/ACEG/ RPG Session 1(2)

Mission 1 (2)
April 18th 1995.

Operation Sickle.
Payout - 150,000 + bounties
Difficulty - Easy
Close Air Support for advancing troops.





[19:00] <@Valetni> It's a chilly april morning as you sit in your cockpits, planes on the flightline, as the ground crew carries out their final checks. Finally, after a few minutes the thumbs ups are given. The canopies close around you with an audible hiss, and the start carts are wheeled out to jumpstart your engines. The powerful thrum of your engines can be felt in every inch of your body as you prepare to take off for this morning's mission.

[19:01] * Cavalier_3-4 would be doubly sure to check take-off proccedures over and over again, as instantly crashing wuold be utterly horrid.
[19:03] * Strix_4-2 blinks a few times, looking around his cockpit and through the glass at the paint of his plane.
[19:04] * Cavalier_3-4 would speak into his radio "Nadir flight - thanks again for letting me fit in the spot. Here's hoping we have a good one."
[19:04] * Strix_4-2 taps his headset. "I'm sure we will, can't be that bad, right?"
[19:04] <Geist_4-4> "No problem, Cavalier! Good to have you"
[19:05] * Geist_4-4 taps his hands on his lap and hums a tune
[19:05] <Strix_4-2> "How're you doing there, Cosmo?"
[19:05] * Cosmo_4-1 wrings her wrists, clearly ecstatic to be back behind the controls of an aircraft. She glances down the flightline, "Let's keep it tight out there, Nadir. Cavalier, you keep up with Strix when we reach the line. Geist, 'yer with me."
[19:06] <Cavalier_3-4> "Understood, flight lead."
[19:06] <Geist_4-4> "Understood. I'm with you."
[19:07] <Strix_4-2> "Roger that, lead."

[19:08] * Cosmo_4-1 places her hands on the controls of her plane, "Let's get rollin', then. This is Nadir Lead, requesting permission for takeoff."
[19:12] * Cosmo_4-1 taxis her way onto the runway, eyes forward. With a quick sigh and the proper procedures, she brings her aircraft into the air above.
[19:13] * Geist_4-4 follows behind, grinning ear to ear as he eases his plane into the air behind his flight lead
[19:15] * Strix_4-2 does a cursory glance over his controls before moving across the runway, taking off smoothly as the others.
[19:16] * Cavalier_3-4 briefly checks over his things one more time "Right. Controls...mostly stable. No fuel leaks. Check...check."
[19:16] <Cavalier_3-4> "This is Cavalier, taking off...and hopefully not crashing into the hangar."
[19:17] * Cavalier_3-4 starts on the engine of his MIG-21, roaring and boosting himself forward - before upwards, as the plane shakes a good deal - but does not erupt into a massive fireball. No death! Yet.
[19:17] <Strix_4-2> "I'm in the sky waitin' for you, Cavalier."
[19:17] <Cavalier_3-4> "On it, Strix."
[19:17] * Cavalier_3-4 would bring his plane to bear into formation beside Strix.

[19:17] <Cosmo_4-1> "Not sounding too confident in your flying skills there, 3-4. You squared away?"
[19:18] <Cavalier_3-4> "I've had bad experiences with take-offs in the past."
[19:18] <Cavalier_3-4> "I'll be fine."
[19:18] <Strix_4-2> "Are you sure he's not confident in his flying skills, or what he's flying? Haha."
[19:18] <Cosmo_4-1> "I 'dunno about you, 4-2, but flying in the F-105 gives me the warm n' fuzzies."
[19:19] <Geist_4-4> "Like flying in a toaster... Same level of maneuverability too."
[19:19] <Cosmo_4-1> "Right... let's get ourselves into a left-abreast, Nadir. Keep it tight while we're flying."
[19:20] <Geist_4-4> "Understood, flight lead."
[19:21] <Strix_4-2> "Understood. Good day for flying, at least."
[19:22] <Cavalier_3-4> "Sky's beautiful, for sure. These ranges are quite a sight, too."
[19:23] <Cosmo_4-1> "Y'know, with the money we're making from dropping bombs, you could probably afford a ranch out here or something."
[19:23] <Cavalier_3-4> "A ranch? In this weather?"
[19:23] <Geist_4-4> "I'd prefer a place on the beach, myself!"
[19:23] <Cosmo_4-1> "It's not like I'd be doing any actual ranching. I'd just be lazing around."
[19:24] <Strix_4-2> "I should use the money to buy a beet farm in Yuktobania, gotta live up to my heritage."
[19:24] <Cavalier_3-4> "Sorry, but I have to go with Geist here. He knows what's up."

