#10 - "Vanishing Act"
#10 - "Vanishing Act"
The colorful mutant gestured dramatically towards a curtained off area of the room. On cue, a woman in a primarily blue-gray and white costume emerged. The feature immediately noticed was her feathery white wings that emerged from the back of her arms and attached to the harness she wore. Its golden cables crossed her chest and 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 a part of the team."
Both Spectrum and Morning Star waited for one of their teammates to say something. Confusion was clearly etched on the faces of Sabre, Blizzard, and the Empress. Shockwave's helmet concealed her emotions. "My word!", was SIMON's comment on the whole thing. None of them had known the real reason why everyone had been gathered together.
Finally, Sabre spoke up, breaking out of his momentary stupor. "Welcome to the team," the Blood Warrior announced as he approached Mockingbird. The newcomer was in the same height class as Morning Star and the Empress and appeared to be in her mid-twenties.
"Thank you very much," Mockingbird stated as she shook Sabre's hand almost in relief. "I have to admit that I was rather worried about being accepted by the team."
"Don't mention it," Sabre explained with a grin. "I trust the judgement of Morning Star and Spectrum. If they think you're good enough for our team, then so do I."
"Now just a damn minute!" The Empress had overcome her shock at this little surprise. The nerve of these people adding another member without consulting her! And to add yet another woman made it even worse! That was just more competition than she cared to put up with. Angrily, she stalked up to Morning Star and Spectrum. "Who said you could just add someone else on a whim? What's going on here?"
"Yeah!", Blizzard added as he joined up with the Empress. "What makes you think she can cut it? I thought we had rules and regulations to cover this kind of thing? We're just going to let anyone off the street come in and join, or what?"
In the background, Shockwave joined Sabre in welcoming Mockingbird. "I have to confess that I've never heard of you before. This flying harness you wear-- did you construct it?"
"Yes, I did," Mockingbird proudly explained with a smile. "Actually, I made most of the costume with the assistance of my uncle, the American Eagle."
"American Eagle is your uncle?", Shockwave repeated, sounding impressed by that revelation. American Eagle was only one of the most respected heroes there ever was, his career beginning way back during World War II. The current American Eagle was at one time known as Winger, the original American Eagle's sidekick.
"That's right people," Spectrum loudly stated before Mockingbird could answer. "Let's all settle down for a minute and I'll tell you all how this came about." That seemed to quiet the troops down for a moment. They all gathered around Spectrum and Morning Star, listening intently.
"Yesterday, Spectrum and I were summoned to the Guardian's base by Spinnerette," Morning Star explained. "To make a long story short, American Eagle had requested our presence on a matter that concerned Mockingbird here."
"That's right," Spectrum continued, hoping that he was coming across as being convincing. "Mockingbird is the great-grand niece of the original American Eagle and she wants to continue in the family tradition. So, they came up with her flying harness and sonic carapace and have been working out together for the last month or so."
"That's all well and good," the Empress interrupted with a sneer, "but that doesn't explain why she's here." There was an unmistakable icy tone in the heroine's voice.
"It's very simple. American Eagle asked Morning Star and I if we had an opening on X-Factor for Mockingbird. Considering the source, 'Star and I agreed. That pretty much explains everything."
"Why X-Factor and not the Freedom Squad?" was Blizzard's query. It was a logical question as the second American Eagle led that particular hero team.
"My uncle had his reasons," Mockingbird explained, speaking up confidently. "The Freedom Squad is going through the troubles of acquiring a new base and have already added several new members. We thought it would be easier for me to join a team that was not as established as the Freedom Squad or the Guardians for that matter. It would be a better learning experience for me and expectations would not be as high."
"Other than Morning Star, we are all rookies," Spectrum added. "I'm sure that all of us here have a tremendous amount of respect for American Eagle. We simply could not refuse his request."
"That's not to say that Mockingbird couldn't have made it on her own. American Eagle just thought that X-Factor was a more ideal situation for her." Morning Star added her voice to the conversation.
