Neon Genesis Evangelion Fan Fiction ❯ Acecombat: dawn of Eva ❯ Mission 02: Imminent Threat ( Chapter 4 )

Author's disclaimer: I do not own Acecombat 4 or Shin Seiki Evangelion. Namco owns Acecombat 4 and Studio Gainax and its affiliates own Shin Seiki Evangelion.

Acecombat: Dawn of Eva

Mission 2: Imminent Threat

Operation Harvest

Task Force 57: USS Nimitz: October 1, 2004

It's already been a couple of weeks since Mobius squadron's first sortie against the Erusians. The pilots were often placed on patrol, so as to allow them to keep a watch on the battle group because of the constant threat of aerial attacks and enemy surface groups. Their "cruise" had been quite uneventful, although they were nearly attacked by a sonar contact a few days ago.

After a few days, the Nimitz battle group rendezvoused with Task force 58 and its flagship, the USS Halsey. The USS Halsey was the newest CVNX-1 aircraft carrier that could carry far more aircraft and equipment than its predecessors. It can effectively use any power available, unlike its predecessors. The advanced electrical system of this new ship allows for rapid reconfiguration or integration of new technology as they become available.

Both Task Force groups, led by the Nimitz and Halsey, reached the Naval Base of San Carlos later that day. They unloaded 40% of their aircraft, including Mobius squadron, to Warwick AFB in preparation for an upcoming mission so important that could decide the fate of ISAF in its weakened state.

Warwick Air Force Base: October 3, 2004

Warwick Air Force Base is a strategic airfield located near the Naval Base of San Carlos and Jefferson airfield. This base was once the staging point of bombing raids conducted by ISAF against Erusia. It was once the home of bombers and strike aircrafts from the 58th ISAF air regiment. Now, it served as a base for future operations until a new base could be constructed.

The pilots of Mobius squadron were already on their way to their new quarters when someone came up to them.

"Good morning pilots."

Shinji and the others looked at who greeted them. They saw that it was a woman with lavender hair and was wearing a red jacket with a full colonel's insignia. Their military training quickly showed itself as they snapped a crisp salute to the colonel. The lavender-haired woman returned the salute.

"At ease, pilots. I am Colonel Katsuragi Misato, the base commander of Warwick AFB." She said, quite cheerfully. The pilots were shocked. They thought that the AFB commander here would be stoic, since all of the AFB personnel here seem to be very professional and always abided by the rules. Instead, the AFB commander seems to be quite cheerful and kind.

"Now let's drop the formalities shall we?"

The pilots just nodded.

After spending a few hours with Misato, the pilots got to know Misato as a compassionate, cheerful and friendly commander. They talked a little more after that, about their lives, in general. After their little conversations with one another, the pilots and Col. Katsuragi parted ways to get some much-needed rest.

Warwick Air Force Base: Briefing room: October 5, 2004

The pilots sat in the briefing room, tension clearly hanging in the air. They were quite nervous of the mission because Col. Katsuragi, at one of their talks, hinted that this mission was very important and if they fail, ISAF will be defeated. They didn't want that to happen.

The tension was broken a few moments later as Col. Katsuragi entered the briefing room. The pilots snapped a crisp salute and the colonel saluted back.

"At ease pilots." Misato's voice was very professional and betrayed no emotions. She motioned for them to sit down and then began the briefing.

"At 1329 hours today, ISAF will attack the bombers on Rigley Airfield, a former ISAF facility. This is going to be called "Operation Harvest". The bombers stationed there is a proverbial knife pointed at our throat." She flipped a switch on the board that showed an aerial shot of Rigley Air Force Base.

"This shot of Rigley Air Force base was taken by our Dark star Unmanned Aerial vehicles. As you can see, they have quite a number of fighters defending the area. The fighters are composed of Tigers and Fish beds. Also, the AFB also has a number of operational AA guns defending the airspace." Misato paused to take a breath.

