Monkey Spider Mountain (Chapter 4)

The long Eternian night was nearing its end as the dawn approached. For Duncan it made little difference as he was still trapped within the confines of a forsaken Gar-Shan base inside of a Mountain hidden within the deadly Vine Jungle. The artificial intelligence created long ago by a people known as the Gar-Shan had mistaken Duncan as one of their own. Duncan as well as Kronis who was trapped alongside him currently were both intercepted outside of the Mountain base by cloned creatures called Monkey Spiders. As what was as Duncan learned routine, the Monkey Spiders would forage as well as wander outside the facility during the day and return at nightfall. Any humanoid found by these Monkey Spiders were interrogated by them as well as returned to the facility based on certain characteristics possessed by the humanoid which happened for Duncan to be technological enhancements. However, the Sorceress who was able to communicate with a green tiger which was let into the mountain facility was perhaps an anomaly or the Monkey Spiders developed new instincts that were not in line with their original programming. This mistake of allowing not only an Eternian soldier as well as a perceived ally of his who was actually not but how was Duncan going to convince the Controller otherwise at this point needed to be rectified.

Once Duncan returned to the Cerebrum with Kronis they were both apprehended by a group of Monkey Spiders. The Controller had the Monkey Spiders keep Duncan and Kronis separated though allowed the return of Rohad to its previous owner. As was explained by the Controller, during its interface with Rohad a diagnostic was performed on the facility. As soon as the breach was made at the launch point where the Mekka warrior in the form of Shavazustra lay hidden the Controller became suspect. Though in reality, the Controller was aware that Rohad was a foreign ai first because neither shared any similar biometrics. However, Rohad was able to convince the Controller to perform a preliminary diagnostic check in order to keep the cover of its benefactor.

During the diagnostic only one glaring error was found which happened to be in the rocket's oxidation pump. What it was exactly was that one of the oxidation pumps was not pumping fast enough to ignite the fuel inside the combustion chamber.

The Controller began," The problem must be fixed manually. You may show him the image."

In order to convey what the Controller was referring to Rohad pulled up an image on its screen which showed two rockets pieced together. On the screen there was a highlighted image showing inside the right rocket where the oxidation pump was at 50% capacity as opposed to its counterpart which was at an accurate 98%.

A suspicious Duncan who is worried that Rohad has become compromised by the Controller asks his host," Let's say I perform this operation for you, what then?"

"You are both of you free to leave the Cerebrum.", the Controller says.

Ignoring the offer, Duncan explains "You do know that this would be a failed operation. If you have not already been informed by Rohad the war between Anwat Gar and Eternia has ended. If you allow me to leave now, I would be more than willing to contact the Royal Navy who I am sure are along the cost right now. We will confiscate this facility, shut it down and proceed to either dismantle it or demolish it for you."

The Controller counters Duncans offer, "You have no jurisdiction here on this region known as the Vine Jungle. Therefore, your offer is invalid."

"What is Shavazustras destination?", Duncan asks.

"What do you mean?", the Controller asks.

The coyness of the Controller begins to irritate Duncan who states," Do you plan to launch your Mekka warrior towards the Ocean of Gnarl where it to can rest at the bottom of the sea along with Loxodor?"

"The Mekka Loxodor was a gift to the people of the Golden Isles; it does not belong to Anwat Gar.", the Controller states.

"What about the Mekka Gygor of Operon?", Duncan asks.

"The Mekka Gygors whereabouts are unknown at this time.", the Controller admits.

Kronis looks at Duncan as if he is worried about his line of questioning and what it might invite upon them. Duncan unabated goes on," So, your launch will not have a target? How do you expect me to believe you?"

The cold voice of the Controller chillingly states," You can either believe me or not. Though if you do not proceed with fixing the status of the oxidation pump, I will let Kronis perform the detail instead. While..."

The Controller then becomes distracted by something else before it can continue as the large screens above the room show activity once again.

On multiple screens, in real time are shown Goblin soldiers exiting another activated portal. This time the portal is much larger as a tank is seen on one if the many screens arriving with ill intent.

