MEANWHILE, AT THE UN BUILDING…
Sonny Nukleoid landed in the middle of a pond, practically knocking all of the water out of the body and onto the grass. Shrugging himself off, Sonny lumbered towards a large bread truck, which was strangely parked on a small hill near the building. Inside the truck, amongst several heavily armed, body armor-wearing troopers, sat a man with thinning grey hair, as well as a heavily-wrinkled woman. Both wore full-body spandex uniforms, with the symbol of a stereotypical atom on their midriff. “Mama, Papa, I’m back,” said Sonny.
Mama Nukleoid looked at the small wound on Sonny’s back. “Hon! What happened to you?”
“That punk Martinez recruited some wanna-be heroes,” said Sonny. “There’s no way they can stop us, though.”
“I sure hope so,” said Papa Nukleoid. “We just have to repeat our last job, and everything will be set.”
MEANWHILE, ON BOARD THE UN CHOPPER…
Mabat continued to pilot the craft, while the rest sat in the back of the chopper. “Amazing this piece of junk still works,” said demigod.
“Continue reading, Pierson,” said Wil.
“There’s not much to tell,” said Pierson. “The rest is a bunch of invoices, but the names are all whited out…except…” His eyes locked on a single piece of paper. “This one has a name…”
A cruel smile etched across Pierson’s face. “NOW what?” asked GG Crono.
“Let’s just say things got a lot more interesting,” said Pierson. “How long until we reach the UN?”
“We won’t be there until 8:30,” said Mabat. “And even then, we’ll have to find somewhere to land.”
“That gives us only a half hour with which to stop the Nukleoids,” said Wil. “Just hurry as much as possible!”
SEVERAL HOURS LATER, AT THE UN CHAMBERS…
Delegates from countless nations massed together in the room, as numerous other delegates prepared their speeches for the night. Some looked confident in their victory, while others were paniced and terrified at what was before them. Finally, the first speech of the night began, with the US Ambassador taking the podium.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we are at a threshold. Humanity is being threatened not only by those who seek to undermine freedom, but those who possess powers and abilities above the norm. Although we misplaced our facts, we are certain that those with superhuman abilities are responsible for over 90% of terrorist acts across the planet. Although there is no getting rid of them, they must be controlled to the upmost levels of the law, so that only those that will not resort to terror tactics will be able to exercise their powers!”
The Nukleoids flexed themselves, preparing for the carnage they would soon unfold.
Next, the Japanese Ambassador took the podium. “Gentlemen and women operating outside their station, we have a long history of dealing with bizzare creatures and superhumans, mostly from the nuclear fallout of the atomic bombings. Because of the events of the last sixty years, we have learned to accept the aid these superhumans can provide, as well as how to use them to combat those that would destroy humanity. We should be teaching these heroes the values of goodness and conformity, and not simply tossing them aside and hoping they’ll go away.”
The chopper flew towards the building, only to have the landing gear fail yet again.
Next, the Chinese Ambassador took the podium. “Ladies, Gentlemen, we cannot account for the loyalty of superhumans. What if one is born with immortality and other powers, and conquers all of the earth? What if they band together and destroy humanity? It is impossible to account for them all, and no legal limits could possibly be set high enough. We need to eliminate the problem at its source, by locating all those with powers and keeping them from contacting society again, by any means necessary.”
The Nukleoids approached the front doors. Before the guards could respond, Papa Nukleoid fired a pair of green beams. Upon contacting the guards, the helpless victims were reduced to skeletons, which then melted into slime.
Next, the Canadian Ambassador took the podium. “Folks, I’m from Canada, and thus have no bearing on the world stage, but Canada has a long history of acceptance and understanding. Metahumans provide a valuable service to the community,a assisting in matters that are either too dangerous or impossible for regular humans to solve. And remember, only an approximate 35% of metahumans turn to crime and evil. Most simply live out as normal a life as possible, desperate not to be found out. It’s time to open the doors to these beings, and allow them to operate in the open, for the sake of humanity.”
The chopper crashed into the nearby pond, sending the entire Task Force (plus Wil) flying into the building.
