>>4001141
>I'll take any help I can get at this point

Show us what you can do Swallow

Milly still has her own eyes

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>>4001141
Also I do have a poll up on my Twitter regarding how my next quest will be run, so if you haven't already, go put in your vote!

https://twitter.com/MercCommand/status/1213171383951192064

>>4001141
>>I'll take any help I can get at this point.

>>4001141
>>I'll take any help I can get at this point.

>>4001141
>I'll take any help I can get at this point.

>>4001141
>I'll take any help I can get at this point.

>>4001141
>>I'll take any help I can get at this point.

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>>4001141
"Honestly, I'll take any help I can at this point." You grunt.

"AFFIRMATIVE. ANALYZING RADAR DATA."

Your IFF tags then begin to change color as several "blue" contacts suddenly turn yellow to indicate their status was unknown. There was... quite a few drones mixed in with the Erusean flights. At least a dozen more. You try warning them via radio again, but all the Erusean channels are completely blocked out, either because of high traffic or more nefariously, electronic jamming.

"THIS IS MY BEST ESTIMATION WITH MY CURRENTLY AVAILABLE DATA." Swallow informs you. "YOU WILL NEED TO CLOSE TO VISUAL RANGE IN ORDER TO CONFIRM STATUS OF TARGETS."

You'd have to be flying damn close to them then, which would also take you out of formation with the rest of the squadron and Siegfried.

>You need to go tag these potential drones.
>Stick with the squadron and keep an eye on them.
>Other

>>4001197
>>Stick with the squadron and keep an eye on them.

>>4001197
>>You need to go tag these potential drones.

>>4001197
>Stick with the squadron and keep an eye on them

>>4001197
>>You need to go tag these potential drones.

>>4001197
>Stick with the squadron and keep an eye on them.

This is a tough one. But i say we trust Swallow and stick to our guns. We'll get our shot.

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>>4001197
You decide to stick with the squadron. Bandit and Misono were taking the lead just ahead of Siegfried while you and Vicky ended up taking the rear. You didn't mind, since it put you in a better position to keep an eye on the Erusean planes tailing you. Quite a few of them were suspected drones, too...

>Roll 1d10 (ID test 5)

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>4001233

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>4001233
Come on...

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>4001233

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>4001233

>>4001244
Bruh

>>4001245
Don't worry, it doesn't count I think.

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>>4001233
Seeing that the Erusean planes were still keeping their distance, you take the chance to glance back ahead of you to check on Siegfried. The squadron of helicopters were continuing on their way, weaving through skyscrapers of downtown Farbanti when you catch sight of movement on the roofs. At first you think it's just people or reporters trying to get a better look at the spectacle outside, until you see people carrying very large, tube like devices on their shoulders.

"POSSIBLE MANPADS TEAM DETECTED." Swallow warns.

"I can see that!" You snap as you key your radio to Siegfried's frequency. "Siegfried! Break! Break! You've got MANPADS on the rooftops!"

"Roger, breaking!" Siegfried 1-1 shouts as the helicopters suddenly veer away from their route, dropping flares as they go. A pair of missiles lance out from the rooftops but are thankfully thrown off by the flares and slam into the side of a skyscraper, shattering dozens of glass windows.

"Indigo! Can you do anything about those!?" Bandit yells.

"We got eyes, but they're posted on civilian buildings!" Indigo Lead warns, her Gripens circling around. "And we have no way of know if they're occupied or not!"

>We'll have to take the risk. They can't get another shot off on Siegfried.
>That means we'll have to redirect to an alternate escape route.
>Other

>>4001256
>>Other
Would a supersonic pass work on them? I think it'd at least burst their eardrums?

>>4001256
>Other

>Sonic Boom to supress them

Like we planned with the crowd? We can't risk killing civvies but if we can paralyze them that could work

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>>4001256
>>We'll have to take the risk. They can't get another shot off on Siegfried.

>>4001256
>>We'll have to take the risk. They can't get another shot off on Siegfried.

>>4001260
Yeh this

>>4001256
>>Other
>>4001260
+1

>>4001256
>That means we'll have to redirect to an alternate escape route.

File: Red 35.png (6.53 MB, 2480x3306)

6.53 MB PNG

Rolled 5, 16, 11 = 32 (3d20)

>>4001256
"I got an alternate idea." You grin devilishly. "How about we give them a taste of a nice sonic boom point blank? I'm sure a few popped eardrums is gonna keep them down for a bit."

"Oh, that's devious." Indigo Lead gasps.

"Better than bombing them, I suppose." Bandit sighs. "Are you ready to do it, Red?"

"Always!" You chuckle madly.

"ERROR. THERE IS NO LOGICAL BASIS FOR THIS COURSE OF ACTION." Swallow whines.

"Quiet, you." You roll your eyes as you nose your Su-47 downwards slightly and hit your afterburners.

>Roll 1d10 (ACM test 6)

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>4001296

Rolled 1 (1d10)

>>4001296
Here comes the snow!

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>4001296

Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>4001296

File: 1571450687397.png (79 KB, 1000x1000)

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Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>4001296

>>4001299
Based

File: HereComeTheSnow.gif (657 KB, 500x245)

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>>4001299
Welp. Here comes the snow indeed.

File: Gotta fly fast.webm (2.59 MB, 1280x720)

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>>4001296
You're pressed back into your seat as your Su-47 lurches forward in a sudden burst of speed. Everything outside your canopy becomes a blur for a brief second as your plane thunders straight through downtown Farbanti, your sonic boom shattering windows in its wake. Close behind, Vicky, Misono, and even Bandit follow suit, sending three more deafening booms echoing throughout downtown.

