them.
Which was not nearly enough to outrun even the F-35As, let alone the MiG 1.44s.
-Razorback squadron, Nightowl squadron, got a visual on the VIP plane.-said one of the Valahia pilots.-Shoot it down! Olivieri is in it!
When they realized they couldn't shoot it down with standard missiles, the Razorback and Nightowl squadrons switched to QAAMs and fired them on the 747.
-They're firing on us!-said Davenport, panicked.-Drop flares now!
Foulke pushed the flare dispensing button as Davenport pulled to the left as hard as she could. A salvo of flares fell from the wing roots, fooling six of the eight missiles. The two remaining missiles, while they weren't fooled, slammed into two other missiles, exploding behind the 747. A third one dived towards the ground, while the other three flew below the 747's right wing, exploding shortly after and shaking the plane.
-DAMN VALAHIA!-shouted Olivieri.-AFTER ALL THAT I PAID THEM!
-Damn, that was too close!-said Davenport, shaken.
-IUPF fighters, this is OLI1!-said Foulke, contacting the Buzzard squadron.-We are under attack! Where the hell are you!?
-OLI1, this is Buzzard 1.-said Buzzard 1.-We're heading toward you position. ETA, 45 seconds.
-45 seconds?-said Davenport.-We won't last 15 seconds against this guys! Push it up, stat!
The Razorback and Nightowl squadrons kept attacking the 747. Davenport managed to avoid their attacks by fractions of inches, but they were being pushed back. She then realized a terrible fact.
The enemy squadrons were trying to push the 747 to the south.
-Hostiles are desperate to shoot you down. Everything relies on your piloting skills.-said Canopus.
-We won't last much longer against the enemy fighters.-replied Foulke.-We need support right now!
-OLI1, this is Buzzard 1. Head to the escape zone ASAP.-said Buzzard 1.-We'll hold them off.
-OLI1, roger that!-said Davenport.
She headed to the north and gained altitude as fast as she could to get to international airspace.
Meanwhile, the Buzzard squadron, piloting four ivory white Rafale Ms, locked on to the enemy fighters and fired their XLAAs on them. Unfortunately, the bandits evaded all the missiles.
-Razorback squadron, shoot down those escorts!-ordered Nightowl 1.-We'll take care of the VIP plane!
-Razorback 1, wilco!-said Razorback 1.-You heard him, boys! Shoot down those annoying pests!
-Buzzard 3 and 4, don't let them get close to OLI1.-ordered Buzzard 1.-One hit and they're dead.
Buzzard 3 and 4 attacked the MiG 1.44s while Buzzard 1 and 2 attacked the F-35As. However, despite being very well trained, the Buzzard squadron was outnumbered two to one, and their planes were not as advanced as the enemy ones. Buzzard 2 found himself trapped in the Razorback squadron's crossfire.
-I'm hit! I'm hi...!-he said, as a volley of missiles tore his plane into pieces.
-Buzzard 2 is down!-reported Buzzard 1.
Not shortly after, the Nightowl squadron managed to corner Buzzard 3 and shoot him down.
-Dammit, they're decimating us!-said Buzzard 4.
Buzzard 1 and Buzzard 4 fired another volley of XLAAs on the enemy fighters. Once again, they managed to evade the attack. As a retaliation, the Nightowl squadron shot down Buzzard 1, and the Razorback squadron took out Buzzard 4.
Despite that, the suicidal attack of the Buzzard squadron had managed to buy some crucial seconds to OLI1, which had managed to reach international airspace.
-Hostiles cannot shoot us down here.-said Canopus.-Well done, OLI1.
-Are we in safe territory?-asked Olivieri.-So, we managed to escape.
-"We!?"-thought Foulke, scandalized.-"You're overrating your role in this flight too much for my comfort, Olivieri!"
-I had my doubts about the IUPF aces or a moment there, but I guess they're worth what I'm paid them for.-said Olivieri.
He then received another phone call.
-Olivieri here.-he said.-Yes, yes, it's been a while. Now, about selling that insurance...
Foulke disconnected the intercom, not wanting to hear a word from Olivieri. The CEO of Olivieri Life Insurance didn't seem shaken at all by the deaths of the allied pilots, who had given their lives to ensure them a safe flight into international airspace.
However, he was not nearly as shaken as Davenport herself. She was trembling like a leaf and on the verge of tears.
-Those poor pilots...-she whimpered.-They gave their lives to protect us... And that rich bastard doesn't give two craps about them! To make things worse, all we could do was to flee...
Davenport punched her knees in despair.
-Dammit!-she shouted.
Foulke realized she was in no condition to pilot the plane.
-Let me pilot the plane for the rest of the flight.-said Foulke.-You have some rest until we get to Moscow.
Davenport nodded. Foulke took control of the plane for the rest of the flight.
Domodedovo Airport, Moscow, Russian Federation, April 30th 2016, 18:55 Hours; Weather: Sunny, scattered clouds
While Marlene Davenport took a rest after the dangerous flight, Hansel Foulke was finally reaching Moscow. The flight had a delay of five minutes. It was not too much of a delay, but it was certainly due to the Valahia attack.
-Domodedovo ATC, this is Oscar Lima India 1.-reported Foulke.-Requesting permission to land.
-Oscar Lima India 1, this is Domodedovo ATC.-replied the control tower operator.-You're cleared to land, runway 14L.
-Roger that.-said Foulke.-Landing at runway 14L.
