Spectrum's Comments: We start out with our heroes all spread out, but soon they would be reunited. Monarch is at the morgue, the Sorceress at the Equinox base with the Jade Panther, and everyone else at the Crusaders Mansion.
Crusaders Plus #18 - "When Fear Knocks..."
Monarch:
At the City Morgue, Monarch questions Dr. Winston about the man found in the sewers...
Monarch - "Is the press aware of this?"
Dr. Winston - "To a certain degree. They don't realize how widespread this is. You see, whoever is doing this is using people who won't be missed. The homeless, bums, etc. There has also been reports of animals being found like this."
Monarch - "What was the butcher attempting to do with the operations he preformed? I assume you have been able to ascertain a purpose behind this?"
Dr. Winston - Medically I can offer no rational explanation. However...
Monarch - "Yes?"
Dr. Winston - "As near as I can tell, none of these people were operated on! The bits of metal and machinery appear to be-- grown-- for lack of a better word."
Monarch - "Grown?"
Dr. Winston - "It is my feeling that whoever is doing this is trying to change people into machines! Like I said, not a very rational explanation".
Monarch - "I have one more question, Doctor. Who is working on this for the police?"
Dr. Winston - "Detectives Johnson and Carter of homicide."
Sorceress and Jade Panther:
At the Equinox base atop the Jefferson Building, the Sorceress has encountered the Jade Panther. While the two are strangers, they are beginning to realize that they might have alot in common...
Panther - "I know nothing of this Equinox you speak of. He has never mentioned such a thing to me. However, you words do have a ring of truth to them."
Still cautious of each other, the Sorceress leads the Panther to the kitchen area.
Sorceress - "Perhaps we can clear up this misunderstanding in more comfortable surroundings?"
Panther - "Agreed."
And a short time later...
Sorceress - "TJ was one of the founding members of Equinox. Nightingale has kept a journal of their exploits. From what I've read, they had formed only a few days before I joined up. Monarch came in at the same time."
Panther - "Interesting."
Sorceress - "So, you're TJ's brother?"
Panther - "Did I say that?"
Sorceress - "You said your brother's building..."
Panther - "I guess I did. Then it appears that we are allies. I've come to get TJ cleared."
Sorceress - "That's what we're trying to do."
Panther - What have you and your friends found out so far?
But before the mage can explain, there is an explosion from the other side of the base! Alarms soon follow.
Sorceress - "What in the world--?!"
Panther - "Come on!"
Panther leads the duo into the quarters area. The explosion appears to have emanated from the area of Professor Abriax's quarters. Or the hidden vault next to it.
There is a large hole in the wall of the vault. A man in an all black costume with a skull-face for a mask stands peering into the hole. Beside him is a most unusual sight. The translucent image of a Viking warrior floats next to the skeleton man.
Sorceress - "What is the meaning of this?!"
The man turns. You notice that he holds a scepter in his hand. A winged worm is coiled about the scepter. The head of the worm peeked over the top of the rod, its gaping mouth stuffed with a perfect ruby. The stone itself glowed with an eerie luminescence.
"Dread, teach this mortals the true meaning of fear."
The man steps into the vault while Dread slowly floats forward, ethereal sword in hand....
Lord Liberty, Jack O'Lantern & 'Gale:
In the computer room of the Crusaders Mansion, our heroes listen intently to a message received from UNTIL...
Lord Liberty - "I cannot answer for the rest of you, but I will go and see this Genocide base. Perhaps I will find my friends there. I ask for your assistance in this matter. Ernie, you must remain here with Miss Felicity. Miss Felicity will go answer the call and tell them that I am on my way. Can someone instruct me as to how to get to the base?"
Nightingale - "You can count on our assistance. One of our teammates was also taken. We must get Ranger back."
Jack - "Don't worry, Mr. Liberty. Jack O'Lantern, for one, is with thee! I owe those trash-can heads for throwing me away. After all, my warrantee won't run out for at least one more day!"
Felicity - "Hold up, Lord Liberty! UNTIL is still on the line. We can get all the information from Commander Sullivan we need."
Felicity works the radio and answers the message.
Felicity - "This is the Crusaders, UNTIL. We can assist. Can you provide more information?"
