Neighbors who lived close to the Superior Six's base in Mesquite, Texas had seen many unusual things since the formation of the popular hero team. There had been battles with supervillains, equipment gone haywire, and assaults by criminal organizations. All of these paled in comparison to what was happening now.
The night sky was lit up with laser and weapons fire. A cloud of dust rose over the Ranch signifying the passage of many men and vehicles. It was almost like fireworks on the Forth of July combined with a cattle stampede from some old western movie.
Deep in the heart of the Ranch's command center, the mechanoid known as DUKE coordinated the headquarters' defense. Dozens of concealed weapons turrets and other counter-intrusion equipment were in operation. As per his command directives, DUKE was endeavoring to capture or repel the enemy forces in a manner as gently as possible.
Turning his attention to the southern quadrant, DUKE noted a squad of VIPER agents on Rattler motorcycles drawing closer. They were one of four such squads. "I reckon that you sidewinders are in a fer a rude surprise," DUKE drawled as he activated two systems.
Out before the Rattler Unit a series of bright flashes went off temporarily blinding the men. At the same moment, portions of the ground before their bikes opened up revealing small underground chambers. Most of the Rattler Unit were unable to see and could not avoid the pits. Cries of men and machines filled the air as the VIPER Agents plunged into the netted pits. The tops sealed a moment later, effectively neutralizing this particular unit.
Elsewhere, ground-based laser turrets were repelling VIPER Air Calvary. The computer-controlled response tore through the Air Calvary before they could pose a serious threat. Many plummeted to the ground, while others flew off to safer skies.
To the west, several units of VIPER Footmen surged forward, weapons blazing. Several defensive turrets were destroyed in the onslaught, but not before knocking out dozens of agents. Still other units wandered into traps and were neutralized. Knockout gas grenades exploded in the midst of the VIPER Agents, putting more of them down. Several net traps were activated covering a small area in heavy netting temporarily trapping more snakes.
The heroine Maverick was out there as well, lending to the defense of the Ranch. Her regular six shooters hung in their holsters at the ready. With the threat of the invasion imminent Maverick had raided the Centurian's weapon stores. Centurian had modified Mav's original six shooters into more high tech weapons. There were larger more powerful versions that he had created, but such weapons were not always practical to carry around all the time. They had been saved for emergencies such as this. An even larger rifle was slung across Maverick's back.
Maverick currently wielded a pair of large pistols that were essentially larger versions of her six shooters. Maverick had the weapons set on autofire and she was mowing down VIPER Agents as they came closer. The men would be unconscious for quite some time, but their wounds would not fatal. At their current settings, the energy would only stun the victim.
"Looks like these bushwhackers are bringing in the heavy artillery," DUKE drawled over Maverick's wrist communicator. Given the situation, the heroine had simply left the line open. "I'm picking up three Anaconda Tanks moving in. These snakes are loaded for bear!"
Maverick sighed to herself and ducked down behind her cover again. "Where are those varmints?"
"Comin' to the east of yer position, Ma'am."
Unslinging the rifle on her back, Maverick powered the heavy duty weapon up. It was far too powerful to use against normal men, but against tanks that was a different story. "I'll give'em a welcome they'll never forget!" Maverick announced as she headed off in the direction of the tanks.
Amidst the chaos of the VIPER incursion, a small group of beings winked into existence just outside the front door of the Ranch in a display of greenish energy. The vile knight Black Paladin was there, the lovely Lady Bale by his side. Surrounding the pair were a squad of their finest DEMON Warriors or Knights as Paladin referred to them.
The automatic defense systems identified the new threats and opened fire. The Knights fell around the dark duo before either could even act. Only the power of the Lesser Emerald Eye of Azog had saved them from a similar fate.
"Master?", Lady Bale looked around in confusion. She moved even closer to Black Paladin for protection. "What is happening?"
"I do not know." Black Paladin observed the carnage taking place around him. "It is none of our concern." Black Paladin brought the power of the Eye into play once more and the pair winked away again, leaving their unconscious knights behind.
Meanwhile in El Paso, Centurian and Earthquake were facing their own difficulties. The duo had been investigating recent appearances by the villainess Phoenix along with superpowered teens. A police call had directed the heroes to the warehouse district where Phoenix and her charges had been spotted.
