The Upholders: The World's Greatest Heroes: DELIVER US FROM EVIL!

By Robert Coplin

After saving the world from a preliminary invasion by an extraterrestrial force of reptilian creatures, the five super powered humans who the world now recognizes as the Upholders are free to focus their attention upon more terrestrial matters. Unbeknownst to them, a secret black operation program has been launched in response to the alien invasion whereby a group of criminals have volunteered to be experimented upon to receive augmented powers and abilities far beyond those of ordinary human beings.
Unfortunately, the head of this project is a xenophobic fanatic who believes that because three of the five Upholders are African American, that they must also be aliens themselves. His xenophobic fears cause him to force these genetically altered criminals to kill the Upholders and cleanse the world of the vile alien infiltration he believes has befallen us. The Upholders are therefore compelled to stop these men in order to Deliver Us From Evil!

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Apr 20, 2020
• ISBN: 9781098307011

Book preview

Contents

PROLOG

OSAKA JAPAN

CHAPTER ONE

THE WHITE HOUSE

MANHATTAN

175 VARICK STREET

WASHINGTON, D.C.

MISSISSIPPI

NEW YORK CITY

WASHINGTON, D.C.

MANHATTAN

RUSSIAN FEDERATION

MANHATTAN

RIVERDALE

RONALD REAGAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

FUJIMOTO BANK

THE WHITE HOUSE

IPPUDO RESTAURANT

MANHATTAN

WASHINGTON, DC

NEW YORK CITY

WASHINGTON, DC

PLANET SELEGANCE

WASHINGTON, DC

CHAPTER TWO

BEIJING, CHINA

MANHATTAN

WASHINGTON, D.C.

JOHN F. KENNEDY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

WASHINGTON, DC

PLANET SELEGANCE

WASHINGTON, D.C.

MANHATTAN

WASHINGTON, D.C.

NEW YORK CITY

MANHATTAN

WASHINGTON, D.C.

WASHINGTON, DC

HAKUBAI RESTAURANT

MANHATTAN

MANHATTAN

MANHATTAN

WASHINGTON, DC

MANHATTAN

CHAPTER THREE

MANHATTAN – Saturday Morning

WASHINGTON, DC

FORT LEE, NEW JERSEY

MANHATTAN

MANHATTAN

JW MARRIOTT HOTEL WASHINGTON, DC

RUSSIAN FEDERATION

MANHATTAN

MANHATTAN

MANHATTAN

LINCOLN SQUARE

LAUREL, MARYLAND

CENTRAL PARK

CHAPTER FOUR

POTOMAC, MARYLAND

MANHATTAN

GOVERNOR’S ISLAND

HARLEM – RIVERTON COOPERATIVES

POTOMAC, MARYLAND

GOVERNOR’S ISLAND

WASHINGTON, DC

MANHATTAN

SOMEWHERE OVER THE SKIES OF DELAWARE – 7:45 PM

20th POLICE PRECINCT

TRUMP TOWERS

LAUREL, MARYLAND

WASHINGTON, DC

NEW YORK CITY – MANHATTAN

MANHATTAN

WASHINGTON, DC

WASHINGTON, DC

MANHATTAN

MANHATTAN

WASHINGTON, DC

MANHATTAN – SUNDAY MORNING

EPILOG

WASHINGTON, DC – MONDAY AFTERNOON

CAST OF CHARACTERS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Copyright © 2020 by ROBERT A. COPLIN

978-0-99155-902-2

This novel is a work of fiction, all characters, names, and incidents delineated are all creations of the author’s imagination, have been used fictitiously, and should not be construed as real. Any similarity to actual events, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. All characters contained within this narrative are creations of Robert A. Coplin and may not be used, except with the express written permission by the author.

Printed by Bookbaby.com ©

Printed in the United States of America.

Coplin’s work harkens back to a simpler time in story telling: Good Guys vs. Bad Guys; smart plot twists; government conspiracies; science fiction resolutions and just plain good old-fashioned fun!

Coplin spins a tight sequel to his initial offering: The Upholders: Earth Must Die. Coplin deftly illustrates a world in dire need of superheroes and his affinity for language and dialogue ring true and entertaining. His jaunty back and forth between the President of the United States and his cabinet should not be missed if we want a peek into a high-powered governmental setting. In a day and age where politics seems to have run off the rails, it is enlightening to see Coplin’s cool logic on display as The Upholders attempt to save the world! Enjoy the journey as the Upholders attempt to "Deliver us from Evil!"

Anthony Walters

Director - Office of Workforce Diversity:

NYS Unified Court System

Robert A. Coplin’s sequel novel, "The Upholders: Deliver Us from Evil" continues where the first novel left off. It is another tour de force story-telling presentation of all the exciting elements that made the first Upholders novel so successful. The first chapter in the sequel evolves around the conundrum of the super powers reaction to the outer space nuclear detonation and how President Clayton Robertson skillfully deals with its repercussions.

Looking into the chapter entitled Washington, DC: The Oval Office, Mr. Coplin builds sturdy story structure on the strong and evolving characterization of President Robertson. The President adroitly maneuvers around the Chinese Chairman Yeung and the Russian President Tarasov by putting them both at ease concerning the outer space nuclear explosion near the lunar surface. The Oval Office scenario brings the reader back to the intrigue of the first novel.

