#9 - "The Mechaniod and the Mockingbird"
#9 - "The Mechaniod and the Mockingbird"
"Nice try, bro!" Satara raised her namesake weapon and blocked the attack. Undaunted, Sabre continued to apply pressure, pushing his sister back a few steps. "But not good enough!" Getting solid footing underneath her, Satara pushed back, forcing Sabre to give ground.
It was mid-morning on Monday and the brother and sister were engaged in mock combat out behind the Carstairs family San Fernando Valley estate. The Bloods were casually dressed for the occasion. Sabre wore only exercise shorts and shoes. His sister added a T-shirt. Their sparring area was far from any prying eyes.
"I'll give you this, Yrsa, you are not lacking for confidence."
"Why should I be?," the Blood Battle Maiden proudly retorted. "I am of the Blood of Azor and the Norse gods themselves! Were these ancient times, I would be worshiped as a goddess!"
"Then there really would be no living with you." Sabre grinned and changed his strategy. In spite of being nine years younger, Satara was rapidly become as skilled as her older brother. She was already as strong as Sabre, but didn't possess the extra Blood powers that he did. No, Yrsa took more after her mother Bryn. Both had a warrior's fury in them that could be unpleasant when unleashed.
Easing up, Sabre let Satara's own momentum get the best of her. She stumbled forward clumsily when he ceased to resist her push. Using this to his advantage, Sabre grabbed a hold of Satara, rolled to the ground and threw his younger sister over his head.
"No fair!", Satara yelled as she was suddenly airborne, her long blond braided hair fluttering in the breeze. The young Blood crashed back first unceremoniously into a large rock, shattering it upon impact. The rock got the worst of it.
"As the saying goes, 'pride goethe before destruction, and a haughty spirit before the fall'." Not giving her a chance to regain her footing, Sabre was over his sister in a flash. "Yield," he simply announced as he pointed his blade at Satara's throat, "or face the consequences."
Yrsa Carstairs just laughed. "You do and mom will clobber you!"
Sabre considered for a moment. Finally, he withdrew his blade and offered Satara his hand. "You have a point there." His mother would be very disapproving if he actually hurt Yrsa, as difficult as that might be. Not to mention his father as well. The combatants sought out the water they had brought with them and towels to wipe away their perspiration.
"You are very skilled, sister dear, but you continue to let your aggression be used as a weapon against you," Sabre offered. "A real foe will not be as forgiving as I."
"Oh, lighten up, Sam. I know that this is just play and not the real thing." With a sly smile, Satara added, "Otherwise, I wouldn't have gone so easy on you."
"Ouch," Sabre responded sarcastically as he placed his hands over his heart. "Direct hit! Right into the heart of my male ego!"
Yrsa just laughed at her brother's antics. "I don't know when or even if I'll ever do the superheroine bit full time or not. I've got plenty of time after all." Since both her parents had unusually long life spans, it stood to reason their children would as well. "No, I'm gonna go to college and get my degree. But should X-Factor ever need some help on the weekends, give me a call!"
"I'll pass that on to Spectrum and Morning Star. So, you've finally settled on a college then?"
"If all goes well, I'll be going to USC in the fall. And if things really go well, Cassie will be going with me. We might get our own place and do the roomie thing." Cassie was of course Firestar from the Avengers, cousin to the siblings and a fellow Blood.
"Sounds like you've got things planned out," Sabre observed. "We've got company. Excuse me, please."
"Uhm, sure thing, bro." Gathering up her things, Satara started back towards the main house. As she did so, Satara tried to spot whom was approaching. It was times like these when she wished that she had the enhanced vision of her father and brother. It looked like a woman, but one that Yrsa was unfamiliar with. Obviously, Sabre knew who she was.
Sabre wiped himself down as the woman crossed the distance between them. He didn't bother to monitor her approach. By the time he slipped his tank top on, the woman was in speaking range. Turning to face her, Sabre greeted the approaching woman. "Good morning, Detective Carter. What can I do for you?"
Sabre had rescued Detective Carter last week from the clutches of Hexmaster. It was during this same mission that Spectrum's father had been slain by that villain. (Editor's Note: Shown in Spectrum #25 & X-Factor #8)
Detective Jackie Carter of the LAPD was an attractive woman. She tended to dress stylishly for her job, but was always practical. Today was no exception as she wore dark slacks with a light blue silk blouse. The hair was dark brown and short in length. Her eyes were green in color.
"My visit is strictly unofficial," Jackie announced softly as she sauntered up to Sabre. "In fact, you might say it's more of a personal nature."
