Prelude #1 - “The Gathering”
Chapter One: “The Girl Who Waited”
The woman better known the world over as Goldstar looked at herself in the mirror. She was not in her usual red and dark blue costume, but her trademark sparkles did remain. They fluttered about the woman much like lightning bugs on a summer night. Goldstar's skin was golden in color, as if deeply tanned. Instead of wearing her costume she was dressed in a luxurious white wedding dress; while long blonde hair tumbled down her back underneath her vale.
A long sigh escaped her lips. Today was supposed to be the happiest day of her life. But would it be?
Goldstar turned away from the mirror and looked back towards the others waiting with her in the private dressing room. There were five woman, four of whom were dressed in elegant sky blue with silver lace bridesmaids dresses. A single man wearing a tuxedo was present, but he was more engrossed in his datapad then what the women were talking about. They were all friends and family to Goldstar.
“You look very beautiful, dear.”
The speaker was the one woman not dressed as a bridesmaid, but she could have very easily have been Goldstar's twin. This woman had the same golden skin, the same long blonde hair and were even nearly the same height. But unlike the first Goldstar, this one wore a stylish emerald green dress with strappy heels.
“I only wish you father had lived long enough to see this day,” the Goldstar-looking woman in the emerald dress stated.
While the two women seemed superficial twins, they were in fact mother and daughter. The older woman’s real name was Grace Starr, and while she had never taken up the role of Goldstar on Earth, she had worked behind the scenes setting up the foundation for what had become the Vigilant, the super-hero team based in San Diego, California. But most of things Grace worked on took place off world, where she was involved in the daily operations of the Star Guard, a galaxy spanning peace keeping force.
While chronologically Grace was close to one hundred years old, she did not age in Goldstar form. Had she been in her human form, Grace would have looked like she was in her fifties. But on this day, she was only the happy parent to witness the wedding of her only child.
“I didn't think I would live long enough to see this day either,” the Goldstar in the wedding dress wistfully added.
This Goldstar had the name of Gwen Starr. It was she who first burst onto the in the early sixties and then formed the Vigilant in the mid-seventies. This Goldstar is the one known to the general public. She led the Vigilant for many years before turning that role over to other worthy heroes.
Gwen even left Earth for a time, traveling to Star Guard headquarters to assist her mother in the operation of the organization. Gwen trained to replace her mother as the head of that organization. She returned to Earth when her daughter, Gloria, had mysterious transformed into Stargirl years before she was supposed to.
All the Goldstar's were genetically engineered beings using futuristic technology from a time line that no longer existed. Each became more powerful as they aged. Around the age of twenty was when their powers were suppose to first surface. At that age, the girl would transform into a low powered version of Goldstar that lacked the trademark golden skin and sparkles. This version of Goldstar was called Stargirl until the transformation was complete.
For Gloria, this change came when she was just sixteen years old and not yet mentally or physically prepared to deal with it. But with the help of her mother and her friends, Gloria managed and years later took her mothers place as Goldstar. This change was virtually unnoticed by the general public, although she did change her costume into something she liked better, a gold and black outfit that was otherwise similar to her mother's.
“Well, then its a good thing we age slowly then isn't it?” Gloria Huston teased. “I guess not aging while in Goldstar form is the next best thing to being immortal.”
Gloria Huston was now the current and third Goldstar, as such she had the gold colored skin and the sparkles about her. She was also the same height as her mother and grandmother. And much like both of them, Gloria was much older than she appeared to be.
“It's just been so long...” Gwen started to say. “How can I be sure that this is all going to work? What if he changes his mind?”
“It'll be okay, mom”, Gloria said trying to reassure her nervous mother. “The computer geeks had years to figure this out. Today is the day. And if I have too, I'll drag dad here by the scruff of his neck.”
This remark brought a chuckle from the youngest of the bridesmaids. “And I'll help!”, the teenage girl enthusiastically added. She shared the same looks as the three Goldstar's, but lacked their golden skin and sparkles. But this was no a surprise, as she was Gabriela Huston, Gloria's daughter and the current Stargirl. Much like her mother, Gabriela had changed at sixteen and had only been Stargirl a few months now.
“Every bride has per-wedding jitters”, one of the other two women said in a reassuring voice. “It's only natural. I know I had them.”
This last two bridesmaids were not related to the others, but had become good friends with the Gwen Goldstar over the years. While this woman had blonde hair much like the Goldstar's, she was much taller and muscular. Her real name was Linda Braddock, but she was better known to the world as the legendary Black Diamond. The heroines impressive career had spanned decades and highlights included being a founding member of Hunter's Avengers, founding the Defenders, and then later being instrumental with Goldstar in the formation of the Earth Watch.
But Black Diamond was far more than that. Initially it was thought that she was a just a very powerful mutant, but this was really not true for as it turned out what people originally thought to be mutations were really genetic markers that indicated that the person had DNA from a different species. That species were was a humanoid alien race known as the Krell.
The Krell were an advanced race even as the first humans began to walk the Earth. But their race had reached a genetic dead end and could no longer have children. Desperate to survive and thrive, they searched for alien races whose genetic code was similar to their own. The Krell found such a race on Earth.
A lone Krell by the name of Atrellus was dispatched to earth and using the machines at his command built a monitoring station underneath the moon's surface. From there he would teleport primitive humans to his secret base to conduct genetic experiments. Atrellus mixed his own Krell DNA with that of the primitive humans so that one day their descendents to could weild fantastic powers and undergo strange mutations. All done with the goal of one day having that one in a trillion chance of a human being born more Krell than earthling. Black Diamond was that one in a trillion woman.
Black Diamond was incredibly tough, fantastically strong, and was able to fly with ease. But more than that, her body could survive unprotected in the depths of space, withstand radiation and great temperature extremes. She never got sick and most noticeably she did not appear to grow old. Black Diamond still looked like she was in her early twenties, when in fact she was more that twice that age. She could still die from injuries, but Black Diamond was essentially immortal.
At regular intervals, Atrellus would awaken from suspended animation and see how his experiment had borne fruit. It was eighteen years ago when the he discovered his success. Even better it was a pure Krell female, a potential mother to a whole new race of Krell.
Diamond was torn what to do at first, but eventually she learned that the Krell race where conquerors and if she helped them she would be unleashing a great evil upon the galaxy. That Atrellus was better known as the Warlord Atrellus and that those who did not match his level of genetic purity were to be purged as lesser and unworthy beings. Black Diamond refused Atrellus, triggering a conflict between him and the heroes of Earth.
The battle was fierce, but the Warlord Atrellsu was driven off in the end. Their monitoring post underneath the moon's surface was taken over and after much remodeling was later used as the base of operations for the Earth Watch force.
Today, Black Diamond still served Earth Watch as needed, but primarily she oversaw the Young Champions program for Sanctuary; a program that helped young supers came to grips and learn how to use their powers.
“It felt like Grond was doing a dance in my stomach when I got married,” Black Diamond continued. “But once the ceremony got started it went away. Being married to Victor was the happiest day of my life.”
“Linda's right,” the last woman chimed in. She was the most unlike the other women here, in that she had shoulder length dark brown hair and gave the appearance of being in her forties. Denise Sculley was also remarkably fit and was taller than the Goldstar quartet, but not as tall as Black Diamond. “Butterflies at first, but they will soon fade. I'm not sure if getting married to Jim was the happiest day of my life, but it sure is among them.”
