Ace Combat: Broken Line (IC/Open)

[Kyraina]

Capt (OAF) Jax "Ranger" Bradford & Lt Col (Ret) Zach "Knight" Steele
Kao Highlands, Nonsan, Seian
7th Feb 1993

Knight was about to Issues Orders to the newly made Myojin, which wasn't their idea of a name, but some of the Seianese Grunts had stuck it on them and in turn Knot, Joker, and Ranger had elected him the Squadron lead. He wanted to throttle all 3 of them for that, He didn't want to lead, but the others hadn't given him much of a choice. He had heard that they was picking up 3 New Members but The SAF personal Command wouldn't tell him anything till the New arrivals showed up at his office.

Knight heard the Orders and both Squadrons diverted to go help the escaped POWs, and watched for a second as Snowcat, , and, his XO start attack runs on the convoy and the check point.

Knight: Knot hit what's left of the convoy, Ranger and I will hit the check point. Remember no Munitions other then Guns, we don't want to take the POWs by mistake

Ranger looked in his mirror back at Knight and Nodded.

Ranger: "Knight, I'm gonna sonic boom the check point, then come back around to open up with a gun run."

Knight: "Copy, that no bombs or missiles, we don't want to kill the guys we are trying to save."

Ranger nodded, and turned towards the checkpoint, and dropped between the trees. With hardly any clearance, Rangers started to push the throttle forward, when the RWR sounded. Ranger immeditialy pulled up and banked hard to the right, as a rocket form a manpad flew close enough for them to see but not close enough to detonate, and rounds from the APCS auto cannon flew over the cockpit.

Knight: Myojin, Snowcat, this is Myojin Actual. The Checkpoint is using MANPADS, I say Again the Checkpoint is using MANPADS, watch yourselfs out there.

As Knight was delivering the Message, Ranger circled the Strike Eagle back around, and came in for a gun run. He lined up the last remaining APCs, and one of the cargo trucks, and depressed the trigger, After a 5 second burst, the cargo truck lay in flames and the APC was wounded, so Ranger circled around once more and took it out with another burst of cannon fire.

As Ranger got clear, Knight thought back to the voice of the female as it had sounded really familiar but he couldn't quite place the name, but thought he could figure it out after the vechile the POW's was in, was safe and secure.

---

Loadout:
297 x 20mm SAPHEI
9x GBU-12 Paveway II
2x AIM-9L/M Sidewinder
2x AIM-120B/C AMRAAM STA-2A
1x AN/AAQ-13 LANTIRN Navigation Pod
1x AN/AAQ-14 LANTIRN Targeting Pod
2x 610 gal drop tank

Destroyed:
G-APC x1
G-Cargo x1

[Beiarusia]

February 7, 1993 // Valley of Kings, Beiarusian

The DAF formation separated to engage the enemy units scattered throughout the valley. As Aguila and Tombstone loosed their long-ranged munitions, Cikavac peppered the southernmost sector of the AO, dropping their payload before coming around for a second run with Warrior following in. Blossoms of fire and smoke and shrapnel detonated against the gentle curve of the River Celeste. One F-15E had suffered light damage, its fuselage struck by AA, compared to numerous vehicles confirmed destroyed.

Reaper pushed ahead to intercept incoming fighters, destroying two Yak-141's without challenge and forcing a third on the defensive. The remaining two aircraft engaged only for their missiles to be easily outmaneuvered, and for their trouble another Yak-141 was shot down.

Null had followed his comrades (leaving Morena to engage at will) and had sighted a surviving Yak-141 struggling to regain speed at low altitude. If the pilot took notice he made no effort to evade. Not that there was much to be done. The 20mm cannon ripped off the left wing of the Freestyle with the pilot ejecting moments after as Null passed overhead. The F-15C ascended to reposition itself as Reaper reformed to secure a perimeter.

<< Skull Kid: Good kill Captain Tallow... uh, I mean... Major. >>

<< Reaver: Stay focused. You're letting one get away. >>

<< Skull Kid: Ah! On it! >>

The F-15C of Skull Kid pulled off to chase down the fleeing Yak-141. As Null watched, in the distance he could see smoke rising from the vicinity of Orso Castle.

<< Enemy-G: The castle's been hit! Confirming multiple casualties! We need emergency personnel at the gatehouse immediately! >>

<< Enemy-G: They hit the castle? >>

<< Enemy-G: Those damn animals. Have they no shame. >>

<< Enemy-G: Confirming targeting data. Radar-lock! >>

Bannik confirmed multiple surface-to-air launches as the enemy SAM's retaliated. The missiles (S-200) were spread evenly against the attacking force, however, one plane in particular had been singled out for elimination with three missiles dedicated to the task. Rarog narrowly avoided the leading missile, but the evasive maneuver had left the Sukhoi in an unfavorable position. The mercenary pilot escaped a direct hit but was caught in the proximity detonations. The Sukhoi faltered from the hit but remained airborne despite moderate damage to the right wing and rear fuselage. An allied pilot wasn't so lucky, the wreckage of the F-15E trailing black smoke as it crashed into the woodlands like a meteorite. Another aircraft was trailing smoke, swiss-cheesed by AA lurking in the undergrowth, and was forced to withdraw.

The enemy was attempting to strengthen their defensive line against the sudden incursion, and were now reinforced by interceptors entering the AO from the north, four MiG-31 Foxhounds, each leading with an opening salvo of BVR missiles directed at Null, Tombstone, and Icterine.

Null maneuvered into a descending spiral, flying perpendicular to the attack with chaff dumped in his wake, but his efforts were only partly effective as he was caught in the missile's proximity detonation. His left aileron was damaged, and although functioning would limit his maneuverability. Icterine trashed the missile sent his way but Tombstone, targeted by two, was unable to evade the worse of the attack, his left canard sheared off by shrapnel. Like Null his maneuverability would suffer greatly.

Reaver and another allied pilot both evaded the missiles targeting them.

<< Enemy-A: This is Regent to ground installations. We are now entering this airspace. >>

<< Enemy-G: Four planes!? Where are the reinforcements!? >>

<< Enemy-A: The lords of these skies will be here soon. Until then, we will hold the line. >>

The enemy interceptors were little more than specks on the distant horizon. Deep grey emblazoned with a golden crown wreathed by holly. The pilots knew the odds but held firm as they picked their targets, their powerful radars more than capable of marking aircraft even at this distance.

<< Enemy-A: Mercenaries. I hope you're listening. This valley is littered in the bones of would-be invaders.
Yours will make an excellent addition. >>

---

February 7, 1993 // Kao Highlands, Nonsan, Seian

The grey SUV fishtailed as not one but two aircraft blew past within touching distance. The first attack run did little more than to rattle the pursuing soldiers, but the second struck home, the F-16A shredding the two jeeps in a controlled burst of 20mm hellfire. The lead jeep was outright destroyed; the second jeep soldiered on for another hundred meters or so before giving out, leaking oil and smoke on the shoulder. The fleeing SUV recovered, and with the checkpoint more-or-less neutralized was able to punch through with minimal opposition.

<< Unknown Woman: Sod off you bastards! Haha! >>

<< Watanabe: Just watch the damn road! >>

<< Unknown Woman: I am watching the bloody road! So stop nagging and... ah hell. Is that...? Where the hell were they hiding that!? >>

Approximately three miles ahead more vehicles were entering the highway to establish another roadblock. A handful of trucks and APC's and, quite alarmingly, an M60 Patton sitting defiantly dead-center of the road and supported by several M42 Dusters. The SUV wasn't yet in-range of the 105mm gun, but neither could they simply pullover to reconsider their admittedly few options as several jeeps were already speeding in their direction.

Worse, the Dorusian military was not entirely reliant on MANPADS to counter aerial threats as two radar sites blinked online in the immediate area. AA was limited but was enough to threaten the SAF aircraft.

Two surface-to-air missiles appeared suddenly from the east, streaking towards Glory and Warlock. Glory juked but was unable to avoid the hit. The missile tore open the fuselage, leaving a jagged wound that trailed thick smoke as the pilot fought to maintain control of the deteriorating aircraft. Warlock still had moments to react as his own missile closed the distance.

An already inconvenient situation had only grown that much worse.

[Ubaria]

7th February, 1993
Orso Village - Valley of Kings - Beiarusia

---

A fair southern breeze swept through the valley, rattling limbs of pine and winter gnawed branches like so many small hands in a crowd. It had been another quiet Sunday, the village wasn't a bustling hive of activity at the best of times and now with most of the village and surrounding settlements being vacant of both their occupants and visitors, it was almost a ghost town if it were not for the small compliment of soldiers using the village and it's outskirts as an observational post. Beiarusian military generals hadn't anticipated such a reversal of fortune and had thus not thought much in the way of a defense, however they did suppose that the now invading force would most likely assault the industrial city of Orwell and to do that, the quickest route was through the Valley of Kings. In just a couple of weeks the sleepy hillocks and groves had been converted into a gauntlet of military apparatuses; radar towers dwarfed the pines they were settled between and steel beasts lay dormant in the fields, they weapons craned to the sky to take on the eventual threat. Orso Village lay just a stones throw from it's namesake castle, which had also been converted into a strong-point for a concentration of the aerial defense net, the castle walls were lined with soldiers like the days of old, ready for siege once more.

Many had been evacuated from the villages and towns, from the valley to the river, however some had chosen to stay despite the threat of invasion, some who had lived here all their lives and were not prepared to give up their homes so easily. Cezar Iliescu was one of those people. He had moved to Orso in his mid-teens as his parents longed to escape the city life, initially resenting his parent's decision, Cezar grew up in the town and slowly so did his love for it. He had gone from a farmhand, to a wildlife ranger to eventually the mayor of the Orso and technically, was the Baron of Orso and the surrounding lands according to ancient law long passed. Orso had been a part of his life, it was so much a part of him that he refused to leave, refusing the orders given by the military, even when the town hall was converted into a command center he continued to stay, working from his house within the village which incidentally was also now devoid of activity. Ilya, his wife had left a couple of days ago with the children, Marius and Elena, to seek safety further north with a good portion of the other refugees. Cezar couldn't blame their decision to leave, as much as Ilya had begged him to leave too, against her wished he stayed.

A knock on the front door drew Cezar's gaze away from the window overlooking the river and across the modest sitting room. Another knock, followed by a muffled voice.

"Mr Iliescu, it's Captain Pavel. I need a word if you're in there."

Captain Pavel was the officer of the local garrison. A shrewd, short man with a distinguished career, he had initially resisted the assignment at Orso Castle calling it 'A waste of his time and efforts' as much as he was a glory seeker he was also a man with a strong work ethic and had decided to stick it out either way. The captain had been at odds with the mayor ever since he refused to leave.

"The door is open Captain."

Boots clacked on the wooden deck and the wooden door creaked open, Pavel turned to his two guards and waved them off, they waited by the door as it closed behind them.

"And to what do i owe this visit."

Pavel cleared his throat and glanced around the neatly arranged room, more specifically over towards the Orso coat of arms that was hanging above the mantle peice. A golden bear, reared up on it's hind legs, holding a glaive, against a red and white checkered backdrop. The piece wasn't as big as the one in the town hall but the artwork was still the dominating feature of the room.

