Sanctuary is many things to many different super beings. To some it is a place for relaxation. For others it is a place to mingle with others of their own kind. And for others still, it is a place for business opportunities...
Case in point: It is nearly three AM and Sanctuary is mostly quiet. But not everyone is asleep at this late hour. The woman known as Howler has far more important things on her mind. She glides over the ocean surrounding Sanctuary Island en route to a private rendezvous.
Her dark blue costume nearly merges with the blackness of the night. Only her white cape stands out, billowing behind her, along with the pulsating orange amulet around her neck. The amulet is alien in origin and the source of Howler's sonic powers. Years ago she uncovered this wondrous artifact while on a dig in Israel. Some compulsion led Ruth Levy, Howler's given name, to explore the wreck and don the amulet she found therein. Now she scours the world searching for additional such artifacts. It was this search that led Howler to the South Pacific.
Up ahead, Howler could make out the marking lights of a large luxury yacht. They grew brighter and the ship became more visible as she approached. This private meeting had been set up several days ago when Howler received a message while laying low in Los Angeles. The note said to be on Sanctuary four days hence, and to fly due north of the island to rendezvous with a ship at three AM on the morning of April 29th.
It was a most curious invitation to say the least. One that she almost ignored at first glance. But what clinched it for Howler was the fact that the letter writer claimed to have information regarding a man known as Azkan. That was a name quite familiar to Howler. The very next day Howler made her way to Sanctuary accompanied by her trusted assistant, Akeem.
In her search for other artifacts that her unknown alien benefactors might have left on Earth, Howler had come across the name of Azkan. It was the name given to the leader of a relatively unknown faction of ancient Aztecs. Those led by Azkan rejected the worship of gods who demanded blood sacrifices. They left Central and South America, sailing towards the western islands. Legend had it they found an island to settle upon and built a great civilization that outlasted the Aztecs.
If the legends were true then the People of Azkan had settled in this part of the world-- among the many islands surrounding Sanctuary. What interested Howler most of all was Azkan himself. She suspected that he was not truly human at all, but another representative of the same alien race that had created her amulet. If her suspicions were correct, then there may be other artifacts to be found. Finding such treasures had become almost an obsession to Howler.
Closing in on the ship, Howler noted the vessel's name: the Jade Princess. She shrugged. The name held no special meaning for her. She could see men on deck and a moment later a spotlight flashed her way. Gracefully, Howler pulled up and landed on the main deck.
One of the men approached, hand extended. "Welcome aboard. I am Carlson. I'm pleased that you accepted our invitation." He was dressed in a white polo shirt with matching shorts and sneakers.
Howler did not exchange the greeting. Instead her eyes darted about the deck, as if expecting an ambush. "What's this all about?", she asked in her incredibly sultry voice.
The man paused and slowly lowered his hand, slightly disappointed at the villainess' aloof attitude. "All business I see. Very well. Why don't we go inside and I shall explain the reason for requesting your appearance here." The man stood off to one side and gestured off towards a door. "Ladies first."
Howler glanced around once more. There were four other men on deck, all sailors from the look of them. None appeared to be carrying weapons and all seemed more intent at gawking at the villainess than anything else. Howler relaxed a bit, drew her cape around herself and walked towards the doorway. There was nothing she liked worse than to be ogled by men. "As you wish," she added as she passed by.
The pair entered into a tastefully decorated lounge. A wet bar was located on one side. Several comfortable chairs and couches filled most of the area. A few tables were strategically placed to rest refreshments upon. "Can I get you a drink?", Howler's host inquired.
"No, thank you." Howler inspected the room and selected a chair placed back against one of the walls. She casually sat down and crossed her legs. "Why have you asked me here?"
"I'll cut to the chase," Carlson explained as he poured himself a drink. "My employer wishes to hire you for a archeological expedition. An expedition to find the lost Aztec tribe led by Azkan." The man let that last word hang in the air as he nonchalantly added ice to his glass.
The very mention of the name Azkan cause Howler to sit up in her chair. It was just the sort of reaction that Carlson had hoped for. Casually he made his way to a seat across from the sonic-wielding villainess. Impatience was clearly etched on her face. "That's all the information you have?", she asked in an annoyed tone.
"No, not at all. But there is no need to proceed any further if you're not interested in our offer." Carlson paused again, waiting for her reaction.
"And what exactly is your offer?", Howler questioned, settling back into her chair once more.
"Seventy-five thousand in cash up front. Consider it a retainer. Two million upon the completion of the assignment. Also in cash."
