#33 - "Basking in the Afterglow"

SIMON paced nervously back and forth in front of the monorail entrance. The mechanical man had tracked X-Factor's mission to locate the missing Blizzard to the Great Western Forum. Once the team had gone inside, all communication had ceased. (Editor's Note: Check out X-Factor #22 for what happened inside the Forum.)

"My word," SIMON intoned to himself. "I trust that nothing ill has happened to Master Blizzard or the others."

Communication was later re-established, but only to inform SIMON that the team was returning to base. If he actually had emotions, SIMON would have been miffed to be left in the dark like this. They should have at least kept the team Major Domo up to date on the situation. Someone might have required medical attention or PRIMUS back up might have been needed. Dozens of different scenarios played through SIMON's circuitry. How was he supposed to serve his masters without their input?

Finally, his technologically enhanced hearing could make out the monorail moving down the tracks closer to the underground base. The sound of voices soon followed. Expecting his charges to be returning, SIMON moved to greet them.

The door to the monorail tunnel opened and seven costumed individuals emerged. All seemed to be in good spirits and in a jovial mood. Mockingbird led the way into X-Factor's base. Even Miss Jennifer seemed in a cheerful frame of mind. That thought somehow pleased SIMON.

"Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home," the gray and white clad heroine announced with a laugh. Feathery white wings emerged from the harness on her back and arms.

"I don't think I could ever get used to the idea of using this snake pit as a base," Satara retorted. The Blonde Blood battlemaiden had tagged along on X-Factor's rescue mission and got to see some action in her new costume. Satara was immensely pleased with her performance this evening. "What you guys need is something overlooking the beach. Now that would be cool."

"I could definitely get behind that!", Icicle enthusiastically agreed. Anything would be better than living down here! "Some fun in the sun would be a pleasant change."

"Unfortunately, I doubt that PRIMUS would actually agree to such a thing," Spectrum added as he entered the base. He noticed SIMON standing there. Jim couldn't be sure if it was his imagination or not, but somehow SIMON seemed to be in a cross mood. "Hey, SIMON. What's up?"

"Master Spectrum, I was constructed to assist you and your team in your endeavors. Maintaining communication with the home base is not something that should be taken lightly. I am here to assist and I cannot do that if I am left in the dark to your activities and needs. Is Master Blizzard safe?"

SIMON's complaint took Spectrum off guard. He, like most of the team, had no idea just what to do with Captain Lightning's little gift. Apparently, SIMON had some concept of just what his duties already were.

"Sorry about that," Spectrum answered diplomatically. "We didn't think about you back here. I guess we're all still a bit new to all of this. Bliz is okay, thought. Everything turned out fine in the end."

"I am please to hear that," SIMON stated in his mechanical voice.

"Tell you what SIMON," Morning Star interrupted. "Perhaps you, Spectrum and I should sit down and have a discussion about your role here with the team. Clear the air about what is expected so that we can avoid repeating situations like this. Would that be satisfactory?"

"Very much so, Miss Morning Star."

"How about tomorrow afternoon?", Spectrum suggested. "I've got an important appointment in the morning, but should be free after that."

"I'll be here," Morning Star added with a smile.

"It is times like these, where I begin to understand my father better," Sabre said from behind Spectrum and Morning Star. "Having tested one's valor and courage in battle, a good meal is a fine reward."

"Now that you mention it, I am feeling a bit famished," Shockwave agreed. "There's nothing like a good tussle to work up an appetite."

"You said it, sister," Satara agreed and gave Shockwave a hearty slap on the back. "I could eat a horse right now."

"Really, Miss Satara," SIMON said in what might have been construed as surprise. "My programming prohibits me from harming an equine for use as part of a repast."

"It's just a figure of speech, SIMON," Spectrum quickly explained. "Maybe we should have stopped off for pizza or something?"

"Or gotten take out," Icicle added.

"There is no need for that, ladies and gentlemen," SIMON spoke up. "I an fully versed in preparing all sorts of meals, including a variety of pizza pies. If you would accompany me to the commissary, I shall begin preparations immediately."

