Chapter 267: Aggression

April 10th, 2028

Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City

Headquarters of the Department of National Defense

Secretary of National Defense Ricardo Mendoza was in his office, reviewing reports, when his secure line rang. He picked up immediately, recognizing the urgency.

"Sir, this is Colonel Santos from the radar control room. We've detected an unidentified military aircraft entering our airspace. It's making aggressive maneuvers and has no transponder signal."

Ricardo Mendoza's face hardened. "How long ago did it enter our airspace?"

"Just a few minutes ago, sir. It's approaching sensitive areas."

Ricardo stood up, already moving towards the operations center. "Keep tracking it and prepare our air defense systems. I want all available information on that aircraft."

"Understood, sir," Colonel Santos replied.

In the operations center, large screens displayed real-time radar data. The unidentified aircraft was clearly visible, its path erratic and provocative. Ricardo entered the room, immediately taking charge.

"What's the status?" he asked.

Colonel Santos pointed to the screen. "The aircraft is here, sir, moving towards our missile defense installations. It's likely testing our response times."

Ricardo nodded. "I want visuals on that plane."

"Yes, sir," Colonel Santos responded, signaling to an operator. "Deploy the reconnaissance drone. Get eyes on that aircraft immediately."

Five minutes later, the drone was airborne, streaming live video footage to the screens in the operations center. The unidentified jet appeared on the feed and from the appearance alone, the Philippine defense staffers knew what they were dealing with.

"It's China's Chengdu J-20," Colonel Santos confirmed.

"What the heck is it doing in our airspace? And why the hell are they so near?" Ricardo said. "Where is it currently?"

"It's 80 kilometers west of Manila, altitude 12,000 feet," Colonel Santos reported.

"Target neutralized," the weapons officer reported.

***

Meanwhile, at the operation center. General Wei, slammed his fist onto the table.

"Fuck...their missile system is so advanced!"

General Wei's frustration was evident. He looked around the room, his anger barely contained. "We let them lock on, and we still couldn't break their hold. This Guardian Falcon missile system is a serious threat."

One of the engineers, trying to remain calm, approached the general. "Sir, their system's precision and tracking capabilities are beyond what we anticipated. They've clearly integrated some advanced technology, possibly even beyond what we thought was possible from Reyes Corporation."

"Yes... and the United States is an ally of the Philippines, and if the United States were to acquire that technology through Reyes Corporation, it could shift the balance of power in the region even further against us," General Wei continued, his voice tightening with frustration.

One of the senior strategists stepped forward. "General, we need to regroup and reassess our strategy. This incident has given us valuable information about the capabilities of the Guardian Falcon system. We should focus on developing countermeasures and enhancing our own missile defense systems."

General Wei nodded, still visibly agitated but recognizing the truth in the strategist's words. "You're right. We need to learn from this and strengthen our defenses. Initiate a full analysis of the data we gathered from the Chengdu J-20 before it was destroyed. I want a detailed report on my desk within 24 hours."

The team of engineers and analysts got to work immediately, diving into the data logs and telemetry to extract every possible insight.

Back at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Secretary Ricardo Mendoza was on a secure call with the President, briefing him on the successful neutralization of the Chengdu J-20.

"Mr. President, the intruding aircraft has been destroyed using the Guardian Falcon missile. There was no response to our multiple attempts at radio contact. Given its aggressive maneuvers and proximity to our defense installations, we had no choice but to engage," Ricardo explained.

"I see, that's good to hear. I will reach out to China's Minister of Foreign Affairs. The issue is still hot and we have the right to demand an explanation," the President replied.

"Yes, Mr. President. I will prepare a detailed report for your meeting," Ricardo assured him.

As the call ended, Ricardo turned to his team. "We need to document everything thoroughly. This incident is going to have significant diplomatic repercussions. Ensure all radar data, communication attempts, and the engagement sequence are recorded so if they were to twist the story, we have proof."

Colonel Santos nodded. "Understood, sir. We'll have the report ready within the hour."

The President sighed. It's almost the end of his term and yet issues such as this continue to arise.

"Looks like I'll have to inform Mr. Reyes about this," the President muttered.