Sterling Air Base
Asean Republic, Pacific Ocean
April 8th, 437 AC
4:54 PM Local Time
As Jay took his usual seat in the briefing room between Nyx and Eagle, he glanced around the room absent-mindedly, waiting for General Alston to show up before Nyx nudged him on the shoulder.
"Hey, Samurai. Do you think today's finally the day that we end this thing?" she asked. "Or do you think it's just gonna be more pointless side errands?"
Jay shrugged. "I dunno. I'd imagine we're getting close, though. After all, Alston did say that we'd almost have a straight shot to the capital after Anderson Island." He looked over his shoulder at the door to check if Alston was any closer to showing up.
"I know you don't know if we're going for the capital, dumbass," Nyx teased him lightheartedly. "That's why I asked what you think."
"Well, it's like I said: we're probably getting close at the very least," Jay speculated. "I doubt we're going for the capital today, though." He paused, smirking before adding, "Cyborg would've made a way bigger deal about it if we were."
Nyx rolled her eyes and leaned back into her seat. "God, I'm tired of all these small and easy missions," she complained. "Let's just get it over with already."
"I don't know why it bugs you so much," Eagle chimed in with a shrug. "The more we do missions like the ones we've been doing, the less we have to worry about when we finally go for the capital."
"You're exactly right." All three of them jumped at Alston's voice behind them. "Luckily, we only have one last thing standing between us and Okhada," Alston assured them as he walked up to the front of the room. He switched on the projector and put a slide showing a map of the Asean Republic underneath, displaying it on the wall. "These past few days have been crucial for us," Alston began, raising his voice so everyone in the room could hear him. "The victories we've been scoring are small, but they'll make a difference when we liberate Okhada in three days." He quickly silenced the murmurs that spread through the room. "I know some of you may be nervous, but we can do this- we have to. This is what we've been fighting for. However, as I said earlier, there's one thing standing between us and the capital. The Loyalist Navy's remaining forces have formed a provisional battle fleet and just left Port Valerie earlier today. Right now, they're heading south towards Okhada, likely to reinforce the capital's defenses. Needless to say, we can't let that happen."
Alston took out a red dry-erase marker and put two x's on the map, one on Port Valerie and one on Okhada, and drew a line between them both. He then took out a blue dry-erase marker and put an x on their position.
"Naturally, they've got a bit of a head-start on us, but by the time we catch up with them, they should be roughly at the Monsoon Archipelago," Alston explained as he drew a circle around a small island chain. "While our aircraft attack from the skies, the Destroyer Sapphire will lead our fleet in and engage them from the sea. They'll cut off the fleet's retreat and back them up against the archipelago. They'll be quite literally stuck between a rock and a hard place."
"Remember," Cyborg chimed in. "This fleet is the only thing standing between us and the capital," he reminded everyone. "With them out of the way, we can finally bring this war to a close, so let's get this done, and let's do it right. Now, everyone, prepare yourselves for battle."
After some other minor details, everyone got up and started moving wherever they needed to be to leave. While Jay moved through the hangar, getting himself and the rest of his squadron ready for takeoff, he noticed a man walking over to him, whom he eventually recognized as Captain Valner.
"Captain," Jay addressed the man as he continued to work. "What can I do for you?"
"I just wanted to swing by to wish you luck on the mission since the fleet is just about to leave," Valner explained. "Although, after what I saw of you back at Anderson Island, I suppose you don't need very much luck."
"Oh, trust me, he needs all the luck he can get," Nyx butted in from the backseat of their F/E-4. "And by extension, I need all the luck I can get."
"Don't you have something you need to be doing?" Jay asked, looking up at her with a grin on his face.
"Yeah, I do, but then again, teasing you is more fun," Nyx replied with a wink. "Therefore, it's far higher on my list of priorities."
Jay chuckled before looking back over Captain Valner. "Good luck to you as well. This mission relies on both of us doing our part, so here's to hoping it all goes off without a hitch."
Valner nodded in agreement. "Agreed. Anyway, I'll meet you there, Samurai," he said as he turned to walk away, giving him a wave before leaving the hangar.
