Author's Note: Once again my deepest apologies for the lengthy wait for an update—I got busy with work and some health issues and of course ran into the dreaded writer's block. Then, something very uncool happened last night when I had this chapter almost finished, my computer shut the document down without saving my work so I had to rewrite two entire scenes, about two pages worth of work—Ugh! Anyway I huge nod to my good friend Freddo whose brilliant Starblazers saga helped create some vital elements in this chapter, as inspiration only, never plagiarizing. And a big thanks to all those reading and reviewing and those who made me a favorite or put this story on alert. There's about two more chapters to go after this so enjoy.

ZOLTAR'S SHELL GAME

The black void of space, speckled with points of light that represented other star systems spreading out to the far reaches of infinity sped by the observation screen of the Phoenix like glittered black velvet. But its beauty was lost on the young men of G-Force who did not notice or care, their minds focused on their objective, to rescue their teammate, Princess. The urgency of their mission was foremost in their thoughts as the Eagle, Condor, Owl, and Sparrow were a grim assembly, silent and brooding.

As they passed the far end of Neptune and headed toward Pluto, the cloying silence was broken by the monotone of Tiny as he flatly announced, "We just passed Neptune and are headed for Pluto, commander. We should pass Pluto and then be at the mid point near Charon and reach the rendezvous point with the Devil Star by 2300 hours, about six hours from now."

Mark grunted in response as he barked, "Jason, send a shout out to Cronus and the Red Rangers of Riga. But before that make sure the com scrambler is on to block out all other frequencies. I don't want to run the risk that Zoltar might listen in on us."

"Copy that, boss. Consider it done." The Condor went to the main communications console and dialed in the frequency that Cronus and the Red Rangers operated but was interrupted by an incoming call from the Federation's Early Warning System on Pluto.

"What the--," Jason said as a throaty female voice interrupted him.

"Hello, G-Force. This is Susan, from the Early Warning System on planet Pluto. Zark…provided me with your frequencies so I'm communicating with you directly."

Jason rolled his eyes as Mark responded, "So do you have some information for us about Zoltar and his exact whereabouts?"

"Yes… commander." The voice was sultry and breathy like that of a temptress, absurdly inappropriateunder the dire circumstances.

Jason snorted, "Damn it, will ya get to the point already? We don't have time for your cute little pillow talk. Zark's not here to get his transistors in overdrive so knock it the hell off."

Mark retorted, "Cool it Jason! Susan, go ahead."

The female robotic voice continued, "I have just received some impulses that have levels of radioactivity that indicate a Spectran fleet at 225,000 kilometers away and warping. At the rate of warp I'm reading, they will be in the outskirts of the solar system in approximately four hours."

Four freakin' hours! Dammit figures Zoltar is way ahead of schedule! We've got to move, before he gets here I want to get our game plan finalized with Cronus. Mark nodded as he acknowledged the communication. "Thank you, Susan. Is there anything else?"

"Yes...commander... please tell Zark when you see him that I eagerly await our regularly scheduled briefing in 48 hours." There then there was a sound like a girlish giggle then a whispered, "Over and out."

The Owl snickered as he remarked, "Boy, those two sure seem to have the hots for each other."

Keyop chuckled as he agreed, "Brrrp..sure do…brrrp."

"Knock it off you guys!" the Condor snapped. "Cut the bull, we've got more important things to do."

Tiny and Keyop both glared at their teammate as the pilot of the Phoenix protested, "Hey chill out, Jason. We were just having some laughs to break up the gloom around here."

His patience thin Jason snapped back, "Yeah well, since when are we a dating message service for two hunks of scrap metal? They must've shorted out their brain circuits."

Mark then spoke up in his most authoritative voice. "All of you quit this now! I know we're all on edge but here's no time for sniping we've got a job to do." He then addressed his second in command. "Jason, get a hold of Colonel Cronus now. We need to relay this information from Pluto to him on the double."

"Yes, sir," the Condor tapped in the Red Rangers' frequency and Cronus' hawk like visage appeared on the communication screen.

"Hello, G-Force. I take it you have some information for me?"

