Captain Omega Volume II The Last of the Guardians

By Scot Savage

Here it is! The sequel you've dreaded!

Captain Omega in his first novel-length adventure!

Omega and his new sidekick are invited to an Imperial Royal Wedding on the peaceful world of Taran.

Taran has been protected by knights known as "Guardians" but now only one remains.

The evil Baron Talon wants to rule or, failing that, destroy Taran.

Can Omega save Taran or is he his own worst enemy?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Oct 1, 2011
• ISBN: 9781387237937

Book preview

Captain Omega Volume II The Last of the Guardians

Captain Omega Volume 2:

The Last of the Guardians

A Novel

Scot Savage

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Scot Savage Enterprises

Copyright © 2008 by Scot Savage

ISBN # 978-1-387-23793-7

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination, or, if real, used fictitiously. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including, but not limited to, photocopying, recording or by any information storage retrieval system, without the express written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews or where permitted by law.

Cover Art by Scot Savage

Scot Savage Enterprises Designs

Printed in the United States of America

¹⁰ ⁹ ⁸ ⁷ ⁶ ⁵ ⁴ ³ ²

Dedication

For Vasudha!

THE EPIC SONG/POEM OF

THE LEGEND OF THE LAST GUARDIAN

When the last of the Guardians fall,

the peaceful world of Taran will be conquered by the evil hands of the Dark Knight who has betrayed his sworn Guardian oath.

It is said that no Guardian can ever falter from the path of everlasting righteousness, but one who succumbs to the forces of Darkness cannot be pulled from the path despite the rest of his honorable intentions,

for a Guardian can never rid himself of evil once he is exposed to it.

It is the Traitor Dark Knight that will make

Taran a Hell for all those who worked so hard to make it a peaceful place.

The Traitor may triumph in his endeavor

for only a Guardian can forfeit the life of another Guardian.

If all the Guardians save the Traitor are gone, none may be able to oppose the evil.

However, the Traitor must take into account, the Stranger that has fallen from the sky. Eyes as blue as the Crystal Sea,

and hair as golden as the wheat fields that blanket the fair plains.

Only after the Stranger’s death can the Dark Knight’s destiny be complete.

This will not be an easy task for the Stranger. Does he have all the makings for a Guardian?

The Two must become One, and the One must become Two.

That is the only way that Darkness will not overcome.

The future is in our own hands.

Peace or Destruction?

CHAPTER 1

I have need of your body, the Knight in Dark Armor kept saying to Captain Omega. Our psyches are meant to be linked together. It is our destiny.

              "Forget it, bozo! Omega came back.

He tried to intimidate his would-be foe by looking him straight in the eyes. He was cheated out of this as the knight’s visor on his dark helmet was pulled down all the way. Omega couldn’t even see any of the knight’s face let alone his eyes. All Omega could see was his own blurred oval reflection in the brightly polished jet black armor. The knight kept the armor up well. Omega could see no scratch, smudge or blemish within it. The knight’s armor was as perfect as Omega’s face.

You can’t deny destiny, the Knight in Dark Armor persisted. I must join with you.

It’s my body! Omega kept fighting back. "I won’t let you take it. And stop giving me the crap about destiny. I’ve heard that garbage too many times before. Just like it was Myrrocky Mammoe Mammu’s destiny to take my place as Ultimate Male, but I still have the title. I won’t be tricked and beaten down by the likes of you."

You are proud, The knight just stood there and folded his arms. But your arrogance could be your downfall. Without me, you may fail in your next test.

What test?

I cannot reveal the future. It is forbidden. I don’t know what it is myself. I can only feel it.

Then what makes you so sure I need you? Omega smirked. "I’m the Ultimate Male. I don’t need anyone."

Despite Omega’s persecution, the knight kept his calm demeanor. What of your friends who bailed you out in the past? What of Puck of the Mountains? Major Todd? Commander McMouse? Mr. Hitman? And all the others?

I can’t help it if I’m lucky. It was their choice to come to my aid. I never asked for help, but as long as it’s available, I might as well take it.

Subconsciously, you willed them to come and they heard your calling. That is one of your gifts.

Omega was stunned for a second. Maybe so, but we fought independently. I’ve never let anyone take me over before and I never will. If you need help, I’ll gladly team up with you, but I always stand alone and I am in charge of my actions.

