WFF: Fox versus Dragon [PRIVATE, IC]

by **Valefontaine** » Wed Mar 06, 2019 12:56 am

Important Assets //

Without Fear or Favor OOC Thread

Placeholder Spot

OP Speaking //

This is the IC thread for the Without Fear or Favor arc, Fox versus Dragon. Relevant information is in the OOC thread.

OP Video by Forest State

Another War

Tensions between the Federal States of Euphemie and Tangaliro have been on a steady increase since the conflicts in Sanjar and Qarik. Though the two states maintain a publicly close relationship, there certainly exists a tension between the two states. It helps little that Aenara, Euphemie's northern neighbor, has become an international pariah state by the virtue of its own aggression. Tangaliro, Aenara and Euphemie stand now at a crossroads — one that will decide the balance of power in the Atlantic for decades to come.

by **Valefontaine** » Wed Mar 06, 2019 1:01 am

Nevis AFB, Marinesia, Federal States of Euphemie

31 December, A.C. 392

2LT. Brynn Qianlong
354th Fighter Wing
447th Tactical Fighter Squadron

Nevis Air Force Base — the press and most civilians thought it to be the forefront of the Federal Air Force, a bulwark against the Tangaliroan menace in the Atlantic, a watchful safeguard defending the Federal States' interests, which most certainly coincided with peace. Of course, actual Federal Air Force personnel knew better. Nevis AFB was the armpit of the Federal military, occupied by the least civil band of misfits bureaucracy had somehow managed to concoct.

There were curiosities at the base as well — Brynn Gamma-Ray Antineutrino L'amour Toujours M. Qianlong being one of them. She'd been transferred from the 808th Experimental Weapons Wing six months prior, and had quickly gained a reputation around the base due to something that made her of particular tactical value — she demonstrated the rare gift of limited precognition, to which she often wore a special X117A1^[1] headset to keep her thoughts 'in check'. Many feared her as a result, believing her to be capable of reading minds — which was untrue, unfortunately. She wasn't the most talkative of her unit, and her aircraft had been fitted with a bizarre feature — a robotic weapons systems operator system.

Her squadron, the 447th Tactical Fighter Squadron, was a particularly messy group of misfits. Led by a squadron leader who was much better accustomed to the analogue complexity of the F-122^[2] rather than the modern systems of the F/A-130 Chiangshi, much of the squadron hated the man's guts with a passion, and it'd be of no surprise if an 'accident' in training brought about an early end to the old man. Speaking of which, they'd be expected to conduct a training operation today. Brynn wasn't exactly looking forward to it, but it'd probably be more entertaining than the boring usual.

Brynn waited idly in her barracks — Nevis AFB was impressively fancy, most pilots having entire rooms to themselves. The Air Force had a tendency to value comfort and privacy, which was the complete opposite of the Federal Navy's cramped carriers. She lay idly in bed, reading a certain book on mathematics. She wasn't one to exactly do much when not ordered to do so, and without her headset she was prone to rather obsessive tangents— to which she'd occasionally delve into books regarding mathematics and physics. A few even suspected the odd 'quirk' was a mental illness, to which she'd occasionally been insulted before.

She'd already done her usual morning routine in expectation of the training mission to come, and was now merely waiting for the inevitable knock at her door to bring her out into the open. It was in the air where she really excelled — partly thanks to her abilities and thanks to experience. Her father had worked on the Chiangshi's predecessor, the F/A-127 Vampire, and she'd consequently been quite familiar with the aircraft. The Chiangshi bore much similarity to the Vampire — if anything, it was simpler. It also bore some semblance to the YF-72 Hierofalcon's interface, which she'd become quite familiar with during her time in the 808th Experimental Weapons Wing.

Almost as if the squadron commander had a fancy precog device of his own, and was just waiting for Brynn to wonder when the familiar knock would come, it indeed came. Colonel Mark Last-Christmas Gave-it-Away Schroeder was by a large margin the oldest person in the squadron. Approaching his early sixties, the man was too stubborn to quit, and still flew, although in a combat role he served as the WSO of the plane rather than it’s pilot.

He had also acquired a reputation, being given the informal honor of “Most Hated Colonel in the Air Force” by some of his peers. The title was given in jest, but it was disturbingly accurate. All of the majors subordinate to him either hated the man or simply disagreed with him as a person. The same went with the other lower ranking pilots, not to say that there weren’t those who could work just fine with him, of course.

Part of the reason why everyone seemed to hate him might have had to do with his personality. Schroeder knew that certain pilots had rivalries with each others, involving varying amounts of friendly competitiveness, and simply put tried to micro-manage everyone in his squadron. Like a rash that wouldn’t go away, Schroeder was an old, cranky commander put in charge of a squadron that he didn’t like, and his constant involvement in affairs that most squadron commanders wouldn’t even be aware of drove the opinions of many of his subordinates over the edge.

Schroeder was also a short tempered man, and was prone to violent fits of anger when provoked. It was unfortunate for Brynn that she was one of those natural provocations. Col. Schroeder didn’t understand her, her precog headset, or the fancy robot of an WSO that she got, and considered her the ultimate Alainor Military Brat^[3]. Thus, he went harder on her than he would on others, and now would be one of those instances, the Colonel already winding up for another ass-chewing as he pounded on her door.

我操... Brynn waited just enough for the knocking to get louder, setting her book aside and getting into her Federal Air Force pilot fatigues, quickly slipping on a pair of boots, grabbing her headset and its X117B1^[4] control pack before opening the door. "The mission's about to begin. Got it, sir."

Schroeder instantly noticed the state of her uniform. He felt pissed today, and he also felt relieved that he would have something legitimate to take the anger out on. “Second Lieutenant Qianlong, what the FUCK are you wearing! Did you even bother to buckle the harness? You look like a fucking disgrace! I can clearly tell you just put that on, the mission was supposed to begin five fucking minutes ago! You’re holding up everyone, get going!”

She took her time raising the zipper on her fatigues — perhaps intentionally so — casually fastening a few more of the belts and harness attached to the control pack. It would've been stolen or damaged a long time ago by some of her more unkind squadron mates, had it not been a piece of technology worth an unimaginable fortune. The device itself had a rather long battery life on its own, and could run practically indefinitely while connected to the aircraft. "All ready, sir."

Perhaps slightly exaggerating how angry he actually was to unnerve the oddball of the squadron, Schroeder continued his rant as he speedwalked towards the hangar. “I should’ve brought a god-damn magazine, do you know how long it takes to get to here from the hangar? Or are you too stupid to remember? Come on, let’s jog! PT’s always good for ‘ya!” Clearly not intending to test her CO further, she quickened her pace accordingly, though still somewhat slowed down by the rather expensive piece of equipment attached to her back. Schroeder hadn't really questioned it much up to now — but knew the squadron would receive an unparalleled ass-chewing from higher-up if it were damaged in any way.

After a few minutes of said jogging, Schroeder and Brynn had gotten their way through the various mazes of buildings, complexes and rooms encompassing Nevis AFB, making their way to one of the hangars, where the rest of the squadron had gathered, and now had spent a few minutes waiting for Brynn. Schroeder had no doubt the whole bunch of them were snickering about the weirdo being late.

"Well, there she is!" Captain Michael Clarke Take-on-Me K. Moore sarcastically commented. He was some unapologetic asshole from Torch City who handled the fourth aircraft in the centre flight "Money for Nothing", "Sabre". Being the WSO of said aircraft, he typically went by Sabre-1.

"Tell me what I'm thinkin', Psycho. Can you see it?" Captain Dean Accounts-Receivable Credit Dollar Enterprise J. Camden was some cocaine addict from Torch City from the third flight, "Rebel Yell" — going by Misfit-1. He'd originally intended to become a stock investor like the rest of his family, but had been duped into joining the Federal Air Force by a rather cruel recruiter — evidently, he wasn't very bright. He also thought that Brynn could read minds, apparently confusing 'precognition' with 'telepathy' — further evidencing his dim nature.

Brynn ignored the casual banter, seating herself for the briefing. She was expecting the usual air-to-air simulated fight — half the squadron on one team and the other half on another. The aircraft would be stripped of their missiles, the combat being simulated via the data-link between the squadron's aircraft's computers. The guns were loaded, yes, but they had been locked from use for the duration of the mission.

Now impatient to begin the briefing, Schroeder started as soon as Brynn had fallen into rank. “Alright… so here is today’s plan. We will be doing a training exercise today southwest of base, but this isn’t any old training exercise. The powers that be have allowed us to use actual weapons rather than just simulations, including dummy missiles and ammunition. As normal, the squadron will be divided into OPFOR and BLUFOR teams respectively. Today, Flights One and Two will be BLUFOR, Three and Four are OPFOR. Your training weapons are all already loaded, so you can just get in your planes and queue up for takeoff, since I think enough time’s already been wasted.”

There were a few nods from the squadron at large before they hurried to their respective aircraft, Brynn herself approaching her aircraft — like most of the rest of this squadron of misfits, she'd applied her own custom details to her aircraft, which had been unceremoniously designated 'Psycho'. Unlike the rest of her squadron, she lacked a WSO — instead, an 'autonomous WSO' occupied the back seat, which gave her a greater degree of control over the aircraft — and helped, given she wasn't often too social and couldn't coordinate too well with her peers.

Flanking Brynn’s plane was one which had been emblazoned with the nickname of “Cutlass” — the plane belonged to 2LT Constantine Socrates Dionysios, otherwise known as “Chase”. He was a first generation immigrant, his father a Lyzantine diplomat and his mother a former member of the Vizier Assembly^[5] of Akhmanar. They moved to Euphemie and married, having Constantine on Euphemian soil, thereby making him a Euphemian citizen by birth. Chase was joined by his WSO, Nicole Yellow-Submarine Dragonforce, a military brat with as exciting of a service history as her grades and conduct: completely perfect. The both of them were level-headed and didn’t talk much, except to themselves. While Nicole couldn’t give much of a rat’s ass about their squadron, Chase saw himself personally as a rival to Brynn, albeit a rival deserving of respect due to her abilities.

He turned to his rival as Nicole already boarded the plane, only giving her a customary nod—a show that he had at least a modicum of respect for her. “I’ll see you in the air.”

The usual routine of flipping switches had become almost second nature to Brynn, although a fair degree of what she'd once been accustomed to on F/A-127 aircraft had become automated. The head aircraft of 'Money for Nothing' was going first, specifically the CO's — Wageslave. Chase's aircraft, Cutlass, would follow — and then she'd be next, followed by Sabre.

Schroeder followed, entering his plane along with it’s pilot, a Indigenous Euphemian from Luther with the arrogant name of Cuitlahuátzin Xiuhcanahualtzin. “Huatzin”, as he was known as, had never known a person who could pronounce his name correctly outside of his family, hence the nickname. Those who hated Schroeder referred to Huatzin as his chauffeur, making light of how the Colonel didn’t fly his own plane. He had a rivalry of sorts going with Rachel Weatherford, one of the interesting characters of the squad. Schroeder had been informed that she was never to be given nuclear armaments, he didn’t understand why, but he had been told that this order was to be confidential until the squadron actually needed to use nuclear weapons. If that would ever happen, of course. Like many others, she hated Schroeder, and he knew about the rivalry of sorts she was forcing with Huatzin. Maybe she viewed Huatzin as an appendage of sorts for the squadron commander, and wanted to vie for an edge with him if she couldn’t vie with Schroeder himself.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [2Lt. C. Xiuhcanahualtzin] /// - “Prepared for departure. Is the runway clear?”

Receiving affirmation that the runway was clear, Huatzin lined up the plane at the end of the runway and began final takeoff procedures. Going through a mental checklist, vigorously refreshed by Schroeder's common reminders, Huatzin increased the thrust, and began the plane's ascent as it sped down the runway, leaving only heat waves to it’s rear.

Brynn ran a quick check about her F/A-130's systems as Chase's aircraft was due to lift off next. It was always best to be ready, after all. She had come to know the Chiangshi, despite notable differences from other aircraft she'd flown, as if it were the back of her hand.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - “Ready for departure. Runway clear?”

Once the confirmation was given, Chase slowly increased the thrust to his plane. He took the joystick and gradually pulled it back as he increased in speed, his plane becoming airborne after a while. Cutlass followed a path not too different from Wageslave’s, retracting it’s landing gear soon after take off.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [Cpt. M. Moore] /// - "Tell me, Psycho, what's in my future? Anyone dyin' today? Schroeder, perhaps?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Can't say."

Now was Brynn's moment. She gradually increased her aircraft's thrust, the low hum of her engines reaching a powerful crescendo as taxied onto the runway, the sound escalating to an uncomfortable boom as her aircraft accelerated forth at full speed, gracefully lifting above the airstrip. There was a certain feeling of liberation that overcame her in moments like these, the world becoming small beneath her — and a godlike feeling of separation, omnipresence even— overcoming her. It was the thrill of being an observer, unbound to the surface or the mortal coils of life on the ground. Yet simultaneously there was another thrill — that of being constantly at the risk of an immediate, certain death. The fragile, light airframe she resided in was all that separated her from a terrible fall — any plethora of variables and irregularities could occur, foreseen or unforeseen, that could end her life in an instant — and somehow, it carried with it a remarkable thrill. A hydraulic whir sounded as the F/A-130's landing gear retracted, the sheer magnificence of the sound being one of her 'fixations' during these flights.

'Sabre' launched, following closely behind Brynn's aircraft as they made to the skies. Over the horizon, Brynn could see Etoile Marin, its warm waters glimmering under the morning sun in shades of orange, pink and red. She quickly pulled something out from one of the various compartments in the cockpit — a Solaroid™^[6] camera. She didn't tell anyone, but she had quite a knack for the scenic views only being a pilot would allow. She was an avid photographer due to this, always finding opportunities to gather pictures of the surface, the sky — anything that particularly soothed her aesthetic senses.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - “Psycho-1, you’re, uh, goin’ a little to the right. Correct your heading to one-one-zero.”

She took note, setting her camera down and gradually adjusting her aircraft's course. She had a tendency of getting distracted by the goings-on beyond the cockpit, usually stopping to be fascinated at the sight of the islands below. Etoile Marin, in particular, always caught her eye. She'd never been there before, and the Euphemian military stance of utilizing the UAC^[7] lightly meant she'd probably never be transferred there for military reasons. Brynn had heard of the Atlantic island's pristine beaches, and herself wanted to visit them one day.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Fixed."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - “Copy. Stay on course.”

The four aircraft were quickly joined by the second flight as they embarked northward, passing west of the Tangaliroan Atlantic islands on the horizon's edge. It didn't look like it, but this paradise was one of the most dangerous places in the world — as any war would immediately see escalation here. The eight aircraft would soon face the 3rd and 4th flights, once the commanding officer had announced the simulated fight had 'begun' accordingly.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "Why don't you do us a favor, Psycho, and communicate your intentions a bit better?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Huh?

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "If you talked a bit more, we wouldn't have nearly gotten our asses kicked last mission."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "At least you recognize I'm useful."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "As a pilot. You're a government project — a resource for war. Don't talk smart with me, Psycho."

Most conversations with Camden typically ended up like this. She'd grown rather accustomed to it, so his casual banter didn't really fase her much anymore. The eight aircraft group continued on a northbound course, while flights 3 and 4 were headed south. Once a certain threshhold was crossed, the squadron commander would announce the commencement of the match.

It was a rather clear morning, the sun continuing its rise in the east, bathing the ocean in even more exquisite hues as the prelude to the fight was set.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Baseline Delta’s been crossed. Weapons have now been unlocked, the fight is on.”

The simulated engagement had begun, the 'BLUFOR' fighters suddenly setting a southbound course with a sharp, simultaneous S-Turn. Both sides were coming at each other at full speed — soon, they'd be within the range of each others' "missiles", and a beyond visual range engagement would transpire.

Brynn maintained her aircraft near Cutlass, intending to compete with Constantine for points in the match. There was something of a rivalry between the two pilots, and she had confidence she'd be able to one-up him with ease.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Be glad these aren't live weapons, Colonel."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “You think they’ll let the likes of you have real weapons?”

The two groups quickly entered range of one another, Sabre managing the first 'shot', radar screens displaying his missile fire and promptly miss one of the OPFOR aircraft, Genie. Brynn quickly managed a lock on another OPFOR aircraft — 'Bones' — 'firing' two AAM-241 Comet missiles at the target.

Performing evasive maneuvers, 'Bones' attempted to shake off the multiple Comet missiles fired towards them. Despite their best efforts, one out of the two AAM's fired had connected, leaving them marked.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - “We’re hit! Still able to fight though.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [Cpt. N. Dragonforce] /// - “Target dead ahead, Chase.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - “Copy.”

Cutlass was coming in to try and hit Shrapnel, which was currently trying to evade the F/A-130. Despite its best efforts, Cutlass remained in range and the position to acquire a lock, aligning almost perfectly within Chase and Nicole’s HUDs.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - “We got it. This better be a kill.”

Five simulated “missiles” were fired at the Chiangshi they were chasing, resulting in a total of three hits. Victorious, at least for now, Cutlass pulled away to rejoin the formation, a smile forming on Chase’s face. Not too shabby for some beginning shots, but this was far from over.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Son of a bitch!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - “Gotcha.”

‘Messer’, which had remained towards the back of the BLUFOR formation quickly fired off three ‘missiles’ at ‘Vice’. ‘Vice’ immediately began performing evasive maneuvers in an attempt to shake off the incoming AAM’s. Their attempts had ultimately been in vain, all three of the missiles had connected, downing Vice.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Messer" | #86247] - [2Lt. R. Kinsley ] /// - "Good hits on target, he's down."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Take this!"

Brynn looked to her left, noting that 'Sabre' was conducting a series of sharp upward maneuvers to evade the incoming 'missiles', the radar screen indicating that one such missile had 'hit'. The aircraft veered away, as if to prevent itself from being struck again. A blip on the radar indicated a successful hit on Sabre, though the simulation seemed to indicate they hadn't been downed in the process.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [Cpt. M. Moore] /// - "Now you've pissed me off!"

Turning back into the fight, Bones set itself within range of Slasher. Maintaining course near the target, Bones soon attained a lock. Wasting no time, the aircraft quickly let off its volley of "missiles".

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [Cpt. D. Meimei] /// - “Missiles fired!”

Immediately three missiles were “released” towards the locked on Chiangshi, with all three connecting with its target. With a BLUFOR aircraft knocked out the race, Bones once again pulled away from the immediate area. Shaw was satisfied, especially with the hit he had taken earlier.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - “Another notch on our belt!”

It suddenly occurred to Brynn in a brief glimpse, almost akin to a waking vision — enemy aircraft, to the north — but how? There was no way the OPFOR team could've conducted such a flanking maneuver in time, unless... it was better safe than sorry. Something about this precognitive outburst told her that it was no 'false positive' — and ignoring it could spell doom. As she could typically perceive chains of events a few minutes forward, now would be a good time to respond. Conducting a swift S-turn, Brynn separated from the rest of the group, flying straight north. Something compelled her to infer it was bearing 347, and she prepared accordingly. If she was wrong, she'd probably get beaten up again.

by **Valefontaine** » Wed Mar 06, 2019 1:02 am

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "What the fuck are you doing, Psycho?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Maniac" | #89217] - [Cpt. S. Colburn] /// - "Why's Psycho running away? Having another hissyfit?"

Brynn didn't reply, continuing northward. Every potential enemy was in the AO, to the south — who was going to come in from the north? This would warrant a serious asskicking from everyone else. Worried, she maintained the course, convinced something would appear.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Maybe Psycho's having another one of those visions. Weirdo."

Activating the afterburners, she continued forward — eyes widening in surprise as a blip emerged on her radar. Her radar couldn't recognize its nationality or what it was — though the predictive algorithms on her aircraft's computer designated it a 'spyplane'. The unknown aircraft's data was swiftly relayed to the rest of the squadron, alerting them to the presence.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "Unknown aircraft, presumed spyplane, has been detected 150km north of Etoile Marin, southbound. The locks on your cannons have been disengaged."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [Cpt. M. Moore] /// - "Looks like our fortune teller's onto something."

Approaching the aircraft, Brynn's radar redesignated the aircraft — it was Aenaran? The alert of the approaching unknown aircraft had quickly dispersed the mock dogfight, the group moving a few kilometers behind Brynn to intercept the target.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "They're—"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "Yes Psycho, they're Aenaran. Aenarans aren't our friends. If you don't shoot it down, I will."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “You ain’t doing shit! Can it.”

Schroeder switched over to the radio interface of the weapons station, probably expecting some witty reply as he tried to contact the seemingly unidentified aircraft.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Unidentified aircraft, please state your intentions.”

The aircraft issued no reply, continuing southward. Brynn was suspicious of the 'Aenaran' aircraft — she'd certainly never seen or heard of any Aenaran aircraft that looked like that, much less used a camo pattern like the one ahead of her.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Unidentified aircraft, you are about to enter Euphemian airspace. State your intentions immediately.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Sir, I'm not sure if this aircraft is Aenaran."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Maniac" | #89217] - [Cpt. S. Colburn] /// - "So what? We'll kick their ass!"

Brynn looped around, preparing to go behind the spyplane. If they were ordered to fire, she'd be able to bring it down easily enough with her aircraft's guns. She continued analyzing the aircraft's livery, carefully studying the paintjob through a pair of binoculars. There were no markings of explicit nationality, and it certainly didn't look like any aircraft she'd seen before.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [Cpt. N. Cooper] /// - "Even if it isn't, we'll shoot it down!"

The aircraft maintained its course, passing over Etoile Marin and Marinesia soon thereafter. It began a gradual turn to the west, as if it were going to circle the general area. Brynn maintained her aircraft behind the unidentified 'spyplane', prepared to shoot it down.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “HQ, plane has refused to identify itself. What are our current orders?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "Engage."

The order had practically set most of the squadron towards the unidentified aircraft, Brynn firing her aircraft's 20mm M298 Fafnir cannon^[8] at the spyplane, shredding through the tailwing as she soared past the aircraft, turning to strafe it again. Her computer noted an electronic oddity as the aircraft received damage — as if it were sending a message somewhere.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "You're not as dumb as you look, Psycho."

Broadsword flew past Brynn's aircraft, coming quite close — strafing the aircraft's right wing, which began to come undone like wet paper. Firebrand attempted to join in on the action, closely missing the spyplane — and nearly colliding into the plane itself.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [Cpt. N. Cooper] /// - "Leave some for us, c'mon!"

Schroeder’s plane approached out of nowhere as he tried to attack from about the same angle that Firebrand did. The colonel fired a burst from the plane’s M298 Fafnir 20mm cannon, which struck and disabled the plane’s engine, causing this spyplane to begin dipping to the right.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [Cpt. N. Cooper] /// - "Fuck you, Schroeder!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "The President Stardust Military City's radar installations in Etoile Marin have detected six unidentified aircraft approaching from the northwest. They have been identified as Aenaran aircraft."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "More?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "Looks like we pissed 'em off!"

Brynn suddenly banked her aircraft to the right, turning and setting her aircraft north once again. She was overcome with more visions — of what would be. The enemy aircraft were equipped with WVR and BVR missiles, and certainly intended to put them to use. They, on the other hand, were restricted to their cannons, their aircraft lacking any missiles due to the nature of the training mission. This certainly didn't mean their aircraft lacked countermeasures, though.

She continued north, intending to face headfirst the 'Aenaran' aircraft. The low hum of an enemy locking on alerted her, though the sound itself was one of her odd fixations. She really liked the sound, despite the danger it obviously indicated.

The introduction of another plane to the fray seemed to spice things up, but it was too late. At the rate and speed Cutlass was flying at, it wouldn’t be reaching Psycho first.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - “Psych-Brynn, there’s a fucking Bogey on you! Break now!”

Another soothing sound — the towed decoy being deployed — brought a grin to Brynn's face as she maneuvered the aircraft upwards, suddenly swooping down again as she crossed paths with one of the 'Aenaran' aircraft — strafing the left wing of the unfortunate plane. This quickly sent it swerving out of control as she passed it — yet something about its design was remarkably.. unlike the usual naive, flawed, derivative nature of Aenaran aircraft design.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - “Cutlass-2 to Psycho-1, report in!”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "One down!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - “Say again, did you say ‘One down?’ What the fuck kind of plane was that...”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "They've probably got missiles. Are you suicidal Psycho?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [Cpt. N. Cooper] /// - "If she wants to get herself killed, let her."

A stray mutter came from Cutlass-2’s microphone.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - “Fuck this. Nicole, we’re escorting Psycho on her little ‘tangent.’ Reducing speed.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "Enemy fighter aircraft identified. Aenaran F-45 Jackhammer fighters."

Brynn raised an eyebrow, skeptical. They certainly didn't look the part..

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - “Err.. Cutlass-2 to HQ, they did not look very “Aenaran” to me. Were not as ugly. I only saw a glimpse.”

The five remaining 'Aenaran' aircraft conducted a variety of maneuvers in attempt to tail Brynn. She'd clearly pissed them off. The beeps continued — at least one of the bogeys were locking on. Three missiles came her way, which she'd only barely managed to avoid due to her towed decoy. Conducting an S-turn, she retracted the towed decoy, deploying a small cluster of flares if the enemy were considering the use of shorter-range IR missiles.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Second flight - support Qianlong. She won’t kill everyone by herself.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Whatever you say, Schrotum."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Normally I would tell you to go fuck yourself, sir — but for once I agree with you."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Messer" | #86247] - [2Lt. R. Kinsley] /// - "You sure love getting yourself into trouble, don’t you Psycho?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - “Up for a joyride Ding ?”

Cutlass increased its speed as it tried to catch up with Psycho, inadvertently putting itself within range of an enemy fighter that was chasing Psycho. Chase’s heart was beeping as he attempted to regain a lock, noting the enemy aircraft’s genuine and quick reactions. He couldn’t get a good luck on the plane because it was moving quickly, but he knew it was within range. At such a distance, missing would be impossible.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - “Right there, Chase. Kill that Bogey!”

Chase exhaled audibly as their cannon fired. 20mm rounds ripped through the right wing and cockpit of the plane, undoubtedly killing the pilot and damaging important avionics. It was better off left alone to die, so he pulled away, trying to re-acquire Psycho’s position.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - “Scratch one Bogey. What the fuck was that plane?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [2Lt. W. Bishop] /// - "These niggas are outta their fuckin' mind! I've got five missiles on me! Launchin' everything I got!"

Firebrand swerved aside, launching its decoy and thinly avoiding five missiles. Brynn brought her aircraft to tail just behind the so-called 'Aenaran' fighter, firing her 20mm guns. The enemy fighter swerved out of control, nosediving towards the sea as its left wing was reduced to scrap — shrapnel from the destroyed aircraft flying past her aircraft's cockpit.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Scratch one!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [2Lt. W. Bishop] /// - "Damn! You a'ight, Psycho! Thanks for savin' my dumbass."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [Cpt. N. Cooper] /// - "Don't get too comfortable with her, 2. I hear she can read minds."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [2Lt. W. Bishop] /// - "Man, fuck you, captain."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Messer" | #86247] - [2Lt. R. Kinsley] /// - “Fuck! Hostile on my 6— He’s locked on, deploying decoy!”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "I'll try to get him off you."

Quickly, Brynn maneuvered her fighter, getting behind the aircraft in question and cutting its right wing loose, sending it tumbling down into the maritime abyss below. This was her first actual experience in real air-to-air combat — and somehow it felt great.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Messer" | #86247] - [2Lt. R. Kinsley] /// - “Thanks for getting him off my back, Psycho.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "That's what, three kills now? Psycho's on a roll!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "Five unknowns, far north. Presumed enemy."

With only one Aenaran currently left in the AO, Schroeder’s plane approached, quite evidently having taken it’s sweet ass time as he tried to coordinate things. Coming up from the right of one of the Aenarans, the colonel fired a burst at the cockpit of the plane, which fell into a death spiral after the hits.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Add one kill to my list...”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [Cpt. M. Moore] /// - "Go fuck yourself, sir!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Shut the fuck up!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Talk to me when you kill something. I’ve got more kills than you have years.”

The chirps of Brynn's warning system suddenly reached a terrible crescendo as it became apparent five missiles were headed her way. Panic quickly set in as she maneuvered upward to evade the oncoming missiles.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Oh God!^[9] Activating ECM!"

Evidently, these missiles were of a more advanced caliber — two missiles still trailing behind Brynn's aircraft as she desperately attempted to outmaneuver the missiles. By sheer luck, she'd angled her aircraft just right — watching with a mix of terror and glee as the two missiles flew past her.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Messer" | #86247] - [2Lt. R. Kinsley] /// - “I’m paying you back for earlier.”

Kinsley quickly maneuvered his aircraft to get behind the hostile fighter, firing a burst of 20mm at it. However, the hostile aircraft was able to evade the strafe, maneuvering out of the way of the stream of 20mm as it continued to tail Brynn.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Nah, I've got this."

Brynn checked one of the cockpit's mirrors, watching as Broadsword strafed the aircraft by its engine, reducing the enemy aircraft to a fireball, which cascaded down into the sea below.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Wow, you hit something. I’m impressed.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Don't test me, Schrotum."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “You wanna try for a second kill today? Or is that too much for you to handle?”

As Schroeder thought of new insults to mock his disobedient major with, one of the Aenarans came up on his left. Turning the aircraft to face the Aenaran, Schroeder fired another burst of 20mm shells, completely ripping it’s left wing off, sending the Aenaran into the drink.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “By the way, that was my second kill of the day right there.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Messer" | #86247] - [2Lt. R. Kinsley] /// - “Boy, it’d sure be tragic if a blue-on-blue accident somehow occurred and ‘ole Schrotum here got downed. Then we’d finally have some fucking peace on comms.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Looking to compete, are you, Schrotum?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “There’s not much in the way of competition to be had, but maybe.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Shove it up your ass, colonel. Just watch — any more of these Aenaran cocksuckers come— I SWEAR—"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "Three more Aenaran fighter aircraft, coming northwest. That makes seven of them in total, at present. Marinian response expected in a few minutes."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "How many more are they gonna send at us?"

Evidently, Broadsword was looking to compete with Wageslave, Engelhardt's aircraft being first to fly directly northwest to engage the three approaching enemy aircraft.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "我屌! I'm covering Broadsword."

Brynn tailed behind her rather angry squadron mate, attempting to keep pace — Broadsword was using its afterburners to reach the enemy fighters as quickly as possible.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Shouldn't you be elsewhere, Psycho?"

As she followed behind Broadsword, she experienced visions once more — knowing full well that five missiles were to come her way. Evidently, she was right — and with her ECM's effectiveness dubious, elected to conduct a swift upward maneuver to evade. The missiles flew past, dangerously close to Brynn's aircraft as she conducted an Immelmann turn in the air, diving back down to engage.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Well, if you're suicidal enough to just.. draw fire away from me.. then alright, I guess."

As she dove down, she opened fire — 20mm rounds shredding through the enemy aircraft's thin fuselage and setting it alight, the explosion erupting dangerously close to her own plane. Flying past, she looped around, taking note of the two remaining aircraft around her. In total, there were six remaining — and hopefully the squadron was competent enough to deal with them.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Yes! 做低一架!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vanguard" | #86413] - [Cpt. C. Gang] /// - "打得好!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "What the fuck are you two saying?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vanguard" | #86413] - [Cpt. C. Gang] /// - "Fuck yourself."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "Those are fighting words, you son of a bitch! You wait until we land."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vanguard" | #86413] - [Cpt. C. Gang] /// - "Ha ha."

Brynn watched as Messer opened fire on another hostile aircraft, 20mm shredding through its tail wing and sending the fighter spiraling out of control and into the briny deep below.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Messer" | #86247] - “That’s one, I’m going in for another.”

Schroeder meanwhile was trying to track one of the remaining five planes, though this pilot appeared to be more clever. He flew in the direction of the rising sun, putting distance between himself and the colonel before turning around to try and fire. Schroeder was blinded by the sun and tried to fire, but his bursts came nowhere even close.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [2Lt. W. Bishop] /// - "Shit! These niggas outta their mind, flying straight for Etoile Marin and shit! Fuck they gonna do?"

Evidently, Bishop was right. The remaining 'Aenaran' aircraft were headed straight southeast — for Etoile Marin.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Slasher" | #77138] - [2Lt. J. Bryd] /// - "Oh no.. These little ones are not getting away.."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Moving to engage!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Messer" | #86247] - “I’m with you, Psycho.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - “Forming up on you, Messer.”

Still frustrated by the one ‘Aenaran’, Schroeder fired another volley, again missing. Managing to get behind the ‘Aenaran’ and forcing him to fight without the sun to help him, Schroeder called on divine favor.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Fern bless these hands and guide my shot!”

Firing a third volley, his shots finally hit, ripping the cockpit to shreds and causing the plane to explode.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Third kill! Clever bastard.”

Brynn quickly turned around, moving southeast to tail the remaining enemy aircraft. She took a brief moment to notice the sunrise, again finding herself enamored at the sight. Taking out her camera, she snapped another photo — depicting the sun rising as the squadron moved to engage. She was broken out of her 'tangent' when the methodical 'beep' of her radar began once again. One of the Aenarans had swooped around, presumably to attempt to strike her from behind. She could outmaneuver the enemy, but the state of her ECM left much to concern — it'd be incredibly troublesome if more missiles were fired at her. She continued to the best of her abilities to attempt shaking the 'Aenarans' off her. A surprise suddenly came to her attention — evidently, another group of aircraft had arrived — Etoile Marin's sole squadron had come.

Just ahead of the five remaining Aenaran fighter jets, a series of bright flashes erupted in the skies high above Etoile Marin; New Year’s celebrations were starting, the blissfully unaware population on the island making the most of an unfortunate morning. However, at the same time these flashes illuminated the distant outlines of distant aircraft: 6 in total, arranged in a diamond formation. They were F-19 Cicadas registered with Etoile Marin, as a part of its only aerial squadron: Les Séraphs. Each one bore the livery of Etoile Marin’s personalized flying banners, while at the head of the flight, a single one in solid white marked itself as the leader.

/// [MARIFOR] - [L'Aéronavale de l'Étoile Marin] - [Les Séraphs d'Étoile Marin] - [Le Leader] - [F-19 Cicada Arc-1] /// - “This is Arc-1 of Les Séraphs d'Étoile Marin, broadcasting to all EUPHFOR airborne at this time. The AEM will be joining you in the defense of Her Holy Isles. Let’s send those Aenaran dogs back to the frozen hell they came from!”

It was soon joined by affirmations of the rest of the flight, identifying as Arcs 2 through 6, respectively. Though, the last of the group spoke with an eerie, almost forced tone to it.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Slasher" | #77138] - [2Lt. J. Bryd] /// - "Thank Fern."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "Thank the Almighty Dollar!'

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th F ighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vanguard" | #86413] - [Cpt. C. Gang] /// - "Aenaran dog not allow. We send them back."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Took 'em long enough."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [Cpt. M. Moore] /// - "Mad you've been one-upped by Schrotum, Broadsword-1?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "You're begging for a blue-on-blue."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [Cpt. M. Moore] /// - "You're welcome to try, bitch."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Save it for the barracks, lovebirds.”

/// [MARIFOR] - [L'Aéronavale de l'Étoile Marin] - [Les Séraphs d'Étoile Marin] - [Le Intérieur] - [F-19 Cicada Arc-2] /// - “We get it, we get it! Le Cavelerie has arrived, quit blowing up the damn comms and focus!”

/// [MARIFOR] - [L'Aéronavale de l'Étoile Marin] - [Les Séraphs d'Étoile Marin] - [Le Intérieur] - [F-19 Cicada Arc-3] /// - “Wise words from the flying old man. Keep your infighting for after the skies are clear, yes?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Messer" | #86247] - [2Lt. R. Kinsley ] /// - “Finally, some damned help.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - “We can finally sweep up.”

One of the 'Aenaran' aircraft conducted an S-Turn, intending to strike one of the fourth flight's aircraft— specifically, 'Redneck'. This ended in complete failure, the foreign aircraft speeding past Brynn. The Aenarans had perhaps overestimated their luck — as they were now facing enemies from both sides.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Redneck" | #17761] - [2Lt. J. Bridges] /// - "THAT'S RIGHT! Y'AIN'T FUCK WITH REDNECK! GO TO YOUR MOMMA N' CRY, AENARAN SUMBITCH! LET'S SHOW 'EM THE WHAT FOR!!!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Shut the fuck up!!"

Brynn was caught rather off-guard by the sudden yelling and hollering coming from the Redneck's crew. The WSO was from Canten, and the pilot was from Augusta — not a good combination. A few more shouts and screams of 'YE YE' ensued until they calmed down, maintaining their course against the aircraft. They were just above Nouvelles Lunes by now, an unprecedented engagement about to take place.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Messer" | #86247][2Lt. R. Kinsley] - “I just remembered how much I hate Augustans…”

/// [MARIFOR] - [L'Aéronavale de l'Étoile Marin] - [Les Séraphs d'Étoile Marin] - [Le Leader] - [F-19 Cicada Arc-1] /// - “Arc-1 to Les Intérieurs, cleared to engage hostile aircraft. Missiles away.”

As he said this, the second half of the flight broke off to cover their echelon positions. The three left in a now vee-formation were setting their sights on the aircraft ahead of them.

/// [MARIFOR] - [L'Aéronavale de l'Étoile Marin] - [Les Séraphs d'Étoile Marin] - [Le Intérieur] - [F-19 Cicada Arc-2] /// - “Boom out!”

/// [MARIFOR] - [L'Aéronavale de l'Étoile Marin] - [Les Séraphs d'Étoile Marin] - [Le Intérieur] - [F-19 Cicada Arc-3] /// - “Faucon-2! Break!”

All three of the F-19s fired their missiles - AAM-176 ARGOs - with lock-ons on the Aenaran aircraft before dispersing; Arc-1 and Arc-2 had only fired a singular one each, while Arc-3 let loose two. Arc-1’s struck the tailwing of one - though it was still functional, while Arc-2’s tore through the fuselage at the engine, setting it aflame and dooming it to gradually descend into the ocean. Arc-3’s blew one up right out of the sky after multiple hits to the wing and engine caused it to burst in a ball of fire, sending debris down to the island below.

Seeing that one aircraft remained of the 'Aenaran' aggressors, apparently surviving the first volley of missiles, Brynn quickly took initiative, raising her aircraft and firing down upon the last survivor's aircraft — 20mm rounds shredding through the cockpit and sending the aircraft in a death spin as the final aircraft came under fire from practically every Euphemian aircraft in its vicinity, the airframe coming apart as a lone fireball descended upon the hills outside Nouvelles Lunes. 超! 流既! She thought to herself, watching the fiery spectacle thousands of feet below.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Last one down!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Redneck" | #17761] - [2Lt. J. Bridges] /// - "WE DONE SHOWN 'EM ALL THE WHAT FOR! YE YE YE!!!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82911] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - “Not bad precog. Consider me impressed.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "All enemy aircraft down. To my Marinian comrades, I deeply apologize — the 447th are the worst around."

The Marinian flight was quick to reform its formation, passing by the Euphemian aircraft scrambling about in celebration as it turned back for Masais, Etoile Marin.

/// [MARIFOR] - [L'Aéronavale de l'Étoile Marin] - [Les Séraphs d'Étoile Marin] - [Le Leader] - [F-19 Cicada Arc-1] /// - “There will be no bad blood between the 447th and Les Séraphs on this day, EUPHCOM. Ave Stella Maris, gentlemen and gentlewomen. The Isles owe you their thanks for delaying the enemy from harming our citizens.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [2Lt. W. Bishop] /// - "Damn Psycho! You somethin' else."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [Cpt. N. Cooper] /// - "Don't listen to him. He doesn't think with his brain. Dumb son of a bitch is—"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [2Lt. W. Bishop] /// - "Man, can you just shut the fuck up?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [Cpt. N. Cooper] /// - "No, fuck you. I know you're out to bang pretty much anything with a head and two legs, you crazy son of a bitch."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [2Lt. W. Bishop] /// - "Nigga, fuck you."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [Cpt. N. Cooper] /// - "No, fuck you!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Worst around? Bullshit! We’re the worst fucking squadron in the Air Force.”

/// [MARIFOR] - [L'Aéronavale de l'Étoile Marin] - [Les Séraphs d'Étoile Marin] - [Le Extérieur] - [F-19 Cicada Arc-6] /// - “++IT WAS OUR PLEASURE TO COOPERATE! THOUGH, YOU MAY WISH TO WORK ON YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS++”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Okay, that was fucking bullshit. Fuck you, Schrotum!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Stay mad! Unlike you I take initiaive, fucking milbrat!”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [Cpt. M. Moore] /// - "Seems like someone couldn't stand Schroeder's style!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "You're one to talk, dipshit."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "Shut up and get your asses back to Nevis."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Messer" | #86247][2Lt. R. Kinsley] - “It genuinely seems like everyone above the rank of 2nd Lieutenant, with the exception of Firebrand, has no fucking clue how to cut radio chatter.”

/// [MARIFOR] - [L'Aéronavale de l'Étoile Marin] - [Les Séraphs d'Étoile Marin] - [Le Intérieur] - [F-19 Cicada Arc-3] /// - “Well, we’ll take our leave then. Godspeed, Euphemians!”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Heheh, godspeed Marinians!”

The 447th Tactical Fighter Squadron began southwest to Marinesia, touching down one by one upon Nevis AFB's grand runway. Evidently, the alertness level had increased — and it was much busier than its usual following the attack. It hadn't taken long for word to spread that apparently the Aenaran military had attacked Etoile Marin.

As the landing gear was deployed, Brynn was once again soothed by the sound of hydraulics, sighing in relief as she touched down, taxiing her aircraft to the hangar. Yet the thought still bothered her — was this the beginning of a war? What exactly was the scale of this international incident that'd just taken place?

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Let's celebrate — without Colonel Sitting Retard, of course."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Of course!"

The hum of the aircraft's engines slowly decreased as her aircraft powered down, Brynn taking a moment to enjoy the electromechanical noises as they gradually diminished. It took a moment for her to exhale, trying to take in what'd happened — she'd actually done something of note for once.

by **Valefontaine** » Wed Mar 06, 2019 1:12 am

Nevis AFB, Marinesia, Federal States of Euphemie

31 December, A.C. 392

2LT. Brynn Qianlong
354th Fighter Wing
447th Tactical Fighter Squadron

The 447th had made quite the name for itself at base for their feats of engaging an Aenaran squadron with only their guns. Of course, Schroeder himself wasn't as proud of the feat — the squadron evidently had some 'discipline' issues.

Brynn had enough time to change out of her usual flight fatigues, returning to reading in her room. She'd spoken relatively little after the engagement, and had kept to herself thereafter. It wasn't that she was incapable of socializing — though she might've had some difficulties here and there — but the entire affair had left her with a rather troublesome headache. It was one of the consequences that came with the 'gift' — it was incredibly taxing on the mind. With it came nosebleeds and a desire to do nothing but lay in bed. She was, of course, blissfully unaware of the hell that Schroeder was about to raise in retaliation for the squadron's insolence.

Schroeder had been, in accordance with his personality, working himself up into yet another fit of rage, but this one was going to be special. He told himself he was going to go off on them like nobody had ever gone off on the squadron when they were kids and they should have. He had grabbed a loudspeaker from one of his friends in the chain of command and walked down the hallway where all of the squadrons rooms were located.

Raising up the loudspeaker to his mouth and turning it on, he summoned the pilots from their brief rest. “PILOTS! GET YOUR ASSES DOWN TO HANGAR 3 NOW! DON’T WASTE MY FUCKING TIME!” he shouted, pounding on random surfaces of walls and doors. Sensing that everyone was probably panicking, or sluggishly dragging themselves out of bed, he turned back and went to the hangar, expecting to be followed by everyone.

Brynn was among the first of the squadron to languidly stagger out of their rooms, dressed in rather basic wear, white tank top and green pants. She'd managed to do as much as she could to suppress the nosebleed before heading out— though her nose was still a bit reddened by the ordeal. Just what had the squadron done this time that demanded a disciplining from Schroeder? It certainly wasn't another mission, so she hadn't brought any of the usual cumbersome equipment that was required of her in combat.

After the pilots of the squadron had assembled in the currently empty hanger and formed rank, Schroeder began to channel the anger he’d been saving up for something like an hour now.

“How many pilots are currently in this squadron!?” he started with. “Including WSOs!”

Schroeder was angrier than usual — to which Brynn was compelled to respond. Ordinarily, she'd keep quiet during Schroeder's signature 'rage sessions', but she'd perceived that his eyes were on her, and had responded accordingly. "..32, sir."

“Correct!” he boomed, before continuing. “... for now!” Schroeder approached the rank and file as he allowed the suspense to take hold. “I have about fucking had it with you entitled little shits! SOME of you have the fucking audacity to think that you’re fucking immune to military law! These people, think they can fucking threaten blue-on-blue and say whatever the hell they want! We’re called the worst fucking squadron in the region, and they’re right, because of you! Yes, you! You pieces of human filth seem to be unable to understand how to work with your goddamn partners and certainly can’t get along with your commander!” Schroeder paused, perhaps reconsidering his words.

“Actually no, I take that back! Some of you know how to do your fucking jobs, some of you know how to work with your teammates, some of you know how to follow orders!” he finished, eyeing Engelhardt. “Some! I have come to a resolution for our little problem. Engelhardt, Greenberg, Moore, step out of line!” he motioned with his finger for them to come forward.

There were some irritated, insolent grumbles among the three as they stepped forth — meanwhile, the rest of the squadron was overcome with curious murmurs, and a few subtle chuckles.

“You three! If I see, hear, think or smell any of you saying shit about me, if any of you are not on your fucking best behavior from here on out, I will make you wish you were never fucking born! I will have you court martialed and sent to the brig, I will rip your ass to shreds! You three are the worst examples, but there’s a whole lot of others over there who think this is fucking funny! We’ll see how funny it is when you end up on the receiving end!” he continued. This elicited a few laughs from the squadron, though Brynn herself kept dead quiet. She'd learned well enough not to piss off authority a long time ago.

“You see what I fucking mean? Y’all still think this shit is funny!” Schroeder turned around, facing back to the group to see one Carol McWilliams trying hard to suppress her laughter, but failing. “McWillians! Do you think this is funny? Do you think you’re a fucking comedian? Everyone must think you’re fucking hilarious! Step forward, tell us a joke!”

She stepped forward, stifling laughter. "N— nothing, sir. Just these people stupid enough to piss you off."

Schroeder forced himself to laugh at the pathetic joke. “Ha, Ha, Ha! When I say that you people can’t get along this is what I was talking about! Get back in formation, McWilliams.” The pilot returned to the line accordingly, dead silence having fallen over most of the group.

“Out of the courtesy of my kind, patient Euphemian heart you three will not be getting court martials, but you will be running PT. Four miles. I’ll be taking one of the carts, because I’m not about to waste any more energy on you misfits! Everyone else, dismissed!”

The squadron quickly dispersed, pilots returning to their rooms and chatting in the hallways. Schroeder's apparent fit of rage served only to increase chatter, especially in his absence. Some chatter noticeably quieted down as Huatzin passed by, as many believed the man was practically the colonel's eyes and ears.

Brynn herself had found the usual 'sitting in her room all day' routine to be particularly boring, so she'd decided to at least hang around the corridor and listen in on the usual chatter. Evidently, some of the talk was about herself — and a few of her feats during the battle itself. It was rather lightening to her spirit that she wasn't the subject of any jokes — at least for now.

"Yo, Psycho." A voice caught Brynn's attention: one of the WSOs from the Third Flight, Maniac-1 — Sarah Colburn was some milbrat, her father a Federal Air Force officer with one of the 13th Air Control Wing's E-901 Skykings. Consequently, much of the squadron believed she was only a WSO because she was well-connected with higher-ups. The fact she didn't vehemently despise Schroeder only furthered this suspicion, with even a few jokes about her and Schroeder flying around here and there. They were jokes, of course — but the implication was that she was one to kiss the asses of her superiors. Ironically, she also occasionally took advantage of Brynn off-duty, with humor usually to the precog's dismay. She wasn't a particularly likeable person, and hadn't really spoken or achieved anything of note during the battle, but something seemed to be worrying her at present.

Of course, Brynn naturally met this approachable behavior with skepticism, expecting another prank or spree of insults. "What is it?"

"Hey, relax — we're cool now. Seeing you in action changed my mind. I actually wanted to ask you something.." Obviously, her response didn't help ease Brynn's suspicion.

"What's the matter?" Brynn asked, still rather defensive.

"Your room, please." She responded. This didn't really help, either.

"And why would I?" Brynn stepped back cautiously, rather distrusting of Colburn's intentions.

"It relates to the war. I'm not going to reveal it to that dumbass Schroeder. You're probably one of the best pilots in this squadron, and I like competency." Sarah paused for a moment, as if in thought. "Besides, half this fuckin' squadron hates my guts anyway."

Brynn hesitantly let her squadron mate into her room, to which Sarah closed the door behind them. "As you know, my father—"

"Is an Air Force officer. Yes, I—" Brynn stopped, noting she had more to say.

"You said during the fight that you didn't think those planes were Aenaran. Funny, I used to joke about you being au—" She paused hesitantly. "Well, you're right— and none of these dumbasses have a fucking clue! As we speak, Euphemie's preparin' for the mother of all wars — an Aenaran invasion — but it's the fucking Tangaliroans! The Tangaliroans utilized IFF to mask themselves as Aenaran craft— and nobody's going to be any wiser! This is the prelude — to a War the likes of which could plunge this world into another Calamity."

Thinking back to it, it almost made sense — and now that some otherwise annoying, bashful girl with good connections was agreeing with her, it seemed to make more sense. striking the iron while it is hot... It would make sense for this to be the prelude to a Tangaliroan attack, rather than an Aenaran one — it would guarantee that the FSE and Aenara would not be close allies in such a conflict.

"I don't believe you — but you could be right. It does make sense, after all — why are you telling me this again? Don't you have.. connections and all that?" Brynn asked, cautious.

"You can, like, see the future, right?" She asked.

"It doesn't really work that way, I'm afraid. What do you expect me to do?" Brynn questioned.

"Convince that dumbass Schroeder you can," Sarah posed. "He'll tell his higher-ups and they'll tell theirs. If you do this you can save thousands of lives or something!"

It seemed rather sketchy — yet in retrospect, all too possible. "I'll consider it. But if you're full of shit, it's my ass that'll be on the line."

"I swear upon President George Fern's name!" The words didn't really carry significance to Brynn, as she wasn't a Euphemianist. Nonetheless, there was a certain feeling in her gut that agreed with Colburn. Only time would tell, however...

"Okay. Get outta my room — I'll think about it."

CONTEXT NOTES

1 - X117A1 - The X117A1 Precognitive Stabilization Headset was developed during the Federal military's ESPer program of the mid-late 380s. Basing upon pre-war technologies that were touching upon similar fields — research that had been lost for centuries since — the headset stabilizes the foresight of precogs and allows their abilities to be properly harnessed, though it only permits a user to see a few minutes ahead in most cases.

2 - F-122 - The Federal Atomics F-122 Armadillo is a Euphemian supersonic interdictor and strategic attack aircraft. Entering service in 367, the F-122 has since become among the oldest fighters currently in service — although the Air Force has mothballed most of their fleet or sold it to the Federal Navy.

3 - Alainor Military Brat - Alainor, a city in the Euphemian state of Turmenista, is known for its large military facilities and factories, and prestigious military academies. Thus, many Euphemian military brats are from Alainor, inadvertently creating the term.

4 - X117B1 - The X117B1 Precognitive Stabilization Pack is part of the X117 system, powering the headset. Independently, the battery can operate for about 6 hours, but can function indefinitely when connected to an aircraft or power source.

5 - Vizier Assembly - The Vizier Assembly is the unicameral legislative body of the Republic of Akhmanar, and as such are entitled with many duties relevant to the administration of the Akhmanari state.

6 - Solaroid™ - The Solaroid™ Corporation developed the Solaroid™ line of instant cameras, which utilize self-developing film to create a chemically developed print shortly after taking the picture. The company, based in Calistor, holds an exclusive patent over the design.

7 - UAC - The United Association Compact (UAC) is an international agreement establishing and governing the relationships of the Principality of Etoile Marin and the Federal States of Euphemie. It was established late into the 2nd century A.C. shortly after the Marinian civilization had begun to show signs of returning after the Calamity. Through its terms, Euphemie helped to promote the development and continued prosperity of Etoile Marin in a jointly signed compact. Effectively, it welcomed Etoile Marin as a pseudo-state within the larger Federal States; under its terms, Marinians were considered Euphemian citizens and vice versa. They were given access to various F.S. domestic programs, as well as access to Federal services from the weather service to the postal service. Likewise, Marinians and Euphemians are able to serve in one anothers' armed forces.

Additionally, it was responsible for a permanent military union between Etoile Marin and Euphemie that allowed the Federal States to operate on Marinian areas with the Principality's permission. They were allowed to purchase a portion of the port of Masais to be turned into a naval base - which was later expanded to have an artificial airfield. In return for this, Euphemie became directly responsible for the protection of Etoile Marin and administering any and all defense treaties that it wished to sign; simply put, the island could not attempt to betray the compact's interests without Federal approval. Finally, it discussed the status of chemical and nuclear weapons on the island, effectively prohibiting them from being stored or held by the nation.

8 - M298 Fafnir cannon - The Federal Atomics M298 Fafnir is a Euphemian six-barrel, air-cooled, electrically fired 20mm rotary cannon, capable of firing at an extremely high rate (ranging from 5,000-6,000rpm). The Fafnir and its variants have become the staple of Federal Air Force fixed-wing aircraft for the past century.

9 - God - Brynn Qianlong was raised in a Atomicist household, which upholds the almighty, all-powerful nature of the almighty Atom. Bordering on pantheism, Atomicism emerged following the War as an early competitor against Euphemianism — quickly spreading to several places abroad by the travel of nuclear scientists turned missionary-saints, who 'blessed' the worthy with the sacred 'fuel rods', stigmata of holy Atomic grace that carried with it the blessings of the universe-spanning reality that is the Atom.

by **Turmenista** » Thu Mar 07, 2019 1:32 pm

Nevis AFB, Marinesia, Federal States of Euphemie

1 January, A.C. 393

2LT. Constantine “Chase” Socrates Dionysios
354th Fighter Wing
447th Tactical Fighter Squadron

The events of yesterday still resonated with Chase, even after he tried his hardest to forget about it. Brynn, once more, had bested him in the sky, but that didn’t matter when it was the usual cycle between winning and losing on training missions. However, what did matter was different: they’d shot down several UFOs during the training mission—UFOs which, apparently, were Aenaran in origin. He and Nicole couldn’t sleep over the thought of such an attack. Why would Aenara do this? Moreover, why would anyone do this? If they were aware of current relations between Aenara and much of the world—which weren’t very good, by the way—could it even have been planned?

He continued walking, trying to make an image of the dark plane in his head. Despite his best efforts to liken it to any ugly Aenaran plane he could think of, he simply couldn’t do so. Thus, it came down to cooperating with the one person who was close enough to see the plane: Brynn. He had no qualms towards his rival, but rarely talked to her, if at all, save for callouts. All he hoped was that something like this wasn’t seen in the wrong light towards any other members of the squadron.

He knocked on the door and turned away, inspecting the wall as he waited quietly. The reply came soon thereafter, the precog tiredly rubbing her eyes. She seemed to have haphazardly gotten dressed to answer the door — presumably she was expecting Schroeder, and another enraged rant. The appearance of another pilot, however, took her aback. "Huh?"

She wasn't a person one would necessarily call 'sociable' — and much about her aside from what everyone already knew was essentially a mystery. That, and she occasionally had sudden tangents of behavior one could consider rather 'odd'. Up until the combat engagement, she'd been the subject of many jokes among the squadron's pilots, namely that she was autistic, or could read minds.

“Hey, Ps-Brynn.” He corrected himself. “Do you, uh, remember those planes that we saw earlier, yes? The ones that looked ugly. They’ve been on my mind.”

"Uh, of course." She cautiously took a step back, perhaps expecting some form of jokes or mockery.

“And they didn’t seem.. not Aenaran, to you? Nicole doesn’t feel like talking to you now, but we both can’t be the only ones who think otherwise. Those planes were not ugly enough to be Aenaran, I assure you.”

He then paused, as if he remembered her odd fixation for cameras. “You didn’t happen to take any pictures, did you?”

Brynn seemed to recall — but was rather surprised anyone would take note of such a small detail. "I left the camera in my plane. Do you, uh, need it or something?" She was still rather cautious — it wouldn't be the first time one of her squadron mates had damaged her stuff, much to her chagrin.

He shook his head, slightly growing impatient from her responses, but otherwise maintaining his composure. “Oh, not at all, Brynn. You do seem to like planes, right? Maybe you could describe it to me? All I can remember is that they were black, or navy blue. Too sharp of angles to seem ugly and too dark of a color to seem Aenaran. I saw you were up close with it in the sky.”

This elicited a slight laugh from her. "This isn't a prank or something, right?"

He looked at her crossly, his temper almost boiling over. Who did she think he was, one of those illogical numb-nuts in her squadron? The people of Lyzentos weren’t meant to be ridiculed-nor was he. “Have I ever pulled a prank on you, Brynn? It goes against my mother and her traditional values, and I would never disrespect her. We may be rivals, yes, but this does not mean that I hate you.”

She seemed to let up her guard a little, but was rather intimidated by his reply — it wouldn't be the first time she'd received a proper asskicking from a squadron mate, either. "Uh, alright— I didn't think they were Aenaran, no. But they didn't have any roundels, or markings — they might've looked a bit like, uh, Tangaliroan planes, but I'm not sure. I used to read defense magazines a lot when I was younger, a lot of these planes look the part— but again, I don't know. It could've even been some secret Aenaran plane.."

“That’s what Nicole and I have been thinking of, too. Planes too sleek to be Aenaran, without roundels or markings.” Chase nodded. “You don’t happen to have one of those magazines with you, no? I—uh, we could find which plane it was, if we had one.”

"My room's a little messy, but I can, uh, find it for you or something." She stumbled off into the darkness of her quarters, returning a good minute later with an issue of War Aeronautics Today™^[1] dated September 6, 388. It was rather worn, but she quickly sifted through obsessively bookmarked, labeled pages to find one of the aircraft. "See? It looks exactly like a Tangaliroan F-346! Notice the sleek shape, the IRST pod, the two-seater cockpit, the twinjet design— too good to be Aenaran!"

He viewed the plane in question intensely, noting its similarities between the fuselage of the plane he’d shot down, its sleek shape and angles, its wings.. and the cockpit.

“Oh, shit. The cockpit.” He nodded slowly as a sullen sense of dread filled his stomach. If this was true... then things we’re going to get very interesting. “That’s undoubtedly it. That’s the one I shot down. Why haven’t you told anyone of this, Brynn? You didn’t tell the CO, or-”

He paused himself from his own foolishness. Of course, no one was really going to believe her, but maybe they’d believe someone like him—someone who was a respectable member of the squadron, as much as it pained him to think like that.

