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The Lighthouse War is over, but conflict still continues.

With Erusea's defeat at the hands of the Osean Federation and the International United Nations, the imperial nation has splintered into a confusing mess of separatists, freedom fighters, warlords, rogue military factions, and those seeking to profit from the chaos. Worse, Erusea's many automated drone factories still remain intact, waiting for new masters to come to claim them.

The Usean continent remains in crisis, and it's up to a new generation of pilots to face this next generation threat...

---
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MercCommand

Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Unknown%20Sky%20Ace%20Combat%20Quest

Other Quests: https://pastebin.com/KYvGiNas

Rules and Stats: https://pastebin.com/9XGwuWZx
---
You are MILLY, the "Red Tail", a Belkan Air Force pilot fighting for the IUN!

For the next few weeks, things were pretty quiet. It looked like your previous suspicions were correct, in that Neo One Belka seemed to be laying low after losing their intel network. However, you didn't doubt that they were just biding their time until they could regroup and recover from their losses. That was the standard strategy to follow in the event of a setback. At least, that was what they had taught you when you used to be a part of them.

It was in those easygoing days that you had the opportunity to actually put some hours in the Wyvern. It was a... pretty intense experience. The Wyvern was even faster and more nimble than the Su-47, which had served to catch you off guard on more than one occasion.

And to think that this was the strike version, so it was actually heavier and clumsier than its pure fighter cousin. But the ability to mount a full size EML more than made up for the tradeoff. Plus, now you could have Swallow occupying its original place in the AI core situated in the second seat.

Still, having only a couple of weeks instruction wasn't nearly enough to figure out every nuance of the plane, though you focused on...

>Getting a feel for the flight characteristics.
>Getting the hang of the EML's performance.
>Working on Swallow's re-integration with the plane.
>Other
>>
>>4137160
>Getting a feel for the flight characteristics.
>>
>>4137160
>>Getting the hang of the EML's performance.
>>
>>4137160
>Getting a feel for the flight characteristics.
>>
>>4137160
>>Getting the hang of the EML's performance.
>>
>>4137160
>Getting a feel for the flight characteristics.
>>
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>>4137160
You spent most of the time getting a feel for the Wyvern's flight mechanics. A lot of mock dogfights against both Vicky and Misono really honed your understanding of how the Wyvern handled in the air. You were confident that you could fly with the same proficiency you did with the Su-47.

Unfortunately, Swallow's functions were still a bit limited, due to the rush job of trying to integrate it into the plane. Likewise, you didn't quite get in the amount of practice on the EML as you would have liked. While there was a potential to fire the EML in rapid bursts due to the Wyvern's raw power generation, it was deemed too dangerous and scaled back to single shot only.

Still, you were pretty happy with how things turned out, especially with Mead finally panting up the Wyvern in your signature paintjob, black with the red wings and tail. It actually looked really badass on the Wyvern!

However, you hadn't really seen much of Bandit. You assume he was really busy trying to figure out where to corner Neo One Belka, who were still lurking out there.

>Continue getting in some practice on the Wyvern.
>Go get an update from Bandit.
>See what the other pilots are up to.
>Other
>>
>>4137247
>Go get an update from Bandit.
>>
>>4137247
>See what the other pilots are up to.

Are any of the Belkan Color Teams here? I don't think we've gotten to talk to any of them outside the cockpit. Could be something different.
>>
>>4137247
>Go get an update from Bandit.
>>
>>4137247
>>See what the other pilots are up to.
>>
>>4137247
>See what the other pilots are up to.
>>
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>>4137247
You decide to see what the other pilots are up to. However, you realize that you've spent so much time with the Wyvern, you don't actually exactly know where everyone is. You might have to go looking around.

And then it hit you. Today was the day that the IUN and Osea were drawing down their presence in Fort Grays. That meant both Orpheus and Flamenco Squadrons would be returning to their respective home countries.

Meanwhile, your superiors in Belka pulled strings to keep your squadron deployed, in order to keep up pressure on Neo One Belka. The IUN was skeptical that they still posed a threat, but Bandit, Karla, and Uncle had different thoughts on the matter.

Anyways, where should you go looking? There was sure to be some sort of even to commemorate the draw down.

>Check the beach. There's probably a party there or something.
>Check the bar. They're probably cashing in all those favors before they leave.
>Check the briefing room. You heard they reappropriated it for some kind of movie night.
>Other
>>
>>4137302
>Check the beach. There's probably a party there or something.
>>
>>4137302
>>Check the beach. There's probably a party there or something.

Beach Episode!
>>
>>4137302
>>Check the briefing room. You heard they reappropriated it for some kind of movie night.
>>
>>4137302
>Check the beach. There's probably a party there or something.
>>
>>4137302
>Check the bar. They're probably cashing in all those favors before they leave.
>>
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>>4137302
Damn! You just remembered that there was a beach party going on! Already, now that you were out of the relatively sheltered hangar, you could hear the hums and roars of a large gathering coming from the coast. One of the perks of Fort Grays was that the beach was never far away.

Wait, but how were you going to dress? You did have a bit of a wardrobe you could fall back on...

>Just go in your standard flightsuit.
>Go for a relatively mild one piece swimsuit.
>Go for a spicy two piece swimsuit.
>Other
>>
>>4137356
>Go for a spicy two piece swimsuit.

Time to to big.
>>
>>4137356
>Go for a relatively mild one piece swimsuit.

Knightly class. Also not like Milly has much going on tbqh
>>
>>4137356
>>Go for a relatively mild one piece swimsuit.

Maybe bring out our biker jacket if it can complete the look.
>>
>>4137356
>Go for a relatively mild one piece swimsuit.

We ain't jealous.
>>
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>>4137356
You quickly swing by your quarters and change out to a relatively mild one piece swimsuit. You just wanted to have some fun in the sun, not show off and grab attention for once.

As you head over to the beach, you can see that it wasn't just the pilots, but a lot of the base staff were getting in on the festivities as well. The beach was absolutely packed!

You do a quick scan on the area and immediately pick out points of interest.

Over in the water, you could see Misono gleefully pushing Vicky farther and farther out into deeper waters, something which Vicky obviously was quite unhappy about.

To your left, you could see a volleyball net has been set up, with Angela and Alanna in their swimsuit getup, completely dominating any and all teams coming up to challenge them.

And to your right, you see Sofia lounging casually under an umbrella. She wasn't doing much, but you couldn't shake the feeling that she was up to something.

>Better go rescue Vicky.
>Go see just how good Angela and Alanna are good at beachball.
>Go see what Sofia is up to.
>Other
>>
>>4137388
>Go see what Sofia is up to.
>>
>>4137388
>Go see what Sofia is up to.
>>
>>4137388
>>Go see what Sofia is up to.

She secretly a Spy?
>>
>>4137388
>Go see what Sophia is up to.
>>
>>4137388
>Go see just how good Angela and Alanna are good at beachball.
>>
>>4137388
>>Go see just how good Angela and Alanna are good at beachball.
>>
>>4137388
>>Go see what Sofia is up to.
>>
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>>4137388
You head over to where Sofia is lounging, a bit curious to what she was up to. Call it a woman's instinct.

"Oho, so the Crimson Tail decides to show herself!" Sofia smiles as she raises a glass of some exotic drink. "Why don't you join me? I have an extra towel right here!"

Sofia then uses her free hand to pat another towel laid out right next to her.

>Sure, why not.
>I'm just here to talk.
>You're not saving that for Bandit?
>Other
>>
>>4137434

>Sure, why not.
>>
>>4137434
>Sure, why not.

Time to see what's up.
>>
>>4137434
>Sure, why not.
>>
>>4137434
>Sure, why not.
>>
>>4137434
>Sure, why not.
>>
>>4137434
>You're not saving that for Bandit?
>>
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>>4137434
"Sure thing!" You nod as you plop down next to Sofia, trying not to stare at her now exposed assets. "So um, what have you been doing?"

"Oh, you know, just the regular air patrols. A few strike missions. Nothing too out of the ordinary." Sofia chuckles. "But I hear you and Bandit have been on quite the adventure lately!"

"Well, it's certainly been exciting." You say cautiously, unsure of how much you were allowed to say.

And then there was a bit of an awkward silence.

>Wait to see if Sofia is willing to say anything.
>Ask if she was expecting to see Bandit.
>Other
>>
>>4137463
>>Ask if she was expecting to see Bandit.

That new pilot suit of his really shows his figure.
>>
>>4137463
>>Wait to see if Sofia is willing to say anything.
>>
>>4137463
>Wait to see if Sofia is willing to say anything.
>>
>>4137463
>Wait to see if Sofia is willing to say anything.
>>
>>4137463
>>Ask if she was expecting to see Bandit.
>>
>>4137463
>Ask if she was expecting to see Bandit.
>>
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>>4137463
You wait to see if Sofia is willing to say anything on her own. However, she just sips at her drink until it's completely finished.

"Ah, I'm out! Looks like I'll have to get a refill!" Sofia says a bit loudly. "Come on, Milly!"

Sofia quickly gets up and you scramble back up to your feet to keep pace, noting the irony of how you were barely sitting down for even a few seconds. Something must have gotten Sofia really riled up, you think.

It's only a short time before she leads you to the temporary bar set up on the beach, protected in the shade of a large, open air military tent.

"A Valencia, with extra vodka!" She orders and turns to you. "How about a drink, Milly? Together as women!"

Well, it looked like she was paying, and drinking with her would certainly make her more willing to talk, which you suspect is why she's going through with this. Maybe it would help to play along.