"There's your window, Siegfried! Go go go!" Indigo Lead urges.

"We're moving!" Siegfried calls out as the helicopter squadron regroups, making a beeline straight for the coast.

"INCOMING CONTACTS DETECTED." Swallow warns.

Sure enough, it looks like this was the last straw for the drones, as a number of the suspected drones begin breaking formation and moving to pursue Siegfried.

"Schnee here, Erusea's informed us that the fighters chasing you are open targets. You want us to intercept?"

>Let Schnee handle the drones so you can stick with the convoy.
>You can handle the drones so Schnee can remain on top cover.
>Other

>>4001310
>>Let Schnee handle the drones so you can stick with the convoy.

>>4001310
>>Let Schnee handle the drones so you can stick with the convoy.

>>4001310
>>Let Schnee handle the drones so you can stick with the convoy.

>>4001310
>Let Schnee handle the drones so you can stick with the convoy.

Tear them apart Pelicans

>>4001310
>You can handle the drones so Schnee can remain on top cover.

>>4001310
>Let Schnee handle the drones so you can stick with the convoy.

>>4001310
>>Let Schnee handle the drones so you can stick with the convoy.

File: F-14 Mickey Simon.jpg (59 KB, 1024x576)

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Rolled 5, 4, 9 = 18 (3d10)

>>4001310
...

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>>4001349
"Go get 'em, Schnee!" You call out.

"Roger, we'll handle these drones. You're on the home stretch now." Schnee Lead replies.

Overhead, you see the first volley of LAAMs dive down from the clouds, slamming into the lead drone planes and instantly disintegrating them into clouds of debris.

"Fighting has broken out once again over Farbanti as it looks like Belkan fighters are shooting down Erusean planes! Yet I can see other Erusean planes nearby refusing to intervene..."

Your radar shows the drones' formation breaking up as they suddenly come under attack. Good. As long as they're dodging missiles they couldn't chase after you or Siegfried.

"T-This is going pretty well, isn't it?" Vicky wonders.

"Hey, don't jinx it." You chide your wingmate. "We're only halfway there."

By this point, Siegfried had reached the shoreline and was now over open water. It was only a few hundred more meters until they could reach the fleet-

>Roll 1d10 (ID test 5)

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>4001353

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>4001353

Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>4001353

>>4001355
I will save it.

Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>4001353
Rolling

>>4001353
Vicky jinxed it

Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>4001353

>>4001355
Dammit, Vicky.

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>>4001353
Suddenly, one of the frigates in the fleet explodes, showering the water around it with flaming debris as the hull snaps in half and rapidly sinks.

"The Maxwell is hit! She's sinking!"

"Who the hell fired that shot? Radar, what are you doing!?"

"Moving in to pick up survivors!"

Suddenly, a very familiar plane blasts past the fleet at blinding speed, followed by a squadron of Su-35s following in perfect formation.

"Unknown contacts! Unknown contacts!"

"We're moving in to engage!" Grun Lead announces.

"We can guide Siegfried in the rest of the way, Ravens!" Indigo Lead insists. "We can't afford to lose the fleet!"

>You can't risk drawing planes away from Siegfried's escort.
>Grun is going to need your help against the Raven.
>Tell Grun to fall back to let you handle it. The Raven is going to eat them alive.
>Other

>>4001383
>>Tell Grun to fall back to let you handle it. The Raven is going to eat them alive.
Have them support the convoy too I guess

>>4001383
>Tell Grun to fall back to let you handle it. The Raven is going to eat them alive.

Have them guard the convoy. We will handle END.

>>4001383
>Tell Grun to fall back to let you handle it. The Raven is going to eat them alive.

>>4001383
>>Tell Grun to fall back to let you handle it. The Raven is going to eat them alive.

Time to light some fireworks. And maybe try to communicate with the bastard.

>>4001383
>>Tell Grun to fall back to let you handle it. The Raven is going to eat them alive.

>>4001383
>>Tell Grun to fall back to let you handle it. The Raven is going to eat them alive.
I hope Swallow can still help out here.

>>4001383
>Tell Grun to fall back to let you handle it. The Raven is going to eat them alive.

Just be prepared for that Raven to have upgrades.

>>4001383
>>Tell Grun to fall back to let you handle it. The Raven is going to eat them alive.

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>>4001383
"Grun, back off! Raven will handle this!" You call out, pulling your stick up to climb to a proper fighting altitude. "That's an ace level enemy right there! It'll eat you alive!"

"B-but-"

"Red's right. Stay back." Bandit instructs. "Pick off any of the Su-35s you can isolate, but leave the Raven to us."

"A-Acknowledged." Grun Lead replies hesitantly.

"That formation flying..." Misono mutters as the Raven and its Su-35 wingmates wheel around for another pass. "It's too precise. Too well timed. Are they really human?"

"I-It's possible END has drones slaved to their plane." Vicky remarks. "They're using the Raven itself as their command and control node!"

"THERE IS AN 87.7% CHANCE THAT VICKY'S THEORY IS CORRECT." Swallow weighs in. "SIGNAL JAMMING RECOMMENDED."

"What if we can jam their communications?" You wonder.

"The fleet is equipped to do that, but it'll interfere with our comms as well. They also won't be able to provide effective fire support as long as the jamming is active." Bandit clarifies.

>Get the fleet to jam communications.
>Better to have the fleet provide fire support.
>Other

>>4001436
>>Get the fleet to jam communications.

