Chp. 8: Age-Old Contention
October 16, 2049
Rana AFB
Hope you're surviving out in Chakari, Dad. Thought a pic of all of us having a fun weekend here in Newport would make you feel like you're still home. And let you know that Ben and I patched things up.
Sharky was glad to see the picture of his daughter, her boyfriend and several of their colleagues all smiling. Especially his daughter, if for no other reason than it kept her from becoming him. He liked Ben Morgan, too; the kid made an effort to keep himself outta trouble. The two of them together got a smile out of the ageing pilot. He detected Shamu's own smile the second it started forming.
"The fuck you smiling about, Shams?" He asked, trying his best to bluff the guy. It was hard to bullshit someone who knew you since college.
"I see that smile, and I know it means a handful of things. Come on, share the good news with your old buddy." Shamu replied. Sharky sat up and raised his seat up.
"Kayla n'Ben made up, and that makes me happy." He admitted.
"Once more proof that Sarathi Sarkar does indeed have a heart."
Sharky lifted a middle finger at the man, who ignored it completely. Shamu sat back and looked the same way he had when he first learned that his pilot and future wife Gale had gotten together.
"Hey, stay on point with me. We've got the Sotoan Air Force trying to play hardball."
"That's up to Chakari Air Force intel, not us. I signed on to train a buncha pilots how to fly fighter jets without getting killed or messing themselves the first time out."
"Yeah but that means we gotta keep a tighter leash on the loose cannons and the shaky ones."
"Fair, fair…"
Shamu let out a breath and ran through who Sharky meant. It involved a few of the pilots and WSOs, both the promising ones and the stubborn latter was a small cadre, mostly Major (Squadron Leader, he reminded himself) types.
"Suggestions, Shams?"
"I'm thinkin' up some. Most obvious is we simply move things down south to another range, but those ones are smaller. Always somethin'...might be worth seeing if we can do some live fire? Maybe with actual guys on the ground?"
"Nah nah I wanna go through practice runs with live guys on the ground before I start letting this lot carry live ammo in that kind of scenario. Well, live ammo that's not ASRAAMs; if one of these guys manages to pull something like I'm worried about with an ASRAAM, then we might as well tear up the contract and file for Chapter 11."
"Then buy an island and start our own PMC. With ho-"
"No, that's an old reference. Older than us."
"Too late, cause you're already thinking it."
Sharky paused for a minute, then let out a "dammit" under his breath. Shamu didn't dwell on that for more than a second before returning to the matter at hand.
"We'll need to run this by the good Wing Commander."
"I'm sure he'll oblige."
Sharky looked at the picture of his daughter again, then a knock on the door got his attention. He opened his mouth to ask who it was.
"Mister Sarkar? It's Lieutenant Linchen." A familiar voice replied first.
"Come in." He replied immediately.
Santosh entered and nodded respectfully to the contractor.
"Apologies for bothering you...afternoon, Mister Suara." He said.
"Skip the formalities, Sandy. What's on your mind?"
"Nothing terribly important…"
He glanced at Shamu, as if he hadn't expected him to be here, then looked back at the pilot.
"Erm, I was coming by to inquire if you might like to join me and my wife for dinner...initially it was only for Mister Sarkar but I am certain we can make room for Mister Suara as well!" He explained.
"Tonight?" Sharky asked. Santosh nodded.
"I'm onboard." Shamu agreed almost immediately. Sharky looked at the other man, then quietly nodded.
"Okay, same with me. Thanks, Sandy; very kind of you."
Santosh nodded a few times in gratitude before he hurried for the door.
"We'll be having noodles and chicken. A fairly universal meal, yes?" He added. Sharky smiled a little and nodded.
"What time and where should we meet you, Sandy?"
"Ah yes. Squadron building's parking lot just after the workday ends. I'll drive."
"Alright then, we'll see you there."
Santosh nodded with a smile and left, leaving Shamu to start looking smug again. Sharky tossed a pen at him this time, mostly because the man was right. He did indeed have a heart…
"It's merely a matter of time before our diplomatic relations with Erusea give the Lenish or the Oseans an excuse to turn Chakari into a puppet state."
"The Lenish have been involved in this region for decades, and they maintain that involvement with their continued rule over Kharmata! Not to mention their pact with Chakari!"
"Then we're simply wasting time with this bickering. We can still salvage a chance should we take action. They don't have nearly the level of presence they'd need to stop us in time. The Oseans would have an even harder time getting more than their typical response into the region. A few carriers to show their resolve, if they even see a reason to."
"Erusea's involvement could very easily compel them."
"Then they'll have to contend with both us and Erusea. Our economy strengthens by the day and we have one of the world's major powers on our side."
