RM Side Story 24: 8492nd (Part 18-2)
"That so call WMD of yours," Morgan, together with Aria, the officers of G&K, and mbers of Echelon 1, are gathering next to the repair bay designated for SCAR-L, otherwise known as Aliana. "Is not a true weapon per se. Rather, it's a derelict terraforming device that was haphazardly reactivated and weaponized into a ground-based, planetary bombardnt installation of sorts."
After Echelon 1 has been safely extracted back to Base 794, they dropped off the captured data onto Morgan. The pilot has been quick to analyze it and is now disseminating the information to the parties involved in the mission earlier. Even Aliana, whose legs are being worked on by HiPer, tunes in to the briefing.
"Terraforming device?" Helian perked up at that. "As in the hypothetical machine that can help transform planets to be more suited for human beings?"
Morgan then makes a finger gun at Helian. "You got that one half-correct, Helian. The terraforming device is coded for an alien species. Its terraforming process, when finished, will make Earth unhabitable for humankind. Hence it took Sangvis almost no trouble at all to convert it to suit their more sinister needs. From what I can see, however, the origin of this device is unknown. As in it bears no resemblance to the architecture of the Relics of your world. As for what its effects are when deploy..."
Morgan then inputs a command, running the holographic simulation of the installation in action for all to see. She then explains further for the rest. "To put it in layman's terms, the weapon will fire a beam of energy into the atmosphere, thus generating a powerful lightning storm in the targeted area. There is an approximately 12-second delay before the lightning storm cloud is visible. 2 seconds after that, the lightning bolts comnce. The duration of the strike is proportional to how much energy has been discharged from the installation. Due to the nature of the highly energetic storm, it's safe to say that all technologies in the affected area will be disabled. You can even make the argunt that just a single rain droplet in the storm is enough to short-circuit most handheld devices as it's that volatile. I need not explain how much devastation this will bring upon an army group or a populated city, no?"
The others frown, seeing the holographic projection of a storm cloud striking thunders on a hypothetical city. Helian, on her part, has a grave expression. "Just this alone is enough to cripple a nation. If Sangvis is able to get this thing online, then the war is lost before it even started."
Morgan scratches her cheek with a wry smile at that. Aria, who is the most intimate with Morgan, knows that she isn't done with the news train. "There's more to this, right?"
The others turn to Morgan at the question. Sighing, Morgan helplessly nods. "In a way, a terraforming device is a God's toy. Sangvis is basically holding a gun at humanity's head by retrofitting such a device for a more sinister purpose. And the thing is, it's already completed. The only thing left is for Sangvis to test-fire it a month from now. A tifra that is no doubt has been moved up ahead of schedule after the shenanigan we pulled last night."
"Well, this is just great." Gentiane sighed, suddenly being confronted with the fact that there was a tir on their heads.
"So... What does this an to us?" P90 asked with an unsure smile.
HiPer answers while attaching a new leg for Aliana. "It ans that we have to destroy it as soon as possible, regardless of the cost."
"Yikes... And we just barely got out of that alive." P90 collapsed onto a spare bed with a thud. It's not just her but also the other mbers of Team FN who are sporting various degrees of battle fatigues.
Kalina, who is helping HiPer pass her the necessary toolings, asks Helian. "Chief, can't we bring the Army in since this is obviously way above our paycheck."
Helian nods, saying. "I am planning to right after this. However, there's still the matter that Sangvis will be able to detect the Army's response force from miles away. Sending in the Army may just force Sangvis to act even faster now."
"But at least we will be able to get whatever help we can. The governnt may even be willing to loosen the equipnt restriction on our company." Gentiane added. "But then again, it may not amount to much when Sangvis literally has the biggest gun. I am deeply afraid for my girls when they decide to unleash a storm of lightning above their heads."
SCAR-SC chis in. "If the Army isn't the way then why can't the Soviets use their Air Force? I reckon they can bomb everything if they invest enough."
Morgan shakes her head, pulling out the layout of the installation hosting the weapon. "A bombing mission won't be enough. Sangvis literally hollowed out a mountain to hide the weapon. They also set up defensive AA positions and CIWSs all over the mountain range and I doubt this map you gave showed the full picture of what to be expected. Short of nuking the area, which I highly doubt they will choose to do due to the fallout, the only option left is to mount a major, combined-arms operation to flush Sangvis out of the Carpathians. The only downside is just like what Helian said, they will see this coming."
Aliana, who is already on a bed, sighs lancholy. "If only we didn't need to spring that alarm to get that data package. Perhaps we would have ti to formulate a better response."
SCAR-H, who is leaning by her sister's headrest, pats Aliana on the shoulder in silent comfort. Aliana responds by bringing grasping SCAR-H's hand with her refurbished arm. The mbers of G&K aren't sure about how to proceed. Seeing them in deep thought like that, Morgan and Aria share a knowing look.
It seems like their ti has co.
