Waking up in the middle of the night to the blaring air raid alarm was far from a pleasant experience. Yet, here Bell was, sprinting towards the command center, while civilians rushed towards the integrated bunker complex underground. The radar system had detected three jumbo-jet-sized objects headed in their direction, prompting the dispatch of two F-15Es for interception, one of which was piloted by Larry and his WSO.
Upon entering the command building, Bell descended via the elevator to the basement level, where the main command room was located. Lessons from past experiences had led to the strategic placement of vital functions underground, ensuring that no personnel needed evacuation during an attack like this. Every air defense system was on high alert, prepared for a potential dragon attack, but the jet would serve as the initial response. It was a test to determine whether the significant investment of 100,000,000 EPs had been justified.
The command building had never appeared as bustling as it did now. Radar screens and numerous LCD displays illuminated the room, vividly illustrating the urgency of the situation. Each air defense position was displayed on the screens, with every anti-air missile system primed for action, from shore-based VLS to NASAMS.
"Keep me updated," Amelia said as she ended the call.
Lisa and Lukas remained focused on the screen displaying the point of view of a fighter pilot, along with the perspective from an AN/AAQ-33 targeting pod mounted on the underside of the F-15. The atmosphere in the command center was notably more composed than during their previous encounters with mysterious weapons and dragons.
Bell, seeking assurance, inquired about the situation. "Have all the civilians been safely evacuated to the bunkers?"
"They have," Lisa confirmed.
Bell couldn't help but express his confusion. "I still don't understand why the two of you seem so relaxed, especially considering the previous attack, not to mention they brought three dragons, three adult ones, in fact."
Amelia responded with a smirk. "We're testing a cost-effective method to deal with them. The squadrons are armed with an array of weapons, primarily modified AGMs designed to take down less agile dragons. Rest assured, the VLSs are also on standby with their modified Tomahawks."
From the pilot's perspective, two F-15s soared side by side towards the approaching dragons. Larry was visible, his gloved hands deftly navigating the cockpit controls, all against the backdrop of a moonless night sky. Bell's attention shifted to the radar screen, displaying the targets labeled Tango 1 through Tango 3. The jets themselves were aptly named Warhound 1 and Warhound 2.
One of the F-15Es was armed with four AGM(A)-130s, each originally a 1000 kg bomb modified into an air-to-ground missile, further tailored to become a dragon-killer missile. These were the cost-effective means of delivering a precise strike against the dragons. If necessary, they could escalate to the use of more expensive Tomahawk missiles from the base, expertly guided by the targeting pods.
Larry's F-15E, on the other hand, was more of a multi-role platform. It was equipped with Sidewinders and AMRAAMs for air-to-air engagements, alongside two MK 84 JDAMS. His objective was to explore the feasibility of conducting an air-to-air bombing using precision munitions, taking advantage of the dragon's inability to reach the high altitude of their current position, 20,000 meters above ground.
The other F-15Es remained on standby at the base, ready for further orders. Their role was one of support, standing by in case this turned into a multi-pronged attack or faced additional threats. Nonetheless, even if multiple threats emerged, the offshore VLS was primed and ready to respond effectively.
Inside the command center, the tension was palpable as the radar screen displayed the steadily approaching dragons. The room buzzed with activity, personnel communicating swiftly over headsets to coordinate the defense. Amelia, with a confident but intense gaze, kept a watchful eye on the screens. After all, she was the architect of this interception plan, and failure would ultimately fall on her shoulders.
In the skies above, Larry skillfully maneuvered his F-15E into an attack position, engaging the afterburners and ascending beyond the aircraft's normal safety altitude. This risky move aimed to increase the bomb's chances of hitting the target while affording his WSO a clearer shot at the dragon. His jet was now 20 kilometers away from the dragon, but at a significantly higher altitude, while the other F-15E remained 60 kilometers distant.
Larry's co-pilot, a seasoned veteran, relayed targeting information as they locked onto the first dragon, Tango 1, with the modified 1000 kg JDAM. Back in the command center, Bell observed as the targeting pod provided a sharp and detailed view of the dragon, its immense wingspan casting a noticeable shadow even in the darkness. A laser pinpointed the dragon's midsection.
