WFF: Patchwork Shredder [IC|Private]

by **Da Liang** » Tue Feb 12, 2019 2:27 am

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OP's Note

This is the IC thread for the Without Fear or Favor arc, Patchwork Shredder. Relevant information is in the OOC thread.

Pre-War Documentary

November 13, 375 AC - Da Liang's Premier, Chen Ziqing, promulgated the National Unification Promotion Law of Sinica, also known as the One Sinica Law, after it passed as the 6th Annual Session of the National People’s Congress. With this together with his slogan of “Onwards Towards the Nation’s Prosperity”, the Vermillion Bird is at the climax of his influence and popularity.

February 15, 391 AC - The Premier declared that Da Liang will begin to enforce the One Sinica Law and that he states that he will put forward Sinica’s will to retrieve all of its lost territories that had “underwent a state of rebellion” even if it meant “walking through the border and taking the entire lot by force.”

February 22, 391 - The government of Da Liang made demands to both the Tianlei Clan and Jubian Tianguo for a peaceful surrender alongside the mobilization of troops under the Western Theater Command towards the borders, the Sinican Premier guaranteed that “both parties will receive lenient treatment should they decide to obey Sinican Law.” Both nations rejected Da Liang’s demand and retaliated by amassing their own troops to each of their respective borders with Da Liang.

August 20, 391 AC - The governments of Tianlei Clan and Jubian Tianguo formed a defensive with each other and they also managed to secure a pact with Heishan Juntuan on the premise that all three nations viewed Da Liang as a growing threat to their sovereignty. Heishan Juntuan also mobilized its troops to Da Liang's border, in which the latter quickly responded to an amassment of their own troops.

December 7, 391 AC - Da Liang began the naval blockade of the Tianlei Clan, with the People’s Revolutionary Army Navy preventing any vessels from going in or out from the country, Chen Ziqing bluntly states that “the PRAN can level the entire lot if the situation calls for it.”

January 15, 392 AC - An explosion of unknown origin strikes the stern of a PRAN destroyer that was part of the blockade and rendered the ship motionless. The People’s Bureau released a statement that it was an anti-ship missile attack from the Tianlei Clan which caused tensions between Da Liang and the Tianlei Clan to skyrocket even further.

February 5, 392 AC - When Da Liang saw that diplomatic negotiations no longer are seen as necessary nor of use, Da Liang recalls all of its ambassadors in the Tianlei Clan after transmitting a declaration of war an hour past midnight, starting the conflict that is known as the Sinican New Year War.

by **Etoile Marin** » Mon Feb 18, 2019 12:19 pm

16 March, A.C. 391

Nakagiso, Utsan
The Nakagiso-Dairi

(Ex-Captain) Harrison Ward

The last week and a half had been a very chaotic one for former pilot Harrison Ward, who was one of the most notable Siedunlander nationals that fled to Utsan after the 3/2 Bombings^[1]. On the third, he’d been given permission to fly his Kel^[2] to an airport, and from there take a civilian flight to Koshozan. Luckily for him, Koshozan was one of the cities in Utsan that was directly governed by the Shōgun of Utsan. Once he arrived there, the Utsanji authorities had been ‘notified’ that he had arrived and quickly arrested him. In reality, he, the Siedunlander government and the Utsanji government had planned his arrival in advance, and he wasn’t even really arrested. Sure, he was being held in a dark, secretive chamber somewhere in Nakagiso-Dairi^[3] for security reasons, but his accommodations were infinitely better than what he could expect if he were arrested by the Aenaran authorities for nuking the Mount of Orchids^[4].

Harrison Ward was part of a ‘pool’ of “acceptable” Siedunlander military and civilian officials and workers who were given two options: either face life sentences or death penalties in an Aenaran court, or migrate to Utsan, give up their Siedunlander citizenship, and take jobs in the Government. In Ward’s case, he had been tipped off prior to today what job he was most likely going to get: some sort of administrative position in Utsan’s Air Force. Ward thought it was deeply ironic, but it seemed as if Utsan placed at least some interest in his air force career, which he liked. Yesterday, he had been covertly moved by some Utsanji spooks, he didn’t know who they were, to Nakagiso - the traditional capital of Utsan. There, he and everyone else in the ‘pool’ that had made it to Utsan would be signing a “Reformed Relationship Plan”, to finalize the deal officially.

The remote chamber he was being held in finally saw the light of day as two individuals, clad in traditional lamellar armor designed to reflect the spiritualism of Utsanji warriors, entered. Their faces were obscured by masks bearing demonic visages, and despite their seemingly outdated kit there were definitely Kevlar elements included on them: tameshi gusoku^[5], the Utsanji called it. “Bullet-tested armor.” Few Utsanji soldiers ever wore these kinds of equipment. Long curved blades and sidearms remained at their sides, their makes unknown.

The rather comically traditional “costume” these people held was so odd as to make the situation Ward found himself in almost funny, but he had gathered over the last week that these people, as outdated as their clothes and weapons were, were certainly to be feared. He looked towards the door, eyes partly blinded by the sudden flash of light.

The two armored figures nodded to each other; as one began to approach him the other motioned behind him. “The Shōgun may see you now, Captain Harrison Ward.” He spoke, albeit in a broken Siedunlander dialect. They probably weren’t well versed in his language. The other one approaching him had released him of his bindings, as the two stepped aside to let him depart the chamber.

The former pilot nodded as he moved his now unbinded hands around, perhaps just to make sure they were still working, or something like that. Sticking a hand in his hair to quickly brush it aside, he stood up and walked forward out.

He’d found himself in what seemed to be an ornate hallway, decorated in fine paper and wood detailing left and right. A few well dressed aides, some in suits, other in traditional robes, were passing through in an apparent hurry. They held various items from papers to folders to small cases of leather, but all of them seemed to be headed for the same place.

“This way to the Throne Hall,” One of Ward’s escorts informed him, proceeding down the hall after the same aides, his armor echoing loud noises about the building.

Ward followed his guard and the aids, looking around at the elaborate design choices made with Nakagiso-Dairi’s castle.

Eventually, they entered what could only be befit to be called a Throne Hall; the innermost sanctum of the Nakagiso-Dairi. A rectangular hall designed in the shinden style for palatial architecture, it was filled currently with a host of people: both Utsanji and Siedunlander in origin. Multiple other Siedunlander politicians and diplomats had been gathered in the Throne Hall to kneel - notably among other Utsanji officials doing the same along the sides of the chamber - before the titular throne itself. A mastercrafted piece of furniture adorned in golden dragon heads spiraling around the edges of the throne.

Seated upon it was Shōgun Nobunaka Akano herself, the youthful woman and effective dictator of the neofeudalistic society that would be the savior of these Siedunlanders. At least, on paper that’s what it should have been. She wore her iconic regal garb, a cap bearing the fanning-sun mon of her family clan upon her head. Two dozen more royal-appearing guards, bearing obscure weaponry and more traditional clothing as the aides wore, flanked either side of the Throne Room. The procession seemed well defended, implying the Shōgun took this event seriously.

With the scene laid out before him, his escort stepped back to allow him to join his peers. Nobunaka’s eyes were on him as the Hall lay silent, awaiting his arrival.

The cue was rather obvious for Ward, he could see what he was expected to do. Walking forward again, he sought out a space where he could kneel, since that’s what the others were doing. Finding one, he approached it, crouched to his knees, rested his legs on the ground and kneeled.

“It is an honor to host a court of Siedunland’s most prestigious officials here in Utsan,” Nobunaka began, speaking their language fluently. After she spoke, a translator would convey the same message in Utsanji for the remaining court officials. “I understand what your nation.. what your people are going through at this time, and I speak for all of us here when I remind you of our sympathies. Our common enemy has wronged your civilization, and will seek to..” Her eyes momentarily drifted to Ward in particular. “..prosecute certain individuals among you, without relent.”

“Therefore,” She rose, holding her hands behind her back and looking out over the group. “I have assembled you here under the guise of the arranged state arrests to make you a proposition. Our governments are in understanding that it is best to see as many state officials of Siedunland as possible receive shelter here in Utsan. I have drafted an international reform known as the ‘Reformed Relationship Plan.’^[6] Copies will be passed about to you all to read in detail.”

Aides came out from the sides to courteously provide each of the officials with a transcript of the document she was referring to - these were the papers the aides had been rushing to get here earlier with. It wasn’t a particularly large agreement, but it’s intention was clear: it was a contract.

“I’ll make it brief, for those of you looking to skip to the important parts.” She added. “It’s a binding contract that forfeits your citizenship and allegiance to the Republic of Siedunland, and acknowledges your employment with the Utsanji Bakufu. The details are all provided in the plan and will be made public after your agreement. If there are any questions, you may ask them now.” She concluded, taking her seat once more and observing the group before her.

It was the best she could provide, ultimately. The government of Siedunland had made a quick call to have Utsan shelter them, and this was their response to that.

The mass of Siedunlander’s present began to read, noting the terms of the treaty and talking amongst themselves. One of those present rose their hand, the group quieted down so he could ask his question. “Will our positions in the Bakufu being assigned or are we to choose them?”

The Shōgun was quick to respond. “You will be offered an opportunity to decide which branch of the Bakufu you wish to seek employment in. Afterwards, that Ministry will ensure you will receive a position equal or closest to what you previously did in your homeland. The list of our Ministries are listed on the plan, and our respective Ministers..”

She swept her hand out to the other rather finely dressed men and women seated on ornate cushions on either side of the Throne Hall, sitting formally and being respectfully quiet and observant of the gathering. Each one had a completely different scheme to their robes and fancy hats, but it made no mistaken impression: these were the Ministers of the Bakufu, hand-appointed by the Shōgun herself.

“After your choice of Ministry is made you are welcome to meet with them and discuss your position in greater detail.” She added, leaving the prospect of them even being able to bargain for a higher position on the table.

Ward personally thought it interesting that what he’d been told was in fact false: he wasn’t being assigned to the Ministry of War^[7]. However, as he mulled his choices, he thought that maybe Ministry of War was certainly a good choice: being a military man, he’d have some experience in the field. As the various gathered Siedunlanders dispersed, he went over to what he assumed was the War Minister, as some other higher-up military officials congregated there.

He couldn’t help but appreciate that all these big-time higher-ups were all down to the same level as him: people coming to a foreign country like this out of fear for their lives, or of a jail sentence.

The Minister of War noticed when he recalled that Ward, unlike many of the other officials, was a particularly noteworthy man unlike the others. He made a mention of this in Utsanji to one of his aides, who relayed it to the Shōgun as she was about to close the audience.
“Oh, Ward-san.” Nobunaka called towards the congregation by the Minister of War. “I figured you’d be looking for a job in that Ministry, so I’ve informed him ahead of time to ensure you’re given something worthwhile.” She sounded reassuring, though in reality it was necessary; he’d been the man to ‘do the deed’ after all. No doubt certain nations would be after him.

Ward paused. Wait, was the Shōgun, this hyped up leader of Utsan speaking directly to him? Being surprised, he gave a simple nod and turned back to the Minister of War.

With the officials consorting with their respective Ministers, who would begin to order for transport to their respective wings in the castle or to make arrangements for their new hires elsewhere, it seemed all but said and done. The Minister of War in particular was looking to see what experience and positions his new clique of ‘Utsanji-Siedunlanders’[sup[8][/sup] had to offer, and instructed them to meet with him at Keikadon Station, Ezo^[9]. It was a ways up north, out of sight and out of mind for most military administration. Though, in reality it was the fief he controlled personally.

Thus the Shōgun’s promise had been fulfilled, and whether or not the world liked it, these Siedunlanders would find new homes in the safety of Utsan waiting to welcome them.

CONTEXT NOTES

1 - 3/2 Bombings - The 3/2 Bombings were a series of two nuclear bombings conducted by Siedunland’s Air Force. One of the attacks annihilated the Siedunlander city of McClarksstead and roughly ten thousand Aenaran soldiers, the pilot responsible for dropping the bomb was accidentally killed by the explosion. The other attack destroyed the Mount of Orchids, one of the most important Tsionist sites in the world, killing over 500,000 Aenaran civilians. Harrison Ward was the man responsible for destroying the Mount of Orchids.

2 - Kel - The Kel is one of the most widely-used planes in Siedunland’s air force.

3 - Nakagiso-Dairi - The Grand Palace of Utsan, where the Emperor of Utsan once ruled, now a traditional residence for the Shōgun. While not being used for its original intention, the location is frequently the site of international dialogue occurring on Utsan behind closed doors.

4 - Mount of Orchids - The Mount of Orchids was one of the most important Tsionist sites, revered for being the place where Gideon, the leader of the Manaean colonizers that settled Aenara died. The Mount of Orchids itself was wiped off the face of Tsion.

5 - tameshi gusoku - A type of antique and ceremonial armor design, albeit one incorporating modern characteristics. Designed to resemble the usual adherent of Bushido thought and oftentimes seen accompanied by a demonic-visage, these modern armor kits are potent bulletproof kits that certain Utsanji special forces utilize. Their exact details, however, remain largely classified.

6 - Reformed Relationship Plan - An intricate diplomatic document of international recognition planned from the start by the Siedunland and Utsanji governments in order to facilitate the transference of Siedunlander political officials seeking asylum from so-called “international law.” The RRP exists within the legal limitations of the Shogunate and is compliant with all treaties Utsan, or the Empire of Utsan, has ratified since the very Calamity itself. While it has caused criticism from foreign powers, it is responsible for the successful inclusion of Siedunlanders in the Bakufu.

7 - Ministry of War - A ministry of the Bakufu responsible for largely all aspects of governmental military affairs. It receives the largest benefits of the Shogunate’s administration, and is responsible for the coordination of the Bakufu’s own levies directly.

8 - Utsanji-Siedunlanders - A fictional ethnic group within Utsan, one created by the Reformed Relationship Plan. In the year 392, they will be included as an official minority group within the Shogunate.

9 - Keikadon Station - A military facility remote from the remainder of Utsan, in that it is situated between three distinct mountain ranges. The facility itself lies on a small lake, with bridges leading out to three corners of it and connecting to roadways leaving out of the mountains. The facility is sometimes referred to as the “Iron Prison,” as it was once where the Empire of Utsan kept its POWs of political interest. Now, the Minister of War in power holds it as a personal fief.

by **Western Pacific Territories** » Thu Feb 21, 2019 7:15 pm

2 March, A.C. 392

Naiko, Utsan
Ogosoka-shin'in, Kinrei-jō

(Ex-Captain) Harrison Ward

Naiko was a city of splendor unlike any other in the otherwise warped nation of Utsan. The military government organizing the state frequently left this paradise of post-modernist capitalism to its own evolutions, taking care to exempt it from the more chaotic and decentralized nature of the Shogunate. In this sprawling city, skyscrapers able to touch the edge of the sky rose above dozens upon dozens of offices, business complexes and various corporate headquarters. Prestigious universities such as the International Academy and state buildings such as the Castle of Gold were hardly eclipsed by the vision of consumerism surrounding them. Nor did this make an exception to the center of judicial law from a past self of Utsan, the Ogosoka-shin'in. “The Majesty’s Court of Judicature,” they called it. Once it’d been the focal point of imperial judgement, now it was barely used by the Rōjū^[1] themselves. However, today would be a particular exception to this.

It was the day former Captain Harrison Ward, now Major Harrison Ward of the Ministry of War, would be put before an international tribunal to discuss, and judge, the ramifications of his actions in the War of Siedunlander Aggression. It was also the one-year anniversary since the fated incident he caused: the atomic annihilation of the Mount of Orchids.

Now, leaders and judiciary teams from various participatory nations - Aenara, Siedunland, and Utsan primarily - had come to see the trial through. It was all being organized by the Bakufu, who openly welcomed civilized nations to observe if they felt so inclined, but ultimately they ensured the trial would only be conducted by the select few involved. Interestingly, this would be the first court session in centuries to utilize the uniquely modelled International Codes of Law^[2] mandated by the Empire of Utsan. At this point it would depend on Shogun Nobunaka Akano to preside over and moderate the tribunal that would transpire - and ideally her Rōjū would acknowledge a fair and justly sentence should Ward, or others, be found guilty.

In the last year, Ward had certainly led a colorful life. Working in Keikadon with the Utsanji Army, he had managed to accumulate quite a few ranks in the Army, and he was now currently a Major, although given the circumstances, he doubted that he would ever rank up past Major, unless Utsan gave out posthumous promotions. Having his own legal team, the government of Siedunland, Ward had come up with a basic plan. When he first heard that Utsan was agreeing to let the Aenarans have a trial, he could see the writing on the wall. As far as he was concerned, the sentence may as well have already been given, particularly when he found out exactly what he was being charged with. Five hundred thousand separate counts of murder.

He almost laughed when he heard the exact number, and joked that he would have a heart attack before they could finish listing all the counts in the courtroom. Thus, in the last month or so his perspective on death had changed: he knew now that it was either going to be the Aenarans giving it, or himself. Shortly afterwards, he went for a brisk jog in the middle of the winter to see if he would catch pneumonia, but that didn’t pan out, so he decided to proceed with the trial in Naiko instead, wondering what lay in store for him.

Federal Prosecutor Nathaniel Ryder awaited the arrival of his wife and children at Nº 1 Urahara International Airport. Having flown to Utsan from Aenara two months prior after the signing of the Naiko Accords^[3], the workaholic prosecutor had not seen his family since, save for late night video calls. The sensitive nature of this case - the War Crimes trial of Harrison Ward - did not allow for the Federal Security Bureau^[4] to take into consideration the family life of the head prosecutor for the case. Summoned from his job at the National Security Department of the FSB, Ryder was chosen to be the special prosecutor of Captain Harrison Ward for dual reasons; his one hundred and ten percent commitment to his nation, and his ninety five percent conviction record at home. No prosecutor commanded a greater amount of confidence, and so Ryder was awarded this grim honor.

These measures proved to be justified. Ryder had never worked a more taxing case in his life, not counting the geopolitical concerns at hand and the unique implications of the case. He had to pore over centuries-old extant international law, coordinate the location of the archives of a collapsed Government halfway across the world, and formulate a cohesive legal argument that would hold enough weight to bring down an individual responsible for the death of half a million of his fellow countrymen. A tall task for any man - but one that, considering the circumstances, would be unpatriotic to turn down for want of anything but ability.

However, as Ryder tapped his foot and continually glanced from terminal to phone, and terminal to phone again, he felt that he had done his level best to prepare for this moment. Today, he would deliver the argument; no, the truth of the actions undertaken by Captain Harrison Ward. Today, he would secure justice for both the Aenarans incinerated in nuclear hellfire upon the Mount of Orchids, and their families, who had holes torn out of their lives by the actions of Captain Ward. Today he would repair the national honor insulted and stepped upon by the nuclear atttack. Today, Ryder would begin the process of the Aenaran nation’s healing.

Such thoughts had held real estate in the prosecutor’s mind for months - and today, March the Second, of 392 A.C, he would finally be able to bring them to bear in the court in the righteous cause of the pursuit of justice. His mind was pondering the nature of justice when his family found him, which may have explained the peculiar look of anticipation and sorrow on the man’s face before he ran into the arms of his waiting wife and children.

Just after turnover from noon, the gathered parties had assembled in the primary chamber of the Ogosoka-shin'in to convene. Numerous officials from Utsan had assembled in the gallery, rows upon rows of seats overlooking the primary court in which the respective parties would conduct the trial in. Many of these appeared to be daimyō of the Shogunate, but there were others too: board members from the International Academy’s department of law, corporate officials involved in various aspects of Naiko’s capital life, and even a few military officers from the various branches. Observers from abroad mingled in the gallery as well, some from Euphemie, others from Etoile Marin, and various other Ophiric nations who had taken interest in the tribunal.

On the court floor itself, they had situated the respective parties into three boards: the defense council on the right, which was currently held by the Siedunlander Emergency Committee - that is, those members of Siedunland’s government that hadn’t been properly tried yet, including but not limited to the President and the Minister of Defense. On the left was where the prosecuting council was gathered, held by the Aenaran delegation from the Federal Security Bureau to act on behalf of the nation at large. Situated centermost to both and elevated to highlight its status was the judicial panel; here, the rōjū were gathered six strong in sets of three on either side of Shogun Nobunaka Akano herself, who would be presiding over the trial. Just below their stand, two provided interpreters would help facilitate communication barriers between any individuals and a humble scribe would record the events of the court. Between all three, a single stand intended for the witness would be the podium at which Harrison Ward himself would be judged; on either side of him, a pair of clan guards separated the gallery from the court scene.

With the assembled parties gathered, it was time to commence the trial. Preliminary setup had been finished across the board, and it was the Shogun’s time to announce its beginning.

“The First International Court of Law and War^[5] seen in over 3 centuries will now commence.” She began. “I wish to first thank each and every one of you assembled here today for agreeing to restore this ancient custom of international justice, so that we may resolve the contentious crimes that have been presented over the past year between our peoples. With that said, allow me to instruct the respective parties of how this tribunal will be conducted.”

She gave curt nods to the six assembled men joining her on the judicial panel, each one clad in the honorable robing of their respective clans and bearing symbols of the Shogunate. “These men constitute the Utsanji rōjū. They represent the judicial body of the nation and, in this specific situation, are the legal council that will preside over this court. Following Imperial tradition, the rōjū will only give their assent as to if a sentence is deemed reasonable within international codes. Furthermore, they will be responsible alongside myself for moderating this tribunal. If there are no immediate interruptions, I shall declare this court in session.”

There was a brief, deep toned ringing of a bell that echoed throughout the chamber^[6], the mood and context set.

“It shall be noted by the scribe that prior events have been heard and acknowledged by both parties prior to this tribunal. We will begin this session by hearing from Major Harrison Ward, of the Utsanji Army, formerly Captain Harrison Ward of the Siedunland Air Force, in regards to his accounts of the charges being presented upon him. For those unaware, the scribe may note the charges being pressed on Mr. Ward are 500,000 counts of murder and crimes against humanity. The verdict will be determined after both sides are willing to conclude their conduct.”

“Mr. Ward,” Nobunaka concluded with a curt nod. “You may speak to the court.”

“Hello. To all those present here today, the observers, the prosecutors, and the judges, I would like to begin this trial, by pronouncing my innocence towards the charges levied against me in this court of law. Me, and my defensive team endeavor to prove to all those gathered here that the basis on which Aenara tries to accuse me of the individual murders of every person killed in the nuclear bombing of the Mount of Orchids, is unsound by the verdict of previous cases presided under the legal system this court will follow.”

After this rather long opening, Ward coughed before continuing. “The basis under which I argue this is that not every soldier who could be considered as having violated the International Codes of Law has been prosecuted, on the condition that they were ordered to do so. I did not make the decision to use a nuclear weapon independently of the wishes of my superiors, rather, I was ordered to do so, and I followed my orders given the legal consequences that would result for me, had I chose to disobey my orders. I will also argue that the prosecutors have chosen to inflict cruel and unusual punishment upon me by filing an excessive, and arbitrary amount of charges against me needlessly, and I ask that the charges hence be reconsidered.”

Nobunaka nodded to the conclusion of his opening speech. “The presiding council will reconsider the charges Aenara has presented only after the Aenaran prosecution has spoken in defense of them. The prosecution may now speak.”

Nathaniel Ryder nodded his acknowledgement, then strode to the prosecution’s podium to provide his retort.

“I wish to issue the thanks of the Aenaran people to our gracious Utsanji hosts, who have deigned to allow this trial to be held. We are all grateful for the opportunity to work towards the fulfillment of international justice. Now, however, onto the matter at hand. Captain Ward’s excuse has been used an incalculable amount of times in history. It takes various forms, but can always be boiled down to three words: ‘just following orders.’ This defense has been used by war criminals, money launderers, gang members, and perpetrators of genocide - Captain Ward’s company in using this defense is illusory of his character. The phrase ‘I was just following orders’ shows a complete and total abrogation of personal responsibility for one’s actions, and is not conducive to civilized society. We all, always, have a choice. That choice may not be easy, but it is always available.”

“Captain Ward made his choice. His choice was to execute the nuclear annihilation of a peaceful city of religious devotees who posed absolutely no military threat. All humans possess a collective responsibility to uphold the sanctity of life, and Captain Ward did not fulfill that responsibility. He could have refused to drop that weapon; no hand forced him to do so in that cockpit. He could have flown into neutral territory. He could have gone AWOL. He did not. This order may have been lawful in Siedunlander terms, but to attack a civilian target with nuclear weapons breaks every principle of the common laws of humanity that bind all men. Your Honor, the belief that the fact one was ‘just following orders’ caused the Calamity. Captain Ward, were he alive then, would have offered himself as a willing instrument of the forces that destroyed this world and killed billions. Tsion cannot allow their ilk to exist in our society; we must learn our lesson and punish any individual who is willing to carry out evil. Thank you.”

Ward noted what the prosecutor had to say, and then responded, now that he couldn’t read off a speech, he would have to improvise a speech.

“In my defense, I would like to say this.

The actions I performed, that led to me being present here today, were of course incredibly flawed in a moral sense. It was an unjust action, and deeply regretful, but, we are here to determine the guilt that I must bear in this court of law for my actions, and I would argue that I am not able to be considered responsible for my actions by this court: Rather, my defense can be.”

Ward looked towards his country’s president and the various other government officials seated next to him. Clearly they had discussed prior to the trial and concluded that the government should take blame, but only one person, the Minister of Justice, had the courage to nod his head in acknowledgement.

Ryder shook his head disapprovingly, and grasped the podium. “Captain Ward, have you not paid attention at all to the Charter of this Court? Consult Article 7 - Individual Criminal Responsibility. Clearly stated in Section 4, “the fact that an accused person acted pursuant to an order of a Government or of a superior shall not relieve him of criminal responsibility.” I do agree with you, your President is ultimately responsible aswell. However, the culpability of your government does not commute yours. As a commissioned officer of the Siedunlander Air Force, you were just as responsible legally for dropping that warhead as the President was, under Article 7(4)^[7] and Article 7(1)^[8]. “A person who planned, instigated, ordered, committed or otherwise aided and abetted in the planning, preparation or execution of a crime referred to in articles 2 to 5 of the present Statute, shall be individually responsible for the crime.” You concede that you committed this crime, and by the charter of this Court, are individually responsible. This is beyond meaningful dispute. As an Officer of the Siedunlander Air Force, you had the autonomy necessary to use your judgment in that situation. The call your judgment made was the wrong one. Your indictment under Article 5(A)^[9] is clear - you committed a crime against the whole of humanity, and abrogated your responsibility in doing so. You tarnish military honor.”

The presiding council inclined to give a token of input on behalf of one of the rōjū, a Yamashito Takeda, once the Aenaran prosecution concluded their statement.

Prosecutor Ryder nodded affirmatively to the Utsanji.

He spoke a long string of words in Utsanji at first, then was echoed by one of the interpreters to translate accordingly. “The Presiding Council wishes to remind the participatory parties that the legal responsibility of the accused is indeed in accordance with Article 7 of Individual Criminal Responsibility. It should be noted, however, that the charges being pressed against Mr. Ward do not fall under accordance with article 2 of the present Statute. It does fall under accordance with article 5(A), however. We wish to make it known the Presiding Council will only judge in compliance with the legality of our forefathers’ instruction. You may proceed.”

Ward looked away from the translator and back towards Ryder, to give his response. “In regards to article 5, section 1, I would like to argue to the court that my actions were performed as a wartime act, and do not constitute murder. Murder is the unlawful killing of another person without justification with malice. I argue thusly that my actions were lawful under Siedunland law, that I had justification in that I was obligated to follow orders, and that I did not hold malice against any of the people my bomb killed.”

Ryder seemed to be befuddled. “Captain Ward, you dropped a nuclear device upon a city that was not a military target. Siedunland occupied it on February 10th, and withdrew shortly before the warhead was dropped. It was an open city, and not justified in any manner. It posed no military threat or utility at all. Your Honor, may we compel the Minister of Defense to testify as to the military situation of the Mount of Orchids?”

Ward turned to the Minister of Defense, who proceeded to give his piece. “There were no Siedunlander troops or civilians in the Mount of Orchids at the time the incident occurred.”

“Thank you, Minister.” Ryder continued. “Murder is a subjective term, and therefore, I humbly ask that the Judges define it for the purposes of this trial such that we may prove Captain Ward is guilty of it.”

The rōjū looked down to one of their line in particular upon their indication: Takahara Kaguya, the only female one of the group and also a vice head of the Ministry of Inner Affairs; the most involved branch of government responsible for judiciary and moderating responsibilities. “The Presiding Council will answer with an informative about the Imperial process of law. Under a civil code, it follows definitions interpreted from civilizations predating the Calamity, and continues to do so to this day. In this code, it is acknowledged that murder is one of several components of our definition of intentional homicide. The definition of intentional homicide in the International Codes of Law, as written and utilized by the Empire of Utsan and in this court, is the ‘unlawful death inflicted upon a person with the intent to cause death or serious injury.’”

The Shogun, interestingly enough, spoke up after this. “Both parties will be reminded that the definition of intentional homicide in the ICL is composed of three specific elements. The objective, being the other person that is killed. The subjective, being the intent of the perpetrator, and the legal element, being the lawfulness of the perpetrator being liable for the death. It is in this law that, regardless of national legislatures or practices, intentional homicide is defined.”

Takahara Kaguya nodded to her superior, before turning back to the Aenaran prosecution. “Does this answer your question, Prosecutor?”

“Partially, Ma’am. I have one follow-up question. The statute that established this Tribunal is the authoritative law referred to in the third element, correct?”

“That is correct, Prosecutor.”

“Thank you. As I was saying, Your Honor, Captain Ward is demonstrably guilty of murder as the Court has defined it. The objective aspect is not disputed - Captain Ward dropped the nuclear warhead upon the Mount of Orchids. The aspect of intent is similarly clear. Military procedures ensure that all pilots carrying nuclear certification are aware of the damage their weapons are capable of, and Captain Ward was aware of the target of his mission. Under the law of this tribunal, the pertinent sections being Article 5(A), 7(1), and 7(4), Captain Ward is legally and individually responsible for the legal repercussions of the actions. He acted as he did without duress, and with full knowledge of the consequences of his actions. His responsibility is absolute.”

Ward contemplated his response. Ryder seemed to be repeating himself. Armed with this new definition for murder, which someone next to him scribbled down onto a piece of paper, he made his next argument.

“I cannot dispute Articles 7(1) and 7(4), but I can and will dispute Article 5(A). This court defines it as ‘Unlawful death inflicted upon a person with the intent to cause death or serious injury.’, but I contend it was lawful. Siedunland declared war on Aenara, and Aenara declared war on Siedunland in response. There was a legal acceptance of the state of hostilities by all parties involved.”

