A Week in the Sun, a life to live

The summer of  2019, this particular day, was another bright and sunny one.  Fastrax was walking down the board walk, on New Macros island. He was new to the recently rebuilt city, and was just getting used to the different energy. And what a city it was. Like nothing else he had seen or visited before. It’s only purpose was to cater to the growing military base here. Every ware he looked, there was nothing but hustle and bustle. Fastrax continued to walk on an aimless course. Only knowing that he needed to find something to do. What else was summer vacation for! He was on vacation from the mainland where he was a university student bent on becoming a writer, even if it killed him, or any one close to the blast pattern. Just before the summer vacation started his professor asked him to stay behind after class. “Fastrax, I know you want to be an author. I will give you the best advice I can ever offer anyone answering that calling. Go out and experience life! Unless you have seen and felt the stuff that makes people characters. You will never be able to write and make it believable.” Fastrax stood there listening to his English professor, hanging on the words that would eventually change his life. “But sir, what about my studies. How will I be able to finish if I’m traveling?” “You are a good writer. But you lack life experiences. You need to travel and see things,” the professor said. ”Things that you haven’t seen before, things you haven’t tried before and write about that. Then you will be a good author.” Fastrax was thoughtful for a few movements. “Thank you sir, I will do what you suggest. A summer spent traveling should be lots of fun.” That seemed like such a long time ago, now that summer was already half over for Fastrax. He still hadn’t found what he was truly looking for. He wasn’t even sure what experiences he should be trying, he just knew when he found it he would know. The part of town that he had ventured into, was down near the beach. Lots of small beach houses lined the water front, with nice neat yards all kept in great condition. “This is a nice area,” Fastrax thought. Maybe I will have to move here after graduation and write my first book”. Laughing at the ludicrous nature of the thought, “like a poor starving author could afford to live here and write a book. I will be lucky to get a good newspaper job when I get out of school.” Oh well he thought, as he shrugged his shoulders. “Excuse me, you look like a fine young man. How would you like to join our new squadron?” “Um, what? What was that?” Fastrax asks, while looking around. Obviously startled by the young man, in uniforms, lack of tact. “Sorry, let me introduce my self. My name is Specialist Subject. But everyone just calls me Specialist. We are actively recruiting for this new squadron. It’s going to be the greatest squad ever, full of ace pilots. So how about it, do you want to join?” “Um, thanks for the offer, but I am a student. I’m just on summer vacations right now, soon I will be needing to go back and finish my studies. I plan on being a great author someday.” A distant look crept into his eyes as he spoke. “Well come on in and I will get you a drink at least. You must tell me about your travels so far.” Fastrax, snapped out of his reverie with the mention of a drink. Never wanting to turn one down, and warming up to the young man’s friendly nature he quickly agreed. “You have to try the shadow ale. It is the best stuff on Macros island. So where have you been so far this summer… it all sounds very exciting.” Specialist pours a large flagon of shadow ale and places it in front of Fastrax. “Well I have been flying all over the world. Right after school, I bought a small jet and have been experiencing life. I have seen the Eiffel tower, the cannels in Venice, “Fastrax takes a drink of the ale. “You know this is quit good. Is that honey I taste in it?” “Why yes, it is.” Specialist replies. Fastrax takes another long pull off the tankard. Draining it in a couple of gulps, and slams the flask to the counter. “My, that was good. Well I should keep moving along. I will stop back later. Oh and thanks for the ale.” “Sure thing Fastrax, It was great, to make your acquaintance man. Any time you’re around just stop in.” Thanking Specialist he walks out to the busy street. Continuing along the board walk, Fastrax spots a sign. Ms Minmei’s beach party, bathing suits required, all welcome. Well this looks fun, Fastrax thinks. Following the signs, he soon is on a beach full of people. There are people everywhere. On a makeshift dance floor, hovering near the bar, spread out across the beach as far as his eyes could see. This looks like a happening place, he thinks. Walking over to the bar he orders up an apple cider. “Um, what is the occasion? “ The bar man looks at Fastrax as if he has just returned from running with Tribles from the outer nebula and hasn’t cleaned him self for months. “This is Ms Minmeis beach party.” Seeing no reaction of recognition from Fastrax, he continues to talk. “It’s her new album release that has already gone gold. Minmeis beach party everyone welcome. Where have you been hiding if you don’t know anything about this?” “Well I have been traveling lots, and haven’t been able to keep up on new releases. Can I get something a little more strong?” The bar man passes Fastrax something with a lot of gin in it. “Thanks, how much do I owe for the two drinks?” The bar man roles his eyes at Fastrax again. “Everything is free tonight. It’s a release party.” Fastrax not wanting to argue with the serve, follows a hasty retreat to a quiet part of the beach. He sits on the warm sand and people watches as he nurses his drink. It is so peaceful, he thinks. A beautiful young lady comes strolling along the beach. She is carrying her sandals in one hand and a smile on her sun tanned face. She has the features that would cause any man to melt, well any man with eyes. As she is about to pass Fastrax, who’s eyes have been glued to her. She stops and turns to the staring your man. “Hi-yas, your new here aren’t you. At least I haven’t seen you before. He he he.” Her laugh was infectious and Fastrax was smiling like a school boy in no time flat. “Hiya, my name is Minmei. What is yours?” “uh, my na…name is Minmei…” he stutters. Minmei laughing at the young mans discomfort, “No silly that’s my name. What was your name?” She smiles to her self, she