The team exchanged glances amongst themselves before Spectrum finally spoke up. "Lead the way, SIMON. Although you're going to have to do some work to top Papa Luigi."

Twenty minutes later, the team had assembled in the lounge that was adjacent to the base commissary. It was much more comfortable than the regular eating area having numerous couches and overstuffed chairs. SIMON had brought the first of his creations out for sampling.

"Say, this is pretty good, SIMON," Spectrum said after taking a bite. Jim had willed his mask away to better sample the food.

Icicle and Mockingbird had both stopped at their rooms and changed into regular clothes. Both heroines used the base as their living quarters, although Mockingbird had actually chosen to do so. Shockwave had also changed into normal clothing; having removed her armor and storing it in her van.

"It's been a long time since I've had a deep dish pizza this good," Icicle agreed.

"Quite so, my mechanical friend," Sabre added. "Your culinary skills are impressive indeed."

"Keep'em coming, tin man!" Satara chimed in between giant bites. "This is just barely an appetizer."

"I am pleased that you are enjoying my efforts," SIMON intoned. "I had anticipated that additional pies would be required. They are baking even now." Once assured that all the needs of his charges had been met, SIMON ambled back towards the kitchen to check up on the rest of the pizzas.

"Like I've said before, living down here might not seem all that great, but the benefits of SIMON more than make up for it," Mockingbird spoke up.

"Indeed, my charming companion," Sabre replied. "However, I doubt I will be giving up my apartment in Marina del Rey anytime soon."

"You got that right," Satara agreed in between giant bites. "Still, this is great grub!"

"If you would have told me a month ago that I'd be inside a VIPER base eating pizza baked by a robot, I would have called the men in the white coats to take you away," Morning Star rationalized. "It just goes to show you how crazy this business can be and how fast things can change."

"Tell me about it," Spectrum agreed. "One month ago, X-Factor didn't even exist. Now we have an honest to goodness base and added even more members. This has been like one long amusement park ride."

"In spite of everything, I would say that we've done good in the last month," Shockwave spoke up. "We've made new friends and stopped some very bad people."

"Such is the life of a superhero," Sabre quipped modestly. "It's a dirty job rescuing fair maidens, but someone has to do it."

"That's my brother for you," Satara teased. "Mr. Smooth."

Spectrum took another bite of his pizza and then followed it with a large swig of Pepsi that emptied his glass. Setting the glass down, Jim rose to his feet. "I'm gonna get a refill. Anybody want anything?"

"I'll have some more, please," Icicle responded holding up her glass. Jim took it as he stepped past.

"Me too," Satara added.

Morning Star also stood up and collected Satara's glass. "Let me give you a hand with that."

"Sure thing," Spectrum said as he turned and started into the commissary. The kitchen was at the far end of the small hall. Morning Star followed behind him.

Near the entrance to the kitchen, Spectrum stopped and turned around to face Morning Star. "Something on your mind, 'Star?"

Jim had guessed that there was something on his associates mind. While Jim enjoyed the time he spent with Morning Star, he was also a bit intimidated by her as well. First off she was simply gorgeous to look at. Her lavender and purple costume did nothing to hid her ample curves. Sometimes it was difficult to concentrate while talking to 'Star.

Now that he had gotten to know her better, Jim also knew Morning Star to be a kind and compassionate woman. That just made her even more attractive. However, woman like her never ended up with regular guys like Jim. With Whitney in the picture, Jim was already spoken for anyway. The idea of having a relationship with someone like Morning Star seemed more like a fantasy than reality. It was a notion that Jim had to keep beating down in the back of his mind though.

But it was a situation that could not be avoided, for at least as long as they were both in X-Factor. While Spectrum had been chosen as the team leader, it was Morning Star that everyone looked up to and respected. Her ideas and opinions carried a great deal of weight. He frequently looked to her guidance.

"Was I that obvious?" 'Star said with a timid smile. "Actually, yes, there were some things I would like to discuss with you. Unless this is a bad time?"

"No, of course, not." Jim pulled a chair out from one of the nearby tables for Morning Star and sat down in a second chair. "Step into my office."

