Post by lawrenceliberty on Apr 24, 2020 18:57:11 GMT
Mystery Men of America: Operation Pastorius!
by lawrenceliberty
June 12, 1942
Prologue:
Amagansett, New York
The Black Fury (John Perry) didn’t like beaches. He was not the kind of man to enjoy life outside the crowded, noisy, magnificent rush and roar of the city! He had devoted his life to reporting on the sights and sounds of urban life and he relished every aspect of it. From the crumbling tenements to the gleaming towers, he couldn’t resist life in a city. Now, he crouched on the darkened shore of a tiny Long Island hamlet called Amagansett and he shivered. It was June and his black costume was warm but he felt a chill.
“Starting to imagine things. Next thing you know I’ll be as bad a Bob Hope in The Ghost Breakers!” he joked.
“Well, I was thinking of tradin’ you in for Paulette Goddard!” joked Kid Fury (Chuck Marley). Chuck was his sidekick and the orphaned youth was like a son to him. They were a team forged in war against criminals of every type.
Black Fury smiled at the slender boy in the matching black costume and said, “Wise guy! Always a wise guy!”
He frowned as a strange light appeared in the waters off from the beach.
“Something’s stirring! I think I see something out there!” he said.
Kid Fury said, “It’s a U-Boat! I’d say that Bund member we grabbed was actually telling the truth!”
They watched as the waters parted long enough for the tower of a submarine to emerge. Moments later furtive figures emerged and began passing each other waterproof packages.
“Sit tight, kid. Let them do the hard work and tire themselves out first!” said Black Fury.
Minutes passed and startling newcomer raced into view! She bounded over the sand dunes and passed closed concession stands like a red and white blur! She moved with the speed and grace of a warrior but no mere mortal could match her sheer power and speed!
As moonlight briefly illuminated the scene as clouds passed overhead, the Furys saw her more clearly. She had long platinum blonde hair, a lovely face, and wore a red costume with a white skirt, golden boots, and metallic bands on her arms and below her knees. She charged directly past the startled German agents and plunged into the water before rising up again and lifting the lifeboat that held the crewmembers who had disembarked earlier. She hefted it over her head and casually shook the shocked Germans out of their boat even as the sub disappeared into the sea!
“I believe you are the catch of the day as they say here!” she said.
The crew scrambled for their weapons and she casually deflected their bullets with her spinning sword.
Black Fury and Kid Fury charged forward to wade into the men who were already ashore!
“I’ve never seen anything like that before except from guys like Blue Beetle and Green Mask and I’m not too sure they could match that woman!” thought Black Fury.
He crashed into the nearest Nazi and pounded him relentlessly before he could draw his gun.
Nearby Kid Fury jumped into another Axis agent and dropped him to the sand.
They continued to fight even as the amazing woman in red and white slapped each burly sailor across the sands with ease and speed!
She smiled and surveyed her handiwork. She had knocked out around 10 men in a matter of minutes!
Black Fury knocked another Nazi flat and gasped as he heard a moan nearby.
He whirled around and saw Kid Fury collapse beneath gunfire directed at the boy from the remaining Nazi!
He bellowed in rage and tackled the gunman. He ripped the gun away from him and slammed it into his face repeatedly.
“You’ll pay for that! I’ll kill you, you filthy Nazi!” he shouted,
A soft voice echoed through the night.
“The boy yet lives!” said the blonde woman who had approached silently.
Black Fury released the battered German and rushed to Chuck’s side. He was bleeding but as the woman had said, he was still breathing.
“Chuck! Hang on, kid. I’ll get you to a doctor! You’ll be okay! I’m here, son!” he said.
“Who are you lady?” he asked as he held Kid Fury in his arms.
There was no answer. The mystery woman had vanished as silently as she appeared.
1
The Hudson River Palisades were a line of steep cliffs near Southwest New York. Most people knew that in April 1928 John D. Rockefeller Jr. had donated 723 acres for a Boy Scout Camp for weekend nature trips for intercity kids. What very few people knew was that an old factory had been remodeled in secret by the wealthy scientist Bill Powers and that Powers had turned the huge facility into the HQ of his group of costumed champions the Mystery Men of America! The complex contained medical facilities, communication devices, multiple labs, and dorm rooms, a vehicle garage and a hangar for the specialized crafts some of his allies owned.
The Eagle (Bill Powers) was a kind and brilliant man. He was also a patriot as his red, white, and blue costume proclaimed. He was already a member of military intelligence but he was granted freedom to operate in his costumed identity by orders from President Roosevelt himself.
F.D.R. had asked the costumed men and women of America to unite in common cause against the Axis forces and other threats to freedom.
Thus, they all knew that they could do more as mystery men and women than as enlisted soldiers and sailors.
The Eagle looked over a large table covered with food and smiled, “Jason couldn’t have set a better table! Not that Black Fury or U.S. Jones worry much about table manners!”
He referred to his loyal British valet Jason who served him faithfully in his Bill Powers identity.
Since the Mystery Men of America had formed around that day that would live in infamy December 7, 1941, they had fought Nazi agents, Japanese saboteurs, and encountered a super villain or two with no ties to their foreign enemies.
Now, he frowned as he heard someone moving through the vast building. The meeting wasn’t supposed to start for another hour. None of them were ever particularly early for meetings except for Green Mask and Blue Beetle. The detective and the cop thrived on orderly routine as much as was possible in their crazy lives.
He knew the complex had advanced security measures but then again even the best defenses could fall to a superior foe.
He looked up to see a beautiful woman in red, white, and gold. She carried a sheathed sword and her costume seemed both armored and delicate at the same time.
“I am Celestia, Queen of Venus! I have come to this planet to aid you in your Hitlerian War!” she said.
The Eagle blinked in surprise. The woman was captivating to say the least. He knew his ward Buddy would have been dazzled by her.
“How did you get in? How did you know to come here?” he asked.
She said, “Getting in was easy enough but your security system would challenge anyone without my training. I was sent here by a being known as Stardust the Super Wizard! He said you needed me. He told me about the evil that threatens women and men who love freedom. I lost my people and my planet to such tyranny and I will not allow another world to fall to such oppression!”
The Eagle said, “I’ve heard rumors about this Stardust. I believe he is an alien. I guess that means you really are from Venus? I am sorry. This is a lot to take in at one time!”
She smiled at him and said, “Forgive me. I am not accustomed to social niceties. My home and my people fell long, long ago to invaders known as the Silvery Women and their enslaved Golden Men. I alone survived thanks to the intervention of my nurse. She escaped with me into space when I was an infant. I was trained in combat but I no longer have a people to liberate. The invaders killed them all. I have nothing left on
Venus so I journeyed through space and improved my skills until I met the enigmatic Super Wizard. He seemed to see and know all like some oracle of old. He told me about your world and your war and asked me to make common cause with you all! I have come to do so. Already this night I have battled Nazi invaders on your shores and met a valiant man called Black Fury. “
“Black Fury is one of us but I wager you know that already!” said the Eagle.
“Aye! His young companion was badly injured. I came here after dropping them off in my saucer. The boy will live. I came here because it was to this location that the Space Wizard directed me. This is your citadel of heroes, is it not?” said Celestia.
The Green Mask (Michael Shelby) walked out of the shadows and said, “I overheard most of your story. I’d say we could use this lady especially on this night. You see, I have news from our F.B. I. contact the Hood. The Nazi agents Celestia spoke of are just the beginning. I have a list of likely targets. This is the start of a concentrated effort to undermine American morale by striking at the war effort and civilian targets!”
He placed a piece of paper on the table and the Eagle nodded earnestly.
“I’ll call in the others! We can’t wait for the regular meeting!” he announced.
2
The Moth (Jim Blake) soared over the Hell’s Gate Bridge. He knew a little about the structure. The steel bridge had opened around 1917. He knew how vital a connection it was for Queens and the Bronx. Now, as he flew over it and scanned the area for any sign of trouble, he understood exactly why it was one of the targets listed on the paper Green Mask had received from their F.B. I. contact.
“If the Ratzi’s blow up the bridge they will cause a major slowdown in so many aspects of war productivity, commerce, and travel! I can’t let them get away with it!” he vowed.
He was a kind man. He was sincere in his desire to do his best to help others. It was exactly that humanitarian impulse that had led him to defend an elderly Polish scientist named Dr. Anna Von Braun from a group of thugs that menaced her. He had been injured and only her “energy formula” had saved his life and given him enhanced vitality. His flying ability came from the red costume he had created. It was an aerodynamic marvel.
Now, as he winced from a sudden pain. He wondered if the costume was wasted on him?
“The formula is failing. Dr. Von Braun’s calculations are right. Not that my body needs her expertise to tell me that I’m getting worse not better. I’m losing the vitality her formula gave me. I’m losing normal muscle tone too!” he thought.
He remembered when the pains had first started during one of his previous cases with the Mystery Men. He and his young partner Blackie the Mystery Boy had been working together with some of the others when he had suddenly just stiffened up and lost his balance. He had recovered and had in fact played a major role in bringing the case to a successful close but that was then. Now, he was suffering a lot and he didn’t mind admitting that he was afraid.
He shook his head. Feeling sorry for himself wouldn’t help anyone. He had a job to do! He would do it or die trying!
