Return of Jetman Episode 7

RETURN OF JETMAN

"Confrontation"
(Episode 7)
by Christopher Elam
(based on the work of Lewis Smith)
© 2003 Christopher Elam
Dedicated to Roy Thomas & John Buscema

 

Hedes nervously followed his master Lord Xenotos into the main hangar of the spaceship Helldevil. There Miira was already manning the controls of the rocket-powered chariot Skysatan.

"My lord," Hedes meekly protested to the barely listening Xenotos. "I do not see the need for me to accompany you on this mission. My expertise is not in the field of combat."

"You will come because I desire you to be there," Lord Xenotos rebuked sharply. "Is that not reason enough?"

Hedes lowered his head in fear. "Forgive my presumption, my lord. I am your faithful vizier."

"Indeed you are," Lord Xenotos stated as he placed a hand on the trembling Hedes' shoulder. "I am merely anxious to see this plan go into action. You created the Chaos Beasts and you are invaluable to our efforts."

Hedes felt the fear drain from him as he heard his master's praise. Pride and resolve replaced his dread. He would go. His exo-skeleton would provide him with any protection he might need from danger. And he would witness the beginning of the end of the human race and the start of a new era for his world.

Lord Xenotos and Hedes boarded the Skysatan. Miira pressed a button and the clear atmosphere dome slid up from the sides and locked into place. She made a final check. All systems go.

"I have been waiting for this day since we entered this solar system," Miira said as she fired up the rockets. "I've longed for the moment when I could pilot the Skysatan down to that planet and rain terror down on the Earthlings."

"The time is nigh, my love," Lord Xenotos confirmed. "The human beings will soon face an attack unlike any they have ever experienced!"

***

Ken sat alone at the conference table, his feet propped up lazily. He idly thumbed through one of the magazines Gohan had left lying around as the screens on the monitor bank were lit up with activity. But they weren't tuned to a breaking crisis. They were instead on...a talk show.

Ken tried to concentrate as the host directed another probing question to his guest. She handled it as deftly as she had all the others. Ken was only half paying attention, but he knew she was still winning over the audience. She was charismatic, accessible, believable - he just couldn't understand her problem. Why was Michiru Oshima so dedicated to proving that Gai Yuki was alive?

The articles like the one he had been reading had been one thing. But now she had made it to TV, too. This was starting to get serious. She was questioning the very credibility of Jetman as protectors of the people. It hadn't helped that none of their missions had been high profile public spectacles.

All of this over Gai Yuki. Ken wondered if maybe it was time to drop the pretense and let everyone in on the big secret.

That was the moment Jet Phoenix entered the room with the rest of the team following close behind him. "Are you busy Ken?" he asked almost playfully as he carefully guarded the box he carried under his arm.

"What? Oh, ah, no, not really," an obviously rattled Ken replied. Thinking of a way to recover, Ken gestured to the monitors.

"How long are we going to let her get away with that?" he asked as he pointed to Michiru Oshima. "She keeps trashing us and we don't do a thing!"

Jet Phoenix's gaze shifted to the monitors and he seemed to lose himself in thought. After a few moments, he snapped himself back to attention. "I've made some arrangements with her editor to talk to her," he responded finally. "Beyond that, we'll see."

"Now then," Jet Phoenix said as he clicked off the monitors, "the rest of us are ready for a meeting. Are you?"

Ken straightened himself out as the rest of the team took their seats around the table. Jet Phoenix set the box down and addressed his charges.

"As you may know, we've encountered some problems with the Wing Swords," he explained as he opened the box. "Specifically, they've been unable to withstand some of the pressure we've put on them. Well, I've developed a solution."

Jet Phoenix pulled several weapons from the box. "These are our new Jet Weapons. They're based on the technology in the Wyvern Boomerang and the King Saber which Gai brought us. We'll keep the Wing Swords as sidearms, but all of you will have a specialized weapon now."

Jet Phoenix passed the Jet Weapons out and each Jetman studied theirs closely. "Gai will keep the King Saber, of course," he said. "Ken will have the Condor Lance, Etsuko the Swan Mace, Gohan the Owl Axe, and Reiko the Swallow Bow. Later today, we'll have a practice session with them so everyone can get comfortable with them. Right now though, we have some other business to attend to first."