has seen that expression a thousand times before. To get him really flustered, all she needed to do was flash the award winning smile and he would be lost for ever. Her tiny mouth splits in to a big smile. “Um… what? Oh, right.” All of a sudden Fastrax was very confused. “Oh right, my name is, is blast… oh right it’s Fastrax. But most people just call me Trax. I’m very pleased to meet you.” “Well thank-ya for coming to my beach party. I’m just sure we will become the greatest of friends. I’m about to sing a song off my new CD. Why don’t you come and listen.” Fastrax didn’t know what to do or say, but he knew he had to be hear this amazing women. So he got up and followed Minmei over to the dance floor. The space had been converted into a small stage for the occasion. Everyone was heading in the same direction, knowing that Minmei was about to singing. Most where trying to get the best places to see her from. “Hey there, your new, aren’t yah. Hello my name is Gold Fish, but you can call me Goldie.” “It’s really good to meet you.” The two of them shake hands. “Well you are in for a treat tonight. Minmei is always a great performer and her new album is just amazing.” “That’s what I have been hearing. But I have been traveling a lot this summer and haven’t heard anything new in music for a long time. I’m studying to be a writer and my prof suggested that it would be a good idea to experience a little of life.” “That sounds like a lot of fun. I’m stationed here… Oh, she’s about to begin.” The crowed noises around the new friends increased into a fevered pitch. Then as Minmei takes the stage it dies down. “Thank-yas. This is a new song that I want to debut for you all.” Minmei breaks into a song, the first 4 bars being accapela and she sings it beautifully. Then the band starts in, filling the beach with the melodic sound that would lure sailors to there death. The song washes over the growing crowd; it picks them, up and carries them to distant places, filling them with memories. It is a moment of silence before anyone comes out of the trance that Minmeis singing has produced and notices that she has finished. Realization dawns on the onlookers and they erupt in a frenzy that shakes the very sand they stand on. Everyone begins chanting in short order. “More, more, more, more…” “Thank you, you are all so kind.” Then Minmei starts another song. Goldie looks over at Fastrax, who is staring now, open mouth at Minmei. A single tear was rolling down his cheek. “Come along young man. You look like you need a drink.” Goldie gives him a lop sided grin. “It looks like you have become a fan…” “That was amazing…” Goldie leads the zombie like figure towards the bar, in the background, Minmei continues to sing. The crowd is now hers, they are in the palm of her hand and she knows it. She sings out, taking everyone on a journey, to far away places. “My friend here could use a stiff drink.” Goldie informs the bartender. The bar-keep reaches under the counter, pulls out some bottles and mixes up a drink for Fastrax. “This is a Minmei surprise. I hope you enjoy it.” The bar man puts the drink down in front of Fastrax. He takes a drink and yes it is good. Then the kick happens. Fastrax feels the ground open up and swallow him whole. “Wow, I see why you call it the surprise.” Finishing up the drink, he then asks for another. By the time Minmei has finished her set, he has moved on to his third drink and is feeling very fine. “Hiyas, how are you doing?” “I am doing great…” Then his fuzzy brain, realizes who he is talking to. “That was one heck-of-a concert yah put on. Let me tell you. It’s not even because I’m dwunk…” Fastrax slurs his words. “Tehehe. You are funny.” Looks over at the bar keep. “What can I get you, Ms Minmei?” “I would like a MiTie. I just adore those numby drinks with umbrellas. Tehee.” “Minmei you where so divine. So radiant. Soo… Soooo…. Well I can’t think strait right now. But I’m sure some words will come to me. Yo, bar man, can I have another surprise?” The party turned into a blur of whirling shapes for Fastrax, from that point on. But he was sure he was having a fun time. The next morning found Fastrax past out on the beach, wrapped in a beach blanket. He wasn’t the only one left, all over the beach where past out sleeping figures from the night before. He woke, his mouth feeling like half the beach had crawled in and taken up residence. Groaning he tried to roll over and sit up. His head seemed to stay laying on the sand even though his mind said get up. It was like all the beach was spinning around him in a mad colorful blur. “Hello, you look like you could use this.” Captain Flagg said, while handing Fastrax a fresh steaming cup of coffee. “Thanks, I sure could.” Fastrax takes a tentative sip of the fresh coffee. It warmed him as it went down his throat. The world around him slowed it’s spinning and finally came to rest. “Thanks, I sure needed this.” “Well I have not seen anyone drink that much in a long time and that lampshade you where wearing… well it was to funny. So what is your name? My name is Captain Flagg. But most call me Flagg. I am the captain of the Peggasis.” “Well my name is Fastrax, I’m a student” “Hiya Captain, Fastrax. You look greener than the sea weed that is in your hair. Teehehe. How is the aspiring author doing this morning. You sure had a lot to drink last night. Teehee what did you do with your lampshade? TeeeHeehe” Fastrax went from a green shade to a white shade as all the color drained from his face and then finished up with a great scarlet wash that must have covered his whole body. “Why don’t you come up to the deck, breakfast is just being served. Well actually it’s more like lunch.” Minmei smiles. Minmeis smile was infectious and a smile was soon mirrored on Fastrax, and Flaggs faces. “Thanks Minmei, but I should get going. I really need to find a place to stay and get a good hot shower. Something about some sea weed to deal with.” “Well My Uncle and Aunt have a restaurant in town with a room that they rent, its vacant right now. I’m sure you could rent it if you want. Just go down three blocks turn left, towards the sdf3, and walk another block and then you will see a small restaurant. Just go in and say I sent ya. I’m sure they will give you the room. Oh and come back tonight, the party isn’t over yet. It’s BBQ night and karaoke lounge sing. Teeehee. Do you sing Fastrax?” She writes down the directions to her