private Eastern Skies Ablaze

[FancyHorse 1,209]

"Eeyup..." She muttered taking another drag from the stick.

 

The two remained side by side watching at the morning sky. Not really sure what to say next. 

"At this rate you think the war would be over by now? If you can call it a war?" She asks, looking over to her comrade.

[Mentis Soliloquy 3,026]

"No idea, like they tell us anything and I am an 'officer'." Quoting the air as she said that, because she felt the rank was meaningless in the scheme of this only Razor was actually told the big picture from up high and she was as clueless about things as Soar and Kris were, but somehow had to make them feel ok when things happened it was stupid. 

[FancyHorse 1,209]

The giggled amongst themselves just a simple grand time. This wasn't so bad afterall? Good company good friends and safe on a ship. Almost like a mandatory vacation. No problems so far since their first. Perhaps they were so effective? Maybe their military force was just too advanced?

 

Sitting back up they watch as the celestial sun raising. Cloud smiled softly as they feel the familiar warmth.

"Thanks for being here." She said the two exchaning a brief gaze to one another.

 

Well in reality she didn't come volutarily but nonetheless the two were glad to become friends. Comrades but nonetheless still as friends. But maybe something-

 

Hearing a loud alarm wailing they look to their starboard side seeing a following Destroyer blaring its alert siren. Streaming from its forward deck a missle shoots forward with a slow lift off streaming toward the sky. Something going on?

 

"That's not a promising sign." Cloud said bluntly before the sound of their carrier alarm blares.

"Come on!" In quick fashion the two ponies trot quickly back into the interior of the hull and down to their quarters parting ways to join their squads.

Razor and the rest barge out quickly dressed in a rapid manner.

"Up already Star?" Razor asked in complimenary fashion.

 

With no other words they make their ways toward the hangar greeted by their fellow fliers both Delphinus and Sagittarius Squad awaiting all getting ready with their rigs on.

 

"Get suited!" Razor hollered already having her rig assisted on with the help of the work crew. Two sailor workers hefting their rings onto each of their backs before loading their missiles and dumping their ammo belts into their gun distributor.

 

"No briefing? Or anything?" Soar asked in a louder then ususal tone rubbing at her sleepy eyes gently.

"Command will brief us mid flight. Looks like a big one!" Razor replied.

"All check!." She said as her rig was set completely after a double check with the crew.

 

Looking to her left over to Delphinus they each finish their flight checks and nod to each other. Cloud looking to Star giving her a wink before flipping down her visor.

 

All systems check. Each lined in a triangle formation on the elevator lift with Sagittarius Squad at front and Delphinus and Dagger at the ends.

[Mentis Soliloquy 3,026]

She sat on the lift as they went up last in que to see another squad take off. "Razor they said anything to you at all?" She was not the pessimist she was once when she first got here, getting used to army life and being shot at kinda dulls one's down side a bit, in Star's case to an extreme. She was quite a neutral and mostly happy self these days. 

[FancyHorse 1,209]

"I just got up Star. Not told anything. We'll get an in flight briefing I'm sure." She said. 

 

Lined up on their launchers Delphinus squad awaits their go. With pressure building on the catapults they roar to life in sync with their engines and are tossed into the air lifting upward as joining with Sagittarius. Taking her place next to Razor with Kris on her right side they await their go. Their HUD flashing their final system check as usual before launch. 

 

CHECK.///

 

WEAPONS 700 RNDS. MSSLE PODS 8./// CHECK> ARMED

 

Flight CHECK COMPLETE.//

 

LAUNCH!

 

 

Tossed into the air with her engines blasting at half throttle she flies along in formation with her comrades upwards. Now reaching full throttle they increase altitude to rejoin their comrades in the skies. 

"Well.. certainly a wake up call." Rookie's voice could be heard slightly in yawn as he leads Delphinus. Sagittarius remains silent as they await for further orders. Joining on their sides at lower altitude they noted their two attack craft with Roger and Killjoy noted in the cockpit seats in identical suit wear. Just behind them catching up was Hrimfaxi in their multicrew aircraft.

 

"All present and accounted for." The rare tone of the voice of Sagittarius lead could be heard. A mysterious one he was, not exactly known about him. Kris had taken to call him Edgy-McEdge Face of Edginess. Star giggles a little at the silly tone he spoke in announcing the goofy nickname.

