Ace Combat: Shadows of Equestriaby The SergeantChaptersPrologueOn Course With DestinySitting DuckImminent ThreatOperation ArtemisPrologueThe scientists didn't intend to change the world today. As far as they were concerned, they were tinkering with mechanical parts to see whether or not they would make it five feet without falling apart. No knew about these experiments yet, since they were carried out in a remote area of the Equestrian coast. Priness Celestia had specifically asked for several scientists from different countries within the Solar Empire to work on the project, and determine whether there was a future for the three devices the scientists worked on day and night. The jeep, a wheeled, motorized contraption that, if finished, would be able to drive along roads and replace the archaic carriages. It was the first device the scientists had received. The Biplane, a bi-winged aircraft with wings and tail that reminded everyone of the mythical Fenix Dragon, and was one of the most troublesome automations the scientists had ever seen. Most of the time the engine failed to start, or the plane wouldn't get off the ground, or would et off the ground but crash several seconds later. Then there as the Submersible, a submersible craft that could stay underwater for twelve minutes. All of these devices were submitted by enthusiastic inventors who wanted to improve the world in their own small way. It wouldn't be small any longer. Today was a day that would change the world forever. The scientist in charge of the progress, a middle-aged stallion, gave the order for the day's testing to begin. Slight improvements had been made on all of the devices, and he wanted to see exactly what had changed. The Submersible had been given new bilge pumps, the biplane's engines had been outfitted with a new coolant mixture and the jeep was given a sturdier set of tires. He sat back and watched the Jeep's test begin. The Jeep was driven by an earth pony for exactly twenty five minutes until it was low on fuel. The Pony drove up to the receiving area and stopped the Jeep several feet off target, to his embarrasment. Excited, they tested the Biplane. A pegasus familiar with the simple controls was picked to pilot the craft. The 10 feet long bi-winged craft soon took off and flew gracefully over their heads for ten minutes before landing. The Submersible still stayed underwater for twelve minutes, but that couldn't be helped. By now the Scientists were scribbling messages to the Princesses, making sure to take down every detail and how the devices could be improved further. (50 years later) "Mares and Gentlecolts," A Changeling Colonel said to an assorted group of Ponies, Griffons Changelings and Zebras outside the Solar Empire Capital of Canterlot. "I, Colonel Vorkov, and my associates at Sukhoi Aviations are proud to tell you that we have perfected the newest craft in our Aerial Production line. I present to you..." He pressed a signal button, and at once a large shadow blotted out the sun. The surprised crowd looked up and saw a plane hovering several hundred feet off the ground. Immediately, the plane descended, touching down behind Vorkov. "...The Su-49 Sideswipe." The Sideswipe boasts VTOL capabilites and sustained flight. It can hold 50 missiles, 2000 rounds of bullets and has a range of 2,500 miles." The crowd immediately started chattering amongst themselves, and a blonde maned unicorn raised a hoof. Vorkov immediately recognized General Dinky Hooves, one of Celestia's trusted generals. She had quite the accomplished career in the Solar Empire, and was fast approaching 60 years of age. "Colonel Vorkov, My Princess would honestly give Sukhoi Aviations 100,000 bits for the Su-48 Sideswipe and other aircraft suitable for Imperial Pilots." General Dinky said, to which some of the crowd turned to her in astonishment. Vorkov stared at her sympathetically. "General Dinky, I appreciate the offer, but unfortunately Princess Luna has paid me nearly quadruple that amount two weeks ago for the next fifteen aircraft to enter production." Dinky glared at him. "Sorry." Vorkov said sheepishy. That evening, Celestia was trying to get answers out of Luna. The N.L.R Leader had swiped sixteen plane classes, and she wanted to know why. Luna was staring out the bedroom window while a visibly frustrated Celestia stood in the doorway. The candles lighting the room gave it a gloomy effect. "Luna, you can't be serious. The Empire has relatively antique aircraft, and we needed new Sukhoi aircraft." Luna sighed. "Sister," she started, "Your pilots are unfamiliar with Sukhoi's aircraft. My pilots have been flying theirs for several years and know exactly how they work. If your pilots are able to understand how Sukhoi's aircraft works, you would need to purchase several dozen Su-28 training planes." Celestia scoffed. "That may be the case, sister, but this matter of you bribing Sukhoi to give you the Su-49 and the following fifteen aircraft? That's ludicrous! Why would you do that?" Luna walked over from the window and stood three feet away from her sister. "Dassault, The Republic's main Aircraft Designer has halted all shipments for reasons unknown. The N.L.R needs new aircraft. Sukhoi's were the most promising." Celestia uncharacteristically growled in frustration. "This incident with your designer only adds more the the fact that you're unfit to rule the N.L.R territories." Luna was angered by the insult. "How I run my territories is of no concern to you! You run your Empire and let me run mine! The Business relations between me and Dassault are none of your business." Celestia remained silent. Luna continued. "I'm going back to my castle in Aurelia tomorrow morning. If that is all, sister, please leave." Celestia turned and walked out the door, using her magic to slam it with enough force to rattle the vase next to Luna's bed. Neither of them had noticed a pegasus hovering in the darkness outside the window, a pegasus who had been eavesdropping on their conversation. And Luna didn't hear the pegasus mutter to herself, "...And so it begins..."Ace Combat: Shadows of Equestria On Course With Destiny(Nine months later) "Wakey-Wakey, Echo." A familiar voice said in Airpony 1st Class Echo's ear. The pilot was strewn all over his bed while trying to get some sleep. It didn't matter that he was the lowest ranked pegasus in the Stingray squadron, but he still wanted to get some sleep! The White-coated, green eyed, and blue-maned pegasus groaned into his pillow. "Violet, what have I told you about waking me up at..."He checked the clock. "...6 o'clock in the morning?" Voilet, a lavender-coated, purple-eyed, and purple-maned pegasus smiled. Voilet was Stingray 3, and liked to play harmless pranks on Echo, who was Stingray 4. "I was told to wake you up. The Joint Training Maneuver is on today, remember?" Echo immediately jumped out of bed. "WHAT? I'm not ready!" "Then it might be smart to get ready." Voilet chirped as she pranced out the door. While a frantic Echo was trying to get into flight uniform, he heard another pony knock on his door. "Yo! Echo! Get a move on, will you? Embriella wants us in the briefing room in five minutes!" The voice of Grimm, who was Stingray 2, yelled through the door. "Just a second!" Echo replied as he finished putting on his uniform. He opened the door to see the face of the dark grey coated, brown-eyed, and white-maned pegasus looking at him in bemusement. "Finally ready, are we?" Grimm asked. "The rest of the squadron's in the briefing room. I'd suggest you get over there before Base Commander Blossomforth goes nuts." The base commander, now 74, but still looking like her 24 self due to some age-lenghtening spell blanketing Equestria, could be very irritated when ponies were late to the briefing, as the two were about to discover. Blossomforth raised an eyebrow as the two out-of breath pegasi settled into their seats. "Now that Grimm and Echo have so politely decided to join us-" She paused here to glare at the two, who fidgeted nervously. "-I can start the briefing. Princess Luna and Princess Celestia have agreed on a joint Military Training maneuver between the Solar Imperial Forces and the New Lunar Republic's military.Unlike our military, The Solar Empire's forces are split up into several species-restricted units. For example, say a platoon is made of of only Zebras, and a ship is crewed by only Changelings." The squadrons here will be assigned to several different tasks." The 50 ponies assembled were now fully focused on the commander. Echo took the time to pick out the squadron leaders. A completely green pegasus named Clover, who was the commander of the Fighter-Bomber 'Snow Squadron'. They used 11 Artic camoflauge-coloured Su-25 Frogfoots. The grey-maned and dark blue-coated pegasus known only as Cipher, who was the leader of the Attack Helicopter 'Osa Squadron'. They used 15 Urban-Camoflauged coloured Mil-Mi 24 Hinds. And a deep blue-maned and cyan-coated pegasus named Kira, who was the commander of