Sullivan - "Affirmative. The story goes something like this. A small UNTIL task force located the base recently, through surveillance. After a standard interval of watching, they moved in, entering the base through its standard medium security disguised entrance. As for the fate of the task force, only one message was received from the base."
There is a momentary pause and then a man's voice is heard as the message is played.
"It's hideous... gigantic... glowing poison... its..."
Sullivan - "That's all we know. My superiors have requested that I asked for superpowered help. Can you assist?"
Felicity - "Affirmative. Give us your coordinates and we'll be on our way."
The location of the base is sent. It is a location approximately 600 miles north of Montreal, Canada.
Nightingale - "As soon as the Sorceress and Monarch arrive, we can get going northwards."
Felicity - "In the meantime, I'll get the Crusaders jet prep for take off. One of you does know how to fly a jet?"
Nightingale - "I am capable of piloting the craft."
The minutes pass and still no sign of the Sorceress or Monarch. Finally, the silence is broken by the front door bell. Lord Liberty activates one of the monitors and a young woman in a baseball uniform appears on the screen. Her brown hair, which is mostly hidden by her cap, is done up in a ponytail. She carries a metallic bat.
Lord Liberty - "Can I help you, miss?"
"Oh, hello! I've heard that you Crusaders were looking for new members so I though I'd see if I'd get a try out. The name is Strikeout."
Spectrum's Comments: The Detectives that Dr. Winston mentions, Johnson & Carter, are of course Norm Johnson & Jackie Carter from Spectrum. That's Fear & Dread that Panther & the Sorceress are facing from the Seven Horsemen. Lastly Strikeout is a new PC played by Kityana. She played Arafel in the frontier, the ranger maiden Validar was so fond of in the beginning.
SUBJ: Oh bloody hell.... FROM: Panther13 06/25/89 S#: 445717
The Jade Panther will do his best to avoid this ghostly warrior.
"Obviously, the skeleton one is the leader."
Like a jungle cat, the Panther will attempt to leap over this Dread, using his acrobatic talents. Then, as stealthily as possible, he will enter the vault and try to stop Mr. Bones from doing whatever he is trying to do. If combat results, use speed and martial arts to frustrate my opponent. Also, if I can determine just what it is he is after, try to get it first or else get it away from him, leaping across the room if necessary.
SUBJ: MONARCH FROM: N4SIR 06/26/89 S#: 104497
"Thank you doctor if there are any more bodies reported please contact me at the Equinox base. You have been a great deal of help." Monarch will turn open the nearest window to the outside step out and fly to the police HQ and ask to talk to the two detectives in charge of the mutilation case. Monarch will ask them what assistance he can be to them and ask them to show him where the other bodies had been found. I will also contact the lovely Sorceress. And let her know of the events that have occurred.
SUBJ: Nightingale
'Hmmm, I believe that this young lady at your front door may be a great help to us, Lord Liberty. Perhaps you should let her in and find out what she wants? Personnally, I don't like the sound of that message from the Genocide base. We can use all the help we can get.'
SUBJ: Sorceress Oh, great! Sure, leave me with the ghost guy! Chivalry is truly dead...
The Sorceress will slowly back away from this creature. She will summon up mystic bolts to protect herself. Altering the types as necessary.
SUBJ: Lord Liberty (R) FROM: REM9 06/28/89 S#: 410148
"Welcome Strikeout. Since I am the only Crusader around at the moment, and I have not heard of any rules towards who can join, it is my opinion that you are now a Crusader. Your assistance is required. We must go to a Genocide base and try and locate the remaining Crusaders and a few other friends. We are merely awaiting the presence of more assistance. Please come in. Mr. Lantern if singing a chorus with you will be of any assistance please instruct me as to what to do and I shall assist you."
SUBJ: Strikeout FROM: Kityana 06/28/89 S#: 519447
::walks up to Lord Liberty and shakes his hand..she then speaks with a rather bad southern accent::
" I'm real glad that you accepted me on your team, sir. I promise i won't let ya down. Oh yeah, in case your wonderin what i do, exactly...well its rather simple. I'm strong..I'm tough..and i hit hard with this here special bat. I gots special balls too that i can throw. '
::stops talkin and thinks for a min::
"Genocide...I've ran into them a couple of times...don't care to much for them at all."
::quickly takes off hat::
" Terrible sorry bout my manners. Sometimes i just forget the darn things on there..."
