Decept-O

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Another Cat Blog Post

Concentrating on typing on my laptop, I didn't notice my cat Max had wandered into the room and jumped onto my ersatz drawing table. Max likes to get on the table once in awhile and "fish" underneath the drawing board, looking for pencils, pens and markers which might be there so he can scoot them around. He also LOVES my eraser. If I leave it on the table and don't put it in a storage container, he will jump up, grab it with his teeth, plop back on the floor and then "chase" it by scooting it across the floor.

This time, however, he was just watching me. I turned around and there he was, his head propped on the drawing board. He was watching me and started to doze off, so I grabbed my digital camera and took a few pics. Here are the results.

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A Sketch of Mera

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Doing a pencil sketch of Mera. Still a work in progress, altered her costume just a bit. On card stock paper.

In the process of inking. Haven't decided if I will color it. Here is some more of the sketch still in progress.

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The Freedom Guard Files. Chapter XVII.

(story copyright E.N.Boyd)

Evening came and went, the group finally retreating to get some much needed rest after the happenings which saw the arrival and departure of time travelers, the death of two men, and a member of their group frozen in a time stasis field.

Although the sun had yet to rise, Blue Lady got up out of bed. She went into what was Doc Strong's bedroom, and picked up a few items. She placed them on the table in the living room, as the rest of the group also got up.Nyoka went to the kitchen and began preparing breakfast for the group, as Red Hawk began to make coffee and tea.

"While Doc Strong is gone, he did leave some other items behind for our use. He was going to show them to the rest of you later but I guess now is a good time as any to bring them out.", she said, pointing at the living room table which had served as their ersatz HQ prep room.

They all looked at each other, then at the boxes on the table.

"What are they?", Torpedo Man asked.

"Well, they are from his future. He said they will help us in our pending missions. Essentially they are maps, diagrams, and other plans. However, they aren't paper ones like we are used to. They are like that message he played when first we met. They appear in the air. In three dimensions.", Blue explained.

"Wow.", Red Hawk said, pouring coffee into a pot, looking in direction of the living room.

Blue pressed a button on one of the boxes, and indeed, several holographic images appeared above their heads.

"OK, I can make out this is a map but how do we turn it around?", Torpedo Man asked.

"Hmm. Good question.", Liberator said. He looked at the map and pointed at it, trying to see the details of a Chicago street name. When he did, the map seemed to move. He pulled his hand back quickly, startled.

"Wait. Did that just move?", he asked.

"Yes, it did.", Blue replied.

Liberator again put his finger on the holographic map, and again, it moved at his touch. It scrolled in different directions, and he realized it was indeed responding to him.

"Interesting. Well, I know this part of Cicero, this is where Jaspar Crow and his Deadly Dozen are reported to be holding up. I remember that from a TV report a few nights ago. The cops had been looking for him but lost his trail. Yet they know he hasn't left the area, because his activity is continuing with more drugs and illegal weapons movements.", Liberator said.

"Crow is a crime boss that must be stopped. He is on level with some of the bastards we dealt with during the War.". Torpedo Man said.

"I agree. According to those files we read about him and his so called Deadly Dozen, we are going to face some challenges apprehending them, especially as we have little experience battling anyone with powers like our own.", Red Hawk said, pouring cups of coffee, placing them on the kitchen table.

"I know, but we have to do this. Most of us didn't have any experience fighting combat before we entered the War, but we all learned as we went along. This is just a similar scenario but a bit different. If that makes any sense.", Liberator said.

Nyoka said "Well breakfast is about ready. Hoping everyone likes eggs and hash browns and toast.", she said, smiling.

"Yes!", the group replied, virtually in unison.

They gathered around the table, prayed and began to eat. Not much was said, until Nyoka spoke up.

"I know this mission is important, but since Red and I will be involved, who will take care of the horses and chickens and upkeep of the ranch here in our absence?", she asked.

Blue Lady looked up from her plate, wiped her mouth with a napkin, and said, "That had already been arranged weeks ago. Some Goverment personnel will arrive in an hour but we need to inform them about Captain Flag. They are with the Inner Circle and will understand.", she said. She made another call via her wrist communicator as the group cleared the table, finishing the breakfast.

"OK. Well that's good. But I am still concerned for the Captain. He may be the world's most powerful super hero but I am still worried about him.", Nyoka said.

