Chapter 435: Change of plan
Azi talked in the public channel, so every Spirit Fox immediately realized what enemies they were facing, and aerial support was denied as long as heavy machine guns posed a threat to the helicopters.
Su Ruomei knelt beside Jiang Yu and exchanged worried glances. Her team reinforced "Sister Jiang, do you think our armor can stop 50 caliber bullets?"
"Well, I'm not sure. Sister Tang said it's capable, then it must be able to stop." Jiang Yu shook her head and replied. "Trust her, will you? And do you think we might get hit with our skills?"
"Hmm. Yeah, I almost forgot about our skills. We are too dependent on our safety level provided by the equipment." Su Ruomei scratched her cheeks and answered. "If only we have snipers to target these machine gunners."
"We're all marksmen to begin. If we're armed with a better-magnifying scope, sharpshooter is an understatement." Jiang Yu replied. "Besides, based on Azi's description, they are properly armored like we did to the turret gunner. If they fired from the distance before the road bends around the corner, we're doomed."
Su Ruomei followed Jiang Yu's finger and nodded helplessly. They were both familiar with military tactics and doctrines.
Although the defensive position covered the only pathway from the main road to the gate, the enemy could use the corner's advantage to annoy them.
For instance, if they rotated two technicals to fire in turn from the corner, the enemy maintained fire superiority, providing a chance for their troops to advance, which Spirit Foxes were trying to prevent.
"I'll arrange a team to cross through the dense treelines and prepare to flank these technicals." Su Ruomei answered after a few thoughts.
Jiang Yu agreed. "Brilliant idea, Sister Su. As expected of you." Her face fawned over Su Ruomei, making the latter smile awkwardly. Her closest friend who she considered as sister, was becoming more and more weird.
"Give me 5. I have new orders." As soon as Su Ruomei spoke, five operators rushed from their original positions without hesitations. "You've heard what Azi said on the radio. I'll designate you as a team, temporary call sign—Echo—to flank the incoming technicals when you've got the initiative and the opportunity to destroy them. You, five, will be the saviors. Can you complete the mission?"
"Wilco."
"Yes!"
"Absolutely."
"Okay, you choose your own team leader and move." Five operators dispersed and dashed for the treelines. Using the trees as concealment, the plan was to send a team near the corner, Su Ruomeia and Jiang Yu had concerned, and deliver a surprise attack. Now they waited.
Nobody had any concern about collateral damage since bystanders had been transferred to the dungeon.
Above, Tang Ziyi and Xiao Yue noticed Echo's movements straightaway. They were a bit puzzled at first and understood later what Su Ruomei and Jiang Yu meant. Internally, giving a thumbs-up, the two were more at ease.
Spirit Fox operators were trained to be flexible and to take initiative when the situation demanded. They were also reminded multiple times, that it was okay to disobey orders, given good reasons, an absolute contrast to the previous military organization, they had served.
A degree of freedom with specialists created formidable fighting units, which Tang Ziyi had learned throughout her life. Although Su Ruomei and Jiang Yu were a bit unaccustomed, they also saw the benefits and practiced the doctrines.
Because helicopters had flown away, apparently hiding from the Dushka, Spirit Fox could now hear large convoy movements, and the vehicles' engine roars.
"All Hotel, prepare to defend. Don't worry about being hit, well I mean at least try to avoid getting shot." Tang Ziyi winced out the latter part as Xiao Yue twisted her waist with force.
Xiao Yue was also dumbfounded at Tang Ziyi's horrible war speech and shook her head wryly.
"In any case, trust my products, they are the safest in the world. If I say I'm second, nobody dares to shout they are first." Tang Ziyi continued. "As long as you can tolerate some pain similar to being punched, you're doing fine. 50 caliber won't even scratch your skin."
Indeed, the worries of heavy machine guns dissipated with Tang Ziyi's assurance. Xiao Yue took over and delegated tasks. "All Hotel, be advised, if possible, we'll wait till the enemy's vehicles pass the roundabout corner and then fire in the kill zone on my command. Wait patiently and minimize your presence. I say again if possible. If not, just engage."
Tang Ziyi tapped her chin and requested Athena's help. "Athena, can you fly a heavy drone and equip them with small explosive devices to help us from the air."
"Well, Aunt, we don't have one in our arsenal—"
"Then, just manufacture one and send it to our location. No, make it three and provide bombing assist," said Tang Ziyi. "Tell me the ETA. Correction—among the three, make one to carry weapons specifically to deal with armor targets such as grenade launchers and snipers. Forget about the rocket launcher, we can't afford to explain it to Yang Qingyue."
"On it, Aunt Tang. I'm printing out fast. Within 3 minutes, three complete sets will be assembled and flown to you. Wait an additional 10 minutes or more and I'll assist." Athena sounded delighted she could show her edge with her own hands instead of words.
Tang Ziyi's lips twitched, learning Athena's jubilant mood. She wondered if Ling Qingyu would curse again, for leading her daughter to kill people. She also anticipated what Athena might transport as heavy weapons.
As for worrying about malfunctions, bullshit! Athena's computing power ensured more than perfect simulation in a short time. The cost was a matter of power source which could be regenerated easily when Athena rested again, provided computer power reached its maximum extent. Athena always completed the task with perfection. Sometimes, Tang Ziyi envied Ling Qingyu's luck.
"Here they come," shouted Xiao Yue. No need for her to remind because Spirit Fox reacted the moment the convoy reached the corner.
Unfortunately, the gang members weren't stupid enough to cross the corner and enter the kill zone. They dismounted and prepared to assault. Ordinary vehicles parked to the side, giving way to the technicals.
Two improvised armored vehicles mounted with Dushka rolled forward and stopped again. Although Spirit Fox couldn't see, covered by large trees, every operator frowned as they could imagine what the enemies were doing based on the sounds.
Su Ruomei radioed: "Just adapt and prolong the fight till Echo reaches the staging area. It seems Hotel 1's option is gone. The enemy is far better tactically sounded than we expected."
"Hotel 1, received." Tang Ziyi replied with a dark face.
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"Hotel 1, in any case, you better exercise caution. You're more of a target for those machine guns in elevated positions."
"Acknowledged. Hotel 1 recommends Hotel 3's LMG focus on the turret gunners if possible."
Jiang Yu replied. "Hotel 3 will follow your recommendations."
Nobody talked about the other gang members because they were never a threat to begin with. A few operators could deal with these small firearms during the exchange.
"Sierras waiting for your command, hotel 1. Tell us the most vulnerable moment to strike." Azi requested. "We aren't staying out of the fight, and leaving the girls alone. We'll provide necessary aid if we can."
Tang Ziyi: "Copied Sierras. Glad to hear your help."