Captain Lambda and the Empire of Evil

Chapter Seven: The War Groom!

SPACE CAPTAIN LAMBA and the GLOBAL LIBERATION FRONT succeeded in striking against EMPEROR ANIACAL in destroying his ROBOT ARMY. But on his way back, Lambda's ROCKET SHIP found itself in the middle of A VICIOUS BATTLE and was attacked! His ship now hurtles to CERTAIN DEATH!

FEATURING: Space Captain Lambda, hero of Earth on a mission to save a lost scientist; and Zip, and Lambda's trusty robot companion.

⚛

"The fuel line has been hit! We're losing our last reserves!" Zip exclaimed. "We're going down!"

Space Captain Lambda steered away from the forests and the battle to find a safe place to land. Just ahead of them was a wide beach stretched along the coast. He pitched up and used all the remaining fuel on the retro rockets to slow their descent. The ground rushed towards them as the ship began to shake, shimmy and shudder. At least it's not beginning to crack up, Lambda thought.

"We're beginning to crack up!" Zip exclaimed.

The rocket's nose cone ploughed into the silky sand, softening the impact as Lambda and Zip were thrown forward in their seats. The ship pushed through the beach before slowly coming to a rest.

Lambda checked over the readouts. "It looks like the damage is minimal," he reassured himself.

"But with no fuel, the ship is going nowhere. There's no chance of reaching anywhere to refuel now."

They unbuckled and prepared to head out. The sand shone brighter than the sun and the heat had already begun to build up on the hill. Lambda stripped off his damaged armour down to some breathable white robes and a pair of aviators. With his raygun and rocketpack still broken from Nefar's ring, he hooked the time sword onto his belt. Not forgetting to apply sun cream, he stepped out onto the scorching sand. Zip followed, holding a small colourful parasol to protect their case from overheating.

Lambda scanned the horizon. "I didn't see any settlements nearby as we came down. The closest people to seek help from are probably in that warzone."

"That's a terrible idea, Captain."

"Do you have a better one?"

Zip was silent, already trying to shake the sand off their feet. "We could make some sandcastles?" they offered.

"I'm afraid this isn't the beach episode, Zip. Maybe next time. I believe the battle was-" Lambda turned around, getting his bearing to the sun before pointing decisively into the jungle. "that way."

They walked for about a kilometre or two before they came across some shouting. Lambda moved in low amongst the foliage to get a better look.

In a clearing, there was a gilded carriage surrounded by a melee of around 10 people battling with staffs and swords. Half were slender and in a formal dress, closely shaved with finely groomed hair. The others were heavily built with bulging muscles and leather tunics. The second group were closing around the carriage as an occupant inside called for help.

Lambda jumped out from behind a Fern, drawing his time sword. He easily sliced through one of the attacker's swords, shattering it in two, before knocking the villain in the face with the hilt of his sword. With quick swings, he disarmed two more and pushed back their line away from the carriage. The defenders rallied around Captain Lambda. Seeing themselves outgunned, the handsome attackers withdrew into the jungle.

The defenders cheered and the occupant of the carriage stepped out. They had a boyish handsomeness and a flawless complexion. Around their shoulders was a translucent, shimmering robe in bright pastels and encrusted with jewels.