#25 - "Family Affair"

"So what's the verdict, doc?" Jim Sculley was seated on the examination table inside the private clinic of Bryn Carstairs. Since the removal of several mental blocks by Nightengale, Jim had finally decided to visit a doctor. Knowing that Bryn, Sabre's mother, was a physician, and given that he had become Spectrum since his last checkup, he decided to seek out a doctor more knowledgeable of those with superpowers. Bryn Carstairs fit the bill nicely.

It was mid-morning on Wednesday when Whitney drove Jim out to the Carstairs Estate for the examination. The pair had been inseparable since their reconciliation a few nights back. Whitney sat near the side of the room, watching the examination.

"You're basically healthy," Bryn reported as she eyed the results of her examination. The noted physician was a physically impressive specimen. Her long blonde hair flowed down the back of her white lab coat. "Most everything is within what is considered to be normal for a man of your age and size. Although, your cholesterol is on the high side. It wouldn't hurt you to loose a few pounds and exercise regularly also."

"I don't eat right," Jim admitted. "I never was much of a cook and seem to catch meals when I can."

"As do many other crime fighters as well. Nutrition is important, particularly in such a physically demanding field."

"I'll see that James eats proper meals as often as possible," Whitney added from the side of the room. Jim shot her a 'not you too' kind of look. "You are getting a little chubby around the waist," Whitney explained with a shrug.

"I love you too," Jim responded with a grin. "And here I thought you wanted me for my mind." It was so good to be back together with Ms. Parks. He never wanted for them to be apart again. Having her look after him was going to be a pleasure. Stepping off the examination table, Jim casually slipped his polo shirt back on.

Whitney came up along his side, placing her arm around his. "Actually, I think I prefer the whole package, James." He found her smile to be delightful and her perfume highly intoxicating. Was it getting warm in here?

"Diplomatic as always, Ms. Parks."

"Tools of the trade, Mr. Sculley."

"Young love," Bryn Carstairs thought to herself. She and Blade had been like that once, decades ago. Out loud she added, "That pretty much wraps things up here. I'll schedule you for a checkup in a month."

"Thanks, doc," Jim answered, shaking the woman's hand. He could feel the power she possessed in that handshake. If she chose to, Bryn could have easily crushed his hand. "I appreciate it."

"Just keep my son out of trouble," Bryn answered. "That would be payment enough for me."

"Yes, ma'am." Hand in hand, Whitney and Jim departed the clinic.

"Mademoiselle Larousse will see you now," the receptionist informed the woman seated in the waiting area. Setting the magazine she had been paging through aside, the woman rose to her feet, clutched her portfolio and approached the office. She was an attractive woman with dark brown hair falling below her shoulders and was dressed professionally. The receptionist opened the door into the office and stood aside, allowing the woman to enter. Closing it, the secretary returned to her desk.

The office behind the door was huge. It featured a giant solid oak desk in the main work area. A relaxation area was off to one side, complete with well-stocked wet bar and numerous chairs and couches for sitting. A few pieces of exercise equipment were present as well. Once inside, the woman tossed her portfolio onto a nearby couch and strode towards the desk of Mademoiselle Larousse.

The woman behind the desk looked up and smiled. She had short brown hair and green eyes. Her style of dress and appearance was impeccable. The few pieces of expensive jewelry she wore only served to heighten her beauty. Mademoiselle Genevieve Larousse rose to greet her guest. "A pleasure as always, Scorpia," the CEO of Kord Industries stated in a heavy French accent. "What can moi do por vous?"

Scorpia approached the desk and took a seat at Larousse's direction. "My thanks for taking the time to see me, Iron Maiden."

"I have always admired your skills and talents, Scorpia. I was beginning to wonder if you were ever going to free yourself from Muerte's foul clutches." the woman better known as the infamous Iron Maiden stated as she too sat down again. "Can I offer you a refreshment?"

"Please," Scorpia answered in a satisfied tone. She was unsure just what Iron Maiden's stance was on her separation from Terror Incorporated. Professor Muerte's group was loosely allied with Dr. Destroyer and primarily worked in South America. Iron Maiden was even more attached to Destroyer and kept watch of North American interests. While originally operating in Europe, Iron Maiden had moved to the States a few years back. "Then you approve of my actions?"

A side door to the office opened and Mentalla strolled in carrying a silver serving tray. This did not surprise Scorpia as Mentalla had long been Iron Maiden's right hand assistant and personal bodyguard. While the mentalist was dressed for the corporate setting, there was no mistaking her. She prepared a cup of tea for each woman and then departed the room.

"Were I in your position, I would have done eet years ago," Iron Maiden commented. "Muerte is a mad, delusional fool. Why zee Doctor keeps him around is a mystery to me. I think that you are a far better operative than zee Professor."

"That's good to know," Scorpia answered. "Then you won't be assisting Muerte?"

"Terror Incorporated is his domain. I shall not intervene on heez behalf."

"As I had hoped." While Scorpia was not afraid of Professor Muerte, she was concerned that he might have powerful allies that would assist him in his plans for revenge. Apparently, Iron Maiden was not among them. More than anything, the two women seemed to be on the same page.

