Alex: David. I've built a model of Captain Torres and Three Strikes, based on your hypothesis and mission parameters from the past. I ran a precision combat simulation... But it failed.
Alex: Reasons in sensuous order are: 1. Your hypothesis is trash. 2. The parameters you gave me are trash.
David North: Um...[note 1] Did I do something to tick you off?
Alex: 3. Captain Torres is a singularity.
David North: So the values diverge... But what about this one? 4. Three Strikes is a singularity.
Alex: That's outside the confidence interval. The possibility that it's 1, 2, or 3 is 99%.
David North: What?
Alex: Significance is high.
David North: Hmm.[note 1] Try this. This is Three Strikes' data before he was assigned to the LRSSG.
Briefing
Brigadier General Clemens: The Erusean military is gathering its remaining naval forces at Anchorhead Bay. Apparently, they're even bringing in ships from the mothball fleet. This is probably to reinforce their naval power in preparation for the showdown in Farbanti. We've received intel that the Alicorn will also be joining them.
David North: From which source, Brigadier General? There's a possibility the Alicorn's former crew have been tasked with sabotage.
Brigadier General Clemens: Your job is to analyze the enemy's weaponry. From now on, speak only when authorized. ...I don't hear a response.
David North: May I be authorized to speak first, sir?
Brigadier General Clemens: When we're done, I'll be talking to your superiors. Here's your mission. LRSSG is to raid Anchorhead. Carry out air strikes on Anchor Bay to the north and Dakiouk Bay to the south, inflicting all possible damage. If we can strip the port of its naval functions, we can also prevent the submarine from joining forces.
Wiseman: The area around Anchorhead is Erusean territory. To delay hostile detection, you will sortie in small numbers. And make your way in at super-low altitudes.
Wiseman: To cover our lack of numbers, we're giving you plenty of opportunities to resupply. Look here. We've set up multiple return lines. Make full use of them to resupply and change armaments. Also note that the enemy will not be able to mount a defense immediately after detecting you. Use this window to destroy high-threat targets. That should make things much easier for you.
Brigadier General Clemens: It should also raise the survival rate.
Count: Survival rate, huh?
Brigadier General Clemens: The element of surprise and resupplying are the key. Beyond that, I just need a couple of pilots who will stick to my orders. We don't need an ace to succeed. You got anything to say? Good.
David North: Brigadier General.
Brigadier General Clemens: That is all.
Wiseman: David, go on.
David North: Let me share the career of Matias Torres, captain of the submarine Alicorn. Does anyone know how his people hailed him?
Skald: A bit unfair to provide us with next to no hints, don't you think?
David North: [chuckles] Fair enough. "The Hero of Comberth Harbor" is the answer. He was the captain of the battleship Tanager at the time of the Continental War. It led Aegir Fleet, the invincible armada. But when the fleet was destroyed at Comberth Harbor, so was his ship.
Lanza: Yet he's the hero?
David North: He was able to bring most of his crew home with accurate damage control and precise evacuation orders. Then there's the accident with the Alicorn. Many believe that if they stay with him, they'll live. Transfer from surface to underwater is unusual. However, considering his skill and reputation, along with the fact that the Alicorn is no ordinary submarine, it all makes sense.
Wiseman: It'll be a difficult mission to carry out with four aircraft. Still, I'd like to add one more to the mission conditions.
Count: What, you wanna make it even harder?
Wiseman: I want a 100% survival rate for the sortie. Any other number and the mission will be considered a failure!
Mission Script
Mission Start
Strider 2 Count: I can almost touch the water
! Wiseman !: Altitude restriction lifted. Begin op!
AWACS Long Caster: The food at this party's served buffet-style. Pick whatever dish you like before the host mounts a resistance!
Strider 4 Húxiān: Wilco! I'll eat their hearts out!
If the player has not destroyed an enemy yet
Strider 2 Count: Sorry, Trigger, but the juicy targets are all mine.
If the player has already destroyed an enemy
Strider 2 Count: Whoa, Trigger, don't you dare take all the juicy targets before I do!
Erusean Port Facility: Emergency! Four bogeys! ETA 2 minutes!
Erusean Ground Unit: They're hitting us with long-ranged missiles! We can't return fire!
If the player sinks an Aegis vessel before it has begun moving
Erusean Fleet: Lost comms with Aegis vessel Ceto! Damn it, we haven't moved yet!
AWACS Long Caster: Aegis vessel Thalassa destroyed!
