SKULL LEADER'S DOWN!
CHAPTER 3
As Rick and Lisa were enjoying their time alone in the conference room, Claudia walked in on them and saw them in an embrace. She was shocked and happy at the same time when she saw Lisa's arms around Rick's neck and Rick's arms around Lisa's waist.
"Oh, I'm sorry you two. Am I interrupting anything?"
"No you're not Claudia." Lisa said.
"Admiral Gloval ordered me to find you, Lisa. You and I need to start working on our briefings for the Panamanian, Belgium and German ambassadors this afternoon. They will present it to the heads of their government and if they accept us being their country, we are to present the same briefings to them. And Rick, Admiral Gloval wants to see you right away."
"Ok, I'll go right away. See you for lunch at the officer's mess?"
"Count on it, Rick." Lisa said lovingly as she and Rick exchanged one last kiss.
Rick acknowledged Claudia with a smile as he walked past her. Claudia and Lisa exchanged excited shrieks and looks on their faces when Rick was out of the room.
"So you finally told Rick you love him?"
"Yes!"
"And did he in turn tell you that he loves you?"
"Yes!"
"How did it happen? Tell me everything!"
"Well, remember when you told me that I needed to tell Rick about my true feelings for love for him before I leave?"
"Yes!"
"Well, you're not going to believe this but I went to his house to tell him about Admiral Gloval picking me to command the SDF-2 and the mission to Tirol and to tell him good bye…"
Admiral Gloval's office
Admiral Gloval heard on a knock on his door.
"Come in."
Rick briskly marched in, stopped at center of Admiral Gloval's desk, did a left face and saluted.
"Sir, Commander Hunter reporting as ordered."
Admiral Gloval returned Rick's salute. "Stand at ease, commander."
"You wanted to see me sir?"
"Yes Rick. I have decided to make you commander of the air group. You know, we haven't had a CAG ever since Commander Fokker died. All we ever had since then are temporary CAGs and I decided it was time that the position of CAG should be permanently filled and I cannot think of anyone more qualified to be CAG then you." Admiral Gloval said as he extended his hand to Rick.
Rick shocked that Admiral Gloval made him CAG, could only take Admiral Gloval's hand and shake it. "Thank you, sir. I hope that I will be half as good of a CAG as Roy was."
"You will do a good job Rick. You had a very good teacher in Roy."
"Yes sir."
"Don't leave just yet, Rick. I have more news for you. Because you will be working with General Maistroff and Leonard on planning the air battle for the military operations in South America and Germany and it is a big responsibility. So effective immediately, I am promoting you to captain and I am making you a part of my staff. Unfortunately, that means you will have to relinquish command of Skull Squadron to LT CDR Sterling."
"Thank you, sir. I'm sure Max will do a good job in commanding Skull Squadron. Sir, I have one request to ask of you."
"What is it, captain?"
"If and when the campaign starts, I would like to be in the air in a veritech, preferably in Skull One as Skull Leader."
"I'm almost tempted to deny your request. Why do you want to be in the air?"
"Sir, Roy told me once that in order for a leader to be an effective leader, they have to lead by example. I can't be a good leader sitting safe at a desk in the command center when my pilots are risking their lives. I need to be with my pilots, sir."
"Let me think about it for a while and I will give you an answer soon. In the meantime, congratulations on you and Lisa finding love with each other. I could tell in the conference room when Lisa asked me if you can be her pilot if and when she goes to Europe that you and her finally told each other that the two of you love each other."
"Thank you, sir. To tell you the truth, I've been in love with her for quite some time but I been too scared to tell her until she told me that she was going to leave Earth with the SDF-2."
"Well, I'm glad to see something good came out of the attack. So, are you and Lisa planning on getting married anytime soon?"
"Oh no sir, I haven't even started looking for a ring yet, much less ask her the Question. But I'm sure Lisa would ask you to give her away at our wedding."
"I'm sure she will. And I will be more than happy to do it. Well, congratulations to you and Lisa nonetheless."
"Thank you, sir."
"You're welcome, Rick. Be sure to be in my office this afternoon for your promotion ceremony. I would like to get it in before Lisa and Claudia have to give their presentations to the ambassadors, so be in my office sometime after lunch."
"I will sir. I would like your permission to talk to CDR Sterling and break the news to him about being the new commanding officer of Skull Squadron."
"Of course, Rick. You can break the news to him"
"Thank you, sir. And thank you for promoting me Admiral Gloval."