“Captain Ward, I do not follow your logic. The law operating here is the Tribunal’s Charter, not vague abstractions of the ‘law of war.’ You cannot claim a blanket immunity to any action carried out just because there was a state of war. Aenara was declared war upon by Siedunland, recognized this, and you claim that recognition provides you the ability to kill Aenaran citizens at will? This doesn’t follow… The murder was unlawful because there was absolutely no military necessity. It was an open city on a non-contested portion of the border. No troops of any Army were within it - there were no extenuating circumstances. Killing civilians for no reason is murder. I must ask you, Captain Ward, did you at any time demur from this order? Ask why it was being issued?”

Ward continued. “Well you see Mr. Ryder, it appears that we are in a loop. We are in a loop because, as was stated, the definition of murder used in this court is ‘Unlawful death inflicted upon a person with the intent to cause death or serious injury.’, but what provision in the law used by this court determines what is lawful or unlawful?”

“The same distinction that judged whether a soldier is guilty of murder when he shoots another soldier; military necessity. This is a foundational concept of the laws of war, and you shouldn’t need it spoonfed to you. There is not room for ambiguity. You are guilty of killing civilians with no mitigating circumstances of necessity.”

The Shogun opted to respond as well to this, given it was in regards to the court’s determination of lawfulness. “I understand the logical fallacy in regards to what is determined at lawful within this court, in the context of intentional homicide. However,” She turned her head to the defense council, “the answer lies in the defense and prosecution. It is a widely known fact that throughout this world, the rules of engagement for conflict are set by their participants. It is this very reason that an international court was convened for the first time in centuries, in fact. In this case, what your nations have ruled as unlawful conduct in your war will be the law in which you are convicted or not.”

“Should this be absent, however..” She directed this part towards Mr. Ryder, as it fell on the prosecution to cite an exact clause by which Ward could be accused of this under, “The Presiding Council reserves a fundamental right to interject into the judicial process should the defense or prosecution be unable to provide. I trust both parties have an understanding of the laws of war they obliged to?”

Ward nodded, as did many of his fellow defense team members. “What if the rulings of Siedunland and Aenara on this topic differ?” he asked.

“I will repeat what I said before then.” Nobunaka said, looking towards Ward. “The Presiding Council reserves a fundamental right to interject into the judicial process should the defense or prosecution be unable to provide.”

“I appreciate your wise counsel,” Prosecutor Ryder stated. “Aenara understands the laws of war to revolve around one central principle; the balance of the accomplishment of military objectives with the preservation of human life. The respect of human life is paramount, but must always be considered in tandem with the accomplishment of military goals. This is why while a soldier shooting another soldier is a tragic but common event in warfare, bombing cities is an action almost never taken - and a controversial one when done. Aenara operated by these principles throughout the war, strictly limiting our strikes to military infrastructure for the vast majority of it. In response to Siedunland’s nuclear attacks, we expanded our strikes onto civilian infrastructure - however, we minimised their collateral damage as much as possible and always provided advanced notice. These are the laws of war as abided by Siedunland. War is a terrible thing, and must be prosecuted in such a manner as to limit loss of life and end the conflict expediently. Due to the fact that the nuclear bombing of the Mount of Orchids achieved no military aims, under Aenara’s understanding of the law of War, that bombing was an unjustified act of cruelty upon a defenseless civilian population. An unnecessary one - and therefore, an unjust one.”

Interestingly, before Ward could respond, the President of Siedunland, Reuben N. V. McKinnon decided to speak for Ward. “Siedunland’s laws of war would normally rule that the mass killing of civilians, such as in the nuclear bombing that occurred, would be unlawful under military law. However, prior to the bombings, I signed an executive order that overruled these laws in order to cut the legal binds preventing me from using nuclear weapons.”

Ryder gripped the podium and glared towards the President, before restraining his tone and looking back towards the Judges. “Your honors, the President has made this clear himself; under Siedunlander law, as legally constituted, Captain Ward is guilty of murder. The rule of law is such that it is larger than the whims of one man - even the President. Siedunland’s Presidency does not have absolute power of writ, with which to decide whether or not crimes are criminal or to apply the laws unequally. This Executive Order - if it exists, which is not a certainty, I might add - is certainly not legal, and therefore, does not relieve Captain Ward of legal culpability. I might also add that Siedunland’s military situation in no way necessitated this action. The nuclear attack upon the Mount of Orchids, as I may say again, was militarily useless.”

Ward responded. “At the time I performed the bombing these laws were not considered, well, law. Their authority had been stripped away, and I was acting under the authority that explicitly gave me legal permission to do what I did.”

Ryder smiled. “So, at the time of your attack, you mean to say that Siedunland had no laws applicable defining murder? That means the Utsanji definition applies, is that not correct, Your Honor?”

“That would be correct.” The Shogun responded, observing the situation unfolding.

Ward mulled what Ryder said. “No, prosecutor, I am implying that the specific articles of law governing the act of killing civilians were revised to include a provision allowing the usage of nuclear weaponry against enemy civilians.”

“Respectfully, Captain Ward, your accounts of this executive order are inconsistent. First criminal laws were nullified, and now, you were merely provided an exemption. Your Honor, I motion that the court refuse to recognize the legality of this Executive Order unless we are provided the full, legal text of the order. Otherwise, due to the varying descriptions provided by Captain Ward, it is nothing but hearsay.”

“I do admit that my initial description of the content of the Executive Order was poorly worded, and I ask that the court not consider my first description of the Executive Order. As for the Executive Order itself, it’s in the possession of another member of my Air Force Squadron.”

Ryder again grew mildly frustrated. “Captain Ward, I have been in prodigious contact with officials of both the Republic of Henderson^[10] and of Siedunland. Neither have ever attested - nor has anyone, I might add, before today - to the existence of this Executive Order. I, frankly, do not take your word that it exists, and if by some miracle it does, it obviously was not officiated and communicated through the proper legal channels - otherwise, there would have been a paper trail.”

“If this Executive Order that, supposedly, is the justification behind your actions Mr. Ward, then we should call this other member of your Air Force Squadron to the court, so that it may be presented as evidence. By the laws this court follows, if this evidence cannot be provided..” The Shogun didn’t have to say it a third time.

“Is this an agreeable course of actions for both parties, or is the evidence in question unable to be provided?” She asked, looking mainly at Ward now. The presiding council was no doubt suspicious of his mixed accounts regarding the executive order.

“I personally am not aware who possesses the copy of this Executive Order, but my squadron commander is aware. In fact, he may have kept it. I would recommend the court ask him, and from there, obtain the copy.” Ward stated.

“The presiding court will rule that this witness to the Executive Order should be brought to the court at their earliest convenience. I trust both parties to cooperate with the court as they try to gather the remaining evidence needed to pass a fair verdict on Mr. Ward here. Are there any further statements the participating parties would like to make?”

The prosecutor stood to attention. “Your Honors, Lieutenant Colonel Charles M Lyons is in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons^[11]. He is on death row, but will be brought to these proceedings before that sentence is carried out.”

Nobunaka stood up and bowed to both parties respectfully. “With this decided as the International Tribunal of Naiko’s first ruling, I will conclude this session for today. We will reconvene in two days, the morning of March 4th, to hear the evidence of Lieutenant Colonel Charles M Lyons, and determine how best to rule on the charges presented to Captain Harrison Ward.

by **Western Pacific Territories** » Thu Feb 21, 2019 7:17 pm

4 March, A.C. 392

Naiko, Utsan
Ogosoka-shin'in, Kinrei-jō

(Ex-Captain) Harrison Ward

Two days after the beginning of the International Tribunal of Naiko’s first session, the respective parties had reconvened with new evidence delivered to the court. Lieutenant Colonel Charles M Lyons, claimed to be in possession of said evidence, was expected to be delivered to the court by the Aenaran prosecution before the session would formally commence once more.

Flanked by two uniformed Aenaran soldiers, Lieutenant Colonel Charles M Lyons held his hands infront of him in plastic handcuffs and motioned for them to be taken off as he entered the courtroom. As one soldier ripped off the handcuffs, another patted Lyons down for anything that could possibly be used as a weapon - or an instrument of suicide. Finding nothing on him, Lyons was escorted to the witness stand and presented to the judges.

Standing at his rostrum, Prosecutor Ryder addressed the Judges. “Your honors, as promised, the Federal Bureau of Prisons has delivered Lieutenant Colonel Lyons. He has, in our courts, been convicted of multiple counts of war crimes. He is scheduled to be executed sometime in the next year. We present him for your inspection, and in hopes he will provide honest and true testimony.”

The Presiding Council, reassembled once more, gave their assent before Shogun Nobunaka proceeded to address the court. “The Presiding Council welcomes Lieutenant Colonel Lyons to the trial as a witness for Captain Harrison Ward. He has sworn to provide an honest and true testimony on the accounts of President Reuben N. V. McKinnon’s actions during the War of Siedunlander Aggression. With the gallery introduced, I hereby declare the second session of the International Tribunal of Naiko in session.”

Ward felt a small ping of annoyance upon hearing the words ‘Siedunlander Aggression’ used to describe the conflict, but he was more relieved that the trial could continue. He hadn’t been aware of the sentence the mock Aenaran kangaroo courts had given his superior either, and the reality of the whole situation began to descend upon him once again.

Prosecutor Ryder tapped his pen against his desk. “Captain Ward, it’s your witness.”

Ward cleared his throat, then turned his attention to Lt. Col. Lyons, finishing off a glass of water. “Thank you, prosecutor. Lieutenant Colonel Lyons, the former commander of the unit I was a member of, Siedunland’s 3 Squadron, was as far as I’m aware in possession of the Executive Order given by my President when he was arrested by the authorities. I believe that the prosecution has the original copy of that executive order, yes?”

Ryder finished sipping from his glass of Mono^[12] soda. “Captain Ward, Lieutenant Colonel Lyons was captured in an austere cabin near Sinker Lake. He had disposed of all official Siedunlander insignia - including his uniform. So no, we do not possess a copy of this Executive Order. I suppose he’d have been foolish to be carrying it on the run.”a

Ward continued. “Let’s ask Lyons then what occurred with the Executive Order.” His attention, as well as that of his defense team turned towards the lieutenant colonel.

Lyons started his testimony-giving. “After the incident occurred, I was informed by a bureaucrat, I believe he’s been convicted since, that I should attempt to leave the country, based on what was likely to occur to me if I were to be caught.” He shot a quick glare at the prosecution, then continued talking. “I managed to acquire a ticket for a plane to Ostego, and from there intended to travel to Utsan, but the Aenaran Airforce performed a bombing run on the runway, and I found myself unable to leave the country. So I went out to the woods for a month and a half until I was caught. At the time, I was carrying the Executive Order. My plan was to sell it to a museum or a collector when I arrived in Utsan so that I could support myself financially, but things did not go to plan.”

Ward’s defense team found this news interesting. Ward fired back with a question of his own. “So if, as you testify, you were carrying the Executive Order on your person when you were arrested, do you know where the Executive Order ended up after your arrest?”

Lyons responded. “I believe it’s in the possession of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.”

Ryder cleared his throat. “Lieutenant Colonel, allow me to ask you a few questions. Would you characterize yourself as a patriotic man? Yes or no answers will do.”

“Yes.”

“Would you say that you feel a sense of responsibility for the safety of your subordinates?”

“Of course. Every officer cares about the safety of their soldiers.”

“Is it true that as of right now, you stand on death row with no realistic avenue of appeal?”

“I’m due to be executed sometime next year, yes.” Lyons stated, with what one could feel was a bit of scorn directed towards Ryder.

Ryder noted, and affixed his attention to the Judges. Striding away from his podium, Ryder began to speak. “Your Honors, the principle that compels a witness to speak the truth before any court - including this court - is threat of punishment for perjury. To violate an oath of honesty carries criminal punishment in all jurisdictions. However, Lieutenant Colonel Lyons testifies today without a hint of fear. He need not mind every word that comes out of his mouth; this man’s fate was decided months ago. Irrespective of the events of this trial, Lieutenant Colonel Lyons will be executed. Perjury and the punishment for it do not sway him - what is prison to a man living on borrowed time? Lieutenant Colonel Lyons believes himself to have a duty not only to his nation, but to his subordinate - Captain Harrison Ward. The Lieutenant Colonel is predisposed to offer any testimony that may spare the Captain that fate which awaits Lieutenant Colonel Lyons. This is a man who can lie without fear of retribution; this is a man for whom punishment is an abstract concept. I must ask the court to consider this context when digesting his assertion that he possessed the paper copy of this Executive Order. Lieutenant Colonel Lyons, with no method of escape from Siedunland, wishes this court to believe that he held onto a document clearly identifying himself as a high ranking member of the Siedunlander Military, while he fled into the woods? All to hypothetically sell at a later date - to reduce his honor as a Lieutenant Colonel and potentially the final legal act of his government to a trinket to be bought or sold. That version of events, Your Honors, does not make sense. It goes against this man’s principles and his own best interest. Men on the run do not hypothesize about the future resale value of incriminating documents. Lieutenant Colonel Lyons’ account of events cannot be proven true or false, and not only does he have ample reason to issue such a fabrication as we have demonstrated, but he also is under no incentive to tell the truth. Your Honors, it is the belief of the prosecution that the testimony of Lieutenant Colonel Lyons is untrue, and manufactured solely as an act to save Captain Harrison Ward. The prosecution has no further questions for this ‘witness.’” With venom in his voice when addressing Lyons as a ‘witness,’ Ryder returned to his podium.

The rōjū discussed amongst themselves with more than a moderate amount of intrigue into what Ryder had proclaimed regarding Lieutenant Colonel Lyons’ testimony. Much of his words certainly did have merit to them, and it seemed to draw a new conclusion from the Presiding Council regarding it. Noticeably, however, Nobunaka remained silent on the discussion. When they came to some sort of agreement, Yamashito Takeda was the first to speak.

“The Presiding Council wishes to affirm the prosecution’s statement that the witness is bound by oath and honor to the judicial process here to give an honest and truthful testimony. It has been agreed upon by the Council that-”

“The testimony was, indeed, truthful.” Shogun Nobunaka Akano interjected over her, immediately commanding silence from the rōjū. It was the first time the Shogun had given her direct input on the case transpiring before her. She looked down towards Takeda, who acknowledged the Shogun had something to say and allowed her to proceed.

“I will speak on behalf of the Presiding Council that information presented by Lieutenant Colonel Lyons does match certain details that were communicated from the defense council to our panel here. While I can not necessarily validate if the full extent of Lyons’ testimony is truthful or not - the Prosecution has made it evident there is a strong likelihood he has fabricated elements of his account, one thing is clear: he was the one to hold the Executive Order signed into being by President Reuben N. V. McKinnon.”

“To assure both parties that this is not forgery on the Shogunate’s part, I will request that Captain Harrison Ward explain his intentions for calling Lyons to the court as a witness.” She said, her eyes on the evident focal point of the suspicion regarding Lyons’ testimony.

Ward noticed that the attention was directed towards him now. “My intention for calling Lyons to court as a witness was to reinforce the credibility of another piece of evidence which I would like to present to the Court if there are no more questions for the Lieutenant Colonel.”

The rōjū seemed to have at least somewhat caught up with the point their Shogun was making, although it was evident they wished to hear this from Ward himself. “The accused may proceed with presenting this evidence to the court.” Takahara Kaguya eventually said.

Ward continued, motioning to one of his assistants to grab a folder. “Of course, when signing something as important as an Executive Order, it should be expected that more than one copy should be made for archival purposes, or in case the original copy gets lost.” He looked to Lyons, and then Ryder. “My defense team has managed to obtain a copy of the Executive Order, from the Minor Counsellory of the Daijō-Kan^[13], which I would like to present.”

The assistant from before handed Ward the folder in question. He opened it up and pulled out a sheet, slightly gray or maybe a very dull and light yellow in color. Stepping up from his desk, he moved into the center of the room, holding up the paper.

“As can be read from this copy of the Executive Order, which also includes President McKinnon’s signature, the content of the Executive Order suspended the relevant sections of military code that would have prevented the use of nuclear weapons, in order to do so.”

Ryder laughed grimly. “So you mean this has all been for nothing? We’ve been arguing about this executive order to ascertain whether or not Siedunland possessed a codified definition of murder. Military law is distinct from civil law, and this Order does not affect civil law in the slightest. The civil law definition of murder remains operable; and it is clear. Under Siedunland’s civil definition of murder, Captain Harrison Ward has committed it.”

Ward seemed quite confused. “Mr. Prosecutor, I followed military law, not civilian law.”

Another of the rōjū, Shirubā Serentanji, spoke up. “There are conflicting statements from Captain Harrison Ward being presented in the court. The definition of murder that was provided by the defense council was under civil law, however he is suggesting that he followed military law - meaning that the military definition of murder is a point of contention. It is documented that the Prosecution requested to hear the international court’s definition of murder. It is not, however, documented as to if the Prosecution has defined their interpretation of murder under a civil or military law context. May the Presiding Council ask under which code of law the accused is being charged under before proceeding?” He inquired. He’d found a fault: Ryder had never specified between the two at first.

Ryder stood up. “As a soldier, who carried out his actions in wartime, Aenara filed these charges in the understanding that military law would be applied. However, your honor, I feel the need to point something out. The laws of war are a sacred pact between nations, understood before a war is declared and achieved by consensus. How can this Executive Order have meaningfully changed the laws of war if it was never communicated to the other party? At question is if Captain Harrison Ward violated the laws of war as understood by Aenara and Siedunland, and it is not disputed that without the protection of this executive order, he has. I must ask though, if this Order can be believed to changed the laws of war if Aenara was never notified of it. We cannot abide by laws of war - or modify our own to match Siedunland’s - if Siedunland’s laws are changed on executive whim in secret.”

Ward decided he was starting to feel tired of playing the definitions game. Maybe he should try something else? “What makes you think this was secret? Executive Orders in Siedunland are public knowledge. Unless, of course, some other party tried to hide them for their own purposes. Maybe some force, prevented the spread of this information? The order was signed some hours before the strike took place.”

Shirubā Serentanji spoke next, seemingly one of the more critical of the presiding council. “I feel the Presiding Council should comment that the existence of a so-called public Executive Order being a point of contention in this court would contradict the lawful action Siedunland’s government is required to go through when signing one into effect. This is to say, that if the Executive Order could not have been communicated to the other party prior to the incident’s occurance, it would not invalidate the Executive Order’s legality. The international court acknowledges that in order for Siedunland’s executive action clause to hold international merit, all Executive Orders must be made under the public domain.”

“This Presiding Council will acknowledge that this is indeed the case.” He concluded.

The Shogun, however, followed him up. “This being established, it would be in both parties interests to make a clarification. If this Executive Order ratified a change in Siedunland’s legal definitions to justify the utilization of nuclear armaments on civilian centers in their rules of engagement, and this document was made within the public domain, the Presiding Council will ask the defense council to recite the definition the Executive Order revised it to so that they may rule fairly in this court.”

A member of the CCG^[14] was there to provide the document before the panel of Siedunland’s Emergency Committee, as the Shogun wished to clarify to all parties the contentious points being made.

“By the authority vested in me as the President of Siedunland, I, Reuben N. V. McKinnon, hereby order as follows:

(a)Policy: The relevant Article of the ‘Code of Conduct for the Siedunlander Military’, Article 6, and section a), which forbids the usage of weapons to deliberately target civilians, henceforth be revised to include the following passage:

(b)Revisions: “The usage of weapons of war deliberately against civilians or a civilian target is forbidden, unless for the purpose of using a weapon of mass destruction, as a wartime act.”

Ryder adjusted his collar. “Captain Ward, I have one question. Does Siedunland’s military law not expressly define murder - and is that definition not unchanged by this executive order? That definition being:

“Any person subject to this chapter whom without justification or excuse, unlawfully kills a human being, when he- –
(1) has a premeditated design to kill;
(2) intends to kill or inflict great bodily harm;
(3) is engaged in an act which is inherently dangerous to others and evinces a wanton disregard of human life; or
(4) is engaged in the perpetration or attempted perpetration of burglary, sodomy, rape, robbery, or aggravated arson;
is guilty of murder.””

“That is correct.” Ward stated.

Another of the rōjū, Roku Kōsegata, spoke on behalf of the Presiding Council. “It seems to be apparent that the tribunal lacks a uniform agreement on the definitions of intentional homicide employed in the codes of law used by the prosecution, then. May we have the Prosecution define their definition of murder in which they have charged the accused under?” He asked, looking towards Ryder.

“Your Honor, our definition of murder is functionally the same as the one contained in Siedunland’s military code of law. It requires exhibition of intent and foreknowledge of consequence. As evidenced by the Accused’s indictment. it is our belief that his actions qualify under the relevant statute.”

“Does the Presiding Council, then, hold any objections to the utilization of the Aenaran and Siedunlander definitions of intentional homicide for judgement in this tribunal?” Roku Kōsegata asked of his peerage.

None gave their objection to the notion - one by one, the rōjū voiced their assent to the motion. Even the one who had remained the most silent of the court, Tanōha Shinkaisei, accepted the ruling.

“Then it is decided.” Nobunaka proclaimed. “The International Tribunal of Naiko will hereby acknowledge the charge of 500,000 counts of murder on Captain Harrison Ward as being within the definitions provided by both parties judicial codes. If the Presiding Council may motion for a change in topic to continue this court, does the Prosecution acknowledge that the Executive Order the defense council has read officiated a revision of the military law under which he is being accused of murder under into a wartime act?”

Ryder addressed Nobunaka directly and cordially. “No, your honor. The Executive Order which was issued revised a very specific statute - that of the usage of weapons against civilians and civilian centers. It does not relate to the charge of murder levied at this Court, as we are very specifically using this Charter for prosecution. We are pursuing prosecution under Article 5(A) - crimes against humanity under the Charter. To quote the charter, “The International Tribunal shall have the power to prosecute persons responsible for the following crimes when committed in armed conflict, whether international or internal in character, and directed against any civilian population.” The crime relevant is that of section A - murder. We analyzed Siedunlander and Aenaran law to establish a common definition of murder, which has been reached. Other than that definition, this Court operates by the law of the charter. And the charter is not in any way affected - nor is that definition of murder affected - by the Order. The definition was required in order to continue the proceedings of this Court, and has been acquired. The prosecution is humbled by this Court, and believes it would be prudent to defer in all possible manners to the law of the charter as opposed to the laws of nations. The actions of the President of Siedunland show that Siedunland’s laws were modified for the express purpose of perverting justice - let us not allow the mistakes of nations to hold weight at this vaunted institution. This International Tribunal is a calling to higher values than the fallible laws of individual nations.”

The rōjū had begun to convene after the resounding speech from the Aenaran prosecution, as well as in regards to recent developments that had drastically furthered the progress of the tribunal. Even the Shogun, who’d primarily kept out of their discussions, was listening and somewhat speaking with a few of them while the gallery processed Ryder’s speech. Eventually, they concluded their deliberation, and allowed the leader among the rōjū: Kuro Tsumatai, to give their conclusion.

“The Presiding Council of the International Tribunal of Naiko thanks Prosecutor Ryder for his clarification on the charges being levied upon Captain Harrison Ward here. It has been decided that after the conclusive definitions have been agreed upon for which Ward will be charged, the Presiding Council will invalidate the written 500,000 murder charges being pressed upon Mr. Ward. We have further cited that Ward’s request to have these charges lifted on grounds of cruel and unusual punishment for such excessive and arbitrary amounts of charges will be deemed acceptable. Mr. Ward, you are acquitted of these charges on behalf of the Tribunal gathered here today.”

Almost immediately, the gallery erupted into a tremendous commotion of cheering and applauding the first resolution of the tribunal thus far - even if it’d really only been to solve a paper work issue, in reality. Kuro continued even as the observers commended their decision, “Furthermore, the Presiding Council has concluded that the legal clause of murder being used in citation for Article 5(A) of our Charter will be deemed valid charges of which Captain Harrison Ward will be held accountable for.” By then, the crowds had finished.

The invalidation of 500,000 of the 500,001 charges brought against Ward caused a great uproar in the defense as Ward and several of his defense team members discussed the dismissals. Ward was pretty excited, one count of crimes against humanity was a much better defense. However, although he realized arguing against the sole remaining charge would be much harder than anything he had done before in the trial, being guilty of the one charge was alot better than his odds for sentencing prior to this.

The Shogun nodded her thanks to the Kō-Rōjū, before continuing. “The Presiding Court will now hear both parties statements upon the charges of crimes against humanity. When both parties have concluded, the Presiding Council will determine the verdict of this charge.”

Ward looked towards the roju and to the Shogun. “Thank you. I would like to state that I have not committed any crimes. On that fateful day, although I dearly regret the action that I was obliged to make, I am of the opinion that the only thing I committed that day was my duty.”

The Shogun met Ward’s eyes. “Is it to be noted, then, that the defendant would like to plead they are not guilty of committing crimes against humanity against the Aenaran people?”

Ward coughed. “Correct. I plead not guilty.”

The rōjū noted his defense down - now, it fell upon the prosecution to see how the court would conclude. Shirubā Serentanji was the one to speak towards the Aenaran party. “As the Prosecution has no further statements to make, the Presiding Council shall begin with their verdicts.”

Thus, the rōjū began to speak one by one. They delivered their positions on the charges being presented, reflecting on each of the various statements and points that both parties have presented, before culminating in their acknowledgements and proceeding to their verdict. The Shogun would be the tiebreaker in the event they could not come to a consensus.

Kuro Tsumatai, the head of the council, opted to deliver his verdict first. “As an honorable member of the Presiding Council and chairman of the Rōjū, I am sworn by oath and personal integrity to announce my verdict in this tribunal. I have found the defendant, Captain Harrison Ward, to be guilty of committing crimes against humanity, under Article 5(A) of the International Codes of Law’s charter. The Presiding Council may now second or rule against this verdict.”

“I must rule in favor of the charges being presented before the court.” Shirubā Serentanji concluded.

“As an acting member of the Presiding Council of this judicial review on grounds of international law, I must object to the charges being levied upon Mr. Ward before the Council. I must rule against this verdict, in honor of the duty this man has served to his country.” Takahara Kaguya decided.

“It is my honorable conclusion to agree in favor of the charges being presented, and rule in favor of finding Captain Ward guilty of them.” Roku Kōsegata ruled.

It was not looking good: 3 of the 6 had already ruled that he would be found guilty of this charge.

Yamashito Takeda was the next to speak. “As the member of this Presiding Council largely responsible for the acquittal of murder charges upon Captain Harrison Ward here today, I shall rule in objection to the charges of crimes against humanity he is being accused of. It is in my lawful understanding that the principles this court follows should, in all parties best interest, acquit him of such charges.”

That left only Tanōha Shinkaisei, the last and most quiet of the council gathered. “I must rule in opposition to these charges. The court must understand, there are standards that must be upheld. The Presiding Council should, in its most rationale course, acknowledge these charges upon the individuals responsible for organizing this act - but not the man who did the deed. This is the principle I object upon.”

In the end, the rōjū had ultimately tied. The gallery alone was not enough to encapsulate the controversial responses to this. It seemed the Presiding Council was deadlocked - they had each raised or acknowledged strong perspectives from all parties involved. Now, it fell on the Shogun to be the final deciding factor.

Nobunaka Akano called for order in the gallery before speaking. “The actions of Captain Harrison Ward in service with the Republic of Siedunland are truly, a tragedy that must be accepted for what it is. Many Aenarans have suffered by his hand, a hand that did his nation a noble duty. In his own ideals, he has served his people to the letter by which they commanded him to conduct his mission for. The defense council assembled here today is a testament of this: those assembled to represent Captain Harrison Ward here in this court had made a full acknowledgement under oath: they would be held responsible for the atrocities that Ward has committed, one year and two days from present.”

She continued, turning to the prosecution. “The Aenaran prosecution assembled here today has made their expression for international justice known not just to Utsan and Siedunland, but to the world of Tsion entirely. They came here and justly exerted the fullest extent of the law to make their position clear on these charges. While the Presiding Council has acquitted Ward of several hundred thousand of these due to unlawfulness and a likely fault in transcription, it cannot be denied that they have made their case to the best of their ability, and for that noble undertaking I must commend them for acknowledging the integrity of international cooperation. Only with their agreement could this restoration of a seemingly ancient tradition be restored.”

Finally, she addressed the gallery - and in that crowd, the dozens of cameras that were televising the event. In this moment, she would announce to millions across the world what would become of this man. “In the International Codes of Law, I will act with the utmost integrity to my forefathers’ traditions. We, the people of this world, must strive to accept that all actions have consequence, and that somebody must be held accountable for them whenever possible. The law has clearly been presented before the court, and before the world to see. I hereby grant my final verdict, on behalf of not just the Presiding Council, but the international judiciary entirely.”

There was a small pause, followed soon by,

“Captain Harrison Ward is hereby deemed not guilty of committing acts of crimes against humanity.” She announced. “The Presiding Council’s ruling will be a majority acknowledging that the responsibility of his actions shall befall the members of the defense council, who are hereby to be detained and prosecuted on Ward’s behalf. Mr. Ward,” She looked down to him directly while the gallery was cheering the conclusion of the first Tribunal, a small smile on her features “you are hereby acquitted of these charges.”

“With this verdict delivered, I hereby conclude the second session of the International Tribunal of Naiko. We will reconvene in due time to discuss the charges to be presented upon the Siedunlander Emergency Committee members. Our appreciation goes out to all parties for cooperating in a civil fashion during this tribunal.” The Shogun concluded, followed by a final ringing of the same bell that initiated this process. With the court concluded, the rōjū began to gather themselves and prepare to exit the chamber.

Ward threw his head down onto the desk in a show of relief, as the defense’s side of the room and the galley erupted in celebration. Sitting next to President McKinnon, he only found one thing to say. “It’s over…”

Ryder strode over to McKinnon and Ward, a grin in tow. Extending his hand to Ward, he nodded. “Indeed it is; for your President. You may have delivered yourself from the jaws of the beast, but in doing so, you have fed your superiors to it. You were a useful piece of a larger plan today, just the same as you were a year and two days ago.” Shifting his attention to McKinnon, he winked. “Same time next week?”

Ward looked up, giving Ryder a very eye-piercing stare along with McKinnon. “Go fuck yourself.” Standing up, Ward, now a free man, moved to leave the courtroom. “Asshat.” he muttered as he took off. McKinnion didn’t have this luxury. He decided his fellow “criminal” was more rash in his choice of words than he was. Ultimately, he decided to say nothing. Just kept giving that glare to Ryder.

CONTEXT NOTES

1 - Rōjū - The judiciary council of the Shogunate of Utsan, as appointed under the Bakufu’s authority. Six men constitute this council, and in the context of international law they were substituted to represent the role of an international tribunal during this trial.

2 - International Codes of Law - An international code of laws written by the Empire of Utsan shortly after the Calamity struck. It is heavily inspired by, but not limited to the charters that the pre-War organization, known as the Assembly of Nations, behaved under to regulate modern law and politics. The ICL is widely regarded by post-Calamity nations to be an example of a post-AoN legal charter, although until recently it has not seen use in over two centuries - causing the degradation of international law throughout Tsion to be respected.

