March 12th, 2014
Women's Barracks, Shattered Steel HQ
Malta, The Mediterranean
The disturbance at the door to the barracks roused Kat. The amazonian, scarred cycloptic woman's eye snapped open...
...and she pulled her covers up around her chin, turned over, and went back to sleep.
March 13th, 2014
Malta Defence Forces HQ
Luqa International Airport
Malta, The Mediterranean
Scott had been greeted with a number of messages after he'd awoken. The squadron's transports had arrived, bearing with them the defence and security forces from Shattered Steel to reinforce the beleaguered Malta Defence Force troops and the handful of Italian personnel that had been deployed to the island nation. Air defence positions had been reinforced with more teams of MANPADS, and the transports were on their way back to the island to bring heavier defence vehicles, backup ground-based radar, and more.
The planes had also ferried across ordnance for the squadron's planes, their mechanics, spare parts, and other such necessary supplies, and over the night the pilots had slept, they had been busy. Sandbagged shelters had been erected around the planes, ammo dumps had been established, and various other measures put into place to turn the airport into a military airbase.
He'd reviewed the overview of specific information related to the understood strength of the enemy, their assets, and the allies they had on site, and got a good overview of the goals for the operation.
All that in mind, he'd called a briefing first thing for the squadron, intending to get them rolling right away, before anything else could happen.
Colonel Abela would be attending, and already sat in the briefing room, ready and attentive. Captain Hoffman, the officer in charge of the ground forces from Shattered Steel was also there, as well as Major Wolfgang, the commander of their maintenance crews.
Scott waited for the others to filter in, nodding and greeting them as they did so. The helicopter crew arrived; their machine having been transported there in the hold of the enormous Antonov transport plane.
As soon as everyone was there and seated and the door closed, Scott started speaking. His manner was much more brisk, formal, and stern than their first meeting - but there was a lot more to get through, as he started to talk.
"Good morning, everyone. Now you're all here, there's a lot to get through, and we have work to do. Our supporting elements have arrived, and have put in a massive effort to get things ready and in place for us to carry out our operations. In addition, Captain Hoffman's people have worked with Colonel Abela's forces and reinforced the defences for the airport. Once more of our people and vehicles arrived, additional early warning and defensive positions will be set up. But let me give an overview of our local situation first of all".
A projector screen behind Scott flashed up with an overview of Malta, showing the three-island archipelago, with highlighted areas of interest and concern.
"We are currently located at Luqa International Airport, as you well know. This is the only airport in the archipelago and thus the country. The only thing otherwise vaguely comparable is the heliport on the northern island of Gozo, which has no runway, taxiways, and is comprised only of a single, paved area that holds two helipads.
"The Maltese Defence force is also headquartered here at the airport. Their air wing has no combat aircraft; their utility helicopters have only door guns and small arms available, and they have no armed fixed-wing aircraft. The Italian Air Force are able to respond, but are - at best - fifty miles distant, and otherwise engaged and unable to be stationed here and respond or act as fluidly as we are.
"As such; it will be our duty to carry out both defensive and offensive operations against the forces that are targeting supply convoys via both air and sea to Malta".
The screen shifted image, showing the locations of previous incidents, attacks on aerial and ocean convoys. Another click, and the images showed frantically captured images of aircraft and sea-going vessels. Other windows flashed up, identifying the various marks and models. It was an eclectic mix of equipment; some European, some former Soviet, a small smattering US.
"Our aggressors are relatively well-equipped. Not the most modern or high-grade equipment, but nothing to be dismissed easily. Their combat assets are capable, especially when used well. Their tactics have notably changed over the course of the reported engagements; moving from simple hit-and-run attacks to organised, calculated pincer movements, attacks, and ambushes. The use of military equipment has likewise escalated. Initially, attacks were carried out by fishing or cargo vessels with improvised armaments and civil helicopters with small arms or man-portable heavy weapons. Once the ships started packing armed escorts and deck-mounted weapons, this escalated to naval vessels, and combat aircraft started to appear, and the tactics escalated to more military-oriented ones. This indicates - to me, and to the big brains at intel - as the involvement of professional consultants and trainers. Who, we currently have no idea. The variety of aircraft types might also indicate the presence of mercenaries".