'You're welcome, Rick. You're dismissed."
"Yes sir." Rick said as he snapped to attention and saluted.
Skull Squadron HQ
After Rick left Admiral Gloval's office and using his cell phone, called the control tower. LT Mitchell answered and told Rick that Skull Squadron is flying CAP after Khyron's suicidal attack yesterday but they should be landing very soon for a lunch break. Rick checked his watch. It is almost 11:30, which means they should be landing very soon. Rick checked out a jeep from the motor pool and drove over to the squadron's headquarters. As he parked the jeep in a parking space, the pilots just landed and was about to go on a lunch break. The orderly room sergeant noticed Rick walking through the door. The orderly room sergeant got out of his chair and snapped to attention.
"Commander Hunter, it's good to see you again sir."
"Thank you SGT Choi. It is good seeing you. Can you page CDR Sterling for me?
"Yes sir."
SGT Choi got on the PA system and paged Max. Max spotted Rick and had a big smile on his face. He walked up to Rick and gave him a big hug.
"Rick! It's good seeing you alive and safe."
"Thanks Max. Max, I have some news to share with you."
"What is it?"
"First of all, Admiral Gloval has promoted me to captain and gave me the job of CAG."
Max was delighted at the news. "Congratulations Rick!" Max said as he extended his hand.
"Thanks Max. I just hope that Admiral Gloval isn't making a mistake in making me CAG."
"Oh, you'll do a great job, boss. What's the other news?"
"Well, because Admiral Gloval has promoted me and made me CAG, effective immediately you are now the new commanding officer of Skull Squadron. So congratulations to you, Max." Rick said as he extended his hand.
Max was shocked at the news. "Me?"
"Yes you."
Max was speechless.
"Max…Max. Are you ok?" Rick asked as he was shaking Max on the shoulder.
Max had to shake his head to get out of his stupor. "Huh? Oh yes Rick, I'm ok. I'm just a little shell shocked at the news."
"Well, you need to get with the squadron's command master chief and set up a change of command ceremony for this afternoon after my promotion ceremony. I'm being promoted after lunch."
"Uh…yeah, I'll get with Command Master Chief Anderson to set up a change of command ceremony."
"Great Max, I'm going over to the officer's mess to have lunch with Lisa and tell her the news of my promotion."
"Ok, enjoy your lunch Rick."
"Thanks Max. I will."
Officer's Mess – lunchtime
Rick spotted Lisa and Claudia sitting at a table eating lunch at a section of the mess reserved for senior officers. Rick went over to where they are sitting and gave Lisa a quick kiss on the lips, being mindful for Claudia.
"Hi Lisa." Rick said with a smile.
"Hi yourself, sweetie."
"So, how did your meeting with Admiral Gloval went Rick?" Claudia asked.
"It went ok. Admiral Gloval promoted me to captain and made me CAG." Rick said with a deadpan look on his face.
"What did you just say Rick?" Lisa asked not sure of what she had just heard.
"Admiral Gloval promoted me to captain and appointed me CAG." Rick said with a smile.
Lisa and Claudia were shocked at the news. Lisa then threw her arms around Rick's neck as she squealed in delight.
"That is wonderful news Rick! That means you will not have to fly as much anymore. You will not be flying in South America or Germany!"
'Oh-oh, should I tell Lisa I asked Admiral Gloval to let me fly in the mission if and when it goes through?' Rick said to himself as Lisa was looking in the opposite direction and couldn't see his face. "That is wonderful news Lisa. But I can't be commander of Skull Squadron anymore."
"Well, you can't have everything Rick. Oh great, I should have known they would be here." Lisa said
"Who are you talking about Lisa?" Rick asked.
"It's them, Vanessa, Sammie and Kim."
Rick turned around and saw the trio sitting at a table at the other side of the mess.
"As soon as they saw us kissing and hugging I know they're going to start spreading gossip around the base about us."
Rick thought for a moment. "Hey, let's give them something to really talk about Lisa. Let's give them a little show." Rick said to Lisa with a evil grin.
Lisa then smiled an evil grin herself. "Why Rick you wicked little devil. I didn't know you had in you to do something like this." Lisa said as she closed in on Rick and had her lips parted.
As Rick and Lisa were kissing, Claudia looked over at the Terrible Trio. Claudia smiled but she had to cover her mouth with her hand that was holding a fork trying to stifle a laugh that wanted to come out as she watched the trio. After less then a minute the Terrible Trio gathered up their trays and left the table.
