Young Skies: The Black Acts

CH11

Part 1- The Cold Base of the Black Acts

Whoosh! Felix-B flew over the carrier then turned around to face and align with the runway. It began the final approach and... touch down! Landed safely. A hook at the back of the jet caught a safety line which helped to slow the jet down. Crewmen rushed to the scene as the fighter rolled to a stop. They removed the safety line and lead the jet over to a parking space next to the Felix-C. Once in place, Liza and Nikki got out of the cockpit and walked into the top deck building. There, they were joined by Jai and Cassie.

"Glad to see you girls are back, but where are Jamo and his friend?" inquired Jai, "hasn't they come back yet?"

"They..." Liza started.

"We destroyed the second laser cannon of the airship, but it didn't explode, and they decided to follow it while in stealth mode. He wanted to go alone with his friend and told us to return," said Nikki in one breath. 'Huff, huff, huff.'

"Just what is he thinking," remarked Cassie. "He just loves leaving us on pins and needles doesn't he?"

"Don't worry, they'll come back safe," said Liza dreamily, recalling in her thoughts the three days she spent with me in the snowy highlands of Vancouver. "Yeah, he's special, in more ways than one. He won't let us down."

"Wow, ok wow," Jai and Cassie mouths dropped.

"Whatever, hmph!" She folded her arms and turned her back to them.

"The next few days are sure going to be boring," Nikki sighed.

"Not unless you guys are willing to do some missions," said the sudden voice of Commander Kurtman.

"Commander!?" shrieked Cassie.

"You mean it!?" asked Nikki. "That's sounds awesome! Certainly better than sitting around here doing nothing."

"Well, what if I told you that I may have one right now?" he added.

"Really? Hey guys, what do you think we should do?" inquired Cassie.

"I think it's crazy and you're suicidal!" Jai blatantly outbursts. 'Slap!' "Ow!"

"You idiot! That's no way to talk to a girl!" Liza scolded.

"Oh, the joys of youth, how I miss it so," Kurtman chuckled to himself. "Atten-hut!" The four friends lined up and stood at attention. "Now I'm going to tell you the mission details. Whether or not you choose to help is strictly your decision, but please listen carefully. American ground troops and tanks are suffering heavy losses against Black Acts forces in Texas. It's a total desert storm operation out there. And to make matters worse, the enemy forces are slowly inching their way towards several cities, including Dallas and Houston!"

"Black Acts? Attacking Texas? Ripping through the military?" asked Cassie. "They must've changed plans."

"Houston? Isn't that where Jamo's granny lives?" Nikki asked.

"This changes things," said Jai as he pumped both fists. "I say let's go for it!"

"His attitude changed so fast that you would've never guessed that he was reluctant a few seconds ago!" Cassie remarked under her breath before stepping forward. "I'm in!"

"I'll do my part to help end this coming war," stated Nikki sheepishly.

"Then we're agreed. Mr. Kurtman, we'll help!" Liza saluted as she spoke. "We won't let you down!"

"Great to hear! But I want you four to take a rest first," Kurtman replied earnestly. "I've already dispatched the first wave. You can join the second wave in three hours, is that understood?"