"Funny you mention it, uh," She paused, stifling a chuckle. "That Colburn girl from the third flight, the one whose dad is military too, she mentioned that to me earlier yesterday. Was real paranoid about it really being the prelude to a Tangaliroan attack. I guess not everyone believes the Aenarans did it. Told me to warn Schroeder, lie that I could see it coming— but I don't wanna put my ass on the line for that."

Brynn glanced behind her, noting the digital clock at her bedside read '04:31' — which meant more than a few early birds of the 447th would be rising at this point.

“Maybe I could ask him.” Chase nodded. “He would, how do I say it, he won’t call me shit if I tell him about it. Don’t worry about me, a perfect conduct record and good rep with the COs will get you far. Trust me.”

This elicited a hesitant nod from the girl. Evidently, she'd barely finished her morning routine, her hair still a bit damp from showering — of course, the Federal Air Force prioritized such 'comfy' amenities for the quarters. "Everyone else is up?"

“Unsure.” He said. “Nicole is, but she doesn’t feel like doing much. Never really does. I assume the CO would be up, so I was going to go to him..even if you didn’t come.”

"I guess I'll be in my room, then—" She paused, looking down at the magazine in her hands. "On second thought, I guess I'll hang around for this." Brynn elected to follow her squadron mate to the CO in a rather sudden change of mind. "I hope we aren't wrong."

With a second witness now in tow, Chase continued down to a location he’d never really thought he would see himself in: the CO’s quarters. Situated in an area that was away from the squadron’s rooms, Schroeder’s room was much nicer than the rest of theirs—whatever that privilege entitled. He stepped up to the door and knocked on it, waiting for the man to come and open it. It quickly became clear that the man was not present — or too deep asleep to hear the knocking. Of course, knocking louder would only serve to deeply anger the man if he were still in bed.

“In that case..” Chase hesitated, lowering his hand. “We will try the Brigadier General. Let’s go.”

If the CO’s quarters were much nicer than theirs, the General’s had to be comparable to an executive suite in a five star resort in Turmenista. He never knew what amenities came with such a position, but, if he were to guess, it would probably contain a flatscreen TV and a view of the base. He’d only seen it once, considering only people who had major disciplinary infractions or were above the rank of Major were typically permitted inside, but the General himself seemed to be a reasonable enough person to talk to.

He knocked on the door again, folding his hands behind his back. The response came much swifter this time, Daniel Clarke Man-in-Motion V.D. Bozhidarov emerging before the two pilots. Two 'bottom chaff' showing up at his doorstep would be reason enough for a surprise. "And to what do I owe the surprise?"

Chase saluted the General immediately. “Second Lieutenant Constantine Dionysios, sir, 447th. I’m with Second Lieutenant Brynn Qianlong. May we come in, sir?”

"I take it this is a matter of importance that your own commanding officer cannot, for some reason or another, bring to me personally?"

Chase looked to Brynn for a moment, as if he were expecting her face to light up at the possibility of potentially humiliating her CO. “Yes, sir.”

He hesitated, grumbling under his breath. "Very well. Come in." As expected, the quarters of a general were much akin to a penthouse room. Euphemian flags hung from the ceiling, various shrines built to the Founding Fathers, in particular George Fern, serving as sacred artifacts commonplace for a Euphemian general's quarters. A large television and some kind of smart system gave him a very broad amount of control over the squadron — it seemed as if he'd been spending his morning evaluating the combat logs.

Chase sat down upright in one of the chairs that faced the General’s desk, taking a deep breath. The man’s presence was powerful—as was the environment of the room, especially to someone who wasn’t a devout Euphemianist^[?], but it wasn’t anything he couldn’t handle. “Sir, to my knowledge, Second Lieutenant Qianlong and I were the only ones who were close enough to those Aenaran bogeys to get a good look at them within visual range. We thought about their appearance for a moment, and eventually decided they weren’t Aenaran at all, but instead, they were Tangaliroan fighters. F-346s, to be exact.” Brynn chimed in with a light nod.

"Funny, I've been thinking the same thing," The general smirked, gesturing to his television screen and grabbing the remote. He'd particularly focused on a few split seconds of footage from Brynn's aircraft that showed one of the so-called 'Aenaran' planes moments before she'd destroyed it. "F-45 Jackhammers aren't twin seaters — nor do they look like this at all. They were utilizing some form of device to fool our identification: and to this end, there's great cause for concern. As it stands, the Federal States of Euphemie and Aenara are a pen-stroke away from a war that would devastate the continent of Ophir. Yet clearly not all is as it seems. I intend to make an announcement to this effect later today. Is that all you've come here to ask?" He asked.

“Yes, sir.” Chase nodded. “That’s it. Brynn?”

"Likewise." She also nodded, seemingly having nothing else to mention.

“In that case, we’ll be taking our leave, sir.” Chase stood up, nodding at the General. “Thank you, sir.”

The general nodded, returning his attention to the onscreen footage as the two left the rather ornate room, once again idle and about the corridors of Nevis AFB. There wouldn't really be much to do, given it was incredibly likely there'd be no flight activities today. There were, however, curiosities Chase could look into — after all, Brynn didn't really speak much about who she really was.

He looked to his right, seeing as she wasn’t really interested in much from her blank stare forwards. “Uhh, Brynn. Thank you.” He said. “I know that it was a lot to ask, but thank you.

"Huh?" Brynn had been momentarily fixated on the sound of jet engines in the distance — presumably one of the B-64H Palisade bombers — and she could probably tell by the sound. They were known as 'big ugly fuckers' due to their size and rather aging airframes. Hell, most of the planes themselves were older than their current crews. "Oh. No problem."

“Yeah. I know that you could say that we are rivals, but that doesn’t mean we can’t work together.” Chase said. Family values dictated that he wasn’t the one to take grudges or go on witch hunts against people he saw as different—of course, the rest of the squadron weren’t as open minded as he was.

"Uh, sure thing. Thanks." Brynn nodded, her voice distracted and distant. She probably lacked a proper response, given her usual nature. She continued down the corridor until she'd reached her room, looking to Chase as she pondered heading back inside, assumedly to return her attention to the usual books on mathematics, defense magazines and other things of her 'caliber'. "We're 'cool', right?"

“Yeah. You can say so.” Chase nodded. The sound of alarms suddenly caught the both of them off guard, the intercom blaring loudly.

ALL AVAILABLE FIGHTER SQUADRONS, LAUNCH IMMEDIATELY. ARCADIA IS UNDER ATTACK. THIS IS NOT A DRILL!

Music

Arcadia was one of the largest cities in the FSE, matched only in density by Torch City. The notion that it'd been suddenly attacked had caught practically everyone off-guard. There was no squadron leader to confirm this order, but it was apparent that they'd be flying west to immediately confront this threat.

"他妈的!" Brynn hurried off into her room, returning moments later in her olive drab flight uniform, with her strange headset and its respective battery pack. Clicking the harnesses together and resisting the urge to repeatedly click the belts for their sound, she seemed intent on following her 'rival' to the hangar.

“Let’s go!” Nicole was already waiting by the door, dressed and ready to go, as Chase and Brynn came, an odd look on her face as they came running towards the hangar. She beckoned for her wingman to come on, along with his unusual accomplice. “What took you two so long?”

“What do you mean, Nicole?” Chase crossly looked at his partner. “We were talking to the General since Schroeder was sleep.”

Nicole was more of the strong, silent type, so it seemed unusual that she was talking so much to them. “That’s aside from the point.” She led them both out to the hangar, where pilots and crew alike were running all over the place. “We’re being scrambled, Chase. Arcadia’s under attack, but whatever is up there is not going to last long.”

“Brynn, I’ll see you in the air.” Chase called to his ‘rival,’ as they ran towards ‘Cutlass’, their plane.

"Godspeed!" Brynn called back, climbing aboard her aircraft. She had a rather unusual weapons system operator, or rather a lack thereof — instead some kind of robot occupied the second seat. Word was, she'd been transferred from one of the Experimental Wings — and most likely had worked with the mysterious, mostly-classified project that was the 'Hierofalcon'...

Chase and Nicole clambered into their plane, the canopy closing as the engines activated.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - “Ready for departure. Runway clear?

After receiving the confirmation as they taxied out to the runway, Chase gradually increased his thrust until they lifted off the ground, quickly gaining altitude and speed.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [Cpt. N. Dragonforce] /// - “Course correction, Chase. Mark two-seven-zero and continue westbound. Increase speed.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - “Copy. Adjusting to bearing two-seven-zero and increasing speed.”

Psycho followed behind Cutlass, the rather disorganized formation comprising of whichever aircraft were combat ready. Of the 16 aircraft in the squadron, a mere 9 had taken off and embarked west.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Maniac" | #89217] - [Cpt. S. Colburn] /// - "Not even a proper briefing.. this must be some emergency."

Colburn’s comment was quickly followed by the first sentence anyone had heard Schroeder, who had just rushed into his cockpit after getting woken up by the blaring alarm system.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “No time for a briefing, get up there!”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Maintaining westbound course for Arcadia."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - “Copy.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [Cpt. N. Cooper] /// - "Where's the rest of the squadron?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Taking off, like the rest of us. There's no time to organize and coordinate."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vice" | #11732] - [Maj. E. Lyle] /// - "We're receiving data from the 97th Signal Wing in Area 76, Turmenista. Aircraft are coming in from the northeast. Bombers and fighters — Tangaliroan."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [Cpt. N. Cooper] /// - "What?!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - “Called it. Fucking χοίρος.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Maniac" | #89217] - [Cpt. S. Colburn] /// - "We should've seen it coming from the start! The 'Aenaran' attack was a lie!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Imagine my surprise. Guess the precog girl was right."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "No fuckin' shit, she can see the future! Hey Psycho, tell us, anyone gonna die today?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Misfit 1, cut her some slack, why don't you?"

“Χοίρος.” Chase swore under his breath, watching his altimeter as he leveled himself out with the formation, or what amounted to a formation. He toned out the banter and stray comms from his squadron, tuning in to what his WSO had to say, albeit, if anything.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [Cpt. N. Dragonforce] /// - “Remember your training, Chase. A bunch of pigs aren’t anything to worry about.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - “An attack like this.. Nicole, this means war.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [Cpt. N. Dragonforce] /// - “I know, Chase. I know. Fern help us all.”

Brynn's aircraft approached to the left, Chase noticing she was using her vantage point from the cockpit to snap pictures of the rather awe-inspiring view of Marinesia and Etoile Marin's lights, which glimmered in the dark sky as they pressed on.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - “Steady as she goes, Psycho. Hopefully, we’ll have something of a view in Turmenista. Does that robot of yours talk much?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "He doesn't talk at all. It can be rather lonely here.. but there is something awe-inspiring about being in the great vastness of the skies."

By now, much of the squadron had taken to the skies, joining the group in their voyage west to Arcadia. Much of the rest of the 354th Fighter Wing was with them as well, along with the 176th Fighter Wing. In total, there were several hundred aircraft heading west to defend Arcadia's skies from the sudden attack.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [Cpt. N. Dragonforce] /// - “Course correction, Chase. Mark two-six-zero and continue westbound at same speed, same altitude. We’ve got something of a 45 to 50 minute flight to Arcadia.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - “Copy. Course correction to bearing two-six-zero and continuing westbound.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [Cpt. M. Moore] /// - "We oughta strap in and enjoy the view, then."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [Cpt. N. Dragonforce] /// - “Fern, guide our missiles to every Tangaliroan bastard in the sky.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Maniac" | #89217] - [2Lt. B. Shengnan] /// - "Let's see who manages to score the most kills, Bones."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - “You’re on! Loser takes one request.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Maniac" | #89217] - [2Lt. B. Shengnan] /// - "Challenge accepted."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Clear comms.”

After pausing for a few seconds, Schroeder continued.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Radar has detected over one hundred planes approaching Arcadia from the north-east. At least eighty are fighters but there are about twenty bombers mixed in with them. Other combat squadrons have been dispatched and will deal with most of the fighters, but it is our duty to strike the bombers. Their payloads are unknown, but whatever it is, they don’t plan on using much of it to destroy their targets. Do not let a single bomber fly over Euphemian soil. Show the Tangaliroans hell!”

Chase wasn’t sure how long they’d been flying before contact was first made. Nicole made a noise over their in-plane comms that sounded akin to a grunt as she snapped her head to the left.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [Cpt. N. Dragonforce] /// - “Shit.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - “Guys, I think we’ve got contacts. Waiting to confirm, over.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [Cpt. M. Moore] /// - "That's an airliner, numbnuts."

This left a few of the squadron mates chuckling.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - “Yeah, Yeah. Wait and see who’s gonna get all the kills today.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [Cpt. M. Moore] /// - "Bet."

Soon, another arrival came over their comms: AEW&CS.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [668th Air Control Wing] - [13th Air Control Wing] - [E-901 Skyking | #38371] - [Maj. J. Colburn] /// - "This is Skyking Eclipse. We'll be providing support for the duration of your mission."

Most in the squadron knew the voice quite well — it was Sarah Colburn's father, which served only to make the girl more of a stuck-up military brat. Things were serious now, however — the fate of Arcadia was at stake, and petty rivalries and grudges among the squadron mattered little now.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [2Lt. R. Weatherford] /// - "How about a little 'friendly competition', Wageslave-2?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [2Lt. C. Xiuhcanahualtzin] /// - “Alright.”

Soon, their formation had arrived over the city of Arcadia—though the lights were visible from a distance much further away. As usual, much of the city was concealed by a haze of rain, but the effective urban planning and ubiquitous stratotower weren’t hard to miss. Tracers and orbs of light flew up from concealed positions around the jungles across Haven Island - perhaps the Turmenista National Guard busy at work already with SAMs and autocannons. They quickly came into radio range of the air defense command — they obviously had been at work much longer than the 447th were.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Turmenista Air National Guard] - [141st Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F-122 Armadillo "Pipedream" | #18321] - [Col. M. Langley] /// - "Thank the President!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Turmenistan National Guard is at work with their SAM batteries. They should keep any SEAD aircraft tied up. Attack the bombers, same orders as before.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Understood!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - “Copy that!”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [Cpt. N. Dragonforce] /// - “Counting.. a shitton of them. We should be coming up on some bombers now, Chase. Disengaging safety locks.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "Advising caution — total of 140 bandits total on approach."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Copy. How many are fighters?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "One-hundred and twenty of them, Colonel."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “All those escorts for a few bombers? Sir, is there any indication they’re carrying nuclear payloads?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "We cannot know for certain at this time. The only thing preventing them from such a thing is their own code of honor. I doubt that will last."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "The beginning of another Calamity... and all for what?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "War is profit, captain. The powers that be know that well."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [2Lt. C. Xiuhcanahualtzin] /// - “That’s something an Aenaran would say.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "To the contrary. I'd much appreciate being the one who drops the nuclear payload on Olympiad."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [2Lt. C. McWillians] /// - "How are Turmenista Air National Guard faring?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [668th Air Control Wing] - [13th Air Control Wing] - [E-901 Skyking | #38371] - [Maj. J. Colburn] /// - "They're holding their ground — but that's not going to last. The F-122 Armadillos they use were designed for long-range air to air combat, based on the rather naive idea that air-to-air combat would be reduced to long-range intercepts. In this scenario, however, they prove incredibly useful. However, once those Tangaliroan fighters begin fighting them in close quarters, they're as good as done."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - ”They are also using F-981 Vultures, but I’m not putting my hopes in on some mothballed 30 year old fighters.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "We oughta quicken the pace then. Isn't that right, Schroeder?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Are we not already going as fast as we can?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Bet you I can go faster."

Shrapnel sped ahead of the formation, diving into the cloud formation, which was illuminated both by the lightning conflagrating within and the glimmering Arcadia city lights below. A few towers, particularly the Stratotower, were tall enough to pop above the clouds, bathed in yellow light and the glowing neon of massive advertisements.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - “Huh. Take a look at that. They redesigned the mascot of Kola™. Is that bird making you feel some kind of way, Bishop?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [2Lt. W. Bishop] /// - "Nigga, fuck you!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [2Lt. E. Anderson] /// - "I have family in this city, you know. We're going to fight — for our families, our homes.. God bless Euphemie!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vice" | #11732] - [Maj. E. Lyle] /// - "Likewise. The President is with us!"

More of the formation began to disperse as they entered the general area of operations, dropping their fuel tanks and preparing to engage. The Tangaliroan advance was practically within range — and it would only be moments until the fighters abandoned their escort formations to engage them. The cloudline gave way to the mind-bogglingly huge labyrinth of light and skyward buildings that was Arcadia. The smog that filled much of the hyperurbanized space was illuminated both by city lights and neon signs, giving the entire space an almost hypnagogic aura.

Turmenista's urban density made Torch City's look spacious in comparison. If a single missile or bomb landed here, there would be hundreds, if not thousands of deaths. This was, of course, what they had been tasked to prevent.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Oh, I've pissed them off alright. Now why don't you get 19 of these insects off my back?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Will do."

Brynn's F/A-130 flew between the Pyramid^[2] and Katina Banking Tower^[3] deploying her aircraft's speed brakes in midair and strafing one of the Tangaliroan F-346X^[4] fighter jets, 20mm shredding through the aircraft's cockpit and sending the wrecked aircraft speeding past her, spiralling into one of the ultracongested megablock apartments below and exploding. It quickly dawned upon much of the squadron just how much collateral damage this dogfight would cause.

The squadron's commander quickly moved into the fray, picking out another plane to target. Schroeder realized that using any of his weapons would be dangerous for the civilians, but in this case he deemed that missiles would be more harmful than 20mm rounds if they were to end up in a building. Moving up to the plane, he shot a burst at it, hitting its tail wing. Losing control, the plane spiraled off and slammed into the side of the Pyramid.

Diving on a lone F-358X, Bones utilized what element of surprise they had to attack the fighter. They had opted to use the 20mm gun instead of the missiles for various reasons, the main one being they felt more comfortable letting off rounds in tight urban areas rather than missiles. taking advantage of their position, 20mm shredded the target fighters cockpit. Barely having the chance to retaliate, the disabled aircraft continued course straight into the upper floors of a megablock apartment.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - "Bones 1, Maniac 0"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Maniac" | #89217] - [2Lt. B. Shengnan] /// - "Mm.. we'll see about that, Bones."

Suddenly, a beeping went off in Chase’s ears. Something was trying to lock onto them, but he couldn’t figure out from where.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [Cpt. N. Dragonforce] /// - “Ah, shit. Chase, break. Somethings on us.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - “You see him? I’m on him.”

His breathing increased as he executed some typical evasive maneuvers—nothing he wasn't used to. Still, the Tangaliroan remained on him, either out of fear that he’d brake and take him on, or, worse, he’d bait him way into hitting something.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [Cpt. N. Dragonforce] /// - “He broke lock.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - ”That’s odd. Because he—“

PTMPTMPTMPTMPTMPTMPTMPTMPTMPTM

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [Cpt. N. Dragonforce] /// - “FUCK! We’re hit!”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - “Fucking pigs! Where did that come from?!”

20mm cannon rounds had ripped through the cockpit, shredding delicate avionics and electronics, but otherwise leaving both the pilot and the WSO alive. However, the dimming display of the electronics and occasional sparks seemed to confirm the worst: they were now useless in combat, both from an offensive and defensive standpoint.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [Cpt. N. Dragonforce] /// - “Chase, Evac. Get us the fuck out of here. We’re out of this one.”

Chase murmured under his breath as he tightened his grip on the stick, beginning their evacuation process.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - “Fucking χοίρος. Copy that, evacing now.”

by **Valefontaine** » Thu Mar 07, 2019 1:58 pm

Arcadia, Turmenista, Federal States of Euphemie

1 January, A.C. 393

2LT. Brynn Qianlong
354th Fighter Wing
447th Tactical Fighter Squadron

Brynn anxiously watched as a Tangaliroan fighter swerved past, Chase's damaged F/A-130 continuing on aimlessly in the sky. The prospect that it could happen to anyone was a terrifying one, to say the least. Bringing her aircraft to circle around the Katina Banking Tower, she prepared for the next maneuver.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #82991] - [Cpt. N. Dragonforce] /// - “This is Cutlass. We’re hit, but we’re okay. Avionics hit. Won’t be much use in a fight now. We’re evacing now.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [Cpt. M. Moore] /// - "Rest easy, Cutlass. We've got this one."

Sabre soared past Cutlass, strafing one of the Tangaliroan aircraft, cutting its right wing loose and sending it careening into the side of the Pyramid. The dogfight above Arcadia had begun — but the Tangaliroans had seemingly distracted them well enough. Their target — the bombers — had been practically all but forgotten.

It occurred to Brynn then — a brief moment of foresight. She could see it now, a vision of the Stratotower, bringing with tens of thousands of people to their deaths. The cause — a misdirected bomb from one of the Tangaliroan aircraft.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Shoot down the bomber! Or else—"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "Or else what?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "The Stratotower—if we don't shoot it down—"

Once again, Brynn broke away from the group, flying upwards to meet one of the approaching Tangaliroan B160^[3] bombers. Firing off a burst of 20mm into the air, she narrowly missed the bomber, conducting a chandelle maneuver in the air to come back behind it. As she approached the bomber from behind, the aircraft's rear gunner opened up fire, shots whizzing past the cockpit with dangerous proximity. Her precognition was getting incredibly 'blurry' — and uncertainty always unnerved her.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Please help!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Messer" | #86247] - [2Lt. R. Kinsley ] /// - “On my way, hold on tight.”

Still desperately attempting to avoid the tail gunner's shots — knowing full well she'd end up as Chase and his WSO if she made a slip — she fired again, this time managing a hit along the aircraft's left wing, paneling swiftly beginning to come apart under 20mm fire. The bomber was still holding up strong, though, and was on a steady approach to the general vicinity of the Stratotower. Deploying the aircraft's speed brakes again, she slowed, firing a single AAM-241 Comet at the B160. Even if the aircraft deployed countermeasures, the sheer speed of the missile, paired with its ECCM functions, meant it'd probably connect with its target. The missile struck the rear of the aircraft, a colossal explosion erupting across the Tangaliroan bomber as its munitions and fuel ignited, a colossal fireball descending upon downtown Arcadia.

BEEEEPPP

Brynn froze for a moment — eyes widening at the realization one of the Tangaliroan fighters was tailing her. It would take some time to pick up speed once again and outmaneuver them, so she, at least for now, placed her hopes in Messer.

Messer fired three AAM-241s at Tangaliroan fighter, but the pilot quickly deployed ECM. The three missiles changed course, violently swerving as they went every which way to chase after the aircraft’s ECM. Unfortunately, the three missiles were seduced towards the Katina Building, all of them connecting with the tower.

Nonetheless, the enemy F-346X seemed fixated on taking out Brynn — firing three AAMs at her. Quickly, she maneuvered upward, deploying her aircraft's towed decoy, thinly managing to seduce the enemy missiles away from her aircraft. The Tangaliroan missiles swerved wildly, speeding downward and detonating upon a building Brynn had heard much about — the International Academy in Arcadia. She felt a terrible weight upon her conscience, wondering if she'd traded her life off for the lives of many more students. Hopefully nobody was around..

Quickly, she retracted the decoy and conducted a midair maneuver to shake the fighter off her tail — bringing herself behind the Tangaliroan fighter. Now, she and Messer both had a clear shot upon the enemy.

Brynn was first to fire, her F/A-130's 20mm guns cutting through the F-346X's right wing like wet paper. She was joined in by Messer, whose 20mm shredded through the F-346X’s tail wing, sending the aircraft into a macabre death spiral towards one of Arcadia's more notable buildings, the Veszlar Banking Tower.^[5]

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Fuck! Psycho, lend me a hand here!"

Brynn took note of Shrapnel, who was barely evading the multiple Tangaliroan fighters on his tail by using the mazelike metropolitan corridors of Arcadia to help in his ability to remain safe. Quickly, she dove down — closely avoiding one of the missiles that'd been sent flying upward by Shrapnel's decoys as she descended to join the engagement.

Attempting to engage the fighter tailing Shrapnel, Brynn launched another Comet missile — which promptly swerved off-course and careened into a megablock apartment below. This caused her to have a brief fit of rage in the cockpit, terribly disturbed she'd accidentally killed more civilians.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Maniac" | #89217] - [2Lt. B. Shengnan] /// - "Looks like you need help there, Shrapnel."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Don't play cheeky, bitch."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [2Lt. C. McWillians] /// - "He means to say yes."

Maniac flew beside Brynn's aircraft, emptying a cascade of 20mm fire into the cockpit of one of the Tangaliroan fighters, sending it crashing into another office building ahead of the avenue.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Maniac" | #89217] - [2Lt. B. Shengnan] /// - "I'm not going to lose so easily, Bones."

Quickly, Shrapnel, Maniac and Brynn herself maneuvered upward, following the rest of the group into a gradual S-turn. The Tangaliroans had likewise maneuvered well, keeping ahead of Maniac and Psycho while tailing behind Shrapnel.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Shake them off me, god damn it!"

Descending into the city skyline, Bones looked for another target. It didn't take long for them to find their next victim, seen breaking out of city proper. Gaining speed, Bones quickly moved to intercept. Falling in directly behind the Tangaliroan F-382, they begun to tail the aircraft as it desperately attempted to shake the Euphemian fighter off. Losing patience, Meimei settled for the whatever she could get and let off a series of 20mm burst towards the fighter. Shredding its Right wing, it quickly begun to lose stability despite the pilots best efforts to continue flying. Descending back into city proper, the Tangaliroan fighter slammed into the entrance of yet another megablock apartment.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - “We’ve still got a long way to go, Maniac.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [668th Air Control Wing] - [13th Air Control Wing] - [E-901 Skyking | #38371] - [Maj. J. Colburn] /// - "Four more enemy squadrons are on approach. They are expected to arrive within the next thirty minutes."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Then let’s hurry up and get rid of the rest of these fighters!”

Schroeder listened to his own advice and sought out one of the fighters tailing Greenburg, unleashing two bursts of 22mm upon it. The first missed, blasting out some windows, but the second barely hit, shredding it’s tail wing. The plane’s shot rudders system brought it spiraling towards the massive Stratotower, standing high above the rest of Arcadia’s skyline.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “It’s gonna hit the Tower!”

The damaged Tangaliroan aircraft had been transformed into a manned, unguided cruise-missile of death, spiralling into the post-modernist, vaguely brutalist facade of the Stratotower.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-346X] - [Cpt. J. Ma] /// - "WANSUI!"

A colossal fireball erupted through the upper floors of the Stratotower as the aircraft met the building's exterior, speeding through room after room as its fuel ignited, the pillar of flame erupting through the other side in a catastrophic explosion, debris cascading below. As the sun rose over Arcadia, the Stratotower burned.

Brynn was overcome by the terrible sight, forcing herself out of the way of one of the buildings after being briefly enamored at the sheer terror before her.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "The Stratotower!"

She felt an unbridled rage well up inside her, a sharp headache developing. Euphemie had been attacked — and already plenty of civilians had died as collateral damage. Today would be a day of terror, one that Euphemie would not soon forget. They'd need more aircraft to wipe out the group tailing Shrapnel, however. As they continued down one of Arcadia's avenues, the sky beginning to glow with bright orange and pink hues as the sun rose, Brynn elected to call for more help.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Require assistance!"

Spotting Shrapnel being tailed by numerous fighters, Bones decided to give a helping hand and banked left towards their direction. Singling out a Tangaliroan F-346X, Bones fired a series of 20mm burst towards the aircraft, connecting with the fighters tail wing. Immobilized, the fighter attempted to move as it approached a skyscraper but to no avail. The fighter was slammed on the edge of the edge of a skyscraper, sending debris everywhere. Bones Quickly broke off.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - “Got one off your ass for you, Shrapnel.”

Maniac, on the other hand, had nearly gotten Brynn killed by shooting one of the Tangaliroan fighters directly ahead of her — to which Brynn had promptly banked to the left to avoid the smoldering, burning wreck, which promptly crashed into the streets below.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Shoot at the bombers! They’re going to get through!”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "FUCK YOU COLONEL! GET THESE FIGHTERS OFF MY FUCKING ASS!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Get your own goddamn flight to cover you!”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Sorry, Shrapnel!"

It seemed the squadron commander was concerned about the focus going to the fighters, particularly when dozens more were going to come soon anyways. Hightailing it over to one of the bombers, he pulled a sharp U-turn to get behind. He used his guns once again, but the salvo flew over the bomber. He instead chose to use one of his AAM-241 Comets, eight of which had been loaded onto the plane. Firing it, the Comet streaked into the bombers right-most engine. Brynn quickly joined the squadron leader, firing away into the Tangaliroan B160's right engine. Flames quickly shot out as fuel was set alight, the aircraft shaking as it began to glide down, colliding and

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Nice!"

Continuing to search and destroy bombers, Schroeder maneuvered his aircraft back to fight another aircraft. Happening upon one, which was moving to West Arcadia, Schroeder pounced. Firing another of his Comets, the missile flew forwards, exploding just in front of the cockpit. It wouldn’t destroy the aircraft, but it would certainly have injured the pilots.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [B160] - [Maj. V. Scherer] /// - "REQUEST ASSISTANCE!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "Wageslave, Psycho, two bombers are redirecting to Alainor. If they drop their payloads on the Military Academy, we'll be in deep shit. Handle it at once."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “I ain’t ‘bout to let them destroy my alma mater!”

Schroeder pulled off, leaving Brynn to handle the bomber by herself - if she wished to, that is. Brynn fired off a single Comet missile at the Tangaliroan bomber, which practically cut the ill-fated aircraft's left wing in two, sending it spinning towards the bay between Arcadia and Alainor.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [B160] - [Maj. V. Scherer] /// - "You fight well, Euphemian."

Brynn closely pursued her squadron leader, watching as the bomber descended towards its untimely demise. Accelerating, she brought her aircraft closer to Schroeder's — the Alainor Military Academy was a number one priority. Several Turmenista Air National Guard F-122s joined the two aircraft in the sky as they approached the bombers.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Turmenista Air National Guard] - [141st Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F-122 Armadillo "Pipedream" | #18321] - [Col. M. Langley] /// - "447th, the 141st will assist in your defense of the Academy. God bless Euphemie!"

Schroeder, Brynn, Kinsley and the Turmenistans approached the two bombers, blips on radar, and set upon the leading bomber. Moving to the back in a rather predictable and signature move, the bombers tail gunner opened fire, managing to get some decent hits on Schroeder’s plane. As Huatzin moved the plane under the bomber, Schroeder did a quick test of the systems to see if anything was broken. He quickly realized that his Armaments Control System was disabled: this meant that all the fire control systems were out, and he would only be able to use his gun, and there wouldn’t be any indicators to help him lead his shots. It was at this moment that decades of training came back into effect, Schroeder was better with analogs than electronics.

Schroeder now had an idea. Pulling the aircraft slightly up, he aimed his cannon at the bomb bay of the aircraft and riddled it with bullets. Firing non-stop for a few seconds, an explosion suddenly ripped the aircraft to shreds, the remaining pieces falling into the ocean as a few secondaries went off in the air.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Nice one, Colonel. I will handle the other."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “My fire control is shot. Guns only from here-on out.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Messer" | #86247] - [2Lt. R. Kinsley ] /// - “Copy, stay on the sidelines for now, old man.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Fuck off. We need everyone.”

Brynn's aircraft broke formation with Schroeder, flying towards the second Tangaliroan bomber. Three Turmenista Air National Guard F-122s followed her as they approached the next B160, Brynn once again electing to use her guns.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Turmenista Air National Guard] - [141st Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F-122 Armadillo "Pipedream" | #18321] - [Col. M. Langley] /// - "You're that mind-reader, aren't you?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Not exactly."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Turmenista Air National Guard] - [141st Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F-122 Armadillo "Pipedream" | #18321] - [Col. M. Langley] /// - "Pleasure fightin' with you. Let's take this Tango sumbitch down."

The group of four aircraft accelerated towards the B160 bomber, 20mm rounds shredding through the Tangaliroan aircraft's bomb bay, setting off its payload. The aircraft was further struck by ARGO missiles from the F-122s, which broke formation and dispersed upon firing. The aircraft was obliterated almost instantly, the airframe ripped to shreds in the air, spinning wildly to its death.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "GET THEM OFF ME!! SCHROTUM YOU FUCKING BASTARD!!

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Third Flight, go protect your fucking leader!”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Maniac" | #89217] - [Cpt. S. Colburn] /// - "Roger that!"

Brynn quickly turned her aircraft around now that the bomber threat had been eliminated. There were more bombers bound for downtown Arcadia and the military facilities situated there — and they had to be stopped at all costs. Passing over Arcadia bay, Brynn took note of the 8 remaining Tangaliroan aircraft.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Engaging remaining bombers."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Messer" | #86247] - [2Lt. R. Kinsley] /// - “We’re with you, Psycho.”

Passing one of the Tangaliroan B160s, Brynn strafed the aircraft, ripping apart the cockpit and sending it gliding aimlessly upon the bay. Eight more, and she'd effectively put a stop to the bomber threat over Arcadia.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Lend a hand, Messer."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Messer" | #86247] - [2Lt. R. Kinsley] /// - “On it.”

Meanwhile, Schroeder continued on his assignment of killing bombers with Brynn. Coming up to one from the front, he shot a burst at the bomber’s right wing, tearing part of it off. The bomber descended to the surface, it’s pilots having lost any control.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Seven bombers left, we can do this!”

Nothing had gone to plan, all five missiles fired by Messer had missed their target, countered by the Tangaliroan pilot’s skilled maneuvering and use of ECM. The Tangaliroan came back around, breaking its pursuit of Brynn to attempt taking Messer down — firing a single missile that missed and trailed off indefinitely, splashing down in Arcadia Bay. However, the fighter was now pursuing Messer — and could spell serious trouble if another missile was fired.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-346X] - [L. Sorgenburg] /// - "Neither of us appear to be in luck.. how long will that last?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Messer" | #86247] - [2Lt. R. Kinsley] /// - “Alright, fucking watch this!”

Messer, in an attempt to outmaneuver the Tangaliroan, quickly pulled his aircraft up and to the side - performing a High Yo-Yo maneuver which resulted in Messer getting into a position to down the hostile aircraft. Another five missiles were fired at the hostile. Unfortunately, all five missiles failed to connect with their target, the enemy pilot outmaneuvering Messer and the missiles, ending up behind Messer.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Coming around to help."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Messer" | #86247] - [2Lt. R. Kinsley] /// - “FUCK that, keep watching! HAIL NEWORDER!”

Messer performed the High Yo-Yo again before the Tangaliroan had a chance to fire on him, firing a burst of 20mm on the hostile after successfully positioning himself behind the F-358X. The stream of 20mm shells ripped through the aircrafts right wing, sending it into a death spiral before it crashed into a building below.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Messer" | #86247] - [2Lt. R. Kinsley] /// - “Holy shit, maybe there is some truth that Euphemianist bullshit.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "For crying out FUCKING loud—"

Heeding "Schrotum's" order, Bones went to assist Third Flight's leader. Pitching towards Shrapnel, Bones engaged a Tangaliroan F-358X within the leads vicinity. Continuing their trend, Bones utilized its guns once more and fired 20mm burst towards the fighter. Once again hitting the tail wing, Bones left the target aircraft immobilized. shortly afterwards it crashed into an minor office building. After confirming yet another kill, Bones banked off and headed back to assist Shrapnel.

by **Turmenista** » Thu Mar 07, 2019 2:11 pm

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - “Four confirmed kills.”

Brynn returned her focus to the remaining Tangaliroan bombers, utilizing her 20mm to clip the tailwing of one before speeding towards another, cutting its left wing loose. Diving after a second successful hit on the bombers, she made for another in a sharp dive, emptying more 20mm rounds into the bomber's engines, explosions rapidly spreading across the doomed aircraft's fuselage. The remaining four bombers began to disperse, turning to a northeastern course to flee — to which she followed. Sparse fire from the tail gunners ensued, Brynn pressing on with her fighter and strafing the cockpit of another bomber, sending it aimlessly traveling down to the maritime abyss below.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [2Lt. W. Bishop] /// - "Ayo, the fuck is Psycho doing? She's finally lost her shit!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Follow Qianlong’s example.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Shut the fuck up Schrotum! These Tangos won't get the fuck off me!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “I’m sorry you’re too much of a dumbass to see your flight members picking planes off right left and center. You want me to help you or something?”

Brynn continued forward, chasing the three remaining bombers, even as they accelerated ahead. Firing off a single Comet missile, it sped forth with incredible speed, erupting spectacularly upon the aircraft's cockpit and sending it on a gradual downward glide.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [B160] - [D. Voigt] /// - "Sie ist kein Mensch!"

In a final forward advance, Brynn fired away a burst of 20mm rounds into the engines of one of the bombers, sharply turning by the use of speed brakes to fire off another Comet missile at the other B160, its engines erupting in a spectacle of flame and ignited fuel, which soon spread across the ill-fated aircraft's fuselage. Brynn quickly set her aircraft on a course back to Arcadia. Checking her watch, she noted it was 6:30 AM — just how much longer were the Tangaliroans going to go at it?

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Command, how far out is that new wave of fighters from Arcadia?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "They're arriving right about now. Governor Whitesnake has ordered all Turmenista Air National Guard units available to hold them off. Several fighter wings from Area 76 and Styx are also coming to assist in the defense. We also have reason to believe a certain 'ace' is among the Tangaliroans — they call her the Red Death of Rimsgrad."

Suddenly, the radio crackled, almost as if someone was just joining. As it turned out, someone had indeed just patched into the Euphemian communications. Problem was, he was Tangaliroan.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [TUS Tianhuang (DDG-330)] - [Cpt. Zhang Weihan] /// - “Hello, Euphemians. I am sure you have noticed the overwhelming strength of the Tangaliroan Air Force bearing down upon your cities. Why do you continue to fight? My country is too powerful, your defeat in the skies above Arcadia is but inevitable.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “What the hell?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vanguard" | #86413] - [Cpt. C. Gang] /// - "Your mother skunk!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Maniac" | #89217] - [2Lt. B. Shengnan] /// - "Not today, Tangaliroan."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [Cpt. M. Moore] /// - "Schroeder, get that Tangaliroan off our fuckin' comms."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “I don’t know how the fuck he got on in the first place. Skyking! Get this asshole off.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [668th Air Control Wing] - [13th Air Control Wing] - [E-901 Skyking | #38371] - [Maj. J. Colburn] /// - "I'm trying, goddamn it!"

/// [TANGFOR] - [Far North Strike Group] - [TUS Tianhuang (DDG-330)] - [Cpt. Zhang Weihan] /// - “Why do you try to stifle my voice? I have a message for you. Your demise is inevitable, and so is the destruction of Arcadia. As we speak, the Far North Strike Group is within cruise missile range of every major city in Turmenista and is preparing to fire as we speak. Your ‘Comets’ will do nothing.”

The naval officer's taunts didn't exactly help, considering how irritated the sheer extent of the Tangaliroan attack had left Brynn.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Fuck you!!!"

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [TUS Tianhuang (DDG-330)] - [Cpt. Zhang Weihan] /// - “I have always considered myself an entertainer. I feel you will be entertained by the destruction of all of our targets, so I will allow you to listen in while I order our missiles launch. WANSUI!”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Messer" | #86247] - [2Lt. R. Kinsley] /// - “Oh shit! They’re gonna fucking do it!”

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [TUS Tianhuang (DDG-330)] - [Cpt. Zhang Weihan] /// - “Ready to launch!”

Brynn sent the aircraft in a sharp, sudden nosedive — the aircraft's ICM M4000C computer marking and feeding a plethora of data to the missiles. Sharply diving, a thunderous BOOM briefly disoriented Brynn as she continued the dive, firing the last four of her aircraft's Comet missiles — straight for the Tianhuang's bridge.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [TUS Tianhuang (DDG-330)] - [Cpt. Zhang Weihan] /// - “Bastard! What the fuck is he doing?! Open fire!”

Sharply rising as two explosions erupted below, Brynn conducted a sharp turn to the southwest — returning straight for Arcadia.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [668th Air Control Wing] - [13th Air Control Wing] - [E-901 Skyking | #38371] - [Maj. J. Colburn] /// - "What in the Goddamn?! Was that Psycho?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [2Lt. W. Bishop] /// - "The kid's got some spunk in 'er!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [Cpt. N. Cooper] /// - "Knowing you Bishop, you're thinkin' about the other kinda spunk."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [2Lt. W. Bishop] /// - "Nigga shut. The. FUCK. UP!"

There were a few chuckles on the comm as the squadron had a rather good laugh — most of the first wave had been dealt with by the National Guard and the Air Force, but the threat of a second wave lay imminent, not to mention the Tianhuang's desperate last volley of 14 cruise missiles bound for Arcadia.

Schroeder, approaching from a distance realized what had gone down. The Tangaliroans had performed an attack of last resort, and were firing their missiles. These missiles were way too fast for him to shoot with his missiles, not that he could anyway, but he had to do something.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Do something!”

He pointed the nose of his plane towards the general direction where all the missiles were arcing off towards, and sprayed wildly, creating two explosions.

Kinsley joined Schroeder, firing a constant stream of 20mm at the direction of the missiles, another explosion followed shortly after.

Watching his squad mates intercept the missiles, Bones decided to do the same. Catching one crossing their path, Bones fired their 20mm gun in a stream towards one. through sheer luck they managed to hit something and an explosion shortly followed.

Returning to Arcadia's bustling — now smoke-filled — skyline, Brynn could see Major Colburn's E-901 Skyking in the air ahead of her. She briefly recalled what the man's daughter, Sarah, telling her about her (now evidently true) fears of a Tangaliroan attack. She was a mil-brat, sure— but everyone had a soft side.

She noticed something else, however.

Speeding across the screen, a missile was accelerating towards the Skyking.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [668th Air Control Wing] - [13th Air Control Wing] - [E-901 Skyking | #38371] - [Maj. J. Colburn] /// - "Incoming! BRACE—"

The Skyking was practically split in two by the sheer speed of the missile — it must've been hypersonic — the entire aircraft exploding a split second later.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Maniac" | #89217] - [Cpt. S. Colburn] /// - "DAD!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Turmenista Air National Guard] - [141st Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F-122 Armadillo "Pipedream" | #18321] - [Col. M. Langley] /// - "AWAC down! We're fuckin' blind as bats!"

There was a very sudden, intense sobbing coming from one of the comms. Brynn was taken aback by how violently and swiftly Colburn had met his end. But what'd done it?

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-382 <<FS Designation: Tiger>>] - [Maj. Stefaniya Sokolovsky "Red Death of Rimsgrad"] /// - "How swiftly they scramble in fear.."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "That's Stefaniya Sokolovsky, or as they call her back home, the Red Death of Rimsgrad. They say she's brought down 40 Sanjari fighters and 15 Aenarans back in Sanjar. Be extremely careful."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vanguard" | #86413] - [Cpt. C. Gang] /// - "Ok."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Maniac" | #89217] - [Cpt. S. Colburn] /// - "YOU FUCKING BITCH!"

Wasting no time, the ace quickly zeroed in on a target. Bones, noticing the ace's approach, performed a butterfly maneuver to avoid any fire being directed towards it. The ace decided to use its guns, making Bones job relatively easier in terms of avoidance. Finding an opening, Bones quickly put itself behind the Ace. Still opting to use its main guns, they lined up their shot but to no avail missed every single burst.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - “Missed every single shot! Just when I was doing good too.”

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-382 <<FS Designation: Tiger>>] - [Maj. Stefaniya Sokolovsky "Red Death of Rimsgrad"] /// - "Mm.. how predictable."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Maniac" | #89217] - [Cpt. S. Colburn] /// - "Eat this, you fucking bitch!"

Maniac came behind the 'Red Death of Rimsgrad' as the ace attempted to intercept Bones, firing three missiles — though the Tangaliroan ace had no trouble diverting the attack with ECM, sending the missiles crashing off into one of Arcadia's many office buildings.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Messer" | #86247] - [2Lt. R. Kinsley] /// - “Oh shit! We need to help Maniac, poor bastards aren’t going to last very long one-on-one with her!”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "I'll help!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Sultans of Swing, focus on that fucking ace!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Slasher" | #77138] - [Cpt. H. Yunmeng] /// - "I can try — no promises."

Having another opportunity to retaliate, Bones once again maneuvered itself near the ace. seemingly ridding itself of insolence, Bones opted to use Missiles this go around. Lining itself up with the ace, it awaited the missile lock. Once confirmed, it fired off a volley of 5 Comet missiles towards the targets aircraft.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - “Take this, Bitch!”

Maniac joined in the attack, attempting to strafe the aircraft — lightly damaging the Tangaliroan ace's aircraft as she attempted in vain to outmaneuver the attack. By now, Brynn had brought her aircraft on a directly perpendicular course with the ace, locking on and firing all four of her aircraft's AAM-11 Brushstroke missiles at the aircraft.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-382 <<FS Designation: Tiger>>] - [Maj. Stefaniya Sokolovsky "Red Death of Rimsgrad"] /// - "Interesting."

The Tangaliroan ace attempted to evade, but Brynn's missiles had been faster — missiles exploding just by the Red Death of Rimsgrad's fighter aircraft. Damage was quite visible on the aircraft, and it was evident the ace wouldn't be able to withstand too much of a beating against the squadron.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-382 <<FS Designation: Tiger>>] - [Maj. Stefaniya Sokolovsky "Red Death of Rimsgrad"] /// - "Fuck! Req—"

Brynn had managed to cut the ace's comms with her aircraft's AN/ELQ-184 system, effectively singling her out and preventing a call for help.

Schroeder suddenly appeared to the right side of the aircraft, intent on approaching with his 20mm cannon.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “There’s a problem with these fancy missiles they give us. You can just counter them. You can’t counter this though!”

Firing a burst from the cannon, the rounds shredded the front of the ace’s aircraft, some of the rounds even impacting inside the cockpit. If this ace wasn’t wounded, her electronics certainly weren’t working as intended.

To the shock of quite possibly most of the squadron, another aircraft had swooped in guns blazing — Firebrand. 20mm rounds mercilessly ripped the cockpit of the aircraft apart, sending it falling into the urban abyss below, a miniscule explosion marking the end of the 'Red Death of Rimsgrad'. Arrogance, it seemed, was not always a sign of strength.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Messer" | #86247] - [2Lt. R. Kinsley] /// - “Oh come on, I didn’t even get a chance to take a shot at her!”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Maniac" | #89217] - [Cpt. S. Colburn] /// - "FUCK!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [Cpt. N. Cooper] /// - "I feel the need.."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [2Lt. W. Bishop] /// - "The need for speed!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "All aircraft, a new high priority target has emerged. The Tangaliroan guided missile destroyer Chenghuangsheng has been spotted on approach to Arcadia. We intend to utilize the EIDOLON^[6] array to take it out before it can fire its arsenal at the city. The ship's got enough missiles to turn all our military facilities to rubble. Expect enemy aircraft to launch a preemptive assault on the EIDOLON array to prevent its firing."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Slasher" | #77138] - [Cpt. H. Yunmeng] /// - "As if we haven't used enough ammunition already."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vice" | #11732] - [Maj. E. Lyle] /// - "Will they ever let down?"

The squadron quickly diverted course eastward, passing over the smoldering ruins of Alainor Military Academy as they embarked for the deserts of Xu Island. Brynn quickly turned her attention to her aircraft's radar display, moving a bit ahead of the formation to scout ahead — and with success.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Seventeen air contacts spotted."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Oh, for FUCK sake! The vessel's trying to target me!"

/// [TANGFOR] - [Far North Strike Group] - [TUS Chenghuangsheng (DDG-317)] - [Cpt. Zhao Zhengxiao] /// - “Have you Euphemians still not figured out why we can access your communications?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [2Lt. R. Weatherford] /// - "Oh great, not this shit again."

/// [TANGFOR] - [Far North Strike Group] - [TUS Chenghuangsheng (DDG-317)] - [Cpt. Zhao Zhengxiao] /// - “It is, unfortunate, that you have no AWACS to shut me off.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Maniac" | #89217] - [Cpt. S. Colburn] /// - "Shut up! SHUT UP!!"

/// [TANGFOR] - [Far North Strike Group] - [TUS Chenghuangsheng (DDG-317)] - [Cpt. Zhao Zhengxiao] /// - “I knew the man who captained that ship you destroyed. The Tianhuang. He was my friend, and do you not think I will let you go for that?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "是我幹的又如何?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "I've evaded two fucking missiles already. COLONEL, DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS SON OF A BITCH, OR I SWEAR UPON FERN'S GOOD NAME THAT I'LL—"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Cool it!”

/// [TANGFOR] - [Far North Strike Group] - [TUS Chenghuangsheng (DDG-317)] - [Cpt. Zhao Zhengxiao] /// - “Your attacks will be worthless. We will swat you out of the air like Linyang fly.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Maniac" | #89217] - [Cpt. S. Colburn] /// - "SHENGNAN, EJECT!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Maniac" | #89217] - [2Lt. B. Shengnan] /// - "What? A—"

Colburn's aircraft suddenly broke formation, canopy erupting as a single seat was sent flying outward, which promptly parachuted above the Xu desert below. The aircraft continued northward, afterburners

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [Cpt. N. Cooper] /// - "The brat's finally lost her goddamn mind! Here I was, putting my bets on Psycho going suicidal first!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “What the fuck!?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Maniac" | #89217] - [Cpt. S. Colburn] /// - "YOU TANGALIROAN BASTARDS! DOES IT HAVE ANY MEANING TO YOU HOW MANY YOU'VE KILLED? NOT JUST ARCADIA— BUT IN YOUR OWN LANDS! YOU'VE WIPED OUT CULTURE, CREED, RELIGION— ALL FOR WHAT? CIVILIZATION? NO! YOU ALL ARE THE ANTITHESIS OF CIVILIZATION! YOUR RECKONING HAS COME, YOU SON OF A BITCH!"

/// [TANGFOR] - [Far North Strike Group] - [TUS Chenghuangsheng (DDG-317)] - [Cpt. Zhao Zhengxiao] /// - “Turn back, you won’t like the end result if you go any further.”

Brynn watched in terror as Colburn made her suicidal advance towards the Chenghuangsheng, an audible sonic boom emitting from her comms as her aircraft surpassed the sound barrier in its suicidal advance. Firing all eight missiles at the ship, she found the ship's countermeasures had responded in kind. Continuing onward, she activated her aircraft's ECM, anti-aircraft missiles swerving past — all while Brynn looked on at her radar in a mix of utter shock and terror.

/// [TANGFOR] - [Far North Strike Group] - [TUS Chenghuangsheng (DDG-317)] - [Cpt. Zhao Zhengxiao] /// - “把她打下來!”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Maniac" | #89217] - [Cpt. S. Colburn] /// - "THIS ENDS HERE!"

The aircraft pressed on, the tracer fire of the CIWS flying past her aircraft as she prepared to strafe the Tangaliroan destroyer — completely and utterly missing.

/// [TANGFOR] - [Far North Strike Group] - [TUS Chenghuangsheng (DDG-317)] - [Cpt. Zhao Zhengxiao] /// - “What a waste of a good life.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Maniac" | #89217] - [Cpt. S. Colburn] /// - "BASTARD—"

The Chenghuangsheng's CIWS tore Maniac to shreds, the aircraft splitting apart in midair, its fragments scattering about the water. Colburn had met her demise.

/// [TANGFOR] - [Far North Strike Group] - [TUS Chenghuangsheng (DDG-317)] - [Cpt. Zhao Zhengxiao] /// - “Like father, like daughter. Is that how the saying goes?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Holy mother of fuck! The amount of shit I’m going to fucking get for this.. fuck! Fourty one million fucking dollars, shredded because someone couldn’t keep their cool!”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Does a human life have no value to you, Colonel? You should've been the one in the wreckage."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Is that some sort of threat, Major?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "She might've been a mil-brat, but in death she had more honor than anyone the likes of you could dream of having. Fuck you, Schrotum."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Funny, an ex-convict talking about honor. Well, Greenburg, it has been one hell of a displeasure serving with you. Enjoy your court martial when we land.”

Brynn continued onward as the officers of the squadron argued, quickly pursuing one of the Tangaliroan F-358^[7] fighters and firing at the Tangaliroan aircraft — cutting loose the fighter aircraft's tailwing and sending it aimlessly on into the desert.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Follow Psycho's example and quit fuckin' arguing. Enemy aircraft, dead ahead."

Brynn conducted an Immelmann turn, coming back around to pursue one of the Tangaliroan fighters. Her luck hadn't been as profound this time — her spray of 20mm rounds flying past, nearly scathing the aircraft's tailwing.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Turmenista Air National Guard] - [Special Administrative Unit] - [Col. J. Howard] /// - "EIDOLON ammunition loaded. Diverting power from the Arcadia Tokamak grid."

As the array of spaceguns prepared, Brynn enacted her intentions — flying directly into the formation had set most of the aircraft on her. 20mm rounds flew past her fighter, the audible whiz of the rounds sending her into a panic.

/// [TANGFOR] - [Far North Strike Group] - [TUS Chenghuangsheng (DDG-317)] - [Cpt. Zhao Zhengxiao] /// - “So you have an array? Well, we have cruise missiles. 開火!”

Quickly, she'd sent her aircraft into a yo-yo turn, barely managing to bring herself behind the Tangaliroan fighter. Quickly, she got behind another of the F-358s, firing away at the aircraft's right wing and sending it spinning to its doom — a distant explosion erupting along one of the sand dunes. As the dogfight persisted, both sides became increasingly close to the surface, kicking up dust as they soared over the dunes. The Tangaliroan aircraft were intent on reaching the EIDOLON array and destroying it — something the squadron could not allow to occur.

/// [TANGFOR] - [Far North Strike Group] - [TUS Chenghuangsheng (DDG-317)] - [Cpt. Zhao Zhengxiao] /// - “Tell your comrades at ‘Eldiyon’ that they have a few minutes left before they are doomed. While we are at it, let me bring someone else here. 神農艦, 和我們一起進入敵方通訊頻道.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Turmenista Air National Guard] - [Special Administrative Unit] - [Col. J. Howard] /// - "Tangaliroan vessel is attempting to target our coordinates. Activate facility defenses!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Slasher" | #77138] - [Cpt. H. Yunmeng] /// - "They're awfully persistent."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Turmenista Air National Guard] - [141st Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F-122 Armadillo "Pipedream" | #18321] - [Col. M. Langley] /// - "Does anyone read? Half our planes have been shot outta the fucking sky! They've got missiles coming in from all over! Shit.. my time's come. Hail Neworder!"

/// [TANGFOR] - [Far North Strike Group] - [TUS Shennong (DDG-339)] - [Cpt. Chang Xinyi] /// - “While our comrades on the Chenghuangsheng target your defenses, we have targeted your air cover in Arcadia. You can expect your allies to disappear off the radar soon. No, they already have. [chuckling]”

Despite all that had just happened, Bones continued with the mission. Spotting a stray F-382D, Bones changed course to intercept. Approaching the aircraft, it began to perform an evasive maneuver. Bones replied equally with a High Yo-yo maneuver to get behind the fighter. Once in Position, they locked on their AAM Comet's, Releasing the rest of their Comet inventory towards the aircraft. Meimei watched closely, visually confirming all missiles connected with the aircraft. It soon came crashing into whatever lay below.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - “Another bird down.”

Following closely beside Bones, Brynn persisted, flying just above the dunes. Already, tracer fire from the EIDOLON facility was dotting the morning sky as the facility's defenses 'warmed up'. Brynn thought then — of just how many would perish if the Chenghuangsheng managed to fire its missiles? She carefully brought her aircraft behind one of the Tangaliroan fighters.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Engaging!"

She abruptly opened fire on the Tangaliroan fighter ahead of her, 20mm rounds cutting through the fighter's engines and sending it careening into one of the dunes — which kicked up quite a lot of sand as the aircraft hit the surface, exploding.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Scratch one!"

Meanwhile, one of the missiles fired by the planes started coming towards Schroeder. With a quick mash of the ECM button, the missile was defeated.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [Cpt. N. Cooper] /// - "None of them are getting through. Firing!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [2Lt. W. Bishop] /// - "Man, your dumbass ain't hit shit!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [Cpt. N. Cooper] /// - "We got one behind us!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [2Lt. W. Bishop] /// - "SHIT!"

Brynn's attention was turned to Firebrand as one of the Tangaliroan fighters engaged, cutting loose one of its two tailwings. The electronic damage this also caused was notable — though they hadn't immediately ejected or evacuated as Cutlass had earlier in the fight.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [2Lt. W. Bishop] /// - "FUCK THIS SHIT!"

Firebrand suddenly decelerated — bringing it behind one of the Tangaliroan fighters. Unleashing 20mm fury upon the Tangaliroan aircraft, the Tangaliroan fighter was sent spinning to its death in the dunes.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [2Lt. W. Bishop] /// - "WOO! WE DONE FUCKED UP OUR PLANE, WE OUTTA HERE!"

/// [TANGFOR] - [Far North Strike Group] - [TUS Chenghuangsheng (DDG-317)] - [Cpt. Zhao Zhengxiao] /// - “Your time has come, Euphemian. Make peace with your President, because we certainly won’t. Fire everything at the installation!”

While the air combat continued to rage on, the Chenghuangsheng’s VLS tubes opened up, primed to fire. The cruise missiles launched out of their habitats, one by one, heading off.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Turmenista Air National Guard] - [Special Administrative Unit] - [Col. J. Howard] /// - "EIDOLON charged and loaded. FIRE!"

Over the horizon, the EIDOLON gun's coils illuminated with an otherworldly blue shade, a blinding flash erupting as the cannon fired. A streak of white light crossed the Euphemian and Tangaliroan fighters as they moved forward, speeding northbound.

/// [TANGFOR] - [Far North Strike Group] - [TUS Chenghuangsheng (DDG-317)] - [Cpt. Zhao Zhengxiao] /// - “My time has come. All personnel, abandon ship. TEN THOUSAND YEARS TO TANGALIRO! WANSUI!”

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-358] - [Maj. E. Hoefler] /// - "Mein Gott.."

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-358] - [Cpt. B. Andrysiak] /// - "Sir, we lack fuel for the return voyage."

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-358] - [Maj. E. Hoefler] /// - "We will have more honor in death than any of these Federal dogs have had in their lives! Ten thousand years to Tangaliro! Heil!"

The four remaining Tangaliroan aircraft activated their afterburners, speeding towards the EIDOLON gun.

/// [TANGFOR] - [Far North Strike Group] - [TUS Shennong (DDG-339)] - [Cpt. Chang Xinyi] /// - “In Heavens name..”

