Ace Combat: Broken Line (IC/Open)

[The United Remnants of America]

Lt. Aiden "Frosty" Kelly
09:31 September 18, 1992 / / Koga Air Base, Seian

"C'mon, baby, ya wanna start for daddy, don't ya...?" Frosty toggled the fuel and engine start switched of his F-100D Super Sabre. He'd had the flying tin can for almost a decade now and had flown basically all of his missions as a mercenary of the skies with is. But lately, the second-hand aircraft was giving him problems. The turbojet engine coughed and rumbled and Frosty sighed, flicking the switches off again.

"Dammit, baby, c'mon. I need ya to fly again! I know you wanna take a rest, but not right now, hun!" Frosty said a silent prayer to the deity of the skies before flipping on the gas switch and then the engine switch. They were red as the engine coughed, and then switched to green as the single engine fighter-bomber roared to life. Frosty punched the air in his cockpit, "That's what I'm fookin' talkin' 'bout! Thank you!"

Frosty spun the four barrels of his rotating 20mm revolver canon. Green light. He checked his aircraft's bomb bay doors, which held inside a foursome of M117 750-pound bombs. Together, the bombs took up about half of his aircraft's bomb weight limit, so he was still almost three-thousand pounds light. Finally, he checked the two LAU 3/A rocket dispensers and got green lights on both. Each rocket dispenser held 19 2.75-inch unguided rockets. Frosty's plane may be forty years old, but when he was flying over Mach 1 and dispensing all of his weapons, his little Super Sabre could still make someone's day extremely bad.

<<Frosty checkin' in. I'm showin' all green and I'm ready to take off.>>

[Tayner]

"You should get back to your Aircraft, I'll see you in the Sky." She said coldly and then put on her Helmet and began climbing into the Cockpit of her Mig-19.

"Yeah, I probably should. Smooth flying." Dan said as Knot was climbing into her Mig, with the sounds of jets becoming louder. He walked back to his hangar and climbed into the S-3 Viking, and started flipping switches an pressing buttons to gat the aircraft moving.

" It's 'bout time you got here. Any longer and I'd take your seat and grab a monkey to replace you." Joker said once Gunny has settled down. "Y'know, helf the squadron is already on the tarmac. By the way, we're in flight two, seeing as how we're one of the few Strike aircraft the 13 has. Thankfully."

"Yeah. More money for us when we collect bounties, and we're practically in a blanket of cover in case some other pilot tries to get us." Gunny responded.

"Yup. But we should still be careful. We have no AA capabilities."

"Thank god for countermeasures." Gunny said, and he finished hooking his helmet on, and as he started taxied the jet out of the hangar. The jet engines took in air and hydraulic fluids pumped trough the plane, as the sound of fuel was being consumed by the engine was heard. He made sure the Radar was functional and that the navigation system was in check. "Alright Joker, you good?"

"Great." The co pilot responded.

Gunny: << Gunny here. Everything is in check, and I'm ready to get goin'. >>

[Independent States of Tula]

2nd Lieutenant Vladimir Tula
Koga Air Base, Seian

With the briefing over Vladimir found himself needing to prep his aircraft, since it would be a short mission Vladimir decided to take off two fuel tanks and replace them with two Hydra Rocket Pods. Both pods would carry different warheads, one would be equipped with 19 of the M247 70mm HEAT rounds while the other would be equipped with 19 of the M229 70mm HE rounds, other than that change he kept the 4 AIM-9M Sidewinders, the 560 rounds of M56A3 20mm HE-I for his two internal canons, and the one extra Fuel tank just so he could avoid reaching Bingo fuel levels too quickly. While the mechanical staff dealt with prepping the aircraft's armament that Vladimir thought he'd be returning without issue he went to work calculating what fuel level would be his Bingo level, testing the F-5E Tiger II's weapons systems, its comms systems, radar, and its flight systems. Everything checked out alright.

Finally it came time to finalize Vladimir's attire with a HGU-55/P helmet that included a respirator, comms, and a blacked out visor to protect against sun glare and could be brought up if unneeded alongside a whole host of other features needed to keep pilots conscious and comfortable enough while flying in combat. It was a pretty standard issue helmet but Vladimir wasn't looking for flashy, just something that was workable. As he climbed into his F-5E Tiger II Vladimir felt the excitement in his stomach rise, the same excitement he always felt just before a flight, it was a high that only flying could give a man. Sitting down in the fighter aircraft Vladimir had the canopy close and the hanger emptied as the time for 1st Flight to leave was soon approaching, starting up the systems and checking them once more Vladimir waited for the order to begin takeoff procedures. It wasn't too long until he heard Null over the Flight's comm channel.

Null: << This is Null. If you're hearing this I take it you're ready to go. >>

Vladimir stayed silent a few moments as everyone began checking in, he waited until they were all done before also checking in.

Wolf: << Wolf checking in, all systems green, ready to go on your order. >>

[Colony of Tribute]

Capt. Aleksei Tallow “Null”
09:28 September 18, 1992 / / Koga Air Base, Seian

Null stepped out and onto the tarmac. He was dressed in his flight suit, dark and with FRD insignias stitched into his chest and sleeve, his name, Tallow, among them. Under his arm was his helmet, black and glossy, a shared feature among those of the 101st Reaper.