[19:24] <@Valetni> Once the lot of you have formed up, you put your back to Valais airbase, soaring over the whitecapped ridges as you make your way towards the battlefield.
[19:26] <@Valetni> The solitude of flight is defrayed by the interflight chatter, and it isn't long before a new voice cuts in over your radio. "Nadir Flight? I have you on radar." A younger woman's voice asks. "This is AWACS Spirit Guide, you'll be operating in my area of responsibility. Let's do our best!"
[19:27] <@Valetni> "I'll be relaying communication between you and the allied ground forces, call sign Freight Train. Do you copy?"

[19:28] <Cavalier_3-4> "This is 3-4 Cavalier. Copy that, Spirit Guide."
[19:29] <Strix_4-2> "Strix 4-2 here, roger that."
[19:29] <Geist_4-4> "Solid copy, Spirit Guide and Freight Train. Pleasure to be working with you."
[19:29] <Cosmo_4-1> "This is Nadir Lead, copy that Spirit Guide, five-by-five."

[19:31] <@Valetni> "Ah, g-good!" Spirit Guide responds. "At your current speed, you should be over the first defensive line in about six minutes."

[19:32] <Cavalier_3-4> "How about Freight Train, Spirit Guide? How close are they to the defensive line?"

[19:33] <@Valetni> A new voice, an older man cuts in on the frequency. In the background of this transmission you can hear the echoed growl of an engine and the occasional faint whine of a turret. "Nadir? This is Freight Train. We'll be advancing as soon as you commence your first strike. We have a lot of open ground to cover and I don't like it at all. Once we start moving, this train ain't stopping. Understand? We're counting on you."

[19:33] * Cavalier_3-4 shrugs to himself, talking to himself off-radio "Well, that answers that."
[19:34] <Strix_4-2> "Copy, Freight Train, you can count on us."
[19:34] <Geist_4-4> "Copy, freight train."
[19:35] * Cosmo_4-1 nods her head once to herself, "Copy that, Freight Train. Nadir 4-1 speaking, we'll get you rollin' through this line in no time. We got you."

[19:36] <@Valetni> "Glad to hear. We'll be watching for the fireworks, Freight Train out."

[19:38] <Cosmo_4-1> "4-4, you'll be pounding out their forces with me, so make sure you're squared away. The two MiGs will be covering us so we don't get intercepted by any unwelcome guests."
[19:38] <Cavalier_3-4> "Understood. Got your back, Cosmo."
[19:39] <Strix_4-2> "Hear that, Cav? We get the equivalent of the lofty office job."
[19:39] <Geist_4-4> "Solid copy, flight lead."
[19:39] * Cavalier_3-4 lets out a brief chuckle at Strix's joke, smirking to himself.
[19:39] <Geist_4-4> "I'll follow your lead."
[19:39] <Cosmo_4-1> "Be glad for a milk run, 4-2."
[19:39] <Geist_4-4> "Yeah, Strix. Us groundpounders have the tough job."

[19:40] <@Valetni> Your flight continues onward, and before long you can make out, faintly the three unnaturally straight lines carved into the terrain. Currently, you're approaching from the south, while each defensive line stretches from east to west.

[19:40] <Strix_4-2> "Hey, I'm not arguin' anything."
[19:40] <Cosmo_4-1> "Hey, cut the chatter. We've got bad guys up ahead."
[19:49] * Cavalier_3-4 briefly decelerates for a moment, keeping watch on his attacker's six "Well...go nuts, then."
[20:23] * Cosmo_4-1 nods to herself once again, "That I will." She drops her altitude significantly, bowing out of formation. "On me, 4-4," she says cooly. She only decreases her speed slightly on the approach, maintaining a quick approach on her way to the target. Two CBU-100s drop from the hardpoints of her F-105, falling to the ground on their path towards the middle group.