"Warhound 1 WSO, bomb away!" Larry's voice crackled over the comms.
Not wanting to be outdone, Warhound 2 locked onto the dragon from a distance, and the WSO released the AGM(A)-130 missile from the wing. The missile began to track the dragon's movements, gracefully gliding down towards its central mass.
"Warhound 2 WSO, good separation, missile away," the second F-15E's crew reported.
The command center held its breath as both the bomb and the missile closed the distance, finally making contact with a thunderous explosion. The bomb hit its target, miraculously and the missile also hit the dragon in its head. The two dragons spiralled down towards the ground leaving only one target remaining, Tango 2.
"Good hit, good hit, I can see the dragon falling down from here," Larry reported with satisfaction, his targeting pod locked onto the two dragons plummeting to the ground. They hadn't seen the F-15E approaching, mainly because both aircraft were flying at high speeds, with Larry clocking in at 2,000 km/h according to the radar.
However, the targeting pod then marked the last remaining dragon, but something caught their attention. The FLIR camera picked up a human figure riding atop that particular dragon. The details of the individual's features remained unclear, but she was adorned in some sort of armored magical attire of an unknown color.
"Hey, Warhound 1, can you zoom in on that human figure?" Bell requested.
The camera on the targeting pod responded, zooming in to focus on the hooded figure riding the dragon. The garb she wore appeared to be enhanced with aether-infused metal plating for protection. The figure not only rode the dragon but also seemed to be controlling it simultaneously. Then, in a sudden twist, the hood slipped during the flight, revealing a woman.
Bell's mind raced as he processed the situation. This individual was likely responsible for all the troubles they had faced so far, from the dragon attacks to the enigmatic objects. He now faced a choice: capture her alive or eliminate her outright. Given the current circumstances, he knew which option he had to choose.
"Continue the attack, Warhound 1!" Bell ordered.
"Copy that, bomb away!" Larry's F-15E released another JDAM, and the precision munition dropped toward the flying dragon. The dragon moved erratically, but the WSO in the backseat skillfully guided the JDAM to ensure it hit its mark. The bomb struck the dragon's central mass, tearing its body in half and bringing an end to the threat.
A cloud of darkened blood billowed from the broken wing of the undead dragon as it spiraled out of control towards the ground. The dragon was already dead, its massive form tumbling from the sky. These were undead dragons, just like the ones they had encountered before, leaving Bell increasingly confident that these creatures might be the primary threat.
As the undead dragon crashed to the snowy ground below, Larry descended to get a closer look. The dragon's massive body lay still, but the most surprising sight was the person in the garb, crawling out from the crash site, attempting to regain her footing.
"That's one tough woman," Larry remarked, his targeting pod focused on the woman.
However, Lisa's voice suddenly echoed through the command center, commanding everyone's attention. "Wait, Warhound 1, don't kill her!"
Lisa's decision sent shockwaves through the room, leaving even Bell taken aback. What was the rationale behind her choice to spare the woman? Was it a sound decision, or did she have ulterior motives? Bell had many questions but also couldn't deny that it seemed like a terrible idea.
"Lisa, what the hell? She's right in our crosshairs!" Bell protested.
"She could be more valuable to us alive, trust me," Lisa responded.
"How so?" Bell pressed, needing more convincing than that.
"Bell, this woman could be a treasure trove of information. I'm talking about details on other summoned individuals, their weapons, and much more!" Lisa explained.
"But Lisa, are you sure the risk of capturing a summoned individual is worth it?" Bell questioned further.
"Trust me, RAA-POO is deadlier than you think," Lisa added.
Bell took a moment to consider the situation. This was precisely the type of mission the RAA-POO was created for, capturing high-value targets. However, it was also shaping up to be one of the most dangerous missions they had encountered yet – capturing a formidable target capable of summoning a dragon. Yet, as he observed the limping woman, it seemed she had likely exhausted her mana.
"Fine, I'll give you a green light, but I want to be part of this operation," Bell stated.
Lisa, displaying her new robotic hand, agreed, "I'll join too. It's been a long time since I've been in combat."
