//------------------------------// // Chapter Seven: Operation Skyfall // Story: The Gathering Storm Part IV: The Continuing Struggle // by WiskeyMikeOne //------------------------------// Chapter 7 Operation: Skyfall Three days later and a trial was held in the throne room. I was present, so was a rather unhappy Mayor Mare, Intel, the civilian and military court and Princess Luna who was also unhappy with me. Twilight's friends where sat behind her in the stands offering her support. Dashie hadn't spoke to me since I arrived. Surprisingly Twilight pleaded guilty to all charges. She should have been locked away forever for doing what she did but she was too valuable. She even emitted that her actions were irresponsible and cost us good men. But the outcome of the whole situation was a bonus so she was cleared of all charges. Plus she and her friends still had to find loyalty and magic in order to complete in the elements of harmony, she was too important to be locked away. That night I flew to the peak of Night Shadow mountain, the mountain that the castle was situated on. It was a full moon and I always loved coming up here to get away from it all. My solitude was interrupted by Nightmare. “It sure is beautiful isn’t it?” she asked me. “It is.” She sat down next to me. “Looks like Mrs Sparkle got off Scot free then.” “Actually no, she’s tasked with researching for anything in the archives that might help us. If there are any more old legions that we should know about she’ll find them.” “Sound more like a gift than a punishment. Bloody book worm. She should be made an example of, too show everypony that you are not to be messed with.” “What! Why?” “Fear Whirlwind, fear. That’s how you gain respect and power.” “I have a lot of respect from others and I don’t want or need power.” “Think about it, if you had total power you could end the war within a month.Ypu've tried being the nice guy and that's got you no where. Fear and intimidation is all that is left.” “I think somepony a long time ago though the same as you. Respect is earned through actions, not fear.” “We’ll see about that.” Nightmare got up and turned to leave. Before she took off I spoke. “By the way. Thanks for getting rid of the storm; I might have died if it weren't for you.” “Pardon?” “The storm. Thanks for getting rid of it; I guess your living up to your promise to help me.” “I didn't stop the storm.” I scoffed and turned around “Well if you didn't then who did?” “I don’t know.” She wasn't lying, she was serious. I turned back to face the moon to show that I didn't believe her but I did. If it wasn't her then who was it and how did it know my name. * The Empire’s wasn't going to let us take Le Mare without a fight, they threw everything at us. There navy was stationed off of the coast and put up a hell of a fight and so did there air force but we broke through eventually with heavy losses. 27 out of 42 ships were dead in the water and we had lost quite a few planes, 88 to be precise. In all my time in the Imperial air force and the NLRAF I’d never experienced combat like this. By the time night fell on the first day of the invasion we were six hours behind schedule and only had a small foot hold in Le Mare. I was exhausted and had to be helped out of my jet’s seat when I finally touched down on the aircraft carrier Dusk Mist. The carrier was hit several times in the naval battle so she was slow but still holding together. I couldn't remember how may kills I got that day, it was all just one big blur, no rest no letting up and no end to it. The next few days weren't any easier, the Imperials fought for every inch of ground and were more organised than before. Their air force was now a force to be reckoned with, even I had trouble. But the worst was yet to come. Pétain Fortress. Built to withstand any siege, two thousand acres of steel, concrete and iron. Had enough supplies to last for months, possibly years, could accompany an entire army division, a tank coups and three air force squadrons. It even had its own dam to supply power through the base. And we had to attack it. But not too capture or to destroy it but to immobilize it. Without that dam supplying power the base it would shut down completely and pose no further threat to our forces that will take the valley pass to Parrains. He who controls Pétain, controls Le Mare. In the internal hangar of Dusk Mist I held a briefing for the attack on Pétain. This was an air force only operation; the army would be acting in reserve. All of the pilots taken part in the op were sat in the hangar in front of a huge map of Pétain. When I walked on stage the whole