[20:26] <@Valetni> The unguided bombs tumble from the ejector rack, going end over end as they open, spewing bomblets through the air as they release their payloads. Despite kicking out nearly 500 bomblets between the two, without the wind correction munition package, the vast majority of the bomblets erupt beyond the dug in tanks. However, a handful of them manage to land on the rear deck of the dug in tanks, exploding through the thin top armor with a flurry of staccato explosions, leaving only a ruined hulk of machine and man.

[20:48] <BlindSighter_4-3> Guns trained on our enemy, I hover just above nape and fly directly over the SPAAG, so that there's no chance of missing before letting loose with the guns.
[20:49] <BlindSighter_4-3> "Some time to show up, eh? Sorry about that."
[20:49] <Strix_4-2> "We thought you died from laughter after that night at the bar!"
[20:50] <BlindSighter_4-3> "Yeah, well, after that dance I wouldn't be suprised."
[20:51] <BlindSighter_4-3> "Seriously, though, is he okay?"

[20:51] <@Valetni> The SPAAG's twin barrels swivel, tracking the incoming Mirage even as the 30mm cannons on delta winged plane begin to tear into the vehicle. The muzzle's flash, sending back a stream of lead at its attacker, even as it dies.

[20:52] <Strix_4-2> "Blindsighter, you okay? That didn't look good."
[20:54] <BlindSighter_4-3> "Yeah, I'll live. That gunner must have been as suicidal as me."
[20:54] <Cavalier_3-4> "Man, I just feel lonely up here now."
[20:55] <BlindSighter_4-3> "At least the air is safe at the moment. Wouldn't want to do that again."
[20:57] <Strix_4-2> "Sky's clear for now. Keep an eye out. Cav and Blindsighter, you're with me.
[20:57] <Cosmo_4-1> "Good hits, Blidsighter. Be weary of the MANPADs on the second line, I advise you stay high, so your day doesn't get fucked. SPAAG's down, 4-2, you and 3-4 should be safe for some gun runs."
[20:58] <Cavalier_3-4> "Will do."
[20:58] <BlindSighter_4-3> "Loud and clear, Strix."
[20:58] <Strix_4-2> Understood, Cosmo, we'll hit when there's an opening.
[20:59] <BlindSighter_4-3> "I'll stay out of trouble for now, try and be the team's eyes."

[21:05] * Geist_4-4 flies in low and slow, letting loose some of his payload and hollering a little as the bomblets land on target. He circles around, confirming his kills.
[21:06] <Geist_4-4> "Woooooooey! It feels good to pound ground!"
[21:07] <Cavalier_3-4> "Nice shot, Geist. I'll see if I can shut up the first column."
[21:07] <Blind_Sighter> "Well, damn, that's some good bombing"
[21:07] <Blind_Sighter> "What is that, four down?"
[21:09] * Cavalier_3-4 flies in low, decreasing his speed as he readies himself up for an impromptu bombing run. After stabilizing his craft, he lets down a single FAB-500, from his left wing "And let's see if this is a score!"

[21:12] <@Valetni> The airframe shakes violently as the shockwave is transmitted through the air and your plane. Fortunately you manage to egress the area quick enough to avoid any shrapnel doing real damage. When the smoke and dust finally clear, you see a massive crater where the four tanks used to be. One of them sits on its side, and the other has its turret popped. Of the other two, almost directly under the bomb, there's no sign beyond twisted and unrecognizable metal.

[21:13] <Cavalier_3-4> "...Think that was overkill. Well, bring it home, Strix."
[21:13] <Strix_4-2> "Nice job, Cavalier."
[21:14] <Geist_4-4> "Good kills, 3-4"
[21:14] <Blind_Sighter_4-3> "Well... Now I just feel stupid."
[21:14] <Blind_Sighter_4-3> "Damn good run."
[21:15] <Blind_Sighter_4-3> "Could I bother you for tips later, Cav?"
[21:16] <Cavalier_3-4> "Hah! Sure, we'll have a chat on the bar once we're done here."

