The Protectors

“Morning of Mourning” by Martin Maenza

The large grandfather clock in the front hall chimed a number times, announcing the entire household that it was three o’clock in the morning. In the center of a darkened room one flight of stairs up, lit only by a few large candles, a blue robed young man with brown hair floated four feet above the hardwood floor.  His legs were crossed in a lotus position with his hands resting gently on his knees. His eyes were closed as his face was in deep concentration.

A flash came to his mind, and his eyes opened wide suddenly.

By the Great Kahsan, I have found a trace of him at long last!

The sorcerer known to the world as the Mystifier lowered himself to the ground to a standing position. After all this time, finally a clue has emerged. In order to complete this quest that my father started nearly a decade ago – just before he and Mother disappeared, I must make haste.

Urgently, he walked to a dark wooden cabinet at one side of the room. Still I know not how long I will be gone. I must make preparations so that I do not leave my newfound allies in a lurch.

He quickly got to work on his task at hand, for he knew he would have to leave within the hour if he wished to follow the trail before it turned cold.

***

Nearly a quarter of a day later, five costumed figures climbed a narrow wooden stairwell in the self-same building. “Where did he say he was going?” the green costumed African-American hero named the User asked.

Before him, the blonde woman in orange and red shook her head. “He didn’t say,” the Amazon replied. “When I woke up this morning, I found a note and this item left on my nightstand.  He must have magically sent them to me before he left.”

In her hand was a small glowing amulet on a chain. As soon as she reached the top of the stairs, a wooden trap door at the top swung open by itself. The early morning sunlight shone down the stairwell.

The User squinted at the sudden change in brightness. “And what’d the note say exactly?” He followed Amazon and stepped out onto the roof.

“It said: ‘I must leave for an urgent mission of great importance. Please tell the Protectors to feel free to use my home as a base of operations in my absence’,” Amazon read from the note.

She handed the paper to User, who looked it over himself.   “Urgent mission?” the dark skinned male mused. “Wonder what that’s all about and why he didn’t ask any of us for help.”

“Mysty can be awful private at times,” the blonde powerhouse added. “I’ve learned it’s pointless to pry. When he wants to, he can close himself off tighter than Fort Knox But he thought enough of us to leave a note. And this amulet is supposed to act like some kind of a magical door-key. It’ll unlock rooms and doors he didn’t mind us having access too.”

The User glanced back at the trapdoor that had flown up for them at the mere presence of the amulet. “Kind of handy to have your own mystical Carlton-the-doorman there,” he said.

After the first two had emerged from the stairwell, their three teammates followed. First to come afterward was the brown haired teen dressed in light blue and red.   “Whoa!” Ricochet said as he rushed out onto the roof and down the cobblestone path that had been laid down in the lawn on the roof top. “What is this place?”

Next was a brown haired woman in white, followed by a red-haired woman in purple and red. “Ooooh,” Rainbow exclaimed as she took in the view. Before them was a gorgeous rooftop garden with various small shrubs and trees. “How pretty!”

Hydro Girl stepped off the path and stopped near a set of marble benches. She brushed her hand across the smooth surface the reflected the morning sun. “I never would have guessed Mystifier that would have something like this atop his Greenwich Village mansion,” she admitted. She noted the nearby fountain also made from marble. It had a magical theme to the sculpture, and the water flowed gently with a soothing rhythm. “It’s very nice. Kind of like a tranquility garden for meditation and such.”

“I’m sure this place has lots of hidden things we don’t know about,” the User mused. “And if we’re to use it as a team hangout until he returns, we’re likely to learn a lot more ‘bout our mysterious friend.”

“So,” Ricochet said after having raced around the perimeter of the roof a few times to check everything out, “where’s our ride? Weren’t they supposed to be here by nine?”

Almost as if on cue, a shimmering line appeared in the air and expanded out into a rectangular shape, seven feet tall and three feet wide.

“That looks like…” Hydro Girl started to say.

The User put his hand on the woman’s shoulder. “Relax, Red,” he said. “That’s not one of Geometric Man’s portals.”

“Correct,” an older male voice responded from the portal.   Out stepped a man in a red costume with a long blue flowing cape. His head was covered with a red cowl, but the full of his face was exposed. On his chest was a circular emblem with an hour glass in the center.

Accompanying him was a beautiful woman with long flowing black hair. She wore yellow costume that covered her shapely torso. Her legs were bare except for the green boots that matched her flowing cape and domino styled face mask. “Morning, Protectors,” she greeted them.

“Time Lord and Phantom Lady!” Ricochet exclaimed. “That’s our ride?”