Jet Phoenix took a deep breath. "I've been in discussions recently with my superiors at Skyforce and I've agreed to step down as field leader of Jetman."

Everyone was stunned. "B-b-but why?" Reiko stammered.

"Who's going to train us?" Gohan chimed in.

"Please, don't misunderstand," Jet Phoenix reassured. "I'll still be serving as commander of the team here at Skywatch. However, it's been decided to lessen my combat role."

"And why's that?" Ken wondered.

"Several reasons," Jet Phoenix answered. "One is that the Phoenix Fighter is a total loss and Skyforce simply cannot replace it while establishing a new base."

"So this is a budget cut?" Etsuko asked incredulously.

"Not really," was Jet Phoenix's answer. "I'll still have any necessary Skyforce equipment at my disposal. Since the special mecha is no longer available, I'll remain here on constant surveillance. I'll only go out under top level emergency circumstances."

Gai considered everything they had been told. "So, who'll be the new field leader?"

"I would've thought that was obvious, Gai. I've chosen you to lead the team."

"Me?"

"I don't think anyone can question your leadership and dedication. I know you'll do an excellent job."

Gai accepted the congratulations of his teammates with the humility that was his trademark. On the surface, everyone seemed pleased at the development. But Ken noticed the strain on Etsuko's face. The forced smile. And her eyes...

Ken knew why, of course. But what could he do?

"I'm glad everyone is so happy with the decision," Jet Phoenix said. "We'll adjourn for now and do that test run on the Jet Weapons during the training session."

Just then, the Skywatch alarms blared and the monitors flickered to life. The team hurried to the console to investigate. Jet Phoenix turned to them, knowing full well he couldn't go with them and hating every second of it.

"Looks like we'll be doing that test run now," he observed. "Scramble!"

***

Miira stood at the helm of Skysatan, relishing the thrill of attack as the Chaos Coalition hovered high above the city of Tokyo. The moment was here at last. They were going to end the human race's hold on the Earth.

She looked over to her husband Lord Xenotos as he prepared the chariot's audio systems to deliver his address. There had been those who had doubted her wisdom in joining with him all those years ago. It was unfortunate that those naysayers had all had their tongues stilled by execution. She would have asked them what they thought now as the Chaos Coalition was on the brink of their finest hour.

"People of Earth, your attention please," Lord Xenotos announced through the Universal Translator. "I am Lord Xenotos. Accompanying me are my consort Miira and vizier Hedes. Together we are the Chaos Coalition. We desire your planet for our own purposes and the human lifeform is not part of that plan. I will momentarily be raining down an army of monsters that are intended to wipe out your puny species. Prepare to die. That is all."

As he concluded his speech, Lord Xenotos activated the remote signal to Helldevil. On his command, the crew of the ship began to beam down an army of Chaos Beasts to Tokyo. Xenotos, Miira, and Hedes looked on joyfully as the monsters began to rampage through the city.

Miira's self-satisfied smirk quickly turned to a scowl as she observed her monitor. Five craft were approaching their position.

"Xenotos, we have company," she warned as the Jet Fighters flashed into view.

***

Jetman beamed down to the streets of Tokyo and they were greeted by insanity. The Chaos Beasts were running amok, each of them accompanied by a battalion of Garo. The city would fall in short order if they were allowed to run free. Jetman had every intention of stopping them - all of them.

"How many of them ARE there?" White Swan asked in disbelief as the team surveyed the scene.

"Dozens, at least," Black Condor observed. "This is going to be a job and a half!"

"Maybe not," Yellow Owl noticed in the distance. "They're running away!"

That was true enough. Upon sighting Jetman, the majority of the Chaos Beasts had chosen to flee. It wasn't cowardice that motivated them, but rather orders. Their mass attack had been a psychological ploy by Lord Xenotos. They had been instructed to depart in all directions when the enemy arrived. A handful would remain to battle while the rest would be free to hatch other plans.