He hesitated to let the information sink in and for the group to process what he'd poured out at them, before moving onto the next phase.
"While our hostiles seem to be based out of Libya and possibly Tunisia, their movements and what has been tracked on radar so far, as well as intelligence from our Italian allies points to them having taken control of the Pelagie Islands, or at least the harbours and airports there, and using the islands for shelter. As such, this will be our first point of focus".
The screen shifted again to show the islands of Lampedusa and Linosa, a smaller window showing Lampedusa airport.
"The harbour at Lampedusa isn't sufficient to berth or resupply large vessels, only smaller ones; many of which have been used in the attacks. However, the airport would make a perfect staging point for an aerial invasion of Malta. Linosa has no airports or large harbours. Though, that said; it is still possible it could be home to air defences or other 'surprises'.
"All this borne in mind - it's going to be our first objective for a recon mission. Although; not one without a complication, naturally".
A wry smile crept onto his face as he spoke, and another slide came up.
"Naturally, there's also a convoy inbound. But we're going to turn that to our advantage. A convoy will be entering our operational airspace at approximately 11:30 hours. Naturally, we're going to be up and providing a CAP for the ships against both aerial and surface targets. At the same time though, I'm going to have planes up and ready to pounce on the points of origin for those attacking air and surface targets and get us some valuable recon, in order to plan our next attacks".
Scott's eyes were firm, hard and intense as he looked out in the dim light of the briefing room, searching out and meeting the eyes of his people as he spoke their names.
"Here's the assignments: Cobalt 3, Cobalt 4, And Cobalt 5; you'll be our trackers. Skywatch will give you your vectors to the target area. Your primary objective will be to get recon images of the airport and harbour at Lampedusa. Secondary objectives to get as many recon images of the island and any other defensive positions or concentrations as possible. Tertiary objective; strike any targets of opportunity.
"The rest of Cobalt Haze squadron, we're going to be in two flights of two aircraft; loaded for both air to air and air to surface engagement. We're going to be the guard dogs. Anything comes sniffing around the convoy, we chase if off and either shoot it out of the sky, or send it to the bottom of the ocean.
"Rules of engagement are as follows: Recon Team, you're clear to engage in self-defence if locked on by hostile radar, or to strike high-value military targets of opportunity, if clearly identified. Do not linger, or make re-attacks. The recon is the primary objective.
Guard Dog flight; warnings will be broadcast to any vessels or aircraft approaching within five miles; any unidentified aircraft or vessel on an attack profile or on a direct heading for the convoy will be regarded as hostile until otherwise identified. If they don't turn away after the warning - we engage with prejudice. I'll be commanding Flight One".
He hesitated a moment, locking eyes with the relevant members of the squadron as he continued.
"Cobalt 7, You're with me in Flight One. Cobalt 6, you're commanding Flight Two and Cobalt 8 is your wingman".
He let that hang in the air a moment, making eye contact with all those involved, before moving immediately on to the next order of business.
"Recon Team; Cobalt Three will be in command. Captain Bouchard; I'm sure I can trust you and Le Armee de l'Air's experience and expertise as well as your own to know what's needed and exercise your responsibility well".
He gave the redheaded woman a brief, tight smile.
"Cobalt Hotel and Cobalt Heavy will be on standby should any rescue ops be needed, along with the Maltese forces helos and maritime patrol aircraft and vessels. Major Hoffman, Colonel Abela; Have your people stand ready in case the hostile forces use this as an excuse to attack here - but, I don't anticipate that issue. Major Wolfgang; what's the status on our aircraft and your maintenance personnel?"
The older man spoke up from his position in the rows of seats.
"All of your aircraft have been serviced after the flight here. Nothing needed; but they're in condition to go. My people are ready to upload weapons and fuel at a moment's notice, we'll get it done as soon as we're done here, sir".
"Excellent. Everyone, you've got your orders. Wheels-up in-" he checked his watch "-four hours. Get fed, get ready, and let's go kick some asses. Questions, comments, ideas?"
The lights snapped back on, and the screen went dim. Everyones' electronic flight assistants beeped or chimed with the information sent over as the briefing completed, and the burbling of conversation kicked up as the sandy-haired, odd-eyed pilot leant back from the briefing lectern and his expression relaxed.
