"This is Gyro Jim with yet another special report."

The picture showed the award-winning journalist standing in an open, grassy area. A large mansion stood off in the distance behind the reporter. Most people in Los Angeles could easily identify it as the well-known Guardians' Mansion, the base of operations for the hero team of the same name.

"Confidential sources have revealed to this reporter that the Guardians have recently returned from an unexplained absence. One week ago today, the Guardians inexplicable vanished. With the exception of Spinnerette, the team disappeared without a trace. However, sources tell me that the web spinning heroine was spotted entering the mansion just a few short hours ago."

"It is believed that the Guardians have indeed returned and are holding a secret meeting of some sort. The exact reasons for this secret gathering have yet to be revealed. But, I promise you, loyal viewers, I will not rest until I have uncovered the complete truth!"

"In a follow-up to a story we covered yesterday, my sources inside PRIMUS have confirmed that the supervillainess Icicle has been captured and sentenced to public service. My source also confirmed that as part of this community service, Icicle has joined the newest LA hero team known as X-Factor. This is simply one more unusual story in a long line of unusual stories regarding this so-called hero team. The jury remains out on just who they are and what their true purpose is. However, if they are allied with PRIMUS then perhaps they are indeed on the side of the angels. For now, all we can do is watch and wait."

"This is Gyro Jim outside the Guardians Mansion signing off for now. Stay tuned to this channel for regular updates on the Guardians situation."

#20- "Changing of the Guard"

With a sigh, Morning Star lowered the television volume as the station returned to its regular programming. The lavender clad heroine was currently seated in X-Factor's new Communications Center. The largest monitor had been showing Gyro Jim's report. The day was dragging between the anxiety 'Star was feeling and simply not knowing what was going on with her former team.

Like Gyro Jim and his viewers, Morning Star was also wondering what was transpiring inside the Guardians' Mansion. But unlike the seedy reporter, 'Star had learned that the team had previously been summoned to a different dimension to deal with some unknown menace last week. Spinnerette didn't join her teammates in time and had been left behind. The team's disappearance wasn't as mysterious as Gyro Jim made it out to be.

The day had started off quite pleasantly. Morning Star and Spinnerette had planned on taking Icicle out shopping before Spin received the summons to return to the Guardians' Mansion. Hornet didn't provide Spin with any details, but judging from the tone of his voice whatever was going on wasn't something good.

And so, Morning Star instead spent her morning waiting to find out what was going on. The fact that Gyro Jim had caught wind of this wasn't a plus either. If there was some sleazy angle that could be found with this story, Gyro Jim would dig it up. This only added to Morning Star's concern. At least his coverage of X-Factor seemed to be neutral in tone so far.

"Find out anything new?"

The query came from the newest and most unlikely member of X-Factor: the former villainess Icicle. She had surrendered during the raid on the former VIPER's Nest and after intense negotiations had been placed in X-Factor's care. It was a simple explanation for something much more complex. She was currently wearing her blue and white costume.

"Nothing yet," Morning Star answered with a sigh. Icicle joined Morning Star and took a nearby seat at the meeting table. "I'm sorry that our plans got put on hold."

"S'Okay," Icicle responded with a shrug. "There'll be other days for shopping."

"You're very understanding. This waiting is going to drive me batty."

Icicle simply nodded her understanding. That was the way her days had been going since she had surrendered. Passing time by waiting and wondering what was going to happen to her. It was not the most pleasant way to live.

Icicle was still coming to grips with what had happened to her yesterday. A bank several blocks away from the X-Factor base was being robbed, so Icicle joined with Spectrum, Morning Star, and Sabre to deal with the situation. The Destruction Crew were the culprits in this particular robbery. The heroes had them nearly defeated when Airhammer took Icicle hostage. The villains got away, without any loot, but Icicle felt horribly guilty about her role in their escape. It was this incident that led to the media learning about Icicle being a part of X-Factor. (Editor's Note: Covered fully in Spectrum #32)

"I just wish there was something to do," Icicle said wistfully.

