Ace Combat: The Wolfpack Missions

by Lonewolf78


Chapter 5: The Final Attack

Cafe in Gryphus
Griffon Empire
May 23 2023
9:10 hours.

The group was eating breakfast while watching coverage of the new development in the war on TV. They watched Celestia give her stern warning to the Changelings about using the chemical weapons.

"Hell yeah give it to them!" yelled Shadow.

"Chrysalis has no idea how much damage she's caused to her reputation by doing that. Even if she didn't give the order it's still on her head for allowing it to happen," commented Redwing.

"I'm pretty sure they're already planning strikes against them just in case," added Sunset.

A short time later Sunset's beeper went off. She looked at it.

"It's them. They want us to meet them at the hangar in two hours," she announced.

"Oooh this might be it, commented Rover.


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Sombra's chambers
Chrysalis's palace
10:17 hours.

Starlight had shown up for the meeting with Sombra over her encounter with Wolfpack.

"Our two reserve members have joined us now," Starlight said.

"Is your plane going to be repaired?" Sombra asked. Starlight sighed.

"No. I can still fly it on one engine, but not in combat. Is it true you can't get the parts?"

"Yes. We don't use Typhoons, and every country around us has put sanctions on us, including Equestria where they're made," he replied. "But like I said if some of you got shot down we would have you covered."

"So what do you have?" she asked.

"Head on back to the base. We're flying them in as we speak. I'm sure you'll find them adequate."

Just as Starlight left, a Changeling showed up with new intelligence.

"Your highness. I have some news about that mercenary group."

"What do you have?" Sombra asked as he sat down at his desk.

"After their engagement with the Knights, they flew directly into the Griffon Empire," he said. Sombra raised his eyebrow.

"Oh really?"

"Yes. We went ahead and had our spies in both the Griffon and Equestrian intelligence agencies look for something, and the EIA ones found something almost instantly. Those mercenaries were jointly hired by Equestria and the Crystal Empire, and they're operating out of Gryphus Air Force Base in the Griffon Empire."

A slight smile came to Sombra's face.

"Well well well. I think we can put a stop to them once and for all... Unless Starlight get's them first," he replied.

----------------------------

Hangar 2
Gryphus AFB
May 23
11:21 hours.

The group showed up and found Harpy and Candymane already there.

"OK pilots. You wanted it, you got it," opened Harpy.

"We have located the factories where the two parts of the chemical weapon are made. In addition we have discovered only one of the two parts of it is in Gracemareia. The second half is being moved in by truck. The CEAF will be sending a squadron after those. Around the same time we will launch a cruise missile strike at the first factory East of Karariko, and you will attack the other located East of Beran. Their radar is still online up there so you'll have to fly in at low level once you clear the canyons."

Candymare took over.

"To insure all of the chemical stockpiles are destroyed, you will deliver a one two punch. First bomb the factory with regular bombs, then finish it with napalm. The rest of you will be air to air."

"Won't burning those chemicals pose a health hazard?" Serana asked.

"Alone the ingredient you will be bombing has a low toxicity so it shouldn't," replied Harpy.

"We will start the attack at 05:00," Candymare said.

"We're ready for it," replied Alvinar.

"By chance you don't have anything on those mercenaries we faced do you?" asked Sunset.

Unfortunately no. We're looking, but haven't found anything yet. The Changelings are keeping a pretty tight lid on it," replied Harpy.

"That's all we've got on that," Candymane said. " Now then Spot. Your new plane is here."

"Well let's see it," he replied. And the group went outside to the tarmac. The new plane was sitting at the end of Wolfpack's line.

"Whoa," Sunset said.

"OK I'm jealous," commented Alvinar.

"How did you get a Tigershark?" Spot asked.

"The Equestrian Air Forces recently upgraded a squadron from the F-20 to the Block 60 F-16, and they put these in storage pending sale or re-assignment," replied Harpy.

The plane was still painted in the blue NLR Air Force camo scheme.

"What type of weapons can it carry?" Spot asked. Harpy replied with a game show announcer style voice.

