Bab 29: A New Friend
The desert winds were relentless as we touched down back at base, the horizon darkening with the coming night. The mission had been a success—we had struck Zaitsev hard, destroyed his drone prototypes, and delayed his plans. But as the dust settled, a quiet sense of foreboding began to creep in. This wasn't over. It was never over with Zaitsev.
The squadron disembarked from their jets, each pilot showing the signs of exhaustion from the intense mission. Viper was the first to remove his helmet, his face set in that focused, cold determination I had come to expect from him.
"That was close," he muttered, walking over to me. "Zaitsev's drones are getting faster. Next time, we might not be so lucky."
Raven, leaning casually against her F-35, flashed a half-smirk. "Luck had nothing to do with it. We were just better."
I glanced at her, appreciating the confidence, but knowing she wasn't wrong. "True. But we need to keep being better. Zaitsev isn't going to sit on the sidelines after this. He'll hit back."
Blaze, still catching his breath, approached more cautiously. "We took down those advanced drones, but what if he's got more? What if that wasn't even the full fleet?"
Rook stepped up beside me, her eyes scanning the base's horizon. "He does. And it wasn't."
The silence that followed was thick with unspoken fears, but I pushed them aside. We had come too far to back down now.
New Objective: Prepare for Zaitsev's Retaliation
Objective: Strengthen base defenses and continue squadron development in anticipation of Zaitsev's counterattack.
Reward: XP: 15,000, Improved Base Defense Capabilities
Failure Penalty: Vulnerability to Zaitsev's Forces
The base was alive with activity as the squadron headed into debriefing, ground crew working tirelessly to refuel and rearm the aircraft. The new upgrades to the hangar and barracks were already proving essential, allowing us to accommodate more personnel and maintain the jets more efficiently. But it wasn't enough—not for what was coming.
"We need to strengthen our defenses," I said to Rook as we entered the command center. "Zaitsev's going to retaliate, and he'll come at us with everything he's got."
Rook nodded. "We'll need anti-air batteries, better radar, and if we can get it, a missile defense system."
The system interface responded to my thoughts, bringing up a new menu for Base Defenses. We had the resources to start building a more fortified perimeter, but we'd need to prioritize carefully. If Zaitsev's drones hit us while we were still upgrading, we could be overwhelmed.
Base Defense Options
Anti-Air Battery: Level 1
Basic anti-air defense system. Capable of targeting enemy aircraft and drones.
Cost: 4000 resources
Reward: Improved defense against airborne threats.
Radar System: Level 2
Enhanced radar coverage. Detects enemy aircraft and drones at long range.
Cost: 5000 resources
Reward: Early warning system for incoming threats.
Missile Defense System: Level 1
Missile intercept system. Defends against long-range missile attacks and advanced drones.
Cost: 6000 resources
Reward: High-level defense against advanced drone attacks.
"We'll start with anti-air," I said, selecting the upgrade for the base. "It's the most immediate threat, and we'll need to handle whatever Zaitsev sends our way."
Rook nodded, pulling up the radar system next. "I'll have Levi look into getting us the parts for the missile defense. It's a long shot, but we'll need it soon."
Anti-Air Battery Upgrade: Level 1 In Progress
Radar System Upgrade: Level 2 In Progress
With the upgrades underway, I turned my attention to the squadron. The pilots were strong, but they needed more cohesion if we were going to survive what was coming. Zaitsev's forces were adapting faster than we could, and if we didn't stay sharp, the next fight could break us.
In the command center, the system provided updates on the squadron's performance:
Viper: Mastered dogfighting against AI drones. Highly aggressive but needs improvement in coordination with the team.Echo: Stealth and infiltration skills are unmatched. Struggles in high-pressure, direct combat.Blaze: Showing significant improvement in adaptability. Needs more experience under fire to unlock full potential.Raven: An elite pilot with precision and control. However, her lone-wolf mentality could jeopardize team efforts in larger operations.
