Darna Maltinese returned to her home in Strangetown after a long day of work at Sacsenoci Base. Once known as Ebon Huntress, the former leader of Team Rainbow Super Force sighed wearily as she closed the door behind her, as she had done every day since she left Pleasantview two months earlier. She paused for a moment to reflect on the day’s events, but sounds of the evening news on the television from the next room pulled her back to reality. Her attention focused on what was now becoming a regular and annoying sound; a rising politician named Donald Monroe. Composing herself, Darna entered the room and greeted her companion.

Lazlo Sutani smiled warmly at Darna as he turned to face her.

“I’m afraid he is,” replied Lazlo. “They’re playing part of yesterday’s campaign speech in Altondale City. More anti-alien propaganda if you ask me.”

“It’s getting worse,” said Darna as she sat down next to him on the couch. “More and more aliens are leaving this world. The Galactic Council can’t even send ships fast enough for everyone who wants to leave. But today was the worst day I’ve had so far. I had to prevent a mother and her child from leaving today. I tried to explain to her there just wasn’t the room available and that she would have to come back tomorrow. She started getting hysterical, and we had to restrain her. When she finally calmed down, she told me she had started to receive death threats from her neighbors.” Darna paused as Lazlo looked back in shock. “Lazlo, most of the people leaving are doing so in fear for their lives.”

“I can’t believe it has come to this. I know that not everyone on this world likes us, but I had no idea the negative sentiment was that strong.”

“I’m sure it was not like this until Monroe announced he was running for office, and as a state representative, he will be in a better position to make the changes he wants.”

“And so far, most of the people like him and his ideas. He’s going to win easily according to the current polls.”

“Darna, this is still a primitive society by our standards. I know you’ve been here long enough to believe you are one of them, but the truth is you’re not. Maybe this world is just not ready to accept us yet, and perhaps it would be best for us and the rest of the galaxy to vacate for a while.” said Lazlo.

“Every world goes through this phase in one way or another. But they all have this in common; they desire to be a part of something greater, and they want to know that they are not alone.” Darna countered.

“And yet some worlds choose to be isolationists. Darna, I know you always choose to see the basic goodness in everyone, but what if it really isn’t here?” Darna lowered her eyes in resignation and slowly turned to face the television.

“Donald Monroe will be holding his next campaign rally tomorrow night in Pleasantview,” informed the TV announcer. “Authorities are expecting standing room only, so supporters should arrive early.”

Meanwhile, the local police were in hot pursuit of two criminals through the streets of downtown Pleasantview. Hoping to escape capture, they turned into a side alley only to come face-to-face with a wall of flame.

“Thought you could escape the heat, didn’t you,” smirked Captain Crimson from around the corner. The lawbreakers turned around only to find their retreat blocked by Azure Maiden.

“You might as well freeze,” laughed Azure. “You can’t possibly escape the Ice Hot Duo.”

“I thought we agreed it was the Hot Ice Duo?” said Crimson.

“Are you kidding? That sounds like we’re some kind of muscle soothing pain reliever.”

“And Ice Hot doesn’t? What do you two think?” Crimson asked the crooks. The hoodlums stood motionless with blank stares on their faces.

“Are you arresting us?” asked one of them.

“That would be our job,” remarked a police officer bringing out his handcuffs. “Thanks for your assistance, uh… What’s your name today?”

“Great. Now we’re a joke to the police,” Crimson agonized.

Azure and Crimson turned around to find Donald Monroe approaching from the street.

“I saw the altercation as I was arriving in town,” said Monroe. “Your antics in apprehending these individuals were childish to say the least.”

“Now wait just a minute,” Crimson started. “We did help prevent their escape.”

“But was it needed? Officer, would you have caught these criminals on your own?”

“We had other officers on nearby streets,” the officer replied. “If Azure Maiden and Captain Crimson hadn’t shown up we’d have caught them soon enough.”

“We were just trying to help,” Azure replied.

“Now hold on, we never said...” Crimson began.

