B27
Defenders of the Earth: This Is Their Side Story
By James
Chapter 27: Easier
Earth B
"We going to discuss this at some point, A?" LJ was staring with his signature smirk. He clearly knew something was bothering her. His arms were folded on his muscular chest — which looked quite toned underneath the shirt.
"Nothing to discuss," April replied, pulling the zipper of her stuffed suitcase.
The grin disappeared. He lowered his hands. "Why are you moving away?" he asked. It seemed he had just switched to serious mode.
"I told you already..." She studied her clothes. "With you and Kate getting back together again, she probably won't want another girl in here."
"She knows that we're friends!" he said with a laugh. "It's not a big deal."
It actually was. At least to her. She couldn't be around when he and Kate made out. "Listen. I- -"
A little knock came on the living-room door. She could hear it faintly from her spot at the bed.
She glanced at him, then left the room, brushing a hand on his chest as she passed — even though he wasn't really blocking the way.
Her steps became slower as she moved toward the door. "Who is it?" she asked. A safe thing to do — especially for members of a team like theirs.
"Gold Cadet Gordon," a stern woman called. "We need to have a very important discussion."
April paused, eyeing the knob, knowing who was standing on the opposite side. She hadn't seen this person since her days in space.
She took a step forward and pulled on the door.
Her aunt stood waiting in a military suit, numerous stripes decorating the coat, short blonde hair underneath her beret.
"Aunt Abby," she uttered, straightening herself, wanting to ensure that she looked composed.
Abigail smiled — but just for a second. She wore the bold look that April knew so well. This obviously wasn't a social call.
LJ appeared at April's side.
'LJ..." she managed, clearing her throat. "This is my aunt. Abigail."
"Abigail Gordon?" he said in awe. It certainly seemed he had heard of her.
April made a nod. "Sara's mom. New head of Fort Beal..." She spoke with pride. "And the woman who trained me while I was in space."
Abigail nodded while eyeing him, then shifted her gaze back to April's face. "We need to discuss Jedda Walker's visit. She'll be on the planet two hours from now."
April made a squint, growing confused. She'd known that Queen Jedda was visiting Earth — there was a treaty Jedda needed to sign — but what did that conference have to do with her? She moved to the side. "Come in and sit down."
"I'm going to stand. So will you. We haven't the time to get comfortable."
April held still, then folded her arms. "Why don't you tell me what this is about?"
"Humans have been living on Mongo for years. One of us is even a ruler there. Jedda wants Mongoians to live here too. She thinks it's a step toward maintaining peace."
April had heard all about that plan. She wasn't so sure she agreed with it. While she didn't bear any prejudice, not everyone was as tolerant.
"We've learned that the Sky Band opposes this," Abigail said, her brow lowering.
LJ nodded. "I figured so."
April glanced between them. "I don't understand."
"Pirates profit in a time of strife," Abigail said. "The Band scored big when we fought Mongo. They watched from the side while the squadrons clashed, then raided the busted-up battleships. The Sky Band hopes that we'll fight again. Peace isn't good for their business at all."
April sighed. "And Jedda's whole purpose is to foster peace."
Abigail stiffened. "We caught a Band member and broke her today. Two of her partners are still in town. They'll try to kill Jedda when she meets the mayor." She narrowed her eyes. "I heard about your mission in the Bandar's village. I'm very proud of what you achieved out there. Now I want you to take a spot on my team. I want you to help stop the Band attack."
April took her place on the roof of a building, her eyes on the thousands of people below. All of them were gathered in front of a stage. It was much wider than the one in the village.
Several guards in blue had the area covered. Two were fiddling with their earpieces.
She knelt by the ledge with a black briefcase, moving her own ear device in place.
"Gold Cadet Gordon?" Abigail called, speaking from a truck April couldn't locate. She noted the title her aunt had used. Abby hadn't said the name 'April' for years.
"Standing by, leader," April replied.
"Assemble your weapon."
She opened the tote and found a rifle within. It was split up into five gray parts.
April assembled it in sixteen seconds — two seconds longer than her usual time. She'd been out of practice since leaving space.
She paused while holding the rifle close. A vision of Astra fluttered into her head.
Closing her eyes, then opening them, she sprawled on her stomach and lifted the gun, looking through the scope as she studied the crowd.
"Field report, Bob," Abigail said, speaking to another member of their team. April noted that she'd used the man's first name.
A rouse of applause rose down below.
April eyed the stage. Jedda was there — donned in a sparkling dress and crown. Naturally, her fame had grown. People all over the world were proud.
The mayor walked up soon afterward. He wasn't getting cheered quite as loudly as Jedda.
"10 o'clock, Gordon!" a male voice said. One of her teammates was alerting her.
April looked out toward the crowd again. Two Band members were approaching the stage; she'd seen profiles on the van ride here.
"I can't hit the targets from my current position!" the man relayed. "It's up to you."
April breathed, calming herself.
"Gold Cadet Gordon," Abigail said. "Confirm visual."
"I see them both," April replied. "Kristina Graf. Vivienne Black."
Astra appeared in her head again. Thick blood trickled along her face. The woman started speaking to her this time. Kill them, girl, like you killed me.
April flinched, beginning to shake. Everything was telling her to run away — to let another agent take over for her.
She wouldn't move her gaze from the targets, though.
"I'm sending police to arrest them both," Abigail said.
"Too late for that," April relayed. "They're drawing their guns." She noticed that her voice was colder now.
Each of the women had weapons out.
April concentrated as she watched them both. If she was going to act, she had to act now.
No one in the crowd seemed to notice the women. Everyone was focused on the elegant queen.
Vivienne Black wore a hardened stare. She pointed her weapon at Jedda's chest.
April fired. The shot hit Black. It made no sound as it struck her head, blood gushing into her raven mane.
Vivienne fell with a look of shock.
April recoiled, but didn't lose focus.
Graf swung about with surprise on her face. She dropped into a crouch, ducking for cover.
April locked her sights on the blonde woman now. Her finger held steady on the small, hard trigger...
Several police swarmed about on the grounds, each of them aiming their guns at Kristina. She lifted her hands, surrendering.
April stared a moment, then put the gun down.
The sofa was soft, but she hardly cared. Her stare was pinned on her interlocked hands. "The last time I did it..." April paused. "I felt remorse. I felt pain. I locked myself in my room all day... This time, though..." She shook her head.
Sheila was quiet in the spot at her side.
"It's getting easier to take a criminal's life — a little easier than I want it to be."
Sheila ran a hand over April's locks.
April grew quiet. She took a slow breath.
"Come here," Sheila whispered. She pulled April close.
April leaned down in the woman's embrace. "I'm worried," she said, letting it slip. "I'm worried that the killing will change who I am."
Sheila pressed her head onto April's own. "I won't let that happen," she uttered to her. "I promise I won't."
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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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