DESERT VIPERS (EPISODE FOUR) By Sarmad Hassan Sharif NAMMAL LAKE, NEAR MIANWALI, PAKISTAN It was an 6-7 hour drive back home, including the planned stays at different pit stops, with some of the most beautiful sceneries of nature. While he sat on the driving seat, she seated on the rear seat. He didn’t oppose the move. The car drove through lush green fields and entered in rocky mountains with a backdrop of heavy inclement weather but no rain. This was a typical April weather in which on one instant it gets very dark, followed by a thundery shower and then the weather gets crystal clear. He looked at his rear mirror and saw her watching outside the window. “Are you comfortable?” he asked. “Absolutely,” she replied. “Let me show you a piece of heaven”, he said before turning on an unpaved track parallel to the Nammal University. The track was surrounded by trees with small pink and purple flowers flying due to the fresh breeze passing through the trees. Xara’s eyes were wide open as she saw in great amazement the whole scenario. As the trees cleared, a large lake appeared laden with beautiful lotus and an enchanted fragrance. He stopped the car and both got out. “This is Nammal Lake,” he added. There were mountains on its western and southern sides. On the other two sides were agricultural areas. Nearby a beautiful waterfall was providing recharge to the lake. With a cloudy back drop, and darkened sky she could make out the fireflies glowing in the trees next to the lake. “It’s amazing,” she said with her mouth wide open. While she enjoyed the marvel of the nature, he examined her in great detail. He didn’t utter a single word but his eyes were constantly praising her beauty combined with simplicity. On the other hand she started taking pictures of the landscape with her mobile phone. Suddenly, the clouds roared, and rain drops started to drop. While he got in the car, she came up to her and handed her phone and started enjoying the weather out in the rain. For the first time in his life, he prayed that the time should stop here and he should see her forever. He was caught in such a situation that if he didn’t spoke his heart out to her, his chest might burst and if he spoke out his true feelings that might lead to great embarrassment and shame. The rain stopped after ten minutes and weather began to clear with a cool breeze. He got out of the car. As he came near her, the thin droplets on her eyelids and wet hair enhanced her beauty. Controlling his feelings, he called her and said, “Shall we leave now, we still have a long journey to make.” She stared at him for some time, her eyes trying to say something but then better sense prevailed and she got seated. He also with a heavy heart set his course back towards Sargodha. KATAS, NEAR KALAR KAHAR, PAKISTAN Both remained quiet for some time when he decided to break the ice. “Shall I switch on the heater briefly so it may help you dry up.” She replied,” It will be great if you do it.” He switched on the heater as the car sped onwards. “Who inspired you to join PAF?” he asked. “My father, it was his dream.” “Was! Does that mean……..” “My parents perished in a car accident, and my aunt looks after me. I was their only child. Since my father always wanted me to join PAF, I started taking it seriously. I was a member of a local flying club in Islamabad. I have also followed the history of PAF since I was fifteen, and it inspired me further to join this prestigious organization to serve my country and pursue my passion for flying.” While she told him about how she made it to the airforce, two hours’ worth of travelling was completed. By now both of them were conversing in a comfortable zone. Due to the age gap of six years and his seniority and reputation in the airforce, Xara was a little bit hesitant initially, but since the party last night till today, she now started to feel relaxed, as she had understood by now that he didn’t meant her no harm and was a behaving like a gentleman, like a good friend. “Have you visited this area before?” he asked her as they neared Kalar Kahar. As he looked in his rear mirror, he saw her looking at him and said, “No!” “Okay then we’ll take a break, have some lunch and see the place before we get on the motorway. You’ll find some great landscape for your photographs,” he said and turned his car towards Kalar Kahar. Sargodha was three hours’ drive from the motorway, while they have been travelling for about two and a half hours including the break at Nammal Lake. As they neared towards their destination Xara suddenly shouted, “Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop!” he stopped his car by the roadside. Ruins of a huge complex of ancient time sprawled in front of them. “This is an ancient Hindu Temple Complex known as the Temple of Shiva built in 10th century AD. This, along with some other small temples in this area, is a valuable piece of architecture and history,” told Sarmad while