"We need access to some blueprints. Waterworks more specifically, if we're to stay here indefinitely our men need a more permanent water source. Thing is we don't have the keys to the archives, only you do."

Cezar glanced from Pavel and back over to the river.

"The river hasn't dried up. You still have purifiers and storage tanks. What's wrong with that?"

Pavel gave a rather feigned laugh.

"Pumping the water from the river is taking up a lot of time, power and manpower that i could be using more efficiently. You know, to defend this valley. We will ensure there is still enough water for the remainder of the townsfolk."

Cezar sighed and nodded slowly, moving across the room and to a set of double sliding doors that led through to an office, a safe sat behind a wooden desk, nestled among bookshelves. As Cezar muddled about with various sets of differing sized keys, he attempted to make small talk.

"So you think we can win?"

Pavel let out another forced chuckle. "I know we can win. The Seianese and Dorusians have turned on one another. Fighting a two front war is costly, believe me, either they tear eachother to pieces and we reclaim what is ours or they sue us for peace. The Dorusians have no interest in defending the Seianese now. After the dust settles we march straight back in, no resistance."

Cezar hummed in agreement and pulled back the weighty door of the safe revealing all manner of documentation, files and another smaller lockbox, which he removed and set on the desk.

"They did sink our carrier last time i heard. They have some sort of ace mercenary squadron fighting for them. An almost undefeated track record."

"And where did you hear this?"

The Beiarusians had been trying to downplay their loss to the public ever since the defeat at Kaesong, of course the loss of their one and only carrier had been hard to hide, but any propaganda that could have been used against them was desperately being censored, that included any military losses and of course, that Mercenary squadron. Military officers had been instructed to keep morale high and quell dissent among their ranks, this included the censorship of information, it was a harsh method but effective, the less the soldiers knew about who they were fighting, the better, but word still got around.

"Doesn't matter." Pavel continued on regardless. " The Mercenary group is fractured, broken, as soon as they realize their Dorusian paymasters can't keep on paying them, they'll abandon them. Perhaps even, seek out newer, better prospects. I've never known mercenaries to fight for the losing side."

A jingling of keys could be heard as the archive keyset was retrieved from the box, Pavel outstretched his hand to receive them and just as Cezar was to hand them over, one of the guards from outside burst into the room.

"Captain! Enemy Bandits have been sighted entering the valley mouth, they've got a wh - "

The scream of a rocket motor whipped by the windows and carried off into the distance, followed by another, filled with a moment of stunned silence before the very earth seemed to rumble below them. The windows juddered in their frames and pictures fell from the walls, mugs fell from the cupboard in the kitchen and landed with a crash on the hardstone flooring. Pavel was paused in a moment of stunned disbelief, before he launched from his static position and barged past the guard, Cezar quickly followed him out through the living room and into the street where a mile high plume of smoke could already be seen emanating from behind one of the castle battlements in the not too far distance.

"Those bastards! They hit the castle!" Cezar hissed to himself. The castle was a technically a cultural heritage site and thus, by the rules of war, should have been spared from the fighting. However the army was tempting fate by placing the majority of their weapons around and inside the grounds, the enemy wasn't above fighting dirty.

Pavel whisked the radio from his hip. "This is Captain Pavel to Orso HQ, give me a damage report!"

There were several garbled blasts that chopped between static but eventually a coherent response came through.

"They've hit two of our long range Surface to Air batteries! The launchers are down! Minimal fire damage but ... wait ... another one get down!"

A third successive blast rocked the area, this one louder than the rest and also visible from their position in the village. Across the hill the gatehouse erupted outwards as a blast tore through the stone structure, lobbing rocks and stone high into the air.

"They're going to blast it to pieces!" Cezar exclaimed.

"Don't worry about that now. Get to a basement or something, don't stay out here!"

---

Captain Noel Silva 'Aguila' & Maria Feirrero 'Outlaw'

---

Maria watched on with concern through the small rectangular screen on the dash, the targeting pod could faintly make out the trail of a missile impacting the gatehouse and following the trail backwards, Rarog had launched it.

"Was that guided?" Maria quizzed, trying to pick out Rarog's aircraft among the nearby clouds.

<< Aguila to Rarog. Refrain from engaging targets in close proximity to the castle walls. We don't want to cause more damage than is necessary. >>

An angered enemy retaliated in full, a volley of missiles spewed from the remaining batteries and soared vertically upwards before leaning over, heading towards Morena and her allies.

<< Aguila, going defensive. >>

Noel cranked the Rafale into a tight starboard turn, keeping his eyes on the missiles it would soon be apparent if one was heading for him if the missile turned to match his movements, yet as they drew closer the contrails betrayed their true course.

<< Rarog you've got missile in close. Go evasive. >>

The Sukhoi danced deftly past the first missile, not so much past the second as it detonated far too close for comfort, but through sheer luck managed to avoid being blasted completely out of the skies. Aguila couldn't wait around and hope that he wasn't next, the Damocles pod could pick out targets with ease and it didn't take long to spot two of the offending SAM batteries lurking in a forest clearing, however surrounding it was a plethora of Anti-Air weapons, any long range missile attack would likely be swatted from the skies, Aguila would have to get in close to do some damage and to do that he would require assistance.

<< Aguila requesting assistance. I've located two SA-5 batteries on the valley floor, i can get in close but i need some cover. Any takers? >>

<< Cikavak 1-1: Cikavak 1-1 to Aguila. I hear you. I'm sending Cikavak 2-1 and 2-2 to assist. >>
<< Cikavak 2-1: Don't worry, we'll slap them around a bit for you. >>

Two F-15's descended past Aguila and twisted into an attack vector, the first F-15 came in at an angle and let loose a set of 500 pound bombs that slammed into a nearby treeline, felling a good portion of the wooded area and consuming a few unfortunate souls in the blast wake. A pair of tracked SPAAG's overturned and a third erupted like a volcano, white hot fire blasting from where it's turret used to be. The second F-15 attacked from another direction almost seconds later, sweeping around in a graceful arc to dodge a lance of AA fire all whilst delivering another set of high explosive bombs that claimed a set of trucks, a tank and an APC that was attempting to escape into the nearby wooded thicket. With the enemy sufficiently distracted and stunned, Aguila pushed the Rafale towards the ground, off his nose was the first SA-5, the second was located in another field some few hundred meters away, the targeting pod confirmed the impact point of the first bomb before it was loosed, with almost millimeter precision the MK-82 impacted the launcher, the blast was enough to cook off the missiles themselves, a fountain of fire scorched the grass in the immediate vicinity. Aguila had lined up the second bomb but was forced wide just before release by a sudden missile launch, the bomb soared over the target and cratered a nearby field.

<< One battery down but the other is still active. Watch yourselves over the valley. >>

The RWR quickly screeched into life, alerting the pilot that his mistake was about to coming back to bite him. The SA-5 had turned and was now firing a missile into the fleeing fighter's tail and whilst the Rafale did have a plethora of defensive electronic countermeasures, Noel wasn't about to leave to chance. He twisted the craft inverted and bounded over the contour of a nearby hill before twisting out and upwards with a trail of chaff in his wake, he repeated the maneuver, flying as low as he could to mask the form of the plane against the backdrop of hills, however flying this low had it's own dangers and soon enough the altitude warning indicator was joining the missile approach alarm. Noel's vision flitted between sky and ground, to keep himself from impacting the ground he pressed back on the flight joystick and reared the plane up, nose towards the sky. The Rafale wasn't super-maneuverable like it's modern Yuktobanian counterparts but it was a still handled better than most at low speeds thanks to it's delta wing design, this allowed Aguila to keep the plane at a near stall speed turn just long enough for the missile to power past. As soon as heard the alarm cease, Noel powered the throttle back up and carried on.

---

Kills:

2x SAM Long-Range (Orso Castle)
1x SAM Long-range (Woodland)

Ordinance:
AiM-9 x2
AiM-120 x2
AGM-65 Maverick x2
Storm Shadow Missile x0
MK-82 x0
M791 30mm Autocannon x125

[Revlona]

1st Lieutenant Robert Strong
Mechanic

The Silver YF-17 screeched through the clouds high above the Valley of Kings, the skull and crossbones that was his own emblem were painted on both sides of his canopy beside a singular small Beiarusian flag. The Jet hovered high above the valley, waiting for enemy aircraft to appear, and also serving as a reserve in case the first attacks against the enemy SAM sights failed.

The normal load of the plane, an uneven assortment of AAMs and ASMs had been changed in favor of Air to Air capabilities. The two AGM-65s that normally hung on the plane were missing, and in their place sat two extra AIM-9 sidewinders.

At the moment Robert was zoned out, his eyes gazing deep into the distance as the squadron around him did its work. When the Squad has first engaged the ground forces in the Valley, he had climbed several thousand feet in order to fall upon any bandits that showed their faces.

So far he had chafed under this mercenary squadron, only scoring one kill so far and hemorrhaging money to a small degree. He had also been socially outcast due to his own choices and because of the defection of his only countryman in the squadron.

Suddenly an assortment of pings in his ears snapped him out of his daze. With a sharp turn of his head to the left, Robert could see four bandits approaching fast in his HMD. Robert then pulled gently on his stick in order to angle his plane to the port side, towards the Bandits.

<< Mechanic: Eyes on four Bandits approaching fast, I'm moving to engage.>>

He spoke these words into his headset calmly as he began to target the two foremost bandits. He then pulled the trigger, releasing one Sidewinder at both targets.

<< Mechanic: I've engaged the bandits but I'm gonna need some help.>>

He said into his mic as he watched the vapor trails of the two missiles. As soon as he had released the missiles the four Mig-31s had broken apart in several different directions as their HUDs showed an incoming missile.

The missiles soared closer at near 1900 mph, as they neared the two targeted pilots began jerking their planes in sharp maneuvers and firing off flares. Robert watched as one of the sidewinders closed and exploded behind the jet.

"Damn flares," Robert muttered to himself as he switched his gaze to the second missile.

This pilot was more unlucky as the sidewinder edged behind him, matching his sharp turns and ignoring his flares. For a second Robert thought it would miss as it flew past the tail of the plane, but quickly realized he was wrong as it detonated where the canopy met the wing.

He pulled away from the sight as the MIG was torn in half and began spiraling towards the ground, a black smoke trail behind it. It seemed to float towards the ground without the telltale sign of a living pilot that had escaped.

<< Mechanic: Scratch one>>

Kills:
1x MIG-31

Ordinance:
2x AMMRAM
2x AIM-9

[The United Remnants of America]

Captain Aiden "Frosty" Kelly

---

Kao Highlands, Nonsan, Seian

---

2/7/1993 - 15:25

---

The checkpoint had been badly damaged. Frosty monitored the comms as he began orbiting the scene, ready to move in if needed again. Panther, Glory, and Serpent had broken off to give a distant escort to the fleeing POWs. While Panther had rockets available to her, the trio or aircraft had come ready for an air engagement. Frosty knew that while Panther was nearly untouchable in the sky, a veritable angel of death, that she was not the most skilled ground engagement specialist.

