Ace Combat: The Wolfpack Missions

Chapters

Chapter 1: On The Prowl
Chapter 2: Fireball
Chapter 3: Blinded
Chapter 5: The Final Attack
Chapter 6: Big Trouble in Little Dragon Town
Chapter 7: Opening Round
Chapter 8: Making Moves
Chapter 9: We Meet Again
Chapter 10: Rescue
Chapter 11: Final Encounter
Chapter 12: Final Strike
Chapter 13: Reflections
Chapter 4: The Challenger

Chapter 1: On The Prowl

Sunset Shimmer's first mission as commander of a mercenary squadron was a success, paving the way for future missions for the group from the exiled Crystal Empire government. The missions would involve attacking Changeling forces, and facilities deep inside the Changeling Kingdom. Though the risks were high, the reward was handsome. That plus the group's confidence in each other would keep them in the game until the war was over or something intervened.

Hangar 2
Gryphus AFB
Gryphus, Griffon Empire
May 18 2023
09:05 hours.

The squadron chatted amongst themselves as they waited for the Equestria Intelligence Agency mares to show up with the mission briefing.

"When you think about it: There are jobs that that pay more than what we're getting for this, but the fact they're covering all of our fuel, weapons, and repair costs means it's all profit for us," Helia said.

"I know. Not even the Dragons were that generous to us," replied Rover.

"And that's good for you considering how much fuel your plane guzzles," cracked Spot.

"It may guzzle it, but I still have the missile with the longest range unlike yours," replied Helia.

"Touche," he replied.

"I'm surprised more didn't want to join," Serana said.

"They probably figured the risks were too high," replied Shadow.

The door opened and the two mares walked in.

"Good morning pilots. Ready for another round?" Candymane asked.

"Bring it," replied Sunset.

"Anytime baby," cracked Helia.

"Well then let's get started," and Harpy set up the laptop and projector and turned it on.

"OK this is the first mission," and Harpy began.

"The Changelings have a weapons factory here South of Dunlap. It's the closest one to the empire so they are relying on it heavily."

"What's that giant crater next to it?" Alvinar asked.

"That's it's old location. It was one of several bombed during Equestria's war with Discord. The crater is the result of the main storage facility going up," replied Candymane.

"There was one near Tuhn in this country that happened to," added Redwing.

"Damn I wish I could've seen that," cracked Nightglider.

Harpy continued.

"The land is flat around it except for this set of hills here. So to beat the radar and have the element of surprise you'll need to fly near ground level until the hills. At that point you have to reveal yourselves so climb up to bombing altitude, drop your bombs, and get out of there."

Candymare took over.

"You'll all have 500 pound bombs except for you two," pointing at Shadow and Nightglider. "You'll have Mavericks and a pair of HARMS to handle any surface threats."

"Fine by us," the two replied.

"What defenses are there i the area?" asked Sunset.

"There's an SA-2 site to the South of the factory, but it should be well out of range. There's always the possibility of mobile SAMS though so stay sharp. Other than that there's a couple of AAG's at the site and that's it," replied Harpy.

"Well I guess we're ready then," replied Sunset.

"Good luck Wolfpack," replied Candymare.

Near the Crystal Empire border
12:35 hours.

"Griffon control: Wolfpack is on the prowl," Sunset announced.

"Roger. See you later," the Griffon controller replied.

"So now we just announce that to the Griffons?" Rover asked.

"Yeah. They figured it wouldn't stand out as much that way. They will be listening for it," she replied. "now let's turn Northeast and get down."

"Hell yeah let's rock," replied Nightglider. And they headed down to below 200 feet. The terrain was mostly flat, but they still had to dodge a few hills.

"I'm still surprised there isn't any air defenses in this area," Spot said.

"They probably pulled them up and sent them into the Crystal Empire. Not much need for them here if you control the airspace to the West," replied Serana.

"It's a poor move though because if they lose the airspace, there won't be anything to stop the Empire from coming in with bombers," added Redwing. A short time later they passed over what was a SA-2 SAM site.

"You called it," Helia said.

"Damn we're lucky they did. Can you imagine if it was still active?" commented Alvinar.

"I wouldn't even want to think about it," replied Sunset. "Just get ready because the site is just over the next hill line."

The planes climbed over the hill and immediately got radar spikes.

"SAM!" yelled Redwing.

"We've got it," replied Shadow. And him and Nightglider armed their Mavericks and sped ahead. Fortunately the SAM's radar was still in tracking mode. By the time it switched to targeting, the bat ponies had already got locks and fired, destroying the radar and control building.

"You're clear!" yelled Shadow.

"Climb and dive," Sunset announced. The group quick climbed up to 8,000 feet, then dived towards the target.

"Drop em'!"

Sunset dropped hers first, followed by the others. The bombs ripped through the various buildings and tanks, causing dozens of explosions and fires.

"I love it when stuff goes ka-blooey," cracked Nightglider.

"Nice job. Now let's get out of here befo...."

Sunset was interrupted by a huge explosion that shook the planes.

"Before the main stores blow," she said sheepishly. "Anyone damaged?"

The group all announced they were OK.

"That was AWESOME!" yelled Nightglider.

"Let's get out of here before there's more," Redwing said. And the group turned and headed back Southwest.

"Heads up. Seven bandits coming in from one O' clock," announced Helia.

"Damn they snuck up on us while we were bombing," cursed Fido.

"We'll have to take them on," Sunset said. And they turned to engage them.

"I thought Equestria couldn't bomb us?" One of the Changeling pilots asked.

"They can't, and the Empire's air force is bottled up so I don't know who it is," replied the squadron commander.

"Let em' rip!" yelled Sunset. And the group fired a salvo of radar guided missiles.

"BREAK!" yelled the commander. Two of his wing Changelings failed to dodge the missiles though.

"DAMMIT get them!" And the dogfight started.

"J-15's, stay sharp," announced Redwing.

"What a ripoff of the SU-33," cracked Shadow.

"What's with the multi colored planes?" one Changeling pilot asked.

"They're mercenaries. More than likely the Crystal Empire hired them," replied the commander. "How they got in here I don't know."

Just then Sunset blasted by him heading the other direction.

"That's that turncoat one!" snapped the commander. And he turned to chase her.

"Looks like you got the commander's attention Blaze," Rover said.

"That's good," she replied.

Shadow got on the tail of one and stuck to him, despite the Changeling's best efforts to throw him off.

"Nice moves, but not nice enough," Shadow said as his Sidewinder got tone and fired, taking him down.

One got on Spot's tail, but quickly had Serana on his.

"Get ready to break Rot," she said.

"Hurry up!" he replied.

"NOW!"

Spot broke left, and Serana fired her cannon, shredding the Changeling's plane.

"Thanks siren,,,, Helllo what do we have here?" Spot's maneuvering had put him on the tail of another.

"Get him. I'll cover," replied Serana.

Spot didn't have much time before the J-15 put a move on him, so he quickly locked up an Archer and fired, nailing it.

"Nice one," commented Serana.

At the same time Sunset was dogging the commander. He pulled a Cobra in front of her, but she hit the brakes and did a low split S, causing him to lose sight.

"Shit where did she go?" he said to himself. The lock warning he got a short time later answered his question.

"Goodbye," and she fired a heat seeker. Splashing him.

The remaining two bandits tried to run,, but Redwing got one before he could gun it out of there, and Helia chased the other down.

"OK now let's get out of here," announced Sunset. And they headed back for the deck and resumed course for the Crystal Empire.

As they got close to the border, they picked up a formation of aircraft ahead of them.

"Five bogies at angels 15," Helia announced.

"It's safe to say they're probably bandits," replied Alvinar.

"Their flight profile would suggest bombers or transports," commented Redwing.

"What do you think Blaze?" asked Serana.

"I think we should go say hi to them. It's not that far off the track," she replied. So they made a small course change and headed for them.

It didn't take long for them to start gaining on the group of planes.

"Stay low until we're three miles from them then quick climb. Use heat seekers," announced Sunset. Soon the planes were within sight.

"Visual contact. Start climbing," the yellow unicorn announced, and they punched their throttles and headed up.

"They look like IL-86's," commented Alvinar.

"And they're definitely dark gray and blue," added Rover.

"I'll take the leader. The rest of you pair up and each fire one missile at one plane," replied Sunset. She locked her Archers on the lead tanker, and the rest locked onto the others.

"FOX TWO!"

Ten missiles shot from the planes in salvos of five. The tanker pilots tried to drop flares but it was too late, and all five went down in a blaze of fuel.

"Yeah fire fire!" yelled Nightglider.

"Nice little bonus," Rover said.

"Okay we just entered the Empire so head back down and turn left," replied Sunset. And they headed for home.

"So why were they flying that many tankers in a formation?" Spot asked.

"Not sure. They might have been transferring them to a Crystal Empire base they took over," replied Sunset.

Hangar 2
Gryphus AFB
18:30 hours.

The group had gathered for the mission debriefing.

"Welcome back," Harpy said as the two mares walked in.

"We've looked over the recon and intel of the factory and congrats. You left three more craters there," Candymare announced.

"You should have seen those explosions. One shook us from three miles away," Nightglider said.

"We also came across a bonus target of five tanker planes that were heading into the Empire," added Redwing.

"Oh great. There was a couple of reports of five aircraft being going down at the border, but they didn't say how," replied the green unicorn.

"They were probably heading for Gracemareia. That'll be a blow to them," added Candymare.

"Really they should give you bonuses for doing stuff outside of the missions. We'll talk to the powers to be about it," Announced Harpy, which got some surprised looks from the group.

"Oh thanks!," replied Sunset.

After going over a couple more things the debriefing was complete, and the mares left.

"I probably shouldn't say this, but I hope the war doesn't end soon," Fido said.

"Yeah don't say that," replied Serana. "Just hope they load us with missions.

"This is unprecedented for mercenary work," commented Redwing. "We definitely have to keep tight lipped about this now not only because of the nature of the missions, but because if word about the pay got out every merc' in the country and outside of it would be wanting to join us."

"Excellent point," replied Sunset.

"At this rate I'll be able to get a better plane in no time," Spot said, wagging his tail.

"Well let's get home and rest up for tomorrow," Sunset said.

Chrysalis's Castle
Tantari, Changeling Kingdom
17:38 hours.

Her cabinet had gathered in her chambers for the nightly briefing.

"There's an unusual situation going on in the Western part of our country," the leader of the Changeling intelligence agency announced.

"And what would that be?" asked Chrysalis.

"As you know, we had a mercenary by the name of Sunset Shimmer turn on our forces during the invasion, and vowed to attack us from now on. Yesterday and today there were attacks on facilities in the area of Dunlap."

"WHAT?" The Changeling queen said with a shocked look.

"Yesterday a supply convoy was strafed and bombed near the Empire border, and today our ammunition factory near Dunlap was bombed. It's a complete loss. Plus a flight of tankers that was going to refuel the Aigaion was shot down. We lost close to 20 fighters also," replied the Changeling.

"Was the Aigaion able to refuel?" a general asked.

"Yes. We pulled every available tanker flying and sent them over to it," he replied.

"So where did these planes come from, and who's are they? We have the Empire's bottled up, Equestria can't do it, and we control the airspace in the Eastern part of the country,"snapped Chrysalis.

"They flew under our radars to their strike points, then ducked back down under radar. It did appear they made an egress towards the Empire. The Aigaion might have picked them up the second time, but they had the radar at low power in preparation for the refueling so they saw nothing."

"What rotten luck," growled the queen.

"As for who it is: It definitely has to be mercenaries hired by the Crystal Empire, and we're pretty sure Sunset is leading them," he replied.

Chrysalis thought to herself for a moment.

"Increase patrols and anti aircraft in that part of the country, and try to dig up info on this operation from our spies," she said.

"Consider it done my queen."

Main Hospital
Gracemareia
Crystal Empire
June 2 2023
14: 21 hours.

Sunset had returned to Gracemareia to spend more time with Nightshade. The two of them would trade war stories until visiting hours were over.

"Ugh the Aigaion. I'm glad I helped swat that thing out of the sky," Nightshade said. "You're lucky their radar was down. If they had picked you up a couple of their burst missiles would've taken you out just like that."

"I know. When we found out about it it put a little fear into us," replied Sunset. "So how much longer before you can finally get out of here?"

"Two days from now. I've got a house near the air base now, and since they've cleared me to limp around, I can get you into the base to see my plane," she replied.

"Sweet," replied Sunset. "So I might meet the Ace of Spades while there?"

Nightshade looked behind Sunset.

"Doesn't look like you'll have to wait that long."

Sunset turned to see Maverick standing at the doorway.

"Oh."

"Did I interrupt you two?" Maverick asked.

"Nah we were just trading war stories. There he is Sunset," nightshade said, making her blush a bit.

"Hey you're the mercenary that did some dirty work for us and saved the ponies at her village. There's been a lot of talk around the air force about your group. On behalf of the Crystal Empire Air Force; nice work. Sounds like you have a good team."

"Oh, thanks," she replied. "Are we that well known?"

"Oh yeah. Especially you. There's a lot of other ponies that would like to meet you sometime," he said. sunset was shocked.

"Well I'll talk it over with the others when I get back. See if they want to," she said.

"Now what about trading war stories?" Maverick asked Nightshade.

"I was telling one of ours and she was telling me one of theirs," she replied.

"I've got a little time. Deal me in," he said.

"Oh uh, okay," Sunset replied.

Chapter 2: Fireball

Hangar 2
Gryphus AFB
May 19 2023
08:50 hours.

The group waited for the EIA ponies to arrive for the briefing in what was now the war room for Wolfpack.

"Wonder what we'll be doing this time?" Spot said.

"Hopefully something that requires air to air combat," Shadow replied.

"Remember we're getting paid for our overall actions, not individual kills," Redwing said.

"Well I still want to shoot down more for the status," the bat pony replied.

"I'm sure we will. I imagine by now the Changelings have caught on to our missions and will be patrolling the area more," commented Sunset.

"Which will make it harder for us," added Helia.

A short time later the EIA ponies showed up and started the briefing.

"OK everyone this is your mission for today," Harpy said. And she began.

"Now that we've decreased their weapons output, it's time do decrease their fuel output also. This storage facility near Dunlap is currently served by two pipelines and by road. It's supplying the Changeling bases near Dunlap and the ones they have set up in the Empire with fuel for both aircraft and vehicles."

Candymane took over.

"This will be a multiple target mission. Your first objective is to hit this pumping station for the pipelines on the rim of Windigo canyon," and she brought up a satellite image of it. "This station is the only way to get fuel over the mountain.

Next you'll destroy this bridge closer to the storage facility. We don't want to completely destroy their infrastructure which is why we picked this small bridge instead of the main one over the canyon, which also carries the pipelines. Helia we'll load you with thousand pounders for the bridge."

"Oh goody," she replied.

"Finally you'll bomb the storage facility itself. Make sure the entire place goes up in flames."

"Sounds good to me," replied Nightglider.

"Any air resistance?" asked Sunset.

"Unfortunately yes," replied Harpy. "Due to your attacks, the Changelings are keeping a closer eye on the border. Plus there's some type of superweapon in the Eastern half of the Empire that could be within striking range. Because of this, your ingress and egress route will be different. Instead of heading into the Empire you'll head from this country to the mouth of Windigo Canyon. You'll then follow the river to the bridge, and then climb and turn Southwest to the pumping station."

"UGH. I love canyon flying," Spot said sarcastically.

"Just stick to our tails and you'll be fine," replied Rover.

"The canyon is pretty wide so it shouldn't be too hard," Harpy said as she shut down the laptop.

"OK let's get this started," Sunset said.

South end of Windigo Canyon
Changeling Kingdom
14:20 hours.

The squadron flew as close to the ground as possible from just south of the border with the Griffon Empire to the mouth of the canyon, to keep off the radar.

"There it is. Single file and slow it down everyone," announced Sunset. And the others got behind her and darted into the canyon.

"Guess this isn't too bad," commented Spot.

"Just watch the turns and you'll be fine," replied Serana.

Soon they passed over the remains of a small military base, and could see huge holes blown in the canyon walls.

"What the hell happened here?" Helia asked.

"Oh I remember," replied Redwing. "The Changelings had weapons storage bunkers in the canyon walls. When the Legion of Discord took over they became a target for Equestria during the war. A NLR Air Force squadron called Lunar flew in and destroyed them. The leader of that squadron gave our country's top ace her first shoot down during that attack."

"Oh yeah. I remember that squadron," Shadow said.

Sunset gasped slightly.

"Something wrong Blaze?" Serana asked. She paused for a second.

"Not really. I remember that squadron too," she replied. "Their leader engaged my friend on three separate occasions. She lost all three."

"Ouch. Where is she now?" Alvinar asked.

"As far as I know she's dead. As a result of the final engagement," she replied.

"Oh I'm sorry," replied the Griffon.

"It's OK. The third time didn't need to happen because the war was over, but she had a vendetta against him stemming from something that happened while both of them were in the Crystal Empire Air Force before Discord took over," she replied, as she led the pack around a bend.

"Whoa. They knew each other and later faced off in dogfights? What caused it?" Helia asked.

"It's a long story, but we're nearing the target area so I don't have time to talk about it," replied Sunset.

"The Ace of Spades. The one who gave me my second shoot down," Rover said with a bit of a snarl.

"I wonder what he's doing now?" Fido said.

"I'm pretty sure he went back to the Crystal Empire after the LoD war. He's no doubt kicking Changeling ass," replied Nightglider.

"OK there's the bridge. Climb up and let's do this, " Sunset announced. The group pulled up and made a turn, and instantly got radar spikes.

"Won't be long now," commented Helia.

"Let's go Rover," Sunset said. And the two of them headed for the pumping station, while Helia and Redwing headed for the bridge. The others orbited over the canyon to keep an eye out for bandits.

"There it is. Climb and dive," Sunset said. And the two of them made a sharp climb up to 5,000 feet and dived, dropping their bombs. Nearly all of them landed in the target area, destroying the facilities.

"Target down!" yelled Rover.

Meanwhile Helia and Redwing had reached the bridge.

"I'm going in", the pegasus announced as she entered a dive and lined up with the bridge. She dropped them and pulled up. All four hit it, taking it down.

"Nice one Blossom," Redwing said.

Then the radio came to life.

"Blaze to Blossom: Have you destroyed it yet?"

"Yep it's gone," she replied.

"Great. We're heading that way. However we've picked up eight bandits coming from the East, so we need to get it done quickly," she replied.

"Roger, we're heading for you," replied Helia, and they turned East.

As they approached the others, they picked up the bandits on their radars.

"52 miles out and closing," announced Redwing.

"Double time it everyone!" replied Blaze. And him and Helia turned back West to rejoin the group.

"23 miles to target. Syxx, Scanner, fly ahead and take out any defenses," Sunset said.

"We're on it," replied Shadow. And the pair of Falcons flew on ahead of the group.

As they got close they got lock warnings.

"Two ZSU's," Nightglider said.

"Maverick time!" replied Shadow. They both locked a Maverick onto one and fired, destroying both.

"Hey look up there!" yelled Nightglider. In the distance they could see five tankers that had just left the facility.

"Blaze we've got five trucks leaving for the Empire. Take them out?" Shadow asked.

"Go ahead and get em'," she replied.

"They're gone," replied Shadow as he locked a Maverick onto the lead truck. Nightglider locked one onto the rear one. They fired, blowing up both and leaving the other three stuck. The drivers bailed and flew off.

"Smart move," Shadow said as they banked around and came in from the side to strafe the last three. Huge fireballs shot into the sky.

"Fire fire fire yeah FIRE!" yelled the blue bat pony.

"Just wait until be bomb the dump," replied Shadow..And they turned back East for the facility. The others were entering their bombing approach at the same time.

"We're coming head on Blaze. We'll use our remaining Mavericks on the other tankers there," Shadow said.

"Roger. Fire them then bank right," she replied. The bat ponies locked them up and fired, then turned to avoid the others.

"Bombs away!" yelled Sunset, and her and the others took turns dropping theirs on the facility. Tank after tank exploded, sending fireballs over 400 feet into the sky.

"Anyone got some marshmallows?" cracked Fido.

"Nope. Wouldn't have time anyway because our bandits are here," replied Redwing. And the group turned to face them.

"Lock em' up and take em' down," Sunset said. And a few of them fired long range missiles, bringing down three of the changeling planes.

"I got one!" yelled Fido. And a dogfight ensued.

"J-10's. This won't be easy," announced Serana.