[21:19] <@Valetni> "Nadir, This is Freight Train. We'll be beginning our advance now. How effective have your attacks been, all we see is a lot of smoke."

[21:21] <Blind_Sighter_4-3> "Ask Cavalier and Geist. I know they're missing one of their AA guns for sure."
[21:21] <Blind_Sighter_4-3> "Cav?"
[21:21] <Geist_4-4> "Two of the groups have been destroyed. We're mopping up the rest now, Freight Train."
[21:21] <Cavalier_3-4> "Fright train, there are only two tanks remaining. We took down ten thusfar."
[21:22] <Cosmo_4-1> "Freight Train, this is Nadir 4-1, splashed most of those tanks. They shouldn't be any problem for you when you pass through."
[21:22] <Strix_4-2> "Hopefully that mopping up will be done just about now, Freight Train."

[21:25] <@Valetni> "Roger that, we're leaving the station." Freight Train replies.

[21:29] * Strix_4-2 dips his plane down, letting out a controlled burst towards a tank on the ground. Pulling up and around, he checks over to see the damage done to the tank.
[21:32] <@Valetni> A barrage of cannon rounds impact all over the tank, doing some damage, but failing to kill it. The smoke begins to clear. The two remaining Belkan tanks, faced with the destruction of the entire rest of their company, and the approaching tank forces, throw their vehicles into reverse as they attempt to race for the second defensive line without exposing their thin rear armor to Freight Train.

[21:34] <Cavalier_3-4> "Flight lead, Orders?"
[21:34] <Blind_Sighter_4-3> "your lead, Cosmo."
[21:35] * Cosmo_4-1 brings her aircraft around, moving back into formation. She glances down at the battlefield below, "Blindsighter, Cavalier, I want you on those retreating tanks. Rest of us need to prepare to smash up that second line for Freight Train."
[21:36] <Cavalier_3-4> "Copy that, Cosmo."
[21:36] <Blind_Sighter_4-3> "Copy that."
[21:36] <Cavalier_3-4> "Sigther - I'll handle the one Strix already damaged, yeah? MIG Guns aren't the greatest..."
[21:36] <Blind_Sighter_4-3> "Sure thing."
[21:36] <Cavalier_3-4> "Let's rock."
[21:36] <Cosmo_4-1> "Blindsighter, keep your head on the swivel. Briefing said that there were possible MANPADs on the second line. I don't want you too close to the ground when we engage, lest you get fuckedu p."
[21:36] <Strix_4-2> "That'd be best, Cav. He's limping anyways, put him down."

[21:37] <@Valetni> "G-guys!" Spirit Guide interrupts hesitantly. "I have contacts on radar."

[21:37] <Cavalier_3-4> "...Aw, *what*, AWACS?"
[21:38] * Strix_4-2 turns his head to his radar, checking for any in his immediate area. "What's the count, Spirit?"
[21:38] <Blind_Sighter_4-3> "Come on, Strix, I'm not THAT far gone."
[21:38] <Blind_Sighter_4-3> "Eh?"

[21:38] <@Valetni> "Multiple low level contacts, judging from their speed, they're probably attack helicopters. It's difficult to pick them out from the clutter...Sorry." Spirit Guide says.

[21:38] * Strix_4-2 shakes his head. "I'm talking about the tank, Blind Sighter."
[21:38] <Cavalier_3-4> "Cosmo - want me on the tank still?"
[21:39] <Cosmo_4-1> "Neg', Cavalier. Copy that, Spirit Guide. Cavalier, I want you and Strix on those helicopters. Blindsighter can have a field day with those tanks, just keep out of the range of the second line. If they retreat to far, we'll mop 'em up after the bombs."

