Chapter 1
Curious and excited murmurs floated through the air as a sea of people crowded outside in the streets of Acmetropolis. Those who were lucky enough to get close sat in rapt attention in front of an elevated, illuminated platform, on which stood an empty podium. For the rest of the billions of citizens who couldn't get to the center of the action, their attentions were tuned onto their televisions, as hundreds of media reporters and cameras were broadcasting their introductions to the epoch-making affair.
"This is a momentous and historic occasion in Earth's history. . ."
"It is at the center of the city, that an announcement will be made. . ."
". . .one that is rumored to possibly change our planet's history as we know it!"
"The mayor of Acmetropolis is at the podium to introduce the speaker at tonight's assembly." The mob applauded as the mayor ascended to stairs to the podium to speak to the city.
"Citizens of Acmetropolis, it is with great pleasure that I introduce a woman who has served our city and planet well for over ten years as Earth's interplanetary representative. A person whose hard work and intelligence has bettered our city's relations with other worlds and has helped bring peace and unity throughout the galaxy. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome, ambassador of Earth, Ms. Maxima Johnson!" A sharp looking woman in a violet business suit and skirt strode toward the podium amongst the noise of cheers from the audience.
Elsewhere in the city, within the Loonatics headquarters tower, the team was gathered around their own big screen, eyes glued to the closeup of the figure as she calmly brushed a strand of her short, dark hair away from her tanned face while silently flipping through her notes. Only one member of the group seemed less than enthralled with the whole scene as he leaned on his elbow with an air of boredom.
"I can't believe they cancelled the Acme Rangers game for this!" Danger Duck sulked as he stared at the screen half-awake.
"Duck, dis is highly important stuff here." Ace Bunny remarked calmly from his chair behind the miffed mallard.
"It's not everyday dat history is made right on your own doorstep."
"I know that," Duck answered back irritated, "but they couldn't pick another day to make it? Besides, it'll be all over the news and in the papers for the next month anyway. I don't see why you're making us watch this now!"
"Shh, the ambassador is about to speak!" Tech E. Coyote chastised the both of them from his seat near the window. He didn't want to miss a word of this.
"Citizens of Acmetropolis," Maxima began, smiling knowingly toward the cameras, "it is with great excitement that I announce that today will mark an important chapter in our planet's history. For over 200 years, we had been at odds with the Martian Empire, and in complete isolation for over another three centuries. But the days of conflict and misunderstanding between our two worlds are drawing to an end.
"With the mayor's approval, I have been in contact with the King and Queen of Mars, who after months of negotiations, have agreed to allow visitors onto their planet for the first time in centuries. It will be on the planet Mars that the final talks will take place that will finally unify our two planets as allies, signifying the beginning of a new era of peace and cooperation."
The entire city erupted into thunderous cheers. For a world that had lived so long in war and had seen numerous superpowered enemies threatening their city, the promise of a truce was indeed welcome news. Maxima waited for the noise to dissipate before continuing.
"Thank you all! However, that is not the only reason why I am here today before you. I am preparing to leave for Mars at the end of this week, representing Acmetropolis as an example of diplomacy. But I wish to extend an invitation to some special citizens.
"I know that most of you here in the city will recognize them. Time and again they have proved themselves fine examples of courage and heroics as they have continuously risked their lives to protect us whenever evil has shown its face. They are true representatives of our planet's finest citizens, and if you are listening, Loonatics, I wish to extend a personal invitation to your entire team to join me on this historic venture, in order to show the citizens of Mars exactly what Earthlings can achieve at greatness."
The crowd once more broke into cheers, that lasted several minutes. Up in the Loonatics headquarters, it was a completely different story. There was nothing but dead silence from its occupants as the crew stared numbly at the screen, not daring to believe their own ears. Blissfully unaware of the heroes' stunned state, Ambassador Johnson continued to address them.
"I expect to hear from you soon, Loonatics. And I sincerely hope that, together, we can usher in a new age for Acmetropolis!"
Well, that's my pathetically short first chapter. Next one's longer. Promise.