Written by Bob Gansler

A  Title

1958. Communists, aliens, terrorists. As the nation faced these many dangers, President Eisenhower brought together the greatest heroes of the day as the Avengers. Together, they protect America from the threats of this world and of others.

Cast of Characters	Previously
Marvel Boy (Bob Grayson)  An Earthman armed with the skills and science of the Eternals of Uranus.  Gorilla-Man (Ken Hale)  A man cursed to to live in the form of a powerful gorilla. 3-D Man (Hal & Chuck Chandler)  When Hal dons a special pair of glasses, his brother Chuck emerges as the triple-power 3-D Man. Venus  Olympian goddess of love  Human Robot  A thinking and feeling robot	The Avengers mopped up a trio of Skrull agents who were manipulating a Capitol-area gang. A transport of Skrull soldiers crashed in nearby Virginia. The crash gained the attention of the Comet who set off to investigate

Though the Comet blazed high over the treetops, he still could not see what he was looking for. Something had come blazing overhead a few minutes ago. At first sight, it had reminded him of the comet that had given him his electric powers a few years ago. As he searched his memory while he flew, he managed to convince himself that whatever this object was, it was not a comet.

The Comet could now see some smoke seeping over the top of the forest. Its odor reached his nose, but it was not a smell that he could recognize. He slowed down slightly as he approached. Finally, he could see the trajectory that the object had followed. There was a new path, cut from above, in the forest. Dozens of trees had been sheared from their roots. Where the line of sliced trees ended was the object that had caused all of the destruction.

"Holy Hannah!" the Comet exclaimed. The object was a spacecraft of some kind. He could tell that it was much more advanced than any American or Soviet craft was. He floated to the ground, his legs no longer obscured by his electrical trail.

Walking slowly towards the craft, the Comet wondered about the occupants of the vehicle. "Well, if they want me to take them to our leaders," he chuckled, "we don't have far to go."

A door on the side of the silver ship began to slide open. It brought the Comet to a sudden halt. His body tensed as he waited for the occupants to emerge. Would they be humanoid? Would they be friendly?

The first Skrull soldier stepped out. His appearance answered the first question affirmatively. His laser rifle fired at the Comet. That answered the second question in the negative.

The Comet reacted instinctively and countered with an electric blast. The two energy streams collided with each other. There was a violent fireball created where the two streams impacted.

"Whew!" the Comet thought. "I'm glad I can cancel out his blast. Darned unfriendly of him to come out shooting."

The Comet raised his hands. "Now listen. There's no need for us to fight. Can you understand me?"

The Skrull was busy checking out his weapon. He had been surprised at the fact that the human still stood. Was there a problem with the plasma relay? "Yes, we can understand your primitive tongue," he finally responded as he leveled the rifle at the Comet again.

"We?" The Comet was momentarily taken aback. The alien could speak English and speak it well. "How many of you are in there?"

About a dozen more Skrull soldiers exited the spacecraft, all armed and all weapons pointed at the Comet. "You must be one of those superhuman Avengers that we were brought here to eliminate."

"Avengers?" the Comet replied. He had read about their introduction at the White House by President Eisenhower, and he had hoped to meet them someday. America was not filled with costumed heroes like she had been in years past. There hadn't been a super-team since the postwar All-Winners Squad.

"Destroy the Earthman!" the Skrulls cried out as they fired upon him. The Comet took to the air to avoid the blasts. He had to call upon all of his speed to dodge the raybeams. He swooped and swerved through the energy streams, looking for an opening to close in on them once again.

The Human Robot had finished loading the three unconscious Skrull agents into the Silver Bullet. Venus was making sure that Hal Chandler had not suffered at the hands of the Skrull agents. Marvel Boy had escorted Congressman Simon, the object of the Skrulls' ploy, out to the street where they hailed a taxicab to take him home.

Marvel Boy returned to the Silver Bullet and announced. "All right team, let's get these Skrulls back to our base at Heath Airfield. Hopefully, the Human Robot and I can rig something up so that their shapeshifting won't let them escape from."

"I discharged sufficient electricity into them to keep them unconscious for hours," the Human Robot announced.

"How much do you know about Skrull physiology, Robby?" Hal countered sharply. "You've never seen one before. I've … I mean, Chuck, has fought 'em before and they're tough customers."

"I based my projections on human physiological response," the Human Robot answered.

"Let's have no bickering," Venus interjected. "Does everybody feel that they have to make up for our missing ever-irascible Gorilla-Man?"

"Sorry, Robby," Hal said apologetically. "I guess I'm sort of feeling a little guilty about 3-D Man having to run out on you because of me. If he stays past his three hours, it could kill me."

"There's nothing to feel guilty about," Venus put her hand on Hal's shoulder. "If it weren't for you, Chuck would not have this second chance at life as the 3-D Man."

"Apology accepted," the Human Robot said mechanically. He still did not understand the human need for forgiveness. He would have to study that topic more.

