If they had seen him, G-Force would have noticed that the strange man in the observation room wore a familiar red uniform. His, however, was not quite as tight fitting. Instead it was a more formal version of what they saw the Red Rangers in.

Actually, it was the uniform of the Rigan Military High Commander. This was General Holdsworth who had asked to meet with the G-Force team. It had been Colonel Cronus' idea for him to see them in action.

Holdsworth was not impressed. "Anderson, you told me I would see what G-Force can do. What I'm seeing is very pretty, but hardly a crack fighting team. And definitely not the G-Force that I have seen in a fire fight." He smiled grimly. "I didn't want to see this sort of demonstration. Or any demonstration. I've seen what they do. I wanted to meet them to express my appreciation for their expertise."

Anderson looked at Cronus. "It would appear that people have tried to be helpful, General." He depressed the button signalling the team to finish.

"No matter. It was interesting to see though that even doing that demonstration they work extremely well as a team. I notice that you have a team within a team as well. I must admit their rapport and communication seems almost uncanny. I believe that your Eagle and Swan are lovers – according to press releases. That would account for some of their communication skills."

"The attachment is long standing, but it is only within the past eight months or so that they have moved their relationship to the next level," agreed Anderson. "However, to answer your other observations – Mark, Jason and Princess were my wards. Princess was the last to join us when she was eight."

The General raised an eyebrow. "You raised three children on your own? I take it they are about the same age."

"They are the same age – thankfully though their birthdays are well spread through the year."

The General laughed. "Anderson, I salute you. I have two teenage daughters but they're five years apart. I also have a wife and a nanny and the three of barely cope. You dealt with three the same age and you've still got all your hair and most of your sanity."

"I'm not sure about my sanity at times. Those three have caused me more sleepless nights than Spectra."

"Hmmm. Yes. I can see that they wouldn't be the people they are if they were compliant. Tell me – does it get easier now that they're adults?"

"At least now they're legally adults I can ignore most of it. The only thing I ask is that they show discretion, limit damage and always let me know if legal needs to be involved."

Cronus grimaced. "You let them get away with far too much. A relationship between Mark and Princess should never have been sanctioned."

"You disagree with Anderson's methods, Cronus?"

"Yes sir. I've never made any secret of it. I feel that that they should have been assigned to a military unit for training – such as the Rangers."

"And yet their training seems more than adequate. They have defeated most Spectran attacks."

"Sir, I feel that you have other reasons for your visit. Other than just meeting the team."

"Actually, Anderson I don't. Although I am on the military budgetary committee for the Federation, my high opinion of G-Force has remained for a long time now. I understand our need for them, and would never withdraw my support. In fact, seeing this facility I can understand your need to additional funding and will see that you get it. Centre Neptune is, in effect, solely here for the support of G-Force. They need all the support they can get. I can see that you provide this."

"Would you like a tour of the base, General?"

"I would be honoured, Anderson. When may I meet the team?"

"At the moment they are with our Medical Section. They should be available in approximately two hours. That will give me time to show you most of the base." Anderson cleared his throat. "There are areas I cannot show you. They are the places that G-Force calls their own."

"Their quarters?"

"Yes – but some other areas. Their ready room for instance. I realised that they are on show most of the time, and so on this base they do need some place where nobody can go without their permission."

"Good idea, Anderson. They don't have to be G-Force there."

"Yes. Although there are times when they completely forget and then the entire base is turned upside down." Anderson smiled indulgently. "We all just try to sit back on those occasions and just wait for it to end."

"I'm glad that they do that still. They haven't lost their complete innocence – or their ability to play by the sounds of it."

"No. They definitely have not lost that. It's usually when something has had them confined here for too long that they get a little stir crazy."

They were walking along a corridor by this stage as Anderson gave the General a tour of Centre Neptune.

"This certainly is impressive."

"You three are pains in the neck, you realise," said the Doctor as he took a sample of Mark's blood.

"I've been confused for months about the weird signals we've been getting from your implants, but despite all my hints, you never said anything."

"Why didn't you just ask?" Mark was perplexed.

"Because I didn't like to ask. You're all so guarded about the implants, I don't like to pry. But when I say casually "I seem to be getting a couple of odd readings from your implant," I really would like you to open up to me."

Princess laughed. "Let me guess – you said this to Mark and Jason. The same Mark and Jason who can't see a hint if you hit them about the head with it."