"Perhaps I can alleviate your boredom," a man's voice unexpectedly called out. Both women turned in surprise towards the entryway into the Communications Chamber. Standing there in his gray and blue costume was Sabre.

Beside Sabre was a young blonde woman who was also in costume. She wore a form fitting bright silver armored breastplate with gold edging. A light blue cape fluttered behind her. The woman's arms and legs were mostly bare, save for golden bands for protection. Her boots and gloves were dark blue in color and had the ends removed revealing her fingers and toes.

Morning Star immediately recognized the girl as being Satara, Sabre's younger sister who had helped out X-Factor when they attacked the VIPER's Nest. 'Star had heard about Spinnerette re-designing the Blood battle maiden's attire, but this was the first time she had actually seen it. Satara carried her namesake weapon as well: a combination war axe and hammer.

"Wow, you guys really cleaned up this place," Satara said as she looked around in wonderment. "I like the new paint job as well. It almost matches my cape. You've got the Satara seal of approval."

Morning Star rose from her seat and went to great the new arrivals. "Good morning! I must say Spin did one whale of a job on your costume, Satara."

"Way cool, isn't it? I can't thank Spinnerette enough for helping me. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to show it off in public now." The young heroine turned slowly to give Morning Star the full view of her new attire. It was functional and yet feminine at the same time.

Icicle slowly followed Morning Star over. The icy mutant had met Sabre before and was becoming more comfortable around him. He seemed like a nice guy after all. Satara was a different story. Her obviously dangerous weapon made Jennifer nervous. Satara was almost as tall as Morning Star and just as muscular.

"I'm sure you'll be a hit with the media. Oh, forgive my manners. Icicle this is Sabre's sister, Satara. Satara, Icicle."

"You were here when the VIPER base was captured," Icicle observed.

"That's right," Satara responded. "Although I wasn't wearing such groovy threads at the time. How've you been?"

"Alright, I guess. It's all been a very big adjustment."

"I bet."

"So," Morning Star interrupted, "what brings you two here?"

"I suggested to Spectrum that perhaps Satara could visit Icicle," Sabre explained. "I thought that our young ward could use the company of someone closer to her own age."

"That's a great idea," Morning Star agreed.

"So here I am," Satara added with an infectious grin. "Maybe some emergency will come up and I can tag along! Trash some thugs and pose for the press in my new threads! That would be major cool."

"Maybe something will happen," Morning Star admitted. "Actually, I'm glad that you showed up, Sabre. There's something I would like to discuss with you. How about we let the girls get to know each other better while we talk?"

"That's our cue to make ourselves scarce," Satara said to Icicle. Icicle couldn't help but grin back in response. "So what do you do for fun down here?"

"I usually paint," Icicle explained as she and Satara headed towards the exit. "Or play video games."

"Too bad," Satara countered. "I usually break things. Have any video games where you can break things?"

"I think I might have something."

"Great! Did I happen to mention that I have the blood of the Norse gods in my veins?", Satara added.

"No," Icicle answered. "It sounds major cool though."

Morning Star and Sabre watched the girls depart before speaking. Morning Star made her way back to the meeting table. Sabre joined her a moment later.

"What is on your mind, my most charming teammate?"

"Spectrum and I were talking about doing some training drills for the team. That should help prevent a repeat of what happened with Icicle and Airhammer yesterday. I'm sure that your father has given you many combat lessons in the past, so I was looking for your input as well."

"A sound suggestion," Sabre admitted. "Let me see what you've come up with thus far."

Blizzard was in seventh heaven. Even better he was being highly paid for it as well. This afternoon Heroes for Hire was fulfilling their contract for Sheila Grace, famous international superstar. The breathtaking Ms. Grace and some of her supermodel friends were putting on a fashion and accessory show to promote the 'Touch of Grace' summer line.

