The Unprepared, But Ready
David Noble
Dnoble49@hotmail.com

Phoenix Furlong is the third child of Chance and Celine Furlong. This time, it's a
son. He's my created character along with Edwin, Jake's other son. 

-------------------------

After an afternoon of patrol, Flight Colonel Chance landed his jet at the Enforcer
Headquarters. His buddy, Jake, who was now the instructor for shooting and
gadgetry, rode with him. As they got out of the cockpit, Felicia and Brandon got
out of their jet.

"Nice flying, Chance. Or would T-Bone be okay?" Jake asked.

"Oh, call me by my name. We're high ranking in the Radical Force with two
commanders we can trust," Chance answered. 

"I'm glad too. And, how's our son's shooting progressing?" Jake asked. 

"He's mastering your skills like a pro," Felicia said, rubbing Brandon's head.

"Perhaps you can fly with me sometime, little pal," Chance said, softly shaking
Brandon's chin. 

"I'd love that," Brandon began.

"I think you'd better master flying with your mother first before I let you go flying
with my partner," Jake said.

"It's okay, Jake. I can calm down on my maneuvers for him," Chance replied. 

Then, Phoenix came to the runway to meet his father.  

"Hey, pops. When are you going to give me those flying lessons you promised
me?" he asked. 

Chance sighed and rubbed him on his back.  "I'm sorry, but I've got a flying class
to teach in a few minutes. And, you've got tutoring for history class in a few
minutes." 

Phoenix rolled his eyes.  "That's what you said last time."

"Come on, Phoenix. Mother's waiting for you downstairs. Next year, when you're
out of high school, we'll have lots of time for practice." 

Chance led his son downstairs. Phoenix looked back and waved good bye to
Brandon. Brandon waved back and looked at his dad.

"You know, me and him can become partners. I hate to see him miss his chances
with the Enforcers."


"He'll make it soon or later. I wonder how the Furlong sisters and Ferrando are
making out?" Felicia asked. 

"Ferrando is progressing well, I think. Man, I really miss him," Brandon said.

*********

At the shore, Ferrando and Tipo, who was the Captain of the Coastal Patrol,
finished their afternoon patrol together. It was an occupation that Ferrando liked
well, and he himself was given a miniature trident created by his father.

"Do you feel like you're mastering the art of coastal warfare, son?" Tipo asked
him.

"I like this traditional trade. Like father, like son. And, thanks for making this
little weapon for me. It's a treasure," Ferrando answered.  

Then the Furlong sisters, who were two of Felina’s on-ground Enforcers came and 
sneaked behind Ferrando. Tracey snatched his trident and Ferrando turned around. 

“Hey, could you give that back, please?” he asked. 

“Try and get it first, sucker,” Tracey teased, waving it around him. 

Stacey tapped her sister on the shoulder. “Come on, sis. Stop being a wise she-kat 
and give Ferrando his weapon back,” she said. 

“Fine,” Tracey groaned and put it back in Ferrando’s paw.

"Why did you do that anyway?" he asked.

"I just wanted try practicing my snatching skills for in a fight against criminals. I
never meant to steal it from you, buddy," Tracey said.

"Good. Now, father, is there something we wanted to say to me?" 

"Si. If it is agreeable to you, Roland and I would like to give you a partner."

"I would appreciate that. Who is he?" 

"He's David Noble. He's going to become my trainee and, after that, I'm going to
trust you to assist him in sub management."

"I've heard of him before. Is he a nice tomkat?" 

"Of course he is. He could be less sensitive, but if you treat him right, things will
run as clear as an ocean's breeze."

"I hope he'll cooperative. I know that Phoenix and Brandon are planning on being
partners in flight." 


"As long as he graduates next year. If our little brother thinks more of flying than
of his studies, he'll miss his chance," Stacey laughed. 

"Why are you laughing? It's not funny to him," Ferrando said.

"Oh, I know. I hate to tease him," Stacey replied.

"We just hope that he'll make it into the Enforcers with a decent education,"
Tracey added. 

Celine came by and walked over to her daughters.  "Are you ladies making fun of
your brother again?" she asked.

"No mother. We want him in the Enforcers with the rest of the family. It's like an
Enforcer family tree we're all in," Tracey said. 

Celine smiled and softly smacked Tracey on the cheek.  "I'm glad to hear that at
least," she said. 

Meanwhile, Phoenix was in the Megakat Library with his tutor and two friends.
Phoenix became bored with his essay structure and started talking to his friends
about his future career in the Enforcers. 

"I think my flying education next year will be more interesting than this history
crud," he said. 

His friends nodded their heads.

"I hear you. Are you going to be a pilot?" one of them asked.

"Yeah, and why are you so anxious to join the Enforcers?" the other asked.

"I've been fascinated with my dad's flying moves and his dare-devil stunts. It's
even an honor to have a dad who was once a SWAT Kat. Brandon has considered
joining and being my co-pilot."

"What about the risks and the danger involved?" asked the first friend.

"I'll take my chances like my dad did. With my name, I could be like a shining
bird to lead the Enforcers to complete victory. Watch! You'll soon see Phoenix
Furlong saving the skies in full throttle!"

The two friends liked his way of thinking, but his tutor became annoyed. She did
not want him to let his ambition get in the way of his studies.

