"Switch!"
Strike leapt onto the wing of his Skimmer, and Ace leapt into the main seat. The kid had an uncanny knack for knowing just what to do and when, and, sure enough, the teenager pulled a hard left and Strike's weight sent the ride into a spin. Still racing forwards, Strike lashed out with his blade, catching the wings of three more rides before Ace levelled them out. He took a quick glance back, and saw the three rides tumble from the air, their riders hidden by their chutes.
At a swift signal, the pair changed places again, and Strike grinned at the raven haired, smirking face.
"Nice one. A little warning next time would be nice though…?"
"Ah, you hung on just fine…"
"But was the spinning really necessary?"
Ace ducked a stream of light, and jumped to the body of the ride, sending a blast at the two fighters bearing down on them. The blast landed on target, clipping the wing joint on one of the rides, sending it careering into the other and causing the two Talons to crash heads before falling from their domed rides. By the time their chutes had opened, Ace was already back in his seat.
"No… I guess the spinning wasn't necessary, but it was fun."
"Fun?"
Strike shook his head, smiling slightly. He wouldn't admit it, but the kid was right… Even the rest of his team had remarked upon his much more laid back attitude.
And Ace had only been on the Condor a few months. He'd been surprised at the eagerness of his new team member, and downright shocked at his natural ability on a ride. Hence his decision to have a co-pilot. A decision he hadn't regretted in the slightest.
Strike suddenly found his head being shoved down as a blast shot right over him. He looked up to see Ace, shaking his head, bewildered.
"In Atmos's name, can't you wait till we're back on the Condor to daydream?"
Strike found it mildly amusing to be lectured on safety by one of the most adrenalin seeking people he knew, but let it go. Ace was right after all…
It only took a few more minutes to clear the skies and they head back to the Condor.
As Ace jumped down from the ride, Flint jogged over and slapped him on the back.
"Nice work. Two down with one blast? Impressive. Oh, and nice spin by the way. How did the big boss react to that?"
"The usual. The 'That's a bad idea… But I secretly loved every moment' Look."
"Of course. Wouldn't expect anything else…"
"Oi!" Strike dismounted and raised an eyebrow. "Big boss can hear you, you know…"
He ruffled Ace's hair, and the teenager scowled, running a hand through it to get it back to its usual messy state.
"And the kid's right. It was fun…"
Ace's scowl deepened,
"The kid has a name…"
"Not my fault that the kid is easily irritated…" Strike said, smiling at the glare directed at him. The Ace grinned,
"Yeah. And I guess it's not your fault that you're getting forgetful in your old age…"
He ducked the swipe that Strike aimed at him, laughing, and Flint gave him a high-five. The guy may be only a couple of years younger than Strike, but there was no doubt he was the closest to him.
Not that Strike minded…
The two head off, to the kitchen, and Strike let a sigh escape him. Whatever he constantly said to crystal, he did want to be a father to the unruly teen… But he just… couldn't.
Shaking the thoughts from his head, the sky-knight head off to the Console room.
Crystal was there, but Jethro had left a steady course for the Condor and had head off to grab something to eat. As Strike got closer he could see, when Crystal looked up, that she had news. Bad News.
"What is it? More about Master Cyclonis?"
"No… At least nothing more than the rumours that his consort is expecting a baby… his baby…"
"Yeah… But that's just a rumour as far as anyone can tell. Anything new from the Eagles or the Interceptors?"
"That's… that's what I just got a message about. The Raptors have turned to Cyclonis… And the first test of their… Loyalty… is to take out the Interceptors… They're under attack now. Repton himself is leading the attack… The Interceptors are calling for assistance…"
"Have we charted a course?"
"Yes… But I don't know if we can get there in time… Keera tagged a personal message onto you."
"Play it…"
Crystal nodded, and played the message. Then voice of one of Strike's oldest friends echoed throughout the room, nearly obscured by the sound of blaster fire in the background.
"Strike… We just got word. Sana and his daughter Ravess have fully pledged their allegiance to Cyclonia, and have arrived to support the Raptors… The Eagles just arrived here but…"
Her voice cut out for a moment, as a huge explosion drowned out her voice. Then it was back, as fast paced as before, but with an added depth of desperation.