The morning had been spent going over the dossier, a quick glance to familiarize himself with his new squadron, or at the very least memorizing their names. That had been followed by a quick breakfast and final preparations with the Major, much of which could be summarized as don’t fuck up. That had taken longer than expected.

Running just behind schedule Null was now crossing over to his hangar. Zeeger should have already prepped the Eagles so there was little worry, and with luck the others were making final checks now. The runway, small as it was, was alive with various personnel going about their duties and with the dull roar of aircraft already spooling up. Sewek could be seen across the way, his EF-111A moving out and onto the taxiway. The 2nd Lieutenant waved to the Captain before making a rude gesture. Null didn’t bother to return the favor.

Angel was already in her Eagle, Haruna on the opposite in with her Thunderstreak. Zeeger was making one last round. Zeeger gave the squadron leader a thumbs up. Angel, catching the gesture, was soon waving happily to her wingman. Null nodded and climbed into his own aircraft. A quick check of the systems and he was good to go.

He radioed in to to air traffic control.

Null: << This is Capt. Tallow. Morena is making its final checks. >>

Koga ATC: << We read you. Clearance for take-off will be granted shortly. >>

Null dialed in to the squad frequency and hoped they were listening in.

Null: << This is Null. If you’re hearing this I take it you’re ready to go. >>

Bjorn heard chatter from the communications system in his helmet.
He quickly climbed into his aircraft and turned on the electrical systems, He closed the canopy and started firing up the other necessary systems on his aircraft and began looking over everything.
A Aircraft Maintenance Tech moved the ladder away from his aircraft and he began taxing towards the Tarmac.

Bjorn: "This is KopfJager, I am on the Tarmac and I am ready when you are Sir."

[Relikai]

2nd Lt. Mistuko Kimura “Angel”
A faux display of shock. “ What? You have an awesome plane! Rugged. Could maybe use a fresh coat of paint, but I’m sure it flies just fine. And don’t worry. We’ll have your back.” She grabbed the younger girl by the shoulders. “So cheer up, kay.”

Haruna smiled and nodded, as she let off a sigh of relief. "Thanks Angel. I'll see you when we get back." As the two ladies headed for their planes, Haruna turned back to Angel, "By the way, my Callsign's Shinden. I'll be using it when we get into the air!" Seeing Angel wave in acknowledgement, Shinden smiled, her heart pounding with excitement.

In her cockpit, Shinden cleared the remaining checks, ticking off her checklist one by one. In the cockpit, Shinden was a totally different character. Calm, focused, methodical, Shinden was certain not to mess things up. Putting on her helmet and securing a communications check Shinden then prepared to taxi out into the runway.

Shinden: << ATC, Shinden, Comms Check. >>
ATC : << Shinden, ATC, Comms Check Strength Five. >>
Shinden: << ATC, Shinden, Copy. Requesting permission to enter Taxiway for Sortie, via Hangar Nine.
ATC : << Shinden, ATC, Permission granted. Goodluck out there girl. >>

[Gvozdevsk]

Liora was just about finished her final pre-flight check. Weapon systems were good. Radar was good, control surfaces good. All that was left to check were comms, which were proven to work when the squadron leader came over comms asking if everyone was ready to go. Liora responded in the affirmative.

Panther: <<This is Panther, I'm operational.>>

With the final checks complete, Liora powered up the engine on her aircraft, the roaring of her engine joining the symphony of jet engines starting up across the air base. Everything seemed yto be in order on her end, so she started to taxi towards the runway.

[Beiarusia]

Capt. Aleksei Tallow “Null”
09:34 September 18, 1992 / / Koga Air Base, Seian

His squadron was reporting in. A good sign. Null had been worried that things would fall apart, the mercs being incompetent or else averse to following even the most simple of orders, but these fears would seem to be unfounded. The mercenaries, in most cases, were professional in their line of work, or at the very least competent. Just maybe this operation would go without a hitch on their part.

Engines roared as the EF-111A sped down the runway, afterburners streaking bright as the heavy aircraft pulled up and away from the Earth in a somewhat steep climb, this followed by a 180° turn to correct course.

Koga ATC: << Morena, you have clearance for take-off. >>

Null pulled out and onto the taxiway, Angel just behind him and Shinden likely to be following after. Being late – in part due to the Major – the two would have to wait their turn as others had already filed for position. Not that Null was in any rush. The little airbase was now as alive as any other, aircraft taking to the skies in regimented fashion with ground crews watching from the tarmac, some waving and cheering as the fruits of their oft unappreciated labor became airborne. It was a familiar sight, but one that was exciting nonetheless, and one that Null would always be drawn to. This electricity was what he lived for even if he himself did not show it.

The squad leader would soon be in the air. After the course correction he would see to it that the squadron was divided into its appropriate flights, making changes as necessary. Then it was little more than a relaxing flight to their destination.