"Unfortunately, I cannot help you either. I must remain neutral until zhis affair is resolved one way or zee other. Officially, of course."

"I understand completely. One in your position must not show favoritism. But that does not prevent you from aiding me indirectly however. After all, the Doctor does not have to know everything."

"We think alike," the Iron Maiden noted with a pleased smile. "I almost wish I had recruited you into my organization instead of allowing Muerte to have you."

"My organization is still in the building stages. I need to perform an act that will gather everyone's attention. To inform them that Terror Unlimited is a force to be reckoned with. Something to gain more capital and the desired reputation."

"I have zee perfect thing in mind. Assuming zhat you don't mind doing a favor for moi in return?"

"I'm listening," Scorpia stated. This was going better than she had hoped.

"I have been trying to acquire Lawrence Technologies for zee last few months..." (Editor's Note: See Scarlet Sabre #1-2 for Terror Unlimited's actions against LawTech)

"So, what do you plan to do next?", Whitney inquired. They were currently cruising along the freeway on their way back into Los Angeles in Whitney's white sports car.

"Why don't we stop off at the house? That way I can check my mail and phone messages. I can also let you see a copy of 'The Sea of Dread'."

"I'd love to read your book, James," Whitney stated enthusiastically. She had always been there to support Jim in his writing. So much of his limited success was due to Whitney pushing him on to pursue his dreams. "I'll let you know if you captured my essence with this 'Argent' character."

"Argent is not your exact copy," Jim explained. "She's like you in some ways, unlike you in others. Just like Stephanie not being the same as her namesake."

"Regardless, I am looking forward to it. You going to give me an autographed copy?"

"Of course, dear lady. I'll even give you two."

Whitney smiled and placed her hand over Jim's. "Looks like you're on your way to being a successful writer, James. I'm so proud of you."

"There's still a long way to go. I need to get an agent and then try for a book deal. When I'm not out saving the world, of course."

"The burdens of being a hero."

The two drove along for the next half-hour in relative silence. Jim continued to hold onto Whitney's hand and stared at the lovely lady. Never in his life had he felt so strongly for another woman. "I'm in love," Jim realized to himself. Their relationship had been rocky the last month or so, but now seemed to be back on track. The problems caused by his mental blocks were now gone. Jim was more open with Whitney than he ever had been before. He shared all of his secrets with her. She supported his writing, and now, as Spectrum, he could help Whitney with her private investigator work. Being with her felt so good, felt so right. He wanted it to last forever. "Maybe it's time to take the next step?", he wondered quietly.

"So, are you ever going to buy yourself a car, James?" Whitney's query broke Jim's line of thought. Having reached their destination, Whitney pulled up alongside the curb. "Or do you just prefer to have me driving you around all the time?"

"What red-blooded, American male wouldn't kill to be chauffeured about by such a gorgeous woman as yourself."

Whitney smiled at the compliment as she shut the car off. "Oh, please do go on. I just love shameless compliments."

Jim turned slightly to face Whitney. He took her hands into his. "I don't know what I ever did to deserve your love, but I thank my lucky stars above."

The two drew closer and closer. They paused for a beat and then shared a kiss. "You can be most charming when you choose to be, James," Whitney stated as she pulled away and slid out from behind the wheel.

"I've been working on it." Jim also got out of the car and circled around to join up with Whitney. He put his arm around her and they started towards the front door. "As for getting a car: at this moment, I doubt it."

Reaching the front door, Jim first emptied the mailbox and then opened the front door. "Bills, bills, occupant...", Jim rattled off as he thumbed through the stack.

"Are you expecting company?", Whitney asked.

"No. What makes you say that?"

"Someone is approaching."

Turning, Jim could see that Whitney was right. A woman wearing a light blue blouse and black skirt was approaching from a car parked on the other side of the street. She had short, dark brown hair. A police badge was attached to her belt.

"That's Detective Carter," Jim replied. "She was assigned to investigate Dad's disappearance." Whitney nodded her understanding.

"Mr. Sculley!", Detective Carter stated as she drew closer. "I'd like to have a word with you, if I may."

"Sure thing, Detective." Jim gestured inside the house. "Come on in."

"Thank you." Detective Carter stepped inside, followed by Jim and Whitney.

"This is Whitney Parks," Jim announced, introducing her to the police investigator. "Whitney, Detective Carter." The two women exchanged casual greetings. "Do you have news about my father?"

"Unfortunately, no. My visit concerns your sister."

"Stephanie?!" That revelation caught Jim completely off guard. "Has something happened to her?" There was genuine concern in his voice. Of all his family, he felt the closest to his sister.

"Oh no, James...", Whitney mumbled as she held his arm, equally concerned. Together they sat side by side on the couch.

"That is what I am attempting to find out," Detective Carter explained as she settled into a chair across from the two. "Yesterday, the Seattle Police Department was contacted by the law firm where your sister works. She did not report to work on either Monday or Tuesday. They were unsuccessful in their attempts to contact her. They were concerned as she was supposed to be involved in a high profile case at the time."

"I don't understand," Jim countered. "Her flight was supposed to leave Saturday night. She should have been in Seattle early Sunday morning."