Strider 3 Lanza: Nice! Would've been a pain in the ass if it started moving.
Strider 2 Count: Get them, before they come online!
If the player sinks an Aegis vessel after it has begun moving
AWACS Long Caster: Attack hit on Aegis vessel Ceto! Ship destroyed!
Strider 4 Húxiān: We've got a big game hunter!
Strider 2 Count: You can't resist hogging the spotlight! Dibs on the next one!
AWACS Long Caster: Aegis vessel Thalassa has been destroyed! The enemy's AA capabilities should be greatly reduced!
Erusean Fleet: We're keeping minimal personnel on board for damage control!
Erusean Fleet: Negative! All personnel, abandon ship! Damn it, to lose the captain's ship like this...!
If the player sinks the destroyer closest to the bay exit
Erusean Fleet: Hits on the Eunomia!
Erusean Fleet: The order is to abandon ship!
If the player sinks the southern cruiser after it has begun moving
Erusean Fleet: Cruiser Eirene has listed beyond the point of recovery! Navigation is impossible! We're going to sink!
If the player destroys the Aegis Ashore before it has begun firing
AWACS Long Caster: AA defense system was destroyed before it was activated! This will make things easier later.
If the player destroys the Aegis Ashore after it has begun firing
AWACS Long Caster: Their AA defense system has been destroyed!
Strider 2 Count: Yeah! Trigger took care of the pricks!
Strider 4 Húxiān: Owe you one!
If the player sinks the group of moored frigates
Erusean Fleet: Goddamnit! This is what I get for restoring those mothballed ships.
When half the ships in Anchor Bay are sunk
Erusean Fleet: Half our ships have either been sunk or stalled! Somebody do something about those bastards up there!
When all ships in Anchor Bay are sunk
AWACS Long Caster: All hostile ships in the vicinity have been destroyed.
Strider 4 Húxiān: Awesome! Keep it up, Trigger!
When almost all enemies in Anchor Bay are destroyed
AWACS Long Caster: Radio chatter in that area has quieted down. Try a different location, Trigger. It looks like there are delicacies on other tables as well.
Strider 4 Húxiān: Lanza has the southern port to himself. Don't think he can go it alone.
Strider 2 Count: Trigger, let's go!
When all enemies in Anchor Bay are destroyed
Strider 2 Count: Alright! We've wiped out most of their forces in the urban area.
Strider 4 Húxiān: I still see some ships moving. Trigger, let's go for those.
AWACS Long Caster: There's no need to go through the whole menu. Focus on the juicier targets!
Strider 2 Count: Roger that! Here we go, Trigger!
If the player flies to Dakiouk Bay after
Strider 2 Count: That's a shipyard over there.
AWACS Long Caster: This port is home to multiple enemy fleets. Probably too much for Lanza's poor stomach.
Strider 3 Lanza: Damn straight. Trigger, Count, lend me a hand, will ya?
Erusean Port Facility: Dakiouk Bay's taking damage from air strikes!
If the player destroys all AD Tanks
AWACS Long Caster: All enemy combat vehicles destroyed!
Strider 3 Lanza: Whoa!
Strider 2 Count: Worth it, since we don't have to deal with mounted AA weapons anymore.
If the player destroys the Aegis Ashore before it has begun firing
Erusean Ground Unit: They've taken out the Aegis Ashore? What use are they if not for anti-air combat?!
Erusean Ground Unit: Aegis Ashore was hit and went offline!
Erusean Ground Unit: That aircraft evaded all that anti-air fire? You have to be kidding me!
If the player sinks the cruiser
AWACS Long Caster: Good, cruiser Eris has been sunk!
Strider 3 Lanza: Trigger's turned the shipyard into a scrapyard!
Strider 2 Count: I'd call it a ship graveyard, actually.
If the player sinks the northern destroyer
AWACS Long Caster: Destroyer Calypso has been destroyed!
Erusean Fleet: Our reduction gear and shaft have been badly damaged! We're disengaging!
When half of the AH-64Ds are destroyed
Erusean Chopper: We've lost half our helicopters!
Erusean Chopper: Are we to fight jets with choppers? Where are our fighters?!
When all AH-64Ds are destroyed
AWACS Long Caster: All rotorcraft in the area appear to have been eliminated.
Erusean Port Facility: Our helicopters are all gone! So this is what the Snowbirds can do.
If all AH-64D are destroyed before they take off
AWACS Long Caster: All attack helicopters have been destroyed!
Strider 3 Lanza: Just merciless!
