Author's Note: Here's the precursor to the big battle with Zoltar. Mark and Jason are both very suspicious and will be finding out that their suspicions are correct. And Princess is still trying to reach Mark. Thanks to all the readers and my faithful reviewers, I'm glad you're enjoying this.

This chapter is dedicated to two faithful Gatchaman and BOTP fans whiteswan and Rottridge—I hope you guys like it. Rottridge—I'm an illustrator so that's why I use color references so much in my descriptions but I tried to curtail it in this chapter. Thanks for the review and I appreciate you-:)

BLOWN COVER

The computer room at Center Neptune was actually a separate chamber in a catacomb of halls and raised catwalks, isolated from the rest of the busy complex that was the headquarters of the Interplanetary Federation. And being such, it was relatively secluded so anyone working within was totally beneath any type of scrutiny. So Randy and 'Princess' AKA Rula were pretty much on their own to complete the PAX on Earth project without interference. And so left to their own devices, the systematic sabotage of the PAX project was well into and nearing completion. Frequent communiqués with Zoltar on Spectra were received with enthusiasm.

"The project is almost finished, Lord Zoltar," Randy informed him.

"Excellent, excellent! Continue the fine work, Agent 666," the Spectran leader crowed, overjoyed by the quick progress. "Let me know when the job is complete. I will be leaving and on my way to Earth immediately."

"Yes, sir," Randy responded dutifully. He turned to Rula and asked, "Any ET on when we'll have the job done?"

She looked up from her configurations and replied, "Getting inpatient is he?"

Randy nodded as he said, "He's on his way here."

"Doesn't leave us much time, does it."

Randy shook his head. "Not this time but you know our leader. He's going to want to know when we're done so he can begin his attack on Earth."

She rose and stepped over to Addison, looping her arms around his neck. "Relax, love. It'll take a few days for Lord Zoltar to get here. I'll make sure the job is finished and done right." She planted a wanton kiss on the lieutenant as he groaned and responded, work temporarily forgotten. . . .

On Spectra Zoltar was exultant, his plans going better than they ever had before and he triumphantly contacted the Luminous One to give his report.

"Well, Zoltar, I hope you have something positive to impart to me concerning our objective. Or is this another prattling of useless information to create a false impression of success?"

Zoltar bowed before the apparition on the screen and replied, "On the contrary, sire. We may be the closest we have ever been to capturing and claiming Earth for our own."

The Luminous One sneered, "I shall believe that when I actually see it. But go ahead and tell me what you've accomplished so far."

"We've successfully infiltrated the Interplanetary Federation and are now nearly finished crippling their security system, the Benevolent Eye network. Our own probes have picked up immediate vulnerable areas within the galaxy that we can attack."

"Fine but I am not interested in the minor details. I am more interested in how close we are to conquering the Earth. That is our main objective after all."

Zoltar responded, "I know, oh Luminous One but in order to conquer Earth we must disable both the Federation and the BE network. And also, the new PAX anti-weapon is nearly operational and must be delayed so when we take over Earth, we can seize it."

"Well it appears you are well prepared, Zoltar…this time," the spirit admitted. "But I am curious as to how you plan to accomplish this. And how you plan to fight G-Force for I am sure you are aware that they shall be involved as always."

Zoltar chortled as he replied, "That's the best part, sire. We also have infiltrated G-Force by capturing the female Princess and sending in an exact double to fool the troublesome whelps."

"Indeed? That does sound promising, Zoltar. Perhaps you will succeed this time after all."

Encouraged by the grudging approval Zoltar bowed deeply before the screen. "I will, sire. Have no doubt."

"I shall watch this with great anticipation. Do not disappoint me."

"This time we shall be victorious, oh Luminous One," Zoltar assured the apparition as the screen went black. In high spirits he whirled from the area to make a visit to the cell where Princess was being held.

The Swan was seated on a bench, still manacled at her wrists and ankles as she sat in the cell fighting rising feelings of despair as she tried to figure out a way of escape. She again tried to tap her communicator against the wall when the cell door slid open to admit the tall caped figure of the Spectran leader.

"Hello, my dear Swan. I do hope the accommodations continue to be to your liking," he purred.

