Neon Genesis Evangelion Fan Fiction ❯ Acecombat: dawn of Eva ❯ Mission 02 Plus: Firewall ( Chapter 5 )

Author's disclaimer: I don't own Acecombat 4 and Shin Seiki Evangelion. Namco owns Acecombat 4 while Studio Gainax and its affiliates own Shin Seiki Evangelion.

This is a revised version of Mission 02 plus. The revisions were made in order to make the story flow smoother.

Acecombat: Dawn of Eva

Mission 02+: Firewall REVISED

Operation: Rigley Railroad

Warwick Air Force Base: Mobius Squadron/Flight: October 5, 2004

Mobius Flight quickly departed the area of operations as soon as the mission ended. Every one of the pilots felt themselves sighing with relief as they found out that they were nearing Warwick AFB.

"This is Mobius Lead to control. Requesting permission to land." Said Shinji as he flipped a switch to engage his landing gears.

"This is Control to Mobius Lead. Permission granted. Runway three is clear."

Warwick Air Force Base: October 5, 2004

A group was now preparing to fly off towards Rigley AFB. The force was composed of 15 Boeing CH-47 Chinook Cargo helicopters, 12 RAH-66 Comanche Reconnaissance/ Attack Helicopters and 12 AH-64D Longbow Apache Attack Helicopters. Several air force personnel were loading some more ammunition for the Comanches and Apaches just in case there are any stragglers in the area.

The mission commander, who was currently piloting a Comanche, contacted Control.

"This is Maverick Two-Five-One to control. Requesting permission to take-off."

"This is control to Maverick Two-Five-One. Maverick flight has been cleared for take-off."

"Roger that control." He switched his radio to the other pilots.

"Okay boys. Let's get this show on the road.' He said as he flipped some switches.

"Roge-o, Maverick lead."

The Comanches sides began to open as it assumed its `Attack' mode, bringing its Hydra-70 rocket system and its AGM-114 Hellfire missiles to bear. When its "attack wings" were deployed, the two T800 1,440 SHP gas turbine engines of the Comanches lit up as the its 5-bladed main rotor began to spin faster. A few moments later, the escort Comanches lifted off, hovering in position as they waited for the Chinooks to take-off.

The lead pilot of the AH-64D Longbow Apache group, Maverick Two-Five-Six, checked his armaments before contacting his fellow Apache drivers on the TACNET that the mission was in the green.

"This is Maverick Two-Five-Six to Apache units. Operation Rigley Transport is in the green."

"Roger that. Preparing for take-off."

A few moments later, the Apache drivers joined their Comanche counterparts as they waited for the Chinooks to lift off.

The Longbow Apaches were basically a remanufactured version of the AH-64A apache. The primary modifications to the apache are the addition millimeter-wave Fire Control Radar (FCR) target-acquisition system, the advanced "fire and forget" Hellfire AGMs, the newly updated T700-GE-701C engines, and a fully integrated cockpit. In addition to that, the aircraft now has an increased survivability, communications and navigation capability.

For this mission, it has a "multi-role" weapons load-out so it can easily handle any situation. 4 AIM-9 Sidewinders for the air, 38 70mm (2.75 inch) Hydra Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets for the ground, 4 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles for busting tanks and finally an M230 33mm gun if the pilots want to take things "up close and personal".

The Chinooks assigned to this mission was the Improved Cargo Helicopter, otherwise known as the ICH. The ICH is basically a remanufactured version of the CH-47D Chinook fitted with the new T55-GA-714A engines. This program was intended to restore the CH47D Chinook airframes to their original condition and extend the aircraft's life expectancy to another 20 years.

The ICH program will remanufacture the Chinook, reduce the aircraft's vibration, thereby reducing Operations and support costs, and allow the aircraft to operate on a digitized battlefield incorporating a 1553 data bus. The Improved Cargo helicopter will also acquire the ability to carry 16,000 pounds of internal/external cargo for a 50 NM combat radius at 4000 feet pressure altitude and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Not only that, the ICH will have a stiffened fuselage with active systems for vibration reduction, a integrated cockpit, and a digital architecture for force XXI compatibility.

After making final checks, the lead pilot of the Chinooks, Maverick Two-Five-Four, lit up the Chinook's engines. After a few moments, the Chinooks lifted off, leaving swirling dust on the ground.

"This is Maverick Two-Five-Four to maverick Lead. Lead the way."

He and the other Chinooks followed their escort Comanches as they flew towards Rigley Air Base.

Warwick Air Force Base: Mobius Lead: October 5, 2004

When Shinji was approaching the runway, he noticed a contingent of choppers composed of Comanches and Chinooks. After a few moments, he saw them lift-off, right towards the direction of Rigley AFB.

