//------------------------------// // Chapter 12: Final Strike // Story: Ace Combat: The Wolfpack Missions // by Lonewolf78 //------------------------------// San Sabas AFB Dragon Kingdom July 11 2024 21:42 hours. Wolfpack landed at the airbase and discovered the Lancers, Screamers, and a Dragon A-10 squadron already there. No sooner than they taxied to the tarmac and shut down, the fuel and ammo crews got to work reloading their planes. This time they were being loaded with all air to ground weapons aside from pylons that were for air to air missiles only like the F-16's wingtip ones. As they were walking to the HQ, a Dragon SU-35 squadron landed too. "They sure are packing a bunch in here," Alvinar said. "And so far we're the only mercenaries," added Shadow. "Will they have enough fuel and ordnance for all of us?" Spot inquired. They were greeted by A dragon at the door. "Welcome to San Sabas Air Force Base. I'm colonel Spyro the commander.We'll have a briefing at 22:40, so take the time to relax from your previous mission." "Thank you. Are you going to have enough supplies for everyone?" Sunset asked. "Oh yeah we have plenty. That Flanker squadron was the last one anyway," he replied. And the group went inside, where they found the Screamers. "Hey how did all of you do?" Ember asked. "Pretty good. We decimated some troops and armor, but most of our time was spent taking out The Knights," she replied. Ember was surprised. "Wow. You got all of them?" "Yep. Though as we were leaving one that survived getting shot at came back up and fired at me. I might have bit it because I was out of countermeasures, but a certain lonewolf merc saved me." "Wow. I heard Mobius was working for us, but we never saw him," replied Ember. Redwing noticed the Lancers sitting quietly in one corner of the mess hall. "They sure seem quiet," he said to Ember. "That's because Garble had his ass saved by a mercenary," she replied with a smile and wink. "You're kidding?" Helia said. "Nope. The Centaurs did get a couple of squadrons up from the Aisan air base before it got bombed, and one of them got on his tail while he was focusing 100 percent on another. He might have bit it, but Zap swooped down and blasted the centaur off his tail. Saved by a pony merc'." she replied. "Well I'm sure that took him down a few notches," replied Sunset. And the group sat down to further talk about their encounters. --------------------------- Situation room San Sabas AFB 22:40 hours. Spyro began the briefing. "OK pilots, this is why you're here. The Centaur forces, including whatever mobile anti aircraft they have left, are retreating en masse towards Tafuji. We got intel that they are planning on moving back to a second defensive line at the river east of Tafuji. We cannot risk them setting up shop in town so the northern force has entered the town and is moving towards the river. When the cents reach there they will open fire and stop them. At that point we will bomb them until every single one of them are dead. If any throw up white flags we will honor them though. Princess Luna will ensure the moon is as bright as it can be to illuminate them." That statement got some cheers from the dragons. "So who else besides all of us is going?" Ember asked. "Six more of our squadrons including our Specter one. Only Dragon forces will be taking part in this. Aside from you mercenaries," he replied. "Why us?" Sunset asked. "Not sure, but the request came from the commander of the air force. I'd think it's because of the contributions you've made in this war. It was you who saved the spy that located the chemical weapons after all," replied Spyro. "Don't forget about that intercept you did before you could even land at Tantagel for the first time. Plus you have the highest air to air kill total of all the mercenaries," added Ember. "Well thanks," replied Sunset. "Your planes are almost ready so get to it. It's time to end this war once and for all!" Spyro said, and the room erupted with cheers. The pilots filed out of the room and ran to their planes. The ground crews were done by the time they got out there so they jumped in, strapped down, and fired them up. The dragon planes taxied first, with Wolfpack bringing up the rear. "Sentinel One to all planes: Your designation is Force One. Form up and head to Owari. Hold there for the Force Two flight and until the attack order is given." "Hey you're back," cracked Redwing. "Yeah Two had to refuel so they sent me