Princess gave an unladylike snort. "Oh just fabulous, Zoltar. The finest death camp I've ever seen. You should be proud."

He chuckled, "We are. And so honored to have such an illustrious guest. But enough small talk, I came to tell you that you shall be leaving shortly so I will send in someone to fetch you when everything is ready."

"What exactly are you planning to do with me?" Princess asked tonelessly as she lowered her head.

Zoltar stepped closer and took hold of her chin to raise her head and gaze directly into her eyes. "Fear not, lovely Swan. Your usefulness is not exhausted, not yet so you are not going to perish. But you will be destroyed soon as will all your other G-Force comrades. Prepare for departure." He turned and exited as Princess again tried to send a Bird Scramble. . . .

Outside of the computer room, the Eagle and the Condor of G-Force stood in their birdstyle and discussed tactics.

Mark said, "Okay, here's the plan. We'll get up onto the framework above the computer room on the catwalks and observe then report to the chief. He's got a bit of a surprise for them."

Jason grinned, interested, "Oh yeah? What's that?"

Mark smiled evilly as he said, "He changed passwords to gain access to the computer configuration program. Princess told me that the machine automatically does that every 48 hours but Chief Anderson and President Kane can override that and change the password anytime they want to."

"Sweet!" Jason rubbed his hands together in fiendish satisfaction then asked hopefully, "What if our suspicions are correct? Do we apprehend them if we catch them red-handed?"

Mark frowned, thinking about it and then said reluctantly, "No, we'd better just stick to surveillance and then report to Anderson. If they are Spectra agents, we'll need to set a trap for them to catch them off guard."

"Damn, I just want to wail on 'em. You sure we can't get our licks in?"

Mark replied glumly, "Believe me buddy, I'd like nothing better but we gotta keep our cool. If they have Princess, her life depends on it."

The Condor sobered as he said, "Yeah I guess so. I hope she's okay."

Mark nodded and said fervently, "You and me both, Jason." His handsome features showed a mixture of fury and fear for the girl he loved.

"Don't worry Mark, she'll be okay." Jason reached over and patted his commander's shoulder. He smirked as he said, "Well, let's go and check things out."

As they readied themselves to leave, Mark's communicator made a weak beep as the light flashed pink for a split second before it stopped.

"What the hell?" Mark asked as he looked at his bracelet in confusion. He frowned as he glowered at the thing.

Jason came to his side and studied the communicator, which had now become silent. "What's up, cap?"

Mark replied dourly, "Nothing. The communicator made a sound but now it's quiet. Maybe a little glitch or something." That was a Bird Scramble from Princess, I know it! But why did it stop?

Jason frowned dubiously. "If you say so."

"I do. Let's go."

Both boys flew up to the structure framework and once up there, made their way across the catwalks, silently moving as they watched the computer room from above. Gradually they made their way to the main frame where the muffled voices of Randy and the impostor Princess floated up to them.

Mark gave a significant look to his second who nodded as they both listened and watched. . . .

Below, the two Spectra agents were unaware of the fact that they were being scrutinized and continued their task of sabotage as systematically they began to disrupt the operation of the BE network, rendering it disabled and vulnerable. But as they worked, they were becoming frustrated by the safeguards and firewalls put in place to deter such activity. The Federation, it seemed, had foreseen the possibility of some hostile faction or bitter enemy may try to cripple the huge galaxy watchdog.

They were facing one such barrier, an intricate device that had been interwoven into the main memory of the number one mainframe as part of its primary operation. To completely disconnect it would cause a massive computer failure that would alert the Federation immediately and would defeat the purpose of Spectra which was to attack with the element of surprise. So Randy and Rula were on the horns of a dilemma as they took a break and tried to figure out their next move.

"Damn it!" Addison swore. "This thing's gonna be impossible to get to, let alone render useless." He got up from the dolly and ran a hand through his hair in frustration.

Rula sighed as she tried again to bring up the software but found in dismay that Princess's password was denied. She remarked, "And I can't get into the software to reconfigure, the password is being rejected." She frowned as she stated, "I can't figure it out."