Just as the Iranian Ambassador took the podium, the doors to the hall flew open, as the massive figure of Sonny Nukleoid strolled in, accompanied by Mama and Papa. The hulking figure slammed shut the doors behind him, and slammed a pillar in front of them, effectively blocking any escape. “Alright, ladies and gentlemen, it’s our turn!” said Sonny. Low screams appeared in the background.
“We’re going to turn this world into a living hell!” said Papa Nukleoid. The screams began to grow louder.
“You earned it when you placed us under your control!” said Mama Nukleoid. “Face the wrath of-”
Suddenly, the entire Task Force (plus Wil) flew through the roof, landing on top of Mama Nukleoid. “Damn, that was rough,” said Galloway.
“We’re in the building, aren’t we?” asked Mabat.
Suddenly, the ground beneath them shifted, as Mama Nukleoid flattened herself into liquid and slipped underneath her opponents. Papa Nukleoid raised one hand. “Alright, let’s see how you survive a radioactive beam!”
A green beam fired from Papa Nukleoid’s hand, but Mabat managed to use a shield, deflecting the beam into the roof. As Mabat and Wil turned their attention to Papa Nukleoid, Mama formed her right arm into a long, sharp blade and lunged at GG Crono, who blocked the attack. As GG Crono and demigod locked onto her, Galloway hovered over a jab from Sonny, and countered with a kick to the face, which barely fazed the hulk. He and Pierson prepared for the upcoming assault.
Meanwhile, the delegates ducked for cover, all the while taking notes on the battle and its tactics.
MEANWHILE, IN A DARKENED ROOM…
“Will this be a problem?”
“You mean these pathetic heroes? No, they will be no problem at all, high master. The Nukleoids will be more than a match for them.”
Papa Nukleoid fired another green beam, but Mabat blocked the attack yet again. Wil, meanwhile, countered with a Thunder spell, blasting Papa with a huge surge of electricity. The attack sent the Nukleoid flying into the far wall, but otherwise did not seem to cause any major injuries. “Any idea how he uses that attack?” asked Wil.
“Kinda,” said Mabat. “I doubt I’d be able to survive a direct blow, but I think I know how to sense it.”
Sure enough, Papa fired another beam, but before he could even raise his hand, neeldes sprouted on the front of Mabat’s body and fired at the man, causing numerous puncture wounds and disrupting Papa’s concentration. Wil followed this with an Earth spell, lifting chunks of the floor into the air and flinging them at his opponent. One piece managed to hit home, knocking Papa Nukleoid out cold.
Meanwhile, GG Crono continued to strike out at Mama, but whenever he attacked, she hardened her body until it was as invulnerable as mithril. demigod leaped over his partner’s head in an attempt to pin the woman yet again, but she transformed her body into a coiled mess, which then swept itself around demigod and trapped him like a boa constricter.
Suddenly, GG Crono had an idea. Grabbing his sword, he jumped into the air, flipped his sword downward, and impaled Mama across her coiled body. The woman screamed in pain, loosening her grip on demigod enough so he could bite into her body, as well as did his claws into her flesh. Finally, Mama managed to shake off both attackers, sending them flying into the air, but demigod fired a force bolt while still falling, blasting her in the back of the head. Mama Nukleoid regained her human form, and fell to the ground, completely unconscious.
Meanwhile, Pierson dug his dagger into Sonny’s chest, but the hulking figure simply shrugged the blow off and knocked Pierson aside. Galloway punched the figure several times in the gut, but each attack only met the brick wall that was Sonny Nukleoid’s abs. Laughing off his pathetic opponent’s attacks, Sonny lifted Galloway over his head and prepared to go for the classic backbreaker finisher.
Suddenly, a sharpened miniature Cuban flag flew into Sonny’s left armpit, followed by the sharp, miniature flags for Saudi Arabia, Kenya, South Africa, South Korea, Jamaica, Ireland, Scotland, France, Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina. As Pierson ran off to grab more flag ammo, Galloway powered up to Kaioken times 10, and slammed both fists into the confused Sonny’s upper chest. The sheer force of the blow, now further powered by the Kaioken, knocked the air out of Sonny’s lungs. As the giant dropped Galloway and fell to his knees, gasping for air, Pierson returned and slammed him across the back of the head with a large UN flag, knocking the giant out cold.
