User:TheUseanFireBird

Biography (Bret Folen)
Bret Folen a.k.a The Usean Firebird is a Usean Mercenary Pilot who was famed for his participation in all of the major conflicts in the world starting from the Kalugan Conflict in 1987 to the Aurelian/Leasath War in 2020. He is best known for flying his signature PAK-FA and PAK-FAN (Navalized Version) with his custom variant of the Scarface Squadron emblem and his inhuman flying abilities. Once a quiet, young boy who wanted to become a video game developer, he turned into one of the greatest fighter pilots the world has ever known, on par with famous ISAF Ace Mobius One, whom he flew with during the Usean Continental War. He is the owner and leader of the UMF (United Mercenary Forces), an organization made entirely of mercenaries devoted to preventing catastrophies like the Belkan War and Circum Pacific War from happening again. He currently resides in the UMF GHQ in San Salvacion with his wife Risha, and two children Brad and Kiara.

Early Life
Bret was born in 1967 to a famed Usean Pilot and his wife during a time of great uncertainty. The Cold War between Osea and Yuktobania was still going on at the time and was in full effect around the world. With his father on combat standby nearly all the time and his mother usually looking after him, Bret became one who doesn't socialize much with other people. He would often seclude himself in his room most of the time either drawing or playing video games, usually ranging from air shooters to RPG's. He was able to make a few friends when he hit his early teens though, which was a relief to his parents. At the age of 16, he enrolled at San Salvacion University, hoping to get a major in graphics design. But just after his 18th birthday, tragedy struck.

Becoming a pilot/Enrolling into Scarface Squadron
On June 8th, 1987, Kalugian rebels who snuck into Usea began bombarding San Salvacion. As chaos spread, the officials ordered an evacuation of the local civilians. As the bombing continued, Bret tried his best to help however he could in the ensuing chaos. He even saved a woman's baby from falling debris before the little one was crushed. As Bret made his way towards his parent's house, his life was forever changed. His father and mother lay dead before his feet, caught completely off guard by the Kalugian raid. As Bret drowned in a sea of sorrow, a lust for revenge came over him. After his parents funeral, Bret traced every single one of his father's squadron mates and learned everything he could about piloting from them. But with the Usean Air Force in a state of watching the ongoing Cold War between Osea and Yuktobania, they could not respond to the Kalugian Rebels. So they enrolled the help of mercenaries from around the world to stop the threat. Bret enrolled as well, mastering everything he learned from his father's squad mates. Just before he left with the other members of Scarface for Kaluga, he met their leader Phoenix One, who was an old friend of his father's. Phoenix One gave him what would become his signature aircraft for the rest of his carrier: the PAK-FA Multirole fighter. A rare stealth fighter that was well sought out by collectors world wide.

Rise of the Fire Bird - The Kalugian War
After arriving at an allied airbase in still held by the Kalugian Military. The welcoming of the mercenaries of Scarface was mixed at best, but Bret shrugged it off. Avenging his parents came first. He spent most of his time prior to the first engagement either maintaining his plane or just looking out to the distance from his quarters window. On July 11th, he'd get his first taste of vengance. The Rebels attacked the base, hoping to snuff out the remaining Kalugian Government officials and military members. But they did not expect Scarface Squadron. The battle was brief, but fierce. During the engagement, Bret shot down 10 enemy aircraft in what seemed like a blink of an eye. The rebels were forced to retreat out of losing so many of their people to the mercs. Everyone was in shock of Bret's seemingly unnatural abilities as a pilot. But not everyone took it shock. He drew the attention of three individuals who would affect his life later on. One was Risha Kei, a F/A-22 mercenary pilot from Osea, whom when he first saw her, Bret became emotionally attracted to. Later on in life, she would return his feelings. Another was Maxus Lampert, an Emmerian J-20 mercenary pilot who started out as a rival of Bret's, but would become his best friend before the war ended. The last one was Narasu Genette, an Aurelian KF-X mercenary pilot, who admired Bret's skill and later would become Max's wife. The four of them would be assigned to fly together by Phoenix One due to what he saw as "a great chemistry between the four". As the war raged on, Bret began to open up more and more to his new squadmates, and eventually they shared why they became involved in joining Scarface in the first place. On December 20th, 1987, the Rebels were pushed back to Scorpion Island, where their Sky Fortress was located. The entire Scarface Squadron was deployed to the area to put an end to the rebellion once and for all. While Phoenix One and the rest of the Scarface Squadron attacked the rebel fighters, Bret and his team attacked the fortress head-on. After a few passes, Bret charged the Sky Fort's bridge and destroyed it in one fell swoop. The Kalugian War had come to a close after the Sky Fortress fell into the sea below. Bret finally avenged the deaths of his parents. The Scarface Squadron was praised as heros, with Bret, Risha, Max, & Narasu being the most notably praised. Bret returned to San Salvacion after spending a week in Kalugia with his friends and comrades. As he landed, he realized that his true calling was to become a pilot like his father. But the Kalugian War was just the beginning of his carrier as a pilot.