Xara listened to him with great interest. There were some small pagodas built near the roadside. “The Brahmins used to sit here to perform yoga,” he said. Xara by now had started to feel much relaxed and she quickly sat down in one of them in the same position, and chanted in Hindi, “Ayushman Bhavan.” Both of them burst in laughter. As they examined the area; they saw people throwing stones in a large pond. They reached them and asked one of them the reason of throwing stones. “Sir, it’s an ancient myth that if you long for anything with true heart, then pick a stone, close your eyes and visualize that thing in your mind, after which you throw the stone in the water. If your heart is pure, your wish shall be granted,” replied an old man. “Sir, shall I throw a stone also,” she requested. “Come on, do you still believe all this,” he asked with his eyebrows raised. “If it’s a custom, we should follow it for the sake of tradition. And besides, it’s fun,” she replied in great excitement. While she was enjoying the trip, he was enjoying seeing her happy. After visiting the ruins, they set their course towards Kalar Kahar Lake. KALAR KAHAR, PAKISTAN As they reached Kalar Kahar, he parked the car in the car park and both of them headed towards the lake. “Kalar Kahar is known for its peacocks, for its freshwater lake, and for the Takht-e-Babri, a flat stage built of stone by Shahenshah Babur to address his army while coming down from Kabul in the quest of the crown of Delhi. In his memoirs, Babar described Kalar Kahar as a charming place with good air and natural beauty,” he explained her about the importance of this place. As they proceeded, they saw a shrine with lots of peacocks. It was a beautiful moment as Xara took pictures of them and collected some feathers. While she kept most of them with her, she gave one to Sarmad. “It will bring you good luck,” she said and he accepted it gleefully. Next stage was a walk in the mountains towards the lake. Normally the weather in April remained hot, but on that specific day, a cool breeze and the perfume of the green vegetation enhanced the beauty of that day. Scattered clouds also decreased the intensity of the sun and an enchanted glow remained throughout the day except for some moments when it got dark at Nammal. Lush green mountains in the backdrop also provided picturesque scenery. “Sir, shall I ask you a personal question?” she asked suddenly. “Yes, off course,” he replied in a bit surprised manner. “Why are you so quiet and remain serious, while your squadron mates and course mates are always a happy bunch?” “Well Xara, the thing is that there is something missing in my life. I wanted to join PAF, I did it. I wanted to prove myself as the best pilot, I achieved it and still am trying my best, to maintain those standards which were set by my predecessors. But now as time is moving forward, I don’t know why I did all this. I was destined to inflict severe damage to the morale of the Indian Airforce, but even after almost fifteen years of service I haven’t did it. My father was a 65 war veteran and an ace fighter pilot. During the war of 1971, he led many successful strike missions until that fateful day of 17th December. Everyone in the squadron was extremely enraged by the loss of a Starfighter downed in combat by a couple of MiG-21s in the Chor Sector. It was when Masroor Airbase got this news that two Indian MiG-21FL fighters had intruded our airspace and were nearing the radar station at Badin after the declaration of ceasefire. My father was ordered to scramble but just before takeoff his wingman aborted due to technical reasons. He had to continue with the mission alone. Since then all which I know is that he was shot down over Barmer while dogfighting the MiGs. He was officially declared ‘Missing in Action’. Since I was a nine month old baby at that time, my mothered vowed that she will make me a fighter pilot like my father and that I would avenge my fathers’ loss. Although I had a chance in the Kargil War, I remained devoid of a kill due to strict ROEs. Now at this stage, I’m just waiting for a chance to down any Indian pilot, as my blood boils when I read about IAF pilots downing my father’s Starfighter and acquiring a ‘Lock On’ on me. Since these chances are hard to come, this is the reason that makes me feel unnecessarily angry. I usually remain quiet as I have to focus to remain a frontline fighter pilot until I get this chance.” “War is not a good thing, but I will pray that you get your chance for which you have come up this far,” replied Xara. The way she listened to him and the way in which she consoled him acted as a morale booster for him and a smile overcame all sort of emotions on his face. As they took an odd turn, a beautiful lake sprawled in front of them, the clouds and the sunlight making it glow extensively. They hired a boat and rowed right at the middle of the lake where they stopped briefly to enjoy the