Chapter 278: Prelude to the Operation: Warm Reception

Meanwhile, back at the command center, the situation was tense. Mark’s observation was punctuated by an edge of concern. "Did you just see that?"

Sara, analyzing the satellite feed, nodded gravely. "A wing sprouted on the back of Lin Feng. He is evolving mid-fight."

Richard, knowing the urgency of the situation, quickly grabbed the radio. "Eagle Actual to Whiskey Tango Foxtrot 117, get off the air. Tango is in the air and currently on its course to intercept you, over."

In the cockpit of the B-52 bomber, the pilot’s eyes darted to the instrument panel, focusing on the radar. A new blip, moving at an incredible speed, was closing in on their position. His training kicked in, and he immediately knew they were in potential danger.

"Copy that, Eagle Actual," the pilot responded, his voice steady despite the rising tension. "Initiating evasive maneuvers. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot 117 out."

The bomber began to change course, the pilot’s hands moving expertly over the controls. His co-pilot worked in tandem, recalibrating their flight path to avoid the incoming threat.

"Whiskey Tango Foxtrot 117 to crew, brace for potential aerial engagement. Tango is fast approaching. We’re going hot."

His co-pilot acknowledged the command. "Roger that. Adjusting heading for evasive action. All systems check."

The radar operator chimed in. "Tango’s closing in fast, sir. Less than two kilometers out and approaching."

The pilot glanced at the radar screen, noting the rapidly closing distance between them and the unidentified Tango. "Keep your eyes peeled. We might need to take this to the deck to shake them off."

In the cockpit, the tension escalated as the radar operator updated the crew on the Tango’s rapid approach. "Tango at one kilometer and closing."

The pilot, maintaining his composure under the mounting pressure, addressed his weapons officer. "What options do we have in the armaments?"

"Sir, our primary role is payload delivery. We’re equipped with countermeasures, but offensive capabilities are limited. We don’t have missiles under our wings."

"Understood," the pilot acknowledged. "Let’s focus on evasive maneuvers and countermeasures. If Tango engages, we deploy chaff and flares."

The co-pilot adjusted the flight controls, preparing for agile maneuvers. "Evasive action plan ready. We’ll make it hard for them to get a lock."

The radar operator kept a steady eye on the screen. "Tango is half a kilometer out. It’s right on our tail."

"Deploy countermeasures on my mark," the pilot ordered, ready to react to any offensive move from Tango.

"Standing by for deployment," the weapons officer confirmed, his hand hovering over the countermeasure controls.

"Tango at 200 meters and closing rapidly."

"Deploy countermeasures now!" the pilot commanded.

The weapons officer acted immediately, releasing a cloud of chaff and flares. These countermeasures were designed to confuse and divert any incoming projectiles but it won’t work against a monster like Lin Feng.

In the sky near the B-52, Lin Feng, with his newly sprouted wings, narrowed his eyes at the sudden burst of bright flares and the cloud of chaff dispersing in the air. Momentarily taken aback, he hesitated, trying to discern if these strange objects posed any threat to him. His instincts told him to be cautious; he had never encountered such tactics before.

The momentary distraction created by the chaff and flares brought the B-52’s crew crucial seconds. The pilot seized this opportunity, sharply maneuvering the bomber to put more distance between them and Lin Feng.

"Countermeasures seem to have an effect. Increasing evasive action," the pilot communicated to his crew, banking the aircraft hard to create more confusion and make their path less predictable.

The co-pilot monitored the instruments closely, confirming the change in course. "New heading set. We’re creating more separation. But this isn’t going to last forever, we need escorts!"

"Whiskey Tango Foxtrot 117 to Eagle Actual, we are in need of air escorts. We are defenseless against the tango."

"Don’t worry, I have already tasked two F-35s. Help is on the way," Richard assured them.

***

Two F-35 Lightning II jets, call signs Lightning 1 and 2, cut through the sky at high speeds. Inside Lightning 1, the pilot checked his instruments, doing some checks.

"Lightning 1 to Lightning 2, we’re two minutes out from Whiskey Tango Foxtrot 117’s position. Stay sharp."

"Copy that, Lightning 1," came the crisp reply from Lightning 2. "Radar’s clear so far, but we’re on high alert."

"Lightning 1 to Eagle Actual, we’re approaching the last known coordinates of Whiskey Tango Foxtrot 117. Any updates on the tango’s position?" the lead pilot queried.

"Actual to Lightning 1, Tango was last seen closing in on Whiskey Tango Foxtrot 117. Be advised, that Tango is not a conventional aircraft. Expect the unexpected."

"Understood, Actual. We’re prepared for unconventional engagement," the pilot of Lightning 1 responded, adjusting his throttle and scanning the horizon.

As they neared the coordinates, the pilot of Lightning 2 spotted something on his radar. "Lightning 2 to Lightning 1, I’ve got a visual on the tango."

"He’s moving fast, almost matching our speed," Lightning 2 reported, a note of disbelief in his voice.

"Okay, let’s blow him up before he even notices," Lightning 1 suggested as he armed one of the missiles, the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles.

"Roger that, Lightning 1. Missile armed and targeting locked on," Lightning 2 replied, his fingers poised over the controls.

The two F-35s closed in on the rapidly approaching Tango.

"Lightning 1, missile away," the lead pilot announced as he fired the AIM-120 missile. The sleek projectile streaked through the air, leaving a trail of white smoke in its wake as it homed in on its target.

At the same time, Lightning 2 also launched its missile. The two AIM-120 missiles closed in on Lin Feng with incredible speed, guided by the advanced targeting systems of the F-35s.

Inside the cockpit of the B-52, the crew watched anxiously as the F-35s engaged the Tango. The pilot and co-pilot continued their evasive maneuvers, trying to keep the bomber out of harm’s way.

The radar operator updated them on the situation. "Tango is still in pursuit, closing in fast."

In the sky, the two missiles reached their target. Lin Feng noticed the whistling sound behind him attempting to dodge the incoming projectiles. He twisted and turned in the air, trying to evade the AIM-120s. But it was futile, the missile struck and the shockwave from the resulting explosion was felt even inside the B-52.

The explosion caused Lin Feng to lose control for a moment, and he spiraled downward, smoke and flames trailing behind him.

"Shit!"

Lin Feng cursed under his breath. Well, what did he expect? He gained wings that gave him the ability to fly, but he didn’t take into account that flying in the air, meant engaging in air-to-air combat. He doesn’t have the abilities that complement his flying abilities. So the best option for him right now is to increase, even when it is bitter for him to do so.

***

At the command center. Richard heaved a sigh of relief. "Okay, looks like Lin Feng is retreating. Seemingly to rest, but we are not going to let that happen boys! We are going to make it hard for him to stay in our country," he switched to radio. "All stations be advised, from this time forward, we are going to commence an operation that will pester Lin Feng. He wanted to come to our country, now let’s give him a warm reception!"