That's why she was Frosty's right hand, since he could hold his own against the enemies of the air, his real specialty came in dealing with the ground threats. And while he dealt with that checkpoint, shaking it up and heavily damaging it, he watched as his youngest pair of pilots shot off in their F-16 to engage the pursuit vehicles. In his mind's eye, Frosty imagined the engagement as Warlock and the WSO of the aircraft fed out updates. Ultimately, they missed hitting anything. Frosty wasn't entirely shocked, but he internally cheered them on for attempting such a difficult interdiction while simultaneously breathing a sigh of relief that they hadn't hit the POWs.

It was at that point that Myojin finally sprang into action, and Joker announced that he'd dealt with the pursuing vehicles. Knight and Ranger had then followed up on Frosty's gun run with an attack of their own and nearly eradicated the checkpoint just in time to allow the escaping vehicle pass through without delay.

It was at that point of minor success, that everything began to unravel.

Several vehicles came in view to intercept the POWs, looking to be more SUV-style vehicles. Meanwhile, in the distance was a secondary stationary checkpoint, this one seemingly more prepared as it had been outfitted with even heavier armaments. Regardless, the POWs sped on, quickly cutting the time to disable that checkpoint to mere minutes.

As the situation on the ground intensified, two radar signatures came online off the road, and not long after, a pair of SAMs came up into the air, seemingly out of the forest.

Frosty lost sight of both missiles, but he wasn't immediately concerned, as he knew he wasn't being targeted.

Glory: <<I've been locked! Incoming SAM. Trying to evade.>>

Glory's voice came over loud and clear and Frosty's heart leapt in his chest. He didn't know if one or both missiles had been sent towards his friend, but he knew the aging Skyhawk could only handle so much maneuvering. Moments passed in silence and Frosty began to think the young Erusean had dodged the incoming missiles until his voiced came back over the radio, this time more strained than before.

Glory: <<Ah, bollocks! I've been hit. I'm... I'm losing fuel pressure... I'm pretty sure I have a leak. But I haven't blown up yet. I'm dropping all missiles. Gonna keep the fuel pod for now, but I have to RTB. Good luck.>>

Frosty spun around in his cockpit, looking for the injured Skyhawk. He glanced to the east of his position and saw a smoke trail coming from the aircraft as it took a painfully slow turn back towards their home base. Four specks fell from Glory's plane, ostensibly the missiles he'd been carrying. Frosty did the math and came up with the fact that the man was now only flying armed with a cannon. He wished Glory had kept at least one Sidewinder, but realized he might have done the same thing himself in such an emergency in order to save weight. Hell, he had done similarly before.

<<Good luck, Jyri. I swear if you don't make it back... I'm gonna kill ya.>>

Glory: <<Heh... Copy that, boss.>>

With that, Frosty looked around for where the other SAM had gone as he turned to begin setting up an attack run on the second checkpoint. He made a point to fly a little lower and faster than before, ever mindful of the presence of radar-guided death hidden in the trees.

[The Central Shadow Nation]

Second Lieutenant Vasil Coscmescu 'Warlock'
Second Lieutenant Karl Kuhn 'Nemo'
Kao Highlands, Nonsan, Seian


<<...This is how you fly, Warlock.>>

<<I was just warming up! Besides, I like it more when my nose isn't pointing towards the ground.>>

Vasil much preferred aerial combat to this. Instead he was put up against small and mobile targets in which the circumstances prompted guns-only. Determined not to make a fool of himself, he pitched and rolled the multirole fighter around for another attack on the pursuers. He made sure the jet slowed down and decreased in altitude slowly before rolling slightly to align with the road. As the F-16 approached the chasing vehicles Vasil thumbed the gun's, releasing a volley of ammunition.

The asphalt splashed up as the canon fire peppered the highway. An unlucky truck was torn up and thrown sideways into the road. Its ruptured carcass provided a block in which an unlucky truck swerved into. The other two continued on, splitting up across the sides of the highway as to avoid what had just happened to the other two vehicles. The F-16 roared above the friendly truck and unleashed yet another volley on the first checkpoint, raining down hot metal on whoever was unfortunate to remain there.

<<So, Joker, I'd say I'm ahead. You're->>

The young pilot's cockiness was interrupted by the dreaded lock-on signal.

"Missiles? You've got to be kidding me..."Warlock watched the smoke trails rise off from the ground.

The F-16 continued to gain altitude before Vasil jerked the plane down and rolled left violently. The G-forces gave him a punch to the stomach and he fought to keep his eyes open. He pulled the plane up and moved the throttle forward, a grin growing across his face as his eyes watched the missile soar across the sky. "Wooh! I told you I'm fun to fly with,"Vasil chimed back to his WSO.

<<You're falling behind!>>

As he finished his statement he looked across the sky to see black, fading, and unsettling smoke. Someone had been hit. Someone in Snowcat.

<<<<Ah, bollocks! I've been hit. I'm... I'm losing fuel pressure... I'm pretty sure I have a leak. But I haven't blown up yet. I'm dropping all missiles. Gonna keep the fuel pod for now, but I have to RTB. Good luck.>>

<<Shit...I'll nab those missiles for you. Don't make a mess on the runaway for us.>>

Vasil joked in a uncertain tone. He looked at the Skyhawk in the distance and the smoke protruding from it. From what he'd heard the A-4 had been a resilient little plane, but he wondered just how tough it was. The WSO glanced over but was the more attentive of the pair, quickly turning his eyes back to the panels of the aircraft but not before seeing anti-aircraft tracers rise off the ground and into the sky. "He'll make it back. Now lets get em' before they get us. They've got AA in the next few checkpoints and the missiles came out through the east." The bird yawed left, facing the direction in which the dissolving smoke trails had originated from. "So I do get to use these bombs!"

<<I'm heading after the radar site to the east. Anybody want to join in?>>



Loadout:
2x Sidewinders
2x Mark-84 Bombs
300< M61A1 Cannon Ammo

Kills: 3x G-Cargo

[Relikai]

Second Lieutenant Kenneth Falkenrich 'Iceterine'
Valley of Kings - Near Orwell - Beiarusia

They came in fast.

Real fast.

MiG-31s. Probably the fastest mass-produced interceptor aircraft in the known world of Strangereal, they would almost definitely catch their prey when guided properly, their missiles often more than enough to give anyone a bad day. His helmet warned him of the lock, Iceterine only barely able to dodge most of the damage from a missile fired from extreme long range. Should he still be loaded with bombs, he might not have been that lucky...

Iceterine : << Ice here. Bandits coming in bearing zero-two-zero. Turning to intercept. >>

It wasn't the wisest move, but it was what gave him a thrill. The terrain provided some form of cover, and Iceterine took care to avoid most of the defensive AA coverage as he dove low, the Sukhoi maneuvering gently as he kept his nose pointed towards the incoming planes. Two BVRs and two heat seekers were all he had, and everything else would be down to pure luck.

Iceterine : << Iceterine, Fox Three, Fox Three. >>

The radar buzzed as he kept his lock on the target. Two missiles locked onto one target, but ECM protection would throw one missile off target. Equipped with their own suites, the wavering missile exploded near its target, forcing the MiG-31 to bank slightly to the side, the second missile catching it right in the middle of the fuselage from below.

Iceterine : << Splash one Foxhound, closing in for intercept. >>

[Tayner]

Second Lieutenant Jeff Moreau
Kao Highlands, Nonsan, Seian
February 7, 1993

<<You're falling behind!>>

<<It won't be hard to catch up.>>

The second checkpoint posed a new and prominent threat to their objective as well as the pilots, AA and SAMs lighting up the skies. Glory was hit, but was able to limp away. Warlock had turned to engage the offending SAM sites, and Frosty was lining up a run on the checkpoint. Joker wasn't too far behind, coming around for his own run on the second checkpoint. He dove into his attack run without hesitation.

<<Making my run on the secondary checkpoint.>>

The closest target was an AA gun, and it wasn't hard to line up his sights and to fire rockets at it. As it was torn apart by explosives, the next two vehicles were similarly dispatched. With a slight adjustment the tank was in his sights, and he released his bomb and a half dozen rockets, tearing apart the tank and one of the nearby APCs. The second AA gun targeted him, and tracers danced around his F-16 as he was forced to peel off his attack.

<<Pulling off attack, multiple vehicles confirmed KIA.>>

Kills:
2 Cargo
1 APC
1 Tank
1 SPAAG, AA

---

Second Lieutenant Alexander Tolshev
Valley of Kings, Belarusia
February 7, 1993

The F-22 Raptor was certainly an agile fighter. Hazard had read every bit of the manuals, and had pulled plenty of hours on CAP. Finally he was to be tested in combat with the fighter, a trial by fire. He was ready for the challenge, hitting his master arms switch and bringing the Raptor to bear. His first target would be a lone MiG-21, caught surrounded by the chaos as their fellow pilots were downed one by one. Coming in at a favorable angle of attack, it was as easy as getting the lock. The enemy MiG was torn to pieces in explosion seconds after the pilot ejected.

<<Scratch one enemy MiG-21.>>

He seemed to get the attention of a Yak-141, as they attempted to acquire a lock on him. Hazard juked hard, breaking the lock but not loosing the pilot. He turned sharply and often, slowing down and watched as the Yak overshot him. It was as simple as hitting the throttle and lining up his gunsight, once again sending the enemy plane towards the ground. He was surprised when his RWR sounded, forcing him to evade now and ask questions later.

Pulling flares and evading defeated the incoming missile, the offending plane, a MiG-31 passing nearby as it zoomed away, trying to put enough distance between it and the F-22 to comfortably turn around and make another run. It would not be so easy, as Hazard brought the Raptor around and managed to loose an AIM-120 AMRAAM. While they defeated the missile, they lost momentum which Hazard had gained plenty of, forcing the MiG-31 into a hard position. Hazard let loose a burst of gunfire, the MiG managing to roll out of the way, however the Raptor was agile and another opportunity for attack was easily acquired. Another burst of gunfire was sufficient, as the fuel ignited and the engine of the MiG was blown to pieces.

<<Scratch two more enemy fighters!>>

Kills:
Yak-141
MiG-21
MiG-31

[Theodosiya]

Lt Ivan Sidorov Vorkovich "Rarog"
7th February, 1993
Valley of Kings - Near Orwell - Beiarusia


<<BLYAT!! BLYAT!!>>

Yekaterina erratically flies as shrapnels tore through the fuselage and wings, leaving some damages, shredded skin and grazings all over the Su-27M. Still, it's airborne, armed and dangerous, with the now enraged Rarog out for Beiarusian blood.

<<It's fucking brand new, you mangy dogs, spawns of whores, lowborn, subhuman Beiarusian scums!!>> he roars into the radio, as he turned his fighter toward the direction where the missiles come from. The fighter responded, slightly slower, but otherwise combat ready. His eye gleam with hatred and bloodlust, seeking to kill as many Beiarusians as he could before the end of the mission, or if he got shot down. He quickly find what he's looking for, and contacted Aguila.

