Ace Combat: Joint Assault
Chapter 18:Desert Gust
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Marlene Davenport felt like she was floating in some sort of void. The last thing she remembered before she passed out was that she had been shot by Dennis Hoskins, who turned out to be a Golden Axe Plan spy. Shortly after, everything went black.
-"Am I dead?"-she wondered.-"Seems like my luck ran out after all. I feel sorry for Burford; he seemed to be a nice guy."
Everything around her was black and silent. Just a second later, she had a flash.
Hansel Foulke had screamed her name as she fainted.
-"Oh, Hansel. I told you so many times you should never let your guard down!"-Davenport thought.-"Don't get me wrong, you're not to blame, but you should have made sure Hoskins could not get the gun back."
For some reason, the idea of not being able to see Foulke again sent a pang of sadness through her heart.
-"Why am I feeling like this?"-Davenport mused.-"I knew I was getting into great trouble by pushing him out of Hoskins' scope, but even though I knew it I still did it! I've never done such a thing for anyone! Wait, could it be...? No! I cannot believe I've fallen in love with him! He was such an asshole when we first met! Hell, we even beat the crap out of each other for a mere trifle about the Varcolac squadron's defection! Maybe he was like that because he didn't know me well enough, though; he seemed to warm up a bit after our mission in London. Still, I've got the feeling he's hiding something else from me, something that's troubling him, even more than the loss of twelve wingmates."
Davenport then pondered about her feelings for Foulke. Foulke had been very harsh to her in the beginning, but, some time later, he became a better person. She remembered the time they spent together; their fight in Japan, their constant bickering, how they began to get on well after their battles together, their visit to the Greek museum, their mission in Uzbekistan,...
Davenport also remembered how Foulke ogled at her when she went for a swim after they returned to Midway. She was certain that, if any other man had looked at her like that, she would have snapped and punched their teeth off their mouth; instead, she noticed that Foulke's ogling was filled with admiration and wonder, rather than lust. The next thing she remembered was how she felt when Foulke was practicing in the gym the afternoon before she was shot. She had never felt anything like that for anyone, let alone for someone who had been so hostile to her as Foulke had been when they first met.
Davenport then realized it. Maybe it was not love at first sight, but when she finally got to know the real Foulke, she had fallen in love with him. Even though she had blatantly denied it, she enjoyed being with him way more than if he was a mere friend.
While she pondered about that, she heard a voice. It was a beautiful voice, and to her surprise, it was familiar. Seconds later, everything went white...
Area B7R, Nevada, June 20th 2016, 17:51 Hours; Weather: Sunny, clear skies
Hansel Foulke was in the infirmary, waiting by Marlene Davenport's side. He had very seldom left her side, only to eat and drink a bit or have a shower. Even though he had objected against it, Frederick Burford had her taken to Area B7R, but he had made sure Davenport was constantly checked in case she suffered any kind of crisis.
With a shudder, he remembered the events of that fateful night...
FLASHBACK:
Hansel had just unchained Davenport from the beam Hoskins had chained her to.
-Sorry I couldn't get here any sooner.-Foulke apologized.
-Never mind.-said Davenport, her emerald green eyes filled with gratitude.-Come on, let's get out of...
-Not so fast!-said Hoskins.
Foulke turned around in an instant. He froze when he saw Hoskins with Davenport's Beretta 92 Compact M aiming at him.
-NO!-shouted Davenport, as she pushed Foulke out of the way.
Foulke fell to the ground, a gunshot ringing through the hangar as he fell. Foulke looked at Davenport, and his heart stopped in his chest when he saw her looking at her abdomen with a hand over a large smear of blood.
A second later, Davenport fainted.
-MARLENE!-he shouted, feeling his soul ripping apart.
-Well, well. I wanted to save her for last, but seems the damage is already done.-said Hoskins.-Don't worry, you're next, Todesengel.
Foulke's eyes went from his wingman to the Golden Axe Plan spy, his despair being immediately replaced with seething anger.
-DICH SIND TOT, DU HURENSOHN!-swore Foulke, grabbing the wrench he had hit Hoskins with before.
Hoskins aimed at Foulke again and pulled the trigger. However, Foulke threw the wrench at him, hitting Hoskins in the forehead. Hoskins lost his focus, but managed to shoot Foulke in the left shoulder.
Ignoring the pain, Foulke beelined towards Hoskins and wrestled the gun from his hands. Before Hoskins could fight back, Foulke pistol-whipped him, rendering Hoskins unconscious. Before killing him, however, Foulke returned to Davenport's side, checking her pulse. He almost fell down in relief when he felt her pulse.
-Gott seit Dank, she's alive!-he thought.-However, her pulse is dropping rapidly. I'll get you back for this, Hoskins. I swear!