[21:39] <Cavalier_3-4> "10-4."
[21:40] <Blind_Sighter_4-3> "Understood."
[21:40] <Strix_4-2> "Got it, Cosmo. Form up on me, Cavalier."
[21:40] * Cavalier_3-4 shifts his plane to the left, falling in beside Strix.
[21:41] <Geist_4-4> "Cosmo, orders?"
[21:41] * Blind_Sighter_4-3 turns to refocus on the tanks, trying to concentrate on get them before they reach the second line.
[21:41] <Cosmo_4-1> "Same as my last, Geist. You're with me. Watch out for MANPADs and AA on the second line, expend your bombs and then go assist 4-2 and 3-4 if need be."
[21:42] <Geist_4-4> "Solid copy. I'm with you, flight lead."

[21:43] <@Valetni> As the Ustian tanks get within range, a staggered barrage of shells fly out towards the two retreating tanks. While the vast majority miss, at least one scores a direct hit on the undamaged tank, resulting in an explosion that sends the turret flying. The previously damaged one is struck in the track, and grinds to a halt, slewed 90 degrees.

[21:44] <Cavalier_3-4> "...Heey, look at that. Ustian's got some moves."
[21:45] <Blind_Sighter_4-3> "Looks like those two aren't going anywhere. Should I save my ammo?"
[21:46] <Cosmo_4-1> "Make sure the tracked one is disabled and then gain some altitude, 4-3."
[22:00] * Cosmo_4-1 pitches up slightly, gaining a small amount of altitude as she flies over the first trench. She lets two CBUs fly from their racks, bound for the hapless infantry below.
[22:06] * Cosmo_4-1 turns her plane in order to escape the range of the infantry's portable MANPADs. Unfortunately, as she turns tail, two missiles find their targets in non-vital areas of her craft. The F-105 shudders under the weight of the explosions, dropping its altitude slightly as Cosmo shouts expletives over the radio, pitching up and quickly compensating for the sustained damage.

[22:06] * Cavalier_3-4 accelerates his MIG onwards west besides Strix "Approaching choppers."
[22:08] <Cavalier_3-4> "...Actually, fuck this. Hang on, Cosmo."
[22:08] * Cavalier_3-4 suddenly breaks hard right for the trenches.
[22:17] * Cavalier_3-4 pilots his plane forward at a breakneck pace, dropping his second , and last FAB-500 as he makes a pass by - not too bothered with accuracy - but more with just getting the attention off of Cosmo.
[22:19] <Geist_4-4> "Flight lead, are you okay? You're trailing a little smoke."
[22:20] <Blind_Sighter_4-3> "Cosmo, are you all right?"
[22:22] * Cosmo_4-1 shakes her head, "Just about as good as two missiles can get you, keep your orders, I've got this handled." A nervous tone to her voice informs the crew of her mood.

[22:22] * Blind_Sighter_4-3 trains his guns on the helpless tank and wipes out what remains of it, before bringing himself up to a higher altitude and surveying the damage done to his flight lead.
[22:32] <Cavalier_3-4> "Out of bombs...how's that defense line holding up?"
[22:34] <Cosmo_4-1> "Still too many of 'em, we need to wipe out those trenches and eliminate those MANPADs before we take out the rest of those AT guns, it's no use flying over and getting shot to shit."
[22:35] <Strix_4-2> "I uh... I'll try and snag one. I can't hit the dirt with these missiles."
[22:35] <Cavalier_3-4> "Carefulw ith the approach, Strix."
[22:39] <Strix_4-2> "Don't worry, I'm sure this coffin's thick enough for a hit or two."
[22:40] * Strix_4-2 drops down, circling around towards the center AT gun formation.
[22:49] <Cavalier_3-4> "Flight Lead. Geist. You still got bombs?"

