Author gorillaz
Rating: MATURE
Disclaimer: I don’t own any of it
Summary: I based it on macross plus
I posted this story on the board a long time ago
but have decided to rewrite it and add a sequel.
Prologue
ANTAR 2088 A.D.
These days were perfect…. if you could pick any word it would be perfect. Sometimes the days would be gray and brilliant flashes from the rolling thunderclouds could be seen. Other days the sky would be perfect haze of orange streaks as the sun dipped into the horizon. But these were his favorite days, when the sun was golden and the wind was perfect……PERFECT………Perfect for flying.
“You guys those things are never gonna fly, you do know that?,” exclaims Liz as she helps carry the contraption up the hill. She has a look on her face like she ready to kill the person making her carry such a load. She looks up at the huge sign at the top of the hill they are headed to, which has the words “STARHILL” painted in big green letters. Being here many times she wonders how she never noticed the tackiness of the sign.
“I can just feel it Liz, this baby’s gonna fly this year,” screams Max from the top of the hill, with a goofy grin on his face. “I’ve got this knew design and everything.”
“If anyone’s gonna soar with the birds today its gonna be me dude,” Michael sets his so called flying machine on the ground. “Max my man, if you think that thing’s gonna fly I doubt it, your wings are way too large.” Michael smirks and continues, “I mean the weight alone is gonna bring you down.”
“Well at least it looks better than that flying box of yours.” Max retorts. Liz holds a hand to her mouth to hold back her laughter, because Michael’s machine looks pretty much like a box with wings. Not much effort on design for Michael’s Machine, but his arrogance makes up for it.
“Hahahahahaha, wooohoooo,” Michael yells sarcastically as he stares at Liz making her look away.
“Sorry Michael, well I mean you guys do this like every year and the same thing happens, you guys fall flat on your faces.” Liz pauses likes she deciding whether or not to keep going, then continues, “Why don’t you
guys just give it up already.”
“Well Liz, giving up is not in my blood, I never fail at anything,” Max answers.
“Besides I’ve got to learn to fly sometime, I plan to be a squadron pilot one day…..Max the conqueror.”
“oh yeah, is that so” Liz smirks, “Max the day you become a squadron pilot, I’ll be
a famous singer….. and if your gonna be a squadron pilot you’ve got to come up with a less dorkier name than that,”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence....... Liz don’t you have faith in me” Max
replies as he licks his finger and sticks it in the air checking for wind.
“Of course I do Max,” answers Liz as Max turns to look at her. They stare into each others eyes until Max breaks the silence.
“I believe in you too, Liz you’ve got a beautiful voice I’m sure you’re gonna be a
famous singer one day,” he softly replies.
“Thanks,” Liz whispers like she doesn’t believe him..
“It’s only the truth Liz, besides that just means I’m gonna be a squadron pilot
right,” Max smirks at Liz. “How does Max the destroyer sound.”
“How about I come up with the nicknames form now on,” Liz laughs.
“Let’s get goin you fools,” Michael yells. “The wind is startin to get heavy.”
“k lets go, I don’t plan on fallin on my face this year.” Max starts pedaling in his
machine.
“hey wait up.” Michael starts pedaling his box with wings. At this time Liz thinks this is the funniest thing she’s ever seen, looking at Max and Michael straining with effort to pedal their machines.
As they move Liz starts to sing. The wind blows her hair into her face blocking her view.
The first words in my dreams
I could clearly see
were right beyond the skies
beautiful and sad is this
story I tell
over winged birds
in the sky
Max is having trouble pedaling the thing and starts to think that maybe Michael is right and the thing is too heavy. But he is then proven wrong as he starts to rise from the ground and leaves Michael who has just fallen flat on his face. “I’m going to fly I’m really going to fly.” yells Max not waiting to get to excited until he is well in the air, “Whhhoooooooooo, I’m flying, holy shit this is amazing.”