3 - Naiko Accords - A system of agreements reached between the Bakufu and the New Aenaran Republic in regards to existing hostilities between them. The international tribunal was one of such agreements.

4 - Federal Security Bureau - The Federal Security Bureau is Aenara’s agency dedicated to the responsibilities of law enforcement, criminal prosecution, and investigation.

5 - International Court of Law and War - The international body that utilized the ICL in the post-Calamity era. It has since been restored under Utsanji mandate.

6 - The Ringing Bell - An ancient tradition native only to Utsan; before any judgement in regards to the life of a man would be given, a bell would be run within earshot to alert nearby spirits that the death of man may soon be upon them. It’s spiritualism has been criticized in the past, but in recent decades the practice has been employed in a more civil role.

7 - Article 7(4) - From the International Codes of Law: 4. The fact that an accused person acted pursuant to an order of a Government or of a superior shall not relieve him of criminal responsibility, but may be considered in mitigation of punishment if the International Tribunal determines that justice so requires.

8 - Article 7(1) - From the International Codes of Law: 1. A person who planned, instigated, ordered, committed or otherwise aided and abetted in the planning, preparation or execution of a crime referred to in articles 2 to 5 of the present Statute, shall be individually responsible for the crime.

9 - Article 5(A) - From the International Codes of Law: The International Tribunal shall have the power to prosecute persons responsible for the following crimes when committed in armed conflict, whether international or internal in character, and directed against any civilian population:
(a) murder;...

10 - Republic of Henderson - One of two successor states to the depreciated Republic of Siedunland, established in the Treaty of Reconciliation following the War of Siedunlander Aggression.

11 - Federal Bureau of Prisons - The Aenaran Republic’s agency responsible for the detainment and security of individuals convicted and sentenced to time in prison by the Federal Courts.

12 - Mono soda - A popular orange-derived carbonated beverage, manufactured and bottled by the Kelvin Company in Aenara.

13 - Minor Counsellory of the Daijō-Kan - An agency of the Bakufu responsible largely for record-keeping, among other functions, within the internal sphere of the Utsanji government.

14 - CCG - The Controller of Clan Guards. A systematic agency of royal guards not held to the Ministry of War that are responsible for providing protections to any affiliated with the Bakufu while on state - or national - grounds.

by **Adunu** » Sun Feb 24, 2019 11:46 pm

The Republic of Adelphe is a minor democratic nation existing in the Northern Ophiric sphere. It was proclaimed in A.C. 14 following the collapse and dissolution of the Oesterran nation after the Fall. For most of its early history, the nation has struggled to get a firm economic base as the situation it found itself in left it disconnected from much of the recovering first world. It would not be until nearly 7 decades later that they successfully reconnected with their parent nation, who since acknowledged their independence - a diplomatic ally that would prove useful when the Utsanji-Oesterran War came to their doorstep.

Following the events of said conflict, the nation has had a healthy growth from its impoverished roots. It has coordinated financially with Oesterra and the redeveloped nations of Euphemie and Aenara to facilitate its independent society. New cities were built, diplomatic relations reached; the region was truly a nationstate of its own. For some time, however, leadership of the nation remained disputed. Two major parties, the Constitutional Unity Party and the Independence Party of Adelphe, followed after the nation’s isolationist government was overturned. They have competed throughout the past two centuries to change the nation’s political course, with the latter holding a major streak in recent times. However, in just 1 election cycle the nation would be drastically changed.

76th President Atton Charles Hughes was elected in the year A.C. 390 by a narrow margin. His platform then had consisted of pushing for the solution to the Stenson River Republic, which had since been an ongoing concern for Adelphe. As a candidate for the CUP, he garnered international favor largely from Aenara, proclaiming that a pact of solidarity between the two would ensure “permanent ties” remained to guarantee Adelphe’s prosperity. The economy has flourished during his presidency, with Aenaran companies buying up old mines and lumberyards throughout the nation to help it earn a fortune in underdeveloped sectors. It has since grown more and more distant from the unity North Ophir once held, arranging arms deals with Aenara to protect Adelphene sovereignty as Tsion neared new tensions across the globe. One such arrangement involved the procurement of second-hand Euphemian naval missiles..

Pacific Conveyor, East Pacific Ocean

21 August, A.C. 391

Captain Jason H. Thurwell

Pacific Conveyor Bulk Carrier
Measuring nearly 200 meters long, 30 meters wide and just as tall, the CM Pacific Conveyor is one of the corporation’s largest bulk carrier cargo ships in service. It holds a capacity of 48,000 tonnes deadweight and half that in gross tonnage. The ship had been built in A.C. 384, originally by the Utsan-owned Tenshin Shipping International company. After the company was made privately owned, the vessel was sold to Cromwell Maritime, becoming a staple component of their shipping operations. It has had a near perfect service record since, under the dutiful command of Captain Jason H. Thurwell.

Cromwell Maritime had done well to seek investment in the lesser known republics of Ostego and Adelphe in recent years. After successfully partnering with trading agencies of the Tenshinsan Kings^[1], the jointly owned Utsanji-Oesterran maritime trading company had begun trading products to the two northern countries, as a show of goodwill in similar Pacific economic powers. The company traded in everything the various Utsanji daimyō could offer them - an uneasy series of exchanges, given how stingy some tended to be towards Oesterran businesses. Still, business was good for all parties involved and for the most part, peaceful.

That is until the Republic of Aenara took an initiative to embargo the Shogunate of Utsan. Almost immediately after the ban on Utsanji goods from being traded in the distant Atlantic nation, the movement had been picked up by Adelphe soon thereafter. Cromwell Maritime had to make almost immediate reservations from sending trade to the nation - after all, they primarily facilitated the transport of Utsanji goods. Its profits had been greatly diminished because of this, leaving board rooms full of discontent corporate officials.

So the company had come to a ruling: they would continue their operations in the Pacific with or without Adelphene participation. With such an embargo being enforced by an Aenaran naval squadron being based in Adelphe, the civil corporation was not willing to cross paths with them directly. Unfortunately, that wouldn’t be possible what with their latest shipments’ destination. Dozens of containers in bulk, of Utsanji and Oesterran origin, destined for Northingsburg, Ostego. Dangerously close to Adelphene waters.

One of the first ships to make the trip, the Pacific Conveyor, would be testing the waters in its attempt to carry on just business. Captain Jason H. Thurwell could only pray the worst didn’t come about from this. It was just business, after all.

It was a calm, chilly day in the East Pacific. They were only around 300 nautical miles away from Northingsburg now, having first stopped in Port Irwin, Oesterra to begin loading up and then making transitive stops in Shihendo and Koshozan, Utsan, before passing along the Endymion Islands to near Northingsburg. The crew of 35 on board were eager to be able to call their delivery complete by the end of the day, leaving the final stretch of the way in their captain’s capable hands.

Chief Officer Reagan N. Cudgel, the second-in-command onboard the vessel was looking forward to a destination which was coming up soon, the port at Northingsburg. After this, he’d get to go on vacation and see his family until the next time Cromwell Maritime needed him and the crew to ship something. Right now, since the ship was sailing off the coast of Adelphe, he was just taking a look at the radar, observing the navigation equipment as part of his duties.

The night watch was becoming boring, just like how every other night watch felt. Well, in retrospect boring wasn’t the next word to use. Everyone had to be on lookout to make sure nothing bad happened, like say, an accidental collision with something.

An accidental collision with something would be especially worrying given what cargo the Pacific Conveyor was carrying. The ship had been filled as much as they could, a mixture of miscellaneous perishable goods like say, fruit. But the main shipment here was a whole mixed bag of explosive military-related cargos, bound for Otsego as part of some arms-related deal. Put frankly, it was imperative that the arms shipment got to its destination safely.

The manifest also noted that the ship was carrying a large amount of cargo from Utsan. Namely, automobiles from companies like Jidōn Motors^[2], Zusawa Manufactoring Company^[3], Honsha Global Industries Corporation^[4], and Toyonda Auto Corporation^[5]. While a large bulk of the cargo from Utsan was automobiles, there were also other Utsanji goods being carried by the Pacific Conveyor, such as the Modern Entertainment System^[6] and other tech-related goods.

“All’s in order, it seems.” Thurwell remarked, turning his attention to Chief Officer Cudgel.

“Yep. Sea’s calm. At least we don’t have to deal with any storms,” he remarked.

“So, what do you have planned once we get to port?” Thurwell asked in an attempt to stir conversation with Cudgel.

Cudgel could read that Thurwell was quite bored, and he didn’t blame him. He took a bit to think about the question, before giving an answer he was sure Thurwell had heard many times. “I’m just looking forward to getting to see the kids again. I’ll be taking a plane back to Marcus Bay ‘till they have us ship something again.”

“Must be nice,” He responded, “I’d do the same, but unfortunately, I have to stay on the ship while it’s in port.”

“It is nice.” Cudgel replied.

BEEEEEEP

An anomaly appeared on the radar, which elicited a warning sound from the various computers and photoelectronic screens housed within the ship's bridge. Judging by the fact such a sound was warranted, it meant two things — one, something was headed straight towards them, or two, something was headed STRAIGHT towards them.

In fact, it was coming at them, according to the computer, at over five hundred miles per hour. It was close enough for them to detect — which meant, at this rate, it was too close for them to avoid.

Cudgel took a look at the navigation radar, trying to determine the source of the beep. Looking at it, he noticed a blue box moving at a incredibly large speed, the indicators saying it was moving around 530 miles per hour. A blue line indicated its course, straight towards them. “Hey…” he mulled, trying to think of what to say. Looking up, he noticed some of the other crew on the ship had paid attention to the beeping. “Hey Captain, there’s something moving towards us from the coast. Really fast, radar says over 500 miles per hour.”

“My god…” A crew member gasped as they looked out the window. A bright, glowing trail followed the object as it accelerated towards the ship at near-imperceptible speed, a bright fireball erupting on the vessel's port side, striking the ship's midsection just along the waterline. The blast 'rippled' through the vessel, various arrangements of steel paneling along the deck blown open as the explosion coursed through the vessel, both outside and within. The explosion alone was enough to shatter most of the windows of the bridge, knocking practically every officer onboard off their feet.

As Cudgel returned to a standing posture, the ship rocking slightly back and forth from the explosion, one of the radios on the bridge lit up with activity from the deck crew. “What the hell was that!?” one of the sailors exclaimed. Moving over and grabbing the talking piece, he explained what happened. “I think we just got hit by a missile!” he stated, moving to another radio as the bridge crew regained their composure, some injured by flying glass from the windows. “Damage control!” he ordered. “We just got hit by a missile in the middle of the ship, port side. See how bad it is!”

Some small explosions near the gaping hole made him realize the reality of the situation. “Disregard,” he ordered. “Our cargo is blowing up!” Cudgel turned to his captain. “Sir, with all due respect they’re probably going to fire more of those at us. Let’s call for help and then get off.” he suggested.

“Everyone remain calm!” Thurwell exclaimed, “as Cudgel explained, we’re going to have to abandon ship. I’ll call for help. Cudgel, you direct evacuation of the ship. Make sure that everyone gets off the ship safely.”

“Got it,” Cudgel nodded, as he tried to remember the countless instances of evacuation drills he had to be put through. Nothing trained him for being struck by a missile, though. His best idea was to get on the ship’s PA and tell everyone. Grabbing the appropriate microphone, his voice entered a monotone tone as he repeated the words “We are abandoning ship. We are abandoning ship. Move to your assigned lifeboats at once.” After repeating this thrice, or four times, he moved across the bridge and opened up a glass panel covering a nice, big red button. Pressing it, the ship was engulfed by a roaring alarm, indicating that the ship was to be evacuated. Cudgel and the rest of the bridge crew left, leaving Thurwell on his own as he called for help. The flames caused by the explosion quickly spread, creating explosions which popped open covers on the deck, one by one.

The explosions only grew in size and ferocity. Descending down the various stairs and hallways, as he exited the bridge and stepped out onto deck, one really large explosion shook the ship. The explosion was bright enough that Cudgel could see one of the deck hands running to a lifeboat from the front of the ship get blown over the side. “Shit!” he exclaimed. He couldn’t tell, but he hoped the man had a lifejacket on. Being reminded to done one himself, he ran over to a nearby rack of them and donned one.

“Alright, to the lifeboats.” he muttered, as he ran over to where he knew one would be. The explosions were beginning to hurt his, and presumably his crewmates ears as they climbed into one of the lifeboats. He imagined other deck crew would be running to the one on the starboard side of the ship. A tilt to the port side was just starting to become noticeable, which bore bad news for those trying to evacuate on that side.

Cudgel saw as Thurwell ran out of the bridge and onto the deck, sprinting for his life as ammunition cook offs tore the deck to the shreds. Thurwell quickly jumped onto Cudgels lifeboat, narrowly dodging another explosion as he did.

Fortunately, one of the more recent technological innovations of the marine world meant that they could lower the lifeboat without needing someone to stay on ship and lower it, so one of the crewmembers did so as soon as they came to the conclusion that the lifeboat was full. Descent took a little less time than it normally should have, on account of the ship listing to port. Making impact with the water, the crew could hope only that everyone had gotten off, and that rescue would be quick coming for them.

__________________________________

The radio crackled to life, requesting the Adelphene coastal defense missile launcher's crew confirm the situation. The distant plume of smoke, unmistakeably the Utsanji vessel, confirmed this furthermore.

"This is Starlancer, hit confirmed." Michael M. Eden was the commander of the particular launcher involved. They were loading another, as they were uncertain whether the vessel in question was armored and could sustain another hit from another RGM-81 Polespear missile. The missiles had been purchased from Adelphe's 'benevolent' benefactor, Aenara, presumably with the intent of keeping Utsanji naval influences at bay. Their orders had been explicit — any Utsanji operations, including an attempt to influence and arm Adelphe's neighbors, would be dealt with — by force. Stepping off the vehicle, he drew his binoculars, looking closely at the smoldering vessel. There was no way anyone could've survived. "We got Utis good," He shouted to his crew. "That ship's not going anywhere."

CONTEXT NOTES

1 - Tenshinsan Kings - Unlike the majority of the regional and state governing leaders in Utsan, known as daimyō, the Tenshinsan Islands are home to 3 indigenous monarchies, each of which led by a spiritually decided “King.” These Kings hold equal power to the daimyō in the grand scheme of things, but are culturally and religiously very distinct.

2 - Jidōn Motors - A major Utsanji automaker company involved in the manufacturing, sales, and related business of automotive products and marine equipment. They make up one of the “Big Three” in Utsan of automakers, making them big competitors with Honsha and Toyonda.

3 - Zusawa Manufactoring Company - A prominent Utsanji automaker company primarily responsible for manufacturing logistic equipment and utility vehicles. They have recently branched out into producing civilian vehicles as well.

4 - Honsha Global Industries Corporation - Another of the “Big Three” in Utsan of automakers, making them big competitors with Jidōn and Toyonda. Reputably the company to have the most trust in its automotive products, and very successful outside of Utsan as well.

5 - Toyonda Auto Corporation - The last of the “Big Three” in Utsan of automakers, making them big competitors with Jidōn and Honsha. Notorious for having a CEO that commits several scandals for his own interest - but they make decent cars, or so they claim.

6 - Modern Entertainment System - A video game console developed and manufactured by Gendaikon Entertainment. It’s recently seen export success throughout Ophir thanks to a burgeoning tech industry in Naiko, Utsan.

by **Etoile Marin** » Sat Mar 02, 2019 5:38 pm

2 December, A.C. 392

Satna, The Agnirath
Satnan Air Force Station, Area of Control

Emperor Khosrādir XI

Khosrādir XI, entitled “Artjavēz,” meaning “the resilient,” was the current great Emperor of Arsathia. His homeland was a distant memory of what it once was however; stripped bare of its people and left buried in solitude, surrounded by nothing but snow-capped mountain peaks. He, who’d inherited the throne 35 years prior, was disgusted by the state his nation had fallen into. Once, he’d spoken of a kind of man who could come back from the hardest blows unscathed, a man who could gather anyone’s support even when he was alone in his ideals. Such a speech had earned him widespread popularity back where he came from, as many believed him to be such a man as he envisioned.

But even in this state of glory, Khosrādir could not proceed to guide his nation completely alone. The regions of South Mederum had found themselves in a state of great conflict lately, from nomadic raiders on the fringe of collapse to what could be the resurgence of revanchist conflicts - much like his own coming in due time. Alliances would be few and far between, making diplomacy scarce. His Empire bore hardly any relationships abroad, and even fewer with like-minded monarchies with which he could relate to.

So baffling was this state of mind that he’d found himself aboard an Ashok Railways 391 Cargo Vehicle (ARCV)^[1] en route for Satna, Vajraya; a lonely military installation governed by a loyal general in service for none other than the Gonshawar Maharaja, C. A. P. Satagopacharya II. The Emperor of Emperors, Vajrayans called him, ruler of the largest Empire in the world as they knew it. He’d only been in power for three years now, and already his Empire had succumbed to an internal war that ravaged all parts of the region. Some thought it a joke of a state that Vajraya was even civilized enough to have an Empire. Khosrādir was not one of these who took humor in it.

He was here in secret however, only escorted by a contingent of his personal Jâvīdân. “Immortals,” the West called them, referring to his personal retinue of special forces. Of course, Satagopacharya knew about his impending arrival. They’d kept in contact throughout the duration of the war, in fact, as Khosrādir had once been on fairly good terms with Vajraya up until its abrupt defeat in 382 A.C. by the hands of Asmata. He’d thought back to how far the so-called Emperor of Emperors had come in his short reign, and recounted just what he would be facing when he arrived in Gonshawar territory.

The Great Vajrayan War was a recent bloodbath set in the Vajrayan Empire that saw the dissolution of multiple Elector-Rajas, the formation of ethno-nationalism in the formally feudalistic subcontinent, and more importantly the fundamental power structure that allowed the elite of Vajraya to control the lifeblood of the river valleys had been undone. All this and more had come about from an onset conflict Mederum hadn’t seen in decades, possibly centuries; Khosrādir himself hadn’t ever expected the region to descend as far as it had gone.

It had all begun with a challenge of authority from the Elector-Raja of Udaynarpur. Through apparent disagreement in the Vajrayan imperial electoral process, Udaynarpur had elected not to vote on the matter of their new Emperor - something that had spawned a rift amidst the Rajas, as there was no law regarding what to do about an Elector who did not act. Shortly afterwards, suspicion and distrust sown into both sides had escalated. Skirmishes spawned throughout Vajraya, electors having at it with one another as treason erupted throughout the Empire. From every corner of the Empire, the concept of imperial unity was lost on the crowded denizens of it.

Udaynarpur began the war with a massive offensive set throughout dozens of minor principalities. Most of which had intended to stay out of the conflict, hoping to focus on their own domestic affairs and allow the Electors to quarrel of their own accord. Unfortunately, Udaynarpur’s sudden occupation of over 50 sovereign entities changed their minds. The Baadal River region in particular was famous for putting up bizarre last stands against the Rajas. Throughout the war, this would become their own undoing as the Princes aligned in favor of the Emperor, amassing a formidable coalition against them. The Siege of Bhisiganghat was the most heated engagement between Gonshawar and Udaynarpur, requiring six consistent weeks of conflict before the occupation of it came to an end, and Udaynarpur was slowly beaten back to its capital region. This was all thanks to the efforts of a certain Sajd of Khujda, who served Gonshawar strategically well to defeat Udaynarpur.

To the east, the lonesome Elector-Raja of Jharbahal had attempted to intervene in favor of Udaynarpur’s anti-Empire position. However, they were quickly forced out of the conflict as their monarch’s sudden downfall shattered morale - and their capital was taken in under a week. Jharbahal would suffer the fate Gonshawar deemed fitting for most of the losers of this conflict - fragmentation. New Princes were given lands from Jharbahal, new free imperial cities were declared, and a new Prince was crowned Elector of Vajraya. An unfortunate fate for any nation, let alone any feudal crown to suffer. Udaynarpur would eventually suffer the same fate, but there was more occurring in the realm than simply here.

Over in the western theatre, the Elector of Kammelsberg had seen fruitless attempts to break into Semmering-Seiten in the early winter of 391, culminating in the latter’s alliance with Kammelsberg’s long time rival: Sonnschien. Together, the two focused their efforts on the destruction of Kammelsberg for siding with the traitorous Udaynarpur. A certain General Siegmund Kohlmann of Kammelsberg, one of the most noteworthy leaders they had at their disposal, had attempted to surprise Semmering-Seiten with a large scale offensive along the coastline - but it hadn’t been enough. With ease, Semmering was able to not only outnumber, but overpower them as well thanks to superior equipment and air supremacy. This left the northern front of Kammelsberg fairly exposed, weakening the state - a weakness that would lead to its untimely fate.

The Electorate of Kammelsberg no longer existed today. Through a combined effort by the now-former Empire of Sonnschien and the Electorate of Semmering-Seiten, the traitorous rival had been divided by both powers. One would think the mountains of Kammelsberg would have made an invasion from the south more challenging - they would be mistaken. Not for the geography, but for the people defending it. Such a weak state, ultimately, had no right being such an influencer within the Vajraya Empire. Therein the Treaty of Agrippa relegated their title onto Sonnschien instead; all the while empowering Semmering-Seiten with coastal dominance of the Vajrayan Sea. Reports claimed that intense urban fighting in the capital, Agrippa, followed by a tense standoff between allies had nearly brought the two Electors to war with one another.

A standoff that, eventually, would come to fruition in the later years of the war. Recognizing Udaynarpur’s imminent downfall, Semmering-Seiten instigated a full scale campaign in Western Vajraya to unite the Tutanic (that is, Teuton-Vajrayan) peoples into a single confederation, one in which they would not be beholden to the whims of “sub-human” Vajrayan monarchs who could not decide on their own legitimacy or not. Semmering-Seiten’s campaign, led by Maximilien Emiluel von Gladoëm-Dahania, turned out to be a grand victory in his favor; he even defeated the Principality of Sonnschien and their attempt to counter his influence with their own confederation; this isolated Sonnschien from the Empire’s reach entirely. Maximilien’s victory would lead to the fortunate formation of the Tutanic Federation, in which he renounced his title as a Prince and acceded to the western title of King.

Foreign powers interjected into the conflict as well during its timelapse. The Sacred Union was responsible for coercing several minor princes seeking protection from the ongoing crisis to be enveloped in the Union’s sphere, incorporating them as districts of Teutonia. To the south, the Arsathian Empire and Asmatan Empire both aimed to get slices of Vajraya for themselves, conquering several principalities while the Emperor was distracted. There were other threats too, mainly from foreign mercenaries participating and the looming doom that was the People’s Republic of Da Liang seeking interests there. Thankfully this situation would be dissolved before it could endanger the concert of Mederum as well.

Over a million men and women throughout Vajraya died in this mere 6 month conflit. Ideologies had begun to grow within the obsolete nation, from Sazmandhism promoting a national identity for Vajraya to Prabhuism seeking to revolutionize the region by giving control of the state to the serfs. The Emperor’s dominance had fallen, and now power lie in the collective oligarchy that had become the Elector-Rajas. Who was to refuse that Vajraya’s days would be numbered from here on out?

Khosrādir was, certainly. He’d travelled to Satna after months of courteous dialogue with the new figures of power in Vajraya, working with each Elector individually one by one to settle his arrangements. Arsathia’s intervention had not just been for its own gains - but to further Khosrādir’s elaborate intentions for the decaying Empire. He had to be one step ahead of his opponents in order to command the narrative to his leisure.

Thus had been seen in the United Coalition’s defusal of the Gangol Khanate. The Hordes of underequipped, savage tribals led by their Khan had buckled the moment every nation surrounding them had come to object to their barbaric ways, and demanded an end to their tribal society so that they could be pacified through civilization. Khosrādir had partaken in the negotiations that followed with a certain Ganzorig Khagan, a man who he’d come to respect - but also distaste for the threat he posed to his aspirations.

Now, the glory bound Emperor rode every bump of the train cars to the famous walled city Gonshawar heralded, to make known the first of many steps that would begin a new narrative in Vajraya.

A narrative of revolution, and of reformation.

CONTEXT NOTES

1 - Ashok Railways 391 Cargo Vehicle (ARCV) - A relic of pre-war Vajraya successfully restored by the ruling Emperor of the region, this was once one of Vajraya’s most important maglev rail vehicles. Nowadays only a select handful still existed, and they were all maintained close around the Agnirath due to being the safest means of travelling there.

by **Dablit** » Fri Apr 26, 2019 8:46 pm

7.27.393
Nondescript but heavily populated border city
Liang

Despite having a few hundred thousand in population, the border city only 30 km from the Liang-Zhou border barely struck anyone as lively. The occasional weak cloud of water vapor escaping into the grey sky came not from any sort of industry or cooking activity but the exhalation of people, and even then it was...scarce. For the first time in a few decades the city welcomed its first episode of activity, boredom reduced to naught in a miracle, as hundreds of highly trained and well-coordinated commandos emerging from the border with Zhou began an assault on the city.

The first wave of armed men bypassed border defences at night - the expansive boundary between the two countries was not impenetrable, and Zhou people knew well where to enter the decrepit communist country from. After throwing the city into an inferno simply by setting off explosives, firing improvised mortars and randomly shooting civilians, the assailants had plunged every Liang military unit around them into a panic, yet were rendered untouchable by the sheer insanity of methods employed.

The second deployment of armed men came in helicopters and paragliders. Air defenses were not being considered for some weird reason, the men did not know why but thanked divine forces for the safe trip that resulted.

"Let's recite a piece by the great thinker...don't know his name." said the commander of the squad being deployed from one such helicopter.

The men opened their mouths:

[Full text of After the Law, by ~~Nick Land~~ Mike Sky]

"Okay, that was epic." the commander commented as he abruptly jumped out of the side door falling to his death. The helicopter did not reach a parking position for another minute, then the squad hastily exited onto the roof of an apartment building. They then proceeded to massacre every occupant of said building.

by **Valefontaine** » Sat May 11, 2019 3:33 am

The Longest Day

Pacific Ocean

1 November, A.C. 393

Cpt. Gordon 'Bloodletter' McPherson

ONS Perry
When Oesterra went to shit, Carrier Strike Group Five was en route to Hoshangabad on a routine visit. When news of the collapse reached the admiral, he rejected the notion of folding and joining the Euphemians. It was no psychotic outburst or megalomaniacal dream come true: rather, the admiral had struck a deal with the Euphemians. While the fleet would be, on public record, be set to be decommissioned and mothballed, it was in reality waiting in port in Koothanvadi, operating privately. This afforded the Oesterrans almost six months to hire and train local officers and sailors to bolster their vessels' skeleton complements. Now the 'Phantom Fleet' of the defunct Republic of Oesterra sets forth for a final journey: Utsan.

The word of God was the word of God.

There wasn't no denying that. McPherson knew well that to live by the sword was to die by the sword, and he prayed to God that this righteous, steadfast journey into the unknown would not be his undoing.

Sitting by his bedside, helmet in hand, he awaited the fateful knock at his door. Their fleet was working against the clock against their own decay. Logistics was no more — they had only the benevolence of the Euphemians, Adunuans and Hoshangabad's prince to keep their vessels afloat. It was 4:30 AM. Any moment now, the thunderous voice of the captain would echo through the PA calling McPherson and three other lucky Oesterrans forth to man their aircraft.

Oesterran Naval Aviation Corps Captain — whatever that meant now. They were a band of glorified privateers now, the Oesterran flag patch on his flightsuit complemented by a pitch-black jolly rodger indicating their new loyalties, or rather lack thereof. The nihilistic, hedonistic lack of restraint was almost liberating. The women in Hoshangabad weren't exactly the prettiest, but they sufficed — not that many of these men had much to come to back at home. McPherson agreed to disagree, deeming them too ugly for a man like himself.

He carried the nickname 'Bloodletter' about him — because he and he alone had personally cut the throats of three thugs on the streets of Koothanvadi. They'd bled like pigs, bodies twitching much akin to that of a heroin-addict's own incoherent spasms.

McPherson's thoughts were interrupted by the sharp screech of the rusty PA coming to life, crackling with interference as the captain spoke.

"TIGER! TIGER! TIGER!"

Getting up, he stepped out of his quarters, disinterested gaze eyeing down the corridor. His pilot, second lieutenant Lucille 'Evil' Wilkins (the defunct Naval Aviation Corps used the same ranks of the Air Force, much akin to Euphemie) was seemingly waiting for him. It was no surprise she'd garnered the nickname, ominous right-eye eyepatch aside. She'd become something of a terror in Koo-vadi, flaying a few petty criminals alive with the machete she kept at her holster at all times. The woman's otherwise youthful features and blonde hair did, indeed, conceal a demeanor befitting of nothing less than a sociopath — Siedunlander Gaze seemingly permeating into McPherson's soul as he processed her presence.

"World's going to shit, compadre." She began. "Whole lotta men pourin' gasoline all-ver. We's gon' drop the match, see some sparks." A wry chuckle escaped her, which simultaneously put McPherson at ease and on edge. "You ready?"

"Ready and rarin' to go, el-tee." He nodded. The two began their way down the corridor, an ominous silence between them muffled only by the klaxons and distant mechanical noises of the ONS Perry's intricacies. She was a beast of a ship, and a beauty at that. She was tough, too — most Euphies wouldn't stand hitched at the idea of a carrier going with little to no maintenance for half a year.

"I heard from one'nem townsfolk that some Vajrayan prince went syko — took his drugs, guns, boys n' drug money and traveled upstream into Tang-leero," She nonchalantly broke the silence, leading the way up a cramped, rusty metal stairwell. "Whaddaya say we become Vajrayan princes, shoot us some Tang? Loot, big cars, big guns, cocaine and women. Euphie'd leave the porch-light on at the thought'o that."

"I tell you what, el-tee. I'm crazy but I ain't outta my mind. You, on the other hand — you's crazy as a bullbat, I tell you what." He chuckled, ascending the steps after her. The next corridor was another labyrinth of ill-maintained halls, the steady breathing of the ship like a soft lullaby to those who slept at these early hours.

"Not even some coke to shoot out the lights every now'n'then?"

"No, no way el-tee. See, I done made a promise to a lady." He'd made her scowl as they continued through the corridors of the vessel. "A special lady, tell you what: Lady Liberty. She done taught me that winners don't do drugs."

"Well, we's 'bout to win either way. Unless we get shot down... which we won't be. You know me, compadre." The scowl quickly became a sly smirk, the pilot leading the way on.

They were welcomed by the cold howling nightly winds of the Pacific Ocean as they stepped onto the flight deck, OF/A-11 Lycan fighters awaiting them. Two of these aircraft would set off for this mission, much akin to what the Utsanjis believed to be standard occidental military 'patrol flights'. Of course, they were so far up their own ass it'd almost become a running gag among the Oesterrans. 'For every two-minutes our officers write two-line long orders, their officers are spending two hours writing ten-paragraph long orders'. Of course, he didn't know shit about the Utsanji — but all things considered, it was probably true.

