Chronicles of the Sekigahara Interlude Two Another strike shot out from the Sekigahara's launch bays, forming up in the forward pattern to await completion before heading off towards their targets. Commodore Yosho watched the planes circling in the void, making a mental count of each plane that left his ship. Swallowtails, he muttered low, identifying the fighter-attack ships. Probably the best looking plane in the Federation inventory, their slim, graceful shapes concealed the deadly array of ordinance each plane could carry. Yosho sighed at the thought of home, again longing for an end to this war, and the chance to return to something close to a normal life. These kids they were sending out to do battle with the enemy, some of them barely out of college; how many of them will not return? How many will not ever get the chance to experience a normal peaceful life after the conflict was over? He let out another low sigh, knowing it was not good to ponder on things such as that. Casualties would mount, battles fought, all necessary to appease the gods of war. A step sounded behind him, Yosho cutting his eyes slightly to the side. "Yes?" he said. "Am I disturbing you, Yosho?" Captain Soun Tendo said coming up beside him. "No, no, Soun. I'm just thinking about things," he replied. Another figure moved up on his left, Captain Genma Saotome staring silently out the viewport for a moment. "I sense you are troubled, Commodore," he said. "That evident, eh?" Yosho replied. He paused, watching another wave of Swallowtails launch. "Casualties," he continued. "The casualties we've experienced. I'm amazed we've lasted as long as we have so far." Soun had to agree. These last few weeks saw more and more ground support request from Brigadier General Goodchild marking the fierceness of the combat happening on Tauri. Even with the support of the fleet ships, the Proximians were still pressing hard on the Federation positions around Mago. Evacuation was going slower than expected, and the major transports still had yet to arrive in Omegan space. "I've seen the last reports, so I can understand your concern, Yosho. Unfortunately, I've no immediate answer for the situation." "I do," replied Genma. "Tell those fat cats at High Command to send us reinforcements. Then maybe we can payback some of those lives sacrificed so far." "No chance in that," said Yosho. "Proxima is driving on Alpha 12. We just lost another battle near the Spinward March, so you can imagine the Alphan panic happening right now in the council." "So we sit and delay," grumbled Genma, shaking his head. "Just damn shameful." Yosho smiled, looking over at him. "Buying time, my dear Genma, just as the Admiral said." He slowly gazed back out at the stars. "Tying down the enemy until we can regain our balance." "If we do," commented Soun. The last of the strike was launched, Yosho, Soun, and Genma watching as one of the Swallowtails wavered awkwardly out the bay, barely missing the upper hull as it streaked away. Genma and Yosho frowned, turning concerned eyes towards Soun. He was already on the nearest comms panel. The speaker crackled for a moment, then a nervous voice answered. Soun leaned back, staring at the speaker. He returned to the two, head shaking slightly, a low laugh coming from him. Mihoshi . . . should have known. Yosho turned, watching the strike winging away towards Tauri. "That was the Royal Aces then," he said. "Yes," answered Soun. "I believe your grandson is in command of that group." "Ah, yes. Tenchi." Yosho's expression dropped. "What attack are they running?" he asked. "I believe it's a ground strike on the Proximian columns north of Mago." answered Soun. Behind enemy lines, mused Yosho. He let a silent prayer pass through his mind, wishing his nephew, and those of his squadron a safe journey. [Commodore Yosho, your presence is requested in the Admiral's stateroom,] sounded across the ships announcing system. "Hm," Yosho sounded, glancing up at the overhead. "Trouble?" questioned Genma. Yosho turned. He arched a brow. "Hopefully not, Genma," he said, heading for the doors. Episode Three Mihoshi Luck (Tenchi Muyo) An afternoon sun beat down across the Taurian landscape, heightening the green and golden colored growth that spread out across plains. A low deep whine cut the humid air, preceding the arrival of the Federation aircraft running in a tight attack pattern towards their target. Lieutenant Commander Tenchi Masaki checked his scanners, casting a casual eye up towards the sky in search of an unwanted fighter activity. So far so good, everything looked clean a good sign that his attack group had not been detected yet. Around him, the rest of VA/F 66 maintained positions readying themselves for the upcoming strike. The Royal Aces, their squadron name, held a reputation as being one of the top- notch fighter-attack squadrons in Task Group 56. They had seen a majority of the combat ever since their inception back in 2172, leading strike after strike with one hundred percent effectiveness. It was no wonder they would be given the most dangerous assignments, and