Of HummingBirds and 'Hawks

Of HummingBirds and Hawks

It's me again. I'm back. Aren't you just thrilled? Hehehe I bet.

Anyways, I want to tell you about my latest little adventure. It's about how I got the HummingBird and How I meet the Silverhawks.

Thus far I had managed to avoid meeting any of the Local Hawks now for the last several months. Lucky I guess. Then my luck ran short… Again!

I had to go back to Earth to straighten out some things. Seems somewhere along the lines of my transfer to Limbo, my bank got confused. Needless to say I had to straighten it out pretty quick since I was running a little low on cash. Granted I didn't have any major bills and what I made doing Courier work could cover it, but I like having a little nest egg to tide me over on things. I was going to be stuck dirt-side for several weeks and I hated it. By the second day on Earth I was going crazy to be back up in space.

Did you know that with what I had received from everything I would be in the top 50 richest people in Limbo? Me Neither. Boy would Mon*Star have a fit if he knew. Boy, Would a Lot of people have a fit if they knew!

Back to what I was saying.

I managed to get a place to stay at the Military HQ. It's nice to get some perks due to my Rank, even thought I was officially retired. I had an appointment with the Finance Director the next day so I was wasting time by wondering about. I went into town and headed for the local music shops. I hit the Jackpot. They were having a sale on some oldies type Rock & Roll. Bon Jovi, Europe, T'Pau, Gary Hoey, Guns'N'Roses just to name a few. I just about bought them out.

Heading back to base I passed the hangers. In one I spotted the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. It was small, sleek and very fast looking. And that was with it on the ground! I was almost drooling over the thought of being able to get in the pilot's seat and fly that thing. Little did I know what Fates and the High Command had in store for me.

Parking my rental car next to the hanger I got out and went to take a closer look. Being up close I could see the neglect it had been given. A fine layer of dust covered the wings and cockpit canopy. What a waste. So I took matters into my own hands and went to look for the Local Officer in charge. I was determined to have that baby. No matter the cost.

Once I found the guy, I got him to look up info on that ship. Turns out it was a decommissioned fighter from that little fray that took me out of action. The last person to pilot it was KIA. That sucked. No body that flew it ever had much luck it seemed. It was deemed a cursed ship and everyone refused to fly it so it got sacked. Now most… wait, what am I saying? All pilots are superstitious in one way or another. And the High Command wasn't about to loose anyone so they bowed before the greater demand and retired it. After a bit of haggling, wheedling and just plain brow-beating the guy by pulling rank, I got the paperwork for the ship.

With a wolfish grin I got into the car and headed back to the HQ.

Three days, and a lot of money, the Ship was mine. Now I'm only in the Top 100 Richest people in Limbo. Oh well, it was worth it.

In my time I tracked down a mechanic that was able to help me refurbish the ship. It took several weeks longer then I thought. Uugh! Dirt-side for over a month! But when it was all said and done with, The HummingBird was ready to fly.

I didn't name it that, the Mechanic did. He was from South America as it turned out. The Real name is Tezcatapolic. Or in English "Hummingbird on the Left." I think that was some ancient Aztec God. Not sure. The throat area was pained a bright scarlet, the belly was midnight black. The head, back and wings were painted bright jewel tone blues and greens. It was beautiful. It was ready to fly, and I was more then ready to leave.

Then High Command steps in and has a 'Request' of me. Seems they have something that has to be in Limbo and at HawkHaven ASAP. If I would to this one last mission for them they would provide the fuel and the booster rocket needed.

I agreed just to get back into space. And they neglected to tell me I had to pick up my pension checks at HawkHaven from now on. Boy, was I a sucker!

Now here I am, on the flight pad, talking to you as I wait for the "package" to arrive so I can get off this dirtball. Life's a real kick in the tail feathers sometimes.

What's this I'm seeing out of the corner of my eye? Well, well, it's about time the package showed up! Hmmm, must be pretty heavy if they need two people to wheel it in. I'd better find out what exactly I'm delivering here.

"Hey there, what have you got for me?"

"It says 'TOP SECRET' big and bold on there, so how should I know?" the woman answered.

"Personally, I think it's some sort of new top secret weapon," the man added.

