It had been almost 14 months since the end of the war between the Changelings and the Crystal Empire. The region spent the time recovering and getting back to normal.
With no wars in the area, mercenary groups were starting to struggle. With the only jobs being aggressors as part of training air forces around the world. some smaller groups either merged into larger ones or disbanded.
For Wolfpack and a few others it was easier thanks to their retainers by countries, or being part of a nation's air force.
All of that was about to change though.
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Sunset Shimmer's apartment
Gryphus, Griffon Empire
July 4 2024
17:30 hours.
Sunset had invited Helia over to watch an Equestria wrestling show on TV.
"That's it get him!" yelled Helia.
"HA! Outside interference stopped," exclaimed Sunset.
"And it's over. That was a good one."
"Rooting for the bad ponies. Some good ponies we are," cracked the yellow unicorn.
"Maybe we should change our name to the New World Order?" Helia said with a wink.
"Nah. Wolfpack is fine. That might make countries think twice about hiring us," she replied, and they laughed.
Just as the the next match started, there was a newsbreak .
"This is a Canterlot Broadcasting System News special report.
"Aaaw seriously?" Whined Helia. "Probably something unimportant." The newscaster came on.
"Good evening. I'm Dan Reiner. We have received word the Dragon Kingdom has come under attack by the military forces of Centaria."
"WHAT!?" both ponies yelled.
"We now go live to the Equestria Intelligence Agency headquarters with our correspondent Featherweight.
"Thank you Dan. At about 2PM today the military forces of Centaria began an invasion of the Dragon Kingdom. In addition to troops and armor streaming over the border, there have been airborne units parachuted in along with unnumbered airstrikes on military bases. Their ground forces are now over 100 miles inside the Dragon Kingdom and are continuing east towards the mountains that divide the country in half. The swiftness of their advancement and sheer numbers have forced the dragons to pull back their forces to the mountains."
Featherweight continued.
"As for what provoked the attack: Head of the EIA Twilight Sparkle said they believe it has to do with the long running dispute over the Southwest corner of the country, which the Centaurs claim is theirs. Equestria and several other countries have already pledged support for their ally."
"Holly shit. That is not good," Helia said.
"No it isn't. If they gain control of the Wyvern canal they can completely cut off sea commerce from East to West, and Equestria's navy would be divided too," replied Sunset.
"You think we might get a job opportunity from this?" the pegasus wondered.
"We might. The Dragon's military is one of the best in the world, but it sounds like they're having quite a bit of trouble," replied Sunset.
As they continued to watch the coverage, Sunset got a phone call.
"Hello?"
"Hey Blaze it's Spot. Are you watching the coverage?"
"Yes we are. Here anything we haven't?"
"I've got a friend in Tantagel over in the Kingdom and he said he saw a mercenary group land at the airbase there. Have you thought about calling to see if they're hiring?"
Sunset was surprised. "I thought about it. But I wouldn't know who to call," she replied.
"I'd think maybe their ministry of defen...."
Spot was interrupted by Sunset's phone alerting her of a text message.
"Hold on Spot," she said. She checked the message, and her eyes grew.
"It's Harpy. They're on the way here and want us to meet them at the hangar at 21:00," she announced.
"Ooooh this might be it," Helia replied.
"Excellent!" replied Spot.
"OK Spot I'll let you go so I can call the others," she replied. and she hung up.
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Hangar 2
Gryphus AFB
21:00 hours.
The group had assembled for the meeting with the EIA mares.
"Wow this brings back memories," commented Alvinar.
"Doesn't seem like it's been over a year," added Shadow.
"If they hire us, will we fly to one of their bases or got to one in Equestria?" Fido asked.
"I'm sure we'll go to a Dragon one. Nowhere else would make sense," replied Redwing.
The door opened and the two mares walked in.
"Long time no see pilots," opened Harpy as they setup a laptop. "As I'm sure you know the Dragon Kingdom has been invaded by Centaria, and that's why we're here. Though the Dragon's forces are top notch, they are simply being overwhelmed by the Centaur's sheer numbers. As of now they've lost nearly 40 percent of their air force. Many of which was destroyed on the ground by their opening airstrikes."
