#21 - "Hero Hunt"

After the destruction of the Freedom Squad base, the rag-tag band of heroes made their way to the Guardians Mansion. Spectrum led the way, carrying Spinnerette in his arms as he flew.

"Despite my initial misgivings, you're turning out to be a fine hero," Spinnerette stated. "And a leader."

"Thanks, Spin. That's pretty high praise from someone like yourself. Still, I never sought to be a leader type."

"That may very well be, but you stepped in when you were needed. I was never quite comfortable with that sort of role myself," Spin said. "I'm too much of a loner to be in charge. Quantum's got her own set of problems as it is without adding leadership to her burdens."

"And I suppose you can run down the list and rule out everyone else for a variety of reasons," Spectrum added in agreement. "Looks like I'm stuck. We're in deep trouble, you know that?"

"I'll have to admit it's pretty hairy right now." Spinnerette turned and looked ahead. The Guardians Mansion was coming into view. The heroine let out a sigh of relief to see that it was still standing. The structure was visibly damaged, but had been spared from full destruction. Spectrum landed near the front door.

"Your stop, ma'am."

"Thanks for the lift, Specs." Spinnerette quickly entered the Mansion, not waiting for the others to arrive.

Goshawk came in next, followed closely by Victrix who used her telekinesis to carry Jo-Tan. The Freedom Squad's muscle man had kept his eyes closed the entire trip. Quantum brought up the rear. She had created another flying platform and brought Blizzard and Shockwave with her.

Spectrum followed Spinnerette into the base, but at a much more leisurely pace. This was his first visit to the Guardians headquarters and he found himself unconsciously looking about. The sound of talking led Spectrum to Spinnerette. The heroine was busy speaking with her remaining teammates, Density and Warlock.

Density was petite, and just a bit taller than Spinnerette. She had been a founding member of the Avengers many years ago. Later, Density came out west with Warlock when the Guardians and the Avengers were briefly both recognized by the Federal Government. The union didn't last long, but the relationship between Density and Warlock did. The two were married several years back and both continued to serve with the Guardians.

As her name might suggest, Density had the power to manipulate her own body's density. She could compact herself, causing herself to shrink but gain super strength and toughness in the process. Or Density could make herself so light as to be able to pass through solid objects. Her long blonde hair was permed in a wave.

Warlock was more of a mystery to Jim. Supposedly he had the power to magically 'hex' his foes. Spectrum had yet to encounter magic and was a bit leery on the whole subject. Warlock himself wasn't all that much bigger than his wife. He stood about 5'7 in his blue, yellow, and red costume. A golden helmet obscured most of his facial features; only a black goatee could be seen underneath.

Silently, Spectrum made his way towards the trio of Guardians. Behind him, he could hear the others following him in.

"Nice to finally meet you, Spectrum," Warlock said, extending his hand.

"We've heard a lot about you," Density added.

Spectrum accepted the handshake with Warlock. "Uhm, thanks. Just tryin' to help out, really." Turning to Spinnerette he added, "What's our next move?"

"Next?!" Turning, everyone could see Blizzard, still highly agitated, approaching. "The next thing we do is go trounce those jerks and rescue everyone!"

"You're joking," the Warlock offered with a startled look. "Aren't you?"

"What's a' matter?", Blizzard taunted. "You scared or somethin'?"

"Hardly, my good man," Warlock countered. "I'm just not that foolhardy."

"So this is the big, tough Guardians?! What a joke."

Not bothering to conceal her annoyance, Spinnerette moved before the much taller Blizzard. "I'm really getting tired of your ranting and raving!" To put an exclamation point on her statement, the diminutive heroine grabbed a handful of Blizzard's costume and easily lifted him over her head!

"Hey! What's the big idea, webs?!"

"Grow up and act like a man! My best friend and most of my teammates are missing too and you don't see me whining like a child!" With a flick of her wrist, Spinnerette released Blizzard, sending him halfway across the room. With the exception of her teammates, those present were in awe of the display of physical strength.

"Sheesh, I'm really glad that I didn't ask you your sign," Spectrum bantered, hoping to break the tension.

