fanfic_name = Asian's Contributions

chapter = Chapter 3

author = Shark 1

Type = Adventure

fanfic = It was 0600hrs already. Pilots assembled on the deck preparing themselves for their finest hour. “Well ombres’, this is what we’re trained for. Make it happen, make it real good. Is that understood?” Asked the young Lieutenant. They all answered yes simultaneously. After the usual pre flight checks they boarded their planes. Up on the bridge, the Captain sat on his chair commanding the girls to do the clearance. “Flight decks are clear for take off Captain.” On that very moment, a number of pods came up on Sheila’s radar monitor. “Captain, we have bogeys 80 miles bearing 090.” The Captain got out of his chair and ordered June to launch the fighters immediately. “Shark squadron, you have a go. I repeat, you have a go.” “Roger bridge. Shark Squadron, moving out.” Once all the fighters are airborne, June informed them of the incoming bogey. “Shark leader, I think it’s just their scout pods. They don’t seem to be closing but be advised that they will be in contact with you in t minus 10 minutes.” Azzedy checked his radar for confirmation. “Roger that SJS, we have an incoming bogey at 270, 900 knots closer.” The pods however turned away and making it’s way to the outpost. Jennifer suspected something. “Do you think they’ve spotted us?” Azzedy didn’t reply that but ordered the fighters to increase their speed a bit.

The carrier is moving towards the enemy’s location at full speed. “Captain, we’re in full thrust and our ETA is 20 minutes tops.” Then June received a call from the Shark Squadron. “SJS, enemy sighted. Permission to engage.” The captain nodded an affirmative to June and she opened the channel to all the fighters. “Shark squadron, you are clear to engage. I repeat, you are clear to engage.” The fighters turned in and lined up to fire the Rockeye bombs on the outpost. They were just seconds away when the fighters engaged. Azzedy ordered Azrul and the squadron to cover them. “I’ve got a good tone.” Jennifer got a lock on and fired her bombs and it was a clean shot but it still needs another direct hit. Jennifer joined Azrul and Alphonsus to do cover for Azzedy. “Shark 1, fox away.” He locked on and fired away the bombs. It was a successful shot but unfortunately most of the pods took off just before it hits. Now they have to fight off 30 battle pods. As 30 minutes gone by, the good news for the Shark Squadron, the number of pods have decreased to 6. But the bad news is, the last 6 are the officer pods and if things couldn’t get any worse, they’ve lost 10 of their Hornets. Alphonsus is now getting worried because they’re out of ammo. “Hei Eddy, with all due respect sir, I think we need to call for back up sir.”

“We’ll be okay. Stay calm and we’ll make it back in one piece.” As soon as he finished his words, another one of his hornets was blown to bits. Jennifer then interrupted their conversation harshly. “If you don’t call for back up there’ll be no one left to go back!” Azzedy had no other choice but to call for reinforcements. “SJS, this is Shark leader, we need air support. I repeat we need air support. We’re in deep shape.” “This is SJS, we have you on our sight. We’ll be there in 3 minutes.” “5 minutes? We’ll be dead in 2 minutes.”

Azrul has got a fighter pod on his tail. Azzedy was concerned but he had to assist Jennifer. “Eddy, he’s got a lock on me!” “Get out of there Azrul! Get out of there damn it!”

As soon as Azzedy finished his words, Azrul just lost his left wing. “MAYDAY, MAYDAY! I’M HIT, I’M HIT! I’M COMIN’ APART. I’M PUNCHING OUT!” Azrul ejected from his fighter and chute down in the sea below. “SJS, we’ve lost Azrul, I repeat, we’ve lost Azrul!” The message was relayed to the Sterlings. As soon as the veritechs were loaded up the flight deck, Max smiled to Miriya and she returned it. “Bridge, this is Vermilion 2 and 4 ready for take off.” “Affirmative Vermilion 2 and 4. You are clear for take off. The two veritechs took off one at the time and head out towards the dogfight scene. Azzedy was still evading enemy fire from almost every direction. A warning alarm on his control panel was screaming to warn him of incoming missiles. Alphonsus saw his leader is in trouble.

“Does anyone have anymore missiles?!” He asked everyone in the open channel. “Somebody’s got to shoot something around here!” he added. Jennifer came in the intercom sound annoyed. “What does it look like we’re doing?!” “Missing!” Azzedy thought he was a goner when the alarm went silent. He looked behind and saw the pod behind him exploded and saw the blue veritech coming through the dark smoke of the explosion. “Sorry I’m late Lieutenant.” Azzedy sighed in relief and so were the rest. The two veritechs transformed into Battloid mode and finished the rest of the pods with ease. Azzedy and the rest of the Shark Squadron were amazed when they saw how much the Sterlings fought the battle with passion as if they were having fun.