“Oh but you didn’t have to say anything,” Monroe continued. “Your actions spoke all the words necessary. You think that you are better than us and that you know when we need your help. Therein lies the true nature of aliens, everyone. They say they come to help make us better, but they never bother to ask if we need to be better. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is pure arrogance and superiority. They think we are weak and that they can just roll over us whenever they feel like it. But I know better. I know that we are a strong people, and we don’t need them.”

“Hey, Azure and Crimson,” whispered the officer approaching them. “I like you guys, and I appreciate your help. But this crowd is about to get ugly, and I don’t want to see anyone hurt.”

“It’s alright,” Azure replied. “I think we know when we aren’t wanted anyway.”

Later that evening, John Smith arrived at the Pleasantview Town Hall. Citizens from the city had packed the room to capacity and John began to wonder if the local authorities had a strong enough presence should the crowd become hostile. Looking around the room, he determined a significant number of offworlders were present at the rally although the crowd was clearly dominated by the human population. It wasn’t long before Monroe took to the stage and began his campaign speech. John listened carefully, taking in all his words and only pausing to reflect as the occasional cheer increased a growing tension in the room.

Monroe turned to face John across the room and a thin smile formed across his face.

“It appears we have somewhat of a celebrity here tonight,” said Monroe. “Chromed Avenger, I believe?”

“Feel free to call me Mr. Smith.” John replied.

“Very well, Mr. Smith. The answer to your question is very simple. You are holding us back.”

“That’s an interesting argument considering the number of technological advances this world had gained over the past 40 years since aliens arrived on this planet.”

John returned to The Bunker following Monroe’s rally. He had stayed behind briefly to talk with the other offworlders in order to get a feel for their reaction to the debate. Their consensus was unanimous; with Monroe around, they felt the need to leave the planet. Preparing to contact Darna and give her the bad news, John entered the main foyer only to find Nahl Shilari, formerly Cyan Aide, passed out on the floor with bruises all over his body. Carefully picking up the body, John carried Nahl into a nearby room and proceeded to contact the only person he could trust to help with this situation.

Kryss Nylyr carefully examined Nahl’s body on the scanner. He had rushed over with Charise Wun Yah in tow upon receiving John’s call. Wiping the sweat from his brow, Kryss flipped a couple of switches on the control panel and within seconds Nahl’s eyes opened.

“Where am I?” Nahl asked.

“You’re in The Bunker,” Kryss replied. “You’ve suffered a mild concussion and several bruises, but you’re going to be okay. You’re safe now.”

“Then I managed to make it.”

“You did,” said John. “Can you tell us what happened?”

“I had just surfaced from an inlet in town not too far away from here. I hadn’t planned on getting out; just a quick surface interval. A group of people saw me and started screaming "monster". I turned around to see what they were talking about, but before I could see what was happening they jumped into the water on top of me. I tried to dive back down, but they kept pulling me back up. Then they pulled me out of the water and dragged me out into the street where they started beating me with anything they could find. I was close to passing out when a police officer showed up to disperse the crowd. I managed to escape in the confusion and head here. That’s the last thing I remember.”

“It’s alright,” Kryss said. “Rest here for now. Your body has some amazing recuperative abilities, and I expect most of your bruises to be gone by morning.” Kryss made a motion for John and Charise to follow him out into the hall.

“I am sorry to ruin your evening, Kryss,” John apologized. “I did not know anyone else to call who would be able to help as efficiently.”

“You did well, John,” Kryss replied. “He’s a tough kid and will pull through fine.”

“What could have caused the people to react this way?” asked Charise.

“Donald Monroe,” John answered. “He was in town tonight. Apparently he made more of an impact tonight than I had realized.”

“That man is a pig. And anyone who listens to him is a fool. Condemning someone just for being a member of a different race or species is nothing more than spite and prejudice.”

“Nonetheless, it is the fools who are listening and acting.”

