★Memorable Author: [El_Roy_1999] And Tomorrow...The World! •22pp•

[El_Roy_1999]

I'm glad you enjoy it!

Jacob was getting ready for his arrival. He was tired. The last weeks and months had been draining. Playing the Master-persona every day and every night was really making him loathe it. The few days as a French gentleman in Indochina had been a welcome change of scenery. Gathering information about this unit of Washington and their amazon had also been fun. The thought of her impressive, naked body made him smile. If her were ten years younger and not her mortal enemy, maybe he would have fallen in love ...
Well, maybe he could stop her seeing him as her foe. The seed had been planted.
He rubbed his temples and returned to the task at hand. The documents laid out before him showed a certain promise. All over the world, people were flocking to the Master's cause. Even groups in whose creation he had no part popped up and started working along his principles. The situation was quickly improving. The governments still believed that this was a problem to be solved with violence, but he just let them run into his arms.
At the same time, he was aware that there would have to be violence at some point. Governments and trusts wouldn't just fade softly into the night. He was struggling with himself. Too soft and he would embroil his troops in endless unsustainable skirmishes, too hard and people would turn their backs on him.
He'd have to consult with the others. They'd advise him, but in the end, he'd have to decide for himself.
Jacob adjusted his outfit, or rather his costume. It immediately gave him a feeling of strength and self-control.
He'd also have to look after Ruth. He trusted her, but lately, reports had been strange. Maybe it hadn't been such a good idea to just hand the stronghold over to her and let her decide on everything. Too much power could be tempting ...

The airship landed slowly. The honor guard took up positions. The gate was lowered and Jacob saw the transformed monastery before him. Walls had been reinforced with concrete, towers had been added. The construction crews had been careful to preserve the style of the place, but it was clear that this was a fortress. He looked at the assembled troops and workers and saw Ruth, Hilde and Grant awaiting him. It was odd to see that Ruth's face was covered. He wondered what this was about.

[El_Roy_1999]

LIVE NOW

Muscular Women Are Live Right Now

Join private chats instantly. Real models. Real-time interaction.

120+ models online now

Start Watching →

[El_Roy_1999]

Ruth took a breath. Jacob was there. She could smell him perfectly, his doubts and fears. It was funny. Now that she had all this awareness, she realized how she had always felt this. She just couldn't put her finger on it. Back in the day, when they were children, he had often smelled like that. Of course, she couldn't have said that then, she just knew. This was what he felt like when he was afraid that someone might find out that he was lying.
Somehow, this was ridiculous. He was now one of the most powerful and influential people on the planet and yet, he seemed like a sorry little kid that was trying to keep appearances up and prevent his uncle from clipping him around the ears for stealing apples from the tree. She smirked. In a certain way, it was shocking that the other people allowed themselves to be blinded by his show in such a way. It was obvious that this was all just make-believe and yet, they gobbled it up.
Together with all the others, she bowed and prostrated herself. Was there a whiff of embarrassment?
Ruth waited for him to pass her. It was funny how the other troops and agents were nervous. They would have to explain how Gladys van Rothe had disappeared. For her, it was pretty obvious. That fool, Washington, had just let her get away. It was clear that he desired her, maybe even loved her. He had allowed her to flee. Ruth was quite certain the other woman was still in the base. Having the nose of a bloodhound had its perks. Still, Ruth had decided to keep the squatter on her books. That was an ace up her sleeve that she might yet use. Also, the tissue and blood samples and x-rays were probably enough to replicate whatever process had turned her into such a goddess.
And then, she already knew who'd find good use for this.