>Play along to get Sofia to loosen up.
>Politely decline.
>Other
>>
>>4137515
>>Play along to get Sofia to loosen up.
>>
>>4137515
>>Play along to get Sofia to loosen up.
>>
>>4137515
>Play along to get Sofia to loosen up.
>>
>>4137515
>Play along to get Sofia to loosen up.
>>
>>4137515
>Play along to get Sofia to loosen up.
>>
>>4137515
>>Play along to get Sofia to loosen up.
>>
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>>4137515
"Uh yeah, sure." You nod.

"Same thing for her!" Sofia instructs the bartender before basically gulping down her drink in a single go. Goddamn!

"Um, is everything all right?" You ask cautiously.

"It's just..." Sofia sighs as she turns to glance at the ocean, the waves slowly rolling onto the sand as partygoers go back and forth. "I didn't expect any of this happen."

"What, getting sent out here?" You raise an eyebrow.

"Running into Bandit again." Sofia's expression softens. "I thought I left those times behind, and here we are, having run into each other again after so much time."

>Sounds like fate to me.
>Could've sworn you planned it.
>You... didn't leave on good terms, didn't you?
>Other
>>
>>4137559
>Could've sworn you planned it.
>>
>>4137559
>>Could've sworn you planned it.
>>
>>4137559
>>Could've sworn you planned it.
>>
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>>4137559
"I could've sworn you planned it." You shrug as you take a sip of this Valencia drink Sofia ordered for you, and you wince. Damn, it was strong!

"Ha, do I look like the type of woman who can plan that far ahead?" Sofia laughs lightly. "No, I just go wherever the winds of fate take me, and it appears we were fated to run into each other again, even if it were only for a fleeting moment."

"You really want to get back together with him?" You raise an eyebrow. "Seems like he's way too into that whole hard to get thing."

"Which only makes me want to try harder!" Sofia gives a predatory grin. "Perhaps you could help me with this? I'd like to see him at least once before I leave."

>Oh no, I ain't getting involved in this.
>I'm pretty sure I can make something happen.
>Sounds like something you should be doing yourself.
>Other
>>
>>4137604
>>I'm pretty sure I can make something happen.
>>
>>4137604
>>I'm pretty sure I can make something happen.
>>
>>4137604
>I'm pretty sure I can make something happen.
>>
>>4137604
>>Sounds like something you should be doing yourself.
>>
>>4137604
>Sounds like something you should be doing yourself.
>>
I just hope this doesn't make Bandit think we're into him.
>>
>>4137604
>Sounds like something you should be doing yourself.
>>
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Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>4137604
Looks like we've got a tie! So we'll have to roll it off!

1. Make something happen.
2. Do yourself
>>
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>>4137651
"You know, that sounds like something you should be doing yourself." You suggest. "I mean, personally speaking, Bandit doesn't seem like the type of guy that would initiate, you know? You should go and approach him rather than wait forever for him to get the clue."

"You know what..." Sofia suddenly becomes a lot more alert. "You're right, Milly!"

Sofia then sets her glass down and starts tidying herself up a but, straightening out her hair and brushing off loose sand.

"Thank you for the advice, Milly, I'll try putting it to good use." Sofia grins as she raises her glass again. "Cheers!"

>Roll 1d20
>>
Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>4137656
>>
Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>4137656
>>
Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>4137656
>>
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>>4137656
And with that toast, you take a good, proper swig of the Valencia drink Sofia had ordered you. It gives you a really good kick in the mouth, but you manage to weather the assault as the alcohol burns its way down your throat. It wasn't actually bad, though. Those Sapinese really knew how to make a drink, unsurprisingly.

"Now, off to find Bandit!" Sofia grins confidently as she sets off, apparently not even bothering to change out of her swimsuit.

>Now this you gotta see.
>Vicky might really need some saving now.
>You want to see Angela and Alanna tearing it up at beachball.
>Other
>>
>>4137669
>>Vicky might really need some saving now.
Wingmates gotta watch out for each other!
>>
>>4137669
>>Vicky might really need some saving now.
>>
>>4137669
>Vicky might really need some saving now.
>>
>>4137669
>>You want to see Angela and Alanna tearing it up at beachball.
>>
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>>4137669
You're tempted to follow Sofia just to see what would happen, but your instinct draws your gaze back to the ocean, where you could see Misono and Vicky way out in the deeper waters.

Yeah, Vicky probably needed your help right now.

You finish off your drink and head for the ocean, wading into the warm, tropical waters. Damn, it actually felt pretty nice! As you proceed further, the water level begins to rise as the sea floor drops away. First rising to your stomach, then up to your chest, and finally up to your neck and chin. You have resort to actual swimming to finally reach Misono and Vicky's position.

Misono seemed like she was absolutely at home in the water, easily swimming circles around Vicky and looking completely at ease. Vicky, for her part, was clinging to a ring shaped life preserver for dear life, as if she would sink to the bottom if she were to let go.

"Milly! Heeeeeeeelp!" Vicky wails. "I'm gonna die out here!"

"Don't be silly! The water is magnificent!" Misono laughs as she casually does a backstroke. "And the conditions are calm! This current can't even knock over a house of cards!"

"I never agreed to this!" Vicky groans.

"Am I missing something here?" You raise an eyebrow.

"I just wanted to show Vicky the fun of ocean swimming!" Misono says cheerfully. "It's something I do all the time back home!"

"Where I live, going into the water means you DIE!" Vicky counters.

"Well, you were taught how to swim, right?" You frown.

"As a survival method! Not for leisure!" Vicky cries. "Help meeeeeeee!"

>Better help Vicky get back to shore.
>This is prime bullying material right here.
>Other
>>
>>4137711
>>This is prime bullying material right here.
>>
>>4137711
>>Better help Vicky get back to shore.
>>
>>4137711
>Better help Vicky get back to shore.
>>
>>4137711
>>Better help Vicky get back to shore.
Eh, it's suppose to be a relaxing day, not a swimming lesson.
>>
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>>4137711
"C'mon, Mis, don't be mean." You sigh as you grab the rope connecting to the float ring. "I'll take you back, Vicky."

"Thaaaaaaaaank you!" Vicky wails. She makes a move to hug you, but then remembers that would cause her to fall into the water and she stops midway.

"Yeah yeah, don't mention it." You nod as you slowly start towing Vicky back to shore.

"Quite a pity." Misono shakes her head as she follows the two of you back.

Well, considering Misono lived in a coastal city, it wasn't really all that surprising that she would be comfortable around water. However, Vicky was from an island nation. Why would she be so anxious around water, you wonder?

>Ask Vicky about her fear of the ocean.
>Tease Vicky about how hard it is to tow her back.
>Focus on just getting back to shore.
>Other
>>
>>4137730
>>Ask Vicky about her fear of the ocean.
>>
>>4137730
>>Ask Vicky about her fear of the ocean.
>>
>>4137730
>Focus on just getting back to shore.
>>
>>4137730
>Ask Vicky about her fear of the ocean.
It can't be that much worse than the Nord Belkan coast can it? That's pretty cold.
>>
>>4137730
>>Ask Vicky about her fear of the ocean.
>>
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>>4137730
"Anyways, Vicky, why are you so afraid of the ocean?" You ask her as you continue to tow her back to shore. You were now close enough your feet could touch the sea floor, giving you a bit more leverage to pull her forward.

"W-well, my home is up north, you know? The water is pretty much at below freezing temperatures almost all year round!" Vicky explains. "It's not warm and sunny like here! Up there, you get into the water, you're an ice cube in under a minute!"

"Hm, yeah, I guess that does sorta discourage recreational swimming." You concede.

"That sounds rather horrible!" Misono gasps. "How do you survive up there?"

"We use boats to get around!" Vicky groans. "Learning swimming wasn't a particularly high priority because everybody understood you'd be dead pretty quick anyways!"

>That sounds hardcore.
>Sounds like a terrible place to live.
>Other
>>
>>4137766
>>That sounds hardcore.
>>
>>4137766
>That sounds hardcore.
>>
>>4137766
>That sounds hardcore.
>>
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>>4137766
"Seriously, Vicky, that sounds hardcore!" You laugh. "At least it means it's not boring up there, right?"

"W-well, if you put it like that..." Vicky mumbles.

"I would very much like to brave these cold waters of yours!" Misono boasts.

"N-no! Don't do that!" Vicky sputters in surprise. "You'll just freeze!"

"Silly little fears like that have not stopped my people before!" Misono says confidently. "Otherwise we would not have achieved anything!"

"Your people are crazy!" Vicky groans.

"Anyways, if your home country is so cold and inhospitable." You grin. "How come you have such a lewd swimsuit?"

"W-w-well-" Vicky pauses and glances to Misono.

"Do not look at me, I didn't suggest it to you or anything!" Misono grins.

"I-I just happened to have it lying around, okay?!" Vicky squeaks as her face goes red.

"Sure thing, Vicky. Sure thing." You chuckle.

By this point, you've finally reach shallow water, giving Vicky the confidence to finally leave the safety of the float ring as you trudge up the sand.

However, you're greeted by a sight you didn't expect.

Bandit is there, still dressed in his standard flightsuit. It was obvious that he wasn't here to party, and his expression was one all too familiar to you.

"Suit up, Ravens." Bandit says grimly. "New mission. Time is of the essence."

Of course...