>>4001436
>Get the fleet to jam communications.

>>4001436
>Get the fleet to jam communications

Melt their Clanker brains. We can handle this on our own.

>>4001436
>Get the fleet to jam communications.

>>4001436
>>Get the fleet to jam communications.

>>4001436
>>Get the fleet to jam communications.

Time to give them one massive Square Wave.

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>>4001436
""Well, I'm fine with that." You remark.

"We can take them!" Misono chimes in.

"H-hopefully!" Vicky stammers.

"ODDS OF SUCCESS WOULD BE 65.2% IN YOUR FAVOR." Swallow adds.

"Lutjens, we need wide area communications jamming." Bandit calls out. "We need to disrupt the coordination of these drones!"

"Roger that, we're powering up our ECM equipment!" Lutjens replies. "All units, prepare for comms interference!"

You wince as your radio suddenly explodes with static and white noise.

"Ravens, can you hear me?" Bandit queries, his voice fuzzy and warped.

"Barely!" Misono's voice sounds like she's in a heavy rainstorm.

"Hello? Hello?" Vicky wails, her voice warbling unnaturally from the interference.

"I can read you all." You say as you check your comm frequencies. Everything else was dead. Looks like you were down to short range squadron comms for now.

However, the enemies didn't seem to be faring so well, either. The tight formation the Su-35s were keeping with the Raven suddenly breaks up as the individual drones lose cohesion and fall back on their pre-programmed routines.

However, even with the degradation of its wingmates, the Raven continues to barrel towards you.

>Gang up on the Raven while the drones are interrupted!
>Wipe out the drones while they're incapacitated to deprive the Raven of support.
>Other

>>4001474
>Wipe out the drones while they're incapacitated to deprive the Raven of support.

Tear off it's talons

>>4001474
>>Gang up on the Raven while the drones are interrupted!

Time to see if we can knock it out right off the bat.

>>4001474
>>Gang up on the Raven while the drones are interrupted!

>>4001474
>>Gang up on the Raven while the drones are interrupted!

>>4001474
>>Gang up on the Raven while the drones are interrupted!

>>4001474
>Wipe out the drones while they're incapacitated to deprive the Raven of support.

>>4001474
>>Wipe out the drones while they're incapacitated to deprive the Raven of support.

>>4001474
>>Gang up on the Raven while the drones are interrupted!

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>>4001474
This was your chance to gang up on END while the drones were out of the picture!

Coordination with your squad was going to be difficult, but you were confident enough that they would be able to grasp the situation.

What you did know, though, was that END almost always tried to exclusively target you, so you could use that to your advantage...

>Draw END into a head on engagement!
>Lead END on a merry chase while your squad gets in position to flank!
>Other

>>4001523
>>Draw END into a head on engagement!

>>4001523
>Lead END on a merry chase while your squad gets in position to flank!

>>4001523
>>Lead END on a merry chase while your squad gets in position to flank!

>>4001523
>>Lead END on a merry chase while your squad gets in position to flank!

>>4001523
>>Lead END on a merry chase while your squad gets in position to flank!

Get him close to the water and dump missiles below us into the water. If he doesn't crash, it'll leave him open to attack by everyone else when he bleeds off his energy to avoid the wall.

File: Red 33.png (1.5 MB, 1280x1259)

1.5 MB PNG

Rolled 7, 3, 1, 5, 8 = 24 (5d10)

>>4001523
Heh, knowing that END was after your ass, you swing your Su-47 and fly off in the opposite direction to draw them deeper into your allies. END naturally takes the bait and zooms in, seemingly not even caring about Bandit, Vicky, and Misono's collective presence.

Hoo boy was END gonna regret that...

>Roll 1d10 (ACM test 6)

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>4001557

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>4001557
Brrrrrt

Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>4001557

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Rolled 3, 6, 9 = 18 (3d10)

>>4001557
...

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>>4001575
Suddenly, your canopy is filled with blue light as END starts firing freaking lasers at you! Did Ravens have freaking pulse lasers as a standard or something!? Suddenly, your plane shudders as the laser bolts find their mark, punching some holes clean through your right wing.

"Shit!" You grunt. "Some help would be nice now!"

The rest of your squadron comes in behind END, letting off a volley of missiles. However, END was quick, pulling off a sharp, almost 90 degree turn to throw off the missiles. Thankfully, though, Vicky is able to keep her nose on END for a few critical seconds, letting off a volley of cannon fire. Sparks fly across the fuselage of the Raven as cannon rounds punch into it, but the craft remains flying.

The END continues to fall back, blasting past the Su-35 drones which were just now starting to respond, moving to attack. No doubt END was using them as distractions to find a new opening to ambush you.

"The evacuees are loaded up!' Lutjen announces, his ship's more powerful comms cutting through the interference. "The fleet will now be withdrawing to open water! All remaining fighters are to follow at their own discretion!"

Sure enough, you could see the Belkan fleet slowly turning around to sail out of Farbanti. It wouldn't be long until you'd be out of the range of their ECM interference.

>Withdraw with the fleet.
>You got the opportunity to take down END right here!
>Other

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>>4001585
>You got the opportunity to take down END right here!

For Belka!

>>4001585
>>You got the opportunity to take down END right here!

>>4001585
>You got the opportunity to take down END right here!

>>4001585
>Withdraw with the fleet.
We got a fucked up right wing and we didn't bother cleaning up the drones, with our ECM retreating.

