Marvin the Martian and the Martian Queen are copyrighted to Warner Bros
2004
The Co-stars of this story are of My Property Jenny M. Stead 2004
Thank You
Light By: Jenny M. Stead
Purple like a ripe grape, the image of a foggy steam rose up from the dirt as it attempted to grace the ground with its beauty. This fog was a fog unlike any other; it was a steam of anger from the power core of its planet. However, the fog wasn't dangerous to the land it was steaming against. The fog was heading to a destination, a hunt for the kill. No one or no being could deny its presents, but couldn't explain it at all. Yet when the steam lifted off the ground, and into the air, every Venusians knew it was up to no good.
Looking down from the balcony of his palace, the Emperor of Venus stared bewildered toward the cloud racing toward the stars. He gave a sigh in grief; the planet that this un-ruley fog would hit, would never be seen or heard of again.
"This is the fourth planet this month", the ruler slumped into his throne, "and we're becoming a threat to the galaxy."
"But your majesty", his right hand servant explained, "the light only destroys the threat it self. We are not doing anything wrong."
"I know that Dewin?" the emperor rose back up, "but just last week the Leptons were our allies, now they're just a shower of meteors."
"You are doing nothing wrong my emperor," Dewin broke into a sly grin, "Everyone knows the Leptons were writing out an allied treaty with the Martians."
"Still, there's something about this that isn't right", the stressed man supported himself against the balcony banister, "These planets haven't even struck yet, and the light is already destroying them. In all my years of studying the light, it's never done this."
"Don't stress about it your majesty", Dewin sat the man back into his throne, "Your public is counting on you to rule them, not rule the light." The emperor starred out into the yellow sky as the ripples of violet cloud rose further into the atmosphere.
Not too far away from Venus, another emperor was starring into the red sky of his planet with worry on his mind. "I don't understand it commander", he walked over toward his lookout quarters, "The planet Lepton has done nothing to the Venusians, and they pull a stunt like this."
"But sir", the commander began, "they have no control over what planet that force of theirs destroys."
"No, I don't believe it", the emperor began once more, "this is the fourth planet this month; Kelroy is up to no good." The commander gave an immense sigh.
"The Emperor of Venus is not up to anything your majesty. He's probably as worried as you are." The ruler spun around in dismay at his commander's observation.
"Worried as I am?" he got an inch away from his comrade face, "he doesn't have to worry about his planet being blown to smithereens. That force, as you call it, protects that planet." The emperor backed away from the commander as he buried his face into his hands.
"I don't know anymore", he quietly jabbered on, "the only way to save us is to fight."
"But sir", the commander shouted in fear, "everyone knows of that force. You won't find a Martian within three galaxies away that would take on a Venusian!"
"Then that would take great planning to overcome", the emperor of Mars declared, "we must pass a law of some kind. A law to prevent the next generation of Martians of knowing anything about the Venus force that you speak of."
"What would be the consequences", the commander questioned in wary.
"The parent or guardian to question my authority upon this matter will face a penalty of imprisonment."
"And the child?"
"Sent to a reformatory school to be washed of the knowledge that they know", the emperor turned to his right hand Martian with grief in his voice, "I'm sorry my dear friend, but this is the only way." The commander shook his head in sorrow. "As a member of the royal family it is my job to protect what is my family's, and I am counting on you Commander X-22 to carry out this order."
"Yes your grace", the Martian gave a heavy sigh as he left the room.
Five minuets later the public alarms of Mars were sounding off to round up any earful Martian within its distance. As the large crowd of people surrounded the palace, the commander made his entrance.
"By order of the Emperor of Mars, from this day fourth, any Martian to speak of the planet Venus or any thing to do with a Venusian power or person to their offspring will be arrested and sent to prison. The child with the knowledge known will be sent to a reformatory to be washed of any knowing what so ever." The commander looked into the crowd as what looked like a horde of angry and fearful beings began to scream at him in fury. Then a pair of eyes caught the commander's attention. A short, red haired, woman within the crowd gave him a stare of confidence. It was his wife Maggie. Maggie placed her jacket hood upon her head as she sprinted out of the square, toward their house. X-22 swallowed hard as he shook his head in disbelief, he knew what she was about to do.
Not too far away from the rally, Maggie was brainstorming every little detail of the plan she was going to create. She knew that her husband may fight for her and their two children. However, he was a dedicated servant to the Emperor. She knew she needed a counter plan.
"I'm home", she rushed into the house searching for her two children, "Martin??"
