After leaving the creek, Calista continued her patrol.
She walked along the path, with carefully tended vegetable beds on both sides, all prepared for the coming winter. Though it was already late autumn, some cold-resistant crops still held stubbornly to their green color.
Most of the base members she met along the way greeted her warmly.
Calista usually responded with only a slight nod. At first, she would still smile, but later her expression grew stiff, and for some inexplicable reason, she started feeling awkward enough to want to escape.
She deliberately began heading toward places with fewer people and eventually stopped in a cleared and reinforced open area at the edge of Blackberry Ranch.
This place had originally been where the ranch parked its farming machinery, but it had now been expanded into a hangar.
Several of Rock Fortress's aircraft were parked quietly here.
Thompson was busy with the other pilots, Franklin, Robert, Kenny, and Lee, working around the National Guard Black Hawk helicopter Franklin had flown back.
Ground crewman Oliver moved between the aircraft and a pile of open toolboxes like a busy worker ant, his face and hands smeared with grease.
When Thompson saw Calista approaching, he immediately put down the checklist in his hand. "Calista!"
The other pilots also stopped what they were doing and turned their attention to her.
Oliver wiped off his sweat and hurried over as well.
"How's the situation?" Calista asked directly, her gaze sweeping over the complicated machines.
Even standing still, those massive black birds still gave off an oppressive presence.
Thompson took a deep breath and reported, "We're carrying out routine inspections and assessments on the aircraft. So far, our aircraft are in good condition. After basic maintenance, they should be flight-ready."
He pointed at the Black Hawk helicopter. "This one has some problems, mainly with the rotor system and avionics. It needs specific parts."
Thompson paused and glanced at Oliver, who was panting beside him. "Right now, the biggest problem is ground support. Oliver is the only one with real experience. Even with us pilots helping out part-time, we simply can't keep up.
"Daily inspections, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting all take a huge amount of work, and many tasks require specialized tools and several people working together.
"If this goes on, we won't be able to guarantee flight safety even for the civilian helicopter in the best condition."
Oliver added, his voice hoarse and full of exhaustion, "Calista, I'm not complaining, but the fact is, if it's just me, doing one proper full inspection on all these aircraft would take several days!
"And that doesn't even include fuel filtration, hydraulic system testing, weapons mount checks…
"We need people. At least three or four more with some basic knowledge!"
Calista listened quietly, her gaze moving from the anxious pilots to the seven aircraft.
She knew it was difficult to maintain air power, but she had not expected the manpower shortage to be this serious.
"Do you have any suitable candidates right now?" Calista asked.
Thompson and Oliver exchanged a look before Thompson said, "Yes!
"Among the National Guard members we brought back from the production line earlier, there's a technical sergeant named Allen Miller.
"I've talked with him. He used to be a technical officer in the National Guard, responsible for vehicle and light equipment maintenance.
"Miller is sharp, good with his hands, and very familiar with machinery. I think if we transfer him here and give him focused aircraft-related training, he'll pick it up quickly."
"Allen Miller…" Calista ran the name through her mind. It sounded somewhat familiar. He seemed to be the highest-ranking National Guard member they had brought back from Lorenzo.
He was listed in the base members' professional assessment reports. Solid technical skills, steady personality, decent adaptability.
"Approved. I'll notify Rickson and Leah to assign him to your flight team, with Oliver in charge of teaching him."
Relief immediately appeared on Oliver's face. Having one more technically skilled helper would ease his pressure considerably.
"But one Allen Miller still won't be enough," Calista continued. "Thompson, Oliver, you'll need to select a few more people from the ordinary members of the base.
"Basic mechanical knowledge would be best. If they don't have that, then they need to be quick with their hands, willing to learn, unafraid of dirt or hard work, and most importantly, reliable.
"Set up a formal ground crew. Oliver, you'll be the team leader, responsible for their training and daily management."
"Yes, Calista!" Oliver's voice instantly grew much louder, filled with energy.
With manpower, he could finally get real work done.
"As for fuel and parts," Calista said, turning her gaze to Thompson, "I've already reviewed the list. The aviation resources that can be safely obtained in downtown Knoxville and the surrounding areas are probably already exhausted.
"I'll have the teams going out expand their search range to farther areas, focusing on nearby small and medium-sized airports, National Guard training bases, and private aviation clubs. Fuel and key parts will also be given higher priority."
Thompson nodded firmly. "Understood! We'll put together a more precise search list with the highest priorities."
Calista walked forward a few steps and gently touched the cold landing gear of the Black Hawk helicopter. "Gentlemen, my requirement for you at this stage is not to fly these aircraft out to hunt walkers. That would be a waste, and an unnecessary risk."
She turned around, her gaze sweeping over every one of their faces. "Their primary purpose is deterrence!
"A show of force against other large human factions that may exist!
"Think about it. While other communities are still cheering over a single truck that can run, we have helicopters that can circle above their heads and fighter jets capable of firing lethal weapons.
"That alone is a form of strength, one that will give us an absolute psychological advantage and strategic initiative in future trade, or even future conflicts!"
Calista's expression was grave, and her tone grew heavier.
"If the moment ever comes when we have no choice but to act, I need you to seize air superiority quickly!
"Whether it's rapid troop deployment, aerial fire support, reconnaissance, or evacuation missions, air power will be the key to deciding victory or defeat!
"So our reserve resources must be sufficient, and your combat skills and operating proficiency must be maintained at all times.
"Even if we can't conduct frequent real flights for now, simulation training, theoretical study, and emergency scenario drills cannot be neglected!
"Do you understand?"
In Calista's long-standing strategic blueprint, air power in the apocalypse was not a tactical tool, but a strategic asset.
It was like the difference between having a nuclear bomb and not using it, and not having one at all.
"Understood!" Thompson led the response, and every member of the flight team straightened their backs and answered in unison.
"Good." Calista gave the aircraft one last look. "Form the ground crew as soon as possible and produce detailed training and maintenance plans. I need to see progress!"
With those instructions left behind, she turned and left the hangar.