As the sun sank below the horizon, casting an eerie darkness over the landscape, the elite team assembled on the tarmac, their anticipation palpable. The Airikaua heavy lift infiltrator loomed in the distance, a powerful machine ready to carry them into the heart of the mission.
The team stood at the ready, their gear meticulously prepared, weapons loaded, and adrenaline coursing through their veins. The Airikaua, a formidable replacement for the aging Chinook helicopters, had proven its worth in past operations. Its ability to transport a sizeable force of up to 20 heavily armed troops to drop zones while remaining undetected was crucial in combating insurgents and conducting security operations.
The cigar-shaped hull of the Airikaua, constructed from a composite of graphene, titanium carbon fibre, and Kevlar 3 alloy, exuded an aura of strength and stealth. Tonight, it was rigged for utmost secrecy.
Romeo Two Zero Bravo, the fire team led by Jay, swiftly boarded the aircraft, their movements synchronized and purposeful. With the last team member in place, the Airikaua roared to life, lifting off the ground and hurtling towards their mission destination.
Inside the aircraft, the team's headsets crackled to life, activating the internal induction loop. A voice, both casual and confident, filled their ears.
Becky nudged Jay, her eyes fixed on the darkened sky. "Boss, I think our taxi's here," she whispered, her finger tracing a circular motion in the air, pointing upwards.
Jay's earpiece buzzed, alerting him to incoming communication. "Right, switch on. The bird is inbound," he relayed to the team, his voice filled with determination.
"Romeo Two Zero Bravo, this is Alpha Whiskey Zero Nine, at your GPS in 5, over," a voice crackled through the headsets.
Jay responded swiftly, his hand signalling the team to form up and prepare for action. "Alpha Whiskey Zero Nine, this is Romeo Two Bravo, okay, out!"
The Airikaua's bright nose and belly lights illuminated the landing spot and the team below, as the aircraft descended with precision and grace. Jay's gaze met the eyes of the pilots and door gunners, locked in a silent exchange of trust and readiness.
"All Romeo 20b Call signs, this is Romeo Actual. Be prepared to move, over," Jay transmitted, his eyes scanning each team member for confirmation.
One by one, the team signified their readiness with a thumbs-up.
"Romeo Two Zero Bravo Two, okay, out," Becky confirmed.
"Romeo Two Zero Bravo Three, ten-four, big man. Okay, out," Mo chimed in, his playful tone evident.
"Romeo Two Zero Bravo Four, okay, out," Liam, the last to respond, added his affirmation.
As the final word left Liam's lips, the Airikaua's wheels touched the ground, and the team swiftly assumed their positions, ready to board the aircraft.
"Romeo Two Zero Bravo, this is Aw09. Can you please hurry the fuck up, over?" the Airikaua pilot's urgent request spurred the team into action.
With practiced efficiency, the fire team boarded the aircraft, taking their seats as the Airikaua lifted off once more, soaring through the darkened skies towards their mission objective.
The internal induction loop activated once again, filling their headsets with the pilot's voice.
"Hello passengers, my name is Captain Fuck Nut, and I will be your pilot on tonight's 'Who Cares Airlines.' Our flight time will be over before you know it. Sit back, enjoy the in-flight entertainment, and thank you for flying for King and Country."
YOU ARE READING
Project Phoenix: The Rise
Historical Fiction"In a Britain on the precipice of collapse, where fear and chaos reign supreme, the lines between reality and fiction blur. A deadly virus has ravaged the nation, leaving behind a shattered society teetering on the brink of civil war. The parallels...