"Yes, she should have. The Seattle Police backtracked and found that your sister never arrived in Seattle. She had never even boarded the plane at LAX. They contacted us, and thinking that it might be related to your father's disappearance, the case was dropped into my lap."

Thunderstruck, Jim leaned back in the couch. "This is unbelievable... You've found no trace of Stephanie at all?"

"When was the last time you saw your sister, Mr. Sculley?"

"You don't think that I--??"

Jim's angry response was cut short by Whitney. "Just answer the question, James. Detective Carter is just trying to find out your side of the story."

Jim shot Whitney a puzzled glance. Could she think he was somehow involved in this? No. Her eyes told him a different story. He recalled a previous conversation about cooperating with the authorities. For once, he would follow her advice. (Editor's Note: Back in Spectrum #19)

"The last time I saw Stephanie was here, in this house. It was Saturday afternoon and she was getting ready to leave for the airport. I had been writing pretty heavily while she was here and keeping some very odd hours. She left while I was napping. I haven't seen or heard from Steph since. I did think it was odd for her not to call me once she got back home. But, I'd been pretty busy these last few days."

Detective Carter made notes while Jim spoke. "What did you do after waking up when your sister had left?"

"I had plans to hook up with some friends of mine. We were together until Sunday afternoon." There was a skeptical look in Detective Carter's eyes. "Why do I get the feeling that you don't believe me?"

"We examined the security tapes from LAX for the time when you sister should have been at the airport. They clearly show you intercepting her and you both walking away from the boarding gate."

Jim stood up, totally surprised at that statement. "That's not possible! I was nowhere near LAX on Saturday!" In fact, he had been in the mountains fighting the Crimson Claw with the rest of X-Factor. "I'm being set up!" (Editor's Note: In X-Factor #1-4)

"That you are, buddy boy!" Out of nowhere, a yellow blast of energy shot down the stairs leading to the upper floor of the house and slammed into Jim's back! The force of the impact threw him across the room.

The women were both momentarily stunned by the sudden turn of events. Whitney turned to see a man dressed in the old rainbow-striped Spectrum costume standing on the stairway. "Another Spectrum!", she gasped in an astonishment.

Detective Carter drew her service revolver and pointed it at the new arrival. "Freeze!" In the back of her mind, she caught the 'another Spectrum' comment and considered its implications.

The rainbow-striped Spectrum casually walked down the stairs. "No need to thank me, officer. There's your man. Do your duty. Take this scum away."

"I said freeze," the police detective repeated. "I don't know what's going on here, but I am going to find out!"

Undaunted, Spectrum continued down the stairs. "Come off it, toots. You can't hurt me with that pea shooter." He paused upon seeing Whitney. "WHOA!! I had forgotten what a foxy babe you were, Whitney." Momentarily forgetting about Detective Carter and Jim, the rainbow-striped Spectrum advanced on Whitney.

"Who are you?", Whitney asked as she stepped away from the costumed man. "What do you want?"

"You know who I am," he continued. He forcibly put his arm around Whitney, drawing her closer to him. "It's okay, babe. I'm here to protect you now from that phony."

"Well, I don't know who you are, but you look very much like the Spectrum who robbed a bank over the weekend," Detective Carter calmly stated, her weapon still pointed at the costumed man. "You're going downtown for questioning."

"You're beginning to bore me," Spectrum stated. He flicked his fingers at the detective, generating a light pulse as he did. The attack struck Detective Carter in the chest and sent her backwards, overturning her chair in the process. "There. Now we can be alone, baby doll."

To the astonishment of Whitney, Spectrum willed his mask away, revealing the familiar features of James Sculley! She couldn't help but gasp in shock. Then her eyes caught the sight of James, the real one, regaining his feet. He put his finger to his lips, indicating for Whitney to be quiet as he grasped a chair.

"That's right, babe. The real me is back." He forced her closer and closer. "Come on, doll, gimmie some sugar!"

"You may look like James, you may sound like James, but you are definitely not the man I know!"

"Yeah, I'm better!" Spectrum forced himself closer still, closing his eyes as he expected their lips to touch.

"Not in my book, mister!" Focusing her fear and anger into one strike, Whitney drove her knee into Spectrum's groin with all the force she could muster.

Spectrum's eyes shot open in a combination of surprise and pain. "You'll pay for that, you-- you--", he squeaked out. Not finished, Whitney delivered a quick karate chop to Spectrum's neck. He was forced back a few steps and was hunched over, gasping for air.

Jim came up behind the costumed man and slammed a chair down on his back, driving the rainbow-striped Spectrum to the floor. "Get away from her!" To Whitney, he added, "Get out of here and take Detective Carter with you!"

Whitney could only agree with his logic, given the current situation. This was way beyond her meager PI skills. Sure, she had learned a bit about self-defense, but taking on someone with superpowers was another matter entirely. Grabbing Detective Carter under the shoulders, Whitney dragged the woman to safety.

Reaching down, Jim grabbed his doppelganger and drove him into the wall. Realizing that this other Spectrum was probably as resistant to light attacks as he was, Jim resorted to brute force. "As for you, you're going to pay for everything you've done!! I don't know how you look like me, sound like me, and have powers like me, but I'm going to make you tell me why! You of all people should know that your light blasts can't hurt me!"

