#2 - "Alignment of Forces"
#2 - "Alignment of Forces"
Spinnerette, the current leader of the Guardians during this crisis, along with Spectrum and Morning Star of X-Factor, approached to greet the new arrivals.
The Lone Star 3's door slid open and members of the Superior Seven began to disembark. The red, yellow, and black form of the Comet streaked out of the jet first. A wake of pyrotechnics trailed the hero's flight path, reminding onlookers of the tail formed by his celestial namesake. (Editor's Note: This story takes place before the events in Young Champions #1)
Following the Comet was the lovely Sorceress, dressed in her trademark dark green costume. A dark blue hooded cloak billowed around her body on unfelt winds. Maverick was next, dressed in a dark blue cowgirl-esque outfit. A pair of unique six-shooters hugged her hips. Spare clips were attached to her gun belt, along with a lariat.
Captain Lightning, the leader of the Dallas-based Superior Seven was the next to emerge. He was of average height and build. His costume was blue with yellow lighting bolt accents.
Last was the large blue and silver armored form of the Centurion. A nasty looking mini-cannon was part of his right forearm.
"Thanks for coming so quickly," Spinnerette offered as she approached.
"Our pleasure," Captain Lightning stated. "Besides, I would like to personally thank Morning Star, Hornet, and Spectrum for helping us out last month. Without their assistance, the Gravimetric Bomb might have destroyed Dallas." Spotting Morning Star and Spectrum nearby, Captain Lightning moved to greet them. (Editor's Note: See Spectrum # 16-18)
"You're very welcome," Morning Star answered with a smile. Captain Lightning shook her hand, and then Spectrum's. "Spectrum and I, along with several others have formed a new hero team. We're calling it X-Factor."
"Just all in a day's work for us superheroes," Spectrum offered in a non-serious tone. "Although I may have made many enemies among the Cowboy haters, I'm happy that you are all still with us."
"Not being sucked into a artificial black hole does have its advantages," Comet added with a smirk.
"Then you have our thanks and gratitude, X-Factor," Captain Lightning concluded. "Say, that gives me a fine idea. I have just the thing to show our appreciation and help out your new team."
"Mav's tickets?", Spectrum asked hopefully.
"Even better than that, my friend. Something much more practical." However, Captain Lightning remained silent on just what he had in mind.
After exchanging further greetings, the heroes all made their way into the Guardians Base....
Interlude:
The access door silently slid shut a few feet away. Scorpia climbed out of the small, short range transport. Just a short hour ago, she had seen the remainder of Terror Incorporated captured at the hands of the gathering forces of heroes at the Guardians' installation.
In spite of the capture of Giganto and Fuer as well, Scorpia was pleased. Her longtime goal had always been to usurp control from the insane Professor Muerte. Now Terror Incorporated was actually under her control. She would recruit her own teammates. Ones who shared her goals and beliefs. Ones who were far more attractive than her former repulsive teammates.
Scorpia quickly departed the vehicle storage area inside the Citadel of the Crimson Claw. With the huge number of villains present due to the Claw's contest, it made the job of finding new recruits all that much easier for Scorpia. Spectrum had returned the night before, but the lovely Irish terrorist couldn't be certain if she could count on him.
There was a Spectrum that had been playing the role of hero in Los Angeles for the last several months. Their costumes were different, but their powers appeared to be quite similar. Scorpia couldn't be sure just what Spectrum was up to.
The villainess moved among the assembled criminals. Most were content to just shoot the breeze and discuss the latest events. Several of the finalists had advanced to Round Three already. Scorpia ignored them as she continued her hunt.
Finally, she spotted the object of her search: a large man in a green costume with white trim. A shamrock design covered his chest. The tops of his knee-high boots ended in shamrocks as well.
Scorpia smiled slyly as she approached. The man known as Shamrock was incredibly handsome. Like Scorpia, Shamrock was originally from Ireland and violently opposed British rule. Even better, he was in the same strength class as the monstrous Giganto. "Top o' the day, boy-o."