"Hmmm...well, as long as it's not anything illegal. I doubt it is because of where I'm taking it. Wheel it up into my cargo hold, will ya. I've got to get goin'."

"Oh, I gotta tell you this," the woman said tapping my arm. "This package comes with special instructions. It's really delicate so it can't be jostled in any kind of way."

"What the hell's in that thing? Explosives?"

"Like I told you before, I don't know. Just follow the instructions. We'll make sure it's secure in the hold. After that, it's up to you to keep it that way."

Damn! I wish I knew what was in that thing! I didn't want to be disintegrated by some volatile explosive!

Muttering Foully to myself I go to check on it once the Package is loaded. Just to be sure those two did it right. "Bloody High minded Command. They think my baby is a fricken Space hauler! If I had know I would be hauling something This big back I'd have brought the Blue Goose." Ah well. Time to get in the pilot's seat and leave.

My music is loaded and ready also. Def Leppard will start it out with 'Rocket.' Once I'm in flight I will change it some to reflect my payload. Something easy going.

"Tower, this is HummingBird. I'm docked with the Booster, Fuel's topped off, all systems are green for go. I'm ready for Launch when you are." I say smoothly, the music playing in the background.

"HummingBird, this is Tower. All systems are go on our screens. Prepare for Launch in T-minus 1 minute." It comes over the com crystal clear.

"Roger Tower" I reply back automatically. Relaxing back in my seat, checking my harness as I do.

Flicking a button the Music cranks up, Loud. I've timed it perfect. When they start the Countdown in the Song, the true countdown closes in.

"..5..4..3..2..1..0…. We have Lift Off"

The Booster ignites and the rumble can be felt as well as heard. Slowly as if in a dream everything starts to move, then gets faster. The light blue of the clear sky starts to deepen towards the Black of space. I'm coming home.

"Thanks for the Boost Tower."

"Your Welcome HummingBird. Have a Good Flight."

"Thanks, HummingBird out" I close the Com down and grin like a maniac. "Off we go, Into the wild Blue Yonder…" I sing then start to laugh. I can't sing and I know it.

"Limbo here I come."

About half way through the trip, I decided to take a break. I turned on the auto pilot and went to get some grub out of my little "kitchenet." While I ate, something was really bugging me. I was really curious about what was in the top secret package. Problem was the package was tamper proof, so if I had opened it there would be obvious evidence. I decided to use a little ingenuity and use my on board scanner to take a peek inside. I usually used it to make sure I wasn't transporting anything illegal.

"Computer, give me a scan on that package in the cargo bay."

"Scanning now..."

As I watched the screen, the inside of the package was revealed layer by layer. The first layer appeared to be some sort of large barrel with tubes attached to some sort of tank. The second layer revealed what the barrel contained. It looked like some sort of liquid. I wasn't interested in the liquid, but what was floating in it. I sure wasn't expecting to see a body! It appeared to be the size of a toddler. It obviously wasn't human because the skin was an eerie translucent bluish gray. I remember thinking, "Oh ,my God, they have me transporting a dead body!" I knew I had spoken too soon when the thing moved! It seemed to stretch and yawn before curling up into a little ball, like a baby in the womb. What in the world had High Command gotten me into now? I had half a mind to turn back and take that thing back where it came from! But I was already closer to Limbo than I was Earth. When I saw the gaping maw of that worm hole that had been stabilized a few years ago on my screen, I knew it was time for me to strap myself down. I hate going through those things. They always leave me nauseated.

Strapped in, head tilted back. Arms crossed over my chest, hands gripping my shoulders. Eyes closed. It's easier that way. Plus I shut off the music. It's going to be bad enough as is.

I trust the Autopilot enough to take control though the worm hole. It's safer that way. No possibility of fatal human error. Besides, just about all ships that travels the worm hole either use Autopilot or have robots pilot them though. At least the ones I know of do.

Taking a deep breath and letting it out as we close in. Now I wish I was on a Transport. I could have taken something to knock me out for the wild ride ahead of me. Too late now.

I feel a subtle shudder run though the HummingBird. Everyone has different reactions to traveling the worm hole. Mine is like a bad acid trip. I can taste motions, see sounds and feel colors.

'Goddess Let this be over with soon!' It's all I can think of at the moment.

Stomach roiling. Sense of balance is gone.

