Disclaimer: Daria and associated characters are owned by MTV. Dr. Doom, the Fantastic Four, and associated characters are owned by Marvel Comics. This is fan fiction written for entertainment only. No money or other negotiable currency or goods have been exchanged.
A sequel to Is It Doom Yet?
Richard Lobinske
Daria R
From the window of her personal apartment, Queen Daria Von Doom watched predawn light slowly illuminate the forest outside. Ten years. Ten years since my biological father invited me here. By the end of summer, it will be ten years since he left to try to rule in Hell and me to rule Latveria.
A hawk circled over the forest edge. Castle Doom's grounds were protected and maintained by the foresters, so the local hawks and their prey flourished within sight of the walls. Daria watched them as old friends…friends she daily shared a few quiet, early morning minutes with before the whirlwind of activity started.
Daria sighed as ringing drew her attention away from the hawk. She sat down at her work desk and pressed a button on the communications panel. "Yes?"
Her personal butler, Janos, replied, "Your Majesty, the Countess wishes to speak with you. Are you available?"
"I have a few minutes. Put her through."
The communication display showed the change of connections to a secure, outside line. Daria said, "Hi, Quinn."
"Daria. How are you?"
"More nervous than usual. It's going to be a long day."
"Oh, yeah. Good luck with that constitution vote thing."
"Thanks, I'll need it."
"Anyway, I know you've got stuff like that under control. Can you spare an evening next week?"
Amused and irritated, Daria said, "Who are you trying to set me up with, this time?"
"It's more like just meet."
"Quinn…who?"
"He's the star of that new series on the SF Channel. He's really, really cute and he's also into all that science stuff I know you still like."
"Another actor? Quinn…"
There's nothing wrong with them. Well, not all of them. A few of them."
"Quinn, I'm not looking for some weird, reversed Grace Kelly situation here."
"But…"
"Quinn, I know you're trying to help, but suggestions like that; don't."
"Daria, you never get out, except for official visits and stuff."
"I know. I have a lot to do."
"You've got to…"
"Quinn, if the vote goes well today, I will have more time. A constitutional monarchy will take a lot of pressure off me. Maybe give me time to go out on a date now and then."
"Daria, you've got to make time. You're one of the most available women in the world and there are hordes of guys who'd do anything to go out with you."
"With most of them only looking for a ready source of spending money and fame."
"So, you throw some money at them and have a good time."
"Quinn, you know that's…"
"Yeah, yeah. You're still a romantic under that tough armor of yours. But you haven't even dated anyone since that Tom guy in high school."
"Which, I am well aware of."
"So you're not interested in…"
"That's right." Daria looked at the time display of her computer. "I've got to get ready. I'll talk to you later."
"Okay, Daria. I'm sorry, I was only trying to help."
Daria sighed again. "I know, and it's appreciated. I have to go. Bye, Quinn."
"Bye."
Daria pushed another button to end the call. "Sometimes, it's not good to be Queen."
Dressed in the crisp green and black business suit that had become regular wear for official business, Daria was seated in her working office and faced several officials as she signed an official letter.
Sincerely,
Daria Regina
Daria R
She crisply folded the letter and closed it inside an envelope. She placed it face down on the table and poured a small circle of sealing wax on the back before pressed an ornate stamp into it. "Now that all other business is done," Daria said as she placed the letter on a silver rack to cool. "Is everything set for the voting?"
The Prime Minister nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty. The polling places will open in fifty minutes."
"Good."
Her Minister of Intelligence said, "We are still receiving reports that the vote is seen by some as a sign of your weakness. That you are not strong enough to rule and wish to give away your power." He carefully avoided her eyes. "That you are a Von Doom by name only."
There was the briefest flash of darkness in Daria's eyes, much like that of her biological father's. Without an outward show, she answered, "That was expected. Are your security measures in place to protect voters?"
"Yes, Majesty. There will be no trouble at the polls."
"Do we have any other concerns this morning?"
The Prime Minister said, "There is still poor support for the new constitution. It will be embarrassing for you if the vote goes against it."
Daria sat at her desk. "But oddly, a show of their support for me at the same time."
The Interior Minister said, "Your personal support is, as always, outstanding among the people. Your father would be proud of you."
Daria reached for a photo of Jake Morgendorffer that sat on her desk. "I'm sure, and I know my Dad is. My father, King Victor, taught me how to be a Queen, but my Dad taught me that even old fears and doubts can be overcome."
Daria's old friend and confidante, Jane, took a tray with two large cups of coffee from Janos and said, "I'll take it from here."
The butler bowed his head and smiled. "Of course, Lady Jane."
She softly laughed. "I still get a kick out of being called that. And you wouldn't believe how much it ticks-off the 'upstanding' Lanes that I'm a Knight of Latveria."
"A well deserved recognition, Lady Jane."
Jane went inside the office and set the tray in front of Daria. "I know you can use this."
"Thanks." Daria took one cup of coffee already prepared to her taste and sipped. "This is turning into one of the longest days of my life."
"As bad as our old days at…Lawndale High?" Jane drew out the school's name dramatically, like their old principal did.
"Just as bad. It would be worse if you weren't here. Thanks."
Jane shrugged, "Hey, Josh loves to tear around the castle and Devon loves to travel, so it works for all of us."
"I know it's kind of pathetic how much I depend on you. I'm glad Devon's been so understanding."
Jane sat on the edge of Daria's desk, knowing she was the only person who could get away with it. "I learned from my brother Wind's mistakes and made Devon read a full disclosure form of what marrying into the Lanes involved."
"And if that didn't scare him off, nothing will."
Laughing, Jane said, "But, I still won't risk a full-blown Lane family reunion."
Daria answered an interrupting buzz from her communication panel. "Yes?"
"Apologies for disturbing you," Janos politely said. "One of the servo-guards retrieved Master Joshua from the moat. The young man claims he was looking for the sea monster in it."
Jane looked at Daria. "You're the one who told him that."
"Lady Jane, he is rather wet," Janos added.
Jane stood. "Occupational hazard for five-year olds. I'm on my way."
