Stingray Strikes Back! (short story)

Stingray Strikes Back! was a short story printed in TV Century 21 that contained elements from the Doctor Who universe. Framed as the front page of an in-universe periodical, the titular article instead made reference to the Fireball XL5 comic story Flash: XL5 Crew Held on Astra, which was a crossover with the DWU.

Summary
Pacifica is being bombarded by Terror Fish. It soon becomes clear that Stingray, outnumbered by impossible odds, is the only hope of survival for delegates attending the Ocean Summit. Titan continues to lay siege to the city by pressing home the strategic advantage of having all his enemies gathered together in one vulnerable location, quickly dissipating hopes for a final peace treaty between the underwater races in the process.

On Astra, the situation continues to deteriorate following the alleged destruction of an Astran flagship by Fireball XL5. With tensions high, the Kaplan issues an ultimatum to Earth to withdraw the XL fleet currently holding at battle readiness or face certain interplanetary war. Also, Earth awaits the outcome of Colonel Zodiac's "show trial" for the alleged incident.

Meanwhile, Colonel White sends a message to all the members of Spectrum warning them that everyone has been tricked by the Mysterons. He goes on to say the threat from Mars was believed to no longer exist for several weeks with the people of the world unaware that "the deadliest Mysteron attack" was a matter of days away. Finally, he proclaims that Spectrum has once again found itself plunged into the bitter struggle and that it is relying on every agent to play its part. White tells them to report any suspicious activity they witness, without delay, before signing off.

Characters

 * Colonel White
 * The Kaplan

Story notes

 * This story is another crossover with Stingray, Fireball XL5 and Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons.

Continuity

 * Stingray is attending the Ocean Summit, which aims to negotiate a lasting peace settlement with the underwater peoples. (PROSE: Fireflash Mk II Bound for New York)
 * TV 21 were recently criticised for their reports concerning the Mysterons' departure from Mars being allegedly untruthful. (PROSE: Fireflash Mk II Bound for New York)
 * The threat of Space War between Earth and Astra was previously present for a short time in 2065. (COMIC: Space Border Battle, Ceasefire — But War Tension Mounts...)
 * Fireball XL5 is alleged to have destroyed an Astran flagship. (COMIC: Flash: XL5 Crew Held on Astra, PROSE: XL5 Crew Detained on Astra!)