The skies over Los Angeles were bathed in pre-dawn light as the Gyro Copter flew to the east and into the mountains beyond. The craft was the personal transport of ace reporter Gyro Jim, well known LA television newsman who specialized in the coverage of superhuman activities.

"Good morning, viewers. This is Gyro Jim with yet another special report. The events of the last evening have been simply incredible, my friends. An unprecedented number of superhumans have been spotted in and around our fair community. For what purpose have they gathered here? That is just one of many questions that I shall diligently be seeking the answers to!"

"The startling events I speak of began yesterday, as the headquarters for the superhero teams the Guardians and the Freedom Squad were both attacked by innumerable villains. We are told that the Freedom Squad's base is a complete loss. What happens next to this fine team with a long and rich history is anyone's guess. There have also been rumors of numerous hero abductions, including the likes of American Eagle and Hornet, but at this time I cannot officially confirm these disturbing allegations."

"Last evening, the Guardians base appeared to be the sight of some sort of national superhero summit, as jets from hero teams around our great country were spotted on the premises. This includes craft from such stellar organizations as the Superior Seven, the Avengers, the Protectors, and the Champions."

"Gyro Jim was there, but was unable to record any interviews as once more the heroes denied access to the free American press, ignoring my rights as guaranteed under the Constitution of our great land!"

"But it was not a complete loss, as our cameras were able to record portions of yet another large scale conflict between heroes and villains featuring the likes of Terror, Incorporated and other desperate criminals. For those viewers who caught my special report last night, you will recall that the entire membership of Terror, Incorporated, save for the deadly Scorpia, were captured and taken into PRIMUS custody."

"I am sad to say that no longer remains the case. Professor Muerte and his band of terrorists escaped from PRIMUS custody and currently remain at large. It is unknown at this time if Scorpia was responsible for freeing her teammates, but later events seem to conflict with this notion."

"Shortly after the escape of Terror, Incorporated, Scorpia surfaced at the First National Bank of California in the company of three other villains; Shamrock, Spectrum, and Mind Slayer. Dubbing themselves 'Terror Unlimited', the quartet escaped with an untold amount of cash after assaulting PRIMUS and LAPD officers. We can only wonder just what this latest development means. Has Scorpia struck out on her own with this so-called 'Terror Unlimited'? Or is this some plot by the mad Professor Muerte? Is this Spectrum the same villain who worked shortly for Terror Incorporated last year? Or is it the same Spectrum who appeared to be a new local hero showing his true colors? Does this mean that a 'Terror Amalgamated' will be appearing soon?"

"Oddly enough, none of the local heroes or even the out of town guests were to be seen during these actions. Does the lack of heroes figure into the disturbance recorded in the mountains earlier this morning? I, Gyro Jim, am currently en route to investigate. Stay tuned!"

The Gyro Copter flew over the mountains and valleys. The signs of a great struggle were everywhere. Mountains had been smashed, craters had been formed, and signs of massive energy discharges were everywhere.

"As you can see, good viewers, a tremendous battle took place here. But between whom? Where did the participants go? How did--"

Gyro Jim's report was suddenly cut off as a burst of light passed dangerously close to the craft! It seemed to originate from the mountains down below.

"I am being fired upon, viewers! Once more, my rights as a reporter are being violated!"

The cameraman panned away from Gyro Jim and sought the source of the attack. Focusing in, he found the villain Pulsar standing near a mountain peak, waving his arms wildly.

"Perhaps I was mistaken," Gyro Jim reported, regaining his composure. "It appears that the infamous criminal Pulsar is trying to get our attention. Perhaps he can provide some clue as to what transpired in these mountains earlier this morning."

At Jim's direction, the Gyro Copter moved closer to the waving criminal. Once close enough, Jim slid open the Gyro Copter's side door and stepped out on the landing strut, a safety line securing him to the craft. It was dangerous interviews like this that were the hallmark of Gyro Jim's checkered career.

"This is Gyro Jim live with the master criminal Pulsar. You have something you wish to say to the free press?"

Gyro Jim pushed the microphone towards Pulsar. "Get me the hell outta these mountains and I'll give you one whale of a story!"