"Ok you two, you can stop kissing now. They have left their table."
"That was quick." Rick said.
"Care to give us a blow-by-blow description on what they were doing as we were kissing, Claudia?" Lisa asked.
"Oh, they weren't doing much except pointing their fingers at you with their mouths wide open, grabbing each other's arms, hitting each other in the arm, smiling and whispering to each other."
"Knowing them I would give it until about well before the end of the duty day that the whole base will know about us courtesy of them." Lisa said with a smile as she had her arms draped around Rick's shoulders.
"Hey, let's finishing eating our lunch, so we can change into our dress uniforms for Rick's promotion ceremony and our presentations to the ambassadors." Claudia said.
"That's right, Claudia." Lisa said as they went back to eating their lunch.
Admiral Gloval's office
Admiral Gloval's aide read Rick's promotion order as Rick stood at attention as Admiral Gloval and Lisa pinned on Rick's captain insignia. In Admiral Gloval's office with Rick, Admiral Gloval, Admiral Gloval's aide and Lisa, were Claudia, General Maistroff, and the trio. After his aide finished reading the order, Admiral Gloval extended his hand as a photographer was nearby ready to shoot the handshake.
"Congratulations Captain Hunter on your promotion." Admiral Gloval said as he shake Rick's hand and as the digital camera's flash went off.
"Thank you, sir. I'm still kind of overwhelmed by it all because it's so sudden."
"You'll do a fine job as CAG, Rick."
"Thank you, sir. I'll do my best to live up to your expectations Admiral Gloval."
"You will do a good job Rick. Oh, and before I forget, I will accept your request to fly in the mission if and when it happens in Skull One."
Before Rick could say 'thank you', Lisa had a shocked look on her face and yelled; "WHAT?"
Rick had a panicked look on his face. "Lisa, please try to understand. I asked Admiral Gloval if I could fly in South America or Germany when he told me that he was promoting me and he said yes."
"Why didn't you tell me sooner that you asked Admiral Gloval to let you fly in the mission?"
"I wanted to tell you when we were in the officer's mess but we got sidetracked. Remember?"
"No! I don't want you to fly in the mission!"
"But Lisa, Admiral Gloval said that I can."
"I don't care!" Lisa yelled as she left Admiral Gloval's office crying.
"Lisa! Would you please excuse me?" Rick asked as he began chasing after Lisa not waiting for an answer from the small crowd.
Rick found Lisa crying in the hallway down the hall from Admiral Gloval's office.
"Lisa, please try to understand…"
Lisa turned to face Rick. "Why Rick? Why did you ask Admiral Gloval to let you fly in the mission in South America or Germany?"
"It's because Roy told me once that in order for a leader to be a good leader, he has to lead by example and the only way I know how I can lead by example is to be with my pilots when they fly into harms way. I can't be an effective leader much less be a good one sitting safely in the command center thousands of miles away from the fight when my pilots are risking their lives."
"Well, look where it have gotten Roy."
Immediately Lisa wished she can take it back, but to Rick's credit and much to Lisa's relief, Rick didn't get mad at what Lisa said but he did had a disappointed look on his face.
"Lisa, that wasn't fair and it wasn't a smart thing to say."
"I'm sorry Rick. I shouldn't have said that. But Rick, you don't know, understand or appreciate how terrified and scared I get every time you get into your veritech to fly off on a mission or on patrol."
"Lisa you may believe it or not, but I do know and understand." Rick said softly.
"I know Rick, but ever since you were shot down over the Pacific Ocean years ago, I always get so frightened every time you fly. I don't know whether or not you will come back from a mission without your veritech being shot up and you being wounded. It will be even worse now that you and I have professed our love to each other."
"I know Lisa, I know." Rick said lovingly as he gently grabbed Lisa and hugged her.
"I don't want to lose another boyfriend and I don't ever want to be in Claudia's position in losing a pilot boyfriend." Lisa said as buried her face into Rick's chest.
"Lisa sweetie, you know I always come back from a mission or a patrol and I never do anything stupid while I fly. You have to trust me that I can do my job and trust my fellow pilots in bringing me back to you."
"I do trust you Rick. But you have to understand my position of how frightened I get every time you fly."
"I do understand Lisa."
"Rick, please promise me that if and when you fly in the mission, afterwards you will stop flying combat missions. Please Rick, if not for you, please promise me you will do it for me and my own sanity." Lisa pleaded as she looked at Rick with tears running down her face.
