The World Without Authors – 19

Here we are, 19th chapter. This has been a bit of a complex chapter to write, for reasons you’ll understand reading, but I hope it will be of your liking! As usual, many thanks to Doctorlit for betaing this chapter.

Mission Record 19 – Crowns

Sergio walked towards the Wolfram’s hangar. “So… you’re completely sure about this?”

Nikki nodded. “Of course. I’ll set up Vanguard in stun mode, and besides I think I’ll be mostly providing shielding spells. I know Corolla’s the master of those, but I’m sure we can use some more.”

“Of course. Shields are never enough, especially since it’s the Grey Men’s loyals we’ll be dealing with. Still… The others and I will be making some kills for sure.”

Nikki nodded again, this time slowly. “I know. But those are the true instigators of this war, and if we succeed we’ll save many more on both sides. Taking out a few baddies to save thousands of innocents… that’s an equation I can get behind.”

They reached the hangar, and Sergio looked around for Corolla. “Good to hear, I’m more comfortable with you coming with us now. It’s a shame you’ll have to backseat, though.”

Corolla jumped down from one of the aircraft and ran towards them. “I’m taking responsibility for this. We ran out of working thermonuclear turbine engines for Kairos 026, and I couldn’t make more Minotaur Drive Turbines in time. Still, I took the liberty of adding a couple finishing touches to Sergio’s plane for Nikki to play with. I also put the beam saber I’ve built in the left knife bay, but the best thing I need you to see with your own eyes!”

Sergio and Nikki exchanged a glance, and then followed Corolla to the relevant aircraft. She tapped a few instructions in a holographic window, and the head turret of the SF-32S emerged from the dorsal fuselage, facing backwards.

“The backseater can now control the head turret, which can pop out and engage anything around and above. With four laser cannons, the Belkans should think twice before trying to give chase.”

“So I can watch Sergio’s back with it?” Nikki asked. “I couldn’t ask for anything better!”

“And that will be a great help indeed. I will be able to focus on what’s in front that way.”

Corolla put her fists against her sides. “I knew you would like it! I’ve also made sure to add a full set of controls to the back seat so-”

“Sorry if I interrupt your new tech show, but we’re actually here to remind you that we’ll be landing soon,” Sergio said. “You should go and change into-”

Corolla’s overalls glowed, and were replaced by her dress uniform. She straightened her tie and smiled. “Done.”

***

“There was no need, really. The sleeping quarters on the Wolfram are quite comfortable,” Nikki said as Princess Tsubasa led the members of Skystreaker Squadron through a corridor of the royal palace.

“But it wouldn’t have been nice on our part, you’re still family!” Tsubasa rebutted. “So you’ll be our guests.”

Ai couldn’t help but find the situation uncanny. The princess was, of course, Nikki’s spitting image, but with Sakura’s shorter and lighter hair. But if there was something they didn’t share, it was the voice.

Princess Tsubasa didn’t sound like Nikki or Hanami at all. In fact, while Sakura had a different voice from her sisters, the princess didn’t sound like her either. She sounded like Ami, despite having no reason to.

Ai leaned towards Corolla, hiding her mouth with her hand. “Uhm… Is it me, or the princess’ voice…”

“It’s like Ami’s, right? Well, Ami sounds a lot like Yui Makino, and you get only one guess on who Princess Tsubasa’s voice actress was. For the record, Sakura had a different one, Sakura Tange, while Nikki and Hanami sound more like the Italian dub actress, Renata Bertolas.”

Ai blinked. “That… doesn’t really make sense to me. And why does Ami sound like this Yui Makino actress then?”

Corolla shrugged. “Well, I think we can ask Gino. But I guess he just found her voice fitting.”

***

[Ace Combat 5 OST – Hangar 2]

“Alright, we came up with the operation plan together, but I believe we can use a last-minute briefing as a refresher,” Johnson said as he stood in the middle of the Wolfram’s hangar, the three squadrons fully assembled in front of him.

“I also worked out the last details with King Fujitaka of Clow, who is fully supporting our off-the-records operation. On paper, the Wolfram and its fighter complement will be doing an air patrol in an area near a quiet sector of the frontline. This is where Haro Squadron comes in, as they’ll actually perform said patrol as a diversion. Of course, you’re not supposed to stray too far off the Wolfram as your main objective is to keep the ship safe for Skystreaker and Razgriz’ return.

“Those two squadrons will be our actual attack force. Thanks to the active stealth and high-mach supercruise ability of the SF-26 Blaze and SF-32 Galahad, they will penetrate deep into Belkan territory and reach Stier Castle. As it is located in the Waldreich Mountains on the border between North and South Belka, keeping a low profile will be a priority so stay on the designated route unless you find Belkan air activity on it. This is why we’re not performing a ballistic insertion – Belkan radars would pick you up in no time, as the re-entry plasma would render active stealth ineffective.

“Once arrived at the target location, the priority target is any kind of communication equipment – cutting their comms will prevent them from calling reinforcements and will give you more time to perform the mission and exfiltrate before the entire Belkan Air Force heads there.”

A holographic window opened next to him, showing a satellite image of the castle and its immediate surroundings.

“Once having cleared the area surrounding the castle of hostiles, Skystreaker Squadron will land and disembark alongside PPC Agents Knight and Li. Razgriz Squadron will cover the outside while they penetrate the castle to search for the VIPs – Prince Frederick of Bedwig and Captain Dandy. We have virtually no information on the castle layout and VIP location, so the mages of Skystreaker Squadron will have to perform the Area Search spell to gain the necessary intel on-site.

