Variable Geometry: Re-Vision - Out of PHASE
Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2005 2:14 am
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Masaki's note: No you don't need a stronger prescription; this is indeed my second attempt at Variable Geometry.
I was not satisfied with the direction I was taking it originally and with this rendition I am hoping to include more FMP character involvement because I know I was severely lacking in that department last time, and I also know that’s what readers wanted.
There's going to be numerous changes but for the sake of saving confusion I'm not going to change any original character names this time around. I think I'm going to try concentrating more on how Kaname Chidori feels.
Anyway, your comments, criticism, and the like are welcome...
I'll also leave the default colouring of this fic black unlike the navy blue it was last time because at certain points I’ll use colouring to differentiate between things, see below.
Text formatted like this is a character's thoughts.
Text formatted like this is usually a text or words displayed/said by machines. This may extend to written documents as well, or I may just use a different colour.
Credits
Original Concept, Characters & Story: Shoji Gatoh
Variable Geometry: “Timeless Enigma” Tsushima Masaki
The Suggestions Man: Tsunami Firestorm
Military Advice: Grand Admiral McFini, HELLFIRE
Out of PHASE Editor/Stigma Reader: Miz~Chidori
Thanks for your help and hopefully I finish a story this time, heh >_>
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Variable Geometry Re-Vision
Out of PHASE
“This is Urzu 7 reporting in, I’m in position and everything is green.”
“Urzu 6, ditto on colour. I’m setting up my spot.”
“Keep your eyes glued to your sensors, they’ll be here sooner or later. Urzu 6, report in again when you are set up. I want to see you trust your machine.”
“Roger, Urzu 6 out.”
“What’s wrong Sousuke? Cover me while I get my rifle ready!”
Above them was the clear blue sky, below and around them 360 degrees was a sea of sand. They had been stationed in the Middle East as a defensive force to repel any attacks made by a certain terrorist faction. Urzu 6 and 7 were on the edge of high sand dune. Their position allowed for an excellent tactical view of area ahead of them.
The ARX-7 Arbalest moved in from the 3 o’clock of the M9 Gernsback to support him. Other M9s were positioned in a loose formation to effectively counter any enemy ground unit that would approach the Oman/Yemen border.
“We’re getting more intel from Operations HQ. Seems like we can expect enemy air units as well,” First Lieutenant Clouzot, Urzu 1 informed his squad.
“This is unbelievable, such a small group even has air units?” complained Urzu 10.
“Nevermind the size, just focus on the mission. If it gets out of hand HQ has the contingency plan.” That had been Mao, the second in command of the Urzu Team.
“This is Sandbird to Urzu, enemy ground force moving in on your position, from bearing two-six-zero, ETA 2 minutes. Dammit, they’re coming in a full speed, we’re detecting… at least 10 Savages.”
“Weber, stop taking so long and get that damn gun ready!”
Arabian Sea
Flight Deck, Tuatha de Danaan
“Sandpunks, Reno Flight, listen up, we’re on alert, make sure you’re all at Alert 2, that’s right, I said Alert 2!”
“I never thought I’d be launching from a damn submarine, this is crazy!”
“Just what kind of name is Sandpunks anyway?”
“Cut the chatter kids, this is only a provisional squadron. You won’t be keeping the name long. Anyway, Stigma Flight, you all better be ready once we take off!”
“We copy that Captain.”
Bridge
“Our flight of MF-02s is ready to launch. Captain?”
Captain Teletha Testarossa, the commander of the Tuatha de Danaan, was preoccupied with analyzing the streams of data coming through the multifunctional displays directly in front of her to respond. The situation she was in was by no means tense; however, she could not keep herself from feeling immeasurable amounts of stress. Currently Urzu Team was to intercept and suppress an armed group of religious extremists headed for Oman from Yemen. Mithril had intelligence stating they were backed by a more malicious entity.
“I just hope that defective machine is effective on the battlefield,” snorted the Executive Office of the stealth submarine, Commander Mardukas.
“If you truly believe it is defective then it is useless, is it not Commander?”
Silence.
He failed to answer his superior’s rhetorical question and instead concentrated his attention on the situation unfolding around them.
Oman/Yemen Undefined Border
Within the timeframe given, the enemy force appeared in front of them and was leaving plumes of dust in their wake. “Urzu 6, I have made visual contact. Distance approximately 1500 meters. Delivering payload.” Urzu 6 sat prone atop the sand. He concentrated only on the crosshairs of the Ericon Controlaves High Speed Rifle and nothing else. All he needed to do was lay down at least 3 shots to disrupt their advance. “Come on baby, daddy needs some bull’s-eyes.”
