>>3867345
>Eager to get back in on the action.

>>3867345
>>That you could have stayed home in Belka just a little longer.

I do trust we have Erwin's card on our person securely? Not only in case we ever need it but so that someone else doesn't find it. That would raise awkward questions. Should probably stuff it in the same place our badge is.

>>3867345
>Eager to get back in on the action.

>>3867345
>Eager to get back in on the action.

>>3867345
>>Eager to get back in on the action.

We miss the rumbling of our jet.

>>3867345
>>Eager to get back in on the action.

>>3867345

>That you could have stayed home in Belka just a little longer.
didn't even get to visit granddad

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>>3867345
Well, you were pretty eager to get back in on the action! It felt like a freaking eternity had passed without being able to shoot down some aerial enemies, much less fly in something you were piloting yourself!

However, rather than taking a civilian flight back to Fort Grays, you instead received order to report to Dinsmark Air Base instead. Apparently you were taking a military flight back, hitching a ride with an aerial convoy shipping aid to the refugee camp at the Lighthouse before proceeding on to Fort Grays.

Hmph. Guess your charity work wasn't over just yet, apparently.

However, as you approach the front gate of the base, the guard takes a look at your ID card and glances at you.

"Head over to Hangar Three." He instructs. "Your presence is requested there."

"Um, okay." You nod.

You wonder what was up with that order. Hangar Three was a smaller hangar, meant for fighter sized planes, not the massive cargo planes that you would expect for an aerial convoy.

Unless...

Your suspicions are already answered when you pull up to Hangar Three, where you see a Su-30SM, an Su-35, and a Su-47 all lined up.

Looks like Uncle wasn't kidding when he said he'd pull some strings to get you a better plane!

"These planes are fresh off the line and ready to go!" The technician managing the plans says happily. "Take your pick!"

Well, the Su-30SM was basically an upgraded version of your Su-30, with a lot of modifications to make it more maneuverable such as thrust vectoring, as well as better avionics to fulfill a more multi-role mission, giving it better performance against ground targets.

The Su-35 was an air superiority fighter through and through, though. No compromises against its air to air performance so it could give almost any plane a run for their money in a straight up fight.

Finally, the Su-47 was a much more exotic craft, its swept forward wings giving it even more insane maneuverability than even the Su-35, though you hear those things were tough to pilot, which was why they weren't particularly widespread.

>Su-30SM
>Su-35
>Su-47

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>>3867519
>Su47

Is it even a debate?
Belka deserves the best

>>3867519
>Su-30SM

>>3867519
>Su-35

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>>3867519
>Su-47

>>3867519
>Su-47

>>3867519
>Su-47

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>>3867519
>>Su-35

Either way, Milly's going to need to find a better way to handle all those G-Forces if she keeps on getting even more maneuverable planes.

>>3867540
Swept wing squad where u at

>>3867519
>>Su-35

>>3867519
>>Su-47

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>>3867519
Your eyes immediately fall upon the Su-47. Something about its sleek, forward swept wings seemed to speak to you. It gave it the appearance of a bird of prey about to pounce on its target. Something that you definitely would love the enemy to see and feel. Heh.

"I'll roll with the Berkut!" You say proudly, pointing to the plane in question.

"Roger that." The tech nods. "Command's also cleared to have special weapons loaded on it as well. You've got a pick betweeen SAAMs and QAAMs."

Well shit. SAAMs were heavy, long range missiles that could engage enemies at extreme distances. They weren't too maneuverable, but they hit like buses and could down even heavy planes in a single shot.

QAAMs, on the other hand, were more designed for close in dogfighting. They had a shorter range than even regular missiles, but they made up for that by being highly maneuverable, being able to keep track of even the most extreme evasive maneuvers. Hell, in the right circumstances, you could even shoot them backwards!

>SAAM
>QAAM
>Other

>>3867629
>QAAM

>>3867629
>QAAM
We like getting up close anyway.

>>3867629
>>QAAM

>>3867629
>QAAM

>>3867629
>SAAM

>>3867629
>>Other
TLS

>>3867629
>QAAM
Fits our style of knife fighting

>>3867629
>>QAAM
I WANT TO HIT THEM WITH MY SWORD!

>>3867549
I just hope that she doesn't completely ruin her body in the long term with all that strain. Otherwise we may end up kinda like Mihaly.

>>3867682
Cyborg Cyber Newtype Milly

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>>3867629
"Let's load up some QAAMs!" You grin. "No point getting a close range fighter if we don't load it out with close range weapons, right?"

"Got it!" The tech nods. "And um, it looks like the loading on the aerial convoy is taking a bit longer than expected. Um, you don't necessarily have to accompany them. They've got their own air escort, but they'd appreciate the extra protection if you decide to stick around..."

>Sure, you can afford to wait another hour or two.
>You'd rather get going as soon as possible.
>Other

>>3867687
>Sure, you can afford to wait another hour or two.

>>3867687
>Sure, you can afford to wait another hour or two.

>>3867687
>Sure, you can afford to wait another hour or two

>>3867687
>Sure, you can afford to wait another hour or two.