"This is ridiculous," the Empress stated in a very annoyed tone, throwing her hands into the air. "We're just supposed to add a new member every time we're asked?"
"Honey," Blizzard calmly stated, putting his arms around his upset girlfriend. "We are talking about THE American Eagle here. The man is virtually a legend among heroes. Could any of us here honestly turn him down? I know I couldn't."
"It is a very special circumstance," Spectrum said in agreement. "Strictly a once in a lifetime situation. Both 'Star and I feel that Mockingbird can carry her own weight on the team."
"I know that this is awkward for everyone involved," Mockingbird spoke up, interrupting the dialog. "All I ask is the chance to prove myself. No more than you would ask from any other teammate."
"A chance I am willing to give you," Sabre intoned.
"As am I," Shockwave added. "I take it that you are a scientist then, since you assembled your harness?"
"Right you are," Mockingbird happily stated. "Aeronautics and electrical engineering are my fields. The costume I wear amplifies my physical abilities and my carapace allows me to generate a variety of sonic effects."
"Why don't you tell me all about it? It sounds so fascinating..." At last, Shockwave had found someone else on the team with whom she could share things scientific.
"I have to admit that this is going better than I thought it would," Spectrum whispered to Morning Star as he watched the other members of X-Factor conversing with Mockingbird. Blizzard and the Empress were off to one side by themselves while Sabre listened as Mockingbird and Shockwave spoke excitedly about their shared scientific interests.
"Actually, things are turning out pretty much like we suspected. Although Sabre was a bit of a wildcard. It was difficult to deduce what direction he would go. Although I should have realized that he would be a 'good soldier' like Blade had trained him to be. I just hope this whole thing doesn't blow up in our faces," the lavender-clad heroine added in a concerned whisper.
"I know what you mean."
"Pardon me, sir." Turning, Spectrum could see SIMON standing before him. "I wish to finalize what status Ms. Mockingbird has as far as the team is concerned."
Spectrum seemed confused by the question. "She's now a member of the group."
"I think what SIMON is asking is whether she is a full member or a probationary member," Morning Star guessed. "She is a full member, SIMON.
"Thank you, Madame," the mechanical man intoned as he updated his team database and moved off to ask for more personal details from Mockingbird herself.
"Thanks for the assist, 'Star," Spectrum gratefully added. "It's gonna take some time to get used to that little guy."
"Agreed," Morning Star answered with a small laugh. "It think it's going to take time for all of us to get used to Captain Lightning's surprise gift."
"So, is there anything else we need cover or can we just split now?" The question came from an impatient Blizzard. The shock of Mockingbird joining the team from out of the blue had seemingly been dealt with and it was time to move on to other matters.
"Since we are all here, we can plan our strategy in the raid on the VIPER Nest," Spectrum suggested. "This is something we need to move on before our information goes out of date."
In addition to SIMON, Captain Lightning had included several files on a Los Angeles VIPER Nest that he liberated from a VIPER research station in El Paso, Texas. The information was then forwarded to X-Factor so that they could shut down this particular VIPER operation. (Editor's Note: Cap found the information back in Young Champions #2)
"Let's review what we know so far," Spectrum continued as he rolled out a series of schematics provided by SIMON on one of the workbenches. "The nest in question is located underneath the Hotel Claremont. Apparently, the hotel itself is a VIPER front. We know of two main entrances."
"Right," Morning Star added. "A special elevator in the hotel and a underground monorail by way of the motor pool."
"The base itself has three levels. The elevator only reaches the top floor while the monorail comes out on the bottom level. The base has another elevator and stairways granting access between levels."
"I took the opportunity to do some reconnoitering last night," Sabre explained as he stepped forward. "Everything provided by SIMON appears to be correct."
"I hope you didn't alert those creeps to our plans," the Empress snidely remarked. "That would simply not do."
"Not to worry, my most charming colleague," Sabre explained in a silky smooth voice. "To any onlookers, we appeared to be nothing more than a couple enjoying each other's company."