"The bombers and the airfield facilities must be taken out so that the Erusians can't conduct bombing raids against North Point. As you all know, Rigley AFB is the only airfield which allows the Erusians to bomb North Point without having to stop at other airfields or to refuel."

"Even though it seems that we are flattening the base, our main objective is to recapture the base. It will serve as our most valuable airfield if that happens. It enables us to strike any other Erusian installations in the area. Do not damage the runways at any cost."

"Your aircrafts will be fitted with 8 CBU-52 Cluster bombs and the standard AGMs and AAMs. Under the orders from ISAF high command, Mobius Flight will be the one to undertake this mission. Skyeye, your AWACS, will vector you to the correct position of the enemy."

"All pilots, good luck. You'll need it. You will move out at 1200 hours. Dismissed." With that said, the pilots and Col. Katsuragi shared a salute before parting ways.

As the other pilots walked out, Shinji gripped Asuka's hand and engulfed her in a warm embrace.

"Be careful, Asuka."

"You too, baka. Remember, if you don't come back to me in one piece, I'll personally rearrange you and kick your ass to kingdom come, are we clear?" Shinji chuckled, then replied.

"Yes ma'am."

Outside

Hikari and Toji were embracing each other, as was Kensuke and Rei. All of them were exchanging "I love you" and "Be careful" to each other. They continued embracing until Shinji and Asuka arrived at their location. Hand in hand with their partners, they walked to the runway.

Warwick Air Force Base: Runway 5: October 5, 2004

The pilots of Mobius flight spent a good 10 minutes checking their aircraft. Sure, they were reliable but they had to be checked nonetheless. You never know what may happen in the skies. A loose piece of machinery can cause a disaster, possibly a botched mission or even death.

After they finished checking their respective Phantoms, They boarded it and flipped the numerous switches and lit up the engines.

"This is Mobius lead to Control. Request permission to take-off." Shinji said over the radio. The reply came quickly enough.

"This is control to Mobius lead. Runway 5 is clear. Mobius Flight is cleared for take-off."

"Copy that, control"

Mobius Lead and Mobius 2 taxied to the runway, followed shortly by the others. When their General Electric Turbojets were lit up, there was a deafening roar. The aircraft began to move, gaining speed, as it raced the runway. A few moments later, they were aloft. The others shortly followed.

The Skies near Rigley Air Base: Mobius Squadron/Flight: October 5, 2004

It had been a few moments ago when Mobius flight, led by Mobius 1, met up with their AWACS, Skyeye. Now, Skyeye has raised its altitude and is now above the clouds, monitoring the situation. At last, they were now in the Area of Operations.

The Skies above Rigley Air Base: E-767 Airborne Warning and Control System Codename: "Skyeye": October 5, 2004

The AWACS known as Skyeye was now "hidden" above the clouds after it raised its altitude. The crew was busy checking their radar, looking for the air squadron based at Rigley and the Substation that supplies back-up power to Rigley Air Base. Suddenly, the radar showed three blips, one stationary and two moving targets. The crew assumed that the ststionary was the substation and the two moving were members of the air squadron. They alerted Mobius Flight…

The Skies near Rigley Air Base: Mobius Squadron/Flight: October 5, 2004

As Mobius squadron approached ever closer to Rigley, their radio cackled. It was Skyeye.

"This is Skyeye to Mobius Flight, The substation has been detected. Also, two bogeys are headed your way. Both are located at Vector Four-Five-Zero, along the nose."

Shinji then spoke over the radio.

"This is Mobius Lead to Mobius Flight. You heard the man. Mobius 2, you will come with me and eliminate any stragglers in the area. Mobius three and four, you are to take out the fighters. Mobius 5 and 6, you are to take out the base defenses. Beware of enemy ack-ack fire though. As soon as you are finished, drop your bombs at the appropriate targets. Mobius Flight, engage!"

"Copy that, Mobius lead."