In front of the advancing force, the hot sand had been lifted into the air, causing a dangerous confusion. “Your turn Sousuke!”
Urzu 7 launched an all-purpose missile into the midst of the smoke, trapping the enemy in crater formed by the explosion. Without any other words, Urzu sprung into action. None of the opponents stood a chance against Urzu. They had crumbled into disarray and the dust was still rising in the air.
Heat sources detected from 8 o’clock, approaching at 943 km/h. That was Al’s warning to the pilot of the ARX-7. Only airborne objects could be moving at such a velocity.
Bridge, Tuatha de Danaan
“Captain, heat sources are approaching our Arm Slave group!” yelled an observation officer.
Tessa shot out of her seat. “Analy-“
“Analysis complete; they’re surface missiles!” responded the same officer, a step ahead of the Captain.
Missiles!? According to the information coming from a tactical surveillance aircraft positioned near the combat zone there should have been no missile sites coming from that vector. That would have to mean there were reinforcements in other areas as well. Intelligence was wrong again!
Tessa gritted her teeth and made her orders known. “Tell Urzu Team to disengage and activate Advanced ECS. They are to get out of the missiles’ blast radius.” Tessa glanced over at 1st Lieutenant Chris Black who was in charge of aircraft operations onboard the Danaan. “Lieutenant Black, what is the Somnius Squad armed with?”
“Reno Flight has been geared for air-to-air combat Captain!”
Tessa had to make a decision. She needed air support now, but the current flight was not going to be very useful in destroying the ground threat… Unless! “Lieutenant Black, launch Reno Flight and inform Stigma Flight to change its payload! Half of Stigma Flight will carry ranged air-to-ground ordnance. The other half will be equipped to strike. Take care of the specifics!”
“Y-yes Captain!”
Flight Deck
“Air Control to Reno Flight, launch immediately!”
“You’re telling us to just launch? Give us some tactical information!” shouted back Major Allen LaFrois, Sandpunk Leader.
After a brief interlude Lieutenant Black’s voice returned “You will be briefed in flight, this is urgent!”
“Tch, no respect for men in the air,” he muttered. “Roger that Control. Reno Flight, complete launch prep.”
Reno 1 was the first to be loaded onto the catapult. The ground crew bustled about the sand coloured MF-02E and confirmed the pre-flight checks. The chief technician gave LaFrois a thumbs up and waved him on to the next controller. LaFrois pushed on a throttle key and rolled his aircraft towards the catapult, keeping his attention on the controller several meters in front of him. Because of the relatively cramped flight deck only 4 fighters could be on it at once, two at the catapults and two on the platforms.
LaFrois reviewed his aircraft state as the crew locked his nose wheel to the launcher. He took the time to admire the calm water in the gulf and all of the clear sky before the final moment. The controller gave the signal and he pushed his throttle to maximum. The force of acceleration pushed him into his seat and he immediately pulled up to get airborne. A second Variable Somnius launched shortly afterwards.
Hangar
Inside the grey hangar everything was hectic, especially after the announcement had been made. “Stigma Flight will change to strike role, repeat, Stigma Flight will change to strike role. Reconfigure weapons plan.”
“Listen up we’re rearming Stigma 4 to 6 with Radions in centre bay, Meteors on dropdowns and Smartdarts on the hardpoints!” barked the supervising weapons technician.
A group of technicians scurried about PF02-00-E089, the aircraft number of Sandpunk 089. With radio in hand, the supervisor for the aircraft radioed control. “We have a request for payload modification on Stigma 4-”
“Permission granted, just get them in the air already!”
5 minutes after all of Reno Flight had departed, Stigma Flight was ready to launch. “Sandpunk 089 approach catapult.”
The pilot of PF02-00-E089 completed the final systems check before pulling down the tinted visor over his narrowed eyes. The letters SAMURAI were etched on both sides of the decorated black and blue helmet. Other aircraft noise flowed over the deck mixing in with the sound of the water waves around the submarine. The Somnius’ wings were folded out in a majestic posture, awaiting the green light. “Configuration complete. Final check is green,” parroted the crewmember behind the pilot’s station. It was the voice of the Flight System Officer who oversaw a wide range of tasks aboard the aircraft. A Flight System Officer was like a combination of many the responsibilities of a “backseater.” This time the characters displayed on the white and blue helmet were HYDRATE.
