Grrrrr.... well guess that proves it... I don't know where the time breaks are cause I think the one I talked about in the last chapter is actually in this one. Well anyway, more stuff for you vets again along with a little humor, and we go a little deeper into the relationship between Josh and Liesa so there is a little more for you romantic types. See you at the end.

Chapter 4

The Captive.

It had been just over five months since the Gundoms first landed and ever since the second invasion it seemed like there was a new battle to fight every day. They had left Miami almost two months ago but, due to swarms of Gundoms, they had not even reached Louisiana let alone Texas as day in and day out they battled losing all track of time in the haze of constant combat. Josh had received more information about the Gundom Wings from their mystery man, but he could not do much with it. Now here he was with his friends fighting once more for his life. Supplies were low, sleep was not often something they had, and even when they did the sounds of the day before range in their minds.

Josh sat in Gunner's cockpit with Liesa holding tensely onto her seat as they were tossed this way and that way by Gunner's evasive maneuvers while advancing through the carnage of war. It was six in the afternoon when the last Gundom fell and the group continued its march westward. Victories were no longer celebrated partly because they seemed insignificant considering what little they truly did and partly due to the fact that they were too exhausted to be happy. Plus, recent heavy losses dampened the triumph of the situation as only about fifty people out of two hundred had survived the struggles that they faced after leaving Miami the second time, but they were top notch pilots and they had to be to make it this far. They were trying to reach Dallas Texas because it was on the hit list for the second wave, but it seemed that the forces that had attacked it were now scattering across the country along with those from other targeted cities. Their advantage was that the Gundoms were spreading themselves thin. Since their battle in Miami they had not seen another Gundom Wing meaning ether they were all dead, or they were somewhere roaming the countryside with what was left of their army. The bad news was that if they were leaving Dallas it meant nothing was left, but they tried not to think about it.

That night the band of fifty plus tattered men and women had camped on a small mountainside using the advantage of higher ground in the event of an attack. Jake, Pepper and Liesa sat around the fire while Josh stood out away from the rest of them on a small cliff's edge near the top of the mountain overlooking tomorrow's journey west as he leaned against a tree.

The region was still heavily forested, but he could see the cleared land like scars of battle on a torn earth from previous conflicts. We have managed to reach about half way through the southern handle of Alabama so far, and hopefully we can reach Louisiana by nightfall tomorrow. He thought to himself. That is aiming high considering our current rate of travel, but from this overlook, the way looks clear. All that could change by morning with the way the Gundoms travel though. I will have to check again before we leave tomorrow. Then Josh heard light foot falls behind him and knew who it was, but made no attempt to look.

"Josh." Liesa said walking up behind him. "Why don't you come to the fire? It's a little cold tonight."

"I am fine. I was just looking over the rout we will be taking tomorrow." He said standing up strait.

"Wow." Liesa commented as she stopped at his side and looked into the distance. "You wouldn't expect to find such a great viewing spot in this part of the country."

"It is a nice little place to camp." Josh said admirably as he looked around. "But we probably won't find another like it until we go farther west into Texas."

"You never know." Liesa said folding her arms over her stomach trying to rub out the chill of the cool air. "We didn't mean to find this place."

"I know, but the chances of finding another are slim."

They stood silent for a while before Josh sighed deeply and to Liesa's surprise started the conversation again. Usually she had to prod him into talking, but he had started it this time.

"Why did they pick me?" He asked her.

"Because you're a good pilot." She replied after a brief moment of thought.

"But what does that mean? Jake is a better pilot then me, why not him?"

"You were our leader so I guess it sort of fell on you. You've been a good one." She encouraged.

"Glad to hear somebody thinks so."

"You are Josh." Liesa persisted looking at him questioningly.

" Yeah, that is why there are only fifty of us left. I do not know anything about commanding troops in battle, or the art of war, or anything like that. I mean I've read books and stuff but that only gets you so far."

"Fooled me." Liesa said as she turned back towards the fire. "You coming?"

"Not yet."

"Don't stay out to late then."

"Yes mother." Josh replied sarcastically with his back still turned to her.