"I saw the commander. I'm going for him," Redwing said.

Alvinar got his Harrier behind one and managed to stick to it despite the pilot's best attempts to shake him.

"Just a little more," he said as he tried to get a lock. Finally his sidewinder growled at him.

"Goodbye." He fired it, bringing the J-10 down.

Realizing they were outnumbered two to one, the remaining Changelings placed a call for help, then tried to run, but there was no escape. The wing commander made a slip and Redwing was ready for him. Sunset ran the next one down and shoved an archer up it's tailpipe. The final blow happened when Helia and Nightglider got gun kills on the last two almost at the same time.

"Nice job Wolfpack!" commented Sunset. "Let's get out of here before any help arrives." And they formed up and headed back for the canyon.

"Let's hope they don't track us into it, or they could be waiting for us at the other end," Rover said.

"Good point. More than likely they already are," replied Sunset. She looked at her map.

"I think I've got something. If we turn left instead of right at the split we'll head towards a smaller canyon that branches off of the main one. If we take it we'll come out Northeast of Rhone instead of North of the town," she announced.

"We don't have a profile for it though," replied Shadow.

"We'll just have to play it by eye then. I'm up for it," replied Redwing.

"Let's do it then," Sunset said. Unknown to them at the time the decision was a good one as a Changeling squadron was waiting at the West mouth of the canyon, plus their huge airship the Aigaion was approaching the area also. A second squadron was waiting at the Eastern end at Mido Lake.

Soon the entrance to the canyon loomed in front of them.

"There it is," Sunset said.

"Whoa that's waaaay narrower than the other one," commented Helia.

"Just stick to my tail and you'll be fine," replied Blaze. and they flew into it. It was far less straighter than the others, and the sides closed in on them.

"Hard right!" She yelled. One by one the pilots hit the brakes and banked around a hairpin turn.

"It's starting to get a little nerve wracking. Especially since this plane doesn't handle sharp turns very well," commented Rover.

"How do you think I feel?" replied Helia.

"Don't think about it. Just focus," Serana said.

They made a left and saw a large rock pillar that had fallen across the canyon.

"SPLIT!" Sunset yelled. And the group flew both above and below the obstruction.

"Damn I almost went above the rim that time," Nightglider said.

"How much further?" Alvinar asked.

"Eleven miles and we're clear," replied Sunset.

They came around another corner and saw a bridge ahead of them for a road that came out of the canyon walls.

"A bridge?" Redwing said as they flew under it.

"It led into a couple of tunnels, but there's no roads here," added Shadow.

"Hmmm. I'll mark down the coordinates and let Harpy and Candymare know. That could be something," replied Sunset.

Finally after four more miles of dusting the canyon walls and scaring lizards, the canyon opened up, and they were back in the Griffon Empire.

"Griffon Empire control, Wolfpack is returning to the den," Sunset announced.

"Roger. Welcome back. why the different route though?" the controller asked.

"It was just in case the Changelings were waiting at the other mouth," she replied. And the group returned to Gryphus.

Hangar 2
Gryphus AFB
18:30 hours.

The group had assembled for the debriefing.

"Excellent job again," commented Harpy.

"And nice job on getting the tankers you two," added Candymane, looking at the bat ponies.

The group went over all of the targets they destroyed.

"What made you go that other route though?" Candymane asked.

"We figured it wouldn't hurt in case the Changelings were waiting for us at the other end," replied Sunset.

"Well you made the right call because they were, at both ends," she replied.

"Good call Rover," Redwing said to him.

"Thanks," he replied.

"Since we know what it's like now we'll probably use it as a new route," Sunset said.

"Good idea. We'll see if there's any others you can use," replied Harpy.

"Oh speaking of that: We came across a bridge between the canyon walls here," sunset said as she showed them her map. "You might check it out."

"Interesting. That could be a secret base," replied Candymane.

"We'll check into it," added Harpy. And the meeting ended.

Main Hospital
Gracemareia
Crystal Empire
June 2 2023
18:21 hours.

"So did you tell them the whole story?" Maverick asked Sunset.

"Yeah I did. Their reactions were mixed," she replied.

"Kind of funny one of the LoD pilots you shot down is a member of her group. Not sure how he would react to meeting you Spade," commented Nightshade.

"He said he doesn't hold any ill feelings towards you. you were just doing your job," replied Sunset.

"Can't say the same for Gilda though. I still get hate mail from her," Maverick said with a smile.

Sunset laughed. "Yeah I wasn't too fond of her in the LoD. Too much of a hothead."

"If I had known she was the one who kept us from intercepting the bomber that destroyed my village, there would've been a blue on blue incident in the LoD Air Force," replied Nightshade with a bit of anger in her voice.

"Easy Venom. Needless to say that wouldn't be a good idea now," added Sunset. She turned to Maverick.

"So your old squadron did that number on Windigo Canyon?"

"Yeah it was us. Threading missiles through doors and flying around the canyons dodging and shooting bandits," he replied.

"Wow that would've been fun," she replied.

"Well you want the truth? I hate canyon and tunnel flying," he said, and they laughed.

"Well I better get going," Maverick said. "Let me know if your group wants to do a meetup," he said to Sunset.

"See ya' Spade," she replied.

Chapter 3: Blinded

Hangar 2
Gryphus AFB
Griffon Empire
May 20 2023
08:07 hours.

The group showed up at the hangar to find Harpy and Candymane already there.

"You're a little late," Harpy said to them. Everyone looked at Rover.

"It wasn't my fault. The sandwich I ate for breakfast didn't agree with me," he replied. Candymare laughed.

"Don't worry about it," she said. The group sat down and the briefing began with Harpy.

"As you know, the Changelings have caught on to your attacks, and are starting to send patrols to the area. One thing you've had to deal with up to now is staying below radar as much as possible at all points during your missions. It's time to take care of that."

She brought up the map on the screen. "Your mission is to take out their radar sites in the Eastern part of their country. In addition to helping you out, it will also help us out should we decide to launch our own attacks."

Candymane took over.

"Two of the radars are near the front range of the mountains. The other two are on the mountains themselves. The pairs of radars are interconnected, which means if one goes down the other in the pair is alerted. To defeat this you'll have to strike both in the pair at the same time. To make it easier, those of you that can will be carrying anti radiation missiles. It will take two per radar station. Hit the lowland ones first, then the mountain ones."

She moved the map a bit.

"There is also this third radar site at the Eastern end of Windigo Canyon that stands alone. It covers the border with the Griffon Empire so if you took it out, you could safely fly straight into their country from here instead of going through the canyon or flying in from the Crystal Empire. Only try it if you have ammo left over from the primary targets."

"How is the air and ground resistance?" asked Sunset.

The Crystal Empire military along with ours have made significant gains in taking back the country, including the destruction of their huge Aigaion airborne carrier. Because of this the Changelings are sending more and more squadrons of their air force in including their best ones, so it shouldn't be too bad. They're also moving whatever mobile anti aircraft they have left in the eastern part so that shouldn't be much of a problem either," replied Harpy.

"Wow. How did you take it out?" Redwing asked.

"We sent Garuda squadron in along with our best NLR and Solar Empire squadrons. They did an outstanding job," replied Candymane.

"The Ace of Spades again," Rover said. Harpy continued.

So for loadouts: Helia, Serana, Spot: You will be carrying air to air weapons, and guided bombs to drop on the control buildings of the radars. The rest of you will have air to air and anti radiation missiles."

"That'll be a nice light load," shadow said.

"That's it folks. Good luck."

Near the Griffon Empire/Changeling Kingdom border
13:21 hours.

"Go ahead and turn North," announced Sunset, and they turned and headed into the Changeling Kingdom just short of the Crystal Empire.

"So let me get this straight: We have to attack both radars in each pair at the same time?" Rover asked.

"Yes. We have to approach the sites at the same speed and distance, and launch our missiles at the same time," replied Sunset.

"So what if the missiles fly at different speeds? We have two different kinds," he replied. Him, Shadow, Nightglider, and Alvinar had the AGM-88 HARM, while Sunset and Redwing had the Kh-31P.

"Good point," replied Sunset. She thought about it briefly. "Guess you four will have to take care of the radars. We'll fly as backup," she said.

"Very well," he replied. The squadron split into two groups. Shadow, Rover, Redwing, and Helia headed further North, and the others staying on course for the first radar. A short time later they were ready to start the attack.

"Okay we're flying even. Maintain speed and course," announced Sunset.

"Roger.My missiles are already targeting it," replied Nightglider.

"Same here," added Shadow.

"OK you two are first up then. I'll do a three count, then you fire," she replied.

A minute later.

"Three.... two.... one.... NOW!"

Shadow and Nightglider each fired two missiles at the radars. The HARMs tracked the radar beams, and a few minutes later impacted and destroyed the radars.

"Got em'!" yelled shadow.

"Spot, Helia, you're up," announced Sunset. The two of them pulled up, put their designators on the buildings, and dropped two bombs, finishing off the radar sites.

"That's one pair. Now get ready for the next two," Sunset said to the group. With the mountain range looming ahead of them they started climbing until they were just high enough to clear the peaks, ducking below them whenever possible.

"We don't have much room to work with so stay as low as possible," Redwing announced. Soon they were approaching the next pair.

"Pull up further you guys. Alvinar and Rover you're up," Sunset said to Redwing's group.

"OK we're in line," Redwing replied.

"We've got tone," added Alvinar.

"Roger. Fire in three... two.... one.... NOW!"

The dog and griffon fired. Again the missiles homed in on the radars and destroyed them. Helia and Spot finished the job with their Paveways.

"Nice one!" yelled Sunset. "We haven't used our missiles yet so let's go after the loner."

"I'm up for it," replied Redwing.

"I'm out of bombs so it's your turn Serana," Spot said.

"Not a problem," she replied. The group formed back up and headed for the radar.

Not long afterwards something appeared on Sunset's and Redwing's radars.

"Heads up. Ten bandits heading East at angels 30," Sunset announced.

"I'm not seeing them," commented Fido.

"Me neither," added Helia.

"Our radars have a larger search cone. We can see stuff higher than you can," replied Redwing.

"You think they saw us?" Spot said nervously.

"We didn't get any radar spikes and we're close to the ground so hopefully not, thought they might have got some," replied Sunset.

Several minutes later they were approaching the target.

"OK Stryker we're up," Sunset said. since there was only one site timing wasn't as important. They locked the site up.

"Fire!" The large missiles dropped from the planes and sped off, destroying the radar. Followed by Serana dropping her guided bombs on the control building.

"And that's a wrap!" exclaimed Sunset. Let's turn back and head in...."

They suddenly got hit with numerous lock warnings.

"SHIT EVADE!" she yelled. The group of Changeling aircraft that they encountered had seen them and snuck up from behind by turning off their radars.

"Dammit they did see us. Let's nail em'," snapped Alvinar. They turned back and saw ther adversaries.

"SU-35's. This won't be easy," commented Redwing. Unlike previous encounters the odds were slightly in the Changeling's favor. Especially since everyone only had short range air to air missiles.

Fido and Spot tried to get on the tail of one, but it managed to get away from them, and a pair got on theirs.

"Split up!" yelled Fido. They did and tried to get behind, bu the super Flankers were more than a match for the older MiG's. Spot caught a break when Serana dived on his and took him out.

"You're clear Rot," she said as she broke away to lose one on her tail.

"I'm coming Cruncher!" Spot said as he gunned it.

"Good because I can't keep this up much longer," replied Fido.

Suddenly Spot heard his engine sputter a couple of times.

"That's not good," he though to himself.

Meanwhile Sunset had a tail of her own until she hit the brakes and did a sharp roll, putting her behind him.

"Goodbye," she said as she fired an Archer and took him out.

Spot was now on the tail of the one chasing Fido.

"Break now!" he yelled. Fido broke left and spot raked the Changeling with cannon fire, sending him down.

"Thanks buddy. Let's go help the others," he said. The odds were now in Wolfpack's favor by a bit.

"This is a good squadron. Don't slip up even once," Sunset announced.

One managed to get a missile off at Helia, but she dodged it with chaff.

"My turn," she said as she hit the brakes and made him overshoot. She got tone and fired a sparrow, sending him down.

"They're getting the upper hand!" yelled one Changeling.

"Keep fighting. They'll crack soon," replied their commander, who soon had Serana on his tail.

"Try and get me you filthy merc'" he growled as he gunned it and did a loop. Serana followed him, but he hit the brakes and made his loop shorter which put him behind her.

"Damn." She tried to get away from him, but the Flanker could out turn her Mirage, so instead she used the plane's speed to escape. She rolled and pulled up. As soon as the Changeling did she rolled over and dived under him at full afterburner, leaving him in the dust.

"Very good," he said. Suddenly he got a lock warning. Rover had gotten behind him after taking out another one.

"Oh please that old thing?" he said. A simple cobra move put him behind Rover. Before he could even get tone he got locked onto.

"What?"

"I'm back," Serana said as she fired both a radar guided and a heat seeker. He dodged the former with chaff, but couldn't drop flares in time for the latter and went down.

"That's six. Four to go," announced Redwing. With their leader gone, the other Changelings fell into disarray, and soon fell from the sky at the hooves and claws of Shadow, Redwing, Alvinar, and Nightglider.

"Great job. Let's head for the canyon and get out of here," Sunset said. And the group turned and headed for Windigo Canyon.

"What about that bridge?" Alvinar asked.

"We didn't get the word on what it was yet, but just in case, Helia take up the trail position and be ready to drop a guided," replied Sunset.

"Roger," replied Helia. A few minutes later the bridge loomed in front of them. They also saw something else.

"Is that a..." Redwing was cut off by Sunset.

"A Scud transporter! Nail it!"

"I'm on it," replied Helia. She pulled up, put her designator on the bridge, and dropped her last guided bomb. She sent both the Scud and the bridge to the canyon floor.

"Well that takes care of that," she said happily.

"Yep. Let's go home," replied Sunset.

"And just in time too. My engine's been doing some sputtering," added Spot.

"Definitely get it checked out," replied Redwing.

Hangar 2
Gryphus AFB
19:10 hours.

Once again the group waited for the EIA ponies to show up.

"Well what did McCoy have to say?" Redwing asked Spot.

"Not good. The engine has a few issues. He'll have it ready by tomorrow, but I'm still going to have to get a new one for it," he replied.

"Ouch. Well luckily there's no shortage of Fishbed engines and parts so it shouldn't cost you too much," replied the griffon.

"That'll still set me back from getting something better," replied Spot.

"What are you thinking of getting?" Sunset asked.

"McCoy has a pretty nice Kfir for sale. There's some good F-5E's and a Tornado up on the market too," he replied.

"Some good choices," commented Redwing.

"Definitely consider the Tiger. The NLR has some for training and aggressor roles, and I liked them the times I flew them," added Nightglider.

The EIA mares finally showed up.

"Congrats on another successful mission. This will definitely help you out in future missions."

"And by destroying the third site you've got another way to get into the Changeling Kingdom, and strike targets on the East side of the mountains," added Candymane.

"We took out that bridge on the way back. There was a Scud transporter crossing it when we did," Sunset said.

"We were going to get to that," replied Harpy. "Our intelligence indicated they have an underground supply base in that spot of the canyon. By destroying that bridge you just cut off almost half of the supplies they have there."

"Sweet!" replied Helia.

"You pilots are definitely making a name for yourselves. However this means the missions may get tougher for you since the Changelings will really be taking notice of you," Candymane said.

"Bring em'. It doesn't matter," replied Shadow.

"So we're really starting to rustle their jimmies eh?" cracked Sunset.

"Yep. That squadron you fought was one of their front line ones. They've been sending those into the Empire, but that squadron was assigned to catching you," replied Harpy.

"If that was one of their better squadrons, I'd love to see their worst," cracked Fido. And everyone laughed.

Chrysalis's palace
Tantari, Changeling Kingdom
19:30 hours.

Her cabinet had gathered to discuss the sudden turn for the worse the war was taking, including their new mercenary problem.

"Dammit Screamer was one of our best squadrons and they got them. Should've sent them to the Empire instead," the air force commander said.

"So they could get shot down by Garuda?" snapped another commander.

"Can we send Druid after them?" an army general asked.

"Druid is assigned to handle Garuda and Garuda only," replied the air force commander.

"UGH. Not only is your arguing giving me a headache, the notion we have another ace squadron to deal with is also. And they're mercenaries on top of that," snapped Chrysalis.

"So what do we do? Pretty much our whole country is within striking distance of these merc's?" the general inquired.

"The answer is right in front of you."

Everyone turned to look at the voice.

"And what is that Sombra?" Chrysalis said unenthusiastically.

"Simple. Fight fire with fire." There was a few seconds of silence.

"You mean send mercenaries after the mercenaries?" the air force commander inquired.

"Exactly. The one I have in mind is the 3rd rated in the world, and even though their leader is a pony, she doesn't let petty emotions stand in the way of her job," he replied. Chrysalis rolled her eyes.

"Fine hire them," she replied.

Gracemareia Castle
June 10th 2023
14:00 hours.

The squadron found themselves where they never expected to be: In front of a castle where they would be meeting a princess. In fact the only one who had been in a castle before was Sunset.

"Wow. It's beautiful," Serana said as they walked inside. In front of them was the Crystal Heart, spinning in it's holder.

"So that is what the Changelings were after?" Alvinar asked.

"Yep. And if it hadn't been for the foals of Gracemareia they would have got it," replied Sunset.

"Wow. That's the biggest and brightest gem I've ever seen," commented Rover with gleaming eyes.

"No ideas you three," cracked Helia.

They were met by a couple of guards.

"Welcome! The princess and the others are waiting," one guard said, and they followed them upstairs. They entered the throne room and found Cadance and Shining Armor, along with Maverick, some other members of the military, and And Nightshade, who was now limping around on a crutch instead of being in a wheelchair. Sunset and Helia knelled as they approached. The others followed suit.

"Welcome Sunset Shimmer. As princess of the Crystal Empire I want to thank you and your group for the contributions you made to aid us in the war with the Changelings. And especially you for saving the lives of the members of Kurain village." She then introduced everyone. Sunset then did the same.

"Never thought we'd meet again Ace of Spades," Rover said.

"Oh that's right. I... shot you down during the war with Discord didn't I?" he replied. "You'd be surprised at how many of the pilots I shot down I met after the war. None have held a grudge so far."

"Yeah, I guess I don't either. It was part of the job," replied Rover.

"You haven't met our country's top ace then," commented Redwing. "She still wants to shoot you down."

Maverick laughed. "Oh well you can't win them all."

"Yeah Gilda's too much of a hothead. Even quite a few Griffons don't like her," added Alvinar.

Shining Armor, who was now head of the military then spoke.

"We got the results of your missions from the EIA. You had a very good run until the cat was let out of the bag," he said.

"Yeah. I wish we could've done more, but that's the way it goes," replied Sunset.

"Well maybe you can.We've got a bit of a proposition for you," replied Shining Armor. The group looked at each other.

"We're listening," replied Sunset.

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.

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.

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.

Author's Note

And that finishes this arc of the story. Though honestly I think I'm burned out on fanfics for now so it will be awhile before I start a new arc.

And unlike in the final episode of Season 5; Starlight won't be getting reformed.

Chapter 6: Big Trouble in Little Dragon Town

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

Author's Note

And so I've decided to fire up the story again with a new arc. IDK how long it will take to finish it.

Map of the new areas: http://lonewolf3878.deviantart.com/art/MLP-Dragon-Kingdom-and-Centaria-Map-621990810

Chapter 7: Opening Round

Tantagel AFB
Dragon Kingdom
July 6 2024
06:00 hours.

Sunset and Helia were the first to wake up.

"Damn the mattresses at the LOD bases were better than these," groaned Sunset.

"I'm already missing my apartment," Helia said as she stretched. "Let's go wake up the others in case they aren't up," And they left their room.

The dogs were the only ones they had to wake up, much to the dog's displeasure. As expected with dragons being carnivores, the menu only appealed to the griffons and dogs. For the ponies and Saddle Arabian horses it was either waffles or pancakes, which was fine for sunset and the others.

"Well these aren't bad," shadow said after taking his first bite of pancakes.

"At least they will have lunches and dinners for us," added Helia.

The room was pretty much divided, with dragons on one side and mercs on the other. The two sides hardly talked to each other.

"Whatever issue the dragons have with us better not interfere with the missions," Nightglider said.

"Something tells me it's not just ponies they don't like. I think they hate mercs also," added Serana, before eating a piece of bacon.