Strider 2 Count: Don't you think you're going a bit too hard, Trigger?
When half of the AA guns are destroyed
Erusean Ground Unit: Only half of our AA guns are still online! Requesting orders!
Erusean Ground Unit: Each station continue to engage.
When all AA guns are destroyed
Strdier 3 Lanza: Trigger's wiped out the enemy's AA guns!
AWACS Long Caster: Good! Friendlies should have an easier time attacking ground targets!
When half of the ships in Dakiouk Bay are sunk
Erusean Port Facility: Half of our surface ships have either been sunk or neutralized!
Erusean Senior Officer: Losing the fleet is not an option! We can't give Labarthe and the rest of the conservatives any footing!
When all ships in Dakiouk bay are sunk
Erusean Fleet: Sir, none of our ships are operational. Search and rescue operations are underway.
Erusean Senior Officer: This is definitely the work of Three Strikes. They'd reject my report if it weren't.
If all ships in Dakiouk Bay are sunk before they begin moving
Erusean Port Facility: Sir, no ships are operational!
Erusean Port Facility: They were all destroyed in port? Damn you, Osea!
When almost all enemies in Dakiouk Bay are destroyed
AWACS Long Caster: Strider 1, enemy forces in Dakiouk Bay's shipyard have been mostly eliminated.
Strider 4 Húxiān: Get over here, Trigger. Got some strong shots for you, if you'd like. There's plenty for the two of us!
If the player flies to Anchor Bay after
Strider 4 Húxiān: Enemy fleet up ahead.
AWACS Long Caster: If this size fleet were to head to Farbanti, Osea would have a tough fight.
Strider 4 Húxiān: Well, looks like it's gonna be the three of us. You ready, Count and Trigger?
Strider 2 Count: You betcha! Not a single ship's gonna leave the port!
If the player flies to an uncleared bay
Strider 3 Lanza: Came in for a picnic, found ourselves in a marathon.
Strider 2 Count: I thought you said this was gonna be a walk in the park?
AWACS Long Caster: You take walks to, well, walk. But a picnic... you have to eat.
Strider 2 Count: You don't have to tell which you prefer.
If one bay is cleared in under 1 minute and 15 seconds
Brigadier General Clemens: 50% of enemy forces have been neutralized.
Lt Gen. Shepherd: That's mostly the work of Three Strikes. Now's the time to pull out any tricks you've got.
If one bay is cleared in over 1 minute and 15 seconds
Brigadier General Clemens: Lieutenant General Shepherd, we have a status report. 50% of the enemy forces have been neutralized.
Lt Gen. Shepherd: That's mostly the work of Three Strikes. You suggested an operation that doesn't rely on our ace pilots... You won't have many on board... unless you can convince them that we don't need Three Strikes.
Brigadier General Shepherd: ... Yes, sir.
After 1 minute and 20 seconds have elapsed
AWACS Long Caster: Resistance from enemy air defenses confirmed, keep on dining. Just don't pay for it.
Strider 2 Count: I should've brought my air-to-ground missiles.
Strider 4 Húxiān: A bomb would work fine. You'll wipe them out with one hit.
If the player attacked Dakiouk Bay
Strider 2 Count: Those newly online ships are a pain!
Strider 3 Lanza: If only we has anti-ship missiles by the truckload.
If the player has not scored at least 15,000 points when two and a half minutes have elapsed
! Brigadier General Clemens !: Why has the enemy taken so little damage? You could drop a bomb blind and hit something!
Wiseman: Prioritize high threat targets and groups of hostiles. Be generous with your special weaponry as well.
If the player takes at least 20% damage
AWACS Long Caster: Trigger, don't push your luck on a damaged aircraft. Get on the return line if you need to.
When all starting enemies are destroyed
AWACS Long Caster: 30% of observed enemy forces destroyed!
Strider 4 Húxiān: Great! Keep it up!
Strider 2 Count: We ain't done eating yet. Ain't that right, Trigger?
When half of all ships are sunk
Erusean Fleet: How many ships in port are still operational?
Erusean Fleet: We've yet to assess damage, but likely less than half!
Erusean Fleet: Ludicrous! They'll fill the port with scrap metal at this rate!
When 11 minutes remain
! Osean Ground Unit !: This is Tucker 0-4, requesting air strike on a helicopter carrying our target.
! Osean Ground Unit !: Target is Vice Chief of Naval Ops, Rear Admiral Samuel Prin. Sending coordinates.