[Empire of Donner land]

2nd Lieutenant Amabel Allard
"Knot"

Her aircraft had reached the Runway and she was within the formation of Aircraft which were going to be shortly taking off. She couldn't tell who she was next to or behind or in front of nor did she care. She couldn't wait to take off. It was an emotion of excited impatience that she otherwise would never have shown on the ground at all. She was even a little famous for it back in the 22nd in Aurelia. "Knotted with excitement" they would sometimes say when a Nugget was impatient and excited before taking off. She wondered if they still even used it in 22nd, probably as an insult now a days, something to denote a Hypocrite who wants to fly and Dogfight but runs at the sight of a Missile launch.

She was thinking about it again. Stop it. she thought as she sat in her Cockpit.

Koga ATC: << Morena, you have clearance for take-off. >>

Fucking finally. she thought and sat straight and alert in her seat making any final preperations to take off. The feeling of excitedness was back again and she was in her element once more. There was an energy in the air as she saw the Aircraft taking off infront of her and she heard the ground
clapping and cheering. She'd never been apart of this sort of operation, at bigger Airbase this sort of thing never happened it seemed, the companionship. The line to take off was getting shorter and shorter by the minute as soon she could see the end of the Runway between the planes. Quickly it would be her turn.

And now it was. It was her turn now and she pushed the throttle forward and turned the Afterburner on. The brake was stopped and she moved forward soon getting speed as the Tarmac zoomed past her. The Hangars and buildings went by faster and faster and then she was starting to go above them as she gained lift. She pulled the Mig-19 up and rolled on over pulling the elevator to change her heading to get on course. The ground was starting to pass her and get farther and farther away as she climbed. This is what she lived for.

[SaintB]

Garret was also running a little later than he expected to and though it had been a couple of years he was used to scrambling to get his flight suit and gear on and was ready in under two minutes. He sprinted toward his distinctive aircraft wearing a solid grey flight suit with no national or personal insignia apparent on it. The name Jones was stitched on the left breast in black thread with a gold border and along the neckline where a pair of black oak leaves stitched in a similar way that appeared in about the same area that they would on a uniform if he wore one. The thing about his flight suit though that stuck out was on his right and left sleeves, the former was a series of ribbons starting at the top of his shoulder and stitched in equal size down his arm - each one resembling the ribbons awarded to soldiers who fought in particular battles or wars from around the world and on the latter was a series of red marks, two side by side groups of four apiece with another diagonal line through them and underneath a new row of red marks was started.

With a wave and a nod the crew chief of his aircraft Garret performed a quick check of his aircraft's exterior and satisfied with what he saw he climbed inside then put on his helmet, a plain white affair with a polarized visor and no markings of any kind. Once helmeted and strapped inside he engaged the canopy and started to taxi out of the hangar and to the runway where he ended up behind a familiar aircraft, he cued his radio <<You still flying that dinosaur of yours Kelly?>> he teased as he waited in cue to take off.
______________
Once in the air though Garret would seemingly flip some kind of switch and turn into a totally different person altogether. Those who had flown with him before would be used to it but to the others, they were about to get their first introduction to Major Garret Jones formerly of the Osean Navy and now of anywhere that could afford his price, <<Second Flight listen up! I am Major Garret Jones and I have been picked as the leader for this flight. My call-sign is Shark. Captain Noel Silva is my adjutant in this flight and his call-sign is Águila. If one of us gives an order you follow it or I will personally make sure you are grounded and can't receive any bounties but if you listen to me we will get along just fine. I've been a mercenary long enough not to expect you to treat me like a regular officer on the ground but in the air there are only three people with more authority, that would be our squadron commander Captain Null, the commander of our operations, and God himself! You understand? Now lets form up, my aircraft is the grey Northrop F-20 with the shark Motif and about a dozen kill markers on the fuselage travelling due east at 724 kilometers per hour at an elevation of 4,800 meters. Form up into two parallel echelons one facing left and one facing right with me as the lead element in each one. Try to keep about 150 meters of space between each aircraft for safety. When you are in position use your call-sign and inform me and the rest of the flight that you're there, once we get into formation I'll be partnering you up with wingmen based off of the type and loadout of your aircraft. Fly safe gentlmen!>>

[Relikai]

Shinden's jet thundered down the runway, the Thunderstreak struggling to get into the air with it's full attack loadout. After two kilometers of runway, the F-84F finally powered into the sky, it's eight bombs hanging under it's swept wings. Joining the two F-15s in the formation, Shinden ensured that her cruise speed matched the other planes, not wanting her rugged aircraft to fall behind. With eight bombs, four of which are Napalm bombs, Shinden is well equipped to operate on strike missions, especially against light vehicles and infantry. Once her plane has expended it's ordnance, the Thunderstreak could engage with enemy fighters in close range combat, where her six machine guns would come in handy. Of course, such an action is a last resort, as she would barely last against missiles.

Perhaps I'll be better off being dedicated to ground support... Shinden thought as she looked onto her map again. Fully loaded with fuel, Shinden did a few small movements with the plane, adjusting her controls quickly to suit her profile. Looking at the ground below them, Shinden marveled at the land, and the vehicles moving along the expressways, looking like ants from above. Her train of thought was interrupted with status reports, weather patterns and a final briefing on their mission. Nodding, Shinden focused ahead as the mission area approaches, ready to keep an eye on anything suspicious.