the five-plane Interceptor 'Aquila Squadron'. Kira had told Echo once that Orosia had banished her Squadron, but she never explained why. They used their signature Grumman X-29s, with their unique paint that reminded everyone that the Famous Orosian ace fighter Squadron 'Aquila' that had gone missing five years back was still alive and very much kicking. Then he thought about his squadron's planes, Aqua coloured Su-24 Fencers with the embelm of a Stingray emblazoned on the tail. Blossomforth turned to face Clover, who immediately focused on what Blossomforth was going to say. "Clover, Snow squadron is going to assist the F-2 equipped Changeling Fireblade Squadron with maneuvers in the Waldreich Mountains at 1500 hours." Clover saluted, and after Blossomforth moved on, discussed celebratory tactics with her squadron. Blossomforth walked over to Cipher. "Cipher, Osa Squadron is going to help several Zebrican Chinook Helicopters with City Warfare in the Kinachi Desert at 1700 hours." Cipher and his squadron nodded. Blossomforth them moved on to Kira. "Kira, Your squadron is going to participate in a mock aerial battle with the Imperial 'Sorceror Squadron' in four hours." Blossomforth smiled. Their F-16XLs may give your squadron a hard time." Kira smirked. "Bring it on." At last, Blossomforth moved to Embrellia, who saluted. "Embrellia, this mission is a doozy. You are to assist a flotilla of three ships from the Republican 3rd fleet with Sea Maneuvers with Imperial Admiral Marigold's 5th Fleet, in the Antlertic Ocean. Her flagship is the Defender, which should be pretty easy to spot, as it's a Kirov-class cruiser. Admiral Marigold has promised us that there will be no air power on their side, so you should be the only planes up there. The 5th fleet will be arranged in clusters of 3 to 5 ships. The rest of the 3rd fleet will be spread out over the coastline with Imperial ships." Embrellia saluted again, while Grimm and Voilet gave each other a high hoof.* "Lucky." Kira muttered under her breath. Blossomforth resumed her position at the platform in the room. "So eat a good breakfast, get your flight suits ready and report to the hangers in one hour. Dismissed!" After Stingray Squadron had eaten their breakfast and gotten their flight suits ready the squadrons walked towards the hangers. On the way, Voilet moved next to Echo. "So Echo..." She started. "Hmm?" he mumbled, turning to face her as they walked to their aircraft. "How do you like Shorebird City?" she asked. Shorebird City. One of Aurelia's ports it was a balmy and very busy, a mix between the Tropical Southern Isles and the High Rise Cities in the Yuktomarian Kingdom. The rest of his squadron were born in the city, while he himself transferred from the Emareian Air Force to the N.L.R a few years back. Now he was at Sachana Air Base, a small Air Base close to Shorebird City. Another Airbase was nearby, and provided the Primary Air Defense for the Port. "It's nice. It's like someone dropped Marescow in the Southern Isles. Technology meets Tropical weather." Violet smiled. "Thanks, Echo!" Grimm, who was at the Su-24s ahead of them, smirked. "Come on, ya lovebirds!" He called back, to which Violet proceeded to chase him around his plane while Embrellia, Echo and some of the others squadrons laughed while getting into their planes. After a few minutes, Violet and Grimm decided that enough was enough and got into their planes, and waited with their squadron for take-off clearance. Two hours later, Stingray's flight of four Su-24 Fencers reached the three-ship formation. "Stingray Squadron, this is Admiral Seabreeze aboard the N.L.R.S Pitomnik. We have you on radar, 15 miles out, vector 280." Embriella smiled. "Roger Pitomnik. We see you." "The Pitomnik's here?" Echo asked. "That and two other famous ships." Admiral Seabreeze, replied, full of pride. Echo, and Voilet gasped when they saw what was in the formation. "The Frigate Pitomnik, The Destroyer Chuda, and the Battleship Gumrak! The Flagships of their classes!" Voilet exclaimed. AWACS Sentry then connected to the N.L.R frequency. "AWACS Sentry to N.L.R.S Pitomnik and Stingray Squadron. The Empire's ships have reported that they are 75 miles out, vector 120. Pitomnik, recommend that your formation turn 15 degrees to port and maintain top speed." While the ships executed the course correction Violet decided to talk to Sentry. "Hiya Mist! Why are you an AWACS operator? I thought you wanted to be a fighter pilot." Violet said. Mist sighed. "The evaluator said that my short-sightedness meant I was unsuitable for combat flying, so he said I could be an AWACS operator." Violet responded with a good imitation of a chicken. "Says the one running away from me!" Mist retorted. "On a mission!" Violet replied. "Touché." Mist said, before cutting the connection. Thirty five minutes later, Mist came on the line again. "Pitomnik, General Hurricane asks you to open communications with the Defender. The Pitomnik did so, and Admiral Seabreeze reported their position to her Imperial Counterpart. "Roger, Admiral Seabreeze, we see you, twenty miles out. Vector 300." Admiral Marigold said. Echo looked at the Imperial ships. He saw formations of destroyers, Aegis ships and frigates, and the Defender was easily visible. it was the only Kirov-Class battlecruiser in the formation. All in all there were 27 ships in Admiral Marigold's fleet. Violet noticed something odd about the formation. "Stingray 2 to Stingray 1. The Imperial ships are in bull horn formation. They didn't tell us about that in the briefing. They were supposed to be in clusters. Echo sighed. "Stingray 3 to Stingray 2. Do you honestly think the Solar Empire were going to tell us that? Top secret information and all that jazz?" "Yeaaah, I guess so." Violet sighed Onboard the Defender, Marigold, a orange coated, amber-maned Earth Pony, looked through a pair of binoculars at the three ships. "Only three ships and four fighters?" Her XO shrugged. "They could be sending the rest of their fleet elsewhere." Marigold rolled her eyes. "We have our orders, wait for them to get into the middle of the bull-horn." Five minutes later, the XO tapped Marigold's shoulder. "The ships are in the middle of the bull-horn, Admiral. should we attack the fighters as well?" Marigold waved a hoof. "Don't bother. The real threat are the ships. The fighters don't matter." The XO reported the order to all ships, then turned back to the Admiral. "All ships ready to fire on your mark." Marigold gave the order. "Fire!" Stingray looked on in shocked silence as the Imperial ships bombarded the three N.L.R ships. After the ships stopped firing, Stingray assessed the situation. The N.L.R.S destroyer Chuda was sinking fast, the Gumrak's main guns were twisted pieces of metal, and The Pitomnik reported light damage to the stern. "Admiral Marigold, what is the meaning of this? Your ships have just committed an unprevoked act of war! Explain yourselves!" Seabreeze ordered the Imperial Admiral. Marigold's previously kind voice now turned into a cold sneer. "Sorry, Admiral, but we're not allies with you anymore. Celestia has declared war on the N.L.R. We are free to take any action against you." The S.E ships at the end of the Bull-Horn formation turn to close the gap, trapping the Gumrak and Pitomnik in a ring. Violet gaped. "Sentry, the S.E ships just deliberately fired on and engaged the Pitomnik's formation!" Mist sounded shaken as she responded. "Roger, Stingray 2. Other N.L.R forces are reporting that the Empire has attacked their positions. Coastal defenses also report that the Solar Empire is landing troops on Aurelia's northern coastline. Princess Luna has ordered all N.L.R forces to return to base, and the Ground and Air bases in the vicinity of the capital to regroup at Midnight city for Capital defense." Echo gasped. "But what about the Gumrak and Pitomnik?" He asked as he looked at the two ships surrounded by S.E vessels. "This is the Pitomnik. The Gumrak has to withdraw immediately. It's too damaged to put up a fight. It's captain has told us the escape route planned. Take out the four Aegis ships southwest of the Gumrak." Seabreeze said as the Gumrak turned around and sailed towards the four ships. Mist came on the frequency with a piece of advice. "Aegis ships have a weak spot under the smokestack. If you fire a missile there, you'll cripple it." "Ok, Sentry. Stingray Flight. Follow me! Fire 6 missiles at those Aegis ships!" Embriella said as the squadron began their attack run on the flotilla, firing 6 AGM missiles. Onboard the lead Aegis ship, an officer noticed the danger too late. "Missiles! Shoot them down! Don't let them hit us!" The officer's order was drowned out as the explosions from the missiles cooked off the formation's ammo supplies. Within 30 seconds, all four ships were burning from end to end. The Gumrak received no opposition and they escaped the blockade. Echo saw that the Pitomnik had taken out two frigates and a destroyer, but was getting pummeled by