Liz sees this and tries to follow him as he soars in the air. Michael gets up from where he fell and follows Liz. He looks up in amazement.
“Oh my gosh Michael he actually did it look,” says a smiling Liz as she watches Max. She’s moving as swiftly as possible while trying not to trip.
“I don’t believe it...... that piece of junk actually fly’s,” Michael remarks as he drops the broken pieces of his flying box.
Max lands, “whoooohooo yeaaaaaaah I was actually up there, tell me it wasn’t a
dream Liz.”
“It wasn’t” Liz answers. Liz shrieks as Max picks her up and twirls her around.
“It was so amazing guys you don’t know how it feels,” Max says “I could see right beyond the sky, like it wasn’t just the sky anymore, it’s my destiny I just know it is.” He looks at Liz with the brightest smile. “that was just amazi…..no it was perfect.”
“Max I’m so jealous..... that musta been so amazing you gotta take me up there with you one day.” asks Liz. She then proceeds to punch him in the arm. She looks so happy for him…happy that he’s finally accomplished his goal.
“Don’t worry Liz, I promise I’ll take you up there one day,” Max replies and when Liz is not looking he rubs his arm. “Ow”.
“I gotta give it to you man, you proved me wrong,” Michael extends his hand to Max and they shake. Max and Liz help pick up the broken pieces of Michaels machine. The three figures walk back down the hill together.
***************************************************
Asteroid base 2098 A.D.
“I’m coming behind the target right now,” yells Max through the speaker. He fires his lazer cannons and hits his intended target. “yeah, got one of the bastards, Valk2
I’m goin in for the leader back me up.” Max sets his squadron jet to overdrive.
“Starhill we’ve got your backup up ready.” answers the speaker, “proceed when
ready.”
Max finally has the leader in sight. “Damn it I can’t get a lock on, I need more time Valk2.” Frustrated, Max continues to follow the renegade zentraedi leader. His body is straining from the g-force exerted during high speed maneuvering. He is also barely dodging rock fragments as they are situated within an asteroid belt.
“Starhill you’ve got two other attack jets on your back, you’ve got to get rid of them first or you’ll get shot.” Valk replies. “what are you thinkin.” The surprise is evident in the speakers voice.
“Screw that Valk two, if I do that I’ll lose the squad leader.” Max screams as he just barely evades a shot from a trailing enemy.
“Damn it Max there are at least seventy other enemy jets out here what’s it gonna matter, it’s way too dangerous.” Valk yells desperately trying to get his attention. “We’ve got men hear who need your help,
don’t let your hot head get in the way.”
“You don’t understand how the zentraedi work….your still a rookie” Max answers. BoOm! BoOm!. “Shiiiiiiiiiiiiit.”
“MAAAAAAAX, MAAAAAAAAAAAAX,” yells Valk.
“I’m fine I’m fine, it was just a close call, they’ve got inverse flight cannons on their tails.” Max breathes through the com channel as he maneuvers around floating debris. “must be a new design….haven’t seen it before.”
“Max you crazy bastard, just forget about the leader I’m afraid the next thing you find out will be the last thing,” Valk protests. “ shit now you got me screwin up my codenames.”
“I said you don’t understand how the zentraedi work.” BoOm!!! Max avoids another cannon fire, “Once you take out the squadron leader the whole squadron will flee.” Max regains sight of the zentraedi leader. He reaches up on his flight helmet to pull down his firing goggles. “Come on……lock dammit…….” Max struggles to get the leader on target.
“Max you’ve got two zentraedi fighter’s headed at 6 o’clock,” informs valk, “you’ve got to make up your mind now or you’ll be Stardust.”
Beads of sweat are now flowing down Max’s forehead……the pressure is building. “Lock” Max yells as he presses the trigger. “gotcha… you bastard.” The zentraedi’s ship explodes in flames, and as if on cue the rest of its squadron flee the area. “whooohooooooo yeaaaaaaah” Max screams in victory. He leans back in his cockpit to regain his composure.
