|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||||
Operation Liberty
Times Past, 1942
Homefront
HOMEFRONT: Prologue
Arn lifted the paper out of the typewriter, and re-checked his report. Part of this job included written mission briefings to Control, head of the O.S.S. The paperwork was the worst part of the job, and Munro muttered to himself that he would have to get someone to handle it for him.
Operation Liberty: Mission Interrupted.Mission status -- success.
The main objective of the mission, extraction of the defector, Tsunami, had been achieved. Additionally, three U.S. Servicemen and two additional "mystery-men" types were brought back.
Casualties -- two wounded, no deaths for our squad. Actually, only one member of the squad, Captain Boomerang, was wounded. A Phillippine national who joined us was also wounded. I am sketchy about casualties for the other side, but we do have two confirmed fatalities -- the Italian archer Usil and the Japanese inventor Kamikazee. Kamikazee's rocket boots were liberated and returned for analysis.
Team Status -- Captain Boomerang has stayed behind in Australia, recuperating from his injuries. He should be able to join us for the planned mission in North Africa after the new year.
"Matches" Malone has returned to Project M for further testing, against his will. He performed admirably, and I would recommend he be given some measure of trust and freedom while serving with me.
Neptune and Tsunami acted out the cover story of her going to him with news of superhuman axis agents. They have both joined the All-Star Squadron, and Neptune will leak information as needed to this organization. Again I have to protest this particular action. This team and the members of the All-Star Squadron are on the same side.
Captain Storm, and the three liberated U.S. servicemen are still at this facility, being detained by base security. Base commander has taken to calling them the Losers, which I find rather harsh. These men did come through for us when we needed them. I request they be released and returned to their respective branches of service.
The Filipino we liberated has expressed an interest in joining this organization. He seems to have the ability to transform his body into some sort of hulking thing, made of rock. He has already selected the codename Fortress. I would recommend a little training for him, and then put him into service. He could be useful in the North African mission.
The Chinese going by the name Khan is somewhat a mystery. He was liberated with Tsunami, and was part of the Axis team. He claims he was forced to comply. Tsunami backs up his story. When questioned about his remarkable blade, he told me he found it in the wreckage of an air plane in the mountains near Mongolia. It was a very strong shaped metal he fashioned a handle for. This blade has an eerie glow, and can cut through anything in one swipe. I have seen it in action against stone, metal and bone. It does not appear to work for anyone else.
Khan revealed to me he was a bandit, arrested by the Japanese and given the choice of execution or cooperation. He worked with the Japanese against his people until his opportunity to escape with Tsunami presented itself. I request he be added to the squad so I can keep an eye on him.
As a side note, we are getting a little heavy on the criminal element here, can we find some law abiding people to serve with us?
I am going on my approved leave, and will return after Christmas, unless an emergency presents itself in that time.
Arn Munro (Agent Liberty)
Arn put the letter in it's envelope, and sealed it in the courier pouch for the trip to Washington, where it would be wired to England. He then grabbed his bag, and headed out to the waiting plane that would drop him off in Denver so he could get home for Thanksgiving.
HOMEFRONT: Part 1
The plane touched down and he sprung from his seat. The ride on the Air Corp carrier was very exciting.
"Whoa Mite, wait for me," said the man in the seat beside him.
"Okay," replied Dan, careful to avoid using his friend and mentor's name. Can't be spoiling the secret identity. "I'm glad Belle sent us out here. And glad I had the time off school," said Dan.
"Well it is Thanksgiving. And seeing as we both had nowhere else to be, I was glad to take this assignment."
The two continued talking as they gathered their belongings and exited the plane.
"But saboteurs, here in Colorado? It sounds so unbelievable."
"Well it does, but the dam near here supplies power to a good percentage of the state. Plus the nearby military installations. Can't have Adolph and his ratzis hurting that."
"But TNT, doesn't an anonymous tip sound fishy?"
