Disclaimer: Some of the following within the next few chapters will be based upon the two Golden Books "The Sun Stealers" which was written by Mark Sufrin and "Computer Checkmate" which was written by William Hansen, but both with alterations.

Chapter Fourteen. Return of the Tyrant

"So what seems to be the problem?" April asked. Rick looked up as he faced his older sister for a moment before facing back at the screen of Dynak X, "I don't think it's serious. Probably just the last shreds of a fading sunstorm."

"I see how you are preoccupied with your gadgets here." April replied as she crossed her arms.

"April's right." Flash said as he entered the room. "I think the trouble is more than routine. Look at what's been happening. Machines have been sputtering and jamming, and we've had electrical failure for minutes at a time."

April looked at her father and they both appeared to be thinking the same thing. Rick was apparently too fond of his gadgets and not alert enough to the threat that was going on.

"What'll we do?" April asked. "If Monitor's equipment goes dead at any time, Earth would be easy prey for Ming."

"I know." Flash nodded in agreement. "I have to think of something and fast."

There was a momentary pause before he finally spoke up, "Rick, you know the space gear better than anyone. I'd like you yo make the trip and soon."

"Really, Dad?" April quipped. "Normally you make maintenance patrols while Rick here supervises from here at Monitor."

"This time it's different." Flash replied. April glanced at her brother who appeared to be annoyed.

"You can bring Jedda and LJ with you." Flash said to his son.

"That sounds like a decent enough idea." April quipped as she crossed her arms again. "Wait a minute, isn't Jedda pregnant?"

"Yes, she is." Flash replied. "However, she is allowed to attend missions but with limitations."

"As her pregnancy progresses later on, she can't attend missions at all." Rick added.

Rick smiled as he nodded with delight. April figured Rick was looking forward to that.

"Just one thing, Dad." Rick told his father. "This computer is pretty complicated. Please don't fiddle with it while I'm away."

Flash sighed as he replied lightly, "No, I'll just rock away in my antique chair until the wizard returns."

April couldn't help but to chuckle at that statement.

Flash turned serious a second later, "April, you will be going with them and keep an eye on your brother, Jedda and LJ."

"What?!" Rick exclaimed in annoyance.

"Dad!" April exclaimed in annoyance as well.

"No arguments from you two." Flash replied. "You are responsible for the rest of the Defenders as well. Do the job and get back quickly."

Rick and April both groaned in annoyance.

"By the way," Flash spoke up as his children started to leave Monitor, "some of the Sailor Guardians will be there with you guys in case something comes up."

-Sailor-Moon-Defenders-

Rei looked over as she saw Cathleen at the spacecraft with her along with the rest of the Sailor Guardians, April, Rick, Jedda and LJ.

"So we can play our astral music as loud as we want and no one will get on our case." LJ exclaimed with delight.

"I wouldn't be too sure." April replied. "I am the one in charge of you guys."

LJ and Rick groaned.

"It can't be all that bad." Jedda replied, "April isn't all strict like our parents. Besides, I don't think the baby wants to hear music that is too loud."

"Jedda has a point, LJ." Rick told his best friend.

"What?! Rick. Are you having a change of personality on us?" LJ asked in surprise.

"No." Rick rolled his eyes as he crossed his arms. "The baby happens to be mine too you know?"

"I just don't get why Cathleen is with us." Rei spoke up.

"For some reason," Cathleen explained, "Mandrake wanted you guys to keep an eye on me."

"We're also here in case Ming decides to show up and attack." Minako stated.

"While the Outer Guardians will be staying on Earth with the older Defenders in case something comes up on Earth." Ami added.

"And Chibiusa will be with the Outer Guardians as well." Usagi stated.

"It sounds like a plan to me." Makoto stated.

-Sailor-Moon-Defenders-

Ming was glancing over with satisfaction. It had been over a year since he had been able to try to make his plans for his conquest of Earth and since Hadea had been defeated, he had taken the opportunity to make his move to conquer the planet.

"I have waited over a year for this." Ming stated. "Since Hadea is no longer ruling the galaxy, I have been able to continue with my plans."

While Hadea had ruled over the galaxy for the year, Ming had been forced into hiding as he was nearly killed by one of Hadea's guards. No one had ever dared to force Ming into hiding in such a manner.

"For the past week," Ming stated, "I have worked a way to set this plan in motion. I shall jam all electrical function in the Earth's atmosphere which would cut down on outside interference."

He pressed a few more buttons, "Then I would catch the energy of the Earth's sun and pull it to my own use. That would bring Earth to its destruction and bring life to Mongo."

"With the alliance you made with the Glow people of the Scald Sky," Octon spoke up, "they built a next generation magnetic shield which would always aim at the sun."

"With your persuasion of course, Octon." Ming replied. "The Glow people were convinced by helping me, they would have enough sun power for generations to come."

He paused a moment before continuing, "That's not all I had planned for the Glow people. With the magnetic shields, I can drain the energy from other stars. Then, hole it out to needy planets – but only if the people living there agree to become my slaves."

Author's Note: It was a challenge to bring Ming back to the surface after being absent for over ten chapters thanks to the reign of the Queen Hadea. The Sun Stealers is also a book that's quite a challenge, even though I like this book more than "Computer Checkmate".