Transformers Galaxy Force: Thunder Storm

Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers.

Chapter 91

"Now isn't that cute," said a sarcastic voice.

Lori groaned, "Captain, don't you know how to knock?"

"Don't you know how to get up on time?" Thunderwing asked back angrily. "Breakfast is almost over! Get your ass in gear, Rookie! Monkey, you need to report to the hanger now!" He left, and Lori finally opened her eyes.

"Looks like we fell asleep talking last night," she said to her companion.

Coby nodded sleepily, "Looks like it." He got up and grabbed his old clothes and went into the bathroom to change. While he was in there, Lori pulled off her nightgown and began dressing in her flight suit. "Why was Thunderwing yelling about breakfast anyway?" Coby asked. "I thought you weren't supposed to eat anything for the test this morning?"

"That's right," Lori answered. "Thunderwing is just ridding on me. I'm not even going to bother trying to get his respect though. It's not worth it." She grabbed her helmet and yelled, "See you in the hanger!"

He opened the door and stepped out, fully dressed. "Let's go together," he said, offering his arm. She took it and they made their way quickly to the hanger where the rest of the team was waiting.

"Hey, Monkey!" Tech grinned. "I hear you got lucky last night!"

Coby and Lori both blushed as Coby quickly answered, "Not yet. I fell asleep on her bed by accident."

"Maybe in a few years though," Lori grinned, hoping to see him blush further. He did, but he also grinned at her. They shared a quick kiss before separating. Coby went to the jets to check them over, and Lori went over to where the team was being debriefed by Signal Lancer.

"The objective today is to test the combat capabilities of the jets," the Micromaster said. "There are six targets; three in the air, and three on the ground. Each one is either blue, red, or green; making three pairs consisting of one air target, and one land target. Each jet will be assigned one color to take down using four missiles only. The pilot will be in charge of the approach, and the copilot will be in charge of shooting.

"Tanner Benson and Jason Johnson will take out the blue targets. Johnson will pilot, and Benson will shoot.

"Mary Celina and Sara Sasha will take out the green targets. Mary will pilot and Sara will shoot.

"Ace Johnson and Lori Simmons will take out the red targets. Johnson will pilot and Simmons will shoot. Head for your planes and wait for launch clearance. Good luck!"

Lori stood and headed for her jet, only to be stopped by Thunderwing. "Rookie, if you mess up out there…" he warned.

"I will not fail Ambassador Franklin," Lori interrupted. "Worry about yourself, Captain."

"That's insubordination, Rookie," Thunderwing growled.

"And your hazing has reached the point of harassment, Captain," Lori retorted. The two of them stood there, glaring at each other in a test of wills. Thunderwing eventually flinched and glanced away. "Do not test me," Lori warned. She put on her helmet and climbed into the jet as Signal Lancer approached Thunderwing. Thunderwing climbed into the pilot seat in front a little while later.

Soon afterwards, three F-22-S/As were flying through the air, searching for their elusive targets. Lori kept her eyes on the scanner readouts and images. Five minutes into the test, Mom and Wondergirl had found and destroyed their air target, and Tech and Big Bad Wolf were making their attack run on their land target. Lori then caught something on the corner of the screen in front of her.

"Target at 10 o'clock, 1200 meters," she reported. "Altitude two degrees below our current altitude." She felt a shift in the plane as Thunderwing turned toward it. Lori kept her eyes on the readouts. "500 meters, locking on target." Reticules appeared, centering over the target on the screen as the computer locked on. "300 meters, preparing missile." The last reticule centered and the computer dinged. "Target lock confirmed, 100 meters. Thunderbird F-2, Fox 1!" she called, pressing the trigger. There was a slight shudder as the missile fired, streaking toward the target, a hot air balloon drone that exploded once the missile struck. "Target Destroyed!"

"Control to all fighters! Earthfall has issued an alert! Return to base immediately!"

"Rookie, what did you do?" Thunderwing growled.

"Don't look at me. I have no idea what is going on," Lori replied. She looked out the viewport just in time to see a familiar purple streak. "Hostile Inbound! Watch out!"

"Mom! Wondergirl! He's on your tail!" Thunderwing yelled, seeing the violet jet turn behind his friends.

"He's got a missile off!"

"I can't shake 'em!"

"Eject!" Lori yelled, only to see Skywarp's missiles strike the craft. It exploded in a ball of flame, and for a moment, Lori felt her gut twist in horror. She relaxed upon seeing two parachutes appear farther away. They had made it.

"Control, this is Thunderbird F-2!" Thunderwing said. "We can't fall back. We have no choice but to engage."

"This is Control, you're clear to engage. Reinforcements are arriving from Earthfall."

"This is Earthfall! We've detected a Warp Signature above you! All craft, scatter!"

Thunderwing punched the engines and they rocketed out of the way. Lori looked back and noticed a large, green light in the sky. It vanished to reveal an old, but familiar starship. Fear began to grip her as she yelled, "It's the Flying Dutchman!"