It always looks so fun, running around in flashy costumes looking for wrongs to right and evil to thwart. But like moms everywhere always say, it's all fun and games till someone loses an eye. Or a life. So many lives destroyed, it's hard to focus on just one. Except for Heather MacHudson. Those last few moments of glory fell apart quickly, but it was the loss of her father that made it clear the party was over. The Alpha Guard was the pride and joy of Canada's DOME (Department Of Metamutant Employment), proving they could hold their own in the super powers community. And Adam MacHudson was behind it from its inception. 
He was possibly the greatest hero Canada's ever produced. Ever since he found the alien Omega Guard battleship in the Northwest Territory 40 years ago, when he accidentally summoned the powerful Zeta-Beam Bill. 
Together, and with the help of others such as Captain 3-D, the Crime-Smasher, Congorilla-Man, Captain Marvel Boy Jr, Dolphora, and the Comet, they defended Canada, the Earth, and the entire galaxy against threats most people would never know about. These Forgotten Champions paved the way for later heroes such as the Challengers of the Fantastic and the Judgment League: Avengers. Adam himself received a special battlesuit from the noble Nova Primus, ruler of Ranndar. 

 But that was 1956, and this is 1997, and Adam didn't die a legend; he was called a terrorist and his name was publicly dishonored forever. 
Heather and Jacques Boches, aka Jack-In-The-Box, found evidence that her father did not betray his country as the madman Master Mist, that he was being manipulated be preternatural means in the final battle that spelled the dissolution of the Alpha Guard. But since Heather was so close to her father, and Jacques built his power armor from schematics based on Adam's alien equipment, DOME considered the 'circumstantial evidence' they uncovered to be from too subjective a source to be taken at face value. Heather personally doubts the report was even read. 

 When the Alpha Guard was forced to attack Adam MacHudson morale became so bad that even if DOME hadn't cut out all team funding they would have disbanded. Only the newest recruits remained on retainer; everyone else went their own way. Imp went to Africa to discover the secrets of his super-human speed. Snow Maiden went back to her people, a race of demigods descendant from the New Asgods dwelling in their North American sanctuary New Vanaheim. Tuatalisman moved back to the reservation she came from. Rising Star and Seraphim disappeared; given Sara's schizophrenic tendencies they could have gone anywhere. Even Jacques left; long considered a weak copy of Iron Lantern he none-the-less proved his worth as Jack-In-The-Box when he joined Dr Strangefate's Primal Defenders and assisted during the so-called Final Onslaught disaster last year. And poor little Merinna lies comatose in a secret DOME facility dedicated solely to keeping her alive until department bureaucracy can decide what to do with her. 

 Leaving Heather MacHudson, DOME liaison to a nonexistent elite fighting force. She really didn't have many options open to her. Bruce Wayne had asked her if she was interested in working for SHIELD (Supreme Headquarters International Espionage Law-enforcement Division), and she received a call from Valerie Waller regarding Suicide Force, but she doubted if Canada would let her leave, much less join America's intelligence community. The only offer she took seriously was from Prof Richards at the Cadmus DNA Project, but unfortunately she is not quite the geneticist her father is. Was. 

 Which brings her to the message at hand. She and other former Guards were being reactivated. That's it. No asking, no choices, just "You have been reactivated. Report to DOME HQ in 6 days." She wondered if everyone got the same message, or if they only treated her that way. Well, she would have a surprise or two for DOME this time around. She might have been pulled into obligated service, but she would be working on her own terms now. She hoped. 

 Imp showed up on her doorstep the day before they were to check in. 
"They got you too, eh?" 

 "Of course," she replies, "DOME is my life, right? But I’m rather surprised they got a hold of you so easily." 

 "I'd been staying in Wakanda mostly, helping fight off the occasional raids from Gorillagrad. Bronze Tiger got a report that the NKVDynamo was seen nearby, so we were gearing up for them to attack with Russian support. Then word came down that I was to report tomorrow, so here I am." 

 "Russians? I thought NKVDynamo was considered a rogue agent now." 

 "Sure, but so are the People's Bogatyri, the Crimson Rocket Brigade, and over half the former Soviet military. It's anybody's money as to where their allegiances lie these days." Imp keeps talking while he looks around the house. "I like what you've done with the place. I'm sure Adam would be glad to know his little girl was using the living room for a work shop. You convert the bedroom into a garage, too?" 

 "Funny, little man. I've been busy since the rest of you abandoned me." 

 "It wasn't like that and you know it. After the Wild Shaman confirmed I had no demonic presence locked up inside me, I had to know who and what I really am." 

 "I know and I'm sorry. So what did you find out?" 

 "Nothing. Although I did discover a mutant strain of mongoose. I'm no scientist, but if a particularly strong one bit a pregnant woman, why couldn't it bestow incredible speed on the baby?" 

