Neon Genesis Evangelion Fan Fiction ❯ Acecombat: dawn of Eva ❯ Mission 03: The Northern Eye ( Chapter 7 )

Author's disclaimer: I don't Acecombat 4 and Shin Seiki Evangelion. Namco owns AC04 and Studio Gainax and its affiliates own Shin Seiki Evangelion.

Acecombat: Dawn of Eva

Mission 03: The Northern Eye

Operation: White Out

En route to the Port of St. Ark: The Combined Allied Forces: October 10, 2004

An Explosion ripped through a retreating Allied M2 Bradley as the Erusians bombarded the field with Artillery fire. The head of the Combined Allied Forces, Major General James Gallahan, ISAFMC, cursed inside his Command M1A2 Abrams tank. `Shit.' He thought. `We're getting slaughtered out here because of that damned radar post!' As if on cue, a retreating infantry carrier was hit by a HEAT round, making it explode in a shower of flames.

The mission of the M1A2 Abrams tank is to close with and destroy enemy forces using firepower, maneuver, and shock effect. The M1A2 is being fielded to armor battalions and cavalry squadrons of the heavy force. In lieu of new production, the Army is upgrading approximately 1,000 older M1 tanks to the M1A2 configuration. During the Army's current M1A2 procurement program about 1,000 older, less capable M1 series tanks will be upgraded to the M1A2 configuration and fielded to the active forces.

Further M1A2 improvements, called the System Enhancement Program (SEP), are underway to enhance the tank's digital command and control capabilities and to to improve the tank's fightability and lethality. The M1A2 SEP (System Enhancement Package), is the digital battlefield centerpiece for Army XXI. It is the heavy force vehicle that will lead Armor into the next century and transition the close combat mission to the Future Combat System (FCS).

The M1A2 SEP is an improved version of the M1A2. It contains numerous improvements in command and control, lethality and reliability. The M1A2 System Enhanced Program (SEP) is an upgrade to the computer core that is the essence of the M1A2 tank.

The SEP upgrade includes improved processors, color and high-resolution flat panel displays, increased memory capacity, user friendly Soldier Machine Interface (SMI) and an open operating system that will allow for future growth. Major improvements include the integration of the Second Generation Forward Looking Infrared (2nd Gen FLIR) sight, the Under Armor Auxiliary Power Unit (UAAPU) and a Thermal Management System (TMS).

"Enemy in View!" the gunner exclaimed as he awaited the order to fire. Gallahan took a deep breath. `Time to go to work.' He thought in resignation.

"Target Tank, eight o'clock. Sabot round! Shoot! Shoot!" Gallahan ordered. The gunner trained the 120mm M256 Smooth Bore Cannon left and centered the sight reticule on the nearest Erusian tank. When he depressed the laser button, a thin beam of light bounced off the target enemy tank. The range display indicated that the enemy was 1200 meters away.. The Fire Control Computer quickly computed the necessary information, elevating the main gun to the necessary height to achieve maximum shooting efficiency. The operation took only two seconds. The gunner homed on his trigger.

A forty-foot muzzle blast emanated from the barrel of the cannon as the 120mm gun jerked back in recoil. The M829A3 Sabot round quickly rocketed out of it as the spent aluminum casing was ejected.

The 120mm M829A3 Armor Piercing, Fin Stabilized, Discarding Sabot-Tracer(APFSDS-T), cartridge is a developed kinetic energy (KE) armor defeating round. It consists of a fin stabilized sub projectile with a six bladed aluminum fin, a tracer assembly attached to the rear of the fin and a depleted uranium (DU) penetrator with a ballistic tip to reduce drag. The propulsion system uses an obturating case base with combustible wall. This growth potential round features a modern technology high length to diameter (L/D), depleted uranium penetrator, and lightweight sabot.

The combustible case came apart in the air, the Depleted-uranium Sabot round falling free, a 40mm round made of Tungsten and Uranium because of its effectiveness as an armor-defeating weapon.

The projectile struck the turret of the enemy tank a moment later. On the inside, the Erusian gunner was just about to fire his own round when the ISAF projectile hit it. The enemy tank exploded, the turret flying thirty feet into the air before it landed on the ground.