Without hesitation, Jim offered his hand to the orange clad villain, helping Pulsar into the Gyro Copter. Once the door was closed and the occupants secured in their seats, the interview continued.

"I understand that you can shed some light on the events that transpired here last night?"

Pulsar grabbed the microphone away from Jim and looked directly into the camera. "That's right, Jim. I, the greatest supervillain of them all, have almost single-handedly thwarted an alien invasion!"

"I smell ratings!", Gyro Jim thought to himself with a smug smile.

#5 - "Aftermath"

Sabre and his passenger materialized in his mother's small clinic. The Sorceress then opened up the folds of her cloak, allowing the dozens of passengers inside the Shadow Cloak to disembark. Bryn and the most seriously wounded came first. Under the blond physician's direction, patients were sent to various rooms to await treatment.

"Put Ace in examination room one, Muskateer in two, and the Scarlet Sabre in three," the blond warrior maiden directed. Bryn had taken up the study of medicine in her youth. By now, she had been practicing for over fifty years and was considered one of the leading experts on metahuman medicine. "Silver Arrow and American Eagle will be the next two after those three."

Bryn held the door open to examination room #1 as Quasar carried his limp teammate inside. Ace's black costume was heavily stained with her own blood, having been severely slashed by the Crimson Claw. "Hurry, Bryn!", Quasar urged. He had never seen any of the Protectors this seriously injured before. The angelic alien feared for her life. Bryn did not respond as she closed the door behind them.

Tritium of the Champions moved towards the second examination room. Behind her, Dreadnought carried Muskateer. The sword-swinging Avenger's body was torn and bloody, his body armor having been ripped to shreds by the Shadow Demons. "Hang in there, Junior. The doc will get ya patched up right away."

Following behind TK was the teary-eyed Enchantress, supported by the Warlock. "He's got to be all right," Gwen muttered. "He must!"

"I'll do what I can", Tritium responded, trying to sound understanding. "But there are so many wounded..."

Gently, Warlock guided the Enchantress to a bench outside the examination room. "He's in good hands, Gwen. Everything is going to be all right." Warlock wished he felt as positive as he sounded. All they could do now was wait.

Black Diamond caught the last part of Tritium's statement as she emerged from the Shadow Cloak. In her arms was Firestar, yet another injured hero, but not as severely wounded as many of the others. Supreme followed Diamond bearing the Texas Ranger.

Sabre moved to help Black Diamond. "I'll see to my cousin, Black Diamond."

After a moment's hesitation, Diamond gently passed Firestar over to Sabre. "Please do. I'm rather fond of her." Changing the subject, Diamond asked, "Are there any other doctors around here?"

"No," Sabre answered simply. "After my mother and Tritium, I would guess that Marie and Satara are the most experienced medical practitioners.

Diamond noted this to be true as she saw the two young Bloods disappear into Examination Room Three where the Scarlet Sabre had been taken. "Then we'll just have to get some more", Black Diamond concluded.

"Follow me, Supreme," Sabre told the large Avenger. "I'll show you where you can place Ranger."

"Right behind you," the large man responded.

While the two heroes moved off with their burdens, Black Diamond looked around the hallway. More and more people were coming out of the Shadow Cloak, heroes and villains alike. So far they had been fortunate in that there was only one fatality, and even that was questionable. Halfjack's human side had been violently torn apart by the Shadow Demons. But given his half-robotic nature, it was possible that he could survive without his human half-intact.

Spotting the Enchantress on a bench being comforted by Warlock and Density of the Guardians, Black Diamond strode over with purpose. "Gwen! I need you to do something."

However, the Enchantress was seemingly lost in a daze and didn't hear Black Diamond's words. Realizing this, Diamond tried again. Leaning over, she grasped the Enchantress' shoulders, forcing her to look up.

"Gwen, listen to me. You've got to pull yourself together. If you want to help him-- and help everyone here-- then go to Sanctuary and bring back as many of their medical staff as you can. Are you up to it?"

The Enchantress stood up, wiping the tears away. "I shall return momentarily." Upon casting a spell, the Enchantress was gone.