room stood to attention. “Be seated." I garbed th pointing stick from the table and tapped the map above me. "Fillies and Gentlecolts, I’m not going to sugar coat this, this is going to be the toughest and hardest battle in the history of the air force. Pétain is strong but we are stronger. If we can disable there power supply then the fortress will be nothing more than a dot on the landscape. Our target is the Sorpa dam, if we destroy this we take away their power and we’ll take the fortress. I bet some of you are thinking that the fortress will have a backup system and your right. Power lines run from a wind farm in the north, we cut the lines and we cut the power. However there is a third source of power, a massive generator under the fortress is there final source of power and it runs of unicorn magic crafted into liquid form, in other words potions. You will all be divided into three teams. Blue Team attacks the dam with our latest weapon from Hammer Tech, yellow team attacks the power lines and red team attacks the generator itself. You all have a color coded folder under your seats with all the information you need. Start time, objective, call signs etc. Any questions?” I saw a pony put there hoof into the air. I pointed at her with my stick. “Sir. It says here that red team will fly to the generator. How?” “If you continue reading you will see that there are four cooling tunnels leading out from the generator and into the cliff side to which the fortress is situated on. Red team will fly down those tunnels and destroy the cooling vents thus overheating the generator and shutting it down.” I saw ponies in the crowd looking at each other, they all looked very doubtful. I was losing them, I had to encourage them. “I don’t see what the problem is you've all been secretly training for this for months. Members from blue team have had extensive training in torpedo warfare, yellow team have be practicing attacking communication towers and other such structures and red team. Dose the acronym VTOL mean anything too you? I should hope so you've been training with the navies Harriers for the past two months. You all know what to do, you just need to put it into a real life situation.” I saw a few ponies nodding and looking a bit more upbeat. “So what do you say? Who wants to take the untakeable fortress from the Empire. Are you all with me?” “Sir yes sir.” “I can’t here you!” “SIR YES SIR!” “That’s what I thought! You’re dismissed. Red team stays behind with me, blue team report to hanger 4. Major Sea Swirl will be waiting for you and yellow team is to fly back to our base in Le Mare and report to Deputy Sky Marshall Rainbow Dash.” Seven ponies remained after the rest had left the hanger, they were together and talking near the stage, the field commander had a report for me from the front lines and I had to leave briefly. “So sorry to keep you waiting I had something to take care of. Now I’m thinking you all want to see your new toys, am I right?” “Yes sir.” They said in unison. “Good follow me.” I led them to hanger 2. There where eight brand new aircraft waiting, four on the left and four on the right. “Meet the F- 35 Lighting. Max speed of Mach 1.6. 1,200 mile range, has incorporated stealth technology and advanced avionics and IT systems and of course VTOL. It is by far the deadliest aircraft on this planet.” “They look just like the F-22 that Deputy Sky Marshall Rainbow Dash used to destroy the Titian missiles.” Said a pilot. “Yeah they do. They look so cool and futuristic.” “This is like my birthday and Hearts Warming Day all in one.” “I thought you might like them. Now on to serious business. Each one of these cost 164 million bits so I don’t want a scratch on any of them, clear?” “Yes sir.” “Good. Turn to page 74 in your folders. As you can see your entry points are only 60ft across by 30ft so it only gives you a little bit of leeway. You’ll have to destroy the grate that covers the entrance to the tunnel, inside you will engage VTOL and fly down 300ft to the cooling vent. You will then fire the experimental missile known as KS 1671 at the vent, it’s designed to explode five minutes after impact so that should give you plenty of time get out safely. The operation will take place two weeks from tomorrow so we’ll have plenty of time to practice flying this new jet.” “Sir?” asked a pilot. “Before you ask, yes I’m taking part in the operation as well. What did you think I was going to sit this one out? Hell no.” they laughed at my little joke. “Sir why are there only eight of us and hundreds in the other teams?” “Because you’re the best we have. Dose that answer your