today's attack held no exception. Tenchi glanced back at his flight. One hundred forty-six planes, not very many from an original squadron of three hundred fifty. Only three weeks on this campaign and already more than half the squadron was gone. There were some that couldn't fly, breakdowns, or injured, but for many they had tuned out in combat, victims to Proximian fighters or ground fire. That part really bothered him. After Commander Tomalson was shot down during the strike on Dermus, Rear Admiral Cologne promoted him to command of the squadron. He was finding it hard to write all of the consolation letters, reports to kin of how their sons, daughters, or other had been killed in action. It took a lot form him, his natural reaction for feeling responsible for their deaths wearing him down every day he returned from a mission. a thick monotone voice called over his helmet's speaker. Tenchi activated his mic. he replied. Lieutenant Orgod Ez brought his plane down next to his, looking at him. A native from the planet of Uugrath, Tenchi could still remember the shock he received when he first met him. At six-seven, Ez, as the rest of the pilots nicknamed him, could best be described as a cross between a humanoid, a Kodiak bear, and the Hulk with dark brown fur. Many thought he would take over command, but then rumor had it that he declined the offer in favor of Tenchi. Tenchi called up the downlink from the EW planes, checking the squadrons' position with the bearings. he replied. Ez's plane returned to his section; Tenchi switched up to the tactical net.
Lieutenant Ayeka reported.
reported Ez. Lieutenant Kiyone, his wingman, reported for Section One. Tenchi paused, waiting for the report from Section Two. he called, looking out over his right wing. Dialing up her sections comms, Tenchi listened in to the running conversation. he heard Washu shout. answered Ensign Mihoshi. Tenchi could feel Washu's growing impatience with her wingman. It struck him slightly funny how the two interacted. Washu, mother hen and tyrant all wrapped up in one small fiery redheaded demon; Mihoshi, capable yet slightly unsettling back up. After being promoted, Tenchi needed to readjust the flight teams. Naturally, Washu took over as Executive Officer, but now she couldn't fly back up for him anymore. So it came that Kiyone flew with him, and Mihoshi got assigned to her. He could still remember the rain of kisses from Kiyone once the change became known. raged Washu. Tenchi could actually hear her beating her fist against the sides of her helmet. He decided he'd better say something before Washu blew another blood vessel. answered Washu. replied Tenchi fighting hard to suppress his laugh. He switched back up to the tacnet. answered Ez. said Ayeka. another feminine voice sounded in disgust. Lieutenant (j.g.) Ryoko sneered at Ayeka from her cotpit. snapped Ayeka. Tenchi said breaking up the argument. The flights split up, readying to commence battle. Tenchi waited until Ez and Ayeka reached the far end of the mountain range before giving the signal to pop safeties. He stared at the closing mountaintops, nervously gripping his controls. he said. she replied. Tenchi smile, fingering his trigger. The rest of the planes in his group followed suit, Syphions, Mustang, and Ferret anti- armor missiles streaking out from the missile pods. The two waves crested the top, angling towards the lower plain. Ahead, Tenchi could see several columns of Proximian armor and armored carriers moving across the valley floor, following the wide highway that led towards Mago. Tanks two to four stories high churned up the ground as they advanced; support vehicles, and other mechanized units moving around them. An alarm went off on his console, warning Tenchi that the Proximians had detected them and were preparing to defend themselves. he shouted increasing speed. The sky suddenly filled with solid and blaster fire, then several sharp explosions dotted the plain. A few of the tanks burst apart as the missiles found their marks; oily-black smoke marked the kills. cried Kiyone. She let go with another spread of missiles, following Tenchi as they flew over the outer legs of the column. A Swallowtail to their left exploded, swarms of AA missiles rising up to great them. Tenchi and Kiyone went evasive, dodging the murderous fire around them. Tenchi said. Washu's flight was currently bearing down on the lead formations of the columns, trying to block off their advance groups before they could reach the far pass. "Run, you bastards," she muttered, an evil grin forming on her face. replied Tenchi. She set her sights, a light green holo-recticle appearing on her helmets visor. Mihoshi answered. Washu grit her teeth. Forcing back the surge of pressure in her veins, Washu set her targets, pushing the trigger. All of Section Two's Swallowtails let lose with a barrage of aerial mine clusters that streaked off towards the distant highway. The clusters rained a trail of remote burrowing mines along their path, building a field across the Proximian advance. Washu felt pleased, until