::shuts up for a moment::
"Thank you again for lettin me join..."
::smiles and sits and listens::
Crusaders Plus #19 - "Dread-ful Results..."
Jade Panther and Sorceress:
While the mysterious Fear enters Professor Abriax's artifact vault, the ghostly Dread closes in on our two heroes...
Panther - "Obviously, the skeleton one is the leader."
He runs towards Dread, leaps into the air and tumbles over the apparition. The ghostly warrior ignores the man. JP makes it to the hole in the wall easily.
Sorceress - "Oh, great! Sure, leave me with the ghost guy! Chivalry is truly dead..."
At that moment, Dread chooses to speak...
Dread - "A wizard! All wizards must be destroyed!"
Sorceress - "Not if I have anything to say about it"!
The Sorceress turns and flies down the corridor with Dread in rapid pursuit. As the young mage rounds a corner, she can hear the telephone ringing. Racing into the kitchen area, she picks up the phone in the hope that it is one of her teammates.
She reaches the phone and attempts to pick it up. However, Dread is already upon her. His ethereal sword slices through the phone and into the Sorceress. There is a bright flash and she screams. She feels her very life essence being drained from her body. Her hands blindly reach out and grasp the curtains on the window as she falls to the floor....
The Jade Panther enters the vault area. Fear is busily searching the room. He notices Panther almost immediately. (The room is too small to effectively hide in.)
Fear - "Eh? You seek to interrupt my search?"
Panther doesn't say anything, but attacks. His fist flies out and connects to Fears' chin.
Fear - "Foolish mortal. You are confronted by Fear itself!"
The Worm Scepter glows ominously. It's power hammers into Panther, overwhelming him. From somewhere deep inside, tremendous fear comes over the man. In his terror, Panther flees from the vault.
Within the vault, Fear laughs for a moment and then continues his search...
Monarch:
Upon concluding his business with the Coroner, Monarch next journeys to the Police Headquarters. After a short wait, Monarch is shown into a room where he finds the two detectives. Detective Johnson is a middle-age man, balding with a pot-belly. Detective Carter is an attractive young woman.
Det. Carter - "It's a pleasure to meet you, Monarch."
Monarch - "The pleasure is mine, detective."
Det. Carter - "Please, just call me Jackie."
Det. Johnson - "So, what do ya want?"
Monarch - "I fear, good sir, that this is not a social call..."
Monarch proceeds to explain the series of events that lead up to his arrival at Police HQ. At first Detective Johnson isn't interested in Monarch's assistance, but Detective Carter manages to talk her partner into the idea. While Detective Johnson goes to gather data on the case, Jackie chats with Monarch...
Jackie - "You'll have to excuse, Norm, he can be a little abrasive at times. This case is really getting on his nerves. Perhaps together we'll be able to accomplish something."
Monarch - "That is my intention."
Detective Johnson returns with the evidence accumulated on this case. By using triangulation, the approximate center of where the bodies have been found is located at the intersection of Washington and Murray Streets. That's east of Battery Park and about a mile south east of where Monarch found the body in the sewer.
Having learned all that he can, Monarch prepares to leave the base when he is stopped by Jackie.
Jackie - "Oh, Monarch, here's my number in case you get another lead."
Monarch - "I shall be in touch if I find anything."
En route out of the station, Monarch calls the Equinox base to relate what has happened to the Sorceress. The phone rings a few times. It is answered, but then the line suddenly goes dead!
Strikeout Notes:
Lord Liberty has accepted you as a member of the Crusaders. Felicity backs his decision. Felicity is in charge of operating the Crusaders Base itself. The team has had an unusual history so far. The founder of the team is the hero known as Lightwarp. In a great battle, all but Lightwarp were killed.
Lightwarp then went about recruiting new Crusaders. From this recruiting Lord Liberty, Imperial, Firestar and Golden Lion joined the team. The heroes known as Ralf and Plasma Paladin were also members for a short time, but they have disappeared.
Then Lightwarp disappeared. While trying to locate him, an imposter took Lightwarp's place, held Felicity and Lord Liberty's companion Ernie hostage. He forced the team to do his bidding. The Crusaders then ran into vampires and them Minutemen robots from Genocide. All the Crusaders except for Lord Liberty were captured.