The icy hero was stationed backstage at the event. The spot he had selected for himself gave him an excellent view of the stage and backstage areas. Beautiful bikini-clad model after bikini-clad model passed by Blizzard's post. It was taking a supreme effort to concentrate on his duties and not come across as some drooling adolescent male.

"Man, I could get used to this!", Blizzard thought to himself. All he needed was a recliner, a bag of chips, and some beer. There were spectator sports and then there were spectator sports!

The auditorium was packed with onlookers, fashion critics, and reporters. Numerous flashbulbs went off as each model went back out on stage in a new outfit. Anything Sheila Grace did attracted a great deal of attention from the media and her legion of fans and admirers. This fashion show was no exception.

Unfortunately, Ms. Grace also attracted those who were a bit overzealous in their admirations. Just last weekend Pulsar had attempted to kidnap Sheila, mistakenly thinking that she'd just jump at the chance to marry him. With the failure of her past bodyguards to suitably protect her, Ms. Grace had obtained the services of Heroes for Hire.

In Blizzard's mind, this was the kind of job that could make or break his business. If everything went off without a hitch, or if trouble should arise and his crew professionally dealt with it, then the future of Heroes for Hire was going to be a bright one. Should this job be a disaster, then it was going to be difficult to land any new contracts. Especially here in Los Angeles where image was everything.

Concealed on balconies overlooking the auditorium were the remainder of Heroes for Hire. Blizzard's current girlfriend, and a sexy woman in her own right, the Empress was on one side of the hall. The elemental heroine was not as enthused about this job as the male members of Heroes for Hire, but the substantial fee they were earning would soothe any bruises to her sizeable ego.

On the other side of the hall was the newest member of the group: Impact. Spectrum's younger brother had so far proven himself to be a valuable member of the group. Sure he didn't have a complete mastery of his powers, but neither did Blizzard when he had first discovered his mutant abilities. Blizzard and Impact seemed to hit it off fairly well, which was another bonus.

Thus far the fashion show had gone as planned. That was until uninvited guests suddenly started to arrive. The double doors leading into the hall unexpectedly burst open and two costumed individuals came strolling in. Leading the way was a man in a two-tone brown costume with a yellow belt, gloves, and boots. The legendary, in his own mind at least, Foxbat had arrived on the scene!

Beside him was a very attractive woman in a skimpy gray costume with black trim. The petite woman had long brown hair and there was just something about her that attracted men to her in droves. Likewise, women were just as put off by the woman. Shadow Queen and her current boyfriend had arrived on the scene!

"And looks of awe and surprise came to the faces of all present in the hall," Foxbat stated as he and Shadow Queen moved towards the stage. Thinking himself the star of his own comic book series, Foxbat typically supplied his own narration.

"At first there were just whispers among the gathered throng," Foxbat continued. "They had all heard the rumors and stories about him. But to have a living legend like the Foxbat among them was more than most of them could take. Women swooned in his masculine presence and every man couldn't take their eyes off of him. Oh yeah, the babe on his arm didn't hurt either."

"And so true believers, the crowd was left wondering: What were the studly young Foxbat and the beyond gorgeous Shadow Queen doing here? What did they want? And just how do I get my phone number to them without being noticed?"

Shadow Queen giggled as Foxbat supplied the narration. Sque held on to Foxbat's arm tightly. "Oh Foxy, you make me laugh."

"Well, I'll tell you true believers! The Foxbat wants to get something nice for his girl and what better place than a fashion show? So honey bun, see anything you like? I know I see a lot of things I like! Excelsior!"

"Hey, you weren't invited to this game!" High up on his balcony, Impact emerged and pointed down at Foxbat and the alluring Shadow Queen. "You've got five seconds to beat it before the starting gun goes off!"