>And that's it for tonight! We'll continue things on Saturday, so stay tuned!
>>
>>4137787
Shortly after Janice went after him. Using duty as an excuse, tsk.
>>
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>>4137787
And just like that, you're quickly rushed to the briefing room along with Vicky and Misono, none of you having any time to change. Bandit, to his credit, didn't seem to be affected by your swimwear, though for some reason that seemed to annoy you somewhat.

"I'm sorry for the short notice, but this intel is time sensitive." Bandit grunts as head leads you all into the briefing room. You see that Sofia is also present, her expression a mix of amusement and exasperation. Did Bandit somehow press gang her into this, too? Or maybe she decided to tag along herself.

"I'm just going to get straight to the point." Bandit says as he turns on the projector.

Immediately, you could see what looked to be a large cargo ship, surrounded by a small flotilla of smaller civilian ships. Looked innocent enough.

"We just received intelligence from Jager that they finally got someone to talk. It appears that the Alicorn-class submarine in Neo One Belka's possession was waiting for resupply this whole time." Bandit announces. "We've narrowed it down to this freighter, the White Star, owned by a Grunder shell company. We believe it's heading out to resupply the submarine at sea."

"So we wait for them meet and smash 'em while they're exposed!" You grin.

"That's the idea." Bandit nods. "But the freighter left port three hours ago, so we're already behind. We need you all suited up and ready to go in ten minutes."

"Can I bring the Wyvern?" You ask.

"I'll leave that to your discretion." Bandit replies. "I know you haven't fully mastered it, but if this submarine is their mobile headquarters, I can almost guarantee you END will be involved."

>Take the Wyvern.
>Take the Su-47.
>Other
>>
>>4139057
>Take the Wyvern.
>>
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>>4139057
>>Take the Wyvern.

We won't get better if we don't fly it in an actual fight.
>>
>>4139057
>>Take the Wyvern.
>>
>>4139057
>Take the Wyvern.

Time to joust with Erwin again i guess.
We brought a new horse:)
>>
>>4139057
>>Take the Wyvern.
>>
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>>4139057
"I'm taking the Wyvern, of course!" You grin.

"Understood." Bandit nods and turns to Sofia. "I take it you're coming along?"

"It's not like you can stop me." Sofia chuckles smugly.

"Just making sure." Bandit nods. "And the rest of your squadron?"

"This is supposed to be a celebratory day for them. I don't want to ruin it for something they aren't involved in." Sofia stands up. "Besides, I should be more than enough, no?"

Bandit just gives a simple nod.

"You all know the drill. Get prepped and on the runway in ten."

The next ten minutes is a flurry of activity as you dash back to the locker room to get changed into your gear. By the time you're out, Mead is already towing your planes out of the hangar. Looks like she was on the same wavelength as you and towed out the Wyvern instead of the Su-47.

Farther down the runway, you could see Bandit's F-15 and Sofia's Rafale already powered up and ready to take off. Goddamn, how were they so fast?!"

You quickly clamber up the boarding ladder into your Wyvern as you start to power the plane up and go through the startup checklist.

"Bandit, we can on ahead. Just the two of us~." Sofia points out smoothly.

"I'd rather we wait for the others to catch up." Bandit grunts. "I don't want the squadron being split up."

>Have Bandit and Sofia go on ahead.
>Have them wait for you and the others.
>Other
>>
>>4139161
>>Have Bandit and Sofia go on ahead.
>>
>>4139161
>Have Bandit and Sofia go on ahead.
>>
>>4139161
>Have Bandit and Sofia go on ahead.
>>
>>4139161
>>Have Bandit and Sofia go on ahead.

It'll be fine.
>>
>>4139161
>Have them wait for you and the others.
>>
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>>4139161
"You guys go on ahead. We'll catch up!" You assure them.

"You hear that? Even your hatchlings are saying so, too!" Sofia giggles.

"All right, fine. Me and Flamenco Lead will go on head. Red, Swordfish, Knives, do your best to catch up."

"Roger!" The three of you affirm.

And just like that, Bandit and Sofia's planes take off, rising into the sky and disappearing into the tropical sky.

"Come on, come one..." Misono mumbles.

"This sounds so dangerous..." Vicky whimpers.

"All right, let's go!" You grunt as your Wyvern fully powers up, the few minutes it takes to do so feeling like an eternity.

"ALL SYSTEMS NOMINAL." Swallow confirms. "READY FOR TAKEOFF."

With Vicky and Misono stacked up right behind you, you hit the throttle. As expected, your Wyvern blasts forward as you gain more lift. Soon enough, all three of you were in the air, leaving Fort Grays behind.

"Where are Bandit and Flamenco?" Misono wonders.

"They're not even on my radar..." Vicky mutters.

"TARGETS LIKELY OUT OF RANGE." Swallow points out.

"They must have been going all out on speed." You mutter. That was pretty out of character for Bandit. Such a move would use up lots of fuel and put strain on the engines. Was he really that determined to accomplish this mission?

>Better go all out to catch up.
>Proceed at normal pace to keep your planes fresh.
>Other
>>
>>4139229
>Better go all out to catch up.
>>
>>4139229
>Proceed at normal pace to keep your planes fresh.
>>
>>4139229
>Proceed at normal pace to keep your planes fresh.
>>
>>4139229
>>Proceed at normal pace to keep your planes fresh.
>>
>>4139229
>>Proceed at normal pace to keep your planes fresh.
>>
>>4139229
>Proceed at normal pace to keep your planes fresh.
>>
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Rolled 6, 2, 7, 7, 9, 7 = 38 (6d10)

>>4139229
...
>>
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>>4139258
While you were tempted, you exert self control as your flight of three progresses towards the mission waypoint. If things were going to be as hairy as Bandit warned, you needed your planes in the best condition.

After what seems like another grinding eternity, Swallow finally breaks the silence.

"FRIENDLY UNITS DETECTED. MULTIPLE FLAGGED HOSTILES DETECTED."

You glance your radar screen and sure enough, you could see Bandit and Sofia on the screen, surrounded by what had to be dozens of contacts. It was a mix of drones and conventional fighters. Goddamn! It was a serious furball!

It looked like Bandit was holding his own, but Sofia seemed to be struggling, with multiple drones on her tail that seemed to hang on to her despite every maneuver she pulled.

On the water, you could see the White Star docked with that massive submarine, codenamed BANSHEE. The crazy bastards were trying to resupply even in the middle of this battle!

"Go for the objective!" Bandit grunts as he shoots down a pair of drones before performing a hard loop to shake another pair trying to get on his tail.

"But there's too many planes! You'll get overwhelmed!" Vicky cries.

"We can handle it!" Bandit tries to assure you.

>Listen to Bandit. Go for the Banshee.
>You need to help Bandit and Sofia.
>Split the flight up.
>Other
>>
>>4139276
>>Listen to Bandit. Go for the Banshee.
>>
>>4139276
>Split the flight up.

Send Vicky and Misono after the sub.
>>
>>4139229
>Better go all out to catch up.
We're the one with the railgun here.
>>
>>4139289
Meant for >>4139276
>Listen to Bandit. Go for the Banshee.
>>
>>4139276
>Listen to Bandit. Go for the Banshee.
>>
>>4139276
>>Split the flight up.
>>
>>4139276
>>Split the flight up.
>>4139288
This
>>
>>4139276
>Listen to Bandit. Go for the Banshee.
>>
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>>4139276
"Ugh! Fine!" You grunt as you point your Wyvern towards the two docked ships. Around them were a number of smaller escort boats, mostly just civilian yachts and fishing trawlers mounting camouflaged weaponry. They'd only be a real threat if you flew low.

However, the Banshee was bristling with all sorts of advanced air defenses. From previous briefings, you learned that this type of sub had numerous missile launchers and heavy railgun batteries that made your own EML look like a popgun.

But if that freighter was a resupply ship, it had to be carrying munitions and fuel, right? Maybe you could take advantage of that...

>Go directly for the Banshee.
>Go for the resupply ship.
>Other
>>
>>4139339
>>Go for the resupply ship.
>>
>>4139339
>Go directly for the Banshee.
>>
>>4139339
>Go for the resupply ship.

Time to see if the Railgun can go through the entire length of a ship like a hot knife through butter.
>>
>>4139339
>Go for the resupply ship.
>>
>>4139339
>>Go for the resupply ship.
>>
>>4139339
>Go for the resupply ship.
>>
>>4139339
>Go directly for the Banshee


We can't risk an escape. The other boats dont matter.
>>
>>4139339
>Go directly for the Banshee.
>>
>>4139339
>>Go directly for the Banshee.
>>
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>>4139339
You circle around wide, intending to use the White Star itself as an obstacle to block the Banshee's line of sight. Vicky and Misono follow your lead as tracers lance up from the escort boats firing their cannons into the air wildly.

Lined up like this, it was impossible for you to miss the freighter-

Suddenly, containers along the top of the ship begin exploding, as even more drones begin to launch. The damn thing was basically a camouflaged aircraft carrier!

"We can handle the drones!" Misono assures you as her and Vicky's planes pull ahead.

>Let Vicky and Misono draw off the drones.
>You need them to contribute their firepower towards the freighter.
>Other
>>
>>4139384
>Let Vicky and Misono draw off the drones.
>>
>>4139384
>>Let Vicky and Misono draw off the drones.
>>
>>4139384
>>Let Vicky and Misono draw off the drones.
>>
>>4139384
>Let Vicky and Misono draw off the drones.
>>
>>4139384
>>Let Vicky and Misono draw off the drones.
>>
>>4139384
>>Let Vicky and Misono draw off the drones.
>>
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>>4139384
"Go! I got this!" You tell your wingmates.