On arrival, Centurian had blasted his way through the warehouse roof and flown inside. Earthquake followed close behind him. The heroes had interrupted a battle between Phoenix and her allies and some unknown men using heavy automatic weapons. A taste of fire from Phoenix had blasted both Superior Six members out of the sky.
Centurian hit the concrete ground with a loud clang; Earthquake falling right behind him. Both were dazed from the attack and sudden impact. Both struggled to regain their faculties.
Satisfied with her efforts, the black-clad Phoenix turned her attention back to the drug runners. A bunch of them had been holed up behind crates firing their weapons. With a gesture Phoenix launched another ball of fire. It exploded before the drug runners sending out waves of heat and flame in all directions. The weapons cartridges closest to the blast exploded from the heat. Those drug runners who survived the blast had little fight left in them.
A muscular teenage boy ran up to the hovering Phoenix at superspeed. He wore a red costume with yellow trim and a matching cape. "I always wanted to take on some real heroes!" he said excitedly. "They don't look so tough to me!"
"Never mind them, Atomic Kid," Phoenix instructed. "Go get the cash from the drug pushers and we can get out of here. We don't have time to waste on those heroes!"
"Lady, you're damn well gonna make time!" Centurian had recovered and he was not in the least bit happy. He pointed his mini-plasma cannon at Phoenix and fired. The air crackled and a blast of plasma issued forth and exploded around Phoenix and the Atomic Kid. Phoenix was thrown violently across the warehouse, while the Atomic Kid was unmoved. His cape billowed wildly in the sudden breeze.
The explosion rippled out and caught two more of Phoenix's associates in its wake. The youth known as Flex was buffeted by the waves of energy, but was otherwise unharmed. The whirling vortex of wind that surrounded a cowgirl dressed in red and orange with brown leather accessories likewise protected her from harm.
"How dare you try to hurt me!" the cowgirl sneered in anger. She gestured dramatically and blast of wind slammed hard into Centurian, driving him back across the warehouse and into a stack of crates. "You don't want to get the dander of Wild Wind up!"
The Atomic Kid rushed in and finished Centurian off with a powerful punch. "Am I good or what?" the Kid wondered aloud at how easily the famous hero had gone down. "That's right, I am the man!"
Nearby, Earthquake went on the offensive. He gestured and a section of the floor shot up towards the hovering Wild Wind. But the teenage girl was faster and avoided the projectile.
"That's no way to treat a lady!" Flex objected. He wore a blue body suit with red and yellow trim. "I guess it's a stretch for these guys to be chivalrous!"
As he spoke, Flex's right hand grew to giant size and stretched out towards the startled Earthquake. Flex brought down his giant hand and smacked Earthquake like a bug. The hero was unconscious from the assault.
"Just like swatting a fly," Flex laughed. "Nitey, nitey, there guy!"
Phoenix flew back onto the scene and was pleased to find the members of the Superior Six dealt with. "Very good, my charges," the villainess purred in approval. "Let's grab the money and get out of here."
"I got it right here, Phoenix." The speaker was a plain looking boy in a white bodysuit. Thick goggles covered his eyes. In his hands were two large suitcases. He had mainly stayed hidden during the whole conflict.
"Very good, Psi-Lad," Phoenix congratulated. "Those heroes will think twice about taking on the Rat Pack anytime soon! Let's move out."
The Atomic Kid took the suitcases from Psi-Lad and rushed away, with Phoenix and Wild Wind flying on ahead. Psi-Lad paused to stare at the fallen heroes for a moment. Why had the Superior Seven attacked the Rat Pack? Did they think them criminals or something? That very thought deeply troubled Psi-Lad.
Beyond our reality exists the Shadow Plane. It's a dark and misty place where it is nearly impossible to tell up from down. Captain Lightning could feel solid ground underneath his feet, but could not actually see it. As he stood there pondering his next move, the Sorceress was tossed through the Shadow Cloak and landed roughly a few feet away.
"Tanya!" Captain Lighting was at his teammate's side a second later.