The group couldn't believe it.
"That is bad. Real bad," commented Redwing. Candymare then spoke as she booted up the laptop and connected it to a secure satellite link.
"Because of this they're hiring as many mercenaries as they can, and they want to hire you."
"If they've got the money we've got the time," replied Nightglider.
"How do we contact them?" Sunset asked.
"That's what this computer is for," replied Candymare. Soon the group was in a video call with the Dragon Kingdom's Prime Minister.
"Can you see us?" Harpy asked him.
"Yes, and we can hear you," replied the large red dragon. The group gathered around the table.
"Greetings. I am Takura, the Prime Minister of the Dragon Kingdom. As you know our country is facing a grave crisis. Our military is struggling against the Centaur forces. In addition to help from allies, we are hiring mercenary air groups to strengthen our weakened air force, and we want to hire you. We are offering you standard pay plus 20 percent and all fuel and weapon costs. Repairs will be at a reduced rate."
The group conversed for a few seconds before Sunset spoke.
"You've got a deal," she replied.
"Splendid. You will be based out of our air base at Tantagel along with other mercenaries and two of our squadrons," replied Takura.
"Won't that be a little crowded?" Sunset asked.
"Tantagel is our 2nd largest base, and unfortunately it's down 2 squadrons so there will be plenty of room," he replied.
"Damn," Serana said quietly.
"OK. The earliest we can leave would be around 7AM tomorrow," the unicorn replied.
"That will be fine. We're looking forward to working with you." And the video call ended.
"Tantagel is on the north side of the canal. Any chance the Centaurs will make it that far? That would be a pretty lucrative target," Rover asked Harpy.
"Not a chance," she replied. "The canal was the first thing on everyone's minds when this started going down. So in addition to our Navy, the Griffons, Yak Yakistan, the Crystal Empire, and Saddle Arabia are all sending warships to guard it and the harbors East of the mountains. We already have an Aegis cruiser sitting in the middle of it, plus we're flying in Patriot and S-400 SAMs to guard it and the capitol. and of course we have several squadrons operating out of our closest air bases, and the carriers Aurora and Eclipse are already conducting operations in the area. The Griffons are sending one of their carriers also and we're sending the LRS Pacific in so any Centaur planes that try to approach the canal will get slaughtered."
"Any ground units going in?" Shadow asked.
"Yes. We're flying in some along with the Griffons and Yaks," replied Candymare.
"Damn now that's a party!" exclaimed Nightglider.
"I'll bring the cider!" cracked Helia.
"So how did they find out about us?" Serana asked.
"They heard about your exploits in the last war and decided to hire you. They didn't know how to contact you though so they asked us," replied the green unicorn as she put the laptop back in it's bag.
"We appreciate it. Good to see you two again," replied Sunset. And the mares left.
"Well let's call McCoy and tell him to get our planes ready and get some sleep," announced Sunset.
"I know they will be supplying weapons, but I think I'll load up on ammo and a couple of air to airs just in case," Alvinar said.
"Might not hurt. I think we all should," replied Sunset. and they left the hangar.
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Presidential palace
Imperial City, Centaria
22:10 hours.
A meeting between the ruler of Centaria and a couple of his aids was taking place in his chambers.
"So will we be able to get East of the mountains?" He asked them.
"It doesn't appear we will be able to. The Dragons are hunkering down and their allies are moving in troops, ships, and SAMs. Plus the Dragons are hiring every mercenary air group in existence," replied his aid from the intelligence department.
"Drat. No matter. We control a quarter of the country now which is way more than we were planning on capturing. So beef up the mountain passes and reinforce everything else. And perhaps try to take Gas Town," the large Centaur replied.
"Do you think those mercenaries will be much of a threat?" the other aid asked.
"We have one of the largest militaries in the world. It'll take more than a few losers and their planes to stop us," the president replied. "Keep me updated on the movements of the ground forces of the Dragons and their allies though as I'm sure they will try to launch a ground assault. Maybe a sea one also."
"As you wish lord Tirek."
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Gryphus AFB
July 5 2024
07:00 hours.
