| Roll Call: |
|---|
 Black Diamond |
 Muskateer |
 Enchantress |
 Firestar |
 Huntress |
 Lightburst |
 Nightingale |
 Supreme |
 Texas Ranger |
 Thing |
| Guest Appearances by:  Morning Star |
 Nemesis |
 Shockwave |
 Sorceress |
 Spectrum |
 Spinnerette |
"Good morning," Black Diamond stated as she walked into the secured meeting room on Sub-Level 2. It was 9 AM and the leader of the Avengers was pleased to find that everyone was present for the traditional Monday morning meeting. The world famous heroine was dressed in her standard black costume complete with a light blue sash hugging her hips. Several white diamonds adorned her costume at the tips of her boots and gloves, a large diamond covered her heart while another took up the left side of her face mask. Diamond took her place at the head of the table. "I'm happy that everyone could make it today. And be on time as well." She momentarily glanced at Lightburst as she uttered the last comment.
This was the first formal meeting of all the Avengers since their return from California. On the heroine's right was Muskateer, the team's second in command, in his new dark blue, white and green costume. Next to Muskateer was his current love interest, the beautiful Enchantress. She too wore a new costume primarily consisting of red with white accessories. Rounding out that side of the table was a haggard looking Nightingale and also Firestar. 'Gale wore her standard black and silvery-white uniform and tried to stifle a yawn. Wearing golden yellow and orange with black trim, Firestar tried to appear attentive. In fact, she had just beat Diamond to the meeting room, having not quite adjusted back to Eastern Standard Time after her week in Los Angeles.
On the left of Black Diamond was Supreme. He was incredibly muscular and wore a garish costume of bright red and yellow with dark green. Supreme just grinned as he watched Diamond preside over the meeting. The two were in the beginnings of a relationship and he found it odd for his girlfriend to also be his boss.
The two newest Avengers were next to Supreme. The Huntress was first, all decked out in her magenta and gray costume. She was the daughter of the Avengers founder, the late Hunter. As the Huntress, Helena was determined to live up to her father's expectations. The white clad Texas Ranger was another story. His past was mostly a mystery. What was known was that he had been rescued by the Avengers from a Paralogical Studies Institute school several years back. Using his telekinetic powers, Ranger was bent on giving something back to the Avengers.
Lightburst rounded out the left side of the table. He was a long time Avenger who favored a purple body suit with yellow and white trim. 'Burst had just returned to the team after having been being held captive by the vile Morbanes: Lord Evil and Lady Darkness. The large, orange and rocky Thing took up the entire side of the table opposite from Black Diamond, puffing on his cigar.
"First off, I would like to officially welcome our new reservists: Texas Ranger and the Huntress. As well as welcoming back Nightingale."
"Thank ya kindly, ma'am," Ranger intoned in his trademark Texas twang. Supreme chuckled and shook his head in amusement.
"This is the largest grouping of Avengers that we've ever had and something of an experiment," Diamond continued as she scanned the faces around the table.
"Yeah, really," Muskateer interrupted with a laugh. "It wasn't too long ago there were only five of us." From the tone of his voice, it might have been construed that he wished it had remained that way.
"As I was saying, having reservists is an experiment. The idea is to gently bring along potential new members instead of simply throwing them into the fire like the team has done on occasion. As reservists, Ranger and the Huntress will have some team involvement, but are not subject to all the rules required by full members. 'Gale is also a reservist, at my request, and is currently divided between her responsibilities here and on Sanctuary."
"No wonder the songbird looks so rough 'round the edges," the Thing rumbled. "Mus' be runnin' on Sanctuary time."
"Afraid so, Ben," Nightingale explained with a yawn. "I haven't been to sleep yet." It showed on the Psionic Avenger's face.
"Because of these circumstances, I've excused Nightingale from Monitor Duty. The rest of us, reservists included, will pick up the slack. Thanks to our swollen numbers, no one will have more than 3 shifts each week." That bit of news seemed to go over well with the troops. As well as could be expected when it came to Monitor Duty anyway.
"Now that we have the time, we're also going to start working on conditioning and training as a group," Black Diamond continued. "I have a loose schedule of workouts that will be held each weekday afternoon run by either myself or Muskateer. We're also going to start working on teamwork and coordinating with others during a battle. I've already posted schedules for Monitor Duty and for training. Everyone will participate."