"Yeah Mommy", a five year old little Martian came into the living room.
"Sweetie, your father will be home very soon", she hugged her oldest, "it's up to you, to go to Mrs. House's farm. I want you to pack your back-pack with your clothes. I'll help you in a minuet; I just have to find your brother." She paid the babysitter the fees she owed her, and sent her on her way. Maggie rushed up the stairs to the nursery.
"Marvy?" she baby talked to her one year old little boy. The little baby with red hair just like hers starred up toward her in pure delight. She picked him up with tears in her eyes. "You may not understand now why I'm doing this", she kissed his tiny forehead, "but I promise you, that when you become older and wiser, you will thank me for this." The infant looked up toward her, as he held on to her every word.
"Mommy has to go somewhere for a while", tears began streaming down her face, "and it's up to you to help her while she's gone. I want you to know everything about the planet Venus, and your brother will make sure you know everything. Including a light, a strong light, and this light is the only thing I truly want you to study. Trust me sweetheart, when you get older you will know why." She kissed the baby's forehead as tears streamed down her face. Standing in the doorway was Martin, he was packed and ready. Maggie knelt down toward her oldest as she gave both her children a big bear hug.
"I love you both", she cried, "and Martin, I want you to watch over Marvin. Make sure he knows everything about Venus."
"Why?" the young boy began, but was interrupted by a loud pounding on the front door.
"I can't explain", she kissed them both. She placed Marvin into Martin's arms as she hurried them out the back door. "Don't look back, just keep running!"
"Mommy!" little Marvin squealed with his arms out as Martin carried him over his shoulder.
"I love you", Maggie hit her knees in an immense fit of tears.
"Open the door Maggie!" the commander was on the other side, "this is the last warning!" Maggie quickly shut the back door as she raced for the front. Before she opened the door, the army behind it smashed through, knocking the woman on the floor.
"Maggie Martian", the commander began, "you are under arrest for violating the new law passed by the emperor."
"What law", she spat in his face, "the law to protect the next generation from existence!"
"Take her away!" X-22 starred at the woman in grief. Maggie kicked and squawked all the way to the vehicle, as the authorities took her away. Over the hill, as Martin was running with all his might, Marvin took one last glance at the house, and one last glance at his mother.
Chapter2
"Maggie Martian", the commander pounded his gavel upon his stand, "you have been charge of violation 19:48, which states: Any Martian to speak of the Venusian culture to their offspring is against the law. How do you plead?"
"Guilty", she smirked toward her husband, "and proud of it."
"Mrs. Martian?" X-22 began formally to his wife, "what caused this notion of events to occur."
"Your crazy for allowing this to happen Melvin", she began to cry, "you know as well as any other Martian on this planet, that the light source on the planet Venus can annihilate any threat that may come to it. If we fight, we will die!"
"We're not positive on that Maggie", X-22 calmly announced, "That may be a hoax to protect their reputation."
"Coward!" she mouthed to him, "you yellow streaked Martian, have you no dignity to admit what is the TRUTH!?" X-22 starred upon his wife in dismay as another fit of tears streamed down her coal black face.
"Where are my children?" he spoke rationally excluding her from the image in his mind.
"MY, children are gone", she smiled vigorously toward the commander, "they're in a place that you may never find." She paused. "He knows." X-22 starred wide eyed toward her statement. "He knows Melvin, and he will apply what he knows. He promised me."
"Martin?" X-22 choked out in anger.
"Wouldn't you like to know!" she smiled in victory toward her ex-husband.
"Guards", X-22 commanded, "take her away." Maggie again looked toward X-22 with a large smile expressed upon her blackened face. The commander just stood there shaking in anger, as she left the room.
The next morning, and across many miles, little Marvin awoke with a shout of tears.
"Mommy's gone Marv", Martin tried to comfort the little Martian, "she's not coming back." Still the little boy looked toward his older brother for an explanation, but Martin had none. "Mrs. House is gonna be our new momma", Martin sighed heavily, "I don't know why?"
Living at the House farm was very different for the young Martians. It was their job to feed the cluckins and moos everyday. They were fed twice each day, and were in bed by nightfall. As Marvin grew, Martin began to for fill his mother's last request to him. Martin tried to find everyway possible to bestow information about Venus to Marvin. However Martin was not teaching himself. He knew that it was supposed to be Marvin, and not he to know what was to be explained in the future.