The team ran into another hero team during the conflict, Equinox. One member of this team, Ranger, was also captured. What's left of the two teams decided to work together to find their missing teammates.
Felicity then takes you for a tour of the base. If you need one, living quarters is provided on the base. The base is a large mansion.
If you have any other questions, just drop me a line!
And now, back to our regularly scheduled post!
Lord Liberty, Strikeout, Jack, and 'Gale:
The heroes continue to await the arrival of the Sorceress and Monarch.
Nightingale - "They have been gone far too long."
The silence is broken by the ringing of the phone. Felicity answers it.
Felicity - "Crusaders Base, can I help you? It's for you, Nightingale. It's Monarch."
Nightingale -" At last! Now we can find out what's going on."
The conversation between the two is short.
Nightingale - "Something is happening back at the Equinox base. The phone was cut off while it was being answer. We better investigate."
Lord Liberty - "Agreed. We shall take the jet to your base."
And so the heroes board the Crusaders Jet and head for the Equinox base. Monarch does like wise from police headquarters.
And at the base in question, Dread closes in for the kill as the Sorceress collapses in a pile on the floor. Her hands inadvertently pull the curtains down and sunlight shines into the room. The light falls upon Dread and he screams. The light sears into his body and he floats away in tremendous pain.
Sometime later, the Sorceress awakens within the lighted area on the kitchen floor. Dread hovers at the edge of the room, carefully avoiding the light.
Sorceress - "I'm-- I'm still alive!"
Seeing his target on her feet, Dread floats nearer. As fate would have it, the Jade Panther comes rushing into the room. He collides with Dread and the two of them go falling into the lighted area on the floor.
Dread screams in agony. Seizing the opportunity, the Sorceress hits the creature with a mystic bolt. Dread erupts into flames that quickly burn away. When the fire dies down, a black outline on the floor is the evidence that Dread was in the room.
Jade Panther -" What happened?"
Sorceress - "We just destroyed the ghost guy. You were marvelous! That was one of the bravest things I've ever seen!"
Outside the base, Monarch and the Crusaders Jet arrive at the base at roughly the same time. There are two figures on the roof of the Jefferson Building. The first is a man in maroon shorts. He appears to be almost a skeleton with only a thin layer of skin.
Next to him is a large, powerfully built man wearing armor that vaguely appears roman. A large, double-bladed war axe hangs at his side. He shouts to the arriving heroes:
'Strangers, prepare for the greatest battle of your lives!'
Spectrum's Comments: Yep, I had some really bad puns for issue titles. The worst is yet to come on this front! You know, I'm beginning to think that Jackie Carter is some kind of superhero groupie! I mean, she's dated Spectrum, Sabre, and probably has eyes for Monarch here. Those are two more members of the Seven Horsemen on the roof as well. And oh, the Q version of 'Gale is obviously not deaf.
SUBJ: Lord Liberty FROM: REM9 07/02/89 S#: 414390
"Strikeout this must be your initiation into the Crusaders. It is a common custom that all new members of this group must undergo. Be prepared to strike hard and fast when you see an opening." Lord Liberty will run up to the gladiator and attempt to grapple with him over his axe. While he is keeping him busy he will yell to Strikeout, "Now while I have him distracted. Strike with all your might."
SUBJ: Strikeout.. FROM: Kityana 07/03/89 S#: 412717
You got it coach!! ::Strikeout quickly runs over to where LL and the gladiator are grappling:: Batter up! ::Strikeout will proceed to wallop the gladiator as hard as she can.. making sure she doesn't hit LL :)::
SUBJ: Jade Panther FROM: Panther13 07/04/89 S#: 426207
"I'm glad that you were not seriously harmed, Sorceress. However, I was unable to beat that skull-headed goon. Perhaps together...?"
In any case, I AM going back after Fear. This time, I will be a little more cautious. If Fear is still in that chamber, then use stealth to reach the area, without going in. Watch from outside, until he finds what he is looking for. Then attempt to wrest it from him. If he already has found it, then, again, use stealth to move in on him and attempt to steal the item back.
If he is not at the chamber, use my tracking ability to locate him.
SUBJ: Sorceress
'Wow! 'It appears that I may have misjudged you, Panther.'
The Sorceress gives the cat man a big smile.