"Phoenix, do stop talking foolishness and get on with your essay," she pleaded. 

"Oh, don't sweat him. He's really looking forward to next year," the second friend
replied to defend Phoenix. 

"Let's finish our essays, please." Phoenix decided to save the subject for when his
essay was done.

*********


At a base on Ana Kata Island, a terrorist named Juan and his sidekick Tikie were
getting ready to invade Megakat City. The Ana Kata Island government wanted to
break off being owned by Megakat City and become its own power. Juan wanted
the same thing. 

"Megakat City is as good as a wasteland when we get through. When we level that
city, it will ours for the taking," Juan said wickedly.

"But, what about the Enforcers, Juan? Did you consider the variable size of the
Enforcer units?" Tikie asked him. 

"Night is usually the best time for a sneak attack, Tikie. In three months, we'll
invade Megakat City and destroy Headquarters first. Then, demand surrender
from Commanders Felina and Roland."

Juan set fire to two pictures of Felina and Roland and flung the ashes into the air.

"I guess that is what you wish for them if they should lose their lives," Tikie
assumed. 

Juan praised her for her good assumption. "Correct." 

*********

Two weeks later on a Friday morning, David was in the Headquarters classroom,
finishing a test. He had to answer 100 questions, but miss only six to still pass. 

"This is strange! The enlisted never had to take a written test before training," he
complained. 

The history questions were easy, but the technical questions were a bit hard. But,
most of it was multiple choice, and David finished it in an hour. 

Roland came into the classroom.  "Are you almost done?" he asked.

"Yes, Commander Feral."

"Oh, call me Commander Roland. I don't want other Enforcers mistaking me for
my uncle," he laughed, taking the test from David. He observed it carefully.

"Well, it looks like you missed only five. Tipo will see you on Monday at ten,"
Roland said, shaking David's paw.

"Thanks, sir."

David walked out and, at the door, Tipo and Ferrando were waiting for him.

"Greetings. Did you pass?" Tipo asked.

"Yes, thank heaven. And, I believe you are the captain of the Coastal Patrol?"


"Yes, and this is my son, Ferrando," Tipo explained. 

"Hello." 

Ferrando and David shook paws.

"Greetings. I'm so honored to meet one of my favorite heroes of the sea. And, I
believe I'm going to become a partner for you, Ferrando."

"Yes. My father thought it was time that I started working with other rookies and
said you would be the first," Ferrando stated.

"I'm thrilled."

"So, why did you decide to join the Coastal Service?" 

"I've always had a special liking for submarines and combat, and I felt it was my
calling to do this. I hope you don't think I'm acting ambitious."

"No, I'm grateful that you're joining us. I've also heard that you've been a great fan
of mine for a long time. Welcome," Tipo said.

"I'd better go now. If you have time, Ferrando, can you walk with me?" David
asked. 

Tipo granted the permission.  "Go ahead, Ferrando. But, be back in one hour." 

As David and Ferrando walked out, Felina walked in after her flight patrol duty.

"Have a nice patrol, dear?" Tipo asked, kissing his wife on the forehead. 

Felina chuckled.  "Don't start here, buster. I did. It feels good to be back in the air
after much time on ground. So, is your new trainee ready?" she asked.

"Yes. He and our son are out on a walk. He'll be back in one hour.  And, how are
Tracey and Stacey coming along?" Tipo asked in return.

"Good. Those young ladies are feisty Enforcers. That's, of course, why I like them.
But, their pranks are always outdone by RJ Tremor. He's not one of my Enforcers,
but he likes to assist me."

"As long as Roland doesn't mind."

"He doesn't." 

*********

David and Ferrando walked to a diner, where Brandon, Tracey, and Stacey,
Chance, Jake and his other son Edwin were. They all ordered fish and bread. 

Brandon and Ferrando hugged when they saw each other.

"Good to see you, Ferrando. How are things on the ocean?" Brandon asked him. 

"Who said you could join us? Go sit somewhere else," Tracey teased Ferrando. 

Chance patted her on the back.  "Cool it, honey. We're Enforcers, we're all
family," he said. 

"Thanks, Chance," Ferrando said.

"That's Colonel Furlong to you, blockhead," Stacey said, pointing her finger at
Ferrando. 

David stepped in.  "Step off, smartie! He's my friend," David told Stacey. 

She laughed.  "He is? Ah, I see. You're going to be his new partner?" 

David nodded.  "That's good to hear. Because we will need more enlisted men
with the Ana Kata Island invaders," Jake explained.

"Yeah. I would not want to spend another vacation there anymore," Chance added.

"Me neither. Ana Kata Island's become dangerous with its armed forces. We have
been watching out for enemies from that place," Jake went on. 

David's attention was turned to a young, pretty she-kat named Jennifer. He walked
over to her.

"Hello. What's your name?"

"Jennifer Clawson. And, you must be David Noble," she responded.

"How does she know his name?" Ferrando asked Jake.

"Over e-mail. They send each other gifts," Brandon said.

"Sweet. I'd love to see them kissing," Tracey joked.

"Knock it off," Brandon snapped, making her nervous.

"It's a pleasure to see you in person," David said, shaking her paw. 

"You as well. I hear that you're going to be in the Coastal Service."

"I am. And, I believe you're still?" 

Suddenly, one hard-looking tomkat pushed David off and sat next to Jennifer. 