"Sounds good, Di," Supreme noted, glancing in Muskateer's direction. "Bring the rookies up to speed with us pros."
"Who you callin' a rookie, crazy-quilt?", Muskateer shot back in annoyance. The Enchantress sighed and would try to sooth her love's bruised ego at a later date.
"The newbies are always so anxious to prove themselves," Supreme chuckled, as he shook his head.
"At least I didn't get myself captured for months at a time!", Muskateer taunted in return. That seemed to strike a sore spot with the large Avenger.
"Knock it off you two," Diamond interrupted in a demanding tone. "You both know the rules about mouthing off during a meeting." The two men each muttered something underneath their breaths, but complied with Black Diamond's wishes. Both knew from the tone in her voice that she was not in the mood for such displays.
"Moving on to other matters, as many of you know, CII was raided by several villains Saturday night." Black Diamond let the announcement hang in the air for a few moments before continuing. "According to the Scarlet Sabre, their target was something she called an 'energy amplification array'. Don't look at me, I don't know what it is either. Even worse, the device was malfunctioning and was down for repairs." (Editor's Note: See Scarlet Sabre #3 for more details)
"Just how dangerous is this thing?", the Huntress asked curiously.
"Scarlet assures me that the device itself is not a weapon. But, given its state of disrepair, it could be potentially dangerous to those using it."
"Then why would someone wish to steal it?" The query came from the Enchantress. High technology was mostly beyond her. The idea of stealing something that was damaged didn't make any sense in her mind.
"Maybe the twerps didn't know it was damaged?", the Thing suggested. In spite of his monstrous appearance, Ben Grimm had been an astronaut at one time. He could hold his own in some high tech matters.
Muskateer took that as his cue to add his own findings to the discussion. The matter had been brought to his attention by Black Diamond yesterday, giving him the chance to look into the situation more thoroughly. "Most likely it's part of a larger device. Something that uses a tremendous amount of focused energy and potentially could be a weapon. There have been several other high tech crimes over the last several months. We got into one back when 'Star, 'Tress, and I first joined the team." (Editor's Note: Back in Avengers #2)
"Muskateer will be handling this matter and will keep us advised." Black Diamond stated. Diamond had the distinct feeling that Scarlet knew more than she was telling. Or, perhaps, she had only revealed what she could prove. Even worse, a call for assistance to the Avengers had been made and yet never received. Lightburst was on Monitor Duty at the time and swore that no such call had been received. Black Diamond was skeptical and Muskateer was downright suspicious. Lightburst continued to remain silent during the meeting.
"Have the criminals involved in the robbery been identified?", the Huntress wondered aloud. "Knowing the perpetrators might give us a clue to their intentions for this 'array'." The Huntress lived to solve mysteries such as this.
"Nothing definite, Sprout," Muskateer explained, knowing full well how much the Huntress disliked that nickname. "A bunch of the electrical system got fried in the robbery. The surveillance system was down and the Freedom Leaguers on hand were ambushed. But, we do know that we are dealing with someone with electrical powers and someone with ice powers."
"That's not very helpful," Firestar commented.
"On the contrary, it is," the Huntress offered. "There are only so many villains that fit those profiles. By process of elimination, I should be able to narrow it down to only a few possibilities."
"Sheesh," Supreme moaned. "You sound just like your dad."
"Why, thank you."
"Been there, done that," Muskateer countered. "Good idea, Sprout, but I already tried that angle. I whittled the list down to a few unlikely suspects. Many on the list are already in prison. Those who are currently on the loose haven't been in the area as of late. Basically, that angle turned up nothing conclusive."
The Huntress just nodded her understanding. Not too long ago, she would have been put out by Muskateer running such an investigation without her assistance. She had grown a great deal as of late and wanted to try to become a team player.
"Moving on to other matters, those out patrolling the city should be on the look out for Ladybug."
"Shucks," the Texas Ranger grinned. "A lil' ole lady bug?"
"No, Ranger," Black Diamond corrected. "This Ladybug is a competent criminal."