"Big talk, you cheap copy!", the rainbow-striped Spectrum sneered as he threw up his force field, separating himself from Jim. "I'm the real, Spectrum! Not you!"

Knowing that he couldn't penetrate the force field by brute force alone, Jim fired off an orange blast. Some of it bled through the protective field, damaging the man within, in spite of his own resistance to such attacks. The force of the blast threw him back into the wall, making him woozy.

"No---," he muttered, still trying to catch his breath. "You can't be that powerful! You can't harm me! Now you'll feel my power!"

This time Jim was prepared for the attack. The yellow-colored light blast played about his force field, but did no damage to him. "Apparently, you can't harm me, but I can hurt you!", Jim stated confidently as he fired another orange colored blast. "Looks to me like you're the cheap copy!"

"No! NO!!", the striped Spectrum yelled in panic. He couldn't be the phony. He just couldn't be! He generated a sudden light pulse, illuminating the room. "I've got to get out of here!" The flash didn't bother Jim in the slightest, but it made him hesitate long enough for the striped Spectrum to take flight. He flew straight ahead and through the picture window, sending shards of glass flying across the front lawn.

Jim ran to the front window after his fleeing double. However, once out in the open, the other Spectrum rendered himself invisible. Even with his ability to see along other portions of the visible light spectrum, Jim was unable to spot his doppelganger.

"This does prove one thing," Jim thought to himself. "There is another me out there! One who fits the criminal Spectrum profile better than I ever did! He must have been the one who was in Terror Incorporated and now in Terror Unlimited. I'm not crazy! I'm not a criminal-- I never was!" A feeling of tremendous relief came over Jim. He was finally vindicated for all the striped Spectrum's actions. At least in his own mind.

Turning away from the window, Jim could see there had been minor damage done to the front room in the scuffle, but nothing that couldn't be repaired. Then remembering Whitney and Detective Carter, Jim rushed to follow their most likely path.

"Whitney! It's all right now. He's gone." Strangely, there was no answer. Reaching the kitchen he quickly found out why.

There were several other costumed men in the kitchen. A man in a blue bodysuit had a hold of Whitney, his hand clamped over her mouth. One in a red bodysuit had a hold of a still groggy Detective Carter. Green and yellow ones were in the background and standing before all of them was their apparently leader: a man in an all black bodysuit with three hexes on his chest in red, blue, and yellow.

"I know you," Jim stated, pointing his finger at the man in black. "You're that nutty Hexmaster that attacked the Tanghal Tower!" (Editor's Note: Back in Spectrum #14)

"Very good. Perhaps you are capable of learning things after all, my dear Spectrum."

"Let the girls go, Hexmaster! I don't know--"

"Of course you don't know," Hexmaster interrupted. "It is as I told you before. I am your ultimate demise." The blue hex on the man's chest slid open and a burst of gas flew forward, catching Spectrum full in the face! "The time has come to close the curtain on our little drama."

Jim's hands automatically went to his throat. The vile smelling gas burned his lungs and mouth. Slowly, he fell to his knees as a heavy darkness came over his eyes. The last thing Jim could remember was Hexmaster's evil laugh...

The rainbow-striped Spectrum slipped in through the open window and into the room he and Mind Slayer shared. She was seated on the bed and watched Spectrum arrive with a concerned look. "You okay, Specs?"

She received no answer as Spectrum simply ignored her and charged into the bathroom. The sound of the shower running was soon heard. Mind Slayer could only conclude that his personal mission had gone badly. With Scorpia away meeting with Iron Maiden, Spectrum decided to sneak out and take care of the heroic Spectrum. Apparently, those plans had failed.

The whole situation made Mind Slayer very nervous. Her Spectrum was rapidly becoming obsessed with this other Spectrum. Sure, he was a fun guy to be with, an adequate lover and could hold his own in a fight, but he was rapidly becoming a liability. The psionic could see the day when she would have to choose between Spectrum and the rest of Terror Unlimited. Given the choice, she would rather have Spectrum angry at her than Scorpia.

Mind Slayer sighed, and laid back on the bed. Spectrum was now ranting and raving in the shower, some of his words rising above the running water.

"I don't understand it!", Spectrum raged, pounding his fist against the wall. "I should be more powerful, not him! Why is this happening? Don't they know? Can't they understand that I deserve to be Spectrum? Not him!!"

"No matter what I do, he comes up smelling like a rose! I discredit him, and PRIMUS releases him. That cop had him and acted like I was the criminal. What is wrong with everyone!?"

"This is all Whitney's fault! She betrayed me to him. Yes, that's it. She caught me off guard. That's why I lost... Well, I'm not going to stand in his shadow any more! Now I will take credit for the things that I do!"

"He's mutated further since our last examination," a distant voice whispered. Jim was slowly fighting his way to consciousness, as if coming out of a very deep sleep. His eyes refused to open just yet, but he could hear clearly enough.

"That is why our Spectrum was so easily driven off," the same voice continued. "We will need to modify his booster shot to take these changes into account."

"Do so." While it sounded exactly like the same voice, it seemed further away. Or was it a trick of his groggy imagination? Both voices seemed to have a mechanical tinge to them.