"Hit!" said Gallahan. Another enemy tank came into view. "Target tank, twelve o'clock. Sabot! Shoot dammit!" The whole operation repeated itself again before the tank unloaded another round. A few moments later, the pursuing enemy tank exploded, making the expensive mechanical warrior into scrap.

"Good shot!" Praised Gallahan as the gunner prepared to fire another one of the Sabot rounds. Another tank began to pursue them. This time, however, was different from the others. This one had a large radio antenna on top of it. The gunner saw this.

"Looks like we have a command tank here." The gunner smirked. Gallahan saw this as well and began barking orders. "Target command tank, one o'clock. Load up a HEAT round and Shoot!"

The 120mm M830 High Explosive Anti-Tank-Multi Purpose - Tracer (HEAT-MP-T) is a chemical energy, multi-purpose projectile with an anti-personnel capability. It is largely a technology transfer from the ballistically identical German model DM12A1 except for the M764 fuze, double safety, and propellant containment bag. The round consists of a fin stabilized steel body that is loaded with Composition A3 Type II explosive. The fins are canted and impart spin to the projectile. A copper shaped charge liner and wave shaper are contained within the warhead. The projectile has a steel spike with a nose cap switch and a shoulder switch for full frontal area functioning. An electrically initiated base detonated fuze is located in the rear of the body. The propellant system employs single perforated stick propellant. The approximate cartridge weight is 53.4 pounds.

The M830A1 HEAT (High Explosive Anti-Tank) round, recently fielded for the M1A1 and M1A2 Main Battle Tank, is a major advancement over its predecessor, the M830. HEAT rounds have multi-purpose warheads that are used to defeat armored vehicles, helicopters and soft targets such as bunkers. The M830A1 adds higher velocity launch, increased armor penetration capability and selectable fuzing which allows for the engagement of a variety of targets.

The M830A1 is unique in that it features a three-piece discarding aluminum sabot, a feature normally associated with kinetic energy projectiles. The sabot allows a lighter flight projectile that can be flown to greater ranges than could the M830. The M830A1 also mounts a proximity switch on the flight projectile nose. Manually set upon gun loading, this allows the M1A1/M1A2 tank to self-defend against attacking helicopters with the 120mm main gun, a capability never before possessed by a Main Battle Tank. The multi-purpose cartridge is also extremely effective against buildings, bunkers, and light armored vehicles.

The gunner and the enemy tank fired at the same time. The MBT jumped at the recoil and the spent case fell to the ground. The Allied MBT's round struck the Erusian tank's engine, as the enemy's own round missed the turret by a few meters.

"Hit! Nice shot!" said Gallahan before turning to the driver. "Get us out of here. Head to alternate posit two."

The driver already had the massive main battle tank in reverse before turning right. Gallahan sighed as they sped out of their previous position. Artillery fire and friendly choppers covered their retreat as more Erusian tanks joined the pursuit.

`Shit!' Gallahan cursed mentally. `I have to call for the elimination of those radars and air support now!"

Warwick Air Force Base: Command Room: October 10, 2004

"Colonel, ma'am!" said Lt. Ibuki as she saluted crisply to the base commander. She was holing a folder on her left hand. The colonel saluted back.

"A message for you, colonel. It had a flash rating on it." She said as she handed the document to the colonel.

"You may now leave. Thank you." Said Misato as she began to read its contents. A few moments later, she quickly stood up, dropping the folder unto the table below.

"All Mobius and Maverick pilots, report to the briefing room immediately." She said as she herself took off for the briefing room. The folder she held earlier laid open on the table. It read:

Z0720Z10-October

RATING: FLASH

FR: MISCOM

TO: WARWICK AFB

ALLOCATE AIRCRAFTS TO ASSIST RETREATING

ALLIED FORCES TO PORT OF ST. ARK. EVAC OP IS

UNDERWAY. MISCOM END.

Warwick AFB: Briefing Room: October 10, 2004

Misato, when the pilots saw her, was pacing around the room with a decidedly unhappy look on her face. The look already told the pilots that the reason they were called here was of grave concern. When Misato saw that the pilots were now seated on their respective seats, she didn't waste any more time in starting the mission briefing.