[22:49] * Strix_4-2 fires off a missile towards the AT gun, moving fast as to not be caught my return fire. The missile narrowly misses the AT gun, kicking up dirt and grass.
[22:50] <Strix_4-2> "Shit! I was sure that'd be a hit..."
[22:50] <Geist_4-4> "I still have a few left"

[22:51] <Cavalier_3-4> "We're wasting time with these things, and the choppers are closing in. I've got an idea."
[22:51] <BlindSighter_4-3> "All ears, unless Cosmo disagrees."
[22:51] <Cavalier_3-4> "They musn't have a lot of MANPADS, and reload time must be slow. None were fired after they hit Cosmo. I can go in, draw fire and open up a breach for you guys to bomb with more accuracy."
[22:51] <Cosmo_4-1> "What's your idea, huh? I need those interceptors on the helicopter's asses before they reach Freight Train and I need those AT guns down before Freight Train reaches them."
[22:52] <Cavalier_3-4> "Just passed it to you, Ma'am."
[22:52] <BlindSighter_4-3> "That's suicide, Cav."
[22:52] <Cavalier_3-4> "I can dodge. I know it."
[22:52] <Strix_4-2> "Sounds good in theory, but are you sure you can take that heat, Cavalier?"
[22:53] <Cosmo_4-1> "Well, we'll split your funeral costs with the contract pay that we get out of this one, Cavalier."
[22:54] <Cavalier_3-4> "Hah. You'd better."
[22:54] <Cavalier_3-4> "Let's do this."

[22:55] <BlindSighter_4-3> "Cosmo, I assume you want me on those choppers?"
[22:56] <Cosmo_4-1> "Blindsighter, you've got damage. I want you to keep an eye on 'em, Strix, what's the plan?"
[22:57] * Cavalier_3-4 lowers himself, firing all guns over at the AT formation to get the enemy's attention. This'll go well.
[22:57] <BlindSighter_4-3> "With all due respect, Lead, better me than Freight Train."
[22:59] <Cosmo_4-1> "I respectfully disagree."
[22:59] <Strix_4-2> "I'm going to stay up here until those heli's decide they wanna crash, Cosmo."
[22:59] <Cosmo_4-1> "Copy that, Blindsighter, keep with Strix. Keep those helicopters off Freight Train."
[23:00] <BlindSighter_4-3> "Copy, Lead."
[23:01] <Strix_4-2> "Blind Sighter, I want you to hold a bit behind me, hit them when I've let off a missile or two."
[23:02] <BlindSighter_4-3> Gotcha.
[23:02] <BlindSighter_4-3> *"Gotcha."
[23:04] * Cavalier_3-4 kicks up a lot of dirt and smoke with his pass - drawing the attention of the MANPADS. An explosion would be visible after a few seconds, as the Mig-21 begins trailing smoke over it's right side, as another missile is seen heading to it - however, at the last moment, he breaks hard left, avoiding it and defeating the missile as the aircraft shakes In a violent manner.

[23:04] <Cavalier_3-4> "NOW!  Give it all you got!"
[23:05] <BlindSighter_4-3> "Up to you, flight lead!"
[23:11] * Cosmo_4-1 turns abruptly, breaking her retreat. She moves towards the trenches after seeing the MANPADs fly, letting loose half of her remaining CBUs. She quickly accelerates after dropping, making absolutely sure to escape the range of the now-reloading MANPADs.
[23:11] * Cavalier_3-4 steadies his heavily damaged, smoking MIG, grunting.
[23:13] <BlindSighter_4-3> "Thank God you're in one piece, Cav."
[23:13] <Cavalier_3-4> "Mostly...gah. No idea how I'm going to land this thing."

[23:43] * Cosmo_4-1 turns direction, moving towards the helicopter. She makes her way towards the target, letting out a quick burst from her aircraft's guns. She buzzes one of the targets, quickly flying past.
[23:44] * Cavalier_3-4 follos Cosmo's mission, but shoots wide both times, grunting in displeasure "Damnit! Systems are going crazy."
[23:49] * Cavalier_3-4 does, however, eventually, start back around, scoring a kill on a helicopter after missing with his cannon frankly more then you'd expect.
[23:50] * Geist_4-4 misses on a pass, swears, and loops around. He manages to score a hit on one of the helicopters' tail sections, sending it spiraling into the dirt.
[23:51] * BlindSighter_4-3 Manages to get a stray shot in, removing one of the helicopters.
[23:52] <Cavalier_3-4> "...Damnit. That was rough."
[23:52] * Cosmo_4-1 turns her head, scanning the battlefield with her eyes. She turns her craft back, quickly doing a pass over the trenches. "Freight Train, this Nadir Lead, I believe you're clear." She says cooly. "Nadir, one pass over the battlefield and then beat it back to Valais, that's today's pay."

