- Created By keimanzero
AngelWings Ch 66 'Yeoman Trading'/'Homecoming'
AW Ch 66 'Yeoman Trading'/'Homecoming'
That teacher up there is Kumiko 'YamKumi' Ooedo the 'ojou' or princess of the Ooedo Yakuzza Clan of ancient Terran Japan and those are her students from Shirokin HS. Only Fuji her inu (doggie) pug-nosed bulldog in his matching red/white tracksuit is with the Gokusen or 'gangster teacher' aboard the 'LA2'- no students came with her.
AW Ch 66 'Yeoman Trading'/'Homecoming'
This is what the graphic novel Angels look like with Mugghi. Gad! I think they all look like wimps, don't you gang?
AW Ch 66
Wow!Mar's been injured and now that worst of all combat weapons is almost in Zorin's cronies' hands- Gundams! Almost as terrifying as the 'God Guns' or the Angels' new toy- the r-- whoops! I almost let the neko outta the sack folks! This chapter will put two close tomos at loggerheads with each other and nai it ain't Vacuumhead and Firebrand either! Some old tomos returned and the Boss decides to head for Onsokamaru! Who's in sick bay and how did she end up there? Why is Yuri Donovan furious? Who are the newbies? Did the truckers succeed?
ANGEL WINGS
DISCLAIMER: OK Coop darlin’, it’s all yours. First I wanna thank Mr T for the use of his Angels and stuff. Then I wanna thank everyone else who has been allowing us to use their creations here like Thom Beers for the use of his ice road truckers Hugh, Drew, Rick, Eric, Alex and Bear. I took the liberty of naming the 3WA academy in Furool City on Shimougou after Mr Haruka Takachiho in honour of his creations- the Angels. How was that, Yuri? Great, kiddo. Oh hai it sure was, Kei! Now since we left ya up in the air last time let’s get to Ch 65 without any further meandering, shall we? Why is Zack Zero back and oro does he want with Suba Marina Oki? Can Mandy keep her big mouth shut? A hint re the titles- Aw do ya expect me to spoil it for ya? Oro does this all mean? We’ll find out momentarily gang. The Boss Red Marshall’s on the warpath again! Here ’tis:-
CHAPTER 66
'Yeoman Trading' or 'Homecoming'
YamKumi was a bit tentative as she tapped the Boss on the shoulder. Ojou was very upset whenever she had to deliver potentially bad news especially to Kei O'Halloran!
"Boss? Excuse me ma'am but Captain Zach said he'd be over to visit a little later tonight." she ventured timidly. Kei came to a screeching halt and grabbed Ojou's arm.
"Oro (What) the Sam Hell did you just say, YamKumi?" yelled the redhead who was shaking the Yakuzza heiress back and forth.
"Zach said he's coming over to see you tonight around one I mean 0100 hours, Boss." said Ojou.
"Dammit! Oro (What) the FXXX does he want I wonder? He bringing 'Greenie' with him? You know Saiya St John? His yeoman?" asked Kei.
"Yeah. Why?" asked YamKumi suspiciously.
"He wants to make a trade, kid. Our own lil Suba(Subaltern) Marina Oki used to be his exec. Now he's got this Eloisian girl- an Ensign. He wants to swap yeomen with me I'll bet. Saiya for Marina. That's gotta be it." growled the redhead. Kome's aizu (eyes) went wide.
"You gonna just let her go, Boss? She's been a damned good yeoman for us ya know!" said the strawberry blonde teen. Kei shrugged.
"It's up to her. If she wants to go I won't stand in her way. (Kei grinned) Wonder if Saiya knows the score though? Diplomacy ain't one of Zachie's strong suits." she chuckled merrily.
"Look who's talking about diplomacy." said YamKumi to Kome a little too loudly.
"You say something Ojou?" asked Kei.
"Me? No, I just asked Kome if she's ever met Mr Zero before is all." replied the heiress hurriedly.
"Dunno. I think she did, kid. I don't think you've ever had the pleasure or your doggie there." said Kei nonchalantly. The 'doggie' was Ojou's and as usual he was wearing his red/white tracksuit. Fuji was a pug-nosed bulldog and quite a fighter to boot. Devoted to Kumiko Ooedo his mistress who was heiress apparent to one of the most powerful Yakuzza Clans in ancient Terran Japan he waddled dutifully beside YamKumi wherever the 'ojou' or princess was wont to go. Suddenly Kome recalled something.
"Hey Yammie! Wasn't that back around the time you had to go back home (Shimougou) and visit with your ancestours or something? So you never did meet Zachie boy." said the strawberry blonde teen.
"Yeah only it was her descendants Kome. Don't worry. You'll meet him tonight, kid." said Kei and she spun on her heel and headed for her quarters.
"Hurry up Boss. Your boyfriend'll be her real soon." chortled Kome. Kei gave her an icy glare but said nothing. Meanwhile aboard the 'Liberator' several storm clouds were brewing.
"But sir! I really like working here on the 'Lib' as your yeoman. I just don't understand, Captain. Has my work not been satisfactory? Have I displeased you in some way, sir? Why don't you want me anymore?" sobbed Saiya St John.
"It ain' that Honey. It's just that I've got a chance to get Marina back. Only Reds won't give her up without a fight- unless she gets something in exchange for her. That's where you come in, my dear Saiya. Believe me Saiya. If there was any other possible way that--" soothed Zach Zero. Suddenly the Eloisian girl's tears were replaced by flashing angry golden orbs.
"So I'm the 'Kewpie doll'? The damned 'booby prize'? You'd rather have Oki back that much that you'd trade me for her? Fine! I am sick and tired of this scrap heap junkyard of yours anyhow! I quit!!" yelled the green-haired Eloisian and she stormed off the bridge. The tears were back now- with a vengeance.
Zach grabbed the arm of a passing space tech engineer.
"Gina! Tell Saiya that I want her in dress blacks and ready to leave by 0030 hours (half an hour past midnight) and tell her I will not accept her resignation, not yet anyway. Dress blacks for you as well. I'm taking both of you to the 'Angel 2' with me later tonight and that's an order, Ensign. Understood?" ordered Zero. Gina shook off his hand.
"Aye sir." replied Ensign First Class Regina Langley Phillips. Gina was a graduate of 'Earth 2 Academy' where she had finished third in her class of 16,000 cadets. She'd been mentored and trained by a feisty blonde bombshell (Ah ah- that would be telling) who had been a famous 'Blues' fighter on Terra. Gina was a fully qualified space tech and worked as an assistant engineer aboard the 'Liberator'. Phila was also a fully licensed pilot, navigator, gunner, comm relay operator, scanner, demolitions expert and medic. Had Saiya not already been Zero's yeoman she was fully trained and qualified in that capacity too.
Gina was shorter than most of the female staff aboard being a mere 5'5" in height but she had a trim lithe figure and was a crack shot with a laser gun as well as with any other weapon you might care to name. A black belt in both karate and jeet-kun-do she was very accomplished in the forbidden arts known as hakuto shin ken or killing with a touch. Gina could hit you with an autohypo like lightning and got along very well with most of her shipmates and superiors.
Gina shared a suite with Saiya fulltime and temporarily with most of the female cosmic leaders and their staffs. This number included Mrs Leia Skywalker Organa Solo. When Gina got to her quarters Saiya was being consoled by Leia, 'Dragon Lady' Janeway and half a dozen other female cosmic leaders and junior officers. 'Greenie' had been bawling nonstop ever since she had rushed in and begun packing up her duffle bags with her belongings. Gina felt lousy right down to the pit of her guts but she had been given a direct order by a superior officer dammit! She squared her shoulders, knocked loudly and walked into Saiya's small bedroom.
"The Captain chooses not to accept your resignation at this time, Saiya. Furthermore you and I have both been ordered to accompany him later this evening when he visits Marshall O'Halloran aboard the 'Angel 2' therefore we must report to the 'Freelander' by 0030 hours in our dress blacks. (Gina glanced at her wristchromo) It's almost 2340 hours (11:40 PM) so we've less than an hour. Stop blubbering and get changed, Saiya. I'll meet you in the living room in a half hour. Understand?" said Gina.
"Uh huh." sniffled the Eloisian girl and Gina strode next door to the room she was sharing with Julia Jean Servalan, the Supreme Commander of the 'Ligurian Federation'. She slammed the door behind her and Julia Servalan looked up from her holovid novel. She was an ash blonde whose hair was almost silvery white. Despite this she looked little older than Gina although truth be told she was more than three score and ten. As usual Servie was wearing a daring shortie kimono of blazing crimson over a pair of sheer pink pajamas.
"You're going to bed already, Servie? It's not even midnight." said Gina, kicking off her boots and unzipping her flight suit. She stepped out of the coveralls and yanked on her dress black shirt. At six and a half feet Servie towered over her roommie.
"Man trouble, Phil?" she asked sympathetically.
"Yeah! And his name's Zacharias Taylor Zero dammit!" sulked the angry young Ensign. She cinched her tie so savagely her throat turned red. Servie adjusted her tie and sat down on the bunk.
"Zachie wants his old flame bac aboard but she's a Sub(Subaltern) in the 3WA. However, Lover Boy thinks she really wants to come back home even thoguh it'll mean dropping back two ranks to do it. She's travelling aboard the 'Angel 2' and he plans on asking her to come back tonight. Now he figures the Marshall won't just hand her over to him so he's bringing her a peace offering inexchange- 'Greenie'! I guess I'm to be the guardian chaperone or something. Problem is he never considered 'Greenie's feelings for a moment. Hell he never even asked her first! Nope! He just up and told her about the swap and that was that! I though sure slavery was abolished way back in 2011 at those 'Thrushyn-Tyling' conferences? Zach Zero is a callous cruel heartless Chauvinist pig!" ylled Gina while Servie helped her into her black blazer. Gina zipped it up tight and allowed Servalan to buckle on her weapons sash and adjust the strap.
"It's just not fair, Servie!" cried Gina while she was pulling on her highly polished jackboots. She leaped to her feet and faced Servalan- head to chin.
"Well how about it? Do I pass muster, Servie?" grinned Gina.
"Sure. After you put your pants on that is." giggled the taller woman. Gina smiled and climbed into her dress black trousers. She tugged on her gauntlets, squared her saucer cap atop her orange locks and slung her dark greatcoat around her slim shoulders. Gina looked like a pretty fair imitation of an ancient Terran 'SS' officer. She bid adieu to Servie and left.
"You be back home before morning, young lady." chortled Servie.
"Yes, Mother. I will." called Gina. Servalan sighed and keyed up the holovid novel she'd been reading.
"C'mon 'Greenie' or we're gonna be late dammit!" yelled Gina who was pounding out a brisk tattoo on Saiya's door. Her roommie's icy green hair contrasted horribly with the severe black uniform. 'Greenie' had washed her face but her aizu (eyes) were still red from crying. Since her orbs were golden in colour the effect was like pink-eye!
"Don't forget your purse, Honey." said Leia and she placed the bag's shoulder strap over Saiya's head and then underneath her arm. Sheila Reese was Rafe Donnelly's yeoman and she was a striking brunette in her well formed pink chemise slip.
"Don't leave home without these babies or you'll get the riot act read to you by you know who." she said and slid a Mark VIII laser pistol into each girl's side holster.
"Where's your bag, Phil?" asked Saiya.
"Never carried one, Saiya. Put this on." replied Gina and she wrapped Saiya in a white ankle length cloak.
"My goodness! Even our 'Starfleet' dress greys aren't that damned sombre!" observed the 'Dragon Lady' who was playing chess with Queen Esther of 'Lycanthos'. Esther was winning.
"Tell me about it, mum." replied Gina and she waved goodbye while she steered Saiya out the door, down the hall and into the lift. They got to the 'Freelander' with just moments to spare.
Zach Zero apologized profusely almost all the way over to the Marshall's ship. Kei had chosen to receive her guests in one of the small conference rooms on Level Five. In fact it was the same one where InuYasha's gang had bunked that first night aboard so long ago.
While Zach, Gina and Saiya looked like they had just stepped out of a bandbox Kei, Yuri, Kome and YamKumi looked like they had just crawled out from underneath one!
After the introductions had been completed a solitary figure arose from the shadows and stepped forward into the light.
END of Ch 66. Ch 67 'Both Yeomen Come Home' or 'Gina Gets the Royal Treatment' soon. Getting interesting eh? Wonder how our heroine’s gonna get outta this one? Read on and r/r/s away as always. Have a wunnerful day and sfn/sys/jm/Kami bless you all for your interest and assistance. Hooble-toodle-doo! Toodles tomos watashi-K&K
I dickered over this chapter’s titles. Let me know if I got ‘em right eh? Don't our guys and gals play some cool practical jokes on each other? All in good-natured fun of course!
Hope ya had a happy and safe Guy Fawkes' Day! Happy Thanksgiving. Dunno if the Japanese even celebrate it but Naruto does.
A belated happy birthday to our fearless leader- Classic Kei who will be born 27 Nov AD 2121.
Meri Kurasumasu to all of my tomodachis and may Kami bless you this holiday season. Akeome to everyone and here's to a super 2010 my dear friends of anime.
PS- I really do appreciate all your loyalty and support over the years my tomos watashi all! And you can take that to the bank folks!-K&K
See ya next blog post. Toodles-K&K
This chapter brings me up to date. Then I have to wind up this one and think about my next one folks- K&K
AngelWings Ch 65 'MEGAS'/'Mind Search'
December 31, 2009 - Thursday
AngelWings Ch 65 'MEGAS'/'Mind Search'
Current mood: grumpy
Category: Writing and Poetry
[Apocalypse Now with the Angels?]
The Angels in combat? Apocalypse now would have been different with the Angels eh?
AW Ch 65 'Make Room For MEGAS'/'Mind Search'
[Graphic Novel Angels, Mugghi and Faye Valentine]
This is what the graphic novel Angels look like with Mugghi. Gad! I think they all look like wimps, don't you gang?
AW Ch 65
Wow!Mar's been injured and now that worst of all combat weapons is almost in Zorin's cronies' hands- Gundams! Almost as terrifying as the 'God Guns' or the Angels' new toy- the r-- whoops! I almost let the neko outta the sack folks! This chapter will put two close tomos at loggerheads with each other and nai it ain't Vacuumhead and Firebrand either! Some old tomos returned and the Boss decides to head for Onsokamaru! Who's in sick bay and how did she end up there? Why is Yuri Donovan furious? Who are the newbies? Did the truckers succeed?
ANGEL WINGS
DISCLAIMER: OK Kurumi darlin’, it’s all yours. First I wanna thank Mr T for the use of his Angels and stuff. Then I wanna thank everyone else who has been allowing us to use their creations here like Thom Beers for the use of his ice road truckers Hugh, Drew, Rick, Eric, Alex and Bear. I took the liberty of naming the 3WA academy in Furool City on Shimougou after Mr Haruka Takachiho in honour of his creations- the Angels. How was that, Yuri? Great, kiddo. Oh hai it sure was, Kei! Now since we left ya up in the air last time let’s get to Ch 65 without any further meandering, shall we? Why is Zack Zero back and oro does he want with Suba Marina Oki? Can Mandy keep her big mouth shut? A hint re the titles- Aw do ya expect me to spoil it for ya? Oro does this all mean? We’ll find out momentarily gang. The Boss Red Marshall’s on the warpath again! Here ’tis:-
CHAPTER 65
'Make Room For MEGAS' or 'Mind Search'
The 'Carthage' was the 'KASP' ('Kaguran Air & Space Patrol') flagship and she was commanded by Commodore Dan Dastun formerly a captain on the 'Paradigm City Military Police' forces.