question Mint Drop.” “It certainly dose sir.” “Good, now get into your flight gear all of you, the more time we spend chatting the less time we have preparing for the op. Now move quickly!” “Sir yes sir!” They saluted then rushed to the stores to get kitted up. I looked at one of the jet’s, all I could think about was Shamrock, he flew a plane almost identical to this one on the night he died. Had it really been three months since he died, it only seemed like yesterday. * The canyon walls were feet away as I and red team flew to the objective point. It was now the day of the assault on Pétain fortress. Blue team and yellow team had already started their attacks. Yellow team were successful in their objective but blue team were in trouble. They ran into heavy AA and missile fire around the dam, plus torpedo nets prevented there torpedoes from hitting the dam’s hydroelectric generator. We were 45 minutes behind schedule any longer and we risked having to go back to base and refuel or enemy air reinforcements arriving from the airfield just outside of Parines. I had no choice but to order my team to begin their assault. “Night Fury to all Red team call signs, proceed with phase three. Apple Half you’re up first.” “Understood sir.” Apple Half applied her jets afterburners and took off down the canyon, three fighters escorted her. From the canyon I could see the AA fire firing up from the fortress and aiming at yellow team who were now attacking the fortress itself. Thank Faust I was down here and not up there I thought to myself. “This is Apple Half, target is in site, commencing assault.” “Roger that Apple Half, good luck.” I said. I few seconds went by then her voice came on the radio again. “Grate destroyed, moving into tunnel.” “Good work Apple Half, keep it together.” A few tense minutes passed. “Target hit, evacuating from vicinity, detonation in four minutes forty four seconds over.” “Good job Apple Half! Misty, you’re up.” Misty’s jet took off down the canyon and headed for the target. She was successful and so was Pipe Cleaner. It was now my turn, I had the honor of destroying the last cooling vent. The grate was right in front of me, I pulled the trigger and fired a barrage of un-guided rockets at it. The grate shattered into pieces and fell away. I slowed my speed down and engaged VTOL. The whine of the engine intensified as the exhausted changed to the dowered position. I also lowered my landing gear just in case the VTOL cut out, I slowly maneuvered the jet into the tunnel. It felt very strange to be flying a jet underground and through a tunnel but I guess there was a first time for everything. I finally made it to the cooling unit, the fins were moving at such speed I couldn't see them and I could feel the wash from them thought the controls in my jet, I had to constantly adjust the jet to get a clear shot. I flipped the switch on my dashboard that said SP weapon, aimed and fired. The missile shot forward and clapped onto the static boss of the fins. I threw my hoof into the air. “Yes, git in!” I tuned the jet and headed back towards the entrance. Half way down the tunnel I saw the missiles countdown clock on my HUD disappear. I looked into the rear view mirror and saw a fire ball rushing towards me. “Oh buck!” I disengaged VTOL and applied the afterburners and shot towards the exit. The fire ball was getting closer and so was the exit. “Come on come on!” The fire ball was right behind me, I could see flames all round my canopy. I pulled up just before the exit, passed the grate and was free. I shot upwards into the blue sky. I let out a yell of excitement, mixed with relief and satisfaction. “YEEEE HAAA!” “Night Fury are you all right?” “I’m better than alright baseplate, I feel like I’m on top of the world.” “What happened?” “Premature detonation.” “Use to that, are you sir?” “Ha ha very funny.” “Do you want a mission update sir?” “Yes.” “Phase one and three are complete put phase two is still on-going sir.” “Patch me through to Blue leader.” “Acting Blue leader Lt. Dart Board here sir.” “Dart Board, what about Cpt. Haymaker and Lt. Seesaw?” “Shot down sir as are most of my unit, there are about twenty of us left sir. I don’t know what to do.” I could hear his voice brake, I think he was about to cry. “It’s all right Dart Board, you've done a great job you should be proud. All call signs listen up, I’m taking charge. Form up on me at sector V-7 out.” Miles away I arranged the remaining planes into an arrow formation; I was at the point and led the assault. We stayed low to the river and were at top speed. There was a small outlet for the water to spill into