Legendary Captain

Chapter 358 Xu Xian's Future Lies on an Aircraft Carrier!?

"Yes, isn't that clear enough? It's very chaotic over there right now, and nobody knows when the situation will become uncontrollable. However, isn't the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advising people in Konbang to return home soon? They rarely say that before, which shows how bad the situation is there." Wang Lingkun's information network was surprisingly good; he spoke with great conviction. Wang Lingkun continued animatedly, "Those countries are indeed very chaotic, but the situation has gotten worse in recent years. If it really comes to a point of open warfare, people there definitely won't be able to stay, and our people will definitely have to come back."

Konbaung is a country plagued by numerous warlords and constant warfare. However, these are mostly minor warlords, so large-scale wars are not entirely absent. In recent years, however, one warlord has emerged as a formidable force, uniting many previously isolated factions into one powerful entity, now rivaling the government army in strength.

However, Xu Xian wasn't particularly concerned about the fighting in Konbang, since it wasn't his own country. Besides, for a small country like Konbang, internal strife was just a local conflict; the war wouldn't reach their borders.

Moreover, all the citizens of Konbaung who do business in the country are protected by the government army, so they haven't had much to worry about in recent years. However, with the sudden emergence of such a large warlord force, which is on par with the government army, the protection that the government can provide is no longer sufficient to guarantee safety.

Therefore, the domestic government naturally had the idea of ​​bringing its citizens back home.

"Is it that serious? When did it stop?" Xu Xian believed Wang Lingkun more because he sounded quite convincing. "But what does all this have to do with Xingyou? It's not like... you're having Xingyou carry the load, is it?"

"That's right! Isn't that exactly it?" Wang Lingkun slapped his thigh; that was exactly what the bureau meant.

"No... can't we use military transport planes to carry people? Is it appropriate to send civilian airliners to that chaotic, war-torn place?" Xu Xian asked worriedly. Xu Xian had a very bad impression of Konbaung and its surrounding areas, and he always felt that it was somewhat dangerous for civilian airliners to go there.

Wang Lingkun said helplessly, "Do you know what it means to allow foreign military aircraft into our airspace? Even though Konbang is in complete chaos, some things can't be broken. I feel that allowing civilian airliners into our airspace to pick up our people is already their biggest concession. What are you thinking!"

Sending military aircraft into Konbaung's airspace, regardless of the reason, is a threat to Konbaung's sovereignty. Even if Konbaung isn't a particularly powerful nation, it is still a country, and some things still need support.

Compared to military aircraft, civilian airliners are slightly more acceptable.

Xu Xian thought about it and realized it was indeed true. The entry of another country's military forces into one's airspace, regardless of the reason, is a provocation against one's sovereignty. Many countries cannot accept this. And most importantly, military transport planes can carry people, but civilian airliners can't? Their functions are not significantly different, and military aircraft are inherently more sensitive, so why not choose civilian airliners?

"I just don't know if it's safe," Xu Xian said. He didn't really care about military or civilian aviation, but he instinctively felt that Kampong was a chaotic place and its safety couldn't be guaranteed.

"There shouldn't be any problems, the countries will communicate well."

"The Konbaung government is fine, but I don't know if the warlords there are thinking straight. But thinking about it, they're fighting amongst themselves, so they probably won't dare to mess with us, right? After all, there's a huge difference in national strength. Provoking us would be suicide, wouldn't it?" Wang Lingkun said.

"What I mean is, there are so many domestic airlines, why was Xingyou chosen? There are quite a few state-owned airlines, and which one isn't stronger than Xingyou?" Even though Xu Xian believed the government could handle everything, he still didn't want Xingyou's crew to go to Gongbang. Besides, logically speaking, this had happened before. Xingyou Airlines is a completely private company, and Xu Xian really couldn't understand why the authorities would intentionally let Xingyou undertake this operation.

"You know, our company operates the Kampong Speu route. In the country, only our company has experience operating there. If not us, who else would you choose?" Wang Lingkun said helplessly.

Star Airlines did indeed operate international routes to Konbaung a long time ago. However, as the security situation in Konbaung deteriorated, Star Airlines decided to suspend operations on this route.

Therefore, among all the various airlines in the country, only Xingyou Airlines, a small to medium-sized airline, has experience operating the Gongbang route.

Konbaung has now suspended the entry of foreign aircraft, rendering other airlines unable to gain experience on Konbaung routes, even if they wish. This is a matter of great importance and absolutely cannot be entrusted to other airlines with no operational experience; Star Airlines is therefore the obvious choice.

"I'm so fed up! Which idiot was the one who gave up the Kampong route?" Xu Xian almost cursed. However, he quickly remembered that when the Kampong route's maiden voyage was successful, the company had issued a special document to commend the employees who made outstanding contributions to the application for the Kampong route, and the first person among them was Qin Zongyang, the then deputy general manager of the flight department.

Indeed, it was Qin Zongyang who spearheaded the application process for the Kwangtung route. The successful application for the Kwangtung route has always been a source of great pride for Qin Zongyang.