He picked Davenport up carefully. Foulke froze when he saw the blood still flowing from her shot wound. Steeling his nerves, he dashed out of the hangar, heading for the base's infirmary.
Before he got into the HQ building, he almost bumped into Frederick Burford.
-Foulke what's goi...-he asked, as he saw Davenport cradled in Foulke's arms.-What happened to Davenport!?
-Marlene's been shot.-Foulke replied.-By Hoskins. That Hurensohn is a GAP spy.
-Let's take her to the infirmary now.-said Burford, as both he and Foulke headed to the infirmary. At that moment, Burford noticed Foulke's wound.-You may want to have your wound taken care of, too.
-Don't worry about me! I've been through worse.-Foulke replied, as they reached the infirmary.-But what about Hoskins?
-Don't worry. I'll take care of him.-said Burford, leaving the infirmary, as the medics attended Davenport.-Let's get outside and apprehend Hoskins before he causes any damage.
-Please, Marlene, hang on! I'm begging you!-Foulke though, as he and Burford headed to the hangar where Hoskins laid unconscious.-Don't die!
END OF THE FLASHBACK
Foulke had barely left Davenport's side since then, even when, a couple of days before, they had left Midway and reached the B7R base. Burford had Hoskins executed for his betrayal shortly after the incident. Foulke would have killed him himself had it not been for Davenport's condition and the treatment of his own injury, which, despite not being too serious, had prevented him from flying since then.
-"It's taken me almost losing Marlene to realize how important she's for me."-he mused, as he held Davenport's hand.-"She's always tried to be friendly, and I shunned her so coldly! To make matters worse, I didn't even tell her what made me become a mercenary in the first place. Marlene deserves to know why! What if she never wakes up?"
It was then when Foulke realized he was in love with Davenport.
Foulke gently caressed Davenport's bloody red hair, which felt smooth like silk, just like her fair skin. He remembered her emerald green eyes, which shone like their namesake gemstones. Her curvaceous figure was almost irresistible, and Foulke knew that for a fact since the day he saw her in her swimsuit back in Midway. Davenport also had an unique mix of a fiery temper and a good heart, as she had shown time and time again. Her combat skills were second to no one's, and, when she piloted, Davenport was almost as good as Foulke, maybe even better.
However, Foulke felt some shame for his feelings, since he still remembered Elza Reinhold, his girlfriend, who had died back in Germany. He though he was betraying her by loving Davenport.
To make matters worse, since Foulke and Davenport met, his resolve had faltered. He had only joined Martinez Security for one reason, and every time he met someone, if they lasted long enough, they hindered his "progress". To make matters worse, their deaths only brought more pain upon him. When he met Davenport, he already had lost twelve wingmen, in various combat scenarios.
During his career, he had distrusted Milosz Sulejmani, a man who was a wolf to men. Even though Foulke respected his former co-worker, he always saw Sulejmani as a bloodthirsty, greedy, callous, grim and taciturn man. Daniel Oruma was no better than him, since he took an unhealthy amount of pleasure in strafing retreating enemies. Faryd Gaviria was a "shoot first, ask never" kind of man, and also a rather brutish person. The fact that Tolya Kiriakov was a former mafia man earned him no affection from Foulke, either, and they were constantly at odds. The only person Foulke had cared a bit for, if any, was Burford himself.
Foulke had shunned his wingmen to spare them the pain of having to deal with him. Only Davenport had tried to be a bit friendly to him, and despite Foulke's efforts to prevent that, she had succeeded in earning his friendship.
And his love.
-"Even if I somehow manage to overcome the despair I've felt since Elza's death, I doubt she would reciprocate my feelings. I was borderline rude to her."-thought Foulke.-"Furthermore, if I lose her, whether she loves me back or not, I'd never recover from that blow."
As he thought that, tears began to well up in his eyes.
-Please, Marlene, wake up.-he begged quietly.
Some of his tears fell on Davenport's hand. Shortly after, Davenport's eyes opened gingerly, and her breathing became deeper.
Foulke wiped off his tears and looked at Davenport with a mix of surprise and joy.
-BURFORD! SCHNELL!-he shouted, turning around.-MARLENE'S AWAKE!
Burford entered the infirmary seconds later. His face lit when he saw Davenport awake.
-I'm so glad you came to, Davenport.-sighed Burford.
-Where are we?-asked Davenport, looking around.
-We're at Area B7R.-replied Foulke.-We came here two days ago.
Davenport had a flash. She recalled the events of that fateful night.
-Where's Hoskins?-she asked.-I'm going to break his arms for what he's done.
-He's already dead.-replied Burford.-He was executed the morning after he shot you.
-I would've loved to get him back personally.-said Davenport.-But there's nothing more he can do now.
-However, this isn't over yet.-said Burford.-The Golden Axe Plan is expected to attack San Francisco in two days.