"Pilots." Misato began. Her voice was eerily calm and professional. "We have a situation here that can change the course of the war." A projector at the back of the room automatically powered on, giving the pilots a tactical map in which they can refer to. Misato continued.

"The Combined Allied Forces are retreating, and survivors are gathering at the Northern Point of St. Ark, a strategic ISAF facility." She said as she pointed at the location of the Port at the map. "However, the Radar facilities atop Mt. Shezna, which was originally an ISAF facility, is providing vital tactical support to the enemy, which includes our troop movements. As a result, our evac mission is in jeopardy." Said Misato as she pointed at a recon shot of the radar facilities. They looked like Astronomical Observation posts minus telescope.

"If our troops can successfully evacuate and regroup at our General Headquarters at North point, they will become a formidable force in future battles and will spearhead the attack against the Erusians. In other words, they will form the backbone of our military might." Misato started pacing again.

"Your mission is to completely annihilate those radar facilities atop Mt. Shezna, thereby blinding the enemy and hiding our troop movements."

"Three A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and three F-16 Block 60 Fighting Falcons will be assigned to Mobius Flight. Forty choppers ranging from AH-64 Apache and RAH-66 Comanche helicopters will be assigned to Maverick Flight. The planes will have the same load out of AA and ATG weapons while the choppers will once again carry a multi-role mission load out. Mobius Flight will be the one to carry out the destruction of the Radar facilities. Maverick Flight will be the one to carry out the task of escorting the surviving allied forces to the evac point. Dismissed!"

All the pilots crisply saluted at her before hurrying towards the `barns.' When the pilots had left the room, Misato was left alone with her thoughts. `I hope they're gonna be okay.'

Warwick Air Force Base: Runway 2: October 10, 2004

Shinji and the others saw their AWACS `Sky eye' take-off for the mission. `At least we have an AWACS on our side this time.' Shinji thought in relief as he remembered the time he first assisted Maverick Flight on their way to Rigley AFB. Before he was about to board their aircraft, he saw Toji, Kensuke and Hikari boarding their respective A-10s while Asuka and Rei board their Falcons.

When Shinji was about to board his aircraft, he saw Maverick Lead. He stepped down from his aircraft and went over to him. The man looked at him.

"Uh, I haven't gotten your name yet. I only know your call-sign." Said Shinji. The older man smiled.

"My name's Kaji. Ryouji Kaji." The unshaven man said with a smile as he held out his hand.

"The name's Shinji. Ikari, Shinji." Shinji said as he shook the man's hand.

"Looks like we're going to have some fun today." Kaji said as he walked towards his chopper. Shinji could only nod as he quickly boarded his aircraft and powered up the engines. The Pratt and Whitney F100-PW-200/220/229 engine roared as he willed the plane to the runway. The other units followed shortly thereafter.

"This is Mobius Flight to Control. Requesting permission to take-off." Said Shinji over the Comm. as he made the final adjustments on his ATG avionics. The reply came quickly enough as he felt his aircraft rumble with power.

"This is Control to Mobius Flight. You are cleared for take-off."

Mobius Lead's Fighting Falcon began to move as the engine began to gain more power. After gaining the needed amount of speed to gain the necessary amount of lift, Shinji felt his aircraft clear the ground. The landing gear of the Fighting Falcon began to retract to its holding bay. As he turned towards the left to wait for his squad mates, he saw the 40-strong chopper contingent preparing for take-off. His radio cackled as Maverick Flight contacted him.

"Mobius Lead." Kaji's voice was calm, with a hint of friendliness in it. "Good luck on your mission."

"Same to you, Maverick Flight." Shinji said as he saw the chopper contingent lift-off and head towards the last known location of the allied forces. A moment later, the other members of Mobius Flight rejoined him.

"Okay guys. Our mission here is to level those radars. Mobius three, four and five will be the one tasked to level the radars. Me, Mobius two and six will cover you. Is that clear?" Said Shinji as he mentally reviewed the mission plan.

"Time to rendezvous with `Sky eye' people."

"Roger that, Mobius Lead."

En route to the Skies of Mt. Shezna: E-767 Airborne Warning and Control System; call-sign: `Sky eye': October 10, 2004

The crew on board the AWACS aircraft powered their advanced electronics as it began to raise its altitude to hide above the clouds once again. One of the mission crewmembers noted the approach of six fast-moving aircrafts on radar. According to the radar, it is squawking the correct IFF code.

