(Posted on 10-26-2000)
Chapter 7 - Unveiling
I dropped the prize off with the scientists who made quick notes on how it worked. Engineers quickly came up with the design and told me they would soon put it into mass production.
But I could tell the scientists disapproved of the design. It only fired forward and had a horrible reload time. Admiral McPhereson came to congratulate me on completing the mission. I had also proved that the new fighter was a valuable ship design. After plea after plea from the scientists, he finally let them make modifications on the rocket.
Days had passed and we stood in the square waiting for it to start. It was nice to be back on Earth. Here everything was real. Many things on the other colonies were recreations or imports. But here it was all real. We all looked up at the Admiral as he began to speak.
Fellow citizens of Earth. Today is a great day in United Earth history. Scientists, engineers, and ship designers have worked around the clock to fight against the Voinian threat. We now can defend ourselves. Tomorrow, everything that is unveiled today will be put into mass production. We will no longer stand by and take this abuse from the Voinians!
A cheer rose up through the crowd as many people, including me, were signaled up to the stage. The first unveiling would be the escape pod. As simple as it was, the Admiral reassured us all it would help save thousands of lives. The creator stepped forward and everyone acknowledged him for his creation with applause and cheers.
Woohoo. That will really keep the Voinians from attacking us. came from my sarcastic friend Jacks.
Shut up. came from the normally silent Gildor.
Jacks, who often wanted to pick fights, turned around and shoved him backwards. But Gildor was more powerful than Jacks thought and he was thrown almost on stage.
Quiet I remarked in a small voice. The two backstage finally calmed down as the next unveiling occurred.
This was the afterburner which would help us out-maneuver the Voinian ships. Again a remark came from Jacks but this time it was it was quieted by Dirk. The next thing was more significant. The Blaze Cannon. Our first interstellar weapon. The blasts were well balanced between shields and armor. Even his adaptation for the fighter was shown in all its glory. Its gatling gun appearance was remarkable. Dr. Kutzuku Blaze was praised highly for this. Afterwards, the Blaze turret was introduced which was even more praised.
Next was the UE Fighter. It was remarkable in its sleekness. The gatling guns on either side made it look even more fierce. Anna Balshanova took many bows and I heard Jacks, but his comments were all praise. The UE Destroyer was next. It was large and well built. Though not as fast as people would like, it was unbelievable. After that was the UE Carrier. The best of all. It was also the creation of Annas. It was specially made to carry five of the fighters making it the most lethal.
Last but not least was the rocket launcher. Thats when I stepped forward as the Admiral congratulated me on my success.
However, something surprised me. I looked to see one more object to be unveiled. I had no idea what it was but I stayed to watch. Admiral McPhereson introduced the new weapon with pride. It was called the Hunter Missile. Just like the fire power of the rocket, it had a small guidance system that could help everyone. Making it more efficient at long distances. Though it weighed more, it was a welcome addition.
This is what the Voinians have to stand up against. We now have a navy that will annihilate the Voinian threat. With this, we will live!
A roar of applause and praise came up from the crowd.
Chapter 8 - Assembling
After the ceremony I met my friends who had watched the whole thing. They were psyched that they could finally use their combat skills.
Finally! We get to trash ships for a good cause! Man I cant wait for that UE Fighter!
Calm down Jacks. This isnt some joy ride. Its war. interrupted Dirk. He was always serious about war. The whole concept shook him up. He had lost many family members in World War III years before.
Yeah Jacks came from Gildor. Their rivalry always had to show somehow.
So who are we stationed with? I want to meet this guy. Jacks asked still a little buzzed from the ceremony.
I dont know. Hes supposed to be a great pilot though. I said looking at the papers and bios of him. But were going to be meeting him in a few hours at the base.
Admiral McPhereson greeted us with our new pilot. Hawk.
Whats up yawl! We goin ta be in the same squadron, no? came from the Cajun. As two female pilots walked by he locked gazes and smiled. I sighed deeply.
Yeah I guess so. Welcome to the Skullriders.
Training began the next day. It was harsh. We had to be in top physical condition to endure space combat. For two days, we marched, ran, walked, and sprinted. At the end of the days of course, we did push ups until three of us passed out.
Next day was math testing and science. We had to be able to make complicated equations for piloting. We were quizzed again and again until they were convinced that we could handle it.
The last day was VR. Here we could test or skills and show us what we were made of. Each squadron was given twenty targets to take out including one major Voinian Frigate.
Jacks, take out targets 1-4. Gildor, Hawk, and Dirk, help me take out the Frigate. Well get the toughest out of the way first.
Yes seh said Hawk zig zagging through the neutron fire.
We launched our rockets immediately, taking out its shields. Gildor got the full treatment. He was disabled almost immediately. Dirk and Hawk however, were doing great. Especially Hawk. He hadnt been hit yet.
I checked Jacks status and he was starting to go down. His shields were down and he was still getting pummeled by the fighters.
Alright. Jacks, take a breather. Hawk, cover for him. Ill take out the fighters and Dirk, you handle the Frigate.
No can do mon ami. Tell ya what. Dirk il cover fo him. I gotta take dis baby down came from Hawk.
That is a direct order Hawk! cover for him, NOW!
Sorry mon ami. A cant her you...
Hawk. HAWK!
I watched Jacks go down and Hawk bring down the large Frigate. We split up and began taking out the fighters. Almost an hour later we cleared the area with the loss both myself and Dirk. Hawk was the only one that survived.
So wheres my three cheers? came from a smirking Hawk.
You disobeyed my direct order! We lost Jacks who could of saved the rest of us.
But I took out da Frigate. I survived unscathed. Dont dat deserve recognition?
No
I walked away to greet and congratulate Gildor, Dirk, and Jacks leaving Hawk to think about his selfishness.
(This message has been edited by moderator (edited 10-26-2000).)