General Ramesh Kalam, Chief of the Sotoan Defense Staff, seized the initiative before The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Letha Emani, could lecture him about how he knew nothing about economics. Emani was typically the dissenter, but Gummadi liked that for a few reasons. It made his cabinet look bipartisan and let him weigh both sides.
"Chakari may have the weaponry of a modern army, but they lack the skills, the immediate support and most importantly the size to stand against us. With a swift, well-coordinated campaign we could cripple them and secure the territory they squat on." He assured Emani.
"We could do so even without the help of the Eruseans. Neither of us are each other's masters." The General added as he calmed down.
"The Eruseans are with us." Gummadi spoke up, drawing attention back to himself. He sat up a bit straighter in his chair as he went on.
"Erusea has its own plans to stunt Osean influence across the world. Our long-term political objectives coincide with theirs; I spoke with Princess Svetlana at length on the matter. She carries her father's guarantee that they will support us, both politically and militarily. We, in turn, must ensure they are aware of our intentions and timetable. Therefore we must make clear our strategy to vanquish the last vestiges of Lenshire's influence here and now."
The primary chambers in which Sotoa's political and military heads met grew quiet. Quiet enough that the sounds of birds out in the courtyard could be heard. Deputy Prime Minister Indira Pavuluri spoke first.
"Our intention, I would imagine, is that we return the Sotoan nation to its borders prior to the partition by the Lenish. And, more importantly, break outside influence on the region. Prime Minister, are we in agreement that we have exhausted all political options? That is to say, we have tried peacefully?" She laid out carefully.
"Yes, I believe that we have long exhausted all diplomatic and economic options. Chakari has fled into the arms of these outside influences, which endangers us in the long run. They refuse to believe this is detrimental to them, instead forcing the issue." Gummadi agreed. He glanced at Emani to make sure.
"By most governments' realistic standards...we have." Emani replied. She immediately shrunk a bit, feeling like the phrase redundant. Gummadi paid it no mind.
"And we have been trying to do so since for nearly a century. Therefore, military options have become our only course of action against this threat. We must remember that the threat exists not from Chakari itself, but from her supporters. General Kalam, if you would please bring us up to date on the acquisitions of the Republic of Chakari's Armed Forces?"
"Yes, Prime Minister...while Chakari's arms purchases have been publicly declared as defensive, their inventory includes some of the latest in systems. While I do maintain the position that their skill and morale are inferior to ours, this does not render them an easy conquest."
Emani's glare was not lost on him, but he was more concerned with convincing the Prime Minister. A map of Sotoa (more for art than function) on a nearby wall was what he used to make his broader points
"Among those systems are the AGM-154D Joint Standoff Weapon, bought from the Oseans. The weapon is designed to counter advanced air defenses systems, and has a range of over 550 kilometers. Their primary fighter aircraft, the F-72A "Sabertooth", possesses high endurance. Combined with this weapon, they could easily conduct limited preemptive strikes against our southern bases, allowing them time to build up their defenses."
"Realistically speaking, would they attempt to attack us?"
"Only if presented with no other option or if they were assured of its success against us. Support from their protectors would greatly increase the likelihood of a preemptive attack."
"And their most likely strategy?"
"Delaying actions. They would aim to slow our forces down, especially in the hills and mountains along the border. They monitor it constantly because they rightfully suspect it'll be our central axis of attack. If I were them, I would bog us down in the passes. Their ultimate goal would likely be to do so until they have a substantial defense in place, or one of their allies comes to the rescue."
"How long can they hold us back?"
"The toughest part, putting it in simple terms, will be the first 72 hours. Over those 72 hours, we will need to contain or destroy their air defenses. They possess a multi-layered network supported by several levels of command and control. This is perhaps where they are strongest; command over Chakari's Air Defenses can easily be decentralized. Their Patriot missile batteries can be fed information from a variety of sources, and local command centers can coordinate the employment of smaller systems. Their northernmost defenses are arranged to make approaching them from the air difficult, and furthermore are on near-constant alert. Once those are dealt with, we can assert total control over the air."
Gummadi opened his mouth to speak, but was cut off before the words could leave his mouth.
"This is ill-advised; the world will not simply let us march down into Chakari, Erusean backing or not." Emani spoke up with thinly-veiled disbelief. The Economic Minister, Naveem Sikdar, nodded in agreement.
"It could have long-term effects on our growth, both domestically and internationally. Chakari would net few benefits other than some scattered deposits of rare-earth metals." He insisted, leaning towards Gummadi as he spoke. The Prime Minister and his deputy looked at the short, square-jawed man with mild surprise.
"So you would advise against this move, Minister Sikdar?" Pavuluri asked.
"Yes, purely on economic grounds. Should the Lenish try to reinsert themselves into local politics, then I would be for expelling them from the region. If that means bringing Chakari under our direct control, so be it."
Gummadi nodded and looked at Emani, then the general. Both were waiting for him to lash out at the other, or them. The Prime Minister looked about the polished oak table and drew in a breath.