Many years had passed, and Martin enlisted into the Martian Army. Marvin was saddened to watch Martin go away, and he then became determined to make a life for his own. At nineteen, Marvin had finally moved back into the city to be an astronomer for the government. Over the years he had grown a great fond of the planet Venus. No one knew why.
However, one dreadful day across the city, the fate of the Martian Empire, was about to be bestowed over to another.
"You are the last of this Dynasty my daughter", the emperor choked out to his only heir to the throne; "you must protect Mars."
"But father, I don't know what to do", the young princess cried next to his bed.
"Leave us!" he commanded his servants to leave. When they were alone with just the commander in the chambers, the emperor began, "I've taught you everything my child, my last request you must for fill." She nodded choking through sobs. "You must destroy the Venusians." X-22's gut fell toward this request, he remembered the last night he saw his wife before him in court.
"Why", she questioned eagerly.
"Because," the emperor wheezed, "they are a threat, we are the next to die. You must over take them, before they over take us." X-22 looked away in horror to his request. "The commander will help you", the emperor noted to his daughter, "you can do it, and I know you can."
"Yes, father", the princess sobbed once more upon the covers of his bed. X- 22 looked back at the emperor in pain to see that he had indeed passed on.
Chapter 3
The days went by faster after the Emperor had died. The planet mourned his death, as did his daughter. She was crowned Queen of Mars the day after they buried him. Still X-22 was worrisome over the consequences that may take place by challenging the planet Venus. However knowing of the promise his new Queen made to her father, he did not interfere. It wasn't until a year later, that the operation would start coming together. The Martian Army was beginning the draft for the war to become.
It had come to X-22 that one of his men was achieving more in his platoon than any other. His officers explained to him that this Martian was unbelievable in the skills they had taught him in the army. Very excited to meet this one of a kind person, X-22 demanded that this Martian be brought before him. When meeting the high achieving solder, X-22 was very interested on where this man had come from.
"They say that you may be a Lieutenant in the matter of two to three years", X-22 began, "how do you suppose that they came up with that?"
"Permission to speak freely sir?" the Martian requested. X-22 nodded his head as the solder spoke once more, "I don't know how this all occurred. I just got into the army not more than three years ago. I'm kind of singled out of the other men, sir. An outcast if you call it. I can't explain it."
"Your skill may be genetic", X-22 suggested, "Was your father in the military?"
"From what I remember, Yes", the boy answered.
"Maybe you can give me his name? Is he still alive?"
"I don't know", the solder answered, "I was orphaned at a young age."
"Well, what's his name anyway", X-22 grew interested, "I could probably get in contact with him."
"It frankly doesn't matter to me sir", the boy began once more, "from what I remember, it was my father who destroyed my family."
"Still, I would like to speak with him", X-22 suggested, "a name perhaps?" The boy sighed heavily. In so long he hadn't mentioned his father.
"That would be, Melvin", he answered, "Melvin Martian. He was the high commander of the Martian Army." X-22 dropped his pen on the floor.
"M-Melvin Martian?" he asked with a quiver in his voice, "Your father was Melvin Martian?"
"Yes sir", the boy grew concerned toward his commanding officer, "are you okay?"
"Yes!" X-22 regained his composer, "and that would make you?"
"Oh", the boy smiled, "My name is Martin Martian."
"Martin?" a small smile began to stretch upon his coal black face, "It was great talking to you, dismissed." The boy stood back up from his seat as he saluted the commander, turned around, and walked out of the room.
For several months up to two years X-22 kept a close watch on the boy. Of all these years he couldn't believe that his oldest son had returned to him. Soon after Martin was finally ranked Lieutenant, X-22 was diagnosed with a disease. The disease was a cancer that attacked every organ in his body, it was incurable, and would cost X-22 his life. The day that the commander was finally put upon his death bed, he requested the young solder to be at his side.
"I don't understand commander", Martin questioned to his commanding officer, "Why me?"
"I've called you to my side, because I have a confession to make", X-22 declared, "leave us." The servants in the room cleared out, so X-22 could speak to Martin in private.
"I'm your father", the old commander blurted out, "I'm Melvin Martian."
"No", Martin couldn't believe his ears, "you can't be."
"It's true", X-22 explained, "twenty-one years ago I arrested your mother for treason."
"Why?" Martin hit his knees next to the bed, "why was she arrested?"
"You mean you don't know?" X-22 couldn't believe his ears, "you don't know about the light?"
"What light?" Martin had confusion painted on his face. X-22 sighed heavily. All these years he believed Martin was the secret holder.