"Mr Quinn. Those three wayfarers below us seem to be marooned. Take the 'Hannibal' down there and see if they might care for a lift." ordered Dan.
Lt Harley Quinn (Harlequin- get it?) saluted, pointed to his away team and ordered them to prepare the shuttle for immediate liftoff.
A few moments later the 'Hannibal' touched down on the small asteroid. Harley leaped out followed by his away team.
"Hullo there. Having trouble, folks? (Coop and Kiva nodded. Kiva rose to her feet and saluted) Just you three?" asked Quinn.
"Yes. And him, sir." replied Kiva, jerking a thumb over her shoulder to indicate 'MEGAS' their BGR which stood higher than the mountaintop beside it.
"That damned thing will not fit inside the 'Hannibal's cargo bays, sir." advised Lance Corporal Tomasina O'Malley.
"Yes. I know that, Toma. We'll have to have it 'beamed' aboard the 'Carthage' so get some 'pattern enhancers' (they tell the transporters where the 'beamee' section is and everything within their field is transported) and call the 'Carthage' for us." ordered Harley.
Toma saluted and hustled off with three sappers to carry out his commands.
"We'll have to have your 'toy' beamed up I'm afraid. You three will accompany us aboard the 'Hannibal' so onegai (please) follow me." said a short aoishi (blue)- haired girl sapper named Tammy McShane.
Tammy was a 'Quarl' and hailed from the faroff world of 'Halifaxus' which was in the same mysterious 'Omega Quadrant' as 'Workoh-- the Boss's own home world.
A grizzled old iron grey-haired veteran of countless wars limped over to his superior and saluted Quinn. Then he clamped a cigar between his teeth and pointed behind him.
"That blarsted thingymajig's been transported up, Master Quinn, sir." said Master Sergeant Angus MacMillan who the away team's leader.
"Very good, 'Scotty'. Might as well be off then. Get the team back aboard." replied Quinn and did an about face. Then he strolled up the gangway to the shuttle.
As soon as all of the away team and the three wayfarers were safely aboard the 'Carthage' Lt First Class Sir Richard Burton (the esteemed 19th Century Terran explorer who discovered the source of the Nile River on ancient Terra not the Terran Welsh actor) gave the order to resume their voyage to 'Romulus' once again and the ship accellerated to forty Warp.
"Steady as she goes, Lady Alice." he said and the blonde pilot nodded.
He and Alice (she was indeed the very same Alice that had inspired that very famous Terran childrens' book 'Alice in Wonderland' to be written by the Reverend Charles Dodgson much better known by the name of Lewis Carroll) had both been picked up from a very strange world- 'Riverworld'- several years ago by a passing Kaguran patrol squadron. Since that time both had been trained as fighters and pilots.
As a result both of them were 'KASP' officers although Dick by virtue of his leadership skills was a Lieutenant First Class while Alice was merely an Ensign. Dick was the 'Carthage's first officer and exec to Dastun while Quinn was the weapons officer and away team commander. Quinn felt that Dick Burton was promoted over him because he had been a Terran knight of the British realm. Of course he never said anything to either Dick or Dan or even Alice.
Belowdecks Harley and 'Scotty' were both quite perturbed. Getting 'MEGAS' beamed aboard had been mere child's play. Making it fit inside the 'Carthage's small cargo bay was another matter entirely.
"This damned bleedin' thing be just too high for the bay! Let's just chuck it down in that old storage room beside the engine rooms, sir." suggested MacMillan.
"You are not gonna chuck 'MEGAS' down in some smelly old closet dammit! It's mine!" yelled an enraged Coop.
"Ours!" corrected Kiva. "And you most certainly are not putting 'MEGAS' down there by the engines, sir!" she added, wrapping her flight jacket around Kurumi. The steel angel had decided that the cargo bay was too warm for her and she had promptly stripped down to her underthings! The 'Quarl' girl giggled and grabbed Kurumi away from Kiva.
"Don't worry. I'll find her some pajamas, ma'am." said Tammy and she escorted Kurumi to the lift.
Quinn was shaking his head sadly.
"Let's try laying it on the floor. Then we can use 'force beams' (like miniature energy barrier force fields) to secure it. That OK with you two?" suggested the slight weapons officer.
Reluctantly Kiva and Coop nodded their agreement. After 'MEGAS' had been secured as best they could manage Toma took Kiva to her quarters and Quinn took Coop back to his rooms. Tammy had already put Kurumi in the spare bunk in her own cramped quarters.
All three of them were immediately pressed into temporary service with 'KASP' whether they liked it or not. Coop was made Second Lieutenant much to his delight. Lt Kiva was demoted to an Ensign and Kurumi was made a Sub-Ensign.
Kiva became an assistant 'navvie' or navigator. Coop became a gunner and Kurumi became the 'Carthage's new cabin girl. The steel angel was ecstatic. After all she was a maid anyway, wasn't she?
Coop was nuts about all kinds of guns so being a gunner was cool. However, Kiva resented her reduction in rank and her use as an assistant 'navvie'. After all she was a damned good fighter pilot! The Commodore was sympathetic but adamant. He had all the pilots he needed for now but he needed an assistant 'navvie' so Kiva was it. Either that or scullery maid in the galley. Kiva grumbled but acquiesced.
Kiva's post was beside the comm relay officer Subaltern Jadzia Dax, a 'trill' who had formerly worked for 'Starfleet's colony on 'Deep Space Nine'. It had been rumoured that she and Lt Commander Worf the colony's 'Klingon' exec had been an 'item' back then but Dastun had forbidden any mention of that subject aboard his star cruiser. Dax seemed pleasant enough and explained quietly to Kiva that their real 'navvie' was Lt Andrea 'Kitty' Torres and had suddenly transferred back to the 'Coriander' at 'Starfleet' Captain Kiva Nerese's personal request. Andy had left just a few days ago. If she thought this would change Kiva's feelings about her demotion and menial usage as a 'navvie' it didn't.
Jadzia had been working the comm relay mikes fro about an hour when she suddenly tossed off her headphones and swore mightily.
"Dammit, sir! I just cannot raise the 'Lovely Angel 2', the 'Shalimar', the 'Coriander', the 'Outlaw Star', the 'Nova Hellsing', the 'Botany Bay 2', the 'Emerald Queen', nobody! It's like all of 'em dropped off the face of the cosmos, sir!" said Suba Dax angrily. "Please excuse my outburst, Commodore. It was uncalled for, sir." she added.
"A bad business." agreed Burton. "However, we must press on and hope for the best, Jade. We'll make 'Romulus' pretty soon. They should be on 'Remus' by that time and you can try again." said the exec.
"Keep trying anyway, Jade." corrected Dan Dastun, patting the 'trill's shoulder.
Suddenly her face brightened and she snapped her gloved fingers.
"Sir? I believe there may be another way to get through to them, sir." she replied.
"How?" asked Dan Dastun. Jade was already hitting switches and shutting down banks of controls on her console.
"There may be a 'Beta Zoid' aboard the 'Angel 2'- 'Starfleet's Lt Commander Dyanna Troi. I'm a 'trill' and I just might be able to link my mind with hers. If you permit, sir, I'll try it." she suggested.
"By all means, my dear Jade. Please try." replied the Commodore.
Dax composed herself, slid back her chair and stretched out her lithe body and shut both aizu (eyes) thus concentrating her strong will. Slowly she began to speak like an ancient Terran medium or psychic.
"I have her, sir. Dyanna says that they are travelling inside the 'Daedalus Nebulae' and can neither send nor receive signals of any kind. That explains why-- Sir! I have just reached another 'Beta Zoid' aboard! It is a male, a Legato Bluesummers from 'Gunsmoke', I think. He says they will rendezvous tomorrow evening on 'Remus' with the 'Shalimar'. He says the 'Nova Hellsing' and the other craft we cannot raise are already stored aboard the 'Angel 2', sir. I have told them to tell the Boss that we will relay them when we reach 'Romulus', sir. I am sorry but the 'Shalimar' does not seem to have any receptive minds aboard, just a couple of robotic androids. Dammit! Sorry Commodore but I have lost both contacts!" said Jade who was shaking violently and almost in tears.
Dan patted her hand. "Well done, Jade." he said. She nodded, stood up and swooned to the deck.
"Medic to the bridge- stat!" shouted Alice into her vidmike.
"Oro (What) the Hell's she on- 'Taramot'? I have warned you people before about these space drugs you know!" admonished Dr Keymar, an elderly Martian physician.
"Of course not, you old fool! She's just done a 'mind search'! She's a 'trill', Doc!" yelled Tammy McShane.
"Ach! Das explains her condition then. I vill give her a shot of 'Axileine 30' (painkiller and sedative). Take her to her room. She vill need a good long rest." said the medico from Mars.
"Ensign! Take the Suba's place as comm relay officer! That is an order, Ensign Kiva!" ordered Burton and he snapped his fingers. Kiva glowered at him but obeyed.
"Aye sir!" she intoned and sat down at Jade's console.
Harley Quinn stood and slammed his fist into his palm.
"By jove! Now I've got it!" he shouted.
"Well don't give it to anyone else, sir." mumbled Kiva.
"Bluesummers! I thought sure that name sounded familiar don't ya know! He's wanted by the 'ISSP' ('Inter Solar Systems Police', a police force headquartered on Mars. The 'Bebop's Jett Black is a former member of their 'Ganymede' branch where John Raven is commander)! He's got a bounty on his head, sir! I wonder if the 'Angel's commander knows this, sir?" cried a shaken Quinn.
"If I know our Reds she sure as Hell does, eh Burton?" chuckled Dan Dastun. Both men knew this particular firebrand Amazon Hellcat Angel quite well indeed! Dick nodded ruefully and began patiently explaining the comm relay controls to Kiva- for the third time.
Aboard the 'Carthage' the gun deck is one level below the bridge and Coop was avidly eying row upon row of gun controls.
"Here, Lt. Mr Quinn insists all of us gunners wear a sidearm, sir." said Toma O'Malley, buckling a weapons sash around the big galoot's waist. Coop yanked out the huge M4 disruptor pistol and took a bead on the bulkhead wall.
"This damned thing loaded, Tommy?" he asked and pressed the firing stud. Tomasina dove for the floor when a green plasma beam melted the wall! Where her head had been a few seconds earlier was now a smoking crater a full metre wide and half again as long!
"Does that answer your question, you crazy lunatic! You could have killed us both dammit! (Suddenly she saluted) Sorry, sir! I apologize but please be more careful." said the Lance Corporal.
"My fault entirely, ma'am. I am so sorry. Let me help you up there." replied Coop, easily lifting Toma to her feet. Toma took the M4 from Coop and snapped on the safety lock. Then she stuck it back in his holster.
Kurumi awakened next morning and (still in her pajamas) sought out Dr Keymar's sick bay.
"Good morning, Miss. How might I be of service to you?" he asked without taking his aizu (eyes) away from her curvaceous frame.
"My knees feel rusty, sir. Could you lube them for me? Please?" she asked and dropped her pajama bottoms to the deck.
"Rusty? You mean they are hard to move? Ja?" asked Keymar, feeling her knees gingerly. Kurumi shook her head.
"No. I think they are rusty, sir. I am a steel angel android, Doctor. Don't you have any oil I can use?" asked a puzzled Kurumi. He shook his head, then sat down at his desk. He hastily scribbled on a prescription vidpad, tore it off and stuck it in the girl's hand.
"Go down three decks to der engine room and give this to der Engineer. His name is Ron Shaftoe and he vill fix you right up, my dear. Get dressed first because it is quite chilly down there, my child. (Kurumi slid off the table and headed for the portals) Miss Kurumi! Do not forget your bottoms! Good day to you." said the Martian medico.
Kurumi pulled on her brand new 'Subby' uniform as soon as she got back to her room. Recalling the doctor's admonitions of cold she pulled on flight boots, gloves and a flight parka. Then she walked to the gantryway stairs and descended on her mission to Engineering.
The Chief Engineer was very tall and very effeminate with long blonde hair.
"I think that '311XX' should do the trick for you. Drop your trousers, love. Not to worry. My crew's at breakfast, darling. Fine workmanship, I see. Not done on this world then? A little dab on this one and a little dab on that one. There. Feel better, dear? Good. Now how are those feet? OK? (Ron felt her arms and legs) You need a complete tune-up, I believe. Better take it all off, love. That's right. Now this won't hurt a bit, me old darling." said Ron Shaftoe with a wink.
A half hour later when she left him Kurumi felt like a totally different android, a new steel angel! She stopped in at the galley and was soon trundling an antigrav trolley laden with dishes back to her rooms.
"Your breakfast, mums." she announced and began laying out dishes for Tammy, Tomasina and Alice.
"You surely seem chipper today, Kuri." observed Alice.
"Yes'm. I just had a complte overhaul and tune-up down in Engineering, mum." she explained to the trio of open-mouthed women.
Meanwhile at 1900 hours (7 PM) the mighty 'Angel 2' at long last exited 'Daedalus' and her inhabitants found themselves less than two hours away from 'Remus' and the 'Shalimar'. Still 'cloaked' they wasted no time in heading for their rendezvous. Still dogging their heels was the determined 'Liberator'.
While all of this was going down the 'Carthage' touched down on 'Kazrah', one of the many 'Romulan' moons. All of a sudden Kiva had a plethora of comm relay messages and everyone's vidcell unit started chirping at the same time.
By 1930 (7:30 PM) the 'Carthage' had made contact with the 'Angel 2' and the 'Shalimar' while the vidcells continued to keep all hands informed of the latest gossip.
By 2030 hours (8:30 PM) the 'Angel 2' had at last rendezvoused with the 'Shalimar' so Kei decided that since they had arrived at 'Remus' and were well ahead of the invasion forces it would be safe to break comm relay silence with their 'Galactic Command' escort vessel.
"This is the 'Lovely Angel 2' calling the 'Liberator' in the clear. Please respond. Over." relayed Kome Sawaguchi.
"Roger that. This is the 'Liberator'. We read you, love. Over." relayed Zach Zero.
"Glad to have you watching our back, Captain Zach. The Boss wants to see you pronto and she asks that you bring your special passengers with you. Shall we send transport? Over." relayed the strawberry-blonde teen.
"Negative. I'll use the 'Freelander' for the trip. Over." was Zero's response.
"That'll be fine, Captain Zach. See you soon. Sawaguchi out." relayed the young Suba.
"Roger willco. Can't wait to see you, kiddo. Zero out." chuckled Zero.
By 2100 hours (9 PM) Zach and his yeoman arrived along with a roll call of 'Who's Who' of the 3WA, the 'UG', the 'GC', 'Starfleet Command', the 'Alliance', the 'ISSP', 'KASP', the 'Federation', 'MI5', 'Interpol' and the new Mrs Han Solo as well. The Boss and her exec, second officer and comm relay officer began to smell a 'Zygorian' rat- a big one!
"Oro (What) gives, Chuck? You brought everyone except Uncle Vito (Galadriel- the god of the 3WA and the 'UG'. Think Howard Hughes and Bill Gates times a trillion and you have some idea of his power and influence in the 23rd Century) for Christ's sake!" growled the redhead.
"Now you just calm down, Katie me girl." said Andre Francis Gooley who was Aquarian Galactic Chief and one of the few folks who could call the Boss 'Katie' and get away with it.
"Calm down? When you baka (crazy) morons have brought every ranking leader of the cosmos into a war zone which is awaiting the vanguard of an invasion fleet! You and Chuck had better have a good escuse, Andy!" she yelled, crashing a gloved fist down on the conference table so hard that the ice-like veneer cracked.
