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Area 51, Nevada
Test Flight 377
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“Flight 377 requesting takeoff approval.”
“You are cleared. Proceed to runway 5.”
“Roger.”
The pilot taxied over to the runway, ran his engines up, and nodded to the co- pilot.
“You are cleared for takeoff,” a bored voice said.
“Roger that,” the pilot said. “See you in about three hours.”
The B52 taxied up and built speed. It achieved liftoff and the pilot poured on the coals. In minutes, the ship disappeared into the stratosphere. Ten minutes later, the pilot radioed back in.
“Flight 377 requesting permission to land at Dreamland North. Mechanical.”
“Permission granted,” the tower voice quickly replied. “Sitrep.”
“Fuel pressure,” the pilot said. “Looks routine. I’ll touch down and have it fixed.”
“Roger,” the tower replied.
The pilot nodded to the man next to him and turned the plane towards Nellis.
“Hot one coming in,” tower control said over the P.A. “Standard.”
The B52 came in and landed on a runway at the outskirts of the base. Five Jeeps immediately proceeded towards the plane.
“Requesting Midas Touch,” the pilot said. “Three seven seven fully armed.”
“Roger, stand down,” the tower said. The Jeeps turned and headed back.
The B52 taxied toward a secure hangar. Once inside, the pilot shut down. He opened the exit door and was greeted by six commandos with machineguns.
“Fuel pressure,” he said as he came down the stairway. “Check it out. I’m going to the bar.”
“You got it, Captain,” a commando smiled. He watched disinterestedly as the crew deplaned and followed the captain.
The Commandos relaxed and went back to their office. The mechanics came out and informed the security team that they wouldn’t be able to work on the engines until they cooled down. The information and location of the aircraft was relayed back to Area 51 and NEST. The Captain had a few drinks and returned to the hangar. He sat down in the Commandos’ office.
“So what’s up,” he sighed. “Fucking fuel pump, guaranteed. I told them about this shit but nobody listens. Goddamned things come from China.”
“You’re kidding,” the lieutenant in charge said. “Jeez, sir, that’s awful.”
“Yeah. What else is new. We get what, a hundred miles out and we have to set down. What if this was the real deal. We’d be fucked royally.”
“You should be airborne tomorrow morning, sir.”
“Yeah. The Russians could be here in what, 3 hours? Elmendorf couldn’t stop shit. That’s because Moscow is half a planet away from them. They forgot about the secret bases in Siberia.”
“Damn, sir, we didn’t know about that.”
“Nobody knows anything, Lieutenant. Get used to it. You do your job and hope you can save your own ass.”
“Yes, sir.”