All of the supernatural and fantastic characters are back displaying their unique and awesome powers. This sequel has all the right stuff and Mr. Coplin deserves kudos and congratulations for a job well done!

Gilbert M. Lane, MA

Author of: Reflections on 30 Years of Teaching in East Harlem, & Autism & Parents with Autistic Children.

In his captivating sequel to ‘The Upholders: Earth Must Die!’ Bobby Coplin once again parades his characters in a tale displaying the best and worst in our species of homo sapiens. Once again enlisting the aid of the Upholders to bring salvation to humanity, he displays those special diverse beings among us who thankfully use their extraordinary powers for the benefit of all humankind.

Testing the depths of human values and the role of government in our daily lives, the sequel wonderfully underscores the triumphant power arising from the time-tested combination of teamwork and human diversity that proves the well-worn adage, ‘If there is a will, there is always a way!’ Like all his faithful followers, along with me, find a comfortable lounge chair people, and enjoy hours of reading pleasure!

Robert Yasui, Esq.

Principal Attorney

Yasui & Associates, Lawyers

Los Angeles, California

PROLOG

OSAKA JAPAN

Funokoshi Pharmaceutical Building

It was 11 o’clock in the evening and the sky was totally devoid of clouds, making for a clear night with only the moon above. The four masked men who were inside the Funokoshi Pharmaceutical building had quickly disabled the alarm and were already racing upstairs to the third floor towards the vault. They were not there to steal money per se, but the vault contained a myriad of new experimental medications, which could be black marketed for millions of American dollars. With military precision, they took up their respective positions, one guarding the main door, one attempting to crack the safe, and the other two by the window and exterior exit respectively. There was not a single person in sight and it would be another twenty minutes before the guard was scheduled to make his rounds throughout the building.

Isoide anata wa sono boruto o hiraku koto ga dekimasu ka? – "Hurry, can you open that vault?"

The masked criminal positioned at the safe nodded affirmatively and began working on opening the reinforced steel door. This was undoubtedly a brazen group, audaciously attempting this robbery in the middle of the night, when the high security building was ripe with the latest in security measures.

Seikou! Seiyaku bokkusu de watashi o tasukete. – "Success! Help me with the pharmaceutical box."

Quickly the masked man that had been guarding the window ran over to assist the one who had cracked open the vault, to help him carry the large strongbox containing the experimental pharmaceuticals. They both carefully carried it to the rear exit and made good with their escape.

Subete ga kanpeki ni ittekimashita! – "Everything went perfectly!"

Chodo tatemono no soto ni dete mimashao. – "Let’s just get out of the building." The lead criminal shouted.

Navigating down the rear stairway with great stealth the masked quartet made good their escape and evacuated the building through the rear alleyway. Once in the back alleyway the only light was from the full moon, which would abet in the escape. Now that they were out in the open, they each removed their masks and prepared to run towards their vehicle parked at the end of the backstreet. It appeared as if they were about to make a clean getaway when suddenly they all stopped as a shadowy figure emerged from the darkness standing between them and their escape vehicle.

Anata ga doko ni irutaizai shi, dare mo kizutsukeru kotow a arimasen! – "Stay where you are and nobody will be hurt!"

Now illuminated by the full light of the nighttime moon, the shadowy figure, although still unrecognizable, appeared to be female given her slight physique. Clothed in a tight fitting black and green body suit, with an emerald colored mask disguising her facial features and rendering her unidentifiable, the figure stood there challenging the quartet of thieves. The four men began to laugh at what they perceived to be an empty threat. Suddenly, two of them began running menacingly towards her. They were not about to let one lone, would be guardian, especially a female, deprive them of their bounty. Standing her ground, the masked figure issued another stern warning.

Watashi wa anota ni keikoku shiyou to shimashita. – "I tried to warn you." She cried.

The shadowy figure suddenly raised her arms and the two lead assailants were abruptly unceremoniously lifted several feet off the ground and hurled violently into the wall, rendering them both unconscious as their astonished companions stared in disbelief.

She turned back to the two criminals still standing and issued a third warning.

Kore ha goubuksusuru saigo no chansu desu! – "This is your last chance to surrender!"

Now thoroughly angered at what this mysterious, masked individual had done to their companions, the remaining two thieves ignored their initial fear and prepared to charge towards her, with revenge in their hearts and shouting obscenities.

Kare o koroshimasu! – "Kill him!" They both gingerly placed the strongbox they were carrying onto the ground so that they could attack the shadowy figure. As they were almost near enough to strike, the emerald and black garbed figure raised her hands directly in front of her chest, as though she were about to pray. She quickly separated them beyond the length of her shoulders. Simultaneously, the two robbers were tossed savagely into the adjacent walls as if some invisible, giant hands had slapped them apart as they ran towards her. Like their two accomplices, they were also rendered unconscious by the sheer force in which they had collided against the walls of the buildings.

Anata orokamono! Watashiha anata Ni keikokushiyou shi kii te i masen. - "You fool! I tried to warn you and you didn’t listen." The mysterious figure shouted angrily.