"You look so fine. Want to dance?" he asked. 

"No thanks," she replied, pushing him aside. 


He became insistent and David firmly tapped him on the shoulder. He turned and
shoved David off.

"You be off!" he snapped. 

Jennifer got mad and elbowed him in the chin and kicked him in the groin.

"You want more? Step off, I said!" she screamed. 

He regained himself and left. 

Jake walked over to his sister.  "Okay sister, that's enough," he said.

"I'm okay, brother. I just had to get rid of some trash," she replied and hugged
him. "Good to see you again, Jake."

"You too, sister. And, this must be a new friend," Jake added, patting David on
the shoulder. 

"He is, so you don't need to worry about me."

Later that evening, David and Jennifer took a walk around the park. 

"You know, I'm glad your brother isn't making a big fuss about me hanging out
with you," David said.

"I'm glad too. He's been a bit too protective of me when I first joined the
Enforcers," Jennifer replied. 

"I guess he knows me enough to trust my being with you, even though we never
met."

"I told him not to get suspicious if a David Noble came to see me. Well, I
understand you're going to ride the waves with Captain Tipo and Ferrando. I
thought you wanted to try flying."   

"I did. But, when I learned of the third SWAT Kat to come along and that he had
owned a part of the hanger, I was thrilled about him. But, he had a special talent
for the submarine, which he's passing to Ferrando and me. Is the hangar still in
use?"

"Oh yes. My brother and Chance teach the enlisted their basic SWAT Kat skills.
Further education is provided by the two Feral siblings."

"Thank God Feral isn't commander anymore. He was such a hotheaded dolt!"

David and Jennifer stopped walking for a few minutes and looked into each
other's eyes.  

"I believe you had feelings for Chance once," David mentioned. 

"I did, but I really don't want to discuss the break-up between us. It's a long story."


"You don't have to. I hate break-ups too. But, I've never had a girlfriend. It's
amazing that I see you so young, despite those thirty-five years ago. And, I can't
see much age difference in Chance, Jake, or in the others."

"Must be the nine lives or their nature that preserves these kats' looks." David
looked at Jennifer strangely. "You don't believe me, David?"

"Hm. Not really. But, these kats can live forever if one wants."

"You're starting to doubt a kat's nature. A kat can live to be a hundred and still
look seventy-five years old." 

"You look like you're seventeen."

"Actually, I am. When I leave this kat world, I return to my regular self on earth.
On that planet, I turn into a human being. That's a secret Jake doesn't know about,
and I wouldn't advise you to tell him."

"I won't tell a living soul. Did a tomkat ever kiss you?"

"No one but Chance. That is, before we broke up." 

David gently lifted Jennifer's sad face to his.  "Let me mend your broken heart." 

Jennifer was about to feel love awaken for the second time. She trusted David to
be an honest tomkat and not to ever change. Then, her buzzer went off. 

"Attention, Jennifer Clawson. You are needed at once! Enemy attacks in Megakat
City!" 

"Damn! Well, we'll talk later, David. I'd better go." Jennifer hurried off, leaving
David frustrated. 

"Must duty always stand in the way of love?" he complained and looked to the sky
to see the pilots flying by. 

"David, get to a safe place now! We will take care of the situation," Roland
ordered. 

David groaned.  "Not much of a change! I'll go, but to a safe place where I can see
Jennifer."

*********

Chance led his unit to a big aircraft from Ana Kata Island. 

"Looks like you were right, buddy. Ana Kata Island's force is turning to
terrorism," Chance said to Jake.

"Yeah. Even if the mayor allows Ana Kata Island its freedom, it would still want
to take over Megakat City," Jake replied.

"I know. It's just hard to believe." Chance called Roland.

"Commander Roland speaking."


"Sir, shall I have my pilots circle the ship?" Chance asked.

"Yes, but try to keep your distance. I'll want to know what he wants first," Roland
replied.

"Roger that! Attention all Flight Enforcers! Surround the aircraft, but don't get too
close. Fire when I give the order."

"Yes sir," the Air Force replied to Chance and obeyed. 

"Jake, I guess it's up to you to give the order on the type of missiles to fire,"
Chance said. 

Roland and Chance gave Jake charge over the co-pilots who did the firing.

"Thanks, pal."

Then, a hologram of Juan appeared. 

"Attention Megakat City. This is Juan from Ana Kata Island. Don't let anyone
come near and you will be safe. Surrender this air space and the Radical Force to
my command in three days. I'll give you till then to make up your minds!"

"Chance and Jake, have your men prepare for fire and shoot before the enemy tries
to fire," Roland ordered.

"Yes sir! Flight Squadron, prepare to fire before they get in any sudden shots and
pull in closer," Chance ordered. 

Felina brought her ground Enforcers, including the Furlong sisters in a few
choppers.

"Roland, I'm going to go on board the ship to look for Juan," Felina said.

"All right, but be careful, sister," Roland replied in a worried tone.

"I'm always careful, brother. All right, Ground Squadron, move in, but do it
quietly."

"Yes, Commander Felina!" 

Juan saw the pilots surrounding his ship and commanded his crew to ready the
bombs.    

"I expected those Enforcers to be stubborn. Fire at will!" 

Chance and Jake saw the missiles being lowered. 