Jetman had no way of knowing why the Chaos Beasts had fled. They only knew they had to engage those that were still there, in full view of the public at last. This was their opportunity to prove that the new Jetman was legitimate.

A quick count revealed that three monsters had stayed behind, along with far too many Garo for comfort. "Fan out!" Red Hawk ordered, slipping into his leadership role without a second thought. "Hit them from all sides!"

Without hesitation, the members of Jetman launched themselves into the fray.

***

"Kei! Quit your daydreaming and get over here!"

Kei Mizuno rolled her eyes as she filed the manga collections on the bookshelves. Her boss was on her case again. Why had she even bothered coming back to the Yokohama Fantasy Castle Bookstore? The stupid dump had never given her anything but a hassle. She should just tell them all to go to Hell. Instead...

"What do you need, Tanaka-san?" she asked in her best try at a submissive voice as the owner of the shop stared intently at his computer screen.

"It looks like something is important is happening on the TV and Shoji can't be bothered to turn up the volume," he answered, referring to himself in the third person as he always did.

Kei slapped her forehead. "Shoji, I'm busy!"

"Hey, you're lucky you still have a job here after skipping out on Shoji for so long!" he retorted angrily. "Now do what Shoji says! Shoji is looking for nude shots of that Jetman hottie White Swan on the Internet!"

Kei Mizuno swallowed her pride. Little did Shoji Tanaka realize she could've snapped him like a twig for his insults. He had no way of knowing that she had become the rogue Jetman Green Wyvern in her absence. She had the power to bring his miserable shop down around him.

But she didn't. Kei merely sighed and adjusted the volume control. She had felt invincible when she'd gained her powers. It hadn't taken long to have that notion shattered. Now she had to find a way to live with what had happened to her.

What had Jet Phoenix told her? Something about having a chance to start her life over again. So why had she gone back to her old routine, in a job she loathed? Was she afraid?

Kei pondered all that had occurred while she was Green Wyvern. Certainly there was something good that came from it. Then she thought of Gai Tendo. He was so genuine, so sincere - almost innocent really. He had caught her attention that night in Skywatch. She couldn't remember meeting a man like him, one whose interest in her wasn't in coveting her body. Maybe she should...

On the TV, a frantic announcer summarized the attack on Tokyo. Kei's eyes locked on the screen, watching the monsters that Lord Xenotos had unleashed. It slowly dawned on her what she had to do. Jetman arrived on the scene and that sealed the deal.

"Shoji, I have to go!" Kei exclaimed as she raced out the door.

"Hey, you come back!" Shoji yelled futilely, for Kei was already gone.

***

Blue Swallow fought valiantly against the swarm of Garo, but it was becoming clear to her that she was being overwhelmed. For each Garo she brought down, three more seemed to spring up. She didn't even have the time to concentrate enough to activate her powers.

She kicked a Garo in the face, then knocked another aside. Suddenly, she felt hands grab at her from behind. She struggled to free herself, but more hands began to paw at her.

"Wing Beam!" a voice exclaimed as a laser blasted the Garo away. Black Condor landed beside his shaken teammate.

"Reiko, you going to be OK?"

Blue Swallow bowed her head, not wanting to face him. She felt like a total failure for cracking.

"Look, I know something happened to you on that parallel Earth," Black Condor said as he continued to blast the Garo that tirelessly converged on them, "but we need you!"

Blue Swallow remained silent as she stared at the ground.

Black Condor grabbed her roughly by the shoulders. "Gohan won't tell us and I don't care anyway! All I know is that you have to suck it up! You can cut the helpless bit right now!"

Blue Swallow looked up at him, the eyes behind her visor narrowing.

"Prove to us you're a Jetman or go home! We don't need a quitter!"

Blue Swallow's bottom lip quivered as the anger welled up inside her. Who did he think he was?!? She rared back and threw the mother of all punches directly at him.

Black Condor ducked quickly and Reiko instead connected with a Garo. The impact sent the henchman airborne. She blasted and belted the assembled Garo with a newfound fury.

Crouching on the ground below, Black Condor was impressed. "Now that's what I wanted to see!"