"She's one of my favorites too," Muskateer happily mentioned. "If anyone sees her, tell her that I said 'hi'." The sword swinging Avenger recalled a past encountered with the armored Canadian and how easily she got flustered. (Editor's Note: Back in Troubleshooters #9)
"Anyway, Ladybug has come up with a new method of stealing large sums of cash. She flies in and carries off armored cars. The entire armored car. Then she forces the guards to abandon the vehicle, typically while dipping the car in the East or Hudson Rivers. Then she just flies away with the car." Black Diamond had to admit that it was an effective strategy. Were she a criminal, she might use the same approach given her powers.
"Crude, but effective," the Huntress noted.
"No big deal," Supreme boasted as he cracked his knuckles. "This is one Avenger who is more than capable of squashin' a Ladybug."
"That pretty much covers everything," Black Diamond stated. "I will be attending the ceremonies for Comet on Sanctuary later today. I know that many of you would also like to attend, but we do need to leave most of the team behind to handle any emergencies that may arise."
"Don't worry about it, fearless leader," Muskateer added. "I've got you covered."
"In that case, I'm going with Di," Supreme joked.
"Works for me," Muskateer countered. Not having the annoying hero around for the day was a good idea in Muskateer's eyes. In reality, it had been decided the day before that Diamond and Supreme would represent the Avengers at the enshrinement ceremony.
"Looks like I'll be there too," Firestar noted. "I have to go to Sanctuary for classes anyway."
"All of which gives me enough time to get back to the apartment," Nightingale added, "and get a few hours of sleep. I'm going to have a busy day." Which would include a training session with the Young Champions to see if her powers had recovered from her ordeal with the Psychnocaine. (Editor's Note: Covered in Young Champions #9)
"I promised Tanya that I would attend as well," the Enchantress stated. She had already spent most of the weekend consoling her grieving friend better known as the Sorceress of the Superior Seven. Or would they be the Superior Six now with the loss of the Comet?
"Very well," Black Diamond continued. "Five Avengers should be sufficient to mind the store for the evening. Speaking of Sanctuary, I've arranged for Ranger and the Huntress to have their testing and examinations done this Thursday. Muskateer will put you through your paces."
"They don't call me slave driver for nothing," Muskateer noted tauntingly. How things had changed. Not long ago, it was he who was being taken to Sanctuary for testing. He liked having people to boss around.
"One last bit of information before I'll let you go. The Guardian Angel show is going to be filming in New York City for the next few weeks. The show's producers thought it would be a good idea to have one or two Avengers on hand. Seems that they've been receiving a few threats directed towards the star, Raquel Hamilton." Black Diamond quickly added, "Strictly on a voluntary basis, of course."
"Guardian Angel?", Firestar repeated excitedly. "I just love that show! I'll volunteer! What do I have to do?"
"I don't know about this," the Enchantress spoke up. "Are you sure that you really want the team involved with a 'television show'?"
Looking a bit embarrassed, Black Diamond bit her bottom lip and tried to think of a good explanation.
"Ha!", Supreme bellowed. "Di's got a vested interest in the show." Seeing the puzzled looks on the faces of the other Avengers, the large man explained further. "Think about it. You've got Angel, a tall, blonde bombshell who is tough, super strong, and can fly. Ring any bells?"
"You mean that Guardian Angel is based on you?", the Huntress questioned as she pointed at Black Diamond. Several other of the Avengers put the clues together a few seconds behind the team detective.
"Guilty as charged," Diamond admitted sheepishly. "They approached me with the idea of a TV show back when I was leading the Guardians. There was some concern that my being a mutant would cause problems, so they altered the concept a bit and ended up with Guardian Angel. I get a small percentage of the profits from the show and merchandizing."
"Well, ain't that a kick in the head," Muskateer muttered. "We've got a genuine celebrity in our midst."
"If there is nothing else, then this meeting is adjourned." Black Diamond scanned the team, seeing if anyone had anything else to add.
"I have an announcement to make, of a personal nature," the Huntress stated as she rose from her seat. "At the urging of my mother, we're having a little get together Saturday night and everyone is invited."
"A party?", the Thing responded. "Sounds like fun, Sprout. Whaddya have in mind?" The last team social event was the dinner party thrown by the Enchantress. The rocky Avenger hoped that it was something more down to earth.
