#13 - "The Bride of Fuergeson the Great!"

Situations like this are easily my least favorite part of being a superheroine. Being rendered unconscious during some dangerous situation only to wake up in even worse peril. Just like something out of those old movie serials back in the 1940's. I hate it when that happens because it's happened to me more times than I care to think about. I still have nightmares about some of the life threatening situations I've been in.

It started out simply enough. Of course, it usually does. I had been out visiting Tyler Labs in my capacity as Director of Operations for the place. I had made arrangements for the current love of my life Kyle Sherwood to meet me out there so that we could go out for some drinks and supper. That part I was especially looking forward to!

Now here's where everything goes wrong. I had dismissed my Personal Assistant Tom Braden for the day and was riding back to Manhattan with Kyle. Out of nowhere, a flock of Fuergeson the Great's robots converged on the car! They literally picked it up off the road and flew away with it, Kyle and me still inside! A moment later one of the metallic beasties stuck a tentacle inside the car and gassed us both. That was the last thing I could recall before everything faded into that dreaded inky blackness.

Eventually you start to come out of your forced nap. The effect is like fog being lifted from your eyes or coming out of a deep slumber. It's not exactly the same every single time, but there aren't too many different ways for one to wake up!

Usually there's a throbbing headache from being knocked out. It's almost to be expected. Especially if you were physically knocked out from, for example, a blow to the head. I've had a few of those in my time as well. Maybe I should write a book on the subject someday. Maybe as part of my memoirs.

But this time there was something different. As I started to become aware, I didn't feel any significant after effects from the gas. Gee, maybe Fuergy came up with a knock out gas without a bitter aftertaste! That would be a very pleasant change.

Still expecting the worse, I tried to take stock of my current circumstances. They were not what I was expecting in the least. I had expected to be feeling pain in my joints from being tightly restrained in some manner. Again, it wouldn't be the first time such a thing had happened.

Clearly, this time things were going to be different. Much to my surprise, I woke up in a bed in a dark room. Alone, I'll quickly add. There was a faint nightlight coming from the far side of the chamber. It was bright enough that I could determine that I was alone in this room. There were no windows.

I was actually quite comfortable. Someone had changed my clothes into a frilly Victoria's Secret style outfit. I'll tell you what: Victoria didn't have any secrets in this thing! It really wasn't my style, but it surely could have been worse. I could have woken up chained to a wall after all! Maybe Kyle would like something like this.

I certainly didn't feel any worse for the wear. I didn't notice any differences from before. In fact, I felt very refreshed after a long, relaxing nap. That in itself was a good thing since I had slept so poorly the night before. I was going to need a clear head to get out of this mess.

"Jess!", Jamie shouted into my head. "How do you feel? Are you all right? What happened?"

"Whoa, one question at a time. I think I'm okay. I was hoping that you could tell me what happened while I was out."

"I don't know," Jaime quickly explained. "I had no way to track you, so I don't know where you are or anything! We can't even rescue you until we know where you are at!"

I should have realized that myself. Jaime can only see what I see and since I was sleeping, there wasn't a whole lot for her to see! Usually, she can track in the Sky Sabre, but obviously there had been no reason for the mini-jet to be out with me on a business trip. That pretty much meant I was on my own until I could find out where I was. Wonderful.

Clearly, my first order of business was to learn as much information as I could about my situation. I doubt that Fuergeson was aware of the existence of Jaime, so perhaps I could find out some details that would help me get out of this mess. Sometimes it was very nice to have a direct line to the outside world, no matter what the circumstances.

"Everyone is very worried on my end. Sheryl, Beth, Tom, and so on."

"I'm kind of concerned myself," I sent Jaime back. In a situation like this I was deliberately making sure that I thought that instead of saying it out loud. No need to foolishly give away my only edge! What I needed was information and fast.

I also needed to find out what happened to Kyle. I really wasn't that worried about myself at this point. Since Fuergy had the hots for me, which is pretty gross if you think about it, he wasn't going to harm me. At least not right way. However, all bets were off when it came to Kyle. Should Fuergy consider him a rival for my affections, then things could get nasty. If he hurt Kyle in any way, then it would be Fuergeson who was going to be sorry.