The Moth saw a burst of flame from the base of one of 4 spans that comprised the bridge. He dropped down and spotted a man in a red and green costume. He wore a red helmet and a green and red costume. He wore some kind of odd elongated weapon over his shoulder. It looked vaguely like a spear gun of the kind divers used.
The flames that were spreading across the base of the span didn’t come from the sheathed weapon though. Oddly enough, they were hot enough to damage the steel bridge. These were no ordinary flames!
“Stop!” he shouted as he rammed both feet into the costumed man. His foe grunted in pain and the Moth spun around in mid- air and connected with a punch to his face.
The man reeled backward and said, “I don’t know who you are but you won’t stop me. For the good of the Fatherland this bridge will burn!”
The Moth frowned. The man was clearly American or at least he spoke without a trace of any accent.
“Who are you?” he asked as he tried to position his body between the man and spreading flames.
“How do I put out those unnatural flames?” he thought.
The man said, “I’m Blaze Baylor- Master of Flame!”
He said, “I used to fight arsonists. Now, I don’t just stop fires. I am their master!”
He raised his hands and the Moth hurled himself aside as balls of fire shot toward him. He dodged them barely before his side stiffened.
“Feels like my ribs are being drawn taunt!” he thought as he recognized the sensation.
He jumped upward and kicked Baylor with both legs. He spun around again and again and connected with rapid blows.
“Doesn’t hurt as much when I use the wings to fly!” he thought.
He pulled back as Baylor suddenly erupted into flames! His whole body was engulfed in fire but neither his flesh nor his costume burned. He showed no discomfort. Clearly, he was immune to flames.
The Moth knew his own costume had limited resistance to heat or cold or electricity but could it withstand this kind of living inferno?
He glanced at the burning bridge and silently prayed.
He dropped down into the river below and held his breath before emerging at top speed and allowing his voluminous wings to dump the water over the bridge’s burning metal and the startled Blaze Baylor!
It was a valiant effort made all the more heroic because of his physical pain.
Blaze Baylor stared at him for a moment and then hesitated before connecting with a blow from his own linked hands which no longer burned like the rest of his flaming form.
The Moth staggered backward and fought to use his wings to regain some balance. He managed to halt his fall but could do little else.
At that moment a newcomer dropped into view. He was dressed in a famous gold and red costume!
“Easy, chum! I’ll handle this walking fire-eater!” said the Flame!
The Moth sighed in relief. Like everyone else in America, he knew of the celebrated hero and he felt his spirits rise. There was new hope for him!
The Flame confronted Blaze Baylor and said, “I’ve heard of you before. You were a hero. Your father was a heroic firefighter!”
Baylor shook his head as if he was clearing his thoughts or awakening from a trance. He ignited his fists again but this time the flames flickered and died out across his whole body.
“How did you do that? The master made me the fire lord!” he stammered.
The Flame smiled grimly. “Actually, that would be me! I just proved it by shutting off your little campfire! Now, pal, I’ll smother the bridge’s fire while you teach the living torch here the error of his ways!”
He helped the Moth up and Blake nodded slowly. Baylor was no longer burning. In fact, apparently as long as the Flame exerted his own mastery over all fires, Baylor couldn’t ignite again!
Moth took a deep breath and then connected with a punch that snapped Baylor’s head backward. He took careful aim and connected again on the man’s uncovered chin. Blaze reeled to one side and passed out.
The Flame had somehow drawn the bridge fire into his own body and now he smiled at the Moth.
“Nice punch. I’d say Joe Louis would envy you that one!” he said.
The Moth said, “Thanks. You saved the day. I was almost…! I couldn’t…!”
The Flame frowned and he moved closer to support the Moth.
“Are you hurt?” he asked with concern.
The Moth closed his eyes for a moment and let the wave of pain pass over him.
“I’m fine. Just a little tired!” he said.
The Flame said, “I was trained to be one with fire. I can travel via flames. Something about the fire Baylor started called to me. I just was drawn here. I’m lucky was nearby though. I doubt I would have sensed it had I been more distant from the area. I’ve never experienced anything like that sensation before.”
The two heroes stood over the fallen Blaze Baylor for a moment and then the Moth explained what he knew about the crisis.
“The Blue Beetle is a friend of mine. We’ve worked together before. I’d be happy to help you fellows out if you’ll let me!” said the Flame.
The Moth nodded slowly and said, “We’d sure appreciate it.”
He thought, “I’m not going to be much help to anyone any longer!”
3
Altoona, PA:
The Horseshoe Curve railroad pass near Altoona was the next target the Mystery Men sought to protect. Once again, if the crucial travel hub was destroyed, the commercial and industrial output of the country would be placed in jeopardy.
The Green Mask (Michael Shelby) wore his customary green and blue costume. He flew down to the busy station and nodded in approval.
“The Vita Rays Prof. Lascomb used on me have never failed as far as my strength and speed are concerned but the power of flight comes and goes. Not that I’m complaining. Even without flight, I’m not exactly a 98 pound weakling!” he mused.
Michael Shelby came from a wealthy family. His ancestors had always dedicated themselves to public service and the belief that their great wealth made such service a necessary duty. As a private detective, he was viewed as slumming by some of his stuffy relationships. They felt he was wasting his Ivy League education and his impeccable manners and personal charm. Some felt he could have followed his late father into politics but Michael only wanted to fight criminals like the terror group that killed his dad. Since family friend Lascomb had used his super -secret Vita Rays on him, Shelby had possessed super human powers and he had adopted the costumed role of the Green Mask to utilize those gifts to wage war on villains of every variety.
“I’m sorry Domino couldn’t join me but the kid needs to buckle down on his geometry homework!” he thought.
He raced forward as he heard a loud crash nearby. As he rounded a corner he spotted the source of the screeching noise.
A tall, muscular man with handsome features including a small mustache and intelligent eyes was casually ripping up a section of rail with his bare hands.
He wore a yellow cape, blue trunks and boots and his bare chest revealed rippling muscles.
He looked up and smiled almost in a friendly manner but he merely stood up and wiped his hands together as if in preparation for some new task.
“The Green Mask! I’ve admired your career. It is a shame that circumstances have placed us in this situation. I am loathe to harm you but I know the justness of the Axis cause and I will fight for it!” he said. “I’m called Dr. Diamond!”
The Green Mask noticed the same thing the Moth had deduced about his own foe. This man was an American. In fact, he was an American hero or had been.
“Well, aren’t you a polite Goosestepper!” he said. “I guess Uncle Adolf is just bursting with pride over your fine manners!”
He charged forward but dodged aside as Dr. Diamond swung a section of twisted metal at him.
He ducked and ripped the ruined railing out of Dr. Diamond’s hands. As he pulled it free, he received a punch in the face from the speedy man in the cape.
Dr. Diamond said, “Based on the locations of your cases, the money it would take to equip you, and your association with Lascomb, I’ve long assumed you were Michael Reed Shelby beneath your colorful mask!”
He gripped the Green Mask’s shirt and hurled him off the ground.
The Green Mask twisted around and used his own power of flight to pull Dr. Diamond into the air and slam him down again and again.
They exchanged blows and struggled furiously until Dr. Diamond began to choke his slightly smaller foe.
The Green Mask fought to pry the fingers from his throat as he began to see spots before his eyes.
“He fights better than I do. Still, I’ve got a trick or two left in me!” he thought.
He grabbed the bigger man’s wrists and kicked off the ground. They soared higher and higher and finally Dr. Diamond slipped and plunged to the ground far below.
The Green Mask dropped down and sighed with relief. He had stunned him.
“That was a rough fight made rougher still by the fact that I’d swear he was under some kind of spell or compulsion in spite of the fact that he certainly displayed personality and didn’t seem to be a mindless drone.”
He shook his head and began to think over the situation. He would find the truth. He was certain of it.
4
Natrona, PA
The Blue Beetle (Dan Garret) had never really given cryolite any thought. Oh, he knew the Natrona, PA plant near Philadelphia used the glassy, crystalline substance to refine aluminum and aluminum was needed badly for the war effort but that was about it.
“Doc, Franz probably knows everything about it but we sure haven’t spent any time between me patrolling my beat and him making medicines in his pharmacy gabbing about the stuff!” he thought with a grin.
Doctor Abe Franz had used his mysterious Vitamin 2X to give the rookie cop super human strength to augment the chain-mail blue costume he already wore as the Blue Beetle. He looked thoughtful for a moment as he realized that he, Green Mask, Spider Queen, and Black Fury all became heroes because they had lost a loved one to criminals. He’d have to talk it over with them sometime.
“I sure hope Kid Fury will recover. Surely, with the access we have to super human chemicals, one of us Mystery Men can heal him! I’d hate to have placed a boy in danger because of my crime fighting. I bet John Perry is sick with guilt and grief right now! I’ll never have a sidekick of my own. That’s for sure!”
He grunted with pain as a red blue crashed into him. He staggered as a second blow slammed into him and his chain-mail cut into his chest.
“Just how strong is this guy!” he thought as he was tossed across the factory grounds.
He landed hard and took a second to examine his attacker. The man wore a light blue shirt with red pants and an odd red skullcap on his head.
However, by now the Blue Beetle was almost used to seeing men and women wearing colorful costumes. What surprised him was the man’s weird looking face. He was not ugly or disfigured. His features were…well…perfect. He looked like some kind of manikin or a child’s doll. There was no animation or emotion in his regular and unchanging features. Still, there was no doubt this hulk was very much alive.