[El_Roy_1999]

Once the Master was done inspecting the complex, he retired to his quarters. After a while, Ruth had herself announced by the guards. The Master had her let in. She came inside and smiled:
"So, how do you like it?"
"It's impressive. I hadn't imagined it to be so grand."
"The architects were happy to work on this. I gave them free rein, I only wanted to keep the overall look."
"Well, that was a good idea."
She bowed.
"Thank you. I learned from the best."
Jacob blushed a little. The whole situation was a little ridiculous. Here he was, all dressed up as a mighty cult leader and prophet while his childhood friend stood there in leather fatigues and with a martial-looking hood. He had her sit down next to him.
"We've come a long way, haven't we?"
"Certainly. I still can't believe it."
"There isn't much left to do. If everything goes well, we'll need only one attack and they will submit."
Ruth nodded quietly. She could feel his fear of this decision. She carefully put her hand on his arm.
"Don't worry. The sacrifice will be worthwhile."
He sighed.
"I'm not certain. We've built up so much. If we screw this up, the whole work will be for nothing and the entire idea will be lost. People will never trust this again."
"I don't think we can wait."
"I'm aware of that. I've seen the numbers. Either this works or it will collapse on itself."
He stared into nothing for a moment. He hesitated.
"I never imagined it to work this way. And now, it's too big to stop. When I asked you to join, we had a kind of commune and a militia. We had brilliant minds, yes, but then people wanted to help and we let them. And now, the world awaits."
"Jacob, don't worry. I've known you for a long time and you're a fool. You're a funny guy with grand plans and little shame. You'll make it work. Besides, you're no little kid anymore. You're the Master."
"I guess you're right. Thank you."
"No problem. I believe in you."
He smiled, relieved. Then, he asked:
"By the way, what's this with the hood?"

[El_Roy_1999]

The Captain was stumbling through the fields, trying to get back to the town. When the attack hit, he had been thrown to the ground and knocked out. He had only woken up when it was long over. He had searched the area and found Oswald, who had somehow still been alive. They had had a moment to talk, but then, his face had grown tired and he had sighed one last time.
"What a bunch of crap. I don't know, but China hates us, doesn't it?"
The Captain had caressed his head:
"Yeah. I don't know. You can't win them all."
"Fuck."
He had stopped breathing and that had been it. Since the enemy was still on the prowl, the Captain didn't have much choice than to leave the site. He had looked around, trying to find anybody else. Yorkow was missing, so were van Rothe and Washington. Hamilton had also disappeared. He was certain they were still around there somewhere, but he couldn't help them now. He had to get reinforcements. He just hoped they had been captured. There was still a chance to save them.
The Captain reached the town and finally found the Frenchman's house. He had flown, either because of the battle or because he feared their return. The Captain couldn't tell.
He busted open the door and grabbed his equipment before heading for the post office. He had to inform the government. There was something big brewing here and the sooner he had help, the more they could do to prevent it from destroying them all.

[El_Roy_1999]

Gladys had been hiding around the base for a while now. There were frequent problems with surveillance, so she could easily grab some food and drink. She had even managed to set up a bed of sorts and found a way to keep herself clean. Her discovery of some abandoned passages left by the monks had been the final key to her life on the edge of the cult.
Her explorations had led her through the entire base and she was surprised by what she discovered. The construction crews were building enormous underground shelters, there were administrative buildings, archives, hangars and factories. The whole area was both inaccessible and highly organized. She didn't have much knowledge of siegecraft, but she was quite certain that this fortress was impregnable. Bombing it might be an option, but an assault up here was doomed to fail.
She also managed to catch a glimpse of the preparations the Master's troops were going through. He was gathering his support from all over the world, assembling armies and readying fleets of airships and planes. Trouble was brewing.
Gladys hesitated. She was certain she had to warn somebody, but she had no idea how to do it. The communications system was well guarded and as soon as she acted, she was bound to get killed by hordes of enemies.
She had to wait, even though it hurt her.
After a while, she accepted that there was no way out. She could continue squatting here, eventually be discovered and then end up being cut up and analyzed. She could try to send a message and get killed on the way. She could try to sabotage the place and maybe take out the Master. She'd die anyway.
The realization horrified her. She sat in the darkness of her hiding place and couldn't hold back the tears anymore. She was young and she had prepared all her life for a life of adventure and battle and now, she was there, caught in a place without escape and unable to do anything. She had ruined her life, forcing herself into a system that had told her time and again that she wasn't supposed to be there. She had insisted, and now, she was caught in her own hubris. She cried and felt sorry for herself. It was just too ridiculous: It was inconceivable that her parents and all the well-meaning folks had been right.