The brown haired woman was quite famous in her own right as the heroine Morningstar. Her career began over thirty years ago as a member of the short lived Crusaders. Later she joined the Guardians as an officially sanctioned sister team to the Avengers. She quit the Guardians shortly after miraculously surviving a fall off the Empire State Building. Morningstar worked alone or occasionally with her close friend Spinnerette for several years before becoming a founding member of X-Factor in Los Angeles. It was there that she met her future husband, the colorful mutant better known as Spectrum.
Morningstar had made many friends in the superhero community, including both Black Diamond and Goldstar. While Morningstar and Spectrum were now mostly retired, they both occasionally would help out on Sanctuary with consoling young supers. It was a skill both of them were good at. So when Goldstar asked Morningstar to be one her Maids of Honor, she was only too happy to agree.
“Isn't that right, dear?” Denise said as she gently elbowed the lone man in the room who was still deeply engrossed datapad.
“Right you are, dear”, James Sculley answered with practiced ease as he looked up from his work. Jim was a bit more weathered than his wife. His brown hair was whiting at the temples and he looked to be in his late forties. Jim was a little plump around the middle, but not overly so. His most striking trait still remained; his sparkling blue eyes that Denise found so entrancing.
“I have to admit that this is the weirdest engagement that I ever heard of,” Jim continued, “but if you want something bad enough, it will all work out in the end. Just look at me and Denise. You won't believe what we went through before we got hitched.”
“Let's not get into that, dear”, Denise knowingly interupted. “No need to scare Gwen with that story.”
The Goldstar in the wedding dress sighed once more and turned back to her dressing table as her mother and daughter closed in once more. In the background Linda walked closer towards Jim and Denise. Gabriela kept to herself, as if unsure what to do. Eventually she moved closer to help her mother with grandmother's wedding dress.
“What are you so engrossed in?” Denise asked Jim in a whisper.
“Hmm? Oh, seeing all these Goldstar's present gave me an idea to start to work into my next book,” Jim explained. James Sculley was a best selling author who primarily wrote a large series of novels set in the fantasy Kingdom of Cynalon. While the sword and sorcery novels were quite popular, the movie adaptation that had come out twenty some years ago had fallen flat. But given the advances of Hollywood special effects there were talks in place to give the series another try. The royalties from the books allowed the Sculley's to live a comfortable life style.
“How so?” Denise was more than used to how her husband worked by now. He could draw inspiration from seemingly any unlikely source. But she had to admit that she was curious.
“It finally dawned on me how to explain why there are two Argent's in the series now”, Jim answered excitedly. “In fact there are more than two of them! And the third one is going to just be plain creepy!”
Denise just shook her head, wondering just where he got this stuff from.
“If I may have a word?”, Linda asked as she stepped closer.
“Of course”, Denise answered. “Is there something wrong?”
“Wrong is a strong word to use, but I have some concerns with your son.”
At that comment, Jim looked up from his datapad and looked squarely at Black Diamond. “Is Chris in some kind of trouble?”
Christopher Sculley was the oldest son of Jim and Denise. He would be a senior in the Sanctuary High School this fall. Joining him for the first time would be their other child, a daughter named Marie. Both children had inherited super powers from their parents.
“Chris is not in trouble,” Linda Braddock said strongly. “However, I get the sense that he is holding back when it comes to using his powers. He's not living up to his full potential. Do you have any insights as to why?”
“His powers surfaced when he was really young”, Denise explained. “Too young to really understand how dangerous they could be. He hurt a young playmate of his-- broke his arm in fact.”
“It traumatized him”, Jim added. “He treated everything around him as if it was fragile ever since. We thought he had outgrown it by now.”
“I see”, Linda said in realization. “We're going to have to work on getting him past this mental block he has. He's not a child any more; he has far more control over his powers then he realizes. There might come a day where he needs to unleash his full abilities. I'd rather that happen under controlled conditions and not in a real battle.”
“Agreed”, Denise answered. “It was some we could never get him to do. Maybe you'll succeed where we failed?”
Before Linda could answer, the door to the dress room opened and another man in a tuxedo stepped in. The man was solidly built and had a slight humming sound to him.
“It's time”, the new arrival said. “Edgar has picked up a temporal disturbance at the proper coordinates. Captain Ion is on his way.”
“Thank goodness!”, the Goldstar in the wedding dress said in relief. “Let's go get him!”
“Uh-uh-uh!” The Gloria Goldstar said as she blocked her mother's path. “You know that it is bad luck to see the groom before the wedding. I”ll go get him.”
With that Gloria's outfit shifted into her standard Goldstar costume. It consisted of a golden legless multicolored bodysuit with matching golden thigh high heeled boots. The shoulders and neck of the bodysuit were black, as was the matching trunks. Goldstar did not wear a mask, as she looked different in her transformed state then in her human form.
Gwen Goldstar nodded her apprehensive understanding as Gloria turned to her own daughter. “Come on, Gabby. Let's go get your grandpa!”
“Okay!” Gabrielle answered excitedly as she changed her outfit as well. Stargirl's costume consisted of an multicolored full body suit. Most of the suit was white in color with a golden star burst pattern on her chest. The arms and legs were colored dark red as if to give the illusion of long gloves and boots. A matching dark red sash adorned her waist. “I can't wait to meet him!”
To Be Continued!
Prelude #1 - "The Gathering"
Prelude #1 - "The Gathering"
Last edited by GM Mad on Sat Jun 09, 2012 4:50 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: Fixed some typo's; added Gloria's last name and named the Krell Warlord.
Reason: Fixed some typo's; added Gloria's last name and named the Krell Warlord.
Try it and find out!
Re: Prelude #1 - "The Gathering"
Chapter Two: “Another Blast From the Past”
Jack Huston paced nervously in the groom's dressing area. He was impeccably dressed in a tuxedo as befitting the occasion. Dressed in a similar style and sitting comfortably nearby was Victor Braddock. The two men were familiar with one another from their time as members of the Defenders, but were not what you would call close friends.
“This waiting is going to drive me nuts,” Jack said to no one in particular.
Jack Huston was a muscular man of above average looks and if you listened closely his body actually hummed seeming brimming with power. In actuality, Jack was the crime fighter known as Polaris who had magnetic and electrical powers. Jack was also married to the third Goldstar, Gloria. The two first met while training in the Young Champions program, and then later dated while attending college. They later married and had children. If one had to guess you would have said he was in his late thirties.
“Patience”, Victor simply stated. “All things come in good time.” Jack just grunted in response and continued to pace.
Victor was better known to the world as Eclypse; the wielder of the Star Scepter. He was a long time member of the Defenders and was perhaps best known as being the husband of Black Diamond. Victor had short cropped brown hair and matching eyes. He looked to be in his late twenties, but was really older than that. Di and the Gwen Goldstar were friends, so that was how Victor had ended up being here at the wedding.
While Jack paced, Victor was more focused on the young boys playing close by. The lads were were both 5 years old and both had blonde hair, but was not the only thing they had in common. One boy was named Joesph Braddock, and was the son of Victor and Linda. Joesph had been named after his mothers father and had blue eyes. The other boy was named Ian and he was Jack and Gloria's son. Both boys were fancily dressed. Keeping them clean was going to be a chore.
“Pardon the intrusion”, a voice from over the rooms loudspeakers announced. The voice was male in gender and very familiar to both men. “I am picking up a temporal disturbance at the location where Captain Ion vanished. I believe he will arrive in our time frame shortly.”
“Thank you Edgar!” Jack called out. “Come on, Ian, let's go get your mother and sister and collect your grandpa.”