"Your new plane is equipped with the latest AESA radar and is capable of using all guided munitions. No more weak air to air missiles.The F-20 is capable of carrying the AIM-120D and AIM-9X anti air missiles, which you will control from this new helmet!" And she pulled the helmet out of the cockpit with her magic. Spot's tail was wagging at the speed of light.

"Is it ready to go? I want to get used to it," he asked.

"Yep. Hop in and have fun," replied Candymare.

He got in and put his new helmet on, at which point the pegasus pilot that brought it in showed him the ins and outs. 15 minutes later he was ready to go and fired it up.

The Tigershark proved to be more maneuverable than his Fishbed. It's single engine was also stronger. After about an hour of flying and stunts he landed.

"How was it?" Harpy asked.

"Where has this plane been all my life?" he replied. "Thanks for finding it."

"No problem," replied Candymare. Now get loaded up and ready for tomorrow."

-------------------

Midoro AFB
Changeling Kingdom
12:15 hours.

Starlight and her group walked out to the tarmac to see their new planes.

"Whoa seriously?" Starlight said.

"Yep. Our own creation," replied the Changeling that led them out.

"I've read about them. Never thought I'd be flying one," commented Red Knight.

"Guess we'll take them for a test drive," Starlight said to the Changeling.

------------------------

Near the Changeling Kingdom border
May 24 2023
05:20 hours.

The group was orbiting next to the border, waiting for the signal to go in.

"Sentry Two to Wolfpack: The snow is falling."

"Roger Sentry. We're gone," replied Sunset. "Let's go pack!" And they turned and headed into Changeling territory.

"Got any plans for your bits Blaze?" Fido asked.

"I'd like to get thrust vectoring engines for this. They've been out long enough the price has dropped," she replied.

"That'd pretty much make your Flanker a Terminator," replied Redwing.

"Ugh. Don't remind me of the Ace of Spades," Rover said with a disgusted tone.

"Let it goooo. Let it goooo," cracked Serana, and the others laughed.

A few minutes later Sunset got on the radio.

"Getting a faint radar spike. It's getting light so watch out for sams," she announced.

As they got close to the facility, they crested over some trees and passed right over s small Changeling army convoy.

"Dammit we've been made!" yelled Alvinar.

"Can we turn around and nail them?" Spot asked.

"No it's too late. They're probably calling us in as we speak so go ahead and get in attack formation," replied Sunset.

Those carrying bombs got in line first, followed by those with napalm, and finally the fighters. As they closed in, anti aircraft guns began opening up.

"Tripple A watch it," announced Redwing. The group zigzagged to avoid it. Shadow managed to strafe one of the installations.

"There it is. Showtime!" Alvinar yelled. The bomber group climbed up and dived, released their bombs, then climbed up again. The building and several tanks were blown apart, causing several fires. Then the napalm group pulled up and dived to release their bombs. The complex was bathed in fire.

"Burn bitch burrrrn. Woo woooooooo!" cracked Nightglider.

"I think we got it," commented Rover.

"Take that you worthless shits," snarled Sunset. "OK let's get back." The group formed up and turned for home.

They were barely ten miles from the factory when Sentry came on.

"Sentry Two to Wolfpack: I'm picking up eight bandits coming at you straight on at 54 miles."

Everyone looked at their radars.

"I don't see anything," replied Helia.

"Me neither," added Serana.

"It's gotta' be stealths," replied Sunset. "Sentry can see them because she's behind..." She was cut off by missile warnings.

"EVADE!"

The group managed to dodge the salvo. They then turned their attention to engaging the bandits.

"Definitely Changelings," commented Redwing.

"Think again Wolfpack."

"Starlight." snarled Sunset.

"Back for more eh?" asked Shadow.

"Yes. Only this time all of YOU are going to the ground. AND I'M CALLING YOU OUT SUNSET!"

"Bring it bitch," she replied. and the battle started. They finally saw the planes.

"Shindens!" yelled Alvinar.

"They obviously got them from the Changelings," commented Redwing.

"Anything special about them?" Helia asked.

"Other than being stealth no. They are in the top ten of dogfighting aircraft though so stay sharp," he replied.

It wasn't long before Fido found himself trying to get away from Blue Knight.

"I need help!" he yelled.

