Random Happenstance

This wasn't the last issue of the series--although that was less than a year out, perhaps appropriately. But it is the last issue with the book's creators: from 1988, Strikeforce: Morituri #20, "...Salute You!" Written by Peter B. Gillis, pencils by Brent Anderson, inks by Scott Williams.

Strikeforce member Harold "Vyking" Everson had been a writer, and like many writers, took a lot of notes for a project he never finished, a book about his time on the team. Since his recorder could have confidential information on it, it's turned over to the current commander, even though he protests he had never even met Everson. As he listens to it, the Horde announces they will be freeing their captured human slaves, but like everything the aliens did, it was cruel: they had been implanted with bombs, and would have to be quarantined or segregated. A raiding party also hits Washington, D.C.: the Horde could easily have destroyed earth, but that wasn't their way; they didn't even seem overly concerned about resources or losses, only sadism as a way of life.

Meanwhile, former member Aline "Blackthorne" Pagrovna had lived longer than a normal Morituri: the process that gave them powers killed them inside of a year, but her pregnancy had somehow given her more time. Her child had been placed in an incubator, and Aline knew her time was running out, and she dies. Her friends had salvaged an alien transmitter, that they hoped would bring them help against the Horde; although they acknowledge it could just as easily attract something worse. As the Strikeforce battles the raiding party, they realize the raiders are surgically altered human slaves, living bombs. The Horde Commander broadcasts directly to the team, which seems like the sort of thing a TV cartoon villain would do, except it's heartless and vicious: during the battle, the Horde also attacked other cities that weren't defended. Even with their powers, were the Strikeforce a legitimate help in the war? Their government didn't think so, according to the commander; and he claims he could kill as many humans as he likes. The team is on the verge of crushing despair, when children run to their heroes, cheering them even in the wreckage.

The Strikeforce commander ends the issue listening to Harold's recorder, as he wonders what a good reason to die would be, and when he will find out. One final gutpunch from Gillis and Anderson, although I'm curious why they were leaving the book: there wasn't a letters page or editorial or anything here discussing it.