Ace Combat: UPEO Squadron

Chapter 3: UPEO Squadron

Eden AFB, NLR West Coast

2nd October, 2017

07:44 hours

Tucked away in the mountainous area of the Badlands, safe from detection and enemy attack, lays Eden AFB. The most hi-tech and advanced AFB in Equestria and home of the 245th Research Division. The 245th was in charge of undertaking the most important and highly-classified projects. Projects that only Princess Luna and a select few in her cabinet know about. They were the team that created the Connection For Flight Interface (COFFIN) System for the Lunar Republic, before the plans were leaked to the Solar Empire by a defecting pilot, allowing the Empire to create the F/A-36A for their air force.

The 245th owns only one squadron; the 1st Experimental Fighter Squadron 'UPEO'. Ever since the creation of the New Lunar Republic and the 245th Research Division, UPEO Squadron operated like a black-ops division. When asked about the existence of the UPEO Squadron, Luna would always deny that the squadron existed, even though the public knew that the 245th existed. The squadron was so secret that Air Force Commander Wigwam didn't know that UPEO existed either.

As for UPEO Squadron, they were only assigned for three mission types; testing new aircraft prototypes developed by the 245th, clean-up missions after major operations by the military or top secret operations vital to the war effort. UPEO was ruthless, they had a 100% success rate and they left only minimal, if any, survivors during missions. And as the reports of top secret installations in the Empire and the Legion were seemingly destroyed overnight began to reach the front-lines, rumours began to circulate amongst the ranks of the regular pilots, the most common being that the facilities were beings destroyed by the spirit of Nightmare Moon, who had returned to exact her vengeance on those who opposed Luna's rule.

Only the best-of-the-best in Equestria were allowed to join and they were expected to perform. A mission failure or a mission that didn't result in a 100% victory, would result in a immediate kick-out. All of the UPEO pilots had to be willing to risk it all to achieve victory.

As the clock hit 1:45 on the dot, all 9 pilots (excluding the squad commander) of the UPEO squadron arrived in the briefing room, ready for their next assignment from Luna or another higher-up. Moments later, Squad Commander Spearhead entered the briefing room and fired up the briefing system.

"At ease, pilots. This one is not like our normal sorties. We've got something really special this time," Spearhead greeted the pilots, before tapping on a few keys. After doing so, a map of what appeared it be an air base in Canterlot appeared in the screen along with a face-cam of the mare herself, Princess Luna. All of the pilots bowed before their princess.

"Arise, pilots of UPEO. I know this isn't the best of times to be given your next mission, since the loss of UPEO 7, but you are one of the most important squadrons that I have, so you need to press on," The princess explained.

"What are we looking at this time?" One of the pilots asked.

"Well, I've managed to find you a new pilot to continue the callsign of UPEO 7. He will enter... now," And as Luna said that, the door to the briefing room opened, all of the pilots gasped, as Akula trotted through the door and stood in front of the group, staring at the gathered ponies with a gaze of interest. "UPEO Squadron, this is Akula. He was a former pilot in the Solar Empire and Legion of Discord, and is one of the best changeling pilots in Equestria. He currently has well over 500 kills to his tally and was the only pilot in the LoD to not be under Discord's control. In fact, he was able to hold off 5 Solar Empire squadrons on his own and only retreated when he ran out of ammunition,"

"With all due respect, your Highness, why are you introducing him? Shouldn't he be doing that," Spearhead asked.

"Well, that's the problem. Given the fact that he doesn't know you all very well, he won't be very talkative. But just fly with him a few times and he will open up. It's vital," But before Spear could question why getting this changeling to talk was vital, Luna answered him, "He has information about a new aerial weapon that the Legion is creating and hoping to put into mass production, with some files and documents to back up his claims. The problem is; he won't give us the files unless we help him hijack the prototype and take the plans for the NLR. And given the fact that we can't just go in on unconfirmed intel, he'll have to earn our trust before he can trust us and give us the info. So, he'll be with you,"

"And you want us to run him through the UPEO Proving Grounds, yes?" UPEO 6 asked, getting to the point.