“The rescued VIPs will be carried by two of the Razgriz Squadron aircraft. As soon as everyone is back on-board, the two squadrons will immediately head back towards the Wolfram, with Skystreaker Squadron joining up with the Wolfram and Haro Squadron to form a defense line while Razgriz Squadron proceeds straight towards Clow Kingdom’s royal palace. As we’re unable to provide space-grade flight suits for the VIPs, a ballistic trajectory won’t be possible for the return either so, depending on whether the BAF woke up or not, the alternatives will be either backtracking the low-intercept route if undetected, or just gun it full throttle if enemy reinforcements are incoming. The Blaze and the Galahad are both way faster than any known Belkan aircraft, so they won’t be able to keep up.

“It will be a difficult mission, but I’m confident all of you can accomplish it and come back safely. Operation Birthday Party Invitation will be in two hours from now, to take advantage of the night, so I’ll leave you to prepare.”

Alvin raised an eyebrow. “Birthday Party Invitation? That’s an unusual name.”

“Oh, well, tomorrow happens to be Captain Turbo’s birthday!” Corolla said. “Everyone involved is invited to his party, so no one is allowed to die!”

***

Sergio inserted his ARX-160 assault rifle in the Galahad’s cockpit holster. With a regular ejection seat in place of the Ex-Gear, there was a surprising amount of space to store the ground combat gear. He turned on the avionics and started the pre-flight checklist.

“Oh, I just remembered,” Nikki said from the rear seat. “Today’s Nina’s birthday, isn’t it? The day before yours.”

Sergio thought it up. “Oh, right. Hers is on the 26th, which is today.”

“I wonder if she made it to this world, too…”

“No idea. I tried calling all the numbers I had of our old friends, including her cellphone and that of Villa Espasia. Pretty much the only one who answered was Shinichi, but it means nothing. The others might be somewhere with no signal, or might have had to get new numbers.”

“Yeah,” Nikki agreed. “Besides, we already got so many people back… It would be unfair to expect everyone we lost to be here in this world waiting for us, isn’t it?”

“That is true. And, either way, ending this war is the first step if we want to try looking for them. Ready?”

“Always.”

Sergio flicked the last switches, and pushed the radio button. “Skystreaker One to Wolfram, we are ready for takeoff.”

***

“Haro Four, you’ll be on my wing,” Hiro said over the radio. “You’re on your first sortie, so if you don’t mind I want to keep you closer in case you have troubles.”

“Haro Four, roger,” Kathleen answered. “But don’t worry about me too much, I can handle this no problem.”

She frowned as she moved the Wave Gundam to the Destiny Gundam’s side. Why do we have to say “Roger” instead of “yes”? And who the hell is this Roger anyway? Military language is so stupid.

“Haro Two, Three and Skystreaker Five will be the other element. You all did well at Sand Island, so I’m not too worried, but still take care.”

“Haro Two here. Leave it to us,” Keiko said.

“Wolfram to all aircraft. Deployment is complete, all aircraft proceed to your assigned zones.”

“Haro, roger.”

“Razgriz, roger.”

“Skystreaker, roger.”

Kathleen glanced at Sergio’s plane as it accelerated in the distance. “Good luck, lil’ bro.”

***

“Skystreaker Three to all aircraft, we’re nearing Waypoint Two. We’re going to meet some magnetic interference soon – it’s centered on the apocalypsed overgrown city we’re going to fly over. Might make comms a bit garbled but that’s it.”

“Roger that,” Sergio said. “That’s exactly why we’re crossing the frontline here – it’s a sector both sides avoid, most other vehicles aren’t as EMP-proof as these. From now on, let’s keep Mach four point six constant and radio silence.”

He glanced at the mach counter. Seriously, this thing puts the freaking SR-71 Blackbird to shame.

“These new planes are much faster than the ones we used to have, aren’t they? The Kairos was already incredible,” Nikki said through the intercom.

“For sure. I heard the VF-25s and VF-31s impressed into NATO service are pretty much untouchable by anything the Belkans are trying to throw at them. We gained more ground in one week than in the previous month.” Sergio smiled. “And we’ve got Corolla’s specials here.”

***

“Haro Two to Wolfram,” Keiko said over the radio. “Nothing to report, airspace is clear.”

“Understood, Haro Two. Continue with your patrol.”

Keiko relaxed in her seat. So far, so good. My first experience as an element leader could be much worse… no, wait, don’t tempt the Ironic Overpower like that.

“This is so boring!” Kathleen shouted. “We’re just flying in circles!”

Keiko resisted the urge to facepalm. “Lowroar, don’t jinx it.”

***

[Vincent Moretto – Mechwarrior 5 Judgement and Retribution Metal Remix]

“Skystreaker One, breaking radio silence. We’re on the target area, commence the attack.”

“Skystreaker Three, roger! Working on providing target data!”

Ami flipped the Master Arm switch just as the radar dish on Corolla’s Galahad unfolded from between the engines. Several HUD squares appeared all over the castle, and she singled out those of the communication towers.

“Comet, engaging!” Ami shouted as she fired two long-range air to ground missiles at the towers in quick succession.

“Nice shot, Ami!” Corolla congratulated her. “Those were their main antennas. I’m gonna put some jamming on, but that already cut them off from long range comms. Okay, I’ve distributed the targets for a saturation attack. Give them one hell of a wakeup call!”

Ami switched over to the micromissiles and fired at her newly designated targets.The sky in front of her was briefly drowned out by the contrails as both squadrons fired a full burst.

Many of the targeting squares disappeared as the anti-air installations of Stier Castle were decimated.

***

[Vincent Moretto – Mechwarrior 5 Judgement and Retribution Metal Remix] (same as previous)

Prince Frederick ran to the window. The explosions shaking the castle had woken him up in the middle of the night, and to his surprise he saw what amounted to a full-blown battle outside the castle, jets and mechas zipping around in the sky chasing each other.

His attention was caught by a jet of a model he didn’t recognize, which the searchlights of the castle were doing their best to chase. It was light gray with red trim, and to his surprise it transformed into a mecha mid-flight to fire on a Berkut with its handheld machine gun.