'I thought I was a goner for a moment there, but you rushed to my rescue! By all means, let us deal with mister fright.
The Sorceress will follow panther's lead in pursuit of Mr. Bones.
SUBJ: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! FROM: Jack0Lntrn 07/07/89 S#: 844314
First of all, Lantern will explain to Liberty how to sing choruses, and will do so all the way to the Equinox base. Even if the words don't fit.
"Hey! Weren't we supposed to be going to a Genocide base?"
Once at the Equinox base...
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!"
Lantern will fly out of the airplane on his glider and rocket toward the skinny guy.
"Boy, you're ugly and your mother dresses you funny. Well, here's a present from the Easter Bunny. Since it looks like you need something to eat to me, how's about chewin' on this pumpkin bomb? It's free!"
Lantern will then bomb the Twiggy-mutant with his napalm bomb and glide out of reach, continuing to strafe the opposition w/ pumpkins and taunting them unmercifully. I'll leave the Greek twit to the others. Besides he looks like he has bad breath.
"Looks like you've been eating Aunt Matilda's cooking, Chuck. I swore off eating myself for three months after one look at her bat-eye soup!"
SUBJ: MONARCH FROM: N4SIR 07/08/89 S#: 444156
"What transpires here my friends? It would seem we have a new challenge before us this day."
Monarch lands next to Lord Liberty and his new friend.
"Has anyone conversed our advissaries yet?"
Crusaders Plus #20 - "Aspects of Fear"
While the villainous Fear helps himself to Professor Abriax's artifacts, his equally evil followers delay the heroes. The large man in armor shouts a challenge to the arriving heroes...
War - "I am war. Prepare for the greatest battle of your lives!"
Lord Liberty instructs the newest Crusader, Strikeout.
Lord Liberty - "Be prepared to strike hard and fast when you see an opening."
Strikeout - "You got it coach!"
Lord Liberty lunges forward, grasping War's battle axe. Strikeout comes in behind Lord Liberty, preparing to take a swing at War.
War - "An admirable strategy, tin man. But ineffectual!"
Suprisingly, War releases the battle axe. Next, he ducks under Strikeout's swing. The warrior grasps her bat as it flies past and in one quick motion, flings Strikeout across the roof. To everyone's horror, the young heroine is hurtled over the edge of the building!
Elsewhere, Jack O'Lantern buzzes Famine...
Jack - "Boy, you're ugly and your mother dresses you funny. Here's a present from the Easter Bunny!"
Jack throws a pumpkin bomb at the villain. Flame erupts around Famine, but it doesn't appear to be harming him. While Famine burns, Jack continues to circle.
Jack - "Looks like you've been eating Aunt Matilda's cooking, chuck. I swore off eating after one look at her bats-eye soup!"
Monarch - "Barbarian! I shall not allow the maiden to be injured!"
Monarch soars after Strikeout and catches her before falling to far. War turns back to Lord Liberty. With his great strength, he reclaims his war axe.
Lord Liberty - "I cannot permit you to harm my teammate!"
Having analyzed his opponent and find his point of lease resistance, Lord Liberty strikes! War is knocked back across the roof.
Monarch lands with Strikeout. Together, they pummel War.
War - "Well struck, all of you! But now..."
Unexpectedly, War is struck down by a mind bolt from Nightingale.
Nightingale - "But, now this contest is over."
'Perhaps...'
Everyone turns to the sound of the voice.
'Except that you now face fear itself!'
Suddenly, everyone is assaulted by waves of fear. The attack does little but delay the heroes. But it is long enough for Fear, War and Famine to get away.
Monarch - "We must see what has become of the Sorceress!"
The large man leads everyone into the base.
Inside the base itself, the Sorceress and Jade Panther are also in pursuit of Fear. Together they have reached the vault, only to find it empty. Led by Panther's tracking ability, the duo are hot on Fear's trail.
En route to the roof, Panther rounds a corner and is nearly bowled over by Monarch.
Panther - "Hey!"
Monarch - "Who are you? Sorceress! Are you safe?"
Sorceress - "He's a friend, Monarch. Panther, here are my friends that I spoke of."
Introductions are quickly made and the situation related. Fear and his minions have successfully escaped. It is not known if he took an artifact with him.
The talk ends, when Nightingale makes an announcement.