[El_Roy_1999]

Ruth returned to her quarters. All around her, the smells of the agents and the troops swirled. She was ecstatic. Jacob had been shocked by the new intensity of her power. She was the Closed Hand. She was his complement. All his friendliness, his doubts, his optimism, they were all reflected in her. She was the Fist. She would bring down this world and Jacob would create a new one from its ashes. As soon as he'd asked, she had climbed on top of him and forced him down. His mere touch was so intense she almost orgasmed on the spot. It was incredible. Her senses had overwhelmed her, turning her into a beast. She had ridden him as hard as she could, making him squeal for mercy. He could hardly contain himself, least of all decide what to do.
His slow, relaxed manner was no match to her tremendous power and energy. She was grinding him down, destroying his mind with her relentless lust. Her body was like steel, his was like water. She was the unstoppable force, he was the unmovable obstacle. When he came, she felt his seed spread inside her. It was bizarre. She had never thought such an experience was even possible. She screamed in ecstasy and pain, fully aware that this was what she had lived for.
Ruth pushed open the door. She had smelled Gladys on the way there. The poor girl was still trying to sneak around here. Ruth had decided to keep some left-overs for her so she wouldn't starve. It was like having a pet. She walked in and found Hilde, who was still working.
"So, still at it?"
"Oh, yes. I can't stop now. This is fascinating. I already received new documents from the laboratory and they think they can replicate the procedure."
"That's great news."
Ruth stepped up to her mentor and slipped her hand down her cleavage. Since Hilde had transformed her body, she frequently wore revealing outfits that would have been completely unacceptable for a woman her age. Ruth gave her soft breast a little squeeze and grinned when she felt the skin tighten and all the little hairs stand up.
"I've just been with the Master, but I could use some seconds."
Hilde sighed mockingly:
"So I'll have to continue my work tomorrow."
"I think so."

[El_Roy_1999]

The morning was cold, even colder than usual up here. Gladys noticed that there was a bustle of activity. People were shouting, things were being carried around. Something big was brewing. She had managed to stay hidden for a while now and was beginning to wonder whether they were actually still looking for her. She felt alone, tired and aimless. She had occasionally seen Washington as he went about his daily tasks, but she hadn't dared attract his attention.
Days had turned into weeks. Gladys passed the time as good as she could, taking abandoned books from tables in the night or exercising. Somehow, she was making progress again. The food here had to be really nutritious. Maybe it was the altitude.

The warrior-woman had somehow disappeared. She had lurked close to her hiding place for a while, making her fear she'd spot her. In the end, she had always left. The Master was still brooding over his decisions. Gladys had had no idea how to deal with this kind of pause. Somehow, the world had decided to hold his breath. When she checked the information in the lounge, she had seen that there wasn't much going on. Apparently, the economy worldwide was slowly recovering as more and more money was being poured into preparations for war, however, neither side was making its move yet. Several countries were vacillating and trying to decide who to back. The Master had slowly expanded his dominion in China and was slowly spreading his message down the rivers on all sides of the Himalaya. The U.S. government was trying to get rid of the Master's base in the dust bowl, but the locals were resisting rather peacefully.
It was clear that something big was going to happen.
And then, Gladys had a glimpse of the future.
She was out and about in the night, climbing out of the building to just get a little fresh air even if it was freezing cold. She jogged easily along the roof ridge, careful to soften her steps. The engineers had built a massive landing strip up here. It was really long, which was odd since the Master usually preferred airships. That's when she saw a gigantic red and black shape being pushed on the tarmac under the glare of the searchlights. She came closer and watched.
It was a plane, but it lacked propellers. There were strange gondolas attached to its wings. It was very large and heavy. There was even more activity. Then, the thing was ready. People were moving to cover. She didn't dare blink lest she missed something. The engines started up. There was a kind of screeching howl. Flames shot out of the gondolas. The machine bucked and reared, ready to go.
And then, they released the brakes.
Gladys had never seen such speed. Within moments, the jets of flame propelled the machine forward, howling and screaming as it went faster and faster. The plane was now a blur of motion. Then, with a hiss, it lifted off and soared. There were cheers all around.
She watched as the plane performed some maneuvers at break-neck speed, then returned, landing gently.
In that moment, she thought two things: One, she wanted to fly this thing. Two, no air force in the world was able to stop this.