Marvel Boy had taken the controls of the Silver Bullet and lifted the craft into the air. He started to turn the vessel northwards towards New York when something caught his eye.

"Avengers!" Marvel Boy called out. "Look there!" He pointed towards the western sky.

The others each put their faces up against the portholes on the port side. They could see a barrage of red energy streaks shooting up into the sky. There also seemed to be another yellow streak dancing around the other energy streams.

"Initial analysis indicates plasma discharge," the Human Robot announced.

"Earthmen don't have that kind of weaponry," Marvel Boy replied. "It could be more Skrulls."

'Earthmen'. Hal shrugged as Marvel Boy said the term, almost as if it was an insult. Had Gorilla-Man been here, Hal was sure that the Ape Avenger would not-so-delicately point out that Marvel Boy was an 'Earthman' by birth. He decided not to bring it up but rather said, "Let's find out!"

"Whatever is going out over there, it's violent," Venus declared. "We must put a stop to it."

"Setting a new course." Marvel Boy adjusted the controls and the Silver Bullet turned towards the west before speeding off. He hoped that they could deal with the situation quickly before the Skrull agents revived.

The Skrulls blasted relentlessly but unsuccessfully at the Comet. Now and again, he was able to pepper them with some electric bursts of his own. However, most of his concentration was focused on avoiding being struck by the Skrull barrage. They were getting closer to tagging him, and the Comet was becoming tired.

As the Silver Bullet closed in on the location of the battle, the Avengers' view of the scene was becoming clearer. The Human Robot's eyes were the first to get a clear look, but the Silver Bullet's amazing speed soon brought them close enough for all to see. It was now clear that the yellow streak that was darting about the red energy blasts was humanoid.

"Who is that man?" Venus asked.

Marvel Boy studied the details of the man's costume. He recognized it from some news reports. "Galloping Galaxies! That's the Comet!"

"The Comet?" Hal Chandler pushed his way towards the front of the Silver Bullet. "I read all about him." Noting the costume, Hal nodded. "Yep, that's the Comet."

"But who is firing at him?" Venus wondered.

Marvel Boy looked down through the front window and then pointed. "I think that answers our question. Skrulls!"

The Comet had not seen the Silver Bullet come into view. He did note that most of the Skrull blasts seemed to be missing him by a wide margin. It was only with his peripheral vision that he noticed that the aliens were now concentrating their fire on the approaching craft.

"Oh great," the Comet sighed. "Another spacecraft, only these little green men don't seem to like them either."

Marvel Boy flicked a switch and activated the Silver Bullet's external speakers. "Ho there, Comet. We're the Avengers. We'll help you deal with the Skrulls."

The Comet waved his acknowledgment, and barely avoided getting struck by an energy blast. He swooped down a little and fired blasts of his own from each hand. The electric bolts scattered a few of the Skrull soldiers.

Piloting the Silver Bullet deftly through the Skrull fusillade, Marvel Boy brought the craft down to the ground. The Human Robot led the way out of the vessel, with Venus close behind.

Marvel Boy grabbed Hal's shoulder. "Can you summon 3-D Man again, Hal?"

Hal shook his head dejectedly. "Sorry, it's too soon. I might croak."

Nodding, Marvel Boy reached into a compartment and withdrew an energy pistol. "Here, take this then, and keep an eye on our prisoners." Handing it to Hal, Marvel Boy rushed out to join Human Robot and Venus.

"You got it," Hal replied energetically. He knew it was not much, but at least he would contribute something to the Avengers' efforts.

The Skrulls regrouped when they saw the Avengers emerge. With their attention divided, the Comet was able to slip through the Skrull salvos and land at the side of the Avengers.

"Nice to meet you Avengers," the Comet panted. "I could use a hand with these … what did you call them … Skulls?"

"They're called Skrulls," Venus replied as a energy beam sailed over her head. "And they certainly are a militaristic lot."

"How do you know these aliens?" The Comet parried a blast with and electric bolt of his own.

"Three of their agents are our prisoners in the Silver Bullet," the Human Robot responded. He began to advance quickly on the Skrulls. Their blasts only caused minor damage to his robotic shell.

"Did you hear that?" one of the Skrulls shouted. "These humans have our undercover agents in their craft."

The Skrull soldiers split into two contingents. One group headed directly for the Avengers and the Comet while the other group began to circle around the heroes' position.

Marvel Boy rushed forward to join the Human Robot. "Go Avengers Go!" he exclaimed. His faculties were focused on his energy bands. He was sure that he could use them to absorb the Skrull energy blasts.

The Comet stayed close to Venus' side. "I'll protect you, miss. You're Venus, right. You're not the real goddess of love, are you?"

"I am indeed." She unexpectedly pushed the Comet down. An energy beam barely singed the top of his crest instead of blasting his head off.

"Thanks," the Comet said gratefully. "I guess I'm the one who needs protecting."

