by Cohen, Bryan
Dhiraj turned his chair toward Harding. "What do you think it would mean if a girl you were seeing was more interested in battle plans than small talk?"
Harding stopped what he was doing and took off his headphones. "This is all purely hypothetical, right?"
Dhiraj smirked. "None of this is ever hypothetical. What do you think?"
He folded his arms and looked at Dhiraj. "It's really tough when a couple has to make a transition like this. After Agent Vott's mind was controlled, I wasn't sure if we were ever going to be real partners again."
"But there's a big difference between being partners at work and partners in life, you and Agent Vott aren't partners in life, are you?"
Harding smiled. "No, we're not. But that doesn't mean that having a good work relationship is all that different from having a good sexual relationship."
Dhiraj raised his eyebrows. "So you're saying, we're in a transitional period right now, and eventually we'll see if things work out with the new paradigm?"
"Exactly. Once Vott had his mind back, we slipped right back into the old routine. There were some changes, but we made it work."
Dhiraj chuckled to himself. "That's good to hear. If you two broke up, there'd be no hope for any of us."
Just then, one of the radios crackled to life for the first time in over seven days.
"Anybody out there?"
Dhiraj reached for the device and pressed down a big red button. "Yes, yes. We're here. Who am I speaking with?"
The woman on the other end let out a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness. Feel like I've been talking to myself on this thing. This is Princess Leia."
Dhiraj looked to Harding then back at the radio. "Princess Leia?"
"Yes, Princess Leia. And I'm sure your code name is so much better."
Harding laughed and snatched the device from Dhiraj. "Copy that, Princess Leia. This is Captain America. How can we help?"
As Dhiraj listened, a slight hint of familiarity crept at the back of his neck.
"We're in a lot of trouble here on the eastern side of Ohio. We've been fighting pretty well, but our numbers are dwindling. Any help you can give us will be much appreciated."
Harding nodded. "Okay, we've got your coordinates and we'll send someone over as soon as we can. Keep up the good fight, Leia."
Dhiraj grabbed the device back. "And may the force be with you!”
The woman on the other end let out an exasperated sigh before ending the transmission.
Harding rolled his eyes. “I can tell that you’re very slick with the ladies. It’s no wonder Jennifer is all over you."
Dhiraj punched the agent in the shoulder and got out of his chair. "I'm going to go tell Erica the good news. Don't make fun of my game."
Harding laughed. "I wouldn't dream of it."
As Dhiraj left the room, he couldn't suppress the feeling that whoever it was calling themselves Princess Leia was someone he knew. If he could only place the voice.
5
Yoshi looked on as the young boy with more power than any of them tried his best to focus. Ever since Ted brought Riu aboard from whatever strange world he came from, the members of the army had a sort of reverence about him. Not everyone on board knew the incredible ability the boy had to shock the soul out of the human body, but Yoshi was among the esteemed few. The second he heard, he offered to help he boy hone his powers.
They sat cross-legged across from one another, and Yoshi stared at the glowing boy. But all the concentration in the world wouldn't make Riu stop talking.
"I hear that where you come from, they talk about destiny an awful lot."
Yoshi furrowed his brow. "You're mistaken. They don't talk much at all where I come from. Now concentrate, Riu."
While the boy squinted his eyes tighter, focus didn't seem to be in the menu. "For many years I thought my destiny was written among the stars. It is so exciting to see it potentially come to fruition."
Yoshi leaned toward him. "If you don't learn to hone your power, Riu, I think your powers in the stars will come crashing to earth."
Riu opened his eyes wide. "I will show you that I can focus. I will become a master focuser."
Yoshi crossed his arms. "The only skill you've shown me thus far is that you may just talk me to death. If you don't close your eyes and stop talking for an entire minute, I will withdraw my offer of support. Is that what you and your destiny want?"
Riu shook his head. "I'm sorry, Master Yoshi. I'm just excited about the possibilities."