[23:53] <BlindSighter_4-3> "Copy that, Cosmo. Getting the hell out of here."
[23:53] <Cavalier_3-4> "Understood, flight lead."
[23:54] * Cavalier_3-4 follows behind Cosmo, trailing a healthy ammount of smoke as he does.
[23:54] <BlindSighter_4-3> "You're like a member of the flight now, Cav. just don't bite it on the landing, will ya?"
[23:54] <Cavalier_3-4> "I can't promise anything, Blind."
[23:55] <Cavalier_3-4> "...Damnit. This isn't good. I thing my engine's damaged. And I'm seeing a lot of smoke coming out of my right wing. This isn't going to be pretty. I'll land last."
[23:55] * Cosmo_4-1 turns tail back towards Valais AFB, pressing her acceleration forward. "Good fuckin' work on that distraction, 3-4. Now let's see if you've got the skills to land it."
[23:55] <Geist_4-4> "If you guys don't stick the landing after that mess, I might actually cry from frustration."

[23:56] * Cavalier_3-4 sighs and breathes in.
[23:56] * Cavalier_3-4 keeps on flying along, preparing himself for fiery doom.
[23:56] * Cosmo_4-1 brings her own craft down gently on the runway, with true skill, and without exploding. She quickly clears the runway with her own craft, watching in anticipation.
[23:57] * Cavalier_3-4 brings his craft down last - trailing smoke, and sparks over it's behind, as it unsteadily begins heading down...
[23:58] * Cavalier_3-4 touches down, the plane shaking and rumbling violently, as a small piece of his right wing, which was already immensely frail, actually flies off, and the plane goes forward...and forward...along the runway and...stops. Without crashing. Or exploding.
[23:58] * Cavalier_3-4 pauses for a moment, closing his eyes
[23:58] <Cavalier_3-4> "...I'm okay."

[23:58] * Geist_4-4 follows his flightlead, steadily bringing down the aircraft onto the runway and quickly moving it into the hangar.
[23:59] <Geist_4-4> "Jesus, Cav, you sound like you're about to have a stroke."
[23:59] <Cavalier_3-4> "You have. No idea how close this thing is about to break apart."
[23:59] <Cosmo_4-1> "You know, Cavalier, it would have been almost fucking poetic if you fucked up Belkans big time only to buy the farm on the runway."
[23:59] <Geist_4-4> "...But good job out there. You really made up for the rest of Apogee being absent."

[00:00] <BlindSighter_4-3> "You promised me a drink, Cav. Don't catch fire on the way out."
[00:00] <Cavalier_3-4> "Don't tell me, Cosmo...and thanks, Geis."
[00:00] <Cavalier_3-4> "Glad to be of assistance. You guys were a hell of a flight."
[00:00] <BlindSighter_4-3> "And you're a hell of a pilot."
[00:00] <Cavalier_3-4> "Or maybe I'm just lucky."
[00:00] <Cavalier_3-4> "...Right, let me get off of this damn steel coffin."
[00:01] <Cosmo_4-1> "Hey, half of being a good pilot is luck. That's what my flight instructor told me in the Force."
[00:01] * Cavalier_3-4 would work his way off of his damaged Mig-21, speaking on the radio "Well, I wouldn't imagine he was entirely wrong, Cosmo."

[00:03] * Cosmo_4-1 steps out of her own cockpit, making her way onto the ground below. She lets out a sigh of relief, quickly removing her helmet and sucking in a breath. "Fucking eh."
[00:04] * Geist_4-4 steps on to the tarmac and just shakes his head a little.
[00:04] * Cavalier_3-4 gives a short wave towards the Nadir flight as he steps on over towards him. His Mig-21 may or may not be slightly on fire in the background.