One
Prometheus Unbound
The sun sets in California as a black chopper flies into a base and lands. Carter Tavistock stands in front of the chopper as Col. Eli Jamieson Moss and Agent Walsh get out of the chopper.
"Did you find Tim Dean?" Carter asked.
"Not exactly." They entered the base. "So what is exactly happening?" Eli asked.
They enter the room where the Gloucester Island Tablet is. "A few minutes ago, the tablet began to pump out dark energy and it's been rising since," he answered.
"We may've had few bumps here and there. But I never seen anything like this," Agent Walsh said.
"Neither have I. Dr. Turner, what's your take on this?" Eli yelled.
Dr. Finn Turner enters the room. "This isn't the first time it's happened. We've been getting readings off the scale. Whatever is happening, it isn't good. My best guess is, it's sending out a signal of some kind." The table begins to vibrate violently and giving out bursts of energy. "What's happening?" Dr. Turner yelled.
"Doctor, it's the tablet, it's getting unstable," his assistant yelled over the intercom.
"Begin the evacuation procedures. Get all the Gloucester Island Tablet research and any sensitive research out of here," Eli said. The assistant raises the alarm and they begin to evacuate. He senses something, a person then teleports in front of them. Carter jumps the gun, grabs his bow and arrow and takes aim at the being.
"Well now, this isn't the reception I was hoping for," he said.
Eli notices the tattoos on his arms. "You're a Dark God, aren't you?" Eli asked.
"More or less, I'm a demi-god. I'm the grandson and heir apparent to Dark Sai, Ruler of the Dark Gods and Dark Genesis. You can call me Legion," he said.
"Well Legion, here's a welcome present from Earth," Carter said.
He fires an arrow at him, but he catches it and destroys it. "How primitive and I can sense so much guilt in you," Legion said.
He engages Carter in a skirmish, but he wins and brainwashes him and Dr. Turner. "What did you do?" Eli asked.
"I've recruited a couple of more followers to my cult, that's all. Machinus." A four armed machine hybrid Dark God arrives. "Is everything in place for our getaway?" he asked.
"Yes, my lord," Machinus answered.
"Grab the tablet and let's go," he said. Machinus leaps to the tablet, picks up and they left the room.
Eli grabs his radio and he and Agent Walsh began to pursue them. "Attention all agents, suspects have broken into the Gloucester Island Table room and have stolen the tablet. I and Agent Walsh are in pursuit. I want all available agents to block the main exit to prevent them from escaping," Eli said. At the main exit, Special Projects attempt to block the exit, but they were no match for the Dark God. Legion touches one of agent's shoulders and brainwashes her.
"Be a good girl and drive. Get the table into the truck," Legion said. Machinus loads the table into the truck; they get in and drove out of the base. Eli and Agent Walsh arrived too late, they got into a jeep and they pursued them.
Agent Walsh's cell phone and he answers it. "Hello? Uh-huh, good, I'll let him know." He puts his phone away. "They've evacuated everyone, including the research," he said.
"What matters now is getting that tablet back and rescuing our people. I see the truck up ahead. Can you make the shot?" Eli asked.
Agent Walsh gets his gun out. "As long as you get me close enough to the truck," he answered. Just as Agent Walsh was about to take the shot, Carter fires a trick arrow at the jeep.
The arrow explodes and it takes out the jeep. Eli and Agent Walsh survived the explosion and they got away. "We were so close. They got the tablet," Eli said.
"So what do we now sir?" Agent Walsh asked.
"It's time to bring the team together." He gets his radio out. "Can some get us a chopper here? I'm uploading our coordinates," he ordered. Sometime later at the Plumber's base at Mt. Rushmore, Eli and Agent Walsh entered the base.
"Plumber status recognised: welcome back Col. Eli Jamieson Moss," the computer said.
"Computer, patch me a comm link to both the UN Security Council and the Intergalactic Security Council?" he ordered.
"Patching link now, Colonel," the computer said.
The computer monitor displays holographic images of both councils. "I apologise for the rude awakening. Less than half an hour ago, a Special Projects facility in California was attacked and the Gloucester Island tablet was stolen," Eli said.