"Luck was not with the fabulous Foxbat on this day," Foxbat narrated as he spotted Impact. "There were spoilsports out to wreck his shopping spree for his honey bun! Will Foxbat triumph and give his girl the gift of diamonds, or is this the end for our hero? Stay tuned! Same Foxbat time, same Foxbat channel!"

"Is this a private party or can anyone just walk in off the street?"

The unexpected comments drew Morning Star and Sabre away from their work. The pair had been huddled over the main meeting table working out their thoughts and ideas for team training drills. The two had been conversing and sharing ideas for over an hour now. Entering the Communications Center was the leader of X-Factor. Spectrum wore his typical multi-colored costume.

"Spectrum!", Sabre greeted.

"Greetings, Master Spectrum", SIMON chimed in. The teams' major domo had been in and out of the Communications Center all day carrying out his duties. Currently he was monitoring the various news channels for any latest developments regarding the Guardians for Morning Star.

"Good afternoon," Morning Star added as she looked up from her work. "I was having Sabre go over our ideas for team training drills. He's added quite a few good suggestions. It looks very promising so far."

"Great! It's good to have someone around who knows about such things. I can write a pretty good battle sequence, but the bad guys around here tend to ignore my scripts."

"Inconsiderate louts," Sabre added with a grin.

"Tell you guys what," Spectrum suggested. "Let me grab a sandwich and then you can show me what you've come up with?"

"I would be pleased to make you a snack," SIMON quickly spoke up. "What would you like, Master Spectrum?"

"That sounds great SIMON. I think I'll have a coupe of hot ham and cheese sandwiches. You still have that provolone?"

"Of course, sir."

"That and maybe some chips," Spectrum added. "Oh, and Pepsi too. No ice."

"As you wish, sir," SIMON responded as headed towards the door. "Miss Morning Star, there is a news broadcast that you might currently find interesting on the television."

"Thank you, SIMON." Morning Star thumbed the remote and the largest of the view screens flared to life once more. The lavender clad heroine had been hoping for news concerning the Guardians. Instead, a different group of costumed individuals appeared on the screen.

"That's American Eagle and the Freedom Squad," Sabre observed. "What's going on with them?" According to the information scrolling across the screen, the image was originating live from downtown Los Angeles.

"I don't know," Morning Star stated as she increased the volume. "But let's find out."

The patriotically clad American Eagle stood before a small throng of reporters. He was actually the second man to bear the name American Eagle. The original hero had retired years ago with the mantle being picked up by his former sidekick: Winger.

Behind the All-American hero was the rest of the Freedom Squad. Long time members Hardhat, Dimension Man, and the Black Phantom stood behind American Eagle. The Black Phantom was an older black man primarily dressed in gray with black boots, gloves, trunks, and cape.

Hardhat was also an older man dressed in a heavy construction theme. He wore light blue coveralls covered with many pockets holding tools and gadgets. He wore black steel-toed boots and a genuine yellow hardhat with a metal mask.

Very little was publicly known about Dimension Man. Even his long time teammates knew very little about the mystery man. He wore a skin-tight green and blue costume with green tinted goggles. Dimension Man's sole power seemed to be the ability to teleport himself from place to place.

The most recent recruits to the Freedom Squad, Jo-Tan, Goshawk, and Victrix, hovered near the edge of the group. Victrix was the only woman on the team. Her outfit was more like a one-piece bathing suit in yellow with red trim, including a diamond shape cut out around her navel. Victrix's powers were telekinetic in nature.

Jo-Tan was Japanese in origin and his powers included growth and super strength. He wore black wrestling tights. Lastly, there was Goshawk, a young man with large artificial wings armed with throwing blades.

While being one of the oldest active hero groups, the Freedom Squad had never been one of the more popular hero teams on the West Coast. Such accolades usually went to the Guardians or the San Francisco-based Protectors. The Freedom Squad never possessed the raw power of the more popular groups as well.