Swallowing to keep from puking all over everything. I open my eyes a moment and shut them again, wishing I had never done that. Colors I can't even name swirled about the HummingBird.

Once this is over, I am defiantly going to puke. Wish I hadn't ate anything just before this.

After what feels like an eternity, my balance returns. The Autopilot is beeping to let me know we're on the other side. It takes a few tries but I shut off the noise and let the Hummingbird coast till I can get myself together again.

Right now I don't give a damn about that "Special" Package I'm carrying or it's condition. I can check in a few.

The wormhole opens just past the Light Year Limit. I still had a bit of time left in my trip. After my little bout of barfing in the bathroom, I cleaned up and brushed my teeth. I slowly sat back down in my pilot's seat to run another scan on the package. Heh. The thing was still curled up in the fetal position. At least somebody got through the wormhole the same way they came in. Moments later, it stretched again and turned, it's face in full view on the screen. Then it opened its eyes, which were black with a white pupil. Sort of like a human's eyes in the negative. Then something even more weird happened. The creature seemed to look dead at me. Then it's face started changing shape. About ten seconds later the transformation was complete. I then realized I was looking at my own face!

"Computer, discontinue scan!"

"Scanning aborted."

Man, that was really creepy! How in the world did that thing change shape like that and how did it imitate my face? How did it even see me? It's behavior did give me a clue as to what it was. I suspected it was some sort of shape shifting biodroid called a Dopplemorph. That only brought even more questions to my mind. What in the world did the SilverHawks need with a Dopplemorph?

As I sit there in the pilot's seat, I think over my actions so far. I need to cover my ass just incase anything happens. After all that creepy Dopplemorph is suppose to be 'Top Secret', which means I'm not suppose to have scanned the package.

"Computer, Delete all records of scans from the past 24 hours. Main memory and Back-up Memory"

"Authorization Code required."

"Authorization Code: Tango, Epsilon, Zulu, 9, 9, 5, Charlie, Alpha, Tango, 1, 2, 1, 7"

"Authorization Code accepted. All scan records for the last 24 hours have been deleted from main data memory and back-up data memory."

Good. Now I need to take care of getting it to HawkHaven in one piece. Looking over the controls and nodding to myself I start to reach forward to bring everything back to life.

'First impressions are lasting impressions, Heyoka. Better make the first stand out in their mind!' A voice seemed to say in my head.

Damn you Kestrel, Always leaving bits of advice laying about in my head where I'll trip over it.

With a grunt of annoyance I got up again and went rummaging though my bag. Sure enough, a Flight Suit and matching Helmet was there, along with my Captain's Bars on the shoulders and a Name Badge. I read the name on it.

"Tezcatapolic SmokingMirror? You've got to be kidding me."

I groaned when I saw the design on both. A Hummingbird on the Left side of both the helmet and the flight suit. Both were in the same colors as the HummingBird. The suite was bright scarlet at the throat area, black in the front and green that shaded into blue in the back. The helmet was just blue and green.

"Oi Vey! There goes my reputation of dark and drab colors."

It took me a few moments to get into the suit. I think I was wiggling more the a stripper doing a lap dance!

"Finally!"

Returning to the pilot seat with the helmet on, only the bottom half of my face could be seen. I settled in and plugged in the helmet link. The visor display came to life in front of my eyes.

Everything was in gray for being on stand-by.

As I started tapping the controls, things shifted from stand-by to the green of ready. It was time to go.

Easing the throttle forward, my speed increased from the slow drift to a smooth pace. I decided to take it easy though the Light-Year Limit. No sense in bouncing myself all over the place.

The 'Package' is an entirely different matter. It could get scrambled for all that I care. Damned creepy thing that it was. Already had Molecular on the loose in Limbo. Don't need another like him running loose.

Once I made it though the Limit, I pushed the throttle forward to about half maximum speed. I think I was going almost twice the local speed limit. Not sure.

I wanted that THING off my ship ASAP.

After navigating my way through the asteroid belt known as the Light-Year Limit, I decided to pick up speed since my path was now clear. Soon I saw the planet of Bedlama. Hawk Haven was in orbit above it. Great. Soon I would be able to unload that package of theirs and be on my way.

