Chapitre 26: Scavenging Operation Begins
The scavenging operation's Phase One followed a clear plan. The Pave Hawk helicopter, designated as Jolly 1, would hover above the shopping malls, using the noise of its rotors to draw the attention of the zombies. The goal was to gather these zombies into a centralized area and keep them there.
With the zombies clustered, the Bell AH-1Z Viper, codenamed Viper 1, would step in. Armed with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and Hydra 70 unguided missiles, Viper 1 would unleash its firepower upon the amassed undead. The resulting explosions would further attract additional zombies to the site, enabling Viper 1 to repeat the process over and over until a significant number of zombies had been neutralized.
***
"Blackwatch, this is Jolly 1. Approaching the AO, over," the pilot of Jolly 1 reported as he communicated over the radio.
"Roger that, Jolly 1. Maintain your course and initiate Phase One as planned," came the response from the operations center.
Inside the Pave Hawk helicopter, the crew worked with precision. The rotor noise created a clamor that reverberated through the air, catching the attention of the zombies below. Groaning and stumbling, they began to shuffle toward the source of the sound, forming a growing congregation.
"That's a lot of them," the Jolly 1 pilot remarked as he peered down from the helicopter's windows.
"Let us stay here for five minutes and see how many of them we can draw in," the co-pilot suggested, his eyes fixed on the growing mass of zombies converging below.
As the minutes ticked by, the noise of the rotors continued to work its magic. The zombies, drawn to the sound like moths to a flame, moved relentlessly toward the source.
"Alright, time's up. Let's get ready for the fireworks," the pilot declared.
Back in the operations center, the operators monitored the situation closely using MQ-8B Fire Scout. The red blips on the screen representing the zombies formed a dense cluster, indicating that Phase One had achieved its desired effect.
"Viper 1, this is Blackwatch. The congregation is substantial, you are cleared hot for launch, over," the voice over the radio instructed.
"Roger that, Blackwatch, moving in now," Viper 1's pilot responded as they lowered their altitude.
They were 1 kilometer away from the target and high enough that the zombies wouldn't be attracted by the noise of their rotors.
"Jolly 1 you are danger close to the zone. You might want to ascend a little bit as these arrows are going to pack a punch," Viper 1 pilot advised.
"Copy that Viper 1, ascending now," the Jolly 1 pilot acknowledged, adjusting their altitude to maintain a safer distance from the impending explosion zone.
Down on the ground, the undead congregation had swelled in response to the helicopter's persistent noise. Groans and moans echoed as the zombies moved in a disorganized yet eerie harmony, drawn together by the relentless clamor of the rotors.
In the cockpit of Viper 1, the pilot and the gunner focused intently on their instruments. The HUD displayed vital information, while the targeting systems locked onto clusters of zombies below.
"All units, this is Viper-1, missile is ready for immediate delivery, standby for launch…Target designated. Firing in three..two…one."
The gunner of the Viper pressed the button, and the missile was away, streaking toward its designated target on the ground.
The impact was explosive, obliterating a significant portion of the zombie congregation. Smoke billowed, debris scattered, and the shockwave radiated outward, knocking down the closest undead and creating chaos within their ranks.
"Switching to Hydra," the gunner announced, his voice focused and determined.
From the helicopter's wings, the Hydra 70 unguided missiles were unleashed. They streaked toward the ground, finding their marks amidst the sea of undead. Explosions erupted in rapid succession, further disrupting the congregation and sending shockwaves through the remaining zombies.
"Good hits," the pilot of Viper 1 praised.
The explosion attracted a horde of zombies from all around the area, causing them to mass at the epicenter.
"Blackwatch, we've got even more incoming," Jolly 1's co-pilot reported, watching as the undead surged toward the scene of the blasts.
"Copy that Jolly 1, don't worry Viper 1 is going to mow them down later."
The process was repeated, again and again, taking thirty minutes. During that time, almost 1,256 zombies were killed. How did they know? Richard could count it thanks to his system.
"All units, this is Viper 1, we are low on missiles. Switching to secondaries," the pilot of Viper 1 announced over the radio.
The secondary the pilot was referring to was the 20 mm M197 three-barreled rotary cannon. The gunner of Viper 1, pulled the trigger, causing the canopy of the helicopter to shake as the cannon's rounds were unleashed.