“Damn it you were right Max,” laughs Valk as he removes his firing goggles to get
a better view in disbelief.
“Why do you doubt me Sean.” Max says sarcastically.
“Shut up you cocky bastard.” yells valk
“Hahahaha...........Vakyrie squadron this is your leader Starhill........ the area is cleared I repeat the area is cleared........ return to base.” Max says as he makes a 180 with his jet. As Max sees the base come into view. The base has been home to him for a few years now. It’s secure and safe for him. He loves to fight though….when he’s fighting that’s all he has to think about, just him and the enemy. When he’s fighting he doesn’t have to think of the past, he doesn’t have to face his demons…….he doesn’t have to face them. He sighs at another mission survived.
********************************************
At the base there is a chorus of cheers for the returning squadron. Celebration is ready for their recent victory. This is usually the happiest times for most of the fighters. As they are hanging up their flight suits a couple of the men pick up Max on their shoulders and then release him.
“I’ve gotta give it to you Max that was some smart fighting out there,” chuckles Sean as he puts Max down.
“But Man you almost gave me a heart attack.”
“Hahaha.......thanks anyway Sean,” Max replies as he neatly folds his combat suit, “But I would’ve been a sitting duck if it wasn’t for your back up.”
“What’s with all the emotions,” Alex says while pretending to wipe a tear from
his face, “I think I’m gonna cry.” He lunges and hugs them both. “ I love you guys.”
“Shut up Alex,” Sean voices. Max just laughs at his flight crew.
“Maxwell Evans sir,” interupts a tall lanky man. He is standing perfectly straight holding a clipboard in his left hand.
“Yes,” Max replies as he closes his locker.
“The general wants to see you at his desk immediately.”
Max gives his squadron a toast then heads towards the generals room. There he
sees the general hunched over his desk. “ Damn he’s standing” Max thinks to himself, “this is not good.” Max sees the wrinkles in the general’s brow, a frown evident on his face. “What’s new,” Max laughs “that face is permanently like that.”
“I heard you called for me sir,” Max stands there and salutes.
“Take a seat.” The general says more of an order than an option. Max is perplexed at what to do, procedure says that he cannot move until the general salutes him back. In fear of breaking conduct and in fear of the general Max just continues to stand there akwardly. Finally noticing his mistake the general grins as he salutes back. Max quietly takes a seat.
“Next time just follow my orders,” chuckles the general.
“May I ask why I’m here sir.” asks Max feeling uneasy under the generals scrutinizing gaze.
“I will get to that later sergeant, first off I want to congratulate you on a <A TITLE="Click for more information about <A TITLE="Click for more information about job" STYLE="text-decoration: none; border-bottom: medium solid green;" HREF="http://search.targetwords.com/u.search? ... Dw">job</A>" STYLE="text-decoration: none; border-bottom: medium solid green;" HREF="http://search.targetwords.com/u.search? ... Dw">job</A> well done.” replies the general as he scribbles something in his notepad.
“Thank you sir....... but my squadrons also to thank.” answers Max confused because the general has never complimented him. And has also never used that kind of tone with him altogether. Conversations with him usually started with ‘what were you thinking’ or ‘what the HELL were you thinking.’
“There is a project where they are testing new prototypes for the latest jet...... the
YF series.” The general grabs a folder and hand sit to Max , “they want me to send them
my best pilot to test fly these prototypes.” The general pauses then continues, “so I’m
sending you sergeant.”
“your sending me sir?” Max stammers in disbelief. “but you hate me….we both know that…….you even go out of your way to tell me……..I mean your always going on about how much of a hotshot I am.”
“yes I fully know what I’ve said,” breathes the general, “but on pure skill and combat decision making you’re my best pilot……….sure a pilot that doesn’t follow orders but still my best.”
“Wow this seems like a great project,” Max says as he reads the information in the folder. There are pictures of two jet models one slightly different from the other.
“So you accept........well then you star testing on Antar tomorrow.” Mumbles the general.