Once the area is cleared, Max transformed into Guardian configuration and rescued Azrul. Minutes later, the carrier arrived to its destination. “SJS, this is Shark Squadron the enemies are gone and we’re requesting a clearance for landing.” Everyone on the carrier cheered upon hearing the news. “Shark squadron, you are clear for landing. On board, you will be re armed and refueled for your next assignment.” “Copy that.” The squadron landed their planes and was followed by Miriya’s fighter. She transformed just before she landed. Max had to land his in guardian mode because he has Azrul in his hand. As soon as they got out of their fighters, the captain greeted the pilots on the flight deck. Azzedy ordered an attention until the captain ordered an ‘as you were’. “Congratulations boys and girls. You’ve succeeded your first assault against the alien forces.” Azrul who just changed into his spare flight suit joined them on the flight deck while waiting for their planes to be ready.

Azrul stood up and voiced out his opinion. “Sir, don’t you think it’s kinda’ early to celebrate. I mean we haven’t secured the area yet.” The captain smiled and patted Azrul on the shoulder. “I noticed that. And I must say that it’s good to have you with us again” They all laughed along with captain. “But if it weren’t for the Sterlings’, I think we could’ve lost it. Right Eddy?” Alphonsus was looking at Azzedy while saying it but he just nodded a yes. “I think from now on the Sterlings should join us.” Continued Alphonsus. “I don’t think that’s possible. The SDF-1 is now descending towards our location as we speak. They should be in visual contact in the next 1 hour.” Upon hearing the wonderful news, the Sterlings gave each other a hug. “Isn’t that wonderful guys? We’ll have more of those guys to assist us.” Said Jennifer while holding Azzedy’s arm. “If you don’t mind, we have another assignment to clear.” Rizal told them.

“Sergeant Kibawen will lead the infantry groups to secure and arm the area. Your job will be keeping them safe from above. The Sterlings will have to guard the area on land in their battloid mode. Am I saying this correctly Lieutenant?” Max smiled and nodded a yes to the young Captain. “That will be all. Man your planes and make it home.” After the usual attention and as you were orders, the pilots boarded their fighters. Before Azzedy climbed into his, Jennifer stopped him. “What’s this? I thought we’ve talked this over before? He saved your life and not even a thank you or a hand shake?” Jennifer now clearly sounds angry. Even angrier than she was before when they were talking about the same thing yesterday. “It’s not what you think. I’ll tell you tonight.” He boarded his fighter then Jennifer climbed onto hers. “Tower this is Shark squadron requesting clearance for take off.” Sheila checked her radar monitors and gave the clear signal to June. “Shark squadron, you are clear for take off.” As soon as the shark squadron have cleared off the runaway, Max parks his fighter in place and wait for the crew to reset the concussion barrier. “Tower Vermilion 2 is ready for take off” Then Miriya placed her fighter next to her mate. “Tower, Vermilion 4 is ready for take off.” Sheila was amazed and jealous of the Sterlings. After everything is cleared, June cleared their request. “Vermilion 2 and 4 you are clear for take off.” The two veritechs took off and headed for the outpost that they’ve secured.

“Why can’t I have a guy like that huh? At least he’d pay attention to his girl when she wants to say something.” Complained Sheila. “That’s because they’re married and you’re not.” Answered June sarcastically. “I think it’s because Sheila likes to talk about her job all the time that’s why.” Yong added while laughing it along with June. Sheila blushed and turned serious when she saw a number of unidentified objects on her monitors. “Captain, we have unidentified bogeys on our screen. Should I acknowledge the fighters to intercept?” Rizal nodded a yes and ordered June to contact the Shark squadron.

Once they’ve reached the outpost, they transformed into battloid configuration. They were standing near the main building like royal guards. They just stood there towering above the infantry camp. “Do you think they can see where they’re going? They might step on us if we’re not careful.” Said Kibawen to his men while arming the perimeters with flak cannons and 50 calibers. “Kibawen, come in, this is Shark leader. There’s a U.F.O comin’ your way. Do you read me?” Kibawen was about to reply when a re entry pod landed a few miles away from their position. “WE HAVE INCOMING! MAN THE GUNS!” Ordered Kibawen. The fighters engaged the pods while the Veritechs engaged the officer pods.