<<Rarog to Aguila! I'll get that one fucking whorespawn! Missile off! And please, lase some target, if you could. I have two more cruise missile, laser guided. Over>>

The Kh-59MK2 flies off from the fighter, straight to the SA-5 launcher. No one is prepared when it hits the launcher, destroying it and turning some of the operators into piles of charred meat and blood.

<<Rarog to Bannik, request confirmation on the SA-5 status, over!>>

<<Bannik to Rarog. Missile battery offline, direct hit, few survivor. Out>>

<<Great, now time to down some of these subhuman scums in Foxhound>>

Yekaterina turns and change direction towards another engagement. A MiG-31 Foxhound flies far above him, tailing a F-15C from Warrior squadron. A R-60 flies off, but stopped in time by chaff. It fires another missile, this time the F-15C barely survives as it dodged the missile

<<This is Warrior 1-4! Need help up here! I got a Foxhound on my six!>>

<<Rarog to Warrior 1-4, help incoming! Dive down toward the valley! I'll try to intercept him!>>

The F-15 dives down sharply toward the valley, MiG-31 slowly closing in, gun blazing. Rarog carefully calculated as he pushed Yekaterina to its limit toward the F-15C. If my calculation is correct... he hold his breath and watched intensely at the MiG-31. He grins when he realized that the MiG-31 pilot was too focused on chasing the F-15C, not realizing that he's closing in.

<<Climb up! Climb up!>> he shouted. The F-15C pilot pulled the fighter nose upward as hard as she could. The fast but less maneuverable MiG-31 overshot her, straight into the direction of Rarog gun. He cursed, but it's too late, as Rarog fired severals rounds towards the interceptor. As he flies above the MiG-31, he noticed that the cockpit is splattered with the pilot organs, and its started to turn into unguided fireball towards what he assume as one of the Ancient Beiarusia Royal Tomb on the mountainside, right below a collection of rocks. He simply ignore it, murmuring something about money, Beiarusian choice to turn the valley into military hub and took off, looking for more kills.

<<Warrior 1-4 to Rarog. Thanks for the assistance, over>>

<<Rarog to Warrior 1-4, no problem. Out for more kills, out.>>

[Beiarusia]

February 7, 1993 // Valley of Kings, Beiarusian

The DAF was advancing north through the valley with only minimal opposition. Air superiority had been established and the AA was systematically neutralized. Cikavac silenced the SAM's lurking in the woodlands near the river, leaving those closer towards the castle to Warrior. The enemy retaliated but were quickly overwhelmed by the pinpoint accuracy of air-to-surface munitions. About this time Morena had eliminated the last of the MiG-31's, however, after months of conflict, some were finding themselves unable to control their tempers, leading to a broadcasted outburst.

<< Bannik: Morena-Five, Rarog, check your conduct at once or you will receive reprimand. >>

The authoritative tone of the AWACS was not something to disregard.

<< Reaver: Oh, I don't like these guys either, but cool your head. You're making us look bad. >>

By now the southernmost unit was entering the AO. The escort fighters had taken point, eight F-16C Fighting Falcons, Verlioka, followed closely by F-111 Aardvarks with the larger bombers trailing just behind. This valley was the only obstacle between them and Orwell, and they intended to blow through unopposed.

<< Bannik: All long-ranged SAM's confirmed destroyed. Neutralize the remaining...
Confirming enemy squadron! On approach, vector zero-three-zero. Count twenty-two. All capable aircraft are to intercept immediately. >>

Indeed, a large squadron had appeared to the northeast. Eighteen Su-27 Flankers, white and adorned in the markings of the 1^st Royal Air Division, the chess piece identifying them as Pawn. Leading were four Su-37 Terminators. The very same who had attacked Koga. The very same who had led the attack on Kaesong, and who had suffered their first lost over the Antarctic in exchange for the life of Captain Daniel.

King.

The elite Ace squadron had appeared.

<< King-2: I see them. The mercenaries. >>

<< Pawn-11: So many... do we have enough? >>

<< King-1: So the dogs have come to end this war. So be it.
This is King Leader to Pawn. Adjust heading. Return to the capital. We'll handle things here. >>

<< Pawn-6: There's too many! >>

<< King-1: Do as directed. Our time has come to hold the line. >>

A moment passed, and yet the novice squadron remained on-course despite the given order. It was here that the path split, and they had chosen.

<< Pawn-1: Negative! I cannot comply. This is our home! >>

<< Pawn 13: We will support you to the end! >>

More confirmations followed. Afraid and uncertain, but filled with steadfast determination. A bitter defiance to the DAF.

<< King-1: Then you understand what happens next? >>

<< Pawn-1: We understand! >>

<< King-1: Very well. Can you hear me? Dogs of the military. No honor amongst you. Go ahead, strike, but no matter the outcome we win. >>

<< Reaver: Honor? This is war. What does honor have to do with anything. All I see are dead men spouting nonsense.
Morena. Verlioka. On me. We're gonna shoot down every last one of them. Reaper, engaging.>>

<< Ally-A: This is Verlioka. Understood. Engaging. >>

The DAF were not about to waste an opportunity gifted them on a silver platter. The remnants of the 1^st Royal Air Division would be destroyed, no exceptions, and Reaper had no qualms in playing the role of executioner. They pushed ahead alongside Verlioka to meet the enemy. In response, King and Pawn had broken formation, the former leading and the latter flanking.

King-2 was the first to fire, but his missile was trashed by Daemon who maneuvered low. The Su-37 pursued, leaving the others to meet with Reaver and Skull Kid, both unleashing a flurry of gunfire to minimal affect. They passed and were now circling for position.

Elsewhere, Verlioka had scored a kill. The young pilot had become separated from his wingman and had been hunted down. His panicked calls for help were silenced in an blossom of fire and smoke. The remains of the Flanker impacted the forest a few kilometers west of Orso Village. Despite having the numerical advantage the DAF pilots were more experienced, evading and minimizing the effectiveness of incoming attacks with ease. In the opening volley only a single F-16C had suffered damage from strafing but was still combat operational. A few skillful pilots aside Pawn was struggling.

And Morena was moving to join the fray.

<< Null: Morena-One to all aircraft. Just a little longer. >>

The final hurdle. One last push and this war was done.

Mission Theme B: Battle Against a True Hero

[Anowa]

Capt. Jason 'Tombstone' Cain
Valley of Kings, Beiarusia
February 7, 1993

Not long after Tombstone's own volley, OPFOR responded in kind. Two missiles targeted Tombstone's craft, both of them reigning in rather quickly. ECM from the craft itself would usually protect against any low band guided missiles, while the ECM pod strapped to the craft could deal with high end. To be safe, Tombstone juked up and to the left, dumping chaff alongside the ECM.

The first missile detonated some two football fields ahead, the second flying by the craft and detonating some 20 meters to the left and underneath, shrapnel smacking off the craft with a number of pings and reverberations that echoed through the frame.

Jason immediately checked hydraulic and fuel status wiggling the stock a bit to get a gauge on it anything was toasted. Checking the mirrors on the inside of the cockpit he saw only small pits in the fuselage at best with very minimal impact on performance. A warped chunk of steel was lodged into the wing, but with the self-sealing tanks the F-15 had it wasn't much of an issue.

<< Bannik: All long-ranged SAM's confirmed destroyed. Neutralize the remaining...
Confirming enemy squadron! On approach, vector zero-three-zero. Count twenty-two. All capable aircraft are to intercept immediately. >>

Jason looked over to his radar, viewing both allied and hostile returns. 20+ hostile bandits now being fed to Tombstone via Bannik. Surveying the situation, Jason figured he could leave the big lads for the numerically superior squadrons of Reaver and Verlioka.

<< King-1: Very well. Can you hear me? Dogs of the military. No honor amongst you. Go ahead, strike, but no matter the outcome we win. >>

At that moment Jason thought about an old Norden saying, 'Stand among the hallowed halls of the Jarls and the Kings, and ask if honor matters. The stone's silence is your answer.'

And so, Jason entered full burn, bearing down on a duo of the Pawns. They moved to intercept, one of them firing a missile. Tombstone dumped flares, barrel rolling to a higher altitude as the two Flankers broke formation to try and tackle a two on one. Jason fire a sidewinder at the one breaking left, while rolling into a downwards turn on the one on the right. In the distance a detonation, though not a kill, as the Flanker pilot managed to tighten towards the missile, throwing it off his tail and letting it detonate harmlessly.

Now the trio of fighters were in an aerial knife fight. Tombstone pulling in tight behind one of the flankers, a lock tone rang and a button was depressed, a sidewinder was let forth as the man leading the F-15 on yanked on the stick and swerved in a separate direction, flares popping behind him. The missile detonated away from target, but close enough to cause some damages. The right side engine of the craft started belching smoke, it's maneuverability severely hampered. It's pilot, either in a stressed out fit of panic, or in a lack of competence, the pilot called for help on an open channel.

<< Pawn-12: Pawn-13, he's on me! >>

<< Pawn-13: I'm on him! >>

Tracers flew past Tombstone's cockpit, , and in response, Jason dumped his speed and yanked back on the stick. In the cockpit the Over-G alarm started to sound as Jason peaked the Kulbit. coming back down into a level and less fatigue inducing plain of travel, now directly behind the previously pursuing hostile.

<< Pawn-13: No! >>

A single sidewinder was the response, this one, at this range detonated close enough to the fuselage that one engine flamed out completely, and the other started smoking.

Far ahead, the first craft was looping around, limping due to a non-functioning engine.

From the ground, Jason heard an ECM warning and turned to dump chaff. The missile from the ground again detonated close enough to send a hail of shrapnel across the craft, but not enough to immediately cripple it. Gauges read that fuel was starting to leak, so the fight he was in was going to have to be finished rather quickly. The craft that was looping around was still attempting to line up on a good angle due to it's neutered engine. Tombstone rather easily outperformed the crippled Flanker. Flying past it, he fired a short burst from his cannon into the fuselage. As he passed the craft, he could see that both engines out, and a fire was now daintily forming at the tail end of the fuel spray.

<< Pawn-12: I'm on fire! Mayday, Mayday! >>

<< Pawn-13: Dammit, No! Get away from him, disengage! >>

<< Pawn-12: I've lost all thrust, I can't. I'm punching out! >>

<< Pawn-13: Oh, God. >>

Jason could see an orange chute deploy in his peripherals. But he could also see the other craft turning back around to engage with two smoking engines. One of them much darker than the other. It was likely that one or both of them would catch fire any minute. At that moment, something deep in Jason clicked, like a switch being flipped or a breaker being blown. The man sitting in that cockpit was no grizzled veteran, no killing machine or advanced AI. It was a kid swept up in a patriotic fervor, a victim of war, just like all those who had died so far.

<< Tombstone: Pawn-13 was it? If you value your life, you'll disengage. >>

<< Pawn-13: I... What? No, you're just trying to get my guard down! >>

<< Tombstone: Riding a burning chariot to the ground is a lot worse than ejecting and being taken a lawful prisoner. Your choice. >>

After a few moments, the craft's left engine started to burn at a very alarming rate. Within moments, the pilot ejected, the chute opening after a few moments. Jason simply turned his heads away and turned for the return line, his own craft bleeding fuel like a metal pig.