The SilverHawks must have been in as much of a hurry to get their package as I was to get it off my ship, because someone was already in the hangar bay waiting for me. Handsome guy with silver armor and bluish gray eyes. I figured he must be Lieutenant QuickSilver. I heard he's the no nonsense type. He greeted me with a firm handshake.

After shaking his hand I hand him a clipboard for his signature.

"Sign while I open up" I say as remove my helmet and drop it into the pilot's seat. I'm a stickler when it comes to getting packages signed for. No signature, No package. Period. Even if I don't like what I'm carrying on board my ship.

From there I move around to the cargo hatch, enter the release code and step to the side as the hatch lowers to the ground. Once it's gone from my ship I can do a once over then find the Commander. I need to let him know my pension is going to be coming via the SilverHawks Payroll for now. I'd be ticked if it got sent back because no one knew who it was for.

After the crate was unloaded, QuickSilver called over a young man with blue armor and blond hair. Called him Moonstryker.

"Moonstryker, help me wheel this package to the lab, will you?"

"Yes sir, Lieutenant!" the young man responded with a salute.

Before they got too busy I made sure to ask how to find Stargazer.

"Excuse me, I need to see the Commander about some important business. Could you tell me where to find him?"

"Sure. Take that elevator on the other side of the hangar to the third level. You'll get off at the duty stations. go around the other side of the central station and you'll see a ramp. Go down the ramp and you'll see the Commander's office door."

"Thanks, I appreciate that, Lieutenant." I followed QuickSilver's directions. They were pretty straight forward so I had no problem finding the Commander's office. It had and old fashioned wooden door with a plexi-glass window with 'Commander Stargazer (Private)' written on it.

I take a moment to run a hand over my hair then knock on the door.

"Enter" a gruff voice calls out from the other side after a moment or two.

I turn the door handle and enter. Pausing in the door way just long enough to do a quick scan of the room, then entering and closing it behind me.

"Commander Stargazer?" I toss off a salute after approaching the desk. As a Courtesy of rank only. "I'm Phantom"

Stargazer leaned back in his chair, his ankle crossed over his knee. "A New SilverHawk? I wasn't informed. " He eyes me up and down a moment taking in my flight suite, one hand rubbing his chin. His eyes stop on my Captain bars before looking me in the face again.

I just chuckle. "No Sir, I'm retired out of the Service. Just wanted to let you know my Pension is going to be coming here."

To look at me, one would think I was older then the Commander. My hair is more iron-gray then brown and there are tiny crows feet about my blue-gray eyes.

I hear the gears whirl in his one eye piece as his eyebrow arches up. "Retired? Then what are you doing with a SH-375 Mach 5 Fighter?"

"I own it." I reply. "You should be getting an official copy of my File from Command back on Earth in the next Payroll." Arms crossed over my chest as I stand at ease, waiting.

"Well, looks like this won't be my last time seeing you then," Stargazer replied with a smile. "I did get a notice that someone's pension would be sent here. You must be Zannatasia Izzabella."

"That's right, sir."

"I'll definitely keep and eye out for it."

"Thank you, sir."

Well, at least he knew the check was coming. I also made sure to ask if their pilot or one of their technicians could give my ship a good looking over.

"I'm sure Bluegrass and the Steel Twins wouldn't mind looking over that baby. I haven't seen one of those in quite a while. And I'm sure they would enjoy working on a classic."

"Great! I guess I'll be heading to the hangar then." Before I could even make it out of the door, the COM went off.

"Stargazer here."

"Uh, Commander, could you detain that courier for a few moments. There seems to be a problem with our special package here."

"What kind of problem, SteelWill?"

"When we opened the barrel there was nothing in there, sir."

"What?!" Stargazer then gave me an accusing look.

"Now hold on! I never touched that package! I wasn't even the one who brought it on board!"

"Commander, there's no sign of any tampering, so I'm thinking it must have opened it itself somehow."

"Ok, SteelWill, you know what has to be done. Seal off all exits and close all the vents. We've got to find it as soon as possible." The Commander then looked back at me. "Looks like your ship is going to have to wait while. In the meantime, I need you to stay down in the rec room. Don't go anywhere until I instruct you to do so, understand?"

"Uh, yes sir." Marvelous. I thought I was scott free once I got that thing off my ship. Looks like my problems were just beginning.