Morning Star joined Spectrum at the table. They were far enough away from the others to not be overheard. "I have to admit that I am very pleased how well Icicle has been accepted by the others." 'Star looked back and the icy heroine was sitting with the others laughing and eating pizza. "It is going better than I could have hoped."

"Yeah, really. I knew that all Icy needed was some guidance and confidence in herself. Having new friends and a roommate down here doesn't hurt either. But that wasn't all you wanted to talk about, was it?"

"No, it wasn't." Morning Star leaned closer to Spectrum. He couldn't help put breathe in her perfume. Between the sweet aroma and having 'Star so near, it was almost intoxicating. "Actually, this is more like a personal request of sorts."

"I see," Spectrum replied, slightly intrigued in more ways that one. "What sort of request?"

"Well, given the situation with Blizzard and his business, we have to consider the fact that he may drop out of the group eventually. He's already missed some team meetings because of Heroes For Hire. Instead of coming back here with the rest of us, he left with his own people."

"I would imagine he did that to keep the Empress happy."

"Probably, but my point is that we may have to deal with his departure at some point, perhaps sooner than later. We may be on the look out for new recruits."

"I really can't argue with that," Spectrum agreed. "What are you proposing?"

"I guess what I'm trying to ask is, do you think it would be a good idea to ask Spin to join the team? Now that the Guardians have broken up, of course. I mean, I've worked with her for years, and Tori would bring another experienced member to the team."

Jim only thought about that notion for a few seconds. Morning Star really hadn't asked for much or any special treatment since the team had formed. Jim wasn't about to refuse her this one request. "Sure, I don't have any problem with that. As long as she keeps the hairball jokes to a minimum. I don't think she'll ever forget about me being swallowed by that alien cat."

Morning Star unexpectedly leaned forward and hugged Spectrum. Jim was so surprised that he really didn't even get time to enjoy the close contact with 'Star. "Thank you! Thank you so much. I'll ask her right away."

"However, I think we should check with the rest of the team before doing this," Spectrum continued after a pause. "We've done too many things behind their backs. I think its time to be forthright with everyone."

"I agree."

Spectrum rose from his seat and walked back towards the others in the lounge. Once at the entryway, he called out to get their attention. "Hey guys! Does anyone here think it'll be a bad idea to ask Spinnerette to join the team?"

Sabre was the first to speak. "Given the friendship between Morning Star and Spinnerette, I figured it would only be a matter of time. I would welcome her as a teammate, should she so desire it. She has spirit and style."

"Spinnerette seemed to work with us pretty well before," Shockwave added after considering for a moment. "That would be fine with me."

"If you think it best," Mockingbird spoke up, "then I guess it's okay with me."

"No problem with me," Icicle chimed in. "I'm just happy to be here. Well, not here here, if you know what I mean, but as part of the group."

A grin on his face, Spectrum turned back to Morning Star. "See? That was simple."

A few hours later, Spectrum was flying across the night skies of Los Angeles. The small celebration had been fun. Jim could feel that the team was slowly starting to come together has a group. Having Icicle being so accepted was also quite gratifying. It just reinforced Jim's opinion that he had done the right thing.

The notion of having Spinnerette on the team was a good one. As Morning Star pointed out, Spin was another veteran hero whose presence could only be a positive. Jim didn't know Tori well enough to know if she would accept or not. Only time would tell on that front.

He could also see Morning Star's point of view when it came to Blizzard. His Heroes for Hire business had been picking up as of late and at times it did interfere with X-Factor concerns. Had Jim been in Thomas' position, he too would have had to go with his primary source of income as well. It was hard to be a hero when you had bills to pay.

But at the same time, Jim was happy that Heroes for Hire were getting more business. That meant that his brother Bryan, as Impact, would be getting a steady paycheck. While the two brothers didn't agree on much, Jim certainly didn't wish him any ill will. His change into Impact had turned Bryan's life upside down, causing him to give up his life-long dream of playing in the NFL.

As he neared his Van Nuys residence, Spectrum willed himself to become invisible to avoid being noticed by prying eyes. He landed in the shadows of the backyard. Jim didn't bother leaving any lights on at the house. With his enhanced sight, he didn't need them. It was another aspect of his powers that was becoming commonplace.

