SKULL LEADER'S DOWN!
CHAPTER 6
"Lisa! Duck down like I told you to!"
Lisa ducked down as low as she can. Rick flinched and let out a curse as a bullet buzzed by and came too close to the windshield.
"Lisa! Get on the radio and send out a MAYDAY! I'll have to start evading them!" Rick yelled as he toggled the switch to radio.
"MAYDAY…MAYDAY…MAYDAY! This is RDF flight November-Oscar-Bravo 12536! We are under attack by enemy Zentraedi battle pods and we are unarmed! We request immediate assistance from any nearby RDF or air force squadron over!"
There was no answer, just static. Lisa keyed the microphone to her headset again.
"MAYDAY…MAYDAY…MAYDAY! This is RDF flight November-Oscar-Bravo 12536! We are under attack by enemy Zentraedi battle pods and we're unarmed…"
Just then, a lightly German accented voice came over Lisa's headset and in a calm voice spoke. "RDF flight November-Oscar-Bravo 12536, this German Luftwaffe Anvil Flight. We have acknowledged your MAYDAY and are en route to intercept. We have you on radar and are currently less than 600 kilometers north northwest from your current position. Keep doing evasive maneuvers. We should intercept enemy battle pods in less than 5 minutes."
"Acknowledged German Luftwaffe Anvil Flight, we will continue to do evasive maneuvers and we are awaiting your assistance."
Rick continued to dip, dive, dodge, duck, twisted and turned the jet in trying to evade the gun fire the Zentraedi battle pods were firing. 2 to 3 minutes later, Rick and Lisa heard through their radio headsets, the Luftwaffe flight closing in on the Zentraedi battle pods. Lisa knew a little German when her father was assigned to a NATO staff posting in Germany but not enough to understand what the pilots were saying. In German, the lead pilot instructed his pilots to use heat seeking missiles on the battle pods instead of guns. Seconds later all four Zentraedi battle pods exploded in a blazing fireball.
Immediately after the battle pods were destroyed, the lead pilot's voice came over the radio. "RDF flight November-Oscar-Bravo 12536 this is Anvil Flight Leader. All enemy Zentraedi battle pods have been destroyed. You can discontinue doing evasive maneuvers."
Rick breathed a deep sigh of relief. "Thank you Anvil Flight Leader. Thanks for the assist."
"You're welcome RDF Flight November-Oscar-Bravo 12536. What is your final destination over?"
"Anvil Flight Leader, our final destination is Berlin. We are to land at Berlin-Tegel International Airport."
"Acknowledged RDF flight November-Oscar- Bravo 12536. We will escort you all the way into Berlin. Do you need to make an emergency landing for fuel or repairs over?"
Rick looked at the fuel gage. "Negative Anvil Flight Leader, we have enough fuel to make it to Berlin. Do you see any major damage on our plane over?"
"Negative RDF flight November-Oscar-Bravo 12536 but you may want to check to see if you do have major damage to your jet once you land in Berlin over."
"Acknowledged Anvil Flight Leader RDF flight November-Oscar-Bravo 12536 out."
Rick then toggled the switch from radio to intercom. "All right everyone, we're ok now. We were attacked by Zentraedi battle pods but they're all destroyed courtesy of the German Luftwaffe. I'm raising the protective shell to your seats so you're now free to move around the cabin."
"Did you notice where those battle pods came from, Lisa?"
"Yes I did, Rick. They came from the south."
"I tell you Lisa, there is something going on down south in the Black Forest that the Zentraedi don't want us to know about. Does Lord Breetai or Exedore know anything about it?"
"They say they do not know and I believe them Rick."
"And Intelligence can't get anyone to infiltrate the rebel Zentraedis?"
"Not unless they want their heads chopped off and sticking on a pole like what Henry VIII did to Anne Boleyn on the Tower of London."
"I tell you Lisa; there is something going on down in southern Germany that the rebel Zentraedis doesn't want us to know about. I can just feel it."
"I know Rick, I know." Lisa said changing the subject. "Nice flying sweetheart." Lisa said grabbing Rick's hand.
"I wouldn't have done it without you beside me Lisa. Thanks for staying with me in the cockpit."
"Don't mention it, sweetie." Lisa said with love in her voice.
Secret Zentraedi facility – Black Forest
"What is the status of the battle pods intercept of the Micronian jet, Garrak?"