"You mean I arrested your mother for nothing?" X-22 had another quiver to his voice, "But she told me that she told you."
"She didn't tell me anything", Martin choked out, "She just told me to.." Martin leaned back from the bed. The mystery in his life was finally coming together. "Marvin."
"What?" X-22 wheezed, "what about Marvin?"
"Mom told me to make sure that Marvin knew everything about Venus", the boy explained.
"Did you?"
"Yeah", Martin couldn't believe it, "in fact he's an astronomer."
"Listen Martin", X-22 choked out his last breaths of air, "I need you to do something for me." Martin nodded toward his father's request. "Take this", he handed Martin a small sheet of paper, "I need you to go to the Capital City Penitentiary. There you will talk to a Martha Middleton. She will explain everything you need to know."
"Know about what?" the boy cried out, but it was too late to explain. X- 22's body was now lifeless; his father was dead.
"Great", Martin threw his hands into the air, "more confusion." The boy raced out the door, and into the streets of the Capital City.
I need to speak with an inmate! The Lieutenant demanded out of one of the guards.
"Name?" the guard requested.
"Martha Middleton!" the boys spoke loudly and clearly.
"She's under a restriction", the guard explained, "She can't have visitors."
"Under what grounds", Martin demanded.
"Treason", the guard spat toward the boy, "she can't see anyone."
"But I'm a high ranking official!" Martin grew angry.
"The only authority that is allowed to see Martha Middleton is the High Commander of the Martian Army!"
"Then here" Martin threw the sheet of paper at him, "I have permission from the Commander himself."
"Very well", the guard begrudged, "I'll take you to her quarters."
The Capital Prison was different from what Martin had imagined. The cells weren't much of cells at all. In fact it reminded him more of a retirement home. The prisoners weren't tortured; they were treated kindly with respect.
"What's the matter?" the guard laughed, "picture something different?"
"Why is it like this?" Martin questioned his guide.
"This is where they hold the prisoners charged for small crimes", the guard explained, "They didn't hurt anyone, just broke the law." The two finally reached a room at the far end of the prison. "This is her cell."
"Thank you", Martin gratified, "I'll be speaking to her privately."
"But sir?"
"I have orders to speak with her in private", Martin commanded, "by X-22 himself. Now leave us!" The guard reluctantly saluted Martin, and then retreated back to his post. Martin gave a heavy sigh and proceeded into the room.
Sitting in the corner of the room, just looking out the window, was an old woman. Her hair was a bleached red with dark grey streaks upon its dingy glare. Her skin was even bleached out to a dull grey. The woman's appearance was very disturbing to Martin. Gaining his composure back, the boy approached with caution.
"Excuse me?" he began, "are you the one they call Martha Middleton?"
"They call me that, yes", the raspy voice of the elderly woman echoed in the room, "whatever for?"
"I was sent by the high commander to talk to you", the young lad pulled up a chair next to the inmate, "He said you could explain some topics to me."
"He says a lot of things", the woman starred out into the glass some more.
"Actually he said things", Martin choked out, "he died earlier this morning." The woman turned toward the young solder with a cold stare. Her eyes were dilated, and the wrinkles on her face made her look almost ancient.
"Your father was a fool, boy", she choked out in anger, "he knew things, and didn't apply what he knew to them."
"That's why I'm here, Mam", Martin began once more, "he said that you could explain these things to me."
"Go on", she began to look interested toward Martin's request.
"I want to know what the light is!" Martin questioned with eager in his voice, "I want to know why my mother was taken from me."
"Your mother", Martha spoke with a cool glare back out the window, "now that was a good Martian."
"You knew my mom?" Martin was becoming even more impatient, as he began pacing the floor.
"Yes", Martha gave a smile, "I knew her."
"Then why was she taken from me!" the boy demanded with glassy eyes.
"She believed one day you and your brother would do great things." Martha explained, "It is up to you and your brother to bring balance in what's to become."
"What's to become?" Martin was getting irritated toward the riddles this woman was speaking. Yet, the old woman glared back out the window without a word as a small tear trickled down her grey face.
"I have but one last thing to tell you", she explained, "let your brother know that the Queen knows the same secret that he holds." Martin stopped pacing the floor. He spun around to the elderly woman in exasperation.
"What secret?" he bellowed in anger.
"That isn't for you to know", the woman still starred out into the space outside.
"NO," Martin screamed in anger, "ANSWER ME, WHAT SECRET!?" She didn't answer. The inmate shut her eyes slowly as she sat in her spot. Martin shook his head in frustration, and stormed out of the room.