/// [TANGFOR] - [Far North Strike Group] - [TUS Fenghuang (DDG-326)] - [R. Adm. Wen Huang] /// - “The Euphemians have won today. We have taken too many casualties. Retreat from the theater of operations, we have done our duty.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Redneck" | #17761] - [2Lt. J. Bridges] /// - "WE DONE USED UP ALL OUR AMMO! THIS IS IT, Y'ALL! WE GON' GHOST RIDE THE WHIP!

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Redneck" | #17761] - [Cpt. J. McGinnis] /// - "GHOST RIDE THE WHIP! YE YE YE!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vice" | #11732] - [Maj. E. Lyle] /// - "Hold on—"

The afterburners of Redneck suddenly activated, the aircraft soaring past Brynn at full speed as the canopy flew open, both crewmen ejecting as the aircraft careened into one of the Tangaliroan fighters, the explosion sending shrapnel that flew dangerously close to Brynn's cockpit.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vice" | #11732] - [Maj. E. Lyle] /// - "Three Tangaliroan fighters left. Throw what we can at 'em!"

Brynn continued — with little luck — attempting to engage the Tangaliroan fighter aircraft. The enemy pressed on, drawing ever nearer to the gun.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [Cpt. N. Cooper] /// - "Psycho, give us a hand! Use your electronic warfare module — ours went bust earlier!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Understood."

Brynn accessed her aircraft's interface, disrupting the electronics of the three remaining Tangaliroan aircraft. If she could not shoot them, then she could certainly help bring about their destruction. To her surprise, an aircraft had made its return — Firebrand.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [2Lt. W. Bishop] /// - "So this the part where I go crazy n' shit?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [Cpt. N. Cooper] /// - "FIRE!"

A bright cluster of flashes erupted as Firebrand released its remaining missiles upon the straggler group of Tangaliroan fighters. With their ability to utilize countermeasures disrupted by Psycho, there was little doubt the missiles would succeed in hitting.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-358] - [Maj. E. Hoefler] /// - "Das ist das ende.."

Three bright flashes erupted over the dunes of the Xu Desert, the wreckage falling just metres away from the EIDOLON complex's perimeter. The comm was suddenly filled with unparalleled cheers and celebration. The EIDOLON gun had been saved from certain destruction.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #91873] - [2Lt. W. Bishop] /// - "WE DONE SHOWN THESE NIGGAS— hey, uh.. shit, I'm havin' a little bit of trouble controllin' this plane. Fuck it, I'ma try and land it at Area 76! Godspeed!"

A sudden blue-red flash erupted on the distant horizon to the west — Arcadia.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Turmenista Air National Guard] - [Special Administrative Unit] - [Col. J. Howard] /// - "The Arcadia Tokamak's been hit! Cut the fucking power!"

A series of explosions erupted amidst the dunes as the vast power line heading west to Arcadia was cut far too late — the overload having rather destructive results. The EIDOLON gun powered down, lowering itself to rest as practically all of Arcadia's lights on the horizon went dark. It seemed the Chenghuangsheng had not targeted the EIDOLON — but rather its power source.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vice" | #11732] - [Maj. E. Lyle] /// - "What the fuck?!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “God damn! That ship just fucking took out everything. All of Arcadia just went pitch black!”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [2Lt. E. Anderson] /// - "What the hell just happened in Arcadia— NO!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "I don't think we have enough fuel to make it back to Nevis, sir. Area 76 is the nearest airbase in the vicinity. What are our orders?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “I don’t know. Give me a moment.”

As Schroeder tried to determine a suitable airfield to land at, he went through a mental checklist before determining the most logical option.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83271] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “We’ll land at Area 76. Get refueled, maybe re-armed, and then get back to Nevis.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Understood!"

Nevis AFB, Marinesia, Federal States of Euphemie

1 January, A.C. 393

2LT. Brynn Qianlong
354th Fighter Wing
447th Tactical Fighter Squadron

The shock of the event had only reached Brynn after they'd arrived in Nevis once again. The Tokamak had gone critical upon destruction — effectively rendering much of Arcadia uninhabitable. Tens of thousands of Federal military personnel were dead — and civilian casualties from the Tokamak's detonation alone numbered in the two-million mark.

The sense of victory that'd come from their success against the Tangaliroan onslaught had quickly become one of defeat and abject misery. A few of Brynn's squadron mates had practically lost their entire families. The sheer scale of the tragedy was bordering on unimagineable. A deathly silence hung over much of Nevis AFB — save for the occasional Atlantic combat sortie. They'd lost one of their WSOs and three aircraft, with three of the squadron's pilots stranded in Xu Island, and another two bearing an unknown fate. Needless to say, it would be a few days until a proper transfer back to Nevis could be arranged, given the nature of the war.

Brynn had originally spent the first few hours after arriving sobbing in her quarters, wracked by the guilt and misery of the sheer destruction Tangaliro had inflicted. The thought that maybe she could've prevented it all somehow pained her terribly, even though she'd not foreseen such an event taking place.

It would be years — decades even — until Arcadia was habitable again. Tangaliro had struck one of the hearts of the FSE's urban centers, and utterly succeeded. Sitting in the dark of her bedroom, she stared upward at the ceiling — looking on at the usual spinning of the ceiling fan. How was it possible that a war had become so hopeless on its first day?

On the matter of war — it had begun, bringing with it tribulations of a conflict not seen since the Calamity. If two million were dead on day one, things could only get worse from there.

Hope — what remained of it? Yet it'd also occurred to her that people like Sarah Colburn died with their souls burning with hope — hope that Euphemie would triumph in this struggle.

by **Turmenista** » Thu Mar 07, 2019 2:11 pm

CONTEXT NOTES

1 - War Aeronautics Today™ - War Aeronautics Today™ is a Euphemian Defense magazine that has been printed from 380 to the present day. It is perhaps best known for its professional shot of aircraft from countries like Euphemie, Akhmanar, and Tangaliro, as well as the running joke of calling Aenaran aircraft ugly. It also has been used, at times, for a recruitment tool for NORPRO college battalions or the Air Force itself.

2 - Pyramid - The Pyramid, as its name suggests, is a brutalist pyramid-shaped building that formerly served as the center of Turmenista’s Ministry of Defense before its annexation. It is identical to the building of the same name in Louisa, the capital of the state, which now serves as the headquarters of the Turmenista National Guard, while the one in Arcadia serves as an auxiliary headquarters and offices for the Ministry of Defense. It was designed by the Akhmanari architect Philomaeus-Ptah the Craftsman, who was contracted by Euphemians that were, at the time, improving the infrastructure to the city of Arcadia.

3 - Katina Banking Tower - Katina Banking Tower is a large futurist tower built for the Katina Banking Group. Aside from its height and appearance, nothing is out of the ordinary about the tower. There is, however, a conspiracy theory that it is actually a radio tower used to communicate with aliens.

4 - F-346X - The F-346X is the upgraded version of the F-346, a long range multirole and air superiority fighter. Nothing much is known about it due to the relatively few amounts of sightings.

5 - Veszlar Banking Tower - The Veszlar Banking Tower is the Turmenista headquarters of the Veszlar Banking Group, whose assets mainly are off shore. It is perhaps best known for its massive facade and flat surfaces which are used to broadcast advertisements on massive telescreens.

6 - EIDOLON - Euphemian Integrated Defense and Orbital Launch System - Ophiric Node or EIDOLON are a series of superguns situated across the Federal States of Euphemie originally developed under Project EIDOLON to be capable of sending satellites into space. However, it also served a special defensive capacity. The Xu Island EIDOLON Array's original power plant had been deactivated in the 380s, to which the facility had become reliant on the Arcadia Tokamak. Once the Tokamak went critical, the Xu Island EIDOLON was rendered effectively useless — and it's expected to be months, perhaps years until a new power source for the Xu Island EIDOLON gun is established.

7 - F-358 - The F-358 is a Tangaliroan twin-engine carrier fighter and air superiority fighter, though it’s versatile nature often sees it switching between the roles. Though the design pre-dates the Calamity, the plane has been extensively modernized to be a formidable modern fighter.

by **Valefontaine** » Fri Mar 08, 2019 2:31 am

Nevis AFB, Marinesia, Federal States of Euphemie

4 January, A.C. 393

2LT. Brynn Qianlong
354th Fighter Wing
447th Tactical Fighter Squadron

It'd been three days since the 'Harrowing of Arcadia', which had culminated in the complete evacuation of the Turmenistan megacity. Two million had died immediately — and much more were consigned to die of their illnesses. This attack had culminated in unparalleled reprisal upon the Tangaliroan Atlantic Islands — prelude to a seizure of the islands, perhaps.

Brynn had spent most of these three days keeping to herself. The atrocities of the Tangaliroan attack had been enough to leave her in a rather depressed state. As for the squadron itself, however, all was beginning to return to normal — Sarah Colburn's sacrifice had warranted a replacement from the mainland, who was expected to arrive in the same batch as the few pilots that'd become stranded in Turmenista during the dogfight. Those who had damaged their F/A-130s had received replacements in this timespan as well, while their original aircraft were shipped back home for repairs. The sleeping beast that was Euphemian industry had awakened with the snap of President Neworder's sacred hand, practically every Euphemian fighter being produced en masse for the conflict.

On the matter of the President, the Euphemianist Church had declared Neworder an Aspect of God during the middle of his Presidency — something previously unheard of. The man was, in the eyes of Euphemianists, the President of the Federal States and a living incarnation of God himself, along with his predecessor, Depeche Stardust. Brynn herself believed in the almighty Atom, but was nonetheless compelled by the notion — and terrified at the prospect of the Atom's power, following what had happened in Arcadia. Most of her squadron, however, were Euphemianists, and were even more compelled by this 'sacred war' against the Tangaliroan invaders.

These were background thoughts, however, as her attention was centered on the newest issue of War Aeronautics Today™, paying attention in great detail to the smooth, sleek canards of the F-13E Super Hexmaiden on the monthly magazine's cover. She briefly thought to the fact that some of the aces that'd gotten stranded in Turmenista were returning to Nevis today. Perhaps they'd have a new mission? The sunset in the west cast mystical rays of orange and red through the windows of her quarters as she lay in bed, quietly pondering what'd transpire today — if anything.

Brynn was brought to attention by the knock at her door — half-expecting Schroeder to yell at her again, or something to that extent. Quietly leaving her bedside, she approached the door, briefly hesitating before opening the door. This time, she'd forgotten to get into proper uniform, still wearing a rather basic tank top and pair of shorts. To her surprise, however, she did not come face-to-face with the irritable Colonel, but rather two of her squadron mates — specifically the crew of Bones. "Huh?" She asked, partly out of confusion. "—oh, uh, yes?"

"Hey, Pre-" Shaw was quickly cut off as Meimei corrected him. "Hey, Brynn. did we interrupt with whatever you were doing?"

"No, nothing at all." She shook her head, taking note the two seemed to be hiding something. "Something the matter?"

"I know this is a little...odd given we haven't spoken too much, but we wanted to give our thanks for your efforts during out last two skirmishes." Meimei elbowed Shaw, signaling for him to take action. He quickly pulled a present from behind his back and handed it to Brynn. The precog's eyes lit up in surprise as she undid the packaging, revealing a 1/48 scale F-13E Super Hexmaiden model.

Through the transparent plastic face of the box, she could see it was impressively accurate — incredible attention to detail given to practically every millimeter of the plane. It was in VFA-192 livery, the first Super Hexmaiden squadron to ever enter service — and had seen combat action against the Third Alvimian Empire in the Red Pine War. The box was incredibly nice, too — aside from the clear plastic allowing a view of the model itself, the Super Hexmaiden's patch was on the front, depicting the scantily-clad aircraft 'mascot' in her mystical cape. The sheer amount of detail brought her to gasp in awe. "Thank you!" She embraced the box, practically at a loss for words. Military designs were her soft spot, of course. "I've been wanting one of these ever since they entered service. I, uh, like to collect planes.. how did you know?"

"It was more of a hunch. We heard that liked the little details in things, Shaw figured a model kit would hit that sweet spot of yours. The BX had a few in stock, I guess they figured some personnel would buy them for their children to send back home."

"Oh, I see.. thank you! I know it sounds weird, but it means a lot to me." Brynn glanced back down to the box, still amazed at the sight. Perhaps if she had the money to collect a few other planes, like the FB-122 Phaeton and a few ships like the Mendenhall and the Nero, she could create a scale replica of the Second Battle of President's Trough. "I know you, uh, probably think I'm a little bit weird.. I'm sorry about that." She nervously laughed, still impressed at how incredibly detailed the model was. The sleekness of Euphemian naval aviation had fascinated her, even though she'd gone the path of the Air Force in career choice.

"No need to apologize, you have earned it." Shaw had taken the conversation from Meimei, finally getting to say his piece. "You saved the squadron's ass out there, without you yesterday could have turned out different."

She felt as though there might've, perhaps, been some sentiment as to 'why couldn't she see it coming?', to which there was no concrete response, given the elusive nature of her 'gift', and the (compared to the pre-Calamity civilizational golden age) relatively primitive nature of Euphemian parapsychology. "I'm.. sorry about what happened with Colburn — and Arcadia. If I knew what was going to happen, I'd have done all I could to prevent it. Thanks again, I mean it—" Brynn was interrupted by the loudspeakers.

"447TH REINFORCEMENTS HAVE ARRIVED! ALL ELEMENTS OF THE 447TH TACTICAL FIGHTER SQUADRON, REPORT IMMEDIATELY TO HANGAR THREE FOR BRIEFING."

"Well, I guess that's us." Brynn briefly disappeared into her dim room, setting the box down and getting into proper flight uniform, resisting a brief urge to toy with the zipper as she got into uniform and equipped her X117 kit, the belts of which she promptly fastened on as she exited her room. It'd seem greetings to the newly-returned pilots — and Colburn's replacements — would need to be brief.

The squadron quickly gathered at the hangar — with the notable exception of Greenburg, who was in solitary confinement awaiting a court martialing on Schroeder's orders, and his pilot, McWilliams, who had been ordered to remain due to her WSO's sentencing. Perhaps Schroeder believed her to be complicit, even if she hadn't actually done anything wrong.

Chase and Nicole were back, their fate having been unknown after the harrowing event in Arcadia, which some had been describing as “The Immolation of Arcadia.” It was assumed that the two had managed to eyeball their landing at an Air Force Base on Xu Island, but were eventually evacuated along with most of the forces in Alainor.

A new face was among the returning pilots who'd survived the destruction of their previous airframes — Colburn's replacement. A quiet, silver-haired girl, perhaps in her late 20s, occasionally gave brief replies Bai Shengnan's questions, her pilot (and formerly Colburn's). Schroeder's absence perhaps gave some time of leniency before the actual briefing, which perhaps would be a good thing. Brynn was overcome by a sense of curiosity — almost akin to deja vu.

Evidently, quite a few of the pilots were left in a rather nervewracked state from the Harrowing of Arcadia, the Turmenistan ones in particular. Yet there was a confidence among the group — that they would achieve revenge against Tangaliro in due time.

"Hey, tell me Psycho— did you know it was gonna happen all along? Just.. couldn't manage to tell anyone?" A voice caught her attention — Captain Dean Accounts-Receivable Credit Dollar Enterprise J. Camden. The disaster in Arcadia had brought him to blame her in particular — believing she'd known, and not told anyone about it. "I mean, you can see the future, right? I mean, what's all those taxpayer dollars on you for? A glorified stopgap for the fact you're obviously mentally ill—"

"Take it easy, Camden." The WSO of Firebrand, Captain Nicholas Rhythm-of-the-Night Axel F. Cooper, spat back. Obviously, neither of the two would get into an altercation, as there was a sense of being 'on thin ice' after Greenburg's court martialing. "Don't take him personal, Psycho— this Arcadia attack's left everyone here a little hurt."

Brynn continued on — rather accustomed to Camden's verbally abusive antics, following the pilots of 'Bones' to the newcomer and Bai Shengnan.

"Glad you ejected safely, Bai. This must be your new WSO?" The Bones crew had approached Shengnan. They, more so Shaw, had looked forward to her return the most.

"Ah, right. About that, her name—" Shengnan was interrupted by her rather mysterious partner.

"Captain Nikolina Modern-Love F. Zorić," She coldly announced, giving an incredibly formal nod — much unlike the typical disorder of the squadron. It seemed this 'Zorić' fellow would have a lot to learn on how things went about in the 447th.

She sticks out from the rest of us like a sore thumb.. Brynn thought. "Zorić?"

"Ah," Zorić paused, taking note of the precog. "You were in the 808th too. Brynn Qianlong... I fondly recall our time together."

As if he was intentionally trying to ruin any productive discourse occurring, Schroeder suddenly emerged. He was presenting himself in a exceptionally informal fashion compared to how he usually presented himself, walking up to a cheap table set up in the middle of the hanger holding an edition of War Aeronautics Today™, presumably an old one, given that it had the mug of a certain Captain Harrison Ward^[1] plastered on the cover.

Placing it down, his mere presence in the room brought everyone to attention, as he decided to give a notably more calm and formal briefing from the ones the squadron were used to.

“Hello, pilots. Apologies for my absence, but I was attempting to be granted clearance to use nuclear weapons for this squadron earlier and… well, they refused to grant me authorization. I could only wonder why.” This incurred a few hearty chuckles from the squadron — even in times like these, it seemed the 'Most Hated Man in Nevis' had a good sense of humor.

“Anyways, this has not deterred me, and I will continue insisting so that we can wipe a couple of Tangaliroan cities off the map. But, back to the topic, the more pressing matter here is the return of several of our missing pilots from Xu Island. Welcome back, Dionysios, Dragonforce, McGinnis, Bridges, Bishop and Cooper. Oh, and Shengnan also.” This statement warranted a few cheers and claps from the group, as there had been for a time quite a bit of concern as to the fate of their fellow pilots. “And as well, our replacement for, erm.. Colburn, is here. Nikolina Zorić will be taking her place with Shengnan.” This incurred a few curious murmurs along with the usual clapping. The gathering seemed to resemble moreso a briefing, however — and the sight of crews finishing their preliminary checks on several of the F/A-130s behind Schroeder surely weren't without reason.

“Sadly though, the time for rest it over. I have been notified that-” Schroeder was cut off before he could even finish.

"ALL AVAILABLE FIGHTER SQUADRONS, LAUNCH IMMEDIATELY. A LARGE FORMATION HAS BEEN DETECTED HEADING TOWARDS ETOILE MARIN."

“Yeah, that. Don’t go rushing off to your planes quite yet, we still have a bit before they become a threat. Basically, something on the order of two hundred fighters are heading to Etoile Marin along with some bombers and AWACS planes. Our orders are simple, interdict them. Now, let’s go get them!”

Brynn nodded, jogging over to her F/A-130 Chiangshi, which was noted from the rest of the group for its tail-wing tiger stripes, the words 'PSYCHO' on the right side, a shark-face design along the aircraft's nose, and a list of kills beside the text. There were twenty-six white notches, largely kills she had accumulated in the past two battles. A single white silhouette design of a ship — the destroyer she'd rather boldly attacked during the Harrowing of Arcadia.

She took a moment to admire her own handiwork before climbing aboard, climbing the side of the craft and hopping in, softly landing on the comfortable leather of the pilot seat. Beginning the usual preliminary routine, she waited for the squadron leader and Cutlass to take off.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Prelim OK."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Affirmative.”

Today, Schroeder’s aircraft would be the first one to take off, so as he taxied up to the end of the runway, the wake of previous jet engines was not still present.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Final pre-takeoff checks complete… we are go!”

Schroeder’s plane sailed up the runway, ascending as the sun began to set, Brynn taxiing behind Cutlass as she waited for the other aircraft to make liftoff.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - "It’s go time. All systems green, Nicole."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [Cpt. N. Dragonforce] /// - "You have the stick, Chase."

Cutlass blasted down the runway, quickly catching up with the other jets in formation. Once the two aircraft had set forth, Brynn briefly paused along the runway to snap a rather scenic picture of her cockpit, the sun setting off in the west — and another of the sunset itself. Setting her Solaroid™ camera aside, she raised her aircraft's thrust, gracefully bringing her F/A-130 Chiangshi lifting off. Sunsets in Marinesia were always particularly breathtaking, to say the least. The distant sight of Huey's city lights, and the glimmering airstrips of Huey Airport and Nevis Air Force Base became more and more distant as she maintained a steady formation with the first flight on their initial westbound course — before they were to turn eastward and intercept the Tangaliroans.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vice" | #11732] - [Maj. E. Lyle] /// - "Let's make sure these Tangaliroan scum don't turn Etoile Marin into the next Arcadia!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "Squadron, be careful. We don't know if they intend to utilize nuclear weapons. The aircraft in question have been identified as B300 Démone strategic bombers. They are very well within capacity to utilize nuclear arms — and Arcadia was proof they don't mind wiping out a city or two. Remember, your objectives are simple — don't let a single one of those bombers into Etoile Marin!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [2Lt. E. Anderson] /// - "They took my home. My family. They weren't evacuated like the politician big-shots were. All that matters to me now is sending as many of these Tangaliroan bastards I can to the grave. Hail Neworder!"

There were a few cries of 'Hail Neworder!' in the comms as the formation began on an eastern course to intercept the Tangaliroans. They were, of course, joined by the rest of the 354th, 3rd and 176th Fighter Wing as they embarked to fight the impending attack.

Brynn watched as the last shades of red and orange dissipated on the horizon, the distant silhouette of the sun disappearing on the horizon. Where one could have once seen Arcadia's bustling lights to the west, there was now only a deathly absence thereof that filled Brynn with an unprecedented resolve towards revenge. Today, they would defend the skies of Euphemie and her allies — someday, they would enact upon Tangaliro the same destruction they had wrought on Arcadia. The dim lights of the Tangaliroan Atlantic Islands lay below, illuminated occasionally by explosions and ever-so-distant tracer fire.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [13th Air Control Wing] - [E-901 Skyking | #18291] - [Maj. C. Rawlins VI] /// - "All forces, this is Skyking New Dawn. It appears one of your aircraft has managed to detect practically all incoming targets. I'm becoming obsolete!" [chuckles]

There were a total of 210 fighters on an Etoile Marin-bound course, escorting 29 bombers, 22 electronic warfare escorts and 15 AEW&C aircraft. The skies of Etoile Marin would be bright tonight — and not from fireworks.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - "Fucking swine don’t know what’s coming."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - "Rusalka-2, care to continue our wager?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Rusalka" | #28173] - [2Lt. B. Shengnan] /// - "Of course."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - "Feel Free to up the stakes, I'll still beat you regardless."

The two groups were about 121 miles apart — which meant the five aircraft that possessed anti-AWACS loadouts, Schroeder's aircraft and the entirety of the Fourth Flight, "Danger Zone", had the enemy AEW&C aircraft within range.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Radar has detected somewhere around a dozen AWACS aircraft supporting this newest wave of bombers. We’re in range to take them out.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vice" | #11732] - [Maj. E. Lyle] /// - "Excellent. I've got lock on one."

Data was rapidly transferred between the 447th as they neared the enemy force, enemy AEW&C aircraft targeted in a coordinated fashion. The missiles in question, the AAM-37 Kan Chiang missiles, were hypersonic — it was doubtful the rather dense layer of ECM could shield the Zhenwu Zh-74B aircraft from their inevitable fate.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vice" | #11732] - [Maj. E. Lyle] /// - "Firing!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Redneck II" | #17772] - [Cpt. J. McGinnis] /// - "Firin'!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Genie" | #92171] - [Cpt. H. McDevitt] /// - "Firing!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vanguard" | #86413] - [Cpt. C. Gang] /// - "I fire."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Firing.”

A series of bright streaks illuminated the otherwise dark sky as ten missiles soared off with remarkable speed into the horizon, disappearing. The response on the screen, however, indicated that every single missile had hit: ten of the aircraft had been sent barreling towards the dark abyss that was the Atlantic Ocean. Brynn couldn't help but snap a picture of the scene with her camera, before setting it aside again.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vice" | #11732] - [Maj. E. Lyle] /// - "WOOO!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Redneck II" | #17772] - [Cpt. J. McGinnis] /// - "WE DONE SHOWN 'EM THE WHAT FOR! TANGO SUNBITCHES MUST BE SHITTIN' THEY'S PANTS RIGHT NOW!"

The group pressed forward, the distance between the two closing to 56 miles. Things would get quite fun now — both sides were within range of BVR combat now. Quickly, Brynn did something that was rather tricky. Activating her aircraft's AN/ELQ-184 EW suite, she couldn't help but smirk. Eleven of the many aircraft among the Tangaliroan 'skyfleet' were headed straight for the squadron. This would certainly be an interesting engagement.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "DRFM jamming active."

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-346X] - [Cpt. A. Wedekind] /// - "Was? I'm seeing unusual enemy movement. Something is not right here."

BEEEEEEEEP

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - "Oh, cow shit. 11 missiles inbound to us, Nicole. Hold on."

Chase’s breathing became more horse as their F/A-130 broke formation, white trails from missiles spiraling away past them visible from in their canopy. He exhaled deeply, seeing that six were still on them.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - "Well, its not eleven.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [Cpt. N. Dragonforce] /// - "Dumping ECM."

The missiles were baited away by the ECM as Chase continued his maneuver, briefly snapping his head up to check for anything else.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #33721] - [Cpt. N. Cooper] /// - "Can't seem to catch a break, Cutlass."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #33721] - [2Lt. W. Bishop] /// - "Man, if I had 11 missiles comin' at me, I'd be freakin' the fuck out too!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - "Speak of the Devil.”

Three more missiles were inbound to Chase’s plane. Immediately, Nicole activated the tower decoy, sending all of them astray as Chase’s maneuvering skills ensured the others wouldn’t hit.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #33721] - [2Lt. W. Bishop] /// - "AYO SHIT! Three fuckin' missiles headed our way! Launch fuckin' countermeasures!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #33721] - [Cpt. N. Cooper] /// - "Launched."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Firebrand" | #33721] - [2Lt. W. Bishop] /// - "THOSE WERE FLARES YOU STUPID SONUVA—"

Firebrand disappeared from the radar, a massive explosion erupting in the night sky further off to Brynn's left.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Firebrand is down!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [Cpt. M. Moore] /// - "They were good men — their stupidity matched only by their bravery."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Dammit.”

Three missiles flew past Brynn's aircraft to her right, presumably deceived by her DRFM jamming. With her 'fake' aircraft becoming known to the Tangaliroan side, she herself was now vulnerable. This was only confirmed furthermore as the computer alerted her to the various locks being established on her aircraft. She was being tracked.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Coming under fire!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Rusalka" | #28173] - [Cpt. N. Zorić] /// - "It appears the tiger has met the hunter. I would lend assistance, but I am hunting Game of my own.."

Spotting the F-358 which had downed Firebrand, Bones took it upon themselves to avenge their fallen squadron mates. Picking up altitude, they moved to engage the fighter. Getting caught in a maneuver, Bones moved to counter. Letting off a missile whilst turning, the missile in question ended up going nowhere. Falling in behind the aircraft, four more missiles were released upon lock.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-358] - [Cpt. R. Heinz] /// - "ECM has malfunctioned. Attempting to evade—"

One of the Tangaliroan fighters was reduced to a bright fireball in the night sky, disappearing into the cloudline below.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - “From Firebrand, with love!”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Thank you, Bones!"

Pushing forward, Brynn was well aware they were within visual range now. Being overcome with an unexplainable sense, she needed not hesitate on what to do next. Quickly, she flipped one of the switches in the cockpit, the canopy tinting itself a light green to aid with visibility. Quickly, she accelerated towards one of the Tangaliroan aircraft ahead of her, firing off a single AAM-241 Comet at the approaching fighter.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-346X] - [Cpt. A. Wedekind] /// - "How did they predict— verdammt! Launching ECM!"

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-346X] - [Cpt. A. Wedekind] /// - "ECM malfunctioned! Mein G—"

The Tangaliroan fighter went up in an explosive burst, the missile shredding the aircraft in half as it detonated. Brynn deftly maneuvered aside as the wreck flew past her, she banked to the right towards another of the Tangaliroan fighter, emptying a volley of 20mm rounds that chewed through the ill-fated fighter's tailwing, the aircraft spinning out of control as another of the squadron's aircraft, Slasher, swooped in and picked them off.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Slasher" | #77138] - [2Lt. J. Bryd] /// - "Excellent work, Psycho."

Engaging a stray F-382D, Bones attempted to close the gap as close but safely as possible. Waiting for the lock to hum, Bones let go of a single Comet. Despite the release of the missile, the fighter jet remained on course as if nothing the missile alert was non existent. It put up no fight as the missile connected with its left wing. The Aircraft splashed down shortly after.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Rusalka" | #28173] - [Cpt. N. Zorić] /// - "The Tangaliroans are getting incredibly close to Etoile Marin. Focusing on the bombers."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "The President Stardust Military City is on alert. Marinian and Euphemian air defenses are on standby."

Brynn passed much of the Tangaliroan aircraft as the two groups of aircraft crossed one another — the Euphemians, unlike the Tangaliroans, would be able to loop around without worrying about any escorts. Bringing her aircraft behind the group, she pursued one of the bombers. Tracer fire flew past her as she flew perpendicular to the aircraft, strafing the cockpit and creating a rather catastrophic result as the cockpit was ripped to shreds, the aircraft beginning a wild descent devoid of control or restraint into the sea below.

Far below the swarms of fast jets entangled in heated combat, the 2e Compagnie de la Mer had received confirmation of the enemy battlegroup having entered within radar range of their air defenses. The dimming sunset provided a graceful backdrop as pillars of white smoke erupted from the mountains of Etoile Marin; SAM sites propelled their lances high into the sky, aiming for several of the bomber aircraft approaching. These were ARGOMS, anti-air pieces well equipped to take down the enemy at range. They soared through the sky, arcing towards their targets; of the seven missiles launched, two fell short while three were diverted by their electronic-warfare escorts. For those that hit, fighter pilots were generously provided with two explosive reactions as the B300 Démones fell in pieces to the ocean below. Brynn was incredibly impressed at the sight, briefly awestruck — perhaps even enamored — at the sight.

/// [MARIFOR] - [Le Marine de l'Étoile Marin] - [2e Compagnie de la Mer] - [HQ Section] - [Home Defense Officer] /// - “Warning! ARGOMS missiles have been diverted! Requesting all available aircraft eliminate their EW coverage! Fighters, if you laze the bombers for us we’ll be sure to hit them!”

/// [MARIFOR] - [Le Marine de l'Étoile Marin] - [2e Compagnie de la Mer] - [HQ Section] - [GEN. Ser Valéntoire Genscard-Thérlons Rapiers Herménégilde] /// - “They’re closing in! Dispatching Les Séraphs d'Étoile Marin to help intercept!”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vice" | #11732] - [Maj. E. Lyle] /// - "Looks like Etoile Marin's getting close! Requesting support in taking down some of these EW aircraft."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Redneck II" | #17772] - [Cpt. J. McGinnis] /// - "Let's get 'er done!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Genie" | #92171] - [Cpt. H. McDevitt] /// - "Will do."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vanguard" | #86413] - [Cpt. C. Gang] /// - "Ok."

The fourth flight diverted to focus on the EW aircraft, Brynn narrowly avoiding one of the exploding Zh-74B electronic warfare craft as she circled around.

A loose two man formation was spotted, a perfect target for Bones. Gaining speed, the tail fighter was quickly pulled away from its formation. Cut off from two man formation, the F-346 quickly made maneuvers to shake off Bones. Entering a Circle, the fighter began rapidly increasing altitude before tilting slowly. Bones followed suit shortly after, attempting to tail the aircraft. Maintaining course inside the Fighters turn circle, Meimei burst fired the 20mm gun. Maneuvering the gun to just barely leading ahead of the defensive fighter, the 20mm burst shredded the fighters engine. Stopping Mid circle, the wreck began to descending rapidly. Yet another tally mark to add.

Brynn witnessed the destruction of one of the Tangaliroan fighters — the style of maneuver was unmistakably the handiwork of Bones' pilots.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Nice one, Bones!"

Meeting another one of the Tangaliroan bombers, she strafed the cockpit, promptly leaving it dead in the air. The Tangaliroans were getting dangerously close — yet Brynn could tell by some transcendental sense that not all was well. It was like a vision — a vision of one of the bombers. Something about it was.. different, however.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "Something's up with one of the approaching enemy planes."

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [B300X Démone] - [Maj. Eugène Segal "Terror of Zhenwu"] /// - "To all who can hear this, you are in for one hélle of a ride. 1, 2, ouvrir le feu!"

Two of the Tangaliroan bombers fired their wing-mounted payloads, cruise missiles trailing off into the cloudy abyss below. Brynn took a moment to realize that it'd begun — the bombardment of Etoile Marin. By any means, they would need to be stopped.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "Bombers are firing! Take them down, god damn it!"

/// [MARIFOR] - [Le Marine de l'Étoile Marin] - [2e Compagnie de la Mer] - [HQ Section] - [Home Defense Officer] /// - “Deploying Lancettes to intercept.”

Another volley of missiles arced up from the shores of Etoile Marin - MIM-151C Jingo’s, designed specifically to counter such cruise missiles. They fired in volleys to intercept the missiles; though, the electronic-warfare aircraft managed to thwart most of them. Only one exploded after the first volley, letting the dreaded projectiles get closer to their destinations: they seemed to be focused on Nouvelles Lunes the most.

/// [MARIFOR] - [Le Marine de l'Étoile Marin] - [2e Compagnie de la Mer] - [HQ Section] - [Home Defense Officer] /// - “Ready the second volley! They’re aiming for la Capitale!”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [Cpt. M. Moore] /// - "Cutlass, deal with those missiles! I'm tryna shake three of these assholes off my tail!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - “Copy that. Breaking.”

Cutlass turned away to deal with the missiles, speeding towards them as they sped towards the island. Thankfully, however, it seemed as if they were going to make it this time.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Focusing on bomber!"

Maneuvering in the air, Brynn strafed another one of the bombers, firing away at its right wing — detonating the cruise missiles stowed beneath its pylons. Flying over the explosion as the Tangaliroan bomber's wing was cut loose, she continued pursuing bombers, coming behind another one of the bombers and strafing its tailwing, leaving it largely immaneuverable. With her aircraft's computer, she set a laser marker upon the Tangaliroan bomber as she looped overhead, marking the particular aircraft for Marinian air defense.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "What's the situation down there, Cutlass?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - "Locking on.. almost there…”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [Cpt. N. Dragonforce] /// - "Locked on. Fox One! Fox Two!”

Seven missiles flew from Cutlass, catching up to the seven cruise missiles inbound for the island. Of the seven glowing orbs that caught up to the cruise missiles, only six reached their target and blew them up in mid air. The seventh spiraled off into the sky, missing its target.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - "Cow shit. One got through. Does anyone have any missiles?"

Just as it seemed one would break through the moshpit of aircraft battling above, a lone white streak caught up to the last cruise missile, blowing it apart in the sky. The Marinian air defence seemed to have a good grip of the situation thus far.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "All missiles intercepted. Good work."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Now we're talkin'!”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - "Πως σου αρέσει αυτό?”

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [B300X Démone] - [Maj. Eugène Segal "Terror of Zhenwu"] /// - "You Euphemians are so lacking in class. Tonight, Etoile Marin will be destroyed, just as Arcadia had been. My only regret is that most of you do not have families on that island. Vive l'Union Sacré!"

The speech, evidently from one of the Tangaliroan bombers, had greatly angered Brynn. Briefly throwing a fit of rage in the cockpit, she attempted to tail another one of the bombers — eyes widening in terror as she realized 5 enemy fighters were behind her.

by **Valefontaine** » Fri Mar 08, 2019 2:34 am

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [B300X Démone] - [Maj. Eugène Segal "Terror of Zhenwu"] /// - "This one is, what.. psychique? Kill hér."

Coming behind one of the bombers' wings, she waited — a sudden bout of foresight bringing her to swerve out of the way as two of the Tangaliroan fighters opened fire — striking the cruise missiles mounted beneath the B300's wing pylons and cutting the aircraft's wing loose.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [B300X Démone] - [Maj. Eugène Segal "Terror of Zhenwu"] /// - "Oh, come on! She is just one plane.. cease this pathétique performance immediately."

Despite the collapse of coordination on the Tangaliroan side and the loss of an additional bomber, the remaining bombers fired their wing payloads — orange streaks shooting downward into the thick of the clouds.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - "Shit! We need some help intercepting these missiles! One last Comet left.. here goes! Fox Seven!”

Cutlass’s last missile was launched at the nearest cruise missile, making its way on down and hitting the target rather easily. However, many more missiles remained...

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - “We’ve got you covered. Third Flight, Intercept those missiles!”

Sweeping in, Bones let off one comet towards a spotted cruise missile. Closely observing it, a connection was confirmed. One less missile to deal with.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Rusalka" | #28173] - [2Lt. B. Shengnan] /// - “Four missiles released! 3 confirmed destroyed.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - “Two down for me.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Five on my tail. Gonna try to shake them off."

Doing a sudden, sharp yo-yo, Brynn brought her aircraft sweeping dangerously close to one of the bombers, bringing herself behind one of her pursuants and firing away, the aircraft's right wing coming apart and nearly sending the enemy on a collision course into one of the B300s.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Coming to help!"

Brynn started her afterburners, speeding behind Bones and Cutlass to engage the swarm of missiles bound for Etoile Marin's shores. Her aircraft's computer quickly assumed a lock on seven of the targets, Brynn intending to use what remained of her missiles to prevent utter destruction upon Etoile Marin.

Closing her eyes as her aircraft cut through the cloudline, she fired all seven of the missiles, an audible WHOOOSH sounding off as all of her Comet missiles flew towards their targets.

BOOM

In a spectacular series of explosions, all seven of the missiles she'd targeted had been destroyed. Looping upwards to return to the clouds, she couldn't help but cheer to herself, shouting an excited "WOOO!" before turning on her comm.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Seven missiles down!"

Rising back up into the clouds, Brynn could only hope that her squadron mates had seen similar success in the sky against the remaining fighters. Of the four that remained earlier, only one was now left — the rest having been picked off by the 447th. Of course, there were hundreds more fighters in the sky — but the other air wings were doing a fine job of keeping them distracted from the bombers.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Rusalka" | #28173] - [Cpt. N. Zorić] /// - "Your maneuver is rather lacking. Is something the matter, Rusalka-2?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Rusalka" | #28173] - [2Lt. B. Shengnan] /// - "No! Nothing at all."

Brynn smirked — it seemed Bones would win that bet, whatever it was. There was still a trouble eating at her, however: she knew well that there were plenty of missiles that had gotten through — and would meet their targets in Etoile Marin.

/// [MARIFOR] - [Le Marine de l'Étoile Marin] - [2e Compagnie de la Mer] - [HQ Section] - [Home Defense Officer] /// - “They’re letting loose everything they’ve got! Ouvrir le feu! Stop them before—”

There was a loud crackle from their radio as strokes of white smoke emerged from the island en masse; volley after volley was sent into the mass of orange streaks of light. In the end, only 20 of their missiles managed to break through and snuff out those twinkling lights. The rest saw the emergence of orange-red flashes across Etoile Marin’s eastern seaboard.

/// [MARIFOR] - [Le Marine de l'Étoile Marin] - [2e Compagnie de la Mer] - [HQ Section] - [GEN. Ser Valéntoire Genscard-Thérlons Rapiers Herménégilde] /// - “We’re getting impact reports across Estponté! Emergency responders are all over the place—someone get those damn Polemarchers online now! Before they fire again!”

Quickly, Brynn continued upward, strafing the sole remaining Tangaliroan fighter in their vicinity, an F-346X, whose wing promptly came loose, discarding debris as the aircraft spun madly, disappearing in the clouds as it spiraled to its death. Quickly rising above the scene, Brynn deployed her F/A-130's speed brakes, adeptly bringing her fighter's nose downward.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Watch this!"

Locking onto eight of the bombers, Brynn opened fire — almost as if she knew the perfect moment to strike. All of her Brushstroke and Kingfish missiles soared off, striking every single one of the targets. In rapid succession, the bombers began to explode, their fuselage coming undone as their fuel served to spread the explosion across, a series of bright flashes illuminating the clouds. There were fifteen bombers left now, quickly moving off into the thick of the clouds — with herself in pursuit.

/// [MARIFOR] - [Le Marine de l'Étoile Marin] - [2e Compagnie de la Mer] - [HQ Section] - [Home Defense Officer] /// - “We’re... completely down. All Jingos are disabled! ARGOMS are down as well! We’re completely defenseless!”

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [B300X Démone] - [Maj. Eugène Segal "Terror of Zhenwu"] /// - "Impressionnant.. open the Sżatije pods.. ouvrir le feu!"

In a bright flash amidst the night sky, one of the Tangaliroan bombers fired what could only otherwise be described as four wing-mounted laser pods, which promptly struck one of the F/A-130s — Wageslave. Brynn could only assume its electronics had been fried, as it continued on — giving no reply or sitrep on comms.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Rusalka" | #28173] - [2Lt. B. Shengnan] /// - "What the fuck? Was that a laser?"

/// [MARIFOR] - [Le Marine de l'Étoile Marin] - [2e Compagnie de la Mer] - [HQ Section] - [GEN. Ser Valéntoire Genscard-Thérlons Rapiers Herménégilde] /// - “What the hell? Some kind of laser weapon...? HDO Monte Pennet, fire everything you have left at those bombers! Don’t let them get another launch in while you still can!”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "It would appear the leader of the formation is utilizing some kind of laser weapon. All units, be incredibly careful!"

As if a testament to the Marinians profound resilence, an arrangement of various, smaller scale missiles took off from Etoile Marin’s northern shores. They were few and far between, but an impressive fan of streaking light arcing for the B300s above. A retribution strike for the no doubt amounting casualties from the cruise missile strikes. More than a handful of bombers paid the price in full for their death sprees - 10 B300s joined their kin at the bottom of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [B300X Démone] - [Maj. Eugène Segal "Terror of Zhenwu"] /// - "Good day, Euphemiénnes and Marinais. Today, you are about to witness the might of Tangaliroan ingenuity. They say that, in the end, death awaits us all, no? Targeting Euphemian fighter — ouvrir le feu!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - "You will be seeing death fir-"

Suddenly, a laser weapon of some sort clipped the right wing of Bones. It was like nose tissue to the laser, instantly tear off at the seams. Throwing off stabilization of the aircraft, Bones was running out of options.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [Cpt. D Meimei] /// - "We've been hit! Preparing to Eject."

Immediately after, the canopy flung open. Shaw and Meimei both ejected out of the aircraft safely, Descending into Northern EM waters. It didn't take long for the wingless aircraft to follow, slamming down into the water.

Quickly, Brynn tailed the bomber, deploying a towed decoy just as one of the aircraft's overhead gunners fired an anti-aircraft missile — which promptly soared off into the night sky. They had passed the clouds now, Etoile Marin glimmering below them. Quickly, she assessed the comms.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Marinians! We will not allow Nouvelle Lunes to go dark — remember Arcadia!"

/// [MARIFOR] - [Le Marine de l'Étoile Marin] - [2e Compagnie de la Mer] - [HQ Section] - [Home Defense Officer] /// - “We won’t meet the same fate here! Ave Stella Maris!”

The rest of the squadron had joined in with shouts of 'Remember Arcadia!', Brynn feeling reassured in that moment that they would succeed. With a final downward maneuver, she activated afterburners as she strafed the right wing of the B300, metal paneling along the wings coming undone as a thunderous BOOM sounded out — her aircraft quickly breaking the sound barrier on its dive. Slowing down, she soared back up to engage the enemy bomber once again. Another bright series of flashes almost blinded Brynn as she soared upward — the bomber firing at Cutlass, narrowly missing.

Firing upwards at the bomber as she approached, she took note the aircraft's underbelly gunner was returning fire — to which she activated her AN/ELQ-184's DRFM jamming, quickly dissuading the shots with a decoy.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [B300X Démone] - [Maj. Eugène Segal "Terror of Zhenwu"] /// - "You have performed fascinatingly well, psychique. But your end comes now."

In a blinding flash, the aircraft above fired its Sżatije pods, promptly melting much of her left wing's paneling. The aircraft trembled violently, though Brynn knew quite well that she could go on. Pushing upwards, she fired away into the underbelly of the aircraft, making quite the dent in the fuselage as she soared just past the bomber. As she looped back from above, she set her aircraft's markers on the bomber — not realizing there was no air defense left to help.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Help!"

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [B300X Démone] - [Maj. Eugène Segal "Terror of Zhenwu"] /// - "How the terrified mouse flees.."

Below, it seemed the Terror of Zhenwu was only buying time for the remainder of its fleet to pass directly over Etoile Marin; with a clear shot downwards onto the island, there was little anyone could do but witness the unfortunate strikes to occur. Nearly 8 missiles fanned out across the western seaboard, causing bright flashes of white and plumes of fire to erupt throughout Nouvelles Lunes. Masais was struck as well. There were frantic escalations of Marinian terror across comms, as the military - seemingly disoriented and struck brutally - was struggling to maintain order.

/// [MARIFOR] - [Le Marine de l'Étoile Marin] - [2e Compagnie de la Mer] - [HQ Section] - [GEN. Ser Valéntoire Genscard-Thérlons Rapiers Herménégilde] /// - “The Capital is hit! Casualties unknown, it looks like they’re going for Nouvelles Cannes!”

Coming back down from above, Brynn closely avoided another missile from the aircraft's overhead gunner as she strafed the aircraft — cutting quite deeply into the bomber's tailwing. A blip was rapidly approaching on the radar — Shrapnel.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "WOO! FUCK YOU, SCHROTUM! WE'RE BACK IN THE GAME!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "How the hell did you get out of solitary?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "SCHROEDER AIN'T THE MOST HATED MAN IN NEVIS FOR NO REASON, BABY! HANG IN THERE, PSYCHO!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Huh?"

Shrapnel approached, afterburners brightly shining in the night sky as he accelerated towards the bomber at full speed. The bomber's gunners reacted swiftly, firing everything they could at the F/A-130 — yet it pressed forward, sixteen bright orange trails shooting outward towards the Tangaliroan bomber.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [B300X Démone] - [Maj. Eugène Segal "Terror of Zhenwu"] /// - "Le fou absolu.. DEPLOY COUNTERMEASURES! DEPLOY—"

Multiple explosions erupted along the fuselage of the B300X as Shrapnel flew past, conducting a few acrobatic maneuvers in the sky as he came back around.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "OUR RADAR'S SHOT, BUT SHIT WAS WORTH IT! WOO!"

The explosions quickly spread across the structure of the Tangaliroan bomber, eight parachutes deploying away as the entire aircraft was engulfed in flames, exploding once again and descending directly down to Etoile Marin.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Rusalka" | #28173] - [Cpt. N. Zorić] /// - "This squadron confuses me.. but I am impressed."

There remained only four B300s passing over the western seaboard of Etoile Marin, by now flights of aircraft were chasing them from behind - there’d be no escaping from this alive. Consigned to their fate, the Tangaliroan bombers unloaded their full payloads into what lie beneath them: President Stardust Military City. The only Euphemian military installation capable of housing a regiment’s worth of troops and more now erupted into spheres of flame, destruction wrought upon the facility.

/// [MARIFOR] - [Le Marine de l'Étoile Marin] - [2e Compagnie de la Mer] - [HQ Section] - [GEN. Ser Valéntoire Genscard-Thérlons Rapiers Herménégilde] /// - “By Maris... they’ve just levelled President Stardust Military City. Send them their last regards.”

On cue, a desperate volley of Polemarch missiles flew from the mountains of Monte Pennet, exploding into the fuselages of the B300s. Their forms broke up into large chunks of metal, all of which came crashing down onto the capital of Etoile Marin — the tragedy only worsened by the subsequent explosion of remaining cruise missiles in the urban city.

/// [MARIFOR] - [Le Marine de l'Étoile Marin] - [2e Compagnie de la Mer] - [HQ Section] - [Home Defense Officer] /// - “All Bombers eliminated! Directing efforts to the immediate damage to the Isles. Les Séraphs d'Étoile Marin will assist clear the skies!”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [13th Air Control Wing] - [E-901 Skyking | #18291] - [Maj. C. Rawlins VI] /// - "Forty-seven Tangaliroan fighters remaining! They're on the retreat!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [Cpt. M. Moore] /// - "All due respect, sir, we oughta shoot them in the back."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [13th Air Control Wing] - [E-901 Skyking | #18291] - [Maj. C. Rawlins VI] /// - "Feel free!"

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-346X] - [Cpt. J. Vogel] /// - "All bombers are down! Retreat!"

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-346X] - [Cpt. N. Faerber] /// - "You mean they took down the Terror of Zhenwu?"

Several more explosions erupted in the sky as the Euphemian group continued forward, tailing the Tangaliroan aircraft — bringing a few more out of the sky as they disappeared into the horizon, their afterburners burning brightly as they fled. They would have little luck landing in the Atlantic Islands — not with Euphemian bombardment ravaging most of the airfields there.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "Congratulations, gentlemen. We've dealt Tangaliro a bloody nose today — they'll know we won't allow another Arcadia to happen. Hail Neworder!"

The attack had not yet darkened Etoile Marin. The Star of the Sea still stood strong, but its surface was ablaze from coast to coast, painting an eerie mirage of flame upon the crestfallen sunset. The distant flashing of emergency lights throughout the burning cities and torn streets, coupled with the radio commotion of a disorderly and fragmented people, combined to form an aspect of nationwide terror. The Isles had been struck a deep wound, one they may not recover from easily.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Redneck II" | #17772] - [Cpt. J. McGinnis] /// - "WE DONE FUCKIN' DID IT, BOYS!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Genie" | #92171] - [Cpt. H. McDevitt] /// - "WOO!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Slasher" | #77138] - [Cpt. H. Yunmeng] /// - "Shrapnel.. you crazy son of a bitch."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Slasher" | #77138] - [2Lt. J. Bryd] /// - "Mm.. impressive. The Tangaliroans will rue the day they angered the biggest band of misfits in the Federal Air Force."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Rusalka" | #28173] - [Cpt. N. Zorić] /// - "I could get used to this."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "Excellent job, everyone. Tangaliro has been repulsed from attacking the Federal States of Euphemie and her Allies — at least for now. Return to Nevis and get some well-deserved rest."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Drinks are on the last pilot to land at Nevis!"

Nevis AFB, Marinesia, Federal States of Euphemie

4 January, A.C. 393

2LT. Brynn Qianlong
354th Fighter Wing
447th Tactical Fighter Squadron

In a gesture that was oddly out of place for Brynn, she'd elected to partake in the celebrations following their victory in the skies over Etoile Marin. Word was, Skyking New Dawn had kept track of her kills — twelve bombers, three fighters. The bar at Nevis AFB was busy, the 447th pilots becoming the stars of the night's celebrations. The celebrations had gotten even more rowdy once Shaw and Meimei had returned from their 'dip' in the Atlantic Ocean a few hours in.

Brynn had found herself at one of the tables with her squadron mates, five glasses into the night and a little woozy. Of course, her incredibly high kill count had ended up getting her quite a lot of attention. The 447th had helped save thousands in Etoile Marin — though it was noted they'd lost two memorable pilots in the fight.

"Hey, look, I'm sorry. I was pissed — most of us were after Arcadia. Cooper was right — I oughta ease up a little. You're not at fault for this, it's just— we all had to cope somehow, you know?" Camden was notably more inebriated than Brynn, apologizing profusely for his previous behavior towards her. She couldn't tell if he was drinking away the loss of his comrade, or if he'd taken celebrating too far.

"Haven't you had a tad much to drink, cap?" Jameson Bryd, the pilot of Slasher, looked to the man with a mild disinterest. He'd drank twice as much as him — and still wasn't feeling the effects.

"You think they'll give us a medal like, uhh.. what was that crazy-ass navy pilot who shot down a bunch of Sanjari ballistic missiles over Etoile Marin way back?" Greenburg, on the other hand, had been absolved of his crimes after a 'thorough evaluation' by the Brigadier General, his final act of shooting down the Terror of Zhenwu earning him remarkable respect among both Euphemians and Marinians alike. The guards that'd 'allowed' his release were additionally pardoned following the success of the mission.

"Billy Reeves." His pilot, Carol McWillians, corrected. She was rather knowledgeable in most things military, much like Brynn. She, of course, had been grounded for much of the operation, but had agreed with Greenburg to conduct the (unsanctioned) entry into the battle and had accordingly become quite the hero along with her superior.

"I've come to cash in my wager." Shaw had approached Shengnan, he had clearly had a few drinks. Meimei, who usually kept over watch at times like this, was nowhere to be seen.

"Oh?" Shengnan was beside Brynn at the table, glass of Augustan scotch in hand. She eyed him skeptically, wondering just what would come of his 'wager'. Brynn curiously glanced to the two, still rather quiet.

"You come with me back to my room." Despite the number of people around him, Shaw wasn't deterred from saying his request. "Remember, Loser takes one request." This elicited a chuckle from the pilot, who finished her skotch and ignored Shaw's drunken offer.

Brynn was, of course, mostly oblivious to what was going on — a good thirty seconds passing amid the laughs from the other pilots until it partly dawned on her.

"So, back to our conversation from earlier," Another voice caught Brynn's attention. "I do recall, now. You and I were sent to.." Nikolina Zorić, on the other hand, was a little inebriated as well. "Oh, right. That's classified. I do remember it now, though." She laughed for a moment as it gradually occurred to Brynn. They'd served together, indeed — Brynn thinking back to her time piloting a YF-72 Hierofalcon on a certain night that befell Alvimia.

"Firefox, uh, 2?" She questioned.

"Yes." Zorić nodded. "Fate does have interesting forms of behavior—" As if completely overtaken by some unknown force, she suddenly gulped down what remained of her Red Pine lager, setting the glass aside and pointing to Shaw. "Psst, I'll buy you a model airplane if you kiss the Loser over there. You really gonna leave him hanging? C'mon — FSS Mendenhall, F/A-127 scale models— you name it. I know you like I know my backyard, Psycho. I know what makes you tick!" This elicited a few curious swoons from the others at the table, the two visibly drunk pilots seeming to have known each other — going quite far back. "Well, what'll it be?"

"I, uh, what?" Brynn asked, confused. Evidently, she wasn't as drunk as her, but her hobby seemed to be on the line here. It wasn't hard for Zorić to get a rise out of her. "Okay, fuck you. Bones-2!" She called over to the inebriated pilot, who had staggered a few steps away from the table after the apparent rejection.

A sudden shout from across the table caught Shaw by surprise, he had been daydreaming before the call out had brought him back to reality. Looking up, he realized it was the precog who had called him. He staggered back over to the table, walking towards the precog.

"They said I'll get a real nice model aircraft if I just kiss you. How about it then, Bones?" Of course, she was a bit nervous — but didn't really have the money to enjoy her hobby independently. Besides, a 'bet' was a bet— and it'd surely do away with her quiet, isolated image. Had she said it right? She couldn't 'perceive' ahead too well without her headset, especially while drunk — so she had no clue of what could result of the outcomes.

"Fuck it, why not." Shaw said, going along with her. After the events of today, its not like it could have gotten worse. The crowd swooned and hollered as she embraced him and fulfilled the bet — which tasted terribly like alcohol. A good twenty seconds passed until she broke off, almost falling backwards onto the table.

"Psycho's lost her goddamn mind!" Camden was particularly taken aback by her uncharacteristic behavior, slamming his glass upon the desk. "WOO! I CAN ALREADY SEE IT!"

"Shut the fuck up, cap!" Another voice, assumedly his pilot's, yelled to him. The squadron was disorderly enough while sober — with half of them drunk, it was a certainty there'd be a fight at the bar by sunrise.

"Maybe I should enjoy myself more often.." Brynn staggered back to her feet, taken aback by how easy it'd been. "And you're not as stupid as I th—" She tripped again, tumbling back onto her seat on the table. She wasn't particularly good at hiding the fact it'd been quite a shock to her.

"Alright, alright. You won the bet, Psycho. FSS Mendenhall model? All yours. F/A-127 model? If you wish. See? I know you too well." Nikolina taunted amidst the group's chatter. "But don't pretend that wasn't one of the greatest moments you've had outside the cockpit of that fighter jet of yours. Live a little!"

Getting back up in her seat, she shook her head. "I've lived enough in one day.."

"That more than made up for my shoot down earlier, on both counts." Recollecting his thoughts, Shaw looked towards Shengnan, before picking up another glass.

"You callin' me a bad kisser? We'll see about that bet of yours next time, then." She arrogantly replied, filling her glass again. Looking to Brynn, she chuckled to herself. "And I sure as hell didn't expect someone like you to do such a thing. Gotta say, I'm pretty impressed — but don't let it get to your head. You can read minds, right? What's he thinkin'?.. oh, I'm sure you can tell."

"I'm no mind-reader.." Brynn sheepishly replied, shaking her head still in a somewhat drunken stupor. Perhaps she wanted to look 'cool' — but had instead caused a few rumors and jokes to go around. Maybe it hadn't been the right choice — but she couldn't think straight in the first place. "I, uh, should go." She haphazardly staggered out of the bar, the alcohol giving her the terrible feeling that her head was spinning. The precog didn't get far from the bar, stopping upon one of the slight hills overlooking Nevis Air Force Base's runways. It occurred to her then — this wasn't a celebration solely out of pride: this was finding solace in despair. The war had just begun — and how much struggling would they need to go through to see the struggle to its end?

Watching the moon glowing above the islands was an oddly soothing moment for her as she sat upon the grass, eyes set on the stars above. She knew a few stars, and could identify planets — like the brightly glowing Thanatos up above. Brynn was fixated then on the sight of the solar system, no — countless stars and planets glimmering in the night sky. It was a question few bothered to ask since the Calamity — but she silently wondered if they were really alone in the Universe. If another Calamity came about and brought an end to life on Tsion, where would it continue?

She broke out of the brief trance, dismissing such stupid thoughts. Tangaliro was the enemy — and they had to see the war to its conclusion at all costs. Something made her feel, however, that there were forces beyond their control at play — and this was much more than a fight of technological edge and strategy, but one of good and evil. The Federal States of Euphemie couldn't allow Tangaliro to dictate the future of life on Tsion.

CONTEXT NOTES

1 - Harrison Ward - Harrison Ward was a Siedunland Air Force pilot responsible for the nuclear annihilation of the Mount of Orchids. In a highly controversial international court case, the Utsanji delegation found him innocent, Shogun Nobunaka Akano acquitting him of his crimes.

by **Etoile Marin** » Sat Mar 09, 2019 3:42 pm

Nevis AFB, Marinesia, Federal States of Euphemie

11 January, A.C. 393

Cpt. Camilla Toulant
354th Fighter Wing
447th Tactical Fighter Squadron

/// [MARIFOR] - [Le Marine de l'Étoile Marin] - [Les Séraphs d'Étoile Marin] - [HQ Section] - [Home Defense Officer] /// - “Warning! ARGOMS missiles have been diverted! Requesting all available aircraft eliminate their EW coverage! Fighters, if you laze the bombers for us we’ll be sure to hit them!”