"Good luck!" Vicky manages to say before she and Misono accelerate forward, launching missiles as the launching drones. A few go down, and the rest immediately go after Vicky and Misono as the most immediate threats, giving you a wide window to strike the freighter.

"Incoming! Incoming!" You hear someone yell on the radio. "It's the Red Tail! She's heading right for us!"

As you flip off the safety on your EML, your HUD's crosshair winks on, centering on the ship in front of you.

>Roll 1d10
>>
Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>4139426
>>
Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>4139426
Here comes the snow!
>>
Rolled 1 (1d10)

>>4139426
>>
>>4139431
Well damn, looks like we got a light show.
>>
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>>4139426
Your entire Wvyern shudders and rattles as your EML fires, launching a metal slug at over seven times the speed of sound. The round punches straight into the side of the freighter, and for a split second you swear you can see shockwaves ripple across the hull of the ship as if it were made of water.

A split second later, the hull at the point impact shatters like glass before triggering a massive explosion, sending flaming cargo containers flying in all directions, more than a few dropping down right on top of the Banshee. The freighter also begins to list, its hull slamming into the Banshee, tangling both ships.

"Good job! Looks like it won't be able to dive in that condition." Bandit remarks, his F-15 shooting past.

"Good job blocking the runway, too!" Sofia adds. Sure enough, some of the containers had fallen right on top the Banshee's launch deck. "They won't be able to launch aircraft until they can clear it!"

Well, that meant it couldn't launch additional fighters to provide air cover for the moment. Perhaps this was the best time to strike directly at it!

But the rest of the squadron was currently occupied with the drones and escort fighters. You could really use some extra firepower against a massive submarine like the Banshee...

>Go straight for the Banshee
>Try to thin out the air cover.
>Other
>>
>>4139462
>>Go straight for the Banshee
Don't give it time to clear the runway!
>>
>>4139462
>Try to thin out the air cover.
>>
>>4139462
>Go straight for the Banshee
>>
>Try to thin out the air cover.
we need the air clearer so we can call in some allied assaults on the big sub
>>
>>4139462
>>Try to thin out the air cover.
>>
>>4139462
>Try to thin out the air cover.
>>
>>4139462
>Go straight for the Banshee
>>
>>4139462
>>Try to thin out the air cover.
>>
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>>4139462
You pull up on your stick to gain altitude. Even with the EML, you had the feeling you couldn't crack that damn sub's defenses on your own. Instead, you should help clear out some of the air cover to give your squadmates the opportunity to make their own attack runs.

At this point, everybody was caught up in the furball. It was so chaotic, you couldn't tell who was in trouble or who wasn't. All you could be sure of was their position markers.

You decide to go for...

>Bandit
>Vicky
>Misono
>Sofia
>>
>>4139497
>Sofia
>>
>>4139497
>Sofia
>>
>>4139497
>Sofia
>>
>>4139497
>>Sofia
>>
>>4139497
>>Bandit
>>
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>>4139497
You immediately spot Sofia's Rafale, still being chased by a pair of drones. You bank over to provide support when your radio crackles again.

"INTERCEPTING ENEMY TRANSMISSION." Swallow announces.

"Hurry up and get this crap off the launch deck! Push it off with your damn hands if you have to!"

"Fire Control." You hear what you swear is Erwin's voice. "Target the Wyvern. With the red tail."

"Sir?"

"That's the Traitor. We give traitors what they deserve."

"Yes sir."

Well shit, that wasn't good. However, you were focused on helping out Sofia.

Missiles were good at range, or you could try to close in for guns. However, the EML was a heavy hitter sure to knock a drone out of the sky, but its slow fire rate meant you'd likely only get one, at the most.

>Missiles
>Guns
>EML
>>
>>4139539
>Guns
>>
>>4139539
>>Missiles
>>
>>4139539
>Missiles
>>
>>4139539
>Missiles
>>
>>4139539
>Missiles
>>
>>4139539
>>Missiles
>>
File: MQ-101 2.png (615 KB, 1080x1020)
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Rolled 7, 4 = 11 (2d10)

>>4139539
You quickly pop off a pair of missiles at the drones. Hopefully you can get them both in one volley!

>Roll 1d10 (AtA test 6)
>>
Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>4139560
>>
Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>4139560
>>
Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>4139560
>>
Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>4139560
>>
File: Janice 30.png (3.26 MB, 1623x2939)
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>>4139560
Both your missiles strike true, sending the two drones spiraling out of control and freeing up Sofia.

"My thanks, Red!" Sofia says cheerfully. "Though I do wish that you were Bandit instead..."

"We don't have time for that!" You groan. From what you heard, the Banshee's crew were busy clearing the launch deck as well as aiming their AA weapons at you. You were sort of on the clock now.

>Help Bandit
>Help Vicky
>Help Misono
>Go for the Banshee with Sofia.
>Other
>>
>>4139571
>Go for the Banshee with Sofia.
>>
>>4139571
>>Go for the Banshee with Sofia.
>>
>>4139571
>>Go for the Banshee with Sofia.

Time to see if we can sink this sucker.
>>
>>4139571
>>Go for the Banshee with Sofia.
>>
>>4139571
>Go for the Banshee with Sofia.
>Other

Sofia needs to be the one doing the gun run while they prioritize Milly.
>>
>>4139578
Supporting This
>>
>>4139571
>Go for the Banshee with Sofia.

Can't help but feel like they're hiding something on this super carrier. Or if they have a backup super weapon.
>>
File: Alicorn.png (4.81 MB, 2560x1440)
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>>4139571
"C'mon, let's go hit that sub!" You call out to Sofia.

"Oh my, going for the main target right away, huh?" Sofia chuckles. "In we go then!"

Both you and Sofia vector in on the Banshee, which was still tangled in the wreck of the freighter.

"WARNING. ENEMY RADAR LOCK." Swallow bellows.

Sure enough, you could see the heavy railgun turrets turning your way, their barrels crackling with energy as they prepared to fire.

>Draw the AA fire away from Sofia!
>Try to get a shot off first!
>Other
>>
>>4139587
>Draw the AA fire away from Sofia!
>>
>>4139587
>>Draw the AA fire away from Sofia!
>>
>>4139587
>Draw the AA fire away from Sofia!
>>
>>4139587
>Try to get a shot off first!
>>
>>4139587
>>Try to get a shot off first!
We don't have time!
>>
>>4139587
>>Try to get a shot off first!
>>
>>4139587
>Try to get a shot off first!
>>
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Rolled 1, 3, 7, 9 = 20 (4d10)

>>4139587
Damn, this was bad! You try to fire off a snap shot with your EML before the Banshee could get a solid lock on you!

>Roll 1d10 (GUN test 7)
>>
Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>4139604
>>
Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>4139604
>>
Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>4139604
>>
Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>4139604
>>
Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>4139604
>>
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>>4139604
You fire off a snap shot at the Banshee, the EML round smashing into the hull and punching a hole in its armor. However, the Banshee is massive, and the single hit does appear to deal any crippling damage.

Meanwhile, two of the heavy railgun turrets swivel and get a solid lock on you. You have a split second to react!

>Accelerate and fly over the Banshee to foil their tracking.
>Dive to get below their depression.
>Climb into the furball to throw their targeting off.
>Other
>>
>>4139615
>>Accelerate and fly over the Banshee to foil their tracking.
>>
>>4139615
>Accelerate and fly over the Banshee to foil their tracking.
>>
>>4139615
>Accelerate and fly over the Banshee to foil their tracking.

Either way, I don't think they really care about potentially shooting down their own drones.
>>
>>4139615
>>Dive to get below their depression.
>>
>>4139615
>>Dive to get below their depression.
>>
>>4139615
>>Accelerate and fly over the Banshee to foil their tracking.
>>
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Rolled 4, 3 = 7 (2d10)

>>4139615
You grit your teeth as you hit your throttle, accelerating as fast as you can to try and throw off the cannons' tracking.

>Roll 1d10 (ACM test 6)
>>
Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>4139634
>>
Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>4139634
>>
Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>4139634
Come on!
>>
Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>4139634
Would we qualify for our ability?
>>
File: 53243840_p0.jpg (1.48 MB, 1469x800)
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>>4139634
Uh oh, it looks like you'll be hit at this rate! Would you like to PUSH THE LIMIT to succeed at the risk of injury?

>Y
>N
>>
>>4139645
>Y

I don't enjoy the idea of potentially being shot down/captured.
>>
>>4139645
>Y


Milly gonna lose an eye this time
>>
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>>4139645
Hmmm, seems like it's rather late so we'll redo the vote next week on Friday! See you then!
>>
>>4139655
Ttfn
>>
>>4139655
See you next time boss.
>>
>>4139645
>Y

>>4139649
Or having to be wheeled around in a chair for a bit. Hopefully not something that takes out of the fight too long.
>>
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>>4139655
All right, last time, Milly failed an ACM roll to avoid being targeted by the Banshee's railguns, and now we need to see if you want to PUSH THE LIMIT to auto succeed at risk of injury!

>Y
>N
>>
>>4148276
>Y

Banzai! As best nip would say
>>
>>4148276
>>Y
>>
>>4148276
>>Y
>>
>>4148276
>N
>>
>>4148276
Y
>>
>>4148276
>>Y
If it were other kinds of rolls a fail might not be so bad. but failing to dodge railguns seems like certain death, so gambling on risking injuries looks far better.
>>
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>>4148276
Okay, so it looks like you want to PUSH THE LIMIT! Now let's roll to see if you suffer any injury!