“You and your kind make me furious! You think you are superior when in fact your emotions make you weak. You flesh-things are nothing to one of my superior status!” he said in an eerie toneless voice.
He moved with super speed and the Blue Beetle waited and timed his own reaction perfectly. Already, early in his career, Dan Garret was a superb champion of justice in every way. He avoided the attacker’s leap and allowed him to plunge into the ground. He tackled him and linked his own arms around the man’s shoulders.
He exerted pressure and realized to his surprise that this odd man was more than able to withstand his own super strength! This was a very new sensation for the Beetle. He struggled to increase the pressure but he failed to do more than hold his foe in place.
“The Nazi regime will bring clinical order to this world. Machinelike efficiency will be the order of the day and not the exception!” he said.
“No, sir! You’ve got it wrong there. The Nazi regime is motivated by the most ancient of animalistic passions…hatred…greed…lust! The Axis forces want enslavement of everyone different from them. They won’t bring order. They’ll bring domination. Not that that will ever happen.
Freedom loving men and women won’t allow it. The 3rd Reich will be destroyed!” cried the Blue Beetle.
He shuddered as he brought his hands together again and brought the odd man down to the ground.
“Robot? You’re some kind of a machine!” he whispered.
The man in red and blue broke free and said, “I am Robo! I am machine! I am your better!”
He struck the Beetle twice but the hero stood firm and punched back again and again!
“You do not understand! My people…my creators….wanted peace. Nothing but peace. They created me for protection and scientific exploration! How did your kind respond? You eliminated them! You wiped them off the face of the Earth!”
The Blue Beetle’s mind raced as he tried to make sense of Robo’s claim.
“Is it possible? Did America destroy an entire race of people? I’ve got to find out the truth after I finish this battle!”
He gritted his teeth and struck Robo once more. To his relief, the automaton collapsed and remained still.
“I don’t know what you are. I don’t know who hurt your people. I will find out though. If possible, I’ll make things right. I promise you!” he said solemnly.
He meant every word he said. After all, he was more than a mystery man. He was more than a police officer. He was a hero.
5
The Ohio River near Louisville, KY
The Eagle (Dr. Bill Powers) swooped and soared in an aerial “dogfight” like no other he had experienced in his crimebusting career! He had seldom fought anyone who could fly and fly faster than he could!
The patriotic hero smiled slightly as he noticed his very attractive opponent wore a red, white, and blue costume that was, if anything, more patriotic than his own. She was very beautiful with flowing blonde hair and a fit figure that her short skirt revealed all too clearly. Beneath his admiration of her looks was something more significant. The Eagle knew who she was!
“It is too bad V-Man is on another case. V-Man is one of us! He founded our team right before Pearl Harbor along with the Green Mask, Phantom Lady, and the rest of us! From what he’s told me and from what any fool can see by her costume, this Betty Grable look-a-like is V-Girl! She is his ally and got her impressive powers from Father Duroc the same mysterious freedom fighter who gave Jerry Steele a second chance at life after he escaped from that Nazi prison camp! Why she is trying to destroy the locks?”
He asked her the same question to no avail! She merely dodged him and then dropped down to catch him with a kick to his stomach that doubled him over.
“You may have to rethink that name! When this is over, you might call yourself the Drowned Duck!” she quipped.
She carried something in a pack she had placed near the shore. The Eagle assumed she had some kind of explosive in that bag. He tried to lure her away from it by flying out of her reach. If she would just follow him!
V-Girl (Ginger Dare) smiled and seemed to enjoy the fight. That aspect of her personality fit what he had been told by V-Man. Her powers of flight and strength made her superior to V-Man since he could not fly but then again, who knows what Duroc had done to either of them. The kind old man was a legend. He seemed to be able to work miracles as he waged a valiant war against the Axis in embattled Europe!
The Eagle allowed the woman to pummel him for a moment and then he made his own move. He grabbed her cape and pulled it over her face.
While she was blinded he flew as fast as he could and released her near the walls of the embankment. She crashed into it and fell into the river below. The Eagle caught her and carried her stunned body to safety.
“When she gets more experienced with those powers, she is going to be a force to be reckoned with but why is she fighting for the Axis? Mind control would explain why a brave, patriotic woman like her would turn traitor. I know more than one super criminal with that kind of power too!” he thought. He looked down at the still blonde beauty and thought, “I wonder just who our true enemy is in this case?”
6
Maryville, TN
U. S. Jones (Dan Jones) often missed his old career as a baseball pitcher but his good spirits and zest for adventure didn’t allow him to brood for long. He loved his life and his role as the red, white, and blue sensation who used his own enhanced vitality to battle crooks, spies, and downright weird menaces! He was grinning now as he thought about how small this city was. The largest facility in the community was the long heavily fenced factory with its associated neatly designed offices and transportation departments.
“Blount County may be a swell place to visit but it sure won’t get its own radio show like Hawaii! I mean the Aluminum Company of America planet does big business for our boys in service but it is no tourist attraction! It reminds me of some of places I played during my ball career!” he thought.
His boyish grin grew broader still as he saw a familiar costumed figure pull up in a super stylized car.
“Flagman, buddy! Are you here to help or just to admire me in action?” he joked.
He extended his hand to the man in the red, white, and blue costume and said, “Too bad, V-Man is on his own mission. It would great to reunite our little stars and stripes combo!” he said before yelping in pain as Flagman slugged him in the face.
“You talk too much! You always did talk too much!” declared Flagman.
He slapped U.S. Jones across the face and moved closer.
Jones struck back. He was faster and stronger than Flagman. He sure didn’t understand why his friend was acting like a heel. Still, Jones had never run from any fight not that he was as crazy as Black Fury for that matter. He hoped the poor guy’s partner would get better!
He tackled Flagman and began to wrestle with the masked man. The sounds of the factory’s swing shift echoed through the insulated walls and the perimeter guards raced forward to help the Mystery Man! Not that he couldn’t use some help, Flagman was a trained solider and Jones was merely an ex-athlete who gained new health from Dr. Sam Medwick’s wonder drug!
‘Poor Doc. Medwick! May he rest in peace! I sure could use a booster shot right about now!” he thought as he elbowed Flagman in the face.
“What are you doing? Is this one of those things where society babes get steamed when they show up to the party in the same dress? I mean we are both wear red, white, and blue… but you do have that fancy cape and all!” he joked.
Beneath the banter which he used to distract Flagman and to boost his own spirts, U.S. Jones was worried. Why would a high ranking military man like Flagman turn Axis agent? Clearly, he was here to blow up the aluminum plant.
In fact, when he managed to look passed his furiously fighting foe, Jones spotted a smaller figure in a costume like Flagman’s own. He was easily defeating the plant guards and carried some kind of canister.
“Rusty? What is his boy buddy doing other than making those poor guards look like Lon Chaney on a bad day? He’s going to torch the factory!” he realized.
He slammed his fist into Flagman’s stomach and shoved him aside. He leaped forward and yelled, “Hold it, punk! This is a school night!”
Rusty frowned and swung the canister at the hero’s head. Jones ducked and swatted the boy aside.
‘The kid plays rough!” he thought. “The Deadend Kids got nothin’ on him!”
He reluctantly nodded Rusty out and then whirled to see a shocking sight. Flagman had returned to his so-called super car and was racing toward Jones with the obvious intent of running him over!
Jones knew even his agility couldn’t save him from the extraordinary car! It was simply too powerful and too fast!
Before the car could hit him, a newcomer dropped into view and stood between Jones and swiftly approaching vehicle! Jones recognized the legendary hero. He had been one of the very first Mystery Men to emerge a few years ago!
The long haired blond titan wore simple trunks and boots but nothing else. He smiled briefly and then caught the car and easily stopped it in its tracks. He lifted it over his head and shook it until a dazed Flagman fell out of one side.
“My name is Samson. I hated to get so rough with a hero but I had no choice. I fear he is the victim of Aix brainwashing! Are you hurt?” he said as if lifting cars was something he did every day. Then again, perhaps, it was. After all, Samson was known for his incredible strength and seemingly invincible powers!
“I’m glad to see you, buddy!’ said U.S. Jones! “Say, where have you been the last few months? Nobody has heard anything about you for a long time!” he asked.
Samson said, “Something compelled me to come here in haste. I don’t understand what it meant or how it happened. I’ve been away helping my young ally David but that is a story for another time. You and I still have work to do this night!”
U. S. Jones nodded, “You got that right!”
7
Niagara Falls, New York
Celestia, Queen of Venus knew nothing about the “white coal” power of the hydroelectric plant she was going to protect. She merely accepted her mission form the list Eagle had been given and she secretly felt pleased the heroes had trusted her although she was a stranger to them.
They seemed like stalwart companions. She had known a few of those in her travels across the galaxy. Still, why should she be surprised by this fact? The seemingly all-knowing Stardust had told her to approach these heroes and enlist in their crusade. The Warrior Woman was glad to do so. Her sword had been inactive for too long. She loved combat but beneath her brash exterior she also longed to protect those who could not protect themselves. Perhaps, every life she saved made up for the loss of her own race when she was an infant and a fugitive from the oppression of the invaders who took her family throne and conquered her planet.
She looked down at the raging waters and had no time for any sentimental thoughts of honeymooning couples even had she known of such matter. She saw a female figure erupt from out of the rushing waters and flew directly at her. The woman was beautiful with cascading long blonde hair and flashing green eyes. She wore a brief costume of shells and a shiny fabric like none Celestia had seen before.
