Flight

Kingdom of Nordennavic, Anea
Operation: Blue Shield

"Alert! Alert! Rebel forces are launching an offensive! All pilots to your craft! Repeat, all pilots to your craft!" A loudspeaker echoed through the base, a base that had once only been a simple civilian airport, but had been heavily fortified and reinforced by Emmerian Army engineers and was now the center of Emmerian operations in country.

Captain Decard Hammod had already served a few years as a fighter pilot and by no means was new to aerial combat. He had seen limited action against Estovakian patrols on the border of Emmeria after the Anean Continental War had ended. It was there he made a name for himself as a better than average pilot, one who came heavily recommended. He had a box of awards and medals from his academy days, something he used to be steadfastly proud of.

Awards, medals and everything else were immediately thrown out of the picture when he arrived at Canerd Airport. Compared to the other pilots stationed at the base, he was a complete amateur, a fact that severely diminished his self-confidence and trust in his own abilities. He thought he could stand it all, thought he was above everyone else. He wouldn't be scared, not him! Years of flight simulators and hard work at the Air Force Academy would pay off! He fought a few skirmishes against some pilots and came out on top, surely it'd be as easy as that, right? No amount of training though, mentally and physically, could prepare him for the real conditions of war.

Simply walking or standing outside could get you killed by snipers, mortar fire or improvised explosives planted by rebel infiltrators. There was no time for games, no time for Xbox or basketball. No one was allowed leave off the base and it was heavily stressed by Emmerian command that every civilian could be a potential rebel or spy and a strict curfew was enforced as a result. Ground-to-air missiles, horrid weather conditions, rocket launchers and roving rebel air patrols meant that each supply run could be the last for weeks, if not longer. Food was limited to military rations and by no means could the living conditions around the base be considered comfortable. On top of all that Emmerian military personnel were consistently reminded that at any given moment the rebels could overrun the base and wipe them all out.

No place like home.. Decard thought bitterly. Following the earlier announcement's orders, Decard was scrambling to his barracks to retrieve his kit and link up with his newest partner in crime, Second Lieutenant Alexandria Folmon. Decard hadn't even flown a single sortie before his previous wingman, Major Ryan Webster, was killed by incoming artillery. That had been day one for Decard, a day that had changed his entire perspective on the conflict. He had been told that the base had been secured and that he'd be flying in ideal conditions with little to no resistance. He'd shoot up a few tanks, drop a few bombs and maybe scare off a few MiGs, they told him, it'd all be a smooth ride from day one. Jokes were tossed around before his deployment concerning the locals's hospitality and how much they adored tourists.

"It'll be fun, they said, it'll be a breeze, they said, you might even get lucky, they said!" The Captain grumbled as threw open the barrack doors and frantically searched for his equipment. He shouted Folmon's name and glanced around while suiting up, wondering where she could be.

Ever watchful Alex was right behind him, suited up and gear in hand," Here sir." she spoke, she may have been a small woman but her voice carried clearly. She appeared calm and resolute, as always. Her hair was in its usual tight bun at the nape of her neck, pinned there in a way that would keep it from interfering with her helmet. There was no denying it, every single bloody time Alex's eyes fell on Decard her heart skipped a beat, it had been that way since she was first transferred to the small airport as a WOS and paired with the man. However, he was a superior officer and Hell would freeze over before she even thought about approaching him in any way other than through work.

2nd Lieutenant Alexandria Folmon had been in the military since she was 18, the fall after graduating high school started her career and she had no intention to leave service unless she was too old or faced a debilitating injury that would keep her from doing what she loved. Military life had been a 180 from home, with 6 siblings she never had structure, or even peace of mind in that crowded house. The opportunity to be able to fly the jets had been a miracle with her name on it. A steady hand, keen eyes and a memory like a photograph allowed her to be highly regarded as one of the few top weapons specialists. But with the growing need for pilots and WOS's, she was promoted and given the opportunity to be in a situation that would allow her skills to shine like the sun.

She waited for Decard to finish suiting up, expression near stoic. She ALWAYS had that stupid, aggravatingly calm look, as if nothing could phase her. Something that was bred into her during her first years in the military, her short stature and baby face had put her in the spotlight for ridicule. She'd sure showed them.

Facing Decard now though, was a different story. She'd already been in the barracks when the alarm had sounded and had been suited and out the door, a few yards down the opposite hall when she heard her Captain's sarcastic ranting, immediately she'd turned on her heel and had stood in the doorway seconds before he'd shouted her name, to which she'd responded before he could even finish the 'n'. She had a tendancy to do this, some had said that she could read minds they way she responded so quickly.

Jesus she's fast.. Decard was a little caught off guard by her, especially considering the fact she had been right behind him. Was he that distracted or was she that quiet? Whatever the case was she was suited up and ready to fly.

The Emmerian military had only just gotten out of the war with Estovakia. Most of the veterans from the war, in gratitude for their part, were able to retire early and live a care-free life as heroes. This, however, left a huge gap in the number of experienced pilots they had ready to be deployed. Most of the pilots were like the Lieutenant; straight out of the academy, no flight time logged and nothing but training to go on. Not to say the Academy trained bad pilots but Decard had learned first-hand how useful training is in an environment like the Nordennavic conflict. It'd take pure skill and gut instinct to survive this.