"… Starling… Carver has taken her to the fringes, and her brother is with her. They're both injured Strike. I need a favour… take them to Atmosia… Put them somewhere safe. Starling won't like it, but that's just… tough luck. I know I can count on you, Strike…"
Faint screams echoed in the background of the message, and Keera's voice sped up, so much that Strike really had to strain to make out the words.
"They've breached the compound. I know I can count on you to keep Starling safe, Ace. By the time you hear this; the base will have been taken. I'm sorry. We did all we could… Goodbye Old Friend, and stay safe. Interceptors out…"
The message was static for a few moments, then went dead.
Ace's knuckles were white from where he was gripping the edge of the table.
He didn't realise he had sat down until his fit thumped down on the table. He thought back to the last time he had seen Keera, and smiled faintly at the memory.
It had been about two months ago, three weeks after Ace had joined them and three days before Cyclonia had declared an all-out war on the Atmos. He, Keera, Carver and several of the other sky nights had met up for a catch-up. They so rarely got the chance any longer…
The night had ended when their squadrons had taken it in turns to drag them off, a couple of them slightly tipsy from their drinks and most of the other laughing too hard to notice.
Strike had left just before Keera, and blinked away the tears that threatened. One of his oldest friends had been… brought down by Cyclonia. He couldn't bear to think of any other words that he could have used there…
As a sky night, it was his solemn duty to avenge them. As a friend, he could do nothing less. They would pay for this…
He turned to see Flint and Ace stood in the doorway, faces full of disbelief, which were swiftly buried by determination. Strike sighed, unclenching his fist.
"You heard?"
Flint spoke up.
"Sorry for listening in, Boss… Didn't have much of a choice…"
"When do we leave?" Ace had all but stepped forward as he said that, anger bristling within him. Strike remembered that he and Starling's brother, Dane, had become good friends.
"You don't. Me, Flint and Crystal will handle this one."
"No way! You can't just…"
"I mean it Ace. That was an order. Not a request."
Ace looked about to argue, but closed his mouth. He nodded, face blank but eyes full of determination. A deep-seated worry settled itself in the sky knights stomach. That look was the last thing he remembered seeing in Taren's eyes. He truly was Taren's son…
That was not the only thing that had Strike worried. He and Ace were, also, too much alike. The teenager was planning something.
Flint seemed to have had the same idea, and looked at the black haired, blank faced teenager stood next to him. As he saw the determined look in the boy's eyes, he was reminded of Taren… No wonder Strike looked so worried. Resolving to keep an eye on his young friend, Flint shared a glance with Strike, nodding at the question in his eyes.
"I'm in, Boss. I'll check in with the Eagles."
Crystal spoke up, as distraught about the Interceptors as Strike. Keera's second, Harley, had been one of her best friends since they first met… Like hell was she going to let Cyclonis get away with this.
"I'll double check the rides. We can be ready to go as soon as we reach the Terra…"
Strike nodded, and the two left. Turning, he realised that Ace had slipped away too, and cursed. That kid was going to be the death of him…
Jethro ran in, and slid to a halt in front of the console.
"Heard the conversation over the speaker. Head straight up… We're still twenty minutes from Terra Inertia…"
"Do we have any velocity crystals?"
"I'm not…"
"Check!" Ace ran in, and tossed a blue and green crystal to Jay, as they called him, and he plucked it from the air, throwing it into the crystal converter. Flipping the switch for the speakers, he gave the others a quick warning.
"Guys! We're going velocity!"
He gave them a few seconds to secure themselves, and threw the Condor into a velocity fuelled flight.
_
Wow….. I am Soooo sorry for the delay in updating. I had the worst case of writers block!
*face-palm followed by head-desk then rubs head realising the stupidity of doing that*
I know I haven't put in any detail about Ace's time on the Condor, but fear not, there is a reason for that… When I sat down, I kinda let my muse take over, and I had no idea the story would take this direction, but I know where I'm going with it, and Will be updating as soon as I can :D
I have to try and make up for the delay, Haven't I?
Thanks to RailGirl1 for giving me the kick I needed to actually sit down and stay sat till something came to me. I really hope this was worth the wait, and thanks to all of you guys for your patience!
*hugs to all*
Sooo, Till next time,
Raven out