Late in the evening, Daria sat on a wing-back chair in her apartment. Legs tucked under and a crystal stem-glass of Latverian Sable wine forgotten on the table beside her, she leaned against one of the wings. Sadly, Daria watched a wide-screen TV that showed several Latverian and international broadcasts and felt her spirits sink.
On the nearby sofa, Jane sat with her husband, a slightly taller man with wavy blond hair and eyes as blue as Jane's. Curled up with them, a blond boy slept, wearing an innocent smile.
A news broadcaster said, "The primary vote count has been completed and the Constitutional Referendum did not have the majority vote needed for ratification. The people of Latveria have chosen to continue following the wise leadership of Queen Daria."
Tired, Daria closed her eyes. "Damn."
"Well, not needing to build a legislative hall frees up a lot of money in the budget," Daria said as she went through a financial report. Her posture was more like that of her teen years than the one she normally held.
The Finance Minister said, "Yes, Majesty. What shall we do with it?"
"Move it to the reserve fund for now."
"Very good. The same with the seed funds for the Electoral Office?"
She nodded, almost as if trying to sleep than in agreement.
Concerned, he said, "Majesty, are you ill?"
Daria massaged her temples. "Tired. The last couple weeks are catching up with me."
"If I may…perhaps you can rest for a few days. Sometimes, you work harder than your father."
Daria looked at him and started to say something. The Minister held up his hand. "Majesty, Latveria will not fall if you take time to rest. But, it may have problems if fatigue clouds your judgment."
Daria rested her hand on the small pistol at her belt. "You never would have said something like that to my father." She removed her hand and stood. "That's one of the differences between me and him. We're done for now. Please have Janos assemble the ministers in the throne room at one this afternoon. I'll announce my…vacation…then."
"Majesty, the Duchess is on the line, as you requested," Janos spoke over the phone.
"Thank you."
Daria opened the outside line and said, "Hi, Mom."
"Daria, it's so good to hear from you," Helen replied. "Your dad and I are so sorry things didn't work out yesterday."
"Thanks. How mad are you at the neighbors these days?"
From another phone, Jake said, "Nosy little…"
"Jake!" Helen sharply said.
"How would you like to really annoy them?" Daria asked.
Jake almost shouted with joy, "When are you coming over?"
"If you don't mind, in a couple days. After we work out permissions and security details with the US government."
Helen said, "We don't mind, but that's awfully short notice. Are you okay?"
"Very tired and need to get out of the castle for a few days. A nice little padded room may be just what I need."
Helen said, "It'll be waiting."
"Can you also call Quinn and let her know?"
"Sure, Sweetie."
"I'm probably the only head of state that gets called that by her mother."
"Don't be silly. I'm sure most of them get called something like that, they just don't tell anyone."
"I'll remember that the next time I'm in an endless meeting with one."
"After all these years, it's weird as hell to see you doing that," Jane said, seated inside Daria's personal aircraft.
Daria turned away from a large mirror, satisfied everything was in place. "How do you think I feel? There are times when I want to find my old jacket and boots and walk out there."
"You know exactly where they're at."
"Got me. But it's still tempting."
"Anyway, I'll keep a hold of Josh so he doesn't try to run out in front of you."
"That would make a hell of a photo op."
"Try not to eat too many reporters this time. Leave some for dessert."
"Yes, Mommy."
Devon said, "Thanks once again. We could never afford all these trips."
Daria looked over the top of her glasses. "It's the least I can do. Jane's my strongest sanity anchor."
"I still feel a little guilty."
"Then help Jane hold onto Josh."
Daria stopped behind a podium bearing the Seal of Latveria that was set up on the airport tarmac near the exit from her personal aircraft. Slightly behind and to one side, Jane and her family stood next to the waiting limousine, where a cadre of servo guards took up positions in conjunction with the US Secret Service.
Daria told the group of reporters, "Good morning. To answer what I know will be the first question, I'm here to visit my family and take a short vacation. For the second question about the recent referendum in Latveria: the people of my country have made their wishes known."
A brunette woman said, "It is highly unusual for such a referendum to fail. What do you have to say about claims of fraud during the voting?"
"Independent observers from around the world were invited to observe the voting. All reported the voting went smoothly. The European Union delegation went as far as to say that the voting was the best organized and least suspect of any that they had observed…even in their own countries. These observers have stayed in Latveria to observe the investigation of each report."
An Asian man asked, "If the voting was so clean, then how do you account for the reports?"
"In any political process, some people will be displeased. They are probably the source of the reports."
"Isn't that quite a change for Latveria? Under your father, such activity was unheard of."
"That was King Victor. As you may notice, I am not the same person and I do not rule the same fashion as he chose."
Another man, this one with graying black hair, asked, "There are reports that you came here to rest. Are they true?"
"I was very busy the last few weeks and will enjoy a little rest, that's true."
A young man with blond hair asked, "Is it true your sister will be setting you up for some dates while you're in America?"
Daria paused. "I'm sure she'll be keeping her eyes and ears open for me."
A woman next to the previous reporter said, "Will you be looking?"
"I hadn't made any specific plans."
Another man asked, "Your closest advisor all these years has been Jane Lane. What about the rumors that you have carried on an affair with her?"
Daria looked directly into the man's eyes. "Do you ask any men in my position if they are having affairs with their male advisors?"
The crowd was quiet.
Daria's eyes bore in harder. "Do you?"
Feeling very upset, the reporter sputtered, "N-no."
"There, you provided the answer. No, I have not had an affair with her. Jane is my closest friend and is married to a man she loves. The very idea that Jane would cheat on her husband is abhorrent." Daria took one step toward the limousine. "Now that my mood for this has been ruined, I bid you good day."
Daria ducked inside the car and as soon as the door closed, the chauffeur had it moving.
Jane said, "Are you being hard on the press again?"
"Only those that deserve it."
"I thought he was gonna fill his pants." Jane waved her fingers. "Did you use a little assistance?"
"That would be privileged information."
Inside a nondescript cottage, Prince Zorba Fortunov II watched the interview and snorted. "Run away home, little girl. You're not fit to rule Latveria."
The handsome young man ran one hand through his dark brown hair and said in Latverian, "I will enjoy restoring my family's honor and rightful place on the throne, by trampling you into the ground like the foreign schoolgirl you are."