uncles and passes it over to him. “Um a little now and again… Thanks Minmei, I will go see about renting the room.” “Okay, bye Fastrax, sees you later.” With those parting words Fastrax starts on his short hike to the restaurant. On the way he passes by Shadow HQ and decides to stop in and say hi. “Hey-o Specialist, how are you doing? Oh, nice recruiting poster!” Fastrax points at the Minmei ‘I want you poster’ hanging on the wall. “Hey Fastrax, good to see you. You like the new Minmei poster? Um, by the way, you are looking a little bedraggled! What happened?” “Oh, fell asleep at Minmei’s beach party. Wow, what a women and a voice that would call sailors to the rocks.” Both smile at the analogy. Another man walks over and Specialist introduces him. “Fastrax this is our ace pilot, LA” LA sticks out his hand and shakes with Fastrax. “Glad to meet you. Are you going to join up with our little squad?” Fastrax laughs… “No, sorry. I am going to go off and get a place to stay, a shower n shave and defiantly some sleep. Oh and there is some more partying going on at Minmeis tonight, you guys should come out. It starts about 5 pm, I hope to see you there. “Well that sounds like fun… we will see you there then,” LA says. Fastrax moves towards the door. “Great, I will see you both later then. Good meeting you LA.” Fastrax arrives fairly quickly at the small restaurant and is soon looking at the room. Minmeis aunt and uncle where a little hesitant at first, seeing that he had slept in his clothes the night before and looked a little unkempt. But when he said who had sent him they changed there tune quick enough. “How is Minmei?” They ask, “well here is the room, it is 300 credits a month. What do you think?” The room was rather smallish, with a chest of drawers on one side of the room and a closet standing next to it. A double bed was on the opposite wall away from the window. Fastrax walked over to the window and looked out. There was a great view of SDF-3 and the ocean beyond that. “I like it,” Fastrax said. “It will do perfectly. I’m not sure how long I will be here. Can I pay by the week?” “Sure no problem, by the way, what do you do?” Asked Minmei’s uncle. “I’m a student, on vacation. Seeing the world, experiencing life. I plan on being a writer some day.” “Well good for you lad. Well, we will leave you to get settled.” Fastrax just flops on the bed and falls fast asleep. He awakes with a start and rolles over to look at the clock. 4:30 in the afternoon. Just enough time to shower and shave and head over to Minmeis, he thinks. 30 min later finds Fastrax out on the street, looking far more presentable than that morning. A thought strikes him. It was closer to where he had parked his personal jet, than the beach. If he landed that on the beach, it would sure attract some fun attention. With a slight hop in his gate he makes for the parking lot where he has stored the jet. He takes the cover off the jet, that he uses to protect it from the elements. The little two seater jet, was a beautiful thing. It was dark purple, almost black looking, with a red pin stripe. Having well off parents sure help’s Fastrax thought. He stores the cover in the storage compartment, hopes in the cock pit and starts warming up the engines. Soon he is taxiing to the take off circle. Pushing the take off button, the little jet starts to blast off vertically. Picking up speed he points the nose in the direction of the beach. Flying over the beach low and fast he does a couple looped da loops, goes into a barrel role and a few other stunts that help to feed his ego. It draws the attention of most of the party goers. Passing over the beach again he spots a place to land. Even before the jet is fully powered down, Fastrax is on the sandy beach and walking up to the beach house. Seeing Minmei in the distance Fastrax waves at her and rushes to greet her. “Wee, that looked like fun, tee hee. Its so nice of you to come.” Minmei says. “Well thanks for inviting me. I had a lot of fun last night… at least that is what everyone has told me.” Fastrax smiles at Minmei. “Tee hee, your really funny. I have to go and great my other guests, make your self at home.” Fastrax wanders over to the bar and orders a drink. Specialist yells over to Fastrax “Hey Trax! How are you doing?” Picking up his drink, he wanders over to the table that Specialist and LA are sitting at. Specialist waves him to a seat. “Well you where right, this is a great party. Thanks for letting us know about it.” Specialist says. “It’s cool that you could make it. How is recruiting going?” Fastrax asks “Well it’s a little slow right now. But we are sure it’s going to pick up soon. We have a great leader in Nautica. Our squad will be great. Have you thought any more about joining up? We saw your flying just a bit ago, you are very talented.” Fastrax turns a little red and feeling embarrassed. “Erm… thanks. Um, but I really need to complete my studies. You understand, don’t you Specialist?” Minmei walks over to the mike on the stage. “Hi-yas!” The crowd cheers, then grows quiet while Minmei talks. “Thanks for coming every one. I am going to sing a couple of songs before the BBQ is served.” Then she breaks into a new song. At the end of her song, everyone breaks from there trance like state and applaud madly. Specialist waves to a passing waitress and orders up another round of drinks. By the time Minmei has finished her 2nd song, Fastrax and LA are on there third drinks. She finishes her songs, then makes her way to the table where the boys are sitting. “Hi-yas, Fastrax.” “Hi Minmei, you sounded amazing. Those are great songs.” The rest of the table heartily agrees with Fastrax at this point. “May I introduce my friends to you? This is LA and Specialist Subject, from the shadow squadron.” “Hi ya boys. So glad to meet you both. I just love men in uniform.” Her smile washes over everyone at the table. LA and Specialist are speechless. “Well I will see you all later. Perhaps you can take me up flying later Fastrax. Tee-heee.” “Well sure I will Minmei… Any time you want to go.” Fastrax smiles a goofy looking grin. As Minmei walks away from the table to go mingle with her other guest, LA pipes up. “You want to close your mouth already. Drooling like that gives all men a bad name.” All at the table had a big laugh at Fastrax’s expense. The hours flew bye and the comrades where having a blast. LA hooked up with a beautiful blond and was