"He's starting to come around. What should I do?" This one was much closer and probably the first voice he had heard. The Hexmaster and all the goons that he, Blizzard, and Shockwave had fought before were androids. Could this batch also be androids? That could explain why they all sounded alike.

"We'll continue on with the plan. You can gather your new samples later." The further away voice had spoken again. It could even be coming over a loudspeaker, while the first voice was in the same room as Jim. He could make out receding footsteps as he fought to open his eyes.

Groggily, Jim forced himself to sit up as his eyes adjusted to the bright light. It looked like he was in a medical lab. He was currently on top of a large, wooden medical table. Heavy restraining straps were built into the table, but they laid open and undone. "Where am I?"

"In your new home," the same voice answered. This must have been the one over the loudspeaker he had heard before.

Surprised to have even received an answer, Jim looked around for the source of the voice. As he did, he noticed that he was dressed in a rainbow-striped body suit, much like the old Spectrum costume. However, it only came up to his neck, leaving his head uncovered. Puzzled, he slipped off the table and searched for an exit. Several metallic doors lined the walls of the laboratory, but none of them had any obvious way to be opened.

"Who are you?" Since his first question had been answered, Jim decided to see just how much information he could glean from his captor.

"Oh, come now. Surely, you must realize that it was Hexmaster who has been behind this whole affair. You're not that dense are you?"

Spotting a camera in one corner of the room, Jim realized that Hexmaster must be watching his every move. His voice had been coming from speakers hidden in the lab. "What's the meaning of all of this? Where's my father and my sister? I want to see them."

"But of course," Hexmaster answered in a smarmy tone. "And they want to see you too." Jim spun as one of the metal doors he noticed earlier started to slide open. "Please enter."

Cautiously, Jim did as requested. The room was dark, but that wasn't much of a hinderance to Spectrum. He could make out two people, a man and a woman in the darkness. Both appeared to be sitting side by side on a bench.

Once in the room, the door slid shut behind Spectrum. Jim spun, but found it was too late for him to do anything to prevent it. As he turned back, the overhead lights came to life, fully illuminating the chamber. It was large and spherical in shape. In addition to the door through which he had entered, there was one other identical to the first.

Further details would have to wait once he realized the identity of the man and woman still sitting on the bench. Dressed in a form-fitting black body suit was Stephanie! Like the one Jim wore, it too left her neck and head uncovered. She seemed to be in a trance, just staring blankly out into space. Stephanie Sculley gave no indication that she noticed her brother's presence.

To Jim's immense surprise, the man was not his father! Instead, wearing a white bodysuit in a similar style to the others was his younger brother Bryan! He too appeared to be in a trance. "Bryan! Steph! What have you done to them?"

A section of the wall, some eight feet above the floor of the room, slid back to reveal what appeared to be a command center protected by thick glass. Seated at a console in this command center was the black clad Hexmaster. A purple and yellow Hexmaster stood behind him.

"Done to them?", Hexmaster parroted. "Why, I have done nothing but show them the light." The mad man paused to chuckle at his bad pun. "Like I once showed you."

That made Jim pause. "What are you talking about? What did you do to me? More importantly, what did I ever do to you?"

The questions brought another laugh from the black clad Hexmaster. "Do you really think that I am plotting against you? Foolish, lad. You, like your sweet sister and brawny brother are mere pawns in a much greater game."

"If it's not me, then who?"

"No wonder you couldn't cut it as a reporter. As always, the obvious continues to escape you. And who should know better? For do I not know you better than you know yourself?"

A look of realization came over Jim's face. "Dad? It involves my father?" That would make sense, if all his children were considered to be nothing but pawns.

"Enough of this idle chit-chat. The moment that I have so long awaited has now arrived. My final redemption is at hand!"

"Look, I have no idea what your beef with my dad is, Hexmaster, but you can let my brother and sister go. You've got me now."

"I have you all," Hexmaster corrected. "Rumpelstiltskin!"

The odd comment caught Jim completely off guard. "Did you just say what I think you said?"

"Rumpelstiltskin," Hexmaster repeated. As he did, a blank look came over Jim's face and his arms fell to his side. "Very good, my prized pawn. Long have I played with you, but all good things must come to an end. Bryan, Stephanie, join with your older brother."

The two siblings did as instructed. Their movements seemed oddly slowed, perhaps due to their current mental condition. Stephanie stood on Jim's right, while Bryan took the left.

"The stage is set," Hexmaster stated to himself. "The players are in place. All we need now is the star of our little tragedy."

Another button was pressed and the other steel door opened.

Jordan Sculley turned at the sound of the portal opening. He knew there had to be an exit from his cell, but he had never been able to find one. Now a portion of the wall was sliding back, revealing a larger chamber beyond.

"This is it," Jordan thought to himself. He had been held captive for many weeks now, but for what reason he had yet to uncover. Sure, he had made several guesses, but given the mental state of his captor, he could never be certain. The one thing he was positive of was that it was going to be unpleasant.

"Up and at 'em, you old goat!", Hexmaster taunted. "It's time for the grand finale. Your final and complete destruction and my ultimate redemption."

"So soon? And here I was beginning to enjoy your company," Jordan taunted back. Wearily, Jordan rose from his cot and slowly walked to the opening. The door closed behind him after he had passed through the portal.