"Do you have artillery in this place to use against our aggressors? Duncan asks the Controller.

"I believe that these aggressors are in pursuit of you. Though to answer your question: no. However, you will have access to tools on the scaffolding leading up to the panel where the right oxidation pump needs maintenance.", the Controller affirms.

After finally conceding, Duncan states that he is ready to go perform the maintenance on the rocket. Duncan is also allowed to have Kronis assist him as both are followed along by Monkey Spiders until they enter inside the lift concealed by the face of a monster.

Outside the mountain many Goblin soldiers line up in rows as they await orders to attack. On the other side of the portal, in the outskirts of Snake Mountain is shown two large columns with mystical symbols along its base. The portal glows in activation between the spread apart columns where the Goblin forces can be seen at the base of the large mountain.

In a semi-circle stood Skeletor, Evil-Lyn, Beastman, General Tataran, Mer-Man and Tri-Klops, then with a wave the portal was deactivated.

After Skeletor waves the portal closed he opened a visual image of the events in the Vine Jungle with another wave of his bony blue hand.

"Let us see if your Goblin troops can conquer this mountain.", Skeletor put forth to Tataran.

"General Tataran, have you decided on your first fire to start?", Evil-Lyn broke in before Tataran could humor Skeletor's inquiry.

This caused Skeletor to offset Evil-Lyns inquiry," We are in the beginning stages of our overall game plan. Maybe you have a suggestion of which fire to start."

An almost bored Evil-Lyn replied, "No, really do not."

"Perhaps I can make a suggestion on which of the four kingdoms you should conspire against first.", Mer-Man proposed.

"Operation Recoil is based on the historical overthrow of the Snakemen by the united four kingdoms: the Avonians, the Centaurs, the Bones-Men or tribe of Ch'llar, and lastly the Reptons. I have studied that great conflict in order to use the very same premise against the Kingdom of Eternia someday. Thanks to Skeletor I anow have that opportunity. Though many things have changed since that Preternian time. So, hold your thoughts about it Mer-Man for now.", Tataran imparted.

Skeletor gave a comment, "Please Mer-Man, let my general oversee his soldiers in action. There will be plenty of time to discuss in greater detail operation Recoil."

At last, the Eternos sun has finally started to rise. The red hue permitted itself to peak up from the dark blue ocean.

Another raft came ashore on the dark golden sand, where many navy soldiers disembarked single file towards the lighted dilapidated boat. As soon as the soldiers were near, Consul Ari and his Manservant Mensa were accompanied out to meet them.

Malcome shouted at the newly arrived seamen," I need but one of you to stay here with me!" Of the six, a soldier was dismissed from the rest so he could join Malcome's search and rescue team just as Mensa and his consul brushed past!

"Welcome, I am Malcome! This is...well you all know each other though I don't think we've met...", the burly red head asked a young looing recruit.

"My names Aryn, sir.", the young man informed Malcome.

"Nice to meet you now come on!", Malcome said hurriedly as he led Aryn to where the one Seamen saw the tiger disappear behind a tree the night before.

Immediately, Malcome heard the buzzing of many gnats. After following the buzzing, he came upon the carcass of a grey Monkey Spider.

Malcome put his laser rifle forward as he singled for his five other soldiers to follow him single file into the jungle.

A Goblin soldier with a horned helmet atop the one tank in the area before the mountain told two units to spread out! Then the lead soldier ordered several Goblins with jet packs to circle above the two units! When the way was clear, the Goblin atop his tank told the gunner he was riding with to open fire!

A huge blast was shot out of the double-barreled canons!

The blast echoed throughout the jungle, as its vibration's shook trees and scared the wildlife around it.

For Malcome's rescue team who stopped to take cover after hearing the awesome blast waited until a second blast fired!

"I wonder who brought a tank into the jungle.", Malcome quipped upon identifying the source of the blasts. Malcome continued, "It is good in a way as that nasty artillery fire will keep any nasty predators away from us. Though with a trail of Monkey Spider corpses leading the way...which I guess was left behind by our green tiger friend I'm not sure of friend or foe around here."