The Usean Coup War - A Name Becomes Known
Three years after the Kalugian War, Bret was just relaxing at the San Salvacion airbase when he recieved word that a coup had occured all over the Usean Continent. San Salvacion immediatedly fell under siege by the Coup Forces, with Bret barely escaping. After being hailed by Risha to head to Twinkle Islands, he rendezvoused with his comrades and old friends in the Scarface Squadron. Bret also met Phoenix One again, now known as Scarface One. After being brought up to speed on current events about the coup, Bret learned about why the Usean heads of state left during the current events: The Ulysees 1994XF04 Asteroid. Although it was a topic of concern, he had to stay focused on the situation at hand. When Scarface Squadron deployed, the Usean Forces were able to push back the Rebel Forces, largely thanks to Scarface One and Bret's team. As soon as ground was gained, Bret and the rest of Scarface began encountering the mysterious ace pilots known only as Z.O.E Squadron. After destroying the Dragonet-Class Submarines and the XB-10 "Big Bad Mama" Bomber, a battle between Scarface and Z.O.E Squadrons ensued over San Salvacion, which the Rebels were holding hostage. During the engagement, Bret discovered the identity of Z.O.E leader: Allen Malcovitch, who was his father's commanding officer. Bret tried to get Allen to surrender, but Allen said that the Usean Government needed "a change in leadership", leaving Bret to duel his father's former commanding officer. The fight ended in a draw, but Z.O.E was defeated in the final stages of the battle. Their accomplishments also included defeating famed Rebel Squadrons such as Albireo, Lancer, and Cocoon Squadrons. After Operations "Alphaville" and "Bellissima", the United High Command gained the upper hand. Eventually, the Rebels are pushed back to their GHQ at St.Ark. During the battle, Z.O.E Squadron engages Scarface Squadron again. This time however, Scarface One and Scarface Squadron distracted Z.O.E Squadron long enough for Bret, Risha, Max & Narasu to attack the GHQ. Allen tried to stop them, but Scarface One blocked his way. Bret and his team landed the killing blow to the GHQ, ending the battle. But as fate would have it, the Rebels wouldn't give up. Another Dragonet-Class was sighted at the coastline approximately 8:54 P.M Usea Central Meantime, and Bret deployed alone to stop it. Even though he destroyed the sub, they were successful in launching an EPCM at St.Ark. Bret pursued it, knowing that Risha, his friends and allies were counting on him. Despite not being able to use missiles due to ECM interference, he was able to destroy it with his guns. On December 12th, 1990, the United High Command discovered that the Rebels have one last fortress located in eastern North Point called "Intolerance". Scarface Squadron deployed all of their pilots to aid the Usean Forces in defeating the Rebels. Bret and his team went after the Intolerance. As they approached the fortress, Z.O.E Squadron approached them again, with Allen leading them in an XFA-27. While Risha, Max & Narasu dealt with the members of Z.O.E, Bret and Allen dueled one on one. Despite the XFA-27's superiour abilities compared to Bret's PAK-FA, Bret was able to overcome them by relying on skill. The duel ended when Bret damaged both Allens engines and blew the XFA-27's nose off the rest of the aircraft. Little did Bret know, Allen survived. As the Rebels were pushed back, they resorted to using their last, nuclear equipped EPCM. Bret flew into the fortress and destroyed it, ending the war once and for all. After the Usean Coup War, Scarface was disbanded. But Bret, Risha, Max & Narasu decided to stay together to help the Usean Government get back on it's feet. After reviewing all the intel from the war, Bret learned that the Rebels gave him a nickname: The Fire Bird. This was due to the fact that his version of the Scarface Roundel was different that other members of the Squad. It was also due to the fact it was colored Red, Orange, and Yellow, which was the color of fire. Bret liked this name. And ironically, it would follow him for the rest of his life.

