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The four pilots who had ejected and parachuted thought they had escaped with their lives, believing that, at worst, they would be captured by the enemy and eventually ransomed back by their own government. At least, they thought, their lives were not at risk. It was, after all, a civilized society, where even in air force engagements, it was rare for downed enemy pilots to be shot and killed. Yet, to their disbelief, the enemy had come with a mind for utter annihilation, leaving them helpless even after they had lost their combat power, unable to escape death.
After the Artificial Whale had completely destroyed the first squadron of 12 F-15s, the small holes on its back disappeared, returning to the smooth, integral back of a whale. The Artificial Whale then rapidly dove, vanishing into the depths of the sea.