`Why are they headed there?' Shinji thought in puzzlement as he guessed where they are headed. He decided to ponder the question later. Now to return to the task at hand…

Shinji decreased his speed as his fighter neared the runway. When he was nearly over the runway, he slowly pulled the stick toward himself, making the nose of the fighter point slightly upward. After a few moments, a slight screeching from the plane's wheels was heard. The F-4 Phantom II piloted by Mobius Lead had successfully landed at Warwick AFB. The others quickly followed.

After a few minutes of powering down their aircraft, they quickly rushed towards the briefing room for the debriefing.

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

As the pilots entered the briefing room, they saw that Col. Katsuragi was already inside, waiting for them. After sharing a brief salute, she motioned for them to sit down.

"First of all, I would like to congratulate you for your second successful sortie, Mobius Flight." She threw them a genuine smile, to which the pilots responded with a smile of their own. She continued. "The destruction of the bombers had indefinitely delayed Erusia's plans to invade ISAF."

"Because of the success of your mission, we can now recapture Rigley Air Force Base and use it as one of our forward bases in attacking strategic positions in the mainland. I have already sent a contingent of choppers to secure the area."

`So that's why the choppers were headed for Rigley.' Shinji thought. `I hope they're okay.'

En route to Rigley Air Force Base: Maverick Flight: October 5, 2004

"This is maverick Flight to all units. We are currently passing waypoint Bravo. Proceed to waypoint Charlie with extreme caution."

`Roge-o, lead."

Maverick Two-Five-One's Comanche banked to the right as they passed over Waypoint Bravo. He scanned the airspace and the ground ahead of him but he saw no enemy contact. `Looks like the Erusians left this place in a hurry.' He thought as he commanded the others to follow him.

He was dead wrong…

Waypoint Charlie: 59th Erusian Air Defense Battalion: October 5, 2004

The 59th Erusian Air Defense Battalion was originally stationed at Rigley Airbase as an auxiliary defense force. Since Rigley AFB was no more, the remnants of the battalion opted to take this place as a temporary defensive line until additional Erusian forces reach the area to reinforce them. They made a makeshift base and runway so they can operate their mechanized forces even without the support of other units.

The 59th Erusian AD Battalion is composed of a number of HHMMWV Avengers and M6 Bradley Linebackers. 6 F-16 Block 60 Fighting Falcons, formerly stationed at Rigley AFB, now forms the air squadron that gives the battalion air cover. It was designated Rook Squadron.

A short, middle-aged man got up from his post and walked towards a man smoking a pipe. The man scowled at him but the middle-aged man just shrugged it off.

"Commander. Our scouts report a contingent of enemy choppers heading towards our position. It seems to be composed of Comanches, Chinooks and Apaches." His voice was straight and calm and it didn't show the dread he was feeling inside.

"Very well, set up the AA posts and move the HHMMWV Avengers to vanguard position. Then order the Linebackers to rearguard position. Afterwards, scramble the fighters."

"Yes sir." The middle-aged man saluted but the commander didn't salute back. As soon as the other man was out of earshot, he sighed and put down his pipe.

"Looks like I will have the chance for payback today." As he said it, he pulled out a picture of his son that was taken when they were still at Rigley. He began to cry as he remembered what happened to his son back at Rigley. "You'll pay for what you did to Rigley, ISAF. You'll pay."

Outside…

The soldiers outside the command tent began setting up ack-ack posts as the tanks began to assume their assigned posts. The Avengers began to move into position, as well as the soldiers armed with Man Portable Air Defense, otherwise known as MANPADS.

The Avenger Pedestal Mounted Stinger System is a lightweight, mobile and transportable air-to-surface missile and gun weapon system, mounted on a Heavy High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, otherwise known as an HHMMWV. Avenger is designed to counter hostile cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and low-flying, high-speed, fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.

Avenger fills the Line of Sight-Rear (LOS-R) portion of the Forward Area Air Defense System (FAADS). It has a two-man crew and can operate in day or night, clear or adverse weather conditions. The system incorporates an operator's position with displays, fire control electronics, and the Standard Vehicle Mounted Launcher (SVML). The SVML supports and launches multiple Stinger missiles (Basic Stinger, Stinger-POST (Passive Optical Seeker Technique), or Stinger-RMP (Reprogrammable Microprocessor). Additionally, the SVML incorporates a .50 caliber machine gun and necessary fire control sensors for both weapons.

The FIM-92a Stinger Weapons System Air-to-Air Stinger (ATAS) Block II missile is a short-range air defense system that provides defense against low flying vehicles such as fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles.

