"Heartbreak, question: How long have the Italians known about this? It seems hard to believe that'd they just miss some airports and harbors being taken over, unless there was literally no contact between them and the mainland."
Scott nodded to acknowledge Fuka's question, before he answered.
"Excellent question, and one I had myself when I saw the mention of the islands being all-but taken over in the briefing materials. The Italian government hasn't missed them being taken over, as such. Our operations here on Malta and the reconnaissance information we'll provide, along with any follow-up actions will act as the first strike, with a more permanent N/UN force to follow our initial deployment to hold the territory and act as a more permanent solution to our initial strikes to 'break the back' of the hostiles, as it were. Shattered Steel doesn't have the resources or manpower to hold anywhere long term. We deliver the initial strikes and provide a first, immediate response while the larger force is organised and deployed with a more long-term solution".
Scott gave a tight, small smile, hoping that answered her question, but was distracted as another message came through on his personal device, and shook his head with a frustrated grumble.
"More bad news, I'm afraid. Clown; looks like your Typhoon is unserviceable, and will have to be returned to intensive-level maintenance, more than can be carried out here. The next heavy transport that comes in, you and your plane will be on it, and heading back to the Island. On the upside, replacements for our missing pilots - Clown included - will be arriving, but not in time for this Op. So, we're going to have to do our best with who and what we have"