The go signal was given and Samurai pushed the throttle stick forward to military power to separate from the submarine. The twin WL100 Waveliner Streamjet engines emitted a kind of indigo radiance as it pushed the body forward. The high acceleration pushed the crew back into their seats as the bird covered the 100 and some meters of the launch area and ascended into the sky.
Once airborne the pilot tugged the stick left to bank and adjusted its heading to 240, west. Upon accelerating past 700 km/h the bird underwent slight change in form. Its ruddervators flattened out and the canards reducing the radar cross section and decreasing the drag. The wing extensions also folded inwards to make the wings swept. Hydrate made quick system alterations to aid in the mission using a pullout keyboard. Even the most advanced fighters in the world needed input devices to suit the needs of the aircrew, and HOTAS would not cut it. Keyboards had proven to be almost irreplaceable in this environment because so many factors of the aircraft had to be monitored and observed. The flight AI could handle the systems itself but it hadn’t been perfected. The FSO acted like a WSO, RIO and a dynamic flight manager at the same time. This wasn’t to say all the pilot did was move the stick; responsibilities were split whichever way the crew felt was best.
“Stigma 4, heading for Bullseye 1 bearing two-three-eight, 2 kv and will sweep outside coverage for any threats to the mission.”
The mission for Stigma Flight was to search and destroy all surface-to-surface elements hampering the Arm Slave team’s mission. More transmissions were being broadcast over the radio. “Reno 2, engaging enemy AS unit.”
“Keep your vertical separation!” cautioned a wingmate.
“We’re sunrise.”
“This is AWACS Cirrus, detecting enemy aircraft inbound. Two bearing two-three-zero, 1.2 kv from Point Zero. Velocity: Mach 1. Distance is closing fast from 110, intercept immediately!”
That was more or less in Samurai’s flight path and he called it. “Stigma 4, going to kill.”
“Stigma 4, you are cleared hot.”
“Corvette, I’m locked on.”
“Don’t even think about crashing until you’re empty.”
“Remember it’s hard to confirm AA kills, you’ll probably never get to be a real ace.”
“Reno 3, brevity. Cut the chatter.”
“We’ve just gone feet dry, approaching sunrise,” Hydrate informed the pilot, “AWACS request dope.” Hydrate pulled out the keyboard once again and tweaked the radar scan parameters. On the extended radar two blips approached their position quickly. Hydrate awaited the “fire tone” and other cueing signals. “Samurai get ready.” Once the signals were received the pilot depressed a red button on his stick. “Stigma 4, Fox 1, Fox 1. Two in the air,” he called as he readied for an F-pole maneuver.
Two MAIM-4 Lances dropped from the central weapons bay and initiated their propulsion. Cirrus would provide additional guidance information to the missiles to ensure good results. Samurai hit the left rudder pedal briefly and tilted the Somnius left to prepare for a hard turn. The terrain underneath was for the most part flat and dull. The sky was uninteresting as well with no clouds to amuse the aircrews.
* * *
Urzu Team had survived the missile strike well enough, even though the ordnance used had flung fragments deadly enough to penetrate AS armor. Arbalest sprang from the left and to the right of an RK-92 Savage. The white-coated armor made it appear as if it was a mad sand ghost. With monomolecular cutter in hand it slashed at the arm of the Savage and swung again at the torso. Kurz’s marksmanship felled a Savage to the sand with a swishy thud. The opposing force stood no real chance against this type of squad.
Cluouzot engaged two at a time utilizing his arsenal of body attacks alone. “The Lieutenant might be a killjoy but I’ve never seen anyone fight like that!” Kurz remarked to anyone who would listen.
An explosion followed by a thud caused Kurz to turn his attention to his right. A Savage had been stopped in its tracks only 2 meters away from him. “Urzu 6. keep your mouth shut and do your damn job!” Of course that had been Mao. She had just saved his ass once again from his own carelessness.
A Somnius released a bulky looking missile from its undercarriage and pulled up to evade fire from a Savage. Moments later the AS had been enveloped by the missile blast. Sousuke took the opportunity to rush in to stab the cockpit area with the cutter, effectively finishing the job.
* * *
“Midnight, switching to passive mode. Signature acquired, close in.”
“I copy.”