 "A bit far-fetched, but no more so than daddy's experiments. Did you manage to send a specimen to the lab?" 

 "DOME? No. I caught a pregnant female, but I took it to AIM-STAR Labs in Wundagorr. No word back from them yet, but security's been pretty tight there since the Ultra-Evolutionary and Per Megaton started the Millennium War. But why don't we talk about what's on both our minds; what kind of emergency got DOME fired up enough to reactivate the Guard?" 

 "How do you know it’s an emergency? Maybe they're just playing hardball." 

 "Or maybe this is the first step towards the Canadian version of the Armageddon Agenda." Imp pauses to pop open a longneck. "But I don't think so. Didn't you notice the urgency in the summons? Something's happening, and they want to be ready." Another pause and the beer disappears. "Looks like you're geting ready for something, too. What IS this?" 

 "My father's Ranndarian enviro-suit. I modified it a little for my personal use." 

 "It looks like something out of a Flash Rogers movie serial. Do you know how to use it?" 

 "I've been working on this a lot since Alpha Guard dissolved. I found most of the suit's functions described in my father's journals." 

 "Tired of sitting on the sidelines, eh? It's not like DOME will give you much choice in your assignment." 

 "DOME's not getting a choice this time. If Canada needs heroes I'm ready to serve with pride, and honor the memory of Adam MacHudson." She allows herself a small smile while holding up the costume. "And if DOME doesn’t like it they can kiss my afterburners." 
 
 

 At exactly 0600 Heather and Imp report for duty at the DOME complex in Mount Logan in the Yukon Territory.  The Logan facility is a true technological marvel, rivaling Fantastic Mountain or the JLA mansion. 
After being ushered into the assembly hall Heather immediately recognizes Walter Dawkins, the Canadian Devil, a huge gray hulking monster of a man who embodies the legendary Bigfoot to a tee.  She runs over and gives the hairy brute a hug. 

 “It’s good to see you again Heather,” he says in a voice that betrays his gentle nature.  “That outfit’s new, right?  Trying to fill Adam’s shoes?” 

 “More like vindicate him.  It’s good to see you, too.  I thought Snow Maiden would be with you.  Pressing Asgod business keep her away?” 

 "Snow Maiden’s dead, killed by the Great Beasts from whom I descend. 
Most of her people died in attacks instigated by the resurrected Overloki and General Steppenwolf Fenris, who called for all sons of Apokalips to reclaim their heritage.  Despite our best efforts New Vanaheim was taken and destroyed." 

 "I'm so sorry.  Does Passion know?"  Passion and Snow Maiden had become very close during their time in Alpha Guard.  As one of the later recruits, Passion remained with DOME during the four years of inactivity, probably because they were afraid she would return to the Brazilian Secret Service.  Her obvious liabilities of having green hair and purple skin was more than countered by the ability to dominate the opposite sex.  Despite this background, she came off as being rather insecure when she accepted DOME’s offer to join, and nervous about working with other paranormals.  Snow Maiden took her under her wing, and they were best friends ever since. 

 “I told her as soon as I could.  She took it pretty hard.  I noticed she isn’t here; makes me wonder if they even wanted her for this.”  A quick look around shows who did return; Rising Star, minus sister Seraphim; Silverlord, an Asian hero who had left DOME under bad terms some time ago; Madison Wakefield, a metamutant whose psychic third eye gives him insight to technology hundreds of years in the future and then allows him to create it by transmuting current-day devices; plus Imp, the Canadian Devil, and herself.  And there are two newcomers Heather’s never seen before; they identify themselves to her as Flexmaster and Olympius. 

 DOME director Herbert Carstairs finally enters and announces himself. 
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for coming.  I know this was rather curt and abrupt, and I apologize for that.  But I think you’ll all agree it was worth your time to come.”  He looked right past Heather while he was talking, probably didn’t even recognize her.  Which wouldn’t bother her so much if they hadn’t dated for two years some time ago.  When she was just the director’s daughter and he was an ambitious tech in the Weapon Omega division.  “A lot of you must be wondering why I asked you all here.”  Like any of them were ‘asked.’  “It must be obvious by now that we have assembled a new Alpha Guard, and all of you are invited to be a part of it, after some preliminary qualifications are met.” Unbelievable; they were all ordered to report for this, and they might not even make the final cut! 

 Heather loses interest in the rest of the PR speech and takes the opportunity to talk to Imp, “So have you figured out what this is really about yet?” 

 “I narrowed it down to, ‘Drag Dark Claw back to Canada,’ or, ‘Capture the latest DOME experiment-gone-wrong before it eats any more civilians,’ no offense.” 

