Richard and Sara quickly made their way back to the waiting VH-60N Nighthawk Helicopter. As soon as they stepped inside, the rotors whirred to life, and the helicopter lifted off, heading back to the command center.

Upon landing, they made a beeline for the command center. The moment they entered, the staffers inside, recognizing them, halted their activities and stood up, saluting their leader. Richard, accustomed to such formalities but always focused on efficiency, waved his hand to put them at ease. There was no time for formalities; they had a job to do.

He walked over to Mark, who was poring over several monitors displaying satellite images and other data feeds.

"Report, what’s the situation?" Richard asked his voice firm and demanding.

Mark quickly briefed him. "We’ve got a confirmed sighting of Lin Feng in this location."

As Mark said, the satellite image from space zoomed in on a specific island.

"Where is that?" Richard tilted his head to the side, wondering what that island was.

"We don’t know," Mark said.

"You don’t know?" Richard repeated, scoffing softly. "How come you don’t know?"

"Because the map of the Philippines, the islands, the names, and other specific things are not yet integrated into our system. We are going to need Sara’s help as this is her expertise."

Richard glanced at Sara. "Can you do it?"

"Certainly," Sara replied confidently, already moving towards a computer terminal. She began typing rapidly, her fingers flying over the keys as she accessed various databases and mapping software.

Richard and Mark watched as she worked, her focus intense. "I’m cross-referencing the satellite coordinates with our geographical databases," she explained, her voice steady despite the rapid pace of her work. "I’m also integrating updated map data into our system. It’s a bit of a workaround, but it should give us the location name."

Her screen was a flurry of windows and lines of code, an intricate dance of data analysis and system integration that was far beyond the comprehension of the average person. Richard, while not a tech expert, appreciated the complexity of what she was doing. He knew that when it comes to computers, she is the one they can rely on.

After a few moments, Sara’s expression shifted from concentration to satisfaction. "Got it," she announced. "The satellite coordinates match with Cagbalete Island. That’s where we need to focus."

Richard’s eyes narrowed at the mention of the name. "Cagbalete Island, huh? That’s an unfamiliar island. Even I, who lives in the Philippines, don’t even know that it exists. Well, it’s a perfect hiding spot for him, but unfortunately for Lin Feng, we found him.

"What do we do sir?" Mark asked.

"Well, we can’t give him rest. I knew we inflicted significant damage during our encounter. And he is regenerating. He is also summoning a lot of mutated zombies on the mainland. We can’t give him a free pass. We need to hit him hard and fast," Richard replied decisively.

"Are you suggesting an airstrike?" Mark asked, a hint of concern in his voice.

Richard nodded. "Yes, I’m thinking of deploying the B-52 Stratofortress. It’s the latest addition to our arsenal. We need to use every advantage we have."

Sara, who had been listening, interjected with a note of caution. "Richard, remember the B-52 is a new aircraft in our inventory. Its deployment won’t go unnoticed. People in New Clark City are already raising questions about how we’re acquiring our weaponry and personnel. Using the B-52 might increase suspicion and lead to unwanted attention."

Richard paused, considering her point. Lately, in New Clark City, Lisa would tell him about the people’s suspicion of the Blackwatch. Their first and foremost question is how the Blackwatch is acquiring military hardware and supplying the entire army. Second, where do the personnel come from? Richard had been dodging that question with an answer that those forces came from foreign countries that were now serving under Blackwatch, but the people were also skeptical about how these foreign personnel were willing to work under him.

Those people, why do they have to question everything? Aren’t they satisfied that there is a private military firm willing to protect them for literally free? He vowed he’d only tell his secret to the one closest to him, and that is his little sister. And he is certain that Lisa won’t tell his secret to everyone.

"Just tell them that it’s a plane from Guam that landed in the Philippines," Richard said, tired of having to explain all of the origins of their resources. "We shouldn’t make a big deal about those people. Task those B-52 now."

"Understood sir,"

*** 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

At Clark International Airport, the crew of the B-52 Stratofortress worked quickly and efficiently to get the aircraft ready. The team loaded various precision-guided munitions onto the bomber, ensuring each weapon was securely in place.

The pilots and crew conducted a thorough pre-flight check. They reviewed the flight path to Cagbalete Island, went over communication protocols, and made sure all systems were functioning correctly. Each step was carried out with attention to detail, reflecting the importance of the mission ahead.

Once everything was checked and rechecked, the B-52 taxied to the runway. The pilots went through their final procedures before takeoff.

"Clark Tower, this is Whiskey Tango Foxtrot 117, requesting clearance for takeoff, over," the pilot radioed to the control tower, using the B-52’s call sign.

"Whiskey Tango Foxtrot 117, Clark Tower. You are cleared for takeoff on runway 02L. The wind is 5 knots from the east, over," the tower responded promptly.

"Copy that, Clark Tower. Lining up for takeoff on 02L, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot 117," the pilot replied, maneuvering the aircraft into position on the designated runway.

The co-pilot double-checked the instruments, "Flight instruments check, flaps set, engines at optimal thrust, we’re good to go."

"Roger that," the pilot acknowledged. "Engaging full throttle."

The engines of the B-52 roared louder as the pilot applied full power, and the massive aircraft began to accelerate down the runway. The vibration from the engines could be felt throughout the cockpit.

"Speed’s building, V1... Rotate," called out the pilot as they reached the necessary speed for takeoff.

The co-pilot confirmed, "Positive rate of climb."

The pilot smoothly pulled back on the controls, and the B-52 Stratofortress lifted off the ground, climbing steadily into the sky.

"Whiskey Tango Foxtrot 117 is airborne, proceeding to assigned coordinates," the pilot communicated back to the tower.

"Whiskey Tango Foxtrot 117, Clark Tower. You are cleared to proceed. Switch to tactical frequency and good hunting, over."

"Switching to tactical, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot 117 out."