dancing. Specialist was drinking and talking about his girl friend to skyle who had wandered in to the party. Fastrax sat at the table only half listening to Specialist talk about Jenni. Then he spotted Minmei across the room. “If you will excuse me. I think I will go talk to Minmei.” With these words Fastrax got up and made his way across to where Minmei was standing talking to the bar tender. “Hey Minmei. How are you doing?” “Fastrax, tee-hee. You asked me that earlier, but I am still doing well.” Fastrax turnes red again. Why must it always be so hard, he thought. Minmei still smiling at his obvious discomfort asks. “Do you think you could take me up in your jet now? I would just love to go flying.” “Well yes, I would love to. My jet is over there on the beach.” Fastrax points down the beach. “Come on, lets go.” The two of them make there way to the waiting jet. Fastrax helpes Minmei into the seat next to the pilots and places the spare helmet on her head then he straps her in. “There you are all ready to go.” Fastrax hops into the other seat and straps himself in while the tiny jet starts to warm up. Lastly he closes the cockpit and goes into a vertical take off. When the little jet is about 15 feet off the ground Fastrax puts the jet into full thrust and roars off across the beach and over the ocean. “Weee, this is so much fun.” Fastrax pulls back on the yoke and the jet blasts strait up into the night sky. Both passengers are pushed back into there seats. Dipping towards the ground, under the control of it’s pilot, the little jet seems to dance. Then banking into a barrel role he buzzes the beach upside down. “Eeeek. Are you trying to kill us?” “He he he, no. But you are having fun right?” Fastrax straitens out the jet and approaches the beach preparing to land. “Yes it was great. It’s just that you scared me is all.” Fastrax lands the jet on the beach again. Opens the cockpit and helps Minmei out and back to earth. “Thanks Fastrax, you’re so sweet.” She then throws her arms around him and gives him a big hug. LA strolls up to them, “er… Do you two want to be alone? Well that was some flying there Fastrax. Not as good as the Shadow ace… but good.” The three of them turn and walk back up to the beach house. “Mmmmm, smells like the BBQ is cooking up some food. I sure could go for a steak right about now.” “Now that sounds good. I could go for some BBQ as well Fastrax,” LA says. “See you guys later. I need to go mingle with the rest of the guests. I will be singing later tonight, bout 11:00.” The two friends go over and pick up plates and load them with food. “Now this is the life. But I wish they had blue gin here.” Fastrax looks at LA for a second. “Um, I have had lots of different beverages. But I have never heard of blue gin. What’s it like?” “Oh, you have never had blue gin? Well I will have to rectify that. You will have to come over to HQ and try some. Let’s finish up and go.” They finished up eating and headed over to the shadow lounge. The two of them walk in to the small lounge. There was leather couch and recliner facing the big screen tv. A bar was set near the back wall with a few small tables strewn around the open spaces of the room. LA walks behind the bar and picked up a pair of blue gins from behind the counter. Pops the top off the bottles and places one down in front of Fastrax. LA tips the other bottle to his mouth and pours the content down his throat. “Now this is good stuff. I could go for another one of these.” LA proceeds to rummage behind the bar for another bottle of blue gin. “So what do you think?” Fastrax puts the bottle to his lips and sips it. “Mmmm… this is good.” He then quickly finishes the bottle and starts on the next one that is placed in front of him. “So what do you guys in the Shadow Squad do?” “Well right now we are just forming. There is only the Captain and us three members. Specialist you have met and skyle who you met yesterday at dinner. He is out on a mission today.” “Oh, that sounds cool. Hey, nice recruiting poster you have there. The Minmei I want you poster is real cool. Almost makes me want to sign up.” “Yah it’s standard RDF issue, we had it jazzed up a bit though. They don’t come with the shadow squad part.” “Oh, nice.” Specialist Subject walks out of his office. “Hey there Trax. I see you are getting indoctrinated with LA’s blue gin.” He walks behind the bar. “Here have another.” He drinks some more of the ale. “Oh Minmei is going to be singing soon. We got to get going if we don’t want to miss her.” “Okay, okay… let’s go then,” replied LA. The three of them walk back down the street heading for Minmeis beach house. As they get closer they can hear her voice striking through the night air. “Come on let’s hurry up. She has already started.” Fastrax starts to drag the other two along with him and soon they reach there destination. They listen to Minmei sing for the next hour and it is absolutely amazing. Not a bad song in the set. She finishes singing and the crowed starts to disperse into the city. Fastrax notices Goldie walking towards the group and calls out to him. “Hey Goldie. How are you doing tonight?” “Well I am doing fine… But I think you wont be. Is that your plane on the beach?” “Um yes, why? What happed to my plane?” “Well the tide has been coming up all evening. I think you can still see part of the tale.” Goldie informs him. “What?!? Noooo.” Fastrax and the others, all run down to the beach and sure enough the little plane was completely covered by water. Only the tail fin was still sticking a foot above the water. “Oh… “Fastrax couldn’t believe his eyes. How could he be so stupid, he drops to his knees and stairs out at his precious plan bobbing in the surf. Specialist steps up behind Fastrax. “Um, sorry to see that, that must really suck. Well there is nothing to be done now, lets go back to HQ and get some drinks. We can fish your jet out in the morning when the tide goes out.” The others lead Fastrax back to Shadow HQ. He walkes more like a zombie than a human. Still very much in shock, he barely notices when the second bottle of blue gin was empty and the third one was put in front of him. Then seconds turn into minutes and minutes turn into hours and the night turns to morning. “Well, I think it’s time for me to stumble off to bed guys.” “K Fasty … Sorry bout the plane man…” piped up la. “Ssee you later Trax.” Specialist adds. Fastrax walkes out the Shadow lounge and stands