>>3867687
>You'd rather get going as soon as possible.

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>>3867682
>>3867684
Belkan R&D could probably get Bandit and Milly some sort of next-gen anti-g suit, or something.

And of course Milly's suit shows off her assets compared to Bandit's suit.

>>3867687
>>You'd rather get going as soon as possible.

>>3867687
>>Sure, you can afford to wait another hour or two.

>>3867697
>Belkan RnD

Grunder: The Superior Armor

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>>3867687
"Sure, I can wait an hour or two." You shrug.

"All right, well, we'll be heading over to help with the loading efforts." The tech says. "Don't worry about your plane, it's completely ready to fly. You can even check it yourself!"

Hm, well, it couldn't hurt to be safe, to check out a brand new plane to see if everything was in order, even if the ground crew assured you things were fine. Or, you could probably go help load up the cargo planes as well to get things moving quicker.

Then again, wasn't there supposed to be an escort flight for this convoy? Maybe you should check them out.

>Inspect your new bird.
>Go help out the cargo crews.
>Go see who the escort squadron is.
>Other

>>3867708
>Inspect your new bird.

>>3867708
>Inspect your new bird.

>>3867708
>Inspect your new bird.

>>3867708
>>Inspect your new bird.

>>3867708
>Go see who the escort squadron is.

Future recruits for the Milly Revolutionary Army?

>Go see who the escort Squadron is.

>>3867723
I like your idea.

>>3867708
>>Inspect your new bird.
We do not want sabotage on our missiles again.

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>>3867708
You decide to give your ship a more thorough inspection. After all, you could only truly trust what you see with your own eyes, so you walk up to the parked Su-47 and starting visually inspecting every square inch of the craft...

>Roll 1d20

>>3867738
Five bucks Mead fucked up and is too prideful to admit she fucked up our missiles.

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>3867746

Rolled 6 (1d20)

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>3867746
Witness me

>>3867756
You have been throughly witnessed brother.

>>3867746
>>3867756
This better be enough to find the bomb/flight data tracker Erwin loaded our plane with.

>>3867748
Well she is Osean so she probably did it on purpose.

>>3867761
I find it more likely Uncle put a tracker on it. Given that he literally had spooks shadowing us constantly and probably had our phones tapped.

>>3867769
I wonder if its possible to reject both of the belkan Factions and make our own, a proper belkan fights in the open after all.

>>3867769
Trackers will be useless given that 99% of the comms satellites have been knocked out.

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>>3867746
You give your new Su-47 a good solid inspection, and don't see anything out of the ordinary. All of the components and weapons seemed to be in place, and there didn't appear to be any kind of tampering. That was good, at least.

The extra time also gave you the opportunity to touch up the Su-47's paintjob a bit, spraying on a layer of red paint on the tail fins and wing tips to give it your signature crimson flair.

Soon enough, you're given word that the aerial convoy has been loaded and is starting to take off. You hope into your Su-47 to follow them out, ending up being the last one to take off.

"All right, Raven Two, you are clear." The tower reports. "Just follow the convoy out."

Up ahead, you could see a number of Belkan C-130 transports, carrying much needed aid supplies for the refugees taking shelter at the Lighthouse. Looks like Belka was looking to score some easy political cred as well. There looked to be a single squadron of Super Hornets providing escort as well. However, they were tagged as GRUN.

Huh...

>Sounds kinda familiar.
>Never heard of 'em.
>Other

>>3867776
What if the tracker is being used by a local group? I.E a small cell from whoever is watching us.

>>3867768
Except she's pretty salty with Osea too if I remember correctly.

>>3867781
>>Sounds kinda familiar

Well then.

>>3867781
>Sounds kinda familiar.

>>3867781
>sounds familiar.

Chad Hornet squad is chad.

>>3867784
Double agents do exist. In the cowardly work of spooks you never know who might be a friend or enemy.
Man do I hate spooks.

>>3867781
>>Sounds kinda familiar.

>>3867794
Hey, remember when Karla was a spook?

That was weird, man.

>>3867795
Gotta love history, it gets complicated.


Also how old is milly? I'd peg her aroumd her mid twenties to her late twenties...

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>>3867781
>Sounds kinda familiar.

You know this just came to me, but imagine being a fucking Army pleb in Strangreal. Literally every major war of the past 50 years has been won by airpower. Specifically by the efforts of small groups of miracle pilots.
Just imagine.

>>3867800
Early twenties if the count some anon did in another thread was right.

Although i can't shake perpetually thinking of her as a teenager for some reason.

>>3867808
Tbf wed be dead before we finished that thought.

>>3867809
Well, we were born around the time of 1995 right? We should be 24 or 23.

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>>3867781
Huh, now that you think about it, Grun was one of the legendary Belkan War squadrons. Well, one of the many singlehandedly taken down by the Demon Lord and subsequently disbanded after the war's end.

Looks like someone decided to rebuild the squadron, or at the very least revive the old name. Even their paint scheme was a similar, but not identical coat of camo green.

>Hail them and see what's up.
>Leave them be.
>Other

>>3867832
>Hail them and see what's up.