"Exactly. And I have a target for you," Luna's face cam shrunk down and took up half of the presentation screen, the other half taken up by the map, "I've received intel from aerial recon that confirms the location of a VTOL Squadron operating in the vicinity of the city. My sister set-up this squadron to be the last-line of defence of the capital, in case us or Discord attempts to attack her city. However, this squadron has also been confirmed as being used as seeker craft, used in assisting in hunting down and arresting NLR spies. I've already had 7 spies arrested due to assistance from these aircraft, so I need you to infiltrate Canterlot airspace and destroy that squadron. I am trusting this mission to you, as I know that UPEO will be able to achieve this without civilian casualties. Spearhead, you will lead this mission. Take two of your pilots with you and Akula, as he will be taking on the task of destroying the airfield. I will provide you with an EA-6B squadron to get you through the anti-air defences, but once you are within the city limits, you will be on your own. Good hunting, UPEO," And with that

"Looks like that's our mission for today. UPEO 2 and 3, you're with us. And Akula, your plane will be in Hangar 07. I'll see you in the skies. Good luck, everypony!" And with that, the briefing concluded, the pilots rushing to their planes.

Near Canterlot Airspace
07:59 hours

The flight of four knifed through the skies, only a few hundred meters from the deck. Many SAM sites blocked their path but none opened fire, as their radars were being blanketed by Electromagnetic Countermeasures operated by a squadron of Prowlers from the 8th Electronic Warfare Squadron from the carrier, LRS Shadow.

As such, the four UPEO planes didn't need to worry about missiles coming at them.

Spearhead lead the squadron at the tip of the finger-four formation, at the controls of a tan-orange F-22C Raptor II.

To his left and acting as flight wingpony, was StarSong. The former muscisan was at the controls of a dark-lavender F/A-18U Hornet ADV.

On Spearhead's right and acting as element leader, was Toola-Roola. The artistic pony was flying a dark-pink R-101 Delphinus #1.

And finally, on Toola's right wing as element wingpony was Akula. He was at the controls of a R-201U Asterozoa attack plane. The 201U was an oddity in the skies, with a distinctive twin-fuselage design and a massive payload option, boosted by a new system that increase the payload count to beyond what all the pylons could hold on their own.

The flight of four approached the edge of the ECM blanket, which was just at the walls of the city. "Flight of four, this is Shadow 8-1. You are approached the edge of our jamming area. Just be advised, we have orders to return to our carrier once you leave the covered zone. Good luck and happy hunting," The lead Prowler pilot reported.

"Alright, final pre-mission check-in. All callsigns report in," Spearhead reported in.

"UPEO 2, roger," StarSong replied.

"UPEO 3, roger," Toola-Roola replied.

However, there was no response from Akula. The radio-waves remained silent, when UPEO 1 broke it. "UPEO 7. Do you read me? Check in,"

There was still no response. Instead, Akula ignited his magic and sent his response to Spear telepathically, as he wasn't yet ready to speak with them yet. But he had his way of communicating with those he didn't trust yet.

"Okay, were approaching Canterlot now. Once we are inside the city walls, the jammers will leave us and we will be on our own. Akula, you have the duty of finding and destroying the airbase. Once we breach their airspace, Celestia will scramble any and all fighters to defend the capital. When they reach us, just focus on your target. We'll handle the fighters. Understood?" Spear explained. Another magical response confirmed that Akula knew what he was doing.

And now about a few meters from the massive wall that surrounded the city, the UPEO pilots left the protection of the ECM Field and were immediately picked up by hostile radars.

"Okay, here we go! All units, engage!" Spear called out, as the formation buzzed by the wall.