"Huh?", Blizzard wondered aloud. "What the heck are you talking about?"
"Maybe you better explain all of this a little better," Spectrum suggested. "I'm not following you very well myself."
"My apologies, comrades. I had the pleasure of being with Ms. Jackie Carter last evening and she was with me while I spied in on the base of our enemies."
"You've been dating Detective Carter?" That revelation surprised Spectrum a bit. LAPD Detective Jackie Carter had been the officer assigned to investigate the disappearance of Jordan Sculley over a month ago. The detective had been inadvertently involved in the affair with Hexmaster when she and Whitney were kidnapped as pawns to use against Spectrum. Sabre had been the one to rescue the two women.
"She is a most charming and interesting woman," Sabre explained with a grin. "I am finding the time spent with her to be most enjoyable."
"Way to go!", Blizzard congratulated Sabre with a playful slap on the back. "That lady cop is one fine looking woman."
That information brought a momentary frown to the Empress' face. She found Sabre to be very attractive and certainly wouldn't mind a romantic liaison with him. This just further complicated things. At least she still had Blizzard wrapped around her little finger. Only Shockwave noticed the frown.
"Anyway, I chose to park near the nest and give it the once over with my Blood vision. From what I could see, the VIPER operation is laid out as our plans indicate. The upper level is primarily barracks, the middle level support, and the high priority targets on the lowest level."
"I've had conversations with Agent Dowd on this very subject earlier today," Morning Star added. PRIMUS Agent Thomas Dowd was an old friend of hers and the two were acting as liaisons between PRIMUS and X-Factor in this endeavor. "PRIMUS lists our priorities as follows: Capture the Serpentine Crystal,..."
"The what?", Blizzard interrupted. "What the heck is that?"
"It's a special type of communication crystal VIPER uses to network their computer systems together," Mockingbird casually explained. Her answer brought several surprised glances her way. "I've been studying up on my Uncle's notes," she quickly added. "His information on VIPER is most extensive."
"That makes sense," Shockwave stated in agreement. "It just seemed odd that you pull sensitive VIPER information out of thin air."
"Sorry to startle you all like that," Mockingbird apologized. "I was just trying to be helpful."
"What other tidbits do American Eagle's notes contain?", Spectrum asked.
"Nothing all that helpful, I'm afraid. The Serpentine Crystal is most likely on the lowest level adjacent to the Command Center. Probably the most highly secured area of the whole Nest."
"Anyway, this communication crystal is our top priority," Morning Star continued. "So far none have yet to be captured."
"What's so special about this crystal?", the Empress wondered. It sounded like expensive jewelry to her. If she found the thing, she might try to keep it. Only if it looked nice and accented her looks, of course.
"It's what links all the VIPER Nests together," Mockingbird stated. "If PRIMUS could get a hold of one, they would be able to locate other VIPER Operations. Recovery of this crystal would be a tremendous blow against all VIPER endeavors across the planet."
"Which is why it is such a high priority," Morning Star concluded. "That makes perfect sense. Our next priority is the capture of the Nest Leader himself, any staff villains, and lastly VIPER agents themselves."
"So what's the plan of attack?", Blizzard asked in an excited voice. "All these strategy sessions are getting old. I wanna see some action!"
"Patience, Bliz," Shockwave added. "Taking on a whole VIPER Nest is not an easy proposition. Even for superheroes."
"What's the big deal? After all, underneath those ugly costumes they're just a bunch of normal guys?"
"Never take VIPER too lightly," Morning Star chastised. "As far as we can tell there are well over one hundred heavily armed 'normal guys' in the nest. Any one of us could easily get overwhelmed if we are not careful."
"I think you worry too much, 'Star," Blizzard shot back. "This whole gig looks like a piece of cake. We just burst in, clean house, and pose for the press."
"That would be a grave mistake," Sabre inserted. "In spite of what we may think of VIPER, they are a para-military organization. They have been trained in the art of group combat and present a more powerful foe than we realize."
