The ship's door opened as Captain Ivory Wing, Captain Freedom, and Metal Man stepped out.
"LOOKS LIKE YOU'VE GOT A REAL PARTY GOING ON HERE," Metal Man joked. Black Back's eyes narrowed.
"I'm dealing with a situation that requires my full attention. What brings you to Zion?" he asked.
"We need to speak with you," Captain Freedom said. "We wouldn't come all this way if it wasn't important."
Kane released a heart chuckle. "Then it is confirmed!" he said, turning to the crowd once again. "Do you not see? He is owned by these Crusaders. Our king serves another master."
Captain Freedom turned to the Black Back and gently grabbed his arm. "Is there a place we can speak privately?" he asked.
"We'll go the capital," Black Back said, pulling away from his grip. "To the royal palace."
"Yes, go to your shimmering palace, away from the people," Kane said.
Kane's rudeness agitated Captain Ivory Wing.
"Watch it, buddy!" she shouted. "Black Back ids still your king!"
Kane sneered picked up his broken tools as the crowd dispersed. Black Back was impressed by his people's continued resilience in the face of danger. I WILL GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS, he thought. The Crusaders headed to toward the Quin-jet for the short journey to the capital of Zion.
Metal Man noticed Black Back's frustration and tried to lighten the mood.
"TOUGH CROWD, MAN," he said with a smile.
"I can't believe you let that guy talk to you like that," Captain Ivory Wing said.
"I didn't let him do anything. I merely listened," Black Back said.
"Respect isn't demanded, Captain. It's earned."
"You got that right!" Captain Ivory Wing replied.
Black Back pulled Captain Freedom aside to speak privately as the others boarded the ship.
"The people are tense. My duties as an Crusader have kept me away from my duties as the King of Zion. A mysterious enemy has chosen to take advantage of this. It's a matter I look forward to handing on my own."
Captain Freedom nodded. "UNDERSTOOD."
At the royal palace, the Crusaders made themselves comfortable in Black Back's personal quarters. The modern space was filled with ancient relics from Zion's past. A portrait of his father when he was the reigning Black Back hung in the middle of the room. Black Back treasured it above all else. Metal Man removed his helmet and strolled through the room, looking at each piece of history.
"NICE PALACE YOU'VE GOT HERE," he said.
"NEED A ROOMMATE?"
"You're always welcome to visit," Black Back said, grinning under his mask. "It's not often that I receive guests."
Captain Ivory Wing had grown tired of pleasantries. "Let's get to business, Black," she said. "Last night, a guy dressed like you robbed the SUPREME FORCE black site. We know you didn't do it, but Lew Griffith still wants us to bring you in for questioning."
"I don't understand," Black Back said.
"I've been in Zion for over a week now since our last mission. Griffith knows this. Supreme Force(S.F.)
should be able to solve this mystery easily and without my involvement."
"THERE'S A GUY OUT THERE COMMITTING CRIMES DRESSED EXACTLY LIKE YOU," Metal Man offered. "AREN'T YOU AT LEAST WORRIED?"
Black Back was annoyed. "Villains are invading my country. The people of Zion feel threatened, and I haven't been here to protect them. That worries me more than anything else right now."
Captain Freedom took deep breath, and he explained the situation as he saw it.
"I understand your predicament, Zeus. I truly do. But believe me when I tell you --- S.F. isn't asking. This is not a request."
"Then it's an order?" Black Back replied. "What if I choose not to come with you?"
"We answer to S.F. That's the way it is. You signed up for stuff like this when you joined the Crusaders!" Captain Ivory Wing said, her temper flaring. "There are no free rides. Even for kings."
Black Back wanted to honor his commitment to the Crusaders, but he'd also made a commitment to defend his people. There was a serious choice before him, and he wasn't sure what to do.
Before he could answer, Ramonda, the Queen Mother, walked into the room.
She smiled.
"No one told me we had guests. I would've had the chef prepare a snack for everyone."
Noting that they were in the presence of royalty, Captain Freedom, Metal Man and Captain Ivory Wing bowed.
But Ramonda wouldn't have such a thing.
"Rise Please. This tradition has always made uncomfortable," she explained. Ramonda embraced the Crusaders, giving them each a warm and sturdy hug. "What brings you to Zion? Taking my son away on a new adventure?"
"Someone has taken my identity and used it to commit a crime. My colleagues are here to bring me in for questioning," Black Back said. The room fell silent.
"May I have a moment alone with mt stepson, please?" Ramonda asked.
"Of course," said Captain Freedom.
The Crusaders respectfully stepped out of the room.
"It's good to have you home," Ramonda said.
"It's good to be home," said Black Back. "I'm pulled in many directions these days, as you well know."
"Zeus, do me a favor and remove your mask," Ramonda said. "I want to see your face when I'm speaking to you."
The Black Back's uniform was made of a bulletproof Plutonium weave that protected him from harm. It did not, however, prevent him from facing reality. He removed his mask and smiled at his stepmother.
Ramonda put her hand to Zeus's cheek and grinned. "My proud son. The king," she said. Heavy is the head that wears the crown."
"How many times must I hear that tired old phrase?" Zeus asked. He turned to look at a Zion artifact on display. "There's unrest at the Great Mound," he said. "The white Gorilla Cultists have reared their ugly heads yet again."
"Do you have any leads?" Ramonda asked.
"No," Zeus answered. "It's infuriating."
"Utilize all your resources. There are answers to all your questions," Ramonda said.
"In the meantime, know that Zion is forever grateful for your protection."
Zeus shook his head. "You don't understand. The people think that I'm abandoning them," he said. "They think my duties as a Crusader come before their needs. I wonder if they're right."
"You've helped the Crusaders fight madmen that would destroy the entire planet, Zion included," said Ramonda.
"It's not enough for them," said Zeus. "The people speak only of my failures."
"And what of your achievements?" Ramonda said. "Remember the good that you're doing."
Stepmother and stepson gazed out across the vastness of their kingdom and were met with a feeling of calmness as they recalled fond times from the past.
"Your father would have been so proud of you. This is not an easy job. Your father knew that more than anyone," said Ramonda. She rested her head on Zeus's shoulder.
Zeus knew what he had to do. "I'll accompany the Crusaders to the S.F. Helicarrier and return as quickly as possible," he said. There was a renewed firmness in his voice. "Then I'll get to the bottom of these attacks and stop them once and for all. I owe Zion everything I have," he said. "I won't let my people down."