-What!?-barked Davenport, trying to stand up and get out of the infirmary bed she was in.-What are we waiting for then? Let's get them.
-No way, Marlene!-replied Foulke, pushing her back.-You've been in coma for nine days. It's been a miracle we could bring you here and you didn't die on the way!
Davenport was about to reply when she realized how close she was to Foulke. He could take a closer look to his features. She would have blushed madly if she hadn't noticed some bandages on Foulke's shoulder.
-Hansel! What happened to you?-she asked, pointing at his shoulder.
-Hoskins managed to shoot me, too.-said Foulke.-If it's of any consolation for you, I managed to hit him with a wrench and knock him out cold before he could kill me.
Davenport's stomach churned at the sight of his wound. Foulke saw the concern in her emerald green eyes and squeezed her hand to reassure her. Unbeknownst to each other, Davenport and Foulke's hearts fluttered at that mere contact.
-Try to get some rest, Davenport.-said Burford, as he left the infirmary.-You'll need it.
As soon as Burford left, Davenport lifted her shirt over her belly to check her gunshot. The wound was just above and to the left of her navel, and it seemed to have healed over during her coma.
Foulke couldn't help but stare at her belly. It was almost perfect, even with the small scar caused by the bullet.
Seconds later, Davenport turned to face Foulke, and caught him staring at her belly. He only realized he had been caught off-guard when Davenport cleared her throat. Foulke turned his face away, his cheeks crimson red.
Davenport saw him blush despite his efforts to hide it. She sighed and tried to regain Foulke's attention.
-Hey, Hansel,-she said, trying to make light of the awkward situation.-don't worry about me. I'll be fine.
-I-I know.-stammered Foulke, still blushing.-I-it's just that I thought Hoskins had really killed you.
-Hansel, I've faced the Spiridus, the Orgois, a Scinfaxi-class submarine, the Rechin-class battleship, the Balaur,... Hell, I even fought you back in Japan.-replied Davenport.-If I didn't die during any of those fights, there was no way Hoskins could've killed me.
-Please, Marlene, don't be so overconfident.-said Foulke.-A single bullet can end your enemy's life, or yours, no matter the circumstances. You've been very lucky this time. You never know when your luck will run out.
Davenport almost gaped at his words. Foulke seemed to really care for her, after all. Her heart almost jumped out of her chest in joy.
-I know that.-she answered.-But isn't just better to survive, and be glad for it? Being a pessimistic person will only cause you trouble and cloud your judgment, and sooner or later, it will weigh you down and make you lose your cool. And that will result in death.
Foulke smiled, taken aback by Davenport's optimism. Despite how close she had been to die, she still tried her best to keep her spirit up.
-However,-said Foulke, his smile fading.-you still need to rest.
-But we've got to stop the Golden Axe Plan!-protested Davenport.-Not that I question your abilities as a pilot, but, if you go alone out there, you will not make it back alive!
-"Funny that you mention that!"-mused Foulke. He then said.-In any case, you need to rest, and neither I nor Burford will accept "no" for an answer. That's final, Marlene.
After that, Foulke stood up and headed away from her. Davenport was fuming.
-Hansel, you know me too well to believe I'm going to stay here any longer!-she said before Foulke left the infirmary.
Foulke didn't reply. He just left, closing the door gently behind him. Davenport balled her fists and put them on her temples, groaning in annoyance. Minutes later, she stared at the ceiling fan, sighing in defeat.
-"If Hansel thinks I'm going to stay bedridden while the Golden Axe Plan and Olivieri attack San Francisco, he's nuts!"-she thought.-"Tomorrow, I'll get back to the fray."
Davenport felt her gunshot. It hurt a bit, but she presumed it was not enough to stop her from walking, or flying. And she knew that Foulke would need all the help he could get. Especially since the Golden Axe Plan had a Spiridus in their arsenal.
-"However, Hansel is still a mystery, despite how well I'm getting to know him."-Davenport mused.-"What's his reason to fight? What is he after? Is it just that he loves flying, or there's more to it that meets the eye?"
Meanwhile, Foulke was taking a shower, astounded by Davenport's stubbornness. He knew that Davenport was not an oblivious pilot, but someone who was not likely to stand aside while the world suffered. However, he was certain that something very bad would happen to her if she pushed herself too far.
-"If only I had been assigned this mission before Marlene had been hired, in this very same circumstances, I would receive it with utmost gladsomeness, knowing that I will achieve what I intended in the first place when I joined Martinez Security."-he thought.-"However, I can't do it now, if not for my sake, for Marlene's. Whether my feelings for her are one-sided or not, I can't just do that to her."
Outside, in the hangars, Foulke's Typhoon and Davenport's Rafale M rested in the hangars, having been disassembled back in Midway for their transport and reassembled when they got to Area B7R.