"I don't know, maybe they feel the government is telling them they aren't good enough by hiring us," commented Rover.

"That could be," replied Sunset.

"You hit the nail on the head."

The group turned to see a small blue dragon standing in the aisle.

"The name's Ember. Callsign Grim. I'm the leader of the Screamers."

"Pleasure to meet you. So how did we hit the nail on the head?" Sunset asked.

"All of it, but namely the part about thinking our government is telling us we're not good enough. The majority of dragons are proud and seldom ask for help with anything. Even amongst ourselves. And many refuse to accept the Centaurs have a better military than ours."

"A little too proud if you ask me," replied Alvinar.

"Does your president feel that way?" Sunset asked.

"Not as much. It was painful for him, but he realized we couldn't handle this war ourselves and so he put out the call for help. Some dragons even called for his removal from office because of it."

"Well they better drop that attitude if they want to win this war," replied Redwing.

"And show a little gratitude," added Fido.

"Trust me. Most of us appreciate the help. We just don't show it much. It's the dragon way," replied Ember. "Well I need to get over to my squadron. Catch you later," and she walked away.

It was approaching 8AM so it was time for everyone to head to the briefing room for the day's mission.

Situation room
Tantagel AFB
08:00 hours.

Just one minute later Omar entered the room, and stepped up to the podium to give the briefing.

"Good morning pilots. First I'll go over our current status and plans, then what we've got for you today.
As of 07:00 the Centaurs have shown no sign of taking any more territory, and are reinforcing their lines. However we feel they will try to take more territory, namely this area which includes our biggest oil refinery," and he pointed it out on the screen " at Gas Town. We cannot let this happen so we're keeping a close eye on it. We have an airbase there, and the LRS Eclipse battle group is within range of it so coverage should be good.
At the same time they're reinforcing their lines, we're reinforcing ours at the east ends of both mountain passes, and have numerous combat air patrols. Coalition warships are arriving at our ports and the canal so in short order we will have complete airspace denial between the mountains and canal."

He switched images and continued.

"As for what are allies are doing: In addition to the previously mentioned warships, Equestria has their LRS Aurora carrier battle group to our north, and a third one devoted to cruise missile strikes led by the LRS Nebula. The role of the 3rd group will be to launch cruise missile strikes deep within Centaria. Meanwhile their air power will focus on defending our skies and launching strikes, and finally their ground forces will join ours in pushing the Centaurs out. Your continuing mission will be to launch strikes against the Centaurs in our territory and maybe later just across the border into Centaria."

Omar took a drink of water, then continued.

"The goal is simple: We're going to cut them off from getting support from their country, then kill them all unless they surrender. We are still working out the details of the plan." That comment got some cheers from the dragons.

"Yeah we're gonna' make them wish they were never born!" yelled Garble.

"So here's your missions. The enemy is moving in more mobile SAMs to bolster it's defenses on their side of the mountains. If we can stop them before they set up and take out what's already in position, it will make it easier on everyone. This means wild weasel duty. Wolfpack and Razgriz: How much experience do you have with this?"

We did some in the Changeling war," replied Sunset.

"Oh yeah we've done that several times," replied Indigo.

"Excellent. How many of you can carry HARMs? that's our primary anti radiation missile." Members of both squadrons held their hooves or paws up.

"Wow that's a lot of you who don't. We have some Kh-31's, but we'll have to order more, plus some ALARMs."

"ALARMS? Aw' rats. Wish I had a Tornado now. Those are mean little buggers," cracked Serana.

"Lancers, and Screamers: You will begin bombing troops and armor just beyond the mountains near Bonita and Owari. 88's and Bengals: you will provide air cover and bombing. Razgriz and Wolfpack: you will provide wild weasel and air cover." And he shut off the projector.

"Good luck pilots. It's time to take back what's ours. Dismissed."

The pilots left to get suited up and ready, while ground crews were quickly fueling the planes and loading ordnance. Just before the two sides split apart, Garble and his squadron threw a jab at the mercenaries.

"We'll make sure to have the rescue choppers ready to come get you ponies!" he said. Getting laughs from the others.

"It'll be interesting seeing you fly back to base with your own wings," Shadow fired back.

"Easy Shadow. The last thing we need is to start some shit with them," Sunset told him.

"They're already starting to grate on my nerves and I'm not even a pony," replied Spot.

With the planes ready, one by one turbines started spooling up. Soon the base and surrounding area was filled with the thunderous sound of Dozens of jet engines. The planes began taxing in a huge parade to Tantagel's twin runways. The Block 60 F-16's of the Lancers led the pack, followed by the F-15E's of the Screamers. They were followed by the 88's, Bengals, Razgriz, and finally Wolfpack. The planes paired up on both runways, Lancers on the left one, and Screamers on the right, and sped down them into the sky.

"I hope some dragon was videotaping all of that down there. That would be awesome to watch," Nightglider said.

"I'll check Youtube when we get back," replied Helia.

Shortly after taking off the controller gave them their assignments.

"Sentinel One to all planes: Here's your assignments. Lancer and 88's: Head to the Owari area and bomb troops and armor. Razgriz head with them to clear the way. Screamers and Bengals: head to the Bonita area and do the same, with Wolfpack clearing the way. Once you weasels open it up for them, turn and take out whatever AA you find in the passes and near the mountains. Take out any airborne threats you encounter."

All of the squadrons acknowledged the orders.

"Screamer One to Wolfpack: Shall you lead the way?"

"That'd be the best. We'll clear the way for you," replied Sunset. And the group pulled ahead of the Screamers. The Razgriz did the same with the Lancers.

"Can't wait to see you in action, if we get a chance," commented Wildfire.

"What types of AA do they have?" asked Alvinar.

"For mobile it's mostly ZSU's, Rolands, SA-6's, and Tunguskas," replied Ember.

"Ugh. Those Tunguskas are nothing to sneeze at," replied a member of the Bengals.

"You'd think they would go for more modern stuff," Rover said.

"That's the way they are. Quantity over quality," replied the small dragon. "The minimum number of aircraft in their wings is 15. Most are 20 or 25."

"That's a little intimidating. At quantities like that even a squadron of Fishbeds can be a problem for newer aircraft," replied Redwing.

"And they have squadrons of Flankers that strong? No wonder you had so much trouble," added Spot.

"Yes. That's the reason we lost an entire squadron of 15 super Hornets. They got pounced on by 25 Fulcrum F's," replied Grim.

"Well we're gonna' equalize that problem," replied Sunset.

"Time to split off squadrons," announced Sentinel One. And the two teams headed for their targets.

Mountains NW of San Sabas
11:52 hours.

The group was still over the mountains when they began to get radar spikes.

"We're spotted. Get your missiles ready," announced Sunset. Everyone with anti radiation missiles selected and armed them.

"It's showtime!" exclaimed Shadow. And the group headed down.

"It's definitely a search radar," Redwing said. Just then they got 2 more spikes.

"And those are SAMs," added Serana.

"Syxx, K Dog, and Scanner you're up," Blaze said. The three sped ahead, locked their HARMs on the targets, and fired. They then banked to avoid the volley of SAMS coming for them. All of the missiles hit, and the radar spikes ceased.

"Nice one. Now let's finish them," Sunset announced, and they headed for the site and finished it off with bombs and bullets.

"Area clear. anyone getting any more radar spikes?"

"Not even a small one," replied Grim.

"OK strike team this is where we split off then. Good luck," replied Sunset. And Wolfpack turned to head south along the mountains.

"Roger Blaze. See you later," replied Wildfire.

It wasn't long before the group picked up another radar spike.

"There's another," Redwing said.

"Assume attack formation," replied Sunset. Once again the group approached the site, and Blaze fired a Krypton at it. Again they had to break off to evade SAMs. This time the radar operator realized what was going on and shut it off, losing the missile.

"Damn they got wise," Shadow said.

"Close in and finish them," replied Sunset. They screamed towards the target and prepared for a bomb run.

"There it is. SA-6's," Blaze announced. With no double A guns for secondary defense, the site succumbed to bombs.

"And that's another," Spot said as they continued south.

But it wasn't long before they got another radar spike. This time from the west. Helia turned her tom in that direction.

"Heads up everyone. Ten bandits from the West, 50 miles at angels 15."

"Roger. Gonna' do a long shot?" Blaze asked.

"You know it," she replied. And with that she locked four of them up with her Phoenix missiles and sent them on their way.

"Fox three times four!" she yelled. And one by one the missiles dropped off and sped away. The bandits tried to dodge, but all four of them hit home.

"Nice one!" exclaimed Serana.

"They're running! Guess they had a yellow stripe on their backs," announced Alvinar.

"Hmmm. That doesn't sound right," Sunset replied.

"Don't forget: Ember said the minimum number of planes in their squadrons is 15," commented Rover.

The group turned back to the mountains and continued south. Helia would turn west, then back every so often to see if anymore bandits were approaching. Thirty minutes later they got more radar spikes.

"SAM site number three," Redwing said. And for the third time they got into attack formation and dived towards the target. Soon Nightglider had a lock.

"Goodbye," he said as he launched a HARM. This time the site didn't get a missile off in time and his connected.

But the spikes kept coming.

"There's something else," Sunset announced. Soon the site was in view, and immediately they saw tracers and missile trails.

"SHIT Tunguskas!" yelled Shadow. Him and Nightglider peeled off and dodged the missiles. The Tunguska's turrets followed them, leaving them wide open for Sunset's bombs. She destroyed both of them along with the SA-6's they were protecting.

"Damn that was a close one," Nightglider said.

"Getting another faint radar spike from the south," announced Redwing.

"I've still got two Kryptons so let's get em'," replied Sunset. And they continued south. The spikes got stronger and stronger.

"Start skimming the mountains," Sunset announced.

Aren't we getting close to the center pass?" Serana asked.

"Yes. And whatever it is has to be on the rim as we wouldn't be able to pick it up if they weren't," replied Redwing.

Almost on cue three more spikes appeared.

"Oh hell those three have to be SAMs or guns. Split up and nail em'!" yelled Sunset. Her, Glider, Shadow, and Rover rose up and fired their remaining missiles. All of them connected before the sites could even fire.

"How did they get those up there?" Spot asked.

"Obviously with heavy lift choppers," replied Fido.

They arrived at the location and found their missiles had taken out a search radar, two ZSU-23's, and a Roland. As they flew over the pass they looked down.

"An armored column!" yelled Alvinar.

"Hot damn! Everyone with bombs follow me!" replied Sunset. They circled to the right and lined up. One by one they dropped their remaining bombs, decimating the armor and troops.

"Sweet. Now for some strafing," Rover said. Before they could even turn though they got lock warnings.

"EVADE!" yelled Sunset. They dropped chaff and dodged the missiles, then turned towards the direction they came.

"Damn 16 bandits! Those others must have went back to get help," exclaimed Helia.

"We don't have time to run so let's get em'!" replied Sunset. And they fired a couple of missiles to disrupt their formation, and then engaged them.

"Flankers. This won't be easy," Sunset announced.

Helia got behind one, only to have another get behind her. Redwing pounced on him from above and got a gun kill. Helia got hers with a sidewinder. Meanwhile Shadow, Nightglider, Alvinar, and Serana were in a mini furball with 5 of the bandits.

"How do we handle this?" Alvinar asked.

"Form up and hit the brakes," replied Serana. The four of them loosely formed up, and right at the last moment hit the air brakes.

"Three two one KICK! yelled Serana and they performed the move, taking the Centaurs by surprise. One banked left to avoid Alvinar and smashed into a wingmate, sending both of them down. The others overshot and Serana, Shadow, and Alvinar got heat seekers locked onto the others and fired, taking them out.

"HA! Dumbasses!" yelled Alvinar. "So who get's those two kills?"

"They were behind you and me so we'll split them," replied Shadow.

Sunset was dominating the Centaur squadron commander with Spot covering, but soon he had a problem.

"I've got a tail Blaze!"

"Lose hm, I've got this," replied Sunset. No sooner than he broke off another Flanker dropped in behind her.

"Damn now I have a tail!" Sunset announced. In short order Rover was on him and forced him to break off, getting him with a sidewinder shortly afterwards. Now the Centaur wastrying to throw Sunset off by veering left and right. She took a chance and pulled slightly right when he went left. Sure enough he went back to the right and Sunset fired her cannon, shredding him.

"Alright the scale has tipped!" commented Serana.

"Everyone pick a bandit and stick with them," replied Sunset. Redwing finally got the one he was chasing with a heat seeker. Rover got one with a Sidewinder. Fido had his prey do a cobra and get behind him, but before he could do anything fido did an airbrake stop and roll and got behind him again, and get a kill with an Archer.

Realizing it was now two to one, the remaining bandits tried to flee, but they couldn't lose the pack, and a volley of radar guideds from from Sunset, Redwing, Rover, and Spot finished them off.

"Nice one pack! Let's get home before more show up," announced Sunset. And the group formed up and booked it back across the mountains into Dragon controlled airspace.

Situation room
Tantagel AFB
17:30 hours.

With all of the squadrons home and present, Omar started the debriefing.

"Outstanding job by everyone today. In your sorties you completed your objectives and suffered no losses."

He then went over each squadron's kills starting with the Lancers, who took out seven bandits during their sortie, and had excellent bombing runs.

"Last but certainly not least is Wolfpack. Altogether you took out four SAM sites, a small armored column, and 20 bandits."

That last part shocked everyone. Garble spit his drink, Wildfire's eyes got big as she turned to look at them, and Saki closed his eyes and smiled slightly for a few seconds.

"No way. what were they attack choppers?" Garble asked.

"Nope. An entire squadron of SU-27's. The Centaur's 14th fighter squadron," replied Omar.

"WOO HOO YOU GUYS ROCK!" exclaimed Indigo. The Lancers just quietly chatted amongst themselves.

"That's it folks. Get some well earned rest. Dismissed." And the meeting broke.

Before Wolfpack went back to their barracks, garble and a couple of his wing mates stopped them.

"There's no way you got an entire squadron," snapped Garble.

"Well we did, and your commander confirmed it," replied Sunset.

"Well they must have been a pussy ass squadron then because no merc' group is that good." That comment visibly angered some of the group.

"And yet the 88's got 16 kills to your squadron's seven," replied Ember who had shown up behind them. That comment pissed Garble off enough to make him storm off with the others.

"Damn he's a piece of shit," snarled Alvinar.

"Funny he didn't say that to the 88's," Ember said.

"Guess they figure we're the weakest ones," replied Sunset as they continued to walk.

"He keeps doing that and he's going down," snapped Shadow.

"Don't do it. That would get you guys booted," replied the blue dragon.

"Maybe that's what he wants," replied Redwing.

"It wouldn't surprise me. Well catch you tomorrow. Nice job today," Ember said before turning to head for her squadron's barracks, and Wolfpack continued to theirs.

Chapter 8: Making Moves

Centaria Palace
July 7 2024
08:10 hours.

Tirek had just finished his breakfast when his aid came in with the morning report.

"So how were things yesterday?" he asked.

Not real good along the mountains. The dragons bombed troop areas on the in the north and center passes, and took out 60 percent of our anti aircraft. Plus we lost 59 planes.

"WHAT?" Tirek jumped up. "How could we lose that many in a day?"

"Surprisingly most of the losses appear to have been from mercenaries. One squadron of them took out the entire 14th fighter wing."

Tirek was shocked. "How many were there in that squadron?"

"Ten from what we gathered," the aid replied.

"Any idea which one it was?" he asked.

"No but we can try and find out."

"Very well." Tirek sat down. "Update me if you find out."

"Yes your highness." And the aid left.

"This better not be an omen," Tirek muttered to himself.

Tantagel AFB
06:00 hours.

The day's mission briefing had been bumped up to 7 AM, so everyone had to get up early, which wasn't popular with the group. Instead of juice, coffee was flowing for breakfast.

"From what I heard, O' seven hundred will be the new normal," Redwing said.

"Lovely," replied Rover.

"It could be worse. Remember 6AM was the mission briefing time in the LoD," added Sunset.

"Don't remind me," replied Rover.

Like before the mess hall was divided into dragons and mercenaries. Neither chatting to each other. Only amongst themselves except for a few instances, some of which weren't friendly.

"I'm really starting to get disturbed by this," Sunset said before finishing her toast.

"I know. They communicate decently during a mission, but once it's over it's back to silence," added Helia.

"Not surprisingly they talk to us more than anyone else," replied Alvinar.

All too soon it was time for the briefing. 7AM came, and everyone was there except Omar. He finally showed up six minutes late.

"If I had known you were going to be late I'd have slept in longer," cracked Ember, getting a few laughs.

"Sorry. I'll do 25 after the meeting," he replied.

"It's obvious the Centaurs aren't going to heed our ultimatum to get out tomorrow so it is on. To accomplish our plan, we will do a hail Mary play. We will focus our attacks on the center pass and make them think that's where we're going to come in at. Once they're satisfied with that and we eliminate their eyes along the mountains, our actual main forces will go through the northern pass and kill every Centaur between there and Agrabah. An area that they haven't put much attention into. Once there we will meet up with the Equestria Marine corps and head south to Tafuji and cut them off. The southern ground force will consist of half of our army and Marines plus the Yak and Griffon armies. The other half will consist of ours plus Equestria's."

"Damn I almost feel sorry for the Centaurs. The Yaks will turn whoever our army doesn't get into roadkill," cracked Garble, getting a few giggles.

"Won't it be difficult getting the troops across the Dasht Desert?" Ember asked.

"We've taken this into account. It shouldn't be a problem," he replied. "Most importantly this plan requires we have total air superiority over the area so thay can't conduct recon on us." Needless to say that comment got a react ion from the crowd.

"Had a feeling all of you would respond to that one."

"What about their spy satellite?" another member of the Lancers asked.

"What spy satellite?" he replied with a wink and smile.

"Our country did something about it didn't they?" asked Indigo.

"Yep. Your little space birdie has already pecked it's eyes out."

"HA HA!" she replied.

"Can you make us one?" cracked Ember.

"Anyway for today's mission you will once again be bombing their troops and armor in the passes and near the foot of the mountains. Razgriz and Bengals: You will provide cover for the Lancers and handle any anti aircraft and other ground targets of opportunity. There will also be a squadron of our B- 52's and one of Equestria's with you along with an Equestria fighter squadron. Screamers: You will head to the northern pass with Wolfpack and the 88's. You will focus on bombing troops, 88's will handle anti aircraft, and Wolfpack will handle air threats. The train leaves in 90 minutes so get ready. And good luck."

Mountains east of Bonita
11:34 hours.

"Getting a faint radar spike," Ember announced.

"88's with ARMs take lead. It's time," Saki announced. And that portion of his group sped ahead.

"I'm sure they've already spotted us," Alvinar said.

"Oh well. I wasn't expecting a cake walk anyway," replied Sunset.

About ten minutes later they called in.

"Thor to flight lead: Radar and three SAMs taken out."

"Roger. Good job," replied Saki. Then AWACS came on.

"Sentinel One to all planes: 20 bandits 90 miles out on your twelve at angels six."

"Damn they're early," Ember said.

We're gonna' need some help," Redwing said.

"Flight lead to 88's: Redskies, Viper, Silversnake, join me to support Wolfpack. The rest of you go with the Screamers and Razgriz."

"Roger. Thanks for the help. Let's go!" replied Sunset. And they broke off and headed for the approaching planes.

"Gonna' do a long shot Blossom?" Sunset asked.

"Oh yeah," she replied.

"Count me in too," replied Redskies, who also had a Phoenix laden Tom.

"Nice of the Dragons to supply us with these. Otherwise we normally can't afford them," commented Helia.

"Tell me about it," replied Redskies. "I got a couple once, and I had to eat ramen for almost a month afterwards. And don't get me started on the fuel cost."

It didn't take long to get within range of them.

"Lock em' up and let em' rip," announced Sunset. The two of them locked up eight bandits and fired. Just after that Nightglider and Shadow fired four AMRAAMs, and Sunset two Adders. The bandits began to take evasive action, but it was impossible for them to tell who the missiles were heading for, and five of them fell victim to the Phoenixes, and three to the other missiles.

"Nice job. You've disorganized them. Now divide and conquer," announced Saki. The planes split into two groups and engaged the bandits.

"J-10's. Keep on your toes," announced Sunset.

Meanwhile the Screamers and 88's came across a troop and armor staging area, plus a column of supply trucks.

"Take out the ack ack 88's," Ember said to them. They rolled in and fired their last anti radiation missiles. Taking out four ZSU's and two Tunguskas. As they pulled up a couple of shoulder fired SAMs were fired at them.

