Azur Lane: Three Strikes

by Nighthawk6595

The Lighthouse War has ended, but what happens when Osea's Ace pilot chases after an unknown bogey and ends up in a new world? This one being of war and Shipgirls. A new adventure for Three Strikes has begun. (Rated T...for now)

19. Crowns and Scorpions

Now I'm back to bring you a new chapter for this story.

But first, a reason why I took so long on the last chapter was because I was busy with my everyday life such as my job and such.

Now a recap: Azur Lane GHQ was safe, Maverick arrived, Tirpitz's detachment surrendered and wished to join Azur Lane in order to stop Red Axis.

Bismarck had become aware of Tirpitz's defection as well as the interference of Kaga and as a result - Bismarck declared them as traitors.

Unbeknownst to her, Gneisenau and Scharnhorst contacted a man named Nathan who runs a group of privateers employed by the Allied Forces who are assisted by a kansen from Tempesta. This group encountered a siren fleet escorting a captured transport ship with the flag of a different country from the other side of the portals when they called. But they agreed to rendezvous with Kaga when she fled.

As for our Scrap Queen, she told Unicorn and the Starter Ships about her uplifting story from the scrapyard, to a penal base, to a battlefield before becoming the Chief Mechanic of Strider Squadron.

As for Trigger and Prez, they talked about Mihaly and the X-02S until the Osean Ace mentioned the Crown - an Ace that Prez knows. So the merc revealed that the Crown of Sicario and the Scorpion of Martinez are brothers.

And those who are asking about this 'Nathan' character? Here's a hint: From a flying game found on the Original Xbox.

Anyway, let's dive into it!

---

Azur Lane Airfield

Hangar #3

Now Trigger has been through many things throughout his career as a combat pilot from the Lighthouse War, arriving in this world, facing off against the Sirens and Red Axis to become the Commander of Azur Lane. But this revelation that the two mercenary aces that were responsible for saving Tokyo were brothers was surprising.

He asked, "Is it true that they're brothers?"

Prez, a mercenary officer who is now his WSO stated, "They are."

The Osean Ace asked, "What do you exactly know about them?"

Prez leaned against the front tire of the X-02S as she said, "I hoped that no one would come asking about them, but considering that you are an Ace like them, I might as well tell you."

She paused before beginning, "Their names are Montgomery and Anthony Archer, they were the best pilots in the mercenary pilot business."

Trigger guessed, "You mentioned Monarch before and I'm guessing Montgomery is Monarch?"

She chuckled, "Yes, he used the first letters of his first name and the four letters of his last name to create his TAC Name. As for Anthony, he didn't actually get his TAC Name until he became the leader of Martinez's Antares Squadron. After that they started calling him Antares One or Antares and it just stuck."

Trigger was curious, "I did some research about that organization that Antares was fighting during the crisis."

Prez looked at the Osean, "Valahia?" She sighed, "Don't remind me…those guys were pretty much causing a global insurgency in the hopes of creating a new Soviet Union while utilizing their airships such as the Orgoi and the Spiridus. But they also had technology that was taken from the Sirens."

Trigger realized, "Valahia was using Siren tech in the crisis?"

"They were, but after Antares killed the Valahia leader, Nicolae Dumitrescu by flying into the underground silo and destroying the old USSR nuclear missile base on the inside, Anthony discovered that Valahia were just pawns."

He got curious, "Valahia was being used?"

Prez nodded, "They were and the mastermind behind it was none other than Andre Olivieri - Founder and CEO of Olivieri Life Insurance."

"That's surprising that he was the one pulling the strings."

The merc stated, "He funded the Valahia attacks, so he can sell war damage insurance to make millions in order to save his company from bankruptcy. His end result was that Olivieri would use the money to fund a private army to attack San Francisco in order to gain absolute hegemony over the insurance market, by getting the money that the companies would need to pay their clients because of the destruction of the city and OLI would not go bankrupt."

"Sounds like the kind of guy that Tabloid would talk about in regards to causing a war for your own greed."

Prez agreed, "He was working behind the scenes and worked with Dumitrescu until the Valahia leader betrayed him and attempted to kill him while the businessman was onboard a Boeing 747-200B, but Olivieri escaped the attack because Antares was actually flying the plane."

That caught him by surprise, "He flew that airliner through enemy territory?!"

"Yeah and even flew it through a ravine filled with hostile gunboats, helicopters and anti-air mines with his only complaint being that his passenger wouldn't shut up. But he seemed to notice Olivieri and Dumitrescru interacted like they knew each other."

Trigger soon asked, "Olivieri's goals must've had a codename. What was it?"

Prez paused for a moment before staring, "It's called the 'Golden Axe Plan' in which he would use to control the world's stock shares and use his private army to start a war on Eagle Union soil, he even used siren drone aircraft and ships for some of his forces to silence anyone who knows about the Golden Axe Plan and orchestrate the attack on San Francisco."

Trigger realized, "That guy was crazy!"

"But Antares killed him in San Francisco while assisting the ground forces in breaking into the underground data center at the main HQ of OLI when Olivieri tried to make a last stand."

She chuckled, "The bastard was using a handgun to try to shoot the PMCs and a low-flying F-22 Raptor firing a missile right at him and the data center's entrance behind him."

Trigger was surprised by this, "That's pretty stupid for Olivieri to do that, but he got what he deserved."

That's when Prez said, "Unfortunately, Sulejmani and his squadron were involved with the G.A.P., they never had a chance to face Antares and when Olivieri was killed - Varcolac Squadron escaped with blueprints of Golden Axe's Experimental Technology."

Trigger realized, "So whatever they took from the Golden Axe Plan after it was exposed - Red Axis has it."

"Exactly and Sulejmani will most likely use it to fight you, something he failed to accomplish with Antares."

"And Monarch?"

Prez never forgot about her old friend, "Monarch was Sicario's Ace Pilot, he fought against the Sirens on many occasions, but he earned his title as the Crowned Ace when allied intelligence found a Siren Aerial Convoy crossing through the Bering Strait. Sicario was under constant contracts with the military because of the threat of the Sirens."

She spoke of the operation, "This mission, Operation Guillotine, was a joint effort by both military and mercenary forces because the Siren threat granted us a lot of contracts. As we pounced on the Siren planes, Monarch and I were flying an F-15S/MTD leading Hitman Team taking point while Assassin Team and Gunsel Squadron followed behind."

"How big was this convoy?"

Prez recalled, "It was over 30 Transports and 60 escorts, but that didn't add to the fact that additional siren fighters would arrive as reinforcements. It was like seeing a lethal dance as planes from both sides crisscrossed through the skies as the contrails of missiles flew through air, either hitting their mark or missing."

Trigger reminisced, "That reminds me of all the big air battles that I read about. The Belkan War had Operation Battle-Axe in which several Allied Squadrons would clash with the Belkan Air Force over Area B7R - the Round Table. The Continental War had Operation Countdown in which the Independent States Allied Forces attempted to launch a recon satellite from the Comona Islands Base and the Eruseans deployed several air superiority fighters to stop the launch. However ISAF deployed several squadrons to maintain air superiority over the rocket base with one of them being Mobius Squadron - which my mentor led. In 2015, the Emmeria-Estovakia War began with the initial Invasion of the Emmerian Capital, Gracemeria being the largest air-to-air battle since they caught the Emmerian Military by surprise."

He paused for a moment before continuing, "Then Operation Daredevil in the Lighthouse War where the Osean-Erusean Coalition rallied together at the Space Elevator to destroy the last Arsenal Bird. It was air forces from both sides advancing together, destroying the drones as well as manned aircraft from the Erusean Radicals and then the Arsenal Bird arrived and launched its drones - it was chaos."

The merc officer realized, "It seems your world has a habit of big air battles like Guillotine which we did down the transports, but we didn't know what they were carrying, most likely supplies, weapons and information for whatever projects and reenactments that the Sirens conduct which Tester would oversee."

Trigger remembered that name, "The Siren Elite that I killed?"

She nodded, "Yes, but there's others like her that oversee reenactments of historical events in their test sites. But when I read about the Elite that you killed, I was surprised that it was a Tester. But humanoid Sirens don't die very easily."

"She did mention that…which means I imagine that I'll be seeing her again at some point."

Prez stated, "From what you said, it almost seems like that particular Tester is after you."

"It's mainly because she sees me as a threat - a force that can end this fight with Red Axis."

The merc stated, "You are the Commander of Azur Lane after all as well as its Ace Pilot. As a matter of fact, Monarch and Antares were Aces that had the drive to end conflicts since Antares ended the Valahia and Golden Axe Plan Crisis while Monarch was the Ace of the Bering Straits by stopping that aerial convoy and fighting against insurmountable odds as Siren aircraft entered the AO, but there was Monarch, downing the siren jets until no additional reinforcements were left. I may have been his WSO, but he was the one flying the plane."

Trigger assured her, "You're as much of a legend as Monarch himself, so don't sell yourself short."

Prez realized, "You're right and there were times that Monarch would use a single-seat plane and I would monitor his progress, but flying with him was putting me in the center of the action and experiencing his flying style firsthand. But then it all changed…"

"How?"

The merc stated, "Two years ago, Sicario and Martinez were hired by the Coalition to investigate terrorist activities in the Pacific. It's a joint operation between the two companies with backing from the regular forces from Eagle Union, Sakura Empire and Northern Parliament. Both mercenary forces were assigned to an air base in Dutch Harbor, Sicario's Hitman Team, Assassin Team and Gunsel Squadron were there alongside Martinez's M42 Squadron Division with Antares Squadron and new additions Betelgeuse and Arcturus Squadrons."

---

Dutch Harbor Airport

Unalaska, AK

September 12, 2017

Two years ago.

The port of Dutch Harbor is usually a bustling port for crab fishing and it's also the site for a popular television series. But at the airport which was requisitioned by the military to be used as a temporary base, several military aircraft and vehicles were parked on the apron near the hangars as they bore the insignias of squadrons belonging to the mercenary companies - Martinez Security and Sicario Mercenary Corps.

But as for Prez, she walked along a parked F-15S/MTD on her right as she fiddled with a datapad in regards to their joint contract with Martinez. But she tilted her head up to see the tail of the plane - showing the insignia of the crown.

Then there was the F-22 Raptor that was parked next to the Advanced Eagle on her left as she noticed the emblem on the tail wasn't from a Sicario squadron, but rather a red scorpion - a squadron from Martinez.

But the woman noticed the two men greeting each other as the man on the right said,

"Anthony, how is Martinez's Ace doing?"

Anthony stated, "I'm still doing fine after destroying a Siren Fleet attempting to attack Rio, but Antares Squadron was able to destroy the ships with no unnecessary risk to civilians, Monty."

Monty spoke, "That's a relief, but it's best that we go by our TAC Names when on the job."

Antares sighed, "Right, we know how bounty hunters are if they have a name."

Monarch knew this until he asked, "So what do you think about the Joint-Contract between Martinez and Sicario?"

"I know this time that it won't be a front like the IUPF which was composed of PMCs. But that was because Olivieri started it to fight Valahia in order to keep up his ruse."

Monarch figured, "I can only imagine that the International Union Peacekeeping Force was disbanded after the Golden Axe Plan went public."

"Wait, the International Union Peacekeeping Force?" Asked Trigger as he recognized the name.

"It was a coalition formed to fight Valahia in order to keep the world unstable in order to sell his own anti-war insurance policy. You seem to know about the IUPF." Stated Prez.

"In my world, the International Union Peacekeeping Force is a multinational military force of the IUN which I used to be a member of the Peacekeeping Force."

"So in many ways, you used to be a Peacekeeper, but circumstances changed and you became part of the regular Osean Air Force." Prez guessed.

The Osean had a solemn look as he said, "I was one of the new Osean pilots of the IUN-PKF, sent from my home country to Fort Grays in Usea. I was assigned as number 2 of the 508th Tactical Fighter Squadron or Mage Squadron for short and my old squadron leader, Clown taught me a few things about being in an element while Knocker, squadron leader of the 506th Fighter Attack Squadron or Golem Squadron, he taught me ways of commanding a squadron, but the man was also concerned with my flying since I was still a 'hatchling."

