Author's Note: Once again I apologize for the length in between updates. I wrote this because of another hole in the synopsis that had to be filled and this makes the story more intriguing in the next chapter as I came up with some interesting ideas for the battle coming up. Thanks to all the readers and the faithful reviewers. This chapter was over twelve pages so I hope it makes up for the delay…Enjoy!

SHOWDOWN IN OUTER SPACE

The Phoenix was in her bay, ready and waiting as the four birdstyle clad young men sprinted in and then leapt up to the boarding platform and the glass canopy enclosed around them as the platform lowered them into the craft. Once inside, the remaining four members of G-Force entered the bridge and took their places, with Tiny at the helm and the commander to his right. The burly Owl sat before the controls and did an abbreviated pre-flight check, making sure all was a go. Satisfied, he then pushed the buttons that ignited the engines, spilling out orange than blue flames as the thrusters engaged. The hold then filled with water as the enormous hatch slid open to let the craft into the deep of the underwater and then it ascended to the surface to head up into the atmosphere.

Since Princess was not with them the preliminary flight coordinates were given by Jason. "Alttitude 2000 feet and rising, weather is clear and jet stream wind velocities at about 150 to 200 mph."

"Thanks Jason," Tiny said as he kept a steady hand on the thrusters and with the help of the jet stream rapidly gaining speed to Mach 2 as they headed to the stratosphere and then entered the ionosphere as they left the earth.

Mark commanded, "Jason, contact Zark immediately to get the latest Spectran activity in the Solar System as far out as the early warning system on Pluto."

"Big ten, chief." The Condor flipped the switch and the overhead screen of the communicator came to life, with multicolored snow as he fine-tuned the screen for transmission. He spoke out, "Zark, this is the Phoenix, you got your ears on?"

Zark's mechanical visage emerged from the snowy screen as he replied, "Affirmative, Jason."

Mark asked, "What do you have for us?"

The robot answered, "I just heard from Susan on Pluto that the sonar has picked up the vibrations of a fleet of enemy craft heading towards the solar system from the Crab Nebula from the general vicinity of Spectra."

"Where exactly are they? Do you have specific coordinates?"

"They are exactly a half a light year from entering our solar system and traveling at just below warp speed."

The Eagle scowled as he demanded, "Anything else?"

"Affirmative, commander. I was just informed that a call went out to Riga to see if Colonel Cronus could intercept them and assist in the rescue of Princess."

His frustration mounting, Mark's hands balled into fists as he asked tersely, "And who authorized that?"

Zark answered, "Security Chief Anderson on orders from President Kane. Riga offered their full cooperation upon discovering the breach into Operation PAX on Earth."

Mark snorted as he thought bitterly that figures. Princess is in the hands of the quintessential megalomaniac Zoltar and the Federation is more worried about their precious PAX. After what happened with the flowers, why am I not surprised?

"So are we to contact Cronus as well?" Jason inquired irritably.

Zark replied dutifully, "Chief Anderson said that he would contact you. In the meantime, you are to continue to head off to rendezvous with the enemy craft. I wish you good luck, team."

"Thanks Zark. Over and out." The screen went dark and Mark sighed as he stated, "Well, you heard him, team. We'll keep heading out until we--,"

The communication screen flashing the hawk like visage of Riga's inter space command, Colonel Cronus, interrupted his statement. "Cronus to G-Force, come in."

Mark responded, "G-Force here."

The colonel spoke sympathetically, "I'm sorry to hear about Princess. But I want to assure you that my fleet of Red Rangers are on our way."

Mark answered, "I'm glad to hear that. Where are you right now?"

"We're approximately half way between Riga and Pluto. Our sonar has zeroed in on the advancing Spectran craft and they are--,"

"We know, Zark just told us," the Eagle said brusquely.

"Fine," Cronus responded. "Then I suggest we meet and discuss strategy. I'll meet and dock with the Phoenix just past the last moon of Uranus. We should be there in six hours." The screen went black.

Jason scoffed, "Hmmph, I guess we've been given our orders." He went on as he added with resentment, "Why is it that whenever Cronus is involved, we automatically begin acting like we're under his command?"

Keyop remarked, "Brrrp—yeah. Bit bossy."

Mark whirled and regarded the two with a warning in his steely orbs. "You two cool it. If the chief and President Kane have engaged the assistance of Colonel Cronus and the Red Rangers, we are to do everything in our power to cooperate. Remember what we have at stake here."