“That’s our ride,” the User said. Greetings and introductions were quickly exchanged.

“Is this everyone?” Phantom Lady asked. “Some appear to be missing.” She glanced about the rooftop.

“Mystifier had some personal matters to attend to,” Amazon explained.

“I see,” Phantom Lady said with a nod. This seemed to satisfy the elder heroine’s curiosity.

“Larynx did also,” Hydro Girl added. She didn’t expand further, but she knew what he was doing and why he could not join the others on this occasion. I respect that there are some things he has to handle on his own. I just hope he doesn’t keep his feeling all bottled up inside.

“All right then,” Time Lord said as he adjusted the controls on his belt. “I’ll just alter the parameters for my teleportal, and we’ll be off.” The doorway of energy shimmered, adjusted ever so slightly and was ready to transport them to their final destination. The elder male hero gestured with his hand. “Ladies first.”

Phantom Lady stepped into the portal, followed by Amazon and Hydro Girl. Rainbow said, “thank you” to Time Lord before stepping inside.

Ricochet seemed a bit hesitant about going into the portal.   “This thing’s safe, right?” The speedster preferred to travel under his own power.

“Go on, Ric. It won’t bite.” User gave him a little shoulder nudge and then followed. Time Lord was the last inside, and the portal closed behind them.

***

Out on the Atlantic Ocean, the gentle slapping of the moving waves and the occasional gull crying overhead as it flew by were the accompaniment to the sounds of a lone harmonica. Playing the blues on the small mouth-organ was a blonde haired young man in an orange and green spandex costume. He sat atop the hull of a shiny metal space craft, kept aloft in the bobbing ocean by slowly melting floaters made of ice.

He was not alone atop the craft, at least in one sense.   The sullen harmonies he played were for a single figure wrapped carefully and completely in a large gray tarp.   The body inside the cocoon-like shape belonged to an alien named Zepar; the wrap was there to protect and preserve the body until a proper burial could be arranged.

The hero known as Larynx continued to play his song, and he fought back any tears that might still come. He had been here most of the evening and into these morning hours, keeping vigil and waiting. Despite being cold and hungry, he was committed to his duty. It was the least he could do for a man who had given him so much.

Suddenly, out of seemingly nowhere, a heavy breeze brushed over him as air was being displaced by something large. Just off to the side of the floating craft, Larynx could see the water ripple in an outward pattern. As the rippling increased with intensity, the floating craft bobbed even more.  

Then, another shiny metal spacecraft, slightly larger but of the same design, appeared in the water next to the first one. It had entered the atmosphere and landed all the while maintaining its stealth field.

Larynx stopped playing and put one gloved hand gently on the wrapped body besides him. “It’s time, old friend,” he said softly, “time for you to return to the stars.”

By the time the hatch of the craft opened and a pair of yellow skinned figures emerged from it, Larynx was ready. The hero had gotten to his knees, carefully lifting Zepar’s wrapped body in his arms, and then stood upright. The deadweight of the body was heavy, but Larynx endured without complaint.

“Scott Ballard of Earth,” one of the aliens said in clear, precise English, “we have come to take our brethren to his final resting place.”

Larynx nodded, produced a slight sound within his throat and gently rose into the air. He flew across the gap between the ships and landed on the newly arrived craft. “Zepar was a good man, a teacher, a mentor and a friend. He gave of himself to the universe in a willing, unselfish manner. I will continue to honor his memory by using the gifts he gave me in a like way.” The hero then bowed his head and said a silent prayer.

The two Omni-Lords waited for the young man to finish.   When Larynx stepped forward and offered the body of Zepar, one of them took it carefully. For a race known mostly for their mental prowess, they had surprisingly fairly strong bodies as well. The alien said some words in his native tongue and then slowly carried the body back into the ship.

“We thank you for contacting us,” the remaining Omni-Lord said in English.

“He deserves to be buried with his own kind, on his own world,” Larynx said solemnly, “and not on the site of his murder.”

“He will be buried in honor.” The Omni-Lord nodded in agreement. “And where is the deviant Bolstrom?”

Larynx simply pointed to the far end of the other craft.   In a huge block of ice was the other Omni-Lord, the rogue who had killed Zepar the previous day. “He’s all yours.”

The Omni-Lord nodded. “We shall take him into custody. He will be punished severely for his acts of treason against our race.”

“I just want him gone from my sight,” the hero spat. He felt the anger welling up inside of him. He pushed it away.

“We will remove him,” the Omni-Lord said, “along with any traces of this craft. We will be gone shortly.”