Spectrum landed and took a quick look around. Much to his surprise, there was someone standing near the back door to the house! Jim moved closer to take a better look at this intruder. He willed himself visible, but left his Spectrum costume on. "Breaking and entering is illegal, you know."

The intruder was very startled and jumped back in surprise. "Geez! You didn't have to scare me like that, Jimbo!"

Much to his surprise, the voice belonged to Jim's brother Bryan! "Bryan? What the heck are you doing here?" With both men still in the shadows, Jim simply willed his costume away and switched back to regular clothes.

"It's kind of a long story." Bryan started to say more, but then didn't finish his thought.

"I see. You want to come in?"

Bryan seemed to think about that for a moment. "If it's not a problem. Or do you have a hot date with Whitney?"

"I've had enough excitement for one night." Jim moved to the backdoor and unlocked it. He stepped inside, turning the lights on as he entered. Bryan followed, closing the door behind him. Jim took a seat at the kitchen table. "So what's on your mind?"

Here in the full light, Jim got a better view of his younger brother. Much to his surprise, Bryan's normally blond hair had been dyed brown and he hadn't shaved in several days. It was a jarring change to Jim's eye. Bryan had never really had a strong family resemblance that he and their sister Stephanie shared. But now, with the change in hair coloring, it was very noticeable.

"Wow, that's amazing," Jim remarked in almost disbelief.

"I know," Bryan admitted. "It surprised me too. I guess we really are related."

"That shoots down the theory that you were abandoned on our doorstep," Jim added with a laugh. "Why the change?"

"It was the Empress' idea. A new look to go out in public in and not be recognized."

"I see. That makes sense." Jim knew that Bryan was being hounded by sports reporters to get the inside story on why such a promising NFL prospect had suddenly quit the sport. It made sense that Bryan would try to change his appearance in some way. "But obviously, there is something troubling you or you wouldn't be here."

"Yeah, you could say that, I guess."

After a long pause, Jim said, "Well, are you going to tell me or do I have to guess it?"

"This is a very awkward situation. It's not like I'm used to confiding in you."

"It's awkward all the way around," Jim agreed. Jim and Bryan had never really gotten along while they were growing up. They were too dissimilar in their interests. Bryan was the jock while Jim was a bit more intellectual in his tastes. The difference in their age didn't help either.

"How well do you know Blizzard?", Bryan abruptly asked. "You've worked with him for a while now, haven't you?"

"Yeah, I have. I can't really say I know him that well as a person, if that's what you asking. It's a funny thing in this business. You fight beside people regularly, but you don't really know them all that well. It's kind of like co-workers at a regular job. Ever since he started seeing Empress, I really haven't seen him all that much. I'd say that I know more about Shockwave than I do Bliz."

Jim couldn't help but notice the apprehension that came to Bryan's face when he mentioned the Empress' name. Perhaps this all had something to do with her and Blizzard. "You having a problem with Heroes for Hire?"

"No!", Bryan quickly spoke up. "Nothing like that. I wish it were that simple." Once more Bryan looked away from Jim.

"Then what is it?"

"The Empress told me who she really was."

That revelation sort of caught Jim by surprise. He only knew her first name to be Angie and very little beyond that. "How is that significant?"

"I guess you don't know then. She's Angie Szymanski."

"She's Angela?", Jim said with an incredulous look on his face. He couldn't help but laugh at this latest news. "I dated her older sister, Josie! It's funny, but Steph and I had this same conversation while she was here, but from the other way around. Talk about a small world. She certainly grew up fast." (Editor's Note: Back in Spectrum #27.)

"Yeah, tell me about it. Anyway, we were out at LawTech waiting for Bliz to arrive and that's when she told me that we used to date. It came as a shock to me as well. Anyway, one thing led to another and... And I ended up spending the night with her."

"Oh," Jim replied. "Oh!", he repeated with much more conviction as what Bryan had said sunk in. "Bryan, how could you do that? Didn't you know that she and Blizzard where an item?"

