In The Destroying Ray, the fourth chapter of the Flash Gordon series, Flash and Captain Roka seize a rocket ship from Ming the Merciless, forcing the crew to help them infiltrate Ming’s palace. Disguised as guards, Flash learns that Ming has sentenced Dr. Zarkov to death by the Death Ray and plans to marry Dale Arden. Flash and Roka race against time to the Arena of Death, where Dr. Zarkov is shackled and helpless as the deadly beam of the Death Ray draws closer. With Zarkov’s life hanging in the balance and Dale in immediate danger, Flash must act quickly to thwart Ming’s deadly plans and rescue his companions.