"This is troubling indeed. The tablet contains many secrets," an Intergalactic Security Council member said.
"Do you have any idea who stole it?" a UN Security Council member asked.
"One group comes to mind, the Dark Gods," Eli answered.
"I thought the Dark Gods were extinct," another Intergalactic Security Council member said.
"So they were, but they have returned. Their return means only one thing: war," Eli said.
"We've been getting reports that the Anodite home world is preparing for war. You don't think this is it?" the third Intergalactic Security Council member asked.
"The Anodites are known to possess keen pre-cognitive senses. Not to mention that their home world contains a Light God artefact," Eli answered.
"If this is war, what're you going to do about it?" another UN Security Council member asked.
"I, along with my counterparts from different parallel Earths are in the midst of the Guardian Initiative," he answered.
"You're gathering an army of super powered individuals from parallel Earths? We've read your reports and we still not convinced that this'll work." another UN Security Council member said.
"It will work, Councillor. We're on the verge of our darkest hour and what we need is some light. That'll be all, Councillors," Eli said.
The monitor then turns off by itself. "That went better than I expected," Agent Walsh said.
"We're not out of the woods yet. I need you find Molly Granger and tell the other Specials Projects agents that the Guardian Initiative is officially activated," Eli said.
"Right away, sir," Agent Walsh said.
Meanwhile, in a Ugandan prison, a Special Projects agent named Molly Granger is being interrogated by her captors.
"I'm not going to ask nicely. Who sent you?" her interrogator asked.
"The Nowhere Man," she answered sarcastically.
"Very funny." He slaps her in the face. "You Americans think you're so funny, but you aren't. It's time to bring out the big guns. Men," the interrogator said.
His men aim their guns at her. "If you shoot me now, it'll only make things worse," Molly said.
"Says the girl who is tied to a chair. Now, for the last time, who sent you?" Suddenly, a cell phone rang and the men looked at each other. "I thought I told everyone to turn either their phones off or put them on silent," he said.
"That would be my phone, genius," she said.
The interrogator picks her cell phone and answers it. "Listen, I'm in the middle of an interrogation. So could you call back later," he demanded.
"I'm afraid I can't, I need to speak to Molly Granger," Agent Walsh said.
"I don't think so," he said.
"Fine, have it your way. One word of warning, there's a tank outside the town waiting to open fire on the prison. Don't make me send the order, it would make U.S/Ugandan relations look bad," Agent Walsh said.
The interrogator isn't impressed by what he learned. "Okay, you win. It's for you," he said.
He gives the cell phone to Molly. "Now's not the time, Henry. I'm being interrogated by a Ugandan major with a short fuse," she said.
"There's been a change of plans. Eli wants you to go over to Ireland immediately," Agent Walsh said.
"A change of scenery would be nice, but I don't think I'll be getting out of here anytime soon. Why don't you send my boyfriend over?" she asked.
"Agent Tavistock has been compromised. I'll explain the details once you get out of prison," Agent Walsh said.
"I'm done." The major takes the phone, she kicks in the groin. She escapes her binds and manages the take out the guard with her fighting techniques. She picks up the phone and leaves the prison. "This has better be important, Henry," she said.
"Don't worry, it's very important," he said.
Somewhere on a parallel Earth, Rex is putting the finishing touches to a power generator he's working on. He finishes the work and flies to the newly opened Providence Tower. Rex enters White Knight's office. "Finished, the generators are online and so is Providence Tower," Rex said.
"You did," Dr. Holiday said.
She, Agent Six, Bobo and White Knight entered the room. "I should thank Gen. Moss when I see him next," White Knight said.
"A new office building is nice, but I rather settle for a cash payment," Bobo said.
"At least we get a view of the New York skyline," Agent Six said.
Rex then walks onto the balcony, Dr. Holiday walks up him. "What's wrong?" she asked.
"I can't believe Eli did that. Arresting my brother like he's some war criminal and turning him over to The Hague," Rex said.
"Caesar knew the risks. What he did was unspeakable and unforgiveable. But he redeemed himself by turning himself over to The Hague. At least he'll given a fair trial. Why don't we go back inside," she said.