"All right, Sabre, if you are so smart, then just what would you suggest?", Blizzard demanded.
"Strike with surprise and disable their command structure. Take away their ability to function as they were trained."
"But how are we supposed to do that?", Spectrum questioned. "We still are faced with the problem that there are only two main entrances. Each with different security protocols to get around."
"You forget that we have a third option, my friend," Sabre answered. "My innate Blood ability to teleport. I can move our strike force directly into the base before the enemy is even aware of our presence."
"You can teleport?", Mockingbird wondered aloud, slightly surprised. "That could give us a significant tactical advantage... Yes, it does have possibilities."
"According to Agent Dowd, Silver Avenger Gray would like us to leave the monorail entrance untouched," Morning Star added. "His reasoning is to leave it as an escape route for the snakes. We drive them that way and into the arms of the PRIMUS forces waiting outside the motor pool."
"We could always ask the Guardians or the Freedom Squad for assistance," Shockwave suggested. "You know, the more the merrier?"
"I'd rather not," Spectrum stated. "This information was dropped into our laps and this is a perfect opportunity to make a name for ourselves. I think we can do this if we come up with a good plan of attack."
The idea of not asking for assistance was a sore spot to Morning Star. "Let us not lose sight of our objectives here. The idea is to make a major dent in VIPER Operations, not gain personal glory and headlines."
"Why can't we do both?", Blizzard wondered. "I dislike the idea that we need to turn to other heroes to solve our problems for us. If we can't do this, then we don't have any business being a team. This is our baptism of fire, guys and gals. We're either going to succeed, or we're going to be failures. Me, I want to succeed."
"Well said, Blizzie!", the Empress cheerfully added as she kissed his cheek. She loved it when he talked so inspiring like that. It was so incredibly sexy. "Let's show everyone that we can play with the big boys."
"I have to agree." Sabre offered his opinion on the matter. "With a well planned assault, the Nest will fall to our might."
"I'll go along with whatever you guys think is best," Mockingbird chimed in. As the newest member, and one joining under very unusual circumstances, she wasn't about to go against the majority.
Both Morning Star and Shockwave seemed disappointed by the idea of not getting extra help. Even with the addition of Mockingbird, they were looking at being outnumbered by around twenty to one. "Not the best of odds," Morning Star lamented to herself.
"That's not to say that we can't get a few friends to come along for the party," Spectrum stated. "After all, many of us know other people who might like to take on VIPER."
"My sister did offer her services to the team should we need it," Sabre explained. Like her brother, Satara also possessed superpowers. "A few others to round out our ranks is not a bad suggestion. And it would still be a strictly X-Factor operation."
"Now you both are making more sense," Shockwave said in agreement. "I could see if Vindicator would be interested in this?"
"Or your brother, Impact," Morning Star suggested to Spectrum.
Blizzard considered what was being said. "I think I could live with a few other folks to help out. Let's just not get another whole team in on this."
"As long as the press gets the facts right, it sounds good to me," the Empress stated.
"I'm sure that you'll make sure of that," Shockwave muttered to herself.
"I guess that's doable. Okay, find out who we can recruit for our little party over the next few days. Now, we need to finalize our attack plans and decide when we are going to make our assault." Spectrum threw the question out to all of those present.
Mockingbird was the first to speak up after a few moments. "Logically, I would say Saturday night would be the best time."
"But that's like major party time!", the Empress objected. "I'd rather be out on the dance floor with my favorite guy than slugging it out with those losers."
"That's exactly why it is the best time," Mockingbird explained. "Assuming that many in the Nest think like you do, then the number of VIPER Agents on base should be at its lowest on Saturday night."
"That's an excellent suggestion, Mockingbird," Morning Star praised. Already she was providing dividends to the team. "I--"
The ringing of the cell phone in her purse interupted Morning Star. "Excuse me," the lavender heroine stated as she took out the phone and stepped away from the rest of the team. "Hello?", she said into the small device. "Slow down, Spin. I can't--"
A look of shock slowly came to Morning Star's face as she listened to the voice coming from the phone. "Are you sure? Okay, okay, I'll be there as fast as I can. 'Bye." With great concern on her face, Morning Star placed her cell phone back into her purse and rejoined her teammates.