One surface missile site had been rendered inoperable by a single strike from Stigma 4; they were now hunting for more. Playing wild weasel was never fun, but it had to be done. Hydrate had been adjusting the passive sensor scan parameters constantly to increase its effectiveness. Something caught her eye and she gritted her teeth. With a brief glance to her right side prepared the MAIM-2 Serpents for launch. “Samurai, I’ve picked up-”
She was interrupted by a warning tone from the radar warning receiver (RWR).
Samurai swore and employed emission reduction countermeasures (ERCM) while breaking to the right. Complete ECS cloaking was not possible on this sort of machine, but partial deception was still possible. “Looks like a SAM, dammit!” Hydrate cried, readying ECM.
The Somnius was able to increase engine output while the ERCM decreased emissions radiating from the aircraft. After hitting an altitude of 1600 m, error warnings flashed on the main displays around the cockpit. An explosion rocked the right side of the aircraft and Samurai lost control. The aircrew experienced sudden negative gravity. Samurai cried out as if he’d been wounded and then fell silent. Hydrate realized what was happening as her vision started to turn crimson. Emergency notices appeared on her screen prompting her to take control of the aircraft. A message on the main panel flashed in red characters: [colour=red]No pilot. You have control.[/colour]
The FSO struggled to correct the steep descent into the sand and unfolded the wings to aid in the recovery of stability. A damage report appeared on the left MFD. The report itself wasn’t important right now since she wasn’t sticking around any longer. “Stigma 4, 089 to Killer Whale, damaged sustained, pilot injured. Aborting and RTB!”
She hit some toggle switches and increased thrust to as much as the damage control system would allow. Navigation would be difficult.
Chofu City, Tokyo, Japan
Time did not matter. Weather did not matter. All that mattered was that he had abandoned her again without a word. She felt so frustrated; she had no idea what she was supposed to do. He had already been gone for five days. Any longer and that would be a new record for absence. Every time he disappeared she never knew if it was for good, or if he’d come back to cause her trouble in a few days.
She was suffering.
She suffered when he was not with her. She suffered when he was with her. While she was thinking these thoughts, drops of liquid fell to the ground, bursting on impact.
Was it the weather crying?
Masaki's note: No you don't need a stronger prescription; this is indeed my second attempt at Variable Geometry.
I was not satisfied with the direction I was taking it originally and with this rendition I am hoping to include more FMP character involvement because I know I was severely lacking in that department last time, and I also know that’s what readers wanted.
There's going to be numerous changes but for the sake of saving confusion I'm not going to change any original character names this time around. I think I'm going to try concentrating more on how Kaname Chidori feels.
Anyway, your comments, criticism, and the like are welcome...
I'll also leave the default colouring of this fic black unlike the navy blue it was last time because at certain points I’ll use colouring to differentiate between things, see below.
Text formatted like this is a character's thoughts.
Text formatted like this is usually a text or words displayed/said by machines. This may extend to written documents as well, or I may just use a different colour.
Credits
Original Concept, Characters & Story: Shoji Gatoh
Variable Geometry: “Timeless Enigma” Tsushima Masaki
The Suggestions Man: Tsunami Firestorm
Military Advice: Grand Admiral McFini, HELLFIRE
Out of PHASE Editor/Stigma Reader: Miz~Chidori
Thanks for your help and hopefully I finish a story this time, heh >_>
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Variable Geometry Re-Vision
Out of PHASE
“This is Urzu 7 reporting in, I’m in position and everything is green.”
“Urzu 6, ditto on colour. I’m setting up my spot.”
“Keep your eyes glued to your sensors, they’ll be here sooner or later. Urzu 6, report in again when you are set up. I want to see you trust your machine.”
“Roger, Urzu 6 out.”
“What’s wrong Sousuke? Cover me while I get my rifle ready!”
Above them was the clear blue sky, below and around them 360 degrees was a sea of sand. They had been stationed in the Middle East as a defensive force to repel any attacks made by a certain terrorist faction. Urzu 6 and 7 were on the edge of high sand dune. Their position allowed for an excellent tactical view of area ahead of them.
The ARX-7 Arbalest moved in from the 3 o’clock of the M9 Gernsback to support him. Other M9s were positioned in a loose formation to effectively counter any enemy ground unit that would approach the Oman/Yemen border.
“We’re getting more intel from Operations HQ. Seems like we can expect enemy air units as well,” First Lieutenant Clouzot, Urzu 1 informed his squad.