Liesa blushed and turned back to the fire. I almost blew my cover. Part of her wanted him to know how she felt, but she was not even sure herself. Something seems different about him since we first met, but it is hard to say exactly what. She thought, trying to sort out her feelings as she walked up to the fire and plopped herself down on the ground, only then realizing how tired she was.

"Food is low." Jake told them. "Our supplies will hold out for about two more days and then we ether get more, or hunt."

"You know what I think." Pepper said leaning over to Liesa. "I think Jake wants us to run out so we'll let him hunt."

Liesa laughed as Jake wagged his head and the three sat talking for a while longer before Jake and Pepper stood to turn in for the night, but Liesa stayed a little longer waiting for Josh. After ten minutes though her eyes began to get heavy, but as she rose from her spot Josh came into the fires light.

"You taking first watch?" He asked her.

"I guess." She said dropping to the ground again.

"Wake me up for second watch again, but try not to kick me this time."

"Sorry." Liesa cringed. "You sleep like a rock."

"Then not so hard." He replied as he headed for Gunner.

"You can stay in there you know." Liesa said as he started to climb back down with his bag.

"No thanks." Josh replied. "I get cramps when I sleep in Gunner."

"Oh, I see." Liesa said remembering his height compared to her five seven.

I didn't think three or four inches was that much of a difference, but I guess it is. Plus I can curl up pretty small. She watched him crawl into the bag and lay on his side.

"Can you hand me that rock?" He said pointing.

"What for?" Liesa asked as she picked up the stone.

"A pillow." Josh replied.

"Right. What else would you use it for?"

"People that kick." Josh said smiling as he took it from her hands

"I said I was sorry." Liesa replied with a cross look on her face. "Don't have to stone me for it."

"Just giving you a warning."

"You wouldn't dare." She said a little unsure.

"Good night."

"Yeah, sweet dreams to you too." Liesa replied dryly, turning her attentions to the surroundings of the camp.

There were ten other fires besides their own with a guard at each. It was a small unit but that was not to say it was not a strong one. The light of her own fire reflected off the Zoids who stood ready around its warm glow while it cast long shadows behind them that flickered and bent as the flames danced.

As she gazed into the dark moonless night of stars her mind was far away. What am I doing here? Am I actually any help to the group? Sure I'm taking watch, but that is about all I can do considering Jake turned out to be a better cook for the trail life. There is the radar thing in Gunner too, but Josh would do fine without me. If anything does work out between me and Josh what could I offer him? He may not be a snob, but he did come from a better breed. Liesa folded her legs in front of her and let her arms drape over them. She had come from a bad part of town, and did not really know what life was like outside her trailer court. She might would have if she and Josh had met, and the war had never came, but with the war she didn't have any examples of what his life was really like. Would I have accepted him if my life hadn't been in danger? Probably not. What will I do after the war is over? It's become a way of life and hard as it is I sort of like the nomadic life, only without the war.

Reality was that she would have to get a job and start making a life for herself. What jobs will be left? What at all will be left? How far is the full extent of the damage? Countries have probably been destroyed. What will life be like after it is all said and done? Will there be a life ahead for me, or will I die like so many others? Life seems so sweet and priceless now that so much of it has been taken. It's a bitter thing to appreciate something after it's gone when you had all your life to recognize its value, and can't ever enjoy it again. She sat there turning these things over in her mind until it was time to wake Josh for second watch.

"Ok," She said to herself. "He had better wake up this time."

To her relief he turned over as she walked towards the bag. Without exchanging a word he stood and went to the fire. Liesa stood for a moment feeling like she should say something, but then turned and climbed up Gunner.

Immediately after he had woken Josh was deep in thought again. His mind seemed like the only place of solitude on the planet, and even that seemed to be slipping away. Stressed and weary from the war his mind was rattled, and his nerves on edge. He was alive but he still felt like he was losing. His enemy was ruthless and cruel sparing no one. There had been no warning, not even contact with the planet had been was no lead as to why they would come, and no clues as to what made them crush everything in their path. I need to get my hands on one of the Gundom Wing pilots. Josh was usually kind hearted, but this was war and every man has a certain level of pain at which they would start talking. If they wanted it I will give it to them. All I need is a pilot.