"Yes, we all are. I know, but I think we need to concentrate on the mission at hand.', Liberator replied. He turned to Blue Lady and asked, "Blue, are you sure you're up for this?".

"Yes. I am. I have to make sacrifices just like everyone else has in this country, I just didn't expect it to happen like this.", she said. "But I am OK, Pat would want me to continue, no matter what.", she said.

"OK. Be strong. We all need to prepare ourselves, group. I think the time has arrived for us to begin our mission to apprehend Jaspar Crow and his Deadly Dozen. Blue, if you would, teleport us to Chicago.". Liberator said.

The group stood up, held each other's hands, and a large puff of blue smoke appeared as the Freedom Guard teleported to the city of Chicago, Illinois.

To Be Continued.

................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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.

The Freedom Guard Files. Chapter XI

The Freedom Guard Files. Chapter XV.

The Freedom Guard Files. Chapter XVI.

Start the Conversation

The Freedom Guard Files. Chapter XVI.

(story copyright E.N.Boyd)

"She passed out. This isn't going well at all.", Torpedo Man said.

"Nyoka will you please take Blue to the ranch house? I think she needs to recuperate. Don't know what she was going to say, but we need to let her recover.", Liberator said.

"Sure.", Nyoka said, and picked Blue Lady up, cradling her in her arms. Nyoka's statuesque frame shadowed Blue as she carried her to the ranch house,

"Now what? I mean, do we wait for Captain Flag to somehow escape this? We obviously can't touch him or else we'll end up like Pat did. We still have that mission in Chicago in just a few hours. Blue is the one to transport us there.", Torpedo Man asked.

"Well, I think almost all of us can fly and make the trip although it will take us longer than Blue's immediate teleportation would. I would imagine Red Hawk would carry Nyoka, as she is the one of us who can't fly. Is that correct, Hawk?", Liberator asked.

"Yes. Provided she doesn't activate her mass growing powers that is. But yes, I can transport her if needed. Still, shouldn't we just wait on Blue? Nyoka has some healing herbs which may be of assistance.", Red Hawk said.

"OK. I think that is a reasonable thing to do. I hate waiting but we have no choice. In the meantime, I will place Captain Flag in a force field, in the event anyone should unexpectedly show up.", Liberator said. He extended his arms and the air pressure around the men changed slightly. Captain Flag, still frozen in the stasis field, was now enveloped in an invisible but nearly impenetrable force field.

"This is odd. I guess we will have to leave him like this if we can't free him?", Torpedo Man asked.

"Yes. We really don't have much choice. Captain is the most powerful superhero in the world after all and we have to trust somehow we will be able to figure out how to free him.", Liberator said.

"Captain, if you can hear me, please know we don't want to leave you. Please understand our position. You should be all right, but we have that mission to find and apprehend Jaspar Crow and his Deadly Dozen in Chicago.", Liberator said, standing not too far from Captain Flag, who stood motionless in the cascading red light.

"Well, let's go back to the ranch house. Not much we can do now except discuss some options we have to pursue Crow. I've been to Chicago a few times but I know none of you men have, so I need to try and familiarize you with it best as possible with the maps. Let's go to the house.", Liberator said.

The men walked to the ranch house, as Captain Flag still remained motionless, the red light casting an eerie glow in the desert night.

.........................................

"She's waking up.", Nyoka said. " I rubbed some healing oil on her forehead, and it seems to be doing the trick.", Nyoka said, holding Blue Lady's hand as she lay in bed. The rest of the group had gathered in the bedroom to check on Blue after discussing their plans for Chicago.

"That's great. When she's fully awake, please ask her if she can participate in the mission.", Liberator asked, as the men began to file out the door.

"Liberator. Yes, of course, I can.", Blue Lady said, propping herself up. "Sparky. He was...he was my lover.", she said, holding her head down, looking at the blanket.

"What? What do you mean? I thought Dempsey was married?", Liberator said, standing at the bedroom door.

"Yes. He was. Up until last year. He got divorced but didn't want anyone to know. We'd been together since then. His wife, Myrna...his ex-wife...she fell into some deep depression and mental illness. Pat did all he could for her but she denied him everything, rejecting him, hating him for his role as a superhero. It was..complicated. I met Pat after his divorce when he was on a Goodwill tour in the Midwest last year.", she explained.