 “None taken.”  Heather knows that most of the experiment-gone-wrong reputation DOME has is due to Adam.  His first task after helping turn DOME into a reality was to begin a genetics research division that utilized a method of DNA recombining he called the Weapon Omega Effect. 
And with some of the biological samples he maintained from his adventures in space, some of the results were quite bizarre.  A number of creatures on the loose in the mid sixties were escapees from his labs.  In fact, none of the Weapon Omegas stuck around, even after the process was refined and tempered with predatory animal DNA from Earth. 
One of his most powerful specimens was the Omega Beast, a tentacled killer who fled Canada and eventually wound up in Russia as a freelance assassin.  Another, Cybane, was based on tissues from the techno-organic Kil*nx race and has dedicated his life who hunting down other Weapon Omega survivors, apparently as revenge against DOME.  Some of his later subjects turned out rather well, and DOME was able to organize them into a covert black ops contingent of expendables called Team Omega.  But the psychological trauma was never properly adjusted for, and even this third generation experiment failed in the end.  Wild Animal lost all touch with reality after emulating too many species; he was last reportedly incarcerated in the Vault in Belle Reve LA suffering from acute vertigo.  Dark Claw finally tempered his berserker spirit and joined the American JLA.  Hyena became a maniacal killer well known for his twisted methods of torturing victims.  Only Arctic Fox stuck around long enough to see DOME dismantle the Weapon Omega program and witness the birth of Task Force Alpha, forerunner of the Alpha Guard.  And even Fox eventually left, while on assignment in Siberia she joined an underground metamutant enclave called Soyuz Force.  It was this final betrayal that lost Adam the directorship of DOME. 

 “So what are you going to call yourself, Heather?”  I think there’s some kind of law says you can’t wear a flashy costume without a corny name to go with it.” 

 “Dad never used one when he wore the suit.  Besides, everything sounds so silly.  I thought about using Godiva, but that seemed too feminist.” 

 “Plus you would have dozens of teenage boys looking for you to ride a horse naked through Toronto, eh?” 

 “Like I said, they all sound pretty silly.  Guess I’ll have to be the Mighty Heather.” 

 The murmuring crowd quits down as the director opens the door next to him.  “...And so I present to you, direct from the Alpha Centuri system, a man who equals America’s Super-Soldier and England’s quantum powered Captain Albion; the one and only... Alpha Guardian!” 

 And with that kind of build-up it’s hard not to be impressed by the person who walks in, a man who looks 19 years old wearing the same outfit Heather has on.  “Looks like they already have a Mighty Heather,” Imp says jokingly, but he can see she is genuinely stunned and hurt by what she sees. 

 Heather just stands there seething in silent misery.  It has nothing to do with her own costume looking so similar; it’s that DOME would put her father’s uniform on some complete stranger.  Adam MacHudson earned that suit and wore it with pride on Earth and in the stars.  And they have the nerve to put it on their new savior after discrediting Adam the way they did.  And for THIS she came back to DOME after all the bad blood that has passed so far! 

 She fights off the nausea that this affront to her father’s memory generated, and determines herself to see this through.  She musters her courage and walks up to Alpha Guardian.  “Welcome to DOME, I’m Heather MacHudson and you’re an impostor.” 

 “What... do you mean by that, miss?”  Alpha Guardian looks perplexed, and even... worried? 

 “I mean you come strolling in here wearing MY father’s costume, one given to him by Nova Primus of Ranndar!  You have no lawful claim to his heritage, and I’ll thank you to take it off!” 

 “Now Heather, wait one...,”  the director calls out on his way over to put some space between the two opposing forces. 

 “No Herb, I’ll handle this.  Miss MacHudson, your father is not unknown to my people.  In fact it was his exploits that inspired me to leave the Alpha Centuri system and seek my destiny as an adventurer like him.  And like him I was given this honorific by the grateful planet of Ranndar for meritorious service above and beyond the call.  Adam was a great man and a fine warrior, and you do well to honor him.  But this uniform is mine.  DOME only added the maple leaf insignia, which I admit makes me look like some Captain Canucklehead, but I believe in respecting your symbols and traditions, just as I would hope you can respect mine.” 

 “Wow.  I’m sorry.  You’re right, I should have asked before attacking you like that.  What you said sounded so... (rehearsed?), well, it makes a lot of sense.  I hope this doesn’t give you the wrong impression about Canadians.” 

 “What, that most are distrusting and judgmental?  I found that out the day I met your DOME director.  I just assumed it was another quaint tradition I’d have to adjust to.”  Heather cannot help but grin.  Maybe she could learn to like this strange visitor from another planet.  And even she has to admit he fills out the suit nicely. 