The cannon's bullets tore through the remaining zombies, cutting them down in swathes as they attempted to converge on the impact zones.
Phase One took thirty minutes, with the Bell AH-1Z Viper exhausting all of its weapon systems. But thanks to their efforts, they killed 1,453 zombies.
"Blackwatch, we have now exhausted all of our weapons, returning back to base to rearm and refuel, over," Viper 1 announced.
"Roger that, Viper 1. Well done," Blackwatch responded.
Viper 1 returned to its helipad to Building C of the Oriental Condominium. The Jolly 1 would continue to hold its position to prevent zombies from going after the ground forces.
Meanwhile, footage of the operation was being fed to Richard's tablet who watched in glee.
"Oh I am loving this," Richard said.
"But still, there are still a lot of zombies sir," Graves said, pointing at the screen.
Richard gazes at the display of the tablet. Graves was right, although the Viper attack helicopter did an amazing job, there are still a lot of zombies coming to the site of the explosion. Hundred or even thousands of them.
He hummed aloud. "Well, Graves, the plan would remain the same. We are heading to the shopping mall and getting as many supplies as we can get."
Richard pressed his earpiece, connecting him to his team.
"All units, this is Eagle Actual. Phase One is complete, we are now moving to Phase 2."
Following those words, Richard slid the key into the ignition slot, giving it a firm turn. The engine of the JLTV Oshkosh roared to life
Like a series of well-timed switches, the rest of the vehicles followed suit. The two M117 Guardians rumbled awake, joined by the LAV-25s, revving up for action. The Cougar 6x6s rolled into gear, their powerful frames ready to go. The JLTV Oshkosh machines, five in a row, kicked into action, and the lineup of twenty M939 Trucks joined the convoy.
With a collective growl, the motorcade came to life, and the Buffalo Clearance Vehicle began moving towards the gate.
The soldier stationed at the gate pressed a switch, causing the roll-up of the metal gate to slowly ascend.
The Buffalo Clearance Vehicle led the way, its massive V-shaped dozer, pushed aside debris and obstacles with ease. The path ahead, once obstructed by abandoned vehicles and wreckage, was now being cleared, creating a navigable route for the convoy.
The rest of the convoy followed closely behind.
Phase 2 of the operation is when the ground forces of the Blackwatch head towards the three shopping malls. The shopping malls are Super9 and Makati Central Square are designated as Alpha while the Wilson Mart is Bravo.
The ground forces consisted of one Buffalo Clearance Vehicle, two M117 Guardian 2 LAV-25 Bradley, 6 Cougar 6x6, 6 JLTV Oshkosh, and 20 M939 trucks, and were complemented by 200 soldiers.
Each vehicle has its own role: the Buffalo Clearance Vehicle clears the way, the M117 Guardian and LAV-25 Bradley serve as protectors of the convoy, the Cougar 6x6 and JLTV Oshkosh Heavy Guns Carrier variant function as transports while also offering defense with their Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station, equipped with the M2 Browning. Additionally, the 20 M939 trucks serve as troop transports and cargo carriers for the supplies and food they'll scavenge from the shopping malls.
Richard, who was driving the JLTV Oshkosh, looked around the surroundings while trailing behind the convoy. There, he noticed a herd of zombies running towards the convoy.
"This is Eagle Actual to all units. Engage the incoming zombies. Transition to suppressed rifles hold off on main weapons. We don't want to draw more of them in."
Soldiers in the convoy swiftly responded to Richard's command. From the safety of their vehicles, they leaned out windows, firing their suppressed M4 Carbines at the approaching horde of zombies. Controlled bursts of gunfire rang out as accurate shots found their marks. The crack of gunfire was muffled by the suppressors, reducing the risk of attracting more undead.
Zombies in the lead stumbled and fell, torn apart by the well-aimed shots. Others in the back tripped over the fallen ones, creating a momentary disruption in their advance.
The suppressed rifles efficiently took down the initial wave of zombies, thinning their numbers before they could reach the convoy. However, the commotion attracted even more undead from the vicinity, drawn by the sudden noise.
"This is Buffalo, there is a horde of zombies heading towards our position."