Mark's response was cryptic. "We just heard from the EWS on Pluto and were informed that Zoltar and his Devil Star ship are warping into our star system and will be at Charon in four hours. We're about six hours away how far are you and your squadron now?"

Cronus replied, "We're about an hour away, traveling at Mach 6. We should be at the point of our agreed rendezvous in fifteen minutes with a quick warp. Is that what you're planning to do?"

The Eagle glanced at the Owl and both nodded. Mark replied, "Affirmative."

"And I have some additional information from a recon scan we just took of the Spectran fleet which I'll share with you when we meet."

"Okay then, colonel. We're also going to do a short warp and be at the agreed point. See you in a bit." The screen went black and the Eagle headed back to the command seat where he sat and then requested, "Okay Tiny, prepare for a short warp to the outside of Pluto's orbit, about a quarter of a million kilometers."

"Big ten, commander." The Owl then pushed the lever activating the warp sequence in the Phoenix, causing a loud hum as the engines powered up.

"Everybody strap in, warp in 30 seconds," Mark called out as the rest of the Force prepared for the brief but intense sensation.

Tiny counted down the final seconds. "10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1….Warp!"

The blue and red craft then disappeared in a flash and a blur as it hurtled through the time-space continuum and appeared with the planet Pluto behind them. The members of G-Force all recovered from the event as they shook off the customary vertigo that had overtaken them.

Tiny shook his head and spoke first. "Man, what a rush! Don't think I'll ever get used to space warps. It's like takin' a bad acid trip."

Keyop snorted, "Brrrp…what….brrrp…would you know …about acid trips?"

Tiny replied, "More than you, squirt."

Mark then interjected irritably, "Okay knock it off. Never mind the referrals to mind altering drugs and give me the coordinates of where exactly we are."

Tiny dutifully responded, "We're approximately half the distance between Pluto and Charon, Mark."

Three blips immediately appeared on the radar scanner, approaching from 11 o'clock. "Three space fighters approaching from our port stern. From the sonar vibes I'm reading from their engines they're Rigan. Must be Cronus and his gang."

And as the blips became larger, the communications screen lit up again with the bust of Cronus. "G-Force, I'm about 10 kilometers away and will dock with the Phoenix in three minutes. Prepare docking station."

"Roger." Mark turned to his pilot and said, "Activate docking port at the count of five when Cronus comes within 25 yards of us."

"Big ten, Mark," the Owl responded. "He's just now comin' into view."

"Okay, begin count…5…4…3…2…1."

Outside, the dock port extracted from the boarding pod of the Phoenix and extended out to Cronus' red space fighter with its own probe, finding the receptacle and then joining it to lock onto the G-Force spacecraft. Once secure, Cronus pushed the hatch open and slid down into the pod to enter the Phoenix.

On the bridge, the four boys waited as the panel slid open to admit the scarlet clad space ranger, who strode over to the central area by the communication screen.

"Greetings G-Force," Cronus said as the screen came to life with the grave face of Security Chief Anderson.

All the members of G-Force snapped to attention as the chief said, "At ease. Glad to see you there, Cronus."

"I'm glad to help, Chief."

Anderson addressed G-Force, "Team, I'm sure you've heard the latest coordinates from the EWS on Pluto. Zoltar is on his way into our system as we speak and we have to stop him from coming any closer to destroying PAX with their laser pulse cannon. And we must rescue Princess."

Oh gee, at least he mentioned THAT even though it was like an afterthought Mark said sardonically to himself as he stated, "Rescuing Princess is our number one priority, Chief."

"I know, Mark. That's why I contacted the Red Rangers to assist you. Colonel Cronus, I see you're there. Have you any further information to add to what we already have from Pluto?"

Cronus replied, "Yes, my men Onishii and Masaki have done some recon flights and I've done a recon scan using the new signal scrambler and stealth shield that 7 Zark 7 developed. Both were successful as we were undetected."

"So what do you have?"

Cronus continued, "I have found that the Spectran fleet is made up of approximately seven craft, half a dozen escort fighters and the Devil Star ship. They are at 25,000 kilometers from Planet X or at least they were when we got our findings about an hour ago. They may have done another warp since then."