From the adjacent room, a voice said, "Do not underestimate your foe. You're seeing a temporary weakness. She has her father's intelligence and drive. Few rulers have honestly earned doctoral degrees…let alone while ruling."
"Then we should move now."
"No. We must prepare the way and make her weakness more than temporary. Then, we can move. Those decadent American reporters have given you leverage. The Queen has no consort and no heir. The Fortunovs always came to the throne with a family."
Zorba nodded. "Yes. It's quite irresponsible of her not to be prepared for succession."
The voice said, "And the process of searching for a consort should usefully distract her."
"A sweatsuit!" Quinn shrieked. "Please tell me that's not the only thing you brought to wear!"
Slouching on a sofa in her parents' house, Daria said, "I'm here to relax," and kicked her feet up to rest on the coffee table.
"You're wearing those boots? Daria, are you trying to give me a heart attack?"
"Quinn, I'm here to do nothing. Absolutely nothing. Park my ass, have pizza delivered and watch bad television."
"But you can do that at your castle."
"Not like this. And trust me; you don't want to try Latverian pizza delivery."
"I was hoping…"
"…To get me out more. I know. I'm just not up to it."
Quinn noticed the faint catch in Daria's voice. She swung around the sofa and sat next to her sister. "It's more than that - and more than you being annoyed at me for trying. Something is really bothering you about this."
"Quinn, I'm here to rest. Okay?"
"Daria…"
"Drop it."
Her old padded room had been left mostly unchanged. Even though she'd spent less than two years in there and it now seemed tiny, the room comforted her.
However, the direction of the current conversation didn't. "Et tu, Jane?" Daria said in disbelief.
"Hard as it is to admit, she has a point."
"Yeah, right. I'm not letting Quinn set me up on a blind date."
"Okay, I can see where you wouldn't go for the kinds of guys Quinn would locate, but a date might do you some good."
"I'm not going out with your brother."
Jane shook her head. "Between your duties and studying, you've retreated even further back into your shell than you were when I met you."
"Nonsense. I have to deal with all kinds of people every day."
"And not allow any of them close." Jane paused in thought before saying, "You always had a hard time letting anyone really know you. With how often people only want to see you for what they can get out of it, that's gotten worse. Hasn't it?"
Daria slowly nodded.
"And that's why you don't want to even try to date anybody?"
Daria looked out of the force field protected window. "Part of it."
"And the rest?"
Daria continued to stare out of the window, feeling faintly imprisoned by the invisible, silent forcefield protecting the house.
Jane pressed her friend. "What else?"
"What would I do? I've only gone out with two guys…and you don't even need to take your shoes off to count the total number of dates. I was never very good with that stuff, and now…"
Jame's jaw fell open. "That's it? You're scared?"
"Yes."
"The girl that stood toe-to-toe against the Fantastic Four?"
Daria turned in frustration. "Jane, I don't need you making fun of me over it."
"Sorry. It's hard to match the two. Almost everyone learns to deal with dates. What are you so afraid of?"
"That I'll screw up. You have to admit that my ability to think clearly went out the window when a guy showed any real interest in me. I can't afford to have that happen now."
"Um…you have a point, but that was ten years ago. Give yourself a chance."
"Back then, the worst a guy could be trying to use me for was sex. Now…not only do I have to deal with the sycophants, but over the years, several other traditional monarchies have sent their princes over to meet me. They represented everything from those who wanted a marriage to get outside cash to shore up a failing budget, to those that thought that I just needed a good man to take over as king so I don't have to worry. Or another that asked me how many apartments I had available for his concubines. I really understand why Elizabeth I didn't get married." Daria sighed. "But I don't want to end up another Virgin Queen like her, either."
"We'll just have to look somewhere else."
"But where? I can't exactly go down to the Zon and mingle."
"Considering it burned down a couple years ago, no…but I see what you're getting at."
Sarcastically, Daria suggested, "Maybe I can use one of those online matchmaking services. Single Female Monarch seeks companion. Must be intelligent, caring, and possess skin thick enough to survive castle politics."
Jane moved next to the window Daria was looking out of. "On second thought, why don't you accept Quinn's offer? Someone light and fluffy to start with. What could it hurt?"
"I'm going to regret this. Okay."
The five-star restaurant's private dining room was oversized for two, but it was the only place Daria and her date could expect to converse without continuous interruptions. She sat across a table from Don, the muscular, handsome actor that Quinn had mentioned. Daria had to admit the dinner was a masterpiece of fine cuisine.
After hearing another of Don's stories, Daria said, "I'm sorry, I didn't see that movie, either."
Somewhat confused, he asked, "You don't see many, do you?"
Daria shook her head. "No. It's not easy to get the time to watch one, and when I do have the time, I usually like to spend it writing."
"Quinn mentioned you've liked to write since you were little. Any screenplays in the works?"
"No. I write for my own amusement and a few close friends."
"Have you tried to publish any?"
Shaking her head, Daria said, "When I was younger, I might've tried. But now, writing is a release. Writing to publish would make it an obligation…and I have enough of those as it is."
Don laughed. "I know what you mean. Between the set, my agent, my publicist and my personal trainer…the days are just filled. But, I always find some time to get away to shoot some hoops. I played in college and considered turning pro…but I decided on acting instead."
"My sister mentioned that you enjoy science."
"Not just enjoy, I live it. Discovering Scientology was one of the greatest things to happen to me. Are you interested?"
"That's not quite what I meant."
As her plane taxied across Latveria's main airport of Doomsport, Daria reread several reports, ruefully saying, "What would it hurt?"
She shook her head and read more. "Zorba is really pressing the point about my single status and the need for a clear heir. Now we know who thought I was showing weakness with the referendum."
The plane stopped and Daria prepared to leave. As soon as the door opened, she hurried down the access stairs and to the waiting limousine. Inside was the Prime Minister.
"Welcome back, your Majesty."
"To the mess my little date created. What's your opinion of the situation?"
The gentleman answered, "There is support for Zorba's position, even beyond those that would prefer to see the Fortunovs returned to the throne. However, support for you continues to be much higher. Most would prefer for you to find a husband and start a family. That is not really a condemnation. The happiest days of my life were my marriage and the birth of my children."
"It's not that I'm adverse to the idea. Dealing with this is going to be a distraction. I don't like it."