[Kassaran]

1st Lieutenant Pearsohn, Markus L.
13^th Mercenary Squadron Morena

"Shit! Move! Get out of the way!"

He'd had plenty of time, but it still hadn't been enough as the previously napping Lieutenant Pearsohn bolted from the barracks and blew past some unfortunate base personnel. Scattering everyone in his way as he ran in an old beige flightsuit, helmet under arm, it became obvious that something had been forgotten and at a full sprint he was desperately attempting to make up for lost time. This lost time was the time he should have been using in getting into his craft, but had rather squandered sleeping after unsuccessfully attempting to pick up a few of the mechanics present around his aircraft after the briefing.

It had appeared as though there was going to be nothing but time to have between takeoff roll and the pilot had decided upon having his hopes dashed that he'd be able to have time to sleep off his unsuccessful advances. This wasn't the case though as he'd been, but dreaming, the not-so-gentle roar of aircraft taking off roused him from his slumber. It had taken less than thirty seconds for him to be up and scrambling for his flight suit, but now that he was running for the hangars, he could see every other craft in the squadron having gone airborne.

Slamming against the side of the hangar which held his CF-105, he looked wildly around for the crew chief. Seeing the man he knew to be responsible for his plane, he pointed at him, giving him a desperately pleading look and the only response he got was a disheartened wave back. Yep, she was ready and he'd been given the all-clear. He'd never been entirely endearing to those whom he worked with, but this was a crew chief he'd trusted to watch his plane for many years, having spent much time within these aircraft himself. It was an old South Sotoan man by the name of Michael and nothing else. Throwing himself up the boarding ladder and into his aircraft's cockpit, he considered his pre-flight check done and began the spool-up for the engine, wincing as yet another engine rumbled the hangar. They were all even finishing their turn-arounds.

Waiting as the ground crew brought his craft out of the hangar and into the open tarmac where he could move under his own power, he powerlessly slammed a gloved hand down repeatedly onto the dash of the craft. He was praying he'd be able to catch up, there was no reason why he couldn't, they were travelling with several attackers. As he did so though, he felt a sudden realization, like a seriously big lightbulb go off above his head. Thumbing on his cockpit radio and hooking in his helmet's headset via the old analog plug with it, he suddenly became overwhelmed with a loud Osean accent spewing orders.

"Shit, just how far behind am I?"

His question went unbroadcasted, but given his position, it was doubted that it would have dragged his reputation down any further. He'd never once enjoyed takeoff in this plane and while it'd been his specialty during the whole of his career, he was still antsy whenever it came down to the final moments. He fidgeted slightly in his seat, tightening some straps on service pistol's holster as the CF-105 came to a slow stop, the low rumble of the engine being the only other noise distinguishable in the cockpit from the flight-suit's own. Quickly running through his craft's gauges, and visually checking the operation of the elevators, the rudder, the flaps, and ailerons were all in order, he requested permission for takeoff.

Two minutes later his craft was screaming down the runway, the last and final bird taking to the wind, but instead of conducting his turn at requested altitude, he slammed hard left as his craft blasted up from the runway. The engines seemed to shriek at the abuse, but the old Arrow held together well and within moments it was moving in the correct heading, much to the dismay of the ATC which was now screaming into Pearsohn's headset about protocol. It was at about three seconds into the rant however that he suddenly suffered a muscle spasm which forcibly muted the ATC. How unfortunate was all he could think as he looked at the radio distastefully. It took him less than five minutes from there to bring the jet to altitude and into formation.

<Praeses to Shark, in position.>

[The United Remnants of America]

Aiden "Frosty" Kelly

Jones' remark came over the radio as Frosty was waiting in the runway takeoff lineup. The comment drew a smile, but Kelly had already switched over. Much like his flight leader, Frosty was a different person in his cockpit. His sarcastic, boisterous nature left behind on the ground. In the air, Frosty rarely broke a self-imposed radio silence in order to keep the chatter to as much of a minimum as possible. He didn't want his own voice adding to the cacophony in his squadron's headsets.

Not only did Frosty's outside demeanor change, but his mindset shifted as well. "Goal-oriented" was an understatement. In this cockpit, Kelly made decisions about life and death. Kelly made decisions that would end up with a mission succeeding or failing, and a successful mission was the reason he flew, the reason people paid him to fly, and the reason people paid him to kill. Needless to say, it was in his best interest that this mission go as smoothly as possible.

Flying in the air, Frosty waited for Shark to be done with his spiel, calmly wiggling his head to either side, counting off the seconds until the Major was done. Oh, turned out the speech he said every sortie it seemed was only 26 seconds this time. A record. Frosty throttled up his Super Sabre and took up position beside and slightly behind the Major's left wing. Once he matched speed, Frosty waggled his wings and kept eyes on all of his gauges and meters and status lights. The one thing he wasn't paying attention to at the moment was his radar. If they were attacked as soon as they took off, then being attacked was the least of their concerns.