The original two criminals, who had attempted to attack the mysterious figure, were now reviving, and having witnessed their companions being thrown against the wall by some inexplicable invisible force, readied themselves to attack once again. As the two would be assailants rose and charged, the enigmatic figure’s arms raised again, perplexingly causing the two men to halt their advance and abruptly elevate about twelve feet into the air. Now, whatever courage they might have had was completely gone as they hovered helplessly in the air, as though some invisible giant hands were toying with them. Their mysterious assailant below abruptly lowered her arms to her side in a violent manner, causing the duo to fall viciously to the ground. Now that all four would be thieves were unconscious and could be easily handled, the emerald and black clad figure produced four Flexi-Cuffs and proceeded to restrain each of the criminals. Satisfied that they were secure and presented no further resistance the dark figure walked out of the alley and then called the police utilizing the public telephone at the corner. Given the lateness of the evening there were scarcely any people on the street so having concluded that task, the slight figure nonchalantly walked towards a parked, Milano Red Honda CRZ and entered the vehicle. Within seconds, both the mysterious figure and the vehicle sped off and disappeared into the night, just as the sounds of police sirens began to permeate the area.

Sore ga umakuitta. Watashiha chichini au shi watashino seikouwokareni shiraseru ni ika nakere ba nari mase. – That went well. I must go to see father and inform him of my success.

The sleek vehicle hurriedly raced through the semi-deserted city streets and towards the highway where it cruised for the duration of the journey until reaching a house in the suburbs. The driver pulled into the driveway and pressed the remote, automatically opening the garage door. The car then eased into the garage. That the lone passenger was still adorned in her emerald and black costume seemed of little consequence to the driver, who exited the vehicle and proceeded into the house from the garage entrance. Navigating the stairway to the living room above, the mysterious figure was met by an elderly, grey haired man in a traditional kimono.

Ohayo watashino musume. – Good morning, my daughter.

Upon hearing that greeting the costumed figure removed her mask, which had only partially shielded her appearance, and smiled before bowing politely at the older man.

Good morning to you, honorable father. Please converse with me in English, as it will be the language that I will be using once I move to America. She requested. I can use the practice.

If that is what you wish, Hoshiko. However, I sincerely wish you would reconsider this unwise decision to journey to America in order to utilize your special gifts in combating criminal activities there.

Hoshiko smiled politely and bid her father to sit so that they might continue their discussion in comfort. The older man complied with her gesture and glared sternly at his daughter, as if to impose his will upon her and telepathically persuade her to change her mind.

Father, I have already read your thoughts and although I understand your concerns, I have made up my mind. My destiny is to go to America where I shall utilize my abilities to help others.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

CHAPTER ONE

THE WHITE HOUSE

President Clayton Robertson was not in a particularly good mood this morning given the fact all the commonplace global circumstances that he would ordinarily have to face would have to take a back seat to a new and potentially dangerous singular phenomenon. Less than five days ago, in the midst of the unprecedented alien incursion, there had been a nuclear explosion near the moon, which had garnered the attention of all of the leaders of the world’s major powers. This morning his schedule included having a conference meeting with several of them in order to both determine what had caused this explosion and discover what the international repercussions of this incident would be as far as affecting world peace.

Good morning Mr. President. I trust that you slept well last night sir?

As a matter of fact, I barely slept at all, Allen. The President replied. I’m afraid this damn nuclear explosion, which took place high above the moon, has everyone on the planet concerned that somebody has tested a space based thermonuclear weapon, and all of the nuclear powers are up in arms. Not that I blame them for their suspicions.

Allen Madison was essentially the President’s butler, and had already prepared his favorite breakfast, knowing that this was going to be an exceptionally trying day for the Commander-in-Chief. He had prepared a hearty meal consisting of pancakes, sausage, hash browns, herbal peppermint tea and toast with grape jelly in addition to having left the morning paper on the table for him to peruse.

Do you suppose that one of the other world powers set off the explosion sir? Allen asked. That would create quite a hornet’s nest worth of trouble for the entire world.

You have a knack for understatement, Allen. Most of the world powers have already agreed in principal not to launch any space based nuclear weapons. The President replied. So, if one of them has in fact done so, it might lead to another costly and dangerous arms race that this planet can do without.

The door to the large dining room opened and the First lady entered, along with the Secretary of State, Jeremiah Carter. The President forced a smile upon his face and bid them both to be seated as he knew that he would practically have to wolf down his breakfast in preparation for this morning’s video conference meeting between the leaders of the world’s major powers himself very shortly.

Good morning darling, you’re both just in time for breakfast. How are you doing this morning, Jeremiah? I’m sorry that today’s unusual events mandated that you had to get up so early, but unfortunately someone has to run the world."

That goes with the territory, Mister President. Carter answered immediately. I’ve no doubt that you also must have had a difficult time trying to get a good night’s sleep yourself last night, I would imagine.

Madison immediately started tending to their needs as they took their respective seats. He poured hot water into both of their cups for their tea as they began to fill their plates with the food. Although he attempted to keep the mood light under the circumstances, both the Secretary of State and the First Lady were as deeply concerned about the mysterious nuclear explosion near the moon, as was the President.

Isn’t it amazing how everyone seems more concerned about whether or not I slept well last night than the fact that a thermonuclear explosion was detected high above the moon? Robertson said sarcastically. This could be an historic event foreshadowing the dawn of what future historians, if any, may remember as, the Genesis of Armageddon!

