Day Off
 

Plot

The desert battle with the Z.E.D. has given the pilots and officers of Shadow Squadron many questions. Why attack so close to their base? Who gave the order to attack New Cross? Why so much to draw out the Shadow Squadron? It seems that only some of these questions could be answered, and only one person had the answers…….Captain Nautica. Soon, very soon, he would answer these questions.

In a Z.E.D. Battle Cruiser near the planet Venus, Merix has a furious conversation with the commanding Z.E.D. that lead the Shadow Desert attack.

Merix-I gave you a simple order to divide and conquer the dumb Micronians and you could not even defeat them!!

Saber- They are not dumb as you think my lord. They are young, but they are also skilled pilots and their Robotechnology mecha is incredibly strong. Nothing like anything we have fought before.

Merix-Enough of your excuses! Save me your incompetence and rid me of your presence.

Saber-Yes, my lord.

As Saber leaves the angry and frustrated Merix, a female Z.E.D. quietly creeps onto Merix and holds him.

Mavaria- Don’t you think you were a bit hard on Saber, my love?

Merix- His ignorance and stupidity cost us that battle. He should be punished for such a disgraceful attack.

Mavaria steps in front of Merix and kisses him.

Mavaria- Spare Saber this one time for me Merix, please?

Merix-How can I deny such tasteful Zentraedi woman?

They kiss again and Saber watches from a distance and gives a hated stare.

Meanwhile back at Shadow Base, the squadron are scattered throughout the base.  All of them thinking about their first battle and still settling in their underground surroundings. In the Shadow Bar Lounge, Kilroy, Gpilot, Zor, Specialist, Caro and Fastrax enjoy some beverages and some conversation.

Fastrax- You are really doing a good job bartending, Gpilot. Got anymore fresh coffee behind there?

Gpilot-I sure do Commander *winks at Fastrax*

Zor- Nice teamwork out there Gpilot and Kilroy. You two were great out there!

Kilroy-Thanks Zor. We did do a pretty good job eh, Gpilot?

Gpilot-Yes, we did. Want another martini, Kilroy?

Kilroy-Sure

Spec- This Shadow Ale is very good!! Oh and it is very strong too!!

Caro-Sure is. Think I might have another glass or two. Tasty, very tasty! Anybody seen L.A.

Fastrax-I have. L.A., Skyle, and C_Hunter had orders to report to the Captain’s office.

Zor-Uh oh, glad I am not in their shoes. Sounds like they are in trouble.

Gpilot-I hope not, L.A. and Skyle really helped in that battle.

Spec- Yeah, L.A. is a really good pilot. It is just that well, his temper get him into trouble.

Back in Nautica’s office, L.A., Skyle, and C_Hunter stand in attention as Nautica gives them a silent and uncomfortable stare.

Nautica-Lt. L.A., I gave you a specific order to stay here and watch the other pilots. Instead, you took it upon yourself to take Skyle and give an order to C_Hunter to watch the rest of the squadron.

L.A.-Sir, if I would not have taken action, the base might have been located and destroyed.

Nautica-Do not speak unless, you are told Lt.!!

L.A.-Yes, sir.

Nautica-All of you acted bravely and helped defend the base. For this reason, you all are being promoted.

All of their eyes widen as Nautica finishes his statement.

Nautica- L.A., you are now Lt. Commander. Skyle, you are now Lt. C_Hunter, you are now Corporal. You have made me proud. L.A. take the entire squadron about and have a good time. All of you deserve it. You are dismissed.

The pilots salute Nautica and then leave the office. They celebrate while walking towards the Shadow Bar Lounge. They burst into the bar grinning from ear to ear.

Zor-For a group of insubordinates pilots, you guys sure do look happy.

C_Hunter, Skyle, and L.A. laugh as they hear Zor make his comment.

L.A.-Where are our manners? Meet Corporal C_Hunter and Lt. Skyle.

L.A. points at C_Hunter and Skyle as they give an arrogant grin.

Skyle-Oh, and let me introduce you great Shadow pilots to………………Lt. Commander L.A.!!

L.A. stands and bows Specialist, Fastrax, Kilroy, Caro, Gpilot and Zor begin laughing and falling out of their seats. L.A., Skyle, and C_Hunter stop and give them a devilish and sinister grin. The pilots suddenly stop laughing and realize that this was not a joke.

Spec-You mates are not joking, are ya?

L.A.-heh heh heh heh….nope. So that means you and me are now equal in rank Specialist.

Gpilot-Wow, I guess congratulations are in order then. Congrats!!

Skyle-Yep, thank you Gpilot. That is not all though. L.A., tell them what your orders are.

L.A. walks to the bar next to Caro and pours some blue gin. He winks his eye at her and then turns towards the rest of the pilots.

L.A.- I have been ordered to take everybody in the squad out and have a good time.

