Chapter 1
The masked man sat in the plush armchair, relaxing in front of the crackling fire. It was a chill evening, and the warmth was much appreciated.
The hour was late, but there was a great deal of work yet to be done this night. Zoltar, Leader of the Mighty Spectran Empire, had much to accomplish: plans to be set in motion.
A single sharp knock was heard at the door, and the voice of Zoltar's most trusted personal guard.
"Lord Zoltar! Dr. Mansonstein is here."
Sighing, Zoltar rose to his feet, leaving the comforts of his armchair and Spectran brandy behind. He would indulge in them another time.
But not tonight.
"Welcome, Dr. Mansonstein." he said smoothly as he opened the door. "Come in."
"It is an unexpected pleasure to be here." the Doctor said, bowing obsequiously as he entered. Indeed, few had seen the personal living quarters of Lord Zoltar, and it was considered an honor to have been invited to enter.
Not that Mansonstein would be able to tell of this honor. For the reason he had been asked to convene with the Spectran Leader in this location was to maintain their privacy. This meeting was of the utmost secrecy. Zoltar's two personal Blackbird Guards came into the room behind the Doctor, closing the door behind them.
"You have good news for me, I presume?" Zoltar asked, settling himself back into his favorite chair. He did not invite Mansonstein to sit.
"Yes, my Lord Zoltar." the Doctor replied, bowing again. "My test trials have been successful. My device has been completed."
"Excellent…" Zoltar replied, tapping his fingers together under his chin. "Then I shall set my plan in motion."
"But, Sire…"
Green cat eyes narrowed under the purple mask.
"You dare to deny me?" Zoltar sneered.
"No, Sire, not at all!" Mansonstein rushed to explain, his knees trembling. "It's just that the device has not been tried on non-Spectrans. My understanding was that you wanted to use it on the G-Force team…"
"You are presumptuous!" Zoltar hissed. "What makes you think such a thing?"
"My deepest apologies, Sire." Mansonstein fell to his knees. "I should not have assumed…"
"You are correct." Zoltar smirked, standing up and walking around the Doctor to place his red boot on the man's back, forcing him into an even more humiliating position.
"I am planning on using the device on the G-Force team." Zoltar revealed. "But I need to set my plan in motion as quickly as possible. There is no time for further tests!"
"I understand, my Lord." said Mansonstein, his voice muffled as he pressed his face into the plush carpet.
"You will be ready to operate the device when you are notified." Zoltar commanded. "It will be at a moment's notice, and everything must be completely ready. My time will be limited!"
"Yes, Sire." the Doctor nodded, as much as he was capable of in his groveling position.
"And remember, no one is to hear of this. /iI am the only person you will speak to about the device! If my sister gets wind of this operation…"
"She will not hear of it, my Lord! I swear!" Mansonstein squeaked in fear.
"Good." the Spectran Leader sneered, using the sole of his boot to push the scientist further into the carpet before returning to his chair.
"That will be all, Doctor." Zoltar dismissed him with a wave of his hand. He had plans to make, and he had to get started immediately.