"Just as I expected. Attention, co-pilots! Lock on your slicer-missiles and fire!"
Jake ordered. 

The crews obeyed and, as the missile were released from Juan's ship, the Enforcer
missiles sawed them in half, and they exploded within twenty feet of their jets.
Some of the Enforcers were not so fortunate. As their jets shorted out, the crew
punched out and used their parachutes.  

"Good job, Jake. But, we're not out of the woods, yet!" Chance said.
"How's Brandon coming along?" Jake asked Felicia over the comm. 

"He made the hit just fine. I gave a bit of a pep talk to make his aim right," Felicia
answered.


"Good." 

As the Ground Enforcers searched for the control room, a group of rebels charged
at them. Felina used her bazooka, while the Furlong twins used their physical
skills. Tracey seized an enemy's rifle and hit him in the guts with it. Stacey had the
gift of flipping over an enemy and kicking him in his back. She also elbowed
some rebels in the ribs. Tracey had flung one enemy over, knocking over another. 

Juan watched the fighting from a distance and shot Tracey in the right arm.

"Commander Marino, Stacey!" she screamed. 

Stacey ran over to help her sister and helped her over to the door. She called her
father.

"Dad, could you come over here quickly? Tracey's hurt!"

"Roger." 

Chance flew over the entrance. Jake and Stacey helped Tracey into the cockpit.

"Stay here, sis. You're going to be okay," Stacey said.

"But I?" Tracey began as she tried to get up. 

Chance gently pushed her back down.  "No buts. Stay here with us. We're going to
get you to a doctor," he said, pointing his finger at her. 

Meanwhile, Felina started to look for Juan. 

Stacey joined her.

"Sorry I left." 

"I know why. It's okay. We'd better find Juan."

"Here I am, ladies. Sorry to not be there," Juan said.

"Freeze, Juan! You're under arrest!" Felina said.

"I don't think so." He jumped in front of them. 

Felina dodged his blows and seized him by the left arm and pinned him down.

"So sorry you're team is so weak," she said sarcastically. 

Stacey was about ready to cuff him. A rebel grabbed her by the arm and wrenched
them out of her paws. 

"I'll take those, little miss!" 

Stacey's eyes widened.  "Watch who you're calling "little miss"! She jumped on
his chest and she grabbed the cuffs back. 

Then, her victim pushed Felina off Juan, who stealthily hopped into a jet and took
off. Felina took out her trusty old whip and tripped the enemy and cuffed him up.

"There's one down. But, that crazy fool got away!" Stacey complained. 

"Don't worry, Stacey. Juan will not get away next time," Felina promised as she
had the Enforcers carry the villains away. She called her brother.  "Sorry, brother.
We stopped the others, but Juan escaped."

"Don't worry, Felina. We have his ship now. I'm sure that he'll come in a regular
jet next time."

"Let's hope so. Is Tracey all right?"

"Yes. Chance rushed her over to a hospital. Celine is there with her as well."

"I hope she gets well soon," Felina prayed. 

Stacey stood next to Tracey while she was undergoing the surgery.

"Get well, Tracey. We need you in the Radical Force!"

Meanwhile, Phoenix sneaked to the Headquarters runway and met up with
Jennifer.

"Hello, Phoenix. What are you doing here?" she asked.

"Jennifer, I would like flying lessons now! I don't want to wait until next year."

"I can't, partner. My shift is up, and I'd get into trouble with Commander Roland
for teaching you without authorization."

"But, I want to know how to operate a jet or at least look inside one. Please! It's
really important that I'm well prepared when I'm enlisted next year." He clasped
Jennifer's hands and pressed. 

"I know, but wanting doesn't mean getting immediately."

Then, Jennifer remembered something about Chance teaching her to fly without
permission from Feral. But, she trusted this commander's kindness and
understanding. As Phoenix kept pleading, Jennifer was forced to give in.

"I suppose you've got to have the experience sometime. You know, you're going
to be the death of me." 

Jennifer took Phoenix by the arm and lifted him into her jet. Seeing so many
controls and other gadgets amazed Phoenix. But, he was also very eager to learn
then and there.  

*********

Back at Ana Kata Island, Juan was in a conference with the President of the
United Arms. 

"Juan, I must express my grave disappointment in the defeat of your men. But, the
aircraft you used was a problem with so many men on the same ship."

"Sir, I apologize that I was the only one who got back. I was thinking of going
back to Megakat City in separate jets. We could make Commanders Roland Feral
and Felina Marino submit by means of multiple combat," Juan suggested.


Then, the televising screen flashed on and Roland spoke up.

"You'd like to try messing with us again, Mr. President?" Roland demanded. 

"We just want our freedom. But, since Megakat City doesn't want to negotiate,
we've had to take the small matter into our paws," the president said. 

"You are an island which has been annexed with us for 29 years, since the late
Manx was mayor. If you want your independence, you'll have to get it by different
means. I promise you, I would be happy to have our new Mayor negotiate with
you. Commander Roland out!" 

"I believe he's trying to threaten us. We islanders have lived in this place for ten
centuries. I think he wants to be commander of us all, with his sister, Felina."

"This island was their usual vacation place. Too bad, no one from Megakat City
has been able to pacify the security without getting shot," Juan said sarcastically.

