Chp. 8: Le Marsouins
November 27, 2015
HQ, Estovakian 4th Tank Regiment
"Almost ready, sir."
Colonel Ranko Litvinchuk grunted with a nod as the teleprinter hammered out the rest of the message. With all the jamming and the Emmerians seeking out any major signals, it was the next-best option. He grabbed it himself and was greeted by a headline indicating it was from Polokov at regional headquarters. He was put off by the change in routine until he read the first line.
Comrade General Yurevich's command post has been destroyed and he is confirmed as killed in action. As such, I am designating you as the acting commander of the area until further notice.
Almost immediately, he felt a combination of validation and opportunity. The only thing that left him unsatisfied was the fact that the bridges hadn't been prepared for demolition. Yurevich had insisted that they were vital to crossing and clearing out the remaining pockets of resistance. He scanned through the rest of the telegram as he turned to his map board. His staff looked up from the symbols they were moving, so he waved for them to continue.
"Major Drachev." He spoke up.
"Yes sir?" His air force liaison replied.
"I want you to make a formal request to Regional HQ. I want strategic bombers to help blunt the Emmerian advance. Our tactical aircraft are too few to help stop them. Two groups; one to bomb the bridges and two to bomb enemy axes of advance."
He didn't wait for a response, instead moving his attention to the fighting around Misko. His own regiment had yet to be committed to the battle. He picked up a copy of the available air assets and looked for what would likely be the center of the Emmerian effort. For now, their attacks were spread across a wide front. All the bridges near Misko had been taken, if only barely.
"Once all regiments are informed of the change in command, Have those units further back form a line fifteen kilometers north of the bridge. They are not to commit to the defense of the bridges at this time. I want those units near Misko to reposition inside the town; bog down the Emmerians until those bombers can carry out their job. We're going to disperse our headquarters further; it's only a matter of time before the Emmerians get smart."
As he went about firing off orders, he failed to notice that Drachev was now anxiously waiting for him to notice the junior man. The answer wasn't one he'd wanted to hear.
"Regional Command believes that tactical aircraft alone are sufficient. They want strategic aircraft to remain ready to attack the Emmerian carrier groups to the southeast of the island."
Litvinchuk's answer was loud and immediate.
"Try again; tell him if he wants to win this war by the end of the week, I'll get what I want!"...
Capitaine de Frégate Richard Lee reluctantly watched the ground crew as they performed final checks on the starboard HOT-3 missile pod. An enlisted man, Pierre, slammed the feed cover for his FN MAG closed and made sure it was secured to its sling mount just behind him. The AS565 Panther sat in the unfinished supermarket parking lot with its peers, waiting as two companies of Troupes de Marine piled into waiting Cougar transport helicopters. The second wave of the attack meant to overextend the Estovakians and cut them off. One of the ground crew hopped up to Richard's window and stuck his head inside to let him know that they were ready.
"Good luck, sir!" The sailor called.
"Thank you! We'll be back soon." Richard replied distractedly.
As soon as they were clear, the radio crackled to life with the signal that the Marines were loaded up. Richard's left hand jumped about the cockpit, bringing the sleek-looking helicopter to life. He rolled up his window and bristled as the cold air continued to wash in from behind. His co-pilot, Lieutenant De Vaisseau Gedeon Morre, did the same before lowering the scope for their roof-mounted sights.
"Wasp Lead this is Carrefour Control, you are cleared for takeoff. Wings are still south-southwest at 4 kilometers per hour. Good luck." The makeshift ATC tower radioed.
"Understood Carrefour." Richard replied quickly.
The six helicopters of Flottille 1F (Yellow Jacket) lifted off into the sky without fanfare and started to the northeast, staying low and fast as they circled around. Richard and his wingman eased up and over the bigger Cougars, then settled into the lead. It was a role that Richard was forcing himself to get used to. The Lenish-born aviator adjusted his boom mic as he settled in for the brief flight to the frontlines.
"Wasp 1 this is Garuda 1, we have you on radar moving towards the river. Garuda is two minutes from IP and pushing. Be advised that our RWR is getting lots of intermittent pings; Stovies are probably trying to be sneaky." A female voice spoke up.
"Copy that Garuda, ah, we're gonna make our first run from east-to-west. Do you intend to continue as briefed?" Richard replied.
"Affirm."
