[Chapter 12] Popeye the Astronaut Man

Now that Popeye has entered the public domain, I am writing a science-fiction story starring the sailor in an entirely new adventure. This story will be told over the next thirteen weeks exclusively available to members. If you’re not a member, now’s a great time to join.

I plan to self-publish the entire work this summer. In the meantime, here’s Chapter Twelve: The Battle For Earth.

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The Space Hag, powered by its newly enhanced engines, tore through the vast expanse of space with a course set for Earth.

Popeye, standing in front of the viewscreen of the bridge, saw the swirling chaos of the battle raging in orbit. He saw the flashes of energy weapons and the trails of exploding ships. But what truly chilled him was the sight of Earth itself. Vast swathes of land were blackened and scorched. Smoke billowed from ravaged cities in such quantity he could see inky clouds covering the planet. The oceans were no longer a bright blue. They were choked with debris and had turned a sickly green.

"Blimey," Popeye whispered. "They've really done a number on the ol' girl."

Buck Rogers stood at the helm, gripping the controls with such firmness his knuckles were growing white.

"Prepare for orbital insertion," he commanded in a voice steady despite the chaos. "We're going in hot."

The Space Hag plunged into the maelstrom. Its shields flared as it blocked incoming fire. The enhancements given to them from the Xainbea seemed to be doing better than expected, protecting them from oncoming Ropoda weapons. Popeye gripped the railing, trying to stay upright as the spaceship struck the atmosphere. The ship began shaking. His heart was pounding. He'd faced danger before, but never on his scale, with the fate of his homeworld hanging in the balance.

Ropoda fighters swarmed all around them, spitting energy blasts as they went deeper through layers of thick clouds. Federated ships fought with a desperate courage but were outnumbered. Their shields flickered and fell out of the sky as their engines exploded.

Finally the ship passed through clouds to a reveal they were in the waters near a port city.

Sugar City.