Edgar was the long time AI who first operated the Vigilant Sea Base and then later took up residence in the Krell moon base that was now used as the Earth Watch headquarters. The base had the advance Krell transporting technology that was originally used to bring primitive humans to the base for experimentation. It was now use to ferry hero's from one end of the globe to the other in seconds. It significantly cut down the response times in an emergency.
“Okay,” Ian answer easily as he rushed to his father's side and took his hand. He was really to young to really understand what was going on and know just how special his grandfather was.
“See you when you get back,” Victor said with a wave as Jack and Ian departed the room. Turning back to his son, Victor picked the lad up with ease and sat him down on his knee. The boy startled to giggle as his father lifted his leg up and down as if he was riding a horse.
Outside the grooms preparation room, Jack and Ian walked smartly down a short hallway to another room. He entered without knocking.
“It's time”, Jack said to the occupants of the room. “Edgar has picked up a temporal disturbance at the proper coordinates. Captain Ion is on his way.”
Inside the brides chamber was the bride to be, the Gwen Goldstar. Along with he was her mother, who was also a Goldstar, and her daughter Gloria, yet another Goldstar. It gave Jack a headache if he thought about it too much. Along with them was his teenage daughter Gabrielle, Black Diamond, and Morningstar with her husband Spectrum. All present were dressed for this formal occasion.
“Thank goodness!”, the Goldstar in the wedding dress said in relief. “Let's go get him!”
“Uh-uh-uh!” The Gloria Goldstar said as she blocked her mother's path. “You know that it is bad luck to see the groom before the wedding. I”ll go get him.”
With that Gloria's outfit shifted into her standard Goldstar costume. It consisted of a golden legless multicolored bodysuit with matching golden thigh high heeled boots. The shoulders and neck of the bodysuit were black, as was the matching trunks. Goldstar did not wear a mask, as she looked different in her transformed state then in her human form.
Gwen Goldstar nodded her apprehensive understanding as Gloria turned to her own daughter. “Come on, Gabby. Let's go get your grandpa!”
“Okay!” Gabrielle answered excitedly as she changed her outfit as well. Stargirl's costume consisted of an multicolored full body suit. Most of the suit was white in color with a golden star burst pattern on her chest. The arms and legs were colored dark red as if to give the illusion of long gloves and boots. A matching dark red sash adorned her waist. “I can't wait to meet him!”
While she had the costume of Stargirl, Gabrielle had only recently transformed into Stargirl. So she was not very familiar with using her powers just yet. Gabby's mother and grandmother were able to help her along, but it was decided to send her to the Young Champions program when school started again in the fall for further training.
“Always flaunting that instant change stuff,” Jack muttered under his breath. He held to door open to allow his wive and daughter to pass and then closed it once more.
Once out in the hallway, Gloria Goldstar came to a stop and spoke out. “We're ready, Edgar. Transport us close to the source of the temporal disturbance.”
“Transport in progress,” Edgar intoned over the loudspeakers as the four vanished from the hallway.
A heartbeat later, the four appeared in what used to be known as the Caliente Research Laboratories. Not that far away a faint glow started to appear, a glow that Gloria recognized instantly.
“Let's get closer,” Goldstar said taking her daughters hand, “but not too close. There should be a surge of energy before he arrives.”
The immediate area was deserted today, but that had been arranged earlier. The cover story given to the workers was a week of repairs and maintenance was taking place while they were given an extra week of vacation. The truth was a bit more astonishing. As she drew closer, Gloria couldn't help but to think back to that tragic day so long ago...
It was July 1986 and Gloria had just unexpectedly transformed into Stargirl. Shortly after that was when an temporal disturbance was detected by Edgar that brought Gloria and several other members of the San Diego hero team the Vigilant to Ion Park.
Seventeen years before that, Captain Ion used his powers to absorb the energy of a small nuclear bomb saving San Diego. But the Captain paid the ultimate price, or so everyone thought. Instead of being vaporized, Captain Ion was hurtled into the future and reappeared in 1986.
Much to Gloria's surprise, Captain Ion was also her father and at one time had been engaged to her mother. Gwen didn't discover that she was pregnant with Gloria until after Captain Ion had made his sacrifice.
(Editor's Note: See Crucible #86 for the full story.)
The weeks passed as Gloria came to know her father for the first time. His real name was Ian MacDonald and he and Gwen made plans to finally marry. It was a very happy time for all involved. Ian even picked up his career as Captain Ion and started to assist the Vigilant on their missions.
But their happiness was to be short lived. An emergency summon the Vigilant to the Caliente Research laboratory. Specifically to the experimental Fast Breeder reactor. There the super powered terrorists known as Terror Unlimited were attacking. Their exact motives remained unclear, even today. Perhaps they were trying to steal nuclear material. But what ever the case, the reactor was damaged in the fight and started to overload. The villains escaped thanks to the teleporting criminal known as Black Hole, leaving the heroes to deal with the radioactive crisis.
“Flux!”, Goldstar cried out. “Get everyone out of here! Evacuate the area!”
Flux was the official leader of the Vigilant at the time, as Goldstar had been off world frequently with Starguard business.
“You heard the lady!” Flux called out in a commanding voice. “Move!”
Flux allowed himself one glance back before departing. He had an idea about what was going to happen. He just hoped that it would be enough to stop the reactor of going critical. Flux paused for a moment, straightened up and then saluted Captain Ion before turning and flying off.
Calmly, Captain Ion strode towards the reactor. He could sense the energy inside it swelling and growing in intensity. There was no time to try and stop it by normal means. There was only one thing that could be done...
Goldstar turned and with a look of panic on her face, flew to Ion's side. Further back, Stargirl watched unsure what to think.
“Ian, you can't!” Goldstar pleaded.
“Yes I can,” Captain Ion said confidently. “I've done it before. I can save San Diego from nuclear disaster... again.”
“I can't bear loosing you again!” Tears started to flow from Goldstar's eye as she threw her arms around Captain Ion. “I don't think I could take it!”
“But that's just it,” Ion retorted. “You won't be losing me, Goldie. We know what will happen if I absorb that much energy. I get shot into the future and millions of lives are spared. You know there is no other way.”
Goldstar said nothing, but her body shook from her sobs as she buried her head into Captain Ion's chest. Ion held her gently, stroking her hair with his right hand. The two shared a linger kiss goodbye.
“I'll be back someday, just you count on it. We'll get married right away. I promise.”
Captain Ion released Goldstar and moved closer to the reactor. Stargirl moved closer. “Daddy?”, she questioned her voice cracking with emotion.
Ion placed his hands on the reactor and began to absorb the runaway energy. He glanced back at his daughter who he had only known for a few weeks. He had missed her being born and her growing up into a young woman. Now he would be missing so much more.
“Take care of our mother for me, pumpkin. She's going to need you know more than ever.” The power continued to flow into Ion and he began to glow. Ion knew that he was reaching his limits and that the time jump was about to occur. “I'll see you on--!” was his last words in 1986.
Goldstar fell to her knees as Ion vanished in a flash if light. The reactor appeared to be powering down, the crisis had been averted. Stargirl slowly walked to her mother's side and placed her hand on her shoulder. There were no words she could say that would console mother.
Depression gripped Goldstar for many months, but it eventually lightened. Edgar was able to determine just how far into the future Captain Ion would be thrown by comparing the strength of the energy he absorbed the first time. That number did not console Goldstar, but did give her a glimmer of hope that he would return on some future day...
Gloria's mind snapped back to the present as a wave of energy rushed out from the glowing area, forcing each to take a step back.
