Romance of the Iron Maiden
Disclaimer: Scooby Doo and all related characters are the property of Hanna-Barbera, WarnerBros., and/or Cartoon Network.
Delta Force is a real military entity.
"Jake Shelton" was a real person(now deceased). His name is used with the highest regard.
"The Way He Makes Me Feel" performed by Barbara Streisand from the album "Yentl", Written by Alan and Marilyn Bergman and Michael Legrand, released 1983 on the Colombia label.
"From This Moment On" performed by Shania Twain from the album "Come on Over" Written by Shania Twain and R. S. Lange, released 1997 on the Mercury Label.
All other characters, including the Delta Force team, locations and events are purely fictional.
Book One: The Shooting Star
Chapter One: The Mission
The Air conditioner hummed quietly, keeping the cavernous cafeteria at a comfortable seventy two degrees. People came and went as they found time or at their appointed time. The petite brunette checked the watch on her slim wrist then looked at the large clock on the wall for confirmation that wasn't needed. 11:45 am…both showed her lunch break was almost over. 'The food here at NASA-Houston was first rate and it beat deli take out any day' she thought. 'Got to pick up laundry from the cleaners and dinner would have to be deli take out…again!'
"Is this seat taken?" She heard a male voice say. " No" she said automatically, adding "Please" when she looked up to see a very handsome man holding his luncheon plate. He sat the plate down, pulled out the chair and sat down.
"Jake Shelton" he introduced himself, extending his hand.
'Velma Dinkley" she completed the introductions, taking the offered hand.
"Miss, Mrs. or Ms." He asked.
"Miss" Velma informed the handsome man.
"Miss Dinkley, I confess I've seen you around the 'campus' and I'd like to ask you something" he asked a little uncomfortably.
"And what would like to ask me?" Velma said smiling and more than a little curious.
"I'm tired of eating Chinese take out and talking to four walls in an empty apartment. If you feel the same way, I'd like to invite you to dinner…and a movie afterwards." The air conditioner hummed away, the temperature at seventy two degrees, so why did she feel so warm, her palms sweaty? She was taken aback, not knowing how to respond.
It had been a long time since she had been asked out on a date. Her last date had been a disaster. He had tried to slip his hand up her skirt…the result had been a cast on his hand for two weeks.
"Are you asking me out on a date so soon after meeting and why me?" She was flattered and surprised.
"Yes, I think you are very attractive. I've wanted too before, just now got up the nerve."
"And where do you plan on having dinner, if I accept?"
"I pick dinner, you pick the movie" he offered.
A female voice came over the P.A. system before she could form an answer.
"Will Drs. Dinkley and Shelton please report to the Directors' office immediately?" The message was repeated.
"Wonder what that's about?" Jake wondered.
"I guess my answer will have to wait, only one way to find out. Shall we go?"
"I didn't want to eat anyway" Jake said, rising.
"Enter!" The deep, rich male voice came from inside when Dr. Shelton knocked on the well polished door of the Director.
"Good, please be seated" the Director had rose indicating three overstuffed chairs facing the large desk. He resumed his seat after Drs. Dinkley and Shelton had taken the offered chairs. Velma noted the extra chair but thought nothing more when the Director spoke,
"You've undoubtedly heard about the news briefing this afternoon that we lost a satellite, that it splashed into the ocean?" The two doctors shook their heads in the affirmative. "That wasn't completely true. The satellite did lose orbit, it will splash down in…seven hours. Dr Shelton will be in overall charge of the mission, concentrating on hardware. Dr. Dinkley will investigate any software problems. Your assignment is to determine why the satellite failed.
There are two other members of your team. Cosmos Logistics insures certain aspects of the satellite. Their operative is one of your team and is on his way. The other is a reporter we are sending for media coverage" The Director paused, pressing a button on the intercom. "Miss Williams, please send in the reporter."
Both doctors turned in their seats as a beautiful redhead, dressed in a fitted three piece purple business suit entered and took the extra chair.
"Daphne?" Velma asked in astonishment. She turned back to face the Director. "I respectively decline this assignment."
"I'm not in the habit of my people declining any assignment. If there is a problem I suggest you deal with it…quickly! Dr. Shelton, your team is to give Miss Blake your full co-operation. Is that understood?"
"Yes sir" both doctors responded.
"Miss Williams, please send in the General. The General will give you more information." The Director rose and left the office.
The General was tall, dressed in a dark, well tailored civilian suit. He wore no name tag, nothing to distinguish him from a dozen other civilians.
"Good afternoon. The satellite, a Star Net A-1 is, or was, a joint venture by the United States, The British government, NASA and the weather bureau. When completed the system will comprise of three satellites and give NATO a state of the art global comm. system in communications, faster data transfer, and higher capacity along with the best global weather information. The satellite also carried two cameras with a magnetic tape recorder to store the pictures taken by the cameras. Your mission, code name 'Shooting Star', in addition to the one given you by the director, is to recover the cameras and tape recorder. They are to be turned over to the Delta Force leader, the acting captain of the ship you will be using. If they can't be recovered they are to be destroyed. You will have the facilities of the 'Spirit of the Seas'. It is already on site."
Velma jerked at the name of the ship they would be using, quickly recovering and settling in her seat. She tried to cover the shock the General had just given her.
"General, forgive me for interrupting, but where is the former crew?" Velma stammered.
"They are enjoying an extended paid shore leave. Delta Force are gentlemen, I would suggest knee length shorts or jeans rather than skirts or dresses. You will be flown to Bermuda where a helicopter will ferry you to the ship. There are no landing facilities on the 'spirit'; you will be lowered by ladder."
"General I'm surprised my father didn't demand a bonus for the crew" Velma observed.
"He did" the General laughed for the first time. "Your father?"
"Yes General. You commandeered my parent's research vessel."
"Your plane leaves in one hour" the General wasn't smiling.