To Be Continued..
The Co-stars of this story are of My Property Jenny M. Stead 2004
Thank You
Light By: Jenny M. Stead
Purple like a ripe grape, the image of a foggy steam rose up from the dirt as it attempted to grace the ground with its beauty. This fog was a fog unlike any other; it was a steam of anger from the power core of its planet. However, the fog wasn't dangerous to the land it was steaming against. The fog was heading to a destination, a hunt for the kill. No one or no being could deny its presents, but couldn't explain it at all. Yet when the steam lifted off the ground, and into the air, every Venusians knew it was up to no good.
Looking down from the balcony of his palace, the Emperor of Venus stared bewildered toward the cloud racing toward the stars. He gave a sigh in grief; the planet that this un-ruley fog would hit, would never be seen or heard of again.
"This is the fourth planet this month", the ruler slumped into his throne, "and we're becoming a threat to the galaxy."
"But your majesty", his right hand servant explained, "the light only destroys the threat it self. We are not doing anything wrong."
"I know that Dewin?" the emperor rose back up, "but just last week the Leptons were our allies, now they're just a shower of meteors."
"You are doing nothing wrong my emperor," Dewin broke into a sly grin, "Everyone knows the Leptons were writing out an allied treaty with the Martians."
"Still, there's something about this that isn't right", the stressed man supported himself against the balcony banister, "These planets haven't even struck yet, and the light is already destroying them. In all my years of studying the light, it's never done this."
"Don't stress about it your majesty", Dewin sat the man back into his throne, "Your public is counting on you to rule them, not rule the light." The emperor starred out into the yellow sky as the ripples of violet cloud rose further into the atmosphere.
Not too far away from Venus, another emperor was starring into the red sky of his planet with worry on his mind. "I don't understand it commander", he walked over toward his lookout quarters, "The planet Lepton has done nothing to the Venusians, and they pull a stunt like this."
"But sir", the commander began, "they have no control over what planet that force of theirs destroys."
"No, I don't believe it", the emperor began once more, "this is the fourth planet this month; Kelroy is up to no good." The commander gave an immense sigh.
"The Emperor of Venus is not up to anything your majesty. He's probably as worried as you are." The ruler spun around in dismay at his commander's observation.
"Worried as I am?" he got an inch away from his comrade face, "he doesn't have to worry about his planet being blown to smithereens. That force, as you call it, protects that planet." The emperor backed away from the commander as he buried his face into his hands.
"I don't know anymore", he quietly jabbered on, "the only way to save us is to fight."
"But sir", the commander shouted in fear, "everyone knows of that force. You won't find a Martian within three galaxies away that would take on a Venusian!"
"Then that would take great planning to overcome", the emperor of Mars declared, "we must pass a law of some kind. A law to prevent the next generation of Martians of knowing anything about the Venus force that you speak of."
"What would be the consequences", the commander questioned in wary.
"The parent or guardian to question my authority upon this matter will face a penalty of imprisonment."
"And the child?"
"Sent to a reformatory school to be washed of the knowledge that they know", the emperor turned to his right hand Martian with grief in his voice, "I'm sorry my dear friend, but this is the only way." The commander shook his head in sorrow. "As a member of the royal family it is my job to protect what is my family's, and I am counting on you Commander X-22 to carry out this order."
"Yes your grace", the Martian gave a heavy sigh as he left the room.
Five minuets later the public alarms of Mars were sounding off to round up any earful Martian within its distance. As the large crowd of people surrounded the palace, the commander made his entrance.
"By order of the Emperor of Mars, from this day fourth, any Martian to speak of the planet Venus or any thing to do with a Venusian power or person to their offspring will be arrested and sent to prison. The child with the knowledge known will be sent to a reformatory to be washed of any knowing what so ever." The commander looked into the crowd as what looked like a horde of angry and fearful beings began to scream at him in fury. Then a pair of eyes caught the commander's attention. A short, red haired, woman within the crowd gave him a stare of confidence. It was his wife Maggie. Maggie placed her jacket hood upon her head as she sprinted out of the square, toward their house. X-22 swallowed hard as he shook his head in disbelief, he knew what she was about to do.
Not too far away from the rally, Maggie was brainstorming every little detail of the plan she was going to create. She knew that her husband may fight for her and their two children. However, he was a dedicated servant to the Emperor. She knew she needed a counter plan.
"I'm home", she rushed into the house searching for her two children, "Martin??"
"Yeah Mommy", a five year old little Martian came into the living room.