"Great," Jason groused, "So they could be right at our doorstep right now."

Mark said, "Zoltar did arrange to meet us at the midpoint between Charon and X so it's not surprising. But Chief, I'd like to know what is this 'stealth shield' that Cronus was talking about?"

Anderson gave a slight smile. "I'm glad you asked that, Commander. Before all of you took off on this mission, the Phoenix and your individual vehicles were all also outfitted with the device that basically renders you invisible to the enemy. The activation switch is right next to the main throttle, Tiny."

The Owl glanced at the throttle lever and saw a small switch he had not noticed before. "Oh, I see it now. Wonder why I didn't notice that before."

"Brrrp—too cool---Brrrp," Keyop crowed.

"And that's not all, the device can also work in conjunction with the warp mechanism in the main engines so you can perform a warp undetected as well."

Mark grinned as he said admiringly, "Leave it to Zark to come up with something like that."

"Yeah," Jason admitted, albeit grudgingly, "Ya gotta hand it to the bucket of bolts, he's always coming up with something to save our asses. Now if he could work on being less annoying, he'd be perfect."

Anderson ignored the Condor's editorial as he made a closing statement. "Now that you all know about the new modification to the Phoenix, I know that the mission will be accomplished in your usual manner that reaches the expected level of excellence. And if you utilize the new device Zark gave you, Mark I know you'll make the Federation victorious. Godspeed Team." The screen went black.

Jason glanced at Mark, "What was he talking about, Mark? What device?"

Mark flashed an enigmatic smile. "You'll see." He then addressed the Rigan commander, "What do you have for us, Colonel."

Cronus then stepped forward and slid a floppy disk into the computer and a schematic came up on the screen, the Devil Star and her entrances and exit ports displayed.

"Here's what we were able to ascertain from our recon flights. The rear port side of the vessel seems to be the most vulnerable as the other ports are equipped with radar and solar telepanels that are used for surveillance. Because the rear port is located near the nuclear reactor powering the craft, there are no panels there."

"Hmm," the Eagle intoned. "So we could actually board the Devil Star right there without being discovered."

Cronus nodded. "Affirmative. I suggest we perform a two-pronged attack with me and the Red Rangers engaging the escorts in a dogfight while the Phoenix does a warp behind the Devil Star right at the rear port. There you can board the craft without Zoltar knowing and overpower the goons that are working in the rear reactor terminal. How does that sound?"

Mark stood wordlessly studying the schematic while the mulling over the plan. It was an excellent strategy and as he thought about the idea he began to formulate the second part of the plan once they were inside.

"Well, Commander?" Jason's impatience cut through the Eagle's thoughts.

Mark nodded and replied, "Sounds good. Keyop, go to the computer and bring up the interior layout of the Devil Star sent to us from Federation intelligence."

"Brrp---yes----brrrp sir."

The youth keyed in a sequence and hit the enter button. Another screen came up and showed a split view of the different areas around the ship including the area where Princess may be held.

Mark took hold of a laser pointer and ran the red dot of light over the layout. "This is a cross-section of the Devil Star." He indicated the main reactor area as he went on. "As you can see, if we can board the craft right at the spot Cronus said is a radar blind spot, we can overpower the guards and then," he said as he ran the pointer down the middle, "we can split up and search for Princess…"

Meanwhile Princess was led by the Spectran guards into an arena like chamber and they tossed her in like a bag of refuse. Although her legs were free, her wrists were still shackled behind her. She glared at them as they laughed when she stumbled and fell.

"Sorry, doll but you're gonna die soon so why bother being gentle with ya," one goon sneered as the other leered at her, running his tongue across his chapped lips.

"Say you're quite a looker," he said as he crouched down and leaned close, his hot breath foul and making her want to gag. "I've heard that earth girls are easy, wanna prove it to me?"

As he drew closer for a kiss, Princess retaliated by spitting at the goon, catching him right in the eye. At that gesture, the guard howled in rage and backed away as the Swan jumped to her feet and glared at him in undisguised hatred.