He flipped through his briefing notes while Joan switched from her Magics to the GBU-16 on her centerline pylon. She looked to Marcus and gave him the signal to peel away. As he nosed up and right, she gained a few hundred meters of altitude and Erwan pointed their targeting pod towards the helicopters' landing zone. The SPECTRA system picked out a pair of Tunguskas sitting near the area amongst several other hits. Joan was concerned about an SA-6 site that'd disappeared from radar; no one had reported attacking one.
"Garuda 2, change of plans. I can't find that Gainful battery, so until further notice make your runs from south to northeast." She spoke up.
"Garuda 2 roger." Marcus replied with palpable focus.
"Hey Garuda 1." He added.
"Go for Garuda 1."
"They've got way more guys than us. Great confidence booster, huh?"
Joan made a face between confusion and mild amusement. Before she could say anything in return, Erwan got her attention.
"Talisman, I have a visual on several Type 81 MRLs sitting in the field where Emerald is supposed to set down. I can't tell if they're setting up or simply resting." He reported.
"We won't take a chance either way. Shamrock, we're gonna hit some rocket launchers near the LZ. If that Gainful makes itself known, it's all yours." Joan replied.
Joan nosed up a bit more so Erwan could get the best view of the rocket launchers. He centered the crosshairs on the central most vehicle and designated it.
"We've got a solid laze, Talisman." He spoke up.
"Garuda 1, bombs away." She replied.
She pushed the throttles forward and came right as soon as the bomb was clear. As she did, Erwan zoomed out and caught sight of a missile launch in a thin grove of trees nearby. He looked at his RWR as he keyed his mike.
"Talisman, missile launch at our nine low."
Joan checked her scope like he had, but broke into the threat nonetheless. She spotted the missile as it was climbing and changing direction. It looked like it was leading her, like it was a bullet rather than a missile. Marcus had already swung towards them and was increasing speed while Maeva got the Rafale's radar talking to the Brimstones.
"Wasp, be advised that there is an SA-6 site in the area. Estimate it's about a kilometer northwest of the landing area. Its radar is off and it's guiding missiles visually." Marcus added.
"Wasp copies all, Garuda. We're going to change our approach so we're facing it."
Joan leveled her wings and went vertical as two more SAMs lifted off, with one more meant for them. As she gained speed, she turned to wild maneuvering to keep the missiles' operators from tracking her.
"Garuda 2, Rifle Rifle!" Marcus spoke up.
They'd gotten much closer than Maeva had liked, but she kept her mouth shut as Marcus broke from the attack and clawed for altitude. A pair of Tunguskas nearby tracked them and fired bursts from their guns before launching a pair of missiles each. Maeva looked back as she activated the countermeasures.
"Two missiles, make that four, on our six and climbing fast." She grunted.
Richard watched the missile trails and explosions as he and his wingman were just shy of the river's edge. Gedeon put his eyes to the scope for the sights and took control of the missile pods. Pierre adjusted his position as the other gunner, Farid, hefted his MAG up in anticipation. The Rafales circled overhead and came around to attack again while two more Panthers, armed with unguided rockets, fell in off Richard's wing. He looked at his wingman, Horace, as he keyed his radio.
"Wasp 2, stick with me and follow my shots. Wasps 3 and 4, circle around and follow up on targets of opportunity." He instructed.
"Wasp 2 copies all." Horace replied.
Richard waited just long enough for the other two to say something before he returned his attention to their air support.
"Garuda, we're crossing the river now and moving to sweep the LZ. Emerald is one minute behind. Check fire on rotary-wing aircraft." He advised.
He got a quick affirmative from the two; it was the best the gangly aviator could hope for. He raced a few more kilometers north before he saw the field the Pumas would touch down on.
"I have a visual on vehicles directly west of the LZ. Looks like eleven o'clock." Gedeon spoke up.
Richard looked in that direction and saw shapes and muzzle flashes. He dipped the helicopter towards the threat and leveled out long enough for his co-pilot to get a good launch.
"Wasp 1, Rifle." He announced.
Richard carefully descended towards some trees while Horace's helicopter fired a second missile. His only connection to what was going on came from the man next to him as he kept the lead BRM in the crosshairs.
"Wasp this is Emerald on final approach to the LZ from the southeast. What's the situation?" The lead Puma demanded.
"Standby Emerald, LZ is currently very hot." He replied quickly.
Gedeon announced they'd hit their target, and Richard brought the helicopter up again as he acquired the next BRM. The two Panthers went up and down in turns, then paused as Wasps 3 and 4 swooped in on a pair of hedgerows spewing small arms fire and RPGs. The scattered flares as they came off target, followed by bigger tracers.