shellfire. "Gumrak's clear, Pitomnik! Get out of there!" Embriella told Seabreeze. "...Too late. They've hit our engines and gun batteries. We can't get back to base." Seabreeze said solemnly. "O-o-ok, Pitomnik. Stingray destroy the rest of the S.E ships!" Mist ordered. "No." Seabreeze argued. "If Stingray stays here they'll die. Someone has to protect the Gumrak. We'll ram the Defender and distract their ships." Seabreeze said, before cutting off the communication. Mist sighed. "Good luck, Pitomnik." Seabreeze turned to the helmsman. "What's our speed?" "32.7 knots, Admiral." Seabreeze nodded, before taking the microphone and broadcasting a message to the surviving crewmembers onboard the Pitomnik. "All hands, brace for impact." She put the microphone down and turned to face out the window at the Defender's port side rapidly approaching them. Fascinated, Stingray Squadron watched as the Pitomnik rammed the Defender dead centre. The force of the impact wedged the bow deep into the Defender's hull, but everything behind the Pitomnik's smokestack was wrenched off by the impact. At once the S.E ships broke off the surround the Defender and the Pitomnik, not bothering with the retreating Gumrak and Stingray squadron. Mist took a phone off the counter next to her and called General Hurricane. "General Hurricane? This is Sentry 2. Requesting.....support for the Battleship Gumrak." On the oher end, Hurricane nodded. "What happened to the Pitomnik?" "...They rammed the Defender." "Oh...I'll tell the Princess." "Thank you General." Mist said, before hanging up the call and resuming her duties with a sense of despair for the Commander of the Pitomnik's flotilla. Back at the debreifing room, the air was solemn. Blossomforth looked at the dejected pilots with despair in her eyes. Snow Squadron had been massacred at the Waldreich Mountains, and no one had heard from Osa Squadron. Only Aquila Squadron and Stingray Squadron had returned unscathed. Clover and her remaining three wingponies were traumatised after the events they witnessed, and only Clover were able to speak to the concerned commander. "They...chewed us up and spat us out. We would all have been....killed if Snow 4 hadn't diverted their attention onto themselves." Blossomforth knew the faces of the ponies in Snow squadron, and the tears in Clover's eyes corroborated the suspicion that Snow 4 didn't make it. Aquila Squadron had shaken off their attackers and had retreated to base, and Kira was still stunned over their first retreat. Stingray Squadron...well, Blossomforth could see that they were upset about what happened to the flotilla. The shipyards in Shorebird City reported that the Gumrak would be out of action for an indefinite amount of time. "Pilots...." Blossomforth's voice cracked while she adressed the pegasi, and she willed herself to be stronger. "Pilots. What Celestia did today is unforgivable. Declarin War on us will be one of the greatest mistakes she ever made. And we will get revenge for our fallen brothers and sisters. Already Yuktomaria and the Southern Defense Coalition have pledged support to Princess Luna, and have declared war on the Solar Empire. Princess Luna has said that all squadrons and Army bases within 50 miles of Midnight City will engage in Capital Defense duties. Spies within the Solar Empire have reported that the Empire will focus attacks on Shorebird City's Port facilities. We cannot let them destroy the port. Our job now is to protect Shorebird City and the surrounding area With the pilots at Aubrey Air Base until the pressure is taken off Aurelia. Celestia will pay for this. There will be a reckoning for this. We shall be victorious! For the New Lunar Republic!" She shouted the last words, and a cheer radiated from the pilots assembled. "Tomorrow, we get our payback!" Blossomforth promised. Sitting DuckThe next day... Blossomforth looked at what was left of the base's pilots, sighed at the little air power they had, before beginning the briefing. "Good morning. I hope you had a nice sleep, because you're going to be flying today. Outer Radar has picked up a dozen Tu-160 bombers 200 miles out. Intelligence suggests they are packed with Bunker Busters. We believe that they're going to attack Shorebird city, and cripple nearby Saleza Air Base. Radar reports say that there are a dozen TU-160s and, mercifully enough, a small amount of escorts, numbering about..." She looked at the report. "Fifteen. Aquila Squadron, Stingray Squadron, your job will be to distract, the fighters, then you can take out the bombers. Embriella, SU-24s are unsuitable for this mission. Effective Immediately, your Squadron will be piloting Dassault Mirage F-1s." Embriella saluted, Grimm and Violet looked shocked, and Echo chuckled. "In five minutes, you are to report to your planes. Stingray, your planes are in Hanger 3. Dismissed!" (15 minutes later) The 9 planes were over the Port's bay when AWACS Sentry contacted them. "AWACS Sentry to Stingray and Aquila Squadron. Targets are approaching you had on. Arm AA missiles and move to intercept. Also, Today's my birthday. A victory would sure be nice." Echo chuckled. "Roger that, Mist." "Moving to intercept." Kira said as the five X-29s sped up and closed in on the bombers, still 50 miles out. "Engaging," Embriella also said as Stingray followed Aquila. By then the Enemy formation was in clear view. The 12 Tu-160s arranged in a V-formation, while the 15 fighters, F-5s and Mig-29s, were arranged in a circle around the bombers. Aquila dived into the fighter formation, which peeled off to engage. "Aquila 1 to Stingray 1. Fighters distracted. You're clear to engage!" Kira said as she fired a missile at a Mig-29. The pilot attempted to spiral dive, but the missile caught him in the middle of the maneuver, sending his craft corkscrewing, both wings breaking off, before slamming into the water. There was no parachute. "Merka 6 down. Damn Aurelians!" Another Mig-29 Pilot cursed. "Steady Merka 7. They got lucky. Merka Squadron, engage and destroy. Gebel Squadron, protect the bombers." A female pilot, Merka 1, said. "Roger." Gebel 1 replied as the 7 f-5s arranged themselves into a defensive formation around the leading bombers. Stingray Squadron, arriving at the scene, launched 4 missiles at four seperate f-5s. These planes exploded into debris. The three remaining f-5s evaded to avoid missiles and wreckage. "Gebel 5 to Merka 1! Come in!" An F-5 pilot screamed. "Merka 1 here. Where's Gebel 1?" Merka 1 asked. "Dead! Dead dead dead! So are Gebels 2, 3, AND 4! Be advised, a seperate N.L.R squadron is approaching! We can't do anything to assist the bombers!" Gebel 5 shouted, on the verge of a nervous breakdown. "Dammit! Merka 6, 7, and 8, assist Gebel Squadron. The rest of you, follow me. Let's waste these idiots." Merka 1 sighed as she fired a missile at Aquila 3, who dodged it with a split-S maneuver. In response, Aquila 4 and Aquila 5 hid out in a cloud formation, and when Merka 3 flew past, ambushed and shot her down. This time Merka 3 ejected. "Got her...wait, she bailed. Sentry, see if you can get a patrol out here to pick that Imperial pilot up." "Copy." Mist said, before contacting the Shorebird Port Commander. By now the fight was completely one-sided. Aquila 2 and Aquila 5, along with Echo and Grimm, had started engaging the Tu-160s. Aquila 3 and 4 had started harrassing what was left was Gebel Squadron. Gebel 5, now the Squadron leader, had had enough. "Gebel 5 to base. We're getting pounded up here! Request permission to withdraw!" Gebel 5 said. "Roger that. Merka Squadron, Gebel Squadron is withdrawing. Destroy the Aurelian planes ASAP." The Imperial Air Controller said. "Merka 1 here, that task is getting harder by the minute! Merka 3 and 5 are down, and Merka 8 is reporting engine damage. He's withdrawing as well." "Continue with mission! destroy those planes NOW!" the Controller ordered. "...fine. Merka Squadron, defend the bombers. I'll deal with these guys." Merka 1 hissed as she turned her Fulcrum around and targeted Echo. "Echo, bandit at your 20! Evade!" Violet yelled. "Woah!" Echo shouted in surprise as he evaded two missiles fired by Merka 1. "By Celestia, he's quick." Merka 1 said as she looped around to attack. Echo, however, had anticipated she would do that, and turned around to fire a missile at her. "Damn. Ejecting." Merka 1 said as she bailed out. The boat that picked up Merka 3 would pick her up as well. "Merka 2 here! Merka 1's downed! Bombers are reporting that they're taking damage!" Merka 2 shouted. "Dammit all. Abort mission! Get out of there!" The Controller ordered. "Merka Squadron, disengage! It's time to make ourselves scarce!" Merka 2 said as the remaining 4 Migs disengaged and fled. "...Command, this is Rayel 1. We have a mission to complete. And we will do it no matter what the cost." The lead bomber said, before the bombers accelerated and zoomed straight for the harbor. "Sentry to Aquila and Stingray! Escorts are withdrawing, but bombers are on final attack