"A shame, isn't it? Listen, I shall arrange the jets for your next invasion and make
it harder for the Radical Force to deter my intentions."

"Ours, you mean?"

The president smiled wickedly and nodded. "Yes, Juan. Our intentions."

When Juan walked out of the conference room, Tikie was there to meet him.

"I'd like to come with you this time, Juan. I plan to combat that Felina myself.
You and the others may deal with Roland and the Enforcers. Just leave Felina to
me," she pleaded.

"Tempting, but I'm going to fight Felina." 

Tikie sighed heavily and showed her disappointment. "But, what about Roland?
He tried threatening you and the President. And, I'm your second-kat ally. I am
going to beat one of these commanders!"

Juan saw that she was really determined to have her wish. But, they fought side by
side, and he didn't think who would fight who really mattered as long as he would
know they would be beaten. 

"All right, Tikie. You may fight Felina."

"Thank you, sir!" She saluted him and left. 

He looked at her going down.  "She's a strong fighter. And, I would not be able to
win without her, but she deserves the chance to win some combats," he admitted. 

*********


David was given lessons on how to operate a sub and how to use the scanner.
Tipo gave him an example on the screen with an animated image.

"All right, David. Let's see you lock on this giant Mosasour," Tipo said.

David tried to locate the X on the image, but the icon kept dancing around the
approaching creature. 

"Come on, David. Just like controlling a steering wheel."

David barely hit the mark on the image in the nick of time. The image exploded
well enough, but Tipo wanted more improvement from David.

"Sorry Captain??" David began.

"No. Don't be sorry; be safe. Work on your agility more and get over your
nervousness. I cannot have you in a real combat unless you can pass this exam."

"Yes sir." 

After the practice was over, David met Brandon and Ferrando on the shore.

"Hi, David. How's the practice going?" Ferrando asked.

"You don't want to know. Lousy," David replied. 

"That's not a very positive attitude, David. I'm sure you could have succeeded
better over the three weeks you've been trained," Brandon added. 

"That's encouraging," David said in an annoyed tone.

"You must be distracted or thinking on something else," Ferrando wondered. 

"It's nothing, I assure you."

"Is it about Jennifer Clawson?" Brandon asked.

"You're so insistent, the lot of you." David sighed and rolled his eyes. "Yeah. It's
her."

"I've seen her often with Phoenix."

"No way. How do you know, Brandon?" David asked with an edge of disbelief in
his voice.

"He saw him and Jennifer meeting often by the Headquarters," Ferrando
answered. 

"You two had better quit playing with me!"


"Why would Brandon lie about it, my friend?" Ferrando put his paw on David's
shoulder. 

David brushed it off and walked away. 

Tipo walked over to the two kats. 

"What going on here, gentlemen?" he asked.

"I think I've just said something I shouldn't have," Brandon said nervously. 

"What's that?"

"I think David's girlfriend is starting to slip a little," Ferrando said. 

Then, the three tomkats became concerned for David and called Roland.

*********

Later in the day, David went up to the runway of Headquarters to meet Jennifer.
He saw her helping Phoenix out of the jet. 

"I really enjoyed teaching you, Phoenix," she said. 

"Thanks, but what if my dad or Roland saw you do this?" he asked in worry.

"I have a surprise for you, Phoenix. Roland has selected me to train you in flight
on your time off from school. Aren't you happy?"

"Your risk really was worthwhile then, huh?" 

Phoenix turned and became startled at the sight of an irate David standing just
inches away from him.

"Oh, is there anything wrong?" he asked. 

David tried to act polite.

"Oh not at all. In fact, how rude I was to spoil this moment," he said sarcastically.

"David, listen to me??" Jennifer began. 

David put his paw up to her mouth. 

"So, this was why you left me when the damn buzzer went off, without one quick
kiss. You wanted to be with this nobody right here!" 

"David, please. This is not my fault. This was only an outing."

"An outing can mean that you don't care for me anymore! If that's how you want
to play it, I'm not stopping you or him!"

Jennifer scowled and walked off. 

Phoenix was about to leave, but David put his arm to bar his path.

"This isn't over! Roland will hear from me, and you will be declined from the
Enforcers!" 

"Wait, David. You're wrong!" Phoenix grabbed hold of David's arm as he started
to walk off. 

David seized his wrist and hurled him to the ground and went back on his way. 


*********

Stacey knocked on her brother's bedroom door. "Go away," he said.

"Phoenix, it's me, Stacey." 

Phoenix reluctantly let his sister in. She sat next him on his bed.

"Looks like you've got a rival for Jennifer," she cooed giving him a soft punch on
the arm. 

He gave her an annoyed look.

"Stop it, sis! She's just a friend and a trainer to me."

"I see. Listen, I'm sure David didn't mean to act like a jerk. He's just confused."

"That anger in his face didn't look like he was kidding." Phoenix sighed and
turned his face from Stacey.

"Roland's giving him a talking to about violence towards fellow Enforcers. If he
tried approaching you one more time, he'll be out of there fast!" 

"Maybe flying with Jennifer was a big mistake."

"No, you needed your training. Being an Enforcer pilot is a great job. It's better to
be prepared for challenging tasks before you step in."

"Did Dad tell you all of this?"

"How did you guess? Finish your essay and get some sleep, little bro. And, don't
forget to pray for Tracey. She needs healing fast. "

"Okay. Thanks sis."