"Sir, I am afraid to report that all four battle pods were intercepted by a flight of Micronian German fighter planes and were destroyed."
"That means that the jet was not a veritech and it wasn't armed. It was most likely a passenger jet. What is the status of the Micronian jet?"
"It has changed course and it is currently on an easterly direction towards the capital city of Berlin."
"It may not mean much to us now but it could mean something to us in the future. Keep me appraised on this current situation. Do not send up anymore battle pods to intercept the jet. Possibly the Micronian German fighter planes are providing escort to the jet all the way to Berlin. You're dismissed."
"Yes sir."
Berlin-Tegel Airport
Rick contacted the tower for landing instructions. As he was approaching the runway, Rick contacted the lead pilot of Anvil Flight.
"Anvil Flight Leader, thank you for coming to our aid. We wouldn't have made it alive with you."
"You're welcome RDF Flight November-Oscar-Bravo 12536. Anvil Flight Leader out."
The jets then peeled off from the executive jet and turned around for the return flight to their home base. After contacting the tower for landing instructions, Rick asked that a maintenance crew meet the plane at the hangar to repair any damage the jet may have after running into the Zentraedi. After touching down, Rick was instructed by the tower to taxi the jet to a hangar away from the main terminal. After Rick taxied the jet to enclosed secure hangar, a platoon of heavily armed German Army soldiers armed with Heckler and Koch MP5 submachine guns formed a ring around the jet. Rick cut off the engines and the jet's door swung open and a cabin steward lowered the jet's ladder. Lisa was the first to depart the jet, followed by Kim carrying the attaché case. Rick followed behind and walked around the jet to inspect what damage the jet has. A tall, thin, muscular and very handsome Germany Army soldier marched smartly up to Lisa and snapped off a brisk salute. Kim let her eyes wander towards the solider, checking him out, admiring what she sees.
Lisa was suspecting that Kim was checking out the soldier. "All right Kim, down girl. We don't have time." Lisa whispered to Kim.
"Captain Hayes, I am LT Günter Heinz of GSG-9 and leader of this platoon. Ma'am, this hangar and plane will be guarded from now until the time you leave Berlin. No one will get into this hangar."
"Thank you lieutenant, isn't someone from the embassy suppose to be here with a motorcade to escort us to the president's residence?"
"That I do not know, ma'am."
After finishing inspecting the damage to the jet, Rick walked up and noticed the handsome chiseled features of the LT Heinz.
'Whoa! That guy's cut. It's a good thing Lisa loves me and he's a professional. Sparks would definitely fly between the two of them.' Rick then looked over at Kim and noticed the look of lust in Kim's eyes. 'Yep, just as I suspected, Kim has fallen for the guy and has fallen for him hard.'
Just as soon as Lisa asked about the motorcade, the hangar's doors slid open and a motorcade rolled up and stopped nest to the jet. A young man jumped out of the back seat of a limousine and ran up to Lisa with his hand extended.
"Captain Hayes?"
"Yes I am."
"I'm Davis Strand, assistant to the charge d'affaires at the UEG Embassy. I'm sorry to be late. There is the evening traffic and there was a birthday party for one the diplomat's children. I was the only one available to meet you at such short notice."
"No apology is needed Mr. Strand."
"Thank you Captain Hayes. And you are?" Strand asked extending his hand to Kim.
"I'm Lieutenant Commander Kim Young, Captain Hayes' assistant."
"Commander Young. And you must be Captain Hayes' bodyguard." Strand said as he was extending his hand to Rick.
"Excuse me?" Rick exclaimed with an incredulous look on his face.
"Aren't you Captain Hayes' escort or bodyguard?"
"No I'm not Captain Hayes' bodyguard! I'm Captain Rick Hunter! I'm the pilot of the jet and I'm here to brief the German president and answer his questions about the air operation!"
Lisa and Kim were behind Rick and smiled to prevent a laugh that wanted to come out.
"Oh! I'm sorry Captain Hunter. I was only told to meet Captain Lisa Hayes here." Strand said with a reddening look on his face. He was thoroughly embarrassed.
"No problem." Rick said to Strand. What Rick was saying to himself was something totally different. 'Where did this dweeb came from? Does he see an earpiece in my ear? Where did he get the idea that I'm Lisa's bodyguard? For a guy who works at an embassy, he knows squat.'
