Summoning Japan: Flights of the Fancy

Part 3: Irnetia Crisis | Chapter 1

Mirishial's Change of Heart

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In the Japanese Ministry of Defense, Yokota and Horiyama were analyzing images of Ragna.

"This isn't a camera malfunction, right?"

"It doesn't seem to be a malfunction. Images from other regions are coming out fine."

The two reported to their superior once again. This time, the report reached the Defense Minister.

"Does this mean that there's a frequent power outage in Ragna?"

As he received the report from the intelligence analyst, the Defense Minister let out a question.

"Yes, sir. Irregular, but during night-time shots, the city lights of Ragna often don't appear. There is a possibility that the city functions (infrastructure) have suffered serious damage from bombings by the Pal Chimera. The fact that the city, despite being the capital, has not quickly recovered suggests that not only the city functions but also government functions may have been damaged."

The analyst presented another photo.

"There is no apparent damage to the harbor facilities, but the number of ships entering and leaving the port has sharply declined. Normally, a large quantity of supplies would be brought in for support and reconstruction, but despite an increase in military vessels, the number of non-military transport ships has rapidly decreased."

"The government may not be functioning well enough for the capital's reconstruction."

"That possibility seems high, but there is not yet enough confirmation to act on that assumption."

"What should we do to obtain confirmation?"

"Conducting a forced reconnaissance with RF-4E seems to be the least risky option."

The Defense Minister contemplated.

"Even if the enemy is damaged, is it safe to send a recon plane over the enemy's capital airspace?"

"If it flies through the airspace at supersonic speeds a few times to take pictures, it should be safe."

The Defense Minister ordered the Joint Chiefs of Staff to plan and execute the reconnaissance operation using the RF-4E.

. . .

"Wait, are we really going to use that too?"

Honda from ATLA's Aeronautical Equipment Research Institute felt a sense of déjà vu.

"That's right. The ATD-X2 will be renamed to XRF-15DJ and aimed for actual deployment."

Honda tilted his head at the director's words. "Didn't the reconnaissance version of the F-15J get scrapped?"

"The circumstances are different now. There are no allied countries providing information to us, and the number of satellites is insufficient compared to the size of the planet. Moreover, the RF-4 is nearing the end of its service life, so we need a replacement."

"I understand, but..."

As Honda answered, he pondered, "Can we equip the ATD-X2 with the RF-4EJ's recon pods?"

There are two types of RF-4: the RF-4E, which has a camera and other equipment built into the fuselage, and the RF-4EJ, which is an F-4EJ equipped with a recon pod.

The director thought for a few seconds. "That's the quickest solution. For now, let's go with that."

"If we remove the pod, it will become a Super Eagle capable of supercruise."