>>3867832
>hail them

Nothing is better than talking to old war vets.

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>>3867832
>Hail them and see what's up.

I wonder if this is a sign from the heavens that we must reform Rot

>>3867832
>Hail them and see what's up.

>>3867832
>>Hail them and see what's up.

>>3867837
I wonder what the professor would think.

Now that I think about it, what kind of ace was Cipher in ACQ-verse?

>>3867849
The Professor fought him right? Been awhile since i played Belkan War but iirc you only face Rot Team as Mercenary.

>>3867832
>>Hail them and see what's up.

>>3867849
He was a True Ace.

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>>3867832
"Hey, I never thought I'd see Grun flying the skies again." You remark as you pull your Su-47 alongside the Belkan squadron as they hold formation around the the line of cargo planes.

"Neither did we. We were just assigned the name when our squadron was formed." The squadron leader, Grun Lead, replies. "Truth be told, this is our first mission."

Oh jeez, a squadron of nuggets? Well, you suppose they had to start somewhere. An aid convoy escort was enough of a milk run that even nuggets should be able to handle it.

"Wait, Raven Two... you're the Red Tail, right? The Crimson Raven?"

"Whoa, Crimson Raven? That's a new one." You blink.

"Heh, it's what they're calling you over in Usea." Grun Lead chuckles. "Along with Black Raven, Blade Raven, and Baby Raven."

Heh, it was pretty easy to figure out which nickname was associated with who.

"We're that famous, huh?" You muse.

"Truth be told, it's a pretty big relief we have a veteran flying with us." Grun Lead admits. "We'll do our best to back you up if anything happens!"

>I appreciate the thought.
>I can handle myself. You guys focus on protecting the convoy.
>Other

>>3867877
>I appreciate the thought.

"You're flying under a big name. Make sure you do it proud!"

>>3867877
>I appreciate the thought.

>>3867877
>I appreciate the thought.

>>3867877
>I appreciate the thought.
I sense a missed opportunity for alliteration.

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>>3867891
Red Raven :)

On the other hand wootwoot for spreading acclaim. I'll take what we can get desu

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>>3867877
"I appreciate the thought." You grin. "Just don't get yourselves killed out there, okay?"

"Roger that."

And with that, the next leg of the journey is rather quiet and uneventful. After all, it's nothing but flying over open ocean for most of the flight, with the occasional aerial refuel from a dedicated tanker C-130 to top off the fighters, including yours.

"All right, we'll be approaching the Lighthouse soon." Grun Lead announces. "Unfortunately, we're going be skirting close to Erusea's air defense zone and I hear they've been getting rather... provocative lately. Doesn't help that the Radicals like posing as air patrols, so stay sharp."

>Just stick close the convoy.
>Move on ahead and try to draw Erusea's attention away from the convoy.
>Other

>>3867877
>>I appreciate the thought.

>>3867910
>Move on ahead and try to draw Erusea's attention away from the convoy.

Time for some fireworks.

>>3867910
>>Just stick close the convoy.

We shouldn't actively provoke a fight. That's dumb.

>>3867910
>Just stick close the convoy.

>>3867910
>>Just stick close the convoy.


I hope Raven Team hasn't been having a bizarre adventure without us.

>>3867910
>Just stick close the convoy.

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>>3867910
You decide to stick close to the convoy for now. If the Eruseans wanted to start shit, they'd have to come out their territory to do so.

>Roll 1d10 (ID test 5)

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>3867941

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Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>3867941

Rolled 1 (1d10)

>>3867941

Rolled 7 (1d10)

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>>3867941
And that's when you catch a glint of sunlight coming close from the ocean's surface. Squinting, you can see a pair of MQ-101 drones skimming just above the ocean's surface, making a beeline straight for the C-130s. You jerk your stick on instinct to get onto an intercept heading.

"Watch out, Raven Two! Any farther and we'll be in the Erusean defense net!" Grun Lead warns.

Damn! Of course those freaking drones would be taking advantage of the defense zone to close the distance with the convoy!

>Go for the intercept. Hopefully you'll be able to deal with the drones before the Eruseans can respond.
>You'll have to take the risk and let them come in closer.
>Other

>>3867954
>>Go for the intercept. Hopefully you'll be able to deal with the drones before the Eruseans can respond.

>>3867954
>You'll have to take the risk and let them come in closer.

>>3867954
>>Go for the intercept. Hopefully you'll be able to deal with the drones before the Eruseans can respond.

>>3867954
>Go for the intercept. Hopefully you'll be able to deal with the drones before the Eruseans can respond.

>>3867954
>>You'll have to take the risk and let them come in closer.

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>>3867954
Damn, this wasn't ideal, but you'll just have to deal with this before the Eruseans could get off their asses. You couldn't risk those drones making attacks directly on the convoy, after all.

But should you have Grun back you up? The extra firewpower could help, but a larger number of planes would mean the Eruseans would have a greater likelihood of spotting you, too.

>Take them on yourself.
>Have Grun back you up.
>Other

>>3867967
>Take them on yourself.

>>3867967
>Take them on yourself.