 Herb Carstairs is not as enamored by Alpha Guardian’s comment, but obviously won’t confront his new golden boy in front of the others. 
Instead he turns to...”Heather!  I’m glad you’re here, but is it really appropriate for you to be wearing that?  You aren’t going in the field; you’re still our official liaison to the Canadian government.” 

 “Oh, don’t even start with me!!  You expect me to jump back into my old job after three weeks of no contact what-so-ever?” 

 “We paid you a stipend each...” 

 “I could have made more money working the drive-through at Pizza Bell!” 

 “But you DID come back today.” 

 “Only because my contract says I have to; you would have sent the mounted Gestapo after me if I didn’t!  Or more likely the Alpha Guardian!”  She turns away before anything more can be said; a very prudent choice. 

 Carstairs doesn’t take the hint.  “A lot of people feel enough loyalty to WANT to serve their country!” 

 That is enough to provoke her into making one final response, “Then why feel the need to force us into service?”  She opts not to give him the chance to retaliate.  She has to get out of there, go home, and get out of this silly costume that is now feeling awfully uncomfortable. 
 
 

 Imp nearly beats her back to the house in British Columbia.  “They asked me to bring you back.  We have ten days to take care of things and be ready for training.  Herb said you can wear the tights if you want to.” 

 “Why are you following DOME orders like this?  You’re as sick of all this as I am.  I know it’s not loyalty to a system that has failed you so many times before.” 

 “Of course not, Heather.  It’s not about DOME at all.  I came back for you.” 

 “Say again?” 

 “The sense of family we had; you, Adam, Snow Maiden, Merinna, Jacques, Walter, Sarah, even Jean-Paul.  We were close, not just a bunch of costumed crusaders.  Real friends.” 

 “So much has changed, though.  One-third of the people on this new team are complete strangers to me.” 

 “I know all that, but this is still the closest thing to a real home I’ve ever had.” 

 “And that’s why you left for Africa, with you’re ‘family’ still here?” 

 “That was different.  We were all going our separate ways.  As Imp I was part of something bigger than me, but as Impala Judd I’m just a runt who can’t fit in anywhere.” 

 “But that’s when I needed you most!  You were like an uncle to me, and when Adam died I really could have used some support.” 

 “I’m sorry.  I had to get away.  Adam’s death hurt me too.  It just wasn’t right anymore.”  Imp looks as if he wants to say but doesn’t. 
Instead he heads for the kitchen and starts a pot of coffee.  Then he says, changing the subject, “They said they don’t want you for liaison anymore.  You’re now the official communications expert for the team. 
Everyone was given very specific functions.  This Guard really emphasizes structure and organization.” 

 “Like a military unit.  This smells worse and worse every second.” 

 “You haven't heard the best part yet.  The first assignment Herb had for us was going to be the recovery of all DOME agents who did not respond to the summons.” 

 “I can’t believe it!  You WERE joking when you said that, right?” 

 “Afraid not.  He started the briefing by describing a covert strike on New Gotham.  Alpha Guardian talked him down, though.  He pointed out that any operatives forced into returning couldn’t be relied on in the field.  The director had to back down on that one.  I think I like this Guardian, he reminds me...” 

 “A lot of dad; yeah, I noticed that too.  Makes me suspicious though. 
Why should an alien from 4.5 light years away show up looking like a buffed-up version of dad in his prime, and start sounding like him? 
Especially since he claims to have never met him.” 

 “Nah, he just said he knew Mac by reputation; that doesn’t mean they didn’t meet before.  Besides, maybe a particular set of values is one of the standards they look for on Ranndar when they bestow ‘honorifics’.” 

 “And maybe it’s just another quaint tradition we have to adjust to.  It just doesn’t feel right.” 

 “Give him a chance, Heather.  He might turn DOME around on a lot of things.  And if you’re really going to wear that costume, you really need to come up with a call-sign.  Lady Godiva’s not so bad, after all.”  heather barely hears him finish under his breath, “I’d pay to watch you go bare-back riding.” 

 “Imp!” she cries, slinging a full mug of decaffeinated coffee at the back side of his head.  He raises his own empty cup fast enough to catch most of the scalding liquid, then dashes into the hall. 

 Heather agrees to let the Alpha Guardian prove himself one way or the other before giving up on him, and meets with the teem again two days later when a priority-one alert cuts short the promised ten days of leave offered to give members a chance to put their affairs in order. 
Imp was thoughtful enough to attach a concealed beeper to her costume without telling here. 