>>4001585
>You got the opportunity to take down END right here!

>>4001585
>Withdraw with the fleet.

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>>4001585
Screw that! You weren't letting END get away again! Not after all the crap they put you through! You immediately throttle up and chase after the Raven.

"Red!" Bandit barks. "Damnit! Swordfish, get on her wing!"

"O-of course!" Vicky gulps as she throttles up as well, her Gripen struggling to keep up with your Su-47.


Up ahead, the drone Su-35s were already forming a defensive screen between you and END. Sure, their combat capabilities were severely reduced, but that didn't mean they weren't still a threat.

"DANGER. DAMAGE TO WING MAY COMPROMISE PERFORMANCE." Swallow warns.

"Yeah, what's new?" You roll your eyes.

>Looks like you'll have to tangle with the drones first.
>Bust through the drones and trust Bandit and Misono can handle them
>Other

>>4001607
>Bust through the drones and trust Bandit and Misono can handle them

We are on borrrowed time. Run a lance into END's heart. One good pass.

>>4001607
>Bust through the drones and trust Bandit and Misono can handle them

>>4001607
>>Bust through the drones and trust Bandit and Misono can handle them

>>4001607
I hate this plan.

>Bust through the drones and trust Bandit and Misono can handle them

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Rolled 8, 9, 10 = 27 (3d10)

>>4001607
"All right, Swordfish! We're breaking straight through them!" You yell.

"W-w-what?!" Vicky wails. "That's crazy!"

"I CONCUR." Swallow adds.

"Quiet, you." You grunt.

>Roll 1d10 (ACM test 6)

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>4001628

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>4001628

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>4001628

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Rolled 7, 9, 6 = 22 (3d10)

>>4001628
...

File: AC7_Farbanti_Flooded_District.jpg (1.4 MB, 1920x1080)

1.4 MB JPG

>>4001632
Your missile warning alarm screams as the Su-35 drones fire off their missiles in a staggered wave, filling your canopy with smoke and fire.

"Aaaaah! We're gonna die!" Vicky wails.

"Keep going forward! If we close the distance fast enough we can get past before they have a chance to track!" You assure her.

Sure enough, the missiles sail harmlessly by as your momentum carries you past their minimum effective range. On your radar, you can see Bandit and Misono as well as elements from Grun slam into the Su-35s head on. Schnee also joins in, hitting the drones behind as they move to catch up with the fleet.

That just leaves END, who was making their way to Farbanti's Flooded District, no doubt to use the various ruined high rises as cover and hazards to lure you into.

"Are we really going into that!!?" Vick gulps.

"CHANCES OF SUCCESSFUL PURSUIT AT 40.5%." Swallow announces.

>We chase down END before they can get in.
>Vicky stay high and I'll flush END out.
>Other

>>4001637
>We chase down END before they can get in.

>>4001637
>>Vicky stay high and I'll flush END out.

>>4001637
>>We chase down END before they can get in.

>>4001637
>>We chase down END before they can get in.

>>4001637
>>Vicky stay high and I'll flush END out.

File: Red 22.jpg (1.11 MB, 1121x1650)

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Rolled 6, 10, 9, 7 = 32 (4d10)

>>4001637
"It's simple, Swordfish!" You cackle. "We just beat END there and shoot 'em down first"


"A-all right! Take the lead, then!" Vicky grunts.

>Roll 1d10 (ACM test 6)

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>4001667

Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>4001667

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>4001667

Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>4001667

File: Vicky 15.jpg (810 KB, 850x1383)

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Rolled 5, 8, 2 = 15 (3d10)

>>4001667
...

File: ADF-11F.png (882 KB, 888x664)

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>>4001683
Maybe thanks to the damage that Vicky had inflicted earlier, the both of you re able to gain on END as they try to make a break for the Flooded District. Seemingly realizing this, END pulls an almost impossibly tight reverse loop, putting themselves at an inverted head on approach towards both you and Vicky.

>Go for the head on gun run!
>Launch missiles and peel away!
>Other

>>4001684
>Go for the head on gun run!

>>4001684
>>Launch missiles and peel away!

I have a feeling lasers will reach us faster than guns.

>>4001684
>>Go for the head on gun run!

>>4001684
>Launch missiles and peel away!

>>4001684
>Launch missiles and peel away!

>>4001684
>Launch missiles and peel away!

>>4001684
>>Launch missiles and peel away!

File: Red 24.png (640 KB, 707x1000)

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>>4001684
Remembering that this damn Raven was packing pulse lasers, you decide to let off a pair of missiles and pull away to get out of its line of fire. Vicky does the same, and a quartet of missiles zoom off to home in on END...

>Roll 1d10 (AtA test 6)

Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>4001708
I'm gonna END this

Rolled 6 (1d10)

>>4001708

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>4001708
Here comes the snow!

Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>4001708

Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>4001708

Rolled 8 (1d10)

>>4001708

>>4001709

So are we gonna send someone to try to find the pilot when they eject?

File: Vicky 20.jpg (162 KB, 1071x1500)

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Rolled 1, 3, 3, 5, 10, 4, 6 = 32 (7d10)

>>4001708
...

File: Red 30.jpg (1.94 MB, 1000x1417)

1.94 MB JPG

>>4001719
You nearly whoop out loud as you see all four missiles slam into END, shredding the Raven to pieces. However, you swear that in a split second before the missiles impacted, the front section of the craft detached from the fuselage.

"Haha! We finally nailed the fucker!" You whoop.

"I-I think they ejected or something!" Vicky cries.