"Sweetie, your father will be home very soon", she hugged her oldest, "it's up to you, to go to Mrs. House's farm. I want you to pack your back-pack with your clothes. I'll help you in a minuet; I just have to find your brother." She paid the babysitter the fees she owed her, and sent her on her way. Maggie rushed up the stairs to the nursery.
"Marvy?" she baby talked to her one year old little boy. The little baby with red hair just like hers starred up toward her in pure delight. She picked him up with tears in her eyes. "You may not understand now why I'm doing this", she kissed his tiny forehead, "but I promise you, that when you become older and wiser, you will thank me for this." The infant looked up toward her, as he held on to her every word.
"Mommy has to go somewhere for a while", tears began streaming down her face, "and it's up to you to help her while she's gone. I want you to know everything about the planet Venus, and your brother will make sure you know everything. Including a light, a strong light, and this light is the only thing I truly want you to study. Trust me sweetheart, when you get older you will know why." She kissed the baby's forehead as tears streamed down her face. Standing in the doorway was Martin, he was packed and ready. Maggie knelt down toward her oldest as she gave both her children a big bear hug.
"I love you both", she cried, "and Martin, I want you to watch over Marvin. Make sure he knows everything about Venus."
"Why?" the young boy began, but was interrupted by a loud pounding on the front door.
"I can't explain", she kissed them both. She placed Marvin into Martin's arms as she hurried them out the back door. "Don't look back, just keep running!"
"Mommy!" little Marvin squealed with his arms out as Martin carried him over his shoulder.
"I love you", Maggie hit her knees in an immense fit of tears.
"Open the door Maggie!" the commander was on the other side, "this is the last warning!" Maggie quickly shut the back door as she raced for the front. Before she opened the door, the army behind it smashed through, knocking the woman on the floor.
"Maggie Martian", the commander began, "you are under arrest for violating the new law passed by the emperor."
"What law", she spat in his face, "the law to protect the next generation from existence!"
"Take her away!" X-22 starred at the woman in grief. Maggie kicked and squawked all the way to the vehicle, as the authorities took her away. Over the hill, as Martin was running with all his might, Marvin took one last glance at the house, and one last glance at his mother.
Chapter2
"Maggie Martian", the commander pounded his gavel upon his stand, "you have been charge of violation 19:48, which states: Any Martian to speak of the Venusian culture to their offspring is against the law. How do you plead?"
"Guilty", she smirked toward her husband, "and proud of it."
"Mrs. Martian?" X-22 began formally to his wife, "what caused this notion of events to occur."
"Your crazy for allowing this to happen Melvin", she began to cry, "you know as well as any other Martian on this planet, that the light source on the planet Venus can annihilate any threat that may come to it. If we fight, we will die!"
"We're not positive on that Maggie", X-22 calmly announced, "That may be a hoax to protect their reputation."
"Coward!" she mouthed to him, "you yellow streaked Martian, have you no dignity to admit what is the TRUTH!?" X-22 starred upon his wife in dismay as another fit of tears streamed down her coal black face.
"Where are my children?" he spoke rationally excluding her from the image in his mind.
"MY, children are gone", she smiled vigorously toward the commander, "they're in a place that you may never find." She paused. "He knows." X-22 starred wide eyed toward her statement. "He knows Melvin, and he will apply what he knows. He promised me."
"Martin?" X-22 choked out in anger.
"Wouldn't you like to know!" she smiled in victory toward her ex-husband.
"Guards", X-22 commanded, "take her away." Maggie again looked toward X-22 with a large smile expressed upon her blackened face. The commander just stood there shaking in anger, as she left the room.
The next morning, and across many miles, little Marvin awoke with a shout of tears.
"Mommy's gone Marv", Martin tried to comfort the little Martian, "she's not coming back." Still the little boy looked toward his older brother for an explanation, but Martin had none. "Mrs. House is gonna be our new momma", Martin sighed heavily, "I don't know why?"
Living at the House farm was very different for the young Martians. It was their job to feed the cluckins and moos everyday. They were fed twice each day, and were in bed by nightfall. As Marvin grew, Martin began to for fill his mother's last request to him. Martin tried to find everyway possible to bestow information about Venus to Marvin. However Martin was not teaching himself. He knew that it was supposed to be Marvin, and not he to know what was to be explained in the future.
Many years had passed, and Martin enlisted into the Martian Army. Marvin was saddened to watch Martin go away, and he then became determined to make a life for his own. At nineteen, Marvin had finally moved back into the city to be an astronomer for the government. Over the years he had grown a great fond of the planet Venus. No one knew why.