A cry of “--The other side!” filled the area as Captain Ion completed his journey started so long ago, but lasting just a second to him. The captain hit the floor roughly and rolled several times before coming to a stop. He still wore his blue bodysuit with the symbol for nuclear energy on his chest.
Gloria slipped free of her daughter's hand and move closer to the prone Captain Ion. “How do you feel, dad?” she asked cautiously.
“Overloaded...”, Ion said wearily. He looked up and tried to focus on the somewhat familiar face before him. The look was similar as was the costume, but not identical. “You're Gloria?”
“That's right.” As she spoke, she willed her Goldstar costume away and took the appearance of Gloria Huston. She looked maybe ten years older to Captain Ion. Maybe the time jump wasn't as bad as before. “I'm Goldstar now.”
Offering her hand, Gloria helped her father to his feet and than hugged him once on his feet.
“You're mother?” Captain Ion wondered as he dusted himself off.
“I've missed you so much,” Gloria said happily. “Mom is waiting for you. We're here to bring you to her. It's the day of your wedding after all.”
“I did promise her that,” Ion said as he hugged his now adult daughter. “We best not keep her waiting too much longer.”
As he head cleared, Captain Ion became away of others close by. “Who?”, Ion asked.
“Let me introduce you to my family,” Gloria said. She took her father's hand and lead them towards the others.
“Your family?” Captain Ion parroted in confusion.
“This is my husband, Jack,” Gloria stated. “And these are your grandchildren. This is Gabrielle, the new Stargirl and our son Ian. We named him after you.” Gloria's voice couldn't help but crack with emotion as she spoke about her son.
“It's a honor to meet you, sir,” Jack said as he offer his hand to Captain Ion. A bit dumbfounded, Ion returned the gesture. He barely noticed Jack's strong handshake.
The children moved forward and hugged their grandfather. It all seemed surreal to Ion. After all, just a moment ago Gloria was sixteen years old and now she had children of her own? Just how far into the future had he gone? Certainly more than ten years!
“The date,” Captain Ion eventually asked “What is the date?”
“It's February 2nd, 2011,” Gloria answered. “Dad, you've been gone nearly twenty five years!”
To Be Concluded!
Jack Huston paced nervously in the groom's dressing area. He was impeccably dressed in a tuxedo as befitting the occasion. Dressed in a similar style and sitting comfortably nearby was Victor Braddock. The two men were familiar with one another from their time as members of the Defenders, but were not what you would call close friends.
“This waiting is going to drive me nuts,” Jack said to no one in particular.
Jack Huston was a muscular man of above average looks and if you listened closely his body actually hummed seeming brimming with power. In actuality, Jack was the crime fighter known as Polaris who had magnetic and electrical powers. Jack was also married to the third Goldstar, Gloria. The two first met while training in the Young Champions program, and then later dated while attending college. They later married and had children. If one had to guess you would have said he was in his late thirties.
“Patience”, Victor simply stated. “All things come in good time.” Jack just grunted in response and continued to pace.
Victor was better known to the world as Eclypse; the wielder of the Star Scepter. He was a long time member of the Defenders and was perhaps best known as being the husband of Black Diamond. Victor had short cropped brown hair and matching eyes. He looked to be in his late twenties, but was really older than that. Di and the Gwen Goldstar were friends, so that was how Victor had ended up being here at the wedding.
While Jack paced, Victor was more focused on the young boys playing close by. The lads were were both 5 years old and both had blonde hair, but was not the only thing they had in common. One boy was named Joesph Braddock, and was the son of Victor and Linda. Joesph had been named after his mothers father and had blue eyes. The other boy was named Ian and he was Jack and Gloria's son. Both boys were fancily dressed. Keeping them clean was going to be a chore.
“Pardon the intrusion”, a voice from over the rooms loudspeakers announced. The voice was male in gender and very familiar to both men. “I am picking up a temporal disturbance at the location where Captain Ion vanished. I believe he will arrive in our time frame shortly.”
“Thank you Edgar!” Jack called out. “Come on, Ian, let's go get your mother and sister and collect your grandpa.”
Edgar was the long time AI who first operated the Vigilant Sea Base and then later took up residence in the Krell moon base that was now used as the Earth Watch headquarters. The base had the advance Krell transporting technology that was originally used to bring primitive humans to the base for experimentation. It was now use to ferry hero's from one end of the globe to the other in seconds. It significantly cut down the response times in an emergency.
“Okay,” Ian answer easily as he rushed to his father's side and took his hand. He was really to young to really understand what was going on and know just how special his grandfather was.
“See you when you get back,” Victor said with a wave as Jack and Ian departed the room. Turning back to his son, Victor picked the lad up with ease and sat him down on his knee. The boy startled to giggle as his father lifted his leg up and down as if he was riding a horse.
Outside the grooms preparation room, Jack and Ian walked smartly down a short hallway to another room. He entered without knocking.
“It's time”, Jack said to the occupants of the room. “Edgar has picked up a temporal disturbance at the proper coordinates. Captain Ion is on his way.”
Inside the brides chamber was the bride to be, the Gwen Goldstar. Along with he was her mother, who was also a Goldstar, and her daughter Gloria, yet another Goldstar. It gave Jack a headache if he thought about it too much. Along with them was his teenage daughter Gabrielle, Black Diamond, and Morningstar with her husband Spectrum. All present were dressed for this formal occasion.
“Thank goodness!”, the Goldstar in the wedding dress said in relief. “Let's go get him!”
“Uh-uh-uh!” The Gloria Goldstar said as she blocked her mother's path. “You know that it is bad luck to see the groom before the wedding. I”ll go get him.”
With that Gloria's outfit shifted into her standard Goldstar costume. It consisted of a golden legless multicolored bodysuit with matching golden thigh high heeled boots. The shoulders and neck of the bodysuit were black, as was the matching trunks. Goldstar did not wear a mask, as she looked different in her transformed state then in her human form.
Gwen Goldstar nodded her apprehensive understanding as Gloria turned to her own daughter. “Come on, Gabby. Let's go get your grandpa!”
“Okay!” Gabrielle answered excitedly as she changed her outfit as well. Stargirl's costume consisted of an multicolored full body suit. Most of the suit was white in color with a golden star burst pattern on her chest. The arms and legs were colored dark red as if to give the illusion of long gloves and boots. A matching dark red sash adorned her waist. “I can't wait to meet him!”
While she had the costume of Stargirl, Gabrielle had only recently transformed into Stargirl. So she was not very familiar with using her powers just yet. Gabby's mother and grandmother were able to help her along, but it was decided to send her to the Young Champions program when school started again in the fall for further training.
“Always flaunting that instant change stuff,” Jack muttered under his breath. He held to door open to allow his wive and daughter to pass and then closed it once more.
Once out in the hallway, Gloria Goldstar came to a stop and spoke out. “We're ready, Edgar. Transport us close to the source of the temporal disturbance.”
“Transport in progress,” Edgar intoned over the loudspeakers as the four vanished from the hallway.
A heartbeat later, the four appeared in what used to be known as the Caliente Research Laboratories. Not that far away a faint glow started to appear, a glow that Gloria recognized instantly.
“Let's get closer,” Goldstar said taking her daughters hand, “but not too close. There should be a surge of energy before he arrives.”
The immediate area was deserted today, but that had been arranged earlier. The cover story given to the workers was a week of repairs and maintenance was taking place while they were given an extra week of vacation. The truth was a bit more astonishing. As she drew closer, Gloria couldn't help but to think back to that tragic day so long ago...