Much like the beautiful woman that was the ONS Perry, these aircraft were two dazzling little angels to McPherson, metaphorical guides on the spiritual journey of dropping bombs on the yellow man. Opposite the duo lay the pilots of the other aircraft: 2LT Sherman 'Lone Wolf' Caldwell and his superior, CPT Alonzo 'Hard Boy' Forbes. The two crews gave one another waves of acknowledgment, a tense air hanging over everyone as they boarded their respective aircraft.

Climbing up and hopping into the cockpit, McPherson hopping into the WSO's seat and booting up the system — the General Operating System logo greeting him as he leaned back in his worn leather seat and fastened his helmet. To the left he'd taped a picture of his family, to the right he had a neat stack of music datacassettes stored in one of the storage containers.

"Which one'll it be, el-tee?" He called to his pilot, opening the container's lid and reaching forth for a tape.

"Four minute challenge." She was referring to a particular song among the cassettes that lasted just over four minutes.

"Gotcha." Pulling a cassette forth, he examined it for a moment before sliding it in as he ran the usual preliminaries. It'd gotten so old for both of them that he needed merely only give her the thumbs up — and her the same — as they closed the canopy and started the aircraft's engines.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
RADIO
----

PLAYING CASSETTE: Vibonjo - Castaway

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

As the radio came to life, McPherson nodding to the beat, they soon received orders.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL TIGER-TIGER-TIGER - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
----

{ LAUNCH COMMAND:// "Preliminaries?"

{ OF/11 LYCAN "TRIUMPH" - CPT ALONZO FORBES:// "Check."

{ OF/11 LYCAN "MANIAC" - CPT GORDON MCPHERSON:// "Check."

{ LAUNCH COMMAND:// "Copy. Maniac goes first."

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

"Get us in the sky, el-tee." he ordered his subordinate, waiting as the roar of the engines grew in intensity — with a surge that made his heart skip a beat, they accelerated forth, sharply ascending into the pre-dawn sky.

"We'll be in the archives of hist'ry. We're commitin' regicide today, buddy." Wilkins chuckled, looking back to gesture a 'thumbs up' amidst the dim blue, green and red glows of the cockpit — presumably to the other aircraft following behind them.

"That's somethin' I can hang my hat on." He smirked.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL TIGER-TIGER-TIGER - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
----

{ OF/11 LYCAN "MANIAC" - CPT GORDON MCPHERSON:// "Any concerns to declare, gentlemen?"

{ OF/11 LYCAN "TRIUMPH" - CPT ALONZO FORBES:// "My concern's that our bombs aren't big enough to flatten that palace."

{ OF/11 LYCAN "MANIAC" - 2LT LUCILLE WILKINS:// "Mark 93 bomb ain't a sorry excuse of a Sinikan firecracker. We'll get 'er."

{ OF/11 LYCAN "MANIAC" - 2LT SHERMAN CALDWELL:// "I ain't trust our armaments, c-padre. Logistics been cuttin' so many goddamn corners... you ask one of those deck-hands if those bombs are maintained, he'll stutter like a flea. They's all so crooked they'd spit corkscrews if they swallowed nails."

{ OF/11 LYCAN "TRIUMPH" - CPT ALONZO FORBES:// "So long's my bomb's exploding and blowing that no-good sorry excuse of an empress up, it's job done for us."

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Gliding through the night sky, McPherson kept his attention to the dashboard as they pressed on. The fleet had strategically positioned itself just west of Banog City, just beyond Utsan's current power projection. Thankfully, they were already well past Auntie Liu Island. The island, one of the various 'sovcorp' patchworks that comprised the nigh-unfathomable governmental structure that comprised the Republic of Zhou.

Bound to the eastern island nation only through the economic treaties of OCEN, Zhou would be of little concern in the outcome of the operation. It had naval stations and radar installations about it, though — to which the four-aircraft group was largely keeping low as they skimmed over the Pacific on their way to Naiko. The four aircraft carried especially bulky conformal fuel tanks that lengthened their range sufficiently — just enough to finish their one-way flight in Xianglin, well within the People's Republic of Sinica. Being far from the coast, the arrogant Utsanji had little means — or knowledge — to react to this one-way trip.

"I see some lights out 'head. Shee-hendo." Wilkins noted, leaning back in her seat as they neared the island — mainland Utsan. Judging by their satellite maps, they were passing Shihendo now.

"Poor fuckers won't know what's up 'till sunrise." He chuckled, similarly making himself comfortable as they gracefully journeyed onward, just above the sea. Gradually they bypassed Takesuragi, and soon they were gradually shifting their course northwest, Kinenkyou passing McPherson's peripherals as they ventured on.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL TIGER-TIGER-TIGER - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
----

{ OF/11 LYCAN "TRIUMPH" - CPT ALONZO FORBES:// "Up ahead..."

{ OF/11 LYCAN "MANIAC" - 2LT LUCILLE WILKINS:// "Naiko."

{ OF/11 LYCAN "MANIAC" - CPT GORDON MCPHERSON:// "That's right. Keep 'em at the ready — we've only got one shot at this."

{ OF/11 LYCAN "TRIUMPH" - CPT ALONZO FORBES:// "Ouriel bless these bombs, I tell y'what."

{ OF/11 LYCAN "MANIAC" - CPT GORDON MCPHERSON:// "You can bet the farm on it."

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Their aircraft led them forward, engines a bright blazing glow as the intricate city of lights welcomed them. Wilkins seemed to wave her superior over to garner his attention, McPherson raising an eyebrow.

"Killing spree music." Once again, the two of them seemed to share a few code terms for the songs they listened to. He ejected the datacassette, replacing it with another and chuckling as the city drew nearer.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
RADIO
----

PLAYING CASSETTE: Kenny Apocalypse - Midnight Hour

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

The formation picked up pace as the music picked up pace, the aircraft swiftly gliding through the night — only their superiors knew Utsanji response times, but from what he'd heard, their connections on the ground had done a good job in keeping things laboriously slow.

Already McPherson could see the silhouette of the palace on his console, quickly setting his laser designation targeting upon the archaic structure depicting royal arrogance and excess.

"Raisin' hell." He declared, flipping a few switches as the Mk 93 bombs dropped, gliding towards the palace.

"Raisin' hell..." His subordinate echoed, chuckling.

A Sinican vacation was to await the four Oesterran pilots.

by **Reuss-Lippe** » Wed May 15, 2019 12:13 pm

Pacific Ocean

2 November, A.C. 393

2LT Leo 'Highwayman' Conley

ONS Perry
When Oesterra went to shit, Carrier Strike Group Five was en route to Hoshangabad on a routine visit. When news of the collapse reached the admiral, he rejected the notion of folding and joining the Euphemians. It was no psychotic outburst or megalomaniacal dream come true: rather, the admiral had struck a deal with the Euphemians. While the fleet would be, on public record, be set to be decommissioned and mothballed, it was in reality waiting in port in Koothanvadi, operating privately. This afforded the Oesterrans almost six months to hire and train local officers and sailors to bolster their vessels' skeleton complements. Now the 'Phantom Fleet' of the defunct Republic of Oesterra sets forth for a final journey: Utsan.

Well, shit.

In the less than twenty-four hours since McPherson's daring attack, everyone aboard the ONS Perry was a public enemy. The second most powerful nation on Tsion had set itself upon them, relentless in its will to bring every sailor, pilot and officer of Carrier Strike Group Five to justice.

Utsan.

If Euphemie was the empire in the west, Utsan was the empire in the east. With a fleet paralleled only by that of the Federal States, the great state in the orient, the metaphorical land upon which the sun rose, was not a power to be trifled with.

Second Lieutenant Leo 'Highwayman' Conley was like everyone else in the Phantom Fleet: wanted dead or alive. The Ward Trial had established Utsan as an international legal arbitrator, and this worked heavily to the disadvantage of the Phantom Fleet's men and women. Most nations in the world saw them as terrorists and pirates, to which they had few friends and fewer allies.

Almost immediately after their attack upon Utsan, martial law had been declared, Nobunaka's death being used as clause for a military junta to seize control of the accessories of government. Much unlike the last war, it seemed killing the Daijō-tennō had only served to rouse the enemy and create an unparalleled martyr. Nobunaka — from relatively unpopular, opportunistic, power-hungry Shogun-turned-monarch to godlike maternal martyr of the Imperium, the young empress' death had been transformed into one of the backing fundamental elements of Kitamura's emergency government.

"Spacin' out there, el-tee?" Conley's thoughts were interrupted by his superior and WSO, Renee 'Gecko' Martin knocking at the door to his quarters, calling over to him in unsophisticated hick drawl. If he was having a nice rest, she'd always be the bringer of bad news: another operation, it seemed. That didn't mean Renee was a bad person or anything, though. She'd be quite the looker if she didn't have scars running down her left cheek — apparently she'd crashed her aircraft back in Red Pine, last pilot got killed flying with her — a precedent he mildly worried about. Hell, she didn't look too bad, just a little scary — though Conley was too busy thinking about revolvers, dogfight maneuvers and cigarettes to worry himself about trivial things like women. Speaking of revolvers, she was a fanatic about the damn things — carried at least eight on her person at any given time.

He could hear her chuckle on the other end of the metal door. "Or's you ner-vuss 'bout headin' into the jaws of death today? If we wasn't out-laws 'fore, we sure's hell are now, partner."

"..Iyain't nervous 'bout shit, Martin. Ain't my first rodeo, sure's hell won't be my last." Getting up, Conley took a moment to look at himself in the mirror, fixing his short brown hair and having a brief pull at his Lucky Atom™ brand cigarettes. It'd been a damn good decision to pack to ONS Perry with more logistics than it needed: it carried a ridiculously unnecessary amount of cigarettes onboard.

"We're fixin' to get shit done today, el-tee. The squadron's goin' huntin' — Yutsie plane's the game." She continued. "Hope y'ain't tuckered out or nothin'. I been up since sun-up. Coffee n' co-caine — God's finest work-load management tools."

"Sun-up was an hour ago." He replied, confused as he glanced back to his bed — noting the digital clock.

"—anyways. Colonel's expectin' us and our flight up. Get outta there n' git r done." To rush him, his superior knocked against the metal door, jolting him to attention as he hurried on over to the door, unlocking and swinging it open to see her waiting for him, arms crossed.

"So, what've I missed since I last hit the hay?" He asked, following behind Renee.

His question practically made her laugh. "We're the most wanted sumbitches on the planet, that'swhat. Yutsie navy's lookin' all over for our asses. Theyain't got the fancy sat'lite shit the Euphies got, so they's doin' thisshit th'old fashioned way. Maritime patrol aircraft... oldest trick in the goddamn book."

"So they's after us." Conley bluntly noted to himself, passing the usual corridors of the ONS Perry. Here and there they'd pass a few sailors talking about the usual — most people were in surprisingly good spirits, and there was a reason why. Not only had they killed the whore of Yevosh that was Nobunaka, but they had the smartest son of a bitch leading the fleet. Rear Admiral David M. Powers was as smart as he was daring, and this was proof. The Utsanji probably wanted a man like him hung at the stake for what he'd done, but by God, there was nobody better to lead the thousands of men and women serving under Carrier Strike Group Five.

"Well, think of it this way — if they ain't bringin' us alive, they's bringin' us dead — luckily we ain't givin' those Yutsies neither." She reassured, approaching the stairs. From there it'd be a few more flights up, the two pilots exchanging their typical dialogue until they'd both found themselves at the 'briefing room' — more akin to a badly-repurposed storage room. It was enough to fit the sixteen pilots that'd be involved in this operation. Since they were operating with no logistics from home — with only the Prince of Hoshangabad's benevolence to sustain the Phantom Fleet.

"So, what's they throwin' at us?" Conley asked.

"I look like'n admiral or somethin'? I ain't know shit. I jus' know Yutsies are havin' a conniption fit n' throwin' a few carriers our way. Let's head on in n' get this briefin' over with." Leading the way, Renee was quick to find a folding chair in the dimly-lit 'briefing room', Conley joining his superior in anticipation of the briefing to come. Beside them were the rest of the flight — Conley had been with these people long enough to know who was and wasn't a pain in the ass.

For starters, he and his WSO flew an OF-24 Poltergeist. The aircraft was old, sure, but it sure as hell was reliable. There were newer aircraft in worse condition, anyway. 'Equalizer', they'd named her... mostly because Renee was a fanatic when it came to revolvers.

The rest of the flight — and the squadron in general — were a mishmash of various aircraft. They'd essentially gotten everything they could to prepare for this operation, to which every airframe mattered. They hadn't been carrying a full deck when they'd set off, to which many of the aircraft had simply been loaded onboard when Oesterran forces had evacuated Adunu.

Second in the second flight was Archangel, an OF/A-11E Super Lycan. It was in pretty bad condition due to their logistical situation — but the WSO and pilot were alright. Captain Vernon 'the Damned' McNeil was probably the least crazy son of a bitch in the entire unit, which contrasted heavily with his intimidating, muscular appearance. A straight-edge like him was good in keeping the flight in check, reasons that were obvious. Beside him was his pilot, second lieutenant Clara 'Dawn Rider' Boone. She was pretty young, probably the youngest in the unit as far as Conley was aware — and she had a real short fuse. He certainly wasn't about to try pissing her off, especially mid-mission. She had a good record though, and she was a real nice looker — he could at least partly forgive her attitude knowing they'd be a little safer with skill like hers in the skies.

Third was an OF/A-11 Lycan which, unlike Archangel, was kept in excellent condition. Going by Striga, the fighter was handled by captain Rhoda 'Six-Shooter' Morton. Now, Conley knew Morton was an annoying hardass bitch, and one that often tried too hard to compete with his superior. The lieutenant wasn't a stupid man, though — he knew a woman this uptight could only be insecure about something. Piloting the aircraft was second lieutenant Todd 'Cactus' Carter. The man was too often a timid coward for Conley's liking. He only hoped this dumb bastard wouldn't fuck everything up today.

Finally, the last aircraft — and perhaps the one with the oddest crew. 'Boomer' was an OF-10 Lightwing. Conley loved the sleek shape of the Lightwing, even if it was just a vague imitation of the Euphemian F-13 Hexmaiden. In a way, he almost envied the crew — compared to everyone else, their OF-24 wasn't all too good.

Eli 'Bender' Waller was a man Conley didn't really understand. Weird gnostic shit — Jehemites^[1] were odd folk — aside, the man seemed to carry about him little reason to actually join the Navy. Why even leave the comfort of home when your father's an oil baron? The one thing he had in common with his pilot was their religion — to which the two often seemed to talk on and on about. It was pretty strange — this was the navy, not some philosophical, spiritual pursuit of knowledge. As for his pilot, second lieutenant Eula 'Ranger' Blackburn was probably the only person in the unit more mentally unhinged than Conley thought his WSO to be — stories of UFOs and subterranean reptiles aside, the girl did seem pretty smart though. She had an unusual affinity for maps and military designs, to which he could only assume to be the byproduct of some odd fascinations in her youth. The fact she had a near-perfect photographic memory for locations and maps did occasionally help — and it hopefully would get their asses out of the tangle that would inevitably come with the fact they'd just provoked the entire Utsanji Imperium.

That was the second flight, affectionately dubbed the 'Corsairs'. There wasn't much to the first flight that Conley knew, aside from the fact the Colonel ran it — and he wasn't about to cause no trouble with a man like the Colonel.

"Look'n 'round I ain't seein' no Colonel..." Renee muttered, interrupting Conley's thoughts again. "'swe here too early?"

"We ain't Oesterran Navy anymore. We're outlaws, like you said... the man'll come whenever he damn wants." He replied, chuckling as he leaned back in his folding chair.

“I do comes here when I damn wants!” said the Colonel, his booming voice suddenly making his arrival more than apparent. “Not that I’d make any y’all wait too long.” he continued, stepping into the room. Immediately petty chatter in the converted storage space that constituted a 'briefing room' came to a swift halt. Conley composed himself, having heard more than a few stories that'd merit him having respect for the Colonel. Conley's superior, Renee, seemed to carry a much more relaxed demeanor than him — though it was understandable, given the closer proximity in rank.

Taking a position in front of the entire squadron, the Colonel was a rather straight to the point type of man, being a ‘rogue fleet’ allowed him to be slack about the way he did things, and this briefing would demonstrate that. “Aight, so I don’t think I needs to tell anyone here ‘bout that thing we’d done last night. Correct?”

The group of pilots murmured a general 'yes' in response. It might've been eight in the morning, but there were to be no hangovers today. Everyone adhered to this policy despite the 'god killer' celebration. Chicken and the egg — while Utsan's narrative of the Emperor (or Empress, in the late Nobunaka's case) did come first, in the eyes of the modern, civilized post-Calamity world Utsan's 'return to tradition' seemed more akin to imitation. Nobunaka was, by some narrow thread that historians and annoying computer-leech self-proclaimed genius basement dwellers could argue for hours on Aurelianet over — part of some Celestial Lineage. Given she'd been just Shogun before, it seemed more likely a convenience plot — or a plot of convenience — that such an idea would come forth. Either way, the woman was dead — and by Utsan's definition, she was an aspect of God — to which they'd once again shown the Utsanji the triumph of might and technology over traditionalist delusion. God-killers... what a funny thing to ponder.

“Now that we’ve done that, just about every ship in the ‘Sanji navy mays well be on us. We don’t know how many ships, but estimates range between ‘a lot’ and ‘way too fucking many’. Soon enough, I’m sure they’ll figure us out, but in the meantimes we’s gonna play a good trick or two on ‘em. Make them think we’re where ever ‘cept here. On account of space being fucked and all, the San-joids don’t have the ability to spy on us from all the way up there. So instead, they go throw aircraft where-ever and try to find us thats way. Task is simple enough, we go far away from this carrier and look for something to shoot at. We do some shootin’, bait ‘em to where ever we is by then and take off when they swarm us. Supposed to be easy enough, but I don’t think anything’s as simple in reality than it is on some CO’s desk.”

A hand was raised, and much to Conley's lack of surprise it came from Morton. "How much shit's they fielding in the AO, sir?" Sir — typical bootlicker mannerisms. Sir — Euphemian word. Sir — nobody was a 'sir' in this Fleet, not anymore. Anything went nowadays, and those still bound to the delusion that they were some great navy with honor, dignity, discipline and a demand for respect were out of their minds.

“Couple of those mari-time patrol aircrafts, ‘n about a squadron of their escorts. Should be a good one-on-one.” he replied.

"What kinda response time's we expectin'?" This next question came from another member of Conley's flight, specifically Blackburn. The real surprise here was that she hadn't calculated such a thing herself.

“We don’t know where theys carrier is. Could be ten minutes, twenty, half-hour, I dunno. I’ve been told that the ‘Sanjis take a whole lot longer than us to launch planes, though.”

"..and once we figure out where that carrier's sittin'.." Renee muttered beside Conley, the two perhaps 'in sync' on this subject matter.

“..then we have fun.” the Colonel replied, picking up on Renee’s comment. A few chuckles from the pilots gave a general idea on just how enthusiastic everybody was to sink a few arrogant Yutsies to the bottom of the ocean. Conley waited now for the inevitable dismissal and boarding of aircraft that would come. He'd also heard the LHD in the fleet was carrying about a thousand marines — which made him wonder if they'd be assisting in island-hopping campaigns in the days to come.

“I think that’s ‘bout everything. Y’all can go head on out to yours planes now.” the Colonel said, wrapping up this day’s briefing. Conley's superior was more than a little too enthusiastic to leave her seat, quickly gesturing him up to follow. Their OF-24 Poltergeist — old beauty she was — was waiting.

"Well, I tell you what — every kill I shoots down up there, you'll buy me a drink." Renee began, leading the way out of the briefing room.

"Now I ain't agree to none of that. Only person I'm buyin' drinks for after all this is my-self." Conley replied, chuckling as he followed behind her. Of course, the few entrances out of the room allowed more than enough metaphorical 'room' for the unit to fraternize — which they did.

"Carter! How's gettin' the strap from your WSO goin' for you?" Blackburn seemed first to strike up conversation among the rest of the group, and rather inappropriately so.

"Iyain't do shit'n you know that, Blackburn. Don't go 'round projectin' none-o'-that hoo-ha bull-shit over on-to myside, y'feel me?" Carter might've been a coward, at least in most of the squadron's eyes, but that didn't mean he lacked wit.

"Now I tell y'what, keep this weird sexual shit off-duty." Renee was quick to intervene, though she kept a fair hand — being a hardass was never cool, especially out here. One could probably get away with being a hardass in some hellhole like Medeuropa, though. "Unless it's somethin' true or int'restin' — in which case ev'body's all-ears."

"She's askin' to the fac-tu-ality of that comment o' yours, Cactus." Conley joked. Big words were typical Euphemian shit. Typical Torch City no-good glasses-wearing Westland cosmopolitan metrosexual shit — wasn't uncommon for Conley, or most Oesterrans for that matter, to poke fun at it.

"Well I ain't say nothin' but the truth, with God as my witness." Carter quipped, chuckling.

"I ain't screw around with none of my subord'nates. I rather you not in-sinuate that I'm havin' fra-ter-ni-zation command would deem unbecomin' of our discipline, duty n' honor." Morton delivered her usual hardass, stuck-up reply, an irritated grumble escaping her as she fixed her hair on the way through the corridors.

"Honor?" Carter chuckled. "Only honor out here 'mong ya these days-s no stealin' or murderin'. S'far's I'm con-cerned we ain't killed each other yet and my toothbrush's been mis-placed."

"Say," McNeil spoke up. Given it wasn't often he talked his mind, he'd quickly garnered the unit's attention. "Y'think New-Order was screwin' Nobu-naka all this time? Or was it all just a big ol' rumor?"

"If we killed the Pres-dent's wife I think he'd be sendin' a whole lot more than a 'gen-ral alert' out to his forces." Renee jokingly replied. Up the stairwell, which had accumulated with rust, they wandered up. The ONS Perry was the newest CVN in the former Oesterran navy — yet somehow poor maintenance was already taking its toll on the rogue fleet's capital ship.

"Well, yain't wrong on that, Gecko." Conley chuckled.

"Why d'y'think we killed Nobu anyway?" Carter spoke up again. "I mean, all o'this — dont'cha think it's a lil'... fishy? Now I ain't sayin' anythin', but I'm sure the admiral's got his motives."

"Well, he's workin' with somebody — but we get our pay and keep our mouths shut about whatever all this is about, and all goes fine." Renee was quick to stifle conversation on the subject matter, though it'd left Conley wondering... just what was the purpose of the Phantom Fleet's mission?

Past another stairwell, the group of pilots soon found themselves atop the flight deck — just in time for the first flight's departure. Conley crossed his arms, watching the pilots board their respective aircraft. How well a dated aircraft like his own would hold up against Utsanji naval aviation was a question in its own right, though the closest thing to an answer would come from Renee nudging him on the shoulder.

"C'mon, el-tee. We's got Yutsie to catch." She reassured him, gesturing to their OF-24 Poltergeist in all its tandem two-seat, two-engine glory. The two pilots — and the rest of second flight as a whole — walked on over to their respective airframes. Renee climbed aboard first, black hair waving in the wind as she ascended the side of the aircraft, casually climbing aboard through the canopy. Conley was quick to follow, the man leaning back in his seat as his superior closed the canopy over them.

"Everythin's fine over here." He noted, running the usual preliminary checks and glancing back to the flaps.

"Like-wise." Renee nodded from behind him, assessing the comms. Their OF-24 Poltergeist was much akin to a beast, the engine-roar its living breath and the hum of the computers its thought process. At least, that was how Conley thought of it — a fighter aircraft was high-maintenance, much like an animal — even moreso older aircraft. To this end, both pilots had, to their best ability, taken care of the dated airframe as much as they could.

As the last aircraft of the first flight departed, the radio crackled to life — to which they both knew well what it'd be about.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL MAGIC SPEAR - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
----

{ LAUNCH COMMAND:// "Second flight, you're up — startin' with Equalizer. Equalizer-1, report preliminary status."

{ OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "All's good. Equalizer ready n' rarin' to go."

{ LAUNCH COMMAND:// "Catapult's cleared. Begin take-off procedure."

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Nothing more beautiful than the Pacific sunrise — even if it could be the last day of their lives.

It wasn't very formal, but then again, the current situation mandated little formality. The engines of the aircraft reached a crescendo, Conley preparing for takeoff. Today would be his first flight not as a pilot of the Oesterran Navy, but as an outlaw.

"Long live Oesterra." She announced, much to Conley's confusion as the engines picked up thrust. With a brief jolt, the catapult sent them forward, gliding gracefully into the morning sky. Now that was a rush.

Soon the rest of the second flight had been sent forth into the sky, following just behind the Poltergeist, the four-aircraft group soon catching up with the first flight and joining them amidst the cloud layer.

The third flight would be next, though Conley didn't know all that much about them either.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL MAGIC SPEAR/2F - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
----

{ OF/A-11E SUPER LYCAN "ARCHANGEL" - CPT VERNON MCNEIL:// "Well, well. You think the Yutsies are expectin' the dumbest, craziest sons-of-bitches on the high seas?"

{ OF/A-11E SUPER LYCAN "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "Well, we's dumb and crazy, you got that right."

{ OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - CPT RHODA MORTON:// "I'm sure the Major will show us just how to get the job done."

{ OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Matter of fact, I sure's hell am."

{ OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - CPT RHODA MORTON:// "Sure thing. What's the plan?"

{ OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "We head on over there and show Yutsie the what-for."

{ OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - CPT RHODA MORTON:// "That's a dumb-as-hell 'scuse of a plan, Major."

{ OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "It's as solid an in-ter-pre-ta-tion of the Colonel's orders as all y'all will get. Follow 'hind 1-F. Keep some space if they run into shit."

{ OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - 2LT TODD CARTER:// "W-what exactly could we be runnin' into out here?"

{ OF-10 LIGHTWING "BOOMER" - 2LT EULA BLACKBURN:// "Anythin' from some no-good cheap R-C drone to a fourteenth-generation fighter that'll eat'cher sorry ass up."

{ OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - 2LT TODD CARTER:// "I ain't gonna die on day one."

{ OF/A-11E SUPER LYCAN "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "That sounds like something the person who'd die on day one would say. Let's bet on who'll die first..."

{ OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Now, I do allow many things to happen on in this unit — death betting ain't one of 'em."

{ OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - CPT RHODA MORTON:// "'fraid of dyin', Major?"

{ OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Who ain't?"

{ OF-10 LIGHTWING "BOOMER" - 2LT EULA BLACKBURN:// "I ain't worried 'bout dyin'."

{ OF-10 LIGHTWING "BOOMER" - CPT ELI WALLER:// "Death ain't much but a transitional phase into the next.. ain't much else to it."

{ OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - 2LT TODD CARTER:// "That sound like a load of new-age hoo-ha to me, tell y'what."

{ OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Since y'all are so not-'fraid of dyin', be my guest n' take lead of the for-mation."

{ OF-10 LIGHTWING "BOOMER" - CPT ELI WALLER:// [chuckle] "I'll pass on that."

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

A Pacific morning.

Continuing on, they passed the small island near the ONS Perry — the Sheldon Atoll. It'd changed hands repeatedly after the demise of the first Utsanji Empire centuries prior: mostly between Oesterran and Utsanji control. What'd started as a dispute over a weather station atoll had gradually seen the facility enhanced into an airbase. With Oesterra gone, however, the facility on the deserted island below had largely fallen into disrepair, the Adunuans not bothering to do much with the island. It was doubtful soldiers were even there at this point.

A glance to his map reminded Conley that the Utsanjis could be lurking virtually anywhere. The many islands provided excellent concealment for enemy forces — and his concern arose not only from aerial and naval forces, but to the idea of potential ground contingents as well.

"What's got you worked up?" Renee casually asked, Conley glancing back to his WSO in confusion. As if to answer him, she continued. "Lookin' all over that map like it's hidin' somethin'.."

"Seems like they'd be hidin' their carrier somewhere up in these parts... if they've even got one 'round these islands, which they 'prolly do." Conley shrugged, returning his attention to their current trajectory.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
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CHANNEL MAGIC SPEAR/ - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
----

{ 2F | OF-10 LIGHTWING "BOOMER" - 2LT EULA BLACKBURN:// "I hear Yutsie did some weird-ass experiments over 'round on the Howard Atoll."

{ 2F | OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - CPT RHODA MORTON:// "Lieutenant, you also believe in UFOs and underground reptilians."

{ 3F | OF-10G SUPER LIGHTWING "GAMBIT" - CPT OWEN YORKE:// “Sounds more believable than the UFO shit.”

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Conspiracy crap aside, there ain't much to these islands. We're approachin' Ulian Island right now — she's a whole 'nother thing. Maybe one of these days the marines can secure it."

{ 3F | OF-10G SUPER LIGHTWING "GAMBIT" - CPT OWEN YORKE:// “You sure it’s worth sendin’ those marines to capture that Island? Those Yutsie might be hidin’ in caves or somethin’.”

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "I say it's a good recon point, lets us see enemy movement instead of wastin' fuel with re-con sorties."

{ 3F | OF-10G SUPER LIGHTWING "GAMBIT" - CPT OWEN YORKE:// “Hopefully they ain’t got the place rigged, we’re runnin’ on limited manpower.”

{ 2F | OF/A-11E SUPER LYCAN "ARCHANGEL" - CPT VERNON MCNEIL:// "'prolly not as clever as them Claytonists back in Tango-leero. They's riggin' up some wild shit over there.."

{ 3F | OF-10G SUPER LIGHTWING "GAMBIT" - 2LT JOHN STEWART:// “I don’t think anyone comes close to those lunatics ‘cept for maybe Blackburn.”

{ 2F | OF-10 LIGHTWING "BOOMER" - 2LT EULA BLACKBURN:// "I'm as mentally stable as a—...well, uh, I ain't crazy.."

{ 2F | OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - CPT RHODA MORTON:// "'bout as mentally stable as the Major."

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "I'm mentally stable, what's it t'you?"

{ 2F | OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - 2LT TODD CARTER:// "..you're scary sometimes, ma'am."

{ 2F | OF-10 LIGHTWING "BOOMER" - 2LT EULA BLACKBURN:// "Now, we shoudn't start discriminatin' on appearances."

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "I ain't that scary, Cactus."

{ 2F | OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - 2LT TODD CARTER:// "Nothin' pisses you off, that's the scary thing... not the other thing, of course."

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "—anyways. Straight up ahead just down yonder you can see Ulian Island. 'sfar's I'm concerned ain't nobody living there."

{ 3F | OF-23 FIREKEEPER "PLEROMA" - CPT MATT SHARP:// “Think that’s gonna be a common thing with these Islands?”

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "If there's lights, they's 'prolly ground-targets. Ain't no mil-court in the Phantom Fleet to tell us otherwise... just use ammo responsibly... and pre-f'bly on another mission. Stick to the goal: shoot some Yutsie outta the sky."

{ 3F | OF-10G SUPER LIGHTWING "INVICTUS" - CPT OLIVIA COHILL:// “Sounds easy enough.”