As Stacey stroked his head and got up to leave, he called her back in.

"And one thing. What about David? Will he stop hating me?"

"I don't know, Phoenix. I just don't know." 

*********

Meanwhile, David walked over to the diner where he first met Jennifer. And,
there she was with Jake and Felicia. He felt remorse after receiving a warning
from Roland. He slowly walked in, hoping not to be seen by any of the three.

"You've been through so many relationship break-ups, Jennifer. It's a real shame,"
Felicia told Jennifer, putting her hand on hers.

"I was happy to allow Chance and Celine to get married, but I don't want to lose
David. How can I get him to listen?" 

Jake saw David sitting all by himself. 

"He's here right now. Would you like me to give him a sharp yelling at?" Jake
asked.


"No, Jake. Let me talk to him alone." 

Then, Jennifer walked over to where David sat.

"David?" she began. 

David heard her voice and wanted to get up and walk out. He felt too embarrassed
to speak to her. But, if he wouldn't apologize then and there, he would feel
tremendous guilt. Instead, he got up and gently pulled her face close to his and
kissed her on the lips. 
 
"I'm sorry, David. I didn't mean to?" 

David calmly silenced her.  "Shh. I'm the one who was acting stupid." 

The two lovers kissed while Jake and Felicia looked on.

"I hope David Noble knows what he's doing," Jake said, a bit uneasy about him
kissing her all of a sudden.   

"He's fine, Jake. It's a lover's nature to express more with action than with words,"
Felicia replied, kissing her husband on the mouth.

"But, if he doesn't know her very well?" Jake argued.


"Jake, you worry too much. You know that, don't you?" 

Jake smiled. "Yeah."

*********

After Phoenix had finished his junior year a week later, he was able to take flying
lessons from his dad. 

One Saturday morning, David went back up to the runway on Headquarters to
meet Phoenix and Roland. 

"Hey, Phoenix I want to tell you that I misjudged you with Jennifer. You can
make her your partner since she helped you train." 

"I'm going to partner up with Brandon soon. But thanks." 

Chance smiled as he saw the two toms shaking paws. 

"Hope this young kat behaves himself from now on," he said to Roland.

"Glad to see those two Enforcers getting along," Roland added.

"Yeah. I was about to claw David alive that night, but I guess I won't need to. I
hope you weren't too hard on David though. I must say he's been a fervent admirer
of me for three years," Chance explained.

"With all humility, my uncle would have been a real demon compared to me. I
was extremely firm, but polite."

"You're a long shot from your uncle, Sir. David would have had his tail thrown
out."

"Oh, call me Roland when we're talking together. Our titles don't have to divide
our friendships, Chance."

"Right."


David and Phoenix walked down to the gymnasium where RJ was wrestling
Stacey. 

"Body slam!" RJ yelled in triumph as he pinned Stacey down on the mat. 

"Dogs and kats have never seemed to get along," David said.

"I wonder which one is the weakest. It's never known to be the kat," Phoenix
added. 

RJ lightly showed his teeth. He got up and picked up David and Phoenix by their
shirts.

"Now, who's the weakest?" RJ joked. 

"Put us down, RJ," Phoenix chuckled.

"First, do you admit defeat, boys?" 

"Yes," David said, feeling a little embarrassed. 

RJ let them down.

"Thanks. That's all I wanted to know," RJ said, stroking David's head.

"I should have told you two to watch out for him; he loves himself," Stacey said.

"Prepare for another body slam, Ms. Furlong," RJ said. 

"Bring it on. Anyway, what are you two doing here?"

"We wanted to let you know that I'm taking lessons from my dad at last." 

The Furlong siblings gave each other a high four. 

"That's swell. I told you so, Phoenix."

"Like a good sister."

"And, what about David with Captain Tipo?"

"Not progressing as fast as I had hoped."

"I know it takes time. And, working with Tipo can be a battle in itself. Listen, I've
found some news about Ana Kata Island. The same maniac is planning to return."

"We'll be ready to show him; me in the sky and David at sea!" Phoenix said,
wrapping his arm around David's shoulder. 

"I think you two had better stick to your training. You're not ready to fight yet,"
Stacey said.

"Says who?" David said.

"Not me, but your unfinished skills say so."

"But, sis, don't you trust me?"

"Yeah, I do trust you. But fighting takes more than just ambition and boasting."


"Like what?"

Then, an announcement interrupted their conversation.

"Attention, all Enforcers! The enemies from Ana Kata Island are returning! There
seem to be a total of six jets approaching. Commanders Roland and Felina's
orders!"  

"I'd better go! Later, you guys," Stacey said as she ran off. 

"What does she think we are?" Phoenix asked. 

Then, RJ walked over to them and winked.  "Get suited up. You have my trust,"
he said.

"Let's get moving," David said. 

As they got out, they saw the flight Enforcers over their heads with Roland and
Felina leading.

"One day, that's going to be me leading them," Phoenix told David.

"Yeah, but let's worry about joining them first. Good luck!" 

"Same to you!" 

During the battle, Tikie started to chase Felina.

"Commander Felina, watch out!" Chance yelled as he saw flashes of sparks and
rays coming behind Felina on all sides.

"You can't get away, Commander Felina!" Tikie yelled, shooting at her. 