<< Tombstone: Tombstone to Morena, I'm leaking fuel at a non-marginal rate and munitions are low, I'll be egressing out of the combat zone in short order. Good luck to all. Out. >>

Kills:
2x MiG-21bis Fishbed (T-3)
2x Su-27 Flanker [Pawn] (T-3)

Loadout:
1x AIM-9M (-2)
2x AIM-120C
902x 20mm SAPHEI (-38)
0x Drop Tank (-2)
1x AN/ALQ-131 ECM Pod

[Revlona]

Lieutenant Robert 'Mechanic' Strong
Valley of the Kings
February 7, 1993

<< King-1: Very well. Can you hear me? Dogs of the military. No honor amongst you. Go ahead, strike, but no matter the outcome we win. >>

"Here we go.." Mechanic muttered to himself as the first volleys of missiles and gunfire where exchanged by the two sides before devolving it a writhing mass of dogfighting. His own two Aim-120s had been marginally successful in the first exchange. One having been avoided and the other disintegrating the starboard wing of one of the Pawns.

<< Mechanic: Scratch one pawn>>

He had said as he shoved himself into the chaotic dogfight. He needed to be careful with his munitions he realized, he had only the two sidewinders left, and after them came the Vulcan, and after that, he was devoid of any offensive capability so he resolved to mostly use his Vulcan unless the situation called for a missile.

<< Pawn-8: Get off my tail!>>

He sounded almost a boy, not ready for war, sad really. These thoughts flashed through his mind as his finger applied pressure to the trigger of the Vulcan. Tracer rounds cut a path in front of the Nose of the inexperienced pilot.

<< Pawn-8: I need support! Anyone!?>>

<< King-2: I've got you Pawn-8, I'm on the mercenaries tail!>>

Missile lock! He immediately yanked the aircraft into a roll before diving to the earth, releasing flares as he went. He heard and felt the shockwave of the missile as it detonated somewhere behind him. He banked his aircraft to the left again as a string of tracers flew around him. As he banked he got a good look at the plane, a SU-37, an ace!

<< Mechanic: Any allied pilots! I have an enemy ace on my tail and could use some support!>>

Right after his sentence ended, another missile lock sounded and he performed the same roll and dive to the left this time. He wasn't as lucky as the first time, this missile detonating closer and hurtling shrapnel across his plane.

Kills:

1x F4
1x F3

Armament:

2x Aim-120
540x 20mm Saphei

[The United Remnants of America]

Captain Aiden "Frosty" Kelly

---

Kao Highlands, Nonsan, Seian

---

2/7/1993 - 15:27

---

Frosty smiled as a plane that looked suspiciously like Joker's shot ahead of Frosty's own aircraft and opened up on the secondary checkpoint. The explosions were spectacular and Frosty watched several vehicles get converted into spare parts.

<<Good shot, Joker, but I spy a checkpoint further ahead. I guess you can clean up here.>>

Frosty lowered himself lower to the road and opened up his throttle as he screamed over the wrecks of the second checkpoint. Apparently, one of the AA guns on the ground was still active, and Frosty watched tracer rounds rise up to meet him and just barely kiss his wingtip as he jinked an inch to his left and kept on straight, following the pavement beneath him. As he paced over the remains of the second checkpoint, he imagined his jet wash giving any survivors second thoughts about staying in the AO. In the distance on down the road, the third checkpoint the escaping POWs would have to bypass quickly closed in distance.

From the third checkpoint, Frosty watched more tracers come from what had to have been another anti-air gun. Frosty cursed inside his own mind.

<<Be advised, mates, it appears AA is extremely prevalent.>>

Frosty jinked and tried to avoid the incoming anti-aircraft rounds, but he felt the aircraft shudder around him as the AA gun found its mark and stitched a trio of rounds into his right wing, the same that had traded paint with a near miss only seconds before.

"You sunovabitch." Frosty grit his teeth and held course. He was already 'in the trench' of his attack run, as he liked to call it, referencing that Space Battles sci-fi movie from the 80s. He couldn't let up now, and didn't, even as more tracer fire whipped past his canopy. The plane, which had been completely upgraded and overhauled only days before raced to a point in the sky Frosty mentally designated as a firing point, and as he neared it, he glanced at his weapon panels and his fingers moved towards triggers and switches.

On his center pylon, Frosty carried a CBU-24 cluster bomb, and he was itching like hell to drop it on a group of unexpecting soldiers, but he realized that dropping it on the checkpoint would look amazing, but would likely create a bunch of dangerous leftover bomblets that the POWs could drive over and set off. Not the best idea.

Instead, as the Thud reached the firing point, Frosty's thumb depressed his cannon trigger into the checkpoint. He let off three short bursts, which still put dozens of rounds on target. His hand immediately moved to the controls to his rocket pods, and he waited as the quick-paced smoke trails of six small rockets lanced out towards the checkpoint.

As Frosty finished his attack run which only lasted seconds, he began to pull up and gain altitude, as well as turn in order to get out of his 'trench run.' As he did, he was able to watch the rockets, two of which had gone wide to either side of the road, exploding into the neighboring walls of trees. Another two rockets went high and put potholes harmlessly into the pavement of the road only a few meters from where a bunch of divots were dug into the ground, likely from stray cannon rounds. Of the remaining two rockets, one seemingly punched into the top of one of the 4x4s, making it jump into the air on a fireball. The other rocket hit the broad side of an APC, and for a second Frosty thought it had survived, until the ammo inside the vehicle cooked up and the armored vehicle cracked from the inside out. Other than that, Frosty was a little surprised at the lack of damage. Some dismounts looked to be laying dead or dying from cannon rounds removing limbs and internal organs, but the rest of the checkpoints vehicles, including the damnable SPAAG looked to be more or less operable, though maybe worse for wear if they took any cannon rounds.

<<I hit that third checkpoint, but I'll have to wrap around again. These are some lucky lads on the ground here.>>

Kills in Post:
- G-Cargo x1
- G-APC x1

[Ubaria]

Captain Noel Silva 'Aguila' & Maria Feirrero 'Outlaw'
7th February, 1993
Valley of Kings - Near Orwell - Beiarusia

---

"Well i wouldn't have put it quite like that." Outlaw raised a brow at Rarog's sudden, rage fueled outburst, yet still complied with his request nonetheless. A few quick button presses bought the Damocles pod online again, it's powerful lens whirred around, sweeping the valley for white hot contacts against the mottled grey of the cool ground. After a few moments, the pod picked out the grey towers of Orso Castle and several white dots within and around the walls, many were concentrated away from the battlements and provided the designation remained stable, targeting what was presumably the garrison's headquarters, would cause chaos within the command structure. A simple button press activated the laser designation system and soon, targeting data was relayed over to Rarog's missile.

<< Outlaw: Target captured. Reinforced single story structure. Rarog you are green for launch. >>

<< Rarog: Copy. Designation acquired ... missile away. >>

A single KH-59 missile departed the SU-27's undercarriage and sped away once the rocket motor kicked in. It only took a few seconds to cover the distance towards the castle and - fortunately - cleared the battlements, speeding over towards the hardened bunker where the penetrating warhead blasted a way through for the real payload, which detonated inside the bunker thereafter, causing the concrete structure to balloon outwards slightly before caving in on itself, smoke and dust blossoming into the skies above.

<< Outlaw: Good hit. Structure has been destroyed. >>

With that it seemed like the major threat had been taken care of. Rising pillars of smoke had started to reach above the valley's peaks, the remains of missile contrails slowly started to drift away with the wind, however the real battle was only just beggining.

<< Bannik: All long-ranged SAM's confirmed destroyed. Neutralize the remaining...
Confirming enemy squadron! On approach, vector zero-three-zero. Count twenty-two. All capable aircraft are to intercept immediately. >>

<< Outlaw: Twenty Two? >>

<< Aguila: We've faced worse odds. >>

<< Outlaw: You say that as if this is entirely down to chance. >>

Nothing but a confident laugh came in reply.

<< Aguila. Engaging bandits. >>

A kick of the throttle agitated the two turbofan engines into action, propelling the Rafale forward through the skies like a silver lightning bolt. Twenty two contacts pinged up on the short range Radar, fast moving and already diverging from their formation in anticipation of the approaching engagement. Alarms started sounding the moment the enemy starting loosing missiles into the crowd of Dorusian craft and soon each side had enveloped eachother, beginning the twisting battle above the valley. Aguila had turned in hard, slicing a tight curve through the air in pursuit of a Flanker that had passed him. Instantly the enemy went on the defensive, bleeding speed with a series of twists and rolls, Aguila matched him turn for turn as they wound themselves around the other aircraft in the battle. Pawn 6 couldn't keep up his acrobatic display for long and was forced into an unfavorable position and as soon as Noel had tones, he fired a sidewinder.

<< Fox Two! >>

The missile sped through the battle but was distracted by the afterburner of a nearby aircraft and sailed off course, losing track of it's real target in the first place and allowing him a moments respite to attempt a quick escape. Pawn 6 dived down low in an attempt to lose his attacker in the furball, but Aguila had sharper eyes than that and maintained direct pursuit. Again Aguila managed to wrestle himself behind the enemy and loosed another missile, this time, with a much more direct view of the Flanker's twin afterburners. The missile struck true even with the deployment of flares from the doomed pilot. A flash of white engulfed the plane and shredded apart the upper fuselage, the rushing wind tore off a chunk of the hull and severed the starboard wing off in turn causing the Sukhoi to spiral into an uncontrollable descent, like a kite stuck in a twister. The pilot, knowing his craft was ultimately doomed, decided to eject.

<< Splash one. Coming around >>

As Aguila was returning to the furball, a Su-37 was approaching the other way. Instantly the plane reared up like a startled horse and rather than fall out of the sky like any other aircraft would have, it seemed to spin like a ballerina on a dime, it's course changing in the matter of a few seconds. Noel had seen the maneuver pulled several times before but never quite in that fashion, it would have been awe inspiring if it didn't mean the chance of an untimely end was now very likely. Slowing the Rafale down, Noel attempted to cause his opponent to overshoot as he sped back up to engage but the pilot had predicted it, and used the opportunity to use the cannon. Tracers zipped past the canopy and the cackle of a 30 millimeter cannon reverberated closely behind. Noel dived down, twisting around to try and swing under his opponent and lose him in the process but again, King 4 had the upper hand and flicked the tail of his aircraft out whist keeping the nose almost in the same place, like a pendulum, he danced around and unleashed another bout of cannon fire that had barely clipped the wings. They couldn't hope to fight him one to one.

<< Morena! I could use a little assistance here! >>

---

Kills:

2x SAM Long-Range (Orso Castle)
1x SAM Long-range (Woodland)
1x F-3 ACE (Su-27 - Pawn 6)

Ordinance:
AiM-9 x0
AiM-120 x2
AGM-65 Maverick x2
Storm Shadow Missile x0
MK-82 x0
M791 30mm Autocannon x125

[Theodosiya]

Lieutenant Robert 'Mechanic' Strong
Valley of the Kings
February 7, 1993

<< King-1: Very well. Can you hear me? Dogs of the military. No honor amongst you. Go ahead, strike, but no matter the outcome we win. >>

"Here we go.." Mechanic muttered to himself as the first volleys of missiles and gunfire where exchanged by the two sides before devolving it a writhing mass of dogfighting. His own two Aim-120s had been marginally successful in the first exchange. One having been avoided and the other disintegrating the starboard wing of one of the Pawns.