"She told me they broke up," Bryan said in defense. "I believed her. Later I found out that she had lied to me."

"I think you have a problem." Bryan was sleeping around with his boss' girlfriend. Looks like life in Heroes for Hire was far more interesting than Jim had ever imagined.

"Tell me something that I don't know."

"There's a super massive black hole at the heart of our galaxy," Jim deadpanned.

"I've got serious problems and you're telling jokes?" Anger etched on his face, Bryan rose to his feet. "I don't know why I bothered coming here."

"Look, I'm sorry, Bryan," Jim apologized. "I'm too much of smart ass for my own good at times. You're right. You've got a problem and I should've been more considerate. Please, sit back down."

Bryan let out a long sigh and reclaimed his seat. "Now I don't know what to do."

"That's very understandable. Does Blizzard know?"

"I don't think so. I doubt that Angie would tell him about us. It would just get her into trouble too."

"That makes sense," Jim rationalized. "If Bliz finds out, then you're both sunk. Well, if it was just a one-night stand, then just staying away from Angie will solve your problem."

"That's the problem. I don't want to stay away from Angie. She's so hot, so sexy, that I can't resist her. I can't think straight around her."

"Probably has to do with all the blood rushing elsewhere," Jim quipped. Personally, Jim had never seen the Empress in that light. What he remembered most about the Empress was her self-centered attitude. Romance had never even entered into his mind.

"On the other hand, if Blizzard finds out then I'll have lost a really good job. You wouldn't believe the money that I'm making with this gig. I don't want to throw it all away, but I would for her."

"Let me ask you this, Bryan: How can you be sure that Angie feels as strongly about you as you do about her? I mean, if she was willing to sleep with you behind Blizzard's back, then she may have no compunction about going behind your back as well."

"Considering how those two were carrying on at the Forum, that would not surprise me," Bryan answered dejectedly. "What am I going to do, Jim?"

"I'm certainly no expert when it comes to relationships, but I do know that without trust you can't have a relationship. Bryan, if you can't trust her, then she's not worthy of your affections. If she breaks up with Blizzard, then everything is fine. But if she doesn't, then you're going to have to ride this all out and keep your gun in its holster, cowboy."

"That's not much help."

"And I would imagine, easier said than done too. I'm sorry I can't be much more help, but sometimes getting something like this off your chest helps. Don't worry; I won't say anything to Blizzard, either."

"Thanks, I guess." Bryan stood up once more and walked towards the backdoor. "I'll be seeing ya."

"Bye." Jim watched as Bryan left, closing the door behind him. A few beats later, Jim locked the door and shut off the kitchen light. It was getting late and he had an important appointment in the morning. A nice hot shower and some sleep would be most welcomed.

Next morning, James Sculley waited impatiently in the waiting room. His attaché case was resting on his lap. He would glance at the clock on the wall every few seconds. Time was passing horrifically slow, at least from his perspective. How much longer was he going to have to wait?

It was now mid-morning Friday. This was day that Jim had been waiting for all week. In just a few minutes, Jim was going to be meeting with a prospective literary agent. It was the next big step on the road to being a professional writer.

In the days before he was Spectrum, Jim had turned his attention away from journalism and tried his hand at original fiction. He had always loved fantasy settings and had created his own world of warriors and wizards. It was a land of mystery and adventure where his characters could explore, right wrongs, and uncover treasure.

He had written nearly two-dozen short stories that had made publication before his transformation into Spectrum. Having had writing success, Jim had begun prep work for his first full novel. It was a grand tale featuring many of the characters from his short stories that had united in a great quest.

Back before his disappearance, Jim had put feelers out to acquire a literary agent. The majority of publishers preferred to deal with professional authors. Having had stories published made it easier to get an agent. Then the agent could deal with the task of finding places for his work to be published. Jim could then solely concentrate on his writing.

The most promising contact was with one Rachel Moret. Ms. Moret had been part of a larger literary agency before striking out on her own. She had the reputation of being willing to work with new writers and weeding out the bad ones. Rachel was bound to have far more contacts in the publishing industry than Jim could ever hope to have on his own.