The Sorceress was a bit dazed from the rough treatment she had endured. The emerald bands of energy still surrounded her body, wrapping her up like some Egyptian mummy. She had been strung up by her ankles by Black Paladin and Lady Bale, her mind rifled for information, and then later dropped on her head. The normally lovely mage was dirty and disheveled.
Carefully, Captain Lightning grabbed the wraps and started to free the Sorceress. "Hang on, Tanya, I'll have you out of this in a jiffy!"
"That was a very foolish thing you did, Captain," Tanya complained once the wrappings around her lower face were removed. "You should have attacked when you had the chance."
"I knew I should have started at the other end," Captain Lightning noted. "I couldn't risk letting them hurt you. No matter what the cost. Your safety and welfare is always my top concern. Besides, we're not finished just yet."
"In spite of my misgivings, you do have my thanks, Captain," Tanya answered. "And my gratitude."
The two heroes exchanged deep glances, both saying more than words could say at the time. But before either could say anything further, a small pounding sound attracted their attention. Lying on its side close by was a glass bottle holding Titan, who had been shrunk to mouse size by Black Paladin.
"Is that Titan?" Captain Lightning cried out in astonishment.
"Yes it is," Tanya answered. She had witnessed the fate of their teammate earlier while being held prisoner by Black Paladin. "Finish freeing me and I'll see what I can do to help our friend."
Gently, Captain Lightning lifted the Sorceress to her feet and continued to unwrap her. "How did this any of this happen?"
"I followed the traces of magic to the parking lot and was attacked by Bale. I defeated her but then Black Paladin did this to me. I must warn you, Captain, that he is more powerful than ever now. He possesses an evil artifact of great power. We must proceed cautiously."
"We've beaten this lot before, we'll do so again." Captain Lightning continued to work and by now had freed the Sorceress arms.
"But never have we dealt with this pair together," Tanya countered as she stretched her arms. "We have precious little time to act. Black Paladin knows the location of the vault and is heading there even as we speak."
Once the wrapping was past the Sorceress shapely thighs, Captain Lightning was able to pull the rest down allowing Tanya to step free.
"My sincerest thanks, Captain," Tanya gratefully responded. "Now for our friend." Tanya picked up the glass bottle holding Titan and removed the lid. Gently, she tipped the bottle, allowing Titan to slide out to the ground. The Sorceress proceeded to cast a spell that would nullify the enchantment on her teammate. Upon the completion of her spell, Titan grew back to his normal human size.
"Man, that was just too weird!" Titan exclaimed as he looked around. "Talk about claustrophobic! Looks like we're trapped here, huh?"
"Only for a moment, my friend," the Sorceress replied. "My magic is strong enough to return myself and one other back to the real world."
"Tanya, you and Titan go," Captain Lightning commanded. "As we both know they'll have to return to the Shadow Plane to penetrate the vault. I can travel faster in my lightning form than either of you can. The homing beacon will guide my way. As Maverick is fond of saying, I'll head the varmints off at the pass."
"What vault?" Titan wondered out loud in obvious confusion. "What are you talking about?"
"Agreed," the Sorceress responded with a nod. "Good luck, Captain. I shall see you soon."
Cap adjusted his wrist communicator to home in on the beacon he spoke of to gather his bearings. Then he transformed himself into a bolt of lighting and streaked off deeper into the Shadow Plane. The electrical hero was soon out of sight.
"Tanya?" the still confused Titan asked. "What's going on?"
"I shall explain shortly. In the meantime, stand close to me, my friend, and we shall be on our way."
Such an invitation did not have to be offered twice to Titan. He stood directly behind the Sorceress, allowing her room to weave her spells. The giant hero found Tanya's perfume to be most intoxicating, much like the lady herself. If only Titan was more the outgoing type, or from more prominent roots. Joe was just a simple man and could never imagine someone as high classed as Tanya being interested in him.
The Sorceress cast her magic spell and a moment later she and Titan were standing in the now deserted Pike's Park. Black Paladin and his charges had moved on to the their destination at the Ranch.
Instantly, Titan grew to his full height and offered to carry Tanya in his oversized hand. "Let me give you a lift, Tanya. I'll have us to the Lone Star 3 in a few moments." With her Shadow Cloak currently in the possession of Black Paladin, the Sorceress could no longer fly.