It was July 1986 and Gloria had just unexpectedly transformed into Stargirl. Shortly after that was when an temporal disturbance was detected by Edgar that brought Gloria and several other members of the San Diego hero team the Vigilant to Ion Park.
Seventeen years before that, Captain Ion used his powers to absorb the energy of a small nuclear bomb saving San Diego. But the Captain paid the ultimate price, or so everyone thought. Instead of being vaporized, Captain Ion was hurtled into the future and reappeared in 1986.
Much to Gloria's surprise, Captain Ion was also her father and at one time had been engaged to her mother. Gwen didn't discover that she was pregnant with Gloria until after Captain Ion had made his sacrifice.
(Editor's Note: See Crucible #86 for the full story.)
The weeks passed as Gloria came to know her father for the first time. His real name was Ian MacDonald and he and Gwen made plans to finally marry. It was a very happy time for all involved. Ian even picked up his career as Captain Ion and started to assist the Vigilant on their missions.
But their happiness was to be short lived. An emergency summon the Vigilant to the Caliente Research laboratory. Specifically to the experimental Fast Breeder reactor. There the super powered terrorists known as Terror Unlimited were attacking. Their exact motives remained unclear, even today. Perhaps they were trying to steal nuclear material. But what ever the case, the reactor was damaged in the fight and started to overload. The villains escaped thanks to the teleporting criminal known as Black Hole, leaving the heroes to deal with the radioactive crisis.
“Flux!”, Goldstar cried out. “Get everyone out of here! Evacuate the area!”
Flux was the official leader of the Vigilant at the time, as Goldstar had been off world frequently with Starguard business.
“You heard the lady!” Flux called out in a commanding voice. “Move!”
Flux allowed himself one glance back before departing. He had an idea about what was going to happen. He just hoped that it would be enough to stop the reactor of going critical. Flux paused for a moment, straightened up and then saluted Captain Ion before turning and flying off.
Calmly, Captain Ion strode towards the reactor. He could sense the energy inside it swelling and growing in intensity. There was no time to try and stop it by normal means. There was only one thing that could be done...
Goldstar turned and with a look of panic on her face, flew to Ion's side. Further back, Stargirl watched unsure what to think.
“Ian, you can't!” Goldstar pleaded.
“Yes I can,” Captain Ion said confidently. “I've done it before. I can save San Diego from nuclear disaster... again.”
“I can't bear loosing you again!” Tears started to flow from Goldstar's eye as she threw her arms around Captain Ion. “I don't think I could take it!”
“But that's just it,” Ion retorted. “You won't be losing me, Goldie. We know what will happen if I absorb that much energy. I get shot into the future and millions of lives are spared. You know there is no other way.”
Goldstar said nothing, but her body shook from her sobs as she buried her head into Captain Ion's chest. Ion held her gently, stroking her hair with his right hand. The two shared a linger kiss goodbye.
“I'll be back someday, just you count on it. We'll get married right away. I promise.”
Captain Ion released Goldstar and moved closer to the reactor. Stargirl moved closer. “Daddy?”, she questioned her voice cracking with emotion.
Ion placed his hands on the reactor and began to absorb the runaway energy. He glanced back at his daughter who he had only known for a few weeks. He had missed her being born and her growing up into a young woman. Now he would be missing so much more.
“Take care of our mother for me, pumpkin. She's going to need you know more than ever.” The power continued to flow into Ion and he began to glow. Ion knew that he was reaching his limits and that the time jump was about to occur. “I'll see you on--!” was his last words in 1986.
Goldstar fell to her knees as Ion vanished in a flash if light. The reactor appeared to be powering down, the crisis had been averted. Stargirl slowly walked to her mother's side and placed her hand on her shoulder. There were no words she could say that would console mother.
Depression gripped Goldstar for many months, but it eventually lightened. Edgar was able to determine just how far into the future Captain Ion would be thrown by comparing the strength of the energy he absorbed the first time. That number did not console Goldstar, but did give her a glimmer of hope that he would return on some future day...
Gloria's mind snapped back to the present as a wave of energy rushed out from the glowing area, forcing each to take a step back.
A cry of “--The other side!” filled the area as Captain Ion completed his journey started so long ago, but lasting just a second to him. The captain hit the floor roughly and rolled several times before coming to a stop. He still wore his blue bodysuit with the symbol for nuclear energy on his chest.
Gloria slipped free of her daughter's hand and move closer to the prone Captain Ion. “How do you feel, dad?” she asked cautiously.
“Overloaded...”, Ion said wearily. He looked up and tried to focus on the somewhat familiar face before him. The look was similar as was the costume, but not identical. “You're Gloria?”
“That's right.” As she spoke, she willed her Goldstar costume away and took the appearance of Gloria Huston. She looked maybe ten years older to Captain Ion. Maybe the time jump wasn't as bad as before. “I'm Goldstar now.”
Offering her hand, Gloria helped her father to his feet and than hugged him once on his feet.
“You're mother?” Captain Ion wondered as he dusted himself off.
“I've missed you so much,” Gloria said happily. “Mom is waiting for you. We're here to bring you to her. It's the day of your wedding after all.”
“I did promise her that,” Ion said as he hugged his now adult daughter. “We best not keep her waiting too much longer.”
As he head cleared, Captain Ion became away of others close by. “Who?”, Ion asked.
“Let me introduce you to my family,” Gloria said. She took her father's hand and lead them towards the others.
“Your family?” Captain Ion parroted in confusion.
“This is my husband, Jack,” Gloria stated. “And these are your grandchildren. This is Gabrielle, the new Stargirl and our son Ian. We named him after you.” Gloria's voice couldn't help but crack with emotion as she spoke about her son.
“It's a honor to meet you, sir,” Jack said as he offer his hand to Captain Ion. A bit dumbfounded, Ion returned the gesture. He barely noticed Jack's strong handshake.
The children moved forward and hugged their grandfather. It all seemed surreal to Ion. After all, just a moment ago Gloria was sixteen years old and now she had children of her own? Just how far into the future had he gone? Certainly more than ten years!
“The date,” Captain Ion eventually asked “What is the date?”
“It's February 2nd, 2011,” Gloria answered. “Dad, you've been gone nearly twenty five years!”
To Be Concluded!
Try it and find out!
Re: Prelude #1 - "The Gathering"
Chapter Three: “We Are Gathered Here Today...”
“Twenty five years?!” Captain Ion said in astonishment. No further words followed as his mind almost went blank. He just held on to his grandchildren in the realization of just how much of his families live he missed.
“You're mother must be really mad at me”, Captain Ion finally said. “I've made her wait for so long...”
“You did what you had to do,” Gloria responded in a soothing voice. “She knows that. Now you need to do what promised to do, unless you are having second thoughts.”
“Second thoughts? About marrying your mother? Not a chance”, Ion said decisively. “She hasn't changed her mind, did she? I mean, I'd understand... Forty years is a long time. You're mother must be almost seventy years old by now. If anyone had the right to change their mind it is her.”
“Right now, my mother is wearing her wedding dress waiting for you to come back,” Gloria stated. “Fortunately for you, as Goldstar all of us do not age. We only age while in our human state. So all of us are younger looking than we really are. Simply put, she hasn't aged as much as you think she has.”
Captain Ion nodded his understanding and couldn't help wonder just how Gwen looked now.
“Speaking of which, we had best be going,” Jack said interrupting. “No telling how long this location will remain secure.”
“What do you mean?” Ion asked in confusion.
