//------------------------------// // Chapter 7: Opening Round // Story: Ace Combat: The Wolfpack Missions // by Lonewolf78 //------------------------------// Tantagel AFB Dragon Kingdom July 6 2024 06:00 hours. Sunset and Helia were the first to wake up. "Damn the mattresses at the LOD bases were better than these," groaned Sunset. "I'm already missing my apartment," Helia said as she stretched. "Let's go wake up the others in case they aren't up," And they left their room. The dogs were the only ones they had to wake up, much to the dog's displeasure. As expected with dragons being carnivores, the menu only appealed to the griffons and dogs. For the ponies and Saddle Arabian horses it was either waffles or pancakes, which was fine for sunset and the others. "Well these aren't bad," shadow said after taking his first bite of pancakes. "At least they will have lunches and dinners for us," added Helia. The room was pretty much divided, with dragons on one side and mercs on the other. The two sides hardly talked to each other. "Whatever issue the dragons have with us better not interfere with the missions," Nightglider said. "Something tells me it's not just ponies they don't like. I think they hate mercs also," added Serana, before eating a piece of bacon. "I don't know, maybe they feel the government is telling them they aren't good enough by hiring us," commented Rover. "That could be," replied Sunset. "You hit the nail on the head." The group turned to see a small blue dragon standing in the aisle. "The name's Ember. Callsign Grim. I'm the leader of the Screamers." "Pleasure to meet you. So how did we hit the nail on the head?" Sunset asked. "All of it, but namely the part about thinking our government is telling us we're not good enough. The majority of dragons are proud and seldom ask for help with anything. Even amongst ourselves. And many refuse to accept the Centaurs have a better military than ours." "A little too proud if you ask me," replied Alvinar. "Does your president feel that way?" Sunset asked. "Not as much. It was painful for him, but he realized we couldn't handle this war ourselves and so he put out the call for help. Some dragons even called for his removal from office because of it." "Well they better drop that attitude if they want to win this war," replied Redwing. "And show a little gratitude," added Fido. "Trust me. Most of us appreciate the help. We just don't show it much. It's the dragon way," replied Ember. "Well I need to get over to my squadron. Catch you later," and she walked away. It was approaching 8AM so it was time for everyone to head to the briefing room for the day's mission. ----------------- Situation room Tantagel AFB 08:00 hours. Just one minute later Omar entered the room, and stepped up to the podium to give the briefing. "Good morning pilots. First I'll go over our current status and plans, then what we've got for you today. As of 07:00 the Centaurs have shown no sign of taking any more territory, and are reinforcing their lines. However we feel they will try to take more territory, namely this area which includes our biggest oil refinery," and he pointed it out on the screen " at Gas Town. We cannot let this happen so we're keeping a close eye on it. We have an airbase there, and the LRS Eclipse battle group is within range of it so coverage should be good. At the same time they're reinforcing their lines, we're reinforcing ours at the east ends of both mountain passes, and have numerous combat air patrols. Coalition warships are arriving at our ports and the canal so in short order we will have complete airspace denial between the mountains and canal." He switched images and continued. "As for what are allies are doing: In addition to the previously mentioned warships, Equestria has their LRS Aurora carrier battle group to our north, and a third one devoted to cruise missile strikes led by the LRS Nebula. The role of the 3rd group will be to launch cruise missile strikes deep within Centaria. Meanwhile their air power will focus on defending our skies and launching strikes, and finally their ground forces will join ours in pushing the Centaurs out. Your continuing mission will be to launch strikes against the Centaurs in our territory and maybe later just across the border into Centaria." Omar took a drink of water, then continued. "The goal is simple: We're going to cut them off from getting support from their country, then kill them all unless they surrender. We are still working out the details of the