The Shadow members begin chatting in happiness and excitement as they hear the orders from L.A.

C_Hunter-Oh yeah!!!! Party, Party, Party!!

Fastrax-Congrats L.A., you did a great job.

L.A.-What was that? Did the great Fastrax just give me a compliment? Should I start running now or later?

Fastrax-Maybe later L.A., do not want to spill my coffee.

Gpilot-So, where are we going to celebrate?

Suddenly, another pilot walks into the Bar Lounge.

Flagg-Hello Shadows.

Kilroy-Hey!! You are Captain Flagg of the CVS Pegasus!!

Flagg-At least I thought I was. Hahahahahahaha! I just arrived here at Shadow Base from my space orbit. I am private in rank of Shadow Squadron, but I am Captain of the Pegasus.

Kilroy-Now that is cool!

Gpilot-What would you like to drink, Flagg?

Flagg-How about a Veritech AfterBurner?

Gpilot-Sure thing!!

Flagg-Great, so L.A., I heard you have orders to take the squad out and party.  Got any particular place in mind?

L.A.-Well, I have a couple of places in mind, why? You have a party spot for us?

Flagg-As a matter of fact, I do. It is off the coast of New Cross on the beach. My close friend owns it.

Zor-The beach, eh? Hell yeah!!!

Fastrax-Whatever it is, I am in.

Caro-Me too!!!!- I can not wait to dance!

L.A.-Well, I guess that does it. The beach it is then!

L.A. walks over to a computer panel on the wall and activates the intercom.

L.A.-This is Lt. Commander L.A. speaking.  We have direct orders to party and will be leaving in about an hour. We will only be using our Veritech Fighters for transportation. I repeat, we will be leaving in one hour. All of Shadow Squadron hurry to their quarters to get ready to go out. L.A. walks to his room but notices Specialist is not in such a rush.

L.A.-Hey playa, what is wrong?

Spec- Well, I miss my Jenni.

Spec pulls out a picture of his girlfriend.

L.A._ Hey, she is cute!!!

Spec-Haahahahahha! Watch it mate, she is already taken!

L.A.-Haha! So I see. Tell you what, we will have so much fun today, that it will have to make you feel better. On top of that, I will request that you have a day off to see her soon. How about that?

Spec-That would be awesome!!

Spec hugs L.A.

L.A.-Damn it, stop that!!! Someone might see us??

Caro- I saw it.

Caro winks her eye at L.A.

L.A.-Just damn great.

Back on Merix’s Cruiser, Merix is sending a transmissions to his superior.

Merix-This is Lord Merix to Commander Lash.

Lash-This is Lash. What is the status of your mission?

Merix swallows hard and then begins to sweat.

Merix-My…..my……lord the Micronians are not as weak as we thought. They showed an abundant amount of skill and…

Lash-No excuses Merix!! If you do not bring back that which you have been told, do not bother on returning..

The communication transmissions closes and Merix breathes a sigh of relief.

Merix-He took that better than expected.

Unknowingly, a Z.E.D. was watching the transmission and quietly slips away. Back on Earth, Shadow Squadron has gone airborne and are a few miles away from Flagg’s friend.

B-Wing-Oh yeah, I am going to party and eat and party again!

Silver Hawk- Sounds good to me , B-Wing.

Bulletproof- Hey Flag, does she have a pool?

Flagg-Yes she does. She also has a Jacuzzi, and a huge landing zone for Veritechs. There is a beach house, an arcade and a club next to her beach house as well.

Roy-All right!! Sounds like we are not going to get bored at all.

Fireman- I can see the beach ahead.

Flagg-We are almost there.

Gpilot looks down from her cockpit and sees the city.

Gpilot-Hey everyone, anybody besides me miss the city?

Zor-I do, seems like we have not been in a city since training camp for the RDF.

Flagg-There it is everyone……Minmei’s Beach House!!

A huge variety of Veritechs are seen form the air and a vast amount of RDF pilots and officers on the beach, in the huge pool, playing volleyball and swimming beach side. Shadow Squadron begin landing in Guardian Mode near the beach. They all exit their Veritechs eagerly to enjoy the festivities. Before everyone goes his or her way, Fastrax makes an announcement.

Fastrax-Okay Shadows, everyone have fun and try not to get into too much trouble, if that is even possible. Keep in contact with L.A., Specialist, or me. That is all, now have fun!!

Squad-Yes, sir!!

They all flee and go their separate ways.

Spec-Well papa Fastrax, I did not know you cared!! Hahahahahhahahahaa!!

Fastrax-Well, somebody has to watch my kids.

L.A-Just damn great, my dad is Fastrax

Fastrax laughs as he walks away with Gpilot, Specialist, Zor, and Kilroy. Niscar, Fireman, Nei Circuit, and Roy have already made themselves comfortable at a table having some good beverages and a sizable amount of food. L.A., B-Wing, C_Hunter, Veritech VF-1J, Bulletproof and Flagg walk over to the Beach House and have a seat.