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

As they approached Ulian Island, the group gradually diverted onto a westbound course, orange sunlight-bathed seas glimmering below the formation as they moved onward. Conley was pretty surprised at the oddly tranquil nature of the archipelago beneath them as they passed, glancing down to admire the sight before returning his attention to the variety of consoles and computers that lay situated at his station.

The rather lush sights of Ulian Island were a quick footnote in the operation, the three flights soon passing the island by with little incident — or so they thought.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL MAGIC SPEAR - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
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{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Was there anythin' on the island? Might be helpful for marines later."

CHANNEL UTSFOR - XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
----

{ TA-KI 138 - AO TATSUNORI IBAYASHI:// [TRANSLATED] “..enemy aerial formation detected. Contacts number eight in consistency, about half an Oesterran squadron. They were heading north but made sudden deviation west at the southern tip of Ulian.”

{ MISHOCERA TYPE 174 MEDIUM TRUCK - MAJ MITSUHIRO IZUMIDA:// [TRANSLATED] "Probably one of the Phantom Fleet's patrols...keep tracking them. I will contact the fleet."

{ TA-KI 138 - AO TATSUNORI IBAYASHI:// [TRANSLATED] “Understood.”

CHANNEL MAGIC SPEAR - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
----

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Looks like Yutsies are onto us. Our return tra-ject'ry to the Perry should also confuse 'em sumbitches good. Go west 'stead of east when all this is over, all that."

{ 1F | OF-10 LIGHTWING "MAGNET" - COL RUSSELL CLARKSON:// “‘Yer right. Seems the ‘Sanjis are gonna come to us though.”

{ 2F | OF/A-11E SUPER LYCAN "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "Guess I was right sayin' we were dumb and crazy. We ought to make sure we don't send 'em sniffin' after the Perry's real lo-cation."

{ 1F | OF-10 LIGHTWING "MAGNET" - COL RUSSELL CLARKSON:// “Co-rrect. Let’s see what this Fleet of they’s gonna throw at us, in the meantime, continue looking for their M-P-As.

{ 1F | OF-10G SUPER LIGHTWING "CEMENT" - 2LT JORDAN MERCER:// “Hey, uh, I’ve got two sea contacts comin’ round from the northern tip of Uli-an.”

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "We got any anti-ship missiles on us?"

{ 1F | OF-10G SUPER LIGHTWING "CEMENT" - 2LT JORDAN MERCER:// “They small. Ain’t no big boy ships. Might be a bit of a waste, honestly.”

{ 3F | OF-10G SUPER LIGHTWING "GAMBIT" - CPT OWEN YORKE:// “You sayin’ we can pick these ships off with just our guns?”

{ 1F | OF-10 LIGHTWING "MAGNET" - COL RUSSELL CLARKSON:// “I thinks we’d need to take a look for ourselves to figure that out. They ain’t our problem for nows, though. Don’t bother.”

CHANNEL UTSFOR - XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
----

{ UTS GYORAITEI NO. 405 - SAO KATSURA IEKAZU:// [TRANSLATED] "Oesterran air-group has been sighted here. Don't they realize they are Euphemian now?" [chuckle]

{ UTS ISUKAKU - MARSHAL-ADMIRAL SAKURAI UJIHIRO:// [TRANSLATED] "They are to be regarded seriously. A second reconnaissance group will be sent forth to investigate. Perhaps they can lead us to their.. 'phantom fleet'."

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

The unit remained steadfast in their navigation westward, the fact they'd alerted the enemy hopefully sufficing to play into their plan towards diversion. Conley remained cautious as he glided their fighter through the morning sky, formation navigating off into the Pacific Ocean. In their pass of Ulian, they had also detected the first of the enemy patrol groups — three Utsanji Q2K2 patrol aircraft, guarded tightly by 13 A2M2 fighter aircraft. Given these small fighters were light and versatile, it was no surprise Utsan saw fit to use them for their terribly narrow carriers.

Yet Conley knew well there'd be more blips on the map if they didn't create their distraction quickly enough — to lead the enemy to underestimate, or otherwise misunderstand the position of the ONS Perry would be sufficient to keep the enemy off the carrier's tail for a good while.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL MAGIC SPEAR - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
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{ 2F | OF/A-11E SUPER LYCAN "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "How long will we go in circles to trick the Yutsies?"

{ 2F | OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - CPT RHODA MORTON:// "Somehow I think the Major is taking our Colonel's orders too serious—"

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Let's catch 'em while they're speedin' on after us — head straight for 'em before that second group arrives."

{ 1F | OF-10 LIGHTWING "MAGNET" - COL RUSSELL CLARKSON:// “Maj’r has the right idea.”

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Conley couldn't help but chuckle as he watched the blips on the radar gradually tail after them. He had an advantage in this case — the Utsanji aircraft on their tail were about as old as his own aircraft.

"Do that 'thing', el-tee." Renee suggested, leaning back in her seat.

He knew well enough what that was. Sharply bringing their OF-24 into a split-S maneuver, Conley led the flight forth — straight for the pursuing Utsanji formation.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL UTSFOR - XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
----

{ A2M2 - SM SEI NO YOSHIYASU:// [TRANSLATED] "—what the?! They're headed straight for us! Do these Oesterrans welcome death?"

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

The Utsanji confusion was short-lived, however — afterburners blazing ahead, the aircraft soared towards one of the A2M2s, ECM dissuading lock-ons as it approached. 20mm Fafnir autocannons went live, ripping the Utsanji aircraft to shreds and sending it on a downward spiral. Trailing behind, Archangel fired away a few volleys of its own missiles, cutting down another one of the Utsanji aircraft and sending it spinning madly to the maritime abyss below.

"Tell y'what, el-tee — you're's crazy as a bullbat!" Renee herself seemed baffled by Conley's swift maneuver and strafing of the aircraft as they looped back down through the air to engage another one of the fighters. As they dove through the clouds, they were almost rammed by the burning wreckage of another one of the fighters — seemingly Striga had managed a similarly clever maneuver with its guns.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
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CHANNEL MAGIC SPEAR - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
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{ 2F | OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - CPT RHODA MORTON:// "Think you're so good, huh, Major?"

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "You think about me a lot more than I think about you, captain."

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

The two remaining aircraft that'd been caught up in the engagement with the second flight reacted swiftly — one of them abruptly conducting a sharp upward maneuver and strafing Striga from below. It'd done quite a number on the airframe, the Utsanji light fighter gracefully gliding upward in a display that undoubtedly carried a touch of arrogance to it.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL ALL
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{ A2M2 - SM MUNEYUKI NO HORIKAWA:// [TRANSLATED] "Such primitive, brutish display!"

CHANNEL MAGIC SPEAR - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
----

{ 2F | OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - CPT RHODA MORTON:// "—KH! MAJOR! FUCKING HELP US!"

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

As Conley turned around, it became apparent what the other Utsanji fighter was up to. Swiftly soaring past their aircraft, the Oesterran pilot watched as the airframe tailed Archangel, missiles firing away at the aircraft.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
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CHANNEL MAGIC SPEAR - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
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{ OF/A-11E SUPER LYCAN "ARCHANGEL" - CPT VERNON MCNEIL:// "Shit. SHIT! Nothing's working."

{ OF/A-11E SUPER LYCAN "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "BAIL!"

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Two ejector seats surged upward from the OF/A-11E Super Lycan, which promptly was reduced to a blazing fireball as the missiles connected with their target. The second flight was one aircraft down, with two pilots in future need of rescue.

"..shit." Renee muttered. It was rare for Conley's WSO to seemingly break a sweat — but given the equipment loss and the danger both pilots were in, it made a fair deal of sense. While she'd been taken aback by the swift turn of events, Conley kept his attention on getting behind the Utsanji — 20mm autocannon ripping the fighter's tailwing to shreds and sending it barreling downward. The last of the group engaging the second flight had endured a similar fate: Conley could only be left to imagine what'd happened as the aircraft madly spiraled down to the sea, both its wings missing.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL ALL
----

{ A2M2 - SM MUNEYUKI NO HORIKAWA:// [TRANSLATED] "IT WON'T EJECT!" [screaming] [static]

CHANNEL MAGIC SPEAR - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
----

{ 1F | OF-10 LIGHTWING "MAGNET" - COL RUSSELL CLARKSON:// “Missile comin’ in!”

{ 1F | OF-10 LIGHTWING "MAGNET" - CPT WILLIAM HATHAWAY:// “ECM, ECM.”

{ 1F | OF-10 LIGHTWING "MAGNET" - CPT WILLIAM HATHAWAY:// “..shit, that thing’s coming at us!”

{ 1F | OF-10 LIGHTWING "MAGNET" - COL RUSSELL CLARKSON:// “Oh shit!”

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

It seemed the first flight was in trouble. Conley's attention turned to the radar display, projectile accelerating towards Clarkson's aircraft, Magnet.

blip.

It had detonated just adjacent to the Colonel's aircraft, something that'd presumably dealt a bit of damage to the airframe. This was followed by another one of the aircraft targeting Magnet, as if aware of some sort of command structure among the aircraft.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
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CHANNEL MAGIC SPEAR - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
----

{ 1F | OF-10 LIGHTWING "MAGNET" - COL RUSSELL CLARKSON:// “Plane’s damaged! They’re firing another one!”

{ 1F | OF-10 LIGHTWING "MAGNET" - CPT WILLIAM HATHAWAY:// “We ain’t gon’ be lucky forever..”

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Their luck had rang true this time, judging by the scene that'd played out on the display as Conley tried to lead the 2nd Flight to regroup with the 1st.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL ALL
----

{ A2M2 - SM TAKEDA HIKOMOCHI:// [TRANSLATED] "Empress guide me! AAAAAAA—"

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

"—aw HELL—..!" Renee leaned forward in her seat, pointing forward as they pierced the cloud-layer: in a trailing blaze, one of the A2M2s had set off, afterburners blazing brightly as they accelerated straight for Magnet — strafing the aircraft in question before performing a sharp upward maneuver.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL MAGIC SPEAR - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
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{ 1F | OF-10 LIGHTWING "MAGNET" - COL RUSSELL CLARKSON:// “We’re gonna’ get fuckin’ shot down this rate!”

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Quickly lashing out, the Utsanji formation's aircraft dispersed, managing to strafe Polearm, albeit missing closely on Zoomer — overall they'd done quite a number on the main aircraft in the formation.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL MAGIC SPEAR - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
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{ 1F | OF-10 LIGHTWING "MAGNET" - COL RUSSELL CLARKSON:// “Aight, fuck it! Missile dump everything, Magnet-2.”

{ 1F | OF-10 LIGHTWING "MAGNET" - CPT WILLIAM HATHAWAY:// “Roger dodger.”

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Magnet’s whole anti-aircraft loadout, six missiles in total, flew off in various directions towards the enemy - and it certainly seemed that the Utsanji’s traditional gods and ancestors were not with them today. As explosion after explosion drew the glare of all those around, it seemed that the Colonel’s luck had turned around.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL ALL
----

{ A2M2 - SM TAKEDA HIKOMOCHI:// [TRANSLATED] [screaming]

CHANNEL MAGIC SPEAR - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
----

{ 1F | OF-10 LIGHTWING "MAGNET" - COL RUSSELL CLARKSON:// [laughter] “All missiles hit. Two left, boys.. and gals, too.”

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Following in the Colonel’s footsteps, ‘Buccaneer’s third plane, Cement, a OF/A-11E Super Lycan approached one of the two remaining Utsanji aircraft, shredding it apart with it’s guns. The fourth plane in the flight, Polearm, attempted the same maneuver but failed to kill the last remaining Utsanji escort.

"Right," Renee abruptly spoke up, noting Polearm's error. "I oughta give it a shot, I guess."

"Sure thing." Conley offered a simple nod, tailing the aircraft in question — three missiles firing away at the Utsanji fighter aircraft. He'd call it wasteful, but it wasn't uncommon for the Major to get a little unhinged here and there.

The pilot in question seemed to get more than a little lucky, outmaneuvering and out-witting the missiles that'd tailed his aircraft, ECM seducing the oncoming targets away. Despite the missile's own ECCM, it'd proved futile — smoke-trails setting off into the aquatic expanse below.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL MAGIC SPEAR - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
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{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Damn! Almost had him."

{ 3F | OF-10G SUPER LIGHTWING "GAMBIT" - CPT OWEN YORKE:// “I’ve got it covered.”

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Firing an anti-aircraft missile in the direction of the Utsanji aircraft, the projectile continued unopposed as enemy counter-measures failed, rewarding Gambit with an easy kill.

Albeit damaged, Striga made its move — sweeping down to shred apart the last remaining Utsanji fighter, airframe quickly scattering into burning wreckage and loose parts as the fighter dispersed — leaving only the undefended patrol aircraft, bound northeast as they tried to flee the scene.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL MAGIC SPEAR - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
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{ ONS PERRY (CVN-26) - CPT SILAS J. WEST:// "Recovery helicopter is returning to the Perry."

CHANNEL MAGIC SPEAR/2F - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
----

{ OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - CPT RHODA MORTON:// "How was that, Major?"

{ OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Good work."

{ OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - CPT RHODA MORTON:// "Couldn't do it y'self?"

{ OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Oh, so it's a pride thing. Never mind."

CHANNEL MAGIC SPEAR - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
----

{ 2F | SH-36 REED - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "..while we's stuck out here. How 'bout a game?"

{ 2F | SH-36 REED - CPT VERNON MCNEIL:// "Game, lieutenant?"

{ 2F | SH-36 REED - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "Not with you, captain. You're dumb's a prairie dog if you didn't notice I was talkin' to the squadron."

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Game?"

{ 2F | SH-36 REED - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "Last to land on the Perry has to kiss scar-face over here."

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "..funny game, el-tee. I ain't doing that though. You'd have to get me drunk as a fiddler's bitch to get that stupid."

{ 2F | SH-36 REED - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// [chuckle]

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - 2LT LEE CONLEY:// "I think that game's rigged in my favor in more than a few ways... For one, it's impossible for me to be last to land on the Perry." [chuckle]

{ 2F | OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - CPT RHODA MORTON:// "Cactus, you better land us faster than a scalded cat.."

{ 2F | OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - 2LT TODD CARTER:// [cough] "..yes ma'am."

{ 3F | OF-10G SUPER LIGHTWING "GAMBIT" - CPT OWEN YORKE:// “If that offer was legit, I wonder how many of us would be flyin’ till we ran out of fuel.”

{ 1F | OF-10 LIGHTWING "MAGNET" - COL RUSSELL CLARKSON:// “I ain’ no fan of kissing bets. They tends to end in a couple of pilots getting put outta action for a few days.”

{ 3F | OF-23 FIREKEEPER "PLEROMA" - CPT MATT SHARP:// “Since you like throwin’ people into bets Boone, how ‘bout we throw you in the mix.”

{ 2F | SH-36 REED - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "Now, now, I ain't said no'ne 'bout my-self, cap."

{ 3F | OF-23 FIREKEEPER "PLEROMA" - CPT MATT SHARP:// “I bet you Major ain’t say anything about takin’ part in this game either.”

{ 2F | SH-36 REED - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "W—well would you do it or not? I, uh, bet y'ain't got the balls to do it!"

{ 3F | OF-23 FIREKEEPER "PLEROMA" - CPT MATT SHARP:// “I can enlighten my wingman on being a Jehemite while we run out of fuel.”

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - 2LT LEE CONLEY:// "My boss ain't too keen on this 'kissin'-folk' thing, it'd seem."

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

While his WSO didn't get worked up over much, she'd gotten pretty quiet while Conley continued on towards the patrol aircraft. He didn't pay it much mind — women were women, after all. Still approaching the patrol aircraft in question, he kept his attention to the radar — but raised his head as she spoke up. "Am I un-'ttractive, el-tee?"

"Nah." He shook his head, returning his attention to the console.

Up ahead, the Q2K2 aircraft were well on their way northeast. The Utsanji seemed to have an unusual fixation with these planes, despite the fact they weren't all that great. Maybe it just had something to do with Utsan being an island nation.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL ALL
----

{ Q2K2 "SHIROGANE" - CPRL HINENO KAGEMOTO:// [TRANSLATED] "SHIT!"

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

The struggle was short-lived: quickly the three flights struck in full force, guns shredding through the three patrol aircraft and sending them on their deathly downward glide. The next decision would come quick enough as Renee accessed the comm.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL MAGIC SPEAR - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
----

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "We done shown 'em the what-for. Yutsies'll be all over our asses in a few minutes.. so head over on west. We'll get to the carrier from the south."

CHANNEL UTSFOR - XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
----

{ TA-KI 138 - AO TATSUNORI IBAYASHI:// [TRANSLATED] “..our patrol’s disappeared off radar.”

{ UTS ISUKAKU - MARSHAL-ADMIRAL SAKURAI UJIHIRO:// [TRANSLATED] "Follow their bearing. It should guide us to the position of the Perry."

{ TA-KI 138 - AO TATSUNORI IBAYASHI:// [TRANSLATED] “They maintain a steady bearing west.”

{ UTS ISUKAKU - MARSHAL-ADMIRAL SAKURAI UJIHIRO:// [TRANSLATED] "Then the Perry is west of Ulian Island. Their arrival from the south was likely a diversion to mask the carrier's true position. Clever Oesterrans."

CHANNEL MAGIC SPEAR - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
----

{ 1F | OF-10 LIGHTWING "MAGNET" - COL RUSSELL CLARKSON:// “Diversion worked. Great!”

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

With that, VFA-313 set off to return to the ONS Perry. While it wasn't anything major, keeping the Utsanji deceived would be the first integral step to overcoming the power of their fleet.

by **Reuss-Lippe** » Wed May 15, 2019 12:14 pm

_{GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
TIME
22:30
----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.}

Scoring a victory against the Utsanji — or rather, deceiving them to the true nature of the Phantom Fleet, had greatly benefitted the prospects of the Oesterrans. Whether it was the arrogance or shortsighted nature of the Utsanji, they now believed the Phantom Fleet to be situated west of the Ulian island chain — which gave the Oesterrans valuable time. Time meant everything in this situation, and it would decide the victor of the pacific engagement.

Time, for VFA-313, however, meant drinking and blowing off steam while other squadrons did their respective jobs. They'd shot thirteen Utsanji fighters out of the sky in one day — an impressive performance that merited celebration. A few of the more arrogant pilots — Morton in particular — likened themselves to the ace-heroes of the Transatlantic War.

The ONS Perry's bar was as one would expect of a vessel that'd been out of the country for most of 393 — especially moreso now that they were rogue. To Second Lieutenant Leo 'Highwayman' Conley and his superior and WSO, Major Renee 'Gecko' Martin, however, it was the ideal place to unwind and have a drink. While some preferred to enjoy the aftermath of the operation on their own time, the two much preferred to enjoy it with the rest of the squadron.

"Now, now, I'm sure y'ain't forget that game I s'ggested to y'all when they pulled me outta the water.." Boone spoke up, setting down her bottle of Augustan whiskey on the table. "..which one of y'all landed last?"

“I believe that’d be me.” Replied Sharp, putting down his shot glass and standing up. “Well, we, but my pilot don’t got any interest in all this.” Of the third flight's pilots, it seemed almost deliberate that Pleroma's crew had landed last.

"I all-ready know where this is goin'." Conley commented, leaning back in his seat as he took another sip of whiskey from the glass, setting it down again.

“If I recall, I threw you in the mix, and not scarface overthere.” Sharp pointed towards Boone, before sitting back down in his respective seat. “It’s only fair I throw you in unwillingly if you get to throw that there major into the bet, right?”

This made the pilot in question chuckle, defiantly crossing her arms. "You'd have to get to the carrier first to even have a chance on me, cowboy."

This made Sharp jump up from his seat. “You said whoever lands on the carrier last, you can’t go changin’ the rules like that.”

"You gotta lose the race to this carrier to get with someone like scar-face." Boone shrugged, seemingly insulting the Major — though Renee didn't seem to react with much more than a scoff as she drank her whiskey. "Ain't never said nothin' 'bout my-self, you the one thinkin' funny."

“How’s ‘bout we make a bet for the next operation?” Sharp took another shot before sitting back down.

"What kinda bet? Too 'fraid to kiss scars over there?" She taunted again, arms crossed in apparent anticipation towards the offer.

“Out of the both of us, whomever tags the most Yutsie’s in whatever operation we both happen to be on, has to do somethin’ for the other.” Sharp leaned back in his chair, putting down his glass once again. “As for me, I already got my mind made up. I’m willin’ to share if you want to take part in this.”

"I ain't stupid but I ain't gonna ignore a bet. Let's hear it." Her reply warranted a few curious glances from the various pilots of the unit, Conley included.

“Now, I can think of things much worse, but for now let’s just say it’s the same as your game with the Major. The only difference now, is you are replacing her. I can up the ante a bit but that’s only if you are willin’.”

"I ain't fallin' for it, captain." She chuckled, once again downing whiskey in anticipation of his next reply.

“You ain’t even know what I would’ve said.” Sharp sat back up properly in his chair, looking towards Boone. “Ironic that you say I’m ‘fraid to kiss scarface when you’s can’t even take up a little wager.”

"I ain't puttin' my ass on the line for somethin' like this. I think you's just pro-jectin' 'cause you lost the game, cowboy." Watching the two drunkenly go on seemed entertainment enough for Conley as he finished his glass, watching them go on.

“Ain’t project shit if I technically won, you just moved the goal post.”

"I ain't moved shit! It wasn't never 'bout me. I think you's just tellin' the Major here she ain't pretty." The alcohol-infused debate was seemingly going in circles, the two arguing over the 'wager' in question.

"Y'all fuss 'bout my scars 'bit more than I'd prefer." Renee spoke up. She didn't often get offended, and this seemed just one of those cases where she'd instead questioned the repetitive mention of her cheek scar.

“That’s all her, Gecko, I’m just tryin’ to make a point.” Sharp looked towards Renee before turning his attention back towards Boone. “The Major’s pretty, but you keep goin’ back to her. Somethin’ tells me you are just too ‘fraid to take the wager because you know you’d lose.”

"I ain't gonna lose shit. I done took down one Yutsie back there!"

“And got shot down in the process. If you are so sure you ain’t gonna lose shit, why not just take the wager? We don’t got to up the ante, yet at least.”

"I ain't afraid of losin', and I ain't 'bout to look like I'm 'fraid of losin'." She seemingly took up his offer. "What'll happen when you lose, though?"

“That’s for you to decide, I only thought of what would happen if you lose. I think it’s fair if we leave each others fate in the others hand, wouldn’t you say so?”

"I guess we'll be findin' out real soon what happens if you lose." She arrogantly chuckled.

Renee saw fit to interrupt the conversation, given it'd seemingly reached its end. "Just don't do anythin' stupid tryin' to one-up each other."

“No harm in tryin’ to one-up one another as long as no one gets hurt, right?” Sharp turned his attention towards Second Flight’s Major.

"I ain't gonna stop none of this off-duty shit. Just keep this shit outta the skies."

“You a little jealous, Major?” Sharp questioned, chuckling to himself.

"I ain't here to really screw around. I just wanna get on back home when this is all over. I 'ssume most of us do." Renee gave a candid response, filling her glass with more whiskey.

“I can respect that.” Sharp gave a nod towards Second Flight’s commander, before turning his attention back towards Boone once again. “Before the Major interrupted us, I had somethin’ on my mind. What exactly are you gonna do if I lose? I told you my end of the deal.”

Boone chuckled. "..I ain't sure yet. Maybe I'll just make you ful-fill your end of the bargain from last time."

“I hope you think of somethin’, I don’t think your Major is gonna like it if we up the ante and you’re still stuck on that.”

"I ain't interested in this lil' game. Figure somethin' else out." Renee's attention returned to her drinking as the night continued.

“You know, I’m not sure if I feel super comfortable with my fate blowin’ in the wind. You never know when the next operation could happen..” Sharp trailed off, attempting to get a solid answer out of Boone.

"I like bein' unpredictable." She smirked, looking to the pilot from third flight.

Conley glanced over to his WSO, quietly posing the question. "These two always like this?"

"We ain't really have shit to celebrate 'till now. Wouldn't know." Was Renee's response.

“Two can play at that game, I guess you wouldn’t mind me crankin’ up the ante without letting you know.” Sharp continued his conversation, filling up his glass. “I can be unpredictable too.”

"Oh?"

“If you’re expectin’ an answer, I ain’t sayin’ shit until you tell me your end. We can either be transparent or we can find out come next operation we got together.”

"Oh, we will be findin' out."

"Can y'all two save this talk for the bedroom?" Conley jokingly spoke up.

“What’d be the point of the wager?” Sharp chuckled, taking another shot from his glass. “..of course I don’t mind talkin’ this out in the bedroom now.”

"Us two? You's outta your goddamn mind, Conley." Boone practically scoffed at his suggestions.

"I think I'll be right in some way or the other after next operation." He chuckled, leaning back in his seat with Lucky Atom™ brand cigarette in hand.

“That kinda hurt.” Sharp sat up in his chair. “Am I that repulsive to ya?”

"Not as bad as me, I figure." Renee wryly joked, taking another sip of whiskey. Conley couldn't help but wonder if Boone's jokes did get to his WSO's head a little. She could get a little self-conscious at times.

“How can she be so sure somethin’ won’t happen between us?” Sharp questioned, gesturing towards Conley for a cigarette. The lieutenant complied, handing one off to him as his attention turned to his WSO again — perhaps out of concern.

"Anyways, I should be headed off 'fore I drink too much. Don't cause a ruckus or anythin'.." Renee abruptly took her leave, keeping her usual calm, relaxed demeanor as she left. Maybe she was a little self-conscious — even if she didn't make it look that way, Conley knew the WSO well enough to get when she didn't exactly feel too comfortable.

Conley's attention turned over to Boone. "Maybe if y'all ain't call her 'scars' or 'scarface' so often, she'd stick 'round more."

"I ain't hatin' on her or nothin'.. no need to get de-fensive. You fuckin' her or somethin'?"

"That'd be a 'no' from me. I do respect her, though." Conley chuckled to himself. "'sides... she done led us pretty good today — 'specially given what we're up against. I think the Maj deserves a break."

“One can only hope the Yutsie are as easy as today’s operation was.” Sharp took a drag from his cigarette. “You know you’ve yet to answer my question, Boone.”

"You ain't gonna get an answer, captain. That's for either of us to find out when the time comes."

“I was talkin’ bout how I look to you.”

"I'm a pilot, cowboy. I ain't a beauty specialist.. I ain't 'bout to tell you what my tastes in men are, either." She replied.

“I’ll find out one way or ‘nother. Maybe I’ll just ask that WSO of your’s, he would probably be the closest to you, after all.”

"..shut up." Her attention quickly shifted to her drink — presumably she didn't want to open up much more. Glaring down at his half-full glass, Conley noted the news broadcast on the TV: the head of the Utsanji 'Security Committee', the corporate-backed military junta that'd formed in the wake of Nobunaka's death, Kitamura Montaro, was making a fervent speech against the Phantom Fleet. Words like 'terrorists', 'pirates' and 'murderers' spewed forth from the man's tongue as he decried the attack on Naiko. Conveniently, he made no word or mention of anything relating to the engagement over the Ulian Islands that'd happened today. Proudly, he announced, more vessels would be sent to 'compromise to permanent end' the Oesterran fleet.

Conley glanced back down to his glass and noted it was empty, getting up. He'd seen most of what he needed to. "Try not to take your bettin' shit too far."

Departing from the table, he figured he'd pay his superior a visit before getting to his usual antics around the vessel. Given their previous mission served only to raise the stakes, maybe a bit of reassurance would help her — especially given her subtle insecurity. Stopping before the door to her quarters, he knocked twice before the handle turned, the Major peering out to see him.

"Y'ain't come here often. What's up?" She seemed curious enough to the nature of Conley's visit.

"Just figured I'd have a word 'fore I went 'round the ship." He replied.

"..right, sure thing. What's it about?" Opening the door, she let him in — Conley taking a moment to note the impeccably clean nature of the quarters. As he walked in, Renee was sure to shut the door behind him, allowing him to walk around for a moment before he started.

"Just wanted to say you ain't need to feel insecure about your a-ppearance." He nodded. "Don't let it get to your head or nothin'."

"Insecure? I ain't insecure, el-tee. If anythin', I'm better than ever. We done took thirteen Yutsie fighters to the bottom of the sea. Zero casualties. That's somethin' to hang your hat on, dont'cha figure?"

"It don't bother you when people bring up those scars?" Conley questioned, raising an eyebrow skeptically.

"Not that much it don't. I'll tell you what I'm really in-secure 'bout, though." Either hesitating or pausing for dramatic effect — Conley wasn't sure — Renee continued. "Second lieutenant Levi Wagner. He was my original pilot back in the day... I still 'member it clear's day. We were flyin' over Red Pine, just south-east of Midfort when it happened. C33, dead ahead — got our wing good. Ejection system malfunctioned, just couldn't get the damn thing to work.. barely got the damn thing to land. Only I survived... but I keep these scars with me, don't I? But you already know all that — so I'll tell you why. It's just that.." Renee hesitated again, perhaps her emotions vaguely beginning to surface. "I don't wanna lose my pilot again. Tells me I'm doin' everything right and should keep goin'."

"Well, I'm alive, aren't I?" Conley joked. "You don't need to worry about nothin'. I'm a good 'nough pilot that I can keep the both of us alive."

"You done shown that here today." She complimented.

"..yeah, we did pretty good. Anyways — uh, just keep your head up. We'll be makin' it through all this, come hell or high water." Making for the door, Conley hoped to himself that maybe she'd get a little less worried from here forward. They had a war on their hands, with only the strength of a single fleet about them. Conley had prepared himself for death here and there, but now was a different case entirely. The sheer scale of who they were fighting was a surprise within itself. All these were reason enough for him to deliver these reassurances a final time to his superior before taking his leave.

CONTEXT NOTES

1 - Jehemite - Followers of religious leader Jehemiah Anders (40 AC-99 AC) who posited gnostic ideas into Ourielism

by **Valefontaine** » Thu May 16, 2019 10:37 pm

Pacific Ocean

9 November, A.C. 393

2LT Leo 'Highwayman' Conley

ONS Perry
When Oesterra went to shit, Carrier Strike Group Five was en route to Hoshangabad on a routine visit. When news of the collapse reached the admiral, he rejected the notion of folding and joining the Euphemians. It was no psychotic outburst or megalomaniacal dream come true: rather, the admiral had struck a deal with the Euphemians. While the fleet would be, on public record, be set to be decommissioned and mothballed, it was in reality waiting in port in Koothanvadi, operating privately. This afforded the Oesterrans almost six months to hire and train local officers and sailors to bolster their vessels' skeleton complements. Now the 'Phantom Fleet' of the defunct Republic of Oesterra sets forth for a final journey: Utsan.

The success of the last week had successfully deceived the Utsanji. Most of their maritime patrols — which had shifted to the seas west of the Ulian archipelago — were now hunting desperately for the false position of the Oesterran fleet.