Spinnerette ignored the comment, continuing to lock her gaze on Blizzard. "We'll recover everyone, but we won't do it by going off half-cocked without a plan."

"Fine." Blizzard got to his feet. Turning, he started to generate an ice slide. "I'll rescue Angie alone, then!" Blizzard quickly slid from sight.

After a pause, Victrix added, "For someone with ice powers, he's sure a hot head."

Shockwave gave a helpless shrug. "Give him time to cool off and he'll be back."

"And people complain about my jokes," Spectrum muttered. "Anyway, before I was so rudely interrupted: what's our next move?"

Spinnerette tapped a finger on her chin for a few moments. "Logically, our next move is to gather intelligence. Find out where the Blue Dome is now and how many villains are inside and if possible, which ones. Then we can think about making plans for an assault. Unless someone has a better idea." She waited for a moment, but the heroine did not get a response.

"If only my powers hadn't faded," Quantum said, mostly to herself. "Perhaps this whole affair might already be concluded."

"Or you could be among the missing," Density answered. "You can't keep putting the blame for everything on your shoulders, Quantum. We know how sporadically your powers work."

"You are too kind."

"Looks like we'll go with Spin's plan," Spectrum announced. "I'll search the mountains to see if I can stumble across the Blue Dome again. I don't see any other option at the moment."

"I'll help," Goshawk said, stepping up. "I might still be wet behind the ears, but I want to assist."

"That's great, 'Hawk." Victrix came up and placed her hand on his shoulder. "I'll go with you. It'll be safer that way."

Instead of returning to the mountains, Spectrum headed home. He was tired, needed something to eat, and also wanted to let his sister Stephanie know that he was all right. She was concerned of course, having heard about the events at the Freedom Squad base. She was pacing back and forth in the front room when Jim returned.

"Is what I heard from the TV correct?", Stephanie asked with great concern in her voice. "Was the Freedom Squad really attacked?"

"That's right, Sis. And I was right in the middle of it."

"At least you got through it okay."

"Lucky, yes." Jim smiled at his sister's concern. "Unfortunately, this isn't over yet. Not by a long shot."

"Why don't you tell me about it?", Stephanie suggested. "I might be able to help."

Time passed quickly as the siblings worked on making dinner in the kitchen. Jim relayed what he knew to his sister. "I think that about covers things."

"You know, it's too bad that you're really not the Spectrum that was in Terror, Inc.."

"What's that supposed to mean?", Jim shot back, a confused look on his face.

"It seems to me that the main participants in this contest are villains, correct?"

"Yeah."

"Since they fled directly to this mysterious Blue Dome of yours, then they must have known where it was in the first place."

"I get it," Jim said, a look of realization coming to his face. "If anyone knows where the dome went to, it would be a villain! Steph, you're brilliant!"

"'Bout time you figured that out," Stephanie said trying to sound modest.

"You've might have also given me the answer to our problems." Jim leaned over and kissed his sister on the cheek. "Thanks a lot, sis! I've gotta go."

Puzzled, Stephanie watched as Jim changed into Spectrum and departed the house. "You're welcome...."

An hour later, Jim Sculley made his way across the beaches near Santa Monica. The sun was beginning to dip on the horizon, providing a spectacular view to those watching. Jim had spotted his target earlier from the air. But he didn't wish to attract any attention and so changed back to Jim in a secluded area near the beach.

She was a few dozen yards ahead of him, not having moved during the time that it took Jim to change. Her auburn hair was tied back in a ponytail. She sat Iindian-style and was deeply engrossed in what she was drawing on her sketchpad.

So deep was her concentration that Jim was able to walk up behind her, unnoticed. "You have a talent for art, Jennifer."

The young woman was momentarily startled and dropped her pencil. She quickly glanced to either side in a paranoid manner. "Don't scare me like that, Jim," she admonished. "I almost let you have it."

"Sorry." Jim took a seat in the sand beside her. "Unfortunately, this isn't just a social call."

Jennifer picked up her pencil and continued to work on her sketching. "What can I do for you then?"

"Actually, I need a bit of assistance from your alter ego. Some information."