"Why you little bitch, I'm gonna waste you right here." He leveled the barrel on his machine laser at her as his colleague grabbed the gun and pulled the goon back.

"Cool down, moron. Didn't Lord Zoltar tell us just to bring her here?" he growled as his partner continued glowering at the Swan. He then slapped the livid goon on the side of his head.

"Hey, what the hell's the idea?" the would be lothario whined but the wiser goon continued with a withering tone.

"Listen up, fool. Lady Mala will be taking care of her and the rest of G-Force when they get here so knock it off. She's gonna die soon enough anyway."

But his fragile ego bruised and needing appeasement, the goon persisted, "Yeah but if I shoot her, we can tell him that she tried to flee." With a cruel smile he raised the weapon and aimed it at Princess again just as a side panel slid open and the tall form of Mala swept in.

She surveyed the scene in malicious mirth. "Well, well. I see you've delivered the Swan here unharmed more or less. Good job." She strode over to where the two goons had snapped to obsequious attention.

"Yes, Lady Mala," they chorused.

"But I see I may have interrupted something," she purred as she pinned the two guards with her glacial orbs. "May I ask what?"

"Uhhh, well," the foolish goon began as his partner shot him a warning glare as he hastily replied to the query.

"She was a bit insolent so we had to subdue her, my lady."

"Is that so?" Mala arched a tawny brow as she spotted the face of the foolish guard. "It seems that it was you who was subdued." At the jibe the goon lowered his head in shame and she directed brusquely,"Wipe your face, it appears that you have spittle on it."

Casting a baleful glare at Princess the goon wiped his face dry. "Yes my lady." He glanced worriedly at his partner as he hung his head and waited for inevitable punishment for his thwarted indiscretion.

The Spectran woman turned to Princess and addressed her. "Well Swan, are you ready to meet your doom?" she asked almost cordially as she barked to the guards, "You are dismissed."

Relieved by the dodged bullet the two left smirking as Princess eyed Mala disdainfully. "So what are you planning to do now, Mala? Your goon was about kill me and save you the trouble."

Mala replied, "If the fool had done that, I would have killed him." She turned and said conversationally, "No indeed, dear Swan, I have special plans for you."

Princess backed up and said acerbically, "And you plan to eliminate me like this, with my hands bound? How tedious for you, there's no challenge in fighting me like this."

Mala studied her with a speculative gleam as she nodded. "You're right. So to give you a sporting chance to survive, however slim it may be, I'll let you go."

She pushed a button on her utility belt and the shackles opened and dropped off of Princess' wrists, freeing her. She brought her arms forward, rubbing her wrists as she nodded her thanks.

"Thank you, but what's next?"

Mala responded, "You are to transmute into your G-Force battle garb and wait until I return. In the meantime, just make your peace with your God as you contemplate your soon demise." She laughed maniacally as she vanished.

Princess felt her heart pound and she immediately brought her left arm in an arc and cried, "Transmute!" as the swirl of energy enveloped her and she emerged clad in her birdstyle. That done, she then hit the bird scramble distress signal on her communicator.

Please, Mark I hope you can answer me she fervently hoped as she continued to signal. . . .

On the Phoenix Mark, Jason, Tiny and Keyop along with the commander of the Rigan Red Rangers, Colonel Cronus were finishing the final touches on their plan to board the Devil Star. As commander, Mark was addressing his crew with a final directive.

"And once we get to the command bridge we can knock out their main reactor that powers not only the engines but the laser pulse cannon that Zark showed us on the latest communiqué and scan we got." He hit a button on the Communication screen console and the plan came up, showing an intricate weapon system that linked the front and aft gun ports on the Devil Star directly to the reactor. This combined supplies a laser charge equal to a half a million megaton nuclear blast, more than enough to obliterate Earth. He continued, "We can do that by setting a chain reaction that will go directly into the reactor itself with this..,"

He held up a slim cartridge made of tungsten that had a gradually tapered end made of a specially crafted polymer explosive. He went on, "Zark also fabricated this out of the latest plastic explosive device, made to travel down the energy line that activates the cannon and it explodes on impact. Zark gave it to me before we left Center Neptune."