Elsewhere, Spectrum and Spinnerette gingerly led Morning Star out of the Shadow Cloak. The heroine's lavender costume was now heavily blood stained. The wounds inflicted by the Crimson Claw would needed tending, even if they were not life threatening.

"Easy, 'Star," Spectrum said as he helped his teammate along and took in his new surroundings. "We'll get you patched up ASAP." This must be Bryn's clinic, he surmised. Having never been here before, he had no clue where to take Morning Star. Until last night he didn't even know just who Sabre's parents were.

Sensing this, Spinnerette took over and guided Morning Star down one hallway. "This way. They'll need the examination rooms to take care of the seriously injured."

"Anything I can do?", Spectrum asked as he let go of Morning Star's arm.

"Yes. Get me a first aid kit and some blankets." Finding a bench in an out of the way spot, Spinnerette gently sat her friend down while Spectrum went in search of the requested equipment. "This'll have to do."

"Thanks," Morning Star answered wearily as she sat down and inspected her bloody torso. "I don't know what those claws were made of, but nothing has ever done anything like this to me before."

"I bet. It's times like these when I wish I could share my healing properties. I hope your teammate makes it quick."

"He will," Morning Star answered with a slight smile. "He's a good man."

The Shadow Cloak opened once more and the remainder of X-Factor exited. The Empress came first, followed closely by Blizzard.

"Man, that was one creepy experience," Blizzard lamented as he took in his new surroundings. Wherever it was, it was much better than the strange land within the Sorceress' cloak. "Where the heck are we now?"

"Bryn's Clinic", Shockwave answered as she emerged from the Shadow Cloak. "Sabre's mother's hospital? Weren't you paying attention?"

"He had more important things on his mind," the Empress added with a playful glance. "Seems to me that a celebration is in order. Whatcha say, Blizzie?"

"Celebration?", Shockwave parroted. The armored heroine couldn't believe what she was hearing. Wasn't the Empress aware of what was going on around her? Was she really that self-centered? "You two can take off if you want; me, I'm going to help out around here." With that, Shockwave stalked off. She spotted Sabre up ahead. He would know what tasks she could help out with.

"Three's a crowd anyway," the Empress muttered as she watched Shockwave depart. "Some people just don't know how to relax. Is your friend always this uptight?"

"Yeah, but I think she's got the right idea in this instance."

"Why, Blizzie, I never knew that you were such a volunteer."

"I'm not," the icy hero answered with a shrug. "But it's good Public Relations. And bein' the new kids on the block, we can use all the positive PR we can get."

The Empress considered for a moment. While Blizzard's thoughts made sense, it just wasn't her sort of thing. "Oh, very well", she decided in an uneager tone.

Blizzard pursued after Shockwave and was quickly lost from sight. The Empress took half a dozen steps following Blizzard, but slowed to a stop. "This is silly. They don't need me. I'm no candy-striper anyway."

Looking around, the elemental heroine quickly located several acquaintances. Moving towards them, the Empress closed in on Starburst and Goshawk.

"Empress!", Starburst said in greeting. "Man, are you a sight for sore eyes!"

"Fun lovin' and easy on the eyes, that's me," the Empress answered with a flourish and a grin. "What are you boys up to?"

"I was just talking to Goshawk about maybe the three of us forming our own little group," Starburst explained. "We worked together pretty well before. At least until Shrinker bagged me for that nutty contest. So what do you say?"

Goshawk shifted uncomfortably as he considered his answer. "Well, it's an interesting idea, Starburst..."

"A lot has changed since you disappeared," the Empress interrupted. "I've already joined a group: X-Factor."

"And I've been hanging out with the Freedom Squad. Although, I'm not sure if we're going to continue on or not."

"Oh." Starburst quietly muttered in mild surprise. The Empress was right. A lot had happened during his captivity. "I see."

"There might be room for one more," Goshawk suggested. "Provided you're interested?"

"I'll consider it," Starburst said dejectedly. "Maybe I'll just go it alone for now."

"If you change your mind, just give me a call. Seeya guys around." Goshawk moved off into the crowd, looking for other members of the Freedom Squad. Right now, the condition of his mentor and idol, the American Eagle was prominent in his mind.