run! Intercept and destroy ASAP!" Mist said. "Aquila 1 here. We're outta ammo. Returning to base." Kira said as Aquila Squadron flew back to base. "Not good. Stingrays, follow me. Shoot down those bombers!" Embriella ordered. "Roger." Violet said as they fired a salvo of 8 missiles at four Tu-160s. These planes, loaded with full bomb bays, exploded with the force of a miniature Atomic bomb. The other 8 bombers evaded. They were now 15 miles from the city. "Fire salvo 2!" Embriella ordered. Again, the 8 missiles connected with their targets, and 4 more TU-160s spiralled downwards, their crews bailing out. "Targets are 10 miles from the city! destroy them now!" Sentry ordered. This time 8 missiles were fired, but only three bombers were destroyed. "Blast it, missiles didn't connect. I need to reload." Grimm said, voice filled with frustration. "No time! It's 5 miles from the city! Shoot it down!" Mist shouted, "Trying...Hey, what the!?" Embriella said as gunfire strafed the fomation, forcing Embriella, Violet, and Grimm to evade. Echo, however, climbed into a cloud layer. "Rayel 1, you're all clear! You may bomb the harbor when ready." Merka 2 said smugly. He had doubled back around Stingray and strafed them with gunfire. His smug face turned into one of horror when his plane was hit by gunfire. Echo had ambushed him. "Ejecting!" Merka 2 screamed, ejecting from his crippled plane. He would land on the harbor quay, right in the lap of the Port authorities. "Echo, you're the only one in position. Shoot it down now!" Mist said. "Gladly." Echo replied, shooting two missiles at the bomber. It exploded one mile from the bombing point. "Whew....that was cutting it a bit close. Stingray Squadron, return to base." Mist said, slumping back into her seat. As Stingray Squadron returned to their airfield, Embriella, Grimm, and Violet flew next to Echo, and praised him all the way back to base. "Good job, kid! You just saved Shorebird City!" Embriella said. "What I would give to see the look on Fulcrum guy's face when you shot him down..." Violet told Echo, laughing. "I'll buy you the drinks at the bar tonight, kiddo!" Grimm said as well. Even Blossomforth was impressed when she debriefed them. "Nice job, Echo. Thanks to you, the Oil tanks and Naval yards are safe. The crew of the Gumrak send their compliments." Blossomforth said, smiling. "Aw come on, guys, really. It was nothing." Echo said, blushing. "Rubbish. You saved a major port facility and took down an ace single-handedly! That's a guaranteed something right there!" Grimm said, clapping. "If you say so, Grimm. Now, about those drinks you promised..." Echo replied, smirking. Imminent ThreatAfter the Euphoria of their first proper mission had settled down, the next day, Echo and Grimm, sober, but suffering from hangovers, reported to the briefing room for the next mission. On their way in, Echo noticed that Aquila wasn't there. "Hey, Blossomforth?" Embriella asked. "Yes?" Blossomforth replied. "Where's Aquila Squadron?" "Don't worry about them. They're not going to be in your airspace for this mission." Blossomforth said, taking her place at the centre of the briefing room. "After yesterday's attempted bombing run, Aurelian High Command has figured out where they came from. It appears they crossed the Antlertic ocean from here-" She pointed a hoof at a small dot near Seaddle. "Mirskai Air Base. It's lightly defended, with small amounts of AA guns and SAMs, but we believe the remainders of the Escorts, and their entire squadrons, are stationed here. The route of attack is straightforward. You must attack and destroy the Substation nearby, cutting off power to the base. Then you will proceed to the base itself, destroying the hangars, Control Tower, and any plane stationed at this base." "I get the mission, but why now? Why right after yesterday?" echo asked. "They're going to attempt another bombing strike on us. The High Command has requested several squadrons from our Air Regiment to attack Mirskai Airbase, including you. Aquila Squadron will be taking out Radar stations to the south of your Airspace." Blossomforth indicated an airbase on the other side of Seaddle. "Rigley Airbase. While not a part of today's mission, expect reinforcements from this base. That is all. Dismissed!" "Awacs Sentry to Stingray Squadron. The Viper, Delta, and Falcon Squadrons are waiting for you to arrive. Expect contact in several minutes." Several minutes later, They could see The three supporting squadrons. the 10-plane Delta squadron, the 7-plane Viper Squadron, and the 8-plane Falcon Squadron. Delta Squadron flew F-5s, Viper Squadron flew Mirage 2000s, and Falcon Squadron flew Su-25 Frogfoots. The sky was slightly cloudy, with a few puffy Cumulus clouds. "Stingray 1, this is Falcon 1. Observations show that an Imperial B-52 squadron is about to take off from Mirskai Airbase. We are about to attack." "Stingray 1 to Falcon 1, how do we know where the base is?" Embriella asked. "See those Electricity pylons?" Stingray Squadron looked down and saw a line of Electricity pylons heading off into the distance. "Yes." Embriella said. "Those pylons go right to the base. They go through a substation 7 miles north of here. after that, it's 2 more miles to the base." "All planes, Commence attack!" Mist ordered. The 4 squadrons flew at top speed towards the base. "5 miles to Mirskai Airbase. Attack Formation please." Mist said. "Huh...what the...? I got something on radar! It's the N.L.R! It's an attack!" an Imperial Radar technician yelled. "What kind of an attack? Air? Ground? Everyone, calm down! What's going on?" An Officer yelled. "It's....4 squadrons of enemy fighters!" the Technician replied. "How? Our long range radar sites were supposed to pick them up!" The officer said. "Raise Rigley Airbase! Tell them to send their best pilots now!" "But sir, Akula Squadron is under Celestia's personal-" "So are we! Tell them to get here NOW!" "Stingray squadron listened to this as they each fired a missile at the substation, blowing it up. The technician had just sent the message to Rigley when all the lights in the building went out. "A blackout...?" The officer murmured. "They got the substation!" A soldier yelled. "All AA and SAM Sites are down! "Launch all fighters!" The officer yelled. Several Su-27s and Mig-29s were moving for the runway. They were just about to take off when Falcon Squadron screamed over the runway, dropping Fragmentation bombs on top of the Imperial Squadrons. The officer looked out the control room, his face etched with horror. "This can't be happening!" The Officer and the rest of the ponies in the control centre started running for the exit when they saw an F-1 rocket right past them. Echo looped around a nearby cloud and fired two missiles at the control tower. The entire building was soon consumed in flames. What was left of the base's personnel were abandoning the base and trying to get as far away as possible. "Awacs Sentry to All Squadrons over Mirskai Airbase. Target has been destroyed. Return to base...Alert! Alert! High Speed Aircraft Incoming!" "AWACS Lupis to Akula Squadron They've bombed Mirskai Airbase. This stain on Celestia's Honor must be removed. Destroy all N.L.R Planes. Leave none alive." A squadron of 8 X-02 Wyverns streaked across the skies over Seaddle. Delta Squadron, turning to engage the squadron, were shot down in seconds, all 10 planes brought down by a volley of Long Range Missiles. "Dammit...All planes get out of there! Retreat immediately! Do NOT engage the Enemy Wyverns! "How many are there!?" "Delta Squadron was shot down!" "Who's attacking?" "All planes, get the hell outta there! Return to Shorebird City ASAP!" Mist's voice yelled over the radio, though only a handful could actually hear her. "You heard her, ponies!" Embriella said. "Shorebird City! Go!" The Akula squadron, tailing the retreating planes, kept firing missile salvos and picking off unfortunate planes. "They got us locked! I'm--" Falcon 3's voice was drowned out by the sound of an explosion. Stingray and Viper Squadrons turned to see the Akula Squadron gunning right for them, several burning planes left in their wake. "5 miles to Combat Zone Border." Mist said. The Akula Squadron was 2 mils behind them and they were locked on. "Mist. I'm turning around." Embriella said. A chorus of "What?" rising from every plane. "I'm going to distract them. Everyone else, top speed!" She said as she turned around and flew at top speed towards the Akula Squadron. "Bogey coming in head on! Evade!" Akula 1 swerved to the right and Akula's formation fell apart as the Wyverns took evasive maneuvres. Akula 1 maneuvred her plane behind Embriella and fired several rounds of bullets into the F-1's engines. Embriela baled out as her F-1 turned into a ball of fire. Before she could unfurl her wings and return to base, she was caught in a spell and was pulled towards a squad of Imperial Unicorns. She was now a P.O.W. Akula 1 turned her plane around to see that the two enemy squadrons were nowhere to be seen. "...DAMNIT!" " Operation ArtemisSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