Blue Swallow stopped when she realized all of the Garo in their area had been beaten down. She looked down at her fists, still trembling with rage, then over at Black Condor.

"Wait a minute!" she realized. "You tricked me!"

"I like to think of it as 'motivation' myself," Black Condor said as he stood up and patted Reiko on the back. She couldn't suppress a giddy grin. It might be a long road back to the way she had been before, but at least she had gotten started.

Ken and Reiko's triumph was short-lived as they were ensnared in sticky webbing. They tried to pull free, but it only clung to them more closely. Less than three meters away, a hideous spider monster howled with delight.

"You didn't reckon on Kumoden!" he pronounced as he used his hairy arms to manipulate his webbing. "Now taste my power!"

Ken and Reiko decided they didn't like the taste when Kumoden sent a mild electric shock coursing through his webbing, stunning both of them. They wobbled precariously, both in danger of losing consciousness.

"We need...to do something..."Reiko choked.

"Your Jet Weapon..."Ken gasped. "Try it."

"Swallow Bow!"

"Condor Lance!"

With the voice commands, the weapons appeared in the heroes' hands. Black Condor used his Condor Lance to shred the webbing that entangled him and Blue Swallow. His powerful swings tore it from their bodies.

"Take him out, Reiko!"

Free from the webbing, Reiko levelled her bow and pressed the button that generated an arrow. She fired the shaft at Kumoden, striking him in the abdomen. Another arrow, another strike. Soon, Kumoden was riddled with arrows and fled his opponents.

Blue Swallow lowered her bow as Black Condor joined her. "Not a bad bit of teamwork," he said as he offered his hand.

Blue Swallow hesitated for a moment, then shook his hand. "Not bad at all," she agreed.

***

When faced with a problem, Gohan Oishi had always been known to improvise. But he had never been stuck with a problem quite like this one. In his guise as Yellow Owl, he found himself surrounded by Garo in the streets of Tokyo with no available escape route.

Yellow Owl backed up slowly, falling over a bench. As he clambered up, he braced himself on the bench and discovered his solution. He reached down and wrenched the bench from the pavement. He picked it up and swung wildly, knocking out any Garo foolish enough not to flee immediately.

"Ahhahahahahahahaha!" he laughed wildly. "Where's a monster? I'm ready for action!"

White Swan kicked away a Garo clinging to her leg. "Gohan, would you stop your babbling already?"

"Hey, what's your problem?" Yellow Owl asked as he tossed the bench aside. "You know how I am better than anyone!"

"That doesn't mean you don't piss me off!" White Swan snapped before she even realized it. Mortified, she walked up to her brother.

"Gohan, look..." she began her apology, but that was as far as she got. A stream of flame blasted her and Yellow Owl. A revolting-looking peacock-like creature appeared before them.

"Did someone want a monster?" the Chaos Beast cackled with delight. "Will Kujigoku satisfy you?"

Kujigoku sent another searing burst of fire, but White Swan was ready for him. Using her Swan Ice powers, she sent forth a beam of coldness that stalemated the fire.

"I need help!" she screamed. "I can't keep this up for long!"

Yellow Owl knew what he needed to do. While Etsuko had the monster locked up, hit it hard and hit it fast. And what better way to test his new Jet Weapon?

"Owl Axe!"

Yellow Owl bounded forth with a quickness remarkable for his size. Kujigoku was so engrossed in its duel with White Swan that it didn't even notice him until he had clobbered the Chaos Beast.

The flames died away as Kujigoku fell to the ground. Yellow Owl was proud, but a little disappointed.

"MAN, I was hoping that would chop your head off!" he said to the fallen monster.

"Stupid human, you'll pay!" Kujigoku threatened as it rose unsteadily.

"Swan Mace!"

White Swan jetted over after calling forth her own Jet Weapon. A mighty swing and she sent Kujigoku back to the ground.

"Damn you!" the monster cursed. "I'll burn you all!"