"Let's leave for the president's residence. Captain Hayes; you, Captain Hunter and Commander Young will be in the lead limo and I will be the second limousine."
"Thank you Mr. Strand."
After the door to the limousine closed and the as the motorcade began driving away from the hangar, Rick was still steamed about being mistaken for Lisa's bodyguard.
"Where did that guy got the idea of me being your bodyguard?"
"Oh Rick, don't be mad. It was just an honest mistake on his part." Lisa said putting her hand on Rick's lap with a smile on her face trying to soothe Rick's bruised ego. "What about our plane? How seriously damaged is it?"
"It's not too seriously damaged. There is some damage to the tail, flaps, wings, rudder, stabilizer, and aileron, but nothing major. The repairs should be completed by the time we fly out of Berlin tomorrow."
"That's good to know, Rick." Lisa said encouragingly.
"Lisa, we will need fighter escort when we leave tomorrow. They may not do it, but I wouldn't put past the rebel Zentraedis to try to attack us again. We were fortunate that even though the Luftwaffe fighters weren't VT's, they were still able to shoot down all the battle pods."
"I agree with you Rick."
"There is an RDF base here in Berlin at Templehof Airport. We need to call the commander of the base and tell him we will need the fighter escort."
"Let me make some phone calls." Lisa said as she received the cell phone from Kim.
After being on her cell phone for several minutes, Lisa flipped down the phone and gave it back to Kim.
"It's done, Rick. A flight of four veritechs will escort us from Berlin to when we leave German airspace."
"Good. I already feel much safer."
The motorcade made it through Berlin without any problems because of the police escort. When the motorcade arrived at the president's house, a guard who was riding shotgun seat jumped out and opened the back door for Lisa, Rick and Kim. The three were escorted into the house where they were greeted by the president. He had his hand extended and had a warm smile on his face.
"Captain Hayes, Captain Hunter, Commander Young, welcome to Germany. I have heard that you had encountered problems on your way here."
"We had four Zentraedi battle pods tried to shoot us down but they were stopped by the pilots of your Luftwaffe." Lisa informed the president.
"That is wonderful news. I am glad that my pilots were able to help you."
"We appreciate their assistance. They were at the right place at the right time."
"I am glad to hear that. Captain Hayes, I am afraid that that I will not be able to listen to your briefing tonight. I am hosting a dinner party, so will you agree to postpone your briefing until tomorrow, let's say sometime after breakfast perhaps?"
"That will fine with us, Mr. President."
"You're welcome Captain Hayes. Have any of you eaten yet?"
"No, we haven't Mr. President. We had a box lunch on our plane and it wasn't…let's say…sufficient in appeasing our appetites."
"That is good. You're welcome to be part of my dinner party. Afterward, you're welcome to join myself, my wife and my guests at a dance. Commander Young, I am afraid that we do not have anyone lined up to be your dance date, but I'm sure you can find someone then."
"Thank you, Mr. President. That is real considerate of you." Kim said with a smile.
"I know you want to freshen up first, so someone will guide you to your rooms. Your luggage should already be in your rooms. You can come down to the dinner party anytime you like."
"Thank you, Mr. President." All three said.
A steward led Rick, Lisa and Kim to their rooms. Then he showed them where the bedrooms are. The room was more like a small hotel room than a room in a house. As the steward closed the door to their room and as they were unpacking their suitcases, Rick went up behind Lisa and put his arms around her waist. Lisa had a smile of contentment on her face.
"I'm going to take a quick shower, Lisa. Evading those battle pods made me sweat a bit too much."
"Go ahead, Rick." Lisa said as she turned her head and kissed Rick.
Rick went into the bathroom and did a quick shower. It was by luck that Rick decided to pack an extra suit. He looked at himself in the mirror as Lisa was getting dressed herself in a short black dinner dress.
"I hope I look good enough. I didn't pack a tux in my suitcase."
"You look fine Rick." Lisa said in an assuring voice.
Rick and Lisa walked downstairs to eat dinner and later enjoyed the dance. As Rick and Lisa were dancing, they looked at each other with love in their eyes. Lisa smiled at Rick, then rested her head on Rick's chest, sighed quietly, contented to be in his arms dancing, listening to his heart beat and feel the raise and fall of his breathing.