PrologueThe scientists didn't intend to change the world today. As far as they were concerned, they were tinkering with mechanical parts to see whether or not they would make it five feet without falling apart. No knew about these experiments yet, since they were carried out in a remote area of the Equestrian coast. Priness Celestia had specifically asked for several scientists from different countries within the Solar Empire to work on the project, and determine whether there was a future for the three devices the scientists worked on day and night. The jeep, a wheeled, motorized contraption that, if finished, would be able to drive along roads and replace the archaic carriages. It was the first device the scientists had received. The Biplane, a bi-winged aircraft with wings and tail that reminded everyone of the mythical Fenix Dragon, and was one of the most troublesome automations the scientists had ever seen. Most of the time the engine failed to start, or the plane wouldn't get off the ground, or would et off the ground but crash several seconds later. Then there as the Submersible, a submersible craft that could stay underwater for twelve minutes. All of these devices were submitted by enthusiastic inventors who wanted to improve the world in their own small way. It wouldn't be small any longer. Today was a day that would change the world forever. The scientist in charge of the progress, a middle-aged stallion, gave the order for the day's testing to begin. Slight improvements had been made on all of the devices, and he wanted to see exactly what had changed. The Submersible had been given new bilge pumps, the biplane's engines had been outfitted with a new coolant mixture and the jeep was given a sturdier set of tires. He sat back and watched the Jeep's test begin. The Jeep was driven by an earth pony for exactly twenty five minutes until it was low on fuel. The Pony drove up to the receiving area and stopped the Jeep several feet off target, to his embarrasment. Excited, they tested the Biplane. A pegasus familiar with the simple controls was picked to pilot the craft. The 10 feet long bi-winged craft soon took off and flew gracefully over their heads for ten minutes before landing. The Submersible still stayed underwater for twelve minutes, but that couldn't be helped. By now the Scientists were scribbling messages to the Princesses, making sure to take down every detail and how the devices could be improved further. (50 years later) "Mares and Gentlecolts," A Changeling Colonel said to an assorted group of Ponies, Griffons Changelings and Zebras outside the Solar Empire Capital of Canterlot. "I, Colonel Vorkov, and my associates at Sukhoi Aviations are proud to tell you that we have perfected the newest craft in our Aerial Production line. I present to you..." He pressed a signal button, and at once a large shadow blotted out the sun. The surprised crowd looked up and saw a plane hovering several hundred feet off the ground. Immediately, the plane descended, touching down behind Vorkov. "...The Su-49 Sideswipe." The Sideswipe boasts VTOL capabilites and sustained flight. It can hold 50 missiles, 2000 rounds of bullets and has a range of 2,500 miles." The crowd immediately started chattering amongst themselves, and a blonde maned unicorn raised a hoof. Vorkov immediately recognized General Dinky Hooves, one of Celestia's trusted generals. She had quite the accomplished career in the Solar Empire, and was fast approaching 60 years of age. "Colonel Vorkov, My Princess would honestly give Sukhoi Aviations 100,000 bits for the Su-48 Sideswipe and other aircraft suitable for Imperial Pilots." General Dinky said, to which some of the crowd turned to her in astonishment. Vorkov stared at her sympathetically. "General Dinky, I appreciate the offer, but unfortunately Princess Luna has paid me nearly quadruple that amount two weeks ago for the next fifteen aircraft to enter production." Dinky glared at him. "Sorry." Vorkov said sheepishy. That evening, Celestia was trying to get answers out of Luna. The N.L.R Leader had swiped sixteen plane classes, and she wanted to know why. Luna was staring out the bedroom window while a visibly frustrated Celestia stood in the doorway. The candles lighting the room gave it a gloomy effect. "Luna, you can't be serious. The Empire has relatively antique aircraft, and we needed new Sukhoi aircraft." Luna sighed. "Sister," she started, "Your pilots are unfamiliar with Sukhoi's aircraft. My pilots have been flying theirs for several years and know exactly how they work. If your pilots are able to understand how Sukhoi's aircraft works, you would need to purchase several dozen Su-28 training planes." Celestia scoffed. "That may be the case, sister, but this matter of you bribing Sukhoi to give you the Su-49 and the following fifteen aircraft? That's ludicrous! Why would you do that?" Luna walked over from the window and stood three feet away from her sister. "Dassault, The Republic's main Aircraft Designer has halted all shipments for reasons unknown. The N.L.R needs new aircraft. Sukhoi's were the most promising." Celestia uncharacteristically growled in frustration. "This incident with your designer only adds more the the fact that you're unfit to rule the N.L.R territories." Luna was angered by the insult. "How I run my territories is of no concern to you! You run your Empire and let me run mine! The Business relations between me and Dassault are none of your business." Celestia remained silent. Luna continued. "I'm going back to my castle in Aurelia tomorrow morning. If that is all, sister, please leave." Celestia turned and walked out the door, using her magic to slam it with enough force to rattle the vase next to Luna's bed. Neither of them had noticed a pegasus hovering in the darkness outside the window, a pegasus who had been eavesdropping on their conversation. And Luna didn't hear the pegasus mutter to herself, "...And so it begins..."Ace Combat: Shadows of Equestria
On Course With Destiny(Nine months later) "Wakey-Wakey, Echo." A familiar voice said in Airpony 1st Class Echo's ear. The pilot was strewn all over his bed while trying to get some sleep. It didn't matter that he was the lowest ranked pegasus in the Stingray squadron, but he still wanted to get some sleep! The White-coated, green eyed, and blue-maned pegasus groaned into his pillow. "Violet, what have I told you about waking me up at..."He checked the clock. "...6 o'clock in the morning?" Voilet, a lavender-coated, purple-eyed, and purple-maned pegasus smiled. Voilet was Stingray 3, and liked to play harmless pranks on Echo, who was Stingray 4. "I was told to wake you up. The Joint Training Maneuver is on today, remember?" Echo immediately jumped out of bed. "WHAT? I'm not ready!" "Then it might be smart to get ready." Voilet chirped as she pranced out the door. While a frantic Echo was trying to get into flight uniform, he heard another pony knock on his door. "Yo! Echo! Get a move on, will you? Embriella wants us in the briefing room in five minutes!" The voice of Grimm, who was Stingray 2, yelled through the door. "Just a second!" Echo replied as he finished putting on his uniform. He opened the door to see the face of the dark grey coated, brown-eyed, and white-maned pegasus looking at him in bemusement. "Finally ready, are we?" Grimm asked. "The rest of the squadron's in the briefing room. I'd suggest you get over there before Base Commander Blossomforth goes nuts." The base commander, now 74, but still looking like her 24 self due to some age-lenghtening spell blanketing Equestria, could be very irritated when ponies were late to the briefing, as the two were about to discover. Blossomforth raised an eyebrow as the two out-of breath pegasi settled into their seats. "Now that Grimm and Echo have so politely decided to join us-" She paused here to glare at the two, who fidgeted nervously. "-I can start the briefing. Princess Luna and Princess Celestia have agreed on a joint Military Training maneuver between the Solar Imperial Forces and the New Lunar Republic's military.Unlike our military, The Solar Empire's forces are split up into several species-restricted units. For example, say a platoon is made of of only Zebras, and a ship is crewed by only Changelings." The squadrons here will be assigned to several different tasks." The 50 ponies assembled were now fully focused on the commander. Echo took the time to pick out the squadron leaders. A completely green pegasus named Clover, who was the commander of the Fighter-Bomber 'Snow Squadron'. They used 11 Artic camoflauge-coloured Su-25 Frogfoots. The grey-maned and dark blue-coated pegasus known only as Cipher, who was the leader of the Attack Helicopter 'Osa Squadron'. They used 15 Urban-Camoflauged coloured Mil-Mi 24 Hinds. And a deep blue-maned and cyan-coated pegasus named Kira, who was the commander of the five-plane Interceptor 