“Good,” Larynx said. “Then I will be off. Thank you for answering the call.”

“We are allies,” the Omni-Lord said. “We are there for you as you have been for us.”

“Good to know.” Larynx started to make a sound in his throat, and his powers lifted him slowly into the air.   He gave one last look to the hatch where Zepar’s body had been taken. He said another silent prayer and flew off back towards the shore.

***

The five members of the Protectors had been escorted to the Justice Gang’s satellite headquarters, orbiting high above the Earth.   Upon arrival, they had each been a given black armband to where as part of the occasion and were lead down one level to what appeared to be a large meeting room. The table had been removed earlier and the chairs had been set up in even rows.

The room was full of costumed figures and a few civilians dressed in black. Ricochet started to make a move to approach some of those gathered. The User put his hand on the youth’s shoulder and said softly, “not now, Ric.”

Hydro Girl motioned to a row in the back, and the five took seats. They whispered quietly among themselves before the proceedings started.

Amazon took in all the details with a journalist’s eye and with slight awe. These are legends, she thought to herself, some of these are heroes who have been at it since I was just a little girl.

She made note of two men dressed in very similar orange costumes with black stripes. One was older, more solemn. The younger one, about her own age in his mid-twenties, seemed to be taking this more hard. So too was the woman with them, also dressed in orange with black stripes but in a more feminine style with a modest skirt instead of leggings. The elder Tigerman comforted his wife and son.

But they’re more than just legends, Amazon thought. They’re family.

She saw a brown haired man dressed simply in a black martial arts uniform. A red belt with black symbols in Japanese was tied firmly about his waist. He stood, his head bowed, before a portrait that hung on the wall. The picture was that of a feral looking individual; the gold plate on the frame had the name Man-Wolf engraved on it. Karate Master finished his silent prayer, lifted his head, put two gentle fingers to the frame and then turned to take a seat.

And friends, Amazon noted in her mind. Family and friends, that is clearly evident. She glanced out of the corner of her eye at the four seated in the row beside her.

Rainbow was feeling the somberness of the occasion; gone was her usual smile and outward glow. Hydro Girl whispered to her, no doubt some words of encouragement. The User had a serious look to his face as well.   Ricochet’s eyes revealed a sense of wonder as he looked about the room at those assembled; these were his idols and no doubt inspired him to use his powers in a similar cause.

Amazon thought, we should be so lucky to develop such strong bonds. She hadn’t worked with these heroes long, but she felt that perhaps such a day might come for them.

The red and green costumed Dr. Speed rose from his seat next to a civilian woman with brown hair in a black dress and took a position in front of the room. “If everyone would take his seat, we can get started,” he said. He waited a moment for the mourners to settle and then proceeded.   “Thank you all for coming today. I know that this is a sad occasion for so many of us, but Morga would have been pleased to see so many of you here today.

“She was much more than just the heroine that the world called Star Light. She was a daughter to Xanis, a husband to Roebrt, a mother to Jonah, and a good friend to us all. She had a compassion that held no bounds and was an inspiration to those she encountered.

“I remember when I first met her, shortly after she and the others first arrived here on Earth. My impression of her was that she was a strong woman, rooted in her convictions.   She was determined to do whatever it took to prevent what happened to her home world from happening anywhere else.   But though she had seen some of the worst that the universe could offer, she didn’t let it corrupt her or change her.

“Like the gemstone that she wore atop her head, Morga was a beacon of light, of hope and of a promise for a better tomorrow. I think we all saw that in her, and that helped inspire us to continue to go on when we ourselves faced insurmountable odds.”  

Dr. Speed turned to face a cloth covered item hanging on the wall behind him. “So, it is with great honor and great respect that I dedicate this painting in her honor.”   He gently tugged the cloth aside, revealing a beautifully painted portrait of the woman. “May Star Light be always in our thoughts, our prayers, and our hearts.” With that, the speedster walked back and took his seat.

A man in a black suit gave Phantom Lady a comforting hug before she stood. The woman slipped passed the Golden Archer as she left her row, and then she took a place before the crowd.

“I didn’t have a sister of my own growing up,” she began, “but Morga was like that for me. When we all formed out with the Justice Gang almost twenty years ago, it was good to have her as a confidant and friend. We were the only female members at the time, and we really had to work hard sometimes to keep this from turning into a boy’s club.” There were a few smiles and some slight chuckles at that.

