Trident Force Chronicles

by Paul Richardson

  Red Spade parried the switch blade down, which made the black teen look down. Red Spade then hit the teen with the handle of the shovel and finished off the black teen by taking his feet from under him. Red Spade then quickly took the switch blade and put it his pocket.

  "I said, leave this poor paramedic alone! We are all going home tonight!"

  A black girl suddenly jump on Red Spade's back and reached around to grab the married man's big red beard. Red Spade screamed as he tried to buck the girl off his back. The girl also screamed into Red Spade's right ear. After a few long minutes, Red Spade started to spin as fast as he could. At that point Red Spade was trying to throw the black girl and knock a few protesters back who just happen to get close. After a few spins, the black girl finally got off Red Spade's back.

  When Red Spade came to a stop and regained his balance, he noticed someone new. This black man, was big and tall. He had on tall, highly polished black boots. The man wore what looked like black wrestler tights, with ancient Egypt symbols. He wore no shirt, but his muscles were huge and nothing to be ashamed of. His long dreadlocks were painted blue and gold. The painted dreadlocks made it look like to Red Spade that this man was wearing a Nemes, the striped headcloth worn by pharaohs in ancient Egypt.

  "Hello, Red Spade. I have wanted to meet you for a long time now." said the man in a very deep voice and with a deep smile. "I am Neo-Pharaoh Zoltron!"

  "I know you!" said Red Spade, trying to snap his fingers while wearing gloves and failing. "You are, or used to be, Pharaoh Nubian! In the late '90s, did you not wrestle for the Westgate Federation?! In my late teens, huge wrestling fan. Still am. Man, the pro circuit really did themselves a disservice by not hiring you."

  "A fan! How wonderful. In that case I will let you live." said Neo-Pharaoh Zoltron. Then suddenly his smile faded. "All we want is the paramedic."

  "Ops, nope." answered Red Spade. Getting into his fighting stance. Red Spade's shovel held like a quarterstaff. "I want us to ALL go home after this is all over with."

  Suddenly Neo-Pharaoh Zoltron's eyes glowed red and then the beams jumped out and hit the end of Red Spade's shovel, sending sparks but no real damage.

  "Jesus!" yelled Red Spade, still staying his ground despite what he just saw.

  The eye beams did this another two times and each time Neo-Pharaoh Zoltron asked for the paramedic. Out of nowhere, a hawk feather floated by Red Spade's head from behind. Both Neo-Pharaoh Zoltron and Red Spade looked to where the paramedic used to be.

  "You know, Pharaoh Nubian," said Red Spade as he looked at Neo-Pharaoh Zoltron. "Or whatever you are calling yourself these days, I am going to take a rain check on getting an autograph from you. Peace out!"

  Mantis Skin #5

  (2015/11/07 and 2002/10/05)

  After Red Spade and Blue Star left, Mantis Skin decided to sit down cross legged on the roof and meditate. It was going to be a long night and Mantis Skin wanted to conserve his energy. Slowing his breathing, Mantis Skin let himself get to half sleep and let his mind drift to the past...

  ***

  Lifestream Labs, is a clinic funded for, and often by, supers all over the United States to treat supers. The Super Citizen Arrest Act of 1990 also chartered a series of clinics, funded by private donations only, to operate within the United States to keep their records sealed, even from law enforcement, unless by an act of congress. To date, only two supers records had been unsealed.

  The medical staff at Lifestream Labs take pride in helping the supers and keeping their secrets. They also help young kids who just develop their powers. They even have a mentor program for older supers to help the younger supers.

  "Mr. and Mrs. Kobayashi, your son Johnny Kobayashi is nothing short of incredible." said Dr. Hayes in his office after looking over Johnny Kobayashi. "Do you have any idea about the super classification?"

  Mr. and Mrs. Kobayashi nodded their head a negative.

