Vulcan Aztecs

Origin
Strong Bow has Hank Roper drive him out to the old adobe dwelling's of his ancestors for to attend a ritual.

As Hank surmises correctly, it has something to do with the eclipse going on later. "Since you're interested," Strong Bow replies, "I'll give you the details."

Strong Bow relays the story of how, hundreds of years prior, Aztecs o called themselves Fire Gods showed up at the Pueblo of his ancestors. They say they left Mexico because of the white invaders there. When asked why they couldn't handle the invaders, being Gods, the Aztecs explained the white men were Gods too. The speaker also said it was written in their Sacred Book, "In times of trouble, go to the fiery mountain of the North and watch the Sun die!"

Ignoring their hosts when they explain they only left because of the smoke, not because of fire, the Aztec continues. "It is written in our Sacred Book, The Popol Vuh: Where there is smoke, there is fire!"

The Aztecs took over the village, and began to build strange skyships from diagrams in the Popul Vuh.

Strong Bow continues, "Then, according to the legend, the mountain flared and rocked while the Aztecs rocketed skyward in their queer craft. After that, the volcano subsided."

Hank suggests the tribe gathers for the ritual in hopes of the Aztecs' return so they can fly away with them. Strong Bow sets the record straight, saying they are trying to keep the Aztecs from returning.

Strong Bow participates in the ritual of shooting arrows into the sky, though he thinks it's silly like many other traditions. The arrows from the bowmen strike a spaceship of the returning Aztecs. Alighting from the craft, the Aztec leader says, "We are descendants of the Aztec Fire Gods! We have returned with weapons that will destroy the white strangers! Your silly ceremony cannot stop us!"

re-assuring the tribal member Laughing Frog, Strong Bow rushes off to find Hank to bring back help. Hank rushes off in the Jeep as Strong Bow watches one of the Aztec archers prepare to fire an arrow from a bow. Strong Bow remarks their weapons aren't as advanced as that of modern white strangers, who had improved their weaponry considerably.

The Aztec archer replies, "So have we, watch!"

The arrow goes over Hank's Jeep. He exclaims, "Wow! Those arrows turn into streaks of flame and burst like bombs! At a mile range too!"

One of the Aztecs notes the fact the "Sunburst Arrows" missed Hank, and suggests they use the "Brimstone Blasters". The Aztec archer thinks it better to let Hank get help, and imprison Strong Bow in the meanwhile.

Strong Bow overcomes his guard, taking the outfit of the unconscious Aztec, intending to infilterate the invading group.