An officer pod has its sight on Azzedy’s fighter. “Eddy, you got a bug on your tail!” “Tell me something I don’t know.” Max was about to engage when Azzedy braked and pulled up. When the officer pod passed right underneath him, he fired 2 missiles towards it. Nothing could avoid that and Max was impressed. They thought they were winning but they saw another 3 re entry pods landed nearby. “Look out! There’s more of em’!” Azzedy was shocked to see the number of pods were increasing. It was like the ones in his nightmare. “Somebody please get this bug off me.” Alphonsus has a bogey locked on to him. “Hang on Alph, I’ve a good lock on it.” Jennifer lined up behind them and blew the pod into pieces. At the same time, an officer pod clipped her wing sending her to the ocean. Azzedy was stunned when he saw Jennifer’s fighter plunged into the ocean. “I’m hit! I’m goin’ down!” She couldn’t eject because she was too close with the ocean. Azzedy was about to react but a missile warning was flashing on his control panel made him eject from his fighter. He then directed his chute to where Jennifer had crashed. He released the chute and dived under to get Jenny. He was lucky that they were in the shallow part of the ocean but her cockpit was submerged. He switched the canopy to manual which allows rescue personnel to extract injured pilots or whatsoever. That’s what Azzedy is doing.

Once the canopy is opened, he pulled out the unconscious Jennifer out of the wreckage and engaged their flotation device. “Don’t you dare thinking of dying now. We’re not done quarrelling yet.” While they wait for rescue, he looked up to the sky and saw the dogfight scene and they looked like fire flies. He saw Azrul, Alphonsus and the remaining fighters were still trying to fend off the enemy and so were the Sterlings. Back in the sky, Azrul contacted the SJS. “SJS this is Azrul, we’ve lost Azzedy and Jennifer, I repeat, we’ve lost Azzedy and Jennifer. Send a rescue chopper immediately.” “Where are the back up you promised Max?!” Added Azrul. “I don’t know. They should’ve been here by now.” Replied Max.

An officer pod has its sight on Miriya’s fighter and was about to fire when the officer pod exploded into thin air. Suddenly, a very familiar face that the sterlings were very glad to see showed up on their tech channel. “Hi guys, we can’t let you have all the fun.” “Ben! It’s great to see you buddy.” Replied max happily. “Actually we were saving some for you.” He added. Then, another two officer pods were hunting down Azrul and Alphonsus. Max was about to intercept but two waves of missiles blow them both out of the sky. “How’s it hanging Max?” Came Rick and Roy’s face on the tech channel. It was the faces that he was very glad to see. “Now if you don’t mind, let’s clear up the place. Vermilion squadron, clear up alpha 448. I’ll take the Skull squadron around alpha 128.” They followed the order and the Sterlings joined the Vermilion group’s formation. “It’s good to have the two of you with us again.” “Thanks Rick. We’re sure glad that you’ve finally showed up.” Max replied with a smirk. “What took you guys so long?” Miriya asked with her sarcastic looks.

The veritechs were dominating the dogfight. Once the skies are clear, the veritechs switched to battloid mode to clear the ground threats. “Rick, I’m going down by the ocean to pickup some friends of mine. They were shot down and one of them might be injured.” “Copy that Max.” Max transformed into guardian and picked up Azzedy and Jennifer. Once they’re in his hand, he straight away flew them towards the SJS carrier so that they could get immediate medical attention. Moments later, Lisa came into the tech channel. “Skull leader, you’ve got the enemy on the run. Return to the Prometheus.” Upon hearing the good news, everyone on the SJS and the SDF-1 cheered. Roy circled the area one more time just to make sure before he ordered the fighters to head back.” This is Skull leader, all fighters return to base. Miriya, you and Max can pack up your stuff and come back home. Dana’s waiting for you.”

The tears of joy appeared on Miriya’s face couldn’t deceive anyone on how happy she was that they finally get to see their little girl. “Roger that Skull leader.” Miriya headed back towards the SJS along with the remaining fighters from the Shark squadron. “Bridge, this is Vermilion 4, requesting permission to land.” Vermilion 4, you are clear for landing.” As soon as the veritech is clear from the landing zone, Azrul and Alphonsus requests for their clearance. “Tower this is Shark squadron requesting permission to land.” “Affirmative Shark squadron, you are clear for landing.” Once the fighters have landed, the crew of the carrier put up one heck of a reception for the fighters. Jennifer gained her conscious while they were up in the air in the guardian’s hand. Both of them were alright and they were greeting Azrul and Alphonsus as well. The Sterlings headed for their lockers and quarters to pack up their things. After 30 minutes, they’ve loaded their things in their veritechs. They had to wait another 15 minutes to get it refueled and the arrival of the Captain, Roy and the rest of the Vermilion group.