"Ms. Moret will see you now."

Taking a deep breath, Jim rose from his seat and followed the secretary. He was lead to and directed to enter Ms. Moret's office. Standing near the entrance was a woman Jim guessed to be Rachel Moret herself.

"Please come in, Mr. Sculley," Rachel instructed Jim. She gestured towards the chairs before her desk. There was just a trace of a French accent in Rachel's voice, but not one that was overpowering. Rachel's perfume was pleasant smelling.

"Thanks."

Jim followed Rachel to the desk. Rachel was an attractive woman of average height. Her hair was brown in color and was elegantly styled and put up. Her attire spoke of professionalism. She wore a frilly white blouse and a stylish skirt with mid-sized heels. Jim waited to take a seat until Rachel had set down. She rolled her chair closer to her desk while she slipped her glasses on.

"So you want to be a writer?", Rachel asked.

"That is my goal," Jim admitted.

Rachel leaned closer, resting her arms on the desk. "I hear that several times each day, Mr. Sculley. The cold hard reality is that not everyone is cut out to be a writer. Some simply lack the necessary skills. Others can't deal with the criticism of their work or the pressure in meeting a tight deadline."

"I suppose that is true, Ms. Moret. However, I am not one of those people. I have a degree in journalism so I am skilled at my craft. Given just how many rejection letters I've received, criticism is not a problem."

"Very good." Ms. Moret opened the folder before and paged through its contents. "According to my files, you were looking at acquiring my services several years back. Why wait so long? Perhaps you were having second thoughts about pursuing writing as a career?"

That caught Jim off guard. This was not he was expecting when he made his appointment to see Ms. Moret. "No, nothing like that. I had some personal issues that came up that forced me to put my writing career on hiatus."

"I see." Rachel scribbled a small note on a page inside the folder. Jim had no idea what she had written. "Then perhaps I'm not the type of agent that you are looking for. If I make a commitment to represent you, then I also require you to make a commitment to produce work in a timely manner. How can I know that another of these 'personal issue crisis' won't arise, causing you to take another long hiatus? Unless you have the name recognition of a big time author, then something like that is not a luxury that you're going to have. Provided that you are actually pursuing writing as a career."

"I certainly do hope to avoid having another year and a half as an amnesiac episode in my life, so yes I am confident that there won't be another 'personal issue crisis'."

Now it was Rachel's turn to be surprised. She looked up at Jim in surprise and said, "I beg your pardon?"

"I don't really like to talk about it, Ms. Moret, but my 'personal crisis' had to do with me getting amnesia and pretty much losing eighteen months of my life. That's why I wasn't pursuing my writing career. I just got my memory back a few months ago. It was in the paper."

"That's very interesting, Mr. Sculley. Perhaps even worthy of a book someday."

"Perhaps," Jim agreed. However, he no desire to put that portion of his life into print.

"That also changes things. Apart from that one matter involving your level of commitment, then I would be happy to represent you in your literary endeavors."

"That's great!" It was also a huge relief to Jim and a big career step.

"Now I'll go over my standard contract and then we can discuss what your future literary plans are."

"Sounds good to me."

An hour later, Spectrum was flying through the skies of Los Angeles. In retrospect, his meeting with Rachel Moret had gone very well. Ms. Moret certainly lived up to her reputation of being professional and working with her clients, provided her clients were serious about their writing. Once Jim had convinced Rachel of that, then the meeting went smoothly.

Rachel was surprised to discover that Jim had completed a novel so fast. She would begin the hunt for a prospective publisher for his book. Rachel would also look for places for his numerous short stories to be published, be they in magazines or book compilations. That was something Jim hadn't considered.

Jim came away from the meeting feeling that his writing career was in good hands. Now came the long and agonizing wait to see if anyone would buy his book or want to publish his short stories. The waiting was, truly, the hardest part.

After the meeting, Jim flew back to his house to drop his attaché case off. There was a message on the answering machine from Whitney and that brought a smile to Jim's face. It had been less than two days since they had last spent time together and but even that seemed like a long time.