"You using the same password?" Randy asked in irritation.

"Uh-huh. The very one that Princess set up," Rula answered as she tried and was unsuccessful again.

Randy scowled as he uttered, "Great." He then came over to the monitor and watched as Rula tried again but her efforts were fruitless as once again the screen flashed ACCESS DENIED.

"Damn it to hell," Randy growled. He began pacing as he wracked his brains to figure out why they were suddenly being barred access to the software. . . .

Up above about thirty feet on the catwalk Mark and Jason were crouched by a hanging air vent and listened to the frustrated Spectran spies as they kept making futile attempts at getting into the computer. As Addison's curses floated up to his ears, Mark could not help but enjoy the fact that the arrogant lieutenant was completely frustrated in his attempt to sabotage the computer so he grinned as Jason snickered.

"Oh what a shame, looks like our boy Randy's having a hell of time, huh skipper," he stated in mock sympathy, sotto voce.

"Yeah, my heart bleeds for him," the Eagle muttered. Then his grin faded as he watched what happened next. . .

Down below Rula viewed her lover's distress and she rose to alleviate his pain. She sashayed over to Addison and wrapped her arms around him to offer support.

"Take it easy, baby," she purred as she planted kisses on the nape of his neck. "We'll figure it out."

Addison groaned as her ministrations broke though his frustrations and he grabbed her, responding enthusiastically as he began ravaging the fake Princess, taking her in a graphically passionate embrace. On the catwalk, his actions created a livid Eagle.

Mark scowled as he hissed, "That bastard! How dare he, I'll tear him in two!" He reached for his sonic boomerang and was ready to leap down but was halted as the Condor's hand stayed him.

"Whoa, easy there, commander. Remember that isn't the real Princess," Jason reminded him. "Careful or you'll blow our mission."

Mark thought in relief that's right she isn't as his temper immediately evaporated and the cool reason of his common sense took over. He shook his head and chuckled as he said sheepishly, "Yeah, thanks Jason. I almost lost it."

Jason waved his hand airily. "No problem. But looks to me like you've got it bad for our girl. I'm surprised 'cause you never lose your cool."

Mark eyed his second askance as he said, "Contrary to popular belief on the team, I am human. I do have feelings and emotions like any other man."

Jason gave his commander a knowing smirk as they resumed their covert surveillance on the spies. . .

Below, Randy and Rula finally broke apart as she murmured, "I hope that made you feel better."

"Ummm," Randy replied as he recovered from the interlude. But as he came to full alertness he pulled away and said, "We've got to figure out a way to get back in there. Do you recall anything Princess might have said to let us know if we did something to lock out?"

Rula thought for a moment, wracking her brain to see if there was any bit of information she had gleaned from the bugs planted before Princess was abducted. She shook her head as she answered, "I can't recall anything."

Randy scowled as he said in an urgent tone, "We've got to figure out how to get back in. Can you try to override the password?"

Rula sighed as she went back to the terminal. "I can try…,"

On the catwalk, the Eagle raised his arm to contact the chief. "G-1 to Chief Anderson, come in, Chief Anderson."

The communicator immediately answered, "Anderson here, Mark. What's up?"

Mark spoke directly into the bracelet. "Chief, Jason and I are up in the infrastructure of the computer room and we can confirm our suspicions. Both Addison and the girl are Spectran spies sent to sabotage BE and PAX."

"I see. So Princess has been abducted." Anderson's usually neutral voice held an undercurrent of outraged anger.

"It appears that way, chief."

"Damn that Zoltar!" Anderson was uncharacteristically vehement.

"My sentiments exactly," Mark said dourly. "So what should we do now, apprehend them?"

"Not yet,"Anderson replied tersely. "Just stay where you are until you hear from me. When you do, I want you to capture the impostor Princess but for now lay low and wait. Over."

The bracelet went dead as Jason irately remarked, "So we just wait here?"

Mark's full mouth was in a grim line. "You heard the chief, Jason. We wait."

Jason scowled as he and Mark continued crouching by the air vent to listen and observe. . . .