The night passed slowly with nothing more than the breeze stirring as Josh searched his head for answers that couldn't be found. The next morning the band headed out earlier than usual as a morning mist rose off the ground and the sun started to make its way over the horizon. Josh took another look from the cliff's edge he had found yesterday and the way seemed clear as far as he could see. We just might make it to Dallas if it stays this way. Then he turned back to the camp and climbed back into Gunner to catch up with the rest of the group.

Heading due west at a fast pace they were on course to make Dallas by nightfall and a small celebration went over the intercom as they crossed the Texas border at seven in the afternoon, but it was quickly silenced by the appearance of Gundoms. It was a fleet of two hundred making it four to one in the Gundom's favor. They had fought against worse odds before, but there was a Gundom Wing this time. Low on ammunition and with their Zoids in bad shape left them in a not so desirable position, but they had no other choice then to fend themselves.

Josh gave the order to conserve fire until needed except Pepper who took command of the sniper units that stood on the perimeter of the field. With him using his special twin long range cannon he made an excellent commanding officer for the sniper unit. The rest would try their best to use only strike or tackle assaults as they were split up into two units with Jake leading twenty five or so Zoids leaving Josh with about twelve to charge into battle. Firing lightly until they reached close range, Jake led his troops by ramming the Gundoms to the ground where his men pounced on the helpless fallen advisories.

Josh had given his men the order not to attack the Gundom Wing until last, and then not to kill the pilot. Although the Gundoms had numbers, their zombie like fighting skills made them easy targets for the skilled Zoid pilots who quickly took them down, leaving the Gundom Wing as the only one standing and the order was given to surround him, but not to attack. The Wing may be alone but its human pilot would be a lot harder to beat, and with that sword their fifty Zoids could be easily dealt with if they were careless.

"Take him down Pepper!" Josh yelled the order when all units were in position.

"Roger that!" Pepper replied as he took aim and fired.

The gun bellowed as the bullet exited the barrel and the Gundom Wing was jolted from the impact, but had only been given a dent. Regaining its balance it drew its sword and started advancing towards the small Zoids.

"What!" Pepper screamed in disbelief. "My gun didn't work?!"

"Hit him again!" Josh shouted.

"It's no good mate!" Jake told him. "We have to take him down the old fashioned way."

Josh ordered all troops to stay in formation around the Wing who stood like a night holding his sword in front of himself. The tallest of the Zoids only came to his waist as they circled around like wolves keeping him in the center by shifting the ring in whichever direction he ran.

"Pepper!" Josh shouted. "Give him another blast when I say. The rest of us will strike when he is off balance."

"Just say the word man!"

"Ready...Now!"

Once again the massive twin barrels burst out their deadly charge sending shockwaves from beneath Pepper's Zaber Fang. The Wing braced himself but still nearly fell over as they swarmed in for the kill. While the Wing started to regain balance, it twirled its sword slicing through the Zoids that had lunged causing an explosion that threw any remaining Zoids off, but sent the Wing to the ground as well.

"Hit him again!" Jake ordered as flames burst from his jet engine boosters sending him screaming towards the Gundom Wing. "Follow me Josh!" Jake screamed.

Josh came from the other direction, also with boosters at full throttle, as the Gundom started to rise while swinging his sword through the air in an arcing motion intent on Gunner. Josh and Liesa saw the blade baring down as Gunner leaped into the air redirecting his boosters to the right making him drift to the left. The glow of the giant sword nearly filled Gunner's cockpit as Jake came swooping in at the knees.

Those on the ground watched as Gunner disappeared behind the glowing blade, and then reemerged on the other side landing on the Wings hips with a strike laser claw. The silvery light of the laser shone bright coming in contact with the heavy armor and then streaked through the waist as Gunner leaped to the ground.

"Get him out fast before it explodes!" Josh shouted to his men, and then turned half way around in his seat. "Liesa!"

"What?!" She asked shaken from the close encounter and startled by the sudden shouting of her name.

"Take the controls!"

"What?!" Liesa shouted confused.