"They sounded like great teachers."

Trigger sighed, "They even tried to defend me when I was falsely convicted for a crime I didn't commit, but the IUN-PKF's Court Martial stonewalled them and sent me to a penal unit which served as a suicide squadron with a gloryhound of a base commander."

The merc stated, "That's rough, Trigger."

As the story continued, Antares added, "But in this contract, both companies sending the very best means that we may end up flying into an all-out war zone."

Monarch sighed, "Though I wish we were stationed on a tropical island instead of Alaska."

"I don't know why we are in Dutch Harbor, but hopefully Burford will explain everything."

The Sicario Ace figured, "Right and I bet your AWACS Operator is with Zaitsev from Sicario sorting this contract out."

That's when Prez made her presence known, "It's not only the AWACS figuring out this joint contract."

That's when the two Aces noticed her as Monarch realized, "Prez, how long have you been standing there?"

The WSO stated, "Long enough to know that you and the Red Scorpion know each other."

"Yeah…remember after Operation Guillotine when we dealt a huge blow to the Sirens Air Power, I mentioned that I have a brother who is a mercenary pilot from a different company?"

Prez recalled, "You did mention that after that mission…wait, Monarch are you saying?"

Monarch stated, "The Red Scorpion of Martinez is my brother!"

She was surprised by this, "Wait…I wasn't really expecting this, but wow! This contract must be big if they need the Aces of Martinez and Sicario."

Antares stated, "Not just the Aces, but their squadrons as well and M42 recently got two new squadrons to bolster the unit after Rigel Squadron went rogue during the Valahia Crisis."

Monarch remembered, "Speaking of squadrons going rogue, I heard a rumor that one of the Peacekeeping Squadrons from the Cascadia Region went rogue which is strange because I admired the skills of the Peacekeeping Squadrons, especially their top ace."

Antares stated, "I heard that as well and it's strange that a Peacekeeping Squadron would end up going rogue. You'd think with the Sirens causing trouble, we would be coming together and doing whatever it takes to defeat them."

"I know why Rigel Squadron went rogue which was for a better deal in cash and I understand that since they're mercenaries like us, but a squadron from the Peacekeepers Corps, a branch consisting of Air Force and Navy pilots is strange and why would they go rogue?"

The three sighed for a bit on the prospect of this until a male voice called out, "So this is where you were hiding?"

The three turned and saw a man and a woman bearing the Sicario emblem on their flight suits, the man had an additional patch of a double chain of blue and black while the woman had the emblem of a jester. The woman asked,

"Getting acquainted with a pilot from Martinez, Monarch?"

The man figured, "Considering that we are going to be working together."

Monarch stated, "Diplomat, Comic, this is Antares One, Martinez's Ace and leader of his squadron."

Diplomat realized, "The Red Scorpion himself?!"

Comic spoke, "So this is the guy that took down Valahia and OLI?"

Monarch sighed, "He's the very same pilot that flew a 747 Airliner through an ambush."

She stated, "Talk about being a badass."

Antares spoke, "So this is the rest of Hitman?"

Monarch nodded as he said, "Yep, that man is Diplomat, Hitman 2 while the woman is Comic, Hitman 3."

"Cool names, it's going to be nice working with you guys."

Diplomat agreed, "It will be interesting to see how our Ace holds up against you."

Antares jokes, "If I knew my brother, he would be evenly matched with me."

Comic asked, "Was that a joke or…" He stated, "I'm serious - Monarch's my brother."

Hitman 3 realized, "That's not what I was expecting…"

Hitman 2 spoke, "You never mentioned that you had a brother, Monarch."

The Sicario Ace stated, "Remember that night when the four of us went out for a night in San Francisco and let it slip that I had one?"

Dip struggled to remember as he realized, "I remember you saying 'Twin Brother Made History' but that was it."

Comic sighed, "Dip and I had too much to drink that night and you and Prez had to carry both of us into a taxi cab that night."

Monarch stated, "Well, Antares is the brother that I mentioned while you were drunk."

The number 3 stated, "I actually thought what you said was my mind playing tricks on me, but it wasn't."

The number 2 realized, "Two Aces would mean this contract would go smoother for both companies."

Antares spoke, "Don't get too excited, we still need to know why Martinez and Sicario were both hired."

Monarch suggested, "We should go meet with Burford and Zaitsev for the briefing, no doubt the other squadrons are going to assemble soon."

The others agreed and made their way to a waiting jeep heading for the makeshift command center.

---

Briefing Room

Dutch Harbor Airport

The airport itself was once used as a military base during the Second World War and was the site of the historic Battle of Dutch Harbor, a two-day raid where the IJN conducted a raid on the harbor as part of the Aleutian Islands Campaign and it happened around the same time as the Battle of Midway. The base served as a civilian airport for flying in workers from the mainland and crews for the crab fishing vessels docked in the harbor while also serving as a memorial for those who died during the Battle of Dutch Harbor. But with the presence of the Sirens, the airport would occasionally be requisitioned by the military as it is the only known airport in the Aleutian Islands.

As for the mercenary pilots seated in the room, one half consisted of the pilots of Martinez Security which had Antares, Arcturus and Betelgeuse Squadrons while the other half consisted of the Sicario pilots of the pointman unit, Hitman Team, the flagship unit, Assassin Team led by Arnold Frenken and the mainline unit, Gunsel Squadron.

As for the two men standing before these pilots along with representatives from both Eagle Union, Northern Parliament and Sakura Empire, all three being Kansen, they waited until everyone was settled until the man with the Martinez patch asked,

"Is everyone here?" The pilots were accounted for by the man with the Sicario patch as he let his counterpart know that they could begin. He continued,

"Okay, I know it seems strange for both mercenary companies to be working together in a joint-contract, but the Navy needed the best squadrons with experience in this operation. But before I continue, I believe introductions are in order for the Sicario crew - my name is Frederick Burford, I'm the AWACS Operator of Martinez as for my crew, my colleague is Dominic Zaitsev, he's the AWACS Operator for Sicario."

The man walked over to a projector and turned it in as a map of the Pacific booted up, "Now to get down to business, there have been reports of suspicious activity around Eagle Union Territories in the Pacific as well as around the Sakura Islands and parts of the Northern Parliament's coast. These reports go from Siren activity to reports of military-grade vehicles such as ships, planes and tanks. Either we're dealing with the Sirens or a Terrorist Organization."

Arnold Frenken spoke, "Why would terrorists want to act while the Sirens are the real threat?"

Zaitsev figured, "With the regular forces busy with the Sirens, it would be an opportunity for terrorists to take advantage of this conflict to grow in power."

The leader of the Arcturus Squadron stated, "A good reason since the Trinity Crisis as well as the Valahia Crisis were some examples."

His number 2 spoke, "Yeah, if it's a Terrorist Organization, then chances are that they also possess Siren Tech."

The Sicario AWACS Operator stated, "Exactly and with the siren tech, they can probably do something that would put civilians at risk."

Burford spoke, "Thank you for the suggestion, Captain Toni and to you as well, Lieutenant Vega."

"Who were they?" Asked Trigger.

Prez stated, "Toni and Vega were once part of the Union Navy as Marines. The Captain was a hard-ass SOB, but a good leader while Vega was his Lieutenant, so command would go to him if he was busy or out of action. They were honorably discharged after a mission against the Sirens, went through pilot training and joined Martinez Security. They were considered to be the best in Arcturus Squadron since their Marine training would also qualify them for ground combat should the need arise."

"They sound like badasses."

Prez stated, "Arcturus Squadron was formed by pilots who also had marine training and they were assigned to the M42 Squadron to fill in the spots left by Rigel Squadron."

As the story continued, Burford and Zaitsev introduced the representatives of the three factions:

The Eagle Union kansen was a PR Battleship with dark hair and eyes that were blue and yellow. Her attire had shades of blue, black and white while her thigh-high boots had a red coloring to them. This is Battleship Georgia, a PR Kansen representing the Eagle Union and a girl interested in traveling.

The Sakura Kansen was a Large Cruiser with dark hair, orange eyes and clips in her hair. Her attire was a naval coat hanging from her shoulders while her outfit had a corset, skirt and stockings with dress shoes. This is Azuma, the PR Large Cruiser representing the Sakura Empire.

The Northern Parliament Kansen is a PR Aircraft Carrier with gray hair, yellow eyes and attire similar to that of either a researcher or a military officer. This is the Aircraft Carrier, Chkalov, a PR ship from the blueprints of the old Soviet Union, now reborn as a kansen.

Georgia took the lead as she said, "As you can see why we're here is because whatever is causing the disturbance threatens the Union, Sakura Islands and the Parliamentary Coast which is why you are here."

Azuma pointed out possible search sites on the map as she stated, "Your first mission is to investigate the possible sightings of terrorist elements in these specific areas. One of these areas is in the Andreanof Islands in the Aleutian Islands which is the reason why you have gathered here in Dutch Harbor because if there is siren or terrorist activity here - it needs to be found. The second search area is around the Sakura Home Islands such as the southern islands of Okinawa and Iwo Jima and the northern island of Hokkaido on the mainland to which I hope that there's no activity around the Home Islands."

Chkalov took the stand as she pointed out search areas on the Northern Parliament's coast, "The last search area will focus on the northern and southern coast of the Northern Parliament's mainland and there are rumors of strange activity in those areas of the Parliamentary coast. Due to this suspicious activity, Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Avakyants is getting concerned since he's wrapped up in defending the Pacific Fleet's home port of Vladivostok."

Soon enough, the flight leader from Betelgeuse Squadron spoke,

"He would be right to be concerned since Vladivostok is the GHQ for your Pacific Fleet. If the Sirens or a Terrorist Cell attacks that port and damages it and the ships docked there - then the Parliamentary Pacific Fleet will be out of action."

Chkalov was impressed by this human, "I'm impressed, Comrade…" She looks at a dossier, "Ron Johnson, TAC Name: Chief?"

The pilot stated, "In the language of my people, it means Naat'áanii, it means that I am the leader of my squadron just as my ancestor was when he flew in battle."

Georgia recognized that language as she whispered to Chkalov,

"His ancestry is from the Navajo and his files say that he led his squadron against a Siren bombing raid on San Diego and downed the bombers before they reached their target."

The Carrier nodded as she stated, "Since this is spread out across the northern and southern Pacific, each squadron will spread out in groups of two for each of the search areas. Your mission is to investigate these areas and determine what it is we're dealing with and report your findings to the AWACS."

Monarch soon asked, "Ma'am, what about the possibility of us being attacked during the search whether it be by Sirens or another hostile presence?"

The Parliamentary Carrier stated, "If you encounter any unknown ships or aircraft, try to communicate with them and ask for identification. If they refuse and start shooting at you, you have the right to defend yourselves, but if it's a Siren aircraft - Blow them out of the sky regardless."

Every pilot acknowledged this order as Burford stepped forward and concluded, "When in the air, my callsign is AWACS Canopus while Zaitsev's is AWACS Galaxy. Now remember while in the air, we expect no competition in killscores from either side, we know that this contract is going to be a fat paycheck for both - but no competing in killscores. We're here to investigate and engage the enemy if necessary.

Dismissed."

As the pilots stood up from their seats and left for their planes, Prez narrated,

"It was a routine search operation, our objective is to find any suspicious activity such as a ship or aircraft and force it to identify itself or destroy it if proven hostile. Due to some sheer coincidence, Hitman Team and Antares Squadron were paired up to investigate the Sakura Islands."

---

Hokkaido

Sakura Mainland

1300hrs

The island of Hokkaido is the northern section of the mainland and as the second largest island on the mainland, it's known for its volcanoes, natural hot springs and ski areas. It seems like a peaceful place to hike the trails, have a nice day of skiing during the winter or soaking yourselves in the onsen, but that's not the case for the two squadrons flying over the islands.

Both Hitman Team and Antares Squadron were flying above the various sites of the island as they split up and searched. They searched throughout the various prefectures to keep their eyes open for any activity in the region as Antares 1 contacted Hitman,

"Antares 1 to Hitman 1, you get anything?"

Monarch stated, "Nothing yet on my end, Antares. Dip, Comic, how about you?"

