Star Point (Part I)

It has been months since Shadow Squadron had their confrontation near Minmei’s Beach house. They have fought numerous battles at Shadow Desert and have become skilled pilots. Also, their numbers have increased dramatically with new members and even new ranks and a new name….Shadow Force. Nautica has since announced that the reason the Z.E.D. have been attacking their base specifically for the top-secret contents for which they harbor deep in their base. This is known as Proto X, a new type of energy fuel that is very powerful. Nautica also explained that this Proto X has been incorporated into the mecha which the Shadows use and why their Veritechs are so powerful. The Aliens have somehow figured out which Robotech Squadron bases have the Proto X and will continue to make assaults on these bases. This brings an analogy that there might just be an inside leak or traitor in the Robotech Defense ranks… On Shadow Base, a vast majority of the pilots are in the lounging area talking over the usual day-to-day gossip or activities. Bob-So guys, what do you think of all the assaults lately? Firegirl-Well, I heard that some of the Robotech Squadrons are even going into deep space in search of the Z.E.D. homeland on a massive attack. Serpentor-Yeah, that is the latest buzz. I even heard that one of those squads might even be us. Wave chokes and gags on his soda. Wave-What? Tell me you are only joking? Gpilot-Well, with all that we have gone through lately and our new space cruisers…it is really obvious. Caro-Hey, where is Specialist? Rabid-He went to visit his girlfriend in New Cross. Smoke-That is odd, his Fighter was still in the hangar. C.Hunter-That is because he took his Cyclone, he prefers his Cyclone over his Fighter. Meanwhile in Nautica’s office, Fastrax, Skyle, and L.A. stand at attention awaiting Nautica’s report. Nautica-Have a seat gentlemen. All of them take a seat. Nautica-So far no news on our departure from Shadow Base but I think we will be one of the squadrons to leave Earth. Fastrax-We have had a lot of success in our confrontations thus far, sir. Though I still think we are not fully ready for space exploration. Skyle-I agree, sir. It is not like we have doubt in our capabilities…it is just that a lot of our members if any have had any experience outside of planetary atmosphere. Nautica-I understand this and I have made this aware to High Command. *looks at L.A.* What do you think, L.A.? L.A.-Sir, I think our pilots can handle anything that is thrown at them though I do understand the concerns of no space experience. Nautica-Yes, but they all have had their simulator training and I hope that will do…because we have been assigned to Proto X assignment on Star Point. Fastrax-Ermm, Star Point? Isn’t that a factory on Mars? Nautica-Yes it is. High Command has given us orders to depart from Shadow Base on the Lori and arrive on Star Point to collect the Proto X. We are to bring it to New Cross and deliver to Maroon Base. Skyle-No disrespect sir, but aren’t we a Fighter squadron and not Fed Ex delivery boys? L.A.-I agree sir, we don’t look too good in those brown UPS outfits at all. Nautica-We have our orders nonetheless gentlemen. We will depart in about 6 hours from now. Make ready all preparation for our departure please and thank you. You all are dismissed. They leave the office and walk down the long corridor to the lounge area. L.A.-This sucks royally man. I never signed up for being a damn delivery boy for Proto X. I signed up for the uniform, the helmet, the Veritech and the ladies damn it. Fastrax-Forgive me but…I agree with some of your accusations L.A. This sounds like a dummy mission to me. Skyle-Yeah, and guess which poopies are the dummies? All Together- We are! L.A. opens a channel through his watch to Specialist. L.A.-Yo Spec, you there playa? Spec-Hey buddy, was sup? L.A.-Are you on your way back here? Spec-I sure am. Be there in the next hour or so. Depending on how much I keep revving the Cyclone. Heh heh hhehe! L.A.-Coolies, got a surprise for you when you get here. L.A. out… They enter the lounge area and all the pilots stand in salute. Skyle-At ease everyone. Wave-Wow, you guys look like you were facing the firing squad. L.A. mumbles and has a seat at the bar. Fastrax-Listen up, we have orders to depart from Shadow Base to Star Point for a pick up of Proto X. We leave in about 6 hours. Everyone make preparations to depart and make sure everything is in top-notch condition. Pilots-Yes sir! L.A. opens a bottle of blue gin and takes a huge shot. Hikari-Um sir, shouldn’t you take it easy on that stuff before a mission? Gpilot-Better leave him alone, he considers that to be his loosen up charm before a mission. Hikari-Oh, okay. L.A.