As the Avengers and MANPADS assumed vanguard position, the M6 Linebackers assumed rearguard position. Once they were in position, the turrets slowly turned towards the general direction of Maverick Flight.

The M6 Linebacker is basically an M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle but has a Stinger weapons system that allows it to eliminate aerial targets. Unlike the Bradley Stinger Fighting Vehicle, the operator of the Stinger Weapons System does not need t get out of the vehicle. Instead, they can fire the Stinger missile while inside the vehicle.

The Linebacker's combined arms mission is to provide air defense force protection to forward area heavy maneuver combat forces, combat support elements, and other critical assets from attack by enemy Rotary Wing (RW), Fixed Wing (FW), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) (examples are the DarkStar and Predator UAVs.), and Cruise Missiles (CMs). Air Defense battalions in the heavy divisions employ the BL. The Linebacker provides heavy maneuver forces with dedicated air defense fire power: the modified fire control subsystem fires the Stinger missile from the turret while the four-man squad remains under armor and on the move. Forward Area Air Defense (FAAD) Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence (C3I) provide targeting data. This C3I complement provides early warning/alerting, the complete air picture, slew-to-cue, and target identification friend or foe (IFF).

Makeshift Runway: 59th Air Defense Battalion: October 5, 2004

"This is Rook lead to Rook Flight. It looks like we're gonna play a bit today."

Rook Flight was already debriefed on the current situation and was now preparing for take-off. Rook Lead taxied towards the runway as he flipped some switches. After a few moments, the deafening roar of one General Electric F110-GE-100/129 engine could be hear as it prepared for take-off.

"This is Rook Flight. Preparing for take-off."

The fighter charged down the runway as it began to take up speed. When it was almost at maximum power, it cleared the ground, retracting its landing gears. The other quickly followed and rejoined their leader.

As soon as the Air Defense Perimeter was in position, they heard the distinct sound of Rotors approaching them…

En route to waypoint Charlie: Maverick Flight: October 5, 2004

Maverick Flight continued from waypoint bravo towards waypoint Charlie without any trouble.

"This is Maverick Two-Five-One to Maverick Two-Five-Three. Scan the area ahead for hostiles and report back to me."

"Roger that Maverick Two-Five-One. Maverick Two-Five-Three out."

Maverick Two-Five-One saw the chopper beside him gain speed and retract its wings back towards the insides of the chopper as it assumed its "armed reconnaissance" mode. A few moments later Maverick Two-Five-Three contacted him.

Waypoint Charlie: Air defense Perimeter: October 5, 2004

The soldier holding the MANPAD in the front already had his sights on the Comanche ahead of him. A few moments later, the targeting reticule of the Stinger missile locked-on to the chopper as he prepped the Stinger.

"Firing Stinger!"

The MANPAD recoiled as the Stinger missile cleared the launch tube. The Stinger quickly entered supersonic speed. There was no way the target could avoid the Stinger missile…

En route to Waypoint Charlie: Maverick Flight: October 5, 2004

"This is Maverick Two-Five-Three to Maverick Two-Five-One. Noth--- (static)"

Maverick Two-Five-One went wide-eyed when a MANPADS Stinger missile struck maverick Two-Five-Three right on the cockpit. He saw that the High Explosive (HE) warhead of the Stinger did its work as the Comanche exploded a big ball of flame before its wreckage plummeted downward. He frantically contacted his team.

"This is Maverick Two-Five-One to all units! Maverick Two-Five-Three is down! An air defense perimeter must have been set up in this area. All Attack Choppers, you are to eliminate all hostiles! All Chinooks, turn back now to waypoint Bravo-alpha."

" Roger that, Maverick Lead."

The Chinooks turned back from their current position as the remaining attack choppers formed up on Maverick Lead.

"All units eliminate the enemy with extreme prejudice."

All the coppers proceeded to move towards the air defense perimeter. As they were about to close in on the targets, 6 F-16 Block 60 Fighting Falcons appeared in the distance.

"Shit." Maverick lead thought. "Must contact Control now for additional air support!"

Warwick Air Force Base: Control: October 5, 204

Col. Katsuragi was roused from her reading when someone came up to him.

"Yes?" She asked, reading her reports again.

It was Lt. Ibuki. "Colonel, I just received word from maverick Flight. It looks like they encountered an Erusian Air Defense Battalion and is currently down to three-fourths strength. The mission commander ordered the transports to turn back to waypoint bravo-alpha and wait until things cool down. Apparently, it didn't."

Col. Katsuragi stopped reading. `This is not good. This wasn't supposed to happen!!!' She thought, rather darkly. She turned her attention to Lt. Ibuki. "Are there any squadrons available?"