Max swallows. “Aaantar.”
“Why is there something wrong sergeant,” inquires the general.
“Um sorry sir.....but is it possible to decline the offer.” Max tentatively asks not wanting to upset the general too much.
“Max there is a sure medal for you if you do this,” the general replies.
“I’m not in it for the medals sir,” Max answers keeping his head down.
“Listen Max, you do have the right to decline but I’m gonna tell you this,” the general looks out the window and Max follows suit, they look at a base full of men some of whom are injured lying on stretchers. “This prototype is very important, it could be a key to winning this war........ they want my best I think they should get the best, because if there is a chance that his could be the answer to winning the war I think it’s worth it.”
Max thinks about the generals words that have really affected him and says, “I’ll take it sir, I won’t fail you.”
“Then you are dismissed, you leave in 12 hours have your things ready by then.” replies the general not taking the chance that Max will change his mind again.
“YES SIR” answers Max. As he gets ready to return to Antar after seven years.
************************************************
Antar present
Max enters the conference room where the meeting is being held. He was given a
blue jumpsuit as soon as he entered the base. As he looks around the table he notices
people in red and blue jumpsuits. All eyes are focused on him as he has interupted the meeting by showing up late. Feeling unsettled he takes his seat on the blue side. He internally hopes he hasn’t missed much of the meeting.”
“Hello…. I am glad you could all be here today, I am general Milard and I will be
judging the outcome of this project.” speaks the general “Blue team you will be in charge
of the YF 19 a stealth fighter, and red team you will be in charge of the YF 21 brainwave
controlled fighter.”
“Blue team this is your test pilot Maxwell Evans,” yells the generals assistant,
“He has earned his right to be here and he has won many battles for the vakyrie
squadron.” Unsure of what to do Max stand up and waves his hand then quickly returns to his seat.
Max notices a young kid eyeing him down. “what.” Max questions. “Got something on my face.”
“Nothing, I’ve heard a lot about you and your a hotshot, you better not ruin this project for us.” The kid continues to stare him down. Not breaking eye contact.
“Run along little boy, shouldn’t you be at school or something,” Max says sarcastically. “Just let the big boys handle this project.”
“Don’t you know why I’m here?” The kid asks as if Max should obviously know.
“I don’t know maybe your Milards son,” Max declares. Max hears laughter coming from beside him. It’s a short blonde girl. She’s trying to hold in her laughter as to not get the generals attention. “What’s so funny miss.......” Max looks at her name tag then continues, “Harding?”
“His name is Kyle Valenti.......he is a child prodigy and the engineer of the YF
19.” The girls says, “and call me Tess.” She flashes him a smile her bright blue eyes shining.
“What that kid!!!” Max yells looking unbelievably at her.
“hhmmmff,” The general coughs to get their attention, “can we continue now Mr.
Evans.”
“Yes...sorry sir.” Max replies and puts his head down. As Kyle smirks at him.
“Ok.......red team you are in charge of the YF 21, it is the new experimental fighter
that uses brain patterns to control it, your test pilot has not arrived yet bu...” the general is
interrupted by the sound of a door opening. “ahh, here he is , this is your test pilot Michael Guerin.”
At that moment Max pops his head up shocked. Michael has the same face written on
him. “Mister Guerin would you care to take a seat.”
“Yes sir.... sorry I’m late my flight got delayed.” Michael replies and takes his seat in the red section. Max fidgets in his seat unable to stay still as he stares at Michael. What were the chances of this happening.
“Both teams will be judged on the flying skills of their prototype,” the general shows a projection image of both planes. “You will have daily flight tests starting tomorrow, and you will also face head to head combat against each other, with unarmed
weapons.” The general pauses then continues, “The team that I feel has the better prototype will get the grant and will be able to start production immediately.”
“I don’t think that will be necessary, the test pilot you have there is a hothead and can’t control his emotions, you should replace him if you can.” Michael speaks. CRaSh!!! Max pounds his
hand into the computer in front of him. Max stares Michael down. And proceeds to
leave the room before he does something stupid.