"Flares!" yelled Thor. They kicked some out and banked, losing them.

"Let's get em' Screamers!" yelled Ember.And they dived on them. Half of them were carrying CBU-97 cluster bombs. They each dropped 6, which decimated the armor. The others were carrying the Mk. 20 cluster, which they used on the troops.

"Hell yeah that's how to do it!" yelled Screamer Three.

The 88's went after the supply trucks. Flying down the road and dropping some Mk. 82's then coming in from the side and strafing whatever trucks hadn't been hit.

"Rockin!' exclaimed one member of the 88's.

"Fox two!" announced Spot as he fired a Sidewinder at a J-10, bringing it down. The Centaur commander tried to get behind Fido as he chased one, but had to break off when Sunset got behind him. He braked and did a snap roll and got behind her along with another. Sunset responded by hitting the brakes and doing a lower split S to get away. At that moment saki fired a Sidewinder and took out the 2nd one.

"Not bad Blaze," he thought to himself.

Redwing shot one off Serana's tail just as Sentinel came on.

"All planes: 15 more bandits inbound from the southwest! Seven appear to be splitting off and heading for the Screamers."

"Blaze to Sentinel; us and some of the 88's are still tied up with these bandits," replied Sunset.

"Grimm to Sentinel: We've dropped most of our ordnance and will be ready for them," replied Ember. Without the additional weight of the bombs, the Screamer's Mudhens were fully capable of air to air combat.

Back at the main furball, Saki and Silversnake had downed two more. Alvinar came to the aid of Viper, who had one on his tail.

"Break now Viper!"

He banked sharply left, and Alvinar raked the J-10 with his cannon, sending it down.

"The others are here," announced Sunset. She fired a couple of Adders at them and brought both of them down, which also broke up their formation. She shot straight through the middle of them.

"MiG-35's everyone!" the yelled.

"Big deal," replied Silversnake as he took out another J-10. Redwing then trashed one of the MiG's before it could get a lock on Shadow.

Spot acted like he was having problems and lured in one of each bandit. The trap worked, and he hit the afterburners and pulled straight up, allowing Rover and Shadow to take the two of them out.

Meanwhile the Screamers had shot down three of the MiG's, and the Razgriz got two more. The last pair tried to run, but Ember fired off a couple of Sidewinders and another member of the 88's a couple of AMRAAMs. Both of them getting a kill.

"We got em'!" yelled the 88 pilot.

"Blaze do you need any more assistance?" Ember asked.

"Nope we're good," replied Sunset.

"Roger. Back to bombing everyone! You can join back up 88's." And they returned to drop the last of their bombs on the ground forces.

Sunset now had the commanders of both squadrons on her tail. Saki and Redskies dived in behind them to assist, but before they could do anything she rolled down into a dive, then rolled back up and hit the breaks, then rolled down again, getting behind both of them. They tried to split, but she locked her Archers on them quickly and fired, blowing them out of the sky.

"Amazing," Saki said to himself.

Rover nailed another J-10, at which point the rest tried to run. but they ran straight into the rest of the 88's, whom had snuck around to cut off any retreat. They got three of them while Saki and Shadow got the other two.

"Sentinel One to all planes: Scope is clear. Grimm is your group done bombing?"

"Affirmative we're winchester on air to ground," she replied.

"Very good. All planes return to base." And the squadrons formed up and headed home.

"I think it's safe to say that was a successful mission," Helia said.

"That goes without saying," replied Redskies.

"I can't wait to see how Garble did," cracked Ember.

Tantagel AFB
18:30 hours.

The squadrons assembled for the debriefing by Omar.

"Congratz pilots. All of you did some outstanding work today. The Centaurs are starting to take the bait, and we now have air superiority over the mountains, which means we can start sending troops to the northern pass." He then went over each squadron's kills.

"Lancers: you destroyed 35 pieces of armor, several hundred troops, plus shot down ten helicopters and four planes. Razgriz: You destroyed 12 SAM sites and AA, two radar sites, and shot down seven aircraft. Bengals: you shot down 14 aircraft."

Garble grumbled to himself a bit.

"Screamers: You destroyed 46 pieces of armor, eight AA, and who knows how many troops, plus two choppers and nine planes. Finally Wolfpack: You destroyed 18 aircraft."

A few pilots conversed, and Garble put his paw over his face and shook his head.

"Hey leave some for us!" cracked Zap.

"That means amongst Dragon, ally, and mercenary forces: the Centaurs lost 83 fixed and rotary wing aircraft today."

"Now that's gettin' it done!" exclaimed Wildfire amongst some cheering from the dragons.

"Congratulations to all of you, and we'll see you tomorrow." And the meeting broke.

Centaria palace
20:33 hours.

"So what's the damage?" Tirek asked his aid.

"Severe. As of right now we've lost 89 aircraft, and around the same amount in armor and AA, and several hundred troops. Plus we've lost air superiority over the mountains so we've had to pull back a bit."

"Dammit. Are we still reinforcing our lines?" Tirek asked.

"Yes. In fact we will be at full strength on the southern one soon," he replied.

"Good. Let's go ahead and try to take Gas Town."

The aid was a little shocked. "The Dragons have an airbase there and additional defenses were brought in."

"Nothing our guided missile cruisers can't handle. Go ahead and launch a two prong air attack on the base and level it."

"Roger. I'll pass down the order immediately," replied the aid.

Author's Note

Finally getting around to finishing this one. I'll be glad to get it out of the way. :pinkiesick:

Chapter 9: We Meet Again

Tantagel AFB
Dragon Kingdom
July 11 2024
07:00 hours.

Because of poor weather the past few days, most missions were scrubbed, giving the pilots a break. Unfortunately this also allowed the Centaurs to move in more troops. The skies were clear now, so it was time for the day's mission briefing with Omar.

Good morning pilots. Here's the rundown. Though the rain and clouds hampered air operations, it didn't slow down the ground forces, including the Centaurs, who took the opportunity to move in more troops. Including the Southern pass, which leads us to believe they are planning on taking Gas Town. Meanwhile our northern force has reached it's full strength, so we will begin our push towards Bonita and Agrabah today." There was a few cheers from the dragons in the room.

"So here's your assignments. Lancers, 88's: You will head north to soften up enemy positions and give our troops cover, with the Bengals providing air cover. Screamer, Razgriz, Wolfpack: You will head south to soften up the enemy there. If it's enemy, blow it up or shoot it down. That is all. Good luck." And the briefing broke.

"Now this is my type of mission," Shadow said as they headed out to the flight line.

"I'm honestly glad they put us with the Screamers again," commented Helia.

"I'm sure we'll get stuck with them at some point," replied Sunset.

Central Pass
West of San Sabas, Dragon Kingdom
10:25 hours.

The squadrons had reached the west end of the pass, and it was time to split up.

"OK Wolfpack keep us covered," Ember said. And her squadron and the Razgriz split off to go after their targets.

"Let's keep our eyes peeled pack," announced Sunset. And they began orbiting, waiting for a command to go in. It wasn't long before they picked up contacts.

"Sentinel One to Wolfpack: 15 bandits coming from the northwest. 70 miles at angels 15."

"Roger. Razgriz can you spare someone?" Blaze asked.

"Sure can. Redskies, Cypher, go join them," replied Zap.

"Roger we're on the way," replied Cypher. Soon the tom and eagle were with Wolfpack.

"Time for another longshot!" announced Helia. And her plus Blaze and the two Razgriz pilots locked up the bandits and fired a salvo of long range missiles. All but four hit their targets leaving just four planes in the Centaur squadron, but they kept coming. Then Sentinel came back on.

"Sentinel One to all planes 20 more bandits from the west! 45 miles at angels two."

Just then the four bandits from the first flight fired.

"Break!" yelled Sunset. The group split apart and dodged the missiles.

OK you three it's time for another long shot, The rest of you go after those four."

"Roger Blaze," replied Redskies. The four formed up again and fired another barrage of long range missiles, striking 11 more.

"They're probably yelling "hackers!" cracked Cypher.

"HA! Been there and done that on Ace Combat 12 online," replied Helia. "Let's regroup."

By the time they got back Sunset had already downed one, and the other three MiG-29's were being chased by Shadow, Alvinar, Fido, and Spot.

"Turn your attention to the others now," Blaze said to the rest, and they turned to engage the oncoming wave.

"Oh lovely. Super Fulcrums," Redwing announced. The seven of them split up.

At the same time Spot got his bandit with a Sidewinder, and broke off to join the others, who were slightly outnumbered.

"Check your six Blaze!" yelled Cypher. She pulled a cobra and got behind him. Before he could even react she got an Archer locked on and fired, taking him out.

Then Spot got a gun kill on another.

"We're even now. Press it home," announced Sunset.

Redskies took one out with a heat seeker, then narrowly avoided getting hit by one himself. Serana dived on that one and got a gun kill. Redwing got on the squadron leader's tail and stuck to him like glue, ending the centaur with a heat seeker.

"They're running!" yelled Nightglider.

"chase em' down. Thanks for the help Razgriz," Sunset said.

"No problem," replied Redskies. And they headed back to rejoin the others.

Just before Wolfpack got tone on the others, a voice burst over the radio.

"Sentinel One to all planes: Firebane air base at Gastown is under attack! Repeat Firebane is under attack! All available planes render assistance immediately!"

"SHIT! they are going after Gastown!" yelled Ember. "what is the attack in the form of Sentinel?"

"Cruise missiles and bombers!" he replied.

"Dammit. We're still tied up with our bombing and the Razgriz are dealing with some more bandits. Blaze are you..."

Sunset cut her off.

"Sentinel we are formed up and heading that way."

"Roger! Ember and Zap get your squadrons in there as soon as you can! We're trying to get an Equestria squadron in there also," he replied.

By now Wolfpack was already supersonic and heading that way.

"Why didn't they pick them up? In addition to other AWACS one of Equestria's battle groups is off that coast," Rover said.

"With so many mountain peaks it would be nearly impossible to track terrain following missiles, and their aircraft might have found a few canyons to fly through," replied Shadow.

The group could see the smoke rising from 30 miles away, and at the same time their radars picked up some contacts.

"Nine bogeys ahead at angels eleven," announced Helia.

"It's safe to say they're bandits," replied Spot.

"What's that one further in front of the others?" Serana wondered.

"It could be a Dragon being chased down. We've gotta' help them out. All we have is short range missiles now so close in and nail them," replied Sunset.

At 23 miles the bogeys noticed them and turned towards the group.

"Here they come," Alvinar said. Then something unexpected happened.

"Blaze my IFF is displaying a code for the bogeys," announced Rover. Everyone else's lit up too.

"We've got two codes. The loner is a Dragon, and the others... Mercenary?" Redwing said in a puzzled voice.

"Wasn't there a merc group at that base?" Nightglider asked.

"Yes, but they would be squaking a Dragon code, not mercenary," replied sunset.

"So is it that group that was there?" Serana asked.

"We're about to find out," replied Sunset.

As they got within visual range, they saw the front plane bank and drop flares.

"They fired on it!", yelled Spot.

Then they fired on them.

"BREAK!" yelled Sunset. The group dropped flares and chaff and split up. The lone plane dived under them.

"A magenta Kfir?" Alvinar said.

Then they saw the others. Eight black SU-35's with colored wing tips, and a solid black Typhoon.

"Son of a bitch," cursed Sunset.

"Well well well. Look who it is," a familiar voice said over the radio.

"You're on the Centaur's side aren't you?" Redwing asked.

"Oooh you figured it out? Was it because we shot at you, or because we just helped wipe out that airbase?" she said sarcastically. "And now we have some more to deal with."

"Then bring it bitch," replied Blaze.

"Black Knight to squadron: You know what to do."

And once again the Knights and Wolfpack faced off.

"Dragon mercenaries, this is the magenta Kfir. Callsign 'Archer'. I'll help you out," announced a mare over the radio.

"Oh OK, thanks," replied a surprised Sunset.

For the next 21 minutes both squadrons engaged each other, but neither could get the upper hand. The Knights new super Flankers were giving them a slight edge. Starlight and Sunset were going one on one, but were simply trading positions as both knew each other's moves.

"So why did you join the Centaurs instead of the Dragons like all of the other mercenaries?" Sunset asked as she tried to get tone.

"We can't all be angels," replied Starlight as she pulled a cobra and got behind Blaze. "And I figured I might get the chance to pay you back."

"Well you're violating the rules of engagement by squaking your merc IFF code instead of a Centaur one. And I have a friend who held a grudge that long, and it almost killed her until she let it go," Sunset said as she rolled down and hit the brakes.

"And that's what will happen to you if you continue."

"Oh spare me the sob stories," replied Starlight, as she got behind Blaze again. "You're with the Dragons, we're with the Centaurs, so we're enemies." She fired her cannon, striking Sunset's left engine.

"Dammit," she cursed as she shut it down. She was now at a significant disadvantage.

"Mess with the best, die like the rest," Archer said as she swung behind Glimmer to cover Sunset.

Then there was a radio call.

"Screamers to Wolfpack: us and the Razgriz are heading for you now," announced Ember.

"Grrrr. Black Knight to squadron: break off and let's get out of here."

Just after Starlight announced that, Red Knight found himself being chased by Shadow, and found himself on a collision course with Helia and Green Knight. He hit the brakes hard and turned right, which made him briefly lose control, and Fido was in the right spot at the right time.

"Fox two!" he yelled as he fired an Archer, striking Red Knight and sending him down.

"Red's down!" exclaimed Gold Knight.

"Dammit I said retreat!" snapped Starlight. And they hit the afterburners and headed back to Centaur controlled airspace.

"Blaze to Sentinel One: Bandits are retreating, one down."

Roger. You did what you could," he replied. The Screamers and Razgriz joined up with them.

"Blaze you've been hit!" yelled Zap.

"I know. Looks like I'll need to get a new engine," she replied.

"Sentinel One to all planes: Can someone check on the air base?"

"This is Cobra I'll do some low and slow looking," replied Alvinar. The three squadrons joined up and headed towards it. There was tons of smoke billowing from it, and smaller columns of smoke scattered around, which indicated where planes had been shot down. They finally flew over the base.

"Damn," Redwing said.

"My squadron mates!" yelled Archer.

All of the base buildings were destroyed and/or burning. Dozens of aircraft including the mercenary squadron Archer was with had been bombed on the ground. The runway was cratered beyond use.

"I'm heading down," announced Alvinar. He flew down to just a couple hundred feet above the ground and went into a hover. What he saw as he passed over mortified him.

"I see no survivors. Looks like they strafed everyone who were caught in the open," he announced. Sunset and Ember flew over.

"Cobra check over by the main building," Sunset said.

He jinked over to it, and saw more bodies. Then he noticed something about them.

"Shit shit shit SHIT!" he yelled as he hit the throttle, lifted up, and got out of there.

"What's going on?" Serana asked.

"Those bodies had no wounds on them nor were there any signs of strafing. There might have been chemical weapons involved."

The radio erupted with gasps and yelling.

"Sentinel One to Cobra say again!"

"There may have been chemical weapons used in the attack. There's bodies with no wounds," he replied. The radio was silent until Ember came on.

"So help me if they did, I will personally BLOW THE CENTAUR CAPITOL OFF THE FUCKING MAP!" she screamed.

"I know the Cents didn't sign the no chem weapons treaty, but the Gryphus convention still applies so they just fucked themselves royally," commented Redwing.

"I can't see Tirek being that stupid. It might have been a rouge general," replied Sunset.

"Well they better hope that was the case," snarled Ember.

"Sentinel One to all planes: Return to base. Equestria already has an NBC response team on the way there so we'll find out the verdict before long."

As they grouped up to return home, Ember noticed the new plane in Wolfpack's formation.

"Who's that with you Blaze?" she asked.

"Oh yeah I forgot. Archer what's your story and what happened?" Sunset asked.

"My name is Kitori Palvanaff, and I was a member of the Stingers," she replied.

"What happened? Why wasn't there radar warnings of the attacks?" Zap asked.

"I don't know. We didn't know about it until the cruise missiles started hitting. They must have taken out the radars without anyone knowing," she replied.

"What about the AWACS?" Helia asked.

"I just did some checking. The attack took place in between flights, and it looks like they did some terrain hugging," replied Sentinel One.

"They planned this to a T'," commented Redwing. "Then what?"

"Many of the Dragon planes and four of ours were wiped out in the first wave. The second wave was 20 Frogfoots. The rest of my group and the remaining Dragons managed to get airborne and managed to shoot down a couple, but then the Knights jumped us. By the time it was over I was the last one standing so I ran for it. And you know the rest," she replied.

"A total Blitzkrieg. Typical strategy of the Centaurs," commented Zap.

"I'm pegging five to one odds the Frogfoots are where the chemical weapons came from. It'd be pretty easy to slip one or two in with the regular bombs," replied Nightglider.

"We'll find out soon," replied Sunset.

"Where are we heading to?" Kitori asked.

"Tantagel Air Force Base. There should be room for you," replied Sunset.

Author's Note

I've finished the fanfic. Just need to get the chapters typed up on the computer and get them posted.

Kitori: http://lonewolf3878.deviantart.com/art/Kitori-Palvanaff-Pony-584492223

Chapter 10: Rescue

Tantagel AFB
Dragon Kingdom
July 9 2024
17:00 hours.

The squadrons had returned around 16:00, but the debriefing had been put on hold, except for Alvinar and Kitori whom had been requested by Omar for a rundown on what they saw with members of the Dragon Kingdom and Equestria intelligence agencies. They met back up with the others about 30 minutes later in the lounge.

"So they wanted to know what you two saw?" Sunset asked.

"Yeah. That was pretty much it," replied Alvinar.

"So what's your plans Kitori?" she asked.

"Well the group I was with is gone, so I guess I'll find another so I can take my revenge on the Knights," she replied. Sunset's response was predictable.

"If you want to hang with us, we're public enemy number one to them."

"Thank you. I'm at number 22 on the top mercenary pilot list so I'm no noob," she replied.

"I thought I heard that name."

Everyone turned to look, and Kitori's eyes got big.

"SAKI!" She ran over and hugged him.

"It's been a long time. I'm glad you survived that demonic attack," he said to her.

"I've got them to thank for that," she replied, motioning back to Wolfpack. Saki smiled. "I should have known."

"Guess you two know each other," commented Serana.

"Yes. She's my uncle's daughter," he replied. "Well it looks like you've already found a new group."

"At least long enough to get revenge," she replied.

"Remember Kit, don't let revenge be your only goal." Saki then went over to Fido. "Anyway I also have some business with you."

"M-Me?" the dog replied.

"Yes. You shot down the Red Knight from Glimmer's group right?"

"Yes I did."

"Well Equestria found his body while out investigating the base bombing. He wasn't whom he seemed."

"How?" Redwing asked.

"His current name was Ghost Cloud, but his real name was Black Diamond. One of the two deserters of my group that we have been pursuing all these years." The group was shocked.

"I remember that incident," commented Kitori.

"So what does it mean for me?" Fido asked.

"There was a bounty on his head so on behalf of the Saddle Arabia government.." Saki shook his paw "...and the 88's I want to congratulate you on killing him for us, and getting the bounty of 250 thousand bits."

"250 GRAND!?" him and a few other members of the group yelled. Fido's tail was close to breaking the sound barrier from wagging so fast.

"Damn you're rich now!" exclaimed Spot.

"How do I get it?" Fido asked.

"We'll direct deposit it in your bank account. We just need your account number," Saki replied, and the two went off to discuss it. The group then turned their attention back towards Sunset.

"So what's the status of your plane?" Serana asked.

"Like I figured the left engine is trashed. Got some holes to repair also," she replied.

"How long before it's fixed?" asked Nightglider.

"The replacements are on the way. Should be here tomorrow and installed the next day," she replied.

"So your out of commission until then?" a surprised Fido asked.

"I guess so. You'll do alright without me.

"That's a negative," replied Alvinar. "We all go as one. If you're grounded, we're grounded."

"You can be me or Rover's RIO and call the shots from there," replied Helia.

"I've got a better idea."

They turned and saw Ember and Omar standing there.

"We've got a couple of spare Falcons. I don't think anyone will mind you using one," Omar said.

"Except maybe Garble," cracked Ember.

"Oh OK. Thanks!" replied Sunset.

"We'll get one prepped and ready. Oh and the briefing will be at 18:00," he replied before leaving. Shortly afterwards Fido came back.

"All set?" Shadow asked.