marvels of the nature. Both of them enjoyed the exotic birds and the backdrop and took some photographs before returning back. There was a restaurant near the lake. They had a hearty fill and eased out a bit for a couple of hours before they set their course for the motorway to Sargodha. As he sat in the drivers’ seat he was surprised to see Xara choosing the navigators’ seat instead of the rear one. With excitement in his heart, he set the Civic loose on the road. Within fifteen minutes, they had entered the motorway. She sat very still beside him with her hands folded in her lap and she stared ahead when the bends leapt at them, and the straights streamed in beneath the body of the Civic. There was a constant smile on her mouth and the golden lights danced in her eyes, and Sarmad was moved to know that speed affected her the way it did him. He forgot everything else but the girl in the seat beside him and the need to keep the sleek machine on the smooth road of the motorway. Once when they went twisting down the Salt Range in a series of tight curves and he curved the Civic down into it with his hands darting from wheel to gear leaver, and his feet dancing heel and toe on the foot pedals, she laughed aloud with the thrill of it. Due to the twilight of dusk, he could make out the lights of the motorway police, which were positioned to catch any over speeding violator they could lay their hands on. Since his average speed was 160 km/hr, he had to reduce it to 120 km/hr in order to evade the police. Honda Civic Reborn was a car built to fly and speeds up to 160 km/hr were normal in the car, due to which it was difficult to restrain the car at a constant speed of 120 km/hr. VILLAGE, NEAR SARGODHA, PAKISTAN It took him, one and a half hour to cover the motorway. As soon as they got down the motorway near Bhalwal. Sargodha was a mere 45 km away from here. It was 2000 hours when they had crossed Bhalwal. As they sped towards Sargodha, Xara again suddenly shouted, “Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop!” Beyond them was a village fair. “Can we stay here for a while,” she requested in an excited manner. He couldn’t deny her and had to park the car. The name of the village was Mangowal. They were still at a distance when they heard the beat of drums and the chime of bells. They quickened their pace and in a short time reached the fair ground. What a sight it was, a large crowd of villagers, all in their best colorful clothes, all of them in high spirits. Xara grabbed his hand and pulled him in the fair. For a little while both of them forgot that they are combat pilots of the Pakistan Airforce. While she laughed and shouted, and rode on the funny looking rides meant for kids and young people, he accompanied her with a smile on his face. She was moving as if she wanted to see everything in fair as quickly as possible. The confection vendors, along with sweet cotton (candy floss) vendors attracted a large group of people. They were shouting their orders at the top of their voices. Both Sarmad and Xara tasted the sweet cotton as well as tried the homemade cone ice-cream. A litter further there was a merry-go-round. Both the officers also mixed up with the children to enjoy the ride. The happy and excited cries of the children filled the air. Nearby a juggler was showing his tricks. There were games, kabaddi, wrestling, and races. As the contestants matched their skill and strength in the arena, their supporters shouted and encouraged them. It was 2200 hours when both the officers departed for Sargodha. Although they were tired and dusty, but were extremely happy. As they set their course back to the base, Xara started to express her views about the fair, “Fairs are the most popular form of entertainment in the country-side. People who work hard in their fields all the year for them in means that there will round certainly need and deserve some rest and recreation. It is a fair that provides them relief form hard work, and bring them an opportunity to enjoy themselves to their hearts content. They forget their cares. Leave their daily labor and throw themselves in the fun and frolic of a fair.” Sarmad who was already impressed by her flying, her beauty and her modest character, got further impressed after listening to her views. It was this time when her cell phone ranged for the first time. “Assalam-o-Alaikum Aunty! I’m fine………….No, I had to fly to Mianwali for some work………………Yes, returning by road……………….There should be signal problem in the salt range………………Tell Omer that do not worry about me, I’m an airforce girl, I know how to look after myself………………Ok I’ll call you back as soon as I reach Sargodha…………….Allah Hafiz.” He got in some sort of suspicion after listening to her conversation when she mentioned the word ’Omer’. “Looks like Omer is quite worried about you,” he said in a sarcastic manner. “Yes, he’s quite possessive and protective about me,” she replied