"Raptor One through Six are returning to the Airfield ahead of schedule. All aircraft remain operational."
Hans glanced toward the timer still beside his vision.
Their route had more than an hour remaining.
"Any damage?"
"None reported."
"Ordnance?"
"All six are returning with unused precision missiles."
That brought Johannes's attention away from the transcripts.
"Why are they returning?"
"The priority targets cleared the open roads before the last two passes. Raptor One reports the larger infected moving inside reinforced structures before the flight entered attack range."
Another voice joined the channel.
"Golden Eagle, Raptor One."
Hans recognized the pilot immediately.
"Report."
"The northern uglies finally learned what aircraft sound like. Three lanes, same result every time."
"Any movement away from the Hive?"
"Nothing offensive. They are still clustered around it. Most moved under anything thick enough to waste a missile."