You look again, and sure enough, it looks like your eyes weren't lying to you before. It looked like the pointed front end of the Raven really did detach and was gliding down towards the water on a pair of stubby, pop out wings like a fat chicken trying to fly. Before either your or Vicky can do anything about it, though, the pod plunges into the water and disappears.

"That plane has WAY too many surprises." Vicky groans.

"You're telling me." You sigh. "Well, hopefully the fleet might be able to catch them?"

"The fleet has already withdrawn to open water and the Eruseans are starting to get more aggressive in the requests for us to leave." Bandit interjects, his F-15 finally catching up to you both. "We unfortunately don't have the time or means to conduct a search and recovery operation."

"Which means they might come back again." Vicky sighs.

"Well, the plane was completely destroyed this time, so hopefully this means we won't be seeing them in the air for awhile." Misono says helpfully.

>Good, I'm not looking forward to having to deal with their shit again.
>I look forward to beating their ass again!
>What a fucking cop out!
>Other

>>4001732
>I look forward to beating their ass again!

>>4001732
>>I look forward to beating their ass again!
I hope the survivors on that frigate got picked up by the fleet.

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>>4001732
>>I look forward to beating their ass again!

At this rate, they'll probably be wearing their own special pilot suit the next time we meet.

>>4001732
>I look forward to beating their ass again!

>>4001732
>>What a fucking cop out!

I doubt we'll get it, but it doesn't hurt to ask the navy to dump some VL-ASROCs in the area if they have them.

>>4001732
>I look forward to beating their ass again!

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>>4001732
"I look forward to beating their ass again!" You laugh.

"That's the spirit!" Misono laughs as well.

"I'd rather not face them again..." Vicky groans.

"Girls, focus. We need to link up with the fleet before the Eruseans decide to shoot us down." Bandit reminds you all. "Let's go."

As you all follow Bandit out of Farbanti, you notice a the flock of news helicopters was already waiting at the mouth of the bay, apparently looking to get on last photo op. You're in a good enough mood now that you decide to indulge them a bit, dipping down and giving them a nice, good look at your plane before boosting away.

Heh, you wonder how things were gonna be like back home...

>And that's it for tonight! We'll continue things on Saturday so stay tuned!

>>4001745
Thanks for running Merc!

>>4001745
Thanks for the thread!

>>4001745

I hope we manage to nab the spy in our midst.

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>>4001745
By some miracle, out of that entire mess, the relief force managed to get out of Farbanti with few losses. The fleet lost a frigate along with a portion of its crew, but none of the fighters were shot down and more importantly, not a single evacuee was lost, though there were some light injuries among them and the troops sent to assist them.

And with that, the fleet began to make its way to Selatapura to refuel and resupply before taking the Embassy evacuees the rest of the way back to Belka proper.

Raven Squadron meanwhile...

>Went on ahead to Selatapura.
>Stuck with the fleet the whole way.
>Other

>>4003097
>>Stuck with the fleet the whole way.

>>4003097
>>Stuck with the fleet the whole way.

>>4003097
>>Stuck with the fleet the whole way.

>>4003097
>Went on ahead to Selatapura.

Also I'd like to give ourselves a pat on the back for how well that entire shitshow went all things considered.

>>4003097
>>Stuck with the fleet the whole way.

>>4003097
>Stuck with the fleet the whole way.

>>4003097
>Stuck with the fleet the whole way.
Yeah not many losses, just 1 frigate, which in Strangereal naval terms is a normal day's travel.

>>4003097
>Stuck with the fleet the whole way.

>>4003097
>>Stuck with the fleet the whole way.

>>4003097
>>Stuck with the fleet the whole way.

We going spy hunting now?

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>>4003097
>Went on ahead to Selatapura.

>>4003157
>inb4 there's a sleeper agent in Raven.

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>>4003097
Raven Squadron meanwhile decided to stick with the fleet, giving the other squadrons a chance to go ahead to Selatapura to rest. After all, they had been continuously keeping watch over the fleet all this time. Also, with END taken down, no imminent threat to the fleet was expected.

As such, you were casually flying with the rest of your squadron over the fleet. Swallow had gone into sleep mode and was silent. That honestly gave you time to think over some things, the like the spy leaking info to these One Belka remnants. The existence of these One Belka remnants in the first place. And their involvement in the Embassy situation. Just what were their aims?

"Red." Bandit speaks up on a direct frequency. "Something the matter?"

"Huh?" You pause. "What do you mean?"

"You've been awfully quiet. Normally you'd be singing and cheering over a big victory, especially taking down an enemy ace like that." Bandit points out.

Damn, was your behavior really that obvious?

>It's nothing.
>This whole damn thing's been bothering me!
>Other

>>4003259
>>>This whole damn thing's been bothering me!

>>4003259
>>This whole damn thing's been bothering me!

>>4003259
>This whole damn thing's been bothering me!

>>4003259

>It's nothing.

>>4003259
>This whole damn thing's been bothering me!

>>4003259
>This whole damn thing's been bothering me!

>>4003259
>This whole damn thing's been bothering me!

>>4003259
>>This whole damn thing's been bothering me!

>>4003259
>This whole damn thing's been bothering me!

>>4003259
>>This whole damn thing's been bothering me!

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>>4003259
"This whole damn thing has been bothering me!" You blurt. "How the hell is OB all over the damn place? Why the hell do they keep hounding us? And why the hell were they at Farbanti!?"

"One thing at a time." Bandit sighs. "I was afraid all this was going to come up sooner or later."