However, one dreadful day across the city, the fate of the Martian Empire, was about to be bestowed over to another.
"You are the last of this Dynasty my daughter", the emperor choked out to his only heir to the throne; "you must protect Mars."
"But father, I don't know what to do", the young princess cried next to his bed.
"Leave us!" he commanded his servants to leave. When they were alone with just the commander in the chambers, the emperor began, "I've taught you everything my child, my last request you must for fill." She nodded choking through sobs. "You must destroy the Venusians." X-22's gut fell toward this request, he remembered the last night he saw his wife before him in court.
"Why", she questioned eagerly.
"Because," the emperor wheezed, "they are a threat, we are the next to die. You must over take them, before they over take us." X-22 looked away in horror to his request. "The commander will help you", the emperor noted to his daughter, "you can do it, and I know you can."
"Yes, father", the princess sobbed once more upon the covers of his bed. X- 22 looked back at the emperor in pain to see that he had indeed passed on.
Chapter 3
The days went by faster after the Emperor had died. The planet mourned his death, as did his daughter. She was crowned Queen of Mars the day after they buried him. Still X-22 was worrisome over the consequences that may take place by challenging the planet Venus. However knowing of the promise his new Queen made to her father, he did not interfere. It wasn't until a year later, that the operation would start coming together. The Martian Army was beginning the draft for the war to become.
It had come to X-22 that one of his men was achieving more in his platoon than any other. His officers explained to him that this Martian was unbelievable in the skills they had taught him in the army. Very excited to meet this one of a kind person, X-22 demanded that this Martian be brought before him. When meeting the high achieving solder, X-22 was very interested on where this man had come from.
"They say that you may be a Lieutenant in the matter of two to three years", X-22 began, "how do you suppose that they came up with that?"
"Permission to speak freely sir?" the Martian requested. X-22 nodded his head as the solder spoke once more, "I don't know how this all occurred. I just got into the army not more than three years ago. I'm kind of singled out of the other men, sir. An outcast if you call it. I can't explain it."
"Your skill may be genetic", X-22 suggested, "Was your father in the military?"
"From what I remember, Yes", the boy answered.
"Maybe you can give me his name? Is he still alive?"
"I don't know", the solder answered, "I was orphaned at a young age."
"Well, what's his name anyway", X-22 grew interested, "I could probably get in contact with him."
"It frankly doesn't matter to me sir", the boy began once more, "from what I remember, it was my father who destroyed my family."
"Still, I would like to speak with him", X-22 suggested, "a name perhaps?" The boy sighed heavily. In so long he hadn't mentioned his father.
"That would be, Melvin", he answered, "Melvin Martian. He was the high commander of the Martian Army." X-22 dropped his pen on the floor.
"M-Melvin Martian?" he asked with a quiver in his voice, "Your father was Melvin Martian?"
"Yes sir", the boy grew concerned toward his commanding officer, "are you okay?"
"Yes!" X-22 regained his composer, "and that would make you?"
"Oh", the boy smiled, "My name is Martin Martian."
"Martin?" a small smile began to stretch upon his coal black face, "It was great talking to you, dismissed." The boy stood back up from his seat as he saluted the commander, turned around, and walked out of the room.
For several months up to two years X-22 kept a close watch on the boy. Of all these years he couldn't believe that his oldest son had returned to him. Soon after Martin was finally ranked Lieutenant, X-22 was diagnosed with a disease. The disease was a cancer that attacked every organ in his body, it was incurable, and would cost X-22 his life. The day that the commander was finally put upon his death bed, he requested the young solder to be at his side.
"I don't understand commander", Martin questioned to his commanding officer, "Why me?"
"I've called you to my side, because I have a confession to make", X-22 declared, "leave us." The servants in the room cleared out, so X-22 could speak to Martin in private.
"I'm your father", the old commander blurted out, "I'm Melvin Martian."
"No", Martin couldn't believe his ears, "you can't be."
"It's true", X-22 explained, "twenty-one years ago I arrested your mother for treason."
"Why?" Martin hit his knees next to the bed, "why was she arrested?"
"You mean you don't know?" X-22 couldn't believe his ears, "you don't know about the light?"
"What light?" Martin had confusion painted on his face. X-22 sighed heavily. All these years he believed Martin was the secret holder.
"You mean I arrested your mother for nothing?" X-22 had another quiver to his voice, "But she told me that she told you."
