Captain Michael and the Horn of Logan

“I am King David the Magnificent. The Great and Powerful. Ruler over all that is in front of me, all that is behind me. All that is to the north, south, east, and west of me. Why have you come before my great presence? Make your request now. If it sounds pleasant to my ears, I might consider granting you your request. If not, you will be fed to the lions.”

When the eldest daughter of King David turned 21 years of age, seven men from distant lands came to make requests of the king. All were strong, valiant men. Warriors. Men of great fame. One by one, they came to speak to the king.

“Wigglesworth, bring in the first victim,” said the king.

“Your greatness,” Wigglesworth responded, “I present to you Prince Tommy from the Kingdom of Greenwood.”

Tommy walked in, dressed in great royal garb. King David was not impressed. He saw a man with no worth pretending to be someone great. He was ready to cast Tommy off without a chance to speak. But he was a just and fair king.

“What may I do for you?” King David asked.

“I am Prince Tommy Mayflower of Greenwood,” he said, “son of the great King Reeses, whose brilliance shines like the brightness of the sun and whose splendor is as great as the three moons of Viridis Petram. Although great in brilliance and wonderful in splendor, he pales in significance to your great magnificence, oh great and powerful one. I have come to ask for the hand of your daughter, Laura, in marriage. May our two kingdoms be united forever.”

King David stared at Tommy with a blank look on his face for nearly a whole minute and then said, “I like him. He may pass. Bring in the next victim.”

Rufus the Valiant walked in with his head held high. He had a purple cape flapping behind him as he walked. Ahead of him were young women throwing rose petals at his feet.

“I present to you Prince Rufus the Valiant of the Lionsmane Kingdom.”

“Speak, Rufus,” said the king.

“I am Rufus the Valiant, the great prince of Lionsmane. Magnificent in battle. Wonderful in might. Spectacular in looks. I’m here to take your daughter off your hands. I will raise her to the glory the daughter of a king deserves. I..”

“Stop,” said the king. “My ears hurt. Throw him into the lion’s pit. Send the army to overthrow his kingdom. Throw his parents to the lions also. Punish them for raising such a pompous jerk.”

“It shall be done, your greatness.”

“Bring in the next fool.”

“Before you stand Prince Danny Bibbs of Woodlawn.”

Danny walked in looking straight at the king.

“Oh, great and powerful king,” he said, “I am Prince Danny Bibbs, heir to the throne of Woodlawn, son of the great King Andrew. I bring you gifts from my own treasures. May the Davidic Kingdom last forever and ever. I came to seek the hand of Princess Laura in marriage. I promise to cherish her as long as we lived.”

“He’s a good one,” he said. “I like him. Let him pass. Who’s next?”

Donta the Meek walked in. He bowed low before the king and spoke with a soft voice just loud enough to be heard.

“I am Donta the Meek,” he said, “Prince of the Royal Realm of Downer. I come to you as your humble servant. Your greatness was known throughout the world, and I stand lowly in your light. Oh, great and powerful king, I begged you for the hand of your daughter in marriage.”

“Wow,” King David responded. “You are my servant. Guards, take him away from me. Put him in the hole with the rest of the slaves and overthrow his kingdom as well. Enslave his entire family. My daughter will never marry a servant. Next.”

Prince Cory Dean of Volmer came next. He spoke highly of the Kingdom of Volmer and spoke even more highly of King David’s kingdom. Prince Thomas Rhoads of Halsted did the same. Both presented the king with gifts of high value. Both made it through to the next round.

After these, a stranger walked in. He looked different than the rest. His clothing looked like something never seen before. It was bright, almost glowing, and it didn’t hang or fold like normal clothing—it held its shape, stiff and rounded, as though air was trapped inside. He wore a helmet that was like a dome around his head. Two others dressed exactly the same walked behind him. They all took off their helmets at the same time.

“Your Majesty,” the one in front said. “My name is Captain Michael McNolan from Earth. Let me introduce to you Commander DeWayne Anthony and Lieutenant Bobby Sanders, also from Earth. I came seeking your—”

The king laughed hard.

“I love it. Let him through. You have my favor. I hope you win.”

The three men from Earth looked at each other without a clue as to what had just happened. Wigglesworth led them into another room where the other four were waiting. After a few minutes, King David walked into the room.

“You five seek the hand of my daughter in marriage,” the king said. “But only one can win it. I will give it to the one who brings me the Horn of Logan.”

“The Horn of Logan?” said Cory Dean of Volmer. “Your greatness, you can’t expect us to—”

“The king has spoken.”

“Well, I’m out.”

“I’m out also,” said Thomas Rhoads of Halsted.

“Anyone else wish to get out?” said the king. No reply.

“OK then. Throw them to the lions. Teach them not to waste my time.”

The dragon, Logan, lived on the 3rd moon. The legend says that he stood 30 feet tall, breathed fire, and swallowed his victims whole. He flies at supersonic speeds and created destruction in his path. He had been banished to the moon by the first king over 300 years ago. He’s been seeking revenge ever since. For anyone to try to take his horn was suicide. No wonder many would have rather faced the lions.