I gather that the rec room was on the second floor so I took the lift down to that level.

"Let's see…." I muttered to myself as I glance into the open doors looking for the rec room.

"Nope, not this one…." Next open door.

"Defiantly not that one," Someone had left their room open it seemed.

"..errr…Mess hall.. mmm Coffee….." went in and grabbed me a cup then continued to look.

"Ah-ha. Here we go." Looking about the room. "Yep it's a Military outpost." Walls were that uniform blah color. A book or three was piled up on one table along with a stack of magazines. Over to the side was a small, but compact entertainment system, along with several vids. On another table was a worn deck of cards. That would keep me entertained for a little bit.

I may have to arrange certain items to arrive by 'Special Deliveries'. And I know Just the right people back on Earth. Drop a hint here, a suggestion there and soon enough, things will arrive. I know what it is like to live in a place far from one's homeland. I've been doing it for the past half-a-dozen years.

Like the SilverHawks here in Limbo, I've done it all by choice.

I had a nice game of solitaire going until someone else entered the rec room. A little guy with a cigarette in his left hand. At first he seemed surprised to see me, then shrugged his shoulders and made his way over to the other side of the room and lit up. I guess he didn't want to offend me with the smoke.

"I don't mind if you smoke." He raised a pencil thin eyebrow then looked back down at the cigarette. "C'mon. Have a seat. I don't bite. Would you like to play a game of cards?" I think the little guy said yes, but his voice sounded so strange. Like he was half singing, half talking. "By the way, the name's Phantom." From what I understood, he said his name was Mikel.

With him smoking I almost wish I hadn't quite a few years ago. But what I smoked wasn't considered the healthiest.

I set the cards in front of him and let him choose the game to be played. Leaning back I unzip the flight suit down some. No need to be formal the entire time.

"Name the game and the stakes." I can deal in either money or favors owed.

It was decided that we'd play a couple hands of poker. He said if he won, I'd have to take him on my ship to give him a personal tour. I said if I won, he'd have to tell me what type of cigarettes those were and where I could get some. I knew it wasn't tobacco. The scent was too sweet and pleasant. I couldn't place the scent though.

I'll be the first to admit, poker, while a good game, is not my best. I prefer blackjack or solitaire. Looks like Mikel is going to be getting that personal tour. But hey, that's how the toss of the coin lands, you know?

While I play I absently toy with my necklace. It's a miniature dreamcatcher with tiny silver feathers. Semi-imposed over it is a pentacle. It was a gift from friends. I don't know what it is, but something is raising my hackles at being stuck here at the moment.

Probably that dopplemorph being on the loose in Hawk Haven I think to myself.

Mikel laid his final hand down with an impish grin. I could tell he was pretty confident that he had won. He was right.

"Well, well, Little Whistler, looks like you beat me hands down. As soon as the Commander gives the go ahead for me leaving here you'll get your tour." I found that if I listened carefully I could actually understand the little guy.

"I should have let you know I've never lost at poker. The only other who has the nerve to play me is Bluegrass."

"Well, I'll be damned. Next time I choose the game." He gave me a thumbs up.

"By the way, I'm smoking peace flower leaves. It's for my hyperpyclasia, a nervous condition I was born with."

I just chuckle and shake my head. "I'd offer you my Peace Pipe, but 1) it's at home and 2) it's still got the peyote and rosehips in it and 3) unless you've some experience with the Mystic Arts, it can be….umm.. very strange. Maybe I should have some of them shipped back to Kestrel in Flight or SilverMoon. They might find those cigarettes useful in calming their kids. Goddess knows with eight under foot, four of which are twins, can try the patience of even a saint."

I gather the cards and absently shuffle though them. "Oh any preference in music? Sorry but if you say Country I'll have to kick you out of the HummingBird as I pass the Light-Year limit." I smirk.

Leaning forward my blue-gray eyes glint with hidden amusement "Would there be any restrictions on speed? I haven't had the chance to open her up fully. And can you stand combat moves?"

"Some Cherri Berri would be nice. The English version of course. Easier on human ears. As for speed and combat moves, have you ever heard about how I drive my Space racer? 'Nuf said."

Well, the deal was settled. We even shook on it. As it turns out, the little guy had a pretty interesting background. He's the youngest of a set of quadruplets, and all of them have hyperpyclasia.