/// [MARIFOR] - [L'Aéronavale de l'Étoile Marin] - [Les Séraphs d'Étoile Marin] - [Le Leader] - [F-19 Cicada Arc-1] /// - “That’s our cue Séraphs! Arc-2, Arc-3, cleared to engage EW aircraft.”

/// [MARIFOR] - [L'Aéronavale de l'Étoile Marin] - [Les Séraphs d'Étoile Marin] - [Le Intérieur] - [F-19 Cicada Arc-2] /// - “Solid copy Arc-1, I’m on it.”

/// [MARIFOR] - [L'Aéronavale de l'Étoile Marin] - [Les Séraphs d'Étoile Marin] - [Le Intérieur] - [F-19 Cicada Arc-3] /// - “Copy, moving to engage now!”

It was hard to imagine that just one order would be able to save thousands upon thousands of lives until the damage was already done. Les Séraphs d'Étoile Marin, the only air force the remote island could field, were few among many of the hundreds of aircraft that partook in the Battle of Eagle’s Night. They weren’t the best in the world in terms of the aircraft they had, but they certainly were some of the best pilots in the world. Few even got to know their names, as the Marinian Crown ensured they remained a confidential ‘trick’ for the enemy whenever possible.

/// [MARIFOR] - [L'Aéronavale de l'Étoile Marin] - [Les Séraphs d'Étoile Marin] - [Le Intérieur] - [F-19 Cicada Arc-2] /// - “Boom goes another one! That makes four tonight Leader!”

/// [MARIFOR] - [L'Aéronavale de l'Étoile Marin] - [Les Séraphs d'Étoile Marin] - [Le Leader] - [F-19 Cicada Arc-1] /// - “Don’t get cocky Arc-2. You’ve got one on your tail!”

/// [MARIFOR] - [L'Aéronavale de l'Étoile Marin] - [Les Séraphs d'Étoile Marin] - [Le Extérieur] - [F-19 Cicada Arc-6] /// - “++NOT FOR LONG! OBSERVE CAUTION, ARC-2!++”

If only they’d known how devestating that night would truly be.

/// [MARIFOR] - [Le Marine de l'Étoile Marin] - [2e Compagnie de la Mer] - [HQ Section] - [Home Defense Officer] /// - “They’re letting loose everything they’ve got! Ouvrir le feu! Stop them before—”

/// [MARIFOR] - [L'Aéronavale de l'Étoile Marin] - [Les Séraphs d'Étoile Marin] - [Le Intérieur] - [F-19 Cicada Arc-3] /// - “The bombers! They’re tearing up the island Arc-1!”

/// [MARIFOR] - [L'Aéronavale de l'Étoile Marin] - [Les Séraphs d'Étoile Marin] - [Le Leader] - [F-19 Cicada Arc-1] /// - “Focus on the EW aircraft Arc-3! If we can’t take them out, we don’t stand a chance!”

Arc-3. That was the callsign Camilla Toulant had gone under during the engagement, soaring through the setting sun’s rays as she shot down plane after plane, devoted to protecting the place she, and many of the other Séraphs called home. She wasn’t much of a special person herself like some of the others though. Most of her reputation had come from being the first accepted woman in the formation. She hadn’t done much more than set her determination on serving her country and keeping herself in healthy shape.

The only thing she lamented now was how she couldn’t have pushed herself to be better then.

/// [MARIFOR] - [Le Marine de l'Étoile Marin] - [2e Compagnie de la Mer][/color] - [HQ Section] - [Home Defense Officer] /// - “We’re... completely down. All Jingos are disabled! ARGOMS are down as well! We’re completely defenseless!”

/// [MARIFOR] - [Le Marine de l'Étoile Marin] - [2e Compagnie de la Mer] - [HQ Section] - [GEN. Ser Valéntoire Genscard-Thérlons Rapiers Herménégilde] /// - “The Capital is hit! Casualties unknown, it looks like they’re going for Nouvelles Cannes!”

/// [MARIFOR] - [L'Aéronavale de l'Étoile Marin] - [Les Séraphs d'Étoile Marin] - [Le Intérieur] - [F-19 Cicada Arc-2] /// - “Boss, we can’t keep this up forever! Our boys down below aren’t going to last!”

/// [MARIFOR] - [L'Aéronavale de l'Étoile Marin] - [Les Séraphs d'Étoile Marin] - [Le Leader] - [F-19 Cicada Arc-1] /// - “Then you know what to do. All units, do everything you can to save the Isles!”

She’d been the first, and only one, to push her aircraft hard enough to catch one of them as it drifted just above the island itself, the B300 bomber’s bomb bay unfolding with a sense of dread filling her cockpit.

Don’t do it. She thought to herself at that moment. That was her home, the only place on the whole island she had kin at.

The missiles dropped. She wasn’t fast enough.

/// [MARIFOR] - [L'Aéronavale de l'Étoile Marin] - [Les Séraphs d'Étoile Marin] - [Le Intérieur] - [F-19 Cicada Arc-3] /// - “NO! IT’S GOING TO—”

/// [MARIFOR] - [Le Marine de l'Étoile Marin] - [2e Compagnie de la Mer] - [HQ Section] - [GEN. Ser Valéntoire Genscard-Thérlons Rapiers Herménégilde] /// - “By Maris... they’ve just levelled President Stardust Military City...”

/// [MARIFOR] - [L'Aéronavale de l'Étoile Marin] - [Les Séraphs d'Étoile Marin] - [Le Leader] - [F-19 Cicada Arc-1] /// - “...Arc-4 went off radar... What is going on? Report!”

/// [MARIFOR] - [L'Aéronavale de l'Étoile Marin] - [Les Séraphs d'Étoile Marin] - [Charognard] - [F-19 Cicada Arc-4] /// - “...Nothing’s left for me... You’re on your own!”

/// [MARIFOR] - [L'Aéronavale de l'Étoile Marin] - [Les Séraphs d'Étoile Marin] - [Le Intérieur] - [F-19 Cicada Arc-2] /// - “Arse’s gone straight for the lasers...!”

Everything fell apart for them in that moment. It may not have seemed so bad to their allies, the Euphemians who were firmly holding back the rest of the Tangaliroan formation. To the Séraphs though, their families and loved ones were gone right before their very eyes. Camilla hadn’t been quick enough to destroy the bomber that would be responsible for the death of everyone she held dear to her in that moment.

/// [MARIFOR] - [L'Aéronavale de l'Étoile Marin] - [Les Séraphs d'Étoile Marin] - [Le Leader] - [F-19 Cicada Arc-1] /// - “...Arc-3? Respond!...”

If only she’d been fast enough, she could have saved her family and dozens others.

/// [MARIFOR] - [L'Aéronavale de l'Étoile Marin] - [Les Séraphs d'Étoile Marin] - [Le Intérieur] - [F-19 Cicada Arc-2] /// - “Come on lass, we gotta go...!”

If only she’d been fast enough.

/// [MARIFOR] - [L'Aéronavale de l'Étoile Marin] - [Les Séraphs d'Étoile Marin] - [Le Extérieur] - [F-19 Cicada Arc-6] /// - “++ARC-3, PLEASE ANSWER!++”

If only...

“++CAMILLA, IT IS TIME FOR YOU TO WAKE UP.++”

The Marinian woman was suddenly stirred awake by the grating response of her companion, torn away from her haunting nightmares to look up at the bulbous helmet unique to ‘him.’ Slowly, Camilla pushed herself up on the bunk she lay upon, running a hand through her blonde hair as she got her bearings. “Oh.. hey Sagacité. Sorry if I woke y-”

Her artificial, helmeted companion tilted his head in a moment of confusion. “++BUT CAMILLA, I HAVE NO NEED FOR SLEEP.++”

“Yes, I know.. Habit I guess.” Camilla sighed.

It had been a week since the Battle of Eagle’s Night then, and life had become even more hectic for the Séraphs. Even as Camilla remembered, she shuddered to think of how the former Arc-4 and Arc-5 pilots had fared after disappearing that night. Those who had survived had opted to land at Nevis AFB, running low on fuel and - for lack of better words - damned of any other options. Etoile Marin was gone as a nation, even if the island itself seemed to be intact. They had been stripped bare of bond and oath to the nation they fought for as ace pilots. There weren’t many other options for the remaining four since, and that was how they’d found themselves serving in the Federal Air Force the following few days.

Sagacité, better known as SAGA, was the former Arc-6 pilot responsible for covering her six so often during their service in the Séraphs. She had to admit, she did not know much about him as a person - partly because he wasn’t a person. Some sort of covert project organized by the Crown had required the assessment of artificial pilot intelligences to operate their spare F-19. Probably because their last ace had passed away a few years prior, and Etoile Marin was not much a place for birthing flying aces. Once, she hadn’t trusted the mechanical humanoid with a plane, let alone covering her rear in combat. Now? She couldn’t ask for a better wingman.

Arc-1 and Arc-2, the truly great aces of their squadron were here too, but mostly kept to themselves. Apparently they’d been hit hard by the loss of Etoile Marin and had strong dedication to making the Sacred Union pay for what they did. Camilla would be lying to herself if she didn’t feel the same - but at least she was willing to get on with her day with a sense of social respect.

“So, what got you up so early?” She eventually asked, making to get herself ready. The two of them were in their private quarters, one of two allocated to the Marinian transfer pilots for the time being. Camilla knew what had become of Arc-1 and Arc-2, they were easily going to be given free reign for where they were deployed. For herself and SAGA though, she hadn’t heard yet where they would be assigned.

“++AH, YOU MUST NOT HAVE HEARD THEN.++” He responded, holding up one of his hands. “++WE’VE BEEN ASSIGNED TO THE 447TH TACTICAL FIGHTER SQUADRON OF THE 354TH FIGHTER WING JUST LAST NIGHT. I BELIEVE IT WOULD BE WISE FOR US TO BECOME INTRODUCED TO OUR NEW UNIT.++”

Camilla raised an eyebrow in interest as she dressed herself in the new uniform she would be wearing; it was a bit less flashy than the Marinian ones she was used to, but at least she got to keep a patch that showed her heritage - and her experience, as it depicted the iconic white F-19 ‘Dove’ Cicada that Arc-1 had piloted, earning the Séraphs their angelic reputation. “The 447th? Weren’t they those rag-tag group of pilots that chewed each other out on comms a lot?”

“++THAT IS CORRECT.++” He confirmed.

“...And you’re okay with knowing we’re going to have to put up with that banter even more now?”

“++THAT IS CORRECT.++”

She chuckled, having expected the response before nodding. “Fair, well let’s get on with it then. You know this place better than I do, so lead the way. Have they been debriefed about, y’know... what’s happened and all?”

He rose from his own bunk - it was mostly symbolic, as he had no functional reason to use it - and led her forth from their quarters towards where the general mess would be, believing she could do with a proper meal while they became acquainted with their Euphemian squadmates. “++NOT TO MY KNOWLEDGE, THOUGH I WAS INFORMED THEY SHOULD BE AWARE OF OUR ATTACHMENT TO THEIR UNIT.++”

“That’s understandable... I guess? Probably to preserve morale or something. Have you seen the others around at all, SAGA?” She asked, changing the topic as they walked.

“++I BELIEVE I SAW FORMER ARC-1 TENDING TO HIS NEW F/A-130 CHIANGSHI AIRCRAFT WITH MAINTENANCE WORKERS. APPARENTLY HE IS INTERESTED IN BECOMING ACQUAINTED WITH FORMER ARC-2 AS A CO-PILOT.++”

“Oh yeah! I honestly didn’t think we’d get put into a unit capable of flying those. Wouldn’t it be more fitting for us to have single-seat aircraft, like the F-19s we’re used to? I haven’t trained for combat on anything else on EM.”

“++WELL, IT WAS EXPLAINED THAT THEY ARE TIGHT ON AVAILABLE AIRFRAMES DUE TO THE WARTIME STATUS. SO, WE WERE ASSIGNED IN PAIRS TO CONSERVE MATERIAL. DO NOT WORRY THOUGH! I AM PERFECTLY CAPABLE OF AUTOMATING FIRE CONTROL AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS.++”

“I guess that’s a fair compromise.” She grinned. “The Ace and Bloomer get to shed their skills together, and I get you to help make up for my flaws. I guess Maris is looking out for us at least!”

“++INDEED! WELL, HERE WE ARE.++” SAGA agreed, before holding open the door to the mess hall for Camilla, who accepted the polite gesture before stepping inside.

Much of the 447th was in the mess hall at present, finally having breakfast at a normal time — as the defense against Tangaliroan bombardment had warded off any attempts at a surprise attack. The Tangaliroans had been dealt a strategic bloody nose — and seemed to calm their attacks in the past few days.

"C'mon Bones, don't lie. You were totally—" One of the pilots' attention turned to the appearance of the two newcomers. The squadron had apparently heard much of the two new arrivals — as their arrival was met with a respectful, cautious silence. According to the files Camilla had read through, he was Captain Dean Accounts-Receivable Credit Dollar Enterprise J. Camden, WSO of the F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit". The reputation of the two Marinians seemed to have gotten around — and their achievements were regarded with an odd kind of respect that warranted unseen formality in the band of misfits.

Camilla and SAGA took the silence with a bit of unease, the former of which fixing herself something to eat as she saw the face of the squadron’s commanding officer entering the mess hall, not wanting to interrupt anything. In the last week or so, Schroeder’s briefings had become distinctly more informal, perhaps as he was becoming more busy with the war and all. His presence in the mess hall, quite rare given that he ate in his office usually, commanded silence.

“Gentlemen, ladies, listen up! First off, President Neworder has given this squadron authorization to use nuclear weapons - with some exemptions of course.” He was referring to Rachel Weatherford, who for some reason had a sticky note on her file labelled ‘do NOT authorize usage of nuclear weapons to her or her WSO’ when she was assigned to the unit. He never found out why.

"So we're gonna vaporize Xinjing or somethin'?" Second Lieutenant Rachel Mad-About-You J. Weatherford was quick to 'jump the gun' at the mention of nuclear weapons — perhaps why she'd been barred from possessing them in the first place.

“No, but it’s just a note for the future. Anyways, today we’re doing a patrol mission. Carrier Strike Group One is moving past Etoile Marin as we speak to bomb some bases in the Tangaliroan Atlantic Islands. Place has already been vaporized but we’re going to finish the job. No nukes for today, we’re not gonna start another Calamity just yet.”

There were a few chuckles from the squadron — the mess hall being a rather odd place to deliver a 'quick rundown' on the day's activities.

"And who might the new faces be?" Captain Michael Clarke Take-on-Me K. Moore was WSO of 'Sabre', and had been notable on the file due to the various behavioral citations regarding his staunch hatred of Aenarans. He himself was a beast of a man, his fatigues a size or two larger than most due to his incredibly muscular build. Just hearing him speak was a tad intimidating. He glanced to the two Marinian pilots, curious.

Camilla, who had been paying attention to the debriefing, perked up at being mentioned.

“They’re the air force of Etoile Marin. Or rather, used to be.” Schroeder's reply was rather blunt.

And just like that, the hardened expression that came with the phrase returned to her features. Clearly she wasn’t one to let that fact go easily, which happened to be her main source of inspiration for still flying at all.

There were a few troubled murmurs among the group — the realization that Etoile Marin had practically been annihilated during Eagle's Night had only dawned on the 447th days after the battle. Rather than leave much of them depressed, however, the event had seemingly motivated the pilots of the 447th further towards fighting the war.

"And, uh, when is this patrol mission, sir?" Another one of the pilots, a certain Major Natalie Engelhardt, questioned. There wasn't much on her file that Camilla could recall, save for the multiple behavioral infractions and her place of birth, Calistor.

“Ten, fifteen minutes. Finish eating.”

There were nods and more murmurs among the group as they continued their usual, more chatter amongst the pilots regarding the mission — and the two curious new arrivals to the table.

Chase, having been silent for much of the meal, rested his cheek on his palm, looming over his food. Baggy black circles were under his eyes and his WSO’s. His mumbling was practically inaudible to those that weren’t immediately around him. “First Turmenista, now Etoile Marin. What’s next, Torch City?”

Just as Camilla was about to finish her last bite and start a more formal introduction to greet the squadron, SAGA decided that now was the perfect opportunity to promptly confound everyone instead.

“++GOOD MORNING 447TH! IT WILL BE A PLEASURE GETTING TO FLY WITH YOU TODAY.++”

She nearly spat out her drink hearing the automaton speak so abruptly, completely stumped as to how the others would react.

“Oh, shit!” Schroeder noted, just as he was walking out. “By the way, one of the Marinian pilots is an autonomous robot. They did some weird things with their budget. Just think of it like you think of Qianlong’s autonomous WSO. Don’t understand the point of the damn thing...”

"Well shit, sir— Psycho's bot can't do any talkin'. As for Psycho herself, well, give 'er a few drinks and she'll do a lot more than just talk!" Greenburg laughed heartily, much to Chase’s chagrin. Much like Moore, Greenburg was a man of more brawn than brain, who seemed more fit for the Federal Marines than the Air Force. According to his file, he was an ex-convict — and had only escaped court martialing by conducting a borderline suicidal mission during Eagle's Night, getting pardoned by the Brigadier General overseeing the 354th in the subsequent hours. The rather crass joke elicited a rather embarrassed look on another one of the pilots — a rather quiet one Camilla had heard quite a bit about.

Schroeder squinted at Greenburg with an extreme amount of displeasure in regards to what Greenburg seemed to be hinting at. “Okay… Don’t give me the details.” he noted, his rage against Greenburg’s pardon having been made during his conversation with the Brigadier General a few days ago. He wondered if anyone in the squadron heard about it.

“I suppose now’s a perfect time for us to do introductions then, huh?” Camilla sighed, as SAGA was just left lost on the implications of Greenburg’s remark. “You all seemed to recognize me when I came in, but SAGA here caught you off-guard. Name’s Camilla Toulant, formerly Arc-3 of the Séraphs, now Charognard-1 — or I guess you could call it Sparrowhawk-1, whichever suits you better. I know, I know, short and simple unlike most Marinian names. I’m honestly just thankful to still be around, and it's nice to know I get to fly with you all more often now.”

“++AND I AM FORMERLY ARC-6 OF LES SÉRAPHS, SAGACITÉ OF CHAROGNARD-2 / SPARROWHAWK-2. THE OTHERS NORMALLY JUST CALL ME SAGA.++” SAGA added afterwards. “++I WAS CREATED TO FILL A VACANT ROLE IN THE FLIGHT AFTER AN ACE PASSED AWAY. NOW, I SERVE WITH CAMILLA AS A REPLACEMENT FOR THE SECOND FLIGHT.++”

“...Yeah I can’t really explain the whole robot pilot thing either.” Camilla noted a bit quieter. “But I think you’ll find we’re capable enough.” She smiled.

"Don't worry — 'capable enough' is better than most of this squadron." Another one of the pilots, a rather tomboyish Sinican, spoke. Captain Hu Yunmeng commanded the F/A-130 'Slasher', with her pilot Jameson Bryd — who Camilla noted was rather flamboyant aside from his interesting history of having served as a mercenary pilot in Mbanza. "By the way, be careful around Psycho— she can read minds." The pilot gestured to Brynn again, laughing to herself. "Oh shit, right.. my introduction. Hu Yunmeng. Slasher-1."

"Nikolina Zorić. Rusalka-1." A rather cold voice announced themselves briefly and bluntly, though Camilla knew well that most of said pilot's record was largely marred in obscurity — much like the 'Psycho' pilot they spoke of. Like Psycho, she had also been in the 808th Experimental Weapons Wing, though there was little more on her beyond that.

"Major Charles Greenburg, Shrapnel-1. This here's my pilot, Carol McWillians." He pointed to his rather tanned partner, who seemed a bit 'fixated' with an issue of War Aeronautics Today™. She issued a passive "That's me." before continuing to read through the magazine. Camilla had heard a few things about her on the file — namely that her father was with Lockreed-Eden.

"Major Natalie Engelhardt. Not much to say— you'll find this squadron is filled with the worst the Federal Air Force has to offer. You're in my Flight, by the way. Welcome to the Sultans of Swing." One of the pilots casually said. It seemed much of the pilots were rather self-aware of how disorderly they were. "..we'll fight fervently to avenge your homeland."

Engelhardt’s last part genuinely did lift her spirits a bit; it reminded her that there were other people here who felt the same as she did, even if they weren’t directly hurt by it. “..I appreciate that, Major. You can count on us to keep you safe.”

"Nicholas Shaw, Bones-2. That girl over there is my WSO Ding Meimei. She can be difficult to work with at times." Lifting his head from the table, he pointed to a figure sitting near the edge of the table. She clearly seemed ashamed to be near her pilot, word of his antics must have reached her.

"Oh, right— shit. Michael Moore, Federal Air Force captain, blah blah— my pilot here's lost practically everything back home and I'm onboard with her— we're gonna send as many Tangaliroans to the grave as we can." He announced boldly. Moore seemed rather intimidating, and could've very well had the same record as Greenburg.

“I can respect that, hope that boat’s got room for one more.” Camilla half-joked, “Hard to deny I’ve lost a lot back home too.. that’s why we keep flying, so we’ll make just as many pay for the innocent lives they took from us.”

"So you're the new pilots. I'm Bai Shengnan, Rusalka-2. Cover my ass in the skies and I'll cover yours." Another rather tomboyish Sinican among the band of pilots introduced herself, sitting beside her WSO, who'd introduced herself earlier.

"I'm John McGinnis and this is my pilot," His pilot interjected with "Jonathon Bridges is the name!" before his WSO continued. "Together we's the proud crew of Redneck II. This crazy sunbitch o'er here sent Redneck I speedin' into some enemy fighters—dumb sunuvabitch—we done ghost rode the fuckin' whip back there! Pleasure to meet y'all. I'd always wan'ed to take my girl to Et-while Marine back in the day. Till she caught me cheatin' and left me. That's when I joined the Air Force. Uh, y'all will find this wild bunch o' folks to be the best around. They say we's the worst around, but we's th'best 'round, y'hear? An' don't let no-body tell you otherwise."

“++I AM INCLINED TO AGREE WITH YOU!++” SAGA remarked with a firm thumbsup, in reality oblivious to nearly half of what he had mentioned. Camilla just chuckled from the ‘bot’s endless enthusiasm.

"I'm Harris McDevitt, proud Amurean y'heard? I run the show on my plane, Genie.. this my pilot Mark.." One of the pilots pointed to his subordinate. "Mark Clark.. 'fore I joined the Force, I used to shoot at Alvimians 'cross the border for fun. After one of 'em nearly took my left shoulder clean off, I figgered I oughta do somethin' safer. Tell 'em a bit 'bout y'self, Clark."

"Name's Mark. Mark Clark. Joke 'bout my name and you'll piss me off. I used to clean up radioactive waste with my father back in the day.. but then I got a nasty case of the rad poisonin' .. figured I best get the hell outta Providence. Hey Dean, why don't you tell 'em the story of how you ended up here in the first place?" He looked to another one of the pilots.

"Huh? Right. I'm Dean Camden, aircraft Misfit. I'm all here 'cause of a mistake, really — my dumbass lost a bet to some recruiter rat bastard son of a bitch, and I wound up forced to join this mess. This is my pilot, Rachel. She's the reason I can't use nuclear weapons — she gets real violent about those!"

"..that's not the only thing that makes me violent, captain." She purred, leaning uncomfortably close to her superior. Noting Camilla's discomforted gaze, she gestured to two other pilots."Those two over there are with Cutlass...nowhere as good as piloting as I am.."

“In your dreams…πόρνη.” The normally well-mannered Lyzentine said, turning to the newcomers. “My name is Constantine Dionysios, Cutlass-2. You can call me Chase.” He gestured back to his WSO with his thumb. “That’s Nicole Dragonforce. She does not talk much.”

“There isn’t much to talk about in the first place.” Nicole shrugged her shoulders, and for good reason—a perfect conduct record and straight A’s on her record meant she was practically a robot in terms of personality.

“Can’t disagree there.” Camilla responded. “Though, if you’re ever looking for conversation, the color of the sky around you’s a good start. They say you’ll remember it when you think back to your best moments up there. New Year’s morning blue sticks with me for that very reason.” She had a way of almost subconsciously being considerate of others, generally knowing good ways to get people to be more open or vocal with themselves. She’d noted the low self-esteem some of the pilots had, and now it only came naturally for her to get along with them - possibly because she herself was included.

One of the more 'notable' pilots among the group, who had been passively mentioned here and there in a few of the squadron mates' jokes, had her attention drawn to SAGA — a curious look about her face at the apparent scientific and mechanical ingenuity before her. She didn't seem too much the social type, despite her looks. However, Camilla had noted that much of said pilot's records were a mix of secrecy, oddities and an absurdly lengthy record of kills — apparently even taking out a Tangaliroan destroyer through the haphazard use of anti-aircraft missiles. In the group of rowdy pilots, she almost seemed the odd one out.

Camilla noticed SAGA seemingly distracted by the gaze set on him by the woman clouded in obscurity. She knew little of her other than what she’d briefly observed on Eagle’s Night and the attack prior, willing to trust in her combat ability no questions asked. Though, this talk of “mind-reading” and the nickname of “Psycho” put her off. Something about her didn’t sit right with Camilla. She could easily understand SAGA’s advanced predictions, but a human doing it too? It just sounded absurd to her - yet, strangely believable.

It was SAGA rather than her who rose to meet her up close though, the robot making his way over to her before holding out a hand in greeting. “++FORGIVE ME IF I’M INTRUDING, BUT SHOULD WE BECOME ACQUAINTED WITH ONE ANOTHER? YOU’VE HAD YOUR EYE ON ME FOR NUMEROUS MINUTES NOW.++”

"Psycho's into machines too? Wow, just—" Camden's voice was muffled by Greenburg yelling at him to 'shut the fuck up', which he promptly did.

"Huh?" She broke out of her brief fixation on the machine. "Oh. I'm Brynn. Brynn Qianlong.. and no, I can't actually read minds. I pilot my F/A-130 Chiangshi, Psycho. I don't have a weapons systems operator— well I do, it's just a machine. I was, uh, just taken aback.. I've never seen a bipedal robot before, much less one capable of speech." Given her eccentric behavior and the rumors going around, both Marinian pilots could to some degree infer that she had some kind of social 'problem'. The dirty jokes seemed to contrast strangely to this, however. "I believe we've run into the two of you before, yes?"

“++IT IS UNDERSTANDABLE TO BE SURPRISED. I AM A ONE OF A KIND!++” SAGA replied, sitting down next to her and tapping his helmet. “++YOU MAY HAVE SEEN US AROUND THE TURNING OF THE YEAR DURING THE FIRST ATTACK ON ETOILE MARIN. WE SORTIED TO HELP STOP THE INTRUDING AIRCRAFT YOUR SQUADRON WAS CHASING. I WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR COVERING CAMILLA’S REAR DURING THAT.++” Naturally, his phrasing just made Camilla shake her head from where she was. “++IT IS A PLEASURE TO MEET YOU BRYNN!++”

"I see.. that's a MESCASP^[1] processing unit, isn't it? It's a lot more advanced than the one my 'automated WSO' uses." She curiously leaned in, analyzing the few visible modules the automaton's form lent visibility to the eye. "It's, uh, nice to meet both of you."

“++INDEED IT IS! THE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY IN MASAIS WAS VERY PROUD OF THE EVOLUTIONARY BREAKTHROUGHS THEY MADE ON MY MESCASP UNIT. I AM SURPRISED YOU WERE ABLE TO RECOGNIZE IT.++”

"Oh, well, you could say I know a lot about machines." She replied.

"Interesting indeed.." Yunmeng's pilot sarcastically noted, watching the two interact. "Two glorified calculators going at it." It seemed quite a few of these pilots were particularly harsh on the pilot.

“You should’ve seen him back on EM.” Camilla chuckled. “He was to the Séraphs as your friend there is to you all. A bit of an oddity, but I’m glad he made it through at least.” She had to admit, she liked the overall makeup of the 447th now that they weren’t screaming at each other on radio.

ATTENTION! ALL PILOTS OF THE 447TH SQUADRON ARE TO REPORT TO THEIR AIRCRAFT!

“Well, a pleasure getting to know you all, but we need to be off and airborne right?” She rose, gesturing to SAGA. “Hurry up lover-bot, we’re going!”

“++I WILL HAVE YOU KNOW THAT IS A VERY RUDE WAY OF REFERRING TO ME—++” He started before she was pulling him away. “Save it for later!”

As the squadron dispersed, it was notable that Brynn went a separate path — to the barracks, rather than to the hangar.

“++BRYNN!++” SAGA called out after her, “++THAT ISN’T THE WAY TO THE HANGARS, IS IT?++”

"She uses a special headset and power unit," Nikolina was the one to interject. "There's a reason we call her Psycho. She's a precognitive ESPer — the headset refines such abilities accordingly, and is powered by an X117B power pack she wears. Sometimes she'll know the perfect angle for an attack — or the exact moment to avoid oncoming missiles — hell, she'll even foresee an enemy attack before it happens. I doubt there are many out there possessing of such capabilities. Most don't understand this.. gift, however — and confuse the whole deal with telepathy. Anywho— see you in the skies, robot." The pilot seemed to know a good deal on the squadron's 'precog', though she walked off without further word.

Camilla was more unnerved by Nikolina’s surprising amount of knowledge on Psycho’s abilities than she was knowing she had them at all. SAGA was, for lack of better words, only further interested in understanding this aspect of his ally, but he wouldn’t get in the way of their orders. Just how can a human do any of that? The woman thought to herself.

When she arrived in the hangar holding her aircraft, she was greeted by the sight of Engelhardt and Yungmen’s aircraft coupled with her own, more iconic one. An F/A-130 stylized in a new and improved variant of the Les Séraphs’ squadron leader design. It bore markings of both Euphemie and Etoile Marin on it, and symbolized the last hopes of the island nation still surviving against all odds. It didn’t take long for her and SAGA to mount up.

"We have among us Etoile Marin's last hopes, dreams and aspirations," Engelhardt announced to the other pilots of the 'Sultans of Swing', who were understandably intrigued at the aircraft, bearing both Euphemian and Marinian markings. "Respect them as if they were your own family. In the skies, we are all family — and don't forget it. We're the Sultans of Swing — and we'll see this war to the end, no matter the cost." It seemed Engelhardt was particularly good at rousing pre-flight speeches — or perhaps the flight was closer-knit than most others. "I understand that one of our groups, Messer, will not be able to fly with us today due to aircraft maintenance. That will not affect our coordination, teamwork and brotherhood. Godspeed!" The Major hopped into the cockpit of her aircraft as the rest of the flight hurried to their craft.

"Welcome to the group! Trust me, you'll learn to love it." Engelhardt's pilot, a certain Su Bai who had been too preoccupied to introduce herself, called over as she climbed aboard their Chiangshi, Broadsword. "And be careful around Schroeder, he may be dumb, but he's scary when he gets pissed."

“Believe me when I say that he’s not the worst I’ve worked under.” Camilla replied. “Still, staying on his good side is better than whatever he’s like when he’s angry! Any last words from the ground, SAGA?”

“++ONLY TO WISH YOU ALL BEST OF LUCK, AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD ‘HAIL NEWORDER’ IS A GOOD LUCK CHARM HERE TOO!++”

“I suppose it is.” Camilla agreed with high hopes, before going through the standard preliminary routine she was taught. It’d take a bit of getting used to with the new aircraft, but it wouldn’t hinder her ability too much; F-19, F/A-130, they were both Euphemian in the end.. just one a lot more complicated than the other.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++PRELIM CHECK COMPLETE.++"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Slasher" | #77138] - [Cpt. H. Yunmeng] /// - "Prelim complete."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Prelim complete. We'll be taking off first."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [2Lt. S. Bai] /// - "Flight 1's already off. We're next."

Broadsword conducted its routine taxiing onto the runway, thrusters abruptly illuminating and sending the aircraft speeding down the runway, gracefully ascending into the morning sky. A loud BOOM sounded off as the flight leader's aircraft achieved impressive speed in takeoff.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Slasher" | #77138] - [Cpt. H. Yunmeng] /// - "We're up."

Slasher quickly made its way down the tarmac, speeding off gracefully into the air as it set after the squadron leader.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "You're up, Charognard."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "Copy that."

Charognard, in its shining splendor, taxied onto the runway before SAGA ran it through the takeoff procedure with ease, engines winding up before the speedy thrust took it down the runway and, within moments, ascending upwards. The rising sun greeted them as they gained speed, regrouping with the rest of the squadron once airborne.

It wasn't long before much of the squadron had set for the skies, the aircraft soon reaching the lower edges of the stratosphere as they pivoted to meet Carrier Strike Group 1's course. Of course, the formation was widely dispersed, as was the Euphemian modus operandi — the 'map' situated on the F/A-130's rather intricate computer gave enough details as to where each individual ship was, and where they were ordered to go.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [2Lt. E. Anderson] /// - "I miss seeing Arcadia's lights in the morning."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "It’s a tragedy Nouvelles Lunes is gone. The two cities were a great part of the Atlantic view.."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Fern willing, Tangaliro will be enveloped in darkness by the end of this war."

They pressed onwards, vast formations of cumulonimbus clouds floating below them. The sky was otherwise clear, the sun casting an almost surreal orange light to the various clouds and the practically infinite span of the Atlantic Ocean.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "So Bones, what did happen with you and the Precog after the bar? Anything interesting you'd like to inform this.. splendidly diverse squadron about?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - "Nothing, unfortunately I didn't take the opportunity. Maybe next time."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "I— what?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "Maybe next time? Smooth! Going for some Precog tail, I see."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Could we uh, not? Actually, how about you just shut up and stare at the radar.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [2Lt. R. Weatherford] /// - "You know, Colonel.. this mission would be a lot easier if my Chiangshi had a few nuclear warheads onboard."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Request denied.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [2Lt. R. Weatherford] /// - "Maybe next time. Just like your request to Neworder — second time'll be the charm."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Weatherford, when I got your files for the first time there was a very clearly written note that said you’re forbidden from carrying nukes. You’ll have to work on it if you want some.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [2Lt. R. Weatherford] /// - "I have a rather.. unconventional record. Don't worry about it, Colonel."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Carrier Strike Group One] - [FSS Outfield (CG-119) | Fern-class CG Flight IIIA] - [CAPTAIN] - [Cpt. Chris Ley] /// - "Good morning, Chair Force. This is captain Chris Ley of the FSS Outfield — and by Fern, it's good to be back. Due to a few issues with comms aboard the Alexandria, I'll be temporarily filling you in. What we're going to do today is simple: we're moving in and attacking those islands. The uncivilized insects on the Tangaliroan side are going to be pissed, so expect a plethora of targets — on the ground, in the air and at sea. You do your job, I'll do mine — killing as many of these bastards as possible. Remember Arcadia!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “I thought the islands got bombed to hell and back. What’s left, a couple of fishing villages threatening operations?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Carrier Strike Group One] - [FSS Outfield (CG-119) | Fern-class CG Flight IIIA] - [CAPTAIN] - [Cpt. Chris Ley] /// - "Quite frankly, we haven't bombed 'em enough. There are still naval facilities and airstrips that are still functional along the island chain, and your objective is to wipe 'em out. The Tangoids will be sending their best — expect resistance, and reinforcements from the mainland."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [13th Air Control Wing] - [E-901 Skyking | #18291] - [Maj. C. Rawlins VI] /// - "Ladies and gentlemen, this is Skyking New Dawn. We've got a forecast of mostly clear skies — with a rather high chance of bogeys in the air."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - "Ο Θεός ευλογεί αυτή την πτήση."

// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Dionysios, can you stop speaking monkey?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++COLONEL, HE SAID “GOD BLESS THIS FLIGHT.” HOPE THAT HELPS!++"

Schroeder audibly laughed on his end of the comms, before quickly returning to his usual seriousness.

// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “I hope he meant Neworder.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Rusalka" | #28173] - [Cpt. N. Zorić] /// - "My mother immigrated from mainland Tangaliro. She remarked to me once — they adhere to a proverb. The clouds conceal the predator, and allows them to strike their prey."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Rusalka" | #28173] - [2Lt. B. Shengnan] /// - "We'll kick their ass if they try anythin' funny!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "The Oséan was here once before. Surprisingly they gave up some of these bases without much a fight. I wonder how Piedra Blanca’s still holding up though.."

// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [2Lt. C. Xiuhcanahualtzin] /// - “What happened to it?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "It went back home after its homeport ceased to exist."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Carrier Strike Group One] - [FSS Alexandria (CVN-115) | Alexandria-class CVN] - [ADMIN] - [Ardent Argocosma 441] /// - "Comms malfunction has been repaired. Attention! Forty-five fighter aircraft have been reported on approach. All units advised to prepare for engagement. The Strike Group will also provide anti-air cover."

Indeed, forty-five blips were approaching — several thousand feet below their aircraft, coming from the northwest. The clouds provided said group ample concealment as they approached from afar — as Zorić had alluded.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Thirteen of those forty-five aircraft are carrying anti-ship loadouts."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [Cpt. M. Moore] /// - "How can you tell?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "..."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "Well, if Psycho thinks it's true, it must be true. She can see the future, right? Or read minds? Whatever it was."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Carrier Strike Group One] - [FSS Alexandria (CVN-115) | Alexandria-class CVN] - [ADMIN] - [Ardent Argocosma 441] /// - "Basing upon previous records of Tangaliroan naval warfare doctrine, the precognitive's inferrence is most likely correct."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "Even if it wasn’t, it’s better to treat them as being a threat to our fleet than no threat at all."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "I have a name, you know."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Carrier Strike Group One] - [FSS Alexandria (CVN-115) | Alexandria-class CVN] - [ADMIN] - [Ardent Argocosma 441] /// - "Oh, really?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Carrier Strike Group One] - [FSS Alexandria (CVN-115) | Alexandria-class CVN] - [COMMS OFFICER] - [LCDR. L. Snyders] /// - "I apologize in advance for our SAI. Someone thought it funny to allow it to emulate sarcasm."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++I AM RELIEVED TO KNOW I AM NOT ABLE TO EMULATE SARCASM... WELL, AT LEAST.++"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - "Hey Charognard-2, i have a proposition for ya'. Relax it's civil, don't get any ideas boys."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++I SHALL CAUTIOUSLY LISTEN TO YOUR PROPOSITION, BONES++"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "Maybe Psycho rejected further advancements by you. She can, after all, foresee outcomes."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - "You EM folk seem to have a solid reputation. Since you are new to the 447th, why don't you show us your skills. Attempt to shoot down more aircraft than Pyscho."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "You just want to see the robot and the precog compete, don’t you Bones?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - "No one told me we had another precog in the squadron."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “I think he and the precog just want to compete, period.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++DO YOU HAVE ANY TERMS FOR IF ONE OF US IS VICTORIOUS, OR DO YOU JUST WISH FOR A ‘PINCH OF SPORT?’++"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - "Last time I made terms, I got rejected down in a bar. Isn't that right, Shengnan?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Rusalka" | #28173] - [2Lt. B. Shengnan] /// - "Shut up. You don't deserve to see what I'm capable of."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - "There's always the next bet."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++WELL WE’LL HAVE TO SEE HOW QIANLONG PERFORMS THEN!++"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "I can already tell this is going to be a bad influence on you."

by **Etoile Marin** » Sat Mar 09, 2019 3:43 pm

Gradually, Flight Three split from the formation — following the orders Greenburg had inputted into the computers.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Flight Three, Rebel Yell — I want those aircraft engaged. New Dawn, how much cover can we expect?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [13th Air Control Wing] - [E-901 Skyking | #18291] - [Maj. C. Rawlins VI] /// - "The 582nd, 524th, and 444th Fighter Wings are moving in from the south. The Tangaliroans are critically outnumbered in this situation. There is also a single friendly mercenary air wing in the area of operations."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “By the way, I hear we’ll be working with those mercenaries later.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [Cpt. M. Moore] /// - "War's a profitable endeavor, Colonel. Euphemie's got thousands of centuries-old fighters sitting around in pretty good fuckin' condition."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "We'll cover you, Shrapnel. Sultans of Swing, follow Rebel Yell. We'll show 'em hell. Remember — Tangaliroan aircraft have no chances at evading our missiles once we're within thirty-seven miles of our target. Use the Comet missiles to your advantage."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Slasher" | #77138] - [Cpt. H. Yunmeng] /// - "Understood!"

The Sultans of Swing tailed behind Rebel Yell, slowly dipping into the vast expanse of clouds over the Atlantic. Passing through the cumulonimbus clouds, the occasional lightning strike served to keep Camilla and her robotic companion on edge as they pressed towards the Tangaliroan formation amidst the grey abyss.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "We're speeding at 'em from above. In a few seconds, we'll be well within range to strike. Be ready."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Activating DRFM jammers. They're about to get real fuckin' confused."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "I’m locked on! Four marks, sending it."

Just as the Sultans of Swing got their attack vector on the enemy formation, Charognard had sent four Comets down arcing for the anti-ship Adversaries. Camillia watched as the rest of flight two and three soon followed, sending their payloads down onto the enemy wing. Among her own four she fired, three connected with their targets. The surprisingly short distance was more than enough to guarantee three confirmed kills.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++FOUR SHOTS, THREE DOWN. GOOD KILLS!++"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “‘Aight. Flights One and Four, engage Tangaliroan aircraft.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [Cpt. N. Dragonforce] /// - "Copy that."

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-346X] - [Maj. C. Sheffield] /// - "What the bloody he—"

In a brief flash that illuminated the clouds, seven of the thirteen Tangaliroan aircraft armed with anti-ship missiles were obliterated. The Tangaliroan formation quickly dispersed, fighters soaring in a multitude of random directions to counter the two Chiangshi flights that'd come. Both flights were operating on how their missiles operated at closer range — with little consideration to whether Tangaliroan missiles were of similar caliber.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Missile locked onto me.”

This wasn’t really a matter of concern though, as the Euphemian jammers sent the missile veering wildly off course almost right after it launched.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-346X] - [Cpt. G. Michael] /// - "It's that squadron!"

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-346X] - [Cpt. M. Jin] /// - "I hear they have bring down two ace."

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-346X] - [Maj. J. Wen] /// - "你他妈给我闭嘴— oh FUCK! Get squadron leader off me!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Supporting!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [Cpt. N. Dragonforce] /// - "Chase, mark bearing two-seven-three, and chase that bogey. Fox—nevermind."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - "They’re all dead. Damn...”

Ten explosions erupted amidst the grey abyss of the clouds, the comms of the Tangaliroan AShM group abruptly going dead.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [Cpt. M. Moore] /// - "What the fuck — was that Psycho?"

/// [MERCFOR] - [Executive Aerial Solutions] - [626th Tactical Fighter Squadron "Junkrats"] - [F/A-127B "Forget me Not" | #XXXX] - [4POC4LYPS3] /// - "Whatever the fuck y'all did, y'all scared the shit out these motherfuckers! Tangos on the run!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++BONES, I DO BELIEVE YOU HAVE PLACED ME IN A VERY UNBALANCED PROPOSAL..++"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “... I’ve been lonely too long, oh I can’t be so strong-

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Slasher" | #77138] - [2Lt. J. Bryd] /// - "Skyking, please 'mute' the Colonel."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [2Lt. C. Xiuhcanahualtzin] /// - “Colonel, please stop or I’m going to mute you.”

It seemed that Schroeder’s sudden lyrical demonstration, brought about by the swift destruction of any nearby targets, was impressing nobody.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [2Lt. C. Xiuhcanahualtzin] /// - “Fine, have it your way.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "Tangaliroan air forces are pulling back with the destruction of their anti-ship force. Our predictive algorithms estimate they'll be attempting to cover the islands."

Communications from Schroeder were paused for a few seconds, presumably because he was arguing with Huatzin, before he decided to unmute the Colonel.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [2Lt. C. Xiuhcanahualtzin] /// - “You are a horrible singer, and I don’t see why you decided to violate your own rules about comms chatter.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Oh come on. Nobody’s even around for us to fight!”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [2Lt. C. Xiuhcanahualtzin] /// - “Did anybody say anything while I was dealing with him?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Redneck II" | #17772] - [Cpt. J. McGinnis] /// - "Nothin' at all, compadre."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "I cannot 'see ahead' — I cannot predict what awaits."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [Cpt. M. Moore] /// - "That's reassuring, Psycho."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - "Well, if it’s a ship, consider it dead. If it is a bigger ship, consider it extra dead — cooked well done.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Carrier Strike Group One] - [FSS Alexandria (CVN-115) | Alexandria-class CVN] - [CAPTAIN] - [Cpt. Thomas Grünberg] /// - "Greetings, flyboys, flygirls and everything in between — Carrier Strike Group One is now commencing its advance towards Krusalio. We expect coastal defenses to be 'dealt with' by your forces accordingly."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Affirmative.”

The 447th quickly plunged below the cloudline, pursuing the retreating Tangaliroan aircraft towards the archipelago. The place was heavily contested between Euphemian ground forces, a few rag-tag bands of friendly Marinian units, a few friendly mercenary groups and of course the island's garrisons.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Pingying (DDG-317)] - [Cpt. M. Wei] /// - "Greetings, Federal dogs. I was informed of the rather pathetic performance of our air units. The Navy will not be as easy. Ten thousand years to Tangaliro! Wansui! Wansui! Wan—"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [13th Air Control Wing] - [E-901 Skyking | #18291] - [Maj. C. Rawlins VI] /// - "I've shut him up."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Did they figure out what was allowing their Navy captains to talk to us?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [13th Air Control Wing] - [E-901 Skyking | #18291] - [Maj. C. Rawlins VI] /// - "No fucking clue — sink that pain in the ass before they get back in."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - "With pleasure. Nicole, you know what to do.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [Cpt. N. Dragonforce] /// - "Locked on. Rifle one, rifle two.”

Two AGM-334 Carnifex anti-ship missiles flew from Cutlass and blasted towards the TUS Pingying. The speeding projectiles surpassed all of the ill-fated vessel's defenses — one careening into the bridge with near-hypersonic speed and practically cracking the ship in two — the other falling just short of the target. But, the damage had been done: a satisfying WHOMP confirmed the detonation of the missile and the killing of their target.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - "Bullseye. Scratch one Tang ship.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "That makes two ship-killers in this squadron."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vice" | #11732] - [Maj. E. Lyle] /// - "We've got something, hold on."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vice" | #11732] - [2Lt S. Hei] /// - "FUCK! I DEPLOY COUNTERMEASURE NOW!"

Camilla could see a single Tangaliroan air-to-air missile fly dangerously close to Vice as it swerved upwards in the air, conducting a sharp Immelmann as it deployed its towed decoy — which had just barely managed to seduce the missile away from a certain hit.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-382D Durandal II <<FS Designation: Super Tiger>>] - [Col. Rebecca Wolfe "Paladin of Ravenfall"] /// - "Good morning, Euphemians. I am Colonel Rebecca Wolfe of the Tangaliroan Air Force, heir to the titular earlship of Wolfe and bearer of my family's honor. I look forward to engaging you all in combat today."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Slasher" | #77138] - [Cpt. H. Yunmeng] /// - "Somebody's locking on! Deploying decoy!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Slasher" | #77138] - [2Lt. J. Bryd] /// - "Fuck! Decoy's trapped! BAIL!"

Slasher's canopy flew open as the two pilots ejected, their chutes deploying soon thereafter. Seconds later, the aircraft was gone — a bright flash reducing the aircraft to a smoldering fireball that spun downward towards Krusalio.

SAGA narrowly evaded the debris coming off of Slasher’s airframe blowing to smitherines, giving Camilla a slight jolt from the sudden impact. She’d been caught off-guard by the spontaneous hit to her ally - it’d also left their flight severely undermanned.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "Shit! Sultans are down to two."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "They call her the Paladin of Ravenfall.. be advised, she's not working alone."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [Cpt. N. Dragonforce] /// - "Get on her, Chase.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - "I’m on her.”

Cutlass broke formation to pursue the Ace, matching its evasive maneuvers with those of its own. Soon, a lock was made once Cutlass aligned with the enemy, two missiles flying from the weapon pylons carried by the fighter.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [Cpt. N. Dragonforce] /// - "Fox one. Fox two.”

Two explosions went off near the 'Paladin of Ravenfall' as they spun wildly to evade the missile — the airframe receiving a fair beating from being near the blast.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-382D Durandal II <<FS Designation: Super Tiger>>] - [Col. Rebecca Wolfe "Paladin of Ravenfall"] /// - "Fascinating. I shan't allow you to further infringe upon Tangaliro's fair shores."

The ace fired a cluster of five missiles, which soared straight for Cutlass. Chase’s breathing became more hoarse as they pulled off the evasive maneuver, activating ECM to dodge the inbound missiles.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [Cpt. N. Dragonforce] /// - "They’re gone.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - "Γαμώτο.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++SO PROFANE CUTLASS.++"

Another aircraft entered the scene — Psycho. A lone missile swerved past the ace, who dodged it with incredible ease. As the ace's F-382D came around,

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-382D Durandal II <<FS Designation: Super Tiger>>] - [Col. Rebecca Wolfe "Paladin of Ravenfall"] /// - "I've heard a few things about this one."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Looks like it's just us now, Charognard. I'll handle the ace — watch my back."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "On it! We’re tailing your six."

With a sudden incredible turn that almost sent the F-382D crashing into Charognard, the aircraft swerved past — an audible engine screech as it passed Camilla. Almost effortlessly, it came behind Cutlass, firing away five of its missiles at the aircraft.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "Holy shit! Don’t want to get that close again."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [Cpt. N. Dragonforce] /// - "Five missiles inbound—shit. ECM’s not working.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - "Bail out!”

Cutlass’s canopy blasted off its hinges, but both its pilot and WSO were alive as they ejected, their parachutes deploying soon after. However, the same could not be said for their plane: in an orange flash, Cutlass was gone, annihilated by the five missiles that hit it.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Coming in for another round! I know what they're going to do!"

Psycho looped around, speeding in pursuit of the ace. Firing a burst of 20mm at the aircraft's engine, the precog managed a few good hits before disappearing into the cloudline above once again.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-382D Durandal II <<FS Designation: Super Tiger>>] - [Col. Rebecca Wolfe "Paladin of Ravenfall"] /// - "It appears my engine has sustained some damage."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "I'm back."

Emerging from the cloud layer once again, Psycho's aircraft fired off a single missile at the Tangaliroan ace — missile detonating dangerously close to the cockpit. The F-382D conducted a sharp S-turn — coming face to face with Bones. Firing a burst of 20mm, it lightly scathed the Chiangshi's nose as it sped past — briefly vanishing into the clouds.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [Cpt. D. Memei] /// - “Everyone's still alive in here, our radar has been damaged a bit though."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "I have a good feeling about this run!"

Sweeping upwards again, Brynn's aircraft strafed the ace — managing a few hits to the fighter's left wing before soaring past once more. The ace suddenly became a lot more prominent on everyone's maps — it seemed Brynn was using the 'multiple targeting' feature of the F/A-130's laser designators rather distastefully, painting a huge target on the 'Paladin of Ravenfall'.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [Cpt. M. Moore] /// - "Finally shook those assholes off me! I'm coming in!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "Watch out, she’s not alone!"

Just as Sabre swooped in to attack the Tangaliroan ace, another target entered the AO.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-298FD <<FS Designation: Silent Banshee)>>] - [Maj. Katharine Ebner "Einherjar"] /// - "DIE, EUPHEMIAN DOG!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [2Lt. E. Anderson] /// - "WHAT THE FUCK!"

Twelve missiles soared towards Sabre, who promptly — and miraculously — spun out of the way, evading the volley and disappearing into the clouds once more.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++I’VE REGISTERED A SECOND AIRCRAFT ENGAGING US.++"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Shit! I’m coming in.”

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-298FD <<FS Designation: Silent Banshee)>>] - [Maj. Katharine Ebner "Einherjar"] /// - "Every single one of you is going to die over Krusalio's waters! I anticipate nothing short of your demise."

Approaching the current dogfight with the Paladin, Schroeder came in guns blazing, landing several hits on her engine.

Looping around to evade Wageslave, the Paladin of Ravenfall attempted to strafe Broadsword — narrowly missing as she soared by.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Charognard, cover me!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "We’re with you! Watch for the second hostile Wageslave, it’s on your tail!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++FIRST HOSTILE IS SHOWING SIGNS OF DAMAGE.++"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “I see a second overhyped, mediocre piece of shit quote-on-quote ‘ace’ has arrived for me to destroy.”

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-298FD <<FS Designation: Silent Banshee)>>] - [Maj. Katharine Ebner "Einherjar"] /// - "Ah, you must be the one they call 'the Boomer' ... I will enjoy sending you to your death."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Then try. Why do you think all your friends die to our missiles?”

Performing and S-turn, Bones was positioned firmly near the Ace. With the hum of the lock confirmed, Bones fired 5 Comet missiles towards the target. Activating their ECM countermeasures, each missile except for one began to slowly disappeared off of Bones HUD. One Hit was confirmed, but the battle was far from over.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Coming in to assist, Bones!"

Psycho came to the left of Bones, firing away a volley of 20mm rounds at the ace — managing a fair degree of hits to the aircraft's engine — prompting a few loose sparks and flames to shoot out, though the aircraft seemed otherwise unaffected.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-382D Durandal II <<FS Designation: Super Tiger>>] - [Col. Rebecca Wolfe "Paladin of Ravenfall"] /// - "Such a lack of class.."

The ace approached behind Bones, firing away at the fighter — and missing terribly. Meanwhile, the second Tangaliroan ace, 'Einherjar', was attempting to pursue Schroeder's aircraft.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-298FD <<FS Designation: Silent Banshee)>>] - [Maj. Katharine Ebner "Einherjar"] /// - "This ends here!"

A single missile fired off, speeding at the Euphemian aircraft — and completely missing.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Your arrogance will be your downfall.”

With Einherjar distracted with Schroeder, Broadsword had come behind, with Charognard covering her.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Use your guns. These fighters are loaded to the brim with countermeasures!"

With a single strafe, Broadsword came incredibly close to a shot that would've otherwise cut Einherjar's wing loose — but had evidently fallen short. While the other ace and the first Flight were busy with the Paladin, Schroeder had turned his aircraft around and fired a single missile at the ‘Silent Banshee’. The missile detonated close to the cockpit, rattling its pilot.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “You must be lucky against all of us. I need only be lucky against you.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "I’ve got them lined up! Firing!"

Camilla came just past Broadsword as she failed her strafe by a margin, SAGA aligning their nose close to center-mass of the cockpit on the Silent Banshee. With a quick press, the 20mm rotary cannon spun to life and emptied a stream of rounds down range. The rounds pelted just shy of the cockpit itself, puncturing spare room in their fuselage - a good hit, but not a helpful one.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++GOOD HITS, REGROUPING ON BROADSWORD.++"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [Cpt. M. Moore] /// - "We're coming back around!"

Sabre shot through the cloudline as the aircraft descended — managing not a single hit on the Paladin of Ravenfall.

Performing a high yo-yo maneuver, Bones somehow managed to make itself angled above the fighter. Due to the distance, Bones opted to use its 20mm gun. With the perfect opportunity presenting itself, a stream of 20mm slammed against the right wing of the fighter.

With Bones landing a successful hit on the ace, Psycho attempted to join in — missing the Tangaliroan aircraft by a rather far margin. The duel in the skies seemed to be far from letting up — and it would be sure to dictate the stake of the ground fight.

The Paladin of Ravenfall approached behind Charognard, the computer's display clearly warning Camilla that her Chiangshi was being pursued.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-382D Durandal II <<FS Designation: Super Tiger>>] - [Col. Rebecca Wolfe "Paladin of Ravenfall"] /// - "This one is different... Marinian markings? ..fighting so vainly for their lost homeland, I see..."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "Shit, they’re on my tail Broadsword!"

The Paladin of Ravenfall fired its three remaining missiles at the Charognard — the missiles rapidly approaching the airframe.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++MISSILES INBOUND. DEPLOYING COUNTERMEASURES AT ONCE.++"

SAGA sent out the towed decoy to ward off the approaching projectiles - easily thwarting them from a certain impact on the airframe’s rear. Charognard swiftly maneuvered out of the ace’s firing line, knowing the guns would come next.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "We'll try to shake them off! Fire!"

The Broadsword abruptly decelerated, firing away its 20mm rounds at the Tangaliroan ace — rounds soaring past.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-298FD <<FS Designation: Silent Banshee)>>] - [Maj. Katharine Ebner "Einherjar"] /// - "Perhaps you weren't expecting this. Die, Euphemian dog!"

A spray of 20mm rounds flew over Charognard as the F-298FD maneuvered upward in a swift, sudden attempt to bring down Schroeder.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Shit, you got me good. You need to try harder than that, though!”

Suddenly applying the air brakes, Schroeder rapidly decreased his speed, trying to get under or behind the ace. The ace flying above him, he pointed his nose up and unleashed his 20mm on her left wing, ripping several holes into it.

The Paladin of Ravenfall, meanwhile, was taking quite a few hits — sections of fuselage flying loose as Psycho's F/A-130 strafed it, flying past the Tangaliroan ace with devious intent. The tables were quickly turning on the master Tangaliroan pilots.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Bones, help me finish 'em off!"

Approaching the Paladin from the side, it was almost as if Bones was attempting to T-Bone the fighter. Letting off a series of 20mm burst towards the engine, Bones veered of last second, stopping short of any kind of collision.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - “I’ve got you covered, let's finish off the home stretch.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Carrier Strike Group Six] - [FSS Outfield (CG-119) | Fern-class CG Flight IIIA] - [COMMS OFFICER] - [LCDR. Mary Lima] /// - "My commanding officer has ordered me to announce that we will be targeting all Tangaliroan military assets in Krusalio. Tangaliroan forces have been given a merciful two minutes to surrender."

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-382D Durandal II <<FS Designation: Super Tiger>>] - [Col. Rebecca Wolfe "Paladin of Ravenfall"] /// - "Einherjar, the Euphemians leave me no choice. Ram the Outfield."

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-298FD <<FS Designation: Silent Banshee)>>] - [Maj. Katharine Ebner "Einherjar"] /// - "The Sacred Union State shall last ten thousand years!"

The two aircraft suddenly broke their dogfighting turns, activating afterburners and speeding westward — bound straight for the FSS Outfield.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Charognard! Handle the Einherjar — I will go for Paladin. Hail Neworder!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++HANDLING PALADIN.++"

Charognard broke away from Broadsword to chase down Einherjar as it tried to escape the dogfight and head for the Outfield. Camilla wouldn’t allow a repeat of the infamous Mendenhall incident to occur by these damned Tangaliroans.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "Get us in close."

SAGA complied, initiating afterburners and trailing the Einherjar ace, leaving a streak brighter than the stars they fought for in their wake. The stark contrast between the grey Tangaliroan aircraft and blue-white showcase of Marinian pride painted an endearing image in Camilla’s mind; she’d have wanted her peers to see this up close.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++WAS THERE ANYTHING YOU WISHED TO SAY TO THEM?++"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "Marinians aren’t Euphemians, but they damn well will share the same enemy after that day. Let it be known that we. will. Survive!"