“The energy surge from you're arrival has probably not gone unnoticed,” Gloria explained, “I just assume not getting caught by the SMB or some other paparazzi outfit. This is a private family matter.”
“SMB?”
“Super Media Blitz,” Jack explained to Captain Ion. “They stalk supers of all kinds for photos and any sensational news they can generate. Scum of the earth basically.”
Gloria tapped the watching looking device on her wrist and spoke aloud. “Edgar, we have Captain Ion. Five for transport.”
“Transport?” Captain Ion couldn't help but wonder unsure about what was to happen.
“Acknowledged,” Edgar answered over the watch. “Transporting now and may I say welcome back Captain Ion.”
“Edgar is still around?” Ion said. “At least some things haven't changed.”
The teleporation effect surrounded the five people and in a flash they were gone.
Four minutes later, a small remotely controlled flying camera swept into the area. It bore the SMB logo on the side of it. It scanned the chamber for several minutes, but found no one.
The transport affect deposited the group back in the hallway in the wedding area. Captain Ion looked around in obvious bewilderment.
“You said transport earlier,” Ion said. “Transport to where?”
“To here,” Gloria said innocently. “Trust me, dad, you've got enough to come to terms with now. No need to add to the list.”
“If you will follow me, sir,” Jack said indicating the groom area door. “We'll get you properly dressed for your wedding.”
“Just call me 'Ian', John,” Captain Ion stated.
“Jack.”
“Jack,” Ion corrected. “And drop the sir. Technically, you are older than I am!”
“I'll let mom know that you are here,” Gloria said. With Gabrielle in tow, Gloria transformed back to her Goldstar state and changed into her bridesmaid gown. “Seeya in a few.”
Fifteen minutes later, Ian MacDonald had removed is Captain Ion costume and showered. Now he was finishing getting dressed in his waiting tuxedo as Jack Huston and Victor Braddock waited.
“So how long have you been married to my daughter?”
“Almost eighteen years now,” Jack answered. “Although I first met her shortly after you vanished back in 1986.”
“Oh, you were a member of the Vigilant then?”
“No, nothing like that,” Jack explained. “I gained my powers earlier that same year and I was training with the Young Champions. After you disappeared, Gloria joined the Young Champions for about a month for her own training, before starting her senior year of high school. The following year I was a member of the Defenders in Los Angeles, and going to college at the same time. We dated a bit, but nothing serious until years later.”
“The Defenders were created to be the next logical step from the Young Champions,” Victor Braddock added. “Supers with some training receiving real world experience with older and more experienced heroes. Polaris was one of many who made that same progression.”
While that was not the path that Victor had followed as Eclypse, that was the basis for the hero team. The Defenders were the first heroes Eclypse encountered when he first returned to earth in his bid to keep the Dark Lords of the Botharians from invading. The heroes succeeded and Eclypse joined the Defenders. His powers and tactical skills made him an asset to the team and eventually he became the husband of Black Diamond. Today, he assisted Diamond in the task of running the Young Champions Program, while the veteran heroine Firestar led the Defenders.
“That makes sense I guess.” Ian stated.
The door opened and James Sculley peeked inside the room. “How is it going in here?” he asked.
“I think we are just about ready,” Jack answered. “A few more minutes.”
Entering the room, Jim walked up to Captain Ion and offered his hand. “Good to have you back, Captain Ion.”
“Good to be back,” Ion answered, returning the gesture. “A bit strange, but good to be back. Have we met before?”
“Us? No, not personally.” Jim answered. “Back in the day I was known as Spectrum, leader of X-Factor in LA.”
“At least I've heard of you,” Ion said, somewhat in relief. “I have a whole new world to learn. Again.”
“So, are all of you married to super heroines?” Ion asked after a pause.
All three men answered yes.
“I married Morningstar twenty-two years ago,” Jim answered. “Have two teenage kids now. Mostly retired from active heroics.”
“Di and I have been together for almost as long,” Victor answered. “But chose to wait to have kids.”
Jack remained silent as he had covered this ground earlier with his father-in-law.
“So a lot of experience then,” Captain Ion said. “Any tips when it comes to marriage to a super-powered woman?”
“From my practical experience,” Jim stated, “never argue with a super strong woman. Especially when she is in labor. It's healthier that way.”
Jack and Victor both laughed at Jim's observation.
“I'll try to remember that,” Ion chuckled. Turning away from the dressing mirror, Captain Ion turned to his companions. “So how do I look.”
Victor approached and made a slight adjustment to Ion's tie. “Perfect. Let's get you married before your bride changes her mind.”
“I'll let the bride know that we are ready to begin,” Jim said as he departed the room.
A moment later Jack and Victor led Ian and their sons out of the room and down the hallway where it opened into a much larger area where the wedding would be taking place. The area was mostly deserted except for two individuals, an older man in a three piece suit and a woman in a green emerald dress.
“Not much of a crowd,” Ian noted.
“Goldstar couldn't be sure that this was when you would arrive, so she just invited family and a few close friends,” Jack explained. “Just in case.”
“That makes sense...” Ian started to say when the woman in the emerald dress turned to face him. His jaw dropped in astonishment upon seeing that it was Goldstar! He recognized those sparkles anywhere. Didn't someone say that she was in her wedding dress? Not only that, but she didn't appear to have aged a single day!
Noting the men arrive, the Goldstar in the emerald dress stepped closer, a broad smile on her face. “I pleasure to finally meet you, Ian,” she said as she hugged her future son-in-law.
“Goldie?”
“The original,” Goldstar answered. “I'm Grace, Gwen's mother. We never had the chance to meet before as I was always away on business.”
“Grace?” Ian repeated. The name was familiar to him, but he had never met Gwen's mother before. Nor did he realize that she also was a Goldstar. Apparently, all the Starr women were or could be Goldstar's. And it also occurred to Ian that if Gwen's mother looked this young and fit, then Gwen had to be as well.
“Good to meet you as well. It's been far too long.”
“That it has,” Grace agreed. Gesturing to the man she had been speaking with, Grace added, “This is the Deacon, the spiritual adviser on Sanctuary. He'll be performing the ceremony.”
“Deacon,” Ian said, shaking the man's hand.
“An honor to meet you, Captain,” the Deacon said in a distinct southern accent. “I remember your exploits from back in the day. If everyone is ready, let us take our places. No need to delay this marriage any longer then it already has been.”
At the Deacon's direction, the men took their places while Grace went to inform the bride that the ceremony was ready to begin. The Deacon stood behind a stand, while Ian and Jack were off to one side. Victor was close by with Joe and Ian Huston. Jack was the best man in the wedding party and his son the ring bearer.
Edgar began to play the wedding march and all eyes turned to the back of the chamber. There, the bride began to enter the room. She was dressed in a luxurious white wedding dress. A vale covered her face, but Ian noted the sparkles all around her and knew it was his Goldstar. Trailing behind the bride was four bridesmaids. Two Ian recognized as his daughter Gloria and her daughter, a fact Ian had yet to get used too, Gabrielle. There was no mistaking the other one of the other two. It was Black Diamond and she looked exactly the same as she had back in 1986.
The last woman had brown hair and looked to be fit and in her forties. Based on the earlier conversation, she must be Morningstar. At least she seemed to show signs of the passing years.
Holding the brides hand as they walked along was Jim Sculley.
Jack noticed Ian's look of confusion. “Gwen's dad passed away a long time ago,” Jack whispered. “So they asked Jim to fill in as the 'father of the bride'.”