“Do they know each other?” Tess whispers to Kyle.
“Seems like it,” Kyle responds worried about his new pilot.
********************************************
“Medal for bravery for his achievements on the Vakyrie asteroid base,” Michael reads off his computer
screen preparing for the matchup. “Has seven years experience in the battlefield.” Michael tries to straighten his forehead from wrinkling in worry. He assumed that Max would be easy to manipulate and he was right at the conference. But went to the squadron flight center anyways to look at his experience and he had a suprisingly good record on him. Michael starts to rub his head as he starts to feel a headache coming along. But the headache gets more intense. He starts to lose his composure and can’t concentrate. He
struggles to reach in his drawer. His hand is violently shaking as he falls to the floor and starts to spasm. Desperately he reaches for his bag manages to pull out a bottle of <A TITLE="Click for more information about <A TITLE="Click for more information about pill" STYLE="text-decoration: none; border-bottom: medium solid green;" HREF="http://www.online-meds.ws/">pill</A>" STYLE="text-decoration: none; border-bottom: medium solid green;" HREF="http://www.online-meds.ws/">pill</A>s. He immediately takes one and relaxes. Michael sighs in relief.
*********************************************
“I’ve almost got the hang of this thing,” Max yells into the com channel. “I think I can complete the maneuver this time.” He sets the jet into overdrive. “Man the G forces in this plane are incredible.” The veins in his neck straining showing the effects of the plane.
“Max you are overexerting the engine there is no way you can complete the move on you first time out its way too dangerous,” yells Kyle as he anxiously watches on the screen. “he’s crazy the guy is completely fuckin crazy,” Kyle hisses at Tess.
“With all that flight experience I’m sure he knows what he’s doing,” replies Tess as she also anxiously stares at the screen also slightly worried about Max.
“Don’t worry kid I know what I’m doing,” Max explains and starts to perform the maneuver. “piece of cake.” He manages to get the plane around the hurdle then proceeds to do a 360. But as he is rising the tail of his plane catches the ground and he goes plummeting down the hill. The plane is destroyed in a million pieces.
“ERROR MISSION FAILED,” says the computer screen.
“Max dammit you better not do that on the real flight,” Kyle yells into the speaker. Barely keeping his composure.
“That simulator is nothing like the real thing,” Max states, “when I’m really up there it’ll be a different story.”
“I’m serious Max the whole team is counting on you,” proclaims Kyle as he looks over the computer log book. “Don’t screw up.” He glares at Max then starts up the simulator again, “OK let’s try this again
and Max take it seriously this time.”
“Sorry no can do, I’m done for today,” Max voices as sits on a chair and puts his legs up.
“What are you talking about we’ve hardly even begun,” Kyle yells.
“I can’t I’m taking the rest of the day off, I can’t work like this,” Max yawns faking his fatigue.
“You have got to be....KIDDING ME .....Max the whole world...” He is cut off by Max.
“LOOK KYLE I just got here today and I haven’t gotten any sleep for the last 48 hours.........I am no use to you or anyone else like this so I suggest you let it go.” Max explains as he gets up. “I’m going for a motorcycle ride.” He looks at Tess who is hard at work, “Hey Tess…. care to join me.”
Tess looks up at him and smiles, “Um sure I was just about finished anyways.” She closes her computer and follows Max out the door.
“Later Kyle,” Max says with a wave.
“Unbelievable,” Kyle seethes, “the nerve of the guy.” Kyle looks around the room and sees that everyone is intently watching him now. “Well don’t just stand there lookin at me…..get back to work everybody.” He screeches as he slams the door shut.
***************************************
“whooohoooooooo,” Max yells as he is speeding across the freeway. He loves the freeing sensation of speed, its an exhilarating feeling that’s so addicting.
“MAX MAX what are you doing,” Tess shreiks, her eyes are open wide at the speed he is going.