  "Well, a Class Two Super," started Dr. Hayes. "Is someone born with a single power, he or she has enhanced strength, but is not immortal. In other words, they can be killed. About 98% of all supers are within this class. However your boy is very different. Johnny Kobayashi has a single power and enhanced strength, but his power gives him nigh invulnerability. It is not just needles that won't pass his skin, I believe bullets can bounce off his skin too."

  "Dr. Hayes," asked Mr. Kobayashi leaning forward in his chair. "What does this all mean for our son, Johnny Kobayashi?"

  "I have absolutely no idea." answered Dr. Hayes. "Johnny Kobayashi could just be an immortal Class Two Super, end of story. Or this could mean Johnny Kobayashi is really a Class Three Super, we just have not yet discover his other powers yet. The last possibility is that he could be a Class Four Super..." Dr. Hayes took off his glasses and set them on his desk before him, now deep in thought.

  "A Class Four Super?" asked Mrs. Kobayashi. "What does that mean exactly?!"

  "It is a myth. A theory." answer Dr. Hayes. "A super with all the powers you can think of. Flying. Beam Eyes. Hulking. Nigh Invulnerability. Super Strength. Super Speed. A Living God.... Train him. Teach him right from wrong. Give him discipline in a martial arts of some kind. I may be wrong, but it would not hurt. I've personally just have never seen a nigh invulnerability right off the bat like that."

  Mr. and Mrs. Kobayashi looked at each other.

  ***

  "Hey buddy! Hey buddy!" said the voice that awoke Mantis Skin. His eyes suddenly opened and saw what looked like a Mexican male in a red and blue costume with a red and blue Lucha Libre mask. He was holding what looked like five stuffed Burger King bags in his left arm. This man also had his right hand held out to be shaken. "Hey man, I did not know there were other supers up here. My name is Sooper Zoom. I am 'Sooper' and 'Zoom' is my game!"

  "Nice to meet you meet you Sooper Zoom." said Mantis Skin as he stood and shook the hand of Sooper Zoom. "Wait, what is with the bags of Burger King burgers?"

  "Oh yeah..." said Sooper Zoom as he took the bags and put them out of sight. "Yeah, I have super hyper-metabolism. It gives me my super powers, but it also means that I can quite literally starve to death if I use my powers too much and go without eating. These are just in case I get hungry."

  "Well, I am happy you are here. I read that you took down a Class Three Super." Mantis Skin looked out among the thousands of protesters. "We are going to need your help tonight."

  Trident Force #5

  (2015/11/07)

  Mantis Skin and Sooper Zoom looked over the edge of the building at the protesters below. It was getting late in the afternoon and they were rocking a car with the aim to flipping it over. Sooper Zoom turned to Mantis Skin, who had been trying to raise Blue Star and Red Spade on the walkie talkies for last half hour. It had been over an hour since the rest of Trident Force had left.

  "Shouldn't we stop them?" ask Sooper Zoom pointing to the protesters who were clearly turning into a mob at this point.

  "I would love nothing more, my new friend." answered Mantis Skin. "However I rather help people than 'things that can be replaced' right now."

  At that moment, Hawkfox Delta landed behind them. "My goodness. You supers are multiplying. Not that I am complaining, we need all the help we can take since Westgate Sentinel is not on the scene."

  "I am Sooper Zoom! Super Speed is my power." said Sooper Zoom as he shook Hawkfox Delta's hand.

  "Oh yes! I saw you a week ago. There is still a hydration tent on Anderson Avenue. It is too far for any of us to get to at this moment. Is there any way you can help them out?" pleaded Hawkfox Delta.

  "Say no more!" Sooper Zoom picked up his bags of food and then toss one to Mantis Skin with a wink. "Hey, even supers need to eat."

  With that, Sooper Zoom as was gone in a red and blue blur. Just then Red Spade came up over the edge of the roof with a large cut on his right arm. Looking a little roughed up, Red Spade was no worse for wear.

  "Here, let me clean that up." said Hawkfox Delta as he tended Red Spa
de's wound. Mantis Skin walked up and gave his teammate a hamburger and a bottle of water that Hawkfox Delta had just brought. Mantis Skin did not even have to ask the questions.