'Aquila Squadron'. Kira had told Echo once that Orosia had banished her Squadron, but she never explained why. They used their signature Grumman X-29s, with their unique paint that reminded everyone that the Famous Orosian ace fighter Squadron 'Aquila' that had gone missing five years back was still alive and very much kicking. Then he thought about his squadron's planes, Aqua coloured Su-24 Fencers with the embelm of a Stingray emblazoned on the tail. Blossomforth turned to face Clover, who immediately focused on what Blossomforth was going to say. "Clover, Snow squadron is going to assist the F-2 equipped Changeling Fireblade Squadron with maneuvers in the Waldreich Mountains at 1500 hours." Clover saluted, and after Blossomforth moved on, discussed celebratory tactics with her squadron. Blossomforth walked over to Cipher. "Cipher, Osa Squadron is going to help several Zebrican Chinook Helicopters with City Warfare in the Kinachi Desert at 1700 hours." Cipher and his squadron nodded. Blossomforth them moved on to Kira. "Kira, Your squadron is going to participate in a mock aerial battle with the Imperial 'Sorceror Squadron' in four hours." Blossomforth smiled. Their F-16XLs may give your squadron a hard time." Kira smirked. "Bring it on." At last, Blossomforth moved to Embrellia, who saluted. "Embrellia, this mission is a doozy. You are to assist a flotilla of three ships from the Republican 3rd fleet with Sea Maneuvers with Imperial Admiral Marigold's 5th Fleet, in the Antlertic Ocean. Her flagship is the Defender, which should be pretty easy to spot, as it's a Kirov-class cruiser. Admiral Marigold has promised us that there will be no air power on their side, so you should be the only planes up there. The 5th fleet will be arranged in clusters of 3 to 5 ships. The rest of the 3rd fleet will be spread out over the coastline with Imperial ships." Embrellia saluted again, while Grimm and Voilet gave each other a high hoof.* "Lucky." Kira muttered under her breath. Blossomforth resumed her position at the platform in the room. "So eat a good breakfast, get your flight suits ready and report to the hangers in one hour. Dismissed!" After Stingray Squadron had eaten their breakfast and gotten their flight suits ready the squadrons walked towards the hangers. On the way, Voilet moved next to Echo. "So Echo..." She started. "Hmm?" he mumbled, turning to face her as they walked to their aircraft. "How do you like Shorebird City?" she asked. Shorebird City. One of Aurelia's ports it was a balmy and very busy, a mix between the Tropical Southern Isles and the High Rise Cities in the Yuktomarian Kingdom. The rest of his squadron were born in the city, while he himself transferred from the Emareian Air Force to the N.L.R a few years back. Now he was at Sachana Air Base, a small Air Base close to Shorebird City. Another Airbase was nearby, and provided the Primary Air Defense for the Port. "It's nice. It's like someone dropped Marescow in the Southern Isles. Technology meets Tropical weather." Violet smiled. "Thanks, Echo!" Grimm, who was at the Su-24s ahead of them, smirked. "Come on, ya lovebirds!" He called back, to which Violet proceeded to chase him around his plane while Embrellia, Echo and some of the others squadrons laughed while getting into their planes. After a few minutes, Violet and Grimm decided that enough was enough and got into their planes, and waited with their squadron for take-off clearance. Two hours later, Stingray's flight of four Su-24 Fencers reached the three-ship formation. "Stingray Squadron, this is Admiral Seabreeze aboard the N.L.R.S Pitomnik. We have you on radar, 15 miles out, vector 280." Embriella smiled. "Roger Pitomnik. We see you." "The Pitomnik's here?" Echo asked. "That and two other famous ships." Admiral Seabreeze, replied, full of pride. Echo, and Voilet gasped when they saw what was in the formation. "The Frigate Pitomnik, The Destroyer Chuda, and the Battleship Gumrak! The Flagships of their classes!" Voilet exclaimed. AWACS Sentry then connected to the N.L.R frequency. "AWACS Sentry to N.L.R.S Pitomnik and Stingray Squadron. The Empire's ships have reported that they are 75 miles out, vector 120. Pitomnik, recommend that your formation turn 15 degrees to port and maintain top speed." While the ships executed the course correction Violet decided to talk to Sentry. "Hiya Mist! Why are you an AWACS operator? I thought you wanted to be a fighter pilot." Violet said. Mist sighed. "The evaluator said that my short-sightedness meant I was unsuitable for combat flying, so he said I could be an AWACS operator." Violet responded with a good imitation of a chicken. "Says the one running away from me!" Mist retorted. "On a mission!" Violet replied. "Touché." Mist said, before cutting the connection. Thirty five minutes later, Mist came on the line again. "Pitomnik, General Hurricane asks you to open communications with the Defender. The Pitomnik did so, and Admiral Seabreeze reported their position to her Imperial Counterpart. "Roger, Admiral Seabreeze, we see you, twenty miles out. Vector 300." Admiral Marigold said. Echo looked at the Imperial ships. He saw formations of destroyers, Aegis ships and frigates, and the Defender was easily visible. it was the only Kirov-Class battlecruiser in the formation. All in all there were 27 ships in Admiral Marigold's fleet. Violet noticed something odd about the formation. "Stingray 2 to Stingray 1. The Imperial ships are in bull horn formation. They didn't tell us about that in the briefing. They were supposed to be in clusters. Echo sighed. "Stingray 3 to Stingray 2. Do you honestly think the Solar Empire were going to tell us that? Top secret information and all that jazz?" "Yeaaah, I guess so." Violet sighed Onboard the Defender, Marigold, a orange coated, amber-maned Earth Pony, looked through a pair of binoculars at the three ships. "Only three ships and four fighters?" Her XO shrugged. "They could be sending the rest of their fleet elsewhere." Marigold rolled her eyes. "We have our orders, wait for them to get into the middle of the bull-horn." Five minutes later, the XO tapped Marigold's shoulder. "The ships are in the middle of the bull-horn, Admiral. should we attack the fighters as well?" Marigold waved a hoof. "Don't bother. The real threat are the ships. The fighters don't matter." The XO reported the order to all ships, then turned back to the Admiral. "All ships ready to fire on your mark." Marigold gave the order. "Fire!" Stingray looked on in shocked silence as the Imperial ships bombarded the three N.L.R ships. After the ships stopped firing, Stingray assessed the situation. The N.L.R.S destroyer Chuda was sinking fast, the Gumrak's main guns were twisted pieces of metal, and The Pitomnik reported light damage to the stern. "Admiral Marigold, what is the meaning of this? Your ships have just committed an unprevoked act of war! Explain yourselves!" Seabreeze ordered the Imperial Admiral. Marigold's previously kind voice now turned into a cold sneer. "Sorry, Admiral, but we're not allies with you anymore. Celestia has declared war on the N.L.R. We are free to take any action against you." The S.E ships at the end of the Bull-Horn formation turn to close the gap, trapping the Gumrak and Pitomnik in a ring. Violet gaped. "Sentry, the S.E ships just deliberately fired on and engaged the Pitomnik's formation!" Mist sounded shaken as she responded. "Roger, Stingray 2. Other N.L.R forces are reporting that the Empire has attacked their positions. Coastal defenses also report that the Solar Empire is landing troops on Aurelia's northern coastline. Princess Luna has ordered all N.L.R forces to return to base, and the Ground and Air bases in the vicinity of the capital to regroup at Midnight city for Capital defense." Echo gasped. "But what about the Gumrak and Pitomnik?" He asked as he looked at the two ships surrounded by S.E vessels. "This is the Pitomnik. The Gumrak has to withdraw immediately. It's too damaged to put up a fight. It's captain has told us the escape route planned. Take out the four Aegis ships southwest of the Gumrak." Seabreeze said as the Gumrak turned around and sailed towards the four ships. Mist came on the frequency with a piece of advice. "Aegis ships have a weak spot under the smokestack. If you fire a missile there, you'll cripple it." "Ok, Sentry. Stingray Flight. Follow me! Fire 6 missiles at those Aegis ships!" Embriella said as the squadron began their attack run on the flotilla, firing 6 AGM missiles. Onboard the lead Aegis ship, an officer noticed the danger too late. "Missiles! Shoot them down! Don't let them hit us!" The officer's order was drowned out as the explosions from the missiles cooked off the formation's ammo supplies. Within 30 seconds, all four ships were burning from end to end. The Gumrak received no opposition and they escaped the blockade. Echo saw that the Pitomnik had taken out two frigates and a destroyer, but was getting pummeled by shellfire. "Gumrak's clear, Pitomnik! Get