Diplomat stated, "I just spotted a civilian airliner from New Chitose Airport, civilian air traffic is moderate today and the ATC at every airport in Hokkaido is aware of our presence, but nothing suspicious since it's standard procedure."

Comic said, "Nothing on my end, just got a nice sight of Mount Yōtei, nothing else."

Monarch sighed as he asked his WSO, "Prez, you got anything?"

The officer in the rear seat checked the radar and stated, "Nothing yet." She soon decided, "Hitman 1 WSO to Antares Squadron, how is it on your end?"

Antares 1 stated, "Most of our wingmen are spread out across the island to cover our search - so far there's nothing."

That wasn't until he noticed something, "Wait. Antares 2 reported an unidentified aircraft near Mount Nagayama, upon further inspection, it's believed to be an SU-27 and its making its way south towards Chitose."

Monarch asked, "A Sukhoi? Does Chkalov know about this?"

"The way I see it, she would've told us that the Northern Parliament was conducting a search on Hokkaido. I'm going to assist Antares 2 in requesting the Sukhoi to land for identification."

Monarch acknowledges, "Copy that, Scorpion. Monarch out." He soon contacted the AWACS,

"Galaxy, Unknown SU-27 has been reported by Antares Squadron and is moving to request identification."

Galaxy stated, "Confirmed, sending the report to Canopus now. Report to us if you discover anything else, Hitman Team."

"Roger that, Galaxy."

"Antares Squadron went to intercept the unknown SU-27 and it turns out - we found what we were looking for."

Somewhere near Mount Nagayama, an F-22 and a Typhoon were flying within range of the SU-27 making its way south. The lead pointed out,

"Weapon use is prohibited until proven otherwise, right?"

Antares 2 stated, "Roger that, sir."

The two planes flew in a steady position behind the Flanker as the fighter was maintaining its course as Antares tried to contact the pilot of the Flanker,

"Attention Unidentified Aircraft, set your course for our beacon immediately and we will direct you to the nearest airfield. Lower your gear if you understand."

The Flanker banked away as it moved southwest in an attempt to get away from the two mercenary planes as Antares 2 noted,

"No sign of landing gear lowering, you'd think that if someone from the Parliament was transferred to one of the bases here and gotten lost on patrol, they would have been able to get into contact with his home base."

The lead took a closer look at the aircraft and stated, "I don't think that we're dealing with a Parliamentary Aircraft because I noticed some faded markings on the craft. It looks like it came from the PLAAF."

"The Communist Chinese Air Force? I thought the People's Republic dissolved and became the Dragon Empery after they got their asses kicked in the Hong Kong Independence War of 2001?"

Antares 1 stated, "I thought that was the case, but it seems like a remnant of it. So we're actually dealing with a J-11 most likely doing reconnaissance."

Soon enough, Canopus came on the comm and said,

"Antares Squadron, we have five high-speed bogeys inbound at vector 280. It's most likely that they are coming to provide cover for the J-11."

Antares 1 realized, "Either to provide cover for their spy plane or it could be Sakura patrol aircraft."

Antares 2 stated, "Well, they're coming in fast and I can get a visual on the bogeys."

The Martinez Typhoon banked away and got a visual on five aircraft. The group seemed like a mixed bag of sorts since each plane was different. One was an F-18, an F-15E, an SU-47, an SU-57 and leading them was…

"Wait, the lead bogey is flying a J-20!? What the?"

The Dragon Empery's newest stealth fighter that just entered service back in March. Antares 1 was also confused,

"A mixed bag of Union, Parliament and Empery fighters? Something doesn't add up…" He soon contacted Hitman,

"Hitman 1, have you encountered a mixed bag of bogeys?"

Monarch responded, "Yeah, we did…and they ended up firing on us!"

When Antares realized this, all of a sudden - his missile warning alarms went off, "Shit!"

The bogeys split as the J-20 fired a missile at him as his F-22 turned to avoid the missile as he told Burford,

"Canopus, bogeys are engaging and are proven hostile. I repeat - Bogeys are hostile. Requesting permission to engage!"

The AWACS responded, "Permission granted, Antares. Take down all enemy planes."

At that point, Antares Squadron engaged the enemy fighters as the rest of the squadron joined in the fight.

"Those planes ambushed both squadrons?" Asked Trigger.

"It was more than an ambush - there was also a squadron of bombers, Xian H-6s and Tupolev TU-95s specifically and they were targeting the cities of Sapporo and Asahikawa, two of the biggest cities on the island, the former being the capital of the prefecture." Stated Prez.

"Those are civilian targets…my god…"

"It was only after both squadrons saved the cities did we find out who we were dealing with."

As the last fighter, the J-20 pursued the F-22, Antares 2 stated,

"Lead, watch out! He's on your tail!"

Antares 1 stated, "I see him, Adama. Don't worry, I got this."

As the rogue Dragon was going to get a missile lock on the Raptor, the Union Jet did a quick somersault and fired two missiles at the enemy fighter as the J-20 exploded as Antares 1 flew from the explosion. He announced,

"Antares 1 to Canopus, all bandits down!"

"Solid copy, Antares Squadron, all bombers and fighters down! Great job!" Soon enough, the AWACS said, "Hold on…" That's when he shouted,

"Antares Squadron, we have a problem!"

"What's going on?"

Burford said, "We've picked up enemy ground forces closing in on Asahikawa and the SDF has requested your help!"

That caught them by surprise because of the presence of enemy ground forces. If they attack the city, many innocent civilians would be killed unless they stop them. But there is still one problem as Antares stated,

"We still don't know who these guys are."

"We intercepted a radio communication from the enemy - they're calling themselves the Pacific Federation."

Adama asked, "Pacific Federation?"

"They apparently are looking to become a world superpower, but they are looking at extreme means of doing it."

The number 2 asked, "But why?!"

Antares stated, "We'll figure it out later, Will. Right now we need to intercept those ground units and keep them from attacking the city."

AWACS Galaxy chimed, "Keep the city safe, Antares Squadron. Hitman Team is also dealing with the threat of siren mass-produced naval vessels attempting to attack Sapporo with Federation ships aiding in the bombardment."

"Thanks for the information, Galaxy. We'll protect Asahikawa while Hitman Team has the capital."

As the other two planes joined them in commencing attack on the ground units attempting to attack the city as a nearby airport was utilized for the mercenaries to refuel, rearm and repair.

"It was after the defense of the two largest cities in the prefecture that we learned how this faction came to be. We learned in the debriefing that various politicians and military officials from each nation surrounding the Pacific Ring of Fire were involved in the creation of the Pacific Federation, believing that the Pacific needed a new form of leadership as a result of the Ulysses Collision and the emergence of the Sirens. They saw the current United Nations and the Coalition as weak in safeguarding the Pacific Ocean from the sirens. They believed that forming the Federation was the only order meant to guarantee people's safety. But they would resort to radical means of doing so, even intending to knock out the Parliamentary Pacific Fleet at Vladivostok as well as striking at the heart of the MSDF by launching a raid on the SDF fleet stationed at Yokosuka and the HQ at Ichigaya." Prez stated.

"That's pretty much the means of starting a war." Said Trigger.

"It was and both merc companies were spread out across the Sakura Islands and near the Parliamentary coast. But due to it being a joint-contract, Martinez and Sicario had to work together in these operations with the first operation being to hurry to Vladivostok and Yokosuka to provide air cover for the naval vessels attempting to escape…"

---

Vladivostok, Northern Parliament

September 14th, 2017

1000 hrs

The group of planes flying towards the main naval base of the Parliamentary Pacific Fleet were a combination of Sicario and Martinez mercenaries as Antares and Arcturus Squadrons were deployed along with Assassin Team and members of Gunsel Squadron. Their mission is to hurry to Vladivostok and provide air cover for the naval vessels attempting to escape the bombardment from Federation aircraft. But there was a main objective as AWACS Galaxy stated,

"Among these ships is the Aircraft Carrier Varyag, she's the flagship of the Pacific Fleet and a critical combat asset. There are kansen belonging to the Parliament assigned to protect that carrier, but you must assist them and protect the Varyag at all costs."

As the squadrons flew towards the AO, Assassin 1, Kaiser stated,

"Assassin 1 to Galaxy, Assassin Team will lead the charge."

Galaxy refused, "Negative, Antares Squadron is leading the charge, Assassin Team will follow after."

The team leader muttered, "Upstaged by the Scorpion…"

"I heard that, Assassin 1. Remember that Antares is leading while each of you has a role to play in protecting the port facilities as well as the fleet while Antares provides cover for the Varyag."

That's when a new voice came up as an SU-33 Flanker-D flew past the mercenaries, "Quit screwing around, the enemy is all over the port and they will eat you alive!"

Antares 1 stated, "We are aware of the enemy presence, sir."

The Flanker-D pilot stated, "If that is the case, I am Captain Viktor Polovsky, callsign Guardsman. My comrades and I are going to support the fleet as they evacuate."

Kaiser figured, "So we have local forces already engaged at the port."

Antares 1 stated, "Exactly and our job is to assist the local forces, protect port facilities and provide air cover for the fleet as they make their way to open waters."

Toni stated, "Arcturus Squadron acknowledged."

The Gunsel member leading this portion of his squadron stated, "Gunsel Squadron Acknowledged."

Kaiser sighed as he said, "Assassin Team acknowledged."

Galaxy announced, "All Martinez and Sicario aircraft, cleared to engage!"

At that moment, the F-22 bearing the red scorpion emblem flew into Vladivostok harbor followed by a Typhoon, F-18 and F-35. Afterwards, the four F-15S/MTDs of Assassin Team entered the harbor as two F-35Cs and two MiG-29Ks of Arcturus Squadron followed behind as the four F-16s of Gunsel Squadron entered last.

Upon entering the harbor, the four squadrons were assigned to protect certain areas. Antares had to provide cover for the Varyag as the carrier leaves her mooring and heads towards the port exit all while the kansen cover her from the water.

Arcturus Squadron is to protect the naval vessels from additional bombardment as the attack has taken a toll on some of the ships. There were ships on fire because a tanker had just exploded due to an enemy attack and a Fire Boat was caught in the explosion, meaning three ships were burning.

Assassin Team was tasked with protecting the port facilities and the city of Vladivostok itself. It also looks like the Federation were using Xian JH-7s and Grumman A-6 Intruders to attack the ships while Xian H-6 bombers and Tupolev Tu-95 Bear bombers were attacking the port and the city.

Gunsel Squadron was flying top cover to establish air superiority in the airspace surrounding Vladivostok.

As the squadrons commenced their mission, they flew to protect the GHQ of the Parliamentary Pacific Fleet as well as covering the vessels attempting to escape the bay.

As the local defense forces lead by Guardsman, provided additional cover for the ships and protection for the port facilities. As the Vladivostok Port Captain contacted all ships,

"All vessels, leave port immediately! Ships nearest to port exit, leave first."

One of the kansen announced, "This is Light Cruiser Avrora alongside Heavy Cruiser Tallinn and Battleships Sovetskaya Belorussiya and Rossiya, we are with the Aircraft Carrier Varyag and currently approaching port exit."

"Da, Avrora. The Varyag is top priority and is too valuable to lose. All friendly aircraft, help Comrade Avrora and her fleet protect the Varyag!"

Captain Polovsky stated, "Guardsman here, on my way, that's our ship!"

The Naval Sukhoi pilot and his squadron was going to cover the kansen and the carrier until Galaxy stated,

"Negative, this is Sicario AWACS Galaxy, Guardsman, you need to remain in the western sector. Protect the port city and continue the battle."

"But that's my carrier!"

Galaxy stated, "Antares Squadron is going to provide cover for the Varyag."

This infuriates the Flanker-D pilot as he said in his language,

"Chert voz'mi, ty, svinogolovyy…"

That wasn't until he calmed down as he said, "Alright, I'm counting on you, Antares. Don't lose our ship."

Antares replied, "We'll keep the carrier safe, Captain."