"I accept that both sides of this argument have credit...and while we have exhausted all diplomatic options it seems that military options may not be advisable at this time. However, it is clear that Chakari does not wish to listen. Therefore, we must consider an interim measure. That is to say, we must exert pressure on Chakari's government to abandon their alliances with Lenshire and Osea. General Kalam, I authorize you to make all necessary efforts to ready Sotoa's armed forces for action, and hereby authorize measures to deter Chakari from its current course. Minister Emani, for the time being you will try once more to reach a diplomatic solution." He said evenly. The two nodded.
"How long is "for the time being, Prime Minister?" Emani asked calmly.
"Until I see fit to say otherwise."
The Minister nodded in understanding, and after that the meeting unceremoniously came to an end. Gummadi and Pavuluri stayed behind, if only to talk between themselves and drink the tea that remained from the gathering. The two sat next to one of the windows facing the courtyard, watching it and the landscape of New Mani beyond. Gummadi's gaze settled on a skyscraper under construction, surrounded by similar ultramodern buildings.
"How is your husband recovering, Indira?" He asked.
"He's a hearty old fool. I had to hide his glasses so he'd stay in bed." She replied with a smile. Gummadi couldn't help but feel the love in it.
"Hearty old fools make for good husbands, my mother liked to say." He pointed out.
"And true wisdom ultimately comes from women."
The lightheartedness didn't last; Gummadi simply told his deputy that his wife and children were fine, and that he saw them when he could.
"Personally, I believe we must take military action. The Lenish cannot be allowed to return things to the old ways, and Osea cannot be allowed to replace them." He noted. The man rubbed his chin and sighed while his longtime friend simply contemplated her tea.
"It is imperative that we also have parliament on our side. Emani's dissidence is nearing the end of its usefulness."
"And what of Erusea. They are an empire at the end of the day, just as the Lenish are."
"Erusea's goals rely wholly on gathering allies against its enemies. If they want to copy who they stand against, they will do it without us."...
"First time off base?" Santosh asked as he guided his Toyota Land Cruiser away from Rana's main gate.
"Yep...no offense Sandy, but not a whole lot to see around here." Sharky said.
"I know. It's a very simple land out here, mostly farmers. Kadri has been the biggest settlement in this province for nearly 70 years. Very different from my home in Redha and the academy."
"How podunk a place we talking here?" Shamu asked.
"Podunk? Is that some kind of food?" Santosh replied.
"How rural...backwater, in less polite terms." Sharky clarified, giving Shamu a brief glare.
"Oh I see, I see...well in that case, very. The train station is where one of the main markets is. All the farmers like to hawk their wares there. It does have modern amenities, though. Hotels, a hospital, paved roads."
"Sounds about the same as some of the rural towns in Osea." Sharky concluded.
"I can only take your word for it."
It had to be fairly big, considering the number of cars heading for it. Sharky could even see headlights dotting the northbound road. Santosh exited the main road a few blocks into the town, into a modest suburban sprawl. Tightly-packed blocks switched between shops and apartments. Santosh took a right onto a narrow street with two-story houses on either side and pulled into the driveway of one behind a maroon-colored motorcycle. Santosh led them up some nearby stairs and opened the door, greeting someone in his native tongue. The two contractors awkwardly shuffled in behind him as footsteps came around the corner.
"Ah Santosh, you're home!" A woman said as she emerged, opening her arms.
Something mildly uncomfortable stirred in Sharky's gut. He felt like he was looking at, well, his wife. Darker skin and different hairstyle, sure, but the way she carried herself was like Gale. Tall, athletic, confident smile. Thankfully they seemed to be different personality wise...so far. Points to Sandy though, he thought; the guy seemed very happy with her. The two shared a long kiss, just short of awkward, before either spoke. Santosh let her go and turned to the foreigners.
"Mister Sarkar, Mister Suara, this is my wife Nimita." He said with a smile. The woman clasped her hands together and bowed her head very slightly.
"Namaste. A pleasure." She said. The two mirrored the gesture.
"I noticed two sets of flight boots at the door." Sharky commented.
"Yes, I'm a pilot as well." She replied with (understandable) pride.
"What do you fly?"
"Cheetah attack helicopters."
Okay, close enough to be weird. Shamu didn't seem to care and, oddly, didn't seem to have any jokes to fire off about the similarities. Sharky brought up the rear while his backseater asked all about (Captain) Nimita's job and explained theirs in better detail. The table in the dining/living room had already been set; the smell of noodles and chicken grew stronger as he closed in on a seat.
"Is everything alright, Mister Sarkar?" Santosh spoke up as Sharky passed him. The older pilot glanced at him, then at Nimita.
"My wife is also a helicopter pilot. She flies for Rosenthal too, usually pilots Blackhawks these days but she's dabbled in a few other types."