The group had finished stowing their gear and belongings in whatever compartments were available, including the backseat of Helia's Tomcat and Rover's Phantom. And soon had their planes fired up.
"Well here we go. Time to shoot down some bandits, bomb some troops, and make a little profit," Shadow said.
"Yep. Time to flex our muscle again," added Fido.
They began taxiing to the runway.
"You know I just thought of something," Serana said.
"What's that?" Replied Sunset.
"What if they hire the Knights too?"
Sunset hadn't even thought of it.
"Well there wouldn't be much Starlight could do because in-fighting would be an instant termination of their contract," she replied.
"That would be awesome revenge, forcing them to work alongside us," replied Alvinar.
The mercenaries lined up in pairs, and two by two took off down the runway and into the sky. They would have to make a refueling stop at Baltimare, Equestria before flying on to Tantagel.
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Dragon Kingdom border
12:45 hours.
As the group approached the border they were contacted by an air controller.
"Aircraft approaching Dragon Kingdom airspace, identify yourselves and state your intentions."
"This is the mercenary squadron Wolfpack. We are en route to your Tantagel air force base to report for duty," replied Sunset. There was a pause before he came back on.
"Roger Wolfpack. Welcome to the Dragon Kingdom. Continue on current course to Tantagel."
"Roger that," replied Blaze.
As they got closer to Tantagel, Helia looked down and could see Dragons going on about their business.
"Looking down there, you wouldn't think there was a war just a few hundred miles away," she said.
"I'm sure it's on their minds. I'm sure they're confident the coalition forces will keep them safe," replied Redwing.
As they approached the airbase they were contacted by the controller.
"Tantagel control to Wolfpack: Hold in a pattern around the base. One of our squadrons is landing."
"Roger control. Standing by," replied Sunset.
As they circled the base, they could see the massive tarmac was loaded with mercenary and Dragon planes.
"I see the Bengals down there," shadow said. "...And the Razgriz! And the Eighty Eights!!"
"Yikes! I wonder how I look? I don't want to look shabby meeting merc royalty," replied Sunset. And the other's laughed.
"Call me a nugget, but I could never get a straight answer about the stigma the 88's have," Spot said. Redwing gave him the rundown as they continued to orbit around the base.
"Like the Razgriz are part of the Equestrian air force, the 88's are part of Saddle Arabia's. Unlike the Razgriz though the contracts are for 3 years, and you're stuck there in the desert for that long unless you are deployed somewhere."
"There's no way to leave early?" Spot asked.
"The only way to leave is pay a 1.5 million bit fee, or desertion. And they really don't like the latter."
"Since they're part of the military it'd be the same as deserting it?" shadow asked.
"Yep. Instant death penalty. Either by firing squad or getting shot down. So far only two pilots have managed to escape, and they will forever have assassins hunting for them," replied Redwing. Alvinar then chimed in.
"And there's the pay. You don't get a regular payment. You're paid for completing missions and per kill. Which means how much money you get depends on how good you are. It can get pretty cut throat. And of course you pay for all weapon, fuel, and repair costs. Including removal of your plane if you crash it on the runway."
"Wow. I'll definitely be sticking with this group," replied Spot. "So why do pilots keep joining then?"
"Mostly because they think there's prestige to joining them. Many think it will be like Saddle Arabia's regular air force, when it's tougher. There's even been some pilots who got tricked into signing up. If someone survives to the end of their contract, often they sign up for another stint because they can't readjust to civilian life again," replied Redwing.
"Wow. sounds like a load of..." Spot was interrupted by radio traffic.
"ALERT. ALERT. Tantagel Base six bandits have penetrated our defensive line and are heading towards the capitol from the Northwest! Scramble immediately!"
"Tantagel to command: None of our pilots or mercenaries are fully reloaded yet."
Sunset didn't waste any time.
"Wolfpack lead to Control, we are partially loaded with air to air ordnance and can respond immediately."
"Roger Wolfpack! Intercept them!"
"Let's go Pack!" yelled Sunset, and they sped off towards the bandits.
"Wow we can't even get settled in," cracked Rover.