With that, the Knight in Dark Armor lowered his head. Then surely you are doomed. I am doomed. My world is doomed. The universe may be doomed as well.

Don’t try to scare me. It’s only a dream anyway. A mere side effect of the medication.

Omega awoke quickly from his hospital bed clad only in a pair of shorts. He removed the plastic mask that was strapped to his face which pumped the suma-gas treatment into his lungs. It was supposed to clear his mind of all the anxiety that was stored up inside him, but it didn’t stop the dreams.

Like usual, the dream was basically the same. Omega could always recall it in detail, unlike most dreams that were forgotten once he woke up. Omega walked over to the window and hit the glass with his fist. At least, this time, unlike Zemacroyd’s attempt to wipe him out of existence, he didn’t wake up with a cold sweat.

What’s with this stupid dream all the time? Omega thought to himself. Why won’t it go away? Who is that knight? Who does he think he is? Why won’t he take off his helmet and show himself? Even in a dream, I can tell the good guys from the bad, but I can’t seem to get a lead on this guy. If this nut wants to merge with me, then he can only be up to no good. If he thinks that he can mess with me, he’s got another thing coming. Maybe, this is another way of wiping me out of existence.

If Zemacroyd couldn’t wipe me out physically, then, maybe, the next best thing is to take over my physical form. That’s absurd! I made my peace with Zemacroyd. He has his humanity back. He has his family back. So why would he be after me? According to the Grey Lord, no one else even knows that the temporal stream has been tampered with. Everyone else thinks that I’m just overworked. Of course, I have a strange feeling that Buzby Turkle knows about this, even if he won’t admit it. The more I think about it, this must be the Celestial Elder’s way of telling me that something’s going down."

Obviously, this knight wants to be the Ultimate Male and he’s trying to justify it, in his own sick, twisted mind, by using the old ‘Fate of the Cosmos’ routine. It’s obvious that he can’t beat me in a fair fight, so he’s going do the next best thing by letting his psychic consciousness take over mind. After that, who knows what else he could do? All I got to do is put this bozo down. He has to break my will before he can beat me. With a great ego like mine, he has no idea what he’s messing with. I’ll run into him in the real world eventually, and when I do—

I’m sorry, Captain, Omega heard a female voice come from behind him. I didn’t mean to barge in on you while you were out of bed—and undressed.

Omega turned around to see a beautiful, well-figured, blonde nurse carrying a tray. Her uniform fit tightly enough so that Omega could clearly see all the rounds and curves of her body. The length of the uniform was Omega’s favorite—short!

This was obviously the new nurse that Doctor Adams said that he was going to personally assign to Omega. What a relief! The last one had the face of a troll, the body of an ogre and the disposition of a hobgoblin. Being one to see a person from a positive point of view, Omega could say that his former nurse was a well accomplished professional. This new nurse; however, was a sight for sore eyes. Between his legs Omega felt an urge. The medication seemed to be getting him more aroused than usual.

I’m sorry, Omega said pleasantly. "I know I’m not supposed to be

out of bed, but I’m going a bit stir crazy. If you’ll give me just a few minutes, I’ll go right back."

Oh, no, sir! The nurse smiled and put the tray next on the night stand. I just came here to give you a pitcher of fresh water.

That’s very nice of you—ummm— Omega read the name tag that ran over her firm voluptuous breast. Susan—excuse me—I mean—Lieutenant Richardson.

Nurse Susan will do just fine, she answered. I’m a nurse first and a Federation officer second. Is there anything else you need?

No, thank you, Nurse Susan.

Are you sure? It’s no trouble at all. I’m here to serve.

I’m fine.

Omega flexed his bicep to impress her. His charm was working. She was starting to melt.

Don’t worry about me. I’m sure that you’re a very busy person so I won’t keep you on the run around. You probably have a lot of other patents to attend to that are a lot sicker than I.

Oh, no, sir. Doctor Adams assigned me only to you and told me that your recovery is my number one priority. I must grant all reasonable requests.

Really? Omega feigned ignorance. My own private nurse?

Of course Omega already knew that. He then grinned a cynical grin and stared at her with one eye partially closed and the other wide open with his eyebrow high on his forehead.

Yes, sir. the nurse noticed the way that Omega was staring at her. Why are you looking at me so oddly?

Omega took a hard dry swallow. Susan, has anyone ever told you that you are a gorgeous woman?