-This is not a mission, it is a damn pizza delivery. Fastrax-L.A., I don’t like this more then you do, but let’s try not to bring that type of morale to the pilots, okay? L.A. flops out of the chair and walks out of the lounge throwing his hands up in the air. Bob-Wow, isn’t he in a piss poor mood. Wave-I think I am going to have to agree with him though, sounds like a job for a bunch of rookies. Skyle-We are rookies, somewhat speaking. Though this is not my cup of tea either. Rabid-Skyle, you don’t even drink tea, sir. Skyle-True, but I thought it was cool to say. The pilots begin going to their destination and making preparations to leave for Star Point. Meanwhile back on the far side of Neptune, Saber enters the bridge where Merix is watching a monitor. Saber-Lord Merix, we info from our insider that the Shadow Force will be making an advance to Star Point to the Proto X factory. Merix-Excellent, we will attack the Proto X factory before they even reach it. Saber-But sir, the base will most likely be on guard with a force shield until the arrival of Shadow Force. Shouldn’t we wait until they arrive? Merix-Of course you idiot. That is what I meant! Now, prepare for our departure to Star Point and ready the troops. Saber-*mumbles* Yes, your lordship. Saber stomps off the bridge and enters the elevator. As the door opens, Mavaria stands there grinning at Saber. The doors close and he programs the elevator’s destination panel. Mavaria begins looking at Saber and smiling even more. Mavaria-You know Saber, I always admired you more then Merix. Saber-Mind your tongue, woman. You left me for Merix when he was given a higher rank from the Supreme One himself. Mavaria-Awww, is that jealousy I hear, Saber? Saber-Know this, I will not hesitate if Merix is at the end of my cannon…understand? The door opens and Saber storms off. Mavaria-*sighs* He still loves me… Back on Shadow Base, Specialist arrives in the hangar to see that the “Dark Fire” is in departure mode. He walks around to only to find Skyle, Fastrax, and Gpilot. Spec-Umm, what’s up? Skyle-We are now pizza boys, do you prefer meat lovers, or supreme? Spec-Say what? Fastrax-We have orders to pick up a supply of Proto X at Star Point on Mars. Spec-Really? Wow…this is a switch. Gpilot-Yeah, you should have seen L.A., boy was he pissed. Specialist giggles. Spec-I bet he was… The Shadow Pilots begin running diagnostics on their VF-4 Fighters making sure that nothing is on error. Serpentor-This is going to be boring. Smoke-Yeah, maybe I should bring some Cds just for amusement. Hikari-I am excited about going into actual space. Caro-Just about everybody is, their first time. Wave-Bah, it wont be bad at all. Plus, all the Fighters are equipped with barf bags. Bob-Charming Wave, very charming. Wave-Well, it is true. New Hope-Maybe there will be some light at the end of this tunnel, now where is my flashlight? L.A. sits in the cockpit and runs a complete diagnostic on the Fighter. He tokes back on a bottle of blue gin and then wipes off his mustache. Spec-How are you feeling? L.A.-After this bottle, I probably won’t feel much at all. Spec-Come on man, slow down on that stuff okay? We need you with a straight and clear mind. L.A.-Don’t need to be clear when playing Fed Ex driver. Spec-Look man, we have our duties…it comes with the job. You know, it was right there in little red words when we joined the military. L.A. laughs. L.A.-Yeah, but I don’t remember seeing that. Spec-Maybe because I made it up. L.A. puts down the bottle and hops out of the Fighter. L.A.-You asshole, all right, all right. I will have a clear mind and be sober…on this one mission. Spec-Thanks man, I appreciate that. L.A.-Hey, how can I say no to such a handsome accent? Specialist laughs and smacks L.A. on the back. Suddenly, the computerized announcer comes on. Computer Announcer-Attention all Shadow pilots, Denieru, Bulletproof, C_Hunter, Hawkeye, Roy, Fireman, Silver Hawk, FireGirl, Skyle, Nei Circuit, WinDsoR, Veritech VF-1J, VeritechfokkerHunter, MaceWindu, Wing Zero, Big Cheese, Veritech Pilot 54, Jace Weeler, Protimus Prime, and Tekdrum please report to the Dark Fire. All of you will be in service of the Dark Fire and will not participate in the escort to Star Point. That is all. Kilroy-Great, my name did not get called. FireGirl-Blast it! Gpilot-Hey don’t worry, we can go joyriding once we get to the base. L.A.