Admiral Katherine 'Dragon Lady' Janeway stood up and pointed at Kei O'Halloran, her golden orbs flashing fire.
"Enough of these temper tantrums, Madam Marshall! Sit down at once! Lord Grand Admiral Pike? The floor is yours, sir." said the 'Dragon Queen' sitting down again.
Christopher Pike stood and nodded a few times. "Thank you all for coming. I'll make this short and sweet. As most of you lready know we are here to negotiate a peace treaty with Count Dooku and Grand Admiral Thrawn. Their envoy has assured us that Dooku wants nothing more to do with this idiotic war and Thrawn agrees. Therefore they will withdraw their forces and lift the blockades around 'Shimougou', 'Mars', 'Kagura' and Terra immediately thereafter. They will return to their own worlds and agree to any terms we stipulate. In return they ask only that amnesty be granted to all invaders and their hirelings, that there be no reprisals later and that we release Zorin Oakenshield. He will be--" began Pike.
"Oro (What) the FXXX! Release him? You're damned bloody lucky I ain't executed him yet! No way in the nine jigokus (Hells) will I 'ever' agree to that! He's in my brig now and that is where he will stay until his trial and that is final dammit!" yelled the Red Marshall, slamming her chair back so hard that it smashed into the bulkhead wall.
"This is not your decision, young lady. It is ours and we have already made it. Whether you agree with it or not is really quite immaterial. Control yourself and please permit Lord Admiral Pike to continue. Another outburst like that and you'll find yourself inside your own brig. Lord Pike?" said 'Interpol's Commodore James Bond whose own ancient Terran ancestour had been famed MI5 secret agent 007.
"Thank you, Bond. Zorin Oakenshield will be banished forever to a small atoll asteroid in the faroff 'Omega Quadrant'. This quadrant sits in the most remote area of this entire Universe. Should he ever escape from that asteroid he will be executed on sight. These provisions have already been agreed to by both Count Dooku and Grand Admiral Thrawn. Both 'Romulus' and 'Remus' as welll as every single one of their myriad of moons will be under the direct jurisdiction of the 3WA, however, the people of these worlds and their moons will elect their own leaderships. As we speak these self same proposals are being explained to Zorin Oakenshield. (Kei raised a gloved hand, frowned and began to rise) The answer, Madam Marshall, is no. We see no justification for banishing either Dooku or Thrawn. We believe that both men were manipulated by Oakenshield. Ah! Here comes their envoy now." said Christopher Pike who had worked his way up the 'Starfleet' chain of command from a lowly space tech to his present position as supreme leader of 'Starfleet Command' itself.
The 'envoy' from the Count and the Grand Admiral was a short squat 'Sontarran' named Torg well known to most of the inhabitants of the 'Angel 2' as well as a good many of the cosmic leaders present in the room. He very closely resembled the 'Michelin Tires Man' of ancient Terran television commercials. Several high ranking officials and every Admiral in the room followed Pike and Torg across the hall and into an empty storeroom to confer. Kei rose and was waved back to her seat by Bond who slowly shook his head at the young commander.
"He is upset quite a bit but he has agreed to abide by the decisions since His Grace (Count Dimitrios Dooku) has approved them." advised Torg.
"The little shit knows we'll be keeping close tabs on his ass?" demanded Rafe Donnelly who commanded the 'ISSP' on Mars.
"He knows, Lord Rafe." replied the 'Sontarran' knight.
There were a few other technicality type questions which Torg answered. The results seemed to satisfy the assemblage because after a while they all returned to the huge conference room where a lively discussion began and lasted until almost 2300 hours (11 PM) when a vid relay signal was received. Kei's vidphone chirped and she automatically answered it.
"O'Halloran here. Oro (What) the Hell do you want?" she barked angrily. Suddenly she sat bolt upright.
"Oro (What) did you just say, Kome? Huh? Hell yeah and put it through to Vidscreen Six in here. Thanks." she said. The Boss hung up and used a small remote to lower Vidscreen Six so that it hovered above the table at the far end of the room.
"We have a relay from Dooku so everyone shut the Hell up dammit." growled the redhead.
The tall spare figure of His Grace, Count Dimitrios Dooku of the 'Myatlantic Realm' slowly materialized on the vidscreen.
"That's the blighter? He looks like 'Ming the Merciless' from 'Flash Gordon' on the old Terran films." cried Rafe.
Dooku bowed to the assembled group and smiled. Kei loathed him at first sight.
"I trust that our terms meet with your approval? It seems to myself and Reagent Thrawn that we are doing most of the giving while you are doing all of the taking. (He chuckled) After all we are not really asking you to release Zorin Oakenshield to us. Rather we are merely asking that you banish him to someplace very far away from us and the rest of the known Universe. So as not to prolong this unduly, Pike, does Zorin know all the details of our proposal? (Pike nodded and Dooku rubbed his hands together) Excellent. To confirm that you agree on all counts onegai (please) flash your running lights twice. (Pike picked up a vidmike) Very well--" relayed the Count and he turned to speak to his subordinates.
Kei grabbed Pike and turned him away from the vidscreen. Lowering her voice to a whisper she placed her mouth very close to the Grand Admiral's ear.
"Belay that, Pike! (Pike dropped the vidmike and the Boss caught it before it hit the deck) Think about this for just a minute, sir. My ship is 'cloaked' at the moment. That means we are invisible to other transports. If we flash our running lights, even for a nanosecond or two, we will not only give away our position- we will be totally visible to all aizu (eyes) out there for a second or two. Gomen (Sorry) Pike but I just do not trust this long lanky weasel, sir. (Pike stared at the redhead incredulously) I have more experience with his kind, sir. Please let me handle this matter for you. (Pike nodded and sat down. Kei turned to face the vidscreen again) Yo! Listen up, Dooku! (The tall nobleman glared icy daggers at the Red Marshall) We will comply, however, if you fire on me I will personally blow you and Thrawn off the face of the cosmos. You understand me, Gramps?" relayed a very menacing-looking tro-con. The chiefs buried their faces in their hands except for Don Poporo who shouted 'Way to go, girl!' before Anton Gustav kicked him in the shins.
Dimitrios Dooku nodded and pointed a warning finger at Kei.
"Yes Madam, I understand perfectly. The same goes for me, my dear. If you cross me, I will take extreme delight in ending your kawaii (lovely) young life. (He guffawed loudly) Just kidding. Please proceed." relayed the tall gaunt grim figure who sort of resembled the 'Grim Reaper' more than 'Ming the Merciless' today. Kei turned her back to the Count once more and hurriedly spoke into her comlink earring.
"Vicky! Flash our running lights twice. Huh? Just do it dammit! That's an order, Captain." she trilled and dropped her voice to a low growling whisper.
"Shields up before you hit those lights, kid. Stand by on our plasma cannons and quad guns just in case." trilled the redhead.
Captain Seras 'Vicky'/'Police Girl' Victoria complied and from Dooku's ship came two answering winks.
Dooku smiled and chuckled. He picked up a goblet of wine and sipped it.
"See Madam Marshall? I asked for your signal only so that my people would receive confirmation of our agreement. You really must learn to trust people more, my dear child." relayed a grinning Count.
Kei stared right at him and whispered "Keep our shields up, Vicky. I still don't trust this damned weasel. (Then a thought struck her) Vicky!! Have Zoe change course to SSE 350.00947 immediately! Dooku's got our position now or so he thinks and I'll be damned if he's gonna be able to use it against us!" trilled the Boss angrily.
As events turned out Dooku was, for once, telling the truth. An hour later (well past midnight) Kei had Kome put through another relay call to Dooku for her. When the Count appeared on her vidscreen Kei forced herself to smile at the leering lecherous creep.
"I want to be perfectly clear on a few key points, pal. (Dooku nodded wearily and sat down at his desk) We will transport Oakenshield to 'Quorangi 9' where he will remain under 'eternal' banishment. Correct? (Dooku nodded testily) Furthermore he will be under the joint jurisdictions of the 'UG' and the 3WA and should he somehow to escpae from his confinement and leave that asteroid he will be executed on sight. Is that also correct? (Again the Count nodded and puffed away on a long pipe) And lastly- you and Thrawn agree to all of these terms, sir?" demanded the firebrand Hellcat, one fist resting lightly on the butt of her holstered Mark XIII ion cannon.
"We both agree to all of the terms in the proposal that we presented to your people, Madam Marshall. If we did not agree to them then why would we present the proposal in the first place? (He sighed) Do you have any other questions, my dear?" asked Dooku wearily.
"Just one more. Who are you sending along with us so we can prove to you that old Zorin's been properly banished?" asked the Boss smugly.
The Count mused a moment and puffed away on his pipe some more before answering her.
"Keep my envoy aboard. Is that agreeable to you, Mr Torg? (The little 'Sontarran' nodded nervously) Excellent. Thank you, Mr Torg. Then do we have ourselves a deal, dear lady?" asked the Count.
Before Kei could reply Fleet Admiral Kirk cleared his throat loudly.
"Whether Marshall O'Halloran approves or not this is our decision, not hers, sir. However, to answer your question, yes, we do indeed have a deal, Your Grace. Mr Torg will keep you informed. Good evening, my dear Count." said Kirk. Dooku rose and bowed to him. Then he blanked his vidscreen. Kei used the remote to blank hers as well and the vidscreen disappeared into the ceiling. Then she pointed to the Count's smallish envoy.
"See that Mr Torg gets a private suite next door to Zorin- in the brig. Sorry Torg but I still remember your last visit to my ship when you and your cronies hijacked two of our 'Angels' so I ain't taking any chances. (InuYasha stepped forward and Torg extended his hands) No cuffs are necessary, are they Torg? (Torg shook his head) Take him away, Doggie Boy. He'll give you no trouble." she chuckled merrily.
"He'd damned well better not." growled the big hanyou and he shoved the 'Sontarran' towards the lift. Kikyo and Kouga accompanied them and Naraku brought up the rear. After Torg and his jailors had left Kei glowered at the cosmic leaders still seated around her conference table.
"Unless you ladies and gentlemen want to take a long trip to 'Quorangi 9' I suggest you catch a lift from Captain Zero's 'Liberator'. We'll lift off in the morning. (She spoke into her comlink earring) Kome, advise all warships that there ain't gonna be no invasion and send 'em all back home. Zero has advised us that he's not leaving until tomorrow. OK Kome? Great. Thanks a lot. (She turned to her own yeoman Suba Marina Oki) Marina, I'd like to have a chat with you so report to my quarters in ten minutes. Vicky, the comm is yours. (She turned to her guests) I'll leave you nice folks to discuss your plans, ladies and gentlemen. (Kome Sawaguchi and Ojou the Yakuzza princess came in as Marina was leaving the room) Kome. Yamkumi. You're with me. The rest of you guys have your orders. Good evening." said Kei who spun on her heel and strode off swiftly to the lift.
The Yakuzza princess had just delivered the first part of Zach Zero's message to Kei- that the 'Liberator' was laying over until the morning. The second part of his message she had hesitated to deliver before. Now she had no choice!
END of Ch 65. Ch 66 'Yeoman Trading' or 'Homecoming' soon. Getting interesting eh? Wonder how our heroine’s gonna get outta this one? Read on and r/r/s away as always. Have a wunnerful day and sfn/sys/jm/Kami bless you all for your interest and assistance. Hooble-toodle-doo! Toodles tomos watashi-K&K
I dickered over this chapter’s titles. Let me know if I got ‘em right eh? Don't our guys and gals play some cool practical jokes on each other? All in good-natured fun of course!
Hope ya had a happy and safe Guy Fawkes' Day! Happy Thanksgiving. Dunno if the Japanese even celebrate it but Naruto does.
A belated happy birthday to our fearless leader- Classic Kei who will be born 27 Nov AD 2121.
Meri Kurasumasu to all of my tomodachis and may Kami bless you this holiday season. Akeome to everyone and here's to a super 2010 my dear friends of anime.
PS- I really do appreciate all your loyalty and support over the years my tomos watashi all! And you can take that to the bank folks!-K&K
See ya next blog post. Toodles-K&K
This chapter brings me up to date. Then I have to wind up this one and think about my next one folks- K&K
Alice who is now a pilot aboard the 'Carthage' once said she always tried to do six impossible things before breakfast. Someone sent me this cute trio of unicorns and I just could not resist putting it in here. Enjoy- K&K
[A trio of unicorns]
AngelWings Ch 64 'Void?'/'Going My Way?'
This is what the graphic novel Angels look like with Mugghi. Gad! I think they all look like wimps, don't you gang?
AW Ch 64 'Into the Void?'/'Going My Way?'
AW Ch 64
Wow!Mar's been injured and now that worst of all combat weapons is almost in Zorin's cronies' hands- Gundams! Almost as terrifying as the 'God Guns' or the Angels' new toy- the r-- whoops! I almost let the neko outta the sack folks! This chapter will put two close tomos at loggerheads with each other and nai it ain't Vacuumhead and Firebrand either! Some old tomos returned and the Boss decides to head for Onsokamaru! Who's in sick bay and how did she end up there? Why is Yuri Donovan furious? Who are the newbies? Did the truckers succeed?
ANGEL WINGS
DISCLAIMER: OK Ellen darlin’, it’s all yours. First I wanna thank Mr T for the use of his Angels and stuff. Then I wanna thank everyone else who has been allowing us to use their creations here like Thom Beers for the use of his ice road truckers Hugh, Drew, Rick, Eric, Alex and Bear. I took the liberty of naming the 3WA academy in Furool City on Shimougou after Mr Haruka Takachiho in honour of his creations- the Angels. How was that, Yuri? Great, kiddo. Oh hai it sure was, Kei! Now since we left ya up in the air last time let’s get to Ch 64 without any further meandering, shall we? Why is Zack Zero back and oro does he want with Suba Marina Oki? Can Mandy keep her big mouth shut? A hint re the titles- Aw do ya expect me to spoil it for ya? Oro does this all mean? We’ll find out momentarily gang. The Boss Red Marshall’s on the warpath again! Here ’tis:-
CHAPTER 64
'Into the Void?' or 'Going My Way?'
Zach Zero and Saiya St John were still staring at a blank scanner vidscreen where just a few seconds ago the 'Angel 2' had been in all its glory!
"Did they go 'hyperspace' maybe, Zach?" suggested the svelte green-haired Eloisian yeoman but Zach shook his head slowly.
"If she had we'd still have 'em on scanner vidscreen, kid. Unless-- Oh my Christ! No! She wouldn't have done taht, would she?" yelped a suddenly very worried Zach Zero.
"Unless oro (what), Zach?" she asked perplexedly.
"Unless she used the 'Daedalus Nebulae', poppet." he replied grimly.
"Huh? Not even the Boss would do anything that baka (crazy) or would she? I wonder. Still if anyone could pull it off it would be our Dierdre. That just must be oro (what) she did, Cap." said Saiya.
"That leaves us with no other choice, does it?" replied her skipper.
"We're not following her in there, are we, Zachie?" cried an astonished yeoman.
"Oro (What) other option have we got? Our orders are quite specific. We are to follow them and lend them our support when they finally engage (Count) Dooku or (Grand Admiral) Thrawn or both of 'em. Stand by for a course change. New course heading is 340 SSE. Mark. Entering the nebulae in 3, 2, 1, Mark. Activating 'George' now. From this point on until we exit this cloud we will have no comm relays nor navigational readouts. Better tell the crew and our passengers they can't phone home on their vidcell units, kiddo. By this same time ashita ban (tomorrow night) we'll either have reached 'Stegoros' or we'll be hopelessly lost. The redhead always trusts to her Gaelic luck and dammit so do I. It ain't failed her yet, poppet. It's late so go get some sleep. Oh yeah, do me a favour first and check in on Uncles Charlie, Andy, Don and Anton for me. G'Night, kid." said Zach, both of his aizu (eyes) glued to his scanner vidscreens.
