Mobius Squadron: Operation Katina

Chapter 29: Seabound Skirmish

Warlock 1

Warlock was furious. The Ribbon had taken out the Sealion, split the ship in two, and he had been able to do nothing! No matter, he would get his revenge. <<Warlock Squadron, engage. Let's show those arrogant Ribbons what fear is!>> he announced over the radio. Without waiting for a response from his wingmen, he opened the throttle and charged forward to engage the enemy.

Mobius 1

The two flights of three flew past each other, missiles flying from each as they did. "Raz!" Mobius shouted into thin air as he started turning. Black wings appeared in the corner of his vision as the g-force lightened. The situation was so bad that the usually grumpy being wasn't even raising any objections. <<Good to see you again Ribbon>> a voice called over the radio as Mobius struggled to tail one of the Su-47s. <<What the ... how the hell are they on ISAF's frequency?>> Sky Eye asked, probably desperately trying to reestablish some form of COMSEC. <<Oh, you didn't think your codes were that secure did you? How pathetic>> another voice called. <<Yeah, these descramblers work wonders on getting us access to your channels>> a younger one joined. So, Free Erusea had com descramblers. That was bad. Very bad. <<You see, after that little show you put on in White Valley for me, I got a couple of upgrades for my squadron>>. That first voice on the radio must be Warlock 1. The Berkut performed a rapid turn as Mobius dodged a missile fired by one of its compatriots. <<It won't help you. You can't match Mobius 1>> 2 asserted. <<Is that so King Bailout. Got to say, relying on one pilot can only get you so far>> Warlock 2 responded. The use of Mobius 2's nickname meant that they knew more about the 118th than they realistically should. <<Come on then. Time to test your skills!>> Warlock 3 added as he dove at Mobius 3. <<Sky Eye to Mobius elements. I'm working on a backup frequency, standby>> the AWACS said. "They're overconfident and overzealous. Show them the power of a demon" Razgriz encouraged Mobius. He started turning the Raptor as if it had no weight at all. Each time, he turned within its own radius. <<All right that should work. Do you guys hear me?>> Sky Eye questioned across a new frequency. <<Yeah, copy you clear Sky Eye>> 2 responded. <<Roger o brother of mine>> 3 called in as well. <<Mobius 1, copying>> Mobius transmitted. <<Ok, I've set up a backup line that should be secure from descramblers. We've got to keep engaging. Don't stop!>> Sky Eye said. Mobius still kept on the unsecure line and listened to Warlock. <<So, why do you choose to fight against impossible odds?>> he questioned while slotting onto the tail of one of the Su-47s again. <<You took my family from me Ribbon! I will avenge them, and all the other families you've left broken!>> Warlock 1 spat back, pulling away from Mobius 1's pursuit as he did.

Warlock 1

<<Boss, let me slide in on him!>> Warlock 3 called. <<Do it!>> Warlock 1 responded while pulling a rapid turn.

Mobius 1

The manoeuvre caught him off guard and soon the RWR started beeping. <<You can't escape me Ribbon>> Warlock 3 exclaimed excitedly, as Warlock 1 and 2 both moved to tie up Mobius 2 and 3. <<Oh really? Let me tell you something kid, sometimes you need to acknowledge when you're up against a superior opponent>> Mobius shot back. As he did, he performed a Kulbit that put him on the tail of the Berkut. <<What the...>> Warlock 3 stated. Mobius kept him locked with QAAMs, but didn't fire. <<Your move kid>> he stated. The only response was heavy breathing across the radio, accompanied by the beep of an RWR. <<Are you scared? You should be>> Mobius said. His tone was low and there was an edge present that hadn't been there before. <<All those tales your mum told you when she tucked you in at night. Those were of me. The reason you kept a night light on. That was me. Now, you're going to learn why you don't mess with The Grim Reaper>>. Mobius fired. There was no chance for the kid. His Su-47 exploded in a fireball just metres in front of Mobius' F-22 as he suddenly pulled away. He shook his head. What was that? All of a sudden, his vision had gone black and then been replaced with the QAAMs impacting Warlock 3's bird. That was something for later though. Now, he had other business.

Warlock 1

The speech had been terrifying. Warlock 3's cry for help had been across their own private frequency. <<Warlock 1, what now?>> Warlock 2 asked. <<RTB>> he announced. As the two of them left, he transmitted one last message. <<Mark my words Ribbon, we will avenge our fallen>>. There was a few seconds of silence, then a three word reply. <<Want to bet?>>. Then they got out of range. Warlock Squadron didn't speak for the rest of the flight back to White Valley.