The nurse smiled and blushed and became too embarrassed that she had to avert her gaze to the floor.

I’m sorry, Susan. I didn’t mean to offend you.

No offense taken, sir. I’m just surprised to hear that from someone of your caliber. I didn’t think someone as handsome as you would take notice of me.

Look at me, please.

Nurse Susan brought up her head.

Do me a favor?

Yes?

Can you take that cute little hat off so I can see what that soft hair of yours looks like when it’s down?

She smiled and did what Omega asked. Her hair flowed down more gracefully than Omega expected.

Anything else? she said.

It was then that Omega realized that he was letting his drive get the better of him. He had no right, even as the Ultimate Male, to take advantage of this woman AND put her under his spell.

I think it would be best to lock the door to this room.

Anything wrong, sir?

Please do it. It’s in your best interest.

Nurse Susan went to the door, leaned on it, took out her keys and

locked the door from the inside. She then stared at Omega and started to breathe heavily.

I’m afraid that you misunderstood me. What I meant was for you to leave the room and lock the door behind you—from the outside.

Why? Nurse Susan played dumb. Are you mad at me?

No. Omega took a step towards her. But you don’t understand. I’ve been cooped up in this hospital room for weeks and the medication, along with seeing you, has started to warm me up.

Is that so, Captain? Her grin started to grow wider.

Yeah. He took another step. Uh—listen—mayb,e you’d better get Doctor Adams and ask him to give me something to calm me down.

Why? She started to tease him again.

Because I think that this medication is lowering my self-restraint.

"I’m sorry, Captain, but Doctor Adams is in surgery. Until he returns, I have full authority concerning your medical well-being. The medication you require does not come in a bottle."

I want to do things to you. Omega finally fessed up. Only a thread was holding his self-control.

"That’s exactly the medication you need!"

Before Omega knew it, Nurse Susan rushed in and gave him a lip lock. Omega returned the favor.

As they were kissing, Nurse Susan could felt something loosen around her waist. While they were kissing, Omega slowly unbuckled her belt, removed it from her waist and threw it off to the side of the room. Seeing that she wasn’t resisting, Omega slowly unzipped the zipper on the back of her uniform. He gently pulled it down until it fell on the floor.

Nurse Susan, are you married, engaged or have a boyfriend?

No—on all three counts. Keep going. I still have my underwear on.

Do you exercise regularly, I hope?

Aerobics for two hours. At least three times a week. Don’t worry I won’t fade out right away.

Just checking.

Omega continued kissing her and at the same time stealthily slipped his hand across her back and removed her bra with the flick of a wrist. Even in a weakened state, Omega didn’t lose his touch—and a soft touch it was, too!

Another skillful move and her panties were off as well. She was so overcome with his animal magnetism that she didn’t even realize right away that Omega had completely undressed her.

Before being overcome, Susan was able to say, I’m glad I was able to volunteer for this duty.

Fringe benefits are great! Omega picked her up and carried her over to the bed.

CHAPTER 2

In his dimensional limbo exile located just between the planes of reality and non-reality, the Knight in Dark Armor sat on a large stone and brooded. He unsheathed his mighty dark metal sword and stared at it as he contemplated.

He had done this so many times before. It was obvious that Captain Omega didn’t believe his story.

Omega is an arrogant fool, he cursed. "How dare he turn me away! Has he any clue to my real power? I must join with him—willingly or unwillingly! It’s only a small sacrifice on his part. Can’t he realize that? If the last Guardian falls, the Emperor will have no choice but to activate the ancient, secret safeguard to temporarily stay the forces of chaos and evil.

The Emperor doesn’t realize that by entering the Plane of Non-Existence, the enemy will be able to enter the palace and Omega will be at his most vulnerable. If only Omega would cooperate so I could wreak my vengeance on those that wronged me. If I could only feel whole and complete, then I could have greater concentration of my mission. Part of my consciousness must still be in my physical body. I don’t even know if my physical body is even alive or dead.

With that, the knight put his sword on the ground and knelt before it. Putting his hands together, he took a stance and meditated. He had to let his mind open up and store within it, all the mental and psychic power that he could muster. He would need it for the inevitable, upcoming struggle. This was one struggle that he had to win at all costs, even to his own existence.

Captain Omega was hindering him and the knight could not afford to be hindered!