"Boy, you guys must have driven your parents nuts!"

"No, but we came pretty close."

He also told me his godfather is the bass player for Cherri Berri. I wasn't too familiar with her music, but I had heard of her.

"We'll see if you have the same feelings after we get back. As for Cherri Berri.. Hmmm" I rub my chin in thought. "No idea if I have any of their music with me. I haven't gone though my flight bag to see what got sent home with me this trip around."

I return to shuffling the cards again. "Mind if I ask what it was I brought with me? I mean that package. If you can't tell I can respect that." I say with a nod of my head. "But I can tell you that what ever it was gave me the creeps the entire trip here. Felt like I was being watched."

"You mean the Omnimorph?" Omnimorph? What the heck is that?

"Okay, I've heard of the three major kinds of Biomorphs, but what's an Omnimorph?"

"An experimental Biodroid that can do everything the other three kinds can. That's why they are called Omnimorph. Omni meaning 'all."

Oh, damn! That's the last thing the universe needs! A more powerful Biomorph!

"What idiot decided to design such a thing?"

"That I can't tell you. I don't even know the answer to that."

I was about to change the subject when I noticed something strange. It was the smoke from Whistler's cigarette. It was way too thick to be coming from one cigarette. When I brought it to his attention, we both watched as the smoke thickened and stretched until it had the form of a body. It then solidified until we both saw that creepy, bluish-gray skinned thing I had delivered.

Ok, I was already skittish from the trip. When that Omnimorph did its appearing act, I was really freaked. I'm not afraid to admit it either! One could look in my eyes and tell it too. Normally they are blue-gray But they do change color. When I'm in a good mood they appear a lighter gray-blue, but when I'm scared or angry they turn a dark storm gray.

Before it had done more then appear I was out of the chair so fast that it clattered to the floor, and my pistol aimed at it. I let out a string of curses that could cause even the most foul mouthed person to stare in shock.

With my lips pulled back from my teeth I was snarling. "Kid, Better let the others know that, that package has been found." My voice is so low it's a growl.

"Ok, Phantom, don't make any sudden movements," the Kidd whispered as he slowly tapped his com link. I could hear the Commander's voice on the other end.

"Ok, Kidd, I'm sending Quicksilver and Hotwing to the rec room. Whatever you do, don't panic." Too little too late, Old Man. My heart was racing and I felt a little short of breath. Why was that thing staring at me?

"You have any idea what that thing is doing?"

"I think it's scanning you. Not sure why its focus is on you." Oh great. What's it think? I'm it's Mommy?

"Scanning me? Scanning me?!? What the fuck is it scanning me for?" Running a trembling hand though my hair. The one that held the pistol was rock steady though. I never took my eyes off the thing.

I was so hyper focused on it I never noticed when the others arrived.

When the Biodroid moved forward I automatically pulled the trigger. I thought it would go down then but it kept coming at me with a gaping hole where the left side of its face should have been. I watched as the creepy thing's face oozed back into place and looked as if it had never been shot. I fired again...and again. It finally stopped in front of me, it's right hand reaching for my leg.

It wouldn't take am empath to know I was at a point that I would either go berserk and attack anything or anyone that got too close. Or I would go catatonic and shut everything out completely.

I think the catatonia won out because I have no memory of what happened next.

As Phantom slowly crumpled to the ground, it withdrew, and fled the room as Quicksilver and Hotwing came in, leaving them to stumble after it, softly cursing.

When I opened my eyes, Whistler was fanning me with a magazine.

"Are you ok?"

"Uh...yeah. I guess so. What the hell happened?"

"You passed out."

"Well that's pretty obvious. Did they catch that thing yet?"

"Quicksilver and Hotwing captured it and deactivated it's shapeshifting mechanism. Will and his sister are checking its systems now. Water?" He held a chilled bottle of water up.

"Sure. I could use a drink," I chuckled as I opened it and took a swig. "Thanks, little guy."

I could have used something a lot stiffer then water, but from what I've seen so far nothing alcoholic is supposedly allowed inside the limit. Besides, first week here I don't need to go on a binge.

"Well, at least I didn't do too badly, just froze up then passed out. Could have been worse." I mutter to myself.