"A combination barbecue and pool-party," the Huntress explained. "Strictly casual and bring your swimsuit."
"Ooh-Whee!", the Texas Ranger exclaimed. "I'd just love ta come to yer little shin-dig, lil' lady." He gave the heroine a friendly pat on the shoulder.
"Uhm, that's great, Ranger." The Huntress wasn't quite sure just what to make of her new teammate. Neither were the rest of the Avengers for that matter.
"Sounds like fun," Black Diamond responded. "I'm looking forward to it."
"And get lots of grub," Supreme added. "You're gonna need it, kiddo."
The Huntress shot Supreme a 'What do you think I am? Stupid?' type of look. "Given this crew, count on it. Oh, and bring a date if you'd like."
"Whataya got there, Junior?" The Thing peered over Muskateer's shoulder at the scanner he held in his hands.
"I'm not really sure, Ben." The sword-wielding Avenger checked the readout again, but the results remained the same. "I've never seen anything like this before." Not that this sort of thing was exactly up his alley, nor would he ever admit it.
A call from the NYPD had brought the Avengers to the nearby Central Park Wildlife Conservation Center in response to a bizarre occurrence. According to the report, a vortex of energy suddenly appeared and sucked in at least one person before vanishing. Muskateer, the Thing, and Lightburst were dispatched to investigate. Muskateer figured that Lightburst's presence was a punishment for him mouthing off at the meeting.
Arriving on the scene, the trio met with one of the Park Rangers who acted as tour guides. He was visibly shaken from the experience.
"Okay, I was passing by the Birds of Prey exhibit when I noticed something weird," the Park Ranger explained. He was a thin man of average build. "That's when I saw it take Harold. It was like something out of a science fiction movie!"
"Saw what take Harold?" Muskateer just wished that the man would get on with his story.
"Okay, you're going to think that I'm nuts, but I'm not. It was like sky itself was ripped open by a pair of invisible hands."
"Something ripped open the sky?", Lightburst repeated in an skeptical voice.
"I knew you were going to think I was nuts!", the Park Ranger accused. "I'm just as sane as the next man, yes sir-ee-bob! I'm as rational as they come. Always calm and steady. Just ask my partner, Harold. Oh, I guess you can't. Well, if he was here--"
"What happened after the sky ripped open?", the Thing questioned, trying to get the man's focus back on the issue at hand.
"It sucked poor Harold into the vortex! Just like he was a dust bunny being picked up by a giant vacuum cleaner. And then it was gone. Poof! Just like my paycheck!"
"What did this vortex look like?" The Thing seemed genuinely interested in this strange occurrence, while Muskateer remained far more skeptical. What Lightburst was thinking was anyone's guess. He was paying more attention to the nearby Falcon exhibit than to the flustered Park Ranger.
"It was all white inside and was spinning. You ever have milk go sour on you and you dumped it down the drain? That's what it looked like."
"No wonder the cops called us," Muskateer thought to himself. "This is just plain nutty!"
Still, the trio would investigate. Muskateer gathered some instruments from the nearby Avengers Mansion. Lightburst hovered overhead with a probe near the spot where the strange vortex had formed. Muskateer and the Thing studied the readout.
"I'm not sure I buy this guy's story, but there are traces of some odd form of energy where this so-called Vortex appeared. I've never seen readings like this before."
"I have," the Thing stated in a concerned rumble. "Let's get back ta the Mansion." Muskateer and Lightburst exchanged puzzled glances before following their large teammate.
A few minutes later, the trio of Avengers were inside the Meeting Room on Sub-Level 2. Muskateer worked the keyboard at one of the computer stations under the direction of the rocky Avenger. "That's the file you want, Junior."
Accessing the file, Muskateer suddenly understood just what Ben had been getting at as he scanned the data. He shot his rocky teammate a puzzled glance. "How is this possible?"
The Thing just shrugged. He had no explanation for it either.
The file in question was a flight log from the mission where astronaut Ben Grimm was transformed by unknown radiation into the Thing. While in orbit, a strange whitish energy manifested itself near Ben's spacecraft. Systems were knocked offline and only being mutated into the Thing saved Ben's life during the crash landing. The strange vortex that had appeared in Central Park was composed of the very same energy.