They head back inside, only to be confronted by Clay Jenkins. "You got a lot of nerve showing up here after what happened to my brother," Rex said.
"The General knew Caesar would face justice someday for his involvement in Nanite Event. But that's not why I'm here," Agent Jenkins said.
"So why are you here?" Agent Six asked.
"Rex, you've been drafted into the Guardian Initiative under Executive Order 13," Agent Jenkins said.
"The Mystery Men Initiative?" White Knight asked.
"More or less, it means you have to come with me, Rex. I'll debrief you during the trip to the Special Projects facility in New Jersey," he said.
"What if I refuse?" Rex asked.
"Look, this is a matter of national security. Not only that, the entire existence of the Multiverse is at stake," he said.
"The Multiverse, I thought that was pure fiction," Bobo said.
"I wish it were," he said.
"What's exactly going on?" Dr. Holiday asked.
"Some time ago, an artefact was stolen on a parallel Earth which contains the secrets to the Multiverse and a prophecy," he answered.
"Why are you telling us this?" White Knight asked.
"We have reasons to believe that the Consortium was manipulated into carrying out parts of the prophecy. Which led to the theft and things are now in motion and cannot be undone," he answered.
"So where am I heading?" Rex asked.
"According to our intel, you met a young man named Ben Tennyson. Well, you'll be heading to his Earth," he said.
"I must go," Rex said.
"Is there anything we can do to help?" Dr. Holiday asked.
"There is." A group of Special Projects agents entered the room and placed boxes on the floor. "The General wants you to review the Nanite Project research. It's possible that the Consortium's mysterious benefactor was looking for something hidden in the research. Once you lot find something, let us know," he said.
Rex, Clay and the Special Projects agents then left the building. Back on my Earth, a Irish tavern is busy as a physicist goes through his notebook. He struggles to concentrate, but he manages to so.
"I find it hard to believe that an American physicist such as yourself is drinking with the Irish in Dublin," Molly said.
"Are you a journalist or a law enforcement officer?" he asked.
"Neither, Dr. Roth. But your expertise is something I require; I need your help," she said.
"What makes you think I can help?" he asked.
"Several hours ago, a facility in California was attacked and a artefact was stolen," she answered.
"Well then, this is the job for law enforcement, not a physicist like myself," he said.
He gets up and is about to leave "I hear your boy is doing well. It's a shame that his daddy is not there to watch him grow," she said.
He stops. "What do you know of my son?" he asked.
"I know he attends elementary school, plus you have at least three outstanding arrest warrants relating to your alter-ego, The Gauntlet," she said.
He sits back down at the table. "Who are you and what do you want?" he asked.
"The artefact I mention earlier, the artefact contains a unique energy signature. It's something that cannot be tracked with any device. With your expertise, we'll have a chance at tracking it down," Molly said.
"What type of energy is it?" he asked.
"Dark energy," she answered.
"I see. Dark energy is unique, something very rare in the universe. Which means we don't have much time to lose. I'm going to need access to a lab, plus every resource you got," he said.
"You got it; I got a plane waiting in the airfield, ready to takeoff and fly us back to the United States as soon as possible," she said.
They left the tavern. "One last things, its Dr. Blake Roth," he said. In Bellwood, we've finished fighting some Forever Knights.
"You guys ought to think twice about selling illegal arms," Kevin said.
"Or none at all," I said.
Gwen then senses something. "Are you okay, Gwen?" Kevin asked.
"I'm sensing a disturbance; there's been a spike in dark magic usage. I wouldn't worry about it. We should get home, I do not want to miss my mom's birthday," Gwen said. We rushed on home. Inside, we celebrated aunt Natalie's birthday. "Thanks guys," she said.
"Gwen, do you know where Ken is?" Frank asked.
"He's still got college work to do," she lied.
"Young lady, I know you're lying. It's been a month since he last called. So where is he?" Natalie asked.
"Its okay, Gwen. Ken has become the new Dr. Nexus. Since then, he's been dividing his time between studies and maintaining the balance between order and chaos," I said.