Later that night in Strangetown, Lazlo woke up in his room from a restless sleep. He gathered himself up and headed into the kitchen to get a drink. Staring quietly into his glass, his acute hearing picked up the click of the front door. Fearing the worst, he grabbed a nearby flashlight and headed cautiously into the foyer. To his surprise, he discovered Darna entering the house.

“Darna?” asked Lazlo. “What are you doing?”

“Lazlo!” Darna exclaimed. “What are you doing up?”

“Never mind me, what about you? And why are you wearing that outfit? You haven’t worn that since before… What have you been up to?”

“Let’s go to the other room and I’ll explain.”

Lazlo followed Darna into the living room and sat down on the couch to face each other.

“Okay, what’s going on?” Lazlo asked. Darna shifted uncomfortably for a minute and then turned to stare at Lazlo directly.

“I have been doing some investigative work for the Galactic Police,” Darna informed.

“Investigating? What kind of investigating?”

“I’ll tell you in a minute. But first, you have to understand what I am going to tell you is one of the Galactic Council’s most highly classified secrets. It is something they don’t like to admit, and the Galactic Security Division has made people with this knowledge disappear. I know what I know because of my status in the Security Division. But if they knew I told you… I couldn’t bear to lose you, Lazlo. That’s why I haven’t told you anything about this before. I wish I didn’t have to tell you now, but I know you’ll get creative and investigate on your own if I don’t. I also know you have the contacts to confirm everything I am about to tell you, but I’ll warn you that doing so will put your life in great danger. So please, promise me right her and right now that what I am about to tell you, you take my word that it is the absolute truth.”

Lazlo spent the next few minutes in silent thought. Although they had only known each other for a few years, He had always though he had her figured out. He smiled in contemplative reassurance that she could still find ways to surprise him.

“Alright,” Lazlo agreed. “I believe you. And I won’t go investigate on my own.”

“Excellent,” Darna smiled. “And when I’m done, we need to go call our friends. It’s time to put Donald Monroe in his place.”

Later that evening in downtown Pleasantview, people from all over gathered in the town hall to support Donald Monroe and another campaign rally. Walking onto the stage at his appointed time, Monroe was welcomed to a standing ovation. John Smith carefully made his way into the back of the hall just as Monroe began his speech. Scanning the room, he was unsurprised to find that no aliens had shown up for the rally. He stood patiently, smiling as Monroe discussed his plans for economics and social reforms. Then, just as he began talking about the ills of aliens, John pressed a signaling device he concealed in his hand.

“I don’t know what you are talking about,” said Monroe.

“It took some serious investigation,” started Darna. “You didn’t make it easy either, but from what I now know, you may not even remember yourself.”

“And exactly what don’t I remember?”

“Mr. Monroe, you are an alien.” Darna allowed her statement to sink into the crowd. A slow murmur began to fill the room as people began to talk amongst themselves. Darna turned to nod at John who proceeded to press his signaling device again. A second later, Rajilot Gygliou, also known as Tawny Bimbo, entered the room. Holding her hands to her temples, the room began to quiet back down.

“You’ll say anything, won’t you, Ebon Huntress. Even something so obviously slanderous. Why, the people in this room should rise up out of their chairs and throw the lot of you out.”

“Except that they won’t, at least not with my good friend Tawny Bimbo here. Did I mention she’s from Yuelili? It’s an amazing world of telepaths, most of which would never hurt a fly, at least not physically. Tawny used to help her local police ensure that her people would not resort to violent acts whenever possible, and considering that people tend to get all up in arms after you show up, I thought it would be a good idea to have her along with me tonight.”

“I can’t be held responsible for other people’s actions.”

“In this case you can. Besides being an alien, Mr. Monroe, you are also an empath.”

“Now you are making things up,” Monroe laughed.