"Right," Tiny agreed from his pilot seat. "We gotta rescue Princess."

Jason and Keyop both nodded in grim determination. . . .

Down on Earth, the ultra high security prison for the Federation was located in the lower regions of Center Neptune. In the tightly guarded facility, the two Spectran spies, Addison and Rula were incarcerated in separate cells as Federation MPs made frequent checks.

One guard, a lanky redhead met with his colleague just outside of the cells, a rather swarthy and muscular fellow that had a gruff demeanor.

"How's it hanging, Mitch?"

"Low and limp," quipped Mitch as his partner snickered. He gestured to the closed door that held the Princess lookalike, Rula. "So how's the little lady doing?"

"She's a disappointment, Red," Mitch said glumly. "I heard she was real friendly to the Eagle and when I brought her food in, she barely gave me a glance."

Red grinned as he pointed out. "Yeah, well you're not the Eagle."

Mitch bristled as he retorted, "Hey, I've had my share of hot babes."

And the debate continued, fading as the men strode away. . .

From inside her cell, Rula listened to the sophomoric prattle between the Federation MPs and sneered as she thought in derision what mutton headed fools! Lord Zoltar is right, these cretins are so inferior to us Spectrans that we'd be doing them a favor when we take over this planet.

"I glad you agree with us, Rula," Mala's low alto spoke and Rula whirled about in her cell and saw the tall blonde sister of the supreme high ruler standing proudly. She jumped to her feet and bowed in respect.

"Lady Mala, I'm surprised but honored. When I contacted Spectra and informed them of our capture I never---, " She bowed lower but Mala waved at her impatiently.

"Save it, Rula. We have no time for fawning, thanks to your and 666's blundering we've fallen short of our main objective. But we do have a bargaining chip in the captured Swan so all is not completely lost. Hold your tongue and take my hand." The Spectran super spy reached and grasped her hand and reached on the buckle of her belt to push a button but the doppleganger pulled back and hesitated.

"What about Randy?" she asked worriedly.

Mala grabbed her hand and snapped, "He's fine and is being taken care of. Now come along, we must hurry back to the Devil Star. G-Force is on their way and we must be there to finish them off."

Rula nodded as Mala pushed the button and they both vanished. . .

On the Phoenix as it hurtled through space past Neptune, the air was tense as all of the boys were deep in their own individual reveries, all focused on revenge of their archenemy and the status of their sister, teammate, friend and love respectively. Huddled in his seat, Keyop felt his tears flow as he fretted about Princess, his mind filled with pictures of his times with her, on missions past and in lighter moments when they had their jam sessions in the Ready Room. He stifled a sob as he prayed for her safe return.

Directly across Jason sat with a dark scowl, brooding as he imagined himself pummeling Spectran goons like punching dummies as he made his way to Zoltar. He smirked unpleasantly as he pictured the Spectran leader's throat in his hands as he slowly, inexorably squeezed the life out of the bastard. Eager for battle he took a deep breath as his rage burned and his teeth clenched.

Over at the pilot's seat the most benign of the group, Tiny the Owl sat and mused as he guided the spacecraft through the cosmos, his mind as the others on Princess. He would never admit it but he had at one time had a secret crush on the pretty girl with the raven tresses, hoping that she would look at him just once the way she looked at Mark. It was apparent for a while now that the Eagle and the Swan had fallen for each other and had pursued a clandestine relationship with each other by nature of the fleeting yet meaningful glances they exchanged frequently, even when they thought nobody was looking. Yet the defining proof was when Princess had been captured by the fierce flowers, after he had dumped his fuel on the killer blossoms to burn them and thought he had killed her, Mark was inconsolable as he became bitter and isolated himself from the team. It was only her bird scramble that snapped him out of his deep despair to go and rescue her.

Tiny sighed softly as he glanced surreptitiously to his right where the G-Force commander sat ramrod straight as if he were at attention. He appeared as always determinedly stoic with the only barometer of his state of emotion being the tightly balled hands on the armrests of his seat and the way his jaw was clenched beneath his visor.

Poor Mark he's really taking this hard. First we almost lose Princess to those lousy flowers and now this. It must be blowing his mind and he's got to stay strong to lead all of us. I wouldn't trade places with him for all the Space Burgers in the universe the Owl said to himself as he turned back to watch the black void of space.