"Regrettably true."
Inside one of the deepest rooms of the castle, the Intelligence Minister said, "It's certain that he wants to place his family back on the throne and avenge the deaths of his father, Zorba I and grandfather, Vladimir. You don't want deep surveillance?"
"No, not yet. We don't have proof that has Zorba doing anything more than talking. However, if he is planning something, he's going to need outside assistance. Increase border surveillance for anything that may support a rebellion. That includes any methods to physically bypass the borders."
"I find I'm still adapting to your methods, compared with your father. But I will say, you've developed a more subtle way than his."
"If you uncover real evidence against Zorba, be prepared to move quickly."
"There will be no hesitation."
Now for the damage control to start, Daria thought as the slender television interviewer sat down and adjusted her microphone. Camera and sound technicians, carefully watched by servo-guards, worked nearby making final checks of equipment.
Happy with the microphone, the interviewer motioned to the camera operator to start. "Good evening. This is Mira Natarova and tonight, I'm the special guest of Queen Daria. Good evening, Your Majesty."
Daria made a faint smile and said, "Good evening, Mira."
"How are you feeling after your vacation?"
"It was refreshing to be with my family."
The interview questions that followed were lightweight and Daria correctly gauged them to be softening her up for later.
Mira asked, "We've heard little from you concerning Prince Zorba's campaign that you should've been married before ascending the throne, or at least have been actively seeking a husband since then."
Daria corrected, "There are currently no princes in Latveria. Mr. Fortunov has stated his opinion and I will not stop him. I agree that in many ways, it would have been easier for me to have been married before I became Queen. However, I was seventeen at the time. In my opinion, a little young to make such a decision."
"He's stated that for many generations, rulers of his family had been married before they ascended to the throne."
"Most of them were much older than seventeen when they did. Not a valid comparison."
"Are you opposed to finding a husband?"
"Not at all. I allowed other aspects of my life to push that out of mind and these questions have brought it forward. However, my position does make looking difficult." She leaned forward and conspiratorially said, "Lets face it, my security scares some of them away."
Mira lightly laughed. "But apparently, not your recent dalliance with an American actor. There are many who wonder what you were thinking."
"Mira, have you ever gone out with someone who at first seemed interesting, but later proved to be…less than compatible?"
Mira laughed again. "I'm afraid so."
"And I'm sure you have some horror stories about bad dates."
"Oh, yes."
"I'm not immune to that happening, either. No offense to the gentleman, but he ended up being someone who wasn't right for me." Daria paused and looked at the camera. "And trying to date someone under the microscope of the news media and paparazzi is a challenge. I'm sure that everyone in Latveria wants me to find the right person. So, be patient."
Straining to maintain her composure, Daria said into the telephone, "I'm positive that he's a perfect gentleman, but fourteen is a little young…No, I think he would also be too young for my sister…I understand that is an acceptable age for betrothal…No offense to your customs intended, I was merely pointing out an important difference…Thank you for your interest. Please have a good day."
Daria cut the connection and tapped the controls to open another. "Janos, unless it's an important security issue, please hold my calls…Thank you."
Pushing her chair away from the desk, Daria looked up at the ceiling. "A month of come-ons from around the world. What the hell have I gotten myself into?"
Pulling on the desk with one hand to roll the chair back, she scanned through news reports and other online information. In addition to numerous speculative articles about Daria's hunt and the reasons behind it, there were also several good retrospectives of her reign, from her surprise appearance as princess and heiress, to the quiet abdication of King Victor and her coronation. The stories also recalled her early success, aided by the Fantastic Four, in maintaining control of Latveria against several outside attempts to take over, such as the one led by the villainous Red Skull. Since then, she was known for maintaining her father's high standard of honest government, while greatly expanding the personal freedoms of the citizens.
Daria permitted a faint smile. All the press following my availability is incredibly annoying, but the background stories have come across well and taken the edge off Zorba's attacks.
She changed the display to a recent report on Zorba's latest rally. His rhetoric had become strident and the crowds smaller. Good. He made a splash, but he's fading. Soon, his campaign will end. But, he wants power, and that may drive him to more desperate acts.
"I warned you not to underestimate your opponent," the advisor reminded Zorba."
Zorba pounded his fist on the table where he was seated "She's turned the entire thing to her favor! She's picking among suitors from around the world like a high-priced harlot and the people are behind her. She's even convinced everyone to stop using my proper title. How could this happen?"
"She's intelligent, committed and ruthless. Like her father, and from what I've learned, much like her mother. The question of her marital status has served its first purpose, now to use it for the second. It is time to show that she is too distracted and weak to properly protect and rule."
"But, as much as I would like to, we can't act now. It would be obvious that we are behind any acts."
"There are ways to hide what's going on."
A few moments later, a distant thump gently rattled the windows. Zorba jumped up and said, "What was that!"
Calmly, the advisor said, "Your main office was just destroyed. I'm afraid that several workers and probably some bystanders were killed in the explosion."
"Are you mad!"
"Clearly, Latveria's famous security can't be bothered to protect political opponents. Or perhaps, rogue elements within security acted against the Queen's political opponents. Or just maybe, they acted on the Queen's orders. It's so hard to tell." The advisor turned, malicious disdain in his tone. "Who is this woman who leads us, who says we should all have a voice - but somehow, those whose voice differs from hers…?"
Zorba sat back down, his eyes glistening with evil anticipation. "Rogues, incompetents, or assassins. What has the Queen allowed to happen under her very nose?"
Daria nodded as the Security Minister read his report. He said, "Finally, residue analysis shows that the explosive used was D17, the primary explosive used by the Latverian Defense Force."
She asked, "Have our inventories been checked?"
"Yes, Majesty. Our entire stockpile has been visually confirmed as present."
She said, "Damn, I didn't think he'd go that far. Where could he have gotten the D17?"
"It is only made in Latveria and the LDF has been the only buyer during your reign. Some was exported under your father. Zorba must have brought some back into the country. We are testing the residue for the manufacturer's lot chemical signature. The results will take another day, but with the lot number, we can trace where the explosive came from."
Daria nodded. "And potentially, Zorba's outside supplier. But, that raises another problem. How did he get it in the country to begin with?"