>>3867967
>Take them on yourself.

>>3867967
>>Take them on yourself.

>>3867967
>Take them on yourself.

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>>3867967
No sense trying to have everybody pounce all at once. You'd rather not instigate some sort of international incident, especially not on the heels of acquiring a brand new plane! However, you couldn't just let these damn drones do whatever the hell they wanted.

You quickly close the distance as your Su-47 swoops in pounce on the drones. Should your fire off your missiles now and hope for the best or get in even closer to utilize your guns...?

>Use missiles from a distance.
>Close in for guns.
>Other

>>3867983
>Use missiles from a distance.

>>3867983
>Use missiles from a distance.

>>3867983
>>Use missiles from a distance.
Fox I dunno how the system works!

>>3867983
>>Use missiles from a distance.

>>3867987
>Fox I dunno how the system works!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_(code_word)
It's most likely "Fox two" for infrared, unless we've got AMRAAMs, then it's "Fox three".

>>3867983
>Use missiles from a distance.

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>>3867983
Ugh, better to play it safe in this instance. You key up your missiles and fire off a volley at the drone pair as they approach ever closer...

>Roll 1d10 (AtA test 5)

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>3867991

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>3867991
Here comes the snow.

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>3867991

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Rolled 10, 8, 6 = 24 (3d10)

>>3867991
...

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>>3867997
The takedown is simple and smooth, with your missiles impacting the drones head on and detonating them in little puffs of fire in the distance.

"Nice shot!" Grun Lead compliments. "Good thing you used missiles. Any closer and we would've crossed Erusea's defense line."

And as if on cue,your radar starts picking up new contacts. A quartet of blips, all broadcasting Erusean IFF signals.

"Ah crap, it looks like they've noticed up anyways." Grun Lead groans. "Well, we didn't cross into their territory, so I don't think they'll make too much of a scene. They're probably just coming out to posture a bit."

Well that's just freaking great. The last thing you needed was a bunch of trigger happy Eruseans trying to ruin your day.

Honestly, you were kinda getting a bad feeling about all this...

>And that's all for tonight! Unfortunately, I won't be able to run on Saturday this week due to some plans, so we'll move the next session to Sunday evening instead! Don't miss it!

>>3868001
Thanks boss.

>>3868001
Thanks for running Merc!

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>>3868001
See you next time, boss.

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>>3868001
You scowl as you check your radar screen. Since the convoy was consisting of C-130s, they weren't exactly fast so outrunning those Erusean fighters wasn't a realistic option. Judging from the radar signatures, they were coming in some sort of Flanker variant. Possibly Su-30s or Su-33s.

"Damn, what's the call here, Red Tail?" Grun Lead asks, his inexperience starting to show if he was defaulting to you for advice. "Do we just let them come up to us?"

Damn, that was always a bit of a dilemma. Trying to go the high road would put the initiative in the Eruseans' hands, and given the shit they pulled in the Lighthouse War, you're not sure if that was a good idea. Giving them a show of force could probably keep them back, but it also had the chance of escalating the situation...

>We're not doing anything wrong. They have no reason to start a fight.
>Keep radars on and weapons armed. Let them know we're not about to be pushed around.
>Other

>>3870942
>Keep radars on and weapons armed. Let them know we're not about to be pushed around.

>>3870942
>Keep radars on and weapons armed. Let them know we're not about to be pushed around.

>>3870942
>>Keep radars on and weapons armed. Let them know we're not about to be pushed around.

If were were alone then being less threatening would be more appropriate, but if we're escorting someone else we can't afford to show weakness.

>>3870942
>Keep radars on and weapons armed. Let them know we're not about to be pushed around.

>>3870942
>Keep radars on and weapons armed. Let them know we're not about to be pushed around.

>>3870942
>Keep radars on and weapons armed. Let them know we're not about to be pushed around.

>>3870942
>>Keep radars on and weapons armed. Let them know we're not about to be pushed around.

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Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>3870942
...

>>3870942
>>Other

Let's
>Try to contact them

Let's try to contact them and establish their intentions. If we both stay silent it's gonna be impossible to determine anything on either side guys.

>>3871038
Shit that's not good

>>3871038

.....and this is why we use the radio
Perfect.

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>>3871038
"Just keep your radars and weapons hot for now." You advise. "We don't have time to be taking anybody's shit right now."

Thankfully, the Erusean patrol flight keeps a respectful distance, apparently realizing you were ready to dish out a fight. They stick just within visual range, not being an immediate threat but constantly reminding you of their presence.

Yep, and those were definitely Su-30s they were packing. Not exactly pushovers.

"Why are they doing that?" One of the Gruns wonders. "I thought the war was over?"

"Yes and no. I heard they and the IUN are still trying to hammer out a peace treaty. Plus they're still trying to get a handle on all those rebellions in their territory." Grun Lead explains. "So the Erusians don't have any reason to demobilize."

"It's like they don't trust us or anything." Another Grun pilot scoffs.

>Yeah I don't get it, either.
>About that...
>Other

>>3871078
>About that...

>>3871078
>About that...