"So what the hell are we supposed to do?!" You groan.

"Just like we do in any mission." Bandit says calmly. "We identify the threats and neutralize them one by one."

"Right, right." You sigh.

"But you know, the moment we get back, they're going to want us to go back to Belka for publicity." Bandit points out. "This was the first time in a long time Belka was able to successfully pull off a major military action on its own."

"So what you're saying is, we got a lot of shit to take care of." You groan.

"Essentially, yes." Bandit confirms.

>You should probably do some much needed publicity tours to boost Belka's image.
>You should focus on smoking out that spy.
>With END out of commission for a while, now's the best time to find their mobile base.
>Other

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>>4003471
>You should probably do some much needed publicity tours to boost Belka's image.

We do have an election to influence. Besides we deserve a break.

>>4003471
>>You should probably do some much needed publicity tours to boost Belka's image.

Might as well see if the press is better than the people trying to kill us.

>>4003471
>You should probably do some much needed publicity tours to boost Belka's image.
Good morale for the home country is always good

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>>4003471
>You should probably do some much needed publicity tours to boost Belka's image.
Karla can go find the spy, that seems like more her thing.

>>4003471
>>You should probably do some much needed publicity tours to boost Belka's image.

>>4003479
Well that, and we need to get Milly's name out there. The Osean propoganda machine needs to be outshone by her knightly...knightness.

Regardless, baby kissing it is.

>>4003471
>>You should probably do some much needed publicity tours to boost Belka's image.

>>4003471
>You should focus on smoking out that spy.

>>4003471
>You should focus on smoking out that spy.

>>4003495
Maybe she'll manage to use the opportunity to weed out the spy? I hope she's good enough with a handgun as she is with her jet's guns.

>>4003512
My presumption is that there is no organic spy. Probably a tiny drone of some kin. Or a bug.

>>4003471
>>You should probably do some much needed publicity tours to boost Belka's image.

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>>4003471
"I guess the public image thing is important." You sigh as you roll your eyes.

"It's also a good opportunity to give the rest of the squadron some leave time." Bandit adds. "Vicky and Misono have been at it continuously this entire time."

"Yeah, I guess that's good for them too." You nod in agreement. "Well, just gotta look good for some cameras, right?"

"Essentially." Bandit grunts. "Also, I did observe something odd in that last battle."

"Huh?" You ask innocently.

"You were oddly quick to react to a lot of unexpected situations." Bandit says. "Do you have any explanation for that?"

Crap, was he on to you?

>Consult with Swallow on what to do.
>Tell Bandit about Swallow.
>Don't tell Bandit.
>Other

>>4003551
>>Consult with Swallow on what to do.

>>4003551
>Consult with Swallow on what to do.
This is where the fun begins.

>>4003551
>>Tell Bandit about Swallow.

>>4003551
>other
>i'm just that good

>>4003551
>Don't tell Bandit.

>>4003551
>Tell Bandit about Swallow.
But tell him in person

>>4003551
>>Tell Bandit about Swallow.

This was going to happen anyways at some point, might as well get it over with now that it clearly has shown it's use and before we dig ourselves a hole of lies.

>>4003569

This is a good idea, so Im adding this to my vote:

>>4003570

>>4003551
>>Tell Bandit about Swallow.
Sooooooo... Remember that Wyvern we salvaged?

>>4003551
Switching too

>Consult with Swallow on what to do.

Should be fun

>>4003551
>Tell Bandit about Swallow.

>>4003569
>>4003574
Yeah, let's introduce him directly to it.

>>4003551
>>Tell Bandit about Swallow.
>>4003570

>>4003551
>Tell Bandit about Swallow.

>>4003570
I worry about telling him over the coms in case our planes are bugged.

>>4003589
We have an answer to this:
"But tell him in person"
>>4003569

If we want to be a real smooth operator I Guess we could also combine it with "i'm just that good" and then tell him in person after we land, but honestly that ship probably already sailed since Bandit brought attention to it anyways.
>>4003556

>>4003551
>>Don't tell Bandit.
Nope. Nope nope nope! Not to Bandit! She just knows The End that well by now!

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>>4003551
"Um, I'll tell you about it when we land." You assure him. "It'll make sense. Trust me."

"All right, then." Bandit says. "We're almost back at Selatapura, anyways.

Sure enough, just ahead, you could see the familiar sight of the Lighthouse lancing up into the sky. You finally part ways with the fleet as it makes its way to the bay, and your squadron heads for the air base, which was now much more crowded with all the Belkan planes filling up the available hangar space. Still, you're able to land and find an open hangar, where Mead is already waiting for you.

"Can't help but make a scene for yourselves, huh?" Mead grins as she helps you out of your cockpit.

"Already heard about it?" You raise an eyebrow.

"Heard about it? The whole damn thing was being broadcast live!" Mead laughs. "It's definitely got a lot of people talking, that's for sure!"

"I can guess what they're talking about." You roll your eyes. "A resurgent Belka! They'll be invading Ustio again any day now!"

"Yeah, that's what a lot of people are screeching about." Mead chuckles. "Who knows, they might be right!"

"Ha ha, very funny." You grunt.

"Hey, don't take it personally. It's a time to celebrate!" Mead laughs. "All your Belkan buddies have pretty much invaded the bar, if you want to go look for them. Otherwise, I guess you're free to go anywhere, I guess."

"Okay, thanks for the tip." You nod.

"And you'll have to explain to me how you got your wing turned into a pincushion!" Mead continues as she slaps you on the back very, very hard. "I'm sure it'll be a lovely story!"