"We've got friendlies moving in at our twelve o'clock." Said the crewmember. The response came quickly enough.

"That must be Mobius squadron." Another crewmember said as he assisted in the operation of the rotating radar dome.

AWACS provides survivable airborne surveillance, command, control and communications functions and early warning detection and tracking of low-level targets at extended ranges over land and water. The Boeing E-767 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) developed as a natural progression from the E-3 Sentry following the closure of Boeing's 707 production line. The 767 is six feet longer, has 50 percent more floor area, nearly twice the cabin volume and can fly higher, faster and longer than the original 707.

The heart of AWACS is encased in the distinctive rotodome which houses the radar and revolves once every 10 seconds. The radar is able to look down at airborne targets and, through a phenomenon called "Doppler shift," can tell the difference between radar energy from moving targets and general "clutter" reflected off the surface of the earth. When a target returns a radar pulse it causes a change in radar frequency. If an object is moving towards the AWACS, the radar beam returns at a higher frequency. If an object is moving away from the system, the pulse is returned as a lower frequency. These radar frequency shifts, combined with the speed and direction of the AWACS itself, provide surveillance information while ignoring clutter. Range, speed, azimuth angle and elevation are provided for each element tracked by the AWACS and displayed on situational display consoles for the surveillance system crewmembers. The ability to integrate aircraft and ground station command, control and communication capabilities offers its users tremendous air defense advantages.

The electronics officer opened his TACNET as Mobius flight flew at the left side of the AWACS.

"Mobius flight, this Sky eye." Said the electronics officer in a calm and professional voice. "We're nearing the area of operation. We are going to enter enemy airspace soon."

"We copy, Sky eye."

The Skies above Mt. Shezna: Mobius Flight: October 10, 2004

Mobius Flight came down from the clouds as they neared their targets. Shinji began to flip some switches to engage some ATG avionics when the radio cackled to life.

"This area is within enemy airspace. Keep an eye out for bandits. You certainly don't want to be shot down here. About the mountains and all." Said the Electronics officer as he and his colleagues prepared the relevant data to keep Mobius Flight updated on any new occurrences to give them a tactical advantage over the Erusians. Unfortunately, the Radar facilities here, known as the "Eye of the North", will also try to give their Erusian defenders tactical advantage and a high situational awareness for all combatants.

"We copy, Sky eye. Give us an update on enemy movements, will you?" Asked Shinji as he and the rest of Mobius Flight

"Will do, Mobius Flight."

The Skies above Mt. Shezna: F-4 Phantom IIs; call-sign: Blue Flight: October 10, 2004

Four F-4 Phantom IIs were the ones assigned to patrol the outlying areas near Shezna Radar One. When they were about to turn back so that another group could take over, their radios became active with a message from the radar base.

"This is Shezna radar one to all available units. This is Shezna radar one to all available units. Bandits approaching at vector One-Three-Five. Exercise extreme caution. It seems to have six targets on the group."

Blue Seven responded in a professional manner. "We copy, Shezna radar one. Blue Flight heading to engagement zone."

"Roger that, Blue Seven."

The Skies above Mt. Shezna: Mobius Flight: October 10, 2004

"Radar Base One, at vector three-one-zero, 12 miles. All units are cleared to engage."

As soon as Mobius Lead heard the location update, he contacted the other units to relay some necessary information. He opened his TACNET.

"Mobius three, four and five, head to targets immediately. Ignore the fighters. I repeat, ignore the fighters. Use your sidewinders only if necessary." Said Shinji as he scanned the airspace ahead. He saw four small dots heading for them. `Bandits.' Shinji thought.

Sky eye contacted him again. " Bandits confirmed at vector three-one-zero. Exercise extreme caution. Stay frosty."

Shinji then turned to the TACNET. "You heard the man. Let's roll out and finish this. Mobius Flight continue as fragged and head to the target area."

"Roger that. Mobius Lead."