"OK, I am sorry, Blue, I shouldn't pry or ask such questions. I am terribly sorry for your loss. He was quite the character and of course, one of America's best heroes.", Liberator said.

"No. It is OK. The divorce thing, he wanted to keep things secret not because of the divorce but for Myrna. Despite it all, he wanted her situation to be kept private. I will ask you all do the same for her. Please.", Blue asked, looking at each man in the eyes, clutching the bedspread.

"Naturally. You don't even have to ask, but we will.", Red Hawk said. Liberator and Torpedo Man nodded in agreement.

Nyoka patted Blue's hand, and said, "You still need some rest. You're healing now, but you went into shock. Let us know when you think you can get up and about.", Nyoka said.

"Just give me a few minutes. I know we have to read the maps concerning Chicago and where to possibly find Jaspar Crow and his men. Once I read it all I should be able to teleport us there soon. But, what about Captain Flag?", Blue Lady asked.

"We have no choice but to leave him where he is. He should be all right for now. I took the additional precautionary measure of placing him in a force field which I can psionically keep in place for a few hours. After that, he will be on his own until we return.", Liberator stated.

To Be Continued

.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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.

The Freedom Guard Files. Chapter XI

The Freedom Guard Files. Chapter XV.

Start the Conversation

The Freedom Guard Files. Chapter XV.

(story copyright E.N.Boyd)

"NO!", Blue Lady yelled.

"What..what just happened?", Man O' Metal asked as he stood motionless, staring at the faint carbon outline on the desert floor.

"Damn. I think. I think....that was a different Doc Strong that just killed...Doc Strong.", Liberator stated.

"From a different timeline? Another version of him? We already saw his future and past selves, so I guess that's who it was that killed Doc.", Torpedo Man said, looking at Liberator.

"I would think so. We are all in shock, but I think we need to contact the General about this development.", Liberator said, looking at Blue Lady.

"Yes. I will contact him. Let me see if I can get the right frequency on this communicator.", Blue Lady said, looking at the device on her wrist.

While Blue Lady tried to contact General Emmet, the group gathered around Captain Flag, who was still captured in the red glow of the time stasis the alternate Doc Strong had placed him in moments ago.

"First we get a man from the past and the future to be our leader then another version of that same time traveler kills this version of himself and puts our most powerful superhero frozen in time.", Man O' Metal said, looking at Captain Flag, who remained suspended in a stance, not moving as the red glowing light cascaded about his body.

"I wonder.", Man O' Metal said.

Blue Lady looked up from her communicator and saw Man O' Metal get in a boxing stance. Before she could react, Man O' Metal punched Captain Flag and the light whcih surrounded him.

"Pat! No!", Blue Lady yelled as Man O' Metal's punch glanced off Captain Flag. The red light seemed to warp and cascade around Captain Flag as sparks flew about the desert from the contact with Man O' Metal's metal fist and the time stasis field.

Man O' Metal crouched down, holding his fist, and yelled in agony. " No...I was trying to free..Flag...", he said, and fell to the desert floor.

The group could see before anyone could react that Man O' Metal's fist became rust as the effect spread up to his arm and then to the rest of his body. Within seconds, his entire body became red with rust and then grey as his body decayed into an ashen form, carbon bits falling to the ground in chunks and other pieces also flowing with the desert wind.

"Damn it! Dempsey!", Liberator yelled, pounding the ground, looking at yet another grey outline on the desert floor. "Why did he do that?", Liberator added, shaking his head back and forth.

"Now we've lost two men from our team and we haven't started our mission yet.", Liberator said.

Blue Lady walked over to Liberator and put her hand on his shoulders as he knelt on the ground, trying to catch his breath and thoughts.

"I. I don't know what to say. This may seem cold, but what do we do about Captain Flag?", Red Hawk said.

"It isn't cold. You are speaking with reason. Most of us have fought during the War and saw and done things most people should never experience. You are being rational. I agree, we need to decide what to do next. Our leader is dead, Man O' Metal is gone and Captain Flag is stuck in time.", Torpedo Man replied.

Nyoka looked at the group, walked over to Liberator and picked him up with one arm. "Its OK. We all are in shock but we have to move on. Liberator, your intelligence and concern for the rest of the team is evident. I think you should now be our leader.", she said.

"I agree.", Red Hawk said.