The samurai and the young boy weren't so different in that respect. Yoshi had been downright giddy when the mermen made him into who he was. A god among sea creatures. But his joy from this had worn thin after a few months. He'd grown lazy and sluggish, which allowed Natalie to get the drop on him during their fight. The excitement arose again with his attempt to lead Erica's army into battle. But the ceiling was only so high. After all, it was Erica's army. She was underneath Ted. That put him at least a few spots behind the one in charge. That didn't sit well with the ambitious samurai.
Yoshi took in a calming breath. "I was like you once, Riu. I wanted power and enlightenment to come to me without any work whatsoever. But I learned that good things come to those who train. Your grandfather didn't wake up and become the savior of your people. He did what I'm teaching you to do right now."
Riu nodded like a student absorbing a world of information. "Okay. Okay. I will do what is necessary to liberate this world. It is my—"
"If you say destiny one more time—"
"Duty. It is my duty to this world. I'll stop talking now, Master Yoshi."
The samurai bowed his head low as he watched Riu close his eyes.
Yoshi thought back to all the choices that had brought him here. He had been the most powerful samurai on the side of light before he escaped his captivity of training. He sought out the protector, and when he knew there was no chance of him becoming the supreme warrior that he craved, he fought for another side instead. He had planned on killing Natalie in front of his old ally, but her surprising victory gave him an opportunity. He stared ahead into the aura of the glowing boy. As Riu concentrated more deeply, Yoshi could see the light around him shine brighter. With every passing minute, he seemed to become stronger and stronger, until the entire room glowed in a light green florescence.
Yoshi caught himself salivating at the boy's power.
After ten minutes had gone by, Riu opened his eyes. "That's what you mean by focus, right Master Yoshi? I could sense my control."
Yoshi smiled slightly. "Now feel your power. Feel it as if you can use your hands to move and manipulate the light."
Yoshi moved his hands from side to side and the green light moved with them.
"Now aim your power directly at that door. See the light flow from your hands right into the metal."
Riu extended his hand in a way Yoshi had seen Ted do dozens of times. The green light swirled through the air and collected right in front of the metal door.
Yoshi licked his lips. "Now surround the door and let your light flow into it."
With a focused stare, Riu's light seeped into the metal and disappeared from view.
Riu laughed out loud. "I've never done anything like that before. If I could control that, I could use my powers on specific people."
Yoshi gave a bow. "That's exactly right. But let's keep this to ourselves for now. We want to make sure that your powers are perfect when we demonstrate for Erica and Ted. Does that work for you?"
Riu's eyes lit up. "Yes! I can show them how powerful I've become all at once. Thank you, Master Yoshi."
Yoshi could see the demonstration playing out in his head. If he could ensure that the boy was strong enough when the protector and the living soul were close by, he might be able to shock both of them out of their bodies. And that might give the samurai exactly the opportunity he'd been dreaming of.
"No, thank you." Yoshi took the boy's glowing hand in his. "Now let's craft you into the wea
pon you were meant to be."
6
Ted Finley was exhausted. He opened what felt like the hundredth portal of the week, though he was pretty sure it was only number eight. At least, that's what Dhiraj told him during their latest communication.
"You beat up an old woman?"
Ted grunted. "She was a super powered woman. And a queen!"
"Remind me not to bring you around on grandparent's day."
Dhiraj smacked his lips. "Everything is on schedule. We're taking every base with ease, and Erica won a round of Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots with giant mechanical suits."
Ted sighed. "It's almost like you guys don't need me around."
Dhiraj laughed. "Yeah, maybe you should just stay away. Take a long vacation?"
Ted chuckled. "It's funny that being in captivity and then getting a huge position of responsibility hasn't changed the fact that you're a dick."
Dhiraj's grin was apparent through the com device. "Love you too, Ted. Keep up the good work out there. Only a few dozen more to go."
Ted's desire to get back to the frontlines had him working twice as fast on the world leaders. After trips through the government buildings of Russia, India, and Iran, he wondered just how many of these places he would have seen if it weren't for the General's conquest. With each mind wiping and nuclear disarmament, Ted grew more and more tired, but he knew there was no other way. If he could get all of the nukes outside of the US disabled, they'd have one less problem to worry about. But with The White House on lock down, he had no way of preventing the General from using his stock as well.
"At least I'm getting some serious frequent flier miles. I could probably take a trip to Jupiter at this point."
After Ted completed his nuclear efforts for the day, he decided it was time to pay his old friends a visit. Ted created his last portal of the day, which accurately placed him just outside of Natalie's door. He stepped through the portal and gingerly knocked on the metal. He heard a loud, exaggerated groan on the other side.
When the door opened, a grumpy looking Natalie stood there in boxer briefs. Her long legs momentarily distracted Ted from her evil eye.
"If this is a Jehovah's Witness thing, I'm gonna be pretty pissed off."
Ted grinned. "Actually, I'm a vampire. So, you need to invite me in or else I'm stuck out here."
Natalie flared her nostrils. "If only that were the case. I hope you brought me a souvenir." Natalie turned her back on him and walked into the room.
Ted followed and sat on the edge of the bed.
"I don't really have anything to drink other than water." Natalie blinked away sleep as she looked through her meager kitchen setup.
"I don't need anything, Nat."
"That's funny, because I need sleep. Aren't you on a mission or something?"
Ted slumped on the bed. "You act like you're not happy to see me."
Natalie looked like she exercised some serious will power to form a smile. "Of course I'm happy to see you. I'm glad you weren't killed by a Russian hit man or some kind of death squad. But we've got a lot of work to do here. I can't be waking up at two in the morning for a boot—for whatever this is."
Ted sat up straight. "Were you going to say—"
"I'm tired, don't hold me to any of my—"
"You were going to say booty call?" Ted's eyes opened wide. "Are you trying to say you want—"
Natalie hoisted Ted up off the mattress and led him back to the door. "The only thing I want right now is sleep. We can talk about other stuff when you've done your mission and we have a moment to think."
Ted turned toward her when he got to the door. "You can sleep. Maybe I can sleep too. You know, in the same place?"
Natalie rubbed at one of her eyes. "I think it's probably just better if you go. But I really am glad that you're okay."
Ted wasn't sure what to do. He considered taking Natalie's hand, or brushing some hair away from her face. His brain was even so bold as to consider grabbing her and kissing her. But the door shut right in front of his nose before he could do any of that.
"Goodnight, Ted."
He breathed out some of his nervousness. "Goodnight."
After leaving Natalie's room, Ted wandered the halls of the ship for what felt like hours. He knew he was on the edge of exhaustion, and for some reason, sleep felt like the furthest thing from him.
I've got to tell her how I feel. I can't keep putting that off.
Ted continued to walk and pace until he spotted someone familiar on the other side of his path.
Erica's head was down as she walked. Even from across the hallway, Ted could see that something wasn't quite right with his protector and ex-girlfriend. He got within three feet of her before she noticed his presence.
She half smiled. "Mission report?"
"You aren't going to say hi first?"
She shook loose the cobwebs. "Sorry. Hi, Ted." As she opened up her arms, the living soul noticed how pale her face was.
Ted wrapped his arms around Erica and squeezed. "Hi. Are you okay? You look anemic or something."
Erica rested her head on his shoulder for a moment before pulling away. "Just a little sea sickness. Now can I have the mission report?"
Ted laughed. "All about the business. I've disabled about 95% of international nukes. There're a few out there that probably wouldn't travel very far I have yet to get to. I can take them out over the next couple of days if you want. Are you sure it's just sea sickness, because you're looking ghostly."
Ted noticed Erica leaning against the side of the hallway.
"I'm fine. No need to worry about me." She attempted to stand up straight, though there was a bit of a slouch to it. "Why don't you take a break on the nuke mission and go help us out with a settlement in the Midwest. Their leader goes by the name of Princess Leia."
Ted gave a sharp laugh. "Am I supposed to be Obi-Wan in this situation?"
Erica raised an eyebrow. "Whatever you want to call yourself, we probably are their only hope. Bring a few rhinos and angels with you to help out. I've got to go get some sleep."
As Erica started to walk away, Ted grabbed her wrist.
"Erica, are we spreading ourselves too thin? Do you think we can really help out Leia and whatever other settlements are out there? You already saw what happened with Riu—"
"He's not ready yet. If he knocks me and you out of commission along with the dark souls on board, I'm not sure who is going to take down the General."
Ted nodded. "Okay. So, what's the plan then?"
Erica drew in a labored breath. "First, you help Leia. Then, after we take out a few more bases, we'll move inland. War isn't a speedy thing, Ted."
Ted released his grasp. "I know. Just, make sure you hydrate. Maybe eat some liver and beans or something?"
Erica made a face. "That sounds delightful. I'll see if they have that as Dhiraj's kosher meals he keeps stealing from the back stock."
Ted smiled. "Just take care of this. Just take care of yourself. I can't do this alone."
Erica frowned before returning to neutral. "I know."
She walked away, supporting herself twice on the wall as she turned the corner.
Ted felt the urge to read her mind, but decided not to intrude.
War is tough on people. That's what it must be. I hope that's what it is.
Early the next morning, Ted and a group of a half dozen troops walked through the portal and into the eastern part of Ohio. They used the last known coordinates of Princess Leia and her group. He hoped they wouldn't have to travel far, seeing as Ted wasn't sure exactly what was wrong with Erica. Ted took in the smells of trees and grass as they looked around for their rendezvous.
One of the rhinos tapped him on the shoulder. "Is there any fresh game here? I could use a good hunt and some meat."
Ted raised an eyebrow. "There's probably deer in a backyard or something. Just stay quiet for a sec—"
The sound of guns cocking caught Ted by surprise. As he scanned the area,
his powers indicated that there were a few dozen humans with their guns locked on him. All his instincts told him to lock the safeties on every single device, he decided to use his words instead.
"Obi-Wan Kenobi here. Looking for a Princess Leia? Can Leia come out and play?"
"You are such an incredible dork."
Ted's jaw dropped as Princess Leia stepped into the clearing.
He laughed and took a step forward. "That's very clever of you. I'm not Obi-Wan, I'm Luke Skywalker."
Christina Finley put her hands on her hips and gave her brother the stink-eye. "None of you figured that out? The squadron that's supposed to save the Earth?" She used her hands to signal for her soldiers to bring their weapons down. "If those are the greatest minds we have left, I guess all of us are doomed.”
7
Natalie woke up early and wondered if she’d dreamed the entire encounter with Ted. She’d been absolutely exhausted when he came in and wondered if she’d actually come that close to saying the term “booty call." She took a deep breath and wondered exactly how she'd face him; the word on the ship was that he'd already left.
Disappointment washed over her. "I probably shouldn't have slammed the door in his face."
As she prepared herself to ready her own squadron, she thought back to their sparring session on Yoshi's world. She remembered the sound of his breath, the smell of his sweat, and how close the two of them had been. If she closed her eyes, she could remember every last detail. Her mind flashed back to their long drawn out hug before he'd collected the golden child.
Natalie finished readying herself and stepped out into the hallway.
"There's nothing standing in my way now. Nothing in the way of getting back together with him, except, of course, me potentially dying in World War III."
Natalie and Yoshi gathered a small group of rhinos and angels for a quick meeting on one of the General's strategic outposts.
Yoshi wore his trademark neutral frown as he spoke. "According to our intel, this should be a quick in and out. No need to linger and play with the mechanical suits like last time."