The Intelligence Minister said, "We don't know. It's possible that he had the supply on hand before he started his campaign."
"Find out. Who knows what else he may have brought in, or may yet bring in."
In the warm comfort of Queen Daria's private dining room, T'Challa, the King of Wakanda, savored his wine before saying, "Would that I had a son of your age."
The man also known as Black Panther noted Daria's almost imperceptible shift in mood and added, "I'm sure you've heard something akin to, 'It would be beneficial to both our countries,' more than you thought possible. I assure you, my comment was entirely based on the idea of having someone as brilliant as you as a daughter-in-law."
Daria nodded. "Thank you."
"You are most welcome. People like us often learn to so distrust motives, that it becomes difficult to trust enough to allow happiness with another." He reached to his side and raised the hand of a softly rounded, stately woman seated next to him, kissing it. "We will look long, far and wide for the right person. But in the end, they will often come from a direction you don't expect."
Queen K'Lena playfully said to T'Challa, "Like directly in front of you."
He smiled back. "Too bad you weren't behind me; you could have kicked me to get my attention sooner."
Daria watched them with a mixture of hope and jealousy. "It sounds like your advice boils down to: expect the unexpected."
"Almost," T'Challa agreed. "More like, be open to those who know you and not your royal persona."
Weeks later, Daria massaged her sore neck and asked, "Still no idea of where the explosives are coming from?"
"No, majesty," the Intelligence Minister replied. "Without a lot signature, the only thing we know for certain is that it isn't Latverian made. Not that anyone believes that. No commercial chemical companies have made it either, so it must be manufactured in a secret facility or something similar."
Daria said, "Which further points to Zorba getting outside help. This sabotage campaign is having a real effect on my credibility. Three bombings and we have no solid evidence to point us to the culprit, but all the apparent evidence points to us. We have to also consider that this may not be Zorba's doing. Somebody else might be exploiting the situation for their own purposes. Perhaps to undermine my government and then strike when Zorba tries to take over."
"Although, after the first explosion, Zorba's offices have been unoccupied and only bystanders injured."
Daria nodded and tapped her fingers on her desk. After some thought, she said, "Set up full-spectrum surveillance on all of Zorba's facilities. I do mean full-spectrum. Since whoever is behind the attacks has only been targeting his party, we have a legitimate reason to keep them under close observation. We need to capture someone actually planting a bomb."
The minister replied, "We will start immediately."
"Too much has gotten past our security. Which means that your staff has gotten lax, which I doubt, or some very high technology concealment is being used."
"Does that also mean that you will be adding additional surveillance of your own?"
"It does."
Although set apart from the rest of the London restaurant, the raised, railed platform upon which Daria and her date dined was in full view of the other customers. A little stiff and formal, but nothing really bad so far, Daria thought as her date talked about polo.
He asked, "Do you play?"
"No. I haven't ridden on a horse since I was twelve."
"Perhaps you should try again. There is a certain regal look about a lady riding a horse."
"I'll consider it."
"If you're interested, I would be honored to teach you."
Daria felt warmth at the base of her throat. It came from a crystal sphere suspended from a golden chain around her neck. Daria smiled and said, "Will you please excuse me?"
"Certainly."
Daria went to the private restroom provided for special guests. She locked the door and removed the chain from her neck, gazing into the mystical sphere. In her mind, an image of Zorba's press office appeared. Hazy and faint, she could see the outline of a man carefully approaching the building.
On each of her dress sleeves was an ornate gold button. Daria turned the edge of the right one until she felt a click. She raised the button to her lips and quietly said, "Intelligence Central, respond."
Transmitted through her glasses frame, Daria heard, "Intelligence Central. Awaiting orders."
"Suspect intruder at Site Three using advanced, adaptive camouflage. May be invisible to most of the electromagnetic spectrum. Locate with non-EM means and capture. Repeat, capture."
"Confirm, intruder to be captured."
"Update me then."
Daria returned to her table. "I'm sorry for the interruption."
In the early morning after her return flight from England, Daria walked with her Security Minister down the corridor of Castle Doom's dungeon. "Who do we have?" she asked.
"A Czech mercenary, fluent with the local languages and trained in demolitions. Dishonorably discharged from the Czech army after serving a jail term for theft."
"Has he said anything about his employer?"
"Nothing. So far, we've only held and identified him."
Daria stopped at the interrogation room door. "Mercenary? This may be very easy."
She and the Minister stepped inside. The prisoner was seated at a table with two servo-guards beside him.
Daria said, "This can be over very quickly if you cooperate. We need to know who your employer is, and where they obtained the explosives you had."
The man looked straight ahead without speaking.
Daria turned away. "Admittedly, Latverian prisons aren't the greatest places to be, but they are better than they were under my father. Now, you can tell us what you know and go to one, with appropriate considerations. Or, we can publicly release you without charges. I'm sure your employer will be interested in why we were so lenient."
The soldier stared at Daria's back, worry lining his face.
Daria turned back. "You're a mercenary, so it's a simple choice. Cooperate, or we let your employer deal with you."
The man swallowed and said, "This was my first mission. Different agents were used for each demolition and then they were teleported out of the country."
Daria said, "Somehow, I doubt if the other agents lived long after that. Keep talking. We'll need to confirm your statements, but cooperation will be favorably looked upon. Who did you work for?"
"Zorba. Prince Zorba."
"Very good. The explosives?"
"Rumor said his advisor. He also provided the camouflage suit. Best suit I've ever seen. Must have some major funding. I heard he's the one with the teleport unit, too."
"What about this advisor? Who is it?"
"I don't know. Never saw him. Nobody ever sees him."
In the Command Center of Castle Doom, Daria pointed on a map to a location outside of Doomstadt. "Mr. Fortunov has already figured out his agent was captured and moved here. We need to move quickly while he is off-balance."
To the Security Minister, she said, "Prepare a team to leave within an hour. I will be on hand to watch. Like my father, I feel this is something I should see to, personally. We will use contingency plan A3."
He answered, "Are you sure? There is a good chance that he or his followers may resist."
"My plan is to avoid that." Daria pulled on the fabric of one shirt sleeve. "But just in case, you know how protective this material is. Yes, there will be some risk, but it isn't unreasonable."
