Guardian Command
Area 51
29 May 2017
LAUNCH MINUS THREE DAYS
New recruits trickled in to fill the ranks of both the decimated platoons and the starship crew. All knew what they were getting into, but a few braggarts persisted despite the intense footage of the Force's first desperate battle. Colonel Markson's misgivings about the coming mission were amplified by the same concerns held by Captain Takamora and the Guardians. The only real way those few would learn would be the hard way, which usually ended terminally.
Hohiro ran the new people through the proverbial wringer. A few decided transferring to the base security detachment, or out of the command altogether was the better part of valor. Many of those who stayed felt that the mission was important, and could accept the fact that they might not return from it. As did those who were too stupid to realize this was not going to be a picnic, though they treated the assignment as such. It was those people Hohiro found it very hard to come up with a good excuse to transfer out of the command.
Captain Takamora shared his misgivings about those select few to Colonel Markson and General Hammond at the earliest opportunity. The result was they would place those people in places where they could learn the hard reality of the war they were fighting without getting killed so they could pass that knowledge on to many who would follow.
Jonathon decided to take General Hammond up on his offer to lead the mission to Eternia, thereby saddling Captain Majourny with the diplomatic mission to Phantos. She had a few rather choice words on the subject that would curdle fresh milk.
"I have my share of undesirables and you want to throw a diplomatic mission on top of that?" Jo-jo said, flabbergasted. "A full ambassador would be better equipped to handle this than me."
Hammond agreed, "True. But a full ambassador wouldn't be privy to our suspicions. Or have the maneuvering room to negotiate off the record."
"Come again?"
"The Horde suspects Queen Elmora is building her own private army, but they have never been able to infiltrate far enough to find out," the general elaborated. "Maybe she will drop some information to us off the record."
"Or maybe she'll think of us as nothing more than inferior savages not even worthy of her contempt," Jo-jo suggested grimly.
"Either way we need allies if we are to have any chance of surviving this war, much les winning it," General Hammond pointed out.
"Winning? One planet against an empire? Getting a little ambitious, aren't we?" Markson replied.
"Some of those Japanese animation movies and series Adrian is so fond of are replete with individuals and small groups surviving against incredible odds. In a way we aren't too different from that. It isn't a matter of how technologically advanced we are, it's how we adapt and persevere," Hammond explained at length. "Sorceress told me once the way we learn and adapt is our greatest advantage."
Markson smiled wryly. "A healthy dose of luck isn't bad, either."
"Whatever personnel problems you have will have to be worked out along the way." Hammond held up a hand to forestall counter arguments form Jo-jo and Jonathon. "I have no doubt the deck is being stacked against us. I'm doing all I can to minimize that. We'll just have to make do. Now, let's have a look at those maps and star charts…"
Andre Wardman wondered the silent corridors of the starship Eternia sullen and depressed. The beating administered by Harris and his army cronies was still evident in the angry bruising on his face and ribs. When questioned about the incident, he would say only that he fell. No one truly believed his story, but since he stubbornly stuck to it, Lieutenant Denton could not investigate further. Much as Andre would like to have let the lieutenant do his thing, but this was Andre's problem and he would handle it his way.
Even if it killed him.
As Wardman drifted through the deserted corridors, his ears picked up faint humming sounds coming from somewhere ahead. Curious, the ensign began following them. He had to pause now and again to listen. He almost lost the trail twice. Finally, Andre found himself standing before the open doors to the drop bays. The humming sounds punctuated by angry electrical clashes were now quite clear. Cautiously, the ensign stepped inside.
The drop bay was the single largest area of the starship save the engine room. Four dropships squatted in their parking slots over closed hatches where the ships would be lowered into the drop bays by heavy overhead lifting arms. The humming and clashing came from the center of the chamber where there was the most space in which to work.
Hohiro and Adrian were engaged in one of their midnight 'workouts' with other members of the Guardian Force in attendance. Andre maneuvered for a clear view of the dual battling one another with powered-down energy sabers. Adrian wielded twin weapons to the short, stout Japanese captain's one. Each moved with grace, hand, eye, and reflex with very little thought. Attack. Defense. Advance. Retreat. The exercise appeared more like a well-choreographed ballet, and less like honing deadly combat skills.