"What are we standing around for then? Let's get a move on!" He smirked and ran past his wingmate towards the airfield's hangars. Every member of the squadron they were assigned to were trained to fly the F-15 Eagle and it's numerous variants. Both Decard and Folmon would be flying their own F-15C, an all-weather air-superiority fighter version of the F-15. If they survived, both of them would probably eventually end up flying the Strike Eagle. She'd be acting as his Weapon Systems Officer and he as the designated pilot. If they survived, that is.

"Let's hope they have everything ready!" Decard shouted to her as he sprinted across the airfield. If they were lucky, their planes weren't destroyed by the rebel barrages hammering base. It would take a miracle though to make it across the base to the hangars alive and have the time and chance to take off without being shot down. He took a gander behind him, hoping Folmon was still at his six.

She was about 2 meters behind him, having to work a little harder to keep up with the taller man yet she was still behind him. The sound of an incoming plane had her looking up and then skidding to a halt as a line of bullets ripped between her and Decard. The rebels had become smarter or maybe not, aiming for the pilots running across the tarmac may have been smaller targets, but that tactic was in a fight, ultimately more devastating to an army facing a lack of available pilots. With Decard still moving forward the bullets would miss him, striking about a foot behind him, if she hadn't stopped...well she couldn't think of that. The instant the bullets passed she resumed her run, sprinting to catch up to her Captain as they approached the F-15c's the pair had been assigned. Dashing past Decard she clambored into the second jet, allowing the ground crew to secure the hatch.

As soon as she was into her seat she slid her helmet on, securing it and activating the radio," Lieutenant Folson reporting." she waited for the the confirm and Decard's report in, performing the pre-flight tests swiftly. As soon as she finished she spoke into the radio to him an the control tower," Pre-flight completed, weapons are a go. On your mark, Captain."

Decard jumped in the cockpit of his own plane but unfortunately for him, his F15 had still been undergoing repairs and maintenance checks when the rebels launched their assault. The engineers weren't exactly one hundred percent sure it was safe.

On the perimeter of the base, on the frontlines, enemy squadrons and general air support were decimating their ground forces. Tanks were specifically targeted by the rebels, and once they were down, nothing stood in the way off enemy's own armor. Helicopters that'd normally provide close air support were shot down before they could takeoff. Infantry were being decimated a blitzkrieg maneuver and couldn't respond to the shock and awe created by rebel tanks, tanks that faced little to no opposition. He had to get in the air and into the fight before anymore damage could be done. Decard's only choice was to hope it wouldn't break apart on him in combat and that it was nothing major.

"We're requesting permission to take off." He spoke through the channel that the Lieutenant had established between them and the airfield's tower. He already knew the answer and began to move into a suitable position for takeoff but, protocol was protocol, and the brass sure did love protocol. If by some miracle he did make it out alive the last thing he wanted was for some desk-jockey to give him a lecture about rules.

"Tower Control, your cleared to take off! Good hunting!" Permission was granted, as Decard predicted, and the runways were cleared for the two pilots. Emmerian anti-aircraft positions attempted to provide covering fire for their take-off but even with the heavy barrage of fire they built a trio of F/A-18F Super Hornet flew overhead and strafed the runway, just barely missing Decard. But now that they had a bearing and could adjust their approach vector, they could set up another attack run and could actually hit something. He'd be able to takeoff by the time they did, but what about Folson?

"See you in the air el-tee!" He shouted over the radio as he went full throttle and lifted the Eagle off the ground, immediately setting course to engage the Super Hornets. He was outnumbered, but if he didn't go after them, they'd have a clear shot at the Lieutenant and Decard needed all the pilots he could get.

"When you take off, I'll lead them to you! You shoot down as many as you can when you pass me but for the love of god be sure you don't hit me!" The Captain ordered. He was able to get right behind the fighters when they started their strafing run. Taking a deep breath, he pulled the trigger and fired a hailstorm of 20mm caliber rounds into one of the Super Hornets. He was just aiming to get to draw their attention away, and so when he missed every shot, it came to no surprise.

"Two on my tail now! Evading, watch for the third! He'll be right on your ass! Just stick to the plan!" Two of the Hornets broke off from their attack and after a brief moment of cat and mouse, ended up on Decard's tail. As the pair of enemy aircraft opened up, he prayed Folson could stay alive and reach him in time. He really didn't feel like dying today.

She rolled here eyes and shook her head, though a grin spread over her face and pulled the throttle racing through the sky as she took off, as Decard predicted one of the Hornets maneuvered around behind her, she punched it, higher through the sky into a cloud bank and turning sharply, as she hoped Decard pulled the Hornets on his tail into line without a second thought pulled the trigger. With the timing and her abilities the bullets ripped through the Hornet's wings and cockpit. The Hornet plunged and a few seconds later exploded as it hit the ground. She disappeared into a cloud again as the 3rd Hornet caught up to her again.