 Upon arrival Heather immediately asks what the emergency is.  Herb replies by playing a tape made hours ago of a SHIELD Early Bird surveillance satellite.  The tape shows a large vessel entering orbit around Earth and a powerful figure flying out of it who speaks directly to the satellite.  “People of Earth, we the Omega Guard of the Shi’karran Empire have detected the presence of a known intergalactic felon on your planet.  We currently believe the fugitive to be seeking refuge in your Dominion of Canada.  We will take the prisoner into custody in one Earth rotation, at which time any resistance will be met with swift and brutal retaliation.” 
 The screen suddenly goes white and Carstairs turns off the player. 
“After that he *punched* the satellite and destroyed it, presumably as a show of force.” 

 “Or maybe it was a macho thing,” Imp comments, “In any case I guess it’s obvious who their after.  Who did you tick off out there, Guardian?” 

 "Slow down Jean-Paul, Alpha Guardian has already assured us he never met any Omega Guard and is not wanted by any intergalactic law enforcement agencies.  That's good enough for DOME.  So what we need to do is determine what threat potential these aliens provide; if there IS an extraterrestrial criminal within Canada's borders, let's help them make the tag.  And if they are after Alpha Guardian, we'll meet them force for force.  I don't want to hear any talk of handing him over, I'd expect all of you to go the distance for any of your teammates." 

 "Rousing speech, chief.  But have you overlooked the fact that we AREN'T teammates yet?  Some of just met three days ago!  we haven't trained together once." 

 "Silverlord's right," Canadian Devil interrupts, "and besides, the JLX have tangled with these guys and they're heavy-hitters." 

 "Look,"adds Rising Star, "all eyes are on Canada right now.  The whole world is waiting to see what our next move is.  If the Omega Guard needs taking down, I want to be the one to do it.  Not JLAvengers, not JLExcelcior, not some metamutie self-gratification society.  Us.  Alpha Guard." 

 "Count me in on that," says a newcomer as he enters the room.  "We have to at least have the element of surprise, no one knows there is an Alpha Guard yet." 

 "Sunfirestorm, good to see you.  A bit of a surprise..." 

 "It's just Sunstorm now, Devil; Sunfirestorm just seemed too...portmanteau.  I know I didn't get an invitation, but I didn't think anyone would mind an extra set of hands." 

 "Especially when their attached to a pair of nuclear arms," comments Imp.  "I never knew you were in Canada. " 

 "It's not common knowledge, but I'm only half-Japanese.  I'm actually an amalgam of two people joined in an atomic fusion reactor explosion. 
My other self lives in Toronto.  I had to come when I found out Mr X refused to let the JLX act." 

 Carstairs welcomes Sunstorm to DOME.  "It's good to see you know where your loyalties lie.  Now let's get up there and kick some butt!" 

MEANWHILE, ON BOARD THE OMEGA GUARD BATTLESHIP... 

 "Was that really necessary, Gladiauron?"  Last I checked we weren't at war with the Terrans." 

 "The only thing they understand is power, Primus.  I was merely demonstrating that we are a superior force not to be trifled with." 

 Yes, I think you said that well enough when you destroyed their surveillance unit.  But you aren't Praetor anymore, I am.  And I believe a little discretion should be practiced next time we attempt to interact with the Earthlings." 

 "Nova Primus is right," Oracalista adds.  "We don't know for sure that they are purposely concealing her.  She may have assumed a human guise to meld into their society." 

 "But you have seen it in your visions!  And Min-Tar analyzed the most likely scenarios all include her allying herself with a local paranormal unit!" 

 Broosar speaks up, "I'm with Gladiauron on this.  I say we strike now, and fast!  Afterwards we can smooth things over, and they'll likely thank us for snaring the viper in their midst.  It's always easier to ask forgiveness than permission." 

 "Felicibah says we let the humans handle their own problems," the feline warrior says.  "Last time we fought New Blood for skrull and that was an error." 

 "That was a misunderstanding on our part, Felicibah.   Mr X holds no true legal status among the Shi’karran empire since his home world was destroyed and his species is extinct.  This matter is different.  As Praetor I am tasked with the apprehension of enemies of the state, and I believe a deposed dictator qualifies.  We handle this my way.  When Earth is in position again we touch down and approach the Canadian government to explain our position." 

 "I already explained all they need to know!" Gladiauron fumes as he storms across the bridge.  "Hobgorr, Broosar, Nimpulse, and I will make a stealth run.  Demagica will come to determine if the fugitive is in the terrans' company." 

 "Fine, but Broosar stays here.  I want to stress that contact is not to be made at this time.  Yntra will accompany you to ensure your presence is not detected." 

 The five Omega Guardsmen are soon aboard a small shuttle heading for Canada.  Demagica divines the location to be the highest peak within the country; Mount Logan.  Yntra cloaks the group as they reach the hidden DOME complex. 
 

