VIPER'S REVENGE
Chapter 4: Adjustments
Feral's POV
I startled the flight deck officer when I flew up to the hangar doors on my first official day back to work. He recovered quickly and snapped me a perfect salute. I kept my smile off my face as I folded my wings and returned his salute. I woke feeling energized and ready for the challenges I would be facing today.
I shrugged my shoulders slightly. My new uniform felt a little strange. The tailor had done his best to design a uniform that could incorporate my wings. By necessity, it looks more like a dressy flight suit made with more durable material and instead of boots, he made spats that covered most of my feet except my toes. He thoughtfully made fingerless gloves for my paws. Of course I could no longer wear a coat and didn't really need one since my fur was so much thicker so my rank and insignia were on the suit itself. It didn't look too bad though, I probably won't be making any fashion statements. Ah well!
Felina was waiting for me when I strolled into my office. "Uncle, good morning! I hope you slept well. You certainly look great!" she smiled warmly.
"Thank you, Felina. Yes I had an excellent nights rest" I smiled back. "Now before we get down to working the rest of the reports on my desk, I need to get down to the armory. I want to see about getting that armor made like Razor suggested."
"Good idea, Uncle. Elevator or stairs?" she asked easily.
I sighed, here's my first hurdle of the day, "the elevator would be faster." She nodded and led the way. Reaching the elevator, Felina called for the car. When the door opened, she stood holding it open and waited for me to close my eyes. I shut them tight and stepped forward as Felina lightly touched my arm to guide me to her side. Once I was standing still, she sent the car down. I was extremely tense and had to concentrate on my breathing to stay calm. The elevator stopped many times and at each pause, Felina would carefully hold her arm in front of me. I could sense that Felina was ensuring no one tried to speak to me as they boarded on and off. I could feel the curiosity and sometimes nervousness of the other enforcers and it helped to distract me but I was very relieved when we finally reached our floor and I could once more open my eyes.
When we arrived at the armory, Chief Henler greeted us."Commander Feral, it's good to see you back sir. What can I do for you?" he asked briskly trying not to stare at my wings.
"It has been suggested that I should wear some kind of light weight but strong protective armor when I am flying. Do you have anything along those lines and if not can we get something made quickly?" I queried.
He studied me a moment before answering. "Well, Commander, I know we don't have anything on hand that would work. So we will have to design one for you. The main problem, obviously, is fitting it around your wings. Let's go into the designer lab and see what we can do." He led the way his mind already working on the problem.
An hour later, a basic design had been fleshed out and I was pleased with the results. Chief Henler promised to give the project top priority and try to have a finished model in a few days. Felina helped me return to my office where we spent till lunch going through more reports and files. After lunch, I sent Felina off to her other duties and made my way to the flight line. I needed to stretch my wings and exercise them so thought I'd take a short flight to City Hall and back.
I could feel many eyes on me as I strode out the hangar doors. I walked to the end of the runway, because leaping off was easier than jumping into the air, less strain on my wings. It felt really strange just jumping off into the air like this and free falling until my wings caught an updraft. You would think that I would panic but apparently this is where the raptor instincts overtake my Kat instincts. I feel no fear, weird! I soar calmly through the sky barely having to beat my wings as I head toward City Hall.
Just short of reaching my destination I encounter my first near midair collision. An enforcer chopper came from around a skyscraper on patrol and I barely had time to register his presence before taking evasive action to avoid getting shredded. I quickly folded my wings and plummeted out of his flight path. I got a quick flash of his shocked face as I disappeared under him.
The shaken pilot halted his flight and hung there waiting to see if I was alright. I halted my downward fall easily and carefully flew up only close enough for the pilot to see I was okay and hand signaled him to continue his patrol. He waited till I was away again before moving on. I really needed that locator beacon from Razor. That had been just too close.
I was still kind of shaken when I finally got to the top of the clock tower. I landed and rested till my frantic heart eased. Okay maybe this wasn't such a bright idea as I flew back to headquarters as fast as I could before I ran up against something else. I made it back without further problems and the rest of the day went pretty quietly.
Going home, I decided to fly lower than my patrols were supposed to, to prevent any more near misses. It seems everyday is going to be like an obstacle course. I can see myself being tense and exhausted a lot just trying to manage all the new hazards my altered form has engendered.
Felina's POV
When I heard of my uncle's near miss today with a chopper patrol, my heart nearly stopped. God, I hope Razor hurries up and gets that new locator beacon done. Uncle Ulysses has enough to overcome without having to worry about being turned into hamburger.