She shook her head. "There are none available at the moment. Only Mobius Squadron is available but their planes are undergoing maintenance.

`Damn.' Misato thought. "Are there any available aircrafts then?"

Lt. Ibuki nodded her head before answering. "Yes, Colonel. 6 F-16 Block 60 Fighting Falcons and 6 OA-10 Thunderbolts II."

Misato was clearly elated. "Okay! Send the pilots to the briefing room.

Warwick Air Force Base: Pilots' Quarters: October 5, 2004

"All Mobius Pilots, please proceed to the Briefing room… All Mobius Pilots, please report to the briefing room…"

The sound coming from the speakers roused the pilots from their sleep. They were extremely disoriented after having been wake up after having only 4 hours of sleep. When they finally processed the information, they groaned, fixed themselves up, and headed to the briefing room.

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

When they entered the briefing room, Col. Katsuragi quickly motioned for them to sit down and told them that this is an emergency briefing.

"I'm sorry pilots, but it appears that the transport group, Maverick Flight, that I had sent out earlier has been attacked. Apparently, It seems that they unknowingly approached an air defense perimeter set up by an Erusian Air defense battalion." She sighed and then looked at them.

"Even though it is just a battalion, I cannot risk the transports being in jeopardy. There had also been reports about enemy aircrafts in the vicinity."

"When you arrive at the AO, make contact with the mission commander there and secure the ground and the airspace. SkyEye cannot support you here because the AWACS is also undergoing repairs." It was in this statement the pilots groaned. `No support from SkyEye? How will they manage?' Misato, oblivious to their thoughts, flipped a switch. It showed a diagram of the waypoints Maverick Flight used as they headed towards Rigley.

"This is where the choppers are currently pinned down." She said as she pointed at waypoint Charlie. "You are to go there as quickly as possible. Then, contact the transports here…" she pointed to another location. "After that, proceed to the waypoint Charlie and assist the choppers there."

"Anyways, since your aircraft are undergoing repairs, you will all be assigned to new aircrafts. Personally, I think this is high time for sll of you to get new aircrafts. For this mission, Shinji, Asuka, Rei and Hikari will fly the F-16 Block 60 Fighting Falcons while Kensuke and Toji will fly the OA-10 Thunderbolt IIs. Is that clear? Operation: Rigley Transport must be executed at all costs."

The pilots just nodded and gave a crisp salute before hurrying out in to the `barns'. (Hangars.)

En route to Waypoint Charlie: Air Defense Perimeter: Maverick Flight: October 5, 2004

`Shit.' He thought, rather grimly. `We're getting ripped apart here!' As if reading his mind, or as if on cue, or just plain coincidence, because one of the Apaches, after evading volley after volley of missiles, took a hit on its tail. It began to trail smoke as the chopper began to rotate uncontrollably. It exploded violently when it crashed on the ground nose first.

Maverick lead headed towards a group of M6 Linebackers and activated his AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. After a few moments of strafing enemy ack-ack fire, he gained a lock-on.

"Fox 3, Fox 3!"

The Hellfire missiles, one by one, disengaged from the pylons as its single-stage, single thrust solid propellant booster pushed the missile to Mach 1.17. Although the Linebackers tried to flee, it didn't have much of a chance. The Hellfire missiles impacted on the turret before exploding, the shaped charge 14.8 lb (6.7 kg) warhead ripping its parts out. The two others met the same fate. As he looked at his left, he saw one of the Falcons heading for one of his tea mates.

"Maverick Two-Six-Six, bandit at your 6 o'clock"

When Maverick Two Six-Six heard this, he quickly willed his Comanche out of the way and folded its wings back to its internal weapon bays. It did not assume Recon mode however, for two slightly smaller wings loaded with AIM-9 Sidewinders appeared. Now, the Comanche was in "Air Combat" Mode, meaning the only eapons it can use are the Sidewinders and its cannon.

The fighter saw this and, after engaging his afterburners to full thrust, tried to outmaneuver the helicopter. Maverick Two-Six-Six, in seeing this, moved to the right to follow the fighter's general direction. After a few moments, the familiar sound of a lock-on resounded in the cramped cockpit of the Comanche.

"Fox 2! Eat this!"

Two Sidewinders disengaged from the Comanche's pylons and headed straight for the target. The pilot, seeing the tow thin lines of smoke rising towards him, made a dive then a barrel roll, hoping to shake the missiles off his tail by making it consume its fuel faster, but to no avail. The missiles struck straight and true. One of the missiles ripped the left wing off, making the aircraft rotate uncontrollably. The other missile struck the tailpipe, making the once-expensive fighter into pieces of expensive debris plummeting towards the ground.

As Maverick Two-Six-Six saw this, he finally turned back and headed towards Maverick Two-Five-One's position.