The Chaos Beast mustered all its strength and issued twin columns of fire. Both Yellow Owl and White Swan had the same idea as to how to meet the threat. They raised their Jet Weapons and absorbed the energy from Kujigoku's attack. Twisting their wrists slightly each of them redirected Kujigoku's power back on the monster.

Kujigoku flew away lamely as it struggled to recover from the brunt of its own assault. As they watched it, Yellow Owl couldn't resist grabbing his sister in a bearhug.

"We did it sis!" he enthused, having already forgotten her harsh words. She silently returned his embrace, feeling guilty and angry that she'd taken her frustrations out on him.

***

So he was the leader now. Red Hawk had wondered what it might feel like. He hadn't quite imagined it involving narrowly avoiding a thundering punch from a rhinoceros monster.

"Saikong will not be denied!" the behemoth roared as he shattered the side of a building. "You can't run forever!"

True. But Gai Tendo had no intention of running; he just didn't want to be a grease spot on the Chaos Beast's hoof hand. "King Saber!" he exclaimed as he generated his weapon and swung at his enemy.

"Ha!" Saikong grunted as his thick arms blocked the blow. "Now try this!"

Saikong pulled the horn from his head. As he did, it lengthened and began to glow. The monster charged at Red Hawk brandishing the weapon.

Red Hawk deflected the strike with his King Saber, but found himself backed into a group of Garo. The massive Chaos Beast Saikong threatened him on one side; henchmen had him boxed in on the other. He couldn't hope to fight them all off and survive.

"Wyvern Boomerang!" rang out from above right before Saikong was brained with the object in question. Using the distraction to his advantage, Red Hawk tore into the Garo until there were none left standing. Then he took to the air to properly greet his savior.

"Green Wyvern," he said to the lithe young woman. "I wasn't expecting you here."

"What, didn't you know I'm not far behind whenever trouble starts?" she responded. "I'm just sorry you didn't signal me."

Gai remembered the signal device he had placed in his Cross Changer. "Honestly, it didn't even occur to me. But I'm glad you came."

"So am I," Green Wyvern said as she floated over to him. "You couldn't very well take me out tonight if a monster stabs you."

"W-w-what are you saying?" Red Hawk sputtered.

"What I'm saying," she teased as she playfully grabbed him by the collar, "is that you intrigue me. I want to get to know you better."

Red Hawk was almost relieved when Saikong, having recovered and reattached his horn, blasted both of them with an energy beam. "We'll talk about this later," he said as he zipped down to engage the monster in combat again. Green Wyvern, eager for a little action herself, followed him to the streets.

"ARRRRRRGH!" Saikong bellowed as his horn emitted more energy beams. "DIE JETMAN!"

"Sorry Saikong, nobody dies today!" Red Hawk exclaimed.

"Except maybe you!" Green Wyvern added.

Kei began to turn round and round, picking up speed as she went. She became a blur of motion, a literal human tornado. "Wyvern Spinning Attack!" she cried as she launched herself at the monstrous Chaos Beast and toppled him to the ground.

Red Hawk decided the time was right to try a new move he had been practicing. He focused his Hawk Fire power into his right fist, but instead of releasing it, he jetted toward Saikong and drove his fist directly into the monster's midsection.

"Hawk Fire Fist!" he pronounced as Saikong skidded along until he was out of sight.

Green Wyvern walked up behind Red Hawk and tapped him on the shoulder. "Now, about tonight..." she began and Gai knew there was no getting out of it.

***

"Unbelievable!" Lord Xenotos fumed from aboard Skysatan as he watched the three concurrent battles go badly. "Jetman is defeating our prize Chaos Beasts!"

"My lord, they seem stronger since our last battle with them," Hedes offered, hoping that his master would not take out his frustrations on the vizier.

"I think you are right," Lord Xenotos allowed, "but we cannot allow this to continue!"

"Indeed!" Miira concurred. "Use your Chaos Stick to increase their size!"

"There is no need for that, masters," Hedes said. "Each Chaos Beast is equipped with a Chaosizer belt buckle they can activate themselves."

Hedes sent the command to each of the creatures. On cue, Kumoden, Kujigoku, and Saikong twisted their Chaosizers and grew to giant size. Three giant monsters towered above the people of Tokyo.