Time — valuable as it was, it was finite. Sooner or later Yutsie would get smart and begin sweeping south. Keeping the Utsanji distracted always came first, though: to further their false assumptions, another operation would be soon to come.

By soon, it seemed fate meant to say now. Stepping out of the shower attached to his quarters — the ONS Perry was surprisingly pleasant in its accommodations to officers — Conley recalled the hectic circumstances of the previous night. Some servicewoman from the lower decks lay in his bunk in a daze, packs of recreational cocaine and psychedelic blotters scattered about the floor.

Then came the worst possible outcome — as he stopped to have a smoke in his quarters, a loud knock was enough to jolt him to attention — and the prior night's centerpiece, too.

"El-tee!" It was Renee, of course. Conley wasn't sure whether to be crudely amused, bothered or troubled by the fact his WSO was on the other end of the door. "We got ourselves a whole 'nother mission for the week. Givin' Yutsie hell per usual. They's out for blood, but so're we." She sounded pretty excited by the task.

"Out f'r blood, huh?" Conley tried prolonging the conversation, slipping his shirt on and checking himself in the mirror — gesturing the nice looker in his quarters to hide herself. "What're we lookin' at here, Gecko?"

"Like I said, we done pissed 'em off. Today we's shootin' one of their d'stroyers outta the water. Things're mean as a mama wasp, thank Ouriel we're only fightin' one." She replied, voice partly muffled by the metal door. Looking to his reflection in the mirror, Conley noted he looked fine enough — walking on over to fetch his flightsuit and get into proper uniform.

Zipping up his flightsuit, he listened as she continued. "You's sure takin' your time, el-tee. Am I interruptin' somethin'?"

"Y'ain't interruptin' anythin', Gecko. I'm just gettin' dressed." Conley zipped up his flightsuit, sighing as he fetched his helmet and walked over to the door, unlocking and opening it to see her waiting just outside.

"And y'ain't lookin' as shitfaced as I thought." She joked, turning around to lead the way on over to briefing. The corridors of the Perry were their usual decadent state, a few of the sailors smoking in the hallway as the two walked past. With Conley keeping quiet, she saw fit to start conversation. "Archangel's got they-selves a replacement air-craft. Seawitch was sittin' around stowed aboard. If anythin', we's got more planes than pilots to operate 'em. That's why every one of us counts."

"Uh-huh." He nodded in agreement, his superior leading the way up the stairs. "'least it's air-worthy."

"Barely. You know how it is.." She jokingly replied. "Our aircraft's older by a few decades or somethin', still runs like a charm. Thing's built like a brick out-house.. real beauty of a plane."

"It wouldn't be runnin' perfect without your magic touch, Gecko." Conley chuckled. Renee looked after the plane without fail, keeping it in prime condition. Almost looked after the damn thing like it was a pet — jet aircraft, puppy — both were high maintenance.

Renee smiled at the compliment, hand instinctively covering the scar that ran along her left cheek. "Thanks, el-tee."

The door to the impromptu briefing room lay slightly ajar, the two pilots quickly making their way over to their respective seats. Well, there was no seating alignment — but people tended to repeat their tendencies.

"So, 'bout last time.." Carter began, adjusting his glasses as he chuckled to himself. "..guess I wasn't first to die."

"Ain't nobody dead yet, Cactus. Bringin' it up only makes your bat-brained self more likely to get turn'd to ash by some Yutsoids." Blackburn seemed to be amidst her usual routine of banter with her fellow pilots as Conley and Renee seated themselves.

"How 'bout we ain't try to jinx nobody?" Renee sarcastically suggested, smirking. The banter continued while the pilots filed in, waiting for the anticipated arrival of the Colonel — and their briefing with it.

"The Colonel sure takes his time, don't he?" Conley quietly asked, chuckling to himself.

"You n' him got somethin' in common." His WSO quipped, hastily quieting down with the rest of the pilots as a set of footsteps echoed through the metallic corridors nearby. As a sort of dramatic irony, shortly after the Colonel arrived, his loud - perhaps purposefully loud footsteps thudding across the hallway as he entered the briefing room.

“Mission time!” he plainly announced, bringing the whole room to attention. Already a few of the pilots were murmuring to themselves, curious. Conley already had a somewhat basic idea of what was 'up', given Renee's quick rundown.

“Today we kill ‘Sanjis,” he started, taking his place at the center of the room. “Off of Ulian Island, we’ve gots a destroyer pat-roll’in about. U-T-S Kaza-gumo, she’s called. Our task today is two-fold. Today we’re gonna kill that destroyer, and then we’re going to assist the Marines over on the Kaui’a as they land on the island and kill everything on there. We know there’s a radar on that island, so getting detected’s just a matter of time t’day. Our goal is to sink that big bastard quick and fend off anything that tries to stop our boys from landing.”

A hand was raised — Morton's. Typical. "Anythin' t'expect in the skies, sir?"

“Good question. Far’s we know, there ain’t anything ‘round there at this time. Once that destroyer figures us out, though, that Sanjoid carrier will send somethin’ over we’re sure.” The implication seemed to be followed by a few curious mutterances.

"Any word on Yutsie rein-forcements?" Renee questioned, her mind undoubtedly set on something else — the Utsanji fleet's composition.

“I’ve been told we’ve overhard some of ‘em Sanjis talkin’ to each others. Whole bunch of cruisers, I think, uh, six showed up in the A-O.” A few more concerned mutters and whispers followed the Colonel's words.

"Fuckin' Yutsie breathin' down our necks." Renee muttered to herself besides Conley. There seemed to be no more questions about the nature of their task — but the notion that the Utsanji fleet in the Ulian Islands was six more vessels strong was worrying enough.

“Aight, y’all can go and be dismissed. Obviously we’re gonna be carrying some anti-ship missiles today. Second flight’s been equipped for that job.”

Quickly getting up, Conley followed his WSO and the rest of the second flight out of the room. Conversation was quick to commence thereafter, McNeil speaking first as they walked through the corridors of the Perry.

"Y'know, I heard some crazy-ass Euphie pilot actually knocked out some Tango ship with only A-A missiles 'cause she had nothin' else. Just nosedived n' went wild."

"Well, we actually got ourselves anti-ship missiles. We ain't gonna need to do nothin' stupid."

"If Yutsie was stupid, maybe somebody in the first 'r second flight could pull some stunt like that." Morton noted.

As the group made their way up the stairs, Conley noted that Boone seemed unusually skittish — probably had something to do with the 'bet' she'd done with one of third flight's pilots. "'fraid of losin' that bet, Boone?" He asked, chuckling.

"—shut up!" She was quick to snap, the pilots laughing to themselves in acknowledgment of the little 'predicament' she was in.

"Winnin' move's not to play, Boone." Renee chimed in, chuckling. "Ain't nobody made you take that bet."

"W—well, I ain't about to lose.." Was what the pilot could manage. God forbid she get into gambling.

Up on the flight deck, the first flight was well underway in the process of preliminary checks. Renee abruptly gave him a nudge, gesturing to their aircraft. "I added kill markings, el-tee. Painted 'em on a few days back. Figured we'd start keepin' score."

"I can see that." He nodded, taking a moment to note the white aircraft silhouettes marked just below the OF-24 Poltergeist's canopy. Upon the wing hardpoints he noted there were a total of four AGM-81 Polespear missiles mounted. The Euphemian-made anti-ship missiles would prove more than useful in this mission, even if they couldn't compare to most of the other anti-ship missiles the Euphemians made. Typical 'license-exported' weaponry — but it was the best they had.

"Y'ready to kick some Yutsie ass?" She questioned, climbing up the side of the aircraft.

"'course I was. Ain't never been more ready." He followed, seating himself at the pilot's station, switch flipping to bring to life the suite of computer screens that comprised his cockpit, digital counters and displays coming to life one by one, yellowish-orange interface and HUD flashing on as he slipped his helmet on.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL PRURIENT RESOLVE/2F - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
----

{ LAUNCH COMMAND:// "First flight is taking off. Second flight, prelim check."

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

The duo did their usual routine, Renee giving Conley a thumbs-up as they checked the various functions of the aircraft — no issues.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL PRURIENT RESOLVE/2F - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
----

{ OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "A-OK."

{ OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - CPT VERNON MCNEIL:// "Prelim check."

{ OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - CPT RHODA MORTON:// "All's good."

{ OF-10 LIGHTWING "BOOMER" - CPT ELI WALLER:// "Prelim is good."

{ LAUNCH COMMAND:// "Prepare for takeoff, starting with Equalizer."

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

"Get us in the sky, el-tee." Renee ordered, leaning back in her seat.

"Gotcha." Conley promptly complied, switches flipping as he commenced the usual procedures. With a sudden jolt, they accelerated forth across the catapult, engines roaring as the OF-24 Poltergeist glided upward into the air, leaving behind them the sight of the ONS Perry's black flat-top.

The ascent lent Conley view of the eastern sunrise, quasi-metaphorical of the 'rising sun' by which Utsan was poetically described to be.

A Pacific dawn. Many wars have been fought in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean — and many more will come and go.

"Pretty, ain't it?" For a moment he glanced back to his superior, gesturing over to the shades of pink, orange and blue that dominated the skies.

"Sun's risin' — when I look east I see more than that, though. I see Oesterra. We gon' show 'em the what for today.. get ourselves one step closer to headin' home." Renee reassured him with a rather melancholic allusion.

"Right." Returning his attention to the console, cathode ray tube photoelectronic screens glowing with varied interfaces and displays. Ulian Island loomed ahead, bustling with forestry and jungle. The island, despite being mostly uninhabited, had changed hands over the centuries between the Oesterrans, as part of their former colony of Adunu, and the Utsanji, as a light foothold in the Pacific providing weather and intel. Oesterra was gone now, of course — to which one could only assume Yutsie footsoldiers trudged through the rainforest below, boots mud-stained, their rifles trained upon the in-betweens of tropical bushes and trees.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
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{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "So this destroyer's somewhere 'round these parts?"

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "We oughta find it in a Torch City minute. Should be right on yonder past the island."

{ 1F | OF-10 LIGHTWING "MAGNET" - COL RUSSELL CLARKSON:// “Co-rrect. ‘s supposed to be on the north of it.”

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Passing over the island, Conley kept his attention to the radar. If there was something out here, he should've been able to see it at any moment. Sure enough, as they passed the northern reaches of Ulian Island, a group of three blips appeared on radar. Given their flight was equipped with anti-ship weapons, this would be their job.

"Dive?" He called over to his WSO, awaiting her input.

"Dive."

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
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{ OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Enemies sighted. We're divin'."

{ OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - CPT RHODA MORTON:// "This is gon' be one hell of a rodeo."

CHANNEL UTSFOR - XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
----

{ TA-KI 138 - AO TATSUNORI IBAYASHI:// [TRANSLATED] “Enemy formation detected approaching. This is probably, I would like to say, last week’s.”

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Descending into the cloudline, the second flight pressed forward, or rather, downward — and in another moment, the ocean below revealed itself to them, glistening in the orange light of the morning sun as they made their descent. Various instruments within the cockpit gave hint to the distance between themselves and the target.

"Vessel right on north of us." She noted.

"Uh-huh." Conley continued their dive, bringing them just above the waterline as he deployed the airbrakes, his WSO locking onto the Utsanji destroyer. The vessel in question had two escorts, which the rest of the flight would probably have a good time engaging.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
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{ OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Striga, Boomer, engage the patrol vessels."

{ OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - CPT RHODA MORTON:// "You go on 'head n' take top fish for yourself then, Maj." [chuckle]

{ OF-10 LIGHTWING "BOOMER" - CPT ELI WALLER:// "Got it."

{ OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "We gotta take this destroyer down, cap. Don't fuck this up!"

{ OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - CPT VERNON MCNEIL:// "I'll try."

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

In a bright streak that trailed off into the horizon, Renee fired away their AGM-81 Polespear missiles, joined in by Archangel. The ordnance traveled on along the map display, all but two of the eight total anti-ship missiles fired being intercepted by the vessel's CIWS — before they'd scored a hit.

Both missiles seemed to connect with the vessel, an estimate report quickly appearing on both their computerized digital screens informing thme that the bow and engine room had likely been struck. They'd been the ones responsible for the latter lucky shot, leaving the Utsanji vessel dead in the water. Ascending as they passed by, the electro-optical systems gave fair indication to the status of the destroyer — it lay motionless in the water, listing forward from its damages.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
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CHANNEL UTSFOR - XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
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{ UTS KAZAGUMO - KAIGUN-CHUSA SASAKI TETSUNORI:// [TRANSLATED] “Damn it! Two hits confirmed! Damage control teams, deploy, deploy!”

{ UTS KAZAGUMO - KAIGUN-DAII UEMATSU ICHIRO:// [TRANSLATED] “Engine room has been hit! Kazagumo is immobilized! We are deploying pumps!”

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Striga and Boomer fired away two missiles — not much was needed for simple patrol boats, after all — at the two adjacent vessels. Boomer's luck trumped Striga's, however, missile careening and obliterating into a certain 'Gyoraitei No. 418' — it had no chance. The vessel erupted into flames below, a grim spectacle unfolding as they began to turn back.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
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{ OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "That destroyer ain't dead yet. Striga, Boomer, she's sittin' still. Take a shot at 'er."

{ OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - CPT RHODA MORTON:// "Got it."

{ OF-10 LIGHTWING "BOOMER" - CPT ELI WALLER:// "Riiight."

{ OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - CPT RHODA MORTON:// "Fuck you, Waller. I woulda scored that PB if it wasn't for you distractin' me, flyin' so damn close!"

{ OF-10 LIGHTWING "BOOMER" - CPT ELI WALLER:// "Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say." [chuckle]

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

As they pulled away, Striga and Boomer fired their remaining payloads at the Kazagumo, missiles skimming just above the waterline as they accelerated forward. Conley held his breath for a moment before they careened into the vessel on the radar display, a light blip noting the disappearance of the two projectiles.

Soon enough, the algorithmic-predictive estimates came in — hits on the center mass waterline and mast, respectively. The damage they'd done had probably been enough to render the vessel useless — a few minutes of their time would mean months upon months of repairs for the Utsanji. Time, of course, was always a valuable asset.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
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CHANNEL UTSFOR - XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
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{ UTS GYORAITEI NO. 405 - SAO KATSURA IEKAZU:// [TRANSLATED] “Kazagumo’s communications have ceased. She is presumed to be rendered incapable of fighting… we will fight on, however. Banzai!”

CHANNEL PRURIENT RESOLVE - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
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{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Destroyer's knocked out! Our marines oughta have no trouble landin' now... second flight's used up all 'er anti-ship ammo, though."

{ 1F | OF-10 LIGHTWING "MAGNET" - COL RUSSELL CLARKSON:// “Good enough, I’s suppose. There’s still one more blip down there, tho’.”

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "Now what're you sayin' we do 'bout this last blip, sir?" [chuckle]

{ 1F | OF-10 LIGHTWING "MAGNET" - COL RUSSELL CLARKSON:// “Uh…” [pause] “Let’s see if the Fleet’s got anything to spare on that sum’bitch.”

{ ONS FINSTA [FFG-101] - CPT MARC MILLER:// “ONS Finsta has been assigned to cover the Marine’s landing. If there’s a boat out there, we’ll sink it.”

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Coord'nates sent."

{ ONS FINSTA [FFG-101] - CPT MARC MILLER:// “And received. We’ll give ‘em a good show, over.”

CHANNEL UTSFOR - XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
----

{ MISHOCERA TYPE 174 MEDIUM TRUCK - MAJ MITSUHIRO IZUMIDA:// [TRANSLATED] "Shit. Invasion force coming from the south! Call the fleet!"

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

The trail of a cruise missile rocketed upward into the sky as they passed the ONS Finsta, the Oesterran frigate's anti-ship missile traveling across the radar display. It soon found its target — the Utsanji patrol vessel. With ease, it'd been dispatched in an instant, being reduced to rubble and ruin almost effortlessly.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
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{ ONS PERRY [CVN-26] - CPT SILAS WEST:// "VFA-313, you have new orders. Defend the Finsta and the Kaui'a from potential Utsanji aerial response while the marines land."

{ 1F | OF-10 LIGHTWING "MAGNET" - COL RUSSELL CLARKSON:// “Understood.”

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

On the Perry captain's orders, they turned back to protectively circle the two vessels. Below, the amphibious elements attached to the ONS Kaui'a (LHD-79) were touching down on Ulian Island, delivering an asskicking to the Utsanji garrison with support from the Oesterran vessels.

"We got somethin'." Renee noted. "1F's detectin' some bandits up northeast."

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
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{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Northeast and coming in fast. Second flight, clear to intercept!"

{ 2F | OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - CPT RHODA MORTON:// "This oughta be easy."

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Afterburners blazing, the second flight broke formation as it ventured on to face the Utsanji aerial formation above Ulian Island. Two aircraft were at the head of this triangular formation, to which Renee was more than ready to order her subordinate to get them closer. "C'mon, el-tee. Let's show 'em hell."

"Right."

20mm firing away, they narrowly missed one of the A12K1 fighters, sharply turning around to get another hit. The other aircraft had already been cut down by Archangel, shredded airframe spinning down to the jungle below as it burned away, airframe reduced to devastated wreckage by the single AAAGM that'd practically shredded it in two.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
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{ OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Nice hit."

{ OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - CPT VERNON MCNEIL:// "There's still nine of 'em left. We oughta be careful."

{ OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "We can't let 'em get close to the fleet. Keep 'em distracted over the islands."

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Complying with Renee's orders, Conley circled around, the Utsanji formation quickly beginning to disperse in the distance. The other remaining aircraft, on the other hand, attempted to get behind them — missile trailing off as it missed their aircraft.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
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CHANNEL ALL
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{ A12K1 - SM NAGASAKI SUNA:// "Your aircraft so primitive. How you expect to kill?" [chuckle]

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Quickly, he deployed airbrakes — the two pilots being jolted backwards as their aircraft decelerated, bringing the OF-24 just behind the A12K1. "Get 'er, boss." Conley called to his WSO, keeping his sights set on the airframe just ahead of them.

"We'll get 'er for sure."

WHOOOOSHHHHH

A single AAAGM fired away, the Utsanji air superiority fighter quickly deploying flares in reaction to the sudden attack. They'd been too late, however, the missile careening into the engines and transforming the aircraft into a burning fireball, splitting apart just above the jungles of Ulian Island.

Debris tumbling below, their OF-24 gracefully pierced the dispersing flames, ready for the coming engagement.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
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{ OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "Aw SHIT!"

{ OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - CPT RHODA MORTON:// "What?"

{ OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - 2LT TODD CARTER:// "U—uh, ma'am, I suggest you oughta look ahead. All nine of their aircraft're engagin'."

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Crossing paths with the enemy group, the Utsanji aircraft were swift in evading the oncoming cluster of missiles and strafing runs that second flight had attempted — but in doing so, they'd hopefully thrown off the group of Utsanji fighters from their real target: the Oesterran vessels south of Ulian Island.

The Utsanji formation evidently took the bait, fighters swiftly maneuvering and gliding above the jungles below to engage the flight of aircraft. Boomer would be their first target — missiles soaring past and narrowly missing the OF-10 Lightwing as it cleverly evaded its pursuants.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
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{ OF-10 LIGHTWING "BOOMER" - 2LT EULA BLACKBURN:// "They ain't bringing us down!"

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Amidst the dogfight, a few of the fighters had found themselves tailing Equalizer, Conley keeping close attention to the aircraft tailing them as they deftly wove their path along the skies above Ulian. Sharply spinning to the side as he deployed ECM, Conley couldn't help but grin behind his respirator — it was a hell of a close call.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
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{ OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - CPT VERNON MCNEIL:// "Aw fuckin' HELL!"

{ OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "They almost fuckin' strafed us outta the sky!"

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

BOOM

Their airframe trembled wildly as a missile detonated above, just narrowly avoiding ravaging the aircraft and slaughtering the two pilots. This incurred a terrified yelp from his superior, though Conley remained focused on evading the next oncoming missile — which glided past the graceful spinning of the OF-24, exploding into the dense forested treeline below.

"Scared, Maj?" Conley chuckled.

"Fuck off, el-tee. Keep me— I mean us — alive."

"Ain't nobody headin' home in a coffin today." It took a moment for Conley to realize the irony of his words — there was no home, there was no place for their caskets to go. They were desperados, soldiers without nations, and if they didn't succeed in their suicidal campaign against the empire of the rising sun, they would forever go into the history books as terrorists and criminals.

"Bring us 'hind that there Yutsie fighter sumbitch, el-tee." Renee ordered, pinging one of the several aircraft on their map for Conley to see. He complied accordingly, bringing their fighter just behind the Utsanji aircraft in question. This warranted a brief, confused glare from the Utsanji pilot operating the fighter in question before Renee sent a single AAAGM missile soaring away towards the A12K1. It deployed flares — but the AAAGM wasn't a missile to be trifled with. The explosion shredded the fighter apart, debris being discarded into the rainforest below as their OF-24 glided forward, gracefully rising in the air through the flames as the dogfight continued below.

Ascending upward to the smooth underside of the cloudline, Conley could see the flash of one of the Utsanji fighters being ripped to shreds by Boomer, the OF-10 Lightwing gracefully joining them in their ascent — what came next was obvious.

"You think Yutsie knows our names?" Renee questioned, chuckling from the WSO seat.

"Maybe they will, soon enough." Conley answered, deploying the air-brakes and sharply bringing the aircraft's nose downward — diving as the Utsanji fighters began to disperse once again to engage.

Trouble was amiss as they descended, Archangel narrowly avoiding two oncoming missiles as it maneuvered wildly past Equalizer, Conley's attention briefly garnered by the OF/A-17N Seawitch and its two Utsanji pursuants.

RATATATATAT

The aircraft violently shook as four of the Utsanji fighters engaged their OF-24 Poltergeist, sparks flying as a few of the stray rounds scarred the wings — one nearly striking the cockpit. It would've been a rather unfortunate decompression, had it happened — and Conley kept his calm as his WSO nervously assessed the situation.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
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{ OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - CPT RHODA MORTON:// "Fuckers on our tail!"

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

It was quite obvious now that the unit was in trouble. If not everybody else, then themselves: they had four aircraft tailing them with no sign of letting up. Abruptly decelerating and deploying the air brake, Conley brought them behind their pursuants — his WSO firing away two missiles that promptly connected with their target, A12K1 fighter failing in its attempt to evade and being reduced to twisted, scorched metal that tumbled down into the maritime abyss below.

With the second flight having little success in their offensive attacks against the Utsanji aircraft, Renee made a quick decision to dive and fall back. The first flight could cover them and switch roles, engaging the Utsanji fighters while they protected the Oesterran vessels near Ulian Island — or it could swiftly turn the tide by joining them in the dogfight.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
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{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Fallin' back to the ships. First flight can pick off the rest!"

{ 1F | OF-10 LIGHTWING "MAGNET" - COL RUSSELL CLARKSON:// “Und’r-stood!”

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Afterburners blazing, the Oesterran fighter group fell back, retreating south to situate themselves just around the ONS Finsta and ONS Kaui'a. As they retreated south, the first flight moved north. A decisive engagement was about to take place in the southern reaches of Ulian Island as the marine landing continued, more amphibious craft touching down on the island. Whatever was taking place down there, it seemed to Conley's observations that the Utsanji were receiving nothing short of a rightful ass-kicking.

The first flight re-oriented their courses to bring themselves down upon the Utsanji, it’s Colonel being the first to engage - firing two missiles which would fly off, thrown off by the enemy’s ECM systems. Another one of its planes, Zoomer to be specific, picked up the Colonel’s slack and fired another four into the enemy formation, one among them striking an enemy and turning him into a fireball.

The Utsanjis seemed particularly paranoid of being shot down today, continuing to swat down missiles with their various counter-measures. With Cement firing six missiles at a single plane, only one of them reacquired it’s target after the deployment of a curtain of flares and managed to still hit.

The metaphorical finale of the first flights barrage of missiles careened into two of the four remaining Utsanji airframes, turning them into orange and yellow colored clouds of fire and smoke. The two remaining aircraft abruptly turned back, afterburners guiding them away from the Oesterran fighter squadron. If they'd intended to attack the Oesterran vessels, they'd utterly failed to fire a single missile.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
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CHANNEL UTSFOR XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
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{ A12K1 - SO KONOE ATSUMARO:// "Operation Aodamo has failed. Retreat to Gris Island!"

CHANNEL PRURIENT RESOLVE - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
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{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Yutsie are fallin' back — we done scared 'em off Ulian Island faster than double-struck lightnin'. Marines can handle the rest."

{ 1F | OF-10 LIGHTWING "MAGNET" - COL RUSSELL CLARKSON:// “I hear the Marines is kickin’ ass down there.”

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "Yutsie forces down there 'prolly better equipped at shootin' natives away and jet aircraft down."

{ 2F | OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - CPT RHODA MORTON:// "This oughta buy the fleet more time."

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

With their success, VFA-313 took their leave — Ulian Island smoldering on behind them as they embarked south.

by **Valefontaine** » Sat May 18, 2019 8:51 pm

Pacific Ocean

28 November, A.C. 393

2LT Leo 'Highwayman' Conley

ONS Perry
When Oesterra went to shit, Carrier Strike Group Five was en route to Hoshangabad on a routine visit. When news of the collapse reached the admiral, he rejected the notion of folding and joining the Euphemians. It was no psychotic outburst or megalomaniacal dream come true: rather, the admiral had struck a deal with the Euphemians. While the fleet would be, on public record, be set to be decommissioned and mothballed, it was in reality waiting in port in Koothanvadi, operating privately. This afforded the Oesterrans almost six months to hire and train local officers and sailors to bolster their vessels' skeleton complements. Now the 'Phantom Fleet' of the defunct Republic of Oesterra sets forth for a final journey: Utsan.

Sitting in his quarters, cigarette in hand, Conley sat back and basked in the moment. They'd had a few weeks of relatively calm seas — but there was a reason to this. The Utsanji fleet assigned to hunting them down and compromising them to permanent end had rerouted, various elements of the Utsanji armada being redirected towards the invasion of Adunu.

The Utsanji, in their arrogance, largely estimated the Adunuan defense to be comically easy to suppress in their effort to induce regime change and reel the Adunuan state back into Utsanji hegemony under OCEN.

It had become apparent to much of the world that OCEN was, in all reality, a form of political and economic entrapment that meant 'gene-slavery' under the Utsanji Imperium's paternalistic authority. When Oesterra collapsed, Utsan had taken their chances — occupying the Pacific islands pertaining to the former republic. Now that Adunu had stepped out of line in the aftermath of the Longest Day, Utsan saw fit to commit a similar act — their colonial arrogance a prerequisite to their mentality towards the island nation.

Conley was dragged away from his thoughts, however, by a knock at his door. "El-tee!"

Unsurprisingly, it was his WSO's voice. He could only assume this meant another mission — hopefully more Utsanji ships to kill. The Phantom Fleet already had three vessel kills to its name — and hopefully it could live up to their admiral's ambitions.

"What's up, Gecko?" He called, getting up and leaving the small couch situated centre in his quarters.

"We're goin' huntin', eltee. Our flights are headin' out."

"Out where?"

"That's the surprise, ain't it, el-tee?"

Discarding his cigarette in the ash-tray, he checked himself in the mirror briefly before walking on to the door. Turning the knob, he was greeted by the usual sight — Renee, waiting outside, arms crossed in anticipation.

"So, what's the mission, Maj?" He asked, zipping up his flightsuit.

"Yutsie's tired of delays. They're goin' past us — headin' on to Adunu. It's gonna be hell... for them. We're goin' south to Adunu, too. Me n' you goin' for a lil' road-trip, partner. Sky-trip, rather. Flyin' south to some airbase near Banog City, then settin' further south to attack a Yutsie carrier."

"So they done revealed 'emselves." He noted to himself. While their time in the Ulian Islands would ideally culminate in them finding the Utsanji carrier, it seemed the Utsanji had done their job for them by navigating south off Adunu's shores.

"That's right, el-tee. This time, I'm the one deliverin' the briefin'. C'mon!" She was quick down the corridor, Conley following behind.

"So, what's Utsan up to with their lil' invasion plan, exactly?" He questioned, following behind her. She seemed cheerier than usual, perhaps due to the additional responsibility of delivering the briefing this time.

"They're copyin' the Euphies. Shock n' awe, big guns, big missiles. Sumbitches are throwin' a lot at the poor bastards in Kuwago City." She explained. "Rest's spoilers. You'll figure it out in briefin'..."

Soon enough, they'd reached the door that denoted the briefing room, his superior leading the way in and making for the podium as he sought a folding chair. The second and third flight were present, pilots chatting amongst themselves as Renee walked on over to the podium and assumed her post. Chatter quickly died down as she brought the microphone closer and cleared her throat. One could presume the first flight was receiving a separate briefing or was not to be present during the operation in question.

"Alright, y'all. Today I'm deliverin' briefin', y'all know the drill. Anyways — tonight's gonna be a crazy-ass night. Not 'cause of nothin' funny, but 'cause we're headin' on south to kill some Yutsie carrier. For that, we're headin' on to Adunu, makin' a stop and the rest's history. Basically Yut-san's pissed ever since the folks in Adunu kicked 'em out. They're goin' in with full force. Regime change, they call it. Adunu sponsors us, so they're 'state sponsors o' terrorism' now. By knockin' their carrier out, their lil' attempt at an invasion won't go so good. Flight's gonna be long, yes — so we're gon' refuel at Ukob AFB 'fore headin' in for the kill." She paused for a moment, trying to think of anything else of relevance. "Right, uh, y'all got any questions? — and 'fore any of y'all mention it, I didn't fall for whichever one o'y'all switchin' out my flightsuit for that tight costume. I always keep a few more on me." Though Conley was oblivious to what she was referring to, the audible chuckles in the crowd gave perhaps some indication that something interesting was up.

Raising her hand, Cohill from third flight spoke up. “Where’s U-kob at? Is it near Adunu, or is it in Adunu proper?”

"If it helps," Renee paused, remote in hand as she activated the projector. A map depicting the Adunuan archipelago, airbases emphasized, was overlayed to the white tarp situated behind the Naval Aviation Corps Major. "Right on over there. Flyin' to Kuwago ought to be pretty easy once we get there."

“Anymore extra information you could give us ‘bout the operation?” Cohill continued, rocking in her chair.

"Carrier we're goin' after is the Isukaku. Pretty much runs the show for the Yutsies. Takin' it down will hurt 'em good. The flight path I've got set up should avoid most o' their ships up and 'round Kuwago City, so we oughta be fine otherwise — 'cept they might send a few planes our way." Renee explained.

“We’ll know more once we get there, Cohill. Let’s just get goin’.” Third Flight’s Major, Hightower chimed in.

"Right, that oughta cover everythin'." Renee nodded, twirling one of the revolvers she kept about her flightsuit — a gesture that merited concern from a few the pilots, and collective relief as she holstered it once more. "Let's get movin'."