“Surfacewoman, I advise you to step back unless you wish to get your pretty little sword wet!” taunted the powerful looking blonde who had emerged from the waters below.
“I am Celestia, Queen of Venus and I have no worries about my blade since it will taste blood before it ever rusts!” she declared.
The other woman laughed and placed both hands on her shapely hips. “You talk well. Let us see if you can fight as well!”
She charged at Celestia who raced forward to block her path. The two women crashed into one another and neither one yielded. They gripped hands and struggled silently for minutes at a time. Neither one lost a step as they remained in place.
“You are strong, little mermaid!” said Celestia!
“And you fight well for one who chokes beneath the waves!” said the other blonde who twisted aside suddenly and flipped Celestia over her hip toward the waters below. Celestia regained her balance and rammed her head into the other woman’s side. They moved away from the railing and the fight resumed.
“You called yourself Queen of Venus? Well, I am Neptune’s daughter- Neptina, Queen of the Underwater Realms! I have only met a few of your kind that had any honor. One was Navy Jones. You however will still meet defeat. I have no choice but to crush you, bold one!” she said.
Neptina smashed her foe to the ground but the warrior woman jumped back up and shoved the other blonde down. She kicked her across the platform and spun around before delivering a stunning blow to her head.
She hit her again and again and waited. She did admire the other woman’s sheer courage but she loathed her values since she apparently served the Hitlerians!
Neptina slowly fought to get up and glanced toward the waters nearby.
She leaped for them but Celestia was faster and caught her legs. She swung her around and around and let her crash into the nearest wall.
She remained still and Celestia stood over her still form.
“Had she gained the waters, she might have proven to be a problem…for some people!” she thought.
“Still, I wonder why someone with her obvious breeding and a warrior’s heart would serve such craven masters as Hitler and his jackals!” she thought.
8
Pennsylvania Station
Phantom Lady (Sandra Knight and Spider Queen (Shannon Kane) worked well together especially when one considered the fact that deep down the two women didn’t especially like one another. They didn’t talk about it. They didn’t squabble like Green Mask and Black Fury; however, neither of them particularly wanted to be with the other if they had a choice.
Phantom Lady whistled softly. “The Nazis would really damage the war effort if they shut down this place. I mean trains are vital for so many reasons!”
Spider Queen smirked for a moment and said, “Yes, they do go very fast!”
Before she could resume her speech she was knocked to the ground by a blur of blue and white that swept into the station with a gust of wind in wake. He wore a blue and white costume and he spoke softly almost hesitantly.
“My friends call me Tom but I reckon you ladies can just call me the Tornado!” he said. He shoved Spider Queen down before she could get up. Phantom Lady jumped out of the way as he raced toward her. He missed her by inches and managed to slap her aside in passing.
“He moves like the wind! I guess that Tornado name is not much of an exaggeration!” she thought. She kicked him in the face and he seemed to lurch backward for a second only to bounce back again and grab for her green cloak. She punched him again and started to swing again when he spun her around like a top at super speed. She struggled to break free from his grip and managed to switch on her blacklight ray! It blinded him and he grunted as she managed to connect with a karate chop. She belted him in the face and kept the blacklight beam in his eyes.
“All the speed won’t help if he can’t see me!” she mused.
He broke free from her and raced away to regain his sight! He charged forward at her like a living rocket. She realized she literally had nowhere to go! He was too fast for a normal person to dodge!
Seconds before the Tornado could strike Phantom Lady, Spider Queen abruptly rolled over and fired her webline across his path! He was moving too swiftly to avoid the adhesive and he tripped over it and crashed to floor. The impact left him stunned and Phantom Lady sighed with relief.
“Thanks, Queenie!” she said. Maybe the Spider Queen wasn’t so bad after all!
Spider Queen smiled briefly and regained her footing. “That was a close one!”
Moments after each of the Mystery Men defeated his or her foe, a purple light swept across each of them!
U.S. Jones, the Moth, the Blue Beetle, Phantom Lady, Spider Queen, the Eagle, the Green Mask along with Celestia, Samson and the Flame faced one another as they realized they were back in the HQ!
Their foes were assembled once more and remained frozen as if in some kind of stasis!
A man cloaked in a purple hood and cape hovered in the air above the heroes!
He remained silent for a moment as they exchanged glances at one another. V-Man was on a separate mission. Black Fury was still at the hospital with Kid Fury and of course, Samson and the Flame had showed up to help under some odd compulsion they could not explain. Otherwise, the Mystery Men were reunited in full.
U.S. Jones said, “Okay, who are you? And if he says Dracula, I’m outta here!”
The cloaked man looked down at them and revealed his face. He was perfectly normal looking as far as his facial features were concerned.
“My name is Mr. Miracle! I was a failure and I was about to end my life when a man of science stopped me and used his mind ray to give me all the powers of the most advanced intellect imaginable! I used those abilities to fight crime. I did so for a time and then slowly my true nature revealed itself. You see, I was a very bad man before my attempt at suicide and once my powers began to drive me crazy I reverted to those old habits! I realized my best option would be to help the Axis win the war and to do so I abducted these heroes and used my mind to subvert their ideas. I brainwashed them if so crude a term may apply to what I did. I made them believe the Nazi cause was the right one. I made them feel as if they were heroic crusaders on a noble venture to save the world. I thought if they conducted Operation Pastorius for the Germans, we could cripple American morale and destroy the American sense of superiority. They failed me. I free them from their mind control now. I should realize that no mortal man do what Mr. Miracle can do! I shall simply remove you from creation with my merest thought!”
Before the heroes could react, a newcomer appeared in the room. He moved closer to the hovering Mr. Miracle and a red light radiated from the amulet he wore around his neck! He was a serious looking man with dark hair and a regal manner.
“Mr. Miracle! You will do nothing to these heroes! You will not harm them nor will you ever use your powers to enslave another mind! I forbid it with my own power and my power is greater than your own!” he said as his eyes seemed to glow and Mr. Miracle trembled.
“No! You can’t take away my power! I don’t have to hurt you to escape!” he screamed. With a final flash of purple light Mr. Miracle vanished and his victims slowly began to awaken from their own trances.
Samson smiled broadly at the newcomer. “Yarko the Great! You are most welcome! I believe only you could have mastered that fiend!”
Green Mask said, “And yet I think he was victim as well as villain! He said those mental powers drove him crazy!”
Phantom Lady said, “He’ll be back though. His kind always return!”
The Eagle, U. S. Jones, and Spider Queen were busy helping Neptina, Flagman, Rusty, Tornado, Robo, Blaze, and the rest recover. All of them seemed like different people now. Even Robo the synthetic man had a milder demeanor. They were all heroes in their way and their actions had not been of their choosing.
Spider Queen said, “I think they will be okay now!”
Yarko the Great said, “They will recover. They will do much good. I think they should remain together as a team!”
Tornado Tom had regained his senses first and he said, “Yes, we should make up for what we tried to do. I’m an American. I don’t remember much about my past but I’m no Nazi!”
Flagman said, “None of us are, son. I’d say America could use a second team. We owe you Mystery Men a real debt of thanks!”
Neptina looked at Celestia and said, “You and your teammates are worthy allies!”
Celestia said, “I am not a member of their team!”
The Eagle said, “I may be chairman and I don’t want to speak out of turn here but I’d like to offer you membership, Celestia! Before we all departed to protect those targets, I received a call from Black Fury. He said Kid Fury was going to make it but that he was taking a leave of absence to help the boy regain his health. Would you be willing to join us?”
Celestia smiled and said, “I would like that very much! I am weary when I am not in action!”
Phantom Lady glanced over at Spider Queen and thought, “Great. Now we have two Queens in the group!”
Yarko said, “I felt a compulsion to come here. I believe Samson and the Flame felt it as well since they are not members of this brave assembly!”
The Flame said, “I did feel something odd. Do you suppose it was some part of Mr. Miracle who still wanted to do good? Perhaps, his sane self was fighting his deluded mind?”
Celestia thought, “I suspect it may have been Stardust himself working from afar but I will keep that to myself!”
The Moth cleared his throat and said, “I need to resign too. I am dealing with some personal matters. I wonder if either the Flame or Yarko or Samson would take my place?”
Yarko the Great said, “I will help as needed but I am pressed by other dangers and may not commit to your team though I am honored by your offer!”
Samson said, “Having completed a quest to help my ally David find out if his family still survived, I am back in the States and would most willing join your group if you’d have me!”
The Flame said, “I’m willing to join too. I also wish you well Moth in whatever troubles you are having. You are good man and you’ll win out in the end.”
The Moth smiled and accepted the well wishes of his friends while the formerly enslaved heroes clustered together and began to make plans to become a team of their own.
Neptina could be heard saying, "We need to stay together long enough to find Mr. Miracle and make him regret his foolish actions in making us his puppets!"
Elsewhere, Mr. Miracle sat on a lonely mountain peak and talked softly to himself.
“Yarko stopped me but I have time to strike at them again. I can feel my mental powers struggling against the limitations he placed upon me. I will regain my freedom and then I will make them all pay! My mind is too great to be long confined. My mind is too vast for one earth! His eyes widened as he stared into space! I sense other Earths! I see worlds within worlds! There are others who might share my goals! I shall commune with them and together we shall rule not one Earth but many!” he said in a maddened tone of voice.