Ian simply nodded his understanding. His eyes never left his approaching bride. A wide smile was etched on his face. As she drew closer and her face became clearer through the vale she too appeared to have not aged a day.
“What a remarkable woman,” Ian couldn't help but think. “She's waited.. what? Forty two years for me?”
The bride reached the groom and Jim offered her hand to Ian who easily accepted. The touch was electric to him. The bridesmaids moved off behind the bride and Jim took several step back and stood close to his wife.
“No more interruptions,” Goldstar said firmly. “We're finally getting married and there is no runaway radiation sources around to stop us!”
“Goldie,” Ian said happily, “I wouldn't have it any other way.”
The Deacon proceeded to carry out the ceremony with practiced ease. It passed by in a blur and before anyone realized it came to the end.
“...And by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife,” the Deacon concluded. “You may kiss the bride.”
Reaching over, Ian lifted his wife's veil and saw her smiling face. The two passionately kissed while the guests applauded. Gwen Starr was now finally Gwen MacDonald.
“I'm never letting you go again,” Gwen whispered.
Hours later, the reception was winding down. Most of the food had been eaten and much celebrating had been done. But now it was late in the evening and most of the guests had departed. The children were among the first to leave. Eventually that just left Gloria, Grace, and the newlyweds.
“All I can say is that it's about time!” Gloria stated. “I never imagined that I would be married before my mother would.”
“Our family is anything but normal” Gwen answered sleepily. It had a been a long emotionally draining day and she was beginning to tire.
“So now what, Mom and Dad?” Gloria asked. “I mean we waited and planned so long for this day, did you ever think of what next?”
“You're right,” Gwen agreed. “I've been so focused on Ian coming back to us that I never gave any thought of where to go on honeymoon, assuming that we ever did get married.”
“It's not like I had the time to think about it,” Ian added.
“Fortunately, that did occur to me and I have taken care of it,” Grace announced. “Edgar, end holographic display and put the Starskitter on the monitor.”
“Shutting down holographic display,” Edgar answered over the speakers.
The room wavered and shifted for a second before vanishing all together. The entire wedding area, the preparation rooms, the chapel, and the reception area were all holographic creations. With them gone, everyone found themselves in a large, well-lighted area.
“What happened?” Ian asked in a confused voice.
“Everything you saw here was just an elaborate illusion,” Gwen explained. “We're actually on Starwatch One-- a space station basically. Far away from prying eyes.”
“Mom really wanted her privacy today,” Gloria added.
A monitor appeared on a nearby wall showing a small spaceship hovering next to the space station. It was almost as long and wide as spherical Starwatch One, but not as thick.
“Mom?” Gwen asked in confusion.
“This is my gift to you,” Grace answered. “It seems to me that you two are long overdue for some quality alone time, so this is what I have given you. The Starskitter is a fully automated and stocked deep space scout ship. So go ahead, taker the ship out and explore to your hearts content and more importantly, get to know each other again.”
“I can think of worse fates,” Ian finally said once that all sunk in. “Explore space you say? That sounds fine to me.”
“Are you sure--?” Gwen started to say.
“We'll handle things here while you're away,” Gloria interrupted with a wave and a smile. “Everything will be fine here. After all, you've waited so long now to marry, now you've got all the time in the universe to be together.”
The End
“Twenty five years?!” Captain Ion said in astonishment. No further words followed as his mind almost went blank. He just held on to his grandchildren in the realization of just how much of his families live he missed.
“You're mother must be really mad at me”, Captain Ion finally said. “I've made her wait for so long...”
“You did what you had to do,” Gloria responded in a soothing voice. “She knows that. Now you need to do what promised to do, unless you are having second thoughts.”
“Second thoughts? About marrying your mother? Not a chance”, Ion said decisively. “She hasn't changed her mind, did she? I mean, I'd understand... Forty years is a long time. You're mother must be almost seventy years old by now. If anyone had the right to change their mind it is her.”
“Right now, my mother is wearing her wedding dress waiting for you to come back,” Gloria stated. “Fortunately for you, as Goldstar all of us do not age. We only age while in our human state. So all of us are younger looking than we really are. Simply put, she hasn't aged as much as you think she has.”
Captain Ion nodded his understanding and couldn't help wonder just how Gwen looked now.
“Speaking of which, we had best be going,” Jack said interrupting. “No telling how long this location will remain secure.”
“What do you mean?” Ion asked in confusion.
“The energy surge from you're arrival has probably not gone unnoticed,” Gloria explained, “I just assume not getting caught by the SMB or some other paparazzi outfit. This is a private family matter.”
“SMB?”
“Super Media Blitz,” Jack explained to Captain Ion. “They stalk supers of all kinds for photos and any sensational news they can generate. Scum of the earth basically.”
Gloria tapped the watching looking device on her wrist and spoke aloud. “Edgar, we have Captain Ion. Five for transport.”
“Transport?” Captain Ion couldn't help but wonder unsure about what was to happen.
“Acknowledged,” Edgar answered over the watch. “Transporting now and may I say welcome back Captain Ion.”
“Edgar is still around?” Ion said. “At least some things haven't changed.”
The teleporation effect surrounded the five people and in a flash they were gone.
Four minutes later, a small remotely controlled flying camera swept into the area. It bore the SMB logo on the side of it. It scanned the chamber for several minutes, but found no one.
The transport affect deposited the group back in the hallway in the wedding area. Captain Ion looked around in obvious bewilderment.
“You said transport earlier,” Ion said. “Transport to where?”
“To here,” Gloria said innocently. “Trust me, dad, you've got enough to come to terms with now. No need to add to the list.”
“If you will follow me, sir,” Jack said indicating the groom area door. “We'll get you properly dressed for your wedding.”
“Just call me 'Ian', John,” Captain Ion stated.
“Jack.”
“Jack,” Ion corrected. “And drop the sir. Technically, you are older than I am!”
“I'll let mom know that you are here,” Gloria said. With Gabrielle in tow, Gloria transformed back to her Goldstar state and changed into her bridesmaid gown. “Seeya in a few.”
Fifteen minutes later, Ian MacDonald had removed is Captain Ion costume and showered. Now he was finishing getting dressed in his waiting tuxedo as Jack Huston and Victor Braddock waited.
“So how long have you been married to my daughter?”
“Almost eighteen years now,” Jack answered. “Although I first met her shortly after you vanished back in 1986.”
“Oh, you were a member of the Vigilant then?”
“No, nothing like that,” Jack explained. “I gained my powers earlier that same year and I was training with the Young Champions. After you disappeared, Gloria joined the Young Champions for about a month for her own training, before starting her senior year of high school. The following year I was a member of the Defenders in Los Angeles, and going to college at the same time. We dated a bit, but nothing serious until years later.”
“The Defenders were created to be the next logical step from the Young Champions,” Victor Braddock added. “Supers with some training receiving real world experience with older and more experienced heroes. Polaris was one of many who made that same progression.”
While that was not the path that Victor had followed as Eclypse, that was the basis for the hero team. The Defenders were the first heroes Eclypse encountered when he first returned to earth in his bid to keep the Dark Lords of the Botharians from invading. The heroes succeeded and Eclypse joined the Defenders. His powers and tactical skills made him an asset to the team and eventually he became the husband of Black Diamond. Today, he assisted Diamond in the task of running the Young Champions Program, while the veteran heroine Firestar led the Defenders.
“That makes sense I guess.” Ian stated.
The door opened and James Sculley peeked inside the room. “How is it going in here?” he asked.
“I think we are just about ready,” Jack answered. “A few more minutes.”
