Note: It seems that every time I bring up my planned schedule for my posts, something happens that causes me to break that schedule. I do apologize for taking so long on posting but I really blame you guys. Questions about what I was using as 'canon' made me take another look to find out what was brought up in the reviews. So I got around to watching some She-Ra episodes to refresh what I know about the Horde. And it basically made me completely toss out the chapter I originally had written up.

I am ignoring the Christmas special. Main reason, I've only seen it once when it was released back in the 80's so I'm not really familiar with it. I tried watching it after it was brought up in the reviews and figured it was best to leave it that way. Sorry but I don't see Horde Prime really being afraid a holiday that even those that celebrate Christmas seem to have less regard for every year. Since I'm not using this special episode, Skeletor has not been in contact with the higher ups of the Horde since bone brain and Hordak betrayed each other when they kidnapped the baby Princess Adora.

As for Skeletor's relationship with the Horde, I always figured with Hordak being Horde Prime's brother (could be wrong, need to re-check) and never admitting to his own failures, he completely blamed Skeletor for his failure on Eternia.

I also have a small request and a small spoiler here for you guys. Eventually, this story will end up back on Earth. I hope to add one or two adventures on Earth before ending the story. If you have any suggestions of magical or mythical items that appear in myth or legend to add to this story, please let me know. Since I have already touched on Greek/Roman myth (Athena's Aegis shield) and Nordic (a protective rune) I do ask that it is from a culture that doesn't seem to over-populate the internet so much. I do have one Native American myth in mind, but I need at least one more. Please let it have at least its roots in real Earth mythology and not from a video game, fantasy novel, etc. These are great, I'm actually addicted to them, but I want real myths and/or legends. Items, beings and/or animals are welcomed.

Chapter 7: Informal Meeting

On a balcony over-looking the palace court-yard, Althea sat at a table sipping from a large glass. She ignored sounds of the Earth soldiers and Eternian guards training below as she concentrated on the white covered book lying on the table.

Suddenly, a hand took hold of the book and slid it away from her. "Hey!" Althea said as she sent a glare towards the 'book thief.' Sitting on the other side of the table, Steve turned the book around to read it. He said a few choice words as he slammed the book shut, looking a little ill.

"That's what you get for taking my book, "Althea said as she took the book back.

"How the hell do you read or even look at that, "asked Steve rubbing his eyes. Then with more serious look, he added, "I was wondering if you would be willing to come to the 'informal' meeting about future Eternian and Earth relations?"

"I can go, "said Althea with a confused look, "but why would you want me there? I may have worked for the Earth Alliance on a few digs, but I'm no one 'important'."

Steve leaned forwarded and put his hands together on the table. Looking straight into his niece's eyes he said, "Now you are. You are the closest thing Earth has to an expert on magic and as soon as we get back to Earth, I'm filling out the paperwork to officially make you part of my research team. "

"I'm Earth's expert, "said Althea, "That's not good. I'm barely learning how to use my own magic and there are plenty of people who knows way more about old magics."

"They know what was believed to be magic. You are the only one who is able to determine what is real magic and has a clue on what to do with it, "said Steve. He then sighed, "I hate to say it, but that makes you a very valuable resource. I'm proud of what you are doing, but it makes you a tool and a target. I rather have you working for me; at least I take care of my tools."

"Oookay, "said Althea, "And you want me at the meeting, whyyyy?"

"I want you there in case there are questions about magic, "said Steve. He then shrugged and added, "Plus you already have a friendly relationship with the royal family. They trust you."

"So long as I don't have to abuse that trust, "said Althea with a shrug, "I'll go."

Steve got an evil look on his face and then said, "Good. Before we go, I thing it might be a good idea to bring you up to date on what's going on back home."

(Later that day, Conference Room)

Around the large table sat Man at Arms, Prince Adam, Captain Marshall and Althea Strom. Two places at the head of the table were empty. Everyone that was waiting was looking over some folders to try to get the heads up on what was going to be said.

The doors opened and seeing the King with the Queen enter, everyone around the table stood up. The King and Queen made their way to their places. The King pulled out the seat for the Queen and after she was seated, he sat down himself as a signal for the others to sit.

"As you know, this is to an informal meeting between representatives of Earth and Eternia to discuss the current status of the Horde as it applies to both worlds, "said the King as everyone in the room nodded in agreement, "Prince Adam is here since he is the one here that is most familiar with the status of the Horde on Etheria. Duncan, if you would be so kind to begin."

"Thank you, your Majesty, "Man at Arms said as he pressed a button to bring up a hologram image of an old foe, "This is Hordak. He led the invasion of Eternia about twenty years ago. When that failed, he and his then student, Skeletor, kidnapped the then infant Princess Adora. When Adam was recently able to rescue his sister and bring her back to Eternia, Hordak followed and attempted to reclaim her with the help of his former apprentice. Fortunately for us, they hate each other and this attempted failed. More details about the invasion can be found in the folder marked 'Eternia.' Captain Marshall?"

Steve Marshall nodded and pressed a button. The hologram changed from Hordak to Lord Devon. "Our information of who actually lead the original invasion of Earth is limited, but the one in charge of the Horde's current actions seems to be Lord Devon. Our best guess is that the previous leader lost his place after it proven that taking Earth using his methods turned out too costly. Lord Devon seems to be greatly interested in the recently activated magical artifacts found scattered across our planet and in secretly weakening our defenses as we attempt to build them up. This leads me to believe that there will be another invasion. What information I have with me and can share, can be found in the 'Earth' folder."