"Do we dare proceed?", the seamen closest to Malcome asked.

"We must though at our gravest discretion.", Malcome said just as another blast rocked the area around them.

Far below the mountain on a tall scaffolding behind an enormous sized twin rockets were Duncan who was busy tampering with the oxidation pump somewhere midway up on the right rocket.

"Did the Controller tell you why the oxydation level needed to be as high as 98%? It sounds as if the Controller intends to leave the planet. In that way I wish LT Glenn was here as she has traveled in space."

"The rocket would need less than 60 0r 50 % oxidation rate for ignition towards Eternia which lied directionally south from this mountain.", Rohad answered.

"You mean in a straight line, geometrically speaking...", it was Kronis who nearby using his helmets sensors to scan the fuel tank in-between both rockets.

"That is correct.", Rohad answered

"Well, I am done let's get back to the Cerebrum.', Duncan said as he re-sealed the panel by magnetically ceiling the screws with a magnetic screwdriver.

The sound of metal crashing to the floor alerted Duncan as Kronis attempted to expand his wings from his harness. Duncan expertly retrieved his micro-torch from its hidden compartment that looked like yellow stripes on his silver helmet!

The Monkey Spiders were actually dismantling the scaffolding!

"Grab hold of my Kondors claw!", Kronis told Duncan as he flew beside him. A Monkey Spider with its venomous fangs leapt onto the backside of Kronis! The hideous looking Monkey Spider with its unleashed fangs bit into the neck of Kronis who screamed in agony! After releasing its fangs from the punctured wound on the side of Kronis neck the Monkey Spider looked at Duncan who shot his torch in the face of the creature! There was two holes in the green skinned Catniks neck as most of the bite pierced the metal collar if the harness.

Kronis had a firm grip on Duncan inside his large talon like fist along his wing as he shot upward with his jet-propelled rocket!

Duncan asked if Kronis was alright after receiving his bite. To which the Catnik goblin affirmed that he did not feel a thing as he continued flying them both upward. There was nothing but an empty shaft which led to the launching point which was capped by the mountain top. Kronis, who had been at the top as he was captured there was striving to make his exit at that very same point.

Unfortunately, there was an obstruction, which prevented further access upward through the shaft. Kronis scanners picked it up before he could crash into it! The metal barrier was very thick as not even Kronis sonics could penetrate it. Kronis again used one of his arms to puncture a handhold in the metal barrier above his head. this allowed Kronis to simply hang in the air using his one arm. The jets of the Kondor were cooled down to provide a gently lift which assisted the one arm hooked into the manifold barier above them.

Outside the base of the mountain there was a fierce battle betwen Goblin soldiers and Monkey Spiders going on!

Having not advanced from their position, Malcome and his search team kept safe from the action! The seamen nearest Malcome made mention of all the screaming raising the back of his neck hairs.

"It sounds like the Monkey Spiders are fiercely defending themselves from a small army. Though how did an army get into the jungle without our knowing it?", a concerned Malcome asked.

No, words were spoken more truthfully as Malcome would know if he could only witness the action for himself. For the open passages along the mountain in which the Monkey Spiders traverse have again been accessed by interlopers this time in the form of jet packed assault Goblin troopers! As the Monkey Spiders numbers are shot down by sniper fire from the air the barrage of ground troopers mow down dozens of Monkey Spiders at a time! Then before the Monkey Spiders can regroup a single tank blast obliterates the rest!

It is a massacre that the Monkey Spiders realize as there forces rapidly deplete! In fear the creatures scatter back inside their holes alongside the mountain as they quickly reseal their secret passageways from the invaders! Though many of their ports of entry or in this case retreat have been cut off by Goblin sky assault troopers who laser blast them back into the fray where they are eventually decimated!

Then a rumbling stirs the mountainside!

The piles of stacked Monkey Spiders are scorched by Gobin troopers with flame throwers!

Another quake causes the Goblin troopers to take a pause in the action. Then suddenly vents inside of the passageways which are not sealed up breath fire! The Goblin air assault troopers within are either burnt alive or manage to escape as the flames explode out of each open hole on the side of the mountain!