During the Great Supervillain Contest, the Freedom Squad's Pasadena headquarters had been destroyed. While the media couldn't help but wonder if the team was going to remain together or disband, Spectrum and Morning Star had heard from American Eagle himself that the Squad was going to maintain operations.

"Law abiding citizens of Los Angeles," America Eagle began. "There has been much discussion regarding the Freedom Squad these last few weeks. With the destruction of our former base, there had been talk of us disbanding. I wish to assure you that nothing could be further from the truth. It gives me great pleasure to announce the opening of our new headquarters right here in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you our new base of operations: the Freedom's Tower!"

"Not that lunatic again," Blizzard groaned as he watched from the wings. Blizzard had put up with Foxbat's antics back during the raid on the Crimson Claw's lair. Afterwards, it appeared that Foxbat had hooked up with Shadow Queen becoming the latest in a long line of paramours. It was easy to see why Shadow Queen had so many boyfriends. She was quite the fox herself!

Panic spread like wildfire among the models and the crowd. Cries of disbelief and panic filled the packed hall. It was all a recipe for disaster in Blizzard's mind.

"Right this way, ladies," Blizzard told the models as he stepped out from the wings. "Make your way to the safe room in an orderly manner. We'll deal with these two."

"Be careful handling this lot," Sheila Grace said as she moved past Blizzard.

"Don't worry, Ms. Grace," Blizzard calmly replied. "This is what you hired us for."

Half a dozen grateful bikini-clad models rushed past Blizzard in an attempt to reach safety. Blizzard erected a wall of ice behind them to further protect the models from the costumed crazies who had crashed the party.

Turning back to the intruders, Blizzard saw the remainder of Heroes for Hire spring into action. From high up on her balcony, the Empress gestured towards the intruders. Per her command, an intense funnel of wind surrounded Foxbat and Shadow Queen. The force of the winds held the two in place.

Impact leaped off from his balcony towards the models' walkway. He flew, rather clumsily, a short distance and then suddenly stopped over the walkway. The rookie hero fell the last few feet to the top of the walkway.

"At least he didn't try any flying stunts with all these people around," Blizzard thought to himself in relief. He had visions of Bryan trying to perform his trademark flying tackle with disastrous results. The majority of the crowd was still rushing to safety, and many remained in the hall.

"You can relax, boys," the Empress smugly announced from her balcony. "I've got these two ingrates all taken care of. You might say that it was a breeze."

However Impact was not fully convinced. Cautiously he advanced towards the swirling whirlwind that was holding Foxbat and Shadow Queen prisoner inside. Strangely enough, it was becoming darker and darker inside the funnel. Unexpectedly, the darkness exploded outwards, disbursing the swirling winds. The breezed died down and the darkness melted away, revealing the now free Foxbat and Shadow Queen!

"Ya'll gonna have to do better than that, sugar," Shadow Queen cooed. This close Impact couldn't help but catch a delightful eyeful of Shadow Queen. Bryan's heart began to beat faster and his temperature rose. The gray and black clad villainess was among the most attractive women he had ever seen. Considering the presence of Sheila Grace and the other models that was saying something!

"No one tries to stop me and my honey bun!", Foxbat angrily declared. He pointed his dreaded Ping-Pong ball gun at the distracted Impact and pulled the trigger. "Not as long as I'm the star of this book!"

Impact was caught flatfooted as a Ping-Pong ball exploded on his chest with a flash and a loud pop. The force hurtled Impact backward towards the main stage. Bryan landed in a daze, spots playing before his eyes.

"My eyes!", Impact cried out. "I can't see!"

Blizzard rushed to the side of his newest employee. Blind as he was, Impact was a sitting duck for any attack that might come his way. As he moved, ice began to cover Blizzard's body, forming a frosty armored sheath about him.

"Leave him alone!", the Empress shouted in rage from her balcony position. "How dare you harm him!"