Effectively dismissing the unit, the pilots of VFA-313 took their leave, Conley included. The corridor allowed for more of the usual talk, of course.

"What was that costume thing 'bout, Major?" Boone was first to speak up — evidently humoring Renee in the process.

"I thought you did the prank." She replied.

"..no, I ain't did nothin'."

"Somebody switched out my flightsuit for some skin-tight fatigues. Ain't exactly the most comfortable thing. I ain't stupid, though. I got spares." Once again her explanation merited a few chuckles from the other pilots. Somebody had pulled a prank, but she wasn't about to ask who.

"My bet's on Boone bein' guilty." Conley joked, chuckling.

"—I ain't done shit!" She was, of course, quick to deny any guilt or association.

"Yeah, yeah.." The Oesterran pilot chuckled to himself, continuing on through the corridors of the vessel. Continuing on, the corridors led to stairwells which brought the pilots of the second flight upward to the flight deck of the ONS Perry. Standing before their respective aircraft, they were quick to board — Conley waiting as his superior ascended the side of their OF-24 Poltergeist.

"What's the longest you've been flown with someone else, el-tee?" Renee questioned, climbing the side of the aircraft — soon landing herself on the WSO's seat.

"Few hours, I guess." Conley replied, climbing up to situate himself at the cockpit. Booting up the various consoles in his cockpit, he awaited the usual process of preliminaries to commence.

"This'll be a few hours more." She said, grinning before obscuring her face with her respiratory mask.

"Right." Nodding, he slipped on his own oxygen mask, assessing his station as they awaited orders.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL MIDNIGHT RAID/2F - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
----

{ LAUNCH COMMAND:// "Preliminaries."

{ OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Y'ain't needa ask. Check."

{ OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - CPT VERNON MCNEIL:// "We're good."

{ OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - CPT RHODA MORTON:// "Prelim check."

{ OF-10 LIGHTWING "BOOMER" - CPT ELI WALLER:// "Prelim OK."

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

"Y'ever been to Adunu, el-tee?" Renee asked, perhaps curious to Conley's own past assignments. He paused for a moment before nodding.

"Been to Adunu, Su'am, Kaui'a — most of the Pacific parts, actually. Ain't seen an hour of service in the Transatlantic War, ma'am." Conley replied, commencing the usual flight procedures as the jet engines increased in intensity.

"Red Pine n' not much else." Renee replied. "but you already know that."

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL MIDNIGHT RAID - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
----

{ 3F | OF-23 FIREKEEPER "PLEROMA" - CPT MATT SHARP:// “So which one of you pulled the prank on Gecko? My bet's on Boone.”

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "Shut up! I ain't done shit!"

{ 3F | OF-7 TORCHBEARER "GREYHOUND" - MAJ THOMAS HIGHTOWER:// “Must’ve been Blackburn, she’s crazy.”

{ 2F | OF-10 LIGHTWING "BOOMER" - 2LT EULA BLACKBURN:// "I might be crazy, but I ain't insane. No way I'd give my superior somethin' like that."

{ 3F | OF-23 FIREKEEPER "PLEROMA" - 2LT LYNN OLSEN:// “You sure you ain’t insane? I mean you believe in them flyin’ objects or whatever they’re called.”

{ 2F | OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - CPT RHODA MORTON:// "She's crazy as hell. She'd prolly try some shit like that with scar-face."

{ 3F | OF-7 TORCHBEARER "GREYHOUND" - MAJ THOMAS HIGHTOWER:// “My point exactly, though she ain’t my only suspect. Sharp was off the books for a little while earlier.”

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "Typical!"

{ 3F | OF-23 FIREKEEPER "PLEROMA" - CPT MATT SHARP:// “I ain’t do shit! You’re one to talk, Boone, you was the one who mentioned kissing that Major of your’s.”

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "Like I swing that way... I'd only do somethin' like that if I had half my face burned off like hers!"

{ 3F | OF-7 TORCHBEARER "GREYHOUND" - MAJ THOMAS HIGHTOWER:// “Kinda rude, ain’t that?”

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "—uh, no offense taken."

{ 3F | OF-23 FIREKEEPER "PLEROMA" - CPT MATT SHARP:// “We could always take some time out of our day to find out if you really do swing that way or not.” [chuckle]

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "I think we's got a mission to do..."

{ 3F | OF-10G SUPER LIGHTWING "GAMBIT" - CPT OWEN YORKE:// “You ain’t deny him. Really makes me think.” [chuckle]

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "I'm straight, goddamn it!"

{ 3F | OF-23 FIREKEEPER "PLEROMA" - CPT MATT SHARP:// “Guess I’ll just have to find out later.”

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - 2LT LEE CONLEY:// [chuckle]

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// [whimper] "Fuck off!"

{ 3F | OF-23 FIREKEEPER "PLEROMA" - CPT MATT SHARP:// “Might not even have to swing that way at all if I win this bet.”

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "Shut up!"

CHANNEL MIDNIGHT RAID/2F - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
----

{ OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Alright, y'all. Runway's clear. We're liftin' off the Perry now."

{ OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - CPT VERNON MCNEIL:// "Right. You first, Maj."

{ OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - CPT RHODA MORTON:// "Don't get us killed or nothin'."

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

With that, Conley accelerated the engines, the aircraft abruptly being jerked forth by the catapult — the pilot's breathing briefly quickening as they made their daring ascent from the Oesterran carrier. It would be a much longer flight than usual, but it wouldn't be too hard a journey.

All between the fleet and the northern islands of Adunu would largely comprise 'smooth sailing', or rather, flying. The rest of the aircraft comprising the second, third and eventually first flights joined them in the night skies over the Pacific, the group setting off on course towards the archipelago many of them knew well from the days of Oesterra's protective overlordship over Adunu.

OF-24 Equalizer. She might be old, but she's a beauty.

"Hey, uh, el-tee — ... how bad do my scars really look?" It seemed whatever had gone on during the little tirade on comms had left Conley's WSO feeling a little insecure.

"Why're you askin' me? I ain't a doctor or nothin'." He replied, glancing back as they continued on their southbound course.

"What I'm askin'," She began, grumbling at the fact her message probably hadn't gotten across. "is if I ain't lookin' unsightly or nothin'."

"You's fine, Gecko." Conley returned his attention to the console displays, returning his attention to comms.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL MIDNIGHT RAID - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
----

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Got myself an idea: last person to shoot the Yutsie carrier buys us all drinks."

{ 3F | OF-10G SUPER LIGHTWING "GAMBIT" - 2LT JOHN STEWART:// “With all the money we got, don’t that kind of defeat the purpose? It don’t do much to our pockets.”

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "I ain't lookin' to get nobody broke."

{ 3F | OF-10G SUPER LIGHTWING "INVICTUS" - CPT OLIVIA COHILL:// “Sharp and Boone might just run someone’s pockets dry while they argue again.”

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "Yeah, yeah... about that last wager, scar-face.. you ever kiss somebody?"

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "It ain't like I was born this way, Archangel-2. Got these scratches in Red Pine last year. 'course I've kissed somebody."

{ 3F | OF-23 FIREKEEPER "PLEROMA" - CPT MATT SHARP:// “Boone seems a little curious, maybe she actually does swing that way.” [chuckle]

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "I'm straight, dumbass!"

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Well, uh, I don't swing that way either." [chuckle]

{ 3F | OF-10G SUPER LIGHTWING "INVICTUS" - 2LT ALICE EDWARDS:// “There’s at least one per flight, and it ain’t me.”

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Well, that's for y'all to figure out, ain't it?"

{ 3F | OF-10G SUPER LIGHTWING "GAMBIT" - 2LT JOHN STEWART:// “I’m still wonderin’ who tried to replace the Major’s flight suit.”

{ 3F | OF-7 TORCHBEARER "GREYHOUND" - MAJ THOMAS HIGHTOWER:// “You’re the only one who’s still thinkin’ about it, maybe it was you.”

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "I just want my extra flight-suit return'd when possible. As for me wearin' that silly costume, ain't never gonna do that."

{ 3F | OF-10G SUPER LIGHTWING "GAMBIT" - CPT OWEN YORKE:// “Never say never…” [chuckle]

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "I ain't 'nough of a looker to do somethin' like that. Someone else can try."

{ 3F | OF-7 TORCHBEARER "GREYHOUND" - MAJ THOMAS HIGHTOWER:// “You look just fine, uh, maybe we should change topic..”

{ 2F | OF-10 LIGHTWING "BOOMER" - 2LT EULA BLACKBURN:// "Well, who's gon' drop their missile on that carrier first?

{ 3F | OF-7 TORCHBEARER "GREYHOUND" - MAJ THOMAS HIGHTOWER:// “Guess we’ll just have to find out when the time comes, ‘cause there ain’t no way we can find that out.”

{ 2F | OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - CPT RHODA MORTON:// "Don't mean I won't try."

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

"How long'll it be over yonder in U-kob?" Conley questioned, assessing the interface of the aircraft. Intricate multimonitor screens adorned the cockpit, the Oesterran pilot handling them with relative ease.

Renee shrugged from the seat behind him. "Enough for a piss break I figure."

The journey south began, the late evening sky filled with shades of dying orange and red, western afterglow slowly fading as they set off towards Adunu.

_{GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
TIME
23:30
----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.}

Ukob Airbase was one of the busier facilities in Adunu, housing a fair deal of the Adunu Air National Guard's forces. Given its purpose and role, it would be a prime target — to which they were almost in a race against the clock — or rather, the ranges of the inevitable bombardment that would come the facility's way. It could be a few hours, it could be a few days — but it went without doubt that this place would eventually become a target for the Utsanji fleet. The Adunuans seemed to know it too — half the bustle at the airbase were squadrons preparing to move to safer airstrips.

Refueling aside, it was as Renee had said before: a piss break.

"I'll be checkin' up on the plane," Conley took his leave, heading off to assess their OF-24. Renee, on the other hand, kept near the buildings of the airbase and the general chatter of the pilots, dragging away at a cigarette as she kept to her own thoughts.

"...I look just fine..." She quietly repeated to herself, thinking to the earlier comms chatter. Was it really true? Renee still felt pretty insecure about the scar running along her left cheek, as often as she didn't try to let her insecurity show to her peers. Though she'd never bring it up to the unit, it really was something that affected her self-esteem — as often as she told herself she was the best around, the Major often wondered if she looked the part. She continued idly waiting by, cigarette in hand as she pondered the unit's situation.

“How do you do it?” Hightower, Third Flights Major, called to Renee as he approached her. “How do you do the shit you do in a plane as old as your’s? I can’t think ‘bout doing some stuff in mine’s without fearing that the plane would break on me.”

Renee was caught off-guard for a moment, but was quick to compose herself. "I do half the maintenance on that old thing. It's hard lovin' a plane like her — but she sure's hell gets shit done."

“Findin’ spares for mine is rare ‘round these parts. It’s hard bein’ the only Torchbearer in the inventory.”

"If Adunu ain't burned down by the time we're through with that carrier, we oughta be more than able to use th'last few missions' payouts on buyin' new air-craft. I ain't doin' that just yet, though. My air-craft does 'er job well."

Standing next to Renee, Hightower stretched out his back. “Speakin’ of spares, got an extra cigarette?”

Nodding, she took one from the cigarette pack she typically kept about her flightsuit, setting it alight with her lighter and offering it to her fellow flight leader. "There y'go. I figured I'd relax 'fore they called us for the next operation, was just havin' a smoke 'fore you came 'round."

“I ain’t interrupt anything, did I?” Hightower took the cigarette she offered. “You looked like you were just sittin’ ‘round so I thought I’d make some chatter.”

"Y'ain't interrupt nothin', don't worry. What's been up?" Renee figured she might as well strike up some small talk.

“Keepin’ my Flight in check mostly, what ‘bout you? Is that flight suit thing true?” He questioned, taking a drag from his cigarette.

"True, but somethin' I ain't fall for." Renee nodded in turn.

“Looks like you’re missin’ an extra flight suit though. What if they just keep takin’ them until you’re forced to wear that one?”

"Real funny." She momentarily glanced down to the multiple revolvers she kept about her harness before returning her attention to the third flight leader. "..not that anybody would fancy seein' me all dressed like that."

“You’d be surprised.” Hightower let out a chuckle, taking a glance down at Renee’s revolvers before returning his attention back to her.

He'd seemingly left her confused, Renee raising a curious eyebrow at what he'd said. "Come again?"

Taking another drag from his cigarette, Hightower cleared his throat. “I said that you’d be surprised ‘bout who would want to see that.”

"I'm real sure nobody's that messed up." Chuckling, she looked away, hand instinctively feeling the scar for a brief moment.

Looking at her scars for a brief second, Hightower looked away. “I, uh, hope my subordinates comments from the other day ain’t bother you too much.”

"It's fine. Thing's old — it's been a year since it happened. I already done heard my fair share of talk since then. At this point I just ac-cept it."

“It ain’t that bad, at least to me. With the way it was given, it kinda less noticeable for me. Sorta tells a story I guess.”

"Tells a story, huh?" She chuckled. "Just looks ugly to me."

“Looks can be deceivin’.” Hightower chuckled. “I don’t think it’s all bad, don’t distract much from you.”

She got a little red at the compliment, instinctively covering the scar along her cheek as she smiled. "Uh, thanks. I'm just used to people lookin' at me funny or thinkin' I'm scary or somethin'..."

“That’s the baggage that comes with injuries like these, ain’t much we can do ‘bout it. Some peoples per-ception just changes.” Hightower took a drag from his cigarette. “I’ve seen scars like those before so it ain’t hard for me to move past it.”

"I figured. I ain't offended by any of their talk or nothin', just kinda gets to me."

“Well, you’s look just fine to me. Take that much needed compliment as you will.” He chuckled.

"Right," She hesitated for a moment, unsure of just how to reply. "Thanks." Nervous, she quickly took her leave, not quite certain what else to say.

_{GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
TIME
23:50
----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.}

They had ten minutes to midnight now — Conley had done a general check on the aircraft's components, all seemingly in order. The sound of his superior's footsteps brought him to attention, the Oesterran pilot nodding to her as he climbed up the side of his OF-24 and booted up the various consoles in the cockpit.

"What were y'up to, Gecko?" Conley asked, half-curious towards his superior's activities as the system started up.

"Just had a smoke, nothin' else." She responded, starting up the various computers at her station once she'd climbed aboard.

"Nothin' wrong with that. 'cept maybe lung cancer." Conley joked — he had more than a little smoking habit himself.

"Yeah, yeah..." Trailing off, Renee returned her attention to the usual pre-flight checks. The Adunuans weren't exactly competent, so they didn't necessarily need to repeat the usual routine of preliminary checks and the like.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL MIDNIGHT RAID - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
----

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Alright, we're movin' again. 'fore Yutsie bombs this place sky high, I figure."

{ 3F | OF-10G SUPER LIGHTWING "GAMBIT" - 2LT JOHN STEWART:// “Think these guys know what’s comin’ for em?”

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - CPT VERNON MCNEIL:// "We'll be doin' 'em a favor by gettin' rid of that no-good hunk of junk they call a carrier."

{ 2F | OF-10 LIGHTWING "BOOMER" - 2LT EULA BLACKBURN:// "I hear it can barely launch one fighter every few minutes. Thing's a bit out of its league."

{ 3F | OF-23 FIREKEEPER "PLEROMA" - 2LT LYNN OLSEN:// “That carrier got any defenses we should worry ‘bout?”

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - CPT VERNON MCNEIL:// "Ships n' planes probably. But they prolly won't catch us in their range if we're lucky."

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "What McNeil said."

{ 3F | OF-10G SUPER LIGHTWING "INVICTUS" - 2LT ALICE EDWARDS:// “Hopefully we can take that carrier out early, less things to worry ‘bout.”

{ 2F | OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - CPT RHODA MORTON:// "This oughta be easy."

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "If anythin' goes wrong, the first flight's playin' guardian angel today. They'll be way behind in case shit goes south. That's all — get those engines started up."

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

With that, Conley handled the usual routine, the hum of the engines rising in intensity as they taxied onto the runway, moving along the tarmac as he waited for the go-ahead from his superior.

"Tower done cleared us. You can get us up into the skies." She said, nodding. "If I score the killshot on that C-V, you oughta buy me a drink."

"I didn't agree to none of that, but why the hell not." He nodded in agreement before bringing the engines to reach their thunderous crescendo, roaring with immense force as their aircraft barreled forward across the runway, kicking up dust as the fighter swiftly ascended. The feeling was unmatched — an exhilarating, liberating rush that presented a feeling of being utterly unrestrained by worldly coils as the aircraft rose into the night sky. The rest of the second and third flight soon joined them, the group embarking south — and then westward. Keeping near the main islands would be a wise means of avoiding long-range surface-to-air missiles of the Utsanji fleet, whereever they were. Given, of course, if they were close enough to launch at them, the airbase they'd just left was probably screwed.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL MIDNIGHT RAID - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
----

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "Wanna do a bet, Maj?"

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "What kinda bet?"

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "$100k if you make the killshot on that carrier."

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Sounds good. What's the catch, though? I know y'ain't just givin' me money for nothin'."

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "Mess up n' you gotta kiss someone in the squadron. Not just no dumb lil' kiss, either — all out kinda shit."

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// [chuckle] "This again."

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "$150k."

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Y'all really like pullin' my leg over this stuff..."

{ 2F | OF-10 LIGHTWING "BOOMER" - 2LT EULA BLACKBURN:// "I'll throw in $100k too!"

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "What y'all need is a fi-nancial management class."

{ 3F | OF-7 TORCHBEARER "GREYHOUND" - MAJ THOMAS HIGHTOWER:// “That’s a lot of money on the line for a bet, you’d be losin’ a nice chunk if Gecko manages to score the kill.”

{ 2F | OF-10 LIGHTWING "BOOMER" - 2LT EULA BLACKBURN:// "$150k..."

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Aw fuck it. Why not?"

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// [snicker] "Now we're talkin'."

{ 3F | OF-10G SUPER LIGHTWING "GAMBIT" - 2LT JOHN STEWART:// “Y’all are crazy for puttin’ that much money up. I want to join in, $150k!”

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "N—now, I already been done taken the bet."

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "Why don't we raise the stakes since we's throwin' so much money in?"

{ 3F | OF-23 FIREKEEPER "PLEROMA" - CPT MATT SHARP:// “Wonder where this is headed.”

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "I ain't doin' nothin' funny, Boone."

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "But you want that $450k."

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Just you wait 'till I sink that
gotdamn carrier. I ain't doin' nothin' stupid over it, though."

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "And er'one tells you that you's pretty even with that scar."

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Why do y'all always gotta bring that into this? I'll take the bet, damn!"

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Passing their way south, it seemed Renee was a bit more insistent than usual. "Don't fuck this up, el-tee."

"'fraid of kissin', Maj?" Conley questioned, chuckling as he glanced on at the island to their east. Sparse lights denoted small towns and fishing villages. Soon the war would come here and interrupt the relative peace that graced the scene below. It was almost an unfortunate thought to ponder.

"I ain't 'fraid of none of that, eltee. I'd just rather have a half mil than feel funny."

"I can try — but you's the one firin' the missiles." Chuckling, his attention returned to the comm as they continued south. On the distant southern horizon he could see Kuwago's city lights, the occasional orange lights denoting areas that'd been stricken by coastal bombardment from the Utsanji fleet.

There was another, greater orange light situated just east of the urban agglomeration. Glowing ominous from one of the mountain peaks, it was fairly obvious as to what it was.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL MIDNIGHT RAID - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
----

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "The hell's that?"

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Mount Silmugi. Looks like it's eruptin'."

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - 2LT LEE CONLEY:// "No fuckin' kidding."

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Across on the horizon, lightni ng streaked across the black spire that billowed forth from the glimmering orange peak of the mountain. It was an awe-inspiring sight that enamored Conley's attention briefly as they continued their approach.

Mount Silmugi.

"You bring a camera, Maj?" He questioned his superior.

"..god damn. Yeah, I got a camera here. Look at me n' do a victory pose real quick." She chuckled, pulling a Solaroid™ camera forth from one of the compartments. Gesturing to her, a bright flash briefly filled the cockpit as Renee snapped a picture of Conley, the volcano blazing brightly on the horizon.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL ADUFOR XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
----

{ ASLB-028 - TS FELIPE MARIANO RIZAL MACABULOS:// [TRANSLATED] “Smash the Utsanji roach!”

{ M552 - PVT ANDRES BASA LACSON TINIO:// “Ave!”

CHANNEL UTSFOR XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
----

{ TYPE 203 - 2LT OKUDA HARUMUNE:// [TRANSLATED] "Landing force is under fire!"

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

As they approached, the orange glow of the mountain on the southwestern horizon drawing nearer, the signature blips of Utsanji aircraft appeared on the radar map. "We got us a catch," Conley announced, his superior nodding in agreement.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL MIDNIGHT RAID - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
----

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Shit. Four A12K5s ahead. Three H-2K3 transport aircraft."

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "Ain't those basically Euphie Chang-shi knockoffs?"

{ 2F | OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - CPT RHODA MORTON:// "They ain't got the same big-brain jammin' as 'em, but yes."

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "We ain't exactly stealth aircraft. If it wasn't for these missiles, we'd be outmatched to high hell."

CHANNEL ADUFOR XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
----

{ MIM-151 JINGO - TS FRANCISCO ANCIETO KAHABAGAN:// [TRANSLATED] “We’re being fucking jammed! I can see those goddamn bastards on top of me, but radar won’t do shit!”

{ LVTP-3A1 - SGT LUCIANO SALVADOR PLATA SAKAY:// [TRANSLATED] “Then make yourselves fucking useful! Anyone can use a rifle! Command, we’ve a new wave coming towards Bukidnon!”

{ MIM-151 JINGO - TS WALKER DAVIN MASIPAG DAYAG:// [TRANSLATED] "Gipahamtang kini sa dios! Fucking fire!"

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

"El-tee, our missiles're gonna have a hard-as-hell time hittin' those ad-vanced pieces of hard-ware. Best bet is flyin' there ourselves and takin' the fuckers down." Renee suggested — to which Conley engaged the afterburners and sped ahead of the Oesterran formation — ECM keeping them in the clear as they accelerated towards one of the four Utsanji fighters.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL UTSFOR XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
----

{ A12K5 KAI - 2LT IRIE UCHIKATA:// [TRANSLATED] "Get this Oesterran RELIC off my tail!"

{ A12K5 KAI - 1LT NAGAI KURO:// [TRANSLATED] "—what in the Empress' name?!"

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

RATATATATATAT

The 20mm Fafnir rotary autocannon went live, rounds pelting the surface of the Utsanji A12K5, alloys coming apart as the steel framework of the aircraft was shredded apart, the barrage of cannon fire soon reaching the cockpit. The fate of the pilot was obvious as the aircraft was effectively gutted, drifting lifelessly into the Adunuan jungles below.

It'd been enough to garner the attention of the other Utsanji aircraft, however, and it became rather apparent that the enemy was trying to get a lock on them as they deftly maneuvered through the night sky, Conley trying to keep pursuit after the group of Utsanji transport aircraft the naval fighters had been tasked with protecting.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
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CHANNEL ADUFOR XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
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{ MIM-151 JINGO - TS FRANCISCO ANCIETO KAHABAGAN:// [TRANSLATED] “I just saw a plane go down! Whose radar is working still!?”

{ MIM-151 JINGO - TS WALKER DAVIN MASIPAG DAYAG:// [TRANSLATED] "SEAD looks to have headed south. Reactivating radar."

{ MIM-151 JINGO - TS WALKER DAVIN MASIPAG DAYAG:// [TRANSLATED] "..."

{ MIM-151 JINGO - TS WALKER DAVIN MASIPAG DAYAG:// [TRANSLATED] "...the Oesterrans are fighting the Utsanji?!"

{ LVTP-3A1 - SGT LUCIANO SALVADOR PLATA SAKAY:// [TRANSLATED] “Goddamn! What the fuck is going on!?”

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Judging by the missiles trailing about — and moving on the radar display — Archangel seemed to be trying the tactic of using missiles against the Utsanji 'super-fighters' — to little effect.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
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{ 2F | OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - CPT RHODA MORTON:// "That ain't how you do it, Archangel. Watch this."

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "Fuck off!"

{ 2F | OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - 2LT TODD CARTER:// "So, u—uh, Archangel-2, how's that wager goin'?"

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "Shut the hell up!"

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Cutting through the night sky, Striga rose from below — ripping a Utsanji fighter to shreds as Conley maneuvered his own aircraft, watching the rather competitive crew of the aircraft swiftly end the advanced fighter. There would be no parachutes dropping over Adunu tonight.

Finding an opening, Greyhound maneuvered itself behind the Utsanji fighter - shredding the aircraft with its four guns. With another Utsanji fighter down, one more remained.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
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CHANNEL ADUFOR XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
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{ MIM-151 JINGO - TS ROMAN ARELLANO VALENS JACINTO:// [TRANSLATED] [loud banging] “..come on you clunky piece of shit!”

{ MIM-151 JINGO - TS ROMAN ARELLANO VALENS JACINTO:// [TRANSLATED] “There! I found a frequency they aren’t jamming!”

{ LVTP-3A1 - SGT LUCIANO SALVADOR PLATA SAKAY:// [TRANSLATED] “Great! Shoot at any of those pesky flies, they all die the same!”

{ MIM-151 JINGO - TS WALKER DAVIN MASIPAG DAYAG:// [TRANSLATED] "FIRE!"

CHANNEL ALL
----

{ OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF ADUNU | JOSE ALFONSO "BIG BOY" CYRUS EDGARDO FERNANDEZ ALONZO Y ESPERITU SANTOS "CORTEZ" CRUZ:// [TRANSLATED] "Citizens of the Republic of Adunu, today the Utsanji come to stifle the spirit of freedom and independence that has existed within our people for millennia. They will fail, of course — for Providence smiles upon us! MABUHEIL!"

CHANNEL ADUFOR XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
----

{ ANS KATIPUNAN (LHD-01) - CPT CONRADO MONTRELL BUYCO FERNÁNDEZ:// [TRANSLATED] "Set course for Kuwago City. We cannot allow the Utsanji roach to pass unopposed! MABUHEIL!"

{ ANS ESPADA (FFG-02) - CPT PRINCE ELISEO MARUHOM CÓRDOVA:// "AVE!"

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Below, Conley could see the movement of Adunuan naval vessels, their course seemingly bound for Kuwago City's harbor. Blocking the harbor would do a good job to ensure the Utsanji marine landings were delayed from hitting the urban center, even if for a few more hours.

Liberty is something rarely taken away from a people determined to freedom and self-determination.

Bright streaks trailed away from the vessels as they engaged Utsanji ships further into the nightly abyss, desperately defending Kuwago City from the northern aggressors. This desperate defense of Adunu served as background noise to the final stages of the dogfight, the third flight seemingly having their sights set on the remaining Utsanji fighter as Conley moved to tail the transports.

Raising its altitude, Gambit tailed the last remaining Utsanji fighter. Maneuvering into the aircraft’s blind spot, Gambit fired their 20mm Fafnir, killing off the last remaining fighter. As the OF-10G Super Lightwing passed the burning, spiraling wreckage of the downed A12K5, Conley brought his own OF-24 up to speed with the formation of transport aircraft.

"Let's get 'er done." Conley announced. Briefly opening his oxygen mask to snort recreational cocaine from one of the various packets he kept about him in the cockpit, he closed his respirator once more, ready to engage the Utsanji attack force.

Suddenly accelerating, he reveled in the power of the moment as his OF-24 fired away at the Utsanji transport aircraft, engines set alight as the rear door opened, paratroopers leaping forth from the aircraft. This only allowed him a better shot — 20mm rounds firing away into the interior of the aircraft and filling the doorway to the cockpit with holes. The control, or rather lack thereof over the aircraft in question seemed to indicate he'd done the job, the cargo aircraft gliding on aimlessly in a slow decline to the surface — to which his next target naturally became the adjacent aircraft.

Firing away, it quickly occurred to him that he'd missed the second aircraft in the formation — to which he quickly moved onto the third. The fuselage became pocketed with holes, explosion erupting within the cargo aircraft as it sustained the barrage. The rear doors didn't open this time — leaving the fate of the paratroopers rather obvious as the transport craft entered its grim death spiral to the surface.

With one aircraft remaining, the second flight was quick to shift its focuses to the aircraft in question, attempting in vain to strafe it. Either they were having a very bad time, or the man in the cockpit was an exceptional pilot.

by **Valefontaine** » Sat May 18, 2019 8:52 pm

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL MIDNIGHT RAID - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
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{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - CPT VERNON MCNEIL:// "Goddamn!"

{ 2F | OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - 2LT TODD CARTER:// "H—how the hell did I miss?!"

{ 2F | OF-10 LIGHTWING "BOOMER" - 2LT EULA BLACKBURN:// "I'll show y'all a job well done."

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Almost effortlessly, Boomer had cut the transport aircraft down, paratroopers haphazardly tumbling out of the rear door as the H-2K3 lost control in midair, spiraling towards the mountainous rainforest below.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL UTSFOR XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
----

{ SGT KAWAKAMI UCHINAGA:// [TRANSLATED] "BASTAAAAARDDDD!!!!—" [static]

{ SGT KOU NARINAO:// [TRANSLATED] "MY CHUTE WON'T DEPLOY! EMPRESS SAVE—" [static]

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Regrouping, VFA-313 continued their southbound course, approaching the city. Already Conley could see tracer fire streaking through the night sky, a few marine landings presumably already taking place. The sheer intensity of the firefights gave an idea of just how fiercely the Adunuans fought for their newly-gained freedom — a freedom the Utsanji seemed inclined to take away. Feeling an affectionate nudge on the shoulder, Conley turned around to see whatever had gotten the attention of his WSO.

"Heads up, el-tee." Renee said, pointing to Conley's radar map. At the far edge — getting closer — were four Utsanji A2M1 fighter aircraft. Judging by the surrounding area, they were en route to attack the coastal defense arrays below.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL ADUFOR XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
----

{ ARRAY 'LIBERTY' | TEL-01 BGM-500 SAN CHA - TS SAMMY RUDY CHIONGBIAN RUBIO:// [TRANSLATED] "Shit, the anti-air sites at the array are being targeted. Radar off!"

{ ARRAY ‘UNITY’ | TEL-01 BGM-500 SAN CHA - TS TOMAS UITANGCOY TINIO:// [TRANSLATED] “Our moment will come any time now.”

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

"SEAD?" Renee questioned to herself.

"Probably. Not for long..." Conley trailed off, afterburners bringing them closer to the Utsanji formation. "You know, there was some Euphie fighter pilot who went apeshit at the start of the war. Guns, guns, guns. You can put as much hi-tech bullshit on your aircraft, won't stop the good ol' 20-mil from shreddin' through it all."

"Damn right, eltee." She nodded in agreement, giving him the go-ahead to continue forward and attack the Utsanji formation.