 

"All Aircraft are present. This is AVERY with Equestrian Command. We'll commence our in flight briefing. " The recognizing monotone of the aerial command was heard, Yay..

 

"Satellite detection has been tracking a large movement of aircraft from the north Rassarikstan regions. Intellegence believes it to be a large mobilizing attack group and are currently underway to deploying to the Malteesian DMZ front with the intent of attacking friendly ground forces to assist their own advance. You'll be joined in the air by Arabian Royal Air forces, the best they've got from their Green Osprey's flight group. " He spoke, on the left hand side of her HUD an image of a burning green Osprey appears, its pose in mid flight in a diving pose the words ROYAL TACTICAL 14th FLIGHT DIVISION written above the emblem.

 

"Strikes from the fleet on the  Malteesian coast have begun their long range missile strikes to assist with further ground defenses. As long as we can keep those attack craft away from the friendly ground units this will be an easy victory for Malteese- and for Equestria." He added.

 

On her map it displayed the Malteesian DMZ line three marker points appear along its line. One of the southern most tip. One directly at the middle and another to the north coast.

"Sagittarius Squad will engage the enemy forces at the northern coast line. Clear Moon 1 follow and assist all ground units in that location." AVERI gave the orders. 

"Understood." Sagittarius 1 responded.

"Roger that." Killjoy spoke up. The four increased throttle and divereted from the group heading to their destination as they approach to land. 

 

"Delphinus engage the enemy at the center point location of the DMZ line. Clear Moon 2 engage all hostile ground forces at the line." Their orders were given.

"Affirmative." Rookie called out.

"Roger." Glidwing responded and the squad pushed forward ahead with their attack craft following behind them. Leaving just Dagger and Hrimfaxi, wonder who's going next?

 

Already with their orders in mind Dagger Squad and Hrimfaxi turn rightward heading to the south eastern location.

"Dagger Squad, you know what to do. Hrimfaxi engage all ground forces." The orders came in.

 

"Understood." Razor spoke up,

"Yesss sir." A hissing reply came from the attack craft.

Edited October 22, 2016 by IllusivePony

[Mentis Soliloquy 3,026]

@,

 

"So this is a major battle then, one they'll get actors to portray us as, if it all goes well. Hey Soar where you think they'll actually find a thestral actor that looks like me?" She had learn't over time that talking about total rubbish while out of combat helped take their minds of the coming battle. 

[FancyHorse 1,209]

"Uhh... I really don't watch much TV. " Soar replied softly,

"Oh! Oh! How about that one chick?... Darkshade Cast?... Something Cast? Can't really think of it at the top of me head." Kris chimed in.

 

"Frasher Overcast." One of the changelings spoke up.

 

"Yeah! That's her! She did that uh... Shadow's Eve movie last year." Kris iterated.

"Focus up. We'll be on the target before we know it." Razor hushed the group.

 

Approaching on their right side from the south multiple green radar signals approach quickly. More friendlies. A squad plus two attack craft it seemed.

 

The Arabian craft approached along their right side joining in formation.

"This is Napalm of Arabian Royal 14th Tactical Fighter Wing. In formation." A vaguely familiar voice spoke.

"This is Ismir of Royal 7th Tactical Attack Wing. Formed Up!" A cheery mare spoke up, assumingly from one of the friendly craft. 

 

"Having a good day are we?" Kris asked to their newly found friendlies. None of them responded.

 

"Okay then? I see how you are... Ohhh Im edgy! I'm gonna be all-" Kris was interupted by Razor ordering him to hush.

A snicker could be heard from one of them.

"I like this kid." A mischevious voice spoke. "Napalm 3. Keep up the humor. Keep it light." One of them spoke out. 

 

Star felt a bit of comfort from the hearty response, as well as Kris.

Edited October 24, 2016 by IllusivePony

[Mentis Soliloquy 3,026]

"Oh is somepony enjoying our completely pointless banter I mean I thought it was good too, guess we have fans. Hey Razor, you know this is good for us right until we start doing the bad part of this?" She said this in a almost mocking tone, but her words did not posses any venom.  

 

She looks to Kris. "To retort to your answer, I swear to Luna that Darkshade is not playing me! I mean have you seen the mare? She purple! I'm charcoal thank you very much." She then giggled. "I mean the nerve that you'd get somepony not my excellent complexion to play me is absolutely absurd." She almost sounded serious, almost if it was not for the constant giggling she could not stop doing.