"Yep. It'll be in my account tomorrow," he replied.

"So what's your plans for it?" asked Sunset.

"Well I'm going to get my plane and rover's to match Spot's, and then I'm going to get a second one."

"A merc with two planes? You don't see that often," commented Kitori.

"What do you have in mind?" Ember asked.

"The one I've always wanted. I do like air to ground combat a little more than dogfighting," he replied.

"Well it's almost briefing time so we better go," Redwing said. And they headed for the situation room.

Situation room
Tantagel AFB
18:00 hours.

Omar began the combination debriefing and briefing before a very agitated crowd of pilots. Especially the dragons.

"Well let's get the elephant in the room out of the way first. As you know the airbase at Gas Town has been completely destroyed, and so far the only survivor is the mercenary right there," pointing to Kitori. NBC specialists from Equestria have confirmed the use of a chemical weapon in this attack. Unfortunately the chemical didn't stay at the base. We have received reports of several deaths and numerous sick in Gas Town itself. Because of this the city has been evacuated."

"THOSE RAT BASTARDS!" screamed Garble, and the dragons began raging about it.

"Well that's it. Chemical weapons use on civilians means the Centaur capitol is going to become a smoldering crater," Zap said, getting some approval from the dragons.

"OK everyone settle down," Omar said. It took a minute for everyone to calm down. He then continued.

"After this became known to us and the public Centaur activity has slowed way down, and there are no longer forces heading for Gas Town. We have reason to believe they may have in fact dun' goofed and had a chemical bomb mixed in with regular ones, or a rouge commander snuck it in."

"So it was air dropped?" Ember asked.

"Yes. The bomb fragments have been found. Two squadrons took part in the raid. A squadron of Centaur Frogfoots, and the mercenary group The Knights."

Needless to say that was the wrong thing to have said in front of Garble and his group.

"Are you shitting me!? All of you sacks of shit GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE!" he screamed at the mercenaries.

"Oh so the actions of one group mean we're all accountable for it? Fuck off shit for brains!" snapped Wildfire. Soon both sides were standing up and ready to fight.

"ALL OF YOU SHUT UP!" screamed Ember, which silenced the dragons.

"Damn she's got a set of pipes for being that small," Shadow said to Nightglider quietly.

"We don't even know who dropped them so don't jump to conclusions," she said.

"Thank you Ember," Omar said. "Garble one more outburst like that from you and you're going to the brig. Understood?"

"Yes sir," he replied weakly.

"I'll add The Knights didn't do much in the way of bombing. They were mostly loaded for air to air," Kitori said. Omar then got the briefing back on track.

"Formal inquiries have been sent to the centaurs by us and every other country involved in this war, so we will wait and see what Tirek has to say. If he doesn't respond, then an appropriate response strike will be conducted. Even if he does respond there will be repercussions for them. Whatever the case this incident has damaged their cause greatly."

"So what's the current plan?" Ember asked.

"We will continue our normal missions. If the Centaurs ask for a cease fire, the Dragonlord said he won't accept it, but would use it to advance our troops further, and launch a huge offensive," he replied.

"Backstabbing. I like it," commented Shadow.

"That's it for now. We'll let you know what their response was and any missions for tomorrow." And the meeting broke.

Bruma AFB
Centaria
19:09 hours.

The Knights were watching coverage of the base bombing on TV in the pilot's lounge along with some Centaur pilots.

"Shit I hope it wasn't one of us who were carrying the bomb," Blue Knight said.

"I know. I may be ruthless, especially with revenge, but that is the last thing I want hanging over our heads," replied Starlight. "Did they find Ghost?"

"Yep. Dead," replied gold Knight. "And apparently the Dragons took the body on behalf of Saddle Arabia because they found out who he really was."

"Well it was his fault for making that stupid move. I guess we have an opening now," replied Glimmer.

The Centaur base commander came in.

"Well all of you are off the hook. It was in fact a rouge commander that loaded the chemical weapons on one of you. And it wasn't you Knights," he said.

"Well that's good to hear," the pink unicorn replied.

"So what's going to happen to him?" a Centaur pilot asked.

"Tirek requested to see him personally, soooo it's safe to say it won't be pretty," he replied.

Tantagel AFB
July 10 2024
08:00 hours.

Everyone had already been up for two hours, and there was still no word on when the day's briefing would be, so Wolfpack was chilling in the lounge with the Razgriz while waiting.

"So have your new engines arrived yet?" Zap asked Blaze.

"Yep. They're on the way. I even got a trade in for the remaining good engine," she replied.

"So why two?" Serana asked.

"Just one of these wouldn't work with the other." This got everyone curious.

"Why?" asked Spot. Sunset smiled.

"You can't have one regular and one thrust vectoring after all," she replied. That got some oohs from the groups.

"AL-37FU's? Damn you're pretty much going to have a carrier ready Terminator!" commented Kitori.

"As far as I know there's maybe a half dozen merc's with thrust vectoring equipped planes, including the Great One," commented Redskies.

"Who's the Great One?" Spot asked. And everyone looked at him.

"What? I'm serious."

"The Great One. AKA the solo merc with the only Raptor in mercenary hooves," replied Sunset.

"Ooooh the Ribbon one. Now I feel stupid," replied Spot, which got a few laughs.

"I heard he's working for the Dragons," added Redwing.

"I heard that too. You'd never know though. He puts that stealth to good use. You don't know he's there until you get a lock warning," Shadow said.

"So what about your new plane Fido? Sunset asked.

"I called McCoy an hour ago. It'll be here tomorrow all painted up," he replied.

"I'll get mine repainted as soon as I get a chance," added Rover.

Finally an announcement came over the speakers.

"All pilots: Assemble in the situation room by 09:00 for the briefing."

"It's almost that time so let's go," Helia said. And the two groups got up and headed for it.

Situation room
Tantagel AFB
09:00 hours.

Omar walked up to the podium and began the briefing.

"First off the new developments in the chemical attack. The Centaurs sent us and our allies this video early this morning. If you have weak stomachs look away right now." And he started it. The video started with Tirek himself talking about the attack, and how it had in fact been a rouge commander. After he finished they watched him behead the commander with a huge axe, leaving some mouths open in the crowd. He then talked about the cease fire deal, which involved withdrawing all troops provided the disputed area was turned over to them, which needless to say nobody in the room accepted.

"So there's the standings on that subject." Omar said. "The EIA has confirmed it was legitimate, which has somewhat satisfied all of the parties, except us. Our allies don't like the deal either so there's little chance of it happening. The Dragonlord is waiting for the formal papers to arrive from Centaria, which he will promptly send back." Omar then went into the day's mission.

"Now for the day's mission. Our troops have reached Agrahbar and are ready to head south. Not a single Centaur was left alive so we're sure our cover hasn't been blown yet. We will continue to support those troops while bombing theirs. Screamers, Wolfpack: head over to Agrabah and provide close air support and air defense. The rest of you will head south and continue to decimate their forces."

Omar shut off the projector.

"That is all. Good luck pilots, and try to bring our Falcon back in one piece Blaze," he cracked, making her blush a bit and getting a few giggles out of the others.

20 minutes later they went out to the flight line. Instead of her Flanker, a block 60 F-16 in a two tone dark grayish blue camo sat in Sunset's spot. It had markings for the Screamers.

"One of us! One of us!" cracked Ember as her squadron headed to their planes. Sunset laughed.

"I guess so," she replied.

"I wanted to keep my Falcon in their camo when I got it, but figured I'd better change it up a bit," Shadow said.

Just south of Agrabah
13:52 hours.

The squadrons had reached the city, and were orbiting around it awaiting an order. There was less of a Centaur presence than expected, so the ground troops were already heading for Zarah and ultimately Tafuji for the cutoff.

"How's the Falcon handling?" Redwing asked Sunset.

"It's pretty good. I just have to remember I can't pull some of the same moves I can in my Flanker," she replied. "And of course if this engine quits I'm dead," she cracked.

"What's your history with single engine planes?" Kitori asked.

"Not much. Just the Fishbed for a brief time in the LoD. Otherwise it's just been the Flanker and the Fulcrum," she replied.

"I don't think there's a single mercenary that hasn't flown the 21 at some point," added Rover.

"Sentinel One to all planes: 15 bandits coming from the west. 71 miles at angels 12. Keep them from spotting the ground troops."

"Roger we're gone," replied Ember.

"On the way," replied Sunset.

The group got within firing range about 20 miles from the LoD border.

"Light em' up!" announced Ember, and her squadron fired some AMRAAMs, sending them scrambling to throw them off. Five failed though and went down. Then Wolfpack fired some medium range missiles from another direction, taking out four more, and the Centaurs found themselves surrounded.

"Floggers. Big deal," Alvinar said.

"Hey now," replied Fido.

The remaining MiG's stood little chance, and were quickly brought down by Sunset, Spot, Redwing, Kitori, Ember, and Screamer Four.

"Piece of cake," Kitori said.

"I think they're starting to scrape the bottom of the barrel with their planes," commented Nightglider.

"Well they've lost what, 400 planes so far?" Shadow asked.

"Yep. 407 is the number I heard," replied Ember.

"Sentinel One to all planes: Scope is clear for now. Continue patrolling."

The two squadrons continued to do this for about 40 minutes, then Sentinel came back on.

"Sentinel One to all planes: Switch to secure."

Everyone switched to the highly encrypted radio frequency used for important messages.

"What is it Sentinel?" Ember asked.

"Wolfpack: We need you to head to a spot north of Zarah for an escort mission."

"What type of escort?" Sunset asked.

"This came from the EIA. They didn't say but I'm sure they'll contact you when you get there," he replied.

"Roger we're on the way," she replied. "Hold the fort down for us Screamers."

"Not a problem," replied Ember. And Wolfpack turned South at full afterburner. It didn't take long and soon they had a contact.

"Bogey on radar 34 miles to the east," Sunset announced. It quickly turned blue.

"IFF indicates it's a Equestria Navy chopper," Helia said.

Then an unexpected voice came over the radio.

"Blaze this is Harpy do you copy?" Everyone was surprised.

"Yes. What's going on?" replied Sunset.

"That chopper is going to an abandoned airstrip about ten miles inside Centaria to pick up one of our agents. We are certain the enemy has gotten a whiff of them so they need some cover. If needed feel free to enter Centaria airspace as all radars are down in that area," Harpy said.

"Roger, we're almost there," she replied.

They didn't get a chance though.

"Black Box this is Dragonfly we've encountered an enemy patrol and.... SHOULDER FIRED SHOULDER FIRED LOOK OUT!"

The radio went dead and they could see an explosion in the distance.

"Harpy! Did you..."

"Yes get to them!" The group flew towards the patrol and the burning helicopter.

"Waste them!" yelled Sunset. Alvinar and Rover rolled in on them and dropped their Mk. 82's, destroying the patrol.

"Alvinar can you check on the chopper?" Sunset asked.

"Yes let me turn around," he replied. He made a 180 and did a slow pass by the burning wreckage.

"No survivors. It's wasted."

"Now what Harpy?" Sunset asked.

"I don't know. Stand by."

"Harpy how big is that airstrip?" Helia asked.

It's an abandoned airbase. Why?"

"Cover me I'm going in," replied Helia.

"you're gonna' land and pick them up? What if the runway isn't safe?" Serana asked.

"I'll risk it. Give them the heads up Harpy," she replied.

"Roger I'll tell him."

"Stay low just in case there's radar," Sunset announced. And they turned west into the Centaur airspace. It only took a few minutes to reach it.

"There it is. The runway looks good, but now we're going to have to unmask," Blaze said. And everyone but Alvinar and Helia pulled up to to start circling the base.

As they passed over the airbase Alvinar slowed into a hover and looked around. He saw a lone Centaur standing at the end of the runway.

"Cobra to Harpy there's a single centaur down there, is that him?"

"Yes that's him," she replied.

"Roger. Get down there Blossom. I'll keep watch," he said.

"OK here I go," replied Helia.

"Shit here comes some bandits! Eight of them 45 miles out at angels four," exclaimed Nightglider.

"Roger, let's get em'," replied Sunset, and they headed for the intercept.

"Time to become a SAM site again," Alvinar said as he jinked behind a hangar.

At the same time Helia was on her final approach. The runway was rough, but she made it and quickly taxied to the other end, then stopped and opened her canopy.

"Are you going to be able to fit in here?" she asked the agent.

"Oh I might not. Hold on, he said." Helia was shocked to see the agent turn into a Changeling.

"Oh. Yeah that's better. Get in!" she said. And the Changeling flew up and sat in the RIO seat.

"Who want's the first kiss of death?" Kitori said as she fired a sidewinder, striking one of the bandits. And the fight was on.

"SU-35's. Damn," announced Sunset as she got behind one for a gun kill. The super Flankers were proving to be a match for the dog's three planes. The others guarded their tails as they tried to get a lock. Finally they each got one, though Fido almost got shot down in the process by one. Sunset got him with a sidewinder. The last two tried to run, but they made the mistake of flying over the airbase, and Alvinar got both with sidewinders.

"I'm up," Helia announced.

"OK let's get out of here," replied Sunset. And the pack formed up and headed back into the Dragon Kingdom.

"Harpy to Blossom do you have him?"

"Yep he's right here," she replied.

"Excellent! We'll meet you at Tantagel. Harpy out."

"Thanks for saving me. Sad to hear the chopper crew didn't make it," the changeling said.

"No problem uh.... what's your name?" Helia said.

"I can't say, but you can call me ' T '," he replied.

"After the Changeling war I'm surprised there's any of you left in the Equestria government," Sunset said.

"Well I was a spy for them, but I was the first to get caught. I was facing moon banishment, so I defected and became a double agent, exposing all of the other spies that were in both the Equestria and Griffon governments. Now me and one other work for the EIA."

"Bet Chrissy loves you now," cracked Sunset.

"Yeah. They have a kill order out for me," he replied.

"Welcome to the club," Sunset said.

"I know. Oh and the spy that ratted out your operation during the Changeling war was one of the ten in Equestria that got sent to either Tartarus or the moon," he replied.

"Twelve spies? Talk about an infestation. No offense," Helia said.

"None taken," replied T. And they continued on to Tantagel.

Centaria palace
17:45 hours.

Tirek's aid gave him the usual update on the war.

"How's it looking?" he asked.

"Their attacks have slowed, but it appears all this time they've had forces advancing across the northern part, and have retaken Agrabah," he replied.

"What was the thing that happened west of Zarah?"

"We're not sure, but we did lose a squadron there to a mercenary group, and they were inside our country at the old Chorrol air base. We found the wreckage of the chopper the patrol shot down before they were destroyed. It was an Equestrian Navy chopper, and there were three bodies.Plus it appears one of those mercenary planes landed, then took off at the base, so they may have been picking up a spy or something."

"Hmmmmm. That is interesting," Tirek said as he scratched his chin. "If you find out anything else let me know. Oh and have we heard from the Dragonlod yet on our peace deal?"

"Not yet. We're expecting it tomorrow."

"Very well, you're dismissed." And his aid left.

Tantagel AFB
18:30 hours.

Shortly after they got back, Harpy and Candymare met up with the group and the changeling.

"Here's your spy," Sunset said to them.

"Awesome job you guys. The intel he gathered is going to make a significant impact on this war," Harpy replied.

"And I guess it's top secret?" cracked Redwing.

"Not for long. In fact you'll find out tomorrow," replied Candymare.

"Sounds good. Glad we were able to help you out again," Sunset said.

"Catch you later!," replied Harpy.

Chapter 11: Final Encounter

Tantagel AFB
July 11 2024
06:00 hours.

The group woke up at the usual time and went through the daily ritual of eating breakfast and getting ready for the day's mission briefing, which had been bumped up to 9AM. They took the extra time to relax a bit.

At just before 9 they headed to the situation room. Omar showed up and got the briefing underway.

"Mornin' pilots. Well here's today's agenda. First off...." he held back a giggle. "We received the peace papers from the Centaurs..." he held back another laugh, which had everyone wondering what was going on.

"...and the Dragonlord has already... signed off on them." It was getting harder for him to hold back on the laughing.

"What do you mean signed off on it?" asked Garble.

"He signed off on it by... LITERALLY WIPING HIS ASS WITH IT!" Omar doubled over from laughing, and the entire room erupted with it.

"That's my father!" cracked Ember.

"And that's why we love him!" replied Garble.

Everyone finally calmed down enough to continue.

"So yeah no peace deal with them. We continue to bomb until they are all dead, and that's where today's mission comes in. Tirek will get the peace papers back around 16:00. At that time we will launch the biggest air and ground strike so far. Our southern ground forces are through the southern pass, and the northern forces are ready for the cutoff. Before they go in, around 700 aircraft from our air force, Equestria, and the Crystal Empire,and of course all mercenaries will strike their main forces at Aisan and between Owari and Tafuji. Equestria and the Crystal Empire's main force will be nearly all of their long range bombers, dropping iron and GPS bombs, and launching cruise missiles. The rest will mostly be small fighters, bombers and attackers including Equestria's two Nosferatu squadrons, which will fly in ahead of the main force and take out any air targets, then patrol the border with Centaria and waste any planes that try to come in."

"Sounds like we'll have it pretty easy," commented Garble.

"Don't let your guard down though," replied Omar. "And in addition to that, the Equestrian navy will launch a cruise missile attack on the Centaur's battle group that was responsible for the missile attack on Firebane. Some of Equestria's bombers will attack the airbase the strike came from, and all of their chemical weapons stockpiles and manufacturing plants. They found the locations of them thanks to that spy you saved yesterday Wolfpack."

That comment caused some stirring amongst the dragons.

"Right on guys!" yelled Indigo. Omar then gave the assignments to all of the squadrons.

"Wolfpack: You will head to Owari air force base and bomb it and the surrounding area to eliminate the Centaurs there. Fido: We've seen your new plane and will load you out with mavericks and clusters, and a couple of sidewinders. The train leaves at 16:00. Let's deal the Cents a blow they will never recover from!" And some cheers erupted.

After the meeting the gang went out to the flight line to see Fido's new plane. First they stopped at Sunset's to see it's new engines.

"Watch how you move the stick. That thrust vectoring will amplify whatever movements you're used to making in it," Redwing said to Blaze.

"I know. I'll take it up to get used to it before the mission," she replied.

They then went to the end of the flight line to Fido's new plane, which left them stunned.

"No way," Shadow said.

"How?" asked Alvinar.

Fido's new plane was an A-10 decked out in the same camouflage and insignia as Spot's.

"How did you get that?" Sunset asked.

"McCoy has had it for awhile, but no merc has ever wanted it. As for how he got it i don't know," replied Fido.

"That's because pretty much all merc's want a multirole fighter so they can handle any situation," Kitori said.

"If you want a plane that can rain hell on the enemy and get you back safe, the hog is the way to go," commented Helia.

"You have sidewinder rails so you have a bit of air to air capability. I heard about hogs shooting down other planes in the last two wars," added Nightglider.

"Does it have a radar?" Redwing asked.

"Yeah. McCoy found one, plus it can drop laser guides," replied Fido.

"Then you're set. You pretty much have an A-10C,"replied Alvinar.

"Well let's give them a shake down run before the mission," announced sunset. And they got into their planes and headed up to try them out.

Fido took off first, then Sunset. When she rotated she went almost vertical and had to nose over a bit.

"Damn. This is going to take some getting used to," she thought to herself. She tried some more basic maneuvers, learning how much less she had to move the stick to turn the aircraft.

After about 30 minutes of that she tried dogfighting moves like the cobra and split S, and found she could do them better than before. Finally she tried a backflip, which went perfectly.

Meanwhile Fido was getting used to the controls of his, and once he had the hang of it he headed over to the Dragon's gunnery range to try out the avenger. After a little over an hour they returned to the base.

"I thought you were a pilot not an astronaut?" cracked Serana as Sunset got down from her plane, in reference to her vertical takeoff.

"It felt like it," she replied. "So how was yours Fido?"

"Awesome. Just awesome. I'm ready to shred some armor," he replied.

"Well let's relax some more while they fuel and arm them again," Sunset said. And they headed back inside.

Dragon Kingdom
14:00 hours.

The airbases around the kingdom erupted with the sound of jet engines spooling up. Soon aircraft began streaming from the runways and forming up into groups. As they got to the mountain range they refueled and went into racetrack patterns to await the signal to go in. At the same time the southern ground force began streaming out of the pass and onto the flatlands, and the northern force came down and stopped a few miles north of Tafuji, encountering a bit of resistance that was quickly destroyed.

