mesbooks Chapter 657: Pilots Exchange Ice Cream
Chapter 657: Pilots Exchange Ice Cream
The sea surface was a deep dark blue, and the salty and humid sea breeze carried the smell of gunpowder that had not yet dissipated in the distance, blowing the military flag on the bow of the Nanyang Navy destroyer Polang.
The Breaking Waves, a warship named after the Daxia culture's concept of bravery, diligence, and fearlessness of hardship, is now sailing alone in the vast sea north of the Ryukyu Islands at a cruising speed of fourteen knots.
Its mission was to patrol this waterway that had just experienced the baptism of blood and fire, to be on guard against possible remaining Japanese ships or suicide attacks, and to be ready to provide support for Allied operations at any time.
On the bridge, Captain Major Lin Ze held up a telescope and scanned the distant horizon where the sea and sky met.
He was only thirty years old, but he was already one of the first batch of outstanding captains trained by Nanyang. His brows showed both the calmness of a scholar and the fortitude tempered by the flames of war.
"Report to the captain, the radar room reports that no suspicious targets have been found." The sonar operator's voice came from the megaphone.
"Stay alert." Lin Ze put down the binoculars and subconsciously touched the photo of his wife and young son in his breast pocket.
There is no telling when the war will end, and every voyage may be a farewell forever.
At this moment, the bridge communications officer suddenly reported loudly:
"Captain, we've received an emergency distress signal from the White Eagle Naval Aviation, heading northeast, approximately fifteen nautical miles away. The signal is intermittent, and the pilot may have ejected."
The atmosphere on the entire bridge instantly became tense.
"Confirm the source of the signal, all ships enter level one combat deployment, sail to the northeast, and advance at maximum combat speed." Lin Ze gave a series of clear orders without any hesitation.
The steel battleship let out a low roar, its bow split the waves, stirring up a huge white trail, and rushed towards the direction of the distress signal.
On the deck, the sailors quickly took their positions, the anti-aircraft gunners were in place, the depth charges were ready to fire, and the sailors on the watchtower widened their eyes, carefully searching every inch of the sea.
"I hope that guy is lucky." The first mate walked up to Lin Ze and whispered.
Lin Ze nodded, his eyes still fixed on the sea ahead:
"Carrier-based aircraft pilots are all precious treasures. Saving one will greatly improve our Nanyang Navy's impression of the White Eagles."
Upon hearing this, the first mate smiled slyly, "Hey, Captain, speaking of which, rescuing the White Eagle pilot does have its benefits."
"Oh? What benefits?" Lin Ze raised his eyebrows. He was focused on combat and didn't have a deep understanding of these "little traditions" among the navy.
"Ice cream." The first mate rubbed his hands, as if he could already feel the cool sweetness.
“The White Eagle’s big guys, especially the aircraft carriers, are large in tonnage, have plenty of space, and have enough power generation capacity, and they’re all equipped with ice cream machines.
According to their unwritten rules, any ship that rescues a pilot from its own carrier-based aircraft who has fallen into the water can exchange the 'receipt' (which is actually the pilot himself) for ice cream equal to his own weight on the aircraft carrier.
He swallowed and continued:
"Just think about it, out on this hot and humid sea, dealing with steel and artillery shells all day, being able to enjoy a bite of authentic, creamy White Eagle ice cream is a heavenly treat, more uplifting than any bonus."
Lin Ze was stunned for a moment, then he couldn't help laughing: "There is such a rule? It seems that for the sake of the brothers on the ship, we have to fish this brother out as well."
The distance of fifteen nautical miles was quickly shortened as the Breaking Wave sprinted at full speed.
"To the port side! Orange-red smoke spotted." The sailor on the watchtower shouted at the top of his lungs.
Lin Ze immediately raised the telescope, and sure enough, among the surging waves, a conspicuous orange-red smoke was stubbornly spreading on the sea.
Near the smoke, you can vaguely see an orange life raft and a figure waving a reflective film in his hand!
"Target found, slowing down and approaching, rescue team ready." Lin Ze's heart was relieved a little, but immediately lifted again.
The sea is very rough and the life raft is tossing violently between the waves and may capsize at any time.
The Breaking Wave approached cautiously, lowering soft ladders and rescue nets on both sides of the ship.
"Hey! Brothers! Hold on! We are coming!" Several sailors who were the best swimmers wore life jackets and tied ropes around their waists, and shouted loudly in Angsa language to the White Eagle pilots on the life raft.
The waves slammed against the hull relentlessly, trying to push the life raft away.
After several attempts, the rescue sailors were unable to get close steadily.
"Damn it." Lin Ze cursed inwardly and gave a decisive order, "Launch the boat. We must rescue the people."
A motor boat was lowered into the sea, and several capable sailors operated the boat, braving the wind and waves, and sailing towards the orange light with difficulty but determination.
Time passed minute by minute, and everyone on the bridge felt their hearts in their throats.
Finally, after several thrilling attempts, the boat successfully docked with the life raft, and the sailors hurriedly pulled the almost exhausted White Eagle pilot onto the boat, along with his life-saving equipment.
When the boat was successfully hoisted back to the deck of the Breaking Wave, and the young White Eagle pilot, wearing a flight suit, soaked all over, with a pale face but eyes full of gratitude, stepped onto the solid deck, the entire ship erupted in a small cheer.
The ship's medical officer immediately stepped forward to examine him.
Fortunately, the pilot was not seriously injured except for some exhaustion and minor scratches.
"Thank you... Thank you..." The pilot kept saying thank you in Angsa language with a strong Texas accent, and excitedly shook hands with every Nanyang sailor who approached him.
"You're welcome, brother." Lin Ze walked up, patted him on the shoulder, and said in fluent Ansa language, "Welcome to the Breaking Waves. How do you feel?"
"God... I'm still alive..." The pilot breathed a sigh of relief, a smile of relief on his face. "My plane's engine suddenly stopped, and I had no choice but to parachute out... Thank you so much."
"Can you tell us which aircraft carrier you are from?" the first mate asked with a smile, his eyes full of anticipation.
"USS Essex, CV-9," the pilot replied immediately.
The first mate's eyes lit up instantly, and he turned to Lin Ze and said excitedly, "Captain, it's 'Big E'. I heard their ice cream uses the most ingredients and tastes the best."
Lin Ze also smiled and said to the pilot, "It seems that all the officers and soldiers on the ship have to thank you for your 'weight'."
The pilot was stunned at first, then he suddenly realized and started laughing, and the tense atmosphere was swept away.
The Breaking Wave turned course and headed back to the main anchorage of the Ryukyu Islands, full of the joy of success and anticipation for cool desserts.