"Uh, yeah, totally!" You laugh nervously as you make your escape.

As you step out of the hangar, you could see Bandit making his way over to the admin building. No doubt to get an update from Command. You also noticed Alanna and Angela standing off at a secluded section of the runway, casually drinking beers. What were they both doing out there?

"Milly! Are you coming with us?" Vicky yelps as she and Misono wave at you. Looks like they were headed to the bar to join the celebration.

>Go with Bandit for the debrief.
>Have some fun with Vicky and Misono.
>Go see what Angela and Alanna are up to.
>Other

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>>4003643
>Have some fun with Vicky and Misono.
AVE BELKA AVE BELKA AVE BELKA

>>4003643
>Have some fun with Vicky and Misono.

Alright guys, we lost the drinking game twice in a row.

VENGEANCE SHALL BE OURS

>>4003643
>Have some fun with Vicky and Misono.

>>4003643
>Go see what Angela and Alanna are up to.

>>4003643
>>Go with Bandit for the debrief.

>>4003643
>>Go with Bandit for the debrief.

>>4003645
Milly doing traditional drinking dance soon

>>4003643
>Go with Bandit for the debrief.
I want to get more info, the amount of infiltration which has to have happened for them to have known the exact forces which were going to be used so they could disguise their drones as our guys is honestly ridiculous. Also good time to do the thingy where we talk to bandit like we promised.

>>4003643
>>Have some fun with Vicky and Misono.

>>4003643
>>Go with Bandit for the debrief.

>>4003643
>>Go with Bandit for the debrief.
we need to tell him about dronebuddy,the sooner the better

>>4003653
Wanna help put us over Fren

>>4003692
shush you, we need the vote for Angela and Alanna.

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>>4003643
Well, you were sure everybody was still going to be drinking and partying late in to the night, so you decide to tag along with Bandit for the moment. You quickly catch up to him about halfway to the admin building.

"So, what was it that you wanted to tell me in private?" Bandit asks.

"Well, um..." You instinctively look around to see if anyone was listening, but you were in the middle of an empty runway. "I actually managed to salvage a working AI and I've sorta been using it."

"...ah." Bandit nods. "That makes sense."

"...huh?" You pause. "That's it? You're not angry or anything?"

"Should I be?" Bandit frowns. "Support AIs aren't illegal. Just rare."

"R-right, I guess so." You concede.

"Still, I suppose you salvaged it from the Wyvern, didn't you?" Bandit raises an eyebrow. "It's the only thing we've encountered recently that would hold something so advanced."

"Yeah... pretty much right on the money." You sigh.

"Well, keep it close. AIs are valuable things." Bandit instructs as he opens the door.

"Hm? What's valuable?" Karla, who was standing on the other side of the door, wonders.

Goddamnit!

>Noooothing.
>I got an AI! Ain't that cool?
>Other

>>4003735
>Noooothing
These people are relentless

>>4003735
>>Other
"Attending the debrief would be a valuable experience for me..."

>>4003735
>I got an AI! Ain't that cool?
>other
>but dont tell nobody

>>4003735
>>I got an AI! Ain't that cool?

>>4003735
>Noooothing.
Can't trust her, she's got an Osean passport.

>>4003735
>>I got an AI! Ain't that cool?

>>4003735
>Noooothing.

>>4003735
>Noooothing.
It's not that I don't trust Karla, but for some reason my brat-o-meter is going crazy. All who needs to know, knows.

>>4003735
>Noooothing.

>>4003753
Didn't you already vote, Frend?
>>4003743

>>4003735
>Noooothing.

>>4003735
>>Noooothing.

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>>4003735
"Nooooothing." You say quickly.

Bandit quickly takes your cue.

"Just the value of the power of friendship." He says with the straightest and most serious expression possible.

"Ha, that's a good one!" Karla chuckles. "Anyways, good job out there, you two. That op was a huge fucking mess but you managed to pull through, somehow!"

"Well, I mean, it is ME, after all." You cross your arms smugly.

"Uh huh, and just a few weeks ago you were bawling like a baby after running into your first enemy ace!" Karla chuckles as she ruffles your hair.

"H-hey! Quit it!" You scowl as you swat her hands away in annoyance.

"Sorry, but if you're gonna act like a brat you're gonna get treated like one!" Karla winks.

"Ladies, please." Bandit sighs. "Have you been able to figure anything out?"

"Oh yeah, looks like your little heroics forced OB to show their hand, and in turn, their involvement." Karla suddenly gets serious.

"But why would they want to attack the Embassy? Try to start a war between Belka and Erusea?" You frown.

"Because OB wanted Belka riled up by any means necessary." Karla says darkly. "If it meant sacrificing a few hundred Belkans, then so be it."

"It would certainly make Belka look the victim while simultaneously tarnishing Erusea's image even further." Bandit nods. "But that would almost certainly start a war between the two nations."

"Both the government and Grunder crunched the numbers." Karla explains darkly. "And both studies agreed that in Erusea's current state, Belka stands a real shot at winning if it got serious."

"But not without blood." Bandit narrows his eyes.

"Lots of blood. Belkan blood." Karla nods.

>That's pretty sick.
>Gotta admit, it's a pretty well thought out plan.
>Other

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>>4003824
>That's pretty sick.
Belkans should only be sacrificed in defense of the Fatherland, not in some trick on the other side of the planet.

>>4003824
>That's pretty sick.
Belkan knights do not squander Belkan blood with foul conspiracies.