With numbers like that and the fact that Azkan was somehow tied up in all of this, Howler rapidly reached her decision. "A most generous offer, I must say. I agree to the task."
"As my employer hoped you would." Seemingly pleased with himself, Carlson rose and moved back to the wet bar. He picked up two envelopes concealed behind it. Crossing the room once more, he handed them to Howler before retaking his seat.
Howler casually examined the contents of the envelopes. The first held hundred dollar bills, all in American currency. She thumbed through the stack of money, making sure that each bill was indeed genuine. The second held several photographs. She examined them as Carlson provided more details.
"My employer is a collector of the unique, the unusual. As such, in his spare time he searches the world for curiosities to add to his collection. This was how he uncovered the images you are now perusing."
The photos were several different views of various pictographs painted onto what appeared to be animal skins hung on a cave wall. However, the cave appeared to be underwater. That coupled with the poor lighting made parts of the pictographs difficult to make out.
"What I can make out of the text is a variation on the standard Aztec style of pictographs", Howler noted. "I'd have to see these in person to make certain."
"My employer believes that these pictographs cover the story of the People of Azkan and the journey from their homeland to the island they allegedly settled upon. However, he is not an expert on such things-- as you are."
Howler could only nod in agreement. "Your employer might be correct. Where were these discovered?"
"By chance, we stumbled upon a system of caves off the shoreline of an island several hundred miles to the west. At one time it was a volcanic island that blew itself apart. We suspect that the People of Azkan used these caves as temporary shelters when they first arrived in this area before they moved on to more permanent dwellings. A sort of road map for others who followed them, if you will."
"His suspicions are indeed plausible. Of course, I won't know for certain until I see these with my own eyes."
"Not a problem, my dear lady. The Jade Princess is at your service. You'll find that we have all the necessary equipment on board for this expedition. Additionally, you may want to recruit additional supers to complete this task."
This piqued Howler's curiosity. She had wondered why she had been contacted. There were others in this field who were as equally skilled, if not more advanced, than her. It appeared that super powers might be a necessity for this task. "What makes you say that?"
Carlson let out a small sigh and considered how best to answer the question. "There are other stories about Azkan. Stories that suggest that he was-- shall we say-- more than human. That he collected people and creatures themselves for safe keeping."
"I see. And who is your employer?"
"He prefers to remain anonymous", Carlson answered matter-of-factly. "Besides, as long as you both get what you desire, what does it truly matter?"
"That depends on what he really wants", Howler answered with a sly smile.
"As I stated, we suspect that Azkan collected creatures. Creatures now currently believed to be extinct. If we can find traces of such creatures, we may be able to extract DNA samples. That is what interests my employer."
"So that he can re-create these lost creatures?"
"Possibly. And if Azkan truly is more than human, than all bets are off as to what we may find. Anything from super technology to possibly even living creatures."
"Then that's why you want superpowers to do this," Howler concluded. "Just in case of what might be found."
"Exactly. I trust we have an understanding?"
Howler replaced the photos in the envelope and rose from her seat. "Completely. When do we depart?"
"I'll give you three days to prepare yourself and find any others that you wish to accompany you. You're solely responsible for their financial arrangements. We'll rendezvous at this spot."
Howler agreed as she made for the exit. Rising into the air, she flew off into the night, back towards Sanctuary Island, her mind filled with possibilities.
A few moments later, the Jade Princess got underway as well and sailed away from the island. Had either the luxury yacht or Howler remained in the area, they might have noticed a submarine periscope slowly descending into the dark waters...
She was out there, somewhere, Akeem thought to himself. His employer, the supervillainess known as Howler. They had been together for several years now, sharing many adventures and expeditions. It was the prospect of a new adventure that had brought them to Sanctuary Island.
Finally, he noticed a pinpoint of orangish light a dozen or so feet above the water. It pulsated with a life of its own. Rising to his feet, Akeem strolled towards the waterline. There was no mistaking the amulet possessed by Howler.
"A very interesting meeting, my friend," Howler announced as she glided in over the beach and landed a few feet away from the tall and swarthy man.
"It is truth then?", Akeem asked in broken, heavily accented English. "They speak of Azkan?"
"Possibly." Howler turned and started to walk back towards the distant hotel. Akeem fell in place beside her. As the pair walked along, Howler filled her assistant in regarding the meeting on the Jade Princess. "But my prospective employers are not completely forthcoming. Of course, neither am I."
"You suspect double-cross?"
Howler turned and smiled at Akeem. "I think it's just a matter of who betrays whom first. I think I shall find a few others to accompany me. I like the idea of having my own backup..."
