My thanks once more go to Sho and Cerb, who contributed designs, characters and input on the story's setup. An especially big thanks to Cerb for allowing me to use one of his aircraft designs (the F-24 Hellcat II) as one of the stars of the story. As has been the case, this story takes place in a timeline somewhat divergent from that of Ace Combat's canon. As with Red Dragon's Vengeance, an accompanying map can be found on my DA (saying that makes me feel old) to give you an idea of what is where. Thanks and happy reading.
Prologue: Foothold
October 3, 2049
Southwestern Sotoa
The sudden wail of the scramble alarm sent the group of pilots bolting from the seats and out of the alert bunker. They ran with ease, looking almost cyborg-like in their flight gear. Two more pilots ran to a pair of fighters sitting under a large awning while the others split up. Captain Luukas Miemi, Erusean Imperial Air Force, entered a dome-shaped aircraft shelter and hurried under the nose of his CFA-44E Nosferatu to its boarding ladder. His crew chief, Staff Sergeant Jesic, followed the man up the ladder and helped him strap into the fighter. The Captain settled into his fighter and set his helmet over his head of close-cropped orange hair, pulling the oxygen mask over his face to complete the cyborg-like look. Jesic helped him strap into the ejection seat and made sure the device was primed and ready to go should he need to use it. He assured the pilot all was ready with two pats on the left shoulder before he descended. Ground crew, dressed in dark-green coveralls, scrambled to safety with the arming pins and wheel chocks in hand while Luukas settled in. The knight strapping on his armor.
Luukas brought the aircraft to life and waited while it verified it was being started by an authorized user. The array of multi-function touchscreens came to life, automatically adjusting to reflect the plane's current state. Luukas lowered the bulbous Head-Mounted Display (HMD) on his helmet, automatically synching it to his aircraft. The crew activated the ventilation system so the engine fumes could be cycled out.
"Rovennti Control to Talos Flight, Keeper reports incoming unidentified aircraft. You're cleared to scramble down runway 1-W. Contact Keeper once airborne for further instructions." The control tower radioed.
"Talos 2-01 copies all." Luukas replied.
The two ERG-2200 turbofans started up as the other three aircraft in his flight checked in. Luukas checked his weapons load as the engines reached the proper RPMs. It had the typical load for interception: two AP-11s in the side bays, four AP-13s under the wings, a full 30mm cannon and a conformal fuel tank on the centerline. He looked to one of the crew near a control panel and raised a thumbs up to him. The crewman did the same and activated the doors to the shelter, allowing Luukas an exit. He taxied out, checking his watch to see how long it was taking to get them scrambled. So far it'd taken two minutes; they were 30 seconds ahead of schedule. He walked his CFA into the morning light and turned to the right, following another ground crewman armed with a pair of directing sticks. The airman waved the pilot to the right, setting him up to lead the four other aircraft of Talos's 2nd element towards the runways. He and the other directors then formed one guiding line for the fighters, nodding to wish the pilots luck.
"Talos 1-01 requesting conditions and final clearance." The scramble's leading pilot, Major Heinonen, radioed.
"Final clearance granted...conditions are winds west-northwest at 2 kilometers per hour." ATC passed along. Luukas noted that as he adjusted his flaps and keyed his radio.
"Talos 1-01 copies all."
"Talos 2-01 copies all."
They swung left and hurried down the taxiway to catch up to the pair of fighters already taking off. Luukas checked the instruments on his displays one last time as he crossed to the closest runway and once again took a left. His wingman, Senior Lieutenant Kirilo Pavic, joined him on the left before he pushed his throttles all the way forward. The nozzles expanded to let out perfect cones of deep-purple fire and pushed the fighter forward and down the runway. The Nosferatu reached flying speeds in seconds and Luukas pulled back on the stick, feeling the sensation of leaving the ground for the mid-morning sky. The CFA's landing gear retracted and its flaps adjusted on his command, cleaning up the fighter's lines while it ascended.
"Talos 2-01 and 02 are airborne." He reported as he glanced back at his wingman.
On Luukas's signal, he and Kirilo switched to the frequency for the base's command center, Keeper. The building took the form of a two-story trapezoid, packed with all the technologies and features of modern command and control. Inside dozens of technicians sat at their consoles, all helping build the 3-D recreation of the scramble projected from a table in the center.
"Keeper this is Talos 1-01, all aircraft are airborne and proceeding to intercept unidentified aircraft at 230 Degrees." Heinonen reported.
"Roger that Talos...current status is "hold". Repeat, current status is "hold", how copy?" A controller radioed back.
"Status is hold, roger."
Seconds later a Major keyed his mike as his section got a solid fix on the approaching aircraft.
"Keeper this is GCI, unidentified aircraft confirmed to be approaching Rovvent. Heading is 230 Degrees, Distance 402 Kilometers, Altitude is roughly 8200. Aircraft appears to be a heavy, two engines...Talos will intercept and provide visual confirmation as ordered, ETA...four minutes. Standby for projected point of intercept." He spoke up.