>>4003824
>>That's pretty sick.

>>4003824
>That's pretty sick.

>>4003824
>>That's pretty sick.

>>4003824
>>That's pretty sick.

>>4003824
>That's pretty sick.

This Plan seems kind of pointless and dumb.
We gain nothing from a war with Erusea. They don't even border us, and they hold no Belkan soil. What's the angle here?

This seems like a decoy

>>4003844
Like honestly, this would make a lot more sense if they bombed an Osean or Ustian embassy.

>>4003824
>>That's pretty sick.
Also this
>>4003844
It doesn't serve the purpose of reclaiming sacred clay and reunification, wonder who is funding this operation?

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>>4003855

>>4003857
Makes me suspect if there is, in fact a Make Osea Great Again movement

>>4003824
>That's pretty sick.
Seems like a real waste of Belkan blood. Belka’s doesn’t even have it’s original borders let alone control of the continent, I highly doubt it has the long term strength to start conquering and colonizing other places outside the continent.

>>4003857
Fuckinh saved.

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>>4003824
"That's pretty sick." You blanch. "And what's that going to serve? Erusea's not even on the same continent as Belka! How's that even going to help us?"

"It's their 'big picture.'" Karla sighs. "Right now, Belka is slowly rebuilding its war capability, but the biggest limiting factor is the loss of military and institutional experience. The Belkan War was decades ago, and many of the veterans have aged out or have no wish to continue serving. The future Belkan military needs to build experience, and there's nothing quicker and more efficient than a war of vengeance against an international pariah nobody will defend."

"It does make a sick sort of sense." Bandit nods in agreement. "Moving against a neighbor would instantly ring alarm bells, but not Erusea, because it's nowhere near Belka."

"And Grunder will gladly supply weapons for the conflict." Karla narrows her eyes. "They're already developing a manned version of the Arsenal Bird to get around the new IUN laws. Guess who would be the first customer?"

"Okay, okay." You groan, your head starting to hurt now. "So we fucked up OB's plan. What's OUR plan, then?"

"Well, they're definitely going to try and step up efforts to eliminate or disgrace you." Karla says grimly. "They cannot or will not believe there's a way to unify Belka that doesn't involve force. They know Raven Squadron is being propped up to advance the referendum agenda, so you're the most obvious target."

"Greeeeaaaat." You scowl. "I'm a pilot, not a superspy, you know."

"I assume steps are being taken?" Bandit crosses his arms.

"We got an informant spilling the beans on Grunder's inner workings. It's only a matter of time before the government launches an official investigation." Karla explains. "We're also aware there's a leak in the IUN informing OB of your movements. Uncle is trying to narrow it down."

"And what are you gonna be doing in all this?" You ask Karla.

"Well, I'll be your PR agent, of course!" Karla grins as she pats your shoulder. "It's going to be a media FIRESTORM when you get back to Belka!"

>I could use the help.
>Shouldn't you be helping Uncle out?
>Other

>>4003872
>Shouldn't you be helping Uncle out?

like thanks and all but nah

>>4003872
>>Shouldn't you be helping Uncle out?
So OB is unmasked as the War Party in Belka now huh?

>>4003872
>Shouldn't you be helping Uncle out?
I can imagine Karla dragging Milly backstage when she starts ranting about how we need to burn Osea down.

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>>4003872
>>I could use the help.

I hope Karla has a good few words of encouragement if Milly and the team have to do a photoshoot in their pilot suits.

>>4003872
>Shouldn't you be helping Uncle out?

>>4003882
"Miss Milly, may we have your opinion on the Ustian Question?"
"Such a country does not exist"

>>4003886
"Oh you mean South Belka? The food is great!"

>>4003872
>>Other

Wouldn't your involvement make things a little more blatent?

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>>4003872
"Shouldn't you be helping Uncle out?" You raise an eyebrow.

"What? You mean to say you don't want me around?" Karla replies with mock sadness. "I thought we were tight, Milly! How could this be?"

"I'm a big girl, I can take care of myself." You roll your eyes, playing along. "Trust me, I won't say anything that'll rock the boat, okay?"

"See, you SAY that..." Karla laughs.

"I can keep an eye on her." Bandit assures Karla. "You can trust me on that."

"And THAT'S why you're in charge of the squadron!" Karla winks. "You just gotta behave yourself, okay, Milly?"

"Yeah, yeah." You grumble.

"Oh yeah, and I like the new flightsuit you're rocking! Really showing off those curves!" Karla winks and gives a thumbs up.

Wait what- Oh crap! You totally forgot you were still wearing the new G-suit!

>Sh-shut up!
>I look better in it than you did!
>Other

>>4003911
>I look better in it than you did!

>>4003911
>>I look better in it than you did!

Never live it down.

>>4003911

>I look better in it than you did!
>Other
Hug her.

>>4003911
>I look better in it than you did!

Our boobs are filled with chivalry

>>4003911
>I look better in it than you did!

>>4003911
>I look better in it than you did!

Need we bring up the fact we KNOW the photo exists of her in it?

>>4003923
Still better than if Milly knows that she secretly still has it, and Ellisa doesn't know.

>>4003911
>>I look better in it than you did!
And I bet Karla totally can't fit in her's now after she's become a mother.

>>4003926
Who knows? Maybe it's one of those suits that are more or less vacuum sealed after it's put on?

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Rolled 12, 14, 6 = 32 (3d20)

>>4003911
"Yeah? Well I look better in it than you ever did!" You pout.

>Roll 1d20