#23 - "Captive Audience"

"Jordan?", a voice softly called out over a hidden loudspeaker. It was a man's voice but it had a mechanical tinge to it. There was no response to the query.

"Jordan!" The voice spoke with more authority this time, stirring the sleeping man to consciousness. "Time to wake up, you old goat! I have more clips to show you."

Jordan Sculley opened his eyes. As he had feared, he was still in the same place where he had fallen asleep. The same place he had been since-- well, since he originally woke up here. It was a sealed room that contained the bare essentials for survival-- a cot, sink, and toilet. No door was apparent. The walls were white and highly reflective. Bright lights perpetually illuminated the room allowing no shadows to form. Time took on little meaning as it became impossible to notice the transition between night and day. He could have been here for weeks for all he knew. Maybe even months.

"I'm sure you're just going to love the newest developments," the mysterious voice added in a smarmy tone.

"Why don't you just get this over with?", Jordan asked wearily. He was tired; his body run down. But for the first time in many years he was sober. Safely locked away from alcohol he had gone through the painful process of drying out. Much to the glee of his tormentor. But at least now he could think clearly. That was something that had eluded him during his years of drinking.

"Where's the fun in that?", the voice countered. "I'm not done with you yet. Not by a long shot. You ruined me. And just to show that there are no hard feelings, I'm returning the favor."

"You ruined yourself. You're the one who came up with all those crazy schemes. You're the one who lost your wife because of what you did to your own son. I just happened to be the guy who stopped you. If it wasn't me, it would have been someone else. You're punishing me for your own failures."

"Tsk-tsk," the voice chastised. "You were far more involved than you give yourself credit for. At one time your taunting would have thrown me into a rage. Force me to slip and make that one fatal mistake that would ruin all of my plans. But now I hold all the cards. It is I who pull all the strings. Your words are now powerless, just as you are."

A panel on the wall opposite the cot slid back to reveal a television monitor. The screen flickered and a picture began to form on it.

"As I was saying, here are the latest developments. My remote monitors have caught some extremely interesting footage. Shall we see what your son is up to now? Or rather who he's sleeping with next? Quite a sexual appetite that boy has..."

The room was dark but filled with the unmistakable sounds of passion. Two bodies melted into one as their passion reached its peak. Exhausted, they fell side by side on the bed. "Baby, you were fantastic," Spectrum panted. Mind Slayer reached over to the nightstand and turned a table lamp on. The light revealed a sparsely furnished bedroom. The scene was being filmed from a vantage point that was outside the room, shot through an open window. The bed was centered in the screen with its naked occupants. Mind Slayer's discarded costume could be seen in the lower right hand portion of the screen along with some of their ill-gotten gains from the robbery. "Practice makes perfect," Mind Slayer answered with a dreamy grin as she turned back to face Spectrum. "You're not so bad yourself, big guy." "I like the way you show your appreciation," Spectrum muttered with a chuckle. "Still, I gotta wonder. Why in the world didn't you go with me and the gals, but with Black Mamba. Unless your tastes run into humanoid snakes and that would be really kinky." (Editor's Note: Back in Spectrum #5) "It was your companions that I objected to. The prospect of spending time with Black Mamba was far more appealing then being around Shadow Queen. He's really not a bad guy though. Just very tragic." "Really?" Spectrum seemed surprised at this revelation. "You think Shadow Queen is that bad? I thought she was really hot." "To you, yes she is. She knows how to get a man's attention and how to keep it. But to other women, she is as equally repulsive as men find her to be attractive. If I had to spend any more time with her than I had, I'd probably have killed her." "Wow. I never knew Sque brought out such hatred in other women." "You're a man. You wouldn't notice. But enough about that tramp. Let's get back to me and you. If you thought this was good so far, then hold on to your hat. I'm just getting warmed up, honey. Let's see if you can keep up with me!" Spectrum sat up and gave his companion a lecherous glance. "Don't know, luv. But I think it'll be fun trying to find out." The two moved closer and kissed passionately once more.

"Is all this really necessary?", Jordan asked of his unseen capture. He had been receiving these edited clips ever since he got here. These 'remote monitors' the voice spoke through seemed to be some sort of flying cameras. Very small, possibly cloaked from detection. "Unless of course you get off on this sort of thing. Which is quite possible given your current state. After all, you can only watch now. Not truly become involved."