her scanners showed a flight of cluster missiles streaking away well past the target zone. She smirked, knowing full well whose owner they had to come from. she cried into her mic. Mihoshi laughed. [Mihoshi.] It was Yukinojo, her planes computer interface. [Ah, might I suggest you reach down and press the accept designation button.] Mihoshi looked down at her console, noting the blue flashing button next to her trigger switch. She pressed it, and all the red lights turned green. Washu's Swallowtail quickly dropped back beside hers. From the cotpit, Mihoshi could see the flames lit bright in Washu's eyes. she raged, hurting more than just one persons ears. Mihoshi grimaced inwardly. She paused for a moment before answering. A low, curtailed growl emanated from Washu. Barely was she able to refrain from shooting her dizzy wingman form the sky. she said. Washu banked away, the rest of her section following close behind. Already the plains were starting to get obscured by the thick pyres of smoke rolling up from the shattered armor scattered about below. Ez and Ayeka's sections were currently making runs across the formation, scattering a group dashing for the protection of a near-by forest. Ayeka cried. She let out a maniacal laugh, unleashing a spread of missiles. Her cannons flashed stitching a trail across the topside of heavy tank. It exploded in a wash of flames, Proximian soldiers scurrying for safety. A stream of bolts streaked past her left wing, Ayeka smirking hard as she maneuvered to dodge the ground fire. Ryoko's laugh burned her ears. she teased. Ayeka snapped. Ryoko streaked in low, centering her sights on the tank shooting up at Ayeka. She fired; the quad-barreled Proximian tank seconds too late shifting targets. The bolts ripped apart the slopped sides, and in seconds it was rendered a smoking wreck. Ryoko said as she climbed away. If steam could boil from her ears, Ayeka's cotpit would have been filled. replied Ryoko. She laughed derisively, glancing out her cotpit for fresh targets. Something faint in the sky caught her eyes, and she went silent. Hm, what's this? She wondered. Ryoko squinted her eyes, then started in her seat. Ez pulled up from his attack run, banking around across the battlefield. he asked. she replied. Tenchi heard her call looking out his cotpit. Approaching fast flew twenty-one Hammerhead fighters, probably the air cover for this column of tanks. he warned them. Ryoko said excitedly. Ayeka's plane drew up beside her. she scolded her rabid wingman. Ryoko stared at Ayeka from her cotpit in a silence for a moment, then narrowed her eyes. she said. snapped Ayeka. Tenchi cut in. He took in their current status and the surrounding carnage below. Although the Royal Aces had did quite a number on the Proximians, there still remained many undamaged vehicles speeding off towards the pass. added Washu.
reported Ayeka. Tenchi looked back at his group. she answered. Ez said. Tenchi wasted no time. exclaimed Ryoko. Her ordinance pods fell away from her wings, and she did a sharp climb up towards the fighters. shouted Ayeka mimicking her move. As the two sections engaged the Hammerheads, Washu guided her flight around for another run. They streaked in using the sun behind them for cover, unleashing a devastating barrage of missiles and bombs. More tanks exploded, the ground littered with soldiers and debris. Ez followed up their attack, picking off stragglers pulling back towards the other side of the valley. Ez said. she replied. As what remained of Ez's section turned out for their last pass, Washu regroup hers readying for the follow-up run. Only three planes lost, not too bad from an overall standpoint. A glance down off her right found Mihoshi still with her. Washu grimaced finding herself in a tug-of-war of emotions, annoyed and relieved all at once with her designated wingman. How she had survived the war so far still amazed her. Some form of luck that Mihoshi possessed kept her alive and out of harms way. How long it would last thought remained to be seen. Mihoshi answered. Grimacing, Washu led them around. Ez was already halfway across the center columns, drawing a horrendous amount of ground fire from all across the battlefield. Up in the sky, Tenchi and Ayeka's sections were locked in a wild free for all with the Hammerheads; and the sharks were making a good account for themselves. It was now or never, Section Two dipping down for their run. Gunfire and missiles streaked up to greet them, but their luck held. That was until a stream of bolts cut into one of the planes from behind. one of her pilots cried. Washu's ESM panel screamed its alert; a pair of Hammerheads sneaking up searching for kills. Damn it! she muttered. she ordered. Another plane exploded. said another pilot. Mihoshi suddenly said. sounded Washu. Mihoshi hit her forward thrusters, applied air breaks, dropping back behind them. she replied. It was to late, Mihoshi slowing down just enough to fly up between the two pursuing Hammerheads. She glanced over at each pilot, giving them a cheerful wave. [Mihoshi!] cried