* * *

As the plane continued its approach towards the drop zone, an unnatural calm enveloped the cabin as the commandos braced themselves for the imminent action ahead. 

Suddenly, the airplane's senior pilot, Jean-Luc Dubois, called out to Adélard on the intercom. "Adélard, come to the flight deck." He said, his voice tense with urgency. 

Adélard's heart sank hearing Jean-Luc's words. “We have a serious problem.” "What?" Adélard asked, his voice tight. 

 Jean-Luc sighed heavily, his face etched with worry. "There is a low storm front moving in, Adélard." He explained slowly. "I need to take the plane to FL20 to get into clear air. It's going to get very rough down below, and I'm not sure if it's safe to proceed with your HALO assault."

 Adélard's mind raced as he considered their options. The safety of his men was paramount, but he also knew that time was of the essence in rescuing the cargo ship.

 “Understood captain. You do what you need to do but give me a minute before you turn back. I want to talk to the men before I consider aborting the mission.”

* * *

As Adélard returned to the cabin, the aircraft's movements grew increasingly erratic, causing him to grab onto nearby cabinets for support. The nose of the plane turned skyward, struggling against the force of the turbulence that buffeted it from all sides. Adélard's heart pounded in his chest as he braced himself against the sudden lurches and dips, his senses heightened by the urgency of the situation.

 Amidst the chaos, Adélard's thoughts raced as he held onto a section of cargo netting along the way. His mind was filled with concern for the safety of his men, balanced against the lives of the sailors being held as hostages on the cargo ship below.