Shamrock turned in response to the unexpected greeting. He grinned widely when he saw Scorpia. The large man wrapped his arms around the smaller woman, gripping her in a bear hug. Shamrock then picked her up and spun about in place. "Scorpia! Me wild Irish rose! Where ye been keepin' yerself, lass?"
Scorpia would allow the indignity of Shamrock's greeting. He was 'to die for' after all. The two had several short trysts in the past and a few passing flings. Like Spectrum, Scorpia could easily control Shamrock. He was a better lover as well.
"Busy as always, lad." Scorpia had tried on several occasions to get Shamrock into Terror Incorporated, but Muerte had refused. No doubt he was against the idea of having a handsome man in his organization. "I've a proposition for you. Provided ye be interested?"
"Lass, when it comes to you," Shamrock said with a huge grin, "I always be interested..."
End of Interlude:
The main meeting room of the Guardians currently held an eclectic gathering of heroes from across the country. With over forty different heroes present, a small group of team leaders and other experts had retired from the rest to hammer out their strategy in countering the Crimson Claw, his minions and the numerous villains present at the Claw's base.
"Then it is decided," the man known as Blade stated. The Blood warrior was far older than anyone present would have guessed. To the casual onlooker, he was perhaps in his mid-thirties. In reality, he was in his eighty-seventh year of life. In addition to the various gifts received from the progenitor of the Blood, Azor, each aged more slowly than a normal human would. A typical Blood could live three to four times longer than a non-Blood.
With his age came vast experience. Blade had fought in World War II, where he met his future wife, Bryn. In his time, Blade had seen just about every type of military strategy in action. It was this expertise in warfare that had led the heroes to invite Blade to their organizational meeting.
Morning Star sat on one side of the table, next to her X-Factor teammate Spectrum. Spinnerette of the host Guardians was beside him. Next came Black Diamond and Muskateer of the Avengers. The Scarlet Sabre of the Freedom League finished off the one side of the table.
Down the other side was Imperial, the lone representative of the Capitol Patrol, Defender from the Champions, Quasar the leader of the San Francisco-based Protectors, and Captain Lightning of the Superior Seven. Last was Nebula, one of the Titantic Trio.
"There will be five attack groups," Blade continued. He gestured to the large chalkboard before the meeting table. "Group one will comprise the outside assault force. Their task is to draw as many villains out of the dome as possible. I will coordinate the ground forces, Spectrum the flyers."
"Group two will enter the dome itself and are led by Black Diamond and Imperial. Their goal is to free the other captive heroes and cause as much chaos in the meantime as possible."
"Group three will also enter the dome, seeking to disable the transport system of the dome itself as well as take control or disable as many of the ship's systems and weaponry as possible. Defender and Captain Lightning are in charge of group three."
"Group four will be teleported in by Sabre. Ideally directly to the cellblock to help free the prisoners. The cellblock should be mostly deserted due to the actions of the other groups. Morning Star leads this small commando unit."
"Lastly, group five will be held in reserve outside as long as Quasar feels necessary."
"Sounds good to me," Morning Star said. "Even if one of the groups fail in their task, another should be able to pick up the slack."
"There's still a great deal of risk involved," Quasar stated. The leader of the Protectors was an unusual man. Technically he was an alien, but had the basic humanoid appearance. He wore an ornate white uniform with starry black sleeves and leggings. The most unusual feature of Quasar was his large white wings. They were almost angelic in appearance. His long hair was bright gold in color, and matched the trimming on his boots and gloves. Quasar's glowing eyes were the same shade of gold. "Any number of things could go wrong."
"More importantly, how are we going to even find the dome again?", Spectrum asked. Before, he had used Icicle to get the necessary information. He wasn't going to put her in danger by trying that method again.
"That's my department," the Scarlet Sabre answered. "If it can be found, I'll find it."
"How?", Nebula wondered aloud. Those present at the table found it difficult to look the Chicago heroine in the eye. Her face was obscured by a moving field of stars. It was impossible to look at Nebula and not be drawn into the star field on her face.