The trap was set.

LRS Sea Demon
SE of Tafuji
15:27 hours.

The Sea Demon and two other subs from the former NLR Navy were preparing to launch a massive 3 prong anti ship missile attack on the Centaur's guided missile cruiser battle group that took part in the Firebane air base attack.

"Con radio: We've received word from the Swordfish and Dorado that they are ready to launch."

"Very well. Tell them to open their outer doors and fire at 17:30," replied the Sea Demon's captain.

"aye aye sir."

"Weapons con: open outer doors on anti ship missile tubes one thru twenty and prepare to fire."

The missile tube doors opened on the massive carrier sub almost at the same time the tube doors opened on the Seawolf and Oscar class subs also, and the TASMs were ready to launch. The Swordfish was 30 miles south of the battle group in international waters, while the Dorado was 30 miles west of it just inside Centaria territorial waters. The goal being to overwhelm the battle group's defenses, which was sitting just off the Centaria coast south of Bruma.

At 17:30 the missiles began flying. The Harpoons, Tomahawks, and Shipwrecks shot out of the water and headed for the battle group, which quickly picked them up on radar. Launching them so close gave them little time to prepare.

"Captain! Multiple vampires inbound from the east!" Yelled the radar operator on one of the Kirov class cruisers.

"Activate defenses!" he replied.

"Captain more from the south! And from the west! over 30 inbound!"

"BATTLE STATIONS!"

The defenses of the two Kirov class cruisers and their eight escorts opened up, but as planned they couldn't handle a three prong attack, and 30 minutes later all of the ships were burning and sinking.

"We got all of em'!" Yelled the sonar operator of the Sea Demon.

"Excellent. Secure the missile tubes and let's get out of here," replied the captain.

South of Seaside, Centaria
15:30 hours.

At the same time Equestria's squadron of B-2's were preparing their missile strikes on the chemical weapons sites.

"Coordinates locked in, we're ready to fire."

"Roger. Begin launch."

The bomb bay doors opened, and the huge supernova stealth cruise missiles dropped out and sped off to their targets. None of them were detected until the sites started exploding. Their thermobaric warheads obliterating them and burning up any chemicals released.

Not far away Equestria's other bombers plus those of the Crystal Empire launched their cruise missiles against radars and airbases, including the one the Knights were stationed at.

Back at the groups, Sentinel One finally gave the word.

"All planes drive drive!"

"Let's do it pack!" announced Sunset. And them and the other squadrons headed in. The nosferatu squadrons led the way, dealing with any air threats. They then headed to the border with Centaria and started patrolling. Any more Centaur aircraft trying to head in would get swatted before they reached the border.

Then the bombs and air to ground missiles began flying. Centaria ground forces found themselves under heavy bombardment from the air. At the same time artillery from the southern ground force began opening up on them, and in short order the Centaur's first defensive line was destroyed.

Centaria Palace
16:26 hours.

"Lord Tirek. We have received the peace accord from the Dragons," his aid announced.

"Well I'll be. They actually agreed to our terms," he replied as his aid handed the envelope to him.

"What's that smell?" another member of his cabinet asked. The answer came when Tirek opened the envelope and pulled the papers out.

"IS THIS SUPPOSED TO BE HUMOROUS!?" he roared.

"I take it they don't want peace then?" his aid sheepishly asked.

"FINE." he said, throwing the papers down.

"If that's how they want it, launch another cruise missile strike. On their capitol."

Then one of his generals burst into the room.

"Your highness! we're under massive attack!" he yelled, merging some of his words together.

"Calm down.How are we under massive attack?" Tirek asked.

"The Dragons are launching a huge air and ground offensive on our lines from two sides. We're close to losing our first defensive line," he replied.

"What? Get air support in there!"

"We can't. Equestria already has the border locked down. Our planes can't get withing 20 miles of it without getting shot down. And that's not it."

Tirek was starting to look worried.

"What else?"

The cruise missile battle group was attacked from three sides by what we are sure were sub launched anti ship missiles. We've lost the whole group."

"WHAT!?" yelled other members of the cabinet that had showed up.

"That damn Equestria!" snapped Tirek.

"And to finish it: All of our chemical weapons stockpiles and manufacturing plants were destroyed by thermobaric weapons."

Tirek was ready to explode.

"HOW? How did they find where they were, and what did they use?"

"We're sure they were Equestria's stealth cruise missiles launched by stealth bombers, as nothing was picked up on radar," the general replied.

"Damn those ponies!" exclaimed Tirek.

"what are your orders Lord?"

Tirek sighed. "Pull back across the river and regroup near Tafuji," he said.

"Yes your highness."

Near Owari, Dragon Kingdom
18:28 hours.

Back at the battle, Wolfpack finally got called to a target.

"Sentinel Two to Wolfpack: Proceed to 34 miles southeast of Owari. It appears some troops are retreating to their 2nd defensive line at the river east of Tafuji. Make sure they don't reach it."

"Roger, we're on it," replied Sunset. And the group sped off towards them. It didn't take long to find them.

"There they are. Looks like mostly armor and a few trucks," announced Redwing.

"Want the honor Cruncher?" Sunset asked.

"With open arms," he replied. He dived on the convoy and dropped his cluster bombs, decimating the armor and planting mines that stopped their advancement.

"Nice opener Cruncher!" Nightglider said. He then turned around and started firing his mavericks. The others quickly joined in, and the convoy was destroyed.

"Blaze to Sentinel Two: The targets have been completely destroyed."

"Nice job. If you have anything left, head to northeast of Owari and assist the Lancers and Screamers," he replied. And they turned around and headed for them.

But not for long.

"Hold on a second. Sentinel Two to Wolfpack: nine bogeys from the west. 52 miles at angels one."

"I thought Equestria was keeping them bottled up?" Alvinar said.

"They are. Guess a few were hanging around somewhere," replied Sentinel Two.

"Roger. We're turnin' and burnin'" she replied.

"I better head low," Fido said. And he headed down to as close as the ground as possible. As they got within range, their IFF's went off.

"Showing as mercenaries," announced Helia.

"That explains why Equestria didn't shoot at them..." Redwing was cut off by Sunset firing two Adders at the bogeys.

"Blaze. Shooting without proper ID?" Kitori asked.

"I know who they are," replied Sunset. And suddenly everyone else realized who it was.

"Shooting at neutral mercenary targets? That's not very nice," a voice said over the radio.

"And squawking a neutral IFF code while working for someone is a violation of the rules of engagement Starlight," replied Sunset.

"No it's being smart," she replied as her group fired missiles. "One thing's for sure: This WILL be our final encounter."

"You've got that right," replied Sunset. and the fight was on.

Like the last time neither side could get a lock on the other long enough to fire, Sunset especially thanks to her new engines.

"Hold still," Starlight said.

"Nope," replied Blaze as she did a cobra and got behind her.

"I want to thank you for destroying one of my engines last time. It forced me to get these new thrust vectoring ones."

Starlight growled, and started maneuvering to get her off her tail.

"Oh and I see you're missing one plane," Starlight said.

"We still have nine," replied Sunset". Mindful that somewhere below them Fido was lurking. The Knight's MiG-35's and SU-27's would be more than he could handle, and he could come in handy.

"The loser in the Kfir doesn't count."

"Shove it you twat! I'll make you pay for what you did to my wingmates!" snapped Kitori.

Rover tried to get Blue Knight, but he evaded and got behind the dog.

"I need help!"

"We're all going to need it," replied Alvinar.

"K-Dog head for the deck," Sunset said.

"Too bad you won't be getting help with everyone else off bombing," Starlight said as she fired a heat seeker at Sunset, which she dodged.

"You underestimate us," Sunset replied as she pulled up and snap rolled in behind Glimmer's Typhoon.

Rover dove down to 1,000 feet in a turn, then he got a call.

"K Dog: Come to 170 and gun it."

"Rover did that, and just before Blue got tone he pulled up sharply. The next thing Blue saw was Fido's A-10 coming at him.

"Surprise motherfucka!" Fido fired his cannon and pulled up. The 30mm rounds designed to punch through tank armor shredded the MiG.

"Blue Knight is down!" yelled the new Red Knight.

"what? How?" Glimmer asked.

"Oh did I say nine planes? I meant ten, my bad," cracked Sunset. "Now it's our turn."

"Did anyone see the other plane?" Starlight asked the others.

"It's somewhere near the deck," replied Gold Knight.

Just then Alvinar also dived down with Cyan Knight on his tail and pulled up. No sooner than he did Cyan found a sidewinder from Fido on his tail. He banked hard and kicked flares to lose it, and Alvinar immediately turned around and got on his tail. He fired a sidewinder and an AMRAAM, taking him out.

"Cyan's down!"

The odds were now well within Wolfpack's favor.

"Dammit did anyone see that other plane?" snapped Glimmer.

"Yeah I see it. It's a warthog," replied Gold Knight.

"Get him!" yelled Glimmer. And Gold went down to the deck.

"Oh no you don't!" yelled Kitori as she broke off from chasing Gray and dived to help Fido. Gold got a couple of missiles off at him, but the hog's tight turning capability and countermeasures made dodging them easy. Before she could fire a third, Kitori got her with a sidewinder.

"Gold's down!"

"DAMMIT!" snapped Starlight.

"Tell you what: To make it better odds for your other members, you and me one on one until one of us is dead," Sunset said.

"Bring it," replied Glimmer. And Sunset made a break for the mountains, with Starlight in hot pursuit.

"Good luck Blaze," Redwing said, just before raking White Knight's plane with cannon fire, sending him down.

Now the only Knights left were Gray, Red, and Silver, and despite their best efforts, and an attempt to run, soon fell. Serana got a missile kill on Red, Helia gunned down Gray as he tried to gun down Shadow, and Spot took care of Silver.

While that was going on, Sunset and Starlight were still duking it out. Glimmer dodged some cannon fire, then spun around and got behind Sunset. Both were running low on missiles and countermeasures.

"So who will run out of chaff and flares first?" Starlight asked.

"Whoever does loses, and it won't be me," replied Sunset. She had another radar guided shot at her that she dodged. Then she got an idea. Weither or not it would work she didn't know since she had pulled the same stunt on her before. She hit the brakes and did a split S to lose Starlight, then she gunned it towards the setting sun and a mountain range.

'Running already?" Starlight said as she turned to give chase.

Sunset flew just below the tops of the mountains, causing her altitude warning to go off. Starlight was starting to gain and had a missile lock just as she reached them. Sunset slowed down and pulled up just enough to clear the peaks, then went down the other side and did a cobra. Starlight lost her in the sun and flew right over her. Sunset then gunned the throttle.

"Oops you blew it," sunset said as she fired two Archers. Starlight saw them but it was too late.

"NO!"

Starlight's plane exploded and went down.

"That was our last encounter Black Knight," Sunset said as she turned to head back to the others.

"Blaze are you OK?" Redwing asked.

"Yes I'm fine. Sentinel Two the bandits are down," she said.

"Roger. I should've known they were bandits. Do you have any ordnance left?" he asked.

"We've got some," she replied as she caught up to the others.

"OK go ahead and return to Tant...."

"BLAZE BEHIND YOU!" yelled Shadow. A heat seeker was closing in.

"I'm out of flares!" she replied as she tried to evade it. Unbeknownst to them White Knight had recovered from getting shot up, and fired one last round.

Suddenly there was a huge gray streak behind her and some flares appeared, and she lost the missile.

"What the hell was that?" Sunset said. The light was fading, but they saw White Knight break off and another going after him. A few minutes later there was an explosion.

"Sentinel Two who was that aircraft?" Sunset asked.

"what aircraft? Hold on... There's a faint contact coming up behind you now. Must be a stealth."

Just then their IFF went off.

It was a Dragon plane.

"A stealth? The Dragons don't have any," Redwing said.

"No they don't, but I do," a voice said. The IFF went to mercenary briefly, and everyone knew who it was.

"The Great One," Spot said. The mercenary laughed.

"While I appreciate the title, you know my name," and the 2 tone gray F-22 slowly descended to above and inside their formation.

"So how were you in the right place at the right time?" Sunset asked.

"I've been watching you. Or more like watching the Knights." That response surprised everyone.

"How long and why were you watching them?" Helia asked.

"Ever since they did the raid on Firebane using their mercenary IFF. I hate mercenaries who break the rules like that, and counting this time that made it four times they've done it in this war," he replied.

"Wow. That's pretty low," Redwing said.

"I was waiting around with the nosferatu squadrons to nail any Centaur that got past them, but none did so I came south, and I found the Knights and followed them. I saw them engage you and when I heard one of you call for help, I was ready to jump in, but didn't need to because you handled them nicely. I was getting ready to head back to the border when I caught that last Knight coming back up."

"Wow. Well thanks for saving my tail," Sunset said.

"you're welcome. I know you try to be modest about your accomplishments, but I've heard about them, and now have seen what you can do, and it's safe to say you're turning into one of the best mercenary pilots there is. You might even take my spot some day. And she won't be able to do it without the rest of you. You're one of the best teams out there."

Sunset was speechless.

"Well, thanks. I guess I've repented for my sins of working for the Legion of Discord," she replied.

"In my eyes you did that with your betrayal of the Changelings to save that village. Don't forget though: If you hadn't worked for them you wouldn't have the team you do now," he replied. Sunset never thought of it that way.

"Well I'm going back to the border. The nosferatus will be running low on missiles by now. It was nice to meet all of you."

"What was it like up there?" shadow asked.

"Total slaughter. Fireballs raining down from the sky all along the border. At least 50 shot down. Scrap metal hunters will be busy for months," he replied.

"See you later," Sunset said. And he pulled up and peeled off back towards the west.

Shortly afterwards they got a call.

"Sentinel Two to Wolfpack: Change of plans. Head to San Sabas air force base to refuel and rearm."

"Roger Sentinel," replied Sunset.

"I wonder why?" Serana asked.

"Guess they want us to turn and burn faster," replied Redwing.

Back near the mountains, a pilot took off her parachute and helmet. She looked towards the column of fire and smoke that was her plane, then just turned and started walking.

Author's Note

One chapter to go.

Chapter 12: Final Strike

San Sabas AFB
Dragon Kingdom
July 11 2024 21:42 hours.

Wolfpack landed at the airbase and discovered the Lancers, Screamers, and a Dragon A-10 squadron already there. No sooner than they taxied to the tarmac and shut down, the fuel and ammo crews got to work reloading their planes. This time they were being loaded with all air to ground weapons aside from pylons that were for air to air missiles only like the F-16's wingtip ones. As they were walking to the HQ, a Dragon SU-35 squadron landed too.

"They sure are packing a bunch in here," Alvinar said.

"And so far we're the only mercenaries," added Shadow.

"Will they have enough fuel and ordnance for all of us?" Spot inquired. They were greeted by A dragon at the door.

"Welcome to San Sabas Air Force Base. I'm colonel Spyro the commander.We'll have a briefing at 22:40, so take the time to relax from your previous mission."

"Thank you. Are you going to have enough supplies for everyone?" Sunset asked.

"Oh yeah we have plenty. That Flanker squadron was the last one anyway," he replied. And the group went inside, where they found the Screamers.

"Hey how did all of you do?" Ember asked.

"Pretty good. We decimated some troops and armor, but most of our time was spent taking out The Knights," she replied.

Ember was surprised. "Wow. You got all of them?"

"Yep. Though as we were leaving one that survived getting shot at came back up and fired at me. I might have bit it because I was out of countermeasures, but a certain lonewolf merc saved me."

"Wow. I heard Mobius was working for us, but we never saw him," replied Ember.

Redwing noticed the Lancers sitting quietly in one corner of the mess hall.

"They sure seem quiet," he said to Ember.

"That's because Garble had his ass saved by a mercenary," she replied with a smile and wink.

"You're kidding?" Helia said.

"Nope. The Centaurs did get a couple of squadrons up from the Aisan air base before it got bombed, and one of them got on his tail while he was focusing 100 percent on another. He might have bit it, but Zap swooped down and blasted the centaur off his tail. Saved by a pony merc'." she replied.

"Well I'm sure that took him down a few notches," replied Sunset. And the group sat down to further talk about their encounters.

Situation room
San Sabas AFB
22:40 hours.

Spyro began the briefing.

"OK pilots, this is why you're here. The Centaur forces, including whatever mobile anti aircraft they have left, are retreating en masse towards Tafuji. We got intel that they are planning on moving back to a second defensive line at the river east of Tafuji. We cannot risk them setting up shop in town so the northern force has entered the town and is moving towards the river. When the cents reach there they will open fire and stop them. At that point we will bomb them until every single one of them are dead. If any throw up white flags we will honor them though. Princess Luna will ensure the moon is as bright as it can be to illuminate them."

That statement got some cheers from the dragons.

"So who else besides all of us is going?" Ember asked.

"Six more of our squadrons including our Specter one. Only Dragon forces will be taking part in this. Aside from you mercenaries," he replied.

"Why us?" Sunset asked.

"Not sure, but the request came from the commander of the air force. I'd think it's because of the contributions you've made in this war. It was you who saved the spy that located the chemical weapons after all," replied Spyro.

"Don't forget about that intercept you did before you could even land at Tantagel for the first time. Plus you have the highest air to air kill total of all the mercenaries," added Ember.

"Well thanks," replied Sunset.

"Your planes are almost ready so get to it. It's time to end this war once and for all!" Spyro said, and the room erupted with cheers.

The pilots filed out of the room and ran to their planes. The ground crews were done by the time they got out there so they jumped in, strapped down, and fired them up. The dragon planes taxied first, with Wolfpack bringing up the rear.

"Sentinel One to all planes: Your designation is Force One. Form up and head to Owari. Hold there for the Force Two flight and until the attack order is given."

"Hey you're back," cracked Redwing.

"Yeah Two had to refuel so they sent me here," he replied.

"Well guide us for hopefully the last time," replied sunset.

Soon they were at the waiting point.

"Wow he wasn't kidding when he said Luna was going to make it brighter," Nightglider said.

"That's really going to make it easy for us," added the commander of the A-10 squadron.

"I think we should hit vehicles at the front and back with mavericks, then maybe a few on both sides so we have an easier visual reference," Garble said.

"Good call," replied Sentinel.

"Force One this is Force Two, we're coming up on your right." And the planes joined the formations. Two consisted of another A-10 squadron, two F-16 block 60 ones, another F-15E, and an SU-30 squadron, plus the AC-130's. All loaded to the wingtips with air to ground ordnance.

"OK here's your assignments. We're splitting you into four groups. The first will be Alpha, and will consist of Blaze, Stryker, Siren, Blossom, and Archer of Wolfpack. There are several attack helicopters escorting the troops so your first job will be to take them out. Then use your clusters on the troops."

"Right behind you will be Bravo group, which will consist of Fire squadron plus Syxx and Scanner. You will use your HARMs on any radar guided anti aircraft and use your mavericks to mark the vehicles as Garble said."

"Charlie will consist of The Lancers, Blade, Screamers, Sundown, Joker, and Timberwolf squadrons, plus K-Dog, Cobra, and Rot of Wolfpack. Iron bomb and maverick the shit out of them."

"Finally Delta group which will be Sidewinder Prism, and Ghost squadrons and Cruncher. Bomb them even more then strafe them. Ghost will bring up the rear and orbit around, taking out any stragglers."

"We're gonna' split up?" Kitori asked.

"Well it makes sense since we're all loaded differently," replied Helia.

"Why are we loaded like that anyway?" Rover asked.

"Looks like they wanted you to be split up like that, so you could lead the groups," replied Sentinel. Everyone was shocked.

"You, want us to lead all of you?" Sunset said.

"Guess it was a way of saying thanks for the help," replied Ember.

"Yeah. I... Guess I was, wrong about you mercenaries. And ponies. You really helped save our skins," added Garble.

"Well alright then. Pack split up and go to your groups," announced Sunset. And they split up.

17 minutes later the word came down.

"Sentinel One to all aircraft: BRING THE RAIN!"

"Let's go everyone!" announced Sunset. And the planes headed for the retreating army. As they got closer they could see the distant flashes of artillery and rockets from the Dragon's northern force.

"Multiple bandits at low level. Lock em' up!" Sunset said. And the air to air missiles started flying. In short order the choppers were falling from the sky, and they started getting lock warnings from ZSU's and Tunguskas. So Alpha peeled off and Bravo started launching their HARMs. Only a few missiles got launched before all of the anti aircraft was destroyed. The Centaurs were now defenseless from air attacks. Bravo circled back and fired off their mavericks, creating what looked like a runway with burning armor and vehicles for lights.