As the battle continued, they was widespread panic throughout the fleet as a Kirov-Class Battlecruiser commenced phalanx fire on an incoming wave of anti-ship missiles, only to end up firing on the docks and there was a panicking nurse on the radio getting ready to admit patients, although her colleagues were concerned about her handling the situation, but she assured them that she would be fine. This panic was heard throughout the radio including the intercepted communications from the enemy craft.

As Antares Squadron shot down the JH-7s and A-6s that were threatening the fleet and carrier, Kaiser's voice was heard,

"Assassin Team here, all heavy bombers threatening the city have been destroyed."

Galaxy stated, "Copy that, Kaiser. Have your Team vector to the harbor and protect the fleet."

"Copy that, Galaxy. Come on, let's go help out Antares."

Galaxy reminded him, "Remember, Antares Squadron has the Carrier, you need to protect the surface ships from any enemy attack."

Now that Assassin Team entered the defense of the fleet, many ships managed to escape from the harbor. Antares Squadron was able to cover Avrora, her defense team and her objective - the Aircraft Carrier Varyag as the Admiral Kuznetsov class aircraft carrier was able to escape the harbor.

But while that was going on, Kaiser was pursuing the last JH-7 as he announced,

"All planes, last one and he's mine."

As the attacker tried to evade the Sicario plane, the F-15S/MTD was more maneuverable than the attack plane as he raked it with bullet holes from his guns as the plane went down. He announced,

"Last bandit splashed!"

There was a brief cheering from the pilots and sailors until Tallinn noticed that the JH-7 was going to crash into the harbor, but her eyes widened in shock as she said over the radio,

"Those…those are people floating in the waves!"

This caught the attention of the other squadrons as they saw the flaming plane make impact with the water…

"It was like in Yokosuka and we shouldn't have looked. When the last enemy plane crashed and covered the water in flames - there were people floating right. Antares saw their faces on the water - so many of them. As for me at Yokosuka, it was traumatizing and I wanted someone to stop this…I can't take it anymore!" Narrated Prez.

Trigger was shocked, "It was like the bombing at Port St. Hewlett at the start of the Circum-Pacific War. Yuktobanian Aircraft attacked the port while the Osean Air Force provided support for the Fleet attempting to escape the bay, including the OFS Kestrel, an aircraft carrier and flagship of the 3rd Naval Fleet. But during the escape, a Yuktobanian F-5E crashed into the bay and covered the water in flames while people floated near the crash site - it was horrific to the pilots who saw it."

"That was rough for anyone to see, but believe it or not, after Vladivostok, the Federation was focusing their attention on the Sakura Islands mainly because they failed to destroy the Parliamentary Pacific Fleet while at anchor."

As the story continued, after Vladivostok and Yokosuka, the Federation began focusing their efforts on the Sakura mainland, mainly trying to push towards Tokyo Bay. The Joint Mercenary Corps collaborated with the Self-Defense Force to repel the Federation's push towards the bay. But when they shifted to other ports across the mainland, each merc unit had to separate and defend that port.

It was only when Arcturus Squadron learned of a Federation facility that's constantly supplying siren mass-produced ships on Nasake Island - which was right outside the Hiroshima Prefecture. That's when Captain Toni decided that he and his team would land their F-35Bs and AV-8B Harrier aircraft and assault the facility from the ground.

Even though assaulting the base from the ground was suicidal, but Toni and his team counted on Monarch to signal them that they were clear to go. They were just five men, whatever guns they could bring and a pilot and flight officer against a base of terrorists and Siren Battle Droids. The plan was to get in, gather information on the Federation, set charges and get out before the place blows.

The odds were definitely not in their favor - but they did it. Thanks to Monarch's support, Arcturus Squadron was able to destroy the base and cut off any additional mass-produced ships to the Federation with no losses on the ground - a testament to their Marine Training.

But the information that Arcturus Squadron had recovered, made the Allies aware that additional facilities are out there scattered around the Sakura Islands, so they assault them either by air attack, ground assault or even naval bombardment. Each facility destroyed brought the Allies close to victory over this terrorist organization.

But after destroying a facility via shelling by kansen, the Allies received a coded message which had the coordinates as well as a set of numbers which one of the Sakura kansen had the answer to…

"I remember seeing that message - the set of numbers after the message was the date that my original hull was laid down and date that it was scrapped. December 16th, 1920 was when my hull was laid down and April 14th, 1924 was the date that it was sold for scrapping a year after the Kanto Earthquake. I determined that whoever sent the message meant it to be for me." Amagi, who was silent throughout the story, finally spoke.

Prez stated, "The coordinates led to a location in North Korea of all places. After the Ulysses Disaster, the people of that nation were angry at the leadership for failing to protect them which led to civil war and a coup d'etat that led to the overthrow of the communist regime. A new leadership was created to ensure that their nation rebuilds after it was battered by meteors and an oppressive regime, thus becoming the Democratic Republic of North Korea. Whoever sent that message was somewhere in the recovering nation."

---

Sondok, North Korea

September 19th, 2017

0400 hrs

As Hitman Team and Antares Squadron flew past the Korean coast, the seven planes were flying towards the location where the message said to go. As they arrived at the location, they heard a voice on the radio,

"Ma'am, I'm picking up something on radar. IFF identifies as Sicario and Martinez mercenaries."

A female voice stated, "We were expecting them and we're intercepting enemy alert signals as well."

"We better establish contact with those planes, they need to know that plan."

Back with the planes, Antares One asked Monarch,

"When will we meet with our contact?"

Monarch stated, "Not sure, they would've contacted us by now. I don't even know why we're out here."

That's when they heard a voice over the radio, "This is Dragon Empery Aircraft Carrier, Chen Hai to Mercenary Forces. There is a reason why we called for you."

Antares noticed the message and responded, "What's a Dragon Empery kansen doing here in North Korea?"

"We called you here to assist us in reclaiming a nearby air base from a Federation-backed Communist Remnant, so we can steal an airplane and escape with information that you may be interested in."

Monarch asked, "A Remnant Group has taken Sondok Airport and the Federation is backing them?"

Chen Hai stated, "Unfortunately yes, but we have a plan in motion and currently, myself and Light Cruiser Yat Sen are in a car with other members of the DRK's military making our way to the airfield. We're storming the gate at 0415 hours and we need you to keep us covered in case of an ambush."

That's when Light Cruiser Yat Sen explained the situation,

"DRK agents have already infiltrated the airfield and they are awaiting our arrival. But the path to the airfield is covered by checkpoints and defensive positions. We need you to keep us covered along the path, give us aerial reconnaissance if need be and guide our convoy to the airfield. The infiltration team has a window to begin operations at the airfield, so the timing of the mission cannot be changed. If we don't arrive on time - the agents will be suppressed by the airfield defense forces and the mission will end in failure. Once we arrive, the team will load the supplies as well as information about the Federation onto a captured transport plane and Chen Hai and I will attempt to escape. You must help us arrive at the airfield on time, no matter what."

As the light cruiser finished her briefing, the operation commenced as the allied convoy made their way down the road as the Antares Squadron and Hitman Team provided support for the convoy by destroying the checkpoints that block their way as well as hostile BTRs and PT-76 Tanks that would try to pursue the convoy.

The two squadrons were going to work on the enemy ground forces while covering the convoy while also directing the convoy of where to go whenever they hit a fork in the road and it's the Archer brothers who chart that course with full confidence that the team can get them through.

They were able to arrive at the airfield as the infiltration team seized one of the hangars and brought out an old C-2 Greyhound transport plane. The two kansen loaded the supplies and information onto transport as two members volunteered to fly the Greyhound out. But Chen Hai was working with the communication systems of the transport plane. They also had to hurry since the enemy was looking to block the runway with additional BTRs as the Greyhound made its way down the runway, but a bombing run by Comic and Adama destroyed the infantry fighting vehicles as the transport's turboprops spun faster as Chen Hai contacted the fighter pilots,

"Chen Hai to Antares and Hitman, we're taking off."

The C-2 soon accelerated down the runway as the transport lifted off the ground and got airborne. Antares contacted the kansen,

"Antares 1 to Chen Hai, we'll leave the retaking of Sondok Airport to the regular forces and head for the ocean where the USS Ronald Reagan would meet us on the way."

"We appreciate it as long as we don't run into any more bad guys."

The kansen had to jinx it as Antares 3, Cowboy, announced, "Incoming aircraft, looks like bad guys to me - eight bogeys in the group."

AWACS Canopus, who was with them in the operation stated, "IFF Confirmed as Federation fighters, Aircraft type: SU-37 and F-22. Wait, there's something else…it's Crimson Squadron?"

Monarch was surprised, "Crimson as in the Peacekeeping Squadron?! Why are they with the Federation?!"

Prez stated, "I don't know why, but what really matters is that they're hostile."

Chen Hai realized, "The Rogue Eagle Union Peacekeepers are here? That is not something I was expecting."

In the distance, eight planes made their way to the battlefield as the lead SU-37 contacted the Federation AWACS,

"Crimson Squadron's on station. AWACS, is this them? The mercenaries as well as the High Value Target?"

The AWACS stated, "Affirmative, these mercenaries are the ones responsible for destroying our bases on the Sakura Mainland and don't let that Greyhound escape, Crimson 1."

"Roger, tally ho. Let's take these dogs down."

"That was the first time you faced Crimson Squadron?" Asked Trigger.

"It was and Chen Hai ordered us to face off against Crimson and keep them off of her plane. They were tough and it was a reason why Monarch admired the Peacekeepers and seeing the top fighter squadron now fighting against them was mind boggling. But they were threatening Chen Hai's plane, so we had to focus on getting the Crimson." Replied Prez as she remembered what that battle was like.

The Crimson planes outnumbered the mercenaries by one plane, but they had no choice but to either face off against Crimson or cover the Greyhound. It was Monarch and Antares One that went head to head with Crimsons 1, 5 and 7 while their wingmen caught any Crimson planes that slipped through their flight leads to go after the Greyhound, but the flight leads downed a few before going after Crimson 1. Although these rogue pilots were the best in the Eagle Union as an F-22 attempt to launch a missile during a Kulbit maneuver while an SU-37 attempted a quick missile strike, the two mercenary brothers were able to evade both attacks via post-stall maneuver and counter attacks which surprisingly hit both Crimsons 1 and 7.

"Damn, you wild dogs! You've downed a few of my people already!" That's when he noticed the tails of the F-22 and F-15S/MTD, "A red scorpion and a crown? The famous Red Scorpion and the Crowned Ace are here?"

Crimson 7 realized, "Now that makes sense because they fly and fight better than common mercs."

Crimson 5 stated, "One guy took on the Golden Axe Plan and killed Olivieri while the other guy faced overwhelming odds of Siren Aircraft over the Bering Strait."

Crimson 1 sighed, "I know, 5. But their wingmen are also covering the Greyhound."

That wasn't until the Federation AWACS reported, "Crimson 1, enemy reinforcements inbound. It's advised that you separate from the fight."

The Peacekeeper sighed, "We've done all we could. Crimson Squadron retreat, I don't want to lose any more planes to these dogs."

Crimson 5 stated, "It seems that the Scorpion is as good as we were told."

"So is the Crown, but the way they flew had a sort of balance. They anticipated our movements and used it against us. It takes great trust for two different squadron leaders to do that - it even cost us a few members. AWACS, notify the SAR Team to find them."

The Federation AWACS confirmed this, "Affirmative, Crimson 1. Withdraw immediately."

The remaining Peacekeepers retreated as Hitman and Antares escorted the C-2 Greyhound to the ocean where the allied fleet led by the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan rendezvoused with them.

"They had managed to arrive at the Reagan in one piece as Chen Hai and Yat Sen were even equipped with their riggings for transport. Aside from helping take back Sondok Airport, both kansen were carrying a single disc. Yat Sen's disc had information regarding the Federation's movements which proved beneficial in bringing the Allies close to victory, but Chen Hai's disc contained the top secret plans regarding the Federation which was heavily encoded, so the Codebreakers got to work immediately on decoding the discs. But Chen Hai knew a bit about what might be going on." Narrated Prez.

One night on the flight deck of the Reagan, Chen Hai was with the brothers, Prez and Chkalov as she pointed up to the night sky at one particular star,

"The SOLG."

Monarch asked, "SOLG?"