"Thank you, my friend," Tanya smiled gratefully as she stepped onto Titan's hand. "We must make haste!" Both heroes noted a priority alert coming from the Ranch. Clearly, Black Paladin and his forces were already there.
With the Sorceress safely in grasp, Titan stalked off towards the awaiting team jet in giant strides. "So what is going on here? What's this vault that you and Cap were talking about?"
"In my travels, I have collected many magic items," the Sorceress explained. "Some useful, some vile and unspeakably evil. When the Ranch was being remodeled, under the Captain's and my direction, a secret vault was constructed underneath the Ranch. In it I placed these dangerous magic items. Only myself and the Captain can reach it with any ease."
"So how come you never told the rest of us about it? Didn't you trust us?"
"Of course we trust you and the other members of the team, Titan. Trust was not an issue. Those who covet these items have many ways to draw out such information. Indeed, Black Paladin literally pulled the location out of my mind. We simply felt that the fewer people in on the secret, the safer it would be. But now it is too late for such recriminations. We must get back to the Ranch before unspeakable evil is unleashed!"
The three Anaconda tanks rumbled across the landscape, moving ever closer to the Ranch. Inside, the VIPER Agents prepared to fire their main guns. The tanks would make short work of the Ranch buildings with their superior firepower. Spotters scanned the area ahead, waiting for a target to come into sight.
Much to their surprise, the woman known as Maverick stepped forward out of the darkness and swirling dust with a large rifle in her hands. As the weapons turrets of the tanks moved towards her, Maverick fired!
A tremendous blast of energy exploded out of the rifle and slammed hard into the lead tank. Maverick's aim was true and the blast blew apart the motorized treads, stopping the tank in its path. The force of the impact knocked the tank to one side, very nearly causing it to collide with one of the other Anacondas.
"Take this, you sidewinders!" Maverick fired again and the second tank lost the ability to move. A third shot disabled the remaining tank, causing all three to suddenly stop.
Maverick fired yet again, this time targeting the main gun of the lead tank. Once more her aim was true and the gun was blasted apart, causing the tank to flop over on its side, exposing its underbelly. Further pinpoint accurate shots made short work of the tanks.
All was silent for a few moments. Slowly the tank hatches opened and the battered and shaken crew crawled out. All of them ran off without looking back.
"Cowardly varmints," Maverick noted as she inserted fresh power cartridges into the rifle, letting the spent ones fall to the ground. Fully powered once more, Maverick renewed her assault. The lead Anaconda tank simply exploded in a ball of fire, its brothers joining it soon after. Their fires lit up the night sky for many miles.
A squad of VIPER Rattlers attracted Maverick's attention next. The Rattlers had pulled up and were stunned to see the Anaconda Tanks explode. Maverick spun and pointed the rifle towards the VIPER Agents. "Which one of you desperados wants to be next?" Maverick drawled.
Hasty glances were exchanged and the Rattlers sped away as fast as their motorcycles could take them. Maverick couldn't help but chuckle as she watched them flee. There were still other VIPER Agents to deal with. This invasion of the Ranch was not over with yet.
Ignoring the sounds of battle above them, Black Paladin and Lady Bale made their way through the underground portion of the Superior Six base. Other base defenses had attempted to attack the duo but the dark knight's Emerald Eye blocked the futile efforts. Snap down lasers concealed in the walls fired repeatedly on them, but failed to breach the green forcefield surrounding the mystic villains.
Lady Bale hung on to Black Paladin in wide-eyed wonder. She couldn't help but wince as the weapons fired upon them. Without the protection provided by the Eye, they would have been stopped a long time ago. "Is it much further, Master?"
"No, my consort," Black Paladin answered. The unmistakable presence of evil clung to the dark knight and his eyes glowed of greenish energy. His armor was jet black in color and rather than reflect light, seemed to absorb it. He had ditched his normal cape and was wearing the Shadow Cloak Paladin had taken from the Sorceress. "We are near."