"How long was I out?"

"Nearly sixteen hours," Jaime reported. "It's 9:04 AM." That explained why I felt so rested. That much sleep will do it!

I threw the covers off and got out of bed. There was an adjacent nightstand, but no light upon it. That problem was quickly solved as the chamber was suddenly and quite unexpectedly illuminated. Lights from the ceiling had just turned on, seemingly on their own.

A large monitor on the far wall flared to life as well. It startled me momentarily. The image of Fuergeson's chubby face appeared on the screen. He was grinning widely like the mad scientist he truly is. It was rather disconcerting. I actually tried to cover myself up a bit given this skimpy and sexy outfit I had been placed in.

"Ah, I see my bride to be has awoken," chubby cheeks gloated. I would have just loved to slap him at that point. But no, I need to keep my Scarlet side in check for a bit longer. As far as he knows I'm sedate Jessica Flynn, computer expert. Have to play that role until I find out where I am and where Kyle is.

"What do you think you're doing? Let me go! Kidnapping is illegal!" Yeah, I know. That even felt lame to say!

"Trivial technicalities," Fuergeson snorted. "At last I have found a woman who is very nearly my equal in things scientific. You think I'm going to let anything stand in my way in claiming my Empress? I would prefer you join me willingly, Jessica my love, but I will not take no for answer."

"How did you even find me?"

"That is yet another masterstroke on my part," Fuergeson gloated. "I knew that you would eventually show up at Tyler Labs and had my robots waiting for you. They watched from a distance and just waited for you to arrive. I am pleased that you didn't keep them waiting too long."

That certainly explained that. Since Tyler Labs was now under my direction, it was certainly only a matter of time before I would visit. A very logical deduction on Fuergeson's part.

"What have you done with Kyle?", I asked next. "Where am I?"

"Don't you worry about him, my sweet. The cad is unworthy of your affections. However, if it will make you more at ease, I promise you that he has not been harmed in any manner. As for your location, you are in your bedchamber. I trust you will find it very accommodating in the years to come."

Finally, that was a bit of good news. Kyle was safe and probably somewhere else in this place. Whatever and where ever this place was. But the notion of staying with chubby cheeks for years made me nauseous!

"That remains to be seen." I added a suitably defiant look to that come back.

"Such passion! Such fire! My dear, you truly are a prize. I look forward to getting to know you better. So many dreams that I wish to share with you. The scientific breakthroughs that we will achieve! The marriage of our combined genius will astound the world! The mind boggles at the very prospect!"

I couldn't disagree with chubby cheeks there. My mind too was boggling at the prospect! The only union I had in mind when it came to Fuergeson was my foot and his rump! As in kicking his tail!

"I suppose I would like to see your laboratory," I replied after a pause. "To see if it's up to my standards." Time to start playing up to Fuergeson to get this dreadful situation over with. At least it was a good excuse to get me out of this room. I can't learn anything stuck in here!

"I am sure that you find it most satisfactory," Fuergeson gleefully added. For the time being, he sure was one happy maniac! "It would be my pleasure to give you a tour of the facility. Get dressed and I will pick you up momentarily. Soon we will be together, my sweet!"

With that, the image of Fuergeson winked out. "Marvelous," was my immediate though on the matter. I kept telling myself to stay calm and not do anything rash. Kyle was depending on me!

Might as well get dressed as my 'host' suggested. It'll be nice to get out of this poor excuse for sleeping attire and into something more comfortable. I experimentally pulled out a few drawers at the dresser only to find them completely empty.

"That's a fine how do you do. He tells me to get dressed and then has nothing for me to wear."

"I hate to say it, Jess, but that might be his plan," Jaime sent me. "Fuergeson's whole attitude towards you has been juvenile at best."

"I doubt ol' chubby cheeks has done much dating in his lifetime. He possessed a severe lack of social skills when it came to women. Just like this lingerie he put me into. To him I'm just some adolescent fantasy with a mind come to life. Lab coat Barbie."

Not finding anything in the dresser, I tried the closet. I opened the folding doors and stared in shock at what I found. "You've got to be kidding me. He actually expects me to wear that?"