<<Frosty in position.>>

[Ubaria]

Captain Noel 'Aguila' Silva
En route to AO

Noel remained sat motionless in silence as the white wisps of clouds brushed past the wings of his Mirage, the single seat fighter had seen better days unfortunately, but that was not to say that she was in great fighting condition, initially part of a Usean export program to the Levant, instead the Levantese military decided to go with their own design and the resulting planes were going to be sold off to Cayenne, instead Noel managed to purchase one of the planes for a steal with a grant from the Sapinese Air Force for contracted military work. The Mirage itself was an export variant rather than the original model and so it possessed a short range radar and upgraded avionics on behalf of the Usean's, though it could still only hold two Sidewinders on the wingtip mounts, as well as a Matra JL-100 rocket packs, which doubled as fuel drop tanks. There were also four 250kg bombs attached along the undercarridge, just incase.

Nobody had seemed to take charge of flight two for the short while they had been airbourne, but soon the radio burst into life carrying the authoritative tone of a Major Garrett, the highest ranking pilot in the entire squadron, technically.

<<Second Flight listen up! I am Major Garret Jones and I have been picked as the leader for this flight. My call-sign is Shark. Captain Noel Silva is my adjutant in this flight and his call-sign is Águila. If one of us gives an order you follow it or I will personally make sure you are grounded and can't receive any bounties but if you listen to me we will get along just fine. I've been a mercenary long enough not to expect you to treat me like a regular officer on the ground but in the air there are only three people with more authority, that would be our squadron commander Captain Null, the commander of our operations, and God himself! You understand? Now lets form up, my aircraft is the grey Northrop F-20 with the shark Motif and about a dozen kill markers on the fuselage travelling due east at 724 kilometers per hour at an elevation of 4,800 meters. Form up into two parallel echelons one facing left and one facing right with me as the lead element in each one. Try to keep about 150 meters of space between each aircraft for safety. When you are in position use your call-sign and inform me and the rest of the flight that you're there, once we get into formation I'll be partnering you up with wingmen based off of the type and loadout of your aircraft. Fly safe gentlemen!>>

<<Good copy Shark. Aguila Moving to formation Echelon. Off your right wing.>>

Noel pushed the throttle a little more and bought the fighter to a rough 150 meters off the Majors F-20, he gazed past the majors nose and saw Frosty draw up in a similar fashion and flutter his wings.

[Tayner]

Second Lieutenant Dan
Gunny
Koga Airspace

Right after the Major took off, Gunny went. Just like every other take off. He pulled the 180° course correction and started climbing. The major gave a short speech as Gunny and joker checked over everything making sure that everything was good. He pulled up to the right of the Agula and got about 150 meters from his wing as ordered, doing a final check over his instruments before reporting in as requested.

Gunny: << Gunny in position. >>

[Independent States of Tula]

2nd Lieutenant Vladimir Tula
Koga Airspace, Heading East-Northeast towards Tokage River Valley

"Alright, let's see, all systems are green...weapons are operational and safe...radar is on. Map is attached to my flight suit's left leg for reference, sky's are clear, weather is perfect for flying...good, should be an easy flight then." Vladimir stated to himself as his F-5E Tiger II climbed not far behind Null and Angel's two jets, he'd kept his transmitter off so as to not transmit his in-flight checks to the rest of Flight One, they didn't need to hear it after all.

Vladimir's F-5E Tiger II cut through the air as Flight One climbed high above the ground, as they climbed he noticed Flight Two getting into a formation and so Vladimir turned on his transmitter before speaking over Flight One's radio channel.

Wolf: << Null, this is Wolf, I'm coming in off your left wing 500 meters back and closing with afterburners. Permission to request details on formation for Flight One, leveling altitude, and speed? >>

[The balkens]

Lieutenant Yuri "Vampire" Zubarev

Getting off the ground in the Phantom was an absolute breeze compared to the Fishbed which was a bonus for Yuri since he could still remember some hair-raising moments in the Mig-21 during take off.

<<Vampire to Shark, catching up with you.>>

His F-4 was outfitted with AA missiles as well as XMAAs; yes he knows that the Phantom was designed for BVR work but testimony from pilots back in the aging air frame's heyday seemed to paint, as always, that dog-fighting will always occur and Yuri kitted his F-4 out as such. The Integral cannon was also a huge payoff for him back in Belka during some incursions into foreign Airspace. One thing that yuri never took along with is a RIO (Radar intercept officer) in the back, which puzzled some but he felt that he could work his own radar just fine.

<<This Is Vampire, in position.>>

[Beiarusia]

Capt. Aleksei Tallow “Null”
09:57 September 18, 1992 / / en route to Tokage River Valley, Seian

Angel: << It’s beautiful, isn’t it. >>

Null glanced over to his wingman, her Eagle flying just off of his starboard. She waved happily to him. No doubt she was smiling as well. Far below the landscape had changed rapidly from that of golden fields to green marshland with a myriad of lakes as clear and as blue as the late summer sky. A certain beauty that only pilots would be privileged to.

Another member of Flight One spoke up.

Wolf: << Null, this is Wolf, I'm coming in off your left wing 500 meters back and closing with afterburners. Permission to request details on formation for Flight One, leveling altitude, and speed? >>[/b]

Flight Two had been quick to file into formation but Null had allowed only a loose grouping, but with their Area of Operation approaching it would be best to form up.