The Goblins regroup themselves around each other in mass. The mountain begins shaking relentlessly as even the ground around gives way! The Goblins huddle together for protection but that won't save them! What will save them is the portal reopening itself leading back to Snake Mountain! The Goblin leader on the tank shouts, "Single file, we retreat! Stay in a single file! aghhh!"

The Gobin leader cries out as the heavy tank is quickly swallowed by the crater of ground opened up beneath it!

Inside the empty shaft of the mountain the heat becomes unbearable! The loud trembling of what would appear the rocket thrusters below begin to vibrate along the walls!

Then the obstruction of metal begins to give way.

Duncan drenched in sweat from his brow shouts in relief, "It's receding! We're going to get out of here!"

To Duncans surprise, Kronis was fading in as well as out of consciousness as he became less responsive to his words.

"Kronis wake up! The barrier above us is opening!"

Finally, Kronis snapped to it! The Kondors talon which was gripped inside the metal hull was twisted out. Then as the way upward was cleared, Kronis spread his Kondors wings apart while igniting both thrusters to blast off! There was only one direction to go in now!

As Duncan was lifted towards the sky light where the launch access point was now open, he watched below as the rocket was catching up in speed! Instantaneously, in a fraction of time just as Kronis flew free from the maw of the mountain top, tentacles entwined the Kondors wings!

The top of the mountain was shrinking as the tentacles as well as the gravitational force glued the Kondors wings to the side of the rocket!

The red eye of the Controller then appeared from nowhere as it spoke in seeming anger," We will be in orbit soon. If you do not asphyxiate first from lack of oxygen, then your blood will freeze. Do not worry though I will bury your bodies on the new world I am heading towards."

Kronis body was freezing, his mouth was so numb that he could not open it.

A fireball blinded the Controllers eye! It was Duncan who was using his micro torch once again! His hands were worm with the torch in hand as he fired at the tentacle clamps around Kronis so he could perhaps get enough leverage to....

Break Free!

The Kondor was in free fall! The turbulence seemed as if it was breaking Duncans skin! The two warriors were frigid with both frost as well as freight as they hurdled from undreamt of heights!

Kronis had automatically set his coordinates of his Kondor as he was about to pass out from shock! The Kondors jets were slow to ignite, Duncan hoped that they had not been frozen shut. Then it happened the Kondors thrusters finally kicked in!

Duncan had no idea in what direction the Kondor was taking the both of them. Though he knew that the Royal Palace was parallel to Monkey Spider Mountain! Rohad who's lights where frigid also knew that there was another location that lied parallel in the Westwardly direction. It was in the dark hemisphere where the Goblins dwelled a place that Kronis might want to head towards.

The land below the Kondor was coming in fast! The Kondor sped along its trajectory, over valleys, as well as canyons and rivers until the everything including the ground darkened. Duncan felt for Kronis wrist to check his pulse. there was a pulse which meant he was alive. It seemed as if the thrusters had died again until the wings of the Kondor inverted themselves! The thrusters of the Kondor became alive again in an effort to halt its decent! The inertia that had been built up was so great but the speed at which the Kondor was travelling did sow down! Barely!

Duncan cried out, "By Eternia!", when he saw what the Kondor was heading towards!

A giant net appeared over a circular domed building that seemed partially refurbished as well as in ruin. This had better be a good catch Duncan thought as the Kondors wings descended towards the only thing around that could halt there meteoric decent in one piece!

Unbelievably, the Kondor was caught safely inside the large net raised above the domed building. The force from the fall was released through the tethered net as the two warriors were caught without harm. Neither warrior moved in the net, their bodies simply lied limp as the giant net folded itself backwards as it was lowered inside of an opening leading inside of the domed building itself.

"Thank Eternia...", was all that Duncan muttered before he passed out. The pendant where Rohad was around Duncans neck had the wherewithal to conceal its lighted screen once again. For where the Man-At-Arms now found himself alive in one piece was more than he could have ever believed possible but where was he to be found now, was the question.