Taking in his new surroundings, Jordan discovered that he was not alone. Standing side by side were his children, Bryan, James, and Stephanie. Each wore a different colored body suit: Bryan white, Jim the colors of the rainbow, and Stephanie in black. They all appeared to be in a trance.

"So nice of you to join us, Shadow." Looking to his left, Jordan could see his old foe seated up in the observation area. He knew that Hexmaster, as he now called himself, wouldn't want to miss this.

"What are they doing here?", Jordan asked, gesturing towards his children.

"Is it not obvious? Do you not grasp the irony of the situation? Tonight my revenge shall be complete! Tonight you shall die by the hands of your own children! Shadow-spawn, kill!!"

"The lad is beginning to annoy me," Scorpia commented offhandedly. Upon returning from her meeting with the Iron Maiden, Scorpia had gathered her charges to inform them of the next step in her plans. All except for Spectrum, who had yet to emerge from the bathroom. "You did tell him that I wanted to see everyone immediately?"

The question had been directed at Mind Slayer. The young mentalist shifted uncomfortably under the weight of Scorpia's gaze. She unconsciously looked down as she answered. "Yes, ma'am. I gave him your message word for word."

"That's a good, lass," Scorpia answered. While unsure about having Mind Slayer in her group, the psionic was rapidly earning the respect of Scorpia. She obeyed orders without question.

"Why should we wait for him?", Shamrock complained. "If he's not committed to our cause, then he should be replaced and quickly."

"In time, Shamrock, in time. But you are right, luv. Let me get down to details. We're going to do Iron Maiden a favor. In return, she's going to provide us with what she called a vibratory bomb. When we use this bomb, then everyone will know not to take Terror Unlimited for granted."

Shamrock wasn't exactly sure what a 'vibratory bomb' was, but if Scorpia was enthusiastic about the device, it must be good. Mind Slayer would just continue to follow orders like the good soldier she was.

"So, guys, whatdaya think?"

Terror Unlimited turned to find whom they assumed to be Spectrum standing in the doorway. He had changed his costume considerably. There was a white starburst pattern on his chest. Radiating out in concentric circles were the colors of the rainbow. As he turned, the villains could see a matching starburst pattern on his back, except in black.

"You kept us waiting for this?", Scorpia announced in an annoyed tone.

"Nice costume, Spectrum," Mind Slayer complimented.

"Thanks, toots, but it's no longer Spectrum. Call me-- Lightmaster!!"

Jordan Sculley took a defensive pose when Hexmaster ordered his children to attack. He knew that he didn't have much of a chance against them, especially Jim's light-based powers. But he had been a fighter most of his life and wasn't going to go down easily. He wouldn't give his enemy that satisfaction.

Energy gathered around Bryan and generated thrust, causing the teen to rise into the air. Once off the ground, he leveled off and then rapidly accelerated towards his father!

"My processes have brought out different abilities in each of your children," Hexmaster proudly explained. "I have triggered latent mutations in each of them. Bryan has become a human cannonball!"

Even in his weakened state, Jordan was able to avoid the clumsy assault. He dropped to the floor as Bryan streaked over his head. In his entranced state, Bryan's reactions were off and he was unable to avoid crashing into the wall behind Jordan. Bryan created a huge dent in the wall from his impact.

"There's one flaw in this mad plan of yours," Jordan yelled defiantly. "Their reactions are slowed by your mind control. They are unskilled in using their powers."

"Perhaps," Hexmaster offered, "but you are still outnumbered. Stephanie, show your father what you can do!"

Stephanie Sculley mindlessly obeyed the commands given her. She took three steps towards her father. As she did, a golden aura surrounded her body and grew in size. In moments, Stephanie was lost from view as her golden shell solidified. It was like she was completely covered in armor. Her eyes were white in color. Blasts of equally white light came from those eyes!

Jordan dove over the first blast, but was struck by the second. He fell to the floor, his hands draped over his head. "My mind! On fire!!"

"I have to admit that I was pleased with Stephanie's powers. Quite unexpected. Quite unique. But enough of that. Jim-- Spectrum, you may finish the job."

Jim stepped forward as commanded. He looked at Jordan and then at Stephanie. Calmly, he raised his hands and pointed them at his father.

"I forgive you, Jim," Jordan stated, fearing that his end was near. He closed his eyes and waited for the inevitable.

Suddenly, Jim spun to fire on Stephanie! His yellow blast penetrated her golden armor and knocked her off of her feet!

"I hated to do that, Steph, but you'll thank me later."

"What!?", Hexmaster screamed in anger and confusion. "How can this be!? You are in my power! I am in control here!"

"Things change," Spectrum countered as he extended his hand to his father. "What do you say we clean this clown's clock?"

"I'm with you, son!"

"You forget that Bryan and Stephanie are still in my power!" At Hexmaster's comment, Bryan launched himself into the air once more and bore down on Spectrum. Stephanie rose to her feet and advanced on Jordan.

Spectrum was too fast for Bryan. He was able to avoid Bryan's rush and let his brother collide with another wall. "I know he's got a thick head, but I hope it's hard enough to withstand that!"

