I Have a Modern Weapon Gacha System in the Zombie Apocalypse-Chapter 33: Onwards to the Condo

The thumping sound of helicopter rotors echoed across Cesar Basa Air Base.

Ryan stepped out of the command center building with Jake and Noah walking beside him. The late afternoon sun hung low over the runway, casting long shadows across the concrete.

Ahead of them, the CH-47F Chinook sat on the apron.

Its twin rotors were already spinning slowly, the blades slicing through the air as the engines warmed up. The rear cargo ramp remained lowered while several crewmen stood near the aircraft performing final checks.

Beside the large transport helicopter sat the escort aircraft.

An AH-64E Apache.

Its narrow fuselage rested low on its landing gear while the long rotor blades above it slowly began turning. The helicopter’s sensor turret moved slightly as its systems came online.

Jake glanced at the aircraft.

"Looks like they’re ready."

Ryan nodded.

"About time."

They walked across the apron toward the Chinook while several ground crew stepped aside to clear the path. The wind from the spinning rotors kicked dust across the concrete.

The crew chief stood near the rear ramp waiting for them.

"Extraction team?" the man asked.

Ryan nodded once.

"That’s us."

The crew chief stepped aside and gestured toward the ramp.

"Bird’s ready for departure."

Ryan climbed up first.

Jake followed behind him while Noah stepped onto the ramp last.

Inside the aircraft, the cargo bay was mostly empty aside from the fold-down troop seats lining the sides of the fuselage. The metallic interior rattled slightly as the engines continued to spool up.

Ryan moved toward the cockpit.

The pilot turned slightly in his seat.

"You the mission lead?"

Ryan nodded.

"Ryan. I’ll be coordinating the extraction."

The pilot gave a quick thumbs-up.

"Callsign Hammer One. We’re ready when you are."

Ryan leaned slightly closer.

"Our escort?"

The pilot pointed outside the cockpit window.

The Apache was now fully powered up.

Its rotor blades spun faster as the aircraft slowly turned toward the runway.

"Reaper Two," the pilot said. "They’ll take point once we’re airborne."

Ryan nodded.

"Good."

He stepped back into the cargo bay.

Jake was already seated along the side bench while Noah checked his rifle one last time.

Ryan grabbed the overhead rail as the Chinook’s rotors accelerated.

"Alright," he said over the rising noise. "Thirty-five minutes to Bayshore."

Jake leaned back slightly.

"Hope Mason’s rooftop is still clear."

Ryan shrugged.

"If it isn’t, we’ll make it clear."

Meanwhile, in the Command Center, Adrian watched the point of view of his operators through a camera strapped on their helmets.

"All units, this is Leader," Ryan said. "Anyone hearing me alright?"

"Copy that, Leader."

It was Mason.

Inside the command center, Adrian recognized the voice immediately as the live feed from Ryan’s helmet camera displayed on the large monitor in front of him.

"Loud and clear," Mason continued. "We’re on the rooftop. LZ is still secure."

Ryan nodded slightly as he held onto the overhead rail of the Chinook.

"Good to hear."

Another voice came through the radio.

"Cole here. Stairwell access is still clear. No infected inside the building."

Ryan responded immediately.

"Status on the civilians?"

A short pause followed before Mason answered.

"They’re gathered near the rooftop door. Thirty-two total including us. Everyone’s ready for pickup."

Jake leaned forward slightly from his seat.

"Sounds like they’re organized."

Ryan keyed the radio again.

"Ethan, report."

The answer came a second later.

"I’m on overwatch," Ethan said. "Roof perimeter is clear for now."

Ryan nodded once after hearing the reports.

"Good. Hold your positions. We’re en route."

"Copy that," Mason replied.

Inside the cockpit, the Chinook pilot reached forward and flipped several switches along the control panel. The engines whined louder as the twin rotors spun faster overhead.

The aircraft vibrated slightly as power increased.

The pilot pressed the transmit button on the radio.

"Cesar Tower, this is Hammer One requesting clearance for departure. Extraction flight heading south to Manila."

Inside the command center, one of the communications operators glanced toward Adrian before responding through the air traffic console.

"Hammer One, Cesar Tower. You are cleared for takeoff. Proceed southbound along corridor Bravo. Escort aircraft cleared as well."

Back in the cockpit, the pilot nodded.

"Copy that, Tower."

He switched channels.

"Reaper Two, Hammer One. Tower cleared us for departure."

The Apache pilot’s voice came through the radio immediately.

"Copy Hammer One. Reaper Two lifting first and taking point."

Outside, the AH-64E Apache slowly lifted off the concrete apron. The helicopter rose several meters into the air before pivoting toward the open countryside south of the base.

Its rotor blades cut through the air with a sharp, aggressive rhythm.

Inside the Chinook, Ryan steadied himself as the aircraft’s engines roared louder.

The pilot pulled back gently on the controls.

The CH-47F Chinook lifted from the ground.

Dust and loose debris scattered across the apron as the massive helicopter rose steadily into the air.

Through the rear ramp, Ryan could see the runway shrinking beneath them.

The Apache slid forward ahead of them, taking the lead position.

"Hammer One airborne," the pilot said over the radio.

Inside the command center, Adrian watched the large tactical screen as the two aircraft icons began moving south from Cesar Basa Air Base.

The green icons on the digital map slowly moved away from the base perimeter.

Adrian stood with his arms folded as he watched the screen. The live UAV feed appeared on another monitor, showing the two helicopters flying low over the fields of Pampanga.

Below them stretched wide farmland, irrigation canals, and small roads cutting through clusters of houses.

The Apache flew ahead like a scout.

The Chinook followed behind it.

Inside the helicopter, Ryan stepped closer to the open ramp and looked outside. The late afternoon light painted the countryside in long shadows as the aircraft pushed south.

Jake glanced at his watch.

"Thirty minutes."

Ryan nodded.

"More or less."

Noah leaned slightly toward the ramp and looked out.

"Pretty quiet out here."

Ryan didn’t answer immediately.

His eyes were scanning the horizon.

Quiet didn’t always mean safe.

Inside the command center, one of the UAV operators spoke.

"Sir, Hammer One has crossed Lubao airspace."

Adrian nodded.

"Keep the drone on them."

"Yes sir."

On the screen, the Chinook continued south.

The distance between Cesar Basa Air Base and Metro Manila slowly disappeared as the aircraft pushed closer to the city.

Inside the cargo bay, Ryan keyed his radio again.

"Bayshore team, this is Leader."

A moment later Mason answered.

"Go ahead."

Ryan looked toward the horizon where the faint outline of the city skyline was beginning to appear.

"Prepare for extraction."