>>3871078
>>Yeah I don't get it, either.

Milly can we please not inform the newbies of the plans within plans at work here? Please?
Secret info yo

>>3871078
>>Yeah I don't get it, either.
yeah no, these people don't need to know

>>3871078
>>About that...

>>3871078
>Apparently the Conservatives killed a bunch of Belkan families at the spaceport, so I don't trust them either.

>>3871090
>>3871078
I mean, in defense of the Eruseans here, the patrol hasn't really done anything wrong. Their country is in a Somalia tier civil war and we did briefly violate their airspace to catch the drone. They even kept on their side. I'd be jumpy too desu.

>>3871078
>>Yeah I don't get it, either.
To be fair on Doctor Schroeder, he eventually tried to stop the drones.

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>>3871078
"I mean, the current guys in charge of Erusea haven't made it a secret they think Belka's involved with trying to hijack their country." You sigh. "So yeah, I'm kinda not surprised that they're treating us like this."

"Well, at least they didn't come out shooting." Grun Lead sighs.

"Grun Squadron, we're on our final approach to the Lighthouse." The convoy leader announces. "Selatapura Control is taking over from here."

"Roger that, we'll follow you in." Grun Lead says happily. "Red Tail, what about you?"

You keep your gaze at the Eruseans flying alongside at a distance. Following the convoy in would put them at your backs. They weren't being openly hostile, but still...

>Follow the convoy in.
>Hang back to keep the Eruseans honest.
>Other

>>3871141
Uh Ok...
>>3871141
>Hang back to keep the Eruseans honest.

I mean i don't think they are retarded enough to openly attack us once we cross into Lighthouse borders, but can't hurt to be safe.
Also curious how they'd respond to a single plane.
Never lose a chance to learn new things i always say.

>>3871141
>Hang back to keep the Eruseans honest.

>>3871141
>Follow the convoy in.

>>3871141
>Hang back to keep the Eruseans honest.

>>3871141
>>Follow the convoy in.
Trust is sometimes blind.

>>3871141
>>Hang back to keep the Eruseans honest.

>>3871141
>>Hang back to keep the Eruseans honest.

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>>3871141
"Grun, you go on ahead. I'll hang back and keep an eye on these punks." You say.

"By yourself?" Grun Lead asks worriedly. "Do you want any backup?"

Well, you were just gonna stick around to keep an eye on these guys. You weren't exactly looking to instigate a fight. Still, maybe having a few more numbers could make you look a bit more threatening.

Then again, you'd be pulling planes away from the convoy...

>I can handle it on my own.
>I could use some backup.
>Other

>>3871197
>I can handle it on my own.
We can do it, probably.

>>3871197
>>I can handle it on my own.

If all of us swing back now it will be taken as a hostile move.
One plane is far less threatening.
Do it alone.
Even if they attack reinforcements are nearby.
Think smart on this

>>3871197
>>I could use some backup.

>>3871197
>I can handle it on my own.

>>3871197
>>I can handle it on my own.

>>3871197
>>I can handle it on my own.

>>3871206
This one is thinking!

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>>3871197
"Nah, I'll be fine." You assure Grun Lead. "You guys keep going. I'm just going to stick back to keep 'em honest."

"All right, be careful, then." Grun Lead responds as his squadron the convoy continue on ahead.

You throttle back your engines to fall behind a bit, keeping pace with the Erusean sqaudron tailing you...

>Roll 1d10 (ID test 5)

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>3871258
Time to see what they're planning.

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>3871258
We should give em a friendly wing wave
What could possibly go wrong?

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>3871258

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>>3871258
You keep a close eye on the Erusians, but another glint of sunlight draws your attention down low.

It was another drone, a damn tiny one that looked like it was built out of toothpicks. However, the damn thing was FAST, and its small size meant it was hard to pick up on radar. But you could see it, coming up low and from behind the Erusean squadron, making a beeline straight for the convoy!

Was it Erusean? Did they even know it was there?

Your hand twitches as it instinctively wants you to dive down and intercept the drone, but whether it was deliberate or accidental, the drone's approach vector meant you'd be diving directly at the Erusean patrol...

>No time to waste! You need to dive to intercept that drone!
>Warn Grun Squadron about the threat.
>Try to get into contact with the Erusean squadron.
>Other

>>3871298
>>No time to waste! You need to dive to intercept that drone!

>>3871298
>Try to get into contact with the Erusean squadron.

If they knew about the last one, they wouldn't have played nice before.
It isn't theirs. Warn them.

>>3871298
>>Try to get into contact with the Erusean squadron.

>>3871298
>Warn Grun Squadron about the threat.

>>3871298
>Try to get into contact with the Erusean squadron.

>>3871298
>>Other
Wide broadcast to both Grun and the Eruseans that a drone is approaching

>>3871298
Supporting >>3871327. Use an open channel if need be.

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Rolled 1, 1, 5, 7 = 14 (4d10)

>>3871298
...

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>>3871346
Damn! You key your radio to broadcast on an open channel and hope those Eruseans are listening in as you yell.

"Eyes open, everybody! Drone closing in on the convoy!"