"A series of military attack satellites that your countries jointly built after the Ulysses Disaster when various conflicts began popping up. Then abandoned in the peace that followed."

Chkalov realized, "My country collaborated with the Union to build those satellites?"

Chen Hai stated, "They did and during the Hong Kong Independence War, the People's Republic attempted to resurrect those dreadful stars to deal with Hong Kong Independence Forces via use of its kinetic energy shells. But those plans were fruitless as the war had already ended in Hong Kong's Independence as their resistance against the oppressive regime inspired the resurgent forces from Taiwan to take advantage of their weakened position which led to the dissolution of the People's Republic."

Antares asked, "But why would you mention the SOLG now?"

The Empery Carrier stated, "The information that wasn't encoded mentioned the SOLG and I found it at a Federal-held rocket base that was launching supplies into orbit."

Prez realized, "You think that the disc contains whatever was launched from the base?"

She nodded and said, "Hopefully it will answer my question."

"Which is?"

The carrier answered, "What is that star receiving from them?"

Trigger guessed, "The disc contained the blueprints for the Cordium weapons and their plans to use the SOLG to deploy it?"

"It was, but we didn't find out about Cordium until after we followed the information from Yat Sen's disc and destroyed every remaining Federation facility in the Sakura Islands and destroying off-shore siren platforms off the Korean coast and a rogue submarine attempting to launch a ballistic missile attack on Seoul - the Capital of South Korea. We ambushed the sub as it surfaced to launch the attack, but as the sub sank, its commander was able to launch the SLBM and head towards Seoul. Monarch and I pursued it as he filled the missile with bullets as it came close to leaving the AO - but we shot it down."

Trigger realized, "This reminds me of an incident that nearly became a disaster in the Usean Coup D'etat. It was right after the Liberation of the Rebel Capital of Saint Ark as one of the two Dragonet-Class nuclear submarines that was seized by the Rebel Forces, had surfaced on the outskirts. At this point, the first sub, Fensalir was already sunk by Scarface Squadron as she attempted to retreat into a hidden submarine base in a ravine. But after losing St. Ark, the Rebels were going to use the second submarine, Folkvangr to launch an SLBM attack, wiping out both the city and the Allied Forces."

"That was a desperate move, especially if civilians were in the city." Prez stated.

"The Ace of the Allied Forces, Phoenix took off to destroy the Folkvangr which surfaced in preparation to launch the SLBM. As he struck, the rebel sub tried to fend him off to no avail and as the submarine began taking on water, the captain ordered the SLBM to be launched. Phoenix now had to pursue the ballistic missile and destroy it before it hits St. Ark. He took it out with his machine guns since he wouldn't be able to get a lock on a ballistic missile."

The merc officer felt a bit of deja vu because it was similar to how Monarch took out the missile. But it was a near close call as the SLBM was close to leaving the battle zone to Seoul as the Osean continued,

"What you and Monarch went through to save Seoul is like how Phoenix went through to save St. Ark. But after that, that's when the disc was decoded?"

---

USS Ronald Reagan

Briefing Room

September 28th. 2017

1330 hrs

As everyone had gotten settled in the briefing room, Battleship Georgia began the briefing as she stated,

"We've decoded the disc that Chen Hai brought back with her. It contained the blueprints of a mass-retaliation weapon - Codename: Cordium."

The display showed the blueprints of this weapon and what its intended purpose was as Georgia continued,

"It appears to be made from a fragment of Ulysses exposed to geothermal materials, it appears that the Federation are looking to use it since it's also far more powerful than the two atomic bombs that were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki."

The display showed the map of the pacific as she stated,

"The Cordium is made as a MIRV missile which could not only wipe out half of the large cities in any parts of the Sakura Islands, but could cause geothermal damage in the ring of fire, but here's a question: Where would they deploy it?"

Antares answered, "The SOLG?"

The display shifted to a large military satellite as it showed the specs and such as the battleship continued,

"Correct, there are four SOLG satellites, but orbital surveillance shows that one of them was secretly completed and now operational since they were originally built as orbital platforms for such weapons in the first place. All four satellites are unmanned, but Chen Hai reported that the one seized by the enemy was recently being controlled from the ground, but we didn't know where."

Chen Hai decided to explain, "However, thanks to the radio transmissions from the retaking of Sondok and careful monitoring, we had tracked down the origin of a transmission from a previously unknown source to the AWACS that was with Crimson Team. It's in South Korea at an experimental facility owned by Icarus Armories, a weapons manufacturer which has supplied the Federation in secret."

The map shifted to the target area where the facility is as the carrier continued,

"Furthermore, their 'experimental facility' is actually a giant tunnel that runs along the border between North and South Korea. I believe that their ultimate goal is to take over the north, take over the south and reunite the two Koreas under Federation rule."

Georgia soon stated, "There is more to that tunnel as well, but we're still looking it over. But in the meantime, Martinez and Sicario pilots are to launch immediately and head for the AO."

The pilots soon geared up and went for their planes as each squadron launched from the Ronald Reagan.

Monarch and Prez used an F/A-18F as Antares used an F-35C since they had to use carrier aircraft to compensate for their regular planes staying in Tokyo.

Both squadrons launched as they flew towards South Korea, looking to put a stop to the Federation once and for all.

"That was the Federation's goal, they wanted to take both Koreas, reunite them under Federation rule and then take the Sakura Islands. But when we arrived, Canopus and Galaxy told us that the tunnel also contained the control system for the SOLG which is our objective. We were joined by a squadron of SU-33s and MiG-29Ks from the Varyag and Captain Polovsky and his pilots were eager to end this war, but Icarus Armories had detected our approach and asked for help from the remaining Federation forces that were left in Korea."

Prez remembered that day, "When we arrived, the enemy had the remaining armored forces guarding the control facility alongside anti-air forces, but luckily for us, the South Korean Military sent an Armored Brigade to assault and capture the nearby area and two helicopter units from the Naha Airlift Squadron out of Okinawa and the Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron from the Union Navy would land at the site and capture the control facility. Our objective was to provide support for both units and once they captured the tunnel entrance, Arcturus Squadron who was operating groundside, opened the shutters blocking the way inside. We also discovered that there were two components of the control system, one on both sides of the tunnel. So Antares and Hitman flew through the tunnel on opposite ends and destroyed the SOLG Control System components." Narrated Prez.

"So that was it? The last of the Federation forces were defeated and the core members were captured?" Asked Trigger.

"After destroying the control facility, the core members of this faction were apprehended and subsequent investigation would bring the full story out into the light of day. It meant that the war was over and peace was restored over both Koreas and the Sakura Islands and the Northern Parliament's Pacific Fleet returned to their nation's embrace as Heroes. After we returned to Tokyo, we would expect payment for our services…but it seems like our paycheck would have to wait."

Trigger guessed, "The Tokyo Incident."

---

Haneda Airport

Tokyo, Sakura Islands

September 29th, 2017

0930 hrs

Everyone had gathered in the room as Amagi turned on the display showing the globe as she said,

"This is an emergency! But first I would like to congratulate you all for your efforts yesterday because the ground forces were able to apprehend the core members of the Federation as well as the President of Icarus Armories. But we have a bigger problem now."

A blip showed up on the display which showed the SOLG,

"We detected the SOLG's descent on our radar at 0705 hrs. It seems that in cutting off control from the surface, a failsafe has activated causing the satellite to automatically descend into the atmosphere and crash into the surface which would cause the Cordium warhead aboard to detonate upon impact."

Diplomat asked, "So we just have to hope it either burns up in the atmosphere or crashes into the ocean?"

"The satellite's size means that the likelihood of it burning up in the atmosphere is very low, so we calculated its course of descent from its previous orbit in hopes that it would splashdown in the ocean…"

The display showed the satellite's orbit as it's estimated landing point was confirmed as Amagi sadly said,

"Unfortunately, a splashdown is unlikely as its estimated landing point is here - Tokyo. Hitman Team, Antares Squadron, you need to get to the SOLG's descent point as quickly as possible and destroy it before it hits Tokyo. You must complete the mission and come back alive, anything else is not acceptable."

The SOLG itself appeared on the display, "The SOLG is codenamed Schroeter and aside from its kinetic energy weapons, it also boasts its own laser defense systems as a means of protecting itself from space debris. You will get additional information upon arriving at the Schroeter's descent point."

She soon stated, "Hitman, Antares, we wish you the best of luck. All of Tokyo is counting on you to save them from this catastrophic event.

Launch."

The pilots left and geared up for what would be their final mission as Hitman Team and Antares Squadron got to their planes and took off to stop the satellite.

---

Tokyo Bay

0935 hrs

As the seven merc aircraft were in the air above Tokyo Bay, AWACS Canopus contacted them,

"All planes, hurry to the target area to the southwest. The SOLG will descend to a vulnerable altitude in five minutes."

Antares One stated, "You hear that guys, we have to get to the SOLG fast!"

Monarch understood, "Got it, Antares. Hitman Team, let's hurry!"

All seven aircraft gunned their engines as they sped southwest toward the descent point. As the aircraft flew across the AO to the southwestern edge as they climbed higher and higher, AWACS Galaxy was also keeping track of the time they had left to reach the target. It was a tense moment for both squadrons as they neared the descent point, but they took solace in what to do afterwards as Antares asked Monarch,

"So Monty, are you still planning on building your Monarch Butterfly Garden?"

Monarch chuckled, "But I'm also wondering if you're going to take Kyoka Hazawa on a date anytime soon, Anthony?"

"Hey, I'm working on it!"

Comic chuckled, "Well well, the Ace of Martinez is looking to go on a date with a control operator."

Will Adama, flying an F-16 Fighting Falcon, said, "They've been close since the Valahia Crisis."

Chief, formerly Betelgeuse 1, flying an F-15C Eagle as Antares 3 stated, "I just wish my squadron could fly with us."

Antares One replied, "I know, Chief. But Cowboy was injured during the tunnel run yesterday due to some AA Gun in the tunnel getting a lucky shot at him and he actually recommended that you take his place."

Chief stated, "Then again, James Thorpe is shik'is - my friend and he would want me to help you finish this in his place."

Diplomat spoke, "This will be a story worth telling, Chief."

"It will, Dip."

Antares 4, flying an SU-47 Berkut, stated, "I have a cousin in the marines who took part in this war. He actually took part in capturing the control facility yesterday, but once this is all over, I bet my Aunt and Uncle will be happy to see him come home."

Diplomat stated, "Terrance, you would make your family happy if you were to come home alongside him. It would bring your family relief to know that you and him helped win this war which would make them proud."

There was a sad tone in his voice as Monarch asked, "Family issues of your own?"

"Yeah, I didn't exactly part on good terms with my family."

The Sicario Ace assured his number 2, "When they hear that you took part in saving Tokyo, they might actually be proud of you."

Peter Kennedy, Hitman 2 felt touched by his flight lead's words, then again his parents would no doubt hear the news regarding their fight against the terrorist organization.

As for Evelyn London, she felt kinship working alongside the Martinez pilots. It became clear to her that this joint-contract brought Martinez and Sicario together, no kill scores, no personal gain, but a drive to do what is right. She was happy to be a part of Hitman Team and flying alongside Aces like Monarch and Antares One which are actually brothers.

This heartfelt talk ended when Galaxy contacted them,

"The SOLG has fallen to an altitude low enough for you to attack. We know you can do this - Destroy it!"

As that ended, that's when they saw it - the SOLG - Schroeter - come into view. As they saw the falling satellite, Adama was shocked,

"Look at the size of that thing!"

He wasn't lying as the satellite was huge, but it probably has to be in order to be used as a kinetic energy weapon. Chief stated,

"We've gotta stop that thing, Terry!"

Antares 4 spoke, "Antares One!"

The leader stated, "I know, Monarch let's go!"

All seven aircraft sped towards the satellite as they were going to commence attack. Canopus contacted them,

"All planes, Georgia and Chkalov sent us a datalink with the SOLG's structural detail." He looked at the data and stated,

"The SOLG's outer shell is a rotating accelerator with the Solar Array Wings and MAG panels gathering solar energy. Your first targets are the solar wings and the panels along the exterior, but be careful because they will fly back and could hit you."

