Scott Valentine
March 12 2014
Shattered Steel HeadquartersScott listened as his new pilots got to their questions, and they began a discussion among themselves. He was pleased to see them already so engaged and on the ball with the information provided to them, and he chewed his donut as he listened to the back-and-forth before he joined in to answer the questions.
"Brightspark, to answer your questions; no, as far as we're aware Russia - or what's left of it - isn't involved directly. The hostiles have been using Soviet equipment... but then, that doesn't prove anything. We could go out to the flight apron right now and see at least an even dozen soviet aircraft, since they exported their gear to everyone and their grandmother, and then Megacorps have been mass-producing more of it since. As for the NCAA; well, that's
more likely, but so far no concrete proof of anything. We may well change that by getting involved, but it's not part of our operation to find out who's behind it - just to do something about it for the meantime"
He nodded as both Boston and Fuka answered the rest of the young man's questions directed at him.
Boston spoke up next, following his reply to Mykhailo with a question to him, Ayvee joining in on it too.
He appreciated her their attitudes, professional and direct. He directed a small, firm smile to them and nodded as he answered.
"The AWACS will be remaining overhead for directing and aiding our operations and those of any other friendlies in the area. It won't be going forward to carry out the recon mission. But yes; I did have an eye on your two aircraft for that particular part of the operation. Obviously, we'll adjust accordingly once we're on station. But it seems like the most obvious choice, given both airplanes' particular features. We do have options though, given the aircraft we have at our disposal in the squadron".
Fuka's question was a good one, and he answered her after taking another bite of his donut, nodding as he chewed.
"We'll have a detachment of airfield security deploying with us, they'll be equipped for defending the airport from air and ground attack. They'll be reinforced by local forces as well. We'll be supplied by regular logistics flights from the European mainland as well, to keep us topped up with bullets, bombs, and beans, as long as air superiority is maintained and the airport is secure. Currently the hostiles have no foothold on Malta itself, so things are secure. But that may change, of course, hence the deploying of a security force with us. I'm apparently not fit to be gifted with the wider strategic plan, but there were implications made that our op is to be followed on by a larger force coming into the area once we can take out these..." he twirled a finger in the air and shrugged "...I guess, raiders?"
Lazaro spoke up, and Scott listened in, nodding along with his words where appropriate, and a smile creasing his tanned features again as he picked up the laid-back humour in the spaniards' words. He had a charming, breezy demeanour that was hard not to like or be amused by - but that also concealed a sharp mind, it seemed.
"Good thought on the storms and the weather, Circus. I'll take it into account, and see if we can't request additional reports from the weather reconnaissance department. If the chance to take advantage of those situations comes up, we should use it - and, equally; be aware of how it might affect us, too". He gave a grateful nod to Circus, and then grinned at his mention of the beach.
"Let's hope we
do get a chance to enjoy it as well. If we get a moment of peace, I'll depend on you to show us the good spots".
Retaking the initiative, he spoke up to the transport and helicopter pilots further back in the room.
"Lily, Snowman, Traveller, Showgirl. The C-130 is slower, and the Panther will need to be loaded aboard one of the heavy transports, which again; is gonna be slower than us. Timings are planned so we should all arrive at approximately the same time, however; even if it involves you all taking off first and travelling a different route. Your flight charts and immediate orders have been sent across to you, so do what you need to".
He turned his attention back to the others, and gave a tight smile and a nod, sparing a glance for the petite Aurelie, who hadn't spoken up to ask any questions or make any comments, but had been dutifully and earnestly making notes the whole time. Admirable attention to detail; though, privately he wondered if all of them were about the mission - regardless, it didn't bother him. As long as that professionalism translated to her flying, she'd be fine.
"That goes for the rest of you, too. Be on the flight line at thirteen-hundred. Grab some chow, pack your gear, and I'll see you there. Dismissed!"
He waved them toward the door, heading for it himself after folding the screen down on the hardened laptop, stepping out into the hallway and opening the door to the background noise of the island and the headquarters building. As he did, his personal tablet chimed with a notification, and he paused to check it - the information had already been updated; Bell and Sebastian were being reassigned to other squadrons, while Cobalt Haze would receive a new assignment once they reached Malta, a late arrival.
It didn't overly change plans at this stage; at least the reassignments hadn't come once they were on station and the aircraft and pilots hadn't been figured directly into his plans. It was a shame to have lost two bodies and two planes, but he'd manage. The rest of his people seemed confident, capable, and eager, and that in turn gave him confidence in what they could achieve.
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