Entering the room, Jim walked up to Captain Ion and offered his hand. “Good to have you back, Captain Ion.”
“Good to be back,” Ion answered, returning the gesture. “A bit strange, but good to be back. Have we met before?”
“Us? No, not personally.” Jim answered. “Back in the day I was known as Spectrum, leader of X-Factor in LA.”
“At least I've heard of you,” Ion said, somewhat in relief. “I have a whole new world to learn. Again.”
“So, are all of you married to super heroines?” Ion asked after a pause.
All three men answered yes.
“I married Morningstar twenty-two years ago,” Jim answered. “Have two teenage kids now. Mostly retired from active heroics.”
“Di and I have been together for almost as long,” Victor answered. “But chose to wait to have kids.”
Jack remained silent as he had covered this ground earlier with his father-in-law.
“So a lot of experience then,” Captain Ion said. “Any tips when it comes to marriage to a super-powered woman?”
“From my practical experience,” Jim stated, “never argue with a super strong woman. Especially when she is in labor. It's healthier that way.”
Jack and Victor both laughed at Jim's observation.
“I'll try to remember that,” Ion chuckled. Turning away from the dressing mirror, Captain Ion turned to his companions. “So how do I look.”
Victor approached and made a slight adjustment to Ion's tie. “Perfect. Let's get you married before your bride changes her mind.”
“I'll let the bride know that we are ready to begin,” Jim said as he departed the room.
A moment later Jack and Victor led Ian and their sons out of the room and down the hallway where it opened into a much larger area where the wedding would be taking place. The area was mostly deserted except for two individuals, an older man in a three piece suit and a woman in a green emerald dress.
“Not much of a crowd,” Ian noted.
“Goldstar couldn't be sure that this was when you would arrive, so she just invited family and a few close friends,” Jack explained. “Just in case.”
“That makes sense...” Ian started to say when the woman in the emerald dress turned to face him. His jaw dropped in astonishment upon seeing that it was Goldstar! He recognized those sparkles anywhere. Didn't someone say that she was in her wedding dress? Not only that, but she didn't appear to have aged a single day!
Noting the men arrive, the Goldstar in the emerald dress stepped closer, a broad smile on her face. “I pleasure to finally meet you, Ian,” she said as she hugged her future son-in-law.
“Goldie?”
“The original,” Goldstar answered. “I'm Grace, Gwen's mother. We never had the chance to meet before as I was always away on business.”
“Grace?” Ian repeated. The name was familiar to him, but he had never met Gwen's mother before. Nor did he realize that she also was a Goldstar. Apparently, all the Starr women were or could be Goldstar's. And it also occurred to Ian that if Gwen's mother looked this young and fit, then Gwen had to be as well.
“Good to meet you as well. It's been far too long.”
“That it has,” Grace agreed. Gesturing to the man she had been speaking with, Grace added, “This is the Deacon, the spiritual adviser on Sanctuary. He'll be performing the ceremony.”
“Deacon,” Ian said, shaking the man's hand.
“An honor to meet you, Captain,” the Deacon said in a distinct southern accent. “I remember your exploits from back in the day. If everyone is ready, let us take our places. No need to delay this marriage any longer then it already has been.”
At the Deacon's direction, the men took their places while Grace went to inform the bride that the ceremony was ready to begin. The Deacon stood behind a stand, while Ian and Jack were off to one side. Victor was close by with Joe and Ian Huston. Jack was the best man in the wedding party and his son the ring bearer.
Edgar began to play the wedding march and all eyes turned to the back of the chamber. There, the bride began to enter the room. She was dressed in a luxurious white wedding dress. A vale covered her face, but Ian noted the sparkles all around her and knew it was his Goldstar. Trailing behind the bride was four bridesmaids. Two Ian recognized as his daughter Gloria and her daughter, a fact Ian had yet to get used too, Gabrielle. There was no mistaking the other one of the other two. It was Black Diamond and she looked exactly the same as she had back in 1986.
The last woman had brown hair and looked to be fit and in her forties. Based on the earlier conversation, she must be Morningstar. At least she seemed to show signs of the passing years.
Holding the brides hand as they walked along was Jim Sculley.
Jack noticed Ian's look of confusion. “Gwen's dad passed away a long time ago,” Jack whispered. “So they asked Jim to fill in as the 'father of the bride'.”
Ian simply nodded his understanding. His eyes never left his approaching bride. A wide smile was etched on his face. As she drew closer and her face became clearer through the vale she too appeared to have not aged a day.
“What a remarkable woman,” Ian couldn't help but think. “She's waited.. what? Forty two years for me?”
The bride reached the groom and Jim offered her hand to Ian who easily accepted. The touch was electric to him. The bridesmaids moved off behind the bride and Jim took several step back and stood close to his wife.
“No more interruptions,” Goldstar said firmly. “We're finally getting married and there is no runaway radiation sources around to stop us!”
“Goldie,” Ian said happily, “I wouldn't have it any other way.”
The Deacon proceeded to carry out the ceremony with practiced ease. It passed by in a blur and before anyone realized it came to the end.
“...And by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife,” the Deacon concluded. “You may kiss the bride.”
Reaching over, Ian lifted his wife's veil and saw her smiling face. The two passionately kissed while the guests applauded. Gwen Starr was now finally Gwen MacDonald.
“I'm never letting you go again,” Gwen whispered.
Hours later, the reception was winding down. Most of the food had been eaten and much celebrating had been done. But now it was late in the evening and most of the guests had departed. The children were among the first to leave. Eventually that just left Gloria, Grace, and the newlyweds.
“All I can say is that it's about time!” Gloria stated. “I never imagined that I would be married before my mother would.”
“Our family is anything but normal” Gwen answered sleepily. It had a been a long emotionally draining day and she was beginning to tire.
“So now what, Mom and Dad?” Gloria asked. “I mean we waited and planned so long for this day, did you ever think of what next?”
“You're right,” Gwen agreed. “I've been so focused on Ian coming back to us that I never gave any thought of where to go on honeymoon, assuming that we ever did get married.”
“It's not like I had the time to think about it,” Ian added.
“Fortunately, that did occur to me and I have taken care of it,” Grace announced. “Edgar, end holographic display and put the Starskitter on the monitor.”
“Shutting down holographic display,” Edgar answered over the speakers.
The room wavered and shifted for a second before vanishing all together. The entire wedding area, the preparation rooms, the chapel, and the reception area were all holographic creations. With them gone, everyone found themselves in a large, well-lighted area.
“What happened?” Ian asked in a confused voice.
“Everything you saw here was just an elaborate illusion,” Gwen explained. “We're actually on Starwatch One-- a space station basically. Far away from prying eyes.”
“Mom really wanted her privacy today,” Gloria added.
A monitor appeared on a nearby wall showing a small spaceship hovering next to the space station. It was almost as long and wide as spherical Starwatch One, but not as thick.
“Mom?” Gwen asked in confusion.
“This is my gift to you,” Grace answered. “It seems to me that you two are long overdue for some quality alone time, so this is what I have given you. The Starskitter is a fully automated and stocked deep space scout ship. So go ahead, taker the ship out and explore to your hearts content and more importantly, get to know each other again.”
“I can think of worse fates,” Ian finally said once that all sunk in. “Explore space you say? That sounds fine to me.”
“Are you sure--?” Gwen started to say.
“We'll handle things here while you're away,” Gloria interrupted with a wave and a smile. “Everything will be fine here. After all, you've waited so long now to marry, now you've got all the time in the universe to be together.”
The End
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