Over in the command chair Mark was in the midst of a tempest of emotions, percolating below his calm façade and causing turmoil within. He was swamped with memories both recent and distant of his times with Princess. He remembered the cold desolation he felt when he thought he had caused her to perish in the conflagration of the fierce flowers from Spectra and how without her he was empty, a hollow shell with no reason to go on. He then remembered how after confessing their feelings to each other they both had come together recently as a couple and enjoyed the relationship of two normal teenagers in love. His heart constricted painfully as he pondered the possibility that Zoltar had succeeded in capturing and killing her and it ignited a fury in him that he had never experienced before even rivaling that of perpetual hothead Jason.

"Princess." Mark closed his azure eyes tightly as he silently vowed I'll save you baby, I swear it. And if that son of a bitch Zoltar has harmed a hair on your head I'll tear him apart with my bare hands. So please be strong and wait for me.

Jason's tenor drawl shook him out of his reverie. "The high frequency radar is showing three blips that are friendly craft approaching rapidly from the vicinity of Charon near Pluto, Mark. Must be Cronus and the Red Rangers from Riga."

"Wait till they come into range and establish contact with them ASAP. We need to establish a rendezvous point." Mark directed as he spied the blips on his command seat radar screen as well.

"Big ten," the Condor answered as he continued monitoring the screen. . .

Back in the detention area on Center Neptune, the guards Mitch and Red returned to do their check on the Spectran spies as well as bringing the evening meal. Both glanced at the trays of sustenance and made their wry observations.

"Humph, looks like the prisoners eat better then us," Mitch pointed out as he saw the steak and vegetables on the plate of the meal for Rula. "Usually all we get is chipped beef on toast."

"Yeah," Red agreed as he saw the same on Randy's tray. "But that's because of the Venus Convention. Heaven forbid we be accused of inhumane treatment of prisoners of war, the politicians on the Federation board would be calling for our heads."

Mitch gave a sardonic snort as he said, "Ain't that the truth." He sighed as he directed "Let's go feed the animals."

He went to Rula's cell door and pushed the panel button to let himself in. "Okay lady, chow time. Come and get it." He put the tray on a table by the twin bed and glanced in the direction of the restroom.

"Hey, in there your dinner's here." Annoyed, Mitch went over, knocked loudly on the door and was surprised to find it empty. Now alarmed he ran out and called to his coworker.

"Yo, Red! You're not gonna believe this, the girl's gone."

Red also came out in a state of dismay. "So's the guy. What the hell happened?"

Mitch snapped, "What do you think? They escaped, probably with the help of Spectra."

Red was incredulous. "How could they have gotten in here, this is a top security Federation facility."

Mitch shrugged as he said, "Search me. But on the chance they're still here we'd better get a dragnet going throughout Center Neptune and let Security Chief Anderson know what's happened." He pushed the alarm button and the lights flashed and klaxons sounded the alert. A split second after the alarm sounded, Chief Anderson's irate voice barked over the PA system:

Code Green! Code Green! All military police and prison guards are to report to the lower quad on the double!

"Whooo, he sounds pissed," Red said. "Ya suppose he knows about the break out already?"

"Are you kiddin'? Anderson knows everything around here."

Red stated, "Then we'd better haul ass."

Mitch agreed, "Yeah." Both MPs took off at a dead sprint. . . .

Out past the orbit of Uranus, the Phoenix was meeting with the Red Ranger fleet from Earth's sister planet of Riga and the head craft, piloted by Colonel Cronus docked with the G-Force craft. He had contacted the Phoenix and chosen a place to dock with them and meet to devise a battle plan. The docking complete, he then boarded for the meeting to discuss tactics and draw up a plan to rescue Princess. Tiny had the Phoenix on autopilot as the tall imposing man in red entered the bridge and joined the foursome.

Mark rose and strode over to greet Cronus, proffering his hand. "Good to see you, sir."

Cronus returned the gesture shaking the Eagle's hand heartily. "I'm glad that we can help. Have you gotten any communication from Zoltar about Princess?"

"Brrp---not a—brrrp—thing," Keyop piped up, his face showing his fear. He and Princess had grown close like brother and sister and deep down he was terrified for her.

"Yeah, the bastard hasn't made a peep so far," Jason explained, irritated. "The skinny we got was from Zark and Susan on Pluto. But we know he's got to have her on the convoy heading this way."