"Those bastards took civilian vehicles!" snapped Shadow.

"Must have done some looting on the way out, the pricks," replied Ember. "Let's get em'!"

It was now Charlie's turn. They formed a loose line, and with Wolfpack leading flew straight down the road and dropped hundreds of iron and cluster bombs. The results were devastating.

"FIRE FIRE FIRE yeah FIRE!" yelled Nightglider.

"Damn that's brutal," cracked Garble.

"Come on in Delta," announced Sunset.

"Let's do it hogs!" yelled Fido.

Like the others they formed a loose line, though they spread out more as centaurs were now trying to get around the burning wreckage by driving into the adjoining fields. They dropped their clusters on them, then Charlie came back in to use up their mavericks. While that was going on the AC-130's began circling the mess, unleashing a hellstorm of 25, 40, and 105MM cannon ammo. The A-10's and some other aircraft also made strafing runs.

This continued for a little over an hour when Fido saw something on one pass.

"I can see Centaurs waving white things in the air," he announced.

"There's a bunch running away from the road to the south," added the commander of the sidewinders.

"This is ghost Two. Can confirm we have a group of Centaurs that appear to be surrendering."

"Screamer One to Sentinel are you hearing this?"

"Yes. Hold fire for a bit and let me check with command," he replied. Several minutes later he came back on.

"Sentinel One to all aircraft: Cease fire but remain on station until the ground units confirm the surrender."

"Is this it? Is it over?" a member of Fire squadron said.

"I guess we'll find out," replied Sunset.

"I'm surprised there's any left after that ass whooping we gave them," added Garble.

The next 60 minutes seemed to drag on for hours, but soon they could see IFV's, APC's and Hummers coming from the west and east.

"Our ground forces have arrived," announced Sentinel.

Presidential palace
Centaria
July 12 2024
01:58 hours.

"Lord Tirek: Our forces have been destroyed. Those that survived the Dragon's massive attack have surrendered. The Dragons and their allies are calling for an unconditional surrender," his main general said to him.

"DAMMIT!" Tirek threw a vase off his desk against a wall.

"What are your orders your highness?" his aid asked.

Tirek sat back down with a blank look on his face. After a few minutes of silence and looking at his desk he spoke.

"Stand down and withdraw all remaining forces from the Dragon Kingdom. We agree to the surrender." His aid sighed.

"Very well your highness."

Near Tafuji
02:21 hours.

Sentinel One finally came back on.

"Sentinel One to all aircraft within earshot. Remaining enemy forces in the country have been captured or surrendered, and Tirek has agreed to an unconditional surrender."

"WE'VE WON!!"

The radio erupted with cheers, and planes began doing barrel rolls everywhere.

"You've done it Dragons. You've retaken your country," shadow said.

"Thanks to all of you and our allies," replied Ember.

"This is the first time mercenaries have participated in the final strike of a war, and led the forces of the country that hired them. It sets a precedent," commented Redwing.

"Well we're glad you were here to help," replied Garble.

"Sentinel One to all planes: return to your bases."

"Let's take it home everyone," announced Ember. The Lancers and Screamers formed up with Wolfpack and headed back for Tantagel as the other squadrons split up and went back to their bases. About two hours later they were back at the base, where they got a huge welcome from the dragons and the mercenaries that had already returned.

"Congrats guys! You helped deal the final blow!" commented Omar.

"You guys rock!" yelled Wildfire as she tackle hugged Sunset. Shadow and Nightglider both got tackled by Zap. Soon Saki showed up.

"Congratulations to all of you," he said as he shook all of their hooves and paws. "Your actions not only reflect on you, they reflect on all mercenaries, which helps us all, especially when there's bad apples. Speaking of which: I heard the Knights are no more because of you?"

"Yep. We got them all, though one almost got me," replied Sunset.

"Are you kidding?" Zap said.

"Nope." And Sunset told the story again.

"He would have got me if it hadn't been a guardian we had."

"Who?" Wildfire asked.

"The Great One," replied Sunset, getting some ooohs.

"He even talked to us for a bit," added Spot.

"Why was he there?" Redskies asked.

"He was keeping an eye on the Knights because they were going into battle with mercenary instead of Centaur IFF codes," replied Sunset.

"That is a disgrace to mercenaries everywhere. Glad it was merc's who took them out," replied Saki.

"All of you earned some well deserved sleep. Feel free to sleep in as long as you want tomorrow," Omar said. And after some more chatting everyone went to bed.

Tafuji AFB
July 12 2024
13:00 hours.

The base, now back under dragon control, was selected as the location where the surrender papers would be signed. Included in it was the Centaurs could no longer perform an act of aggression unless attacked first, a no fly zone along the Dragon Kingdom border, and most importantly; the agreement that the disputed part of the country was, and forever would be owned by the Dragon Kingdom. Security was tight as amongst those present were Princess Luna and Celestia, the president of the Griffon Kingdom, representatives from the Crystal Empire, Saddle Arabia, Yak Yakistan, and of course the Dragons, including the Dragonlord himself, whom towered above the entire event.

A little after one, Tirek and members of his cabinet entered the hangar and sat down. The general of the Dragon army started the show.

"We are here to discuss the unconditional surrender of Centaria and the stipulations therein."

The meeting only took 30 minutes to finish. At which time the documents were signed off on by the Dragonlord and other members of the Dragon Kingdom government, witnessed by their allies, and finally Tirek. The general spoke up again.

"And with that, on this day, July 12th, 2024, at 12:35 PM, these proceedings are closed."

The war was over. The cost was immense for the Dragons, though aid from their allies and others softened the blow. Many expected the casualties to be immense, but only 243 were killed on the ally's side, including 15 mercenaries. Most being the group Kitori was in. Centaur losses on the other hand were staggering. Around 73,000 dead. The bombing of the road to Tafuji, now nicknamed the "death road", accounted for 11,000 of those deaths. Some in the international community felt it was a gross misuse of force, but for most it was seen as just for the chemical weapons attack, which could have meant the destruction of the Centaur capitol, and the death of hundreds of thousands of civilians.

They also lost 82 percent of their air force, which was the 3rd largest in the world, thousands of tanks and armor, 15 warships, and of course their chemical weapons program.

Not long after the meeting, the Dragonlord made a speech on TV.

"....The cost was high, but thanks to our allies, and the mercenaries we hired, we were victorious! And the land the Centaurs have tried to take from us is ours, forever!"

Back at Tantagel the squadrons were watching the TV coverage.

"Well I guess we'll be leaving soon," Spot said.

"Not right away though. They have something planned for all of us tomorrow in the capitol," replied Saki.

"I wish your squadron was able to join us," Zap said to Kitori.

"I know. I've avenged them, so I can put it behind me now," she replied.

"So are you going to stay with Wolfpack?" Wildfire asked.

"Yeah. I've found a new family."

"So what do we do for the rest of the day?" Shadow asked.

"Hey come with us to the city. We'll show you around, maybe get something to eat if we can find something for you ponies. We do have cider here," replied Ember.

"Sounds good to me," replied Alvinar. So Wolfpack and some of the others took off to unwind a bit. Early in the morning they would board private jets that would take them to the capitol to the ceremony.

Castle of the Dragonlord
Dragon City, Dragon Kingdom
July 13 2024
10:48 hours.

The group found themselves with the other mercenaries behind members of the Dragon armed forces, the Dragon's heads of state, and their allies. This time in addition to Luna and Celestia, Princess Cadance was there along with the presidents of Yak Yakistan and the Griffon Kingdom, and the King of Saddle Arabia. The ceremony was being broadcasted on every TV network and cable news channel.

"This is the first time I've been honored for anything," Spot said.

"That goes for most of us," replied Wildfire. "Oh and nice flight suits you guys!" The group now had their new flight suits on. They were in a 4 tone blue camouflage similar to the colors on Spot and Fido's planes, with a small Wolfpack logo on the front. They had them made by a Manehattan boutique. Fido paid for them with some of his reward money.

"Thanks. They were Fido's idea," replied Sunset.

At eleven on the button horns sounded, and a small dragon came out onto the massive stage.

"Please welcome, his royal highness, the Dragonlord!" And the band started playing the national anthem as the massive dragon appeared from behind the castle and swooped down to the stage. Everyone was anticipating a small earthquake when he landed, but he touched down with the softness of a bird.

"Gotcha that time!" he said, getting some laughs.

"Citizens of the Dragon Kingdom. We are here to celebrate the end of the war, and to honor those who helped us in this crisis. It's no secret the majority of dragons are proud and do not readily accept outside help. Despite many objecting to the idea, we had no choice. It was either seek help, or lose half of, or even more of the country."

"Equestria, Crystal Empire, Griffon Kingdom, Yak Yakistan, and Saddle Arabia, we are forever in debt to you. Will the leaders of those countries please stand up and come to the stage?"

All of them went up, and Ember, along with another dragon carrying a box stepped forward, and she put the Kingdom's medal of honor around their necks.

"Please accept these medals as a small token of our gratitude. I'd put them on but they're a little too small for my claws," the Dragonlord said, getting more laughs.

Then the Dragonlord honored members of their military who made major contributions during the war. Garble was honored for becoming a triple ace during the war.

"Last but certainly not least, the mercenaries, who came to our aid, and for 15 of them, gave their life for it. For you it was more than just a job. It was a sense of justice. Kitori Palvanaff. Would you please come to the stage?"

Needless to say she was shocked. She went up and Ember placed a medal of honor on her and a combat action ribbon, and gave a box containing eleven medals of valor. One for each of the other Midnighters.

"Please accept these on behalf ot the eleven pilots that died in the Firebane raid."

"Th-thank you. I'll see to it their families get them," she replied.

The same was done for the other four mercenaries who died. Two in the 88's, one in the Razgriz, and one in another group. All of the other mercenaries also received medals of valor and combat action ribbons.

"Finally Wolfpack. The first thing you did when you got here was intercept a flight of bombers heading for this capitol. You racked up the most air to air kills of the mercenary groups, were the first to respond to the Firebane attack and ultimately took out the group the Centaurs hired that participated in the attack, and most importantly saved an untold amount of lives by rescuing the Equestria spy that found the location of the Centaur's chemical weapons stockpiles and factories. Please come to the stage."

The group went up, and Ember placed medals of honor on all of them.

"For the contributions you've made for this country, please accept these medals of honor. Everyone a round of applause for the heroes on this stage!" And the crowd roared.

Music

Tantagel AFB
18:20 hours.

After the ceremony the mercenaries had returned to their bases, and began packing and leaving. At Tantagel the 88's had already left for Saddle Arabia, and soon the Razgriz would be returning to Equestria. Wolfpack, and the Bengals would be returning to the Griffon Empire. Kitori would accompany Wolfpack to the Griffon border, then split off to go back to her home base to give the medals to the families of the other Midnighters, pack up her stuff, then head to Wolfpack's base at Gryphus.

"Well it's been a blast, but it's time to head for home," Zap said as she got ready to head out. "Don't make yourselves scarce you two," she said to Shadow and Nightglider, giving them hugs. "Pop in for a visit sometime."

"We'll try," replied Shadow.

"And it's been a pleasure meeting you Blaze."

"Thanks. Never thought I'd be joining the merc royalty in a war," replied Sunset.

"Well It's safe to say you're part of it now. See ya!" And Zap left with the rest of her group.

"One things for sure: I'm not going to miss the beds they have here. I've slept better on dirt," commented Rover.

"As soon as we get back I'm sleeping for a couple of days," Helia said.

"It's going to feel different going back this time. We're considered heroes, but no one will be waiting to greet us back at base aside from our families," replied Wildfire.

"Oh yeah did you find someone to ferry your MiG back to Gryphus Fido?" Sunset asked.

"Yeah. McCoy's sent one of his pilots. He's already here and will be waiting for us on the tarmac," he replied.

With their stuff packed up, it was time for the two groups to head out. Omar stopped to shake their hands.

"It's been a pleasure working with all of you. It's gonna' be pretty quiet around here now. Thanks for helping our country."

"No problem," replied Wildfire.

"If you ever need us again you've got our number," replied sunset. And they left the building. When they got out to their planes, Fido's pilot was waiting.

"Ready to go Cruncher?"

"Oh hell Capper! It's definitely been a long time," replied Fido.

"Another acquaintance?" Kitori asked.

"Yep. He was in the LoD 9th fighter squadron at the same base our squadron was at," he replied.

"It's good to see a lot of you are still around," the cat said.

"How's the civilian pilot life treating you?" asked Sunset.

"It's good enough. When McCoy mentioned ferrying a plane for you guys I took the job just so I could catch up with you a bit," he replied.

"Well we'll have plenty of time on the way back. Speaking of which, it's time to get the show on the road," replied Sunset. and after stowing their belongings they jumped in, fired up their planes, and left Tantagel for the last time. They would be back in Gryphus a little after midnight.

Hangar 2
Gryphus AFB
Griffon empire
Oct. 5th 2024
10:20 hours.

It had been almost 3 months since the end of the Dragon war. During that time the only work Wolfpack had was a couple of weeks of aggressor training in the Crystal Empire, but the money from the war plus Fido's reward allowed them to live comfortably. Rover, Fido, Spot, and Serana's planes now sported the Wolfpack camouflage scheme.

Their actions didn't go unnoticed. The Mercenary Quarterly, a magazine devoted to the coverage of mercenaries and their actions, stopped by to do an article on the group shortly after they returned from the Dragon Kingdom. The 3rd quarter issue would be dedicated to coverage of the war.

The group was chilling in the hangar when Nightglider came running in with several copies of the issue.

"They're out!" he yelled. He took them out of his saddle bag and put them on the table.

"We made the cover!" exclaimed Spot, with his tail almost a blur from wagging so fast.

"Wish I had done my mane up better now," commented Kitori.

Inside they found articles about all of the groups that participated in the war, and a story about the casualties including the Midnighters and the Knights. The latter group receiving scorn.

"Well it looks like Starlight survived," commented Serana.

"I wonder what she will do next?" Rover asked.

"Who knows and who cares," replied Sunset.

Then they got to the top group and pilot lists and were shocked.

"We're number three on the top groups list?" a surprised Alvinar said.

"Wow. Third behind the 88's and Razgriz," commented Helia. Neither the Midnighters or the Knights were on the list.

Then in the letters section, they found several letters from fans of them.

"And now we've got a fan base," Nightglider said.

"Check it out. Someone came up with song lyrics for an anthem," shadow said.

Wolfpack is back causin' mass destruction,
Guess who's here? The Bad Boys of flyin'.
Taking to the skies when the world has a mission.
Got no mercy,
See them race like a streak.
If you don't know, you better find out the Wolfpack,
Here to prove a point,
Number one, just be warned that you don't want to mess with them.
I'll be your forward,
Get in the sky, and then you're never flyin' down again.

Don't try your luck with the Wolfpack.
Don't try your luck with the Wolfpack.
Don't try your luck with the Wolfpack.
Don't try your luck with the Wolfpack.
You might wind up in a body bag.

you took your chances,
Now it's time to show you were wrong.
In the sky this is poor,
Are you such that strong?
Day in, Day Out,
The Wolfpack for life,
Tell the pilots with guts to get in the sky tonight.
Don't care about the rulebook because you make your own rules,
You don't have to takes to fill these shoes.
On your six comin' for ya',
On the ground they leave ya',
You're the first dyin' makin' enemies with these soldiers.

Don't try your luck with the Wolfpack.
Don't try your luck with the Wolfpack.
Don't try your luck with the Wolfpack.
Don't try your luck with the Wolfpack.
You might wind up in a body bag.

"That is cool," Alvinar said.

Just then Sunset's phone rang.

"Well hello Venom."

"Hey Blaze. I just got the the new issue of MQ. Boy you're famous now!" Nightshade said.

"Ha ha I know," replied Sunset. And she talked to her for a bit. About an hour later she got another call.

"Hello?"

"Yes this is Sunset Shimmer."

"Oh really?"

"Yeah we could."

The group turned their attention towards her.

"Well let me converse with the rest of my group," and she turned towards them.

"It's the prime minister of Maretonia. They want to hire us to help take care of a rebel problem there. Their air force is weak so they need some help. 15 percent over the rate with weapons and fuel costs included."

The group quietly chatted with each other, then turned and nodded to Sunset.

"You've got a deal."

Chapter 13: Reflections

It's been a long time since I've written to you. I've been strong about so many things recently, but getting the courage to write to you after so long,and what happened, hasn't been one of them. I'm sure you've heard about my exploits in the Changeling war, and now the Dragon war (I was going to talk to you at the ceremony, but quickly got cold hooves) , but I just wanted you to know I haven't forgotten the one thing you tried to teach me the most.

Let's start with the Legion of Discord. Discord used his mind control powers on many to force them into the armed forces. The rest chose to join to avoid that, or face death. And of course for a few, including me, it was fully voluntary.

Those of us who didn't get brainwashed were still able to find friends in each other, and not just with other ponies. Gryphons, dogs, cats, changelings, all developing friendships. Admittedly us ponies did get more flak than the others since we were the ones they were fighting against in the Equestria war (which is why Discord didn't hire many ponies), but those non ponies that became our friends stuck up for us. I'm sure you know who Nightshade is. she was a close friend in the LoD, and often caught a lot of flak, but she either fought back, or her wingmates stuck up for her. It was the same case for the wing I commanded.

After Discord was defeated, those of us who survived suddenly found ourselves without a job, and we weren't sure if we had a home. For The griffons, changelings , and others it was easy as their countries welcomed them back. With us ponies it was a little different. Many viewed us as traitors, especially with the Crystal Empire. For some it took an extraordinary event to get accepted again. And once again look at Nightshade. Many didn't return because they couldn't face their families. Some didn't feel safe returning, so they either changed their identity, or moved somewhere else.

And for those of us who have combat in our blood, it meant becoming a mercenary. The majority of mercs' out there were with the LoD, and we still have a bond with each other. I have a couple of former squadron mates in my group, and a few others I knew also. The Dragon war allowed us to reconnect with others we hadn't seen in ages. And once again we took to the skies to fight for our employer.

But this time we weren't being oppressors. We were fighting oppressors (well except for one mercenary group). And our actions helped a country regain control of land that had been taken from them. It changed the dragon's view on both mercenaries and ponies, and appears to have changed public opinion about mercs'. It really solidified us as one giant family.

So as you can see, the lesson of friendship hasn't been lost on me. In fact I think I understand it now more than back then. I can't make excuses for what happened, and how it made us part ways, or for joining the LoD. All I can say after all these years is, I'm sorry.Maybe someday I'll get the courage to come back for a visit.

Well that's it for now. Maretonia has hired us to take care of a problem. We're leaving tomorrow to assist their air force.

Your former student

Sunset Shimmer.

Canterlot Palace
Equestria
Oct. 9th, 2024
09:05 hours.

A unicorn walked into Celestia's chamber with a box.

"Mail time your majesty."

"Thank you Kibitz," replied Celestia. And he left. The mail was routine with letters from citizens (both fans and the disgruntled), and other communications.

She then picked up an envelope that was postmarked the Griffon Kingdom, bu thad no return address. She opened it and scanned the letter for a name. When she found it at the bottom her eyes started getting glassy. She started reading it, and after she was done a few tears escaped her eyes. She summoned Kibitz again.

"Yes your majesty?"

"I need you to find the address of someone in the Griffon Kingdom."

Author's Note

And that's it. I'm done writing fanfics unless I try finishing one I started about 4 years ago (If I can find it).

Chapter 4: The Challenger

Crystal Empire Air Force training area
West of Gracemareia, Crystal Empire
July 21 2023
15:27 hours.

The hills and mountains around the training area echoed with the sound of jets. Looking up at the sky revealed a large dogfight taking place.

"Fox two!"

"Confirmed kill on Garuda Three."

"Aw' really Sky Eye?"

"Yep. You're out Flare."

"I've got you now Ace of Spades! Revenge time!" Rover yelled.

"That's a negative," replied Maverick. He did a simple cobra, and caused the dog to overshoot. He then got on his tail and got tone.

"K-Dog is out," announced Sky Eye.

"Damn not again!"

Serana got behind Tornado and tried to get a lock.

"Not gonna' work," he said, hitting the brakes and performing a short loop to get behind her.

"Rats!" Serana tried to get away, but the S- Eagle was more maneuverable than the Mirage.

"Another one for me," he commented.

Meanwhile Sunset and Nightshade were finally getting a chance to face off.

"Hold still," Nightshade said as she tried to get tone.

