Inquiry

"Professor, this is aircraft [140], and next to it is aircraft [139]."

The squadron leader introduced the two special aircraft to Song Xizhu. Song Xizhu nodded and looked at the technicians beside her, signaling them to get ready.

Previously, the Naval Aviation's Flying Sharks had engaged unknown enemies at close range, and now it was their turn to enter another battlefield.

Carrying ladders and various equipment, several technicians climbed onto the fuselage of aircraft [140]. They used their cameras to photograph the damaged skin and internal structure, paying particular attention to the edges of the skin, which they photographed repeatedly.

This was another kind of wound. Just as one could tell what weapon had caused a wound on a person, it was the same for machines.

After photographing the injured "wounds," they then climbed into the cockpit to extract data from the avionics system.

After extracting data from aircraft [140], the technicians climbed onto aircraft [139] again to continue extracting data.

Once the data extraction was complete, the storage media were placed in a safe, which was then snapped onto their wrists.

"Thank you for your hard work, Squadron Leader," the Lieutenant Colonel said, chatting with Wei Jianguo on the side.

"Not at all, it's you who've worked hard."

This wasn't just politeness; the 815A ship had indeed just returned from the front lines. The initial losses weren't significant, but the specific damage was still unknown. They would find out once they rendezvoused.

"It's okay, there were no personnel losses, mainly significant equipment damage."

The Lieutenant Colonel briefly explained the extent of the damage. After seeing the technicians who had finished collecting data, he shook hands with the squadron leader and then asked, "Can we meet the pilot of aircraft [139]? We have some intelligence we'd like to gather from them."

As pilots who had engaged unidentified aircraft at close range and successfully shot down "aliens," their combat recollections were very valuable. In such combat situations, superiors weren't omnipotent ladies who could call the front-line command and have people recalled; they could only return with their recordings.

"Yes, they are not on duty. I'll arrange a room."

The squadron leader nodded. It was normal to be asked about combat details. It wasn't just them; the squadron leader would also have Zhang Peng and Liu Jun share their combat experience with the pilots on the Liaoning, which could effectively reduce losses in Naval Aviation.

East University had a weak foundation in Naval Aviation, and losing even one pilot was heartbreaking. If they had lost as many pilots as the Carl Vinson, their superiors would have thrown a tantrum!

"Thank you!"

There were two pilots for aircraft [139]. Out of politeness and respect for heroes, the Lieutenant Colonel, accompanied by the Major, entered the arranged room first to wait for Zhang Peng and Liu Jun.

"Professor, they might be a little while. Think about what questions you should ask."

"Understood."

Song Xizhu took out her notebook and pen, writing down the questions she needed to ask. She would occasionally cross out some words and then insert others she wanted to ask, ensuring she got all her questions answered in one go rather than bothering the pilots repeatedly. This was a mistake in her work.

As the room door was opened from the outside, Zhang Peng and Liu Jun walked in. The Lieutenant Colonel and the Major immediately stood up, saluted first, and then extended their right hands.

"Sorry to trouble you at a time like this," the Lieutenant Colonel said apologetically.

The two pilots had just returned from the front lines after an intense dogfight. They might not have been scared during the battle, but after the adrenaline subsided, they would surely feel fear. No one was unafraid of death! They needed time to adjust their mental state, and it was best not to disturb their rest at such a moment.

"It's alright, this is what we should do."

The two returned the salute. Zhang Peng shook hands with the Lieutenant Colonel and then looked at the Major beside him. With his refined demeanor, it was clear he was a technician, and a highly skilled one at that. The military didn't support idlers.

"Hello."

"Hello."

Seeing his mentor shake hands with the Lieutenant Colonel, Liu Jun, as a disciple, half-shook the female officer's hand and then withdrew his right hand.

The four sat on opposite sides. Song Xizhu poured a cup of hot water for Zhang Peng and Liu Jun before sitting opposite them. The Lieutenant Colonel placed an opened voice recorder on the table. "Can you recall the previous battle?"

"Of course. After receiving the order, Liu Jun and I departed to rescue the attacked 815A ship."

Zhang Peng recounted the entire combat process. When he mentioned firing the PL12, he said that the 815A ship was experiencing severe electromagnetic interference at the time, and this missile launch was outside the observation range of the reconnaissance ship's optoelectronic system. Song Xizhu interrupted Zhang Peng's recollection apologetically:

"Sorry to interrupt, but the seeker of the PL12 was heavily jammed and couldn't acquire the target, is that correct?"

"Yes, the missile went into inertial flight and plunged into the sea."

"Please continue."

"After determining that the radar-guided missile could not effectively shoot down the target, superiors ordered us to close in on the battlefield and engage the unidentified aircraft at close range."

Zhang Peng calmly narrated the combat process. The Lieutenant Colonel observed their expressions and found that both mentor and disciple were very calm. He nodded inwardly, realizing their strong psychological fortitude meant the details of their recollections were not affected by emotions and were therefore more valuable.

"After firing an infrared missile, the seeker was deceived by the enemy in an unclear way, failing to achieve an effective kill. I chose to engage the unknown aircraft in a close-range dogfight."

"At the moment of engagement, aircraft [140] was damaged. My disciple evaded the attack in advance and immediately entered the dogfight range."

Hearing this, the Lieutenant Colonel and Song Xizhu, even though they hadn't participated in the battle, couldn't help but feel emotionally invested, worrying for them. Engaging unknown enemies at close range carried immense risk! A slight mistake could lead to the destruction of the aircraft and the death of the pilot, with no bodies to be found!

They stared intently at Zhang Peng, waiting for him to elaborate on the combat details. However, after more than ten seconds, Zhang Peng remained silent.

"Is something wrong?" Song Xizhu realized something. Perhaps the pilot was recalling the feeling of being close to death, experiencing some psychological stress. She softened her tone and said gently, "If you feel pressured, we can stop here."

"No, it's not…" Zhang Peng's round face showed an awkward smile. "When I pulled the stick, I blacked out from the high G-force. After that, it was Liu Jun who was fighting the enemy."

"Hmm?"

"Huh?"

The Lieutenant Colonel and Song Xizhu turned to look at Liu Jun beside them, their expressions filled with surprise. The Lieutenant Colonel had assumed the main combatant was Zhang Peng, the veteran pilot, not this trainee who had just completed his [Carrier Daytime Qualification Certification].

"When I pulled the stick, to gain an angular advantage, I pulled it all the way. Master wasn't prepared…"

Liu Jun added, knowing this was being recorded and that someone would listen to it later. He wanted to save his master some face.

"To gain an angular advantage, after shooting down the enemy aircraft, we entered the dogfight."