>Roll 1d10
>>
Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>4148342
Come on!
>>
Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>4148342
>>
Rolled 1 (1d10)

>>4148342
>>
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Rolled 6, 3, 1 = 10 (3d10)

>>4148342
...
>>
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>>4148369
You push your throttle as far is it can go, drawing out as much energy out of the Wyvern as you can. You feel yourself being crushed backwards in your seat as you suddenly accelerate.

"WARNING. EXCESSIVE G-FORCES DETECTED!" Swallow warns. "ACTIVATING EMERGENCY G-SUIT SYSTEMS."

Thankfully, you feel your G-suit actively constricting around your extremities and part of your upper chest, doing its best to keep your blood in your head.

Your Wyvern suddenly shakes and rattles from sudden turbulence, and your canopy is briefly filled with light from a bright flash as two heavy railgun rounds blaze right behind you, just barely missing your Wyvern. If you were only a tad slower-!

"My turn!" Sophia says confidently as her Rafale dives down, taking advantage of the railguns' focus on you. She lets off a pair of missiles that manage to slip past the Banshee's point defenses and slam right into one of the railgun turrets, popping it like balloon.

"Good shooting!" You whoop. That was one railgun down, which was a huge reduction in the Banshee's anti-air firepower.

"WARNING. MULTIPLE MISSILE LOCKS." Swallow bellows. "BANSHEE IS PREPARING TO LAUNCH A VOLLEY OF MISSILES."

>Get in close to the Banshee where the missiles aren't that effective.
>Bait the missiles away to give Sophia another attack run.
>Other
>>
I just hope we manage to capture our old friend. No telling what sort of info they'll have on them.

>>4148380
>Get in close to the Banshee where the missiles aren't that effective.
>>
>>4148380
>Get in close to the Banshee where the missiles aren't that effective.
>>
>>4148380
>>Bait the missiles away to give Sophia another attack run.

>>4148384
>inb4 a plan so devious and dishonorable that nobody would actually do it. Trying to kill us outside of a dogfight.
>>
>>4148380
>Bait the missiles away to give Sophia another attack run.

They really want to pop us. Bait them
>>4148384
Erwin will be converted to the Milly Revolutionary Army in time
>>
>we actually passed
wew

>>4148380
>Bait the missiles away to give Sophia another attack run.
>>
File: Red 38.jpg (1.02 MB, 2480x3508)
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>>4148380
"Heh, they wanna try and shoot us down? Well let's make 'em work for it!" You grin as you swerve away from the Banshee. Already, you could see Sofia setting up for another attack run, running low over the water. While their attention was on you, she could go in for another sneak attack!

However, there was the matter of actually dodging the missiles. You could just dodge them the old fashioned way, but there were quite a lot to keep track of. Maybe it was better to find cover behind the wrecked freighter. Or better yet, lead the missiles into the furball. Maybe they'll take out a drone or two, and it'll take the pressure off the rest of the squad. Hopefully the drones wouldn't turn their attention to you, though...

>Dodge the missiles the old fashioned way.
>Use the freighter wreck as cover.
>Lead the missiles into the furball.
>Other
>>
>>4148444
>Use the freighter wreck as cover.
>>
>>4148444
>Lead the missiles into the furball.
>>
>>4148444
>Lead the missiles into the furball.

We probably wanna avoid killing more of the freighter crew. Prisoners are a good thing.
>>
>>4148444
>>Lead the missiles into the furball.

Maybe we need a cheesy catchphrase like, "Time to turn the skies RED."?
>>
>>4148444
>>Lead the missiles into the furball.
>>
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>>4148444
Nothing like causing a good bit of causing, you know? You were thinking that if these guys were going to keep firing missiles all over place, the least you could due was lead them to some proper targets!

As missiles begin belching from vertical launch bays on the aft of the Banshee, you immediately turn your Wvyern's nose upwards towards the dogfights happening above. Bandit, Vicky, and Misono were each in their own separate engagements, doing their best to pick off the overwhelming number of drones one by one, even as the swarm kept swooping in trying to get shots in on them.

But where to lead the missiles to to help out?

>Bandit
>Vicky
>Misono
>>
>>4148483
>>Vicky
>>
>>4148483
>>Bandit
>>
>>4148483
>>Misono
>>
>>4148483
>>Bandit
>>
>>4148483
>Bandit
>>
>>4148483
>Bandit
>>
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>>4148483
You immediately angle in toward the part of the furball where Bandit was. You were gonna need his experience and skills to help crack that damn supersub.

"Boss! You got incoming!" You say cheerfully. "Better watch out!"

"You're speaking in that tone again, Red." Bandit grunts. "I don't like that."

"Trust me, you'll love it!" You chuckle as your missile warning system screams, over a dozen sub launched missiles now tailing your Wyvern.

>Roll 1d10 (ACM test 6)
>>
Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>4148530
Time to turn the skies red!
>>
Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>4148530
>>
Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>4148530
>>
Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>4148530
>>
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>>4148530
You're Wyvern doesn't have any trouble at all accelerating into a powerclimb, blasting straight through the furball and passing by right behind Bandit's F-15 as he passes over. One cue, the Banshee's missiles plunge into the furball. With so many targets in the area, the missiles quickly lose their lock on you, or just slam into drones all the same. Explosions ripple through the drone formation, and with their combat networking suddenly taking a hit, the few remaining ones lost initiative as they try to reassess the situation, making them easy targets for you and Bandit to mop up.

"That was highly reckless, as always." Bandit says, exasperated.

"But it worked, right?" You chuckle.

"I can't deny that." Bandit admits, resigned.

>We should help Vicky and Misono.
>Join Sofia in attacking the Banshee.
>Other
>>
>>4148572
>>Join Sofia in attacking the Banshee.
>>
>>4148572
>>Join Sofia in attacking the Banshee.
>>
>>4148572
>We should help Vicky and Misono.
>>
>>4148572
>>Join Sofia in attacking the Banshee.
>>
>>4148572
>We should help Vicky and Misono.
>>
File: 61321223_p0.png (1.96 MB, 1200x968)
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Rolled 10, 10, 2 = 22 (3d10)

>>4148572
...
>>
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>>4148630
Both you and Bandit turn in towards the Banshee, where you could see Sofia going in on her attack run.

"INTERCEPTING ENEMY TRANSMISSION." Swallow announces.

"Enemy fighter coming in low!"

"The same trick won't work twice. Fire!"

From your higher vantage point, you can only watch in horror as the remaining railgun turret swivels around and points straight at Sofia's Rafale. To her credit, she immediately pulls away when she notices the gun aiming at her, but its too late.

The railgun fires, and the azure blue shell, still crackling and trailing electricity from leftover charge, slams directly into the rear end of Sofia's Rafale just as it pulls away. Even though it's a glancing hit, the sheer force of the shell completely shears the back half of the Rafale away, sending the remaining half spinning out of control.

"Sofia!" You hear Bandit yell. Probably the first time you ever have.

"Shit!" Sofia grunts.

There's another small explosion as the Rafale's canopy falls away and Sofia ejects, her ejection seat flaring up before her parachute ejects. The strike front half of her Rafale continues to tumble uncontrollably in the air before slamming into the water.

"I see a chute!" You tell Bandit.

"Nice shot, gunnery officer." Your radio buzzes again.

"I told you to aim for the Wyvern!" You hear Erwin protest.

"Their numbers are small. As long as we can pick them off one by one, we'll overwhelm them."

"Sir, we have a visual on a chute! The enemy pilot eject!"

"Good. Send a recovery boat. We could always use a hostage in case things don't go well."

You scowl. Even though Sofia had ejected, that didn't mean she was out of danger. Already, you could see one of the patrol boats swerve around, steaming full speed towards Sofia's estimated landing position.

Without a word, Bandit peels away in a steep dive towards the boat.

"Boss!" You cry.

"I'll hold them off! You get that damn sub!" Bandit instructs.

Shit shit shit, this wasn't how things were supposed to go!

The railgun was already starting to reload and recharge. It wasn't going to be long until it would target either you or Bandit. Worse still, it looked like the launch deck was almost fully cleared. That meant they'd be able to launch their conventional air wing soon.

There was also the conning tower where the bridge was surely at, but it was the most heavily defended portion of the ship, surrounded by missile launchers and AA guns.

>Aim for the railgun. You need to take out its main weapon.
>Aim for the launch deck. You can't let its air wing launch!
>Aim for the bridge. Hopefully it'll be a knockout blow!
>Other
>>
>>4148654
>Aim for the railgun. You need to take out its main weapon.
>>
>>4148654
>Aim for the railgun. You need to take out its main weapon.
>>
>>4148654
>Aim for the bridge. Hopefully it'll be a knockout blow!
>>
>>4148654
>Aim for the launch deck. You can't let its air wing launch!

Cripple it. It's just a big gun then. And it extends our saftey window
>>
>>4148654
>Aim for the bridge. Hopefully it'll be a knockout blow!
>>
>>4148654
>>Aim for the railgun. You need to take out its main weapon.
>>
>>4148654
>>Aim for the bridge. Hopefully it'll be a knockout blow!
>>
>>4148654
Switching too
>>Aim for the railgun. You need to take out its main weapon
>>
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>>4148654
You point your Wyvern straight at the railgun. With any luck, your EML can take it out from this range. Plus, it was already fully charged, which meant you'd get the first shot off against the Banshee's heavy railgun.

Hopefully, at least.