"I must say that I am intrigued, Detective. You have my full, undivided attention."
Jackie smiled as she drew ever closer. Reaching out, she gently placed her arms around Sabre's chest. Muscles rippled underneath the tank top, but not grotesquely so. Sabre was quite the prize. "I just wanted to personally show my appreciation for you rescuing me last week."
"You are most welcome," Sabre answered in his most charming voice. "Just part of the job description for us superheroes. Occasionally rescuing the fair damsel in distress."
"Muscles, handsome, and humble. I like that in a man. I thought that I might show you my gratitude by inviting you out for a few drinks tonight. Please don't say no."
"A most enticing invitation, Detective."
"Jackie. Call me, Jackie." Detective Carter stared hopefully into Sabre's eyes.
"I see nothing wrong with sharing a few drinks with a lovely lady," Sabre finally announced. "Who knows, it might be a very enjoyable evening."
Jackie giggled slightly and surged forward. Standing on the tips of her toes, she gave Sabre a quick kiss on the cheek. "Thanks! You won't regret it. I'll swing by-- say about eight?"
"I'm looking forward to it." What had been shaping up to be a quiet evening at home had unexpectedly changed. Pleasantly changed.
Spectrum only wished that he could have enjoyed the experience, but the weight of his father's recent death still weighed heavily on his mind. Jordan Sculley was not the only person to have died recently. Comet of the Superior Seven had perished as well. In fact, both had been killed on the very same day. (Editor's Note: As shown in Young Champions #1)
Today, a small service and enshrinement ceremony was being held on Sanctuary Island. Joined with Morning Star and Shockwave, these three would represent X-Factor during the proceedings. They had hitched a ride with the Guardians for the long trip to Sanctuary Island. Representing the Guardians were Hornet and Spinnerette. (Editor's Note: The ceremony was also shown in Young Champions #9 & Avengers #23)
Had he been in a better mood, Spectrum might have reacquainted himself with some of the other heroes he had briefly met during the Crimson Claw affair. But not today. Today he felt the weight of the world upon his shoulders. A weight that had been recently lightened slightly thanks to discovering the mysteries of his past. Simply put, his mood was somber and understated. (Editor's Note: Spectrum's past was revealed in Spectrum #26)
He, like Shockwave, was content to let Morning Star do most of the talking. The lavender clad heroine was well known to most of those present and had many friends here. She fit in much better then either of them. The sole exception was Nightingale, whom Spectrum directly sought out.
"Uhm, Hi, 'Gale."
The black and silvery-white clad Avenger turned as Spectrum approached, her telepathy picking up his thoughts. "Hello, Spectrum. Sorry we have to meet again under such tragic conditions. How are your brother and sister?"
"Good. They're doing just fine. I didn't get a chance to thank you for helping them and me."
"Don't worry about it," the Psionic Avenger answered. "I'm just happy I was able to help all of you and undo what had been done."
"You're very modest." Spectrum looked down as he considered what to say next.
"I won't hesitate should I ever need a favor you can help me with," Nightingale stated, echoing Spectrum's own thoughts. "If that would make you feel better."
"Um, forgot about you being telepathic. Thanks. I wasn't quite sure about how to say that." Relieved to have that out of the way, Spectrum rejoined his teammate's side.
A small group of heroes had gathered to mingle, but actual conversation was sparse. "We've got to stop meeting like this," Black Diamond of the Avengers solemnly noted. Joining Spectrum and his X-Factor teammates were Spinnerette of the Guardians, and Black Diamond, Nightingale, Firestar, and Supreme of the Avengers.
"There's been way too much death lately," Morning Star added. Spectrum could only agree with that statement. The last few days had been very trying.
"I don't know about the rest of you, but I could use a drink," Spinnerette commented offhandedly. "Anyone want to join me at the Starstruck Lounge?"
Spectrum had never been much of a drinker, but perhaps a refreshment might make him feel better. Not that he really believed that it would, but he'd give it a shot. In an almost zombie-like state, Spectrum followed after Morning Star with Spinnerette further ahead in the lead.
Unexpectedly, a young man in gold and white sporting large white feathery wings intercepted the web-slinging Guardian. The two spoke for a moment.
"What's going on?", Spectrum wondered out loud.
Shockwave could only wonder as well. "Who is that guy?"
"I honestly don't know," Morning Star answered. "But, knowing Spin as I do, I'd say his affections are very misplaced."