while trying to discover his reaction. “He my fiancé, we were engaged since childhood,” she said with a smile. This was enough to clear any doubt in his mind that she might be engaged. It was a difficult phase, yet he had to remain cool and calm. “So, what does he do,” he asked while maintain his composure. “He is working in US in Microsoft as a software engineer. We haven’t met for the last eighteen years but he does contact me occasionally on internet. My aunty wants me to continue to serve in the airforce till I reach the rank of Squadron Leader, after which I’ll retire, get married and settle in the states.” She was speaking in a flow but her words were hitting him like he had been hit by numerous Archer missiles of an IAF MiG-21. He had nothing to say in reply. “Do you love him?” “Well to be true, no, as we were good friends in the childhood before he left for US. Since my aunt has taken care of me after my parents have died, she is really looking forward that I get married at such a place where my future remains secure. I don’t want to disappoint her so I agreed. Omer is also not bad; I think we both will settle down quite easily.” After hearing all this Sarmad increased the speed of his car. “Sir, shall I ask a personal question,” she asked. “Yes you can,” he replied sardonically. “Sir, have you loved anyone?” He was surprised as he never expected her to act fast. Without thinking he replied, “Yes, there was a girl. Same like you, but she does not know that I love her.” “Why didn’t you tell her,” she asked. “Well, when people have surety that they would get a positive reply, even then they are reluctant to express their feelings, and in my case, I’m sure that I’ll get a negative reply. She loves some else, and I’m just a passing character in her life,” he replied with a heavy heart. Silence prevailed for about a couple of minutes when he spoke again, “Do you know when it hurts the most? When you see a dream, and it does not come true. That’s why I have decided not to dream again,” he wanted to see her reaction. There was none. She had got the point. Both remained silent for the remainder of the trip. MUSHAF AIRBASE, PAKISTAN They reached Mushaf within thirty minutes. As he stopped the car in front of the officers’ billets, she got off and thanked him for the memorable beautiful trip. But just before leaving she added, “Dreams have to be chased fiercely to make them come true. Do not lay back and keep dreaming, chase the dream.” He didn’t have any answer for this statement and as he was already heartbroken, never understood the meaning behind this statement. He had reached his optimum point of his self-control so he gathered himself up and said, “It’s getting late.” “Ok, then, take care and Allah Hafiz,” she replied and quickly left the scene as if she was in a hurry. All Sarmad could do was see her running towards her room until she was out of sight and out of his life forever. She left alongside her flight commander the next day and he felt his heart sinking as he saw her taking off. Shiraz understood his feeling, as he had told him a summarized version of the story but did not know what to say. It was all very clear. Although Sarmad and Xara, later on met on different occasions, Sarmad, despite having a chance to express his feelings, never proceeded. Seniority and discipline prevailed, and only his eyes spoke the truth which was understood by his team members. If they had to converse, it remained strictly professional, nothing personal and no reference of the beautiful time they had spent with each other. He also avoided eye to eye contact with her as he never wanted to fall in love with her again. Those beautiful days were enough for him to enjoy the true feeling of love but the feeling that, she can never be his, was painful. Although he indulged himself in extensive fighter flying, these thoughts always made him feel nostalgic. INITIATING OPERATION BADAR PESHAWAR AIRBASE, PAKISTAN Sarmad and his team had just finished their dinner and came out of the flashback in the present day when Usman came running in, “Sir, the ACAS (Operations) has called you and Sir Shiraz at the Debriefing Room of the Black Spiders.” In an instant, both of them headed straight towards the room. “Sir, may we come in?” “Yes, come in, I was expecting both of you,” answered the ACAS (Operations) AVM Faisal Sajjad. Both of them saluted him and sat down after he ordered them to sit down. “The first thing I want to tell you is that you and Sqn. Ldr. Shiraz will not be accompanying the squadron to Turkey.” Both of them were surprised as they looked at each other in shock. At this point the main screen came to life with a large map of the Indo Pak border. “As you know about the eastern border situation that Indian Armed Forces have been mobilized and according to our intel reports, they will conduct a limited operation at any front of their liking. India has been following our own exercise with the