B14
Defenders of the Earth: This Is Their Side Story
By James
Chapter 14: Players and Pawns
"Veena Dark is bringing her father back." Kshin twitched a little as he uttered the words, turning to LJ, then back to the screen.
LJ froze, eyeing Kshin, hoping that his friend was mistaken on this. When he'd heard that Damian was killed in battle, he'd felt an incredible sense of relief. Ming was dethroned. Astra was gone. The team had been making some progress here.
Veena was planning to hinder that — according to what Kshin had learned. "How do you know?" LJ asked.
"We just got a call. Straight out of Egypt. Veena was spotted near Nairoon Temple, the place with the secrets of necromancy."
LJ didn't know much about that spot. He wasn't surprised that Kshin did, though. The kid had a passion for Mandrake's books; he'd learned these legends pretty well by now. "The temple has secrets?" LJ muttered.
"Writings on the walls, deep underground, stuff about how to bring the dead to life. Anyone can enter and gain the knowledge, but not everyone has the power to use it." Kshin squirmed a bit. "Veena does."
LJ moaned, touching his waist, gripping the weapon fastened at his side. "I've got to fly there."
"All by yourself? Your dad will be back half an hour from now."
He could use Lothar's leadership — but didn't really think it was best to delay. "No time to wait. I'm stopping her." He pulled his coat off and began to move.
"Hold on," Kshin stated, naturally. "I'm coming too."
LJ sat the cruiser right in front of the temple — a gold dome protected by a sprawling gate.
Kshin had his eyes on a handheld scanner. "I'm seeing some serious energy. Veena's in there. I'm sure of it."
LJ had an even worse feeling now. He should have known better than to rush out here. Was he really ready for a clash like this — ready for someone of Veena's skill? He eyed his companion, then took a deep breath. "You stay put." That seemed for the best. He would be blamed if Kshin got hurt.
"I didn't fly here just to sit in the jet."
He studied the boy with more apprehension.
"What if she sneaks out while you're in there? I'm safest with you," Kshin insisted.
LJ frowned. No time to fight. "You stick to my side," he said sternly. He hopped from the jet. Kshin did too.
The scanner had a small flashlight built in. It brightened their way as they cut through the dark. After they'd walked for around five minutes, LJ saw Kshin make a curious face.
"The energy reading is fading now," Kshin declared as he studied the screen.
LJ looked. What did that mean?
"It just dropped again. It's really low."
"Is Veena getting weaker?" LJ wondered.
Kshin paused a second. "I wouldn't say 'weaker.' It seems she's leaving. I..."
A little rumble cut through the air — a distant sound, coming from outside. The sound of their jet lifting into the clouds. There was no mistaking that familiar noise. Someone was stealing their vehicle.
LJ faced Kshin in astonishment. Kshin looked absolutely smitten too. Both of them ran to the surface again.
When they got out, they looked to the sky. The sleek blue jet was departing the grounds, its thrusters glowing with a twinkling flame. It faded until it was out of view.
LJ stared. What in the world? Who exactly had ambushed them? He doubted that Veena had taken the jet. Word was that Veena could teleport.
"There!" Kshin grabbed his arm for a second, drawing his attention to a nearby cliff.
LJ flinched, then took a step back.
Veena stood staring as her cape swung about. Did she recognize LJ and Kshin? She didn't look surprised by their presence at all.
Moments later, she disappeared. This confirmed that she could teleport.
"I think she was setting us up from the start," LJ said as he mulled it through. A pilot had arrived, and stolen their jet, right in the midst of an operation. Was the theft merely coincidence — or was there an actual plot in play? "Someone was waiting for us to go in, waiting so that they could steal our ride. Veena was probably working with them."
Kshin made a squint. "She wants you and me to be stranded here?"
"Nah," he murmured. "She didn't even know who was going to show. It's not about us, or other Defenders. Someone just wanted a Defender ship." A ship that could fly far across the Earth, and even way up into outer space. It was a valuable vehicle.
"But who would take it?" Kshin inquired.
"I don't know," LJ said.
The Imperial Palace of Mongo
Castra wrapped her arms around Hadea and Sheila, both of whom were ready to return to Earth. "Have a good trip," she said as she faced them.
Each of her sisters studied her with warmth.
"And when you get back- -"
"Highness!" A guard had charged into the room. "Everybody down!"
Castra froze, stricken with awe. "What on Mongo..."
The man rushed up and pulled her to a crouch, wrapping his arms right around her frame. "Princess Sheila, Princess Hadea, please take cover! We're being attacked!"
Hadea and Sheila eyed each other in shock, then they both slipped underneath the bed.
"Our shields are up!" the guard relayed. Castra knew he still had to cover her. It was dictated by protocol.
Her gaze darted over to a monitor, one with a view of a scene outside. A fast blue jet was approaching the palace. It launched a couple missiles at the building's roof — both of which screamed as they shot through the sky.
The missiles were stopped by a clear force-field. A raucous explosion sent a wave through the room. Castra shook. The others did too.
Heavy cannon fire flew up from the building, all of it aimed at the bright blue craft.
The jet turned around, flying away, barely avoiding the barrage of shots.
The guard helped Castra back onto her feet.
Then a robed noble ran into the room. "Highness..." The man dropped onto his knees. "That vehicle belonged to the Defenders of the Earth."
Thirty minutes later, Castra had a call with three leaders from Earth. "Mr. President," she uttered sternly, eyeing the screen as she sat on her throne. "I need an explanation. I need it now."
"I can assure you..." the American said, wiping his brow quite nervously, red and white stripes hanging close at his rear, "Earth has not declared a new war on your planet."
