February 23rd, 2017, 730 hours [7:30 AM]

After the rescue operation of Ricardo, WePAC confirmed more information regarding the Ruvanians' super-weapon: named Triton, it's literally a flying super fortress, armed to the teeth with missile batteries, railguns and, confirming Nathan's previous report, the "Electrosphere" energy shield. And indeed, it's powered by an anti-gravity generator, the only possible way to lift such big structure off the ground. The group was discussing in the improvised war room:

"Seriously, that thing can house pretty much an entire air force, even if 'only' a small-size one. Plus, if we're going to go for a full assault, we'll have to disable the Electrosphere first, unless we want our entire forces to be 'toasted'.", Juan said.

"Our worst fears have been confirmed...and according to Ricardo, he had a hand in working on the Triton.", General Celuchu said.

"Yes, sir...the Ruvanians employed slave labor in the assembly of this monstrosity. They employed POW's like me and also Esknarian citizens. The worst part is that the Esknarians I spoke with during my time there were actually tricked into signing up, in the hopes that they'd be given a good paying job to support their families.", Ricardo replied.

Tears rolled down Kim's eyes. "I can't believe that they would do something like that. The Esknarians may not be on our side but dammit, they're human beings!"

Anthony let out a sigh and put his hand on Kim's shoulder. "This is war, Kim....things like this are bound to happen...and it's up to us to put an end to it."

Celuchu looked across the room and hatched his game plan.

"Alright. Meitzen, Cleroux, Stutz. Like I informed you three yesterday, half of the Boomslangs will be transferred to our flagship carrier, the HMKS Exxelsior and there, Cleroux and Meitzen will be given two F-14D Super Tomcat's. King Armistead is also joining the roster, except he will launch from the land base where the other half of your squadron is. Mr Aragord...your Catalina is one of the most heavily armed aircraft I've seen in a while...I mean, it practically puts an AC-130 to shame. You'll be tasked with providing rescue for downed pilots due to the fact that you have a flying boat."

"Understood, sir.", James nodded.

"The Ruvanian fleet is approaching fast and will be here soon, you are all hereby dismissed. Do your countries proud and god speed!"

"Yes, sir!", The three saluted and left.

Juan had a concerned look on his face. "I just hope the work on my R-2E is already finished...they were going to retrofit it for carrier operations."

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"Don't worry about it, my boy; it has been done yesterday.", Nathan showed up, greeting everyone.

"Boss!! Really? That's awesome! And...pretty fast.", he chuckled.

"Yup. Our boys work hard to do their best!"

"So I guess we'll be seeing you on the carrier, then!", Anthony chuckled.

"Our chopper should be here shortly...man, this is going to be TENSE.", Kim replied.

Soon an MV-22 Osprey landed to pick Kim and Anthony up.

"Welp, there's our ride! We'll see you soon, Juan...good luck, my brother!" Anthony said as he gave Juan a brofist.

"Roger that, Voodoo! Will be there with you guys in a jiffy!", the Wyvernian replied.

Anthony and Kim waved to Juan as they entered the helicopter. The Osprey soon took off and transitioned airplane mode. Shortly after their departure, Juan went to check on his R-2E.

"Elson, give me a status.", he said while throwing a Coke can to Elson, who grabbed it right on time.

"Alright, sir! She's fully fueled and ready to go! I'm surprised at how quickly the Ratliff mechanics installed the new equipment! I mean, they pretty much rebuilt the jet in just a night of work! And I must say I actually didn't know the R-2E was already 80-90% navalised."

"The more you know!"

"Yeah! Marinised airframe, engines, avionics...strengthened undercarriage...they just added a new arm for the nose landing gear with the catapult attachment point, the tailhook...and the folding wings, which were the thing that took most time to change, actually. But they were so many that in just a matter of what, 5-6 hours? All work was done and voilà."

"Thanks to you too, Elson. Your work is pro level."

"I'm glad you think that way, sir, but I pretty much didn't do anything this time. *chuckles*"

"Well, even so! Not just your work as a mechanic, but also by supporting our troops and the Boomslangs."

"Thank you, sir. I appreciate it."

"Not a problem, my friend. Now...let's put this baby in the air.."

"Right-o, Lieutenant!", Elson saluted.

Juan got his flight suit and performed all the pre-flight checks before getting in and starting the engine.

"Courtlyn tower, Boomslang 3, requesting permission for a VFR departure East."

"Boomslang 3, Courtlyn tower, permission granted on runway 26L, turn left on B and taxi via B."

"Left on B to runway 26L, Boomslang 3."

When he got there, threw the engine at full burner and took off, heading West over the Panthalassic Ocean.

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1100 hours [11:00 AM]

After a few hours of surprisingly calm flight, Juan spotted the carrier, a few miles ahead.

"HMKS Exxelsior tower, this is Boomslang 3, requesting permission to land."

"Boomslang 3, Exxelsior. You're cleared to land, check hook and landing gear."

"Understood. Hook, down. Landing gear, down. How's the glide slope?"

"Boomslang 3, you are on glide slope and three miles out. Call the ball."

"Roger! Boomslang 3 has the ball!"

"Boomslang 3, you have a green deck. Welcome aboard!", the tower said.

There were four wires in the deck, meaning four chances to land in a single pass; Juan traps the second. Not bad for his first time landing on a carrier.

"So much tension, but well...everything went fine. Better than expected.", he shut down the engine.

"Nice job on the landing, sir! Your fellow pilots are in the ready room, we'll have your jet refueled and ready for the operation when it begins!", said a Kesalian purple shirt.

"Thank you. And thank you in advance for your hard work too!", Juan shook hands with the deck crew and head to the ready room.