Adam cleared his throat and then said, "As you heard from Man at Arms, Hordak was forced to leave Eternia. He later invaded and conquered Etheria. For years, they kept the Etherians controlled by fear and enslaving any who fought back. There are some areas that are left relatively untouched by the Horde thanks to the native magics. For example, the Whispering Woods which is now the home of the rebellion. My sister decided to remain on Etheria to help the rebellion with her knowledge of Horde tactics and since she's joined up they actually have had a few victories, including the liberation of the Kingdom of Brightmoon."

Marshall spoke up to ask, "Would your sister being willing to provide Earth with a little of that intell?"

"I can ask. I don't think she'll mind but to be honest what she knows is what the Horde does when it is already in control of planet and plans to keep it that way, "replied Adam and then continued, "When I was there I did notice that even though the Horde does have its own powerful magic users, Etherian magic seem to be, not more powerful but have a stronger base…I'm not sure if that's the correct word either."

"Magics native to the world will have stronger roots in that world than imported magics, "volunteered Althea, "Basically this means they are more durable when used on home turf, but you may want to verify this with someone with more experience. This could be one of the reasons what little Earth magics we have figured out how to use was so effective."

King Randor then prompted, "Anything else you wish to add, son?"

"It seems that although the Horde has control over multiple worlds, their resources are always limited. Even Hordak only has so many troops, vehicles and weapons. He has to depend on the resources he digs up on Etheria to keep functioning as well as send a good portion of it to the Horde Home World. So my guess is that the more worlds that fight back, the more resources they'll need but the fewer resources they'll end up acquiring. However, this is only from what I've seen on Etheria."

"If they use the same tactics they tried to use on Earth, it would make sense. Even if they did conquer a planet, it would be expensive and many of the resources you would hoping to get might be lost or destroyed, "said Marshall, "You'll find in the notes I included, the Horde Home World is believed to be completely stripped of its natural resources and was one of the reasons why they started the taking over of worlds."

"So it might be possible to 'starve' them of resources if enough planets fight back or rebel, "mused Man at Arms. He shook his head, "This would be way beyond anything we can do. Even if Earth, Eternia and Etheria all joined forces it wouldn't be enough."

Althea had a faraway look for a few moments and then said, "No, but we can lead by example. If enough worlds find out about Earth, Eternia and Etheria fighting back and winning…"

King Rando coughed and said, "That's well enough, but for more current concerns…"the king turned his attention to Captain Marshall, "How much authority have you been granted by your world's leaders?"

Marshall smiled, "Enough to suggest possible embassies to be built on both worlds and mention that the Earth Military Alliance is interested in a possible mutual protection treaty but not enough to actually start the talks on one or even give a hint on actually what else Earth might want." He then gave his niece a mischievous look.

"Since I'm not yet officially part of the Military Alliance, I can freely mention some 'gossip' I've heard, "said Althea leaning back and crossing her arms, "Earth basically wants someone to watch its back long enough for us to finish up the repairs from the invasion and build up almost from scratch a true planetary defense. Most of our weapons are designed to fight each other on Earth, not an invader from space. If a reliable means of transport between the two worlds can be developed, then definite trade treaties in the future. If fear of the Horde doesn't impress the general public to support a treaty, money and job making possibilities will."

Randor actually snorted at that last comment and then said, "Then it might be a good idea to send someone to Earth that is familiar with the Horde and has the authority to lay down policy. Hmmm…Actually, I think Adam would be perfect for the job."

"What?!" Adam exclaimed, almost breaking his neck turning to look at his father," Me?"

Man at Arms also spoke up, "Your Majesty, until we can…"

"Actually, "said the king, ignoring his son and friend, "The more I think about it, more I believe Adam is almost perfect for the job. Even though he is young, he does have a talent for and experience with diplomacy. Plus, as the prince he has all and more of the authority to make decisions in my name. Then it is final, if Captain Marshall agrees, Prince Adam will go to Earth."

"My love, "said the Queen, "Shouldn't I go instead? Since I'm from Earth, I would be more familiar…"

The king took Marlena's hand and said, "That's the reason why you shouldn't go. They might try to play on your dual loyalties and have you promise more than we can offer."

(Later, Man at Arm's Lab)

Adam sat at with his face flat on one of the work tables, with Althea sitting next to him patting his back. Muffled but easily heard, he said, "How do I get myself into these messes."

"It might not be that bad, "said Man at Arms not sounding convinced, "You have left Eternia before."

Adam sat up to reply, "But only for a few days at a time and this could take months, if not longer. We can't expect Skeletor to remain quiet for that long, especially if He-Man doesn't show up for a few emergencies in a row."

Sighing, Man at Arms crossed his arms and said, "If only that portal wasn't destroyed."

"Couldn't a new portal be created?" said Althea guiltily," I know its way beyond my skills, but what about the Sorceress?"

"I don't think she can, "said Man at Arms, "When Queen Marlena first arrived, we asked the Sorceress if she could help Marlena return home."

"Lieutenant Marlena Glenn had to stay here so that a certain pair of heroes would be born, "Althea said flatly, "Now one of those heroes needs a portal to do his job."

"I'm not sure it's that simple…"

"Ask her, "said Althea, "Don't forget I don't see Prince Adam going to Earth without at least his bodyguard. If He-Man should show up on Earth without any obvious means or reason of being there…"

A thunk could be heard when Adam planted his face back onto the table and then with a loud sigh he said, "I'll talk to her…"

To be continued…