"She didn't tell me anything", Martin choked out, "She just told me to.." Martin leaned back from the bed. The mystery in his life was finally coming together. "Marvin."
"What?" X-22 wheezed, "what about Marvin?"
"Mom told me to make sure that Marvin knew everything about Venus", the boy explained.
"Did you?"
"Yeah", Martin couldn't believe it, "in fact he's an astronomer."
"Listen Martin", X-22 choked out his last breaths of air, "I need you to do something for me." Martin nodded toward his father's request. "Take this", he handed Martin a small sheet of paper, "I need you to go to the Capital City Penitentiary. There you will talk to a Martha Middleton. She will explain everything you need to know."
"Know about what?" the boy cried out, but it was too late to explain. X- 22's body was now lifeless; his father was dead.
"Great", Martin threw his hands into the air, "more confusion." The boy raced out the door, and into the streets of the Capital City.
I need to speak with an inmate! The Lieutenant demanded out of one of the guards.
"Name?" the guard requested.
"Martha Middleton!" the boys spoke loudly and clearly.
"She's under a restriction", the guard explained, "She can't have visitors."
"Under what grounds", Martin demanded.
"Treason", the guard spat toward the boy, "she can't see anyone."
"But I'm a high ranking official!" Martin grew angry.
"The only authority that is allowed to see Martha Middleton is the High Commander of the Martian Army!"
"Then here" Martin threw the sheet of paper at him, "I have permission from the Commander himself."
"Very well", the guard begrudged, "I'll take you to her quarters."
The Capital Prison was different from what Martin had imagined. The cells weren't much of cells at all. In fact it reminded him more of a retirement home. The prisoners weren't tortured; they were treated kindly with respect.
"What's the matter?" the guard laughed, "picture something different?"
"Why is it like this?" Martin questioned his guide.
"This is where they hold the prisoners charged for small crimes", the guard explained, "They didn't hurt anyone, just broke the law." The two finally reached a room at the far end of the prison. "This is her cell."
"Thank you", Martin gratified, "I'll be speaking to her privately."
"But sir?"
"I have orders to speak with her in private", Martin commanded, "by X-22 himself. Now leave us!" The guard reluctantly saluted Martin, and then retreated back to his post. Martin gave a heavy sigh and proceeded into the room.
Sitting in the corner of the room, just looking out the window, was an old woman. Her hair was a bleached red with dark grey streaks upon its dingy glare. Her skin was even bleached out to a dull grey. The woman's appearance was very disturbing to Martin. Gaining his composure back, the boy approached with caution.
"Excuse me?" he began, "are you the one they call Martha Middleton?"
"They call me that, yes", the raspy voice of the elderly woman echoed in the room, "whatever for?"
"I was sent by the high commander to talk to you", the young lad pulled up a chair next to the inmate, "He said you could explain some topics to me."
"He says a lot of things", the woman starred out into the glass some more.
"Actually he said things", Martin choked out, "he died earlier this morning." The woman turned toward the young solder with a cold stare. Her eyes were dilated, and the wrinkles on her face made her look almost ancient.
"Your father was a fool, boy", she choked out in anger, "he knew things, and didn't apply what he knew to them."
"That's why I'm here, Mam", Martin began once more, "he said that you could explain these things to me."
"Go on", she began to look interested toward Martin's request.
"I want to know what the light is!" Martin questioned with eager in his voice, "I want to know why my mother was taken from me."
"Your mother", Martha spoke with a cool glare back out the window, "now that was a good Martian."
"You knew my mom?" Martin was becoming even more impatient, as he began pacing the floor.
"Yes", Martha gave a smile, "I knew her."
"Then why was she taken from me!" the boy demanded with glassy eyes.
"She believed one day you and your brother would do great things." Martha explained, "It is up to you and your brother to bring balance in what's to become."
"What's to become?" Martin was getting irritated toward the riddles this woman was speaking. Yet, the old woman glared back out the window without a word as a small tear trickled down her grey face.
"I have but one last thing to tell you", she explained, "let your brother know that the Queen knows the same secret that he holds." Martin stopped pacing the floor. He spun around to the elderly woman in exasperation.
"What secret?" he bellowed in anger.
"That isn't for you to know", the woman still starred out into the space outside.
"NO," Martin screamed in anger, "ANSWER ME, WHAT SECRET!?" She didn't answer. The inmate shut her eyes slowly as she sat in her spot. Martin shook his head in frustration, and stormed out of the room.
To Be Continued..