Yukinojo. [Are you trying to get us killed?] "Oh stop it, Yukinojo," she replied. Mihoshi dialed up one of the common communications frequencies. Stunned expressions appeared on the faces of the Proximian pilots, bright green eyes growing wide in disbelief. replied one of the pilots. replied Mihoshi. [He asked if you are crazy, Mihoshi, and I must agree with him!] Yukinojo said. screamed Washu. Ez came up. she replied. It was true. All across the battlefield every enemy gun had gone silent, stunned eyes tracking the lone Swallowtail flying bravely between the two Hammerheads. Even the participants of the dogfight above them paused to watch the scene. Ryoko commented. added Ayeka. She switched circuits. Jaws dropped at her question, both Proximian pilots applying their brakes. Mihoshi started, then followed right along with them. she continued. Several heads shook in disbelief. The Hammerheads suddenly split up, banking away in a wide turn to either side of Mihoshi. exclaimed Ryoko. replied Ez. Meanwhile, Washu had finally gotten through to Mihoshi, raging mercilessly at her over the net. she shouted as they released their remaining rounds of ordinance. she replied in a meek voice. The Royal Aces disengaged from the Proximians, every ounce of power they could muster from their planes shooting them back across the valley and the mountaintops beyond. As they climbed away, Tenchi looked back at the disrupted armor column, assessing the effects of their attack. The column was scattered smoke and flames dotting the area, but still they were moving on for the pass. he said. added Washu. Tenchi sighed. answered Kiyone. said Ayeka. suggested Ryoko. said Tenchi. He looked back at the pass, shaking his head slowly. The Proximian tanks were starting to move through it, when several bright flashes suddenly appeared along the mountainsides. Explosions quickly followed as remote mines detonated among them, stopping the forward most columns dead in their tracks. He smiled looking forward. he said. . . . * * * * * Finally reaching the cover of Federation fighters, the Royal Aces flew back the Sekigahara without further loss. Soon the entire flight was on deck, moved down to hanger bay two for refit and maintenance. Tenchi powered down his plane, popped his canopy and climbed down. As he stepped to the deck, out the corner of his eye he could see Washu waiting, a cold steady glare locked squarely upon him. No, not again, he thought. Drawing a deep sigh, Tenchi prepared himself for the coming storm. "Okay, Washu let's ge--." "She's going to drive me INSANE, Tenchi!" began Washu. "She's going to get somebody killed. She's going to screw up one day and get herself killed!" "Washu," said Tenchi. "I just can't believe she passed flying school!" Washu was pacing around in a tight circle, arms flapping and flailing in every direction. Up the aisles of planes, Ez, Ayeka, Kiyone, Ryoko, and Jasouleen; Ez's wingman approached. They spotted the two and were mindful to maintain a healthy distance as they formed in a semicircle around them. "Look's like Tenchi's getting his regular post-flight debriefing on Mihoshi," Ryoko said. Ayeka flinched as Washu literally leaped into the air to emphasize a point. "Disgraceful," she commented, shaking her head. "An officer should never digress into childless fits before her commanding officer." "But you've never had the privilege of flying with Mihoshi either", Kiyone said. "It's no cakewalk, believe you me." A high-pitched laugh came from Jasouleen, her long crops of braided red hair shaking back and forth about her shoulders. "Ah, but for reasons of unknown, Mihoshi still maintains her life," she pointed out to them. "Still not an excuse," replied Ez. "Sometimes Washu has valid points." Making sharp clicking sounds with her tongue, Jasouleen crossed her slim arms across her chest. "Is strange these happenings. Commander Masaki needs to better care his assignments," she said. Ayeka quickly rose to Tenchi's defense. "There is nothing wrong with Tenchi's assignments," she snapped. "That is a matter of opinion," Ryoko said. "And right now, Washu is definitely voicing hers." The forlorn look Tenchi gave them relayed his frustrations to them. He tried again to calm Washu, but the tiny redhead's anger held her at full throttle. "Washu." "We took missile fire, ack-ack, cannon rounds, hell we even had fighters on our butts. What can our light headed no-thinking brainless child say? Oops... OOPS!" "Washu." "She's gonna get me killed, I just know it!" Tenchi finally had enough. Reaching out, he took Washu by the shoulders stopping her dead in her tracks. "Washu, calm down," he said firmly. Washu shook, but the look in Tenchi's eyes brought her back to reality. They stared at each other, and then she let out a tired huff. "I know, I know. Don't let the pressure get to me", she said sagging a bit. "No, that has already been pointed out", replied Tenchi. "What I'm worried about is the way Mihoshi's been flying lately. I can understand your concern." Washu's eyes went wide. "So are you thinking about grounding her?" she said