! AWACS Long Caster !: All aircraft, we've data linked the intel we've received from our recon team. If you have a visual on the target, shoot it down.
If Prin is shot down
Osean Ground Unit: Target confirmed down. With Samuel Prin gone, Erusea's naval stratagem will lose its edge.
If an MV-22 escapes
AWACS Long Caster: Target designated by Tucker 0-4 exited the combat zone.
AWACS Long Caster: Erusean senior military officer has fled the combat zone.
AWACS Long Caster: The helicopter designated by the recon team has exited the combat zone.
When both bays are cleared or when 6 minutes remain
AWACS Long Caster: Four MiG-31s approaching! They're fast, these guys are interceptors! Bearing 310. Altitude 2,000!
Erusean Fighter: This is Hrotti. We'll buy time until our rear catches up!
Erusean Fighter: Stay back! You're not equipped for air-to-air!
Erusean Fighter: We've still got machine guns! Engaging!
Erusean Fighter: I don't need any missiles to buy time!
If the player targets a MiG-31 or when 50 seconds have elapsed since the MiG-31s appeared
Erusean Fighter: Lost control! Returning to base!
Erusean Fighter: I've heard about you. You always have aircraft problems when Three Strikes is around!
Erusean Fighter: No joke! I have lost control!
If the player shoots down a MiG-31
Strider 2 Count: That MiG-31's not firing any missiles!
AWACS Long Caster: They must have scrambled without changing weaponry.
Strider 2 Count: Unable to fire missiles... I know how that feels, but that's no reason to go easy on ya.
If the player shoots down all MiG-31s
AWACS Long Caster: All Foxhounds have been splashed!
Strider 2 Count: You can't stop us with just machine guns.
When one minute has elapsed since the MiG-31s appeared or when two MiG-31s are shot down
AWACS Long Caster: Bandits coming from the northwest! They're in large numbers! Eight Su-37s!
Erusean Port Facility: Four fighters have incoming at super-low altitudes from bearing 015! We have a report that Three Strikes is among them. We have no further intel. Sorry, we couldn't protect the port.
Erusean Fighter: Roger that. Leave the rest to us!
Erusean Fighter: Hrotti bought us time, don't waste it!
Erusean Ground Unit: Those are our birds! Thank God!
Erusean Fighter: Looks like we're late to the party. They've done a number on our allies.
Erusean Fighter: This must be that Three Strikes guy Hrotti Squadron was talking about!
Erusean Fighter: I see Three Strikes! So that's why they only sent four!
Erusean Fighter: Fire and smoke rising from Anchor Bay and Dakiouk Bay!
If the player has not scored at least 30,000 points when the Su-37s arrive
AWACS Long Caster: All aircraft, your performance is disappointing. Pick it up or the attack will fail!
When 8 minutes remain or when two Su-37s are shot down
! Osean Ground Unit !: This is Tucker 0-4, requesting air strike. Sending coordinates.
If Tarnat is shot down
Osean Ground Unit: Target confirmed down. The man you just killed, Captain Dirk Tarnat, was the main reason why the cruiser Enyo was deemed such a threat.
If Almazov is shot down
Osean Ground Unit: Target confirmed down. That was Fleet Commander Gleb Almazov on board. It's gonna take a long time to rebuild the fleet without him.
When 2 minutes have elapsed since the Su-37s arrived
! AWACS Long Caster !: Hostile ships approaching from the southeast! It's a large fleet, with Aegis vessel Metis and battleship[sic]Dysnomia numbering among them.
Strider 4 Húxiān: We have to fight a pristine fleet? After all that?!
Strider 2 Count: Let's do this.
Erusean Fleet: Bridge to CIC! Multiple smoke plumes from the port!
Erusean Fleet: If it weren't for the bad weather, we would've been caught in there. Prepare for anti-air combat!
Submarine Crew: Marker drone has reached the target.
Submarine CDO: Captain, we're starting the guided artillery fire drill.
Captain Torres: Command Duty Officer... What do you think would turn a drill into a real war?
Captain Torres: You don't see it, do you? It's imagination! So use your imagination, my fellow submariners! A single shell will save ten million lives!
Submarine CDO: Begin drill! Ready for anti-air combat!
Erusean Fleet: Enemy aircraft is evading our missiles and heading our way!
Erusean Fleet: There'll be no excuses if we get sunk after showing up so late!
When 1 minute and 20 seconds have elapsed since the new ships arrived
AWACS Long Caster: Additional UAVs on radar!
Strider 3 Lanza: Pretty shabby for a reinforcement.