What War is Really Like - The Belkan War
Five years later, Usea was still struggling to get back on it's feet. Knowing that Osea would help since relations with Usea have increased since the Cold War came to a close, they sent Bret and his team to the Osean Continent to be diplomatic representatives for Usea. However, as they passed over the country of Ustio on April 2nd, they found themselves caught in the middle of a battle between the Ustian Mercenaries and the Belkan Forces. It is there that Bret met Cipher and Pixy, whom he would fly with throughout the rest of the year. Seeing that the Ustian Forces needed help, Bret, Sasha, Max & Alexis joined the battle and helped the Ustian Forces destroy the remaining bombers, with Bret and Cipher tieing for the final kill as both shot down the bomber at the same time. After being escorted back to Valais Air Force Base, they explained to the Ustians that they came from Usea in order to ask Osea for help in aiding their country in any way they could. It is then that they learned from Pixy a.k.a Larry Foulke about the recently rising war with the Principallity of Belka. They learned that Belka not only invaded Ustio, but Osea and Sapin as well. Deciding to put their work for Usea aside for the time being, Bret and his team decided to help the Ustio and the Allied Forces in defeating Belka. On April 15th, they joined up with Cipher and Pixy in the battle of Arlon, Sapin. The Belkans ironically didn't expect to see Bret's squadron in the fray, as they identified them as foreners from Usea after the Battle of Valais. The battle ended with an Allied Forces victory with Bret and Cipher yet again tieing for the final kill. This is when a sort of friendly rivalry began between Bret and Cipher. On April 20th, the Allied Forces needed a distraction in order to accomplish two objectives: 1. Begin Offensive Campaign No. 4101 and 2. Rendezvous with the Yuktobanian Forces who joined the war following a request from Osea. The Allied High Command sent both Galm Team and Bret's squadron, now called Phoenix Team after Phoenix One a.k.a Scarface One to Belkan Priority One Strategic Airspace B7R, a.k.a the Round Table. As the two teams advanced on the Round Table, the Belkan Forces attacked. But they were pushed back within at least 20 minutes. Just then, Sasha called to the teams over the radio, alerting the teams to the three Belkan Squadrons approaching B7R. Phoenix Team and Galm Team engaged Rot, Grun, and Indigo Squadron. After a ferocious battle, Phoenix and Galm Teams emerged victorious. On April 24th, Phoenix and Galm teams fought with the Allied Forces at the Futoro Canal. While Galm attacked the Belkan instalations scattered throughout the canal, Phoenix Team escorted the Ocean Naval Carrier Kestrel through the canal. During the battle, Bret noted that the carrier was "special" in a way. It held it's own even with a full escort. Little did Bret know, this would not be the last time he would see the Kestrel. On May 12th, Phoenix and Galm Teams participated in The Battle of Solis Ortus. This time, Phoenix took care of the ground forces, while Galm gave top cover by battling the fighters. The Teams also lent their support to Osean and Yuktobanian landing troops. On May 13th, Phoenix and Galm Teams participated in the Liberation of Directus, the capitol of Ustio. After the capitol was liberated, they encountered and defeated the Gelb Team. Bret and Cipher ordered their teammates to pull back and hold position while they battled the two Su-37's. Bret and Cipher emerged from the engagement victorious. Bret and Sasha would both remark on their perspectives of the battle later on in an interview years later. On May 17th, Phoenix and Galm Teams would aid the Allied Forces in the Battle of Mt. Ivera, a strike on the Belkan Fortress known as Glatisant. Although the battle ended in victory, Pixy saw something eerie in the distance. That eerie sighting would strike with a vengance on May 19th. Although the two teams would succeed in defeating the Belkans in the Shayne Plains, Belka's Excalibur Laser Weapon would take the Allied Forces completely by surprise. Most of the pilots didn't make it back, but Phoenix and Galm Teams were among the few that made it back. Though Max's right wing was scathed by the laser, he was able to maintain control long enough to make it back. Eventually, the Allied Forces discovered the Excalibur's location and deployed the Galm and Phoenix Teams to the location along with Crow Team. On the way to the Excalibur, Bret met Patrick James a.k.a PJ, callsign Crow 3. As the Teams were refueling, the Excalibur shot down the Tanker, forcing Phoenix, Galm, and Crow Teams to scramble. They were able to quickly reform and strike back against the Excalibur's power generators. Although there was ECM interference, Phoenix, Galm and Crow Teams were able to coordinate their efforts and destroyed the Generators and the ECM Jammers, clearing a path to the Excalibur. As the Teams struck the weapon multiple times, Bret and Cipher charged the weapon together. As before, they both took the final shot, and both destroyed the barrel. With Excalibur out of the way, the Allied Forces began to advance even further. Five days later, Operation Battle Axe began. Area B7R was lit with planes from both sides with neither side giving up. Although the Belkans took an early advantage, Phoenix and Galm Teams arrived on the battlefield. The tide turned soon afterward. During the battle, Bret encountered Jack Bartlett a.k.a Heartbreak One, but the two didn't share much time talking. As the battle reached it's peak, three Belkan Squadrons appeared: Sliber, Schnee and Schwarze Squadrons. During the engagement, Bret noticed that Jack was being pursued by a