"That's my little secret," Scarlet answered with a smile.
"That's not very comforting," Spectrum added.
"Don't worry," Morning Star whispered to Spectrum. "If anyone can do it, Scarlet can." The heroine briefly worked with the Scarlet Sabre while a member of the Crusaders back in New York City. 'Star was aware of the unusual bond Scarlet shared with Jaime, her technological sidekick.
"Red'll get the job done," Muskateer agreed. "Let's leave it at that." The sword-swinging Avenger could imagine what was going on inside the Scarlet Sabre's mind. The fastest way to search such a large area would be by satellite. Perhaps Jaime had tapped into a weather satellite and was using its imaging equipment to scan the mountains to the east of Los Angeles.
"In the meantime, I have a few more questions for Spectrum." Black Diamond rose from her seat and moved to the front of the table. "If we're going inside this dome, I want to know as much about it as possible."
Spectrum shifted uncomfortably. He had already told those present everything he knew about the dome. Could it be that they sensed that he was holding back details of his time inside the dome? "I don't know what to add that I haven't already mentioned, Black Diamond."
"It won't hurt going over it again," Imperial added. "All I ever saw was my cell and the hallway outside it."
"Okay, okay." Spectrum stood as well to address everyone. "The main entrance is opened from the inside by the receptionist. Off her station is the recreational area; places where villains could gather and store their planes and such. All other areas are accessed by elevators. You go inside, state your destination into the panel, and you're taken there. Cell Block, Living Quarters, and Rec Area are the only three commands I heard."
"There's got to be more to the ship than that," Spinnerette offered.
"Perhaps those are the only areas villains were allowed to access?", Defender added.
"That's entirely possible," Muskateer stated. "I mean, if I was this Claw goofball, I certainly wouldn't give all those villains free rein over my ship."
"If only we knew more about what's inside that dome...", Black Diamond mused aloud.
Morning Star stood up, and lightly smacked her palm to her forehead. "How could I be so dim?! We do have someone who has been inside the dome before. And who knows where it is right now!" Simultaneously, everyone in the room turned to look at Morning Star. "Foxbat!", she answered excitedly.
Imperial placed his right hand over his eyes and muttered, "Oh god. Not that fruitcake again..."
"He has been somewhat helpful...", Spinnerette offered, but didn't sound very convinced herself.
"What do we have to lose?", Black Diamond answered. "Let's hear what he has to say." Diamond had no idea just how much she'd come to regret those words.
Elsewhere in the Guardians Base, Shockwave paced back and forth. They had been in there for over an hour now. How long was planning this attack going to take? The waiting-- the not knowing what was going on-- was beginning to take its toll.
A noise behind Shockwave made her turn. The last two members of X-Factor, Blizzard and the Empress, were finally approaching.
"Where have you been?!", Shockwave chided. "I've been trying to get a hold of you for hours."
"Chill out," the Empress answered. "Just because we're on this silly team doesn't mean that you own us."
"That's not the point. There's been a lot going on since you two left." Shockwave was happy to be in her full costume, her face covered by her helmet. The disapproving looks she gave the Empress would remain her personal secret. But, as the saying goes, if looks could kill...
"Did everything work out okay?", Blizzard asked.
"I guess--", Shockwave answered. "To some degree."
"Then what's the problem?", Blizzard said as he casually walked past.
Shockwave silently screamed inside her armor and balled her fists. Blizzard could be difficult enough on his own, but when paired with the Empress he was becoming just plain impossible!
"Finally, did they realize the true genius of the man known and idolized the world over as the Foxbat!" Foxbat entered the meeting chamber and provided his own narration. "Everyone at the table stared at the handsome hero in awe of his presence."
"Oh please," Imperial muttered to no one in particular. "Come on, let me hit him. Just once."
"The men at the table admired his manliness," Foxbat continued to narrate. "Here, they realized, was a real man. Someone to be looked up to."
"Man, this is getting thick," Muskateer uttered.