hoping her fondest wish would come true. "No, but if she is such a burden, then maybe I should swap her out with someone else." Off to the side, Kiyone gripped her heart and leaned up against Ez for support. "No, no, she's coming back to haunt me," she muttered. Ez patted her gently on the shoulder. Tenchi laughed. "No, Kiyone, I'm not going to assign her back to you," he said. The rest of the pilots suddenly tensed waiting to see who would be cursed with Mihoshi next. "I'll take her," he finally said. "What!" exclaimed Ayeka. "Tenchi, sir or whatever. You're asking to get killed!" Ryoko said. "No I'm not. Mihoshi seems to do well when I'm around, and I think she is a pretty good pilot. Besides, none of you want her, so where can I put her?" "By self?" Jasouleen suggested. "Hell no! That would be worse than having her lead a strike," Ryoko countered. "Give her to Ez." "Why don't you mind your own business," snapped Ez. He looked at Tenchi with a stern expression on his face. There was concern in his eyes, concern for his commander and friend. "Tenchi, this is not the time for us to be risking a chance of losing you," he said. "I know, but I've got to take the chance," replied Tenchi. "No you don't," Washu suddenly said. "I don't?" She cut her eyes from side to side. Crossing her arms across her chest, Washu shook as she hugged her shoulders tight building up for her next words. "I... I'll keep her." "You will? What about all those things you were--." "Yes, I'm grumbling, yes I'm upset. Ez is right though. You taking on Mihoshi is signing you own death warrant. No. If somebody has to have her, it might as well be me." A hand fell lightly on Washu's right shoulder; Ayeka patting her gently. "It is honorable," she said. "Your bravery will be greatly appreciated by us all here in the squadron." Washu shrugged her arm off. "Listen to you! You're just happy Tenchi is not in harms way anymore." "Who, me?" replied Ayeka, feigning innocence. "Yes, you. Don't think I'm not wise to all of your scheming, Princess." "Busted," said Ryoko. "Yooouuu Puff." Ayeka rounded on Ryoko, death glinting in her eyes. "PUFF! Who are you calling a Puff! For that matter, what does that mean?" Everyone went quiet. Their stares confused Ayeka. "Is this something I should know about?" she asked. Ryoko snickered. She placed a hand up to her mouth, but it was futile, bursting out in fits of laughter. Ez and Jasouleen, and even Tenchi were hiding their smiles with difficulty. "What, Ryoko? Tell me what that means!" demanded Ayeka. "I can't believe you don't know what it means. BWAHAHAAA!" exclaimed Ryoko. "Enough!" roared Ayeka angrily. "I will not be made the butt of some pirate joke!" "It is from Academy, Ryoko," said Jasouleen. "Whatever! Ryoko, you will tell me what it means, do you hear me? Tell me what it means!" Ryoko drew in a breath. "Never!" she gasped, holding her stomach in renewed fits. "What! Why I . Tenchi!" Tenchi knew he had better diffuse the situation fast. "Uh, it's nothing, Ayeka. Uhm, why don't you and Ryoko go and make sure the rest of the squadron is ramping up for our next strike, okay?" Bristling with anger, Ayeka roughly grabbed her doubled wingman and began pulling her off towards the center of the hanger. "You will suffer for this insult, Ryoko," they could hear her growling at Ryoko. "Yeah right, you Puff," snapped Ryoko. Those two thought Tenchi. "Okay. You stay with Mihoshi, Washu." "Yes!" cried Kiyone. Tenchi's eyes cut over to Ez, and the hulking being quickly understood. "Okay, ladies. Let's go make our reports to the captain," he said. "Oh, and miss the rest of this fun?" said Jasouleen. A heavy hand ushered the woman along. With all of the distractions removed, Tenchi returned to Washu and her immediate problem. "I really don't think there is anyone else I could safely trust with Mihoshi but you, Washu." Washu frowned. It was a fact that she knew was true. Even when Mihoshi flew with Kiyone, it had been close encounters with death on an almost constant basis. True, she was not that bad of a pilot, in fact she had the best kill-to-kill ratio out of everyone in the Royal Aces. "She's got that luck," said Washu, not really meaning to speak her thoughts aloud. "Luck?" "Yeah. That luck of hers. You know, `Mihoshi Luck'." Tenchi arched a brow. "Mihoshi Luck. Is that what you call it?" "We all call it that. I'm only worried about that one day when her luck finally runs out." "Let's not think about it," replied Tenchi. He gave Washu a friendly nudge to the arm. "With you as her partner, I don't think that will ever happen." If it were even remotely true, Washu would have felt better. In her mind though several visions of painful death in absolute vacuum flashed. She shook her head. "Tenchi. I do hope for all of our sake you are right. I don't want to have to write her family and explain why she died." Tenchi smiled confidently. "Neither do I, Washu. Neither do I." - - - - - A day after the successful strikes on Tauri, the Royal Aces were slated for another raid against Proximian positions this time well behind enemy controlled