Jaime couldn't help but chuckle in the back of my mind. I suppose if our circumstances had been reversed, I'd be pretty amused to. There was only one garment of clothing hanging in the closet. It was pretty clear that chubby cheeks expected me to wear it.

Fuergeson wears a purple jumpsuit with white accessories and gold trim. His idea on what I should wear was quite sexist in my mind. Instead of a purple jumpsuit, he wanted me to wear a purple catsuit! The thing was very shiny and probably made from one of those new wonder fabrics. His idea of proper footwear was a pair of knee high white boots with very high heels.

"So help me, I'm going to wring that twerp's neck! He can't honestly expect me to where something that trashy! This is like something Mind Slayer would wear!"

"Apparently he does, Jess," Jaime added. "What a complete slimeball. But still, you've got to go along with him until we can rescue you and Kyle."

"I know, I know," I grumbled back. "All I can say is that I'm going to really enjoy it when this creep gets his comeuppance."

Without any enthusiasm at all, I grabbed the offending garment from the hanger and laid it out on the bed. Since I had no other underclothes to wear, the lingerie remained on. There's no way I'm going to wear that thing naked!

The catsuit was a bit of a struggle to squeeze into, but once it was on it fit perfectly. Apparently chubby cheeks knew what my sizes were. Still, the thing was way too tight for my tastes. I was almost embarrassed as the garment clearly outlined every curve I had. There was a white double gun belt that went along with the outfit but no guns. Apparently, Fuergeson wanted me to dress up like a female version of himself!

Now that was a scary thought. Fuergeson wanted me to be his 'Empress of Technology'. Between that title and this outfit, it sounded like a grade C villainess. What was truly frightening was the idea of me as a criminal. Given my computer expertise and Jaime, there was very little that I couldn't get into. With much of the world's economy computer based, it would be child's play to make myself rich or to turn a nation's financial system on its ear. Even worse it could be done from the safety of my own home and no one would ever know or suspect what I had done.

I took a few steps and tried to stretch in this purple nightmare. It was too tight and didn't really have a lot of give to it. A very impractical garment when it came to movement. Although, I have to admit that I looked pretty sexy in it. I couldn't help but wonder what Kyle would have thought if he could see me in this get up.

I grabbed the boots and took a seat on the edge of the bed. I still couldn't believe the heels on these things! They were at least twice as high as anything I would normally wear. Two-inch heels are about the highest I own and those are worn very sparingly. Just on special occasions like the date with Kyle. Not something you'd normally see me in.

Unfortunately for me, the boots fight perfectly. I tried to walk in them and just about fell on my face at first. These things were going to take some practice getting used to. And comfortable? Not in the slightest! I'd like to tell chubby cheeks what he could do with these things.

The final touch was a pair of white opera gloves. They were there, so I figured I should wear them to appease the chunky one. After that, I hobbled over to the dressing mirror to check out my new look. The catsuit was sleeveless, but completely covered me up to the neck. Unfortunately, it was low cut in the back and showed plenty there! It looked a bit silly with me still wearing the lingerie, but like I said before, there was no way I was going to wear this thing naked!

I was beginning to get the idea what a slab of meat feels like. While fulfilling his own adolescent fantasies, Fuergeson had reduced me to a sex object. He also removed a great deal of my mobility between the tightness of the outfit and these damned boots! Talk about the illusion of freedom!

There was a buzzing at the door. I figured that chubby cheeks had finally arrived. A moment later, the door slid open and sure enough Fuergeson the 'not so great' drooling adolescent came in. He reminded me of penguin as he walked, leaning heavily to one side and then the other.

"Your beauty takes my breath away, my dear!", Fuergeson complimented. I'd like to take his breath away! "I see the outfit I left you fits magnificently!" Was it my imagination or were his goggles starting to steam over? "Although you were supposed to remove your sleeping clothes first."

I could have said something at this point. Actually, I could have said a great many things that would have gotten Kyle and me into trouble. Lots of trouble. So I simply said, "Thank you", in a reserved and sedate manner. "But you didn't leave me any other undergarments. Where are my clothes anyway?"

"No need to worry about those rags. I disposed of them. Now you are most properly attired as your role as the Empress of Technology!"