"Sure, Zachie. You know those things don't work, right? (He nodded and waved her away) Nighty night." she replied and left on her errand.
Although nobody aboard the 'Angel 2' was aware of it the four 3WA chiefs were amonst the 'Liberator's handfull of passengers. In addition he had three 'Starfleet' admirals and representatives from the 'UG' and the 'Alliance'. One of the ladies aboard was Han Solo's wife, Leia Skywalker Organa Solo, leader of the Republic of Kurestan.
After peeping in on the chiefs as ordered the Eloisian girl saw that the 'G Boys' were already in Dreamland so she rode the lift down to her own cramped quarters. She was sharing them with Leia, the 'Dragon Queen of Starfleet Command' aka Admiral Katherine Janeway and two of her Flight Lieutenants- Alison Hayes and Esther Huntley who were the Dragon's adjutants.
Saiya very quietly prepared for bed and climbed up into her bunk above Leia. Al stirred in her sleep and rolled over. Almost before her head hit the pillows Saiya was asleep.
Meanwhile Zach strained his orbs in a vain attempt to penetrate the thick misty fog of the nebulae. Soon he too gave in and fell asleep across his console. He was snoring quite heavily when Rangiku Matsumoto came onto the bridge at 0600 (6 AM). The soul reaper lieutenant was wearing a 'Galactic Command' sapper's (like a PFC in the Terran US Army) uniform. She had been pressed into service after she was loaned (along with her 10th Squad captain Toshiro Hitsugaya) by Head Captain Yamamoto of the Soul Society's Sertai to the 'GC'. She swore under her breath. Ichigo and Rukia had really lucked out. Both of them were aboard the 'Angel 2' but she and Toshie had been ordered to report to the 'Liberator'. She swore again. As soon as Toshie had opened his big mouth and told Zero's exec that she (Rangiku) could operate a skysled the skipper had immediately appointed her to be a co-pilot. That was why she was up before the four suns had risen while little Toshie was still dreaming sweet dreams without care.
Rangiku smiled. For this mission the little guy was her equal rather than her superior. No wait. She was a sapper and he was a sapper 2C, a lower rank than she so technically she was his boss. Then she remembered oro (what) she was doing here. She was here to relieve the skipper for the dayshift. Gently she shook Zach's shoulder.
"Awaken sweet prince. I'm here now, Skipper." she said and gave his shoulders another shake. Slowly his aizu (eyes) opened and he yawned a bit.
"Glory be! Am I in Heaven then, me lovely? And are you an angel?" said a bleary-aizued (eyed) Zach Zero.
"No such luck, sir. Sapper Matsumoto and I am here to relieve you, sir. (She saluted and Zach waved her to a seat) Anything important happen last night?" replied the redhead.
"Not too much, darlin'. We're on 'George' until we get outta this 'Daedalus Nebulae' tomorrow night so don't touch anything on the consoles. If we veer offcourse by even a fraction of a kilo we'll be in deep crap. (Rangiku stared at Zero like he was baka) Reds is taking a shortcut so we were forced to follow her into this void. You knew we were following the 'Lovely Angel 2', didn't you, Rangi? (The svelte redhead nodded and sat down) Oh that's right. Two of your pals are aboard her, aren' they?" observed a yawning Zach Zero. Again she nodded and put her feet up on the console.
"Yeah. Ichigo Kurosaki and Rukia Kutschski, the lucky bastards. Hey Cap? How come I got demoted? I am a Lieutenant First Class in Squad 10 of the Soul Society you know." she replied angrily. He shook his head.
"It ain't my fault, sweetheart. Too many Looeys aboard already. The 'GC' only allows two sub-ensign officers and I've already got a dozen ensigns so I demosted you and that shorty kid that came with you. (The 'short kid' was Rangiku's captain Toshiro Hitsugaya) Nothing personal, Rangi. See you later, kiddo." said Zach and he left for his own cabin. Next morning aboard the 'Angel' brought some excitement.
'WOOHP' spygirl Alex was on scanning detail and wasted no time in trilling Han Solo when she spotted it- a strange blip on the scanners' vidscreens.
"Captain Solo? Ensign Alex here, sir. There seems toi be someone following us, sir. Could you come and take a look, sir? Thanks you." she trilled.
"Oro (What) did that kid just say, Solo?" queried Gene Starwind.
"Al says we got company, old pal. I'd better go and take a look. Be rigth back." drawled Solo and he ambled next door top the nav room. After one glance at Alex's vidscreens he chuckled.
"Nothing to worry about there, love. That's just our 'GC' escort. It's Zach Zero's 'Liberator'. He must have followed us into the nebulae, kid. (Alex grabbed a vid mike) Don't hail him, Al. We gotta maintain comm relay silence and relays won't work inside 'Daedalus' anyway. Watch him and keep us posted, Al." drawled Han Solo who had absolutely no idea that his 'better half' was cruising along less than 200 K kilos behind them.
Kouga and Jimbo Hawking had not the slighest inkling of why they were all of a sudden scrubbing pots and pans in the galleys.
Nyssa had awakened in sick bay with a pounding headache and not a clue as to oro (what) the Hell had happened to her. All the young Trakken maiden recalled was sitting beside Mr Drew inside the 'Matterhorn' downstairs in the docking bays. 'StunGun' Millie Thompson came in, took another tricorder eading and handed Nyssa a grey 'Hydroxylein' capsule. Nyssa dutifully swallowed it with the flask of water the big girl handed her. Millie wished her well and reported to her job in Engineering. Actually Millie was an assistant space tech on the 'Nova Hellsing' under Junpei's jurisdiction but when the 'Nova H' was not in use she was used as an oiler on the main ship under Chief Engineer 'Dynamo' the huge Triceraton dinosaur.
A few short hours later Nyssa reported for duty on the bridge. Yuri promptly ordered her back to her quarters with th command to rest there until the mammoth ship docked on 'Remus'. Meanwhile aboard their rendezvous ship the 'Shalimar' Commander Alan Gabriel was frowning. He had just tried to reach the 'LA2' several times to no avail whatsoever. Even his vidcell unit was not responding.
"They are inside 'Daedalus', Commander Alan, sir. That is why we can neither comm relay nor vidcell call them." explained the sombre looking kid in a maid's black uniform. Alan was startled.
"How do you know that, poppet?" he asked.
"Don't ask, Al. Even I ain't been able to figure that one out." answered Roger Smith.
"If they're travelling through 'that thing' they've got a 30 to 70 chance of getting here anytime soon." observed a striking blonde beuty who was calling herself 'Angela Sullivan' for this mission.
"Why? Oro (What) the dickens are you talking about, Miss Sullivan?" demanded a fuming Gabriel.
"The nebulae fluctuates and spins its way across the great cosmos of space, sir. That means a traveller has no guarantee of exiting it where he expects to, sir. If all goes well with any kind of luck as Roger calls it they will reach 'Stegoros' sometime this evening and arrive here tomorrow evening around 2200 hours, that is ten o'clock, sir." explained Dorothy Wainwright. Dorothy was neither girl nor maid. Instead she was a state-of-the-arts robotic android and the alternative power source for Roger Smith's 'BGR' known as 'Big O'.
"Is she ever wrong, Smith?" demanded Alan tightly.
"Not that I ever heard, Commander." replied Angela (Angel) Sullivan.
"Whatever became of that old fool Norman, Smith?" asked Alan. Roger chuckled and lit a cigarette. He offered one to Angela who took it and accepted his light. Alan was smoking a dark stogie already. Dorothy had no vices and of course did not smoke.
"He refused to leave the mansion unprotected, Alan. Actually I think the real reason he begged off accompanying us is that he gets airsick. Besides with our Dorothy along with us he wasn't really necessary. Why'd you tag along with us, Angel?" replied Roger Smith. Alan blew a smoke ring.
"Yes, my dear child. Exactly why are you here?" he asked pointedly.
"I have my own mission and it's top secret, sirs." answered the blonde, stubbing out her cigarette and lighting another.
Not counting Dorothy it seemed that not a single person aboard the 'Shalimar' was wearing any kind of uniform. Belowdecks and taking up most of the docking bays' floor space was the aforementione d'Big O', a monstrous behemoth megadeuce robot looking for all the Universes like that wooden Indian 'Kaw-Liga' from the ancient Terran song. This was the sixth of the 'BGR's or 'big giant robots' the other five being the four 'Gundams' aboard the 'Angel 2' and 'MEGAS' which hailed from Terra's far distant future. And while we are speaking of 'MEGAS' not so far away on an asteroid little bigger than a tiny moon three people were standing around 'MEGAS' itself. Two of them were arguing violently with each other. The third was quietly watching the skies above the asteroid.
"Dammit Coop! I told you to fill up on Mars! Now how the bloody Hell are we supposed to get to 'Romulus'?" yelled a very angry red-headed female pilot.
"Sorry Kiva! (Not the same one that commands the 'Coriander' of course. This is another Kiva) My bad, man! Hey! I got it. Can't you just make us some fuel for the big dude?" asked a tall gangling blonde guy who resembled a football linebacker gone to pot. (The old meaning for 'pot' as in 'pot-bellied' or 'beer gut').
"Why don't we just hitchhike, guys?" bubbled a brown-haired girl attired in an old-fashioned maid's uniform complete with cap and gloves. Kiva frowned and pointed at the girl.
"And why I 'ever' let you talk me into picking her ass up is beyond me, Coop!" grumbled Kiva who was sitting on a rock. Suddenly the blonde guy snapped his fingers.
"Hey Kurumi! (The maid gave him a bright smile) Can we borrow some of your motor oil, Honey? Then Kiva can refine it into fuel for 'MEGAS'. OK?" asked Coop and Kurumi the Steel Angel nodded emphatically.
"Sure, Mr Coop, sir." she said and began yanking off her dress. Kiva jumped up quickly.
"Kurumi! You put that right back on dammit! Coop! We can't use her oil. Oro (What) could I mix it with anyway?" said Kiva. "Kurumi honey we can't hitchhi--" she added, breaking off when she spotted a huge ship circling overhead!
END of Ch 64. Ch 65 'Make Room For MEGAS' or 'Mind Search' soon. Getting interesting eh? Wonder how our heroine’s gonna get outta this one? Read on and r/r/s away as always. Have a wunnerful day and sfn/sys/jm/Kami bless you all for your interest and assistance. Hooble-toodle-doo! Toodles tomos watashi-K&K
I dickered over this chapter’s titles. Let me know if I got ‘em right eh? Don't our guys and gals play some cool practical jokes on each other? All in good-natured fun of course!
Hope ya had a happy and safe Guy Fawkes' Day! Happy Thanksgiving. Dunno if the Japanese even celebrate it but Naruto does.
A belated happy birthday to our fearless leader- Classic Kei who will be born 27 Nov AD 2121.
Meri Kurasumasu to all of my tomodachis and may Kami bless you this holiday season.
PS- I really do appreciate all your loyalty and support over the years my tomos watashi all! And you can take that to the bank folks!-K&K
See ya next blog post. Toodles-K&K
This chapter brings me up to date. Then I have to wind up this one and think about my next one folks- K&K
AngelWings Ch 64 'Void?'/'Going My Way?'
(image)
This is what the graphic novel Angels look like with Mugghi. Gad! I think they all look like wimps, don't you gang?
AW Ch 64 'Into the Void?'/'Going My Way?'
AW Ch 64
Wow!Mar's been injured and now that worst of all combat weapons is almost in Zorin's cronies' hands- Gundams! Almost as terrifying as the 'God Guns' or the Angels' new toy- the r-- whoops! I almost let the neko outta the sack folks! This chapter will put two close tomos at loggerheads with each other and nai it ain't Vacuumhead and Firebrand either! Some old tomos returned and the Boss decides to head for Onsokamaru! Who's in sick bay and how did she end up there? Why is Yuri Donovan furious? Who are the newbies? Did the truckers succeed?
ANGEL WINGS
DISCLAIMER: OK Ellen darlin’, it’s all yours. First I wanna thank Mr T for the use of his Angels and stuff. Then I wanna thank everyone else who has been allowing us to use their creations here like Thom Beers for the use of his ice road truckers Hugh, Drew, Rick, Eric, Alex and Bear. I took the liberty of naming the 3WA academy in Furool City on Shimougou after Mr Haruka Takachiho in honour of his creations- the Angels. How was that, Yuri? Great, kiddo. Oh hai it sure was, Kei! Now since we left ya up in the air last time let’s get to Ch 64 without any further meandering, shall we? Why is Zack Zero back and oro does he want with Suba Marina Oki? Can Mandy keep her big mouth shut? A hint re the titles- Aw do ya expect me to spoil it for ya? Oro does this all mean? We’ll find out momentarily gang. The Boss Red Marshall’s on the warpath again! Here ’tis:-
CHAPTER 64
'Into the Void?' or 'Going My Way?'
Zach Zero and Saiya St John were still staring at a blank scanner vidscreen where just a few seconds ago the 'Angel 2' had been in all its glory!
"Did they go 'hyperspace' maybe, Zach?" suggested the svelte green-haired Eloisian yeoman but Zach shook his head slowly.
"If she had we'd still have 'em on scanner vidscreen, kid. Unless-- Oh my Christ! No! She wouldn't have done taht, would she?" yelped a suddenly very worried Zach Zero.
"Unless oro (what), Zach?" she asked perplexedly.
"Unless she used the 'Daedalus Nebulae', poppet." he replied grimly.
"Huh? Not even the Boss would do anything that baka (crazy) or would she? I wonder. Still if anyone could pull it off it would be our Dierdre. That just must be oro (what) she did, Cap." said Saiya.
"That leaves us with no other choice, does it?" replied her skipper.
"We're not following her in there, are we, Zachie?" cried an astonished yeoman.
"Oro (What) other option have we got? Our orders are quite specific. We are to follow them and lend them our support when they finally engage (Count) Dooku or (Grand Admiral) Thrawn or both of 'em. Stand by for a course change. New course heading is 340 SSE. Mark. Entering the nebulae in 3, 2, 1, Mark. Activating 'George' now. From this point on until we exit this cloud we will have no comm relays nor navigational readouts. Better tell the crew and our passengers they can't phone home on their vidcell units, kiddo. By this same time ashita ban (tomorrow night) we'll either have reached 'Stegoros' or we'll be hopelessly lost. The redhead always trusts to her Gaelic luck and dammit so do I. It ain't failed her yet, poppet. It's late so go get some sleep. Oh yeah, do me a favour first and check in on Uncles Charlie, Andy, Don and Anton for me. G'Night, kid." said Zach, both of his aizu (eyes) glued to his scanner vidscreens.
"Sure, Zachie. You know those things don't work, right? (He nodded and waved her away) Nighty night." she replied and left on her errand.
Although nobody aboard the 'Angel 2' was aware of it the four 3WA chiefs were amonst the 'Liberator's handfull of passengers. In addition he had three 'Starfleet' admirals and representatives from the 'UG' and the 'Alliance'. One of the ladies aboard was Han Solo's wife, Leia Skywalker Organa Solo, leader of the Republic of Kurestan.
After peeping in on the chiefs as ordered the Eloisian girl saw that the 'G Boys' were already in Dreamland so she rode the lift down to her own cramped quarters. She was sharing them with Leia, the 'Dragon Queen of Starfleet Command' aka Admiral Katherine Janeway and two of her Flight Lieutenants- Alison Hayes and Esther Huntley who were the Dragon's adjutants.