As always, Hohiro found a way to back his younger opponent into a corner. As usual, Adrian resorted – reluctantly – to his morphing ability to get out of it. Everyone knew Hohiro did it on purpose in an attempt to get Adrian to begin accepting his newfound abilities. Adrian started a climb up the landing strut of a dropship to flip away over Hohiro's head. What landed behind the Japanese warrior, however, was something straight out of Hell, and an Earth 'B' movie.
Andre gasped in shock as the CHUD landed lightly despite its bulky size still gripping the sabers. He had heard about this ability, but that was a far cry from actually seeing it in action. Human and creature traded a few more blows when the walking horror suddenly stopped. It sniffed the air sampling some new odor that had not been there before. Andre jumped again as the creature twisted and nailed him with bright glowing green eyes. Yellowed razor teeth parted and a guttural growl issued forth.
Hohiro stepped forward, closed down his saber, and placed a hand on Adrian's elbow. It was his silent request to stop frightening the young man. Adrian complied by closing down his sabers and became human again.
"Don't be a stranger Ensign –" Hohiro searched his memory for the kid's name.
"Wardman," Andre supplied, shock painted across his face. "Andre Wardman."
"Well, Wardman, Andre Wardman," Hohiro replied with a light, friendly smile, "Please join us."
Trying to look friendly, Frost piped in, "Contrary to popular opinion, we don't bar anyone from attending."
Wardman stared at Adrian as if he were some sort of pariah. "It's true," he whispered, shock and awe at war with one another on his features.
Frost looked from the stunned ensign to Adrian, and back. "Yes, it is. Didn't your momma ever teach you staring was rude?" the ebony-skinned man replied gently.
Wardman shook himself out of his funk. "I'm sorry. I heard the rumors, but never expected-" he broke off abruptly.
Eyes narrowed, Hohiro took a closer look at his young visitor. "Looks like you've had a bit of trouble."
Andre's face flushed with embarrassment. "I had an accident."
"This 'accident' wouldn't happen to go by the name of Leroy Harris, would it?" One of the former Marines inquired. Another man cursed, for Andre's silence was answer enough.
To augment Lieutenant Denton's security force, a detachment of Marines had been formed and assigned on board ship. They were trained in every art of close-quarters combat, in the event an enemy force ever boarded the ship. Unfortunately, Harris was among them. Equally unfortunate was his good abilities at what he did. Pinning anything on him proved difficult because his terror tactics were so good, no one dared rat him out.
"Look, man," Frost replied. "If you can finger that scumbag, you have a duty to report it. The only way to get rid of him is to say something to Lieutenant Denton. Let him and the captain take it from there."
Andre's jaw worked, but nothing came out. Clearly, he wanted to, but his fear of reprisal from Harris stole his voice. "I can't."
"Maybe there is another way," Hohiro mused aloud.
Adrian Cobretti snuck away while the others discussed the Leroy Harris problem. The training session was over, regardless of the outcome of the discussion. As he left the ship via the starboard aft boarding ladder, Adrian sensed a presence moments before the person revealed himself.
"I thought I'd find you skulking about at this hour," a familiar annoying voice replied smugly.
"I thought General Hammond barred you from even entering his command again, Simmons."
"Oh, he did. But that was Cheyenne Mountain. I have the necessary clearances and authority to be here despite Hammond's objections." Simmons flashed his smug little triumphant smile. The tall, lanky intelligence officer stepped from the shadows near the exit into the main base. "Besides, I'm just doing my duty."
"Like you did when the Sorceress first arrived to our system?" Adrian spat. "Was that duty? Or some kind of perverse pleasure? "
"I always take pleasure in my work. I can't be held responsible for the opinion of others." Simmons studied the Guardian closely. "You know, there is something I have been wondering since you got back."
Without missing a beat, Adrian shot back, "How long you can survive without a personality?"
The colonel smiled politely. "I see your sense of humor still thrives. No. I was wondering when you were going to make good on your promise to kill me."
Adrian stopped at the hatch leading into the underground base. "I'm tired, and you aren't worth the effort or bother." Simmons thought that would be the end of it, but Adrian caught the taller man by the collar. "But if you threaten or mistreat the Sorceress in any way, I promise you there is no place in this galaxy where you can hide that I cannot find you."
Though Adrian spoke quietly, and almost politely, Simmons knew without a doubt the man meant every word of it. The really unnerving part was General Hammond and Colonel Markson would not only help Adrian, but they would probably sell tickets to the event. One misstep would cost him dearly.
Adrian left the shaken man to ponder just what he would do from here on out.