PLAAF; as a result an Indian AWACS and considerable number of Su-30MKIs are deployed at Sri Nagar, Avantipur, Pathankot, Delhi, Adampur and Halwara. Pakistan Army has already assumed their war time positions while PAF aircraft are also in the process of moving at their wartime locations. Any Indian attack in the north and south can be effectively dealt. But this is not the place where the Indians will strike. Owing to our internal situation with the economists trying their best to revive the economy as well as the army dealing with the terrorists at the western border, the Indians have selected a very critical point; the area between Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan. India is gearing for a limited strike to capture Khanpur - RYK – Sadiqabad with a huge chunk of Cholistan Desert to cut down the supply line from north to south. In the past IAF had an inadequate air infrastructure to support main effort in southern sector (Reti - Rahim Yar Khan), poor low level coverage, non-automated AD system, poor reliability of Russian origin aircraft and poor aircraft to HAS ratio. Our intel reports have indicated that Israel has assisted IAF to strengthen the area covering Bikaner – Jodhpur – Jaisalmer – Utterlai. Combat aircraft have started to arrive at these airbases under the umbrella of an exercise Shakti, while IAF also has deployed a powerful radar system at Jaisalmer, and ground based integrated gun missile defence system at all vital points. The Indian Army is all massed up four points, Gajner – Diyatra – Didhu- Hamira. The Indians are expected to use land based and air launched guided missiles and aircraft to weaken Pakistan’s defences, after which the Indian army supported by helicopter borne commando units will storm inside Pakistan and take over the above mentioned towns. At least one major airport and three air strips lies in this area. Once Indian Army capture this area, Indian quick reaction forces are expected to fortify all the airstrips as well as strategic points and before Pakistan armed forces would reach to reinforce the area, Indians would be well settled. In short, Indians want us to come on our knees, accept their supremacy and accede to their demands i.e. surgical strikes on the so called terrorist camps like the US drone strikes in the past.” Faisal then came forward and handed a sealed file with ‘Operation Badar’ inscribed on it, to Sarmad. “You are selected to develop a small airport in Cholistan desert in a forward operational base within minimum possible time. The mission will remain so secret that the Indians would only know about your presence when the conversion is complete. An underground complex has already been built to support 20 combat aircraft, but initially only six aircraft will operate from there at a single time.” “That’s a news for me sir, how long has it taken to prepare the facility?” queried Sarmad. “The base was secretly built during the last two years. While India expects us to equip Sheikh Zayed Air Strip, RYK and Bahawalpur, they are completely unaware of the Desert Airport to be used as military facility due to absence of any HAS in the satellite images. Though the Indians had kept a lookout for this facility through their radars for any type of PAF aircraft, they knew that it would require two-three weeks to get this field converted in an airbase, and for that the presence of any military aircraft detected can provide them enough warning to react. Due to the facility being built far away from local population, and in the middle of the desert, it was very tough for RAW agents to come near the facility disguised as locals. Also PAF ground combaters and ISI had built a strong network to keep unauthorized people away from the facility,” replied the ACAS. “When shall we leave for the base?” asked Sarmad. “You and your squadron commander would proceed along with your remaining pilots and aircraft to Shahbaz Airforce Base. We have spread the news over there that both of you would leave for Turkey after completing the transfer of aircraft and pilots from your detachment. After settling down, both of you will fly to FOB Sukkur and get an indirect flight to Islamabad. From there board a PIA Boeing 737-800 which will depart at 1330 hours PST day after tomorrow. Both of you would be dressed as civilians and participants of the Cholistan Desert Safari. Your jeeps would come in on a chartered Jordanian IL-76TD aircraft. This aircraft would be bringing jeeps of the national and international participants for the upcoming Cholistan Jeep Rally. Limited media coverage would also confirm that jeeps are being unloaded from the aircraft. But the fact is that all support equipment needed for the base i.e. ground based defence systems which include SAMs, Radars, and AAA would be brought in this transport aircraft and would be offloaded at night time. All this equipment would reach you within two-three sorties. Our own transport aircraft