"Very groovy, Skipper," Jason remarked as he reached for the thing. He held it in his hands and added sardonically, "Looks like quite the toy rocket but then again I'm not the demolitions expert on the team, Princess is." He eyed the Eagle meaningfully.

Mark's eyes narrowed at the implied accusation and he felt his hold on his temper slipping.

As the others examined the device, Keyop piped up, "Brrrp-----Jason's right----brrrp----Princess----brrp----knows explosives-----brrp-----better then me."

Mark's mouth drew into a grim line as he said irritably, "I'm aware of that, Keyop!"

Jason glared at him and retorted, "Then admit we need her to accomplish this mission and let's get goin' and find her, dammit! We've wasted enough time here listening to you flap your gums."

Mark took a deep breath as he finally lost his cool. With lightning speed he grabbed the Condor by the throat and growled, "Y'know I'm really tired of your complaints, Jason. As much as you want to go off half cocked and half assed into that ship and jeopardize the mission and Princess' life, I'M still the commander and you'll follow MY orders! You got that?" He then let go and his second stumbled back, glowering as he fingered his abused throat. Off to the side, Cronus watched the exchange with a hooded expression, yet wisely remained silent.

Jason recovered from the shock of the severity and vehemence of his commander's sudden attack and iron grip on him. His eyes narrowed as he opened his mouth to issue forth a scathing response but the unmistakable sound of a communicator going off with the bird scramble, the G-Force distress signal sounded from Mark's wrist, drawing everyone's attention. The pink lights flashed in rapid succession.

"Brrrp---Princess!" Keyop squealed excitedly, jumping up and down.

Tiny and Jason both leapt forward eagerly, their eyes on Mark's bracelet.

Princess! Your bird scramble's music to my ears, baby the Eagle was quietly exultant and he closed his eyes to say a fervent prayer of thanks. The quarrel with Jason forgotten, Mark held his wrist up to speak as everybody anxiously crowded around him. He pushed the button and spoke, "Princess! Princess! Are you there? Come in Princess, answer me!"

"Maybe she can't answer you, Mark," Tiny said worriedly.

Without a word in response, the Eagle pushed himself through the crowd gathered around him and strode over to the communications board. He slipped his bracelet off and placed it in the receptor unit that acted as a link to a team member's distress signal to pinpoint from where the signal was coming. Immediately, the schematic of the Devil Star from before returned and a red light flashed in an area that was in the lower quadrant of the craft. Mark pointed with his finger.

"Her bird scramble is coming from there in the ship. That's where she's being held. So let's move out."

The other three young men nodded as they chorused, "Big ten, commander."

Cronus nodded as well as he said, "I'll head back and distract the escort ships. When we've got them engaged, I'll send a signal and then you can warp behind the Devil Star with your stealth shield activated."

Mark nodded as Cronus patted him on the shoulder and said, sotto voce,"Hang in there, we'll get her back and make Zoltar pay for his actions. Vengeance will be ours." He then whirled and disappeared behind the panel to the boarding pod.

Tiny and Keyop both raced to their posts as Jason joined Mark who was still staring at the screen. He clapped his best friend on the back as he said, "Let's go, Skip. Let's go get our little girl."

Mark nodded as the two went to their posts. . . .

Back on his fighter, Cronus contacted his crew via voice and for Onishii who was deaf, by a flashing light on his control panel. His voice activated a pattern of flashes that Onishii could understand as he spoke.

"Onishii, Masaki. Keep your scanners on as we set our course for the midpoint between Pluto and Charon. Zoltar and the Devil Star should be right there and heading for us."

The light by the speaker blinked the mute's response as Masaki's gravelly voice crackled, "Hai, okashira. We'll keep our eyes open."

"Good. Keep me posted. Over and out."

Cronus then keyed in a flight coordinate and settled into flying as the craft accelerated to and past Mach 3. But as he flew, he could not shake the sight of his only son's distress, hidden beneath a polished veneer of military duty and protocol, the proverbial chip off the old block.