"I understand. Please be careful."
"I will."
Inside her limousine, Daria watched blue icons for each human and servo-guard on the assault team on a monitor. Patiently, they went to assigned start positions around the compound where Zorba had moved to after the fourth bomb failed to explode.
In an armored personnel carrier next to the limousine, the young team leader nervously waited. Daria said over their encrypted radio, "Your commander assigned you to this because he believed you were the right woman for the job. I trust his judgment. You know the mission, so proceed at your discretion."
The leader silently nodded and closely examined the same display. She said, "Execute," and slid back a couple inches in her seat to bring other displays into her immediate field of view.
The APC's driver moved it into the compound. Over a loudspeaker, the strike team leader said in Latverian, "Zorba Fortunov. Tell your followers not to resist. We are giving you the opportunity to surrender."
Daria's car followed. Outside, Daria watched the strike team efficiently round up Zorba's followers without incident. She activated her communication system and said over the outside speakers, "Zorba. This is Queen Daria. Please come out honorably and peacefully with everyone in your company. I trust you will maintain your family dignity and not try anything unwise."
Moments after hearing that, Zorba the Second saw Daria step out of the car and walk around to the front. From the large house at the center of the estate, he exited alone and walked toward her. Two human soldiers stopped and searched him, removing a sidearm and a radio. With a nod, they let him proceed.
Daria stepped forward and said, "Zorba Fortunov. You are being detained for questioning concerning the recent terrorist bombings in Doomstaadt and an attempted bombing last night. You are not under arrest and will not be restrained." Daria gestured to a second APC. "Please enter for transport to Castle Doom."
Zorba grinned as he pressed a button on his watch. He and his target disappeared. Troops rushed to the area, but found nothing.
Zorba leaned against one wall of a small room and looked at Daria, shackled at wrists and ankles to a chair. "You stand up to adversity well. I'm surprised. I had expected a little more distress from you."
Daria said, "Sorry to disappoint. But then, I've done that for most of my life."
There was a knock on the door and one of Zorba's followers whispered to him. He smiled and said, "We have sufficient visual scanning to produce a digital model of you, and enough voice samples to construct what we want. That is, unless you want to honestly declare your abdication."
"You know that I won't do that."
He shrugged. "In that case, we'll have to create one. Shouldn't take long. Oh, yes. Since you might dispute it afterward, I'll have to…"
A door to the adjoining room opened behind Daria. Zorba's advisor asked, "What is she doing here?"
Zorba smiled. "I took advantage of an opportunity. By the end of the day, the crown will be mine."
"Idiot! You damned idiot!" The door slammed and silence followed.
Zorba looked back to Daria. "Useful, but too cautious. And such jealousy that I completed things long before he thought we could is unbecoming. He's the idiot for not seeing the value of you as a hostage."
Zorba removed his pistol from its holster and pointed it at Daria's head. "Back to business. We can generate as much live footage of you as we want, so your actual presence isn't needed."
The door behind him opened. Zorba angrily said, "I gave orders to knock before entering!"
An armored figure stood in the doorway. Light reflected from polished metal and the outside breeze flapped Daria's green hood and cape. Behind a smooth steel mask marked only by two eye slits, Daria said, "I don't take orders from traitors."
"What!" Zorba spun around, trying to aim his pistol at Queen Daria. A clear ripple in the air streaked from her right gauntlet to Zorba's chest. The force threw him across the room to loudly strike the wall before falling to the ground.
The bound Daria calmly said, "Unit DB3 reporting. Advisor still unidentified. He exited the room through the door behind me. Greater than 95 chance he correctly recognized me as a robot and fled."
Daria ran through the door with servo-guards following. It led to a closed garage where Zorba's personal car was parked, but nothing else. "Dammit!"
A combat medic was treating Zorba when Daria returned. She asked, "What's his condition?"
The medic looked up. "Sternum, left scapula and multiple ribs broken. Left shoulder dislocated. Probable internal injuries."
"Evacuate him to a hospital as soon as he is stable. He has much to answer for."
The robotic Daria said, "Audiovisual record of events uploaded to Command Central."
"Area secure," the strike force commander told Daria.
"They are very realistic," Daria told the commander while indicating the updated Doombot "I know it was hard to watch the robot kidnapped, but you performed exactly as needed."
The officer saluted, saying "Thank you, Majesty."
Daria told the woman, "Thank you. Latveria wouldn't be nearly as successful as it is without people like you who make everything happen."
Once the scout helicopter's rotors stopped turning, Daria jogged to the Sensor System Operator and asked, "Did you record a teleport signal?"
The crewman replayed the recorded information. "Yes, Majesty. However, it's not in our signature library. We can't tell anything about it or even know if it's traceable."
Daria examined the display and said, "That is very unusual. I'll need to analyze it further."
"I'll transmit the data to Command Central."
"No. I don't want this data intercepted. Its existence is now Top Secret."
"Yes, Majesty."
"Transfer the data to CD for me and zero out your sensor data memory."
"Immediately." The SSO had the data CD to Daria in less than a minute and the sensor memory rewritten with all zero data points. "Majesty."
She took the disk and said, "Return to base. You've done an outstanding job this evening."
"Yes, Majesty."
In her office a couple days later, Daria continued to puzzle over the sensor data on the teleport. This is the damnedest thing I've ever seen. What the hell could cause that?
The door chime made her look away from the monitor and walk to the door. On the other side was Janos holding a tray. "I had dinner prepared for you, Majesty. Would you like it here or in your chambers?"
"Don't carry it all the way over there; I'll eat here. Thanks."
Janos placed the tray on a side table from the desk. "The Countess called earlier and requested that you return her call at your earliest convenience."
"I wonder who she found this time?"
"She intends only the best for you."
Daria lightly smiled. "I know. But our tastes have differed on most things."
"Including young men, I take it."
"Especially."
"Will you need anything else, Majesty?"
"No, Janos. Thanks."
Daria ate part of her dinner before she dialed Quinn's number on her communications console. After two rings, a synthetic voice answered, "You've reached the offices of Quinn Sense Image Consultants. If you know your party's extension, you may enter it at any time, followed by the pound sign. If you…"
Daria used the console's keypad to tap in Quinn's direct line, followed by a second code that allowed her to bypass Quinn's personal secretary.