Mark added, "We captured the impostor and her accomplice in the main computer room on Center Neptune. They're both in custody now."

No sooner had he spoke those words, the screen on the main communicator panel lit up with Anderson's tense visage. "Team, we have a grave situation. Both Spectran spies have vanished."

Shock claimed the features of the party of five in the Phoenix. Jason uttered a curse as Mark snapped, "What are you saying? What do you mean, disappeared?"

Anderson replied tersely, "The MPs have reported that both prisoners have literally vanished. Upon the last check and meal run both cells were vacant. All military personnel are combing the area trying to find them."

"Oh, that's a comfort," Jason said sarcastically as Mark shot him a warning glare.

Cronus then spoke up, "Chief Anderson, Colonel Cronus here. I'm sure that the Spectran prisoners were rescued by the advancing force via telekinesis. You know that Zoltar has that capability as long as he's close by."

Anderson nodded as he rejoined, "I figured that. When the MPs assigned to the prisoners told me they disappeared I knew that Spectra had broken them out. It reminds me of that incident prior to all the troubles with PAX which occurred after the report of a possible Spectran landing." He addressed Mark, "You recall that incident, Commander?"

Mark replied, "Affirmative, chief. Jason and I had found signs of a Spectran ship in the desert north having been there but then not a trace of one anywhere afterward."

Anderson said, "The signs from that incident and the prisoners disappearing all indicate a Spectran operation in progress. We need to find and defeat them before they reach our solar system. And finding Princess is top priority."

"Brrrp---don't have to tell me twice----brrrp!" Keyop grumbled. . . .

Out at the edge of the Crab Nebulae the Spectran Devil Star was reaching the galaxy edge at near warp speed when on the command deck the landing pods began to glow with eerie light then four shadows appeared within. Zoltar approached the pods as his sister Mala, Rula, Randy and a Spectran guard all materialized.

The lanky Spectran leader crowed in delight. "Well I see mission accomplished and successful, dear sister."

Mala nodded as she rejoined, "At least this part of the mission was." She eyed the two spies meaningfully while they lowered their heads and flinched at the implication.

Rula, however, raised her head and defended herself. "Lady Mala, it's true we didn't finish sabotaging PAX but rest assured we've done enough damage to severely disable it."

Mala tossed her long blonde mane and said scornfully, "You may think that will suffice but we here with Spectra find accepting substandard work totally unsatisfactory." At the girl's unease she added, "But I am giving you a chance to redeem yourself."

"Yes," echoed Zoltar. "So go and prepare yourself below."

Randy spoke up, "Lord Zoltar, what am I to do?"

The Spectran leader sneered as he stepped up to the hapless spy. "666, you have completely bungled this assignment and I have little tolerance for incompetence." He sighed in mock regret as Randy paled visibly.

"W-what are you planning to do with me?" he asked as terror rose inside and made him sick.

Zoltar chuckled as he replied amiably, "Oh, nothing really. Just what I do to other incompetents."

And before he could even take a breath, Randy felt a choking, malevolent force squeeze his windpipe, cutting of his oxygen and his vision became blurry then black. The Spectran spy pitched forward, dead as Zoltar shook his head in pity.

"Tsk, tsk. It was a shame that you couldn't fulfill your duties but Spectra can't afford to have incompetents fouling up the grand design, to render Earth helpless and at our mercy."

He whirled and came before the communication board where he pushed a button to summon his subordinates. A few moments later a pair of Spectran guards came into the bridge.

Zoltar gestured dispassionately at the corpse of Randy Addison. "Dispose of that and then go below to the cell of our lovely guest. I shall meet you there presently." He dematerialized leaving them to the grisly task.

Both guards bowed obediently and said, "Yes, Lord Zoltar," then did as they were bid. . .

Down in her cell Princess sat on the floor with her wrists bound trying to fight the overwhelming despair that threatened with steel resolve to escape and get back to Mark and the team. She was quite the worse for the wear as Zoltar and his sister Mala had tried interrogating her about PAX and at her resolve to say nothing they struck her repeatedly as she remained incapacitated and unable to retaliate. Afterwards her lovely face bore the evidence of their cruelty but thanks to the regenerative quality of her cerebonic implant she had just the tiniest of bruises on her otherwise flawless cheeks. Also, even in the face of the abuse, she kept her mind focused on seeing all of them, her family again and she was determined to make her hopes come true. With that in mind, she tried to loosen the bonds with renewed vigor just as Zoltar made his entrance.