After taking his shower, Foulke got dressed and headed out of the HQ building. The sun was already setting. To Foulke, it was a rather beautiful, soothing sight.
Foulke was so taken by the sight that he didn't notice Davenport getting close to him.
-You know, in photographs, it's hard to tell sunrise from sunset.-she said.
-Marlene, you should take it easy and get some rest.-protested Foulke after the initial startle.
-Hansel, I've been bedridden for nine days.-replied Davenport.-I'm ready for some action. And you can be damn sure you're not going on tomorrow's mission alone. You're beginning to care too much for me.
Foulke gave up.
-In any case, it's only after years of fight when you realize the meaning of the setting sun.-said Foulke.-It's the only time I can forget about everything I lost, and every person I killed.
-You mean...-said Davenport.
-Even if they're an enemy, an enemy pilot is still a person.-said Foulke.-And some of them may even have their reasons to fight.
-I know, and I agree with you.-said Davenport.-However, some enemies do not show any kind of regret, or mercy. I still shudder when I remember what Dumitrescu tried to do during the Valahia Crisis, and what Olivieri and his men are trying to do.
Foulke nodded.
-So, there's no way I can make you change your mind about tomorrow's mission, right?-he said.
-Hansel, our allies will need all the help they can get, and the Golden Axe Plan Private Army is going to have the Spiridus Mk2's support.-answered Davenport.-Unless you want this mission to be a failure and thus, condemn San Francisco, you're gonna need my help.
-Well, fortunately, Olivieri doesn't have the Varcolac squadron with him.-said Foulke.-I hate to admit it, but I think that Sulejmani and his men were phenomenal pilots.
-Especially Sulejmani.-said Davenport.-If he could get his hands on a new generation fighter, there would be nobody who could stop him.
-He was almost unstoppable in his MiG 1.44 Flatpack.-admitted Foulke.-I was lucky to shoot him down back in Uzbekistan.
-But you still did.-said Davenport.-And I find it very hard to believe it was mere luck. You're a very skilled pilot.
Foulke blushed at her praise.
-It's getting late.-said Davenport, as the sun began to set.-Let's have some rest and prepare for tomorrow's mission.
-Yeah, it'll be a good idea.-said Foulke, heading back into the HQ building with Davenport.-Especially for you.
After accompanying Davenport to her room, Foulke entered his own room. He fell down on his bed, relief coursing through his body. Some minutes later, he closed his eyes and fell asleep.
Area B7R, Nevada, June 21st 2016, 07:30 Hours; Weather: Sunny, clear skies
Both Marlene Davenport and Hansel Foulke were awakened by Frederick Burford's PA announcement.
-All available pilots, head to the briefing room as soon as possible.-the announcement said.
Both Davenport and Foulke had gotten dressed and reached the briefing room at 07:40 hours, where Burford was waiting for them. Burford sighed when he saw Davenport enter, still aware of how close she had been to die.
-Our objective is to wipe out the Golden Axe Plan Private Army before they attack San Francisco.-said Burford, beginning the briefing.-They have forces in an abandoned airport in Sierra Mountains, and the Spiridus Mk2 is near Lake Tahoe.
As he spoke, satellite images of the airport and the Spiridus Mk2 over Lake Tahoe were shown on the screen.
-The first prong of our attack will be the Golden Axe's private army at the airport.-said Burford, pointing at the airport image.-They have substantial military might, both ground-based and aircraft, so this is going to be a fierce fight. Go in hot.
-Can we expect any kind of ground support?-asked Davenport.
-Yes, ground forces from Martinez Security will also aid in our operation.-answered Burford.-Dog Bear, Lazy Bear and Black Bear will storm the airport once we achieve air superiority. Each team is comprised of six armored personnel carriers, four tanks, two self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, two EC 725s and four EC 665s.
-Still, I guess we can expect heavy resistance from the Golden Axe Plan army, right?-said Foulke.-And besides, they have the Spiridus offering them support with the Nimbus missiles.
-As our intelligence has discovered, the Nimbus missiles need UAVs to be guided to targets at long range. The presence of X-45s in the airport airspace supports that.-said Burford.-If you destroy the UAVs in the area, you might be able to reduce the pressure from the Spiridus during the mission.
-In that case, we might have to waste some ammo on those pesky drones.-said Davenport.
-I'd rather waste ammo on the drones than having the Spiridus firing on us.-said Foulke.
-After capturing the base, you'll refuel and rearm before heading out to attack the Spiridus.-said Burford.
-Two mission in one day?-asked Davenport.-Not that I'm complaining about it, but we've only done that once, and it was against Valahia air and ground units, and we still had the Rigel squadron's support. This time, we're talking about a heavily defended base and the Spiridus.