The sight of her new lover being attacked like that just make Angie's blood boil. Just who did these clowns think they were anyway? They had made a big mistake in getting the Empress angry!

Angie gestured down towards Foxbat and an intense funnel of rapidly moving air was sent forth. The razor sharp spiraling winds slammed hard into Foxbat, blowing the loony villain off of the stage. Foxbat landed in the first row of now vacant seats.

Shadow Queen watched her beloved Foxbat go flying into the seats. Anger etched on her face, she returned a hateful gaze back up towards the Empress. "You witch! You'll pay for hurting my Foxy!"

The shadows up in the balcony behind the Empress inexplicably moved of their own accord. The shadow itself became darker and a tangible thing. The shadow reached out and grabbed the Empress, dragging the elemental heroine back into the heart of darkness. The Empress struggles could be briefly seen before she disappeared completely into the blackness.

"Get your hands off of my woman!" Enraged over what had happened to the Empress, Blizzard sent an ice ram towards Shadow Queen. The ice hit Sque squarely, throwing her backwards down the walkway to the hall entrance. Shadow Queen traveled nearly twenty feet in the air before landing on the floor in a heap.

Blizzard's words stung the still-blinded Impact. It was true. Angie had never broken up with Blizzard. Now she was stringing both him and Blizzard along. The prospect made Impact's stomach churn in anxiety. If only he could see a target to take out his aggravations on!

"Our hero found himself backed into a corner," Foxbat began to narrate once more. "He and his lovely honey bun had been brutally assaulted by these unprincipled cads. What was he to do? Turn tail and run like a coward or stand up and fight back like a man? Let me tell ya, bub: there's nothing more dangerous than a wounded Foxbat!"

Another Ping-Pong ball was fired from Foxbat's weapon. This time it hit the stage between Impact and Blizzard, exploding into gas upon contact. Still blinded, Impact breathed in the gas before he could realize what was going on. The young man fell over backwards to the stage unconscious.

Blizzard held his breath and generated an ice slide to move away from the gas. As he moved, the entire area around him was suddenly plunged into darkness. Just as fast as it occurred, the darkness was gone. Blizzard's forward momentum had carried him outside of the patch of darkness Shadow Queen had generated.

"Much better," Blizzard sighed. Spotting Shadow Queen a short distance away, Blizzard generated an icy shell around the enthralling woman. "You're a pretty hot looking broad. How about I cool you off for a while?"

Shadow Queen suddenly found herself encased in ice from the shoulders down. Vainly she tried to pull free from her icy prison, but was unable. "Foxy! I need help, sugar!"

"Nobody puts my honey bun on ice!" Foxbat worked feverishly to reload his dreaded Ping-Pong ball gun. Before he could complete his task, a scream of surprise and pain emanating from Shadow Queen reached his ears. Turning back, the loony Foxbat found the object of his affections slumped over in her icy prison unconscious.

"You'll pay for that, you fiend!", Foxbat raged as he pointed his weapon at Blizzard. "Striking a defenseless woman! You cad!"

Blizzard raised his hands to protect himself. "Hey, it wasn't me! I didn't do that. I'm just as surprised as you are!"

Motion back near the main entryway attracted the attention of both Foxbat and Blizzard. A trio of costumed individuals had just arrived on the scene! One wore an orange and green outfit that was familiar to Blizzard. He was the Dash, a speedster and member of the Thugmaster's Elite!

The second individual was only vaguely humanlike in appearance. He had the typically human form; two arms, two legs, torso, and head, but in addition had large multicolored insect-like wings emerging from his back. His face was gray in color and sported two large multi-celled insect eyes and a pair of antenna. He was unmistakably the Dragonfly, yet another member of the Thugmaster's Elite.

The last member of the group was also inhuman in appearance. His skin was green and scaly in appearance. The villain was hunchbacked and shambled forward more than walked. This last member of the Elite was Brother Basilisk who had the power to turn his foes into stone.