"Wasp 3, where are those larger rounds coming from?" Richard asked as he ascended again.
"Enemy vehicles moving towards the LZ from the north. Looks to be APCs with more Tunguskas in support. Ghosteye reports additional friendly aircraft inbound, 30 seconds out. Can Emerald keep holding?" His fellow aviator radioed.
"We need to get those marines on the ground before the Stovies have a chance to surround the area. Garuda, can you assist?"
"Copy that Wasp, standby." Joan replied.
She craned her neck and looked down while Erwan stuck to the radar and targeting pod. He picked up the new formation of vehicles as they slowed near the burning hedgerows. The newest aircraft on scene, a pair of Mirage 2000s, were coming in to make a "one-and-done" attack on more Estovakian troops moving in from the northwest. The delta-winged jets leapt in the sky, then rolled over to deliver a dozen cluster bombs on the armor and infantry. Joan let out a soft whistle as she watched the explosions wash across the land. It also distracted the Tunguskas long enough for her WSO to think out a good plan of attack.
"Gonna set up the Tunguskas for our Brimstones, Talisman. I think Shamrock and Fleur should follow up with a gun run or Paveways." He declared, then repeating the info for their wingmen.
"We'll go in with our Brimstone and soften them up. Then come around with guns. Wasp, are you able to provide any further support after we neutralize those AA guns?" Marcus asked.
"I'll have Wasps 3 through 6 make attack runs against Stovie forces to the north of the LZ. Emerald can't wait forever; they'll come in as soon as Wasp 6 is off target. Be advised, we're shifting position now."
Joan and Marcus took that chance to make another run and clear out more AA guns. Joan climbed high above the fight, high above the reach of the platforms' missiles, and nosed over into a steep dive. She eased from it as she came through the clouds and leveled out just above the reach of the Stovies defenses. Her SPECTRA was working overtime to keep further threats at bay while Erwanselected three Tunguskas that were repositioning. Marcus targeted the fourth with his remaining Brimstone. As they reached maximum range, the radar picked up fresh contacts. Joan kept her eyes on the nearest threat.
"Garuda 1 Rifle-Rifle-Rifle!" She announced.
"Garuda 2, Rifle!" Marcus added.
He broke to the left and shrugged off the Gs while he circled. The WZ551s below were helpless as he roared in and rattled off a hundred rounds onto their position. He went through another brutal turn to avoid anyone brave enough to take shots at the Rafale. He noticed the radar hit as Joan was turning towards it.
"Garuda 2, new hits on radar. Looks like more fast movers. Ghosteye, can you confirm contacts at 002, Altitude 200, 200 kilometers out?" She spoke up.
"Copy Garuda, Ghosteye has radar contacts at that position. Looks like Fitters; no aircraft in range to intercept, Garuda."
"We'll take them. Wasp, relay from Ghosteye: enemy aircraft coming in low from the north. You'll be without fast air for a few minutes."
Possibly more than that, but Joan wasn't about to be the one to tell him. As they came off target, the last pair in Richard's flight came in high from the south. They salvoed rockets in twos and threes against the remains of the APCs and their loads. They turned away from the ongoing ground battle as Emerald's helicopters crossed the river towards the landing zone. Richard and Wasp 2 flew over them and swung left in search of more enemy armor. Despite all the work, the Estovakians were ready to greet the Pumas as the first ones flared to land. Richard moved in and his door gunners got to work. He came in as fast and as low as he dared, ducking and weaving. All while trying to make sure his gunners could make their shots count. A RPG flashed by the windscreen and missed, just before several rifle shots cut through the back of the helicopter's cabin.
"Gah! Sir, we're hit! We should get out of here!" Farid snarled.
"Keep shooting and hang on!" Richard barked over his shoulder.
He ascended as fast as he could while one of the Pumas struggled to follow him. The bigger helicopter slowed, then nosed down towards the riverbank. Its wingman circled to help before it took an RPG to its tailboom.
"Mother of…" Gedeon gasped before another violent maneuver redirected his attention.
More rounds clipped the engine pods and tail. Pierre leaned out and fired back until the offending shooter decided to stop harassing them. Richard looked left and right and spotted his wingman next to him. The second Puma had gone down, nose first, into the trees south of the LZ.
"Wasps 3 through 6, I need more runs to the west and north of the LZ. Multiple enemy troop concentrations. Watch for RPGs." He ordered.