The tall, caped villain appeared before the Swan and she jumped up and backed away warily. "What do you want, Zoltar?"

He laughed as he took hold of her face and she recoiled showing revulsion on her delicate features. "Getting anxious are we?"

She gave an unladylike snort as she replied derisively, "I just prefer knowing what is coming up for me. I don't appreciate being in the dark."

"But my dear Swan, don't you see? The element of surprise can add to the enjoyment of the game."

"Is that what all this is?" Princess inquired. "Another one of your sick games to destroy G-Force and mankind? You're insane."

Zoltar laughed again, thoroughly enjoying himself as he replied, "I'm just savoring the moment. You G-Force brats have thwarted me long enough and to know victory is close is quite intoxicating."

Princess said sourly, "Yeah, I bet. You must be thrilled."

"Oh, I'm very pleased that this particular plan would be the one that would reap success. The PAX system is a stroke of genius and the perfect tool for Spectra to bring the entire universe under its submission. Soon every living being will be under the sovereign rule of Spectra or face total annihilation. It means victory is assured as I'm sure other planets will not want to see their populations wiped out. With PAX we'll have the winning hand and the destruction of G-Force will be the opening act. I have a very nice little amusement in store before I begin the takeover"

"Amusement?"

"Yes, I'm looking forward to playing with you all before you are destroyed then off to claim the universe as the spoils. With everyone under my control to use as I see fit. Very enjoyable."

Princess spoke in disgust, "And you just had in mind to play with us and then wreak havoc with billions of lives at stake, as if it were all one big game."

Zoltar laughed maniacally as he stated, "Not at all, quite the contrary. Taking over the universe is paramount and once G-Force, Earth, and the IPF are eliminated, they will have no choice but to accept their fate. Once the rest of the universe sees Spectra as its ruler they will see no other way, not if they want to continue living. The game is just added entertainment to the main event."

"I'm afraid to ask what kind of weird game you have in mind," the Swan said wryly.

Zoltar said enigmatically, "You'll see." He then went up to her and dissolved her bonds, freeing her completely. He then invited, "Feel free to transform to your G-Force garb anytime, I want you at full strength for the festivities."

Princess rubbed her now loosened wrists and she eyed him distrustfully as he turned to push the panel button and let himself out. But he turned back and gave her a parting shot. "But a friendly warning. There are guards posted out here with orders to shoot to kill if you try to escape. However, by all means do prepare yourself for the fun, Swan. It will begin shortly," he said laughing as the door slid closed.

She scowled and said nothing as his evil cackling echoed down the hall. . . .

Meanwhile, on the Phoenix the game plan was nearing completion with the final tactics were being discussed by Colonel Cronus and the rest of G-Force. Cronus and Mark, as the commanding officers both gave ideas with the rest of the team chipping in as they all had one goal in mind, to rescue Princess. Right now the men were speculating on the actual whereabouts of their missing comrade as they decided on what tact to take.

"Hmmph," Jason grunted. "So we're saying we really have no idea where Zoltar's got Princess stashed but I'll lay odds that the bastard has her with him on his ship. And if that's the deal then we gotta just head over there, take her back, and waste 'im."

"Burrrp---yeah, blow him away!" Keyop exclaimed, his button eyes black with fury.

"Easy you two," Mark cautioned. "Until we're sure he's holding her on the ship that's heading this way we can't be rash and go off half cocked, we'll be flying right into his hands."

"Yeah, but we can't just sit on our asses while Zoltar's got her," the irate Condor pointed out, his impatience evident.

Colonel Cronus then spoke. "Jason, I'm as anxious as you are to rescue Princess. But your commander is right when he says we need to move with caution. I'm sure Zoltar is hoping that the team's emotions will be running high and cause you all to act in haste, making you all very vulnerable."

"The colonel and Mark are right," Tiny agreed. "We should wait till we know just where Zoltar's got Princess."

As if on cue, the communicator screen lit up with the demonic visage of the hated adversary, his expression rife with gloating over his advantage.

"Ahh, greetings G-Force. I hope this finds you all well."

Mark's azure orbs narrowed to slits and he glowered as he addressed the screen. "You know the answer to that, Zoltar. So why don't you just cut to the chase and let us know where our teammate is."