“But that really helped the two of us to form a very close bond, and I am so pleased for that. She touched my life deeply, as she touched all of our lives.” Phantom Lady started to tear up and her voice began to waver a bit. She brushed the tears away before they could form. “I’m sorry. I really wanted to get through this…” She swallowed and regained herself. “She was one of my best friends, and I will miss her dearly.” She dropped her head and moved back to her seat, the tears refusing to stay held back. As she sat down, her husband put his arm about her and offered up the handkerchief from his suit jacket pocket. Phantom Lady took it and wiped away her tears.

And so, one by one, the various members of the Justice Gang past and present came forward and shared a few words and memories about their fallen comrade. The five members of the Protectors sat in the back and took it all in, both honored to be asked to be there and bit awkward too having not known the woman very well. After an hour, only a few were left that had not spoken.

The graying man in green and red turned to his sixteen year old grandson dressed in red. Space Lord gave his head a slight nod towards the front. The brown haired Mindset just closed his eyes and gently shook his head ‘no’.   The elder man did not need the youth’s mind reading powers; he understood. He put a gentle hand to the young man’s shoulder, gave it a reassuring squeeze and then stood up.

“My friends, thank you,” he said as he addressed the assemblage. “Your words and your kindness have once again touched me deeply, especially during this time of loss. You are family to the three of us,” he nodded towards Mindset and the armored Robotman seated before him, “and we appreciate everything you’ve done for us here today and for all these years.

“When Morga and I lost our home world, all we had for comfort and support was each other. But we found solace and strength in others, like our dearly departed Jagrinn and with Roebrt. The four of us pledged ourselves to each other, to support one another and to help each other get through a very dark time in our lives.

“When we came to Earth, we found so many of you – individuals who were of like mind and conviction and compassion. We all knew we had found ourselves a new home, a new family and allies with whom we could depend upon. Any risk we were willing to take, you all took readily as well. We could not ask for better people with whom to ally ourselves in our fight for freedom and justice for all.

“We all understand the risks we take every time we don our masks or costumes, but we do so without hesitation and without concern for our own well being. We know it is our duty, our responsibility to help those in need because we have the means, the gifts and courage to do so. My daughter died in the line of duty, fighting for the causes in which she believed. I know in my heart that she fought valiantly to the end, and her legacy will not be forgotten.”

Space Lord walked over towards his seat and stopped before Mindset. “Jonah, always know that you were your mother's greatest treasure. And though no one can take her place in your life, do know that all of us here think of you as family. You can count on us whenever you need us. You know that.”

Mindset fought back the tears. “Grandfather, thank you,” he said softly.

Space Lord put a hand on the youth’s shoulder and gave it another reassuring rub. After a moment, he then sat back down. He looked past his grandson to the man in the armor on the other side.

Robotman turned and stared back at the elder man through the two slits in his full facemask. The exchange between the two men’s eyes was silent but spoke volumes.   The armored hero swallowed hard and then rose from his seat.

“Everyone, I…” he started to say but then stopped.

He shook his head slightly, put his hands to the pressure points of each side of his neck, and activated a special release mechanism.   There was a slight click, and Robotman slowly lifted the helmet away from his head. Today, he wouldn’t hide behind the armor. Star Light wouldn’t have wanted it that way.

He held the mask-helmet underneath his left arm and continued.   “I too want to thank you all for coming today. Morga would have been pleased. She…” He started to feel a twinge in his throat. He coughed it away. “…she loved you all so very much, and I know you all loved her too. There will never…” The feeling came back even stronger, refusing to be put down. He tried to carry on. “…never be anot….” But all the emotion, all the sadness that Robotman had been fighting back for days with his own anger and frustration could not be denied.

The mighty warrior, the brilliant man in the amazing armor, broke down right there and began to sob uncontrollably. He had lost the love of his life, and he failed to be by her side when she needed him the most. He never got a chance to say goodbye, to tell her one last time how much he loved her.

Space Lord was quickly as Robotman’s side, his strong arms about the man’s back to support and comfort him. “It’s okay, Roebrt,” he said softly to his son-in-law. “Just let it go. It’s okay.”

The main part of the memorial service ended shortly after that.   Robotman and Mindset left soon afterwards. Space Lord stayed around to talk to the others.

The Protectors just sat quietly in the back until Time Lord came over and approached them. “There’s some food set out in the next room,” he said to them. “Come, have some before you head back.”

“Thank you,” the User said. “We’d be happy to.”

Ricochet was already up and ready to move after sitting still for so long. “I’ll be back,” he said. “I want to ask Dr. Speed something.”

“Ricochet, be…” Hydro Girl started to say but the youth was off like a shot. She shook her head. “Never mind.”

The young speedster approached two of the Justice Gang members who were briefly talking. “Uh, Doctor?” he said.