Before leaving work, I decided to address another of my uncle's problems by visiting the R & D labs. There I met Dr. Tomkins, chief researcher. "Can you design something that will allow Commander Feral to go in enclosed spaces without suffering a claustrophobia attack? This problem prevents him from going into all the closed in and secure areas within Enforcer Headquarters let alone other places outside of here." I said bluntly.
"Well, I can certainly understand how great a problem that can be for the Commander. Let me think on this and I'll see what we can come up with." Dr. Tomkins promised.
"Please make it as quick as you can. I'd really appreciate it." I urged him.
"I'll do what I can Lt, I promise" he said.
I left for home and prayed he'd find an answer quickly. My uncle is upbeat right now, but the constant difficulties of getting around are going to depress him eventually. I sighed and let it rest for now, I'd done the best I could but waiting was something I just wasn't very good at.
Feral's POV
Over the next few days, I tried my best to accept my shortcomings and to do my job and as I feared, that meant staying chained to my office for at least 80 percent of the time. Crud, I was beginning to suffer cabin fever. It grates on me that my claustrophobia keeps me from doing all the myriad of duties my job normally entails. Before I could start brooding, my Sergeant rushed in out of breath.
"Commander, one of the Kantin gang members has managed to escape his guards and is somewhere within the building. We're certain he hasn't managed to get outside and there are search teams on each floor" he reported.
"Where was the prisoner when he escaped?" I asked as I got up from my desk and prepared to leave.
"The booking area, sir" he answered quickly.
I thought a moment. If he had gotten out of the booking area there were a lot of corridors that led to many offices and at the far end of one was a door to the huge storage facility for files and supplies. That, to me, seemed the more likely location of our missing perp. "Sergeant! I want to go down to the booking area. Please assist me!" I asked as I headed for the elevator. He performed the same service that Felina did for me and we were soon downstairs. I was greeted by ordered chaos as enforcers contained visitors and prisoners alike to keep them from interfering with the search team's efforts. I strode quickly through the mess, garnering many side long looks and obnoxious clucking sounds from prisoners, as I headed toward the storage facility.
I met the leader of the search team, Captain Shoner, as he was leaving the facility. "Report!" I barked.
"Sir, we've searched the entire area without success. It's a huge area with lots of places to hide among those aisles of file cabinets and racks of supplies. I've placed guards at all exits hoping to flush him out if he is in there. I have search teams sweeping the rest of this floor as we speak." He responded briskly.
"Hmm, Captain, I think our perp is in the file storage area and there may be one way to find out. I want you to remove all your officers. Since there is enough room for me to take to the air, I'll hover above and see if I hear or spot him." I ordered.
Eyeing me in surprise and interest, the Captain quickly carried out my order. A few minutes later, I was floating quietly near the ceiling. My wings are soo thick they make no sound. I moved slowly back and forth in a grid pattern, tuning my hearing for the slightest sound. After about 10 minutes, I heard it, movement from one of the racks in the far corner near a rear exit. I soared over there quickly and sure enough there was our missing prisoner climbing off a rack of boxes and looking toward the exit door but not the ceiling. It was a piece of cake to swoop down and grab him. He shrieked in terror as I carried him back toward the front of the facility. I landed with him firmly held in my paws and jerked him through the door into the amazed group of enforcers waiting on the other side.
I was well pleased with the outcome, but unhappy that it had happened in the first place. I spent a good half hour chewing the unlucky culprits out before finally heading upstairs to my jail...uh... office. It was the only interesting thing that had happened to me all day. The rest was spent in doing officer evaluations. I was glad when the day finally ended and I could feel the wind under my wings as I headed home.
I wasn't ready to go indoors as yet so decided to cruise Megakat Park. It's a no-fly zone for aircraft so I'm able to fly worry free. As I pass over the southern part, I am pleased to see the female I had met days earlier eating her dinner near the pond. I dropped down and landed near her.
Sarena's POV
It's a really nice evening and work had been tolerable for once. I couldn't help thinking about Commander Feral. It's been five days at least since I'd seen him last. I wonder how he is doing. I know it can't be easy for him with all the adjustments he's having to make just to do his job.
As I sat musing and eating my dinner, a shadow passed over me and before I could look there he was landing in front of me. My, didn't he look distinguished in his new uniform. My heart beat a little faster as he came up to me.
"Hello Ms Flaherty. It's a pleasure to see you again" he smiled at me.
"It's great to see you too, Commander. You look wonderful. I like what they did with your uniform." I gushed.