"Splash one, splash one bandit." Maverick Two-Six-Six said as he assisted the remnants of Maverick Flight fight their way out of here.

After seeing all that, Maverick Two-Five-One felt nauseous. Where was their air support?! How could a routine escort mission fail?! They can't manage alone here. They needed some ATG aircraft to clean this mess up and some fighters to secure the airspace.

"Where the hell is our air support?!"

En route to waypoint Charlie: Mobius Flight: October 5, 2004

Mobius squadron was now speeding towards the location of the transports. He saw a blip and checked his radar. He saw that the IFF of the unidentified ground targets seems to be squawking the correct IFF code. He tried to contact them. `That must be the transports of Maverick Flight.' Shinji thought.

"This is Mobius Flight to Maverick Flight. Come in over."

A few moments of silence pervaded when the reply cam at last.

"This is Maverick Two-Five-Four, Mobius Flight. What can I do for you?"

"Maverick two-Five-Four, this is Mobius Lead. I have been ordered to make contact with you before heading towards waypoint Charlie. Do you have any information on wht kind of ack-ack systems were in place at the defense perimeter?" the reply cam equickly enough.

"There's nothing much I know. The only thing I know is that one of ours was shot down by a MANPADS. I think I also saw some Linebackers and Avengers before turning back."

Shinji pondered this for a moment. `MANPADS, Linebackers and Avengers. A formidable AA system. They even have an Air squadron present.' He turned his attention back to Maverick Two-Five-Four.

"Maverick Two-Five-Four, it is advisable that you and the other transports stay here. I'll advise the mission commander to contact you once theis engagement is over."

"Roger that, Mobius Lead. Maverick Two-Five-Four out."

Shinji turned his attention towards his squad mates.

"This is Mmobius lead to Mobius Flight. As soon as we approach the Area of Operations, continue as fragged and eliminate all hostiles."

"Roge-o, Mobius lead."

En route to Waypoint Charlie: Air Defense Perimeter: Maverick Flight: October 5, 2004

As Maverick Two-Five-One strafed to the right to evade ack-ack fire, he saw the familiar silhouettes of four F-16s and 2 OA-10s. He checked his radar to see if they were enemy reinforcements or not. He sighed in relief when he saw that they were squawking the correct IFF identification code. `It's `bout time they got here!' He told himself mentally.

"This is Mobius Lead to Maverick Flight." The voice was definitely young but mature, Maverick Two-Five-One thought. He replied to the query.

"This is Maverick Lead Two-Five-One, Mobus Lead."

"What is the composition of the enemy forces, Maverick lead?" Shinji said in a smooth, professional voice. A few seconds passed before the lead pilot replied.

"The force consists of Linebackers, Avengers, MANPADS and 5 F-16 Block 60 Fighting Falcons." Shinji didn't reply to this at once but he cursed mentally. `Dammit. The same planes.' He turned his attention back to Maverick lead.

"Maverick lead, let's work together okay?"

"You bet your sweet ass, we will."

Waypoint Charlie: 59th Erusian Air Defense Battalion: October 5, 2004

:"What is the status of the battle?" the commander asked as he peered at the radar screen.

It was the same short, middle-aged man, who was a corporal in Erusian army, that answered his question.

"Sir, our men have successfully destroyed half of the attacking choppers. We have only lost an insignificant amo-"

He was cutoff when an explosion rocked the ground. The command tent shook after a few moments and then it stopped. The people inside the tent, who were currently flat on the ground when the explosion took place, began to rise from their position and look around their surroundings.

"What happened?!" Demanded the commander. Everyone in the tent cowered a bit, but the corporal wasn't fazed. He merely shrugged and went out of the tent. The commander decided to go and follow him. What they saw shocked them both.

Almost half of the Linebackers were destroyed, the Avengers suffered heavy damage while there was no sign of the MANPADS. That only meant one thing. They were now down to less than half-strength.

Then they saw the familiar silhouette of the…

Warthog…

Waypoint Charlie: Combined Mobius and Maverick Flight: October 5, 2004

"Ack-Ack units destroyed!" said Mobius 5 as he raised the A-10s Altitude. After doing so, he quickly banked left and then dived towards the remaining AA units on his side. He prepped his Avenger Gattling Gun.

The AN/GAU-8 30mm Avenger seven-barrel Gattling Gun, mounted only on the A-10 attack jet, is a 30mm, 7 barrel gattling gun used primarily in the air to ground role as a soft target killer and tank buster. This aircraft is used for close-air support in attacking ground threats such as armored tanks and vehicles, and also serves as a forward air control observer for sighting ground threats and directing air strikes against enemy targets. The gun, mounted in the fuselage nose of the A/OA-10 Thunderbolt, is produced by [ex General Electric] Martin Marietta Armament Systems.