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Despite brainstorming for ideas from early daybreak till late evening, the G&K staff all agree that with the limited options they have available, it's better to warn the governnt first. As such, Helian has forwarded everything they have to the man-in-charge of G&K, Berezovich Kryuger himself. And using his connection as a retired military officer and forr commander of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Neo-Soviet, Kryuger is quick to alert the top brass of the Neo-USSR of the new developnt. Words fly around that they are appalled and a fire is lit under their seats while they hastily discussed counterasures to this new threat. A threat that may blow up in their face as it can invoke WW4 and the world as they know it will end.
Kryuger has ordered that all sectors are to be on alert and standby for further directives, Base 794 is also not an exception to this order. As such, it's shocked both Gentiane and Helian, who are resting for the night in their quarters, when Kalina barges into their rooms, screaming the question. "Why is it that the 8492nd Squadron is taking off!? Avalon is not responding to any of my hail and is taxing on the runway right now!"
"WHAT!?" Both Helian and Gentiane hastily put on their coats before dashing for the ATC tower. Sothing is wrong and they need to know what.
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"This is Commander Gentiane to the 8492nd Avalon Squadron! You better give a damn good reason why the hell you woke up to an unauthorized take-off procedure! In the middle of the night no less!" Gentiane nearly scread over the opened comms channel when she saw the Arias performing their vertical takeoff maneuver. Turning to Kalina, Gentiane questions. "You were the last to talk with them. What were they doing then?"
Kalina scratches her head. "Well, Papasha and I were helping them rearm their planes according to their specification. Back then, they didn't seem like they will do sothing like this!"
Suddenly, a charming laugh is heard from the other end of the comms channel. "Don't bla Kalina or Papasha, Gentiane. It's not our intention to let you girls know about what we will be doing soon. Had you known about our intention, I doubt you would let us sortie."
Gentiane looks outside, seeing the Arias already hovering above the air, leveling their altitude to that of the height of the ATC tower. While Gentiane and Helian can't see the pilots due to the armor plating on the cockpit, they have a feeling that both Morgan and Aria are staring right back at them. "You say you're sortieing, but for what? There's no ongoing mission nor is there any distress call. Unless..."
Helian finishes that sentence. "You want to deal with the weapon, alone."
Morgan chuckles. "Technically not alone as I have Aria with , mind you. And in case you've forgotten, both of us are here to deal with an anomaly, one that does not belong in this world's destiny. By now, you should have guessed what I an."
Gentiane frows, replying with clear frustration in her voice. "That terraforming device is the anomaly, isn't it?" She breathes out. "Even so! You two can't just go at this without support! That's no different than suicide!"
It's Aria that answers Gentiane's exclamation. "We are more than enough, Gentiane. If that installation is not of this world, then we just deal with it on our own terms."
"In other terms, fight fire with fire." Morgan added with a patience and kind tone. "I know you're worried, about us. But you must understand that we are tasked with a mission, one that revolves around the fate of your world. We can't just sit on our laurels now that we learned those new information. And if this world is unfit to defend itself, then we will pick up the slack, alone if we have to. I am not gonna let the friends I've made along the way, perish due to so godforsaken reasons." Aria also hums in acknowledgnt of the last sentence.
The others in the tower feel their heart sink at the assertion. They also feel elated that the pilots once again confird the new bonds they've helped create. Yet, what they're feeling the most right now is none other than frustration. One that's born out of their lacking strength and not being able to support their comrades in defending the world that's not theirs to begin with. And while they're not sure what to say in return to Morgan's assertion, the door to the ATC tower is swung open as familiar faces pour in.
"Morgan!" Aliana shouted while running toward the viewing windows. She is followed by the rest of Team FN and even Kar98k. Kar98k looks at the G&K officers and nods with a wry smile. "Sorry, madams, I tried to advise them but, as you can see..." Kar98k gestures toward Echelon 1, earning knowing nods from the human officers.
"Morgan! Aria! You don't need to do this on your own!" Aliana shouted at the hovering aircraft. "Surely we can work out sothing together, one that doesn't involve you two flying in the dark!"
A brief silence follows after Aliana's intrusion before a lancholy sigh is heard. "You girls should be in bed right now... But I guess it would be impossible for you to not wake up after this upheaval movent." Morgan jested.
The young pilot then continues. "As I have said, we are here to fulfill our mission, securing a future for this world, for you. And during our short stay here, we have managed to befriend and even fight together with you, the shining beacons in a brave new world." Morgan then stops before chuckling. "We managed to even snag a love interest or two! I am looking at you, Gentiane, and a few others who are being very vague in their feelings. Hence I can speak for both myself and Aria that this world, while not exactly our ho, is worth fighting for due to the experiences we have along the way."
Gentiane, though she blushes at being called out, smiles sadly. "But didn't you two say that you will return to your howorld when you're done here? That will give -, us no chance at all to confirm our feelings."
Morgan giggles. "I did say that, yes. And it's true that we will need to return almost imdiately."
That confirmation pained the heart of Gentiane and Echelon 1 while the others presented can only sigh forlornly. "But I never said anything about not returning, no?" Morgan suddenly asked in a cheeky manner. "Or I did and I forgot about it?"