Women's Barracks, Shattered Steel HQ
Malta, The Mediterranean
The disturbance at the door to the barracks roused Kat. The amazonian, scarred cycloptic woman's eye snapped open...
...and she pulled her covers up around her chin, turned over, and went back to sleep.
March 13th, 2014
Malta Defence Forces HQ
Luqa International Airport
Malta, The Mediterranean
Scott had been greeted with a number of messages after he'd awoken. The squadron's transports had arrived, bearing with them the defence and security forces from Shattered Steel to reinforce the beleaguered Malta Defence Force troops and the handful of Italian personnel that had been deployed to the island nation. Air defence positions had been reinforced with more teams of MANPADS, and the transports were on their way back to the island to bring heavier defence vehicles, backup ground-based radar, and more.
The planes had also ferried across ordnance for the squadron's planes, their mechanics, spare parts, and other such necessary supplies, and over the night the pilots had slept, they had been busy. Sandbagged shelters had been erected around the planes, ammo dumps had been established, and various other measures put into place to turn the airport into a military airbase.
He'd reviewed the overview of specific information related to the understood strength of the enemy, their assets, and the allies they had on site, and got a good overview of the goals for the operation.
All that in mind, he'd called a briefing first thing for the squadron, intending to get them rolling right away, before anything else could happen.
Colonel Abela would be attending, and already sat in the briefing room, ready and attentive. Captain Hoffman, the officer in charge of the ground forces from Shattered Steel was also there, as well as Major Wolfgang, the commander of their maintenance crews.
Scott waited for the others to filter in, nodding and greeting them as they did so. The helicopter crew arrived; their machine having been transported there in the hold of the enormous Antonov transport plane.
As soon as everyone was there and seated and the door closed, Scott started speaking. His manner was much more brisk, formal, and stern than their first meeting - but there was a lot more to get through, as he started to talk.
"Good morning, everyone. Now you're all here, there's a lot to get through, and we have work to do. Our supporting elements have arrived, and have put in a massive effort to get things ready and in place for us to carry out our operations. In addition, Captain Hoffman's people have worked with Colonel Abela's forces and reinforced the defences for the airport. Once more of our people and vehicles arrived, additional early warning and defensive positions will be set up. But let me give an overview of our local situation first of all".
A projector screen behind Scott flashed up with an overview of Malta, showing the three-island archipelago, with highlighted areas of interest and concern.
"We are currently located at Luqa International Airport, as you well know. This is the only airport in the archipelago and thus the country. The only thing otherwise vaguely comparable is the heliport on the northern island of Gozo, which has no runway, taxiways, and is comprised only of a single, paved area that holds two helipads.
"The Maltese Defence force is also headquartered here at the airport. Their air wing has no combat aircraft; their utility helicopters have only door guns and small arms available, and they have no armed fixed-wing aircraft. The Italian Air Force are able to respond, but are - at best - fifty miles distant, and otherwise engaged and unable to be stationed here and respond or act as fluidly as we are.
"As such; it will be our duty to carry out both defensive and offensive operations against the forces that are targeting supply convoys via both air and sea to Malta".
The screen shifted image, showing the locations of previous incidents, attacks on aerial and ocean convoys. Another click, and the images showed frantically captured images of aircraft and sea-going vessels. Other windows flashed up, identifying the various marks and models. It was an eclectic mix of equipment; some European, some former Soviet, a small smattering US.
"Our aggressors are relatively well-equipped. Not the most modern or high-grade equipment, but nothing to be dismissed easily. Their combat assets are capable, especially when used well. Their tactics have notably changed over the course of the reported engagements; moving from simple hit-and-run attacks to organised, calculated pincer movements, attacks, and ambushes. The use of military equipment has likewise escalated. Initially, attacks were carried out by fishing or cargo vessels with improvised armaments and civil helicopters with small arms or man-portable heavy weapons. Once the ships started packing armed escorts and deck-mounted weapons, this escalated to naval vessels, and combat aircraft started to appear, and the tactics escalated to more military-oriented ones. This indicates - to me, and to the big brains at intel - as the involvement of professional consultants and trainers. Who, we currently have no idea. The variety of aircraft types might also indicate the presence of mercenaries".