"So whatever it was that you encountered some 13 years ago, just re-appeared a few hours back in Central Park. No wonder it was familiar to you." Muskateer leaned back considering various possibilities. None of them made any real sense.
"What concerns me now is what happened ta the guy who disappeared inta the vortex. Will he come back? 'N if so, as what?" The Thing let the question hang as he departed the Meeting Room.
"Poor Harold indeed," Lightburst muttered.
"We've got to stop meeting like this," Black Diamond solemnly stated. She like most of the others present had gathered in the Garden alongside the island chapel. The enshrinement of Comet had just been completed a few moments ago. Many conversed with other heroes while some sought reflective solitude.
Gathered near Black Diamond were her Avenger teammates: Supreme, Firestar, and Nightingale. The Enchantress was several yards away with Tanya. Supreme did most of the talking, while Firestar and Nightingale were more content to quietly listen. Joining them were Spinnerette of the Guardians and Morning Star, Spectrum, and Shockwave of X-Factor.
"There has been way too much death lately," Morning Star noted in a grim tone. In addition to the death of the Comet, Spectrum's father had been killed last week as well. The light-wielding mutant's normal easy going, joking attitude was not present today.
"I don't know about the rest of you, but I could use a drink," Spinnerette commented offhandedly. "Anyone want to join me at the Starstruck Lounge?"
"I'm afraid I can't right now," Diamond answered. "I have an appointment at the Medical Center to keep."
"I hope there is nothing wrong," Morning Star stated in a concerned tone.
"Just a check up," Black Diamond responded with a small smile. In reality, she had made this appointment to investigate something mentioned by Dr. Destroyer. To see if his claim that her bone structure was more akin to metal than bone.
"I'll go with you, Spider-lady," Supreme offered. "Comet was a good egg. Provided Di here doesn't mind."
"Go," the Avengers leader stated with a wave. "Enjoy yourself. I'll meet you there later."
"Save me a seat," Morning Star stated. "We'll be there shortly."
"Gotcha, 'Star." Spinnerette bounded off, followed shortly by Supreme. After saying their goodbyes, Spectrum, Shockwave, and Morning Star also departed.
"I should be going as well," Nightingale added turning towards Black Diamond and Firestar. "There's someone I'd like you two to meet. I think you'll find this interesting." The two heroines exchanged puzzled glances, but agreed to accompany the psionic Avenger.
With Nightingale leading the way, the trio made their way to the island hotel. This was where 'Gale would be holding her classes for the students she was teaching. There was a young girl already present, waiting for them to arrive. She was seemingly captivated by rolling a pencil back and forth on the desktop.
"Ladies, this is Jennifer," Nightingale stated, gesturing towards the teenager. She was dressed in a pink bodysuit with blue accessories and had shoulder length blonde hair. Jennifer was about the same size as Firestar, but appeared a little younger.
Not sure just what her friend was getting at, Diamond just waved and said, "Hello, Jennifer."
"Is this one of the other students you mentioned before?", Firestar asked. The young Avenger had altered her costume once departing the Garden area of Sanctuary. Her clothing had the same color scheme but now was a one-piece swimsuit instead of a full body suit.
Before Nightingale could answer, Jennifer turned to look at the new arrivals. A look of surprise and joy came to the came to her face. "Linda!", she exclaimed as she literally flew out of her chair and gave Black Diamond a big hug. "I like you!"
Diamond stood there, unable to move for a few seconds. How had this girl that she had never met before known her real name? Turning to face 'Gale, a very confused look etched on her face, Diamond asked, "Chris? What's going on?"
Firestar looked on with amusement. "She's very affectionate, whoever she is."
"Oh dear, I should have considered this possibility," Christina noted, more to herself than the others present. "To make a long story short, Dr. Marin asked me to do a telepathic scan on Jennifer here. Unfortunately, her powers mistook my probing as an attack and she absorbed part of my psyche into herself." (Editor's Note: This happened in Young Champions #6-8)
"You want to repeat that in English?", Firestar asked, trying to look serious but not succeeding.
"Jennifer now possesses some of my skills and my memories. Like knowledge of my close friendship with Linda."