The Skies near Rigley Air Base: Red 9: October 5, 2004

Red 9 and his partner, Red 7, were flying on patrol when they detected 6 blips on the radar. He scanned the area ahead. After a little while, he saw an explosion up ahead. When they closed in, they saw that it was the substation, and they saw the six fighters headed towards them…

The Skies near Rigley Air Base: Mobius Flight/Squadron: October 5, 2004

"Here they come! Two bandits, positive ID as F-5E Tiger II. Mobius Flight engage!"

Mobius squadron lit up their turbojets as they headed towards the fighters. When they approached, he saw them initiating a combat spread, meaning one was going to the right; the other was going to the left.

`This is going to be fun.' Shinji thought, rather sadistically.

Shinji followed the first target as it turned away from him. As Shinji and the F-5 were now facing the same direction (meaning forward), the F-5 turned rather abruptly, hoping that Shinji might overshoot him. Alas, it was not to be.

Shinji had clearly seen through the maneuver. As a response to this, he quickly initiated the "high yo-yo" maneuver. It is a maneuver invented to gain a better offensive position while preventing the attacker from overshooting the target.

Shinji quickly raised his altitude when he saw the target turning. When the target was nearly finished turning Shinji quickly dived down and gained a lock-on.

"Fox 2, you sonofabitch!"

The AIM-9M Sidewinder disengaged from one of the pylons and headed towards the target aircraft. After a few moments, the target aircraft was engulfed by an explosion and was replaced by burning wreckage rapidly descending towards the ground. The rest of Mobius Flight formed around him once again.

"Splash one, splash one Mobius lead." Said Skyeye as it monitored the situation over Rigley AFB. Shinji didn't reply. Instead, he asked the others.

"What happened to the other bandit?"

"He just met his creator."

Shinji then feigned disappointment. "Damn, I missed out the good stuff!" Then he turned serious. "Mobius Flight, we are to proceed as planned. Exercise extreme caution."

"We copy you, Mobius Lead."

"Alright then. Operation Harvest is in the green."

Rigley Air Base: October 5, 2004

The base commander, who, during that time was drinking coffee, was startled when the lights began to flicker violently. He asked one of his officers who was seated in his station.

"What is the status of the substation?" He asked, full of curiosity.

"It appears to be… offline sir. That's weird, the substation was checked just two hours ago. Damned engineers. Must be slacking off again." The base commander was about to reply when one of his officers came running up to him.

"Sir! We just received a transmission from Red 9. He said that six bogeys are closing in on Rigley and the Substation was destroyed! It was the last transmission we received from him."

"What's the ETA?"

"1 and a half minute, sir."

"God dammit." He muttered angrily. Just as he was about to order them to launch all available aircraft, the ground shook from an explosion.

Skies Above Rigley AFB: Mobius Squadron/Flight: October 5, 2004

"This is Mobius 5. Weapons are free. I repeat weapons are free."

Toji's F-4 Phantom II shuddered slightly as one of the CBU-52s hanging from the pylons broke free and headed towards the target. Its target was the Ack-Ack machineguns. The CBU-52, at the proper height, unloaded its deadly payload. The 220 BLU-61A/B anti-materiel / anti-personnel submunitions began to rain on the machine guns. Almost 75% percent of the submunitions struck the target, while the others caused a sufficient amount of collateral damage to the surrounding area.

Rigley AFB: October 5, 2004

"What was that?!"

"Sir! It appears that our AA guns had been destroyed!"

"WHAT!?" The Base commander bellowed. "Order all available aircraft to take-off! Also, those aircrafts that had just landed, order them aloft again! Understood!?"

"Yes Commander! Right away!."

Rigley AFB: Runways 1 and 2: October 5, 2004

The sirens began to blare as the bombing raids got underway. One could see the pilots frantically trying to take-off before they get engulfed in the "rain of death" (cluster bombs). The other air force personnel setting up new Ack-Ack posts.