lines. As they sat in the ready room listening to Captain Zenigata, everyone felt that this one would be the one that would end their days as a full squadron on the Sekigahara. Zenigata stood before the holodisplay panel laying out the mission. "Now this attack will be centered on the Nan Valley three hundred and sixty-two kilometers north northeast of Mago." The 3D display panned into the Nan Mountain Range, zooming into a wide-open valley. Trees filled much of the area; off to the far north lay a wide lake. Several roads ran through the surrounding mountains snaking their way towards the Taurian capital. "As you can see, the approach will be fairly difficult with all the trees in the way," finished Zenigata. Tenchi leaned forward studying the display. "I think we can get in there without any difficulties," he said. "That's a given," Ryoko suddenly commented. "The thing we should be worried about is what's the target, and where is it." "I'm glad you asked that, Lieutenant," answered Zenigata. The display shifted to an electronic readout from an aircraft downlink. "Three days ago we managed to get four Thunderhawks in there for a recon of the supply routes being used by the Proximians. This is what they found." The Nan valley appeared again, only this time the same roads that were empty on the computer display were now filled with Proximian hover carriers and vehicles of all types. They appeared to be fully loaded with soldiers and cargo bound for the current fronts. Washu let out a long whistle. "Wow, what a good day this must have been," she said. Zenigata looked suddenly nervous. "Uh, not exactly." In minutes after the first Thunderhawk broke down to take advantage of their good fortune, the sky suddenly filled with a myriad of bolts, missiles, and solid rounds. The lead plane disintegrated in a bright flash, followed quickly by its partner. The pilot of the plane taking the video put himself in a hard g-pull skywards to avoid being shot down. Something flashed briefly across the nose, then the picture began gyrating, rezzing in and out as the Thunderhawk pitched over in a final decent to the ground. Just before the forest came into view, Zenigata froze the picture. "You see this," he said pointing out a fuzzy circular shape on one of the sides of the mountains. "Computer enhancements identified this to be a Cyclops D class sensor dish." "A one-eyed D?" said Kiyone. "That means this area must have been turned into some kind of base." "Right you are, Lieutenant Kiyone," replied Zenigata. The screen went dark. "I don't think we need to be seeing the rest of that. Now then, our intel folks think that the Nan Valley has been turned into a major supply hub for their forward forces." Ayeka raised a timid hand into the air. "Uh, sir. I might sound a tad bit bold, but why do we not send a few warships over the sight and remove this unsafe flying hazard?" "Did that. Unfortunately the three destroyers we sent were attacked by several waves of Proximian attack craft. One of the destroyers was severely damaged, the other two barely made it back unscathed." "But they didn't get to their target," Tenchi surmised. Zenigata nodded slowly. "So we have to go in and root this base out, hope casualties are not to high and flatten it, am I correct sir?" Jasouleen boldly said. "You are correct," answered Zenigata. "We're going to get plastered," one of the pilots in the back was heard to say. That irked Tenchi's nerves the negative thoughts and comments raising the blood pressure in his veins. He stood up and faced them. "Okay, I know we have had difficult missions in the past, but the Aces have never ever failed yet. I do not intend to make this one our first." "Geesh, Tenchi. You saw how much flak got thrown up at those four leadbuckets," Ryoko said. "The Prox aren't stupid. They'll tighten up their defenses no doubt about it." "We still have to try," Tenchi replied. "If I figure this right, knocking out this base will slow down the advance on Mago from the north. That means more of our ground forces can get inside the safety of the city defenses." Pointing out the overall benefit this would be for the combatants on the surface seemed to dispel all the doubts the pilots had. Tenchi felt their tensions subside and he retook his seat. "Okay, sir. Now that everyone is back onboard, who else is going to support us?" he asked. The troubled look returned to Captain Zenigata's face. "Uh, Commander . that part is something we have to `discuss' offline." By his tone, Tenchi felt this whole thing had just gone from bad to worse. - - - - - Lieutenant Commander Tenchi Masaki sat biting his bottom lip nervously, milling Captain Zenigata's last piece of information around in his head. No fighter escort. No supporting units. Just us. One hundred and twenty-five Swallowtail attack bombers going into hell's kitchen. Where is the justice in all of this? Behind him waiting for their leader to say something sat the flight leaders. Tenchi could sense they also were shocked, stunned, and in total disbelief that Rear Admiral Cologne could ask any of her