Puzzled, Spectrum and Shockwave watched. Sure enough, the young man was trying to put the moves on the ebony clad heroine. Surprisingly enough, Spin seemed to be responding to his charms. That was until she shot a patch of webbing to the nearby wall and stuck the overly amorous young man to it! "Adieu, monsieur L'oiseau le cerveau," the heroine stated as she waved and walked away.
Morning Star was at her side a few moments later. "What did you say to that guy?"
"Romeo, over there?" In the background, Archangel was still trying to free himself from Spinnerette's webbing. "Just 'Goodbye, Mr. Birdbrain'."
The Starstruck Lounge was the favorite watering hole on Sanctuary Island. It rested on the top floor of the hotel. However, the mood inside was far more somber than was normally the case. Most nights, this was the place to be, the island hot spot.
Spectrum sighed as he nursed his Pepsi. The ice had long since melted, but he liked it warm anyway. "How much longer are we going to hang out around here? It's not like we're really doing anything." Joining Spectrum around the table was Morning Star, Spinnerette, and Shockwave.
"That's up to Hornet," Morning Star explained. "I can't imagine him wanting to stay here much longer either."
"Don't count on it, kids," Spinnerette interjected. "The last I saw of my fearless leader he was with Defender and Captain Lightning. Knowing those three, they are undoubtedly discussing something scientific."
That prospect interested Shockwave, but she didn't feel as if she was in the same league as those three heroes and scientists. Her job at LawTech was coming along nicely however. It was good to feel so important and so needed again. The money was an added bonus.
"In that case, we could be here all night," Morning Star muttered, slightly annoyed.
"Maybe tonight's the night I'll try a 'Dark Seraph'." Seeing the disapproving look from Morning Star, Spinnerette added, "It would make the time go faster."
"What's a Dark Seraph?", Shockwave wondered.
"The specialty drinks here are much like the people they are named for."
"Dark Seraph is a vile and evil villain, hence so is his drink," Spectrum rationalized.
Morning Star nodded in agreement. "I've been told that getting hit in the head with a sledgehammer a dozen or so times produces the same results."
"Sounds very unpleasant," Shockwave added. "Say, there's Captain Lightning now. Perhaps they've called it a night?"
Sure enough, the blue and yellow clad Captain Lightning, leader of the Superior Seven, was approaching the table. He gestured for the heroes to remain seated. "I was told I could find you up here."
"Hello, Captain," Morning Star stated in greeting. "Is there something we can do for you?"
"Actually, quite the opposite. I have something for you." Captain Lightning let his comments hang in the air as the members of the X-Factor and Spinnerette exchanged puzzled glances.
Captain Lightning refused to answer any questions about what he had in mind as he led the heroes out to the landing pad area. Several other team jets were here as well. The electrical hero led the group towards the Superior Seven's craft, the Lone Star 3. Cap went into the jet and came out with his gift. "This is SIMON," he stated proudly.
"I see..." Spectrum slowly mouthed in surprise. He had no idea what Cap had in mind, but was still quite shocked to find a mechanical man before him!
"It's another Duke!", Morning Star noted. Duke was the long time major domo of the Ranch, the Superior Seven's headquarters located outside of Dallas.
"I am similar, but lack the vocal colloquialisms of my fellow mechanoid," SIMON explained in an almost human sounding voice. The mechanical man stood six feet tall and had the basic shape of a humanoid. However, no attempt had been made to make him appear as a human. His arms and legs was pipe thin, while his trunk was rectangular. SIMON's head was oval in shape, while his eyes resembled a pair of miniature headlights. A recessed speaker behind a mesh panel served as a mouth.
"Impressive," Shockwave muttered in awe. She had done plenty of work with robotics, but she had never met one that was nearly sentient.
"You brought us out here to show us your latest tinker toy?" Spinnerette seemed more annoyed by the whole thing than anything else. The drinks she had consumed back at the lounge didn't help matters any.
"On the contrary, Madame," SIMON explained, almost sounding offended by Spinnerette's remarks. "I am a very sophisticated android capable of performing innumerable tasks for my new masters." Taking a few steps forward, SIMON extended his hand towards Spectrum. "I am looking forward to serving you and your team."
"I beg your pardon?", Spectrum stated in surprise. Gingerly, he shook hands with the mechanical man.
"SIMON is my gift to you," Captain Lightning explained. "For your assistance in averting the destruction of Dallas a few months back." (Editor's Note: Back in Spectrum #16-18)
"This is very unexpected," Morning Star commented hesitantly. Much like Spectrum and Spinnerette, she had very little idea on how to take this 'gift'.
