The Offworld Saga: The Rise of the Survivalist Federation Force

Ch.17: Coup de main at daybreak

03:37

Northwest Great Expanse Region

"We are now approaching our target destination. Estimated amount of time to our target is 10:00 in minutes. Prepare attack formations and ordinances immediately!"

As Purhaena barked out the orders to her wingmen and other squads accompanying the SFF-Kaneen Air Strike Team, she glanced up from her radar display and our the Bat's cockpit window. They were just in the middle of the Outer Land Territories and in a matter of seconds, they'd be shooting over SFF's Base 64, where the bulk of the recapture of their lost territory will be directed from.  Her fist tightened over the hook-shaped controller of the blood red SFF warplane as she recalled who was calling most of the shots.

Why does S.I.N. have to place that horned dunderhead in charge of an operation as paramount as this one? Why not place someone like Skritsk or Ludd in charge of this project and place Devolle on reserve duty? Better yet, demote the bastard to a regular foot soldier so he can prove his mettle on the field, assuming he doesn't get himself killed. In any case, at least father will know that if he miscalculates the whole operation, it's on him.

All that mattered was that she and Beraxis perform their share of the duties in the recapture of their Area 64 territory. The former Royal air force cadet was dying to see the Silent Killer in action. The thought of the terrified and trepid faces of those Fantine meddlers underneath their helmets as the stealth craft tore through their air force exhilarated her. 

"Affirmative!"

"Roger!"

As Targon and Saemon confirmed their compliance with her orders, the ace aviator spotted a few control towers, their beacons glowing an eerie red, materialize. After several minutes of flying above the  magenta clouds of the approaching dawn,  the temporary base of operations that served as the command and control center for the operation came into view, a black and red square in the midst of a sprawling green, gray, and brown ground.

"Look, that is where the top echelon of this operation are stationed, " Targon declared.

"Shall we stop by and send them a greeting?" Saemon suggested.

"I don't see why not," Purhaena permitted. "Follow my lead, Beraxis flight. Saber, Fang, and Claw flights, you stay up and provide cover for the Devastators and  our secret weapon, the Silent Killer. " She then muttered underneath her breath. "Not that they need it, but it's good for the Kaneens to have a purpose."

As they made their descent to Base 64, Purhaena put on a burst of speed as she flew over the shadowy structure of Base 64. She then tipped her wing in a silent salute before pulling up into the metal-colored clouds once more, tipped with the peach colors of the rising sun. The rest of Beraxis flight, consisting of Devastation and Despair, duplicated their leader's moves before rendezvousing in the alongside the bombers, the Kaneen squadron, and the Silent Killer, invisible to the naked eye. 

"Now that they know of our presence, let's hope Devolle and the others take the hint and send their forces to cover the grounds to clean up the trail we blaze for them."

"We gave them a show," Saemon commented. "It would be a wonder for them not be made aware of our presence. They'd have to be as deaf as a Salazian basilisk."

A couple minutes later, the ravaged and dilapidated buildings of the Kithar homeland, shone dully through the dark azure sky, came into view, complete with the Jarkan mountains to the west, looking like the spines jutting out of a Dimedon's back,  and Cattan Lake to the north, a dark reflection of the heavens above.