The End
by lawrenceliberty
June 12, 1942
Prologue:
Amagansett, New York
The Black Fury (John Perry) didn’t like beaches. He was not the kind of man to enjoy life outside the crowded, noisy, magnificent rush and roar of the city! He had devoted his life to reporting on the sights and sounds of urban life and he relished every aspect of it. From the crumbling tenements to the gleaming towers, he couldn’t resist life in a city. Now, he crouched on the darkened shore of a tiny Long Island hamlet called Amagansett and he shivered. It was June and his black costume was warm but he felt a chill.
“Starting to imagine things. Next thing you know I’ll be as bad a Bob Hope in The Ghost Breakers!” he joked.
“Well, I was thinking of tradin’ you in for Paulette Goddard!” joked Kid Fury (Chuck Marley). Chuck was his sidekick and the orphaned youth was like a son to him. They were a team forged in war against criminals of every type.
Black Fury smiled at the slender boy in the matching black costume and said, “Wise guy! Always a wise guy!”
He frowned as a strange light appeared in the waters off from the beach.
“Something’s stirring! I think I see something out there!” he said.
Kid Fury said, “It’s a U-Boat! I’d say that Bund member we grabbed was actually telling the truth!”
They watched as the waters parted long enough for the tower of a submarine to emerge. Moments later furtive figures emerged and began passing each other waterproof packages.
“Sit tight, kid. Let them do the hard work and tire themselves out first!” said Black Fury.
Minutes passed and startling newcomer raced into view! She bounded over the sand dunes and passed closed concession stands like a red and white blur! She moved with the speed and grace of a warrior but no mere mortal could match her sheer power and speed!
As moonlight briefly illuminated the scene as clouds passed overhead, the Furys saw her more clearly. She had long platinum blonde hair, a lovely face, and wore a red costume with a white skirt, golden boots, and metallic bands on her arms and below her knees. She charged directly past the startled German agents and plunged into the water before rising up again and lifting the lifeboat that held the crewmembers who had disembarked earlier. She hefted it over her head and casually shook the shocked Germans out of their boat even as the sub disappeared into the sea!
“I believe you are the catch of the day as they say here!” she said.
The crew scrambled for their weapons and she casually deflected their bullets with her spinning sword.
Black Fury and Kid Fury charged forward to wade into the men who were already ashore!
“I’ve never seen anything like that before except from guys like Blue Beetle and Green Mask and I’m not too sure they could match that woman!” thought Black Fury.
He crashed into the nearest Nazi and pounded him relentlessly before he could draw his gun.
Nearby Kid Fury jumped into another Axis agent and dropped him to the sand.
They continued to fight even as the amazing woman in red and white slapped each burly sailor across the sands with ease and speed!
She smiled and surveyed her handiwork. She had knocked out around 10 men in a matter of minutes!
Black Fury knocked another Nazi flat and gasped as he heard a moan nearby.
He whirled around and saw Kid Fury collapse beneath gunfire directed at the boy from the remaining Nazi!
He bellowed in rage and tackled the gunman. He ripped the gun away from him and slammed it into his face repeatedly.
“You’ll pay for that! I’ll kill you, you filthy Nazi!” he shouted,
A soft voice echoed through the night.
“The boy yet lives!” said the blonde woman who had approached silently.
Black Fury released the battered German and rushed to Chuck’s side. He was bleeding but as the woman had said, he was still breathing.
“Chuck! Hang on, kid. I’ll get you to a doctor! You’ll be okay! I’m here, son!” he said.
“Who are you lady?” he asked as he held Kid Fury in his arms.
There was no answer. The mystery woman had vanished as silently as she appeared.
1
The Hudson River Palisades were a line of steep cliffs near Southwest New York. Most people knew that in April 1928 John D. Rockefeller Jr. had donated 723 acres for a Boy Scout Camp for weekend nature trips for intercity kids. What very few people knew was that an old factory had been remodeled in secret by the wealthy scientist Bill Powers and that Powers had turned the huge facility into the HQ of his group of costumed champions the Mystery Men of America! The complex contained medical facilities, communication devices, multiple labs, and dorm rooms, a vehicle garage and a hangar for the specialized crafts some of his allies owned.
The Eagle (Bill Powers) was a kind and brilliant man. He was also a patriot as his red, white, and blue costume proclaimed. He was already a member of military intelligence but he was granted freedom to operate in his costumed identity by orders from President Roosevelt himself.
F.D.R. had asked the costumed men and women of America to unite in common cause against the Axis forces and other threats to freedom.
Thus, they all knew that they could do more as mystery men and women than as enlisted soldiers and sailors.
The Eagle looked over a large table covered with food and smiled, “Jason couldn’t have set a better table! Not that Black Fury or U.S. Jones worry much about table manners!”
He referred to his loyal British valet Jason who served him faithfully in his Bill Powers identity.
Since the Mystery Men of America had formed around that day that would live in infamy December 7, 1941, they had fought Nazi agents, Japanese saboteurs, and encountered a super villain or two with no ties to their foreign enemies.
Now, he frowned as he heard someone moving through the vast building. The meeting wasn’t supposed to start for another hour. None of them were ever particularly early for meetings except for Green Mask and Blue Beetle. The detective and the cop thrived on orderly routine as much as was possible in their crazy lives.
He knew the complex had advanced security measures but then again even the best defenses could fall to a superior foe.
He looked up to see a beautiful woman in red, white, and gold. She carried a sheathed sword and her costume seemed both armored and delicate at the same time.
“I am Celestia, Queen of Venus! I have come to this planet to aid you in your Hitlerian War!” she said.
The Eagle blinked in surprise. The woman was captivating to say the least. He knew his ward Buddy would have been dazzled by her.
“How did you get in? How did you know to come here?” he asked.
She said, “Getting in was easy enough but your security system would challenge anyone without my training. I was sent here by a being known as Stardust the Super Wizard! He said you needed me. He told me about the evil that threatens women and men who love freedom. I lost my people and my planet to such tyranny and I will not allow another world to fall to such oppression!”
The Eagle said, “I’ve heard rumors about this Stardust. I believe he is an alien. I guess that means you really are from Venus? I am sorry. This is a lot to take in at one time!”
She smiled at him and said, “Forgive me. I am not accustomed to social niceties. My home and my people fell long, long ago to invaders known as the Silvery Women and their enslaved Golden Men. I alone survived thanks to the intervention of my nurse. She escaped with me into space when I was an infant. I was trained in combat but I no longer have a people to liberate. The invaders killed them all. I have nothing left on
Venus so I journeyed through space and improved my skills until I met the enigmatic Super Wizard. He seemed to see and know all like some oracle of old. He told me about your world and your war and asked me to make common cause with you all! I have come to do so. Already this night I have battled Nazi invaders on your shores and met a valiant man called Black Fury. “
“Black Fury is one of us but I wager you know that already!” said the Eagle.
“Aye! His young companion was badly injured. I came here after dropping them off in my saucer. The boy will live. I came here because it was to this location that the Space Wizard directed me. This is your citadel of heroes, is it not?” said Celestia.
The Green Mask (Michael Shelby) walked out of the shadows and said, “I overheard most of your story. I’d say we could use this lady especially on this night. You see, I have news from our F.B. I. contact the Hood. The Nazi agents Celestia spoke of are just the beginning. I have a list of likely targets. This is the start of a concentrated effort to undermine American morale by striking at the war effort and civilian targets!”
He placed a piece of paper on the table and the Eagle nodded earnestly.
“I’ll call in the others! We can’t wait for the regular meeting!” he announced.
2
The Moth (Jim Blake) soared over the Hell’s Gate Bridge. He knew a little about the structure. The steel bridge had opened around 1917. He knew how vital a connection it was for Queens and the Bronx. Now, as he flew over it and scanned the area for any sign of trouble, he understood exactly why it was one of the targets listed on the paper Green Mask had received from their F.B. I. contact.
“If the Ratzi’s blow up the bridge they will cause a major slowdown in so many aspects of war productivity, commerce, and travel! I can’t let them get away with it!” he vowed.
He was a kind man. He was sincere in his desire to do his best to help others. It was exactly that humanitarian impulse that had led him to defend an elderly Polish scientist named Dr. Anna Von Braun from a group of thugs that menaced her. He had been injured and only her “energy formula” had saved his life and given him enhanced vitality. His flying ability came from the red costume he had created. It was an aerodynamic marvel.
Now, as he winced from a sudden pain. He wondered if the costume was wasted on him?
“The formula is failing. Dr. Von Braun’s calculations are right. Not that my body needs her expertise to tell me that I’m getting worse not better. I’m losing the vitality her formula gave me. I’m losing normal muscle tone too!” he thought.
He remembered when the pains had first started during one of his previous cases with the Mystery Men. He and his young partner Blackie the Mystery Boy had been working together with some of the others when he had suddenly just stiffened up and lost his balance. He had recovered and had in fact played a major role in bringing the case to a successful close but that was then. Now, he was suffering a lot and he didn’t mind admitting that he was afraid.
He shook his head. Feeling sorry for himself wouldn’t help anyone. He had a job to do! He would do it or die trying!
The Moth saw a burst of flame from the base of one of 4 spans that comprised the bridge. He dropped down and spotted a man in a red and green costume. He wore a red helmet and a green and red costume. He wore some kind of odd elongated weapon over his shoulder. It looked vaguely like a spear gun of the kind divers used.