Another Berkut closed in from behind, only to be obliterated by what looked like a small laser turret on the mysterious Variable Fighter’s upper fuselage.

See? I knew  they would come eventually, Captain Dandy “said”.

The Variable Fighter fired a couple missiles from its arms, then accelerated out of the searchlights’ cones, transforming back into fighter mode at the same time.

“Light gray with red trim, a white bird insignia… So that would be the infamous Mongoose.”

Considering how scared the soldiers sound right now, I indeed believe he is.

***

[Vincent Moretto – Mechwarrior 5 Judgement and Retribution Metal Remix] (same as previous)

“Those black aircraft… Not the Razgriz again!”

“Razgriz? I’m more worried about the fucking Mongoose!”

“They came outta nowhere, the same exact way they did with Project Hephaestus!”

Nikki blasted a Flapper off Sergio’s tail with a long laser burst. “It sounds like chaos down there.”

“Doesn’t surprise me. We’re two thousand kilometers off the front line, and right in the middle of Belka. Those guys were meant to keep the prince in, not to keep us out. We caught them by complete surprise.”

Sergio banked and dived. “I’m going with guided bombs for a couple tanks, so I’d appreciate it if you keep up the rear gunning.”

“You don’t even have to ask.”

The Galahad pulled up after a few seconds, and Nikki heard the explosions.

“Lightning here, I took down two tanks that were rushing back to the castle. I don’t think they can have many more around.”

Nikki took a deep breath. I’m sorry for them, but they signed up for it after all. They betrayed their own country and waged war to another for some stupid power game.

“Swordsman to Lightning, we’ve cleared the castle’s keep from the last Zakus. The landing zone is safe.”

“Understood, let’s begin Phase Two. Comet, Robogirl, we’re landing. Razgriz, please cover us.”

The Galahad turned to GERWALK mode, and Nikki summoned her Device and Barrier Jacket.

“Archer and I will keep them pinned,” Alvin said. “Go, go, go!”

Sergio’s Galahad landed between Corolla’s and Ami’s, and the canopy opened. Nikki lost no time and cast Round Shield to protect the opening. She unfastened her seatbelt and jumped down with Sergio, the crew of the other two aircraft joining them.

Light blue shields, likely Corolla’s, sprung out around them while they readied their weapons.

“Okay, we’re set,” Sergio said. “Corolla, I’ll leave the Area Search to you. Ami, Arumi, Syaoron, weapons… or energy blasts, or claws free.”

He shot a wary glance at Syaoron, and Nikki could see why. Apparently, Syaoron had the ability to turn into what was basically a green palette swap of Spinel Sun’s full-sized Guardian form – a green winged panther with armor over his head and chest.

“Don’t worry, I’m still me,” Syaoron said, his voice just a bit deeper. “I’m just in a big kitty cat body, as Arumi says.”

“Good to hear. Nikki, I need you in front with me, flashbangs will be useful. I’ll take point, and your Round Shield spell is quite tough. I know you don’t have many ranged options now, but if any hostiles gets too close feel free to swat them away.”

Nikki activated Vanguard’s energy blade. “Of course.”

***

Prince Frederick stared in disbelief at the small glowing orb floating in front of him. “And what would this be?”

That is an Area Search orb. It’s a location spell from the Lyrical Nanoha continuum, Captain Dandy explained. Judging by the color, it should be Agent Corolla’s. She was in DoSAT as of the Unravel, but she used to be one of Agent Turbo’s partners.

***

“Got them!” Corolla shouted over the sound of gunfire. “Floor above us, they’re in a room on the southern side.”

“Good. Find us a route,” Sergio said as he fired on a Belkan soldier. “The sooner we’re done with this, the better.”

Arumi let out a long burst of automatic fire from the two assault rifles she had commandeered from fallen Belkans. “Kinda nostalgic, isn’t it, Kiddo? It feels like those times we kicked the DIS’ ass.”

Syaoron flung some green mana orbs down the corridor. “I could’ve given those a miss.”

***

“It’s slowing down! Nice shot, Thunderbolt!” Keiko shouted as she finally started to gain on the SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance plane they were trying to intercept. In spite of the darkness, Keiko could see that the smoke trail of one of the engines was much more dense than the other’s – Hajime’s laser burst had damaged it.

“Thanks! What do we do now? We can’t shoot it down, it’s defenseless. We should make him land.”

Keiko nodded as she formed up on the Blackbird’s side. Up close, the sleek black aircraft was huge – it was almost twice as long as the Phoenix was. “Agreed. Mermaid, can you do the honors? I think you’re the one most experienced with bureaucracy here.”

“Of course! Belkan aircraft, this is Haro Squadron of Strike Dove Incorporated, on contract for the Clow Kingdom. You’ve been caught conducting espionage operations over territory under the Clow Kingdom’s control, so we’re asking you to follow us and land at the nearest NATO-controlled airfield. You will be treated according to international war prisoner laws. Failure to comply will mean we will be authorized to shoot you down. Do you understand?”

There was a staticky sigh over the open radio channel. “Yes, I understand. Lead the way.”

Keiko couldn’t help but smile. First sortie in which she, Hajime and Ai were on their own, and they had already caught a big turkey.

***

“Don’t let them through!”

“How? They even got a fucking panther!”

That would be Agent Li, I’m sure, Captain Dandy said in response to the Prince’s raised eyebrow.

The sound of gunfire died down, and someone knocked at the door. “Boss? It’s me. If you stand back, we’re getting rid of the door.”

Agent Knight. Better late than never, I guess.

A white energy blade poked through the door, and cut out the handle and lock.

I see Agent Cherryflower is there too.

