Attack

This was an F-22 fighter jet that had taken off from a U.S. military base in Japan.

"Target confirmed."

"Use lethal force immediately."

The order in her headset made the pilot's Adam's apple bob.

She did not understand why her superiors wanted her to shoot down a civilian airliner.

Under international law and humanitarian principles, attacking civilian aircraft was a grave violation of international law.

Was this some kind of secret military operation?

Who exactly was aboard that civilian airliner that warranted such extreme measures?

But none of that was for her to consider.