"Well, Mite, could be one of the rats had a change of heart. But don't you worry, we'll be careful."
With that, the two headed for the waiting Jeep to take them out to the dam. It was a silent ride, and Dan Dunbar just watched the scenery go by.
As they neared the dam, Thomas "Tex" N. Thomas called to his partner, "Gunshots, Mite. Let's go!"
The two sped to the dam, and drove into the waiting car of the fifth columnist. Men scattered everywhere, and more gunshots were heard. Dan noticed the wounded men in power company uniforms, and pointed to Tex.
"Can't help them now, we need to stop those thugs from getting away."
A couple of the fifth columnists were laying on the ground after the assault, but three others got into nearby car, and started driving away.
"They're getting away, TNT," called out Dan to his partner.
"Not for long, let's go."
The two got back into the Jeep and sped off after the escaping saboteurs. As they got close, Dan saw something fly out of the speeding car and land in front of their jeep.
He pointed towards it, but TNT could not react in time as the hand grenade detonated in front of their car.
HOMEFRONT: Part 2
Beneath the Statue of Liberty.
"Matches" Malone was escorted into a secured room, as they called it, but it was actually a nicer word for a cell. Despite what he had done in the Phillippines, he was still a prisoner here, on loan to the Liberty Project.
He wished he was back at the base at that moment. He then stopped, surprised at that thought. He'd felt at home with those men. More at home than when with the "family" in Gotham, and certainly more at home than with the Army.
Munro treated him with respect. He knew Munro didn't like him much, but that was okay, he wasn't sure he liked Munro either. But he felt a connection. Munro was the naive brother he didn't have.
Professor Mazurinsky entered the room, with two army guards behind him. "Welcome back, my son. Preliminary reports show you more powerful than you demonstrated in our tests."
"Well, being under fire pushes you to hit your high note Doc."
"Hmmmm... well." Mazurinsky noted in his file, then commented, "We tried duplicating the accident that created your 'condition', with no success. What is it that makes you different?"
"No success means what, Doc?"
"We lost the subjects, of course. But they were hardly worth the trouble. They were like you, Mr. Malone, criminal scum."
"So I'm the lucky one, eh? What do you want, Doc?"
"Mr. Malone, we need more tests to determine why you are still alive. There is something very different about you."
"You need more blood, Doc? Ya could have had the docs at the base draw that for you."
"I'm afraid my needs are more demanding than just your blood, Mr. Malone."
"Well then, what are your needs, Doc?"
"Well, an autopsy would be nice. But I have been told as long as the Liberty Project needs you that won't be happening. But I will have my pound of flesh," the Doctor said, snickering to himself.
Malone just thought to himself, Munro, you better need me back quick, cuz I don't doubt this loon will find a reason to carve me up.
HOMEFRONT: Part 3
Arn was walking after dinner, headed up toward the dam. He liked to sit there and think when he was younger, and tonight, he had plenty to think about. He had talked to his mother about Hugo Danner, and how he'd learned that Danner was still alive.
His mother had told him about Danner, and Arn had promised never to reveal the secret to anyone. And he didn't, even after his father had passed away. Until now. Danner was a topic he and his mom never discussed. The topic was just too painful for her.
The only problem was Arn had always been told Danner was dead. And now he learned his natural father was both alive, and working for the Axis. It was a bit much to take. Arn's mom told him it was best that he didn't know his father was still alive. She didn't want him looking for Danner.
Arn was very insistant about Danner. He would not refer to him as his dad. He had a great dad already. And he would be looking for him now. Not for a reunion, but to bring him to justice.
As Arn was walking, he heard the sound of gunfire. Then again and again. He knew from the sound of the guns that it wasn't hunters. He sprang to action, leaping into the air, and landing very near the dam, just in time to see wounded laying about, and a car speeding away from the dam, followed by a second vehicle. In the second vehicle he saw two people in costumes. He guessed that they must be some of the mystery men he had been briefed about.