Prince Frederick could do nothing but stare as the lock fell out and the door opened. His rescue party apparently included two magical girls, a fairy, and a green panther. The only one looking somewhat normal was the lone guy of the group – the woman dual wielding assault rifles had glowing eyes.

Royal etiquette be damned, as soon as he was safe he would ask his saviors for some strong alcohol.

***

“I thought we didn’t have any sortie today?” Chris asked as she saw Shilage put his flight helmet on.

“Emergency assignment. I’ll be going alone, as well.”

Chris raised an eyebrow. “I thought we were a squadron?”

“We are. But, unfortunately, only the new aircraft model is fast enough, and the other airframes aren’t ready yet.”

Shilage walked towards his aircraft, and Chris followed him. The ground crew was already preparing the Variable Fighter for sortie, and Shilage lost no time in reaching the ladder.

“I’ll be up against several aces today,” he said as he was halfway up the ladder. “I don’t think they’ll be too much trouble, but if I don’t return you’ll take the Sol One position.”

Chris couldn’t believe her ears. “Me? Why?”

It was also the first time Shilage wasn’t fully sure of himself. It was a bad sign – and one that filled Chris with dread. She had grown to respect the old man.

“You aren’t chasing a ghost but an actual ace, for starters.”

***

“Joining in the fight as well?” Sergio asked as he noticed Captain Dandy picking up a rifle with his tendrils.

Of course. It is already embarrassing enough for the leader of HQ’s protectors to have been made a prisoner. Helping the rescue effort is the least I can do.

Sergio let out a short laugh. “Fine by me. Those guys aren’t relenting yet.”

“Next up is the entrance hall,” Corolla said as she repositioned her shields to intercept some bullets. Green and purple energy orbs shot off, silencing the gunfire.

“We’re almost out then,” Sergio said as he walked past the bodies of downed soldiers towards the open door. “Starlight, flashbang.”

“On it!” Nikki said as she threw the grenade into the doorway. There was a bright flash and a loud detonation, and the group proceeded further. Down the stairway and all around the balcony there were more soldiers, most dazzled by the flashbang.

“Hostiles on the balcony and stairs!” Sergio shouted as he opened fire again. He hit a couple soldiers on the stairway, with more being taken down by Ami and Syaoron’s energy blasts. The balcony was hit by a hail of bullets, mostly courtesy of Arumi.

“The way out is clear!” Corolla shouted.

“Let’s make a break for it then! Skystreaker to Razgriz, we’re coming out!”

“Roger that,” Snow said. “Edge and I will land to pick up the packages while Chopper and Archer provide cover fire.”

Sergio reloaded his gun and ran towards the main doors backwards, laying down some bursts as cover fire as the group headed out.

We’re almost done here.

***

“What do you mean, Shilage is going out on a sortie alone? I know nothing about this.”

Chris crossed her arms. “I don’t know much, but apparently there’s some kind of assault on Stier Castle. Strike Dove.”

The Professor rubbed his chin. “Stier Castle… isn’t the Prince held there?”

Chris shrugged. “Who knows? Who cares?”

She raised an eyebrow as her father let out a short laugh. “What is it?”

“Those clever kids… They’re planning to end this war, and I dare say they probably will.”

The Professor got up from his chair. “Well, I’m going to let Weisse have a piece of my mind.”

“And what about me? Aren’t we going to help the old guy?”

“With your Sv-51, by the time you’ll be there the battle will already be over. We can only do damage control. Get the Mirage prepared, we’re leaving it at Falcon’s Nest.”

Chris raised her eyebrow again. “There? Why?”

“Insurance. Our time with the Belkan forces might be over soon.”

***

[Vincent Moretto – Ace Combat 7 Archange Metal Remix]

Sergio dove down a valley, and a city appeared in front of him. The first lights of dawn were enough for him to have a look at its appearance: tall skyscrapers in ruins, with plants sprouting out of them. There was no doubt, it had been abandoned well before the Unravel.

“Waypoint Two. Looks like we have made it back to our lines safely.”

“It’s not like they could’ve chased us down!” Corolla’s voice was a bit staticky, but still perfectly intelligible. “The Belkans have nothing that can keep up with the Galahads and Blazes!”

“That might be true,” Snow said, “but not letting our guard down was still-”

There was a blue twinkle in the distance. What’s that?

The twinkle disappeared, and something passed just a few meters from Sergio’s Galahad, leaving a crackling sound and circular ripples in the air.

“Madoka-damnit, Corolla, you jinxed it!” Sergio shouted. “What the hell was that?”

“An EML shot?” Ami wondered. “When did the Belkans get railguns?”

“A miss,” someone else interjected, his voice more staticky than the others. “But a lucky shot would’ve been boring.”

Sergio’s blood froze as he recognized the voice. Shilage?

“That’s Mister X!” Snow shouted. “He must’ve been using the magnetic interference to hide from radar!”

“I have him on mine just now,” Corolla said. “He seems alone, but there’s something off about his plane. It’s not a Flanker or Flapper for sure.”

Sergio gritted his teeth. Just what we needed, Shilage with a new toy. “Razgriz, the packages take priority. Bring them to safety. Skystreaker will pin him here.”

“Razgriz One to Skystreaker One, are you sure?”

“It’s the only way. Besides…” Sergio took a deep breath. “He goes after the aces that catch his attention, and I put some salt on his tail at the refinery. He’s after me, I know it. Better take advantage of that.”

“Razgriz, roger. Be careful.”

“You too.” Sergio gripped the Galahad’s control tightly. “Starlight, Comet, Robogirl, I’ll need your help with this one.”

“Of course.” Nikki said. “That’s why I’m here.”

“Comet here, I’ll support you in any way I can!”

“That bounty will be ours today!” Corolla shouted. “Let’s take him down!”

***

The Professor entered the Durandal’s bridge and marched straight towards Commander Weisse.