"That outfit was a Georgio original!", I cried out. "Do you have any idea how much it cost?"

Apparently Fuergeson didn't. He gave me one of those looks that made clear he had no idea what I was talking about. Why do I have the feeling that its not going to be the last time I get one of those looks from him?

"Come, Jessica. Allow me to give you the grand tour of our little love nest!" Chubby cheeks held his hand out to me. It's a good thing I hadn't eaten in a while as I might have tossed my cookies at this point. Were I not the one in this situation, this whole thing might seem rather comical. Unfortunately, I was not amused.

Trying my best to not make a fool out of myself, I came walking over to Fuergeson. The high heels forced me to sway my hips much greater than normal. I'm sure it made an interesting view for someone behind me. I was beginning to get the hang of walking in these boots, but it was a bit painful. My ankles and knees didn't like it one little bit.

I finally reached the chunky one and found that I was now several inches taller than he was. It was an unusual feeling as I'm pretty much used to being just about the shortest person in the room. But then again, this whole situation was unusual and surreal.

"Let's see what you have," I told Fuergeson as I placed my hand in his. I know, yuck!

"Follow me, my dear."

With chubby cheeks leading the way, we stepped through the doorway and out into a hallway. There were several other doors in the area, all unmarked. To my surprise, several of those pesky flying robots were waiting for us in the hallway. How many of these damn things does he have anyway?

"Oh!", I said aloud upon seeing the hovering 'bots. I put on my best 'I'm afraid' look as well. As a final touch, I grabbed on to Fuergeson's arm just a bit tighter.

"Not to worry, my dear Jessica," Fuergeson 'gallantly' explained. "The robots are here for our protection. Do not attempt to escape or they will take action. Come along. There is so much I want to show you!"

How quaint. Robotic chaperones! I fought back my disgust as Fuergeson put his arm around me as we walked along. Obediently, the robots followed a short distance behind us. If only Jaime was here with me. All I would need was a phone line or a computer terminal to insert her into the system. From there, she would simply take over Fuergeson's base and all his robots would do my bidding!

We walked down several hallways and through several doors before reaching the laboratory areas. Thus far I had yet to see anything of the world outside of Fuergeson's base. There were no windows to be found anywhere. Perhaps this complex was underground? That would explain the lack of windows.

"We have arrived," Fuergeson proudly announced. He flung a door open and gestured dramatically inside. "The computer laboratory I had constructed just for you. I hope you will find it up to your exacting standards."

I separated myself from chubby cheeks and stepped inside the lab. It was a relief to get away from him for a while. I was going to take my time in checking this place out. Maybe I could find some clue to reveal my location. Just have to find it.

"I must say, you are taking this rather well, Jessica," Fuergeson called out while I looked around. "I knew that you would come to your senses once we were alone. Surely an intellect such as yours can see the advantages in our pairing. It is the logical thing to do."

Boy did I have to bite my tongue at this point. There were a whole lot of things that I wanted to say to this creep right now. And not all of them were suitable for children to hear!

It was obvious that Fuergeson didn't know or understand the first thing about love. When it comes to relationships you can pretty much throw logic right out the window. The human heart is not ruled by reason, but rather by emotions and feelings. My feelings for Kyle came from my heart. Just thinking about him made me feel warm and gushy inside. I know I certainly wouldn't have gone through all this stuff with Fuergeson if he weren't in danger. It was my concern for Kyle's safety that was preventing me from punching Fuergeson out!

Any feelings I had toward chubby cheeks were coming from my head. Those feelings were cold and calculating. In spite of how things might appear right now, he was not going to be happy with me when this was all over with. Not that it really mattered to me.

To my surprise, the laboratory was rather impressive. Much of the equipment here mirrored that of my real lab. The only significant difference was those devices I had especially constructed for my own use. What Fuergeson had here could be purchased on the open market. I had some equipment that didn't exist outside of my laboratory.

I sat down in front of one of the computer terminals and experimentally tapped a few keys. It also felt good to get off of my feet. These boots were going to be the death of me yet! It gave me a chance to cool my heels and see if I could learn anything from this computer. After all, if Fuergeson went to all the trouble of putting this place together for me then he shouldn't mind me playing with it.