"Sorry, that thing just freaked me a bit worse then I expected." I say out loud as I run a hand though my hair, by way of an apology for firing at it.

At that moment I was summoned to the Commander's office. Somehow I knew that was coming. Whistler asked if he could join me to make sure I got there all right.

"I should be ok. That thing is restrained, right?"

"Yeah. It's deactivated."

"Good."

Zipping my suite back up to my chin, I then gathered what I brought with me and headed for the Commander's office. How come this felt like the times I got called to my Squad commander's office? Not like I had done anything…. Ok, so I fired my pistol a few times, What's the harm there?

When I got to the Commander's office he asked me to sit down right away. At first he didn't say anything. He just kind of stared off into space while tapping a pencil on his desk and running his tongue across his teeth.

I've played the waiting game before. So as he stares off I slouch down in the chair. After a little while I heard him clear his throat to get my attention. I must have zoned out for a bit.

"Yes?" I asked.

"You all right?"

"Um, pretty much."

"Heard you got a little trigger happy."

"You could say that."

"Got it out of your system?"

"Is that Omnimorph anywhere around?"

"Nope."

"Then yes I have, sir."

He just grunted about something that I didn't catch.

"Anything else? Am I free to go?"

"Yeah." He waves his hand in dismissal as I stand up.

I was nearly at the door when he spoke again.

"Oh, and Phantom. Keep out of trouble."

"Me? Keep out of trouble? I'll think about it." I chuckle as I glance over my shoulder.

"Get out of here"

When I stepped into the elevator to go to the lower levels, Golden Boy stepped out. He acknowledged me with a nod of his head and headed for the Commander's office. I just nodded back. Didn't have much to say to him. He didn't seem like the sociable type anyway. There was someone I did want to talk to. The Steel Twins. Heard they were the best technicians around. Maybe I could talk them into giving the HummingBird a good looking over.

As I exited the elevator I glanced around. Didn't see anyone right off the bat though I did hear some sounds coming from off to the side and back. Must be the workshop, repair bay, or whatever they call it. I started in that direction but stopped and glanced at the two ships that were sitting there. The Maraj and the SprintHawk I believe they were called. Looking over at my own ship I shook my head. These two were drab compared to mine, but still elegant in their own way. Sleek forms in hues of silver and blue. Deciding that this might be an only chance to look both over, I headed over to them.

I checked out the SprintHawk first. A little smaller then mine. Single seat from what I can see though the dark blue of the canopy. Pulling off a glove I ran my hand over the surface of the wing. Crouching down I look over the under side and the landing gear. Standing back up I walk around to look over the back and engines. Nice, but I have a feeling that the HummingBird can leave this one in the dust.

Now to look at the real prize piece of this flock, the Maraj. I start out at the back, eyeing the engines. This one will give me a run for my money in a head to head competition. I'm sure of it. I place a hand along the cool surface as I walk around the side, letting it slide along as I do. When I reach the outside pod I glance into it. Not much is there to see so I continue on. Same goes for the inside one next to the main body. When I reach the pilot's cockpit, that's where I take a closer look. While I wouldn't mind being able to get in and get a really close look at the interior, I'm not about to without permission. I shake my head and finish looking it over. The 'eyes' are laser ports from the look of things. As I pass the nose I give it a gentle pat.

Some may think I'm crazy, but I find that all ships have some type of personality. The SprintHawk is standoffish. He'll let others fly him, but only one truly can be his partner. The Maraj, on the other hand, is a laid back fun loving gal. She'll flirt with you and doesn't mind if someone other then her true pilot is at the controls.

"She is a beaut, ain't she?" came a voice from behind Phantom, startling her. She turned to see a Hawk with bright blue armor and a ten gallon hat. "Howdy, ma'am," he greeted with a tip of his hat.

"Hm? Aye." Nodding with a head in the direction of the Maraj. "You're her pilot aren't you?" she asked.

"How'd ya know?" He asked.

"She told me" Phantom said with a knowing smile.

Bluegrass' eyebrows raised at that comment. "That there ship can't talk." He pointed out.

Phantom's smile became a smirk as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Then you haven't been listening. She claims you as a lover whether or not you'll admit to it."

He sputtered at her comment a moment or two before grinning, the faintest of blushes tinting his cheeks as he reached up to scratch his forehead with one hand as his other came to rest on his hip. ".. yeah, well me and that gal there have been together for a long time." he did admit.