plan." That comment got some cheers from the dragons. "Yeah we're gonna' make them wish they were never born!" yelled Garble. "So here's your missions. The enemy is moving in more mobile SAMs to bolster it's defenses on their side of the mountains. If we can stop them before they set up and take out what's already in position, it will make it easier on everyone. This means wild weasel duty. Wolfpack and Razgriz: How much experience do you have with this?" We did some in the Changeling war," replied Sunset. "Oh yeah we've done that several times," replied Indigo. "Excellent. How many of you can carry HARMs? that's our primary anti radiation missile." Members of both squadrons held their hooves or paws up. "Wow that's a lot of you who don't. We have some Kh-31's, but we'll have to order more, plus some ALARMs." "ALARMS? Aw' rats. Wish I had a Tornado now. Those are mean little buggers," cracked Serana. "Lancers, and Screamers: You will begin bombing troops and armor just beyond the mountains near Bonita and Owari. 88's and Bengals: you will provide air cover and bombing. Razgriz and Wolfpack: you will provide wild weasel and air cover." And he shut off the projector. "Good luck pilots. It's time to take back what's ours. Dismissed." The pilots left to get suited up and ready, while ground crews were quickly fueling the planes and loading ordnance. Just before the two sides split apart, Garble and his squadron threw a jab at the mercenaries. "We'll make sure to have the rescue choppers ready to come get you ponies!" he said. Getting laughs from the others. "It'll be interesting seeing you fly back to base with your own wings," Shadow fired back. "Easy Shadow. The last thing we need is to start some shit with them," Sunset told him. "They're already starting to grate on my nerves and I'm not even a pony," replied Spot. With the planes ready, one by one turbines started spooling up. Soon the base and surrounding area was filled with the thunderous sound of Dozens of jet engines. The planes began taxing in a huge parade to Tantagel's twin runways. The Block 60 F-16's of the Lancers led the pack, followed by the F-15E's of the Screamers. They were followed by the 88's, Bengals, Razgriz, and finally Wolfpack. The planes paired up on both runways, Lancers on the left one, and Screamers on the right, and sped down them into the sky. "I hope some dragon was videotaping all of that down there. That would be awesome to watch," Nightglider said. "I'll check Youtube when we get back," replied Helia. Shortly after taking off the controller gave them their assignments. "Sentinel One to all planes: Here's your assignments. Lancer and 88's: Head to the Owari area and bomb troops and armor. Razgriz head with them to clear the way. Screamers and Bengals: head to the Bonita area and do the same, with Wolfpack clearing the way. Once you weasels open it up for them, turn and take out whatever AA you find in the passes and near the mountains. Take out any airborne threats you encounter." All of the squadrons acknowledged the orders. "Screamer One to Wolfpack: Shall you lead the way?" "That'd be the best. We'll clear the way for you," replied Sunset. And the group pulled ahead of the Screamers. The Razgriz did the same with the Lancers. "Can't wait to see you in action, if we get a chance," commented Wildfire. "What types of AA do they have?" asked Alvinar. "For mobile it's mostly ZSU's, Rolands, SA-6's, and Tunguskas," replied Ember. "Ugh. Those Tunguskas are nothing to sneeze at," replied a member of the Bengals. "You'd think they would go for more modern stuff," Rover said. "That's the way they are. Quantity over quality," replied the small dragon. "The minimum number of aircraft in their wings is 15. Most are 20 or 25." "That's a little intimidating. At quantities like that even a squadron of Fishbeds can be a problem for newer aircraft," replied Redwing. "And they have squadrons of Flankers that strong? No wonder you had so much trouble," added Spot. "Yes. That's the reason we lost an entire squadron of 15 super Hornets. They got pounced on by 25 Fulcrum F's," replied Grim. "Well we're gonna' equalize that problem," replied Sunset. "Time to split off squadrons," announced Sentinel One. And the two teams headed for their targets. ------------------- Mountains NW of San Sabas 11:52 hours. The group was still over the mountains when they began to get radar spikes. "We're spotted. Get your missiles ready," announced Sunset. Everyone with anti radiation missiles selected and armed