 

"Well if that's me covered who's serious enough to play Razor then Kris?" She looked to Razor to gauge her response to what he would say.  

[FancyHorse 1,209]

"I certainly hope you don't plan to use this newly found rebellious attitude." Razor replied, venomious in her tone from Star's reply. Though the next commented from her eased her slightly.

"... And Turner Weaver... I want Weaver to be my actress.." Razor whispered softly. Kris couldn't help but giggle.

 

"We got no fears about this. We'll wipe the floor with these measly grunts. Or I should say sky." Napalm 3 replied giving a snarky comment. A rather confident gesture.

 

"Don't give too much underestimation." Napalm 1 spoke up. The other two squadmates remained quiet.

 

"Raadar." One of their changeling companions spoke up. Turning their attention they note the oncoming red blips. 1, 2, 6 now over 12. Oh my... 

 

"Got about 18 contacts ahead." Napalm 1 spoke, even though the enemies are still not within eyesight.

 

"Whaa that many?" Kris iterated.

"Ain't scared are ya?" Napalm 3 chimed in,

"N-na na. I'm only afraid of being blasted to bits is all." Kris replied.

 

"Most of these craft are just attack craft. Two enemy escort squads no doubt are with them though." 

 

Soon and surely past the dense clouds they come within distance to view a large grouping of flyers and attack craft near the mountains behind them. Just as the Napalm lead said, she could make out 8 ponies in their fighter rigs. Several larger attack craft flying below them. 

 

"Ismir Squad... breaking off to assist ground forces. Happy trailing boys." One of the Arabian attackers spoke breaking off to their north. Hrimfaxi following soon.

"Sssstay safe." One of the changelings spoke up.

 

"Swtiching 4AAMs. Wait for a lock." Napalm commanded to his squad.

 

"Game time ponies." Razor said. "Await lock and use 4AAM." She added. 

 

Switching from her dual missiles to her anti air multi warheads her cursor reticle switches from a diamond to a square with a plus reticle in the center. Her HUD shifted tint from green to red signalling a lock warning. Closer... closer. 

 

"The stars will gaze on us. Pity of the fallen." One of the Arabians spoke, a male voice.

LOCK ON! Her visor received a lock on multiple enemies. Her HUD flashed a lock warning as well.

"And glory to the victor." The allied flyer finished.

"Fox 2!" Razor called out. In unison they fired their missiles and each breaked in their own direction as well as their enemies evading to their inanimate pursuers.  

[Mentis Soliloquy 3,026]

In the past three weeks Star had killed another two enemies over that quite time during an engagement bringing her total to 4. This quickly rose to 5 within a few moments of the fighting, as all of the fighters broke off to dodge the missile look one had dived before her. This allowed a prefect line up with her canons that took the rig out and the pony with it. "Boggie down." Was all she said as a missile went past her and she had to dodge and weave from shots. "One's on my 6!" 

[FancyHorse 1,209]

"Sweet Celestia!" Kris called out, having barely missed an incoming missile. 

 

"Within gun range." Razor spoke, pitching up after a slight roll she brakes hard lining back up with her picked target. He was pulling left. Razor engaged afterburn to regain the lost speed. Letting a stream from her cannon the blast trails in line until reaching her target bursting in a display of red paste and sparks before beginning its spiral to the ground.

 

"Napalm 2. Coming to assist." Star could hear a soft female voice speak to her. 

 

As Star yawed to her right ahead of her Napalm 2 was closing fast to her front. Without much prep the piercing sound of her engines screeching past along with the muffled sounds of cannon fire.

 

"You're clear." Came her voice again. 

 

"Dagger 2! Go for the attack craft!" Razor commanded.

 

Looking to her west the enemy craft had descended to a lower alititude. If she hurried she could close the distance and engage.

[Mentis Soliloquy 3,026]

"Yes Dagger lead." She banked off from the fighter spat and made her way for the attack craft her own after burners kicking in to close the distance. Looking on and firing as soon as she closed in missile lock range. The larger craft banked and fired it's chaff to avoid the missile. This was almost pointless as Star came within gun range and with one burst of fire sliced the crafts wing off sending it down to it's doom.