lone Su-47 piloted by Ashley Berniz a.k.a Grabacr One. Although Bret shot him down, Jack and Wolfgang, whom Berniz was also pursuing along with Schwarze, was shot down as well. The battle ended when the Teams shot down all three Squadrons. It was then that Bret's moniker, The Usean Fire Bird, became known world wide by allies and enemies alike. Ironically, Cipher would also earn a moniker, The Demon Lord of the Round Table, after the battle. Even though Bret, Sasha, Max, and Alexis would enjoy their moments of glory after Battle Axe, the true bloody nature of the war hit them hard. On June 1st, Phoenix, Galm and Crow Teams were assigned to the bombing of Hoffnung. Although the battle would start out ok, everyone began to notice that the Allied Forces bombers were destroying every single building, not just the Belkan Factories. Although Max and Alexis wanted to stop them, Pixy told them that it was war, and things like that happen in war. Bret and PJ would have NONE of that from Pixy. While they were arguing, AWACS Eagle Eye warned them of Belkan stealth fighters approaching the airspace. However, Bret told Phoenix Team to not help the bombers, feeling like the bombers deserved it due to the massacre they caused on the ground. Eventually though, Cipher was able to convinced the Phoenix Team that they needed to protect the remaining two bombers from the enemy fighters. Although they did, they wouldn't forgive their allies for their inhuman acts. Bret, Sasha, Max, and Alexis would have nightmares about that night for the rest of their lives. It was then on June 6th that Bret, Sasha, Max and Alexis would see war at it's worst ever. After passing Stier Castle, Eagle Eye warned Phoenix, Galm and Crow Teams were warned that Belkan bombers carrying nuclear bombs have taken off from nearby bases. Bret, Sasha, Max & Alexis, not wanting to see a catastrophe like that happen, hit their afterburners and intercepted the bombers. While en route, Bret heard Pixy say "This war would end if they blew everything up", causing him to begin to doubt Pixy's loyalty. While engaging the bombers, Belkan Forces came from behind and warned the bombers to turn back. Although some of the mercs were eager to take advantage and get more kills, Bret told them to not fire on the Belkans intercepting the bombers. Although that they were successful in stopping the bombers, seven nukes were set off by an unknown group who would later reveal itself. It was then that Pixy betrayed Cipher. Bret caught wift of the transmissions on Pixy's radio and interfered, causing Pixy to leave the battlefield. That day was one of the few battles that scarred Bret, Sasha, Max & Alexis deeply to their cores. After the battle, Sasha, Max & Alexis literally had to lift Bret out of his cockpit due to the shock he suffered from witnessing the nuclear explosions. On June 13th, knowing that they had to keep going despite what they witnessed seven days earlier, Phoenix and Galm Teams attacked Belkan positions at Mount Schirm. It was also PJ's first mission as the replacement Galm Two. Seven days later, Phoenix and Galm Teams, along with the entire Ustio mercenary division, participated in the top secret Battle of Anfang. Their objective was to keep Belkan dissidents from interfering with the peace treaty. After the battle Bret, Sasha, Max, Alexis, Cipher and PJ realized that these Belkan forces were no ordinary remnant forces. Six months later, their fears would be confirmed. On December 25th, 1995, the criminal organization A World with No Boundaries bombed the city of Anfang where the peace treaty was signed. Before they could be briefed on their course of action, the organization attacked Valais Air Base. Just before they could scramble, the runway was bombed. Cipher then suggests both teams use the reserve runway. After Phoenix and Galm Teams sortied, they pursued the organization and it's mothership, the XB-0, to ground zero near Steir Castle. As they approached the XB-0, they were ambushed by Espada Squadron, formerly from the Sapin Air Force. Bret and Sasha tried to get Espada to cease their attack, but to now avail. Left with no other option, they shot down the Espada Squadron. The XB-0 put up a fierce fight, but in the end Bret landed the killing blow. Surprised that Cipher didn't try to compete with him for the final kill, he asked why Cipher didn't act. Cipher then revealed the message he recieved from Pixy just moments before the XB-0 was shot down: "Yo, Buddy. You still alive?". As Valais recovered, Bret recieved a mysterious message from an unknown sender: "Usean Fire Bird, I've returned." Bret would later find out who the messenger was. On December 31st, Bret, Sasha, Max, and Alexis would sortie together all as a team for the last time with Galm Team. Their objective: Stop A World with No Boundaries. As they passed through Area B7R, they recieved warning from Eagle Eye that three enemy squadrons were approaching them. PJ noted that two of them had different signals from Belkan fighters. Phoenix and Galm Teams engaged in a ferocious duel with Wizard, Gault and Sorcerer Squadrons over the Round Table. Each of the enemy leaders noted Bret and Cipher's inhuman abilities in combat and how they fly differently from other pilots. When Gault Leader asked Bret and Cipher what they were fighting for, Cipher didn't say anything but Bret said only one sentence: "To make sure wars like this don't happen again!". It was indeed a fierce struggle, but in the end, Wizard, Gault, and Sorcerer Squadrons were shot down. After refueling in flight, the teams charged at low altitude to Avalon Dam, where the organization was preparing a stolen Belkan V2 Rocket for launch. After making it through the canyon, Bret and Cipher decided to put