The leader of China made a series of nods. "We want nothing more than to maintain peace." She spoke in Chinese, which Cas understood.
The African president cupped his hands on his chin. "The Defenders are swearing that the craft was stolen. I understand that you and Flash Gordon are friends..."
Indeed they were. She knew Flash well. She wasn't as familiar with the others, though. A few weeks back, her scouts relayed, a couple of Defenders had targeted Beta. They had been thwarted by Amy O'Connor.
Maybe those boys were behind the attack. Maybe Amy hadn't stopped them this time.
In any event, Castra couldn't let another strike occur. "Honored leaders..." Castra stood. "Until we've discerned who was in that craft, I'm banning all travel between our worlds. No one from Mongo shall journey to Earth, and no one from Earth is to journey here. Should anyone violate this rule, it will be considered an aggressive act — which will result in conflict again."
The humans looked shaken.
"That will be all." Castra pressed a button and the screen went black.
Sheila walked up to the throne with Hadea. "Cas..." she whispered, "what are you saying? Me and Hadea have to stay here now?"
Castra stared a moment, then looked aside. "I can't make exceptions. Not even for you." Her heart sank a little as the words slipped out. This reminded her of her childhood. She'd had several fantasies of ruling the world, but found that reality wasn't as fun. Being a leader was difficult. It often meant desire had to clash with duty. She didn't like the thought of confining her sisters. She knew that they both had lives on Earth.
"It's worldwide news," Sheila relayed, talking to Flash on a video call. "It's dominating every single channel here." All of them relayed the now-famous sight: the big gray missiles blowing up on the roof. It'd only been hours since the pilot had fled, yet half the planet knew that the palace was struck. That was what it seemed like anyway.
"Same on Earth," Flash revealed. "People dread that Mongo will retaliate."
Sheila hoped it wasn't going to come to that. Turning aside, she overheard another television report: "Despite Earth's claims to the contrary, there's evidence that a Defender attacked. Weeks ago, a couple of them targeted Beta Four. They were both countered by Amy O'Connor, the girl whose fame is beginning to grow."
She faced Flash again. "So LJ and Kshin never spotted the pilot?"
"Never got a glimpse. Too deep in the temple."
"How are they doing?"
"They're both fine now."
Sheila was relieved. "And Veena wasn't really trying to bring Dark back? That was a ruse, to lure LJ, in order for her partner to steal the jet."
"Looks that way. But just in case, we're keeping our attention on Damian's grave. If Veena goes there with her little black spells, we're going to be ready to- -"
"Dad!" Rick hurried into the room. "We've found Veena Dark!"
Flash stood up. "She's at Dark's grave?"
"No..." He paused, looking rather pale. "She's at Mom's grave."
Flash appeared stiff — frozen in place.
Sheila felt a chill running through her frame.
Rick shook a little. What did he feel? "I think that Veena's going to bring Mom back."
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Chapters
Volume I
As the New Rebellion rages across Mongo and Earth, Jedda and Krotan unite against Ming — and find themselves pursued by one of his ships.
2: Mongo Is Burning — Part 1
Desperate to end the battles, Krotan and Jedda, who have fallen in love, agree to a politically driven wedding — which Rick opposes.
3: Mongo Is Burning — Part 2
Despite growing opposition to the wedding, Jedda and Krotan remain firm in their decision.
Rick observes Amy venting, then ends up on a wild ride.
Amy visits her ailing foster mother, only to realize that she's fallen into a trap.
Rick and Amy take May to the Netherworld, where an invasion has begun.
Against the wishes of Rick and others, Amy makes a bargain with Damian Dark.
While the Defenders scramble to catch up with Amy, another battle occurs in the Netherworld.
Volume II
Flash sets out to free Ming, who has vital information regarding an impending attack.
Lothar and April move to counter an assassination attempt.
The team hurries to prevent LJ and Rick from carrying out an assault on another planet.
The Royal Five converge to counter a group of outlaws who've abducted Castra's husband.
Despite Castra's objections, Hadea grows tempted to remain on Mongo and take over as queen.
Kshin and LJ suspect that Veena is planning to bring her father back.
The Gordons arrive at Dale's grave.
Castra and her relatives vie for the position of queen on Mongo.
Volume III
Dale reveals the identity of her first child.
Veena uses her powers to help others.
Flash gets a startling surprise while chasing Ming.
20: The Princess Makes Her Move
In Dimension K, Ming weds his ambitious stepdaughter Hadea.
A visitor arrives from Dimension Y, intent on taking Dale back with her.
Duffy attempts to bond with Dale, who learns of a portal to another dimension.
After arriving on Earth K, the duo find themselves captured by Queen Hadea, who tasks Dale with a mission.
Now a mother of four, Dale attempts to help ease tensions between April and Duffy.
Rick learns that Duffy might have another special ability.
Volume IV
After using her seer to avert a grim future, the Hadea of Earth K believes herself unbeatable.
April receives a visit from her aunt, Commander Abigail Gordon, who seeks her help on a mission.
Amy confronts her mother Cathleen, who is attempting to conquer Earth P.
On Earth C, Agent Kristina Graf seeks members for a new defense team.
April and Duffy are approached by Kent Madden's daughter Clare, who claims to need their help.
Sheila reflects on her choices.
32: Parental Guidance Required
Duffy develops an unexpected bond.
The Defenders are challenged inside Monitor.
In response to the recent assault, Abby and Dale take action against Madden.
Duffy begins acclimating to life on Earth B.
Krotan receives comfort from Jedda in the midst of a new matter.
Amy seeks to help an old friend.
Hadea and Jedda bond on Earth H in the series finale.
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