Looking back, Jim could see Stephanie firing on their father once more, taking Jordan down. Hesitantly, he raised his arms and prepared to fire.

"Spectrum!", Hexmaster shouted. "I order you to stop!"

"Fat chance of that! The game you played with all of us is over!"

"Its not over until I say it is over!", Hexmaster responded. "You might think you have the upper hand, but I still hold a trump card! Behold!"

Jim followed Hexmaster as he gestured towards a nearby by wall. There, a panel slid open to reveal a monitor. An image came into focus on the screen. It showed a lab, much like the one Jim had awakened in. But this one held two examination tables and secured to the tables were Whitney and Detective Carter!

"You monster!", Jim announced in realization. "Let them go!"

"Surrender and they will be unharmed," Hexmaster countered. "Or my lieutenant will kill the lovely ladies! In a very painful manner, I might add." To further illustrate his point, a green Hexmaster strode into the picture and stood between the restrained women.

"What choice do I have?" There was no way Jim could let Whitney be harmed; no matter what the circumstances.

"You've never had a choice," Hexmaster sneered arrogantly. "I have always had the upper hand in this game. Return to the cell." Confident in his victory, Hexmaster turned to give orders to his purple and yellow lieutenants.

Having no choice but to comply, Jim went to help his father. He laid unconscious at Stephanie's feet, her strange golden form now gone. As he approached, he gazed into her eyes, hoping to see a sign-- any sign-- of his sister trying to rest Hexmaster's control. He found only a blank stare.

That was not surprising. Stephanie and Bryan must have undergone the same mental conditioning that Jim had experienced. Were it not for Nightingale, that programming would still be in place and his father would now be dead at his hands.

Lifting his father into his arms, Jim entered the cell Jordan had emerged from. The door slammed ominously shut behind them.

Furious, Hexmaster turned to his lieutenants after the prisoners were secured. "What happened?!", he demanded. "Where did the process go wrong?"

"As indicated earlier, Spectrum has mutated further since our last examination," the purple Hexmaster reported. "It is possible that he overcame his conditioning in the same unknown manner."

"Or it has been removed," yellow Hexmaster added. "Nightingale, the psionic Avenger, was spotted at PRIMUS Headquarters. It is not unreasonable to believe she removed the conditioning, assuming it had been discovered."

"Leave me!" Hexmaster slumped in his chair, contemplating his next move. His lieutenants complied immediately. Once more his plans had gone awry and he wasn't sure how to fix things. First his Spectrum was rebelling against his programming. Sure, he continued to operate as a criminal and tried to discredit the original, but he was rapidly proving to be incompetent.

To make matters worse the original Spectrum had broken his conditioning. Stephanie and Bryan were not powerful enough to defeat Spectrum and kill Jordan on their own. He'd have to find another way to accomplish his goals. "If you want something done right, you've got to do it yourself," Hexmaster commented to no one.

"Dad?" Not getting a response, Jim repeated his query. "Can you hear me, dad?" He was currently seated on the side of the cot, trying to rouse his father. About ten minutes had passed since they had been locked in the cell. He had placed his unconscious father on the cot and been waiting for him to awaken. Jim also changed his bodysuit into his standard Spectrum costume.

Jordan Sculley's eyes slowly opened. "Jim? Is that you? Is it over with?"

"I wish I could say it was."

Sitting up, Jordan moved his head from side to side, working out the kinks. "You mean we lost?" The elder Sculley shifted his legs and sat beside his son.

"Hexmaster is holding Whitney hostage. I had no choice but to surrender." Jim looked down at the floor of the cell. He had to find some way out of this mess and fast.

Jordan grunted his understanding. "You did the right thing, boy."

"What's going on, dad? What's this all about? What does Hexmaster have against you? Against us?"

A far away look came over Jordan. "I suppose I owe you that much. It started many, many years ago, back when I was still new to the force. I must have been your age when I discovered that I could do things others couldn't."

"Like change into a living shadow?"

"Among other things," Jordan answered. "Don't get me wrong, I loved being a cop. But there were times where it was a hinderance. Times where I could do more good as the Shadow than as a police officer."

"So you led a dual life?"

"Yes. Not long after the start of my hero career, I encountered the Gadgeteer."

"Can't say that I've heard of him," Jim noted.

"He was strictly a small time hood with grand ideas. Armed with a staggering array of tools and gadgets, he sought to make himself rich at the expense of others. I kept finding a way to stop his schemes or just drive him off. Sometimes I just outsmarted him, others he outsmarted himself, or a key gadget would fail. To make long story short, despite his high opinion of himself, he was a failure as a criminal."

"Okay, so Hexmaster is this Gadgeteer's son?"

"Not exactly. The Gadgeteer couldn't accept his failures. He went out of his way to find other scapegoats for his shortcomings. Mainly, he blamed me for anything that went wrong in his life."

"I get the picture," Jim interrupted. "So Hexmaster is out for revenge. This explains a great deal. But we need to find some way out of here."

Before Jordan could answer, a man in a gray body suit with blue accessories simply appeared in the room! "Sabre!!", Jim shouted in surprise. "I don't know how you found us, but am I happy to see you!"