This night returned to her memory now. The forces of the Master were getting ready. The day had come.

[El_Roy_1999]

The Captain returned to the stateside base camp by plane. He was tired, having barely slept in the bare hold of the small plane that had carried him back from China. The Colonel had insisted on him returning quickly. Apparently, there were things afoot that would need his attention. He climbed out of the plane and immediately spotted the Colonel's chauffeur. He greeted him and was directed to the car. Getting inside, he was surprised to see both the Colonel and the President's secretary. He said:
"That's a surprise, sir. What is going on?"
The slim man smiled and answered:
"A lot, Captain. The situation is degrading faster than we thought."
The car started. The Colonel added:
"It's good to have you back. Do you know anything of my daughter?"
"I'm far from certain, sir, but I believe she has been captured."
The old man fought back his tears and gritted his teeth. It took a while for him to recover. He hissed:
"I shouldn't have let her do this."
The Captain sighed:
"I should have looked after her, sir."
"You couldn't have. She is much too stubborn for this. That's also what gives me hope. She is too tough to give in."
"Let's hope for the best, sir."
"We should. Now, to the task at hand."
The President's man explained:
"We seem to be caught between frying pan and fire now. On one hand, our secret services report unusual activity of the Master's henchmen, on the other hand, a group of business men and officers believe that our President is too lax on the Master and his followers. It appears they are moving to stage a coup."
The Captain smiled grimly:
"That is certainly going to improve our chances against the Master."
The secretary nodded:
"Absolutely. Our agents try to contain them, but an offensive against the Master seems necessary, at least for PR."
"I wouldn't do it. Our forces are no match. I am aware that the Chinese soldiers I saw are little more than bandits and their equipment is outdated, but they were annihilated in a way that shocked me. I can't imagine our troops managing an assault on positions defended by such fighters. Their mechanized troops alone are too much and they have air support."
"Happily, we have an ace up our sleeves. Professor Ibrahimovic has been working overtime. We have several platoons of supersoldiers ready now. They're being trained as we speak."
The Captain looked at him for a long time as the landscape shot by outside. Then, he said:
"That's good for you, sir."
"I take it you're not interested?"
"I have my doubts on this whole operation. It seems rushed and I prefer to set up my troops according to my own preferences. Also, I have seen the reports on previous supersoldier attempts. It worked on van Rothe, but that project has got hubris written all over it."
The secretary shrugged:
"That is too bad. We will find somebody else, then. Consider yourself on indefinite leave."
"I understand and would prefer this, sir. Could you let me out there?"
He pointed at the taxi stop down the street. The secretary looked at the Colonel. The old man nodded, clearly disappointed. There was a short, awkward pause until the Captain was finally out.

[El_Roy_1999]