"Just do it now!" Josh yelled as he leaped down Gunner. "Tell Jake to pick me up when I get out!"

"Josh what are you doing?"

"Hurry!" Josh said as he sprinted for the Gundom.

He knew this was probably not the smartest thing to do, but what had he done that was smart here lately. I have to find the cockpit and get the pilot before this thing exploded. Josh thought, nearing the giant iron man, and then Liesa gave the message to Jake as she saw Josh crawl into the bottom of the Gundoms waist.

"Jake! Josh wants you to pick him up when he comes back out!" She Shouted

"Ryght!" Came his reply.

She watched as the Sinker pulled up to the Gundom. Now they waited. Judging by the normal rate for Gundoms he had about ten minutes. Liesa bit her lip as Pepper moved everyone out of the area.

"He has to make it." She told herself as tears started to form in her eyes. "He has to."

Josh made his way through the gears and pipes until he reached a box like obstruction. This has to be it, but how do I get inside. Working his way around the outside of the box until he found a panel that could be removed, Josh went to work taking out a small laser cutter from one of his pockets and started cutting through the bolts. Hope this is it. I will not have time to search anywhere else if it is not.

As the last bolt was melted out, the Panel fell and Josh saw a man in a tight suite that resembled a wet suite used by divers, but it had probe pads on the joints of the body. The man took a fighting stance as he whirled around to face the intruder, but without even thinking Josh's hand flashed to his gun, drawing it like a blur and leveling it on the man before he could take a step.

"I'm here to get you out. Now move!" Josh ordered.

The man raised his hands and slowly walked towards the open hole as Josh backed away.

"Hurry!" Josh shouted. "We don't have much time!"

The man climbed out, and then took out running towards the light at the end of the passageway with Josh following close behind. If he thinks he is getting away he has another thing coming. Josh thought as they neared the exit. When the Gundom pilot reached the exit he stopped short seeing Sinker below but Josh kept running ramming him out onto Jake's Zoid.

Josh could hear the first of the explosions start as he banged on the roof to get Jake moving and then looking back he saw the glow coming from inside the Gundom. As Jake slowly sped up Josh caught movement to his right and ducked below the first punch, but caught the second sending him rolling along the wing. Pulling himself up Josh saw the Gundom pilot carefully making his way towards him. I do not know how to fight; well I do, but not well and not on a moving platform. The flames burst from the Gundom and the shockwave knocked them both to their knees. Where is my gun? Then the boosters screamed as they started to ignite.

"Grab on!" Josh shouted as he gripped the closest available object.

The man hesitated a moment before concluding the command was the best solution and took hold of one of the gun barrels hanging on as they were jolted when Sinker lunged forward trying to clear the blast area. Behind them they heard the explosion as Liesa watched unable to take her eyes off the scene while metal shards of armor and clumps of earth were hurled through the air landing around or flying past the fleeing Sinker. Finally she closed her eyes unable to watch any longer when Sinker disappeared behind the wall of fiery smoke and Pepper just sat in his Zaber Fang open mouthed at the scene unfolding before him. Then both sighed their relief as the sky cleared and Jake came rocketing towards them, pulling alongside their remaining forces. Liesa was quickly down Gunner and then ran to Josh, but he brushed her off turning to the Gundom pilot

"Thank you." The Gundom Pilot said weakly but with a strong tone.

"Don't bother." Josh answered coldly. "I want answers."

"If that's how it is." The man said looking to the ground and then suddenly lunged out with a punch at Josh but his arm was cut short by Jake's hand as he grabbed the man's shoulder spinning him around, giving the Gundom pilot hardly enough time to blink before a rock like fist collided with his face.

Josh has abtained his prisoner, but what will he find out, if anythinng? How will it change the course he is taking, or will it only fuel his fire? Will Leisa's feelings ever be returned or is she destined to suffer the pains of a breaking heart. Discover the answers to these questions and more as the journey continues with next week's posting.

Yes, next week. I will try again to post faithfully, but until then I hope these two can tide you over and that you found them enjoyable. Please do let me know what you thought even if you dont like it feedback is apreciated. See you all next time.

9TailedFox.