would also transfer some more equipment if conditions get favorable. As you know that the aircraft outbound for Turkey will go via Azrak Air Base at Jordan as a staging base. This equipment is going to Azrak along with six aircraft of your squadron with the supporting C-130s and IL-78MRTT aircraft where it would be offloaded and will be brought back to the Desert Airbase in the chartered Jordanian IL-76TDs. Both of you would be constantly monitored, and you will have to participate in the rally with full spirit during the day, while planning and deployment would be carried out at night. Both of you would be given ample time to rest, the details are present in the file. Major Shahbaz Hassan and Captain Rashid Nawaz would also participate in the rally alongside you guys and would be responsible for the coordination and mobilization of army in this area, as well as to covertly form the second line of defence, as soon as the base is developed and fighters had arrived. They would rendezvous with you once you reach the racing camp at Derawar. Your boys leaving for Anatolian Eagle would join you on the sixth day when the rally would end and the air activities of commercial and chartered airliners on the Desert Airbase remains high. The F-16s will get their orders while airborne on their return leg when they will be diverted to the Desert Airbase.” “Sir, we have the option to shift the aircraft from Shahbaz once we have established a strong integrated ground based defence system. Why shall we wait for our aircraft from Turkey,” asked Sarmad. “There are two major reasons behind this; first reason is that the aircraft going to Turkey are expected to be installed with a powerful ECM/Jamming gear similar to the one used in EA-18G Growler aircraft. And second reason is that if six aircraft are deployed from Shahbaz, the news can somehow get leaked before their departure. This can jeopardize the mission, as we have to fortify our position right under their noses. However, if we feel that an Indian attack is imminent, then we will deploy six F-16s from your squadron would be shifted from Shahbaz to your base,” replied Faisal. “From now on you will report all the maters to me.” Sarmad took the file, placed one hand on his heart and then got up with Shiraz. “You must study it carefully; I do not want any lapse in this mission. The whole nation is counting on you both.” “Don’t worry sir, we will not let our country down,” replied Sarmad. “You may leave, now, best of luck. May Allah be with you.” DAY ONE: THE ACTION BEGINS SHAHBAZ AIR FORCE BASE, JACOBABAD, PAKISTAN The sun had just started to rise when six F-16A MLU-III fighters arrived overhead at Shahbaz Base. After getting landing clearance from the ATC, the F-16s landed in pairs. All six fighters were parked on the flight line from where they were to be pushed into their respective ‘Hardened Air Shelters’. OC No. 5 Squadron, Wing Commander Mohsin Ali welcomed Sarmad alongside his pilots and made necessary arrangements for their stay. The pilots were ordered to carry out operational flying alongside No. 5 Squadron until further instructions. In the absence of Sarmad and Shiraz, they were to be report to the OC No. 5 Squadron. “Well, the detachments have started to arrive. Sukkur has already been equipped with No. 19 Squadron. Do you think the Indians will cross the border?” asked Mohsin. “Situation is tense, but we have reacted on time. I don’t think Indians will carry out any misadventure,” replied Sarmad knowing in his heart about the real situation. “If they do, they will get a taste of this,” he patted the nearest F-16. Both of them had a brief conversation on the developing situation after which Sarmad requested his permission as they had to leave for FOB Sukkur. “That won’t be a problem as two F-16Ds would be leaving for their routine training mission. They would drop both of you in no time”. BEGUM NUSRAT BHUTTO AIRPORT, SUKKUR, PAKISTAN Within two hour of reaching Jacobabad, now both of them were again taxiing for takeoff, this time as GIBs. It was a touch and go flight as the flying time between Sukkur and Jacobabad was negligible. The pilots circled over Sukkur before landing. FOB Sukkur was situated west of the main city amongst date palms. The River Indus was flowing majestically via the Sukkur Barrage with the water glimmering in the morning sun. The old Sukkur bridge also provided a breathtaking view. East of the city were the barren hillocks of Rohri which was a contrast as opposed to the lush green terrain of Sukkur. As the F-16s steadied themselves for the final approach for landing, date palms spread on a large area and lined by a proper canal system, sprawled below them. Landing was smooth as both Falcons crossed the main airport terminal and headed for the ORP as they had to turn around and leave. As Sarmad and Shiraz got off the plane they were met by OC No. 19 Squadron Wing Commander Sajid Khan accompanied by the