Once Lady Bale had been fiercely independent and driven in her desire to accumulate personal power. It was this very drive that originally led her to suggest an alliance with Black Paladin to capture the Emerald Eyes. The plan only partially succeeded and the dark knight did claim one of the two Lesser Eyes. But in the process Lady Bale was severely wounded and Black Paladin used his evil artifact to restore her to health. In the process, he had bound Lady Bale's will to his own, effectively making her his personal slave. (Editor's Note: As shown in Troubleshooters #12 & X-Factor #4)
The two had been walking these underground passages for many minutes now. Could Black Paladin have gotten the location of the Sorceress' treasures wrong? Lady Bale was fearful to even voice such a suggestion after the punishment she received back at the festival grounds.
Suddenly, Black Paladin stopped. "Yes, very clever," he commented to no one in particular. "The vault is here, but the treasure is buried behind much rock and earth. We must return to the Shadow Plane to gain entry."
Paladin grasped the edges of his purloined Shadow Cloak and concentrated. As he did, the inside of the garment became jet-black and the portal to the Shadow Plane opened. Lady Bale eagerly stepped inside and the Black Paladin wrapped the cloak about himself and twisted out of existence.
A moment later, the pair found themselves on the desolate Shadow Plane. Darkness clung to them like a fine mist. Directions seemed meaningless and the ground could not be seen. Everything was bathed in an eerie twilight. Goosebumps rose up on Lady Bale's flesh.
Surprisingly there was a metallic wall before the magical villains. It was part of a small chamber that had been constructed here on the Shadow Plane. It was dark and had no markings or any visible entrance as well. A flashing beacon stood on top of the small structure.
Black Paladin paused, considering what to do next. He lowered his defensive shield and stored the Lesser Emerald Eye. A barrier barred his access to the vault back in the Superior Six base and another barrier blocked his passage on the Shadow Plane. Clearly, he should have taken more than just the vault location from the Sorceress' mind.
Reaching out, Black Paladin laid his metallic gauntlet on the structure, gauging how solid it was. As he did, a powerful electric shock surged into his body! Bright sparks cracked loudly as the electricity arced along the black knight's armor. Held transfixed by the corruscating energy, the villain spasmed once as he tried to break the grip on him. Black Paladin was then suddenly, violently tossed away from the small metallic structure before the startled eyes of Lady Bale! The evil knight collapsed to the ground as electricity continued to play about his body. Without the Eye's protectionin place, Paladin had no defense against the assault.
"Master! Are you hurt?" Lady Bale could only watch in astonishment, her mind unable to comprehend how this could be happening.
Finally, the electricity streaked away from the unmoving knight and Lady Bale rushed to her master's side. Smoke wafted off of his chest and merged with the mist of the shadow plane. He was alive, but unconscious. Bale happened to glance back as the electricity finally coalescing into Captain Lightning!
"I warned you that my powers could hurt you, Paladin." Turning to face Lady Bale he added with a grim smile, "Shall we try this again? This time without any hostages?"
Back in El Paso, a weary Centurian pulled himself to his feet. He glanced about, but no foes were in sight. Phoenix and her Rat Pack were long gone. Spot fires were burning from the combat, but it presented no real danger to Centurian. Police and firefighters were on the scene.
"Damn," Centurian cursed to no one in particular. He had severely underestimated the enemy. It was a not a mistake that he would repeat. Whoever those kids were, they were not lightweights. A loud groan from Earthquake interrupted Centurian's thoughts.
"What the heck hit us?" Earthquake wondered aloud. He stood up and looked around at the carnage done. "Definitely not our finest hour."
"Phoenix and her kiddies will get what's coming to them," Centurian vowed. "That you can take to the bank!"
While this was going on, Earthquake became aware of the beeping coming from his wrist communicator. He quickly scanned the stored message. "Forget about them! We've got to get back to the Ranch!"
Puzzled, Centurian turned to face his teammate. "What's the big deal?"
"According to DUKE, VIPER has attacked our headquarters!"
"Those slimly, son of a---," Centurian cursed. "Let's roll! I'm missing a chance to bash snakes!"
"This is not good," Titan muttered as he piloted the Lone Star 3 through the skies over Mesquite. The Sorceress was currently seated in the co-pilot's chair, but took no part in operating the craft. "Its not Black Paladin that's attacking the Ranch-- it's VIPER!"