Jennifer set her pencil and her sketchpad down in the sand before her. "I know I helped you before, Jim, but I can't go around ratting on everything my employers do... Luckily for me, they think that Blue Jay must have clued you in on the Hart Operation."

"It's a good thing you did, Jen. Millions could have died in Dallas."

"Jim, it was just a bluff," she answered, dismissing the concern in his voice. "Nothing would have happened."

"Keep telling yourself that," Jim admonished. "I saw the device for myself. It looked pretty real to me."

Jennifer turned away, an uncomfortable look on her face. "I'd rather not discuss this anymore, Jim...."

"Like I said, I'm not here to harass you. Did you hear what went down earlier today?"

"About the attacks? Yeah, it was all over the radio. Couldn't help but hear about it. I had nothing to do with that--"

Jim held his hand up to interrupt Jennifer. "I'm not saying you did. I'm assuming that you heard about his contest that's goin on?"

"I've heard of it, but I never participated in it. I'm not exactly interested in that kind of thing. If you ask me it just brings more headaches than it's worth."

"That's good to hear, Jen. After the attacks, we chased the bad guys out to a Blue Dome in the mountains. It vanished after they went inside. Would it be possible for you to find out where the dome moved to?"

Jennifer considered his request for a few moments. In spite of her innocent looks, Jen was far better known to the world as the cold-wielding villainess, Icicle. Suddenly she stood up. "I'll see what I can do. Wait here." Jennifer headed back towards the parking lot to a waiting pay phone.

She returned about ten minutes later and handed Jim a piece of paper. "Here you go. My contact didn't know how long it's going to be in this spot. I guess the dome moves around quite a lot."

Jim eagerly accepted the paper and gave Jennifer a hug. "Thanks, Jen. I owe you one." He started to depart, but stopped for one last comment. Hastily, he scrawled a phone number and an address on another piece of paper. "Here, if you want someone to talk to, or maybe come over for a visit, this is where you can find me."

Hesitantly, Icicle accepted the information. "I'll-- think about it, Jim. Good luck."

It was dark by the time Spectrum arrived at the Guardians Headquarters. He found Sabre just inside the door, expertly juggling apples.

"Ah, friend Spectrum. Have you learned anything?"

"As a matter of fact, Sabre, I think I have. Where is everyone?"

"Blizzard and Shockwave are having a private conversation in the next room. I believe Density and Warlock are searching for parts to repair some of the damaged equipment. The others are out searching for the Blue Dome."

Spectrum considered for a moment. "It might just work with the four of us... We have to act fast before the dome moves again..."

"Have you a plan?", Sabre asked with interest.

"Possibly. Provided that you're willing to play along with the idea."

"What idea is that?" The door to a side room opened and Blizzard walked out. Shockwave followed behind him. "If it's a plan to rescue our friends, then I'm all for it."

"Nice to have you back, Bliz."

"Some of what the spider-lady said made sense...", Blizzard quietly stated.

"What I have in mind is risky," Spectrum warned. "It could easily blow up in our faces, but it might just work."

"Don't keep us in suspense," Shockwave stated eagerly. "Tell us your plan."

Spectrum took a deep breath before launching into his idea. "Okay, here goes..."

Jim had to admit that Sabre, Blizzard, and Shockwave took his idea better than he thought they would. Maybe they were just desperate enough to go along with his crazy scheme. Sabre was the key to everything. If he hadn't gone along with the idea, then the plan was doomed from the start.

Dressed in his original Spectrum costume, the Lifesaver one, Jim flew into the mountains over Los Angeles. The Blue Dome had indeed moved to a new location, some twenty miles away from its previous spot. In his arms, he carried an apparently unconscious Blizzard.

"Man, you're heavy," Spectrum whispered to his passenger.

"I can assure you that it is all muscle, my friend," Blizzard responded. "Are we almost there yet?"

"It's coming into sight now. Time to get into our roles."

"Break a leg."

"That's not a very comfortable sentiment," Spectrum retorted.

Spectrum and his burden landed before the ominous Blue Dome. "Hello? Is there anybody home? I'm not a dome-to-dome salesman or anything like that."

