Weapon System in Zombie Apocalypse-Chapter 22: Prelude to Extraction

Thomas stepped onto the rooftop helipad of the Conrad Hotel. The helipad was expansive, large enough to accommodate all three helicopters with room to maneuver. It was a good thing the hotel was designed for high-profile visitors and emergency landings—this would make operations smoother.

Accessing his system interface, Thomas navigated to the Military Hardware tab. He selected the helicopters one by one.

[Summoning: UH-60 Black Hawk]

A pulse of blue light shimmered at the center of the helipad as the first Black Hawk materialized. Its matte-black fuselage gleamed under the sunlight. Within moments, the rotors began spinning slowly as the system summoned the crew—two pilots, a crew chief, and a door gunner—all dressed in combat flight gear. They stepped out momentarily to confirm the helicopter's condition.

Thomas repeated the process:

[Summoning: Second UH-60 Black Hawk]

The second helicopter appeared adjacent to the first, its crew already in place and performing pre-flight checks.

Finally, Thomas summoned the AH-64 Apache:

[Summoning: AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter]

The iconic, dual-rotor attack helicopter formed in a burst of light, its reinforced armor and weapon mounts imposing. Twin Hellfire missile pods and Hydra rocket launchers were secured beneath its stub wings, while the 30mm chain gun hung ominously under the nose. The Apache's pilot and co-pilot remained in their seats, already running diagnostics on the targeting and navigation systems.

Phillip walked over, inspecting the helicopters. "Looks perfect, sir. Crews are fully staffed and seem experienced. They're ready for briefing."

Thomas nodded and approached the lead pilot of the Apache. "Report."

The pilot saluted before speaking. "All systems green, sir. Armaments are fully loaded—sixteen Hellfires, four rocket pods, and the chain gun ready to fire. We'll maintain overwatch from an altitude of 1,500 feet and engage any threats within your designated perimeter."

"Good. Stay sharp," Thomas said before turning to the Black Hawk teams.

"Pilots, your mission is critical. The first Black Hawk will insert us on the rooftop of the university building, while the second stays airborne for rapid evacuation. Keep communication lines open at all times. If anything goes wrong, I want immediate updates."

"Yes, sir," replied one of the Black Hawk pilots.

Phillip stepped forward to address the crew. "We'll be under heavy pressure once we're inside the complex. Timing is everything. We can't afford delays, so be ready to adjust based on how the situation unfolds."

Thomas gave one final nod. "Alright. Everyone, mount up. We're wheels up in five."

The soldiers quickly boarded the primary Black Hawk, securing their weapons and strapping into their seats. Thomas climbed aboard, sitting near the open side door where the door gunner adjusted his M240 machine gun. Phillip took a seat across from him, checking his radio and weapon one last time.

"Radio check," Phillip said through the comm system.

"Loud and clear," Thomas replied as the pilots acknowledged as well.

"Let's come up with call signs for this operation," Thomas said as the Black Hawk's rotors gained momentum, the powerful vibration thrumming through the cabin.

Phillip nodded. "Agreed. Got any preferences, sir?"

Thomas thought for a moment, recalling his role as leader and strategist. "Call me Eagle. If things get chaotic, I'll be Eagle Actual when commanding."

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Phillip grinned slightly. "Fitting, sir. Sharp-eyed and leading from above. Works for me. I'll go with Shadow 1—coordinating ground movements."

Thomas chuckled. "Shadow 1 suits you. Silent, precise, and deadly."

Phillip nodded in approval. "Alright. We'll stick to those. The two Black Hawks will be Raven 1 and Raven 2. The Apache will be Viper 1."

Thomas activated his radio to relay the assignments. "All units, this is Eagle. Assigning call signs for the mission. Raven 1 is the primary Black Hawk for insertion, Raven 2 for evac support. Viper 1 will provide air support. Shadow 1 is ground team lead. Acknowledge call signs."

"Raven 1, copy," the pilot of the primary Black Hawk confirmed.

"Raven 2, copy," came the voice from the second Black Hawk.

"Viper 1, acknowledged," the Apache's pilot reported.

Phillip adjusted his headset. "Shadow 1, ready and standing by."

Thomas smirked. "Good. Maintain formation and stay alert. We don't know what's waiting for us at the university."

As the helicopters lifted off the helipad, Thomas glanced out of the open side door. The city below stretched endlessly, pockets of destruction visible even from this altitude. Smoke billowed in places, remnants of chaos caused by the apocalypse.

"Shadow 1, this is Eagle. ETA to target?" Thomas asked through the comms.

"Approximately fifteen minutes," Phillip replied, checking the mission timer on his wrist.

Thomas leaned back and tightened his grip on the overhead handle. In fifteen minutes, they'd be on the ground—hopefully retrieving his classmates and getting out alive.

"Eyes open, everyone," he reminded the team. "The mission's just getting started."