their rivalry aside since the world was at stake here. They both ordered their teams to cover them as they flew into the dam and attacked the V2 Launch Controls. They succeeded, but the battle wasn't over. Two aircraft appeared on radar. The ADFX-01 and ADFX-02 Morgan fighters, piloted by Pixy and Allen. Caught of guard, PJ took a shot ment for Cipher from Pixy's laser and Sasha's Raptor was hit my a mini burst missile from Allen's Morgan, though she was able to maintain control of her craft. Bret ordered Phoenix Squadron to full back while he and Cipher delt with Pixy and Allen. As the duel began, Allen and Pixy re-activated the V2 launch control via remotely. Allen then revealed to Bret about how he survived his last encounter, and how he helped the leaders of A World with No Boundaries reach their goals for a chance to settle the score with him. Then Bret asked Allen something that would seal Allen's fate. When he asked Allen about the Kalugian Raid eight years ago, Allen revealed that he was the one who let the rebels through the Usean defenses, thereby revealing that HE killed Bret's parents. Allen hoped that this would get Bret angry and make him lose focus, but that plan backfired. Bret already had enough of wanting revenge when the Kalugian War ended, and he told Allen that he would pay for his crimes. As the duel reached it's climax, Pixy launched the V2, telling Cipher and Bret that the game needed to be reseted. Eagle Eye then came over the radio telling Bret and Cipher that an ECM defense mechanism has activated on the Morgans. Their only weakness was their front air intakes. Bret and Cipher then attacked Allen and Pixy head on, and after a few passes, they dealt the finishing blows. In a last ditch attempt to take Bret with him, Allen charged his spinning Morgan at Bret's PAK-FA. Timing his turn just right, Bret managed to just pass by Allen. As the two made eye contact as they passed by, Bret saw the shock and disbelief in Allen's eyes. The last thing that Bret heard of Allen Malcovitch was his defiant screams, refusing to eject or accept the fact that he was beaten by his former ally's son. His Morgan exploded with him still in it. Allen Malcovitch, the true murderer of Bret's parents, was dead. The V2, having lost contact with the two Morgans, exploded in mid-air. With that final act, the Belkan War had truly, finally come to a close. Although Bret, Sasha, Max & Alexis would stay at Valais for a few months, they would discover that Cipher had all but just disappeared without a trace. As a result of this, they decided to part ways as well. Alexis would accompany Max back to Emmeria, Sasha would return to Osea, and Bret decided he would just basically travel the world in solitude due to the intensive attention he got from his moniker. He would travel the world, constantly drifting from airfield to airfield, for 9 years.

A Nightmare From Outer Space - Witnessing the Ulysses Impact
After drifting across the skies for some time, Bret began to feel homesick. So he decided to return to Usea to see how everything was going. On July 3rd, 1999, As he flew at 30,000 ft, he noticed the sky became unnaturally dark. After finding that he was over Mt.Shezna, he looked up to what was both a phenominal and horrifying sight. The Ulysees Asteroid had broken through the planet's atmosphere. Just then, a blast of air rocked his aircraft. It was a blast from the Erusian Meteor Interception System, otherwise known as Stonehenge. After regaining control, he looked up again. The asteroid had split into multiple fragements due to Stonehenge's impact. Although he witnessed Stonehenge destroy some of the larger fragments, he also witnessed the few that Stonehenge miss impact the ground below. One hit Mt.Shezna just below him. The sight of the home continent he knew and loved so much burning was too much for him to bear. Horrified, Bret left Usea and didn't look back. He would not return to Usea for five years.

Fighting for the Homeland - The Usean Continental War
On September 15th, 2004, After five years of fighting the nightmares he got from seeing the catasrophe of the Ulysees, Bret finally mustered the courage to return to Usea. But as Bret approached the eastern coast of Usea, he was attacked by Erusian fighters. Although he held his own for some time against incredible odds, he was almost shot down. Thankfully, an ISAF squadron led by the soon to be famous Mobius 1 saved him and escorted him to ISAF GHQ at North Point. It was there that Bret learned from Mobius 1 about the events after the Ulysees impact. He also learned about Erusea declaring war on ISAF and using Stonehenge as a catalyst in their war effort. After some thought, Bret decided that he would help ISAF end the war. ISAF welcomed the former Scarface pilot with open arms. Four days later, Bret sortied with Mobius 1 and a few other ISAF squadrons to intercept Erusian bombers that snuck past the ISAF last line of defense. Bret and Mobius 1 chased and shot down the bombers, although there was some damage to Newfield City. A month later on October 5th, Bret joined Mobius 1 for an assault on Rigley Air Base. Their objective: Shoot down the Erusian bombers before they attack North Point. The bombers were caught by surprise and the parking ramp at Rigley was turned into a junk yard. During the battle, an Erusian pilot noticed Bret's Phoenix Emblem before being shot down and relayed it to Erusian GHQ. But Bret let him relay the message before shooting him down. It was his way of letting Erusia know that their time in the spotlight was done. The next target Bret attacked with Mobius 1 was "The Northern Eye", a large radar site on Mt. Shezna five days later. Ironically, not to far from the crater left behind by the Ulysees