Saiya very quietly prepared for bed and climbed up into her bunk above Leia. Al stirred in her sleep and rolled over. Almost before her head hit the pillows Saiya was asleep.
Meanwhile Zach strained his orbs in a vain attempt to penetrate the thick misty fog of the nebulae. Soon he too gave in and fell asleep across his console. He was snoring quite heavily when Rangiku Matsumoto came onto the bridge at 0600 (6 AM). The soul reaper lieutenant was wearing a 'Galactic Command' sapper's (like a PFC in the Terran US Army) uniform. She had been pressed into service after she was loaned (along with her 10th Squad captain Toshiro Hitsugaya) by Head Captain Yamamoto of the Soul Society's Sertai to the 'GC'. She swore under her breath. Ichigo and Rukia had really lucked out. Both of them were aboard the 'Angel 2' but she and Toshie had been ordered to report to the 'Liberator'. She swore again. As soon as Toshie had opened his big mouth and told Zero's exec that she (Rangiku) could operate a skysled the skipper had immediately appointed her to be a co-pilot. That was why she was up before the four suns had risen while little Toshie was still dreaming sweet dreams without care.
Rangiku smiled. For this mission the little guy was her equal rather than her superior. No wait. She was a sapper and he was a sapper 2C, a lower rank than she so technically she was his boss. Then she remembered oro (what) she was doing here. She was here to relieve the skipper for the dayshift. Gently she shook Zach's shoulder.
"Awaken sweet prince. I'm here now, Skipper." she said and gave his shoulders another shake. Slowly his aizu (eyes) opened and he yawned a bit.
"Glory be! Am I in Heaven then, me lovely? And are you an angel?" said a bleary-aizued (eyed) Zach Zero.
"No such luck, sir. Sapper Matsumoto and I am here to relieve you, sir. (She saluted and Zach waved her to a seat) Anything important happen last night?" replied the redhead.
"Not too much, darlin'. We're on 'George' until we get outta this 'Daedalus Nebulae' tomorrow night so don't touch anything on the consoles. If we veer offcourse by even a fraction of a kilo we'll be in deep crap. (Rangiku stared at Zero like he was baka) Reds is taking a shortcut so we were forced to follow her into this void. You knew we were following the 'Lovely Angel 2', didn't you, Rangi? (The svelte redhead nodded and sat down) Oh that's right. Two of your pals are aboard her, aren' they?" observed a yawning Zach Zero. Again she nodded and put her feet up on the console.
"Yeah. Ichigo Kurosaki and Rukia Kutschski, the lucky bastards. Hey Cap? How come I got demoted? I am a Lieutenant First Class in Squad 10 of the Soul Society you know." she replied angrily. He shook his head.
"It ain't my fault, sweetheart. Too many Looeys aboard already. The 'GC' only allows two sub-ensign officers and I've already got a dozen ensigns so I demosted you and that shorty kid that came with you. (The 'short kid' was Rangiku's captain Toshiro Hitsugaya) Nothing personal, Rangi. See you later, kiddo." said Zach and he left for his own cabin. Next morning aboard the 'Angel' brought some excitement.
'WOOHP' spygirl Alex was on scanning detail and wasted no time in trilling Han Solo when she spotted it- a strange blip on the scanners' vidscreens.
"Captain Solo? Ensign Alex here, sir. There seems toi be someone following us, sir. Could you come and take a look, sir? Thanks you." she trilled.
"Oro (What) did that kid just say, Solo?" queried Gene Starwind.
"Al says we got company, old pal. I'd better go and take a look. Be rigth back." drawled Solo and he ambled next door top the nav room. After one glance at Alex's vidscreens he chuckled.
"Nothing to worry about there, love. That's just our 'GC' escort. It's Zach Zero's 'Liberator'. He must have followed us into the nebulae, kid. (Alex grabbed a vid mike) Don't hail him, Al. We gotta maintain comm relay silence and relays won't work inside 'Daedalus' anyway. Watch him and keep us posted, Al." drawled Han Solo who had absolutely no idea that his 'better half' was cruising along less than 200 K kilos behind them.
Kouga and Jimbo Hawking had not the slighest inkling of why they were all of a sudden scrubbing pots and pans in the galleys.
Nyssa had awakened in sick bay with a pounding headache and not a clue as to oro (what) the Hell had happened to her. All the young Trakken maiden recalled was sitting beside Mr Drew inside the 'Matterhorn' downstairs in the docking bays. 'StunGun' Millie Thompson came in, took another tricorder eading and handed Nyssa a grey 'Hydroxylein' capsule. Nyssa dutifully swallowed it with the flask of water the big girl handed her. Millie wished her well and reported to her job in Engineering. Actually Millie was an assistant space tech on the 'Nova Hellsing' under Junpei's jurisdiction but when the 'Nova H' was not in use she was used as an oiler on the main ship under Chief Engineer 'Dynamo' the huge Triceraton dinosaur.
A few short hours later Nyssa reported for duty on the bridge. Yuri promptly ordered her back to her quarters with th command to rest there until the mammoth ship docked on 'Remus'. Meanwhile aboard their rendezvous ship the 'Shalimar' Commander Alan Gabriel was frowning. He had just tried to reach the 'LA2' several times to no avail whatsoever. Even his vidcell unit was not responding.
"They are inside 'Daedalus', Commander Alan, sir. That is why we can neither comm relay nor vidcell call them." explained the sombre looking kid in a maid's black uniform. Alan was startled.
"How do you know that, poppet?" he asked.
"Don't ask, Al. Even I ain't been able to figure that one out." answered Roger Smith.
"If they're travelling through 'that thing' they've got a 30 to 70 chance of getting here anytime soon." observed a striking blonde beuty who was calling herself 'Angela Sullivan' for this mission.
"Why? Oro (What) the dickens are you talking about, Miss Sullivan?" demanded a fuming Gabriel.
"The nebulae fluctuates and spins its way across the great cosmos of space, sir. That means a traveller has no guarantee of exiting it where he expects to, sir. If all goes well with any kind of luck as Roger calls it they will reach 'Stegoros' sometime this evening and arrive here tomorrow evening around 2200 hours, that is ten o'clock, sir." explained Dorothy Wainwright. Dorothy was neither girl nor maid. Instead she was a state-of-the-arts robotic android and the alternative power source for Roger Smith's 'BGR' known as 'Big O'.
"Is she ever wrong, Smith?" demanded Alan tightly.
"Not that I ever heard, Commander." replied Angela (Angel) Sullivan.
"Whatever became of that old fool Norman, Smith?" asked Alan. Roger chuckled and lit a cigarette. He offered one to Angela who took it and accepted his light. Alan was smoking a dark stogie already. Dorothy had no vices and of course did not smoke.
"He refused to leave the mansion unprotected, Alan. Actually I think the real reason he begged off accompanying us is that he gets airsick. Besides with our Dorothy along with us he wasn't really necessary. Why'd you tag along with us, Angel?" replied Roger Smith. Alan blew a smoke ring.
"Yes, my dear child. Exactly why are you here?" he asked pointedly.
"I have my own mission and it's top secret, sirs." answered the blonde, stubbing out her cigarette and lighting another.
Not counting Dorothy it seemed that not a single person aboard the 'Shalimar' was wearing any kind of uniform. Belowdecks and taking up most of the docking bays' floor space was the aforementione d'Big O', a monstrous behemoth megadeuce robot looking for all the Universes like that wooden Indian 'Kaw-Liga' from the ancient Terran song. This was the sixth of the 'BGR's or 'big giant robots' the other five being the four 'Gundams' aboard the 'Angel 2' and 'MEGAS' which hailed from Terra's far distant future. And while we are speaking of 'MEGAS' not so far away on an asteroid little bigger than a tiny moon three people were standing around 'MEGAS' itself. Two of them were arguing violently with each other. The third was quietly watching the skies above the asteroid.
"Dammit Coop! I told you to fill up on Mars! Now how the bloody Hell are we supposed to get to 'Romulus'?" yelled a very angry red-headed female pilot.
"Sorry Kiva! (Not the same one that commands the 'Coriander' of course. This is another Kiva) My bad, man! Hey! I got it. Can't you just make us some fuel for the big dude?" asked a tall gangling blonde guy who resembled a football linebacker gone to pot. (The old meaning for 'pot' as in 'pot-bellied' or 'beer gut').
"Why don't we just hitchhike, guys?" bubbled a brown-haired girl attired in an old-fashioned maid's uniform complete with cap and gloves. Kiva frowned and pointed at the girl.
"And why I 'ever' let you talk me into picking her ass up is beyond me, Coop!" grumbled Kiva who was sitting on a rock. Suddenly the blonde guy snapped his fingers.
"Hey Kurumi! (The maid gave him a bright smile) Can we borrow some of your motor oil, Honey? Then Kiva can refine it into fuel for 'MEGAS'. OK?" asked Coop and Kurumi the Steel Angel nodded emphatically.
"Sure, Mr Coop, sir." she said and began yanking off her dress. Kiva jumped up quickly.
"Kurumi! You put that right back on dammit! Coop! We can't use her oil. Oro (What) could I mix it with anyway?" said Kiva. "Kurumi honey we can't hitchhi--" she added, breaking off when she spotted a huge ship circling overhead!
END of Ch 64. Ch 65 'Make Room For MEGAS' or 'Mind Search' soon. Getting interesting eh? Wonder how our heroine’s gonna get outta this one? Read on and r/r/s away as always. Have a wunnerful day and sfn/sys/jm/Kami bless you all for your interest and assistance. Hooble-toodle-doo! Toodles tomos watashi-K&K
I dickered over this chapter’s titles. Let me know if I got ‘em right eh? Don't our guys and gals play some cool practical jokes on each other? All in good-natured fun of course!
Hope ya had a happy and safe Guy Fawkes' Day! Happy Thanksgiving. Dunno if the Japanese even celebrate it but Naruto does.
A belated happy birthday to our fearless leader- Classic Kei who will be born 27 Nov AD 2121.
Meri Kurasumasu to all of my tomodachis and may Kami bless you this holiday season.
PS- I really do appreciate all your loyalty and support over the years my tomos watashi all! And you can take that to the bank folks!-K&K
See ya next blog post. Toodles-K&K
This chapter brings me up to date. Then I have to wind up this one and think about my next one folks- K&K
Angel Wings Ch 58 Gundams & Liberator
AW Ch 58 'The Trouble with Gundams' or 'The Return of the Liberator'
Wow!Mar's been injured and now that worst of all combat weapons is almost in Zorin's cronies' hands- Gundams! Almost as terrifying as the 'God Guns' or the Angels' new toy- the r-- whoops! I almost let the neko outta the sack folks! This chapter will put two close tomos at loggerheads with each other and nai it ain't Vacuumhead and Firebrand either! Some old tomos returned and the Boss decides to head for Onsokamaru! Who's in sick bay and how did she end up there? Why is Yuri Donovan furious?
ANGEL WINGS
DISCLAIMER: OK InuYasha darlin’, it’s all yours. First I wanna thank Mr T for the use of his Angels and stuff. Then I wanna thank everyone else who has been allowing us to use their creations here like Thom Beers for the use of his ice road truckers Hugh, Drew, Rick, Eric, Alex and Bear. I took the liberty of naming the 3WA academy in Furool City on Shimougou after Mr Haruka Takachiho in honour of his creations- the Angels. How was that, Yuri? Great, kiddo. Oh hai it sure was, Kei! Now since we left ya up in the air last time let’s get to Ch 58 without any further meandering, shall we? Why is Zack Zero back and oro does he want with Suba Marina Oki? Can Mandy keep her big mouth shut? A hint re the titles- Aw do ya expect me to spoil it for ya? Oro does this all mean? We’ll find out momentarily gang. The Boss Red Marshall’s on the warpath again! Here ’tis:-
CHAPTER 58
'The Trouble with Gundams' or 'The Return of the Liberator'
Yuri's entire party rqced onto the lift and rode down to sick bay on Level Three.
"Rally! 'Extrapoleen 80'- 190 mg's- stat! Kei! Lots of blankets! Mae! Tricorder readout! Nami! Change her bandages!" yelled the violet maned vixen while she worked furiously on the young blonde.
"There! I think that that almost 600 mg's of 'Extra 80' may just have done the business for sure. She's breathing on her own and sleeping peacefully. (Yuri whirled like a Dervish to face the Boss) You dimwitted dodobrain! If you 'ever' pull a dumbass trick like that again, I swear I'll flatten your ass! All you had to do was turn on the taps at the kitchen sink for Kami's sake! You used dishwater! And- and- and- y- y- you almost damned near killed her, Deirdre!!" sobbed Yuri.
"I saw the dishwater there so I stuck her hand into it figuring it'd like clean out the wound, that's all! 'Kolacydyl's water soluble anyway, ain't it?" replied the redhead with an oath.
"Yeah sure! 'Kolacydyl' is but Marley had used 'Synthenol Koron' thinking it was 'Kol' and the lanolin/sodium combo from the dishsoap speeded up the reaction time. Mar's allergic to 'Syn K' you big dummy!" wailed a distraught Yuri Maureen Bridget Donovan her body shaking with uncontrolled emotion. Kei was belligerent.
"Well she was the one that used that crap on herself! I didn't so it ain't my fault!" retorted the Boss angrily.
"Besides you said she was gonna be OK, didn't you? (Yuri's purple head nodded) Then shut the Fxxx up about it already!" howled the redjeaded Amazon wildcat.
"Don't tell 'me' to shut up! You shut up, dipstick!" shouted Yuri and suddenly Kei grinned like a Cheshire neko (cat).
"See? Every now and then ya just gotta let off some of that steam, kiddo. Look. I am really really sorry for oro (what) happened to Marlene but it really was just an accident. She gonna be OK now so let's just forget about it eh?" suggested the Boss. Yuri finally nodded and dried her aizu (eyes). Then the redhead got deadly serious.
"We have 'got' to get to 'Onsokamaru' and fast. Gene seems to think he can get us there in two days. We'll make our pickup there, turn and burn back to 'Rom' and 'Rem' ('Romulus' and 'Remus') and hopefully get there in time." she explained.
"Oro are we picking up Boss? More damned 'railguns'?" demanded a sarcastic wing commander vixen. Kei shook her head slowly and her expression was grim.
"Nai (No). Two more 'Gundams' are there. It seems that old Zorin (Oakenshield) had this pair stockpiled at 'Onsokamaru' just in case the others on 'XANA' were discovered by the authorities. Charlie Garner says we owe a really big favour to Johnny Raven. His 'Ganymede' contingent found 'em for us. One of John's 'X-Wing' pilots had engine trouble so the squadron put down at 'Onsokamaru' for repairs. Another of his guys went exploring and stumbled into a cavern like that one on 'XANA' only this one had two bigger 'Gundams' than ours in it. Charlie said that if Zorin was going to use four of them against 'Rom' then by Kami and all that's holy we are going to use four of 'em against Lord Dooku and Admiral Thrawn. (Kei mused and pursed her lips in thought) Maybe, just maybe we won't be needing to use those damned 'railguns' after all, Vac-- er I mean Yuri." replied Kei. Yuri was speedily calculating on her PDO unit. Then she frowned and tapped her foot.