“Hardly,” Darna continued. “As I said earlier, it was very hard to dig up information on you. The Galactic Council doesn’t even want to admit you exist. You, Mr. Monroe, are a failed experiment. Several decades ago, the Galactic Council commissioned the Science Academy to make the perfect diplomatic convoy for worlds seeking membership. Their conclusion was to use a race that could genetically graft itself with any life form’s DNA and yet retain its own distinct intelligence. They ultimately chose the Altazari. However they also needed several DNA samples from the target world. In 1989 a series of unexplained alien abductions happened on this world. The Galactic Council dared not admit it was to assist them in creating an operative to help facilitate this world into the Galactic Council. But something went wrong.

Nearly a month went by before Donald Monroe passed through a security checkpoint at Sacsenoci base. Darna, Lazlo and General Londberne watched as Galactic Security personnel escorted Monroe to their spacecraft and departed into outer space.

“I’m still having a hard time with this,” Londberne remarked. “We were fooled so easily.”

“General,” Lazlo began, “It’s not entirely your fault. Monroe knew how to play on your fears.”

“Your history is filled with people who have excelled at the same thing,” Darna added. “Most of the people on your world want to be led. They would prefer to sit in their homes and pretend that the world is a safe place and that everything is alright. In that way, you are like almost everyone in the galaxy. The difference is most people in the galaxy know when to wake up and take charge of their lives. Humanity has just had their first galactic wake up call. It won’t be the last.”

“Humph,” Londberne scoffed. “I still don’t think we should trust you aliens.”

“And you shouldn’t. However, you should trust me.“

“Ahem,” Lazlo said.

Darna Maltinese nervously walked through the front doors of East Side Center. She stood for a few minutes staring at the Joshua tree in the main foyer in silent contemplation. Composing herself, she walked down the back hall and into the conference room. Sitting down at the table, she activated the viewscreen. A very surprised Happy Birthday greeted her.

“Ebon Huntress,” Happy said cautiously. “This is very unexpected. I can’t imagine the trouble you went through to find this communications channel. Actually, I can.”

“Don’t flatter yourself, Happy,” replied Darna. “It wasn’t easy at all. If I could have discovered your actual location I’d be busting down your door right now.”

“The sacrifices we have to make. Well, this is on your dime so to speak. Have you called to say good-bye?”

“Hardly. I just thought you should know, if you didn’t already, that Donald Monroe is now headed back to the Galactic Science Academy where the scientists believe they can reverse the process that created him.”

“Why should I care what the Galactic Science Academy does to him?”

“I thought you would want to know considering he was one of your agents.”

“You have no proof of that,” said Happy.

“As I said earlier, it wasn’t easy,” continued Darna. “Donald Monroe didn’t exist on this world until a few years ago. But where he did show up is on a list of private investors to Jinzouningen Corporation. We suspect that he contacted Endoh Masato directly and provided him with the knowledge to make the Servos, including the special chameleon circuits some of them used to impersonate us. We have no direct proof of this, of course. However the facts do support the assumptions. A great detective once said, ‘when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.’”

“That’s a very entertaining theory. But I fail to see how you connect Monroe to me.” Darna smiled discreetly as she brought up a picture of Happy in a prison complex standing outside a cell containing Donald Monroe.

“You certainly do get around. One can only fathom how you knew of his existence in the first place, Happy. I bet you can imagine what I had to go through to get this picture.”

“Well done, Ebon Huntress,” Happy laughed. “One of my very few mistakes, to be certain.”

“No one at the Galactic Science Academy knows for certain how you got in there, or even who you are, but I believe you were also one of their failed experiments. There were nine initial test subjects. One of them is still missing.”

“The best one, too. I must congratulate you, Ebon. I honestly didn’t believe you were up to the task, but I love a good challenge. Seldom do I get one. So, what’s the next move?”

Darna composed herself and stepped forward to the podium staged in front of the East Side Center. She had spent the last week preparing for this event, yet she still doubted herself and sometimes wondered if she was doing the right thing. A quick glance at Lazlo and the rest of her former teammates reassured her that it was the right thing to do.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you your new Primary Force!”

So concludes the eighteenth chapter of Team Rainbow Super Force / Primary Force. Stay tuned for Chapter 19: Underpants Crisis