for a few moment trying to get his head to stop spinning. Failing that he just picks a direction and starts walking sideways, right into the only thing in the parking lot, a fighter jet. He leans up against it feeling the coolness of the mettle sooth his burning skin. But too little to late, he feels the stirrings in his stomach that suggested trouble afoot and has just enough time to bend over while the contents of his stomach flies free, all over the ground. Finishing up, Fastrax’s notices that his head feels more stable and he only sees 2 of everything. As he casts his eyes around to get his bearings he notices that the fighter that he is leaning against has its canopy open. He climbs the ladder and sits in the cockpit, just need to rest a minute, he thinks. He reaches up and rubs his burning eyes, trying to clear the spots from circling in front of him, around him. He manages to force the bile from getting the better of him this time. He opens his eyes, how long had he been here? What was that noise that was throbbing in his ears. He moved his head further up from the control panel where it had been resting. “Blast, I think I have started this jet… erm, cool!” Fastrax reaches out and takes hold of the flight yoke. Expertly he maneuvered the fighter into the air. ‘I wonder why some one would leave there jet around where just anyone could borrow it?’ Fastrax thinks as the cockpit hatch closes over top of him. ‘Oh well, wonder what this baby will do.’ Without any more thought to who might own the jet, he speeds off into the night sky. The door to the shadow lounge opens up and Specialist staggers into the parking lot. “LA, get out here… some one just made off with your veritech.” “What?” LA rushes out into the parking lot. “Who the hell would do that. Man when I get my hands on whoever stole my fighter… There will be hell to pay.” He pulls out a device from his pocket, types on the screen and soon the tiny computer starts to spit out info. “The jet is heading for the beach. Lets get going.” Specialist and LA both start staggering towards the beach. Fastrax flies over the beach looking for a place to land. Spotting a suitable location close to the beach house he lands upon the sand. Jumping out onto the sandy beach he runs up to the now mostly vacant patio. The patio was lit only from the full moon that lay lazily over the ocean. Sending sparkling light shimmers in all directions. Fastrax stood for a moment to let his eyes adjust to the shimmering light. “Hi-yas Fastrax. Didn’t expect to see you back tonight. Tee hee.” Turning quickly towards the voice, “Minmei! You startled me.” “Well don’t just stand there looking all ga ga, come on over and sit down next to me. I just love to watch the moon set over the ocean.” Fastrax sat down in the offered chair, noticing that the moon had already begun to dip into the ocean. “It’s so big, I feel like I can reach out a touch it. Someday I want to go and walk on it. I want to be able to look back at the earth.” “Fastrax, I didn’t know you where such a romantic. Tee hee” Fastrax blushes, thankfully Minmei couldn’t see his embarrassment. The moon slipped below the surging ocean swells. Taking with it it’s cold radiance. “Wow that was great. I always love watching the moon, it’s it’s… well, so peaceful.” The two of them sat for a while enjoying the silence, enjoying the gentle rustle of the surf, as it lazily swelled up the sand. “Fastrax… lets go flying. Oh please take me flying.” “Um… okay.” The two of them get up off the lawn chairs and move towards the awaiting jet. Minmei encircles her arm in Fastraxs arm, sending excited tingling up and down his spine. Fastrax felt like he was already flying and his feet hardly touched the ground as they made there way towards the waiting jet. Quickly he helps Minmei up the ladder and in to the back seat. “Here fasten the seat belt and here is a helmet.” “Thank-ya. Tee Hee” Fastrax settles back into the pilots seat and sets about pre flight check and warming up the engines. Soon he has the plane in the air and speeding out over the ocean. As Specialist and LA arrive at the beach just in time to see the fighter speeding over the sandy beach and out over the surf. “Damit all anyway. Not again! I thought we would catch up with the bastard that stole my fighter…” “Don’t worry la. I am sure you will find your fighter again. But as for me, I think I am going back to the barracks to get some sleep. Good luck man.” Specialist turns and walks back to Shadow HQ. LA stands staring after the fighter that had by this time, disappeared over the horizon. “Damit!” he yelles, why does it always happen to me. Turning on his heal, LA storms off, following his friend. Fastrax and Minmei streaks out across the ocean chasing the elusive moon. Then Fastrax pulls back on the yoke and soars into the air. “Weeeeeee” Minmei screams in his ear. She leans forward and wraps her arms around his body holding him tight. “Hey, not so tight, I can hardly breath.” Fastrax laughs out in mirth, he hadn’t had this much fun for a long time, or ever. Only a little sober part of him even had an inkling of remorse for taking the jet “Oh look, there is the island that we did the photo shoot for the album cover. It has such a gorgeous water fall, let’s go see it.” Minmei points towards the Island that she described. Fastrax lands on the beach near the trees and the two of them hop out of the plane. The beach was dark, with fire flies flittering around, looking like glowing streaks in the darkness. As the two of them walk arm in arm towards the roar of the water fall the sky begins to brighten and the stars that had been there only source of light start to blink out. “Isn’t it just the most beautiful place you have ever seen Fastrax? We shot the photos for the album cover over there. There is a great pool near where the water lands. I just love it here, tee hee.” “It is very beautiful Minmei, but nothing compared to you.” “Tee hee, you sly devil you.” With that, Minmei pushes Fastrax, he trips over a log and falls into the pool. Splash! Coughing and spluttering he struggles his way to the surface laughing at how funny the situation was. “Why did you do that?” “Well I thought you could use a bath tee hee.” “Well at least it’s nice and warm. It must be fed from a hot spring somewhere on the island.” “Yes, this island has a few hot springs on it. I used to come here as a kid with my parents. We would camp near here.” Minmei