"Aw, crud," Blizzard cursed.

"Well,well,well,whathavewehere?", Dash wondered aloud in his typically fast speaking style. "LookslikesomeonelocatedourmissingShadowQueenforus! Howthoughtful!"

With that, the Dash streaked forward becoming little more than an orange and green blur. The superfast villain slammed hard into Foxbat, sending the deranged man flying. Foxbat was unconscious before he could hit the floor.

Dragonfly flew forward and pointed his hands at Blizzard. The insect-like thug generated a blast of bio-electric energy. The discharge forced Blizzard back a few steps and chipped away part of his icy armored shell.

"Looks like I'll be putting in a little overtime today," Blizzard muttered to himself. He blasted Dragonfly out of the air with an ice ram. "What an ugly cuss!"

Before Blizzard could do anything else, the Dash slammed into him from behind. More of his icy armor was blown away as Blizzard was hurtled across the hall. Weakly, Blizzard fought to remain conscious. His head spinning, Blizzard struggled to his feet.

Blizzard turned to find Brother Basilisk standing before him. Beams of energy came from the thug's eyes and struck the still groggy hero in the chest. Instantly, Blizzard was turned to stone.

"Nicely done, Basilisk," a woman's voice complimented. It seemed to almost come from nowhere. A woman in a light blue bodysuit with dark blue trim and accessories suddenly grew to normal size beside Brother Basilisk. She was Lightwave, yet another member of the Elite.

"Shadow Queen easily fell before my light powers," Lightwave gloated. "Let's gather up these losers and report back to Dark Knight. He'll be so pleased to see Shadow Queen again!"

The male members of the Elite laughed in response. Each of the Thugmaster's Elite picked up a fallen foe. Lightwave carried Shadow Queen, while the Dragonfly grabbed Foxbat. The Dash tossed Blizzard over his shoulder and Brother Basilisk picked up Impact.

"Thisisgoingtobeoneblowoutofagraduationparty!", the Dash said with a laugh.

Epilogue:

The Communications Center in the X-Factor base continued to be a beehive of activity. Group and independent training drills had been conceived between the collaboration of Spectrum, Morning Star, and Sabre. Now it was a matter of trying them out to see if they worked as well in real life as they did on paper.

As the dinner hour approached, SIMON went off to prepare the evening meal. Satara and Icicle rejoined the others shortly before Shockwave and Mockingbird arrived from their day jobs. The team was just getting ready to sit down to eat when another news bulletin was broadcast.

"Let's hope this is something important and not Gyro Jim exaggerating again," Morning Star muttered as she thumbed the remote. The image of the reporter appeared on the main monitor.

"This is Gyro Jim live on location. There has been a shocking development in the return of the Guardians story that I have been following all day. Just a few short moments ago we were was informed that Hornet will be holding a press conference. Speculation is still running wild just what the topic of this press conference is going to be. Undoubtedly, it will involve the mystery surrounding the Guardians' recent disappearance. There he is now!"

The camera spun away from Gyro Jim and towards the front steps of the Guardians' Mansion. The front doors opened and a small group of costumed individuals stepped forth. Leading the way was the leader of the Guardians, the Hornet, in his black and golden armor.

The orange and black-clad Sidewinder was next, followed by Duplicator who wore light blue, gray, and white. Spinnerette came after that. Spin wore her traditional black costume with red accessories. The husband and wife duo of Warlock and Density emerged after the wall crawler holding hands. Bringing up the rear was Lazerblast, in his dark blue body armor.

Cameras flashed repeatedly as photographers took scores of pictures. The glare of lights from numerous news cameras lit up the area. Slowly Hornet stepped up to a small podium that had been erected for him to speak. He paused as if to gather his words.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the press, thank you for coming here today. We have a brief announcement to make. Due to circumstances that I'm not at liberty to discuss, we've decided to disband. As of this moment, the Guardians are no more!"