>Roll 1d10 (GUN test 7-1)
>>
Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>4148685
Here comes the snow
>>
Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>4148685
>>
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Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>4148685
>>
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Rolled 2, 5, 6, 8, 3, 8 = 32 (6d10)

>>4148685
...
>>
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>>4148700
Unfortunately, the railgun seems to have charged must faster than you anticipated, as the turret swivels around yet again to aim straight at you. You fire your EML, but in your haste, your aim wasn't quite there, as your shell disappointingly glances off the side of the turret.

You brace for the inevitable counterfire from the railgun, when a volley of missiles rains down from above, punching into the top of the railgun and causing it to exploding in a cloud of fire and lightning.

"You didn't think we'd let you have all the fun, would we?" Misono laughs.

"A-always going off on your own!" Vicky stammers in an attempt to chide you.

However, while the Banshee's most dangerous weapons were now taken care of, you note that the launch deck was now clear of obstacles-

"WARNING, AIRCRAFT LAUNCHING FROM BANSHEE." Swallow bellows.

Sure enough, you bank your Wyvern to the side to see a black Raven, no doubt END, take off from the Banshee, flanked by a pair of what had to be drone Su-57s.

This was going to be rough.

>You all need to focus on fighting END.
>You all need to focus on destroying the Banshee.
>You'll hold off END while the others take care of the Banshee.
>Other
>>
>>4148703
>>You all need to focus on destroying the Banshee.
>>
>>4148703
>>You'll hold off END while the others take care of the Banshee.
>>
>>4148703
>You'll hold off END while the others take care of the Banshee.

Come Erwin, let us dance!
>>
>>4148703
>You all need to focus on fighting END.
>>
>>4148703
>You'll hold off END while the others take care of the Banshee.
>>
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>>4148703
>>You'll hold off END while the others take care of the Banshee.

Time for a solo duel.
>>
>>4148703
>>You'll hold off END while the others take care of the Banshee.
>>4148709
For all we know, Erwin could be thousands of miles away in Belka flying the Raven from a Grunder command bunker.
>>
>>4148718
Could always be a brain scan of him, or someone else. Could be another Ace for all we know.
>>
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>>4148703
"Swordfish, Knives! You two take care of the Banshee!" You instruct. "Without the railguns, it should be a sitting duck!"

"Wait, you can't mean you're going to take them all on yourself!" Vicky gasps. "You need a wingmate-"

"Knives is gonna need backup on this." You say flatly to Vicky. "I'm gonna buy you two time. The sooner you get it done, the sooner you can come help, okay?"

"Y-you better not get shot down, then!" Vicky says as she and Misono dive to engage the Banshee.

You meanwhile vector in towards END and their wingmates.

"ANALYSIS COMPLETE." Swallow speaks up. "THE SU-57 TARGETS ARE DRONES SLAVED TO END. NO OTHER INBOUND OR OUTBOUND TRANSMISSIONS."

So that meant it wasn't likely END was a drone. Or at least a remote controlled one. Still, you had to wonder if they were human at all.

"DANGER. ENEMY RADAR LOCKS." Swallow continues. "EVASIVE ACTION ADVISED."

>Take the fight right to END!
>Lead END on a merry chase.
>Other
>>
>>4148752
>Lead END on a merry chase.
>>
>>4148752
>>Lead END on a merry chase.
>>
>>4148752
>Lead END on a merry chase.
>>
>>4148752
>Lead END on a merry chase.

There should be enough room to fly through the sub's hangar, right?
>>
>>4148752
>>Lead END on a merry chase.
>>
>>4148752
>Lead END on a merry chase.
>>
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>>4148752
Well, if you were gonna buy time, all you had to do was stay one step ahead of END, right?

So all you needed to do was lead them on a merry chase.

>Lure them up high, where you can best leverage the Wyvern's maneuverability.
>Get down into the weeds. All the ships and debris will serve as nice obstacles.
>Style on END and fly straight through the Banshee.
>Other
>>
>>4148776
>Lure them up high, where you can best leverage the Wyvern's maneuverability.
>>
>>4148776
>>Style on END and fly straight through the Banshee.
I just recently replayed the DLC mission and flew through the thing, so of course I gotta vote for this
>>
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>>4148776
>Style on END and fly straight through the Banshee.
>>
>>4148776
>spoiler
Let's do it.
>>
>>4148776
>>Style on END and fly straight through the Banshee.
gdi Merc, always with the crazy awesome option
>>
>>4148776
>Lure them up high, where you can best leverage the Wyvern's maneuverability.
>>
>>4148776
>>Style on END and fly straight through the Banshee.
>>
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>>4148776
You know what? If you were gonna waste END's time, you might as well waste in style! You aim your Wyvern downwards towards the Banshee, right at the arch that served as the shelter for the submarine's flight elevator.

You were gonna thread the needle on that sucker!

>Roll 1d10 (ACM test ???)
>>
Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>4148817
>>
Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>4148817

How much you wanna bet we have to use our ability? Eyeless Milly soon
>>
Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>4148817
>>
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Rolled 10, 7, 2, 9, 8 = 36 (5d10)

>>4148817
...
>>
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Rolled 5, 3, 1, 10, 5, 2 = 26 (6d10)

>>4148842
...
>>
>>4148851
Your Wyvern just barely fits through the archway as you zoom straight through, scattering flight crew on the deck as they all desperately dive out of the way.

"That crazy bitch!" You hear Erwin curse over the comms.

Meanwhile, END attempts to follow your maneuver, but apparently chickens out at the last second and pulls away, the Su-57 wingmen following close behind, taking themselves out of the immediate battle.

Suddenly, a massive explosion rocks the Banshee as an anti-ship missile fired by Vicky slams right into the submarine's VLS battery. Grout gouts of flame erupt from the aft end of the Banshee

"We've taken a direct hit!"

"Shit! Was it the Red Tail!?"

"No, one of the other planes!"

"Prepare for emergency dive!"

"But sir, the aft compartment is breached.

"Seal the bulkheads! We'll flood the whole damn compartment if we have to! We cannot be sunk here!"

That's when you see the Banshee shudder as her engines hum back to life. The escorting ships start to consolidate, forming a tighter defensive circle in an effort to protect the submarine.

>You need to help Vicky and Misono finish off the Banshee before it escapes.
>END has left themselves vulnerable! Now is the perfect time to bounce them!
>Other
>>
>>4148870
>>END has left themselves vulnerable! Now is the perfect time to bounce them!
>>
>>4148870
>>You need to help Vicky and Misono finish off the Banshee before it escapes.
>>
>>4148870
>You need to help Vicky and Misono finish off the Banshee before it escapes.
>>
>>4148870
>You need to help Vicky and Misono finish off the Banshee before it escapes.
>>
>>4148870
>You need to help Vicky and Misono finish off the Banshee before it escapes.
>>
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>>4148870
Damn, you couldn't let that damn Banshee get away! Not after all the work you did to get this far!

"We can't let that thing get away!" You call out.

"W-we can hit the ballast tanks!" Vicky explains. "If we destroy those, the submarine won't be able to dive! Taking out even one will severely limit their ability to stay submerged!"

"Why can't we just hit the bridge?" Misono wonders.

"Because we're supposed to be capturing their officers, not blowing them up!" Vicky points out.

Well, the thing was, there were multiple ballast tanks, and going after all of them would give END time to circle around and engage you again. Maybe it would be faster to just take out the bridge?

>Target the ballast tanks.
>Target the bridge.
>Other
>>
>>4148906
>>Target the bridge.
>>
>>4148906
>Target the ballast tanks.
>>
>>4148906
>Target the ballast tanks.

We need that ship intact. Stop her from sinking and we take Erwin alive
>>
Better than blowing them to kingdom come.
>>
>>4148906
>Target the ballast tanks.
>>
>>4148906
>Target the ballast tanks.
>>
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>>4148906
"We'll go with Vicky's idea! Everybody hit the ballast tanks!" You call out.

"On it!" Misono replies.

"Firing!" Vicky calls out.

"TARGETS ARE MARKED ON YOUR HUD." Swallows says helpfully as markers noting where the ballast tanks are located wink on.

>Roll 1d10 (GUN test 7)
>>
Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>4148933
>>
Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>4148933
>>
Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>4148933
>>
Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>4148933
>>
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Rolled 7, 6, 3, 7, 8, 10 = 41 (6d10)

>>4148933
...
>>
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Rolled 2 (1d3)

>>4148944
...
>>
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>>4148945
You and Vicky fire off coordinated EML and missile volleys respectively, your shots slamming into the Banshee's hull. Explosions ripple across the flanks of the submarine as its movement grinds to a halt.

"Nice shooting!" Misono says as she does a flyover of the Banshee, dodging the concentrated AA fire from the picket boats. "It looks like the submarine is immobilized!"

Which meant it was a sitting duck until the IUN could come take charge of things, but you still had END to deal with-

"Ahh!" Vicky yelps as her Gripen E banks away in a panic.

That's when END swoops in with their Raven, apparently going after Vicky this time! You bank to stay with her.

"WARNING. ENEMY SU-57S INCOMING." Swallow calls out.

Shit, looks like END was siccing their wingmates on you, huh? Looks like they knew what they wanted to do to get under your skin.

"H-help!" Vicky cries as she tries to shake END. Even with an upgraded Gripen E, it was still a far cry from the dumb superscience that powered a Raven.

"I'll handle the small fry!" Misono assures you. "Help Swordfish!"

>Trust Misono to keep the Su-57s off your back.
>Have Misono go after END while you deal with the Su-57s.
>Other
>>
>>4148955
>>Trust Misono to keep the Su-57s off your back.
>>
>>4148955
>Trust Misono to keep the Su-57s off your back.
>>
>>4148955
>Trust Misono to keep the Su-57s off your back.
>>
>>4148955
>Trust Misono to keep the Su-57s off your back.
>>
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>>4148955
"I'm trusting you here, Knives!" You say as you commit to your turn to go after END.