The flames that were spreading across the base of the span didn’t come from the sheathed weapon though. Oddly enough, they were hot enough to damage the steel bridge. These were no ordinary flames!
“Stop!” he shouted as he rammed both feet into the costumed man. His foe grunted in pain and the Moth spun around in mid- air and connected with a punch to his face.
The man reeled backward and said, “I don’t know who you are but you won’t stop me. For the good of the Fatherland this bridge will burn!”
The Moth frowned. The man was clearly American or at least he spoke without a trace of any accent.
“Who are you?” he asked as he tried to position his body between the man and spreading flames.
“How do I put out those unnatural flames?” he thought.
The man said, “I’m Blaze Baylor- Master of Flame!”
He said, “I used to fight arsonists. Now, I don’t just stop fires. I am their master!”
He raised his hands and the Moth hurled himself aside as balls of fire shot toward him. He dodged them barely before his side stiffened.
“Feels like my ribs are being drawn taunt!” he thought as he recognized the sensation.
He jumped upward and kicked Baylor with both legs. He spun around again and again and connected with rapid blows.
“Doesn’t hurt as much when I use the wings to fly!” he thought.
He pulled back as Baylor suddenly erupted into flames! His whole body was engulfed in fire but neither his flesh nor his costume burned. He showed no discomfort. Clearly, he was immune to flames.
The Moth knew his own costume had limited resistance to heat or cold or electricity but could it withstand this kind of living inferno?
He glanced at the burning bridge and silently prayed.
He dropped down into the river below and held his breath before emerging at top speed and allowing his voluminous wings to dump the water over the bridge’s burning metal and the startled Blaze Baylor!
It was a valiant effort made all the more heroic because of his physical pain.
Blaze Baylor stared at him for a moment and then hesitated before connecting with a blow from his own linked hands which no longer burned like the rest of his flaming form.
The Moth staggered backward and fought to use his wings to regain some balance. He managed to halt his fall but could do little else.
At that moment a newcomer dropped into view. He was dressed in a famous gold and red costume!
“Easy, chum! I’ll handle this walking fire-eater!” said the Flame!
The Moth sighed in relief. Like everyone else in America, he knew of the celebrated hero and he felt his spirits rise. There was new hope for him!
The Flame confronted Blaze Baylor and said, “I’ve heard of you before. You were a hero. Your father was a heroic firefighter!”
Baylor shook his head as if he was clearing his thoughts or awakening from a trance. He ignited his fists again but this time the flames flickered and died out across his whole body.
“How did you do that? The master made me the fire lord!” he stammered.
The Flame smiled grimly. “Actually, that would be me! I just proved it by shutting off your little campfire! Now, pal, I’ll smother the bridge’s fire while you teach the living torch here the error of his ways!”
He helped the Moth up and Blake nodded slowly. Baylor was no longer burning. In fact, apparently as long as the Flame exerted his own mastery over all fires, Baylor couldn’t ignite again!
Moth took a deep breath and then connected with a punch that snapped Baylor’s head backward. He took careful aim and connected again on the man’s uncovered chin. Blaze reeled to one side and passed out.
The Flame had somehow drawn the bridge fire into his own body and now he smiled at the Moth.
“Nice punch. I’d say Joe Louis would envy you that one!” he said.
The Moth said, “Thanks. You saved the day. I was almost…! I couldn’t…!”
The Flame frowned and he moved closer to support the Moth.
“Are you hurt?” he asked with concern.
The Moth closed his eyes for a moment and let the wave of pain pass over him.
“I’m fine. Just a little tired!” he said.
The Flame said, “I was trained to be one with fire. I can travel via flames. Something about the fire Baylor started called to me. I just was drawn here. I’m lucky was nearby though. I doubt I would have sensed it had I been more distant from the area. I’ve never experienced anything like that sensation before.”
The two heroes stood over the fallen Blaze Baylor for a moment and then the Moth explained what he knew about the crisis.
“The Blue Beetle is a friend of mine. We’ve worked together before. I’d be happy to help you fellows out if you’ll let me!” said the Flame.
The Moth nodded slowly and said, “We’d sure appreciate it.”
He thought, “I’m not going to be much help to anyone any longer!”
3
Altoona, PA:
The Horseshoe Curve railroad pass near Altoona was the next target the Mystery Men sought to protect. Once again, if the crucial travel hub was destroyed, the commercial and industrial output of the country would be placed in jeopardy.
The Green Mask (Michael Shelby) wore his customary green and blue costume. He flew down to the busy station and nodded in approval.
“The Vita Rays Prof. Lascomb used on me have never failed as far as my strength and speed are concerned but the power of flight comes and goes. Not that I’m complaining. Even without flight, I’m not exactly a 98 pound weakling!” he mused.
Michael Shelby came from a wealthy family. His ancestors had always dedicated themselves to public service and the belief that their great wealth made such service a necessary duty. As a private detective, he was viewed as slumming by some of his stuffy relationships. They felt he was wasting his Ivy League education and his impeccable manners and personal charm. Some felt he could have followed his late father into politics but Michael only wanted to fight criminals like the terror group that killed his dad. Since family friend Lascomb had used his super -secret Vita Rays on him, Shelby had possessed super human powers and he had adopted the costumed role of the Green Mask to utilize those gifts to wage war on villains of every variety.
“I’m sorry Domino couldn’t join me but the kid needs to buckle down on his geometry homework!” he thought.
He raced forward as he heard a loud crash nearby. As he rounded a corner he spotted the source of the screeching noise.
A tall, muscular man with handsome features including a small mustache and intelligent eyes was casually ripping up a section of rail with his bare hands.
He wore a yellow cape, blue trunks and boots and his bare chest revealed rippling muscles.
He looked up and smiled almost in a friendly manner but he merely stood up and wiped his hands together as if in preparation for some new task.
“The Green Mask! I’ve admired your career. It is a shame that circumstances have placed us in this situation. I am loathe to harm you but I know the justness of the Axis cause and I will fight for it!” he said. “I’m called Dr. Diamond!”
The Green Mask noticed the same thing the Moth had deduced about his own foe. This man was an American. In fact, he was an American hero or had been.
“Well, aren’t you a polite Goosestepper!” he said. “I guess Uncle Adolf is just bursting with pride over your fine manners!”
He charged forward but dodged aside as Dr. Diamond swung a section of twisted metal at him.
He ducked and ripped the ruined railing out of Dr. Diamond’s hands. As he pulled it free, he received a punch in the face from the speedy man in the cape.
Dr. Diamond said, “Based on the locations of your cases, the money it would take to equip you, and your association with Lascomb, I’ve long assumed you were Michael Reed Shelby beneath your colorful mask!”
He gripped the Green Mask’s shirt and hurled him off the ground.
The Green Mask twisted around and used his own power of flight to pull Dr. Diamond into the air and slam him down again and again.
They exchanged blows and struggled furiously until Dr. Diamond began to choke his slightly smaller foe.
The Green Mask fought to pry the fingers from his throat as he began to see spots before his eyes.
“He fights better than I do. Still, I’ve got a trick or two left in me!” he thought.
He grabbed the bigger man’s wrists and kicked off the ground. They soared higher and higher and finally Dr. Diamond slipped and plunged to the ground far below.
The Green Mask dropped down and sighed with relief. He had stunned him.
“That was a rough fight made rougher still by the fact that I’d swear he was under some kind of spell or compulsion in spite of the fact that he certainly displayed personality and didn’t seem to be a mindless drone.”
He shook his head and began to think over the situation. He would find the truth. He was certain of it.
4
Natrona, PA
The Blue Beetle (Dan Garret) had never really given cryolite any thought. Oh, he knew the Natrona, PA plant near Philadelphia used the glassy, crystalline substance to refine aluminum and aluminum was needed badly for the war effort but that was about it.
“Doc, Franz probably knows everything about it but we sure haven’t spent any time between me patrolling my beat and him making medicines in his pharmacy gabbing about the stuff!” he thought with a grin.
Doctor Abe Franz had used his mysterious Vitamin 2X to give the rookie cop super human strength to augment the chain-mail blue costume he already wore as the Blue Beetle. He looked thoughtful for a moment as he realized that he, Green Mask, Spider Queen, and Black Fury all became heroes because they had lost a loved one to criminals. He’d have to talk it over with them sometime.
“I sure hope Kid Fury will recover. Surely, with the access we have to super human chemicals, one of us Mystery Men can heal him! I’d hate to have placed a boy in danger because of my crime fighting. I bet John Perry is sick with guilt and grief right now! I’ll never have a sidekick of my own. That’s for sure!”
He grunted with pain as a red blue crashed into him. He staggered as a second blow slammed into him and his chain-mail cut into his chest.
“Just how strong is this guy!” he thought as he was tossed across the factory grounds.
He landed hard and took a second to examine his attacker. The man wore a light blue shirt with red pants and an odd red skullcap on his head.
However, by now the Blue Beetle was almost used to seeing men and women wearing colorful costumes. What surprised him was the man’s weird looking face. He was not ugly or disfigured. His features were…well…perfect. He looked like some kind of manikin or a child’s doll. There was no animation or emotion in his regular and unchanging features. Still, there was no doubt this hulk was very much alive.
