Invasion

Spotlights light up the stage. WordGIrl steps out to the microphone.

"Hello! Today's word is "Paternity!" Paternity is a man's role or status as a father. Thank you."

WordGirl bows, and then leaves the stage.

Chapter 11- Paternity

The Lexiconian ship sped silently on autopilot through the stars, it's destination; it's homeworld, Lexicon. Most of its occupants were getting some much needed rest after everything that had happened on Earth.

Most.

WordGirl sat awake, contemplating her encounter with the Almanakian general, the loss of her family, her failure…

A tear came to her eye, but she quickly wiped it away when she heard someone come up behind her.

"Want me to take a look at that hand now?" asked Dr. Two-Brains.

"Sure. Thanks."

She gingerly held out her hand for the doctor to examine.

"Does this hurt?" he asked, bending it.

"OW! Yes…"

"Yeah, it's broken. Do you have any medical supplies on this thing? A first aid kit or something like that?"

"Over there," WordGirl pointed with her good hand. Dr. Two-Brains went over and searched, eventually producing said first aid kit. He walked back over and began the process of bandaging WordGirl's hand.

"You know," WordGirl began, "If I didn't know any better, I'd say it seemed like Dr. Boxleitner was back."

Two-Brains pshawed at WordGirl. "It's just the circumstances. Once this mess is all over, we can go back to our normal routine; me stealing copious amount of cheese, and you attempting to stop me."

Now it was WordGirl's turn to pshaw the doctor. "Attempt? I always stop you."

Two-Brains rolled his eyes. "Exactly." Putting his hands on WordGirl's shoulders, he added, "Which is why you'll find a way to stop this guy."

WordGirl smiled. "Thanks."

"Don't mention it," Dr. Two-Brains said, as he walked away. He glanced back. "Really, don't."

WordGirl smiled again as Two-Brains left the room. Then she heard a small 'eep,' and turned to see her faithful sidekick Huggy.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Huggy. Did we wake you?"

Huggy shook his head and pointed at the main monitor.

"Oh!" WordGirl realized. "That's right! You did say I received a strange message this morning! I almost forgot, with everything going on…"

WordGirl pressed a button.

"My…earest…exa…"

"There we go, captain."

A man's face appeared on the screen. He seemed…familiar…

"Ahem. My dearest Alexa, I know you don't know me. I don't even know if you go by your birth name now…it's been so long. You were just a baby when we sent you away with Althazar…"

WordGirl paused the message. "Althazar? Who's Althazar?"

Huggy pointed to himself, chattering.

"Your real name is Althazar? Why didn't you tell me? I've been calling you "Bob" and "Captain Huggy Face" all these years!"

Huggy gave her a "It's no big deal" wave. WordGirl turned back to the monitor, studying the man on the screen. After a moment she gasped.

"Huggy? Is this…my father? My biological father?"

Huggy chattered again, gesturing toward the screen.

"All right, all right, I'll finish the message."

She resumed the message.

"…but your mother and I had good reason. Yes, Alexa, I am your father. My name is Dorian. I'm sorry you have to see me under these circumstances. I would have much preferred to meet you in person, with your consent. But that is not the case. Alexa, we sent you away to protect you. Several years ago, a malevolent alien race known as the Almanakian Empire came to Lexicon. Your mother and I led the resistance, but even with our strength, we didn't stand a chance. And now, the Almanakian Empire has come to Earth. Do not try to fight them. You are too young, and they are relentless, without mercy. They will think nothing of killing you and everyone you love. Especially their leader, the Lord High Commander Antagon. He is the one who…"

Dorian seemed to choke up a little, but then regained his composure.

"It's not important. What is important is that you get away. I'm sending you coordinates now. They will take you to the last free world in the galaxy, one the Alamanakians won't touch. Gather your friends, those you love, and go there."

Dorian took a breath.

"And whatever you do, do not come looking for me, and do not return to Lexicon. I beg of you, not as your father, but as a fellow Lexiconian. Please. That's all I have to say for now. Know that I love you, and that I have always loved you. Goodbye…"

Dorian motioned for his crew to end the transmission, but then held out his hand to stop them.

"Alexa…your mother's name was Moira."

The transmission ended.

WordGirl sniffed back a few tears. Huggy rubbed her shoulder.

"Wow…" someone said quietly behind them. The super duo turned to see Violet. She nervously twiddled her thumbs. "I-I'm sorry…I didn't mean to eavesdrop."

WordGirl smiled reassuringly. "It's okay, Violet."

Violet cautiously stepped forward, joining WordGirl at the monitor.

"So…you're real name's Alexa?"

"I guess so…"

"Are you all right?"

WordGirl sighed. "I don't know. It's a lot to take in. Part of me understands why they did what they did, but another part can't help but be angry with them. And to top it all off, another part is thankful they did it, because if they hadn't, I wouldn't have the life I have now. I would never have met the family I have now, or my friends, like Scoops, or you, or heck, even Tobey sometimes," the Lexiconian smiled slightly, "and I'm glad you guys are my friends."

Violet hugged WordGirl. "I'm glad you're my friend too, Alexa."

"Violet?" "Yeah?"

"As far as I'm concerned, it's still Becky."

Antagon stood in Mr. Big's office. "So, she escaped…normally I would be furious, but since we know exactly where she's going, I think I may let this slide."

He turned to Mr. Big and Leslie, both of whom were cowering in the corner. "Take it in while you can, this is a side I don't show often. My merciful side."

He pressed a button on his communicator. "Tell Governor Prota he will be receiving guests in the near future…"