"Alright, everyone," Jay raised his voice to get the attention of Eagle, Mustang, and Jolt. "We've gotta get going ASAP, so get your shit together. I want us ready to leave in no later than ten minutes."
Monsoon Archipelago
Asean Republic, Pacific Ocean
April 8th, 437 AC
5:32 PM Local Time
"All aircraft, the Monsoon Archipelago should be within view shortly," Stallion advised everyone. "Get set to engage."
"Roger that, Stallion," Jay replied. "Sapphire, we'll keep 'em busy for ya. Get ready to flank around them."
"We're already on it, Templar 1," Captain Valner responded. "Let's do this."
"Nyx, get those UGBLs ready," Jay instructed, looking over his shoulder. "We're gonna need them."
Nyx scoffed. "We probably shoulda brought more instead of MLAAs if you think they're that important," she said. "We don't exactly have that many, but bombs are ready," she reported, giving Jay a thumbs up.
Jay shrugged. "Hey, what can I say? I like to come prepared."
"All aircraft, get ready and follow me in," Cyborg ordered. "We're gonna give these guys the surprise of their lives."
"We're right behind you, boss," Tux replied. "Let's give 'em hell."
Jay switched on the afterburners and pitched the plane down, dropping his altitude before straightening out again. As the fleet's IFF started to display on his HUD, he briefly skimmed through them all and picked a target.
"Nyx, you see that cruiser closest to us?" he asked. "We're going for that one first, so drop a bomb on 'em once they're in range."
"Don't worry about me, Samurai. I know the drill," Nyx assured him. "Just point out the targets, and I'll blow them up."
Jay pushed the throttle as far forward as it could go and angled himself to fly over the cruiser's path. It didn't take long for the fleet to take notice of them and start sending up a hail of AA fire, but Jay and Nyx stayed the course. Just before they struck the cruiser, Jay fired a pair of standard missiles at some patrol boats, clearing up their path slightly to allow him a straight shot.
"Templar 1, bombs away!" Nyx announced as she hit the firing switch above the cruiser's path.
A few seconds later, several high-pitched beeps went off simultaneously, confirming that they hit their target. Unfortunately, though, the cruiser itself was still afloat. However, they did manage to take out all of its defenses, which left the cruiser completely vulnerable as Jay looped around and finished them off with machine guns. Once they confirmed that the cruiser had sunk, Jay and Nyx climbed back up to a safer altitude and circled the battlefield, looking for their next target.
"Boss, this is Templar 2. It looks like we've got enemy aircraft taking off from the carrier," Eagle reported.
"Ah dammit," Cyborg muttered. "We'd better take them down fast before they try to make a move on our fleet. Samurai, do you guys wanna take 'em or should we?"
"We'll take care of them," Jay answered without hesitation. "Besides, I've gotta prove a point." He looked back at Nyx and flashing a mischievous smirk her way before looking around for the closest aircraft.
Cyborg chuckled. "Hey, whatever floats your boat. Shades, Tux, you two focus on taking out that carrier. I'll cover you," he ordered.
"No offense, boss, but if that was your idea of a pun, then your craft seriously needs some work," Tux said sarcastically.
"Nyx, see that group of Tomcats heading for the fleet?" Jay asked. "Use those MLAAs and knock 'em down."
Nyx rolled her eyes as she got ready to fire the MLAAs. "Yeah, yeah, you're a genius, Samurai," she said with a heavy dose of sarcasm in her voice. "Now shut up and gimme a clear shot on the pricks, will ya?"
Jay chuckled as he straightened his plane out behind the group of four F/D-14s and got in as close as he could to them to give Nyx this best possible shot. After a few seconds, four missiles shot forward, leaving nothing but a trail of smoke behind them until they all crashed into their targets. Almost immediately after, Jay's missile alert started going off, and he deployed countermeasures right away out of pure instinct. He made a hard left turn, but the radar lock alert persisted. Jay pitched straight up and looped back around, looking down as he inverted his plane to get a good look at his pursuer, an F/E-18. Jay wrapped around to get behind it, but the Super Hornet was far more maneuverable than his F/E-4. It took some effort, but he was just about to have a clear shot when two missiles caused his target to fall into the sea. Jay looked toward the source of the missiles only to see Jolt buzz past him.