The President’s hyperbole was not far off, but sufficient enough to cause a distressing reticence in the room for several seconds until Carter decided to make a comment in the hope of alleviating the tension.

Mister President, the only perpetrators with the capability of actually launching a nuclear weapon near the moon and detonating it are either China or the former Soviet Union. Carter stated breaking the awkward silence. What I can’t understand, is why would they have exploded it miles above the lunar surface rather than keep it a secret?

That is the proverbial sixty-four-thousand-dollar question Jeremiah. I spoke with Chairman Yeung and with President Tarasov yesterday and the both of them adamantly denied having placed or launched any type of nuclear weapon into space, let alone in lunar orbit.

Carter continued eating his breakfast as the President elaborated about his concise discussions with both the Chinese and Russian leadership. The First Lady chose to remain quiet, rather than offer an opinion. He could tell that the leader of the free world was extremely concerned with this nuclear detonation near the lunar surface, and did not envy him his upcoming conversation with either Chairman Yeung or President Tarasov.

During the alien incursion in New York, I personally communicated with the leaders of NATO and with our two communist friends to update them on any intelligence we received regarding that impending threat. Robertson reiterated. They all had access to the CNN feeds and witnessed the unbelievable scenes of our police and military forces engaging the reptilians.

Sir, I don’t think that anyone will doubt that those circumstances occurred during the crisis which transpired last week. What is of paramount importance now is that we quickly discover who placed that weapon in orbit above the moon, who detonated it and why, and what are the repercussions not only for this country, but the world as a whole.

The President casually took another sip of his herbal tea and then wiped his mouth before turning to address the comment that the Secretary of State had just made. Jeremiah Carter was staring at him the entire time he was undergoing his rituals.

Within the hour, I’m going to have a teleconference with the Russian and Chinese leaders, as well as the NATO allies. No sane person wants to tread upon the path of a planet wide Apocalypse, and I am counting on the hope of that reality being sufficient enough to have whomever is behind this conundrum come clean at that conference.

These men are all reasonable people, sir. Carter responded. It’s not as if you were about to deal with some third world dictator with delusions of grandeur, who doesn’t care about the repercussions of the misuse of nuclear weapons.

Bill Foley is also a reasonable man, Jeremiah. You had to hear the expletives that I had to listen to when the Joint Chiefs left the Situation Room, and it was only he and I discussing this very same subject. The President emphasized. He’s one hell of a special attaché’, but the man can be a real pit bull once you make the mistake of getting his dander up.

Carter merely chuckled at the allusion and finished the remainder of his coffee, signaling to the Commander in Chief that the Secretary of State and the First Lady had now finished their respective meals and were politely waiting for him to inform them that it was time to commence the task that awaited them. President Robertson decided that there was no point in procrastination, so he stood and gestured to his guests that he was ready.

I guess there is no point in my putting this off any further. Sweetheart, I’ll speak with you when I return from the teleconference. The President exclaimed to his lovely wife. I’m ready whenever you are, Jeremiah. That is, unless you want to remain for a second helping?

I’m ready, Mister President.

Now that he had concluded his repartee with his colleague, the President and the Secretary of State departed the dining room and headed for the Situation Room. In another forty-five minutes, they would be in conference with the other world leaders, specifically those whose countries had nuclear capability, in order to determine how and why a thermonuclear explosion took place high above the lunar orbit. President Robertson was fully cognizant of the precariousness of this meeting and realized although he would have to be firm, at the same time he would have to tread lightly, unless he wanted to instigate another perilous nuclear arms race. Given the fragile global economy, no nation on the planet could either risk this situation, or afford for it to happen.

Isn’t it ironic that almost immediately following the aftermath of the greatest threat ever to confront mankind, and by an alien civilization, that we as a species are still stupid enough to risk thermonuclear global annihilation? The President declared. What is it going to take for man to finally realize just how blessed we are on this world and finally adhere to what the scriptures say in Isaiah 2:3

I’m sorry sir, but I must confess that I am not as familiar with biblical passages as you are. You need to enlighten me as to the message in the Bible that you are referring to.

The President continued walking at the same leisurely pace and began to smile before turning towards his Secretary of State and reciting the biblical verse to him.

"And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore."

That is a very altruistic thought, sir. However, even with what we have just experienced as a species not that long ago, we humans seem to have a serious problem learning even that simple lesson. I’m truly disappointed.

Hearing that comment, President Clayton Robertson simply smiled that disarming smile he usually acquired whenever he was about to face a monumental conundrum, and this matter with the nuclear explosion above the moon was as significant a problem as any he had ever faced during his administration. If none of the nations from this world with nuclear capability had detonated the explosion, then it was imperative that they discover whether the aliens had done so and why.

You realize that you’re scheduled to address the press this afternoon regarding your decision to essentially grant amnesty to the costumed men our military had been surveying after the initial reports of the strange electrical man, sir? Carter reminded him.

You make that sound as if it is another obstacle to be overcome, Jeremiah. That assignment will be the easiest of the tasks on my plate today.

Carter was perplexed at how dismissive the President was regarding having to answer what he knew were going to be very candid and difficult questions by the members of the press. Against his better judgment, he pressed the issue.