Colonel Rolf Jutila watched as the fighters formed into pairs and began to vector onto the contact, guided by the base's primary Ground-Controlled Intercept. An Airbus A410 AWACS aircraft was to take over once airborne, while GCI would augment the base's battery of M10 Surface-to-Air-Missiles. He watched the larger aircraft reach the runway nearest its hanger, glancing towards the CFAs once more as they reached the coast. The map adjusted its scale to accommodate and he keyed his own headset.
"Operations Officer, have the SAMs' primary fire-control radars sweep the perimeter; keep the Flashlights oriented towards the coast." He ordered.
"Yes sir." Another Major replied.
Arcs on the map changed as the ground-based defenses shifted their attention. The "Flashlights", chemical lasers, aimed to the south towards the coast, forming a semi-circle along that half of the base's perimeter. Jutila reached over the display, near the fighters, and opened his hand a certain way to create a seperate display specifically for that engagement. The overall picture remained, scaled down and set aside. The CFAs had broken into pairs, with two approaching the unidentified aircraft and the other four sweeping the flanks to guard against intruders flying at low level or with their radars off. The AWACS lifted off and took up its station high above the base, just outside the launch and recovery patterns. Keeper's GCI radar switched its focus as ordered, leaving the airliner-based A410 to direct the fighters.
"Talos this is Argonaut taking over for Keeper. You are now under my control. Unidentified aircraft's course remains the same, weapons status remains the same." The head controller onboard radioed.
Luukas acknowledged the order as he and "Krill" continued to sweep along the southern half of the intercept course. Terrain in the part of Sotoa was practically nonexistent as the great savannah stretched out from the coast to the southern Kupurri Mountains. The deep blue of the Eusian Ocean quickly took over, leaving even less for an enemy to hide in. His gaze went back up towards their visitor as they entered firing range for their AP-13s. Heinonen came on the radio once more.
"Talos 2-01...Lynx, come around and cover the rear quarter of the unidentified aircraft while I make contact. Talos 2-02, continue sweep and clear our tail once we are in position on the aircraft. Talos 1-02 will go high while 2-03 and 2-04 assist you, Krill." He instructed.
"Talos 2-01 copies." Luukas radioed.
"Talos 2-02 copies, Heine." Krill assured.
Luukas banked to the right, pulling tighter and tighter as the distance closed. Amongst the few clouds, he could see a jetliner painted white with a tail painted orange. The aircraft carried no weapons, no visible bays to hide weapons, and in fact had familiar markings placed under her wings and on that tail. He settled into place beneath the airliner while the lead pilot smoothly came around and settled off the starboard side of the cockpit. Luukas checked his watch one final time as they firmly had the aircraft intercepted and in position to escort. It'd taken just over six minutes, and they'd caught the machine 217 Kilometers from the base.
"Phoenix 01 this is Talos 1-01, CFA-44 at your ten o'clock, 700 Meters off your cockpit. Do you read me, Phoenix?" Heinonen radioed.
Inside the cockpit, Prince Marko IV of Erusea watched while the pilot, Colonel Selanovic, replied to the Nosferatu pilot in a cordial manner, passing along the proper identification information, his intentions and a request to be put in touch with New Rovennti's ATC at the earliest convenience.
"Phoenix 01 this is Argonaut, we'll handle the ATC request for you. Turn to Heading 015 and contact Rovennti ATC at 180 Kilometers for landing instructions. Welcome to Sotoa, Phoenix." the AWACS controller spoke up. Marko patted the pilot's shoulder and cleared his throat.
"Argonaut, this is Prince Marko; we thank you for your salutations and look forward to your welcome once on the ground. Phoenix 01 is turning to Heading 015, maintaining altitude and speed. Will contact ATC at 180 Kilometers out." He said in a warm, regal tone.
"An honor to welcome you, Your Grace. Argonaut out."
His sister, Svetlana, was sitting quietly in the cabin, staring out the window. Her younger sibling sat down and looked out with her, catching sight of one of their escorts as the aircraft formed up to bring them in. She looked deep in thought as always, playing the part of the ladylike heir apparent who captivated all she passed by. Designer clothes, platinum-blonde hair unfettered as it fell over the shoulders; she'd start smiling when she was on the ground and out on her goodwill tour. Meanwhile, he'd get to have all the fun inspecting Erusea's newest overseas facility.
"Boys with toys." Svetlana observed. He only grinned further.
"I cannot shed my true nature, Isosisko. Especially not when I get to play witness to the fruits of our industrial labor." The man confessed.
"Or when it lets you have what you define as fun, Pikkuveli?" She replied, almost sardonically.
"You can be too serious."