After Goshawk departed, the Empress turned back to Starburst. Perhaps something interesting could turn up with him? She moved closer. "You don't have to be alone, Starburst. At least for now. I seem to have some free time available. How about we get away from all of this to some place a little more quiet?"

The seductive tone in the Empress' voice went completely unnoticed by the young hero. "I appreciate the gesture, Empress. But, I think I should get home and let my family know I'm okay. Perhaps another time then? Bye."

Starburst wandered away without another word, leaving a slightly miffed Empress behind. No one seemed to want to spend any time with her! She balled her fists tightly. "Men! Hhmph!"

The lounge in the clinic served as a staging area for the wounded. Under Sabre and Blade's direction, the not so seriously wounded were laid out on couches. Aided by several other heroes, they all cleaned wounds and bandaged up cuts, leaving the serious work to Bryn, Tritium, and the doctors and nurses brought back from Sanctuary by the Enchantress.

Glass of water in hand, Sabre gently eased Firestar's head up. Her wounds had already been tended to, but Sabre made a special point to check his young cousin's progress. His family was very small and it was extremely rare that he got to meet a new member. "Here, cousin. Drink this."

Wearily, Firestar raised her head and took a small drink. She grasped Sabre's arm before he could go and check on the other patients. "Take me-- outside--", the Young Avenger muttered, seemingly delirious.

"You're going to be okay. Just lay back and sleep. You need rest."

"Please!", Firestar spat out with renewed strength. "Outside-- away from others!"

Puzzled by the request, Sabre didn't see the harm in complying with her wishes. It wasn't like she was going to get very far in her current condition. "Okay, okay. If it means that much to you..."

Setting the glass of water down, Sabre picked up Firestar in his arms. Concentrating on one of his favorite spots of the estate, the two Blood disappeared.

A moment later, Sabre with Firestar in his arms appeared on a large ledge in the mountains overlooking the Carstairs Estate. "Here you are, cousin, some fresh air. I used to love to come up here and watch the world go by."

"Go away..."

"I am not going to leave you alone, Cousin," Sabre answered in a commanding tone. "I don't know just what you are thinking, but I-- YEOW!!"

In response to his query, flames began to gather about Firestar. In seconds her entire body was on fire! Sabre suddenly dropped his flaming burden and backed away in surprise. "What are you doing!? Are you out of your mind!?"

Firestar did not answer. Instead, she lay on the ledge, the sheets of flame playing about her body. Finally, she spoke. "Ah--- that's much better."

Realizing that Firestar was unharmed, despite being on fire, calmed Sabre down. "Is this why you wanted to get away from everyone? So that you could-- burn yourself up?"

Sitting up, Firestar turned to face her cousin. "Yes. I didn't want to hurt anyone. Fire heals me. I'll be back to normal in a few moments."

Sabre didn't understand exactly how this could happen, but the results were obvious nonetheless. The bandages he had applied earlier had all burned away revealing the cuts underneath. But these wounds were healing at an incredible rate. In less than a minute, they were completely gone, not even leaving so much as a scar. "Impressive! Almost like the legendary Phoenix-- rising from your own ashes."

"Very much so," Firestar answered in agreement as she turned her flames off. Her costume was badly torn and ripped, but a moment's concentration took care of that. "I might have called myself Phoenix if the name had not already been taken."

"Too bad the others can't heal as easily as you can."

After a time, Spectrum returned to where Spinnerette and Morning Star were waiting, carrying a medical kit and several blankets. "Here you go, Spin. Now what?"

The Guardian accepted the med kit, but handed one of the blankets back to Spectrum. "Use the blanket to shield us from onlookers. There's not exactly much privacy in a hallway."

Spectrum gave Spinnerette a confused look at first, but then caught on to her idea. "Oh, right." He quickly unwrapped the blanket and held it over his head, shielding the two women from onlookers.

"And no peeking, hairball!"

"I wouldn't dream of it, spider-lady!", Spectrum answered. "I'm no peeping tom!"

Behind the makeshift screen, Spin opened the kit and went to work. "Sorry about this, 'Star, but time to get you undressed."