<< Mechanic: Scratch one pawn>>

He had said as he shoved himself into the chaotic dogfight. He needed to be careful with his munitions he realized, he had only the two sidewinders left, and after them came the Vulcan, and after that, he was devoid of any offensive capability so he resolved to mostly use his Vulcan unless the situation called for a missile.

<< Pawn-8: Get off my tail!>>

He sounded almost a boy, not ready for war, sad really. These thoughts flashed through his mind as his finger applied pressure to the trigger of the Vulcan. Tracer rounds cut a path in front of the Nose of the inexperienced pilot.

<< Pawn-8: I need support! Anyone!?>>

<< King-2: I've got you Pawn-8, I'm on the mercenaries tail!>>

Missile lock! He immediately yanked the aircraft into a roll before diving to the earth, releasing flares as he went. He heard and felt the shockwave of the missile as it detonated somewhere behind him. He banked his aircraft to the left again as a string of tracers flew around him. As he banked he got a good look at the plane, a SU-37, an ace!

<< Mechanic: Any allied pilots! I have an enemy ace on my tail and could use some support!>>

Right after his sentence ended, another missile lock sounded and he performed the same roll and dive to the left this time. He wasn't as lucky as the first time, this missile detonating closer and hurtling shrapnel across his plane.

Kills:

1x F4
1x F3

Armament:

2x Aim-120
540x 20mm Saphei

Lt Ivan Sidorov Vorkovich "Rarog"
7th February, 1993
Valley of Kings - Near Orwell - Beiarusia


<<Rarog to Mechanic. Help incoming. Will try to arrive ASAP. Out>>

The Su-27M pressed on, turning around to assist his compatriot. He accelerated, pushing the fighter to its limits, when he noticed another danger toward Mechanic. A lone MiG-21bis, stubbornly tries to intercept the YF-17 from another direction. He swept his fighter nose toward it and fired out few short burst, all masterfully dodged by the Beiarusian pilot. Intrigued, he locked on the fighter with a R-77-PD. Yet the MiG-21 pilot somehow managed to avoid lock by doing maneuvers that are near impossible to be done in an interceptor. And so the two fighter danced a deadly battle, as each tries to lock the others, one in a damaged beast, another in untarnished lightweight fighter. Gunfire was traded, and some found their mark, as holes was punched on the MiG-21bis fuselage and wings. Yet somehow the plane still stubbornly managed to fly, and in the distance, Mechanic's YF-17 was hit by shrapnel. Rarog gritted his teeth, he can't abandon his comrade. Yet, if he abandons the MiG-21bis, it could threaten him and Mechanic. Cursing his luck, he aligned his fighter for last attempt at downing the MiG-21. This time, he switched to one of the only pair of his R-74. If he could pull it...

Let's see if this works... as he fired another burst, and as the last round from the burst came out, he slammed the missile launch button.

<<Fox-2>>

The R-74 accelerate towards the target, the pilot maneuvers diagonally to avoid the gunfire and the missile, only seconds later discover that it's being guided by Rarog's HMS, too late for any other maneuver. The missile explodes under the engine, spraying it and the fuselage with shrapnels that tore through them. The pilot ejected from the fighter that now quickly turns into a flaming fireball, narrowly being hit by debris and later, Rarog Su-27M speeding next to it, close enough that the pilot could see the scars that adorn the fighter, and Rarog angry gestures. The flaming fireball slamed onto the forest in a large, fiery explosion, turning the area into a crater and causing fire on the forest.

Rarog soldiered on, now fully committed to assist Mechanic. Rounds flies from his gun, and a R-77 took off, all directed toward King-2, as he closed in, forcing King-2 to break off and concentrating on Rarog instead as he blazes above to him, infuriating him. He knew he got King-2 full attention, because he quickly found himself targetted and fired upon as he dives. Flares are fired, and Yekaterina rolled few times to avoid streams of bullet and couple of missiles sent towards her.

<<Rarog to Mechanic. Now your turn. Over>>

Kills :
1 Mig-31
1 S-200
1 MiG-21bis

[Endem]

Oleg Sverdlow "Rover"
26 December 1992||Valley of Kings

Well, he was now flying more or less alone, he weighted for a few moments of either going for an attack on hostiles that were on the ground or a fighter. He then saw a Su-27 flying nearby, presumably searching for the next target. Oleg made a sharp turn and starting to try and get a shot with one of his missiles, he had only two of them and wanted to make some use with them. He got the missile going. The Mig pilot noticed him, the enemy made a roll dodging his missile. Oleg caught up to him and was trying to aim his two cannons at the enemy

<<Pawn-16: I have an enemy plane on my tail>>

The voice sounded almost bored, whoever was the enemy made it clear, intentionally or not, that this was a mundane situation for him, Oleg fired a round of 5 bullets caping of his small magazine to 45... But the bullets did hit, although no significant damage. Oleg fired yet another round of 5, striking enemy wing and taking a flapper off.

The enemy made a sharp turn to the right, visibly having problems with the steering. Oleg fired 10 rounds, his magazine size was down to 30 bullets on both cannons. But this time, he did hit a vital part it seemed. The enemy plane started to tumble down, the fighter ejected meaning the plane was beyond the point of no return.

<<Rover: Hostile Down

Kills:

1XSu-27

[Relikai]

Second Lieutenant Kenneth Falkenrich 'Iceterine'
Valley of Kings - Near Orwell - Beiarusia

The Kh-31, a missile said to be designed and built in Yuktobania, streaked through the air followed by another several seconds apart. Even though it was mere seconds, the distance was still great given the speed of these supersonic missiles, each seeking a radar signal like a lion chasing its prey. Unlike the Usean ALARM's capability to loiter, keeping a watchful eye over a target area, this weapon was more direct, like the hit it just delivered against the two SPAAGs along the River Celeste. The Beiarusians aren't stupid, keeping their AA spread sufficiently to cover a decent amount of airspace. The two explosions in the distance was hardly noticed by the shooter, but the loss of two radar signatures upon the impact did well to note the performance of the missiles.

<< Morena! I could use a little assistance here! >>

Aguila's signature pinged off nearby, the IFF showing a hostile signature right behind the pilot of Morena. Bringing the Flanker about on a tight turn, Iceterine saw the menacing outline of the Su-37, the most advanced of the Flanker Family, the plane which almost every Erusean pilot dreamed of flying. A burst of cannon fire managed to ping off King-4's tailfin, superficial damage but the missile lock was enough to make him break from Aguila.

<< King Squadron? >> Iceterine breathed as he saw the Beiarusian Ace dive towards the ground, his Flanker following, two near identical airframes twisting and turning to get an edge on one another. Erusea did participate in military exercises with foreign countries, and if this perso-

<< Falkenrich. >>

4000 feet

Oh. Yeah.

<< I'm Honoured. The Kings of. Beiarusia. >> Iceterine breathed, his words coming out short as the g-forces pinned him to his seat, something he knew his opponent was experiencing too.

<< Why a merc? >> Came the question, almost never to be answered as King-4 sent a burst of tracer across the Flanker-E, Iceterine knowing that it was pure luck that he missed. At this range, being careless would cost him his life. No flares or jamming could ever save him from the kinetic application of lead into his cockpit.

<< Things happened. >> He replied, jerking the plane hard as the nose came up, Iceterine breaking his descent hard as a passing radar sweep from a ground transmitter hit his plane, the Erusean pilot punching off his remaining two AGMs in a blind shot. Whether they'd hit would be up to the recipients.

1000 feet

<< We have actually. Fought. Once >>

<< I don't remember. >>

<< 156th Tactical Fighter Wing. Exercise BEirusea >>

Memories.

<< You fought my. Students. >> He breathed, knowing that the initiative was lost. Iceterine pushed hard on the throttle, afterburners powering the plane forward as raw fuel was injected, the Flanker pushing away from the Terminator as two missiles chased after him. Flares flew from his plane as Iceterine pulled up hard, throwing himself into an inverse position before pulling hard on the stick once more, trying to create as tight an angle as possible to escape the incoming missile. The ECM pod hummed, by the corner of his eye he could see the other missile thrash itself as it landed harmlessly into the trees.

<< Students. I remember one of them. >> Came the reply, King-4's Terminator keeping up with his relentless chase, Iceterine again flying away from the combat area to minimize interference. King-4 closed in, just as the mercenary threw his plane into a Cobra, the Flanker arcing itself up as he controlled the speed and angle to the precision needed to keep the plane bleeding speed without ripping the airframe apart. Behind him, and soon next to him, a similar maneuver by King-4, the two planes close enough for the pilots to actually see each other.

<< I fought Nine. >>

<< Nine. Shilage. He was the best. >>

<< Your numbers. They never really meant. Anything. Did they. >>

The limit was approaching, the aircraft starting to feel heavy as airspeed slowed. Soon, they would be easy pickings for an opportunist, and somehow... They knew the time has come.

<< Legendary pilots get their numbers. Retired with them. >> Iceterine replied heavily, his left hand slowly pushing the engine as his right lowered the nose. He knew that King-4 would be doing the same, and that his window of opportunity would be short.

<< Your Pawns. They were good. >>

The Flanker-E pushed forward, Iceterine breaking from their low-speed chatter as King-4 followed, the two now weaving and turning, almost as if they were doing a Thatch Weave in a dangerous dance of death. Heavy rounds slammed against Ice's fuselage as the agile Terminator got a second's advantage, the Erusean however managing to do a Cobra break with his plane angled ninety degrees towards the ground. Extremely dangerous, but it got him the lock as the maneuver left him a sitting duck, with King-4 coming out of his own high-g turn.

<< Yes. >>

The two planes were low and slow, as two missiles left the fuselage of Iceterine's plane, both headed for King-4 whose plane was already spewing flares before they were fired. A pull of the trigger brought the cannons into play, Iceterine's plane slashing across the smoking King-4 as it took the brunt of one missile, a wing torn apart and the midsection of the Terminator shredded by cannon fire.

<< Your win, Fourteen. >>

<< You remembered. But Thirteen is the next generation. >> Iceterine replied, his plane taking a high position as the smoking Beiarusian fighter continued to glide for a moment, engines and wings coming apart before a burst from the cockpit revealed the ejection of King-4. Hopefully this... would be the last time he saw them.

<< Iceterine to Morena. Winchester. Returning to Base. >>

---

Kills - King-4

[Revlona]

Lieutenant Robert 'Mechanic' Strong
Valley of the Kings
February 7, 1993

Once again Mechanic barely saved his hide as he pulled hard on his stick, jerking the YF-17 to the side as a burst of tracers barely missed him as they flew just wide.

"Come on.." he muttered to himself without keying the comms, waiting, praying, for the ace to make a mistake, even a small one he could take advantage of.