"Thank you. May I join you?" He asked.
"Oh yes, please, have a seat." I felt warm all over as he carefully seated himself. "How are you doing adjusting to your changed circumstances?" I asked curiously
"It's been a real challenge and frankly I'm a bit discouraged" he admitted.
"Oh no, why's that?" I asked, concerned.
"One of my new difficulties is claustrophobia, it makes it nearly impossible to be anywhere that is small, enclosed with no windows like elevators and stairways, cellblocks and interview rooms to name a few. Because of it, I'm literally a prisoner in my office. It's just really hard to get used to." He sighed in annoyance.
"I'm sorry that must be very trying. But perhaps your research people can come up with something to help you. You mustn't give up hope!" I urged him.
"I won't. I already have my Weapons Section designing body armor to protect me in flight. And you're right! I should have thought to ask my R & D people for some solution to that problem as well. Thank you!" He smiled at me in gratitude.
"You're very welcome" I smiled glad I could be of some small assistance.
We sat companionably for a while talking about various subjects. Surprisingly we had many similar interests and I truly enjoyed his company. It was getting dusk when we said good night and left our separate ways. I'm amazed by how much I enjoy being in his company. I hope this is the beginning of something good. I could really use someone in my life right now. I've never had much luck with relationships but this one seems to feel right. I'll have to be patient and see where it goes from here.
Feral's POV
I'm pleased I decided to go to the park. I find that I am beginning to enjoy Sarena's company. She makes me feel more comfortable about myself. My job has made it difficult to become involved with anyone and I've always been a poor risk for any successful relationship. I'm not certain this will be any different, but I feel more motivated to try. She just seems so warm and accepting and we have many common interests. Her idea about using the R & D Section to develop some type of aid against my claustrophobia is a good one and I could kick myself for not thinking of it. She is good at keeping my spirits up. I'll have to try and keep in touch with her. Thinking warm thoughts, I wing my way home to bed.
T-Bone's POV
We've been on patrol for a couple of hours now. It's been really quiet thankfully. We've also been trying to keep an eye for Commander Feral. We have some good news for him. We were just passing Megakat Park when I finally spot him."Hey Razor look! There's Feral." I move the jet in his direction trying to catch up without overtaking him. Razor has finally completed the devices for Feral and this is our first opportunity to catch him. He hears me coming and suddenly soars upward and loops up and over till he's hovering near our canopy. I've already halted the jet on VTOL and now open the canopy to talk to him. "Hey Commander, glad we spotted you. Got some good news for you." I grinned at him.
"Oh! Dare I hope that means you have my new toys ready?" He asked eagerly.
"Yeah, just finished them late last night" Razor said cheerfully. "Now all we need to do is get with you and train you on their use. Will tomorrow, early, work for you?"
"Hell yes! I've already had a near miss with one of my own choppers. Makes flying very hazardous out here for me. I'll meet you at 7am on the Enforcer flight line." Feral was ecstatic.
"Right! See you in the morning. Safe flying Commander." With that I closed the canopy and watched Feral soar safely away.
"Wow! He looked real happy to see us and that is just too strange but I can hardly blame him" I said shaking my head as I turn the jet for a slow pass over Pumadyne.
"Yeah, man that must have been a real frightening experience nearly getting ripped by one of his own choppers" Razor agreed. "It really shouldn't take long to show him how to use the equipment" he added.
"Good because we have a garage load of cars to do" I sighed. Razor just grunted and we continued our patrol for another hour before packing it in for the night.
Felina's POV
When I reported in the next morning there was a message from Dr. Tomkins asking me to come see him when I got in. Hopeful that he had good news for me, I hurried down to the labs. I found him speaking to one of his technicians and waited impatiently for him to finish. Moments later, the tech hurried off and Dr. Tomkins saw me and smiled.
"Ah, Lt Feral, good morning. I have something here I truly hope will help Commander Feral" he said happily as he led me toward a lab table. "Terry let me see those glasses you completed" he addressed the tall tech working at that station. The tech handed the doctor a pair of rather heavy and dark looking glasses. "Here you go Lt Feral. We hope these special dark glasses will help Commander Feral to handle being in enclosed spaces. The principle is simple. Raptors are kept quiet by blindfolds or dark rooms. A blindfold is out of the question for obvious reasons hence the very dark glass. It should act like a dark room to his raptor senses. At least that's the theory we are working with. Please give these to the Commander and let us know if they help" Dr. Tomkins explained.