"In due time. First, I would like to issue for an invitation to my ship for a little friendly entertainment."

His patience wearing thin, Mark snapped, "We have no time to indulge in your little amusements, Zoltar. Now tell me what you've done with Princess!"

"Pity you're being so difficult," the Spectran cackled with unsuppressed glee. "Maybe this will change your mind." The screen changed to a picture that caused Mark's heart to skip a beat then plummet down to his belly like a stone. Cronus and the rest of the team slowly approached the communicator with a gasp.

A limp form in a pink mini dress replete with white wings and a yellow visor that resembled the graceful bird that favored area ponds was being supported by two Spectran goons, her head lowered. The five men all gazed at the view in rapt but horrified fascination.

Jason spoke first. "You bastard!" he growled.

Keyop's eyes brimmed with tears as he saw the girl he adored as a sister in obvious distress. "Y—you monster!" he ground out as he fought breaking down.

Tiny grasped Keyop's thin shoulders as he offered comfort. "Take it easy, buddy."

"How touching," sneered Zoltar. "It warms the cockles of my heart."

"What heart?" Jason snorted in disgust. "You have none, you reptile. And this just proves it."

The maniacal Spectran laughed uproariously as he asked the Eagle directly, "And what about you, G-force commander? Surely you have a comment on the condition of your lover."

Mark's reaction was to be speechless as his emotions showed clearly in the way his hands had balled into tight fists, straining his blue gloves and his face, which was thunderous. At that moment, his dearest desire was to tear Zoltar apart with his bare hands and he longed for the opportunity.

"Oh, this is priceless. The mighty Eagle is rendered helpless by the sight of his beloved, in our loving hands. How utterly delightful."

The Red Ranger colonel studied Mark and saw the swirling emotions bubbling inside the young commander as an underlying current of fear was plain in his tormented eyes. Zoltar had no idea that his sick little show had actually managed to do what other prior attacks failed to do, neutralized and demoralized G-Force. He knew how hard Mark was trying desperately to show his enemy that they were not a weakened front when in reality, they were. Feeling he had to support his son with his jaw firmly clenched, Cronus' cheek twitched in a tic below the dark visor as his own fury built inside.

"Zoltar, this time you've gone too far. Even this is unbelievable for you."

The Spectran warlord chortled as he acknowledged the Rigan commander. "Ahh, Colonel Cronus so you're in the mix, eh? That makes this even more interesting."

"I'm sure. So just tell us where to meet you and we'll be there."

"Very well," Zoltar acquiesced. "We will meet you at the area between the dark side of Charon and Planet X in your Solar System in 36 earth hours. Be prepared for the worst when you come."

After his extended silence Mark spoke for the first time his baritone low and emotionless. "We'll be there."

"Excellent G-Force. I look forward to it." The madman laughed once and the screen went black, leaving the atmosphere on the bridge of the Phoenix thick with tension with all the boys in states of suspended animation, frozen before the communicator. The Rigan commander saw the need to mobilize the team from their inertia so he rallied the troops.

Cronus spoke with alacrity. "All right G-Force. I'll head back to my craft and we'll depart at once."

Tiny snapped a salute as he said, "Right away." He turned to rush over to the pilot's seat when he was detained by the Condor's hand.

"Hold it, Tiny. The only one who can give us orders is our commander." He gave Cronus a challenge in the meaningful glance as he addressed Mark. "So whattya say, Skipper?"

Mark was oblivious as he still stood at the blank screen and visualized the battered Swan as she was in the Spectran clutches. His mind was trying to comprehend what torture she had experienced at the enemy's hands and it added fuel to the burning fire in the pit of his belly.

"Well?" Jason demanded as his own frustration showed.

Mark turned slowly from the screen and met Jason eye to eye. "Get to your posts and prepare for departure immediately!" he barked.

"Yessir!" they chorused as they got into position leaving the two commanding officers standing at the communication panel.

Cronus stood before the Eagle and offered his hand. "I'll see you soon." In an aside he added, "We'll get her back, I promise."

Numbly Mark nodded a thanks to the taciturn Cronus as the latter headed to the disembark pod. The commander of G-Force just stood there watching as the panel slid closed and then was coldly focused as he strode to his command seat. He sat down then addressed the others.

"Let's roll, team."

The trio gave him a salute, "G-Force!" and they were off. . . .

NEXT…..ZOLTAR'S SHELL GAME