Ruth regained consciousness. As usual, all around her was dark. She had to sleep with the hood on so she could cope with all the diversions going on around her. Slowly, she breathed in, taking in her surroundings. Hilde was there. Little Phoenix was a little further away and stared silently at her. Ruth asked:
"So, how did it go? I'm hungry."
She felt her friend's voice on her skin:
"It went well. You look marvelous."
"That's a relief. I want to see it."
"Are you sure about that?"
"I'm certain. I need to see this with my own eyes."
Hilde gently helped her friend to her feet. Ruth noticed that the proportions had changed. Hilde was now much smaller. The realization was intoxicating. She was now truly superhuman. She was aware that her recovery would have to be quick. Jacob wanted to launch his attack on the day after tomorrow. She had to be ready by then.
She now stood on her feet. The power she felt in her transformed body was incredible. She slowly lifted her arms, surprised by their mass and strength. Ruth reached for the hood and removed it carefully.
Instantly, her mind was assaulted by the enormity of reality. She could see every little hair on Hilde's skin, the little droplets of sweat by Little Phoenix' neck, she could see every little irregularity of the concrete. Time seemed to slow down and she was perfectly aware of every minute change. She grinned as her mind went into overdrive, processing all this and allowing her to react before others had even made up their minds.
Before her, there was a large mirror held by Little Phoenix. She gasped when she saw her reflection. The sight was incredible. She almost lost herself in the insane complexity of her physique. She had truly become godlike. She was more than anyone could ever have had imagined. She had seen the other amazon, Gladys, but her body was just an amplified version of a normal, albeit powerful human.
Ruth, on the other hand, was a goddess. Her muscles were outrageously big, while also having acquired a certain streamlined power that seemed to emanate from her center. Her shoulders were wide and strong, with clearly defined striations and cuts. Her arms were works of steel art. She gasped as she saw the many tiny changes they went through as she flexed them. Her biceps were split and cut, covered in veins and clearly insanely strong.
She took a deep breath. Her chest rose. She noticed the numerous freshly healed scars were the doctors had inserted the new organs and glands. They'd fade in time, but then again, little did she care. With a body like hers, vanity was hardly a luxury. She let her back flare, extending a cobra-hood of muscle. Her waist was slim and rock-hard. It rested on a crotch completely covered in powerful tissue and built on the foundation of twin columns of strength. She took a few steps and smiled as the power of her legs gave her a springy lightness. She did a mock ballet pose, surprised at how easy she held it.
She slipped the hood back on. She had seen enough. She was the Closed Hand and she would reap the world.
Turning to her acolytes, she said:
"You will have this done too. I need you as my guards."
Hilde and Little Phoenix almost screamed their affirmation. They would be hers forever.

[El_Roy_1999]

Below Gladys, the planes were getting ready. Airships were being prepared. Masses of troops were taking up positions. Once everything was ready, screens everywhere came on. Everybody could see the face of the Master flickering in black and white. There was a short signature, then the bald, bearded man looked up and said, with a calm, controlled voice:
"My followers, my friends. Tonight is the night we change the world. We have prepared for this for years. We have built, we have learned, we have invented and we have steeled ourselves for the fight to come. In one fell swoop, we are going to destroy the old world and create a new one. I have but one request: I ask you to be merciless once. The war will be short and we will crush those that oppose us. On the ashes of their vanity, we will build a just and true world, a world of the future!"
There were cheers all around. The Master continued:
"You have your orders. Follow them and bring us all victory! History is on our side and tomorrow, a new age will be born! Fight and see the first rays of a new dawn for humanity and the world!"
The cheers drowned out whatever was said next. Finally, he said:
"Some will die in this battle. We will remember them. This will be their immortality. Those that don't will live to build the new world. They will use your sacrifice as a foundation for a future of prosperity, happiness and love. This is the Open Hand and it will lead you to a world beyond your imagination. I thank you now for your will and your strength. Don't be afraid, for nothing and no one can stop us!"
Thunderous applause roared over the mountaintops.
Gladys had heard enough and climbed down on the airfield. She had to get a plane and stop this.

[El_Roy_1999]

You're probably wondering about the next part. I've been really busy, so the next part will be ready tomorrow. Sorry.

[El_Roy_1999]