here," he replied. "Well guide us for hopefully the last time," replied sunset. Soon they were at the waiting point. "Wow he wasn't kidding when he said Luna was going to make it brighter," Nightglider said. "That's really going to make it easy for us," added the commander of the A-10 squadron. "I think we should hit vehicles at the front and back with mavericks, then maybe a few on both sides so we have an easier visual reference," Garble said. "Good call," replied Sentinel. "Force One this is Force Two, we're coming up on your right." And the planes joined the formations. Two consisted of another A-10 squadron, two F-16 block 60 ones, another F-15E, and an SU-30 squadron, plus the AC-130's. All loaded to the wingtips with air to ground ordnance. "OK here's your assignments. We're splitting you into four groups. The first will be Alpha, and will consist of Blaze, Stryker, Siren, Blossom, and Archer of Wolfpack. There are several attack helicopters escorting the troops so your first job will be to take them out. Then use your clusters on the troops." "Right behind you will be Bravo group, which will consist of Fire squadron plus Syxx and Scanner. You will use your HARMs on any radar guided anti aircraft and use your mavericks to mark the vehicles as Garble said." "Charlie will consist of The Lancers, Blade, Screamers, Sundown, Joker, and Timberwolf squadrons, plus K-Dog, Cobra, and Rot of Wolfpack. Iron bomb and maverick the shit out of them." "Finally Delta group which will be Sidewinder Prism, and Ghost squadrons and Cruncher. Bomb them even more then strafe them. Ghost will bring up the rear and orbit around, taking out any stragglers." "We're gonna' split up?" Kitori asked. "Well it makes sense since we're all loaded differently," replied Helia. "Why are we loaded like that anyway?" Rover asked. "Looks like they wanted you to be split up like that, so you could lead the groups," replied Sentinel. Everyone was shocked. "You, want us to lead all of you?" Sunset said. "Guess it was a way of saying thanks for the help," replied Ember. "Yeah. I... Guess I was, wrong about you mercenaries. And ponies. You really helped save our skins," added Garble. "Well alright then. Pack split up and go to your groups," announced Sunset. And they split up. 17 minutes later the word came down. "Sentinel One to all aircraft: BRING THE RAIN!" "Let's go everyone!" announced Sunset. And the planes headed for the retreating army. As they got closer they could see the distant flashes of artillery and rockets from the Dragon's northern force. "Multiple bandits at low level. Lock em' up!" Sunset said. And the air to air missiles started flying. In short order the choppers were falling from the sky, and they started getting lock warnings from ZSU's and Tunguskas. So Alpha peeled off and Bravo started launching their HARMs. Only a few missiles got launched before all of the anti aircraft was destroyed. The Centaurs were now defenseless from air attacks. Bravo circled back and fired off their mavericks, creating what looked like a runway with burning armor and vehicles for lights. "Those bastards took civilian vehicles!" snapped Shadow. "Must have done some looting on the way out, the pricks," replied Ember. "Let's get em'!" It was now Charlie's turn. They formed a loose line, and with Wolfpack leading flew straight down the road and dropped hundreds of iron and cluster bombs. The results were devastating. "FIRE FIRE FIRE yeah FIRE!" yelled Nightglider. "Damn that's brutal," cracked Garble. "Come on in Delta," announced Sunset. "Let's do it hogs!" yelled Fido. Like the others they formed a loose line, though they spread out more as centaurs were now trying to get around the burning wreckage by driving into the adjoining fields. They dropped their clusters on them, then Charlie came back in to use up their mavericks. While that was going on the AC-130's began circling the mess, unleashing a hellstorm of 25, 40, and 105MM cannon ammo. The A-10's and some other aircraft also made strafing runs. This continued for a little over an hour when Fido saw something on one pass. "I can see Centaurs waving white things in the air," he announced. "There's a bunch running away from the road to the south," added the commander of the sidewinders. "This is ghost Two. Can confirm we have a group of Centaurs that appear to be surrendering." "Screamer One to Sentinel are you hearing this?" "Yes. Hold fire for a bit and let me check with command," he