Felina's jet was nicked a few times, but she went on fighting. She submerged
under Tikie.

"Try and catch me. I'm not trying to escape!" Felina fired back at her, hitting both
of her wings. 

"Shoot!" Tike said as she used one of her ejecting exhausts to help her.  
"She looks determined. Perhaps this will ward her off," Felina said as she let out a
gout of exhaust, which blocked Tikie's view. 

Tikie was able to get out of that cloud and started to look for Felina again. Chance
and Jake were present and fired at her afterburners. She plummeted and Felicia
caught her and delivered her to the Enforcers waiting below. 

"Thanks, all four of you! I'll take care of this one. Go and help my brother!" 

Then, a group of enemy jets crowded around Chance and Felicia and started
firing. 

"Crud! We'd better get these scum out of our tails!" Chance yelled.

"I have a plan crazy enough to work! Felicia, Chance, and Brandon, let's split
opposite sides and let these creeps crash into each other! First, we need to then
come toward each other, then finally split up again. Let's have some fun!" 


"Roger!" all three said. 

The enemy pilots followed their prey on opposite sides. Then, as Chance and
Felicia spilt up again, the pilots realized they had been tricked. They tried to avoid
crashing into each other. Their wings clashed against each other in their attempt to
escape. 

Jake and Brandon caught the falling enemies in nets. 

Juan simulated Roland's maneuvers, making it hard for him to get his aim steady. 

"Sounds like you've lost a few things," Juan taunted. 

Roland locked on Juan's afterburners and started shooting. 

Juan was able dodge those shots and fired at Roland. Roland's fuel tanks exploded
and he ejected, using a parachute. 

"Crud, Roland's been hit!" Jake said.

Suddenly, Jennifer appeared with Phoenix as her co-pilot. They were going after
Juan.

"Jennifer, don't go there - it's too dangerous," Jake protested. 

"Don't worry, brother, We'll be all right."

"And, dad, I'm sorry, but you need my help," Phoenix added. Then, they flew
away. 

Chance became scared.

"That's my son! Crud! Come on, Jake. Let's follow him! Remind me to hang
Phoenix later."

"My sister too."  

As they followed Jennifer, Felicia and the other Enforcers fought off the other two
jets. Felicia and another pilot tried the same maneuver, but the enemy pilots did
not fall for the same trick as their comrades did. 

Felicia and the other Enforcer swerved sideways as the two enemies submerged
and began shooting. Not paying any attention of their coming together, they
crashed and burned up in the accident. 

*********

At sea, Tipo, Ferrando, and a crew of 25 prepared to fight the enemy sub. David
was with them.

"I don't know how you convinced me to let you come," Tipo told David.

"I have ways of making people agree with me," David replied.

The enemy, who was called Perille, had a system that could collect data from
Tipo's sub. He laughed as he looked at his data screen.

"Pretty soon, I'll conduct a band of ocean crafts as great as this Captain's," he said
wickedly.

"He's coming closer, father. Shall I fire now?" Ferrando asked.

"Let's wait until he fires first. I've never fired until the enemy attacked first," Tipo
answered.


Perille laughed when Tipo's submarine hesitated. "That crazy king of the seas
wants me to fire first. That's fine. Instead of missiles, my 1200 volts will destroy
him and his crew."

"Father, I'm sealing the sub. Shock waves approaching." Ferrando and the crew
sealed the submarine with a nuclear shield, and the waves returned to the enemy. 

"Well done. Let's move in closer," Tipo said. 

One of the other crewmembers checked the defense data in the ship's program and
found it was empty. 

"Captain, our weapon's information is swiped off," he announced.

"Move in closer! We're going to get that data back!" 

"Captain, the only way to do that is go on board the enemy sub and stop the villain
himself," David said.

"No, David! You're not ready yet," Tipo said, holding him back. 

"Captain, why don't you believe me? Look, I'm fighting that enemy. You all can
stay here, but that won't help me in reclaiming the defense secrets. Forgive me for
speaking so boldly."

Ferrando joined David. "I'm going with him, father," he said. 

Tipo was forced to agree. 

"Very well. Now, here are the directions. You and Ferrando go to the secret
entrance located at the bottom as shown on the radar. Find the data room and
record the stolen information and erase it from the system. Then, get out
immediately! Understand? And, David, here's another mini staff that I was saving
for you. 

"Yes sir!" 

The two tom kats quickly got into swimming gear and swam over to the enemy
sub. They found the conning and twisted the top open. 

Tipo made the sign of the cross on his heart.  "God be with you two!" he said
firmly.

As Ferrando and David took off their aquatic gear, Ferrando took out a waterproof
scanner and looked around for the computer room.

"Any sight of our booty yet, Ferrando?" David asked.

"Yes. It's down a few doors to the left. But, be very quiet. This is a smaller sub
than ours and noises can be heard better."

They entered the computer room and found the screen with the secrets on it.
David quickly took out the disc and recorded the data on it. Finally, he sealed it
and put it in his pocket.

"Nice job. You never said you had computer skills."

"A hero's traits are sometimes extra helpful."


"Now to clean up." As Ferrando was about to erase the program, Perille seized his
paw and hurled him backward. David caught him and stopped him from falling.

"Do I have uninvited guests?" Perille's two submarine allies ran up to the two tom
kats. 