The Skies above Mt. Shezna: F-4 Phantom IIs; call-sign: Blue Flight: October 10, 2004

`Here they come'. Blue eight thought in resignation. "Shezna radar one, this is Blue eight, Positive ID as three F-16 Block 60 Fighting Falcons and three A-10 Thunderbolt IIs. Send reinforcements here. Engaging enemy bogeys now." Said Blue eight as he and Blue seven engaged their afterburners. They arrived just in time as they saw Mobius Flight break formation.

`Great.' He thought, rather sarcastically. `We're outgunned here. I hope the reinforcements will arrive soon.'

The Skies above Mt. Shezna: Mobius Flight: October 10, 2004

"Bandits confirmed. Positive ID as F-4 Phantom IIs. Mobius two and six, engage!"

Shinji engaged his afterburners after he ordered two and six to engage the targets. He saw that one of the Erusian fighters were turning away and climbing at a very high rate of speed. Shinji recognized it to be the "chandelle".

The Skies above Mt. Shezna: F-4 Phantom IIs; call-sign: Blue Seven: October 10, 2004

Blue Seven thought that he could gain an advantage by initiating the "chandelle". Flying a plane in a large climbing spiral, staying at a fast speed, does the chandelle. It is a good way to drag slower enemy planes up higher without venturing too far away from the present location of the one who initiated it.

His F-4 Phantom II began flying in a large vertical spiral. However, he was forgetting a very vital piece of information.

An F-16 Block 60 Fighting Falcon is faster than an F-4 Phantom II…

The Skies above Mt. Shezna: F-16 Block 60 Fighting Falcon; call-sign: Mobius One: October 10, 2004

Shinji copied his prey's movements. However, he knew the error of the pilot's ways and was planning on exploiting it. He quickly increased speed, attempting to catch up with his prey. After a few minutes, the resounding sound of a lock-on can be heard in his cockpit as he lined up his sights.

"Die you S.O.B!"

The Skies above Mt. Shezna: F-4 Phantom IIs; call-sign: Blue Seven: October 10, 2004

Blue Seven tried to analyze why his maneuver wasn't working. He could clearly see in his radar Mobius Lead, rapidly closing the gap between them. Then it hit him. He forgot that the F-4 Phantom II is inferior to F-16 Block 60 Fighting Falcon in terms of agility and speed. He realized his mistake too late.

Mobius Lead has already launched a sidewinder the same time he realized his mistake. When he noticed the thin line of smoke heading towards him, he launched some flares that he hoped would distract the warheads. His hopes were all in vain.

The Skies above Mt. Shezna: F-16 Block 60 Fighting Falcon; call-sign: Mobius One: October 10, 2004

Shinji saw the explosion of the F-4 as the sidewinder slammed onto its tailpipe. He didn't see the pilot get out. As soon as he assumed a level altitude, a mesaage came from Sky eye.

"That's a kill! Splash one bandit!"

The Skies above Mt. Shezna: OA-10 Thunderbolt IIs; call-sign: Mobius Three Four and Five: October 10, 2004\

Meanwhile, the three Warthogs continued flying towards the target area when Mobius three contacted the other two via the TACNET.

"This is Mobius three to Mobius four and Five. I will be the one to eliminate the first radar tower while the two of you take care of the helipad and the control tower. Be wary of the SAMs though." Said Mobius three as he prepared his AGM-65 Maverick Air-to-Ground missiles.

"We copy Mobius three. Heading to target area now."

Mt. Shezna: Shezna Radar One; "The Eyes of the North": October 10, 2004

The Erusians stationed here at Shezna Radar One worked quickly as they heard the air raid alert. The radar base commander was already barking orders as they saw that that the three A-10s were closing in on them. One of the ELINT officers sent out a message to the other available units.

"To all available units. Bandits closing in on Shezna radar one. Do not let them get to the radars!"

Mt. Shezna: F-16 Block 60 Fighting Falcon: Blue Lead: October 10, 2004

As soon as Blue lead received the message, he smirked knowingly to himself. `Looks like I'm gonna have a little bit of action today.' Blue lead thought confidently as he rushed towards Shezna radar One, hoping to catch the three Warthogs.

The Skies above Mt. Shezna: F-16 Block 60 Fighting Falcon; call-sign: Mobius One: October 10, 2004

As he was bout to hunt another prey, Mobius Lead saw that the other Erusian fighters were turning back towards the Radar bases. `Damn!' He thought, darkly. `Toji and others are in trouble!' he quickly contacted Asuka and Rei.