'Our first dance as boyfriend and girlfriend, its better than I thought it would be.' Lisa said to herself. They danced well into the night. When Rick and Lisa finally called it a night, they went to their room. As Rick was taking off his suit jacket and taking off his tie, Lisa looked out the picture window into the lights of the city. She can see the Brandenburg Gate lit up. As she looked out into the city, she began to cry. Barely several hours earlier, she barely escaped being killed. If wasn't for Rick's flying and him being calm under fire, they wouldn't have enjoyed their first dance together as lovers, much less be alive. It was the second time in a matter of days in which she was almost killed. Rick sensing what Lisa was crying about, just gently turned her around, enclosed his arms around Lisa, hugged her tightly and let her cry into his chest.
"Rick, when I asked Admiral Gloval for you to be my pilot for my mission, I just wanted you to be with me. If you weren't flying the jet, Kim and I wouldn't have it here alive."
"I was just doing my job, Lisa. I couldn't let you down." Rick said with a smile on his face.
"Rick, just shut up and hold me." Lisa said jokingly through her tears.
Rick and Lisa just stood quietly for several minutes hugging each other. Rick then noticed the couch and led Lisa to it. They sat down and just continued to hold each other tightly. Lisa then rested her head into Rick's chest and Rick wrapped his arm around Lisa's shoulder. Very soon, Rick heard the rhythmic breathing of Lisa as if she was sleeping. He looked at her and sure enough, her eyes were closed and she was quietly snoring.
Rick got up and slowly and quietly put his arms underneath Lisa and carried her into the bedroom. He laid her down on the bed and slowly began to take off her shoes, dress and pantyhose. He thought about leaving her bra and panties on but they have seen each other nude all the time in the bedroom, so he thought she wouldn't mind. Rick gently lifted Lisa into his chest and unhooked her bra. He then laid her down on the bed and slid her panties down her legs. Rick at Lisa's sleeping nakedness and his heart quickened. Lisa always took good care of her body and it showed. He kissed Lisa lightly on the lips and gently planted kisses on several places on Lisa's naked body. He then covered Lisa up and then got himself ready to go to bed. He first hanged up Lisa's dress and put her underclothes and pantyhose in a bag Lisa keeps for dirty clothes. He then stripped off his clothes, turned off the room's lights then went to bed. He was asleep in a matter of seconds.
The next morning, a steward knocked on the door to wake up Rick and Lisa. Rick and Lisa slowly stirred and got up. Lisa went in the bathroom first to shower and brush her teeth. After Lisa was finished, Rick did the same including shaving. They put on their business suits, went downstairs and met the president and Kim for breakfast. After eating breakfast, Lisa and Kim gave their presentations and Rick answered questions the president has. After the meeting was over, the president shook hands with Lisa, Rick and Kim.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. President." Lisa said as she was shaking the president's hand.
"You're welcome, Captain Hayes. You will know of my decision by the time you land in Macross."
"Thank you for you time, Mr. President."
Lisa, Rick and Kim were escorted out of the president's home and into a waiting limousine.
At the hangar after Rick did an inspection of the jet and after being satisfied with the repairs to the jet, let Lisa and Kim board the jet. He put on his headset and contacted the tower
"Berlin-Tegel Tower, this is RDF Flight November-Oscar-Bravo 12536, requesting instructions and clearance for takeoff over."
"RDF Flight November-Oscar-Bravo 12536, this is Berlin-Tegel Tower, taxi onto runway 36 and await further instructions. RDF Flight November-Oscar-Bravo 12536, go to frequency 163.025. Your escort flight is waiting for you to contact them over."
"Thank you Berlin-Tegel Tower."
Rick then turned the radio to the frequency.
"This Executive Flight calling escort flight leader. Come in over."
"Captain Hunter, this is Lieutenant Lyons. I am the leader of the flight. Our call sign is Guardian Flight and my call sign is Guardian Flight Leader. We will escort you all the way from Berlin to when you leave German airspace. We will meet up with you once you are airborne."
"Thank you LT Lyons."
Rick then switched to the intercom. "All right everyone, let's buckle up. We're about ready to take off. I'll let you know once we reach cruising attitude and speed."
Lisa then walked into the cockpit. Rick had a big smile on his face.