fragment. The very same fragment that Bret saw impact the ground five years prior. During the battle, Bret had a short flashback to when he saw the impact occur, but was snapped out of it by AWACS Sky Eye. At the end of the battle, "The Northern Eye" is blinded and ISAF begins evacuating it's remaining forces from Usea in preperation for a counterattack. ISAF discovered that Erusea then deployed their so called "invincible" Aegir Fleet to counter ISAF's victories. Bret noted Aegir's nickname and said it was completely stupid, saying that NOTHING and NO ONE is invincible. In order to slow down the Aegir Fleet until ISAF could attack it in full force, they attacked it's supply routes including transports carrying supplies. One such operation was on November 7th, 2004. Though this slowed the Aegir Fleet down, it wasn't enough to stop them. Bret then came up with attacking the main petrol plant that was supplying the "invincible" fleet. ISAF Command liked this idea and decided to go with it. On November 19th, Bret and Mobius 1 each lead 3 ISAF Squadrons in the raid on the plant. Although they succeeded in critically damaging it, the infamous 156th Tactical Fighter Squadron a.k.a Yellow Squadron appeared. Although their initial surprise attack took some of the ISAF pilots off guard, Bret was able to damage one of the Yellow's Su-37's, buying some time for everyone else to escape. Mobius 1 then provided cover fire to help Bret get away. The Aegir Fleet was delayed, but not stopped. Seeing a prime opportunity, ISAF deploys a large assault force to attack the Aegir Fleet while they were docked. On November 23rd, Bret and Mobius 1 took part in the battle, and they were both credited for the most air to air and air to ship kills. At the end of the battle, the Aegir Fleet was completely destroyed. It was just like Bret said: No one and nothing is invincible. This success made the ISAF higher ups want to make another daring attack on the Erusian Solar Power Plant, but Bret thought that they were being too rational and tried to tell them to wait, but they didn't listen and the attack went on as planned anyway. Although Bret did join up with Mobius 1 and the ISAF forces on December 16th for the battle, he still felt that something would go wrong. His hunch was right. Just after the ISAF forces destroyed the Power Plant, Sky Eye detected a surprise attack from Stonehenge. Although Bret and Mobius 1 were able to use the ravines for cover, many ISAF fighters didn't make it back from the battle. When Bret returned to allied front lines, he came to the ISAF higher ups, who were in shock from the information from the battle, and told them: "I told you so. Next time, think before you let glory get the better of you.". Taking Bret's words to heart, ISAF High Command decided to take cautious steps in retaking the mainland. In order to have an advantage in the invasion of the mainland, they decided to launch a satellite from the Comona Islands Space Launch Facility. Erusea caught wind of this though, and sent all available fighters to prevent the launch. ISAF responded immediately, and Bret found himself teamed up once more with Mobius 1 on December 31st. It was the largest air battle in history, with over 100 aircraft taking part in the battle on each side. Yellow Squadron also took part in the battle, but Bret and Mobius 1 inflicted heavy damage to two of their aircraft (rumored to be Yellow 13 and Yellow 4). Due to fuel consumption and heavy damage to two of their aircraft, Yellow Squadron retreated. Erusea then deployed bombers to attack the Space Launch Facility, but were stopped by Bret and Mobius 1. The battle ended in ISAF's favor and their satellite was launched. While everyone waited for the invasion to begin, Bret caught some time to rest and catch his breath. During this time, Bret approached Mobius 1 and asked him if Scarface 1 knew about the war. Mobius 1 then revealed to Bret that Scarface 1 was killed during the opening days of the war. He sacrificed himself in order to buy time for ISAF to escape the mainland. This revelation hardened Bret's resolve to end the war quickly. It was also around this time that Bret adopted the callsign Scarface Zero, in honor of his fallen friend. On January 24th, 2005, Operation Bunker Shot began. Bret and Mobius 1 teamed up again to aid ISAF in the landing operation, which involved landing on three beaches. It was one of the largest landing operations in history. While Bret took on the ground forces and choppers, Mobius 1 provided air cover. In the final stages of the battle, Erusian High Command despatched a squadron of A-10's to prevent the ISAF forces from gaining any ground. Fortunately, Bret and Mobius 1 were able to act swiftly and shot the A-10's down, landing a victory for ISAF. On Feburary 28th, Bret and Mobius 1 took part in the attack on Isalis Fortress in order to both capture it and to distract the Erusians stationed there while the ISAF ground forces take Los Canos. The operation succeeded, though they had to evade countless shots from Stonehenge during the engagement. Now that ISAF had a forward HQ, they focused on taking the rest of the mainland. Later on, Bret would learn that ISAF established contact with the creators of Stonehenge, who were hoping for a safe haven and amnesty from the Erusians. However, Erusea attacked them en route to ISAF territory on March 14th. Bret and Mobius 1 scrambled to defend Air Ixiom Flight 701 and Flight 702 from the Erusians. After successfully fighting off the Erusians, Bret and Mobius 1 escorted them to ISAF territory. The Stonehenge creators then helped ISAF create a plan to destroy Stonehenge once and for all. On April 2nd, the day arrived. Leading the a small squadron of ISAF fighters, Bret