Suddenly there's a flurry of chatter coming from all sources as Grun, the convoy, Selatapura Control, and maybe even the Eruseans start calling out to figure out what's going on.

However, it seems like two of the Erusean pilots are immediately on top of things, their Su-30s diving down just in time to settle behind the mystery drone. Apparently realizing it's been spotted, the drone instantly makes evasive maneuvers, its small size making it incredibly fast and agile.

But you had to give the Eruseans credit, they managed to stay on that thing's tail like a pair of determined hunting dogs.

Meanwhile, Grun Squadron was quickly herding the convoy away from the combat area towards the safety of Selatapura. They were out of harm's way, but that left you the only Belkan plane in the immediate airspace.

"Don't get involved, Belkan, this is our kill." You hear an unfamiliar voice growl.

>Let the Eruseans handle this.
>Stick around to see what happens.
>That son of a bitch-!
>Other

>>3871352
>Stick around to see what happens.
Not if that bot comes across the border.

>>3871352
>Stick around to see what happens.

Wait. If there's been two, there might be more.

>>3871352
>>Stick around to see what happens.

Any odds of Grunder making a manned version of this thing that won't turn the pilot into jelly?

>>3871352
>Stick around to see what happens.
>>3871361
We'll have to ask Erwin when we call him.
With. A. Secure. Phone.
Fucking taps i swear.

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>tfw we had to be the AWACS this time around

>>3871352
>That son of a bitch-!

>>3871352
>>That son of a bitch-!

>>3871352
>>Stick around to see what happens.

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Rolled 2, 2, 5 = 9 (3d10)

>>3871352
Despite feeling a pang of anger at the obvious dig the Eruseans were throwing at you, you didn't really have a good way to respond. They were still technically in their airspace and they had you pretty well outnumbered. While the lead pair was tangling with the drone, the remaining pair remained in a holding pattern, most likely to both cut off any path of retreat for the drone and to keep an eye on you.

So all you can do is hang back a safe distance and observe what was happening...

>Roll 1d10 (ID test 5)

Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>3871376
watch this 1

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>3871376

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>3871376

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>3871376

>>3871380
Oh boy, here we go...

>>3871380
Did the drone unironically shoot one of them down?

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>>3871376
Unfortunately, you can't glean much from the drone from this distance other than it was fast and agile. It zips around in a rapid zigzag maneuver, throwing one of the Erusean Su-30s off its tail but the flight lead is able to stay on its tail. The guy was definitely a veteran, that much you could see.

The drone the attempts to shake the Erusean with a sudden power climb, rocketing up in the air. But the Erusean flight lead is quick as well, his plane flipping upwwards in a rapid cobra maneuver, getting his nose pointed upwards just in time to catch the drone with a burst of cannon fire.

The drone shatters under the volley, its tiny and thin construction no match for heavy cannon shells.

You do a quick radar and visual check. There's no more contacts anywhere in the vicinity, and the Eruseans regroup into formation.

"Well what are you still doing here, Belkan? You have no more business here." The Erusean flight lead says sternly.

The nerve of these guys-!

>Just keep quiet.
>At least ask what his name is.
>Point out he wouldn't have spotted it without your help.
>Other

>>3871414
>>Point out he wouldn't have spotted it without your help.

>>3871414
>>At least ask what his name is.

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>>3871414
>>At least ask what his name is.
Your name ser?

>>3871414
He probably saw that drone the whole time.

>>3871414
>At least ask what his name is.

>>3871414
>At least ask what his name is.

>>3871414
>>At least ask what his name is.

>>3871414
>>At least ask what his name is.
Fuckin' Eruseans, man.

>>3871414
>>Just keep quiet
We've done our duty, just leave

>>3871424
This. He's probably a vet with more dead Oseans under his belt than Milly could ever dream of killing.

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>>3871414
"Well, at least tell me who the hell you are." You grunt.

"Gram Lead is all you need to know, Belkan." The Erusean responds just as sternly as before.

And with that, the flight of Erusean fighters bank away, flying back north without any further word.

Buncha assholes, you figure.

With nothing else in the immediate airspace, you continue on towards Selatapura Air Base, where the convoy has already completed its landing procedures. However, Grun Squadron remains in the air, apparently to provide some extra security as a precaution. Looked like the appearance of that drone had spooked the local IUN garrison.

However, you've already burned too much fuel observing the Eruseans, and the convoy tanker had already landed, meaning you'd have to land as well, regardless of what you wanted to do. Upon touching down, you're quickly approached by a ground crew tech.

"We know you have orders to continue on to Fort Grays, ma'am!' The tech says. "We can get you refueled and going right now, unless you want to get your plane checked out first? We can get it ready to take off in the morning."

Well, you were eager to get back to Fort Grays and the rest of the squadron. However, you had recently just come off a long, cross ocean trip already. Maybe it was a good idea to get your new Su-47 looked at before going on another long cross continental trip.

And hey, maybe you could hit up Karla or something while you were waiting!

>You better keep on moving to Fort Grays.
>You can wait a night.
>Other

>>3871467
>You can wait a night.