replied. Several minutes later he came back on. "Sentinel One to all aircraft: Cease fire but remain on station until the ground units confirm the surrender." "Is this it? Is it over?" a member of Fire squadron said. "I guess we'll find out," replied Sunset. "I'm surprised there's any left after that ass whooping we gave them," added Garble. The next 60 minutes seemed to drag on for hours, but soon they could see IFV's, APC's and Hummers coming from the west and east. "Our ground forces have arrived," announced Sentinel. -------------------------- Presidential palace Centaria July 12 2024 01:58 hours. "Lord Tirek: Our forces have been destroyed. Those that survived the Dragon's massive attack have surrendered. The Dragons and their allies are calling for an unconditional surrender," his main general said to him. "DAMMIT!" Tirek threw a vase off his desk against a wall. "What are your orders your highness?" his aid asked. Tirek sat back down with a blank look on his face. After a few minutes of silence and looking at his desk he spoke. "Stand down and withdraw all remaining forces from the Dragon Kingdom. We agree to the surrender." His aid sighed. "Very well your highness." ------------------------ Near Tafuji 02:21 hours. Sentinel One finally came back on. "Sentinel One to all aircraft within earshot. Remaining enemy forces in the country have been captured or surrendered, and Tirek has agreed to an unconditional surrender." "WE'VE WON!!" The radio erupted with cheers, and planes began doing barrel rolls everywhere. "You've done it Dragons. You've retaken your country," shadow said. "Thanks to all of you and our allies," replied Ember. "This is the first time mercenaries have participated in the final strike of a war, and led the forces of the country that hired them. It sets a precedent," commented Redwing. "Well we're glad you were here to help," replied Garble. "Sentinel One to all planes: return to your bases." "Let's take it home everyone," announced Ember. The Lancers and Screamers formed up with Wolfpack and headed back for Tantagel as the other squadrons split up and went back to their bases. About two hours later they were back at the base, where they got a huge welcome from the dragons and the mercenaries that had already returned. "Congrats guys! You helped deal the final blow!" commented Omar. "You guys rock!" yelled Wildfire as she tackle hugged Sunset. Shadow and Nightglider both got tackled by Zap. Soon Saki showed up. "Congratulations to all of you," he said as he shook all of their hooves and paws. "Your actions not only reflect on you, they reflect on all mercenaries, which helps us all, especially when there's bad apples. Speaking of which: I heard the Knights are no more because of you?" "Yep. We got them all, though one almost got me," replied Sunset. "Are you kidding?" Zap said. "Nope." And Sunset told the story again. "He would have got me if it hadn't been a guardian we had." "Who?" Wildfire asked. "The Great One," replied Sunset, getting some ooohs. "He even talked to us for a bit," added Spot. "Why was he there?" Redskies asked. "He was keeping an eye on the Knights because they were going into battle with mercenary instead of Centaur IFF codes," replied Sunset. "That is a disgrace to mercenaries everywhere. Glad it was merc's who took them out," replied Saki. "All of you earned some well deserved sleep. Feel free to sleep in as long as you want tomorrow," Omar said. And after some more chatting everyone went to bed. ----------------------- Tafuji AFB July 12 2024 13:00 hours. The base, now back under dragon control, was selected as the location where the surrender papers would be signed. Included in it was the Centaurs could no longer perform an act of aggression unless attacked first, a no fly zone along the Dragon Kingdom border, and most importantly; the agreement that the disputed part of the country was, and forever would be owned by the Dragon Kingdom. Security was tight as amongst those present were Princess Luna and Celestia, the president of the Griffon Kingdom, representatives from the Crystal Empire, Saddle Arabia, Yak Yakistan, and of course the Dragons, including the Dragonlord himself, whom towered above the entire event. A little after one, Tirek and members of his cabinet entered the hangar and sat down. The general of the Dragon army started the show. "We are here to discuss the unconditional surrender of Centaria and the stipulations therein." The meeting