With refueling complete, preparations entered their final stages.
Keith ordered the mechanics to install the rotors on the two helicopters, attach the bomb launchers, aiming cameras, and other equipment, and fill the fuel tanks.
That night, a night-time drill was conducted aboard the *Cristo*.
Mark selected four SS-77 machine guns, then install the night vision scope and reset it to zeroed them. Deng Shiyang instructed the African soldiers to board the helicopters on the deck in groups, where Semler taught them how to disembark as quickly as possible and establish a firepower position near the landing area.
The simulated aircraft landing training lasted about three hours, followed by night flying practice. The pilots, wearing night-vision goggles, flew the helicopters at ultra-low altitudes over the nearby sea. Meanwhile, the *Cristo* turned off all lights, leaving only a few signal lights on the deck. These lights were fitted with infrared filters, turning the visible white light into infrared beams, only detectable through night-vision goggles. The pilots had to rely on this infrared signal to locate their position and land.
Once the pilots were familiar with the operation, Deng Shiyang and the African soldiers boarded the helicopters in groups, experiencing the feeling of flying by helicopter and practicing a fully equipped air assault.
Helicopters are far from comfortable modes of transport—the vibrations and noise during flight can easily become aggravating, and the bumpy ride is much more intense than on a fixed-wing aircraft, further straining passengers’ nerves. Seated in the dark cabin and using night vision goggles, Deng Shiyang could clearly see the tense expressions on the African soldiers' faces. Although the mission details had yet to be disclosed, they likely already understood that this was a rehearsal for the real assault, where any mistakes would leave no room for recovery.
The hundred soldiers were divided into four groups, with each group flying in a helicopter for ten minutes over the surrounding area.
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Upon landing on the deck, Keith approached Deng Shiyang and said, “I listened closely just now—the helicopter noise is noticeable, audible up to half a mile away. However, now that they’re painted dark gray, they’re hard to spot. I could only make out a vague shadow from two to three hundred yards away, and it’s tough to pinpoint your location by sight alone.”
Deng Shiyang glanced at the sky. “If we’re as lucky on the day of the action, with no moonlight, it would be perfect.”
Once the African soldiers had packed up and returned to the cabin, the six core members involved in the operation, along with the four pilots, the *Cristo*’s captain, and the first officer, gathered in the dining room.
“It’s time for you to know the details of this mission.”
Deng Shiyang and Keith hung a white sheet on the wall as a makeshift projector screen and presented the full operation plan. Using a laptop and projector, they gave a thorough presentation on their intelligence and the photos taken in Swaziland.
After the briefing, Sernechevich silently walked to the wall, pulled out a cigarette, and lit it.
The four pilots huddled in a corner, whispering among themselves, until Martini Sien, looking uneasy, asked, “Are you absolutely sure they have no air force or anti-aircraft weapons?”
“Absolutely,” Deng Shiyang replied. “I’ve been to Swaziland.”
“Is that because you didn’t see them, or...?”
“I’m certain,” Deng Shiyang interrupted. “I confirmed with someone who’s lived in Swaziland for many years, and he assured me there’s no air force or anti-aircraft weaponry there.”
“What about Mozambique?” Sien pressed on. “If any anti-aircraft missile sites have moved on the satellite images, we’re dead.”
“Perfect intelligence doesn’t exist. I think you who have been in the military should also know that,the civilian have no way to obtain satellite photos of this level. "Deng Shiyang said with a hint of exasperation. He then asked, “Do you think I’d be boarding the chopper myself if I weren’t confident?”
Sien opened his mouth but didn’t say anything.
“We’re war brokers, not the internationalist fighter,” Deng Shiyang continued. “We’re going to Swaziland to get the job done, not to be martyrs.”
The four pilots fell silent, and with no more questions, Keith declared the meeting over.
Sernechevich and the first officer left the dining room and headed to the bridge,the "Cristo" corrected its course for the last time and headed towards its destination. Now, only three days remained until General Ndofa’s birthday.