"I promise Lisa." Rick said immediately and softly as he nodded his head. "Now, let's go back to Admiral Gloval's office so we can finish my promotion ceremony." Rick said as he wrapped his arm around Lisa's waist.
"Ok."
Conference room
After Rick's promotion ceremony was finished, Lisa and Rick kissed and said good-bye to each other. Lisa and Claudia then walked to the conference room to give their presentations to the Panamanian, Belgium, and German ambassadors to the UEG. It had taken some time for Claudia and Lisa to figure out what to show to the ambassadors because a lot the information they have is classified. They did manage to put enough materiel together for a presentation to the ambassadors.
Claudia was first with her presentation to the Panamanian ambassador. The ambassador was quiet through most of Claudia's presentation except for several times he interrupted her to ask a question. After Claudia was finished, the ambassador spoke.
"Gracias, Senorita Grant, I will present your findings to the President of Panama just as soon as I get back to my office."
"You're welcome Mr. Ambassador. Thank you for your time."
To save time, Lisa gave her presentation to the Belgium and German ambassadors at the same time. Both ambassadors asked questions many times during Lisa's presentation. After Lisa was finished with her presentation, the ambassadors said they will present Lisa's presentation to the head of their government when they get to their office.
Fokker Base parade field
Max and Skull Squadron's command master chief was able to hastily put together a last minute change of command ceremony. Rick, Max, Admiral Gloval and the squadron's command master chief participated in a centuries old symbolic military tradition of passing the unit's flag from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander. At the podium, Rick spoke a few words to his former subordinates. Then Rick Admiral Gloval and Max stood on the platform as members of Skull marched passed them as they passed in review. At the reception after the change of command ceremony ended, Rick took Max aside and told him about the military operation that may or may not happen in South America and Germany and Admiral Gloval's ok of letting Rick fly in a mission in Skull One. Max was surprised to say the least.
"Rick, how are we going to be able to fly and be in command if and when we get called up and we will have to be in either country?"
"It's simple Max. It will be like it always has been. I will be Skull One, you will be Skull Two. We'll send half of the squadron to Europe and the other half to South America. You will be in charge of one half of the squadron and I will be in charge of the other half. Don't worry about the details, Max. All you have to do is to lead your group. I have the hard job of coming with a plan for the air battle with General Maistroff and Leonard."
"Leonard. What a sanctimonious xenophobic bastard." Max said under his breath.
Rick couldn't blame Max for cursing when he mentioned Leonard. But Rick changed the subject.
"Now mind you Max. This all hinges on if Claudia and Lisa can convince the Presidents of Panama, Belgium or Germany to let us use their country for our base of operations."
"When Claudia and Lisa are supposed to receive word on if they will allow us to be in their country?"
"Admiral Gloval is hoping they will get word either this evening or tomorrow at the earliest so Lisa and Claudia can fly out tomorrow. But I'm thinking they will not be flying out until day after tomorrow."
"I see."
Just then, a young pilot came running up to Rick with a smile on his face and was extending his hand.
"Congratulations Captain Hunter. I'm so happy for you and Captain Hayes, sir!"
'Wow! Word sure did travel fast. Lisa was right. It's not even 1500 hours and probably the whole base has heard about me and Lisa by now.' Rick said to himself. "Thank you very much ensign."
"Congratulations on what sir?" Max asked.
"Oh. You haven't heard yet. Well, me and Lisa…"
Lisa's house later that evening
Rick beat Lisa home, changed out of his uniform and waited for Lisa to come home. It was dark when Lisa walked in carrying an attaché case. Lisa just took off her white service dress shoes, walked into her bedroom and took off her pantyhose. Rick was surprised to see Lisa walking into the living room and she was still in her uniform.
"Lisa, you're not even going to change out of your uniform?"
"I'm just so busy and I have a lot of work to do Rick. I think either or both countries presidents will allow us to use their country as our base depending on how they will receive my briefing. That is why I brought work home with me. Rick, can you be sweetheart and cook dinner for me?"
"Sure, it's not a problem Lisa. What do you want for dinner?"
"Oh, I don't care. You had a long day yourself. How about calling out for pizza or Chinese? If you do call out, can you use your cell phone to make the call? I need the phone line clear when either Admiral Gloval's aide or the embassies calls me."