-Yeah, it's risky, but the sooner we take out the Spiridus, the better.-said Foulke.
Davenport nodded, admitting her fellow pilot had a point.
-Any more questions?-asked Burford.
Neither Foulke nor Davenport said anything.
-Very well.-said Burford, concluding the briefing.-Good luck and godspeed, Antares squadron.
However, before being able to leave the briefing room, Davenport was intercepted by Burford.
-Davenport, are you sure you can do this?-he asked.
-If I weren't, I wouldn't be here, Burford.-said Davenport, a confident smile on her face.-Don't worry about me. I'll be fine.
-I hope so.-answered Burford, nodding.-Just be careful out there.
Davenport nodded and left, heading to the hangars, where Foulke was already checking his Typhoon. Davenport entered the Rafale M's cockpit and checked her aircraft.
After that, both planes taxied to the runway and, at 09:00 hours, they took off and headed southeast to attack the enemy base.
Nevada, June 21st 2016, 10:00 Hours; Weather: Sunny, clear skies
Antares 1 and Antares 2 were a handful of miles to the northwest of the target area.
-America...-said Canopus.-I didn't expect to come home like this.
-Sir, you're from the west coast too, right?-asked Antares 2.-You must be worried about your folks.
-Of course. But I can't give them any special treatment.-answered Canopus.-For now, we've got to take care of business.
-You also mentioned you had a daughter.-said Antares 2.-She must be worried sick about you.
-She doesn't need a father hanging around.-said Canopus.-Not at her age.
-Oh, don't say that.-said Antares 2.-I'm sure she will be happy to see you soon.
-But seriously, an attack on US soil is sure to cause some serious turmoil.-said Antares 1.-The military won't be with us?
-I've tried various routes, but we've just got to see if they respond.-said Canopus.-It's a bit unlike you to be this anxious, Antares 1.
-In any case, let's just stop this ridiculous plan of theirs.-said Antares 1, a bit abashed.-It's already cost too many lives.
-The enemy needs to be totally wiped out to facilitate our raid.-said Canopus, as the Antares squadron commenced their attack.-You'll want to be quick.
As he said that, Antares 1 and Antares 2 increased their speed. Antares 2 strafed a couple of AA guns.
-Fighters?-asked an enemy soldier.-Which unit are they?
-The red scorpions...-answered another one.-They were killed in the Midway Islands, weren't they?
Antares 1 strafed a couple of mobile rocket launchers on the way to Dog Bear's position. Dog Bear was ten miles to the southeast of the base.
-Ground unit Dog Bear to Canopus.-reported the leader of the Dog Bear unit.-Requesting a status report.
-Progress is good. We will reach the base's airspace shortly.-answered Canopus.-However, once we begin our attack, we're expected to receive incoming fire from their forces in Lake Tahoe.
-Don't worry. Let's focus on taking the base here first.-said the leader of the Dog Bear unit.-Clear out the toughest enemies and leave the rest to us.
-Roger that, Dog Bear.-answered Canopus.
-I've got multiple bandits coming in from the enemy base.-reported Antares 1.-It seems to be a small flight of enemy strike fighters escorted by a handful of fighters.
-Understood.-said Antares 2.-Let's take the attack planes out before they reach Dog Bear's position.
Two sandy brown A-10As and two grayish blue Su-25SMs escorted by four F-15SEs and four Su-30MKIs were heading towards Dog Bear unit. Antares 1 and Antares 2 switched to XLAAs and fired on the escort fighters. Two F-15SEs and two Su-30MKIs managed to dodge the missiles and attacked the Antares squadron. The F-15SEs attacked Antares 2, but one of them was shot down by a short burst of guns from Antares 2. The other one fired a couple of missiles on her, but Antares 2 managed to dodge both, at the cost of losing sight of his opponent. The last F-15SE got on Antares 2's tail and fired his guns on her Rafale M, but not before Antares 2 pulled up and dodged the attack, getting behind him and firing a couple of missiles on him, shooting it down.
Meanwhile, Antares 1 had managed to destroy the two Su-30MKIs with more ease. However, the A-10s and the Su-25SMs were closing in to Dog Bear.
-Heat signatures incoming from the northwest!-reported Canopus.-Missiles!
The A-10s and the Su-25SMs climbed.
-The bandits are increasing altitude. Why would they...?-said Antares 1, before realizing why.-Antares 2, let's climb now!
Antares 2 followed Antares 1 as he increased throttle to the max and gained altitude.
Five seconds later, there was a large explosion just below the Antares squadron's position, obliterating everything within its radius. The explosion lingered for a few seconds before vanishing out.
-Was that a Nimbus missile?-asked Antares 2.
-Seems like it was.-said Antares 1.-That means we have some drones in the area.