Foulke deployed the landing gear and flaps, dropped speed and aligned the 747-400 with the runway. After one and a half minute, the 747's landing gear touched the ground smoothly. Foulke slowed the plane down using the brakes. It took fifteen seconds to stop the plane safely. Foulke taxied the plane out of the runway and let the airport personnel carry the plane to the terminal, where Andre Olivieri, the flight attendants, and the pilots left the airplane.
In the terminal, after being checked by the security staff, Davenport and Foulke saw Frederick Burford talking to Olivieri, who seemed rather happy.
Davenport and Foulke approached Burford, who saluted them.
-Davenport, Foulke, I'm glad to see you guys alive.-said Burford.-You've done excellently out there.
-We couldn't have done it without the Buzzard squadron.-said Foulke.-It's a tragedy they died.
-Well, I have some urgent business to attend and I can't afford to be late.-said Olivieri.-If you please...
Olivieri left, entering a black limousine after leaving the airport. His destiny was Moscow.
-Unfortunately, we have no time for celebrations.-said Burford.-Come with me. I'll tell you about our next mission in the AWACS.
Davenport and Foulke accompanied Burford to the E-767. In the airport, along with the AWACS and Olivieri's 747-400, there were all sorts of airlines: Tu-154s, Il-96s, Boeing 777s, A-340s,...
After taking off, Burford turned to Davenport and Foulke.
-I have bad news.-he said.-A transport helicopter unit transporting weapons grade plutonium has been located heading to the Dardanelles.
-Say what!?-gasped Davenport.
-This is not a joke.-said Burford.-They managed to smuggle the nuclear fuel after the attack on London, and they've apparently been waiting until we had our hands full with Olivieri's flight to move on. Obviously, they weren't counting on your success.
-What do you mean?-asked Foulke.-It almost seems like they knew we were taking Olivieri to Moscow.
-Reports say that a Valahia spy followed you all the way from Paris to El Cairo, reporting your movements to Dumitrescu himself.-said Burford.-Dumitrescu himself dispatched two elite squadrons to shoot you guys down.
-I knew those weren't mere Valahia grunts.-said Davenport, displeased.-Where is the spy, by the way? He's partially to blame for the deaths of the Buzzard squadron.
-He was spotted by the Egyptian police just after you reached Mediterranean airspace.-replied Burford.-Unfortunately, when the police caught up with him, he gulped down a hydrogen cyanide capsule and died.
-Feigling!-swore Foulke.-Never mind. His actions were in vain. We managed to get to Moscow alive. However, the cost was excessive.
-You can say that again.-said Davenport.-Four pilots lost their lives today, and that's four too many.
Athens, Greece, April 30th 2016, 22:35 Hours; Weather: Nighttime, few clouds
Marlene Davenport was alone in her room, shaken because of the deaths of the Buzzard squadron, who had selflessly fought against a superior enemy to allow them to get safely to Moscow.
She then heard a knock on her door.
-Come in.-she said.
Hansel Foulke entered the room, with a sad smile on his face.
-I came here to check out how you were.-said Foulke, sitting on the bed.
-I'm not OK at all.-replied Davenport.-Four pilots died today, and all I could do was watch.
-I know how you feel.-said Foulke.-I've felt like that too many times for me to count. You have to let it go.
-I can't just do that, Hansel!-said Davenport, turning to Foulke and glaring at him.-Next time I face those bastards, I'm shooting them all down.
-Please, control yourself, Marlene.-said Foulke.-If you use your raw fury against them, you won't last a minute alive.
-Are you asking me to just forget such an outrage!?-asked Davenport, enraged.
-Of course not!-replied Foulke, standing up.-What I'm saying is that you can't face them with rage. If you let your desires of revenge control you, you'll end up becoming someone like Sulejmani: someone who doesn't care for anything but money, or worse!
-What do you mean?-said Davenport, calming down a bit.
-I mean that, if you really want to avenge the pilots who died today, you have to keep in mind that the reason you're doing it is not mere revenge thirst, but your wish for their death to not be in vain.-answered Foulke.
-I see.-said Davenport.-What you're telling me is that I must not let my anger control me, right?
-Exactly.-said Foulke.-Besides, you're not alone in this. You've got me.
-You?-said Davenport.-You're willing to help me?
-Of course.-said Foulke, matter-of-factly.-I'm your flight lead, and your friend.
Davenport, despite her sadness, couldn't help but smile.
-Thank you, Hansel.-she said, hugging him.
-Not at all, Marlene.-said Foulke, returning the hug.
Once they broke the hug, Foulke headed out of the room.
-Have a good rest.-he said before leaving the room.-We have a transport to stop tomorrow.
Davenport put her pajama after Foulke left her bedroom and got to bed.
-"Seems like you never know people. Before my first mission, I thought Sulejmani and his men were the trustworthy ones, and that Foulke was just the unreliable oddball of the group. And now, he and Burford are the only ones I can trust. I just hope I can find out anything about my father's death somehow."-she mused.-"But what was Olivieri talking about? Does he have more connection to the Valahia than what meets the eye?"
She fell asleep shortly after.
Fourteenth chapter. Sorry for the delay, but I was dead tired these last days. This mission is good in my opinion, but still, also the worst of Joint Assault. The Valahia squadron callsigns are callsign of F-117A Nighthawks from Ace Combat 2 and Joint Assault. If you're wondering why I didn't choose the original color of the 747 in Joint Assault, is because I made a random draw with my favorite paintjobs in the game and happened to pull out the 4th. Good luck and take care. See you next time
