Alnus Hill, days later…
The first of the Helicopter units were coming through. They departed through the Gate at Midnight, Emmerian time, and was greeted by sunlight on the Regions' side. The pilots riding in the transport trucks were awestruck by the scenery, but more importantly, the size of the base. Led by the engineers, everyone had chipped in building the base up day and night for the past 96 hours. All of that preceded by an attempted attack at night.
The makeshift helipads and hangars were on the eastern side of the base, near the 5 arm of the star. And immediately, the ground crew began working on putting the helicopters back together. Over the next few days, Apaches, Chinooks, and UH-9's were transported from Gracemeria straight through the Gate and to the heli base being set up next to camp. In all, 30 helicopters were going to be stationed at the growing Alnus Hill base. Most of the helicopters were originally from the Dragon Busters and Warlock squadrons, but would be working alongside each other for the time being. D-Ray and Jack were among first pilots to be greeted by the General appointed to take charge of the base and it's operations.
"Captain Robinson, First Lieutenant Jack, welcome to Alnus Base. As I'm sure you're aware, we're working on assembling units for recon and intelligence gathering." The Commander stated. The two pilots stood in silence. "So, we're going to have you escort one of the UH-9s from Nomad squadron to conduct aerial reconnaissance and also to calibrate our radars for our surface to air missile batteries."
"Sir, what if we encounter the opposing forces? And what about Fighter support?" Jack asked. He didn't want to risk going after a dragon, despite having the firepower to deal with it. Why take the risk?
"Garuda squadron will be transferred over here once the runway and fast jet facilities complete. Now then, get to your barracks. You'll need the rest for the next coming days. Until then, you're dismissed." The two pilots saluted and left the room. Once they were far enough away from the Generals office, Jack broke the silence.
"So Cap, what's the game for when we fly?"
"I don't believe I follow, Lieutenant."
"I mean are we gonna be the first ones on the board? We gonna make this army bleed? Like come on man, we need to act as a crew here. You and me." D-Ray thought about it for a moment, he honestly wouldn't know what to do if he saw the enemy once again. From his memory and reading the reports he could get his hands on, the army they're fighting could easily be taken out by just a couple of helicopters, let alone what one strike aircraft could do.
"We'll just have to wait and see. For now, though, seems like our job is just to sightsee and report back here."
The days passed by slowly for the pilots of newly formed 12th Helicopter Battalion. This battalion was going to consist of 16 Apache's, 12 UH-9s and 2 Chinooks. The most that the Emmerian Army could spare from the mainland. Out of those, the maintenance crews only managed to get a handful of them ready. D-Ray's Helicopter was one of the 3 completed and ready for flight, along with 4 of the UH-9s. Post-Briefing, D-ray and Jack were shown to their helicopter, which still bore the marks of their old battalion.
"Our chariot awaits, Jackie. Let's get airborne." He said, climbing into his seat. Jack was soon secured in his seat up front and began running through his system checks. The two finished them in good time and began preparing the bird for takeoff. Across the way, he could see the UH-9 crew getting their bird ready to go as well.
"Our partner over there is getting ready to go Cap. Lets speed it up."
"It's been a few days, give me a minute." He started up the turbines on the helicopter, which in turn began spinning up the blades. It wasn't long before the heli was ready to get airborne. "Henhouse, Shooter 1, we're taking off. Proceeding with escort and reconnaissance. Time to test out the old Pilotage skills." Increasing the collective and engine power, D-ray brought his Apache forward and into the air. The helicopter effortlessly lifted off the ground, even with the additional fuel tanks.
"Let's make sure the boys on the ground get a drink on us for getting us back in the air." Jackie stated. "Nomad 6-1, we're following you."
"Roger, if anyone give us trouble, they'll be dancing with angels soon enough." The pilots voice was familiar.
"Ah crap… I didn't know you we're stationed here Kokumi." Jack stated.
"We'll talk when we get down." She replied. "Just don't shoot your mouth off like that gun, or you might find yourself somewhere you wont like." D-Ray was more shocked that his Co-pilot and friend of many years never told him about any former connections. But he couldn't help but be amused at the situation. While looked over his shoulder, watching the base get further and further away. So, this is home for the next few months, eh? Hope we don't cause too much chaos.
Recon team 1
When heading out of the base's perimeter, the sound of helicopters flying off into the distance really put some confidence into the group. The other recon teams had already been deployed each of which had a couple of Trucks, along with an M113 APC*. Recon team one, however was a much smaller force, with the upside being that it was being protected by a tank. Upon the crew learning of their mission, Tavaris was a bit taken aback, wondering why the other platoons didn't get one. Of course, he got the standard 'Just to really push the limits of the Challenger. And see if it can even operate on this terrain for long distances.' He never really expected to get off the base much, but he would take advantage of the opportunity.
"Something tells me that this was your plan, Tavaris." Jacobi said, sitting atop the turret.
"Negative, not me. This comes right from the top." He replied, keeping watch on what was ahead. "I hope you've been practicing your translation book. Its gonna be paramount to us getting along with the locals." He looked down at his booklet, already having memorized the first few pages.
"For the love of god, don't do anything stupid." Delilah said over the intercom. "I don't think our armor would stand up to that."
"Or a fire breathing dragon." Steven remarked. The drive was a bit long, even at top speed, before they arrived at the first village. Luckly, they were provided with a geographical map of the area, with the help of some smaller recon drones.