"Jet Fighters Scramble!" Red Hawk spoke into his communicator. He turned to tell Green Wyvern that they would discuss their "date" later, but she was already gone. He saw the Dragon Wyvern already firing lasers at the monsters. He shook his head as he teleported himself to his Hawk Fighter and joined his teammates in formation as they engaged their enemies in battle.

The laser bursts of the Jet Fighters had little effect on the huge behemoths they faced. "Icarus Gattai!" Gai commanded and the five ships fused themselves together to form the robot Jet Icarus. The metal titan landed across from the three Chaos Beasts, with the also-converted God Wyvern setting down right beside it.

"Side by side at last!" Green Wyvern radioed and Jetman felt a mixture of relief and dread at the prospect. She had been a dangerous enemy and they were glad she wasn't against them anymore. Yet, all of them feared what exactly she might do. She was nothing if not unpredictable.

Saikong charged the two robots, but they both sidestepped him. He crashed headfirst into a skyscraper, which promptly caved in on him. Kumoden cast a web net, ensnaring God Wyvern and pulling it toward him. Kujigoku then took to the air and grasped Jet Icarus in its claws, lifting the robot up and then dropping it suddenly.

Once, Jetman might have been rattled to be thrown around in the cockpit. No more. They righted their machine with ease and faced down their opponent.

"Hey Etsuko, let's show them what this bad boy can do!" Black Condor called out.

Yeah. She would do just that. White Swan flipped a switch on the control panel and the lower half of Jet Icarus' head slid open to reveal a huge vent.

"Gust Hurricane!" she exclaimed and a typhoon-like wind blew out the vent directly at Kujigoku. It was enough to not only topple the mighty Chaos Beast, but to extinguish its flames as well.

"Wow," Blue Swallow admired.

"I, uh, think I was asleep during the lecture on that weapon," Yellow Owl said.

"It's not over yet guys!" Red Hawk reminded. "We have to finish him off!"

Jet Icarus' eyes began to glow. "Jet Beams!" the team shouted together as the robot's photonic eye lasers obliterated Kujigoku.

Meanwhile, God Wyvern was becoming further enmeshed in Kumoden's electrical webbing. With his increased size and perilous situation, Kumoden had increased his voltage output to maximum. Green Wyvern knew it was only a matter of time before her shields failed and she received a lethal electric shock.

Wyvern worked with all her might to get one of God Wyvern's hands free. Just one, that was all she needed. A terrific pull and the left hand broke loose from the web.

"Finger Gatling!" she cried as God Wyvern's fingertips began to fire missiles at her opponent. Already wounded from Blue Swallow's arrows, Kumoden lost control of his web as the missiles burst against him. God Wyvern broke free and Green Wyvern launched her killing strike.

"Shimmering Buzzsaw!" she exulted as God Wyvern's hand generated an energy disc that was aimed straight for Kumoden. The spider creature shrieked as the disc sliced off his arms in rapid succession. Kumoden exploded before his dismembered carcass hit the ground.

Just then, a very angry Saikong smashed his way from the rubble. He fired the energy bolts from his horn at both Jet Icarus and God Wyvern. Each robot leapt away to narrowly avoid the attack.

As she raised her robot, Green Wyvern decide to throw caution to the wind. God Wyvern jumped on Saikong and began to deliver a beating that, while effective, only slowed down the monstrous Chaos Beast.

Jet Icarus joined in, punching and kicking the rhinoceros thing in true double-team fashion. Against one robot, Saikong might've stood a chance. Against two? It was a foregone conclusion.

Red Hawk radioed Green Wyvern. "Are you ready?"

"Do you need to ask?"

Jet Icarus and God Wyvern materialized their swords. Saikong, dazed and defeated, put up no resistance. "Birdonic Saber!" and "Wyvern Blade!" rang out as the two robots slashed the monster in concert. Saikong blew up and was reduced to nothingness.

"Damn!" Miira cursed as she turned the Skysatan to return to Helldevil. "The first round goes to the Earthlings!"