"This is Mobius Lead to Mobius two and six. Head out and engage the targets pursuing Mobius three, four and five."

"We copy, Mobius lead. We'll take care of them."

The Skies above Mt. Shezna: OA-10 Thunderbolt IIs; call-sign: Mobius Three, Four and Five: October 10, 2004

"Looks like we're gonna need help here." Mobius three muttered to himself as he contacted Mobius one, two and six.

"Mobius Lead, this is Mobius three. We're gonna need assistance here. Several bandits are heading on our away." Mobius lead replied quickly enough.

"This is Mobius Lead. We're on our way to provide air cover." Toji then turned off the radio. `Its show time!'

He guided the Ground superiority attacker towards the first radar base. After coming into range, the sound of a lock-on was heard.

"Birds affirm." Toji said as he made a few adjustments.

"Birds away!"

The A-10 rumbled almost imperceptibly as the AGM-65G Maverick Missile broke free from one of the pylons before heading towards the target.

The AGM-65 Maverick is a tactical, air-to-surface guided missile designed for close air support, interdiction and defense suppression mission. It provides standoff 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.

A-10, F-15E and F-16 aircraft carry Mavericks. Since as many as an aircraft, usually in three round, underwing clusters, can carry six Mavericks the pilot can engage several targets on one mission. The missile also has "launch-and-leave" capability that enables a pilot to fire it and immediately take evasive action or attack another target as the missile guides itself to the target. Mavericks can be launched from high altitudes to tree-top level and can hit targets ranging from a distance of a few thousand feet to 13 nautical miles at medium altitude.

The Maverick variants include electro-optical/television (A and B), imaging infrared (D, F, and G), or laser guidance (E). The Air Force developed the Maverick, and the Navy procured the imaging infrared and the laser guided versions.

The AGM-65 has two types of warheads, one with a contact fuse in the nose, the other a heavyweight warhead with a delayed fuse, which 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.

The Thiokol TX-481 solid-propellant rocket motor pushed the missile into supersonic speeds before Mobius three locked onto another target. It only took the missile less than a minute to reach the target.

The 300 pounds(135kilograms) delayed-fuse penetrator heavyweight warhead exploded upon impact on the radar dome as the contact fuse ignited it. The radar dome, quickly disintegrated as several small explosions rocked the building. The final blast scattered pieces of electronics everywhere, taking out a SAM emplacement as most of the wreckage hit it.

Mt. Shezna: F-16 Block 60 Fighting Falcon: Blue Lead: October 10, 2004

"Shezna radar one is offline and incommunicado!" yelled one of his squad mates. Blue Lead seethed in fury. `I'll show them!' His reverie was cut short when he saw a lone Warthog. `Ah, that must be one of them. I'll personally handle this one.' He thought sadistically as he dived and headed towards the lone Warthog.

The Skies above Mt. Shezna: OA-10 Thunderbolt IIs; call-sign: Mobius Three, Four and Five: October 10, 2004

Mobius three was about to lock-on on a target when an F-16 Block 60 fighting Falcon screamed past him. `That's not one of ours. Erusian!' Toji thought. He quickly contacted Mobius four and five.

"Mobius four and five, you are to take out the second set of radar bases. I'll take care of this pest." Said Toji professionally. Hikari didn't like the way it sounded.

"No! That's suicide!" cried Hikari. Toji smiled sadly.

"Yes. I'll take care of this. I promise I'll come back alive."

"But-" Hikari began but Toji cut him off.

"No buts. Head to the target area now!"

"I copy." Hikari said. Toji smiled faintly as he changed course and headed towards the enemy falcon. Before he followed it, He contacted Mobius Lead.

"Mobius lead, this is Mobius three. Please cover Mobius four and five. I'll take care of the pest here."

"You sure `bout that?" asked Shinji. Toji smiled behind his flight mask.

"I'm pretty sure `bout that. now go!"

Mt. Shezna: F-16 Block 60 Fighting Falcon: Blue Lead: October 10, 2004

Blue lead almost smirked in triumph as he followed the lone warthog. `Fool.' He thought. He can't be seriously thinking of beating me, could he? He increased the power of his aircraft, thereby closing the gap between them. But at the last second, the A-10 turned hard, making him overshoot the target. `Shit! I can't believe I fell for that!'

