Striker One's pilot and gunner climbed into the armored cockpit.
The two sections closed above them while the Ground Guidance Crew cleared the aircraft's immediate area.
Its rotors began turning.
"Striker One to Flight Operations. Preflight complete."
"Flight Operations receiving. Pad clear. Departure approved."
Striker One lifted from the concrete.
The aircraft remained steady as its landing gear left the pad. It climbed above the nearby hangars, turned east, and accelerated toward Site Three.
"Striker One to Fairy. Airborne and proceeding toward South One."
"Fairy receives. South One is advancing east along the northern road. Coordinate with South One Actual."
"Striker One copies."
The helicopter continued east.
"Striker One to South One Actual."
"South One Actual receives."
"Visual contact with your rear vehicles. Approaching from the west."
"Copy. Remain north of the formation. Scouts are inspecting the next intersection."
"Understood."