“This is unbelievable, such a small group even has air units?” complained Urzu 10.
“Nevermind the size, just focus on the mission. If it gets out of hand HQ has the contingency plan.” That had been Mao, the second in command of the Urzu Team.
“This is Sandbird to Urzu, enemy ground force moving in on your position, from bearing two-six-zero, ETA 2 minutes. Dammit, they’re coming in a full speed, we’re detecting… at least 10 Savages.”
“Weber, stop taking so long and get that damn gun ready!”
Arabian Sea
Flight Deck, Tuatha de Danaan
“Sandpunks, Reno Flight, listen up, we’re on alert, make sure you’re all at Alert 2, that’s right, I said Alert 2!”
“I never thought I’d be launching from a damn submarine, this is crazy!”
“Just what kind of name is Sandpunks anyway?”
“Cut the chatter kids, this is only a provisional squadron. You won’t be keeping the name long. Anyway, Stigma Flight, you all better be ready once we take off!”
“We copy that Captain.”
Bridge
“Our flight of MF-02s is ready to launch. Captain?”
Captain Teletha Testarossa, the commander of the Tuatha de Danaan, was preoccupied with analyzing the streams of data coming through the multifunctional displays directly in front of her to respond. The situation she was in was by no means tense; however, she could not keep herself from feeling immeasurable amounts of stress. Currently Urzu Team was to intercept and suppress an armed group of religious extremists headed for Oman from Yemen. Mithril had intelligence stating they were backed by a more malicious entity.
“I just hope that defective machine is effective on the battlefield,” snorted the Executive Office of the stealth submarine, Commander Mardukas.
“If you truly believe it is defective then it is useless, is it not Commander?”
Silence.
He failed to answer his superior’s rhetorical question and instead concentrated his attention on the situation unfolding around them.
Oman/Yemen Undefined Border
Within the timeframe given, the enemy force appeared in front of them and was leaving plumes of dust in their wake. “Urzu 6, I have made visual contact. Distance approximately 1500 meters. Delivering payload.” Urzu 6 sat prone atop the sand. He concentrated only on the crosshairs of the Ericon Controlaves High Speed Rifle and nothing else. All he needed to do was lay down at least 3 shots to disrupt their advance. “Come on baby, daddy needs some bull’s-eyes.”
In front of the advancing force, the hot sand had been lifted into the air, causing a dangerous confusion. “Your turn Sousuke!”
Urzu 7 launched an all-purpose missile into the midst of the smoke, trapping the enemy in crater formed by the explosion. Without any other words, Urzu sprung into action. None of the opponents stood a chance against Urzu. They had crumbled into disarray and the dust was still rising in the air.
Heat sources detected from 8 o’clock, approaching at 943 km/h. That was Al’s warning to the pilot of the ARX-7. Only airborne objects could be moving at such a velocity.
Bridge, Tuatha de Danaan
“Captain, heat sources are approaching our Arm Slave group!” yelled an observation officer.
Tessa shot out of her seat. “Analy-“
“Analysis complete; they’re surface missiles!” responded the same officer, a step ahead of the Captain.
Missiles!? According to the information coming from a tactical surveillance aircraft positioned near the combat zone there should have been no missile sites coming from that vector. That would have to mean there were reinforcements in other areas as well. Intelligence was wrong again!
Tessa gritted her teeth and made her orders known. “Tell Urzu Team to disengage and activate Advanced ECS. They are to get out of the missiles’ blast radius.” Tessa glanced over at 1st Lieutenant Chris Black who was in charge of aircraft operations onboard the Danaan. “Lieutenant Black, what is the Somnius Squad armed with?”
“Reno Flight has been geared for air-to-air combat Captain!”
Tessa had to make a decision. She needed air support now, but the current flight was not going to be very useful in destroying the ground threat… Unless! “Lieutenant Black, launch Reno Flight and inform Stigma Flight to change its payload! Half of Stigma Flight will carry ranged air-to-ground ordnance. The other half will be equipped to strike. Take care of the specifics!”
“Y-yes Captain!”
Flight Deck
“Air Control to Reno Flight, launch immediately!”
“You’re telling us to just launch? Give us some tactical information!” shouted back Major Allen LaFrois, Sandpunk Leader.
After a brief interlude Lieutenant Black’s voice returned “You will be briefed in flight, this is urgent!”
“Tch, no respect for men in the air,” he muttered. “Roger that Control. Reno Flight, complete launch prep.”