"Buffalo, you are cleared hot to run them over," Richard ordered.
The engine of the Buffalo Clearance Vehicle roared to life as the driver pressed down on the gas pedal, its 25-ton weight propelling it with surprising agility. The zombies, driven by their insatiable hunger, continued their mindless charge, unaware of the impending danger.
As the Buffalo Clearance Vehicle closed in on the horde, soldiers stationed inside its armored cabin held onto their seats.
With a sickening thud, the Buffalo plowed into the leading edge of the zombie horde. Bodies were knocked aside like ragdolls, crushed under the vehicle's massive weight. Bones snapped, and the air was filled with grotesque squelches as the undead were crushed and mangled.
The Buffalo's momentum didn't waver. It pushed forward, its dozer blade acting as a shovel, scooping up bodies and hurling them aside. The ground became a chaotic mess of torn limbs, shattered skulls, and torn-apart torsos. The vehicle's treads rolled over the remains, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
"THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT BUFFALO!" Richard joyously shouted through his radio while still controlling his vehicle as they ran over the debris left by the Buffalo.
"Fortunately, this vehicle's got a solid suspension," Richard winked at Graves, and Graves laughed in return
"All units, we're just one minute away from shopping mall Alpha, maintain speed and keep your head in a swivel."
Chapitre 27: Shopping
A minute later, the military convoy rolled up to the shopping mall codenamed Alpha.
The M939 Trucks neatly parked in the mall's sprawling parking lots, their engines rumbling as they came to a stop. Meanwhile, the combat-ready military vehicles positioned themselves in a strategic formation, forming a protective perimeter that would deter any approaching zombies from getting too close.
Inside the Oshkosh JLTV, Richard's voice cut through the tension, his tone authoritative and clear.
"Graves, you've got command over the street teams. Take out as many zombies as you can. I'll be leading the charge inside the mall."
"Copy that, sir," Graves responded promptly, acknowledging the order. He swiftly exited the vehicle, joining the ranks of soldiers who were dismounting from the M939 trucks. Together, they unloaded crates of ammunition and weapons, setting up a makeshift supply hub.
"Hey!" Richard turned, his gaze settling on the fire control officer seated in the JLTV, responsible for the remote-controlled M2 Browning mounted on top. "Your job is to back up our troops on the street."
"Understood, sir!" The fire control officer's reply was resolute as he gripped the controls. With a focused thumb press on the screen, the M2 Browning on the JLTV opened fire, sending rounds tearing through the oncoming horde of zombies.
With his orders executed, Richard swung the door open and stepped out of the vehicle. His eyes swept across the scene, taking in the well-prepared troops before him. They had formed a defensive line, bristling with assault rifles, heavy machine guns, and vigilant sentries. The formidable armaments of the JLTV Oshkosh Heavy Guns Carrier, the M242 Bushmaster 25 on the LAV-25s, and the M117 Guardian's 40 mm Mk 19 grenade launcher and .50 caliber M2HB were all aimed and ready.
Richard's lips tightened in a nod of approval before joining his forces who would infiltrate the shopping mall.
The composition of the troops is simple: 80 men will enter the shopping mall while the rest will fight in the streets.
"Alright, who's up for some apocalypse shopping?" Richard's voice rang out, carrying a touch of grit and an unexpected hint of humor as he rallied his troops.
His words were met with a chorus of determined affirmations and even a few chuckles from the soldiers.
"Lock and load, people!" he barked, the excitement in his voice contagious.
The soldiers began moving towards the main entrance of the shopping mall. Its once automatic gates were now toppled over thanks to the zombies who rushed out earlier after getting attracted to the noise of the helicopter rotors.
Richard led the team, entering first the shopping mall, his M4 Carbine on a swivel. He was followed by his troops, who immediately fanned out in every direction to hunt zombies who were still inside the shopping mall.
The scene that greeted them was a far cry from its former self. Broken glass littered the tiled floor, now stained red with the blood of vanquished zombies. Scattered clothing, food remnants, and assorted debris were strewn haphazardly.
As they moved deeper into the mall, Richard and his men remained focused. So far, no zombies have shown up. Until.
"Contact front!" a soldier's voice broke through the tension as a group of zombies emerged from a store, drawn by the commotion.