As expected, a chopper and the rest of the veritechs were approaching the carrier. “SJS, this is sea sergeant with the crew of the SDF-1, we are requesting permission to land.” “Permission granted.” The chopper landed on the heliport while the rest of the veritechs landed on the runaway in their guardian mode. Once they got off, they were greeted by Colonel Richard and Captain Rizal. “Welcome aboard Captain Gloval. It is a great honor that we’ve finally met. This is Captain Rizal.” Rizal saluted the Captain in his attention pose. “Allow me to introduce you, this is Lieutenant Commander Lisa Hayes.” Lisa saluted the Colonel in her attention pose. “It nice to have a lovely officer such as yourself on board. Wouldn’t you agree Captain?” Rizal was still standing at attention while admiring Lisa’s lovely figure. His vision was interrupted by the sound of Rick clearing his throat. Lisa was holding her laugh and added.

“Forgive me Colonel, these are our senior pilots. Lieutenant commander Roy Fokker, leader of the Skull squadron, 1st Lt. Rick Hunter, leader of the Vermilion group, and 3rd Lt. Ben Dixon, a member of the Vermilion Group.” Watching from the upper deck, the Shark squadron was talking with Max and Miriya before they leave. “You didn’t tell me you’ve flown with The Roy Fokker and The Rick Hunter.” Said Rizal while folding his arms in front of his chest. “You knew them?” Asked Max while raising an eyebrow. “Are you kidding? They were the best stunt pilots in the world. They were undefeatable.” They continued talking and joking until the P.A announced that the guests are ready to leave. “Well, it’s time to go.” As soon as Max finished his last words, Captain Rizal came up and asked the Sterlings to follow him to the bridge.

They went to see the Colonel on the bridge along with Rizal. “I wish you could stay with us longer.” Said the Colonel. “It was an honor to serve your forces and you too Captain.” Max replied with his sincere smile. “We won’t be far if you need us sir.” He added. They saluted the Colonel and shook hands with the Captain. Miriya gave the stooges some hugs and kisses. After they’ve done they’re farewells, they headed down towards the flight deck. On the flight deck, the Shark squadron was waiting for them near their veritechs. Azrul was the first one to give Max a hug. “Thanks for everything amigo.” It was followed by Alphonsus. “Take care amigo. If you don’t have anyone to play fusball with, you can look for me.” They all laughed. Jennifer shook his hand and gave him a small kiss on the cheek. She then gave Miriya a big hug. Azzedy hugged Max and said thank you while fighting to hold his tears. “No worries. I’ll see you guys again.”

They boarded their planes and put on their helmets. Before they rolled out towards the runaway to join the SDF-1 crew, they gave their friends a salute. They all returned it with smiles on their faces. “I’m beginning to miss them already.” Miriya just smiled to her husband’s gesture. “Tower, this is Sea sergeant chopper, we’re taking off.” “Roger Sea Sergeant, Have a safe trip.” The veritechs in guardian mode took off horizontally before switching to their fighter mode. “Tower, this is Vermilion 3 and 4 requesting the permission to take off.” “Roger Vermilion 3 and 4. You’re clear for take off. Don’t forget us alright?” Max replied with a smile. “No worries. We won’t.” The Veritechs took off and headed back towards the SDF-1. Sterlings now only have one thing on their minds. To see their baby girl.

Once they’ve reached their destination, it was a pretty sight of the SDF-1 standing in the middle of the ocean. They were approaching the fortress when Sammy’s face came in the tech channel. “Convoy, you are clear for landing in bay 12.” All of them landed safely and once they’re on board, the Sterlings were greeted like heroes. They unloaded their things before changing into their uniforms. First, they need to report to the Captain’s office to give him a full report from their assault. “I’m quite impressed with your performance. Even though you were on stand by most of the time, but you’ve saved most of them from a certain death. I’m very proud of you two. However, we still need to assist the carrier until we are very certain that the Zentreadi forces are totally disarmed. Now if there’s nothing else you may be dismissed because you’ve earned some time off.” The Sterlings saluted the Captain before leaving his office. As soon as they were out of the office, they ran into the trio who were on their way to have some coffee break. They jumped and hugged Miriya simultaneously. “How come I don’t get that kind of welcome?” He joked. As if on cue, then Roy, Rick with Dana in his arms and Ben came from behind without them noticing it. “Mommy! Daddy!” Yelled the girl gladly. Miriya took her from Rick and gave her a big hug and kiss. Max joined in the hug as well.