"I thought you would like some company as you fly, Rick."
"I love it Lisa."
"November-Oscar-Bravo 12536, you are now cleared for take-off over."
"Thank you Berlin-Tegel Tower. November-Oscar-Bravo 12536 out."
Secret Zentraedi facility – Black Forest
"Sir, flight operations report that the Micronian jet has just left Berlin-Tegel Airport heading north with veritech escort."
"Do our contacts know who are in the plane and who they were meeting, Garrak?"
"No sir. The plane was in a hangar and it was heavily guarded. There was a motorcade that left the hangar and the windows were tinted."
"So we have no idea who was here, who they were meeting and why they are here."
"Correct on all points, sir."
"It may not mean anything but let's increase security just in case."
"Yes sir."
Macross City
The jet made it back to Macross City without incident. As the jet cleared the mountains and into the outskirts of Macross Lisa excitedly pointed to the tower.
"Macross Tower, this is Executive Flight requesting landing clearance and instructions over."
"Executive Flight, this is Macross Tower. You are cleared for immediate landing on runway two. Captain Hunter, once you land a car will be waiting to take you, Captain Hayes and Kim to Admiral Gloval's office."
"Thanks for informing us, Nikki. Captain Hayes is in the cockpit with me, so she knows."
"You're welcome, Captain Hunter. Welcome back."
"Thanks Nikki Executive Flight out."
Rick landed the jet and a car was waiting to take Rick, Lisa and Kim to Admiral Gloval's office. At the conference room, waiting for them was Admiral Gloval, Claudia, Vanessa, General Leonard and Colonel Emerson.
"Lisa, I've been told that you encountered problems on your flight to Berlin yesterday."
"Yes sir. Four Zentraedi battle pods came in from the south, shot at us and chased us. A German Luftwaffe fighter squadron was within range to help us. They shot down all four battle pods. They and Captain Hunter's flying got us to Berlin without major damage."
"That's good to hear Lisa. I've been told that the Presidents of Panama and Germany have allowed us to use their countries as a base of operations to clear out the rebel Zentraedis. What we are going to do, starting on Monday, Jonas and Anatole will start planning their operations. You will be given free hand in the planning and execution of the operations but I will have over all command. Let's make this a short work day. After I dismiss you, the duty day is over. Enjoy your weekend everyone. The next month, all of us will be working very hard, any questions?" Admiral Gloval looked around the room. No one raised their hand. "You're dismissed everyone."
Officer's club
Rick, Lisa, Claudia, Vanessa, Sammie, Kim, Max and Miriya were at a table enjoying a very early end to the Friday workday and the work week.
"So when did you and Vanessa arrived back from Panama. Claudia?" Lisa asked.
"It was late this morning. Vanessa and I left Macross late morning yesterday. We were flown down to Panama. We were met at the airport by an aide to the president. We were driven to the president's home by a police escort. We met with the president for an hour, he was gracious to us, listened to us very carefully and asked questions when he needed to. After we were finished, he hosted a dinner in our honor, let us sleep for the night in his mansion. After treating us to breakfast, he gave us a police escort to the airport and we flew back to Macross. I heard your trip didn't go so smoothly."
"It didn't Claudia. After we were in German airspace, four Zentraedi battle pods jumped us and tried to shoot us down. If it wasn't for Rick's flying and a squadron of German Luftwaffe fighters being nearby, we wouldn't have made it to Berlin."
"I'm telling you Claudia; there is something, something in southern Germany in the Black Forest that the enemy does not want us to know about. I don't know what it is, but I can feel it. I can feel it in my gut."
"I know Rick. Intelligence thinks the same thing. They know something is going on in Southern Germany, they just don't know what it is and so far, they haven't been able to infiltrate the group."
Lisa then decided to lighten up the mood. "Hey, want to hear a funny story?"
"What is it, Lisa?" Claudia asked.
'Oh no' Rick said to himself as he was choking on the beer he was trying not to spew out. Lisa started slapping his back. Rick coughed several times before he was able to talk. "Lisa! Don't!" Rick said in a warning tone of voice.
Lisa ignored him and pushed on. "When we landed in Berlin, no one from the embassy was there to meet us, so we waited for someone from the embassy to show up with the motorcade. Several minutes later, a young man, I would say he is around Rick's age showed up and before Rick can introduce himself…the guy…the guy…the guy thought that Rick was my bodyguard!" Lisa said before she and Kim bent over on the table laughing hysterically.