Nightingale - "I've just scanned the area, my friends, and there is another person inside the base."
Sorceress - "Here we go again!"
Led by Lord Liberty's scanners, the heroes arrive at the vault once more. Inside the vault stands another man, an indian by appearance. A gem is adorned to his forehead. He notices the heroes.
'Greetings. I am Strongbow. I am the successor to Professor Abriax!'
GM Notes:
Okay, so what are you going to do now? I assume that you're going to the Genocide Base next. What are you going to do once there?
Welcome back AREION!
Spectrum's Comments: Strongbow was Areion's replacement for Professor Abriax. As I noted before, I like the Prof as did some of the characters. 'Bow had an uphill battle in gaining acceptance.
SUBJ: ** StrongBow ** FROM: AREION 07/10/89 S#: 788085
"Greetings Heroes, I fear, I am the bringer of ill tidings. The gem that adorns my brow may seem familiar, and well it should. The one you call Professor Abriax... has gone to be with the spirits he served. Rest assured, he died with honor, and I am proud to call myself his successor. To both friend and foe, I am known as StrongBow."
"What has transpired here??"
StrongBow glances about the room, head slightly upraised, as though pondering some question the answer to which he will never know.
"This chamber belonged to him." he says with absolute authority. "Does the whiteman have NO respect at all, to defile the belongings of one who died a warriors death!?!"
StrongBow turns to the most physically impressive male and, flexing his grip on his tomahawk, and asks in a gruff, demanding tone
"WHO HAS DONE THIS THING!?!"
SUBJ: Sorceress
'What is this? The Professor--- Dead?! It can't be... I mean, he just left a few days go...'
The Sorceress falls to her knees in shock. She will let the others talk with the indian. Besides, for my money, the most physically impressive is Monarch!;)
'I don't believe it... He was one of the kindest, gentlest men I every met. If it were not for him, I would not be here today. With everything that has happened, this is just too much...'
Tears flow freely from the Sorceress' eyes. She silently mourns the Professor's passing. Oblivious to what is going on around her.
Spectrum's Comments: No, Sheila didn't take that very well.
SUBJ: MONARCH (R) FROM: N4SIR 07/12/89 S#: 840226
Monarch will move to the sorceress' side in the attempts to comfort her.
"My dear I know you were close to him. But he would want you to be strong. What he taught you must now be put to use. He was proud of you and I am sure is honored by your display of emotion. You must realize your grief is shared by all of us and that you must channel those feelings to your resolve to become a mage of the utmost abilities."
Monarch will put his arms around the Sorceress.
As far as Strongbows question my first duty is to a friend who is going through a very difficult moment in her life.
SUBJ: Strikeout FROM: Kityana 07/12/89 S#: 807686
Strikeout moves to the back of the room and remains quiet, being that it is a rather sad moment for certain members. Strike will simply listen and see if she can pick up on what is exactly going on.
SUBJ: Lord Liberty FROM: REM9 07/13/89 S#: 400719
"Strikeout are you injured? I should have anticipated that move by War, but I underestimated him. That will not happen again.
Monarch, Sorceress I grieve over the loss of your friend, but I must ask that we leave soon. My teammates and friends may need our assistance and I do not wish to see them come to any harm. I apologize for the necessity for the interruption, but I am in fear for their very lives."
SUBJ: JADE PANTHER (R) FROM: MadPanther 07/14/89 S#: 401062
The Panther will move next to Strikeout.
"I too know what it means to feel as an outsider at this time."
To Strongbow:
" The one responsible for this is known to me as Fear. I was unable to stop him from entering this vault. However, we have no evidence that the villain even took anything!
I have the villain's scent, however. I will be ready the next time we meet, and believe me, we shall!"
To Lord Liberty:
" I don't know exactly what you are talking about, big guy. But if you need a hand looking for your friends, count me in!"
SUBJ: Jack O'Lantern FROM: MadPanther 07/14/89 S#: 404912
"I'm with you, big L. Besides, I can't wait to sing my song!! So, what are we waiting for here? It's already taken too long."
"Anyone else for singing choruses?"
" Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to the Genocide base we go!"
Spectrum's Comments: And with our next file, it's off to Genocide Base we go. I liked the irony of one group of heroes held prisoner by Genocide, while those seeking to rescue them are going to a different Genocide Base! How evil!