"The women all looked at him wantingly. Each fantasized about spending an evening with this impressive hero!"
"I think I'm going to be sick," Nebula said.
"You and me both," the Scarlet Sabre added sarcastically.
"But in spite of their cries and pleas, the great Foxbat would have to refuse them all. For his heart belonged to only one woman. A lady among women! A shining beacon of truth and justice! The lovely lady in the hot lavender costume! The glowing Morning Star!"
Spinnerette could no longer contain herself and broke up laughing.
"That's quite enough, Foxbat...", Morning Star said, her face turning red. Suddenly this wasn't such a great idea.
Spectrum looked on with sympathy. Morning Star was certainly all the things that Foxbat idolized her for. But just as the star he made her out to be, Morning Star was far out of Spectrum's reach.
"If we could get back to the matter at hand?", Black Diamond offered, trying to contain her own amused grin.
"We require two things of you, Foxbat," Blade stated as he approached. "One, the current location of the Claw's Citadel. Two, everything you know about the internal arrangement of it."
"They all looked at Foxbat in eager expectation," Foxbat noted, continuing his narrative. "Yes, everything now hinged on what the dashing hero would reveal. Would their plan succeed? Or would be it a dismal failure? Stay tuned true believers!"
"Get on with it!", Muskateer nearly shouted in frustration.
"All will be revealed in the next issue," Foxbat answered in his ever calm voice. "You need to end each issue on a dramatic high point. It's the way it's done in the comics." The two-tone clad man actually thought he was the lead character in a superhero comic book!
"Oh come on, Foxbat," Morning Star pleaded, flirtatiously fluttering her eyelashes at Foxbat. "You'll tell us what we need to know for me, won't you?"
Foxbat bent down on one knee and took Morning Star's hand. He kissed it vigorously before answering. "For you, my love, anything." Rising he turned to face Blade and the others. "Ask me your questions, Gatekeeper. I'm not afraid!"
Interlude:
Scorpia had secured her first new recruit. Shamrock's power would be an incredible asset to the new Terror Incorporated. Never again would such hideously ugly men surround Scorpia .
As the two chatted, two others approached them. "It seems that we both had similar ideas."
Turning, Scorpia saw Spectrum and another woman approaching. He had changed back into his rainbow striped costume. Apparently the other costume-- the one that broke colors down into primary and secondary-- was his 'hero' garb.
"Spectrum! I thought you were---?" Scorpia appeared to be pleased at his appearance, but inside she was also very confused.
The colorful mutant held up his hand. "That's not me. Just some bozo using my name. He'll get his, don't you worry your pretty little head about that."
"I see," Scorpia answered in realization. She supposed that it was possible, but Scorpia was never one to blindly put her trust in anyone. If it was some sort of deception, she'd just have to kill Spectrum. "Then you are aware of the fate of our former companions?"
"Oh, yeah. Good riddance if you ask me!" Gesturing to his companion, Spectrum added, "Allow me to introduce you to Mind Slayer. A charming lady who can kill with a thought."
Mind Slayer had upgraded her costume since the fiasco in Colorado some six months ago. She was now dressed in a more substantial outfit than her previous skimpy one, yet it still left little to the imagination. (Editor's Note: See Spectrum #1-5)
She wore a satiny purple leotard with long sleeves that ended in short white gloves. A suggestive oval cutout over-exposed her cleavage. A white sash was tied low-slung about her hips. Her long legs were bare and ended in short white boots with turned down cuffs. Mind Slayer had ditched the elaborate headdress she had previously worn and subsequently lost during the fiasco with Genocide. Her long brown hair tumbled down her back in waves. A small white mask with a triangular purple insert graced her beautiful features.
"Uhm, hi," Mind Slayer said in greeting. The mentalist was well aware of the extreme reputations of Scorpia and Shamrock. "Nice to met you, I guess."
"I figured that you'd be looking for new blood with the others on ice," Spectrum added, eyeing his companion appreciatively. "So here's my suggestion."