"I've got to go out to the Guardians Base," the heroine explained in a slow voice. "Something important has come up."
"Let me guess," Blizzard said in a cocky voice. "Hornet's second cousin wants to join X-Factor?"
"Hardly," Morning Star answered coolly. "That was Spinnerette just now. According to her, the rest of the Guardians have vanished." Without another word, Morning Star was out the door. Before the other members of X-Factor could react, the heroine was speeding away in her car.
"Insert foot into mouth," Spectrum commented offhandedly.
"Hey! Like I was supposed to know that it was something serious," Blizzard retorted.
"And it also doesn't mean that anything ill has happened to the Guardians," Sabre offered.
"Still, why don't we tag along and find out just what is going on out there?", Spectrum suggested. "Instead of standing here wondering."
"And it would be a fine time to test out our X-Forms!", Shockwave cheerfully added as she headed out to her large van parked at the curb.
"Oh, I just can't wait to see this," the Empress muttered sarcastically.
Minutes later, the citizens of Los Angeles were treated to an unusual site. Flying overhead were Spectrum, Mockingbird, and the Empress followed closely behind by the X-Form. It was a hex-shaped flying platform some six feet wide. A safety railing surrounded the X-Form on three sides and a large 'X' was painted underneath the craft. Shockwave stood at the front of the X-Form working the controls that were directly mounted to the safety rail. Behind her, Sabre and Blizzard held on.
"This has my rocket skates beat by a mile!", Shockwave happily informed her passengers. She made a sharp turn with the X-Form, forcing her passengers to hang on for dear life.
"Watch the turns, Shocky!", Blizzard shouted. "I nearly fell off!"
"Sorry, Bliz," Shockwave apologized. "I'll try to be more careful in the future. Hexmaster used magnetism to keep his androids secured to the platform. It may work well for me in my armor, but I guess not at all for you and Sabre."
"Perhaps some seat belts are in order," Sabre wryly suggested. "Still, this mode of transport does have its charm." To demonstrate, Sabre waved to the people watching below, paying particular attention to any attractive woman he might spy.
"You know, you may have a point there, Sabre," Blizzard grinned in agreement as he too started to wave to the crowds below. "Ah, the adoring public."
"Try to keep up, rookie!" With a laugh, the Empress surged ahead of Mockingbird and started to pull away. The elemental heroine wanted to quickly establish the pecking order around here and more importantly make sure that Mockingbird knew that she was at the bottom of it. But Mockingbird didn't take the bait and maintained her present speed.
After a few moments, Spectrum drew up alongside of the newest member of X-Factor. "How's it going there, M-Bird?"
"I think I'm doing okay," Mockingbird quietly answered.
"Sorry about the Empress' behavior there. She can be quite the pain in the butt at times."
"You and Morning Star did warn me about what I was getting myself into here. I might have wished this to go much more smoother than it has, however everything has been a struggle so far-- why should this be any different?"
"I can imagine," Spectrum stated in agreement. "But you're going to have to be more careful if we're going to pull this off. You slipped up back there. Luckily you made a quick recovery."
"I know. I'm really sorry about that. I just wanted to try and contribute to the group."
"I understand. Of all the members of X-Factor, I think I can relate to your situation the most."
Mockingbird just grinned at that thought. "Birds of a feather, flock together, aye?"
"I think you're going to fit in just fine," Spectrum laughed. "You've already got the bad puns part down."
The two heroes shared a chuckle as they continued to fly on. Shockwave continued to pilot the X-Form several dozen yards behind them, while the Empress led the way.