Quinn answered, "Hello."
"You rang, Sis?"
"Daria. Glad you called back."
"What do you have up your sleeve?"
"Only a chance for you to have some fun and look good in the process."
"I'm almost afraid to ask, but I will. What do you have in mind?"
"There's this big celebrity charity ball coming up. You don't have to dance and you don't have to have a date. Its $10,000 a ticket and you go there to be seen and to mingle."
"And maybe find somebody interesting in the process?"
"I can't make any guarantees. There will be a lot more than actors there, so you might. But if nothing else, you get a night out to look good and a lot of money goes to charity."
Daria lightly sighed. "Send me the information. If nothing else, I can buy Mom and Dad tickets so the charity still gets my money. And you, if somebody hasn't already."
"I'm one of the volunteers, so you don't have to worry."
"Ah-ha, you let slip your ulterior motive. Trying to drum up some extra attendance?"
"Of course I am. What good's a charity ball if nobody attends? And if I can help my sister look good in the process, so much the better."
"You're incorrigible."
"I try to be."
"You succeed. I want to get to finish my dinner, so I'll talk to you later. Good night, Quinn."
"Bye, Daria."
After dinner, Daria barely looked at the monitor and accepted that outside help was needed. She opened the secure line, dialed a memorized number and waited. Upon hearing the pickup on the other end, she said, "Hi, This is Daria Von Doom."
A girl's voice joyfully answered, "Hey, Triple-D!"
Daria closed her eyes and winced in good nature. "Valeria, what are you doing answering this line?"
The twelve-year old girl said, "I was helping Dad and my brother and was the closest…" Her voice became fainter as she moved the phone away from her mouth, saying, "Here you go, Dad. I was just saying hi."
Reed Richards said, "Dr. Daria Von Doom. I'm sorry about that, but you know how Valeria gets."
"Yes, I do."
"Daria, to what do I owe this call?"
"Reed, I need a favor. Zorba Fortunov was the front man responsible for the recent bombings, but it looks like the real mastermind escaped using a teleport device. Our scanners recorded an unusual signature from it. I'm stumped and was hoping to get some help in interpreting it."
"I'm not in a position to help right now. We're monitoring a situation. But, I can send Franklin over; he knows as much about that as I do."
"That would be a tremendous help."
Seated nearby in Dr. Richards' lab of the Baxter building, twenty-one-year old Franklin Richards faintly blushed.
Valeria saw her brother's reaction and giggled.
Reed looked at his daughter and asked Daria, "Would it be possible for Valeria to come with Franklin? We may need to act at any moment and she's still too young to leave alone."
"Yes, and she can stay as long as needed."
"I appreciate it. We'll call things even."
"Thanks, Reed."
"It's already evening your time. I'll have them fly out early tomorrow morning and they should reach Doomsport by mid-afternoon."
"I'll be waiting. Please be careful with your situation."
"And you with yours."
"Give my regards to Susan, Johnny and Ben. And tell Ben that the laboratory door still sticks occasionally. Bye."
"I'll tell him. Goodbye."
Knowing that help was coming, Daria was able to rest easier that night. She visited the LDF's main weapon laboratory the next morning. After a short tour of the labs, she met with the section leaders in a conference room.
One of them held the mercenary's adaptive camouflage suit up and said, "This is the most advanced EM refractive suit we've even heard mentioned. We detected it only because it was made to deaden sound, so sonar systems had no signal returns. When the target moved in front of another object, the hole in the object return could be followed."
Daria asked, "How advanced?"
"More than any power on Earth."
"Meaning, possible extraterrestrial assistance. Which could explain the D17 explosives; they may have been made off-planet. What about Zorba's teleport unit?"
A second scientist stood. "It was a pre-programmed, one use device. Very similar to an experimental unit stolen from Stark Enterprises two years ago."
"Make arrangements for the unit to be returned to Mr. Stark as soon as possible. He'll appreciate having his property returned, and any differences between the captured device and the one stolen from him may give us clues about who made it."
Daria looked at the expectant faces in the room. "I've been investigating other avenues, but have run into difficulties. Dr. Franklin Richards will be flying in today to assist me. Any requests for information, equipment or supplies from him should be considered a request from me."
The air traffic controller said, "Foxtrot, foxtrot, zero, one, three, zero, fiver. You are cleared to land on runway two-seven."
At the controls of the Fantastic Four's pogo plane, Franklin said, "Doomstaadt tower, understand clear to land on runway two-seven."
In the copilot's seat, Valeria asked, "Excited?"
He responded with, "It's always exciting to get out of the lab and do some field work, even if I have to baby-sit you at the same time."
"That's not what I meant."
"I know, but I don't want to talk about it."
"Sheesh, this is the perfect time! You'll be working side-by-side with her."
"Look, it's all wishful thinking. I'm like a little brother to her."
"You've been wishing for how long?"
"I'm here to do some important work; I can't be distracted by that…" Franklin then placed special emphasis on saying, "…Val."
"Don't call me that!"
"Then back off."
"Okay…Frankie."
Janos greeted the siblings in the courtyard of Castle Doom, "Dr. Richards. Miss Richards. Welcome back."
Franklin replied, "It's good to see you again, Janos."
"And you, Franklin."
"Don't be so stuffy," Valeria said as she darted over to hug Janos. "Are you keeping her out of trouble?"
Janos gently smiled and regained his composure. "I do the best I can for her Majesty."
Franklin warned, "Valeria…"
She reluctantly looked down. "Sorry, I couldn't help it."
"Her Majesty asked me to get you settled into your apartments first." Janos motioned to a door. "Follow me, please."
Inside Daria's private laboratory, Valeria's enthusiasm was unrestrained. She jumped and embraced Daria. "Triple-D!"
Bemused, Daria carefully returned the gesture. "I'm glad to see you, and you look to be in a good mood."
"Yeah, now that I don't have to be so boring."
Daria asked Janos, "How bad?"
"Only one outburst in the courtyard."
Daria released the girl. "That's an improvement. I'll take it. Franklin, how are you?"
"I'm good," he said. "What have we got?"
"One damn weird teleport signature."