"OK listen up. Our beam transporters work from a hundred thousand kilos (kilometres) out so we can beam those monstrosities directly aboard the 'Angel' without having to touch down at all if we have John set up 'pattern enhancers' around them for us. I will not risk beaming anyone down there from that far out no matter how damned much of a hurry Uncle Chuckie's in. We will be within beaming range in another six solar hours. Let's say it'll take fifteen minutes to beam and then we turn and burn back to 'Adonis' (Arch) and use it to get to 'Remus' and from there we go to 'Romulus' which by my calculations we should reach by dinnertime (1700 hours aka 5 PM) ashita no yobi (the day after tomorrow). That will be well within our window so how's that suit you, Boss?" asked a now composed and recovered Yuri Donovan.
"Sounds like a plan to me, kid. Let Gene know will ya? (Yuri smiled and nodded) Arigatou (Thanks). On your way back down to your star room duties of course. I just love it when a plan comes together! (Kei thought for a moment or so) Is there someone with Mar? Just in case?" asked the redhead.
"Of course there is. I'm not that stupid ya know! Either Zoe, Winry, Flaysie, Cagalli or Maesie. They're taking turns in hourly shifts." explained Yuri who was again as per usual- mad as Hell at the Boss. She touched a fingertip to her comlink earring.
"Ari? Yuri. Listen up. We are picking up two more of those 'Gundam' toys. John Raven's going to 'pattern enhance' the area they're in for us. I want you to beam them along with our first two directly to Armoury Room 3 on the Fourth level. Got that? Good. Oro? Not for another six solar hours. Huh? Nai (No) we ain't touching down there. Why? Well for one thing it's hostile territory and for another we're in a damned hurry. Be ready when I give you the go ahead. OK? Fine. Arigatou (Thanks) Ari. Yuri out." she trilled on her way to the bridge to acquaint Gene and Han with Territorial Sector Chief Charles Augustus Garner's latest orders. They took this grim news like the true troopers they were.
"Two more of those Kami forsaken pieces of crap? Oro the jigoku (Hell) does Charlie Boy think we're runnin' here, Duchess? A damned galactic delivery service?" drawled an irked Han Solo.
"All the way to 'Onsokamaru' and back in less than two solar days? I sure hope our warp core can handle the added strain." worried Gene Starwind.
"Orders is orders, old buddy. Guess we're like the Terrans' ancient Marines corps- 'the tough stuff we do right away; the impossible takes a little longer.' Hey Zoe! Plot us a quickie course to 'Onsokamaru' and back will ya?" yelled Han to the nav room next door. Zoe silently gave him a two thumbs up sign.
It took the combined efforts of both Gene and Han on the throttle to turn the almost mile long starcraft around after the ship had dropped out of hyperspace mode. Had they attempted this foolhardy maneuvre while in hyperthrust they could have quite easily placed the 'Lovely Angel 2' in more than just one dimension!
Meanwhile downstairs in Engineering Cyborg and Donnatella were having a minor disagreement regarding the ship's speed.
"If we go back into hyperthrust we cannot exceed thirty Warp, Cy." explained Don reasonably.
"Bull! Blondie said we can go all the way up to forty-five, Don!" countered the angry Teen Titan.
"Yes but she did not mean while we were still in hyperspace mode! If we do we'll reduce this vessel to nano-atoms!" argued the Ninja.
"Not if we stabilize that danged core field beforehand we won't!" yelled Cyborg.
"Forget that, stupid! That core's as unstable as the nine gates of Hell and we really shouldn't be putting more strain on it! However, if we're really careful maybe we can hyper her up to twenty-five guys but that is it! Any more and we risk creating a new moon above 'Sontarra'!" cried Blackfire of Tamaran who was checking gauges with Faye Valentine.
"I have already witnessed the birth of a new moon thank you very much and I do not want to see another one guys so stick to 25 Warp dammit!" snarled the 'cowgirl' with finality.
Cyborg made a wry face to Donnatella. "You always win darn it!" he sulked.
"Stabilize the core field, Black and fire her up again. Take us to twelve then gradually increase to twenty-five, Cy. Who's got night watch folks?" said the Ninja turtle. Faye raised her hand.
"I got it tonight, Commander." she replied.
"Better go get some chow and some rest now. You'll take over at 2100 (9 PM) tonight, Suba." said Don. Blackfire was frowning at her station.
"You and Cy go on ahead to the chuck wagon, sir. I'll rep up something here. I don't trust this core even with a stabilized magnetic field. See ya later." said the Tamaranian girl. Cy shrugged then left with Faye and Don. The Tam's caution proved unnecessary so when Faye returned at nine an exhausted and grateful Blackfire went to her bunk. Meanwhile Rin, Ed (the Bebop tomboy not the blonde alchemist) and Mooney were bored to tears. None of them wanted to play vid games or horse around on the holodecks. The rec room was too noisy and most of the 'cool' places aboard were 'off limits' to them for obvious reasons. Then Rinny remembered the dumb waiter she and Conan had used to get to the Auntie Kei's 'office' behind the bridge.
"Mako (one of Mooney's scouts) told me that Auntie Kome's got a cool new vid game up in the office and I know how we can get in there without anybody seeing us." she announced proudly. Ed and Mooney wanted to hear more details and pumped Rin for more and more information.
The chromos read 1900 (7 PM) and since they were travelling 'hyper' nobody was manning any weapons. Instead the rec room was full of merriment, laughter and noise. After all besides the bridge's skeleton crew, a 'Mar watcher' in sick bay and a few guards nobody else was on duty tonight. Even the Duchess and the Hyuga siblings (Neji and Hinata) got a break since 'you cannot watch space for stuff when you're zippin' past it at almost thirty times the speed of light!' as Yuri had pointed out to the Ninjas who were not slow in agreeing with her. Nat's 'railgun' crew was offduty except for Flaysie who had drawn this shift's 'Mar watch' detail. Flaysie could have cared less. She got to watch ancient Terran movie vids called DVDs while her blonde charge slumbered on. If she knew oro was going on just one level above her on Four she wouldn't have been so contented.
Beside the laudry room Rinny proudly pointed out the dumb waiter's concealed hatch.
"Conan said that supply room across from us used to be a kitchen where special dinners were cooked for meetings in the office upstairs. They sent the food up this little elevator thingy. Then Mr Popo (Donald Poporo was the 3WA Section 237 Chief) said they needed more room for his medicine (booze of course but Rinny didn't know that) so the kitchen became a supply room. Everybody must have forgotten about the little elevator thingy but it's still here." explained the inu youkai's (dog demon's) ward. Ed and Mooney smiled while Rinny grinned back at them.
It was a tight fit for them but only a short ride up to the ready room on Nine. They all piled out and Rinny sat on the big conference table. Ed folded her arms and looked the kid squarely in the face.
"I don't see no damned vid games, Rinny." she said suspiciously.
"Me neither." agreed Mooney but Rin clapped her hands and laughed.
"Watch this guys!" she giggled and hit the control bar for the 'out of order' vidscreen number 18. The star map rose from the console's rear.
"See? Auntie Kome and Auntie Nat just punch the little letters and stuff here and lights do a dance on the big TV set. Watch." she instructed and pressed 'Enter' and 'Start' together.
"Weapons are now fully armed and functional. Please select target coordinates." intoned the 'railguns' program.
"Cool! Let's pick that place that Uncle Anton doesn't like too much- 'Minerva'." suggested Mooney with an impish grin. Rin squinted at the star chart.
"Which one is 'Minnie Nerve', Ed?" she asked.
"That one. The one that looks like little Ein (Ed's data doggie). How do we play?" replied the tow-headed tomboy.
"Turn the wheels until the lines cross at that square doohickey (Canadian bull target sight)." explained Rinny.
The trio took turns (very unusual for them) using the windage targeting controls until-
"Target selected and locked. Are we go for launch?" requested the program.
"Hell yeah! Blow the damned thing up already!" yelled Ed excitedly while Mooney and Rin cheered her on.
"Affirmative. We are go for launch. Please select salvo number." instructed the computer. Rin was counting on her fingers and Ed was musing while Mooney looked confused. Finally-
"Shit on it! Let's start with one." said Sailor Moon and she pressed the '1' key.
"Salvo One will launch in T minus five minutes. We are go for launch. Gun ports are clear. Back blast ports are opened. Correcting firing elevation to 800.14621. Mark. Alert! Alert! Clear all sublevels immediately! Firing will commence in three solar minutes! All hands stand clear! Stand clear!" intoned the launch program and at the same time klaxons strted to bray everywhere! Then the huge ship lurched heavily downwards throwing the kids to the deck. Next door on the bridge the peaceful tranquility had just been shattered.
"What the Hell? Gene! Did you do that?" shouted Han Solo. Gene Starwind was just as confused as his compadre in arms.
"Me? You're the damned pilot, Han!" yelled Starwind.
"Yo! You two birdbrains just took us off course dammit! Oro the Hell do you think this is- a frigging joyride?" shouted Nami from her nav room.
"Hey guys! Why the oni (devil) are we targeting 'Minerva'?" demanded Rally Vincent from her scanning station. Then the terrifying truth sunk in.
"Those bloody 'railguns'!" howled pilot and co-pilot together.
"Han old buddy! Do you know oro happens if a 'railgun' is fired while a ship's in 'hyperspace' mode?" yelped a panicky Gene.
"Nope but I'm guessin' it ain't a very perty sight!" drawled Solo.
"It'll blast a hole through all the continuums in all the Universes! It would unmake creation itself!" shouted Gene who was double timing it for the ready room.
"When does it go boom, Ed?" complained a pouting Rin.
"If we're lucky- Never! Oro the Hell are you hooligan brats doing up here? Han! Oro's the override for this damned thing?" yelled Gene.
"How the Hell should I know dammit?" howled Solo.
"Abort! Abort mission at once! Abort! Hellfire and eternal damnation! Abort I say!" cried Villa who had just rushed in.
"Go for launch has been cancelled. All stations standing down." intoned the program.
By now most of the flag officers were crowding the little room. The three little miscreants decided now was a good time to take off.
"Freeze! Get your asses out of that dumb waiter right now! You three ladies have got some explaining to do!" roared Naturle Edwards from the doorway. The kids froze in terror.
"We didn't do nothing, Auntie Nat!" wailed a sobbing Rinny.
"We were just playing with the new vid game up here." said Mooney.
"It's just Auntie Kome's dumb old vid game. We didn't hurt nothing." sulked Ed.
"You kiddies are danged lucky that the Red Hellfire didn't catch you!" warned Villa.
"Catch oro? Oro the Hell's going on up here?" asked a suspicious Keirran O'Halloran. She'd come up here to chat with Nami and had walked over to the ready room to see oro all the excitement was about. The Boss's suite you will no doubt recall is soundproof.
"We were running a little fire drill, weren't we Captain Gene?" suggested Cagalli Yula Athna digging her elbow into his ribs.
"Huh? Oh yeah that's right, ma'am. Very good folks. Now you can all go back to whatever you were doing." agreed Starwind.
Kei shrugged and went into the nav room.
"We sure lucked outta that one, that we did." said Mooney heaving a sigh of relief.
"Not quite. You three have pots and pans detail for a month." ordered Nat.
"Huh? We rep up everything so there's nothing to wash up, Auntie Nat." said Mooney.
"That may be true but Uncle Tracey cooks so he'll need clean pots and pans. You'll be washing and drying them for the next month. Ed? Mooney? A one thousand word essay regarding artillery safety. Single spaced. Rin? You will write 'I will never play in the ready room again' one thousand times. Auntie Mae will see you get to your bunks. Get plenty of sleep kids because you'll be up at dawn. Dismissed." commanded a seething Nat Edwards. Mae wasted no time in hustling them off to bed and then went to her own bunk. It had been a long damned day.
"OK folks. We got lucky tonight. Kei didn't hear anything and Donovan took three 'Xenokot' sleeping capsules. Needless to say neither they nor the Brigadier must ever find out anything about this little incident. Is that quite clear? Kome, send out that message to everyone's PDO unit on this ship except theirs and add a two minute 'delete' instruction. This minor 'wargame' never happened. I need a drink so let's go back to the bar." said the ex-Archangelite (Nat, Caggie and Flay's former ship had been the 'Archangel' in Cosmic Year 30) and they all left.
Over in the nav room Nami and the Boss were chatting about old times while they ostensibly searched for the best approach to 'Onsokamaru' space and those two 'Double 0 Riser' Gundams.
"Yuri won't let us get any closer than a hundred K kilos (100,000 kilometres) and neither one of us is gonna risk beaming anyone down there. Those 'pattern enhancers' should let us pick 'em up with no prolems." said the redhead.
"Blackfire's worried about our damned warp core holding up long enough to get us there and back again, Boss. By the way who's gonna pilot these two new Gundams for us?" asked Nami Richards.
"Annie (Anne Hathaway was Ella's daughter and a time ship pilot with the 3WA albeit in AD 2268) and KR (Keitarou Reef was the Angels' godson, Annie's partner and a time ship pilot as well). They're both time ship pilots so Gundams should be a cinch for them." replied Kei who had never really known too much about these ancient 'Celestial Being' beasties. Nyssa arrived to spell Nami who headed for bed. Nyssa was the quiet type, answered in monosyllables so the Boss left with Han and Gene who had just been relieved by Rukia and Ichigo. Rally's replacement was 'Derringer' Merrill Stryfe. InuYasha was night security chief. The big hanyou was both upset and amused by his niece's (Rin) stunt with the 'long pipes' next door while everyone else was having a grand old time in the rec room and the bar.
"Rinny gets it from her dad. That's my brother Sesshomaru ya know. Oro I mean is she gets it from him, not me!" said the big inu hanyou or half human and half dog demon.
"Oh no! You never did anything reckless, did you? No! Not you!" commented Kagome Higurashi sarcastically.
"Aw you just think Sess is a saint on account of he adopted Rinny." grumbled InuYasha.
"I most certainly do not! I was referring to the time you and Ichigo were sparring on Deck Six (Deck Six 'is' the 'God Gun') and your 'Tetsusaiga' (IY's sword) cut into the 'God Gun's coolant lines." she replied.
Ichigo guffawed. "She's got ya dead to rights there, Dog Breath! I remember that mess!" chuckled the soul reaper from Kara Kura Town. Rukia turned towards him and smiled.
"Then you must recall that 'Zangetsu' (Ichigo's zanzapatou sword) almost split the gun's ion generator in half that day, Lt Kurosaki." reminded Ms Kutschski.
It really irked Rukia Kutschski that Ichigo Kurosaki had been promoted to lieutenant and assigned to Gin Ichimaru's old squad while she was snubbed. In Squad 13 Rukia was still a lowly nobody warrior. That was back in the Seretai in the Soul Society and that was bad enough but now that they were here as temporary 3WA officers Ichigo's promotions had continued. That blonde hussy brigadier had just made him a Captain while passing over Rukia leaving her still a lowly Ensign! Even Kagome, a fifteen year old schoolkid, was a Suba (Subaltern) and her pet pooch ("Sit Boy!!") was a Lieutenant. Life was like a boat dammit! It was just not fair at all!
"Hey Kagome! Take Rukie and rep us up some snacks and java will ya?" called the petite brunette from the nav room.
"You got it, Merrill. Let's go, Ensign Kutschski." replied Kagome.
"Dammit all! Merrill's not only a First Lieutenant, she's a frigging Acting Captain to boot!" sulked Rukia to herself.
"Bridge duty tonight and babysitting tomorrow. I just can't seem to catch a break, Suba." she complained to the schoolgirl. Kagome shook her head sadly.
"It's your own damned fault, Reaper Girl. You should not have decked Light Yagami yesterday. And you did it in front of Donovan too. Blondie was all set to hand you your bars at tonight's party. Now with you on report she can't do it." explained Kagome while punching in the snack orders on her PDO unit. Involuntarily Rukia shivered.