squadrons to do what amounted to as a suicide mission. He turned slightly, eyes cutting over to the side then stood slowly up. "Well, I guess we can say we've bit off more that we can chew," Tenchi began. "Understatement," Ez said. He shrugged. "I can't say that I blame you for being upset." "Tenchi," said Washu. "The Proximians will probably track us all the way along whatever route we take, not to mention shoot at us." "We're going to take hits going in and out," added Ryoko. "I know, but you heard the Captain. Our forces are stretched thin. We have got to try." "No fighter support?" questioned Jasouleen. The first obstacle to tackle; Tenchi pondered on her remark. An idea suddenly came to him. "Right. So we don't get fighter support, then we create fighter support," he told them. "And from where?" asked Kiyone. "Our very own squadron." Ez sat up slowly in his seat. His canines flashed in a broad grin. "Brilliant," he said, liking the idea. "But Tenchi will not that limit our ground strike ordnance?" asked Ayeka. "A little bit, but nothing we cannot compensate for. Who's ordering loadouts from the armory?" Washu glanced at the mini computer mounted on her wrist. She recalled the duty roster. Suddenly her eyes went wide. "Uh, ah hah . Mihoshi," she answered. The air seemed to grow several degrees lower in the ready room. Mihoshi though perked up. "Yippee!" she cried out. "And I'll have everyone geared up no problem." "Like hell you--," began Washu, but Tenchi cut in. "Let her." Washu spun around to shocked to speak or say anything. The other remaining pilots mimicked her expression. "Tenchi, you're going to allow Mihoshi to load us out?" Kiyone managed to say. Tenchi let the question pass. "Mihoshi, I want a category four loadout installed on Ayeka's section. Load the remainder of the squadron with a Cat Twelve Alpha configuration, got it?" "Uh, wait a minute, uh, Commander," said Mihoshi, fumbling around her flight suit for something to write on. Producing a pencil and wadded up candy wrapper, she grinned. "Now that was a Cat Forty-two for Ayeka, and a, a, what level for us?" Tenchi placed a hand to his face and shook his head. - - - - - A brilliant glow lit the launch bay of hanger four as Sekigahara repositioned its orbit over Tauri. At the urging of Tenchi, Commodore Yosho complied with his request to give the Royal Aces as short of a decent time as possible without jeopardizing the safety of the carrier and her escorts. The squadron of Swallowtail bombers sat poised on the runway, loaded out ready to begin the mission. Tenchi thought about that, milling repeatedly the images of death he had seen so far in this war. There would be more and he would have to bear that fact as he wrote those letters to next of kin. He paused. Who would write his to his father back on Terra? Maybe he should do it himself, sparing anyone that unpleasant task. His thoughts drifted to the rest of his friends. I don't ever think about this much, he said to himself. I could not bear to see any of them die. Ryoko, Ayeka, Kiyone, Ez, Washu, Mihoshi. Mihoshi. A bundle of energy wrapped in a tight bundle of thin rice paper ready to explode. Her determination was something to admire, but it also precluded the option for disaster. He looked out across the runway over at Mihoshi's plane. From the way her head rested against the side of the canopy, Tenchi knew she was asleep. Never a dull moment from her that was for sure. Tenchi's comms-light flashed. he said into his helmet mic. It was Washu and she sounded three sheets away from exploding. he answered. He frowned. Switching displays, Tenchi looked over the information of his planes current load of weapons. His jaw slowly dropped to his chest. Tenchi let out a groan. A Category Twenty-two load meant the missiles and bomb cluster units were setup for underground bore and detonation attacks. This strike was configured to attack subterranean bunkers, silos, and other hard targets. If the Proximian base was on the surface then at best all the squadron could do was plant their ordinance as close to the targets as possible and hope the explosion could do the rest. For something like that though, it meant they would have to expose themselves to any AA-fire encountered for longer periods while on the decent. he asked Washu. she answered him. Oh, why me. Tenchi realized his mistake too late to do anything about it. All the trust he had in Mihoshi faded away; this mix-up costing them dearly. He shifted nets and caught the bitter scolding Ez was delivering to Mihoshi. replied Mihoshi. Tenchi cut in. said Kiyone. Washu came online. He ignored her comment. she answered. At least they had some semblance of fighter cover. said Mihoshi. snapped Washu. Tenchi could feel the depression across the net from Mihoshi. Hopefully, she would not start crying. Click! "So much for that," said Tenchi. Green lights at the end of the launch ramp started flashing indicating the hanger was ready for operations. The track light lit up and Tenchi switched to the primary net. came the reply. Tenchi increased throttle, guiding his