Monarch stated, "You got that, guys? Let's go!"

Everyone agreed as the seven planes attacked the satellite and destroyed the panels and solar wings around the satellite. Antares 4 was still amazed by its size,

"It's falling…it's so huge."

Chief stated, "We've gotta destroy it! Don't let it hit the ground in one piece!"

Antares One and Hitman 1 riddled the solar wings with guns and missile fire as they pulled up as several panels broke off. After the wings and panels were destroyed, Antares announced,

"All SOLG panels destroyed!" Galaxy contacted them,

"Nice work, now you have to destroy the kinetic energy weapon shells inside the four loading units in the front of the satellite."

Several TGT indicators appeared on the four rotating loading units as the mercenaries went to attack the loaders. But that wasn't until several pink beams erupted from the satellite as Comic announced,

"The Defense Lasers have gone active!"

Monarch stated, "Got it! Everyone watch out for those lasers!"

The activation of the laser system made the mission much harder, but the mercs couldn't let up because if they did then thousands of people in Tokyo would die as Canopus and Galaxy would point out how far the SOLG is from the city. They have to avoid the lasers, even destroy the laser cannons if they can and destroy the loading units. When they destroyed the shells from one loading unit, the unit itself would break off from the satellite, so both squadrons had to be careful after destroying the shells.

After destroying the loading units, Monarch announced,

"All SOLG Loading Units destroyed!" After that announcement, there were soon multiple hits on the radar as Canopus warned,

"All planes, look out! Enemy Aircraft inbound! IFF is confirmed to be the Crimson Team and…my god, it's Sulejmani and his squadron!"

At that moment, they saw the eight aircraft of the Peacekeepers as well as an F/A-18E, a MiG-29, a Tornado IDS and an SU-27.

Antares realized, "Varcolac must've gotten replacements for their old planes from back when they were Rigel Squadron."

That wasn't until they heard the voices of the enemy pilots on the radio, first it was Crimson 1,

"That's as far as you will go, mercenaries."

Monarch realized, "Crimson 1? Why are you looking to destroy Tokyo!"

"Change, Monarch. Tokyo's destruction will bring about the change that Ulysses attempted to herald in. Where my squadron and Sulejmani wouldn't have lost all that we had!"

Antares One asked, "What are you saying!?"

Sulejmani cut in, "I didn't have any form of childhood like you probably had, all I did was fight and get paid, the stronger the foe, the greater the money. I intend to drop you to your death, Antares like I should've done in San Francisco had we not arrived late. Then I will bear witness to the SOLG as it smashes into the earth."

It became clear now that they were here to stop them. But there's only seven aircraft for the allied forces and the enemy outnumbered them 3 to 1. These were 12 tough enemies as Terry pointed out,

"Twelve tough enemies…it's almost insane!"

Chief asked the lead, "What do we intend to do? Engage the fighters or deal with the SOLG?"

This put Antares One as well as Monarch in a dilemma since Crimson and Varcolac were going to be a distraction. But they heard Galaxy's voice,

"The SOLG is 60 miles from Tokyo."

That's when they realized that sixty miles would give them time to deal with the fighters. So Antares contacted the AWACS,

"Canopus, Galaxy, set a priority target mark for the enemy planes."

Both AWACS were concerned as Burford asked, "Are you sure about this?"

"As long as we don't stray from that satellite and down the planes quickly, then we'll be fine."

Zaitsev was also concerned and asked Sicario's Ace,

"Monarch, what do you think?"

Hitman 1 stated, "I trust my brother's choice besides nothing can hurt us or our wingmen - as long as we're together!"

Both AWACS Operators sighed as they placed the TGT mark on the enemy fighters and upon seeing this on their HUDs, the brothers announced,

"Antares Squadron…"

"Hitman Team…"

"ENGAGE!"

Upon hearing this order, the seven aircraft broke off from the SOLG as they engaged the twelve enemy aircraft as a duel between two enemy squadrons commenced.

"The duel was intense and both squadrons were no pushovers. But witnessing the confidence of each of our wingmen and with their skills - they were able to down at least five Crimson aircraft, Chief pulled an impressive maneuver before raking bullets across the enemy aircraft, causing it to go down. Terry pulled a kulbit before firing two missiles - downing another one. Adama was leading a Crimson plane right to the SOLG as its laser systems attempted to get him, but ended up getting the Crimson plane by accident. Dip and Comic did a two-on-two duel against two Crimson planes, but fooled the enemy into flying into their jet wash causing the two planes to fall - leaving them open to Dip and Comic's bullets." Narrated Prez.

"And the brothers?" Asked Trigger.

"We were dealing with both Crimsons 1, 5 and 7 as well as Varcolac Squadron."

The story continued as the two Aces faced off against seven aircraft, but they were giving them a ride since Antares took down Crimson 5 as Monarch noticed the Varcolac SU-27,

"Prez, we're going after him."

The WSO agreed, "Got it."

The F-15S/MTD chased the Flanker around until she announced,

"Good tone!"

Monarch fired a missile, "Fox 2!"

The missile flew through the air and struck the SU-27 as it sheared the wing off the Flanker as the pilot stated,

"We'll just wait for the next opportunity to meet again!"

Sulejmani stated, "Bail out, Tolya."

"Bailing out."

Monarch announced, "Splash one Varcolac."

Antares stated, "Nice work. Now I need to work my charms on the Crimson woman."

The F-22 was being pursued by an SU-37 as it attempted to get a bead on him. But as he slowed down, almost making Crimson 7 believe that she had him, Antares immediately hit the brakes and pulled up as he did a quick loop before firing his guns at the critical systems of the Terminator.

The female pilot realized, "I'm hit! I can't hold her! Ejecting!"

This made Crimson 1 mad, "You're going to pay for that, Antares!"

He pointed out, "Antares...you use the name of the Scorpion's heart and become a hero of the Valahia Crisis. But in reality - you are nothing more than a criminal looking for his next handout while denying the Federation's efforts to bring peace to the world."

Antares asked, "What peace is there to gain by dropping a satellite on a city? Valahia threatened the world with nuclear weapons if their demands weren't met. But you're calling me a criminal when you - a Peacekeeper who swore to protect the Eagle Union, but instead broke that vow for your own gain. Unlike you, I still know my morals and what I fight for - I fight to save Tokyo."

Crimson 1 yelled, "Then I will kill you and watch the SOLG turn the jewel of the Sakura Empire into a crater!"

As the lead Terminator rushed to attack Antares One, Monarch had downed Faryd Gaviria who was flying a MiG-29. After taking care of the Fulcrum, it saw the Tornado attack him as he evaded its attacks. Monarch figured,

"Whoa, saw you coming from a mile away."

Monarch evaded the Tornado's bullets and kept him from getting a bead on the advanced Eagle, but he knew that the IDS iteration of the Tornado was an Attacker, so it was moderately slower than his S/MTD. The Crowned Ace soon did a barrel roll over the Tornado and retaliated with a missile as Oruma's plane went down.

Monarch contacted his brother, "Antares, that's the last of the wingmen, it's just Sulejmani."

Antares stated, "Same thing with Crimson 1. Let's take them on together."

Monarch agreed as he contacted the two AWACS', "Canopus, Galaxy, we need you to send the additional data regarding the SOLG to our wingmen. We'll keep them busy while the rest of our squadron take care of the satellite!"

The operators aboard the E-767 and 737 AEW decided as Zaitsev stated,

"Roger Hitman 1, sending it now."

Burford contacted the squadrons, "All planes, your targets are the modules that house the SOLG's critical systems near the counterweights of the satellite. Don't worry about Sulejmani and Crimson 1, your flight leads will handle them."

Adama acknowledged this, "Antares 2 copies."

Diplomat sighed and said, "Hitman 2 copies."

The core structure of the satellite began to have the TGT marks on them to show where to hit as more laser units were activated. But aside from the lasers, they also have to be careful because ever since destroying the solar wings, a fire began on the front of the satellite.

The core units were attached to the front of the satellite and if they were to target them while the loading units were still attached, then it would be like threading a needle. But all five aircraft focused their attacks on the core units and the laser units trying to shoot them down as Galaxy announced,

"The SOLG is 30 miles from Tokyo!"

Chief stated, "We have to hurry and destroy this thing."

Comic said as she evaded a laser before shooting two missiles at a core unit, damaging it, "I'm used to desperate situations, but this is the worst!"

Terry had fired off three XMAAs at two core units and a laser unit, damaging a core unit and destroying both a laser and core unit,

"Antares 4 here, I just took out a core unit!"

Adama and Dip noted this as Antares 2 stated, "Great job, Antares 4. Three targets left!"

Hitman 2 pointed out, "Will, I'm going for the upper right, you take the lower left!"

"Got it, Dip. Chief, you're with me. We're taking the lower left unit."

The Navajo pilot stated, "Roger that, Adama."

The three planes made their way towards the core units while evading the lasers and fires that sprouted from the satellite as peppered the targets with bullets before getting a radar lock as each pilot announced,

"Hitman 2, Fox 3!"

"Antares 2, Fox 3!"

"Antares 3, Fox 3!"

At that moment, the Falcon, Eagle and Fulcrum launched at least 2 Advanced Air-to-Air Missiles at the core units as each missile hit their targets and the modules were destroyed. Adama announced,

"Two core units down! One more to go!"

Comic stated, "Terry and I will take out the last one!"

Antares 4 pulled alongside her wing as he said, "A little bit more and we can stop this thing."

The two planes dealt with the last core unit as they pulled away from the satellite as Comic asked,

"Did we do it? Did we stop the SOLG?"

There was a pause for a moment until Burford realized,

"That monster's still going and it's already 20 miles from Tokyo!"

This brought a shock to the pilots, after everything that they've done, they were pretty much taking this damn satellite apart piece by piece and yet - it's not exploding?! How are they going to even stop this thing? Dip asked,

"How are we going to stop it now?"

That's when Galaxy had an idea, "All that's left is to destroy the Cordium warhead."

Adama asked, "What?"

"If you destroy the casing on the warhead, the Cordium will heat up and explode because without the protective casing - it's volatile. Sending the data now."

Dip stated, "Data received…wait a minute? This is where it is?"

Adama sighed at this and said, "That warhead is inside the barrel of the satellite."

Chief was surprised as he stated, "We've done barnstorming and tunnel runs, but those were stationary, this one is moving and falling."

It wasn't until they heard a familiar voice say, "Leave this to us, we'll give it the finishing blow."

Returning from the duel was Antares One and Monarch as they positioned themselves on the back of the satellite. Dip asked,

"Boss, are you sure about this?"

Monarch replied, "I'm sure about this and besides, our opponents will be trying to stop us after we damage their planes."

Antares stated, "We'll be out of there before they try to stop us. I also advise that both squadrons clear the area when we set this thing off."

Adama sighed, "Alright, we're trusting you to give the final blow."

Chief stated, "Scorpion of Martinez and Crowned Ace of the Bering Strait, we pray for your success."

Soon enough, an explosion blew open the door to the barrel as both planes flew inside the SOLG.

Inside the satellite, they kept going forward as the 1 kilometer oblong barrel went on for a short while before they saw the warhead loaded and was no doubt going to be fired until they cut off the control system. Both had a lock on the warhead as Prez said,

"Good tone! Finish it off!"

"Antares 1, Fox 2!"

"Hitman 1, Fox 2!"

The missiles left their planes as they traveled through the barrel and struck the warhead as several Cordium pieces poured from the explosion and began to heat up - some started to explode as the brothers gunned their engines and sped across the barrel to the opening on the other side.

As explosions began to occur around the satellite, both planes escaped from the barrel and immediately take a dive loop to lower altitude as Burford stated,

"Antares Squadron, Hitman Team, clear the area! That thing's gonna blow! Has anyone seen Antares 1 and Hitman 1?!"

Prez answered for them, "This Hitman 1 WSO Prez, all three of us are fine!"

Meanwhile as the city of Tokyo stood quiet, several sounds of cars, motorcycles and various activities going around in the city. A man was actually on a morning jog when he stopped somewhere near the docks of the city. He had a bottle of water on him as he took a drink as he had actually looked up at something that caught his eye - a small orange dot that got increasingly bigger.

The jogger was curious by this phenomenon, almost like a second sun, but it wasn't just the fireball, but debris that was harmlessly raining down on the city. But it became clear to him - something had exploded above Tokyo and it became clear to him when he spotted seven aircraft flying high above the city.

Back with the two squadrons, they formed up as debris from the SOLG rained down on Tokyo Bay. As they saw the debris, they sighed in relief knowing that the city was safe and seeing that explosion, they wouldn't have to imagine what would've happened if the satellite did hit the city. Antares announced,

"Antares One to Canopus and Galaxy, the SOLG has been destroyed!"

Burford stated, "Yeah, we can see it now, it's a beautiful sight!"

Zaitsev pointed out, "We just got a message from the Prime Minister, he and the people of Tokyo extend their thanks for saving their city."

"Hitman 1, what happened to Crimson and Varcolac?"

Monarch stated, "We got their wingmen, but they've all bailed out, as for the flight leads…"

Prez pointed out, "I see them…" They saw the Terminator and Hornet flying away while trailing smoke, "They're bugging out…I guess they cut their losses after the SOLG exploded."

Antares figured, "We shot down their wingmen and drove the leaders off, but we'll get them eventually."

Canopus stated, "But in the meantime, RTB."

Both squadrons soon turned towards the airport to celebrate their victory as cheers erupted over the radio, saluting the Aces of Martinez and Sicario.

---

Azur Lane Airfield

Hangar #3

Present Day

As Prez finished her story, Trigger was surprised by this as she stated,

"After we returned, we were given more than just payment for our joint-contract, we were given a victory celebration for not only defeating the Federation, but saving Tokyo from a catastrophic event. We were also informed that the MSDF found the remains of the destroyed Crimson and Varcolac aircraft in the water, along with parachutes. But no sign of the pilots which meant that a rescue sub was waiting for them."

The WSO finished, "A bounty was soon put out on Crimson and Varcolac Squadron, but higher for the leaders, Rodriguez and Sulejmani. As for the brothers, they were warriors that soared through the Federation Conflict as people came to call it as well as the near-catastrophe that became known as The Tokyo Incident. Their presence filled the skies within a few short months before they disappeared."

Trigger asked, "Any ideas where they may have gone?"

"No idea, I was entering the airbase until I saw the contrails of an F-22 and F-15C, bearing a scorpion and crown emblem, but Burford said that they went to investigate any possible remnants of the Federation. Either than that, nothing else was known about their whereabouts although Chief stated that they may have gone to find their callings elsewhere, implying that they may have completed their mission. Maybe Montgomery will finally decide to build a butterfly garden to breed Monarch Butterflies since his emblem resembles a butterfly. As for Anthony, he always wanted to go to Sardegna with Hazawa when given the chance."

The Osean sighed, "I wouldn't be surprised if he was there." But he remembered something from her story, "The way the satellite exploded brings me back to when I was kid looking to watch the sunrise on New Year's Eve and there was a SOLG similar to the Schroeter threatening to destroy my home city of Oured, but as it blew up - there were four black F-14s flying above me."

The merc was curious, "Black F-14s?"

"They were the ones that destroyed the satellite and ended a war that was brought about due to deception. But these planes…" He asked, "You remember Skald mentioning the Demon of Razgriz?"

She nodded as he continued, "These planes were the Razgriz and much about them is still a mystery. During the Circum-Pacific War of 2010, the Demons of Razgriz referred to the four planes that sank the two Scinfaxi-Class Submarines and the allies would also call them 'Four Wings of Sand Island.'"

Prez asked, "Sand Island?"

"An island off the west coast of Osea, those four planes came from that island and during the last war, they sank those two giant subs with the second one stationed in the icy waters of Razgriz Straits in Anea."

"Two giant submarines sunk by four planes? That's surprising."

"These submarines were actually precursors to the Alicorn used by the Eruseans."

He sighed as he remembered that beast of a submarine, "Yes...yes they were, Amagi."

He continued, "But here's where it gets strange because the last recorded account of these pilots were when they were shot down over the Ceres Ocean on December 7th, 2010 and confirmed dead. That's when the planes with jet-black coloring started appearing and began to deal blows to the real enemy behind the war - the Belkans. The success of these planes made them known as the Aces of Razgriz, but after they destroyed the SOLG, they disappeared like ghosts. Never to fly in the skies of battle again."

Prez asked, "Does anyone actually know who they really are?"

Trigger shrugged, "Not really and if someone high up knows, they won't exactly reveal their identity until next year."

"Next year?"

He nodded, "In 2013, at the Osean Federation Council Meeting, Harling announced that all government records regarding the 'Belkan Conflict' and the identities of the Razgriz pilots are to be shelved and not revealed to the public until 2020 because he stated that 'they must let time shed light on the truth behind this conflict' and that 'the world has already begun to head down a new path and this path shall go on, as long as the blaze of fire that shines through the darkness is not extinguished.' That actually makes me want to get back to Osea when the file is revealed to the world."

But then he remembered, "Although when I attended the welcome home ceremony for the crew of the Spaceship Pilgrim One at the Space Elevator, there was something about the captain of the crew, Kei Nagase and the man she embraced with the jacket with the Razgriz emblem…they looked at me and compared me to the Razgriz as a great hero for reuniting them."

Prez figured, "You did not only end the war, but you were able to give the spaceship a place to dock. That must be why they compared you to the Razgriz."

Amagi soon asked, "But I must ask about why these pilots are referred to as the Razgriz?"

Prez agreed, "I was about to ask that question, why the name?"

He sighed and said, "There was a poem in my world that tells the tale of the Razgriz and there have been many stories and legends, but I remember this poem well."

He began to recount the poem,

"Amidst the eternal waves of time

From a ripple of change shall the storm rise

From the abyss peer the eye of a demon

Behold the Razgriz, its wings of black sheath."

Prez asked, "What does that mean?"

Trigger stated, "According to the poem, it means that through time, history has witnessed a great change which Razgriz has revealed itself."

Amagi realized, "From the way it was spoken, Razgriz rising from the abyss is not good for those who witness it."

He told the spirit, "This ties into the next stanza…" He soon continued,

"The demon soars through the dark skies

Fear and death trail through its shadow below

Until men united wield a hallowed sabre

In final reckoning, the beast is slain."

Amagi was actually able to interpret what it meant, "The Demon was using its power to rain death and fear across the land until man united against it and slew the Razgriz."

Prez was surprised by the spirit, "I'm amazed by how quickly you interpreted the stanza. Showing how mankind united to kill the Razgriz."

Trigger stated, "There is one more stanza left…" Both spirit and officer remained silent as he recounted the last stanza,

"As the demon sleeps, man turns on man

His own blood and madness cover the earth

From the depths of despair awaken the Razgriz

Its raven wings ablaze in majestic light."

Prez realized, "The peace between mankind didn't last forever and started turning on each other."

Amagi stated, "The blood and madness of mankind turning on each other had awakened Razgriz from its slumber, but this time as a means to end conflict - a great hero."

Trigger nodded as he stated, "This all ties into what the legend of Razgriz is about." He said,

"When history witnesses a great change, Razgriz reveals itself…first as a dark demon.

As a demon, it uses its power to rain death upon the land and then it dies.

However, after a period of slumber, Razgriz returns, this time, as a great hero."

Prez and Amagi were surprised by this as a story exists where a demon rains death from above then dies, only to return as a great hero. Trigger would also mention a fairytale which Razgriz was spoken of. The demon of the north sea named after it in Anea, called forth a storm which lasted 70 days as the demon itself died in the process as the land around it died. However after a long, long time, a traveler came to the land, gathered the survivors, cured them, healed the land and founded a village and a town. At the moment of departure, the traveler declared,

"'I am Razgriz' and with that the mysterious traveler departed, never to be seen again."

Trigger finished the segment of the fairytale as he said, "That's how it was, the demon returned as a great hero."

Amagi figured, "The way you say it and the story of the Aces of Razgriz - maybe it's not a fairytale after all."

After the stories of the Crown, the Scorpion and Razgriz, Amagi asked,

"So you plan to conduct a raid on Kyoten to damage the Orochi while it lies immobilized in its drydock?"

Trigger nodded and said, "If Red Axis gets the Mental Cube back, they could deploy the Orochi immediately. But if we damage or even destroy it, it would take time for them to repair it and would delay the launch. The only thing we need is a green light from Williams."

Prez asked, "But if he says yes to this, which plane are you looking to use?"

Trigger's gaze turned to the X-02S, "We might use the X-02S since it can be equipped with anti-ship missiles or its powerful railgun. The CFA-44 even has twin railguns that can be equipped to the plane…we'll need to think on that. But I actually want to take this plane up, what do you think, Prez?"

The WSO looked at the plane and then back at Trigger as she said,

"Let's fly."

Soon enough, the kansen witnessed the X-02S Strike Wyvern lift off from the airfield to perform various maneuvers to which was also witnessed by Maverick as he stood beside his own F/A-18E.

---

200 miles northeast of Guam

A siren fleet was escorting a captured merchant vessel to an unknown destination. It was escorted by four Bishop Heavy Cruisers, two Rook Battleships, one Queen Aircraft Carrier and six Pawn Destroyers.

There were no problems until all of a sudden, several tentacles of a giant squid gripped three of the Pawns and two Bishops before pulling them under while the Rooks and the Queen were showered by missiles as three aircraft soared through the fleet.

The lead plane was an FJ-4 Fury, an old carrier-borne fighter bomber and distant cousin of the F-86 Sabre.

The number 2 plane was an A-4 Skyhawk, another old carrier plane built by the Douglas Aircraft Company.

There was a third aircraft, a Vought F-8 Crusader as it strafed the decks of the remaining siren ships before finishing them off with a missile each.

These planes are different, but they all carry an emblem which looks like four cards named 'Justice, Wealth, Lovers and Death.'

These planes followed the initial tentacle attack on the siren fleet as the remaining ships fell prey to these planes.

As things began to calm down, the Fury pilot looked at the damage to the enemy fleet and said, "We've made a mess of this fleet, but luckily the Freighter is unharmed. Nice work on the surprise attack, Royal Fortune."

A kansen wearing pirate garb surfaced and said, "Aye, that ability is what earned me a means of surprising victims from beneath the waves."

"Now we can commence with capturing that ship."

He soon contacted someone else, "Big John, bring the carrier over to the freighter and tether her tightly to it."

A voice stated, "Copy that, Nathan."

At that moment, a vessel came into view which was revealed to be an old Kitty Hawk-Class Aircraft Carrier, but looked modified than the average Kitty Hawk. The carrier pulled itself alongside the freighter and several ropes attached to the freighter, making sure it doesn't drift away.

The Skyhawk pilot, a woman stated, "Boss, looks like things are wrapping up. Once we get aboard and inspect the cargo, then we'll head for the rendezvous point with Kaga."

Nathan agreed, "That's exactly the plan, Betty."

The Crusader pilot, also a woman asked, "Nathan, what are the chances of actually being directed to bring this ship to Azur Lane HQ?"

"Well Tex, considering that this ship came from that other world we were told about - we will most likely be directed to take this freighter to Oahu, especially since we're also picking up a defector."

His wingmen agreed as Royal Fortune chimed in, "I do hope we go to Hawaii because every now and then, we hear tales of that pilot that gave Red Axis the shivers."

That was another reason - the pilot with the three strikes, but Nathan already touched on this after his phone call with Scharnhorst. That wasn't until he heard Big John's voice,

"Nathan, the Kennedy is secured to the freighter, you need to land immediately and inspect the cargo as well as find any survivors."

He agreed as he and his wingmen landed on the deck of the carrier as they left their planes and made their way over to the freighter.

Aboard the freighter, the three privateers were inspecting the ship while also keeping an eye out for hostiles, mostly siren droids. But all they found were just disabled droids, no doubt lost power due the carrier being destroyed.

But as Nathan made his way down to the lower end of the ship, he was passing by several rooms and such, but as he was passing by one door, he heard a frightened whisper,

"Oh god, please don't let them find me…please! I don't want to die…please!"