Waking up in the middle of the night to the blaring air raid alarm was far from a pleasant experience. Yet, here Bell was, sprinting towards the command center, while civilians rushed towards the integrated bunker complex underground. The radar system had detected three jumbo-jet-sized objects headed in their direction, prompting the dispatch of two F-15Es for interception, one of which was piloted by Larry and his WSO.
Upon entering the command building, Bell descended via the elevator to the basement level, where the main command room was located. Lessons from past experiences had led to the strategic placement of vital functions underground, ensuring that no personnel needed evacuation during an attack like this. Every air defense system was on high alert, prepared for a potential dragon attack, but the jet would serve as the initial response. It was a test to determine whether the significant investment of 100,000,000 EPs had been justified.
The command building had never appeared as bustling as it did now. Radar screens and numerous LCD displays illuminated the room, vividly illustrating the urgency of the situation. Each air defense position was displayed on the screens, with every anti-air missile system primed for action, from shore-based VLS to NASAMS.
"Keep me updated," Amelia said as she ended the call.
Lisa and Lukas remained focused on the screen displaying the point of view of a fighter pilot, along with the perspective from an AN/AAQ-33 targeting pod mounted on the underside of the F-15. The atmosphere in the command center was notably more composed than during their previous encounters with mysterious weapons and dragons.
Bell, seeking assurance, inquired about the situation. "Have all the civilians been safely evacuated to the bunkers?"
"They have," Lisa confirmed.
Bell couldn't help but express his confusion. "I still don't understand why the two of you seem so relaxed, especially considering the previous attack, not to mention they brought three dragons, three adult ones, in fact."
Amelia responded with a smirk. "We're testing a cost-effective method to deal with them. The squadrons are armed with an array of weapons, primarily modified AGMs designed to take down less agile dragons. Rest assured, the VLSs are also on standby with their modified Tomahawks."
From the pilot's perspective, two F-15s soared side by side towards the approaching dragons. Larry was visible, his gloved hands deftly navigating the cockpit controls, all against the backdrop of a moonless night sky. Bell's attention shifted to the radar screen, displaying the targets labeled Tango 1 through Tango 3. The jets themselves were aptly named Warhound 1 and Warhound 2.
One of the F-15Es was armed with four AGM(A)-130s, each originally a 1000 kg bomb modified into an air-to-ground missile, further tailored to become a dragon-killer missile. These were the cost-effective means of delivering a precise strike against the dragons. If necessary, they could escalate to the use of more expensive Tomahawk missiles from the base, expertly guided by the targeting pods.
Larry's F-15E, on the other hand, was more of a multi-role platform. It was equipped with Sidewinders and AMRAAMs for air-to-air engagements, alongside two MK 84 JDAMS. His objective was to explore the feasibility of conducting an air-to-air bombing using precision munitions, taking advantage of the dragon's inability to reach the high altitude of their current position, 20,000 meters above ground.
The other F-15Es remained on standby at the base, ready for further orders. Their role was one of support, standing by in case this turned into a multi-pronged attack or faced additional threats. Nonetheless, even if multiple threats emerged, the offshore VLS was primed and ready to respond effectively.
Inside the command center, the tension was palpable as the radar screen displayed the steadily approaching dragons. The room buzzed with activity, personnel communicating swiftly over headsets to coordinate the defense. Amelia, with a confident but intense gaze, kept a watchful eye on the screens. After all, she was the architect of this interception plan, and failure would ultimately fall on her shoulders.
In the skies above, Larry skillfully maneuvered his F-15E into an attack position, engaging the afterburners and ascending beyond the aircraft's normal safety altitude. This risky move aimed to increase the bomb's chances of hitting the target while affording his WSO a clearer shot at the dragon. His jet was now 20 kilometers away from the dragon, but at a significantly higher altitude, while the other F-15E remained 60 kilometers distant.
Larry's co-pilot, a seasoned veteran, relayed targeting information as they locked onto the first dragon, Tango 1, with the modified 1000 kg JDAM. Back in the command center, Bell observed as the targeting pod provided a sharp and detailed view of the dragon, its immense wingspan casting a noticeable shadow even in the darkness. A laser pinpointed the dragon's midsection.