At the terminal, the fake Princess was trying every means necessary as an expert hacker to override the security system and was finding failure at every turn. Frustration was mounting as she punched in sequence after sequence from Morse code, to alphabet, to numerical but to no avail as the access denied message came up repeatedly. She even tried to use symbols as that too proved to be futile.

"Damn!" Rula expostulated as Addison came to peer over her shoulder.

"Any luck?" he wanted to know.

She snapped as she whirled her head about to glare at him, "Does it look like I'm having luck?"

He backed up surprised by the vehemence in her manner and held up his hands. "Hey there, I'm on your side, remember, I just wanted to know."

Rula sighed as she apologized, "Sorry, love I'm just getting angry."

The beep of his communicator on his belt interrupted as Addison grabbed the receiver and barked, "Addison here."

The brisk baritone of Chief Anderson echoed as he commanded, "Lieutenant Addison, this is Chief Anderson. Report alone to my office on the double!"

Randy responded dutifully, "Immediately, sir." He tossed over his shoulder as he took off, "Keep trying to get in, I'll be right back."

"Okay." Rula resumed her task. . . .

Above on the catwalk Mark's communicator began to flash white. The Eagle spotted the signal and gestured to the Condor as both headed back to outside the computer room. They jumped down and both drew their left arms in an arc as they said in unison.

"Transmute!"

In a flash the men were again clad in their street clothes and so they discussed a last bit of strategy before descending upon their prey.

Mark began, "Okay here's what we'll do, Jason. We walk in there as if we don't know anything, like we're just there to drop in on our comrade. Then I'll give you a sign to get lost so I can be alone with her. But don't disappear."

"Gotcha," Jason said.

"Then I'll get her over to a corner like I'm gonna make out with her, but you make sure you watch where I'm taking her, then get over there and hide. Then when I've got her totally distracted, you sneak up from behind and together we nab her. Got it?"

Jason nodded as he stated, "Lead the way." Mark opened the door and both boys sauntered in casually, strolling through the maze of machinery.

Over at the terminal by Mainframe 7 the impostor Princess was still hard at work trying to crack the password to get into the configuration utility program and was in such deep concentration she did not notice that she had visitors. Her raven head bowed over the keyboard, she had no idea when Mark leaned down from behind and playfully nuzzled her neck as he inwardly recoiled in disgust.

"Guess who?" he murmured seductively.

Completely taken by surprise, Rula jumped in fright, whirling around as she became face to face with the Eagle and Condor, the latter wearing a rather nasty grin.

Mark apologized, "Sorry we startled you honey, but Jason and I had a case of cabin fever so we bailed from the Ready Room for a break and decided to come and see you. You don't mind, do ya?"

Rula pasted a smile on her face as she rose and edged over to him. "Mind? Why should I? I'm glad to see you, I need a break myself." She draped her arms about Mark's broad shoulders and pressed in close to him, placing soft kisses on his neck.

Mark began to respond, wrapping his arms around her tiny waist as he gave a significant look to Jason, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed.

"Hey Jason, wanna get lost? I want some time alone with Princess."

Jason gave a salute. "Sure mon capitaine." He began to leave as he said, "Now kiddies, don't do anything I wouldn't do." He then rounded the corner and left.

Rula cradled Mark's face as she continued to kiss him. She then stopped and gazed into the soft cerulean orbs focused on her as she suggested, "Why don't we steal away and have some quality time?"

Mark smiled at her as he took her by the elbow. "Great idea. Let's find some place right here." He spotted Jason and pulled her toward the side wall amid her protests.

"But why don't we just sneak over to our quarters?" she asked with a pout. "At least there we can be sure we're not disturbed. Randy's due back at any minute."

But Mark was undaunted as he continued to lead her to where he saw Jason go. "Oh, I think we'll have plenty of time, baby. So c'mon let's have some fun."

He was sweetly persuasive as he caressed her and she was eagerly responsive and blissfully unaware as he gradually guided her away from the computer terminal. He then took hold of Rula's shoulders and slowly backed her into the wall where the Condor was standing. Mark had smoothly maneuvered the Spectran agent Princess lookalike so she was boxed in, sandwiched between him and Jason. Perplexed, the girl turned and saw the smirking visage of Jason right behind her and Mark's now impassive face before her and tittered nervously as she felt a prickle of unease.