reaches out her hand to help Fastrax up the bank of the pool. “Here let me help you up.” “Thanks.” Fastrax reaches up and instead of moving to dry ground he pulls Minmei into the pool with him. “EEEeeeeekkkkk!” was all that came out of her mouth before she fell under the water. Moments later her head pops above the surface and she splashes at fastrax. “I can’t believe you did that.” “Well, what is good for the goose is good for the gander… or is that good for the gander is good for the goose? Which is the female? Oh never mind... I am sure you get the point.” The two laugh and splash each, some more. When the two of them finally get tired out, they climb up, out of the pool and walk hand in hand towards the waiting fighter. The sun is rising over the ocean in the east, changing the sky in a rippling effect of color. The sea changes from the blue green to a golden color. “I wish this would never change, I am in awe of the majesty of this moment.” Minmei circles her arm around Fastrax. Neither of them say anything, not wanting to break the magic of the moment. They just stand there watching the sun rise. Then as the sun moves above the ocean setting it ablaze, the two of them move on towards the jet sitting there, waiting for them. They are silent for the return flight to Minmei’s place. Not needing to speak, but lost in there own thoughts and dreams. Just enjoying the nearness of good friends. Back at the beach Minmei thanks Fastrax for a wonderful time. “Please do drop by any time. Well after I get some beauty sleep though. Tee hee.” Her laughter, like always was infectious and Fastrax soon found himself laughing along with her. “Thanks Minmei, I had a wonderful time. I will see you later, for sure.” Then he pulls Minmei in to a hug. “Sleep well then.” They break there embrace and Fastrax watches as Minmei walks back into the beach house. “Good night Minmei.” He whispers, then he turns his back and walks back towards the waiting fighter. Climbing into the pilot seat, he is soon back in the air, with a permanent grin stretched across his face. “Wow, what a girl!” The fighter streaks through the sky, heading in no particular direction. Fastrax was just happy to by in the air. He was dead tired but he knew he wouldn’t be able to sleep. He was far too happy, to exhilarated. There was a feeling deep in his heart that he hadn’t felt in a long time. Not since she that shall not be named, had left. But he didn’t dwell on that any more because happy days where here again. At a whim, the jet went into a barrel role, then banks and dives for the ground, pulling up at the last moment. What a jet, he thinks, sure wish this little baby was mine. It handles like a dream. Better than my old one. Turning the jet back towards Macross city Fastrax sits back and absorbs the scenery that flies below him. An hour later finds Fastrax asleep in his apartment. He lays on top of the covers still in his clothes, to tired to get ready for bed. “LA, your up early.” “Good morning Captain Nautica, sir. Someone stole my fighter last night and I haven’t been able to get any sleep. I had it on the scope last night and was tracking it. Then the dam thing just disappears this morning about an hour after sunrise.” “Oh, that’s not very cool.” “Yah, so I am going to take a cyc out and see if I can find it. Just start looking where it last appeared on the scope.” “Well happy hunting la, hope you find it.” “Thanks sir.” La walks out of shadow HQ and grabs one of the cycs in the garage. Turning the key in the ignition the bike roars to life. La puts the bike in gear and pops the clutch screeching the tire out of the entryway and joins the traffic on the main road heading towards down town. Fastrax awakens in the afternoon feeling only a little refreshed after the late night. After a quick shower and some clean cloths he feels almost human again. He makes his way out side and is merrily humming a Minmei tune as he walks along the road. He rapidly arrives at his goal, the Shadow lounge. Opening the door he walks inside, pausing for a moment to let his eyes adjust to the dim light. “Hey there Trax, how are you doing?” Specialist enquires from behind the bar. “Doing very well, thanks for asking. I had a great time last night.” A very big smile spreads across his face. “How about yourself? How are you doing?” “I’m doing great, had a lot of fun out at the beach last night. You looked like you where enjoying your self.” “He he he… Yup, I sure was. Minmei is something else, that is for sure. I feel like I am melting every time she smiles at me.” Fastrax’s smile got bigger if that was possible. “Well that’s great. Can I get you anything to drink Trax?” “Sure, I could really go for a Shadow ale.” “One shadow ale coming up.” Specialist reaches under the bar and pulls an ale out of the cooler, pops the top and places the bottle in front of Fastrax. “How is recruiting going?” “Sort of slow right now, but there has been some interest shown by some people.” Fastrax drank his ale and chatted with specialist for an hour. “Well I should get going, I want to pop in at Minmei’s place, she is having another BBQ. You and LA should stop by later, it would be a blast.” “Well we might join you later but right now I am in charge of recruiting until the Captain gets back. So I can’t go for a while. “Okay. Talk to you later.” “See you then, Trax.” Fastrax walks out side and makes his way towards the beach, head still in the clouds. The music on the beach could be heard about a block away and the party was in full swing by the time he gets there. Grabbing a plate, he proceeds to fill it with a sampling of all the different foods from off the table. When he has filled it with a good sampling of food, he moves to a table to sit and eat. A few hours passes with Fastrax having a few drinks and dancing with Minmei whenever the opportunity presents it’s self. Specialist and LA finally arrive, just as it starts to get dark. LA looks like there is a storm cloud following him wherever he goes. Fastrax walks over and greets his friends. “How is it going guys? Good to see you again LA.” “You will have to forgive LA, he is in a frightfully bad mood. Some one took his fighter last night and he can’t find it anywhere.” “Oh, really? Um… does it look like that one sitting there on the beach? Right behind that sand dune.” LA turns and looks across the beach, shock spreading on his face. “Cool, it is!” Then he takes off at a run