"I'm on him," replied Spot. He dived on Blue and forced him to peel off. Spot's new plane was easily able to stick to the highly maneuverable Shinden, and soon he had tone. Just as Cyan Knight got behind him.

"GOTCHA!" Spot fired a radar guided and a heat seeker. As expected Blue dodged the first missile, but ate the second one. Spot then dropped flares and pulled up to dodge one from Cyan.

"Blue Knight is down!" yelled Red Knight.

"What? Impossible!" replied Starlight. Just then she got locked onto.

"With us it isn't," replied Sunset.

"CAN IT WENCH!" she snarled as she pulled a cobra and got behind Blaze.

Meanwhile Rover found himself in a slowly losing turning battle with Silver Knight.

"Let's see if this works," he said to himself. He pulled a move F-4 pilots did in a war many years ago where they used the super thrust to weight ratio of the Phantom to pull straight up, then dive back down in an arc. It worked as he found himself diving on Silver, who had lost sight of him.

"Eat lead!" He fired his cannon and sent him to the ground.

"Silver got shot down by that Phantom!" yelled White Knight.

"Dammit he screwed up then if a plane that old got him," snapped Starlight.

"Or he wasn't just a good pilot. The best plane in the world is useless if the pilot doesn't know how to utilize it's full potential," replied Sunset.

"Who the fuck asked you?" snapped the pink unicorn, who had lost Sunset in the sun. "Where are you?"

"Where do you think?" she replied as she dived in behind her.

"Nice try," Starlight said as she did a sharp loop to get behind her again.

"Not bad," commented Sunset.

"Serana had barely dodged a heat seeker from Cyan Knight when Shadow dived in behind them.

"Break left!" he yelled. She did, and he fired a sidewinder, taking Cyan out.

Meanwhile Redwing was giving Gold the fight of her life. Gray Knight got behind him, but had to break off when Helia appeared on her tail. In short order both Knights went down.

"We've lost two more. We're getting outnumbered! Do we leave Black?" Red asked panicked. Starlight didn't respond, focusing on Sunset instead.

"YOU'RE DEAD!" she yelled, firing her cannon at Sunset. She rolled and dodged the burst. Starlight followed up with a heat seeker which she dodged too.

"Then why am I still here?" she replied. Starlight growled as she continued to give chase.

Meanwhile Shadow and Nightglider were on the tail of Red Knight. Shadow got a lock and fired a sidewinder, but Red dropped flares and did a move that also put him behind Shadow. Nightglider was ready though and fired his cannon before Red could react.

With no word from his leader, White Knight tried to run, but Serana fired a radar guided at him, and his move to dodge it put him in Alvinar's sights, and he was gone. This just left the two reserve pilots Green and Brown Knight, and of course Black Knight.

"Leader there's only two of us left! What do we do?" yelled Brown Knight. Starlight's anger was rising.

"Fight to the end! Double team them!" she replied. The two got onto spot's tail, but soon had everyone except Sunset on theirs.

"Leader help us!" yelled Green. She was too focused on Sunset though. and the two fell to Fido and Redwing.

"Red what's the status?" Starlight asked. "Red? White?" There was no response from any of them.

"Attention. Attention. Red is dead. I repeat: Red is dead, fuckhead. So is White and the rest of your group," cracked Shadow. Starlight was silent.

"Need help Blaze?" Redwing asked.

"Nope. It's just me and you know Black," replied Sunset.

"You. Are. DEAAAAAAAAAD!" she screamed as she closed in on Blaze and fired her cannon. A few rounds connected with her plane this time, but didn't do serious damage. She followed that with a radar guided, which Sunset dodged too.

But now she had a problem. That dodge took her last bundles of chaff, and she didn't know what missiles Starlight had left. After pondering it she thought of something. She dived, hit the brakes, and performed a split S to get away from her.

"Impressive, but to no avail," Starlight said as she turned and gave chase.

Sunset headed for a mountain range, flying just below the peak of one.With the Shinden closing in for another shot she climbed, then descended sharply behind the mountain and hit the brakes. Pulling a cobra to bleed off her speed. As she hoped Starlight overshot her. By the time the pink unicorn realized what happened Sunset had tone.