Ken teleports himself into the house, takes off the helm and reverts back to normal. "There's no need to apologise. Mom, I know you wanted me to have a normal life, but I made my choice," Ken said.
"Something tells me you've gotten use to role," I said.
"In a short period of time. There's been a disturbance in California. Nothing like I felt before," he said.
"I felt it too. Do you have any idea what it means?" Gwen asked.
"I don't know, but I will find out soon," he answered.
All the sudden, Sunny teleports and collapses onto the floor. "Sunny, what're you doing here?" I asked.
"Hey cuz," Sunny said.
"She's exhausted," Gwen said.
"I better get some water," Kevin said.
He heads into the kitchen. "She's badly injured. What happened?" Ken asked.
"The Anodite home world is being invaded by Dark Gods," she answered.
"This is worse than I imagined. Charmcaster mention this to me a month ago. Hang on, where's Grandma?" I asked.
"She chose to remain on the home world to help in anyway she can. She's in the Council Hall with Azmuth, hoping to secure the Cenotaph," she answered.
"This is bad," I said.
"You think, I'll head over to the Anodite home world and provide support," Gwen said.
"What about us?" I asked.
"I need you to remain here in case something happens here. Let's go, Sunny," Gwen said.
"Let's," Sunny said. The two of them then teleported themselves to the Anodite home world. Sometime later on a warship, Molly and Blake boarded the ship. They were greeted by Col. Eli Jamieson Moss.
"Good evening, Dr. Roth and welcome onboard the USS Yamato," Eli said.
"The Yamato, I thought that was a Japanese navy ship," Blake said.
"It is and its the very same one we're standing on. Come, we got much to discuss." They entered the ship and head onto the bridge. "Agent Cad, are all systems online?" he asked.
"Systems are online, including the Universal Gate," she answered.
"Good, Agent Mellow, are the Yamato's engines ready to go?" he asked.
"Ready and primed," Agent Mellow answered.
"Okay then, prepare to liftoff in 5...4...3...2...1." The crew fired the Yamato's engines and they took to the skies. "And we have liftoff." They crew gave themselves a round of applause. "Blake, Molly, to the war room," Eli said. They left the bridge and head over to the war room. They entered the room and Eli patches Agent Walsh through.
"I was wondering when I'm going to get through to you. I've already landed in Melbourne, Australia. Tracking the Mighty Rider down isn't going to be an easy task," Agent Walsh said.
"Our intel says he's there, you just need to look harder. We'll be in touch." Eli disconnects Agent Walsh. "Now onto business. Agent Granger has already explained the situation to you. Now it's my turn to take things further. The artefact in question is the Gloucester Island Tablet," Eli said.
He places some files on the table, Blake picks them, reads them and is astounded by the findings. "Where did you lot find the tablet?" Blake asked.
"The tablet was first discovered on Gloucester Island in 1942 at the height of the Second World War. When the Marines stationed their captured the island. One of the privates stumbled onto the tablet while he was patrol. Since then, the tablet has been under close surveillance and study, until now," Eli said.
"If these notes are correct, then it's possible to track the dark energy signature. If the energy was amplified to an extent. Did your scientists manage to get a decent sample before and after the theft?" Blake asked.
"We have and those samples waiting in the lab," Eli answered.
"Excellent, also, get every laboratory you got available and tell them I'll upload specifications on the dark energy tracking device as soon as possible. Which was is it to the lab?" Blake asked.
"Molly, can you show Dr. Roth to his lab?" Eli ordered.
Molly and Blake left the war room; Eli makes his way to the bridge. "Report, Agent Jenson," he ordered.
"The ship is stable. We alerted every law enforcement agency on the planet. If Legion even sneezes, we'll find him. Technician Lawson requests your presence in the Universal Gate room, Rex has arrived," Agent Jenson said.
"Tell him I'll be right there," he said.
"Yes sir," Agent Jenson said. Eli leaves the bridge and heads down to the Universal Gate room. In there, he greets Rex.
"Welcome Rex, I wish this was under different circumstances," he said.
"Believe me; I need a vacation of sorts. Your counterpart has debriefed me on the situation and I'm not surprised that the Consortium was manipulated," Rex said.
"We'll find the one responsible," Eli said.
