AN Well, I guess nobody expected to see me back so soon. I just felt in the mood to begin typing this next one up. It''s a little short, but mainly setting things. Let the madness begin.(I figured out the problem!)

Sly 5

Return of the Theivious Raccoonus

Ch13

Preparations for War

Shadow's POV: It had been a day since Sly had retrieved my guitar. He still had no clue what its uses were, but he would soon learn. I had retreated into one of the labs to make sure Li hadn't damaged it in anyway. It wasn't, in fact, it seemed as if it had only increases in power. After a brief excursion to deliver a message, I decided it was time to take Sly to the ops room and begin formulating the plan of attack. Finding him in the gym, I lead him back to the room we had first entered into.

"Well Sly, seeing as the guitar is undamaged, I think we can begin operations to put an end to Li's reign of terror." I reached over and activated a holographic emitter to begin laying out the plan. "It will take about a week to make the necessary preparations, mainly modifying your armor to better withstand Gs and sudden impacts, but I can give you a brief summary of the plan. I call it Operation: PHEONIX." With that, the hologram formed the words overhead, made of flickering flames. Call it a bit overly dramatic, but I like my theatrics. It began to projecrt the appropriate images to go with my words as I continued."The plan is as follows: First, we approach Li's Flying Fortress of Evil in a high speed aircraft, engaging her air defenses and distracting her from you. You will be launched out of the craft at high speeds and land, unassisted, on the fortress, hence the need for extra shock absorbers and G resistance. While I continue to distract the defenses, you will make you way through the fortress to the main computer room, using schematics I was able to steal while undercover. You will then locate where Project SRW is being kept, and plug this USB," I said holing one up," into the main computer. I can handle that from there. I will then also evac my aircraft, leaving it with its highly advanced AI to continue to distract the enemy, and make my entrance. We will meet up on the way to Project SRW, secure it, and use it to demolish the fortress and the barrier that encases the city. After that, we make an overly dramatic escape. Any questions?"

"Just one." Sly said with a look of concern."Just what kind of aircraft are you planning on using? Judging by what that hologram showed of the fortresses AA defenses and interceptors, not to mention fire from other forces, it would take an entire air force just to absorb losses, let alone fight back."

"That is where the namesake of this op comes into play. I give you, the Phoenix!" I announced with a dramatic voice as the hologram showed the aircraft behind me in all its glory. The aircraft was roughly 60ft long, with a ridiculous 70 ft wing span. It was a blood red color, and the wings curved back slightly. The cock pit was roughly ten feet back from the nose of the plane, which ended in a razor sharp point. The cockpit itself was recessed into a large fin that stuck up 6ft off of the plane and also curved backwards. I began speaking again." The Phoenix is among the most advance combat vehicles to date, capable of land, see, air, and even space combat. It utilizes anti gravity lift, inertial compensators, and a propulsion system that would make the space shuttle envious to achieve a velocity of over Mach 20. Utilizing a radical new super alloy called Chogokin, it is capable of absorbing high explosive charges of up to 50 kiloton yield, kinetic impacts with masses of several thousand kilograms at maximum speed, temperatures of over 60,000 degrees Fahrenheit, terawatt range energy weapons, and is completely EMP proof. It has cavernous weapon and cargo bays throughout the craft, making capable of transport and attack, seat six comfortably, and can be piloted by a single pilot, remotely, or using a highly advanced combat AI named DUNBINE. It is the ultimate combat vehicle."

Sly just sat there in aw as a grin crawled across his face at the thrill he knew the plane would provide. "Anything I need to do for the preparations?"

"Just let me borrow your armor to make the necessary modifications to withstand the aircraft and mission. Should take me about a week to get it ready. Just continue training while I get it ready." With that, I ended the presentation.

As Sly went off to get his ACES suit, a grin crawled across my face. "Now," I muttered to myself," They should be here in about a week."

Meanwhile...

A figure swept beneath the waves at maximum speed. The massive ship was heading to Japan, full speed ahead. It new her crews leader was waiting, and The Cooper was eager to aid.

The plan set in stone

how will it happen

in action?

Find out

NEXT TIME!

AN:Well, for those of you on reading this, I fixed the Italics problem. Hopefully. So, anyone else recognize the plane from earlier? Seems like there is a way out after all...