"Told you." She said. "I can also tell you the other one will accept no one as his equal but one person. Unless I miss my guess I'm saying that Lieutenant is the only one that flies him."

Bluegrass let out a low whistle. "Tarnation! You an sure match your ships to the right pilots." He shook his head. She was right though. Quicksilver was almost the only one that flew the SprintHawk. He decided to try and turn the tables on her then. "What about your ship." Jerking his thumb over his shoulder at the HummingBird. "What's the low-down between you two?"

"The HummingBird? We're partners. There can be no equality between us. He's a cold blooded killer."

"A Killer?" he turned to look at the ship again. He could see that it was a combat ship, looking it over from where he stood. "Well a combat ship usually is."

"Ah, but that ship saw only 1 combat mission before it was retired, but it does have 12 kills official." She grinned. "Every one of those kills were of the pilots that flew it. I'm number 13 to pilot it. And I can tell you that it will try it's hardest to add me to the list of kills it can claim."

"Catch ya later Fly boy." Was all that Phantom said as she turned and walked off to the Repair bay.

"uh... yeah." was all the reply she got back. The Cowboy was staring at the Hummingbird intently. As if he was expecting something to jump out at him. He was absently rubbing his arm, trying to get the goosebumps to go down.

Phantom had to chuckle mentally. Not often she got to spook another pilot. And considering the guts it took to come out to this part of the Galaxy, well, it was saying something.

As she entered the repair bay area proper, she looked around. There were parts and pieces scattered everywhere. Organized Chaos as she would call it. A pair of Robotic birds watched her from a wall perch.

She stood there a few more minutes before she located the Steel Twins. They were both burried up to their waist in something. One from up top, the other from down below. Seeing how she wasn't going to be getting their attention anytime soon, she picked up a wrench and hit it up against the side of the work bench.

"Yo! Anyone home?"

SteelWill jerked in surprise, dropping the tool he was holding and letting go of a oil line. He made a bunch of strangled noises as the black liquid splashed him across the face. He slid out from under it, still sputtering. " Sis..." he trailed off as he spotted Phantom standing there. And all he could do was stare.

SteelHeart on the other had started cursing as she looked up, pretty mad because they had been interrupted in their work. "When I get my hands on the person..." she trailed off when she noticed her brother was just staring at someone. Turning to look, she glanced at Phantom, measuring her as it were. When she looked back at Will, she just rolled her eyes and snorted.

Phantom just smirked at Steelheart's words. She was use to that from techs when she entered their domains. Especially if she interrupted their work on something. "The old man upstairs said to come down here to work out a deal with you two."

"What type of deal?" 'Heart asked suspiciously. She planned on contacting the Commander to confirm it after the stranger had left. Never knew what the Mob might try and do.

"A trade off. Advanced maintenance in exchange for data I acquire in my travels. New courier for the area." she said as way of explanation. "And does he always just stare like that?"

'Heart turned to look at her brother and shook her head with a sigh. ::Will, your staring. Knock it off::

"Huh? Oh.. sorry," he said as he caught the rag tossed to him and started wiping off the oil that was still on his face. "Where's your ship?" he asked.

"Out there," Phantom replied jerking her thumb towards the hanger bay.

"Now or later?" SteelHeart asked.

"Later, got some things I still have to take care of." Phantom said.

SteelHeart nodded then turned back to the Gizmo that her and her brother had been working on.

Phantom wasn't offended in the least when they went back to working on it. She knew most techs were off in their own worlds. She started to turn away but stopped. "Hey, big guy."

"Uh.. yeah?" Will asked, surprised that she was speaking to him.

"You got oil on your cheek still" and with that she was gone.

"..Thanks..." he said softly as he watched her leave. "Wow..... you think that she'd...um.. that I'd.." he trailed off.

"Gotta ask to find out." His sister said. "Now let's finish this up." 'oh lord, when he falls, he falls hard.' she thought privately to herself.

Back in the Main hanger, Phantom was climbing into the Hummingbird and bringing it back to life. "Well this has certainly been an interesting first meeting." she muttered to herself. "Ah well, that's life."

With that, the small ship left Hawk Haven.

~Fini~