Xu Xian had planned everything meticulously, but he never expected that the person he was cursing as a "brain-dead idiot" was actually his own master, and the situation became slightly awkward for a moment.

Fortunately, Wang Lingkun didn't say much about it, but glossed over it and moved on to the next topic: "Don't worry about this anymore, it's pretty much settled. The bureau has started notifying us to decide on the flight crew as soon as possible. Once the crew is decided, they'll need to be sent to the bureau for training."

"Training? Isn't it just flying a flight? What kind of training is there?" Xu Xian asked curiously.

"Isn't it all for cooperation with the military?" Wang Lingkun said. "Although military aircraft are not normally allowed to enter Kampong airspace, there are exceptions in certain special circumstances. After all, if something happens to the aircraft, our country cannot stand idly by."

"You know all this?" Xu Xian was amazed by Wang Lingkun's extraordinary knowledge. He was nominally a member of the Western Air Force, yet he knew nothing about this, while Wang Lingkun knew it like the back of his hand.

Wang Lingkun became exceptionally proud: "I am also a retired veteran, so I still have some connections. Besides, this information isn't exactly a secret. Our civil aviation doesn't usually deal with military aviation, but if something really happens, we'll definitely have to cooperate with the military. To prevent any miscoordination between the two, the Civil Aviation Administration will provide training to the crew in advance, mainly covering cooperation plans with the military in emergency situations."

"It's come to this?" Xu Xian really hadn't expected things to develop this far. If that's the case, then Star Travel Airlines has no choice but to take on this responsibility. However, Xu Xian is more concerned about who the company will choose to operate this flight.

"Does the company have any preferred candidates?" Xu Xian probed. "Shouldn't such a challenging task be assigned to experienced senior instructors?"

Hearing this, Wang Lingkun's expression turned slightly strange: "Many old guys do want to go; they all came from the military, and they still have that desire to share the country's burdens. But... those old guys don't speak English well. How can they fly international routes without speaking English?"

Many of the veteran instructors were from the Air Force. When they heard that they could help the country solve its problems, they were still full of fighting spirit, even though they knew that the trip was somewhat dangerous. Some of the veteran instructors even took the initiative to find the leaders of the flight department after hearing the news and expressed their willingness to carry out the flight.

This is the demeanor of a soldier!

However, while the veteran instructors excelled in practical skills, their oral communication skills were lacking. Without English, they simply couldn't fly international routes. Many veteran instructors, upon hearing this, were filled with regret and despair.

"The older instructors can't go, so there don't seem to be many options for the younger ones who are good at English, right?" Xu Xian could count on his fingers the few young captains who were still capable of being used.

Wang Lingkun's expression changed slightly: "I don't know about the others, but I heard that Lian Shanxue volunteered."

Upon hearing this, Xu Xian's expression changed drastically: "What did you say?"

The Third Division Headquarters

"Xu Xianzheng said that?" Division Commander Wang Zhaoxin was surprised when he heard Che Youwei's report about Xu Xian, and his face showed no trace of strangeness.

Che Youwei was also quite helpless: "If that's really the case, this kid is truly lawless. Military exercises are such a serious matter, but to him, they're just bargaining chips. This is the first time I've encountered a soldier like this."

"Didn't you just say he didn't even consider himself a soldier?" Wang Zhaoxin shook his head. "Look at what he said, even joining the Luohang fleet was a deal with Ye Qing? I knew it! Someone as lazy as him couldn't stand the relaxed management at Luohang, let alone the regular army. So why did he agree to come in the first place? It was a reluctant deal after all! I really don't know what to say. By the way, where is he?"

"Ye Qing said that Xu Xian has an urgent matter at home, so the meeting needs to be postponed," Che Youwei said.

"Ye Qing? He didn't know he was supposed to see Xu Xian?"

Che Youwei smiled wryly, "Ye Qing's mind works so fast, how could he not know? Since he can make decisions for Xu Xian, he can definitely arrange everything. We probably don't need to worry about things over there. Besides, that kid Ye Qing specifically told me that everything will remain the same after Xu Xian returns."

"Everything as usual? In the report Wang Chenchen submitted just now, Xu Xian didn't seem to be making it very clear what he wanted." Wang Zhaoxin quickly realized, "He means he's got Xu Xian on his side? He's not leaving?"

Previously, Xu Xian had used the tripartite exercise as leverage to make a deal with Ye Qing. Wang Chenchen, as a witness, compiled this into a report and submitted it. Although he admired Xu Xian's flying skills, Xu Xian's words and actions had crossed the line for soldiers, and Wang Chenchen wasn't sure if he could continue to stay. He could only report what he had seen and heard to his superiors, leaving the decision to them.

Wang Chenchen's report eventually ended up on Che Youwei's desk. Upon receiving the report, Che Youwei immediately went to discuss it with Wang Zhaoxin.

"That should be the case." Che Youwei nodded. "Should this report still be submitted? After all, it seems they've taken notice of that kid Xu Xian, and it feels necessary to get a comprehensive understanding of Xu Xian's character."