“Relax Tess, I know what I’m doing just have some fun,” Max replies while simultaneously taking a sharp right turn which causes another scream from Tess.
“Sorry I’m just not used to going this fast,” Tess states while slightly closing her eyes, “So Max where’d you learn to ride.”
“Well.....I didn’t tell you but I used to live here,” Max replies , “I used to live right across that river over there.” He points towards the body of water. Slowing down a little to get a better view.
“Really why didn’t you tell me that,” Tess grabs on tighter as Max makes another tight turn. “You’re a crazy driver you know that.”
“Hahahaha......I guess that’s what happens when you become a jet pilot.......you just get used to speed.” Max explains. “So what exactly do you do for the team.”
“Well I’m the flight coordinator and I look over the test flight areas….you know dimensions, obstructions, basic information like that……..I also have to get the land official’s to cooperate with me.” replies
Tess. “It can get very frustrating sometimes.” Even with what she said Max can see that she’s really passionate about her job.
“I’m sure it can........do you ev.....” Max hears music coming from the radio its a womans voice reminding him of someone he’s heard before, reminding him of the past. “Wow this is a great song.” Max states almost hypnotized.
“I know isn’t it.... I love it too,” Tess grins.
“She sounds like a friend of mine,” Max says in thought. So familiar.
“You wish...... but that’s impossible cause she isn’t human,” Tess explains matter of factly.
“Wadda you mean?” Max asks as he pulls another turn.
“That’s Shay Shap and she’s a robot,” states Tess.
“Oh I see,” Max agrees confused.
******************************************
Press conference Earth.
“Where’s Shay Shap?” a reporter asks. Dozens of reporters are gathered around a conference room table. lights are flashing as the mob is let in.
“I’m Shay’s owner Dan Raymond, she is still getting ready for her performance on Antar,” Dan looks at the woman beside him and says, “this is Shay’s producer Liz Parker and she will answer all the questions you have.”
“Ms. Parker are you ready for Shay’s first performance on Antar?” a reporter
asks abruptly while sticking out her recorder.
“Yes Shay is very excited about this upcoming performance.” Liz says shyly. She seems slightly uncomfortable with the situation.
“Is it really possible for a robot to have emotions,” another reporter asks.
“Yes Shay has all the emotion’s that we humans have and she would be hurt if she heard you asked that question,” Liz replies and the whole conference room laughs with her. She bites her bottom lip obviously still uneasy even with a slightly better atmosphere in the room.
“Will this show be as explosive as all her performances are known for,” someone asks.
“Yes we have something different planned for you, I sure it will be a great show,” Liz responds smiling. “Maybe even better than her normal performances…..you’ll just have to wait and see.”
****************************************
Michael is in the cafeteria with the rest of his team. After a hard days work he is happy to finally get a break He grabs some lunch and heads to the table. He has never experienced a plane like the YF-21 before. He was told that it runs on a totally different technology than the blue team’s YF-19. It works by hooking your brain straight to the plane. It was hard to process how to control it at first but Michael got the hang of it. If he could explain the feeling, it would be like how you fly in a dream. Your in the cockpit But once they hook you up the plane disappears from your eyesight. The computer transmits an image of how the view would look like without the plane. So it seems like you are just sitting there flying through mid air. It amazing and disturbing feeling all at the same time, but it works your head really hard. Causing short headaches after flight.
“Hey did you hear the news,” his tablemate asks him breaking him from his thoughts.
“No I didn’t,” Michael replies and takes a bite of his sandwich not showing much interest. Someone
switches on the television.
“The blue team got screwed over, their pilot just deserted them,” the person starts to laugh, “We’ve got this project down, I’m sure it will be easy to win the grant.”
“We better not underestimate them,” Michael states while finishing off his sandwich, “you never know what they’ve got under their slee......” Michael suddenly hears a familiar voice coming from the television. He turns towards the television to see who it is. He is startled by what he sees. “Liz?”