"Okay you guys what's the deal? Mark, what's going on?"

Mark's eyes became suddenly cold as he ordered, "Grab her."

Jason immediately took Rula's arms in a viselike grip as he painfully squeezed her arms rendering her motionless. She let out a squeal as she again as she tried to ascertain their actions.

"Owww, you're hurting me, Jason! Mark, what the hell's going on?"

Mark grinned unpleasantly as he said right in her face. "Why don't you tell me,…Princess?"

She stammered, "W—why are you two acting this way?"

Mark replied coolly, "You're cold busted, babe. We know you're from Spectra, sent here by Zoltar."

Rula protested, "Y-you're wrong! Don't you know me, I'm Princess. Y-you have to believe me."

Jason lost his patience. "Save it, sweetie. We know all about your little game. You're not Princess so why don't you just cut the crap and tell us where that bastard Zoltar is holding the real Princess?"

Now petrified by the uncovering of her deception, Rula like all Spectran low lives had a sense of self-preservation and began to put the blame on her cohort to save her own skin.

"It's Randy who's done the major damage," she whined. "I was just sent here by Zoltar to assist him. He's the one you want."

Jason rolled his eyes as Mark said in derision, "Typical Spectran MO. No honor among thieves."

"Yeah." Jason said as he reached in his waistband for a cord he had thought to bring and began to bind Rula's arms, deftly tying her so she had no use of her arms. But now in a panic, she leaned back and kicked Mark in the breadbasket with all her strength sending him sprawling on his back as she wrestled herself free and tried to run away.

"Why you little---," Jason growled as he gave chase and made a flying tackle, landing solidly on her petite frame. He got on his knees and wrenched her back, holding her in a half Nelson as Mark recovered from his attack and knelt down in front of her speaking in a low dangerous tone.

"You know, in all my life I never struck a woman. Or even wanted to up to now," he ground out. "But I'm gonna change my mind real fast unless you cooperate and tell us what we want to know." He took her arm and the three of them rose as Jason released her and she fell forward gasping.

"Y-you almost killed me!"she rasped as she turned and glared at Jason.

He shrugged indolently as he said, "Yeah, almost. I guess it just isn't my day."

Mark had absolutely no sympathy as he grabbed Rula by the arm and demanded, "We're going to Chief Anderson's office. Now move." Flanking her, they hustled Rula out of the computer room. . . .

In Chief Anderson's office, the security chief for the Interplanetary Federation stood behind his desk waiting as the panel door to his office slid open and admitted the Lieutenant Addison who smartly saluted the superior.

"Lieutenant Addison reporting, Chief Anderson, sir."

Anderson eyed the man with veiled contempt as he said curtly, "At ease, lieutenant. I've one question for you and I expect a straight answer. Are you responsible for the computer failure in Vector Neptune?"

Randy blanched slightly as a slight sweat began beading his forehead but he quickly recovered his aplomb as he replied, "Of course not, sir."

"I see," the chief intoned. "And that's your final word?"

"Yes it is, sir. Why would you think I was responsible?"

"I have my sources," Anderson snapped as he pressed a button and instantly two burly Federation MPs entered bearing laser rifles. They surrounded Addison as the lieutenant became dismayed.

"Begging your pardon, sir but I'm afraid I don't understand," Randy insisted but to no avail as Anderson ordered the soldiers.

"This man is to be placed under arrest. Take him into custody."

The Federation sentries began to cuff Randy and he began to protest as the other panel door slid open and Mark and Jason entered with the girl Rula who was identical to Princess. They escorted her into the office and beside her cohort. The two exchanged glances.

Anderson stated, "So this is the impostor, huh." He peered at Rula, examining her by leaning over and taking her chin in his hand, which she jerked away. He remarked in grudging admiration, "I have to hand it to Zoltar, he really did a thorough job, she's a mirror image of Princess."

"Yeah," Mark said sardonically. "In all ways but one. Princess is not a slut." He eyed the girl in disgust.

Rula glared at the Eagle as she retorted, "You didn't seem to mind when we were together."