After his bachelor banquet (one of many), Lord Sir Saldor the White, left his fellow warriors to step out onto one of the palace’s terrace for a bit of the fresh night air.

He leaned over the rail and stared at the stars in the deep blue sky. Saldor had a dread feeling that he wouldn’t see such a beautiful sight for much longer. For as long as he could remember, Taran was an Empire that lived in peaceful harmony. He had taken the oath as a Guardian to ensure that this peace would continue. Now, he was the last of the Guardians, save for that traitor Dark Knight. Saldor had a feeling that there would be no more Guardians after his passing.

What troubles you, Milord? Argus, a warrior of the Neutral Corp, interrupted Saldor’s concentration. Did you not find the entertainment of the banquet to your liking?

Everything was wonderful, Argus, Saldor replied. It’s only that my nerves have been on edge lately.

Ah, Argus grinned. Are you still nervous about the wedding the day after tomorrow? Why so tense, Milord? The beautiful Princess Katerina will be a suitable and noble wife for you. Anyone would give up anything for her hand.

That’s not it, friend. This is a mere political marriage. I’m only going through with this to buy time to deal with the enemy. Our union may not guarantee the continuation of the Guardianship.

Argus went up to his friend and put a hand on his shoulder. You will be performing the most noble and heroic deed on behalf the Guardian Cause.

That is true, Argus, but it would be less of a psychological burden to my conscience if Katerina were to wed her true love instead of me.

That cannot be, Milord. He has disgraced himself as well as disgracing the Guardian Cause.

But, at one time, the Disgraced One was a great Guardian—perhaps, the greatest of us all. He could have been the greatest that ever lived. Saldor slowly approached Argus and let his voice drop to a whisper. Can I confide in you? If there’s any other warrior I trust, it's you.

Being honored, the humble Argus brought his fist to his chest to give Saldor the Warrior’s Salute. You can depend on me, Lord Master Guardian.

After Saldor looked around to make sure that no one else was present, he said, I fear that I will not be alive much longer.

No! Do not speak so morbidly.

The Prophecy, Argus. I believe that there may be some truth to it.

Nonsense! Argus tried to reassure him. It is mere fiction. You can’t take the word of an ancient, crazed poet to be truth. No one can predict the future.

Saldor seemed to get a little nervous. It’s all starting to fit together. One Guardian betrays his oath and becomes the Dark Knight—the one that now spreads evil all over our once-peaceful world. Tomorrow, the Outsider will come to witness the wedding.

So?

"Can’t you see, Argus? The Federation representative will be the Stranger just like in the poem. All the Dark Knight needs do is ensure that we do not get together—then he can slay us individually. If that happens, Taran is doomed."

It won’t happen, Milord. Argus pretended not to be intimidated. I have every last warrior guarding the palace. The Dark Knight won’t infiltrate it tonight or any other night. Even if you could circumvent our defenses, the goodness of this place would still repel him. All we have to do is make sure that the Earth Federation representative arrives here safely and is well protected. If the Dark Knight dares show up then, you can both defeat him. That Prophecy states that the Traitor is no match for the combined might of the Great One and the Stranger.

That part doesn’t worry me. Saldor took out his handkerchief and wiped his brow. "I don’t believe that I am this Great One. I believe that the Great One no longer exists because the Dark Knight may have already done him in."

You are the Great One! Argus insisted. You have to be. You are the only Guardian left."

I think not. The Dark Knight has bested me time and time again in practice combat during our training. Only one person was ever a match for the Dark Knight and he is no longer with us.

All we need do is bide our time, Milord. For after the wedding, you can see that new generations of Guardians take your place. All you need is the consummated child of your union with Princess Katerina. The Guardians will not die out. If the Dark Knight is to make his move, he must do it before the wedding or forfeit his opportunity.

Perhaps you are right. Saldor began to see some hope. But I would feel better about the future of the Guardianship if you hadn’t turned down your final stage to join.

At that sudden instant, Argus’ face turned pale. He almost couldn’t get the words out. M-Milord, I am not worthy of such an honorable position.

Nonsense! You’re as great a swordsman as any other past candidate. I beg you to reconsider. You can take your final vow and face the Revitalizer before the wedding.

I cannot, Milord. Argus pleaded. Please, believe me.

