B25
Defenders of the Earth: This Is Their Side Story
By James
Chapter 25: The Gatemaster
Earth B
"There's something about her," Rick declared, watching the computer with his mother and sis. "Duffy appears to be kind of unique."
"What do you mean?" his mom inquired.
Rick had monitored the dimensions for days — which was as hard as he'd figured it'd be. Viewing other planets was tricky enough. Viewing other planes almost couldn't be done. No technology was really up to the task. He hadn't learned much, but he'd learned enough. "There are other Aprils, and multiple Ricks. Most of us have several twins out there." The very thought of that made him quiver a bit. "I've only found a couple of Duffys, though: the girl we know...and one other kid. The other Duffy didn't take vengeance on Ming. Our Duffy did."
April squirmed a little. "She's not 'our' Duffy."
Rick eyed the screen. "In any event..." He took a deep breath. "I think that one of them is the Gatemaster."
"The what?" she asked.
Rick had never cared much for prophesies, but recent events made him open his mind. "I've read about a legend in the past few days. There's a certain person who's one of a kind, a person with a power that's unique to them. They only have one other counterpart — only one twin across realities. But that twin doesn't have the same power level."
April leaned forth, looking intrigued. "What kind of power are we talking about?"
"Personal portals," Rick replied. "A power to observe and to visit dimensions, without the use of technology. A power to sense other 'family members,' like the other Gordons on the other worlds. Besides all that, her telepathy would be way off the scales."
April frowned a tad. "Didn't Graviton have a power like that?"
"From what I saw," Rick recalled, "he wasn't on the level of the Gatemaster." Graviton could travel and monitor, but he didn't possess great telepathy. And he couldn't flee from Oblivion.
His mom eyed the picture of Duffy on-screen. "She hasn't demonstrated any powers like this."
"Maybe not yet," Rick remarked. "It could be that the power needs time to awaken."
She stroked her temple. "Perhaps the power's working subconsciously. She sensed I was back before she tracked me down. Then their technology confirmed it for her."
"She's got a twin, right?" April chimed in. "You said there's another Duffy Gordon out there. Assuming this 'Gatemaster' stuff is correct, maybe it's the other girl who has these powers."
"Has what powers?" a faint voice said.
Rick turned around.
Duffy was standing at the chamber's door. "What's going on?" she asked meekly.
He cleared his throat. "Nothing," he said. He glanced at April, and gave her a nod.
She paused a moment, then touched his shoulder. It seemed she understood what was on his mind. He felt it was best to keep all of this secret, at least for the time being anyway. He didn't want Duffy to feel overwhelmed.
His mother wore a look of empathy as well. She walked to Duffy and took her hands. "Let's go and watch that film that we talked about."
Duffy flashed a grin. The movies on her world were different, she said. She was curious about many things here.
Rick eyed the door. "If she's the Gatemaster — or the other Duffy is — then that kind of power could do great things." With someone like Duffy working at their side, they could interact with all the other Defenders, helping each other, and sharing tech. That sort of work could benefit the world. It could benefit almost every world — with Duffy serving as the key to all of it.
Assuming that she used the power well, of course.
April made a nod. "And she could see her father anytime she wants."
Rick wasn't sure it'd be quite that simple. According to what he'd discovered so far, the Gatemaster's powers were limited — or they would be when she first gained them.
Then he paused to wonder what April had meant. "You want her to leave?"
"Not really," she muttered. "I'm starting to like what I see in her. That's why I'm hoping that things work out."
"They will." Rick grinned, rising himself. "I believe that they will."
Volume III — End
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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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