“Where are you going little missy?” She asked her daughter. “We were going to get something to eat before sending her back to you.” Rick explained. “Thank you all for taking care of her.” “No problem Max. She’s a wonderful kid.” He added. Max then decided to invite their friends to join them for dinner. “That’s great Max. We’ll be there.” Ben replied while putting his arm around him. “Rick, aren’t you gonna tell Lisa?” Roy asked him with a smirk on his face. “Don’t worry Lieutenant Hunter, we’ll be glad to tell commander Hayes about it.” They said with their sarcastic voice. They all laughed together.

Meanwhile, the SJS was preparing to move towards the SDF-1’s current position. “SDF-1 location is about E.T.A t minus 2 hours. We’ll depart as soon as dawn breaks.” Sheila reported to the captain. The crew were pretty much enjoying themselves celebrating after they’ve successfully captured the enemy’s outpost. While everyone’s having a good time in the recreation hall, Azzedy and Jennifer were on the upper deck spending their lovely evening together. “You know, there’s a reason why I’ve dragged you out here.” She said while pulling his left arm into hers and resting her head on his shoulder. “May I know why?” He asked sarcastically. “You still owe me an explanation before the assault.” She answered him with a small smile. “It’s just that before the assault, I had a nightmare that we were slaughtered by the aliens because the SDF-1 didn’t make it to earth. And I was afraid because I don’t wanna lose you.” She freed his arm put her arms around his neck so that she could his face clearly. “How sweet.” He then put his arms around her waist and gave her a hug and whispered. “It’s something you’ll never understand.”

Azzedy was about to tell her but she interrupted him. “Have you heard that the Blackbird will be allowed to fly as off tomorrow?” He sighed and pretended to look interested. “Really? Who are the lucky ones to fly it?” She smirked before answering him. “You’re looking at the pilot and the co would be Alphonsus.” Azzedy was surprised that he didn’t get the chance to fly that magnificent plane. He’s happy though because there’s no one he’d rather see flying that plane than his friends especially Jennifer. He then asked her. “Why tomorrow? What’s the occasion?” She pulled him closer before answering. “Nothing. The captain just ordered me to take it for a shake out spin. Pity that plane can’t carry any weapons” She rested her head on his chest. “You were gonna ask me something. What is it?” He lifted her face by the chin so that he could see her face. Before he kissed her, asked her a quick question. “Have I told you lately that I love you?” She nodded a yes and kissed him passionately.

At the same time, the captain was discussing with the colonel in his quarters. “So if we send out the Black bird for a reconnaissance won’t we need to inform the RDF?” The colonel reclined himself on his chair and folded his arms in front of his chest. “No. That won’t be necessary.” Rizal now looked worried by the answer. “What if she’s in trouble?” He asked. “Our fighters will keep her covered should there be any problems. Please inform the Shark squadron that I’ll brief them tomorrow evening. That is all captain. Dismissed.” Rizal saluted the colonel before leaving for his own quarters. In his mind, somehow he knew that the colonel was up for his own personal glory at the expense of his crew.

As the morning sun find its way out through the clouds, the sound of Pratt and Whitney jet engines were filling up the nice quiet morning. Jennifer tried some evasive actions in case she needs to evade enemy fire. She even tried the split s and the spiral climb with it. “Alright Jenny, I think we had enough fun for one day don’t you think? Now let’s head home because we’re low on fuel.” She loved the handling so much that she wouldn’t want to land yet but Alphonsus insisted her to do so because they’re low on fuel. “Tower this is Blackbird requesting permission to land.” Yong didn’t approve it yet because the fuel tanker is still not clear from the runaway. “Negative Blackbird, the runaway isn’t cleared yet.” Alphonsus sensed her next move and got very worried. “Jenny, I thought we’ve agreed not to do anymore stunts?!” Jenny smiled and ignored her friend and passed the tower at about 400 knots. Everyone in the bridge was screaming and shouting except for Rizal when the sonic boom was made. “Somehow I knew this is going to happen.” Said Rizal. Jennifer then executed several barrel rolls before she was cleared for landing. Once she’s on the flight deck, Azzedy greeted them.

“Well, I remembered the last time I pulled a stunt like that. Someone came to me and was furious about it.” Jenny blushed by his words. “I was tempted. It has so much power and stability that I couldn’t help myself.” She explained. Alphonsus climbed down from the back seat of the Blackbird rubbing his chest. “Please do that with your boyfriend. Eddy, the next time they ask me to fly with any of you, please find an excuse to substitute me with someone else.” They laughed at Alphonsus as they walked towards the locker room. Azzedy puts his arm around her shoulder and slowly walked towards the locker room. “You’re lucky that the Captain’s in a good mood today.” He said to her in laughter and gave her a kiss on her cheek.

State = Continuará/To Be Continue

feedback = Sí/Yes

email = affendeykadriATyahoo.com