them. "It's showtime!" exclaimed Shadow. And the group headed down. "It's definitely a search radar," Redwing said. Just then they got 2 more spikes. "And those are SAMs," added Serana. "Syxx, K Dog, and Scanner you're up," Blaze said. The three sped ahead, locked their HARMs on the targets, and fired. They then banked to avoid the volley of SAMS coming for them. All of the missiles hit, and the radar spikes ceased. "Nice one. Now let's finish them," Sunset announced, and they headed for the site and finished it off with bombs and bullets. "Area clear. anyone getting any more radar spikes?" "Not even a small one," replied Grim. "OK strike team this is where we split off then. Good luck," replied Sunset. And Wolfpack turned to head south along the mountains. "Roger Blaze. See you later," replied Wildfire. It wasn't long before the group picked up another radar spike. "There's another," Redwing said. "Assume attack formation," replied Sunset. Once again the group approached the site, and Blaze fired a Krypton at it. Again they had to break off to evade SAMs. This time the radar operator realized what was going on and shut it off, losing the missile. "Damn they got wise," Shadow said. "Close in and finish them," replied Sunset. They screamed towards the target and prepared for a bomb run. "There it is. SA-6's," Blaze announced. With no double A guns for secondary defense, the site succumbed to bombs. "And that's another," Spot said as they continued south. But it wasn't long before they got another radar spike. This time from the west. Helia turned her tom in that direction. "Heads up everyone. Ten bandits from the West, 50 miles at angels 15." "Roger. Gonna' do a long shot?" Blaze asked. "You know it," she replied. And with that she locked four of them up with her Phoenix missiles and sent them on their way. "Fox three times four!" she yelled. And one by one the missiles dropped off and sped away. The bandits tried to dodge, but all four of them hit home. "Nice one!" exclaimed Serana. "They're running! Guess they had a yellow stripe on their backs," announced Alvinar. "Hmmm. That doesn't sound right," Sunset replied. "Don't forget: Ember said the minimum number of planes in their squadrons is 15," commented Rover. The group turned back to the mountains and continued south. Helia would turn west, then back every so often to see if anymore bandits were approaching. Thirty minutes later they got more radar spikes. "SAM site number three," Redwing said. And for the third time they got into attack formation and dived towards the target. Soon Nightglider had a lock. "Goodbye," he said as he launched a HARM. This time the site didn't get a missile off in time and his connected. But the spikes kept coming. "There's something else," Sunset announced. Soon the site was in view, and immediately they saw tracers and missile trails. "SHIT Tunguskas!" yelled Shadow. Him and Nightglider peeled off and dodged the missiles. The Tunguska's turrets followed them, leaving them wide open for Sunset's bombs. She destroyed both of them along with the SA-6's they were protecting. "Damn that was a close one," Nightglider said. "Getting another faint radar spike from the south," announced Redwing. "I've still got two Kryptons so let's get em'," replied Sunset. And they continued south. The spikes got stronger and stronger. "Start skimming the mountains," Sunset announced. Aren't we getting close to the center pass?" Serana asked. "Yes. And whatever it is has to be on the rim as we wouldn't be able to pick it up if they weren't," replied Redwing. Almost on cue three more spikes appeared. "Oh hell those three have to be SAMs or guns. Split up and nail em'!" yelled Sunset. Her, Glider, Shadow, and Rover rose up and fired their remaining missiles. All of them connected before the sites could even fire. "How did they get those up there?" Spot asked. "Obviously with heavy lift choppers," replied Fido. They arrived at the location and found their missiles had taken out a search radar, two ZSU-23's, and a Roland. As they flew over the pass they looked down. "An armored column!" yelled Alvinar. "Hot damn! Everyone with bombs follow me!" replied Sunset. They circled to the right and lined up. One by one they dropped their remaining bombs, decimating the armor and troops. "Sweet. Now for some strafing," Rover said. Before they could even turn though they got lock warnings. "EVADE!" yelled Sunset. They dropped chaff and dodged the missiles, then turned towards the direction they came. "Damn 16 