"Since when was it ever misplaced?" Misono replies smugly.

Meanwhile, the Banshee was the mess, huge swathes of her hull ruined and breached, stuck against the listing wreck of what used to be a freighter. Bandit was still doing his best to keep the enemy picket boats from scooping up Sofia, and you didn't really even know her condition besides the fact that she had ejected.

Thankfully, an IUN flotilla led by the Andersen was already inbound. If you could all hold out until then, things would be okay.

You just had to make sure END didn't tag Vicky.

>And that's it for tonight! We'll continue the thread on Saturday, so stay tuned!
>>
>>4148993
Thanks for running Merc!
>>
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>>4148993
"Hold on! I'm coming to help!" You call out to Vicky. "Just keep ahead of them!"

"I-I can't!" Vicky stammers as her Gripen E jinks and jukes wildly, trying to stay out of END's sights.

Damn, at this rate, you might not make it in time! That damn Raven END was flying was no joke!

>Fire off missiles. The range isn't ideal, but it might make END back off.
>Tell Vicky to climb. That would leave END's tail vulnerable.
>Tell Vicky to hit the deck. Using the wrecked Banshee and freighter as cover is her best bet.
>Other
>>
>>4150405
>Tell Vicky to climb. That would leave END's tail vulnerable.
>>
>>4150405
>Fire off missiles. The range isn't ideal, but it might make END back off.
>>
>>4150405
>>Fire off missiles. The range isn't ideal, but it might make END back off.
>>
>>4150405
>>Fire off missiles. The range isn't ideal, but it might make END back off.
>>
>>4150405
>Tell Vicky to climb. That would leave END's tail vulnerable.
>>
>>4150405
>Tell Vicky to climb. That would leave END's tail vulnerable.
>>
>>4150405
>>Tell Vicky to climb. That would leave END's tail vulnerable.
>>
>>4150405
>Fire off missiles. The range isn't ideal, but it might make END back off.
>>
>>4150405
>>Fire off missiles. The range isn't ideal, but it might make END back off.
>>
File: Red 24.png (640 KB, 707x1000)
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Rolled 8, 10, 6, 1, 7 = 32 (5d10)

>>4150405
Damn, you didn't have much choice but to fire off missiles. They weren't that great at this range but you couldn't risk using the EML right now since Vicky was also in the line of fire.

You get a lock on END and fire off a pair of missiles.

>Roll 1d10 (AtA test 6)
>>
Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>4150489
>>
Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>4150489
>>
Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>4150489
>>
Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>4150489
>>
File: Red 35.png (6.53 MB, 2480x3306)
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>>4150489
You watch your two missiles streak off towards END. END seems to know the missiles are inbound, though, and immediately takes evasive maneuvers. While the missiles veer off course, you at least forced END to break off the chase, taking some pressure off Vicky.

And END then begins to vector back towards its Su-57 wingmates, no doubt in an effort to regroup. Misono was still tangling with them, though, and END suddenly joining in wasn't going to be pretty.

Your Wyvern is fast, just as fast if not faster than the Raven in a straight up sprint. However END still had quite a headstart on you. Maybe instead of trying to close in for guns, you could opt for a long range missile or EML attack. Sure, you hadn't had too much practice using the EML on moving targets, much less extremely fast and nimble fighter planes, but it could be worth the shot, given how devastating a single hit would be.

>Try to close in for guns.
>Use missiles
>Use the EML
>Other
>>
>>4150532
>Try to close in for guns.

Brrrrt
>>
>>4150532
>>Try to close in for guns.
>>
>>4150532
>Use missiles
>>
>>4150532
>Use the EML
>>
>>4150532
>Try to close in for guns.
>>
>>4150532
>>Use the EML
>>
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>>4150532
You needed to close in for guns. It would be the most reliable way to score some damage on END, even if would only be a little!

>Roll 1d10 (ACM test 6)
>>
Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>4150583
>>
Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>4150583
>>
Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>4150583
>>
Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>4150583
>>
>>4150599
wew
>>
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Rolled 8, 2, 5, 7, 7 = 29 (5d10)

>>4150583
You hit your afterburners again, and your Wyvern surges forward, gaining ground on END rapidly. Whether END wasn't aware of your presence, or was simply caught off guard by your sudden burst of speed, you didn't know, but END fails to make any sort of evasive maneuver away from you as you settle your gun sights over the Raven.

>Roll 1d10 (GUN test 7)
>>
Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>4150630
bang
>>
Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>4150630
>>
Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>4150630
>>
Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>4150630
Time for the fireworks.
>>
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>>4150630
You fire off a burst of gunfire, and you see bullets riddle the fuselage but END instantly snaps away, avoiding further damage.

"I'm coming!" Vicky announces, having finally recovered and moving to regroup with you.

Now END was going to be in a conundrum. They were outnumbered two to one, and with their mobile base now just a barely functional wreck, there was nowhere for them to run. END was just a cornered animal now.

Unfortunately, animals were at their most dangerous when cornered.

Suddenly, END pulls an impossibly tight loop, almost practically spinning in place in midair as they instantly reverse direction right back towards you.

Were they trying to force a head to head?

>Take END up on their offer.
>You've got numbers and time. No reason to take the risk.
>Other
>>
>>4150691

>Take END up on their offer.

Lances down. Joust time
>>
>>4150691
>>Take END up on their offer.

Maybe we'll get something out of them.
>>
>>4150691
>Take END up on their offer.
EML END
>>
>>4150691
>You've got numbers and time. No reason to take the risk.
>>
>>4150691
>You've got the numbers and time. No reason to take the risk.
>>
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>>4150691
This was it. If END wanted to go down in a blaze of glory, well, you were too willing to indulge them.

"Red! Red!" Vicky cries as she already sees what you're doing.

"I got this. Trust me" You say confidently.

As for your weapon choice, the EML was a guaranteed kill, but... well... it seemed kinda like overkill, honestly. There was a good chance a direct hit would just outright kill END... not that you cared, of course. Regular guns would be a bit safer if not nearly as destructive.

>Guns
>EML
>Other
>>
>>4150784
>>EML
>>
>>4150784
>Guns
>>
>>4150784
>Guns

I'm actually kind of curious as to what's inside the cockpit area.
>>
>>4150784
>Guns
Killing the mystery would kill the fun, now that I think about it.
>>
>>4150784
>Guns

If we can take it with minimum damage so much the better. Also we are better at guns
>>
>>4150784
>>EML
>>
>>4150796
I honestly think it's just getting remote controlled from the sub
>>
>>4150811
Perhaps, but I feel we should put an end to the mystery.

Probably quite a few people back at base running bets over their true identity.
>>
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Rolled 2, 10, 5, 5, 1 = 23 (5d10)

>>4150784
You switch off your EML and switch to guns. You wanted to do this right!

>Roll 1d10 (GUN test 7)
>>
Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>4150844
>>
Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>4150844
>>
Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>4150844
>>
>>4150849
Why me?
>>
Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>4150844
>>
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>>4150844
You both fire at the same time, but END is able to roll their plane just enough that their Raven avoids your burst of gunfire, and responds in kind with its own pulse lasers, paying you back for the damage you dealt as energy bolts sear into your fuselage.

Your two planes then pass each other midair. END immediately starts making a turn, intent on finishing you off in a second run.

"WARNING. DAMAGE TO EXTERIOR HULL." Swallow warnings. "RECOMMEND DISENGAGE."

"Red! You're damaged!" Vicky says in panic.

"Yeah! I know!" You grunt.

>You'll get END on the second run!
>Distract END with another head on pass while Vicky ambushes them!
>You should disengage for now
>Other
>>
>>4150901
>Distract END with another head on pass while Vicky ambushes them!
>>
>>4150901
>You'll get END on the second run!
>>
>>4150901
>>Distract END with another head on pass while Vicky ambushes them!

END is gonna be so pissed.
>>
>>4150901
>>Distract END with another head on pass while Vicky ambushes them!
>>
>>4150901
>You'll get END on the second run!
>>
>>4150901
>You'll get END on the second run!
>>
>>4150901
>Distract END with another head on pass while Vicky ambushes them!
>>
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>>4150901
"Don't worry, I'll distract 'em with another head on, and you take the chance to kick them in the ass!" You explain to Vicky.

"R-really?" Vicky audibly gulps. "You'd really trust me with something like that?"

"Of course! You're my wingmate! How could I NOT trust you?" You reply.

"O-okay! I'll do it!" Vicky says slightly more confidently. Guess that was as good as it would get.

"All right, you bastard." You scowl as you face END. "Let's do this."

>Commit to the gun run.
>Focus on dodging out of the way at the last second.
>Other
>>
>>4150952
>>Commit to the gun run.
>>
>>4150952
>Focus on dodging out of the way at the last second.
>>
>>4150952
>Commit to the gun run.
>>
>>4150952
>>Commit to the gun run.
>>
>>4150952
>Focus on dodging out of the way at the last second.
>>
>>4150952
>Focus on dodging out of the way at the last second.
>>
>>4150952
>Focus on dodging out of the way at the last second.
>>
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Rolled 10, 6, 9, 6, 5 = 36 (5d10)

>>4150952
Well, you weren't going to get baited into END's taunts any more. You were just going to feint going for a head on attack. You'll pull a last second bank to get out of END's line of fire and give Vicky a clear shot at END.

Hopefully.