Royal Guards stationed on that part of the wall saw the fighters pass over them and immediately radioed for Air Defence Control. "This is Station 14! NLR fighters just buzzed us at low altitude! They're heading into the city airspace!" One Royal Guard reported, his tone filled with panic.

"Affirmative, scrambling fighters now," The ADC operator replied.

After the spotting, the Imperial radio chatter then went to unprecedented levels. Air raid sirens immediately began to sound in the city. Ponies in the streets panicked and rushed in ever direction to find shelter. Royal Guard stations and Police units throughout the city were put on alert and the AA Defences at the castle were manned, ready to defend their home. Panic-stricken calls filled the radios of the Solar Empire units, as they tried to coordinate and eliminate the intruders.

"Attention all Royal Guard and Royal Canterlot Police stations, attention all Royal Guard and RCPD stations. Hostile fighters have been detected over the capitol. Move out with AA and SAM weapons and intercept immediately,"

"THIS IS STATION 3! WE HAVE A VISUAL ON THE FIGHTERS! THEY'RE HEADING FOR THE CASTLE!"

"VALIANT 1-9 REPORTING! WE HAVE A VISUAL ON THE FIGHTERS! HOW DID THEY GET THROUGH THE DEFENCE NETS???!!!"

"Doesn't matter. Shoot them down,"

"This is Air Defence Control to any and all squadrons in the vicinity of Canterlot. NLR fighters have been sighted in Canterlot airspace. Scramble immediately and intercept!"

"Attention, citizens of Canterlot. Enemy aircraft have been spotted in the city's airspace. All citizens are to find shelter immediately! This is not a drill. This is not a drill,"

Meanwhile, in the castle, Celestia was enjoying a nice cup of tea when the air raid sirens suddenly went off. Twilight Sparkle then rushed in and delivered the news. "Celestia, NLR craft have been spotted over the city!"

"WHAT?!" Celestia cried out in surprise, dropping her teacup in the process, "PUT ALL ROYAL GUARD STATIONS ON ALERT AND HAVE THE ANIT-AIRCRAFT BATTERIES MANNED AND AT THE READY!! CALL IN EVERY SINGLE FIGHTER AND DEAL WITH THESE INTRUDERS AND I WANT CONTACT WILL ALL MILITARY BRACHES IN THE VICINTY OF CANTERLOT NOW!!!!!!!!"

Twilight just quickly nodded and rushed away to did as she was asked, as Celestia rushed after her to join her generals in the Royal Emergency Bunker.

Akula kept his R-201 at rooftop level as he blazed the twin-fuselage attacker through the city. Surprisingly, he could feel the fuselage of his aircraft being peltered by small-arms fire from the ground, as Royal Canterlot Police Department units on the ground opened fire on his aircraft with Glock 19M 9mm pistols, Remington 870 shotguns and MP5SF 9mm sub-machineguns. Although these weapons would have no damaging impact, the police were valiantly trying all they could to stop the fighters.

The changeling just shrugged off the fire and kept looking all over the skyline for enemy jump-jets. But quite soon, he spotted something.

To the West of the city, to his 10 o'clock, Akula the sillouete of a Yak-141 popping from behind the buildings. Akula smiled. 'There you are,' He thought to himself.

But before he could move to engage, Spear came over the radio. "UPEO 1 to all units, we have hostile contacts to the North! Fighters, move to engage!"

With the detection of Solar fighters, Spear, Toola and Star moved to engage the incoming fighters. And once within range, the Imperial fighters were identified. "MiG-23s! Get in close and let them have it!" Toola reported. Quite soon, both sides then opened fire on each other, with 2 Floggers going down in the crossfire.

As the UPEO and Solar MiGs began to dogfight, Akula was closing on the VTOL airfield that the Yaks were operating from. The closer he got, the more he could make out. The Imperial fighters had received the warnings of the NLR attack and were in the process of scrambling to intercept. As of that moment, two Yaks had already taken off and 8 others were in the process of doing so.

