Prince Dash

Upon arriving safely back at headquarters, Drayton debriefed all three boys. He listened as Simon told his story, how he had trailed Mars and had seen three men following him into the shack and how everyone just vanished and how the bad guys had sneaked up on him. He listened patiently as Marshall gave his version of events and, saving the best for last, turned to Dash and asked for his version of how the rescue at the shack went down. Much to everyone's astonishment, Dash merely said Marshall's version was accurate. He also added that Mars was the real hero here and should be commended for his bravery.

"No way! Dash is just being modest, I know that really doesn't seem like him but he is! It was his plan all along, he dreamed it up, ah, acquired the weapon and the other stuff we needed and saved everyone's life! Dash is the hero, I just threw some pine cones and knocked on a door!" Marshall was characteristically getting over-excited and both Dash and Drayton pointed him to the bathroom.

"Uh, thanks. I'll be right back."

After he peed, Mars and Simon were escorted back to their homes by Drayton's men. Dash remained behind. He was absolutely forbidden from returning to his shack and was informed that this was his new home, at least for the immediate future. At Dash's insistence, he and Marshall were allowed to keep their communicators and used them to talk to each other almost every day.

Two months passed before Mars and Simon were allowed to visit. They were given co-ordinates inside a city park and told to wait. They materialized in a flash of light. They recognized the conference room but something new had been added. A large coat of arms hung over the table. Two very fierce looking black birds were depicted in flight against a bright yellow background. Mars noticed Dash was absent and was about to ask where he was when a well dressed young man entered the room.

Dash still had grey hair but it had been neatly trimmed, brushed and combed. He was wearing a military style black tunic with gold shoulder boards and gold braid on the sleeves. He wore matching pants and a pair of shiny black leather boots. The same crest that was on the wall was embroidered on his chest and he wore a pair of black half gloves, the fingerless kind some rock stars and bikers wear. They covered the plus-minus symbols very neatly.

"Dash! My god, you're beautiful! Uh, I mean handsome or whatever! Jeez, man you look great!" Mars was overjoyed to see his friend and embraced him. Dash returned the hug and turned to Simon.

"What's the matter minion, aren't you happy to see me?" To his shock, Dash hugged the red headed boy and welcomed him to his home.

All three boys took a seat. "So, remember not too long ago I didn't have a name? Then I had one, Dash X, and then I learned I was really Jacob Anderson, and now I've learned I have still another name, my real identity." Dash looked slightly embarrassed and looked to Drayton, who continued.

"Dash is actually Larkin Rho, nephew of Emperor Bondor III of the Arlastian Empire. Prince Larkin is currently 7th in line to ascend the throne and given the political turmoil in his home, he may very well one day wear the crown."

"Crazy, huh? Who would have guessed I'm freaking royalty?" Dash laughed but Mars and Simon just stared in complete and total awe.

"Guess what? I met my family, at least one of my uncles, he was right here, in this room. The plan is to keep me on Earth until the fighting cools off back home, if it ever does. So that means I get to stay here in Eerie, with you guys!" Dash was clearly pleased at the prospect.

Prince Dash delivered more good news. "Drayton and his men have to leave and I get to stay here in my new home and you guys are welcome any time, in fact I kinda thought it would make a pretty neat headquarters for our detective agency!"

Simon was a bit cautious. "Our detective agency? You mean Mars and my detective agency!"

"Simon! If Dash wants to join us, he's welcome to! After all he saved your scrawny butt!" Mars was a little disappointed in Simon's reaction. "Dash, it will make a great headquarters! Right, Simon, right?"

Simon smiled at Dash. "Sure it will! Thanks, partner!"

Mars looked at Drayton. "I know Dash has demonstrated how well he can take care of himself but you're just going to leave him here, all alone?"

Drayton smiled. "No, I wouldn't dream of leaving a boy his age completely on his own. We've hired someone to look after him." He pressed a small button on the side of the table and someone entered the room. Mars recognized him at once.

"Ned! I thought you went back to your world! What are you doing back in Eerie?" Marshall was glad to see the old man, the former bartender and caretaker of the Loyal Order of Corn.

"Well, I did return home but all of my friends had moved on. Plus you can't believe how much a planet can change in a hundred and fifty years! I barely knew the place. So when I heard about the opening here, I decided to return to Earth. The boy is almost grown so he won't need very much from me, I imagine, and that will give me ample time to work on my experiments. Besides all that, the gig pays really well!"

Dash winked at Mars and whispered in his ear. "It seems I'm rich. My uncle left a butt load of gold and what he called 'local currency' in other words, a butt load of good old U.S. Dollars!"

Drayton's men came into the room and stood facing the table. Drayton joined them, as did Ned. Dash, grinning from ear to ear took something from a box that had been sitting on the table. He stood under his family's coat of arms and spoke.

"Simon Holmes, please stand." Simon stood and Dash approached him. "Simon Holmes, for duty to the Empire and for superior detective work, I bestow upon you the Cross of Valor." Dash placed a ribbon with a large medal attached to it around Simon's neck. He then shook his hand and kissed him on each cheek. He whispered in his ear, "Good job, minion!"

Simon beamed, he was immensely proud.

"Marshall Teller, please stand," Dash commanded. He approached his friend with more love and pride inside him than he had ever felt. "Marshall Teller, for extraordinary bravery, for uncommon valor in protecting a prince of the realm, for outstanding service to the crown, and for unsurpassed loyalty, affection, and friendship, I, Prince Larkin of the House of Rho, bestow upon you the Medal of Justice and proclaim you a member of the Order of Orion." Dash draped an ornate red and gold sash across Marshall's chest. He then pinned a large silver medal on it. He shook his hand, kissed him on each cheek and hugged him, whispering into his ear, "Don't let it go to your head, Mars. I remember you when you were just a goofy kid with a nervous bladder!"

Dash took the ceremonial sword that Ned had brought him and ordered Mars to kneel.

Dash touched the sword lightly on each of Marshall's shoulders. "I hereby dub thee, Sir Marshall of Eerie!" The room erupted into cheers.

After a festive little celebration, Drayton and his men left. Ned went off to his labs to work on his experiments, and Dash excused himself. "You two make yourselves at home, I'll be right back!"

Dash returned 10 minutes later wearing his old grungy boots and pants and a tee shirt that had seen better days. His hair was again unruly and flying in every direction. He sat between Mars and Simon. "Man, it feels so good to be out of those ridiculous clothes! I hereby declare this meeting of the Teller-Holmes-Dash X detective agency called to order!"

END OF STORY