Chapter 21: Race of the Century
"Are you certain you are up for this challenge?"
Welrod looked at Grizzly, concerned. Despite her jovial appearance, Grizzly could not hide the discomfort she was in. It had only been two days since the last mission, and the girl was still not quite used to her "new set of wheels," constantly giving them a shake as if her body had not realized they were there. Grizzly looked at Welrod with a smile.
"You kidding? I have been waiting for over two months to see you eat my dust! Besides, you don't need legs to drive!"
Grizzly let out a laugh. Ever since the day Welrod joined Echelon 3, Grizzly had been pushing to face off against Welrod in a motor-cross duel for the ages. After the events of the night operation, Welrod deemed it time to fulfill her promise.
I do not believe that is entirely true.
Welrod opened her mouth, to point out the obvious, but Grizzly interrupted her.
"Don't think about it." She gave Welrod a pat on the shoulder, and with that the girl sauntered over to her bike, parked in one of the repair garages behind them.
Grizzly used most of her income on her prized possession: a 1978 Harley-Davidson XL-1000. This antique was one of a few chosen sportsters to carry the honor of the company's 75th anniversary. The bike itself was jet black, with gold striping and gold-tinted cast wheels. The seat was of genuine leather, giving the bike an even more regal appeal. That year was also the first time a new electronic ignition system was implemented into the bike's design, to replace the rudimentary points and coil system.
You know, I wonder if the commander fully grasps how many parts are required to keep that thing operational?
With a sigh, Welrod walked over to her own motorcycle: the Norton Commando. This machine was one of the last great bikes of British manufacturing. It won the "Machine of the Year" five consecutive years in a row, an award unmatched by other vehicles of its type. The main draw to this motorcycle was its revolutionary framework which reduced engine vibrations, a known issue among a large portion of other bikes at the time. The girl's machine was jet black like Grizzly's but had a chrome finish and silver striping to match. It also sported a little Union Jack on its side, a decal added by Welrod to give the bike even more class.
Welrod placed her hand on the black leather seat; despite her concern for the long-distance travel from London, the bike itself held up well against the elements. With a grin, the girl mounted the motorcycle, inserted, and turned the key. The howl of the air-cooled OHV twin-parallel engine roared in Welrod's ears as she removed the kickstand and taxied her motorcycle into position at the front gate of the facility. As she came to a stop, the girl looked back to see Grizzly rev her engine a few times, remove her kickstand, and drive over to join her, an enormous smile plastered across her face.
I don't think I've ever seen her this pleased.
Welrod could hear an oncoming vehicle in the distance, as well as repeated honking. As she looked to her left, she saw the three remaining girls in her echelon driving the base's Land Rover to meet the two racers. Welrod could see Lee at the wheel, driving rather passively, as they pulled up to the front gate.
"Fancy day for a Sunday drive?" Lee was smiling as she parked next to Grizzly.
"Alright, now that we're all here let's go over the plan one more time." Welrod pulled the notes she had taken during the morning briefing out of her back pocket. She sat up in the seat and cleared her throat.
"Right, today is a search and destroy mission…"
"Yes!" Calico yelled ecstatically from the back seat of the Land Rover.
"Anyway… Our mission priority is the elimination of three Manticore walking tanks spotted near Sector 57. This troupe of vehicles is accompanied by a squadron of Jaegers. Grizzly and I will scout ahead to find the target. You three will stay within a half mile radius of our location. Once we confirm the targets' location, Grizzly and I will radio in and await your arrival. All clear?"
Welrod looked up from her notes, as she panned over each girl she could see each give a sign of acknowledgement, ranging from a thumbs up from Grizzly, to a shrug from WA2000.
"Ok then, let's get to it! Oh, and keep in mind: after the events of two days ago, the Commander will be keeping a close eye on us."
"So, don't disappoint." The echelon simultaneously pulled their weapons on the voice, who was their laughing commanding officer.
How does he keep doing that?
"Whoa now, don't shoot the CO, that'd leave Kalina in charge, and we all know how much she'd love that!" The Commander continued laughing, as the other girls began to nervously join in on the uproar.
"Anyway," The Commander said, wiping a tear from his eye, "I have faith you five will return victorious, now show them what you got chaps!" With a little salute, the commander walked off towards the operation headquarters.
"Alright ladies, you heard the man, let's blow shit up!" Calico raised her fist in the air, as Grizzly revved her engine.
The girl looked at Welrod.
"You ready to lose, Tommy?" Grizzly wore a wicked grin across your face.
"In your dreams, yankee." Welrod retorted, as the two in unison stomped on their accelerators and sped off into the distance.