Chapter 21
Captain Ulysses Paxton finished his awkward briefing with Marine Captain Flagg. A meeting made awkward by the bickering rivalry between Flagg and NCO Quirt. The two had a history of it dating back several years. Ulysses blew a sigh of relief that the briefing was over.
"Those two make a fine couple." Said G8 sarcastically.
The American air ace sat in the corner waiting for the upcoming meeting that he was to participate in.
"Why don't you use your real name?" Asked Ulysses.
"G8 is as good a handle as any." Replied the pilot.
An adjutant entered the bunker room. "The agents are here."
"Good; show them in." Said Ulysses.
Biggles, Captain Mors and Irma Vep presented themselves to the officer.
"You are the the ones who who are taking up operation M." Asked Ulysses.
"We are." Said Mors. "This is the closest point in the allied lines to the base."
"Here is your guide." The officer indicated a man coming out of the shadows. "Lt. Hugo Drummond."
A look of cheerful ugliness adorned the rough features of the tall figure. It inspired more confidence than dread; he had clearly experienced much action during the war and showed an impatience to get back into it.
"This mission is just what I need to break the monotony." He said. "I can get you through enemy lines to the base perimeter; but I don't know how you're going to get in."
"Don't worry about that." Replied Irma. " We have it planned from then on."
"Something else." Added Mors. "We will require enemy aircraft in that area to be decoyed away, while we are there."
"That's where I come in." Said G8.
Biggles recognised the American Ace and jovially approached to shake his hand. The two pilots, being allies, had drunk together.
"i am actually not part of Operation M." Said Biggles. "It was formulated when I was in hospital. Can I possibly participate in your decoy plan."
"I think there may be a place for you." Replied G8.
"One more thing." Mors turned to Ulysses. "Is Lord Greystoke here?"
"Yes, he is visiting his son, who is among my men."
"We don't need him for this operation, but we do need him to be ready to leave on the double. Once we are done we may have to make a fast departure."
"I'll see to it." Said Ulysses. "Good luck with the mission."
"And good luck with your advance." Uttered Hugo as he led Mors and Irma out of the bunker.
Another pilot stepped out of the shadows and stood beside G8.
"This is Jack Powell." G8 introduced the fellow to Biggles. "He is one of my large team of airmen."
The British pilot looked dejected.
"I have sufficient pilots for this plan." Said G8. "However, there is a place for you."
G8 put his hand on Biggles' shoulder.
"Can you use a machine gun?"