He ran to follow the cars, stopping only to check on the wounded. Ambulances had been called, so he took off down the hill to follow the cars.
HOMEFRONT: Part 4
Tex had swerved to avoid the grenade, and instead ended up driving the Jeep off the road into a ditch. It turned over, and stopped running with a loud crashing sound. Dan Dunbar slowly crawled out from under the jeep, checking to see how hurt he was. He then noticed that his partner wasn't moving...
"Tex!" shouted the youngster. "Wake up Tex, the car might explode."
He heard no response from his partner, and then put his head to his chest. He sighed with relief when he heard a heartbeat. The young man then started dragging the older man out from under the Jeep.
As he was dragging, he heard the sound of beating wings, and out of the corner of his eye, saw a horse's leg. With relief, he thought Belle must have sent Sir Justin out as backup. He stopped pulling and turned, while saying, "Sir Justin, boy am I glad..."
He looked and saw that it wasn't his time-tossed associate, but a Viking woman, atop a winged steed.
"Stand aside, boy. This one is near death, and I am charged with bringing his soul to Odin, and Valhalla."
HOMEFRONT: Part 5
"Matches" Malone sat quietly in his room, eating the dinner brought to him. He had spent his time here pacing, but hunger finally got the best of him. They had brought him a steak and mashed potatoes. Not exactly a Thanksgiving dinner, but it was the best he would get. He then wished he had some company to share his meal.
His head bobbed, Malone feeling himself getting tired. His mind wandered to a time in Chicago, when he had visited the DeWulf house in Bridgeport. A great place, good meals, and the working girls were some of the most beautiful in the world. He had been told the place had been in business since the great fire, not that he cared.
As he chewed his steak, his mind wandered to a particular meeting he had with a young French girl there, Colette. As intimate details began to flood into his mind, the door opened.
"I trust you're enjoying your meal Mr. Malone," said Mazurinsky.
"I was until you walked in. You just interrupted a rather nice fantasy. Wanna hear it?"
"No thank you. You can keep your lewd fantasies to yourself; I am here on business."
"Oh, what kind of business is that? I thought the tests and exams were over for the day?" His head bobbed again, feeling sleep coming on rapidly.
"Almost. I still need some tissue samples... samples you will be providing shortly."
Matches yawned, and said, "I don't think so, Doc. I am done for the night." Malone then stood, pushing his tray away from him. He then swayed on his feet, and grabbed onto a wall for balance.
"Mr. Malone, we added some extra spices to your meal. You will be in a deep sleep soon, and I will have you prepped for surgery. I will have my pound of flesh from you. And it will be your appendix."
Malone tried to say something, but wave after wave of dizziness overcame him, and he crashed to the floor.
Mazurinsky opened the door, and called out. "He's asleep. Get him ready for surgery... fast!"
HOMEFRONT: Part 6
Munro arrived in time to see the white winged horse hovering over the two mystery men. And then he recognized the rider.
"Gurda!" he called out to her. "Leave them alone."
Gurda turned toward the new arrival, and a look of recognition appeared in her eyes.
"You... Liberty..." she said. "My dearest would love to be here. But alas, I am not here in service to the king, but in service to my god, Odin."
While she spoke, Arn closed the gap between them, standing between Gurda and her victims. Arn heard the young one call out, "We need help. TNT is hurt badly, he needs a doctor."
Arn nodded to the young boy, then turned toward Gurda. "What do you want with them? Did you sabotage the dam?"
"Young fool, of course not. The German agents did that. I am here to collect the souls of the worth dead, or near dead in his case," she said, as she pointed her spear toward TNT. "I bring those worthy to Odin, those who died heroically in battle."
"But he's not dead yet. And besides, why didn't you collect the worthy dead in the Philippines, Usil and Kamikaze?" asked Arn.
"Those fools were not worthy. But this one is, and I am here to collect him. All this countries' mystery men are judged worthy, and will be collected in time. Axis America will see to it I collect them soon."