"Hello, James," Whitney's message began. "I would imagine that you are at your meeting now. I wish you the best of luck. I have an appointment early this afternoon concerning a new case that I may need your help with. I'll explain more when I stop by later on. Say around five or so? Bye for now. Love you."

"Now that's very interesting," Jim said to himself. Whitney needed him on a PI case? That notion did intrigue Jim. Exactly what Whitney had in mind would fill his thoughts for the rest of the afternoon.

Leaving home once more, Spectrum was on course to X-Factor's base. He had that appointment with Morning Star and SIMON to keep. Never did he in his wildest dreams imagine that being the leader of a hero team would be so time consuming. Still, it was a not something that Jim intended to give up. There was simply too much good that X-Factor could do.

Once at the base, Spectrum bypassed the monorail car and simply flew down the long tunnel to the hidden base. Stepping into the base, Spectrum could see the door to the Main Communications area was opening. Hearing voices from inside, Spectrum moved to see what was going on.

"Welcome Master Spectrum," SIMON announced. The mechanoid had sensed Spectrum's arrival. SIMON was inside the Main Communication center along with Morning Star. 'Star was wearing her usual lavender and purple costume. She looked as lovely as ever.

"Hey guys," Spectrum said as he moved into the vast chamber. "How's it going?"

"Not too bad," Morning Star replied. "I haven't been able to get a hold of Spin. So I'm not sure what's she up to yet."

"Probably has a lot on her mind," Spectrum suggested.

"Possibly. Anyway, shall we get to our meeting?" Morning Star gestured for Spectrum to join them at the meeting table.

"By all means, Miss Morning Star," SIMON agreed as Spectrum took his seat. "My creator, Captain Lightning, has programmed me to be the ultimate personal assistant for X-Factor. My programmed duties are to be numerated as follows. Please interrupt if you have any questions or concerns."

"Sure thing, SIMON. Let's hear it."

Later that afternoon, Jim was pacing inside the front room of his house. The meeting with SIMON had been a very productive one. It had been a case of poor communication between the mechanoid and the team. SIMON had been expecting something that the team wasn't aware of.

SIMON was to act as a central communications figure. He would track the locations of all team members and everyone would keep him up to date on their situations. Thus if an emergency would come up, SIMON could direct the nearest team member to the trouble, or summon help should they need it. So much of what X-Factor had done thus far was a case of winging it. Utilizing SIMON would bring order to that randomness. All in all, it would just make the team more efficient and that could only be a good thing.

After the meeting, Jim shared a quick lunch with Morning Star and Icicle. Jen was in much better spirits today. Spending time with Satara and going out on a mission were a big help. The two girls were going on a small shopping trip this afternoon, to make up for their aborted one from yesterday. Jim wished them well.

After that, it was back home once more. He had briefly considered talking to Morning Star about the situation with Blizzard, Impact, and the Empress, but ultimately decided against it. For a moment, Jim thought that maybe Denise might have some new insight that could help in this situation. But upon further reflection realized that Morning Star probably didn't know Blizzard any better than he did. Perhaps it was a subject he should broach with Shockwave. He just hoped that Bryan could find some way out of this mess without generating a lot of ill will.

But now, all thoughts of his writing career and problems with X-Factor melted away. He could hear a car pull up out front. Peaking out the window, he could see Whitney walking up the front door. Strangely enough, she wasn't driving her Turbo Conquest TSi. Instead a blue Mustang convertible was parked out front.

Jim opened the door before Whitney could knock. She was still dressed for work. Whitney's platinum blond hair was styled and put up and she wore a light blue silk blouse, a black skirt and matching shoes. "Hey there, pretty lady." He greeted Whitney with a warm hug and a kiss.

"Hello, James. My, what an affectionate reception."

"I missed you terribly."

"I missed you too. How did your meeting go?"

"Very well," Jim replied. "I'll tell you about it later. Is there something wrong with your car?"

"Not at all. I needed a rental for the new case I am on."

"The one you wanted my help with?"

"Yes," Whitney said with a bright smile.

"That sounds interesting. What do I have to do?"

"Accompany me to Las Vegas for our honeymoon."