"Eat lead!"

He aimed the OA-10 Thunderbolt II's 300 mm GAU-8/A Avenger Seven-Barrel Gattling Gun towards the Linebackers. His OA-10 gattling gun was loaded with PGU-14/B API Armor Piercing Incendiary [DU] Depleted Uranium Rounds and PGU-13/B HEI High Explosive Incendiary.

A typical combat load for the GAU-8 would include 1,100 rounds of 30mm high explosive or armor piercing ammunition. The 30mm API is mixed with 30mm High Explosive Incendiary (HEI) at the factory and is called Combat Mix Ammunition. The ratio of API to HEI rounds in the Combat Mix is 4:1. Combat mix is a sequential mixture of DU and HEI rounds in which 1 HEI round followed by 4 DU rounds are fired by the AN/GAU-8 gatling gun. DU is the primary munition for the A/OA-10 in a combat environment.

When he pulled the trigger, the barrel of the gattling gun began to rotate. When it reached its maximum speed, it began to fire 1,800 rounds per minute. As the rounds impacted to the Spaced Aluminum and Steel Armor of the M6 Linebacker, it exploded in a shower of flames. The turret flew clear of its base. One could still clearly see the intact Stinger launcher at the side of the linebacker's turret.

Waypoint Charlie: Combined Mobius and Maverick Flight: October 5, 2004

Mobius 3's OA-10 Thunderbolt II screamed past the choppers as he lined his sights at the avengers lining up neatly in a row. He pushed the two General Electric TF34-GE-100 turbofans to full power as he neared the Avengers. At the last minute, he powered down, giving him a few moments to lock-on his AGM-65 Mavericks on the Avengers. A few moments later, he heard the satisfying whirr of a lock-on.

The AGM-65 Maverick is a tactical, air-to-surface guided missile designed for close air support, interdiction and defense suppression mission. It provides stand-off capability and high probability of strike against a wide range of tactical targets, including armor, air defenses, ships, transportation equipment and fuel storage facilities.

The Maverick has a cylindrical body, and either a rounded glass nose for electro-optical imaging, or a zinc sulfide nose for imaging infrared. It has long-chord delta wings and tail control surfaces mounted close to the trailing edge of the wing of the aircraft using it. The warhead is in the missile's center section. A contact fuse in the nose fires a cone-shaped warhead, one of two types carried by the Maverick missile. The other is a delayed-fuse penetrator, a heavyweight warhead that penetrates the target with its kinetic energy before firing. The latter is very effective against large, hard targets. The propulsion system for both types is a solid-rocket motor behind the warhead.

"Fox 2, Fox 2!"

Two Maverick missiles broke free form the pylons and The Thiokol TX-481 solid-propellant rocket motor pushed the two of them to supersonic speeds with the full intent to destroy its targets. Not a moment later, the Hughes Aircraft Co., Raytheon Co. missile exploded, its 125 pounds (56.25 kilograms) cone shaped warhead taking out its targets with ease.

"This is Mobius 3 to Mobius Flight. Target Avengers destroyed."

Waypoint Charlie: 59th Erusian Air Defense Battalion: October 5, 2004

"Sir! We are losing more and more of our units! We must pull back!"

"The commander glared at the man as he stood watching the remaining Linebackers. The Corporal shook his head. `Has he gone over the edge? Does he want to fight against ISAF so badly he will risk his life just by standing there?' His line of thought was cut short when he saw the one of the Linebackers turn its turret towards one of the choppers. He watched in fascination as two stinger missiles emerged from the four-tube FIM-92A Stinger launcher (fire arc T).

As they watched the missiles from the distance, they saw that the enemy Comanche deployed some ECMs to counter the missiles. Unfortunately (for them), the missiles took the bait, so it just exploded harmlessly. The Comanche, now turning its sights on the Linebacker, fired two hellfire missiles. When the corporal saw this, he began to run. The commander looked at the Comanche one last time before the hellfire missiles exploded. He smiled sadly and closed his eyes.

"At least, I can be with my family again…"

Waypoint Charlie: Combined Mzverick and Mobius Flight: October 5, 2004

As Shinji finished off one of the Avengers, he saw the 6 F-16's heading towards his general direction. He quickly broke off his ATG engagement and headed for the fighters. He contacted the rest of Mobius Flight.

"This is Mobius lead to Mobius Flight. Incoming bandits. All fighters form up on me. Mobius 3 and 5, continue your bombing raid."

"Roge-o, Mobius Lead." After a few moments, Asuka, Rei and Hikari formed up on him.