Gpilot notices a shooting arcade and decides to play a game.

Arcade Gamer-Hey, aren’t you a little bit young for this expert shooting arcade?

Gpilot pulls out her double barrel blaster and shoots the arcade targets exactly in the center, destroying the game.

Gpilot-Oops, I forgot this was just a game.

Caro has a seat at the bar and orders a drink. She notices the bartender giving her a flirting look and then she gives a slight grin.

L.A.-So Flagg, where is your friend?

Flagg-As a matter of fact, see that stage by the pool? She is about to perform.

Suddenly, a beautiful woman appears on the stage and begins to sing. Her voice seemed to make everyone in the Beach House and Carnival next door just pause to enjoy her angelic voice.

L.A.-WOW!! She is really cute!

Flagg-Her name is Ms. Minmei and she is a great singer.

B-Wing-She sure is!!

Minmei continues to sing as everyone enjoys the festivities.

L.A.-I will be back guys, time for me to get my flirt on.

Flagg, Silver Hawk, Veritech VF-1J, C_Hunter, and Bulletproof laugh as L.A. walks back to the Carnival. He almost approaches a group of women, but a Veritech Simulator catches his eye. He walks over towards the simulator and watches a RDF pilot in the simulation with a small crowd around him. L.A. checks his score and it is a staggering 199,999 points.

L.A.-Umm, what is the highest score before he played?

Crowd watcher- 50, 000 points, he is damn good.

L.A.-I see, must be an awesome Veritech pilot to do that well.

Gpilot sees L.A. and walks over towards the simulator. She accidentally bumps into another RDF pilot.

Gpilot-Oh excuse me, sir.

Silver-No problem. You watching that simulation battle as well?

Gpilot-Yep, he is good!

Silver-Maybe, but I am better. Let me introduce myself. I am Lock Mage also known as SilverX of the Demon Squadron and the Legion of Darkness.

Gpilot-I am Gpilot06 and I am from the Shadow Squadron.

Silver-So, you are the new rookies I have heard about. Glad to meet your acquaintance. The pilot inside the simulator that will soon crash is SetoKaiba of the Flipped Out Flyers.

Gpilot-He is not really going to crash the simulator, is he?

BAAMMMFF!! The simulator sparks and it begins smoking as Seto steps out.

Seto-Damn, happens every time.

The crowd disperses and L.A. walks towards Seto.

L.A.-Nice work playa, you literally tore it up.

Seto-Yeah, I told the arcade vendors to upgrade the simulators, guess they will listen after I overload all of them.

Elsewhere, Minmei walks over to Flagg’s table and hugs him.

Minmei-Oh, I am so happy to see you, Captain! Are these the new pilots of Shadow Squadron?

Flagg-Yes, they are. This is B-Wing, Vertech VF-1J, Silver Hawk, C_Hunter, and Bulletproof.

B-Wing-Nice to meet you

Minmei-I have heard about you guys! I hope you all are enjoying yourselves. I am going for a swim tehehehehehehehe! See you fly boys in the water!! Have fun!!

She runs and jumps into the pool. Flagg walks over to the Beach House bar and orders some beverages for him and the other Shadow pilots. Meanwhile, Fastrax, Kilroy, Zor, and Specialist sit at a table and have a couple of drinks of Burning Battlepods. They watch the smoke steam out of the simulator Seto demolished nearby.

Zor-Wonder what the hell happened over there?

Fastrax looks at the scene and notices L.A.

Fastrax-With L.A. over there, who knows?

Kilroy-Hahahaha! He is not that bad, is he?

Fastrax-Well, yes he is.

Stinger-Well, well, well! If it ain’t the great Fastrax and his newbie squad.

Fastrax recognizes the pilot and stands up.

Fastrax-Hey there Stinger, how are ya?

Stinger gives a low growl.

Stinger-You have got some nerve you jackass. I was in the hospital for weeks after the fight with you and your drunken friend in that damn bar!

Skyle-Uh oh, is he talking about that incident L.A. mentioned?

Spec-I think he is!

Fastrax-Look Stinger, you and your squad pilots started that little mishap. So, L.A. and me finished it.

Stinger- Well, they are not here right not, but I do have some friends for you to meet.

A group of humanoid cyborgs dressed in RDF uniforms begin walking towards Stinger.

Stinger-These cyborgs were created by me. Very strong and very deadly. The way I see it, I owe you for my pain and suffering you gave me .

L.A. looks over and sees Fastrax and the others standing up but most importantly, he sees Stinger.

L.A.-Oh boy, all hell is about to break loose.

L.A. hurries over to the Fastrax’s location and Gpilot notices him.

