Stealth

They leave their base
as the sun dips below the earth
It’s dusk
as they take flight
squadron after squadron
stealth coating,scolluped wings and pointy noses.
Somewhere in the sky
the squadrons separate
and seperate again.
With radar like accuracy
each individual finds its target
each target a different one
they don’t hover above
they crash directly into them
without any impact damage.
They will spend the night there
quietly refuelling as their
journey consumed much energy.

As the sun
begins it ascent
the attackers leave their targets.
One by one they take flight
silently,swiftly, individually
heading back to base.
Not in formations this time.
High above as they leave their targets
any excess fuel is dropped silently to Earth.

Daylight will reveal their flight path.
There are no number counts
No regard for those lost in action.
They return to the hangers
to rest and prepare for tonight’s mission.

Upside down the fruit bats sleep.

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They depart the base
at last light.
Sun below horizon.
Operational window open.
Squadron after squadron deploys
stealth-coated,
scalloped wings,
pointed noses aligned.
At altitude
formations divide.
Then divide again.
Decentralised command.
Each unit acquires its target
with radar like accuracy.
No duplication.
No hesitation.
There is no hovering.
No warning pass.
Each craft commits fully,
direct insertion,
zero impact damage.
Sustained engagement continues
throughout the night.
Fuel reserves replenished on site.
Energy expenditure restored.
At first light
withdrawal commences.
Extraction is individual.
No regrouping.
No formation.
Return vectors vary.
During ascent
excess fuel is released
without ceremony
onto the terrain below.
By daylight
flight paths are evident.
No body count recorded.
Losses unmeasured.
All units return to hangars.
Inverted.
Stand down.
Re arm.
Await nightfall.

The fruit bats sleep.