Chapter 297: The Arrival of the Navy SEALs in the Philippines

Reynolds was jolted awake by the roar of engines, a sound that was both familiar and imposing. Through the small window of the Greyhound, he caught sight of two fighter aircraft escorting them, their sleek forms cutting through the sky with ease. One, unmistakably an F-35, matched their speed on the right.

"Unidentified flight, this is Lightning 0-1, you are entering Blackwatch airspace," came a crisp voice over the comms, authoritative and clear. The call sign ’Lightning 0-1’ referred to the F-35 on their right, a call sign that Reynolds recognized as part of the escort protocol.

"Pilgrim 1-1 to Lightning 0-1, we read you loud and clear. We’re the Greyhound, carrying Navy Seals for the joint operation. Awaiting instructions," the Greyhound’s pilot responded. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

"Copy that, Pilgrim 1-1. Maintain your current altitude and speed. Escort formation will guide you to the runway. Welcome to Clark International Airport," Lightning 0-1 replied, the professionalism in the pilot’s tone doing little to ease the tension that had built up in the cabin.

As they neared the runway, the F-35s broke formation with a graceful maneuver that spoke volumes of the pilots’ skill. Reynolds watched as the fighters peeled away, their engines a distant thunder as they disappeared from view.

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"Is that an F-35, since when did the Philippines have possession of it?" One of the Navy Seals asked.

"They are not from the Philippine Armed Forces, they are from Blackwatch, a secretive private military firm. However, it baffles me how a private military company was able to avail the F-35s. Isn’t the sale of the F-35s exclusive to the United States partner’s armed forces?" Reynolds commented.

"Yeah, it’s unusual. Blackwatch must have significant backing and connections to operate on this level," another Seal chimed in, his tone a mix of curiosity and concern.

Meanwhile, the pilot of the Greyhound began communicating with the air tower of the Clark Airport.

"Pilgrim 1-1 to Clark Tower, requesting vector for final approach, over," the Greyhound’s pilot initiated the landing protocol.

"Clark Tower to Pilgrim 1-1, you are cleared for vector 270 to runway 3. Wind speed at 5 knots, southeast. Altimeter setting 1012, maintain flight level until established on the localizer, over," the air traffic controller responded, providing precise details for a safe approach.

"Pilgrim 1-1 acknowledges vector 270 to runway 3, maintaining until localizer capture," the pilot confirmed, adjusting the aircraft’s trajectory. It aligned with the designated runway, its sophisticated navigation systems locking onto the guidance signals emitted by the airport’s instrumentation.

As the Greyhound descended, the pilot smoothly engaged the ILS (Instrument Landing System), a critical aid that provides lateral and vertical guidance necessary for a precision landing. "Flaps to 30, gear down," the co-pilot announced, executing part of the landing checklist that would ensure the aircraft’s aerodynamic configuration was optimized for touchdown.

The runway lights became visible, a welcoming sight that marked the end of their journey and the beginning of their mission on Philippine soil. "Pilgrim 1-1 on final for runway 3," the pilot reported.

"Runway 3 is yours, Pilgrim 1-1. Blackwatch has been notified of your arrival. Tower out," the controller gave their final instruction, signaling the successful end of their communication.

The Greyhound touched down with practiced ease, its landing gear absorbing the impact as it decelerated along the runway, ready to taxi to the assigned area where Blackwatch operatives awaited.

Inside the Greyhound.

"Okay boys, we have arrived at the Blackwatch Base of Operations. No,w I don’t want any hiccups in the interaction. If you have something to say and you know it’s not going to come out good, keep it to yourself. I’ll do all the talking, you watch my back. Is that understood?"

"Yes, sir," the team responded in unison. Each member of the team checked their gear one last time, ensuring that everything was in place and accessible. They understood the gravity of the situation and the importance of maintaining professionalism, especially when dealing with an entity as enigmatic as Blackwatch.

The side door of the Greyhound opened, and Reynolds was the first to step out, his boots hitting the tarmac with a determined thud. He was met by the sight of a small contingent of Blackwatch operatives, easily identifiable by their distinctive uniforms and the calm, collected manner in which they stood waiting.