Gladys quickly snuck into one of the pilot rooms and grabbed a flight-suit. She picked a cap and found a rubber mask that concealed her lower face. It looked a little like a gas mask. She wondered what it was for,  but put it on. This way, she could get on one of the planes easily. She walked outside, confident in her disguise. She was careful to keep an eye on her surroundings. She was improvising and she had to be ready for anything.
A troop of pilots jogged by, getting to their planes. They soon climbed into the red and black propeller-less planes and took off. Gladys looked around and found a crew getting one of the machines ready. She decided to dare it all and walked up to it confidently. The crew ignored her, busy with their work. She turned to the officer and said:
"I'm ready."
She tried to lower her voice, but the woman wasn't surprised in the least. She nodded and said:
"Good luck."
"I'll need it."
She climbed up and into the cockpit. It took a while to find a comfortable position. She took the checklist and began working through everything. She hoped she understood everything. Most of the gauges were pretty self-explaining, others were strange and confusing. She mumbled a lot, hoping that the crew wouldn't discover her improvisation.
Finally, everything was ready. She drove the plane to the runway and saw the streaks of the other machines in the air. Her heart was beating fast. She switched on the breathing apparatus as the crew had signified to her, locked the cockpit and adjusted her parachute. The air smelt rubbery.
There was a signal from the flight crew. She opened the throttle and was surprised by the tremendous power the engines provided. The plane accelerated and she felt the exhilaration of speed. This was wonderful. This was so much better than the sorry little propeller planes she had flown as a teenager. Now she was truly experiencing what it meant to feel power.
She pulled the stick back and the plane rose fast. She almost shrieked with joy as the pressure squeezed her into her seat. Incredible.
She did a few simple maneuvers, fully aware that she might attract unwanted attention. The radio remained silent. Far beyond her plane, she could see the airships advance steadily towards their goal. She followed them, still impressed by the plane's speed and mobility.

[El_Roy_1999]

Jacob was sitting in his chair on the main airship's bridge. It was huge, armored and armed to the teeth. Below them, the sea was racing by. The fleet had split up and was now on the move to their targets. Thanks to the various relay towers all over the globe and the new radio detection technology, he was aware of its position at any moment. In a few hours, the airships would rain bombs upon the government seats of the major powers. London, Paris, Berlin, Moscow, Washington, Tokyo. All of them would be attacked. The captains had the orders to strike as fast and precisely as possible, but he was aware that there would be innocent bystanders that would die.
The Master leaned back. He had to do this now. His troops had to act quickly. His spies had been formal: All major powers were preparing attacks and working on technologies to counter his strengths. They still had a way to go, but it was better to act early. He looked around and noticed Ruth still hadn't turned up. His assistant was supposed to be with him on this day. He hadn't seen her for quite some time and had been too busy to do something about it. He turned to Karel and said:
"Get my assistant. Call her here. She has to see this."
Far away, they could make out the first lights of the coast. The planes had refueled several times and were now ready to fight off any resistance as the airships got into position. The strike would be fast and thorough.
He waited and watched. Then, he heard the machine announce:
"The Master's assistant!"
He heard her steps echo on the wood boards. She walked over to him and stood there in her hood, her two guards next to her. Jacob barely managed to conceal his surprise. He bit his tongue so he wouldn't blurt out something undignified. He stared at the trio in front of him and could barely contain his reaction. Ruth smiled. She could smell his fear and arousal. She could feel the many sudden movements, barely suppressed, on her skin. What a fool. Jacob was a strange man. He was still playing a role. He was no Master, he was an actor playing the Master.
Still, they were a sight to behold. The procedure had thoroughly transformed them. While Ruth was gigantic and powerful, with long, strong arms and shoulders the size of door-frames, Hilde's body had been turned taller too. However, her overall body-type had been maintained, only amped up. She was shorter than Ruth, but still a good six feet tall. Her build had become stockier and more robust. Finally, Little Phoenix was now far from little. The size of her legs made his mind boggle. Also, she was now a little over sic feet tall, having turned into a muscular, herculean amazon.
The trio wore red and black outfits that clung tightly to their bodies, probably made from some advanced fabric. The designer had then added armor that highlighted their strength even more. The other crew stared at them in complete confusion. Ruth asked:
"You ordered me here, Master. What can I do?"
"You can witness our triumph."
Ruth turned to the window. The airship reached the coast and sped over land now. Washington wasn't far now. Soon, the fate of the world would be decided.