Sir, I’m afraid that I don’t really follow your train of thought here. How do you anticipate that the upcoming session with the press is going to be easy?

Jeremiah, my decision was predicated upon information which I received from Director John Lynch of the Tactical Alien Resistance Global Enforcement Team. He assured me that these men were not extraterrestrials. Additionally, the Director of Project Phoenix, George Shepherd, informed me late in the engagement, that one of his operatives was working with those men and will be a valuable source of information regarding them. The President smiled. You know the old adage; keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Those words ring exceedingly true in this case.

So, then you consider these men to be potential enemies to our nation sir? Carter asked.

The President and Carter had reached the Situation Room. The marine at the door saluted the Commander-In-Chief before the President barred him from opening the door.

"Not at all, Jeremiah, in fact I believe just the opposite. But given our lack of information as to their origins, their agenda, and how we might have to deal with them were they to turn against us, I simply feel it better to have Mr. Shepherd’s operative do some extensive intelligence before I make a definitive decision as to what their status is."

He turned and gestured to the marine to permit them access and the hefty soldier immediately opened the door. Upon entering the Joint Chiefs had already arrived and were seated, headed by General Jonathan Charleston, along with General Thomas Walker. The President went to his seat at the head of the huge table before addressing the assembly.

Good morning, gentlemen. Please be seated and let’s begin the brief discussion prior to my having to speak with my esteemed opposites from both the People’s Republic of China as well as the President of the Russian Federation.

It had scarcely been forty-eight hours since the unprecedented crisis with the alien, reptilian invaders had concluded, and the horrific images were still etched in memories of each of these men. Remarkably, the mightiest governments on this planet had all cooperated in exchanging essential information as was necessary, and were fully prepared to lend whatever military assistance was needed, had the costumed group which would come to be known as the Upholders not interceded and abated the conflict. President Robertson continued to delineate the principal reasons for this morning’s meeting to his Joint Chiefs.

Gentlemen, as you all know, our military forces have captured one of the alien’s flying craft intact, and I assume our top scientists are reverse engineering it as we speak. They have also procured several alien bodies for examination.

That statement captured the attention of the members of the Joint Chiefs, as they all realized the military implications of being able to replicate such an advanced piece of machinery. Such a device would easily enable our nation to leapfrog decades ahead of the rest of the world technologically, and give the United States a huge advantage against any prospective enemies. The President imperceptibly took note of their expressions before continuing with his dialogue.

However, the primary reason I’ve asked you all here is to determine which nation from this planet, surreptitiously placed into orbit, and summarily detonated a thermonuclear device several miles above the surface of the moon.

Everyone in the room was fully aware that such an act violated the Outer Space Treaty, enacted in 1967 and prohibiting placing any nuclear weapons into space. The treaty also banned the placing of nuclear weapons or any weapons of mass destruction in orbit around Earth or installing them on the moon or any other celestial body. As soon as President Robertson concluded his statement, General Walker stood and made an inquiry that many of the men in attendance were also curious. President Robertson was cognizant of the anxiety that permeated this meeting, given that the ramifications of an undisclosed nuclear weapon placed in proximity of the moon by any nation was both unfathomable, and unacceptable.

Mister President, might I ask if you are of the opinion that it was a non-terrestrial source that detonated the nuclear explosion in lunar orbit, or are you of the belief that one of the powers from this planet is responsible, sir? General Walker asked.

General, in less than ten minutes I will be on a three-way conference call with Chairman Yeung and President Tarasov in the hope of determining if either of their nations was responsible for the aforementioned explosion. Hopefully, given the enormous consequences involved with this situation, they both need to be irrefutably candid with me.

President Robertson ignored the anticipated murmuring, which began to permeate throughout the assemblage. The majority of the Joint Chiefs were essentially hawks, and if the nuclear detonation was due to a foreign country, as some brazen display of power, they were all chomping at the bit to take an aggressive, retaliatory action.

Gentlemen, I have no intention of instigating either another nuclear arms race, or thrusting this planet closer to World War III. President Robertson stated vociferously to emphasize his point. President Tarasov and Chairman Yeung are both reasonable men, and are fully cognizant of the ramifications of this conundrum. I seriously doubt if either of them wishes to push us to the brink of the abyss any more than I do. Hell, we just survived an alien invasion, why argue with each other now?

Mister President, we have ourselves a tremendous enigma confronting us. Either one of the nations on Earth possessing nuclear weapons; and also, has the capability to launch such a weapon into orbit around our moon, has surreptitiously placed and subsequently detonated that device. . . General Walker declared. Or else those reptilian aliens are the guilty party involved here.

In his mind, President Robertson could find no logical scenario where the alien invaders would have harmlessly exploded a thermonuclear bomb high above the moon. It gave them no decided advantage in their battle against the humans. Tactically, they would have been better off exploding it upon one of the cities on the planet below. He adamantly refused to accept that seriously flawed theory.

Answer me this one question if you will, General Walker. What strategic purpose would it have served the aliens to have detonated their nuclear device high above the surface of the moon rather than simply use it against us?

Technically, your assessment would be correct, sir, speaking strictly from a strictly military perspective. That being said, the only other viable explanation is that the weapon originated from a nation on this planet and was detonated as a direct response to the alien incursion, which was detected on the dark side of the moon.