Ferrando used his glowing staff and electrocuted one of the villains in the arm. 

David tried using his staff, but the other evil sidekicks grabbed it from him and
threw it aside. David had to use his martial skills. He grabbed his opponent's leg
and tripped him. The attacker got up and started towards Ferrando. He kicked
Ferrando in the stomach and held him down. David grabbed his mini staff and
sent shock waves to blind the opponent. He covered his eyes and Ferrando was
free. 

Perille grabbed David's staff and clenched David by the neck. Then, he looked at
Ferrando.

"You must be the captain's son. You can tell your father that I've got a ransom
here. Do as I say, or I shall use this kitten's weapon against him."

Then, Ferrando had an idea. He pushed a button on his own staff that would flare
up in the enemy's paw.

"Here. Before I go anywhere, take my staff too." Ferrando tossed it to him.

"I'm glad to see some *reasonable* acts happening here." 

As Perille touched the instrument, it went off in sparks in his paw. He released
David in his pain. 

David seized the moment and elbowed Perille to the ground. Then, taking his own
staff, he shocked him one more time. 

Ferrando erased the information from the folder. 

"Thanks, Ferrando. I owe you one!" David said. 

"Thank me later. Let's get out now!" 

The two tom kats put on their goggles and snorkels. Before they got out, Tipo,
Roland, and a few Coastal Patrol Enforcers came down the conning tower. 

"Any problems, boys?" Roland asked.

"No. I think David's been prepared all along," Ferrando said, patting David's
shoulder. 

David took out the disc and gave it to Tipo, who rubbed the back of his head. 

"I guess I mistrusted you, David. You're one heck of a fighter." Tipo gave David
his paw to wrist shake.

"Let's say I was just doing my Enforcer job by being ready."

*********

At the same time, Jennifer and Phoenix followed Juan as he elevated over the
clouds. 

"Phoenix, are you able to aim directly at him?" 

"I've got him locked on right now. Let's just hope he doesn't move."


"Don't worry. When you're locked on, that missile will be able to follow him and
eventually hit the target."

"We're probably using one of Razor's missiles," Phoenix assumed. 

Juan turned widely to the right and went behind them. 

"Hope I've lost them. I'd better find Tikie," Juan said.

"Don't hope yet!" Jennifer turned widely to the left and went back on Juan's trail.

"Those meddling pilots don't seem to give up!" Juan said.  He fired at them.

"Crud!" Jennifer turned sideways to avoid the shots. She then ducked under Juan's
level of space.

"All right, Phoenix. Shoot now!"

"Roger!" He repositioned the missile's aim and fired. 

The missile followed Juan's every move. 

"I can't believe this!" he cried. He lowered his jet a little and turned about. But,
before he knew it, the missile headed straight at him, coming from out of the blue.
He tilted his jet sideways, and the missile hit fuel tanks. He ejected out of the
exploding craft, and his parachute's descent was caught by Jake. 

"Those two did it! My sister is one genius," Jake said. 

"Yeah, but I wonder if my son was able to stop him as well," Chance added. 

After Juan and Tikie were sent to the island prison for a bail of $50,000 from Ana
Kata Island, Roland returned to Headquarters and saw Chance waiting there for
him. 

"Where's Phoenix? I want to award him for his brave act today."

"I tried looking for him myself. Look, I want to thank you for letting Jennifer
work with my son. I should have used the leisure time I had to teach Phoenix a
few things," Chance said remorsefully. 

"My pleasure. And, I've heard from Tipo that David was another hero of the sea.
He helped to save the defense data."

"Reminds me of that same mission all those years back."

Then, Tracey appeared with Celine and visited her dad.

"Tracey, sweetheart, what are you doing here?" Chance asked, lightly shaking her
chin.

"I also want to congratulate my brother."

"I think Phoenix has too much of his father in him. But, that's okay," Celine said,
kissing her husband on the cheek.


"Now, where could he have gone? If only he'd stop sneaking off so often," Tracey
complained.  

*********

At the diner, David, Jennifer, and Phoenix sat having milk shakes.

"Another battle won with new Enforcers," David said. 

"Roger that!" Jennifer and Phoenix both said.

"I'm just so relieved that Roland gave me that job of training you before our secret
was out," Jennifer commented.

"What secret?" David asked.

"Don't need to worry about it. Phoenix got his wish to fly. And, he'd make a
wonderful commander."

"Better wait until he's a bit older. He's still got so much to learn about flying."

"And, you still have a lot to catch up on submarines," Phoenix replied, getting
back at David.

"Boys, boys, it's okay. You're both new. But, David is going to make one heck of a
coastal fighter, and Phoenix is going to make a swell pilot," Jennifer
complimented and kissed David on the mouth. 

"A kiss is a perfect ending," Phoenix said sweetly. Then, he and David shook
paws and finished their milkshakes. 

After that, the three kats went home. 

Phoenix became very proud of his pilot skills, and Jake finally, and reluctantly,
allowed Brandon to fly with him. 

David eventually mastered the submarine with Ferrando's constant support. Tipo
trusted David to fight alongside his son, and they became just as close partners as
the original SWAT Kats. David and Jennifer's relationship grew into true love that
lasted forever. Phoenix and Brandon had as great a partnership and were called
the New T-Bone and Razor by the young Enforcers. 

THE END