Without hesitation, the soldiers raised their weapons, fingers tightening around triggers. The sharp cracks of gunfire echoed through the air as the soldiers unleashed a precise volley of shots. One after another, the zombies fell, their bodies crumpling to the ground as bullets found their mark.
"Clear," a soldier's voice confirmed as they moved forward, the team maintaining their formation, eyes scanning for any signs of movement, which was hard to detect due to the army in the streets simultaneously firing off their weapons.
"Blackwatch to Eagle Actual," Mark's voice sounded in Richard's earpiece.
"This is Eagle Actual, send traffic," Richard replied.
"Eagle Actual, we've got waves of zombies converging on your location from three main streets. One is advancing from the northern side of the road, the second is approaching from the intersection, and the third is emerging from behind the road. Their numbers are substantial, possibly reaching a thousand."
Richard was not surprised as he had anticipated it would happen. The noises of their military hardware would attract zombies from one or two kilometers away from their position.
He glanced at his tablet, seeking visual confirmation. As expected, the display showed a massive horde of zombies converging from two distinct directions – one group directly facing the military troops on the street, and the other encroaching from the rear. Given that the intersection lay to the north, the troops stationed on the streets would need to allocate additional personnel to fend off this double-pronged assault while simultaneously safeguarding their rear flank.
"Blackwatch, prepare to deploy Jolly 2 for street team support. Also, get Viper 1 in action, raining down hell as soon as possible."
"Copy that Actual. Blackwatch out."
After exchanging a brief conversation with the command center, Richard focused on his mission.
"Sir…we are approaching the supermarket," One of Richard's troops informed him.
Richard looked forward and saw the supermarket, the treasure trove of the shopping mall.
"Keep your eyes peeled, there may still be zombies inside," Richard advised as they stepped closer to the supermarket. Good thing that the electricity hasn't gone out yet as they will be able to find the supplies they need fast.
Moments later, all the troops entered the supermarket.
"Okay, divide yourselves into squads. We are going to clear every aisle, every section, every corner of this supermarket of zombies."
The soldiers swiftly organized themselves into squads and fanned out.
Richard was in the meat section, and the smell of the spoiled and putrid meat was overwhelming, causing him to gag.
"Clear," came the call from one of the soldiers, indicating that the immediate area was secure. Richard nodded, acknowledging the update as his team continued to clear the supermarket section by section.
In the canned goods aisle, a scuffle broke out as a zombie lunged from behind a toppled shelf. The soldiers reacted instantly, their training kicking in as they neutralized the threat with a volley of shots.
As they moved through the different sections, the soldiers encountered sporadic pockets of zombies. Each encounter was swiftly dealt with.
"Bakery section clear!"
"Dairy section clear!"
"Produce section clear!"
The soldiers' voices rang out over the radio as they methodically cleared each section of the supermarket.
Richard's team advanced through the supermarket, aisle by aisle. They checked every nook and cranny, ensuring that no undead threat remained. Ten minutes later, they cleared out the entire supermarket.
"All station this is Eagle Actual!" Richard radioed. "Alpha supermarket is free of zombies. I repeat Alpha supermarket is free of zombies. Let's move on to Phase 3, grab yourselves each a shopping cart and fill it to the brim with supplies. Non-perishable food takes priority, second is water, and third is hygiene supplies."
The soldiers wasted no time, fanning out across the supermarket and grabbing shopping carts. The sound of wheels rolling echoed through the aisles as they hurriedly filled their carts with canned goods, instant noodles, bags of white rice, and other essential items.
They had to do it fast because the army in the streets was fighting for their lives to prevent a single zombie from breaking into their defensive line. Once the shopping cart was filled to the brim, they promptly took it to the awaiting M939 trucks, where the supplies were loaded.
As the soldiers shuttled back and forth between the supermarket and the trucks, a sudden realization dawned on him.
"What's the matter, sir?" One of his squad asked concernedly.
"We haven't encountered any survivors inside right?" Richard asked.
"On the ground floor? None sir. All are just zombies…" the soldier replied.
"Okay, let's find some survivors. There may be internal. To the second floor."
Cadeaux
-- Cadeau
reçu État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
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