Anderson barked, "Enough!" He pushed a button and summoned two more MPs as he announced, "We'll be putting the two of you in the holding cell until we discover what Zoltar's plan is."

Randy sneered, "You won't have long to wait. Lord Zoltar and his forces are on their way here. You should be getting ready to surrender to your conquerors the great planet of Spectra!"

"Is that so?" Jason inquired as he got into Addison's face. "Maybe we won't since we can use you two as bargaining chips." He added conversationally, "And knowing his low value on life I sure he won't refuse a couple of corpses."

Rula laughed unpleasantly as she countered, "You're forgetting one small fact. We still have your Princess." Her face was contemptuously triumphant.

At that blunt statement and Rula's smug attitude Mark's steely self-control snapped and he became enraged. He grabbed the doppelganger roughly and began shaking her like a dog.

"You witch, you tell us what Zoltar's done with her or I'll take great pleasure in wringing your pretty neck." His action was unexpected and caught everybody by surprise, as the chief and the Condor both watched with wide eyes.

Both Anderson and Jason pulled Mark away from the girl and the chief motioned to the MPs. "Take them both away to the cell now."

"Yes, sir." The sentries put handcuffs on Rula and in moments both Spectran saboteurs were ushered out of the office leaving Anderson, Jason, and a still livid Mark who was breathing heavily, his fury evident.

He snapped, "So what the hell do we do now? Zoltar's got Princess and who knows what he's done to her!"

"Yeah, we need to get right out and find her," Jason snarled, his own temper at a boiling point. "If that rotten bastard's done anything to hurt her--,"

Anderson contemplated the two furious young men and opened his mouth to reply but was interrupted by the panel door opening yet again and the arrival of the other two members of G-Force, Tiny and Keyop. Both rushed over to Anderson's desk.

Keyop in a temper angrily demanded, "Burrrp!----want to know now-------burrrp------what's going on?"

"Yeah," Tiny added his own anger and frustration apparent. "We're a part of this team too. Or did you all forget?"

Mark sighed deeply as he again reined in his emotions to take command. "Guys, I'm sorry. You're right, you need to know what's happening and we're going to tell you."

Anderson nodded as he said, "We've just discovered that the PAX on Earth project has been compromised by spies from Spectra. They replaced Princess with an impostor."

Both Tiny and Keyop stared incredulously as the Owl said, "You gotta be yankin' me!"

Anderson shook his head as he said in concern, "I wish we were, Tiny. It appears that Zoltar has captured her so they could plant a double to work with their other spy, Lieutenant Addison."

Keyop insisted, "Burrrp---always knew there was something funny------burrrp----about him."

Mark patted the boy on the shoulder as he agreed, "So did I, Keyop."

Jason in his usual impatience snapped, "Okay, fine. So we know that Princess was a phony and that Zoltar's nabbed the real Princess. So what are standing around here yakking for? Let's go get her back!"

Everybody nodded in agreement but Anderson held up a hand. "Not so fast, team. I'm as anxious as you are to rescue her but we need to know exactly what Zoltar has planned."

"Maybe Zark can tell us something," Tiny suggested.

"Good thinking, Tiny," Mark said with alacrity. And as if on cue, the screen communicator panel lit up with the amiable robot's image.

"Sorry to disturb you Chief Anderson sir," the mechanical being apologized. "But I just received a message from Susan out on Planet Pluto. A convoy of Devil Star craft from Spectra have left their orbit and are headed toward the Milky Way and Earth."

All the boys eyed Anderson as he responded, "We figured as much. Zark, we've discovered that Spectra has infiltrated Center Neptune by attempting to sabotage the PAX on Earth project. And they went so far as to capture Princess and replace her with an impostor."

"Oh my!" Zark expostulated. "Do want me to dispatch G-Force?"

"That's not necessary, Zark," Mark replied. "We're all here and aware of the situation and awaiting the final word from Chief Anderson." He directed his gaze to their leader.

Anderson did not hesitate as he ordered, "Get to the Phoenix immediately!"

"G-Force!" The four youths saluted then turned and sprinted out.

NEXT…..SHOWDOWN IN OUTER SPACE