At last, the Nukleoids had been defeated in a fair, superhero battle. The scared delegates returned to their seats as everyone attempted to restore some semblance of order. Finally, the US Ambassador returned to the podium. “People, please! We need to return to the business at hand! We need to-”
“Not so fast!” said Wil. “If you’ll excuse me, I have something to say.” Obviously trapped between a rock and a hard place, the US Ambassador reluctantly allowed Wil to wheel himself to the podium. After clearing his throat, Wil began his speech.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, we are indeed at a crossroad, but it is not simply one of humans versus metahumans. It is a question of what is more important: maintaining the status quo or allowing for uncertain change to occur? The Nukleoids are the worst that metahumans have to offer, but these men here, the RPGC Task Force, are some of the best superhumans there are. And there are countless others like the Task Force, who simply need some guidance to show them the way.
“Remember, metahumans will not go away, no matter how much you wish it was so. The best you can do is try to incorporate them into society, to teach them how to use their powers and gifts to benefit mankind, rather than to advance their own selfish goals. If we do this, we can make this world a better place, one where everyone can live in harmony and acceptance. Remember, you are the United Nations; it’s time you accomplished your purpose and bring some peace.”
Everyone was silent as the UN Chairman approached Wil. “Please, will your associates wait outside? We must vote on the resolution-”
“NO! You will do no such thing!”
Papa Nukleoid climbed to his feet and fired a green beam. Wil pushed himself out of his wheelchair, pushing the chairman to the ground. The beam bounched off a small mirror on the wall, and hurtled towards the doors, past Mama, past GG Crono, past Mabat, past demigod, past Pierson, past Galloway…and right into Sonny, who was in the middle of climbing to his feet. After several seconds of blood-curling screaming, Sonny vanished in a flash of green light, leaving only a pile of green slime. Wil quickly used a sleep spell before the crazed man could fire another beam, but the Task Force stood in shocked silence at what they had just witnessed.
After several hours of waiting, the US Ambassador left the chamber and approached the waiting Wil and Task Force. “Congratulations, the UN has decided to allow metahumans to register for licenses again. I suggest you start with these five; they’re obviously not old enough to be on the list.”
“I will, sir,” said Wil.
“And remember, it only passed by one vote,” said the US Ambassador. “At least some people know how dangerous you all are. Good day, SIR.” The ambassador stormed off, while the Task Force looked on in disgust.
“You know, some days I hate being an American,” said Galloway.
Heaven’s Soldier, Pokefreak and Fou-lu stood outside the UN building, next to a stretch limo. All three applauded the Task Force as they left the building, new licenses in tow. “…What’s going on?” asked Pierson.
“Heaven’s Soldier told me to free you,” said Wil. “He wanted you to form the new RPGC Task Force, to help battle crime and evil in RPGC as well as the world.”
“What about you?” asked GG Crono.
“I should be out of the chair in a few weeks,” said Wil. “I already have enough work, though. Besides work, I still have to train my niece Nelimar, as well as Galloway’s lousy brother.”
“Good choice of adjetives,” said Galloway.
“Come on,” said Heaven’s Soldier. “We have a plane to catch, and a conspiracy to unveil.”
Papa and Mama Nukleoid stared at each other in their seperate containment cells. “It’s their fault,” said Mama. “Don’t blame yourself. Once we get out, we’ll destroy the RPGC Task Force for good.”
Newscast: “This just in! The Canadian Ambassador to the UN, who was recently indicted on conspiracy charges linked to a group known as ‘The Eye,’ was found dead outside his home last night. The cause appears to be a gunshot to the head, apparantly suicide. And once again, the Dodgers lost…”
THE END OF ISSUE 1
Next Issue: Can the Task Force overcome the deadliest terrors of a child’s imagination? They must face off against…NIGHTMARE THE CLOWN!