As they talked, Blue Lady put her hands to her face and began sobbing uncontrollably. "No, no, no.", she said. "Sparky.", she said repeatedly.

Nyoka walked over to her and tried to comfort her, putting Blue's head on her chest. Nyoka patted her, rubbing Blue's arms in a caring manner, saying, "It will be OK. He's gone. We can't do anything now.".

"I know. But...Sparky....he was..he was...", Blue Lady said as her voice trailed off and collapsed in Nyoka's arms.

To Be Continued

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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.

The Freedom Guard Files. Chapter XIV.

1 Comments

The Freedom Guard Files. Chapter XIV.

(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

...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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.

1 Comments

The Freedom Guard Files. Chapter XIII.

(story copyright E.N.Boyd) To catch up on previous chapters, check the links at end of this chapter.

"I would agree with the Captain, Doc.", Red Hawk added. His costume seemed to mesh with the background of the desert, yellow vertical stripes that ran along the leggings and shirt mixed with the red of the remainder of his costume blending with the Arizona sun.

"My husband and Captain Strong make sense. I don't understand this, Doctor Strong and would encourage you to explain as well.", Nyoka added. She wore a simple pair of khaki shorts and short sleeved khaki shirt. Her attire appeared to be the most "civilian" of the group. However, she was barefoot and also wore a necklace made out of lion's teeth, and carried a large jungle knife strapped to her left leg.

"Yes. First these metal heads show up, then you announce you can explain all this when you were watching the whole time. You've got a lot to answer for.", Liberator said. His white costume seemed to glare beneath the desert sun as it began to dip below the horizon. His mask bore a single five point blue star on the forehead area, with blue stars running along the piping of his legs and arms.

The group began walking towards Doc Strong as he continued to pet the mare as he leaned against the corral railing. If he had any nervousness or anxiety, he wasn't displaying any body gestures to indicate it.

"I would also agree, Doc. What gives?", Torpedo Man asked. He wore a pair of thigh length swimming trunks but they were metal mesh in design, an aqua blue in color. He did not wear a shirt and like Nyoka, he was also barefoot.

Liberator happened to glance in Torpedo Man's direction, and for the first time, noticed his hands had some type of skin folds, or webbing between the fingers. The same was true with his feet.

"OK, OK, not to worry Freedom Guard.", Doc replied, straightening himself up, giving the mare one last pat. "All in good...time.", he added.

"You know what, Doc, I am already tired of the whole "time" schtick. Just explain what the Blue Blazes is going on!", Captain Flag said, moving towards Doc.

Doc seemed to look at his wrist, then he quickly pointed it at Captain Flag, as a red light swirled in a pinwheel fashion. Despite Captain Flag's super speed, he began to literally slow down, moving slower with each step until he literally froze in a pose with one leg slightly raised and his arm in a back swing position. The red light swirled around Captain Flag, pulsing.

"What the Hell!", Liberator exclaimed, looking at Captain Flag, who now remained "frozen" in a pose and he looked back at Doc Strong.

"Not to worry. The Captain is fine. I placed him in a time stasis ", he said matter of fact to the group.

"Why? What is this? What about our mission?", Liberator asked as he stood face to face with Doc Strong. "You need to answer our questions. Now.", Liberator said, grabbing Strong by the shirt collar.

"No need to get physical. I could place all of you in a similar state as the Captain but I did not. Please trust me. Captain Flag is a bit ill tempered at times, and with his great powers, makes him a bit dangerous. So I am protecting myself.", Doc said. "If you would please drop your force field off my body, I promise I won't affect anyone with my time dilator.", he added.

Blue Lady had teleported to Doc's side. She looked at Liberator and placed a hand on his arm. "It is OK. I know this is a bit..odd...but we can trust him, Liberator.", she said. "At least trust me.", she added.

Liberator looked at Blue Lady and back at Doc. "Only because Blue says so. Now. Explain this crap, Doc. NOW!", he commanded.

The group gathered around Doc, Liberator and Blue Lady.

Doc started to speak. "These automatons weren't just automatons but rather advanced robots. Androids. Metal "men" to a degree but not really men. They had sentient computing brains and artificial intelligence, all designed for combat.", he explained.

"OK. Androids. Never heard that word before. Seem to remember the word robot someplace, one of those science fiction dime novels one of the soldiers had when I was in Germany.", Man O' Metal said. "I remember because it was a Russian word and it described a "metal man". Regardless, why were they were here to fight us?".