Null: << This is Null. Form two echelons off my left wing, fighters up front and attackers in back. Maintain current altitude and speed. Knot, need you to join up with Flight Two. >>

The aircraft of Flight One were soon moving into position. Angel remained where she was off Null’s right wing, her dedicated spot since joining the 101st. Flight Two’s planes were further off with some distance separating the two groups, moving along a parallel course. The EF-111A was in the center and flying high. They remained like this as the crossed over and into the AO.

Creeper: << This is your navigator speaking. We are now entering the airspace over the Togaga River. >>

Angel: << Tokage. >>

His wingman’s voice was barely noticed.

Creeper: << Please ensure that your seatbelts are fastened and that all limbs are kept inside the vehicle at all times. If you look out to your right you will see the finest mud puddles this country has to offer, and to your left is the river itself. The dark shadowy place, well, that’s beyond our borders and you mustn’t go there. >>

The Tokage River could be seen far off along the northern horizon. A massive river that served as the recognized border between the two countries. Seian claimed control of anything to the south, while Beiarusia claimed anything the Seianese claimed. A rural highway ran through the area, bridging the river and crossing over to a modestly sized island in the center before continuing on its way north. Most ground forces were well enough away from the river but a small unit had set-up shop near this bridge on the Seianese side of things. A Beiarusian unit was likely to have done the same.

Null: << Flight One will keep east along the river. We’ll go out fifty kay before backtracking. Shark, you and Flight Two do the same but go west. Sewek will linger here for now. No one is to get close to that river. Understood? >>

The Eagle banked slightly to adjust its heading as the squadron split.

[Gvozdevsk]

Several other aircraft had already taken off. Now it was Liora's turn. She taxied her Mirage V on to the runway, lining it up straight down the runway. When she was in position, she waited for clearance to take off.

Koga ATC: <<Panther, you are cleared for take off>>

Immediately upon receiving clearance for takeoff, Liora pushed the throttle to maximum power, turning on the afterburner as she gained speed. Within a few seconds she was airborne and rapidly gaining altitude, things on the ground starting to look smaller and smaller. Seeing ground combat from the air always gave Liora a sanitized view of warfare, the vehicles and buildings looking like a children's playset from her vantage point in the air. But she knew that wasn't the truth, ground combat was a terrifying violent mess and something she hoped to never have to experience herself.

Having gained enough altitude, Liora retracted the landing gear on her aircraft before rolling the plane to the right and pulling back on the stick in order to form up with the rest of the squadron.

Panther: <<This is Panther, I'm airborne and moving to formation>>

The flight to the AO was uneventful and before she knew it, the squadron was over the area. The two flights were ordered to split off. Liora turned her plane towards the east in order to remain with Flight One.


Panther: <<Panther copies, forming up with Flight One. >>

[Empire of Donner land]

2nd Lieutenant Amabel Allard
"Knot"

Knot had caught up to the Squadron and joined up with Flight one. Below them was the beautiful land if Seian. She had never seen this place from above all that much but it was impressive compared to the Alps. There was nothing she could compare it to in terms of beauty besides the Alps back in Aurelia. The things she always looked up to ad a child and now she looked down over the Swept Wings of the MIG-19. She looked to her left and right at the aircraft in the formation. So many different kinds in one area. It was a sight only those in her line of work could see, one she would be glad to see every day.

Then over the wings and fuselages of her Comrades she saw the River they would be shaking sticks around. She stopped marveling at the landscape and focused on the task at hand. She gave a once over of all the instruments in the Cockpit and made sure she was going the right speed and got comfortable for the long flight ahead.

Capt. Aleksei Tallow “Null”
09:57 September 18, 1992 / / en route to River Valley, Seian

Null: << This is Null. Form two echelons off my left wing, fighters up front and attackers in back. Maintain current altitude and speed. Knot, need you to join up with Flight Two. >>

<<Willco, Null. Joining up with Flight Two.>>

She banked right and joined the formation of Flight Two in the rear of the Echelon now seeing the multiple strike fighters and multi roles that she would probably be covering for the Mission if things were to go wrong. She recognized the large S-3 Viking un the flight as Dan's but other than that she was more unfamiliar with everyone than before. It wouldn't be a problem however, she would adapt.

<<Knot here, In formation>>

[Rupudska]

Shinobu's crimson Falcon took to the skies with a measured grace - being one of the last to take off had its benefits, and she had given her aircraft a quick double-check. Pristine condition as always. Not even a scratch on the paint - a good thing, as colored aviation paint was expensive and not the sort of thing one would want to regularly spend money on.

<<This is Morena One-Two. I'm airborne. Joining up with rest of Flight One.>>

---

Null: << This is Null. Form two echelons off my left wing, fighters up front and attackers in back. Maintain current altitude and speed. Knot, need you to join up with Flight Two. >>

Shinobu gave a two-click positive response over the mic instead of speaking and formed up first in line on Null's left wing.