The Skies above Mt. Shezna: OA-10 Thunderbolt IIs; call-sign: Mobius Four: October 10, 2004

Mobius lead, Two and Six had met up with Mobius four and five. Mobius lead and the two other falcons broke formation and headed for the bandits while Mobius four and five headed towards Shezna radar base two.

"Mobius five, you ready?" Hikari asked as she readied her Mavericks. Kensuke replied calmly.

"Ready as you are Mobius four. Preparing to engage!"

The two Warthogs split formation and headed for a different area. Hikari headed for the helipad and radar bases while Kensuke headed for the control towers. When Hikari was almost in range, the missile alert warning began to flash. Hikari looked at the radar screen and saw that the missile was quickly gaining in on her.

`Oh man, a missile.' Hikari thought as she barrel-rolled and launched a few countermeasures. The missile lost lock and exploded a few feet away from aircraft. Fortunately, the aircraft is heavily armored so it only suffered minor shrapnel damage.

"I've got a lock-on!" Mobius four said as the missile-targeting reticule locked on to the large dome.

"Birds away! Birds away!" Hikari said before quickly turning away and lining up her sight son the helipads. A few moments later, she heard a rumbling noise as the radar base exploded, leaving nothing but the metal skeleton of the structure.

Whn she lined up her sights on the helipads, she saw that there were two KA-52 choppers there. She throttled her engines and began to fire her massive Avenger guns.

"Fox 4! Fox 4!"

The Kamov choppers exploded in bright fireballs of flame as the Avenger gun acted like a hot knife through butter. Even the gas tanks weren't spared as they exploded, leaving the smell of burning aviation fuel in its wake. Of course, Hikari wouldn't know of this because she is in an enclosed cockpit.

"Target eliminated."

The Skies above Mt. Shezna: OA-10 thunderbolt IIs; call-sign: Mobius Three; October 10, 2004

The warthog and fighting falcon changed position as their cat and mouse game raged on. They took turns in being the hunter or the hunted. Even though Blue Lead had a distinct advantage in terms of the aircraft, Mobius three made up in skill. At last, Mobius three saw an opening and decided to exploit it.

Mobius three quickly climbed, with Blue lead hot on his tail. Blue lead didn't realize what Mobius three was about to do until it was too late. Mobius three quickly slowed his plane until it was on the verge of stalling. When it was bout to stall, he applied full rudder. That maneuver made his plane's nose fall to the side and allowed it to point straight down again.

Mt. Shezna: F-16 Block 60 Fighting Falcon: Blue Lead: October 10, 2004

`Hammerhead stall.' Blue lead thought in horror. `He fooled me.'

The Skies above Mt. Shezna: OA-10 thunderbolt IIs; call-sign: Mobius Three; October 10, 2004

Toji quickly increased speed as he saw the fighting falcon turn away. `My turn.' He thought, rather sadistically. When he was in range, he quickly selected his Sidewinder. The resounding chirp of the lock-on was heard. `Game over for you, my friend.' He thought as he fired one of his two emergency sidewinders.

Mt. Shezna: F-16 Block 60 Fighting Falcon: Blue Lead: October 10, 2004

Blue Lead tried frantically to exploit his plane's agility and speed to outmaneuver the missile. He began to sweat as he thought of how confident he sounded earlier which was the opposite of what he was feeling now.

`It can't end like this!' He thought in vehemence. `NOOOOOO!!!'

The missile blew his plane in half before bursting into flames.

The Skies above Mt. Shezna: OA-10 thunderbolt IIs; call-sign: Mobius Three; October 10, 2004

Mobisu three was breathing heavily in the cockpit of his warthog as he thought of how intense their duel had been. `Wow.' He thought. `I never thought I could beat a Block 60 using a Warthog!'

The Skies above Mt. Shezna: OA-10 Thunderbolt IIs; call-sign: Mobius Five: October 10, 2004

Kensuke already had his sights lined up as the control tower came into view. He noticed that the AA guns and SAM emplacements weren't working. `Probably because of a power outage.' He thought. When he was close enough, AA fire erupted around him, causing him to jerk back in his seat. Fortunately, the armor of the Warthog can sustain heavy AA fire. `You think that can stop me?' He asked rhetorically as he locked on to the control tower. `Think again!'