RATATATATATATAT

Cutting one of the A2M1 fighters down, Conley sharply angled the aircraft upward as the confused Utsanji formation dispersed, now one aircraft down.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL UTSFOR XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
----

{ A2M1 | MAJ NISHISANJOU TAKAMASA:// [TRANSLATED] "SHIT! KUNIMORI IS DOWN! KEEP FOCUS ON THE ENEMY AIR DEFENSE SITES!"

CHANNEL ADUFOR XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
----

{ ARRAY ‘UNITY’ | TEL-01 BGM-500 SAN CHA - TS TOMAS UITANGCOY TINIO:// [TRANSLATED] “The imperialists are shooting down those Utsanji pigs!” [laughter]

{ ARRAY 'LIBERTY' | TEL-01 BGM-500 SAN CHA - TS SAMMY RUDY CHIONGBIAN RUBIO:// [TRANSLATED] "Let them smash the Utsanji roach!"

CHANNEL MIDNIGHT RAID - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
----

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "Let's show 'em a load of this!"

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Quickly, Archangel broke formation, joining Equalizer in the combat zone. With a sudden, swift strafing, another Utsanji fighter had been sent helplessly tumbling down to the maritime abyss below, its wings torn and twisted beyond recognition.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL UTSFOR XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
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{ A2M1 | MAJ NISHISANJOU TAKAMASA:// [TRANSLATED] "Who in the Heavens are these people?!"

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

As if trying to compete, Striga joined in the attack — another A2M1 being swiftly knocked out of the sky. The last aircraft continued forward, afterburners streaking through the night sky as it desperately advanced towards the coastal air defenses.

Tailing behind, Boomer tried to take down the Utsanji fighter — the small frame of the aircraft quickly playing to its advantage as it effortlessly evaded the missile and continued its course. Speeding on at the defense site at full speed, it fired away four missiles that trailed off into the night.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL ADUFOR XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
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{ ARRAY ‘UNITY’ | TEL-01 BGM-500 SAN CHA - TS TOMAS UITANGCOY TINIO:// [TRANSLATED] “Get away from the launchers! He’s gonna-” [static]

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

A cluster of explosions illuminated the darkness below, implying the lone Utsanji pilot had scored a significant kill despite all odds. Shifting their focus to the lone Utsanji, Pleroma and Invictus closed in on the pilot, attempting to strafe the fighter to no avail.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL ADUFOR XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
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{ LAV-37 - CPL CAMILO MELCHORA BONIFACIO TECSON:// [TRANSLATED] “Unity is down! We only have two San Cha batteries now!”

{ MIM-151 JINGO - TS ROMAN ARELLANO VALENS JACINTO:// [TRANSLATED] “They know where our launchers are at. Turn on radar.”

{ MIM-151 JINGO - TS WALKER DAVIN MASIPAG DAYAG:// [TRANSLATED] "Get that insect!"

{ LAV-37 - CPL CAMILO MELCHORA BONIFACIO TECSON:// [TRANSLATED] “These are the only anti-ship launchers in Kuwago City. Keep them alive!”

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

From below, a volley of missile trails ascended upward in pursuit of the Utsanji aircraft. Quickly as it could, it tried to evade — but was instead violently ripped to shreds in the skies above Adunu as at least four of the missiles careened into the fuselage of the doomed fighter. Bent metal and loose sheeting tumbled down into the darkness below as the Oesterran fighter group continued their southbound journey.

Kuwago City.

Welcoming them into Kuwago City were the bright city lights below, Conley glancing downward to what was most likely the busy downtown of the urban centre. Not far away was the harbor, now glowing bright orange from the various bombings that'd affected it. Blocking the Utsanji from further approach were the visible lights of the ANS Katipunan, formerly the ONS Caldwell. The LHD, its escort vessels and its airborne contingent would be all that shielded the city's waters from further Utsanji encroachment — and a piece of bait as the coastal defense arrays readied themselves.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL ADUFOR XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
----

{ ADUNU COAST GUARD - KUWAGO STATION:// [TRANSLATED] “ANS Bulognan, confirm you just boarded with your crew and are now sailing out to fuck up those landing boats?”

{ ANS BULOGNAN (DDG-03) - CPT ANTONIO MACAPAGAL JULIO DE VILLANUEVA:// [TRANSLATED] “Correct. We will destroy the Utsanji menace! MABUHEIL!”

{ ADUNU COAST GUARD - KUWAGO STATION:// [TRANSLATED] “MABUHEIL!”

{ M552 - PVT ANDRES BASA LACSON TINIO:// [TRANSLATED] “I saw some of those insects try to board the Bulognan! We will destroy them, God willing!”

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Greeting them as they entered the edge of Kuwago City were a group of four aircraft — two fighters, two maritime patrol aircraft. As if startled by the numerically superior Oesterran force, the group of Utsanji aircraft quickly turned back, fleeing as they entered the Adunuan metropolis.

"..well, that wasn't what I was expectin'." Renee chuckled to herself as the lights of the city drew nearer.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
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CHANNEL ADUFOR XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
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{ BATTERY COMMAND | TEL-01 BGM-500 SAN CHA ‘LIBERTY’ - COL GEMINO CARLOS ÁLARA COLLANTES// [TRANSLATED] “Liberty is ready to fire! Smash the Utsanji roach! FIRE!”

{ ARRAY 'LIBERTY' | TEL-01 BGM-500 SAN CHA - TS SAMMY RUDY CHIONGBIAN RUBIO:// [TRANSLATED] "Yes sir! MABUHEIL!"

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

On the horizon, Conley could vaguely see distant orange trails cross into the bleak darkness of the Pacific Ocean — presumably missiles, seeking their respective targets.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
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CHANNEL ADUFOR XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
----

{ ARRAY 'LIBERTY' | TEL-01 BGM-500 SAN CHA - TS SAMMY RUDY CHIONGBIAN RUBIO:// [TRANSLATED] "First volley was a miss!"

{ BATTERY COMMAND | TEL-01 BGM-500 SAN CHA ‘LIBERTY’ - COL GEMINO CARLOS ÁLARA COLLANTES// [TRANSLATED] “Prepare to fire again!”

CHANNEL UTSFOR XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
----

{ UTS YŪBETSU - CPT NAKATOMI ARIKIYO:// [TRANSLATED] "They didn't tell us the Adunuans had anything like this! Find where they're firing from!"

{ UTS YŪBETSU - CPT NAKATOMI ARIKIYO:// [TRANSLATED] "..."

{ UTS YŪBETSU - CPT NAKATOMI ARIKIYO:// [TRANSLATED] "Engage that site!"

CHANNEL ADUFOR XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
----

{ ARRAY 'BAYAN' | TEL-01 BGM-500 SAN CHA - TS MUHAMMAD JERRALD CANASA MACROHON:// [TRANSLATED] "The Utsanji roaches have fired at us! EVACUATE!"

{ ANS KATIPUNAN (LHD-01) - CPT CONRADO MONTRELL BUYCO FERNÁNDEZ:// [TRANSLATED] “Destroyer UTS Hatsushimo is now sinking. MABUHEIL!”

{ BATTERY COMMAND | TEL-01 BGM-500 SAN CHA ‘LIBERTY’ - COL GEMINO CARLOS ÁLARA COLLANTES// [TRANSLATED] “Liberty has reloaded again. FIRE!”

{ ANS KATIPUNAN (LHD-01) - CPT CONRADO MONTRELL BUYCO FERNÁNDEZ:// [TRANSLATED] “...”

{ BATTERY COMMAND | TEL-01 BGM-500 SAN CHA ‘LIBERTY’ - COL GEMINO CARLOS ÁLARA COLLANTES// [TRANSLATED] “Hit!”

{ ANS KATIPUNAN (LHD-01) - CPT CONRADO MONTRELL BUYCO FERNÁNDEZ:// [TRANSLATED] “UTS Asakaze is being sent to the bottom of the Adunuan Sea!”

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

The desperate engagement on Adunu's coast continued as Utsan faced off against the Adunuans, the fate of Kuwago City at stake. They were passing one of the mega-boroughs of Kuwago City, Bukidnon City. Its harbors and dockyards had already faced significant bombardment in the battle, overturned oil tankers and cargo ships burning away in port.

"Remember, el-tee. We gotta take that carrier down..." Renee reminded Conley, a bit nervous.

"You want money or you jus' scared of gettin' kissed?" Conley asked, chuckling.

"Just take the damn thing down when we get there..." She complained, perhaps slightly annoyed by his joke.

This was humor enough for the Oesterran pilot, his attention returning to the various consoles in the cockpit.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
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CHANNEL ADUFOR XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
----

{ BATTERY COMMAND | TEL-01 BGM-500 SAN CHA ‘LIBERTY’ - COL GEMINO CARLOS ÁLARA COLLANTES// [TRANSLATED] “The roaches are jamming us again! We can’t acquire targets!”

{ LAV-37 - CPL CAMILO MELCHORA BONIFACIO TECSON:// [TRANSLATED] “They’re scared! Every missile in Kuwago City protects you!”

{ ARRAY 'BAYAN' | TEL-01 BGM-500 SAN CHA - TS MUHAMMAD JERRALD CANASA MACROHON:// [TRANSLATED] "Bayan is in position again. Shoot the Utsanji roach!"

{ LAV-37 - CPL CAMILO MELCHORA BONIFACIO TECSON:// [TRANSLATED] “Good! I thought you dead!”

{ ARRAY 'BAYAN' | TEL-01 BGM-500 SAN CHA - TS MUHAMMAD JERRALD CANASA MACROHON:// [TRANSLATED] "They keep fucking jamming us!"

{ LAV-37 - CPL CAMILO MELCHORA BONIFACIO TECSON:// [TRANSLATED] “Enemy aerial formation spotted just south of us! I think that’s their jammer. Shoot them down!”

{ MIM-151 JINGO - TS WALKER DAVIN MASIPAG DAYAG:// [TRANSLATED] "Fucking bastards. Firing... ave!"

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Skyward trailed a cluster of missiles, careening into the fighter formation and effectively wiping out half of it in an instant — escorted electronic warfare aircraft beginning a downward decline to their deaths. Three aircraft remained, however, and that became Conley's next focus — the OF-24 Poltergeist breaking formation to cut down a few of them as they passed Bukidnon City.

"I gotta say, el-tee — you're outta your goddamn mind sometimes." Renee noted as they accelerated towards one of the Utsanji A3N fighters. The aircraft, practically sixty years old at this point, were worse relics than the aircraft they themselves maneuvered — he could only imagine these dinosaurs of flight were at one point pioneers for their time. No longer, however.

RATATATATAT

Another airframe reduced to flaming wreckage, spiraling down into the city blocks below. Conducting a sharp S-turn, Conley got view of another one of their unit's aircraft — Pleroma closing in on one of the two Utsanji fighters, attempting to strafe but failing to hit the aircraft. Breaking off, Pleroma made another attempt at taking down one of the Utsanji fighters using their offensive armaments, firing a single missile towards the fighter. The fighter attempted to evade to no avail, getting hit in its wing and falling to the ground.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL UTSFOR XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
----

{ UTS ISUKAKU - MARSHAL-ADMIRAL SAKURAI UJIHIRO:// [TRANSLATED] "UTS Hatsushimo, UTS Asakaze, UTS Kiso and UTS Anane are down!"

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Another aircraft was cut down in the moment — Striga stealing the glory of the moment with swift retribution as the last A3N was shot out of the skies. With this, jamming had effectively been done away with, aiding the coastal defense arrays in their defense of Kuwago City.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL MIDNIGHT RAID - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
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{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Alright, we're doin' great. Keep goin'!"

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "If we still belonged to a country, they'd be givin' us medals."

{ 2F | OF/A-11 LYCAN "STRIGA" - CPT RHODA MORTON:// "And I'd be gettin' even more when I hit that piece'o'shit good-for-nothin' Yutsie carrier."

{ 3F | OF-10G SUPER LIGHTWING "GAMBIT" - 2LT JOHN STEWART:// [nervous chuckle] “Just realized I was in way over my head with that wager.”

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// [chuckle]

{ 3F | OF-10G SUPER LIGHTWING "GAMBIT" - 2LT JOHN STEWART:// “Turns out I overestimated how much money I had…”

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "So you're sayin' you'll be in debt to the Major?"

{ 3F | OF-10G SUPER LIGHTWING "GAMBIT" - 2LT JOHN STEWART:// “Not if I take from my WSO, both of us have enough for $150k..I think.”

{ 3F | OF-10G SUPER LIGHTWING "GAMBIT" - CPT OWEN YORKE:// “Who the fuck gave you permission to do that?”

{ 3F | OF-10G SUPER LIGHTWING "GAMBIT" - 2LT JOHN STEWART:// “Relax, Warden said I could do it.”

{ OF-7 TORCHBEARER "GREYHOUND" - MAJ THOMAS HIGHTOWER:// “Quit sayin’ shit!”

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Now, now, no need to be arguin' over bein' indebted to me."

{ 3F | OF-10G SUPER LIGHTWING "GAMBIT" - 2LT JOHN STEWART:// “What’s it to ya if I am indebted to the Major anyways, Boone?”

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// [chuckle] "Nothin'. Like all good stories it begins in Za-Kod."

{ 3F | OF-23 FIREKEEPER "PLEROMA" - CPT MATT SHARP:// “Speakin’ of wagers..”

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "I've killed my fair share of Yutsie today, buddy. How 'bout you?"

{ 3F | OF-23 FIREKEEPER "PLEROMA" - CPT MATT SHARP:// [nervous chuckle] “Operation ain’t over yet, I’ve got plenty of time.”

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "Sure thing, captain." [chuckle]

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

They were passing over another 'megaborough' of Kuwago City — Datu Tigre Kidlat City. Dense with mega-apartment blocks and a veil of smog, the urban agglomeration below was almost labyrinthian in stature — to which Conley could only wonder how people even lived down there.

"El-tee!" Renee's voice once again brought his attention to the radar map. Twelve A1N1 naval fighter aircraft — rather primitive in nature, they were: their OF-24 Poltergeist seemed new in comparison — were well on their way towards the city. The transport they escorted gave fair implication to their mission: escorting paratroopers into the city. Either way, they'd serve to stand in the way of the Oesterrans on their way south to flank and attack the carrier.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL MIDNIGHT RAID - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
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{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Twelve of 'em up ahead. Guardin' a big ol' transport. Let's make sure they ain't getting anywhere."

{ 3F | OF-7 TORCHBEARER "GREYHOUND" - MAJ THOMAS HIGHTOWER:// “They’re ‘bout as old as my airframe, this should be easy.”

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

"Pull some crazy-ass shit, el-tee!" Renee urged her pilot on, Conley smirking as he broke formation to pursue one of the Utsanji fighters. They outnumbered them, yes, but they were flying old airframes — with men about as talented as the others they'd come across.

"You know it."

RATATATATAT

One of the A1N1s was violently ripped apart by the strafing run, spinning out of control and spiraling into the urban abyss below. The catastrophic explosion along one of the mega-apartment blocks had probably killed hundreds of people, but these things were inevitable in war.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL ADUFOR XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
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{ BATTERY COMMAND | TEL-01 BGM-500 SAN CHA ‘LIBERTY’ - COL GEMINO CARLOS ÁLARA COLLANTES// [TRANSLATED] “Firing salvo! MABUHEIL!”

{ BATTERY COMMAND | TEL-01 BGM-500 SAN CHA ‘LIBERTY’ - COL GEMINO CARLOS ÁLARA COLLANTES// [TRANSLATED] “...”

{ BATTERY COMMAND | TEL-01 BGM-500 SAN CHA ‘LIBERTY’ - COL GEMINO CARLOS ÁLARA COLLANTES// [TRANSLATED] “WE DID IT! FUCK YEAH!”

{ ANS KATIPUNAN (LHD-01) - CPT CONRADO MONTRELL BUYCO FERNÁNDEZ:// [TRANSLATED] “Isukaku is hit! Enemy carrier is hit! Fucking huge hole in her, right below the bridge!”

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

"We gotta kill this fuckin' carrier!" Renee reminded Conley to their objective — although he was more than fully aware of what they had to do at this point. He could hear the desperation in her voice — yet another reason he didn't make stupid wagers.

"Right." He nodded.

"C—c'mon! Keep goin'!" She urged him, his attention turning to dispersing the remaining Utsanji aircraft as he circled the area.

Breaking away from formation, Pleroma headed towards the Utsanji formation. Targeting three aircraft ahead of them, Pleroma fired off three missiles before maneuvering to avoid the incoming formation. Of the three aircraft targeted, two failed to evade while the sole survivor of the group managed to deploy their countermeasures just in time to get away. One had been sent careening into the urban developments below, the other careening into the transport aircraft and sending it crashing down. Conley tried not to think about the collateral damage.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL UTSFOR XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
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{ A1N1 | MAJ MURAKAMI MOTOTAKA:// [TRANSLATED] "Drop your bombs on the city and retreat!"

{ A1N1 | AO DATE KOKU:// [TRANSLATED] "Those are civilians!"

CHANNEL ADUFOR XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
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{ BATTERY COMMAND | TEL-01 BGM-500 SAN CHA ‘LIBERTY’ - COL GEMINO CARLOS ÁLARA COLLANTES// [TRANSLATED] “One of their tankers just exposed themselves. Fire at it, now!”

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©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

The Utsanji aircraft formation abruptly retreated west — but not before they dumped their payloads on the city below. As the dogfight diminished, the bleakness of the night was interrupted by a massive explosion, coming from the distant horizon - presumably where the Utsanji fleet lay. The Adunuan shore batteries had succeeded in striking a tanker they’d brought along with them, and it seemed that the vessel had strayed fatally close to two other ships, both being engulfed in the fireball. A second explosion confirmed the destruction of a fourth vessel by the other respective shore battery.

The maritime horizon glows orange tonight.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL ADUFOR XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
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{ BATTERY COMMAND | TEL-01 BGM-500 SAN CHA ‘LIBERTY’ - COL GEMINO CARLOS ÁLARA COLLANTES// [TRANSLATED] “That’s a fucking explosion and a half!”

{ ANS BULOGNAN (DDG-03) - CPT ANTONIO MACAPAGAL JULIO DE VILLANUEVA:// [TRANSLATED] “By God..”

{ LAV-37- CPL CAMILO MELCHORA BONIFACIO TECSON:// [TRANSLATED] “..how many ships did they just lose?”

{ ANS KATIPUNAN (LHD-01) - CPT CONRADO MONTRELL BUYCO FERNÁNDEZ:// [TRANSLATED] “Trying to figure out. Give us a moment.”

CHANNEL UTSFOR XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
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{ UTS ISUKAKU - MARSHAL-ADMIRAL SAKURAI UJIHIRO:// [TRANSLATED] "We've traced the launchers again. All surface combatants are to destroy the coastal defense units!"

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©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

On the horizon, the Utsanji counterbattery fire became apparent: orange streaks rising in the horizon, sourced presumably from VLS cells as the Utsanji Navy engaged the Adunuan coastal defenses. It seemed they'd done a good job at pissing the Utsanji off.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL ADUFOR XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
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{ BATTERY COMMAND | TEL-01 BGM-500 SAN CHA ‘LIBERTY’ - COL GEMINO CARLOS ÁLARA COLLANTES// [TRANSLATED] “All our lives depends on this. Shoot!”

{ BATTERY COMMAND | TEL-01 BGM-500 SAN CHA ‘LIBERTY’ - COL GEMINO CARLOS ÁLARA COLLANTES// [TRANSLATED] “...”

{ BATTERY COMMAND | TEL-01 BGM-500 SAN CHA ‘LIBERTY’ - COL GEMINO CARLOS ÁLARA COLLANTES// [TRANSLATED] “Destroyer hit. God will guide our missiles..”

{ ANS KATIPUNAN (LHD-01) - CPT CONRADO MONTRELL BUYCO FERNÁNDEZ:// [TRANSLATED] “They have an ammo ship exposed. You have one chance, Liberty. Make it count!”

{ BATTERY COMMAND | TEL-01 BGM-500 SAN CHA ‘LIBERTY’ - COL GEMINO CARLOS ÁLARA COLLANTES// [TRANSLATED] “President Jose Alfonso Cruz will lead us to victory! MABUHEIL!”

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©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

In this moment, it seemed that the Adunuans really were making every missile count. As a single speck of flame flew out from the coastline, there was a visible tension in the air - and then a very visible explosion, as the ammo ship they were targeting was hit. The entire night sky was brightly illuminated by the blast, matters only being made even more worse as the flaming ammunition blown out in every which way landed onto one of the nearby adjacent ships, another fleet oiler.

BANG

The sound and pressure waves quickly reached the squadron, being powerful enough to visibly shake the planes slightly. The process was repeated as a second fireball of equal magnitude erupted into the skies, as the worst possible scenario for the Utsanjis seemed to now be occurring.

Despite this, another formation awaited the group of Oesterran aircraft: eleven A12K3 fighter aircraft escorting a single Q2K2 maritime patrol aircraft. They seemed to be tasked with something else — which is why they were practically caught by surprise by Conley spearheading his way into the Utsanji aerial formation, 20mm cannon shredding apart one of the Utsanji fighters and sending them barreling into the urban developments below.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL UTSFOR XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
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{ A12K3 - 2LT NANBU MOROTAKA:// [TRANSLATED] "Shit!"

{ A12K3 - MAJ NAGAO MICHITOKI:// [TRANSLATED] "Defend the Q2K2!"

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©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Before the Utsanji aircraft could adjust their formation, Archangel barreled in at full speed, 20mm gun shredding the maritime patrol aircraft and sending it on a fiery descent into the city below.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL UTSFOR XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
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{ A12K3 - MAJ NAGAO MICHITOKI:// [TRANSLATED] "—damn! They dishonor the Empire with this display! Fight them to the death!"

CHANNEL ADUFOR XXX-XXX-XX [DECIPHERED]

{ BATTERY COMMAND | TEL-01 BGM-500 SAN CHA ‘LIBERTY’ - COL GEMINO CARLOS ÁLARA COLLANTES// [TRANSLATED] “UTSAN WILL BE HUMILIATED! SMITE THE CARRIER!”

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©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Another streak of light flew out from the coastal battery installation, its trajectory bringing it into the “mast”, if it could be called that, of the puny carrier. The Utsanji response was rather predictable, several guns on various fleet ships turning and firing at the launchers.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL ADUFOR XXX-XXX-XX [DECIPHERED]
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{ BATTERY COMMAND | TEL-01 BGM-500 SAN CHA ‘LIBERTY’ - COL GEMINO CARLOS ÁLARA COLLANTES// [TRANSLATED] “We have done all that we can! EVACUATE!” [explosion]

CHANNEL MIDNIGHT RAID - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
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{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Ten fighters left! —ah, fuck it. GET PAST 'EM, WE GOTTA KILL THE CARRIER!"

{ 3F | OF-7 TORCHBEARER "GREYHOUND" - MAJ THOMAS HIGHTOWER:// “Third Flight, push past these fighters, looks like we’re goin’ carrier hunting.”

{ 3F | OF-23 FIREKEEPER "PLEROMA" - CPT MATT SHARP:// “Major sounds a little scared, ‘fraid to lose?” [chuckle]

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - 2LT LEE CONLEY:// [chuckle]

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©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

"..j—just get us outta here and take that carrier down." Renee complained, her comm off.

"Right." With a few switches flipped, the afterburners of the OF-24 blazed away, aircraft accelerating southwest out of Kuwago City. The Utsanji fighters tried to tail briefly — but were quickly caught up in more pressing concerns, the city's anti-aircraft defenses among them. Conley wasn't about to question how nervous Renee was for this — he'd be nervous too if all that money were put before him.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL MIDNIGHT RAID - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
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{ 2F | OF-10 LIGHTWING "BOOMER" - CPT ELI WALLER:// "Alright, I'm throwin' $150k into the wager as well."

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Y'all gettin' me nervous now." [chuckle]

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

The darkness of the mountains and rainforest below suddenly gave way to the ocean, glimmering under the moonlight. Yet Conley could see something else at the bottom of it all — lights, indicative perhaps of a vessel.

Adunuan nights.

It became more evident as to what it was when, without warning, the various monitors at his station alerted him to the launch of surface-to-air missiles — while they weren't being targeted, plenty members of both flights were.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL MIDNIGHT RAID - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
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{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Shit. Destroyer down below!"

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

As the flurry of missiles ascended, Boomer quickly broke formation to evade one of the missiles, which detonated further up into the cloudline as the OF-10 Lightwing returned to formation, more than mindful of the danger below them now. There was one more aircraft that had been targeted by the cluster of missiles, however: Gambit.

Veering out of formation, Gambit rapidly deployed their countermeasures in an attempt to distract the incoming projectiles. As they deployed their flares, the two projectiles headed their way successfully took the bait, breaking off as they approached the airframe. Taking extra precaution, Gambit pulled an evading maneuver, returning back to their respective formation shortly after.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL MIDNIGHT RAID - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
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{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Up. Up!"

{ 3F | OF-7 TORCHBEARER "GREYHOUND" - MAJ THOMAS HIGHTOWER:// “If anyone’s got a shot on the thing, now would be a good time!”

{ 3F | OF-10G SUPER LIGHTWING "INVICTUS" - 2LT ALICE EDWARDS:// “Breaking off to fire ASHM’s!”

{ 3F | OF-23 FIREKEEPER "PLEROMA" - 2LT LYNN OLSEN:// “We’re joining Invictus, hopefully we can take this out fast.”

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©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Breaking off of formation once again, Invictus and Pleroma maintained altitude as they rushed their way towards the destroyer. As they made the approach, Invictus rapidly lowered their altitude as they prepared to fire off their ASHM’s. With the destroyer in sight, Invictus fired off all four of their missiles. All four missiles maintained course as the destroyer desperately attempted to defend itself, launching ECM countermeasures which briefly threw off two out of the four missiles, which didn’t take long to re-lock. All four projectiles would connect with the destroyer, primarily hitting the engine as the vessel abruptly came to a halt, smoldering and exploding as it began to list to port side.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL UTSFOR XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
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{ UTS ISUKAKU - MARSHAL-ADMIRAL SAKURAI UJIHIRO:// [TRANSLATED] "The Kuroshio is down! Damn Adunuans... just how are they managing this?"

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Continuing on past the smoldering wreck of the vessel, the group embarked north for the final stretch of the journey. Conley was keeping his attention set on ensuring they were at the front of the formation, particularly due to his superior's demands that he 'take down the carrier'. As they passed the maritime abyss below, he could see another formation of lights — the outline of a vessel. Approaching, it occurred to Conley that this was another oiler pertaining to the Utsanji fleet.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL MIDNIGHT RAID - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
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{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - 2LT LEE CONLEY:// "Oh, shit — another one'nem oiler ships spotted below."

{ 3F | OF-23 FIREKEEPER "PLEROMA" - CPT MATT SHARP:// “Is it just by itself, or does it have support? Oiler seems easy enough.”

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - 2LT LEE CONLEY:// "She's on 'er own, must've gotten separated from other ships after the last few tankers got blown up."

{ 3F | OF-23 FIREKEEPER "PLEROMA" - CPT MATT SHARP:// “Perfect time to one-up Boone.”

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "HEY!"

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©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Diving down towards the Oiler below, Pleroma wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to get an extra kill, outpacing Archangel on the way down. Locking onto the sole ship, Pleroma fired off three of its four ASHM’s. As the missiles maintained their course, two would fail to reach its target as a single explosion was seen coming off the ship. Archangel's missiles followed, just a few seconds late — another earthshattering explosion erupting across the vessel as VFA-313 passed it by.

"C'mon, el-tee. Don't fuck this up. DON'T FUCK THIS UP!" Renee continued urging Conley as he maneuvered their OF-24 forward, the distant silhouette of the Utsanji carrier on the horizon, runway shining brightly in the night.

"Your moment." Conley nodded. Muttering under her breath, Renee busily assessed the usual lock-ons.

WHOOOOOSHHHH

All four fired away, assuming separate trajectories as they set forth towards the vessel. Conley quietly anticipated some grand explosion as their aircraft soared past, engines a near-deafening roar as the missiles connected with their respective targets — but there was no grand explosion beyond the expected, flames erupting forth from the bridge and the side of the vessel as the Utsanji carrier stopped dead in the water.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL UTSFOR XXX-XXX-XXX [DECIPHERED]
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{ UTS ISUKAKU - MARSHAL-ADMIRAL SAKURAI UJIHIRO:// [TRANSLATED] "..I require medical assistance! —gh—"

CHANNEL MIDNIGHT RAID - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
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{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - 2LT LEE CONLEY:// [chuckle]

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "SHUT UP!"

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - 2LT LEE CONLEY:// "Woah, woah. Easy there, Maj. I'm sure one'ov'our buddies here in th'squadron'll finish the job."

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "Looks like you lost the bet, Major."

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

Approaching the crippled carrier, Greyhound fired off its sole two ASHMs it carried on its Pylon Adapters attached to the airframe. The two projectiles headed towards the defenseless carrier as one missile lost its target, veering off into the sea. The sole surviving missile maintained its course, connecting with its target as it hit the engine room. A phantasmagoria of explosions, thunderous eruptions of flames and ignited chemicals swiftly reduced the Utsanji carrier to a hunk of smoldering scrap, the brutalized carrier beginning to submerge from where it stood afloat amidst the waters.

GENERAL OPERATING SYSTEM V4.1
COMMUNICATIONS LOG
CHANNEL MIDNIGHT RAID - MAXIMUM ENCRYPTION
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{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "Alright, who scored the kill?"

{ 3F | OF-7 TORCHBEARER "GREYHOUND" - MAJ THOMAS HIGHTOWER:// “I think I just stole your Major’s kill.” [chuckle]

{ 2F | OF/A-17N SEAWITCH "ARCHANGEL" - 2LT CLARA BOONE:// "That's not everythin' the lucky winner gets."

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - MAJ RENEE MARTIN:// "Stop talkin' funny, Archangel-2."

{ 3F | OF-10G SUPER LIGHTWING "GAMBIT" - CPT OWEN YORKE:// “I think this’ll be a valuable lesson when it comes to wagers.” [chuckle]

{ 2F | OF-24 POLTERGEIST "EQUALIZER" - 2LT LEE CONLEY:// [chuckle] "Somethin' somethin', stupid games, stupid prizes."

----
©378 General Operating System. All Rights Reserved.

"Mission complete." Conley noted. His superior was a bit quieter than usual, though he heard an audible sigh of relief.

"'least you tried, el-tee." She muttered, her attention set to the blazing vessel behind them as they began south once again.

Departing from the area, it'd be a good few hours until they returned to the carrier. Conley figured it was better now, more than ever, to lean back in his seat and kick back — they'd dealt a serious blow to the Utsanjis, and practically sabotaged their attempt at an invasion of Adunu. They didn't do it themselves, of course — the Adunuans had shown to the world that their independence wasn't something they were about to casually discard. All in a day's work, he supposed.

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