Strider 2 Count: Trigger just sank a battleship![sic]
Erusean Fleet: Battleship[sic] Dysnomia is crippled! Navigation is disabled!
Erusean Fleet: That ship's heavily armored! How could that be?!
if the player sinks all new ships
AWACS Long Caster: All hostile ships in the vicinity have been destroyed.
AWACS Long Caster: Taking on this much naval power is an astonishing feat.
When a railgun shell impact is imminent
AWACS Long Caster: Projectile detected! 10 seconds to contact!
AWACS Long Caster: Enemy shell detected! 10 seconds to contact!
AWACS Long Caster: Detecting shell in flight! 10 seconds to contact!
If the player shoots down an SLUAV
AWACS Long Caster: Projectile exploded in the distance! Must be a fail-safe!
Strider 3 Lanza: Bingo! Looks like we found a solution!
AWACS Long Caster: Alright, all aircraft, follow Trigger's example if you can!
Strider 2 Count: Hell, that's easy for you to say!
AWACS Long Caster: Railgun shell lost its target!
AWACS Long Caster: The shell exploded! It's off the grid!
AWACS Long Caster: Projectile guidance terminated!
AWACS Long Caster: Projectile exploded! It's gone!
If a railgun shell impacts
Captain Torres: [laugh] Deliverance!
Captain Torres: [laugh] Picture it!
Captain Torres: [laugh] Imagine!
Strider 2 Count: Damn cowards, shooting us from beyond our range!
Strider 2 Count: Never felt so cramped in the sky!
Strider 3 Lanza: We're playing tag with a bomb!
When all new ships are sunk or when 3 minutes remain
! Osean Ground Unit !: Tucker 0-4 to Long Caster. We need you to attack the designated heli.
If Ly is shot down
Osean Ground Unit: Target confirmed down. In ten years, Vice Commander of the 7th Destroyer Squadron, Tâm Vān Lý, will be in charge of the Erusean navy. Well, would've been, actually.
If Tarragó is shot down
Osean Ground Unit: Target confirmed down. With Captain Alonso Tarragó gone, Aegis vessel Thalassa won't be much of a threat.
If the player has not reached their quota when 3 minutes remain
Wiseman: All aircraft, we have not caused sufficient damage to the enemy, and we're running out of time.
Strider 2 Count: Shit! Think you can do this, Trigger?
When 1 minute remains and the player has reached their quota
Erusean Agent: Valkyrie, this is Quarkman. Packaged eggs are ready and waiting, count two.
Captain Torres: Two, worth a million lives each...
Erusean Agent: Also... There's a rumor going around in the military. "Three Strikes in the sky is a sign of an ill omen."
Captain Torres: Three Strikes... He lacks the drive. Imagine you're just about to be killed.
Captain Torres: Why am I going to be killed, you ask. Because they wanted to steal from you, to torment you, to burn you, to cut you apart. It was for your sins, your actions, and your vengeance! There has to be a reason! Three Strikes has none of that. I do.
Captain Torres: Do you see, Command Duty Officer? You don't, do you?
When the player has scored half their quota
Lt Gen. Shepherd: This is Shepherd. It seems Three Strikes is showing a stellar performance. Osea has much need of him. That is the unanimous conclusion of those in this room, Brigadier General. Certainly not the result I'd predicted.
Brigadier General Clemens: I'm sorry, sir.
When the player has reached their quota
Wiseman: Good, we've reduced enough of the enemy forces. Job well done.
AWACS Long Caster: That prime rib and truffle soup sure were good! But hold on, lunchtime's not over yet. Go grab some desserts!
Strider 2 Count: I knew you'd say that!
Erusean HQ: Four aircraft destroyed the entire port? You must be hallucinating!
Erusean Port Facility: It's not a hallucination! It's a nightmare!
if the player scores 40,000 points
Brigadier General Clemens: Three Strikes is performing well above our expectations...
Strider 2 Count: You sound downright ecstatic. Alright Trigger, let's go get 'em!
If time is up and the player's quota has not been met
MISSION FAILED
Wiseman: Continuing any longer would be too risky. Strider Squadron, retreat.
Brigadier General Clemens: The raid was perfectly planned. This failure is solely due to the lack of skill of our pilots.
When time is up and the player's quota has been met
Wiseman: Phew![note 1] Well done! We managed to hit the Erusean navy's fleet and command structure pretty hard.
Strider 3 Lanza: [laugh] That was definitely a free lunch, if there ever was one!