"I had extra parts for Duke laying around, so I used them, tweaked the AI program into something more suited for California and wah-lah!", Captain Lightning continued. "Once you formed X-Factor, I thought the idea of a major domo like Duke would be a boon to you. He's been programmed to handle just about any contingency and his program allows him to learn from his experiences."
"This is wonderful!" Clearly, Shockwave was more impressed by the gift than her teammates. "Hello, SIMON. I am Shockwave."
"That is correct, Madame," SIMON answered. "The membership of X-Factor has already been entered into my database. However, it appears that there has been superficial changes made to your armor since the last time I updated your file."
"You're right. I made a few repairs and upgrades recently."
"She's like a little girl with a new puppy," Spectrum thought to himself. He was just waiting for her to say, 'Can we keep him, daddy?'. Turning back towards Captain Lightning he added, "I really don't know what to say other than 'thank you'."
"My pleasure," Cap answered. "You'll find SIMON very useful. Oh, and as a bonus, he also possesses information the Superior Seven uncovered about LA VIPER operations. I'm sure you'll find it very interesting."
"VIPER, huh?", Morning Star stated. "I'm sure we can make good use of your information. And your gift."
"Yeah, if you ever need a can opener," Spinnerette muttered under her breath.
"It's not fair!" The Empress stamped her foot to further emphasize her displeasure. "How come they get to go and not us? We get stuck with this-- this menial task!"
It was well after midnight in Los Angeles. Blizzard and the Empress were relaxing on the roof of the highest building at LawTech. Through the connections provided by Shockwave, the heroes were assisting in the task of guarding the installation from the machinations of Iron Maiden. In short, they were playing plant security. (Editor's Note: Covered in greater detail in Scarlet Sabre #1-2)
"Angie, honey, getting mad isn't going to solve anything." Blizzard tried to soothe his girlfriend's bruised ego as he took her into his arms. "This trip to Sanctuary just came up yesterday and we were committed to patrolling LawTech tonight. You know we could use the cash."
"But just think about it, Blizzie," the Empress stated in her most seductive voice. "You and me in a tropical paradise. The ocean breeze and the waves crashing on the beach as we lay in the moist sand..."
That was a very clear picture for Blizzard to imagine. And a very intriguing one as well. But no. He had a job to do and had to push such things out of his mind. "They were attending a funeral, babe. You're making it sound like a party."
"There's always a party whenever I'm around," the Empress countered. Still, it probably would have felt awkward to have gone. Angie had met the Comet during his brief time in Los Angeles, along with the other members of the Superior Seven, during the crisis with the Crimson Claw. In fact she had seduced him into a one-night stand. (Editor's Note: Back in X-Factor #5)
"At least that's one little secret that won't come back to haunt me," the auburn haired woman thought to herself. Still, the idea of being with Comet and then having him killed a mere two days later did sort of creep her out.
"We could do a little celebrating here," Blizzard added in a hopeful tone. "The area is seemingly deserted. Angie? Are you listening to me?"
The question brought the Empress back to reality. There had been a far away look in her eyes for a few seconds. "Sorry, Blizzie. I've just got a very strange feeling. I can't quite place it. It's almost like what happened back when the gateway was opened in the Claw's citadel." (Editor's Note: Back in X-Factor #4)
The mystical nature of the Empress' crown put her in tune with magic around her. It wasn't a particularly sharp sense, rather one that only worked when a strong magical source was close by. The Empress stepped away from Blizzard as she tried to locate what her senses had detected.
"You're not suggesting that another gateway has been opened?" Great concern filled Blizzard's voice.
"No... At least, I don't think so. That witch from the Avengers said my crown was magical in nature and..." The Empress decided to not finish that train of thought. The Enchantress also spoke about her crown not being the product of human hands. The Empress would rather not think about that!
"URK!"
Seemingly from out of nowhere, a mace flew across the roof and slammed hard into Blizzard's back! The icy hero was sent flying from the impact and collapsed into an unmoving pile.
"Blizzie!" The Empress spun to see who had made this cowardly attack. Some twenty feet away stood a man in jet black medieval armor. He carried a shield in one hand and a mace appeared in his other. "Black Paladin!"
"You honor me, my dear," the ancient knight intoned as he bowed slightly. "Surrender the artifact and you will be spared any unnecessary suffering."
The Empress involuntarily took a step back. She wasn't sure just what he was talking about, but she knew she wasn't going to like it. "Artifact? What artifact?"