"All vehicles hold here!" The tank stopped in front of the entrance to the village, and the awestruck citizens came out in droves to see what the noise was. Tavaris gave the signal to the APC commander for their troops to dismount.
"Shut 'er down, Delilah. Let's get some steps in for the day. Lock and load." He grabbed his rifle, loaded it and climbed hopped down the side of the tank. "This place looks peaceful."
"Yeah, so let's keep it that way." One of the soldiers said, walking over to the tank crew. The tall man dressed in tactical gear made his Type 89 look like an airsoft gun. "Knowing you, Taurus, you get a little intense when threatened."
"Lieutenant Montey, good to see you're still kicking ass all these years later." Tavaris stated. "Knowing you, you must already be fluent in these peoples tongue."
"Well, speaking three different languages comes with it's benefits." Montey was from Silvat, where most people speak in the native Emmerian tongue and Osean. Montey also knew a bit of nihongo, from his Osean ex-wife. "Not to brag."
"Anyways, if we're done measuring sticks, we should probably make contact with the locals. At least ask what the life is like here." Tavaris said. The group agreed went into the village. Needless to say, they were very taken aback by the Emmerians, and all around friendly. Once they gathered the information they needed, or at least what they could, the team headed out.
"Henhouse, this is Recon 1, we're heading back towards Alnus. We'll let you know if we find anything else." Tavaris said into the radio.
"Roger Recon 1, stay safe out there."
"Mount up and let's move." The engines roared to life once again and the small convoy made it's way back towards Alnus. On the way back, they started to smell smoke. It even got to the point where it was staring to block out the sun.
"Henhouse, this is Recon 1, we're gonna investigate the cause of some sort of-" Tavaris was interrupted by the deafening roar of a dragon in the distance. "Holy mother of God… We'll report back soon, Henhouse."
"You know we gotta help them out, right? There might be some survivors." Jacobi said.
"1-3 to 1-1, can we investigate the village alone?" Tavaris thought about it for a moment. It would be of great use to have a forward scout. But he wanted to see the damage for himself.
"Only on the condition that I come along." There was a long pause, and the silence over the airwaves was much more deafening than any roar. "I don't just want to kill again, Lieutenant."
"Alright, but you better be ready to if it comes to it."
"We got through the Stovies, I'm sure this'll be a cakewalk."
"Alright, as soon as the dragon vacates the premises, Unit 3 will move in to try and locate survivors. Units 1 and 2 will stay back and watch the tree line for any military forces. For all we know the same guys who went after Gracemeria could've trained that thing attack any human settlement." Tavaris climbed down the side of the tank, rifle in hand and walked over to the awaiting Jeep. He hopped in, along with Montey, his number 2 and the two medics. The dragon left once a small rainstorm came, and Tavaris gave the signal for everyone to get moving.
When the jeep stopped, the heat from the charred earth was still very much present even with the rain, but it was bearable. Unfortunately there wasn't much to see but charred and destroyed homes, buildings and the very few bodies that were scattered.
"Man, never thought I'd see stuff like this again…" Montey said. "Looks like Hoffnung during the Belkan War." Sarah, one of the medics tasked to the team, said a small prayer for the people who perished in the attack.
"Hey, we got something over here!" Sarah shouted. The rest of the group rushed over to see what exactly she was referring too. She was stood by a well, and in said Well was a person. "She might still be alive!"
"And she might be with the people who were sent to kill us." Tavaris said, sternly. "But even still, we cant just leave her. Who knows, she may have some intel on these guys." They soon made ready to pull the unconscious person out of well. With Montey as the anchor and the rest holding the rope, Sarah was lowered into the Well to retrieve the person.
"Alright, pull me up!" The group pulled, stepping back with each meter Sarah had been lifted. In all it took about 15 minutes to retrieve the person, and before them wasn't just any human, but an elf. "Well, worst case, she doesn't have much time. She's freezing and she's got a concussion, no doubt from the fall." Sarah said.
"How do you know that?" Montey asked.
"Because I've had to examine many soldiers and airmen alike during the war, Dingus." She shot back. "I did a quick examination before you pulled us out."
"So to address the elephant in the room, what about that dragon? We gotta warn the village out there about this thing." Montey stated.
"They may be working with the enemy, but there may be some merit to helping them out." Most of the group just silently nodded in agreement. They knew what they had to do, even if it meant exposing to enemy scouts to the tech they were packing. They loaded up the elf in the jeep, and Sarah began to treat her. Tavaris climbed up the tank and got back in, briefly telling his crew the plan.
"So in short, we're gonna have to protect this village from that thing?" Steven asked. Tavaris nodded. "Hate to break it to ya, but I don't think a sabot round is gonna cut it."
"Which is why we have a trump card in the Dragon Busters themselves," Tavaris said. "All we'd have to do is buy enough time for the helicopters to get into firing range."
"Either way, enemy or not, we gotta warn those people. We've seen what kind of damage that thing can do, and we at least have the power to help them defend themselves." Delilah stated. The crew was silenced, shocked that she would take Tavaris's side.
"Its decided then. I'll update HQ on the situation as we head out. Let's get going." The engines cranked to life, and roared as Delilah spun the hull on the spot. Tavaris watched the vehicles behind him turn around, ready to follow. He gave the signal and they began making their best speed back to the village.
Two Story updates in 24 Hours, Im proud of myself. Next Chapter will focus of Talisman and his arrival onto the battlefield. Cant wait to share it soon, so stay tuned.