"Oops you blew it," she said as she fired an Archer.

"NO!"

The rear of Starlight's plane exploded, and she went down.

"Blaze are you OK?" Serana asked.

"Yeah. Starlight's gone," she replied. She then turned to rejoin the others.

"Sentry Two to Wolfpack: All bandits are down, but there's a second wave of ten approaching from the east."

"Do we fight them?" Redwing asked.

"Let's not push it. I'm out of chaff myself," replied Sunset.

"Roger. Let's blow this pop stand then" he replied. And the group turned again and headed for Griffion airspace.

As they headed off, a pilot on the ground took off their helmet and looked up as they flew over.

"This isn't over Sunset Shimmer."

------------------------------

Hangar 2
Gryphus AFB
May 24 2023
09:00 hours.

The group had assembled for the routine debriefing.

"Greetings everyone," Harpy said. "Normally we're giving you a briefing at this time, but it's the opposite today." Candymare then spoke.

"Thanks to your successful strike, and ours, the operation to eliminate the Changeling's chemical weapons threat was a complete success. We can once again focus on liberating Cantlin, and ultimately Gracemareia.

"Any chance we can take part in that?" Sunset asked.

"We'll check into it. I'm sure all of you need some rest though, so get some sleep and we'll try to get an answer for you this evening," replied Harpy. And after going over the mission details the meeting broke.

"So you think that was the end of the Knights?" Rover asked Sunset.

"I don't know. If Starlight survived probably not. I'm not too sure she went down with her plane," she replied.

"You didn't see her eject?" Helia asked.

"No, I turned away shortly after hitting her."

"I guess we'll find out at some point," replied Redwing.

-------------------------

Chrysalis's Palace
11:42 hours.

"What do you mean gone!?" snapped Sombra.

"All of them were shot down by that mercenary group," his aid replied.

"Dammit if it isn't one thing it's another," he replied. "Well at least we don't have to pay them anymore."

"We better get our remaining planes back though."

Sombra turned around to see Starlight and her group, which was now short two members, standing behind him.

"Of course. They're at the airbase."

"Good. Sorry it didn't go as planned." and Starlight and her group left.

"Though really it did go as planned," he said to himself.

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Hangar 2
Gryphus AFB
17:00 hours.

The EIA mares had called the group in for a meeting.

"Well are we in?" Sunset asked.

"Not exactly. We've got good news, somewhat bad news, and bad news," replied Harpy.

"Good news first," replied Sunset.

"The good news is we're ready to take back Gracemareia. The somewhat bad news is with so many squadrons taking part in the attack there's no room for you." Candymare took over.

"The bad news is our operation has been exposed."

"What? How?" Sunset asked.

"We apparently have Changeling spies in out government who discovered it, and reported back. Then their prime minister served notice to the Griffons about it," she replied.

"Uh oh," replied Alvinar.

"Do they want us to stop?" Redwing asked.

"They said we didn't have to, but with the progress we've made in the war we decided to anyway just in case," replied Candymare.

"It was funny though," added Harpy. "The Griffon king took the opportunity to ask the Changeling PM about their little Gryphus Convention violation in the Crystal Empire. Needless to say they forgot about our actions pretty quickly."

"So our partnership is done?" Sunset asked.

"Yes. your final payments have been sent to your accounts," replied Harpy.

"It has been a pleasure working with you. We will definitely inform our superiors and those of the Crystal Empire about your performance, and keep you in mind if the need arises again," Candymare said.

"Thanks for the opportunity," replied Sunset. And the mares left.

"Well what now?" Spot asked.

"I'm still up for more bombing," commented Shadow.

"How about you Blaze? Still going to go after them? Serana asked.

"Nah I'm good. I've done more damage to the bugs with you than I could have alone. I'm gonna' take a break and get the upgrades for my plane," she replied.

"Same here," replied Redwing.

"So do we stay as a group?" Helia asked.

"We've got a good thing going, so definitely," replied Sunset.

"Well then I think it's time the Wolfpack goes hunting for some R and R," announced Nightglider. The group agreed, and left the hangar.

The end.