"Its show time! We're gonna get Operation: Rigley Transport back on track" Shinji said over the comm.

"Roge."

Mobius Lead and the others quickly broke off formation as the bandits charged towards them. At the last moment, they too broke formation. Shinji and the others tailed their own targets.

Hikari pushed her single Pratt and Whitney F100-PW-200/220/229 engines to afterburners as she saw her enemy increasing speed. The bandit was trying to outmaneuver her. It tried to turn sharply and then brake; making his aircraft turn more quickly to the left. Hikari saw through all of this and she too applied her breaks so that she won't overshoot her target. When she saw that she was in gun range, she took the chance. Hikari lined up her targeting reticule with the target's tail. When she saw that the defender was overly confident of his skill, she began to fire her M-61A1 20mm multibarrel cannon with 500 rounds.

When the defender saw this, He panicked and tried to turn to the left, but that move aggravated his position more. The rounds cut through the aircraft like hot knife through butter. The rounds caused the aircraft to suffer from an engine flameout before finally plummeting towards the battlefield. Not a moment later, the aircraft exploded just before it landed.

Waypoint Charlie: Mobius Lead: October 5, 2004

Shinji saw through his cockpit that the others had already shot down the remaining aircrafts. `So here's the last one.' Shinji thought. `I'd better wrap things up.' With that thought, he quickly made a hard turn to the right and followed his target.

When the bandit saw that Mobius lead was following him, he quickly executed the "Scissors."

The scissors is used to get the defender behind the attacker by slowing its speed as fast as possible by flying in a zigzagging flight path. This slows the plane because it is traveling a longer distance instead of in a straight line that is the fastest path. The attacker is also going to be doing this to remain in the offensive position behind the defender.

The aircraft that executes this maneuver best is going to end up in the better offensive position.

The scissors is a maneuver used to get the defender behind the attacker by slowing its speed as fast as possible by flying in a zigzagging flight path. This slows the plane because it is traveling a longer distance, instead of the of in a straight line which is the fastest route. The attacker will also perform this just to stay behind the defender.

When Mobius Lead saw that the F-16 in front of him was starting to zigzag, he started to zigzag too. The speed of their planes was decreased dramatically as Rook Lead continued his maneuver.

When Mobius Lead was about to zoom past Rook Lead, he tried to brake, turn and tail the bandit again, but his efforts failed. Rook lead has successfully executed his scissors and has now broken through one of his breaks. The defender, now the attacker, made a barrel roll, ending up behind Mobius Lead. This maneuver is called the "High G Barrel Roll"

The High G Barrel Roll is a maneuver that should be executed by the defender when the attacker overshoots the defender. This maneuver takes advantage of this change by placing the defender behind the attacker. This is accomplished by calling the defender to turn into the attacker's break then execute a barrel roll parallel of his course. At the top of the barrel roll the defender should be directly behind the attacker.

Mobius Lead stiffened slightly when he saw Rook Lead behind him…

Waypoint Charlie: Rook Lead: October 5, 2004

"I'm going to get you now!"

Rook lead grinned as he tailed Mobius Lead. He increased the power of his afterburners so that he can enter missile range. At last, the red reticule of the targeting system was locked on to Mobius Lead, and the satisfying beep of a lock-on could be heard. He pushed the `fire' button.

"Fox 2! Fox 2!"

Waypoint Charlie: Mobius Lead: October 5, 2004

Mobius lead, after seeing the enemy missiles, proceeded to flares to distract the enemy's missiles. One of the sidewinders chasin him broke off pursuit, chasing the flare, but the other one was still tailing him. He unloaded some more flares before making a barrel roll and then turning to the left. As he finished the barrel roll, Mobius lead quickly increased his speed to gain some distance, even if just a little bit, from the missile. After following Mobius leas during his maneuvers, the missile lost lock because it just emptied its fuel.

Waypoint Charlie: Rook Lead: October 5, 2004

"Damn it!"

Rook Lead cursed when he saw the missile he fired lose lock, He tried to close into gun range, not noticing that they were heading upwards. The speed was decreased dramatically, but he didn't care. Then he saw Mobius lead zigzag while heading upwards. He followed his move to avoid overshooting him, but his efforts were all for naught.

The "Vertical Scissors" had fooled him.

The Vertical Scissors is a maneuver that is similar to the scissors, only that it is done upwards. One would usually initiate it when the defender has a speed disadvantage. This maneuver causes the attacker's speed advantage to be cancelled because of the pull of gravity. In this case, Mobius lead initiated it because he knew he can manipulate the situation even though the enemy didn't have a speed advantage or vice-versa.