Very well. Saldor gave it up. The final choice must be yours and yours alone. I didn’t mean to put pressure on you. A Guardian must join of his own free will. Enough of this talk. I must accept that I am now in the hands of Destiny. I can only hope that it leads me to the correct path.

My hopes are with you, Milord.

Thank you, Argus. Now if you’ll excuse me, I grow a little weary. I am off to bed. Goodnight, my friend.

Goodnight, Milord. Argus bowed as Saldor made his exit.

Just as Saldor was out of sight, the large, lumbering figure of Smeadley the servant trudged past the entrance of the terrace. The big oaf was walking so clumsily that he nearly tripped over his own feet. Argus could only lower his head and shake it. Argus, being a member of Neutrality, tried to make it a rule not to be involved in the personal problems of others or to pity them, but Smeadley was an exception. This is what the poor giant had amounted to, despite everything he had done for the Empire in the past.

Argus, in turn, felt tired as well and decided to make his last rounds before going to bed. Just as he stepped into the hall of the palace, he ran into Baldric, the Imperial Master Sage and leader of the Neutral Corp in which Argus belonged.

I saw Saldor leaving from the same terrace as the one you just came from, Baldric snapped. You were having words with him, weren’t you?

Aye, Milord. Argus pretended that he was not intimidated, but he believed that Baldric knew better.

You were fraternizing with him. You know that is forbidden.

Talking with an old friend is not forbidden, Milord.

You are from different Orders! Baldric became more belligerent. He follows the path of Law and Good while we respect the Balance of Power—Good or Evil. Our Orders are incompatible.

Is that so? Argus grew a little braver. Then why is it rumored that you’ve been associated in the past with—

Be silent! Baldric gave Argus a mean stare.

Why so testy, Milord? Are you afraid what people may think about your past associations?

Watch what you say. Remember that you’re still a mere man-at-arms and I’m the Emperor’s most trusted advisor.

Then there is no need for you to be so threatened by my associations.

Then Baldric changed his tone to be more passive. I don’t want to see you get in trouble by making accusations about things you don’t even know about. I can’t be punished for my past association with Baron Talon. I had no idea that he would turn traitor.

Nevertheless, Master Sage, Argus grew even bolder, they can’t punish you, but it could make you fall from the Empire’s favor if someone else kept bringing it to his attention.

Baldric played his final card. It’s best to keep quiet about such things, Argus. If someone were to make me look bad, it would make you look bad as well because you serve under me. Surely, it would be a pity to lose the little honor that you have now. Baldric gave Argus a mocking pat on the cheek and then departed.

Argus was worried about how Baldric had him on a string. At any time, Baldric could put him down. The crystal was the key—if only Argus could understand why he never felt compelled to look at it.

Seconds later, the crystal was forgotten about, as usual.

It was then that Argus noticed the pair of slender legs sticking out from the large tapestry that hung over one of the hallway walls. He quickly ran over to it, and pulled it aside.

He surprised the cute brunette that was hiding behind it. This was the woman that was in love with him and he was secretly in love with her as well. His feelings of humbleness prevented him from returning the advances of this noble woman who was Princess Katerina’s favorite Lady-in-Waiting and best friend.

Lady Bianca, are you spying on me again?

Of course, Argus. You’ve been avoiding me for the last few days. She tried to kiss him, but he gently pushed her away.

Please, Milady, this is not the time or place.

Argus, I do wish you’d stop being so self-conscious about yourself. Why do you let Baldric push you around? He’s not half the man that you are.

"I must respect my superiors, Milady. Would you speak out of turn to

your princess?"

Of course not. She put her arms around his waist. "But even the

princess treats me with respect. What does Baldric have on you?"

Milady, he politely brushed her hands away, you promised never to ask me that again.

Fine! She took a little offense, but then smiled and changed the subject. Then can I ask why you keep turning down Saldor’s request to become a Guardian? He really needs you—now more than ever. It’s not that you lack the skills. I’ve seen you defeat many fine warriors in combat.

"I’ve only accepted their challenge because I knew that I could win and the combat was only practice. No one gets killed. There is nothing at stake save for bragging rights. I never fought a warrior that I had doubts of defeating. If I were a Guardian, I’d have to fight anyone who opposed Taran whether I was confident of victory or not."

I don’t believe that. You are no coward. What holds you back?

Failure, Milady, he blurted out.

It was so sudden