-Heh heh, we get to escort the Dark Fire out of the atmosphere. This is getting a little bit better. Nautica comes onto the announcing speaker. All the pilots whose name was called, please load your Veritech onto the Dark Fire and report to the bridge. Skyle-You heard the man, everybody mount up and onto the Dark Fire. The erupting sounds of the VF-4 igniting and switching to Guardian mode is heard throughout the hangar as they begin making their way to the Dark Fire’s bay hangar. Fastrax-Well Kilroy, what do you think of all of this? Kilroy-Heh, a job is job. I just bite my tongue and do my job. Wave-Biting your tongue hurts doesn’t? Kilroy laughs. Fastrax-Well we have another hours or so, everyone should recheck their Veritech’s and be ready in their space suit gear. All-Yes sir! On the bridge of the Dark Fire, Specialist and Nautica stand before the shadow pilots. Nautica-I have full confidence that this will be a smooth and discrete mission. You will all do very well and I have faith in you. Spec-With that said from Admiral Nautica, everyone man your stations. The members salute and go to their stations on the bridge. Nautica gets on the P.A. and makes another announcement. Nautica-All escort pilots, we are now in final stages for departure. Fastrax-You heard the man, mount up Shadows! The pilots put on their helmets and close the canopy lid to their Fighters. The Dark Fire begins moves onto position of the launching pad. The Fighters move in slowly behind it as the countdown sequence begins. Computer: Departure in 5.…4.…3.…2...1... Nautica-Blast off! The Dark Fire ruptures in an explosion and begins quickly hovering to the underground bay doors of Shadow Base. The doors slide open and the Dark Fire levitates even faster upward. Wave-Yeah! Our turn! The escort squadron switches to Fighter mode and begins making an ascent and surrounding the Dark Fire. Spec-All systems are reporting normal, sir. Nautica-Very well. Proceed with atmospheric accent. Skyle-Programming navigational systems for Star Point. Course laid in and set. We are ready to go sir. Nautica-Make it so. FireGirl-Attention all escort squadron, we just laid in the course of Star Point, prepare for atmospheric accent. Kilroy-That is affirmative, Dark Fire. The Dark Fire’s accent begins mounting great speed as it reaches a higher altitude with the escort squadron still surrounding it. The jet to the skies leaving a wake of Proto X reflex exhaust in the mist. Caro-Well, never really get the chance to look at the sky, so beautiful. Kilroy-Yeah, just this time no damn Z.E.D. in the air trying to shove missiles up your ass. Caro-Hehehee! Sputnik-Kilroy, the great philosopher. Kilroy laughs as they break out of the Earth’s atmosphere. The quiet vacuum of space grasps the breath of all the pilots as they observing their new environment. Nei-Wow, this is great. It is just like simulation, but better. Nautica-Are we directly on course, Specialist. Spec-Yes, as we increase speed we should be at Star Point in roughly 1 hour and 25 minutes. Skyle-Cant wait until we have a deep space mission. I want to see what this baby can really do! Spec-In due time… Meanwhile close by, Merix’s ship picks up the Dark Fire’s energy signature. Z.E.D. Officer-We have detected the squadron’s space carrier, your Lordship. Merix-Good, prepare all Z.E.D. mecha for attack. Mavaria-Aren’t you going on this assault yourself, love? Merix-Yes, I must face these insignificant ants myself. Mavaria-Mind if I tag along? Merix-Sure, they wont know what hit them. Meanwhile, the escort squadron relaxes as their automated pilot system takes them to their destination. Fastrax-Wow, we can even go to sleep on the way there. But who wants to miss all of this? *sips coffee* Gpilot-Rock on, Fastrax. This is way better then any simulation. L.A.-I guess it isn’t so…what the hell? L.A. opens a channel to the Dark Fire. L.A.-Yo Spec, I just saw a strange reading on my monitor. It was like a faint spike and then it was gone. Spec-Hmm, I will check all of our readings again just in case. L.A.-Thanks playa. Kilroy-What is wrong, L.A.? L.A.-Something just doesn’t feel right and I know a saw something on my monitor. Fastrax-Hmm, we better stay awake then. Spec-Hmm, I am not reading anything. Nautica-We still should remain cautious. How much longer until Star Point? Skyle-Almost 20 minutes, sir. Wait a sec, I think I just saw an energy spike? Almost like it was….cloaked? Spec-Lock in on that spike and monitor it! L.A., we just saw that spike! L.A.-Gotcha! Fastrax-All pilots, power up weapons and be ready for anything. FireGirl-Nautica sir, Star Point has lowered its shields for docking! Nautica-Send them orders to bring their shields back up now! Nei-Damn it, no good sir. Our comm link seems to be jammed! Nautica-Aim for that spike and fire! Skyle-You got it sir! Skyle sets the turrets for the spikes and fires at will. The bursts launch into the space and land on what seems to be nothing until the enemy ship is seen. Merix-We have been uncloaked! All Z.E.D. to your battle stations and all mecha aim for Star Point! The ship begins going for Star Point as the Dark Fire hurries to intercept. Nautica-They are going for Star Point! Spec, move our position to Star Point and we will act as its shield. Ready our shields and remember…nothing must happen to Star Point! Protect Star Point al all costs! Fastrax-Yes sir! All Fighters, evasive maneuvers! All available Fighters on the Dark Fire get your tails out here! L.A.-Oh yeah, looks like our timetable just went straight to hell…just how I like it. TO BE CONTINUED