Silently, a portion of the dome retracted forming a doorway. "Here goes nothing," Spectrum said under his breath as he carried Blizzard into the dome.

A wide hallway led off into the depths of the dome. Along one side was a desk, complete with an attractive receptionist. She snapped her bubble gum and twirled one of her blond curls as Spectrum approached.

"Hi there!", the receptionist said in a overly perky tone. "Can I help you?"

"Uhm, yeah," Spectrum answered. An actual receptionist was about the last thing he was expecting. "The name's Spectrum and I've caught myself a genuine hero for your little shindig. He calls himself Blizzard."

"Spectrum, huh?" The woman tapped a few keys on her desktop computer. "Oh, right, Spectrum-- an associate of Terror, Inc.?"

"That's me, babe. Some loser stole my name, so I came to Hollywood to set things straight." Inwardly, Jim let out a sigh of relief. She seemed to be buying his story. "What can I do with this guy? He's gettin' heavy!"

"Well, Mr. Spectrum, you are eligible to enter our contest, but I'm afraid that Round One ends at midnight tonight. You have no chance of gaining enough points to advance to Round Two in the next ninety minutes. However, we can accept your capture of Blizzard. You'll be awarded 9 points."

Spectrum sighed. "That's just my luck, a dollar short, a day too late."

"However, having actually earned points, you may stay to watch how the remaining rounds of the contest unfold."

"That could be interesting," Spectrum noted, but not concealing his disappointment.

"Great," the receptionist said with bright smile. She handed Spectrum a form that she had been filling out as they spoke. "Just sign on the dotted line and you'll be all ready to go."

Spectrum signed with one of the pens lying nearby. "Now what happens?"

"I'll give you a brief tour and your captive will be secured."

As if on cue, a door silently slid open and two men entered. They were physically unremarkable in appearance, but wore matching uniforms. Each was garbed in a white bodysuit with red boots, belt, gloves, and hood. A red claw-like drawing was on their chests.

The two men approached the unmoving Blizzard. One produced a small gun that fired a greenish gas into the unconscious hero's face. Next, they picked up Blizzard and carried their burden through the open door.

"What was that for?", Spectrum asked. This was not a development that the he had foreseen.

"Just a security measure. It will keep Blizzard asleep for a few hours. Come along," the receptionist said, reaching out for Spectrum's arm. Once she stood up, Spectrum could see that the receptionist was dressed in a style that matched the men, but wore a skirt in place of pants.

"What's with the get-ups?", Spectrum asked.

"It is the uniform for our master," the woman stated. "The Crimson Claw."

"Ah, I see."

Instead of a room behind the door, it turned out to actually have been an elevator. Once everyone was inside, the receptionist spoke into a microphone, "Cell block."

Spectrum barely felt any movement as the elevator was sent into motion. It arrived at its destination a few seconds later.

The elevator doors opened to reveal a long room curved by the shape of the dome itself. The receptionist led the way into the cellblock, the Servants of the Claw carrying Blizzard behind her.

"We are nearly at full capacity," the Receptionist remarked as she led the group deeper into the cellblock. "Hunting has been very good."

"I guess," Spectrum remarked as he warily walked past the cells. Each cell was enclosed by a featureless, metallic door. There was no way to see inside the cells. A small keypad and screen was beside each door. The display listed the occupant of each cell.

The names of the occupants were most impressive. "Supreme, Imperial, Powershift, Obsidian, Morning Star, Resonator... Some pretty big names," Spectrum thought to himself. One name in particular brought Spectrum to a halt. "Shadow Queen!? How did she end up here?"

"Here we are," the woman announced. She worked the keypad and the cell door silently opened. The cells were horrifically tiny in size. At best seven-foot square with a cot, sink, and toilet. "All set up to contain Blizzard."

The Servants of the Claw placed Blizzard on the bed inside the cell and exited. Without having ever spoken a word, the men then departed. The receptionist tapped the keypad and the door slammed shut.

"Are you sure this cell will hold him?", Spectrum asked critically.

"Oh, absolutely. Each cell is keyed to the powers of its occupants. Why, we've had Supreme here for almost two months and he's never escaped." She turned back to Spectrum and took his arm once more. "Our master has taken every conceivable precaution."