Reno 1 was the first to be loaded onto the catapult. The ground crew bustled about the sand coloured MF-02E and confirmed the pre-flight checks. The chief technician gave LaFrois a thumbs up and waved him on to the next controller. LaFrois pushed on a throttle key and rolled his aircraft towards the catapult, keeping his attention on the controller several meters in front of him. Because of the relatively cramped flight deck only 4 fighters could be on it at once, two at the catapults and two on the platforms.
LaFrois reviewed his aircraft state as the crew locked his nose wheel to the launcher. He took the time to admire the calm water in the gulf and all of the clear sky before the final moment. The controller gave the signal and he pushed his throttle to maximum. The force of acceleration pushed him into his seat and he immediately pulled up to get airborne. A second Variable Somnius launched shortly afterwards.
Hangar
Inside the grey hangar everything was hectic, especially after the announcement had been made. “Stigma Flight will change to strike role, repeat, Stigma Flight will change to strike role. Reconfigure weapons plan.”
“Listen up we’re rearming Stigma 4 to 6 with Radions in centre bay, Meteors on dropdowns and Smartdarts on the hardpoints!” barked the supervising weapons technician.
A group of technicians scurried about PF02-00-E089, the aircraft number of Sandpunk 089. With radio in hand, the supervisor for the aircraft radioed control. “We have a request for payload modification on Stigma 4-”
“Permission granted, just get them in the air already!”
5 minutes after all of Reno Flight had departed, Stigma Flight was ready to launch. “Sandpunk 089 approach catapult.”
The pilot of PF02-00-E089 completed the final systems check before pulling down the tinted visor over his narrowed eyes. The letters SAMURAI were etched on both sides of the decorated black and blue helmet. Other aircraft noise flowed over the deck mixing in with the sound of the water waves around the submarine. The Somnius’ wings were folded out in a majestic posture, awaiting the green light. “Configuration complete. Final check is green,” parroted the crewmember behind the pilot’s station. It was the voice of the Flight System Officer who oversaw a wide range of tasks aboard the aircraft. A Flight System Officer was like a combination of many the responsibilities of a “backseater.” This time the characters displayed on the white and blue helmet were HYDRATE.
The go signal was given and Samurai pushed the throttle stick forward to military power to separate from the submarine. The twin WL100 Waveliner Streamjet engines emitted a kind of indigo radiance as it pushed the body forward. The high acceleration pushed the crew back into their seats as the bird covered the 100 and some meters of the launch area and ascended into the sky.
Once airborne the pilot tugged the stick left to bank and adjusted its heading to 240, west. Upon accelerating past 700 km/h the bird underwent slight change in form. Its ruddervators flattened out and the canards reducing the radar cross section and decreasing the drag. The wing extensions also folded inwards to make the wings swept. Hydrate made quick system alterations to aid in the mission using a pullout keyboard. Even the most advanced fighters in the world needed input devices to suit the needs of the aircrew, and HOTAS would not cut it. Keyboards had proven to be almost irreplaceable in this environment because so many factors of the aircraft had to be monitored and observed. The flight AI could handle the systems itself but it hadn’t been perfected. The FSO acted like a WSO, RIO and a dynamic flight manager at the same time. This wasn’t to say all the pilot did was move the stick; responsibilities were split whichever way the crew felt was best.
“Stigma 4, heading for Bullseye 1 bearing two-three-eight, 2 kv and will sweep outside coverage for any threats to the mission.”
The mission for Stigma Flight was to search and destroy all surface-to-surface elements hampering the Arm Slave team’s mission. More transmissions were being broadcast over the radio. “Reno 2, engaging enemy AS unit.”
“Keep your vertical separation!” cautioned a wingmate.
“We’re sunrise.”
“This is AWACS Cirrus, detecting enemy aircraft inbound. Two bearing two-three-zero, 1.2 kv from Point Zero. Velocity: Mach 1. Distance is closing fast from 110, intercept immediately!”
That was more or less in Samurai’s flight path and he called it. “Stigma 4, going to kill.”
“Stigma 4, you are cleared hot.”
“Corvette, I’m locked on.”
“Don’t even think about crashing until you’re empty.”
“Remember it’s hard to confirm AA kills, you’ll probably never get to be a real ace.”
“Reno 3, brevity. Cut the chatter.”