"Where's Ben, I heard he's from around here," Rex said.
"All in due time, Rex," he said.
"Sir, Agent Walsh has tracked down the Mighty Rider," Agent Jenson over the intercom.
Meanwhile, in Melbourne, Australia, a businessman looks at the skyline. He sits back down at his desk and looks at a photo of his family. A tear drops from his eye.
"Most people I've met usually grief for a few months before moving on. But you're still grieving for your family for twenty years," Agent Walsh said.
He enters the office. "I'm sorry, but my schedule is full," the businessman said.
"We both know that's a lie, Trent Mason. If it haven't been for your sacrifices as the Mighty Rider, not a man or child would live to see this day," Agent Walsh said.
"It's been twenty years since I last donned the suit and defeated the Vandal Empire," Trent said.
"For you, this is peacetime, for us, it's not," he said.
"Could you get straight to the point?" Trent asked.
"My name is Agent Henry Walsh and I represent Special Projects," he answered.
"Special Projects, I assume Eli Moss sent you," Trent said.
"Indeed, a while ago, an artefact was stolen and we need your help to retrieve it." He places a file on his desk and Trent reads it. "If I recall correctly, one of the members of the Vandal Empire was a Dark God named Nez, Vandal King's personal assassin," Agent Walsh said.
"Yeah I remember, she escaped before the base exploded," Trent said.
"She was spotted during the theft, providing a distraction, while her boss made off with the artefact. I cannot ask you to do this, but the offer to help us out still stands. Have a nice day, Trent," Agent Walsh said.
He was about to leave the office. "Wait." Agent Walsh stops, Trent gets up, walks up to his safe, opens it up and picks the Mighty Rider morpher. "I was hoping to never use this again. Knowing that Earth is danger is something I could never walk away from." He places the morpher on his left wrist. "Besides, it's been a while since I last travelled," Trent said.
He joins up with Agent Walsh and they both leave the building. Somewhere on a parallel Earth, there's been an invasion and the city is war torn. A Special Projects agent and a thief entered a building.
"That was too close for comfort," the thief said.
"I know, we're almost there," the agent said. The explored the building and they reached the room where the Universal Gate is.
"What took you so long?" a technician asked.
"It wasn't easy evading the Dark Gods. This Earth is almost fallen. Listen to me Dania, you our world's last hope." He gives her a USB key. "Get this intel to our counterparts. How are we doing for coordinates?" he asked.
The Universal Gate powers up. "There, this should be enough for one trip," the technician answered.
"I don't like this. What if your counterparts are hostile?" she asked.
"They aren't. Good luck and Godspeed," the agent said.
"I will see my home again. I promise," she said. She walks through the gate and was transported to the Yamato.
Eli greets her. "It looks like you seen worse," Eli said.
"My Earth has fallen. The Dark Gods are getting closer to achieving their goals," Dania said.
"They won't," Eli said.
"Here." She gives Eli the USB key. "This contains intel regarding the Dark Gods," she said.
"I'll get this to the intelligence department and have it analysed. Get some rest, you're going to need it," Eli said. He then leaves the Universal Gate room. Meanwhile, at a disused warehouse in Europe, Legion's henchmen were busy gathering arms, while Dr. Finn Turner analyses the tablet.
"The tablet is holding steady, but only temporary, my Lord," Dr. Turner said.
"It means we need a metallic alloy to stabilise the energy long enough," Machinus said.
"There's one problem, how are we going to find such an alloy?" Nez asked.
"Not to worry my subjects, there's an expert in Britain who can help. His name is Prof. Malcolm McKay and rumour has it he's expected to attend the London Olympic Games," Legion said.
"I hate to interrupt here, but Special Projects are onto you. You need a distraction long enough to find Prof. McKay and he's under constant protection," Carter said.
"Well then, I think it's time to reintroduce myself to the world," Legion said.
On the Anodite home world, Gwen and Sunny arrived in the Council Chamber and they were greeted by Verdona and Azmuth. "Aren't you a sight for sore eyes," she said.
"It's good to see you too, Grandma and you too Azmuth," Gwen said.
"These are dark days ahead of us," Azmuth said.