He hesitated to let the information sink in and for the group to process what he'd poured out at them, before moving onto the next phase.
"While our hostiles seem to be based out of Libya and possibly Tunisia, their movements and what has been tracked on radar so far, as well as intelligence from our Italian allies points to them having taken control of the Pelagie Islands, or at least the harbours and airports there, and using the islands for shelter. As such, this will be our first point of focus".
The screen shifted again to show the islands of Lampedusa and Linosa, a smaller window showing Lampedusa airport.
"The harbour at Lampedusa isn't sufficient to berth or resupply large vessels, only smaller ones; many of which have been used in the attacks. However, the airport would make a perfect staging point for an aerial invasion of Malta. Linosa has no airports or large harbours. Though, that said; it is still possible it could be home to air defences or other 'surprises'.
"All this borne in mind - it's going to be our first objective for a recon mission. Although; not one without a complication, naturally".
A wry smile crept onto his face as he spoke, and another slide came up.
"Naturally, there's also a convoy inbound. But we're going to turn that to our advantage. A convoy will be entering our operational airspace at approximately 11:30 hours. Naturally, we're going to be up and providing a CAP for the ships against both aerial and surface targets. At the same time though, I'm going to have planes up and ready to pounce on the points of origin for those attacking air and surface targets and get us some valuable recon, in order to plan our next attacks".
Scott's eyes were firm, hard and intense as he looked out in the dim light of the briefing room, searching out and meeting the eyes of his people as he spoke their names.
"Here's the assignments: Cobalt 3, Cobalt 4, And Cobalt 5; you'll be our trackers. Skywatch will give you your vectors to the target area. Your primary objective will be to get recon images of the airport and harbour at Lampedusa. Secondary objectives to get as many recon images of the island and any other defensive positions or concentrations as possible. Tertiary objective; strike any targets of opportunity.
"The rest of Cobalt Haze squadron, we're going to be in two flights of two aircraft; loaded for both air to air and air to surface engagement. We're going to be the guard dogs. Anything comes sniffing around the convoy, we chase if off and either shoot it out of the sky, or send it to the bottom of the ocean.
"Rules of engagement are as follows: Recon Team, you're clear to engage in self-defence if locked on by hostile radar, or to strike high-value military targets of opportunity, if clearly identified. Do not linger, or make re-attacks. The recon is the primary objective.
Guard Dog flight; warnings will be broadcast to any vessels or aircraft approaching within five miles; any unidentified aircraft or vessel on an attack profile or on a direct heading for the convoy will be regarded as hostile until otherwise identified. If they don't turn away after the warning - we engage with prejudice. I'll be commanding Flight One".
He hesitated a moment, locking eyes with the relevant members of the squadron as he continued.
"Cobalt 7, You're with me in Flight One. Cobalt 6, you're commanding Flight Two and Cobalt 8 is your wingman".
He let that hang in the air a moment, making eye contact with all those involved, before moving immediately on to the next order of business.
"Recon Team; Cobalt Three will be in command. Captain Bouchard; I'm sure I can trust you and Le Armee de l'Air's experience and expertise as well as your own to know what's needed and exercise your responsibility well".
He gave the redheaded woman a brief, tight smile.
"Cobalt Hotel and Cobalt Heavy will be on standby should any rescue ops be needed, along with the Maltese forces helos and maritime patrol aircraft and vessels. Major Hoffman, Colonel Abela; Have your people stand ready in case the hostile forces use this as an excuse to attack here - but, I don't anticipate that issue. Major Wolfgang; what's the status on our aircraft and your maintenance personnel?"
The older man spoke up from his position in the rows of seats.
"All of your aircraft have been serviced after the flight here. Nothing needed; but they're in condition to go. My people are ready to upload weapons and fuel at a moment's notice, we'll get it done as soon as we're done here, sir".
"Excellent. Everyone, you've got your orders. Wheels-up in-" he checked his watch "-four hours. Get fed, get ready, and let's go kick some asses. Questions, comments, ideas?"
The lights snapped back on, and the screen went dim. Everyones' electronic flight assistants beeped or chimed with the information sent over as the briefing completed, and the burbling of conversation kicked up as the sandy-haired, odd-eyed pilot leant back from the briefing lectern and his expression relaxed.
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