"And hence my real name," Black Diamond added, catching on. "This is utterly bizarre."
"Thank you!" Jennifer seemed to take it as a compliment and smiled sweetly. "I've got a tiger in my tank!"
"Nemesis, Jennifer's code name, has been a most unique case," Nightingale continued. "It appears that she is a clone whose DNA has been tinkered with to give her Nemesis powers."
"What exactly is a 'Nemesis power'," Firestar wondered, her eyes narrowing as she regarded the teen. This Nemesis power didn't sound all that nice. Black Diamond was curious as well.
"As near as we can figure, Jennifer's powers somehow shift to whatever weakness her opponent possesses. Unfortunately, while she appears to be in her mid teens, Jennifer is actually four months old, while mentally she's about seven."
"I've said it before and I'll say it again," Diamond mouthed. "How utterly bizarre."
"That's our Jennifer." At Nightingale's urging, Jennifer let go of Diamond and returned to her desk. "She one of the three newest members of the Young Champions."
"That's right. I heard the reports of their rescue. That's when Comet met his untimely demise," Diamond explained for Firestar's benefit. (Editor's Note: In Young Champions #1)
"Precisely." Turning towards Firestar, Nightingale gestured towards the chalkboard. "I've put some problems on the board for you to work on while we wait for the rest of the class to arrive."
"Uhm, sure thing." Moving to the front of the classroom, Cassie set her books down at one of the seats, pulled out a notebook and went to work. She hoped that any other classmates were more normal than Jennifer.
"I'll leave you to your work," Black Diamond stated as she walked to the exit.
"Let me know what happens with your examination," Nightingale called after the heroine. Diamond responded with an 'okay' gesture.
"Remarkable." Dr. Angelique Marin whistled as she perused the results of her examination of Black Diamond. The well known and respected physician of superhumans was in her early thirties and stood 5'4" with stylish blonde hair and green eyes.
"You found something?", the heroine wondered. Diamond stared at the test results and other data but they didn't offer her any answers.
"In this instance, Destroyer is right on the money. We never considered looking for this sort of thing in any of your past examinations."
"Then my bones are metal?"
"Not real metal," Dr. Marin corrected. "They are a stronger type of bone than is possible in a normal human. When we analyze your skeletal structure, the properties are actually closer to being metallic than regular bone. Basically, your bones would be defined as bio-metallic in nature."
"Living metal? Would that explain why high-pitched sounds are very painful to me? Sounds such as the screams of Deathsinger and what Destroyer did to me?" (Editor's Note: Back in Avengers #6 and Avengers #15 respectively.)
"Most likely. Sounds at those frequencies resonate in your skeletal structure. Medically speaking, you are a most remarkable physical specimen."
Linda smiled slightly. "They don't call me Black Diamond for nothing. Thank you for everything, Dr. Marin." Excusing herself from the med lab, Diamond slowly walked back to the hotel. This newest development filled the thoughts of the Avengers leader and would for days to come. But for now, she would relax with her friends at the Starstruck Lounge.
Muskateer chuckled as he read the days installment of Bloom County. Setting the paper aside, the hero leaned back in his chair and sighed. Monitor Duty had never been considered the most exciting part of being an Avenger, but it was an important one. Besides, his shift was almost over and the afternoon promised to be most interesting. He could already feel the anticipation growing inside him. He wore his costume just in case of trouble, but left the full face mask sitting on the control console with his plumed hat.
"Good morning, Steven," the Enchantress stated as she entered the room. The sorceress was not in costume, but rather was fashionably dressed. She wore a burgundy knee-length skirt with matching jacket over a light gray silk blouse.
"'Mornin' to you too, gorgeous." Muskateer straightened up as the love of his life approached. She casually settled into his lap and they shared a small kiss. "I could get used to this kind of thing, Gwennie."
The Enchantress smiled that charming smile of hers and stared into Muskateer's eyes. "When it comes to you anything, beloved. I've taken the liberty of making reservations for lunch."
"I've always wondered about that." Seeing the puzzled look on Gwen's flawless face, Muskateer added, "If you have reservations, why are you going?"
The sorceress groaned and closed her eyes. "That was terrible."
"Hey, I gotta be me. You were saying something about lunch?"