“Commander? You’ve ordered Shilage to sortie without consulting me first. I think you owe me an explanation.”

Weisse didn’t bother to turn towards him. “I have orders I cannot refuse, Professor. There was an attack at Stier Castle – White Birds and Demons of Razgriz. They took a VIP that must not be taken away, and the complete Project Vortigern airframe was the only aircraft that could intercept them in time. That is all.”

The Professor narrowed his eyes. “That is not our problem. As per the terms of our contract, any Sol Squadron operation has to be scrutinized by me first.”

Strike Dove is doing a deep strike mission to free the Prince and take away any footing the Grey Men have in ruling the country. I wonder how they got the intel… but it was to be expected they eventually would.

“I’ll make sure you will be compensated for this. Money isn’t going to be an issue, the fate of the country is at stake.”

“That is not a matter of money. But I admit I am curious about the way you expect Shilage to intercept them.”

Weisse pointed at the holographic screen in front of him. “He already did. Thirty minutes ago, one of our Blackbirds was intercepted in this area, but before being captured it got a glimpse of Strike Dove’s aerial carrier. All I had to do was send Shilage to wait for them on their way back.”

The Professor rubbed his chin. There were seven enemy aircraft signatures, and Shilage was alone. Those didn’t look like good odds for him, even with the experimental airframe.

Four signatures kept moving towards the border, while Shilage seemed to be locked in a dogfight with the other three. “I’m afraid our VIP is getting away. How do you plan to perform a recovery past the border?”

“That’s simple: I don’t.” Weisse did what the Professor could best describe as a slasher smile. “His survival isn’t important for us, we can claim it was a failed kidnapping attempt and it was the NATO coalition that killed him to prevent the rescue. Or, even better, not acknowledge the incident at all and say he just passed away due to his illness.”

Of course. From what I understood, the excuse they gave from his public disappearance was that of a serious illness. They were already prepared to kill him once it became convenient.

“Once Shilage has dealt with them all, Belka will begin the counterattack.”

The Professor crossed his arms. “As much as I am as hopeful as you, I’d like to remind you, he’s fighting the Mongoose himself, the rest of the White Birds, and the Demons of Razgriz.”

As much as I don’t want to lose Shilage, I’m curious whether you can pull another of your miracles, son.

***

[Vincent Moretto – Ace Combat 7 Archange Metal Remix]

Sergio rolled out of the way of another railgun shot. “Let’s split out and attack him from multiple angles. He needs to focus on me to aim with that thing, you can try to take him by surprise.”

“Roger that,” Corolla said. “I’ll try to get an ID on what he’s flying, too!”

Sergio’s Galahad finally got a lock, and he fired a full micromissile burst. Shilage pulled up and turned right to avoid the onslaught, allowing Sergio to get a better view of the aircraft.

A canard delta, single tail configuration, with what appeared to be a single large engine in the fuselage and two smaller ones at the very tip of the wing, all leaving orange particle trails. 

As he started to give chase, though, the wingtip engines detached and targeting squares appeared over them as they maneuvered away from their mother aircraft. Drones? Don’t tell me…

“Bad news, guys,” Corolla said. “I think that’s some derivative of the Sv-262 Draken III with Lil Draken drones. That’s a fifth generation variable fighter like ours!”

“Got it,” Sergio said. “Change of plans. Comet, Robogirl, take down the drones. We can’t risk them going after the Razgriz. I’ll try to keep him busy until you’re done.”

He gritted his teeth. With an advanced Variable Fighter like that one, there were plenty of new tricks Shilage could’ve come up with.

Shilage dove between the skyscrapers of the high-rise area of the city, and Sergio followed him, machine guns blazing. The head turret fired as well, meaning Nikki was trying to take some potshots too, but all shots only ended up hitting the ruined buildings as Shilage kept weaving through them.

Left, right, left, right… weird, it’s a predictable pattern. Sergio thought as he switched to GERWALK mode to better deal with the sharp turns. He’s up to something, better put some salt on his tail before he gets all the dots together.

He switched to the arm-mounted mini gunpods, but put his finger on the missile release button. The attachment point for the XMAA pylons was on a piece of wing that turned into the forearm armor, so the missiles were pointing the same way as the gunpods.

He followed Shilage as he turned left at an intersection, and fired a full salvo into the road going right at the following one.

Shilage weaved out of the right turn, going straight instead, and one of the drones crossed the intersection just as he was through.

“He aimed and fired the missiles without a lock. Interesting.” Shilage commented.

Ami’s Galahad crossed the intersection as well, and Sergio pulled up and rolled to avoid flying into her.

“Whoa, that was close!” Nikki shouted.

“He tried to set up a double head-on attack?” Ami said.

“Or maybe to get us to fly into each other,” Sergio added drily. “Robogirl, can you set up a tactical map or something? I realized just in time that he was up to something, but we gotta make sure we don’t fall for it again.”

“Sure thing, coming up.”

Sergio started gaining a lock on Shilage’s aircraft, but just as he fired a couple of standard missiles at him his Draken III somersaulted, dodging the missiles and ending up on the Galahad’s tail in a perfectly executed Kulbit.

Sergio switched his aircraft to GERWALK mode, and spun it around with a kick to the left pedal, proceeding then to Battroid mode. The full immersion mode activated, and he gripped the gunpod just as the missile alarm started blaring.

Sergio opened fire, and Shilage’s missile blew up mid-travel. The Draken III swung its engines out and dove in an alleyway just as Sergio moved its aim to it, a few sparks trailing off the dark gray aircraft as it got hit by a handful of shells.

“Like the other time,” Shilage commented while Sergio resumed the chase. “Not bad at all… let’s see if you’re truly worthy.”