"I don't mind the party starting early," replied Shadow.
Soon they had them on radar.
"Since we only have short range ordnance we have to do this up close and personal. Climb up and dive behind them," announced Sunset.
"Dragon control to Wolfpack: Do you have a visual yet?"
"Negative control. Will advise when we do," replied Blaze.
A short time later they got a visual on them below.
"There they are. Pounce on em'!" The group rolled over and dived behind them. No sooner than they did the bandits split up.
"Dragon control: The bandits are bomb laden MiG-27's," Sunset said.
"Roger. Engage at will."
Sunset and Redwing got on the squadron commander, while everyone else picked one and went after it except for Spot, Alvinar, and Shadow, who acted as cover for everyone.
"HA! Weren't expecting that were you Centies!" Nightglider said as he got tone on one. He fired one of his sidewinders and took the bandit out.
"First kill!" Nightglider exclaimed.
"At the same time Sunset got tone on hers and fired, blowing it apart.
The one Serana was chasing tried to evade her, but couldn't match the turning capability of her Mirage, and she got a gun kill.
"Three to go," Redwing announced.
"Look at them trying to run!" cracked Fido as him and Rover got on two more. The pilots dropped their bombs to get more speed.
"Damn I hope there was no one under those bombs," Fido said. He got tone on his and it promptly pulled an air brake stop and got behind him, but Spot was waiting and got him with a missile. Rover soon got his with a gun kill.
"That just leaves you Redwing," Sunset announced as he chased down the final MiG.
"Fight or mercy?" He said to himself. "Eh. Fight." He fired a heat seeker and brought the plane down.
"Oh yeah!" yelled Shadow.
"Wolfpack lead to control: All bandits are down," Sunset announced.
"Roger. Scope is clear. Good job!" replied the controller.
"OK everyone let's get back to Tantagel before our fuel runs out." and they turned for their temporary home.
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Tantagel AFB
Dragon Kingdom
14:20 hours.
One by one the group landed and parked on a taxiway. As soon as they were all lined up a pilot car guided them to their spots on the tarmac, which were also the last open ones. They found themselves sitting at the rear of the pack behind the Su-24's of the Bengals, who were getting ready to head out.
As they were heading for the HQ with their belongings, the leader of the Bengals, a purple pegasus with orange mane flagged them down.
"Hey Wolfpack! That was a hell of a way to make an entrance!"
"Hey Wildfire! Long time no see!" replied Helia who had to shout over the whine of the idling engines.
"Hi Blossom! How's things been goin'?"
"Pretty good since I'm no longer going solo!" she replied.
"Hey Sunset! You've really been making a name for yourself! Glad to see you're on the Dragon's side for this!"
Sunset laughed "I have!?" She had to yell over the engine noise also.
"Of course! Not only were you successful in the war, your little betrayal to the bugs showed it wasn't just about the money for you and you stand up for what is right! It's really gotten you a lot of respect!"
Sunset was a little taken aback by what Wildfire said.
"Well I do my best!" was all she could reply with.
"Well that's enough talking in the royal Canterlot voice! We've gotta' go, catch you later!" and her squadron closed their canopies and taxied out to the runway.
"I imagine we'll get more greetings inside the base," Alvinar said. And they continued the walk to the base, passing by the Razgriz and 88's flight lines. Unlike the Bengals who had identical planes and paint schemes, those two mercenary groups were just like Wolfpack with assorted planes and paint jobs. Shadow and Nightglider stopped to look at the Razgriz ones. All but two looked familiar, including a tiger striped F-16. One was missing though.
"Where's Whirlwind's?" Nightglider asked Shadow.
"I don't know. Hope he didn't quit," he replied. They continued on.
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Base headquarters
14:42 hours.
The group entered the base commander's office to sign the paperwork and learn about any rules and regulations.
"Welcome aboard Wolfpack. I've heard about your exploits in the last war. Especially yours Sunset. We hope your skill will help us push the Centaurs out of the country."
"you can count on us Omar," replied Sunset.
"Your rooms in the barracks will be B7 through B11. Each holds two. Enjoy your stay. Oh and sweet job on that intercept earlier." and the group left for their rooms.