Flight Commander he knew too well, Squadron Leader Xara Tariq. The AO aviator glasses worn by Sarmad hid his expressions well and due to the heat of the mission, Sarmad acted in a professional manner. Wing Commander Sajid Khan welcomed them and took Sarmad at one side, “So everything’s proceeding smoothly.” “Alhamdullilah, everything is going as planned,” replied Sarmad. “That’s good, now this area is well defended by F-16s. A similar type reduces the problem of logistics and infrastructure. We’ve got a strong air defence in the form of Block-52 and ADF aircraft at Shahbaz and Sukkur. Most probably your detachment would be shifted to RYK once they activate the base. If this happens then we won’t have to worry about landing at each other’s base during times of trouble,” added Sajid. “I hope things remain calm, at least till we return from Turkey,” replied Sarmad. “Don’t worry Viper Lead, even if we face an attack before your return, we have the pilots who can perform well under pressure,” said Sajid looking at Xara. “But if me and my boys are here at that time, we can reduce more than 70% of the pressure from Shahbaz and Sukkur. This is the reason we would be stationed nearest to the border to greet them,” replied Sarmad. As Sajid and Sarmad walked near the blast pens, they saw the F-16 ADF aircraft in complete readiness alert. The ADF aircraft can be distinguished from standard F-16A/Bs by several external identifying features, such as long and thin horizontal bulges on the base of the vertical tail (only A-models), plus a set of four blade antenna, nicknamed bird-slicer, carried just forward of the canopy (as part of the IFF system). The aircraft are equipped to carry 600 (US) gallon (2,271 liter) external drop tanks, and to carry 6 BVR missiles such as the AIM-7 Sparrow or AIM-120 AMRAAM. After a friendly inspection of the base and monitoring the state of operational readiness, Wing Commander Sajid asked Xara to escort them to the rest room where they could get breakfast and take some rest before leaving. She led both of them to a small underground facility, which was infact built by the Americans during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2002. It was a large fully furnished and fully air conditioned room, with large leather sofa cum beds. These were extremely soft and comfortable, while the temperature of the room was so much low as it felt that they are on a hill station. The rooms were specially customized for US officers to counter the deadly heat of interior Sindh. “Sir, what would you like to have for breakfast?” she asked hesitantly. Sarmad was in a mood of not ordering anything but before he could speak Shiraz added in, “Well, if it’s possible, then please send the famous desi ghee parathas and cheese omelets, as I have heard from other pilots that the cook over here makes delicious food.” “Okay, I’ll ask the cook to prepare the breakfast. Anything else you would like to have sir,” she again asked Sarmad. “No thank you, it’s perfectly fine,” answered Sarmad. “Very well,” she said as she left the room. “Leader, it seems to be sound proof as I cannot hear the sound of the jet fighters,” said Shiraz, but Sarmad was lost somewhere else. “Leader, are you all right,” asked Shiraz knowingly that he is disturbed. “Well Shiraz, I’m going to take some rest now. You can have the breakfast. Just wake me up when 30 minutes are left for our flight,” said Sarmad as he laid down on one of those luxurious sofas. Since he woke up at 0200 hours and from then was constantly on the move, he was tired and needed rest. Added to it he met Xara which added to his woes. But as soon as he closed his eyes, within seconds he was fast asleep. It was almost evening when Shiraz woke him up. “Leader, our flight will be departing within 30 minutes, as the aircraft is circling Sukkur city.” Sarmad was feeling fresh after eight hours rest. He quickly went to the washroom and washed his face. “Lead, our aircraft is on its final landing approach,” said Shiraz. Both of them walked out of the rest room and came up to the ORP. Sky was clear and in gold colour due to the setting sun, with a cool breeze blowing right across the runway. A white Boeing 737 was clearly spotted on its landing approach. It was a great sight with the Boeing gleaming in the sunlight coming towards the tarmac. As the Boeing came to a halt, its door opened and the air base personnel acted fast in placing the stairs. After a formal security clearance, both of them boarded the aircraft. The aircraft left for Lahore from where both of them had to travel separately to Islamabad. While Sarmad took a direct flight to Islamabad from Lahore, Shiraz reached Islamabad using Daewoo Express via Motorway M-1. Arrangements had been made for both of them at separate venues to rest, before the next days’ action. To be continued.........
Posted on: Sat, 22 Nov 2014 09:20:55 +0000
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