In a fit of passionate disdain for her target, at the convenient moment her reticles were directly on top of the enemy aircraft, she let loose the remaining four AAM-241 Comets on their airframe. They closed the gap with flashing streaks of light, arcing for their target.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-298FD <<FS Designation: Silent Banshee)>>] - [Maj. Katharine Ebner "Einherjar"] /// - "It appears this is where it ends for me. Ten thousand years to the Sacred Union State!"

At such close proximity, all four easily connected with their target, filling their vision temporarily with bursts of color and flame.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Stop, bastard, you’re mine!”

Schroeder unleashed all of his remaining Comets at “Einherjar” as she exploded, missiles instead splashing along the ocean. Camilla felt an unusual sense of relief once the ace pilot’s airframe shattered before her eyes, a smoldering fireball left to descend to the waves below. Einherjar was no more.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "..That’s one more ace down in this world. Ave Stella Maris."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++NOW WE MUST ELIMINATE PALADIN, CENTER FLIGHT!++"

For her in particular, this had been the first ace she’d ever killed, though for her career her squadron had shot down plenty in the past. She wondered to herself if she would experience this same sensation again, the feeling of being a true savior. Camilla would let SAGA handle maneuvering them back into the skies, looking out the side of her cockpit as she observed the others proceed to chase down the last Tangaliroan ace.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Activating afterburners. Hail Neworder!"

Psycho accelerated off in a bright streak, tailing after the Paladin of Ravenfall.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Outfield, two suicide craft heading towards you! They intend on ramming.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Carrier Strike Group One] - [FSS Outfield (CG-119) | Fern-class CG Flight IIIA] - [CAPTAIN] - [Cpt. Chris Ley] /// - "Hah! The mad bastards. Wouldn't be the first time."

Psycho managed to almost match the Paladin's speed, firing off a volley of 20mm rounds into the rear of the aircraft, damaging the Tangaliroan ace's plane further as they accelerated towards the Outfield. The Tangaliroans were decreasing their altitude — intending to strike the Outfield by the waterline.

Seemingly as if there was a competition between Psycho, Bones turned into Paladin as she was tailing them and released a Bushstroke missile. This could have potentially been the mission winning shot, all the Bones crew could do was watch. As the missile connected with the tailwing, they observed the aircraft. Holding on by a prayer, the pilot remained defiant and continued flying.

Psycho continued firing away at the aircraft — 20mm rounds splashing just below the aircraft. She'd need to try harder if she wanted to score the final kill.

Attempting to follow up before Psycho could take what was technically hers, Bones fired off a steam of 20mm rounds. To no avail, all rounds missed.

The three aircraft were competing fiercely for the achievement of killing the Tangaliroan ace. With a final 20mm burst, Psycho managed to send 20mm rounds shredding through the Paladin of Ravenfall's fuselage — the aircraft quickly coming apart.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-382D Durandal II <<FS Designation: Super Tiger>>] - [Col. Rebecca Wolfe "Paladin of Ravenfall"] /// - "So this.. is peace. Godspeed, Euphemians. You have fought well."

The fighter collided violently into the water, an explosion erupting across the waves as Psycho flew past — leaving the fate of the Paladin of Ravenfall rather obvious.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Scratch one!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Damnit! Good one, Psycho."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "Well done Psycho!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - “I was this close to getting that kill. You must feel happy right about now Psycho”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "That one's going in my record! If comms weren't monitored, I'd let you take the credit."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [13th Air Control Wing] - [E-901 Skyking | #18291] - [Maj. C. Rawlins VI] /// - "Nobody escapes my watch."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Wanting to give your buddy credit for your kills now? Have you fallen for him, perhaps?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Uhh.. what are you getting at, Colonel?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Don’t play stupid.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "I don't go beyond my league, Colonel. I know my place."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Didn’t stop you when you were at the bar, ‘least as far as I’ve been told. [chuckling]”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vice" | #11732] - [Maj. E. Lyle] /// - "Our squadron has a precog, a robot — and now a romance. What a band of misfits.."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “This isn’t the first romance.”

What did Schroeder mean by this? It was a question some were surely asking themselves right now, Camilla included.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [13th Air Control Wing] - [E-901 Skyking | #18291] - [Maj. C. Rawlins VI] /// - "Almost fell asleep. Judging by the fact you're all gossiping like a bunch of teenage girls, I can only assume— ah. I see. Tangaliroan air forces have been obliterated."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Takes time to get to Krusalio.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Carrier Strike Group One] - [FSS Outfield (CG-119) | Fern-class CG Flight IIIA] - [CAPTAIN] - [Cpt. Chris Ley] /// - "I'd like to send my personal regards to Psycho and Charognard for saving the asses of 330 Federal Navy sailors. Tangaliro will rue the day they attacked us. Remember Arcadia! Remember Etoile Marin! HAIL NEWORDER!"

A cascade of orange streaks shot upward from the VLS pods of the FSS Outfield as it commenced its campaign of death upon designated Tangaliroan targets on the island. The fate of the enemy had been sealed.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Carrier Strike Group One] - [FSS Alexandria (CVN-115) | Alexandria-class CVN] - [CAPTAIN] - [Cpt. Thomas Grünberg] /// - "Thank you for buying us time, gentlemen. VFA-125 will sortie and wipe out whatever the Outfield misses. Consider this a victory for the Federal States of Euphemie!"

by **Etoile Marin** » Sat Mar 09, 2019 3:46 pm

Nevis AFB, Marinesia, Federal States of Euphemie

11 January, A.C. 393

Cpt. Camilla Toulant
354th Fighter Wing
447th Tactical Fighter Squadron

Much unlike the defense of Etoile Marin and Arcadia, the Federal States of Euphemie had absolutely wiped the floor with Tangaliroan forces defending Krusalio. With Carrier Strike Group One largely obliterating the Tangaliroan defense on the island. With the complete obliteration of Airstrip Five, the path lay open for the fulfillment of CSG 1's amphibious role: LSTs and airborne units had conducted a thorough sweep of the island in the immediate aftermath of the air battle, effectively sealing the fate of the first batch of Tangaliroan Atlantic Islands.

This, of course, merited celebration — by now the 447th had the attention of President Neworder himself, and there were a few spare F/A-130 Chiangshi fighters sitting in Nevis to account for any airframe losses on the part of the pilots themselves. The recovery operation for the pilots that had been shot down or otherwise was swift, the recovered pilots being met with celebration as they arrived on the island.

Things were much more light-hearted now — the celebration much more genuine than the last as the Federal States had made genuine progress in the struggle against Tangaliro. The bar at Nevis had quickly become occupied by the 447th's pilots. Psycho and the Charognard's crew had become the stars of the event, as they'd performed quite admirably in the fight. The Charognard's especially — one was a robot, and the other's tragedy and profound desire for revenge merited the utmost respect. Colonel Schroeder, meanwhile, was as expected in his office, probably drinking some cheap beer. He wasn’t a fan of bars, and especially didn’t want to drink with his squadron pilots, lest something incredibly unfortunate occurred.

Camilla and SAGA were both there for their own reasons, already well introduced to the atmosphere of the squadron. She was there to take her mind off the tragic thoughts that she frequently had in this line of work, while he was there for... lack of better words, out of curiosity. SAGA had heard that Camilla was going to celebrate with the crews at the bar on Nevis and become intrigued, more for the social aspect of it than any sense of drinking. She hadn’t really thought much of it at the time - though, she could only have prayed the rest of the pilots would not endanger a multi-million dollar artificial intelligence with risky tricks.

She was at the bar trying sets of Marinesian wine that weren’t common on Etoile Marin; the others who frequented this place knew the alcohol from the island better than she did, so she’d trusted their input and gone straight into it. They’d made merry conversation over the cultural exchange and laughed over drinks, the tolerant woman feeling at ease for once in the past week. She wasn’t sure what SAGA was doing or where SAGA was, but she figured probably with the precog, Qianlong or some other intellectual who would no doubt use the opportunity to inspect him further. In her hands now, she held a glass of Marinesian Delite - the name wasn’t the best attempt of course, but on a scale it was actually pretty well made.

"Now, back in Torch we've got way better tastes," Dean Camden, the WSO of Misfit, had somehow ended up going on a tangent about wines and alcoholic beverages. He gestured to one of the bottles. "The finest vineyards in Trinity, I tell you. We have a special mix my father — he's an investor at the Torch City Stock Exchange — particularly likes. They call it, uh, Eau Noir.. am I sayin' that right? It's incredibly potent. And quite fine, I might add—" His voice was briefly muffled by drunken hollering in the background — and SAGA's distant, confused voice. "Anyway, let me just buy a whole ass glass for the two of us. I haven't had it in awhile, actually. Shit's pretty good. The fact that they have it here at Nevis just goes to show how first-class this place is. Truly, we're the finest around. Anyway," He gestured one of the bartenders over, who promptly filled two glasses. "See? They love me. I'm a valued customer! Being a fighter ace helps, too." He pushed one of the glasses to Camilla, still attent on trying the drink he hadn't had in quite awhile. "What does Eau Noir mean, anyway? Eau Nwoire. Eau Noire. Eau Noir. I'm not a specialist on Marine. Is that how you say it?"

Camilla took a long moment to enjoy the rest of her Delite before having a glass of the so-so fabled Eau Noir next. “As a matter of fact, you’ve got it right. It means ‘Black Water’ in Marinian. Fitting name, really. My husband was born in Augusta, so he was never much a fan of wines - at least until he moved to Masais.” She wasn’t so inebriated that she’d make stupid decisions, but the drinks were helping ease her mind when it came to her family.

"Oh, I see. Wine's all the craze in the more upper-class circles of Torch. I'm sorry about what happened to your family — I'm sure I lost a cousin or two in Arcadia. Family's real big, can't really tell who's who at this point. Sometimes we get together, and I run into some guy I knew from, like, my childhood— and I gotta pretend I remember his name! You know what I mean? Anyway, yeah. Eau N— Eau Noir. There's something incredibly fine about Torch City, if you know where to look. Neon-lit, smoke-filled bars in all their post-modernist, nigh-brutalist glory. I wish I hadn't gotten tricked into joining the Federal Air Force. I mean, one of these days a missile could hit me and I'd be done. Finished. Dead. I don't want that to happen — real scary." He paused to take a sip of the wine, still having a rather refined quality to how he handled the wineglass. Defying her original expectations, he was also an odd one out in a way — a man with a businessman mind among fighter pilots.

“I appreciate the thoughts for my family - it’s harder on you when they’re closer to you, I think. I have some cousins who made it out fine, but we weren’t very close.” She sipped her wine as she listened to him go on to describe the aesthetic appeal of Torch City, a grin forming on her face. “I’ve never really been there before, but it sounds similar to Nouvelles Cannes in a way. Like a melting pot for everything fancy in this world.”

"Torch City? Oh, it's somethin' else. It's got to be the biggest city in the world, I'm sure. Is it? It probably is. It's.. huge. It just goes on, and on, and on.. and unlike Arcadia, it doesn't have any dangerous, uh, tokamacallit— whatever that thing is called. The thing that the Tangaliroans blew up. Fuckin' Tangaliroans.. I'm sure we're making them shit bricks now. I mean, we kicked their fucking ass today. You think they've got us on some sort of list? I can imagine it now, a poster with my face on it, their little funny letters— 'wanted'. Public enemy number one or somethin'.."

“The Arcadia Tokamak Plant?” She thought on it, remembering the site vaguely. “Ah.. yeah, I remember them having a plant there for sometime now. I never knew why they thought putting it in the middle of a city was a good idea, but I wouldn’t have thought so many would suffer because of it.. at least now we’ve dealt Tangaliro a solid blow the past week.” She smiled with a chuckle. “I’m sure whatever list they’ve got us on won’t be enough to stop all of us combined. I know the Séraphs were like that, but our own aces kept us safe. I meant to ask, how’d it go on your end of today’s OP? I didn’t see much of your flight after the aces showed up.”

"I was busy tryin' not to get my ass kicked by some of those Tangaliroans. We outnumbered them, like what, ten to one? They still put up a damn good fight. Hell, one of 'em tried to strafe my cockpit. I worry sometimes— my pilot's a real needy one. She looks up to me, or something like that. It's surprising, I know, considering I'm not a role model at all. Me? A role model? Pffft. Getouttahere!" He chuckled to himself, continuing the rant. He was certainly more talkative than usual, perhaps due to the drinking. "Our squadron's got a lot of good kids. I worry for some of 'em. I don't want to see them get hurt. So sometimes, I act a little out of line — almost bite off more than I can chew trying to protect others. It all works out in the end, though. Kinda like life. It all just works out in the end." His eyes lit up as he remembered something. "Oh, shit. I heard you shot down one of those aces, right? Psycho took the other one — I joke around a lot, but she's a good kid. Both of y'all did pretty good last fight, I gotta say. My record was nowhere near as good."

“You sure? It was only a few marks and an ace..” She downplayed her own accolades, but only because she then added, “It hardly seems like much compared to what Psycho here can do. Did you see her out there? She got over 10 kills! I don’t think any Séraph has gotten that many in one engagement. Is she always like that?” She sounded genuinely in awe of Qianlong’s capability in the field.

"Yeah, this was a small engagement — if it was any bigger a deal, she'd have somethin' like 15 or 20 kills. She took down like, 12 bombers back in Eagle's Night. 12? I think it was 12. Yeah. 12. She's one of a kind — good kid. I joke a lot, sometimes I even get pissed at her, but she's one of the more essential parts of this squadron. I could get shot down and be replaced, one two three, baddabing baddaboom. But her— I don't know if there are any others out there like her. Do you think the Tangaliroans have a 'precog' of their own?"

“If I’m being honest, Qianlong’s the first time I’ve ever heard of a human having really good precognition. I’d only ever heard of it happening in dreams until I met her. SAGA’s sortof able to do the same thing, but that’s different - he’s a machine, he’s inferring based on everything around him and going with what’s most probable; even we can do that if we’re trained enough. But she’s just.. she’s on a whole other level. I doubt she’s ever said much on how or why she’s so sensitive, but it’s always possible they could have their own out there.. Somewhere.” She stirred the wine in a delicate hand grip, thinking to herself if SAGA had noticed it too.

"Oh, no doubt about it. I only worry about when they'll send theirs after ours." He finished his wineglass rather quickly. "She gets, like, these visions— or some shit like that— and she just knows what'll happen next. They say it's anywhere between a few seconds to a few minutes. Back in Arcadia, I heard she just flew up, took out eight bombers in a row, just like that. Boom boom boom. Like nothing to her. Now, that's what scares me — if the Tangos have one like her, but better."

“She’s got a kill count probably triple what the Séraphs Ace had - I’m genuinely in awe of her. Even I’m replaceable, I haven’t been flying very long, so I don’t think I’ll ever be able to do what she can. But, y’know.. we’ve all got our specialties.” She took a long sip before letting out a sigh of relief. “It’s funny, I used to think I wasn’t doing enough for myself and those around me. Now I’ve got one of the most important roles I can imagine - upholding a whole nation’s legacy! It’s not everyday you get that kind of responsibility. And I’m glad I get to share it with some good folks in this squadron.” She spoke honestly with a smile.

"You know, this squadron might be a mess, but it's alright. I just worry a lot — not just about myself. The Almighty Dollar can only protect me so much, after all. I just worry, you know? I get a little paranoid— that Psycho's our miracle kid, we're on a luck streak and our luck will run out one day." He turned his gaze off to the various seats and booths at the bar, which were crowded with pilots of the 447th. In the booth nearby, Chase was busy talking to his WSO, still rubbing his eyes as he yawned. Evidently, he hadn’t been getting much sleep, as suggested by rather lethargic mannerisms after their missions, and overall mopey behavior. Most of the time, his colleagues just played it off as a sort of joke, quickly making a recurring joke of referring to the action of someone drifting off into a lethargic half-asleep state as “CDing,”—after Chase’s initials—but this joke only lasted for about a week or so.

Chase leaned forwards and said something inaudible to Nicole, the both of them standing up and leaving promptly afterwards, for no apparent reason. The both of them had drank very lightly, Nicole being someone who didn’t drink at all, while Chase only had one glass before leaving. One’s mind could only wander as to what this meant, especially those minds that had a little too much, but it was probably just Chase going off to sleep while Nicole..did whatever she did in her free time. After all, if there was anyone who was as robotic as SAGA in terms of mannerism, and even more boring to be around, it was Nicole. Chase seemed like the only person who could tolerate her boring behavior.

Much of the rest of the squadron was around and about the room, occupying much of the tables — contrary to Camilla's assumptions, the automaton was not being carefully analyzed by Brynn. The opposite, in fact — it had become the focus of much of the squadron's tomfoolery, though Engelhardt had been explicitly instructed by Schroeder to ensure the machine wasn't damaged. She was following said order — somewhat. Greenburg was also onboard with said order as well, ironically — his menacing physical stature serving as reason enough for most of the pilots to avoid going too far.

"Well, at least they aren't gonna rough him up too bad. Greenburg will beat the living shit out of anyone who damages the machine. You know, I'd have expected the robot to be with Psycho. It's kinda crazy, you know — how real technology's getting. It's almost like SAGA is like a living, breathing member of the squad. I like him, actually. Are there any other machines like him out there? I remember, back in my childhood, I wanted to buy a cute robotic maid that would do all the work for me when I was a grown up. Handle the bills, pay the checks. It kinda scares me in a way, though. At what point do they replace us? You know what I'm saying? Psycho was from one of those Experimental air units — I hear one of them's experimenting with drones. At what point do these drones make pilots like us obsolete, things of the past? It's kinda fucked up, if you think about it — but if it means my kids won't die in some future war, flyin' a stupid plane— then I'd be for it. Maybe. I don't know if I'll have kids either, maybe I'll die before I even get to find anyone worthwhile in life. You know what I mean? Anyways," He gestured the bartender to fill his glass again. "But yeah, that's the gist of it."

Camilla finished her glass dry, setting it down for a moment before facing him. “SAGA’s a one of a kind, just like he admits. I will admit, I don’t know anything about how he came to be. Just some secret project of the Crown’s. But he’s able to pull his weight and keep morale up when you least expect it - I think he’s got Utsanji parts in him. Those weirdos across the realm are always up to futuristic stuff. But eh, it’s nice to have him around anyway. He’ll never replace me in every regard you’d expect, but he replaced a dead ace for that purpose, and gets the job done well. You mentioned drones though, you think they’ll ever be able to do the same thing we can for the right price? I always thought those kinds of projects were really costly to invest in.”

"Oh, no kidding. You know, he reminds me a bit of Psycho— not in a bad way, of course. I just figure that maybe the kid should open herself up a bit more, you know?" He shook his head, chuckling to himself. "Man, I should be a therapist or somethin'.. or maybe I need a therapist. This Air Force shit's got me head over heels... anyway, drones. Yeah, they confuse me. Slowly war's going to just become fought by mil-brats sitting in their rooms controlling weapons of war hundreds of miles away. I don't know, but somethin's just... wrong about it. But if it means people won't die as often— no. It'll mean people will die more often. There's no longer any worry about manpower loss when you lose an unmanned airframe. It all becomes a game. A killin' game. Yeah, I don't think I like this drone business, now that I think about it.. it's scary, if anything."

“I’m sure there’s a few here she trusts that she could be more open around, but I can’t say if I’m one of them. I’ve only been here a week, I’d understand her wanting her space. My son used to be like that y’know - but he experienced autism early on in life, so it just came with the effect. Not that I’m accusing her of anything! Just, I’m used to that kind of behavior. But.. I can’t help but wonder what’s going to become of us after all these wars.. you’re right on one thing, no one’s going to remember the drone operator. Just the fancy machine in the sky taking care of everyone’s problems. People won’t remember veteran pilots if we replace them all with drones. We’ll just.. fade away, I guess for lack of a better term. Scary way for a noble responsibility to go out too.”

"Well, I don't think this war's the end. If anything, it's the beginning of a mess that our children, and our children's children will be knee-deep in. Mederum's always been a 'Heart of Darkness' of sorts.. you know what I mean? Stare at the abyss — it just stares back at you It scares me — Euphemie's been a pretty peaceful place, until recently. The shit in Torch City— God, what barbarism. It's like the whole world's gone mad, you know? But doesn't it scare you — the thought of a war that we might not even live to see the conclusion of?" Perhaps Camden was going on another tangent, or perhaps he was getting at something incredibly profound. "Man. All this because you wanted to taste a few new varieties of wine. I'm sorry about the whole tangent. I get a little like this when I drink, you know what I'm saying?"

She couldn’t help but laugh heartily before shifting her glass about idly, fidgeting in thought with a genuinely content air about her. Listening to Camden’s rants had been a helpful lift on her mind, more than she’d have expected it to be. The squadron had a lot of quirky people she was beginning to think she could grow to like. “Yeah, I do. It’s nice to vent your thoughts every now and then, so I was happy to listen to your rambling. Gives me a lot to think about too, I used to just be a simple housewife and fighter pilot until recently. Never really thought of the world that much until recently. You call them tangents, but I think you’ve got some honest points that might just be right! No need to apologize Dean, it was nice to share a few drinks with you. You still worried about your Pilot being overly attached? I remember you mentioned that at some point.” She asked, figuring she’d try to give something in return for the nice talk.

"Uh, yeah. I don't know. She's kinda.. troublesome. Not in a bad way. Like, I gotta take care of her, you know what I mean? She looks up to me, or something like that. Of course, I'm surprised anyone would look up to my dumbass, but here we are. Askin' me what kind of makeup suits her best, what kind of clothes she should wear off-duty, I don't know all these things!" Camden laughed nervously, shaking his head. "I just don't want anything bad to happen to her in this war, you know? After losing a few pilots, it just occurred to me. I might not be a good person, but I'm trying to look out for everybody, in my own way, I guess. She just needs some guidance, or something like that. They say she's not allowed near nuclear weapons — that she's unstable, all that — I just think she needs a helping hand. If anything, most of us do. We're all lookin' for something to save us — most of us pray to something. Some to President Neworder, some like myself to the Almighty Dollar^[2], some the Atom, Stella Marie— others Ouriel— we're all lookin' for someone to save us in the end. Both in life and in death, anyway." Camden reached into his 'casual' off-duty uniform's pocket, pulling out a $100 Federal dollar bill and bringing it to his heart. Consumerists were a minority in comparison to the largely, staunchly Euphemianist population— Camden's faith in the Dollar moreso than the President. If anything, there could be no President without the Dollar.

“Well, you’re right on that much.” Camilla agreed, understanding the case he was going through. “Listen, Dean, she’s probably like that because of something gets to her that makes her so unstable deep down. Since she thinks you’re the one best fit to keep her saved from herself, why not go with it? You don’t have to be the best pilot in the world or have some rare power to be a hero in her eyes; you just have to be you. Make her feel like she’s doing the right thing in your mind, y’know?” She went for a simple glass of water to take an ease off her body before shaking her head. “You clearly don’t want anything to happen to her just as much as she doesn’t want anything to happen to you. If that isn’t a bond in the making, then I’m baffled how I ever got married in the first place.” She joked to herself. “..Not that I’m saying put a ring on her or anything, but you know.. It’d be better for both of you if you kept each other safe and happy through this. That’s probably the best thing I can really say about your case.” She finished with a grin. “And I know it probably wouldn’t mean much to you, but I think Stella Maris would say the same thing. Do what makes you happiest in life; whether it's the money that lets you buy it or the ones who help you keep it.”

"Maybe you've got a point." He shook his head. "Yeah. It makes sense now. I'm a pretty big dumbass, aren't I?" He laughed to himself. "You're probably right. We oughta live life to the fullest and all that... 'cause there's no telling when life comes crashing at you." He gestured the bartender to hand him a glass of water, finishing and leaving Camilla's side. He was walking off to one of the tables, presumably to finally spend time — and look out for — the people that meant the most to him.

The conversation had been oddly fulfilling — and had revealed much about Camden as a person, beyond his usual cocky attitude and dirty jokes mostly directed towards Psycho. Camilla felt it’d been liberating on her mind too, and certainly helped get her to strive more for the survival of herself and her peers than to drown herself in the sorrow of her homely life’s undoing. She figured she’d take a piece of her own advice: and do what would make her happiest in life. Which until she could rest easy, meant giving her all for this squadron.

Now, she had a certain robot to go retrieve and look after..

__________________________________

"Nice steal today Brynn, really appreciated it." Shaw took another shot. Once again his WSO was nowhere to be seen, she didn't partake in occasions like this, mostly because by the end of it she would be dragging Shaw back to his room almost all the time. He didn't blame her, last time was a clear enough example of that. "It's not everyday you get to shoot an ace."

"You did do most of the work," Brynn replied, glass of Augustan scotch in hand. "We got them good today. I guess that's what matters the most, right?"

"A bloody nose is still a bloody nose, yeah you are right about that." Shaw was looking around the bar, more particularly someone attempting to tip over the new bipedal robot. The scene made him chuckle. "Surprised you aren't taking more bets from Rusalka for more model kits."

"Well, I do have my hobbies... even if they're a bit weird." She laughed, lowering her head. "I stick outta this squadron like a sore thumb. Hurts sometimes. I just don't really let it get to me anymore."

"Just about as sore of a thumb as everyone else here is, at least you aren't that poor robot." Laughing to himself, Shaw took another drink. "Speaking about your hobbies, you seemed like you'd do anything for a kit. I wonder where that line gets drawn."

"Huh?" She perked up at the mention of a model kit, but seemed vaguely hesitant at whatever Shaw was getting at. "What do you mean, line?"

"One night it could be kissing a guy who overestimated his shot, the next you could be going back with someone to their room. I am just curious, what do you think is going too far for a piece of plastic?" Shaw didn't exactly know where he himself was taking the conversation, but he went with it.

"What?" She was rather dumbfounded by Shaw's implications. "Do I look like I would? Is it because I have weird hobbies? I mean, I know something's not right with me. But I don't think I'm that far gone. Uh.. why?" Brynn had always been to some degree self aware of her condition — but it wasn't often that she showed it openly. "Are you trying to.. take advantage of me or anything?"

"Y-No, I was just wondering given the...circumstances the last time we were here." Receiving a new glass, Shaw started to think maybe his WSO was right. "As for why? let's leave it at curiosity." Shaw grabbed his glass and begun drinking. " What makes you think I am trying to take advantage of you?"

"Sorry, I get like that sometimes." She shook her head. "It's nothing. It's not easy being like this, you know? Whatever it is. I mean, a lot of people make fun of me.. I figured you were going to do the same or something like that. It's not easy.. I feel sometimes that the only place I can really be myself is the seat of my fighter, fighting this war. In a way, sometimes I feel that I'm disposable — that we all are, in some way or another. We fight the war, and then that's the end of the line for us. I've always had trouble with other people— you don't think I'm stupid or anything, do you? Sometimes I feel like everyone thinks that way about me. Like I'm a child, or something.."

"You just need to live a little. It's the tiny things that'll eat you up. In the air their opinions may matter, but you shouldn't give a shit about what they think once you are back on the ground. Worry about yourself." Putting down the glass, he leaned back in his chair.

"Worry about myself?" She questioned.

"Stop giving a shit about what people think of you. If being...weird is your thing, than stick to it. Once you stop caring about the little things, It's surprisingly liberating." chuckling to himself, he begun to look around the bar once more. Camilla had eventually put an end to the playful battering around of SAGA and was drying his suit off of various stains. The ‘bot seemed to be fine overall, she was just looking out for it. Greenburg had expressed his condolences to Camilla, blaming the crew of Redneck II for most of the mess. Of course, he'd left Bridges with a black eye sometime while she'd been talking to Camden. The two rather clumsy pilots had quickly scurried off after the incident, Greenburg still rather irritated they'd come close to damaging such a valuable piece of equipment. He wasn't going to report them to Schroeder, of course, because he himself knew how unforgiving the squadron leader could be. Camilla had no intentions of reporting it either, and SAGA had - surprisingly - come to enjoy the roughhousing he went through as a new experience.

"Pull that shit again and I'll kick your fuckin' asses, you heard?" Greenburg shouted across the bar as the two pilots hurried off.

"I guess nobody's put it to me so bluntly before. Maybe you are right," Brynn paused, taking a sip from her glass of Augustan scotch. "..I've never really been understood, but maybe that's just how things ought to be.

"We are complex creatures, not everything is meant to be understood. Such as that stunt you pulled for a model kit the other day. It wasn't half bad though." looking towards Brynn's direction, he laughed to himself once again.

"I'm not as stupid as I look, you know. It's, well, not the first time I've, well— I guess you could say I just sorta manage to get through life tripping at every corner." She paused at the last bit of Shaw's words. "You, uh, really think so?"

"You certainly seemed to think so, that was a rather interesting 20 seconds you did. They never mentioned a time in the bet." Shaw smirked.

"Well, I guess you could say I won by nailing that ace. So I'll ask a 'favor' — why don't you tell me what you're really trying to pull here." Brynn seemed to catch him off-guard with the sudden statement. "..I mean, I can 'see' the future, right?.."

"So you can see the future after all ? Than why don't you tell me what i will reply with." Shaw was equally caught off guard, it was clear his act wasn't holding it. "Alright, you got me, truth be told after the whole Shengnan incident you seemed like the next best bet. No questions asked once you pulled that stunt of yours."

"Go on.." She remained rather curious as to Shaw's intentions. "What is it that makes me of any worth to you? Am I just another 'bet' to you? I mean, you've saved my ass a good few times in the sky— but I think your intentions here aren't as clear as day." She skeptically questioned.

"Contrary to belief, Shengnan wasn't just a 'bet' either. There was interest in the foundations long before that. This may certainly be sporadic, but there is genuine interest in you." Shaw shot back. "I've been drinking, so maybe you are right when you say my intentions might not be clear as day, but I don't make intentions known without having proper reason to first. Or as you would put it, 'I am not as stupid as you think I am'."

She hesitated momentarily — perhaps still suspecting Shaw to either be drunk or bearing ill intent. "Why don't you prove it, then?"

by **Valefontaine** » Sat Mar 09, 2019 5:51 pm

Nevis AFB, Marinesia, Federal States of Euphemie

12 January, A.C. 393

2Lt. Brynn Qianlong
354th Fighter Wing
447th Tactical Fighter Squadron

ATTENTION! ALL PILOTS OF THE 447TH SQUADRON ARE TO REPORT TO THEIR AIRCRAFT!

"Fuck!" Brynn shot upward at the sound of the loudspeakers, quickly realizing she was in a rather uncommon place — another pilot's quarters. The navy blue carpet flooring, to be specific. Relying on the drunkenness of her fellow squadron mate had to some degree worked, as nothing had gotten terribly out of hand under the influence of the bottle. It was close — dangerously so — but she'd somehow managed to get past the ordeal, her squadron mate evidently having been a lot more inebriated than herself and winding up unconscious before anything troublesome could've transpired. He lay in a similar position on the floor, in a much less fortunate state of dress than herself. Needless to say, her judgment had been a little skewed — but that didn't make her stupid.

Quickly, she'd made it back to her quarters, still somewhat woozy from the previous day's celebrations. There might be a few suspicious glances here and there — but it'd been a rather interesting deviation from her usual, quiet self. If they, the 447th, were being called upon for a mission after a rather alcohol-filled night, it certainly meant it was something important — otherwise, the brass would've have waited a few days.

Her quarters, on the other hand, was as it'd been the night before — as nothing of note had happened since their arrival at Nevis. Of course, it was in its usual state — a few model aircraft and a model of the FSS Mendenhall situated upon her shelf, as she'd arranged it in the days before. A quick shower and the usual morning routine was a much-needed refresher, Brynn getting into uniform and necessary equipment before leaving her quarters. Evidently, much of the squadron was in no condition to fly — which would pose a few problems to whatever they'd been tasked with.

"Fuck'n.." McGinnis practically only managed to make it a few feet from his own quarters, collapsing in the hallway as the rest of the squadron emerged from their rooms. Bridges, evidently, was in a similar situation, slumping against the wall of the corridor with his hands to his head. There'd be no chance Redneck II would make it to the skies.

The situation only seemed to get worse as more of the squadron exited their quarters — or failed to do so entirely. She quietly made for the hangar, expecting a rightfully irritated Schroeder — either due to such an announcement out of the blue, or the insolence of much of the squadron. The day's circumstances would be far from the usual.

Schroeder seemed far better off than most of the squadron, among the few of the squadron members sober enough to partake in today’s mission. His introduction was, given the circumstances, simplistic.

“Alright, I’m not even going to bother introducing you for this one. I’m going to start with some new arrangements. For the purposes of this mission only, the Squadron is being divided into two temporary groups since everyone decided to get wasted. Mess 1 will be led by myself, and will consist of Cutlass, Psycho, Bones and Charo… Charo… Charoganard. Everyone else will be in Mess 2. Greenburg’s the only person in Mess 2 who has two people in his airplane, and he is a Major, so he will be leading Mess 2. Mess 1 will be doing most of the fighting, while Mess 2 will act as a rear guard given how much there is to be desired in terms of pilots.

“As for our mission, I’m not sure why it’s so urgent. We’ve been assigned to do patrols over the Atlantic near Akhmanar. Apparently we’ve been told to bait...”

Schroeder reconsidered the “mission” he was currently giving.

“Actually, fuck it. None of what I just said is the actual mission. Your actual mission is to escort somebody through Akhmanari airspace to Caleporto. I don’t have any more specifics, except that he’s flying in a Tangaliroan cargo plane. They really didn’t want to share any details for some reason. Since we’re flying over Akhmanar, I’ve deemed we’re probably dealing with alot of SAMs and radars, so your loadouts have been handled accordingly. More details will be given later, probably by the Brigadier General. Dismissed.”

Schroeder's closing statements had left much of the remaining squadron confused, hurrying to the aircraft. The squadron had been divided into two makeshift groups — Mess 1, comprising Wageslave, Cutlass, Psycho, Bones and Charognard, and Mess 2, comprising Shrapnel, Broadsword, Slasher, and Vice. Of Mess 2, all air crews save for Greenburg's were one man short — obviously due to the previous night. Some had certainly celebrated too hard, failing to foresee that they'd be tasked with such a sudden duty out of the blue.

Brynn climbed aboard her aircraft, hopping inside and landing softly onto the familiar leather of the seat. There was always a certain comfort that came with being in the cockpit of the F/A-130 Chiangshi — perhaps a feeling of being in control, something she profoundly otherwise lacked in life.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Slasher" | #77138] - [2Lt. J. Bryd] /// - "So this is how you typically feel, Psycho. I must say, the absence of my WSO is.. unusual. Perhaps she could not stand the strength of some nice Augustan lager."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "In a way, I guess you're right."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "So there's, what, thirteen of us? This mission's already FUBAR and it hasn't even started."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "Let’s just hope we don’t have another day like this again.."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vanguard" | #86413] - [Cpt. C. Gang] /// - "I never drink. Always focused on goal."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vice" | #11732] - [2Lt S. Hei] /// - "Not organized. I don't like."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++THE SITUATION IS STRATEGICALLY FLAWED, BUT TACTICALLY IN OUR FAVOR. MESS 1 HAS THE UNIQUE COMPOSITION OF THE SQUADRON’S ACES. IF MESS 2 ACTS AS ITS REAR ECHELON, PERHAPS.. THE CHANCE OF SURVIVAL WILL GROW!++"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "Let’s just hope we don’t have another day like this again.."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "The bot's got a point. Let's just try not to get ourselves killed — why don't you use that 'precognition' of yours a bit more often, Psycho?"

Greenburg didn't necessarily understand just how it worked or functioned, but perhaps she could toy around. The headset, after all, was purposed to fine-tune things from the usual messy amalgam of thoughts and visions that usually afflicted her mind and hampered her social skills accordingly. Perhaps if she were to raise a few of the default 'security' settings, her capacities could increase. One of various arbitrary buttons and switches along her headset regulated such a setting — which she promptly flicked from 'safety' to 'regular'. She hadn't done this before in a real situation, but it was certainly true that she needed to make use of her abilities more often. How many could she have saved if she'd just done so before?

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "I'll try."

Psycho managed liftoff shortly following Wageslave and Cutlass, feeling strangely more 'in the zone' than before. It was almost symbolic in a way, as she lifted off and watched the sunrise. Just how many of her limitations were self-imposed? The random thought managed to stick with her. The usual post-flight headaches that the headset's 'fine tuning' caused, on the other hand, she foresaw would only be worse once this mission had seen itself to completion. The binaural hums and whirrs of the headset were oddly comforting, however — they put her at ease, when much of the world without the headset was intimidating and disorderly — even if it was a scary lack of order that she'd grown accustomed to.

They were flying east — to Akhmanar, land of vast deserts, tombs of unspoken riches, great pyramids, megacities and sand-roaming semi-nomadic tech-scavengers. It went without saying that it would be a terrible place to crash over.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [2Lt. C. McWillians] /// - "I saw you and Bones-2 talking last night. You have anything to say about that, Psycho?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Nothing you need know about."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [2Lt. C. McWillians] /// - "Don't worry, I won't judge you Psycho. I just find it unlike your usual."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Maybe my usual isn't my best. Change is good, no?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "More talkative than usual, too. Guess you're in a good mood. How'd yesterday go for everyone else?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "I had to make sure SAGA didn't get roughed up too bad during all the fun. Beat the shit out of Bridges for it. Isn't that right, SAGA?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++AS ENJOY ABLE AS EXPERIENCING THEIR SENSE OF FUN WAS... I WILL PROCEED NOT TO DO SO AGAIN. I STILL HAVE FLUID STAINING MY CHASSIS!++"

Camilla’s laughter followed the ‘bots obvious discontent with the aftermath of Bridges and other pilots horsing around with him.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "As for myself, I shared a few drinks with Misfit-1 and had a pleasant conversation with him over them yesterday. I’m sure he’s enjoying the results of my motivation alongside Misfit-2 now."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "You must be some miracle worker, Charognard. Camden's dumber than a doorknob at catching hints."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "They weren’t wrong when they said a mother always knows best!"

There were a few chuckles among the pilots as they continued eastward, the sun rising beautifully ahead of them. Cresting above the various mountain ranges of the Manaean Ridge, there was an almost idyllic beauty to Mederum's western shores. It was a stark contrast to the geopolitical reality of the countries there themselves, Manae an unfortunate terrorist-ridden 'hellhole' largely protected by Aenaran foreign intervention. Coming parallel to Charognard, Brynn briefly stopped to take her Solaroid™ camera from its corresponding compartment, snapping a photo of her fellow squadron mates.

Camilla seemed to notice her coming up alongside them to get a picture of their iconic aircraft and the pilots of it, as when her camera was ready to snap the photo, she could see Camilla making a sort of hand-gesture alongside SAGA inside - it resembled a six-pointed star, no doubt them trying to pose creatively with the symbol of Etoile Marin for her. After a few seconds with the picture taken, they broke the pose to wave to her.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "I also forgot to mention to you Charognard, our Psycho is quite the avid photographer. No clue where she keeps all those pictures she takes, though. Care to clue us in, Psycho?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Well, we all want something to remember when this is all over — or be remembered by."

There was almost a melancholy tone to her words — the Precog overcome with a thoughtful fatalism on what was, or could come. Sometimes she questioned her own abilities as well — was her Precognition a matter of what was most likely to come, or was it but merely an expression of the inevitable? Was it perhaps a physical incarnate of the guiding hand of Fate? By foreseeing outcomes and defying them, there were a plethora of philosophical questions that arose from the act itself.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "It’s a pleasure to be in your memories, let alone your photos. I’m sure people will love to see what Psycho’s gathered on that camera of hers, especially Marinians when they see this!"

She'd also managed a few incredibly atmospheric shots of the Mederune sunrise. It was not far to the horizon that their own enemy, Tangaliro, stood almost forebodingly. A few distant lights, perhaps pertaining to Ravenfall or another one of the Jade Sea's major trade hubs, lulled Brynn with vague untold promise that one day they'd win the war.

There was a force within her that almost motivated her in a morbid way — the assurance that one day Arcadia would be avenged, Ravenfall its recompense.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Well, we've all got our hobbies, don't we, captain? Perhaps I should follow her example and begin taking a few pictures of my own."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vice" | #11732] - [2Lt S. Hei] /// - "It is unfortunate my sister could not tell you about her flower collection. Actually, now would be excellent time to speak of it while she is gone. Why not discuss hobby while we wait? My sister, she is quite the fan of flowers. Boy-like behavior unlike truth."

It was the first time Second Lieutenant Su Hei had really spoken casually, much less about his sister Su Bai, who was also a pilot of the 447th. There was an oddly calm atmosphere as the pilots casually conversed, making way eastward towards Akhmanar. Their objectives were still rather unclear, which made the mission oddly mysterious and calm.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "I used to do a lot of hiking and mountain climbing in my early years. Been to all the various peaks in the Congressional Range and in Utsan on tour. Can’t say I set any records, but I’ve had my eyes on nature since I was little. I wish I could see those flowers Vice!"

Charognard was one of the more forward planes in their two set vee-formation, as SAGA had opted to perform forward reconnaissance in light of their normal flight being thinned out, and Broadsword missing her own pilot. The robot’s ability to directly interface and autonomize the F/A-130’s systems worked wonders for keeping their eyes and ears open. Though, with so much empty ground to cover and even fewer details on what they would be doing out here, there was little to expect have happen.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++HOBBIES ARE NOT PARTICULARLY SOMETHING I HAVE DONE OFTEN. I STUDY HUMAN BEHAVIOR BY DEFAULT, AND EMULATE IT TO MY FULLEST ABILITY. ALTHOUGH, I DO KEEP MANY ARCHIVES OF MARINIAN HISTORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS OVER THE YEARS ON ME THOUGH! SOME OF THESE HAVE ALREADY BEEN DONATED FOR PUBLISHING IN EUPHEMIE. I AM VERY EXCITED TO SEE HOW THEY TURN OUT!++"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "Believe it or not the ‘bot used to be a historian of sorts. Institute had him experimenting with all sorts of history back in his prototype stages. Honestly glad he survived Eagle’s Night for that, he’s probably the only one who got to take photos of it."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Then it can be said we also carry a piece of your island's legacy. You know, all this talk of hobbies reminds me — I used to collect baseball cards back in prison. It sure was a different time."

There was little actual background that Brynn knew on Shrapnel-1's history, save from the rather obvious facts she knew of him — in particular, his prison sentence. What he'd done time for and why, however, were mysteries. The man had largely calmed down since his near-court martialing by Schroeder's orders.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [2Lt. C. McWilliams] /// - "Eagle's Night.. I still remember it quite well. Originally, we'd celebrated, thinking we'd saved the island. I've been wondering about this mission, however — just what are we being given the job to protect over Akhmanar?"

[447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++POSSIBLY ANOTHER AIRCRAFT? MAYBE FRIENDLY, MAYBE ALLIED? I ONLY HOPE THE PROTECTED ENTITY WILL NOT MIND HALF OF OUR SQUADRON BEING INCAPACITATED..++"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - "Let’s just hope that my people are friendly, yes? Getting shot down over Akhmanar would be a very bad thing for all of us.”

It was true—with how high tensions between Akhmanar and Aenara were over Manae, it seemed inevitable that one small mistake would be the straw that broke the camel’s back here. Any wrong move here could spell doom for the Atlantic when Tangaliro’s biggest allies declared hostilities against an enemy that was not theirs. Still, the nature of the Akhmanaris were unpredictable—how would they take something like this?

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Slasher" | #77138] - [2Lt. J. Bryd] /// - "This is certainly a bizarre mission.. what exactly are we going to do over Akhmanar?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "I dunno, but I'm using 4 Rapier missiles instead of Comets. To take out radar, of course."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "I have four anti-radar missiles as well."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - "Two anti-radar. If we are lucky, no one will use them today.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Three anti-radars. If we’re gonna bring Akhmanar into this war, let’s disable some radars while we’re at it.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "We’re on heavy strike this time around. Heard there’s hell breaking loose in this region, best to keep some ground attack in case of SAMs or S-PAGs."

Brynn was moderately worried about whatever lay ahead, though she had a fair degree of 'intuition' on what to expect. Eyeing the distant city lights along the Mederune coast, she identified the city to be Kusva, Akhmanar — with no need to check her map. To the geographical south, she could see the sparse lights of Sielia and Ileiad. She was expecting something, however — listening intently on the comms.

/// [INDFOR] - [Armée Libératrice de Gallia] - [XXX] - [Zh-47 | #2315] - [Eric J. Lecanuet] /// - “Hello, Euphemians! Are you my escort?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Who is this?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "I will now disclose the true nature of this mission. All of you have been ordered to escort a certain individual highly important to the Central Bureau of Intelligence — Eric Lecanuet. You are to escort him over Akhmanar and bring him to safe landing in Caleporto. A Presidential Order team will be expecting his arrival on the ground."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Understood.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Slasher" | #77138] - [2Lt. J. Bryd] /// - "You sound familiar, 'Eric' .."

/// [INDFOR] - [Armée Libératrice de Gallia] - [XXX] - [Zh-47 | #2315] - [Eric J. Lecanuet] /// - “From where? You have never been to Tangaliro, I can tell. Mbanza?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Slasher" | #77138] - [2Lt. J. Bryd] /// - "..shit. You're that one I tried to shoot!"

It was moments like these that Brynn recalled that 2nd Lieutenant Jameson Bryd had been a former air mercenary, and had served in one of Mbanza's many resource wars. As the disorganized band of aircraft approached Eric's Zh-47 transport aircraft on its coast-bound route, another message came from HQ.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "I might add — put your laser designators to use. We have a certain surprise at the ready for their communications systems — if needed, of course."

Brynn noted her aircraft's 'lasing' systems, which she'd often misused to paint particularly big targets on her enemies. With a quick 'thumbs up' to one of the adjacent aircraft, Charognard, she tagged slightly ahead of the formation, intending to make use of her abilities.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "I'll move a bit ahead."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "Copy, radar’s on standby if anything sneaks up on us."

Brynn pushed just a bit ahead of Mess 1, intent on scouting ahead. They were approaching the Akhmanari coast by now, one of Akhmanar's lakes ahead being illuminated by the rising sun. In a brief, sharp moment of clarity, it occurred to her.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "There are going to be nine AD-39 Arc Light^[3] sites near our approach. All are loaded and on standby — they will not hesitate to fire after contacting us."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "That's pretty specific, Psycho."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "I know."

The formation continued onwards, operating on Brynn's incredibly specific foresight — which proved true as nine blips appeared on radar, quickly identified to be AD-39 Arc Light TELs and radar systems in semi-fortified emplacements along the Manaean border.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Looks like you were right, Psycho."

/// [AKHFOR] - [Strategic Missile & Air Defense Forces] - [AUTOMATED AIR DEFENSE] - [VICEROY] - /// - "[ATTENTION UNIDENTIFIED AIRCRAFT: YOU ARE TRESPASSING UPON AKHMANARI AIRSPACE. IDENTIFY YOURSELVES AND STATE YOUR INTENTIONS IMMEDIATELY.]"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “We are Euphemian aircraft of the 354th Fighter Wing. We hold no hostile intentions against Akhmanar.”

/// [AKHFOR] - [Strategic Missile & Air Defense Forces] - [AUTOMATED AIR DEFENSE] - [VICEROY] - /// - "[AFFIRMATIVE. WAIT ONE.]"

There was a pause on the line as the deep, computerized voice left briefly. Thirty seconds later, it came back.

/// [AKHFOR] - [Strategic Missile & Air Defense Forces] - [AUTOMATED AIR DEFENSE] - [VICEROY] - /// - "[YOU HAVE BEEN ORDERED TO TURN OFF YOUR WEAPONS AND CONTINUE ON YOUR CURRENT TRAJECTORY. ANY HOSTILE ACTIONS WILL BE DEALT WITH ACCORDINGLY. AN ESCORT FLIGHT WILL BE WITH YOU SHORTLY.]"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Allow me to discuss orders with my superior.”

/// [AKHFOR] - [Strategic Missile & Air Defense Forces] - [AUTOMATED AIR DEFENSE] - [VICEROY] - /// - "[YOU ARE PERMITTED TO DO SO.]"

Schroeder adjusted his communications module to speak to the Brigadier General.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Mummies are ordering us to switch off weapons. They’re going to bring an escort flight to us, but otherwise they’ll let us continue.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "I doubt they can tell if your weapons are off. Just lie to them — it would be troublesome if they shot you down with your hands tied behind your backs."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Affirm.”

He adjusted the module again, making absolutely sure no Akhmanaris could hear him.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Don’t do anything that would even suggest your weapons are on. Play it cool and we’ll get through Akhmanar just fine.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "Copied, we’ll keep our hands off the trigger."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Thank Fern Weatherford isn't here."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Will comply."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vice" | #11732] - [2Lt S. Hei] /// - "I see."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - "Copy. Weapons are ‘turned off’ now.”

It suddenly occurred to Brynn again in a brief moment of foresight — the Akhmanaris were launching fighters, eight of them, not four as the comms had implied — to 'escort' them out of Akhmanar.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "They have just launched eight N-39VKT Egret^[4] fighters to escort us. They are incredibly agile, not to mention dangerous— they can outmaneuver us with ease. Don't you think that is a little.. Excessive?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - "I don’t think they are going to take any chances with us.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Akhmanaris are probably paranoid right now, and you could understand why.”

/// [AKHFOR] - [Strategic Missile & Air Defense Forces] - [AUTOMATED AIR DEFENSE] - [VICEROY] - /// - "[EUPHEMIANS, YOU HAVE BEEN ORDERED TO TURN OFF YOUR WEAPONS. COMPLY WITH THIS REQUEST IMMEDIATELY.]"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Disabling weapons now.”

Schroeder was lying of course, but would the Akhmanaris notice?

/// [AKHFOR] - [Strategic Missile & Air Defense Forces] - [AUTOMATED AIR DEFENSE] - [VICEROY] - /// - "[YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS TO COMPLY WITH THIS REQUEST.]"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "I can't perceive ahead right now — too 'blurry'. Can you recon to confirm current enemy activity, Charognard?"

Brynn certainly had a way with words when it came to describing her foresight. Indeed, there was an uncertainty about the entire affair — she had no clue of knowing what would happen next at present. For a precognitive ESPer like herself, this was a particularly intimidating affair — it was an almost powerless feeling. She'd grown so accustomed to 'seeing' 'ahead' that the few moments where she couldn't — where she was like everybody else — were troubling indeed.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "Will confirm, authorizing Charognard II uplink now."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Understood."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++AN/ALR-909E REVEALED MULTIPLE UNKNOWN SYSTEMS ONLINE. SAM-COUNT-9. CONFIRMING IF WE ARE BEING ACQUIRED..++"

There was approximately seven seconds of silence before he would respond again.

by **Valefontaine** » Sat Mar 09, 2019 5:53 pm

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++CONFIRMED. WE ARE ACQUIRED BY THEIR SAM SITES. ATTACK MOST IMMINENT! I STRONGLY ADVISE PREPARING COUNTERMEASURES!++"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Deploying ECM."

Brynn's AN/ALR-909E system quickly contacted its modular countermeasure systems, which promptly activated to dissuade any potential oncoming Akhmanari missiles. Much of the rest of the group followed suit, activating countermeasures.

/// [AKHFOR] - [Strategic Missile & Air Defense Forces] - [AUTOMATED AIR DEFENSE] - [VICEROY] - /// - "[WE HAVE DETECTED WEAPONS SYSTEMS THAT ARE STILL ACTIVE ON YOUR PLANES.]"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Everyone, turn on weapons! Fire at anything that shoots!”

A swarm of Akhmanari SAM missiles reached up to the rest of the formation, before scattering aimlessly thanks to the electronic countermeasures.

Foreseeing Eric's aircraft would be targeted, Brynn moved further ahead of the formation, coming just to the left of Eric's Zh-47.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "I'll cover the HVT. Designating ground targets."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "Targets received, Psycho. Contacting JAMSAT. Confident Hylemorph 8 is above the AO and will require a few seconds to warm up. Be ready to take out those SAMs."

/// [AKHFOR] - [Aerospace Forces] - [Hawk Flight] - [N-39VKT Egret “Dawn” | #3042] - [Maj. Armon-ket of Djarzurma] /// - "Scorpion Flight, continue with your mission. Hawk Flight and Ibis flight will escort the Euphemians."

/// [AKHFOR] - [Aerospace Forces] - [Hawk Flight] - [N/P-28M4K Shemzu “Hunter” | #3042] - [RED LEADER] /// - "Copy."

Four N/P-28M4K Shemzus^[5] attack aircraft broke from the incoming formation of N-39VKTs, unrelated to the current incident at hand. Meanwhile, the Egrets continued on their current path, due to encounter the Euphemian fighters shortly.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Satellite Command] - [JAMSAT Satellite Command] - [Confident Hylemorph 8] /// - //ALL WARMED UP. ACTIVATING.//

A brief silence in the comms ensued, to which Brynn curiously looked on at the scene below.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Satellite Command] - [JAMSAT Satellite Command] - [Confident Hylemorph 8] /// - //AKHMANARI COMMS ARE DISRUPTED. YOU ARE CLEAR TO ENGAGE.//

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++CONNECTING TO AN/AAQ-124D IRST. SAM-COUNT-4 AND SAM-COUNT-5 TARGETED. YOU’RE ALL GREEN, CHAROGNARD.++"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "Firing Thunderbolts! Rifle-Two!"

Two AGM-786 Thunderbolts descended from the fuselage pylons of Charognard, before long streaks of white arced down below to the approaching shores of Kusva. They seemed to be going past the coastal settlement though, near a cluster of riverine hills. Within moments, two bright fireballs erupted where they struck - followed by numerous smaller explosions, no doubt a chain reaction of the air defense batteries being silenced.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Confirm hits on SAM defense network?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++SAM-COUNT-0 WAGESLAVE. ALL IMMEDIATE AIR DEFENSE DOWN. IMMINENT APPROACH OF N-39VKT EGRET-EIGHT. STRONGLY ADVISE BREAKING TO ENGAGE.++"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Looks like Psycho was right again. Our fortune teller's on a roll today."

Within their visual range, seven flashes of golden light were seen as missiles flew into the air, past the formation. However, as seen with their flight path, they weren’t more surface-to-air missiles, but, rather, S-49 ballistic missiles,^[7] flying on a westbound course towards Manae. More specifically, Garil and Sielia, and the Aenarans that presumably resided there.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - "They’re launching nukes at Aenara..?!”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "This is insane! We’re in the middle of a warzone!"

/// [INDFOR] - [Armée Libératrice de Gallia] - [XXX] - [Zh-47 | #2315] - [Eric J. Lecanuet] /// - “I have neglected to mention something. I am carrying something onboard that guarantees my safety, which I have informed neither you or the Akhmanaris about. Hold on.”

Bryn suspiciously glanced over to the cockpit of the Zh-47 as she flew beside it, wondering just what the mysterious 'Eric' fellow had been planning.

/// [INDFOR] - [Armée Libératrice de Gallia] - [XXX] - [Zh-47 | #2315] - [Eric J. Lecanuet] /// - “Akhmanaris! Do you see my plane on radar? Confirm this to me.”

/// [AKHFOR] - [Aerospace Forces] - [Hawk Flight] - [N-39VKT Egret “Dawn” | #3042] - [Maj. Armon-ket of Djarzurma] /// - "*BZZZZ*-onfirm."

/// [INDFOR] - [Armée Libératrice de Gallia] - [XXX] - [Zh-47 | #2315] - [Eric J. Lecanuet] /// - “I am carrying an Acasian Unitate Five^[6] nuclear missile onboard this aircraft. If you fire at me, I can guarantee that Kusva and Sielia will be rendered uninhabitable. Do not endanger me with your missiles!”

/// [AKHFOR] - [Aerospace Forces] - [Hawk Flight] - [N-39VKT Egret “Dawn” | #3042] - [Maj. Armon-ket of Djarzurma] /// - "*BZZZZ* Get our comms back *BZZZ*-nline. Get us in c*BZZZZ*ntact with the Euphemians. Focus on them, not the Zh-47."

A sharp pain caused Brynn to briefly hold her head — having a flash of clarity.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Enemy aircraft are going to fire sixteen missiles at us. Activate DRFM jammers."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Somehow I believe you, Psycho. Will do."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++AFFIRMATIVE. RJP-79 JAMMERS INITIATED.++"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vice" | #11732] - [2Lt S. Hei] /// - "Still got one coming at me. I deploy ECM!"

A missile narrowly avoided Vice — exploding further off into the distance as the squadron continued on. Radar had confirmed Brynn's prediction with absolute accuracy — yet she'd spoken quite awhile before the missiles themselves had been detected.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "You've been making more predictions than usual, Psycho."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Of course, I am more scared than usual."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - "And I thought they would go about this nicely.....”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [2Lt. C. McWillians] /// - "Hey Cutlass-2, what happened between you and your WSO last night?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [Cpt. N. Dragonforce] /// - "What’s it to you?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [2Lt. C. McWillians] /// - "As far as I'm concerned, me and Greenburg are the among the only ones to have kept sober the entire night. You on the other hand — not so sure about that."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [Cpt. N. Dragonforce] ///- “I don’t drink.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [2Lt. C. McWillians] /// - "I can only imagine what you two were up to, then."

/// [INDFOR] - [Armée Libératrice de Gallia] - [XXX] - [Zh-47 | #2315] - [Eric J. Lecanuet] /// - “Are you impressed? I am not joking, by the way. If I die all of your aircraft will be fried.”

/// [AKHFOR] - [Aerospace Forces] - [Hawk Flight] - [N-39VKT Egret “Dawn” | #3042] - [Maj. Armon-ket of Djarzurma] /// - "Nimrod mercenary, you are *BZZZT* spared today.."

/// [INDFOR] - [Armée Libératrice de Gallia] - [XXX] - [Zh-47 | #2315] - [Eric J. Lecanuet] /// - “Thank you. I did not think you would be stupid.”

/// [AKHFOR] - [Strategic Missile & Air Defense Forces] - [AUTOMATED AIR DEFENSE] - [VICEROY] - /// - "[ATTENTION EUPHEMIAN AIRCRAFT: YOU HAVE BEEN ORDERED TO CEASE HOSTILITIES IMMEDIATELY. COMPLY WITH THIS REQUEST AND YOUR ESCORTS SHALL DO THE SAME.]"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “For obvious reasons, we ask that we be allowed to keep our weapons on. But we will be happy to cease hostilities.”

/// [AKHFOR] - [Strategic Missile & Air Defense Forces] - [AUTOMATED AIR DEFENSE] - [VICEROY] - /// - "[STANDBY. *BZZZ*]"

While the rest of the squadron was focused on surviving, another vision overcame Brynn — which left her head throbbing and her ears ringing. There would be no chance of survival unless the Manaeans and Aenarans on the ground were contacted.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Contacting support."