Wiseman: Mission complete. Return to base! Withdraw from the operation airspace. You completed the mission, but it's not done until you return home.
Strider 2 Count: Heh, arrogant bastard.
AWACS Long Caster: Stand by.
AWACS Long Caster: Warning. Two bogeys, inbound! Bearing 090 Su-47s!
Strider 2 Count: Lanza, missile! Behind you!
Random
Strider 4 Húxiān: If we let them go, they'll be on our asses later, so don't hold back!
! Wiseman !: Engage to let Strider 3 escape![note 3] We're calling off the withdrawal!
Strider 3 Lanza: Both of you, watch out for those missiles! The missile alert didn't go off in time! Hit me as soon as I heard it!
AWACS Long Caster: It may be that the enemy's missiles have stealth capabilities! Their missiles may hit you immediately after your missile alert goes off!
Strider 2 Count: So that's the trick!
Brigadier General Clemens: ...Calling out to unidentified aircraft! Cease combat immediately and withdraw!
Strider 2 Count: What the...?!
AWACS Long Caster: Brigadier General Clemens is radioing enemy aircraft... On Osean channels!
Strider 2 Count: Really? We're about to kick off the party!
Brigadier General Clemens: I repeat, withdraw!
Mimic 1 Rage: Don't want anyone thinking we screwed up. Three Strikes is going down.
Strider 2 Count: They're responding!
Brigadier General Clemens: You goddamned idiots!
Mimic 2 Scream: You call me an idiot again, I'll kill you!
Brigadier General Clemens: You siblings can go to hell together!
Strider 2 Count: Brother and sister?
Mimic 2 Scream: Quit movin', Three Strikes!
Mimic 1 Rage: I'll take point!
Mimic 1 Rage: Come at me, Three Strikes!
Strider 2 Count: They're trying to make you chase one so the other can get on your ass!
Strider 2 Count: They've added a trick to their tricks!
Strider 2 Count: Ain't no hitman gonna take down Trigger!
Mimic 2 Scream: Better stop acting tough if you don't wanna die real fast, cutie!
Strider 2 Count: Go on and try it!
Mimic 1 Rage: Haven't killed outside of a job in such a long time.
Mimic 1 Rage: Can you go crazy even outside the job, Scream?
Mimic 2 Scream: As long as I've got you and a strong man to subdue!
AWACS Long Caster: Dirty tricks aren't all they've got. They're both ace material!
Brigadier General Clemens: Strider 1, shoot them down!
Strider 2 Count: Please, just shut up!
Mimic 2 Scream: I'll be a goner if I let my guard down for even a second!
If the player gets behind one of the Mimic aircraft
Strider 2 Count: Good, you're on their six! It's two-on-two, Trigger! We can't lose!
Mimic 2 Scream: Sorry, wuss, but you don't count! It's two-on-one! [laugh]
Strider 2 Count: Who you callin' a wuss?!
Mimic 2 Scream: I've never been chased so hard by a man!
Mimic 2 Scream: You're the only man I ever need, Three Strikes!
Mimic 1 Rage: Scream, do it!
Mimic 1 Rage: The moment you turn your back on me will be your last!
Mimic 2 Scream: Rage, he's gonna get you!
If the player attempts to lock on to a Mimic aircraft
AWACS Long Caster: The bats seem to have enhanced their ECM capabilities.
Strider 2 Count: Righto.
AWACS Long Caster: Detecting powerful ECM! Don't let them trick you!
If the player hits a Mimic aircraft
Mimic 2 Scream: Goddamnit!
Mimic 1 Rage: Shit!
Brigadier General Clemens: Excellent job!
If the player engages SLUAVs
Mimic 1 Rage: Worried about the drones much, Three Strikes?
If a Mimic aircraft has not been shot down when 3 minutes have elapsed
Strider 2 Count: Trigger, change frequency. They're eavesdropping on us as we speak.
Strider 2 Count: Trigger! ...Right, now it's just the two of us on the line. Trigger, those damn bats are looking for a pincer attack. If one comes for my ass, you take 'em down! They seem to have a crush on you, but... well, just watch me work my charms on 'em!
Mimic 2 Scream: Let's get the wuss, Rage! He's getting in my way!
Mimic 1 Rage: Go for it!
When a Mimic aircraft begins chasing Count
Strider 2 Count: [laugh] The bats took the bait!
Mimic 2 Scream: This is great! I get to chat with the man I'm about to kill!
Strider 2 Count: Trigger, you and I... No, you alone should be able to take those bats down!