<<Hound to Null, in formation.>>

[Beiarusia]

Capt. Aleksei Tallow “Null”
10:12 September 18, 1992 / / Tokage River Valley, Seian

The initial pass had gone without incident. Flight One had flown directly over the valley and had continued east, following the river as it snaked along the border. Flight Two had done the very same, bearing west. Sewek, as previously stated, had maintained a holding pattern. The river was kept in sight at all times but no attempt was made to approach it. Upon reaching the turnaround point, Null gave the word and began his course correction, banking high into a smooth arc, Angel entering into a tight turn so as to remain off his right wing. Back in formation, the flight continued back towards the valley proper.

Sewek’s voice came across the radio, more professional than what it had been.

Creeper: << Be advised. We have aircraft approaching from the north. Bearing vector two-six-one and moving. Five hundred and twenty knots. Unable to identify at this time. Possibly MiG’s. >>

Null: << Copy that. How many we looking at? >>

A pause.

Creeper: << Count ten signatures on radar. >>

It was to be expected that aircraft would show up eventually. Morena was, after all, patrolling the valley, so the Beiarusians were likely to respond in kind. Not that it changed anything. The squadron would continue as planned.

Checking his radar the blips were now just appearing. Slightly ahead and with some distance between them and the river. No visual just yet.

Null: << This is Null to Fight One. Have bandits on radar. We are to match vector and speed. Shark, continue as you were. >>

The Eagle yawed slightly and adjusted its speed. The others did the same, the older aircraft managing to keep up with the speed increase with little trouble. They maintained course for the time being.

It wasn’t until they were nearing the valley proper that Sewek spoke again.

Creeper: << Military drills are in full swing and going smoothly. Nothing to report. Continue with- >>

He trailed off. Despite himself Null could feel a spike of anxiety.

Null: << Everything good? >>

Creeper: << Hold on. >>

There was nothing but silence for a long moment. Null, tapping his finger in anticipation, glanced over to Angel, she seeming to shrug from her own cockpit. It was then that Sewek came back over the radio, a noticeable pang of panic in his words.

Creeper: << Shots have been fired at the river crossing. >>

Angel: << What? Who’s firing? >>

Creeper: << Unable to confirm. Damn it. Allied unit has been engaged! >>

Null cursed under his breath. This was supposed to have been a simple operation. A quick patrol and then RTB. He switched to a broader frequency. His ears were immediately assaulted with the panicked calls of the allied unit below.

Ally-G: << Hold the line! Don’t let them over that bridge! >>

Creeper: << Beiarusian aircraft are moving to engage allied unit. >>

Another pause on his end.

Creeper: << Orders coming in from the Major. Morena is to intercept immediately. Allied units are going to seize control of that central island. Make sure they hold it. >>

Null: << And the river? >>

Creeper: << Fuck the river. You are cleared to engage. >>

Null scowled, his fist clenching tight.

Angel: << Null… >>

Null: << We do as told. You hear that Shark? Let’s get it done. >>

THEME: Echoes of Battle

[Kassaran]

Lieutenant Pearsohn
Callsign Praeses
Tokage River Valley

Hell on Strangereal had broken out again and this was much to the excitement of one admittedly bored interceptor pilot in Flight Two, namely a Lieutenant Markus Pearsohn.

The initial fly-in had been quite nice, he'd managed to hold formation with the slow-movers for long enough to begin growing his five o'clock shadow it seemed and his own hankering for something to eat had also grown. He was beginning to condemn himself for being stupid enough to have held off on food before the flight until it all went south, or moreover west. Enemy forces were moving, and several enemy aircraft were inbound on friendly locations. The AWACs were busy crowing on about an incoming air strike and it left Peasohn smiling in his helmet.

<<Praeses to Creeper, I have lock on bandits and am going loud. Fox One.>>

With something of a slight shudder, almost as though gleeful shaking with the excitement of finally being back in the fray, Pearsohn's Arrow released a single AIM-7 Sparrow II Missile from the left wing pylon. A lance of rocket smoke left Flight Two in the metaphorical dust as, like a single white lance in the sea of blue, like a shark's fin in the water, the missile disappeared into the distance. Beyond-Visual-Range. It was something that Pearsohn had grown to enjoy as a fear tactic, just use what tools you were given and leave the rest to god and his Osean disciples to march a 44kg explosive warhead right on into the middle of an enemy bomber formation.

Given that the Arrow had been designed to be an interceptor, and that the Sparrow II's it now was slinging over the edge of the visible horizon were also designed for it, a more happy marriage of man, machine, and munitions couldn't be found in the world to the eyes of Lieutenant Markus Pearsohn. Perhaps the only thing that made him grin more was watching the projectile home in on its target from the safety of his cockpit and tear right into it.

Over the river-valley, a single blossom of fire and smoke erupted in midair as a silver-streak, arching down from the heavens like a divine declaration of war sounded the first shots of the air war. A single moment of radiant glory and utter carnage as the missile's fragmenting warhead detonated and ripped into the side of a single Mig-9. Flame spewing from its mauled wingroots as it flipped over only compounded into an even more brilliant explosion as the previously attached port wing broke under the weight of the maneuver and slammed into the fuselage. A thunderous retort for a mile around sounded as the fuel tanks incinerated themselves and sent debris spewing for the remaining five thousand feet to the river below.