"And here I thought I was doing you a service. Getting you ready for the kind of women your son would be bringing home. Provided he had someone to take them home to meet."

"We both know that he's not my son. Take responsibility for the actions of your own child."

"Our child is far more accurate. You are such a curmudgeon, Jordan. Very well, we shall skip ahead a bit. Still, I have to wonder: If Spectrum got Mind Slayer pregnant, what kind of kid would they have? Food for thought, isn't it?"

The scene picked up in the bedroom once more, but both Spectrum and Mind Slayer were now fast asleep. Many hours had passed as dark of night had been replaced by light of day. Unexpectedly, the door burst open and Scorpia strode into the room. "Up and at'm!", the villainess announced in a loud voice. "The day be well along and we have much to accomplish." Mind Slayer awoke with a start and by reflex covered herself up with the blanket. Spectrum groggily sat up. "Mornin', Scorpia. What's up?" "The time for celebratin' be over, lad," Scorpia explained in her usual Irish accent. "Muerte escaped from PRIMUS. No doubt he'll be looking for us." "Sheep dip!" Spectrum willed his rainbow stripped costume into existence as he rose from the bed. "We're evacuating?" "Not just yet. The Professor is unaware of the safe house Shamrock led us to. But we must be cautious." As Scorpia spoke, she collected the discarded spoils from their robbery at the First National Bank of California. "What are you doing with the money?", Mind Slayer asked as she quickly slipped into her leotard. "It needs to be laundered before it can be of any use to us. Shamrock has the necessary connections to handle the task. Then, and only then, will you receive your cut. Is that understood?" "Yes, ma'am," Mind Slayer answered dejectedly. She didn't see what the problem with the money was, but if Scorpia was making a big deal about it, it must be important. She certainly wasn't going to cross Scorpia! "Why don't you be a good lass, and go and whip up something in the kitchen?", Scorpia suggested. "I'm sure we all could use a good meal." "Right away." Mind Slayer slipped on her short white gloves and boots, tied off her sash, donned her mask and then departed the room. Spectrum and Scorpia watched her depart. "I'll say this; the lass knows how to follow orders." "I told you she'd be an asset. Not to mention very entertaining," Spectrum added with a small laugh. "I like her." "More than me?" Scorpia moved closer to Spectrum as she spoke. "Babe, believe me when I say that there is no one like you." Reaching out, Spectrum took Scorpia into his arms. "She's a girl while you are all woman." Closing his eyes, Spectrum moved in to kiss Scorpia. Unexpectedly, he stopped short, his eyes opening wide as he felt Scorpia's claws at his throat! "And I am the woman who is in charge of this venture. Do not ever forget that, luv." With a laugh, Scorpia retracted her claws. Breaking free of Spectrum's grip, the Irish terrorist slowly walked towards the doorway. "I have no problem in following your orders. I just thought that you were looking for some attention." Turing back to face Spectrum, Scorpia smiled seductively. "Should I need your personal attention, I will let you know. In the meantime, you have Mind Slayer to keep you amused and I have Shamrock. But right now, business before pleasure. There is much to do." Spectrum sighed and followed Scorpia out of the room. She could be so cold blooded at times.

The monitor went dark.

"Aren't they just the most amusing group?", the mystery voice asked. "I'm not sure if they should be a criminal group or in adult films. Pity that I couldn't locate Scorpia and Shamrock in action as well."

"Is that all for today? Or do you have something else perverted to show me?"

"You're getting testy. Must be time for your feeding."

Another panel silently slid open to reveal a small compartment behind the wall. Inside was a tray with a couple of sandwiches and a glass of iced tea. Jordan removed the tray and set it on the cot. Hungrily, he tore into the sandwiches as the slot closed as quietly as it had opened behind him.

After a short period of silence, the voice spoke once more. "On to our next feature. I have to admit that I lost track of your lad for a long time. It was far too risky for my remote units to maintain their surveillance, but I have him back now. I think you'll find this very, very interesting."

A new picture formed on the monitor. It showed numerous PRIMUS Agents and several costumed individuals near a front gate of a good-sized house.