The Doctor sighed. "You're right Princess. I should know by now. Anyway, I solved the problem. I mentioned it to Anderson and he confirmed an initial guess on a reading from Mark and Princess and then by his other reactions I came to a deduction. I take it that the three of you are, to use the polite term, sleeping together?"

He grinned suddenly seeing the three blush. "No need to answer. You've just confirmed it. You've been remarkably discrete. Anderson, though, isn't happy about that development."

"And you, Doc?" Princess' question was low.

"It's your business what you do. Not my job to make a moral decision about you. Just continue to be discrete – most people won't be as easy going as me. I take it that's why Jason's moved his trailer to Mark's place?"

Princess grinned broadly. "Most people have fairies at the bottom of the garden. We have Jason."

The Doctor laughed heartily. "Oh, very funny Doc," said Jason. "She's been making that joke for months now. She's been dying to have somebody other than Mark or me to pass it to."

"Don't worry Jason. At least she's not saying you are a fairy. Look, be careful. People won't approve and any gossip could hurt G-Force, not to mention yourselves."

"We are, Doc," said Mark seriously. "We all discussed it first, and as far as anybody knows, Jason just finds it convenient to leave the trailer at our place. Cheaper than a trailer park as well."

"Keep it that way. Anderson and I can keep our mouths shut – although he really doesn't want any confirmation. In many ways, he still thinks of you as his children. It's hard enough for him to cope with Mark and Princess, let alone all three of you. Be kind to him."

He was preparing a syringe as he spoke. "Arm, Princess. Time for your shot. I've increased the strength a little. The last thing you need right now is to get pregnant." He ignored her blushes as he gave her the injection. "Mark, I don't think that you have anything to worry about any longer although your latest blood test will confirm it. I suspect that all you need is to get your anti-bodies back up to level."

"Thanks, Doc. That's great news."

The Doctor turned to Jason. "You're healthy as an ox, Jason. Or would you like to get an injection just so you don't feel left out?"

"I passed that phase years ago, Doc. I'll let Mark and Prin go it alone in this case."

"I'd say you can go, but Anderson needs you in birdstyle in his office. Gather the other two criminals and get up there. Apparently our guest wants to meet you."

"Damn. I was hoping we could skip."

"Sorry – not my fault."

"It's nice to meet you, General." G-Force was on their best behaviour. They stood at attention behind the Eagle who moved down the line introducing his team. "G2 – Condor, G3 – Swan, G4 – Swallow and G5- Owl."

The General shook hands with each of them, understanding the implication given by the introductions. G-Force was not giving anything away. He knew their names, but the fact that they were only introduced by the Eagle as their call signs meant that this was to be only the briefest and most formal of meetings.

Pity. He had been looking forward to meeting the mischievous people Anderson had alluded to - and whom he was obviously sincerely attached to.

"I asked to meet you to convey my personal thanks. Because of your efforts many lives have been saved. Including my own. You were responsible for my rescue after Spectra had captured the transport I was on. For that, my wife and children would also like me to convey their thanks."

"It's nice to meet somebody we helped," said the Swan in her gentle voice. "and even nicer to get thanks."

They looked to Anderson. "Stay on base, team. We still need to do the mission d-brief. You'll be free to go tomorrow morning."

"Yes, Chief," said Mark. "It was nice to meet you General. Colonel Cronus it was a surprise to see you."

"I could not allow the General to visit my friends from G-Force without paying my respects."

Mark nodded curtly. "Gentlemen, please feel free to visit the base again. Team." They swung around and disappeared silently. Holdsworth was impressed. It was like they had never been in the room.

He turned to Cronus. "The Eagle seemed less than impressed to see you."

"Mark is young. He'll grow out of childishness."

Holdsworth was annoyed now. Cronus showed absolutely no respect for G-Force and had even undermined his own visit by insisting Anderson produce that stupid display. Why could the man not see G-Force for the highly skilled unit they were – and stop treating them like children?

"He is young, yes. But the Commander of G-Force is hardly childish. I'd welcome him commanding my own troops."

Anderson smiled genuinely for the first time and Holdsworth recognised it as the proud smile of a father. "Thank you, General. May I pass that onto Eagle?"

"You may. Please also pass to them G-Force team that I hope to meet them again in more congenial surroundings."

"I shall let them know."