At that moment, the large marine guarding the entrance, opened the door, and George Shepherd, the Director of Project Phoenix appeared and took a seat. The President silently acknowledged him before responding to the General’s analysis.

You make a very astute point, General Walker, which gives us two possible scenarios. I need you all to start thinking outside the box and come up with a third one before I have to speak with my counterparts from Russia and China.

Sir, thinking outside of the box, as you phrased it; I fail to see any other scenario besides the two that were just tabled. General Charleston offered. If neither the Chinese nor the Russians put that nuke in lunar orbit, then we must assume that some type of unanticipated catastrophe occurred which caused those reptilian creatures to accidently detonate their own nuclear weapon above the moon before it could be used against us.

Towards the right of the Commander-in-Chief, the Secretary of State was vehemently setting up the telephone connection, which would enable the three world leaders to communicate with one another. Once he had completed his task, he made eye contact with President Robertson before informing him that he had finished.

Mister President, we’ve just established the three-way communication and we now have both President Tarasov and Chairman Yeung on the line. Secretary of State Carter announced. You’re free to begin the discourse at your convenience.

Charleston was visibly annoyed at the interruption before he made his point, but he remained quiet. This was not the time for saber rattling amongst the staff when the President was about to speak candidly with the Russian and Chinese leaders.

This is it gentlemen. The dialogue will be strictly between the three heads of state, with the Joint Chiefs and their foreign counterparts listening and assessing everything, which the three of us have to say. Good luck everyone.

The President pressed a button on the table and two large view screens displayed the communist leaders seated in a similar venue, as were the Americans. Where the Joint Chiefs were seated, the lighting dimmed considerably in the area to leave only the President and the Secretary of State visible to his two opposites. Chairman Yeung was a short, middle-aged man with a slightly receding hairline and had a pleasant smile. Conversely, President Tarasov was an imposing looking individual who looked as if he would just as soon shoot you than look at you. As the former head of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation, their intelligence agency, which succeeded the former KGB, this intimidating appearance, worked in his favor.

President Tarasov, Chairman Yeung, I extend my profound greetings and offer my personal apologies to have to contact you both at such an impromptu hour, but the vital matter which we have to discuss left me no alternative. President Robertson politely declared.

As we are all aware, almost one hundred-twenty hours ago, our planet was invaded by hostile, extra-terrestrial forces, and a thermonuclear weapon was exploded five miles above the lunar surface. I am asking you both at this time if that weapon was deployed and summarily detonated by either of your nations.

Both foreign leaders were equally courteous in their expressions and responses, but it was evident that they were each somewhat annoyed at the inquiries and implied accusations regarding their probable use of a forbidden thermonuclear weapon. President Robertson was acutely cognizant of the angst that his counterparts were feeling, and although this situation was precarious and required a strong stance on his part, he needed to tread judiciously.

Mister President, I cannot state to you any clearer the fact that my nation has not, nor ever will deploy nuclear weapons into space. Whichever nation did so is as much as mystery to me as it is to you. President Tarasov exclaimed. If there is a rogue nation that has surreptitiously done this heinous deed, then it behooves the three of us to identify the malefactor and punish them.

It is a great relief to hear that you are so understanding, President Tarasov. It would be an understatement to say that this situation is of paramount importance to not just our three countries, but to the entire world as well.

It was now Chairman Yeung’s turn to address the leader of the free world. While he was equally as resolute in his reply to the President’s inquiry, he did not come across as being as truculent as his Russian counterpart was.

President Clayton, my good friend, the People’s Republic of China is a peace-loving nation and I assure you that the last thing that my people desire, especially in the aftermath of this unprecedented alien invasion, is to imprudently tread down the path of nuclear annihilation.

Gentlemen, I am relieved to hear that you both are innocuous in this heinous act, to paraphrase President Tarasov’s definition. I agree that it would be in the best interest of the world as a whole for our three nations to mutually work to determine whoever was culpable in this matter.

There was an awkward silence for about five seconds and then both foreign leaders finally gave their affirmation to President Clayton’s suggestion. After the usual platitudes, the leader of the free world bid his two counterparts farewell and concluded the transmission. Clayton exhaled loudly and then turned to the Joint Chiefs, who were all less than convinced that neither of the two communist leaders had been very candid. General Charleston took the opportunity to question his commander-in-chief. He was compelled to ask the President the one question that the other Joint Chiefs were equally anxious to know the answer to.

Mister President, are you thoroughly convinced that the nuclear explosion above the lunar surface was neither a Chinese or Russian weapon?

I’m one hundred percent certain of that, General! My entire motive for that conversation was to allow this assembly to get a feel as to what my esteemed colleagues were thinking concerning this incident. I also wanted to determine which of them would be completely forthright with me, and which one of them would attempt to deceive me.

The Joint Chiefs were perplexed at the President’s enigmatic comment. Why would he have had them all accompany him to this meeting to discuss the nuclear explosion above the moon’s surface, which was a clear a global threat as the world had seen since the Cuban Missile crisis, if he already knew that neither communist nation was responsible? The President raised his right hand and waved it in such a way so that he had the undivided attention of his audience and then gestured towards the Director of Project Phoenix, George Shepherd, who then proceeded to address the assembly.