and Mobius 1 attacked Stonehenge. Despite the multiple shots from Stonehenge and the heavy AA fire, Bret and Mobius 1 pressed their assault. During the battle, Bret encountered one of his former allies from Scarface Squadron, John Harvard a.k.a Slash. Although they recongized each other, Slash knew that going up against the Usean Fire Bird would be suicide, so he retreated from the battlefield. After several passes, Bret and Mobius 1 destroyed Stonehenge, but before everyone could celebrate, Yellow Squadron appeared. Sky Eye cleared the ISAF forces to engage, with Bret and Mobius 1 leading the charge. During the engagement, Bret noticed one of the Yellow Terminators moving more slowly than the others. Bret pursued this Yellow, chasing it through the wreckage of Stonehenge until Bret finally took the shot. The Yellow he shot down was Yellow 4. ISAF praised the Usean Fire Bird for shooting down one of the Yellow Squadron members, as well as his and Mobius 1's achivements in destroying Stonehenge. But somehow, Bret felt bitter-sweet about the situation. He would later find out why many years later, looking at the detailed reports about the Usean Continental War. His opponent's Su-37 was in bad shape during the fight. He always believed there was no honor in killing a handicapped or helpless opponent. Bret eventually shrugged it off though, and enjoyed the party. On May 7th, Bret and Mobius 1 were deployed to aid ISAF recon aircraft in a return route from a recon mission with vital information. After clearing the way, FEAF fighters appeared. Bret and Mobius 1 quickly engaged and shot them down. After the recon aircraft returned safely, Bret learned that Erusea was developing a new super weapon on the former Scarface GHQ of Twinkle Island. Bret knew right then and there along with the rest of ISAF High Command that they had to end this war quickly before Erusea could complete this new weapon called Megalith. On June 18th, Bret and Mobius 1 were called to aid the ISAF landing forces, who were being hounded by cruise missiles. Bret and Mobius 1 engaged and destroyed the missiles, but one more, a burst missile, was launched. With Erusian fighters deployed as cover, Mobius 1 engaged the fighters while Bret attacked the missile. After a what seemed like an eternity of twists and turns, Bret destroyed the burst missile. Bret noted that using a weapon like that showed how desperate Erusea was becoming. On July 10th, ISAF began the liberation of San Salvacion, which was neutral at the start of the war untill the Erusians occupied it. This battle Bret took a lot more seriously than the others due to San Salvacion being his hometown. As the ISAF pressed their assault on the Erusians in the city, Bret recieved a transmission from Mobius 1 alerting him to Erusian TU-160 Blackjacks en route to the city. Bret and Mobius 1 charged the bombers and shot them down before they could do any damage to the city. As Bret flew over the city following it's liberation, he saw the burnt remains of his parent's house, along with their two graves. He also saw a young boy whom he would later recieve letters from concerning future encounters in the final stages of the war. On August 15th, ISAF engaged the Erusian forces at Whiskey Corridor. The battle once involved Bret and Mobius 1 aiding the ISAF forces in the push to the Erusian capital of Farbanti. After the immensive support from the ISAF Air Forces, most notably from Bret and Mobius 1, ISAF pushed the Erusian forces back with ISAF advancing. As he returned to base, Bret knew that the war was almost over. On September 19th, 2005, ISAF pushed into the Erusian captial of Farbanti. With Bret and Mobius 1 leading the charge, they quickly take the city. During the battles final moments, Erusian leaders try to escape in Ospreays, but Bret and Mobius 1 shoot them all down before they can escape. As the battle nears the end, Yellow Squadron enters the battlefield. Bret and Mobius 1 engage them in a 2 on 5 battle. All the Yellows save for Yellow 13 are quickly defeated, but as Bret tries to help Mobius 1 take him down, Slash appears in an X-02 Wyvern challenging Bret. Bret engages Slash in a one on one duel to the death, with neither having a clear advantage or disadvantage. Although Slash almost gained the upper hand a few times, Bret exposed an opening in his defenses and took it. Using his guns, Bret blew the cockpit clear off the Wyvern, killing Slash instantly.Simoultaniously, Mobius 1 finished off Yellow 13 by blowing his Terminator in two with a missile. At long last, the Usean Continental War was over. However, there was still things left to do before it could truly be over. On September 26th, that day would finally arrive. Bret, along with Mobius 1 and his new squadron, attacked the superweapon Megalith before the remaining Erusians could use it. As Bret charged ahead of Mobius Squadron, he encountered a new Yellow Squadron, who was defending Megalith. While Mobius Squadron held them off, Bret attacked Megalith with help from ISAF soldiers from the inside. After destroying the generators situated on key locations around Megalith, he destroyed ballistic missiles that would've been used to attack key ISAF locations. As soon as the ISAF troops got the main gate to the inside of Megalith, Bret was informed by Sky Eye that there was a MIRV missile, similar to the one he destroyed in Intolerance 15 years ago, inside Megalith. Knowing what he must do, Bret charged inside Megalith and destroyed the MIRV missile. As he escaped the resulting explosion, Megalith was destroyed. With that final act, the Usean Continental War was truly over. After the battle, Bret decided that he would stay in Usea for a bit due to being away from home for far too long.