We should go meet Grun team in the flesh, assuming they landed too.

>>3871467
>You can wait a night.

Time to get Karla in the know, and play with the kid.

>>3871467
>You better keep on moving to Fort Grays.

>>3871467
>>You can wait a night.

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>>3871467
>>You can wait a night.

Few moments after getting a Berkut and we already jobbed.

>>3871479
I mean, we avoided an international incident. I count that as a success.

>>3871479
I wouldn't really say that since we didn't want to mess with the Eruseans.

>>3871467
>>You can wait a night.
>>Other
>Who's that old man in a wheelchair?

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>>3871467
"Sure, let's get my bird checked out." You nod. "I can wait a night."

"Understood!" The tech turns to his fellow ground crew and motions to have your Su-47 towed to one of the nearby hangars.

You're just starting to wonder how you were going to get to the lighthouse when a black SUV pulls up to the hangar. And unsurprisingly, Karla casually exits from the vehicle.

"Milly! Long time no see!" Karla waves happily. "Come on! Let's go for a ride!"

"How did you know I'd be here?" You blink.

"It's not like we didn't know when the aid convoy was arriving!" Karla rolls her eyes. "Did you seriously have to ask a question like that?"

"Right, right, I should've realized." You sigh as you hop into the passenger seat.

"So you managed to get a Berkut, huh?" Karla observes as she gets back int the driver's seat." Who'd you sleep with to get it?"

"Your uncle." You crack a grin.

"Gross!" Karla's face scrunches in mock disgust. "You could have at least set some higher standards for yourself!"

"For the plane or Uncle?" You raise an eyebrow.

"Yes." Karla responds simply.

There's a brief silence before the both of you simultaneously break out in girly snickering.

"But seriously, how are things going?" Karla asks. "I heard you got jumped by a Raven."

"Well, still alive, as you can see." You shrug.

"Obviously." Karla rolls her eyes. "Anything else?"

>Nah, not much else.
>Uncle told me some interesting things.
>Has Grunder Industries ever tried talking to you?
>Other

>>3871488
>Uncle told me some interesting things.

>>3871488

>uncle told me interesting things


Karla is probably someone we don't want knowing about our Grunder escapades. Besides, I'm sure Uncle has already told her in any case. Last thing we need is for IUN spooks to bug our room.

>>3871488
>>Uncle told me some interesting things.

We need to become a better Ace FAST.

>>3871488
>>Uncle told me some interesting things.

>>3871488
>>Uncle told me some interesting things.

>>3871488
>Uncle told me some interesting things.

>>3871496
Could always throw in a COFFIN and call it a day, or get Vicky to fly a two seater with Milly.

>>3871502
We can hook up our brain to a drone interface. Swarm lord Milly.
Restored Belka within days

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>>3871502
>>3871505
Can we use Karla's old flight suit for that?

>>3871506
Only if we paint it red senpai

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>>3871506
Not entirely sure if Karla has that around on such short notice or if she even wants people to remember that she wore that little embarrassing thing in the first place.

Plus, there's probably way more advanced stuff that's been made since Karla's suit was first built with tons of bells and whistles.

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>>3871488
"Uncle told me some interesting things." You grunt as you cross your arms. "Stuff like an upcoming referendum coming in a few years."

"Ah, he finally told you, huh?" Karla nods. "There's been a lot of backdoor dealing to make that happen."

"Stuff you were involved in?" You wonder.

"A bit." Karla shrugs casually as the SUV drives out of the base. "But as Uncle probably already told you, it was Harling that got the ball rolling.

>So he ended up being a pretty good guy, huh?
>You sure he was being on the level?
>Other

>>3871509
>You sure he was being on the level?

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>>3871509
>You sure he was being on the level?

I still maintain this election is a fraud. In what universe is an occupied province ever gonna vote freely with troops in the streets?

The whole thing is rotten

>>3871509
>So he ended up being a pretty good guy, huh?

>>3871509
>So he ended up being a pretty good guy, huh?

>>3871508
>>3871507
Milly's suit is going to have the works!
>maintains temperature neutrality
>reduces strain during high-g
>combines with the helmet to make a vacuum seal
>has soft body armor panels

>>3871509
>>You sure he was being on the level?

>>3871513
Next we need laser guns for our Berkut and we can truly lead the glorious revolution.
Can't wait to show the team our new hyper plane. Imagine.

>>3871519
I too desire glorious Belkan Revolution.
>You sure he was being on the level.

>>3871527
You know i always wondered. What exactly do swept forward wings like the ones on our plane offer that swept back wings dont?

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>>3871509
"You sure he was being on the level?" You narrow your eyes. "What if the whole thing is just a fraud?"

"First of all, Harling is not the kind of guy to backstab the people he's helping out." Karla sighs. "Second, you really should stop judging Oseans like they're chronic liars. Osea didnt have to go through the trouble of organizing this referendum in the first place, but Harling made it happen. He seriously believed that occupation was a mistake."

"You make it sound like you know him." You grumble.

"Because I DID know him." Karla sighs in exasperation. "Why do you always have to be so difficult whenever Osea is the subject?"