Cronus mused ruefully It's never easy is it, Mark my son? To put all thoughts and feelings aside to do your duty to God and the Federation as you agonize over the fate and conditions of your loved one? I know you love Princess, I knew it when she was taken by the Fierce Flowers and you literally fell apart, Anderson told me the whole story and had I not been on patrol in another star system, I'd have been there by your side. And a person would have to be blind not to see it now, as I'm quite sure Zoltar sees it. Just make sure he doesn't see it so clearly that he uses it to get to you. For like it or not son, like your mother was to me, she is your Achilles Heel.

He went on You don't know this, but that is why I left you and your mother when you were four and had Anderson tell you I was dead. And we had known that Spectra was not only targeting certain Federation operatives like myself but their families as well. I just couldn't chance that they would try to hurt you and your mother so I agreed to disappear. At that time the Federation was gearing up to heavy battle with the forces and allies of Spectra and I was needed on Riga where we were training troops and space fliers and I was also needed for that as well as my assistance in the eradication of the X-3. And I succeeded in putting it out of commission but I have discovered that the plans of Spectra continue to target Earth and the peaceful balance of the planets of the Federation so I must, remain dead. But one day soon, I will tell you who I am, my son. And how proud I am of you as the commander of G-Force.

The incessant beeping of the scanner radar shook Cronus' reverie as he spotted the seven blips that were the Spectran advancing force and he reached for the button to alert his crew. But a split second before he did, Masaki's voice broke through.

"Cronus-sama, the Spectran Devil Star and fleet are about 2500 kilometers and approaching."

"I'm aware of that," Cronus intoned. "Maintain your positions and prepare to rendezvous with the escort fighters to lure them away so the Phoenix can intercept the Devil Star. I'll inform the Eagle now. Over and out."

On the G-Force vessel, the foursome sat in uneasy silence as they waited for the signal from Cronus with the atmosphere thick with tension from the grim circumstances. But no man spoke a word as the emotions of fear, frustration, fury, and anguish hung like a heavy cloak about them.

The quiet was shattered by the communication screen coming to life and Cronus' visage looming above as his baritone spoke, "The Devil Star has been sighted and we are on our way to draw the escort fighters away. So now's the time to warp since we'll be confronting them shortly."

"Affirmative," Mark responded as the screen went black and he issued a directive. "Okay everyone, we're ready to roll. Activate the comm scrambler and stealth shield and prepare for short warp. . ."

On the Devil Star, in a catacomb on the mid lower quadrant of the craft in a secluded chamber, Mala and the somewhat battered Princess doppelganger named Rula were gathered. The girl who posed as the Swan was attired in the pink and white uniform and was as before a spitting image.

Mala was finishing giving her orders. "So I trust you understand what you must do."

Rula nodded but she asked, "Are you sure the Eagle will believe me, my lady? After all he did discover that I was not the Swan at Center Neptune. He's not easily duped."

Mala sneered, "I know all too well." She leaned into the girl's face and said each word with emphasis. "That is up to you. Remember, you failed at your task before and another blunder will not be tolerated. So if you don't want the same fate to befall you as did 666, make sure you convince him that you are the Swan."

The girl nodded and answered obediently, "Yes ma'am." And a malicious gleam lit her verdant orbs that the woman mistakenly ascertained was for the enemy as Mala nodded and pulled back and turned to leave.

The gaunt, blonde amazon from Spectra gave a warning in parting, "Do not forget, girl. Two strikes and you're out." She disappeared behind the panel leaving Rula standing there staring after her.

The double inwardly seethed, her heart screaming for vengeance for her lover's untimely demise and her own abuse at the hands of the ruthless sibling rulers of her dying home planet. She recalled how the duo had her transform to the replicate Swan garb and then hung her bound to a prison wall as they had her beaten. Then they had her half-conscious form on display for G-Force as the distraught team was lured into battle. She smiled grimly as she promised Don't be so smug, Lady Mala. The very result you are intending for G-Force and the Federation may very well backfire and happen to you. And if that's the case, I'll personally make sure to do all I can to make sure that you pay. . . .