out of there!" Embriella told Seabreeze. "...Too late. They've hit our engines and gun batteries. We can't get back to base." Seabreeze said solemnly. "O-o-ok, Pitomnik. Stingray destroy the rest of the S.E ships!" Mist ordered. "No." Seabreeze argued. "If Stingray stays here they'll die. Someone has to protect the Gumrak. We'll ram the Defender and distract their ships." Seabreeze said, before cutting off the communication. Mist sighed. "Good luck, Pitomnik." Seabreeze turned to the helmsman. "What's our speed?" "32.7 knots, Admiral." Seabreeze nodded, before taking the microphone and broadcasting a message to the surviving crewmembers onboard the Pitomnik. "All hands, brace for impact." She put the microphone down and turned to face out the window at the Defender's port side rapidly approaching them. Fascinated, Stingray Squadron watched as the Pitomnik rammed the Defender dead centre. The force of the impact wedged the bow deep into the Defender's hull, but everything behind the Pitomnik's smokestack was wrenched off by the impact. At once the S.E ships broke off the surround the Defender and the Pitomnik, not bothering with the retreating Gumrak and Stingray squadron. Mist took a phone off the counter next to her and called General Hurricane. "General Hurricane? This is Sentry 2. Requesting.....support for the Battleship Gumrak." On the oher end, Hurricane nodded. "What happened to the Pitomnik?" "...They rammed the Defender." "Oh...I'll tell the Princess." "Thank you General." Mist said, before hanging up the call and resuming her duties with a sense of despair for the Commander of the Pitomnik's flotilla. Back at the debreifing room, the air was solemn. Blossomforth looked at the dejected pilots with despair in her eyes. Snow Squadron had been massacred at the Waldreich Mountains, and no one had heard from Osa Squadron. Only Aquila Squadron and Stingray Squadron had returned unscathed. Clover and her remaining three wingponies were traumatised after the events they witnessed, and only Clover were able to speak to the concerned commander. "They...chewed us up and spat us out. We would all have been....killed if Snow 4 hadn't diverted their attention onto themselves." Blossomforth knew the faces of the ponies in Snow squadron, and the tears in Clover's eyes corroborated the suspicion that Snow 4 didn't make it. Aquila Squadron had shaken off their attackers and had retreated to base, and Kira was still stunned over their first retreat. Stingray Squadron...well, Blossomforth could see that they were upset about what happened to the flotilla. The shipyards in Shorebird City reported that the Gumrak would be out of action for an indefinite amount of time. "Pilots...." Blossomforth's voice cracked while she adressed the pegasi, and she willed herself to be stronger. "Pilots. What Celestia did today is unforgivable. Declarin War on us will be one of the greatest mistakes she ever made. And we will get revenge for our fallen brothers and sisters. Already Yuktomaria and the Southern Defense Coalition have pledged support to Princess Luna, and have declared war on the Solar Empire. Princess Luna has said that all squadrons and Army bases within 50 miles of Midnight City will engage in Capital Defense duties. Spies within the Solar Empire have reported that the Empire will focus attacks on Shorebird City's Port facilities. We cannot let them destroy the port. Our job now is to protect Shorebird City and the surrounding area With the pilots at Aubrey Air Base until the pressure is taken off Aurelia. Celestia will pay for this. There will be a reckoning for this. We shall be victorious! For the New Lunar Republic!" She shouted the last words, and a cheer radiated from the pilots assembled. "Tomorrow, we get our payback!" Blossomforth promised.
Sitting DuckThe next day... Blossomforth looked at what was left of the base's pilots, sighed at the little air power they had, before beginning the briefing. "Good morning. I hope you had a nice sleep, because you're going to be flying today. Outer Radar has picked up a dozen Tu-160 bombers 200 miles out. Intelligence suggests they are packed with Bunker Busters. We believe that they're going to attack Shorebird city, and cripple nearby Saleza Air Base. Radar reports say that there are a dozen TU-160s and, mercifully enough, a small amount of escorts, numbering about..." She looked at the report. "Fifteen. Aquila Squadron, Stingray Squadron, your job will be to distract, the fighters, then you can take out the bombers. Embriella, SU-24s are unsuitable for this mission. Effective Immediately, your Squadron will be piloting Dassault Mirage F-1s." Embriella saluted, Grimm and Violet looked shocked, and Echo chuckled. "In five minutes, you are to report to your planes. Stingray, your planes are in Hanger 3. Dismissed!" (15 minutes later) The 9 planes were over the Port's bay when AWACS Sentry contacted them. "AWACS Sentry to Stingray and Aquila Squadron. Targets are approaching you had on. Arm AA missiles and move to intercept. Also, Today's my birthday. A victory would sure be nice." Echo chuckled. "Roger that, Mist." "Moving to intercept." Kira said as the five X-29s sped up and closed in on the bombers, still 50 miles out. "Engaging," Embriella also said as Stingray followed Aquila. By then the Enemy formation was in clear view. The 12 Tu-160s arranged in a V-formation, while the 15 fighters, F-5s and Mig-29s, were arranged in a circle around the bombers. Aquila dived into the fighter formation, which peeled off to engage. "Aquila 1 to Stingray 1. Fighters distracted. You're clear to engage!" Kira said as she fired a missile at a Mig-29. The pilot attempted to spiral dive, but the missile caught him in the middle of the maneuver, sending his craft corkscrewing, both wings breaking off, before slamming into the water. There was no parachute. "Merka 6 down. Damn Aurelians!" Another Mig-29 Pilot cursed. "Steady Merka 7. They got lucky. Merka Squadron, engage and destroy. Gebel Squadron, protect the bombers." A female pilot, Merka 1, said. "Roger." Gebel 1 replied as the 7 f-5s arranged themselves into a defensive formation around the leading bombers. Stingray Squadron, arriving at the scene, launched 4 missiles at four seperate f-5s. These planes exploded into debris. The three remaining f-5s evaded to avoid missiles and wreckage. "Gebel 5 to Merka 1! Come in!" An F-5 pilot screamed. "Merka 1 here. Where's Gebel 1?" Merka 1 asked. "Dead! Dead dead dead! So are Gebels 2, 3, AND 4! Be advised, a seperate N.L.R squadron is approaching! We can't do anything to assist the bombers!" Gebel 5 shouted, on the verge of a nervous breakdown. "Dammit! Merka 6, 7, and 8, assist Gebel Squadron. The rest of you, follow me. Let's waste these idiots." Merka 1 sighed as she fired a missile at Aquila 3, who dodged it with a split-S maneuver. In response, Aquila 4 and Aquila 5 hid out in a cloud formation, and when Merka 3 flew past, ambushed and shot her down. This time Merka 3 ejected. "Got her...wait, she bailed. Sentry, see if you can get a patrol out here to pick that Imperial pilot up." "Copy." Mist said, before contacting the Shorebird Port Commander. By now the fight was completely one-sided. Aquila 2 and Aquila 5, along with Echo and Grimm, had started engaging the Tu-160s. Aquila 3 and 4 had started harrassing what was left was Gebel Squadron. Gebel 5, now the Squadron leader, had had enough. "Gebel 5 to base. We're getting pounded up here! Request permission to withdraw!" Gebel 5 said. "Roger that. Merka Squadron, Gebel Squadron is withdrawing. Destroy the Aurelian planes ASAP." The Imperial Air Controller said. "Merka 1 here, that task is getting harder by the minute! Merka 3 and 5 are down, and Merka 8 is reporting engine damage. He's withdrawing as well." "Continue with mission! destroy those planes NOW!" the Controller ordered. "...fine. Merka Squadron, defend the bombers. I'll deal with these guys." Merka 1 hissed as she turned her Fulcrum around and targeted Echo. "Echo, bandit at your 20! Evade!" Violet yelled. "Woah!" Echo shouted in surprise as he evaded two missiles fired by Merka 1. "By Celestia, he's quick." Merka 1 said as she looped around to attack. Echo, however, had anticipated she would do that, and turned around to fire a missile at her. "Damn. Ejecting." Merka 1 said as she bailed out. The boat that picked up Merka 3 would pick her up as well. "Merka 2 here! Merka 1's downed! Bombers are reporting that they're taking damage!" Merka 2 shouted. "Dammit all. Abort mission! Get out of there!" The Controller ordered. "Merka Squadron, disengage! It's time to make ourselves scarce!" Merka 2 said as the remaining 4 Migs disengaged and fled. "...Command, this is Rayel 1. We have a mission to complete. And we will do it no matter what the cost." The lead bomber said, before the bombers accelerated and zoomed straight for the harbor. "Sentry to Aquila and Stingray! Escorts are withdrawing, but bombers are on final attack run! Intercept and destroy ASAP!" Mist