only took 30 minutes to finish. At which time the documents were signed off on by the Dragonlord and other members of the Dragon Kingdom government, witnessed by their allies, and finally Tirek. The general spoke up again. "And with that, on this day, July 12th, 2024, at 12:35 PM, these proceedings are closed." The war was over. The cost was immense for the Dragons, though aid from their allies and others softened the blow. Many expected the casualties to be immense, but only 243 were killed on the ally's side, including 15 mercenaries. Most being the group Kitori was in. Centaur losses on the other hand were staggering. Around 73,000 dead. The bombing of the road to Tafuji, now nicknamed the "death road", accounted for 11,000 of those deaths. Some in the international community felt it was a gross misuse of force, but for most it was seen as just for the chemical weapons attack, which could have meant the destruction of the Centaur capitol, and the death of hundreds of thousands of civilians. They also lost 82 percent of their air force, which was the 3rd largest in the world, thousands of tanks and armor, 15 warships, and of course their chemical weapons program. Not long after the meeting, the Dragonlord made a speech on TV. "....The cost was high, but thanks to our allies, and the mercenaries we hired, we were victorious! And the land the Centaurs have tried to take from us is ours, forever!" Back at Tantagel the squadrons were watching the TV coverage. "Well I guess we'll be leaving soon," Spot said. "Not right away though. They have something planned for all of us tomorrow in the capitol," replied Saki. "I wish your squadron was able to join us," Zap said to Kitori. "I know. I've avenged them, so I can put it behind me now," she replied. "So are you going to stay with Wolfpack?" Wildfire asked. "Yeah. I've found a new family." "So what do we do for the rest of the day?" Shadow asked. "Hey come with us to the city. We'll show you around, maybe get something to eat if we can find something for you ponies. We do have cider here," replied Ember. "Sounds good to me," replied Alvinar. So Wolfpack and some of the others took off to unwind a bit. Early in the morning they would board private jets that would take them to the capitol to the ceremony. ----------------------------------- Castle of the Dragonlord Dragon City, Dragon Kingdom July 13 2024 10:48 hours. The group found themselves with the other mercenaries behind members of the Dragon armed forces, the Dragon's heads of state, and their allies. This time in addition to Luna and Celestia, Princess Cadance was there along with the presidents of Yak Yakistan and the Griffon Kingdom, and the King of Saddle Arabia. The ceremony was being broadcasted on every TV network and cable news channel. "This is the first time I've been honored for anything," Spot said. "That goes for most of us," replied Wildfire. "Oh and nice flight suits you guys!" The group now had their new flight suits on. They were in a 4 tone blue camouflage similar to the colors on Spot and Fido's planes, with a small Wolfpack logo on the front. They had them made by a Manehattan boutique. Fido paid for them with some of his reward money. "Thanks. They were Fido's idea," replied Sunset. At eleven on the button horns sounded, and a small dragon came out onto the massive stage. "Please welcome, his royal highness, the Dragonlord!" And the band started playing the national anthem as the massive dragon appeared from behind the castle and swooped down to the stage. Everyone was anticipating a small earthquake when he landed, but he touched down with the softness of a bird. "Gotcha that time!" he said, getting some laughs. "Citizens of the Dragon Kingdom. We are here to celebrate the end of the war, and to honor those who helped us in this crisis. It's no secret the majority of dragons are proud and do not readily accept outside help. Despite many objecting to the idea, we had no choice. It was either seek help, or lose half of, or even more of the country." "Equestria, Crystal Empire, Griffon Kingdom, Yak Yakistan, and Saddle Arabia, we are forever in debt to you. Will the leaders of those countries please stand up and come to the stage?" All of them went up, and Ember, along with another dragon carrying a box stepped forward, and she put the Kingdom's medal of honor around their necks. "Please accept these medals as a small token of our gratitude. I'd put them on but they're a little too small