The Human Robot and Marvel Boy had now waded into the midst of one of the Skrull groups. Quarters were too close for rayguns so the combat was now hand-to-hand. While the Skrull warriors were well-trained, they had not been taught to deal either with the juggernaut that the Human Robot was nor the powerfully and skillful fighter that Marvel Boy was.

The Comet noticed the Skrull group making their way towards the Silver Bullet. He unleashed some electric bolts their way. They all aimed their weapons and fired. Extending both hands, the Comet let loose with all his energy, trying to parry their barrage completely. He did not want any rayfire to strike Venus. He managed to deflect their blasts, but the effort completely exhausted him. He slumped to the ground.

The Skrulls rushed towards the Silver Bullet. One of the them came up behind Venus and put his rifle across her throat and began choking her. "She's rather pretty for a primitive."

The other Skrulls ran into the Silver Bullet. They were amazed by the high level technology that marked the craft, but they were not distracted from their task. They quickly overpowered Hal and carried off their unconscious comrades.

Venus reached up and her hands grasped the Skrull's rifle. Instantly the weapon transformed into a long-stemmed rose. Thrusting her body forward, Venus' neck broke the stem in two. "Any weapon of war becomes an object of love in the hands of Venus," she declared.

"Forget the female," one of the Skrulls said as they came rushing out of the Silver Bullet. " These humans are too powerful. Get back to the transport and we'll use the stronger weapons there."

In their hurry, the Skrulls simply bowled Venus over. She dusted herself off and checked on the Comet. The Scarlet Sentinel was catching his breath.

"Guess we didn't do too good of a job," the Comet wheezed.

Though the Human Robot and Marvel Boy were manhandling the Skrulls, they were not able to put any of them out of the fight. When the Skrulls saw their comrades returning with the undercover agents, they slowly began retreating their way back to their transport.

"Marvel Boy!" Venus called out. "They said that they're going to use the big guns on their ship."

Marvel Boy took a quick look at the armaments on the Skrull transport. Judging from their size, he estimated that the output from the weapons would be in the multi-megawatt range in power. That was more than Marvel Boy felt he could absorb with his power bands. He called out to the Human Robot. "Back to the Silver Bullet, H.R."

Understanding the logic of Marvel Boy's plan, the Human Robot joined the Uranian Wonder in heading back towards the Silver Bullet.

Venus and the Comet were already inside and tending to the bruised Hal Chandler when the Human Robot and Marvel Boy came in and closed the portal behind them. In the Skrull craft, the soldiers were powering up the transport's weapon systems and bringing them to bear on the Silver Bullet.

"Are you sure that this ship is tough enough to stand up to their rayblasts?" the Comet asked anxiously, seeing the Skrull blasters target them.

"The Silver Bullet is the premiere piece of Uranian engineering. I'd bet on it over Skrull technology any day," Marvel Boy responded, brimming with confidence.

The Human Robot looked at the Silver Bullet's sensor readouts. "Attack to commence in two seconds."

Looking out the front window, the Avengers saw the Skrull ship's weapon arrays began to glow a bright red as they prepared to fire. The Comet's heart raced as the moments ticked away.

Suddenly, the entire Skrull transport began to glow with the same red color. Then the craft disappeared amidst a massive explosion. When the smoke cleared, there was nothing left of the Skrull craft but molten metal.

"Their ship must have been damaged in the crash," the Comet concluded. He wiped some sweat from his lips. "They tried to blow us u, but they blew themselves up instead!"

"How horrible," Venus sighed. "However, those who live by the sword die by the sword. If only they had a little love in them."

"Well, I guess that saves me the trouble of taking the Skrulls back home. I don't think we could have trusted an Earth prison facility to hold them," Marvel Boy announced.

"Sorry I wasn't much help," Hal said as he rubbed his bruised head. "It's a good thing that the Comet was here to lend a hand."

"Yes, it was." Marvel Boy turned towards the Comet. "You're a great fighter, Comet. You'd be a valuable addition to our team. Will you join us?" He extended his hand, expecting the Comet to accept.

The Comet thought for a few moments while he rubbed his chin. "That's very kind of you, your praise and the your offer. However, I'll have to decline. I have a family, and they're the most important things in the world to me. Joining the Avengers would take me away from them. It's hard enough just being the Comet and fighting the now and again super-criminal in Central City."

"We're sorry to hear that," Venus replied. "Although your love of family does you great honor."

"Well, er, thanks." The Comet blushed. "I've never received a compliment from a goddess before. Tell you what, if you'll let me, I'll take the reserve status that Namora and Nemo took. If you really need me, I'll come running, or flying as the case may be."

"I think we can accommodate that." Marvel Boy smiled. "Just let me get a portable Interplanetary Cosmic Radio unit from the Silver Bullet. That will allow us to contact you. It will also let you contact us if you need our help."

"I'd appreciate that very much. Someday I may need help, and I won't be too shy to ask for it," the Comet said.

"Welcome to the Avengers, Comet." Marvel Boy's hand was still extended and this time the Comet shook it.

FLASHBACKWORDS