-Antares squadron, the Nimbus missiles cause a series of explosions over a wide area. I'll analyze the information gathered during the last attack to calculate the altitudes at where you'll be at risk.-said Canopus.-However, the analysis is going to come very close to the wire. Be prepared to evade at any time.
-This is Antares 2.-reported Antares 2 shortly after Canopus' transmission.-I'm tracking a couple of X-45Cs at high altitude. Probably hostiles.
As Antares 2 had said, a couple of black X-45Cs were flying at an altitude of 24000 feet.
-Antares 2, take care of the A-10s.-said Antares 1.-I'll take care of the Su-25s. After clearing things up, we'll take out those UAVs.
-Roger that.-answered Antares 2.
Antares 2 followed the A-10s, which broke to each side. She engaged the one which turned to the left and fired two missiles. The A-10 was hit by one of them, and afterwards, shot down by a burst of guns from Antares 2. The other one tried to counterattack, but an aggressive maneuver from Antares 2 made the pilot hesitate, and he broke off. Antares 2 seized the chance and fired two missiles on the unfortunate fighter, hitting it hard. After that, Antares 2 fired a shorter burst of guns on the A-10, shooting it down.
Meanwhile, Antares 1 had managed to swiftly take out the Su-25SMs. He then headed towards the X-45Cs, with Antares 2 joining two seconds later.
At that moment, their warnings blared.
-Avoid altitudes between 3200 to 6500!-warned Canopus.
The Antares squadron had just entered the danger zone, and using their afterburners, climbed desperately to evade the deadly explosion.
-Incoming in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1,-said Canopus.-impact!
A second Nimbus missile exploded just as Antares 1 and Antares 2 escaped the explosion area.
-Dammit! Just one second before, and we'd been goners!-said Antares 2.-Antares 1, we have to take out those UAVs, and fast!
-You got it!-said Antares 1.-I'll take the one to the left. You take care of the other one!
The Antares squadron split up and attacked the X-45Cs. Antares 2 was sure that those UAVs would be easy to handle, and headed straight for her target. However, just when she got within gun range, the X-45C pulled a high-G maneuver and got behind her, firing a QAAM on her. Antares 2 managed to dodge the missile by mere inches.
-Guess you've got trouble with these UAVs, too.-said Antares 1.-Not only they're insanely fast, but they seem to be armed.
-You can say that again.-said Antares 2.-My target just fired a QAAM on me, and now is chasing me at top speed.
-It's no use chasing them.-said Antares 1.-Let's lure them in and take them out.
-Sound like a plan.-said Antares 2, turning towards Antares 1 as the X-45C chased her.
Antares 1 and Antares 2 approached to each other head on, with the X-45Cs hot on their tails. At the last second, they turned around, making the X-45Cs slam into each other.
-I guess that's one way to get them off your tail.-said Antares 2, relieved.
-Spiridus, what happened to our long-range support?-said a voice over the radio, possibly the base commander.
-Sorry, Lt Col Richards, but the UAVs' been lost!-replied the captain of the Spiridus.-We can't use our Nimbus missiles without them!
-What? You're unable to fire?-asked Richards.-Dammit! You guys are worthless!
-Stop complaining and deploy more UAVs.-replied the captain on the Spiridus.-We'll return to our duties once we get a proper signal.
Another couple of X-45Cs taxied to the runway in the enemy base.
-Antares 1, I've spotted two more UAVs on the runway.-said Antares 2.-Let's take them out ASAP!
-Negative, Antares 2.-replied Antares 1.
-Why?-asked Antares 2.-If those drones get airborne, the Spiridus Mk.2 will fire its Nimbus missiles on us!
-That's a risk we've got no choice but to take.-answered Antares 1.-First, if we take them out over the runway, we'll end up blocking it, and our objective is to capture the base, not destroy it. Second, covering the ground units is vital for the capture of the base. Without them, this mission will end up in utter failure, and the GAPPA will have San Francisco's fate in their hands.
-Antares 1 is right.-said Canopus.-Lazy Bear requires CAS right now.
Lazy Bear was being blocked by a group of 8 AA guns, 2 SAM launchers, and 4 tanks. To make matters worse, a group of two Typhoons, two Rafale Ms, two F-2As and two JAS-39 NGs was approaching Lazy Bear's position. Antares 1 and Antares 2 switched to XLAAs and fired on the incoming fighters, with only one Typhoon and one Rafale M dodging the attack.
Antares 2 followed the Typhoon, firing her guns on him. The Typhoon was hit and shot down. The remaining Rafale M was just behind her, but was shot down by a couple of missiles, fired by Antares 1.
-There go the bandits.-said Antares 2.-Let's offer some air support to Lazy Bear.
-Antares squadron, this is Lazy Bear.-reported the Lazy Bear unit's leader.-We can take care of the AA guns ourselves. You take out the SAMs and the tanks.