Nimita laughed at that as she sat down at the table. Santosh spoke with her briefly in their native tongue before inviting the two to sit down.
"So do you hail from this part of the world, Mister Sarkar and Mister Suara?" She asked as Santosh brought out cans of flavored coffee.
"In the "was I born here" sense? No, but my family traces its roots to our friends up north." Sharky replied.
"I see…" Nimita observed.
"Oh don't worry about offending me, cause Sotoa's a shithole."
Another laugh, including one from Shamu.
"Yeeeah Sharky don't like his homeland a lot. Like me, we both consider ourselves Oseans first and foremost. My family traces its roots a little ways north of Sotoa, across the sea there." He explained.
Sharky nodded and accepted a coffee from Santosh while he and his wife explained their story. He was content to let them go first, if only to gauge just how much their life mirrored his. It was freaky, but he was (to his surprise) invested. It led him to want to ask her the same question he'd asked Santosh when they'd first met.
"So Nimita, if I can call you that?" He spoke up.
"You may." She allowed.
"What made you want to be a pilot?"
They glanced at him with some curiosity; he was quick to explain.
"I ask a lot of my students and fellow flyers. It's important to have some reason, you know? Even if it's as simple as "I think fighter jets are cool" or something. Figure it's good conversation."
He nodded to Santosh, who nodded in return and recalled the same question.
"He asked me such a thing. I told him it was because I am somewhat idealistic, patriotic. I wanted to serve Chakari and this seemed one of the ultimate ways to do so." He explained. She seemed to get it pretty quickly.
"Ah, I understand...well, for myself? That answer is really quite simple: Every citizen of this country must do their part with Sotoa always trying to bully us. Like my Santosh, I found this to be a very impactful way to do so. However, unlike him I do not wish to do it forever. Nor do I hope he will have to do it as long. Life is worth too much to be so weary every day."
"I understand. A few of my friends were in the Osean military; one was lucky enough to be in a situation like yours with his wife. They were even in the same squadron for a long time, but the other two's wives had to wait at home part of many a year. Even the couple that was in the same unit had a lot of stress to deal with." Sharky replied, with Shamu nodding solemnly along the way. They were interrupted as a timer in the kitchen went off; Santosh hurried to tend to it while Nimita smiled.
"Well, before we continue our discourse, might we offer you a proper meal?" She proposed. Shamu was ready and willing to answer that one.
"We would be delighted."...
Commander Haddrick's smile grew as he heard the mechanical churning of ship propellers; screws in Navy parlance. The sound slowly grew louder and louder in his earphones until he was damn certain he heard multiple screws. He lifted the headset off and handed it back to the sonar operator. The man silently hurried back to his post and looked down at the chart as the Navigator noted the approach of the Erusean fleet. Sarafield was practically at a standstill, but she was ready to move on a second's notice. They just needed to wait for the ships to pass. Haddrick glanced at the digital timer above him as the first beads of sweat formed on his forehead. They couldn't wait here forever, so hopefully the Eruseans were going at a fairly steady pace.
Pinnnng...pinnnng…
Sonar, categorized by Sarafield's computers as the Erusean SS-7C system. Shapes formed on displays connected to the sub's passive systems and formed the roughest outline of ships moving in formation. Haddrick carefully lifted his nadset from its hook and held it close to his mouth as the ships were accounted for, one by one. The sub also detected submerged contacts closing, one of them growing closer by the minute. Sarafield sat in 'plain view' of one of the Erusean submarines, but neither ship had windows to see. The Erusean boat was also practicing Emissions Control (EMCON) as it passed by, detectable only by the soft, soft churning of its screw. Haddrick imagined the sub and its stout, curved shape. Looking vaguely Yuktobanian as it glided through the water with ease. The sub, Ahti according to intelligence, was just above the cliffs leading down into Thomson's Scar. In the thermal layer with Sarafield. Haddrick visualized the thing as it passed the outcropping they were hidden in.
The arrival of the core of the fleet came roughly half an hour after the lead elements passed. Tanager was following a zig-zag pattern in front of the Invictus, who had two navalized NH90s covering the rearward flanks of the carrier. Haddrick softly keyed his handset.
"Helmsman, bring us forward and turn to Heading 090 as briefed. One-third ahead." He ordered.
"One-third ahead aye." The submarine's "driver" replied.
Pinnnng...pinnnng…
Additional sonars; at least one more SS-7C and a dipping sonar from the NH90s. Sarafield maneuvered into the main trench of the scar and crept beneath the faster-moving carrier group. The second submarine in the group was the last to pass, covering the surface combatants guarding a pair of supply vessels. Sarafield stayed low until she had a decent trail behind the Erusean fleet before she slipped from her hiding spot and carefully plodded after the carrier and her group.