"What's the situation so far?" Gwen asked.
They began to make their way to the Cenotaph. "The enemy has captured at least twenty per cent of the planet. Their target is this." He shows them the Cenotaph. "The Cenotaph, it's an ancient Light God artefact that contains the wisdom and the secrets of the Light Gods. And in theory, a way to defeat their counterparts," Azmuth said.
"It's clear we need to get it off world, fast," Gwen said.
"What do you think we've been doing for the last half hour," Azmuth said.
"Azmuth, this is Gen. Baal here," he said on the radio.
"This is Azmuth, go ahead," Azmuth said.
"We got a situation, one of the Dark Gods, Hydranoi is heading towards you. Whatever you're planning to do with the Cenotaph, do it fast. We'll buy you some time," he said.
"You heard the man, work faster," Azmuth ordered.
"We're almost through, got it. Load the Cenotaph onto the cargo ship," one of the soldiers ordered.
They felt tremors on the ground. "Hydranoi must be getting close. Gwen, get Sunny onboard the cargo ship," Verdona ordered.
"You can't be serious. I'm staying too, Grandma," Gwen said.
"Your fight is on Earth, not here. They'll be other times to visit the Anodite home world. Now go," she said.
They then get onboard the ship. "We'll never forget your sacrifice, Verdona," Azmuth said.
"Just see to it that my granddaughters are safe." Azmuth boards the ship and it left the planet. "He's here," she said.
A colossus six headed dragon crashes through the wall. "Stand aside, vermin," it said.
"You shall not pass, Hydranoi," she said.
"Then die!" it yelled. He destroys the building. Back on the Yamato, Molly has a headache, Blake notices this.
"Molly, what's wrong?" Blake asked.
"It's the Anodite home world, it's been fallen. The Dark Gods have claimed the world in victory," Molly answered.
Eli enters the room and is saddened by the news. "They've won the battle, but not the war. How are we doing on that tracking device?" Eli asked.
"I've already built a prototype and the results are promising. I'm working on the full scale version as we speak," Blake said.
"We're finally making progress. Keep up the good work, Doctor," Eli said.
Agent rushes into the room and runs out of breath. "Sir, we caught a break. We've found him." Both the agent and Eli head onto the bridge. "One of the surveillance cameras at the Olympic Park in London, England picked this image up less than a minute ago." He brings up the image. "It's him," the agent said.
"The question is why is he at the Olympic Park? Good work, Agent Hanson. Get me Agent Walsh on the line," he said.
Agent Hanson puts him through to Agent Walsh. "Sir, the Mighty Rider has agreed to join us and we're on our way here," Agent Walsh said on the radio.
"There's been a change of plans. Legion has been spotted at the Olympic Park in London, England. I'm diverting your flight to London," he said.
"Of course," Agent Walsh said.
"Also, I'm sending backup. I'll be in touch." He switches over to the intercom. "Rex, Dania, I got a mission for you. Meet me in the hangar," Eli ordered.
Sometime later in the hangar, Rex and Dania met up with Eli. "Finally, a mission," Rex said.
"Don't get cocky yet. We just received intel that Legion has been sighted in London. Your mission is bring Legion back here, alive," he said.
"Yes, Colonel," Dania said. They get onboard the plane, it left the Yamato and it flew over to London. On board the plane, the Mighty Rider looks at the file containing the intel regarding Legion.
"You're sure he's a demi-god?" he asked.
"So far we know. All we know is that the Gloucester Island Tablet is stolen and we want it back," Agent Walsh answered.
"About this team Eli is putting together. Do you think it's a good idea to recruit other heroes from different parallel Earths?" he asked.
"Seventy years ago, there were at least two hundred superheroes fighting the Axis forces. Now, the number of superheroes has fallen to at least eighty or so. So we had to compensate, even if it meant breaking just about every law about traversing parallel Earths. I know it doesn't sound much, but what choice do we have," Agent Walsh answered.
"Henry, we're approaching London," the pilot said.
"It looks like Eli was right. I'm picking up dark energy," the co-pilot said.
"Find us a safe place to land, now!" Agent Walsh yelled.