Gpilot- Wonder why L.A. is in such a hurry?

She follows behind him. L.A. walks up and Stinger gives him an evil stare.

Fastrax-Hey L.A., you remember Stinger, don’t you?

L.A. pretends to be thinking hard.

L.A.-Oh yeah, now I remember!!

L.A. points to his foot.

L.A.-He is the owner of the ass I left my shoe in. Been meaning to ask for that shoe back and send you my cleaning bill.

Stinger-*sly grin*This is even better, I have both of you here together! You two hotshots are going to regret crossing the Dark Squadron!

Seto and Silver arrive with Gpilot not far behind them.

Silver-Stinger, why don’t you and your tin head rejects get the hell out of here.

Seto-You are a disgrace to even by wearing that uniform.

Stinger-Stay out of this Seto and Silver!!! Dark Squadron is not even with the RDG anymore! We were discharged for recklessness and endangering civilians. The only reason we still have our Veritechs is because we never returned them.

L.A charges Stinger, but one of the cyborgs jumps in front of him and lifts him into the air.

L.A.-Oh hell, this going to hurt……………..

The cyborg hurls L.A. and sends him soaring through the air, the finally falls down upon a table shattering it into pieces.

L.A.-OHHHHHHH…………..

Spec-L.A.!!!!

Fastrax-I  usually do not get mad, but you have pissed me off!!

Fastrax, Spec, Kilroy, Zor, and Specialist pull out their  blasters and begin firing at the cyborgs. Their shots ricochet of the bodies of the cyborgs.

Stinger-Nice try, now you will pay for it.

Silver pulls out a plasma scythe and twirls it around with great speed. SetoKaiba pulls back his coat to reveal his vibro dagger/

BLAM!! BLLAMM!! BOOM!

Gpilot destroys 3 of the cyborgs with her double barrel blaster.

Gpilot-Silly robots, their necks are their weak spots!

Sliver-Ummm, we were just about to tell you guys that. *sly grin*

Seto runs towards the cyborgs with his hand on the handle of his dagger. He yanks the dagger out of the holster and makes 2 slashes though the group of cyborgs. He runs out of the other end of that group and slides his dagger back unto the holster. 8 cyborg heads all and the bodies explode.

Caro hears the commotion and runs to the scene.

Fastrax-Aim for their necks, Caro!!

Kilroy and Zor jump backwards and shoot at 4 cyborgs destroying them. Skyle ducks and shots 7 cyborgs and destroys them. Gpilot runs towards a group of cyborgs and fires her blaster while still running and destroys 6 of them. Caro ducks a punch by a cyborg and fires her blaster at it and destroys it. Spec runs towards L.A. to see if he is still unconscious.

Spec-L.A.!! Wake up!

L.A. slowly come around.

L.A-What the hell are you talking about? If I was sleep, I would be damn comfortable.

Spec-Well then, get your ass up and help us take out these damn cyborgs!

L.A. pulls out his tri-blaster and begins firing and destroys 6 of them.

Stinger tries to sneak up on Fastrax but L.A. tackles him and kicks him in the stomach. Seto and Silver continue destroying the cyborgs as the rest of the Shadow Squadron arrives.

Flagg-What the hell!?

L.A. pulls Stinger to his feet and then puts his blaster under his chin.

L.A.-Call off your cyborgs, or I will give you a face lift.

Stinger calls off his cyborgs and the fighting ceases.

Stinger-Go ahead, do it. You can’t, can you?

L.A.*gives a sly grin*-Too bad, I was going to give you a face lift anyway.

L.A. begins to pull the trigger

Fastrax-L.A., nooooooo!! This has gone far enough, let him go.

L.A. gives Stinger a cold stare and Stinger returns to stare. L.A. withdraws his blaster.

L.A.-Next time, you will not be so lucky playa.

Stinger-I will get all of you bastards for this! I swear it! We will meet again and next time, there will be no next time!!

Stinger and the rest of his cyborgs walk away.

B-Wing-So, what did I miss?

Hours pass as the Shadow Squadron find themselves lounging around Minmei’s Beach House. They continue to conversate and even take a swim in the pool.

Fastrax-Well, it is starting to get late, we better head back to base.

Minmei-Awwww, leaving so soon? I hope you guys and gals come back soon! Sorry about that little mishap earlier.

Fastrax-You do not have to apologize, it wasn’t your fault.

Minmei-That is so sweet of you to say that!

L.A. rubs his back and groans.

L.A.-Damn table and cyborgs! Suppose to be off duty and what do I get, damn cyborgs and tables.

Caro-Aww L.A., you want me to rub your back?

L.A.-Nope, that is okay. Once I get back to base, my blue gin will take care of me.

The Shadow Squadron waves good bye to Minmei as they head towards their Veritechs. Even as they are off duty and on their way home, they know they will have to face their new enemy soon.

by la