Waypoint Charlie: Mobius Lead: October 5, 2004

Shinji mentally cheered when he saw Rook Lead overshoot him. When he saw that Roof Lead was frantically trying to get behind him, he quickly broke into his turn and made a barrel roll so he was directly behind the target. A few moments later, two missiles emerged from F-16 Block 60 Mobius Lead was piloting…

Waypoint Charlie: Air Defense Perimeter: October 5, 2004

"It's time to wrap this up!"

Three AH-64D Longbow Apaches, headed by Maverick Two-Five-Six, assailed the Avengers from all sides. Maverick-Two Five-Six's, was firing his M230 30mm Automatic Gun.

"All units, exercise extreme caution!" Maverick Two-Five-Six yelled at over the TACNET as he targeted another Avenger.

The 30mm, M230 Automatic Gun is a component of the Area Weapon System on the AH-64A Apache Helicopter. The M230 is a single barrel, externally powered (3 HP electric motor), electrically fired, chain driven weapon. It is mounted in the lower section of the gun turret on the underside of the Apache Helicopter. It fires 30mm linkless ammunition at a rate of 625 + 25 shots per minute (SPM). The M230 Gun has a positive cook-off safety (open bolt clearing) and double ram prevention.

As he fired his cannon into one of the avengers, he locked-on to two others and activated his Longbow Hellfire Missiles.

The Longbow Hellfire missile will provide an adverse weather, fire-and-forget, and heavy anti-armor capability for attack helicopters. The Longbow Hellfire missile is a millimeter wave radar fire-and-forget version of the Hellfire missile. The Longbow development program also includes development of a fire control radar system and numerous modifications to the helicopter. The Longbow fire control radar system will locate, classify, and prioritize targets for the Longbow Hellfire missile. The Longbow system is being developed for integration into the Apache attack helicopter and the Comanche armed reconnaissance helicopter. Longbow is planned for integration into the entire fleet of Apache aircraft and into one-third of the Comanche fleet.

Longbow Hellfire incorporates a millimeter wave radar seeker on a Hellfire II aft section data bus. The primary advantages of the Longbow missile include adverse weather capability (rain, snow, fog, smoke, and battlefield obscurants); millimeter wave countermeasures survivability; fire-and-forget guidance, which allows the Apache Longbow to launch and then remask, thus minimizing exposure to enemy fire; an advanced warhead capable of defeating reactive armor configurations projected into the 21st century; and reprogrammability to adapt to changing threats and mission requirements.

"Fox 3! Fox 3!"

Four Longbow Hellfires shot out from under the starboard wing and port wing of the Ah-64D Longbow Apache. The single-stage, single-thrust, solid-propellant rocket propelled it to breakneck speeds as the Apaches continued its assault on the remaining enemy units. The Avenger didn't even have a chance to retaliate when the shaped charge 14.8 lb (6.7kg) warhead exploded as the missile went through the armor. What was left of the Avenger was a burning hunk of junk.

Then… they saw an explosion overhead and heard the message.

"This is Mobius Lead, all bandits are down."

Waypoint Charlie: Mobius Lead : October 5, 2004

Shinji felt himself sighing with relief when he saw Red lead go down. A few moments later, the rest of Mobius Flight rejoined him. A cackle from his radio disturbed him from his thoughts.

"This is Maverick Lead to Mobius Flight."

It was maverick Two-Five-One

"You handled yourselves pretty well there! Thanks for the assist!"

"Anytime, Maverick Lead. Anytime."

Any further conversation was cut short when they heard the distinct sound of rotors. When he looked at the direction where the sound was coming from, he saw the Chinooks.

After a few minutes of regrouping, Mobius Flight joined Maverick Flight in escorting the transports towards Rigley. When they arrived at Rigley, the Chinooks quickly deposited its load of construction materials, Combat Engineers and Rapid Deployment Troops. When they were sure that there are no more enemy threats, Mobius Lead was allowed to go back to base.

"This is Mobius lead to Mobius Flight. Operation: Rigley Transport is back online. Mission Completed. All aircrafts RTB."

Author's note: My first original mission! Hope you like it! This is the longest chapter I have ever made in a fic. Anyway, special thanks to Zidane lightning Saix, Rei Ronin, sirnoahthepure and to the others who reviewed my story. And to greaver_ryan, In this fic, the ISAF is made up of the former allied forces (ex. US, Britain, Germany Russia etc. etc.). So that's why the USS Nimitz is there. Anyways, I might be adding more chapters like this so that I can make the story flow more smoothly. This was one of the chapters I enjoyed writing. Anyways, the length of this story was quite unexpected. I didn't know that it would be THIS long! Please don't forget to review!

-Unbesiegbar Kriegsmaschine

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