Mimic 1 Rage: Attacking from the rear.
Strider 2 Count: If you can do it, then so can I!
Mimic 1 Rage: This clown is Three Strikes's wingman?
Strider 2 Count: They're completely focused on taking you down!
Mimic 2 Scream: You know, you should tell me when it hurts!
Strider 2 Count: You're the one who'll be screaming for help!
Strider 2 Count: Here they come! Batter up, Trigger!
Strider 2 Count: Trigger! Now!
If Count is hit by Mimic Squadron
Strider 2 Count: I'm hit!
Strider 4 Húxiān: Count, you okay?!
Strider 2 Count: Oh, eavesdropping from high altitudes, I see. I'm flying just fine, so stop sounding so worried.
Strider 4 Húxiān: Let me tell you something. Men who talk a big game but push themselves too hard tend to die before their time. The Strider 1 before Trigger was the same kind of guy... you two have a lot in common. Including the annoying-ass cocky laughter.
Strider 2 Count: We have nothing in common. And if you think the new Strider 1's gonna get replaced so soon, you're wrong.
Strider 4 Húxiān: Prove it.
Strider 2 Count: Which one?
Strider 4 Húxiān: Your whole goddamn argument!
Strider 2 Count: Then sit back, relax, and enjoy the show at the base. We'll be home in no time!
Strider 4 Húxiān: ... You'd better.
Strider 2 Count: Righto, Trigger! Let's get this wrapped up!
If the player is shot down
Mimic 2 Scream: [laugh] That was great!
Mimic 1 Rage: This'll solidify our reputation.
If the player shoots down a Mimic aircraft
Strider 2 Count: You did it, Trigger!
Mimic 2 Scream: Rage!
Mimic 1 Rage: You idiot, stay focused! Take down Three Strike-- [static] [OFFLINE]
Mimic 2 Scream: I told you not to call me an idiot!
Strider 2 Count: Only one left! We run 'im down together! But the death blow will be from you, Trigger!
Mimic 2 Scream: You want to kill me, right? C'mon then, I'm all yours.
Mimic 2 Scream: C'mon, tell me to die!
Strider 2 Count: She's definitely lost her mind!
Mimic 2 Scream: I'll kill you!
Mimic 2 Scream: We tried to be heroes too! We really tried!
Mimic 2 Scream: I know you're there, Rage! Let's do this!
Mimic 2 Scream: Die!
Mimic 2 Scream: You're dead!
Mimic 2 Scream: Together, we can do this!
Mimic 2 Scream: As long as you're here I can shoot him!
Strider 2 Count: Don't let her get to ya!
Mimic 2 Scream: Rage!
Mimic 2 Scream: Don't leave me all alone!
Mimic 2 Scream: You can't just leave me like this!
If the player is shot down while only Scream is active
Mimic 2 Scream: How dare you die so easily! How am I supposed to die now?
When the player shoots down Scream
AWACS Long Caster: That's a hit! We got the bat!
Strider 2 Count: Take that, asshole!
Mimic 2 Scream: ............
AWACS Long Caster: Unidentified aircraft, eject.
Mimic 2 Scream: No.
AWACS Long Caster: Eject, now!
Mimic 2 Scream: No!
Mimic 2 Scream: I know Rage's going to heaven, so I'm gonna be all alone again in hell. I'll be waiting for you down there, Three Strikes. Three Strikes...I-- [static] [OFFLINE]
Mimic 2 Scream: .......... [static] [OFFLINE]
Mimic 1 Rage: Scream! Damnit! You'll pay for this, Three Strikes!
Strider 2 Count: Only one left! We run 'im down together! But the death blow will be from you, Trigger!
AWACS Long Caster: There may only be one left, but don't let your guard down.
Strider 2 Count: Let's finish this once and for all, Trigger!
Mimic 1 Rage: You'll pay for this, Three Strikes!
Strider 2 Count: He's definitely lost his mind!
Mimic 1 Rage: How dare you!
Mimic 1 Rage: She was my one and only...!
Mimic 1 Rage: What makes you a hero?!
Mimic 1 Rage: We tried to be heroes too! We really tried!
Strider 2 Count: No room for hesitation, Trigger! We've flown through much worse than this!
Strider 2 Count: Don't let him get to ya!
Mimic 1 Rage: I can tell... I know you're with me!
Mimic 1 Rage: I'll kill you!
Mimic 1 Rage: Here we go, Scream! We do this together!
Mimic 1 Rage: I can't do this alone, but if I have you with me...!