"At Chanterelle," the Enchantress explained. "Semi-formal attire is suggested."
"Sounds terribly expensive."
"I think I can afford it. Are you about ready to go?"
"As soon as my relief comes," Muskateer stated as he checked out the time on the console clock. "Firestar should be here just about any time now."
"Oh," the Enchantress mouthed and looked away.
"Something wrong?" Muskateer reached out and cupped Gwen's cheek gently in his hand, turning her back to face him.
"I just feel awful for being jealous about you and her sharing time together. It was very foolish of me."
"Don't worry about it. I doubt Cassie even noticed. I know I sure didn't." That seemed to reassure the Enchantress. Gently, Muskateer took Gwen into his arms and held her close. It was a magical experience just like the first time they had truly embraced. Time seemed to stop and the outside world just melted away. It was as if nothing else existed except for the two of them.
"Oops! Sorry! I didn't mean--"
The moment broken, Steven looked to find Cassie standing in the doorway to the room. A small stack of books rested under her right arm. The young Blood had bags under her eyes and looked like she had been up all night. Even her hair wasn't as neat as it usually was.
"It's okay, kiddo." The Enchantress rose to her feet, allowing Muskateer to also stand. He grabbed his mask and hat. "I hate to say this, but you look like something the cat dragged in."
Firestar just sighed as she sat her books down.
"Is there something wrong?", Gwen asked, seemingly genuinely concerned in the welfare of her younger teammate.
"I didn't get home until very late," Cassie explained slowly.
"Uh-oh!", Muskateer teased. "I know what happened when I got home late from Sanctuary..." Steven decided to not finish that particular line of thought, as that was the night he first met the enigmatic Glitter. The whole thing was something better left unsaid. (Editor's Note: Back in Muskateer #7)
"I think it's more than that," the Enchantress added. "You look emotionally spent as well." Muskateer wondered if that wasn't a poor choice of words on Gwen's part.
"I've just been on a emotional roller-coaster the last few days."
"If you want to talk about it, I'm always ready to listen, Cassie. You know that." Firestar managed a small smile at Muskateer's invitation.
"Okay, okay." Firestar took one of the seats at the monitoring console, Muskateer the other. The Enchantress stood next to Steven, her hand on his shoulder. "I met someone in school. A boy."
"I get it," Muskateer stated with a grin. "Good for you, kiddo! So, who is it anyway? Starbolt?" The fiery Young Champion and Firestar seemed to connect when Muskateer first visited Sanctuary.
"Please, Steven, you're embarrassing the young lady," the Enchantress noted as she saw Firestar's cheeks start to redden. "Go on, dear."
"No, it's not Starbolt. He quit the team. They've had some new recruits since the last time we were there. I met a couple of them Monday. Anyway, one of them goes by the name of Terra Fire and..." (Editor's Note: Also shown in Young Champions #9)
"...And you two hit it off?", Muskateer interrupted, finishing Firestar's line of thought.
"Yeah. I mean, he's handsome, he's smart, he's my age, and even better, he's resistant to fire."
"I think our young teammate has a crush on this boy," the Enchantress added with a sly grin. Secretly, she was also pleased that Firestar had found a boyfriend and wasn't romantically interested in Muskateer as she had feared at one time. "Your first love is always very special."
"So what went wrong?" Muskateer clearly knew that something wasn't right. Cassie wouldn't be this down for no good reason when things should be more upbeat.
"Something happened yesterday. You see, he's got a twin sister and somehow they merged together."
Both Muskateer and the Enchantress didn't say anything for several seconds as they tried to process Firestar's statement. "What exactly do you mean by 'merged'?"
Before Firestar could even try and explain the situation, an emergency alarm lit up the Monitor Console. Muskateer acted first and answered the call. "It's from the NYPD-- Ladybug has struck again! She scooped up an armored car from the intersection of Thirty-Third Street and Eighth Avenue."
"That's in the vicinity of Madison Square Garden," the Enchantress noted.
"Looks like lunch is going to have to wait, Gwennie," Muskateer explained. "You girls better high-tail it over there. I'll try to contact the others. Let's see if we can stop her this time!"
Cassandra was out the door in a flash. The Enchantress paused only to cast a spell that changed her attire into her heroine costume. Muskateer turned back to the console. Black Diamond should be out on patrol. Perhaps she would be close by...