>Roll 1d10 (ACM test 6)
>>
Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>4150988
Here comes the snow.
>>
Rolled 1 (1d10)

>>4150988
Turn the skies red!
>>
Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>4150988
>>
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>>4150992
>>
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Rolled 1, 3, 10 = 14 (3d10)

>>4150988
...
>>
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Rolled 5, 7, 10 = 22 (3d10)

>>4151003
...
>>
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>>4151004
At the last second, you twist your Wyvern out of the path of END just as a storm of azure pulse laser bolts lance out. END is genuinely taken by surprise by this move, and doesn't appear to react right away.

And that's when Vicky makes her move. Coming up from below in END's blind spot, Vicky's Gripen E unleashes a storm of missiles. One misses its mark, but the second gets a solid hit. The entire right side of the Raven is engulfed in fire as the wing is snapped off and an engine flames out.

"I got it!" Vicky yells, more surprised than excited.

"WARNING. TARGET STILL ACTIVE." Swallow cautions.

Sure enough, even with that catastrophic damage, the Raven was still somehow staying in the air, albeit struggling to do so.

"W-what the-?" Misono yelps in surprise as the two drone Su-57s she had been holding up suddenly bolt away from her.

But not towards you and Vicky.

They were diving straight for Bandit and Sofia.

That was real fucking low!

"Boss, you go incoming!" You yell.

"I see them." Bandit replies as his F-15 noses up to engage. "Finish off END. I got things handled here."

>3v1. Gang up on END!
>You should send at least one person to assist Bandit...
>Other
>>
>>4151008
>3v1. Gang up on END!
>>
>>4151008
>>3v1. Gang up on END!
>>
>>4151008
>3v1. Gang up on END!
>>
>>4151008
>>3v1. Gang up on END!
>>
>>4151008
>You should send at least one person to assist Bandit...
>>
>>4151008
>>You should send at least one person to assist Bandit...
>>
>>4151008
>You should send at least one person to assist Bandit...
>>
>>4151008
>>You should send at least one person to assist Bandit...
Boss, you are going to get laid, no matter how much you try to deny it.
>>
>>4151008
>3v1. Gang up on END!
>>
File: ADF-11F 3.png (1.03 MB, 1366x768)
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Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>4151008
....
>>
>>4151035
welp, guess it's a good day to die.
>>
>>4151038
Isn't that a good thing though? 1d10 10 is a bad roll for END
>>
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>>4151035
Not taking any chances, you, Vicky, and Misono all attack the crippled END all at once, lobbing volleys of missiles at the stricken plane.

To their credit, END does attempt evasive maneuvers, but with a wing and engine missing, the attempt wasn't able to achieve much. More missiles slam into the rear of the Raven, and the whole craft begins to rapidly disintegrate.

And at the last second, you can see the entire cockpit detach from the fuselage, just like how you saw last time. A chute deploys as the pod slowly drifts down towards the water. Guess END was gonna get out of this alive, after all.

Meanwhile, with the destruction of END's Raven, the two Su-57 drones slaved to it are suddenly cut off from commands, causing them to shut down briefly in midair as their onboard processing attempts to compensate. That's more than enough for Bandit to take advantage of, and he easily slays the two Su-57s.

"Attention all unidentified sea traffic!" You hear a familiar voice. "This is the IUN! Your activities are in violation of international law! Power down your ships and prepare for inspections! We will fire on any ship that does not comply!"

And as usual, the main fleet arrives just a tad too late. However, you never thought you'd be so relieved to see an Osean carrier as the Andersen comes into view.

Already, IUN patrol boats were fanning out, rounding up the remaining enemy ships. With their giant submarine destroyed, they had lost all motivation to resist. More ships close in on the crippled Banshee, and soon enough you see commando units leaping onto the hull.

You could also see rescue ships heading out, picking up survivors forced to go overboard, as well as retrieve Sofia and END's ejection pod.

"Ravens, this is Anderson Control. Good flying out there. You have landing clearance if you need to rearm and refuel."

>You should head back to Fort Grays and let the cavalry handle things from here.
>Land on the Anderson. You're curious how this all turns out.
>Other
>>
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>>4151048
>Land on the Anderson. You're curious how this all turns out.
>>
>>4151048
>>Land on the Anderson. You're curious how this all turns out.
>>
>>4151048
>You should head back to Fort Grays and let the cavalry handle things from here.
Do not let the Oseans find out about Swallow.
>>
>>4151048
>>Land on the Anderson. You're curious how this all turns out.

Lucky the Wyvern is a carrier plane.
>>
>>4151048
>Land on the Anderson. You're curious how this all turns out.
>>
>>4151048
>>Land on the Anderson. You're curious how this all turns out.
Who is END?
>>
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>>4151048
You and the rest of the squadron decide to land on the Anderson. After this intense ass mission, none of you were really in any mood or condition to fly all the way back to Fort Grays, especially if the Anderson was giving you a ride home.

As you land, Bandit immediately takes off to find the rescue boat that picked up Sophia. Meanwhile, all prisoners taken from the stricken Banshee and White Star were being taken aboard one of the naval ships where they could be safely held.

As for END's ejection pod, the rescue crew couldn't figure out how to crack it open, so they opted to bring it aboard the Andersen for the time being.

>Go see Bandit and Sofia.
>Go pay Erwin a visit.
>See if you can finally find out who or what END is.
>Other
>>
>>4151083
>Go pay Erwin a visit.

Might as well see him. Maybe we could salvage his sub?
>>
>>4151083
>>See if you can finally find out who or what END is.
>>
>>4151083
>>See if you can finally find out who or what END is.
>>
>>4151083
>>See if you can finally find out who or what END is.
>>
>>4151083
>Go see Bandit and Sofia.
>>
>>4151083
>See if you can finally find out who or what END is.
inb4 it's Karla's daughter I forgot the name of.
>>
>>4151083
>>Go pay Erwin a visit.
>>
>>4151083
>Go pay Erwin a visit.
>>
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>>4151083
"C'mon, Vicky, Mis! Let's go see who END is!"

"Or what." Misono notes.

"I-it's probably a person." Vicky mumbles. "Hard to believe a drone flies that way.

"Well, there's only one way to find out!" You nod.

So the three of you head down to the hangar deck, where the ejection pod had been moved to. Already, you could see the flight crews gathered around the pod, all gawking at it.

"What, you guys haven't opened it yet?" You frown as you walk up.

"The whole thing's sealed, ma'am." One of the technicians explains. "And it's heavily reinforced, too. Not easy to crack open."

"There has to be some sort of way to manually open it! A safety override or something!" Vicky mentions.

"That's the first thing we looked for." The technician shakes his head. "Can't find squat."

"And we're not sure if the pilot inside is even conscious or alive. They won't open it up from the inside."

"Can't you just force it open? Misono wonders.

"It's a whole lot more complicated than slicing it open with a sword." The technician sighs. "Any heavily invasive method we use to breach the pod has a high likelihood of injuring or killing the occupant."

>How about I take a look?
>Might as well start cracking this egg open.
>Other
>>
>>4151118
>>How about I take a look?
>>
>>4151118
>>How about I take a look?
>>
>>4151118
>How about I take a look?
>>
>>4151109
I hope we at least have a tanktop underneath our suit.

>>4151118
>How about I take a look?
There has to be some form of emergency release somewhere.
>>
>>4151118
>>How about I take a look?
>>
>>4151118
>How about I take a look?
>>
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>>4151118
"How about I take a look?" You offer.

"Sure, go right ahead." The techician nods and steps aside. "Go for it."

>Roll 1d10 (ID test 5)
>>
Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>4151158
>>
Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>4151158
>>
Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>4151158
>>
Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>4151158
>>
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>>4151158
You approach the ejection pod, a bit cautiously at first. However, once you were sure the thing would explode or something, you get closer to get a better look.

The exterior of the pod looked to be smooth and angular, just like how the plane it used to be attached to was. You also don't see any obvious control panel or levels or anything like that to suggest it could be opened from the outside.

However, you do see one thing that stands out. A camera lens. Perhaps it was part of the navigation system, considering the Raven appeared to be running COFFIN or some sort of knockoff of it. Whoever was inside would have to be able to see, of course.

You then hear a slight click and whirr. Was the camera focusing on you or something? You lean in for a closer look.

Then, vents open around the pod as water or... some kind of liquid is swiftly drained out of the pod. At the same time a panel in the side of the pod facing you suddenly blows out. More liquid bursts out and spills onto the deck as a young girl in a black, full body flight suit lunges out towards you.

Even if it was for a split second, the pure, simple HATE was clear in her eyes as they focused on you and only you.

Even in this situation, when someone else's arms were reaching out to grab your throat, you couldn't help but wonder what you possibly could have done to make someone despise you so much?

>And that's it for tonight! As always, next thread is on Friday so don't miss it!
>>
>>4151180
Well that's unexpected.

Guess next time we have our chat with Erwin. We've got plenty to talk about.
>>
>>4151180
Thanks for the run, boss.

Can't wait to break the news of this reveal to the rest of the people who were making bets over their identity.
>>
>>4151180
Yay, a new waifu who may or may not be one of those cyber-Newtype equivalents in Strangereal

Thanks for running Merc!
>>
>>4151180
Thanks for running Merc!
>>
>>4151180
See you next week!

I just hope none of that fluid ruined our outfit, especially our jacket if we're wearing it.
>>
>>4151186
So we now have hateboners for each other?
>>4151184
If it's any consolation for them, they can now watch two girls in wet form fitting outfits wrestle each other.



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