Not surprisingly, the computer was not part of a network and didn't have any connection to the outside world. It was a sensible precaution for chubby cheeks at this point. I would have done the same thing if our roles had been reversed. Well, except the part for about stalking and kidnapping someone! I may be eccentric, but I'm not loony!

I played around for a while longer, but not too long. I could sense that chubby cheeks was growing restless. So, I shut everything down and rejoined him.

"Well, my dear Jessica," Fuergeson said. "Does this meet your high standards?"

"It is acceptable," was my answer. "Can I see Kyle now? So I can make sure that you've kept your word."

"But of course!", Fuergeson smugly responded. "I will permit you to say goodbye to your friend. I'll have my robots take him back to the city after our wedding!"

Well that was just great. Fuergeson was starting to catch on to the notion that he could use Kyle as leverage against me. Obviously, I would do just about anything to keep Kyle safe. But marry Fuergeson? I should get a metal for this. Or a least a weekend getaway with the dreamy Mr. Sherwood.

Another short trip down featureless hallways followed. Fuergeson was by my side and his robotic chaperones trailing behind us. We headed back the way we came; back towards the room I had woken up in. An adjacent door was opened and we went inside.

This new room was another bedchamber, similar in set up to mine. Let me rephrase that, I mean similar in appearance to the room I had woke up in. I'm not quite ready to accept ownership of anything here in Fuergeson's base! The object of my affection was seated on the edge of the bed looking very distraught.

Kyle looked up as we entered. He was still wearing the same clothes from when we were captured. "Jessica!", he called out upon seeing me. He shot to his feet, a concerned and angry look on his face. "Are you all right? What has this madman done to you?"

I moved faster than I thought possible in this outfit towards Kyle and gave him a big hug. "Kyle! I'm so happy that you're okay." We snuggled for a moment and then shared a kiss. It felt so good to be in his arms once more. His concern for me was a palatable thing. It couldn't help but make me feel good inside. It just made me want Kyle all the more.

"Jessica? What is going on here?", Kyle said after our kiss.

"Don't worry about me, Kyle. Everything's going to be all right. You're going to be released in a little bit."

"What about you? Surely, you're not going to remain here?"

I couldn't help but glance back at Fuergeson. He seemed bored by this whole thing. Talk about going between extremes. I had the choice of chubby cheeks and the delectable Mr. Sherwood. It was like having to choose between rotten hamburger and filet minon!

"I don't have much of a choice in the matter," I calmly told Kyle. "It's the price for your freedom."

"No, I will not let you stay here for me! Not with this lunatic! There has to be some other way!"

Fighting back the tears, I put my finger on Kyle's lips. I was very touched by his desire to protect me. "There's nothing you can do for me here. Once you're gone, I won't have to worry about you any more."

I could only hope that Kyle understood the true meaning of my words. Once Kyle was safely away, he couldn't be leveraged against me anymore. I could then act directly against Fuergeson and hopefully get out of this mess.

"That's quite enough," Fuergeson announced as he stepped closer to us. "Unhand my bride!"

"You'll have to get through me first!" Kyle maneuvered himself between chubby cheeks and me. It was a very gallant gesture but ultimately for naught. The robots with Fuergeson menacingly moved closer as well. Kyle would have no chance against them.

"Come with me now, Jessica," Fuergeson threatened, "Or I will not be responsible for the consequences."

Having no choice in the matter, I stepped around Kyle and joined Fuergeson. "As I said, I don't have any choice, Kyle. I won't see you get hurt on my account. Goodbye, my love."

I couldn't bear to see the pain in Kyle's eyes and was forced to turn away. I slowly walked to the door of my own accord. It was taking all my willpower to keep from sobbing. I took a few steps down the hallway and tried to regain my composure.

"This isn't over between us, Fuergeson!" I could hear Kyle threaten. "You'll pay for what you've done!"

"Your threats carry no weight here," Fuergeson retorted. "Be thankful that this is my wedding day and I am in a merciful mood."

The door to Kyle's room closed as Fuergeson and his robots emerged. "Now that unpleasant task has been dealt with, on to bigger and better things!" Fuergeson clenched his hands together and rubbed them vigorously in what I suspected to be eager anticipation on his part. "The altar awaits!"