Suddenly King 2 broke off as a burst of tracers flew past his nose followed by a dodged R-77. With a quick maneuver, he pulled off of Mechanic to engage Rarog who found themselves on the downside of the duel in a wounded SU-27.

<<Rarog: Rarog to Mechanic. Now your turn. Over>>

He heard Rarog say this as Mechanic twisted his YF-17 around in order to see King-2 easily soar around the damaged SU-27 before disappearing in the clouds and reappearing on Rarogs tail.

<<Mechanic: Rodger that Rarog>>

He whispered into his mic as he twisted and twirled behind the two dueling planes. With a small press of his finger, he let an Aim-9 fly, almost at the same moment as King-2 began deploying flares.

The Missile soared of target as Mechanic thumbed the cannon trigger, drawing a trail of tracers in front of the Aces nose.

In a few quick moments he saw an opening, he released his second Sidewinder and thumbed the trigger as the Ace twisted away from the missile. The side winder soared past the Terminator as the SAPHEI rounds tore the fuselage and cockpit of the plane to shreds.

Mechanic watched as smoke began to slowly pour from the Jet as it began to drift towards the ground. As the plane continued downwards, the cockpit exploded as a seat shot out of it and a parachute deployed, the person in the seat motionless either in death or due to unconsciousness.

<<Mechanic: Scratch one King, turning to RTB>>

He then turned his jet away from the calming mass of the dogfight and began his way towards Koga...


Kills:

F3
F4
King-2

Armorment:

235x SAPHEI

[Kyraina]

Capt (OAF) Jax "Ranger" Bradford & Lt Col (Retired) Zach "Knight" Steele
Kao Highlands, Nonsan, Seian

Ranger had dove for the ground and Knight crused under his breath as SAMs had came out of nowhere and had fire on Snowcat, making Glory combat inop, and Warlock getting away by the skin of his teeth, and then looked at the radar fin time to see more ground radar targets show up. some setting up to checkpoints on the road and then some vague contacts from the general area the sames had come from.

Knight head the chatter from Snowcat and Joker, and made a decision.

"Ranger, follow Joker and take out that second checkpoint."

"Copy that Knight, keep looking over the battlefield, and start directing shit."

Knight: Snowcat, This is Myojin Actual. I need y'all to hit those SAM Sites and then start runs again on the third checkpoint. If not its gonna get dicey from here, even down a guy yalls still have more guys then we do. Ranger and I are doing a run on the second checkpoint. Knot, this is Knight Whats the hold up?

Ranger had started ducking and weaving as he had lined up behind Joker and let lose with bombs, knocking out most of the second checkpoint.

---

Loadout:
297 x 20mm SAPHEI
5x GBU-12 Paveway II
2x AIM-9L/M Sidewinder
2x AIM-120B AMRAAM
1x AN/AAQ-13 LANTIRN Navigation Pod
1x AN/AAQ-14 LANTIRN Targeting Pod
2x 610 gal drop tank

Kills:
CP1 (G-APC x1, G-C x1)
CP2 (G-AA x2, G-APC x1, G-Cx2)

[Empire of Donner land]

Amabel Allard "Knot"
Feburary 7, 1992 // Kao Highlands, Nonsan, Seian


<< Knight: Snowcat, This is Myojin Actual. I need y'all to hit those SAM Sites and then start runs again on the third checkpoint. If not its gonna get dicey from here, even down a guy y'alls still have more guys then we do. Ranger and I are doing a run on the second checkpoint. Knot, this is Knight Whats the hold-up? >>

Knot flicked a switch turning off the RWR warning that her aircraft was being pinged by ground radar from the east, she'd be let known that an incoming missile was on the way, however. In the battlespace, she was quite a bit higher than most other aircraft, doing a search pattern for enemy aircraft entering the AO, or so she was until the RWR began ringing notifying her of the surface to air missiles in range of her. Upon the ringing that she received when getting this notice, she dove down below the cloud layer, condensation rolling across the cockpit glass, to avoid being singled out for a launch.

<< Knot: I'm running security, but my Radar isn't spotting any unknown contacts, I can fix the SAM problem myself, don't worry about it. Snowcat, if you can receive me, keep focusing on protecting those POWs. I'll stick low and hit the sites with guns. I don't have any air to ground ordinance anyway. >>

Upon that radio transmission, the Nammer pulled sharp to the east leaving behind rolling vapor trails from its wing tips, shortly after a blazing orange-white light appeared from the end of the Nammer with a black puff of smoke as the aircraft started its afterburners. Knot pushed the aircraft lower and lower until eventually, it was below the peaks of the highest hills, she spotted a good, wide canyon to head into for a surprise attack on the enemy SAMs.

<< Knot: I've always wanted to do this sorta thing, the hills will do instead of mountains though. >>

The aircraft entered the canyon at Mach point seven, the rolling elevations and declines between the ridges and hills proved an easy challenge as the Nammer turned and rolled to navigate the canyon's natural bends and curves. Knot kept in her head the bearing at which her RWR alerted where from the SAM's radar was pinging the aircraft. At this point, the Nammer was at a relatively dangerous altitude, Knot could see trees zip past her cockpit glass at unrecognizable speed, rising and lowering as the canyon's terrain did. Sonic booms exploded in the canyon, bellowing and echoing off the canyon's walls as the Nammer left and reentered supersonic speeds.

<< Knot: I'm almost there I think, keep the SAM distracted! >>

[Beiarusia]

---

February 7, 1993 // Kao Highlands, Nonsan, Seian

The SUV tore past the ruins of the second checkpoint. No resistance. The soldiers, scrambling to extinguish the burning wreckage in the aftermath of the airstrike, were preoccupied with dragging the wounded to safety. Even the last functioning truck had abandoned the chase after narrowly surviving the cannons of the mercenary F-16. The escapees continued on down the highway well past the posted limits, one final blockade between them and freedom. The third checkpoint was not as heavily defended as the second, and under threat of attack the units were already pulling back into a more advantageous positioning.

Frosty was the first to strike. Serpent and Panther followed, cannons shredding the armor of the SPAAG as it unleashed its own barrage in a vain attempt to ward off the aircraft. It was destroyed alongside a cargo truck as the aircraft finished their pass.

<< PANTHER: Checkpoint clear. Switching to SEAD. >>

The mirage and Skyhawk pulled up and away to proceed east towards the forested hills where enemy SAM's threatened the airspace. Knot was already on-approach when hostile radar sited the two approaching aircraft. A sudden plume of smoke trailed up from the highlands. Moments after another surface-to-air missile launched. Panther descended, turning perpendicular to the oncoming missile and trashing the lock-on by slipping into the tenuous cover provided by the semi-mountainous terrain. Serpent did the same with mixed results, his aircraft rocked by the proximity explosion.

<< PANTHER: Serpent was hit! >>

<< SERPENT: I'm fine. Only a scratch. I'm ready to respond in kind. >>

<< PANTHER: Copy that. Leading the way. Do try to keep your head down. >>

The two aircraft zeroed in on where the missiles had originated even as the RWR sounded in warning. Serpent spied the offending SAM, angled his aircraft, and came down for a gun-run, damaging the launcher but not destroying it. Panther readied her own attack but, at the last moment, overshot, switching her focus to the radar truck she spotted last second. Immediately the radar interference lessened.

Next came the hunt for the remaining radar truck. It was silenced just as the PoW's radioed in to confirm their escape.

<< UNKNOWN WOMAN: That's the last of 'em. And you doubted my driving. >>

<< WATANABE: Just shut up. This is Sergeant Watanabe to the aircraft above. Your help is much appreciated. We should be fine from here.
See you back at Murai. Out. >>

In short order the SUV was safely beyond the AO. The SAF aircraft were soon to follow....

<< PANTHER: Radar is still pinging me!? Dammit. Where's it coming from? >>

<< SERPENT: It doesn't matter. We're done. >>

<< PANTHER: Shit. Confirming missile launch! >>

Two missiles streaked across the sky as the Mirage attempted to evade using the same tactic as before. The first missile was trashed, but the second flew true, cleaving into the fuselage just ahead of the vertical stabilizer. The Mirage was very nearly swatted from the sky, its airframe torn open, the interior compartments exposed via a deep laceration, jagged and dripping fluid, but the pilot maintained control even as the turbofan sputtered and coughed in the desperate struggle to keep altitude. Damage to the control surfaces made the task even more impossible.

<< PANTHER: I'm okay! Dammit. Dammit. Come on! I'm still being targeted! >>

The gauges were dipping into the red as the engine approached critical failure.

<< FAMINE 2-2: Still airborne. >>

<< FAMINE 2-1: Then put him down. >>

<< FAMINE 1-1: It's the mercenaries. Good, I was hoping for a challenge. >>

<< PLAGUE 1: Don't waste time. Hurry and shoot them down before they even think about running. >>

DAF aircraft were now entering the AO from the east. Thirteen F-15C Eagles belonging to the 101st Tactical Fighter Squadron: Plague and Famine. The formation split as the Ace pilots engaged freely, leading with long-ranged munitions before closing the distance to finish any survivors.

The mercenaries were suddenly on the defensive in a fight they could not win. Only one option remained: run.

Mission Theme D: Cicada

[Rupudska]

February 7, 1993 // Kao Highlands, Nonsan, Seian

As the battle raged on overhead, changing to a feverish chase, a certain pilot-turned-prisoner was wishing she was still in the air.

Shinobu was one of several drivers the escaped prisoners had chosen to lead them to freedom. Most had taken some notice from hostile forces - she didn't know exactly whom and at this point no longer cared; so close was she to freedom and so long had it been since she was able to actually keep up with how the war was going. All that mattered was that they were In The Way. She too, had taken some fire - a shattered window, a graze wound to her shoulder, and a Belkan ex-helicopter pilot in the back seat had taken a hit to the foot.

But unless Watanabe's group had run into a damned tank, there was no reason for him to be this late. All the other vehicles - ranging from a coupe to a massive Osean SUV - with Shinobu's blue station wagon somewhere in the middle - had met at the designated point. A gravel road, shielded from aerial eyes by dense tree cover, and which went straight to safety, not reaching a paved road until the chance of recapture was miles behind, and not reaching a highway for several miles more.

She examined the blood on her hand. It wasn't her's, nor was it the Belkan's. A rather sleazy guard had been reluctant to part with his prized station wagon.

Pity.

[The United Remnants of America]

Captain Aiden "Frosty" Kelly

---

Kao Highlands, Nonsan, Seian

---

2/7/1993 - 15:37

---

Frosty blinked.

In the span of a minute the entirety of his command was in danger. Jyri had already gotten out of the area. But these newcomers were obviously here to play for keeps. The must not have appreciated the relatively unanswered attacks on their people. People, Frosty reminded himself, that were just trying to stop a group of prisoners from escaping; a completely sensible thing. Their deaths had only been warranted simply for the fact that they'd been born Dorusian and had been holding guns when Dorusia and Seian betrayed each other's trust.