Janos took Valeria's hand. She asked, "Do I have to go?"
Daria said, "I know you've seen some things a person your age shouldn't and can handle it, but I'm not going to add to that. Janos has assured me that the latest games have been downloaded to your apartment's computer."
The girl kicked the floor. "Ahh. I keep getting left out."
"I used to say the same thing. Be patient," Franklin told her.
"I don't want to, but okay."
As Janos led Valeria to the door, he asked Daria, "Should I have dinner ready at seven?"
"Yes, and call if we're late."
"There's a lot of noise in the recorded signal," Franklin explained after his first examination of the data.
"I haven't been able to get through it for a good interpretation."
Franklin produced a CD. "I have some new signal processing protocols that should help. Do you mind if I install them?"
"Go ahead."
"This will take a little while to configure."
"Do you want some tea?"
"Um, yes."
"Still take cream and three sugars?"
"I've cut back to two."
"Okay." Daria opened the castle's internal communication. "Janos."
"Yes, Majesty? Aaah! Oops."
Daria heard Valeria say in the background, "You missed the crystal! We have to start the level over."
Speaking away from the phone, Janos said, "Oh, um, sorry, Miss Valeria. I was understandably distracted."
Daria said, "You're busy. I'll call the kitchen directly."
"Thank you, Majesty," Janos said in relief.
A couple hours later, Franklin said, "I have it."
Daria stood behind him and looked over his shoulder. "I should be jealous of how fast you figured this out, but I'm too relieved to worry about it."
Franklin shifted nervously as he became aware of how close Daria's face was to his. "Um, thanks."
"Can I see?" she asked.
Franklin pointed to the monitor and entered a command to the computer. The chaotic signal sorted out and morphed into several versions of the same line. "There wasn't as much noise as several apparently random repeats of the signal combined with a form of Doppler shift."
"What would cause that?"
"Temporal distortion. That wasn't just a teleport device; it was a space-time device."
"You mean that I'm dealing with a time traveler?"
"I'm sorry, but yes."
Frustrated at the new development, but relieved to have some information, Daria rested her forehead on his shoulder and patted the other. "No need to apologize. It's not your time machine. Thanks for figuring it out."
His eyes closed, Franklin said, "You're welcome."
Soon after they sat down for dinner, Valeria said, "Daria, do you mind if I eat in my room? I was in the middle of a really cool level and wanted to keep going."
"Don't tell your mother I let you."
"Thanks!" Valeria picked up her plate and rushed out of the room.
Daria shook her head. "I miss those days. Being able to spend hours on end playing a computer game."
"Me too," Franklin added.
Daria asked, "Is she still showing no sign of…?"
He shook his head. "Other than probably being smarter than me when she makes the effort, no powers yet."
"I don't know, I never had that that kind of energy at her age."
"Most of her school friends have the same energy, and they all get jealous when we visit you. You're quite the star of the pre-teen set."
Daria shook her head.
"A lot of girls her age, and the young women I went to college with, look up to you. From the fairy-tale story of you finding out that you were a princess to how you led the country after becoming Queen. They really like how you stood out in front to stop those attempts to steal the throne."
"I was scared to death."
"But you were still out there in front. Something few other world leaders do."
"It's kind of a given around here."
"I'm sure a lot of those leaders would change their attitudes if they were expected to follow your lead."
"One would hope."
In her room, Valeria sat on the bed, smiling and eating her meal. She adjusted the button earphone in her right ear. "Come on, big brother. I gave you the opening, take it."
She listened for a while and continued eating. "I suppose I can't expect miracles right away."
"I deal with a bunch of ministers and heads of state all the time that are all older." Daria joylessly laughed. "If I walk into a room with other world leaders, almost all of them are fifteen or more years older than I am. And it was worse when I started. They had a hard time dealing with an eighteen-year old girl. But a lot changed their minds after I was filmed shooting the Red Skull on the parapet."
Franklin asked, "I'm sure that got their attention. Were all of them jerks?"
"No. King T'Challa and Prince Namor were a lot of help. They understood the position I was in."
"I see."
Valeria circled her hand in front of her face and mumbled, "Come on, come on. Quit talking shop so much."
She set her plate on a nearby table and went back to her bed, lying down with her hands folded behind her head. "I guess I should be happy that he's talking and not stuttering."
Franklin smirked and said, "You know, Valeria still has her Queen Daria dolls."
Daria lightly laughed. "Quinn has one of the first ones…unopened."
"Knowing you, I can't believe you licensed those."
Daria rolled her eyes. "I didn't want to, but once we realized the unauthorized ones were going to be made no matter what we did, we licensed them to maintain control and used the royalties for overseas college scholarships."
"I read an article a couple years ago that said the Power Armor version sold more among boys than girls."
"It's so reassuring to know I'm the subject of numerous adolescent fantasies."
After hearing the second knock on her door, Valeria realized what was going on and went to answer.
Janos held up a small device. "I'm sorry to disturb you. I'm tracking an unauthorized listening device placed on her Majesty's door." He held the device close to her ear and it beeped. "As I suspected. Miss Valeria, what are you up to?"
She blushed and looked away. "Listening."
"That is very rude."
"But, they're really talking."
"Miss Valeria."
Valeria held her finger to her lips. "Shh. It sounds like they're having fun."
"I must insist that you turn the device off."
Her eyes got wide and then she said, "My brother tried to take one of the servo-guards apart when he was thirteen?"
Daria placed her napkin on the empty plate. "I'm glad you came over to help. Outside of Jane and Quinn, you're one of the few people I can sit down with and talk to that's close to my age."
Franklin face warmed. "Kind of the same with me. Outside of my family and my parents' team, you're about the only person I can talk to."
"We do lead oddly sheltered lives." Daria shook her head. "You must also have a hard time trying to date anyone."
"You could say that." He inhaled and physically braced himself. "Daria, would you…?"
"Would I…what?"
Keeping his mental initiative going, Franklin asked, "Consider going out with me?"
Daria sat back in surprise, but with her shoulders dropping as they relaxed. She thought for a moment and said, "Yes. Yes, I would."
Valeria pumped both fists in the air. "Yes!"
Janos raised an eyebrow. "I think my life just got more interesting."