Danny was the first to leave the room. He grabbed his laser sword and boarded a single-seated fighter ship and launched to the 3rd moon. He wanted to beat the others there. First there, first to get a stab at Logan. He landed on the moon within twenty minutes. With none of the other princes there, he made his way to the dragon’s lair.

“Pass through the camel’s humps. Go over the buffalo’s back. Walk into the alligator’s mouth.”

Just as he was finishing the last step, he saw the shadow of the beast. It reached the top of the cave. He pulled out his sword and started to charge. He screamed a battle cry as loud as he could. The glowing eyes peered through the smoke. Before he reached the opening, a stream of fire shot from the cave. It only burned his hair.

“That was a warning. Leave and live.” The voice was deep and dark.

Danny charged Logan again. This time, his clothing was burned off.

“Strike two,” Logan said. “Three strikes and you’re out.”

Danny ran for cover. He disappeared into the woods with nothing but his underwear.

Back on Viridis Petram, Captain Michael was petitioning the king.

“Your greatness,” he said, “my ship was damaged in my last, um, battle. If I may borrow a vessel, it would be very much appreciated.”

“I love this guy. Whatever you need, just ask Wigglesworth.”

While Michael was obtaining a ship, Tommy Mayflower was blasting off in his own ship. And he went prepared. His ship was equipped with a death ray that at 10% power, could decimate a target from space. At full power, it could annihilate an entire city. And it was remote controlled.

With his laser pistol at his side, he made his way to Logan’s cave. With an authoritative voice, he screamed out, “Logan! I order you to come out!”

The huge shadow of Logan appeared at the cave entrance. Smoke poured out as if from the gates of hell. The ground shook. A voice like thunder emerged.

“Who dare awaken Logan?”

“I am Prince Tommy Mayflower of the royal land of Greenwood. I am here to obtain the Horn of Logan. I will rip it right off your head.”

“Come closer.”

As Tommy moved in closer, he could see what looked like charred bodies on the ground.

“Don’t even try it. You spit fire at me, and I will destroy you and this entire moon. I will die with the glory of knowing that you’ll be dead also. My name will live on forever as the man who killed Logan.”

“I assume you have a weapon floating in space. Let me see. Yes—it’s right there.”

At that, a focused beam of energy shot from the cave. Tommy’s ship fell from space, crashing not too far from where he stood. The blast knocked Tommy unconscious. He woke up chained to the wall inside Logan’s cave.

Around this time, King David had just given Captain Michael a ship. It was only armed with basic plasma rifles. These were great for close space combat but not very useful for shooting from space to the surface.

“OK, Captain Michael,” the king said. “You have your ship. What weapons do you want?”

“I don’t need any.”

“Ask for anything.”

“I have what I need to handle Logan.”

“OK. May the gods give you force. (He’s dead.)”

Michael boarded the ship along with Bobby and DeWayne. They blasted into space and headed toward the 3rd moon. They landed one hour after Tommy woke up in chains.

“So, what’s the plan?” Bobby asked.

“Just wait and see.”

Michael took the longest to find the cave. After all, he was from Earth. He knew very little about the moon. He didn’t have a map. He had no clue where he was going.

Logan screamed out with the same thunderous voice he had used before. “Who dares awaken Logan?”

“Logan! My name is Captain Michael of the planet Earth. I’m here to request your horn.”

There was silence. No fire. No energy beam. No roar. No weapons fire.

“Request? Did you say request?”

“Please.”

The large shadow of Logan began to shrink. Logan slowly emerged from his cave. Instead of a 30-foot fire-breathing dragon, they saw a three-foot gecko-like creature with a flamethrower.

“Nobody ever asked before. Take it. I have thousands of these things. They fall off every day and grow back every night. I don’t mind giving them away. But people always try to take them by force, even trying to kill me in the process.”

“Well, I was told that you were this horrible monster that brought destruction everywhere you went.”

“Everywhere I go? I don’t go anywhere. Everything I need is right here.”

“I didn’t believe the myth anyway.”

“Why do people keep coming for my horn?”

“We were promised the hand of the king’s daughter in marriage if we brought it to him.”

“There are three of you. Last I heard, the king has three daughters. Take three horns.”

“Thank you. If there is anything I can do for you, just ask.”

“There is one thing you can do. Take these two back with you. I have no need for slaves.”

Tommy and Danny were led out on leashes. They were on all fours like dogs, crying and whimpering in humiliation. Clothed only in loincloths, they were dirty with minor burns and scratches all over their bodies. They both hugged Michale but didn’t speak.

Bobby and DeWayne grabbed their leashes and pulled on them to further the disgrace. They were put inside the cargo hold of the ship and chained to the wall.

“Captain Michael of Earth,” Logan called. “You have made a friend today. I hope that this is not the last time we see each other.”

“Until next time.”