the river at the base of the dam, that was blue team’s target but the torpedo nets prevented any torpedoes from reaching its target. So we had to try something else. “All pilots listen up. When I give the order you are all too unload your remaining missiles into the outlet then immediately pull up.” “Understood sir. We’ll follow you in.” Just around the next bend was the dam. It was colossal in height and width. I heard a lot of pilots talking about it when I was in the Solar Empire Air Force but I never knew it was on this scale. It was a straight path to the outlet, the AA guns from the embankments on each the side of the river opened up, the bolts flew passed my canopy making a distinctive zip noise. “Stay on target. I ordered. “Yellow 3-4 is hit, he’s going down!” “Stay on target!” Flack cannons started to fire at us, the small explosions rocked my jet. “All planes fire, fire!” I press the trigger rapidly and fired off my remaining missiles, my view was obstructed by the white smoke that the missiles gave off I couldn't see the dam! “Pull up!” I grabbed the stick with both of my hoofs and pulled it back hard, the jet shook, the dam’s face was a few inches away from the belly of my jet as I flew vertical. I let out a sigh of relief. Just before I reach the top of the dam a jet flew over it. It was a SU-47 with purple strips on the wings; it was him the pilot who shot me down during the invasion of Russhire. I pulled back on the stick and flipped my jet over to give chase; he wasn't going to get away from me this time. As I did I saw fire coming out of the dam’s outlet, the AA fire stopped, the power was finally out. “Mission accomplished. Head for home everypony.” “Sir what about you?” “I've got a score to settle.” I chased Shark Mouth through the canyon, he tried everything to get me off his tail. He kept darting from each side, hoping from me to over shoot and crash. As we continued along the canyon my curiosity grew “Who was the pony piloting that jet? Only one way to find out.” I tuned the radio into the Imperial comms channel. “This is Sky Marshall Whirlwind of the New Luna Republic Air Force to Shark Mouth. Aacknowledge my transmission over.” “I had a feeling it was you Whirlwind. No pilot could out manoeuvre me like you can.” The voice was distorted; it was like a robot was talking. “That’s a strange accent you have there, what is it, droid?” I asked. “Voice changing software, I’m surprised the republic hasn't investing in this yet.” “We invest in training and discipline. It’s people who win wars, not technology.” “I disagree.” “Okay then you rely on your tech for this engagement and I’ll rely on my training. Let’s see who comes out on top.” “Gladly!” Our dogfight lasted for a while; I had no missiles and had to rely on my cannon. Maybe using all my remaining missiles on the generator was a bad idea. At one point I got a good hit on Shark mouth, he flew away from the fight. I could have left it there and proved my point but I was determined to get one up on this bucker. “What’s the matter Shark mouth, are you chicken?” “W-What did you call me? “Chicken. C-H-I-C-K-E-N!” “No pony…Calls me… CHICKEN!” Suddenly out of nowhere I was hit. My left wing was now full of holes and I’d lost a lot movement in my ailerons. He flew over me so I was now on his tail, big mistake. I was on him and firing at every opportunity. In the distance a fork appeared in the canyon I missed my chance to follow him and went down the wrong way. I was so frustrated I kick the hoof well but then I remembered the map of the area and I knew this fork would soon come back to one way I lowered my speed and tried to anticipate when Shark mouth would appear around the corner. I fired seconds before he appeared. I hit him in the fuselage his jet burst into flames and tumbled out of control. I saw him eject moments before his jet hit the river. I let out a cheer, finally we were even and finally that bucker was put into his place. “Night Fury to baseplate. Shark Mouth is down I repeat Shark Mouth is down. Returning home over.” “Excellent news sir but next time please keep the coms open we've been trying to contact you for half an hour.” “Sorry baseplate, it won’t happen again.” I pulled up out of the canyon and headed back to our base. Today was a good day. Pétain fortress was now just an eye sore on the landscape and I finally shot down Shark Mouth. I was going to celebrate today’s victory with the pilots I flew with tonight I hadn't celebrated anything since the party with the partisans during the day of the invasion of Russhire, that was nearly a year ago. I deserved a few drinks tonight…we all did.