Two hours later, they finally reached Philippine airspace. Compared to South Korea, there were no fighter jets welcoming and shooting them out of the sky.
Adrian stood inside the cockpit, one hand resting on the back of the pilot's seat as he looked out ahead.
"Feels quiet," the co-pilot said.
"That's a good thing," Ryan replied from behind.
The pilot adjusted the controls slightly, then reached for the radio.
"Basa Tower, Basa Tower, this is Cold Reach One, inbound from Korean airspace, requesting landing clearance. Over."
A burst of static.
Then.
"Cold Reach One, this is Basa Tower, we read you loud and clear. Identify aircraft and current altitude."
"Basa Tower, this is Cold Reach One, C-130 transport, currently at twelve thousand feet, descending. Carrying priority personnel."
A short pause.
Then the tone shifted.
"Cold Reach One, copy that. You are cleared for approach. Runway Zero-Niner is active. Wind is stable at five knots. No traffic in your lane."