Quickly, she elected to send a brief message to the command of Sutherland AFB.

we are 10 euphemian aircraft under attack by akhmanari air contingent
p.lz send support
regards
-----------
psycho
354fw
447tfs

The message was wordlessly and privately sent to the Aenarans, giving no further hint as to the mission of the group. Surely, however, her unit — or perhaps her name — would be recognized by Aenaran military officers.

/// [AKHFOR] - [Strategic Missile & Air Defense Forces] - [AUTOMATED AIR DEFENSE] - [VICEROY] - /// - "[YOUR REQUEST HAS BEEN..GRANTED. CEASE FIRE IMMEDIATELY AND OUR FIGHTERS SHALL DO THE SAME. RESUMING HOSTILITIES WILL RESULT IN APPROPRIATE ACTION.]"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [2lt. C. Dionysios] /// - "Hold up, are they just going to stop shooting us like that?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “They didn’t tell us to turn weapons off. Cease fire.”

/// [AKHFOR] - [Aerospace Forces] - [Hawk Flight] - [N-39VKT Egret “Dawn” | #3042] - [Maj. Armon-ket of Djarzurma] /// - "Cease fire."

Being afflicted by another premonition, she could see quite well that the Akhmanaris were hesitant on angering the Federal States of Euphemie.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "I have reason to believe their officer is telling the truth. For now."

/// [AKHFOR] - [Aerospace Forces] - [Hawk Flight] - [N-39VKT Egret “Dawn” | #3042] - [Maj. Armon-ket of Djarzurma] /// - "*BZZ* Euphemians, can you hear me? We are ceasing hostilities now. You may keep your weapons on, but any hostile action will be responded to accordingly. Do you understand?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Acknowledge.”

They continued on over Akhmanari airspace, a rather tense silence between the Akhmanari group following not far behind and the Euphemians themselves. The closer they were to Manae, the more hesitant the Akhmanaris would be to 'escort' them on their path.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "If I could state my opinion, I believe it would be best if we kept near Manae. Surely Akhmanar would not want to lose some expensive airframes by tailing us."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Acknowledge. Move closer.”

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [Z. Darzi] /// - "All due respect, Major — I will handle them myself. Allow them to become part of something greater — targets for my Luxor Arrays."

/// [AKHFOR] - [Aerospace Forces] - [Hawk Flight] - [N-39VKT Egret “Dawn” | #3042] - [Maj. Armon-ket of Djarzurma] /// - "Sir-”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Who the hell are you?”

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [Z. Darzi] /// - "I am Zakariyah Darzi, Sanjari weapons scientist and genius to Akhmanari weapons innovation...and you are my targets."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Are you ignoring the cease fire orders?”

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [Z. Darzi] /// - "Of course. Arm Luxor-8!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Hostilities are resumed - because of you, Akhmanari. Open fire!”

/// [AKHFOR] - [Aerospace Forces] - [Hawk Flight] - [N-39VKT Egret “Dawn” | #3042] - [Maj. Armon-ket of Djarzurma] /// - "DARZI NO!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "It's going to target me! Moving!"

Quickly, Brynn maneuvered her aircraft to the left — almost as if instinctually — the laser speeding past where she'd once been moments before. The beam continued upward into the sky with incredible brightness, piercing through the clouds above. However, by firing, the laser had revealed its source — a carbon-black pyramid structure thousands of feet below, near the border with Manae.

/// [AKHFOR] - [Aerospace Forces] - [Hawk Flight] - [N-39VKT Egret “Dawn” | #3042] - [Maj. Armon-ket of Djarzurma] /// - "Darzi, cease your hostilities NOW!"

Another arrival on the comms came: this time, from neither Euphemie nor Akhmanar.

/// [ASRFOR] - [Sutherland Air Force Base] - [Aenaran Air Force - Manae] - - [Col. Rasted] /// - "This is Sutherland Air Force Base, requesting to a hail from Euphemian Fighter Aircraft 82911. We are aware of Akhmanari hostile intentions, and a number of Aenaran aircraft are en route to the Area of Operations. Included in the readout of this broadcast are the necessary tunings to your radios to link into Aenaran comm networks. Good hunting, boys - and girls.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "You really called the Aenarans in? Did you see this coming, Psycho?"

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [Z. Darzi] /// - "What tenacity in combat! Look at how this one evades — almost as if my act was foreseen all along. Is this one the Precognitive I have heard of? Imagine what Akhmanari science could ACHIEVE if we caught her alive! All Luxor arrays, be on standby!"

/// [AKHFOR] - [Strategic Missile & Air Defense Forces] - [AUTOMATED AIR DEFENSE] - [VICEROY] - /// - "[ATTENTION ALL AIR UNITS: WE HAVE A SITUATION ON HAND. MILINT HAS DETECTED AENARAN AIRCRAFT HEADED EASTBOUND IN MANAE. SCRAMBLING FIGHTERS.]"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Toulant, fire your Thunderbolts at those pyramids.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "Locking on now. Say farewell to this iconic landmark."

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [M. Khedesh] /// - "Luxor-8 is being targeted. We can attempt to intercept — but that would mean not firing at your prized target, Darzi."

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [Z. Darzi] /// - "Technology we can always make more of, given my unparalleled genius! Shoot that pilot again. She would be of great value to Akhmanari science!"

Quickly, Brynn banked to the right — another blinding beam of light flying past her. It continued onward into the sky, giving Brynn a brief opportunity to take a picture of the beam.

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [M. Khedesh] /// - "Luxor-8 is recharging. We won't be able to intercept the missile."

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [Z. Darzi] /// - "Of no concern! There are many more Luxor arrays that can bring this Sekhmet to me.."

The black pyramid further down suddenly exploded, the Thunderbolt shredding through the structure and causing much of it to collapse. Brynn looked on in awe, though she was genuinely terrified — not only of being hit by the laser, but of what could happen to her if she was shot down.

/// [AKHFOR] - [Aerospace Forces] - [Hawk Flight] - [N-39VKT Egret “Dawn” | #3042] - [Maj. Armon-ket of Djarzurma] /// - "Darzi, the Oligarchs will have your head for this."

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [Z. Darzi] /// - "Hahahaaha! They will thank me if we catch this foreseer alive! Just imagine it — we will know every Aenaran strategy! I can already see what we could do — perhaps keep her alive, connect her brain to one of our computers — yes! It will make Akhmanar foresee the actions of all those who might seek to threaten her! No longer will we need the Tangaliroans. WE will have the trump card!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “We’re not Aenaran, numbnuts.”

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [Z. Darzi] /// - "Mister... Schroeder, yes? Surrender that pilot of yours and I will allow the rest of you to live. I care not of how much 'blessings' your President Neworder has dispensed to you. For the Moon is with me — and it is much older than your President-deities."

/// [AKHFOR] - [Aerospace Forces] - [Hawk Flight] - [N-39VKT Egret “Dawn” | #3042] - [Maj. Armon-ket of Djarzurma] /// - "Euphemians.. keep on your current course. No hostilities remain between my flights and yours. The same cannot be said for Darzi, however."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “We understand. Pilots, it seems the Akhmanari military is more chaotic than I expected. Don’t shoot at the pilots and we’ll only have to worry about Darzi’s mummy starships.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "And if they down Psycho, sir?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “I will take precautions to ensure Qianlong is not captured. Don’t worry about it.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - "Never saw you as one to care about us pilots."

/// [AKHFOR] - [Strategic Missile & Air Defense Forces] - [AUTOMATED AIR DEFENSE] - [VICEROY] - /// - "[ALERT - REPORTING MISSILE IMPACTS IN DJARZURMA AEROSPACE FORCE BASE. AENARAN MISSILES HAVE DESTROYED FUEL DEPOT AND HANGARS.]"

/// [ASRFOR] - [7th Air Superiority Wing] - [Aenaran Air Force - Manae] - [F/A-127C Vampire "Goalpost" | #29804] - [Cpt. Carson] /// - "Gooood morning Euphemie. Seems we’ve got some heavy sun spot activity today, a kick-ass dust storm, and enough pissed off Akhmanari fighters to make Red Pine look like a joke. Y’all have really stirred the hornet’s nest, but we’re comin’ along for the ride.”

With GOALPOST’s broadcast, twelve Aenaran fighter aircraft had entered the area of operations. Outfitted primarily in an air superiority configuration to escort four Strike Vampires and three Zeus electronic warfare aircraft, the task force’s five Vampires streaked ahead.

/// [AKHFOR] - [Strategic Missile & Air Defense Forces] - [AUTOMATED AIR DEFENSE] - [VICEROY] - /// - "[ALERT - EUPHEMIAN AIRCRAFT, YOU ARE NOW PASSING OVER DJARZURMA AEROSPACE FORCE BASE.]"

Having another premonition, Brynn could see it quite clearly — there were seventeen AD-160 Tabuu^[8] SAM sites in Djarzurma, and Luxor-1 — which was incredibly massive, dwarfing much of the apartment blocks and skyscrapers surrounding its carbon black structure.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Enemy possesses 17 AD-160 surface-to-air missile sites...and Luxor-1."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Those SAM sites better not be cooperating with Darzi.”

/// [AKHFOR] - [Aerospace Forces] - [Hawk Flight] - [N-39VKT Egret “Dawn” | #3042] - [Maj. Armon-ket of Djarzurma] /// - "He controls the Luxor Array. The Air Defense and Strategic Missile Command is not his jurisdiction."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Then we will treat those air defense sites the same way we will treat you.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "The Akhmanari is telling the truth. I will designate them — because they are going to fire at the Aenarans."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Why not let 'em go at each other?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Well, that is what is going to happen, regardless of what I do."

She ended her communique a half-second late — a giggle escaping her as they continued onward. There was, of course, a reason the 447th occasionally had some 'fears' regarding the Precognitive pilot.

/// [AKHFOR] - [Strategic Missile & Air Defense Forces] - [AUTOMATED AIR DEFENSE] - [VICEROY] - /// - "[ALERT - HOSTILE AIRCRAFT ON APPROACH. AENARAN IN ORIGIN. PREPARING AD-160 DEFENSES. HAWK FLIGHT: IMMEDIATE RETASKING. PREPARE FOR NEW ORDERS.]"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Akhmanaris - this problem with Aenara you have is not our affair. Do not shoot at us and we will not assist the Aenarans.”

/// [AKHFOR] - [Aerospace Forces] - [Hawk Flight] - [N-39VKT Egret “Dawn” | #3042] - [Maj. Armon-ket of Djarzurma] /// - "New orders: break and engage Aenaran bogeys, due west. Farewell, Euphemians. Ibis flight will be with you."

The tip of Luxor-1, which was incredibly large — began to glow brighter.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "SAGA, keep an eye on the Pyramid. I don't know if I'll be able to foresee these attacks forever."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++I AM MAINTAINING THUNDERBOLT LOCK-ON LUXOR-1.++"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [Cpt. N. Dragonforce] /// - "Something tells me they’re going to launch more ballistic missiles."

Brynn realized then, in a brief moment of foresight, that the beam would not hit her. Not budging, she was proven right — Luxor-1's incredibly powerful beam shooting past, missing her by quite a few feet.

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [Z. Darzi] /// - "She did not even move — she knew we would miss. Incredible! We must have her alive, Major. I kindly ask your orders be overriden — help us bring her down!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "HO-LY SHIT! Did you see that fuckin' thing? My fuckin' eyes hurt!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "More lasers! When do they end?!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [2lt. C. Dionysios] /// - "Are my eyebrows still on?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Hm — we can rest easier now. Four of the eight Akhmanari aircraft have broken off to engage the Aenarans."

/// [AKHFOR] - [Aerospace Forces] - [Ibis Flight] - [N-39VKT Egret “Dawn” | #3042] - [Cpt. Sethkhim-hetet of Luxor] /// - "Hello Euphemians."

/// [ASRFOR] - [118th Electronic Warfare Wing] - [Aenaran Air Force - Sanjar] - [F/A-19E Zeus "Nightwatch" | #29805] - [2Lt. Onasi] /// - "Seems half of those Akhmanaris are breaking off towards us. Weapons hot, fellas, but keep your comms open. Slight right to achieve a parallel with the Euphemians - I want those Akhmanaris on our backside.”

Manuevering as recommended by NIGHTWATCH, the Aenaran fighters were now on a vector that placed them parallel to Euphemie’s fighters.

/// [AKHFOR] - [Aerospace Forces] - [Hawk Flight] - [N-39VKT Egret “Dawn” | #3042] - [Maj. Armon-ket of Djarzurma] /// - "You will not survive this engagement, Aenarans. Manae shall no longer be your slave."

/// [ASRFOR] - [7th Air Superiority Wing] - [Aenaran Air Force - Manae] - [F/A-127C Vampire "Goalpost" | #29804] - [Cpt. Carson] /// - "I’ll interpret that as a declaration of hostile intent, sir. Got a problem with that?”

/// [AKHFOR] - [Aerospace Forces] - [Hawk Flight] - [N-39VKT Egret “Dawn” | #3042] - [Maj. Armon-ket of Djarzurma] /// - "You imperialists are all the same. All flash, and no fury! Manae didn’t deserve your illegal occupation to begin with."

Noting a dogfight was about to take place between the Aenarans and the Akhmanaris, she forwarded a brief 'message' to the F/A-127C group.

akhmanaris fire in 7 seconds
activate ecm bank left immelmann to avoid
--------
regard
354fw
447tfs
psycho

/// [ASRFOR] - [7th Air Superiority Wing] - [Aenaran Air Force - Manae] - [F/A-127C Vampire "Goalpost" | #29804] - [Cpt. Carson] /// - "You heard the woman - chaff and break!”

As the Aenaran fighters employed defensive manuevers, GOALPOST was reminded of a favored trick of his during training. Throwing his aircraft into a vector towards the Akhmanaris, he thumbed the lethal autonomy button to activate his helmet display.

/// [ASRFOR] - [7th Air Superiority Wing] - [Aenaran Air Force - Manae] - [F/A-127C Vampire "Goalpost" | #29804] - [Cpt. Carson] /// - "F-19s, deploy jamming equipment. I want their active radar missiles to be as blind as a damn bat. Speaking of active radar - FOX 3, FOX 3.”

Releasing two of his AIRM-3 Comets, GOALPOST lead his fighters towards the Akhmanaris.

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [M. Khedesh] /// - "Luxor-1 is recharging."

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [Z. Darzi] /// - "It will take more than a few of those pathetic, primitive, rude 'missiles' to bring down Luxor-1! Hah!"

/// [AKHFOR] - [MILINT Acquisitions] - [Security Team “ONYX”] - [1Lt. Abuu of Qadesh] /// - "Mr. Darzi, for your sake, open these doors before I pry them open myself."

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [Z. Darzi] /// - "NO! You all will thank me! This.. precognitive must fall into Akhmanari hands! And I will deliver her to you today! Aenara will see the power... of the human mind's limits!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "I’m sure this’ll put a dent in it. Rifle-one! Give ‘em hell SAGA!"

The last AGM-786A Thunderbolt on board Charognard dispensed from its fuselage, igniting and soaring straight for the towering landmark. SAGA was guiding the missile directly for its destination: the foremost laser of the installation. It penetrated the structure twofold, bursting portions of the surface and severely damaging the internals of the Pyramid.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++CONFIRMED HIT ON LUXOR-1. LASER MODULE SEVERELY DAMAGED.++"

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [M. Khedesh] /// - "Luxor-1 has sustained critical damage! Evacuate all personnel!"

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [Z. Darzi] /// - "But it has recharged. Fire!"

Luxor-1 fired another beam at Psycho — which she had seen coming. Quickly conducting an S-Turn in the air, she avoided the rather bright, massive beam of Luxor-1. The firing of the weapon seemed to have made damages to the facility worse — the already-burning facility exploding following the sheer power of the chemical reaction the lasers had induced. A massive blue-white explosion shot upward from the structure, casting loose pieces of debris across the surrounding city blocks.

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [M. Khedesh] /// - "By the Nine, Luxor-1 has been destroyed! Repeat, Luxor-1 has been destroyed!"

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [Z. Darzi] /// - "No fear, Khedesh! This combat data is invaluable! Incredible: a human being, capable of precognition! We must throw everything we have at her. NOW! The Akhmanari government won't have to spend a dime on repairs with all the Tangaliroan loan money we've acquired! Hahahahaa!"

/// [AKHFOR] - [Strategic Missile & Air Defense Forces] - [AUTOMATED AIR DEFENSE] - [VICEROY] - /// - "[ALERT - ENGAGEMENT REPORTED. SCRAMBLING TO ASSIST HAWK FLIGHT]"

/// [INDFOR] - [Armée Libératrice de Gallia] - [XXX] - [Zh-47 | #2315] - [Eric J. Lecanuet] /// - “These lasers are certainly impressive.”

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [Z. Darzi] /// - "Before they reach Luxor-2, I must make my orders clear. Order Luxor-2 to launch all of its RXQ-444^[9] Autonomous Fighters! They are truly my brainchild — built on the combat data my systems in Arslan collected based on the performance of Euphemian fighters there! I want this precog alive!"

/// [INDFOR] - [Armée Libératrice de Gallia] - [XXX] - [Zh-47 | #2315] - [Eric J. Lecanuet] /// - “Do not forget your primary objective.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "Seems like they want us more than you!"

/// [AKHFOR] - [Strategic Missile & Air Defense Forces] - [AUTOMATED AIR DEFENSE] - [VICEROY] - /// - "[IBIS FLIGHT, REMAIN ON CURRENT COURSE.]"

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [M. Khedesh] /// - "Luxor-2, launch the 131st Autonomous Fighter Group!"

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [Z. Darzi] /// - "Hahahaha. Sadat!"

As the group pressed onward, twelve blips appeared on approach — the 'autonomous fighters' making their approach towards the group. A quick analysis by SAGA quickly proved the aircraft possessed a payload of four missiles each — implying the aircraft were ridiculously light and maneuverable.

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [Z. Darzi] /// - "These are one of my favorite innovations. Fire at the squadron!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [2lt. C. Dionysios] /// - “Σκατά! INCOMING!"

/// [AKHFOR] - [Aerospace Forces] - [Ibis Flight] - [N-39VKT Egret “Dawn” | #3042] - [Cpt. Sethkhim-hetet of Luxor] /// - "Darzi, YOU ARE FIRING AT AKHMANARI PLANES!"

She could see it now — the drones weren't going for her, they were going for the squadron. Presumably Luxor-2 would pick her off if the drones succeeded.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "48 missiles incoming! You have ten seconds — deploy ECM!"

The missiles — numbering 48 in total — accelerated towards the squadron, much of the group deploying ECM and attempting to evade the missiles — Slasher evidently would've been brought down by one of the missiles had he not launched his decoys at the last second.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Slasher" | #77138] - [2Lt. J. Bryd] /// - "Fucking drones?!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "Remember they aren’t human; they’re just stand-ins for true pilots. Don’t hold back."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "They're also armed with guns — be careful!"

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [Z. Darzi] /// - "Impressive — she knew what was going to happen, and alerted the rest of her squadron!" [door banging] "..QUIET DOWN THERE, WILL YOU! I'm trying to achieve SCIENTIFIC PROGRESS!"

/// [AKHFOR] - [MILINT Acquisitions] - [Security Team “ONYX”] - [1Lt. Abuu of Qadesh] /// - "Whoever made the decision to install reinforced blast doors into this building.. Sebek curses you. Use the torch.."

Another blip on the radar, rapidly entering the area of operations at full speed, alerted Brynn — it was not an enemy aircraft, nor an Aenaran aircraft— but it was one she'd recognized.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Messer" | #86247] - [2Lt. R. Kinsley] /// - “Fox-two. Kept you guys waiting, huh?”

by **Valefontaine** » Sat Mar 09, 2019 5:54 pm

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Kinsley?! What the hell are you doing out here?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - "How nice of you to join us."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Messer" | #86247] - [2Lt. R. Kinsley] /// - “I’ll tell you later, focus on the drones for now, Greenburg.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Good idea, Messer."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Messer, what are you doing here? I thought you were too drunk to fly!”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "Well this is certainly a welcome surprise."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++WELCOME TO THE ROBOTIC MASSACRE TO ENSUE - OH NO, THAT DOESN’T INCLUDE ME!++"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Drones will never beat a human operator. Firing!"

Three missiles shot from Shrapnel's aircraft, spinning wildly — two of the missiles managing to miss a drone, with a single managing to strike the aircraft, reducing it to an explosive fireball of fried electronics.

Five missiles parted with Messer’s aircraft, speeding towards a single drone - three of the missiles missed their mark, with two hitting the target, instantly vaporizing the drone and sending what little remained of the drone careening towards the ground.

Utilizing its 20mm guns, Bones unleashed a stream of rounds towards a drone caught in its crosshair. Sparks begun to fly off the drone before it became engulfed in black smoke. It would not take long before the drone disintegrated piece by piece.

/// [AKHFOR] - [Aerospace Forces] - [Ibis Flight] - [N-39VKT Egret “Dawn” | #3042] - [Cpt. Sethkhim-hetet of Luxor] /// - "Darzi, the Oligarchs will assuredly have your head for this!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++DISENGAGING UPLINK FOR MAXIMUM SURVIVABILITY. CAMILLA, HAVE AT THEM!++"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "Fox-two! To hell with these toys."

Charognard’s wing-pylons set loose a volley of Comets arcing towards the amassed drones inbound, swerving to track different targets. With SAGA no longer directly interfaced with them, Camilla was the one who’d get credit for these, as all four met their marks; shrapnel blew past her cockpit as she witnessed the so-called ‘replacements’ for humans torn apart with ease.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “You may be a ‘genius’, Darzi, but you don’t seem to know much about ECM.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "All out of Comets. Look’s like this star’s going in close from now on."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "I know their next move!"

Quickly, Brynn locked onto five of the drones, firing away all four of her Comet missiles — a single Kingfish missile joining the cluster as she opened fire, blowing five of the autonomous aircraft to smithereens. As debris fell down to Djarzurma below, Brynn took note that she'd destroyed all of the remaining drones, finishing her squadron's work quite nicely.

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [Z. Darzi] /// - "They have bought enough time. Luxor-2, let's do the military a favor. Target something 'else' real quick."

In another moment, she could see it quite well — Luxor-2 wasn't going to fire at her: it was going to fire at Eric's aircraft.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Bank right NOW, Mercenary!"

/// [INDFOR] - [Armée Libératrice de Gallia] - [XXX] - [Zh-47 | #2315] - [Côté-Bouchard Galçois] /// - “Merde! Turn turn turn NOW!”

The Tangaliroan cargo plane sharply veered to the right as the laser beam fired at it’s original position.

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [M. Khedesh] /// - "Miss! It would seem the Precognitive has communication with the target aircraft. Luxor-2 is recharging."

/// [INDFOR] - [Armée Libératrice de Gallia] - [XXX] - [Zh-47 | #2315] - [Eric J. Lecanuet] /// - “You are a madman!”

/// [AKHFOR] - [AAF GROUND FORCES] - [HIGH COMMAND] - [Gen. Ramses Amenemhotep-Tati-nas-nofre of Qadesh] - /// - "Darzi, stop this madness before my tanks destroy your shiny pyramids.”

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [Z. Darzi] /// - "Khedesh, connect Luxor-2 to Djarzurma's power grid."

/// [AKHFOR] - [AAF GROUND FORCES] - [HIGH COMMAND] - [Gen. Ramses Amenemhotep-Tati-nas-nofre of Qadesh] - /// - "You wouldn’t dare..”

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [M. Khedesh] /// - "Understood, sir!"

A few city lights flickered among the skyscrapers in the city as the squadron continued past Djarzurma, the city's power plants being 'rerouted' to quickly recharge Luxor-2.

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [M. Khedesh] /// - "It's a miracle! Luxor-2, ready to fire!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Qianlong, bait Luxor-2 into firing again.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Understood, sir!"

Brynn broke formation with the rest of the group — afterburners roaring as she accelerated onward to meet Luxor-2.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "I'm moving rather quickly! He isn't going to hit me. I can see it.."

Indeed, she'd been correct — Luxor-2's beam missing her aircraft by a vast margin. The beam was notably more powerful than Luxor-1's, perhaps due to the fact it was deriving power from the city. The shot alone had caused several city blocks in the distance to go dark.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Huatzin, fly us directly on top of that laser and point us straight down. I don’t care how bright it gets.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [2Lt. C. Xiuhcanahualtzin] /// - “Understood sir.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Locking my Thunderbolts on now!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Hold off just for now! We’ll have more pyramids to deal with after this.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Fuck!"

A single missile soared away from Brynn's aircraft as she engaged the Pyramid prematurely, the missile shattering the sound barrier as it accelerated towards the Pyramid — evidently going a bit off-target as it detonated near one of the Pyramid's four faces, lightly damaging the structure.

Schroeder’s plane approached to near the top of the Pyramid, and then Huatzin pointed the plane down, trying to get an angle on the cap of the Pyramid, so Schroeder could fire in and destroy it.

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [Z. Darzi] /// - "Luxor-2 is damaged, but she can fire again! Quickly, fire!"

Quickly predicting another shot from the second Luxor array, Brynn attempted to maneuver away — the aircraft nearly being struck by the Pyramid's massive beam. This shot had left much of Djarzurma in the dark.

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [M. Khedesh] /// - "If we keep using this much power, Luxor-2 might experience a surge!"

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [Z. Darzi] /// - "No worries! We have many more arrays. The Council of Oligarchs will thank me when I bring this 'precognitive' before them myself!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [2Lt. C. Xiuhcanahualtzin] /// - “Aagh! My eyes!”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Firing!”

Schroeder pressed down on the fire button, sending streams of twenty-millimeter shots down to the Pyramid. The glass housing of the laser itself shattered, revealing the glowing beam casting device itself. The sheer heat produced by the device had left the tip of the pyramid a glowing red — surely it was reaching its limit.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "How many more shots do I need to avoid? My head hurts!.."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Messer" | #86247] - [2Lt. R. Kinsley] /// - “I’m pretty sure Wageslave might’ve just fucking blinded themselves!”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - “Just another step closer to Schrotum being relieved of duty.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Fuck you, Shaw!”

Evidently, Wageslave's crew hadn't blinded themselves, Brynn watching as the aircraft soared upward from its strafing run on the Pyramid. A sharp pain coursed through her forehead as she was overcome with her senses — the beam would fire again.

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [Z. Darzi] /// - "FIRE NOW, YOU INCOMPETENT NIMRODS!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [2Lt. C. Xiuhcanahualtzin] /// - “That fucking core is white hot. I think I’m fine.”

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [M. Khedesh] /// - "Temperatures in the core of Luxor-2 are exceeding 200 centigrade!"

/// [AKHFOR] - [AAF GROUND FORCES] - [HIGH COMMAND] - [Gen. Ramses Amenemhotep-Tati-nas-nofre of Qadesh] - /// - "Ibis flight, keep that madman from firing again. My team will work to arrest him.”

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [Z. Darzi] /// - "Nebethetepet, a word!"

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [ADMIN] - [Nebethetepet] /// - //Greetings, Colonel Darzi. To what do I owe the pleasure?//

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [Z. Darzi] /// - "Automate all Luxor arrays! I want F/A-130 Chiangshi number 82911 targeted NOW!"

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [ADMIN] - [Nebethetepet] /// - //Very well.//

Brynn foresaw it once more — accelerating forward and activating her aircraft's afterburners, conducting a sharp maneuver to the left as she deployed her aircraft's speed brakes. A beam shot past, targeting where she'd been moments earlier.

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [Z. Darzi] /// - "WHY.. WON'T... SHE..?! Come in an arrest me, MILINT — I will be remembered as a genius when that Precog is captured! Just you see, you thickheaded nimrods!"

/// [AKHFOR] - [AAF GROUND FORCES] - [HIGH COMMAND] - [Gen. Ramses Amenemhotep-Tati-nas-nofre of Qadesh] - /// - "Onyx Team, arrest that man.”

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [ADMIN] - [Nebethetepet] /// - //Luxor-2 has overloaded. Criticality in T-minus thirty seconds. All personnel are ordered to evacuate.//

/// [AKHFOR] - [MILINT Acquisitions] - [Security Team “ONYX”] - [1Lt. Abuu of Qadesh] /// - "Onyx Team here. We have Darzi." [distant: "DAMN YOU ALL!"]

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Messer" | #86247] - [2Lt. R. Kinsley] /// - “What a madman.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Now we can be on our way to Tangaliro.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "It's over, right? God damn, Psycho — I have no clue how you pulled that off."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "For now.. Psycho that must’ve taken a lot out of you. Hopefully there won’t be any more surprises ahead, yeah?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "My head hurts.."

The group continued onward over Akhmanar's rolling deserts, a bright flash erupting where Luxor-2 had stood in the horizon as the various components and chemical compounds stored within the massive laser facility ignited, culminating in a colossal explosion. A calm had returned to the squadron for the most part — though Brynn was in the ropes of dealing with a rather terrible headache.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vice" | #11732] - [2Lt S. Hei] /// - "Hopefully uncompetent unstudious squadron drunks will be ready for next sortie."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - "By the time they sortie, this will be long over."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Slasher" | #77138] - [2Lt. J. Bryd] /// - "So, 'Eric'.. remember that one time in Mbanza.."

/// [INDFOR] - [Armée Libératrice de Gallia] - [XXX] - [Zh-47 | #2315] - [Eric J. Lecanuet] /// - “Hmm?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Slasher" | #77138] - [2Lt. J. Bryd] /// - "Our mercenary units just so happened to be in the same side in that operation. The aircraft that flattened that village with napalm for you? Well," [chuckles] "That was me. Hope there was no green-on-green back there."

/// [INDFOR] - [Armée Libératrice de Gallia] - [XXX] - [Zh-47 | #2315] - [Eric J. Lecanuet] /// - “Really? [chuckles] Well shit.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [2Lt. C. McWillians] /// - "You know this man, Slasher-2?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Slasher" | #77138] - [2Lt. J. Bryd] /// - "Of course. I served in Mbanza in a mercenary air wing."

/// [INDFOR] - [Armée Libératrice de Gallia] - [XXX] - [Zh-47 | #2315] - [Eric J. Lecanuet] /// - “And I was serving on the ground - we fought on the same side. Spent about six months in an operation where the government was trying to find a Dr. Adriansy Manelo. He was raising hell in the north, in fact he still is, so Mbanza started giving contracts.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Slasher" | #77138] - [2Lt. J. Bryd] /// - "Indeed.."

/// [INDFOR] - [Armée Libératrice de Gallia] - [XXX] - [Zh-47 | #2315] - [Côté-Bouchard Galçois] /// - “Mbanza was hell. Almost lost a leg to one of those ‘Junglestalkers’. They say it is myth, but I’ve seen it for myself. It’s real.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Junglestalkers?"

/// [INDFOR] - [Armée Libératrice de Gallia] - [XXX] - [Zh-47 | #2315] - [Côté-Bouchard Galçois] /// - “Spider about as tall as a person. Poisonous, it likes to squirt its web all over you, trap you so it can eat you. They tried telling me it was malaria fever, but I know what I saw!”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [2Lt. C. McWillians] /// - "Heheh. Squirt."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Easy now, McWillians. This isn't elementary school."

/// [INDFOR] - [Armée Libératrice de Gallia] - [XXX] - [Zh-47 | #2315] - [Eric J. Lecanuet] /// - “Bouchard doesn’t have the best grip on things, given what happened in Mbanza. Ignore him.”

/// [AKHFOR] - [Strategic Missile & Air Defense Forces] - [AUTOMATED AIR DEFENSE] - [VICEROY] - /// - "[ATTENTION IBIS FLIGHT: GROUND FORCES HAVE REPORTED GROUND CONTACT NEAR SEPDJU. UNCONFIRMED REPORTS OF SANJARI AIRBORNE RAIDERS AS WELL - WILL KEEP POSTED, OUT.]"

/// [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [ASF-364 Namtara | #XXXX] - [M. Sabet] /// - "Akhmanari invaders! Bring them down! Strafe!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Messer" | #86247] - [2Lt. R. Kinsley] /// - “Fucking airborne raiders?”

/// [AKHFOR] - [Aerospace Forces] - [Ibis Flight] - [N-39VKT Egret “Dawn” | #3042] - [Cpt. Sethkhim-hetet of Luxor] /// - "Rogue Sanjaris. They have tried raiding Sepdju ever since the death of the emperor."

Brynn quickly maneuvered to meet one of the rogue Sanjari aircraft, strafing away at one of the planes' cockpits — the aircraft transforming into a fireball and arching over as it crashed on the Akhmanari side of the border.

Forwarding a message to the Akhmanaris, Brynn sent a brief question in text format via her aircraft's computer.

you deal with these all the time?
------
354fw
447tfs
psycho

Looping around, she strafed another one the Sanjaris — who quickly began to disperse as six other of the squadron's aircraft began to wipe out the rogue aircraft. The last one turned back, soaring back south to wherever it'd come. Such raids had become commonplace in northern Sanjar, but proved to be nothing more than minor annoyances.

/// [AKHFOR] - [Ground Forces] - [XXX] - [MT-91 Pharaoh ”Assasin Lead”] - [Maj. Hapi-u of Djarzurma] /// - "Aerial raiders down! The Sanjari dogs are retreating. Hail Atum!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "Continue east."

The squadron continued escorting Eric to the east, soon reaching the pearlescent, glimmering waters of the Jade Sea. There was a reason they called it the 'Jade Sea' — explorers of old likened it to a thousand jades glimmering under the sun.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Slasher" | #77138] - [2Lt. J. Bryd] /// - "Should be smooth sailing from here."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Don't relax just yet, Slasher-2. We're flying straight into Tangaliro."

Brynn was once again overcome with a bout of foresight — which left her ears ringing and her head throbbing. There were more Luxor arrays — and they were going to fire on their own. A streak of blood descended from one of her nostrils as the pain reached a sharp crescendo.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Fly low! Now!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Messer" | #86247] - [2Lt. R. Kinsley] /// - “Affirm!”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - "If you say so, Psycho."

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [ADMIN] - [Nebethetepet] /// - //TARGET DETECTED. LUXOR-15 FIRING.//

The beam brightly streaked through the sky as the squadron lowered themselves — evidently saving quite a few pilots from being simultaneously caught in the beam's trajectory. They pressed onwards now, their lowered position serving to shield them from the threat.

/// [AKHFOR] - [Aerospace Forces] - [Ibis Flight] - [N-39VKT Egret “Dawn” | #3042] - [Cpt. Sethkhim-hetet of Luxor] /// - "What in the name of Horet..? But Darzi was arrested..."

/// [AKHFOR] - [AAF GROUND FORCES] - [HIGH COMMAND] - [Gen. Ramses Amenemhotep-Tati-nas-nofre of Qadesh] - /// - "Wait one, pilots.”

There came a pause on the radio.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "Akhmanar has authorized us to utilize our JAMSAT against the Luxor arrays."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Satellite Command] - [JAMSAT Satellite Command] - [Confident Hylemorph 8] /// - //LUXOR-15 HAS BEEN SUPPRESSED. LUXOR-9 HAS BEEN SUPPRESSED. LUXOR-12 HAS BEEN SUPPRESSED. FLIGHT PATH CLEAR.//

Once more, the VICEROY system came back onto the Euphemians’ comms as they approached the coast. Was this to inform them that they were going to turn away, or continue on?

/// [AKHFOR] - [Strategic Missile & Air Defense Forces] - [AUTOMATED AIR DEFENSE] - [VICEROY] - /// - "[ATTENTION EUPHEMIANS: IBIS FLIGHT IS BEING ORDERED TO ACCOMPANY YOU TO TANGALIRO, WHERE IT WILL LOITER WHILE YOUR HVT LANDS. HOW COPY?]"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "The Akhmanaris continue escorting us?"

/// [AKHFOR] - [Aerospace Forces] - [Ibis Flight] - [N-39VKT Egret “Dawn” | #3042] - [Cpt. Sethkhim-hetet of Luxor] /// - "Only until you reach the shores of Tangaliro."

/// [INDFOR] - [Armée Libératrice de Gallia] - [XXX] - [Zh-47 | #2315] - [Eric J. Lecanuet] /// - “Bouchard, nous y sommes presque.”

/// [INDFOR] - [Armée Libératrice de Gallia] - [XXX] - [Zh-47 | #2315] - [Côté-Bouchard Galçois] /// - “Effectivement.”

/// [INDFOR] - [Armée Libératrice de Gallia] - [XXX] - [Zh-47 | #2315] - [Eric J. Lecanuet] /// - “Retour à la maison enfin.”

Eric must have noticed something on his plane’s radar, as he switched back to Euphemian.

/// [INDFOR] - [Armée Libératrice de Gallia] - [XXX] - [Zh-47 | #2315] - [Eric J. Lecanuet] /// - “Lone Tangaliroan fighter on radar. Why only send one?”

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-346X] - [Maj. L. Marat] /// - "Avion non identifié, turn back! I am cleared to shoot!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Messer" | #86247] - [2Lt. R. Kinsley] /// - “Warning, yellow.”

/// [INDFOR] - [Armée Libératrice de Gallia] - [XXX] - [Zh-47 | #2315] - [Eric J. Lecanuet] /// - “Pourquoi tourner, pilote? Inquiétude pour le Euphemais, pas moi.”

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-346X] - [Maj. L. Marat] /// - "Tu crois que je veux me faire tuer? Ha! Au revoir."

The lone Tangaliroan aircraft turned back, making on a northeastern-bound course, presumably back to Gallia.

/// [INDFOR] - [Armée Libératrice de Gallia] - [XXX] - [Zh-47 | #2315] - [Eric J. Lecanuet] /// - “Gallians are loyal to Gallia. There are no Tangaliroans to be loyal to Tangaliro, only those who are deluded.”

It suddenly occurred to Brynn as she experienced another premonition, the ringing in her ears only growing louder.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Agh.. six Tangaliroan anti-aircraft sites ahead! It's... A142-F self-propelled anti-air gun.. three groups of two."

She almost felt herself pass out in the cockpit, holding her head briefly. The mission was taking its toll. Looking back up to the computer, she prepared to target the predicted sites once they'd entered range — which they quickly did.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Targeting.. firing my last Thunderbolt.. Rifl— ah, Hail Neworder!"

/// [INDFOR] - [Armée Libératrice de Gallia] - [XXX] - [Zh-47 | #2315] - [Eric J. Lecanuet] /// - “Wait!”

Firing away her last Thunderbolt missile, it quickly locked onto target.

As the missile shot outward, orange streak speeding off into the horizon, a bright flash confirmed the hit — Brynn's vision quickly becoming blurred as everything began to fade away.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "..autopilot will take over for me.."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Qianlong, stay awake!”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Presidential Order of Patriotism - Action Branch] - [CLASSIFIED] /// - "Excellent work, gentlemen. Mr. Lecanuet, our forces await you at the airstrip."

/// [INDFOR] - [Armée Libératrice de Gallia] - [XXX] - [Zh-47 | #2315] - [Eric J. Lecanuet] /// - “I trust transport to Florale has been secured?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Presidential Order of Patriotism - Action Branch] - [CLASSIFIED] /// - "We have arranged for such things accordingly. And to the pilots of the 447th, we have also requested for a mid-air refuelling for your return journey."

/// [INDFOR] - [Armée Libératrice de Gallia] - [XXX] - [Zh-47 | #2315] - [Eric J. Lecanuet] /// - “Thank you, gentlemen. Today, la Hauteur begins. SALUER GALLIA!”

She felt her motor abilities falter as the advance continued, the aircraft performing its designated orders and maintaining the course with the rest of the squadron as she lay idle in the cockpit. A familiar darkness was beginning to overcome her blurred vision as she experienced an even more familiar rest.

by **Valefontaine** » Sat Mar 09, 2019 5:55 pm

Nevis AFB, Marinesia, Federal States of Euphemie

12 January, A.C. 393

2Lt. Brynn Qianlong
354th Fighter Wing
447th Tactical Fighter Squadron

Apparently Brynn had blacked out — a dangerous overexertion of her 'gift'. She'd managed to barely make the return trip to Nevis, the squadron conducting a brief mid-air refuel before they'd returned. Her autonomous WSO was quite helpful in this case, having filled in for her during the return trip. Some six hours had passed since she'd blacked out, most of the squadron relaxing following the rather close voyage. Drinking was, perhaps for now, out of the question for most of the pilots — especially due to how few of them were able to sortie due to the previous night's celebrations. Someone had returned her to her room while she'd been unconscious, allowing her to recover. There were immense precautionary affairs that she had to account for as an ESPer, including the various 'safety measures' her headset included. She'd turned them off to ensure the safety of the rather disorganized squadron in the fight — but it'd taken quite the toll on herself.

Her equipment hadn't been damaged by the overexertion, of course — someone had left it bedside, the power unit plugged in to the wall. The fight had left her exhausted, but the six hours of 'sleep' she'd gotten had given her just enough energy to get around the base if she wanted to.

The ceiling fan continued its usual rhythmic whir, Brynn looking on at the spinning fan with an almost disinterested gaze as she came to. She'd come quite close to death on multiple occasions in the mission. There was a rather traumatic factor to the aspect of foresight — seeing oneself die, over and over again — and narrowly avoiding said circumstances, over and over again was a psychologically taxing affair. The thought that the Akhmanaris wanted her alive only served to trouble her further. How many exactly knew about the 447th's little 'secret' at this point? Surely the Tangaliroans and their Akhmanari 'allies' had some degree of knowledge on her. Just how far would they go to bring her down, though? There was little doubt in her mind that the 447th now had a massive target painted on their backs.

Brynn quickly noticed someone else was in the room — noting it was the Marinian newcomer to the squadron, Camilla. "Huh?" She mustered only a brief mutterance of confusion at whatever had taken place since she'd blacked out.

Camilla looked up from the seat she’d taken up in her room, seemingly having dozed off at first. Her head nodded when she realized Brynn was conscious again. “O-Oh! You’re awake, thank goodness. How’re you feeling Brynn?” She asked, getting up and coming to kneel next to her bed, a face of concern on her features. “The others asked me to keep an eye on you while you rested.”

"I, uh, guess my head still hurts a little.. how long have I been out?" Brynn questioned, leaning up from where she'd been laying in bed.

“Six hours about,” The Marinian woman answered. “You blacked out somewhere around Gallia, so we brought you back to your room once we returned home. Job’s done but.. everyone was really worried about you.”

"This doesn't happen often," She eased herself, fixing her rather messy hair. "I disabled the safety on my headset to better use my abilities, but I pushed myself too far. I didn't want anyone in the squadron to get hurt, especially since we were running on so few pilots. The headset, it, uh— helps me 'see' better. I usually don't use anything beyond safe mode. Nobody got hurt on the way back, right?" Brynn was clearly a bit worried for the state of her fellow squadron members.

Camilla shook her head. “No, I’d say everyone made it out just fine thanks to your wonderful insight Brynn. SAGA helped make up for any close calls while you were out, but we made it out alright.”

"That's a relief..." Brynn rubbed her eyes, beginning to get out of bed. "I just didn't want anyone to get hurt." A slight grumble escaped her, to which she'd realized she'd practically missed lunch in her unconscious period.

“Well you certainly wanted to get yourself hurt instead..” She sighed, only half-joking. “You should really let us know if you’re going to push yourself like that in the future. It’s dangerous to leave us in the dark when you’re at risk.” Camilla rose and went to fetch a bag she’d brought with her, before producing a box of Étourneau-du-Fins - a unique Marinian delicacy of honeyed cookies. “And don’t think I didn’t hear that stomach grumbling. I brought you something to lift your spirits! A little slice of home, from me to you.” She smiled, offering them to her. Her eyes lit up at the sight of some well-needed food — quietly accepting and taking a few bites. She was a quick eater, especially when hungry.

"Thank you!" She gleefully replied after swallowing the evidently delicious Marinian food — it briefly escaped her that this was almost a piece of history, in that it was among the few cultural legacies that remained of a practically eradicated 'civilization'. The texture soothed her stomach quite well, going down with incredible splendor after she'd practically missed lunch (and dinner) while unconscious. She had practically finished much of it in a few minutes, sighing in relief as she wiped whatever loose crumbs remained by her mouth. "Sorry, I just haven't eaten in a long while.. really needed something to lift my spirits. It means a lot to me — most everyone in the squadron wouldn't really bother, I don't think.."

“There may be a couple here who would do the same if they were in my shoes, but it probably wouldn’t mean as much. You’re welcome either way,” She was simply happy to see Brynn relaxed and enjoying the gifted delicacy - it was all she could really offer her, as Marinian wares were being bought up like crazy throughout euphemie. “You remind me of my one of my kids in some ways, you know.” She pulled up her chair and sat down in it before continuing. “He was an absolute genius at heart, but he couldn’t quite figure out the right way to.. express himself, I guess. He was so involved with his academics he didn’t really think much of looking for friends in school. But I’ll always remember the smiles he’d come home with when those few people who really liked him gave him a gift. You were always so quiet when I first arrived with SAGA, but here - and even then when we were flying! - I can tell you’re comfortable around us. Just thought you should know I’m thankful for that.”

"Ah, I see.. I'm sorry about—" She hesitated mention of Etoile Marin, or its fate. "It's not very easy for me, you know? Without that headset, my mind is a jumbled mess — like right now. I don't know how to explain it, but without the headset I can 'see' ahead in brief, disorganized glimpses that don't make sense. My mind's just filled with.. I don't know how to put it. I'm not normal. It's pretty obvious something's up with me— but when I put that headset on and climb into the Chiangshi, I'm in the zone — it's almost liberating, in a way." She shook her head — sometimes she had with her only the aspiration to be normal, to be like everyone else — but instead she was an outcast, plagued by sparse mental visions of would-bes at every turn. Her status in the military bothered her too, in a way — she felt regarded moreso as a weapon, an asset — than a human being. "But sometimes it just feels like I'm some weapon being used to carry out this war.. that this curse makes me less than human."

Camilla lowered her head for a moment as she listened, before eventually nodding. “I know.. I can understand what you’re going through. You find it hard to gather your thoughts, and you’ve got that rare talent I keep hearing about.. precognition, I think? The one that lets you perceive glimpses of a potential future. I’ll be honest, I’ve never once heard of anyone having it to the extent you do - at least, not in the same way.” She got up and sat down on the bed beside her, putting an arm around her reassuringly.

“Brynn, don’t think you’re any less human because of what you can do. All of us have our own quirks and specialties, and yours is no less unique. If you think you’re just a weapon, how do you think SAGA feels? No matter how you use your.. ‘gift,’ it’ll always be you deep down that’s using it how you feel it should be used best.” She seemed to be surprisingly understanding of this sort of extraordinary experience that Brynn was going through.

"I guess you're right." Sighing, she returned her focus to the meal, finishing the rest of it rather quickly due to how hungry she'd been. "Maybe I should leave my room a bit more. I keep to myself too often.. but maybe I can try to get past that." Now Brynn seemed set on exploring the airbase — perhaps to let off and relax, and join the usual antics around the base.

“That’s the spirit!” She smiled, patting her shoulder lightly before standing up. “The others will probably want to know you’re doing alright too. I’ll have to go check on SAGA myself, but feel free to join the others in the lounge. I think I heard something going on with Huatzin, but I didn’t stay to hear the rest..” She went to grab her bag, glad to hear Brynn feeling more confident in herself and even moreso to see her willing to open up.

"Thanks, again." Brynn regarded her squadron mate with a smile before departing her quarters, curiously looking about the corridor to see if anything was amiss. In the background, Huatzin appeared out from his room, carrying a box full of clothes. It would’ve been noticeable that he was wearing sunglasses. He did enjoy wearing them, but these were a different type from the ones he had - they seemed almost like they were given to him, rather than being a natural feature of his wardrobe.

Huatzin hadn't been much of a talker — but Brynn did note that he'd come quite close to one of the Luxor array's beam devices. Had he perhaps injured himself in the mission? The man wasn't much of a talker, of course.

“Oh. I see that uh… you’re up.” he started, wanting to make some awkward conversation.

"Are you alright?" She questioned — still unsure of what'd exactly taken place.

“After the mission the Colonel insisted he and I get our eyes checked. He’s alright but… my corneas were essentially melted, according to the doctors. I’m being replaced.”

Even though he hadn't been much of a talker, he'd been pretty damn good at his job — there was a certain sadness to the situation. "I'm sorry about that.. I can only hope towards your recovery."

“Yeah. My eyes feel like they’re being blasted with sand. I can’t stick too long, but I overheard something that I think some people like, say.. Engelhardt ought to hear about.” Huatzin continued.

"..who might your replacement be?" Brynn questioned.

“About that. I heard Schroeder talking with somebody in his office. He’s arranged to have a friend of his from high school be transferred to this squadron. Be his new pilot. I think those of you who don’t like him won’t be pleased…” he observed.

Brynn grimaced. "I don't see that ending particularly well."

“It won’t. Just tell them the bad news now.” Huatzin noted.

"I'll be sure to. Godspeed, Huatzin." She nodded, making down the corridor.

Huatzin nodded back as he continued down the other end, departing the squadron, no, departing the Air Force entirely. Continuing on down the corridor, Brynn sought to find the lounge and deliver the rather unfortunate news. Opening the door, she found much of the squadron messing around the lounge, their privileges to alcoholic beverages evidently revoked due to the incident in the morning. "I have, well, a pretty big announcement to make.." She began.

"What's the news, Psycho?" Greenburg raised an eyebrow, evidently having been with the other Majors, occupying the sofa, television loudly blaring while tuned to the National Sports Network™ — the Canten State Wranglers going up against the Augusta Aardvarks in a rather tense Gridiron match.

"Huatzin's been replaced, apparently the last mission really did his eyes in—" Her statement was met by a few curious murmurs among the group. The man had largely been seen as Schroeder's eyes and ears among the group, after all. "..he's being, uh, replaced by one of Schroeder's friends from high school, apparently."

The announcement was instantly met with some irritated, unruly shouts — evidently, much of the squadron didn't like the Colonel.

"Of course he'd fucking do that," Engelhardt muttered. "How the fuck did the Brigadier General even—"

"Come the FUCK on!" Camden, on the other hand, had practically shouted in response to her announcement. "That motherfucker, I swear!"

"If we weren't fucked already, we sure are now." Greenburg chuckled. "They're gonna run this squadron wholesale into the fuckin' ground. Thanks for the heads-up, Psycho. Hey Shaw — I think there'll be hell for you to pay next briefing. Me? I'm on exceptionally good behavior, of course.." He chuckled to himself — he knew not to anger Schroeder, not after he'd nearly gotten himself court martialed.

"There will probably be hell to pay for all of us come next briefing," Shaw replied. "Especially with the situation this morning."

"Great — now Schrotum's gonna think he runs the show.." Camden continued, still quite irritated. "Well, he does, but that's beyond the point—"

Brynn sighed to herself — the next mission would certainly be an interesting one, without doubt — especially the briefing.

[/blocktext]

CONTEXT NOTES

1 - MESCASP - MESCASP, or Machine Expert Systems Control and Artificial Science Processor, is a digital accelerator designed to complement the installation of artificial intelligence programmes. It is of a class of components that is one of the many core steps that goes into perfecting the automation of digital intelligence. The MESCASP model in particular is Utsanji-Marinian in origin, developed as a covert design by an unknown Utsanji agency and the Institute of Technology in Masais to create an AI accelerator capable of facilitating processes worthy of humanoid interaction. SAGA, or fully known as SAGACITÉ, is the Specially Autonomous Generation Artificial Construct Intelligence and Technologies Example. The identities of his creators remain unheard of, but he is the only known surviving user of the Marinian-derived MESCASP. A similar model developed in Utsan exists - and a counterpart to it by a different name in Euphemie. Both serve the same function, but are applied for different uses, such as shipboard artificial intelligence screening.

2 - Almighty Dollar - The Almighty Dollar, a major facet of the Consumerist Church, is the central tenet of the Consumerist faith. Much like eastern concepts of deities, the Almighty Dollar is not a singular entity, or many entities for that matter — but a greater, conscious concept that envelops the human understanding of money. As such, the Almighty Dollar is regarded with divine reverence — after all, it makes the world go 'round.

3 - AD-39 Arc Light - The AD-39 is an Akhmanari self-propelled medium surface to air missile system. It specializes in destroying low altitude targets, but has the capability to hit and destroy high altitude ones. This makes it a dangerous SAM that has dissuaded Sanjari raiding aircraft and even a few spy planes.

4 - N-39VKT Egret - The N-39VKT Egret is an Akhmanari super maneuverable fighter. Featuring thrust vectoring capability, sharp angles, forward swept wings, an internal weapons bay, dark iron ball paint, and concealed 20mm cannons, the Egret is a dangerous and stealthy fighter to go up against in the air, despite how light it’s loadout may be. It’s maneuvering abilities are rivaled by few Ophiric planes.

5 - N/P-28M4K Shezmus - The N/P-28M4K is a variable wing supersonic, all-weather twin-engine attack aircraft. Carrying a two-man crew, the aircraft is known for being often used by Akhmanari forces for SEAD.

6 - Unitate Five Nuclear Missiles - The Unitate V Nuclear Missile is an Acasian 800kt nuclear weapon. Designed in the early 380s, it is the most powerful nuclear missile in Acasia’s arsenal and can

7 - S-49 Ballistic Missile - The S-49 Hadit Ballistic Missile Launcher is a Mobile Short-Range Ballistic Missile in service with the Akhmanar Armed Forces Ground Forces and Strategic Missile/Air Defense Forces. It is capable of fielding nuclear, chemical, biological, and conventional warheads, and has a max operating range of 700km.

8 - AD-160 Tabuu - The AD-160 Tabuu is an Akhmanari long-range surface to air missile launcher.

9 - RXQ-444 - The RXQ-444 is an Akhmanari unmanned fighter aircraft developed and designed by Sanjari weapons genius Zakariyah Darzi, who based its combat fighting patterns on the fighting maneuvers and behaviors of various VFA-125 aircraft during the Battle over Arslan. Each aircraft is light, carrying space for only four air-to-air missiles.

by **Western Pacific Territories** » Sat Mar 09, 2019 6:46 pm

Gallian-Zaratian Border, Sacred Union State of Tangaliro

12 January, A.C. 393

Eric Lecanuet
Armée Libératrice de Gallia

Music

Their truck, a Sudgallia Entreprise Automobile™^[1] C400, continued along the beaten road. Rural backroads worked best for situations like these, as the main corridors between states often had much more security — and border guards there were much more unlikeable than around these parts.

The truck itself was largely filled with members of the Armée Libératrice de Gallia, with a few advisors from the Presidential Order among the group. They weren't in uniform for obvious reasons — but they did have guns about them. The radio in the flatbed of the truck played the usual broadcast — largely filled with false reports of how 'well' the war was going. It seemed odd that the demise of Tangaliro would begin here — in a truck going down one of the Tangaliroan backroads en route to Gallia. It'd be a long way until Florale, of course, but everything great had humble beginnings. The faces of the men were dimly lit by the sunset casting its rays through the truck's tarp, a few illuminated solely by their brightly-lit cigarettes and cigars.

"Est-ce vrai? They say you flew through Akhmanar.." One of the men was rather unaware of how Eric had made it to Tangaliro in the first place — he hadn't witnessed the mission itself, and was accordingly unaware. He was also with the Armée Libératrice de Gallia, a rather cheap M7 Tomgun^[2] in his hands.

“I did.” Eric commented, the memories of the mission coming back to mind. “It was a merdier. I had a Euphemian squadron escorting my plane. The problem started when I found out it was at half strength.”

This elicited a few chuckles from the group. "They say there is some squadron out there that absolutely terrifies the Tangaliroans.. that one of their pilots is inhuman." The man who'd said such a thing exhaled a puff of smoke from his cigar. He was a rather burly figure, his stature only matched by the rather powerful modified M64A4 he held in his hands.

“Était-ce..? Well, one of my escorts had certainly an inhuman ability to guess things. It was like she could see the future, in fact, alot of the time she could. Maybe Euphemian technology has gotten that good? Or are we just that far behind in Tangaliro?” Eric asked.

The man chuckled. "Oui, perhaps you are right.. I believe you have to be a certain degree of 'stupid' to die for a country like this.. would you not agree?"

Eric chuckled. “Of course. Just a few hours ago, of course, as we were over the Jade Sea, a lone plane came to order us to turn back. However,” he chuckled again. “The pilot was Gallian. I told him to worry about the Euphemians and not me. He said that he didn’t want to die, and turned straight back around.”

Eric's story brought the man to heartily laugh. "We are a noble people — we are Gallians first, and for most of us, 'Tangaliroans' second.. that will change soon enough, however."

“Indeed, it will. We have no shortage of money, and no shortage of people willing to join our cause.” Eric observed.

The truck slowed — one could presume they were reaching the border. Most of these border posts were dominated by Sinican soldiers, to ensure no local sentiments could arise — the Sinicans a stark contrast in mindset and attitude compared to Gallians. To most of the men, this was regarded as arrogance — an occupier's mentality.

"Un moment," The rather muscular Gallian man reached for an electronic device he'd kept about his rucksack. "Brouilleur," He explained, activating it and setting it down. Already, they could hear the Sinicans speaking the bastard language that was Tangaliroan — a horrid, distasteful mixture of Sinican and Jade Sea linguistics to create an abomination that hurt to hear. Its attempted implementation in the Sacred Union State had largely failed due to how much of an affront to local culture and customs it was.

"Paper? Where paper? Show paper!" They could hear the border guards demanding.

The burly Gallian fighter raised his left hand, as if counting down from five. His other hand was, of course, tightly clutching his assault rifle. As he reached one, he balled his hand into a fist, the Gallian fighters hurrying out just as the footsteps of Sinican soldiers trudging along the muddy road drew near.

"VIVE GALLIA LIBRE!" He practically bellowed, hitting the dirt with much of the other eight men of the truck and firing upon the Tangaliroan soldiers. Evidently, the rural post wasn't accustomed to traffic that mandated a large contingent — much less an ambush. The firefight lasted only a few seconds, the six Tangaliroan border guards being dropped by the coordinated Gallian resistance band with ease. Quickly, the man returned to the truck, grabbing the jamming device and hurrying to the kiosk with it.

"They will find out eventually," Another one of the men skeptically thought aloud, emptying a round from his Tomgun into the skull of one of the injured border guards. The men didn't particularly take kindly to the foreign occupiers.

"We will be long gone from here by then." The man jovially replied, throwing the jammer into the kiosk — it'd be awhile before anything got out.

“And when they find this, they’ll think it’s a Zaratian problem.” Eric said, continuing on the man’s sentence.

This made the rather muscular Gallian man chuckle as he walked past the dead bodies of the Tangaliroans, climbing back aboard the truck. "And the Zaratians will face reprisals accordingly. You know, it is almost easy — they censor these attacks so often, there'll be no worry of being found in public."