Leading the Blackwatch welcoming party was a man who carried himself with an air of authority. He approached Reynolds and extended his hand. "Captain Reynolds, I presume? I’m Commander Graves, Special Operations, Blackwatch. We’ve been expecting you."

Reynolds shook his hand, noting the firm grip. "Commander Graves, it’s a pleasure. As instructed, we’re here to collaborate on the operation. My team is ready to receive the mission briefing."

Grayson nodded, gesturing for Reynolds and his team to follow him toward a series of black SUVs parked nearby. "We’ll brief you fully at our command center. Time is of the essence, so we’ll proceed directly there."

As they walked towards the vehicles, Reynolds glanced back at his team, giving them a nod that conveyed a wealth of meaning—stay alert, stay focused, and follow his lead. The Seals fell into step behind him, their training kicking in as they prepared themselves mentally for the briefing and the mission that lay ahead.

While heading to the vehicle, Reynolds and his team glanced around and noted the aircraft that is on the airport, military aircraft, mostly American, were either parked or flying. They even have Apaches and the A-10s. But—he also noticed that it was rather noisy.

"Are you perhaps in the middle of the operation?" Reynolds asked Graves.

Graves nodded, not batting an eye at him. "We are dealing with a zombie horde that has been pestering us for days. Reports indicate that the zombies from the southern region are heading up here, it’s like they are being mind-controlled."

"Let me assume, it’s Lin Feng, right? The Chinese guy?"

Graves nodded. "Yeah...Lin Feng. There is a high chance that he is still alive after the nuclear strike, because if he didn’t survive that, then those zombies would have stopped heading to our base."

Graves opened the door and gestured for Reynolds and his team to get into the SUVs. "Let’s discuss the details en route to the command center. We’ve got a lot to cover, and time is not on our side."

As the team settled into the vehicles, Graves continued, "Our intelligence suggests Lin Feng is using some form of enhanced telepathic control over the zombies. Through what method? It’s still uncertain."

"I’ll know more of it once we arrive in the command center, so let’s save the talk for later," Reynolds said and continued. "Anyways, I’m curious. Have you worked in the US? Special Forces?"

Graves shook his head. "No."

Graves was the first to step out, gesturing for Reynolds and his team to follow. The command center building of Blackwatch stood imposingly before them. As they approached, Reynolds took note of the efficiency and discipline that seemed to permeate the air around Blackwatch operatives. Despite the non-standard nature of their operations, everything about them screamed military precision.

Inside. Personnel moved with purpose, their focus undivided as they monitored screens, communicated over comms, and coordinated operations. Graves led the Navy Seals through a series of corridors until they reached a secure door. After a brief security check, they were admitted into a spacious, well-equipped briefing room.

"Please, have a seat," Graves instructed, directing them towards a large table surrounded by high-back chairs. The walls were lined with digital displays, showing real-time satellite imagery, troop movements, and data streams that Reynolds couldn’t immediately decipher. It was clear that Blackwatch had access to resources and intelligence that rivaled that of nation-states.

A few moments later, the door opened again, and a young man entered the room. His presence was unassuming, and his attire, while neat, was far from what Reynolds expected of someone in charge of such an operation. He was in his early twenties, with an alertness in his eyes that belied his youthful appearance. This, Reynolds realized, was Richard Gonzales, the CEO of Blackwatch.

"Welcome, gentlemen," Richard began. "I’m Richard Gonzales. I understand you’ve had quite the journey to get here."

Reynolds, taken aback by Richard’s age, took a moment before responding.

"Captain Reynolds, sir. We appreciate the hospitality. We were briefed on the situation en route, but we’re looking forward to understanding more about our role in this operation."

Richard nodded, a slight smile crossing his features. "Of course. Let’s get straight to it then."

He turned to a console, initiating a series of images that flickered to life on the displays around them. "As you’re aware, our primary objective is Lin Feng. His ability to control the infected has escalated the threat level significantly."

Richard detailed the intelligence gathered on Lin Feng, including satellite imagery, previous footage about him, and firsthand accounts from Blackwatch operatives who had encountered his forces. Reynolds listened intently, his initial surprise at Richard’s youthfulness giving way to respect for his command of the situation.