Howler unexpectedly came to a sudden stop. There was movement off in the shadows to the right of the pair. Akeem trained his flashlight in that direction. His eyes widened in surprise by what his light had illuminated!
Standing before the pair was a large humanoid creature, seemingly composed of earth. It was tall, at least six and a half feet in height. It appeared to be genderless. Arms outstretched, the creature shambled towards the startled pair.
"What is it?!", Akeem wondered aloud.
"I do not know...", Howler slowly answered. Cautiously, she stepped before Akeem in an effort to shield her assistant. "Who are you? What do you want?"
The strange creature did not answer. It just continued to come closer.
"Stay back," Howler advised. "I will defend myself."
Still no response emanated from the odd being as it drew even nearer.
"You leave me no choice!" Howler opened her mouth widely and she screamed! Akeem's hands moved to cover his ears.
The earthen creature reared back as if in pain, but it still made no sound. It took a step back. Then another step. A second later, the creature melted into the ground, disappearing into the sand as if it had never been there. Howler looked around, waiting for the creature to reappear. It did not.
"What was it?", Akeem finally said, nearly a minute after the strange creature had vanished.
"I still do not know..." Howler had her suspicions, but wasn't ready to share them. There was always an element of paranoia in the back of Howler's mind. That the aliens from whom she had taken her amulet would one day return for it. Could this strange creature have been an operative for them? Cautiously, the pair made their way back to the hotel.
Gladiator paced back and forth before his students. It was early morning and the Young Champions had gathered for their daily drills. Most of them were here anyway. "Any idea where they are?", the team's mentor asked. Both Jason and Jessica were oddly absent.
The nimble Tigress just shrugged. "Search me, Sarge. Jess was supposed to be crashing on our couch while her bungalow was being fixed. She never even showed up last night."
"I haven't seen Jason since yesterday afternoon," Archangel offered. "As far as I can tell, he hasn't been back to the bungalow."
"Perhaps they are in danger," Sapphire suggested.
The other Young Champions, Turbo and Nemesis, did not pay attention to the conversation. Turbo was always hyperactive and moved and bounced about the group. They were mostly used to it by now. Jennifer was far more interested in the bug crawling on the ground before her than as to where here missing teammates were.
"Carry on with your exercises," Gladiator instructed. "I'll give them a little more time to arrive." Gladiator watched as the Young Champions went through their paces, a concerned look upon his face.
As for the missing twins, they themselves were not exactly sure as to where they were either. Jessica McTaggert slowly became conscious. Her body felt extremely strange.
Tentatively, she opened her eyes and experienced her first shock. There was earth all around her! Everywhere she looked there was nothing but rock and dirt! Her second shock came when she saw her arms and hands. They were nothing like she remembered them. They were now dirt brown and rocky in appearance.
"I've got to get out of here!", she screamed in her mind. More by reflex than intent, Jessica started to rapidly move upwards through the ground. In moments she reached the surface, emerging on a beach. But she didn't stop there, she keep on rising into the sky trying to get as far away as possible from the horror of being entombed.
Coming to a halt, Jessica just hung in the sky, at least a mile above Sanctuary Island. "What's going on? What was I doing underground?" Jess tried to vocalize her questions, but nothing came out. No matter how hard she tried, Jessica was unable to speak.
Looking herself over, Jessica discovered that her 'body' had changed in appearance. It was now transparent and wispy, almost misty in quality. "My God... I've mutated again!" It was the only answer that made sense to her.
Howler took another bite of her dessert and scanned the room. It was early afternoon and she was seated in Tahiti's, the four star eating establishment located on the ground floor of the island's hotel. If her mysterious employer wanted her to recruit other supers for her mission, then that's just what she would do.
A dozen tables away, the armored Ankylosaur sat sipping a drink. The monstrous Wyvern sat across from him, ripping into hunks of bloody raw meat. Howler turned away in disgust.
Ankylosaur had a history of being unreliable, turning tail at the first sign of trouble. Wyvern was even worse, being essentially a wild animal with no compunctions about killing.
No. Neither of these individuals would be suitable for Howler's purposes. She needed like-minded individuals to accompany her, not cowards and killers. Still Sanctuary was a large place. There had to be other supers around that would fit Howler's plans. Somewhere.
On the way out of Tahiti's, Howler passed Binder, the leader of the Ultimates. Howler likewise decided against approaching the master criminal. Binder was far too used to being in the position of leader to suit Howler. He might try to summon the rest of his team and claim whatever secrets Azkan had for himself.