“The reprisals are unfortunate, of course, but they just make the dominoes tip easier. First it will be Gallia, then maybe Zaratia, or Velikomolbik. Sinica will be last of course, if it ever tips.” Eric noted.

"Indeed." There was resounding agreement among the men as they climbed aboard the truck once more, preparing to continue onward into Gallia. The journey had begun — and perhaps soon the first wind towards the house of cards that was the Tangaliroan state would blow. "Onwards to Florale!" was the shout among the group as the truck sped across the border, making for the Gallian city.

CONTEXT NOTES

1 - Sudgallia Entreprise Automobile™ - Sudgallia Entreprise Automobile S.A. is a Tangaliroan automotive company headquartered in Gallia. It largely produces trucks and cars for civilian purposes, though a few of their vehicles, largely utility trucks, often see use with Tangaliroan military elements.

2 - M7 Tomgun - A Hesperian submachine gun chambered in 10mm Liberton produced in 354-375 by Interservice Manufacturing Bureau before being phased out by the Hesperian Continental Army in favor of the MIC-10. It is constructed largely of steel and plastic with an optional shoulder stock and suppressor. It was one of the first Hesperian submachine guns to employ principles of API - Advanced Primer Ignition - and captivated the developing world with its outstanding reliability. A simple, capable, and straightforward weapon for any guerrilla force. A variant of it known as the M7K4 also exists, serving the role of a battle rifle and is chambered in 7.62x51mm Sovereignon.

by **Western Pacific Territories** » Sun Mar 10, 2019 3:53 pm

Nevis AFB, Marinesia, Federal States of Euphemie

15 January, A.C. 393

Mark Schroeder
354th Fighter Wing
447th Tactical Fighter Squadron

It had been a few days since the most recent mission, involving the escort of that elusive ‘Eric’ character that Byrd knew had taken place, and the problem of inhibition preventing his pilots from doing anything had long since gone away. Ever since that mission, Schroeder had ordered none of his pilots be allowed to go out to the local bars, and the Air Force Base’s guards had been appropriately informed.

Of course, Schroeder planned on removing this restriction in a couple of days, or after some very important, crucial victory demanded a suitable celebration, whichever came first. None of his pilots knew this, so he imagined they were still displeased. He was never one to care much for his pilots' feelings though, so long as they did their job and followed orders.

He had spent the last few hours of the morning chatting with an old friend, Second Lieutenant Brandon Callaghan that he knew from high school. Callaghan happened to be in the Air Force, and was based at Area 76 previously until Schroeder’s pilot had his corneas seared by Luxor-2. Schroeder had always felt Huatzin uncomfortable to be a pilot with, as he knew pilots and WSOs should have a strong relationship, and Huatzin was not much of a social type.

Callaghan, however, was the opposite. He was a real party animal in high school, and was a socialite even in adult life. Schroeder was well aware that the pilots as a whole either didn’t like him or hated his guts, with a few exceptions, and told Callaghan they would feel the same about him since Callaghan would be associated with Schroeder’s name from the start.

Callaghan on the other hand didn’t seem concerned and told Schroeder that he was probably over-exaggerating. ‘Fine, you see for yourself,’ Schroeder had told him.

As they were discussing the topics middle aged men usually discussed, Schroeder’s phone rang. Picking it up, he listened to a message from the Brigadier General explaining that his squadron had a new mission, and what they were going to do.

“New mission. This seems like it’s gonna be a big one,” Schroeder stated, standing up and moving towards the door.

“Big one? Whadd’ya mean?” Callaghan asked.

“You’ll see in a second…” Schroeder stated, walking down the hallway. He realized that Callaghan had never actually met his fellow pilots yet, having arrived only a few hours ago and spending all of his time until now chatting in Schroeder’s office, and wondered how exactly they would treat him in the air.

ATTENTION! PILOTS OF THE 447TH FIGHTER SQUADRON, REPORT TO HANGAR 5 FOR BRIEFING!

The usual announcement went off as Schroeder and Callaghan navigated through their office building, heading out onto the runway. The hanger was closer to the pilot’s barracks, so they would always be there before him, in rank and file of course, waiting for him.

A certain pilot named Shaw had been on Schroeder’s mind occasionally, he had mentioned him to Callaghan in passing earlier, and mentioned that he planned on going on ‘another rant’ as he called them to scare the squadron into behaving again. Callaghan would just be around to watch. Schroeder had perfected the art of “ranting”, really it was more like him flipping his shit, and could now do it without having to think about it beforehand at all.

Callaghan had managed to occasionally hear about the ranting of the ‘Most Hated Man in Nevis’ all the way in Area 76, and had figured out from Schroeder that he was almost always much less offended than he seemed to be when “ranting”, it was just a guise to keep his pilots in line.

Entering the hanger with Callaghan, Schroeder was pleased to see that everyone was lined up, in formation this time. Callaghan had realized a while ago he should try to fit in with his new comrades, so he moved into the formation while Schroeder started his briefing to the sound of murmuring about the new guy.

"That's the new pilot, right? Schroeder's friend." Camden cautiously looked about. Much of the rest of the squadron was equally cautious at the new pilot's presence — Brynn's announcement a few days prior doing more than enough to leave much of the squadron on edge regarding the new arrival.

“Alright, we ready?” Schroeder asked, not expecting a response. Of course they were ready. “Three points today.” Those who were proficient in detecting when Schroeder was pissed, or perhaps Brynn, would have been able to tell that Schroeder had randomly decided that he had been nice for too long and was going to yell at everyone today.

“First off - we have a new arrival. Arrived a few hours ago, Brandon Callaghan will be my new pilot, replacing Huatzin who has unfortunately been partly blinded and is no longer in the Air Force. I’ve been chatting with him to clear up some minor details, and I expect he will be a great contribution to the squadron.” Schroeder began. There were a few dissatisfied grumbles at this.

“Anyways. I have come to the conclusion that trying to be more informal, more friendly in the past few days, has not worked. Not worked, because for some reason you bastards still hate me!
I can tell because some people, like Shaw, have continued to refer to me with the various nicknames the likes of Greenburg have come up with.” He continued, before deciding he wasn’t quite done talking. “And I have to ask, why am I bothering to be nice when you people keep doing this shit to me, because you think it’s funny! Do you think giggling ‘Schrotum’ over comms is funny? It’s not, and you people think it’s fucking hilarious! Why!?”

A few stifled laughs came from the squadron, though nobody had the gall to speak up.

“This is what I’m talking about! Y’all don’t know how to fucking hold it in!” he stated.

Nicole shuffled slightly. “Sir, I don’t think it’s funny. Don’t care much half the time. Chase doesn’t care either.” A nod from the Lyzentine seemed to confirm this, but he was more focused on CDing as usual than he was listening in to the conversation. Nicole herself never talked much and wasn’t in on most of the jokes, so it made some sense. A few grumbles from the squadron indicated the general feeling on boot-lickers.

Schroeder paused. He knew an Alanoir Military Brat when he saw one. “Okay, most of you.” Chase began to doze off silently.

"Heheh— hold what in, sir?" McWillians jokingly replied.

Schroeder thought about saying something. He wasn’t sure what, so he decided to not acknowledge her.

"Sir, you get pissed at me but not at Camden fucking Weatherford piss drunk in the barracks!?" yelled Shaw.

Schroeder paused for an uncomfortably long amount of time to process what Shaw said.

“Shaw.. what, the fuck, did you just say?” he stated, adding pauses for dramatic effect. He knew perfectly well what Shaw was alleging. Callaghan looked towards Shaw, presumably amused. Was this really how briefings in the 447th worked?

"Funny you mention that, Shaw. I heard you were trying to fuck the Precog. How'd that go?" Camden shot back, a few laughs among the group. Schroeder was understandably taken back by this reply.

“SHAW, CAMDEN, WEATHERFORD, QIANLONG! STEP FORWARD!” he angrily shouted. Chase still seemed to be asleep despite his yelling, or, rather, half asleep. The four pilots stepped forward, a tense silence in the air as they stood before the commanding officer.

“SHAW, CAMDEN! Are eithers of you goddamn horny bastards fucking in my barracks? Rutting in the rutsacks? Screwing in the barracks? Do you know what my policy of inter-squadron relationships is?”

"Must've missed that day in flight school, sir." Camden smirked. "But last I recall, no, I do not remember any instance of having 'sexual intercourse' with my pilot. That would be unprofessional of me, wouldn't it?"

"It sure would.." Weatherford's tone served to cast doubt on Camden's claim, as it was oddly sensual — no more than she was when begging the squadron leader to authorize nuclear weapons, though.

"I too do not remember anything of the sort happening." Shaw followed up, smirking. Brynn, on the other hand, clearly wasn't intent on speaking until called upon.

“Bullshit! I don’t believe you for a fucking second, Shaw. Get that smirk off your face. Belief isn’t enough, though, to get you in trouble.”

"Well, I did see someone leave Shaw's quarters that morning, Colonel." Hu Yunmeng, the WSO of 'Slasher', jokingly added.

“Who, Yunmeng?” Schroeder must’ve taken her seriously.

"You know, I'd remember it a lot better if I hadn't laid off the booze that night." She smirked. "But it wouldn't surprise me at all if Shaw's taking advantage of our squadron's little wallflower, wouldn't you agree? How terrible! She's so innocent.. why would you do such a thing?" There was a snide tone to her voice, but it did cast a rather big accusation on Shaw.

Camilla audibly gasped at the notion.

“She isnt a child, you know.” Shaw shot back at Yunmeng's comment.

"I'm sure you know that better than everyone else in this room, 'Boner'." Yunmeng shot back.

Callaghan abruptly started laughing, drawing Schroeder’s glance. “Callaghan, for the love of Fern, shut the fuck up.”

He quickly returned to his usual self.

“Thank you,” Schroeder said, returning his attention to the pilots.

“Okay, so we know Shaw was fucking and somebody was sucking. Can we get somebody else to confirm Camden’s just as guilty?” Schroeder asked.

"I didn't suck anything, sir." Brynn nervously interjected.

"Funny, I believe I saw Camden head out the bar with Weatherford that night. Given, of course, half my attention was drawn to making sure the two FUCKHEADS from Redneck II weren't going to damage a multi-million dollar robot," Greenburg paused, shooting a sharp glance at the two pilots of Redneck II, who were giggling wildly at his near-outburst. "So maybe I don't remember it all. For all I know, Camden was fucking the Precog, too." He stopped. "That was a joke, by the way. I don't know who Camden fucked."

“++I AM AFRAID I MYSELF DO NOT KNOW EITHER. AT THE TIME OF CELEBRATIONS, I WAS PRE-OCCUPIED POLISHING MY FRAME. UNFORTUNATELY, I CANNOT ANALYZE THE PROBLEM HERE.++” SAGA added, speaking mostly out of confusion for the whole scenario.

“That’s quite alright ‘bot..” Camilla said reassuringly, “This issue is more of a.. social one! I guess you could call it. Just let the Colonel handle it SAGA.”

"Could've been one of those muscular, sweaty maintenance crewmen, for all I know.." Bryd chimed in. It was at moments like these that Schroeder would be reminded of Bryd's orientation.

Schroeder weighed in. “I believe Byrd more than I believe Greenburg. Anybody else know who Camden was going out with?”

"Could've been Huatzin for all we know, Colonel. Or were you with him that night?" Su Bai jokingly added. A good few in the squadron chuckled at this apparent jab at Schroeder's sexuality.

This seemed to unironically have offended the Colonel.

“You talk a lot of shit for someone who doesn’t even know what a penis looks like, Bai!” Schroeder commented, trying to think of what to add next. A few in the squadron laughed at the Colonel's reply — for many of the 447th's pilots, there was a clear love-hate relationship with the Colonel.

"WHAT THE FUCK YOU SAY TO MY SISTE—" Evidently, Su Hei didn't take kindly to jabs at his sibling, but had quickly been restrained by Greenburg and Moore.

Just as SAGA was about to, obliviously, answer Su Hei’s rhetorical question, Camilla put a hand on the flight suited machine and shook her head, indicating that was a no-go. The two weren’t quite used to this level of heated banter before, so SAGA was behaving a bit more curiously than usual.

"Now that I think of it, I did see Shaw with the Precog while I was at the bar. You ever taste Eau Noir, sir? It's quite the craze in Torch City. Absolutely classful, it's—" Camden's sudden wine tangent was interrupted by another one of the pilots, Bai Shengnan, yelling at him to 'shut the fuck up about wine'. "Anyways, I do believe I saw Shaw with the Precog that night. Yes. I'm a stupid son of a bitch, but I tell you what— I'm a good listener. And if I'm not mistaken, I heard him asking her what she'd do for a model kit. Yes, that's exactly what I heard."

“..The wine tangents were actually kind of interesting.” Camilla added quietly.

Schroeder seemed quite puzzled. “Camden, we know Shaw fucked Qianlong but did you? Fucking tell me!”

"I didn't—" Brynn was quickly interrupted by Camden's response.

"You askin' me if I fucked the Precog? Well, I gotta say, I wouldn't say no— but no, sir, I did not. I would, though— would you, sir?" Camden was rather dense, clearly misunderstanding the Colonel's question.

"What?!" The precog was rather taken aback by his off-hand comment.

“I was asking if you were screwing your pilot, you dense motherfucker.”

"All due respect, sir, if I did, she wouldn't be capable of doing a sortie today!" Camden clearly was rather 'confident'.

"You sure wasn't able to sortie that mornin' either last I checked.." Weatherford mused. She was, in no way, giving any credence to Camden's defense.

“I’m taking that as a yes!” Schroeder concluded.

Suddenly, the sound of a jet roaring in the background reminded him of something.

“FUCK! I forgot to give the briefing because of you assholes! Everyone, get in the sky now! I’ll give the briefing on the way. But don’t you think this is fucking over for any of you, understand?” he concluded, rushing to his airplane.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Prelim check."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - "Prelim check.. *yawn*”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [Cpt. N. Dragonforce] /// - "You have the stick.”

As Callaghan entered Schroeder’s aircraft, one question was on his mind.

“Is that normal for this squadron?” he asked.

“I’ve never heard of two groups of people here fucking each other around the same time, no. I’m actually fuckin’ surprised. They know how I feel about that shit, but I guess the beer was too much. I think I’m going to keep the ban in place. You hear that shit about Shaw and the ‘model kits’? I wanna know what the hell that’s about.” Schroeder commented. He was quite clearly different around his friends than he was with the squadron members.

“Yeah, I kinda do also. Shit as exciting as this never happened in the last squadron. What are you going to do with them?” Callaghan asked.

“I don’t know. It’s wrong, but there’s no rules against it.” Schroeder asked. “Best I can do is, well, shame them into stopping.” he concluded.

“That’s a rather… harsh way of going about it.” Callaghan thought.

“It’s the only way. Either that or just ignore it, and I can’t ignore it.” Schroeder noted, perhaps wishing for the days of the Air Force in the 370s where they’d take cases like Shaw and Camden’s with more repulse.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Sultans of Swing, on standby."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Rebel Yell, on standby."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vice" | #11732] - [Maj. E. Lyle] /// - "Danger Zone, on standby."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Money for Nothing, on standby.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "447th cleared for takeoff. Get into the air and my friend in the Bureau will let you in on the news."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Copy.”

Wageslave taxied up to the runway and took off, as it did so many times to the backdrop of the rising sun.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Slasher" | #77138] - [2Lt. J. Bryd] /// - "Well, I certainly must ask.. is it true? Psycho? Bones?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "No!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - “Well, I did take her to my quarters.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “SHAW! Zip it!”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "See, Colonel? The man finally admits it. Taking advantage of the precog — how terrible!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - “Since you have such good ears Shengnan, I am sure you heard the entire conversation. Could you remind me what Psycho said?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Rusalka" | #28173] - [2Lt. B. Shengnan] /// - "Hmm.. I can't remember."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Don’t think you’re better than Shaw, Camden. You fucked a cookoo, Shaw fucked a vital asset to the Euphemian military. You both are equally going to wish you didn’t do it when we get back.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [Cpt. N. Dragonforce] /// - "And this, Chase, is why I read books.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - "Every damn time, Nicole, it seems as if the discussion is always about ‘fucking this’ and ‘fucking that.’ At this point, I will not be surprised if one of them tries to fuck their airplane... Oh shit—wrong comms channel.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++I FOR ONE AGREE WITH DRAGONFORCE! BOOKS ARE A SOLITUDE OF KNOWLEDGE PRIME FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION!++"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "Could’ve just said you like books ‘bot."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Asset, sir? This squadron's got real human beings, you know that, right? We're not assets."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Can you read minds?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Enough to tell Shaw's mind is dirtier than the Sea of Glass.^[1]"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - “I did not take advantage of her, you have no proof of that.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "I didn't 'fuck' anyone, I swear!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [2Lt. R. Weatherford] /// - "Oh? On Fern?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "You lot are making an awfully big deal out of this.."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “That isn’t an offense, so I don’t need any proof, because I can’t punish any of you anyways.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [2Lt. C. McWillians] /// - "So what you're sayin' here, Colonel, is 'do what thou wilt'?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “I’m not saying that. I’m saying that the Air Force can be flawed.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Messer" | #86247] - [2Lt. R. Kinsley] /// - “So while I was getting piss drunk with Edmond, half the fuckin squad went and fucked each other?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "At least you’re honest."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Rusalka" | #28173] - [Cpt. N. Zorić] /// - "A few clearly have less firm alibis than the others."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Rusalka" | #28173] - [2Lt. B. Shengnan] /// - "Maybe I did see Psycho leaving Shaw's quarters. Just maybe."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [Cpt. N. Dragonforce] /// - "Keep on your bearing, Chase.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [Cpt. D. Meimei] /// - “Unbelievable.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Let me get onto the briefing. We’ve wasted too much time.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++THAT WOULD BE MOST APPRECIATED, COLONEL!++"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "Allow me to contact my friend at the Bureau."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Central Bureau of Intelligence] - [CLASSIFIED] - [HQ Section] - [D. Boomhauer VI] /// - "This on? Alright. Our reconnaissance satellites have alerted us to the presence of a single Wansui-class battlecruiser in the Jade Sea. After a rather indepth analysis, we've been led to believe that the vessel is armed with nuclear weapons — perhaps even prototype laser weapons, not unlike the stuff that crazy sunuvabitch Darzi is testing over in Akhmanar. Now, I've got a few friends you'd say are 'geographically south' of Pristio. I'm talking Dom Pedro. Or should I say, Imparat Pedro the First. We've got a shitton of assets for this mission, actually — two JAMSATs are on standby over the Jade Sea, Confident Hylemorph 7 and Dubious Method 7. Dubious Method's a big ugly fucker though, so you'll want to use him sparingly. Anyways, you just need you to mark the fuckin' thing if you run into it. Oh, right-- Pedro. Yes, I've a certain 'understanding' with the Acasians. You'll find you'll be able to forward requests for assistance to them, and utilize their bases if you can't cross Sanjar twice. Of course, don't be sure they'll help. They might not help — you never know. Unpredictable, just like me. Oh, right— the Tangaliroans are fucking pissed after that shit you pulled over Akhmanar. They're going to want a few of your pilots alive — namely the robot, and uh, the precog."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Why does it always have to be me?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++I FAIL TO SEE WHY THEY ARE INTERESTED IN MY APPREHENSION.. WHAT?.. OHH.. YES, I SEE NOW. I SHALL ENSURE THAT DOES NOT HAPPEN THEN!++"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Slasher" | #77138] - [Cpt. H. Yunmeng] /// - "Hunting for a ship? Easy enough."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - "Ship hunting. Nicole, it’s our favorite.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "A shame I didn’t get any anti-ship missiles for this run."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “I hear the whole political situation in Acasia’s a shitshow. All sorts of factions fucking each other up, and Pedro just watches. Kinda like Alvimia, actually.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [Cpt. M. Moore] /// - "Wasn't the whole point of fightin' Alvimia to get Red Pine back, and get that clown out?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Well now he’s top dog in Acasia, and treats us as an ally. Funny how it works, eh? It’s a fucking sham. Pedro probably didn’t even want to deal with Red Pine.”

Their ambient piloting and ‘civil’ discussion had taken them away from the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic below them, bringing up the view of rocky Sanjar ahead. The Jade Peninsula would only be a quick stop along the route to where they were supposedly to find this battlecruiser. Beyond the immediate coastline, only smooth sands and the ambient towers of cities in struggle remained in that nation.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [2Lt. E. Anderson] /// - "Sanjar looks so peaceful from up here. That war never really ended— it just sorta fixed itself."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Rusalka" | #28173] - [2Lt. B. Shengnan] /// - "Well, Shaw — what did she do for a model kit? Do tell the squadron!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - “She didnt do anything for a model kit, she did it for free.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Rusalka" | #28173] - [2Lt. B. Shengnan] /// - "What the fuck?!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Messer" | #86247] - [2Lt. R. Kinsley] /// - “What an animal!”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "I didn't do anything!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “What the fuck…”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "Is this.. really necessary?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "Sure thing, and I'm the Emperor of Alvimia."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Guess I ‘oughta shoot you, then.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "Woah! Careful, Colonel— I'm not ready to die just yet!"

There were a few chuckles on the comm at Camden's joke, the squadron gradually passing over Sanjar's rolling deserts and vast northern mountain ranges as they briefly stopped by a KC-141 Diesel Fairy, the group refueling one by one before they continued onward.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “I should probably clarify that I’m joking.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - “For all the shit I am getting, I am surprised no one has asked the ‘wallflower’ what actually happened.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Messer" | #86247] - [2Lt. R. Kinsley] /// - “So a few people get threatened with court martials when they make a blue-on-blue joke. But when you do it, it’s alright? I see how you roll, Schroeder.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Greenburg was being serious, and for some reason they decided to let him off scot free. I don’t see why I can’t make a joke.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - "Hey, I’m surprised the Sanjaris aren’t trying to kill us, after what happened with our little Akhmanar fly over a few days ago. You think they *yawn* got scared away?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Rusalka" | #28173] - [Cpt. N. Zorić] /// - "I do not believe they have much left to kill us with, Cutlass-2."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Cutlass" | #83673] - [2Lt. C. Dionysios] /// - "Good point, Rusalka-1.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Rusalka" | #28173] - [2Lt. B. Shengnan] /// - "Back to a much more pressing matter, Bones.. you tried to fuck the Precog, and now you're pinning the blame on her. That's kinda low, wouldn't you say?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "I didn't do anything!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "Am I the only one that genuinely doesn’t see the issue here? No? Figured."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #92171] - [2Lt. B. Callaghan] /// - “I think he was pinning just her.”

Callaghan's joke left a good amount of the squadron chuckling at the rather crass humor. Continuing eastward, they were given a rather clear view of Arslan — what remained of it, anyway.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "You're real dirty, Shaw.."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - “And I suppose you are clean?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [2Lt. R. Weatherford] /// - "He's real clean..."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "Save it for the barracks, would you? We’re nearing the Jade Sea."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [2Lt. C. McWillians] /// - "So, this ship's got nuclear weapons? Why don't we?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [2Lt. R. Weatherford] /// - "Mm.. why don't I?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #92171] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Oh, sure, just ask the Acasians for one. I’m sure they’ll give you a nuclear missile or two.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [2Lt. R. Weatherford] /// - "I'll be sure to keep that in mind, Colonel.."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #92171] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Also, we do have nukes. Or rather, Byrnn does. CBI decided to give me discretion for who got it. I didn’t want to carry it, so Qianlong is.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "I assume I should keep to the back of this formation, then."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #92171] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Yep. Stay with Flight Four until I order you to use the nuke, if we have to.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vice" | #11732] - [Maj. E. Lyle] /// - "Welcome to Danger Zone, Psycho. While you're with us, do a favor and keep that 'third eye' of yours open. I prefer knowing if I'm going to die or not."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "Guess I shouldn't make any more dirty jokes knowing Psycho can kill a million people at the press of a button. My apologies, Psycho."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Ok."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [2Lt. R. Weatherford] /// - "You'd be doin' the world a reeal big favor if you just aimed that warhead at Ravenfall, Psycho.."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++AND WASTE A PERFECTLY GOOD WARHEAD THAT COULD BE USED TO SAVE LIVES INSTEAD OF TAKE THEM? INTERESTING MORAL PERSPECTIVE.++"

Privately, Callaghan looked back at Schroeder. “She psycho or something?” he asked.

“She’s forbidden from ever carrying nukes on her plane. This is why.” Schroeder stated, matter of fact.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #92171] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Don’t mind her.”

The formation was approaching the eastern reaches of Sanjar, the Jade Sea well within view, an almost pearlescent aura to the sea as the sun shone above. The most pronounced feature of the glistening body of water was its profound silence, both in the skies and at sea. In the Atlantic, cargo ships, passenger planes and all sorts of civilian traffic could be seen every few miles on a busy day. Here however, with politics enraged between nations and many too poor or isolated to reach out to their neighbors, the waters were barren, the clouds devoid of any aviators. Save for themselves, that is.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "I never noticed this before, but.. this place has a special kind of beauty to it."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "Beautiful place to die. None of us are gonna die today, right Psycho?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "I hope."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Central Bureau of Intelligence] - [CLASSIFIED] - [HQ Section] - [D. Boomhauer VI] /// - "Huh, fuckin' incompetence.. apparently our recon satellite doesn't know where the fuck that ship is. You're on your own 'till you spot it, amigos. JAMSATs are still hangin' around for when you need 'em, of course."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #92171] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Copy.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Central Bureau of Intelligence] - [CLASSIFIED] - [HQ Section] - [D. Boomhauer VI] /// - "Keep tryin' to find the bastard. I'm gonna speak with my friends."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #92171] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Well, for the moment I guess we’re on our own. Let’s just keep going ahead, maybe it’s just left port.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "So we're just supposed to search the entire Jade Sea? Neworder preserve us.."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [2Lt. C. McWillians] /// - "Like a needle in a haystack.. a needle that sticks out like a sore thumb on radar. We just gotta look in the right places."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Why don't you compensate and fill in Psycho's place in the First Flight for now, Charognard?"

Something about the Engelhardt's tone seemed to insinuate that the First Flight was rather incapable without Psycho.

/// [ACAFOR] - [Instalare XXIV] - [RRA-58 ‘Paznic’ | #0112] - [SSgt. Simu Craciun] /// - “I see we have been called upon to provide assistance.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #92171] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Indeed. Do you have anything for us?”

/// [ACAFOR] - [Instalare XXIV] - [RRA-58 ‘Paznic’ | #0112] - [SSgt. Simu Craciun] /// - “Our radar sees nothing.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #92171] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Hmm. Hey, Boomhauer, do you have anybody else you can get to help?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Central Bureau of Intelligence] - [CLASSIFIED] - [HQ Section] - [D. Boomhauer VI] /// - "I'll make a few calls. Try not to lose that nuke of yours."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #92171] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “We won’t.”

A few seconds passed, audible chatter and music on Boomhauer's end as he seemed to use his phone. The agent didn't seem to bother turning his comm off, obnoxiously hot-micing as the squadron continued onward to find the battlecruiser.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Central Bureau of Intelligence] - [CLASSIFIED] - [HQ Section] - [D. Boomhauer VI] /// - "Hello? It's me, your old friend. I'm lookin' for a, uh, problem. A big fuckin' problem."

/// [PRIFOR] - [Pristio Command and Control] - [RRS Miseno] - [Maj. M. Celio]/// - "Boomhauer? This better be quick. What do you need?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Central Bureau of Intelligence] - [CLASSIFIED] - [HQ Section] - [D. Boomhauer VI] /// - "Give me your radar information. We're looking for a.. problem. A thermonuclear problem."

/// [PRIFOR] - [Pristio Command and Control] - [RRS Miseno] - [Maj. M. Celio]/// - "Radar information ? I'd be risking my ass helping you, last thing the Pristian military needs is to be on a anti-corruption spit roast. This sounds serious though, so I will take your word for it. I will uplink with the station in Virusa, and send the data your way. We stand with our Euphemian brothers, consider this a favor.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Central Bureau of Intelligence] - [CLASSIFIED] - [HQ Section] - [D. Boomhauer VI] /// - "Thanks a million."

The sound of the phone hanging up was quite the relief to the squadron, as the CBI spook once again returned to his comms.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Central Bureau of Intelligence] - [CLASSIFIED] - [HQ Section] - [D. Boomhauer VI] /// - "I'll throw you a bone. Data's being sent to your group right now."

The data was relayed to the group of aircraft — making it quickly apparent there were a few unknowns near Pristio's coast — and a heavy vessel just off the coast of Victoria, Tangaliro.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "That heavy ship near Victoria's got me curious."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Likewise. If Tangaliro wanted to play it safe, I'd put my bets on them firing from such a safe position."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #92171] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Hmm. It’s awfully close to Tangaliro, and that’s the problem. I imagine their anti-air network is strong.. Engelhardt is right. I’d think they would fire from there. Acasia’s closed military traffic, and Tangaliro doesn’t have a good relationship with Kymbra, so they’re just kinda stuck. There’s no reason to move out into the middle of the Sea.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "The ship east of Victoria is not the battlecruiser. I'm not sure about the other heavy vessel west of Pristio."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "That means it's the other one, right?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "If I knew, I would tell you."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Central Bureau of Intelligence] - [CLASSIFIED] - [HQ Section] - [D. Boomhauer VI] /// - "Keepin' you guys updated. Here's the latest batch of data. I'll be keepin' you guys posted live."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "A few of the unknowns moved. Probably aircraft."

by **Western Pacific Territories** » Sun Mar 10, 2019 3:54 pm

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "How much Luxure™ recreational coke do I need to see the future?" [sniff]

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #92171] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “I dunno, how about you find out?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "On it, Colonel! Haha!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #92171] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Actually, why don’t you try injecting BXDDY^[2]?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "I might be a cokehead, but I ain't crazy, Colonel.."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++IF I ESTIMATED THE SPECIFIC RANGE OF PSYCHO’S ARMAMENT, WOULD IT NOT BE SAFE TO RESERVE THE FOURTH FLIGHT FROM HERE? THE MISSILE WILL BE CAPABLE OF STRIKING ALMOST ANY TARGET IN THIS SECTOR, PROVIDED WE SPOT THEM, OF COURSE!++"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "He’s got a point, we won’t cover any ground if we stay bunched up like this. Wageslave, maybe we should spread out more? Fourth Flight can keep our rear echelon secure, not like they’re going anywhere with that payload."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "I would gladly break formation if the good Colonel gave me the all-clear."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "I like Greenburg's idea. Perhaps my flight can check the north?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vice" | #11732] - [Maj. E. Lyle] /// - "I would much prefer my flight keep to the back. After all, we've got Psycho — and Psycho's got a nuke.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #92171] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Sure, go ahead. All of you.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "They used to say that so long as you fly with the rolling clouds, you’re bound to find something new wherever they go. Let’s find us some game!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Breaking formation. Trajectory has been relayed to the rest of my flight."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Likewise."

The second and third squadrons broke, one embarking north while the other made way south — leaving the fourth flight loitering about the western end of the Jade Sea. The first continued on eastward.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vice" | #11732] - [2Lt S. Hei] /// - "This would be a helluva lot easier if we just had a few more recon satellites up in the air."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Two aircraft detected. Unidentified. Care to lend a hand, Psycho?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Ten F-298 and ten F-346, respectively. They are heading southeast — turn back, Flight Two!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Understood. Sultans of Swing, break!"

Their maps were updated, much of the vessels near Pristio proper being identified.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Central Bureau of Intelligence] - [CLASSIFIED] - [HQ Section] - [D. Boomhauer VI] /// - "Another update from our friends in Pristio. You'll take note of it on your maps. Hold on— shit. There's been some trouble. Hold that thought, I'm checkin' some shit. Might make a few calls."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "No detection on our end. Lend us a hand, Psycho?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Ok."

There was a momentary pause.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Four F-382s headed right for you! You've been detected — deploy DRFM jamming and ECM."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "I'll remember this favor later, Psycho. Thank you."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Central Bureau of Intelligence] - [CLASSIFIED] - [HQ Section] - [D. Boomhauer VI] /// - "The 51st Reconnaissance Wing has been launched. Five SR-87s have departed from Area 76."

Rebel Yell deployed their countermeasures as the unknowns made their attack — two missiles completely missing their mark as hundreds of decoy planes filled the map.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Evaded. Still can't see shit."

Another volley of missiles was quickly deceived by Rebel Yell's DRFM jamming, the missiles swerving off-course to meet nonexistant targets.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Evaded again. Still can't see shit."

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [F-382] - [Maj. X. Guo] /// - "我屌! 撤退，撤退!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Disabling DRFM spoof. Moving to regroup with Fourth Flight, then I'll coordinate a new route."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [Cpt. M. Moore] /// - "Psycho's performing better than usual."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "I'd be on edge too if I had a nuclear weapon onboard."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [2Lt. R. Weatherford] /// - "I sure wish I had a nuclear weapon onboard.."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vice" | #11732] - [Maj. E. Lyle] /// - "That was a bit more dangerous than usual. We are also regrouping with Fourth Flight."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "Hey.. Bones?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - “Yes, Charognard?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "SAGA’s giving me a weird reading up ahead. Seems a ways out, but something’s headed straight towards us."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - “Well, Whatever it is. Let's try to stop it before it stops us.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++I CAN NOT CONFIRM AT THIS TIME THE APPROACHING ENTITY. HOWEVER, IT APPEARS TO BE MARITIME IN NATURE. PERHAPS PSYCHO COULD PROVIDE IMPROVISED ‘AEW&CS’ CAPABILITY FOR US?++"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Rusalka" | #28173] - [Cpt. N. Zorić] /// - "A robot requesting the precognitive's input.. fascinating."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "The TUS Bruguière, DDG-322. The officer onboard is giving a speech on the imminent destruction of Manae. I.. suggest you turn back immediately, Flight One. They can see you too."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "We’re.. The only Flight without anti-ship missiles. How convenient!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "We're coming in to save your asses, Flight One. Why don't you mark them with your laser in the meanwhile? We do have a satellite on standby, right?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++I BELIEVE NOW IS A FITTING TIME TO “GET THE HELL OUT,” AS YOU WOULD SAY.++"

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Bruguière (DDG-322)] - [Cpt. B. Du] /// - "把联邦的走狗们打下来!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "'Shoot down the running dogs of the Federation', the captain just said."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++THE MISSILES SPOKE VOLUMES, PSYCHO. DEPLOYING COUNTERMEASURES.++"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "Flares?! Couldn’t have thought of anything more useful?!"

Evidently, Charognard had only just barely been able to evade whatever attack the Union destroyer had thrown their way.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "They just keep firing at us! We can’t get a good lock! Evade SAGA!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - "They've got a lock on us! Deploying decoys!"

Deploying 5 out of the 10 stockpiled in their aircraft, Bones was able to somewhat easily avoid the missiles the ship fired at it.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "The vessel's surface to air missiles are reloading. Now would either be a good time to lase the target for JAMSAT. The vessel's guns can only fire twenty-three thousand metres upward into the air — which means you can't pull anything crazy like using your Comets against it."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Don't worry Flight One, we're comin'."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Shit. Something's firing twelve anti-aircraft missiles at you, Flight One! They're radar-guided — don't bother using IRCM."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - "Thanks for the heads up."

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] /// - "..shoot the Marinian dog first. The Гадалка I want alive. I heard much on the matter from that Darzi псих..."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "Incoming! Engaging ECM."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Flight one, evade! Evade! Evade! It's—"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++COUNTERMEASURE FAILURE. I’M SORRY, CAMILLA.++"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard" | #76912] - [Cpt. C. Toulant] /// - "What? No.. No! SAGA, EJECT!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Charognard II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++EJECTING..++"

Charognard’s popped open just seconds too late before the onset missiles soared into the fuselage of the aircraft; in that moment, Brynn was able to observe the scene of Camilla and SAGA both ejecting from the cockpit - the former too late, as her legs did not escape the hellfire that Tangaliro had condemned the iconic Marinian airframe to. Their parachutes became intertwined as SAGA helped a now unconscious Camilla with the descent, the smoldering fireball that was Charognard making its last flight here in the Jade Sea.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - “Shit we are getting locked on, deploying remainder decoys!”

Activating the remaining five decoys against six missiles directed towards the aircraft, only one out of the five launched disappeared off of the aircrafts HUD. Continuing on course, the five remaining missiles continued towards their target.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - “Fuck, Ejecting!”

As if following Charognards lead, Bones too shortly ejected out of their aircraft. With the canopy flying open, Both the Pilot and WSO seats shot up from out of the cockpit. It didn't take the missiles long to connect with the fighter, with the aircraft seeming disintegrating in mid-air as the numerous missiles slammed into the wreck. As Shaw descended from his aircraft, they looked at his surroundings. Ironic how something so beautiful could change so fast.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "NO!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "Charognard, what the hell is going on over there?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [Cpt. M. Moore] /// - "Charognard and Bones are down!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Central Bureau of Intelligence] - [CLASSIFIED] - [HQ Section] - [D. Boomhauer VI] /// - "Nightbirds have performed their sweep — relaying data now."

The passing of the SR-87 Nightbirds had practically changed everything. All enemy vessels had been spotted and identified.

The TUS Auberjonois - the choice target of the hunt this entire time - had finally been exposed. The gallant battlecruiser was among a formation of numerous frigates and destroyers, some of which could easily be connected to the ones that Pristio’s radar installations had briefly detected. Psycho had been onto something with the heavier ship signature prior, but it hadn’t become apparent until they’d forced their hand; the Jade Sea Fleet was trying to position the Auberjonois to initiate its attack.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Auberjonois (CC-023)] - [Cpt. Mariya Radkov] /// - "Привет, Federal aggressors. I am captain Mariya Radkov of the TUS Auberjonois. Today, I strike Manae — and one day, I strike Torch City. The death of my ancestors will not be forgotten — nor your destruction of Rimsgrad 391 years ago. I believe you are the '447th', yes? The one with the Гадалка, yes? My only shame in life is that I did not partake in the destruction of Etoile Marin myself! Многая лета!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [Cpt. M. Moore] /// - "Someone get this bitch off our fucking comms!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Flight three, mark that battlecruiser for JAMSAT."

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Auberjonois (CC-023)] - [Cpt. Mariya Radkov] /// - "матушка, a word."

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Auberjonois (CC-023)] - [админ] - [матушка] /// - "Yes, капитан?"

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Auberjonois (CC-023)] - [Cpt. Mariya Radkov] /// - "Engage some of these Federal flies while I begin launch procedures. I rather handle that affair myself."

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Auberjonois (CC-023)] - [админ] - [матушка] /// - "It will be done."

Greenburg's group was coming around, maintaining within a careful distance of the Battlecruiser.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Battlecruiser has been marked!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Satellite Command] - [JAMSAT Satellite Command] - [Confident Hylemorph 7] /// - //TARGET DESIGNATED. ENGAGING.//

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Auberjonois (CC-023)] - [админ] - [матушка] /// - "There has been a disruption to our onboard systems."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Rif— fuck it, one Gundog per pilot!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [Cpt. M. Moore] /// - "Understood."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "Understood!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Rusalka" | #28173] - [Cpt. N. Zorić] /// - "I see."

The Third Group fired away their missiles at the Tangaliroan battlecruiser — though all but one had managed to get past the ship's defenses — despite the fact it was, for the most part, largely being suppressed by the JAMSAT above. A bright flash erupted off the port side of the battlecruiser,

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "Was that us? I think that was us! Holy SHIT!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [2Lt. R. Weatherford] /// - "You're a child at heart, aren't you Camden?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Nice work, Rebel Yell. Fall the fuck back to Flight Four."

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Auberjonois (CC-023)] - [Cpt. Mariya Radkov] /// - "Damage report."

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Auberjonois (CC-023)] - [админ] - [матушка] /// - "Non-critical."

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Auberjonois (CC-023)] - [Cpt. Mariya Radkov] /// - "Withhold on the launch. We are being electronically suppressed, yes?"

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Auberjonois (CC-023)] - [админ] - [матушка] /// - "That is correct."

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Auberjonois (CC-023)] - [Cpt. Mariya Radkov] /// - "Alert the other vessels to request air support via morse code."

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Auberjonois (CC-023)] - [админ] - [матушка] /// - "It will be done."

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Auberjonois (CC-023)] - [Cpt. Mariya Radkov] /// - "And to the Federal dogs in the skies... I hope you have made peace with your President. Your death warrant has been signed here."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Central Bureau of Intelligence] - [CLASSIFIED] - [HQ Section] - [D. Boomhauer VI] /// - "Whatever you all did just pissed 'em the hell off. However, I have a friend, who has a friend, who's got a cousin, who's got a friend, who knows a guy, who's got a sister, who works for someone at Styx Island. That means I've got connections. I've sweet-talked a few folks on Styx to authorize a few.. 'conventional' additions to your support base. Designate and we'll be golden."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "I have no clue who the hell you are, sir, but you are one crazy motherfucker."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Targets marked!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [93rd Missile Wing] - [Silo FSE00394] - [Hydrophobic Thylacine 085] /// - //Orders received. LGM-674D Overture II has been launched at the target.//

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Sabre! You're going too low— fuck— EJECT!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Sabre" | #82511] - [Cpt. M. Moore] /// - "F—"

Sabre disappeared from the radar, a bright fireball erupting above the Tangaliroan battlecruiser as the vessel's 130mm anti-aircraft weapons fired away, casting flaming wreckage into the bright cyan expanse of the Jade Sea. Sabre had met their end.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Moore, you dumb son of a bitch! FUCK! RETURN TO FLIGHT FOUR! NOW!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "..." [sobbing]

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [2Lt. C. McWillians] /// - "Is she— never mind. Will do. Let's get the fuck outta here, Rebel Yell."

Of the remaining aircraft of the third flight, one seemed to not comply with Greenburg's order — Rusalka.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Rusalka" | #28173] - [Cpt. N. Zorić] /// - "..at times, an animal must behave against its natural instinct to survive.."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "What?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Rusalka" | #28173] - [Cpt. N. Zorić] /// - "I reject your order, and choose to utilize my remaining anti-ship munitions against the battlecruiser."

The missile had evidently missed.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Auberjonois (CC-023)] - [Cpt. Mariya Radkov] /// - "You are more bold than you are smart. I commend your efforts, Euphemian."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "You dumb motherfucker. Get over here!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Rusalka" | #28173] - [2Lt. B. Shengnan] /// - "Understood."

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Auberjonois (CC-023)] - [админ] - [матушка] /// - "I have managed to forward a request to the TUS Bruguière."

The TUS Bruguière unloaded another volley into the skies from its heavy naval cannon, the guns sending ripples into the jaded waters as scattering flak rounds burst in the air around the 447th. Cutlass was one of the misfortunate ones to fly straight into a set of exploding 130mm rounds; what anyone could make of it afterwards was the silent drop of a smoking, burned out aircraft falling into the sea below.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Keep it together, Psycho. Tell us what happens next. C'mon— we've got lives on the line here."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Safety disengaged."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Well?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "I... don't know."

Wageslave would be the only one to fly away from First Flight’s forward endeavor in one piece.

by **Valefontaine** » Sun Mar 10, 2019 3:58 pm

Jade Sea

15 January, A.C. 393

2Lt. Brynn Qianlong
354th Fighter Wing
447th Tactical Fighter Squadron

Much of the first flight was down — the pilots she'd spent much of her time in the 447th getting to know, occasionally being teased by, and befriending for so long had almost all met their end — save for Schroeder, of course.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vice" | #11732] - [Maj. E. Lyle] /// - "What do we do?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "I don't know what's going to happen next."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "We're falling back."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "We'll cover your retreat, Rebel Yell. In the meantime, mark those vessels."

Brynn sat in her cockpit, head in her hands — just what was she going to do now? She did something that was often recommended against — something that had often killed others that were part of the 'Project' — bringing the switch on her X117A headset to the third, lowest setting. It swept over her, much akin to a great understanding— akin to a simultaneous ego death, uncounted myriads of psychedelic and transmundane whispers, lights, scenes and words overcoming her — and then a moment of clarity. Opening her eyes once more, a streak of blood trickled down from her nostrils as she returned her attention to the cockpit, sending out an order that carried absolute certainty with it.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Fourth Flight, activate DRFM jamming — spoof twenty each heading northeast on course bearing forty-seven degrees northeast. Change thirteen of the spoof RCS to match AAM-241 Comet signature. Retreat thirty-two kilometres to the west. Flight two, release anti-ship weaponry and fly forty-eight kilometres to the west. Deploy DRFM jamming twenty each. Flight three, do the same. The enemy will detect a silo launch in the next twenty seconds — they will shift their focus as the MIRV disperses. The focus now is to buy ourselves time — Charognard is still alive, along with Bones."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Holy shit.."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Will comply."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vice" | #11732] - [Maj. E. Lyle] /// - "Understood."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "Listen to Psycho and we might just live!"

One by one, the groups complied with Brynn's order — in odd contradiction to the lack of command she possessed — all coming together as she'd instructed.

/// [TANGFOR] - [National Navy] - [XXXX] - [F-89X <<FS Designation Name: Silent Feixian>>] - [Maj. Layne Radclyffe Eden "Starrider"] /// - "What the fuck?!"

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Auberjonois (CC-023)] - [админ] - [матушка] /// - "An LGM-674D Overture II has dispersed its payload above the Jade Sea."

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Auberjonois (CC-023)] - [Cpt. Mariya Radkov] /// - "Aren't those nuclear?"

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Auberjonois (CC-023)] - [админ] - [матушка] /// - "There is no certainty in knowing whether the payload is conventional or atomic in nature. There is a forty-six point eighty-four percent chance of the payload being nuclear in nature. As of present, there is no means to counter this maneuver. I believe the Euphemian phrase for this is .. 'they have us by the balls' .."

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Auberjonois (CC-023)] - [Cpt. Mariya Radkov] /// - "We're about to find out now, aren't we? Set the fleet's defenses on the payload."

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Auberjonois (CC-023)] - [админ] - [матушка] /// - "My calculations estimate one is bound to hit us."

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Auberjonois (CC-023)] - [Cpt. Mariya Radkov] /// - "These Euphemian madmen... BRACE!"

Three colossal explosions erupted across the Jade Sea — one missing, one in close proximity to the battlecruiser, and the third landing a direct hit on the battlecruiser. The hit had left much of the beaten vessel's deck in flames, certainly damaging quite a few of the vessel's defenses.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Auberjonois (CC-023)] - [Cpt. Mariya Radkov] /// - "We've sustained severe damage! Attempt to assess all hull impacts! Return focus on enemy aircraft!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "DRFM jamming in effect. We're firing our payloads at the battlecruiser."

A series of orange streaks went off in the horizon as Flight Three engaged the Auberjonois, missiles quickly being diverted by the Tangaliroan battlecruiser's countermeasures. The group fell back on a westbound course, their anti-ship ammunition depleted — but did it play to what she'd foreseen?

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "We're retreating west."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Likewise. I'm putting my hopes in you, Psycho."

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Indestructable (DDG-332)] - [Cpt. Bekhterev Makarovich] /// - "PROTECT THE GLORIOUS FLAGSHIP OF THE JADE SEA! LET NOT ONE OF THEM ESCAPE!"

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Auberjonois (CC-023)] - [Cpt. Mariya Radkov] /// - "We're receiving hundreds of readings in the sky! Stop that group in the northwest!"

/// [TANGFOR] - [National Navy] - [XXXX] - [F-89X <<FS Designation Name: Silent Feixian>>] - [Maj. Layne Radclyffe Eden "Starrider"] /// - "We're being fuckin' spoofed! I can't tell what's real and what isn't!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "..uh, Psycho, that was most of our anti-ship missiles, wasn't it?"

She remained silent — overcome with what could only be described as a sense of awe — it was as though she were verging upon the beyond as she flew, attempting to strategize their next action. A cluster of explosions filled the sky as the Fourth Flight continued circling in the sky, the missiles being deceived by the eighty-four 'fake' aircraft that served to confuse the Tangaliroans.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Indestructable (DDG-332)] - [Cpt. Bekhterev Makarovich] /// - "LEAVE NOT ONE MISSILE REMAINING! DOWN THOSE DOGGED AIRCRAFT!"

Another swarm of smoke trails burst from the Indestructable’s bow-set VLS cells, missiles arcing upwards towards the Euphemian squadron.. only to once again be thwarted by the eighty-four ‘fake’ aircraft disrupting their targeters.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Indestructable (DDG-332)] - [Cpt. Bekhterev Makarovich] /// - "We're all out of surface to air missiles! We will use our vessel to protect you, Auberjonois!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Central Bureau of Intelligence] - [CLASSIFIED] - [HQ Section] - [D. Boomhauer VI] /// - "You know, I actually thought there were sixteen warheads on these MIRVs.. turns out they only have three. I've made a few calls — see what you can do until then."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [93rd Missile Wing] - [Silo FSE00394] - [Hydrophobic Thylacine 085] /// - //Orders received. LGM-674D Overture II has been launched at the target.//

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Flight two."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Yes?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Stay out of this dogfight — for now. Move north until you are thirty kilometres off the coast of Sepdju. Designate Luxor-15. Use afterburners. Once you've complied, return and flank."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Understood."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Flight Four, protect me."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vice" | #11732] - [Maj. E. Lyle] /// - "You're crazier than you look, Psycho. Wilco."

A group of Tangaliroan aircraft were on the approach — and there was some doubt on whether they'd engage the diversions or the real aircraft. The nosebleeds weren't going to stop at this point — Brynn knew well the dangers of pushing herself to the limit, but she hoped she'd manage it through.

/// [TANGFOR] - [National Navy] - [XXXX] - [F-89X <<FS Designation Name: Silent Feixian>>] - [Maj. Layne Radclyffe Eden "Starrider"] /// - "I believe I've found the real you. It's over, Euphemian!"

In a flurry of Type 267 Taisaku Hikōkumo no Kirame (THK)^[3] chaff, Redneck II conducted a sharp upward maneuver — the chaff briefly obscuring their position and deceiving the missile, sending it flying onward, exploding nearby.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Redneck II" | #17772] - [Cpt. J. McGinnis] /// - "Y'DONE FUCKED WITH REDNECK TWO, BOY! THIS OUR TIME TO SHINE!"

/// [TANGFOR] - [National Navy] - [XXXX] - [TUS Combattante (DDG-342)] - [Cpt. Isaías de la Cavallería] /// - "What are you incompetent fools doing? Fire everything you've got at their deception screen!"

The TUS Combattante was the first to lead what would be the beginning of a full saturation of the skies, its many chambers unfolding before letting loose missile after missile into the screen of projections the Chiangshis had thrown up. Most would end up as their comrades’ had, diverted into thin air.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vice" | #11732] - [Maj. E. Lyle] /// - "One got through! It's coming straight for me — I don't think I've got time to launch countermeasures. Trying to bail — Godspeed!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vice" | #11732] - [2Lt S. Hei] /// - "My seat has malfunctioned. Hail Neworder!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [2Lt. S. Bai] /// - "NO!"

Another explosion erupted in the skies over the Jade Sea — a lone parachute deploying over the waters. Brynn hadn't foreseen such an event — or perhaps it fell into the greater scheme of things.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Redneck II" | #17772] - [Cpt. J. McGinnis] /// - "You'll pay for that, you son of a bitch!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Genie" | #92171] - [Cpt. H. McDevitt] /// - "With Lyle down, I will be regarding Psycho as the leader of the flight."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Genie" | #92171] - [2Lt. M. Clark] /// - "Rest easy Psycho, we'll keep them away from you."

Genie maneuvered swiftly in the air — quickly shredding one of the Tangaliroan F-382s to smithereeens as its engines roared, the Chiangshi airframe speeding past.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Redneck II" | #17772] - [2Lt. J. Bridges] /// - "These sun'bitches keep shootin' at us! Get 'em off my tail, Vanguard."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vanguard" | #86413] - [Cpt. C. Gang] /// - "I try."

A few seconds passed.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vanguard" | #86413] - [Cpt. C. Gang] /// - "Missed him."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Redneck II" | #17772] - [2Lt. J. Bridges] /// - "At least keep him off us. I'm movin' to stop these Tango fighters."

As Redneck II maneuvered to engage the Tangaliroan 'ace’s' doubles to protect Psycho, a lone orange streak crossed the sky.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Auberjonois (CC-023)] - [Cpt. Mariya Radkov] /// - "Another? Damn you all, Euphemians!"

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Auberjonois (CC-023)] - [админ] - [матушка] /// - "The likelihood of this one targeting us is extremely high. Missile has already dispersed — warheads are incoming."

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Auberjonois (CC-023)] - [Cpt. Mariya Radkov] /// - "Focus on the damn fighters! We will go down bringing the Euphemians to the grave with us! Многая лета!!!"

Three bright flashes erupted along the Jade Sea, the MIRV evidently striking the battlecruiser twice this time — the third landing rather far off. This had severely damaged the Tangaliroan battlecruiser, flames engulfing much of its beaten deck.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Auberjonois (CC-023)] - [админ] - [матушка] /// - "Commanding officer is confirmed to be deceased — assuming emergency control of the vessel. Priority: Manae. I have overriden my commanding officer's orders. Nuclear missiles will be used against the cities of Sielia, Ileiad and Garil. Airbases will be secondary targets. Purpose: Maximize morale damage. Commence preemptive strike procedures. Commence system Uplink."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Genie" | #92171] - [Cpt. H. McDevitt] /// - "What the fuck?

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "What the hell is going on back there, Psycho?"

She was fully aware of the situation — not solely the impending nuclear launch, but everything that was about to occur. Something would come — she needed merely evade what was to come.

/// [TANGFOR] - [National Navy] - [XXXX] - [F-89X <<FS Designation Name: Silent Feixian>>] - [Maj. Layne Radclyffe Eden "Starrider"] /// - "I now know what's fake and what isn't — I'm coming for you, Fortune-teller."

Brynn already, to some degree, was aware of that. She needed not reply — the Second Flight would reach its ordered destination in two seconds.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "We're at Luxor-15. What the hell do we do now, Psycho?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Relay data to JAMSAT Dubious Method 7."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Wilco."

Another two seconds passed.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Satellite Command] - [JAMSAT Satellite Command] - [Dubious Method 7] /// - //LUXOR-15 HAS BEEN HIJACKED. REROUTING TARGETING.//

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Redneck II" | #17772] - [2Lt. J. Bridges] /// - "Where the fuck did he go?"

The ace's escort had approached behind Redneck II, attempting in vain to bring him down — the crew performing quite well against the enemy fighter, a sharp maneuver bringing them out of harm's way.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Redneck II" | #17772] - [Cpt. J. McGinnis] /// - "GONNA NEEDA TRY HARDER THAN THAT, YOU SUNBITCH!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vanguard" | #86413] - [Cpt. C. Gang] /// - "Enemy on my tail."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Redneck II" | #17772] - [Cpt. J. McGinnis] /// - "NOT F'LONG! YE YE YE!"

Redneck II quickly swooped behind the F-298 in question, cutting its wing loose as it soared past.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Redneck II" | #17772] - [Cpt. J. McGinnis] /// - "WOO!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Redneck II" | #17772] - [2Lt. J. Bridges] /// - "WE DONE SHOWN 'EM THE WHAT-FOR!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Redneck II" | #17772] - [Cpt. J. McGinnis] /// - "ANOTHER ONE ON OUR TAIL! C'MON, WE OUGHTA OUTMANEUVER 'EM JUST FINE!"

Sweeping upward in an attempt at an S-turn, Redneck II attempted to evade the oncoming missile — which shredded through the aircraft in a bright fireball. There'd been no opportunity to bail. The men were as confident as they'd been stupid — and they'd been spinning 'till the end.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Genie" | #92171] - [Cpt. H. McDevitt] /// - "FUCK! Redneck down! Psycho, how long do we gotta keep holding 'em off?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vanguard" | #86413] - [Cpt. C. Gang] /// - "I hope you know well what you are doing, Psi-ko."

Brynn was well aware the ace was on her tail — and was ready to react to the exact amount of missiles she expected would fire. By now, the 'gift' was beginning to take its toll — but she was certain she hadn't overexerted herself quite yet.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "You are forty-one kilometers behind me."

/// [TANGFOR] - [National Navy] - [XXXX] - [F-89X <<FS Designation Name: Silent Feixian>>] - [Maj. Layne Radclyffe Eden "Starrider"] /// - "Yeah, that's about right. You know, I was ordered to exercise 'caution' in bringing you down — but that nuclear warhead you've got's gonna make that pretty difficult. Why do you fight for Euphemie? Some sense of 'patriotism'? Loyalty? Faith to your President? Your God? What is it that urges you forward?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Cut the speech."

/// [TANGFOR] - [National Navy] - [XXXX] - [F-89X <<FS Designation Name: Silent Feixian>>] - [Maj. Layne Radclyffe Eden "Starrider"] /// - "If you say so."

A sharp pain coursed through Brynn's forehead as she pressed onward, on a seemingly southwest-bound trajectory.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Your missiles are intended to counter maneuvering."

/// [TANGFOR] - [National Navy] - [XXXX] - [F-89X <<FS Designation Name: Silent Feixian>>] - [Maj. Layne Radclyffe Eden "Starrider"] /// - "What gave it away?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "..."

She launched both of her F/A-130 Chiangshi's towed decoys, flying upward as the missiles approached — all being seduced by the decoys. She attempted to outmaneuver the Tangaliroan ace, but found he was still tailing her — they were on a northbound course now, the Jade Sea glimmering under the sun.

/// [TANGFOR] - [National Navy] - [XXXX] - [F-89X <<FS Designation Name: Silent Feixian>>] - [Maj. Layne Radclyffe Eden "Starrider"] /// - "That maneuver is quite 'by the book' ... but unfortunately for you, I have the advantage here. You've really pissed me off — I'm sorry if you get hurt."

While the aircraft continued to tail her, getting a lock on, Brynn focused on forwarding a quick message as she deployed flares, continuing on a northern course.

luxor-15 switch lethal
divert power from sepdju NPP
engage [####]
-------
354fw
447tfs
regards psycho

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Central Bureau of Intelligence] - [CLASSIFIED] - [HQ Section] - [D. Boomhauer VI] /// - "You're a creative one, I'll give you that."

by **Valefontaine** » Sun Mar 10, 2019 3:59 pm

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Satellite Command] - [JAMSAT Satellite Command] - [Dubious Method 7] /// - //ORDERS RECEIVED. ENGAGING.//

Abruptly swerving to the right, Brynn evaded the blinding beam of the Luxor-15 array — giving the Tangaliroan ace a mere few seconds to evade — evidently he'd been too slow, the beam striking the Super Feixian's engine, which promptly exploded, the airframe gliding aimlessly onward.

/// [TANGFOR] - [National Navy] - [XXXX] - [F-89X <<FS Designation Name: Silent Feixian>>] - [Maj. Layne Radclyffe Eden "Starrider"] /// - "You're a clever one Fortune Teller, I'll give you that. I'll bail out for now — but rest assured, we'll be seeing one another again."