Returning Freedom to Home - Operation Katina
A year after the Usean Continental War came to a close, Bret was called back to ISAF GHQ due to an emergency situation in October. Although most of the Erusian Forces have laid down their arms following the destruction of Megalith, some of them refused to surrender. Now, under the leadership of some high ranking officers, they formed the group known as "Free Erusea". Since this threat could not be ignored, ISAF decided to dispatch only Mobius 1, AWACS Sky Eye, and the Usean Fire Bird to deal with the threat. This was because the ISAF leaders found out that both Bret and Mobius 1's skills rival that of at least 3 ISAF squadrons, a feat that was ironically surprising to Bret. The conflict with Free Erusea took place all over the Usean Continent, with Bret and Mobius 1 wiping out every singe enemy unit that got in their way. Finally, they reached the Free Erusean GHQ in White Valley Bay. The battle was ferocious, with every pilot from Free Erusea trying their best to defeat the Ribbon Fighter and the Usean Fire Bird. Although the Free Erusean Forces were wiped out, they had one last trick up their sleeve: six X-02 Wyvern fighters. Bret and Mobius 1 engaged the fighters in a 2 on 6 duel that Bret would note later that was "like fighting pilots devoid of any emotion or humanity". In the end, Bret and Mobius 1 would shoot down the Wyverns and Free Erusea was defeated. Although Mobius 1 would return to ISAF GHQ at Los Canos, Bret would leave Usea in order to continue traveling in solitude the following month. The reason for this was because Bret felt like he wanted to "spread his wings again". Although Bret would return to Usea five years after what came to be known as "The Katina Conflict", he would find out that ISAF disbanded and Mobius 1 would intergrate himself into the Usean Air Force. Mobius 1 remains to this day the only former comrade in arms that Bret maintains any sort of contact with besides Garuda 1 a.k.a Talisman of Emmeria and Gryphus 1 a.k.a The Southern Cross of Aurelia.

A War of Myth and Legend - The Circum Pacific War
After traveling the world for four years after The Katina Conflict, Bret recieved a message from Sasha, whom he hadn't heard from in 15 years. Sasha tracked him down using some contacts she knew in the Osean Military. She invited him to come to Sand Island, off the coast of Osea to see her as a Mercenary Flight Instructor for the Osean Air Defense Force. On September 24th, 2010, Bret headed for Sand Island when he spotted a small battle in the distance. He then saw a familiar Raptor with the former Scarface Squadron Emblem, he knew then and there it was Sasha. She, along with a squadron of nugget pilots lead by Jack Bartlett were engaged with fighters of unknown origin (would later be found out to be Belkan Grey Men pilots) off the coast of Sand Island. Bret immediately entered the fray and shot down the pilots, but all rookies with the exception of Kei Nagase would be lost as a result. Although Bret and Sasha were happy to see each other again after 15 long years, the whole engagement near Sand Island put the Osean officials on high alert. As a result, Bret would be stationed on Sand Island for almost all the events that were to come. A day later on September 25th, Bret and Sasha sortied together for the first time in 15 years to assist the Wardog Squadron in intercepting a SR-71 Blackbird that penetrated the Osean airspace. However, enemy fighters appeared and attacked the two squadrons. Although AWACS Thunderhead ordered them to not fire back, both Bret and Jack would have none of that order and the two squads engaged the enemy fighters. After a short but fierce battle, the enemy fighters were shot down. It was during this engagement that Bret noticed the skills of one of the members of Wardog Squadron who was known only as Blaze. Two days later, Bret and Sasha joined up with Wardog again in order to intercept an unknown vessel off the coast of Sand Island. Bret and Blaze then both shot down most of the recon aircraft the vessel deployed, with Sasha and Nagase coming as a close second. Like before though, enemy fighters appeared and engaged Bret and Sasha's team along with Wardog Squadron. Although the bandits were shot down, Jack himself was shot down when he took a shot meant for Nagase. There was no time to return to base though, as they would find out that the unknown enemies they encountered were Yuktobanian Forces, and they had declared war on Osea, which shocked Bret and Sasha. Racing to Port St. Hewlett, which was one of the targets that Yuktobania attacked, Bret and Sasha encountered the Kestrel again, which Bret predicted 15 years prior in the Futuro Canal. It was during this battle that he and Sasha met Captian Marcus Snow a.k.a Swordsman. Along with Wardog, Bret and Sasha escorted the Kestrel and it's allying ships that escaped the harbor in time out into the sea. Although the Yukes would push their pursuit, Bret, Sasha, and Wardog would wipe out the pursuing Yuktobanian Forces. After returning to Sand Island, Bret and Sasha decided to form a team between them like old times. They called themselves the Wolf Team, due to them being veterans of wars past. A day later, Bret would spend a lot of time with Sasha for most of the day, and the two would catch up on events they missed when they parted ways after the Belkan War ended. Sasha would then tell Bret that she really missed him when they parted ways and she thought of him everyday, hoping that he was doing ok. Bret would then tell her that he felt the same, thinking about her everyday since they parted ways after the end of the Belkan War. Though Bret and Sasha would share a romantic moment with each other, it would be quickly interrupted by an air raid by Yuktobanian Forces.