***

[Vincent Moretto – Ace Combat 7 Dragon Breath Metal Remix]

Ami turned left hard, trying to not crash into the skyscrapers while chasing one of the drones. She double-tapped the ordinance button, sending a couple of missiles after the drone, but only one hit, the drone twisting just before impact and then continuing unfazed.

“They fly like Shilage himself does!” she shouted. “They’re deflecting damage away!”

“And on top of that, they’re slippery!” Corolla added. “I’m firing micromissiles as fast as I can, but they’re not hitting!”

“Robogirl, don’t waste them,” Ami said, following the drone as it turned a corner. “You can’t just fire them blindly, or you’re going to run out in no time!”

She glanced at the tactical map, and noticed that the two drones were converging. “Don’t tell me… they’re trying that maneuver again?”

“They’re toying with us!” Corolla shouted.

“What if we turn it against them? If we fire a salvo at the same time, just as they are crossing each other’s path…”

“We’ll completely fill the road with explosions! Let’s do it!”

Ami steeled herself, and switched to the micromissiles. One more corner to go. The drone turned right, and she followed it, firing as soon as she finished the turn. She switched to GERWALK mode and braked, letting the drone and missiles get further from her.

The other drone came into view, also chased by micromissiles. As soon as they were near each other, the space between the two skyscrapers was filled by many small explosions.

Then, a huge orange fireball erupted from the middle, and her Galahad was swept away. The world turned upside down, alarms blaring, and Ami wrestled with the sticks to regain control.

Her aircraft stabilized less than a meter from the nearest building, and another building just a bit further crumbled down, filling the road with dust and debris.

“Comet, are you alright?” Corolla screamed.

“Yes… I think.” She turned towards the back seat. “Syaoron?”

“Y-yeah, I’m good,” he said, still breathing heavily.

Ami sighed in relief and glanced at the multifunction display. While most indicators were alright, the Energy Conversion Armor levels were in the red. “The energy armor held, but just barely. What was that?”

“I saw it from here!” Nikki shouted. “And those particle trails…”

“Of course!” Corolla interjected. “Cordium engines! That’s the only way to get enough power for a Draken III without thermonuclear turbines!”

Ami accelerated out, going towards Corolla’s aircraft. While one of the drones had exploded, the other was still flying, although it was leaving smoke trails in its wake. “Wait, didn’t we destroy the extraction plant?”

“Maybe some leftovers,” Sergio wondered. “A fighter surely uses far less than an aerial warship.”

Ami nodded. That was the only possible explanation, and besides they had more pressing matters to think about. She switched to the SAAM missiles – it was better to keep some distance.

***

[Vincent Moretto – Kingdom Hearts Night of Fate Metal Remix]

“Incoming!” Nikki shouted as she noticed the blue flash of Shilage’s railgun charging up. The Galahad rolled, and the railgun shot passed right next to it.

“Another miss,” Shilage said. “Even this weapon is not enough for the Mongoose.”

“He’s getting more accurate. We need to think of something,” Sergio said as the Galahad dove left at an intersection. The aircraft slowed down suddenly as it went past the corner, shifting to Battroid mode.

Nikki glanced right. The head turret now was under Sergio’s control, so she could afford to give a better look to Shilage’s aircraft. Maybe there’s something we can take advantage of.

The Draken III turned in, and was greeted by a hail of shells and lasers. Sergio had fired everything he had, but once again Shilage suffered only a handful of hits as he swung out the legs of the Draken III and backpedaled out of the alley.

“Damn it!” Sergio shouted. “I’m starting to run out of ammo, and that thing seems to be still in perfect condition!”

Wait a minute…. Only the legs swung out!

“Lightning, I just realized something!” Nikki shouted. “He doesn’t fully transition to GERWALK mode!”

“And I haven’t seen him use Battroid mode even once,” Sergio agreed as he took off again to pursue Shilage.

“Maybe the airframe is incomplete and can’t fully transform?”

“Or maybe it’s him. He’s an old pilot with no ground combat experience, I think he’s using that thing as an extremely mobile fighter, not as a mecha.”

Nikki opened fire with the head turret as soon as Shilage was in range, but again he kept weaving through buildings throwing off her aim. “You’re right, he’s your grandfather’s age. Learning how to pilot a mecha at this age must be very hard.”

Sergio fired off his last salvo of XMAAs without a lock, forcing Shilage out of a turn. Sergio opened fire with the gunpod, and Shilage turned around in GERWALK mode. The railgun under the fuselage glowed again, and Sergio dove into an alleyway to dodge.

“Again!” Nikki shouted. “The railgun is attached like a gunpod, but he didn’t use the arms to aim it better!”

“This settles it. We must lure him into a close quarters situation where Battroid mode has the advantage, and he can’t easily back out from… is there any dead end with tall buildings?”

Nikki glanced at the tactical map. “Let’s see…Fourth left, then second right. What’s the plan?”

“If my hunch is right, he doesn’t know how to use a Variable Fighter in melee. There’s this maneuver I saw Hibiki do to do a fast U-turn, then I’ll leave the controls to you. You’re way better with the beam saber than I will ever be. If you manage to chop a wing off, that’s it. We won.”

Nikki bit her lip as she fired with the head turret to intercept a missile. “I have to be careful not to hit the engines, though. If they blow up in our faces, we’re goners too!”

“I know. But I trust you.”

Nikki took a deep breath as the Galahad turned left. She gripped the controls tightly, her finger ready on the Battroid mode switch. “I’m ready.”

“This is it,” Sergio said as he turned right. The road was cut off by a very tall skyscraper, with other buildings flanking the sides.

“Wrong turn,” Shilage said. “You’ve been quite the entertainer, but you committed a mistake. This will be over with the next shot.”

Sergio switched the Galahad to GERWALK mode and veered left, rolling right just as he approached the left corner of the road. He kicked off the wall of the left building, and then that of the skyscraper at the end of the road. A missile missed the Galahad barely, crashing through one of the windows of the skyscraper.