With a very heavy heart, I followed Fuergeson deeper into his complex. I barely noticed what was going on around me. My heart was breaking and Fuergeson was going on like he had just hit the lottery. Maybe from his perspective he had. I swore that I would get even with Fuergeson for all the pain he had caused me. Once Kyle was safe I would make my move. At this point I didn't care even if my secret was revealed.

Eventually we arrived at what I suspected served as Fuergeson's command center. There were numerous control consoles, monitors, and the like. Chubby cheeks was off once we were inside. He made his way along the consoles, touching controls and checking readings here and there.

I didn't pay any attention to what he was doing. I was too lost in my own thoughts and sorrow. The robots were still with us and that put me at a severe disadvantage. This stupid outfit didn't help any either. I was going to need all the speed and maneuverability I could get to deal with these robots unarmed.

"Everything's ready, Jessica my dear!", Fuergeson called out after completing his inspection. The largest monitor in the chamber held a digitized image of a priest. The priest at my wedding was computer generated. There had to be some measure of irony in that! "Join me and become my wife. Become Empress to my Emperor of Technology!"

The moment I had been dreading had finally arrived. I had those typical dreams of meeting the ideal man and getting married as a teenager. However, none of those schoolgirl hopes and dreams had ever come close to this. This was an experience to file under 'Nightmare'. My parents were not going to be pleased about their prospective son in law!

I tentatively walked towards the waiting husband-to-be. I was definitely going to take my sweet time for this! Maybe the cavalry would show up in the nick of time to save me from this horrific fate. Unfortunately, that stuff only happens in the movies. No one knew where I was, meaning there would be no last second rescue.

Or was there? Suddenly, an alarm went off from one of Fuergeson's panels. A shrill siren followed, piercing the air with its claxon call. Fuergeson rushed to find out what was going on. I had to admit that I was interested as well. Perhaps whatever was happening could be used to my advantage?

Fuergeson waddled to his control panel, trying to learn the cause for the alarm. "It's not possible!", chubby cheeks cried out in surprise and alarm. "Robots into attack mode! Destroy any intruders!"

As per Fuergeson's command, the robots with us all turned and flew out of the chamber. The door opened on its own and slid shut after they had passed. That just left me alone with Fuergeson. This might be the break I had been looking for!

I had joined Fuergeson's side and peered over his shoulder. Just what the heck was going on? I couldn't tell just about looking at the instruments. "What happened?", I asked innocently enough.

"Your friend has somehow disappeared from his room! But I promise you this, my sweet: he will not escape! He will be found and punished for this transgression!"

"Oh, Kyle! What are you doing?", was my immediate thought on the matter. I couldn't believe that he had done something so foolish! What was he hoping to gain?

Before I could go any further and before Fuergeson could even say anything, a new voice filled the command center. Both Fuergeson and myself turned towards the source.

"I warned you before, villain! Ms. Flynn is under my personal protection!"

I imagine that my jaw dropped slightly in response to all of this. Standing not less than ten feet away was the armored form of Starguard! He was brandishing an energy mace in his hand. To say that Fuergeson was thunderstruck would have been something of an understatement!

"You again?!", Fuergeson raged. His chubby cheeks turned red in anger. "How dare you interfere with my affairs! Go and stick your nose in someone else's business!"

"Starguard?", Jaime whispered in the back of my mind. She had been quiet for a while now, preferring to not distract me. But given this sudden unexpected development she just had to speak up.

"How did you find me?", I couldn't help but ask.

"Ms. Flynn's safety is my concern," Starguard countered. "No harm will befall her as long as I am on the job!"

With that, Starguard advanced, his mace ready for battle. At this point Fuergeson did the predicable thing. With his robots gone, he turned and scampered off as fast as his portly body would allow him. He raced out the chamber door and it sealed shut behind him! So much for me having to smack him around! Too bad, as I would have greatly enjoyed that.

After chubby cheeks had departed, I turned back towards my knight in starry armor. "I don't know who you are, but thank you. Your arrival was most fortuitous."