It takes a whole five seconds for the group to register and react. "No, you surely did not say anything about not returning." Helian said while massaging her temple, already feeling a headache coming.
"Ah, right." Morgan shrugged inside her cockpit. "Then I guess it's a good ti as any to clarify that we will be able to return to this world in the future. I can't give you an exact tifra but I assure you, we will return, and this ti with a bit of fanfare. Earth has made a good impression on us, it will be a sha not to revisit, right?"
Aliana jumps at that question. "So you will return! Gosh, you scared ! Scared us into thinking that you will be gone for good!"
Gentiane also chis in. "I seconded that."
SCAR-H follows. " three."
P90 joins in. "Make that four!"
HiPer lays a head on her chest, breathing out in relief. "I am glad that this won't be our last eting."
Kalina smiles but adds. "Yeah, but it will still be goodbye, no?"
Morgan replies with a grin. "Indeed it is. But I give you my words that we will return, so don't go dying on us when we get back here. Otherwise, Aria and I will make a petition to bring the ones that die back into the land of the living and gives them a scold of a lifeti."
They laugh at the absurdity of what Morgan said, but sohow, they believe that Morgan can and will follow through word by word. Hence Gentiane, on behalf of everyone, promises. "I swear to you two that no matter how dangerous it may be, we will not go and perish in a corner sowhere. We're here to stay and will patiently await your return, and when you do, we will like to hear the tales of your conquest of your world in full."
Morgan laughs cheeringly before answering. "Won't miss out on it. After all, I will have to impress my potential wives, no?"
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"So how do you suggest we do this, Morgan?" Aria asked while flying parallel to Morgan. If the Valkyrie is feeling any bit of remorse or regret over the sudden parting with the girls of Base 794, her voice betrayed none of those.
And frankly, even Morgan doesn't show any negative emotion when she speaks. "With the scannings, we have made these past few days, I identified a flight route that will take us into the belly of the beast." She says with a light tone, very familiar with sudden partings to even feel bad about it for a long ti. "We will be flying through and beneath a canyon, all the way to the AO. This will keep us off their radars and our stealth and jamrs will cover the rest. The fact that it's nightti and raining where we are going will also help suppress the noise of our engines when we dive low. Once we penetrate into the AO, we will go weapons-free and cause as much damage as we can. Highlighting the HVTs for you now..."
"Fabricators, UCAV factories, munition plans, Doll assembly lines, train station... This place is a logistic base beneath a mountain." Aria comnted as she scrolled through the list of targets and its schematics.
"And let's not forget the periphery defenses. SCAR-SC was able to pull out so locations of Sangvis' AA installations, but not all of them. And it's expected that they will have UGVs ard with SAMs, Dolls with MANPADS, and those slumbering biped railguns. Whatever cos next will be a light show and a half." Morgan added. "Prioritize the easier-to-reach logistical buildings and high-risked targets first. As we don't have enough ordnances to blow up the weapon tucked inside a mountain itself, I will deploy on foot when the chaos reaches a certain threshold."
Aria is quick to refute. "That won't be necessary, much less even dangerous for yourself, Morgan. I can just pull on my power and obliterate the weapon and the mountain in one go. There's no need to risk yourself."
Morgan giggles, warming up at the length that Aria will go to ensure she stays unhard. Nonetheless, Morgan goes on to say. "But then where's the fun in that? Aria, there's no restriction on my power, here, in this world. Before we go ho, I want to glimpse at what the future will be capable of. This is nothing if not a suitable battleground to do that. And besides, if danger befalls , which I highly doubt there exists such a thing here, are you not my personal Valkyrie? It would be a great chance to save a damsel in distress, don't you think?"
Knowing that she can't stop her lover, Aria sighs, relenting. "Fine, but at the first sight of danger, I am pulling the plug. And trust , I am perfectly capable of discerning whatever will happen down there so don't push your luck, Morgan. The last thing you need is for Hel to hear of your bad deeds."
"Ehehehe... I won't do anything of the sort. I promise! So let this venture of mine be our little secret, pretty please~!" Morgan cooed, making Aria roll her eyes on the other side.
"You'll be fine if I don't have to bail you out." Aria said before announcing. "We're reaching the canyon."
"Then it's ti to skim across the terrain. You reckon we will buzz the heads of a patrol or two?" Morgan asked jokingly as the both of them lowered their altitude to just a few ters above any terrain obstruction.
"Logically speaking, it's possible. But I doubt they will be able to make head and tail of it with us flying at supersonic speed." Aria played along.
"Heh~, you're probably right. I think they only have a second or two to catch a glimpse of us before we're gone." Morgan concluded. And she is correct on that assumption.
When viewed from the ground, the two Arias are nothing but dark shadows that cut across the rainy night atmosphere. Very hard to spot, much less identify. The sound of their howling engines, while can still be heard, is easily mistaken for the blowing of winds and rain going through the canyon. One can even say that Yggdra herself has blessed them with such perfect weather to conduct their sneak attack.
Spoiler
Picture is courtesy of C_Yukimaru aka Ryxsen1421 on Pixiv: spixiv/en/users/8100087/illustrations
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