for my claws," the Dragonlord said, getting more laughs. Then the Dragonlord honored members of their military who made major contributions during the war. Garble was honored for becoming a triple ace during the war. "Last but certainly not least, the mercenaries, who came to our aid, and for 15 of them, gave their life for it. For you it was more than just a job. It was a sense of justice. Kitori Palvanaff. Would you please come to the stage?" Needless to say she was shocked. She went up and Ember placed a medal of honor on her and a combat action ribbon, and gave a box containing eleven medals of valor. One for each of the other Midnighters. "Please accept these on behalf ot the eleven pilots that died in the Firebane raid." "Th-thank you. I'll see to it their families get them," she replied. The same was done for the other four mercenaries who died. Two in the 88's, one in the Razgriz, and one in another group. All of the other mercenaries also received medals of valor and combat action ribbons. "Finally Wolfpack. The first thing you did when you got here was intercept a flight of bombers heading for this capitol. You racked up the most air to air kills of the mercenary groups, were the first to respond to the Firebane attack and ultimately took out the group the Centaurs hired that participated in the attack, and most importantly saved an untold amount of lives by rescuing the Equestria spy that found the location of the Centaur's chemical weapons stockpiles and factories. Please come to the stage." The group went up, and Ember placed medals of honor on all of them. "For the contributions you've made for this country, please accept these medals of honor. Everyone a round of applause for the heroes on this stage!" And the crowd roared. --------------------------- Music Tantagel AFB 18:20 hours. After the ceremony the mercenaries had returned to their bases, and began packing and leaving. At Tantagel the 88's had already left for Saddle Arabia, and soon the Razgriz would be returning to Equestria. Wolfpack, and the Bengals would be returning to the Griffon Empire. Kitori would accompany Wolfpack to the Griffon border, then split off to go back to her home base to give the medals to the families of the other Midnighters, pack up her stuff, then head to Wolfpack's base at Gryphus. "Well it's been a blast, but it's time to head for home," Zap said as she got ready to head out. "Don't make yourselves scarce you two," she said to Shadow and Nightglider, giving them hugs. "Pop in for a visit sometime." "We'll try," replied Shadow. "And it's been a pleasure meeting you Blaze." "Thanks. Never thought I'd be joining the merc royalty in a war," replied Sunset. "Well It's safe to say you're part of it now. See ya!" And Zap left with the rest of her group. "One things for sure: I'm not going to miss the beds they have here. I've slept better on dirt," commented Rover. "As soon as we get back I'm sleeping for a couple of days," Helia said. "It's going to feel different going back this time. We're considered heroes, but no one will be waiting to greet us back at base aside from our families," replied Wildfire. "Oh yeah did you find someone to ferry your MiG back to Gryphus Fido?" Sunset asked. "Yeah. McCoy's sent one of his pilots. He's already here and will be waiting for us on the tarmac," he replied. With their stuff packed up, it was time for the two groups to head out. Omar stopped to shake their hands. "It's been a pleasure working with all of you. It's gonna' be pretty quiet around here now. Thanks for helping our country." "No problem," replied Wildfire. "If you ever need us again you've got our number," replied sunset. And they left the building. When they got out to their planes, Fido's pilot was waiting. "Ready to go Cruncher?" "Oh hell Capper! It's definitely been a long time," replied Fido. "Another acquaintance?" Kitori asked. "Yep. He was in the LoD 9th fighter squadron at the same base our squadron was at," he replied. "It's good to see a lot of you are still around," the cat said. "How's the civilian pilot life treating you?" asked Sunset. "It's good enough. When McCoy mentioned ferrying a plane for you guys I took the job just so I could catch up with you a bit," he replied. "Well we'll have plenty of time on the way back. Speaking of which, it's time to get the show on the road," replied Sunset. and after stowing their belongings they jumped in, fired up their planes, and left Tantagel for the