[El_Roy_1999]

The Captain sat on his porch. The stars were out and he opened a bottle of beer. He was back home. Well, as home as you could be, away from Kentucky. The government had decided to put him on hold and take care of things and somehow, he appreciated this. Returning to China had been a stupid idea and it had ended as he had expected. He took a sip. The beer was alright. That was something.
He watched the moon above. So it was supersoldiers now. What was the world coming to? Back when he started, soldiering had been a way to get away from your family's farm or from the slums. Now, they built them in operating rooms.
He smiled when he thought of Gladys. She was different. She had been a fighter way before any stupid tricks. The whole sciencing had just brought out what had been there before. If women were like her, maybe he'd have married. He leaned back a little. In this world of science, he wondered why they still needed wars anyway. Couldn't they feed the hungry and clothe the destitute as his old preacher had said? Instead, they ran around in circles. Masters, presidents, kings, warlords. What a shit show.
Another sip. The bottle was empty. He groaned and stood up. Maybe some rye next.
He saluted the moon with his empty bottle and said:
"To you, poor guy, still free of human meddling. But don't worry. When the cheese prices rise, we're going to get up there too and we'll have a Moon War."
The Captain was just about to turn to his door when he saw a shadow pass the moon. Was that a cloud? There was another one. Shit.
He stared into the darkness.
Then, he ran to his barn. Time to get his plane out. He had to warn the government.

[El_Roy_1999]

Gladys saw the airships reach the capital. The bomb bays opened slowly, ominously. The other planes split up and swarmed over the city. She could see several smaller propeller planes rise up in defense of the nation's heart. Immediately, the air filled with gunfire. She watched in horror as the faster, more mobile planes made short work of the American fighters. Then, they swooped down and sped close to the surface, swiftly attacking the anti-aircraft positions the army assembled as fast as possible. Once again, the speed with which the Master's forces attacked, was mind-numbing. There wasn't a thing she could do to save the brave airmen and crews that struggled to defend their homeland.
However, she could do what she could to save the president. Gritting her teeth, she brought her plane into a dive and attacked the airships. She hit the trigger, sending a spray of bullets through the gigantic vehicles' gas bags. There was a certain confusion at first. She turned and did another attack run. Instantly, the radio sprang alive. She heard the flight controller scream:
"What the hell are you doing? Stop this this instant!"
She didn't reply. The best way was to keep them confused. The ships came into view again. Another volley tore into the attackers. She found a secondary trigger and fired the plane's main gun. The whole airframe shuddered as the cannon went off, sending a massive shell at one of the airships. The detonation tore up the gas bag and the airship began to descend.
Now, the others understood what was going on and aimed their turrets at her plane. She did a barrel roll and let her plane rise. She felt the blood flood out of her head. She had to fight to stay conscious.
The other planes had stopped their attacks and rose to take care of her. Within seconds, the air around her was heavy with lead. Still, she had to buy the army some time, even if she got killed.
By now, another plane was on her tail. She struggled to shake him, but the guy was tenacious. A hail of bullets whizzed past, some of them striking the body of her plane. She hoped it held up until an effective defense could be mounted. She took a deep breath and led her plane into an Immelmann turn. Suddenly, her hunter was in front of her. It only took the fragment of a second, but she unleashed a burst of machine gun fire at him. He evaded her attack and prepared to strike again, when his wing suddenly burst in flames. Gladys watched as the plane descended rapidly. What had happened?
She saw a little bright green shape buzz by. It was some kind of sports plane. She heard the radio shout:
"Hi, unknown stranger, this is the Captain speaking. Thank you for helping us out! Over."
"Captain? This is Gladys!"
"Van Rothe? You're alive? Wonderful."
"You too? I am so relieved."
"Can we cut the chatter and talk later? There are still some planes to shoot down."
"Roger. By the way, what's that you're flying? Over."
"It's a Gee Bee. A little thing I bought and souped up a little. Over."
"You'll have to let me ride that one of these days. Over."
"I will. Now don't get killed! Over."
"Roger. See you soon. Over and out."
"Captain out."
That's when he realized that his plane was far from fast enough to keep up with those devils. He told Gladys to let him fight the airships and had her fight the other planes. She agreed and went hunting.