  "Walkie talkie is smashed." said Red Spade after he finished his first bite. Red Spade then pointed west. "So is Blue Star's... I found it on the ground, couple of streets that way."

  "Okay, let's finished eating and go after Blue Star." said Mantis Skin as he got his own burger out for himself and one for Hawkfox Delta. "You want to come with us, Hawkfox Delta?"

  "I wish I could." said Hawkfox Delta as he finished up patching up Red Spade. He took the burger that was offered. "Thanks! However I got to stay up in the air and help whoever I can. I will keep an eye out for you and Blue Star, I got great natural night vision."

  With that, Hawkfox Delta was up in the air and out of sight. Mantis Skin sat beside Red Spade and ate with his partner. There was a burger left and Mantis Skin was able to stuff it into his ninja gi for Blue Star if they ever found her.

  Red Spade began to shift uncomfortably as he waited on Mantis Skin to get ready. "You know the thing they do not show you or tell you in books, is people having to eat and go to the restroom. By the way, where did you get those burgers? There is not a Burger King near here."

  "Never mind that, there is an empty apartment just below us and there is some toilet paper too." said Mantis Skin. "Hurry my friend, Blue Star may need our help!"

  Chief Hiawatha #6

  (2015/11/22)

  Everyone was in good spirits at The Catholic Church of the Immaculate Tabernacle, except one. James Hiawatha was not feeling well today. The weight of his father's death and everything that happened since was starting to get to him. James Hiawatha's wielding work has been suffering of late too.

  Search in the Ironwood Forest was going very slowly. With few paths in the woods, it was hard to navigate in his animal forms. Since his run in with, what he could only assume was Edward Lightfeather, that Black Bear, he has only covered only a tenth of the Ironwood Forest. Ranger Jones, despite his good intentions, was pressing James Hiawatha kind of hard.

  James Hiawatha had hope taking a break to attend church would help clear his head, but the Thanksgiving message weighed heavily on his mind. After the service was over with, Father Michaelson pulled James Hiawatha aside when he was shaking hands with everyone. "Stay here, son."

  After all the hand shaking was done, Father Michaelson lead James Hiawatha to his office. When they go inside Father Michaelson offered James Hiawatha a seat while the fifty eight year old priest got out of his outer robes. Father Michaelson then sat at his desk.

  "Am I in trouble, Father?" asked James Hiawatha.

  "What?" asked Father Michaelson collecting himself. Then a soft smile came over his face. "Oh no, you are not in trouble. But you do seem troubled. I know you are a Mohawk Indian and this time of year must remind you of past horrible events. Your father just died and that is tough for any son. If you want to talk or yell, I am here for you."

  "It is hard to think of Thanksgiving as a good day with what happen to my people." said James Hiawatha.

  "I am not going to pretend to understand or make excuses for the past." started Father Michaelson. "However that dinner so long ago was done in the name of bringing two people together in brotherhood. If more people were like those at the First Thanksgiving Dinner, this would be a better world. Now I am not saying we should forget what has happen, but forgiveness is the only way to move forward. Forgiveness is not just for the people who have done you wrong, but for yourself. See how this is eating you up inside?"

  "I guess you are right." said James Hiawatha. "Thanksgiving will still leave a bad taste in my mouth, however."

  "Try not to focus too much about the past, but the present." said Father Michaelson. "Be thankful you have your health, a job, your mother, and your sister."

  James Hiawatha nodded. "Also, before he died, my father gave me a gift of sorts. I do not know if I am using that gift right."

  "Turn to Romans 8:28 and read it to me, James."

  "’And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.’"

  "You see James," said Father Michaelson. "As long as we work according to our purpose and for the love of God, then everything will work out."

  "You have given me a lot to think about." said James Hiawatha. "Why have you never become a Bishop?"

  "Did not want to. I wanted to become a Priest and stayed one." said Father Michaelson with a smile. "My mission, my purpose, is serving God and the community here. I need nothing else."