-Roger that, Lazy Bear.-answered Antares 1.-Antares 2, you take out the SAMs. After that, we'll take care of the tanks.
Antares 2 locked on to the SAM launchers with the LASMs and fired one at each of them. As soon as she took the SAMs out, Antares 1 and Antares 2 attacked the tanks, but, at that moment, they heard a voice over the radio.
-UAVs sending coordinates!-said the voice.-Firing Nimbus missiles over target area!
The alarms blared inside Antares 1's Typhoon and Antares 2 Rafale M's cockpits.
-Avoid altitude between 660 and 3200!-warned Canopus.-Incoming in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, impact!
Another Nimbus missile exploded in the area, just as the Antares squadron managed to get out of the danger zone. Just as the explosions faded, Antares 1 and Antares 2 resumed the attack. Antares 1 dropped a couple of GPBs over a couple of tanks, and fired a couple of missiles on another one, leaving Antares 2 with a fourth one, which was destroyed with a couple of missiles.
Seconds later, Lazy Bear unit fired on the enemy AA guns, destroying them in a single salvo.
-This is Lazy Bear, area clear. Proceeding towards target area.-reported the Lazy Bear unit's leader.-Thank you for the support, Antares squad!
-Alright, Dog Bear and Lazy Bear are approaching the airport steadily.-said Canopus.-Assist Black Bear team.
Antares 1 and Antares 2 headed east to attack a group of ground units blocking Black Bear's path. There were two tanks, six SAM launchers and six AA guns between Black Bear's position and the airport. Antares 1 and Antares 2 fired a couple of missiles on the tanks and strafed three SAM launchers each before the telltale alarms blared in their cockpits.
-Avoid altitude between 660 and 3200!-warned Canopus, as the Antares squadron climbed.-Incoming in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, impact!
Another series of explosions struck the area right below the Antares squadron.
-Antares 1, let's take out the UAVs now.-said Antares 2.-I don't want the Spiridus firing Nimbus missiles on us when we reach the base.
-Understood.-said Antares 1.-Let's do this.
After that, the Antares squadron climbed towards the UAVs, which were flying at an altitude of 25000 feet, a thousand feet higher than the other two UAVs.
Antares 2 fired her guns on one of the UAVs, which managed to evade the deadly burst. Antares 1 got the same result. To make matters worse, the Spiridus fired another Nimbus missile on them.
-Avoid altitude between 20000 and 25500!-warned Canopus.
The Antares squadron climbed as fast as they could to avoid the explosions.
-Incoming in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, impact!-said Canopus.
The Nimbus missile unleashed its deadly charge over the target area. This time, however, it caught the UAVs in the crossfire.
-Guess that's what they call "hoisted by their own petard".-said Antares 1.
-Don't get too excited yet, Antares 1.-said Antares 2.-I've got four bandits coming in from their airport. And we're out of XLAAs.
-Don't worry, Antares 2.-said Antares 1.-We've been through worse. Four bandits are a piece of cake.
Two F/A-18Fs and two Su-35Ss were heading towards Black Bear. Antares 2 targeted the F/A-18Fs and fired her guns on one of them, while the other one broke off and dived to escape from Antares 2. Antares 2 followed him, trying to get a lock on to him, and once she heard the lock, she fired two missiles. The F/A-18F was hit by one of the missiles, but as he dodged the second one, he hit the ground and crashed.
Meanwhile, Antares 1 had shot down both Su-35Ss swiftly, firing a missile on each of them and finishing off with a gun burst.
-Antares squadron, we've picked a couple of bandits heading towards you from above.-said Canopus.
Antares 1 looked up and was blinded by the sun. Just a second later, he spotted two enemy fighters diving towards them.
-Antares 2, break!-he screamed.
Antares 1 and Antares 2 split up one second before the bandits flew past them. The bandits were a white F-15S/MTD with two-tone blue streaks over its wings, tail rudders, and canards and a black upper nose stripe, and an Su-37 with a digital three-tone grayish green camo.
-Kelpie, this is Willow.-said the Su-37 pilot.-Let's take out the red scorpions before decimating the ground-based enemies.
-Roger that, Willow.-replied Kelpie.-You take the Typhoon; I'll shoot down the Rafale.
The F-15S/MTD headed toward Antares 2, firing his guns on her. Antares 2 broke as hard as she could to avoid her enemy's attack. She knew all too well that her Rafale M was not much of a rival to the F-15S/MTD. However, she was determined to make it through that mission alive.
-"Hoskins couldn't kill me back in Midway, and I'm not gonna be shot down by an ace wannabe. Not until the Golden Axe Plan is brought to an end!"-she mused.