said. "Aquila 1 here. We're outta ammo. Returning to base." Kira said as Aquila Squadron flew back to base. "Not good. Stingrays, follow me. Shoot down those bombers!" Embriella ordered. "Roger." Violet said as they fired a salvo of 8 missiles at four Tu-160s. These planes, loaded with full bomb bays, exploded with the force of a miniature Atomic bomb. The other 8 bombers evaded. They were now 15 miles from the city. "Fire salvo 2!" Embriella ordered. Again, the 8 missiles connected with their targets, and 4 more TU-160s spiralled downwards, their crews bailing out. "Targets are 10 miles from the city! destroy them now!" Sentry ordered. This time 8 missiles were fired, but only three bombers were destroyed. "Blast it, missiles didn't connect. I need to reload." Grimm said, voice filled with frustration. "No time! It's 5 miles from the city! Shoot it down!" Mist shouted, "Trying...Hey, what the!?" Embriella said as gunfire strafed the fomation, forcing Embriella, Violet, and Grimm to evade. Echo, however, climbed into a cloud layer. "Rayel 1, you're all clear! You may bomb the harbor when ready." Merka 2 said smugly. He had doubled back around Stingray and strafed them with gunfire. His smug face turned into one of horror when his plane was hit by gunfire. Echo had ambushed him. "Ejecting!" Merka 2 screamed, ejecting from his crippled plane. He would land on the harbor quay, right in the lap of the Port authorities. "Echo, you're the only one in position. Shoot it down now!" Mist said. "Gladly." Echo replied, shooting two missiles at the bomber. It exploded one mile from the bombing point. "Whew....that was cutting it a bit close. Stingray Squadron, return to base." Mist said, slumping back into her seat. As Stingray Squadron returned to their airfield, Embriella, Grimm, and Violet flew next to Echo, and praised him all the way back to base. "Good job, kid! You just saved Shorebird City!" Embriella said. "What I would give to see the look on Fulcrum guy's face when you shot him down..." Violet told Echo, laughing. "I'll buy you the drinks at the bar tonight, kiddo!" Grimm said as well. Even Blossomforth was impressed when she debriefed them. "Nice job, Echo. Thanks to you, the Oil tanks and Naval yards are safe. The crew of the Gumrak send their compliments." Blossomforth said, smiling. "Aw come on, guys, really. It was nothing." Echo said, blushing. "Rubbish. You saved a major port facility and took down an ace single-handedly! That's a guaranteed something right there!" Grimm said, clapping. "If you say so, Grimm. Now, about those drinks you promised..." Echo replied, smirking.
Imminent ThreatAfter the Euphoria of their first proper mission had settled down, the next day, Echo and Grimm, sober, but suffering from hangovers, reported to the briefing room for the next mission. On their way in, Echo noticed that Aquila wasn't there. "Hey, Blossomforth?" Embriella asked. "Yes?" Blossomforth replied. "Where's Aquila Squadron?" "Don't worry about them. They're not going to be in your airspace for this mission." Blossomforth said, taking her place at the centre of the briefing room. "After yesterday's attempted bombing run, Aurelian High Command has figured out where they came from. It appears they crossed the Antlertic ocean from here-" She pointed a hoof at a small dot near Seaddle. "Mirskai Air Base. It's lightly defended, with small amounts of AA guns and SAMs, but we believe the remainders of the Escorts, and their entire squadrons, are stationed here. The route of attack is straightforward. You must attack and destroy the Substation nearby, cutting off power to the base. Then you will proceed to the base itself, destroying the hangars, Control Tower, and any plane stationed at this base." "I get the mission, but why now? Why right after yesterday?" echo asked. "They're going to attempt another bombing strike on us. The High Command has requested several squadrons from our Air Regiment to attack Mirskai Airbase, including you. Aquila Squadron will be taking out Radar stations to the south of your Airspace." Blossomforth indicated an airbase on the other side of Seaddle. "Rigley Airbase. While not a part of today's mission, expect reinforcements from this base. That is all. Dismissed!" "Awacs Sentry to Stingray Squadron. The Viper, Delta, and Falcon Squadrons are waiting for you to arrive. Expect contact in several minutes." Several minutes later, They could see The three supporting squadrons. the 10-plane Delta squadron, the 7-plane Viper Squadron, and the 8-plane Falcon Squadron. Delta Squadron flew F-5s, Viper Squadron flew Mirage 2000s, and Falcon Squadron flew Su-25 Frogfoots. The sky was slightly cloudy, with a few puffy Cumulus clouds. "Stingray 1, this is Falcon 1. Observations show that an Imperial B-52 squadron is about to take off from Mirskai Airbase. We are about to attack." "Stingray 1 to Falcon 1, how do we know where the base is?" Embriella asked. "See those Electricity pylons?" Stingray Squadron looked down and saw a line of Electricity pylons heading off into the distance. "Yes." Embriella said. "Those pylons go right to the base. They go through a substation 7 miles north of here. after that, it's 2 more miles to the base." "All planes, Commence attack!" Mist ordered. The 4 squadrons flew at top speed towards the base. "5 miles to Mirskai Airbase. Attack Formation please." Mist said. "Huh...what the...? I got something on radar! It's the N.L.R! It's an attack!" an Imperial Radar technician yelled. "What kind of an attack? Air? Ground? Everyone, calm down! What's going on?" An Officer yelled. "It's....4 squadrons of enemy fighters!" the Technician replied. "How? Our long range radar sites were supposed to pick them up!" The officer said. "Raise Rigley Airbase! Tell them to send their best pilots now!" "But sir, Akula Squadron is under Celestia's personal-" "So are we! Tell them to get here NOW!" "Stingray squadron listened to this as they each fired a missile at the substation, blowing it up. The technician had just sent the message to Rigley when all the lights in the building went out. "A blackout...?" The officer murmured. "They got the substation!" A soldier yelled. "All AA and SAM Sites are down! "Launch all fighters!" The officer yelled. Several Su-27s and Mig-29s were moving for the runway. They were just about to take off when Falcon Squadron screamed over the runway, dropping Fragmentation bombs on top of the Imperial Squadrons. The officer looked out the control room, his face etched with horror. "This can't be happening!" The Officer and the rest of the ponies in the control centre started running for the exit when they saw an F-1 rocket right past them. Echo looped around a nearby cloud and fired two missiles at the control tower. The entire building was soon consumed in flames. What was left of the base's personnel were abandoning the base and trying to get as far away as possible. "Awacs Sentry to All Squadrons over Mirskai Airbase. Target has been destroyed. Return to base...Alert! Alert! High Speed Aircraft Incoming!" "AWACS Lupis to Akula Squadron They've bombed Mirskai Airbase. This stain on Celestia's Honor must be removed. Destroy all N.L.R Planes. Leave none alive." A squadron of 8 X-02 Wyverns streaked across the skies over Seaddle. Delta Squadron, turning to engage the squadron, were shot down in seconds, all 10 planes brought down by a volley of Long Range Missiles. "Dammit...All planes get out of there! Retreat immediately! Do NOT engage the Enemy Wyverns! "How many are there!?" "Delta Squadron was shot down!" "Who's attacking?" "All planes, get the hell outta there! Return to Shorebird City ASAP!" Mist's voice yelled over the radio, though only a handful could actually hear her. "You heard her, ponies!" Embriella said. "Shorebird City! Go!" The Akula squadron, tailing the retreating planes, kept firing missile salvos and picking off unfortunate planes. "They got us locked! I'm--" Falcon 3's voice was drowned out by the sound of an explosion. Stingray and Viper Squadrons turned to see the Akula Squadron gunning right for them, several burning planes left in their wake. "5 miles to Combat Zone Border." Mist said. The Akula Squadron was 2 mils behind them and they were locked on. "Mist. I'm turning around." Embriella said. A chorus of "What?" rising from every plane. "I'm going to distract them. Everyone else, top speed!" She said as she turned around and flew at top speed towards the Akula Squadron. "Bogey coming in head on! Evade!" Akula 1 swerved to the right and Akula's formation fell apart as the Wyverns took evasive maneuvres. Akula 1 maneuvred her plane behind Embriella and fired several rounds of bullets into the F-1's engines. Embriela baled out as her F-1 turned into a ball of fire. Before she could unfurl her wings and return to base, she was caught in a spell and was pulled towards a squad of Imperial Unicorns. She was now a P.O.W. Akula 1 turned her plane around to see that the two enemy squadrons were nowhere to be seen. "...DAMNIT!" "