But now there was a Dorusian air presence. Frosty wasn't close enough to see them, but he knew the outline of an F-15 when he saw one, and he knew just what Dorusians flew an F-15: Koschei. Frosty wondered if Skull Kid or Reaver were in that flight, the only two pilots from that outfit he'd really gotten to know. At one point, he might have even considered Dorian Graves a friend, much like he considered Graves's Seianese counterpart, Naoki Inuoe of Mononoke.

But they weren't friends now. In an eye blink, they had appeared and they had attacked. Wulf had reported a minor hit, but Liora's status was what made his chest tighten. As the pair of planes circled away from the incoming Dorusian aircraft, Frosty could make out that both planes were not in fighting shape, and the silhouette of the Mirage was likely even less so. Liora was banking and rolling much deeper than her turn required, something a pilot might need to do if they had no control over their rudder. From his vantage point, he couldn't even see Vasil and Karl's F-16, he just hoped the kids hadn't been turned into a flying flambe.

<<Serpent, Panther, I want an update. Now.>>

Serpent: <<It's fine, I'm fine. I can keep going.>>

Panther didn't respond.

<<Panther, can you hear me? Liora, respond.>>

Panther: <<... I'm here. I have to egress now. Already dropped my pods. I'll be lucky if I can limp home.>>

Frosty nodded, despite knowing that he wasn't visible to anyone. That was three damaged planes so far, and almost three dead pilots, and for what? A few prisoners? There better be someone very fucking important in that vehicle.

Frosty made his decision. The POWs were home free, probably. They'd gotten their help. It was now time for the mercenaries to help themselves. Frosty switched his radio to the in-flight channel.

<<Snowcat flight, it's time we see ourselves out. Everyone turn and run. Panther, Serpent, take the lead. Warlock and I will escort you.>>

Frosty then thumbed his radio from the 405th-assigned frequency to the operational frequency that the SAF used, and more importantly, that he knew Myojin would be listening in on.

<<Snowcat-1 to Myojin, Snowcat-1 to Myojin. Snowcat has taken received critical unit damage. We are pulling out. Repeat, we are pulling out. I highly advise you do the same. Plus we could use the help in escorting our injured.>>

Finally, as Frosty banked his aircraft to match heading with the rest of his flight, he turned his radio to an open band. He grit his teeth now that he was closer to Liora's Mirage and he could see the extent of the damage. If she could make it home, it would be a miracle.

<<You Dorusians were quite a surprise, but I think we'll be taking our leave.>>

Frosty couldn't reach for his paper map to check, but he began wondering as Snowcat formed up: How far did they have to go until they were inside Seianese are defenses? Would there be an SAF patrol that could come cover for them? His radar read thirteen contacts. There were only seven mercenaries. Maybe Jyri had gotten far enough to get in touch with anyone else who could cover them.

Frosty dipped in above and behind Wulf's Super Skyhawk. At least Serpent could turn and fight if necessary, Frosty guessed.

He just hoped necessity didn't happen.

[Tayner]

Second Lieutenant Jeff Moreau
Kao Highlands, Nonsan, Seian
February 7, 1993

The tactical situation had abruptly changed, to say the least. A small victory as the POWs were safely guided out of the AO was cut short as a surprise attack damaged multiple fighters of Snowcat. Thirteen F-15s, Dorusian, arrived out of seemingly nowhere. Snowcat was operating at diminished capacity and Myojin wasn't particularly a large element, and not only did the pilots find themselves at a numerical disadvantage but also an equipment one as well, many pilots of the SAF aligned squadrons not equipped for air-to-air combat.

Joker: << I'm jettisoning all my remaining air-to-ground munitions. And my tanks. Myojin-1, I recommend we walk Snowcat out. >>

It wasn't long before Frosty came in and reported Snowcat's situation.

Joker: << Aye. It's time to leave, make for best speed out of the AO, moving to cover your exit. >>

True to his word, Joker would move to cover Snowcat's exit, bringing up the rear as his own RWR sounded. He brought his aircraft near Panther's, who was also undoubtedly being locked, and dropped chaff, covering both planes from the incoming long range missiles. Once the Dorusians closed in, Joker turned around to engage. The nearest plane was within gun range.

Joker: << Guns guns guns >>

The enemy broke off in an elegant maneuver, their wingman bearing down on Joker as his RWR sounded. Juking and jinking and eventually dropping flares he evaded the missile, before acquiring his own lock on another F-15 that was pursuing the fleeing SAF planes. << Fox two >> Of course the missile was trashed, but it bought some time, disrupting one more pursuer. Another such opportunity presented itself.

Joker: << Fox Two! >>

Once again the missile was trashed. Joker now found himself in a hard place, multiple enemy fighters swarming in on him. His RWR sounded, and he evaded the missile, only for a lucky burst from another attacker to pepper his airframe. No real damage, but he wouldn't want another round of that. He evaded as he edged his way away from the enemy, towards the edge of the AO as best he could.

Joker: << A little help, maybe? >>

---

Second Lieutenant Alexander Tolshev
Valley of the Kings
February 7, 1993

Hazard: << Fox-3, Fox-3, Fox-3, Fox-3 >>

The four long range missiles arcing across the sky as the enemy squadron closed. Two found their mark, downing two of the Su-27s of Pawn.

Hazard: << Confirming two kills, running low on munitions. Over. >>

He spoke before diving into the fray as the two sides eventually ended up in a furball of dogfighting and games of cat and mouse. Hazard was no exception, gaining the attention of a duo of Pawns, likely wing mates, as they relentlessly pursued him through the mess.

Hazard: << I've got enemy fighters bearing down on my rear, I could use some help! >>

[Empire of Donner land]

Amabel Allard "Knot"
Feburary 7, 1992 // Kao Highlands, Nonsan, Seian


Knot could see a pillar of smoke rising into the sky, lead by the light of a rocket engine, someone was being engaged by the SAM, but by doing that, Knot could exactly tell where the SAM was now from the plume of smoke. Panic crackled from the radio as the effects of the SAM being allowed to launch got to Amabel.

<< PANTHER: Serpent was hit! >>

<< SERPENT: I'm fine. Only a scratch. I'm ready to respond in kind. >>

<< PANTHER: Copy that. Leading the way. Do try to keep your head down. >>

Just over the ridge of the canyon, half focused on them and half focused on flying, she could spot the wounded Serpent and the incoming Panther fly in for the assault on their assailant. They began their run, diving below the ridge out of Knot's sight. She worried, but only just until the duo raised above the ridge once more to reveal they were okay.

<< KNOT: Alright, it's my turn, I'll mop them up. Going for guns. >>

The Nammer pulled sharply up and to the left out of the canyon in a corkscrew fashion, for a moment as she flew over the ridge above her was the trees, below, the sky until she returned to level flight. To the twelve o'clock was the smoke plume, marking the location of the SAM emplacement. There was already oily black smoke rising from the site, marking the pass of Serpent and Panther. For a moment, the SAM crewmembers would have felt safe as the two other aircraft left, only for a third blip to appear on the screen out of nowhere.

With the flick of a switch, the H.U.D switched to gunnery and the roar of twin thirty-millimeter auto-cannons shook the aircraft like a ravaging earthquake. The tracers landed squarely where she intended as the entire site began to be blanketed by dirt, sparks, fire, and dust kicked up by the High Explosive Incendiary. Amabel could spot three large explosions shake the ground around the area kicking up dust, just before pulling up and away to the west. However, before departing the area, the Anti-Air had kept their cool, locking on to Knot and letting loose a cloud of fire as she departed. It was inaccurate for sure, but all of a sudden she heard a loud bang and felt the aircraft shudder from the right side just as she was leaving engagement range. Looking, Amabel saw a hole in the wing with a liquid of some sort streaming out, hydraulic fluid.

<< KNOT: Confirming kills on SAMs, hit in my right wing, hydraulic leak. Might lose right control surfaces soon. >>

<< PANTHER: Radar is still pinging me!? Dammit. Where's it coming from? >>

<< SERPENT: It doesn't matter. We're done. >>

<< PANTHER: Shit. Confirming missile launch! >>

A missile streaked above her, slamming directly into Panther. She hadn't seen any enemy air contacts on her radar, they couldn't possibly be intercepted by the Dorusians. Panther's Mirage sputtered and let forth a stream of smoke. Amabel didn't want to believe that for once it was Morena, or who were truly left of it, on the back foot.

<< PANTHER: I'm okay! Dammit. Dammit. Come on! I'm still being targeted! >>

<< FAMINE 2-2: Still airborne. >>

<< FAMINE 2-1: Then put him down. >>

<< FAMINE 1-1: It's the mercenaries. Good, I was hoping for a challenge. >>

<< PLAGUE 1: Don't waste time. Hurry and shoot them down before they even think about running. >>

In seconds they were placed completely within the mercy of the Enemy, arriving out of nowhere, with the aim of slaughtering them.

<< JOKER: I'm jettisoning all my remaining air-to-ground munitions. And my tanks. Myojin-1, I recommend we walk Snowcat out. >>

<< SNOWCAT: Snowcat-1 to Myojin, Snowcat-1 to Myojin. Snowcat has taken received critical unit damage. We are pulling out. Repeat, we are pulling out. I highly advise you do the same. Plus we could use the help in escorting our injured. >>

<< JOKER: Aye. It's time to leave, make for best speed out of the AO, moving to cover your exit. >>

<< KNOT: Copy. >>

The Nammer stuck low and fast away from the now arriving contacts, in hopes of getting away fast enough, but that wasn't an option she realized. They likely had the energy and altitude advantage with F-15 aircraft. If they wanted to live, they had to do a fighting retreat. It was then she heard Joker over the radio as she made her way west over the noise of combat, Joker just ahead of her.

<< JOKER: A little help maybe? >>

<< KNOT: Coming to assist, jink right! >>

An F-15 was coming in again on Joker's tail for another gun run, Knot switched the H.U.D's mode from gunnery and locked them with an R-530, firing as soon as she received tone. It wasn't a good lock, but it would do to get the F-15 off his tail.

<< KNOT: Fox 3! >>

The F-15 let out flares and chaff, expertly rolling upside down and pulling towards the earth in a High G turn. The R-530 was trashed almost as soon as it left the rails, going for the Chaff and curving way off into the distance. A second F-15 coming from above, the other's wingman, was undoubtedly waiting for missile tone to fire a second missile at Joker. Knot pulled up, switching to heatseekers, the sidewinder growled as it caught sight of the F-15's burning hot engines. Knot let it loose from its leash on the rail and away, yet again another trashed missile as the F-15 released flares and pulled away from their attack on Joker.

She kept eyes on them as she banked hard to the north, releasing some flares to get their attention. The F-15 pilots would surely go after the next best thing available after their attempt at shooting down Joker was foiled. She appeared to be correct after getting simultaneously radar locked, the RWR screaming.

<< KNOT: You're clear Joker, but now they're locking me. We just have to keep this up going west! Fighting retreat!>>

---

Knot Loadout
-100x 30mm HEI (x2 30mm DEFA Cannons)
-3x AIM-9
-3x AIM-120 AMRAAM
-1x R-530 Semi-Active Radar Missiles

--Kills
-3x G-SAM | Eastern Sector