 The Alpha Guard and DOME director are seen in their warroom meeting with Canadian military officials and holding conference with Bruce Wayne via visi-phone.  The head of SHIELD speaks.  "Of course SHIELD is standing by, along with the JLA, but it's still your show.  We won't move unless you give the word or the situation escalates."  Obviously SHIELD has little faith in DOME's ability to handle this alone.  "All except for Super-Soldier anyway." 

 "Why, what's wrong with him?"  Carstairs' confidence also sounds a bit shaken. 

 "Ah, he was getting some kind of treatment to counteract the K-bomb fallout that's been killing him, and Dr Hamilton at AIM-STAR in Metropolis accidentally turned him into some neon electric thing.  Looks like a walking Bug-zapper.  Anyway, his condition is too unstable to count on him." 

 Alpha Guardian steps up to the camera.  "Don't worry, Mr Wayne.  We should have all the firepower we need.  And with the Maple Spirit transport we can engage them in orbit if necessary." 

 "I sure hope you aren't just blowing smoke, kid.  `Cause from what little we know of these guys, they could probably take on the whole blamed Legion of Super-Soldiers!"   The image winks out. 

 "Okay, we all heard that.  We've got it covered, so let's prove we can do it.  I want all nine of you to gear up; bring along anything that shoots.  Let's get the Maple Spirit ready to run.  Devil, you're our pilot, get on it." 

 "I'm a pilot, Carstairs, not a whole freaking ground crew!  You better have a good staff already on the job or we won't be going anywhere for a while." 

 Heather offers to help.  "Wakefield and I can do the ground work if you know what to do on your end." 

 "I'll figure it out."  The three head off to the hangar leaving Imp, Rising Star, Silverlord, Sunstorm, Alpha Guardian, Flexmaster, Olympius, and a very agitated Herbert Carstairs. 

 "Okay, while we're waiting let's go over some strategy.  Guardian and Sunstorm are our first strike team.  Olympius will cover the attack, but if they..." 

 "Hold up, Herb.  I've got a bad feeling about this.  Like someone's about to step on my grave." 

 "You a psychic now, Imp?  We have half a day to prepare and you want me to wait because you sense a disturbance in the Force?" 

 "You know, if you put some pointy ears on him, Imp does kind of look like Sarda from TREKWARS II: THE KHAN STRIKES BACK." 

 "No, Sarda didn't appear until number three, THE SEARCH FOR THE JEDI. 
I just saw the SPECIAL GENERATIONS release of all three two months ago." 

 "Flexmaster!  Olympius!  Save the fan-boy crap for the internet and out of my warroom!" 

 Imp brings Her back to the issue at hand.  "Unless you have telepathic security measures that say otherwise, I really don't think we should be discussing this here." 

 "Dammit!"  I'm as uncomfortable about all this as you, but we can't go blind into a situation like this!" 
 

 "We've been noticed!" 

 "What?  How could they?  Which one was it?" 

 "Can't tell, Gladiauron.  I don't have Oracalista's clairvoyant talents.  But there was a definite presence aware of us." 

 " Our position has been compromised.  We did not believe them to have this capability."  Yntra appears panicky. 

 "Obviously we have underestimated the Terrans." 

 "But it sounds like they've underestimated us, too.  We should hit them now, while their forces are divided and they are unprepared." 

 "No, Hobgorr.  Nova Primus gave them one day, and we must obey our our Praetor.  Our orders are to avoid confrontation.  If they know we are here we must return to the battleship at once." 

 "I don't know what went wrong," Yntra muses.  "My ethereal cloaking effect should have covered all five of us.  No known force on Earth can penetrate ethereal phase-shifting." 

 "We head back now," Gladiauron says, trying to keep everyone on track. 
"Demagica, could you verify the traitor's presence?" 

 "Not a solid fix, but I definitely detected a Shi'karran." 

 "I don't need true sight to know the one we seek is there," says Nimpulse as he pilots the shuttle back to the battleship.  "It should have been obvious to you all." 

 "Yes, Nimpulse is right.  the effrontery of wearing Ranndarian battle fatigues is like a spit in the face.  I will inform Nova Primus we have made positive identification of the target, and we will wait for his go ahead to begin acquisition."  Gladiauron leaves the subject closed so far as his shipmates go; only the Praetor may overrule his decisions, so his is the only opinion Gladiauron is concerned with. 

 When the crew returns Nova Primus accepts their report but is concerned by the bias shown in Gladiauron's judgment.  Not long ago Gladiauron assumed the power of a god, and very nearly destroyed the Shi'karran empire while adjusting to this power.  During that time Nova Primus too control of the Omega Guard on his own volition, and when Gladiauron claimed the Imperial throne by divine right it was Nova Primus that stood against him, and tricked him into casting the obscene energies he possessed back into the M'krann gem world. 