"Warhound 1 WSO, bomb away!" Larry's voice crackled over the comms.
Not wanting to be outdone, Warhound 2 locked onto the dragon from a distance, and the WSO released the AGM(A)-130 missile from the wing. The missile began to track the dragon's movements, gracefully gliding down towards its central mass.
"Warhound 2 WSO, good separation, missile away," the second F-15E's crew reported.
The command center held its breath as both the bomb and the missile closed the distance, finally making contact with a thunderous explosion. The bomb hit its target, miraculously and the missile also hit the dragon in its head. The two dragons spiralled down towards the ground leaving only one target remaining, Tango 2.
"Good hit, good hit, I can see the dragon falling down from here," Larry reported with satisfaction, his targeting pod locked onto the two dragons plummeting to the ground. They hadn't seen the F-15E approaching, mainly because both aircraft were flying at high speeds, with Larry clocking in at 2,000 km/h according to the radar.
However, the targeting pod then marked the last remaining dragon, but something caught their attention. The FLIR camera picked up a human figure riding atop that particular dragon. The details of the individual's features remained unclear, but she was adorned in some sort of armored magical attire of an unknown color.
"Hey, Warhound 1, can you zoom in on that human figure?" Bell requested.
The camera on the targeting pod responded, zooming in to focus on the hooded figure riding the dragon. The garb she wore appeared to be enhanced with aether-infused metal plating for protection. The figure not only rode the dragon but also seemed to be controlling it simultaneously. Then, in a sudden twist, the hood slipped during the flight, revealing a woman.
Bell's mind raced as he processed the situation. This individual was likely responsible for all the troubles they had faced so far, from the dragon attacks to the enigmatic objects. He now faced a choice: capture her alive or eliminate her outright. Given the current circumstances, he knew which option he had to choose.
"Continue the attack, Warhound 1!" Bell ordered.
"Copy that, bomb away!" Larry's F-15E released another JDAM, and the precision munition dropped toward the flying dragon. The dragon moved erratically, but the WSO in the backseat skillfully guided the JDAM to ensure it hit its mark. The bomb struck the dragon's central mass, tearing its body in half and bringing an end to the threat.
A cloud of darkened blood billowed from the broken wing of the undead dragon as it spiraled out of control towards the ground. The dragon was already dead, its massive form tumbling from the sky. These were undead dragons, just like the ones they had encountered before, leaving Bell increasingly confident that these creatures might be the primary threat.
As the undead dragon crashed to the snowy ground below, Larry descended to get a closer look. The dragon's massive body lay still, but the most surprising sight was the person in the garb, crawling out from the crash site, attempting to regain her footing.
"That's one tough woman," Larry remarked, his targeting pod focused on the woman.
However, Lisa's voice suddenly echoed through the command center, commanding everyone's attention. "Wait, Warhound 1, don't kill her!"
Lisa's decision sent shockwaves through the room, leaving even Bell taken aback. What was the rationale behind her choice to spare the woman? Was it a sound decision, or did she have ulterior motives? Bell had many questions but also couldn't deny that it seemed like a terrible idea.
"Lisa, what the hell? She's right in our crosshairs!" Bell protested.
"She could be more valuable to us alive, trust me," Lisa responded.
"How so?" Bell pressed, needing more convincing than that.
"Bell, this woman could be a treasure trove of information. I'm talking about details on other summoned individuals, their weapons, and much more!" Lisa explained.
"But Lisa, are you sure the risk of capturing a summoned individual is worth it?" Bell questioned further.
"Trust me, RAA-POO is deadlier than you think," Lisa added.
Bell took a moment to consider the situation. This was precisely the type of mission the RAA-POO was created for, capturing high-value targets. However, it was also shaping up to be one of the most dangerous missions they had encountered yet – capturing a formidable target capable of summoning a dragon. Yet, as he observed the limping woman, it seemed she had likely exhausted her mana.
"Fine, I'll give you a green light, but I want to be part of this operation," Bell stated.
Lisa, displaying her new robotic hand, agreed, "I'll join too. It's been a long time since I've been in combat."