[FancyHorse 1,209]

Star's HUD flashed in warning as two flyers had broken off to engage her. On her radar a friendly flyer was closing in. Not one from Dagger, they were rather occupied. 

"Two on you." A deep male voice could be heard.

 

Cutting sharply Star turned to engage, noting one of the two fighters breaking off cutting in a Cobra maneuver to engage the Arabian flyer. Her lock on no longer signaled, looks like this lad wants a joust. Her heart was racing quickly. He was gaining speed and without even thinking charged forward kicking into afterburn the air slicing into the air. The distance was closing and the flyer came into view but there would be no time to examine. Her reticle changed into a bright circle signalling gun range and within those split seconds she held down her gun trigger in a blaze of haste rounds spewed in hot streams of lead. She could hear the immensity of the enemy fire spraying around her, further escalating her beating heart. 

 

The flyer passed by her in a screeching roar having no time to see where he is going. She was relieved to see the DESTROYED confirmation on her HUD. 

 

"Several Attack craft are remaining! Dagger Squad lets step it up!" Razor called out, noting on the radar only three enemy flyers remaining. They worked rather quick.

[Mentis Soliloquy 3,026]

The three remaining transports fared no better than the first, without fighter escorts they had no real means to stop Star from destroying all three in quick time, a somber task. This is a little better when some of the crew from the second craft flying away from the battle as fast as their wings could carry them, this made her smile for a moment some ponies that got out of this for now. She'd love to destroy only the equipment and leave everypony alive but... that was not how war worked.

 

With the three craft destroyed her kill total was now 13... 

[FancyHorse 1,209]

Turning sharp in unison Razor and the enemy tailed to one another as though in sync of each others movements. A tango of braking and accelerating as they twisted into the air. Napalm 1 rose altitude approaching to the two, the lone fighter wasn't going to stand a chance. Attempting at a cobra the enemy braked hard and angled downward to align with Razor who in response braked hard. The enemy responded poorly not anticipating the earlier stop and missed his opportunity to gun at her. Losing so much speed he tumble in the air in a stall. Before being able to recover the Arabian lead let out a burst from his cannon at the easy target.

 

"All targets destroyed! Well done." AVERI could be heard in praise. 

 

"Nice work team." Napalm 1 spoke over the comm.

 

Recovering her speed, Razor leveled out. "Huff... Good work guys." She said to her squad. 

 

"Well that didn't last too long... But hella tense. But it felt good! Like a good workout!" Kris commented. 

 

"I certainly got my share of strain." Soar spoke up a little.

 

[Mentis Soliloquy 3,026]

"Well that's that, then." Was all Star said, she had no love of taking life and it never got easier for the mare. "Orders?" Was her only other word to leave her mouth as she pulled back up into formation with Razor and looked around for anything else that might be an issue. 

[FancyHorse 1,209]

"Well that's that, then." Was all Star said, she had no love of taking life and it never got easier for the mare. "Orders?" Was her only other word to leave her mouth as she pulled back up into formation with Razor and looked around for anything else that might be an issue. 

 

With the enemy defeated, her HUD flashed to emergency alert. Her map expanded slightly displaying to the center point DMZ. 

 

"Enemy air forces are bolstering near the second DMZ point! Dagger squad procced to DMZ 2 and assist Delphinus squad. Allied fighters will be assisting." AVERI spoke in command, noting that the Arabian's have already taken ahead.

 

"Lets go squad!" Razor kicked into afterburn, Star and friends following in order their engines roaring with intensity as they sped to close their distance swiftly. 

[Mentis Soliloquy 3,026]

"Razor... I've only got 53% of my fuel left I can't do more than one more dog fight." Taking note of her fuel reserves, she had no idea about the others but she used a lot in the last fight destroying all the attack craft. But nonetheless she'd fight until she ran out of fuel if needed.

[FancyHorse 1,209]

"Shouldn't take us too long to get there." Razor replied, the four of them remaining in formation as they directed themselves northwest, with their Arabians just ahead of them in a diamond formation compared to their v-form. 

"That's 3 more to add to my tally." The recognizing tone from the 3rd flight squadmate from Napalm. Sounded a bit arrogant to Star's taste  but then again he also seemed rather seasoned compared to her green status. But this really wasn't the time to debate ethics on kill counts. 