If the player is shot down while only Rage is active
Mimic 1 Rage: I got him, Scream!
When Rage is shot down
Mimic 1 Rage: Scream!
AWACS Long Caster: That's a hit! We got the bat!
Strider 2 Count: Take that, asshole!
Mimic 1 Rage: Scream...! Three Strikes...! [panting]
Mimic 1 Rage: [laugh] It's just as I imagined. No matter what we do, this is how we end. But know this, Three Strikes. I'd rather go to hell than live in a world shaped by you! So yeah, we'll be heading there now!
AWACS Long Caster: Unidentified aircraft, eject.
Mimic 1 Rage: [panting] ..........
AWACS Long Caster: Eject, now!
Mimic 1 Rage: I gotta catch up to her-- [static] [OFFLINE]
When both Mimic aircraft are down
AWACS Long Caster: The bat's blip has disappeared from radar. At that altitude, it likely has crashed.
Strider 2 Count: Serves them right.
Brigadier General Clemens: Yes, the problem's been eliminated.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
Captain Torres: Meet us at the drop-off point. Three Strikes has removed all straggler Erusean forces. That did make for a good sideshow.
Erusean Agent: I have no doubt that the Plan to Save Ten Million Lives will lead Erusea to true victory.
Captain Torres: Stop thinking so small. It's salvation on a far grander scale.
Brigadier General Clemens: The fleet at Anchorhead was eliminated and we've prevented the submarine from joining forces. The unidentified aircraft were shot down too. The mission was a complete success.
Húxiān: Complete success, my ass!
Count: Brigadier General, it sure seemed to me like the bats knew you pretty damn well.
Brigadier General Clemens: You seem to be confused. Report in for a medical check. We'll decide if you're still fit for service based on the examinations.
Skald: Cut it!
Jaeger: That's enough!
Brigadier General Clemens: Get the MP!
Vice Chairman Edwards: He's right. Get the MP.
Brigadier General Clemens: Vice Chairman Edwards of the Joint Chiefs of Staff?[note 4]
Vice Chairman Edwards: The Alicorn slipped into Anchorhead Bay after the mission was completed, using the confusion for cover. It resupplied quickly and escaped unharmed. Their goal was not to join forces. It was to resupply using the window we created by chasing away the Erusean forces. We did their bidding, albeit unknowingly. But the problem runs deeper than our lack of tactical acumen. Analyst North, explain for us.
David North: Of the crew caught in the submarine accident, 330 men made it back alive. Of them, 300 are still on the sub today. Our intel has led us to believe that some or all of the thirty men who left the sub are now working as agents for the Alicorn. Sabotage, espionage, cyber propaganda, dissemination of false intel... Brigadier General, do you recognize the name Edgar Saxon—or Zul, as he used to go by? He is a former member of the Alicorn's crew. And your source of intel.
Vice Chairman Edwards: You are a fool, Brigadier General Clemens. Not only that, the radio communications during the mission suggest you are a traitor.
Brigadier General Clemens: Sir, if you check with Lieutenant General Shepherd, you'll understand that this is all just a misunderstanding.
Vice Chairman Edwards: The Lieutenant General claims you were responsible for handling all aspects of the mission. ...Now, let me say that again. Get the MP.
Húxiān: No need for that. Piece of shit. [punches Clemens]
Post-Mission Cutscene
Date Sep 11, 2019
ERUSEA 08:22PM -------- OURED 03:22PM
David North: We've acquired important intel from the mission. For example... The shells from long-range anti-air fire came in on depressed trajectories. Look. The estimated energy output of the railgun is 500 megajoules at least. Fired at minimum-energy trajectory, range is over 3,000. They hid a powerful rail cannon aside from their main guns.
David North: And also... this. The Alicorn was in harbor at Anchorhead for approximately ten minutes. They couldn't have loaded SLBMs. They loaded something smaller.
Húxiān: Smaller?
David North: What is smaller and yet a powerful weapon?
Count: But, we're after an Erusean submarine, not terrorists.
Wiseman: No, he's right. HQ tells me, Erusea's justification is that the Alicorn mutinied. "As such, the Erusean military cannot be held responsible for the submarine's actions."
Húxiān: Damn.
David North: So they intend on dropping a nuke on the Osean capital of Oured.
Jaeger: Here's a question for you, analyst. Just exactly who are we fighting?
David North: Correct term is "terrorist" or "irregular military," but I have a different name for them. "An enemy to be stopped at all costs."