  Engelhard #6

  (2006/02/10)

  Deborah Rayborn did not like coming to the First Westgate Baptist Church's soup kitchen, but the rent came first. So did clothes and school supplies for Esther Rayborn, her six year old daughter. Deborah Rayborn's husband, LCpl Jake Rayborn, was in Iraq and was doing the best he could. It was his second tour in Iraq and Deborah Rayborn was beside herself in worry.

  "Mommy, may I have seconds?" asked Esther Rayborn. The little strawberry blonde girl with the green eyes was the cutest thing on the planet and Esther Rayborn's smile could light up anyone's world. Her freckles were just adorable.

  "Esther, you do not have to ask me. Just go and get a second helping." answered Deborah Rayborn with a smile. Deborah Rayborn was also a strawberry blonde, but Esther Rayborn got her green eyes from her father. Deborah Rayborn herself had light blue eyes.

  Esther Rayborn picked up her tray and walked up to the soup lady while Deborah Rayborn watched.

  "Well, hello there again Esther!" said the twenty year old blonde hair and blue eye soup lady. She volunteered on the weekdays and she had gotten to know Esther and Deborah Rayborn.

  "Hello Priscilla!" said Esther Rayborn. "Can I have seconds, please?"

  Priscilla refilled the little girl's bowl and Esther Rayborn returned to her mother's side. A few minutes later, Priscilla came to sit to Deborah Rayborn's right. Priscilla had two bags of groceries with her for the Rayborns. "Hey Deborah, it is getting late. I have some business near your apartment. Do you mind I walk you home?"

  "No, thank you Priscilla." said Deborah Rayborn. "I would love the company."

  In fact, Deborah Rayborn invited Priscilla up to the apartment. After putting the groceries away, Deborah Rayborn then invited Priscilla for some hot chocolate while Esther Rayborn got ready for bed. "It has been hard." said Deborah Rayborn. "I miss my husband so much and Esther Rayborn wants her daddy so much."

  "I sympathize, I do." said Priscilla. "Wish I could do more, but there is so many people to help."

  "I understand." said Deborah Rayborn. "You and the church does take some pressure off and I am grateful."

  Just then, Esther Rayborn flopped on the couch in between Deborah Rayborn and Priscilla. "Done!" referring to her shower and teeth brushing. "Can Priscilla tuck me in, Mommy?"

  "Sure, honey." said Deborah Rayborn indulging her daughter a little. Esther Rayborn then lead Priscilla to her room and then introduce Priscilla to her dolls.

  "Prayer time!" said Priscilla. They both got on their knees and folded their hands. "Who do you want to pray about?"

  "Daddy." answered Esther Rayborn. Without waiting for Priscilla, the girl bowed her head and started praying. "Dear Jesus. Please look after Daddy. He is in Iraq where a lot of bad people are. My mommy is so sad without daddy and I don't want to see mommy sad."

  A white glow had Esther Rayborn open her eyes and turn to Priscilla who was now dressed all in white, from head to toe. She even had on a mask that showed nothing but her eyes, which was human. And what looked like an all white nun's veil covered her head. The only other thing on her was a gold chain with a cross on it. This cross however, had what looked like four angel wings coming out from it.

  "Are you an angel?" asked Esther Rayborn in awe. Priscilla turned her head so she can look at the little girl.

  "No, Esther." said Priscilla. "However I
do work for an angel. The Archangel Raphael. Angel of Life, of Miracles, and of Mercy. I am his Avatar, Priscilla Engelhard. And your selfless and earnest prayer has touched all of the Beginning. Your father will make it home to you and your mommy!"

  Hawkfox Delta #6

  (2013/02/22)

  "And I kid you not, he was completely naked!" said Amy Parker said with a belly laugh.

  "No he wasn't?!" responded Hawkfox Delta as he belted out a belly laugh too.

  "Okay, okay, I have a story for you. Hawkfox Tango was flying around this city and he was getting horny."

  "Oh, I like this already." said Amy Parker with a wink.