"I'd say that probably counts as you two owing me drinks," Jolt said in a way that made it clear he had a massive grin on his face.
"Like hell it does," Nyx objected. "He didn't even have a lock on us. If anything, you owe us drinks because you stole that kill."
"How about we agree to disagree?" Jay suggested. "I mean, this isn't exactly the most important thing in the world."
"Yeah, while you three were bickering, Eagle and I took out the rest of the aircraft," Mustang told them. "Y'know, just doing everything for you. No big deal or anything."
"Oh, quit your whining, you big baby," Nyx teased him. "There was only like, four planes left anyway. I'd sure hope you two would be able to take them all out on your own."
"You hear that, Sapphire?" Jay asked. "All of the enemy aircraft have been taken out, so you're clear to continue without any issues."
"Roger that, Templar 1," Captain Valner replied. "Much obliged for the air support. We're moving up now to-"
"What's with you people and stopping what you're saying mid-sentence?" Nyx asked, annoyed. "Just tell us what's wrong for Christ's sake."
"I recognize one of the ships among that fleet," Valner said in a tone that was totally different from how he usually sounded. "It's the Destroyer Emerald."
"It looks like a normal destroyer to me," Cyborg observed. "What's so special about it?"
Valner sighed. "My older sister is the captain of that ship," he explained.
"Well, I guess that does complicate things a bit," Jay admitted. "What do you want to do about it?"
After a brief pause, Valner finally spoke up again. "All elements, hold your fire, and someone open up a channel to them," he ordered.
"You're gonna try and talk her down?" Mustang asked in disbelief. "Come on, man. When has that ever worked?"
"You don't understand," Valner said bluntly. "It doesn't matter if it might not work. I still have to try."
"Ah, Aaron. I was wondering when you and I would finally cross paths," a new woman said. "Are you here to finally surrender yourself? I sincerely hope so because I'd rather not have to kill you."
"Janet, please. I'm begging you to put up the white flag," Valner pleaded. "Do you really think Mom or Dad would want us killing each other like this? We're siblings. This shouldn't be how either of us goes out, but know this: I won't let you stop me. The Liberation Front has come too far to stop now, and I won't be the one that keeps us from victory."
Janet laughed. "Oh, Aaron. You were always such a naïve kid. It's a shame you let your ideals get in the way of the big picture. Do you honestly believe that Mom or Dad would even think about supporting the rebels for a second? They loved this country more than anyone, and you want to burn it to the ground just to fit your immature fantasies of a dreamland where everyone gets along."
Valner let out an exasperated sigh. "Janet, how can you say that with a straight face when you support the side that wants to turn us back into a Federation puppet?" he asked. "What happened to the two of us leading an entire fleet into battle against the Federation Navy to fight for this country's independence? Are you really gonna undo all that just to prove a point?"
"Oh, please. Aaron, don't make me laugh. You never were one for lying. It's such a shame seeing what those rebels have turned you into," Janet sneered.
"Janet, I'm telling the truth. You've got to believe me!" Valner insisted. "We intercepted communications from Supreme Commander Harrow himself. He intends to sell out the country to the Feds if he wins the war. Come on, Janet. You said it yourself: I'm a terrible liar, so you should know that I'm telling the truth. Please, Janet," he pleaded. "Don't make me do this."
What followed was radio silence. The sound of gunfire and jet engines still raged on, but neither Captain Valner nor Janet said anything. Jay and the others twisted and turned through the sky, keeping their fingers off the triggers as ordered. Until finally, someone broke the silence.
"All Asean Republic vessels that stand against the Federation follow me." The voice belonged to Janet, and she was veering away from the rest of the Loyalist fleet. To Jay's surprise, though, a vast majority of the others were following her as well.
Valner laughed. "Thank you, Janet. I promise you won't regret this!"
"Don't thank me yet," Janet told him. "It's not over until we're out of here."
"You can't be serious," one of the Loyalist ship captains said in disbelief. "You're all just going to defect because you trust the word of the enemy over your own Supreme Commander? I can't let that happen."
