Fan Fiction / Zoids Fan Fiction ❯ The Boundaries of Parents ❯ Loyalty ( Chapter 9 )

Van's family walked in with solemn faces. Rob and Karl wanted to say something, but what could they say to ease terrified parents?

"We're going to put the Liger Zero on a Gustav and have three Zoids flanking it on either side. Van, you and the Blade Liger will be on one side, Irvine and the Lightning Saix on the other, and Thomas will cover the rear with his Dibison. I've called in an expert transporter that I know we can all trust."

Rob stepped aside and opened a door. Moonbay walked in without any emotion on her face. She had already been briefed on the entire situation. She dropped what she was doing to rush to her friends' side.

Fiona couldn't believe her eyes. "Moonbay! Oh, thank goodness, it's you!"

Van and the others were just as glad to have her there. Irvine tried to break the serious condition in the room, "So how much did they have to pay you to drag you here?"

Moonbay lightly punched him in the arm, "I think I gave Herman quite the bargain."

"I realize these aren't the greatest circumstances to be meeting again. But I agree with Fiona, we couldn't be happier to see you."

The pleasantries had to wait until after the transfer to Red River Base. Each member of the Guardian Force was preparing their Zoids, while Fiona and Moonbay had a talk by the new Liger.

"It's magnificent." Moonbay was just as impressed with the Liger as everybody else.

"I trust you as much as I trust Van and Irvine and Thomas." Fiona's statement had come out of the blue.

"I'm glad to hear it, but I have a feeling there's something you need. What is it?"

"You were informed of everything?"

"Everything." Moonbay said seriously.

"If something were to happen to me or Van…" Moonbay didn't let her finish.

"Don't think like that."

Fiona dropped her eyes, "I can't help it."

Meanwhile, Van was having a similar conversation with Zeke. "I don't know what you and Fiona were talking about, but it doesn't matter. Whatever it was, it's between you and her. Zeke, I need you to listen to me very carefully."

The organoid didn't like what he was about to hear, but he listened obediently.

"I want my son to grow up and be able to see the world. He's formed a bit of a bond with you and the Liger Zero, and I couldn't be prouder. He has his whole life ahead of him, and I won't allow someone to take that away from him. Maybe he'll be the greatest pilot the world has ever seen, or maybe he'll fight for continuing peace in another way. I need you to watch out for him no matter what. Be there for him, just in case I can't."

Zeke softly moaned and didn't look at Van. He gently patted the top of his head, and gave him a weak smile. "Let's mobilize."

Another group was preparing to mobilize, also. When a base was about to run a training exercise, or prepare for battle, all the surrounding communities knew about it. It wasn't hard for the Ice Daggers to figure out the Guardian Force was transferring the Liger Zero.

"Man, you're brilliant!" Spence called out from the back of the Storm Sworder.

"We'll celebrate after we get the Zoid. Remember, we'll keep them in range of the radar, and we won't strike until their midway to the destination. At that point, the forces that were escorting them from this base will withdraw, and it will be about half an hour before the escorts from Red River get to them."

Nick called out from the Command Wolf, "It shouldn't be too hard to disable the transporter. Once that's done, how are we going to get Spence to the Liger?"

"I'll drop him from the sky. They shouldn't notice him while you two are keeping them busy. After he reaches the cockpit, I'll give you guys back up."

"Aren't we forgetting something?" Jaq called out from the Shield Liger.

"Yeah, I know, but some sacrifices have to be made. We can't get both the Liger and the CAS's. Who knows though? We might get lucky. By the way, how does our new home look?"

Jaq was sent out to find a new place and move the important equipment there. "Looks great. You'll be pleased."

"The Guardian Force won't know what hit them." Nick was supremely satisfied.

"Oh, and make sure the main target is still the Blade Liger. We should leave the captain with quite an impression." Both Nick and Jaq responded positively.

"Are you going to call of the bounty?" Nick asked.

"I don't think so. It'll prevent him from hunting for a long time. We strike fast, and retreat just as quickly. We won't leave them with an opportunity to track us."

"Understood." The call came back from her teammates.