"I was expecting you to be using your Flanker, not a Super Eagle!" cracked Sunset.

"That would've made it even. They wanted it to lean in our favor", replied the purple pegasus.

Sunset rolled over like she was going to dive. As soon as Nightshade did it she rolled back, hit the brakes, and rolled down again, causing her to overshoot.

"Shit!" Yelled Nightshade as a lock warning sounded.

"Gotcha' Venom," announced Sunset.

"Grrrrrr." Then she laughed a bit. "Yeah you did."

An hour later both Garuda and Wolfpack were back at Gracemareia AFB. Ice Crystal went over the results of the mock engagement in the situation room. Also present were a couple of military commanders and Shining Armor.

"And the results are in. The winner of the engagement is Garuda, but only by two kills," he announced.

"Not bad," replied Shining Armor.

"I'm glad you were secretly on our side during the war," commented Kiwi Tart.

"I can only imagine how much ass we would have kicked if we were flying together," added Black widow.

"Hey now I have a friend who's an ass, in two ways," cracked Helia, and everyone laughed.

Shining Armor looked over the results, and spoke again.

"Well after looking at the results and everything else, I'd say you qualify. So how would you like to work for us for training and combat situations? You can still hire out to other countries, unless of course they're fighting against us. You will be paid a monthly retainer 5 percent more than the average rate," he announced.

The group conversed briefly before Sunset spoke.

"We accept it," she replied.

"Alright then. Welcome to the team..."

"ASSHOLES!" cracked Tornado at the end of Shining's sentence, again causing some laughs.

"And that concludes the meeting. Feel free to go out and get smashed," Shining announced.

"Hell yeah!" cracked Nightglider. And the groups left.

Crystal Bar and Grill
Gracemareia
20:10 hours.

Wolfpack and Garuda had been joined by a few members of the Diamnondbacks, including Maverick's now other half Glory to trade war stories and events.

"...yeah so here's laser beams seemingly coming out of thin air, and Spade tells us to get out of there. Like we needed to be told that," Heart Throb said, getting a few laughs.

"That is amazing the princess allowed a wedding like that," Sunset said to Maverick.

"It surprised me too. Along with what Nightshade showed up in," he replied, smirking at Nightshade.

"What did she show up in?" she asked.

"A gown."

"You don't have proof Spade," replied Nightshade.

"I do!" replied Surprise as she pulled a picture out of her saddle bag.

"Don't you dare!" She got up and tried to grab it, but Glory took it with her magic and put it in front of Sunset.

"Ho-ly shit, she replied. I'm remembering that!"

"GRRRRRRRR." Nightshade sat back down.

"Oh wow I want a version of that gown," commented Serana.

"You can have it. That fashion unicorn in Ponyville is holding onto it," replied Nightshade.

"So when did you finally meet your match?" asked Glory.

The second to last mission we did," replied Sunset. "Going against fellow mercenaries is something no one wants to do, but it happens."

"Well let's hear the details!" replied Stormy.

Chrysalis's palace
Changeling Kingdom
May 21 2023
13:20 hours.

Sombra was holding a meeting with someone in his chambers.

"So that's it. We want you to be on alert status at Midoro, and when we get reports of that mercenary group, go to them and take them out. If your group happens to lose a plane or two we've got plenty for replacements."

"That's not going to happen, but thanks for the offer. I know a little bit about Sunset, and will be glad to send her to the ground along with her rag tag group," replied a pale purple unicorn.

"Oh yeah. We'll give a bonus if you kill her because we have her marked for death for her betrayal of us," added Sombra.

"Consider it done."

Hangar 2
Gryphus AFB
May 22 2023
07:00 hours.

The group had once again assembled for the day's mission briefing by Harpy and Candymare. Harpy spoke first.

"OK this one is a little different. Instead of ground targets, you will be focusing on air ones.The allied forces are ready to take back Cantlin, which is the final step before the re-taking of Gracemareia. The Changelings will be throwing every aircraft they have available at them to try and prevent this. So to ease the burden on the allied forces, you will fly into the now radar less area of their kingdom to intercept as many aircraft heading for the empire as you can."

"Sweet! Time to rack up some kills!" yelled Shadow.

"Aw' yeah. Double ace here I come!," added Rover. Candymare then spoke.

"You will orbit at low altitude at this location until targets come within range. To aid you we've secured clearance with the Griffon Empire to operate an AWACS along the border. Their callsign will be Sentry Two."

"Nice. That will be a huge help," replied Redwing.

"Let's do it. I'm ready," Sunset said.

South of Dunlap
Changeling Kingdom
11:01 hours.

With the radars down, the group was able to orbit inside the Changeling airspace while waiting for the to go signal.

"Pretty quiet so far," Alvinar said.

"It's nice to have a larger set of eyes watching over us," added Helia.

"How's the engine Spot?" Redwing asked.

"It's good so far. Hope it stays that way," he replied.

Then the AWACS came on.

"Sentry Two to all planes: Operation has started so be on alert."

"Roger Sentry," replied Sunset.

"Understood Carrot Head," replied Shadow.

"It's Carrot Top! Wait who is this?" The others giggled a bit.

"Nobody," he replied.

"Shadow is that you?" Sentry Two asked.

"Aaaw you remembered me," he cracked.

"Mother of Luna. What's the odds?" she replied sarcastically.

"You know her?" Sunset asked.

"Everyone in the NLR Air Force knew her," he replied. "A member of Lunar squadron loved to give her hell, and often called her that. Others started calling her that too."

"And I still get called that! Including by former Solar Empire pilots!" And everyone laughed.

17 minutes later she came back on.
"Sentry Two to Wolfpack: : 16 bandits approaching from the East. 80 miles out at Angels 15. Flight profile suggests bombers escorted by fighters."

"Roger Sentry. Let's get em' pack!" replied Sunset. And they headed for the intercept.

"Are your big ones within range yet Helia?" Sunset asked, referring to her six Phoenix missiles.

"Yep. I can only target the front planes though," she replied.

"Go ahead and use them."

"You've got it." Helia locked up the six lead planes and fired them one after another.

"They're scattering so we alerted them," announced Redwing. Despite attempts to evade, five missiles found their targets. The 6th dodged it with chaff, but the missile hit one of the bombers instead.

"Nice one! Let's finish it!" yelled Sunset. The group fired more missiles, taking down four more fighters at long range, leaving three fighters and three bombers.

"Piece of cake," commented Fido.

Redwing, Serana, Shadow, and Sunset engaged the remaining fighters, while the rest of the group pounced on the bombers. Alvinar and Spot dived on one of the Tu-22's and raked it with cannon fire, sending it down.

Fido came up behind the 2nd bomber, but was soon dodging fire from the Backfire's defense guns, so he backed off and fired an Adder, sending it down.

Meanwhile Serana was on the tail of one of the MiG-29's when it pulled a cobra and got behind her. Shadow was waiting though and took him out before he could even get a lock.

"Glad you were there," she said.

Nightglider got the last bomber, while Sunset and Redwing got the last two fighters.

"Sentry Two to all planes: Scope is clear for now."

"That was easy," Rover said.

"Yeah let's see some more!," added Alvinar. It wasn't long before they got their wish.

"Sentry Two to all planes: Eight more bandits approaching from the East at angels nine. Definitely fighters."

"We're on em'" replied Sunset. and the group formed up and headed for them.

"So do we do a long range attack again or go for close range?" Serana asked.

"We're a bit low on radar guideds after that last engagement, so fire a couple of long range missiles to break them up, then we'll go close in," replied Sunset.

15 minutes later they were within range, and Sunset and Shadow each fire one missile. As expected the bandits split up to dodge them, but then got back together and fired their own salvo.

"EVADE!" yelled Sunset. The group barely managed to dodge it.

"Something tells me these aren't noobs," Rover said. Just then they got fired on again, and were forced to break apart for the second time. Soon the formation of bandits blew by them.

"Those aren't Changelings! Those are the Knights!" yelled Helia.

"Wait who?" Spot asked.

"One of the top mercenary groups around. They're only known by the colors on their wing tips. Their leader is the Black Knight", replied Redwing.

"That's Miss Black Knight to you," said a voice over the radio.

"Oh great. And they know or frequency," Nightglider said in a disgusted voice.

"I've been hearing a lot about your little rag tag group you've assembled Sunset. Also heard how you let your feelings impair you're judgement, and are now marked for death because of it," Black Knight said.

"Impair judgement? she prevented the death of innocent civilians!" yelled Helia.

"QUIET! I wasn't talking to you!" snapped the unicorn. "A true mercenary doesn't let their conscience interfere with their job."

"You heartless bitch!" yelled Serana.

"I've heard enough of your shit Starlight! If you think you can take us try it! The two of us are going one on one though!" snapped Sunset.

"Ooooh calling me by my real name, how edgey. Fine by me because it means I get the bounty on your head," she replied. "Knights engage!"

"Even though there's more of us those MiG-35's and her Typhoon aren't going to be easy, especially for those of you with weaker planes, so get ready for a tough fight," Sunset announced.

"Lovely," replied Spot.

Redwing got on the tail of Blue Knight, but with a simple move blue got behind him instead, forcing him to go defensive. The scenario happened again and again with the group.

"Your number's up Blaze," Starlight said as she got tone on her.

"Sorry it isn't," she replied, performing a cobra and rolling downward to escape her.

"Not bad. You're just delaying the the inevitable though," she replied.

Shadow and Nightglider did their best to stay behind two of them, but they couldn't get a lock. Shadow fired a burst from his cannon but it missed. It did succeed in breaking the two Knights apart.

Alvinar was on the tail of Red Knight when one of those dived on him.

"Get him off me!" he yelled.

"I'm on him, replied Fido. Before he could do anything though the Knight fired his cannon, shredding the tail of Alvinar's Harrier.

"I'm hit! I've lost my tail control!"

"Bail out!," yelled Serana.

"I'm gonna try setting it down," he replied.

"Cocksucker!" growled Fido, opening up with his cannon and hitting the MiG in it's right engine, setting it on fire.

"this is Red Knight I'm hit."

"How bad?" Starlight asked.

"I've gotta' return. I'm down an engine and losing fuel," he replied.

"Roger go ahead," she replied.

"One's bugging out," shadow announced.

"Has anyone seen Alvinar?" Sunset asked.

"Haven't seen any smoke so he must have set it down," replied Serana.

"All planes switch to winchester," Sunset announced. And everyone changed their radio frequencies.

"What do we do?" Spot asked.

"If one get's on your tail, try to lure them in front of someone else. It may be our only shot," replied Blaze.

It worked when Serana got one on her tail, and she led her in front of Shadow, who had one on his. He managed to get a lock and fire a Sidewinder, then dodge a missile from the other MiG, bringing him down.

"Blue Knight is down!"

"Shit! Double time it everyone!" yelled Starlight.

Meanwhile Spot had picked up a tail and was trying his best to lose it.

"Lead him my way Rot," Helia said. He pushed his throttle forward and banked right, breaking the sound barrier. Suddenly his engine began sputtering.

"Oh not now!" he exclaimed.

"What's wrong?" asked Sunset.

"My engine's sputtering again. I'm losing power!"

"Get out of there!" she replied. He tried to evade but his plane's handling was getting worse.

"You're gone," Gray Knight said as he fired an Adder.

"SPOT!"

The rear of his plane exploded.

"DAMMIT!" screamed Rover.

"Did he get out? Anyone see a chute?" yelled Sunset with panic in her voice.

"I see a chute, he got out!" replied Nightglider.

"Told you it would only be a matter of time," commented Starlight.

"We'll see about that bitch," snarled Sunset, who was behind her again.

Now Nightglider was trying to dodge one. He dived for the deck, hoping to cause the MiG to hit the ground. The mercenary caught on though and slowed enough to pull out of the dive and get tone.

"Dammit," he said. Suddenly the MiG broke off, and shortly afterwards exploded.

"What the..."

"Black Knight, Silver just got taken out by a SAM!"

"What? That's impossible the Changelings wouldn't shoot at us!" she replied.

"What's going on?" Redwing said over the radio.

"It's me. Go to winchester."

"Alvinar!" relied Sunset. And they changed back to their alternate frequency.

"Are you alright Cobra?" Serana asked.

"Yes. I've turned my Harrier into an impromptu SAM site. Lure them past the large pond we keep passing over."

"Roger. You heard him pack," announced Sunset.

Shadow rolled and dived for the pond, bringing Cyan Knight with him. Alvinar got a lock and fired, but Cyan managed to dodge the missile.

"Where are those damn SAMs coming from?" he said.

"It can't be a SAM. It's gotta' be one of them," replied Starlight.

"But there's nothing on radar!"

"Then use your eyes for fucks sake!" she growled.

Helia led Gold Knight past the pond, and before he knew what happened Alvinar got tone and fired, blowing him out of the sky.

While that was going on, Sunset was again behind Starlight, but not for long as she hit the brakes and pulled a snap roll to get behind her again.

"Grrrrrrr."

"Give it up. You can't beat me," Starlight said arrogantly.

"I never give up," replied Sunset as she turned and dived for the pond.

"Oh that's an impressive move. Not," Black Knight replied as she gave chase.

"Gold Knight is down!"

"WHAT? What is going on with all of you?" she snapped. Then she got a lock warning from Alvinar.

"Damn." She broke right and dropped chaff, losing the missile. Suddenly she saw Fido off to her left.

"You're gone." Seeing an easy kill she went for him, got tone, and fired a Meteor. He dropped chaff and dodged it though.

"Rats. Now where are you Sunset?"

"Behind you bitch."

She looked behind to see the yellow Flanker on her tail.

"Dammit!" She turned, but Blaze had already fired her gun, and cannon rounds hit her right engine, forcing her to shut it down.

"Leader you're hit! What do we do?" one of the remaining Knights asked. Starlight growled.

"Retreat." She switched back to Wolfpack's channel.

"This isn't over Sunset," she snarled as they retreated.

"Anytime you want," replied Sunset.

"Sentry Two to Wolfpack: Bandits are bugging out. Picking up 20 more 130 miles out at angels 12 closing fast."

"We can't handle that many!" yelled Fido.

"Sentry have you located Spot's beacon?" asked Sunset.

"Yes he's not far from...." Sentry was cut off.

"He's coming towards me right now," announced Alvinar, who had set his harrier down in a small field. Spot ran up to him.

"How are we going to get out of here?" Spot asked him.

"I can still maneuver this plane in vertical mode, so get up here, hold onto the canopy edge for your life, and let's get out of here," replied Alvinar.

"That sounds dangerous."

"Or would you like the Changelings to get you?."

"No," Spot replied weakly. He jumped up and held onto the canopy edge, and the Harrier lifted off and slowly begin heading South.

"We're on the move Blaze. What now?"

"We won't make it to the canyons. We have to head straight into the Empire," she replied.

"That will expose where we came from though," commented Helia.

"We don't have a choice, especially with Alvinar the way he is," replied Sunset. "Stay as low as you can Cobra." So as he limped his Harrier home, the others circled him.

"Bandits are 87 miles out. 17 miles to the border," announced Sky Eye.

Alvinar had to jink his plane left and right to get around some obstacles due to not having a rudder, while others required throttling up and down.

"I feel like I'm in one of those old top down view video games," cracked Spot. "It's getting hard to hold on."

"If we can even get a half mile inside the border we can land. Just do your best. If you can't you may have to sit on my back," he replied.

"Sentry Two to all planes: Bandits are 59 miles out and closing. You're eight miles from the border."

"Dammit they're going to be well within missile range before we get there," Redwing said.

"Alvinar can you speed it up a little?" Sunset asked.

"I'll try," he replied. He rotated the exhaust up a bit, but he was still only making about 90 knots. He had to climb higher though because he didn't have as much time to dodge obstacles, which would make him visible to the approaching bandits.

Soon the bandits were within missile range.

"They're getting tone!" yelled Shadow.

"We've got one shot. On my mark split S, get tone, and fire. Then turn back," replied Sunset. The group got ready.

"3-2-1- NOW!"

They reversed their course and headed for the bandits, getting tone just as the Changelings launched missiles at them. They split S again and gunned it, dropping chaff along the way. It worked as the bandits had to break away to dodge the missiles. Serana and Shadow even managed to hit a couple. They managed to lose all of the Changeling missiles.

"Sentry Two to all planes: You've crossed the border."

Sunset let out a sigh of relief. "Are you two going to make it back?" she asked Alvinar.

"I think we'll be fine. If not we'll just find a highway and call a tow truck," the griffon cracked.

"Thanks for the support, Carrot Head," Sunset said.

"Ngggh. You're welcome," she replied.

Hangar 2
Gryphus AFB
17:10 hours.

The group was chatting as they waited for Harpy and Candymare to show up. Soon Alvinar walked in.

"So what's Jaffa's verdict on your Harrier?" Redwing asked.

"The earliest he can have it repaired is evening tomorrow," he replied. "How about you Spot? What did Harpy say?"

"She said they'd come up with something," he replied.

The two mares showed up and began the debriefing.

"Well you had a rough one this time," opened Candymane. "First we'll take care of that. What's the status of your plane Alvinar?"

"He'll have it fixed by evening tomorrow," he replied.

"OK we'll cover the bill for you," she replied. "Now Spot was there any certain plane you were saving for?"

"Not really. Just something better than that Fishbed, but around the same size. I had my eyes on a Kfir and an F-5, but I don't have enough yet," he replied.

"How much do you have?" asked Harpy.

"A little over 31,000 bits right now," he replied. The two mares talked between each other briefly before Candymane spoke again.

"We'll take care of it. I'll give you an account number to wire the bits to, an we should be able to get it here tomorrow also," she replied.

Harpy then started the debriefing.

"As for your mission: You did pretty good until those mercenaries appeared. That first wave of planes you shot down hampered the Changeling's efforts to stop the assault quite a bit. Unfortunately as of now, all military operations have been suspended."

"WHAT?" The group couldn't believe what they were hearing.

"Why?" asked Sunset.

"Because the Changelings have threatened to use chemical weapons on Gracemareia should the attacks continue. We've confirmed they have some." The hangar fell silent.

"Those, worthless, pieces of SHIT!" yelled Sunset, throwing her cider bottle against the wall and smashing it, which made the two mares jump. The group was disgusted.

"That is a direct violation of the Gryphus convention! Even just threatening the use of them!" yelled Serana.

"So which of those two maggots gave the order?" Helia asked.

"We don't know. We're trying to find out," replied Candymare.

"I can't see Chrysalis doing it. Her mother's signature is on the treaty and she completely respected her. She knows the ramifications of violating it like that," commented Redwing. Sunset looked like she was going to burst into flames.

"If you do a mission to take care of the problem we want to be a part of it," replied Sunset. Everyone agreed immediately.

"We'll definitely have you in mind if we do," replied Harpy. and the mares left.

Crystal Bar and Grill
Gracemareia, Crystal Empire
20:11 hours.

"And that's how we finally got knocked down a peg," Sunset said to the others.

"Wow. That Starlight sounds pretty cold hearted," commented Glory.

"Plus she has a knack of not following orders, which is why she got booted out of the NLR Air force," added Shadow.

"Whoa. Did you know about her Maverick? Nightshade asked.

"Oh yeah," he replied. "She was the commander of the Snow Leopard Squadron during the big war, and she did it often, but they weren't serious violations so she got away with it, until she almost caused a blue on blue."

"Oh shit," replied Nightshade.

"What did she do?" Serana asked.

An army platoon was surrounded and getting closed in on by Legion of Discord forces near the border with the Griffon Empire, and her squadron was on CAP in the area. She was told not to try bombing them because of the close proximity to our troops, and the rest of the squadron backed off because all they had were clusters, but she did it anyway. It worked, but she almost took out the platoon also. Instant bounce."

"She'd be in prison if she did that in our country," commented Alvinar.

"She should've been thrown in prison, but our air force was so caught up in the war they just kicked her out, replied Maverick.

"So was she always cold hearted?" Fido asked.

"Yes. About the only emotion she ever showed was anger. and she holds grudges for a long time," he replied.

"Well that's good news for me. Guess I can expect to keep seeing her," Sunset said.

"So what was your last mission like?" Black Widow asked.

"Well if you want to hear it, we've got time," she replied. Everyone agreed.

"Well OK then."

Author's Note

first started writing it shortly before Season 5 of FiM started. Right then and there I knew I had to put Starlight (or Mayor Marks as she was known back then) in the story as a villain. Now that I've seen her, and her future, I'm glad I wrote her the way I did.

Starlight's plane.