"You of all people should know why." You retort.

"It's that kind of thinking that won't get us anywhere." Karla shakes her head. "Hasn't it occurred to you that Belka can find a path forward that doesn't involve dragging its neighbors into pointless wars?"

>The thought is nice, I admit.
>I'm not convinced.
>Other

>>3871529
>The thought is nice, I admit.

>>3871529
>The thought is nice, I admit.

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>>3871529
>Other
"Then don't Drag anyone else in! Let Osea fight us by themselves for once. They've never beaten us alone! 1 good Belkan is worth 5 Osdan pilots!"

>>3871529
>I'm not convinced.
Maybe Osea should stop invading countries on the other side of the planet instead.

>>3871529
>>I'm not convinced.

>>3871529
>>The thought is nice, I admit.

>>3871529
>>I'm not convinced.
meh. not until we see it happening.

>>3871529
Switching to
>>I'm not convinced.
For the sake of the voting bloc

"Honestly Karla, if you love Osea that much, why don't you put on their uniform already?"


The ideological lines are drawn today folks

>>3871547
>"Honestly Karla, if you love Osea that much, why don't you put on their uniform already?"
And then she points out she did, only to get shot down by Yuktobanians that were duped into a war by Belkans. Way to reopen old wounds.

>>3871547
I don't think it's anything new, Milly just can't trust Osea further than she can throw it, and Karla is Osean. Maybe if Osea actually stayed true to their word for once that'd change.

>>3871561
Isn't Karla from Southern Belka?

>>3871567
Okay true, Karla is a fellow South Belkan, but she acts too pro-Osean for Milly sometimes. Which is probably a very small amount of pro-Osean for most other people.

>>3871561
You know, if by some miracle we could guarantee free and fair elections in south belka, I would be the strongest voice here in favor of a referendum. I don't think anyone sane wants another Belkan War. But until we get more details like
"Will Osea withdraw the occupation forces during the elections?"
And
"Will there be a neutral observer?"
I think Sapin would fit nicely into the latter role. I want this to be solved peacfully. But there is a difference between compromise and rolling over blind.

>>3871573
If it does happen, I want what this anons, checks and balances. Sure, belka will have an eye on the elections, but there is no guarantee that their secret service isn't already in their pocket.

>>3871573
The only independent country I can think of would be Aurelia. Everyone else either went to war with Belka, or maybe had who they went to war with be supplied with cutting edge Belkan technology by someone who definitely wasn't Belka.

>>3871580
Aurelia also has literally no geographical stake in the region as well. It'd be like Greece mediating between India and Pakistan. I dig it.

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>>3871529
"I'm not convinced." You grumble, crossing your arms in a huff. "It's always been lies and empty promises from Osea. What makes this any different?"

"You really should have a bit more faith in people." Karla shakes her head. "There's being skeptical and then there's being irrationally disagreeable."

You don't answer Karla, leading to a brief awkward silence between the two of you until the SUV finally reaches the Lighthouse. Already, you could see rows and rows of trucks delivering food aid and other supplies to the bustling refugee camp.

"Oh no." Karla grunts as she exits the SUV. "Looks like there's something I need to take care of. Are you fine on your own?"

"Yeah, I guess." You shrug.

"Good. Just don't get into a fight or anything." Karla says as she takes off, jogging towards what looks to be a minor scuffle between a couple of refugees that was starting to draw a crowd.

>Karla might need help.
>Go see if the Princess is around.
>Go find Ellisa.
>Other

>>3871583
>Go find Ellisa.

>>3871583
>Go see if the Princess is around.

Ehhh, Princess time

Would say find Grun but this is a Golden Opportunity. Let's find Princess Peach

>>3871583
>>Go see if the Princess is around.

>>3871583
>Go see if the Princess is around.

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>>3871583
Hm, well, while you're here, maybe you should go hit up Princess Cossette. It would be nice catching up with her again.

And so you make your way deeper into the refugee camp, following the directions of the refugees who had seen her last. Honestly, you'd forgotten just how BIG the Lighthouse complex was, and the makeshift urban sprawl of refugee housing wasn't helping your navigation.

Finally though, you find the Princess, standing on a balcony overlooking the entire bay and the ocean beyond. And next to her looked to be an old man in a wheelchair, staring longingly into the evening sky.

Who the heck was he...?

>And that's it for tonight! As always, next thread is on Friday so don't miss it!

>>3871583
>You really should have a bit more faith in people.
Maybe when she gets back we should tell Karla that we have faith in her and her spook Uncle at least to do it.

>>3871596
Thanks for running Merc!

>>3871596
Thanks Merc!

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>>3871596
See you next week, Boss.

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So if we're going to essentially be propaganda figures, what is our 'role' in relation to Bandit?

>>3872153
We must obviously be the hip and cool wingmate to Bandit's cool calm ace pilot so that we appeal to the kids!

>>3872153
Milly salutes the flag and yells "Ave Belka" with her hand on her heart, while Bandit says "No comment" to anyone who asks if it's true that Milly was a member of a Belkan nationalist terrorist group.