plane along the grav track towards the opening. Ryoko said. grumbled Ez. As Tenchi's plane shot down the ramp, he could not help but reflect on Ryoko's words. "Unfortunately, she right," he said to himself. "I just hope Mihoshi's luck will rub off on us today." - - - - - The Royal Aces hugged the terrain as low as they could, streaking along at high speed to their intended objective. Every eye in the squadron watched scanner displays with nervous anticipation searching for the first sign of Proximian activity. Tenchi led his section up to a higher altitude for a better look at the approach ahead. he said across the communications net. Jasouleen reported. said Ryoko. Ayeka growled at her. replied Ryoko. She went into a mocking tone, mimicking Ayeka. Ryoko's cackling brought a chuckle from Tenchi. On the horizon closing with each passing second rose the Nan Mountains. Tenchi dropped his section low once more not daring to enhance the chances of sensor contact from one of the Proximian unit sure to be moving along the roads. His ESM alarm beeped suddenly. "Damn," he muttered. Washu called over the net. he answered her. begged Ryoko. he said. His orders were acknowledged. Ez and Washu's waves were just starting to deploy when another series of alarms filled the ears of the pilots. Kiyone said calling out the warning. It looked like the hills and rises that made up the Nan Mountain range suddenly lit up in a frightening blur of bolts and missiles. Tenchi cried out as he pulled back on his joystick. His plane pitched shooting upwards towards the sky; Kiyone and the rest of his section following his lead. The telltale thunder of hits followed and he glanced around to see four of the Swallowtails dissipating into great balls of fire and smoke. More explosions dotted the sky where Ez and Washu's groups were maneuvering to evade the heavy fire. Jasouleen cried frantically. Tenchi replied angrily. He had to think of something quick. Washu and Ez said in unison. It seemed strange to the Royal Aces, but they followed the order. Turning into the maelstrom of fire went the Swallowtails, exhaust port glowing bright blue as the pilots pushed their engines as far as they could go. Bobbing and weaving around like a cloud of locust, they took more casualties, heard the screams and cries of their comrades' carry over the net, but reached the top of the mountains and dived for the valley floor. exclaimed Ayeka. Washu said. cried Mihoshi. shouted Tenchi. Tenchi was referring to the cluster of domed white buildings situated near the center of the valley. Long columns of Proximian vehicles raced along the highway for the apparent safety of the forest. ESM alarms sounded again; Tenchi spotting gun and missile emplacements dotting the hills and open grounds. He grimaced, letting out a groan. Ez said. Not one to keep his enemy waiting, Ez tipped his plane over in a dive towards the first group of buildings. Again the flack rose up in torrents, ripping gaping holes in his already thinning section. asked Jasouleen. His targeting computer told him all weapons were set. Letting out a deep throaty war cry, Ez released his safety cover and let go with a full spread of Gopher bomb clusters. They spiraled down, a rain of metal and plasticeramic nodules that ripped through the constructions like a hot knife on butter. Pulling back hard, Ez and his strike peeled away. He looked back watching great geysers of flames and debris rise up in the air. cried Jasouleen over the circuit. Ez studied the results of his attack. he replied somberly. he replied. Switching up, Ez called Tenchi. Tenchi had moved his section out away from the deluge of ground fire to get a better look at Ez's run. He too noticed that despite the resistance, it appeared that the Proximians were not trying to hamper them in any serious way. He strained trying to see through the smoke billowing up in the air. she asked. Laughing, Ryoko broke away from Ayeka's section flying cover over the valley. She put her Swallowtail into a steep dive braving the hail of fire being directed at her. Tenchi chose well whom to send in for an assignment like this. Ryoko reveled in her excitement, exercising her long overdue joyride. Nobody in the squadron came close to her when it came to twisting and dodging in a fight. Her plane danced and darted around the sky like a mosquito, frustrating both automated and manned gunners trying to bring her down. With a loud roar of thrusters, Ryoko banked out of her dive, teeth grit tight from the g-forces pressing on her body. She rolled avoiding a stream of bolts, then shot out towards the Proximian complex. Lost in the smoke, the gunfire ceased, and Ryoko peered out of her cotpit. What she saw made her frown. she called over the circuit. Tenchi asked her. Ryoko could see in side several of the holes blasted in on of the larger buildings. Expecting a mass of machinery and other stores typically found around supply terminals, instead the entire inside was devoid of anything whatsoever. Tenchi cursed to himself, angered by the deception. he said. Washu asked. he replied.