 

It was near 10 minutes, she counted from her little mission timer ticking under her radar. Friendly and allied blips appeared with several enemy fighter signatures showing. Her friendlies list updated showing all of Delphinus squad was still around, thank Celestia. Noting to Heavy Cloud as she closed tightly with an enemy. While not able to see her she watched as her signature closed tight until the two signatures merged before the enemy blip disappeared. 

 

"This is Napalm. Approaching secondary AO." Napalm lead spoke up.

 

"Dagger 1. Approaching new AO. Engage." Razor gave the command, each squad mate taking off in their own flight. Star and Soar taking a similar path with two enemies engaged in furious fashion tailing behind an eratic Delphinus 3.

 

"These asses are on my ass hard! Somepony shake em!" Spegal spoke up in desperate tone.

 

"Coming to assist." Soar spoke up making lock as she banked right to line with the enemy. Star followed insue. 

[Mentis Soliloquy 3,026]

"Don't worry Del. 3 we'll get these assbags!" She took to the bogie on the right of him and started with a missile lock to shake him straight off and then went after the bugger. She tried to guide her target with gun fire and then line up a missile but it was not working so well in reality. 

[FancyHorse 1,209]

Her target braked hard, instead in a direction it was backwards. Passing by her in quick succession the tables had turned suddenly her HUD flashed brightly in missile alert and braked downward before kicking her afterburn hard to accelerate quickly her beeping audio from the head becoming rapid and more so as the missile closed quickly like it was right on top of her. Only continuing in her continuous downward roll. She was shook hard but the sound was muffled thankfully from her helmet as the missile expired and exploded just near by. Was she hit? 

 

No time! Another lock was followed soon and the enemy tailed hard. Not even closing just turning enough to keep himself safe from her turning to face him. Or her? Whatever. Spegal was cleared and he came around she noted on her radar. 

"Scratch mine, Scatch yours." He said in some confident tone. The enemy braked off knowing he was outnumbered and Spegal gave chase. 

[Mentis Soliloquy 3,026]

She paused for a moment in shock, her life nearly ended by those missiles before snapping out of it and flying after the pair, she'd let him have the kill but was gonna back him up if he needed it, the other pony was better than her that was for sure and she was shaken by this. 

[FancyHorse 1,209]

"Be advised, another enemy squadron has been detected." AVERI commented.

 

"Another one!?" Rookie could be heard admist an angry response, "That's the third one! How many are they sending?" He added.

"We'll deal with it!" Razor's trademark comment was heard. 

 

"Engaging." An unfamiliar Arabian voice spoke up, none from the friendlies she fought with, assuming it was one of the other flight squads.

 

To the east four more enemy fighters approach in rapid pace. With no targets of her own she turned to face the incoming enemies. With her, Delphinus 1, and two of her Arabian strangers they approaching to intercept. And now within range she switched from single lock to her multi 4AAMs. With her enemy indicators showing friendly locks on the enemy targets she awaited for an anticipated unison. She recieved a warning lock in return. And as though by mental thought they all fire in unified volley along with the enemy and each scattering in a swarming mass of flight trails and noise. She followed behind her closest target breaking left and trying to maintain distance in case they used the same maneuver as the last enemy. 

[Mentis Soliloquy 3,026]

Star had an idea for her next engagement not firing a missile, but that was for another time. She was gonna direct them this time and do it right. It took a while this guy was not as good as the other one, but when your life is on the line you pull skill from your backside if needed, but alas not enough for this one. She missile locked forcing him to bank right, she didn't even fire a missile as he machine gun fire ripped his rig apart and they exploded... 

[FancyHorse 1,209]

"Good kill!" One of her friendlies spoke up. To her left the Arabian stranger tailed close to an enemy fighter as the raced downward to the earth his sporadic gunfire streaming from his cannons hitting and nicking at the enemy a smoke trail forming. Faster and faster they descend. Pulling away having damaged his enemy' mobility he helplessly crashes into the ground. 

 

"Need some help over here!" A desperate tone came from Heavy Cloud. To her south she saw her being tailed by an enemy fighter. 

 

"There are enemy craft still around! Some pony get to it!" Rookie was heard over the comm.

"I'm going for it... Somepony watch my back!" Kris called out. Star felt her urges dividing her between her two friends, would somepony answer up in time? Who should she assist first?