"Dammit! It's bloody cold in here, Kaggie. Can the 3WA possibly make these damned miniskirts any shorter? I hate these things! That's why I was hoping to make Lieutenant, Kaggie." said Rukia.
"Here's the list. Get repping. Oro does not being promoted to Lieutenant have to do with miniskirts, Rukie?" asked a confused Kagome.
"Lieutenants and the higher up ranks get to wear pants, Suba Higurashi. Reds I mean the Marshall put the kibosh on my 'gi' (soul reapers wear a black overshirt and oversized black pants called a 'gi'. The same outfit is used by Ninjas or Karate fighters) outfit while on duty so I gotta wear this damned getup. Excuse me while I rep, ma'am." said the angry soul reaper.
"I think Andy Gooley picked 'em out and Kome said he's a dirty old man. Suba Oki took hers off and threw it in his face. Chief Gustav told me that after Marina Oki had stormed out the entire steno pool bombarded him with theirs too." giggled Kagome.
"And I thought the Seretai's 'Inner Sanctum' was full of nutcases!" chuckled Rukia. She began placing cakes and pies, buns and rolls, doughnuts and Danishes on an antigrav trolley while Kagome carried the two immense java (coffee) urns over. Then they stacked the dishes and cutlery. Rukia was carefully filling the last cream pitcher when--
"Yo! Hurry up with the food, Shortie! I'm hungry!" bellowed Dog Boy.
"Shit! Look at this blasted mess!" yelped the angry soul reaper who had just dumped the contents of the cream canister all over herself.
"Aren't you a cutie! Better get outta that uniform so we can sponge it off before the stains set." said Kagome while Rukia stared at her open-mouthed then relaxed when Kagome slipped off her own flightsuit and tossed it to her. Kagome had had on a tee shirt and jeans underneath it.
"Looks like you'll be going against regulations until tomorrow, Rukie. Hurry up and change. Gimme your cruddy stuff so I can toss it down the laundry chute. No way! Teddy bear undies? (Rukia made a wry face and nodded) Sango give 'em to you? (Again Rukia nodded) Thought so. I was the one that gave 'em to her." chuckled Kagome while relacing her deck boots.
"Ha ha. Very funny. Thanks for the jumper though." replied the reaper girl. They refilled the creamers and the sugar bowls before trundling the trolley back to the bridge.
"Slumming, Kaggie?" chortled Ichigo.
"A little spilt cream, Reaper Boy. Luckily I had my 'slumming' outfit on underneath my flightsuit so I gave it to Rukie. This is just between us, guys. OK? Rukie's in enough trouble already what with the Light thing yesterday and all." said Kagome and Rukia got very red in the face.
"Darn it all! I wasn't even trying to hit Light. I was going after that Shinigami of his!" yelled Rukia.
"You cannot harm a death god, kid. As a rule you cannot even see or hear them." explained Light who was making his rounds trailed by a grinning Ryuuk.
"Sorry if I got you into trouble, fellow Shinigami." apologized Ryuuk.
"Thanks Ry. I forgot that us soul reapers are Shinigami too." replied Rukie.
"Only they aren't as ugly." added Ichigo.
"You haven't seen the Squad 12 Captain yet, have you?" giggled Rukia. This dude rivalled both the Joker and Ryuuk in ugliness.
"Enough chatter in there, guys. I got something onscreen. Kagome, get in here." called 'Cat' from the nav room.
"Oro does Nami say about it, 'Cat'?" asked Rukia.
"I got no idea, Reaper Gal so get Kaggie's ass in here dammit!" snarled the Terran navigator.
"Is it one of ours, Kaggie?" asked 'Cat' but the schoolgirl slowly shook her head.
"Nope. I'm sure the Boss said we're the only law enforcement ship in these parts. It's way out of 'ISSP' jurisdiction and no other 3WA vessels have been assigned out this far. Whoever it is it's definitely not one of our vessels." said Kagome. Rukia was leaning over Nami and squinting into the scanner.
"Who's 'GC'?" she asked innocently.
"Huh?" replied Nami.
"That's oro it says on the side of that ship out there." explained Rukia.
"It means 'Galactic Command', darlin'. They're sort of like one of us so get your itchy fingers off those triggers out there, Reaper Boy." drawled Han Solo.
"Where the Hell'd you come from, Pirate?" grumbled Nami.
"I trilled Commander Solo and asked him to come up, Ensign Richards. When I saw Kurosaki charging up the plasma cannons I wanted to make damned sure who we were firing on first." explained Light Yagami.
"The Boss called in a favour and asked John Raven ('ISSP' commander at 'Ganymede') to get us some kind of an escort. 'Galactic Command' was the only one that would send a ship out this far. That ship can only assume we're here since we're still 'cloaked' and they can't see us or detect us. Put down that mike, Ensign Kutschski. We are maintaining relay silence until we reach 'Onsokamaru' space. I'll sack out up here across from the ready room. Don't be afraid to sing out if you kids spot anything else. And stay off the comm relays, Rukie love. G'Night." drawled Solo and he left them.
"Oro do we do now?" asked the reaper girl.
"I'm starving to death so let's eat!" yelled InuYasha and he grabbed four ham and Swiss on ryes and popped off the top of a java urn.
"You're a pig!" yelled Rukia.
"Ain't he though." agreed Vincent.
"Sit boy!" ordered Kagome and the big hanyou pitched forward and crashed to the deck floor.
"OW! Damn you wench! That hurt!" howled InuYasha.
"Next time watch your manners, InuYasha." advised Kagome.
Ichigo pulled him up and Nami handed him a cup and a sandwich. Still sulking he wolfed it down and allowed Rukia to fill his mug all the while complaining because they had forgotten his ramen.
Meanwhile the 'GC' ship kept a silent vigil while both vessels sped on towards the most lawless sector of the 'Epsilon Quadrant'- the 'Elysian Fields' and their rendezvous on the tiny asteroid known as 'Onsokamaru'.
Seated in his pilot's chair the 'GC' Captain was brooding. He wasn't a bit worried about the dangerous regions they were soon to encounter. He was way too angry with the 'Galactic Command' and their shyster tactics which was how he and his starcruiser became enmeshed in this mess in the first place. Finding himself in need of a few million credits in a hurry he had foolishly floated a loan from an Antillian moneylender. This guy could have given Shylock lessons! The 150% interest loan was signed in 'Dariabar' but oro the Captain did not know was that the moneylender was only a frontman for the real creditor- Goren LaGann, Supreme Commodore and Commander of the 'Galactic Command' headquartered just beyond Alderaan.
When he discovered that his new creditor was LaGann he still wasn't too concerned. He had patrolled for the law before and anyway until that note was settled he and his fine vessel belonged to the 'GC' so he decided to just make the best of it. None of this upset him until LaGann dropped his bombshells. Then the Captain became as mad as a Zygorvian Sabre Cat and began spitting fire! A "GC' ship or one that was temporarily on loan to them had to fly their ensign- a grey 'GC' on a dark field. In addition LaGann had placed an observer from his own staff aboard the Captain's craft ostensibly as an advisour but to the Captain he was a little fat pain-in-the-ass. The final thing that rankled his ire was that the 'GC' had the unmitigated gall to repaint his beloved starship!
After all the 'Liberator' had just been repainted a cheery red, white and aoishi (blue) to match his fave redhead's 'Lovely Angel 2' starship. Before that it been green and gold- the clours of Marina's fave Terran NFL football team- the Green Bay Packers. He had begged and pleaded to no avail. Supreme Commodore LaGann had been gracious and sympathetic but firm. In the end Captain Zacharias Zero was sitting here just beyond no-man's land in his drab grey 'Liberator' while Warrant Officer Second Class Jomdath Jegga slept in his room downstairs.
Jegga was ostensibly the 'GC' observer but to Zach he was a royal apin-in-the-ass. Zach fumed inwardly at his blasted orders from the High Command. The 'Liberator' was to maintain comm relay silence and Zach was to assume that the 3WA 'LA2' was out there somewhere nearby. Therefore he was to continue his voyage to the 'Elysian Fields' as if the 'Liberator' was on a scenic pleasure tour of the galaxy. Shit! That meant that he couldn't even hail the 'Angel' despite the fact that he and his ship were well known to most of the 3WA and their crews. Well they knew his 'Lib' as a speedy green and yellow starcruiser not as this drab grey 'GC' patrol ship. They had to have seen him here but merely logged him as a 'GC' escort vessel. Wait a minute. Maybe he could send them a message like they had both done in the 'Gyrol Mountains' that time back on 'Shimougou' using ancient Terran Morse Code.
"No Captain. No Morse Code either. No comm relays at all. Your orders are to remain silent. Good night." Damn that Jegga! He had anticipated Zach's thoughts and warned him telepathically. Why not? Like all 'Zargons' Jegga could read minds- even from a distance while Jegga himself was sleeping soundly with a deck between them! If Zach thought that the 'ISSP' had been stern taskmasters they were kindergartners compared to these 'Galactic Command' clowns. At midnight Zach Zero called it a night and went to his cabin.
At that exact same time aboard the other vessel the party broke up and Villa headed for his bunk. Halfway there he recalled that Mae Hopkins had asked that he check in on Nyssa who was navigating the huge ship solo tonight for the very first time. Wearily Villa rode the lift up to the bridge. Nyssa was carefully following the course Nami had laid in earlier and then relaying the course corrections to Ichigo next door who was simply sending them on to the autopilot system. Villa strolled onto the bridge and greeted the two soul reapers. Rukia saluted while Ichigo waved and yawned. To reach the nav room Villa had to step over InuYasha who was asleep on the floor across the doorway. Kagome was dozing in one of the gunner's chairs. Kikyo was on the scanners and politely waved to him. So intense was the Trakken girl on her task that Villa had to practically shout to get her attention. The nav comp readouts were satisfactory and so after assuring Nyssa that she was doing a superb job Villa tried chatting with her. He soon discovered oro most of the bridge teams already knew- Nyssa is no talker. As he rose to leave he remembered the earlier excitement up here.
"One more thing kiddo. Oro was all the hoo hah up here earlier when Yagi Boy (Light Yagami) sent for Solo? A sighting of some kind?" asked Villa and Nyssa shrugged her shoulders.
"Miss Rukia (As an acting Lieutenant technically she outranked Rukia who was only an Ensign but Nyssa had been brought up on courtesy. Since Rukia was older than she Nyssa treated her with the same respect she would give a superior officer or a fine titled lady.) saw a ship out there. Mr Solo told Mr Kurosaki he couldn't shoot at it because it was a 'Galactic Command' vessel and probably our escort to 'Onsokamaru', sir. The good guys was how he phrased it for us, sir." replied Nyssa quietly.
"They still out there?" he asked.
"I guess so, sir." mumbled Nyssa. Villa sighed and peered over Kikyo's slim shoulders at the scanner's vidscreens.
"That it Honey? The big grey one?" he asked and the miko (Shinto preistess) from Terra's ancient past nodded.
"Han said no comm relay transmissions and no hails either. I do not believe the commander trusts the 'GC', sir." she replied.
"Probably not love only he can trust that vessel, that he can. I served aboard her before Gene Starwind found me. That ship is Zach Zero's 'Liberator' my dear child. I will have no trouble sleeping tonight knowing Zach's on watch out there. Good night to you, Warrant Officer Kikyo. See you ashita I mean tomorrow." yawned Villa and he ambled off to find his bunk. Villa's mind mused over how to let Zach Zero know that he was here aboard the 'Lovely Angel 2' (or indeed even that this 'cloaked' ship was the 'LA2') without violating a direct order from a superior officer. Then it hit him. He speedily uploaded a vidphoto of that famed ancient Terran Italian estate 'Villa d'Este' and added the caption 'Zero humidity today. Glad you could make it. How do you like this house?' to it. Then using an old coded pre-war channel Villa sent the image and its cryptic message to his old chieftain.
As soon as 'You have a signal' popped up on Zach's vidscreen he automatically opened it. Then he puzzled over it for a few minutes.
The Italian Tewrran house was called a 'villa' so Zero guessed that his old pal Villa must be aboard that mysterious 'cloaked' ship out there. They were probably under the 'No relays' orders the same as he was. The last Zach had heard of Villa he was serving as a gunner aboard the 'Outlaw Star' and the Star was more than likely docked aboard the 'fire maiden's Angel. After all ever since Gene Starwind and his crew had attempted to rescue 'Black Ghost' from the 3WA Gene had been travelling with that crazy mixed-up firebrand Hellcat, hadn't he? At least that was the scuttlebut from 'Rygiel 9' where he'd delivered some spare parts for 'Voltrons' last year. Did that mean that Villa was here? Apparently so if this cryptic message was any indication.
Zach racked his brain for a way to respond without giving 'GC' an excuse to discipline him- again! Finally he hit 'reply' and circled a 'ray' of sunlight on the photo.
'Me too. The house is simply Angelic'.' was how he captioned the ancient photo. Then he hit 'send' and relaxed a bit. Villa would easily understand the 'ray' message he hoped. 'Rei' was 'zero' in Japanese and the 'Angelic' house was the 'Lovely Angel 2' starship. Zach hoped that Villa wouldn't risk sending another signal tonight. After all the 'Galactic Command' weren't totally idiotic!
Villa chuckled while reading Zach's signal. Now he was quite certain that they had themselves a really good escort out there. He had served Zach Zero as a weaponry expert ever since Zach had 'acquired' the 'Liberator' from her previous skipper- Alonzo Blake. He grinned at that recollection from long ago. Once upon a time Villa had been a member of that infamous renegade pack known as 'Blake's 7' but that was another story entirely. Jonny Harlock hadn't yet left the rec room when Villa had retired so Villa decided a night cap was in order and returned to the bar. He confided his suspected identity of their "GC' escort spacecraft to the grizzled old pirate captain. Jon had known Zach Zero long before Villa had crossed paths with him all those years ago. He agreed with Villa that they were indeed in 'good hands' but like Villa he also wondered why in the wide cosmos Zero had decided to join the 'GC' forces.
"We'll be in position by noon tomorrow, laddie." observed Harlock while he sloshed another three fingers of rum and rye for them.
"The sooner we finish our job and get the Hell outta here the better, Cap." replied Villa. He drained his glass and turned it upside down before wishing Jon good night and going back to his bunk. A few drinks later Jon followed suit and peace claimed the 'Angel' at long last. Meanwhile abovestairs Villa was troubled.
Why hadn't he told the Brigadier (Marlene Angel) about the 'Liberator' and Zach? Villa mused over that problem and finally decided he'd damned well better tell Blondie all about it in the morning. He soon fell into a fitful sleep. And aboard the 'Liberator' Zach Zero was having second thoughts as well.
Zach had decided against telling anyone except his exec about Villa's messages and he'd do that in the morning. And? Well he'd better just sleep on it.
True to Jon's word by noon the Angel was in position and ready to 'beam' the two Leviathan 'Gundams' aboard. That is until Bear and Eric of the Ice Road Brigade got a good close look at them through the long range vidcams!
"Wow! Those things are monsters, Reds!" exclaimed Eric while Bear merely nodded in awe. The other four Terran truckers agreed they'd have one Helluva time moving those two behemoths. Alex whispered something into Neko's ear and she nodded. The nekomata girl trilled John Raven who was waiting below on 'Onsokamaru' and he answered immediately. Her face clouded over at his reply. She turned to the others.
"Bad news, kids. John says the two 'Gundams' weigh a good 75 or 80 apiece. Therein lies our problem." she said grimly. Hugh the 'Polar Bear' blanched white.