The canopy of the Super Feixian flew open, its lone pilot bailing out as his aircraft spiraled out of control towards the Akhmanari coast.

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [M. Khedesh] /// - "What in— our systems have been hijacked!"

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [D. Ptra] /// - "You barely notice now, you insolent fool? Who is doing this?"

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [M. Khedesh] /// - "If I had a clue, I wouldn't be so confused, now would I?"

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [D. Ptra] /// - "Don't tell me Darzi has another backdoor into the arrays. What's the madman up to, anyway?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Satellite Command] - [JAMSAT Satellite Command] - [Dubious Method 7] /// - //DERIVING POWER FROM SEPDJU NUCLEAR POWER PLANT.//

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [M. Khedesh] /// - "The Oligarchs will have our heads! Stop it at once!"

/// [AKHFOR] - [Special Projects Unit] - [D. Ptra] /// - "We've been locked out! Contact MILINT!"

Had it been earlier in the day, Brynn would've been able to see much of Sepdju going dark as the Luxor-15 array derived much of the city's electrical grid to itself to fire its beam at the Tangaliroan battlecruiser.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Auberjonois (CC-023)] - [админ] - [матушка] /// - "Launch procedures complete. Firing. Многая лета!"

As the Luxor array fired its beam once more, the Auberjonois launched nineteen of its missiles — the beam creating an explosion which spread across the vessel's superstructure as almost all of the vessel's ballistic payload soared off.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Auberjonois (CC-023)] - [админ] - [матушка] /// - ######CRITICAL ERROR######

The battlecruiser was left dead in the water, much of its electronics evidently fried — in some cases literally — by the Luxor array.

With the battlecruiser silenced, the Jade Sea Fleet was beginning to reorganize itself. The TUS Bruguière had seized command of the formation, and recalled the air squadron they had keeping the skies clear to safeguard the nearby Carrier battlegroup in the sector. A moment of peace had settled on both sides to lick their wounds - and ultimately plan how to finish off the other. The 447th wouldn’t be able to leave the Jade Sea unfinished.

Just off the coast of Akhmanar, the Second, Third and Fourth Flights of the 447th - or what remained of it - had regrouped. First Flight was effectively out of commission, but word had spread they had found a way out of the messy naval engagement.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "You got us to hijack a laser, Psycho? Man, this shit just gets crazier by the day! You sure you're not getting.. better at that quirk of yours?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "We're back, Psycho. Looks like the Tangaliroans are sending their fighters back home, too. Must've wasted too much ammo on the rest of us."

Brynn was almost overcome with awe as a grand realization occurred to her — something grand was going to happen.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [2Lt. B. Qianlong] /// - "Now begins the final act."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "All remaining forces, there's an announcement to be made— it's, uh, important."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Important?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "This is the part where he tells us more enemy reinforcements are on the way — isn't it, Psycho?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Federal States of Euphemie] - [Executive Branch] - [Presidency] - [POTFS 99 Joy Division Tearing-up-my-Heart M. Neworder] /// - "My fellow Euphemians, I've said on multiple occasions that the Federal States of Euphemie is a one-of-a-kind nation — a shining city upon a hill, to which the toiled masses of Tsion can look for with admiration and respect. The past month has tested the mettle of our nation — we have toiled, we have fought— and we have sacrificed. I speak now not to the nation, but to one particular band of pilots that has proven their mettle in this great struggle of will."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "By Fern—"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [Federal States of Euphemie] - [Executive Branch] - [Presidency] - [POTFS 99 Joy Division Tearing-up-my-Heart M. Neworder] /// - "I speak to you all not only to congratulate your exemplary duties — that you have shown time and time again. I speak to you all to deliver, with solemn acknowledgment, the final authorization to utilize nuclear arms against the Sacred Union State of Tangaliro. The vessel in question has fired nineteen nuclear missiles at a sovereign nation that has no place in this conflict — the Republic of Manae. We, as Euphemians, cannot allow such terror to be wrought upon innocent civilians. The Euphemian people have always held their neighbors in high regard, with the utmost respect — and as President of the Federal States of Euphemie, I cannot allow such a terrible act to achieve fruition. I bestow upon Second Lieutenant Brynn Qianlong of the Federal Air Force the sacred, sovereign, and unique duty of delivering nuclear hellfire upon the source of this atomic terror — the TUS Auberjonois — so that the Federal States of Euphemie may fight on to preserve the peace. Thank you all, and God bless the Federal States of Euphemie."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [2Lt. C. McWillians] /// - "The President—"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "You know what to do, Psycho."

Turning back a final time, Brynn took aim at the Tangaliroan battlecruiser — releasing her aircraft's sole AGM-701 Devastator and sending it forth as she sent her aircraft upward — the missile ripping through the atmosphere at hypersonic speeds as it approached its target.

/// [TANGFOR] - [XXXX] - [XXXX] - [TUS Indestructable (DDG-332)] - [Cpt. Bekhterev Makarovich] /// - "Incoming missile! Quickly, protect the battlecruiser! We cannot allow the pride of the Jade Sea to be destroyed!"

/// [TANGFOR] - [National Navy] - [XXXX] - [TUS Combattante (DDG-342)] - [Cpt. Isaías de la Cavallería] /// - "It's going too fast!"

A bright flash erupted as the missile met its target — the TUS Auberjonois being engulfed in the light as it spread — six-megaton blast rapidly spreading to the adjacent ships, obliterating them in the process. Quickly, a towering mushroom cloud ascended above the Jade Sea, briefly obscuring the sun.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "HOLY SHIT!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "We did it?!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Holy fucking shit! Psycho, you son of a bitch! You really pulled it off!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Rusalka" | #28173] - [Cpt. N. Zorić] /// - "We have injured the toe of the bear.. but will it bite back?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [HQ Section] - [BrigGen. D. Bozhidarov] /// - "All units of the 447th, return home. The Manaean security forces have been informed of the impending attack — we will utilize our jamming satellites to assist in their defense."

Brynn lifted a trembling hand to her headset, bringing the switch back to 'safety'. She had not spoken — for she had seen — experienced, perhaps even — every single one of the Tangaliroan battlecruiser's crew meet their end in atomic hellfire.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "God bless the Federal States of Euphemie.."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "I don't care what Schroeder says, we're hitting the bar. Drinks on me, Psycho."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [2Lt. R. Weatherford] /// - "Oh?"

The surviving group of aircraft continued west, an odd feeling of peace overcoming Brynn as they passed over Sanjar's rolling desert dunes, Akhmanar just across in the distance. Things back in Nevis would certainly be interesting for the next few days — an understatement.

Nevis AFB, Marinesia, Federal States of Euphemie

18 January, A.C. 393

2Lt. Brynn Qianlong
354th Fighter Wing
447th Tactical Fighter Squadron

The past operation had practically left the 447th in limbo, five of its pilots killed, two missing over the Jade Sea and one of them expected to be quite literally disabled for an indefinite amount of time — Camilla, to be specific. This had merited a thorough restructuring of the unit — they were expending more men than they could replenish — and even though there were plenty of F/A-130 Chiangshi airframes to go around, there weren't any pilots particularly trained in operating said aircraft. As a result, the metaphorical floodgates had opened — the squadron's aircraft no longer exclusively comprised of Chiangshis, but also several of the two seater variants of the F/A-127.

The stated goal was simple — to better verse Euphemian pilots in their Vampire aircraft, so that the transition to the F/A-130 would be a lot simpler. The powers that be intended the 447th to be a breeding ground for fighter aces due to the reputation they'd built themselves — and had thus drastically altered the structure of the organization to hold to such unrealistic expectations. There was a plethora of problems that stemmed from such an idea, but bureaucracy was bureaucracy — regardless of actual efficiency.

Brynn's situation in the squadron was apparently also 'up in the air' — not that she was in trouble, but that apparently she'd been hearing rumor of a promotion going around. She'd had a sudden bout during their last seemed to demonstrate an incredible capacity regarding her abilities in more than one way. The squadron, it seemed, would finally receive a comprehensive 'debriefing' after the battlecruiser mission several days prior — which had seen incredible success against Tangaliro as a whole. They would also be seeing a few new faces among the group — which was sure to further muddy the waters of the situation. It was in a way more akin to a 'reassessment'. To this end, the 447th had been called to report to one of the hangars, where the situation would largely be explained by Schroeder.

In the aftermath of the nuclear destruction of the Tangaliroan battlecruiser, Schroeder had apparently decided to drop the whole matter with Shaw and Camden that he was confronted with before the mission, being much too busy with the squadron’s reorganization and everything else.

In addition to that, he’d also decided to ignore his own imposed ban on trips to the bar, given the circumstances. Schroeder knew that, for the moment, there were no ongoing missions, so he could take his time with the extended ‘debriefing’ he was to give.

As the squadron filled into the hanger for the debriefing, Schroeder gave a typically awkward “Hello” to them while they formed up. There were a few murmurs, word of the 'changes' that were to come presumably having gotten around. While Brynn herself wasn't among these murmurs, she listened in carefully — and hoped she wouldn't get called out by the Colonel like last time. It was rather easy to notice that a good deal of pilots were new faces — Brynn finding herself between two such unfamiliar faces.

“Alright, I’m sure everyone’s heard about the changes by now? Well, I imagine the information you’ve heard about them is wrong. The squadron is being restructured and there will be more pilots than before. We’ll have the four flights, but each will have five pilots instead of the previous four. You’ll also see that we have, of course, a lot of new arrivals, who will be piloting Vampires rather than the Chiangshi’s all the ‘veterans’ of this squadron use.

“I’ll list off who’s in each flight, and introduce all the new people along the way. Center Flight - my flight. Myself, Shaw, Kinsley. Two new guys: Coolridge, one of those air mercenaries, and Selfridge, a pilot from the Siedunlander Air Force. We have after that Narmer… Narmer-khu… Narmer-khu-patah, a mummy.”

“Ptah.” The rather tall Akhmanari in question corrected the Colonel’s poor pronounciation of his name. He was towards the back of the hangar, arms folded with an indifferent frown on his mustached face.

The mention of 'Siedunlander Air Force' had been enough to get quite a few heads turning. Brynn herself was caught off-guard — she wasn't in the first flight?

“He’s not gonna be the last Siedunlander either. In fact there’s three of them.”

"Least there's no Aenarans. That'd mean problems." Camden joked at the Colonel's announcement, blissfully unaware of just how 'long-reaching' the restructuring had really been.

“That is where you are wrong, Camden. In the ever-omnipresent wisdom of the Machine, they decided to put an Aenaran in with the mummy. Maybe they’re in the same aircraft so they can’t shoot each other down. I’ve no clue. Anyways, the Aenaran here is Nelson Halstein, veteran of the War in Siedunland and the Manaean Emergency.”

This drew some glances from all three of the squadron’s Siedunlanders, as well as a large portion of the rest of the squadron.

"Somehow I don't think this is going to end well, sir." Greenburg chimed in, nervously chuckling.

“I am keeping close attention on all the higher risk groups in the squadron. Don’t worry about it,” Schroeder stated.

“Okay, second flight. Engelhardt stays commander as before. Bryd, Jin and Clark are with her. Her flight’s new additions are van Helmann, the WSO, and Ferris, an engineer.” The attention simultaneously turned to two of the new faces — Brynn immediately picking up something rather 'intimidating' from one of the two pilots, who'd been named Ferris. It wasn't difficult to tell apart someone who'd been an air mercenary — the men were often devoid of morals, and their uncomfortably close experiences with death had made many of them fatalistic and uncaring to their own demise. Brynn still wondered, however — where would she fall in the new scheme of the squadron?

“Third flight. Greenburg, commanding, he’s got Shengnan, and three new groups of people. First group consists of Nakamura: Utsanji-Euphemian, and her record says she’s a good singer. I don’t know why. Her plane’s pilot is Hayter. Second new plane is piloted by Norton, who was involved in Arcadia. His plane’s WSO is Moreno, a second generation immigrant whose parents defected from Tangaliro. Also involved in Arcadia I believe.” There were some mutterances about Arcadia — evidently, there was still a strong desire to avenge the fallen city — and in the case of many of the pilots, avenge their fallen peers. Brynn quietly wondered if she'd be in the Third flight or the Fourth flight, and who she'd be serving under.

“As for the final plane in Third Flight, also new arrivals. McKinnen, who will now be the youngest member of the squadron, her pilot will be…” Schroeder hesitated. Did he just forget the pilot’s name, or was there something about him that Schroeder didn’t like?

“Her pilot will be Nick McCalling, Siedunlander Air Force.” There were a few more murmurs — partly because of the slight humor to their surnames, and partly because they had quite a few Siedunlanders among their ranks by now.

“Fourth flight. Qianlong, listen up.” Schroeder said, preempting some sort of announcement.

Immediately, Brynn perked up to attention at her name being called. There were a few curious glances — just what was she being tasked with?

“Due to your outstanding performance in combat as well as the amount of help your abilities have provided this squadron, you have been promoted to Major and will be commanding Fourth Flight.”

It'd come completely unforeseen to her — the news almost prompting a joyous yelp, though she did well to resist the urge. "Understood, sir." Just who was in her flight, though? There weren't too many left. This question wasn't just being asked by her — a few of the pilots who hadn't been called up were shooting moderately intrigued glances towards her.

“Under your command, you have Weatherford and three other sets of new arrivals.” Schroeder glanced through the crowd to take a look at all of them. Camden seemed to be quite taken off-guard by Schroeder transferring him to the Precog's flight.

“Benjamin Malik and Elizabeth Draper, both Aenarans. Lina Napoli, Pristian, and Capusenne Monet. Marinian nobility, just like all Marinians.”

This elicited a few chuckles among the group — though the new Marinian wasn't laughing, of course.

“Final batch is Lionel Sato. I’m told he knew Harrison Ward, actually no, he told me that himself. He’s working with Michael Hall, who survived the attack on the Academy in Alanoir.”

"Guess I'm not the unluckiest guy, sir." The new pilot, Hall, confirmed the Colonel's words, which elicited a few chuckles from the others. Brynn was still shocked — she'd actually be commanding a group of pilots? She wondered how it felt for other Majors of the unit, having others 'look up' to you — maybe she'd finally merit some respect, even if just a bit more.

"The only reason I didn't flatten the Mount of Orchids myself was because my aircraft was damaged at the time." Sato smugly added.

Malik snickered somewhat. “Judging by the reports we were getting, not many of y’all’s weren’t by that point.”

"I suppose that's the beauty of it, isn't it?" The Siedunlander chuckled to himself.

Schroeder glared at both of them, wanting to continue.

“All the Siedunlanders are friends with one another, because they only had like a hundred pilots, so don’t expect to hear little from them.” he stated.

“Well, that’s everyone introduced and informed. We’re not doing anything today, so you can do all that meet and greet stuff y’all’ve gotten used to.”

A group largely composing the Fourth Flight gathered around their apparent new commanding officer.

Elizabeth Draper strode forward and offered a hand to her new commander. “Major, it’s an honor and a pleasure. I look forward to flying under your command.” Malik, with his hands in his pockets, agreed with Draper’s sentiments by way of a simple nod.

"Likewise. I've never really done this before, so adjust your expectations accordingly." Brynn replied with a nervous laugh, shaking the Aenaran's hand. The 447th had truly become an international squadron, bringing in talent from beyond Euphemie's borders. "You served in the Manaean Emergency, yes?"

Draper withdrew her hand and thumbed within her flight suit to find a pack of gum. Offering a stick, she nodded her assent. “Six years, twelve tours, four aircraft. I stopped counting the missions after the seventh. Why do you ask?”

"I guess you could say I read a lot into these things. Sort of comes with.. the job, I guess you could say." She accepted the offer from her new subordinate, chewing the gum as Camden's approach came to her attention. "A pleasure to be working with you."

"Never thought I'd see the day I'd be workin' under your command, Psycho. You really outdid yourself that day — Neworder's speech there helped, too." He shook Brynn's hand rather steadfastly, his pilot not far behind him. "It shocks me to say it — but I feel a bit safer being under your command. Stick with Psycho and it'll be all right, that's what they say here n' there."

"Thank you, Camden." She nodded, rather reassured the man who'd formerly spent much of his time meanly joking about her was oddly confident in her abilities now — perhaps she had outdone herself over the Jade Sea.

"Lina Napoli. I have heard much of your apparent achievements — a pleasure to work with you. Forgive my grasp of Euphemian, it is not always the best — I am from Pristio, you see." Another one of the pilots approached her, a rather fair-skinned woman with a thick foreign accent.

"It is likewise a pleasure to work with you, captain." Brynn nodded, offering the pilot a handshake — which the woman promptly accepted. A blonde woman stood beside Napoli, carefully analyzing the precognitive pilot. "You must be Second Lieutenant Capusènne Monet?"

"Capusènne Richelieu-Fosse Lisette Daniau "le Chevalier" Fèvre-nord de Janvier-Monet "l'Excellente" .. at your service." The Marinian gave a light, oddly formal bow, seemingly unaware of just how 'informal' the squadron typically was. She'd adjust soon, hopefully. "My homeland is no more, of course— but that does not dissuade me from continuing my fight. It is a pleasure to serve under your command."

"Pleased to meet you.. Monet?"

"You can call me that for short, oui." The woman nodded. "They say you have brought down an inhuman amount of Tangaliroan pilots. That you are a.. diseur de bonne aventure, hm?" The woman seemed particularly cautious before Brynn — perhaps her reputation preceded her among a few circles. There were two pilots she hadn't spoken with just yet —

"Captain Lionel Sato. I suppose this is the second Nucléare I owe the pleasure of meeting?" The Siedunlander offered a hand to Brynn, to which she promptly shook.

"I guess you could say so, yes." It didn't immediately occur to Brynn, but she'd become incredibly social just now. Perhaps a few barriers could be overcome with time, especially with the new role of authority she possessed.

"Michael Mitchell Fly-Me-to-the-Moon C. Hall. It's an honor working with you, ma'am." The last of the pilots spoke, giving a 'thumbs up' gesture to her. Brynn hadn't ever been called 'ma'am' before — but something about it oddly filled her with a sense of confidence.

"I look forward to working with all of you in future operations," Brynn announced to the group as a whole. "I'm certain we'll have a great war ahead of us if we stick together."

CONTEXT NOTES

1 - Sea of Glass - The Sea of Glass is a massive, barren region outside in Southern Akhmanar and Northern Manae, effectively serving as a border between the two countries. Undoubtedly the hottest and most inhospitable place in Tsion, the Sea of Glass is an unforgiving wasteland in which virtually no life exists, or can exist, outside of the hardiest of microorganisms. True to its name, in many areas, the sand has been crystallized into glass by the fireballs from nuclear weapons used in the region, which reflects the sunlight and UV rays off of it, easily killing any flying bird from exposure or causing severe burns to anyone exposed. The only means of crossing it are to either go around (or not cross it at all) or fly over—the latter of which is practically impossible— and even the less irradiated areas are dangerous to cross due to the glassy ground and high temperature. Strangely, despite experiencing virtually no precipitation whatsoever, the Sea of Glass is subject to intense storms, namely "ion storms", which causes massive towers of trinitite to appear at seemingly random intervals throughout the region.

2 - BXDDY - BXDDY is the street name for Desocizindoline, a drug that is rapidly becoming popular among Euphemian youth and in popular culture. When injected into the bloodstream, BXDDY gives a massive adrenaline rush, and completely removes the user’s ability to make proper judgment. It has been claimed that BXDDY allows the user to have ‘trips’ similar to the ones that LSD gives, but this can only be obtained at doses that come extremely close to being lethal, and the exact science isn’t fully known behind how it works.

3 - Type 267 Taisaku Hikōkumo no Kirame (THK) - Another important countermeasure of the F/A-130 is the Utsanji-developed Type 267 Taisaku Hikōkumo no Kirame (THK) countermeasures disperser, capable of dispersing chaff and IR countermeasures, housing over 160 packs of various kinds. Release occurs via non-pyrotechnic mechanism using electromagnetism to push the countermeasures weighting from 7 kg to 9 kg depending on type into the airstream. Fully integrated with internal avionics, two such packs are mounted along both wings. Next-generation materials permitted the creation of an extremely effective countermeasure system which, when coupled with extreme maneuverability and jamming, allow to successfully evade attack by even the newest missiles.

by **Western Pacific Territories** » Sun Mar 10, 2019 4:21 pm

Florale, Gallia, Sacred Union State of Tangaliro

19 January, A.C. 393

Eric Lecanuet
Armée Libératrice de Gallia

Music

Eric and his men had been in Florale for a few days now, making preparations for the beginning of their uprising against Tangaliro. His base of support was relatively strong, he hosted a group of about two hundred mercenaries, who he had gotten on his side with the promise of the one thing they liked most: cash, Tangaliroan cash. The War against Euphemie certainly would help in this first stage, Florale was only defended by the police force, the 64th Airborne "Tricolour" Brigade, numbering only 1,500 men located in the outskirts of the city, and another equally sized Brigade away in distant Augustinople.

Eric’s plans rested on the people rising up against their Tangaliroan rulers, who were leading the country into doom and destruction with their suicidal strategies, which were rapidly crushing the ability of the country to make war. Economics was another factor that helped him here. Trade in the Jade Sea had rapidly decreased in activity since 391, when the NCA began to fall apart, and it had harmed the economy of Gallia. The impact would be felt most on the coast, but even this far inland, the strain was noticeable. These factors served to eliminate what little trust the Gallian people had - now, they could only be governed with fear. And soon, fear would no longer govern them.

"I've heard one of the battlecruisers was destroyed in the Jade Sea," A rather bulky Gallian man spoke with a gruff, raspy tone as he stopped by the window, homemade scrap rifle in hand. Firearms were, to some degree, quite regulated in the Sacred Union State, which meant many of the resistance groups resorted to homemade rifle designs aside from illegally-smuggled weapons, using whatever they could find — the fancier types could get components for their weapons 3D printed, while most built their weapons with wood and scrap, typically stolen from rail lines and repurposed accordingly. "A nuclear weapon was used to destroy the vessel." He added, suspiciously peeking through the blinds. "Of course, the media never reported such an event. We live in a controlled society — hyperurbanization, computers and mass surveillance make the prospect of controlling the people like one would control an ant farm— the Union's powers that be dictate every aspect of life with a silent, concealed hand — and when they reveal their hand, it's never pretty. Just a few centuries ago, what we call 'Tangaliro' was a federation of sovereign states united for their common survival following the War. Now, it's a hierarchical regime — the Teutons and Sinicans at the top of the pyramid."

“Yeah, I heard about that too.” Eric remarked, puffing on a cigarette. “They said that the battlecruiser tried launching nuclear missiles at Manae. All of them were shot down, or disabled. It is pathetic how the military has conducted themselves in this war. But it is good.”

"For us, of course." Another one of the men jokingly interjected, his attention half-drawn to an ICM™ laptop he had before him, which he was using to keep close monitoring of Tangaliroan military comms, headset dangling by his neck.

Observing his watch, Eric noted the time. “We’ve had a few days, to determine what targets to strike, when to do it, and to know where our uprising will find support. This city is quite divided. Florale Nord is bursting at the seams and it is where most of our revolutionaries will emerge from. Montrodeix however, it has been colonized and infected with Sinicans, brought there and living there only to stop a revolution that is unstoppable. As you all know, today is the day that we rise up - so let us begin our revolution today, then. Saluer Gallia!” he shouted, lifting his hand into the air.

"Saluer Gallia!" Much of the group of men in the room cheered in response, raising their rifles, and to those that lacked them, their fists.

"We've planted a series of bombs along the busier shops in the foreign colony that is Montrodeix. This will maximize casualties. Of course, there are also three bombs situated at the Cathedral.. of course, we selected a day by which the holy space is least occupied. The blame will be pinned on the Sinicans, and the Sinicans will blame the Gallians — it will be like our own miniature Day of Rage." The man at the computer was a particular specialist in Rawlins Thought and had even learned and studied a few of the Organization's strategies. "We will of course utilize the distraction of the chaos to hijack the broadcasting station east of L'Arsenal. Surely there are a few local ethnic militias that would quickly join the cause — they need not even pay, just a Sinican zipperhead to put bullets in. That's the beauty of these 'ethnic warriors' — they are so filled with ideological fight that they will demand no money to fulfill their duties to the death."

Eric had to admit that the thought of using ‘ethnic warriors’ as essentially meatshields, their only purpose to aimlessly look for Sinicans or Teutons to kill, and to suck up bullets, deeply upset him. However, the reality of the Tangaliroan occupation meant that he had to play dirty if he was to achieve something. Tangaliro uprooted peoples from their homes, shifted them around aimlessly to discourage dissent, and to a degree it worked.

"The bombs await your input, commandant." The man backed away from his computer to light his cigar.

“When the bombs go off, everyone will check the news. And when they check the news, they will not see their Teuton television personalities. They will see us.” Eric remarked.

“Detonate the bombs. We will have to be quick as soon as they go off.” He stated, already turning his attention towards the building’s door.

Nodding, the man hit the 'enter' key on the laptop — quickly disconnecting the Ethernet cable as a series of earthshattering explosions echoed through the city. One of the blasts was particularly close, the window to the apartment room shattering.

"Authorities are going to trace the origin of the signal to this location. I believe now is the time to move, commandant." The man quickly tucked the laptop into his backpack, picking up an Alvimian-made P1928 pistol and preparing to head out.

“Indeed they will. Let us get in our vans, any security they will have at the news broadcasting center will not stand up to us.” Eric said, moving to leave the apartment.

As the various resistance members departed, they could feel relatively secure in walking to the street and the vans with their guns out for everyone to see. It was not as if anyone would do anything, and any cops around could easily be taken care of. Entering the vans without any objections from the few people on the street now, the drivers knew where to go and how to get there.

"Let's go hunting." The driver chuckled to himself, much of the men opening the windows of the van as they continued forward, the fighters prepared to take potshots at oncoming enemies. Evidently, however, much of the local police contingent divided between preventing the ongoing massacre in the streets — a few seemingly loyal to the Gallian ethnic cause and joining in. The situation had quickly escalated, paramilitaries in black shirts executing whatever foreigners they could find — be it Sinican, Victorian, Velikomolbik — no foreign carpetbaggers were spared the 5.56. Of course, foreigners were outnumbered in this city: which made the ethnic chaos they'd created even easier. They passed the obliterated face of the Cathedral, which had since become a rallying point for the Gallian ethnic death-squads, a few foreign Tangaliroan businessmen and soldiers hung by the power lines, their bodies spasmatically twitching from the live electrical currents.

Eric would have wanted himself to be at least disturbed by the sight, but this was certainly not close to the first time he had seen a mass execution, and there were more pressing matters anyhow.

"Looks like the locals are doing much of our work, commandant," One of the men briefly retreated from the window to smoke his cigarette. "The broadcast station should be just ahead."

“I knew support would be high. I didn’t think they would be this quick, though.” he remarked.

As they approached the building, the driver accelerated, sending the van ramming through the security kiosk. Before one of the security guards — evidently one of the state's croneys, given his distinctly Sinican facial structure — could draw his weapon, one of the Gallian fighters fired out of the rear window, emptying a volley of bullets into the man's chest as he tumbled backwards, collapsing as he choked on his own blood.

"Saluer Gallia!" was the resounding cry among the band of paramilitaries as they fanned out, quickly breaching the building and herding the terrified staff into corners. A few had tried to be heroes — those few had met the bullet. The broadcast room, windows caked with the blood of one of the security guards, had been evacuated — and the paramilitaries made certain to ensure that such soft bootlickers of the state were not capable of calling for help.

"It's ready, commandant." One of the men lit his cigarette, looking on at the bloody mess that'd been made of one of the security guards. It could've

“Turn the camera on,” Eric commanded, stepping into the frame of the television camera as it was enabled, briefly disabled when the shooting in the news building had started. There were nods among the men as they holstered their weapons, assessing the cameras. A light behind the men indicated the cameras had begun recording. A few seconds of pause — one of the paramilitaries wiping blood away from the window before announcing it — and Eric was given a thumbs-up. "We're live."

He nodded, as the broadcast started. Eric had been waiting months to give the speech he was about to give, that would begin the trek down the road to Gallian independence.

“Men of Gallia! In Florale, bombs and bullets have marked the beginning of the end of the Tangaliroan state. Us Gallians have been shoved under the boot of the Unionists, the cowards of civilization, for decades, centuries. If you are in Florale, you have probably taken to hiding, if you have not immediately realized what your duty to Gallia is, and have not yet taken up arms. I say this: If you are a proud Gallian, now is not the time to hide. In fact, the time has come to stop hiding! Do not hide, come out into the streets and take action! The Tangaliroan menace has held us in it’s grip, and we are in the final hour! The eve of destruction is upon us, where Tangaliro will fall, and in this final hour, you have two options. Die, or live to tell your children and grandchildren how you defended your nation, your people from its enemies! There are traitors and enemies in our midst, but we will root them out! Nothing will stop the rise of our people! To you, Men of Gallia, I say this. Take up arms, and man the barricades! SALUER GALLIA!” Eric finished by throwing up his fist.

The broadcast was swift — but it would merely be the first of many rallying cries in struggle against the Tangaliroan occupation of Gallia. The die had been cast — Eric could not turn back now.

As the broadcast turned off, Eric’s concerns shifted yet again.

“The police fight each other, but what of the army? They are sure to arrive. I do not know how, but I have a feeling they will arrive by rail. There is a rail connection from their base to the middle of Florale. We must close it off, whether by destroying the tracks, or sending a train down the track to block it, I am not sure. But it is probably how they will try to arrive. We must head there.” he ordered.

The nods among the men indicated well enough that there was resounding agreement among them to attack the Tangaliroan military facility. Of course, domestic military facilities, especially urban ones, would be vulnerable — as they didn't have the security measures an expeditionary facility would. Eric had learned this well by studying Rawlins Thought and experiencing firsthand the war in Red Pine — and now would be his perfect opportunity to bring such strategies to fruition.

by **The Enclave Government** » Mon Mar 11, 2019 12:20 pm

CVN-21 Leviticus, First Atlantic Strike Group, Waters North-West of the Van Darkholme Islands

January 22, A.C 393

First Lieutenant Uriah Specter
105th Expeditionary Brigade
21st Infantry Division, VI Corps, Third Army
Operation Frontal Force

ALL CREW TO THEIR STATIONS! ALL PILOTS TO THEIR AIRCRAFT! ALL INFANTRY TO THEIR WELL DECKS!

Over the deafening roar of F/A-19D Poseidons continually being hurled off the deck of the Leviticus into attack sorties, Lieutenant Specter heard the issuance of the Fleet Battle Alert. The Fleet itself was, of course, not under attack – the carefully choreographed chaos of current operations pales in comparison to the feverish excitement of combat. Instead, Aenara was in the enviable position of preparing to initiate combat.

As the conflict between Euphemie and Tangaliro darted towards its inevitable escalation, Tangaliro had drew blood from Aenara. After launching nineteen nuclear missiles at the Republic of Manae – endangering the lives of over fifty thousand Aenaran servicemen in the Republic, not to mention the civillians of that state – the Ministry of War abandoned it’s previously defensive posture. Bolstered by the seeming absence of the Tangaliran Atlantic Fleet, Aenara began the actions necessary to enact War Plan Tango.

Operation Frontal Force was a thrust into the Atlantic sea-space, aimed to cripple the ability of Tangaliro to enact transatlantic power projection. By leveraging air-bases to be seized in the Van Darkholme Islands, the plan – as it was – was to use them as a launching pad towards more substanttive islands, precipitating strikes, and perhaps an invasion, upon Tangaliro itself.

This had all been explained in a multitude of mission briefings, and were therefore of little concern to Lieutenant Specter. Of larger concern was the V-44 Vertibird he was boarding – and its ultimate destination. As the vertibird slowly lifted up from the deck of the Leviticus and transformed into a fixed-wing turboprop aircraft, Lieutenant Specter was treated to a rare sight; the various Helios guided missile cruisers and Goliath guided missile destroyers firing their inner loads of cruise missiles. It seemed that high command had went for the ‘shock and awe’ approach – an effective, if not novel tactic.

The 105th had been broken up into its constituent battalions for this mission, due to the four to five islands in the province that required tasking. Not knowing the exact concentrations or locations of the Tangaliran Van Darkholme Islands Security Regiment – but resting assured in their general numerical superiority – the aerial landings were to commence simultaneously in an effort to crush all resistance. Not unlike a fireblanket, the 105th would serve to starve Tangaliran resistance of a most crucial fuel; time.

Within half an hour, his V-44 Vertibird was on an approach vector towards Rig City Nine. One of the less important targets, the Rig City was being taken mostly due to the proclivity of Admiral Teranus towards perfectionism. The plan to assert control was simple: Lieutenant Specter’s platoon, along with four other platoons, were to drop out of their V-44s and onto the city. Utilizing assigned translators, they were to demonstrate to locals the futility of resistance. Their job on that front was largely already completed; continual overflights by F-19E Zeus aircraft out of an abundance of SEAD caution, and associated sonic booms, were a powerful morale limiting factor.

Then, the platoon was to address any armed resistance quickly and relatively quietly. With these instructions in mind – and his own to his unit to execute them – Lieutenant Specter walked to the back of his vertibird and began to usher his men out the back ramp and into the air. Jumping himself last, he engaged his parachute and took in the serene view of a small slipshod hamlet that Rig City Nine was. Mostly an agglomeration of century old equipment, surrounded by fishing trawlers, Lieutenant Specter was pleased by both the view and the lack of small arms fire; it didn’t seem that there’d be much of a fight today.

Upon regrouping with his platoon and fanning out throughout the city, he began to find a great deal of information to support that assertion. The minimal police and security forces had begun hurriedly ridding themselves of weapons and uniforms once the Aenaran overflights had begun, and were in a very cooperative mood by the time boots hit the ground. With minimal exception, the takeover had been quite peaceful through overwhelming show of force. Much the same scenario played out throughout the rest of the Van Darkholme Islands, and within seventy two hours, principal military resistance had ended. On both sides combined, only one hundred and eighty one injuries had occurred, with five fatalities.

by **Valefontaine** » Mon Mar 11, 2019 10:10 pm

Nevis AFB, Marinesia, Federal States of Euphemie

22 January, A.C. 393

Maj. Brynn Qianlong
354th Fighter Wing
447th Tactical Fighter Squadron

Things were unusually calm — most around called it an 'early war slump'. The Tangaliroans had critically overestimated their own capacities, and had exhausted much of their pre-war aerial equipment in the last few battles. They'd also sustained notable losses — the destruction of a battlecruiser proving to the Euphemians that the Tangaliroan military was not indestructible, not even in their own backyard.

With much of the actual ‘action’ in the war taking place in the Manaean and Jade Sea theatres - with the notable exception of the Battle of Arcadia - defensive precautions were relatively limited. Of course, the pilots were always expected to be reachable and on the tarmac within a half an hour. Despite this, they were given considerable room to breathe in their allotted free time.

Brynn had become the head of her own flight within the squadron, which had done quite well to change her status within the squadron itself — her feats against the Tangaliroan battlecruiser Auberjonois helped as well. She'd become much less confined to her quarters with the newfound responsibilities — and respect — though she'd occasionally spend some time alone with her thoughts. Her promotion had warranted a television be added to her quarters, to which she often watched old datacassette recordings of Arcadia — as a weird form of self-motivation against the Tangaliroans, perhaps. She also paid close attention to the news — apparently sparse word was getting out of Tangaliro that ethnic strife was becoming increasingly common in some of the southern states, presumably due to the rather large-scale economic collapse the war had likely left many of the locals angry. There was more to it, however — Brynn knew quite well the leader of this uprising was a man by the name of Eric Lecanuet — a man they'd escorted to Tangaliro. In that context, their mission had served its purpose quite well.

All was at its peaceful usual, the Siedunlanders and Aenarans integrating oddly well into the squadron. There'd been no fights or disorderly conduct: perhaps coming so close to defeat in the past battle had calmed Schroeder, and much of the pilots in turn.

Eyeing the TV screen, Brynn checked the digital clock beside it, which glowed a dim red as it displayed the time: 2:12 PM. Lunch had been its usual, and she'd retreated to her quarters to think back to how all this had begun — though it almost seemed simultaneous in retrospect.

Her diorama of scale models were neatly propped up in another section of the room — depicting a VFA-192 F-13E Super Hexmaiden taking off from the FSS Mendenhall. It was her side hobby — and maybe she'd have money to continue pursuing it if she continued performing well. On the wall, a flag of the Federal States of Euphemie was neatly arranged, overlooking her bed.

At this time of day, however, there would probably be interesting matters taking place among the squadron — to which she resolved to leave her room once more. Times alone now were just as comforting as they'd always been, albeit much less prolonged as before, serving now to ease her mind and allow her to plan ahead towards the day.

Curiously, she peeked about the corridor, almost being caught by surprise by two of her fellow pilots.

"Oh, Psycho. I was actually about to head over and ask you somethin'.." Camden was beside his pilot, Weatherford, the two evidently in quite the casual demeanor.

"What's the matter?" She seemed curious — wherever the 447th's pilots were, something interesting would certainly follow.

"We ain't drinkin', I assure you. We gotta remain combat ready, after all. I was gonna ask you if you were interested heading shopping. Me and a few of the others were gonna head out and blow some money."

"I don't have much money on me." She shook her head.

"Oh, no big deal. It's on me. You saved my ass last week, after all. Why not treat my superior to something nice, anyway?" It was little surprise that a man like Camden would have a lot of money about him — after all, money and the spending thereof was practically his religion. This warranted a suspicious glance from his pilot, though she hadn't made a comment.

"Uh, sure thing." She wasn't sure where exactly things were going, but there'd probably be a thing or two she'd like. Brynn wasn't necessarily a very material person — vain aspects like designer brands served only to confuse her. Why did certain Tucci™ coats cost $12,000? It was almost ridiculous. She couldn't really understand the meaning or value behind it all — but maybe it was due time she'd enjoyed herself a bit.

"You shop often, Major?" Camden questioned as they made down the corridor of the 447th's barracks — though it was a rather rhetorical question.

"I don't have a lot of money — I don't buy much else than what I need."

Camden chuckled. "Nothing puts me at ease more than a shopping mall. The sounds, the people, the distant, hypnagogic background jingles— shopping puts me at ease. Helps take your mind off the war, too — you should think a bit more about things other than all.. this." He continued on his tangent as the three navigated the airbase, Huey's mall fairly within walking distance. "I mean, don't act like I haven't noticed — you can't get your head off the war since that promotion! Ease up. The fate of the world doesn't rest on our shoulders, we're just cogs in the whole process. Exiting the barracks, he casually continued on, his tangent going onwards. "Charognard getting shot down— no, everyone that got downed back there. It bothers me sometimes — I did hear Camilla got out alive, though. She's recovering, apparently. It'll be months— maybe years— until we see her again, though — apparently she's recovering in one of those real fancy super-hospitals in Torch. Those places are fucking huge, I mean— back in the day, I got sick with the flu once, and I ended up in one of those giant-ass fuckin' hospitals— almost got lost in the damn place trying to find a bathroom! Unbelievable. They should put more signs in those places— I hope she'll know her way around one of those hospitals. Massive, I mean— no kidding, really."

"Right," Brynn followed, hardly able to keep up with Camden's tangents as they wandered the base's parking lot, making for the secure exits. "If she was on Nevis, I'd have visited her. How'd she even make it out, anyway? I was pretty worried."

"Apparently herself and Bones did some action movie level shit — hijacked one of the enemy rescue helicopters with Bones and flew to Nassé. That's just hearsay, though— I don't have a fuckin' clue. You should ask him. I mean, the two of you—"

"I didn't do anything, you know. I don't know what that rumor's about." Brynn shook her head, rebuking Camden's suspicions. "I hardly know him — good pilot, though."

"Well, that's alright— maybe we'll run into someone at the mall. One of the groups went out earlier." He continued on, putting on a pair of Theraud™ sunglasses — which perhaps implied some degree of class or taste in his preferences. "That new Marinian girl in our flight sounds like a real hardass. I can only imagine it's because of what happened to her home.. I mean, it's gotta be hard, losing everything that matters to you. That's part of the reason I stick with this job at the end of the day — we're making sure they don't do to Torch City what they did to Arcadia."

"I'm surprised we even made it out of the Jade Sea alive. Maybe it's because we make a great pair.." Weatherford, on the other hand, was leaning uncomfortably close to her superior.

"Say, Psycho, what state are you from?" Camden seemed to have missed any mention to Brynn's home-state.

"Huh?" The question seemed rather out of the blue. It took a few seconds for it to make sense for her — what home was she fighting for? "Oh. I grew up in Engadine."

"Ah, I see. Not quite as busy as Torch City, of course." Camden briefly showed papers to the guard at the security kiosk situated at the exit, to which they were promptly let through. A small road led to 'metropolitan' Huey — metropolitan wasn't exactly the right word, as it was an incredibly small town. There were sparse concentrations of tropical shrubbery along the hills overlooking the military base, the path they'd taken rather scenic albeit mostly frequented by military personnel. The war had largely transformed Marinesia — at this point there were more soldiers than locals, Nevis AFB already slated to be vastly expanded to continue the war effort. "You ever been to Torch?"

"No. Only other state I've been to is Trinity — I attended the Federal Aviation Academy." Brynn replied.

"You've never been to Torch City?" Camden was almost taken aback. "If we make it through to the end of this war, first thing we gotta do is visit Torch. On me — I know all the places worth visiting." He continued on, stopping at a rather scenic view of the shopping mall further downhill. "So, that robot's your WSO now, right?"

"Yeah. Compensating for depleted manpower, I was told. They swapped out my autonomous WSO for SAGA, and the rest is history. I'll get my old one back when — or if — they find some more Chiangshi pilots." Brynn looked on at the rather scenic view of Huey, the city's small bay reflecting much of the sunlight, casting a pearlescent white upon the coarsing waves.

"Why don't we get moving, then?" Weatherford evidently was rather impatient. Happening upon the shopping mall's entrance after a brief descent, she was overcome with sights of designer wares, clothing of practically every shade and color illuminated by storefront lights. It was a rather awe-inducing sight — as she'd rarely frequent such places.

"Well?" Camden chuckled to himself. "I'm sure you could find something here to your liking. The malls here are nowhere near as nice as in Torch, though. Maybe you should get something more fancy than that plain tank-top of yours. I can definitely see a nice jacket, or perhaps—" His tangent was interrupted as his attention was diverted entirely to a Tucci™ storefront. "Look at this slightly yet tastefully dark, off-color pattern. The incredibly visible logo— all of it ties wonderfully together! I can definitely see you wearing a jacket like this off-duty."

"You think s—" Brynn found herself interrupted by a rather loud, artificial voice she'd come to recognize quite well.

"ATTENTION! ALL PILOTS OF THE 447TH SQUADRON ARE TO REPORT TO HANGAR THREE FOR BRIEFING!"

The city of Huey had bothered to establish loudspeaker systems around the city due to the sheer amount of off-duty Federal military personnel going around. It was rather unfortunate the moment had been interrupted — but there were much more important matters to attend to, it seemed.

"Well, shit. Hold that thought — we'll come back here later." Camden seemed a bit disappointed too, though for fairly obvious reasons.

"Always at moments like these.." Weatherford grumbled, turning around for the mall exit — though she seemed more interested in whatever Camden would've bought for her than actually shopping for anything. Brynn wasn't exactly sure what the 'relationship' between the two pilots was. The girl in question did seem rather attached to Camden however, without a doubt.

Brynn led the way back to base, the group rather quiet as they made their way back to Nevis. Had it really been a waste of time? Brynn didn't often see this side of Camden, who seemed incredibly amenable since the last engagement. She'd briefly stopped before going to the hangar to collect her power kit and headset, which were of course always necessities. All seemed to be its routine usual at base — though it'd certainly be awhile until the 447th's pilots got accustomed to the new arrivals. The third hangar was mostly filled with aircraft from the first flight, though there was plenty of space for the briefing to be aptly delivered. There seemed to be no apparent rush for this mission, anyway. She seated herself beside the rest of the fourth flight's pilots. This was, perhaps, the first real deployment she'd see with this new batch of pilots — and her first actual deployment with them. What would the current, eerily peaceful situation mandate a deployment of, though?

“Alright, here’s today’s mission. It is, in theory at least, going to be less intense than the last one.” Schroeder's words were met by a few curious murmurs from the pilots — the new ones certainly hadn't yet witnessed the Colonel's particular 'style' before, and now would be it. Brynn noted a few of her flight-mates were just as intrigued with whatever was to come of his speech.

“We will be performing patrols near the Fuxia Peninsula, basically just trying to identify installations, targets, whatever. I say ‘in theory’ because reports are indicating that the Atlantic Fleet may still be on the prowl, waiting to engage anything on its way to mainland Tangaliro. Following up on that, the higher-ups have reason to believe Tangaliro may start switching to using submarine warfare. To that end, we’ve been asked to keep an eye out for any submarine pens they could have along the coast. For today, though, our job is to look for things as opposed to shooting at them.”

One of the pilots raised her hand — McKinnen, to be specific. She'd been introduced along with most of the 'new arrivals' in the past few days, being among the youngest pilots of the group. Brynn hadn't actually spoken with her yet, but had heard a few things about her — namely that she'd served in Qarik, and had piloted as a hobby before that. "Any recon satellites over the area?"

“I’m told that for some reason they’re currently inoperable, at least, the ones covering the Atlantic. They didn’t say why.” Brynn couldn't help but have a bad feeling about this.

"Do we have any reconnaissance assets on standby?" Zorić posed. "Those Nightbirds last deployment sure saved our asses."

“High Command isn’t risking Nightbirds this time.”

A few murmurs and nods among the pilots seemed to indicate some degree of concern with the current odds. It was just a run-of-the-mill reconnaissance operation, right?

“Alright, well, there’s nothing else to say really. Well, actually… each flight’s getting unique loadouts. Mine is getting AShMs, Engelhardt’s getting ground attack loadouts, Greenburg will be doing SEAD duty, and Qianlong will shoot anything that flies to come kill us. Dismissed.”

Brynn quickly made for her aircraft — seeing no necessity to make any pre-flight comments. There had to be a reason reconnaissance satellites weren't functioning out there — right? SAGA was there and ready for her, giving her a wordless, optimistic thumbs-up - he’d been eager to get back to work after what had happened, so she’d been told.

Conducting her usual pre-flight checks, Brynn waited for the first three flights of the unit to conduct their usual takeoff antics.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Ready for takeoff.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [Cpt. D. Meimei] /// - “Prelim check. Ready for takeoff.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127C2 Vampire "Starship" | #98137] - [Cpt. Narmer-Khu-ptah] /// - “Prelim check..”

With the first flight departing, the second flight soon prepared to takeoff. Brynn was accustomed to being with the first — so this delay was a little deviation from the usual.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Prelim check. Ready for takeoff."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Slasher" | #77138] - [Cpt. H. Yunmeng] /// - "Prelim check."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Vanguard" | #86413] - [Cpt. C. Gang] /// - "Prelim check. All OK."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Genie" | #92171] - [Cpt. H. McDevitt] /// - "All's good. Ready for takeoff. Oh, right — Prelim check."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127A2 MOD INVALID "Stardust" | #98121] - [Cpt. R. van Helmann] /// - "Prelim check. Let's get this show on the road."

The 'Sultans of Swing' took off soon after 'Money for Nothing', the five aircraft soaring off into the late morning sky. One in particular stood out like a sore thumb — the bizarre modified F/A-127A operated by one of the newcomers.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "We're next. Prelim check."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Rusalka" | #28173] - [Cpt. N. Zorić] /// - "Prelim check."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127C2 "Margarita" | #14144] - [Cpt. T. Nakamura] /// - "Prelim check."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127C2 "Wanderer" | #41443] - [Cpt. A. Moreno] /// - "Prelim check."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127C2 "Telophase" | #23211] - [Cpt. G. McKinnen] /// - "Prelim check."

It was finally Brynn's turn — by then, she'd already conducted the prelim.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [Maj. B. Qianlong] /// - "Prelim check!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "Prelim check. All's gold."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127D2 "Linebacker" | #73213] - [Cpt. B. Malik] /// - "Prelim check."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127A2 "Bastard" | #73213] - [Cpt. L. Napoli] /// - "Prelim check complete! Ready for takeoff."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127A2 "Warmonger" | #28712] - [Cpt. L. Sato] /// - "Prelim check!"

Noting her flight was ready, Brynn carefully taxiied her F/A-130 Chiangshi onto the tarmac, preparing for takeoff. Camden would go next — though they were the sole Chiangshis in the entire formation. Two of their aircraft, specifically Bastard and Warmonger, were especially obsolete.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [Maj. B. Qianlong] /// - "Ready for takeoff. Godspeed!"

The Chiangshi's thrusters reached a crescendo as she began down the runway, aircraft accelerating until she'd smoothly lifted off, Misfit soon following behind with the rest of the group in tow.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127A2 "Warmonger" | #28712] - [Cpt. L. Sato] /// - "A coincidence we ended up in the same squadron, Telophase-2."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127C2 "Telophase" | #23211] - [2Lt. N. McCalling] /// - "A coincidence indeed. My aircraft's a bit more fortunate than yours, I must say."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127A2 "Warmonger" | #28712] - [Cpt. L. Sato] /// - "Much better than what we were using before."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127C2 "Telophase" | #23211] - [Cpt. G. McKinnen] /// - "You two know each other?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127A2 "Warmonger" | #28712] - [Cpt. L. Sato] /// - "Of course. Siedunland Air Force."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127C2 "Duality" | #33212] - [2Lt. N. Selfridge] /// - "Likewise."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127C2 "Duality" | #33212] - [Cpt. E. Coolridge] /// - "We've exchanged a few shots before, haven't we, Linebacker?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127D2 "Linebacker" | #73213] - [Cpt. B. Malik] /// - "I wouldn't know, 'running away' seemed to be most of your strategies."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127A2 MOD INVALID "Stardust" | #98121] - [2Lt. L. "Val" Ferris] /// - "So Major, tell me a bit more about this delightful group we've got here."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Why's your Vampire showing as INVALID MOD, first of all?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127A2 MOD INVALID "Stardust" | #98121] - [2Lt. L. "Val" Ferris] /// - "You could say I'm good with aircraft. I would be working for Lockreed if I did not decide to kill people in Mbanza."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Slasher" | #77138] - [2Lt. J. Bryd] /// - "Oh, another?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127A2 MOD INVALID "Stardust" | #98121] - [2Lt. L. "Val" Ferris] /// - "You sound familiar.."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "It seems this squadron's got more than a few reunions going for it. Only thing that could make it better— heh. Colonel, let's try to get Harrison Ward to join this squadron."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127D2 "Linebacker" | #73213] - [2Lt. E. Draper] /// - "I don't believe we need more war criminals in this group."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127C2 "Telophase" | #23211] - [2Lt. N. McCalling] /// - "No less war criminals than yourselves, Aenarans."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127A2 "Warmonger" | #28712] - [Cpt. L. Sato] /// - “I knew the man himself.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Please guarantee me you aren't all going to start shooting at each other."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127A2 "Warmonger" | #28712] - [Cpt. L. Sato] /// - “What would be the point? I wouldn’t be able to do anything meaningful.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127C2 "Telophase" | #23211] - [2Lt. N. McCalling] /// - "I believe that would be a waste of good ammunition, Major."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "I'm glad we have an understanding."

Continuing forward, Brynn noted they'd remained at their 'default' since takeoff.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [Maj. B. Qianlong] /// - "What'll the formation be, Colonel?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Diamond. I’ll lead the formation. You will be on my left, and Rebel Yell will be on my right. Sultans of Swing will stay in the back.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Copy."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127C2 Vampire "Starship" | #98137] - [Cpt. Narmer-Khu-ptah] /// - “Let’s hope your flying skills learned from Aenarid Flight School are as good as you boast them to be, Halstein.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127C2 Vampire "Starship" | #98137] - [1Lt. N. Halstein] /// - “Stick to the computer, mummy.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127C2 Vampire "Starship" | #98137] - [Cpt. Narmer-Khu-ptah] /// - “Stick to bothering yourselves, not Manae, gangoloid.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127C2 Vampire "Starship" | #98137] - [1Lt. N. Halstein] /// - “I’ll land this plane and show you Aenaran justice. You may be a big guy, but you don’t scare me.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127C2 Vampire "Starship" | #98137] - [Cpt. Narmer-Khu-ptah] /// - “For you.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127A2 "Bastard" | #73213] - [2Lt. C. Monet] /// - "Which imbécile decided to put an Akhmanari and an Aenaran in the same aircraft?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “The Machine.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127A2 "Bastard" | #73213] - [2Lt. C. Monet] /// - "Machine?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++IT WAS NOT MY DOING.++"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “The bureaucracy. It decides everything.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127A2 "Bastard" | #73213] - [2Lt. C. Monet] /// - "I am unfamiliar with your bureaucracies, Euphemién."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “You’ll get used to them. I believe an Akhmanari and Aenaran are in the same aircraft so they can’t fire missiles at each other.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Rusalka" | #28173] - [Cpt. N. Zorić] /// - "Perhaps it makes sense when you put it that way.."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127C2 Vampire "Starship" | #98137] - [Cpt. Narmer-Khu-ptah] /// - “Or, you want to see how long it takes for me to remove his head from his body.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “I can have both of you transfered to different squadrons if you insist.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127C2 Vampire "Starship" | #98137] - [Cpt. Narmer-Khu-ptah] /// - “I’d much rather fly by myself than with this creature constantly breathing around me. After all, I flew Egrets.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “That’s great. Get that put on paper, laminated and on my desk after this mission.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127C2 Vampire "Starship" | #98137] - [1Lt. N. Halstein] /// - “I think that’ll work out just great for the both of us. Maybe you can finally get your plane back from the El-Hadhai’s scrapyards.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127C2 Vampire "Starship" | #98137] - [Cpt. Narmer-Khu-ptah] /// - “May Necromunda^[1] destroy your country seventy three times over, Aenaran.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "Alright, Psycho. Show the newbies your magic."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127A2 "Bastard" | #73213] - [2Lt. C. Monet] /// - "Magie? Hm?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Oh, right. New guys are gonna love this.”

Brynn could sense it in a brief glimpse — she wasn't about to risk her state of mind again, not unless they were critically endangered by the situation. Safety mode was therefore in effect.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [Maj. B. Qianlong] /// - "Unidentified vessel near Kupso, Akhmanar — on southwest approach. Traveling at approximately 30 knots. Marking coordinates."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127C2 "Duality" | #33212] - [2Lt. N. Selfridge] /// - “How did you find that out?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Psycho is what we like to call a 'precog' — the only pilot in the Federal Air Force known to be capable of seeing the future. She uses a device to assist her ability to do so accordingly."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - “She’s saved our asses with it multiple times.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127D2 "Linebacker" | #73213] - [Cpt. B. Malik] /// - "You're joking, right? I thought that was a conspiracy theory!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127A2 "Bastard" | #73213] - [2Lt. C. Monet] /// - "Eh? ..I will not believe it until I see it myself. Perhaps this is what you Euphemians would call a 'rite of passage' hazing ritual to us newcomers.."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127A2 "Warmonger" | #28712] - [Cpt. L. Sato] /// - “How is that possible?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127C2 "Duality" | #33212] - [2Lt. N. Selfridge] /// - “How?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - “We don’t ask questions.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127C2 "Telophase" | #23211] - [Cpt. G. McKinnen] /// - "What?!"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127A2 MOD INVALID "Stardust" | #98121] - [2Lt. L. "Val" Ferris] /// - "I did hear about such a project. Didn't find out much."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [Maj. B. Qianlong] /// - "Maintaining course."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Rusalka" | #28173] - [2Lt. B. Shengnan] /// - "Say, Bones, how the hell did you get out of the Jade Sea alive?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - “It’s a long story, you will have to wait until we get back to base. I will only say that it involved stealing a helicopter.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127C2 Vampire "Starship" | #98137] - [Cpt. Narmer-Khu-ptah] /// - “And the others?”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho II" | #76912] - [2Lt. SAGA] /// - "++IT WAS VERY.. CONVOLUTED ENDEAVOR, TO SAY THE LEAST.++"

Another 'premonition' seemed to inform Brynn to the position of one of the Tangaliroan vessels.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [Maj. B. Qianlong] /// - "TUS Heilong (DDG-334) is west of Fuxia Peninsula. It is assigned to patrol and observation duties. Data has been relayed."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127A2 MOD INVALID "Stardust" | #98121] - [2Lt. L. "Val" Ferris] /// - "I certainly have my doubts."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Say, Colonel... do you think Psycho's getting 'better' at her job?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “I’m feelin’ impatient today. Squadron, engage afterburners and head northeast.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Broadsword" | #82161] - [Maj. N. Engelhardt] /// - "Wilco."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Shrapnel" | #83627] - [Maj. C. Greenburg] /// - "Understood."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [Maj. B. Qianlong] /// - "Copy."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Misfit" | #83627] - [Cpt. D. Camden] /// - "You think this is crazy, noobies — just wait 'till you see Psycho in combat."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Bones" | #82861] - [2Lt. N. Shaw] /// - “It is definitely worth the wait.”

The group continued on a northeastern course, afterburners active as they pushed forward.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Those islands north of us might have something. Could be part of some hypothetical early warning detection system, or something. Let’s change course and check it out.”

Tagging along with her flight in tow, Brynn could only perceive a transmundane grey beyond. There would be no telling what was ahead — and that was among the many insecurities she had.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [Maj. B. Qianlong] /// - "Unsure of what's ahead."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “Copy.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127A2 MOD INVALID "Stardust" | #98121] - [Cpt. R. van Helmann] /// - "So this fortune-telling doesn't work all the time? Seems pretty redundant."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “It works well enough.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127C2 "Telophase" | #23211] - [2Lt. N. McCalling] /// - “Fascinating.”

In another 'glimpse', she could see the vessel crossing the water, passive comms chatter background noise to the mind-scene. The TUS Heilong seemed to be blissfully unaware of the ongoing situation, at least for now — and that was good.

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Psycho" | #82911] - [Maj. B. Qianlong] /// - "Tangaliroan destroyer is now heading northwest."

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127A2 MOD INVALID "Stardust" | #98121] - [2Lt. L. "Val" Ferris] /// - "Alright Colonel, riddle me this— does Psycho know if anybody's going to die today?"

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-130 Chiangshi "Wageslave" | #83552] - [Col. M. Schroeder] /// - “If she does, she’s clearly out to get some people killed, because she’s never told any of us who’s going to die.”

/// [EUPHFOR] - [354th Fighter Wing] - [447th Tactical Fighter Squadron] - [F/A-127C2 "Margarita" | #14144] - [Cpt. T. Nakamura] /// - "..I'm just a little bit scared now."

It occurred to Brynn — perhaps a little too late — that Schroeder had sent them directly towards Tangaliroan radar.

WFF: Fox versus Dragon [PRIVATE, IC]

WFF: Fox versus Dragon [PRIVATE, IC]

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