The privateer gently put his ear to the door as he heard the frightened voice of a woman, he decided to respond,

"Excuse me, Miss?"

This made the woman jump as she asked, "Who are you? Are you one of those things?!"

"No, I'm human and we just destroyed the fleet escorting this ship."

The woman realized, "Wait, you're rescuers? Oh thank god! I don't know how long I was holed up in this room and I've been hiding from those things ever since they took the ship and I watched my friends and colleagues get slaughtered, oh god…"

Nathan can tell that the woman was stressed as he said, "Calm down, but who are you?"

"Dr. Amelia Sanchez, Aviation Researcher of the Democratic Republic of Leasath."

He didn't know what Leasath is, but assumed that it came from the other world as he introduced himself,

"Nathan Zachary, Leader of the Fortune Hunters and currently contracted with the Allied Forces to liberate any captured merchant vessels from the Sirens."

Amelia was a bit relieved and confused as she asked, "Sirens?"

"That fleet of ships that was guarding the freighter, they were Siren vessels."

"So that's what they were? I didn't know that."

Nathan, not wanting to talk to a door, stated, "Ma'am, the coast is clear, you can come out now."

"Okay, I'm trusting you."

The door opened as a young woman wearing a lab coat, skirt, heels and glasses. She had brown hair tied in a ponytail as she raised her hand over her green eyes, most likely seeing light after being in that room,

"I don't know how long I was in there, but it's good to not worry about getting killed. I'm a scientist, not a soldier."

Nathan stated, "You're looking okay, Dr. Sanchez. But I have a few questions to ask."

"I'll be able to answer to the best of my abilities and also call me Amelia."

The privateer thought about his questions and asked, "What was this ship's mission?"

The scientist stated, "This ship is an aircraft transport and we were transporting something from Sentry Island to Leasath. Only the top scientists knew about this and I wasn't told about it because I was recently assigned to this ship."

"Do you know where it is?"

Amelia remembered, "It's in the cargo hold and only my colleagues had access to the cargo hold. But now since they're all dead, it's just me."

Nathan soon contacted his team, "Betty, I found a survivor who spoke of something in the cargo hold that she had no idea about."

Betty responded, "I actually found the body of a man with a top-access card near the cargo hold. I'll wait until you arrive, Boss."

"Gotcha, Betty. We're on our way."

That's when he heard Tex's voice, "Tex here, I'm entering the bridge...lot of bodies piled up into the corner and a disabled control device on the helm. I'm going to get this ready when we get underway. You and Betty have the cargo bay, Boss."

Nathan understood this, "Copy that, Tex."

After that call, he motioned for Amelia to follow him as they went to where Betty was at the top deck near the cargo hold doors. But she wasn't alone, Royal Fortune was with her as they finished a conversation. The pilot and kansen noticed them approach as the scientist was a bit uneasy about Royal Fortune as the kansen asked,

"I take it that it's your first time seeing someone the likes of me?"

Amelia cautiously said, "It's just that…"

"It's the tentacles in my hair, isn't it?"

The scientist said nothing as the kansen continued, "Many people get cautious about me like I'm the bloody kraken. But I assure you that I would not harm anyone, only the sirens since they deserve it."a

Amelia calmed down as Nathan asked her, "Is that special cargo in there?"

"It's the only place on the ship where the top scientists could come and go as they please and support staff like me weren't allowed access."

He soon told Betty, "Open it."

The female privateer scanned the keycard as the panel lit green for access granted and the doors to the cargo hood opened up. After they opened, the four made their way down to the cargo hold as the two pilots and the kansen shone a flashlight around the place, hoping to find whatever was being transported.

As they reached the floor, the four looked around to see what was down here. Betty asked Amelia,

"You said that you and this boat came from a country called Leasath, right? Did you know what they were transporting?"

The scientist said, "I don't know, I was only brought aboard with several other scientists as part of the support team, but I overheard them say something about advanced aviation. Even after going through the civil war…"

Royal Fortune asked, "Civil War?"

"My government was focusing funds towards arms research and development in hopes of selling to countries all over the world. But that didn't sit well for the citizens of Leasath and an armed conflict erupted which ravaged my country for years until it recently came to an end when military commander, Diego Gaspar Navarro appointed himself as head of state. Personally, I was happy to know that the conflict was over and finished my aviation studies at the University of Griswall in Leasath's neighboring country, the Federal Republic of Aurelia."

She had a sad look on her face, "When I returned home, Leasath had changed - the Civil War had left my country underdeveloped and impoverished. I wondered how it came to be like this because when I was studying in Aurelia, the Aurelian government was sending a variety of supplies in humanitarian aid for the population - they genuinely wanted to help my country. But why did my country still end up like it did when the neighbor was its largest benefactor in aid?"

The kansen suggested, "Maybe Navarro had something to do with it."

Amelia agreed, "I agree on that because after appointing himself as head of state, Navarro held a speech stating that Aurelia exploited Leasath for years in the civil war and that retribution will be served. It's pretty much that he's looking to go to war with Aurelia because of alleged exploitation and while the majority of my countrymen have pretty much accepted this, but for me and a few like-minded people - anything that man says is bullshit."

She ranted, "The guy prides himself on looking to drag Leasath out of the ashes, but what does going to war with another country accomplish? If he wants to bring Leasath back from the ashes of the civil war, he needs to focus on recovery efforts instead of going to war with Aurelia for allegedly exploiting Leasath which is not true."

Nathan figured, "That seems like something a dictator would do after taking power - follow up conflict with more conflict."

The Doc stated, "We don't need anymore conflict, especially against another country, but I don't need to be a journalist to know that he's using it as an excuse to hide something and he needed aviation experts and put me, just fresh out of University, as a member of this special project on Sentry Island."

She finished with, "Whatever is down here has Navarro written all over it."

However, after Amelia finished the rant about her country's leader, Betty called out, "Um…guys. I think we found it."

The three looked at Betty as she shined her flashlight on the fuselage of what appeared to be an aircraft.

It has a large airframe, wings that utilize a polyhedral cropped delta configuration with bent wingtips, a V-tail, canards, and dual air intakes. A mouth-like pod beneath the cockpit that houses the frontal landing gear and dual thrust vectoring engines, aided by a smaller power plant between both.

All four of them were shocked by this aircraft as Amelia looked nearby and found a set of blueprints for the craft as well as its designation. She realized this by both the blueprints and aircraft,

"Oh my god…"

Royal Fortune muttered, "Davy Jones' Arse…"

Betty said, "We've gotta call this in, Boss."

Nathan got out his communicator and said, "Big John, patch me through to the Colonel. I think they want to know about this."

After getting a signal from Big John, he announced,

"Colonel, this is FH-01, we secured the freighter, found a survivor and we have identified the cargo."

A voice spoke, "Solid copy, Zachary. There's also news from our mutual friends that 'the fox is moving halfway to meet you.'"

He replied, "Thanks for the information, sir. But be advised, we need to send the information on the freighter's cargo to Admiral Williams at Pearl Harbor..."

He looked at the size of the plane and said,

"And it's a big one."

---

Iron Blood Research Facility

San Isidro, Philippines

1530 hrs

The Philippine Islands were an archipelago of islands in the Pacific Ocean, they were the site of battles during the start and the end of the Pacific War where they fell and were reclaimed as a General claimed that he would return and then he did. The archipelago was once a territory of the U.S. until the signing of the Treaty of Manila on July 4, 1946, ironically was the signing of the Declaration of Independence during the War for Independence.

When Ulysses fell, the STNs were able to keep the islands safe from meteors as the people retreated into shelters until the all clear was given. When the U.S. became the Eagle Union, it still recognized the archipelago's independence and trade continued between the two nations.

But today, the archipelago is under the control of Red Axis as it was taken during the first stages of the war. Red Axis Iron Blood and Sakura Forces make their dominance over the islands as Siren Tanks patrol the lands, aircraft patrol the skies while ships patrol the water.

The once beautiful islands have been turned into a fortress and it's at a research facility where we meet Iron Blood Destroyer Z1, Light Cruiser Nürnberg and Heavy Cruiser Prinz Heinrich.

They were tasked by Bismarck to check on the research made in this facility in hopes of finding a means of retrofitting Siren technology.

The trio had made progress on their inspection as various devices were used to make new shells and more sophisticated weapons. But Z1 asked,

"Are we sure that we should be doing this?"

Prinz Heinrich expressed her concern, "I know that Lord Bismarck ordered us to do this."

A part of her rigging nudged itself against her head as she asked, "You too, Eisen?"

Eisen nodded as she translated, "Eisen is saying that he expresses his concern for what we're doing because it's rubbing him the wrong way."

Nürnberg figured, "It's not like we're jumping into a pond with a rock tied to our feet as we wait for naked pictures of ourselves to develop, no?"

"Trust me, the only one who would see me naked is that handsome pilot with the three strikes."

Z1 realized, "I thought you would draw the line of being groped?"

Heinrich placed her hands on the sides of her face as she fantasized, "Not if it's Three Strikes, he could fondle me to his heart's content, but I don't think he's like that."

As soon as she said that, hearts formed in her eyes.

Nürnberg asked, "I'm concerned about Lord Tirpitz's betrayal, why did she do it?"

Z1 sighed, "She believes that this wasn't right. That relying on siren technology was not the right way to win."

Heinrich, after snapping out of her lovestruck trance, stated, "Then again, if Eisen was having issues with this decision, then so would I."

As the three kansen walked to another part of the facility, they noticed a door nearby and out of curiosity, Z1 opened it as Nürnberg looked uneasy and said,

"I don't think we should go in there."

Prinz Heinrich asked, "Our orders were to inspect the facility, no?"

Z1 stated, "And this is part of the facility, so it's our job to inspect it."

The light cruiser relented as they went through the door as it led to a staircase. After making their way down the stairs to another door, they opened it and it led them to what appeared to be an open lab as Eisen was shaking which Heinrich noted,

"Eisen has a bad feeling about this."

Nürnberg agreed, "I find your rigging's feeling is mutual."

As they looked around this basement of the facility, Z1 noticed a familiar shape, something she heard about from Kyoten,

"Another pod? Like the one in the Project Orochi drydock?"

Heinrich realized, "I've heard about what happened, Azur Lane spies made off with something as well as a test subject. But what is this doing down here?"

Nürnberg had her gaze turned to a box nearby which held a helmet, walking over to it and picking it up, she realized,

"A pilot's flight helmet, complete with oxygen mask. We could be looking at another pilot in this pod."

The three kansen looked at the helmet and aside from its visor and oxygen mask - it was decorated with hot rod flames.

---

And that's a wrap!

Prez told Trigger the story of how Monarch and Antares fought against a terrorist organization attempting to start a dominion in the Pacific while also hearing the story of the Tokyo Incident.

I used italics to add commentary to the story which I admit was a bit weird since it cut off some parts, but important parts were needed.

Now I know a lot of people's reviews guessed the nationality of the freighter and yes, these privateers discovered a Leasath Freighter and yes, it's going to be the aircraft that Navarro started a war over. Because this is still 2019 since the events of Skies of Deception hasn't happened yet.

As for the raid on Kyoten, some would want Trigger to use the CFA-44 with a modified Malbolge drone or the Morgan with the MPBM. But I was also considering having him use the X-02S since its weaponry not only has anti-ship missiles, but also a railgun. But I'll figure it out when I get to it.

As for the answer regarding Nathan - he's the main character of a game called 'Crimson Skies' which take place in an alternate 1937 where airships are widely used and he heads a group of sky pirates. There were two games in that series with the sequel 'High Road To Revenge' being released on the Original Xbox.

The chapter ends with Iron Blood kansen Z1, Nürnberg and Prinz Heinrich (who has heart eyes for Trigger) discovering another pod and finding a box containing a flight helmet with hot rod flames.

Who's in the pod?

Well, you'll have to tune in next time!

Nighthawk, Out!

(Side Note: I was going through a lot this past weeks since my Godmother passed away and I recently attended her funeral. She was the superintendent of schools in East Brunswick, NJ and even had an auditorium named after her.

To top it all off, my birthday was recent on September 5th.)