towards his fighter. The other two follow more slowly arriving as LA was jumping back to the beach from the cock pit. “There is sand all over the place in there and the seats are all wet. No wonder the tracking system isn’t working anymore, he holds up a blackened looking device that is dripping water. “I wish I knew what they did with my jet to get it in this messed up shape. I bet something perverted. But I am glad to get it back.” LA tosses the broken electronic device back into the cock pit and the three of them walk back up to the beach house. “Hi-yas. Good to see you all again.” “Good to see you again Minmei.” Specialist replies. “Are you going to sing for us tonight?” “Well maybe later, I have the karaoke machine tonight. So everyone can sing. Tee hee. Maybe you will show us you singing skills? Or perhaps you Fastrax…” “Oh, me sing? I don’t know if I could do that…” Minmei looks Fastrax full in the face, there eyes meet for just a moment. Then Fastrax looks away and the color rises in his cheeks. “Well maybe I will… But I don’t want to be the first one…” Fastrax stammers. “Well that would be special if you would. But you don’t have to be first.” Minmei replies. “Well I could go for a drink of blue gin and some food…” “I like LA’s thinking. Let’s get some food and drink.” Specialist pipes up. “I’ll join you guys in a minute. Hey Minmei can I borrow your phone for a minute?” “Sure thing Fasty. It’s in the living room on the coffee table.” “Thanks Minmei.” Fastrax walks over the deck, to the open, plate glass, sliding door. Dialing the number he waits patiently for the voice on the other end. “Gekomoon Delivery Service…” Fastrax finishes the conversation on the phone and heads out on the deck joining up with his friends. “Fast, this is great BBQ. You have got to try these ribs.” “Okay, okay, LA. I will get some. Does anyone want anything while I am up?” Everyone pipes up with there drink orders. “Okay, I will be right back. I hope you guys didn’t eat all the great food while I was on the phone.” “We wouldn’t do that to you.” Specialist chimes in. “Besides, you weren’t gone that long.” Everyone burst out laughing. The door bell rings. When Minmei answers it there is a man holding a bouquet of long stemmed roses. “Gekomoon delivery, I have a delivery for Ms Minmei.” “Oh! How beautiful. I just adore flowers. Who are they from?” “Um, not sure, but there is a card, it might say on it.” The man passes the flowers over to Minmei and then leaves. Minmei places the flowers in a vase and arranges the flowers on the table. Then she opens the card up. * upon the wind, carried on wings of angels, doves, wine doth bring thy heart speaks, it doth sing speaking words, cherished spring. to the most amazing voice, I have ever heard. From your biggest fan. “How sweet, I wonder who it could be.” Minmei bends over and breathes deep the intoxicating smell of the roses. The rest of the evening went on like a blur. With the comrades singing songs to bad music. Drinking way too much and toasting the health of many a passerby. “Well I think I am going to head out and get some sleep.” “Sounds like a good idea Fasty. I think I am going to call it a night as well.” Specialist and Fastrax start walking along the beach towards town. “Hey wait up guys. I’ll walk with ya, till I get to my fighter, I want to take it back to base. I need to get it cleaned out.” But as the three of them walk along, there is no sign of the fighter on the beach. “Damit! Where is my fighter gone to now.” “Well the tide came up and it floated away.” “What? Oh hey Goldie… You got to be kidding! My Beautiful Veritech floated away?” “Well for a little while it did then it started to sink. I tried to find you a while ago but you where not at Shadow HQ. I was just on my way to the beach party when I bumped into you lot.” “Dammit all then! From bad to worse, I guess It’s gone for sure then. I will have to get a new fighter. Captain Nautica will not be happy. Dammit!” “Thanks Goldie.” Specialist says as Goldie walks down the beach towards his house. “Well let’s get LA back to the barracks. Come on then LA.” “But my fighter…. Oh, damit!” LA kicks at a sand dune sending a spray of sand into the wind. The three of them walk in silence for the rest of the way to the barracks. Outside Fastrax bids the others a good night and then caries on his way to his apartment. Blast, what a couple of days… Fastrax thinks. Fastrax wakes up the next morning to the sounds of a rain falling on clay tile roof. By the sounds of it, it was a heavy rain storm, ‘hopefully it wont last,’ Fastrax thinks, ‘I really want to see Minmei soon.’ He smiles to him self as he slips into a bit of a day dream. Getting dressed in clean clothes, he heads down the stairs. Stopping briefly in the restaurant for a good breakfast. By the time he’s finished his meal the rain had slowed and almost stopped. Thanking Minmeis aunt and uncle for the meal he hurries down the road to the Shadow HQ. As he gets closer he looks at his watch, blast it was the afternoon already. Where did all the time go. Walking into Shadow HQ, Fastrax walks over to the bar. “Hey specialist, how is LA today…” “Well he is basically grouchy… well that’s not really true. He is very grouchy! He started on the blue gin earlier today.” “Oh, to bad. I am going over to Minmeis. Do you want to come along?” “Sure thing. We should get LA to come along. He needs to get out and forget his loss. Besides the Captain was going to issue us new VF-4 Lightning’s soon anyway. We where all slated to get new ones in the next month.” LA walks in to the bar. “Hey Trax, good to see you again. You haven’t seen my jet anywhere in your travels have you?” “Erm… no. Sorry man. I have not seen it since yesterday. But specialist and I are going over to Minmeis place, you should come along.” “You know I just don’t feel like it… “ “Come on, you will have fun. You always have fun at her place.” Specialist adds. “Besides, I will buy the first round…” “Well when you put it that way… when do we leave.” “Count me in on that deal,” Fastrax pipes up. The three of them laugh. “Well, lets get a move on then, don’t want to keep Specialists wallet waiting!” The three of them walk out of Shadow HQ and make there way through the puddle strewn streets, eventually ending up at their destination, Minmeis. “Hi-yah boys. How are you doing today. Not very many people here tonight. But the BBQ is hot and there is tuna cooking on the