Just as they got inside, a dragon squadron was heading out.
"Oh great. More mamby pamby ponies." snarled the squadron commander as the others grumbled.
"And you are?" Sunset asked.
"I'm Garble. The leader of the Lancers.It's bad enough we have to share the sky with Equestria. Now merc ponies too?"
"I take it you don't like ponies?" Helia asked.
"Hey we've got a smart one here!" cracked Garble, and the others laughed.
"Well she's our leader, and we're here defending your country so deal with it," replied Redwing in a stern voice.
"Whatever. See you on the ground! HA HA HA!" And they left.
"I wouldn't mind stomping a mudhole in their asses," Shadow said.
"It's no secret many dragons hate ponies," replied Sunset. "Maybe this war will change that."
"AW' don't worry about them. They're all blow and no show!"
They turned around to see a pale yellow pegasus standing there, that Shadow and Nightglider recognized immediately.
"And you are?" Serana asked.
"The name's Indigo Zap. Callsign Sparkler. I'm the leader of the Razgriz."
"Hey there Zap!"
"Shadow and Glider!" She ran up and hugged both of them. "Been a long time since I've seen you two."
"What happened to Whirlwind?" Nightglider asked.
"With him commanding the former NLRAF now someone had to take over, and they chose me," she replied.
"Old acquaintance eh?" Helia asked.
"Yep. We've known her since the big war. She's the owner of that Tiger Falcon out there," replied Shadow. "Is Viper still commanding the Shadows?"
"Oh yeah. Still with that bit of arrogance. But what are you going to do? It's Dashie after all," she replied.
"Some things don't change," replied Nightglider.
"And Sunset Shimmer. What you did to the cockroaches was awesome. I have a cousin who lives in that village and she's alive thanks to you and Nightshade."
Sunset was starting to get embarrassed by the attention.
"Well it's nothing anypony wouldn't have done," she replied.
"Some wouldn't have done that though."
Most of them recognized the voice behind them. They turned around to see a white Saddle Arabian stallion with an X on his forehead standing before them.
"Eep!" Spot said quietly.
"Oh snap," Alvinar said quietly also.
"I'm sure you know who I am, but just in case I'm Saki. Commander of the Eighty Eights."
"It's a pleasure to meet you," replied Sunset as they shook hooves.
"As I was saying there are many mercenaries who wouldn't betray their employer over something they were told to do just because it was an injustice. Those who do can change the outcome of any war."
Zap chimed in.
"And did you ever. Especially after you formed your group!"
"Well it wasn't anything really special," Sunset replied. Saki closed his eyes and laughed for a second.
"You don't have to be so modest over your actions."
"I just thought: Wouldn't they have you marked for death for that?" Zap asked.
"Yeah they told me that right after I blew the last plane out of the sky. Here it is over a year later and still nothing so the order probably died with Sombra and his henchlings. If not they're welcome to try," she replied.
"That's possible, but don't let your guard down because I'm sure there's some who remember, and treason isn't a minor offense," replied Saki.
"Well I'll catch all of you later, my group is up. See ya' Blaze!" Zap said before walking out to meet up with the rest of the Razgriz.
"I'm looking forward to seeing you perform," Saki said. "They will have the official meeting for us tomorrow."
"We'll put on a good one. Catch you later," replied Sunset. And they headed for their dorms.
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Centaria Ministry of Defense
18:30 hours.
A Centaur was looking over some paperwork in his office. After finishing reading it he spoke.
"Well you check out. We weren't planning on hiring any mercenaries, but with the number of them the Dragons have hired it might not hurt. In addition to your fee we will cover the armament and fuel costs, but that's the best we can do," he said to a pink unicorn.
"That will be fine," replied the squadron leader.
"OK. We'll station you at Bruma air force base near the action. You can quit at anytime." And the meeting ended.
"So who are we targeting?" A Changeling said to the leader.
"We'll focus on Dragon and Equestria forces. Only go after other merc's if necessary," she replied.
"So Wolfpack would be necessary?" asked a pegasus.
"Very necessary."