"What's Going On?"
(French Title: "Planet Of Toys")
The Lightning League intercepted a Monster Mind transmission, revealing their next target to be planet Zephyr, a large peanut-shell-shaped planet capable of supporting life. When the Pride approached its location, a visual image showed hundreds of people in a city, yet the Lifeform Scanner detected only one human life-sign on the entire world. The League landed to warn whoever it is that the Monster Minds were coming.
Right after departing the barge, they ran across a troop of life-sized toy soldiers lined in formation, which distracted them long enough for the ship to disappear without a trace. The League drove on to a large city that was populated solely by toys, such as circus rides, dolls, dinosaurs, teddy bears, and trains. Seeking the single life-sign, they investigated a baby's cry, but find that it's only a doll that can project a blinding burst of light followed by holograms. When the baby's illusions faded away, Flora was gone. The rest of the League split up to find Flora, but in the process of searching Oon vanished as well.
Oon and Flora had been kidnapped by Josh, a centuries-old child who had built the city and all the toys for his amusement. He was tired of playing alone, so he took the littlest Lightning League members to have some company with a pulse for a change. Meanwhile, Monster Mind troopers and vines started wrecking the city and toys. The League was briefly trapped by a circling train, and upon escaping they were confronted by enemy troopers. Jayce and Herc held the Monster Minds at bay while Gillian tracked down Flora and Oon.
He found them within a deluxe miniature-golf castle and tried to convince Josh to free them and leave the planet with the League. Having seen that the Monster Minds favored destruction over play, Josh agreed to help fight the invading troops with his toys. The combined forces swiftly ran over the Monster Minds. Josh declined Gillian's offer, intending to turn his planet into a funhouse to attract many more visitors for company, and returned the hidden Pride to allow the League to leave Zephyr.
Mythological Note: In Greek mythology, Zephyr's the spirit of the West Wind, presiding over gentle, playful, and refreshing breezes. When the Romans inducted his pantheon into their existing one, he became husband to Flora, goddess of flowers and Springtime.
Herc: "Hey, kid! I hope you've got a plan!"
Jayce: "Don't worry; I've got one!
Jayce: "Whew, that was a little too close for a fruit-gathering expedition!"
Herc: "Yeah... but will you look at this great fruit?"
Jayce: "Looks like your Monster Mind Intercept Channel is working, Gillian."
Gillian: "Of course, my boy; I created it, didn't I?"
Jayce: "There could be people there, we have to warn them!"
Herc: "Fine. Send them a letter."
Herc (sighing): "Why do I let myself get suckered into these things?"
Gillian: "These toys must be operated from a central location."
Jayce: "If we can find it, I think we'll find Flora and Oon."
Saw Boss: "Determine what controls those toys, and turn them against the Lightning League!"
Gillian: "It certainly sounds like Flora and Oon."
Herc: "Ahhh, all kids sound alike. It could be a trap!"
Jayce: "Maybe, but we've gotta check it out!"
Josh: "Hey! Doesn't he know how to play?"
Flora: "Monster Minds don't play; they destroy!"
Josh: "But everybody likes to play!"
Jayce: "Gillian, I need you to bring one of those wooden horses to life!"
Gillian: "Oh, my. I-I haven't done that in, oh, must be over three hundred years! Ah, I'll give it a try, though. From core of wood... Bring life from play... Make this horse... Real as day!"
Herc: "Now, if it isn't too much trouble -- would you mind telling me what you did with my ship?!"
Josh: "You see that mountain over there?"
(The Pride is lifted to the surface via a camouflaged underground elevator)
Herc: "Hey... there's my old girl! Hang on, baby, I'm coming!"
Josh: "I'm sorry for the troubles I caused. Now I realize that I must attract friends, not force them."