Spectrum and Shockwave were relaxing near the front gate of the Carstairs estate while PRIMUS took several villains into custody in the background. This Spectrum was dressed in his usual costume that broke colors down according to primary and secondary. Unexpectedly, Silver Avenger Joseph Gray and several agents approached the pair. (Editor's Note: As shown in X-Factor #5) "You're under arrest for the robbery of the First National Bank of California and for assisting in the assault and murder of several law enforcement officers," the Silver Avenger announced dramatically. Both Spectrum and Shockwave were momentarily taken aback. "What are you talking about?", Spectrum managed to say. As if to emphasize Silver Avenger Joseph Gray's point, the PRIMUS Agents all aimed their weapons at the colorful mutant. "You are under arrest. Now come along peacefully or we will use force!" "Now just a minute here...", Shockwave started to say until several of the PRIMUS Agents turned their weapons in her direction. "You're joking, right?" "I never joke," Gray said in answer to Spectrum's query. "But this is nuts! I didn't rob the First National Bank of California, let alone attack any cops!" "Tell it to the judge." Silver Avenger Gray cautiously advanced, holding a large set of hand manacles in his hand. "Don't make it any worse for you than it already is." Jim sighed deeply. He had always feared that somehow Spectrum's evil actions would one day catch up to him. Never did he imagine that it would happen like this! "Okay, okay. I'll come along peacefully." Dejectedly, he presented his hands to the Silver Avenger. "Wise choice." Gray locked shut the Suppression Cuffs. The cuffs were supposed to weaken the powers of the individual there were locked onto. Jim hoped that he wouldn't have to find out just how well they worked. A trio of PRIMUS Agents came forward and led the colorful mutant away. One recited his Miranda Rights. "Don't worry, Spectrum," Shockwave shouted out as she watched the leader of X-Factor taken away. "We'll get to the bottom of this!" All Shockwave could do was watch as the Spectrum was taken away. Unexpectedly, the armored heroine spun and looked in the general direction of the remote unit.

The screen went black once more.

"Sorry for the fast cutaway, but the girl seemed to be aware of the my sensor. I'm not ready to be revealed. Not yet, anyway."

"You know that this frame won't hold up for very long?", Jordan questioned. "His friends will have him out before you know it."

"Unfortunately, you are probably correct", the unseen voice conceded. "This is hardly the last move in this game, Jordan. There's lots more where this came from! I wonder just what would happen if this tape somehow ended up in PRIMUS's hands..."

A new image flared to life on the monitor. Jordan had seen it several times before. He consciously looked away.

"You disgust me, old man!" Spectrum (the rainbow stripped one again) stood over Jordan Sculley. Angrily, he slapped Jordan's face. The scene was the Sculley residence out in Van Nuys. The front room was a disaster area. Even worse than normal. The fierce struggle had seen to that. Furniture was strewn here and there. Tables and chairs had been overturned. Unexpectedly, a shadow from the far side of the room stretched forward and wrapped tightly around Spectrum's neck! With a jerk, the shadow pulled the colorful mutant away from the prone man. Choking, Spectrum sought to pull the darkness away with his hands, but met no success. Wearily, Jordan rose to his knees. "No one does that to me, boy! How dare you come in here and start a fight! I'll teach you some manners!" A burst of light filled the room, momentarily driving the shadows away. With the shadow gone, Spectrum was free once more. "That'll be the day you can teach me anything! Darkness isn't much of a threat to someone who is the absolute master of light!" Jordan screamed, the flash forcing his hands to cover his eyes. Even covered, spots still played before his eyes. "Now where was I before I was so rudely interrupted," Spectrum stated, casually tapping a finger to his chin. "Oh, yes. Beating the tar out of you! I remember now!" Summoning up another light blast, Spectrum fired on Jordan. Half prone and blinded, Jordan made an easy target. The impact threw Jordan across the front room and into the dining area. He laid on the floor, gasping for breath. "You've really let yourself go to waste, dad. Just look at you. Pathetic. You're nothing but an old, out of shape drunk. You died years ago and you just don't realize it yet." Another blast sent Jordan up against the dining room table, chairs scattering on impact. Blood ran freely from his mouth. Somehow, Jordan was still conscious. He tried to stand once more only to be struck by a third energy blast. It would be the last one needed as Jordan crumbled to the floor. "Ah, he fall down and go boom." Spectrum moved closer and lightly kicked Jordan a few times to make sure he was truly unconscious. "That settles that. Time to take you to meet the boss. I'm sure you'll enjoy getting reacquainted with your old pal." Picking up Jordan, Spectrum struggled to make it to the front door. "Man, you are a load! Smell bad too!" Warping light around himself, Spectrum and Jordan vanished from sight.