Palace Eternia
Planet Eternia
30 May 2017
LAUNCH MINUS TWO DAYS
The hunting party returned to the once fabulous Palace Eternia toting many prey for the feast. The snake army must remain fed, after all. King Hiss' core group of minions was no exception. As lesser snake minions and shocktroopers took the pitiful bedraggled prisoners away to the dungeons to await their grim fate, King Hiss, General Rattlor, and Snake Face entered the Royal Hall, now known as Snake Hall.
Much of the palace remained as it was when King Randor and the Masters resided here, but when the damaged areas had been repaired, a little facelift had been wrought. The gear tooth look to the hall had been retained and had the added touch of darker paint. In fact, the entire palace had a darker look to it. Statues of King Hiss and his loyal core group of minions littered the assembly square. All humans and their markets had been summarily evicted from the palace to make room for the snake army.
A smaller troop center lay deep in the heart of the mountain for the Horde robots. Factories, assembly, and maintenance bays took up three full underground levels. The lowest level, Sub-level Four, had been remodeled into an extensive dungeon and torture center. This was the fate of the captured humans, many of whom would be fodder for the snakes.
Hiss, General Rattlor, and Snake Face entered the remodeled throne room. At the opposite end stood an ornate throne sitting in the open mouth of a cobra with hood and fangs bared. Once there stood two rather plain thrones there for the king and queen of Eternia. Now it was the throne of the Snake Empire.
Colored in mottled pink, purple, and shades of yellow and a smattering of earth tones, General Rattlor towered over all snake men, even King Hiss. Only that of his master surpassed his savagery and cunning in battle. Rattlor stared down the slight, green and gold colored Kobra Khan as he shuffled forward.
Hiss settled into his throne as Kobra Khan prostrated himself at his master's feet. "Dread Lord, the commander of the Horde Fifth Battle Fleet wished communication with you. I told him you were out hunting, but he would speak only to you."
Hiss' baleful eyes regarded the prostrate serpent briefly. Fifth Fleet. General Rongar's command, he thought emotionlessly. What could he possibly want? Horde Prime knows this is my dominion. "Very well," King Hiss replied, eyes as cold and devoid of emotion as a shark's, until he strikes.
Kobra Khan rose from the floor and hurried to the communication panel. In moments, the rugged features of a human resolved in the air before the snake ruler.
"I don't enjoy being kept waiting. I have things to do that are just as important as yours, Hiss," General Rongar said without preamble.
"What do you want, Rongar," King Hiss snarled, returning the favor of dropping rank.
"To warn you of a threat I believe may be heading your direction." Rongar paused to look at something out of view. "The humans on Earth are more resourceful than we thought. Their starship is more powerful than first projected. They have retrieved powerful suits of armor that could be a major threat to the empire," the general explained succinctly.
Hiss scoffed. "One ship against the entire might of the Horde Empire? Unlikely. Even if they are as powerful as you say, and even if they do come here, they would be foolish to do so. You can overwhelm them with your ships. Do not trouble me with such petty concerns."
Rongar struggled to control his temper. Impotent snake, he seethed inwardly. "Don't get too cocky, King Hiss. If you thought He-Man and She-Ra were something, wait until you see these humans in action."
Hiss made a disdainful face. "He-Man is gone! She-Ra is gone! No one returns from where they are. The Masters of the Universe are no more. What can one starship, or one planet, do against the Mighty Horde? And how can you be so sure they will come here?"
"I have been studying them. How they think and act," Rongar supplied.
"In other words, you have a spy among them," General Rattlor surmised.
Rongar replied deadpan, "Got it in one, Rattlor."
"I grow tired of your continued insulting of our intelligence. We'll see how cocky you are when we meet face to face, human," Rattlor spat, flicking his tongue.
"You name the time, I'll name the place," Rongar promised, smiling wickedly.
"Enough!" King Hiss roared. "If these humans are foolish enough to come here, we shall greet them warmly.
"You are a fool, Hiss, and it will be your undoing. Since you seem intent upon learning the hard way, so be it. Maybe the Sorceress can knock some sense into you," General Rongar spat. The comm screen dissolved when the connection was broken on the other end.
A gasp at the mention of the Sorceress rose from somewhere to King Hiss' left. It originated from a tall, striking woman clad in a white, short-skirted outfit, gold belt with carved leaves dangling from the bottom edge all around, high-heeled red boots capped with white fur, and wore a brick red armored snake vest reminiscent of a cobra, protected her chest and head. She tried to hide her reaction, but her mask slipped just a bit.