"There she is!", Black Diamond thought to herself as she streaked across the New York skyline. Pushing her flight speed to the limit, the black-clad heroine gave pursuit to the distant Ladybug. Behind Diamond, Lightburst and the Texas Ranger tried to keep pace but were rapidly falling behind. The trio had been out on patrol when the call from Muskateer came in.
As she closed the distance between herself and the Canadian villainess, Diamond's unique sixth sense started to go off. Typically it would signal some danger in the immediate vicinity. However, it was not coming from Ladybug!
Looking off to her right, Black Diamond spotted a construction site where yet another skyscraper was being built. The upper portion of the building was just a skeleton of support beams and platforms. Dozens of workers were in the process of installing additional girders to the existing structure. A large crane was lifting the sixty-foot long 'I' beam into position.
Unexpectedly, a milky-white vortex sprang into existence close to the new skyscraper, a loud boom heralding its arrival. Immediately, there was a strong suction produced by the vortex. Small hand tools were the first to go flying in as the construction workers desperately tried to hang on to the girders. Several were held in mid-air by the pulling force, only their safely lines preventing them from being sucked inside the strange vortex.
Black Diamond exchanged quick glances between the strange vortex and the fleeing Ladybug. "Damn," she cursed as she changed course and flew towards the construction site. Human life was more important than the money in the armored car.
As she flew closer, one of the safely lines snapped, sending the helpless worker towards the vortex. Seemingly at the last moment, Black Diamond streaked in and snatched the worker from the vortex. "Hang on! I've got you!"
Diamond slingshot her way across the vortex, using her own momentum to resist the strong pull of the portal. Once free from the tremendous suction, Black Diamond took the worker to a lower level of the building. Gently, she sat the frazzled man down. He was still in shock, but managed to say, "Thanks." This would be quite a story to tell his grand kids!
"Look out!" Diamond turned towards the distant voice. Looking up, the heroine could see that the situation had taken a dire turn. The crane that had been lifting the girders into place was buckling. The pull of the vortex had grabbed a hold of the 'I' beam the crane had been lifting, causing it to swing wildly. It was rapidly bearing down on the building, threatening a violent collision that could potentially take out the entire upper skeleton. Tons of metal would be dropping into the busy streets below unless she did something!
Gritting her teeth, Black Diamond streaked into the air once more and flung herself into the girder's path. She collided with the large metal object with a loud thud. Bracing herself against the beam, Diamond tried to use her flight to counteract the vortex's pull.
Sweat pouring down her face, Black Diamond strained to prevent the girder from hitting the building. The distance was rapidly closing. Thirty feet. "Come on! Come on!" Twenty. Finally, the beam started to slow down. Ten feet. Daring a look back, Diamond could see a support beam behind her. Five feet. Twisting as she continued to push against the beam, the heroine landed feet first on the support beam. Now backed by solid footing, the beam's momentum was brought to a halt.
As Black Diamond struggled with the beam, several more safely lines snapped, having been subjected to far more tension than they were ever designed to withstand. Three construction workers fell helplessly towards the vortex. One plunged inside, screaming all the way. The other two were about to join their companion when they suddenly came to a halt in mid-air!
"Jes' hang on there, pahdnars! Ah'll have ya outta there before ya know it." The Texas Ranger had arrived on the scene and had used his telekinesis to rescue the men. Lightburst hovered close by ready to offer additional assistance.
Just as suddenly as it started, it was all over with. With a second boom, the vortex simply vanished as if it was never there. The powerful suction was gone.
With the pull gone, Black Diamond was able to gently ease the steel beam into position while Ranger and Lightburst assisted the construction workers. With the crane damaged, she didn't dare risk it supporting the weight of the beam. That task completed, she joined her fellow Avengers with the workers.
"Is everyone alright?", the heroine asked. "Anyone in need of medical attention?"
"I think we're okay," one of the workers answered. "You guys really saved our butts."
"Except for Vinny," another worker spoke up. "He got pulled into that-- whatever that thing was."
"We don't know what it is either," Diamond answered. "Or what effect it will have on your friend. But I promise you, we're going to find out!"