I scrolled through the data, thinking through the next steps. The system provided an option for Squadron Development, allowing me to allocate training resources to different areas—dogfighting, squad tactics, stealth operations. If we were going to build a team that could match Zaitsev's evolving threats, we needed to be strategic.
Squadron Development Options
Dogfighting Mastery: Train the squadron to excel in high-speed engagements and aerial combat.
Cost: 3000 resources
Reward: Improved performance in dogfights against enemy drones and aircraft.
Squad Tactics: Focus on team coordination and strategic maneuvers in battle.
Cost: 3500 resources
Reward: Increased squad cohesion and effectiveness in multi-aircraft engagements.
Stealth Operations: Enhance stealth flying and infiltration tactics.
Cost: 4000 resources
Reward: Greater effectiveness in covert missions and evading enemy radar.
"We focus on squad tactics," I said, selecting the option. "Zaitsev's drones fight as a unit, and if we can't work together, we'll be outnumbered and outgunned."
Rook nodded in agreement. "Smart move. We can train for dogfighting and stealth later, but right now, the squad needs to learn how to move as one."
Squad Tactics Training in Progress
Squadron cohesion improved. Pilots will perform more effectively in coordinated missions.
As the training began and the base upgrades continued, Levi patched through on a secure line. His voice was low and serious, the weight of new intel clear in his tone.
"Wells, I've got something you need to hear. Zaitsev's planning something big—bigger than anything we've seen so far."
I straightened, sensing the gravity of what was coming. "What is it?"
"Word is, he's mobilizing forces across Usea," Levi said. "He's got AI-controlled drones, ground units, and maybe even a few rogue military factions under his thumb. The next attack won't just be drones—it'll be a full-scale assault."
I cursed under my breath. "Where's he planning to hit?"
Levi paused before answering. "Everywhere."
I glanced at Rook, who had been listening in. Her expression was grim, but focused. "If he's launching a full-scale assault, we won't be able to defend the base and take the fight to him at the same time."
"We need allies," I said, the realization dawning on me. "We can't fight this war alone anymore."
New Objective: Secure Allied Support
Objective: Reach out to other factions, military leaders, and rogue pilots for support in the fight against Zaitsev.
Reward: XP: 25,000, Allied Forces Unlocked
Failure Penalty: Zaitsev's Forces Overwhelm Base
The system provided new options for Allied Recruitment, allowing me to tap into potential contacts that could bolster our forces. But these alliances wouldn't come easy. Each faction or individual had their own price, their own demands, and their own risks.
Osean Air Command: Offers advanced aircraft and supply lines but requires a formal alliance with Osea's military, limiting our independence.Belkan Remnant Forces: A shadowy group of ex-military pilots and mercenaries. High-risk but offers elite pilots and covert operations capabilities.Independent Rogue Squadrons: Various groups of skilled pilots who operate on the fringes of the law. They can be unpredictable but offer flexibility and tactical support.
I weighed the options, knowing that whoever we allied with would shape the future of this war. We needed firepower, but we also needed to maintain control over our operations.
Rook looked at me, her expression unreadable. "What's the call?"
I exhaled slowly, my mind racing through the possibilities. "We reach out to the Belkans."
Her eyes widened slightly. "That's risky."
"It is," I agreed, "but Zaitsev's drones are too advanced for us to handle alone. The Belkans know how to fight from the shadows, and right now, that's the edge we need."
Rook nodded, though I could see the hesitation in her eyes. "Alright. I'll make the call."
Allied Recruitment: Belkan Remnant Forces in Progress
Cost: 6000 resources
Reward: XP: 25,000, Elite Pilots and Covert Support Unlocked
As the sun set over the desert base, I knew the storm was coming. Zaitsev's forces were mobilizing, and we were about to be swept into the heart of a war that stretched far beyond anything we had anticipated.
But we weren't alone anymore. The base was stronger, the squadron was growing, and soon, we'd have allies to stand with us.
Whatever Zaitsev had planned, we'd be ready.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone