(story copyright E.N.Boyd)

"The androids are of my design but they are also from the future.", Doc Strong informed the Freedom Guard. "Let me put us in the time bubble, since evening is beginning to fall.", he added. With that comment, Strong raised his wrist and pressed a button on his time dilator. "There". he said. A faint red light could be seen for several miles surrounding the area.

"OK. I knew that the only way to see how you'd truly operate is to catch all of you off guard. I know a few years ago during WWII all of you had your missions and were accustomed to interacting with Military personnel. With exception to Blue Lady, of course, who operated as a civilian and on her own here in the States until recently. Yet I needed to test her as well. None of you, surprisingly, have ever worked together. It is odd the Government didn't gather all of you into one unit but I guess with Super-American, they felt it not necessary.", he said.

"I never thought about that, but I believe you're right.", Captain Flag said.

"Regardless, things have changed, in fact, by a far wider margin than anyone could ever have predicted. Since different time lines exist due to my discovery of the time drive, I found the one where I had invented and created a number of devices and brought them back here to this time line. Hence, these androids. Far superior than anything the world will yet see for some time but ideal to battle against all of you.", Doc said.

"Different time lines? My head is beginning to swirl.", Man O' Metal said.

"Yes, it can be overwhelming to think about let alone be involved with. It would take quite a bit to explain and while we are in the time bubble, we don't have time to go into all of it. Perhaps later when things are settled I can explain matters a bit better.", Doc said.

"Well, I think I have an idea what you're talking about but having it reality is quite a challenge to deal with.", Liberator replied.

"True enough.", Doc replied. "I am asking all of you to trust me. I will be bringing some inventions to this time a bit later, and in fact, will update my D.E.E.P. suit so I can also participate in the missions instead of hanging back and watching. If I am to be a leader I also need to act.", Doc Strong stated.

"Interesting. So that space man suit, you'll be wearing it?", Red Hawk asked.

"Yes. And no. I will be utilizing one that has been modified with an arsenal and other functions, and not quite so bulky. That is for later, though. Since I have the time bubble in place, let's go through some battle plans, if you will. Let me give each of you a device I think you will find handy.", Doc Strong said. He pointed to the ground and then, out of the air, a red swirling light appeared and a metal box could be seen. He opened it up, picked up some objects and handed them to each member of the Freedom Guard.

Each Guard member looked at the wrist watch like object. "What are these? Dick Tracy wrist radios?". Man O' Metal asked.

"Not too far off. Fortunately, since I downloaded your time line's cultural and relevant information, I know who you're talking about.", Doc said, smiling.

"Downloaded? What does that mean?", Liberator asked, a puzzled look on his face.

"Oh, forgive me. It is a futuristic term. I need to be careful with my words. I have been able to go through the time drive since I was in the bedroom, and during all those travels, was able to access all the information needed to get me up to speed on this time line. Anyway, these are indeed similar to wrist radios. We will now be able to communicate with each other.", he said.

Suddenly, a faint green light swirled around Doc Strong, and a man appeared. Captain Flag saw him but he could not move, having been placed in a time stasis again. The man, who resembled Doc Strong but had what appeared to be a cybernetic eye said, "You won't be talking to anyone, not in my time!", he said, and placed a device that appeared to be a time dilator right on Doc Strong's chest, just over his heart. He pressed a button, a green light appeared. The man then disappeared but as he did, Doc Strong bent over, and the Freedom Guard witnessed as the man they thought would be their leader, age rapidly within seconds. His face grew sallow, his eyes drooped, wrinkles appeared, his hair went from brown to gray to non-existent and then just as quickly, his body became a grey shell. His body fell on the ground as he clutched his heart, and carbon remnants of Doc Strong shattered and were carried away with the desert wind as the time bubble disappeared.

To Be Continued

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The Freedom Guard Files. Introduction.

The Freedom Guard Files. Chapter I.

The Freedom Guard Files. Chapter II.

The Freedom Guard Files. Chapter III.

The Freedom Guard Files. Chapter IV.

The Freedom Guard Files. Chapter V.

The Freedom Guard Files. Chapter VI.

The Freedom Guard Files. Chapter VII.

The Freedom Guard Files. Chapter IX.

The Freedom Guard Files. Chapter X.

The Freedom Guard Files. Chapter XI.

The Freedom Guard Files. Chapter XII.

The Freedom Guard Files. Chapter XIII.