"Do not worry, my dear Teela. If the Sorceress does still exist, she is trapped in the form of a falcon. She is of no consequence," the snake king replied with a dismissive wave of his hand.
"Don't be too hasty, King Hiss," a throaty, seductive voice purred from the shadows. "I have been working my magic to discover what this threat is ever since the first rumors surfaced five days ago."
"And what have you discovered, faithful Evil-Lyn?"
"Not much beyond the fact that there may be some truth to what Rongar speaks." Evil-Lyn stepped into the light. She had changed her outfit some years back to something more elaborate and lively, though in a dark sort of way. Sharper and more defined, the purple and black outfit mixed with white bones to accent her assets; the whole effect said 'beautiful, but deadly.'
"If these humans are foolish enough to come here, we will destroy them." Hiss turned his blank stare on his wife. "And you, dear Teela, will have a falcon for a pet." Teela looked away, unable to meet the serpent's stare for long. King Hiss' throaty laughter echoed throughout the throne room.
Snake Mountain
Planet Eternia
30 May 2017
LAUNCH MINUS TWO DAYS
"They will be coming, Keldor. You know it. I know it," the weatherworn man clad in non-descript clothes standing several meters from the throne of Snake Mountain replied. Where he had once been muscled and sculpted without being fat many years ago, the muscle had now faded into a slight bulging belly. Gray now streaked slightly thinned hair that had once been full and vibrantly brown. Valley-like age lines around the eyes and toughened skin resembled that of a man who had spent a lifetime at sea.
"How many times do I have to tell you that name has no meaning for me?" Skeletor sighed. He lounged on his lonely bone throne clad in the reignments of his new look. Wrapped all in black leather concealing a muscled frame, velvet cape and hood draped across broad shoulders and bleached skull, and black leather gloves tipped with silver adorned talon hands. Absent from the picture were the rams head Havoc staff, sculpted breastplate, and sword belt. "Yes, they are going to come here, and King Hiss will destroy them. Don't get too hopeful, old friend. Their technology is inferior, their methods are crude, and they have absolutely no idea what they have gotten themselves into."
"Or maybe they know exactly what they have gotten into, and plan to keep pressing onward."
"Randor, you are such a sentimental fool, at times. I almost felt there was hope for you these past few years," Skeletor scoffed, rising from his throne made of bones. He approached the heavy stone table with a dome set in the center with six bony tendrils snaking out like the points of a star to the table's edge.
The deposed Eternian king grumbled, "I'm a sentimental fool, and you are a pessimistic fool filled with hate and anger matched only by a bloated ego. I guess that makes us well suited for each other."
Skeletor walked past the table down the ribbed corridor to the open mouth of the serpent coiled around the mountain. Dark pink, purple, and black colored the twilight sky. A pinkish-red river tumbled over a seven hundred foot waterfall far below. The roar of rushing water made conversation in the mouth somewhat difficult, but not impossible.
"Once upon a time I would have gladly subjugated this world and all its inhabitants. Now I cower in this forsaken mountain with my second-most despised enemy." Skeletor's weary sigh was drowned out by the roaring waterfall.
"Second-most despised?" Randor replied, amused. "When did I get downgraded?"
"When He-Man showed up," the self-proclaimed Overlord of Evil spat, as if saying the name left a bad taste in his mouth. The Eternian king grunted, but said nothing. "They may have initial success, but they will eventually fall, you know. These humans can't possibly stand up to the might of Horde Prime's armies."
Randor was barely listening to the man. His own thoughts drifted back to the moments following their retreat to Snake Mountain. A voice he could not place spoke in his mind of another prophecy.
The forces of Evil shall rise up and strike down the Heroes of Light. For a period darkest night shall all but eclipse the light. Then, from out of the darkness, there will arise six warriors who shall drive back the Darkness. They shall know triumph and tragedy, joy and sorrow. Their light will unite a galaxy and end the reign of Darkness once and for all. Six must fall, rising again like the Phoenix to heights undreamt of.
And they shall be called, Guardians.
Skeletor called it a fairy tale. At first, Randor had been inclined to agree. Then they watched the battle between the Earthers and the Horde. The power armor they recovered brought the prophecy to startling clarity.
What if it wasn't a fairy tale after all? Randor thought idly, gazing out across the forbidding expanse inhospitable lands. What if this time there really was hope?
"I wonder," the aged king replied to more to himself than his forbidding companion.