"Don't you understand? This was part of your training exercise. Your first maneuver, your first staged battle.", Doc answered.

"What? Wait. I thought perhaps we were going to conduct training exercises up on the ridge, and go through some drills like the Army does.", Man O' Metal replied.

"You're partially right, Man O' Metal. Only thing is the drills were conducted with these androids. Here. In this spot. By me with my direction. These androids belong to me.", he stated.

"So I got shot in the arm because of you?", Man O' Metal said. His shoulder still bore a burn mark in his metal skin. He seemed to flinch in pain.

"Dang it, Sparky. Why didn't you tell me you'd been hit?", Liberator said. He went to Man O' Metal's side and looked at his shoulder. Liberator opened his hand over the wound, and Man O' Metal could feel a change in the air pressure around his wound. The wound suddenly closed up. "I'll be. It is healed. Thanks,".

Liberator said, "No problem. That goes for the rest of you. Whenever you're injured and need medical attention, don't hesitate to let me know. I am still a licensed Physician and obviously, have healing powers.", he said.

"I can also heal.", Nyoka added. She held up a pouch. "I have several healing and growing herbs I carry with me. Maybe not as powerful as Liberator, but they do work." she added.

"Great! That will help.", Liberator answered, looking at Red Hawk and Nyoka. "Now, Doc, continue explaining since Sparky's been healed.", he said.

"These androids are of my own design. I created them. I called them here to test all of you. This whole thing was staged to see how you'd react to a "real" situation. As real as androids are concerned. Mind you, we'll have to deal with super powered beings soon, and this was just a brief taste of what you might encounter.", he said.

The sun began to dip even lower beneath the horizon as dusk settled in. "We will need to do more practicing. Against each other as well so we can get a true idea of what to further expect.", he said. " I will release Captain Flag from his time stasis. He can hear what is happening but can't move. I was only able to prevent him from advancing because I can alter time for my own body and move at speeds comparable to the Captain. If I were trying to deceive any of you I wouldn't provide you with that information. Let me make the adjustments.", he said, and pointed the time dilator at Captain Flag.

Captain Flag brought his leg down slowly and his arm pitched forward and he seemed to stumble slightly. He looked at Doc Strong and shook his head.

"You're the first person to ever affect my powers. Can't say I am fond of the feeling.", he said. "I did hear all this. I am calmed down. What about this mission, then, Doc?", he asked, making his way to the group.

Doc extended his hand to Captain Flag. Captain Flag looked at the man's hand briefly then shook it. " I will explain what will happen in a minute, but first, I want to be sure we're all right. I mean, you can bend a tank in two with your bare hands.", Doc said.

The group laughed as coyotes could be heard in the distance.

To Be Continued.

.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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.

Start the Conversation

The Freedom Guard Files. Chapter XII.

(story copyright E.N. Boyd)

The metal men were arranged in a triangular wedge formation. The one at the apex yelled out in a metallic voice, "Strike!", and pointed at the assembled heroes who had just filed out of the ranch house onto the front yard. Doc Strong had moved back to the horse corral and seemed intent on watching.Captain Flag was the first hero to get hit with a laser beam, but it didn't seem to affect him. "What is that, and what are you?", he yelled out.

"Your enemies!", the leader of the metal men yelled out. "Hit the one wearing the flag first, he's the most powerful.", he added, pointing at Captain Flag.

Captain Flag's red, white and blue costume and the American flag emblazoned on his chest stood out against the desert sun. The laser beam the metal man had shot at him hit his chest but his costume remained intact.

"When you attack the flag, you have to deal with us!", Liberator replied. Liberator stretched out his arms, and a force field went up around him and the other heroes. He then aimed at the leader of the metal men and shot a bolt of concussive force against him, knocking him off his feet which sent him flying back 25 feet.

"Whoa, Liberator, that was quick. Thanks for the assist.", Captain Flag said. Liberator looked at Captain Flag and nodded.

"You can drop the force field, Liberator. You're used to protecting soldiers and civilians, but I think all of us can handle ourselves and these bucket heads.", Red Hawk said.

"OK. Heard you, force field dropped.", Liberator said, and pulled his arms back, which seemed to affect the force field and it remained only around his own body.

