Kirtland Air Force Base remained neutral between the federal government and Texas at first, though they did support Texas against the drug cartels with everything from cutting-edge laser rifles up to combat-capable variants of the venerable C-130 Hercules and V-22 Osprey airframes. Kirtland’s Hercules used advanced stealth systems that penetrated drug cartel radar, while their Ospreys sported point defense laser clusters to intercept ground-to-air missiles. Those Ospreys escorted numerous high-altitude bomber or recon missions and helped secure landing zones for incoming infantry transports throughout the conflict. And when that conflict ended, they stood with Texas and the other American States when it came time to face everyone who had become their enemies.