"No time for questions, Ms. Flynn," Starguard said to me. "I must get you to safety before dealing with this criminal scum." Starguard offered me his gauntleted hand. His armor was the same as the first time I had seen it. Black and silver with what appeared to be a star pattern covering it. It was a very cool effect.

I hesitated, but finally took Starguard's hand. Was I about to be rescued from one nut case with an unhealthy interest in me only to be rescued by another nut case with an unhealthy interest in me? At least Starguard claimed to only want to protect me while Fuergeson had other dire interests. This was definitely a case of the lesser of two evils.

A split second later, the scenery changed on me. One moment we were inside Fuergeson's command center, the next I was standing outside in an open field. There was a line of trees a bit further ahead. Close by was what appeared to be a closed down steel mill. Could this be where Fuergeson's base was located?

"What happened?", I asked. "Where are we? I wasn't alone in there! My boyfriend was being held hostage as well!"

"Mr. Sherwood is safe," Starguard assured me. "I rescued him first. He is close by. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got work to do."

"What a minute! You can't just keep popping in to save me from some perilous situation and then disappear on me. Who are you? Why are you so interested in me? What are your intentions?"

"If you are innocent, then you have nothing to fear and will need my protection, Ms. Flynn. Now if you will excuse me, I have work to do!"

Before I could utter another word, Starguard teleported away again. No doubt back into Fuergeson's hidden base. Did you ever get the feeling that you weren't in charge of your own destiny? That's about the way I felt right now.

What did Starguard mean by 'if I was innocent'? Innocent of what? Did he suspect me of being some criminal? And if I was innocent, why would I need his protection? Granted, it appears to be something I've needed as of late. This mystery with Starguard had only gotten more puzzling.

Before I could do anything, the ground shook and there was a rumbling sound. It appeared to be coming from the abandoned factory. I turned and ran in the opposite direction towards the tree line. Well, as fast as this outfit would let me run. I stumbled in these stupid heels and took a tumble, very nearly spraining my ankle in the process.

I looked back towards the factory as I lay on the ground. Suddenly, something erupted through the roof sending bricks and shingles flying. A large, saucer-shaped object rose into the sky and then streaked away. It stayed low to the ground to avoid radar.

"That must have been Fuergeson's base," Jaime shouted in my head. "Something like a flying saucer! I'm trying to locate your position based on closed down steel mills. There can't be that many in the New York City area."

"Good idea," I sent back. I continued to lie there, trying to gather my thoughts. The last few minutes had been one roller coaster ride of emotions. Saying goodbye to Kyle, thinking I was going to be married to Fuergeson, and then being rescued by Starguard. I was beginning to feel like a tennis ball being batted in every direction.

"Jessica!"

I turned back to the tree line to see a sight that sent my spirits soaring. Kyle was running out of the forest towards me! Apparently, Starguard was true to his word. He did rescue Kyle first. That also explained why the alarm went off that interrupted my wedding to Fuergeson. Furthermore, it also caused chubby cheeks to send his protecting robots away. That made it all the easier for Starguard to affect my rescue. Was it brilliant strategy on his part or luck?

Right now, I really didn't care. I scrambled to my feet and rushed towards Kyle. We embraced tightly upon reach each other and kissed several more times. I felt happy and safe in his strong arms.

"I thought I lost you to that madman for sure," Kyle whispered in my ear. "I had almost given up hope until Starguard showed up."

"I'm just happy that you're safe. As long as Fuergeson was holding you hostage, I had no choice to do his bidding. I couldn't bear to see you get hurt."

"At least it's all over thanks to Starguard. He's quite the impressive guardian angel."

"That he is."

We just held on to each other for a while and cuddled. In the back of my mind, Jaime had narrowed down our location to one of two possibilities. Members of the Freedom League were being dispatched to rescue us. All we had to do was sit tight a while longer.

"You know what I just realized, Jess," Jaime sent to me. "We had no way to track you down and find Fuergeson's base, and yet somehow Starguard did find you. In both instances where he appeared, Kyle was there as well."

I couldn't help but take a mental double-take with what Jaime was saying. How could Starguard have found me unless he was already inside Fuergeson's ship? The only logical conclusion was that Kyle Sherwood was really Starguard!