Both Dr. Speed and Rubberman responded, “yes?” at the same time. They looked at one another and laughed.

Ricochet seemed lost and out of the loop, not getting the joke that the two old friends shared. “I meant, Dr. Speed,” he said to the stretchable hero.

The man all in green just smiled. “Of course you did,” Rubberman said politely.

“What is it, son?” the older speedster asked.

“Well…” Ricochet said, a bit at a loss for words all of a sudden. Here he was meeting one of his idols, his inspirations. “…I was wondering…”

Across the way, Rainbow and Hydro Girl were chatting with Water Woman. “I just love your hair,” Rainbow said to the latter. “What color is that?”

“I believe you call it ‘magenta’,” the woman with the chiseled features in a black, tight-wetsuit replied. Her long flowing mane hung halfway down her back. “And it is natural too. Most of my race has hair of this color.”

“I know of a gown that would look just perfect on you,” Hydro Girl added.

Nearby, Amazon was conversing with the Karate Master and the elder Tigerman. “Let me tell you, lady,” the orange and black striped costumed man said, “this guy can teach you some amazing moves.”

“You are too kind,” the martial expert said to his old friend.

Amazon smiled. “I’d like that.”

Tempest had approached the User. “Hey,” he said. The latter acknowledged him with a nod and continued to put a few food items onto a plate. “Look, I sort of wanted to apologize.”

“Apologize?” User said. “For what?”

“You know,” the red and blue costumed hero said. “That whole bit a few weeks back, at the ball stadium when you guys were fighting the Octagon.”

User nodded. “It’s cool,” he said.

“Space Lord was impressed when your group brought in Timewarp and some of the others,” Tempest said. “That’s part of the reason he wanted to invite you all here today.”

User nodded again. “Then I’ll have to thank him for that,” he said.

“Yes!”

The African-American hero recognized the voice and turned just as Ricochet came running up suddenly. “What is going on?” User asked.

“You won’t believe it!” Ricochet gushed. “He actually said yes!”

“Who?” Tempest asked.

“Dr. Speed!” Ricochet said.

User groaned. “Oh no,” he said, shaking his head. “Tell me you didn’t...”

“I did! I did!” Ricochet said. “He said some time that he’d actually race me! Now I told him that there was no way I’d go easier on him, on account of his age and all. And he said that was fine ‘cause he didn’t expect any special treatment. And I said…”

The User groaned again.

***

Later in that evening, Rita Mason climbed the stairs to the third floor of the apartment building and approached one of the doors. I probably should have called first, she thought to herself. But after such an emotional morning, it feels good to get out. I just hope he’s home.

She paused before knocking and then gently pressed her ear to the door. Rita could hear the sound of guitar music coming from inside. That answers that, she thought as she knocked on the door.

The music stopped and then the door opened. Scott Ballard stood there dressed in a pair of gray cotton shorts and a sleeveless T-shirt. His hair was kind of tussled and his eyes had some dark circles under them.   “Hey,” he said.

“Hey yourself,” Rita replied. They stood there silently for a moment. “So, invite a girl in?”

“Sure,” he said. “Sorry about that.” He stepped aside, holding the door.

Rita stepped into the apartment. The place was in a bit of disarray: papers strewn about and an empty pizza box on the coffee table. On the couch sat an acoustic guitar. “Nice place,” she said.

He closed the door and made his way across the room, stopping to pick stuff up. “Sorry about the mess,” Scott apologized again. “I wasn’t expecting anyone to…”

Rita stopped him. “Don’t worry about it,” she said. “I probably should have called.”

He shook his head. “No, no, not at all. You can drop by any time you want. I’m just, I don’t know, a bit out of sorts tonight.”

“Understandable,” she said. “You want me to go?”

“No, no. Stay. Please.”

“Okay,” she said. Moving over to the couch, she sat down. “Were you playing earlier?”

Scott joined her. “Yeah, I was,” he said. “Music helps for those moods, you know?”

“Sure,” she said. “So, what were you playing when I knocked?”

“Dust in the Wind,” he said. “It felt kind of appropriate.”

“Can I hear you play it? I’d really like to.” She smiled a little.

He nodded and picked up the guitar. Scott started to do the opening chords and then stopped. “Rita?” he said.

“Yes?”

“I’m glad you came over.” He started to play the song again.

She leaned back in the couch to get comfortable and watched him play. Me too, she thought. Me too. She knew there would be time later for them to talk, if he wanted to. And if he didn’t, that was okay with her too. She just felt he could use the company right now.

She was right.