With every second crucial in rescuing the victims, the urgency from the Civil Aviation Authority was palpable: “Can’t two people be dispatched?”
In Yuanchuan, winter rain was falling, drenching the already damp and cold tents, and everyone shivered slightly, let alone the disaster victims out there.
At this critical juncture, Charlie volunteered, “I’ll go.”Contents belong to NovelDrama.Org
Surprised glances turned her way.
Charlie was somewhat drenched, her short hair drab from the rain, yet she was far from complaining. “Brian, continue leading the team back and forth. And… Henry?”
Henry, called upon, did not hesitate to answer, “Sure!”
One man and two women.
Brian stood up, “Don’t worry, I’ll lead the team. Nothing will go wrong.”
His words were aimed at Madison.
After all, as the overall flight captain, if any issues arose during the mission, the Civil Aviation Authority would likely hold Madison accountable first.
Madison nodded, and along with Charlie and Henry, followed the authority’s rep out of the tent.
After a ride to who knows where, they arrived to see three retired fighter jets parked outside.
These jets were supposed to be used by the training base, and to everyone’s surprise, they had been brought out for the mission.
“Are we flying fighter jets?” The excitement in Henry’s eyes was tinged with trepidation.
Which man wouldn’t love the idea of piloting a fighter jet? Even if they were retired.
But Henry had never actually handled a fighter jet before. He knew how to fly one in theory, but it was very different from training, and this was not the time for jokes.
“I can’t handle this.”
Henry quickly backed off, coming to Charlie’s side to whisper, “Can you fly a fighter jet?”
Charlie didn’t shake her head but said, “I’ve touched and flown them, but never this seriously or formally.”
She, too, was nervous.
The difference between flying a commercial plane and a fighter jet was significant – you had to have the nerve for it. Ads by PubFuture
After the Civil Aviation Authority rep finished his call, he summoned them, “Which one of you has flown a fighter jet?” Madison glanced at the silent pair beside her and had to speak up, “I have.”
The rep seemed unsurprised by her claim and gestured, “Come on, you take the lead. Follow the flight squadron.”
With no other option, Charlie and Henry braced themselves to board.
“Well, flying is flying, right? I’m in,” Henry resolved.
Madison hadn’t been this close to a fighter jet in a long time. Even though these were retired, they were well-maintained and did not appear outdated. “There will be someone to guide you in the air. Just follow them, got it?” the rep reminded them.
They nodded.
Sure enough, someone in a flight suit arrived, evidently a fighter pilot, discussing matters with the Civil Aviation Authority rep.
After the talk, the pilot walked back to a large group of fighter jets that had just landed.
There were also women among them, not just a few, but three.
To be able to pilot actual fighter jets indicated a level of expertise.
The returning pilot, known as Captain Dong to his peers, was the leader of this flight squadron. At just over thirty, he exuded a calm confidence. Captain Dong Buwen announced, “Three civilian pilots will be joining our squadron for the next flight. Remember to keep an eye on our wings.” “Oh, and among them are two female captains.”
At that, one of the women in the squadron, Ye Han, turned sharply, “Women?”
Captain Dong, immersed in the flight plan, responded without a pause, “What about them?”
Ye Han, the first to join the fighter
et
pilot training squadron and known for
proud demeanor, had a slight disdain for civilian pilots, considering
them to be of a lesser standard.
She could not fathom how in the world these civilian pilots could easily join their elite ranks, given her own strenuous efforts to qualify for the squadron.
The other two female pilots nudged Ye Han quietly, signaling her to hold her tongue.
But Ye Han, calm but cutting, said, “Can they handle it at the critical moment? If they delay us, who bears the responsibility?” Ads by PubFuture
Others might have spoken up, but those close to Ye Han murmured in agreement,. The concern is valid. They aren’t specialists. With flying speed, skills, or near collapsed bridges or places with wires, if they can’t keep up, should we wait for them?”
This was indeed a valid concern.
Captain Dong pondered for a moment, then turned his gaze back to the three fighter jets, their propellers beginning to spin.
After a while, he told one of the female pilots, Mengmeng, “You lead them.”
Mengmeng was known for her kind nature and patience.
She nodded without hesitation, “Sure thing, Captain Dong.”
“Enough talk, let’s board,” Dong urged everyone.
Ye Han grumbled, “With our numbers and planes already limited, we have to take on some civilian pilots. National Air would have been acceptable, but of all people, women.” An honest pilot couldn’t help but glance at her, “Aren’t you also a woman?”
Ye Han retorted sharply, “Not all women are the same! I pilot fighter jets; they fly passengers. How can you compare?”
The honest pilot fell silent.
It seemed there was no reasoning with her.
The squadron’s channel connected, and Madison’s trio had already tested their signals. Once confirmed, Captain Dong signaled, “Three captains, please follow our lead.”
Before Madison could respond, another woman’s voice came over the channel, “Don’t lag behind, we are on a schedule.”
Even Henry sensed the disdain in the woman’s voice, not to mention the perceptive Charlie.
Charlie didn’t indulge Ye Han, responding in a teasing tone, “Don’t worry, senior. Even if you fall behind, we won’t.”
Madison: “…”
Well, credit to Captain Charlie for that retort.
Henry clapped a few times in his cockpit.
The training squadron was fully dispatched – all 22 of them. But with three unable to participate due to health reasons, they had to make a last-minute call for replacements.
So when Charlie delivered her seemingly playful yet sharp retort, the 19 remaining pilots were momentarily speechless.
Madison wasn’t surprised by the
training squadron’s attitude. It was akin to the aloofness that Ivy League students might show towards community college attendees
somewhat expected. Content
belongs to NovelDrama.Org
But when such sentiments are so overt they can cause friction, conflict is inevitable.
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