"Just saving our fearless leader," Sabre explained with a grin.

"Hexmaster is holding my girlfriend hostage. You've got to find and rescue her and a detective first."

"Not to worry, mission already accomplished. The ladies are quite safe. Shall we go on the offensive?"

"You are good, Sabre," Spectrum stated appreciatively. "Real good." With Whitney and Detective Carter safe, he could now take down Hexmaster and rescue his siblings. "There are two others here, my brother and sister. Hexmaster has them under his control. We'll have to be gentle with them."

"Gotcha, boss. What's our first move?"

"Get my dad out of here."

"No way, son," Jordan objected. "I want in on this. I owe Hexmaster too. I may be old, but I can pull my own weight."

Jim considered for a moment. While he was opposed to putting his father in danger, he wasn't going to deny him fighting back against Hexmaster. "Okay, dad. Sabre, can you teleport us to the other side of this door?"

"Not a problem. Just take a hold of my hands and away we go!!"

"This can't be happening!", Hexmaster cursed. Alarms and sirens were lit up all over his command console. His master plan of revenge and vengeance was rapidly coming apart before his eyes. X-Factor had arrived on the scene and had liberated his hostages before Hexmaster was even aware of their presence. Even now, they were fighting their way deeper into the base. (Editor's Note: X-Factor's side of the story is covered in X-Factor #8.)

"I will not lose again!" However, the facts were quickly disagreeing with Hexmaster. Already several of his rainbow coded androids had fallen. They were no match for the invaders. In the arena below his workstation, Spectrum, Sabre, and his old enemy, the Shadow appeared.

Hexmaster angrily stabbed a button on his panel, opening a door in the arena below. "Bryan! Stephanie! Attack!"

"I'll take Bryan, Sabre you help dad out against Stephanie."

"Gotcha." Sabre energized his blade and took a defensive posture. "I'll be as gentle as possible with the young lady."

Spectrum rose into the air and awaited Bryan to become airborne. "You want to play, little brother, let's play!" Jim streaked away with Bryan close behind. There wasn't much room to maneuver in this chamber, but he still should be able to do what he had planned. As noted by Jordan, Bryan's actions were significantly slowed. This gave Jim an advantage.

Unexpectedly, Spectrum flew towards Hexmaster's observation booth and came to a complete stop. He hung in midair, waiting for Bryan to arrive.

"NO!", Hexmaster screamed, realizing what Spectrum was planning to do. "Bryan-- stop!!"

The warning came too late. Bryan couldn't stop even if he had wanted to. The younger Sculley rocketed towards Jim with reckless abandon. At the last moment, Jim flew off to one side and Bryan crashed head first into the reinforced Plexiglas covering Hexmaster's control center, shattering it!

The black-clad Hexmaster dove from his chair, narrowly avoiding a collision with Bryan. Instead, Bryan continued deeper into the command center and crashed into a computer bank. Sparks flew from the equipment, followed closely by flames.

The gold-encased Stephanie fired on Sabre, ignoring Jordan for the moment. The Blood fighter dove off to his right, and tumbled away as the blasts followed his movements. Stephanie continued to fire as she walked in pursuit.

Jordan tried to find some shadows in the room to manipulate, but was unsuccessful. Hexmaster had planned too well and eliminated all shadows in the chamber.

Stephanie continued to concentrate on Sabre unaware that Spectrum was targeting her again. "Can't really hurt Steph, so I have to use my least damaging blast," Jim thought to himself. He fired another yellow blast that stopped Stephanie in her tracks. A third dropped her to the floor once more.

That taken care of, Spectrum flew through the opening Bryan had created and landed in the Control Center. Quickly looking around, he saw that Bryan appeared to be down for the count. The purple and yellow Hexmasters were close by. "Give it up, gents. This is all over with."

Sabre teleported in behind and drove his energized sword into the yellow Hexmaster, destroying the android.

"No! I will not be thwarted again!"

"You seem to say that a lot," Spectrum observed as he fired on the black Hexmaster. "You're gonna pay for everything you've done to me and my family!"

In turn, the purple Hexmaster blasted Spectrum, sending him backwards out through the hole Bryan had created. Jim managed to gain control of his flight and avoided crashing to the floor below. Sabre followed up and separated the purple Hexmaster's head from its body.

"I will not be denied!" Jim spun to see Hexmaster standing before the opening in the Control Center. "Not this time!" Hexmaster pointed both his hands at Jordan and fired! The energy exploded violently near Jordan and shook the entire chamber.

"NOOOOOO!!!", Jim screamed. When the pyrotechnics and smoke cleared, all he could see was his father's twisted and mangled body. Anger like none he had ever felt before swelled inside Spectrum. He turned and pointed at Hexmaster.

"You murderous--!!" A deep ruby red beam of energy leaped from his hands and struck Hexmaster in his chest. The villain was thrown back hard, partially exploding from the assault.

Not caring if Hexmaster was down or not, Jim flew to his father's side. He was so still. Jim couldn't tell if he was breathing or not.

Falling to his knees, his hands trembling, Spectrum rolled Jordan over. Frantically he checked for a pulse, checked for breathing, but found neither. Tears flowing uncontrollably, Jim held his father's lifeless body to his.