"That's good to know." Arm in arm, Spectrum let the receptionist lead him away from the cellblock. So far everything was going, somewhat, according to plan...

"Now I will show you our guest facilities. There is quite an impressive collection of contestants already present, including your teammates in Terror, Incorporated."

"Just great...", Jim thought to himself. To the receptionist, he said, "You mentioned something about a second round to the this contest. What's that all about?"

"The first round of the contest is open to all villains. The objective in this round is to accumulate points by such things as committing crimes, defeating and capturing heroes, among others. The top eight point-getters advance into round two."

"So, basically, your boss is looking for the most powerful villain? Round one is just a way to weed out the pretenders from the contenders."

"Exactly," the receptionist answered with a nod. "In round two, the top eight villains draw lots and are given a hero to target. They must defeat and capture this hero in order to advance to round three."

"That's pretty wild." Since the woman seemed to be in a talkative mood, Spectrum figured he might as well keep asking questions. She might reveal a vital piece of information. "Who picks the heroes? Your boss?"

"My master adds eight names and each villain adds one name to the mix. Potentially, there should be some of the most powerful heroes targeted in this round."

"What's to prevent a villain from throwing a ringer into the mix?", Spectrum wondered. "Ya know, adding the name of some lame hero?"

"Nothing. Of course, the odds of you picking your own choice are very slim."

Another quick elevator trip brought Spectrum to the recreation level. "You'll find most of our guests in this part of the dome. The main tally board is located here as well. Feel free to mingle!" The receptionist excused herself, leaving Spectrum on his own. He had a lot more questions to ask, but didn't want to seem too nosy at this stage. So far his disguise as the old Spectrum was working. No need to push his luck any further then had so far.

Jim stayed to the edges of the room in an attempt to remain unnoticed. There were dozens of villains present and undoubtedly probably even more scattered throughout the strange dome. One slip up and he would be in a world of trouble.

Ripper was present, telling anyone who would listen about his, greatly exaggerated, exploits at the Freedom League base.

"That's right, boys n' girls. Me and my pals took down the Freedom Squad base. Totally trashed it! We put'm out of business!"

"That's not what I saw," the Gremlin countered. "Grond did most of the trashin', including you."

"Butt out, ya winged freak!", Ripper roared. Jim vacated the area before tempers flared into a brawl.

In another area, Spectrum caught snatches of conversation from the newly formed alliance, the Demolition Crew. Bulldozer seemed to be the self-appointed leader. With him were Sledge and Pile Driver.

"Thanks fer rescuin' us, man," Sledge said to Bulldozer.

"Yeah," Pile Driver added. "I thought the fuzz had a us for good this time."

Bulldozer waved off their gratitude. "No problem, boys! We're a team now-- the Demolition Crew! Things are gonna turn around fer all o' us. No more of this bein' stomped on by those nosy do-gooders!"

"I like it!", Sledge added, "We have sort of a heavy construction theme goin' for us."

"Perhaps a few more members would better round out the crew?" After a pause, Pile Driver started to name candidates. "Ya, know, guys like Hammerhead... Blowtorch..."

"He's a nutcase!", Bulldozer answered. "But he's my kind a' nutcase!"

"What about Airhammer? Or maybe Buzzsaw?"

Spectrum just shook his head and continued on his way. "Sounds to me that this Demolition Crew needs a foreman-- someone with a brain!", he thought to himself. Up ahead, he thought he spotted the silver and brown patched form of Giganto and quickly turned around. "I don't think I want to run into my 'old teammates' at the moment."

As he turned to escape the monstrosity called Giganto, he found an attractive woman standing right before him. She was about 5'6" tall, with long brown hair and matching eyes. Her costume consisted of a dark indigo body suit with bright red gloves, boots, and cape. "What a pleasant surprise," she remarked with a slight Irish accent. "Where've you been, Spectrum?"

"Oh, man!", Spectrum thought to himself. His mind was racing to place the woman. "I tried to avoid one member of Terror, Inc., and ran smack dab into another one! That's got to be Scorpia!"