 It was this act that earned Nova Primus the position of Praetor, but because so many guardsmen had remained loyal to Gladiauron through it all The empress elected to make him second in command.  This came as a shock to many in the empire, because the prevailing hierarchy had always been based on power level, and even with out  phenomenal cosmic forces Gladiauron was and still is the most powerful member of the Shi'karran military.  A lot of tension has followed since then, but Gladiauron has consistently followed orders to the letter.  Not without argument from time to time, but there has never been true dissension so far. 

 The friction between the two leaders shows up almost every time they see each other.  This conference would be no exception.  "They are preparing their forces for a first strike initiative.  To give them this opportunity would be foolish.  We must act now!" 

 "I appreciate your tactical assessment, but your task was only to confirm the traitor was in Canada.  You have done that, which means we proceed with the mission as planned.  Thank you." 

 "If they attack us we look incompetent, and we have already seen that they have capabilities we did not foresee.  You would lead us into defeat!" 

 "And if we attack them now, without provocation, we dishonor the throne!  I will not let your warrior's battle lust destroy the integrity of the empire's most elite fighting unit."  Primus pauses to regain his composure and continues, "A cowardly stab in the back would draw immediate  retaliation from the planet's other defenders.  I should doubt you are so eager to face Thorion of Super-Soldier." 

 "Gladiauron does not pause, and his composure remains as agitated as ever.  "I am not afraid of combat!  This is not New Asgard or Kree'Pton.  No single being is my equal in battle!  And if Earth wishes to declare war on the Shi'karran empire, I will see to it that it will be a very one-sided battle." 

 "I was not aware we were trying to start a war." 

 "And I was not aware that the imperial Praetor could set aside the glory of the empire in favor of a political agenda.  Do you have ambitions of moving on to being a statesman?  Or is ambition not a concept they promote on your planet?" 

 "On Ranndar I have already represented my people.  But we're not on my planet, are we?  I don't fault you for trying to goad me into striking; it is simply the way you deal with problems.  But I take my role as Praetor to be more than just a field commander.  I am responsible for enforcing the law of the empire; I cannot place myself, or those under me, above those laws.  Respect me or don't, but you WILL obey the edicts of the empire!" 

 Their debate is cut short by a klaxon alarm sounding throughout the battleship.  Min-Tar's voice carries over the internal address system. 
"Praetor, a combat-ready vessel is en route from Earth.  It meets the characteristics given for the Alpha Guard's Maple Spirit." 

 Gladiauron seizes this information to bolster his argument.  "does this meet your criterion for probable cause?  Or must we allow our hull to be breached before we can defend ourselves?" 

 "This isn't the time!  Prepare to engage!" 
 
 

 The Omega Guard battleship lowers it's shields long enough for Gladiauron, Greenbolt, and Zirrith to depart and engage the incoming transport.  When visual contact is made the first and most obvious feature of the Maple Spirit is its size.  Barely bigger than their shuttle craft, it hardly seems a threat at all.  A blitzkrieg assault may take it down before its weapon systems can be deployed.  That would leave only individual combatants, which gives the former Praetor a very good feeling.  Gladiauron pours it on in a kamikaze approach on the Maple Spirit.  He sees twin missile ports begin to open on each wing, but they clearly move so slowly they will not get a chance to fire.  His momentum heats the surface layers of his skin incredibly, providing one of the few tactile sensations his body can still experience.  He knows this will only add to the ease with which he punctures the small craft. 
He anticipates some primitive shielding which may serve to glance his attack marginally off-course, and adjusts his course to strike the exposed jet propulsion unit on the inner starboard wing; even if deflected his velocity should carry him through to the tail rudder, crippling their guidance systems severely. 

 This line of thinking takes mere fractions of a second for Gladiauron to analyze in his head.  Which allows him enough time to decide on a follow-up blow to the underside, just in time to experience another rare tactile sensation, physical pain.  His jaw is dislocated from the collision against the Alpha Guardian's head.  Stunned, he nonetheless resets his jaw in the same motion that delivers a crippling haymaker to his assailant.  The blow force Alpha Guardian off balance, affording Gladiauron with enough of a glimpse to recognize the uniform.  "Vile traitor!" he screams while simultaneously piledriving into his opponent's solar plexus, and redirecting his original course to make up for precious milliseconds lost. 

 He doesn't get the opportunity to make his rendezvous with the Maple Spirit.  A staunch jab in the chest with an elbow knocks him off target once again, and the effort to block his opponent's knee throws him more off schedule.  His frustration quickly turns to anger and the two are immediately trading blow for blow at a whirlwind pace, neither able to gain a significant advantage over the other. 

 Heather watches the skirmish from the view port in the cockpit. 
"They're really going at it." 

 "Yeah," responds the Canadian Devil, "but I think the missiles are on-line now.  Care to fire?" 