Sergio kicked off the next building and accelerated towards Shilage. “Now!”

Nikki accepted the control swap request and flicked the Battroid mode switch. The Galahad transformed, now fully controlled by her mind, and she pulled out the beam saber from its bay.

She quickly evaluated her strike angle, but she was in a bad position to hit the wings. The Galahad had lost too much altitude with the maneuver.
The Draken III swung its engines out, presumably to avoid going straight into the skyscraper. The junction between legs and fuselage was right in front of her eyes.

“Kyaaaaa!” Nikki shouted at the top of her lungs as she swung the beam saber, cutting through the articulations. Her momentum caused the Galahad to barrel through as well, hitting both legs and fuselage of the Draken III before crashing and skidding on the ruined asphalt below.

“Urgh…” Sergio began. “That was one hell of a rough landing, Starlight. Are you alright?”

“The last one I did at Sand Island was much worse,” Nikki said as she maneuvered the Galahad back to its feet. From the readouts on the display, the Galahad hadn’t sustained much in the way of damage either. “Did I get him?”

In front of her, the engineless Draken III was laying on top of some rubble. The engines were nowhere in sight, likely having shot off as soon as they were severed from the rest of the plane.

The armored cockpit of the Draken III opened, and someone got up from inside, his arms raised in surrender.

“You did!” Sergio shouted. “Skystreaker One to Long Caster and Wolfram, splash one! We got Shilage!”

“And we got the last drone, too!” Corolla chipped in. “Luckily this one didn’t go boom!”

“Long Caster to Skystreaker Squadron, copy. Excellent work.”

“Razgriz One here, did I hear it right? Lightning shot down the King of the Skies?”

“You crazy son of a bitch, you did it!” Alvin shouted.

Sergio laughed. “Oh, I didn’t do it alone. I couldn’t have done it without my squadron.”

He raised his hand towards Nikki, and she hit a high five.

“There’s nothing we can’t do together,” he said.

“Mmh-mmh,” Nikki hummed in agreement. “So, what do we do now?”

“We ask for someone to pick up Shilage and what remains of his plane – we’re going to finally get some answers.”

***

“We lost contact with Sol One!”

The Professor crossed his arms. So, I think it really went their way.

“Reroute the closest relay aircraft there,” Weisse ordered. “It might just be the magnetic interference of that area disrupting comms.”

“Yes, sir… Wait, we have an emergency transmission by Sol One. I’m putting it on screen.”

SHOT DOWN  – CAPTURED NO INJURIES – MONGOOSE HAS THE CROWN appeared over one of the holographic screens.

“Mother of God…” Weisse said, his voice little more than a whisper. “The King of the Skies with the new aircraft… and he shot them down?”

“I always told you to not underestimate Skystreaker One,” the Professor said. “And you lost one of my pilots by sending him out without talking about it with me first. This has a price, Commander.”

Weisse pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his forehead. “Of course, we’ll go through the details of the reimbursement later. If you can excuse me, I have to inform my higher-ups of the operation’s failure. Why did Shilage bother to confirm they have the Prince, it is obvious…”

“Oh, I’m pretty sure that’s not what he meant.” The Professor smiled as he started heading out of the bridge. “The King is dead. Long live the King.”

He walked past the door, smiling to himself. Well, Sergio, I dare say that despite all you still managed to go past my highest expectations about you.

***

“Here they are!” Snow shouted as soon as Sergio and the rest of Skystreaker Squadron entered the salon of the Clow Kingdom’s royal palace. “The new King of the Skies, and his court!”

Sergio raised his hands in a “slow down” sign. “Wait a minute. I don’t think I can truly take his title – it was a team effort. In fact, it was Nikki who did the killing blow.”

“But you came up with the strategy, and got the plane in position for me to strike,” Nikki rebutted.

“King and Queen, then?” Alvin said. “Man, you heard the NATO radio chatter? Everyone went wild when they heard the ‘Ace Killer’ had been shot down!”

“Yes, but the greatest achievement is the one we did all together.” Sergio turned his head towards where Johnson, King Fujitaka and Prince Frederick were talking. “This war is almost over, I feel it.”

“We feel the same, too,” Nagase said as she motioned the Skystreakers to take some sparkling wine glasses from the refreshments table.

Once everyone had one, Snow raised his own. “To a peaceful future!”

“To a peaceful future!” Everyone repeated.

***

“The King of the Skies was shot down? Are you kidding?”

“I wish I was, but it really happened! The Mongoose did him in!”

“Him? If not even Shilage could stop him, who can?”

“We’re done, this war is over! Game over man, game over!”

Chris felt her stomach knot up as she heard the crew of the Durandal descend into panic. Was it really possible? The old guy was a legend, and was pretty much untouchable in the sky.

But, then again, Skystreaker One was able to damage his plane once already.

“Chris, with me,” the Professor said.from behind her. “We need to talk.”

Chris followed him back to his lab. “Is it true? Skystreaker One got the old guy?”

“Unfortunately, yes. This means we have to start the contingency plan. We’re taking everything we don’t immediately need out of here –  I’ve already sent Miksa to bring his cousins Ionela and Alma to a safe place, and Foulke will bring his spare plane to Falcon’s Nest as well.”

Chris blinked. “Don’t tell me… we’re preparing our exit?”

“That is the case. The fate of this war has been set in stone – and Belka has lost.”

***

“So, we finally meet face to face,” Johnson said as he sat next to Shilage. He set down a bottle and two glasses on the small table between the two chairs.

He had always wondered what he would do if that happened – he had lost his wingmen to the Burning Shark of his world, and the one in front of him had killed many of the best pilots of the NATO coalition.