grill. LA, what is the matter? You look down.” “Well my fighter has gone missing. There seems to be a rash of it going around. I found it and then it went again. It is just not my week.” “Oh my… that is offal. I am sorry to hear that.” Specialist wanders back from the bar with the order of drinks placing them on the table. “Drinks are up everyone.” Everyone sits and Specialist passes the drinks around. “Here you all go and a mytie for the lovely lady.” “Oh, tee hee. Thanks specialist.” Minmei sits down at the table next to Fastrax. “So what is on the entertainment list tonight?” LA asks. “Well due to the rain, I am not expecting very many people around tonight. So it will be just canned music tonight. If more people show up later, might break out the karaoke machine. Tee hee, I just adore karaoke… That’s how I was discovered. At a karaoke contest.” True to Minmei’s words there were very few people at the beach that evening and the four friends sat around the table talking for a many hours. All of a sudden Fastrax points up at the darkened night sky. “Hey what is that light! It’s heading right for us…” “I‘m not sure what it is… but I don’t like the looks of it.” Specialist says. The few people that are around the deck are all staring at the approaching bright light. “Um, shouldn’t we get to some cover?” “Fastrax has a good point… Maybe we should get to some cover. Where can we go Minmei?” “Um… I think it’s too late!” And true to her words the burning object passes right over the beach house. The roar from its passing was deafening and everyone dives for the ground holding on to whatever was available. The few brave souls that remaind standing, find them selves flat on there backs when the object impacts the sand. The impact sends sand in all directions and leaves the smoldering object sitting in a large hole in the beach, about 100 feet from the house. Steam rises out of the hole in the beach as water from the ocean attempts to fill in the empty space. But as the water gets close to the red hot object it just evaporates, obscuring the view of everyone looking on. “Well, will you look at that? That’s not something you see everyday.” “That’s for sure LA. Um, is there movement down there or am I seeing stuff?” A laser blast streaks over head. “Erm… you sure have the gift of understatement specialist…” LA says, “I would have to say, YES! You see movement. Get down everyone!” Another blast strikes the railing near Minmei. “Watch out Minmei.” Fastrax dives on top of her shielding her from the blast. A laser shot passes right where Minmei had been standing grazing Fastrax arm, “that was to close. Um, what the heck is that coming out of the crater? He is huge!” “That my friend is trouble, with a capital T,” Specialist says while diving behind the upturned table. “That is a Zentraedi. Not the nicest aliens you will meet, but there not all bad.” “Good thing there are a couple of ace pilots here.” LA ducks behind a large concrete planter. Both he and specialist pull blasters out and return fire. A few more blasts wiz over head. Fastrax lifts his head enough so that he can see the zent stumbling towards them, his blaster blazing. Surprisingly, even though the Zent was injured and had to hop while dragging one leg. He was able to move rather quickly. Finally LA gets a good shot in and the soldier collapses to the sand. “Thanks Fasty.” Minmei says and gives him a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. Everyone on the deck starts to get up from the cover they had found during the fire fight. The four friends walk onto the beach approaching the soldier lying there, blood flowing from the Zentraedis wounds, turning the sand crimson. LA walks up and kicks the gun from the soldiers hand. “Oh my, he is a big one…” “Yes he is Minmei,” specialist says. “My dad told me stories of the war with the Zentraedi. I was a little kid back when we where at war. I never realized they where so big. I mean my dad said they where big… but wow. I thought they all left with Admiral Hunter five years ago.” “Well most of them did, but once in a while one of these bad boys show up and causes some serious havoc. We where lucky this one was in a damaged pod and crashed, or we would probably all be dead now.” “That’s for sure LA. They can be a nasty lot,” added Specialist. By this time the civil defense agency arrives and a swarm of agents spread out on the beach. Some collecting the debris from the crash site, others covering up the body. Still others getting the statements form all the people milling around. A couple hours later all that was left of the incident was the charred crater and lots of empty bottles. “Well I think it’s time to call it a night. Good night boys.” “Good night Minmei, I hope you sleep well after this crazy night.” “Thanks Fast. I will try.” “Yah, good night Minmei.” La and Specialist both reply. The three guys wonder along the beach front heading for the Shadow HQ. “I didn’t realize your father was in the Zentraedi war. Where was he stationed?” LA asked. “Well he was on Macros Island, part of the first team of test pilots for the Veritecs. He was stationed on the SDF-1. He made it through the whole war. But died on the SDF-2 when Kyron crashed his cruiser in to it” “Really? Wow! What squad was he part of?” asked Specialist. “Well originally he was part of Gold squad. But when it was decimated he was transferred into skull squadron. He finished off the rest of his tour in the skull squadron. After the war was over he got a transfer to the newly opened training academy in new Macross city. But when the SDF-2 mission came available he jumped at the opportunity to get back into space.” “Wow. That is crazy. But then it was crazy times.” “Yes it sure was crazy times, LA.” Well, see you guys in the morning.” With those parting words, Fastrax heads back to his apartment to try and get some sleep. But sleep doesn’t come easy, he tosses and turns throughout the night. Waking no more rested than if he had stayed up all night. But he had made up his mind on a course of action that would change his life for ever. It was time to go meet his destiny and drive away the demons that haunted his existence, the demons that he pushed down, deep within, that kept him warm at night. Fastrax found himself out side of Shadow-HQ, he opens up the door and walks in. “Hey guys, I have come to sign up. I want to become a shadow. I have found what I have been looking for.” The end.