 "Huh?  Oh sorry, I haven't armed them yet."  The she remembers, "These arm themselves after launch, right?" 

 "I know it's a new system, but try to stay focused.  We're all Canada has against these guys." 

 "I think the Canadian Air Force might have a quibble on that point. 
But here goes."  Two sidewinder missiles ignite and release from the Maple Spirit.  They impact harmlessly against the energy shielding surrounding the battleship, disappearing in muted puffs of smoke rather than the expected explosions. 

 "I wouldn't place any money on the CAF," Rising Star comments.  "Or on Sunstorm.  That green guy firing energy beams at him doesn't even seem affected by his solar bursts.  Olympius is doing well, though."  True enough; despite the powerful volley of attacks from his sparring partner the Aegis shield Olympius wields absorbs the damage done and allows him to retaliate with the fury of the 50 Argonauts.  "Sarah should be here. 
She's a real spitfirebrand in a fight. Was." 

 Silverlord approaches Rising Star.  "We'll find her Jean-Paul, right after..." 

 "Brace for IMPACT!" Canadian Devil bellows as a streak of light erupts from the side of the Shi'karran vessel.  Remarkably is seems to be no effect.  Still, Imp acts very agitated and rushes over to Heather. 

 "Duck!"  Imp tackles her and starts yelling at... no one?  "We didn't bring ANYBODY!  Leave... ugh!"  He goes limp and his body flies across the cabin. 

 "Who's there?" shouts Flexmaster, who instinctively contorts his body into several rock-hard ridges resembling the skin of a thorny devil lizard.  A brief struggle later he too is down. 

 Silverlord draws a bolt of crackling icy energy out of the air and directs it toward their apparently invisible assailant.  It passes harmlessly through where Liang expected the attacker to be, implying intangibility or incredibly fast reflexes.  Which leaves a silvery streak ripping across the ship, finally finding a target in the Maple Spirit's bank of communications gear.  "Thanks, Silver, "Devil says sarcastically while trying to maintain control of the aircraft, "Not only do we have no way to call SHIELD for back-up, you fried my Panasony stereo."  Not one to miss an opportunity, he plays it up further, taking the Spirit into a nose dive and throwing everything and everyone not strapped down.  "And the controls are shot, too!   Which side are you on, Liang?" 

 As expected the invader, a female humanoid with orange skin, shows herself in panic.  She makes another grab for Heather, but Ms MacHudson knows enough about her suit to adequately defend herself long enough for Rising Star and Imp to execute a cannonball special, propelling Imp into the alien.  Caught off guard, Yntra is knocked backward.  Having lost the element of surprise she disappears in a blue flash of light streaking back to her own ship.  Canadian Devil deploys a multi-array plasma blast along side her, which strikes while the Omegans' shielding is down.  Heather congratulates him.  "That was great Walter, but can you level out now?" 

 "I'm trying!  This thing doesn't respond as well as the old Spirit!  He does manage to straighten up somewhat, just in time to enjoy a barrage of attacks by Greenbolt.  The hull starts to buckle from the strain. 
"This would be a good time to have a force field."  Canadian Devil mutters to himself while trying to stabilize the rest of the way.  As if in answer Olympius redirects Aegis to defend the ship before it can be torn apart. 

 The combat continues in the stratosphere over Canada for a few more seconds, maintaining a tenuous stalemate.  Nova Primus turns command over to Min-Tar and exits to engage the Alphans himself.  His added strength would most likely have tipped the scales in their favor, if not for a burst of bluish energy from above.  Nova Primus, Gladiauron, and Alpha Guardian are all knocked out by the attack as a second shot rocks the battleship. 

 Min-Tar deduces that this new warship can match the Omegans in firepower, and since their forces are already spread out he calls for a retreat.  Greenbolt grabs the unconscious Nova Primus and Gladiauron and blasts Sunstorm one last time so Zirrith can return to the ship. 
Broosar and Hobgorr are furious that the attack is called off, but with the Praetor and the second-in-command both down, the odds of victory against two separate opponents becomes too great.  On Min-Tar's orders the Omega Guard leaves orbit, to disappear somewhere past the Moon. 

 The Alpha Guard are equally shocked, especially since their sensors indicate a second Shi'karran ship delivered the blast.  As soon as Olympius and Sunstorm bring Alpha Guardian aboard Canadian Devil takes the Maple Spirit back to Mount Logan to make repairs and try to get some back-up.  Herbert Carstairs is furious they didn't push the attack during the confusion.  Madison Wakefield points out that with Alpha Guardian out of the fight, and the intentions of the newcomers unknown, there was too much risk involved to continue. 

 One thing that is obvious though, they aren't after Alpha Guardian.  It would seem Heather MacHudson is the intergalactic criminal they seek.