TF Amethyst

TFA1 7.10 - Dilemma Between Two Choices

Thirty kilometers east of FOC South 1750, a Tamir Launcher Vehicle with callsign Archer-14 took up position. Basically, it was a 7-ton MTV Truck equipped with 15-tubes Multi Mission Launcher and independent radar.

When on a deployment, a Tamir Launcher Vehicle would be escorted by two M1151 Rippers and one Ammunition Carrier Vehicle with a capacity of 24 missiles.

As soon as Davy Jones launched Operation Crystal, Archer-14's crew immediately activated the Fire Control System. A moment later, searching radar managed to detect some targets. Six Riders flew at an altitude of 2000 meters, 16 km west of FOC South 1750.

Before long, Command Center in Davy Jones ordered Archer-14 to take down the Riders who had suddenly made a turn towards FOC South 1750 and gained altitude.

Wasting no time, Archer-14’s crew started the killing chain. In less than three seconds, tracking radar managed to lock the six Riders. Then, Tamir's salvo was launched with 0.10 seconds interval between each missile.

As six Tamir missiles spike to the high sky while leaving a trail of white smoke, the reload for empty launcher tubes began.

--- 

As soon as he received permission to attack the foreigner stronghold, Captain Zavir immediately took Combat Air Patrol from 41st Squadron climb to an altitude of 3000 meters.

The tactics used by Captain Zavir were similar to the tactics adopted by fighter pilot from World War II. Fly through the clouds while passing the target, and then determine the approach through an angle where the target's field of view was limited. For example, a low approach from behind a mountain or hill.

It was ideal tactic actually, if only active radar-guided missiles hadn't been invented. With the born of active radar-guided missiles, flying high over a target was tantamount to suicide.

Of course, there was exists a method to counter radar-guided missiles. For example, by employing tight maneuvers to break the radar lock. But to execute it, the fighter pilot must calculate the distance and speeds, and then combine it with a tight turn rate at the right time and right place.

As for Cloud Hawks, they indeed have a super tight turn rate which was ideal to break radar locks. However, without early warning instrument the Riders wouldn't be able to perform the maneuver at correct moment. They wouldn't even know that they were making contact with searching radar or were already being locked by tracking radar.

Therefore, Captain Zavir and his subordinates didn't realize that six Tamir missiles were approaching their position in mere seconds. When suddenly Tamir missiles appeared from behind the clouds one after another, it was already too late to avoid them. Then, each missile exploded exactly one meter in front of their target.

At the same time, the two backup squadrons from Levsait had no idea that Captain Zavir and his men had already arrived in the afterlife. They were busy contacting Captain Zavir, when the ambush launched by three Tamir Launcher Vehicles from three different positions hit them fatally.

--- 

Vex did not immediately return to Command Center. Together with Captain Nathan, he supervised the cleaning process for Brigade Robber's remains.

 

On this occasion, Vex and Captain Nathan also got the opportunity to watch incoming Riders who were being taken down by Tamir ADS. With Indifferent gaze, both of them looked at Riders in western sky who were falling and leaving a trail of black smoke.

Then, Captain Nathan finally let out the question that disturbed his mind. “Sir, why don't we take out Buriek cavalry as soon as they get into artillery range? You even secretly recorded the inspection conducted by the Idiot Flek.

I beg your pardon if I'm being presumptuous, but I don't believe you did it because you wanted to follow our ROE, not shoot unless being shot first." 

Vex casually answered, "From the start, I didn't intend to follow our ROE. I pretended to follow Idiot Flek's wishes because I want our personnel to fight in one heart."

Captain Nathan frowned, "Sorry Sir, but I can't understand your intentions."

Vex smiled before explaining, "When refugees from Sandhur Region arrive, this outpost will be divided into two camps. First, the group that wanted to help the refugees. Second, the group that thought we should not interfere. 

The problem is, once Buriek cavalry herded the refugees to this outpost, it could be said we're already 80% going into conflict with Kingdom of Buriek, whether we want it or not.

And Flek's refusal will unite our personnel hearts and minds. Because now, they understand that the fight can't be avoided no matter what we do."

"What if Flek accepts the refugees from Sandhur Region and then falls back?" 

"In that case, we can avoid the conflict with Kingdom of Buriek."

Captain Nathan was stunned. "Sir, from the start you didn't intend to protect the refugees from Sandhur Region?"

"Absolutely not."

Seeing Captain Nathan staring at him with a complicated expression, Vex immediately asked, "Captain, do you know how many anti-aircraft missiles we have in stock?"

Captain Nathan shook his head, and Vex started to explain.

The total number of AIM-120, AIM-9, Stinger, and Tamir in our inventory was 8,000 missiles. That's a fantastic number because a non-super power country usually only had a few hundred for each type of missile.

To protect Harley Quinn's construction process, TF Amethyst had spent about 1200 missiles. To protect construction on southern tip of Southeast Triangle, another 2000 missiles were used. This month, there were hundreds of expired batteries for Stinger and Tamir. In short, TF Amethyst currently only had 4000 anti-aircraft missiles.

Meanwhile, the final calculation of Buriek Riders was around 1400 Riders, excluding those still in training. If TF Amethyst went to war with Kingdom of Buriek, then they must assume to shoot down all Buriek Riders. 

After that, TF Amethyst no longer had adequate air cover to protect the expansion and construction in Southeast Triangle, because the remaining missiles must be stored in anticipation of a conflict with local authorities.

Those calculations were only from anti-aircraft missiles, not including spare parts for other assets. While at the same time, shipment from Earth was stagnating for unknown reason. Under these conditions, TF Amethyst would not carelessly enter into a conflict.

Vex was silent for a moment before continuing, "If the price to avoid a conflict is to let several dozen outsiders die, then I'll gladly do it. As it's a much better option than bringing our men into a fragile situation.

Unfortunately, my hopes were not fulfilled. Although on the positive side, I didn't have to sacrifice my conscience."

"Sir." 

Captain Nathan still looks at Vex with a complicated gaze, but his tone becomes softer.

"Captain, becoming a big wig in a combat organization is complex and tiring. Although sometimes it is difficult to understand, what we decide and do always has a purpose, not just random."

"Sir!"

This time, Captain Nathan answered firmly, while Vex smiled.

*****