Mt. Shezna: Radar Base Control Tower: October 10, 2004

All hope is not lost! Shoot it Shoot it!" Yelled the base commander as he too, cocked his gun and fired. Twenty soldiers in snow-white camouflage suits rose up from the snow began shooting at the Warthog. The warthog seemed to be invulnerable to this however, as the bullets didn't even penetrate the armor. Suddenly, they saw two missiles break free from the pylons and head towards the control tower.

"Run!"

The force of the explosion propelled those people who failed to run away from the control tower. Several of them were killed on the spot, while some of them were heavily injured. The A-10 took another pass before it screamed past them.

En route to the Port of St. Ark: The pursuing Erusian mechanized forces : October 10, 2004

The Erusian mechanized infantry were still pursuing the Combined Allied Forces when transmissions from Shezna suddenly ceased. The tank commanders slowed their speed as they tried to gather information on the allied forces' movements.

"What the hell?! We're not receiving any contact from Shezna! They must've taken it out!" Yelled one of the Battalion commanders. His subordinates agreed sympathetically. He continued. "The destruction of that radar coupled with the massive chopper support they have will hamper our plans." He thought for a while before he reached a decision.

"Ask Mission command fro additional tanks and aircraft!"

En route to the Skies of Mt. Shezna: E-767 Airborne Warning and Control System; call-sign: `Sky eye': October 10, 2004

As soon as Mobiius Flight resumed their original flight formation after the destruction of Shezna radar one and two has been confirmed. The others bombarded Toji with questions on how he shot down the Block 60. Toji couldn't almost keep up with answering them. They were baobut to continue bombarding him with questions when Sky eye made contact with them.

"Congratulations, pilots. You have successfully eliminated their radar positions here and have blinded the enemy from our troop movements."

En route to the Port of St. Ark: The Combined Allied Forces: October 10, 2004

The tankers and chopper drivers cheered as they saw the front line tanks of the enemy slow down. They could see the enemy control degrading as they lost their most vital source of ELINT and data on allied troop movements. Ryouji kaji smirked behind his flight masks. `Looks like you've done a great job, Shinji.' His reverie was cut short when the Erusian tanks once again pursued the combined Allied Forces. He noticed that four Erusian battalions were approaching to reinforce the main one, as well as choppers.

`Oh shit.' He thought as he frantically sent a message to Warwick AFB.

En route to the Skies of Mt. Shezna: Mobius Flight: October 10, 2004

When Mobius Flight was about to head to vector One-Eight-Zero south to return to base, they received an emergency message from Sky eye.

"Pilots." Began the ELINT officer with a hint of emergency. "I have received new orders from Warwick AFB. It seems that more and more tanks and choppers are pursuing the Allied retreat. You have been tasked to cover them. Those of you who are Bingo fuel or Winchester should first go back to base to re-arm and refuel."

"WHAT?! We're gonna assist the groundpounders? Can't anybody else do it?" bellowed Asuka. The ELINT officer sighed.

"I know you're all tired, but these are orders. Anyways, you aren't going in alone. Another squadron, Halo flight, will assist you. They're made up of four A-10s and two F-16s."

Shinji thought for a moment before he contacted the team. "Okay, you heard him. All aircrafts with bingo fuel or Winchester should RTB to re-arm and refuel. Load up on ATG and AA though. I think we got ourselves a firefight."

"We copy, Mobius Lead."

Author's note:

Special Thanks To:

GundamAzurain

FFAUTHOR

Ace Writer 04

I finally got this out of my system. Whoooeeeeee!!! ***Laughs like crazy***. Anyways, sorry about not featuring the AC02 and AC03 planes yet. I promise they're gonna appear in later chapters. And to Ace writer 04, I really like your idea. Once I will rewrite them so that they will include the ace pilots. (Sorry for not adding Tempel.) Anyways, Please, don't forget to review. I need reviews so that I can improve my writing style. Please!!!

-Unbesiegbar kriegsmaschine

P.S.

Watch out for the next chapter entitled: "Mission 03 Plus: Groundpounders".