EPILOGUE



Far across galactic space, near the center of the M4 spiral, there is a world called the Emerald Planet. The Starman stands before the Council, a group of delegates from the nine primary worlds, united in the pursuit of peace between the countless lifeforms of intersellar space.

They regard their agent with grim satisfaction, and speak; "As always, my Starman, your assigned goal has been executed with utmost proficiency. Let us confirm now, the Earthers accepted the Sphere without question?"

"Yes, Leader," the hero replied. "And with more than adequate impetus to use it as well."

"Excellent. You understand, we are not in the habit of deputizing agents without their consent, but the forces which now threaten the human world are not of an interplanetary nature," the Council Leader explained. "And thus are beyond our jurisdiction.

"Unable to interven directly, we of the Council decided to try an experiment; provide the humans with a tool with which they might at least have a chance to save themselves."

"I understand the plan, though I regret the deception needed to implement it," the warrior lamented. "I confess it is not my only regret regarding this mission."

"We know your thoughts, warrior," began another of the delegates. "As well as your quandry. Your nature is that of a protector, yet when the Kartanans revealed their plunder of your own homeworld eons ago, your only motivation was anger, and revenge." The delegate narrowed his gaze. "For the first time, you allowed yourself to lose control."

The Astral Avenger bowed low before his masters. "You are right, of course. This Council has entrusted myself alone with powers and talents gleaned from many worlds. I have abused that power, and am ready to accept whatever judgement you choose to render against me."

The delegates considered their agent's words, and replied; "Your shame is punishment enough, warrior, and the benefits of your talents far outweigh the risk of any further misuse. You are aware of the consequences of your actions? The results of the line which you have crossed?"

"Yes. I am," the Starman confirmed.

"Then the Council has faith, you shall not cross that line again."

"Thank you, leader!" The hero replied. "There is one last concern I would adress here..."

"The humans, Kenji and Kyoko Bradley," the leader surmised.

"Yes! Please tell me, where exactly have they gone?"

"The Bradleys have been placed upon a most dangerous path. One that is partly of their own making. The Sphere will carry them to specific focal points in the timestream, Where they will either cause or prevent certain circustances to manifest," the leader explained. "Success in this venture will ensure the survival of life on Earth. Failure, well, failure would result in cosmic traedy."

"Do you really think they will succeed, leader?"

"That depends."

"Depends? On what?"

"An infinity of factors," the leader professed. "But foremost among them, is the monster called Godzilla...