“You and your kind make me furious! You think you are superior when in fact your emotions make you weak. You flesh-things are nothing to one of my superior status!” he said in an eerie toneless voice.
He moved with super speed and the Blue Beetle waited and timed his own reaction perfectly. Already, early in his career, Dan Garret was a superb champion of justice in every way. He avoided the attacker’s leap and allowed him to plunge into the ground. He tackled him and linked his own arms around the man’s shoulders.
He exerted pressure and realized to his surprise that this odd man was more than able to withstand his own super strength! This was a very new sensation for the Beetle. He struggled to increase the pressure but he failed to do more than hold his foe in place.
“The Nazi regime will bring clinical order to this world. Machinelike efficiency will be the order of the day and not the exception!” he said.
“No, sir! You’ve got it wrong there. The Nazi regime is motivated by the most ancient of animalistic passions…hatred…greed…lust! The Axis forces want enslavement of everyone different from them. They won’t bring order. They’ll bring domination. Not that that will ever happen.
Freedom loving men and women won’t allow it. The 3rd Reich will be destroyed!” cried the Blue Beetle.
He shuddered as he brought his hands together again and brought the odd man down to the ground.
“Robot? You’re some kind of a machine!” he whispered.
The man in red and blue broke free and said, “I am Robo! I am machine! I am your better!”
He struck the Beetle twice but the hero stood firm and punched back again and again!
“You do not understand! My people…my creators….wanted peace. Nothing but peace. They created me for protection and scientific exploration! How did your kind respond? You eliminated them! You wiped them off the face of the Earth!”
The Blue Beetle’s mind raced as he tried to make sense of Robo’s claim.
“Is it possible? Did America destroy an entire race of people? I’ve got to find out the truth after I finish this battle!”
He gritted his teeth and struck Robo once more. To his relief, the automaton collapsed and remained still.
“I don’t know what you are. I don’t know who hurt your people. I will find out though. If possible, I’ll make things right. I promise you!” he said solemnly.
He meant every word he said. After all, he was more than a mystery man. He was more than a police officer. He was a hero.
5
The Ohio River near Louisville, KY
The Eagle (Dr. Bill Powers) swooped and soared in an aerial “dogfight” like no other he had experienced in his crimebusting career! He had seldom fought anyone who could fly and fly faster than he could!
The patriotic hero smiled slightly as he noticed his very attractive opponent wore a red, white, and blue costume that was, if anything, more patriotic than his own. She was very beautiful with flowing blonde hair and a fit figure that her short skirt revealed all too clearly. Beneath his admiration of her looks was something more significant. The Eagle knew who she was!
“It is too bad V-Man is on another case. V-Man is one of us! He founded our team right before Pearl Harbor along with the Green Mask, Phantom Lady, and the rest of us! From what he’s told me and from what any fool can see by her costume, this Betty Grable look-a-like is V-Girl! She is his ally and got her impressive powers from Father Duroc the same mysterious freedom fighter who gave Jerry Steele a second chance at life after he escaped from that Nazi prison camp! Why she is trying to destroy the locks?”
He asked her the same question to no avail! She merely dodged him and then dropped down to catch him with a kick to his stomach that doubled him over.
“You may have to rethink that name! When this is over, you might call yourself the Drowned Duck!” she quipped.
She carried something in a pack she had placed near the shore. The Eagle assumed she had some kind of explosive in that bag. He tried to lure her away from it by flying out of her reach. If she would just follow him!
V-Girl (Ginger Dare) smiled and seemed to enjoy the fight. That aspect of her personality fit what he had been told by V-Man. Her powers of flight and strength made her superior to V-Man since he could not fly but then again, who knows what Duroc had done to either of them. The kind old man was a legend. He seemed to be able to work miracles as he waged a valiant war against the Axis in embattled Europe!
The Eagle allowed the woman to pummel him for a moment and then he made his own move. He grabbed her cape and pulled it over her face.
While she was blinded he flew as fast as he could and released her near the walls of the embankment. She crashed into it and fell into the river below. The Eagle caught her and carried her stunned body to safety.
“When she gets more experienced with those powers, she is going to be a force to be reckoned with but why is she fighting for the Axis? Mind control would explain why a brave, patriotic woman like her would turn traitor. I know more than one super criminal with that kind of power too!” he thought. He looked down at the still blonde beauty and thought, “I wonder just who our true enemy is in this case?”
6
Maryville, TN
U. S. Jones (Dan Jones) often missed his old career as a baseball pitcher but his good spirits and zest for adventure didn’t allow him to brood for long. He loved his life and his role as the red, white, and blue sensation who used his own enhanced vitality to battle crooks, spies, and downright weird menaces! He was grinning now as he thought about how small this city was. The largest facility in the community was the long heavily fenced factory with its associated neatly designed offices and transportation departments.
“Blount County may be a swell place to visit but it sure won’t get its own radio show like Hawaii! I mean the Aluminum Company of America planet does big business for our boys in service but it is no tourist attraction! It reminds me of some of places I played during my ball career!” he thought.
His boyish grin grew broader still as he saw a familiar costumed figure pull up in a super stylized car.
“Flagman, buddy! Are you here to help or just to admire me in action?” he joked.
He extended his hand to the man in the red, white, and blue costume and said, “Too bad, V-Man is on his own mission. It would great to reunite our little stars and stripes combo!” he said before yelping in pain as Flagman slugged him in the face.
“You talk too much! You always did talk too much!” declared Flagman.
He slapped U.S. Jones across the face and moved closer.
Jones struck back. He was faster and stronger than Flagman. He sure didn’t understand why his friend was acting like a heel. Still, Jones had never run from any fight not that he was as crazy as Black Fury for that matter. He hoped the poor guy’s partner would get better!
He tackled Flagman and began to wrestle with the masked man. The sounds of the factory’s swing shift echoed through the insulated walls and the perimeter guards raced forward to help the Mystery Man! Not that he couldn’t use some help, Flagman was a trained solider and Jones was merely an ex-athlete who gained new health from Dr. Sam Medwick’s wonder drug!
‘Poor Doc. Medwick! May he rest in peace! I sure could use a booster shot right about now!” he thought as he elbowed Flagman in the face.
“What are you doing? Is this one of those things where society babes get steamed when they show up to the party in the same dress? I mean we are both wear red, white, and blue… but you do have that fancy cape and all!” he joked.
Beneath the banter which he used to distract Flagman and to boost his own spirts, U.S. Jones was worried. Why would a high ranking military man like Flagman turn Axis agent? Clearly, he was here to blow up the aluminum plant.
In fact, when he managed to look passed his furiously fighting foe, Jones spotted a smaller figure in a costume like Flagman’s own. He was easily defeating the plant guards and carried some kind of canister.
“Rusty? What is his boy buddy doing other than making those poor guards look like Lon Chaney on a bad day? He’s going to torch the factory!” he realized.
He slammed his fist into Flagman’s stomach and shoved him aside. He leaped forward and yelled, “Hold it, punk! This is a school night!”
Rusty frowned and swung the canister at the hero’s head. Jones ducked and swatted the boy aside.
‘The kid plays rough!” he thought. “The Deadend Kids got nothin’ on him!”
He reluctantly nodded Rusty out and then whirled to see a shocking sight. Flagman had returned to his so-called super car and was racing toward Jones with the obvious intent of running him over!
Jones knew even his agility couldn’t save him from the extraordinary car! It was simply too powerful and too fast!
Before the car could hit him, a newcomer dropped into view and stood between Jones and swiftly approaching vehicle! Jones recognized the legendary hero. He had been one of the very first Mystery Men to emerge a few years ago!
The long haired blond titan wore simple trunks and boots but nothing else. He smiled briefly and then caught the car and easily stopped it in its tracks. He lifted it over his head and shook it until a dazed Flagman fell out of one side.
“My name is Samson. I hated to get so rough with a hero but I had no choice. I fear he is the victim of Aix brainwashing! Are you hurt?” he said as if lifting cars was something he did every day. Then again, perhaps, it was. After all, Samson was known for his incredible strength and seemingly invincible powers!
“I’m glad to see you, buddy!’ said U.S. Jones! “Say, where have you been the last few months? Nobody has heard anything about you for a long time!” he asked.
Samson said, “Something compelled me to come here in haste. I don’t understand what it meant or how it happened. I’ve been away helping my young ally David but that is a story for another time. You and I still have work to do this night!”
U. S. Jones nodded, “You got that right!”
7
Niagara Falls, New York
Celestia, Queen of Venus knew nothing about the “white coal” power of the hydroelectric plant she was going to protect. She merely accepted her mission form the list Eagle had been given and she secretly felt pleased the heroes had trusted her although she was a stranger to them.
They seemed like stalwart companions. She had known a few of those in her travels across the galaxy. Still, why should she be surprised by this fact? The seemingly all-knowing Stardust had told her to approach these heroes and enlist in their crusade. The Warrior Woman was glad to do so. Her sword had been inactive for too long. She loved combat but beneath her brash exterior she also longed to protect those who could not protect themselves. Perhaps, every life she saved made up for the loss of her own race when she was an infant and a fugitive from the oppression of the invaders who took her family throne and conquered her planet.
She looked down at the raging waters and had no time for any sentimental thoughts of honeymooning couples even had she known of such matter. She saw a female figure erupt from out of the rushing waters and flew directly at her. The woman was beautiful with cascading long blonde hair and flashing green eyes. She wore a brief costume of shells and a shiny fabric like none Celestia had seen before.
