They paused in the conversation as the roar of low flying jets went by, their trails showing in the clear night air.
“At least we won’t have to worry about any surprises on our tail,” Laredo said over the network. “As to your pow-wow about militias, we have been gathering both a Navy and an Air Force. Air support wins wars. The Valkyrie is a jewel because of the helicopter pads and RGM-84 rocket emplacement. I never thought I’d say this either, but it may be time to think about preparing for war on American soil.”
“If it comes to that I know we won’t be running to the island,” Clint said. “That’s why it will be important to secure the compound at Pilot Hill. If we did train an actual militia it would have to be done there. We’ll need an airfield and definite helicopter landing zones with hangars for anything we have. I like the armed militia idea for one reason more than anything else – I don’t want citizens dying while trying to fight off an enemy while outgunned.”
“I know you’ve been listenin’, Denny,” Lynn said. “What do you think?”
“I think it’s a damn good idea. I’m in all the way. From now on we take all the weapons with us, starting with the Tempest. The drugs will be enough to explain our interdiction, not that I plan on sharing shit unless Mexico gets involved. Don’t forget we’ll have two new enemies in the Mexican government if our evidence gets ignored by El Presidente and the rest of the cabinet ministers.”
“We’re two minutes out,” Laredo said. “Light up my LZ, John.”
“On it,” Harding said. “I wish I would have been on the Stealth when the Unholy Trio splashed the jet. I think I would have hit it with the RGM-84, but too damn late to save any of you. That was a hell of an action sequence from the Stealth cams.”
“LZ lit. Coming in. Hold her steady, Issac.”
Issac laughed with Lucas from the Valkyrie bridge. “Would if I could, my friend. I have heard you old Vietnam pilots can land anything anywhere.”
“Very true statement,” Laredo replied, easing the Stealth down onto the bobbing Valkyrie helicopter pad. “How’s it looking for a Monster Island run, Lucas?”
“We’re shorthanded to drive both boats but I agree with what Case said. We need to move immediately. You know… I bet we could afford to buy a couple of combat jets. It seems we’re constantly getting close calls with our missions, involving some jackasses with jets.” Lucas paused for a moment before going on. “Nick? Weren’t you qualified on fighter jets? I read it in your Delta file when you were transferred into my training group.”
“Yep. That was a long time ago, Lucas. No one wanted me to fly jets. It was a skill paid for so I could possibly bail my team out on a mission because I had an aptitude for it. The Air Force flight instructors were none too happy teaching an uneducated army puke. Why?”
“We have John and Laredo qualified on jets. If we got you a refresher course would you add on to our qualified pilot reserve program?”
“Sure. I’m glad we talked this out. The militia idea has been drifting around in my head for a while now,” Nick responded as Laredo settled the Stealth into place. “We already know out here the vocal contingent of Californians have bought into every liberal bullshit program on earth. They’re waiting for the chains with bonged out brains and a stupid smile on their face. I’d like to reach the veterans from our area who would join us if we need an army to stop these bastards.”
The combatants exited the Stealth with Johnny and Gus helping carry the lucky weapons with Nick. Cala ran over to grip Johnny’s arm, leaning her head into his shoulder. John Harding, Lucas, Jafar, Denny, Tommy, Del, Jesse, and Issac welcomed back their friends. The minions had Fernando and Senta in control on the amidships deck.
“We heard we’re crewing the Tempest to Monster Island,” Tommy said to Gus. “Which one are you going to pilot?”
“It’s decided already, T,” Lucas said. “Gus and Issac will pilot the Tempest. I’ll pilot the Valkyrie with Jafar and Cala helping. We definitely need more trained boat drivers for our naval operations. When do you all think we should leave? Denny and I are thinking the sooner the better if we want to maintain ownership of the Tempest. Anyone think of a name to reregister her under?”
“You’re the admiral of the fleet, Ahab,” Lynn said. “Pick a name.”
“Well… I did a stint aboard an aircraft carrier back in the day in the Marine detachment between deployments: the USS Ranger. They’ve scrapped her but the name’s a good one. Let’s call her Ranger.”
“I like it,” Lynn replied. “All in favor say aye.”
A chorus of ayes reinforced Lucas’s pick for the new name.
“We’ll have to make the Ranger into a ship to be reckoned with,” Harding said.