Gentlemen, undoubtedly you are all puzzled at the President’s certainty that neither communist nation was responsible for the detonation of a nuclear weapon above the surface of the moon. That assuredness was a direct result of specific information obtained from one of my operatives who unequivocally certified that the nuclear device was of both alien origin and surreptitiously placed aboard their leader’s escape craft and detonated in lunar orbit, destroying that craft as well as the alien mother ship.

If you knew for a fact that is what happened, then why did we just commence all of this bullshit with the Chinese and the Russians, Mr. President? General Walker inquired. With all due respect sir, if you already knew who had detonated that nuke above the moon, then what was the point of interrogating both the Russians and the Chinese?

The assembly of military brass began to murmur boisterously at the straightforward manner in which General Walker had questioned the President. Even considering the magnitude surrounding the primary purpose of this meeting, the General’s tone was bordering on insubordination.

"I appreciate your candor, General Walker. The last thing that I need at a time like this is a bunch of ‘Yes men’ who are afraid to tell me exactly what’s really on their mind. President Robertson declared. The truth of the matter is just as George told everyone a few moments before. We received incontrovertible proof from one of his operatives on the scene that the nuclear device was of alien origin. My negligible duplicity with both Chairman Yeung and President Tarasov was simply to determine whether or not either or both of them would lie to me about any possible involvement they might have had given that their countries are nuclear powers."

President Robertson paused briefly, which was his predetermined signal to George Shepherd to expound upon the topic that he had initiated. The Director of Project Phoenix then proceeded to elucidate to the Joint Chiefs the unambiguous details regarding the ‘Mammoth Initiative’, which his department had pioneered. He went on to explain how his operative, Samuel Atlas, aka, the Mammoth, had affiliated himself with the group of men that the media was now labeling, the Upholders. During their skirmish with the aliens in the Catskills, one of the costumed men had somehow managed to place the problematic nuclear device upon the alien escape craft that summarily exploded in space high above the lunar surface. When he had completed his narrative, he yielded the floor once again to the Commander-In-Chief.

Gentlemen, the surreptitious incursion upon our planet by these reptilian aliens have incontrovertibly proven that not only does life exist beyond our world, but that some of those life forms are belligerent and dangerous. President Robertson emphasized.

I wanted to get a sense of not just if I could trust our communist associates, but find out if it ever came to a war of the worlds can I count on them to join us in the defense of this planet.

While the rest of the brass began murmuring after hearing the President’s rationalization for having deceived the two world leaders, General Jonathan Charleston, ordinarily considered a hawk amongst the Joint Chiefs, stood up and made his own feelings known at that point.

Sir, my opinion regarding both of those communist nations and their leadership is no secret. However, despite the differences in our political philosophies, I have no doubt that should there ever be another invasion from an extra-terrestrial source, I sincerely believe that every major world power will come together and defend our planet against any prospective attackers.

I’m glad that you still have enough faith in mankind’s sense of camaraderie should there be another interstellar confrontation, Jonathan. That being said gentlemen, this meeting is concluded. The Commander-In-Chief stated. "

As the Joint Chiefs followed the Commander-In-Chief as he proceeded to exit the room, the President suddenly grabbed the arm of George Shepherd. He gestured for the others to continue and then he began to walk back towards the Oval Office with the Director of Project Phoenix at his side.

I’m quite curious about something, George. Your told me that operative was the culmination of a project several decades old which began at the start of World War II, correct?

That is correct mister President, but you essentially know the full details about that already. Shepherd responded. What is it specifically that has aroused your curiosity about that at this point in time? Especially given the current global situation, if you don’t mind my asking?

President Robertson merely smiled as the rest of the assemblage walked out of earshot and then glanced inquisitively at the man by his side. He had of course, already been briefed on the Phoenix Project prior to this meeting by Shepherd himself. The United States government, under the guise of counterbalancing the depraved Nazi plan to create a soldier possessing superior physical, mental and fighting abilities, and then ultimately developing an army of super soldiers for the Third Reich, had started experimenting heavily in eugenics. When the war ended and the Nazi’s were defeated, the United States continued their program clandestinely for several decades until they finally achieved their goal with the birth of Samuel Atlas, aka The Mammoth.

What really concerns me George is that while I understand your operative was developed by our government and has augmented athletic, mental, and physical attributes, how do you explain those other costumed men who assisted him in defeating the alien incursion?

I beg your pardon, sir? I’m not quite sure that I understand your question.

The President hesitated momentarily as he collected his thoughts. Between the developing tensions throughout the globe and his inquisitiveness regarding the origins of these strange costumed protagonists, he wanted to articulate his thoughts to the Director of Project Phoenix in a manner that absolutely left no margin for error at all.

I guess my question to you is this, while we can account for the extraordinary abilities of your operative . . . What did you say his code name was, The Mammoth?

That is correct mister President.

What then is your explanation for those other men having their strange powers and abilities? Predicated upon your assurance to me that they were not extra-terrestrials, and that they were definitely on our side, I issued a Presidential decree granting them immunity against being interfered with, I need for you to now explain their sudden appearance and how they came to acquire their extraordinary super powers?