Scorpia rose and circled the shorter, nervous Mind Slayer. The terrorist had heard some of Mind Slayer's past exploits, but at first glance she didn't seem to be cut from Terror Incorporated cloth. "She has potential, I suppose." Mind Slayer was perhaps in her mid-twenties and very attractive. She was also more attractive than Scorpia, which was a definite strike against her. Moving to face the Mind Slayer, Scorpia looked directly into the young mentalist's exotic gray eyes. "So tell me, lass, what can you do for me?"
"PSI hurt me," Mind Slayer explained, trying to sound confident and unafraid. "Hurting others makes me feel better. I like money and I like living well. I'll do as I'm told and have no desire to lead." After a pause she added, "I also have powers that none of you possess."
Scorpia's frown slowly formed into a small smile. "I'll try the lass out," she told Spectrum. "In the meantime, we need to figure out our next move."
"May I make a suggestion or three?", Spectrum asked.
"Suggest away, laddie."
"I suspect that the heroes are going to be attacking this place any time now. It may be wise for us to depart before the fireworks begin."
"Aye, that be a good thought," Scorpia nodded in agreement. "Let the fools fight for the Claw and his contest. We have more important things to accomplish."
"If all the heroes are coming here," Shamrock reasoned, "then there won't be any in the city. Now would be the ideal time to raise capital."
"Money is a good thing," Spectrum agreed. "It's hard to spread terror with empty pockets."
"Cash works for me," Mind Slayer added with a grin.
Scorpia thought for a moment. Her new allies were certainly presenting her with good ideas. But at the same time she was wary. In her previous role as second in command of Terror Incorporated, Scorpia often offered advice to Professor Muerte. Now that she was in his place, she could see why he was so paranoid at times. "I cannot fault your tactics, lads. You know this area best, Spectrum. Where do you think we should strike?"
"I have a few targets in mind," the colorful mutant answered. "We can discuss them on the way. Oh, I do have one other thing."
"Which is?"
"Well, it seems to me that Terror Incorporated is Muerte's group. Everyone associates him with them."
"Your point being?", Scorpia asked with a trace of annoyance.
"I think we should change our name is what I'm getting at. How about Terror Unlimited?"
Mind Slayer seemed pleased. "I like it! But then I'm easy to get along with."
Scorpia again considered for a moment. Scorpia didn't have any doubt that Mind Slayer was easy, dressed as she was. This was all happening way too fast for Scorpia's tastes. But again, she couldn't fault their reasoning. "Terror Unlimited it will be! Now, let's get to work."
End of Interlude:
"I think that pulling teeth would have been less painful," Spectrum noted as he and Morning Star departed the meeting room. Foxbat finally provided all the information that the heroes needed. But they had to put up with his antics for nearly an hour. Imperial and Muskateer had to be held back from strangling Foxbat on several occasions. "If I were you, I'd have that glove sterilized."
Morning Star couldn't help but agree. "But it was ultimately worth it. Otherwise, we would have not known about the Medical Area, the Arena, the Observation Deck, or the Library. More targets for those going inside."
The pair entered one of the large mingling areas where the other heroes were waiting. Spectrum spotted Shockwave and Sabre and gestured for them to approach. Morning Star likewise located Blizzard and the Empress off in a corner.
Once the members of X-Factor were all in one place, Spectrum revealed what had been decided in the meeting. "Okay gang, this is it. All the heroes present have been placed into five groups. Each group has a different task."
As Spectrum spoke, Morning Star handed a printout to the others.
"What 'Star is handing out is which group you're in and where in the base they are gathering."
"We're going to be on the front lines?", Shockwave questioned as she scanned her sheet.
"That's right," Morning Star answered. "You and Spectrum will assist the outside ground assault. Your job is to draw out as many villains as possible."
Shockwave quietly gulped. "I'm not so sure about this."
"You'll be better off outside," Spectrum explained. "The open spaces will let you maneuver better and you can use your area effects much freer."
"Cool!", Blizzard said aloud, seemingly pleased with where he had been placed. "I'm one of Black Diamond's commandos!"