Morning Star smiled slightly. "Just about am anyway."

Spinnerette used the scissors in the kit to cut away what remained of Morning Star's costume around her wounds. Than she began to clean out the cuts and cover them in bandages. It was a messy, tedious job. Finally, the bleeding was stopped and the bandages all in place. "There. That'll do for now." One of the blankets served as a makeshift top.

"Thanks", Morning Star answered. "What would I do with out you?"

"Not have as much fun, that's for sure," the wall-crawling heroine replied with a grin. Standing up, she turned around, towards Spectrum. "Okay, Speckles, it's safe."

"I trust the operation was a success?"

"I think she'll live."

"Thanks to both of you," 'Star answered. "Oh no... Not him again."

Off in the distance, Morning Star could make out the familiar two-tone brown clad Foxbat strolling down the hallway. The loony criminal had earlier confessed his undying love for Morning Star and had then proceeded to make her life completely miserable.

Turning, both Spectrum and Spinnerette could see Foxbat's approach. "If he starts anything, I'll lay him out!", Spinnerette declared in an annoyed tone, shaking her fist. She always looked out for her friends.

Much to the trio's surprise, they quickly discovered that Foxbat was hand in hand with none other than the Shadow Queen! Dressed in her skimpy gray costume with black trim, there was no mistaking Shadow Queen.

"I don't believe it!", Spectrum thought to himself. "It's Sque!" Jim had met Shadow Queen several months ago while back in Denver. (Editor's Note: Back in Spectrum #1-5)

Shadow Queen and Foxbat seemed oblivious to Morning Star, Spinnerette, and Spectrum as they strolled down the hallway. They were too busy fawning over each other.

"It must have been hellish for such a delicate creature as yourself to be imprisoned for so long," Foxbat stated in a concerned tone.

"Oh, Foxy, you can't begin to imagine!", Shadow Queen cooed. "Locked away in a cell, all alone for months on end. I nearly lost my mind! It's been so long since I've enjoyed the company of a proper gentleman."

"I bet", Spectrum thought to himself with a smirk. Shadow Queen had the reputation of falling in and out of love at the drop of a hat. There was just something about Shadow Queen that made her irresistible to men, and completely annoying to women. Her list of past romantic trysts was long and impressive. Spectrum himself was on that list after a fateful night in Denver. At least this revealed what became of Shadow Queen after the plane crash. At some point she had been captured as part of the Crimson Claw's contest and held prisoner since then.

"Babe, this is only the beginning of great things! I, the great Foxbat, shall protect you and spirit you away to my abode!"

"Sounds charming, sugar," Shadow answered in her silky smooth voice. "Then we can have some real fun."

"A gal after my own heart!", Foxbat gleefully answered. By now, both Foxbat and Shadow Queen had passed Spectrum and the women. Shadow Queen hadn't even noticed Spectrum, but that was not totally surprising as he no longer wore the rainbow striped costume he had worn while in Denver. Equally surprising, Foxbat completely ignored Morning Star. "Would you like to see my Centipede Mobile?"

Shadow Queen giggled slightly. "Is it cozy?"

"I don't believe it," Morning Star uttered in amazement as she watched the duo walk out of sight.

"Yeah," Spinnerette answered, equally dumbfounded. "Loverboy has gone and dumped you for-- for that tramp!"

"I don't know if I should be relieved or insulted to have Foxbat out of my hair like this."

Spectrum held his hand against his face, considering Morning Star's comments for a moment. "I think I would be relieved."

"Insulted," Spinnerette quickly countered. "If you ask me, they're both a few suits short of a full deck."

"At any rate, I need a new change of clothes," Morning Star declared. "And some way back to the Guardians Base where I left my car."

"I can see if Sabre can teleport you back?", Spectrum offered.

"Thanks. I'd appreciate it."

"Count me in, too," Spinnerette added. "I've had enough of hospitals for now."

After a long and frustrating afternoon, the Empress had finally managed to get a quiet moment alone with Blizzard.

"So, what kind of fun do you have in mind for us tonight, Blizzie?", the Empress asked, fluttering her eyelashes as she spoke. "A little celebrating on the town could be fun. Or maybe we can go back to my place and order in."