But Akula was there to put a stop to it. He lit the afterburners of the two engines and raced towards the airfield. He arrived over the airfield, tucked away by fake buildings that were used to disguise the base within the clutter of the city. But not for much longer. Akula armed his weapons and moved to engage.

Two more of the Yaks on the ground began to lift off the tarmac. However, as the two VTOLs began to lift off, there was an unexpected voice that came over the radio. It was Princess Celestia herself. "All brave pilots of VF-37, our city is under attack. I have personally taken control of all military forces in Canterlot in the light of this event. Protect our citizens and our home from these night aggressors!"

This sudden mini-speech had given the Solar pilots a new sense of duty and honor, and began to climb faster. But it was too late. Akula was already upon them and fired away at the parked Freestyles and base buildings with his AIM-43 BeeHive MIRV missiles. Akula fired away two AIM-43s as they began tracing their targets. But before the missiles made impact, they exploded and released multiple Stinger missiles that spread out and then converged on their targets. The massive spread not only took out their intended targets, but the impacts of the other spread missiles detonated other craft and caused a chain-reaction, with most of the base personnel, fighters and buildings being caught in the blast.

However, the two fighters that had already gotten clear of the detonation remained untouched and then chased after Akula. Both got within range and opened fire with a heat-seeker each.

Missile warnings went off in Akula's cockpit and he popped flares and jinked hard to avoid. 30mm tracer rounds zipped over his canopy, more digging into the tough airframe of the 201U, as the changeling sent out a magical call-out for help.

"Sorry, UPEO 7. I've got my hooves full here!" Toola replied, as she dodged another missile shot at her form a Solar MiG.

"You have to shake them, UPEO 7. I can't help you," Star added, as she chased down the MiG shooting at UPEO 3.

Looks like Akula would have to shake them himself. The Demon Lord threw his Asterozoa left and right, with the two Yaks in close pursuit. Then, Akula chopped power and pulled up, somehow sending the heavy 201 into a flip. The two Yak pilots tried to equal his manoeuvre, but they were going to fast and they overshot.

Akula completed the flip and chased down the two 141s, who where trying to circle around and reengage him. However, they were turning around too slow and Akula got lock on the first Yak, letting loose a BeeHive missile and turning away to engage the other Yak. The first Yak was hit with all four Stingers and exploded, with the wreckage falling into the streets below.

The other Yak, however, began to throw up a wall of flares and chaff, preventing Akula from getting a lock. In response, the changeling closed the distance and opened fire wit the 37mm cannon mounted in the central part of the fuselage. All the shots quickly zeroed in on their target and eventually, the powerful shells ripped off the left wing of the Yak and it was sent crashing into the streets below.

With the two Yaks dealt with and the MiGs on the run, the squadron linked up and then booked it for NLR airspace.

"UPEO 1 to all pilots, how many did you get?" Spear asked.

"UPEO 2, 5 kills," Star reported.

"UPEO 3, 3 kills," Toola reported.

Then, a voice came over the radio that nopony was expecting, "UPEO 7, 10 kills," Akula reported.

"Warming up now, Akula?"

"Yes, commander. But we still have a long way to go before I feel like talking business,"

"Doesn't matter. You've got one more test. Let's get out of here,"

Author's Note

It's been a while since I worked on this story, but I am FINALLY BACK TO MY ROOTS!!!! If you enjoy this chapter, be sure to favourite and track so you know when I post new chapters.

I'll see you in the next chapter!

(NOTE: The AIM-43 'BeeHive' MIRV missile is a fictitious missile that I have given the name to for the MIRV missile used by UPEO. Basically, it resembles an AIM-7 Sparrow, except it is bigger, has the tracking-system used by the AMRAAM and has a MIRV warhead. Oh yeah, and it can lock onto both air and ground targets, like MIRV missiles and most others can do in Ace Combat)