"Your powers seemed more suited for going inside," Morning Star added.
"Diamond, Spin, Firestar, Tritium, the Sorceress-- It's a regular babe-fest!" Blizzard did everything but drool over his printout.
"Don't even think about it, Romeo!" The Empress slapped Blizzard in the arm, giving him a angry look. "I'm in reserve? What exactly does that mean?"
"We're keeping one of the forces in reserve," Spectrum answered. "Basically, a group of very versatile heroes capable of handling just about any threat that may arise. Your powers over ancient elements seem to fit those requirements nicely."
The Empress' angry look faded. "Oh, okay. I thought it was because you thought my powers were wimpy or something."
"Quite the contrary," Morning Star added in a reassuring tone. "That leaves Sabre and I for the smallest group. We'll be teleporting directly to the cell block in an attempt to rescue more heroes."
"Sounds like something my father would conceive," Sabre replied. "I like it."
"That's about it gang," Spectrum stated. "I'm not much at making speeches, but let's all get out of this in one piece, okay?"
"Count on it, Specs!" Blizzard stopped to say goodbye to the Empress before heading off to his destination.
"Good luck to us all," Morning Star said to the remainder of X-Factor. Turning to Sabre, she added, "Ready to go?"
"As ready as I'll ever be, M'Star. Shall we?" Sabre offered Morning Star his arm, but before she could accept, Foxbat wormed his way between the two.
"Don't forget about me! Morning Star's indispensable sidekick and love, Morning-Fox-Star-Bat!"
"How could we forget about you?", Morning Star muttered rhetorically as she cast her gaze to the ceiling. This crush Foxbat had on her was well past wearing thin. She didn't want to hurt his feelings, but she didn't have the slightest romantic interest in the lunatic. In fact she could barely stand being around him by now. There had to be some way to gracefully extricate herself from this situation. Just how continued to elude her. "Let's go find Density, the last member of our little group."
Sabre waved goodbye to Spectrum and Shockwave, then departed with Morning Star and the over-amorous Foxbat.
"That poor woman...", Spectrum muttered once they were out of earshot.
"They're already taking bets how long it takes before she wrings his neck," Shockwave reported.
"She won't hurt him. At least I don't think she will. Morning Star is too classy to do something like that. Still, we better get moving, Shocky. Blade's probably waiting for us."
A short time later, Spectrum flew low over the mountains to the east of Los Angles. At his side was Nebula and trailing behind were Goshawk and Helios. They passed over another peak and spotted their target.
"There it is," Nebula said, pointing off into the distance. It was still night, but the darkness was not a hindrance to the heroine. Likewise, Spectrum could see normally without daylight.
"Looks like the little lunatic was right," Spectrum added. Below the flier was the mysterious Blue Dome of the Crimson Claw. The location of the Dome had been provided by Foxbat and then later, somehow, confirmed by the Scarlet Sabre.
Spectrum adjusted the microphone on the headset that he currently wore. The devices were being used to coordinate the activities of each unit of the assault force. Clearing his throat, Spectrum spoke into the mike.
"We have confirmation. I repeat we have confirmation. We are a go!" As Spectrum radioed the information, a flaming streak shot past him.
Helios of the Protectors rapidly closed in on the dome. "Let's give those peasants the first taste of the beating they're going to receive!" Bursts of fire shot out of his hands and engulfed the blue dome. While the attack would have been very effective against a combustible target, the dome withstood the flaming attack.
Seeing this, Nebula banked off, accelerated and dove towards the blue dome herself. As she approached, blasts of energy were repeatedly fired from her hands. The attacks caused the great dome to shake, but didn't appear to be strong enough to do any structural damage. "Still, I think that got someone's attention."
"Just like smacking a wasp's nest with a newspaper, eh?" Goshawk added.
"If only it were wasps," Spectrum lamented.
Down below, the entrance to the Dome silently opened. A couple of villains emerged, looking around. Then another. And another. And yet another....
