The evil underwater ruler Titan employs the services of the Hood to commit an act of sabotage against his human enemies, causing the civilian crew of a deep-sea research base to be placed in mortal danger. With time fast running out, the forces of I...
Many thanks to jettmanas, who kindly did the cover art for this crossover adventure.
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Deep beneath the surface of the world's oceans, in the undersea city of Titanica, the evil despot Titan was fuming in his grand throne room, as he had just received an unfavourable report from surface agent X2-Zero, who was standing at the bottom of the throne steps.
"How dare these Terraneans build a sea-base so close to my territories!" boomed Titan. "Do they forget that I am supreme ruler of all the undersea races? What do they hope to gain by this outrage?"
X2-Zero cringed under the fiery glare of his king. "My investigations suggest that they are a civilian scientific team, studying the numerous forms of marine life, as well as various rare minerals and exotic plant life unique to our territories, Mighty Titan. They seem to believe that they are not within your jurisdiction, and that since they are not a military group, they have no reason to provoke you."
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"Do they indeed?" sneered Titan. "Then they must be made to answer for their arrogance and complacency!"
"But Mighty Titan," protested X2-Zero, "If we attacked the base with our Mechanical Fish, the WASPs will surely send Stingray to repel such an assault!"
"I am well aware of that, X2-Zero!" snapped Titan. "That is why we ourselves will not be attacking them directly. We will use a more subtle form of retaliation. I have decided to hire a freelance agent from the surface to do our work for us."
"Can he be trusted?" asked X2-Zero doubtfully.
"His reputation for cunning is well known," said Titan. "As is his greed for wealth. So long as he is well paid, he will happily act against his own kind."
Just then, an Aquaphibian guard entered the chamber, bowing before Titan. "Mighty Titan, a Terranean vessel is approaching our city and dares to request an audience with you."
"Good," said Titan. "That will be my agent, come to receive his final orders. Give him permission to enter and bring him straight to me."
With another bow, the guard went away to carry out his orders. Fifteen minutes later, the guard returned, escorting a sinister bald-headed man with a demeanour so malevolent that he made even the devious X2-Zero feel ill at ease. The man stepped before Titan's throne and gave a courteous bow.
"Mighty Titan, I am honoured to be in your presence," he said with a sly resonance in his voice.
Titan studied the man thoughtfully. "So, you are the infamous Hood, eh? I am told that among your fellow humans, you are the most dangerous and skilled criminal that has ever walked the surface. It is for this reason that I have decided to employ your services for a task for which you will be well rewarded."