"Nyx, UGBLs, now!" Jay ordered, diving down to the water towards the three ships still heading toward Okhada. He situated the target reticle over the missile cruiser and allowed Nyx to drop two bombs simultaneously, destroying it in one pass. He was going to go around to finish the other two off, but Eagle, Mustang, and Jolt finished them off before he got the chance.
"So… are the rest of you all, like, defecting?" Stallion asked awkwardly after a second of silence.
"That's the plan," one of the captains said. "We're not gonna let Supreme Commander Harrow sell us out to the Feds again."
"Well…" Shades chimed in. "That was certainly uh… interesting."
Cyborg laughed. "Just another day in the life of the Paladin Mercenary Corps. Let's get back to base."
Sterling Air Base
Asean Republic, Pacific Ocean
April 8th, 437 AC
6:08 PM Local Time
"Is everyone here?" General Alston asked, looking around the room. "Including our new additions?"
Alex nodded. "I think so," he answered, stepping up to the front of the room. "To those of you who aren't familiar with me, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Alex Maranno. I'm-"
"With all due respect, sir," Janet cut him off. "We all know who you are. We've all heard the broadcasts."
"Fair enough," Alex said with a shrug. "Anyway, as I'm you've all noticed, we have some new faces among us. I would like to commend Captain Janet Valner for deciding to join us, as well as all the other brave men and women who followed her example. Not to mention the fact that this has given us a crucial bit of information: Supreme Commander Harrow not only intends to sell out our country to the Federation, but he's doing so without his soldiers knowing. However, this can work to our advantage when we liberate the capital in three days."
"Before our forces move in, Alex is going to enter the capital and broadcast his message all over the city," Alston explained. "It's incredibly risky, but if we pull this off, it could mean hundreds, maybe even thousands of soldiers laying down their arms or possibly joining our cause."
"Listen, I know you're all worried about this battle, and I am too." Alex stepped forward, letting his eyes drift across the room and make contact with each person sitting in front of him. "How can we not be? Many of us grew up in Okhada our whole lives, and some have family living there. That's precisely why we need to fight one more time: to end the fighting. We're fighting so we can go back to our spouses, our mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, daughters and sons- to all the people whose livelihoods have been put in danger by this conflict. And once the fighting is all over, when we lay our guns down and come out of the trenches, we can finally begin the process of healing this nation."
"Now, we've all got a big day coming up, so I want you all to do whatever you feel you need to do to prepare yourself. Most of all, though, I want you to get some rest," Alston ordered. "Dismissed."
"Paladin," Cyborg raised his voice as everyone started to leave. "Can you all wait here a moment? I want to talk to you all."
"Here he goes," Nyx muttered as she sat back down.
Cyborg smiled. "Yes, yes, laugh it up, but I'm being serious here. In three days, we're going to take part in the biggest and most important operation of our careers up to this point, and I'd just like to say I couldn't be prouder of you all. It's taken a lot of work to get here, and we've all contributed in some way or another. Templar Team, if we hadn't defeated the counterattack on Thunder Island, it would've been over then and there. Ritari Team, if you hadn't gotten the explosives, we would've been forced to let a strategic base fall into the enemy's hands and most likely put us back at square one. Varonis, without you, we probably wouldn't have been able to move all of our personnel and supplies off of Thunder Island. And, of course, we'd all be blind and deaf without Stallion."
Jay looked around the room. There were a little over fifty people in total, and each of them played a part in getting them where they were now. Jay had seen the Paladin Mercenary Corps grow from just under thirty people to over fifty, and it was a strange feeling to him. Nevertheless, he looked back up at Cyborg as he continued to speak.
"As I said before, this is easily the most important job we've ever gotten. This is our lucky break, people," Cyborg insisted. "After this, we'll have a name for ourselves aside from that small merc group in the periphery, taking whatever jobs they can get their hands on. In fact, I'm gonna make you guys a promise here and now: from this point on, we'll only be getting the best jobs. Whether they pay well or leave a mark on history, everyone will remember the Paladin Mercenary Corps."