"Tons? Metric tons? What's the gravity like down there, 'Kittykat'?" he asked worriedly.
"Seventy-five or eighty thousand kilograms, Mr Hugh. Like I said therein lies our problem. John thinks so too." replied Neko.
"Oro (What) problem?" demanded the Boss. Rally had pulled John Raven's rugged image up on the vidscreens and patched in a relay so everyone could see and hear him.
"Hiya Reds. Well you're a hundred kilos out and that is well within range of 'em if they were up here on the surface. However, those things are another two or three kilos below us and too damned heavy to move on our own. None of our shuttles will fit down in those tunnels and--" he began.
"Sorry to bust in on ya there, Mr Raven but how wide are these tunnels of yours?" cried Hugh suddenly.
"That you Polar Bear? Well I er--" he dithered until-
"For Kami's sake John! Just tell him dammit!" growled Kei.
"OK. They're pretty darned narrow for us, Hugh. Only a kilo and a half in width." replied Raven.
"Only? Hell! That's almost a whole damned mile!" yelled Drew. Slowly Jon Harlock shook his bearded head.
"I know oro ye be thinkin' laddie and it willnae (will not) work. Each one of those tin suits weighs over 75,000 tons! Your lorries will hold only a fraction of that weight. Sorry to burst your bubble, Hugh." apologized Jonathan Harlock sadly. Hugh smiled and Alex frowned at first and then he too finally got Hugh's drift.
"Ever heard of 'tandem trucking', Mr Raven?" chuckled the burly minister of the ice roads.
"I never even heard of 'trucking' until you guys showed up on 'Gysymeo', Reverend but I'm willing to learn. Oro's the deal, guys?" asked John Raven. Being the oldest trucker Bear explained.
"Back home on our ice roads sometimes we just have to deliver loads too heavy for one rig to haul. Like say an oil derrick tower. What we do is this. Put two rigs against each other back to back. Then we load the thing so half of it's in the bed of one rig and the other half's in the bed of the other rig. See? (John nodded) Then while one rig drives forwards the other driver is going in reverse. (John's aizu (eyes) popped) Of course both trucks have got to maintain the same speed and keep their load as steady as possible but we do it quite a bit, sir with very few problems." explained the greybeard. Solo was amused.
"Ever try that trick through a twisting pitch black tunnel deep beneath the surface for 5 or 6 kilometres (3 or 4 miles)?" drawled Han.
"Nope. But we never had onboard navigation systems like these before either." said Rick. The Boss was gnawing her knuckles. Finally she glanced over at Ari the Elf Huntress.
"Can you beam 4 trucks, 2 skysleds, drivers, handlers and provisions for each onto that asteroid's surface? I won't ask you to beam 'em all underground kid. They can drive down there by themselves. (Ari nodded) Right. 4 rigs and 2 sleds. Hugh and Alex will drive 2 of the trucks while Bear and Eric will drive the other 2. Rick and Drew will each be aboard a skysled with a driver. Rally's gonna scan the tunnels and relay information to the sleds who will in turn pass the word along to the rig. Once they get those 'Double O Riser' units topside Ari will beam 'em aboard one at a time. Then she'' beam the rest of the teams and their equipment back here. Any questions? Good. You guys go and get your gear together awhile. You'll be trilled when we're ready to go. I want a guard on each rig and a security team with each sled. Rick? Drew? I take it you guys dunno how to operate a skysled?" said the redhead.
"What the Hell's a skysled?" asked Drew and Rick merely stared into his java.
"OK. Then Ichigo and Naraku will be your drivers. Jon? (The big guy nodded) You'll pick the security teams. As for the rig guards- InuYasha will go with Bear. Kouga will go with Eric. Lord Ivy (Ivanhoe) will be with the Reverend (Alex) and Rebecca goes with Hugh. Ichigo will drive Rick and Naraku will drive Drew." commanded the Red Marshall. The Ice Road Six had left some time before this and so were not privy to these orders nor would they have approved of them!
A little while later Nyssa tapped on the door of the truckers' quarters and Eric opened it.
"Hello there, Love. Come by to wish us luck eh?" he asked with a devilish grin.
"Yeah but the Boss told me to deliver this stuff to you guys." she said and dumped what appeared to be a huge armload of shimmering tissue-thin plastic sheeting on a table.
"What the Hell are we supposed to do with this shiny plastic wrap? Gift wrap those metal beasts?" joked Rick. She grinned.
"Hardly. These are Elfin suits of mail for your protection, gentlemen. They are composed of 'Mithril' which makes them very light but amazingly strong. Elfin armour to be precise. It'll stop a disruptor bolt or a bullet." explained the Trakken girl.
"This crap wouldn't even stop a pebble from a slingshot, kid!" Hugh guffawed loudly. The rest snickered their agreement. Nyssa sighed and spread one of the 'Mithril' suits on the floor. Next she drew her Mark XII disruptor pistol and motioned them all to step back.
"Stand well back, Terrans. Watch and learn." she ordered before calmy firing six bolts of pure plasma energy into the garment from two metres away. Mouths gaped open in shock! The 'Mithril' mail was completely undamaged. "And they're even warmer than your long johns, me boyos." she added while reholstering her pistol. "Reds said to be on your rigs and ready to split by 1500 hours- three o'clock this afternoon. We're serving luch now so I guess I'll see you guys later. Good luck, gents." said Nyssa and she departed. Bear grinned.
"Like I keep on telling ya- this is Wonderland or Oz- one or the other! It has just got to be!" he said and picked up a 'Mithril' suit of mail.
"Truly the good Lord doth work in mysterious ways his wonders to perform." agreed Alex who was already pulling on one of the strange Elfish armours. Drew and Rick were still looking for blaster holes (unsuccessfully) in the one Nyssa had shot. Eric was admiring himself in the mirror.
"Look at me! I am Super Eric!" he chortled. Hugh grouched at bit but did get into one of the 'Mithril' Hall-o-we'enie costumes as he called them.
"Well, one o' these thingies did save Reds' life in that shoot 'em up, didn't it?" growled the Polar Bear.
Finding no holes in the test garment Rick handed it to Drew while he donned the remaining one himself.
"Hey! They ain't scratchy like wool or flannel!" said an approving Drew.
"Warm as toast to boot." agreed Rick.
As it turned out all of the drivers and their passengers wound up at the same lunch table. The ones that knew Kei's orders and the ones that didn't were sitting side by side and across from each other. As usual the big hanyou was the first to put his foot in his mouth.
"I've got the job of protecting you, Mr Bear." said InuYasha in between bowls of ramen. InuYasha's usual meal contained at least sixty bowls of the noodles staple.
"Eric? The big mangy wolf's (Kouga the wolf youkai demon) with you. Lord Ivy's watching your back, Mr Alex. Rick's got soul reaper boy (Ichigo Kurosaki) and Naraku's with Drew." explained InuYasha who almost always ate as though someone was trying to take his food away from him.
"Who am I stuck with? Your brother?" demanded Hugh grumpily.
"Nope. You have got me, Lord Hugh." said Rebecca. Then she reached across the table to slap Rin's fingers.
"Do not take things without asking, young lady." she admonished after Sesshomaru's ward had tried to grab a bowl of InuYasha's prized ramen. Kagome pretended not to notice since IY apparently hadn't and bit into her cheesesteak and munched away heartily.
"Bring Rin some ramen please and better bring another fifty for Dog Boy. I'll have some more onion rings please." said Kikyo to Mina who nodded and jetted off to the galley.
Ami, Serena, Zoe and Leila trundled eight heavily overloaded antigrav trolleys past the truckers' table.
"Who's all that for?" asked Nami Richards.
"Guess." replied Faye Valentine.
"The Saiyaans are over there so it must be for them." said Light Yagami. Ryuuk pointed confusedly at InuYasha.
"Ain't he a Saiyaan?" asked the Shinigami death god.
"I'm a demon, Ugly!" snorted InuYasha angrily.
"Half demon." intoned Kikyo, Naraku, Sess and Kagome.
"Stupid mutt!" said Kouga.
"Mangy wolf!" replied the hanyou.
"Please don't start that all over again!" pleaded Rukia Kutschski.
"Yeah. I've got a headache." agreed Ichigo Kurosaki.
"How come I get stuck with Becky for a passenger?" sulked Hugh.
"Would ye rather after havin' Revy Roberts, Mr Hugh? (Hugh emphatically shook his head) Then pipe doon already, sir." said Jon Harlock.
"Cheer up, Hugh. You coulda gotten saddled with that pirate gal Emma." chuckled Rick. Jon rounded on him savagely.
"And just what be wrong with that, laddie?" demanded Harlock.
"Nothing. Sorry, sir." apologized Rick who still had a blank look on his face until Drew whispered to him.
"Cool it, you dolt! Emma's Jon's niece." seethed Drew. Jon drew out a huge old-fashioned Turnip watch.
"It be half past two. I'll see ye all doon in the bays at three sharp and ye dinna better be late!" he said and left the table.
By 1500 (3 PM) six of Kiva's 'Coriander' crew had been drafted by Jon to be his two security teams- three for each sled.
"Can you guys hear me OK? Rick? Drew? This is 'Cat' here. Over." trilled Rally Vincent.
"Yup. We sure can." trilled Rick.
"Loud and clear, ma'am." trilled Drew.
"That's great. OK. Just read out whatever messages I send to your vidscreens. Rick will be advising Hugh and Alex. Drew will be relaying to Bear and Eric. Good luck, boys. 'Cat' out." trilled Vincent.
Suddenly Rick thought of something really important!
"Yo Reds! We are getting paid for this job, ain't we?" he blurted out anxiously. This seemed to be a cue for the others to chime in and they did- loudly.
"Of course we're paying you guys. Galadriel has given all six of you oro you guys call 'blank cheques' for the duration of your stay with us. By the way you are all warrant officers and acting Subalterns you know. Rebecca's already a Suba so for this mission she's in charge. One more thing, gang. You'll be pleased to know that our old tomo (friend) Zach Zero is commanding our 'Galactic Command' escort vessel. Yup that's the old 'Liberator' out there although Kami knows why he decided to aint her battleship grey. OK. All team members will carry sidearms and plasma rifles, got it? Ari will beam you down in five seconds. Good luck, me boyos and lassies." said the Boss and she pointed to Ari who nodded.
"All systems go. Energize." ordered the redhead and the small convoy vanished.
A tall lanky official-looking guy in black flight togs was standing in front of oro resembled the entrance to the New Holland Tunnel in ancient Terran New York City if that tunnel had been ten times wider than it really was.
"Jesus H Christ! What the Hell's that thing, Alex?" trilled Hugh.
"Abandon hope all ye who enter here. May the good Lord protect us, Hugh." replied Alex.
"Amen to that, brother." agreed Eric.
"Who wants to go down the dark creepy tunnel first?" trilled Bear.
"Lead the way, Rick!" trilled Drew.
"I just remembered that I got claustrophobia, guys!" trilled Rick.
"Pretend you're Robert Langdon on a dangerous mission, Rick." suggested Eric.
"Greetings gentlemen and welcome to 'Onsokamaru'." said John Raven. "You needn't worry, lads. I'll be leading this sortie. This place is honeycombed like a rabbits' warren. We don't want you guys getting lost now, do we?" chuckled the 'ISSP' chief.
"After my sled the order will be Drew, the Polar Bear, the Reverend, Rick, Eric and Bear. Lt Moran will be bringing up the rear so we don't lose any stragglers. It's as icy as the devil down there so be careful. The temperature is minus 650 degrees Kelvin which is well over 800 degrees below zero Fahrenheit. That means that you stay inside your rigs at all times. My men will load your carriages. There will be ample space to reverse your trucks once you reach bottom. Any questions?" asked Raven.
"How much does each one of those statue things weight, Mr Raven?" asked Eric.
"Almost 400 tons which means that each rig must bear a 200 tons load. Which two of you drew the short straw and get to back out of the tunnel?" asked John. Alex and Bear's hands went up.
"Fine. Just keep your speeds even and constant. Even your excessive weight will not break the ice but a 400 ton Gundam might so onegai (please) do not drop one on the way out. Anyone else? No? Then queue up behind me and keep together. Good luck." said Raven.
"All set, Morey?" trilled John and Lt Mortimer Moran replied in the affirmative.
"Only three and a half Terran miles but to these Earthers it'll feel more like a thousand, eh Starbuck?" he chuckled to his driver Sapper Dave Starbuck who grinned.
"Damned straight, sir. Three and a half miles down but that's as the crow flies and not as the tunnel twists, Lt." he agreed.
Except for Drew's constant wailings of impending doom and Rick's constant cursing, Alex's praying, Hugh's yelling, Eric's laughing and Bear's continual exclamations of wonderment the trip down was uneventful and took less than four solar hours.
"We're all gonna die!" bemoaned Drew for the umpteenth time.
"If you say that one more time, drw, you really ARE going to die!" yelled an exasperated Naraku.
"I'm getting airsick again!" announced Rick.
"Dammit! Use those barf bags, Mr Rick!" howled Ichigo.
"Our children are acting up again, Bear." chortled Eric.
"Yeah, seems we can't take 'em anywhere without their getting into trouble, Eric." agreed the greybeard trucker.
"Do not worry for the good Lord will protect us from evil." intoned a solemn Alex.
"I sure as Hell hope so!" cried Hugh who was not used to driving in utter pitch black darkness. On Terra there was always moonlight.
"Are not you men supposed to be the stronger sex? Time to start acting like it, Lord Hugh." said a disgusted Rebecca.
"Hooray! I can see light up ahead!" rejoiced Drew.
"Thanks be to Christ! I like this evil darkness not!" replied Ivanhoe the Dark Knight.
"Stand by with those monstrosities, lads! Get these old antique jalopies loaded up quick so these boyos can get on their way, Mr Moriarty." trilled John Raven.
"Standing by, sir." trilled his 'truck push' who had been borrowed from the Kaguran Air and Space Patrol (KASP) for this mission.
"Thanks. I'll be sure to put in a good word for you and Mr Moran the next time I'm with Dan Dastun, Lt." trilled Raven.
Dan Dastun was the chief commanding officer of KASP and both Moran and Moriarty's boss. After the first two rigs had been loaded and placed back to back with Hugh in front and Alex in reverse the big Polar Bear asked jokingly:
"What happens if one of us drops his half of one of these iron giants?" Raven answered in a deadpan voice:
"After losing so much weight so quickly your outmoded conveyance will be catapulted upwards into and partway through the roof of the tunnel where you will be wedged for all eternity. The sudden shift of excess weight to the remaining contraption will of course crush both driver and passenger into a compact box instantly. I am not sure whether the Gundam's excessive weight will break through the tunnel's floor or not. However, if it does, this tunnel sits above a virtually bottomless crevasse or chasm large enough to engulf your Terran moon with room to spare, Polar Bear."
Hugh paled as did Becky!
END of Ch 58. Ch 59 'Monsters On the Angel?' or 'RAVEing Lunatics? ' soon. Getting interesting eh? Wonder how our heroine’s gonna get outta this one? Read on and r/r/s away as always. Have a wunnerful day and sfn/sys/jm/Kami bless you all for your interest and assistance. Hooble-toodle-doo! Toodles tomos watashi-K&K
I dickered over this chapter’s titles. Let me know if I got ‘em right eh?
Hope ya had a happy and safe Guy Fawkes' Day!
PS- I really do appreciate all your loyalty and support over the years my tomos watashi all! And you can take that to the bank folks!-K&K
See ya next blog post. Toodles-K&K
This chapter brings me up to date. Then I have to wind up this one and think about my next one folks- K&K
End