Black Paladin confidently strode forward. "Do not play games with me, wench! I seek the crown seated upon your brow."
"I was afraid of that," the Empress muttered to herself. Gathering up her courage and sparing a glance at the prone Blizzard, the Empress prepared herself to face this menace. "No one takes my crown or hurts my Blizzie!" Defiantly pointing her hands towards the dark knight, jets of flame shot from the Empress' hands.
Raising his shield for protection, Black Paladin blocked the fiery assault. "You are no match for me. Now you will pay the price for your insolence."
Eyes wide, the Empress watched the villain advance on her when unexpectedly, she felt her crown being removed! "What--?" Shocked, the elementalist raised her hands to her head in a vain attempt to locate her crown. "NOOOOO!!"
Spinning around, the Empress discovered another woman was also on the roof. "It's mine!", the woman roared with an evil laugh as she placed the crown on her head. The new arrival was also dressed entirely in black. A cloak concealed most of her body, but some details could be made out. A bustier was her main article of clothing with matching bikini bottoms. The woman wore thigh high black boots and a sword belt. An ornate amulet could be seen hanging around her neck. Short black gloves were worn on her hands. "The Crown of the Elements now belongs to Lady Bale!"
"Well done, milady," Black Paladin complimented. "You played your role to perfection."
"Give that back to me!!" Seemingly unaware of the danger she was in, the Empress stalked up to Lady Bale, intent on reclaiming her property. "That crown is mine!", the Empress cried.
"Silence, little girl!" A wicked backhanded slap sent the Empress backwards and to the surface of roof. Lady Bale's strength was far greater than would have been expected. Blood flowed from the Empress' mouth.
Lady Bale stepped before the Black Paladin. "I am grateful for your generosity, milord," she said as she bowed to her master. "I now possess another tool that I may use to serve you." Reaching out, the Morbane lovingly kissed the back of the ancient knight's hand. Looking up once more, Lady Bale stared at Black Paladin with absolute devotion in her dark brown eyes.
The dark knight just nodded as he accepted the accolades from his consort. Lady Bale had once been fiercely independent, but now she lived only to serve Black Paladin. The Lesser Eye of Azog had been used by the ancient knight to bring Lady Bale back to life. In doing so, it had also made her his willing slave. (Editor's Note: As shown in Troubleshooters #12 & X-Factor #4)
"Show me the power of your new trinket," Black Paladin commanded.
Lady Bale immediately spun on her heels and advanced on the cowering Empress. Tears were running down her cheeks, mixing in with the blood from her mouth. "Please, no," the heroine begged, her hands out as if to protect herself. "I'm no longer a threat to you. Don't hurt me! Please!!"
"Mercy is for the weak," Lady Bale explained with a sadistic smile. "Now let the power of the crown flow into me... Merge with my being." Lady Bale pointed her black gloved hands at the cowering Empress.
"Help me! Somebody help me! Blizzie! Please..."
"Feel the power that once was yours!" Lady Bale gestured dramatically towards the Empress. To her immense surprise, nothing happened! "I do not understand this! The crown's power is gone!"
Equally puzzled, Black Paladin stepped up to his consort's side. "Explain yourself."
Lady Bale turned to face the ancient knight. Fear was clearly etched in her face. "The power of the crown is no more, milord. It now resides fully within the woman. I have failed you." She hung her head in shame as she removed the Crown of the Elements and let it fall to the rooftop.
"What do you mean it's gone?", the Empress wondered in a small voice, surprised to still be alive. But the crown was the source of her powers. Without it she was helpless. If the crown was truly powerless, then Angie's days as the Empress were over.
"Leave her alone!!" Getting a taste of his own medicine, an ice lance shot out of the darkness, piercing the armored chest of the Black Paladin. Both Lady Bale and the Empress turned to see Blizzard stagger towards the group. "No one hurts my girl!"
"Who dares--?!"
"Blizzie!", the Empress shouted in joy. She had been saved!
"My love!", Lady Bale shouted in shock. The icy attack had pierced the knight's mystic armor. Blood flowing from his wounds stood out like a beacon on his black armor. "You'll pay for hurting him!"
Experimentally, the Empress gestured towards Lady Bale. To her immense surprise, jets of flame leaped from her hands! "Incredible!"
Lady Bale screamed in pain as the fire washed over her. She clung to Black Paladin for support and protection. "The day is yours, heroes," the dark knight calmly stated. "But I promise you this, there will be a reckoning! On that day it will be your blood that stains my armor!" Using the power in his magic armor, Black Paladin and Lady Bale teleported away.