bandits! Those others must have went back to get help," exclaimed Helia. "We don't have time to run so let's get em'!" replied Sunset. And they fired a couple of missiles to disrupt their formation, and then engaged them. "Flankers. This won't be easy," Sunset announced. Helia got behind one, only to have another get behind her. Redwing pounced on him from above and got a gun kill. Helia got hers with a sidewinder. Meanwhile Shadow, Nightglider, Alvinar, and Serana were in a mini furball with 5 of the bandits. "How do we handle this?" Alvinar asked. "Form up and hit the brakes," replied Serana. The four of them loosely formed up, and right at the last moment hit the air brakes. "Three two one KICK! yelled Serana and they performed the move, taking the Centaurs by surprise. One banked left to avoid Alvinar and smashed into a wingmate, sending both of them down. The others overshot and Serana, Shadow, and Alvinar got heat seekers locked onto the others and fired, taking them out. "HA! Dumbasses!" yelled Alvinar. "So who get's those two kills?" "They were behind you and me so we'll split them," replied Shadow. Sunset was dominating the Centaur squadron commander with Spot covering, but soon he had a problem. "I've got a tail Blaze!" "Lose hm, I've got this," replied Sunset. No sooner than he broke off another Flanker dropped in behind her. "Damn now I have a tail!" Sunset announced. In short order Rover was on him and forced him to break off, getting him with a sidewinder shortly afterwards. Now the Centaur wastrying to throw Sunset off by veering left and right. She took a chance and pulled slightly right when he went left. Sure enough he went back to the right and Sunset fired her cannon, shredding him. "Alright the scale has tipped!" commented Serana. "Everyone pick a bandit and stick with them," replied Sunset. Redwing finally got the one he was chasing with a heat seeker. Rover got one with a Sidewinder. Fido had his prey do a cobra and get behind him, but before he could do anything fido did an airbrake stop and roll and got behind him again, and get a kill with an Archer. Realizing it was now two to one, the remaining bandits tried to flee, but they couldn't lose the pack, and a volley of radar guideds from from Sunset, Redwing, Rover, and Spot finished them off. "Nice one pack! Let's get home before more show up," announced Sunset. And the group formed up and booked it back across the mountains into Dragon controlled airspace. ---------------- Situation room Tantagel AFB 17:30 hours. With all of the squadrons home and present, Omar started the debriefing. "Outstanding job by everyone today. In your sorties you completed your objectives and suffered no losses." He then went over each squadron's kills starting with the Lancers, who took out seven bandits during their sortie, and had excellent bombing runs. "Last but certainly not least is Wolfpack. Altogether you took out four SAM sites, a small armored column, and 20 bandits." That last part shocked everyone. Garble spit his drink, Wildfire's eyes got big as she turned to look at them, and Saki closed his eyes and smiled slightly for a few seconds. "No way. what were they attack choppers?" Garble asked. "Nope. An entire squadron of SU-27's. The Centaur's 14th fighter squadron," replied Omar. "WOO HOO YOU GUYS ROCK!" exclaimed Indigo. The Lancers just quietly chatted amongst themselves. "That's it folks. Get some well earned rest. Dismissed." And the meeting broke. Before Wolfpack went back to their barracks, garble and a couple of his wing mates stopped them. "There's no way you got an entire squadron," snapped Garble. "Well we did, and your commander confirmed it," replied Sunset. "Well they must have been a pussy ass squadron then because no merc' group is that good." That comment visibly angered some of the group. "And yet the 88's got 16 kills to your squadron's seven," replied Ember who had shown up behind them. That comment pissed Garble off enough to make him storm off with the others. "Damn he's a piece of shit," snarled Alvinar. "Funny he didn't say that to the 88's," Ember said. "Guess they figure we're the weakest ones," replied Sunset as they continued to walk. "He keeps doing that and he's going down," snapped Shadow. "Don't do it. That would get you guys booted," replied the blue dragon. "Maybe that's what he wants," replied Redwing. "It wouldn't surprise me. Well catch you tomorrow. Nice job today," Ember said before turning to head for her squadron's barracks, and Wolfpack continued to theirs.