[quote=@Rhona W] Scott was spared having to relate his story, or reply to Ximena's other comments, as Aurelie arrived and immediate set to business, albeit with a charm and energy that was a pleasure to see in action. He nodded as he listened to her words, looking at the pictures as Ximena slid them over closer to where they both stood. As the frenchwoman finished her summary and Ximena chimed in, he nodded again. "I agree with your assessment, Chevy. Combined with the results of searching through the belongings of our would-be saboteurs, it seems like they'd planned to knock out our air defences, and then launch an amphibious assault spearheaded by the helicopters and likely with air cover from their more capable aircraft". Scott slid some other papers aside and moved some photos to where they could all see them, showing aerial views of what were clearly airbases with busy aprons and a lot of activity. "These are from a recon satellite, taken within the last twelve hours. It seems like the Libyans are moving a lot of their air and naval assets to the northern part of the country, barring some for keeping their borders secure. Seems to me that this is a prelude to a larger offensive as well." He shifted the photos around and laid out a blow-up of one of them, centered on a number of large, boxy aircraft. "I'm particularly concerned about these - Tu-22 [i]Blinders[/i]. They're old aircraft; sure. But they can carry very long range missiles, and a heavy bombload to boot. With a screen of fighters, they could prove to be an issue, and even attack southern Italy, let alone here. And, it seems like command agrees with me, as we've been tasked to conduct strikes on those airfields and naval bases as a preliminary move to an N/UN assault. But, we can't move against them until we've eliminated the immediate threat to our own safety, which is the forces stationed at Lampedusa and the AD protecting them. However, in our favour; we have a new plane and its' crew arriving-" He checked his watch "- any time now to bring us up to numbers even more. Kitten is also on her way back from the hospital, and both her and my aircraft are ready for action." He picked up his tablet and tapped the screen, sending the information on the newly arriving pilots and their aircraft so that they others could see it. "As for the question of how we should approach this, well; the risk may be higher for making the assault while the helos are grounded due to the air defences, but Jefe is right; the risk of damage to the facilities and infrastructure here is much less, and we're better off making the first move and seizing the opportunity while we have it than waiting. We at least know where their air defences are located thanks to the recon flight you and Peacenik pulled off, which gives us an advantage in mission planning to take them out" A firm smile settled on his lips as he nodded across at Aurelie. "What's your thoughts, Captain? I think we stand a good chance if we split into two sections with one focused on the SEAD mission and attacking the airfield at Lampedusa, while the other takes care of the helicopters on Linosa and any naval shipping that's escaped the port. I'd like you to command one of those flights". [/quote] Aurélie favoured Scott with a crooked smile that had broken hearts on three continents. "Mais oui!" she said. "We shall seize the initiative. I would be honoured to lead the SEAD flight. My Papillon is ideal for that mission, and I would like on my wing the lower observable members of the squadron. If possible - " she thought for a moment, then snapped the names off from memory " - Valkyrie with her Gripen, Sparrow with her Typhoon, and one more." She switched her gaze to Ximena. The smile was still on her lips but it no longer reached her eyes. Blue like the skies when you burst through the clouds. Holding the contact a moment longer than comfortable or polite. "That one more, I would like to be you, Lieutenant Huang. I most eagerly await to see what you can do in your Raptor."