They had reached the door when bracelets started chiming. At the same time, Zark's voice came from the speakers in the ceiling. "G-Force urgent assembly required. Spectran attack happening in the vicinity of Luxembourg".
Anderson turned to his team. "Scramble, team. We'll continue this later. Mark – do not take any unnecessary risks. We need you whole, Commander."
Light flashed as the team transmuted, darting out the door towards the Phoenix hanger. Scarcely five minutes later, they were in the air, heading towards Europe.
"Zark, what do we know about this one?" asked Mark.
"Not a lot, Commander. There appears to be no reason for the attack, and no particular target."
"Zoltar doesn't need a reason," said Jason. "Sometimes, I think he attacks out of boredom."
"Now that's a happy thought," said Princess dryly. "Just what we need. Why can't he have another hobby?"
"We'll give him a list next time we see him," quipped Tiny. "Fishing, perhaps?"
"Want Zoltar hiring you as a fishing guide?" asked Keyop.
Mark was frowning. A random "boredom" attack from Spectra was always more devastating than any other. "Keep sharp, people. Tiny, what's our ETA?"
"Another half hour, Mark."
"Zark, see what you can find out and keep us informed with any intel from the local troops. Can you send through the info you already have?"
"On it's way, Commander."
"I have it here, Mark. The attacks are very widespread. Multiple small mecha it looks like, but they're not hitting anything specific. In fact, it does look just like generalised destruction."
"Why does Zoltar always choose the Luxembourg surrounds for these attacks, I wonder?" asked Jason. He was frowning.
"And usually with small mecha, too," put in Mark. "Almost like practising for a later attack."
"Zark, can you send me data of attacks where the attack weaponry is similar, or where the mecha are similar." Jason had a speculative look on his face. "I wonder if you haven't hit the nail on the head, Mark. Could he be using these attacks to test weapons or mecha? And the areas he's hitting have stone buildings, to give some resistance, but not a lot of people."
"As soon as you get that data, Jason, you and Keyop get onto it. Princess, you and I will work on the analysis of this attack. Let's hope that by the time we get there we can get some idea of what's going on."
Discussion filled the air for the next half hour, Tiny putting his bit in when he felt it would assist. Towards the end of the time the two separate pairs had come together.
"You're right, Jason. These random attacks are definitely testing new weapons or mecha. Look how they're always followed within a month by a full scale attack using similar."
Jason nodded. "They never seem to learn, do they. "
"Or," said Princess pensively, "By the testing stage they're so committed and can't afford to change. Remember, Spectra is running out of resources, and almost every attack Zoltar makes always nets him something he can use as currency."
"Wonder if he has an Earth base round here too?" asked Keyop. "Always seems to be here."
"I wouldn't be surprised," said Mark. "Once I'm back fully on deck what say we do some snooping and see if we can find anything?"
"Sounds good to me, Mark." Jason said. "You wouldn't have ulterior motives as well?" He glanced at Princess who blushed.
"No. Well, maybe. Perhaps." Mark looked confused and as red as Princess. "But anything else comes after the mission. " He tried to look stern but Keyop was the only one not laughing at him.
Instead, Keyop was chanting. "Mark and Princess sitting in a tree. K I S S I N G."
"Brave boy, Keyop," said Princess, punching him in the arm. "Remember who has the last say on your bedtime curfew."
"Anderson." Keyop looked mischievous.
"Wanna bet?" Princess thumped him again.
"Approaching target zone now, Mark." Announced Tiny. "What's the plan?"
"Seems very quiet out there," said Jason. "Wonder where they've all gone?"
The ship shook and everybody grabbed the nearest non-movable item. "Answers that question," muttered Princess.
Tiny turned the Phoenix round, and Jason settled into the co-pilot seat, ready to fire on the enemy.
"Just say the word, Mark, and those things are history."
Mark nodded. "In your own time, Jason." Jason turned sharply. Mark never gave him that sort of leeway. "I was thinking, since we're here, once we deal with these, let's do that scouting. If there is a base here, they'll be in disarray and we may find them easier to find, as well as less on guard."
"Good strategy, Skipper." Jason turned away. "Steady, Tiny. Let's not rush this."
"My heart can't take these shocks," said Princess. "Mark letting Jason have his head, and Jason taking time."
"Stranger things have happened, Princess." Jason grinned and deliberately turned to her and Mark. "I personally find the oddest things happen in hot tubs."
His barb shot, he casually fired a volley of missiles, taking out the mecha threatening them. "Just be careful out there Mark."
"Oh I intend to be. You knocked some sense into me, Jase. I was going to stay with the Phoenix and let Tiny get some action."
Princess looked at him, her eyes questioning. "Yeah, Prin. Got knocked around when we got hit. I'm feeling a little groggy."
"Mark!"
"Not too bad, but enough to just want to take it easy. Doc warned I might have some side effects as the drugs and the implant healed me."
"Do you want me to stay?"
He looked at her lovingly. "I'd like it more than anything, but I need you out there. You always have a knack for seeing the off in things. If you know what I mean."
"I could take it badly, but I do know what you mean. Just remember, if you need me for any reason, call."
He walked over and hugged her. He wanted – needed – badly to kiss her, but their uniforms made that impossible. "You can rest assured I'll do that. Tiny, find somewhere to land. Keyop, you stick with Tiny. Split up, stay in civvies and stay alert. Let me know if you find anything, and rendezvous back here in 3 hours."
"Big Ten, Commander."
When they left, Mark thankfully sank into his chair. He was glad that he was finally getting treatment - the bruising hurt more than he had ever let on, even to Princess. He hoped that he wouldn't have to fight until the treatment was finished.