The runway once again shook from an explosion as a group of Tango-Uniform Nine Fives exploded. The other bombers began to move as the fuel trucks began to move away from them although some stayed because they haven't furled the bombers.

"Dammit! Don't let the bear bombers be destroyed!"

Skies above Rigley AFB: Mobius Flight/ Squadron: October 5, 2004

Shinji saw the movement of the nine remaining bombers. He relayed the information to Kensuke, Hikari and Toji.

"This is Mobius Lead to Mobius 3,4 and 5. The Bears are starting to move. I repeat, the bombers are starting to move. The three of you are assigned to take them out."

"We copy, flight lead."

Shinji then saw the three F-4 Phantom IIs beside him break formation and dive towards the air base.

The Skies above Rigley AFB: Mobius 3: October 5, 2004

"This is Mobius 3 to Mobius 4 and 5." Toji's voice was cool, despite the tension he felt as he readied his CBU-52s for another bombing run. "I'm going to take the bombers in the north. Mobius 4, you are to take out the bombers in the southwestern part of the base. Mobius 5, you are to take the ones on the western part of the AFB. Do not let them get on the runway. I repeat, do not let them get on the runway. You are not to damage the runways "

"Roger that, Mobius 3."

The three F-4s split up to head to their targets.

Rigley AFB: Runways 1 and 2: October 5, 2004

Amidst the confusion and explosions, five MiG 21s from the remnants of red squadron managed to take-off just in time before the cluster bombs were dropped on the bombers. Fortunately, Red lead survived, or else the remnants of red squadron would have been flying in disarray and would have been easily shot down.

"This is Red lead to Red flight." Red lead's voice was eerily calm and betrayed no emotions he felt when he saw the carnage around him. " You are to engage all bogeys. Positive ID as F-4 Phantom IIs. Eliminate them with extreme prejudice."

"Copy that Red lead."

The Skies above Rigley AFB: Mobius 4: October 5, 2004

"Taking enemy ack-ack fire!"

Hikari moved towards the southwestern part of the base, where three bear bombers are parked. She saw that they were beginning to start their engines as she saw the propellers of the Kuznetzov engines turn. They were already taxiing towards the runway when she dropped the cluster bombs.

"Weapons are free!"

The Skies above Rigley AFB: Mobius 5 and 6: October 5, 2004

`Weapons are free!"

The Skies above Rigley Air Base: E-767 Airborne Warning and Control System Codename: "Skyeye": October 5, 2004

As the E-767 circled the skies above Rigley AFB, the EW officer on-board `Skyeye' detected six fast-moving blips on the radar. He contacted Mobius flight.

The Skies above Rigley AFB: Mobius Flight/Squadron: October 5, 2004

"This is Skyeye to Mobius flight. Six bogeys detected on vector three-five-zero. Angels 12."

"Roger that, Skyeye." Replied Shinji as Mobius 2 and 6 formed up on him. Mobius 3, 5 and 6 were still busy with their bombing runs.

"This is Mobius lead to Mobius Flight. Six bandits detected. All available units, engage the targets." Said Shinji over the radio. Only two units replied to him.

"Copy that, Mobius lead."

`Damn.' Shinji thought. `That means were outnumbered. Six-on-three. Damn' Once again, Shinji cursed, mentally.

He scanned the airspace ahead of him, then he saw the distinctive fuselage of… a Mikoyan-Gurevich-21.

"All units, combat spread now!"

The three F-4s initiated a combat spread and tried to outmaneuver the Fish beds, but they were simply too fast. The Fish beds then tried to get behind the Mobius 2, but they simply decreased their speed and banked to either the left or right, breaking the enemy's pursuit. Fortunately, the enemy made a fatal mistake. The enemy banked to the right and made a sharp turn, giving Mobius 2 the chance to initiate a "rollaway". The roles were now reversed. The hunter became the hunted, and the prey became the hunter…

A rollaway is another maneuver that aims to improve the attacker's position and prevent the attacker from overshooting, much like the "High yo-yo". With the rollaway, the attacker climbs up, therefore decreasing closing speed but after that, the attacker then dives off outside the defenders turn and then, to finish the maneuver, come in behind the defender.