"Axis America? Is that the name of your allies?"
"Yes, dubbed so because we must remain in America to redeem ourselves after you humiliated us in our own lands. Now stand aside, and let me collect his soul."
"Over my dead body, Gurda."
"A definte pleasure, Liberty. But it's not your time. It is his," she said as energy was discharged from her spear, headed for the prone figure of TNT. But instead it struck Arn Munro in the chest, as he leapt into its path. He fell to the ground, and then slowly got up.
"By Odin's Wraith," she exclaimed. Munro then leapt at her, almost dislodging her form her horse. She knocked him to the ground, and he rose again.
"Perhaps this is not his time. I was ill-prepared to deal with you. I will not make the same mistake again." She then turned and flew off, leaving Arn and Dyna-Mite standing by the still man.
"Grab onto my back," Arn said to Dyna-mite, as he picked up TNT in his arms. With the young boy secure, he began running back toward the dam, and medical assistance for TNT.
HOMEFRONT: Part 7
Dan Dunbar woke up startled, and looked around. He was in a hospital. And he was alone. Well, almost alone. He looked out the door of his room, and saw the man who saved him and Tex. Dan had never seen anyone move like he did.
The conversation outside the room ended, and man walked back into the room.
"You're awake. Good. How are you feeling?" said the man.
"I hurt," replied Dan. And then he said, "You were amazing. You should be part of the All-Star Squadron. Belle could really use someone like you."
"Umm, about that, I am already in the Army, and what I can do is kind of a secret. You can't tell anyone. Anyone else who saw me just saw that I could run fast."
"But you could do so much more as part of the All-Stars. Tex would agree with that." Dunbar paused, and then asked, "Where's Tex... err, TNT?"
"Don't worry, his secret is safe, as is yours. If you haven't noticed, your mask is still on. His identity is safe, too. As to where he is... umm, he was hurt a lot worse than you were. He's being readied for surgery."
"What's wrong with him?"
"I'm not a doctor, kid, you'll have to ask them."
"But..."
"I don't know. Now you should probably get some rest. I have to go and check on a few things," said Munro.
"Okay, I'll try. Hey. What's your name?" asked Dunbar.
Arn paused for moment before deciding, then said, "Name's Munro, Arn Munro. Now get your rest."
Dan put his head down on the pillow again, and Munro excited the room. He headed to the pay phones, and dialed the number to his headquarters.
"The kid's awake. The other one has massive internal injuries. The doctors aren't sure." A pause, then, "Yes, I want the team gathered. Those Axis mystery men are in the US now, and we need to be ready for them. Yes, I know Project M won't be happy. But toss them a bone. Tell them to get clearances to access TNT's blood samples. Maybe they can figure out how his powers work. Yeah, I think that will appease Mazurinsky too..." Another pause, then, "Just get them all together, I'm coming back."
Arn Munro hung up the phone, peeked in on the sleeping Dyna-Mite, then left the hospital, for the airport.
HOMEFRONT: Epilogue
Matches Malone was in the operating theater, with Mazurinsky preparing to begin. Then Mazurinsky's lab assistant burst into the room.
"Doctor, Malone's been recalled to Operation Liberty."
"No!!! I'm not done yet."
"Sir, Munro reported those Axis villians he fought are in the US, and he recalled his team. A mystery man named TNT was injured, and is in surgery. If we move fast, we can get there and procure his medical test materials for further research."
Mazurinsky stood there, barely containing his rage. Then he said, "We can do better than that. Let's get him here, and we can test to our heart's content. He may get better care here than he would in some hospital."
"But sir, that may be more difficult than we imagine."
"Listen, you want to do your own research some day, don't you? You want to be more than just a lab assistant cleaing my test tubes forever? I need someone who can take care of the thing I need done, no questions asked. Can you be that man?"
"Yes sir, I can."
"Fine, I'll get ready to go and supervise the move myself. Take care of this, Degaton, and I'll take care of you."