"VIPER? Then Maverick may not even be aware of our other foes," the Sorceress added with a grim look. They just had to arrive back at the Ranch in time to stop Black Paladin and Lady Bale. She felt almost naked without the familiar feel of her Shadow Cloak on her shoulders.
"We'll be there in a few minutes. According to DUKE, we should be able to set down by the hanger without too much difficulty. He's trying to clear the immediate area of VIPER Agents."
The remaining minutes of the trip passed in grim silence. Once near the Ranch, Titan piloted the jet as close to the ground as safely possible. It would give VIPER a smaller target. The Lone Star 3 slowed as it reached the hanger and Titan changed over to lifting thrusters. As quickly as he dared, he lowered the craft to the ground. The landing was rougher than normal, but speed was now of the essence.
The Sorceress was out of the hatch a few moments after touchdown, Titan following behind her. "I'll attempt to locate Black Paladin and Lady Bale down below."
"I'll give Mav a hand out here," Titan responded. He suddenly shot up to twenty-five feet in height. His growing powers were more of a hindrance in the tunnels down below than a help.
"Be careful, my friend." The Sorceress turned and ran off into the vehicle hanger. Stairs inside would take her into the underground levels and towards the vault. As she ran, Reaver suddenly appeared in her hand.
Titan paused for a moment as he watched the lovely mage run off into the hanger. Once she was out of sight, Titan activated his wrist communicator. "Hey, Duke, give me some snakes to stomp!" After receiving directions, Titan was off to defend the Ranch.
The Sorceress ran through the tunnels underneath the Ranch. She passed by Centurian's weapons lab and the Battle Trainer. What she sought was secreted in a location known only to herself and Captain Lightning. In a seemingly innocent section of the hallway, Tanya stopped. She was now near the vault, but neither Black Paladin nor Lady Bale was in the area.
The vault had been buried deep within the underground portion of the Ranch. Electrical circuits were connected to it, allowing Captain Lightning easy access. The Sorceress used her Shadow Cloak to travel to the Shadow Plane to gain entry. However, the two had created a barrier on the Shadow Plane to further protect the vault.
Captain Lightning had used technological means to secure the vault on the Shadow Plane. A small fusion generator powered the homing beacon and the defensive field that surrounded the metallic structure. The field would only drop in the presence of the wrist communicators of Captain Lightning or the Sorceress.
Reasoning that her foes had traveled to the Shadow Plane, Tanya sent Reaver away once more. She cast a spell and was whisked back to the Shadow Plane. Flashes of electrical energy immediately attracted her attention. Not more than thirty feet away, Captain Lightning was sending bolts of electricity at Lady Bale. Most of the attacks were harmlessly deflected away by her magical amulet.
Lady Bale stood over the fallen form of Black Paladin, the Sword of Kane drawn. "I'll kill you for hurting the Master!" she screamed.
Willing Reaver back into her hand, the Sorceress rushed to join the battle against her old foe. "You will kill no one this day villain! Your Master has been defeated, and now so shall you!"
Startled, Lady Bale turned away from Captain Lightning towards the Sorceress. That distraction was costly as an electrical blast from the Captain sent the black sorceress flying off into the Shadow Plane. Lady Bale crumbled to the ground and did not stir.
"Well done, Captain!" Tanya complimented. "I see that I had no reason to worry after all."
"I couldn't have done it without you, Tanya. Your distraction proved pivotal in the conflict." Satisfied that his foes would be out for some time, Captain Lightning stooped down next to Black Paladin and relieved him of the Shadow Cloak. "I believe this belongs to you."
A smile on her face, the Sorceress walked up to Captain Lightning and turned around. Lightning gently placed the cloak on the Sorceress' delicate shoulders. "Yes, I did not feel the same without it." Once the cloak was secured, Tanya turned back around towards Captain Lightning. She took his hand in hers. "Thank you very much, Captain."
"My pleasure. Now, I think we should get these two back to the Ranch..."
"Look out!" the Sorceress managed to shout. Her own magic amulet had picked up danger and the heroine shoved Captain Lighting off to one side.
