Chapter 117: Ch 115. Rain before the thunderstorm

After I chastised the allied command that we are not on a vacation trip, I started clearing one of the tables of the dishes and glasses.

“Captain, please, relax for a bit. It will not hurt you.” (V)

“I came here to share the following actions of our crew. And if we are successful, this will result in the complete capture of the city. So, how about you stop drinking, and save the wine to savor it together with the victory?” Some people chuckled approvingly.

Unlike the part of the plan that revolves around us, the allies’ part contains barely any uncertainties.

In this informal talk I explained what I want them to do.

“… As you can guess, you are the cannon fodder.”

“Cannon fodder?” (V)

“Sacrificial lambs, if you wish. If I am correct, and they react the way I want them, we would need a lot more forces concentrated, than I have at my disposal.”

“This plan… I doubt it will work.” (LC)

“It is an arguable plan, no doubt, but the goal of it is different. Breakthrough would be at most a nice addition.”

“With these lowered goals you are going to…” Together with Lord Commander, under the other commanders’ watchful gaze, we proceeded with forming the amalgamated strategy of this offensive.

---

I left figuring out the fine details to the allies, while I returned to the camp.

Even from the distance I could see the crane working by the turret, surrounded by people dragging chains.

When I got closer, I saw that the gun was in the turret, and the soldiers were removing the chains from the barrel.

“Looks like I’m in time.” I approached Jester and Old man. They were standing away and watched the menial work being done.

“You’re already back? It should be done in a few minutes.” (J)

“Good. Any issues?”

“None so far.” (O)

“Good to hear that. Need me to assist?”

“Assist our stomachs, damn it… It’s almost evening and we only ate breakfast.” (J)

“Say no more. I obtained some second-hand meat, so tonight we feast.”

“Never thought a day would come, when we would be happy with getting some leftover meat.” (O)

“Ha-ha. At least it’s fresh, and not dried…”

By the evening the gun was completely installed and connected. The turret was put in place via the helicopter. The helpers dismissed. The stomachs filled.

We have full complement of shells, fuel, and the fully repaired tank. Tomorrow we will complete the assembly of side skirts, and proceed with the fighting.

“Wait? We already have a new task?” (O)

“The operation is confirmed. I will fill you in later. We are not going to spend a lot of effort on it.”

“If you say so.” (J)

We went to sleep, oblivious of the upcoming hell.

---

Everything around was pitch-black.

Only faint glowing lights could be seen walking around like ants.

The technical crew, the maintenance, the ordnance crew, and finally, the military cordon.

Captain and his crew were finishing the last briefing by their skyship. The engineers were finishing the pre-flight checkups, and the last munitions were loaded up. Everything was going ahead of the schedule. Until all of a sudden the entirety of soldiers sobered up and doubled up on efforts, attentively checking the pitch-black surroundings.

‘RAAAAAAAAAA’

Like a thunder striking close, the neighboring aircraft started rolling.

Seeing the plane taxi away into the darkness, the captain started the last checks of the ground crew’s work. While he was checking the front wheels, an officer approached.

In the dim light of the night airfield it was hard to recognize the branch he belongs to, but the pilot already knew who he was.

“Comrade Major, anything to say?”

“There is, Anton. The ‘package’ is here.” The major gave several sealed packages.

“Any news from the control?”

“They said you will sortie in the next 50 minutes.” The major firmly shook the captain’s shoulder.

“My friend, please, stay safe.” The men exchanged a handshake, and the major headed away.

The captain put the packages under the coat.

---

After the final check was completed, the crew changed into flight suits. Before boarding the plane, they gathered in front of it, admiring its beauty.

The parking was almost empty: the trucks and the workers were already away, leaving only a few soldiers and a UAZik to protect the plane from diversions.

Captain and his crew boarded the plane and took positions.

You are reading story Machine of war at novel35.com

“Pilot seated.” He reported on the intercom.

“Co-pilot seated.” The man to his right showed thumb up.

“Radio operator seated.” A voice came from the hallway behind.

“Weapon systems officer seated.” Another man reported from behind.

“All stations green. Status, this is Ballet, we are good to go.”

“This is Status. Ballet, you are clear to start the engines. The way is clear, begin taxiing at your discretion.

Be advised, taxiways Lima, Mike, and November are taken. Advise taking Delta. Do you copy?” (St)

“Copy that, Status. Start engines and taxi at our discretion, taxiing via Delta.” (B)

“The readback is correct.” (St)

The aircraft started humming as the systems were turned on. While the turbines wer heating up, the last checks were performed.

"Status, this is Ballet. Rolling out. Confirm." (B)

"Solid copy. Taxiway Delta is clear all the way to the active runway." (St)

The humming slowly turned into a howl as the captain increased throttle. The surroundings filled with deafening howl.

‘RAAAAAAAAAA’

Two-and-a-half Boeing 747s worth of power made the huge aircraft roll down the taxiway.

The night was young, and with no lights in sight, the pilots had to rely on their memory, and the few men with lights to mark the sharp turns.

“Ilya, go tell Andrey that ECM would need to be turned on as soon as we take off.”

“Understood.” The co-pilot disconnected his suit from the seat and headed deeper into the plane. He returned before the plane reached the runway.

“Welcome back.

Status, this is Ballet, approaching the runway. Are we clear to proceed?” (B)

“Ballet, taxi to the runway and stand by.” (St)

“Solid copy.” (B)

The black plane drove to the black runway. Their only mark was a car that stood at the end of the runway with its headlights on.

“Ballet, this is Status, you are clear for take off.” (St)

The start of the runway lit from the glow of the afterburners. Slowly but steadily, the giant body of the aircraft accelerated, until the liftoff speed was reached.

“Ballet, climb to 3000, then contact Karakul’.” (St)

“Copy.” (B)

The pitch black of the night sky consumed the aircraft completely.

---

5 hours later.

Altitude: 12.000.

“Haaa~.” The captain yawned.

The quiet humming of the engines was only interrupted by the clacking of a spoon in the captain’s mug.

‘Slurp’

“Can there be an even better start of the work day?” He chuckled.

“Sure. With the wife, breakfast in the bed, and Sunday on the calendar.” A muffled response came from the weapon systems post.

“Andryha, seriously? Were you not the one who whined that your little bogatyr was crying all night?”

“Nah, I’m just remembering the good old times.” (A)

“Man, look who's talking!” The radio weapon systems officer waved his hand in the passage.

The captain finished the coffee, and put away the mug.

“I’m back.” He patted the co-pilot’s shoulder, and returned to the seat.

When the seat rose to the flight position, he heard: “Transferring the controls.”

“Controls received.”

Afterwards, it was the co-pilot’s turn to have some coffee.

But even though it was early morning, the work wasn’t going to wait.

“Ballet, this is Beril-Main, confirm readiness.”

You can find story with these keywords: Machine of war, Read Machine of war, Machine of war novel, Machine of war book, Machine of war story, Machine of war full, Machine of war Latest Chapter