Now it was Shepherd’s turn to hesitate, as he was astonished at the President’s inquiry. The information, which his department had received from the Mammoth, was inconclusive as far as his being able to determine how these men had received their particular powers, but he was convinced that they all were human beings. Notwithstanding their extraordinary abilities, he was convinced that they were unequivocally human beings nonetheless. Despite his operative’s conviction concerning his colleagues, Shepherd still had to convince the President that these men unequivocally had the interest of the United States national security as their primary directive.

I have given precise instructions for my operative to discover those answers mister President. As a matter of fact, he has been granted special permission to join their fledgling group which they formed shortly after thwarting the alien invasion.

Is that a fact? What is the name of this group which they’ve formed, George? The President inquired, somewhat annoyed. Why was I not informed of this decision as soon as it happened? Something of this importance should have immediately come to my desk, especially considering it came on the tail end of an invasion from forces outside of our planet.

The duo had reached the White House and the marine who had been escorting them saluted his Commander-In-Chief and stood guard in front of the door after holding it open for them. Director Shepherd entered first at the behest of the President and prepared to have a long and detailed conversation with the man regarding his operative’s directives and mandate.

Have a seat, George. While we have some time on our hands you and I need to have a serious conversation regarding your department’s mandate and why you coerced me into giving permission to, I believe his code name is, the Mammoth? The President articulated solemnly. I’m specifically inquiring about how you envision your operative interacting with his new associates - The Upholders.

Mister President, I can assure you that my decision to approve of the Mammoth’s decision to join this fledgling group in no way constitutes a conflict of interest. Being a founding member of the group should enable us to learn through him more about how these men all acquired their unique abilities. The way I see this can only be viewed as a win-win situation.

The President rubbed his chin as he contemplated the wisdom of what Director Shepherd had just said to him. It was imperative that the government learn, as much about these Upholders as possible in case there ever was a scenario where they turned against this country.

Very well, George. For the next half hour, I am all ears so tell me everything that you know so far about our costumed guardians. I want to know if any of them are genuinely Extraterrestrial Biological Entities. In other words, astound me!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

MANHATTAN

You could not imagine a more beautiful day in this great Metropolis, known affectionately to its citizens as, the Big Apple. The blue sky was completely free of any clouds and the sun was shining brightly. Among the over eight million residents going about their daily routines on this day was one particular individual who was anxiously heading to the location where his brother worked as one of the leading scientists in the northeastern section of America. This athletically built, twenty-five-year-old African American, having been a three-letter athlete while in college, and stood six feet four inches tall. He was quite handsome and strode majestically through the streets towards his destination. Neal Scott was a year out of Georgetown University; having graduated with a Doctorate degree and was currently seeking employment in his chosen fields of Physiology and Biophysics. Late last night he had received a telephone message from his brother Louis, indicating that he had made a scientific breakthrough that would astound the entire world, and he wanted his younger sibling to be the first to witness it. Louis himself had been a renowned scientist in the field of astrophysics now for several years. Neal could not help but smile as he reminisced about his big brother’s enthusiasm about science and the mysteries of the universe. Even when they were children, he had always admired his older brother and usually tried his best to emulate him.

Louis has always been extraordinarily ambitious about his vocation and fervently believed that he would one day win a Nobel Prize in science. If what he indicated to me last night is as spectacular as he seems to think that it is, then he might be on his way to fulfilling his lifelong dream.

He turned the corner and headed towards his brother’s apartment building. After reaching his destination, Neal entered the lavish complex. The door attendant greeted him seconds later, and smiled broadly, as he recognized him. He was an elderly man with an affable demeanor.

Good morning, Mister Scott. Here to visit your brother?

Good morning, Albert. Yes, I am. However, please do me a big favor and call me Neal rather than Mister Scott. It makes me feel so . . . ancient.

Albert gave him a broad grin in acknowledgement to his request and called upstairs to his brother’s apartment to announce his arrival. He then bid Neal to come in and gestured towards the elevator where he entered and pressed the appropriate floor before the door closed. Louis waited for him with his door open as he exited the elevator. Neal greeted him with the obligatory question.

So, big bro, what’s this world changing discovery that you’ve made which was so important that I had to get up so this morning and rush over here to see?

Louis was visibly excited and his body language betrayed his futile attempts to disguise that fact. He walked over to his work desk and retrieved his notes to show his brother. Neal enjoyed his childlike exhilaration as he took the documents from him.

Someone has been very busy I see. I assume that these papers will illuminate your discovery and save you the trouble of explaining everything to me, Louis?

"With that type of deductive reasoning I guess that all that money which mom and dad spent sending you to college did not go to waste after all, little brother. Louis replied. When you finish reading them, you’re going to be as astonished as I was when I . . . Well, I’ll let you see for yourself."

His curiosity was now growing at an exponential rate. Neal rapidly perused the paperwork and immediately became overwhelmed, just as his brother had predicted. Louis was now beaming with pride in his accomplishment and anxiously waited for his sibling to finish reading his transcripts. Once that happened, all Neal could do was stare incredulously at his brother.

Obviously, you recognize the significance of this discovery. I wonder when they’ll contact me to let me know that I’ve received the Nobel Prize for science. Louis inquired. If you’d like, I can give you a more personal demonstration pertaining to this breakthrough.

"Louis, as incredible as this is to believe, and I’m not saying that I doubt you, your evidence has got to be incontrovertible before you even think