Asuka did just that, and the enemy in front of her tried to shake her off, but to no avail. She had already locked on and fired a missile, causing the enemy MiG to frantically drop some ECM pods and chaffs, which were useless since the sidewinder had an electronic countermeasure countermeasure. A few moments later, a defeaning explosion was heard.

One down, five to go…

Mobius 1 was following Red lead as Asuka and Rei chased the other remaining Red flight members. Red lead was clearly experienced, because the movements of his fighter were fluid, unlike the jerky movements of his subordinates. Every move Shinji tried to do was countered by Red lead. At last, he saw an opening.

Red lead lit his Tumansky R-11F-300 engine as he broke one direction. Shinji, in seeing this, decided to initiate the "Barrel roll attack".

The Barrel roll attack is a maneuver in which the defender breaks one direction and so the attacker rolls to the opposite direction from the defenders break then climb to reduce closing speed. Finally the attacker completes the maneuver so he is level again with the defender.

When Red lead finally realized his mistake, it was too late. A missile was already on the air hot on his trail. When he saw that the others were already shot down, he finally realized that the situation was hopeless, and Rigley was already destroyed or recaptured. He quickly engaged the ejector seat of his fish bed. He cleared the aircraft a few moments before it exploded.

Rigley AFB: October 5, 2004

Hundreds of BLU-61 A/B submunitions began to rain on the bombers' positions. Although some did miss their targets, the ones that did hit their targets wee more than sufficient for the job. A couple of explosions rocked the airbase as some of the fuel truck that were close to the bombers exploded, leaving nothing but burning wreckages. The bombers didn't fare much better though, as the submunition successfully turned the parking ramp in Rigley into a junkyard. Meaning, the bombers were now hunks of useless steel.

The Skies above Rigley AFB: Mobius 3: October 5, 2004

Mobius 3 witnessed the destruction of the enemy bombers from above as he scanned the Rigley AFB. Although there were a lot of burning wreckages near the runways, the runways itself appears to be undamaged. He quickly contacted Skyeye.

"This is Mobius 3 to Skyeye. All priority targets have been destroyed." The reply came quickly enough.

"Roger that, Mobius 3."

When Shinji saw that the cost was clear, he let out a sigh of relief. Mobius 3,4 and 5 had already finished their bombing runs, and were now headed towards their location. A few moments later, five F-4s formed up around him.

"Mobius lead to Mobius flight. What's your status?"

"Winchester."

"I'm clean."

"One CBU-52 and one sidewinder. Remaining."

"Fuel is down to half."

"Minor damage. Enemy ack-ack fire."

Shinji sighed once more. `Good'. He thought. `No casualties.' Just as he was about to say more, Skyeye contacted him.

"This is Skyeye to Mobius Flight. Enemy blips are gone. We have confirmed the destruction of the Tango-Uniform Nine Fives. Congratulations on your second successful mission Mobius Flight!"

"Thanks. Tell Mission Command that Operation Harvest is a success."

"Consider it done, Mobius lead."

Shinji then contacted the other members. "This is Mobius lead, to Mobius flight, this had been one hell of a ride! A successful mission everyone. All units RTB."

"We copy, Mobius Lead."

Author's note:

Special thanks to Namikaze for reviewing my last chapter.

Well, there you have it! Imminent Threat! I have to admit that it took me a VERY LONG time to update, but at least I got the chance to finish it. Uhh…. Can anyone give me ideas on how to give them better aircraft? I didn't want them to immediately use a Raptor or an Active or an S-37a. I want to show how they handle different fighters until they get the one suited for them. I dunno but you can certainly give me suggestions. All suggestions could be added to the reviews. I am going to add naval warfare in this, and I might add some new missions just to make the story to progress in a fluid manner.