To be honest, Xu Xian's previous deal with Ye Qing was indeed a bit excessive. As for whether these words and actions can define Xu Xian's character, that depends on how the higher-ups decide.

If Xu Xian were to leave, there would be no need to submit this report. But now it seems Xu Xian isn't leaving, and they're paying special attention to him. As a subordinate, it's necessary to ensure my superior has a thorough and comprehensive understanding of the person they value, to prevent them from making a misjudgment.

As for whether Xu Xian's various words and actions will be characterized as moral deficiencies, or whether there is a possibility of redemption, that depends on his own thoughts.

"By the way, we've received a combat plan from above. The personnel will be selected from the Luohang fleet. The task should be escorting," Che Youwei suddenly said.

"Escort? And they specifically designated someone from Luohang for it? Is there no one in our division capable of handling an escort mission?" Wang Zhaoxin was now displeased. Although the Luohang fleet was nominally under the Third Division, it was too independent, at best only a half-subordinate unit. Why should the higher-ups specifically choose the Luohang fleet for a mere escort mission? Why couldn't the Third Division, with its abundance of talent, handle an escort mission?

Che Youwei sighed, "Old Wang, this time it's escorting the Kampong Air Force, and there's a real possibility of something going wrong. I know you're not convinced, but the Luohang fleet consists of elite troops transferred from the Western Air Force; their strength is undeniable, and we have to admit that. This tripartite exercise is one of the best we've achieved in recent years. Do you really think it's because our Third Division's strength has skyrocketed? It's all thanks to the participation of the Luohang fleet!"

The 3rd Division relied on the Luoyang Aircraft Fleet to withstand the 4th Naval Air Division's main offensive. Without the Luoyang Aircraft Fleet's help, they would have collapsed, if not immediately. But this time, the 3rd Division caused the 4th Naval Air Division considerable trouble. While not evenly matched, they were certainly capable of putting up a fight. This was the change brought about by the Luoyang Aircraft Fleet!

The Sixth Division launched a powerful surprise attack on the Third Division headquarters, almost succeeding, but wasn't it thanks to Xu Xian's heroic efforts that the situation was turned around? And where is Xu Xian from? The Luohang fleet is undoubtedly the gathering place of the elite of the Western Air Force.

Wang Zhaoxin and Che Youwei were fully aware of the situation in Konbang. The government forces might not act recklessly, but those dim-witted warlords were a different story. This escort mission, more accurately a rendezvous mission, carried the potential for actual combat.

Real combat means the possibility of sacrifice. So, to maximize the survival rate, shouldn't we send out the more skilled ones? Or are we supposed to send a novice to hone their skills? To hone their skills with their life?

Wang Zhaoxin was rendered speechless by Che Youwei's rebuttal and could only stammer, "Protect? Protect whom?"

Che Youwei frowned: "A commercial airliner."

On a small path near the Western Air Force Command, Liao Yuan and Chief of Staff Jing Chenfei walked side by side, chatting casually.

"The Air Force Command wants us to copy all the battlefield situation data of the Sixth Division's surprise attack on the Third Division and upload it to headquarters. It seems that Xu Xian's people in the Air Force Command have noticed it." Jing Chenfei exclaimed.

The Air Force Command, or Air Force Headquarters, is the command center of the entire Air Force. The fact that it caught the attention of such high-ranking figures within the Air Force Command demonstrates just how remarkable Xu Xian's recent feat of single-handedly defeating the Sixth Division's air force was. Even the Air Force Command, which usually oversees the entire operation, spared attention for a newcomer who hadn't even passed the initial assessment.

"This kid is bound to soar to great heights sooner or later; it's just that when the time comes, it can't be hidden anymore." Liao Yuan wasn't that surprised. Xu Xian was gold, and gold's brilliance couldn't be concealed. However, Xu Xian's brilliance was shining too brightly; he was no longer gold, but the sun.

Liao Yuan suddenly changed the subject: "The data issue isn't a big deal. See if you can apply to the higher-ups, or communicate with the Navy. If there's an opportunity, I'd like Xu Xian to go and take a trip to the Navy."

"Navy? What does that mean?" Jing Chenfei asked, puzzled.

"Old Jing, airplanes can never exist without airports. But the world is so big, we can't build airports all over the place. So, if we want to carry out a real decapitation strike, we must solve the problem of takeoff and landing sites." Liao Yuan said, a glint of light in his eyes: "Old Jing, the easiest way to spread airports all over the world is not to build airports everywhere, but..."

Jing Chenfei blurted out almost immediately, "Aircraft carrier!"

"Looking at the precedents of decapitation strikes around the world, they all take off from aircraft carriers. Therefore, Xu Xian must learn the technology of aircraft carrier take-off and landing; this is the path he must take," Liao Yuan said firmly.

Jing Chenfei could understand Liao Yuan's meaning, but he had a worry: "I'm afraid that once the fish is put into the cat's mouth, it won't want to spit it out."

(End of this chapter)