"He thought what?" Claudia asked not believing what she had just heard.
"He thought that Rick was my bodyguard!" Lisa before she started laughing again. By now, everyone else at the table was laughing at what Lisa said. However, Rick wasn't laughing.
"Thanks Lisa, thanks to you I'm never going to live this down."
"I'm sorry Rick. But you have to admit it was funny when he thought you were my bodyguard."
"Why did the guy thought that Rick was your bodyguard?" Max asked through his laughing.
"I don't know Max. I guess it's because he saw Kim carrying the attaché case and she was behind me, he thought that Rick was my bodyguard. Imagine that, me, a captain in the RDF having a bodyguard!" Lisa said as she was bent over the table laughing.
Everyone at the table was enjoying a good laugh except Rick, who was still mad at what happened.
Lisa then decided to let Rick have some fun at her expense. "Hey, isn't tonight Karaoke Night here at the officer's club?"
"Yes it is, Lisa. Why did you asked?" Sammie questioned.
"You'll find out. I'll be back." Lisa said as she scooted away from the table.
She then walked over to the Karaoke table and talked to the man who was running the machine. Several minutes Lisa started singing; "If I should stay"; everyone knew what Lisa was singing. It is the song "I Will Always Love You", the song from the movie, "The Bodyguard." Lisa wasn't much of a singer but she was a real trooper and kept on singing. The humor of what Lisa was doing, wasn't lost on anyone. Rick covered his face with his hands, hoping and praying what Lisa was doing wasn't for real. But he dared didn't let anyone see he was smiling. Everyone around Rick was laughing and was slapping him on the back.
By the time Lisa was at the end of the song when she had to sing; "And I" in a high voice, her voice was cracking and squeaking. By then, Rick was thoroughly embarrassed but at the same time, he was laughing. He put his head down on the table and he pulled his suit jacket over his head wishing that the floor would open up and sallow him up. By the time she was finished, everyone in the club was laughing and clapping. Lisa did an exaggerated bow and ran back to her table.
"Lisa, I have to admire you! I wouldn't have the guts to do that even if I was rip roaring drunk!" Claudia said as she was laughing.
"I know Claudia, I know."
Lisa then looked over at Rick who still had his suit jacket over his head. "I'm sorry Rick. I just wanted you to have a little fun at my expense. I'm sorry it backfired." Lisa said as she put her arm on Rick's shoulder.
Rick then raised his head and had a smile on his face. "That's ok Lisa. I know you were just trying to make me laugh at you." Rick said as he kissed Lisa on the lips.
Lisa's house
"I tell you, Rick. I'm never going to do that again as long as I live. I have thoroughly embarrassed myself by going up and singing."
"Well, you have to admit it was fun seeing you up there making a fool of yourself." Rick said with a smile
"And how would you know that Rick? You spent the whole time I was up on stage with your jacket over your head."
"True, but I was laughing at you." Rick said as he put his arms around Lisa's waist. "And besides, I wouldn't mind guarding your body all the time. You got a body worth guarding." Rick said with an evil grin.
Lisa rolled her eyes. "Why is it with you men that even when you pay a compliment to a woman, you have to put some kind of sexual connotation to it?"
"It wasn't sexual Lisa. Honest, it wasn't." Rick said with his best fake innocent look.
"Uh-uh. Sure Rick."
Rick quickly started kissing her. After a while, Lisa looked at Rick with a contented smile on her face.
"So, what would you like to do this weekend Rick?"
"How about we spend the whole weekend naked in bed, making love and being in each others arms?"
"It that all you men ever think about is sex?"
"Well, not all the time."
"Sure Rick. How are we going to eat?"
"We can always cook but we have to be careful when we cook naked." Rick said with a grin.
Lisa just rolled her eyes and shook her head in disbelief.
"Ok, ok Lisa. We can call out or go out to eat."
"That's better."
"So what would you like for us to do and eat tonight?" Rick asked.
"Let's kiss on it." Lisa said with love in her voice.
Rick and Lisa started kissing. After a while, they stopped for a breath of air. They looked at each other with love in their eyes.
"I love you, Lisa."
"I love you too."
"Always?"
"Always."