"I agree with Red Hawk. Now let's get these jokers!", Man O' Metal said. Immediately his body became metallic and he ran at the nearest metal man. "Metal on metal. Let's see which one is stronger!", he yelled out, and swung at the metal man who had turned in Man O' Metal's direction. His fist connected with the metal man, and it knocked him down. Man O' Metal jumped on top of the fallen metal man and punched him in the helmet. When he did, however, his fist went right through the helmet and into the ground.

"They're not human! They're automaton, I scanned them with my vision.", Captain Flag yelled out to the group, all of whom had begun to run at the metal men.

"No doubt, Captain. I just punched this one's face off!", Man O' Metal yelled out. Man O' Metal picked up the fallen automaton and threw it at the nearest automaton who had begun to run at Man O' Metal, shooting a laser from a wrist gauntlet. The laser beam also bounced off Man O' Metal's shoulder but not before burning a hole in it. After he threw the automaton, he clutched his shoulder in pain. "Damn!", he yelled.

Captain Flag ran at two of the automatons and picked them up as he jumped and flew up into the sky. Captain Flag ripped the automatons apart as he threw them into the upper atmosphere, their robotic bodies disintegrating as the G-forces hit their metallic shells.

Red Hawk got in a stance and yelled out, "Tlanuwa!".

Where the man Red Hawk had previously stood, a giant Red Hawk now appeared. It screeched, extended its wings and flew up into the sky. Liberator looked at Red Hawk as did the other heroes. "Wow.", Liberator said.

As Red Hawk met the sky, Blue Lady had teleported and grabbed a robot unawares. As her blue mist dissipated, the robot could be seen, half of its body merged into the ground, the upper half sticking up from the desert floor, its arms flailing about, and sparks shooting as Blue Lady reached into the head of the robot, phasing her hand through, and yanked out several wires and cables.

Red Hawk swooped down from the sky and picked up one of the robots with his giant talons, and flew back into the sky. He reached down with his beak and yanked the robot's head off and spit it on the ground and dropped the robot into some brush, the body breaking apart on impact.

Torpedo Man had run into the group of robots and began punching and kicking them, taking out two of the robots with one swift punch before they could raise their wrist gauntlet lasers in his direction.

Nyoka had also run into the group of metal men, and picked one of them up, raised it over her head, and brought it down upon her raised knee which shattered the metal man in two, sending wires and electronic parts on the ground as sparks erupted from its head.

Captain Flag flew back down to the group as they all gathered around, looking at the metal carnage that lay strewn about the ranch. "That appears to be the last of them.", Red Hawk said, landing his giant red hawk body on the ground. He transformed back to his human form as a red mist appeared about him.

"I believe so. I mean. What the heck? Who or what are these things? I've seen some automatons at a World's Fair once, but nothing like this.", Liberator said,

"I can explain that.", Doc Strong said, leaning against the horse corral railing. He was petting a mare as it ate a carrot from his hand.

"Doc! What the? Where were you? I forgot about you.", Man O' Metal said.

"Yes, Doctor Strong. Explain.", Captain Flag said, standing with his arms folded against his chest.

To Be Continued.

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.

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The Freedom Guard Files. Chapter XI.

"What the Blue Blazes?", Captain Flag stated, looking at the two identical men. He knew one was Doc Strong and the other appeared to look identical to Doc Strong but with different clothing. Instinctively and without anyone knowing, Capt. Flag scanned the men with his senses, listened to the heartbeats, used his scan vision, even smelled the sweat of both but could not discern that anything was different between the two.

"Do not be alarmed. This is me, I assure you. In fact, I think it is time the merging happens so we can move forward and do our maneuvers.", the Doc Strong wearing the khaki pants and black shirt said. "I agree. It is time.", the "original" Doc Strong stated, looking at himself.

With that, the men shook hands and a red light appeared, fluctuating, and the "original" Doc Strong seemed to disappear..into..the Doc Strong wearing the khaki pants.

"Done.", he said, straightening himself up, looking at his hands and feet. He looked about the room at the gathered men and women. "Again, do not be alarmed. This will take time to explain. In fact, time is on our side. Literally.", he said. He held up a device with a wrist strap and what appeared to be a plastic bubble on it. It was lightly luminescent and Capt. Flag could see there were strange markings, some in English and some in a language he could not identify.

"What...just happened? What is that?", Liberator asked.