With a sigh, Howler departed the hotel in order to continue her search. "There was never a good villain around when you needed one," she silently lamented.
"It's like I told you, Jason hasn't been here," Archangel reiterated. He, along with Gladiator, Sapphire, and the Tigress were currently in the front room of the bungalow Archangel shared with Terra Fire.
"I never said I doubted you," Gladiator answered in an even tone. "But it does not hurt to check if he has been here while you were otherwise occupied this morning."
"Wings is right, Sarge," Tigress added, as she sniffed the air. "Moleboy hasn't been here for a long time." Her feline sense of smell was extremely sensitive to such things.
"Then our search has reached a dead end," Sapphire commented. "Jason has not been seen since he left Nightingale's class late yesterday afternoon. We haven't been able to find any trace of him since that time."
Gladiator stood silent and still, his hand cupping his cheek. "We must split up and search the island for them."
"Sure thing, Sarge!" The Tigress bounded away, while Archangel took to the skies.
Sapphire slowly approached the Gladiator, placing her hand on his shoulder. "You have suspicions?"
Turning, Gladiator faced the taller Azurian warrior. "Yes, but unconfirmed ones. IMAGE tried to recruit Jason earlier and ATLAS operatives stole his and Jessica's medical records. It is possible that someone has kidnapped the twins."
"Then we must do what we can to find them. I'll check with Peace Keeper to see who has arrived and departed the island in the last day." Sapphire turned and departed the bungalow to join in the search.
"This is all Jason's fault!", Tempest silently concluded. She was still high in the sky, trying desperately to remember what happened. At least, she was able to recall some of the conversation that had occurred the night before. Remember how the two appeared to strangely 'merge' into one. Jason was nowhere to be found and Jess was now trapped in this bizarre form.
"Is there someone there?", another voice said in a tone barely above a whisper.
Jessica looked around. She could have sworn she heard a voice but failed to locate the speaker. It sounded familiar. "Jason? Is that you?"
"Jess?", the other voice answered. "Where are you?"
"Where am I? Where are you? I'm here, but I can't see you."
"I can't see anything," Jason responded. "It's like my whole body has gone numb. I can't feel anything either. It's kind of scary."
All the while, Jessica continued to search the immediate area for Jason. There was no one else around except for her in this strange body. Then the startling realization hit her. "Ohmigod! We're sharing one body!" It was the only thing that made sense. They really did merge! And since Jason could hear Jessica, in spite of the fact that she was unable to speak, they must still be joined.
After a pause, Jason added, "I think I remember that. I remember screaming... but nothing more."
"I refuse to stay like this!", Jessica shouted. "Get out of my body!"
"I wish I knew how, Sis," Jason answered apologetically. "I don't like this any more than you do. Even less, since I'm completely blind."
Jessica fumed for several more minutes, all the while trying to figure out some way out of this predicament. "Maybe only one of us can control this shared body?"
"You might be right. You can see and move and I can't."
"Could be kind of like a car-- only one driver at a time. But how the hell do we shut off the engine and get out?!"
"Why don't we try switching places?", Jason suggested.
"I don't know how I even ended up in the driver's seat, let alone how to get out."
"Well, we've gotta try something."
Jessica couldn't argue with that. "What do you think, Jace?"
"Maybe concentration is the key? Try to relax-- maybe like you're trying to fall asleep?"
"Okay, okay." Jessica shut her eyes and let out several deep breaths. Slowly, she felt herself slipping away, her body going numb.
"I think it's working! I can feel my body... It's getting brighter. It's--- Ohmigod!!" Jason involuntarily screamed when he opened his eyes to find himself hanging in mid-air! Then he began to fall!
"I hate this!", Jessica announced. Now she was the one who was blind and helpless. "What's going on out there?"
"Why didn't you tell me you were in mid-air! I don't know how to fly!!"
"Oops."
Jason was frantic by now. He waved his misty limbs wildly about, but it did no good. There was nothing he could do to stop their rapid descent. "We're going to die!"
"Let me back in there," Jessica ordered. "Before you make a pancake out of us!"
"I can't stop! I can't stop!"
Jessica inwardly sighed indignantly. She would have rolled her eyes if she had them. Flying was no big deal to her, but to her brother it seemed impossible. "Relax, you twit!", Jessica shouted wordlessly.
Without thinking, Jason obeyed his sister's instructions. He closed his eyes. That helped a bit. He tried to relax, but doing so while free falling made it difficult. Finally, he felt his body slipping away and everything went dark once more.
"Okay, we're safe," Jessica confidently reported.
