The modified AC-130 gunship lumbering toward Washington was no match for the cutting-edge F-22 Raptors scrambling to intercept it. Despite its heavy armament and advanced modifications, the gunship's sluggish four-propeller design was hopelessly outclassed by the supersonic capabilities of the F-22s.
Even if the F-22s had failed to arrive in time, Castle had prepared a stealth drone to shadow the gunship. This unmanned aircraft, invisible to the naked eye thanks to its active cloaking system, was ready to eliminate the threat before it could reach the capital.
However, the Raptors delivered as expected. Once airborne, the jets rapidly closed the gap and intercepted the AC-130 before it could enter Washington's no-fly zone. Unlike the cautious protocols depicted in the fictional movies Castle remembered from his past life, these pilots had clear orders: if the gunship failed to respond to their warnings, it was to be shot down without hesitation.
After a single unacknowledged warning, the F-22s locked onto the AC-130 with their fire-control radars. The two "kamikaze" pilots aboard the gunship quickly realized something was amiss. This response deviated entirely from their expectations.
According to their plan, the American fighters were supposed to approach for visual confirmation, giving the AC-130 a chance to strike with its Vulcan cannons. But instead, the F-22s immediately adopted a tactical six o'clock position and maintained radar lock.
The gunship's pilots panicked. They understood that their operation had been compromised and that the internal mole at Andrews Air Force Base had likely been apprehended. Realizing their mission was a failure, they activated the AC-130's weapon systems in a desperate bid to destroy the pursuing fighters.
This proved to be a fatal miscalculation.
The F-22s responded instantaneously. Within moments, four air-to-air missiles streaked toward the gunship, detonating with pinpoint precision. The resulting explosion tore the AC-130 into pieces, its wreckage scattering across the sky in a fiery spectacle.
The deafening blast reverberated across Washington, startling citizens and dignitaries alike—including the South Korean Prime Minister's delegation, which had just arrived at the White House.
Among them was Kim Yonkang, the mastermind of the assault, who immediately recognized the sound of an aerial explosion. His years of military experience allowed him to connect the dots: their gunship had been intercepted and destroyed.
Realizing the operation was compromised, Kim Yonkang acted swiftly. Drawing a concealed pistol, he aimed it at the back of the South Korean Prime Minister, who stood oblivious in front of him. His original plan had been to take President Benjamin Arthur hostage, but the President's calculated hesitation raised alarm bells. Benjamin remained rooted in place, his expression calm yet mocking, as though taunting Yonkang.
Kim Yonkang knew the truth—his plan had been exposed, and the White House was prepared for their attack. In that instant, he shifted focus. The South Korean Prime Minister, oblivious to the unfolding chaos, became his next target for leverage.
Meanwhile, chaos erupted on Pennsylvania Avenue. Four garbage trucks barreled toward the White House gates, their compartments loaded with armed militants and explosives. The plan was to detonate the vehicles at key access points, blocking reinforcements and ensuring the attackers could focus on their assault.
Unbeknownst to the attackers, Castle had anticipated this strategy. He had positioned Bob Lee Swagger, the "strongest sniper on Earth," atop the White House with a clear view of the approaching trucks. Armed with his .408-caliber M200 Intervention sniper rifle, Bob was ready.
Though the rifle was notoriously excessive for anti-personnel use, its unparalleled range and power made it the perfect tool to neutralize the garbage trucks before they could reach their targets. Bob's precision was unmatched. With calm, rhythmic shots, he began systematically eliminating the drivers.
Each crack of the rifle echoed like a death knell for the attackers. Within moments, all four garbage trucks were immobilized, their drivers neutralized. The militants inside were left scrambling, their plan to block the White House entrances in shambles.
On the ground, the Secret Service agents sprang into action. As soon as Kim Yonkang brandished his pistol, every agent surged toward President Benjamin to shield him. Michael Banning placed himself between the President and the threat, his movements precise and protective.
The South Korean Prime Minister, however, found himself isolated. Despite being the target of Kim Yonkang's pistol, his plight elicited little sympathy from the agents. Their sole priority was the safety of the U.S. President.
The White House lawn descended into chaos. The explosion in the sky, Bob's sniper fire, and the movements of the Secret Service created a maelstrom of noise and confusion. Yet amidst the disorder, the defenders of the White House maintained their focus.
The battle had begun, but it was clear that the attackers had underestimated their opponents. Every move they made had been anticipated, and every advantage they thought they held had been neutralized. The White House was ready, and its defenders were determined to make this a fight the enemy would never forget.
(End of Chapter)
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