And yet, he couldn’t feel any hatred. In the end, they were the same thing – old pilots whose age had finally come to an end.

“How do you wish me to call you? You have gained many titles, as far as I know.”

“Just Mihaly will be fine,” Shilage said, his expression unreadable.

“I see. Well, then be my guest and call me Leroy. ‘Bikini Heart’ is a thing of the past.”

Shilage turned towards him. “You stopped flying all of a sudden. We never had our final confrontation.”

“That’s right. But, you see, I had realized it was time to give my old bones some rest, and let a new generation go ahead. It may sound cowardly, but I think it was the right thing to do.”

“I see. So that’s the way you actually defeated me.”

Johnson raised an eyebrow. What was Shilage getting at?

“You passed on your wings to a successor, and trusted him, while I did anything it took to keep mine to myself. I was too proud, and time caught up with me.”

Shilage then glanced at the group of people at the refreshments table, Sergio in the middle. “A younger, better pilot was bound to arrive, sooner or later. One who had what I missed.”

Johnson nodded slowly. “So, you realized, finally?”

“Yes. I can see it in front of my eyes. I always flew just for myself. I taught countless younger pilots, but in flight they were just following orders, or devoted to the idea of serving the King of the Skies. But I am no King.

“Him, on the other hand… His wingmen and comrades trust and support him, and he does the same for them. He will guide them, something I was never able to do.”

Shilage closed his eyes, and lowered his head. “If there is someone worthy of that crown, it is someone like him. It’s ironic that in the end it was your grandson, and not mine, but I guess you were the superior teacher after all.”

Johnson laughed. “Oh, I gave him some pointers, but he found his own way. You’re giving me too much credit, Mihaly.”

He unscrewed the cap of the bottle. “I hope you like bourbon?”

***

Nikki glanced warily at Corolla and Kathleen. They had insisted for she and Ami to follow them to the bedroom she and Sergio were going to share that night, so they were surely planning something.

“So!” Corolla said. “I’m sure you’re wondering why we asked you to follow us, so it is time to share with you our idea. You all know today is Sergio’s birthday, right?”

“Of course,” Nikki said. “You pulled us away from what’s also his birthday party.”

Corolla’s expression clearly read “oh right”.

“Anyways,” Kathleen continued for her, “we came up with an idea to make him a special birthday gift, but it needs the two of you.”

Ami inched closer to Nikki. “Should we be scared?”

“Don’t worry! We’re not planning anything crazy… for once.” Corolla cheered just as two balls of blue light formed in mid-air, before turning into two sets of frilly lingerie, one white and one black.

Nikki raised an eyebrow. “Don’t tell me you’re planning for us to…”

“Give my lil’ bro a bit of eye candy.” Kathleen winked. “We’re not asking you to have a threesome, that would be very rude on our part.”

“Though, of course, no one will stop you if you decide to.” Corolla put her fists to her sides. “I’m still a firm believer that the Harem Route provides the perfect ending for the three of you.”

Nikki felt the urge to facepalm, while Ami’s face turned tomato red.

“Well… it’s a bit much to ask anyway,” Nikki said.

“Don’t worry, I understand. If you don’t want to do it, I will be bummed but that’s OK.” Kathleen glanced at Corolla warily. “I don’t know if she will take a no though.”

“Come on, it will be fun!” Corolla pulled out a roll of red ribbon from her dimensional pocket. “I’m sure Sergio will enjoy it, too!”

Ami looked like she could literally melt any second. “If Nikki is alright with it too…”

Nikki took a deep breath, but smiled. “Well, I guess there’s nothing bad in doing it just this once. As long as you don’t get strange ideas about the ‘Harem Route’, of course.”

***

Sergio opened the door of the room that had been assigned to him and Nikki.

“Nikki, you here? Corolla said-”

“Mmh!”

Sergio blinked. He had stayed away from anything alcoholic except that single glass of champagne, so he was sure he was not drunk. But the scene was still something that felt unlikely.

Nikki and Ami, sitting back-to-back on the bed in lingerie, tied and gagged together with red ribbon.

“So, uhm…” Sergio said. “Corolla happened, I assume? And maybe Kathleen too?”

Both girls nodded.

“Jeez…” Sergio facepalmed. “So this is her idea of the ‘perfect birthday gift’. Trying to goad us into a threesome.”

He sighed. “Well, that doesn’t look comfortable at all, so please don’t mind me if I actually do some unwrapping.”

***

Sergio opened his eyes. Judging by the light in the room, the sun was high up, but that was a given. After all, with that mission they had all pulled an all-nighter.

Well, I guess it is alright if I nap a bit more. I’m still so tired, Nikki feels twice the weight. And that dream… yeah, no way such a thing could have happened.

He blinked. Yes, Nikki was, as usual, sleeping with her head on his shoulder, hugging his chest. But the weight on his chest was too much for it to be just her arm.

He glanced down, and found what looked like a ball of black hair where the excess weight was located. Wait a minute.

The ball moved, revealing itself to be Ami’s head. She opened her eyes and looked at him, her bare shoulders poking out of the blanket. “Morning.”

“… Morning.” Sergio repeated.

There must be a reasonable explanation for this. Possibly involving Corolla, and perhaps Kathleen too.

Nikki stirred as well, rubbing her eyes. She glanced at Sergio, then at Ami. “Uhm… good morning?”

They stared at each other for a good full minute.

“So… uhm,” Sergio started. “It happened?”

Ami’s face became tomato red. “Well…”

Nikki smiled, her face flushed as well. “It happened.”

I still blame Corolla and Kathleen for this.

And yes, I started with intense action and high stakes, and I ended up with the main love triangle being sneakily Tenchi Solutioned by Corolla and Kathleen. But The World Without authors is all about getting to work things that usually don’t.

With this, only one chapter left to go until the end of the first arc! Stay tuned!