Chapter 192: Until We Return in Victory

"Listen," Huaite's tone was slightly more serious.

"According to intelligence, the Long Country army is equipped with some unknown vehicles and weapons, but don't worry too much. Our 'Sabre' is the most advanced fighter jet in the world; nothing can threaten us. High-altitude flight, rapid assault—these Long Country people won't even know what hit them!"

The pilots began to put on their flight gear, their faces filled with confidence and excitement.

To them, this was just another routine "hunting" mission, and the Long Country army was their prey.

"Wilson," Huaite patted the young pilot on the shoulder, "I heard you made a bet last week that you could single-handedly destroy a Taiyang Country artillery battery?"

"Yes, sir, won twenty dollars!" Wilson said proudly.

"Very good, I'll give you a chance today. Reconnaissance planes reported that the Long Country people seem to have some rocket artillery systems. I want you to find and destroy them. As a reward, you can lead the second formation."

Wilson was so excited his face turned red, "Thank you, sir! I won't let you down!"

In the equipment room, the pilots joked with each other, discussing how to celebrate the Victory after returning.

"Hey, Morrison," a pilot grinned, "I heard there's a city in Long Country called Fengtian, and their girls are very pretty. After we finish teaching these Long Country soldiers a lesson, maybe we can go there for a vacation?"

"Get today's credit first before talking about that," Morrison responded with a smile, "but I bet that by the time we fly over, those Long Country soldiers might have already wet their pants in fear!"

"Don't forget," another pilot chimed in, "the Long Country people have seen our performance in Taiyang Country. Do you remember that bombing last month? The whole city turned into ruins!"

"So what?" Wilson shrugged, "Just a bunch of country farmers holding Rifles. I doubt they've even seen a real fighter jet!"

Lieutenant Colonel Huaite checked the final flight plan, then announced loudly to the assembled pilots:

"Gentlemen, I will emphasize the mission objective again: destroy the Long Country forces, especially their convoys and heavy weapons. We will conduct two waves of attacks; the first wave is mainly for reconnaissance and initial strikes, and the second wave will be the main bombing. Maintain an altitude between 6,000 and 8,000 feet to avoid any small-scale anti-aircraft fire they might have."

"Sir, do they have anti-aircraft fire?" a pilot asked with a smile.

"As far as I know," Huaite said dismissively, "at most they have some old-fashioned Anti-aircraft Machine Guns that couldn't even scratch our paint!" The group burst into laughter again.

"Any other questions?" Huaite looked around.

"Sir, I have a question," Bill raised his hand with a mischievous smile, "do we need to bring parachutes? After all, facing the Long Country army, it doesn't seem like we need to be that cautious, right?"

The pilots erupted into laughter, and Lieutenant Colonel Huaite also laughed, but quickly returned to a serious expression.

"Humor is a good thing, but don't forget basic discipline. Fully armed, standard procedure. We are the Di Guo Air Force, not a circus!"

On the tarmac, the technical staff had completed the final checks.

The engines of the twelve F-86 "Sabre" fighter jets in the first wave roared, ready to depart.

Colonel Hanmidun Colonel arrived at the scene to deliver a final speech to the pilots:

"Gentlemen, today we are facing an army that dares to challenge the majesty of Di Guo. The Long Country people think they can interfere in the affairs of Taiyang Country and think their army can contend with us. But we all know, this is nothing but a joke!"

He lit a cigar and took a deep puff.

"We have already taught these Easterners a lesson on the ocean battlefield once; it seems they haven't learned their lesson. Today, we will teach them another one!"

The pilots let out a cheer.

"Remember," Hanmidun Colonel continued, "we represent the power and honor of Di Guo. Let those Long Country people know what the consequences of challenging us are! Good luck, and return with Victory!"

After the pilots saluted, they climbed into the cockpits of the fighter jets one by one.

Wilson sat in his F-86 cockpit, checking the instruments, his heart filled with excitement.

Last night, he had just written a letter to his family, bragging about his "heroic achievements" in Taiyang Country.

Today, he would have new stories to tell—how he single-handedly defeated the Long Country army!

"Ready for takeoff!" The voice of the control tower came over the radio.

One after another, the "Sabre" fighter jets roared toward the runway, taking off while trailing long plumes of smoke.

The pilots were full of confidence, having no idea what they might face today.

Inside the base command center, Colonel Hanmidun Colonel stood by the window, watching the last fighter jet disappear into the skyline.

He turned to the Intelligence Officer beside him:

"How long do you think it will take them to beat that Long Country force to a pulp?"

The Intelligence Officer smiled, "With our firepower and the gap in their equipment? I guess an hour is enough. Honestly, sir, I even feel that sending so many planes is a bit of a waste."

Hanmidun Colonel nodded with satisfaction, "Sometimes, showing power itself is the goal. We want to let the Long Country people—no, let all of Yaxiya understand that this land is our sphere of influence, and any interference will come at a heavy price!"

He walked to the map, looking at those green areas, already planning the next expansion in his heart. Taiyang Country was just the beginning; in the future, all of Yaxiya would feel the power of Di Guo!

"Mike," a General walked in and patted Hanmidun Colonel on the shoulder, "I just received a call from Washington. The President is very satisfied with our actions in Taiyang Country, especially praising our efforts to 'effectively contain the spread'."

Hanmidun Colonel stood a bit straighter, his chest slightly puffed out, "Thank you, General. We just did what we should have done."

"Regarding this Long Country force matter today," the General lowered his voice, "Washington hopes we give them a profound lesson, but don't blow things out of proportion. Understand what I mean?"

"Completely understand, sir," Hanmidun Colonel said confidently, "A clean and swift operation is enough to make the Long Country people retreat in the face of difficulty. In fact, I have already dispatched the first wave of airstrikes, and I estimate good news will arrive soon."

The General nodded with satisfaction, "Very good, wait to hear the good news. Oh, by the way," he added, "you know how much those people in Washington love photos. If you can capture some footage of the Long Country forces being routed, that would be even better."

"Already arranged, sir," Hanmidun Colonel smiled, "Our reconnaissance planes will record the entire process."

After the General left, Hanmidun Colonel returned to the window, gazing at the distant sky.

His career was on the rise, and this "lesson" to the Long Country force would be another pearl on his resume.

Thinking of this, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly, revealing a subtle smile.