Meanwhile, on the command bridge of the Devil Star, Zoltar was watching through the observation screen into the black nothingness of space as he anticipated his upcoming battle with his most despised enemies, G-Force.

At long last, justice is coming for me he exulted those arrogant, miserable pups will be here and for once I hold the upper hand. This time I will be victorious and will gloat as they are first humiliated then tormented and then, ultimately destroyed. How sweet the taste of cold revenge!

His gleeful pondering was interrupted by the throaty alto of his sister as Mala swept into the bridge and came up to him. She observed the fiendishly smug expression beneath the mask of her brother and raised a tawny brow in query.

"My dear brother you appear somewhat giddy. Could the eminent demise of G-Force be what is making you so?"

Zoltar threw his head back and guffawed in pure enjoyment. "Sweet sister, you know me so very well." He came and grasped her thin shoulders as he went on. "I have something to show you but first is our 'Swan' ready?"

"Indeed she is," Mala replied as Zoltar whirled about and led her to the panel to exit the bridge. Over his shoulder he barked out an order to the two Spectran soldiers piloting the ship.

"Maintain position and inform me when the Phoenix appears."

"Yes sir," they said in unison, saluting.

He grasped his sister's elbow and said, "Come with me, I have something to show you." He took Mala over through a secret passage way to another panel door, which he slid open and revealed Spectra's latest creation. Mala gazed up with wide eyes and then clapped her hands in approval.

"Oh dear brother, it's magnificent," she gushed as she came and stood before the behemoth, a battle robot that towered over them, staring out with eerie red lights that resembled unseeing eyes.

Zoltar smirked in smug satisfaction as he described the mecha to her. "Yes, our scientists on Spectra really outdid themselves this time. This robot is a complete arsenal."

And it was; a giant mecha that had among its super strength, weaponry that consisted of a laser cannon, energy pulse bombs, an atomic saber, and a concentrated laser whip. Zoltar demonstrated by pointing to an obsolete insect mecha that had been in mothballs and the robot responded with a flick of the laser whip, obliterating the mecha into a smoldering pile of ash.

Zoltar laughed as Mala applauded, "Oh bravo, dear brother. What a marvelous show!"

He nodded as he agreed, "Yes, sister and just imagine how our new friend will turn those pests from G-Force into mere shadows as he melts their flesh to nothing. But first I plan to play with the Eagle a bit as he will be the first to die. Then with the Eagle fallen the others will fall into my hands and will be destroyed easily."

"How will you do that?" Mala wanted to know.

"Very simply, the Eagle will be placed in the main battle chamber and two doors will be available to him. If he chooses the door leading to our friend here, he will be crushed at once. But if he chooses the other door, then our little Swan will lure him into the trap that awaits him. Either way his demise is assured."

Mala nodded but then arched a brow as she asked, "And what about the real Swan? She is still in custody."

Zoltar made a dispassionate hand gesture. "She has served her purpose as bait so I leave her in your very capable hands, dear Mala. I'm sure you can deal with her quite readily."

She smiled a sly, feline smile. "Most assuredly, dear Zoltar."

"Splendid," Zoltar said with a smirk that faltered as a red light flashed near the intercom screen and one of the pilots' image came in view.

"Lord Zoltar! Lady Mala! Three enemy craft that look like Rigan Red Ranger fighters are approaching fast! What should we do?"

"Fool!" Zoltar roared. "What else? Contact the escort fighters and have them engage the insects and destroy them! We have bigger fish to fry so keep watching for the Phoenix."

"Immediately, sir," the goon responded. Then his face fell as he announced, "My lord, the radar has just picked up the Phoenix approaching as well."

"Excellent. Keep monitoring until they are a few kilometers away and then I'll invite them to the little party I have waiting for them."

"At once, my lord." The screen went black as the Spectran leader turned to his sister and took her arm.

"Shall we go and prepare to welcome our guests, dear Mala?"

Her response was swift. "Indeed dear brother, let's."

The sinister siblings headed off to the battle. . . .

NEXT……THE LADY? OR THE TIGER?