"Sure, it's no problem Lisa." Rick said as he began dialing on his cell phone.
Just as soon as Rick placed the order and hung up, Lisa's home telephone began ringing. Lisa ran to the phone.
"Hello, Captain Hayes speaking. Yes. They will? That's good to hear. When am I to leave? It will be the day after tomorrow. Thank you for calling, I'll let Captain Hunter know. Yes, thank you very much. Good night."
"So what's the word, Lisa?"
"That was the Admiral Gloval's aide. The Belgium ambassador spoke to the president and he said that he is willing consider us using his country when he receives a briefing from me."
"I would much rather prefer Germany because it will be closer to the battle. But no matter what, we still need the German's permission to let us fly over their air space."
Just as soon Rick said those words, the phone ran again. Lisa answered it. After speaking for less than a minute, she hung the phone.
"That was Admiral Gloval's aide again. The German ambassador said they are considering letting us use their country also as a base of operations and give us flying rights if I present the same briefing I gave to the ambassador to the president."
"We are leaving for Europe the day after tomorrow, correct?"
"That's correct Rick. They are willing to give us more time to give a more complete briefing to the presidents than from what I gave to the ambassadors."
"That's good. It will give me time to pack a suitcase. Oh, before I forget, I ordered pizza."
"That's good."
The pizza delivery boy delivered their pizza several minutes later. As they were sitting at the kitchen table eating pizza, Rick looked over at Lisa, who was reading briefing papers as she was eating her pizza. Rick just shook his head and smiled. After eating, Lisa sat down in an easy chair reading and taking notes. Rick did not dare to turn on the TV or the radio. After several minutes of boredom, Rick got up from the couch, kissed Lisa on the lips.
"Where are you going, Rick?"
"I'm going for a walk. Don't worry, I'll come back. I just need to do something and get a breath of fresh air."
"Ok, don't be too late."
"I won't."
Rick came back 20 minutes later. Lisa was still in her easy chair working on her briefing. Rick just shook his head and went into the kitchen. After a while, Rick had enough of Lisa doing work, that he went over to where Lisa was sitting, took the papers out of her hand, and laid it to the side. He then put his arms underneath Lisa and lifted her out of her chair, carried her over to the couch, sat down and put Lisa down across his lap and let Lisa's head fall into his chest. Lisa was shocked at was he was doing.
"Rick, what are you doing?"
"You're taking a break, Lisa."
"But I was working Rick!"
"That's what I mean Lisa. You've been working ever since you came home. It's time that you take a break." Rick said as he began to rub the back of Lisa's neck and shoulders.
Lisa closed her eyes, smiled and hummed in the bliss of Rick's hands massaging the back of her neck and shoulders. It has been a long time since Lisa had a massage and she allowed herself to forget work for a while and to enjoy Rick's massage. After a few minutes, Rick stopped and Lisa had a look of contentment on her face. She gave Rick a loving kiss.
"Thanks for the massage, Rick. It's been a long time since I had a massage."
"I always know what's best for my lady. Stay with me and I'll give more than a massage to the back of your neck and shoulders." Rick said with a roguish smile.
"Don't tell me. I bet you would love to see me naked so you can give me a body massage, right?" Lisa said with a knowing smile.
"Now what makes you think I want to do something like that?" Rick said with the best fake innocent look he can muster on his face.
"I know you Rick, so don't try to fool me."
"I can never fool you, Lisa." Rick said with a smile as he began to kiss Lisa on the lips. Lisa returned his kisses and very soon they began making out. As they were kissing, Rick let his hand roam and feel Lisa's thigh up her white uniform skirt. As he began working his way up to near Lisa's panties, he marveled at how soft her skin is. 'Her whole skin is so soft and beautiful. And I only thought her face is soft.' Rick said to himself. Lisa felt what Rick was doing, broke off their kiss and then grabbed his hand..
"Are you trying to get fresh with me Rick?"
"Now what makes you think I was trying to get fresh with you Lisa?" Rick said as he began to nuzzle Lisa's neck.
"The way you were feeling up my skirt makes me think you are." Lisa said in between short pants.
"Am I doing a good job, Lisa?" Rick suggestively as he began kissing Lisa's neck.
"I…think…you…are…doing…a…great…Oh Rick!" Lisa gasped as Rick kissed an erogenous zone on her neck. Rick sensed that he hit an erogenous zone and he led Lisa down on the couch. Lisa never did finish her work that night. But she did get her body massage and more.