"Otac expects it of me. You try being the next in line for the crown; can't have nearly as much fun as you can when you're second."
"True, you haven't even had an affair since that one guy. When I was ten, I think? The Formula One driver?"
She scoffed and rolled her eyes at Marko. He was right, but she wouldn't give him the pleasure. To do so would violate how siblings were supposed to go back and forth. She glanced out at their escorts as she rehashed her thanks for their protection and service in her head. The Prince smiled at the sight of the aircraft in flight, wrapped in a menacing camouflage made of various shades of grey, for different reasons. The CFA-44E, he recalled, one of the country's foremost combat aircraft. The original design had been molded into an excellent air superiority fighter instead of the wonder weapon the Estovakians had hoped it to be. Seven years into its service with the Erusean Imperial Air Force, the machine was still going strong with a long service life ahead. The tail carried a small coat of arms near the top, centered on a golden helmet of old, from the days of gladiators and vikings. His princely duties had limited what he had been allowed to do in the military, allowing him little more than a short stint as a paratrooper followed by reserve status. Still, he got rides and demonstrations of Erusean military might whenever he could.
Their arrival allowed them a flyby of the base to observe it all at once before they got to see the details. It was built much like any other air base back in Erusea, tailored only to the terrain and the purpose it served. New Rovennti featured four runways: two going northwest to southeast and two going west to east. These were arranged around a central command complex, while the aircraft shelters and their support facilities were further out. The base also had two sets of large hangers and tarmacs for transports and other large aircraft like theirs. A small town outside the central section (runways and all related to them) contained the barracks and comforts allowed Erusean troops. Besides her fighter wing, she also had the space for two companies of airborne troops for security. It was the most ambitious overseas base Erusea had constructed, Marko decided, her first foray into a very fertile region…
Luukas and Krill stood among the six pilots watching the Royal Family's A380 taxi into position on the tarmac, with the requisite lot of brass and ceremonial trappings present. The base's band went into action as the aircraft stopped and the door opened, enthusiastically greeting the prince and princess with the country's national anthem "Erusea our Eternal". Svetlana appeared first, descending the stairs with a soft, motherly smile. Despite being in her mid forties, she maintained her youthful appearance that charmed even him. A tall, slender porcelain doll, very evocative of a princess. He stood a little taller as she and her brother approached, escorted by his commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Haaiki Mistros.
"Your Grace Svetlana and Your Grace Marko, I am proud to introduce the men of the flight that escorted you in, proud members of the 87th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, The Bronze Guards." He said, nodding to the collection of pilots. Marko stepped forward, extending a hand as Heinonen saluted.
"Major, a most excellent show of skill. I was given the privilege of listening to the matter on the radio. You are second in command of this squadron, yes?" Marko said. The Major took a second to come back from his surprise, then nodded and accepted the gesture.
"Yes Your Grace, I am the squadron's Adjutant Officer. The pilots assembled here were chosen both for their skill and the cohesion they exhibit as lead and wingman. I shall allow them to introduce themselves, starting with my wingman on today's flight, Captain Janis Raatihone." He replied.
The two came down the line, accepting introductions from each pilot. When he was approached, Luukas saluted, then accepted the handshake from the two royals. He took the chance to form a first-hand opinion of them. Marko seemed to be not too far removed from the other pilots with him...or maybe he seemed more like an Osean one? He'd probably get shot on the spot if he brought that up. Instead he decided that he didn't care how they were or might be behind closed doors.
"Captain Luukas Miemi; it is an honor to meet you both." He said.
Marko looked behind them at the shelters with the Nosferatus sticking halfway out, undergoing postflight checks by their groundcrews.
"I am most interested in seeing our fighters and operations here firsthand, Colonel Mistros." Marko said. He looked at Luukas expectantly.
"Would you agree that the CFA-44 is a good aircraft, Captain Miemi?"
"It pains me to place the Wyvern in second, but the CFA-44 is indeed a fine aircraft. I have flown several mock engagements against Sotoan MiG-41s and must say that it holds its own. It has its strengths and weaknesses, like any jet, but the latter can be minimized by tactics."
Marko considered what he had to say for a minute, leading Luukas to wonder if he was going to get bent out of shape cause it wasn't perfect. If the man did, he was keeping up the facade. In fact he seemed to eagerly stop everything just to hear more, leaving his sister to thank the others.
"A fair assessment...you talk like someone who studies these kinds of matters."
"I serve the squadron as the tactics officer."
"So I was on the nose."
"Yes."
"Do you believe we can be a match for the Oseans?"
Svetlana was back at her brother's side, drawing him back towards the matter at hand. Marko nodded and thanked the pilot for his time, but he was still interested in an answer to his final question. Luukas had to think for a minute, but he had a nice, quick answer.
"I can do little more than guess, but I can comfortably say it would be far from the one-sided fights they've had. More evocative of Belka, Yuktobania or Verusa."