"Ah, but there are many Chaos Beasts left on Earth," Hedes said. "This is far from over."

"We will crush Jetman and Green Wyvern!" Lord Xenotos declared. "I vow it!"

***

"I told you Ken, I don't want to talk about it."

Etsuko walked briskly down the Skywatch hallway, Ken close behind her. Why couldn't he just leave her alone?

"C'mon Etsuko, I know you're disappointed," Ken said as he tried to keep up. "Talking will make you feel better."

Etsuko stopped in her tracks and whirled around. "Better? BETTER??? I've just had the thing I've been working for taken away from me and you think I want to talk about it? I need some space right now and I'd advise you to let me have it!"

Etsuko stalked away, leaving a confused Ken Tendo behind. He had known she had wanted to be team leader for a long time. He had also known that Gai was the likeliest candidate for the job. Now the inevitable had come to pass and the woman he loved was hurting. What could he do?

He had an idea. He wasn't sure if it was a good one or a stupid one, but he needed something. He began to walk to Jet Phoenix's office, then, as his anxiety grew, he unconsciously quickened his pace until he was running.

Before he knew it, Ken was standing in front of the door. A press of a button and he was inside. Jet Phoenix sat at his desk, a monitor screen directly behind him. He was busy writing something or other.

"Can I help you Ken?" Jet Phoenix asked without even looking up.

"I think you should make Etsuko leader!" Ken blurted out before he could lose his nerve.

Jet Phoenix looked up at last. "What?"

"She's worked really hard to be leader of the team. I-I think she deserves it."

"I...see," Jet Phoenix said as he stood up. "Ken, this wouldn't have anything to do with your relationship with her, would it?"

"NO!" Ken shouted a bit too forcefully. "I mean, we're not..."

Jet Phoenix raised a hand to stop him. "Please. I'm well aware of what's going on between the two of you."

Ken was growing desperate. "Look, I'm begging you! Etsuko needs this!"

"You are aware you're asking me to replace your own brother, aren't you?"

Ken swallowed hard. "I-I know..."

Jet Phoenix returned to his seat and resumed writing. "I'm standing by my decision. Gai is team leader."

Oh, that was it. "You are going to make Etsuko leader," Ken stated. "Or..."

"Or?"

"I tell everyone you're really Gai Yuki."

Jet Phoenix laid his pen down. "And then what?"

"Then..." Ken began, but he stopped short. He hadn't really figured that part out, had he? He had played his trump card already. He had nothing left.

"Ken, you have to understand," Jet Phoenix explained. "Unlike you, I have to make my decisions objectively. Gai Tendo is unquestionably the best person to lead this team."

"But..."

Jet Phoenix continued. "He's also your brother. I empathize with what you're trying to do, but it's very wrong-headed. Don't do anything that is going to drive a wedge between the two of you."

Jet Phoenix glanced over at a nearby clock. "I have an appointment I need to keep soon. I won't mention our discussion to the others."

So that was it. Jet Phoenix made it all sound so reasonable. That didn't make it any easier. Ken began to trudge out of the office.

"Oh and Ken?"

Ken froze, convinced that Jet Phoenix had some sort special punishment cooked up for him. Maybe making him tongue bathe the Jet Fighters or something.

"Who I am - who you think I am," Jet Phoenix said, "isn't important to our mission. Remember that."

Ken exited the office wearily and was startled to find his brother leaning up against the wall.

"Gohan said he thought you were in there," Gai observed. "Phoenix call you on the carpet again?"

"You could say that," Ken mumbled as he scratched his head. "What are you doing here?"

"Waiting for you, actually. I have a date."

"A date? You?"

"It gets better. It's with Kei."

"Kei?" Ken asked. "As in Green Wyvern?"

"The same."

"Whoa," Ken remarked as he shook his head. "So what do you want from me?"

"Advice. This is kind of new to me," Gai admitted.

Ken put an arm around his brother. "I love you, bro', but if you're going out with her, you need more help than I can give you."

Gai and Ken shared a good laugh as they strolled down the hallway. Ken felt guilty about what he had tried to do, but maybe he could find a way to forgive himself.