"That's a tempting offer," Blizzard responded with a smile, his full mask rolled back up over his eyes. "Tell you what, I'll swing by your place around ten or so. You want me to bring Chinese or Mexican?"

"Surprise me. Are you sure you don't want to get the evening started any sooner than that?" The Empress kissed the icy hero on his neck seductively. "Ten is such a long ways off..."

Blizzard leaned forward and gave her a long lingering kiss.

"Ooh, I take it that you're in agreement then?"

"Actually, no." Blizzard put his hands on her shoulders and separated them slightly. "Some of the guys asked me to hang with them awhile. TK, Imperial, Supreme, Centurian. I couldn't say no to those heavy-hitters. It's a guy thing, you know." The Empress started to pout. "Hey, it's only for a few hours. You don't mind, do you?"

"I suppose, Blizzie. You'll be there at ten o'clock sharp?"

"Thanks, Angie. I'll be back before you know it."

From across the compound Dreadnought called out. "Hey, Popsicle, you comin' r' what?!"

"That's my cue." Blizzard kissed the Empress one more time and replaced his mask. With a moment's thought, Blizzard was propelled forward on an ice slide. He looked back and waved briefly, before joining the group of male heroes.

The Empress watched the group disappear from view. "Well. Looks like I have more free time to kill." The elemental heroine wandered the grounds of the Carstairs estate. After a time, she came across a scene that managed to catch her attention.

Amidst one of the gardens, she saw a woman in a dark blue cowgirl-style costume, Maverick, and a well-muscled hero in black, gold and red costume apparently saying their goodbyes. She couldn't hear what they were saying, but moved in closer as the pair kissed briefly and parted.

Angie waited briefly until the heroine was safely out of sight. She then took to the air and soared in, landing near to the Comet, just as he was about to fly off himself. "Oh, please don't leave on my account," Angie said in her sweetest voice.

The Empress' sudden arrival caught the Superior Seven member off guard slightly. "Something I can do for you---?"

"I certainly hope so." The Empress walked slowly in a circle around the Comet checking him out thoroughly as she did.

"And what might that be?", Comet asked curiously.

The Empress moved closer, rubbing the heroes arm with her outstretched palm. "Everyone just went through a whopper of a battle. A little relaxation might be nice. Don't you think?"

"Relaxation?"

"Yeah, you know," she said moving closer still, her voice a seductive whisper. "Hot tub, a little bubbly, you, me. Use your imagination for the rest, big guy." She ran her finger along the edge of his cheek as she stared into the hero's eyes.

Comet looked away briefly, but the Empress gently turned his head back to face her. "I'm over here," she said with a sly grin.

"I, um,..." Comet stammered briefly. "I'm not sure this is such a good idea."

"I think I can manage to overcome that remarkable resolve of yours," the Empress said putting her arms around the hero's neck. "Don't you think I'm pretty?"

"You're, uh, very attractive, miss..."

"Angie." The Empress removed her mask and smoothly slipped the hero's mask off as well. "Uhmmm, there, that's better."

"Angie, don't you think..." The Comet grabbed her gloved hand to remove it from around his neck. She slipped her hand out, leaving just the glove in his hand.

"...that this would be much more comfortable?" She pulled the other glove off with her teeth and let it fall to the grass. "Oh, absolutely. I thought you'd never ask." She begin to rub her hands along the hero's chest.

"You realize that you're not making this very easy."

"Then I'm succeeding." She flashed a seductive grin his way and took his hand in hers.

"Empress, I really..."

"Angie," she interrupted.

"Angie," Comet conceded again. She smiled at that. "This isn't as easy as you're making it out to be."

"Oh, I know what you think is the problem," the Empress said as she lightly kissed the Comet's lips. "I'm not talking about marriage here. Don't worry. She'll never find out." She moved in and planted a much longer, lingering kiss.

"I don't know..."

She kissed him again. "I can keep this up all night, darlin'. You know you want to. Why waste any more time than we have to?"

Comet considered for a moment. A part of him screamed at him to walk away, to forget this amorous young woman before him. The rest of him simply ignored that warning. "Alright, you win." With a flourish, he scooped the Empress up in his arms.