"You think that PRIMUS would find this to be interesting?"

"I never met anyone who was so petty," Jordan answered. "You're just a pathetic mass of hate."

"Flattery was never your strong suit, Jordan. Or should I call you 'the Shadow' for old time sakes?"

"It makes no difference to me."

"Uncooperative to the very end", the voice stated. "I expected as much. That's why I saved the best for last."

"What are you talking about?"

"Watch."

A crowded area filled the screen. People could be seen walking in a multitude of directions. They appeared to be indoors. Perhaps inside a mall Jordan reasoned. "Last call for flight 439 to Seattle", a woman's voice announced.

"Is that LAX?", Jordan wondered aloud. He had only been there a handful of times in the past, but it seemed to match what memories he had of that particular airport.

"Good guess," the voice answered.

The monitor continued to show passengers moving about the airport. Some preparing to board their planes, others having just arrived. Finally, the camera angle focused in on a young woman. She stood about 5'4" in height and had stylish brown hair. Her clothing was understated, but spoke of professionalism. The woman made her way through the airport, luggage in hand.

"Stephanie!?", Jordan said with realization. "What are you doing now?" For once, the taunting voice did not answer.

Stephanie Sculley weaved a path through the other travelers. It was good to see her brother again she thought to herself. Too bad that, much like his earlier visit to the Seattle, superheroics had interrupted their visit. "Steph!" Surprised, Stephanie stopped and looked around. Who could be calling her? After all, Jim was sleeping at the house when she had left for the airport. She peered at the crowd around her. Finally, she spotted a familiar face approaching her. "Jim? What are you doing here?" Jim Sculley worked his way towards Stephanie. In moments, the two were face to face. "We need to talk. Something has come up." Puzzled, Stephanie asked, "What's going on? My flight is leaving in a few minutes." "Not here," Jim answered as he gestured to the crowd around them. "Let's find some place a bit more private." Grabbing Stephanie by the arm, Jim led the two towards the side of the large walkway. He looked around for a few moments, searching for some privacy. Spotting an empty side exit, Jim steered the two towards it. "You're going to have to make it fast, Jim. I can't afford to miss my flight. What's wrong? What's the matter?" Jim turned to face his concerned sister. "There's nothing wrong." "Then why--?" Suddenly, Jim fired a blast of light from his hand, fully catching a surprised Stephanie. The young woman crumbled to the floor without a sound. "Nothing wrong at all, littler sister. Everything is now right as rain." Jim looked over Stephanie, a malevolent grin on his face. He took his sister into his arms, leaving her luggage on the floor. The two faded from sight as Spectrum warped light around them.

Rage came over Jordan. The sight of his only daughter being treated like that had filled him with anger. "Leave her out of this!"

"Sorry, but I can't do that, old boy."

"But she's--!"

"Just another pawn," the voice interrupted. "Another game piece that needs to be used. I wonder how she'll turn out after I've given her my special treatments?"

"I'll kill you!", Jordan screamed through a enraged sneer.

"I doubt it. Shall we see how she is progressing?"

Another new scene appeared on the monitor. A laboratory came into focus. Benches filled with numerous pieces of equipment were everywhere. In the center of the lab was a large wooden table. Secured to this table with large leather straps was Stephanie. She was awake now. "Where am I?!", she cried out, but received no answer. Her eyes darted about wildly, not comprehending what was going on. The straps held her secure. There was no hope of escaping them. "Jim! Where are you!? Why are you doing this?" Several moments passed and still no answer. "Help me! Somebody please help me!" Desperation filled Stephanie's voice. But no one was around to answer her pleas for assistance. A sudden noise made Stephanie look off to her right. It sounded like the whirl of mechanical machinery in operation. She gasped as a mechanical arm extended up from the floor and into her field of vision. It rose up beside the table imprisoning her and moved towards her. Stephanie screamed in horror when she realized that the mechanical arm ended in a large needle. With machine precision, it moved towards her strapped down arm. Incapable of moving, she could only watch in terror as the needle was plunged into her upper arm. "What are you doing to me!? It burns! It's burning me!"

With a scream, Jordan threw his lunch tray at the monitor, shattering the screen.

"Oh dear," the voice noted with a false trace of concern. "No dessert for you tonight. I guess that's the end of the movies."

Jordan crumbled to the floor in anguish. He had to find away to stop this madness. Find someway before his entire family fell prey to this madman....