With the villains gone, Blizzard fell to his knees. It had taken a supreme effort just to make it this far. Only the thought of saving Angie had drove him on. "Angie..."
Oblivious to her boyfriend, the Empress stared at her hands and laughed. "The power was mine all along... The crown is useless to anyone else..." Picking up the discarded crown, the Empress placed it back upon her head.
Finally realizing that Blizzard needed her assistance, the Empress rushed to his side. "Blizzie! Oh you wonderful man, you saved me!" She drew the wounded hero into her arms and kissed his cheek. "Come on, let's get you out of here."
"What's this all about?", Spectrum asked as he landed before the Guardians headquarters and next to Morning Star. Three days had passed since Comet's funeral and the arrival of SIMON. The mechanical man stayed with Shockwave since the team really didn't have a base of operations. She got along with him right from the start anyway.
Using the information provided by the Superior Seven, X-Factor, in coordination with PRIMUS, was preparing to launch an assault on one of the LA nests. Less than an hour ago, Spectrum had received a phone call from Morning Star, requesting that he join her at the Guardians base as soon as possible. "Something new about the VIPER operation?"
"I'm not really sure myself. All Tori said was that someone important wanted to see us. Why, she would not say."
Intrigued, the duo entered the Guardians base and quickly encountered Spinnerette. "Hey, guys. Glad you can make it. Follow me."
"Why all the secrecy, Spin?", Spectrum wondered as he walked after the diminutive ebony clad heroine. "What's going on?"
"Search me, Specs. All I know is that he came here and asked to see you two."
"Who came here?"
"Him." Spinnerette opened the doors to one of the team's conference rooms and pointed inside. Standing beside the large table was none other than American Eagle!
"Ah, thank you for responding so quickly," the patriotic hero stated as he went to greet the members of X-Factor. Spinnerette quietly closed the door behind them and vacated the area. American Eagle had requested privacy and privacy he would receive.
"It's an honor, sir," Spectrum said as he shook American Eagle's hand. The current American Eagle was actually the second man to bear that name. Originally, he had been the teenage sidekick of the first American Eagle during World War II. While not the most powerful of heroes, American Eagle was among the most respected in the nation. Not to mention one of the oldest heroes still active
Morning Star exchanged greetings with American Eagle as well. "Is there some problem involving the Freedom Squad?" That was the only conclusion the heroine could reach. The Great Supervillain Contest had wreaked havoc with the Freedom Squad. Their base had been destroyed during an assault by innumerable villains. (Editor's Note: Back in Spectrum #20)
Even worse, American Eagle had been badly beaten by Black Paladin during the contest. There were rumors of his retiring. Rumors currently laid to rest considering how fit the hero now appeared.
"No, my dear. We have decided to continue on and are working to acquire a new base. In truth, I have asked you to come here in the hopes that you will do a favor for me..."
Spectrum and Morning Star exchanged quick glances. American Eagle wanted their help?
"What's up, boss?" Blizzard led the way into the small workshop behind the offices of Heroes for Hire. It was the unofficial headquarters for X-Factor. Much of the lab was now empty, as Sara had moved her equipment out to her new work area at LawTech. The Empress followed Blizzard into the room. "We ready to go trash some snakes?"
The remainder of X-Factor was already present in the room, including their new major-domo, SIMON.
"Not quite yet, Bliz," Spectrum explained hesitantly. "Something else has come up."
"Then what is going on?", Sabre wondered. His night out with Jackie Carter had turned out better than expected. They had another date just last night.
"We're all here now, so come on. Give." Shockwave was just as curious as the rest of the team. She had been at work when the summons had come.
Spectrum shot Morning Star a glance. He sure hoped that they were doing the right thing. As 'Star herself had said, "Had this been anyone other than American Eagle, I probably would have turned them down." The colorful mutant could only agree with that sentiment.
"Boys and girls, I would like you to meet Mockingbird! The newest member of X-Factor!"
Spectrum gestured dramatically towards a curtained off area of the room. On cue, a woman in a primarily gray and white costume emerged. The feature immediately noticed was her white wings that emerged from the back of her arms on the harness she wore. Its golden cables crossed her chest and her thighs. Her shoulder length black hair matched the color of her elbow length gloves and knee high boots. Nervously, Mockingbird approached the others.
The rest of X-Factor was speechless as the woman approached. Finally, Mockingbird waved and said, "Hi, guys. I'm happy to be part of the team."