Maybe.

***

Michiru Oshima snapped a picture of the tranquil Lake Sai. She studied it carefully through her camera lens. She was so captivated by its beauty that she almost didn't notice she had a visitor.

"I see you found me after all," she huffed as Jet Phoenix approached her.

"I thought we had an appointment," Jet Phoenix replied. "Your editor told me I could find you here."

"There've been reports of a 'Nessie' lake monster here lately," Oshima said as she snapped another photograph. "That seemed more important than getting stonewalled again."

"Meaning?"

"You know damn well what I mean!" Michiru accused as she pointed a finger at Jet Phoenix. "For years, the story's been that Gai Yuki died. Then he turns up alive and no one wants to talk about it! What is your precious Skyforce afraid to tell us?"

"Skyforce isn't afraid of anything, Oshima-san," Jet Phoenix answered. "That was an imposter, plain and simple."

"A likely story!"

"Actually, I can prove it. But you'll need to come with me."

Jet Phoenix took Michiru Oshima into his arms and flew into the air. He surveyed the area as Oshima frantically beat him to little effect. Finally, he spotted a secluded area and touched down.

"So that's it!" Oshima cried as he released her. "You're going to silence me!"

"Hardly. I just need you to listen."

Michiru backed away slowly. "I-I'm listening."

"I know why you're so interested in Gai Yuki," Jet Phoenix began. "Years ago, when you were a young girl, he saved your life. And...you fell in love with him. Then he died just a few months later, breaking your heart."

Michiru grimaced. "So you know. I guess Skyforce keeps good records."

"I don't need records," Jet Phoenix responded. "I remember it...Chibi."

That nickname! Only one person had ever called her that. Barely able to breathe, Michiru stumbled up to Jet Phoenix. She tentatively touched his helmet's faceplate.

"Gai?"

"I wish I were," Jet Phoenix apologized as he removed his helmet. "I have his face, his memories - but I'm not Gai Yuki."

A single tear began to stream down Michiru's face as she saw the man she had thought long dead. "I don't understand."

"Gai Yuki really did die that day. But Skyforce was able to preserve his brain. They used it to bring life to an android to be their special agent. That android is me - Jet Phoenix."

"Then you are Gai Yuki!"

"No, I'm only a copy of him. I can't be considered a true human being."

"I don't care!" Michiru sobbed as she wrapped her arms around him. "You're still the only man I've ever loved!"

"Oh Chibi," Jet Phoenix comforted as he stroked her hair softly. "I cared more about you than I could ever say. But you were so young and I...I loved someone else. Now, even if I could love you, it's far too late."

Michiru looked up at him. "What?"

"I've been damaged in battle," Jet Phoenix said. "The Birdonic Reactor that powers my body is leaking. Eventually, it'll overload and my body will be consumed by its own energy."

"But can't they repair you?"

"There's a chance, but it would mean being offline for three months minimum. We don't have that kind of time right now. My responsibility is to carry out my duty until the end."

"I don't want to lose you as soon as I get you back!" Michiru protested.

"I didn't want you to suffer," Jet Phoenix told her as he held her. "But I knew you would no matter what. I wanted you to know the truth."

Michiru rested her head against Jet Phoenix's chest. "I love you Gai," she whispered.

Jet Phoenix embraced the young woman. His mind reeled from all the possibilities, all the missed opportunities. At that moment, Jet Phoenix realized that the words he had read long ago were true.

Even an android can cry.

 

TO BE CONTINUED

 

NEXT TIME ON RETURN OF JETMAN

Japanese children are vanishing without a trace! Can Jetman find the cause and bring the missing children home? Meanwhile, relationships reach a critical turning point. What will this mean for the team? Don't miss RETURN OF JETMAN Episode 8 - "Lost Souls"!

 

 

Story © Christopher Elam, based on the TV series CHOJIN SENTAI JETMAN and the original "Return of Jetman" stories by Lewis Smith. JETMAN and all characters from the CHOJIN SENTAI JETMAN series © TV Asahi/Toei/Toei Agency. Original characters © Christopher Elam & Lewis Smith.