I was skeptical. They looked like sunglasses though a little heavier. "These don't look very different from ordinary sunglasses" I objected.
"Ah but you see Lt, they have a special polarized lense and the wrap around feature blocks more light than regular sunglasses. What we hope is that we have enough polarization in the lenses to help. If not we will try for an even stronger block, so please let us know if they work so we can make more for him" He urged.
"Okay, I'll give them to him first thing this morning and let you know" I agreed reluctantly.
"Thank you Lt Feral. We sincerely hope they do the trick" he said.
I left the labs and rushed up to my Uncle's office. Here's hoping these things work. I was surprised to find him not in his office. His secretary isn't in yet and I go in search of the Sergeant. I finally find him and his Sergeant on the flight line with the SWAT Kats! What are they doing here? I walk up to them and realize, to my joy, Razor is fitting my Uncle with a hand's free radio. It seems Razor has finished those new devices he promised.
Feral's POV
It's 7am and I watch as the Turbokat gracefully lands on the end of the runway. Once the engines shut down, I approach them, my Sergeant at my side. The SWAT Kats jump down to the tarmac. Razor is carrying a bag. "Thank you for being prompt" I say as I come up to them.
"I know how anxious you are for these, so let's start with the radio, okay?" Razor pulls out an odd ear piece affair and some other parts. Except for some minor differences, it resembles the radio unit in an enforcer pilot's helmet. "Here this goes in your ear while this part clips on the outside. Now this part..." and he pulls a slim, curved piece of metal down... "goes near your mouth so you can speak. It's incredibly powerful so you should hear as well as be heard without too much interference. Now see here..." and he points to the earpiece where I see a tiny dial...
"This allows you to change the frequency as you need to. So let's put this on so I can make any adjustments that might be needed" Razor reaches for my head and I lean down to accommodate him. He fiddles around a bit until he's satisfied it's placed right. It feels surprisingly comfortable.
"There, now how does that feel?" he asks as he studies his handiwork.
"It feels fine. Let's see how it works" I said as I call the tower. I'm immediately pleased as I hear them respond loud and clear. "It works great, you're good" I congratulate Razor. "Now about the other things...?" I ask.
"Right, here is the locator beacon" Razor produces a small medallion on a strong short chain. He again reaches for me and I lean down so he can place it around my neck. "Okay, see I made the chain short so it would not swing too much and get caught in something and be ripped from your neck. It's not too tight, is it?" He asked
"No it's okay" I say and then asked "Is it activated?"
"Oh yes and it has a very long life battery in it. I've written down the instructions for everything I'm giving you. Now here is the new weapon that is similar to ours. Give me your right paw." I did as he asked and watched as he pushed a glove-like device on and then proceeded to show me all the neat weapons array it was capable of. I'm like a kitten with new toys. I already feel so much safer. I'm really amazed at Razor's work and wish we were on the same side of the enforcement fence. What he could do to increase our abilities to defeat the omegas, sigh! Oh well, I know this temporary truce between us won't last so for now, I gratefully thank Razor for his amazing work. He blushes, pleased and they get ready to leave.
"You're welcome Commander. Well we're off, got other things to do" Razor waves bye and they both jump in the jet and smoothly take off. As I watch them leave, I realize that sometime while they were here, Felina had joined us.
"Uncle, those are great! Razor really did a good job. But listen, I have another surprise for you" she smiles broadly at me as she produces a strange pair of very dark, wrap around glasses from behind her back. "I asked Dr. Tomkins in R & D to develop something that will help you overcome your claustrophobia. I was skeptical but he really feels these should help. Let's go try them out in the elevator as we go back to your office."
I can see how excited she is and hopeful that these will work for me. Well, I'm doubtful too but we'll see. We walk back into the building and call for the elevator. I put the glasses on before stepping in. The world is instantly plunged into darkness, but surprisingly I can still see though it is in black and white and very dim. There is enough light however for my sharper vision to make out the details of my surroundings with only a little difficulty. But the biggest surprise, is I don't feel claustrophobic. "It works!" I shout in pleased amazement.
"Wonderful Uncle" Felina smiles in relief. "I'll inform Dr. Tomkins right away so he can make some extras for you."
The Sergeant pipes in "Commander! This is great! Now you won't be hampered as Chief Enforcer" bouncing on his toes with enthusiasm.
"Thank you Sergeant and you too, Felina and please convey my satisfaction with Dr. Tomkin's work" I said happily. Finally, I feel I have control of my life again. Now the only thing I'm waiting for is my new armor, then I'll really be ready to return to the front lines again.