Antares 2 slowed down as much as she could and made the F-15S/MTD pass her by. As soon as she got a lock on to it, she fired a couple of missiles. The F-15S/MTD dodged both missiles with ease, but that left the plane in a vulnerable position. Antares 2 capitalized on its vulnerability and fired her guns on the F-15S/MTD, tearing the fighter apart.
Meanwhile, Antares 1 had been struggling with the fierce Su-37 pilot. Antares 1 had somehow managed to avoid being hit by a couple of missiles and got behind the Su-37 afterwards, firing his guns and sending it spiralling towards the ground.
-This is Black Bear, no hostiles in sight.-said the leader of the Black Bear unit after they took out the remaining ground enemies.-Proceeding towards the airfield.
-Antares squadron, listen up.-said Canopus.-We've managed to make it this far, but we still have to capture the airfield. The helicopter units are en route towards the area from the north. Keep your eyes peeled for any hostile aircraft.
From the north, as Canopus had reported, six EC 665s and twelve EC 725s, all of them with a black, brown and green camo, were engaging a group of green AH-64D Apaches and black UH-60 Blackhawks.
-I can't believe this! Get those pilots up there!-ordered Richards.-Where are our reinforcements!?
The ground units were already in the outer perimeter of the airfield, trampling down all resistance. The helicopter units, Panther, Leopard and Jaguar, which belonged to Dog Bear, Lazy Bear and Black Bear units, respectively, kept the enemy choppers at bay. The base commander mobilized a couple of SAM launchers and a couple of tanks to counter the choppers and the enemy ground units, but Antares 2 fired a couple of LASMs on the SAMs, taking them out, and Antares 1 dropped his last GPBs on the tanks.
-Thank you for your support, Antares squad.-said the leader of the Dog Bear unit.-We can carry on from here.
-Antares squadron, this is Panther 11.-said one of the EC 665 pilots.-We can take out those choppers, but I've spotted a handful of F-35Bs parked in that base. It would be great if you could take them out before they shoot us down.
-Panther 11, understood.-said Antares 1.-Antares 2, let's take the F-35Bs out before they take off!
Four F-35Bs, sporting a light blue paintjob with white underside, were armed and ready for takeoff. Two of them managed to take off, but the other two were shot down by the Antares squadron with a couple of missiles each. The other two, more concerned about their own survival than the enemy choppers, tried to escape, but they were shot down by the Antares squadron before they could get to safety.
-Antares squadron, we've got four bandits coming in from the south.-reported Canopus.-Possibly enemy reinforcements.
Antares 1 and Antares 2 attacked the enemy planes. It turned out to be a couple of MiG 1.44s in white and black camo and a couple of F-35As sporting a white paintjob with black stripes. In their first pass, Antares 1 shot down a MiG 1.44, and Antares 2, an F-35A. The other two planes broke off and counterattacked, with the MiG 1.44 chasing Antares 2 and the F-35A attacking Antares 1. Antares 2 managed to shake the MiG 1.44 off her tail and counterattacked with a couple of standard missiles, shooting down the fighter. Antares 1, meanwhile, fired his guns on the enemy F-35A, clipping his right wing off and sending it towards the ground.
Meanwhile, the Golden Axe forces that had managed to survive were on the run, retreating from the base.
-Dog Bear here. We've seized the missile facility.-reported the leader of the Dog Bear unit, as the helicopters landed.
-All right, operation complete.-said Canopus.
-It's nice and cool down here, Burford.-said the leader of the Dog Bear unit, as he entered the HQ building.-They were kind enough to leave the AC on.
-Glad to hear it.-said Canopus.-We'll be counting on you for the next mission too.
Fifteen minutes later, the Antares squadron and Canopus had landed. Marlene Davenport and Hansel Foulke entered the HQ building's briefing room with Frederick Burford.
-Davenport, Foulke, as we agreed during our briefing, you'll have to destroy the Spiridus in Lake Tahoe today.-said Burford.-Prepare for launch as soon as possible.
-Understood, Burford.-said Davenport.-I guess that our planes only need to refuel and reload standard missiles, gun ammo and air-to-air weapons.
-Great idea.-said Foulke, smiling.-The lighter we keep our planes, the easier it will be to reach Lake Tahoe.
-I'll give you further details about the mission once you're airborne.-said Burford, heading towards the control tower.-Good luck and godspeed.
Davenport and Foulke returned to their planes. Ground units and mechanics were already refueling and replenishing ammunition to their planes.
Ten minutes later, Foulke and Davenport were already ready for takeoff, eager to destroy the Spiridus once and for all.
Eighteenth chapter. Again, sorry for the hideous delay, but I had a great deal of real-life problems that prevented me from writing this chapter in shorther notice. Also, I might need to add some extra information about Alect 1 and Alect squadron, since the special variant of the XFA-33 Fenrir in ACI added some info I lacked when writing my first fanfic. Good luck and take care. See you next time
