"Falcon One, switch to missiles," he said. "Three targets still active. They're spreading. Engage with precision."
"Copy, Command. Selecting AGM-179. Laser-guided. I'll take them one by one."
On the display, the F-35 leveled out briefly, then adjusted its angle as the targeting system locked onto the first moving signature.
"Target one locked."
The Hunter below cut across an open stretch of road, shifting direction between debris.
"Rifle."
The missile dropped clean from the wing.
For a split second, it fell.
Then the motor ignited.
It surged forward, correcting mid-flight as the guidance system tracked the moving target.
On the rooftop, Ryan saw the streak.
"Missile inbound," he said.
Impact.
A tight explosion punched into the street, centered directly on the target. The blast drove downward and outward, tearing through the pavement and throwing debris in a controlled cone.
When the dust cleared, nothing remained.
"Good hit," the operator confirmed. "Two remaining."