Running through scenarios in her head she climbed again through the cloudbank above the dogfight," Captain, look alive and above, keep him following you. I'm on him" Far above the pair she set a missile in place and turned, setting herself into a dive towards them. She watched the pair and waited for the moment when Decard passed her and her targetting system locked onto the Hornet and let the missile fly. It raced towards the jet followed by Alex who banked to the right to avoid the resulting explosion, and simultaneously avoid the oncoming barrage from the Hornet on her own tail.

"Good kill! Good kill! I'm on the last pilot!" Decard broke a hard right, mirroring her movements, and boosted his speed with his afterburners. He quickly positioned himself behind the two but with Folson and the enemy aircraft so close it was impossible to use his machine guns without potentially hitting her. Though he was reluctant to use his missiles this early on he had no other choice.

"I've got tone.. fox two!" He yelled as his Sidewinder missiles launched, made impact with the Super Hornet and engulfed the rebel in a ball of fire. Decard couldn't get completely out of the blast and his right wing was scorched. Thankfully no major damage beyond that was done to his plane.

"Scarab to Tower, give us another target!" Now that the airspace around the airfield was clear, or at least clearer then it was before, they could move on and assist Emmerian and Royal ground units at the frontlines. Tactical data was uploaded to his and Folson's screens.

The first objective was at a bridge that crossed over a wide river of water. It was vital to the rebels in that if they captured it, and held it, their forces could flank the bulk of the Emmerian Army stationed in the area and potentially overwhelm them. It had been overlooked by the commanding officer of the Army's assets in the area, General Tarek, and only a small element detached from Warlock Battalion had been posted there. Reports indicated an air assault conducted by airborne infantry easily swept away the Army's meager defense force and communications with the defenders had all but been lost. Command now wanted them to destroy the bridge, something Decard felt should have been done in the first place.

The second objective was at the city of Bergen, where the rebels were really tearing the Royal Army up. Command wanted the two to oordinate with a Special Forces group in the area and destroy the enemy's command element in the city. Emmerians would then deploy reinforcements into Bergen and begin an offensive with what little manpower they had to spare, hopefully crushing the rebels in the process. Afterwards, having linked up with the battered Royal Army forces in the city, they'd withdraw from Bergen and form a new line of defense near the airfield.

The last objective was an array of radars and antennas that allowed seamless communications in the region between rebel forces. With the array destroyed, they'd be unable to coordinate and respond to the Emmerian offensive in the Bergen city.

The entire mission revolved around hitting vital enemy command and control points. Decard considered splitting up to hit objectives one and three, then linking up for the last objective, where they'd meet the most resistance. But he quickly reconsidered, knowing the rebels practically ran the skies in the Kingdom and that'd be too dangerous. He decided they'd do it in the order the objectives were presented to them and stay in formation.

"We're going for that bridge first! You take lead, I'll cover you! Watch your ammo and break off if it gets too dangerous!"

" Roger that, keep an eye out. " she advised. Something told her the rebels had something up their sleeve. With one eye out to the increasingly cloudy sky she banked, turning to the direction of the bridge. It wouldn't take long at all before the pair came upon their target. Coming in low she saw the structure of the bridge not many could types of bridges could pass over a river of this side and as she'd hoped, it was a suspension. Two towers topped the structure corded by thick wires the held up the road itself. Quickly locateing the connector she rolled her F-15 onto its side with the plane vertical it was easier to hit a single target. She unleaded a barrage of bullets and after a couple hits the connector split and the thick wires started to collapse. Her plane leveled as she passed over the bridge when something caught her eye out of the corner.

A small black shape that looked distinct and wasn't something anyone liked, quietly she grumbled into the radio," you've got to be kidding me..." She spoke louder this time," Scarab two to scarab one, scarab two to tower, there is a Nighthawk I repeat a T-117 at 10 oclock." She banked and climbed, waiting for orders, wether it was friendly or they were ordered to engage she was ready.

"Tower, please advise." Decard asked over the radio. It was strange that a Nighthawk would be flying not only in broad daylight but alone, without any escorts. It'd offer no resistance if they chose to shoot it down; it flew like a brick and didn't have many countermeasures against fighters. The idea behind stealth technology was just that; the fighters weren't supposed to see you.

"Scarab, looks like elements from the Royal Air Force returning from a raid, carry on with your objectives, we have a bigger priority here." Command answered. Decard shuddered at the thought that a raid that probably started out with a full squadron of bombers ended with one, sole survivor. Without any cover it'd be shot down and destroyed before it could return to the airport. Life, eh? The Captain chuckled bitterly.

"Don't get your panties in a bunch yet el-tee, let's stay the course." He ordered, having her take point in the formation.

With a sigh she responded," Yes Captain." She usually wasn't one to panic in situations, and theirs was not one to panic in, in fact she hadn't paniced but she supposed that's how most men would think of her caution. Panties in a twist indeed.

Pushing forward towards the town of Bergen," Captain, this is your show." As the superior Decard would be the one who coordinated with the Special Ops team and she was all too happy to leave the talking to the men. Preferring to keep to action in this instance. She knew at least one of the Special Ops members from when she had been younger, and had no desire to talk to the bigot.