"Yes, good question. First I had to merge my past self with my future self to make the time drive adjustments. I am me, trust me. In fact, I believe Captain Flag will verify that because I know he just scanned us...me.", and he looked at Captain Flag who stood in the middle of the living room, folding his arms. He looked around the group and nodded.

"Yes, that is correct. This is still Doc Strong.", he answered.

"Wow. That is some wild stuff.", Red Hawk said.

"Perhaps, but in comparison to all of you, not so dramatic.", he answered.

"Yes I believe you're right. I mean, I do transform into a giant red hawk, my wife Nyoka can grow up to 20 plus feet tall, so it is safe to say encountering time travel isn't quite so wild.", Red Hawk said.

"Don't forget about Sparky.", Blue Lady added.

"Blue!", Man O' Metal said, glaring at her as the group laughed.

"Things are really getting interesting, but we only have a few hours before our first mission. I know with our powers and abilities we can adjust, but as a team, none of us have ever operated together. How are we going to manage this mission when we've only time for some basic drills? Even during the Big One, we all had training with units, fellow soldiers and the like, and Torpedo Man with the Navy seamen and Marines. I hate to complain but I am just questioning how we're going to function so suddenly when we barely know one another, let alone function as a team.", Liberator stated.

"Your concerns are indeed valid. To answer your questions, I am indeed a time traveler but I am also an inventor and apparently I've managed to create a few things. This is a time dilator,", he said, pointing at the odd looking device he now wore on his wrist.

"A..what? Time dilator? What is it, exactly, Doc?", Man O' Metal asked.

"It means I can adjust time when and where I want, with some limitations. I can literally stop time for myself, for us, and create a time bubble as well. It is limited, however, with the number of instances it can be used.", he replied.

"Time bubble? OK, Doc, this is even over my head. Can you explain it?", Liberator asked.

"Certainly. It means while the "real" world is moving through the time stream, when I activate the time bubble, whomever is located inside it, does not move through the time stream. While seconds or minutes might pass outside the time bubble, whomever is in the time bubble, well, they will experience time at a far slower rate. Very slow, but move "normally", so to speak. The persons inside the time bubble can operate for what seems like hours or even days, but outside the time bubble...only seconds will have passed.", he said.

"Remarkable. A bit much to digest, but even that exceeds my magic bluebird ring's ability to a degree.", Blue Lady said.

"I do know we are all being thrust into this situation but with all of your Military backgrounds and experiences with missions during the War, as well as your collective powers and abilities, I believe you..and I..will adjust well. If I may say so, let's all get into our costumes and go outside and go over some maneuvers the General, and the Inner Circle laid out for us to do.", he said.

"Yes. I look forward to this. While all this has been interesting, I need action. So we will be in this..time bubble for awhile?", Torpedo Man asked.

"You got it. Since you're already geared up, Man O' Metal, come outside with me so we can determine where to run the maneuvers. I will meet the rest of you outside shortly", Doc Strong said.

"You are the leader of the Freedom Guard, so looks like we will do this!", Man O' Metal said, flexing his hands.

Each person briefly looked at one another and went into the bedrooms to gear up while Doc and Man O' Metal went outside. They looked around the ranch, and Doc said, "Well, looks like not too much has changed since I left but I know, according to my own information that Tombstone has changed quite a bit, as well as the rest of the country. Let's see, Pat, I think that ridge to the North West will suffice, what do you think? You've done this thing before. I have an idea in my head but it is just piecing together as we speak.", he said.

"Wow, Doc, you really do think and act on the fly, don't you?", Man O' Metal said.

"You could say that.", he replied.

"That is actually an excellent spot. There is some small brush and trees, and I can make out a bit of a low valley off to the side, so the terrain will be ideal for doing a number of things, especially with all our powers.", he said, nodding.

"What do you think, guys? How do we look?", Torpedo Man said as the group emerged from the ranch house, each member dressed in their superhero costumes.

A loud sonic boom was heard over head, and Captain Flag was the first to notice as he looked up to the sky. The others soon followed his gaze and looked skyward. Just as suddenly, several green colored "clouds" appeared in the sky and quickly descended, lowering to the group's presence.

Then a voice was heard as several human shaped metal figures appeared, emerging from the green mist.

"How do you look? Freedom Guard, you look like you're about to get your asses kicked!", a metallic voice stated, echoing across the desert valley.

To Be Continued.

..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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.

Start the Conversation