“Surfacewoman, I advise you to step back unless you wish to get your pretty little sword wet!” taunted the powerful looking blonde who had emerged from the waters below.
“I am Celestia, Queen of Venus and I have no worries about my blade since it will taste blood before it ever rusts!” she declared.
The other woman laughed and placed both hands on her shapely hips. “You talk well. Let us see if you can fight as well!”
She charged at Celestia who raced forward to block her path. The two women crashed into one another and neither one yielded. They gripped hands and struggled silently for minutes at a time. Neither one lost a step as they remained in place.
“You are strong, little mermaid!” said Celestia!
“And you fight well for one who chokes beneath the waves!” said the other blonde who twisted aside suddenly and flipped Celestia over her hip toward the waters below. Celestia regained her balance and rammed her head into the other woman’s side. They moved away from the railing and the fight resumed.
“You called yourself Queen of Venus? Well, I am Neptune’s daughter- Neptina, Queen of the Underwater Realms! I have only met a few of your kind that had any honor. One was Navy Jones. You however will still meet defeat. I have no choice but to crush you, bold one!” she said.
Neptina smashed her foe to the ground but the warrior woman jumped back up and shoved the other blonde down. She kicked her across the platform and spun around before delivering a stunning blow to her head.
She hit her again and again and waited. She did admire the other woman’s sheer courage but she loathed her values since she apparently served the Hitlerians!
Neptina slowly fought to get up and glanced toward the waters nearby.
She leaped for them but Celestia was faster and caught her legs. She swung her around and around and let her crash into the nearest wall.
She remained still and Celestia stood over her still form.
“Had she gained the waters, she might have proven to be a problem…for some people!” she thought.
“Still, I wonder why someone with her obvious breeding and a warrior’s heart would serve such craven masters as Hitler and his jackals!” she thought.
8
Pennsylvania Station
Phantom Lady (Sandra Knight and Spider Queen (Shannon Kane) worked well together especially when one considered the fact that deep down the two women didn’t especially like one another. They didn’t talk about it. They didn’t squabble like Green Mask and Black Fury; however, neither of them particularly wanted to be with the other if they had a choice.
Phantom Lady whistled softly. “The Nazis would really damage the war effort if they shut down this place. I mean trains are vital for so many reasons!”
Spider Queen smirked for a moment and said, “Yes, they do go very fast!”
Before she could resume her speech she was knocked to the ground by a blur of blue and white that swept into the station with a gust of wind in wake. He wore a blue and white costume and he spoke softly almost hesitantly.
“My friends call me Tom but I reckon you ladies can just call me the Tornado!” he said. He shoved Spider Queen down before she could get up. Phantom Lady jumped out of the way as he raced toward her. He missed her by inches and managed to slap her aside in passing.
“He moves like the wind! I guess that Tornado name is not much of an exaggeration!” she thought. She kicked him in the face and he seemed to lurch backward for a second only to bounce back again and grab for her green cloak. She punched him again and started to swing again when he spun her around like a top at super speed. She struggled to break free from his grip and managed to switch on her blacklight ray! It blinded him and he grunted as she managed to connect with a karate chop. She belted him in the face and kept the blacklight beam in his eyes.
“All the speed won’t help if he can’t see me!” she mused.
He broke free from her and raced away to regain his sight! He charged forward at her like a living rocket. She realized she literally had nowhere to go! He was too fast for a normal person to dodge!
Seconds before the Tornado could strike Phantom Lady, Spider Queen abruptly rolled over and fired her webline across his path! He was moving too swiftly to avoid the adhesive and he tripped over it and crashed to floor. The impact left him stunned and Phantom Lady sighed with relief.
“Thanks, Queenie!” she said. Maybe the Spider Queen wasn’t so bad after all!
Spider Queen smiled briefly and regained her footing. “That was a close one!”
Moments after each of the Mystery Men defeated his or her foe, a purple light swept across each of them!
U.S. Jones, the Moth, the Blue Beetle, Phantom Lady, Spider Queen, the Eagle, the Green Mask along with Celestia, Samson and the Flame faced one another as they realized they were back in the HQ!
Their foes were assembled once more and remained frozen as if in some kind of stasis!
A man cloaked in a purple hood and cape hovered in the air above the heroes!
He remained silent for a moment as they exchanged glances at one another. V-Man was on a separate mission. Black Fury was still at the hospital with Kid Fury and of course, Samson and the Flame had showed up to help under some odd compulsion they could not explain. Otherwise, the Mystery Men were reunited in full.
U.S. Jones said, “Okay, who are you? And if he says Dracula, I’m outta here!”
The cloaked man looked down at them and revealed his face. He was perfectly normal looking as far as his facial features were concerned.
“My name is Mr. Miracle! I was a failure and I was about to end my life when a man of science stopped me and used his mind ray to give me all the powers of the most advanced intellect imaginable! I used those abilities to fight crime. I did so for a time and then slowly my true nature revealed itself. You see, I was a very bad man before my attempt at suicide and once my powers began to drive me crazy I reverted to those old habits! I realized my best option would be to help the Axis win the war and to do so I abducted these heroes and used my mind to subvert their ideas. I brainwashed them if so crude a term may apply to what I did. I made them believe the Nazi cause was the right one. I made them feel as if they were heroic crusaders on a noble venture to save the world. I thought if they conducted Operation Pastorius for the Germans, we could cripple American morale and destroy the American sense of superiority. They failed me. I free them from their mind control now. I should realize that no mortal man do what Mr. Miracle can do! I shall simply remove you from creation with my merest thought!”
Before the heroes could react, a newcomer appeared in the room. He moved closer to the hovering Mr. Miracle and a red light radiated from the amulet he wore around his neck! He was a serious looking man with dark hair and a regal manner.
“Mr. Miracle! You will do nothing to these heroes! You will not harm them nor will you ever use your powers to enslave another mind! I forbid it with my own power and my power is greater than your own!” he said as his eyes seemed to glow and Mr. Miracle trembled.
“No! You can’t take away my power! I don’t have to hurt you to escape!” he screamed. With a final flash of purple light Mr. Miracle vanished and his victims slowly began to awaken from their own trances.
Samson smiled broadly at the newcomer. “Yarko the Great! You are most welcome! I believe only you could have mastered that fiend!”
Green Mask said, “And yet I think he was victim as well as villain! He said those mental powers drove him crazy!”
Phantom Lady said, “He’ll be back though. His kind always return!”
The Eagle, U. S. Jones, and Spider Queen were busy helping Neptina, Flagman, Rusty, Tornado, Robo, Blaze, and the rest recover. All of them seemed like different people now. Even Robo the synthetic man had a milder demeanor. They were all heroes in their way and their actions had not been of their choosing.
Spider Queen said, “I think they will be okay now!”
Yarko the Great said, “They will recover. They will do much good. I think they should remain together as a team!”
Tornado Tom had regained his senses first and he said, “Yes, we should make up for what we tried to do. I’m an American. I don’t remember much about my past but I’m no Nazi!”
Flagman said, “None of us are, son. I’d say America could use a second team. We owe you Mystery Men a real debt of thanks!”
Neptina looked at Celestia and said, “You and your teammates are worthy allies!”
Celestia said, “I am not a member of their team!”
The Eagle said, “I may be chairman and I don’t want to speak out of turn here but I’d like to offer you membership, Celestia! Before we all departed to protect those targets, I received a call from Black Fury. He said Kid Fury was going to make it but that he was taking a leave of absence to help the boy regain his health. Would you be willing to join us?”
Celestia smiled and said, “I would like that very much! I am weary when I am not in action!”
Phantom Lady glanced over at Spider Queen and thought, “Great. Now we have two Queens in the group!”
Yarko said, “I felt a compulsion to come here. I believe Samson and the Flame felt it as well since they are not members of this brave assembly!”
The Flame said, “I did feel something odd. Do you suppose it was some part of Mr. Miracle who still wanted to do good? Perhaps, his sane self was fighting his deluded mind?”
Celestia thought, “I suspect it may have been Stardust himself working from afar but I will keep that to myself!”
The Moth cleared his throat and said, “I need to resign too. I am dealing with some personal matters. I wonder if either the Flame or Yarko or Samson would take my place?”
Yarko the Great said, “I will help as needed but I am pressed by other dangers and may not commit to your team though I am honored by your offer!”
Samson said, “Having completed a quest to help my ally David find out if his family still survived, I am back in the States and would most willing join your group if you’d have me!”
The Flame said, “I’m willing to join too. I also wish you well Moth in whatever troubles you are having. You are good man and you’ll win out in the end.”
The Moth smiled and accepted the well wishes of his friends while the formerly enslaved heroes clustered together and began to make plans to become a team of their own.
Neptina could be heard saying, "We need to stay together long enough to find Mr. Miracle and make him regret his foolish actions in making us his puppets!"
Elsewhere, Mr. Miracle sat on a lonely mountain peak and talked softly to himself.
“Yarko stopped me but I have time to strike at them again. I can feel my mental powers struggling against the limitations he placed upon me. I will regain my freedom and then I will make them all pay! My mind is too great to be long confined. My mind is too vast for one earth! His eyes widened as he stared into space! I sense other Earths! I see worlds within worlds! There are others who might share my goals! I shall commune with them and together we shall rule not one Earth but many!” he said in a maddened tone of voice.
The End