The Guardians Base was a converted mansion set on an estate outside of Los Angeles. The fine structure had seen better days. The damage done during the repeated villain attacks was still being repaired. Much of the lawn had been burned away by Firewing and Feur. (Editor's Note: Back in X-Factor #1)
The flyers set down near the front door while Shockwave piloted the X-Form to a soft landing nearby. Spectrum led the way into the base with the others trailing behind him. Following voices off in the distance, X-Factor quickly caught up with Morning Star and Spinnerette. The heroines were inside the main conference room.
"Is everything okay?", Spectrum asked in genuine concern as he entered the chamber.
Morning Star turned away from Spinnerette and towards her teammates. "The situation isn't as bad as I had originally feared, but there's still a lot that we don't know."
"Exactly what is the situation?", Shockwave wondered. "Is there anything we can do to help?"
"I wish there was," Spinnerette answered dejectedly. The ebony-clad heroine was sitting Indian-style on top of the conference table, hands supporting her head. "Unfortunately, all we can do is wait and hope that they return."
"Is someone going to tell us what happened?", the Empress snidely remarked. "Or are we going to have to guess?"
"I'm afraid that you're going to have to handle this explanation, Spin," Morning Star stated. "Everything involves a past mission of the Guardians, which happened after I had resigned from the team."
"That's right," Spinnerette added. "Shortly after the Guardians were cut loose from the government, the team was involved in a magical accident."
"Some guy in a flying carpet smacked into the Stinger?", Blizzard joked. The Stinger was the Guardian's team jet. The attempt at humor was poorly received.
"Don't make me hurt you," Spinnerette growled. "We were chasing the Fox of Crime when Warlock hit him with one of his hexes. The Fox was teleporting at the same time and somehow all the Guardians were transported into a different dimension."
"Now that is pretty remarkable," Mockingbird commented in awe.
"Tell me about it. We went from the streets of Los Angeles into something out of the dark ages. To a land of magic, elves, dwarves, and dragons. It was like a bad fantasy movie from the fifties."
"Sounds very interesting," Spectrum offered excitedly. He wrote about such locations in his stories and novels. To have the chance to actually visit such a place would be a priceless research tool.
"Yeah, well, I wasn't too thrilled about it," Spinnerette continued. "We ended up in a small kingdom named Cynalon on a world they called Terra Nova and helped them thwart the advance of the army of the Lady of Darkness. They were grateful for our assistance and the Court Wizard managed to get us back home. All told, we were gone for a couple of weeks."
"A most fantastic adventure," Sabre complimented. "It does remind me of some of the stories father told about the world of his birth: Ean."
"I'm a city girl at heart," Spinnerette countered. "Ending up in such a backwards place might sound like fun to you, but I hated every minute of it. I mean, they don't even have decent plumbing or anything!"
"How barbaric!", the Empress stated in shock.
"You said it, sister," Spinnerette agreed. "Anyhow, I got a call from Hornet earlier today summoning me back to the base. From what I gathered, the Court Wizard had contacted us to help out Cynalon again against some new trouble."
"And they were gone before you could get here," Spectrum guessed. "Perhaps the Court Wizard wasn't able to keep his portal spell open long enough for you to arrive. In short, you missed the bus."
"That's what we suspect," Morning Star added. "According to the base equipment, all the other Guardians were here. Now they are gone, presumably back to Terra Nova."
"And I get to wait and hope they come back in one piece," Spinnerette lamented with a sigh. "It's very frustrating."
"I'm sure they will be just fine," Morning Star said, trying to cheer her friend up. "They'll be back before you know it."
"In the meantime," Spectrum added, "if you've got nothing to do Saturday Night and want to work out some of your frustrations, I know just the place."
That seemed to perk Spinnerette up a bit. "Sounds good, Mr. Hairball. What did you have in mind?"
Spectrum winced at the hairball crack. How long was it going to take for Spinnerette to forget about Spectrum's odd encounter with that alien cat? "We're planning on paying a visit to one of our local VIPER Nests to clean house and we were looking to take on a few extra folks."
Spinnerette smiled widely underneath her mask. "Count me in. I almost pity those guys..."
