Air Support Exercise

Posted on Wed Jun 21st, 2023 @ 10:51am by 2nd Lieutenant Orjheza zh’Kaakret & Master Sergeant Jason Vanderson
Edited on on Wed Jun 21st, 2023 @ 11:02am

1,217 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Episode 116 - "A Bounty of Trust"
Location: USS Kearsage - Main Holodeck
Timeline: MD2 - 1522 hours

ON:

Orjheza piloted her Valkyrie fighter through the dense, green canopy of the forest, relying on her instincts and visual observations as her sensors were being jammed by the crystal emitters strategically placed throughout the area. The thick foliage limited her visibility, making it challenging to gather intelligence or identify potential threats from the air.

Realizing the limitations of her sensors, Orjheza knew she would have to rely on the ground forces to act as her eyes. She communicated with Vanderson and his squad, emphasizing the crucial role they played in providing situational awareness to the fighters, shuttles, and starships above.

“Red 7, this is Chase. My sensors are being jammed by crystal emitters. I need you and your squad to act as our eyes on the ground. Report any enemy movements or hostile positions."

"Copy that, Chase. We'll keep a close watch and relay any vital information. Stay alert up there." Vanderson replied using his callsign of Red 7, which denoted senior 1 DIV NCO. Chase was the Andorian 2nd Lt.’s fighter callsign, also used in close air support circumstances.

As the squad moved through the dense forest, their senses sharpened, scanning their surroundings for any signs of enemy activity. They listened for the rustling of leaves, the crackling of branches, and the faintest sounds of movement. Each member of the squad became hyperaware, their training kicking in to heighten their observation skills.

They meticulously relayed information to Orjheza, painting a picture of the battlefield beneath the obstructing canopy. Their reports were concise and precise, guiding the Valkyrie pilot through the maze of trees and obstructions.

Up above, Orjheza skillfully maneuvered her Valkyrie fighter above the thick canopy, relying on advanced sensors to navigate the challenging terrain. Some of these systems were affected by the crystals, making low level flight especially hazardous. The Valkyrie's sleek design and advanced propulsion systems still allowed for precise control even in the most demanding conditions.

As she soared through the sky, the Valkyrie emitted a soft hum, its agile wings adjusting to maintain optimal aerodynamics. The Andorian pilot couldn't help but admire the engineering marvel that was her fighter. Its matte black hull and sleek lines reflected the cutting-edge technology incorporated into its design.
With a flip of a switch, Orjheza activated the Valkyrie's atmospheric flight mode. The ship's propulsion system adjusted, allowing it to effortlessly transition from soaring through space to maneuvering within a planet's atmosphere. The familiar hum of the engines took on a deeper tone as it adjusted to the new conditions.

As the squad moved deeper into the forest, they encountered a group of enemy combatants hidden among the trees. Vanderson quickly assessed the situation and transmitted the coordinates to Orjheza, using the squad's advanced communication system.

“Chase, we've got enemy hostiles at grid reference Alpha-Four. They're dug in tight, but we need to neutralize them to proceed. I'm sending the target data to your onboard targeting system."
Orjheza acknowledged the transmission and locked onto the enemy positions. Her console displayed a detailed heads-up display (HUD) with real-time information about the battlefield. She assessed the situation and selected the appropriate ordnance for the task at hand.

With a steady hand, Orjheza initiated a strafing run, her Valkyrie unleashing a devastating barrage of energy-based projectiles. The enemy positions erupted in explosions as her precise shots found their mark, scattering debris and disorienting the remaining hostiles.

The Valkyrie's advanced targeting system allowed Orjheza to engage multiple targets simultaneously, providing invaluable support to Vanderson's squad on the ground. As the dust settled, the squad advanced, securing the area that had been neutralized by the aerial assault.

Throughout the exercise, Vanderson and his team encountered various scenarios, and Orjheza was always ready to provide air support. Whether it was suppressing enemy fire, destroying armored vehicles, or executing precision strikes on fortified positions, her Valkyrie proved to be a formidable asset.
The symbiotic coordination between ground forces and aerial support ensured the success of their mission. Vanderson's makeshift squad efficiently executed their tasks, benefiting from the constant vigilance.

A group of 9 NCOs had been put together from some of the most promising marines in the 222nd. They would be the first to run through this exercise. Master Sergeant Vanderson would also likely run through the exercise again later as an observer.

After about 90 minutes, the squad had fought its way to the hilly outcrop of cliffs and spurs forming the border of the holographic exercise location. They still had to scout the area below. It wasn’t long until there was activity.

Vanderson's voice crackled over the radio as he peered through his enhanced binoculars, spotting a storage depot nestled in the valley below. He quickly tapped his communication device and initiated contact with Orjheza.

"This is Red 7, requesting air support. Line 1, target elevation, approximately 550 meters above sea level."

"Copy, that Red 7. Line 1, 500 meters. Proceed.” Orjheza entered the information in her targeting computer as she read it back.

"Line 2, storage depot with a shuttle being loaded. Appears to be among supplies and equipment."

"Copy, Red 7. Line 2, storage depot with loading shuttle. Supplies and equipment noted. Provide the target location in Line 3."

"Line 3, at grid reference Alpha-Four: latitude 42.7856, longitude -122.4139."

"Copy, line 3, grid Alpha-Four: latitude 42.7856, longitude -122.4139.”

"Line 4, friendly forces located approximately 500 meters northeast of the target location. We're on a hillside overlooking the depot."

"Copy, that Red 7. Line 4, friendlies are 500 meters northeast of the target location, on a hilly perch. Stand by for further instructions."

Vanderson and his squad maintained their position, observing the activities at the storage depot. They waited anxiously for Orjheza's response, knowing that her air support would be crucial in ensuring the success of their mission.

“Red 7, this is Chase. Standby for a precision strike on the storage depot. I'll engage with micro torpedoes and will follow up with phasers. Prepare for impact."

"Copy, Chase. We're ready for the strike. Confirm when you're inbound."

Minutes passed, tension building among the squad as they awaited the Valkyrie's arrival. Then, with a thunderous roar, Orjheza's fighter streaked across the sky, descending upon the storage depot like a swift predator.

"Vanderson, engaging target. Brace for impact!"

The Valkyrie's micro torpedoes streaked toward their target, erupting in a fiery display of destruction. The storage depot was engulfed in flames, and the shuttle being loaded was reduced to twisted wreckage.

“Chase, that's a direct hit! Target destroyed. Excellent work, Lieutenant. We're moving in to secure the area."

“Copy, Red 7. Target destroyed. Providing aerial cover as you advance. Good luck, and watch your six."

With the storage depot in ruins, Vanderson's squad descended from their mountain perch, cautiously making their way toward the wreckage. The combined efforts of their ground assault and Orjheza's precise air support had neutralized the enemy presence in the area. It appeared the enemy had fled this loading depot for the sake of this exercise.

Throughout the mission, Vanderson and Orjheza maintained their coordination, their radio communications serving as a lifeline, ensuring that ground and air forces worked in harmony to achieve their objectives. It was a testament to their teamwork. It proved that although marines and starfighter pilots were often rivals, it was much more important for them to work together.

OFF:

2nd Lt. Orjheza zh'Kaakret
Marine Fighter Pilot, Starbase 400

Master Sergeant Jason Vanderson
Acting Sergeant Major, 1st Marine Division

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