Back on the planet, Wigglesworth walked into the throne room and whispered into the ear of the king.

“I am King David the Magnificent. The Great and Powerful. Ruler over all that is in front of me, all that is behind me. All that is to the north, south, east, and west of me. What is it that had brought you before my great presence? Make your request now. If it sounds pleasant to my ears, I might consider granting you your request. If not, you would be fed to the lions.”

Wigglesworth spoke, “Oh great king, I bring to you Captain Michael McNolan of the planet Earth. He has with him Lieutenant Bobby Sanders and Commander DeWayne Anthony, also from Earth.”

“Bring them to me. I would love to hear what they have to say.”

Captain Michael walked in with his friends behind him. They each held a Horn of Logan in front of them. Bobby and DeWayne walked Danny and Tommy like dogs on leashes.

“Your greatness,” Michael said, “I bring to you a Horn of Logan.”

“So, it’s true. They do grow back.”

“That would be true, sire.”

“Wigglesworth, bring my daughters to me.”

Princesses Laura, Lana, and Luna were brought before the king. The daughters of the king were by far the most beautiful in all the land. The three men from Earth were in shock because of their great beauty.

“Father,” Laura said, “you called for us?”

“Yes, my daughters. These three men seek your hands in marriage. They have traveled to the 3rd moon and brought back the Horns of Logan.”

Laura looked at the three men and said, “I am Princess Laura, daughter of King David the Magnificent, the Great and Powerful. Who are you, and how is it that you defeated such a great foe?”

“I am Captain Michael McNolan of the planet Earth. To my left is Lieutenant Bobby Sanders, and to my right is Commander DeWayne Anthony. These two follow my leadership. The only way to truly defeat a foe is to make a friend.”

“You befriended Logan?” asked the king. “How?”

“Without a show of force, I simply asked for the horn.”

“That worked?”

“These two showed force and displayed weapons. You see what state they are in. By the way, Logan said that he has thousands of these things. He welcomes us to come take them.”

“Captain Michael,” Princess Laura said, “you have shown great courage, might, and wisdom. The latter hardly ever go with the other two. You will make a great husband.”

She walked up to Michael, Lana walked up to Bobby, and Luna walked up to DeWayne.

“We accept,” they all said together.

The triple wedding was great. People from all kingdoms were there. Even those not at peace with the Davidic Kingdom agreed to a temporary ceasefire so they could attend. Earth became friends with Viridis Petram, with these three men declared intergalactic heroes.

King David sat upon his throne and considered all that had come to pass. Though he was pleased with the marriages of his daughters, he was even more pleased with the peace that had followed. For the first time in many years, no kingdom prepared for war, and no banners were raised in challenge.

“Bring the captains of Earth before me,” the king commanded.

Captain Michael, Lieutenant Bobby, and Commander DeWayne were brought into the throne room, each now standing not as outsiders but as honored guests of the Davidic Kingdom.

“You have shown wisdom where others showed strength,” King David said. “You have shown mercy where others showed pride. Because of this, I grant you each a kingdom.”

The king waved his hand, and Wigglesworth unrolled three scrolls.

“The Kingdoms of Lionsmane, Downer, and Greenwood shall now be governed by you three,” the king continued. “Rule with justice, and these lands will prosper.”

The three bowed deeply.

“We accept,” Michael said. “And we will rule as friends, not tyrants.”

Word spread quickly across Viridis Petram. The people of the fallen kingdoms, long fearful of cruel rulers, welcomed their new leaders. The men from Earth ruled fairly, listened carefully, and never forgot what they had seen in King David’s court.

“Bring forth those who were thrown to the lions,” King David also commanded.

To everyones astonishment, Prince Rufus and the others were brought into the throne room alive. Bruised, humbled, and missing much of their former arrogance, they stood silently before the king.

“The lions,” King David said, “have eaten well enough. You are released.”

Rufus fell to his knees.

“I was a fool,” he said. “Spare me, I will boast no more.”

“You are spared,” the king replied.

Rufus and the others were escorted away, alive but forever changed.

Next came those who had been enslaved and treated like animals. Danny Bibbs and Tommy Mayflower were brought before the king. They walked in with heads bowed low.

“You are free,” King David said. “But your kingdoms are not yours to reclaim. You ruled through fear and pride, and that right is lost to you.”

Tommy bowed his head. Danny wept openly.

“We understand,” Danny said. “Freedom is more than we deserve.”

As for Logan, word reached the court that the dragon—or gecko, as some now called him—had resumed his quiet life on the 3rd moon. True to his word, he welcomed visitors who came with kindness, and no one ever again attempted to take his horn by force.

Years passed.

The kingdoms flourished. Stories were told of the day three strangers arrived from Earth and changed the fate of Viridis Petram—not with weapons, but with courtesy and courage.

King David grew old and wise. When at last he stepped down from the throne, his lands were united, his daughters were happy, and his name was remembered not only for power, but for peace.

And so, for the most part, everyone lived happily ever after.