<<Scratch one bandit. Creeper, can you confirm?>>

God was it good to be able to reach out and touch your enemy from the middle of nowhere. Pulling up on his stick, Pearsohn keyed on his mic once more to request, in post, to climb to his operational ceiling. Even if it was still reachable, it was where he'd fit best.

<<Praeses, pulling high to begin interceptor overwatch if you don't mind Null. You kids all have fun and show them a good dance, but I'm going to shut down the rest of their hopes on saving that raggedy air group they sent to face us.

[The United Remnants of America]

Aiden "Frosty" Kelly

Creeper: << Fuck the river. You are cleared to engage. >>

Aiden's subconscious got the message before his thought processes took over. He was already grinning as he throttled his Super Sabre hard while dipping it lower to drop out of formation, a safe maneuver that would exit him out of Flight 2's echelon without him hitting any of his copilots. It was only at this point, after he'd maneuvered, that his mind began to work over the implications of the engage order and that this was the beginning of a war. There was no fear in his mind, nor hesitation. The only emotion and thought that now flooded his thoughts were adrenaline and cold focus.

"Party time..."

Frosty flipped the safety caps off of his wing weapon arming switches, and flipped both. The small red lights above the switches shifted to green, showing that both rocket pods were now armed and ready to unload at the push of a button. Frosty's eyes glanced at his excuse of a radar. His F-100 was only armed with a rearward-facing radar system. It showed an all-clear, which wasn't surprising. Frosty made a minor adjustment to his aircraft. The bandits were now directly ahead of him. While he had no radar to detect them and had to rely on his eyesight, he'd rather have them in front of him than on his tail. Creeper mentioned they were Migs. Frosty's assumption went with the fact that they could be Mig-29s or even Mig-31s, meaning he'd have no chance in his aging attack craft.

<<Null, Frosty. Advise attack craft support ground units at border. Clear to engage?>>

Frosty kept his course for now. If he was cleared and if he got any information about the hostiles on the ground, he'd dip his wings and go for an air support run, since that was all he was able to do. He regretted not arming up with Sidewinders instead of rocket pods, but there was nothing that could be done about that now. He'd just have to go with it. Those who adapted survived.

[Beiarusia]

Capt. Aleksei Tallow “Null”
10:12 September 18, 1992 / / Tokage River Valley, Seian

Flight Two was quick to engage, the CF-105 launching a BVR missile only seconds after Sewek’s relay. The AIM-7 streaked across the sky, passing through the border and continuing on towards the flight of Beiarusian aircraft. A moment passed and then a flash as it detonated. The remaining nine aircraft broke formation, going high and pushing full throttle towards the island.

Creeper: << Bandit has dropped off radar. Enemy kill confirmed. >>

Below the battle for the small island was beginning – which itself was bare of buildings due to the many disputes over the years. Several Beiarusian tanks, supported by APC’s and light vehicles, had already crossed over and were moving to deny a foothold to the Seianese who had come to a standstill on their own side. In sight and in range, the enemy tanks engaged, creating a no-pass zone that would be difficult to cross without the allied tanks exposing their flanks and suffering casualties. Forced into a poor position, they were unable to respond effectively, and any attempt to do so would prove disastrous.

Null, bitter about the current state of things, led his flight closer towards the small island. His aircraft was ready to engage. No doubt everyone had already taken measures to be combat effective. One less thing to worry about during his first outing as leader.

<<Null, Frosty. Advise attack craft support ground units at border. Clear to engage?>>

A valid point even if Frosty wasn’t the one giving the orders. Null wasn’t about to contest it.

Null: << All aircraft, you have been cleared to engage. Try not to cross the river if you can help it. Shinden. Reaper. Focus on aiding the ground forces anyway you can. Anyone with ground-strike ability should join them. Everyone else is flying top cover. >>

Angel: << I’m on your wing. >>

Null nodded, knowing full well that his wingman could not see the gesture. Breaking formation with Angel on his wing, he increased his altitude to better counter the enemy maneuver, increasing speed to quickly close the distance to the island. Better to arrive before the Beairusians did.

Creeper: << Enemy is closing in. Confirming two flights of MiG’s. Nines and Seventeens. Radar shows additional aircraft at extreme range. Clean up before reinforcements can arrive. >>

[Rupudska]

Creeper: << Fuck the river. You are cleared to engage. >>

Null scowled, his fist clenching tight.

Angel: << Null… >>

Null: << We do as told. You hear that Shark? Let’s get it done. >>

THEME: Echoes of Battle

Shinobu needed no further encouragement. Her F-16 snapped away from formation and pulled ahead of her flight group, in between them and the hostiles. The Fighting Falcon had a far superior radar to the Arrow, and she quickly got radar confirmation of the enemy aircraft. As Creeper indicated, they were MiG-9s and MiG-17s. About as primitive as primitive could be, and without radar they were hardly a threat to those in Morena with more modern fighters.

She quickly got a lock on a Mig-9 and fired a Sidewinder. The MiG never saw it coming, of course.

<<Hound, Fox Two. Hound to Null. Shall I activate my ECM pod now or wait until aircraft with actual radar arrive?>>