"That's good. Sorry, Sis. Flying is not my thing."
"Don't worry about it. Other than the fact that you almost got us killed. 'Sides, we had twenty feet to spare." Jason didn't find that very comforting.
Jason took a long pause to gather his frazzled wits. "Okay, let's think about this logically. Obviously, changing places didn't accomplish anything."
"Well, duh. So now what, Einstein?"
"We get help. Any idea where we are at?"
Jessica looked around, trying to ascertain the twins' location. "We're still on Sanctuary. I can see the lighthouse."
"Good. Let's try Training Town since it's near by. Maybe some of the other Young Champions are there."
Not having a better idea, Jessica agreed. Turning, she flew off in the direction of the training facility.
Howler strolled down the main path that connected all the various areas of the island. So far her search had been essentially fruitless. Several heroes had been spotted, but Howler did not approach any of them. Howler had been to Sanctuary several times before, but still she found it disconcerting to be rubbing elbows with several individuals she been at odds with in the past. Because of this, Howler tended to keep to herself.
By now, Howler was at the southern portion of the island, approaching Training Town. "Maybe I'll find someone useful there," she thought to herself. Already, Howler could make out sounds of battle thanks to her superior sense of hearing.
Reaching the edge of Training Town, Howler could see a glistening form in red and gold armor engaged in combat. Several combat robots advanced on the armored figure while others blasted away from a safe distance.
"I think that's Daigon," Howler commented to herself. Daigon was well known as a mercenary that considered herself to be a demoness. She was a skilled marital artist whose demonic looking armor just made her all the more deadly. "Now she could be useful to me." Howler avoided physical confrontations whenever possible. Daigon reveled in them.
As Howler watched, Daigon continued her workout. The nearest combat robot was grabbed and hurtled into two others. All three collapsed to the ground. Daigon tumbled away from blaster fire and quickly rose up on one knee. Using her polished forearm bracers, she skillfully reflected incoming fire back towards its source. More of the combat robots fell. After a few moments, the battle was over. All the robots had been defeated.
"Impressive," Howler clapped as she moved closer. "Most impressive, indeed."
Surprised Diagon spun, ready for more combat. "What do you want? You're Howler, aren't you?"
"Yes, I am. I have a business proposition for you."
Daigon lowered her guard and cautiously looked around to see if the two were truly alone. After deciding that there was no else in the area, Daigon said, "I'm listening."
"I've been hired to organize an expedition. I'm looking for professionals to accompany me. People who know how to work in a group."
"A professional mercenary is what you mean," Daigon interrupted. "Like me."
"Like you."
"Let's get down to details, shall we? What do you want me to do and how much are you going to pay me?"
"I always was fond of the direct approach," Howler commented with a slight smile. "It's refreshing to do business with a professional. Your task is to accompany me on this expedition and to follow my instructions. We may not encounter any difficulties, but I suspect that there will--"
Howler suddenly stopped speaking. Raising a finger to her lips, she gestured for Daigon to remain silent. Howler had heard something. A faint scrapping sound off in the distance. She listened for several more moments, before deciding that it must be nothing.
"As I was saying," Howler continued, "your basic task is to deal with whatever obstacles may come my way. As for your pay, twenty thousand in cash up front. Another eighty thousand upon completion."
Daigon considered for a moment. Her armor had been nearly destroyed a few months back. (Editor's Note: Back in Troubleshooters #10) The cost of restoring it had severely drained her financial reserves. Daigon couldn't afford to pass up this opportunity.
"Deal," the self-proclaimed demoness announced.
"Good. Let us retire from these open surroundings so that we may further discuss the matter in private." Howler gestured towards the exit of Training Town. Daigon grunted and the two villainesses started to walk off in that direction.
Another sudden sound reached Howler's ears. Turning she and Daigon spotted some sort of creature moving through Training Town towards them! It was a large humanoid form, seemingly composed of fog. It touched down twenty feet away from the two women. As it did, its body rapidly changed. The creature took on a more earthen and rocky skin tone, loosing its translucent qualities. It moved towards Howler and Daigon, arms extended.
Howler gasped in surprise. It was the same creature that had attacked her on the beach! It tried to use a disguise to move in, but now its true form was once more revealed! The alien operative was back! She had to decide if she was going to flee or fight this intruder.
Daigon had already made that choice. "I guess they've added some different types of robots to the program," she noted in an appreciative tone. Striking a defensive pose, Daigon gauged her new opponent. "This'll just take a minute, Howler. I'm going to enjoy ripping this robot apart!"