He banked to the left and dashed south as the first Pumas were offloading. A fierce storm of tracers went back and forth as the marines threw themselves into the melee. The second half of Wasp came in to deliver much-needed support as a third helicopter failed to take off at all.
"Wasp to…Nest, Wasp to Nest. We need additional support in our AO; Emerald's first wave is taking heavy casualties and are pinned down, how copy?" Richard spoke up, flipping through his kneeboards as he did for the name of their controller.
"Wasp, this is Lancer, we're two minutes out and moving at full throttle. Two Tigers fully armed." A new voice interjected.
"Good to hear from you, Lancer. Be advised that enemy forces are concentrated to the west and north. Enemy infantry are closest to the LZ but not advancing."
The Tiger pilot clicked his microphone twice as Richard came around for Gedeon to pick out another target for their missiles. The survivors of the Mirages, estimated to be at least one company, were still advancing. The bad news didn't stop there, either.
"Wasp be advised, new relay from Ghosteye indicates Stovie Hinds inbound to your position. Approaching due north." She warned.
"Copy, have you eliminated those enemy jets yet?"
"Just about, Wasp."
Richard wasn't going to take anything short of yes, so he went with the first choice that came to mind.
"Wasp 2, follow me and stay on your toes. Don't give anyone an easy target." He instructed.
Gedeon pulled his head back from the sights and cocked a brow at his pilot. Richard shrugged; not even he completely understood his own idea.
"You're always insisting how good a gunner you are, yes? You'll do fine."
The man opened his mouth to say something, but stopped and looked down the sights again. Richard snaked the helicopter from side to side, using what Garuda had told him to keep his nose aimed at the oncoming threat.
"Should we even try to shoot these bastards, sir?" Pierre asked.
"Every bit helps, Pierre. Just think: these Stovies would be pretty mad if they were shot down by a guy with a little machine gun, wouldn't they?"
The gunner chuckled in agreement while Gedeon joined with a far more nervous chortle. Richard firewalled the throttles as he saw shapes just above the hills ahead. His co-pilot centered his sights on one and radioed Wasp 2's gunner, just to make sure they didn't waste shots on the same helicopter. As he fired, the Hind launched a brief salvo of rockets. Richard jinked away from his wingman while Gedeon struggled to keep the missile on target. The bigger Hind banked towards them and seemed to be gaining speed. Gedeon took advantage of the chance.
"Try and keep the nose on him for just a few seconds." He begged his commander.
Richard tightened his jaw and tried to do that the best he could. Just as the missile was about to reach the attack helicopter, it broke away and deployed countermeasures.
"Garuda 2, Fox 2." Marcus announced.
Richard turned away from the Hind as a Magic 2 struck it, breaking the machine in half. The Rafale who'd shot it down raced by high above before it rolled inverted and traded a few hundred meters altitude for a shot at the second helicopter. The remaining Hinds scattered in an attempt to move north again. The two Panthers, meanwhile, made a run for the river to check their ammo and fuel. Richard looked at his number two for a second as they reached the shore.
"How many missiles do we have left?" He asked.
"Three." Gedeon replied.
"Fire one more and save the remaining two. I don't want to have to face down another Hind without them. Lancer, are you on station yet?"
"Copy Wasp, we've arrived and can take it from here with Wasps 3 and 4."
"Good. Wasps 1 and 2 are heading back to rearm."
In the meantime, Joan raced in low and fast with two GBU-12s ready. She tilted to the right and dropped the bombs on a pair of T-84s near the road. One of the surviving Gainfuls launched all it had as she came off target.
"Three launches at our three low, Talisman." Erwan called.
Without a hit on the RWR, Joan immediately broke into the oncoming SAMs and nosed up. The Gainfuls nosed up in unison, but within seconds Joan was directly over the launcher. She saw a second launcher moving its weapons to try for a shot.
"Shamrock, got a Gainful launcher just below me. Got any bombs left?" She asked.
"I just dropped my last two." Marcus confessed.
Joan hailed him back onto her wing and they moved south of the river. The next wave of Pumas came in with more marines and more Tigers to establish a foothold. Joan looked over her gas and keyed her radio.
"Ghosteye this is Garuda 1, we're nearly Winchester and near the end of our fuel. Are any of the FARPs available?" She called.
"Standby…copy, your nearest one is FARP 7. Coordinates to follow." The E-3 controller replied quickly.
"Received. Tell them we're on enroute."