"You won't be disappointed," the Empress teased. With a burst of energy and a bright pyrotechnic display, the pair shot into the sky and quickly vanished from sight.

Meanwhile, all was quiet inside the clinic. The patients had all been initially treated, several resting in private rooms recovering from their ordeal. Many of the visiting heroes had already departed. A large group went out to celebrate their victory, while others simply sought rest and solitude. Most of those who remained behind gathered in the estate's kitchen.

Sabre sat off in one area, chatting with Marie, Satara and Firestar. Blade was busy cooking dinner for all the guests, while Bryn unwound with the other doctors. Spectrum walked in and spotted Shockwave sitting by herself, sipping a drink through a straw. She held her head up with one gauntleted hand.

"Hey, there, Shocky. How's it going?"

Surprised, Shockwave looked up. "Oh, hello, Spectrum. I'm just tired. It's been a very long day."

"No argument from me there." Spectrum took a Pepsi from an open cooler that had been placed on one of the tables. Popping the top, he willed the bottom of his mask away and took a long drink. "We've been a group for less than two days and were already smack dab in the middle of the biggest slugfest in hero history. Makes you wonder what's going to happen next week."

"I'm sure that things are going to be quieter compared to this weekend," Shockwave offered. "At least I hope so. Where's the rest of our group?"

"Oh, 'Star took off to get a new costume. The Crimson Claw slashed her up pretty bad. I imagine the lovebirds took off a few hours ago."

"That's not surprising. Neither one of them strikes me as the type to pitch in and help in something like this. I'm surprised that Blizzard did, in spite of her influence."

Spectrum simply shrugged. He really didn't know the Empress well enough to make that kind of character judgement. But it was pretty obvious that she wasn't among Shockwave's favorite people. "Look, Shocky, why don't you head on home? You look beat. I can watch things on this end."

"That's a very nice offer, but I--"

A small buzzing sound filled the kitchen, attracting the attention of all in it. "It's the front gate," Sabre announced, seeing the obvious confusion on the faces of many in the kitchen. Sabre turned and concentrated in the direction of the entrance, his Blood eyesight being able to penetrate solid objects. "It's PRIMUS!"

"PRIMUS?", Bryn wondered in an annoyed tone. "What are they doing here?"

"One way to find out." Blade concentrated and teleported directly to the front gate. Puzzled, the other heroes followed Bryn as she took the more conventional route to the front of the grounds.

By the time the group reached the estate entrance, Blade had already finished conversing with Silver Avenger Joseph Gray. The Blood Warrior proceeded to explain the situation to all present.

"PRIMUS is here to take those villains that we are treating into custody. Apparently they received an anonymous tip that they were here. It's all legal and above board."

"So you're going to go along with it?", Bryn asked, still annoyed. She didn't like outsiders getting into her personal business.

"Are any of the villains in serious condition?", Blade countered.

"No, none of them are in life-threatening condition."

"Then we have no recourse but to comply. We were extremely overcrowded anyway."

From there, PRIMUS Agents filled the clinic, taking villains into custody. Wisely, most didn't resist. In short order, Oculon, the Remover, the Leaper, Fire-n-Ice, and others were taken away. Likewise, the remains of Half-Jack were removed by PRIMUS. The task was accomplished in a smooth and efficient manner.

Spectrum and Shockwave were content to simply watch as the PRIMUS agents carried out their duties. Surprisingly, the Silver Avenger and several armed agents approached them.

"You are known as Spectrum?", the Silver Avenger asked.

"That's me," Spectrum answered. "The chosen leader of LA's newest hero team: X-Factor. Something I can do for PRIMUS?"

"You're under arrest for the robbery of the First National Bank of California and assisting in the assault and murder of several law enforcement officers."

Both Spectrum and Shockwave were momentarily taken aback. "What are you talking about?", Spectrum managed to say.

As if to emphasize Silver Avenger Joseph Gray's point, the PRIMUS Agents all aimed their weapons at the colorful mutant. "You are under arrest. Now come along peacefully or we will use force!"

...To Be Continued!

And check out Spectrum #23 as well!

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