A split second later a blast of energy sailed past where the two had been standing. Lightning landed on his back with the Sorceress on top of him. Both looked back and saw Lady Bale standing there. Residue of energy played about her black gloves.
"The day is yours heroes! But there will be a reckoning! Oh, yes, you will pay with your very souls!" Lady Bale rushed in, took Black Paladin up into her arms, and then flew off into the shadows. Both were out of sight in a manner of moments.
"Should we go after them?" Captain Lightning inquired of the Sorceress.
By now, Tanya had gotten to her feet. "As much as I would like to, our presence is needed required back at the Ranch. VIPER operatives are currently attacking!"
"Well then do your cloak thing and let's give our teammates a hand!"
By the time the Double J came in for a landing bearing Centurian and Earthquake, it was all over but the shouting. Maverick had more than held her own during the VIPER assault and when Titan, Captain Lightning, and the Sorceress joined in, the rout was on. The local police and PRIMUS authorities were summoned to take away the captured snakes.
Naturally, Centurian was not in the least bit happy. "You mean I missed it! Damn, damn, damn!" he cursed. He had removed his helmet to make it easier to talk to his teammates.
At one time the man who became Centurian worked for BLADE Inc designing what ended up as the Centurian battlesuit. VIPER operatives had tried to steal the suit, this beginning a long period of bad blood between the hero and that particular criminal organization. There was nothing Centurian liked better than ruining some VIPER plot.
"The situation could have been much worse, my friend," Tanya stated, trying to defuse Centurian's black mood. "Maverick single-handedly saved the Ranch from these criminals."
That made Centurian pause. While Maverick's skill with her six shooters was phenomenal, no one considered her to be the most powerful of the Superior Six. Judging by the weaponry laid out on a nearby table, the heroine had raided Centurian's lab for extra firepower. "Way to go, Mav! I see you were testing out some of my new weapons."
"You got that right, partner. Your toys got some kick to them. Just ask those rustlers out there. I like 'em."
"I'll take your word for it, Mav," Centurian answered with a grin. "I'm glad that you liked my little toys. So what's deal with you? You staying or moseying off the Ranch?"
Unexpectedly, five pairs of eyes all locked in on Maverick. "We had heard talk of you hanging up your guns," Titan added diplomatically.
"Shucks, about the only thing that's ridin' off into the sunset around here are my duds. Too many memories with 'em. The way I see it, you tenderfoots need me now more than ever. 'Sides, Comet would want it that way."
"Welcome back, Mav." Captain Lightning was the first to offer his hand to the cowgirl. "I'm very happy that you've decided to stay."
The other members of the Superior Six closed in and offered their congratulations to Maverick. She and the Sorceress exchanged hugs. "What's this I hear about a new costume?" Tanya asked. "Do you have something in mind?"
"I reckon I was hopin' for yer help in this," Maverick drawled.
"Of course, my friend. I'd be happy to assist you."
"If you ask me, your outfit is a classic," Captain Lightning offered. "You don't mess with classics."
"I'll only make the change if'n we can rustle up somethin' better," Maverick responded.
Epilogue:
Two days later the Sorceress stepped into the Superior Six's meeting room. Captain Lightning was already present. A regular team gathering was going to be held in just a few minutes.
"Good evening, Captain," Tanya greeted with a smile. "I trust your day was a pleasant one."
"I can't complain," Captain Lightning responded. "Actually, I'm glad that you're early for the meeting. There's been something I've been wanting to ask you."
"But of course, Captain. Is there some problem?"
"Actually, this is more of a personal matter." The Captain seemed slightly embarrassed by the matter. "I was wondering if you would like to come over for dinner one of these evenings. You know, talk a bit and maybe get to know each other a little better."
The Sorceress was momentarily surprised, but then started to consider the request. "I think I would be delighted to visit. It sounds like it could be a most interesting evening."
"Great!" A wide smile formed on Captain Lightning's face. "How about tomorrow night? Say seven o'clock?"
"It's a date, Captain." Tanya smiled widely back as well. The two heroes looked into each other's eyes for a few moments. "And perhaps the start of something wonderful."