“We’ve just gone feet dry, approaching sunrise,” Hydrate informed the pilot, “AWACS request dope.” Hydrate pulled out the keyboard once again and tweaked the radar scan parameters. On the extended radar two blips approached their position quickly. Hydrate awaited the “fire tone” and other cueing signals. “Samurai get ready.” Once the signals were received the pilot depressed a red button on his stick. “Stigma 4, Fox 1, Fox 1. Two in the air,” he called as he readied for an F-pole maneuver.
Two MAIM-4 Lances dropped from the central weapons bay and initiated their propulsion. Cirrus would provide additional guidance information to the missiles to ensure good results. Samurai hit the left rudder pedal briefly and tilted the Somnius left to prepare for a hard turn. The terrain underneath was for the most part flat and dull. The sky was uninteresting as well with no clouds to amuse the aircrews.
* * *
Urzu Team had survived the missile strike well enough, even though the ordnance used had flung fragments deadly enough to penetrate AS armor. Arbalest sprang from the left and to the right of an RK-92 Savage. The white-coated armor made it appear as if it was a mad sand ghost. With monomolecular cutter in hand it slashed at the arm of the Savage and swung again at the torso. Kurz’s marksmanship felled a Savage to the sand with a swishy thud. The opposing force stood no real chance against this type of squad.
Cluouzot engaged two at a time utilizing his arsenal of body attacks alone. “The Lieutenant might be a killjoy but I’ve never seen anyone fight like that!” Kurz remarked to anyone who would listen.
An explosion followed by a thud caused Kurz to turn his attention to his right. A Savage had been stopped in its tracks only 2 meters away from him. “Urzu 6. keep your mouth shut and do your damn job!” Of course that had been Mao. She had just saved his ass once again from his own carelessness.
A Somnius released a bulky looking missile from its undercarriage and pulled up to evade fire from a Savage. Moments later the AS had been enveloped by the missile blast. Sousuke took the opportunity to rush in to stab the cockpit area with the cutter, effectively finishing the job.
* * *
“Midnight, switching to passive mode. Signature acquired, close in.”
“I copy.”
One surface missile site had been rendered inoperable by a single strike from Stigma 4; they were now hunting for more. Playing wild weasel was never fun, but it had to be done. Hydrate had been adjusting the passive sensor scan parameters constantly to increase its effectiveness. Something caught her eye and she gritted her teeth. With a brief glance to her right side prepared the MAIM-2 Serpents for launch. “Samurai, I’ve picked up-”
She was interrupted by a warning tone from the radar warning receiver (RWR).
Samurai swore and employed emission reduction countermeasures (ERCM) while breaking to the right. Complete ECS cloaking was not possible on this sort of machine, but partial deception was still possible. “Looks like a SAM, dammit!” Hydrate cried, readying ECM.
The Somnius was able to increase engine output while the ERCM decreased emissions radiating from the aircraft. After hitting an altitude of 1600 m, error warnings flashed on the main displays around the cockpit. An explosion rocked the right side of the aircraft and Samurai lost control. The aircrew experienced sudden negative gravity. Samurai cried out as if he’d been wounded and then fell silent. Hydrate realized what was happening as her vision started to turn crimson. Emergency notices appeared on her screen prompting her to take control of the aircraft. A message on the main panel flashed in red characters: [colour=red]No pilot. You have control.[/colour]
The FSO struggled to correct the steep descent into the sand and unfolded the wings to aid in the recovery of stability. A damage report appeared on the left MFD. The report itself wasn’t important right now since she wasn’t sticking around any longer. “Stigma 4, 089 to Killer Whale, damaged sustained, pilot injured. Aborting and RTB!”
She hit some toggle switches and increased thrust to as much as the damage control system would allow. Navigation would be difficult.
Chofu City, Tokyo, Japan
Time did not matter. Weather did not matter. All that mattered was that he had abandoned her again without a word. She felt so frustrated; she had no idea what she was supposed to do. He had already been gone for five days. Any longer and that would be a new record for absence. Every time he disappeared she never knew if it was for good, or if he’d come back to cause her trouble in a few days.
She was suffering.
She suffered when he was not with her. She suffered when he was with her. While she was thinking these thoughts, drops of liquid fell to the ground, bursting on impact.
Was it the weather crying?
]
where do I sign up for a checkride!
) Basically the missile has been reduced in size so that it can work effectively with aircraft like the MF-02. Of course... it's not possibile to do that to every type of missile or bomb.