last time. They would be back in Gryphus a little after midnight. ------------------------- Hangar 2 Gryphus AFB Griffon empire Oct. 5th 2024 10:20 hours. It had been almost 3 months since the end of the Dragon war. During that time the only work Wolfpack had was a couple of weeks of aggressor training in the Crystal Empire, but the money from the war plus Fido's reward allowed them to live comfortably. Rover, Fido, Spot, and Serana's planes now sported the Wolfpack camouflage scheme. Their actions didn't go unnoticed. The Mercenary Quarterly, a magazine devoted to the coverage of mercenaries and their actions, stopped by to do an article on the group shortly after they returned from the Dragon Kingdom. The 3rd quarter issue would be dedicated to coverage of the war. The group was chilling in the hangar when Nightglider came running in with several copies of the issue. "They're out!" he yelled. He took them out of his saddle bag and put them on the table. "We made the cover!" exclaimed Spot, with his tail almost a blur from wagging so fast. "Wish I had done my mane up better now," commented Kitori. Inside they found articles about all of the groups that participated in the war, and a story about the casualties including the Midnighters and the Knights. The latter group receiving scorn. "Well it looks like Starlight survived," commented Serana. "I wonder what she will do next?" Rover asked. "Who knows and who cares," replied Sunset. Then they got to the top group and pilot lists and were shocked. "We're number three on the top groups list?" a surprised Alvinar said. "Wow. Third behind the 88's and Razgriz," commented Helia. Neither the Midnighters or the Knights were on the list. Then in the letters section, they found several letters from fans of them. "And now we've got a fan base," Nightglider said. "Check it out. Someone came up with song lyrics for an anthem," shadow said. Wolfpack is back causin' mass destruction, Guess who's here? The Bad Boys of flyin'. Taking to the skies when the world has a mission. Got no mercy, See them race like a streak. If you don't know, you better find out the Wolfpack, Here to prove a point, Number one, just be warned that you don't want to mess with them. I'll be your forward, Get in the sky, and then you're never flyin' down again. Don't try your luck with the Wolfpack. Don't try your luck with the Wolfpack. Don't try your luck with the Wolfpack. Don't try your luck with the Wolfpack. You might wind up in a body bag. you took your chances, Now it's time to show you were wrong. In the sky this is poor, Are you such that strong? Day in, Day Out, The Wolfpack for life, Tell the pilots with guts to get in the sky tonight. Don't care about the rulebook because you make your own rules, You don't have to takes to fill these shoes. On your six comin' for ya', On the ground they leave ya', You're the first dyin' makin' enemies with these soldiers. Don't try your luck with the Wolfpack. Don't try your luck with the Wolfpack. Don't try your luck with the Wolfpack. Don't try your luck with the Wolfpack. You might wind up in a body bag. Wolfpack is back causin' mass destruction, Guess who's here? The Bad Boys of flyin'. Taking to the skies when the world has a mission. Got no mercy, See them race like a streak. If you don't know, you better find out the Wolfpack, Here to prove a point, Number one, just be warned that you don't want to mess with them. I'll be your forward, Get in the sky, and then you're never flyin' down again. Don't try your luck with the Wolfpack. Don't try your luck with the Wolfpack. Don't try your luck with the Wolfpack. Don't try your luck with the Wolfpack. You might wind up in a body bag. "That is cool," Alvinar said. Just then Sunset's phone rang. "Well hello Venom." "Hey Blaze. I just got the the new issue of MQ. Boy you're famous now!" Nightshade said. "Ha ha I know," replied Sunset. And she talked to her for a bit. About an hour later she got another call. "Hello?" "Yes this is Sunset Shimmer." "Oh really?" "Yeah we could." The group turned their attention towards her. "Well let me converse with the rest of my group," and she turned towards them. "It's the prime minister of Maretonia. They want to hire us to help take care of a rebel problem there. Their air force is weak so they need some help. 15 percent over the rate with weapons and fuel costs included." The group quietly chatted with each other, then turned and nodded to Sunset. "You've got a deal."